Times of Tonbridge 23rd May 2018

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

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Victory for Barden community INSIDE as Nelson Arms opens again HELP IS AT HAND

Trench councillor Pam Bates is appointed Mayor Page 2

andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THERE were cheers all round this week as the pub that was saved by the people opened its doors for the first time in more than a year.

The Nelson Arms, on the corner of Cromer Street and Nelson Avenue, reopened as a free house yesterday [May 22] under the ownership of Matthew Rudd and his partner Emma Cole.

The pub, which was owned by Shepherd Neame, closed in February 2017 when the brewery decided it no longer fitted their ‘business strategy’.

It was feared that the site would be developed for residential housing after the Faversham firm put it on the market with potential to turn it into ‘a pair of semi-detached houses or flats’.

But the Barden Residents Association [BRA] campaigned to have it classified as an Asset of Community Value.

That meant the pub could not be sold for a period of seven and a half months.

Shepherd Neame appealed against the decision, which was rejected by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, after which it decided to sell the premises as a public house after all.

That was when Mr Rudd and Ms Cole made their move. They were running ELEGANCE The stylish new interior

the Windmill in Weald, near Sevenoaks, but were looking for a new challenge.

“We had seen the Nelson before we came to the Windmill but only as a tenancy – it had been advertised frequently as that,” Mr Rudd told the Times.

The couple have a history of going in and rescuing pubs that have closed and they say the Nelson’s future is bright.

“We’re extremely confident it’s going to work,” said Mr Rudd. “I think it didn’t work before because it’s not the style of pub that fits Shepherd Neame’s portfolio.

“Smaller pubs can get lost in a group.

They’re not catering for a pub’s demographic or trading to its strengths.

PICTURE THE SCENE

Town stages first-ever art fair to showcase talent Page 2

‘We’re really looking forward to running a pub that is an important part of the community’

FEAST OF TASTES

Complete guide to the Food and Drink Festival Page 58

“Big groups are not flexible. As a freeholder you’ve got more tools at your disposal to adapt products to the community around you.”

Residents are thrilled by the revival.

“Feedback has been ever so positive and we’re really looking forward to running a pub that is an important part of the community,” said Mr Rudd.

The refurbishment has been ‘a complete rip-out’ with new walls, pillars, and ceilings to create three different bars. “We’ve gone right back to basics.”

The Windmill has become a foodies’ destination since the couple took over in 2012 but the Nelson will only be ­providing bar snacks.

It will focus instead on serving highquality beer and Mr Rudd is offering

Continued on page 2

ROARING SUCCESS

Angels Ladies win cup final in extra-time drama Page 70 PHOTO: Lucy Athey

By Andy Tong

FIRST ORDERS: Local residents raise a glass in celebration of the Nelson Arms opening its doors on Tuesday under the ownership of Matthew Rudd (far left)

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‘It’s a vibrant town, there’s a buzz’ Continued from page 1 10 cask ales. The Windmill has always delivered strongly in that regard, having been voted Pub of the Year in West Kent by the Campaign for Real Ale three years in a row from 2014-16.

Does Mr Rudd, 53, think it’s a risk to try to run a pub without a dining option? “I’m really interested in having a go at it, a wet-led community pub.

“I believe there is a demand in the market, especially in Tonbridge. There’s a lot going on, it’s a vibrant town and there’s a buzz about the place.

“The Nelson’s in a good location, it has its drawbacks but that’s part of the challenge.”

Mr Rudd paid tribute to the Residents’ Association and its Chairman, Mark Hood, saying: “This is such a part of Tonbridge’s history that it would have been a shame to close it down.

“Thankfully, largely due to the residents, we have been able to take on the pub.”

Mr Hood told the Times: “When we heard that Shepherd Neame was selling our pub we feared the worst. North Tonbridge had lost all but one of its pubs and the Nelson Arms and Barden Stores are the hubs of our community here.

“We scrambled to register the pub as an Asset of Community Value and that enabled Matthew and Emma to purchase the pub at a reduced price.”

He added: “Now we are delighted that they are bringing their CAMRA award-winning experience to our neck of the woods.

Fellow resident Lucy Athey said: “We had a plan for how it could be run but Matthew and Emma buying it is our dream scenario: they are very experienced and have some fantastic ideas.

“They are keen to be part of the community and have already attended our Residents’ Association meetings. It’s been a long refurbishment so we can’t wait to get the first round in!”

WINDS OF CHANGE IN WEALD? Mr Rudd and Ms Cole have put the Windmill up for sale, prompting fears that the village of Weald might lose its only remaining pub.

But Mr Rudd says he has no intention of allowing developers to take it over – and indeed may not sell it at all.

“The Windmill is on the market because of our changing personal circumstances but we’re not too bothered if we don’t sell it.

“But it’s been a smashing community and we hope to sell it as a going concern. Our intention is to sell it to someone in the trade.”

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 REPORTER ANDY TONG andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections.

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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Creative juices flow by river for town’s first-ever Art Fair

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

around Castle Lawn. They are also members of the 4Art Group, who exhibit their work at Tonbridge Castle every autumn.

Anne was one of the team who set up ArtSpring Gallery and the trio were all founder members who retain a close association with the collective.

Jill explains the ethos behind the new venture, saying: “Tonbridge definitely needs more provision to showcase artists. The creative talent is here but no purpose built arts centre.

“Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks both have designated spaces in Trinity and Kaleidoscope. It is pitiful that there is so little opportunity to create a permanent exhibition space in such a large town, which is obviously hungry for art.”

Studios

EASEL LIVING (L-R) Sue Vass, Anne Molineux and Jill Goldsworthy

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE town will be holding its first art fair next month thanks to the efforts of three local artists, Anne Molineux, Sue Vass and Jill Goldsworthy.

The free creative extravaganza will take place in the open air along River Walk on Saturday June 2.

The aim is to expand the reach of art and promote the work of artists in Tonbridge.

It follows the recent success of the Tonbridge Creates pop-up shop and also ArtSpring Gallery in the High Street, which will soon celebrate its second anniversary.

The three artists are all long-time residents of Tonbridge. Jill and Sue used to organise Art on the Railings, where artists hung their work

Tonbridge Art Fair is the opening event for Artists’ Open Studios, which will see 35 artists showing their work in their own homes and studios around the town over the weekends throughout June.

Initially the organisers approached local artists to participate in the fair. Then word has spread so there are exhibitors from further afield in Kent.

There will be a range of original art including photography, paintings, digital collages, prints, illustrations, caricatures and jewellery.

There are still vacancies for artists to book a stall. Spaces are available for a fee of £40 for a three-metre square space, on which artists erect their own gazebo.

It is entirely the artists’ decision how they fill their space with original artwork.

If you are interested in taking part, contact annemolineux@btinternet.com

Trench’s Pam Bates takes over as Mayor PAM BATES was unveiled as the new Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling at the Borough Council’s annual meeting on May 15, succeeding Roger ­Dalton in the role.

Cllr Bates was elected as the representative for Trench ward in the town in 2011.

She was born in 1948 in Penshurst in 1948 and attended the village’s primary school. Then she studied at Hillview in Tonbridge and Constables Commercial College in Tunbridge Wells.

CHAIN OF COMMAND Pam Bates with outgoing Mayor Roger Dalton

Community In 1969 she moved to Tonbridge and later settled in Trench ward, where she still lives.

She married her husband Keith in 1977 and they have five children, four girls and one boy, and seven grandchildren.

Pam, who is now retired, worked as a secretary at Geering & Colyer Estate Agents and Wiltshire Building Contractors before becoming PA to the Chairman and Managing Director of R Durtnell & Sons, the UK’s oldest family-owned builders.

Since her husband died in 2008 she has dedicated herself to helping others, and has served on the committee of the Six In One Community Centre for over 30 years.

Cllr Bates said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my year as Deputy Mayor serving the community of Ton-

bridge and Malling and I’m really looking forward to continuing this work in my role as Mayor this year.

“It will be an honour to help raise awareness of all the fantastic work carried out by volunteers, community groups, schools and businesses and to meet more residents during my travels around the borough.”

In her year of office she has chosen to support Tonbridge charity Tree of Hope, which helps young people with disability or illness by supporting their families to raise the funds they need to pay for specialist care that is not freely available through the NHS. The Deputy Mayor for the coming year is Jill Anderson, who represents Hadlow and East Peckham ward.

The Dam Buster who lost his trousers on the way to palace THE Hildenborough History Society marked the 75th anniversary of the Dam Busters raid by unveiling a blue plaque at the home of one of the airmen.

Brian Goodale, who was born in the village on June 12 1919 and lived on Riding Lane until he joined the RAF in 1939. He was a wireless operator for the raid, which took place on the night of May 16-17 1943.

The ceremony was attended by his widow Vera, aged 96, and son Simon, who travelled down from Bury St Edmunds for the occasion.

Squadron Leader Goodale was working as an instructor when he was posted to 617 squadron at Scampton to take part in Operation Chastise.

The 19 Lancaster bombers were equipped with purpose-built ‘bouncing bombs’ invented by

Barnes Wallis, which were designed to breach the Mohne and Edersee dams.

This caused catastrophic flooding in the Ruhr valley, damaging the major industrial zone.

Tall and thin with a slight stoop, Goodale was nicknamed ‘Concave’. He served a full tour of 28 operations in the Whitleys of 51 Squadron and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and bar.

In Paul Brickhill’s book The Dam Busters he is described as having lost his trousers on the train down to Buckingham Palace to be decorated for the raid, and was locked in a toilet as an adjutant retrieved the clothing from some card players.

He stayed in the RAF after the war and retired as a Squadron Leader in 1961.

He had two sons, and went into business and worked for the armaments manufacturers Short Brothers in Northern Ireland.

Goodale died in 1977 in Bury St Edmunds and is buried in Hawstead, Suffolk.

ON PARADE: Vera Goodale, Brian’s widow, and his son Simon with Pilot Officer Tom Bristow of the 2520 Tonbridge Air Cadets on Riding Lane

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Flat deaths ruled as not suspicious by force THE deaths of two men in Tunbridge Wells are now being treated as ‘non-suspicious’

by Kent Police.

The pair were found dead by authorities who were called to an address on the corner of Grove Hill Road and Sutherland Road, on December 6.

Buildings around the area were evacuated at the time as Kent Fire and Rescue joined gas technicians from SGN and police officers at the scene.

The force confirmed last week their deaths were ‘deemed non-suspicious’.

Translators acquired LANGUAGE service Cicero Translations has been bought by a competitor after nearly 40 years of operating in Tunbridge Wells.

It was announced last week Manchester firm The Translation People had acquired the Culverden Square-based company in an undisclosed deal.

Cicero has a second office in London and was founded in 1980 by Managing Director Paul Mason, who will remain in a consultancy role for a year before retiring.

It has not been confirmed if the firm’s other three staff will remain.

In the previous financial year, Cicero generated revenues of £550,000, serving clients in various sectors.

TOP TABLE: Reception pupils at St Augustine’s Primary enjoy a feast fit for royalty

A feast of fun marks the royal wedding celebrations THE union on Saturday May 19 of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry was watched by billions around the world and was hugely enjoyed by our local schoolchildren and residents, too.

Various street parties took place including one on Hopwood Gardens in Tunbridge Wells (pictured right) while schools including St Augus-

tine’s Primary (pictured above) marked the special royal nuptials by taking part in fun wedding themed activities.

As part of their People and Communities topic, on Friday children in Reception donned crowns and dressed up in red, white and blue before writing invitations, making

Secondary school build BOYS’ grammar The Skinners’ School is looking to build a three-storey humanities building in place of its current gym.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has received a planning application from the secondary in a project said to cost £4million.

The authority is now processing the plans and could make a decision later this year.

LITTLE CHEF Jacob Butler with his mum, chef mentor James and friend Jessica Harold

bunting, decorating biscuits and enjoying a special afternoon tea.

Meanwhile ten-year-old Jacob Butler cooked up a giant paella for more than 70 guests at a royal wedding garden party in Culverden Square on Saturday, raising money for the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in the process.

Jacob was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia aged three, and has been in remission for the

past three years.

He is a very keen chef an d his enthusiasm has been inspired by his neighbour James Smart (pictured with Jacob and his mum) who grew up in Valencia and now runs the Big Dish catering company.

Jacob’s mum, Liz, says: “He learned to cook by watching James do it. He loves to create, and cooking has proved a nice, therapeutic distraction for him.”

Italian chain confirms it will not be leaving town

Wadhurst Open Gardens

By William Mata

GARDENS in Wadhurst will be open to visitors on Sunday, June 3 from 2-6pm, including that of Helen Yemm, the Telegraph gardening correspondent.

Tickets and a guide cost £5 from Carillon Cottage on the village’s High Street, including on the day from 1.30pm. Teas will be provided in the parish church and plant stall.

All funds raised will go towards the running costs of Carillon Cottage, a community-based resource centre run by volunteers.

For more information, call [01892] 785658 or email info@carillon-cottage.org.uk

CARLUCCIO’S has confirmed its Tunbridge Wells branch is not one of the 34 closing across the UK. Around one third of the Italian chain’s 103 sites are likely to close following financial pressures.

But it will not be following former rivals Jamie’s Italian and Strada out of Tunbridge Wells.

A spokesperson for Carluccio’s said: “We can confirm that Carluccio’s in

Tunbridge Wells is entirely unaffected by the current restructuring process and will remain open.

“We look forward to continuing to welcome the people of Tunbridge Wells to our restaurant, delivering Carluccio’s signature all-day, Italian dining experience.”

Carluccio’s, which offers breakfasts, coffee, lunches and dinners, recently held a promotion where customers could claim a free meal if they

arrived in pyjamas.

The chain has entered a Company Voluntary Agreement, which allows it to keep trading while paying off debts.

In the past, Carluccio’s has operated a Christmas pop-up shop inside Royal Victoria Place selling gift items.

Their Mount Pleasant eatery is set to now face competition from Esquires, a new café set to open this summer only a few doors along the road, offering food and drinks.

STAYING OPEN Carluccio’s on Mount Pleasant

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Best set of financial results for leading legal business

Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford.

There But Not There is selling them as part of a campaign to raise £15million for armed forces and mental health charities this year, which is the 100th anniversary of the end of the first World war.

The charities include The Royal Foundation: Heads Together, Walking With The Wounded, Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation and Project Equinox: Housing Veterans.

ONE of the top law firms and biggest employers in Tunbridge Wells, Cripps, has posted its best set of financial results.

In the 2017/18 financial year, the company turnover grew by 8 per cent to £31.6million.

This saw Cripps make a net profit of £7.4million, which represents a 24 per cent rise from last year.

Managing Partner Gavin Tyler said: “These record results are a great achievement and testament to the work our staff put in for a number of years.

Amazing Mr Barraud told the Times: “It has taken a year and a half of solid hard work by the veterans working at the Royal British Legion Industries.

They have been amazing and they get a real buzz out of the work.

“I hope it spreads the message that we need to reflect on the past and cherish those who are either serving right now or have served in their lifetimes.”

Substantial “Considering the substantial investments we have continued to make over the past 12 months, we set ourselves some fairly ambitious financial targets and we are delighted to have not only met, but exceeded, these figures.”

The firm has an office in the former Kent & Sussex Hospital site on Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, where 360 staff are employed.

Cripps, who are well-regarded for their corporate, real estate and private client work, also has bases in Kings Hill and London.

Mr Tyler continued: “Looking at the year ahead, our focus remains on continuing to grow our practice in the South East and London.”

Cripps is a headline sponsor at this year’s Times Business Awards. For more FOCUS Gavin Tyler, details of the Managing Partner ceremony, see at Cripps pages 8 and 9.

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

THERE BUT NOT THERE The silhouettes in Penshurst

Communities can access grants to buy World War I silhouettes

By Andy Tong THE Penshurst project which created silhouettes to commemorate the fallen in the first World War, has secured a funding arrangement which will allow any community across the country to buy the statues.

The organisation has teamed up with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to provide microgrants so that anyone wishing to host an event featuring the installation, There But Not There, can do so free of charge.

The transparent Perspex outlines of servicemen were created by local artist Martin Barraud, who originally put 51 of them up among the pews in Penshurst’s St John the Baptist Church in November 2016 to represent the number of villagers who died during the Great War. The artwork proved such a success that it gained national recognition, and the silhouettes are now being manufactured for distribution.

The figures are being made by veterans in Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, based at

Applications for the grants can be made throughout June, and must provide the following information: 1. Where the project will take place, such as a place of worship or community venue.

2. What type of event will bring your community together. Please note, this does not have to be extravagant, it can be as simple as a coffee morning.

3. How the occasion will include people within your community in your event, including people from the Armed Forces community, for example, veterans or cadet groups.

4. Why you need financial help.

5. The names of two people involved in running your organisation. www.therebutnotthere.org.uk

Police say that charging people is not always best way forward

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk KENT POLICE has defended its policies after a rise in recorded crime and yet a fall in the number of charges over the past three years was revealed.

Figures released last week from BBC research show there were 131,500 crimes reported in the county in 2016/17, a 19 per cent rise from the 110,300 reported in 2014/15.

In the same period the number of charges has fallen 15 per cent, from 16,000 to 13,600.

The trend has been replicated across the country with the BBC stating that ‘a

UNDER-CHARGING? Kent Police say they focus on the victim’s needs

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squeeze on resources’ was to blame.

But, Kent Police said that charging offenders is not always the best course of action.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Corbishley said: “When talking about charges, it is important to remember that a charge is one of 21 possible outcomes for recorded crime.

Evidence “The prospect of a charge is based on the evidence available to officers and often the support of the victim going forward.

“In some investigations, particularly in domestic abuse cases or sexual offences, victims may want police intervention but

not necessarily prosecution.

“Similarly, when dealing with children and young people, a charge may not be the best course of action and instead we will work with partners to educate young offenders and help redirect their lives for the better.”

The force’s figure for the rise in crime was below the national average of 21 per cent, while across the UK, charges fell by 11 per cent, compared to Kent’s 15 per cent.

Kent’s figures show there has been a rise over the past three years in possession or weapons, robbery, violence and sex offences, but a fall in drug offences, criminal damage and theft.

During that time there was also a rise in charges for possession of weapons, robbery and violence.

But the overall number of charges decreased, because of the fall in charges for theft, criminal damage, drug and sex offences.

Mr Corbishley continued: “Regardless of the outcome, Kent Police’s focus is always on the victim’s needs.

“In terms of crime levels increasing, this is not an issue unique to Kent and there has been a genuine increase in reported crime across the country.

“However improved crime recording practices – where one incident may create numerous crime reports based on the number of victims, when previously only one report would be generated and a rise in reporting non-recent sexual offences have had significant impacts on the statistics.”

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BIRD IS THE WORD The Puppetry Festival will return in 2019

Puppets back next year THE Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, one of the biggest events of its kind, will be back for a ‘bumper year’ in 2019, its Director has confirmed.

Linda Lewis told the Times she is currently planning the third edition of the biennale event, which last year attracted more than 2,500 across two days.

Engagement Subject to funding being secured, the 2019 edition will see community engagement events being held for the first time.

Seminars and workshops will be held in local schools in the days preceding the main day of shows, which is likely to be on Sunday, October 13, on The Pantiles.

Mrs Lewis is currently scouting for puppet shows to be staged in this free centrepiece event.

She said: “We are planning for another bumper puppetry festival.

“This time, we are working with Age UK Tunbridge Wells and Smoking Apples Theatre Company on a shadow puppetry project called Shadow Play for those living with dementia.

“We will be creating a shadow puppetry film from stories and memories from the participants which will be shown. It will show how puppetry and other arts can benefit those living with dementia.”

Final details of the 2019 event have yet to be confirmed.

The festival has been funded by members’ grants from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council.

It has also received support from the Kent County Council Arts Investment Fund as well as the Grants for the Arts programme at the Arts Council.

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BUSINESS

HEADLINE SPONSOR

Times Business Awards

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The gala night dinner of the year that is open to all readers

CONGRATULATIONS are the order of the day as this week we name the 49 companies and individuals that have made it onto the shortlist for the Times Business Awards.

Because entries for this year have been of an exceptionally high standard the newspaper has broken with tradition and put forward more than three candidates in some of the nine categories.

They range from kitchen designers, to tailors, to film production companies and creative agencies.

Winners will be announced at a glittering gala dinner to be held at Salomons Estate on Wednesday, June 13, with the awards themselves being presented by television personality Michael Portillo (right).

Guests at the black tie gathering will be treated to a drinks reception and a chance to network with some of the most successful and influ-

ential business leaders in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Malling.

Included in the ticket, is a three course meal, live music until midnight and, of course, a dancefloor.

And everyone has the chance to enjoy the evening, as all our readers are invited, not just the nominees or those in business.

Former Minister Mr Portillo was recently seen on our screens in the Channel 5 documentary Hidden Histories of Britain.

He has also presented the acclaimed series Great Continental Railway Journeys.

Michael is an acclaimed speaker and is ‘hoping to make the audience laugh’ in his after-dinner slot at the awards.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS… Tickets are £95 each or £850 for a table of ten. To secure your place call Lara Milan on [01892] 739764.

HEADLINE SPONSOR

The lucky 49 who have made the awards shortlist START-UP BUSINESS AWARD

Sponsored by: Thomson Snell & Passmore Gray & Co Menswear retailer based in Chapel Place in Tunbridge Wells.

Thompson Spare Popular estate agency and art gallery on Tunbridge Wells High Street, with an emphasis on the customer.

Twelve Yards Out Creative agency who help businesses and design agencies develop brands, with purpose and punch.

Big Orange Media Marketing agency dedicated to helping local businesses in West Kent reach their full potential.

CREATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: John Bullock Design YoYo Design Creative agency, based in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, who design websites and advertising among other projects.

Rencraft Bespoke kitchen designers and manufacturers handmade in Tunbridge Wells.

Furniture Craft School Based on the beautiful Scotney Castle estate, Furniture Craft School offers a highly individual approach to teaching and learning.

Vince Media Content and film production company, based in Tunbridge Wells.

Hardman & Hemming Southborough

company committed to offering a full tailoring service direct to people at home or work and making tailoring accessible to everyone.

Vince Media: Christian Gane Content and film production company, based in Earls Road, Tunbridge Wells.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

The Spa Hotel Elegant hotel and wedding venue with 14 acres of grounds in Tunbridge Wells.

Sussex Timber Products Provides timber buildings of quality for domestic and commercial use.

Abbey Funeral Services A Tonbridgebased company with more than 30 years’ experience.

Newton Waterproofing Systems Newton, located in Tonbridge, provide the best solutions for architects, developers, contractors and homeowners to protect properties against damage from water leaks and dampness.

Max Oliver Traditionally based in Crowborough, this male hair salon has now opened in Tunbridge Wells.

Sponsored by: Big Orange Media Hollie’s Little Cakery Southborough business which makes and sells bespoke wedding cakes.

Bora Studio Pilates clinic clothing are offered in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.

Clarke Williams (Henry Clarke) Insurance brokers in Tonbridge that Mr Clarke co-founded.

Max Oliver Traditionally based in Crowborough, this male hair salon has now opened in Tunbridge Wells.

Pasta Verdi Sevenoaks Italian restaurant which has won plaudits online.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: Loch Associates Group DMP-LLP: John Whitlock Chartered building surveyors in Tunbridge Wells with 23 years of experience.

Party Doctors: Daniel Kenney Edenbridge-based event supplies, planning and production company.

Runway Training: Oliver Trailor Specialist provider of maths and English functional skills qualifications, based in Tonbridge.

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

BEST BUSINESS 1-25 EMPLOYEES

Sponsored by: Ginger Monkeys YoYo Design Creative agency, based in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, who design websites and advertising among other projects.

Water Process Solutions A provider of engineered solutions to a wide range of

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Wednesday May 23 | 2018

2018

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business awards

water treatment problems. Based in Aylesford.

John Bullock Design Dedicated and award-winning architects working on projects all over the South East.

Olive Tree Building Services Honest and reliable Tunbridge Wells construction company.

TN Recruits Innovative Tunbridge Wells recruitment agency providing candidates to companies and jobs to candidates.

Loch Associates Group Experts in developing solutions to help organisations manage and look after their people, with offices in Tunbridge Wells, Brighton and London.

Runway Training Specialist provider of maths and English Functional Skills qualifications, based in Tonbridge.

HR Revolution A Tunbridge Wells-based human recourses firm with a focus on putting people first.

BEST BUSINESS 25+ EMPLOYEES

Sponsored by: Handelsbanken Hever Castle & Gardens A premier tourist attraction in the heart of West Kent which has connections to the Boleyn family.

Infinity Group One of the largest providers of IT support in Kent, Infinity Group is based in Tunbridge Wells.

Ansacom Quality answerphone machine services are provided by this Southborough company.

Base Quantum Chartered quantity surveyors, based in a number of locations, including Tunbridge Wells.

Newton Waterproofing Systems Newton, located in Tonbridge, provide the best solutions for architects, developers, contractors and homeowners to protect properties against damage from water leaks and dampness.

Times Business Awards OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by: Stiddard Wealth Water Process Solutions A provider of engineered solutions to a wide range of water treatment problems. Based in Aylesford.

Infinity Group One of the largest providers of IT support in Kent, Infinity Group is based in Tunbridge Wells.

BUSINESS

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John Bullock Design Dedicated and award-winning architects working on projects all over the South East.

HR Revolution A Tunbridge Wells-based Human Resources firm with a focus on putting people first.

Chamberlain Court Care Home A friendly and affordable care home, based in Mount Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Rencraft Bespoke kitchen designers and manufacturers. Kitchens and furniture handmade in Tunbridge Wells.

Infinity Group One of the largest providers of IT support in Kent, Infinity Group is based in Tunbridge Wells.

Ansacom Ltd Quality answerphone machine services are provided by this Southborough company.

Abbey Funeral Services A Tonbridgebased company with more than 30 years’ experience.

GingerMay PR An award-winning global communications and PR consultancy for businesses, based on The Pantiles.

Sharp Minds: Nick Humphrey Sharp Minds offers a portfolio of marketing and communications services from their Langton Green office.

HR Advise Me: Julie Nicholds HR Advise Me are leading HR consultants, based in Tunbridge Wells as well as in Brighton and London.

Strength & Conditioning: Craig Libby Based in Tonbridge, SCI was founded in 2012 by National Level Strength Coaches Alex and Martin to provide a level of training and expertise for people of all ages and abilities previously unseen in the fitness industry.

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Scouts and guides of the future are launched on space mission PEMBURY’S Beavers and Rainbows have taken part in a special activity day focused on space, and even launched some rockets over the village.

More than 30 youngsters participated in the joint Beavers and Rainbows Intergalactic Mission [BRIM] event aimed at increasing understanding of space travel and the atmosphere.

This was the first time that the two groups had taken part in a joint event, which was held on May 12 and organised by Amanda Baker, Leader of the Second Pembury Rainbows unit, and Rebecca Durrant, Leader of the First Pembury Beaver colony.

Ms Baker, also known as Toto in Guiding, said: “We wanted to bring the groups together for a fun-

filled day which allowed the youngsters to learn more about space and working as a team.

“We had a variety of activities looking at the solar system, rockets and the science behind it all.

“We are now exploring our next theme for another collaborative village event.”

Ms Durrant, aka Tic Tac, added: “It was fantastic to see all the children interacting with each other and the subject matter so enthusiastically received.

“They learnt so many new things and had loads of non-stop fun, including launching different types of rocket outside.”

Representatives from the Edenbridge And District Astronomers society were on hand to answer questions and gave a demonstration of a telescope.

HIGH ACHIEVERS Beavers and Rainbows learned about the atmosphere

Duck Race allows villagers to maintain historic church THE annual Plaxtol Duck Race raised almost £2,000 to help maintain the fabric of the village’s historic church.

The Grade II listed building was built in 1649 and has no dedication, having been built during Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth.

In 1894, the church was fully restored and enlarged thanks to the patronage of William Cazalet of the neighbouring Fairlawn estate, father of Peter Cazalet, who trained racehorses for the Royal Family.

Pam Horrell, Chair of the Friends of Plaxtol

Church, which organised the May 7 race, said: “We’re thrilled that the unexpected warm weather caused a bumper attendance to this much-loved village event.

“Not only does it bring together the whole community, but the £1,940 raised this year will help enormously with maintaining the fabric of our beautiful parish church.”

Rev Dr Peter Hayler, the rector of Shipbourne with Plaxtol, and local artist Eileen Dickinson were the judging panel for the decorated duck competition.

TOP THE BILL: (L-R): Decorated duck race winners Ella Miah, Adam Julio, Lucy Harrison, Lowrie Morgan, Lily Mae Busbridge, Dan Kimura, Amy Denham and Grant Hards

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

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sponsored show, or before and after the feature.

The presenters also refer to the sponsor in their verbal links and collaborate with them to create jingles that include ‘tag lines’ the business can include in other forms of advertising.

Station Manager Chris Manser said: “We are really proud of our local business show sponsors, who are a great fit for their respective shows.

“Chamberlain Court Care Home is part of a top 20 care home group called Hallmark Care Homes and we potentially see care homes as offering us a future audience, as the length of time people stay in hospital continues to fall.

‘The radio station provides an excellent bedside service to its patients’

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: (L-R): Arthur Hosmer, Chief Engineer at Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells, Genevieve Rodrigues, General Manager of Chamberlain Court, and HRTW Trustee Claire Backhurst

Seeking a new sponsor to help hospital radio stay on the air

By Andy Tong newsdesk@tunbridgewell.co.uk

LOCAL charity Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells [HRTW] is seeking a sponsor for one of its feature slots, Single of the Week, after receiving a boost from two corporate backers in the town.

The charity broadcasts to patients 24 hours a day at Tunbridge Wells Hospital and Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, as well as online via its website at www.hrtw.org.uk and via the Tune In App. It has launched a new daily Breakfast Show from 8am-10am thanks to sponsorship it has received from Chamberlain Court Care Home on Mount Ephraim.

The backing has seen the radio volunteers devise a new set of jingles to promote the company’s

support of the hospital radio charity.

Clearwell Mobility in Grosvenor Road has also renewed its sponsorship of The Golden Hour, which runs every day at 7am and also at 1pm on weekdays, and the Request Shows on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 8pm.

As a voluntary organisation, HRTW relies on the contributions of the public at street collections and the support of local businesses to keep the service in operation.

Synergy The charity, which has been broadcasting since 1961, cannot take paid advertising but is able to offer local businesses the opportunity to associate their name with its service.

The company’s bespoke jingles are played a minimum of three times per hour during the

“In fact, we are developing ideas to be able to extend our service into such premises, and so this new partnership with Chamberlain Court is an ideal way of looking to our possible future.

He added: “Clearwell Mobility is a fantastic supporter of ours over the years as a family-run business and regional and nationwide leader, so we are chuffed they have renewed with us.

“The synergy is clear as they are a leading supplier of mobility and home healthcare equipment in the UK.” The General Manager at Chamberlain Court Care Home, Genevieve Rodrigues, said: “We are delighted to be the main sponsor of the Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells Breakfast Show.

“The radio station provides an excellent bedside service to its patients through personal requests and we hope our sponsorship will allow the charity to continue its great work.”

Duncan Gillett, Managing Director at Clearwell Mobility, said: “We recognise that this radio service is an aide to patients’ recovery, whether as an in-patient or at home through the station’s listen-live website button.

“That is why we continue to be a sponsor of the Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells’ service.”

SLICE OF LIFE Kit Brown with her birthday cake

Surprise party for 101-year-old Kit A RETIRED dressmaker from Tonbridge has celebrated her 101st birthday with a surprise birthday cake delivered by staff from her home care provider.

Kit Brown was born on May 13, 1917, 184 days before the end of World War I. Care Supervisors Ruth Meakin and Debbie Holmburg arrived on her doorstep with a white chocolate cake and a purple orchid.

Ruth said: “It was really lovely to visit Kit to celebrate her birthday. There are some great benefits to working in care and doing this was certainly one, as we could see that she was truly touched by our visit.

“Kit’s daughter Laura and son-in-law Andy were there when we visited and were really touched that we had thought about visiting her to celebrate her birthday.

“We could see that it made a real difference.”

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Artistic children show ‘great understanding’ of dementia

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk TONBRIDGE’S Dementia Friendly Community [DFC] has been holding an art competition for young people – with the best entries to be featured in a calendar.

The winner of the competition will be announced at Tonbridge Castle on Friday [May 25] at 4.30pm as the climax of the town’s Dementia Action Week.

The judging panel consisted of people with dementia and their carers who attend the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Café in the Angel Centre, which is open on two Thursdays a month.

The awards will be presented by the newly appointed Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Pam Bates.

The subject was ‘Living well with dementia’ and artworks could be

created in any medium. The contest was open to all children who live or go to school in the Tonbridge area. There were three categories, for year groups four to six, seven to nine and ten to 13.

Four children in each category will receive WH Smith vouchers, along with age-appropriate books relating to dementia for their school library.

The finalists’ work will be exhibited at Tonbridge Old Fire Station for two weeks from May 29. Then it is hoped they will feature in a Tonbridge DFC calendar for 2019.

“The team are excited about all the events happening and we hope they will encourage people to become dementia aware,” said Chris Parker, DFC Tonbridge’s founder and Chair. “I am particularly excited about the response we’ve had to the children’s art competition.

“Some of the entries have reduced me to tears. They show a great understanding of dementia.”

ART FROM THE HEART Four entries to the competition,

by Kaya, Alicia, Auj and Megan

Free taster session for wide range of sporting activities THE leisure arm of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, tmactive, is offering a free multisports taster session at the Angel Centre tomorrow [May 24] as part of Dementia Action Week.

The event will be held between 12.30pm and 2pm, offering trials for a range of activities, including table tennis, basketball (with a foam ball), cycling on a static bike, short tennis, golf putting and boccia, which is similar to petanque.

It will also include a warm-up and stretch session with an instructor.

The Alzheimer’s Society will be holding its Dementia Café after the session at 2pm.

Martin Guyton, Chief Executive of tmactive, said: “We know regular exercise can bring benefits to those in the early to middle stages of dementia.

Active “It can improve physical fitness and cognition, and improve the ability to dress, clean, cook or perform other daily activities.”

He added: “We are offering this dementiafriendly taster session to encourage those with the condition to become or remain active.”

Organised by The Alzheimer’s Society, the goal of Dementia Action Week is to encourage people to take action to improve the lives of those affected by the condition, and to work to create a dementia-friendly UK where those with dementia do not feel excluded.

To secure a place, or for more information, email: suzy.abbott@tmactive.co.uk or call 01732 359966.

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Theatre flies the flag for Dementia Week…

The Assembly Hall Theatre is continuing to fly the flag for Dementia Action Week [May 21 to 27] in Tunbridge Wells. Two upcoming community events have been planned following the success of last year’s Tunbridge Wells Knit Appeal.

Working with local dementia organisations, the two events will both educate and raise awareness of dementia and those who are living with it.

The first one , hosted by the theatre, involves a ‘Tree of Wishes’ and is being run by the Alzheimer’s Society Kent and Medway.

People are being encouraged to drop in between 12noon and 5pm tomorrow [May 24] in order to find out more about dementia.

Inclusive Visitors will be encouraged to share ideas and memories on the Tree of Wishes, and Kate Sergeant, Services Manager at the Alzheimer’s Society Kent and Medway, will be running training sessions throughout the afternoon.

In addition, a community art installation entitled ‘The Borrowers’ will be unveiled on Friday [May 25] from 10am. The 22 pieces of artwork, created by Age UK Tunbridge Wells’s Wood Street Day Centre clients, have been inspired by artists from around the world.

Bethan Minter, Creative Learning Manager at the Assembly Hall Theatre, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to assist Dementia Friends with their key awareness event for the year. We are an active member of their forum and do our utmost to be as inclusive as possible as a venue, and hope that by promoting a positive experience of those living with dementia within our community we help to make our community dementia-friendly.

“The clients at Age UK Tunbridge Wells’s Wood Street Centre have done an amazing job at producing beautiful, engaging and fun artwork, and we’re very proud to have the opportunity to display them in our building.”

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

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PEOPLE IN

thekn w

John Martin

What’s your favourite shop locally, and where do you go for a bite to eat while you’re out?

Being gadget-mad, one of my favourite shops is Maplin, which, alas, won’t be with us for much longer! The best place for coffee and lunch has got to be Trinity’s Bar and Café. Not only does it have excellent coffee, but its goat’s cheese and caramelised onion quiche is simply to die for.

The Artistic Director of Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells talks us through a few of his top local attractions

IN thekn

How about some of your top nightlife spots?

I’m a creature of the theatre, so my evenings are mainly spent sitting in the dark watching screenings or

shows – either at Trinity or in the West End, where I can keep up to date with the latest developments and trends.

If you do get some time off, where do you like to go?

As it’s extremely rare that I find myself eating out of an evening, it’s normally grabbing a bite to eat from a theatre café. The National Theatre is a brilliant place to do that, and something that I aspire to here in Tunbridge Wells. Keeping on the theatrical theme, I’ve yet to try The Ivy, but it’s definitely on my list having been several times to the original one in London.

Whereabouts are you based?

I live in the middle of nowhere, near Collier Street around the back of Paddock Wood. I’ve lived there since 1997, and moved there because I’d just got married, and we were looking to set up home together.

It’s a wonderful oasis in the middle of the countryside and has a large garden, which has enabled me to host some fantastic parties with the ubiquitous bouncy castle!

Are there any walks or views that you love where you live?

Despite my rural location with wonderful walks, I’m normally driving to the gym to do a spin class,

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wABOUT COMMUTING

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compared to those who commute shorter distances.

So, how can commuters make travelling to work more enjoyable?

The wellbeing experts at CABA [the Chartered Accountants Benevolent Association], have explored eight activities that will boost your mood, and might even make you thankful for the time spent travelling.

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SKETCH OR COLOUR IN We’ve all seen adult colouring books grow in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They can help with a number of emotional and mental health issues. The process of making

and creating artwork can be used to explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem.

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APPRECIATE YOUR SURROUNDINGS It’s often easy to forget to look up and appreciate your surroundings.

But relaxing and seeing the beauty of your environment is an important factor in achieving mindfulness and reducing anxiety. If you’re sitting on a train or bus, take the time to look at your view and appreciate the little things, from the birds in the trees to the colour of the sky, as research shows that developing gratitude is good for overall wellbeing.

Finally, where’s the one place that visitors shouldn’t miss?

Unsurprisingly, it will be Trinity! I love the place, its vibrancy, and the sheer range of what it puts on. All of our staff and volunteers make it a special and welcoming place for visitors and audiences alike.

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WAYS TO MAKE YOUR JOURNEY MORE PRODUCTIVE

LISTEN TO AUDIOBOOKS OR PODCASTS No matter what your interests are, if you want to stay up to date with news, tech, business and beyond, there is a podcast for every niche. If your brain is feeling frazzled, comedy, arts and audiobooks can lighten your mood, helping you to unwind and switch off.

ESEARCH by the Office for National Statistics [ONS] has discovered that the longer your commute, the lower your feelings of happiness, life satisfaction and the sense that your activities are worthwhile; and the higher your anxiety compared with non-commuters.

The way we travel can also have an impact on our wellbeing. Taking the bus or coach to work on a journey lasting more than 30 minutes was found to be the most negative commuting option.

Even your sleep may be affected, with additional studies suggesting those who commute for more than 45 minutes each way report reduced sleep quality

and then visiting friends. On my drive in on Crook Road, just before Brenchley, there are incredible views across the Kent countryside, and a small viewing place to stop off at if you’re out walking, cycling or driving.

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LEARN A LANGUAGE There are a whole host of benefits to learning a new language, from feeling accomplished to improving cognitive abilities. It has even been found that multitasking comes more naturally and attention improves for those who learn to speak a second language.

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RECONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS Whether you’re driving (using hands-free, of course) or catching the train, use this time to connect with friends and family. Our loved ones play an important role in supporting our mental health.

Studies have even found that hearing your mother’s voice can quickly calm frayed nerves, and a telephone call can have the same effect as a hug.

DISCONNECT Researchers have discovered that one in three people felt worse and more dissatisfied with their lives after visiting Facebook.

Try switching off completely, disconnecting from the stresses of daily life. Turn off your phone and take the time to think and reflect.

PLAY GAMES AND SHARPEN YOUR MIND It’s been reported that the presence and overuse of our phones has a ‘brain drain’ effect and is reducing our intelligence and attention span. Ironically, our phones can help with this. Using brain-training apps first thing in the morning will help wake you up feeling ready to hit the ground running as soon as you step into the office.

WRITE A TO-DO LIST On your way to work, take the time to write a to-do list. This could involve both work and life admin. On the way home, reflect on what you’ve achieved. Writing a to-do list helps you to feel more productive, creates order and ticking off those tasks can be very therapeutic!

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NEWS

National News

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Harry’s praise for father as he steps out with Meghan THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex's first royal event as a married couple saw Prince Harry pay a moving tribute to the Prince of Wales for his charitable work over more than four decades.

The event in Buckingham Palace’s garden was attended by 6,500 guests representing 386 of the prince’s patronages and 18 military affiliations.

With his father standing behind him Harry said: “It is your selfless drive to affect change, whether that is to improve the lives of those who are on the wrong path, to save an important piece of our national heritage or to protect a particular species under threat, which William [Duke of Cambridge] and I draw inspiration from every day.”

Meghan, wearing a dress by Goat, and the Duchess of Cornwall broke into a fit of giggles as Harry was pestered by a bee during his speech.

HAPPY DAYS Meghan Markle at the Palace

DOGGIE PADDLE Family pet Fred the Labrador has turned to mothering nine orphaned ducklings at a castle in Essex.

The 10-year-old dog, who lives at Mountfitchet Castle, takes his brood for a swim in the moat.

Owner Jeremy Goldsmith said: “Ducklings at that age, they just want a mother – and they now have Fred, a stay-athome dad.”

Brexit has cost households £900 BREXIT has reduced real household incomes by £900, the Bank of England governor has said.

Mark Carney said the EU referendum has had a noticeable impact on the UK economy, having lowered growth by ‘up to 2 per cent’ against what the Bank had expected in 2016 if the UK had voted to remain in the EU.

Pick-up “That’s a reasonable difference,” he said. “Real household incomes are about £900 lower than we forecast in 2016.

“The question is why and what drove that difference. Some of it is ascribed to Brexit.”

Speaking to the Treasury Select Committee, Mr Carney said that business investment was still being held back, but there was a chance there

could be a ‘sharp pick-up’ when the Brexit agreement is finalised.

“It’s understandable why businesses are holding back. There’s some big decisions that are about to be made. Why wouldn’t they want to wait until the path becomes clearer?” he told MPs. It comes after the bank downgraded its 2018 growth forecast to 1.4 per cent, from 1.8 per cent predicted in February, though forecasts remained unchanged at 1.7 per cent for 2019 and 2020.

The Chancellor, Philip Hammond, responded by saying: “We haven’t yet concluded our negotiations with the European Union and therefore it’s impossible to make any assessment of the impact of our departure from the European Union until we know what the future relationship with the European Union will be.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hundreds of jobs at risk as Tesco closes website TESCO has announced it will close its Tesco Direct website in July, putting 500 workers at risk of redundancy.

The retailer said the non-food website, which sells general goods, was a ‘small, loss-making part of the business’ and had ‘no route to profitability’.

The supermarket giant, which will close its distribition centre, added that the site faced high delivery and marketing costs that meant it could not work as a standalone business.

Unicef kept in the dark SAVE THE CHILDREN failed to inform Unicef that its former Chief Executive, Justin Forsyth, had been investigated over alleged sexual misconduct before moving to the UN agency, the charity’s former Chairman has told MPs. Sir Alan Parker said Unicef was not told about the investigation into Mr Forsyth, conducted by an independent law firm, because it was not a ‘formal disciplinary process’.

Voters sent away for ID A TOTAL of 338 people in five areas of England were turned away from voting in council elections because of a pilot scheme requiring proof of identity.

A further 688 were initially stopped because they did not have ID, but later returned to the polling station with the correct documents.

Bromley, Gosport, Swindon, Watford and Woking councils were the five bodies trialling the scheme.

National News

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Sugar reduction in food has yet to reach target THE food industry has failed to meet a sugar reduction target set by the Government, a report

by Public Health England [PHE] has found.

Retailers, manufacturers, restaurants, cafes and pub chains were told to cut 5 per cent of sugar by August 2017.

PHE found that for retailers’ own brand and manufacturer branded products there has been a 2 per cent reduction in total sugar per 100g.

The target was set in a bid to tackle the UK’s childhood obesity crisis, with an aim to cut 20 per cent of sugar from a range of products by 2020.

A third of children are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school, according to official figures.

Pipeline As part of the programme, businesses were asked to focus on their top selling products that contribute the most sugar to the diets of children.

PHE said it ‘recognises there are more sugar reduction plans from the food industry in the pipeline’ and that some changes to products took effect after the first year cut-off point.

There have been reductions in sugar levels in five out of the eight food categories where progress has been measured.

The assessment found that yogurts, fromage frais, breakfast cereals, spreads and sauces have all met or exceeded the 5 per cent reduction.

But the report found that chocolate, biscuits and puddings have shown no reduction in sugar, while in puddings it has actually increased.

Sugar in drinks has been reduced by 11 per cent and average calories per portion by 6 per cent in response to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy.

MOVING: The Commemoration Service held at Manchester Cathedral

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Mother guilty of forcing her daughter to marry A MOTHER has been convicted of forcing her daughter to marry, in the first successful prosecution of its type.

The woman was found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court, where a jury heard how the victim was duped into travelling to Pakistan to wed a male relative 16 years her senior.

As a 13-year-old she underwent an abortion after he took her virginity. Her GP reported his concerns to social services.

It is the first time a forced marriage case of this kind has been successfully prosecuted in a criminal court. The mother was convicted of active deception to convince the girl to travel.

One year on, a city remembers victims of Manchester bombing THE 22 people who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena atrocity have been remembered at an emotional commemoration service to mark its first anniversary.

Some 800 people attended the hour-long service at Manchester Cathedral including families or friends of the victims and also survivors of the May 22 terror attack.

They were joined by front-line responders and volunteers who helped in the tragic aftermath of the end of last year’s Ariana Grande concert.

Silence Among the dignitaries attending were the Duke of Cambridge and Prime Minister Theresa May. Thousands watched on a big screen in nearby Cathedral Gardens. A one-minute silence was observed nationwide at 2.30pm.

Twenty-two lit candles on the altar represented the victims, which were made using wax from the thousands of candles left in St Ann’s Square in their memory last May. Officiating the service, the Dean of Manchester, the Very Rev Rogers Govender, said: “In this service we come together as people of different faiths and none, as we remember with love before God those whose lives were lost, and those whose lives have been changed forever and have to live with the terrible memories of that day 12 months ago.

“There is a land of the living and a land of the dead, and the bridge between them is love, the only survival, the only meaning.”

Prince William gave a bible reading, hymns sung included Amazing Grace, Be Still My Soul and I Watch The Sunrise, and the Halle Youth Choir performed Over the Rainbow.

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BUSINESS

National Business News

Nationwide struggles for second year in row as competition grows NATIONWIDE Building Society has posted falling profits for the second year in a row as ‘intense competition’ hit demand for savings and mortgage lending.

The mutual reported a 7.3 per cent drop in bottom line profits to £977million for the year to April 4 after net mortgage lending slumped to £5.8billion from £8.8billion the previous year.

Savings deposits also grew more slowly, up by £3.5billion against growth of £5.8billion the previous year.

Underlying profits fell 0.8 per cent to £1.02billion in the year.

It comes after Nationwide saw annual profits tumble 23 per cent last year as it moved to protect savers from rock-bottom interest rates.

Virgin Media said to have ‘overcharged’ OFCOM has provisionally concluded that Virgin Media over-charged customers on contracts for its broadband, phone and television services.

The regulator said it had ‘reasonable grounds to believe’ the company overcharged on early termination fees after a formal investigation launched in June last year into the fairness of the company’s terms and conditions, specifically its charges for ending a contract early, after receiving complaints from customers.

The probe included circumstances when customers had to end a contract because they were moving house.

Ofcom also believed Virgin failed to publish clear and up-to-date information about the early termination fees on its website.

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

M&S set to close 100 stores to help online growth plans SIGN OF THE TIMES Clothing and home stores are struggling

NEWS IN BRIEF

Shell’s shareholders reject chief’s pay deal ROYAL DUTCH SHELL has seen a quarter of investors vote against Chief Executive Ben van Beurden’s pay packet.

The shareholders rejected the remuneration report, which included a £7.8million package for Mr Van Beurden.

The pay award, which was up 3.7 per cent on the previous year, came as Shell profits bounced back during a period of extreme volatility in the sector, which was triggered by plunging oil prices.

Borrowing goes down

MARKS & SPENCER will close more than 100 stores by 2022 as it accelerates a transformation programme that will see thousands of jobs put at risk.

The closures will affect its clothing and home stores, which have underperformed for several years.

M&S named 14 stores earmarked for closure yesterday [May 23] with a total of 872 employees affected.

The move is part of a five-year turnaround plan spearheaded by Chairman Archie Norman and Chief Executive Steve Rowe.

Relevant They have been seeking to save costs through store closures and shutting distribution centres as part of a wide-ranging efficiency drive as the company’s financial performance deteriorates.

Retail and Property Director Sacha Berendji said: “We are making good progress with our plans to reshape our store estate to be more relevant to our customers and support our online growth plans.

“Closing stores isn’t easy but it is vital for the future of M&S. Where we have closed stores, we are seeing an encouraging number of customers moving to nearby stores and enjoying shopping with us in a better environment, which is why we’re continuing to transform our estate with pace.”

Bayswater, Fleetwood Outlet in Lancashire and Newton Abbot Outlet in Devon will close by the end of July 2018. Clacton in Essex and Holloway Road will both close by early 2019.

Darlington, East Kilbride, Falkirk, Kettering, Newmarket, New Mersey Speke, Northampton, Stockton and Walsall are proposed for closure and will now enter a period of consultation with affected employees.

The announcement comes a day before the retailer is expected to unveil another troubling set of annual figures.

Today’s results are set to show that underlying pre-tax profit across the group fell 6 per cent to £573million.

OFFICIAL figures show annual Government borrowing was less than first thought and fell in the first month of the new year.

Public sector net borrowing, excluding state-owned banks, fell by £1.6billion year-on-year in April to £7.8billion, the lowest April net borrowing since 2008, the Office for National Statistics said.

The full-year figure was revised down from the £42.6billion previously reported to £40.5billion for the year to the end of March, which was a £5.7billion drop year-on-year.

Topps Tiles falling fast TOPPS TILES has seen half-year profits tumble by nearly a third after the Beast from the East and timing of Easter hit sales.

The group, which has 375 stores across the UK, reported a 32.6 per cent plunge in pre-tax profits to £6.4million for the six months to March 31.

On an underlying basis, profits fell 28.7 per cent to £7.2million from £10.1million a year earlier.

World News

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

SPORT IN BRIEF

‘Meticulous’ Kane is captain for World Cup TOTTENHAM striker Harry Kane has been announced as England’s captain for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

Gareth Southgate said of the 24-year-old: “Harry has some outstanding personal qualities. He is a meticulous professional and one of the most important things for a captain is that they set the standard every day.

“He has belief and high standards and it is a great message for the team to have a captain who has shown that it is possible to be one of the best in the world over a consistent period of time and that has been his drive.”

Liverpool to be charged LIVERPOOL and Roma have been charged by the European governing body UEFA after crowd disturbances at the Champions League semi-final first leg at Anfield.

Liverpool have also been charged over throwing objects and setting off fireworks.

The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on May 31, after Liverpool’s final against Real Madrid in Kiev on Saturday [May 26].

Pellegrini for Hammers WEST HAM have appointed one of the world’s ‘most respected’ football coaches in Manuel Pellegrini, according to joint chairman David Sullivan.

Pellegrini, 64, has signed a three-year deal at the London Stadium.

The former Manchester City and Real Madrid manager left his job with Hebei China Fortune over the weekend and succeeds David Moyes.

Trump says North Korean summit could be delayed DONALD TRUMP has said his planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ‘may not work out for June 12’ and could be delayed.

Mr Trump was meeting South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in at the White House for consultations ahead of the proposed summit in Singapore.

He said he did not like the change in attitude that he had picked up from Mr Kim, and he detected a shift after the North Korean leader and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for a second time in China.

The US president added that he hoped China was not influencing Mr Kim. North Korea pulled out of planned peace talks with South Korea last week, objecting to longscheduled joint military exercises between the United States and the Republic of Korea forces.

North Korea has also threatened to abandon the planned Trump-Kim meeting over the US insistence on denuclearising the Korean Peninsula.

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Sweden prepares its population for outbreak of war SWEDEN is distributing a booklet to some 4.8million households telling them what to do in the event of a crisis – including war.

The 20-page brochure entitled If Crisis Or War Comes is an updated version of a Cold War-era civil emergency advice leaflet.

The publication is a reflection of Stockholm’s concerns over a worsened security situation in the Baltic Sea region. Russia has increased military operations there since it annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.

“It is important in the light of the deterioration in the security situation in the rest of the world,” the Civil Contingencies Agency said.

According to the brochure, Sweden’s population, which totals 10 million, has a duty to act if the country is threatened. It said: “If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never give up.”

Promises Mr Moon opened the talks with Mr Trump saying that the ‘fate and the future’ of the Korean Peninsula hinged on the Singapore summit.

He said he believed Mr Kim was ‘serious’ about taking part in the talks and urged him to ‘seize this opportunity’.

Earlier, US Vice President Mike Pence said no concessions have been offered to North Korea in the run-up to the summit.

He told Fox News Radio it would be a ‘mistake’ for North Korea to think they can ‘play’ Mr Trump.

He claimed that both the Clinton and George W Bush administrations had been ‘played’ by the North Korean government.

“We offered concessions to the North Korean regime in exchange for promises to end their

NEWS

Skripal’s ‘mother’ interviewed on TV WATCHING BRIEF Donald Trump is concerned about a change of attitude nuclear weapons programme, only to see them break those promises and abandon them,” he said.

He stressed that the US remains open to the summit, and noted that the invitation to meet originated with the North Korean leader.

RUSSIAN state TV has interviewed a woman it claims to be the mother of a former Russian spy poisoned in Britain.

Sergei Skripal was discharged from Salisbury District Hospital last week, more than two months after he was poisoned with a nerve agent. His daughter Yulia was discharged last month. They were taken to an undisclosed location in the UK. On Russia’s Channel One the woman said she has not talked to her son since he was admitted to hospital and appealed for British authorities to allow him to give her a call.

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NEWS

Letters

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU everywhere within the Tunbridge Wells borough, in fact too many to count?

James Tinkler Tunbridge Wells

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

Sherwood has been branching out

STOP THIS The bus stop must be moved, but not removed

Idle minds caused this chaos – not the man in the high street It is reassuring to see that the work in Tonbridge High Street is now being called a radical redesign rather than an improvement, which it certainly is not. I don’t ever remember reading any letters at the time which were in favour of this terrible waste of money for a catastrophe waiting to happen.

In this time of ever increasing traffic, who in their right mind would decide to make the road narrower? How could it possibly have been expected to reduce congestion?

With regard to moving the bus stop outside Caffe Nero to the layby, this seems to be the

only sensible move. The suggestion of removing the bus stop altogether could only have been made by people who do not use public transport. This would be a terrible situation for bus users, who would be left with a load of shopping and the prospect of having to walk either to the railway station or to the castle to catch a bus.

Everything ran fine before the redesign, but negative public feedback at the time was ignored. Most of the buses are not ‘idling’, they just can’t move. And the situation for ambulances, etc. is extremely difficult.

Linda Terry Leigh

Jam tomorrow as traffic worsens

Election results gave no mandate

Far from signalling the end of congestion in Tonbridge [May 9], Kent County Council [KCC] is intent on deepening the problems.

Jamie Watson made no commitment to moving the Caffe Nero bus stop into a layby, they are just looking into it. Near the station they intend to move bus stops into both carriageways on either side of the road outside and opposite Lidl. This is going to have a massive impact on cyclists, who will find the road has dangerously narrowed.

When KCC acknowledges that major problems have arisen by moving bus stops out of laybys, it is incredulous that they are proposing exactly that here. There will be no way for traffic to filter as it approaches the St Stephen’s roundabout, which will further congest the High Street.

The Green Party propose diverting daytime southbound traffic, except buses and cyclists, away from the High Street down Medway Wharf Road.

The approach by KCC and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to our traffic problems is completely incoherent. At the heart of the matter should be the requirement to cut pollution in the High Street. In the last ten years we have seen the local council allow KCC to backtrack on the construction of the London Road/Cannon Lane link road.

They need to stop the unnecessary madness at the station until there is a comprehensive study.

Why rush into an ill-considered scheme? Because the highways department has a budget surplus it needs to spend. This would be better spent rolling out 20mph to the residential roads across the town.

Mark Hood Vice-Chair Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

Conservative councillor Tracy Moore said that The Sunday Times best places to live list notes culture as a deciding factor [May 9]. Well that’s good, because they certainly won’t be attracted here by the potholes in our third-world roads.

Tracy also said that she wanted to redouble her efforts to engage with the community on the Civic Complex development. With this in mind, I thought I would take a closer look at the council election results.

The Conservatives won 12 and lost four of the 16 seats contested, however in eight seats they won with less than 51 per cent of the vote. Of the 26,046 votes cast over the 16 wards, 11,143 (42.78 per cent) went to the Conservatives and 14,903 (57.22 per cent) to the other parties.

I don’t profess to know why people voted the way they did, but I do know that these results do not give Tunbridge Wells Borough Council a mandate to proceed with this elitist vanity theatre project, which will burden the hardpressed taxpayers of Tunbridge Wells for decades to come. Are there any Conservative councillors not afflicted with this lunacy?

Martin Armstrong Via email

Let’s fill holes before building starts Now that it looks as if Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is moving forward with the new Civic Centre, etc, and will have to raise money for said project, would it be possible for the council, prior to moving forward on this development, to use some of their money to see to and repair properly the multitude of potholes that are

I would take issue with the claim from Cllr Bob Backhouse that only himself and UKIP have campaigned in Sherwood in the past [May 9].

He should know we have roads such as Blakeway named after former Labour councillors, and there were Lib Dem councillors, too, when I moved here in the 1980s.

Indeed, I have also stood as a Lib Dem candidate and fought a vigorous campaign several times, including when Bob was first elected at a by-election in 2010.

The local Conservatives were split this time with one of their long-serving Sherwood councillors, like me, opposing the new Civic Complex proposal. This year Bob was the only candidate in favour, with four of us opposing, and many Conservatives I spoke to didn’t vote for him.

I’ve worked on traffic and flooding issues and the state of High Brooms station. In the meantime, Tory control continues to see the potholes and pavements getting worse by the week.

Dr Alan Bullion Tunbridge Wells

Cottage’s industry will be missed I just wanted to acknowledge your important piece on the ending of Tonbridge Cottage Hospital out-of-hours service [May 16].

My children are now 14 and 18, but there were a number of occasions when they were small that we visited the cottage hospital overnight, and it was an essential service.

I am very disappointed to hear it’s closing before an adequate and complete alternative has been put in place. There were always other parents with children there when we visited.

Bruce Elliott Via email

Who’s more racist: Labour or UKIP? I’m not a Labour supporter, but I believe that Colin Bullen exaggerates when he claims that the Labour movement is institutionally racist [May 9]. In reality, around 100 party members are under investigation for anti-semitism, less than 0.02 per cent of the membership. Also, as most of these cases are ongoing, shouldn’t we assume they are innocent until proven guilty?

If Mr Bullen wants evidence of racism from Brexit supporters, I’d suggest he turn to Google, where he’ll find plenty of references to his own party, UKIP, and to the Conservatives.

Paul Stepto Tonbridge

Art critics shouldn’t throw stones Regarding the recent letters about the so-called sculptures in Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, the composer Sibelius said: “A statue has never been erected honouring a critic.”

John Ward Moorhouse Tunbridge Wells

We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words

HAS our esteemed TW Council Leader David Jukes finally flipped? Has he spent even more of our precious money creating his own personal logo to show which developments he personally favours, such as the Civic Complex? That was Calverley’s first thought when he spotted this stamp of approval.

Sadly, or happily, depending on your point of view, that is not the case. Imagine the uproar if it were true! No, this logo belongs to wine expert Matthew Jukes and appears in a Sunday newspaper. Mind you, Cllr Jukes is also something of an ‘expert’ when it comes to wines, especially reds.

SPARE a thought for this particular young man. Being a keen football fan, he is often tempted to place bets on the outcome of matches. The other day he placed £5 on the outcome of eight games. Apparently this is where each win adds to the value of the bet, so by the end of the seventh game he had a lot of money resting on the final tussle. He had worked out that if the last team won he would collect £19,500 for his £5 bet. All was well until two minutes before the final whistle, when the wrong side scored a winning goal. It was not a pleasant sight seeing a chap sob.

ONE of the biggest problems for bosses in hospitality is keeping staff. Pubs, hotels and restaurants are all finding it hard to attract and retain people. Sometimes, though, those bosses bring it upon themselves. Take the case of this particular owner, who runs a string of gastro pubs (and no it is not Whiting & Hammond, my all-time favourites). He encourages staff to run up bar tabs, even when they are working, which seems like an understanding boss. The surprise comes when staff collect their pay cheques and find out he is charging them 20 per cent interest on those tabs. And he’s surprised he can’t keep his staff.

HATS OFF to this housing association that provides low-cost accommodation. They refused to be cajoled into relocating a tenant of theirs even though he kept ‘accidentally’ leaving taps running in the bathroom and flooding the floors below. Their solution?

Moving him to a ground-floor flat. Result.

Chin Chin, readers

Calverley is away this week visiting vineyards (again)

Education

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

GOOD GROUNDS FOR PICKING UP A BOOK Chiddingstone Castle

Literary festival promotes pupils’ passion for reading What happens when you gather over 1,500 schoolchildren in the grounds of an historic castle and they meet their favourite authors? This event in Chiddingstone is an inspiring way to develop a love of reading and writing, says Eileen Leahy THIS year’s three-day literary festival at Chiddingstone Castle was the ‘biggest and most successful’ in the event’s three-year history, according to its organisers.

The festival, which took place over the sunny Early May Bank Holiday, saw 36 authors – including crime writer Ian Rankin, historical novelist Kate Mosse and food writer Diana Henry – descend upon the picturesque castle to wax lyrical about their passion for writing and literature.

“The author talks were all entertaining and covered a huge variety of topics,” a festival spokesperson told the Times.

“And they genuinely offered something for everyone. Standout performances from Evan Davis, Jim Al-Khalili with Nigel Shadbolt and Anna Pasternak kept audiences gripped.”

FROM DREAMSNATCHER TO SKY SONG WRITER Abi Elphinstone

Workshops There were also pop-up theatre performances, exclusive book readings and comedy acts to entertain visitors both young and old over the first two days of the festival.

“We sold out all 12 workshops for adults and children, ranging from life drawing to clay modelling with Aardman Animations, and from creative story writing with The Story Makers to magazine-making with Scoop children’s magazine.”

The final day saw more than 1,500 schoolchildren invited along, with the main aim of encouraging them to develop a real love of literature courtesy of a range of interesting workshops and specialist talks by famous writers.

Pupils came from all over the area, including Chiddingstone and Leigh primaries and Somerhill, MOTHER OF DRAGONS Sevenoaks Prep and Fosse Cressida Cowell Bank schools, to hear the

likes of Tunbridge Wells resident and The Grunts author Philip Ardagh, How To Train Your Dragon’s Cressida Cowell, Sky Song’s Abi Elphinstone and Charlie and Lola creator Lauren Child all (talk about) their books and their love of writing.

Teacher Kate Haysom, of Chiddingstone School, commented on the ‘lovely buzz’ the day had, while Susan Smith, a librarian at Schools at Somerhill, said: “It’s like having a mini Edinburgh Literary Festival on our doorstep… our pupils loved listening to Cressida Cowell.”

The festival organisers are already making plans for next year’s event.

“We are certainly delighted with our third festival, and will soon be turning our thoughts to planning for 2019,” said a spokesperson. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk ADDED DRAMA Bringing books to life

NEWS

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge & Malling

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff.

As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association, and also worked for the Foreign Office. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015 and was elected as Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in July 2017

It is time to embrace a car-free world OVER the past 20 years, the number of people owning a car has risen dramatically. This has, of course, brought some positives; often improving people’s independence, giving people in remote and rural places a lifeline, and making far-flung places of the country more accessible.

But at the same time, more cars have meant more problems. Vastly increased congestion, potholes and air pollution are all now commonplace on any drive, and with the number of cars on the road increasing further, they’re not going away anytime soon.

If we look to our friends in Europe, many cities are already embracing a car-free world. Cycling is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to travel. Everyone knows Amsterdam as the cycling capital of Europe, but many other cities, such as Copenhagen, Ghent, Strasbourg and Malmö, are quickly increasing the amount that they travel on two wheels rather than four.

And we’re not far behind. Over recent years, the number of cyclists in the UK has slowly risen, but in London and other cities the number of cyclists has increased steeply thanks to the introduction of Boris Bikes and new cycle paths. Of course, reducing the carbon footprint is also one of the many benefits of cycling in London, and in the summer it can be nicer than being stuck underground.

While we sadly don’t have any Boris Bikes, we

do have a brand new cycle path, and hopefully soon a few more. The weekend before last I attended the official opening of the A21 Pembury to Tonbridge Cycle Path, and even tried it out – it could have been tiring on what turned out to be a wet day, but I was kindly lent an electric bike which made it much easier!

PEDAL POWER Tom Tugendhat (centre) joins fellow MP Greg Clark (second from left) on the new Pembury to Tonbridge cycle path

Fantastic I wasn’t cycling alone. Alongside Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Michael Payne, Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste at Kent County Council and lots of members of the fantastic Tonbridge Bicycle Users Group [TBUG], we set off from one town to the other.

This cycle route is a superb new addition to our local area, and will no doubt make a big difference to people travelling to Pembury and Knights Park. I know a lot of people have currently given it a go, and I would encourage everyone to visit the other cycle paths nearby, too.

You may well have heard the name TBUG popping up over the past couple of months. As the name suggests, they are a local cycling group who are encouraging safe cycling in Tonbridge & Malling; they want to reduce the number of polluting cars and congestions on our roads in favour of a healthier lifestyle.

It’s a brilliant idea, created and run by some very hardworking and dedicated local residents.

They have some great ideas for how to make Tonbridge more cycle friendly, and I look forward to meeting them in a few months to discuss how we can work together to get as many people as possible out of their cars and on to

their bikes – at least in the summer months!

Looking at alternative ways to travel is so important for the future, and cycling is a fantastic way to do this. Being so close to a number of large towns, Tonbridge has real potential for becoming a cycling hotspot and leading the way to a congestionfree, environmentally friendly, healthier future.

Half-term special

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Top picks for the best half-term yet Adults rejoice! There’s no need to leave the country during the school holidays as Kent and Sussex have plenty of inspiring ideas and places to visit to keep the children busy…

DRUSSILAS

HEVER CASTLE on Tuesday May 29, as well as the cutest girl herself, Hello Kitty, on Wednesday May 30. If that isn’t enough, there’s all the usual animal magic, heaps of adventure play, the Get Wet! splash pad, amazing rides and a Hello Kitty Secret Garden.

Drusillas is conveniently located just off the A27 at Alfriston.

ADVERTORIAL

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Kent & East Sussex Railway

Tenterden Town Station TN30 6HE 01580 765155 www.kesr.org.uk With a family travel card for just £38, everyone can enjoy a fun step back in time at Tenterden’s Steam Railway. Perfect to visit whatever the weather, jump aboard a heritage steam or diesel train and sit back in comfort through unspoilt countryside to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam. Why not pre-book a munch bag to feed the kids on the journey and treat yourself to a cream tea or ploughmans at your table*. Travelcards allow all day travel and free parking at Tenterden and Northiam Stations. *Pre-booking essential for on-train catering DINO GOLF

Hever Castle

Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG 01732 865224 www.hevercastle.co.uk

Bewl Water

Bewlbridge Ln, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JH 01892 890000 www.bewlwater.co.uk Keep the little ones entertained during the school holidays with Kids’ Camps at Bewl Water. These camps provide an affordable alternative to traditional childcare for busy or working parents, and are a great opportunity for children to make new friends and remain active during the holidays.

From half a day to multiple weeks, their camps are very flexible. Activities differ on a daily basis, ensuring that those attending for multiple weeks enjoy new experiences each day, stay engaged and, most importantly, love coming to camp! They

are available to all children aged 5 and over, and prices begin from just £19.50 for a half day.

Drusillas Park

Alfriston Rd, East Sussex BN26 5QS 01323 874100 www.drusillas.co.uk Add some picture-perfect moments to your 2018 scrapbook with a trip to the ever-popular Drusillas Park and enjoy all the amazing animals, attractions and events on offer at the awardwinning zoo in East Sussex. This half-term, it is practically bursting with excitement. Go along and meet Owlette and Gekko from the PJ Masks

Immerse yourself in Edwardian life by stepping back in time to the early 20th century for halfterm family fun at Hever Castle from May 26 to June 3. At their Edwardian Life event, visitors can enjoy a traditional Punch and Judy show with a Tudor twist – look out for Henry VIII and his six wives – as well as try their hand at games from the period including a coconut shy*, tin-can alley and bean bag race, or you can enjoy a leisurely game of croquet on the lawn. Learn about the study and collection of butterflies and moths from our colourful resident lepidopterist. Meet costumed characters from the era and look out for visitors arriving in full Edwardian dress with prizes for the best dressed boy and girl. *small additional charge

Mr Mulligan’s Dino Golf

Cannon Lane, Tonbridge TN9 1PP 01732 365923 www.mrmulligan.com/tonbridge Join Mr Mulligan for an utterly unique and exciting Dino Golf experience in Tonbridge. You and the kids can putt through an 18-hole golf adventure to remember; over lush island greens, through prehistoric caves, and watch out for the enormous Jurassic creatures lurking throughout the course. The venue welcomes all ages from 2

Continued on page 26

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ADVERTORIAL

Half-term special

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

SMALLHYTHE PLACE

everyone this May half-term at Smallhythe Place.

Younger ones can get creative in the garden with our kids’ crafts activities from Wednesday through to Friday, 2pm to 4pm, or tick off some of the ‘50 Things’ activities. Our new Triumphant Women exhibition, part of the National Trust’s Women and Power programme, is on display in The Barn Theatre and Green Room and explores the roles of the powerful women of Smallhythe in the suffrage movement. Relax in the tranquil gardens with an early evening picnic, before watching Giles Shenton and East 15 tread the boards of our historical stage.

What the Ladybird Heard at EM Forster Theatre

High Street Entrance, Tonbridge TN9 1JP

E M FORESTER to 82, so bring all the family along for a day to remember. Be sure to check out their range of packages including corporate bookings, birthday parties and children’s parties.

Recre8 Holiday Courses

London Road, Tonbridge Kent, TN10 3AD 01732 304123 www.sportscentre. tonbridge-school.co.uk/recre8 If you want to keep your children active and entertained all through half-term and the summer holidays, Recre8 have

the perfect activity, whatever they enjoy.

Using the top-class facilities at Tonbridge School, courses range from archery, climbing, gymnastics and trampolining to art, breakdancing, cake decorating and musical theatre. They also offer a range of 11+ mock examinations and revision courses. So, if your child is taking the 11+ assessment in September, Recre8 can help them achieve their potential.

Smallhythe Place

Smallhythe, Tenterden, Kent TN30 7NG 01580 762334 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ smallhythe-place There is something for

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

01732 304241 www.emftheatre.com Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog as they take on the villains in this hit musical stage adaptation of What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, published by Macmillan Children’s Books. This action packed 55-minute adventure has original songs, live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs, making it the perfect treat for families with children aged three and up. Tickets are £12 with a special group rate £10 for 10 or more people.

Continued on page 47

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

AND IMPROVING

AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS, TOP TRENDS AN D GARDENING

28

Make a date All you need for half term fun

DISCOVER A SMART TOWN RESIDENCE

Page 47-48

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A RECIPE FOR KITCHEN SUCCESS

43

SEE STONE LOVE AT RHS CHELSEA

Say it with flowers

Our pick of the best designs Page 44

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yourh me

To suit your budget

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to

UPTON QUARRY LANGTON GREEN GUIDE PRICE

£750,000

UNDER £350,000

n Rear lobby

UNDER £450,000

n Kitchen/dining room

JASMINE COTTAGES, GROOMBRIDGE

n Bathroom

HIGHFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n 3 bedrooms

n Chrome fittings

GUIDE PRICE

n 2 bedrooms

OIEO

£295,000-£310,000

n Additional loft space n Courtyard garden

£375,000

n Landscaped rear garden with decking

n Semi-detached cottage

n Timber decking

n Semi-detached home

n Late Victorian build n Sitting room n Open fire n Kitchen/diner

CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

n 1930’s build n Newly fitted kitchen/bathroom n Entrance hall n Living room

n Bathroom

n Double width brick paved driveway CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpiclher.co.uk

To suit your budget

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

thekn w

29

great properties by price range…

UNDER £550,000 HIGHFIELD CLOSE, PEMBURY

GUIDE PRICE

£475,000 n Chalet bungalow n Excellent decorative order n Dining room n Reception room n Downstairs shower room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Master bedroom with en suite bathroom n 2 further bedrooms n Large garden with patio area n Off-road parking for several cars CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 PALMERTON, HADLOW

£595,500 n Spacious bungalow n Entrance porch n Double aspect living room n Dining room n 3 bedroom n Large loft room (room to convert to additional bedrooms) n Extension/annexe with master bedroom, shower room and cloakroom n Secluded rear garden n Vegetable garden n Detached electric garage CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £1MILLION

UNDER £700,000

UPTON QUARRY, LANGTON GREEN

n Garden/utility room n Galleried landing

MEREWORTH ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

n 3 bedrooms

GUIDE PRICE

£750,000

n Family bathroom

n Extended home in cul de sac

n Annexe with 2 bedrooms, reception room and kitchen

n Entrance hall

n Rear garden with patio

n Through reception room n Dining room

n Large sweeping drive with offroad parking

n Reception room

CONTACT

n Rear lobby/study area n Cloakroom n Kitchen

Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

£650,000-£675,000 n Semi-detached town house n Kitchen/dining area n Lounge n Master bedroom with en suite n 4 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Rear garden n Single garage and off-road parking space CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

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yourh me

Acer Avenue

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

AT A GLANCE ACER AVENUE TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Covered storm porch n Large hallway n L-shaped cloakroom n Study n Sitting room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Large galleried landing n Master bedroom with en suite n Dressing room n 4 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Double garage with electric doors n Off-road parking for several vehicles n Rear garden with large paved patio area n Raised planters n Water feature n Seating area

ÂŁ825,000-ÂŁ845,000 Available for sale through Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www. bracketts.co.uk

Well-maintained modern detached home with timbered features and five bedrooms

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yourh me

Advertising

thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Gardening

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Made in Chelsea…

Now this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show has kicked off, Jon Bond finds out how to get this year’s look at home from local gardening experts in the know

T

HE RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the event of the year for the greenfingered, showcasing the very best of talent in horticulture and garden design. This year’s event, which runs until Saturday, aims to demonstrate how plants and green spaces can improve lives, particularly with regard to mental health, as research increasingly shows that gardening can be beneficial for our wellbeing.

So we asked three experts how you can bring 2018’s trends to your own back garden…

Designer of The Wedgwood Garden, 2018 “We’re going to see plenty of colour at Chelsea this year, and a move away from the rectilinear gardens that have dominated in the past.

“I’m expecting to see lots of irises, and gardens that take more notice of their settings. There are

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show opened yesterday [Tuesday] and runs until Saturday [May 26]. For details, visit www.rhs.org.uk

many gardens that have been designed as entertaining spaces, reflecting how people are wanting to spend more time in nature, to benefit from its therapeutic effects.” www.jothompson-garden-design. co.uk

COLOURFUL CREATION Jo Thompson’s Wedgwood Garden

Neil Miller

PHOTO: Sarah Price

MASTERS OF STONE Chilstone use architectural ornaments to bring their gardens to life

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Jo Thompson, of Ticehurst

Mark Crampton

Works manager at Chilstone, Langton Green, who are exhibiting at this year’s show Chilstone has created a mini version of a formal front garden and entrance on its stand, with architectural stone columns and balustrade complementing the garden design.

Chilstone’s garden is easy to recreate at home, with a tranquil Kew fountain in the centre of a formal pond, surrounded by an abundance of soft alliums, fragrant salvias and tall delphiniums in purples and whites. Columns support a sedum roof to create a grand entrance behind the planting.

Says Mark: “We wanted to evoke a real house and garden to show off our expertise in hard landscaping, using architectural stone and garden ornaments to celebrate 65 years of handcraftsmanship.” www.chilstone.com

yourh me

MEDITERRANEAN MARVEL Sarah Price’s M&G Garden

Head Gardener at Hever Castle “If, like us at Hever, you’re inspired by romanticised Mediterranean gardens that celebrate colour and texture, then designer Sarah Price is your woman.

“If you want to create a bit of Sarah Price magic in your back garden, look at using sustainable materials and romantic plant combinations, such as Asphodelus, Dianthus, delicate poppies and scented herbs.

“Sarah’s use of red aggregates, clay and terracotta in her show garden might just bring back ‘terracotta’ as a trend for 2018.

“It’s a good material for providing a sense of warmth, and brings colour to a garden come winter.” www.hevercastle.co.uk

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yourh me

Interiors

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Blooming

marvellous

With the Chelsea Flower Show on all this week we’re celebrating all things fabulously floral. Eileen Leahy shows you how to introduce some pretty prints inspired by the great outdoors into your home

Fabrics The current look for 2018 homes in the know is for bright, bold designs in hot hues – think fuchsia, tangerine and zesty lime.

But if you’re not feeling that brave, then go for paler pastel shades with spriggy prints on soft furnishings.

And if this is still too much to embrace, reflect the look via a picture or some accessories.

If you’re seeking initial inspiration, a great place to start is by looking at some of the key fabric specialists.

They include Sanderson, Colefax & Fowler, Designers Guild and Nina Campbell. They will all help you get a feel of what colours work together and what will complement your specific space.

As our main, Laura Ashley image shows, the high street also has

plenty to offer when it comes to offering a sizeable selection of fabrics that you – or a haberdasher – can fashion into drapes and cushion covers.

Other places where you can buy by the metre and do it yourself include Dunelm and John Lewis.

If you simply want to pick something up in a shop and then hang or drape it somewhere, then places such as Marks & Spencer, Next and HomeSense are all carrying lots of blooming gorgeous pieces, including floral print crockery, bedding, faux foliage and pretty pictures that will immediately help you achieve the look.

Next it’s all about deciding on a theme. Peony and Sage (www. peonyandsage.com) and Cabbages & Roses (www.cabbagesandroses.com) are great for elegant and vintage styles. And for something more contemporary, have a look at Vanessa Arbuthnott’s (www. vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk) collection.

To ensure you don’t create an overly fussy or feminine feel – especially important if you are looking to achieve this floral scheme in a sitting room that you share with someone who may not appreciate that – then introduce some neutrals via your lighting or furniture to keep things balanced.

And for the perfect finishing touch, treat your space – and your senses – to a fresh bunch of flowers or two.

After all, nothing quite makes a room look and feel homely like the real floral deal.

IMAGE: Courtesy of Laura Ashley

O

NE of the quickest ways you can instantly add some warmth and visual interest into a room scheme is with a sprinkling of florals. A dash of dahlia prints here and a little hit of hydrangeas there will really help to lift an interior and also beautifully – and effortlessly – reflect the natural beauty of the outside, inside.

There is, however, a fine line between creating an ethereal magical floral effect and going overboard into twee territory.

To ensure you don’t stray down the proverbial garden path with this decorating trend try opting for a subtle smattering of prints instead.

NOW GET THE LOOK You’ve read all about how you can introduce some floral fancies into your home. Here are some key accessories to help your space positively bloom…

FLOWER POWER Floral print cushion, £14.99, TK Maxx, www.tkmaxx.com

BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL Roses and Ranunculus Flowers in Cube, £65, Laura Ashley, www.lauraashley.co.uk

NATURAL WONDER Butterfly Enamel Tin Jug £19.50, M&S, www.marksandspencer.com

MAGNIFICENT MAGNOLIA Magnolia Single Stem, £4, Sainsbury’s Home, www.sainsburys.co.uk

SIMPLY FLOORED Watercolour Floral Rug, £65, Next, www.next.co.uk

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Half-term special

ADVERTORIAL

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The top family-friendly pubs The adults need entertaining during the holidays too, so keep the all the generations happy with a visit to these fantastic local pubs which serve great food, delicious drinks, and boast outdoor seating they’ve ever had, and the rest of the menu is just as appetising with options to please the young and the not-so-young alike. They have a spacious outdoor area and you’re always welcome to just pop in for a beverage or three…

THE ABERGAVENNY ARMS

The Kentish Hare

95 Bidborough Ridge, Bidborough Village, Kent TN3 0XB 01892 525709 www.thekentishhare.com

The Abergavenny Arms

The Brecknock Arms

Frant Rd, Frant, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9DB 01892 750233 www.abergavennyarms.co.uk

Bayham Road, Bells Yew Green, TN3 9BJ 01892 750 237 www.brecknockarms.com

Conveniently located in the picturesque, nearby village of Frant, this much-loved local is the ideal spot to grab some grub after enjoying the surrounding Kent and Sussex countryside with the family. Showcasing a vast array of drinks, from cask ales to local gins, and a food menu that would make anyone drool, featuring deals on steaks and some excellent chunky chips, there’s a reason that visitors keep returning to the Abergavenny again and again.

Recently taken over by a young family, the Brecknock Arms promises to be something of a community hub in Bells Yew Green. With a large garden for the kids to run around in, boasting it’s very own chicken coup, and an exceptionally welcoming atmosphere, this new version of a beloved local is set to be a family favourite. The menu is launching this week and is proudly packed with all the freshest produce, so make sure you stop by for a test-run.

George & Dragon

3 Speldhurst Hill, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0NN 01892 863125 www.speldhurst.com

GEORGE & DRAGON

This pub has become a firm favourite in the charming village of Speldhurst since the Silverlake Leisure Group took it over in 2018. The Times has heard even the most critical of Sundayroast-munchers claim the offering here is the best

The Kentish Hare hasn’t been awarded two AA Rosettes for nothing. Priding themselves on only serving their top-quality, locally-sourced produce with the best service in town, this eatery is well-established and loved in town. Just some of the tasty treats include mini sticky chorizo and chicken liver parfait, but they like to mix up the menu to keep things fresh so it’s always worth coming back for more to see their new and exciting offerings.

The Leicester Arms Hotel

High Street, Penshurst, Tonbridge TN11 8BT 01892 871617 www.theleicesterarmshotel.com

BRECKNOCK ARMS Another member of the Silverlake family, this perfectly-located establishment is a stone’s throw away from family-favourite Penshurst Place. With ample parking, a spacious outdoors, as well as separate dining and drinking areas, this 13-bedroom hotel and pub ticks all the boxes.

Much like it’s sister pub, the George and Dragon, they have a mouth-watering seasonal menu and a mighty fine Sunday lunch to please even the harshest critic.

Continued on page 48

THE LEICESTER ARMS HOTEL

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ADVERTORIAL

Half-term special

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Planning ahead for family festival fun Are you considering heading off to a family friendly festival this summer? Mum’s the Word tell you everything you need to know…

HERE’S OUR TOP 10 TIPS FOR FESTIVAL-GOING WITH KIDS: n Start small – the first family festival we

went to was just 30 minutes up the road.

Treat it as a test (worst case scenario you can go home if the baby won’t sleep and head back the next day) There are lots to choose from Woodlands, Hawkhurst, 8-10th June, Black Deer Festival, Eridge, 22-24 June, Big Day Out, Brighton, 30th June, Neverworld/Leefest, Hever, 2nd-5th August, Chilled in a Field, Ringmer, 3-6 August. n Always pack a trolley to transport your

I

t’s warming up - which can only mean one thing it’s the start of the festival season!

Yes, that’s right, it’s that time of year where we decamp to a field for a weekend of fun, laughter and letting loose without a care in the world! Well that’s what we did pre-children anyway… now we have a couple of children in tow we’ve abandoned Bestival for the family-friendly Camp Bestival (July 26 to 29, Dorset) and here’s everything we’ve learnt along the way!

We’ve been camping as a family since the children were tiny but decided to embark upon our first family festival a couple of years ago and we’re really glad we did! The brilliant thing about going to family friendly-festival is the wide range of entertainment taking place over the weekend.

There is something for everyone - old and young - from craft and forest skills to silent discos, street food and even live appearances from Mr Tumble (for the kids) and Orbital (for the adults) at some of the larger festivals.

Whatever you do though… don’t go to a family friendly expecting a rest! Festivals are full on fun!

Your children will wake at the crack of dawn (even earlier than they do at home) and you will find that you’ve taken part in family yoga, wacky races

and a street dance lesson all before 10am!

BUT when else do you get to spend all day and night outdoors; with entertainment on tap (with access to something stronger on tap too) without distractions from phones, Playstations, tablets (tell them there’s no WiFi in the tent) and everyday life – it really is good for the soul, a time to create memories you’ll treasure forever.

camping stuff from the car park to your camping spot. Unlike camping you can’t pull up next to your pitch and unload – your trolley can also double as child transport/ sleeping station for later in the day. Don’t forget the slings for little ones!

n Download the festival app in advance or

study the festival programme –it will help you plan what you want to do/see and ensure you don’t miss anything n Don’t bother to take your own food (maybe

just some snacks, croissants & brioche are perfect for keeping hungry tums happy, plus pouches are perfect for little ones and easy to transport). Festival street food always exceeds our expectations, with a real fusion of food delights from pizza to burritos and curries to delicious churros! n Pitch your tent next to someone with a

recognisable flag/tent! This really helped us and the kids remember/find the tent when we were first getting our bearings… And don’t forget the head torches for when it’s dark!

n Festivals can be busy – remember to put

your mobile number on your child’s wristband and find a meeting spot in case you get separated… n Pack wellies and lots of layers. Even if the

weather is good, it does always get really cold at night and damp under foot in the morning! Gro bags are excellent for keeping little ones warm at night. n Don’t wear dungarees! Although they do

form the basis of our Mum uniform, dangly dungaree straps don’t mix with porta-loos!

Plus always take loo roll and a potty for the tent and keep anti-bac hand wash in your bum bag (yes they’re back and very handy for festivals!)

n Wet wipes and dry shampoo are the

perfect replacement for showers – if they are busy (or even if they’re not)… n As we are talking about the UK make sure

you pack raincoats and sunscreen! You’ll probably need both! n Most of all have fun… forget routines, forget

sitting down for dinner (you will at times wonder why you are doing it at all) but throw caution to the wind and start making those memories – you won’t regret it!

Mum’s the Word are taking #wild_child their family-friendly dance party to Woodlands Festival on Sunday June 10, for more information visit www.mumstheword.online

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

thekn w.guide IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

ARTS & CULTURE | LIFE & STYLE |

Festival fever

FOOD & DRINK | MOTORING

52

Discover what’s happening this bank holiday weekend Page 50

LEARNING THE ART OF THERAPY

56

FIRE UP YOUR IMAGINATION

58

TONBRIDGE FOOD FESTIVAL

Frankly speaking

62

Joe Pasquale comes to town as Frank Spencer Page 53

LOOK CHIC IN BLACK AND WHITE

50

thekn w.guide

Arts & Culture

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

A festival that hits all the right notes The free culture festival Unfest, which is now part of the BBC’s Biggest Weekend Fringe, returns this Bank Holiday.

Here, its founder Jason Dormon, who co-owns The Forum, reveals to Eileen Leahy what’s new for this year’s event THIS coming weekend, Unfest brings another four days and nights of free music and art being showcased and celebrated in Tunbridge Wells, starting with a launch event at The Sussex Jason Dormon Arms Thursday night.

The festival is centred mainly around The Forum and The Sussex Arms, in The Pantiles, but there will be plenty of other fringe gigs going on, too.

Started by The Forum’s Jason Dormon, Unfest has been going for over two decades, with the likes of Slaves, The Standard Lamps, The Bay Rays and Joey Fat all playing at it over the years.

Unclass Unlike most festivals Unfest has no hefty ticket price thanks to the organisers, musicians and venues all giving their time for free. It also has the support of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s

Sound of the Wells initiative. And it also puts on spoken word events and hosts art exhibitions and theatre performances.

“Unfest is a multi-venue fringe festival that celebrates the wealth and diversity of music and art that the town incubates,” says Jason.

And although he and his team like to keep back a few surprises before the main action kicks off on Friday, we can reveal that the likes of Thyla, JC Palmer, Lily & Jessie, Five Kites and Placid will all perform at venues which include The Forum, The Sussex, The Royal Oak and The Bedford.

“The Forum and Sussex Arms Basement stages are curated by The Forum staff,” explains Jason.

“And the idea is they will showcase a variety of local bands, as well as a few touring acts who’ve previously played the venues.”

There will also be stages curated by Local & Live music promoter Paul Dunton and Word Up and The Acoustic Valium Project.

New for this year is a concept dubbed ‘Unclass’, a free artist consultancy run by Duncan Silvey which aims to give guidance and a helping hand to grassroots creatives when they’re starting out.

Another exciting development for this year’s festival, which also coincides with The Forum’s 25th anniversary, is the fact that it will be joining in with BBC Music’s Biggest Weekend Fringe.

This is as part of the broadcaster’s national outreach campaign which celebrates music scenes across the UK, including the Biggest Weekend gigs in FACE THE MUSIC Coventry, Perth, Belfast There’s plenty to and Swansea, which see at Unfest will be aired across BBC radio stations on the

SLAVES Perform at Unfest

same weekend as Unfest. Quite an honour, then, to be picked by the BBC to share the town’s passion and enthusiasm for new and emerging music?

“Yes, we’re very happy that the BBC recognises the importance small venues play in the nation’s music scene,” says Jason, who has welcomed acts as diverse as Coldplay and Oasis to Adele, The Wedding Present and Keane to his now legendary venue on The Common over the years.

And how will they be celebrating The Forum turning 25? “We’re releasing an anniversary compilation album entitled ‘The Forum: 25 Years and Beyond’,” says Jason.

“There will be a chance to buy the limitededition CDs at the Unfest merch table over the weekend. The record consists of local bands that encapsulate the club’s past and present, but it also looks towards the future. Many of the bands on the album will be playing over the weekend.”

Jason also divulges that the clever Unfest app,

introduced last year, has been updated to further enhance festivalgoers’ experience for 2018.

Users will be able to check-in at venues and stream tracks as well as pick up special offers provided by the venues and bands.

“Really Quite Something, a local company who designed it for us, are currently working to bring music streaming, vouchers and a live schedule to the forefront of the app,” says Jason. “We always want people to discover something new, so hopefully easy access to the loyalty vouchers will encourage people to seek new places and sounds.

“Unfest is very much about celebrating the venues and audiences, as well as the musicians, because it’s the relationship between the performers, fans and places that makes for such a vibrant scene.”

Unfest runs from Thursday May 24 to Monday May 28 at various locations around Tunbridge Wells. For full details, see www.unfest.org

A funny thing happened on the way to The Forum…

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the town’s iconic music venue, local musician and keen cyclist Paul Cheese put himself and his bike on a plane last month to Macedonia – on a mission to find 24 ancient forums.

After reaching the 24th forum, he now heads back to the UK to finish the trip at the 25th one: Tunbridge Wells’s very own Forum of course!

Along the way Paul has been recording sounds and vision for both his next record, and a visual display later on in the year.

Paul has cycled across Greece and Italy, visiting such places as Athens, Sparta, Olympia, Pompeii and Rome, and covered over 1,600 miles on the bike with 75kg of equipment.

Hear more of his story this weekend by dropping into his pop-up music studio.

And look out for his Unfest gigs…

Arts & Culture

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

To be Frank…

Comic Joe Pasquale reveals to us what it’s like to play iconic sitcom comedian Frank Spencer ahead of his new show, Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em, coming to the Assembly Hall next week

all sorts. But we’re not doing it as Michael’s version of Frank Spencer; that would be an insult to Michael. I’m putting my personality into it, which is how to make it believable. There’s a difference between child-like and childish and Frank isn’t childish; he believes in what he’s doing.

“We did three workshops, and at the last one we had an invited audience who were across an age range of between 18 and 70. All the younger people didn’t know the show or have a frame of reference with Michael, but they laughed their socks off. Even the older people who remember the original, forgot Michael doing it in within five minutes – the script is so good,” he enthuses, explaining that the show is based on an original story about Frank trying to get on a TV talent show.

I

BERET FUNNY Joe Pasquale brings lots of laugh-out-loud moments

HOPE the insurance is comprehensive and the Stage Manager has a well-stocked first aid kit when Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em comes to Tunbridge Wells next week, I say upon meeting Joe Pasquale.

“Oh blimey, yes!” says the effervescent Joe, who will play Frank Spencer, the character made famous on TV in the 1970s by Michael Crawford, and who that had a nation chorusing his “Ooh, Betty!” catchphrase.

“We have a stunt coordinator and I’m doing it all – hanging by my ankles, chicken chasing and

Adrenaline “It’s still set in the 70s, so you get the mustard wallpaper, tank tops and all the trimmings. It is so funny, and you can take the whole family.

Apart from panto and maybe musicals, there aren’t any theatre shows that people of all ages can enjoy together, but this is proper family comedy.”

Agreeing that he is something of an adrenaline junkie (as well as slumming it on – and winning – I’m a Celebrity 14 years ago, Joe has also appeared in TV documentaries that have entailed him being trained by the SAS and imprisoned in Costa Rica). He jokes: “If it’s not dangerous or life threatening then I’m not interested any more.

“I read the book Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway 15 years ago, and it made me think.

OH, MOTHER (IN-LAW)!

Susie Blake faints with Frank looking on “Now, if I’m not sure about doing something, I automatically say ‘OK, let’s do it’. You might as well live while you can.”

Asked how this show came about, Joe recalls playing King Arthur in the Monty Python musical comedy Spamalot in the West End a couple of years ago. Stuck in an airless dressing room at the height of summer, wearing chainmail and kingly robes, his broken fan was about as much use as a chocolate fire guard.

So he set about taking it to pieces, cleaning it and putting it back together again. When he turned the power back on the fan exploded.

The show’s Director, Christopher Luscombe, and Staff Director, Guy Unsworth, were present and both roared with laughter, calling it a ‘pure Frank Spencer moment’.

A seed was sown and Guy sought out Raymond Allen, writer of the original TV series. Fate was smiling for Allen, it transpired, was a big fan of Joe’s. Unsworth set about writing a script and now, two years, several script edits and three workshops later, the show is underway.

He is joined by a cast that includes Susie Blake as Frank’s disapproving mother-in-law, Moray Treadwell, David Shaw-Parkerand Chris Kiely.

Playing his long-suffering wife Betty is his Spamalot co-star, Sarah Earnshaw.

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“Sarah’s role is so much more difficult. She has to be softer and so likable, but she’s brilliant,” says Joe. In addition to touring Some Mothers, Joe still does stand-up and has just had a book of short horror stories published.

“It’s a book for adults called Deadknobs and Doomsticks.

I’m a bit of a horror buff, and when I did an Open University course in geoscience and geology, as a by-product I did some writing courses.”

Sending his stories to an author friend for feedback, his chum promptly forwarded them on to his publisher who saw the potential and immediately told Joe to write some more.

Reminiscent of the Duracell Bunny in terms of energy, does Joe find acting in a long tour tiring?

“My life is a sitcom, so no acting required for this one, but touring in Some Mothers is a lot easier than my stand-up show, when I usually do 40 one-nighters at different theatres. A week in one place is just like a holiday,” he beams.

“I like to get out and about. I don’t just sit there watching the telly. I get the local pamphlets from the hotel and go see whatever there is to see and get to know a place. The Assembly Hall is a great venue and I always look forward to going there.”

As for playing Frank, daredevil Joe is mindful that he has already had his fair share of ‘industrial injuries’, including getting stuck inside a bingo machine, breaking his toe while tap dancing and dislocating a shoulder in panto.

“It’s got danger written all over it for me,” admits Joe cheerily. “I wouldn’t want to be my understudy.

But the world is a miserable place sometimes and we need to empty our bins mentally. The only way to do that is release some laughter, and you’ll laugh for two hours solidly at this, I promise.”

Some Mother’s Do ’Ave ’Em is on at the Assembly Hall from Tuesday May 29 until Saturday June 2.

To book, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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Going Out

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance

comedy kicks off at 8.30pm and entrance costs £10 per person.

FRIDAY

Geometry For the Many Not the Few is the latest exhibition at Trinity Theatre’s gallery. It is a fascinating exploration of two-dimensional and three-dimensional geometric forms, and their use within the current world is the theme which carries this project.

Embark on a nocturnal quest to see bats and their amazing aerial acrobatics at Bore Place, near Sevenoaks, this evening from 7pm until 9pm. After a short introduction, you’ll be guided on a night walk around the farm using bat detectors to listen out for these fascinating nocturnal creatures.

Tickets cost from £4. See www.boreplace.org For nightime entertainment of a different kind there’s always the start of the Bank Holiday weekend musical offerings to go and check out.

Tonight will be positively buzzing with live music events, including The Forum’s Unfest and the return of the popular Alfresco Festival, which is being held at The Hop Farm this year. See Paul Dunton’s listings on the next page for more information and pages 50-51 for our Unfest special.

By Eileen Leahy LEAPING INTO HALF TERM Visit Bateman’s to hear about Rudyard Kipling’s tales on the Just So trails

IMAGE: © National Trust

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

Bayhall Road, and now meets once a fortnight on Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 9pm. For further That’ll Be The Day comes to the Assembly Hall information, please email: once again this evening. Described as an tunbridgewells@tunelesschoir.com ‘outstanding celebration for all true fans of the golden era of popular music’, it sees performers singing smash hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s THURSDAY and lots of hilarious skits and sketches. The show There will be another meeting for stroke survivors starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £26. For further (aged 15-65) at Headway in Culverden Park today details, see www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk from 10.30am. Hosted by Tunbridge Wells stroke You have just two days left to see Crowborough survivor Lisa Beaumont, the support session is artist Robin Alexander Elliott’s eclectic work on organised on behalf of the national charity display at The G&C Gallery in Camden Road.

Different Strokes. For more information, phone Entitled Dreaming Reality – Reality Dreaming: An 0345 307172 or email: info@differentstrokes.co.uk Exhibition Explained, the show runs until Friday There will be a wedding showcase happening and features 15 works by the artist, who studied today at Hever Castle. So if you are thinking of at Sidcup School of Art under the tutorage of tying the knot and want a wedding day to Frank Auerbach. remember, then make sure you go along and Join local illustrator and counsellor Kerry have a look around the castle’s impressive and Ingham at Burrswood in Groombridge today to absolutely beautiful grounds, which include a explore the art of drawing for fun and inner picture-perfect lake. The event runs from 5.30pm peace. The event is aimed at all abilities, and to 9.30pm and guests will have the chance to tour during it Kerry will explain how drawing can the Astor Wing and enjoy drinks on the private help banish negative thoughts and improve Tudor Suite lawn. There will also be a selection of your creativity. Tickets cost £60 per person and food available to taste from the venue’s special include all art materials, arrival refreshments, wedding menu. lunch and a cream tea. For more details, see Oast Theatre are now performing their latest www.burrswood.org.uk production, Dial M for Murder. This Alfred It’s time for another Bring Your Own Baby Hitchcock classic thriller is on every day until Comedy event at The Plough Inn, Leigh. If you Saturday with some matinée performances. haven’t heard of it, then it’s the UK’s premier Tickets for members cost £7.50 and £10 for baby-friendly comedy club, which allows parents non-members. See www.oasttheatre.com who love having a laugh to come along Dance fans should pirouette along to Trinity and see a few stand-ups in action. The Theatre tonight, where Images Ballet bonus is it’s on during the day and you Company are performing a ‘unique can bring your toddlers along and exciting’ take on classical dance. and have a play while you are This talented group is made up of entertained. Tickets ballet professionals from the cost £11 in advance Royal Ballet, Rambert and Ballet or £12 on the door, Ireland, and they will perform which opens at a number of exciting 11.30am. The first contemporary pieces. comic is on stage at Tickets cost £19 and the midday. See www. show starts at 8pm. See byobcomedy.com www.trinitytheatre.net The Tunbridge Once again, popular Wells Tuneless Camden Road Choir eaterie Vittle and rehearses at Swig will be hosting its new home a Comedy Night. of St Peter’s Put on by Lone Star Church in Productions, the IMPROV: At Hever Festival Theatre

Today and tomorrow, the EM Forster Theatre will be hosting a production of What the Ladybird Heard. This hit musical stage adaptation based on the classic book by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks sees characters Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len embarking on a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s prize cow… but will the woolly sheep, hairy dog, fat red hen – and the tiniest creature of all – the lovely ladybird be able to stop them? Go along to find out. Tickets cost £12 and show timings are 3pm on Saturday and 11.30am and 2pm on Sunday. See www.emftheatre.ticketsolve.com FLASHBACK Enjoy a taste of Edwardian Life at Hever Castle

A handpicked selection of brilliant quality traders, decorative homewares, vintage and antiques will be available at The Hop Farm for The Big Brocante all weekend until Sunday. There’s also artisan food and swing jazz aplenty over the three-day fair, with tickets priced from £3.50 (under-tens go free). www.thebigbrocante.co.uk Hever Castle’s summer theatre programme kicks off this weekend and includes an interesting show presented by the all-female improv group Notflix. They will cleverly create a completely new show in the moment from suggestions from the audience, who are asked to write the name and the basic plot of the last film they saw on a slip of paper. Two of these ideas are pulled out of a hat, and the audience get to vote on which improvised musical version of the film Notflix will perform. The favourite character, scene and location are then selected, and a hilarious musical, of the sort you would never find on Netflix, is born! The show starts at 8.30pm and tickets cost £15. www.heverfestival.co.uk The castle’s Edwardian Life event is also on all weekend and over half term. If you haven’t been before then pop along to see what life was like in the early 20th century, when the castle’s glamorous Astor family resided there. Children will have the opportunity to attend an ‘Edwardian’ school where they’ll learn the three Rs – reading, writing and arithmetic. There will also be prizes for the best dressed Edwardian boys and girls.

For admission details, see www.hevercastle.co.uk The Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend, and showcases not only a plethora of local specialist suppliers and producers but also lots of national and global food offerings. With plenty of delicious treats to sample, refreshments readily available and live music, it promises to be another great celebration of all things gourmet. See more on pages 58-59.

Going Out

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

falconry, Ightham Mote’s Billy Goats Gruff Trail and Scotney Castle and Bateman’s family fun guided walks. For more information, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk

TUESDAY

PETER RABBIT Comes alive on screen at Trinity Theatre National Trust property Smallhythe Place, near Tenterden, will be putting on a performance of My Dog’s Got No Nose in its Barn Theatre this evening at 7.30pm. The one-man play, which takes the audience on a journey through the events surrounding a stand-up comedian’s first performance, is by Ron Aldridge, produced by Kick In The Head and stars Giles Shenton.

SUNDAY Finchcocks, the former musical instrument museum in Goudhurst which has been recently transformed into a piano school, is hosting a musical concert this evening to support the work of Help Musicians UK. Brought to you in collaboration with John Broadwood & Sons, it will take place at 7.30pm and boast an intimate celebration of the 200th anniversary of the delivery of one of Thomas Broadwood’s best pianos to Beethoven. For more details, see www.finchcocks.co.uk Littlehealthbunny and Hannah’s Pantry present

a Yoga and Tea event from 10am until 12.30pm.

As well as experiencing an hour and 15 minutes of vinyasa flow yoga, you’ll also have the chance to reward yourself afterwards with some delicious vegan and gluten free treats from Hannah’s Pantry, Squirrel Sisters and Savsé Smoothies.

Tickets cost £28 and the event takes place at The Causeway Hall in Tonbridge High Street.

If you can’t quite muster up the energy to be active and virtuous, why not attend the Bottomless Brunch at One Warwick Park Hotel instead? Running from midday until 2pm, the event costs £30 per person (£10 deposit on booking). The ticket price includes a main brunch dish, including a full English breakfast, smashed avocado and eggs, eggs or American pancakes accompanied by unlimited Prosecco, Bucks Fizz, Bloody Mary, orange juice or filter coffee or tea and live entertainment.

MONDAY

During half-term week there are plenty of local activities to enjoy.

Penshurst Place, for A BRUSH WITH BURRSWOOD example, will be putting Join illustrator Kerry Ingham in on an event called Snappy a Drawing for Relaxation event Spring Holiday all week.

Children and their parents are encouraged to explore the orienteering trail, take some pictures then upload them to social media with the hashtag #SnappedAtPenshurst for the chance to win a free family season ticket. The trails run from 10.30am until 6pm, with additional craft sessions available from 12noon until 4pm.

All our local National Trust venues will also be putting on lots of entertainment for children over the next week. They include Bodiam Castle’s have-a-go archery and

Today and tomorrow, Trinity Theatre will be screening the hit celluloid flick Peter Rabbit.

Starring James Corden, Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne. Based on the characters in Beatrix Potter’s series of books, it’s a funny and moving tale for all the family to enjoy. On at 2pm today and 11am tomorrow, tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £6.50 for children.

Pashley Manor in Ticehurst is hosting Sculpture in Particular – an event that showcases almost

PICK OF THE WEEK: Cranbrook Goes Nuts in May Sunday May 27

Once again, Cranbrook High Street will be a hive of activity on Sunday courtesy of its Nuts in May event. Now in its second year, it celebrates everything that grows in and around this charming village and what you can do with it – dead or alive.

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200 pieces of scultpure and artwork at their award-winning gardens. It is on until June 2, and visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase certain pieces of work. For more details on admission times and prices, visit www.pashleymanorgardens.com Groombridge Place is putting on The Tales of Fairies and Wizards, which will run throughout half term and include plenty of storytelling sessions, crafting activities and magic shows, as well as performances at Crusoe’s World with Hansel, Gretel and the Evil Witch. It’s on until June 2, with gates opening at 10am and closing at 5pm. The admission price also includes birds of prey displays and entrance to the walled gardens.

See www.groombridgeplace.co.uk

The High Street will be filled with lots of different nurseries and other stalls selling everything from handcrafted wooden goods and ironwork to locally-made produce, including fudge and ice-cream.

There will also be a bar serving drinks and light bites, Morris Dancing demonstrations, a live spray-painting demo and live music to make this a wonderful family day out for all.

For more information, see www.cranbrookgoesnutsinmay.co.uk

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Going Out

EASY LISTENING See Back to Bacharach

live music With Paul Dunton

A

S THE local scene gears up for Bank Holiday weekend, my top recommendation is the fantastic and free Unfest music and arts festival, which runs from Thursday to Monday. See the Unfest special on page 50.

Other great live local music events include The Alfresco Festival at The Hop Farm, so make sure you venture out this week and enjoy all the entertainment that is on offer!

But before all that, I highly recommend seeing popular local singer-songwriter Dan Clews, who is at The Grey Lady tonight [Wednesday] supported by Niamh McSmith and Simon Crabb.

On Thursday evening the brilliant Groove Agents headline Jazz on The Pantiles, while Unfest 2018 officially gets underway with performances

The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com

from Paul Cheese, All The Above and Black Gabanza at The Sussex Arms Basement. For fans of The Eagles, the renowned tribute act Illegal Eagles are at The Assembly Hall Theatre. And The Lyrae Duo return to The Trading Post with a beautiful blend of classical, pop, Jazz and everything in between.

Other Unfest venues this weekend include The Forum, The Sussex Mews Outdoor stage and Sussex Arms Basement, and popular pubs The Royal Oak and The Bedford. Keep an eye on www.unfest.org for all the latest information, and get the app!

Other music options for Saturday night include Alex Gold at The Beau Nash Tavern, The Counterfeit Stones at the Assembly Hall and The Tar Babies at The Grey Lady Music Lounge.

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT

The Pantiles Wednesday Gronk, Niamh McSmith, Simon Crabb, Dan Clews Friday Beat by Beat Saturday The Tar Babies Monday Singers Night Tuesday Jez Harley, Charlotte Rose Ellis, Sofia Ford, Stuart Evans

Sussex Mews. Unfest 2018 venue Thursday Unfest 2018 All the Above, Black Gabanza, Paul Cheese Friday Unfest 2018 Crystalate, BRIJS, Code: Marla, Bombay Monkey Saturday Unfest 2018 Riff Raff, Argumentum, Hava, Word of Nod, Placid, Fish Head, Raised by Raptors, Operation Kino, Violet Vendetta, Cove Sunday Unfest 2018 Duncan Silvey Workshop, Night Without Sleep, Teal, Hunters Loaf, Punching Swans, Joeyfat, JC Palmer, In Tyler We Trust

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Unfest details: Visit www.unfest.org Thursday INK, John Buckley Friday Unfest 2018 Red Coast, Bad Nerves, Mike Wilton Band, The Bay Rays, DJS Saturday Unfest 2018 Frost, Word Up!, Basement Cat, Word Up!, Kung Fu Slipper, Alex Metcalf’s Bad Tempered Clavier, Bilk, Joethin, 16 Steps, Lucky Girl, We are Bandicoot, WJC, Lectures, Lily Denning, Indie Disco Sunday Unfest 2018 Paul Cheese, Ten Bag Bandits, Ashley Evans, Laura Lamn, Higgs & The Bosons, Ununpentium, Infrared, Dunning Kruger Group, The Orange Circus Band, Five Kites, Suncharmer, Dead Ceremony, The Gallerys, DJS

THE SUSSEX MEWS, LOCAL & LIVE / UNFEST OUTDOOR STAGE

Saturday Skippy Gonzalez, Teddy Trenowden, Guy Sharpe, Joanne Louise Parker, Mike Wilton, Kyla Stroud, Steve Hewitt, Orfila, Harry Whitty, Charlie Gibson, Charlie Rivers, Rob Picazo Trio Sunday Jack Mackey, Anna Howie, Peter Taylor, Isabella Coulstock, Chasing Shadows, Ian Knapp, Alex Beharrell, Tico Raymar, Paul Dunton Orchestra, The Breretons, Migden & Gibson, The Varlies Monday Hannah Richards, Paul Monham, Chris Pope, Abi Hudson, Alana Hazzard, Katy Virgoe, Ryan Weeks Band, Holly Stanford, Planet 3, Mark Morriss, Youth, Suncharmer

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES

Friday Jason & The Alco Noughts Saturday Kate McGlinchley, Can’t Be Committed, Flick Bennett, Second Helpin’, Arthur O’Hara, MoVe OvEr DaLi, Black Adder, 8 Car Attach, Alcatraz Blues Sunday Magda, Sue Lovell, Spyplane, Rebecca Sales, Frankie Swaine, Jessica Johansson, Laura Lamn, Alley Devils, Lee Willz

THE SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim Friday Live Jazz with Sue Rivers

THE TRADING POST BAR

Thursday Groove Agents

5 Culverden Down Thursday The Lyrae Duo

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

THE ROYAL OAK

Wednesday That’ll Be The Day Thursday Illegal Eagles Friday Nils Lofgren Saturday The Counterfeit Stones Sunday Back To Bacharach

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Saturday Alex Gold

THE BEDFORD 2 High Street. Unfest 2018 venue Suncharmer

Prospect Road. Unfest 2018 venue Friday Monkey Trap Saturday Super Duper & The Yaa Yaa’s

THE ALFRESCO FESTIVAL The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood Friday-Sunday For full details see www.alfrescofestival.co.uk

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Tuesday The 3 Amigos

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food

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STAY CONNECTED 7 DAYS A WEEK…

Food & Drink

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

All fired up It’s National BBQ week from Monday, so it’s time to dust off your outdoor grill, sweep up your patio and get ready to dine al fresco. Here are some smokin’ recipes for you to cook and savour in the sunshine

D

ESPITE our unpredictable weather, throwing a barbecue is still one of the nation’s favourite pastimes. Whether we griddle, smoke, char or roast, there’s something about firing up a feast in the great outdoors we can’t resist.

And with next week being officially National BBQ Week, you have no excuse but to start celebrating all the delicious versatility cooking over coals has to offer.

Now in its 22nd year, the special week was the brainchild of Brian George, who says that not only has it been the ‘catalyst for growth’ in the BBQ market as a whole, it has also ‘fundamentally helped change consumer BBQ attitudes and drive usage up from £9million

Awesome Asparagus with Parmigiano & Lime in 1997 to over £130million in the last year’.

He goes on to say that the overall BBQ food and drink market is now worth around a rather staggering £1.5billion.

So it’s a given that barbecuing is now an established part of our summer lifestyles, and whether you’re gastro grilling or just throwing a few sausages on, it’s always a good idea to have a few new recipes up your sleeve for when you’re dining al fresco with your family or throwing a special party for friends.

So why not upgrade your external eating experience courtesy of a few of these tasty ideas this summer? Just keep your fingers crossed for sunshine…

National BBQ Week runs from May 28-June 3. See www.nationalbbqweek.info.co.uk or Tweet @NationalBBQWeek using the hashtag #NatBBQWeek or #GetTheGrillOn

This is one of the simplest, yet most impressive al fresco snacks or starters. Try baby or young asparagus with lots of Parmigiano, but remember to shave and not grate!

METHOD

1 2

Mix lime juice, oil and balsamic plus ½ salt & black pepper.

Serves 4 (as a starter)

INGREDIENTS

Coat asparagus and grill slowly on medium, turn frequently and baste occasionally.

16 asparagus spears Juice of 1 lime 30ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil 15ml Balsamic vinegar A small wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano 2 tsps sea salt 1 tsp cracked black pepper

3

Remove asparagus once cooked through, lightly cover with shavings of Parmigiano and drizzle remaining lime, oil & balsamic, season with salt & black pepper to taste.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR A BRILLIANT BBQ

1

With a new BBQ, remove the impurities built up during manufacturing by lighting it and letting it burn for up to an hour at the highest temperature. When cooled down, rub the whole inner cooking surface with a cloth oiled in cooking or rapeseed oil to season.

2

A tip that will speed up marinating is to place the food in a sealable plastic bag.

Massage in marinade for a few minutes, seal then place in the coldest part of the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes depending on food.

3

A good temperature guide is the hand test; hold your hand around six inches above the grill surface, being careful not

to touch if hot. If you can only keep your hand there for under a minute the grill is probably too hot, around a couple of minutes is probably the correct cooking heat. Anything longer should really only be used for warming or slow grilling.

4

Ensure that the grill-bars are well oiled and turn meat or poultry, once per side to sear, then once more to cook through.

Do not keep turning food as it delays cooking.

Food should not be allowed to stick to the grill.

5

Remove food at the end of the grilling process and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Always serve to warm plates.

Food & Drink

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Best-ever Burger with Pancetta, Avocado & Blue cheese butter How the humble burger has grown-up, so discount it at your peril. A properly made and grilled burger, with proper add-ons just like this one is unbeatable Serves 4 (or 2 very hungry people!)

INGREDIENTS

500g best fillet steak, minced 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 green chilli, finely chopped/ deseeded 1 tbsp sea salt 2 tsps rainbow peppercorn, crushed 8 rashers pancetta 1 avocado, peeled, de-stoned and sliced 125g unsalted butter 75g blue cheese 4 sesame buns

METHOD

1

Soften butter and mix with blue cheese, form into roll and chill.

Mix steak mince, onion, chilli, salt & peppercorn & form into four patties

2

Sear the patties on both sides on a high heat, then grill for 3-5 minutes per side on a medium heat. Grill pancetta rashers on a foil tray on high heat

3

Halve buns and light brush the cut halves with olive oil then warm through on medium heat

4

Place slices of avocado on the pancetta rashers and allow to warm through

5

Slice the butter roll and place one slice on each bun base, then build up with a patty, another slice of butter, pancetta and avocado – serve immediately to rapturous applause!

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A taste of summer Bring out the rosés and ripe, fresh reds as barbecue season is here! To celebrate, Times Drinks Editor James Viner picks his seasonal favourites STRUCTURED GRENACHE-BASED GOURMAND SUPERMARKET ROSÉ CHOICE

1) Les Gourmandises Tavel Rosé, Rhône, France 2016 (£6.99, Lidl, 13.5%) This rosé is a sophisticated and powerful dry pink from one of France’s few all-rosé appellations in the southern Rhône Valley and will work wonderfully well with barbecue and Provençal fare. It’s flush with watermelon, blackcurrant, poached plum, herbal and spicy red-fruit flavours, yet retains vibrancy and freshness courtesy of brisk acidity.

Big red drinkers will like what they find here. One of a half-dozen vinous gems in Lidl’s new ‘Wine Tour’, which begins on Thursday.

1

MUST-TRY QUALITY, CROWD-PLEASING SPANISH GARNACHA

2) Viña Zorzal Garnacha, Navarra, Spain 2016 (£7.25, The Wine Society, 13.5%) A remarkably good wine for the price, this bouncy and joyful oak-free, fruit-driven Spanish garnacha is juicy and supple with faint touches of black pepper and earth peeping

through before a stream of seamless red fruits and tangy acidity pours through the finish and lingering aftertaste.

It feels succulent and appealing all the way along the palate, and those ripe and silky tannins will undoubtedly make this a very superior and popular bottle to serve with or without barbecued meats.

3

2

HIGH-STREET PROVENÇAL ROSÉ CHOICE

3) Coeur de Cardeline Côtes de Provence Rosé 2017, France (£8.99, The Co-op, 13.5%) This cultured, vibrant, dry and candy-coloured pink oozes seductive, zingy, raspberrykissed, cherry, melon and orange-bush charm. It’s delicious and would be a welcome sight at any barbecue. Bring it out especially for the grilled sardines/fish, aïoli, salade niçoise and barbecued butterflied roast leg of lamb. It’s a very evocative 40-30-30 cinsault (one of pinotage’s parents)grenache-syrah blend that takes you straight to the South of France.

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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Tonbridge Food & Drink Festival

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Feast your eyes on Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival – and then tuck in THE Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival returns next week, bringing a range of delicious refreshments to the town for the third year running.

The event will be held over the Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday May 26 and Sunday May 27, in the castle grounds alongside the River Medway.

There will be more than 60 stallholders offering cheeses, breads, cakes and sweets, coffee and specialist teas alongside other food-related items.

Demonstrations The foodie extravaganza is being organised by the team behind Tonbridge Farmers’ Market, who won the Taste of Kent Award for Kent Farmers’ Market of the Year in 2017.

The town is expecting more than 15,000 visitors over the two days, and they will be able to take part in a programme of activities including demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre.

There are also events for children in the ‘Hands-On Tent’, such as decorating gingerbread, creating chocolate pizzas and trying sugar paste crafts.

More than 30 local brews will be available

at the Beer and Cider Festival, which runs alongside the main event, some of which are produced in the town.

The hugely popular Great Tonbridge Cake Off is also returning.

Steve Wood, of Tonbridge Farmers’ Market, says: “We are looking forward to seeing you for a fun-packed, tasty foodie weekend.

“You can rest and relax in the popular Street Food Café, and perhaps try a taster menu from one of the many stalls selling delicious home-made hot food, including English, European, Asian and New World specialities made with quality produce.”

He adds: “We’ve got lots of fun activities planned to entertain the whole family, including an exciting programme of cooking demonstrations from popular local chefs, food producers and local food writers.

“And for the youngsters there are some great events based around the Alive with Flavour Hands-on Tent. They can get messy making dishes like a delicious Eton mess.”

For more information and entry details for the Cake Off, visit www.facebook.com/ TonbridgeFoodandDrinkFestival

THE GREAT TONBRIDGE CAKE OFF The Great Tonbridge Cake Off will be held at 2.30pm on both days of the festival. All entries must be received by 1pm; only one entry is allowed per family. There are three classes: 5-11 year olds, 11 to 15, and 16 and over. For details of how to enter, go to the festival’s Facebook page

COOKERY THEATRE SCHEDULE Saturday May 26 11am Rosemary Williams, Prep That Fish 12pm Hilary Steel, Comedy Chef 1pm Laura Bounds, MD Kent Crisps 2pm Bruce McMichael, The Lemon Grove 3pm The Big Festival Food Quiz 4pm Jo Banks, Alive with Flavour 5pm Victoria Bryant, Little Brittany

Sunday May 27 11am Rosemary Williams, Prep That Fish 12pm Zehra, Refined Baklava 1pm Will Devlin, Head Chef/owner of The Small Holding Farm & Kitchen 2pm Bruce McMichael, The Lemon Grove 3pm The Big Festival Food Quiz 4pm Jo Banks, Alive with Flavour 5pm Matthew Kearsey-Lawson, Kent Fine Foods

ALL REVVED UP Henry Clarke (left) and Carl Lewis with a Harley Davidson motorcycle

Tonbridge Food & Drink Festival

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

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‘It’s all about education and inspiration’

A LOT ON YOUR PLATE The town is expecting 15,00o visitors to Castle Lawn over the two days

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk YOUNG chefs will have a chance to roll up their sleeves and get involved in making, baking or creating with Jo Banks’ Alive with Flavour Hands-on Tent at the Festival.

Jo is passionate about educating people in how to make their own food. She works with food companies locally and nationally, holding workshops and cookery classes, and has attended Tonbridge Farmers’ Market for three years.

She says: “I have loved the opportunity of working with some local companies, chefs and food experts to bring together a line-up of non-stop food activities for children and adults.

“For me, it’s all about the education and inspiration through food. And working with children is

CHOP AND CHANGE Jo Banks

JO’S HANDS-ON ADVENTURES 11.30am-1pm Create your own chocolate pizza with Temper Temper (£4) 1.15-2pm ‘Create a mess’ – how to make an Eton Mess (£3) 2.15-3pm Cake Modelling – Sally Boulton shows how to making something they are much more likely to have a try.”

such a privilege, it’s rewarding and you can also make such an impact.”

Jo believes that learning to cook is an essential part of growing up and encourages children to be more adventurous with their diet.

“Cookery is such a life skill and it’s so important for young people to talk about ingredients, equipment and making something to eat,” she says.

“I believe that if they have spent the time and energy involved in

Rainbow Having a practical knowledge of food will not only open up a world of culinary possibilities, but also teach young people about nutrition and help to keep them healthy.

“I love talking about recipes and, more importantly for older children and teenagers, why and what we are eating and the impact it has.”

PHOTO: Stephanie Jaynes

Flower Power as car show roars into town THIS year’s Food and Drink Festival has a new addition, the Poppy Power supercar and classic car show.

The event will be held at Sovereign Way car park on Sunday May 27 from 10am-4pm, with all proceeds going to the town’s Poppy Appeal.

It is the brainchild of Henry Clarke of Clarke Williams, the commercial insurance brokers in the High Street who have organised and funded the event.

The inaugural Poppy Power is the town’s first event of the centenary celebrations to mark the end of World War I.

Record Carl Lewis, who heads the town’s collection for the Royal British Legion, said: “The Tonbridge Poppy Appeal goes into top gear with the first of our main events for 2018.

“Poppy Power will be host to a wide range of superb vehicles, both new and old, with private owners and clubs participating.”

He added: “We hope this event will go the extra mile to beat last year’s record town total of £37,000 for the Royal British Legion.”

Entry is free, but members of the public and clubs who wish to display their vehicles are asked to donate £20 to the cause.

make sugar paste ‘under the sea’ characters (£3) 3.15-5.30pm Gingerbread men – Sam French from Sam’s Kitchen shows how to decorate his homemade treats (£3.50) Timings are for both days She cites the example of Riverford Organic Farmers’ ‘I can eat a rainbow’ activity in local primary schools, where children learned to recognise vegetables, chopping and slicing them.

Jo has relished the time she has spent with local residents at the town’s Farmers’ Market, laying on demonstrations of her recipes.

“I always enjoy sharing quick and replicable tips and recipes with Tonbridge families. I also love the fact I have got to know so many wonderful local businesses, chefs, producers and people with expertise.

I collaborate with them regularly.”

At the festival she will be working with Temper Temper, a Southborough firm specialising in chocolatemaking parties, as well as Sussex firm Sam’s Kitchen.

“I want to create an area for children and young people to come and be busy,” she adds. “No actual cooking, but some fun with chopping, slicing, modelling and being creative.”

Jo Banks writes a food blog which can be found on her website www.alivewithflavour.com

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Travel

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Rollin’ on the river

River cruises are growing in popularity, but what’s the real appeal? Read on for why they are worth your consideration for the next summer break…

T

HE last few years have seen a significant growth in the popularity of river cruising.

According to the Cruise Line Industry Association [CLIA], passenger numbers rose by 11 per cent between 2015 and 2016, and numbers continue to increase.

The most popular areas are still the Rhine and Moselle regions and the Danube, but other rivers, such as the Douro, which flows through Spain and Portugal, and even further afield to the Mekong, have also seen a rise in demand.

It is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore inland Europe; you can visit iconic cities such as Cologne, Strasbourg, Vienna and Budapest, to name but a few, and you only have to unpack once!

Value The season runs from March through to the end of December, beginning with spring departures to see the tulips in Holland and ending with the Christmas markets in Austria, Germany and Hungary.

The best times to go are probably September/ October and April/May, when it is less crowded

and airfares may be more reasonable than during peak summer periods and at Christmas.

Like ocean cruising, river cruising provides great value, with all your meals (including afternoon tea) and evening entertainment from the resident musician, or sometimes local performers, included. Some also offer tours and

drinks with meals included in the fare.

River cruise vessels are much smaller than ocean cruise ships, generally carrying between 100-200 passengers, providing a more intimate atmosphere on board. Consequently, they can also feel less intimidating for solo travellers.

Most itineraries are seven nights, although you

‘The last few years have seen a significant growth in the popularity of river cruising. It is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore inland Europe’

MEDIEVAL MEANDER Cochem on The Rhine

can do anything from a short five-night taster cruise to 25 nights by doing more than one ‘back to back’.

With a balance of scenic cruising and usually one stop a day (sometimes two or even three stops), there is plenty to keep you busy. But if you do feel you still have time on your hands, most boats have a fitness room and/or treatment rooms.

Many favour a sunbed on the top deck with a glass of local wine they watch the world go by.

Travel

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

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DEPARTURE POINT Rhine boats leave from Basel in Switzerland

THE RHINE These river boats start (or finish) in Basel in Switzerland and sail more than 800 miles through Germany and the Netherlands all the way to Amsterdam and the North Sea, passing historic towns like Strasbourg and Koblenz and modern cities like Cologne and Dusseldorf.

The Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage

Site, is reputed to be the most picturesque, stretching between Mainz and Cologne.

Here, the many hillside castles surrounded by lush vineyards, pastures and mountains offer some of the most spellbinding scenery as you sail gently past.

THE MOSELLE The Moselle, the longest tributary of the Rhine, is often considered to be the most beautiful — the most romantic even — of the navigable European rivers. It joins the Rhine near Koblenz, so many cruises combine the Middle Rhine from Cologne and Dusseldorf southwards.

The area is characterised by the steep terraced vineyards which rise from the meandering river.

The Riesling grape, in particular, thrives here so this provides a great opportunity to taste some of the Riesling wines for which the Moselle is so renowned.

THE MAIN The Main, another an important tributary of the Rhine, together with the 106-mile Main-Danube Canal (which only opened in 1992), forms a link

between the Rhine and the Danube, connecting the North Sea with the Black Sea. Cruising this waterway will take you through the beautiful Bavarian countryside, past cities like Würzburg, Bamberg and Nuremburg.

So peaceful and pretty are the region’s gently rolling hills and lush-green vineyards as you sail

by Germany’s beautiful Haßberge Mountains, you might be surprised to learn that their name roughly translates to ‘Hate Mountains’ in English!

THE DANUBE The Danube, which joins the Main Canal at Kelheim, is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga.

Flowing through nine countries, it originates in the Black Forest mountains of western Germany and flows all the way down to the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and the Black Sea. From the romantic Wachau Valley to the narrow Iron Gate Gorges where, flanked by National Parks, the river narrows to just 150m wide, the scenic cruising is just as rewarding as the opportunity to explore historic cities like Belgrade, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Bucharest.

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Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Join the monochrome movement THIS LOOK IS A BLACK AND WHITE CLASSIC Graphic stripe midi dress, £199; leather chain clutch, £70 and logo pearl drop earrings, £50 all karen millen, www.Karenmillen.Com

Nothing screams style more than a black and white sartorial combo. Not only is it effortlessly easy to achieve, it’s also timeless. What’s not to like about that? Eileen Leahy picks some of her favourite looks this season…

PUT THIS BUCKET BAG ON YOUR LIST White leather and black contrast bucket bag £17.99, New Look, www.newlook.com

EARN YOUR STRIPES

MAIN IMAGE courtesy of Karen Millen

Personalised iPhone Snap Cover, £14.99, Getting Personal, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS Textured earrings, £10, River Island, www.riverisland.com WE’RE DOTTY FOR THESE SHOES Polka dot slingbacks, £35, Next, www.next.co.uk

SEE THE SUNNY SIDE Harlow heart frame sunglasses, £12, Accessorize, www.accessorize.com

thekn w.guide

Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

Get the gloss…

After years of matte lipstick domination, it’s time for your lips to shine once more. Here’s our pick of the smoothest operators LOOKING back at beauty trends from the last few years, one major question comes to mind: What did we do before matte lipstick?

Lips saturated with colour but utterly devoid of shine have become so ubiquitous – on and off the catwalks – it’s hard to remember what we actually put on our pouts before the velvet revolution took hold.

But fashion is, of course, a fickle beast, and suddenly on the spring catwalks we saw – almost out of nowhere – glossy lips all over the place. And you know what? They looked so good.

There was the fresh fuchsia hue at Chanel (complemented with flushed pink cheeks and eyes) and a lustrous blood red at Haider Ackermann, created by Inge Grognard for MAC, by layering matte liquid lippie with lashings of clear lip gloss (so you don’t have to ditch your mattes just yet).

“Lip liner is essential for preventing your lip gloss from bleeding, and creating the illusion of fuller lips,”

advises Collection make-up artist Francesca Neill.

“Draw the line softly, slightly outside the natural curve of the lip for a fuller finish.”

Elsewhere, lips were left nude and enhanced with clear gloss; at Tadashi Shoji, they added a perfectly polished finish to a look that focused on aqua eyes.

“There is nothing worse than dry, chapped lips when creating a high-gloss lip look,” Neill continues, “so I would recommend prepping your lips with a lip oil to hydrate them without the stickiness of a traditional balm.”

But the most exciting high-shine look was at Halpern SS18.

Mirroring the heavily embellished and sequinned clothes on the catwalk, lips were given a holographic shimmer, courtesy of the new MAC Grand Illusion gloss.

Right on time, the spring beauty collections are full of 3D-effect glosses, along with bold colours, nourishing oils and nudes to suit every skin tone.

WANT TO GET THE GLOSS? TAKE YOUR PICK FROM THESE EIGHT SLICK BUYS 1. Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Lip Oil, £16.99 2. MAC Lipglass Clear, £15.50.

3. Barry M Gloss Me Up in PDA, £4.99 4. CYO Take A Shine Lip Gloss in Rule The School, £4, Boots 5. Tom Ford Patent Finish Lip Colour in Infamy, £36, John Lewis 6. MAC Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lipcolour in Let’s Rock, £18 7. Too Faced Magic Crystal Transforming Lip Topper in Unicorn Tears, £16, Debenhams 8. Laura Geller Colour Luster Lip Gloss Hi-Def Top Coat in Gilded Honey, £15, Cult Beauty

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Motoring

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

FIRST DRIVE

64

The new

Motoring News

The definitive hot hatch is back for 2018, but can it remain king?

Jack Evans heads to Nice to find out…

Worldwide seatbelt fault recall for VW and Seat

Ford Fiesta ST

WHAT IS IT?

Following on from a model which set the hot-hatch segment alight, the all-new Ford Fiesta ST is designed to be more grown-up but just as exciting to drive as the iconic original.

But the car needs to do a lot to live up to the reputation set by its forebear while fending off competition from some serious rivals. We hit Nice’s country roads to find out if it can regain its place at the top of the hot-hatch pecking order.

WHAT’S NEW?

From the outside, you’d do well to distinguish this performance model from the more mundane yet sportily-styled X-Line version. The main things to spot are the redesigned bumpers and larger alloy wheels. In short, it manages just what the old car did – to appear special enough, but not go overboard into big wings and flared arches territory. Some may think that’s a shame; we think it’s well-judged and makes the ST more appealing to a wider audience.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The new ST has dropped a cylinder compared to the older car, with a 1.5-litre three-banger now under the bonnet rather than a 1.6-litre fourcylinder. Economy is the name of the game, so it’s designed to deliver better efficiency.

However, performance seekers need not despair, for it still packs a pretty decent punch.

The compact engine produces 197bhp and a healthy 290Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-60mph sprint time of 6.2 seconds. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox – there’s no automatic, paddle-controlled version.

Ford claims the ST will return up to 55mpg on the combined cycle, and emit just 114g/km CO2; not bad at all for a car with this level of performance.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The new car has more than achieved its goal of living up to the reputation set by its predecessor, and you really don’t feel like you’re lacking in engine excitement. It revs with a keenness you don’t expect from a unit this small, and feels properly engaging at all times. The engineered exhaust pops do feel a little like overkill on

occasions, but they certainly add to the drama.

The three separate driving modes do genuinely change the attitude of the car, with the steering weighting up considerably as you progress through the different settings. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s well-judged and feels more than matched to the car’s performance.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

There are some sportier touches to be found here and there, but overall it looks quite close to any current-generation Fiesta. But that’s no bad thing – the regular car is sharply styled and looks fresh.

The dual-pipe exhaust at the rear does signal somewhat towards the car’s intent, while small ST badges placed in the front grille and on the boot help to distinguish it from the rest of the range. It’s certainly not outrageously-styled, but it’s just special enough to appeal to most people.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The interior features just enough sporty touches too, without overcooking it.

The Recaro bucket seats are hugely supportive and have a decent level of adjustment to them; the flat-bottomed, multi-function steering wheel is just chunky enough; the majority of plastics are of a good quality; and the main dashboard section looks leagues ahead of the car it replaces – this is largely down to the reduction in buttons.

We might like a little more emphasis on the

driving modes button (it’s mounted quite low down and doesn’t look too different to the rest of the controls), but this really is just a minor niggle.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Our test car came in top-spec ST-3 trim line, which this gets all the bells and whistles you could possibly want.

In this trim, you get 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, along with leather-trimmed Recaro sports seats that are heated in this instance, and you also get the all-important red brake callipers.

It’s crucial to mention that the Performance Pack can be added to ST-2 and ST-3 trim levels for £850. This adds the Quaife limited-slip differential, which is ideal for those after a slightly sharper-turn in and more out-of-corner traction. It’s a reasonably-priced option which really does add to the capability of the car.

And the new ST is available in either three or five-door layouts, giving customers a more practical option should the more compact version not quite fit the bill.

VERDICT

Though this new Fiesta hot hatch is considerably different, Ford has managed to recapture the spirit of the older model, making it just as exciting and involving to drive as the old ST. We’ll have to wait to test it out on UK soil, but for now we’d say this is one triumphant comeback.

VOLKSWAGEN is recalling its new Polo worldwide, as well as subsidiary brand Seat’s new Arona and Ibiza, after safety fears were raised over their seatbelts.

Up to 28,000 vehicles in the UK may be affected by the problem, which could see the rear middle belt spring open while the car is travelling at speed, tests showed.

The design flaw was revealed by Tekniikan Maailma – a Finnish motoring magazine – which found that when the vehicle had five occupants and changed lanes to the left at speed, one of the buckles was able to unfasten the other as the middle one was higher than the one on the left.

The models affected are the new Polo, available since the beginning of 2018, and the Seat Arona, launched last December, as well as the new Seat Ibiza, which was launched in summer 2017. More than 100,000 vehicles worldwide could be affected.

The issue was confirmed by VW. Owners are being sent letters telling them not to use the rear middle seatbelt and to take their car to an approved garage or dealer for a free repair.

BMW boosts road power BMW has released its most powerful road-going car ever – the new M5 Competition.

The most hardcore and performancefocused variant of the M5 yet boasts increased power and performance, plus a reworked suspension set-up to ensure it’s even more impressive in the corners.

The 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine has had its power increased to 616bhp from 592bhp with torque spread across a wider range.

The slightly improved key performance figures remain impressive, achieving 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds, while the 0-200km/h (124mph) is 10.8 seconds. That’s faster than its main rival from Mercedes.

Prices for the BMW M5 start from £96,205.

First deliveries take place in September.

THE KNOWLEDGE MODEL AS TESTED:

Ford Fiesta ST ENGINE: 1.5-litre

turbocharged three-cylinder POWER: 197bhp TORQUE: 290Nm

MAX SPEED: 144mph 0-60MPH: 6.2 seconds MPG: 55 combined EMISSIONS: 114g/km PRICE: £18,995

Hot hatches bow to SUVs PEUGEOT, which once led the field in the hot hatch market, has admitted its shift towards profitable SUVs means the firm will have less to appeal to petrolheads in the future.

“As far as I’m aware, there’s no burning desire to get back into the real hot hatches like some of our competitors,” revealed Peugeot UK MD David Peel. “We’ve still got GT and GTline options, which are designed to attract the more sporty customers, but no big engines or big power outputs.”

In recent years, Peugeot has seen more sales success with its 3008 and 5008 SUV models. “Our biggest ambition in the UK is to build Peugeot into a quality brand that people can rely on,” added Peel. “We’re a business today that’s trying to build efficient cars.”

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

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tech

GAME ON BE RIGHT ON TIME

ART FOR ART’S SAKE

This may look like a traditional watch but it’s far from it. As well as inbuilt fitness timing and workout programmes, wearers can also be directed and motivated by real-time coaching.

Huawei Watch 2, £259, available from all UK retail partners, including Argos and PC World

This clever little app from GalleriesNow allows you to view all the best exhibitions from the world’s greatest galleries for free, in 360 virtual reality. You can also zoom in on artwork, and if you plug in a Google Cardboard virtual reality kit, it’s like you’re actually walking through the galleries. ArtPassport, free from itunes.apple.com and Google Playstore

Forget all those games covers cluttering up your sitting room shelves as you can now invest in this dinky and dynamic console, which has a staggering 80 games built into it.

So free up your storage and increase your gaming enjoyment at the same time. What’s not to like about that?

Sega Megadrive, £49.99, Argos, www.argos.com

Must-have gadgets

State of the art technology Theknow brings you the latest tech and clever time-saving gadgets and widgets to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Eileen Leahy picks her top tech essentials

POWERED BY

PUMP UP THE VOLUME Featuring a water-resistant design, the rubber-sized Creative MUVO 2c lets you take your epic tunes through your life’s adventures. With a six-hour battery life and a size that fits in the palm of your hand, you can play your music out loud while you’re out picnicking or partying.

Muvo 2c Bluetooth Speaker, from £34.99, www.creative.com and Harvey Norman www.harvey-norman.co.uk

ON THE MONEY Delta is the leading Bitcoin and cryptocurrency portfolio tracker app on the market. This musthave tool lets investors follow their earnings (or losses), as well as giving users a complete overview of how the whole market is performing. It also has lots of helpful features packed into it. Free to download from Google and itunes.apple.com

BREATHE EASY Foobot is the first air quality monitor which gives you a clear and visual understanding of how good the air quality is in your home, and the knowledge to take small steps to improve it,

benefitting the whole family’s long-term health. It also works alongside other smart home devices, taking direct action if pollution levels exceed a set amount. Foobot, £170, www.foobot.io

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Recruitment

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Fill your vacancy now in print or online For more information contact our commercial team on 01892 779 650

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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

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To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply.

Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

S H A B B Y A L U G A L O R E E O I L OW F A T Y S L OM P A E NOM M A S S I F U C P S H A R P E E P E D R E A D S

B I N A F L Q U A X T A D R O R J E E E N

A S E S P C R E S H A E O R U M S E S G C K E R I I A N N E N V Z Y M E

Sudoku:

2 7 6 9 8 5 3 1 4

1 5 8 2 3 4 9 6 7

9 4 3 6 1 7 2 5 8

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7 6 4 5 9 3 8 2 1

3 2 5 1 6 8 7 4 9

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9 5 7 8 3 1 6 2 4

1 8 6 9 2 4 7 5 3

5 1 4 7 9 3 2 6 8

6 1 2 8 5 9 4 7 3

4 3 9 7 2 1 5 8 6

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 4 8 2 5 9 3 1 7

2 7 1 4 6 8 9 3 5

4 6 9 3 7 5 1 8 2

8 3 5 6 1 2 4 7 9

3 9 2 1 8 7 5 4 6

7 2 3 5 4 6 8 9 1

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD 1

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Sport

Please send sports stories to: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wednesday May 23 | 2018

and Stickler Akehurst double seals historic Davis ensure target is first cup win for Angels Ladies beyond Tenterden Tunbridge Wells 223-9 beat Tenterden 184-9 by 39 runs

Tonbridge Angels Ladies 3 Thamesview 1

By Alan Cutts

By James Rowe

CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS showed valiant resolve to post a challenging total against Tenterden at the Nevill.

Kent Premier League debutant Isaac Bepey then picked up two timely wickets with his pace to strangle the run-chase.

Wells were put in to bat and suffered an early setback as home captain Chris Williams was caught behind off the second ball of the innings.

Fellow opener Michael Waller (20) and Christian Davis dug in to forge a careful 74-run partnership to set the innings on the path to safety.

After Waller fell, Davis moved serenely to his maiden Kent League half-century, reaching 58 from 89 balls with five fours.

But the Tenterden attack made the headway as the balance of the game shifted from side to side.

There was turn for the spinners, but Marcus O’Riordan (30) and Will Stickler (34) were well suited to deal with it and the run-rate increased.

FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS Ladies were

triumphant in their first ever cup final – in only their second season – despite having been taken to extra time by a late equaliser at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium.

They defeated the side who had pipped them to the title in Kent Division One of the SouthEast Counties Women’s Football League.

It was the Medway team who made the more positive start, with Angels keeper Sam Wright called into action after just two minutes when she raced off her line to smother a through ball, while captain Sharon Lyons showed her defensive prowess with an interception.

Somewhat against the run of play Angels took the lead in the seventh minute.

Centre-forward Becky Janes was body-checked on the edge of the area and Kelly Moran’s free kick was converted by Megan Akehurst past Thamesview goalkeeper Bronwyn Allen.

Thamesview piled on the pressure after that setback but Wright and her defenders held firm.

The Angels might have added to their lead just before half time when Akehurst fed Janes but the striker’s shot was saved by Allen.

The second period was a more even affair and on the hour-mark Janes was presented with a great opportunity to double the Angels’ lead but

TOP TEAM: (Back row, l-r) Lauryn Underhill, Helena Fothergill, Nancy Syrett, Sam Wright, Courtney Smith, Jodie Coombes, Rob Mardell, Dan Couldridge, Reece Catt; (front row) Megan Akehurst, Becky Janes, Leanne Foster, Maisie Gibb, Alex Weston (at front), Flo Anastasiou, Kelly Moran, Sharon Lyons (captain), Becky Jarvis, Charlotte Coulter. PHOTOS: David Couldridge she fired her shot over the crossbar.

For all Thamesview’s efforts to restore parity it began to look as if one goal would be enough.

But in the 85th minute Thamesview drew level

GET AHEAD Megan Akehurst opens the scoring with a header

through Lucy Stillworth following an uncharacteristic mix-up in the Angels defence.

So the game moved to extra time but with the players tiring there were few clear-cut chances.

In the 108th minute, however, Akehurst squeezed the ball past a couple of Thamesview defenders to restore Tonbridge’s advantage.

Ten minutes later the Angels were awarded a penalty which Janes crashed against the crossbar, the ball flying away to safety.

She made amends with Thamesview out on their feet by firing the ball into the net to seal a famous victory and prompt wild celebrations.

In a contest between two evenly matched sides the crucial difference was a lack of substitutes for Thamesview as they tired towards the end.

Manager Dan Couldridge said: “I am enormously proud of the workrate the squad all put in on the night to achieve this success.

“Thamesview with their vast experience were always going to have the edge on us technically, but one thing my team have in spades is heart.

“After being taken to extra time there was absolutely no way they weren’t going to end the night, and the season, empty-handed.

“We are now looking forward to the new challenges that lie ahead next season.”

Unbroken stand between Hammond and Warner leads Cowdrey to victory Old Colfeians 234-8 lost to Cowdrey 235-4 by 6 wkts

By Stuart Clarke CRICKET: COWDREY welcomed a strong Old

Colfeians side to Swanmead in Kent League Division Four, the visitors boosted by the presence of the Lorimer brothers, formerly of Premier Division side Bickley Park.

Old Colfeians won the toss and chose to bat first, and they got off to a flyer, but new recruit Thom Brown (2 for 39) put the brakes on, dismissing the dangerous Alex Lorimer lbw.

Wickets then fell at regular intervals and the run-rate fell but Peter Tarrant steadying the ship for Old Colfeians with an unbeaten 62 with four fours and a six.

Old Colfeians finished on 234 for 8 and would have wanted a few more on a good track with a fast outfield, Retin Patel contributing 44 and Ryan Addison picking up 2 for 51.

Cowdrey’s innings started off with fireworks with Australian recruit Ash Borella finding the boundary on a regular basis in his knock of 76 with 12 fours and two sixes.

Alex Lorimer worked up a decent pace and crashed one delivery into the rib cage of fellow opener Jack Southwart, but Old Colfeians would suffer for not taking their chances.

With the positive start Cowdrey reached 114 for 3 in the 20th over. But then Borella was deceived

by Harry Kelleher and was cleaned bowled.

Yorker Stickler’s fine innings was given solid support from Dave Smith and Ari Karvelas at the end of the innings, with Sam Jones (3 for 52) the pick of the Tenterden attack.

The visiting openers Christoper Vernon (63) and Justin Mosca (28) showed patience and resolve in equal measure, bringing up the half-century.

Spin made the breakthrough, then Karvelas and Paddy Sadler got among the wickets, the former aided by a remarkable catch from O’Riordan.

Sadler also produced an excellent yorker that crashed into Tenterden captain Ben Price’s stumps, removing the chief architect of any likely victory charge.

It was O’Riordan’s spin that ended Vernon’s valiant vigil, which lasted 98 balls and featured only three boundaries - such was the pressure exerted by the bowlers.

That left Tenterden on 124 for 5 with 14 overs remaining, at which point Bepey was brought into the attack and the young paceman soon snapped up a couple of wickets.

The tail wagged, helping the visitors to reach 184 for 9, but it was not enough to trouble Wells.

Smith was outstanding, conceding a miserly 19 runs from his 10 overs, while new boy Karvelas managed another haul of three wickets (3 for 39).

Tunbridge Wells now face Blackheath at The Rectory Field on Saturday [May 26].

When Addison departed shortly afterwards the match was hanging in the balance but the experience of Andy Hammond and veteran Glen Warner shone through.

Both were dropped early on – the visitors were made to pay for putting down six catches in total.

The pair went on to compile an unbroken partnership of 109, both reaching half-centuries in the match-winning stand.

Unbeaten

WINNING PARTNERSHIP Andy Hammond (left) and Glen Warner

Hammond remained unbeaten on 52 with six fours and two sixes, and Warner scored 57 not out with 10 boundaries as Cowdrey reached their target on 235 for 4 with 10 overs left.

Now Cowdrey travel to Addington Village on Saturday [May 26], looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season. n Also in Division Four, Tonbridge notched up a tense three-wicket win over Catford Wanderers.

The latter posted 215 in their 50 overs with Shavawn Cunningham making 88. But M Topaam (57) and Ben Salt (59) saw Tonbridge to victory on 217 for 7 with 10 balls remaining.

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New diamond honours inspirational ‘Mrs B’ FIELD OF DREAMS Club founder Margaret Borley with Mayor Roger Dalton

reminder of her effort to establish baseball in Tonbridge and her continuing support for the club.”

The club Chairman, David Mote, added: “What a great day of baseball, two titanic tussles, two Tonbridge wins, and a brand new diamond. Thanks to everyone who has helped make this happen.”

Margaret, who received an OBE in recognition of her services to the sport, founded the Bobcats in 1982 after a holiday in the United States.

While she was looking for a coach, her sons convinced her to do the job because she had extensive coaching experience in field hockey.

Under her guidance, Tonbridge gained a reputation for producing talented young players, and many went on to play for the national side.

In 2009, Great Britain Baseball played in the World Cup with a roster that included two of her proteges, Alex Malihoudis and Will Lintern.

‘We have an eye on developing new players and putting the emphasis back on enjoyment of the game’

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk BASEBALL: TONBRIDGE Baseball Club celebrated the opening of their new ‘diamond’ at the start of the new season this month – naming it Borley Field in honour of their founder Margaret Borley.

The Tonbridge Wildcats played their first home game of the year against the Brighton Jets at the renovated ground at The Slade.

Then the club’s other team in the British Baseball Federation Single-A Division, Tonbridge Bobcats, took on Guildford Millers.

The ground’s upgrade was jointly funded by the

club, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Kent County Council and neighbours Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club.

The field was opened by the Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Roger Dalton, who threw the ceremonial first pitch according to the sport’s tradition, amid cries of ‘sign him up’ from the players.

Andrew Mackay, Tonbridge Bobcats’ captain, said: “It was a wonderful day, the new diamond looked incredible in the sunshine and the fact we opened it with two wins just makes it more special. We are so pleased we were joined by ‘Mrs B’ as without her the team wouldn’t exist.

“We are thrilled to be able to honour ‘Mrs B’ with this great new baseball field, it is a perfect

Lone sailor Pickett wins SAILING: BEWL Sailing Association hosted its first open meeting for Heron dinghies with visitors travelling from as far afield as Hull.

Matt Pickett of Up River Yacht Club in Hullbridge, Essex was sailing singlehanded and even with the handicap applied, won all three races.

The wind was light and fluky, and Race Officer Colin Nutt set a large trapezoidal course with the windward mark to the west to offer a good beat.

But the rain came in as the start gun sounded, causing the wind to back and produce a fetch.

There was a distinct lack of wind at the first mark, but Pickett managed to pull ahead, closely followed by Dave Butler and crew Emily Clixby of Welton Sailing Club in East Yorkshire.

James Russ and crew Suzy Wooff of Chipstead were in third position, and Bewl newcomer Jo Mayes and crew Amanda Conrad crept up from the back to overtake Sean Chapman at mark two.

At the start of the second lap, a sound signal and compass bearing at the committee boat saw a change of course to give a beat to the first mark

BREEZING IN Matt Pickett looks for the wind

but there were no further changes of position.

The wind was slightly better for the second race and Pickett and Butler were soon at the front.

But Mayes and crew were more confident in their new boat, getting the knack of the spinnaker.

This enabled them to pass Russ and take third place on the downwind leg, with Pickett first over the line ahead of Butler again in the two-lap race.

Sean Chapman and crew Duncan Coombe of Chipstead were having a problem as the wind dropped, so they decided to retire from the race.

It transpired that his buoyancy tanks had taken in water, so these were drained and repaired.

Pickett again showed the way on the long beat of the third race, followed by Butler.

There was virtually no wind for the downwind legs, and two drooping spinnakers allowed the trailing boats to catch up a little.

In the final leg of this slow one-lap race, Chapman caught up with Mayes and managed to drift past for a nailbiting photo finish for third place behind Pickett and Butler.

Lintern told the Times: “I would, of course, like to thank Margaret Borley, for without her efforts to establish baseball in my home town, I may not have continued to play following my move to the UK aged nine.

“Tonbridge was less than five miles from my house, and without the easy access I may not have continued to play this great game.”

Margaret, who still attends home games and is honorary President, is recognised in both the British and American Baseball Halls of Fame.

In the first match, Brighton Jets took an early lead but Tonbridge roared back after the third innings with strong batting by Matt Styles, Chris Henderson, Gareth Nutt and Shaun Drury, who combined for five extra base hits and eight runs.

A good pitching performance from Nutt saw off

PITCH PERFECT The new diamond at The Slade

a late rally from Brighton to secure a first win of the season for Tonbridge by a margin of 12-9.

The Bobcats started strongly against Guildford and built up a 15-2 lead after three innings and stretched their lead again late in the game, led by Andrew Sharp, who notched four hits and three walks and scored four runs.

Catcher Marcus Sweeney-Bird sealed victory by 30-20 as he stormed home on a passed ball from a weary Guildford pitcher to score the final run.

Tonbridge teams have reached the Championship finals in each of the last three years, including winning the competition in 2015.

But the club is now having to adapt to a changing landscape in the county’s baseball after the formation of the Hadlow-based Kent Bucaneers, who recruited several former Tonbridge players.

Mackay said: “We have an eye on developing new players and putting the emphasis back on enjoyment of the game. We have had a lot of success by playing the right way and we are always looking to grow club membership.”

Open training sessions are held at Borley Field every Wednesday evening. For more information, email info@tonbridgebaseball.com or visit www.facebook.com/tonbridgebaseball