Times of Tonbridge 26th April 2017

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Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Pub to reopen as council rejects INSIDE closure attempt by its brewery BUSINESS AWARDS The Times announces this years’ shortlist Page 10

By Murray Jones

NOT LAST ORDERS The Nelson Arms will trade again this autumn

newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A MUCH beloved ‘local’, that looked set to become a residential development, will continue to function as a pub with a ‘very interested buyer’ expected to complete a deal within the next few weeks.

‘The appeal was unsuccessful.

We are now in negotiation with a potential buyer.’

The Nelson Arms, in Cromer Street, has been up for sale since November with owners Shepherd Neame arguing that running the premises as a pub no longer fitted their current ‘business strategy’.

They advertised it as a potential site for transformation ‘into a pair of semidetached houses or flats’.

It has been closed since March after the landlord, Charlotte Gow, left.

However, a campaign by nearby residents to preserve ‘the only pub in

Town watchdog opposes sale of the River Lawn green space THE BOROUGH council’s controversial planned disposal of green space in River Lawn has been criticised by Tonbridge Civic Society.

In a letter to the Times the group’s Chair Diane Huntingford said: “The Council needs to be proactive in the planning of this

new townscape - simply selling River Lawn to a developer who will put up yet another undistinguished block of flats won’t do.

“We want something better for Tonbridge.”

Currently, the area in question is an entirely green space with a

number of trees and a footpath running adjacent to the river.

The land going up for sale runs from the back of the Teen and Twenty Club up to the footbridge that connects to the Garden of Remembrance.

Continued on page 2

the Barden Road area’ and maintain the building as a licensed venue, has finally proved successful.

They applied to have The Nelson Arms listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’ [ACV], meaning the property could not be sold for up to six months.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council [TMBC] confirmed the ACV status but Shepherd Neame appealed.

This appeal has been rejected with the borough council accepting there was a ‘realistic prospect’ of the pub continuing to serve the community.

The brewery, who have the right to appeal the decision to a tribunal, have confirmed that they will now be selling it as a pub.

A spokesperson for Shepherd Neame said: “The appeal was unsuccessful.

We are now in negotiation with a potential buyer.”

The Times understands that the prospective buyer plans to completely refurbish the pub and open in the autumn as a free house specialising in real ales and quality Belgian beers.

IT’S JUST A NUMBER Fan favourite becomes Angels’ mascot aged 90 Page 95

TWELFTH NIGHT

Tasmin Greig stars in screening of Shakespeare show Page 82

CONCERNED Civic Society Chair Diane Huntingford

GOLF OPEN FOR ALL

Poult Wood to host first Southern Disability Open Page 14

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NEWS

Local News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Innovative café opens to save emergency services’ resources

A PLACE OF SOLACE The café officially opened last week

By Murray Jones newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A NEW mental health initiative, backed by local police and health authorities, opened in the town centre last Thursday [April 20].

The Solace Café is designed to provide a safe and non-judgemental environment for people to meet others with similar problems, and to access mental health support and advice from peers and professionals in order to deescalate situations.

Located in West Kent Mind’s Wellbeing Centre in St, Mary’s Road, the café has capacity for 20 peo-

ple at once and will be manned by three members of staff.

The project has been funded by the West Kent’s Clinical Commissioning Group and Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott [pictured far left with Mind volunteers].

Drain It is seen by both organisations as a way to ease the burden on emergency services from people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Last week, in an annual report on the state of UK policing, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Con-

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615

stabulary Sir Tom Winsor warned: “The provision of mental healthcare has reached such a state of severity that police are often being used to fill the gaps that other agencies cannot.

“This is an unacceptable drain on police resources and it is a profoundly improper way to treat vulnerable people who need care and help.”

“The obligation of the police is to prevent crime.

This is not only because this makes society safer – both in reality and in perception – but also because it is far cheaper to prevent a crime than it is to investigate and arrest the offender after the event. The same is true of mental ill health, which is not a crime.”

The Solace Café has already established close links with local police who will be able to drop someone off there instead of taking them into custody.

Similarly, diverting people to the centre may help alleviate the already stretched Tunbridge Wells Hospital Accident and Emergency unit.

Ruth Brown, from West Kent Mind said: “It is great to be able to offer an out of hours mental health service,” adding that a similar project from the charity in Ashford had already proved successful.

For people interested in accessing the services, please call first on: 01732 356630 or 07436102171.

However it is possible to simply turn up.

The Solace Café is open on Thursday and Saturday evenings, from 5pm – 9pm (last entry 8:45pm).

Council to discuss proposals Continued from page 1 The Borough Council’s Cabinet approved the sale on February 9 and earmarked it for residential development. The same decision was made for the former Citizens’ Advice Bureau on River Walk.

Ms Huntingford continued: “The Tonbridge Civic Society is concerned that Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is about to sacrifice to housing development the whole of the open space at River Lawn, a key area in the town centre between the High Street and the river.

“We accept in principle that the Council needs to dispose of some land in this part of the town in order to raise money. However, we think that any development needs to be more sensitively handled, enabling at least part of River Lawn to remain as open space, thus preserving most of its mature trees.”

Interesting The group are not opposed to all development in the area, however, and suggest a new development ‘should occupy the small car park next to Lambert’s Yard, which the Council owns.

“This should produce a better result in townscape terms than the Council’s proposal and would leave at least part of River Lawn as public open space with access to the river bank,” she added.

Borough Council Leader Nicolas Heslop said: “The suggestions are certainly interesting. All the responses to the consultation on the disposal of River Lawn will be considered at the next meeting of the Cabinet [June 21] and the comments made by the Tonbridge Civic Society will be included as part of the consultation.”

The Civic Society was founded in 1963, following public indignation about the demolition of historic buildings between the Chequers Inn and the Big Bridge over the River Medway.

Since its foundation, it has acted as a ‘watchdog’ to help to ensure that similar decisions would not be made again without the voices of local people being heard. Currently, it has nearly 500 members.

Classic cars to tour town and country

REPORTER MURRAY JONES newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

VINTAGE: Richard Dresner is welcomed in his pre war 4.3 litre Alvis by Lions President Bob Bartlett and his wife Jan

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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.

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TONBRIDGE LIONS CLUB have announced their fourth Classic Car Tour this summer.

The July 16 event will allow local people to showcase their pre-1997 cars and tour through the picturesque lanes and villages of Kent and Sussex.

Lions spokesperson Mike Edwards said: “Participants will be given an easy to follow road book to take them along a carefully

designed and well researched route.

“Starting with coffee at Tonbridge Castle the tour will travel through the beautiful countryside of Kent and Sussex to Barnsgate Manor near Uckfield for lunch. The cars then wind their way back to Tonbridge where a well-earned afternoon cream tea will be served.”

Previous entrants have included a 1936

Ford Model ‘Y’, a 1935 Wolseley Wasp, a 1937 Jaguar SS100 and a pre-war 4.3litre Alvis.

Tickets for the event are £65 for a driver and passenger. All proceeds go to local charities and good causes. To enter, visit: www.tonbridgelions.co.uk Younger cars will be allowed subject to the organiser’s discretion.

Local News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

Birds and eggs stolen as thieves take flight KENT POLICE are appealing for witnesses after endangered birds and their eggs were stolen from Hadlow College.

The thieves are reported to have taken a female Laysan Teal duck and 12 eggs, a female Nene goose and five eggs and a female Maned goose and 12 eggs.

It is believed that the wire to the birds’ coop was cut in order for the thieves to reach the highly valued animals between 7pm on Saturday and 8am Sunday morning [April 22-23].

The Laysan Teal declined to just 20 individuals in the early 20th century, but is on the way to recovery due to conservation efforts.

Currently there are an estimated 500680 mature Layson Teal adults worldwide, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Collective power RESIDENTS can find out whether they can save money on their household bills by registering for the latest round of the Energy Deal.

The system is a form of collective bargaining where energy suppliers are invited to compete with their best offer at an energy auction.

As more households register, suppliers are able to offer a better deal. The winning tariff will be sent around to those signed up, who are under no obligation to accept the deal.

The deadline to register is May 22, to do so visit: www.energydealswitch.com or call 01732 876395.

The time to climb AN INTERNATIONAL climbing company is to open a new centre this summer.

Situated in Morley Road adjacent to trampoline centre Jump In, Clip ‘n Climb will open in June, with 28 climbing walls.

The New Zealand business has proved a worldwide success since starting in 2005 with more than 100 locations across five continents.

Church’s hygiene help AN APPEAL has been launched for ‘gently used’ bras and knickers and new sanitary supplies to be distributed to women in east Africa.

The Malawi Container Project is being supported by Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church as underwear and sanitary pads are rare commodities in rural areas of the country. Without these essentials many girls stop attending school due to hygiene problems.

There will be two collection sessions in Fisher Hall, opposite the church in Lyons Crescent. The first on Saturday, 6.30-8pm [April 29] and then Sunday, 3-5pm.

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Call for more businesses to become dementia friendly

By Murray Jones murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A TONBRIDGE charity is encouraging retailers to help the town centre become safer for those with dementia as they warn that vulnerable people are being conned out of thousands of pounds.

Abuse Ahead of their advisory Business Exchange on Friday [April 28], charity Dementia Friendly Tonbridge have said that susceptibility to scamming is scaring off those with the condition from shopping.

The event will offer the town’s traders a chance to learn how they can be more accommodating to people with the disease with a series of talks and workshops as well as information stalls.

Spokesperson Billie Negus explained: “When using

a bank, 66 per cent of people with dementia need some assistance. This can open people up to scammers taking advantage of that person.

“It could be someone asking them to withdraw cash for something and telling them it’s to pay for something but then they take it or it could be that they’ve just been told to do it and don’t know why.

“By working together we can help reduce the amount of money being scammed out of our local shoppers.”

She applauded taxi firm Castle Cars who have pledged to ensure their drivers look out for vulnerable customers and say they have averted incidents where it looked like a passenger with dementia was being manipulated as they went to the cash point.

To register for the Business Exchange event at the Angel Centre, which runs from 3.30-6pm on Friday April 28, call 01732 759854 or book via www. eventbrite.co.uk, searching ‘Tonbridge Business Exchange’

Facts and figures  In Tonbridge, there are 3,593 people

diagnosed with dementia.  The actual number of people in the

town with the disease is estimated to be 6,051 – including those who have yet to be diagnosed.  According to the Alzheimer’s Society,

15 per cent of carers reported that the person they cared for had been subject to some kind of financial abuse.  Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of carers

reported that the person they care for had been approached by unsolicited or unscrupulous cold callers.

Investigation into teen model’s death THE MOTHER of a teenage climber, model and aspiring Olympic rower has spoken of the heartache of losing her ‘funny, smart and beautiful’ son.

Alasdair Russell, 19, grew up in Shipbourne and attended Tonbridge School. This past weekend, he was hoping to become the youngest Briton to complete the fastest ascent of Everest - the world’s highest mountain.

He planned to reach the summit in only 42 days, less than half the time of most expeditions.

But earlier this month [April 1] he was found dead in Boca Raton, Florida, where his mother, Lindsay Russell, moved last year, in what she describes as ‘tragic circumstances’.

Ambitions A spokeswoman for Broward sheriff’s office said that there was an ‘active investigation’ into the teenager’s death after his body was found at an address overlooking the ocean at Deerfield Beach, 40 miles north of Miami.

Mr Russell moved

to the US after completing his A levels at Tonbridge School last summer with two A*s and an A, and had enrolled on a cinematography course at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with ambitions to become an actor.

To fund his university studies and his attempt on Everest he had visited a model agency in Los Angeles which signed him up on the spot. In February he appeared alongside Naomi Campbell in a television advert for Gap and also featured in Italian Vogue and a number of fashion campaigns.

Ms Russell has set up a fundraising page in memory of her son with all proceeds going towards Orchid– a charity specialising in male specific forms of cancer.

To donate to the online memorial fund you can visit: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/alasdair-russell TALENTED Alasdair had ambitions to be an actor

GAME FACES:The giant chess set is available for anyone to use

New chess club offers chance to check out some fresh moves GAME enthusiasts are in for a treat with the news that a chess school hopes to teach the town some new moves.

Tonbridge Chess Club is launching on Tuesday [2.30pm, May 2] in The Old Fire Station with players of all ages and abilities invited to try their hand at the classic pastime.

If the inaugural event proves popular enough then the organisers Fred Long and Julian Squiers hope it can become a weekly event.

Mr Squiers runs Learn Chess, a small game-tutoring business that currently coaches pupils at the Schools at Somerhill. At the event he will be offering an hour of teaching and advice before another hour of free play.

“The idea is to help retired people to get out and socialise, and keep their brain active. It is a proven fact that playing chess helps prevent the onset of dementia.

“Although the club is not just for retired people; there might be parents who are fed up with their kids always winning and want to improve their own game. We could even get a generational match going in the future,” he predicted.

The launch of the club marks exactly a year since Mr Long finished creating the giant chess board available next to the Angel Centre.

He hopes the new club will encourage more people to use the free facility in the summer.

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Local News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Quakers’ home is transformed into new flats for the homeless

BUILDING THE FUTURE: (L-r) Rob Marsh of West Kent YMCA, the Bishop of Rochester James Langstaff, Mayor David Neve, Greg Clark MP, Gareth Hepworth of Habitat for Humanity, Scott Stevens of Highpoint Developments, Sue Hall and Alison Ruff of West Kent Quakers

By Andrew Tong THE West Kent Quakers have teamed up with two charities to provide affordable housing for the homeless in their Meeting House.

The 120-year-old building on Grosvenor Park will be converted into nine studio flats with the help of the West Kent YMCA, building charity Habitat for Humanity and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The council has contributed £250,000 towards the budget of £770,750. It is hoped that the accommodation will be completed by the end of the year.

In a neat touch, YMCA clients are helping out with the building work through the organisation’s

Horizon Project, which offers practical courses in construction, carpentry and plumbing.

The flats will allow residents at the YMCA – who stay for a maximum of two years at Ryder House on Belgrave Road – to ‘move on’ and forge an independent future for themselves.

“It’s very important because after all the hard work they’ve done – and the staff have too – they are then back at risk after two years,” explained West Kent YMCA Chief Executive Rob Marsh.

“Now they have a nice space to address the issues they face. It’s only a couple of minutes away from us so they can carry on enjoying our support.”

YMCA housing worker Nadine Geehan baked a ‘partnership cake’ to celebrate the launch, with

ingredients provided by the Quakers’ Alison Ruff.

Decorated with the Quakers’ logo ‘Live Adventurously’, the cake was cut by YMCA resident Conner Barker at the ceremony at the Meeting House.

“Our clients may be ready to move on after six months but at the moment they have nowhere to go,” Mr Marsh added.

“It’s like bed-blocking in the NHS, if someone else comes in who needs our support.

“Having somewhere to go will also help to avoid them regressing when they are ready to move out of the YMCA. It’s frustrating for staff too, when they have done everything they can.”

The Quakers first put forward the idea 10 years ago. “They’ve really taken the project to heart and we’re very emotional about it,” said Mr Marsh.

“It shows great generosity, trust and friendship.

Their motto is ‘live adventurously’ and they are certainly doing that.”

The Meeting House is big enough to stack up two storeys of flats. These will consist of studios with shared bathroom facilities, while there will also be

Council stops needy from being shipped out of area A PROPERTY bought by the council in Paddock Wood has received planning permission for renovations which will provide ‘emergency’ accommodation for the homeless.

This will allow those who are deemed to be in ‘priority need’ to stay in the area and be close to their families, jobs and schools while they await a decision on their housing.

Dowding House on Commercial Road is set to provide 18 flats for that purpose along with seven private but ‘affordable’ appartments.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council bought the premises from the Town & Country Housing Association last month. It was built in the late 1970s as a facility for elderly people.

The council has a statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation for people with ‘priority need’. Currently they are housed in bed and breakfast accommodation, which can prove costly. The council believes the new building offers ‘significant revenue saving’.

The council said: “Due to a lack of suitable emergency housing in this borough, homeless families are often placed in other areas such as Eastbourne or the Medway towns.

“Being able to remain in this area is a better solution for vulnerable families who will be nearer to their support networks, schools and employment.”

Andrew Tong rooms to offer counselling services, and a smaller meeting area for the Quakers.

The scheme has been heavily supported by the Bishop of Rochester, Rt Rev James Langstaff.

A patron of the West Kent YMCA, he is passionate about homelessness and will lobby the church using the project as a case study.

Local News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Commuters urged to take part in rail consultation

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Hotel is shortlisted for top design award SUCCESS

James Galpin (inset) is proud of his firm’s achievement

Awards in the Tourism and leisure category. It is up against Battle Abbey, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Whitchurch, British Airways i360 in Brighton, Plumpton Tennis Club and the Yarrow in Broadstairs.

Unique

GREG Clark was up at the crack of dawn on Friday (April 21) as he sought to engage with the long-suffering Tunbridge Wells rail commuters on their views about the service.

The MP was seeking the opinions of passengers which he will then feed into an ongoing consultation over the future of the Southeastern rail franchise. Its contract to run the franchise is coming up for renewal in December 2018.

Commenting on his findings after talking to the public, Mr Clark said: “It was very helpful to speak with rail passengers about the improvements they want to our service.

“Issues raised included overcrowding, the high price and inflexibility of tickets, lack of wifi and poor information at times of disruption.”

A spokesman at Southeastern said they ‘welcome any changes’ to the Department for Transport’s franchise specification that will further improve services for passengers.

They added: “We’re focused on delivering our current franchise and will continue to invest over £70million in improvements in the areas that matter most to our passengers.”

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE architect behind the design of One Warwick Park has spoken of his pride after it was revealed the hotel has been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awards.

James Galpin, Partner at the Tunbridge Wellsbased architectural firm Hazle McCormack Young, said they were ‘very proud’ of the four star luxury hotel.

He added: “The constraints on the existing site, in terms of the historic listed buildings, the

linking of the sites and the retention of public pedestrian routes whilst delivering a fully functioning multi-site hotel demanded imagination and visionary engineering design.

“The hotel is now thriving and business is booming, so the project has been a great success from an operational point of view, but now being shortlisted for the design of the buildings with an RICS Award adds professional appreciation of the scheme.”

One Warwick Park, which has 39 bedrooms and suites, was completed in June last year and has been shortlisted for the RICS South East

Mr Galpin will be attending the ceremony on May 17 in Southampton but said the awards were a recognition of all those who were involved in the scheme.

He continued: “These awards recognise the efforts and commitment made by the whole team, both from the architectural side and the construction and engineering brilliance of structural engineer CTP, and contractors BJBabb and Civils Ltd. “We are very proud of the finished building and we hope the teamwork of a committed and passionate client and their building design team is recognised at the RICS Awards 2017 in May.” Andrew Daniells, Chief Operating Officer of Markerstudy Leisure commented: “We are delighted that One Warwick Park Hotel has been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Awards this year.

“From the outset, we wanted to create a contemporary style hotel which was unique, luxurious, flexible but functional. The experienced team at Hazle McCormack Young, were instrumental in helping us achieve this and being recognised for such a highly regarded industry award is further testament to their work.”

The RICS Awards ‘showcase the achievements of the most inspirational regional initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the environment.’

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Local News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Small parties and independents seek to shake up the old order…

PIONEERING

Womens Equality Party candidate Celine Thomas (right) met party co-founder Catherine Mayer in Tunbridge Wells on Friday

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MUCH of the focus on the coming local elections will be on what they foretell about the looming snap General Election. In this context, the campaigns of the smaller parties and independents seeking a place at County Hall on May 4 are at risk of being drowned out.

However, Tunbridge Wells itself will see more candidates than ever standing, with more independents, a larger cohort of Green’s and a standard bearer for Women’s Equality Party all fighting for the vote. On the one hand, the Green Party and Women’s Equality Party are looking to capitalize on disillusion with mainstream parties and promote agendas which are often seen as more radical. On the other, the independents will draw on their local ties to emphasise that they have have the community’s interests at heart.

As the Times stated last week, the manifestos and individual campaign pledges of those not affiliated with the main parties deserve to be seen, if simply to remind voters that the local elections on May 4 are not all about national politics.

GREEN PARTY Fairness begins with taking responsibility for what we are doing. We do not have the right to live as if we could squander everything Kent, or our country, or our planet has to offer. We have a duty, to our own children and future generations, to ensure that we pass on a better Kent to those who follow us, not one which continues to be damaged by Conservative misrule – Kent Manifesto The green party are fielding five candidates in seven of the divisions up for grabs in both towns and their surrounding areas. These are, West, North, Rural and South divisions of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge itself – an increase of one candidate on 2013.

On transport, the party will tackle air pollution by reducing road subsidies and investing the money in public transport and cycling. They will also return bus services to local authority control ‘where possible.’

The party is emphatically opposed to the grammar school system and seeks to bring them under local authority control. The same will apply to academies and free schools.

An emphasis on extra provision for mental health, tackling homelessness and welcoming refuges is included in the manifesto. On local governance the party advocate abolishing KCC and replacing it with four unitary authorities.

INDEPENDENT: Terry Cload Why should we accept the annihilation of our unique natural heritage, turn our villages into towns, and towns into cities? Local residents should have the final say, not just in planning matters but in all areas of council responsibility – Terry Cload Standing for Tunbridge Wells East is independent candidate Terry Cload who will be hoping his focus on local issues and non-party affiliation will help him win the division after an unsuccessful bid in 2013.

Mr Cload will emphasise his wide experience as a parish, borough, and county councilor and work on major projects such as the restoration of Dunorlan Park, the dualling of the A21, and Tunbridge Wells Local Plan. He also ran a petition that successfully galvanised the Borough Council into making a bid for public ownership of Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons – although their offer was rejected.

Free of party political dogma he states his aim is to be ‘a full-time, hands on councillor, not a remote, part time, job- sharing one.’ He believes that West Kent councils should combine, leading to fewer councillors, ‘greatly reduced costs’, and he is dismissive of ‘opulent new offices’. He states councillors should ‘follow their own advice’ and reduce allowances.

INDEPENDENT: Nancy Warne In a world that seeks to divide us I believe that this message is now even more vital. It is only by coming together, across parties, and with imaginative and lateral thinking rooted in community-based dialogues, can we hope to find solutions to the huge challenges of deepening cuts to and devolution of services to the division level – Nancy Warne Parish councilor Nancy Warne will draw on her deep understanding of the Cranbrook area when fighting to represent the division at County Hall. Having spent much of her life in the area, she can point to an extensive list of community achievements.

If elected to KCC, she wants to support community initiatives to champion the arts and local food growing as well as set up initiatives to help the vulnerable. Young people will be engaged, via their schools, in the local decision making process.

Ms Warne states she will undertake market research into the potential for commuter minibus services from villages to train stations and promote car sharing. ‘Crime prevention roadshows’ will be encouraged to allow community police to communicate with residents and she will ‘work with multiple agencies’ to explore long-term solutions to petty crime and anti-social behavior.

WOMEN’S EQUALITY PARTY: Celine Thomas At this year’s Kent County Council elections you have got the opportunity to do something different, by voting for the Women’s Equality Party for the first time. But most importantly, as your councillor I will listen to you and act for the benefit of our community.

– Celine Thomas One of just four members of the fledgling party to stand at this year’s local elections in the entire UK – along with a bid for the Liverpool mayoralty – Ms Thomas is somewhat of a pioneer for the Women’s Equality party.

A lawyer by trade, she will be standing in the division of Tunbridge Wells South and is one of just six women out of 30 candidates to be contesting in the Tunbridge Wells divisions – three of whom, including herself, are fighting for the same council seat.

Her stated aim is to expand the the representation of females at Kent County Council, where currently just 17 out of the 84 are women.

Pledges include making the community safer; with an emphasis on preventing violence against women and girls as well as safety on the streets.

The current political composition of Kent County Council NUMBER OF CLLRS

PARTY

47

CONSERVATIVE

14

UKIP

12

LABOUR

7

LIBDEM

2

INDEPENDENTS

1

GREEN

1

OTHER

10

BUSINESS

Sponsored by

Times Awards

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Shortlist is unveiled

In association with

Below is a list of those companies that have been selected as finalists in their categories

CREATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by John Bullock Design FREEFOLD.COM Owner: Tony Higson This Tonbridge-based company specialises in the development of a lightweight, removable garment carrier which allows suits and dresses to be transported without creasing within a piece of hand luggage or a rucksack.

PAGE & PAGE Owners: Stephen and Kate Page Based in Tunbridge Wells High Street, this creative agency specialises in brand awareness and targeted educational campaigns for the health and wellbeing sector.

REDSPA Owner: James Walker A digital agency with the expertise to give customers a full range of services, including brand identity, print media and back-office support. Situated in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells.

late last year by its three ex-servicemen founders. Open all day, the restaurant takes pride in its local suppliers, which are listed on a map on the back of each menu.

MOUNT EDGCUMBE Owners: Sally and Robert Hogben Operating since 2012, the pub has made the most of its unique location on Tunbridge Wells Common to give it a country feel in the centre of town. Specialises in tailoring to individual dining experiences.

TURMERIC GOLD Owners: Kamrul Islam and Abdul Subhan This Tudeley establishment proves its popularity by catering to over 70,000 diners each year. Demand has been so high that it has expanded its catering capacity from 65 seats to 210 since it was founded in 2008.

BEST SMALL BUSINESS (up to £2m turnover)

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Childrensalon CASTLE CARS Owner: Terry Hill

Sponsored by Distinct Business Insurance THE RIGHT TUITION COMPANY Owner: Arthur Ponsonby

This Tonbridge taxi firm was set up 19 years ago, has a fleet of 22 cars, and boasts a very low staff turnover – with many still there since day one. It is a strong advocate of community engagement programmes.

Established in 2014, the business operates from three education centres in West and North Kent. Promoting a ‘traditional teaching philosophy’, the company has an excellent track record in 11-plus preparation.

MISS KAY SEAMSTRESS Owner: Martine Watson Delivering high-end bridal wear since 2015, the Tunbridge Wells store has a highly customer-centric focus which helped ensure just under 600 brides had the perfect dress for their big day last year.

TN RECRUITS Owner Neil Simmons With a focus on the ‘TN’ region, this recruitment firm was set up in 2014 and uses advanced methodologies and an ‘open and honest’ assessment of client needs to ensure they are placed in their ideal job.

BEST INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT

Sponsored by Fuller’s Butchers and Farm Shop VITTLE AND SWIG Owners: Alexander Blaber and Gerry Stevens This Camden Road establishment was only opened in October last year. It offers an ‘eclectic menu’ and a range of extensive cooking techniques at reasonable prices and in a fun atmosphere.

FRAMPTONS Owners: Tom Walker, Ed McAdam, Sam Westlake The Framptons establishment was opened in The Pantiles

THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING INSTITUTE Owners: Alex Shoebridge and Martin Shyvers Based in Tonbridge, this gym offers a range of services both on-site and online. Founded in 2012, the success of the business has been praised by local MP Tom Tugendhat.

LEIGH ROBERTS Owners: Leigh Roberts and Karen O’Brien Offering a complete range of hair salon services, and with highly qualified expertise in colouring, this company has grown steadily for 15 years from its Vale Road premises in Tunbridge Wells.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Russell Fewins Commercial Facilities Solutions INFLUENCER Owner: Ben Jeffries Working at the forefront of social media advertising, this company links brand to influential individuals whose online reach can help clients promote products to a targeted audience. Founded in 2015, the firm has the backing of 139 crowdfunding investors.

BIG ORANGE MEDIA Owner: Joe Stoner Only set up in May last year, this creative agency has signed up an average of five customers a month. Client confidence is reflected in the fact many of them sign

Join us at a gala night to celebrate all that’s good about local business THIS week we announce on these pages the muchawaited shortlist for this year’s Times Business Awards, with the winners being named at a gala night to remember at Salomons on May 18. And the event is open to all our readers, not just those who have entered.

Guests at the black tie gathering will be treated to a champagne reception and three-course meal with wine, plus a fantastic opportunity to network with some of the town’s most successful business leaders.

However, it is not just a chance to add names to

the contact book, but to enjoy a night of entertainment, with BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Ken Bruce playing host, and live music from the renowned swing band Violet Jive.

Playing both original material and popular covers, the band’s style is described as a ‘cocktail of sounds from 50s swing and rock ’n’ roll to hot Latin/salsa rhythms and beyond’, meaning dancing is definitely on the cards.

Ken Bruce, who is the longest-serving DJ on Radio 2, and whose show attracts almost eight

Times Awards

Wednesday April 26 | 2017 contracts lasting six to nine months.

HOLLIE’S LITTLE CAKERY Owner: Hollie O’Callaghan Situated in Southborough, Hollie’s Little Cakery creates bespoke cakes, cookies and confection for weddings.

Currently a solo operation, the influx of orders means the hiring of a second member of staff is imminent.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Sponsored by The Pantiles Chambers RENCRAFT Owners: John Stephens and John Schofield With a store in Tunbridge Wells and workshop/store in Sevenoaks, this firm specialises in handmade furniture and kitchens. The bespoke nature of their products means customer care and quality control is of the highest order.

THOMAS MANSFIELD SOLICITORS Owners: Jonathan Mansfield and Neill Thomas A Calverley Road law firm, this practice specialises in employment and family law. Taking on big city firms, the firm regularly represents clients in the Court of Appeal and High Court in groundbreaking cases.

JOHN BULLOCK DESIGN Owners: John and Fiona Bullock Formed in 2003, and based in Tunbridge Wells High Street, the eponymous architectural practice saw 98 per cent of its planning applications succeed in 2016 while sticking within the parameters of the client’s brief.

BEST TECH BUSINESS

and a half million listeners, will provide an entertaining introduction to the evening before presenting each of the category winners with awards.

The self-confessed ‘failed accountant’ is no stranger to the challenges of running a business, with himself a partner in a small company that hires out old Routemaster buses for special occasions.

Previous attendee Jenny Kitchen, Managing Director of creative agency Yoyo Design, said of last year’s inaugural event: “Being the first year, we didn’t know quite what to expect, but it was a fantastic evening.”

Nick Brandon, Sales Director of First Office Supplies, was even more succinct in his assessment of the sort of evening people can expect, stating: “Participating in this is a no-brainer for any local business.”

Those attending need not be company owners themselves, or even associated with any of the nominees, but people who simply want to be part of an event which showcases some of the best individuals and organisations West Kent has to offer.

HOW TO BUY YOUR TICKET The awards ceremony will be held at Salomons in Tunbridge Wells on May 18 – 6pm until midnight. Tickets: £1,140 for a table of 12 or individual tickets at £95 each. Numbers are limited. To purchase tickets, please email info@timesbusinessawards.co.uk or call Lara Milan on 01892 739764

Sponsored by Gemini Print Group INFINITY GROUP Owners: Rob Young and Phil Jones Employing over 40 specialists, this company offers 24/7 service in technical IT assistance. From its headquarters in Tunbridge Wells, the firm also installs hardware, develops software and sets up telecoms.

SALON IQ Owners: Andrew Atherton and David Levine Tapping a niche market by supplying booking and management software to the beauty and hair salon industry, this Tunbridge Wells firm has nearly 800 clients across the UK using its services.

LARRYTECH OWNER: Larry Hardcastle

‘We didn’t know quite what to expect, but it was a fantastic evening’ Monita Cheung

A business award-winning company last year, this firm – which was founded when the owner was just 14 – boasts multi-million-pound firms among the clients who seek its web design and digital marketing expertise.

HOST MY OFFICE Owner: Simon Luck A provider of cloud-based services and systems that allow people to work remotely, this Tunbridge Wells business has grown its client base to 119 in just eight months of operation.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by RSM LOCH ASSOCIATES GROUP Owner: Pam Loch Headquartered in Tunbridge Wells, Pam Loch’s company resembles a conglomerate, with offices in London,

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Brighton and Edinburgh. It specialises in employment law, outsourcing HR, conflict resolution and office-based first-aid training.

NEXT STEP MENTOR Owner: Ania Jeffries A highly qualified mentor, Ania helps young individuals through the Princes Trust, and established the highly successful Women Work event that attracted 1,300 people to the Assembly Hall in March.

RUNWAY TRAINING Owner: Oliver Trailor This education company specialises in delivering adult courses in maths and English. Since 2012, they have also offered a wide range of apprenticeship schemes. The Tonbridge business also provides courses in food safety and first aid.

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore THE HOP SHOP Owners: Caroline and William Alexander This Shoreham family business traces its roots back over 100 years. The Hop Shop is the customer-facing side of the family’s 1,100-acre farming business in the Darent Valley. It also counts a large online presence.

MARY MARY CREATES GARDENS Owners: Jane Ives, Sarah and Dave Goodall Offers fully comprehensive landscaping and gardening services drawing on the decades of experience from the three family members/owners. Based in Tonbridge, the next generation of Goodalls are also pitching in.

TURMERIC GOLD Owners: Kamrul Islam and Abdul Subhan Established in the depths of the financial crisis of 2008, this family business has continued to go from strength to strength. The restaurant is officially recognised for its quality cuisine through several awards.

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Handelsbanken ABBEY FUNERAL SERVICES Owners: Christine, Jim and Jo Parker With almost 35 years in the business, the family company is well established in the West Kent area through its considerate customer care and community service. This includes the founding of a charity that helps those suffering bereavement.

WATER PROCESS SOLUTIONS Owners: Clive Dean and Kevin Jeeves Specialising in the manufacture and provision of water treatment equipment, the business has a global reach, with customers based throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

LOCH ASSOCIATES Owner: Pam Loch This multifaceted firm employs 21 people in offices across the UK who specialise in a wide range of disciplines, including law, HR and health. The business is predicted to grow by ten per cent in the coming year.

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Local Business News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Financial firms warm to idea of early election Craig Strong

THE announcement by Theresa May (above) that she would, after months of denial, now be calling a snap general election took almost everybody by surprise. In the world of finance, where many millions of trades are conducted each second, political statements of such magnitude have an instant effect on market sentiment, for better or worse.

The Times has sought opinions about what it all means from some of Tunbridge Wells’ key financial players – who, combined, advise on, oversee the management of, or actively trade hundreds of millions of pounds of assets between them.

Director of Capital Currencies The pound has emerged as the immediate ‘winner’ against a basket of currencies following Theresa May’s surprise snap general election called for June 8. There was always a possibility that this could happen following Article 50 being triggered, but was always denied.

GBP/USD soared to almost 1.29 (up 4 cents) with GBP/EUR closely following suit, and nearing 1.20 after an initial sterling sell-off following rumours that the Prime Minister was to resign.

The markets now seem to be backing the Prime Minister, who appears to be strengthening her leadership position with the UK going into postBrexit negotiations. This is a turnaround from last year, following a massive selling of the pound after the referendum result.

General elections as a whole create much uncertainty, and this in turn leads to market volatility. We’ve seen the FTSE 100 extend losses on the back of the pound’s strength (the FTSE 100 tends to be inversely correlated to the pound in any case).

So what does this mean for sterling and exchange rates? Analysts were predicting GBP/USD above 1.30 and, with a slight selling off by a cent as I write, we are only two cents away, and this seems perfectly feasible and easily achievable.

Theresa May looks poised on paper to wipe the slate clean from the Cameron administration and rebuild the government into a position of strength and resolve. If this happens, and it will depend on what degree it, or indeed if, it happens, sterling

may well rally again across numerous currencies, including the euro and the dollar.

However, the outcome is all but clear as geopolitical events closer to home with the French election and Scottish independence loom, as well as President Trump, further afield, destabilising the dollar with heightened military tensions with North Korea.

History suggests that the market prefers a win for the incumbent Prime Minister. However, with recent opinion polls and their ‘shady record’, you wouldn’t bet your house on it!

Pam Beith Head of Brooks Macdonald in Tunbridge Wells LAST week’s announcement demonstrates the high level of confidence the Prime Minister has in her government’s standing and, arguably, its lack of strong opposition.

Indeed, it is understandable why she would seek to hold a general election now, as polls currently show the Conservative Party holding a significant lead over Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party.

Once it was announced that the Prime Minister would hold a press conference, sterling sold off, as it was both unexpected and there were no details about the content ahead of time.

However, a general election was confirmed, and the currency bounced back and is now trading at new monthly highs. In our view, this reflects the fact that an improved Conservative majority would

strengthen the party’s negotiating position against the EU. Sterling’s rally should be put in the context of the currency trading at depressed levels following last June’s referendum.

‘Ultimately, we see potential for the election to be a significant positive for the UK in the medium term’ Near term, we expect the forthcoming general election to weigh on investor sentiment, as it will create further uncertainty. This is evident in the fact that UK gilt yields have continued their downtrend, reaching new 2017 lows.

The government has consistently pushed back against revealing too much about its negotiating position with the EU in advance and, as a result, its plans are largely unknown at present.

However, during the campaigning process the various UK political parties may be forced to reveal their plans in regard to the UK’s secession. As a result, we may learn some of the areas that the government wishes to focus on and others which it sees as ‘red lines’.

If the government’s manifesto seeks to dominate the middle ground and leads the market to believe it is seeking a ‘soft’ Brexit, this may give further buoyancy to sterling. Any sterling strength is likely to be negative for the FTSE 100 Index, given its skew towards international earnings.

Ultimately, we see potential for the election to be a significant positive for the UK in the medium term, as the victorious party is likely to hold greater authority when proposing and implementing their policies, whether this be in regard to Brexit negotiations or otherwise.

Local Business News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Gary Jefferies Managing Director of Panoramic Wealth Management Irrespective of personal political belief or Brexit choice, Theresa May’s calling of a snap election on June 8 would seem well timed.

There would appear to be consensus that having now triggered Article 50, a stable government with a predicted suitable majority would more likely to be able to deliver a favourable Brexit.

Margaret Thatcher actually won her last two elections on the second Thursday in June. Party losers in this election are likely to see a new leader.

The immediate stock market reaction to the announcement on the day saw a 2.5 per cent reduction of the FTSE. Primarily, this was down to the sterling increase on the day. In turn, this impacts larger UK companies valuations that earn most of the earnings overseas and become less competitive under such circumstances. From an investment view, stability is preferred, so post-election over time could well see the market recover.

Given the Brexit position, coupled with a fragile economy, one aspect that could be deferred via a manifesto is the next stage of increases in workplace pensions from April next year. Contributions for employers are set to double and treble for employees and would take a significant level of monies out the monetary system.

Longer term, with sterling weakened, there is a danger that households will find themselves squeezed, though this will not be altered by the election. This is due to higher import prices coupled with general wage increases falling behind inflation.

Sales sparkle for Kent winemaker

GLASS HALF FULL Directors Frazer Thomas and Mark Harvey say there are no Brexit downsides… yet

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk CHAPEL DOWN toasted another year of success last week after the Kent wine and beer maker reported increased sales and profits in 2016.

The vineyard operators, who last year raised £1.74million through crowdfunding to expand their capacity to bottle and distribute their Curious Brew range of beers and ciders, have also benefitted from increased overseas orders.

However, the Tenterden-based company warned in its statement that while the result of the EU referendum has had ‘no real impact’ on its business, the negative consequences may come later.

It said: “We would be affected, like all agriculturally-based businesses, if we were not

able to access EU workers for our viticulture, and the expertise in winemaking available in Europe.”

But, for now, the company is firing on all cylinders, with total sales climbing 25 per cent in the year ending December 31 to £10.23million.

Individually, wine remained the main source of income, accounting for around two thirds of sales, which rose 22 per cent.

However, beer and cider sales are closing the gap with growth of 32 per cent over the period.

Pre-tax profit also swung into the black at the NEX-listed firm to come in at £765,000 after a 2015 loss of £278,881.

Commenting on the latest results, the company’s Chief Executive, Frazer Thompson, said: “Chapel Down has enjoyed another excellent year of growth. In a highly competitive trading environment, the company has continued to invest in the value of its brands, its vineyards and its people as we build a healthy, sustainable and innovative drinks company with an exciting future both at home and abroad.”

EU FARMWORKERS SCHEME ON HOLD Chapel Down’s fears of a worker shortage post-Brexit may be borne out after the government recently rejected calls for a pilot seasonal workers scheme to help Kent farmers.

Many Conservative MPs in Kent have been lobbying for future immigration laws to be flexible enough to allow EU workers to come here during the main agricultural periods as many farms rely on their labour.

But Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom, who went to school in Tonbridge, told the House of Commons the government assessed the idea of a pilot seasonal workers scheme and decided ‘the evidence shows one is not needed’.

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BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Businesses welcomed to networking events A COUPLE of free business events will be taking place in Tunbridge Wells during the remainder of the month.

Tomorrow (April 27) will see a workshop being held by the borough council and Kent County Council aimed at providing support, mentoring and networking for creative businesses and freelancers.

It will run from 4pm until 7pm at The House, 31 Monson Road. In addition, the same venue will be hosting after-work drinks on Friday between 5pm and 6pm.

McCarthy application RETIREMENT housebuilder McCarthy & Stone has submitted its planning application to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to redevelop land at Pinewood Court, Southborough. The company announcement comes a month after a public consultation on the proposed 42-apartment block saw over 2,000 households invited to give their views on the development.

No summer drought BOTH South East Water and Southern Water have claimed droughts are unlikely this summer despite a drier than average winter.

A spokesman for Southern Water said rainfall in the first three months of the year has led to a better groundwater situation, while river levels have also increased. A South East Water spokesman said they ‘do not envisage’ any water shortages, with its aquifers ‘in a good position’.

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Community News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

ellenor wants businesses to help them ‘grow’ a £50 note

By Andrew Tong

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

“Last year we had a variety of businesses taking part, from sports centres to banks and law firms to pubs, and we hope to welcome lots more,” added Ms Barnes. “It’s a real opportunity for companies to have fun as a team and get creative.”

It is the only charity in Kent that provides hospice care for people of all ages, with 90 per cent of its work being done in a patient’s own home. ellenor needs to raise £6.7million each year to provide its round-theclock pain and symptom relief, end-of-life care, respite and bereavement support.

If you know a business which would like to be involved, contact Kate Barnes on 01474 320007 or kate.barnes@ellenor.org

ELLENOR is looking for companies in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge to take part in its 2017 Accumulator Challenge, which starts on May 2.

The charity hands over a crisp £50 note and the recipient has three months to grow that cash into as much money as possible to support families facing terminal illness.

“We launched this initiative last year and turned £600 into over £7,000,” said Kate Barnes, ellenor’s Area Fundraising Manager.

“In 2017 we want to make this even bigger and raise a significant sum to support our Visit www.ellenor.org work. The 2016 winner, Baxall Construction in Paddock Wood, has sponsored the Accumulator Challenge this year, meaning we have up to £2,000 to give away.”

The first Accumulator Challenge raised £7,171 for ellenor, a figure that could pay for 233 hours of play therapy for the charity’s young patients and their siblings to help them understand the emotions they are experiencing.

Baxall Construction raised £3,684.79 last year. They held a raffle, baked birthday cakes made BUILDING ON SUCCESS: Baxall Construction, to order and held a football team winners in 2016, are sponsoring the Challenge scratchcard competition.

VITAL SUPPORT Mary Trevillion

ON COURSE Poult Wood will provide expert tuition

Poult Wood hosts inaugural southern disability golf event POULT WOOD Golf Course will be hosting the first Southern Disability Open on Friday May 19.

The event is being organised by Tonbridge & Malling Leisure Trust in conjunction with Kent Golf.

Taking place on both the 18 and nine-hole courses, the longer competition starts at 9.30am and the short-course version at midday.

The competition is open to Category 1, 2 and 3 golfers and will be played to the modified rules published by the R&A. There are 60 places available in the 18-hole competition for those with a ‘competition’ handicap not exceeding 54 under the CONGU Unified Handicapping System or comparable scheme.

Tonbridge & Malling Leisure Trust also wants to welcome disabled golfers looking to return to the game, or who wish to start playing.

An initiative called Give Golf a Go includes expert PGA Tuition on the driving range, followed by a round on the nine-hole course. It starts at midday, and all equipment is provided.

Adam Perry, Head of Business Development at the Trust, said. “Poult Wood offers the ideal facilities for the competition, and we feel honoured to be running it for the first time in the south east.”

Jamie Blair, England Golf’s Disability Manager, said: “The event will provide a great opportunity for existing disabled players to compete, and provide an opportunity for new players who are getting into golf.”

The copetition entry deadline is 5pm on Wednesday May 10, with competitors accepted on a first come first served basis. For more information, visit poultwoodgolf@tmactive.co.uk

Family Matters to Perrys in breaking down barriers ACCOUNTANTS Perrys, based in St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, are trying to raise more than £10,000 for their chosen charity, Family Matters.

The Kent organisation offers support services to people who have been affected by sexual abuse or rape, including free one-to-one counselling.

Set up in 1990, it is based in Gravesend but serves 14 boroughs across the county.

It is currently trying to raise £300,000 per year in order to keep operating.

Last year Family Matters was the runner-up among Perrys’ charity nominees at the company’s

Exceptional Awards, which ‘recognise outstanding contributions in Kent’.

Perrys’ Chief Executive, Stewart Pope, said: “When I heard about Family Matters, and listened first-hand to a victim whom they have supported about how much the charity had done to transform his life for the better, I wanted to do more to help.

“Last year, we presented an incredible £13,690 to the Kent Cancer Trust, so we are aiming to match this figure for Family Matters.”

Mary Trevillion, Chief Executive at Family Matters, said: “It’s a sad fact that rape and sexual

abuse are still very much a taboo, with many victims suffering in silence. We want to break down the barriers that victims face so they can get the support they need and deserve.

“It’s help from companies like Perrys that makes a huge difference so we can continue to raise the charity’s profile and provide our vital service to the Kent community.”

Perrys will be hosting various fundraising initiatives for Family Matters, including its annual charity golf day at Chart Hills Golf Club in Biddenden on June 2.

Community News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Celebrating the power of flowers

By Eileen Leahy MEMBERS of Borough Council and the Town Forum launched this year’s Royal Tunbridge Wells In Bloom last Friday [April 21].

The event, which is a partnership between local residents, ward councillors and the Love Where You Live initiative, aims to create a greener and more flower friendly town by installing and maintaining more horticultural displays across Tunbridge Wells.

Each year the In Bloom team encourages the community as well as local schools and businesses to help plant up hanging baskets, barrier troughs and containers on the town’s streets, roundabouts, balconies and neglected green spaces.

This year it also hopes to introduce

edible landscapes on suitable spots in parks in order to further publicise the campaign.

Last Friday and Saturday volunteers manned a tented stall outside Royal Victoria Place, handing out information to the public on this year’s project and giving some lucky passers-by complementary cuttings and plants. The event’s sponsors which include Coolings garden centre and Kent High Weald Partnership were also present offering advice on everything from planting tips, floral species and soil types.

Tunbridge Wells Mayor David Neve also popped along on Friday to show his support for the green fingered project which includes a variety of Open Gardens to visit and a Best in Show competition.

There are also special categories within the main contest for businesses, private residences, community groups and schools such as Best Basket, Best Wildlife Garden and Most Impressive Front Balcony.

The In Bloom team hope that this year’s event will not only increase community and civic pride but will address conservation issues and boost the local economy and help regenerate run down areas in the town with a variety of eye-grabbing horticulture.

What on Earth? Litter pick finds rubbish items around village

LOAD OF RUBBISH Volunteers outside Toad Park Retreat OVER 30 volunteers of all ages came along to help pick up several bags of rubbish in Rusthall on Saturday [April 22] to coincide with Earth Day. The activity focused on the east side of the village to include the Toad Rock area, Denny Bottom, the Commons and Rusthall Road. Some 24 bin bags were filled with discarded items including a bicycle seat, a toilet cistern and a potty training seat.

Grateful The Village Association plan to hold another event later in the year focussing on the western side, followed by a social activity.

Association Chair Alex Britcher said: “It was a

brilliant day. We are so grateful to everyone who came along on a rather soggy Saturday morning to help clean the village.

“We were overwhelmed with how many people came to join in. Despite the weather, which decided to rain at the exact time the litter pick was on, everyone was so enthusiastic and worked so incredibly hard.

“I’ve heard that Cllr Thelma Huggett was like a mountain goat scampering up onto the rocks to collect cans and bottles.”

The event was supported by Sodexo and Biffa who provided equipment on the day for the volunteers and arranged for the rubbish to be collected and disposed of.

NATURAL GROWTH In Bloom has strong roots in the town

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Countywide

NEWS IN BRIEF

Spate of burglaries are believed to be linked POLICE are appealing for witnesses to three burglaries which happened in Sussex over the weekend.

The first incident occurred at a house in Wallis Close, Crowborough, between 6.15pm and 9.45pm on Friday, when one or more burglars used a garden ornament to smash in the rear glazed door and steal jewellery.

A similar incident took place on New Barn Lane, Uckfield, between 7.15pm on Friday and midnight on Saturday, and again on Oak Tree Way, Hailsham between 7.10pm and 11.30pm on Saturday. Those with information are urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Rise in food bank usage MORE than 17,000 people have relied on using food banks within Kent during the last year, the anti-poverty charity The Trussell Trust has disclosed.

The number of people using food banks between April 2016 and March 2017 climbed by 11 per cent on the previous year. Out of the 17,631 users recorded, 6,932 were children.

Dispute talks resume TALKS aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute over staffing and driver-only trains on Southern Railway were resumed yesterday and will continue today (April 26).

It will be the first time in months that the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) and the network operator have got together.

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Major expansion of shopping MP calls for Brexit infrastructure boost centre clears the first hurdle

BIGGER IS BETTER Bluewater will be 20 per cent larger BLUEWATER is to undergo a major expansion which is set to create up to 2,300 jobs after outline planning approval has been granted by Dartford council.

The proposals will see the ‘West Village’ part of Kent’s largest shopping centre expanded with a two storey extension that will push the complex out towards one of the lakes which will be reconfigured.

Changes will also be made to the ‘Town Square’ area near the Pizza Express which will involve building into a car park, moving a coach park and the demolition of a nursery that will be rebuilt elsewhere in the centre.

New buildings are planned for the opposite side of the lake, which will probably be used as food or drink stalls, and pedestrian footbridges would be built across the water.

A total of five separate expansions are planned which the applicants Blueco Ltd and Bluewater

Outer Area Ltd, envision will allow the housing of larger shops. When complete, the shopping centre will be 20 per cent larger than its current size.

Dartford Council unanimously approved the outline planning permission, although a detailed application will still have to be made.

Robert Goodman, General Manager at Bluewater, said the expansion would ensure the shopping centre continues to provide a ‘comprehensive and compelling offer’.

He added: “We welcome the planning committee’s unanimous decision to approve the application. They will also create up to 500 jobs during construction and 2,300 once complete.

Following the committee’s decision, our focus is now on working in partnership with our stakeholders on the detail of the proposals over the coming months.”

KENT MP Charlie Elphicke last week released a 50 page report on how to ensure the county copes post-Brexit.

The Conservative, who represents Dover and Deal, has previously warned that the 14-hour queues seen during Operation Stack would be a ‘tea-party’ in comparison to what may happen if solid plans are not in place for when the country leaves the EU. In proposals, the MP calls on Government investment in infrastructure, such as dualling the M2/A2 all the way to the ports and for the M20 lorry park to be delivered on time.

Ensuring customs controls are ready and the continuation of the Le Touquet treaty – which allows British and French officials to operate in each other’s countries – are also among his demands.

Mr Elphicke said: “This plan highlights the kind of choice people will soon have to make. With proper planning we can not only be ready on day one – we can make Brexit a real success.”

THINGS TO COME? This could be the post-Brexit normal

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National News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

May warns against complacency THERESA MAY has warned senior ministers not to think that the Conservatives’ commanding lead in opinion polls means that the June 8 general election is in the bag.

The Prime Minister used a political meeting of the Cabinet at 10 Downing Street to remind ministers that polls had proved wrong “repeatedly” in the EU referendum, the 2015 general election and the US presidential election.

LOOKING FORWARD Theresa May speaks at the Brackla community centre in Bridgend, Wales

‘Campaign hard for every vote, in every part of the country’ Echoing comments made by the Labour leader himself, Mrs May pointed out that bookmakers were initially offering odds of 200-1 against Jeremy Corbyn taking the helm of his party in the race to succeed Ed Miliband.

And party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin said it would be necessary for Tories to ‘campaign hard for every vote, in every part of the country’.

The Conservatives have so far refused to repeat the party’s 2015 manifesto pledge not to put up income tax, VAT or national insurance and Chancellor Philip Hammond has hinted it could be ditched.

But the party is reportedly considering a tax ‘sweetener’ for working people.

Asked about the claims, Mrs May replied: “There’s a choice between a Conservative Party which always has been, is and will always be a

Farron clarifies position on gay sex: It’s not sin TIM FARRON has said he does not believe that gay sex is a sin after days of pressure to clarify his stance on the issue.

The Liberal Democrat leader had faced criticism for failing to answer questions about his position on homosexuality.

He made clear he supported equal marriage and LGBT rights, but in a broadcast interview last week did not say whether or not it was a sin.

party that believes in lower taxes.”

She added: “The choice is between that and a Labour Party whose natural instinct is always to put up taxes.”

MPs approved a slimmed-down Budget in a bid to ensure tax and spending measures are in place before Parliament stops for the General Election.

Some of the tax avoidance proposals announced

by Mr Hammond in March were among the policies removed, including a crackdown on ‘ena-

THE UK could relinquish its right to seek post-Brexit international trade deals if it gets a good withdrawal agreement with the EU, Labour has suggested.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said the option of remaining in a reformed EU customs union should be part of divorce negotiations.

“What we should do is make sure we have got options on the table, not take options off the table,” he said. “And the customs union is a classic example.

“There is anxiety across the manufacturing sector about the impact of simply walking away from the customs union.

“If we leave it on the table, it may be in a year, or two years, that doesn’t work – but why take options off the table before you have even started negotiations?”

Pressed on whether this could mean abandoning Britain’s ability to cut non-EU trade deals, Sir Keir said: “We have to get the right deal with the EU. “We need to recognise that we have 44 per cent of our trade with the EU. That is the number one consideration.

“We are talking about the opening stance, not where we will end up. Sensible negotiations start by leaving the maximum number of options on the table.”

UKIP’s overseas spokesman Top Tory Tyrie quits over plan to ban burka stands down INCOMPATIBLE James Carver seeks a global perspective

Issues A day later in the House of Commons, after coming under fire from celebrities and politicians, he said he did not think being gay was a sin.

When asked to be unambiguous on the issue of gay sex at the weekend, he replied ‘being gay is not a sin’ before adding he was ‘getting tired of this line of questioning’.

However, he has now told the BBC: “I don’t believe gay sex is a sin. I take the view that as a political leader, though, my job is not to pontificate on theological matters.

“It seems to me that there is a General Election on at the moment, we need to be talking about big issues – health, social care, education, whether we’re in the single market or not.”

blers’ via the introduction of a new penalty.

But moves to introduce a sugar tax on soft drinks with the most added sugar from April 2018 are among the parts of the Finance (No 2) Bill to survive.

The Government agreed with other parties to remove parts of the Bill to guarantee its progress before next week’s dissolution.

The Tories will seek to reintroduce these changes to the tax system at the next Budget should they retain power on June 8.

Labour pushes for place in EU’s customs union

THE foreign affairs spokesman for UKIP, James Carver, has quit his post in protest at leader Paul Nuttall’s plans to ban the burka.

Mr Nuttall has sparked widespread controversy with his proposal to outlaw the full-face veil worn by some Muslim women, as well as banning sharia law and forcing girls at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) to face regular medical checks.

Announcing that he was resigning as the party’s foreign and Commonwealth affairs spokesman, West Midlands MEP James Carver described the policy as ‘incompatible’ with his desire to represent all of his constituents and to seek a global perspective for the United Kingdom.

No referendum until after election NICOLA STURGEON is likely to delay a statement on the ‘next steps’ towards holding a second Scottish independence referendum until after the General Election.

The First Minister has still to give an update to MSPs at Holyrood on how she is to take forward plans to hold a fresh ballot on leaving the UK. A spokesman for Ms Sturgeon said she initially proposed doing it after the Scottish local authority elections on May 4.

Bhat was before Prime Minister Theresa May

decided to hold a snap General Election.

He stated: “Initial thinking had been to do it after the local elections, we now obviously have another election to factor in, so it would be reasonable to expect it to be some time after the UK election.”

It comes after Ms Sturgeon was attacked by her rivals after she said the General Election was not about independence.

She told STV: “This election is not deciding whether or not Scotland is independent.”

PROMINENT Conservative MP Andrew Tyrie has announced he will stand down from Parliament at the General Election.

As chairman of the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee, the Chichester MP has been a fierce inquisitor of ministers and financial industry bosses.

A supporter of Remain in last year’s EU referendum, he led a forensic investigation by his committee into the claims of Brexit campaigners, which found that both sides were putting out ‘misleading’ numbers to back up their arguments.

Mr Tyrie, 60, has been MP for the West Sussex constituency since 1997.

His decision to stand down is likely to spark a scramble for the Conservative candidacy in what is one of the party’s safest seats, where it took 58 per cent of the vote in 2015.

SAFE SEAT Andrew Tyrie is MP for Chichester

National News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Artificial womb is key to keep alive premature babies

Archers and Keegan settle hacking claims

A ‘WOMB’ has been developed that could soon be used to keep extremely premature babies alive.

The device, which incorporates a plastic bag filled with artificial nutrient-rich amniotic fluid, has successfully been tested on foetal lambs equivalent in age to 23-week-old human infants.

Scientists believe it could be ready for human trials in three to five years. But they stress there is no question of using the system to replace a mother’s womb at earlier stages of development, raising fears of sci-fi technology that could spell the end of pregnancy.

A HOST of celebrities have settled their phone-hacking claims against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN).

Lord Jeffrey Archer and Dame Mary Archer, footballer Kevin Keegan, former Home Secretary Charles Clarke and actress Patsy Kensit were among the well-known names whose cases were resolved by the payment of undisclosed

Fully functioning Unlike conventional incubators, the ‘extrauterine support device’ closely reproduces conditions in a real womb.

The infant’s own heart circulates blood through the umbilical cord into an external gas-exchange machine taking the place of the mother’s placenta.

No mechanical pump is used because even gentle artificial pressure could fatally overload an underdeveloped heart.

Synthetic amniotic fluid enriched with nutrients flows in and out of the temperature-controlled, near-sterile ‘biobag’.

The aim is to provide an environment in which tiny premature babies can safely develop their lungs and other organs during the critical period from 23 to 28 weeks after conception.

Six pre-term lambs used in tests ‘breathed’ and swallowed normally, opened their eyes, grew wool and developed fully functioning nerves and organs.

damages and an apology.

They were in a long list of individuals who were the subject of agreed statements read out to Mr Justice Mann at London’s High Court.

It is understood that some of the settlements exceed the £260,250 record damages awarded to actress and businesswoman Sadie Frost following a High Court trial in 2015.

DAMAGES The Archers

a red light at a busy junction before they crashed into an expensive Mercedes.

He said the 39-year-old Batman star ‘switched into superhero mode’, chasing down one of them before checking him for weapons.

“Tom must have been walking down the road. He went off like a shot in

pursuit and looked furious,” he said.

“I asked Tom what happened and he told me he chased him through my back garden and caught him around the block - but the route was like an assault course.”

Mr Pullen’s girlfriend Kalisha, a fan of the actor, added: “There was no mistaking him.”

CAPED CRUSADER Tom Hardy played Bane in Batman

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SPORT IN BRIEF

Sharapova returns to court as a ‘wild card’ MARIA SHARAPOVA is back in action today (April 26) in Stuttgart on the day she becomes eligible to compete again following a 15-month doping suspension.

The Russian tested positive for the cardiac drug meldonium at the Australian Open in January 2016. Her ban was reduced from two years on appeal.

With her ranking suspended until the ban expires, the 30-year-old had to rely on a wild card to compete at this week’s Porsche Grand Prix in Germany.

Tour of other capitals

Superhero Hardy ‘stops thieves’ ACTOR Tom Hardy has been credited with stopping two teenagers from allegedly stealing a motorbike in south-west London.

A witness told how the Hollywood star caught the driver in a dramatic chase through gardens and a building site during the incident on Sunday.

The Metropolitan Police said it arrested the 16-yearolds near the actor’s home in Richmond.

Arun Pullen said he saw two youths on a motorbike jump

NEWS

CYCLING’S Tour of Britain will race between the capitals of Scotland and Wales this summer, with a new-look route linking Edinburgh and Cardiff.

It will miss London for only the second time since its relaunch in 2004. The city will now host the women’s tour instead.

There will be first ever stages held in north Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire as the race heads down the east coast of the country before heading towards Wales.

England v Wales again ENGLAND’S women will face rivals Wales once more in their 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Lionesses beat the Welsh home and away in qualifying for the last tournament in 2015. England finished third at the World Cup two years ago in Canada.

20 BUSINESS

National Business News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

borrowing Contestant turned down by Lord Government reaches lowest level Sugar raises glass to huge sales rise since 2008 recession

FINE TIME Tom Gearing (left) with his father Phil

CULT WINES, founded by The Apprentice runner-up Tom Gearing, is expecting annual sales to climb by a record 47 per cent to £30 million for 2016/17 due to the Brexit-hit pound.

Mr Gearing saw his plan for a wine investment fund rejected by Lord Sugar on the BBC hit show The Apprentice in 2012 because it was deemed too risky.

The heady rise comes after investors dived into safe haven assets, such as fine wines, following the pound’s collapse against the US dollar after the EU referendum vote.

Mr Gearing, managing director of Cult Wines, said: “Fine wine investment can act as a defensive holding as it has the capacity to remain stable under difficult economic conditions.

Louis Vuitton group takes control of Christian Dior in £10billion deal FRENCH luxury empire LVMH has agreed to take full control of fashion giant Christian Dior in a mammoth deal worth around £10billion.

Billionaire Bernard Arnault’s LVMH – which houses a raft of brands including Louis Vuitton and Moet Hennessy - announced it was buying the remaining 26 per cent of Christian Dior it does not already own, while also revealing it will fold the fashion house’s 70-year old couture label into its group for £5.5 billion.

The deal, valuing Dior at £220 a share, marks one of LVMH’s biggest

ever acquisitions and sees it add Christian Dior Couture to its stable, joining Dior perfumes, which it has owned since the 1960s.

Mr Arnault said the deal was an ‘important milestone’.

They said the full acquisition of Dior will also boost LVMH earnings from the first year, with the transaction expected to be complete during the second half of 2017.

Designer Christian Dior founded the House of Dior in 1946, with backing from businessman Marcel Boussac.

Mr Dior died in 1957.

HIGH END Louis Vuitton are a globally recongined brand

“It has the advantage of not necessarily following the general trend of lagging behind the rest of the market during economic expansion because demand is consistently strong.”

The company, which manages portfolios on behalf of 2,000 clients in 66 countries, has benefited from sterling’s fall because the Hong Kong currency is dollar linked.

Cult Wines has notched up a compound annual growth rate of 235 per cent in Asia over the past four years, but the lion’s share of its investors – 52 per cent - come from the UK. The firm has also scooped a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its Far East growth.

Cult Wines, which employs 25 staff, has its headquarters in London and an office in Hong Kong.

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD Competition watchdog is looking at Live Nation

Competition watchdog looks into firm’s festival takeover THE purchase of Isle of Wight Festival by global entertainment group Live Nation is being investigated by competition watchdogs amid potential concerns over the deal.

Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority [CMA] said it was looking at whether Live Nation’s move to snap up a controlling stake in the Isle of Wight Festival would lead to a ‘substantial lessening of competition’.

The move comes after Live Nation became the majority shareholder in the Isle of Wight Festival in March through LN-Gaiety - its UK joint venture with music mogul Denis Desmond’s Gaiety Investments.

Live Nation has added the Isle of Wight event to its portfolio of more than 85 music festivals worldwide, including Reading, Leeds, Wireless and T in in the Park.

Music festivals are estimated to be worth more than £1.1billion to the UK economy.

The Isle of Wight Festival is still being led by agent and promoter John Giddings following the sale.

It is expected to attract around 42,000 festival-goers this year, with acts at the June event including DJ David Guetta, Sir Rod Stewart, indie-pop group Bastille and singer-songwriter George Ezra.

THE Chancellor has overshot his independent target for shoring up the public finances, although Government borrowing has reached its lowest level in nearly a decade.

The Office for National Statistics [ONS] said public sector net borrowing, excluding banks, dropped by £20billion to £52billion for the

The Office for National Statistics [ONS] said public sector net borrowing, excluding banks, dropped by £20billion to £52billion for the financial year financial year to date - April 2016 to March 2017 in contrast to the same period the year before.

It was the lowest year-to-date borrowing figure since the financial year ending March 2008, the statistics agency said.

However, the Government came in shy of the financial year target of £51.7billion set by the Office for Budget Responsibility [OBR] in the Spring Budget.

Borrowing, excluding banks, rose by £800million to £5.1billion last month, with economists pencilling in a lower figure of £3billion.

The Chancellor ditched his predecessor’s target of balancing the books by 2020, vowing instead to put the public finances back in the black ‘as early as possible’ in the next Parliament as part of a new Charter for Budget Responsibility.

However, the OBR also warned that smaller deficit hikes in four years’ time, coupled with cost pressures for an ageing population, meant Mr Hammond was unlikely to meet this fiscal target.

On debt, the ONS said public sector net debt excluding state-owned banks climbed by £123.5 billion to £1,729.5 billion, equivalent to 86.6 per cent of gross domestic product [GDP].

BORROWED TIME Chancellor Philip Hammond

World News

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

Turkish Court rejects referendum appeal TURKEY’S highest court has rejected the main opposition party’s bid to appeal the result of the April 16 referendum on boosting the president’s powers.

The Republican People’s Party, or CHP, is contesting the referendum due to a number of voting irregularities, in particular an electoral board decision that accepted ballots without official stamps.

The public vote handed President Erdogan sweeping new powers including the ability to appoint top public officials and to intervene in the judiciary.

Spanish terror arrests NINE suspected members of a jihadi group in connection with recent deadly attacks in Belgium and France have been arrested in Spain.

Police said the arrested were one Spaniard and eight Moroccans living in Catalonia, all aged between 30 and 40 years old.

They have been linked to people arrested following the 2016 Brussels airport and subway attacks that killed 32 people.

Israeli-German tension A MEETING between Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the visiting German foreign minister have been cancelled over the latter’s plans to hold a meeting with Breaking the Silence, a whistleblowing group critical of Israeli military actions in the West Bank.

Trump’s daughter booed for defending US President’s attitude towards women IVANKA TRUMP has pledged to push for ‘incre- zine and is also a professor of corporate communimental, positive change’ for women in the US cations at St Gallen University in Switzerland, economy at her first international outing as a said to Ms Trump: “Some attitudes toward women White House adviser. your father has publicly displayed in former times Although she drew some groans and hisses might leave one questioning whether he’s such an when she described her father, US president Don- empowerer for women.” ald Trump, as ‘a tremendous champion Ms Trump replied: “I’ve certainly heard the of supporting families’. criticism from the media, and that’s been perMs Trump’s one-day visit to Berlin, petuated.” at the invitation of German chanShe added that her own personal experience cellor Angela Merkel, gave Mrs and the fact that thousands of women Merkel and other officials faceworked with and for Donald Trump for decto-face access with the president’s ades in the private sector ‘are a testament to influential daughter at a time his belief and solid conviction in the potenwhen world leaders are still trying tial of women and their ability to do to discern where his policies the job as well as any man’. will lead.

The first daughter added: “He Mrs Merkel and Ms encouraged me and enabled Trump were part of a me to thrive. high-powered panel “I grew up in a house where discussion at the W20 there was no barrier to what Summit, a female-cenI could accomplish beyond tred effort within the my own perseverance and Group of 20 countries, my own tenacity.” entitled ‘Inspiring There was, she stressed, women: Scaling up ‘no difference between me women’s entrepreand my brothers. And neurship’.

I think as a business The moderator, Mirleader you saw that, DAUGHTER’S PRIVILEGES iam Meckel, who and as a president Ivanka Trump has taken on a highedits a German you will absolutely level advisory role at the White House business magasee that’.

NEWS

21

PROTECTED Emmanuel Macron appears to have not been compromised by the attacks

Russia-linked hackers ‘targeted presidential front-runner Macron’ RESEARCHERS say the campaign of French centrist Emmanuel Macron has been targeted by Russian hackers.

Staff with the Japanese anti-virus firm Trend Micro have added more details to previous suggestions that the centrist politician was being singled out for electronic eavesdropping by the Kremlin.

The campaign’s digital chief, Mounir Mahjoubi, confirmed the attempted intrusions but said they had all been thwarted.

“It’s serious, but nothing was compromised,” he said.

Mr Macron faces far-right rival Marine Le Pen in France’s presidential run-off on May 7. He favours a strong European Union, while Ms Le Pen wants to pull France out of the bloc.

Trend Micro said it discovered the campaign by monitoring the creation of rogue, lookalike websites often used by hackers to trick victims into giving up their passwords and then used as part of an attempt to steal campaign staffers’ online credentials.

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FEATURES

Arts & Culture

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

One way you can really bank on a culture trip this holiday weekend O Following its inaugural success last year, the Chiddingstone Literary Festival returns this weekend. Eileen Leahy finds out which authors, poets and playwrights will be appearing at the prestigious event, and why it’s so important to have a local literary festival for readers of all ages

BEAUTIFUL VENUE Chiddingstone Castle

NCE again, the stunning historic 16th-century Chiddingstone Castle will play host to a wealth of inspiring writers, historians, playwrights and political experts this May Bank Holiday weekend.

They will all be descending upon this picturesque corner of Kentish countryside in order to speak, recite and discuss their latest work at the Chiddingstone Literary Festival.

The event, now in its second year, was the clever idea of local resident Victoria Henderson, who, it’s fair to say, knows a thing or two about literature having been publicity manager at the Century and Michael Joseph publishing houses, as well as a contributor to the Lovereading website.

Victoria came up with the notion of a local literary Speaker: Julia Samuel festival

after realising that despite the fact there are over 350 similar events up and down the country, her corner of West Kent had absolutely nothing.

“I was struck by the plethora of literary festivals nationwide, but astonished to find none on my home ground. I thought perhaps this was something I could address,” she says.

Her idea became a successful reality last year when the festival welcomed the likes of Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell, actor Robert Bathurst and The Pericles Theatre Company, who return to appear alongside the Atelier Community Theatre in a production of The Ugly Duckling on Monday.

“We are absolutely delighted with our impressive line-up of authors, performers and storytellers,” says Victoria, who is the festival’s Artistic Director.

Arts & Culture

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

“Our highlights this year have to be appearances from Terry Waite, the Reverend Richard Coles and Nicholas Crane, but we are also hosting some fascinating talks on subjects ranging from Brexit to Trump, and from grief and bereavement to good mood food and how nutrition affects our happiness.”

‘We are lucky enough to have two pre-publication exclusives’ Like last year, there will be plenty of action for little literature lovers to get involved in, too.

“We have some terrific events for children, including award-winning children’s author Piers Torday, an exhibition by local children’s books illustrator Pete Williamson, storytelling shows from Mr Dilly’s World of Wonder and performances by the Really Big Pants Theatre Company and Sock Puppet Theatre.”

In addition to all of this, there will be another Schools Programme taking place a day after the main festival, on Tuesday May 2.

This offers local pupils the chance to hear some top children’s authors speak about their work in order to inspire and fire the imagination.

Taking part this year is Christopher Lloyd, who has penned tomes such as What On Earth? and Timeline.

Also, Lauren St John, writer of The White Giraffe and the Laura Author: Nicholas Crane Marlin

series of adventure books.

There will additionally be exclusive reveals of new work by some authors speaking at the festival, which is sponsored by Brooks Macdonald.

“We are lucky enough to have two pre-publication exclusives from bestselling historical writers Conn Iggulden, who co-wrote The Dangerous Book for Boys, and from Six Tudor Queens author Alison Weir. Both will be previewing their new books at the festival,” adds Victoria.

As well as the event’s chief sponsor coming on board, Victoria says there have been many ‘generous donations’

‘Happy Kitchen’ Speaker Rachel Kelly (right)

FEATURES

23

SPEAKER: TERRY WAITE

Author: Anne Sebba enabling the castle to buy a second marquee to house the children’s events.

“This has allowed us to expand what we have on offer with a parallel programme of adult and children’s events on Bank Holiday Monday,” explains Victoria. “This year’s Schools Day has grown, too, with eight events taking place on Tuesday; almost all are sold out with over 1,600 pupils from 18 local schools attending.”

There will also be pop-up cocktail bars and cafés to keep you refreshed and entertained over the three-day event.

“Finding authors for this year’s programme was certainly made easier as word spread in the publishing world about our beautiful location, enthusiastic audiences, and the care we took to ensure the authors had a great time, too,” says Victoria. “We just hope the weather holds, but even if not, we’ll make sure we provide something for everyone and a happy gathering of book lovers.”

Terry Waite, CBE, will be one of the speakers at the festival. Here, the former envoy to the Bishop of Canterbury, who was captured by Hezbollah in Beirut in 1987 and held hostage for five years, explains why he agreed to speak.

“During the long years I spent in solitary confinement, more than anything else (apart from family, friends and freedom), I missed books. For almost four years I was without books of any kind and resorted to writing in my head as I had no pencil or paper.

“My first book, Taken on Trust, was written in this way, and my latest book, Out of the Silence – a collection of poems linked together by narrative – had its origins in those lonely years.

“I am looking forward to speaking about how one survives in difficult situations, and how such situations can be turned to creative end.

I will also speak about some of the positive developments that have taken place in my life since I was released 25 years ago. I am also looking forward to answering questions about hostage taking both then and now.”

Adult tickets to the event cost £12 per person, per day and £5 for children. You can also buy family tickets and festival passes for the three days. To book, visit www.chiddingstonecastle. org.uk/literary-festival Terry Waite

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NEWS

Letters

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

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

CCTV funding is just loose change for the council Bravo Times of Tunbridge Wells for exposing Council Leader David Jukes’ decision to stop active CCTV monitoring in our busy town.

Maybe Mr Jukes, who as an aside doesn’t even live in the borough, should not build a gin palace in the shape of a new Civic Complex, and should take some of the estimated £72million to build it to fund the desperately needed CCTV. What’s more, this comes within weeks of a second murder in the Torrington Road car park, which is a

council-owned facility, I might add.

You cannot expect to rapidly grow the town, as Mr Jukes and his followers appear intent on doing, and cut back on such a necessity, especially when we don’t have a fully operational police station.

A sum of £100,000 to fund a monitored CCTV programme is loose change when you consider what the council are looking to spend elsewhere.

But then I think Mr Jukes knows this, hence his attempt to hide the decision from the public.

David Jukes

June Lacey Via email

Our dear leader stifles democracy

No substitute for old school football

When he called for a closed session to discuss the removal of CCTV monitoring, Council Leader David Jukes has that rare affinity with the President of Turkey, Necip Erdogan: They both want to stifle open debate and the democratic process.

In this debate, the good guys won and the bad guys lost. It’s not about letting the bad guys know when they were being watched, he just didn’t want the public opprobrium.

Sam Goodenough Broadwater Down

It was an interesting article by Andrew Tong about the demise of grass-roots football (April 12). The headline states that the local game is struggling ‘despite popularity of Premier League’, but I would suggest that it should read ‘because of its popularity’.

Now in my mid-70s, I watched Tonbridge at the Angel Ground in the late 40s and, before that, Hungershall Park on the Lower Cricket Ground on Tunbridge Wells Common.

We also played on the Common as primary school children, as part of Christ Church School, and then Tunbridge Wells at Down Lane before they moved to Eridge Road.

In the late 60s and early 70s, I ran Dragons FC, which had three Saturday teams, three Sunday teams and three minor teams, all containing players that wanted to play football.

Then the FA introduced substitutes – at first it was just one, which wasn’t too bad, but who on earth wants to stand on the touchline on a freezing Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning in January, when they would rather be playing?

Sunday football in particular became popular after England’s victory in the 1966 World Cup, at which I was privileged to be present. But we will not see this again in many people’s lifetimes. I suppose if I were one of the multi-millionaires in the Premier League I wouldn’t mind sitting on the bench as long as my wages were paid.

I later became Fixtures Secretary for the West Kent Sunday Football League (WKSFL), working with my dear friend from primary school, Stuart Turner, and Reg Mackelden, who must be in his 80s now, and I look forward to meeting both of them at the WKSFL Senior Cup Final, between Simla and Tonbridge Origin at Longmead on Friday May 5.

The situation was summed up for me when a

Cameras are Big Brother machines After reading about the downgrading of CCTV monitoring in the town, I felt I needed to express another, seemingly less popular point of view.

I remember a time when I could conduct my life unwatched, unmonitored, unrecorded, unfiled and unindexed. I considered that state of affairs to be what it was to live in a free country and to be able to go about my lawful business on the understanding that, as a free citizen, I was innocent until proven guilty, rather than as a potential criminal to be watched 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – forever, from the cradle to the grave – until the time that I ever put a foot wrong or failed to toe the correct line.

And that was not a time when I was constantly in fear of marauding gangs of criminals. I felt as secure as I do now, which is hardly surprising considering that I live in perhaps the most peaceful society in the world. Just as I did then.

But now I do live in fear. Not of crime, but of living under the unblinking eye of an ever more powerful state. Constant surveillance has not made an extremely safe society any safer. It has made it significantly and dangerously less free.

Steve Kerby Via email

little boy at a recent game I attended said to his father: ‘Dad, Germany can’t be that good – they don’t have a Premier League!’ At least the WKSFL can’t be accused of that – and, incidentally, they had 97 teams when I was involved, not 80.

Dave Brennan Tunbridge Wells

Grounds for grievance across borough You report on the establishment of an organisation called Save Our Park (April 12) to safeguard Calverley Grounds in the face of proposals for a new Civic Complex and theatre development immediately adjacent, when a perfectly logical alternative exists.

Cllr Jane March is quoted as having commented: ‘I understand it was started by a resident whose property overlooks the site of the proposed new theatre at the entrance to the park’.

Well, you would hardly expect someone who lives in, say, Horsmonden, who would suffer none of the environmental and amenity downsides, to campaign against the siting of the proposed development, would you?

Though, on second thoughts, if they considered the potential huge financial burden on the borough they might not be so happy.

John Telling Tunbridge Wells

Councillors need to show commitment After reading how councillors at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council have elected to ‘accept decreases’ in their pay, but only until the next round of elections in 2019, I have to question the validity of such a move.

Why couldn’t they have voted to accept a slight pay cut right now and show residents of the borough that they are genuinely committed to making real savings?

To say they will go forward with their pay cut in 2019 seems a tad flimsy to me. It’s two years away for a start, and also by the time it comes around my guess is they’ll probably hope most people will have forgotten about their pledge and conveniently shelve the idea.

Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for our councillors to show that they are genuinely committed to making savings by introducing personal salary sacrifices in order to help keep the borough in financial shape, instead of deciding to cut much needed services which benefit a much bigger tranche of society?

Social care, temporary housing, round the clock CCTV coverage – the list goes on for what they are prepared to slash back on. But when it comes to digging into their own pockets to help make savings, the council seem reluctant to do so – until the timing is right for them, of course!

Belinda Reeves Via email

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

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

NORMAL service has been resumed. Well, as ‘normal’ as this column ever can be. Calverley is back from his tour of the vineyards and is in fine fettle. Sort of. Only hiccough in the trip to mainland Europe (still using that burgundy passport!) was bumping into the Tunbridge Wells restaurateur buying trolley loads of the cheapest French plonk at a supermarket. Watch the mark-up. Lips are sealed, at least for now.

THIS company’s reputation has gone a bit flat. Apologies to those concerned, but Himself could not drive past this street scene in Crowborough without backing up the car to take the picture. No more words needed, really.

THE hospitality business is tough enough these days without customers making unreasonable demands. Like the chap who asked his local pub to provide a buffet for 50 people at £5 a head – at the busiest time of the weekend. Himself suggested the landlord say ‘yes’ and give guests a packet of crisps and a glass of lemonade when they arrived.

TALKING of the hospitality trade, it’s best not to get it wrong when it comes to wakes. At one hotel, part of a well-known pub chain, members of a church gathered post funeral to ‘celebrate’ the life of the dear departed.

Family had ordered an expensive package.

Staff served a lesser version – sans cake.

Reaction was immediate. As the vicar whispered: “How can you have a Tunbridge Wells funeral without cake?” Indeed sir.

SOME parents are quite strange. Like the mum and dad who came across a dead mole in their back garden. They had it stuffed and then presented it to their ten-year-old daughter as a birthday surprise. It was mounted on a plinth but is now hidden away in a bottom drawer. You couldn’t make it up.

Chin, chin readers

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

EDUCATION Times

Education

NEWS

27

WITH THE

Popular head to bid a fond farewell One of our leading independent schools, Holmewood House, has announced the retirement of Headmaster James Marjoribanks, but he leaves it in excellent shape LANGTON GREEN Prep School Holmewood House confirmed last week that its Headmaster, Mr James Majoribanks, will retire from his post at the end of this academic year.

Mr Majoribanks, who has enjoyed a successful career in teaching for the past 34 years, has been at Holmewood House since 2010.

He told the Times: “I have loved my seven years as Head of this exceptional school, and I will miss many things about it: The dedication, skill and enthusiasm of the staff; the sense of community; and the support of the parents in our shared aspiration for their children’s happiness and success. But above everything, I will miss the children – watching them achieve extraordinary things and have fun in this stunning learning environment has been incredibly rewarding.”

The news of his depar- END OF AN ERA ture comes on the back James Majoribanks of the prep school being will retire in July commended for its

‘highly focused teaching and strong support for individual pupils’ in a recent report.

The private school for boys and girls aged 3 to 13 was inspected in February by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), and achieved an excellent rating, with ‘pupils of all ages displaying excellent communication and numeracy skills.’

Mr Marjoribanks commented: “This report is the product of a brilliant combination of pupil enthusiasm and superb teaching.

“Despite the myth, which unfortunately still prevails in some parts of the Tunbridge Wells area, Holmewood House is neither a pushy hot house nor an academic pressure cooker; this school is proudly non-selective and full of wonderful and very happy children.

“We encourage pupils to succeed to the best of their abilities within a supportive and nurturing environment.”

The inspectors echoed Mr Marjoribanks’ sentiments, commenting that ‘pupils of all ages and abilities make excellent progress’, and remarking on the way the confident and engaged children ‘respond with enthusiasm to the teachers’ high level of expertise, which enables them to develop their skills to an advanced level’.

‘I have loved my seven years at this exceptional school and will miss many things about it’ The Independent Schools Inspectorate is the body approved by the Department for Education for the purpose of inspecting schools belonging to the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Associations, and reporting on compliance with independent school regulations.

ISI inspections are also carried out under the arrangements of the ISC Associations for the maintenance and improvement of the quality of their membership.

NEWS IN EDUCATION

Judo star goes for gold and wins hands down BENJAMIN JACKSON, a Year 8 pupil at The Judd School in Tonbridge, is celebrating after winning gold at the British Judo School Championships in Sheffield earlier this month.

Ben competed in the Young Men (Years 12-13) Under 81kg following his success a week earlier at the Kent trials, where he won the gold in the senior men U81kg group.

This gave him a place in the Kent squad and selection to represent the county in the Southern Area teams event next month.

Bennett girls reunion FORMER Bennett Memorial pupils will be holding a get together at the school this Saturday for old girls born between 1961 and 1966. The official reunion will take place between 2pm and 5pm, with refreshments.

An optional £5 entry fee will be charged in order to raise money for the school’s all-weather pitch, while proceeds from the tea and cake served will go to their partner school in Mpwapwa, Tanzania. Past pupils are also invited to attend a drinks event at Jean’s Bar in St John’s Road from 5.30pm.

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NEWS

Education Advertising Feature

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

The school with great expectations for its pupils and unique academic approach Claremont Senior School, founded in 2011, has had a remarkable first six years, quickly establishing itself as a leading centre of academic excellence in the South East. Recent examination results are among the best in East Sussex and despite being the South East’s youngest independent school, Claremont has quickly acquired a reputation for academic vision and ambition.

‘Claremont has a genuinely holistic programme and we have the highest expectation of all our students, regardless of their ability’ Within five years student numbers have grown from 0-250, and there is no doubting the growing popularity of the school. The school’s management has responded by developing the Bodiam site with a wide range of new facilities. A new Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Boarding House, Performing Arts Centre and a wide range of new teaching facilities have all been completed since September 2011. A new flood-lit Astroturf was completed in April 2017, and in September 2018 work will start on a brand new two-storey classroom block as part of a redevelopment programme in the heart of the school.

All aspects of the school’s educational programme now have considerable pedigree.

Impressive Football and Cricket academies are in place, the Performing and Creative Arts are

thriving and despite being an academically non-selective school, Claremont attracts some of the most talented students in the area. Outstanding results have followed. Last year 47% of all GCSE grades were an A*/A; the current cohort of Year 13s are destined for top universities throughout the country, having received offers from, amongst others, Imperial College London, Exeter, Durham, Bristol, Bath, Loughborough and St Andrews. To RAISING STANDARDS cap off a fine year Claremont pupils Claremont have their first enjoying a lesson offer of places at Oxbridge. Alex Cornelius who joined the school in the Nursery and Ben Laurense have been offered places at Trinity College, Cambridge, to read Law and Mathematics respectively.

Headmaster Giles Perrin is understandably delighted by the progress Claremont is making.

‘Claremont has a genuinely holistic programme and we have the highest expectation of all our students, regardless of their ability. We expect them to fully contribute to all aspects of school life, whether in the classroom, through our

service projects, or within our sporting or creative programmes. Claremont remains proudly non-selective and yet it attracts students of the highest calibre. When the Ofsted inspectors came last May and asked me how we were managing to deliver such fantastic results, they discovered what we already knew: that Claremont school has a unique atmosphere, the relationship between staff and pupils is second to none and the support and care that is given to each individual is exceptional. The resulting inspection report

graded Claremont as Outstanding in every department.’

Currently, Claremont educates pupils aged 1-18 and has over 600 students overall. To view the outstanding provision on offer at Claremont, the Senior School will be holding an Open Morning on Saturday 6th May, from 9.30am – 1.30pm.

Situated 8 miles to the south of the Senior School is the long established Claremont Preparatory School, which is holding Open Mornings on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th May from 9.30-1pm.

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Local News

NEWS

Exiles make it a day to remember PICTURES: DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

MORE than 160 men and women from local businesses gathered at the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells last week to celebrate St George’s Day. It was organised by The Exiles and was the fifth year of an event that has become one of the highlights of the social calendar.

Once again money was raised for Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre which is run entirely by volunteers and helps more than 3,000 people a year whose lives have been touched by the condition.

This time round more than £20,000 was raised on the day including a cheque presented to the charity by AV Trinity for £5,000.

Pickering co-founder Polly Taylor said: “There was an amazing atmosphere with much laughter created with the help of Adger Brown, comedian, compere and auctioneer for the lunch.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Simon Jones and The Exiles and to all the sponsors who donated some amazing prizes for the auction and the raffle and also to all the businesses who support this incredible charity lunch and for showing their love and support each year which we very much cherish as a totally self-funding small charity.”

More pictures may be found at www.pickeringcancercentre.org.uk/st-georges-day-2017

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30

NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Tom Tugendhat

MP for Tonbridge & Malling

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. He also worked for the Foreign Office.

He was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015.

Just another routine day of political pledges and promises?

WELL, here we go again! Another election. For some this is an exciting time.

Manifestos, canvassing sessions, broadcasts, and rosettes all leading to a chance to determine the future of our great country. For others, this is a form of torture. A Groundhog Day of politics and promises. Whichever view you take it is important you make your voice heard because in the past year we learnt one thing very clearly - voting matters.

In the coming six weeks we will choose the course of our county and our country. First in the Kent County Council elections on 4 May and then in the General Election on 8 June. I will be standing again to represent Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling in Westminster. It has been a privilege to serve our communities over the past couple of years.

I’m fighting on my record – and hope to be judged on it. I’m proud to have helped deliver for our towns and villages. In Tonbridge alone securing funding for much needed flood protec-

tions is something I’m particularly pleased to have achieved. It will ensure that many of us won’t go through the devastation caused by the rising flood waters experienced at Christmas in 2013.

‘It has been a privilege to serve our communities over the past couple of years’ Education also underpins our town.

Our schools remain some of the best in the country. However, they are underfunded and just a month ago I presented a petition to the House of Commons on behalf of parents calling for fairer funding locally. This campaign has only just started.

But we also need to tackle the shortage of places, particularly in primary schools to ensure our schools continue to excel. I’m delighted to have worked

with the team from the Tenax Schools Trust to make sure Bishop Chavasse Primary School can open in south Tonbridge next year. This will be a huge asset to our town and I have full trust in the leadership of the school to deliver for our children.

The most noticeable aspect of Tonbridge’s regeneration over the past two years has been the new High Street.

This has helped our town prosper further. We now see more businesses want to come here, creating more jobs for local people. This can only add to the vibrant nature of Tonbridge – one I will work to continue.

Of course this election isn’t just a referendum on my record as your MP. It’s a choice over who we want to lead our coun-

JUNE 8 th

FEELS FAMILIAR? It has been less than a year since the EU vote

try as we renegotiate our future place in the world. Our decision last June to leave the EU was final, and we must now make the most of it. Like many, I still want to cooperate closely with our EU partners and will be working to ensure that we had a deep and strategic partnership. As a country, we chose to leave now we must find a new way to work together.

That’s why I’m backing Theresa May. She’s proven herself as our Prime Minister and I know she can deliver the best for Britain. The only alternative is a coalition of chaos led

by Jeremy Corbyn. Theresa May offers the prospect of a strong and stable government that can deliver for everyone in our towns and villages. I hope you will support me on June 8 to continue to deliver an economically prosperous, vibrant town and a strong and stable government.

WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL

The Times is proud to work with:

Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

WITH THE

MOVE&IMPROVE

bracketts

est. 1828

When you go down to the woods today…

You’ll find a stunning family home

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PROPERTY

To suit your budget

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Your at-a-glance guide to BULLION OAST MAIDSTONE GUIDE PRICE

£850,000

UNDER £250,000 COGATE ROAD PADDOCK WOOD GUIDE PRICE

£230,000 This house offers versatile living accommodation with a private garden and large summerhouse.

The entrance opens on to a hall, sitting room and kitchen with laminate flooring. Upstairs, there

are two double-glazed bedrooms, a nursery/study and a bathroom.

There is also a garden room which is insulated with double-aspect windows and casement doors. It is further fitted with blinds, carpet and electricity – so could be suitable for use as a home studio or small gym.

CONTACT Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

UNDER £400,000

bathroom. The house is approached by a shared drive. The rear garden has cottage style borders, a brick £325,000 pathway to a vegetable patch with A terraced cottage where the spacious greenhouse and shed and an area of living room has a fireplace and lawn. There is a right of way across feature wood-burning stove. The the neighbouring cottage providing kitchen/breakfast room has double access directly to the garden. doors to the garden and is fitted with cream storage units, light wood CONTACT worktops and oak flooring. On the Barnes Kingsnorth 01732 771616 first floor are two bedrooms and a www.bkestateagents.com PITTSWOOD COTTAGES, HADLOW

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

To suit your budget

PROPERTY

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great properties by price range…

UNDER £1million

UNDER £500,000

BULLION OAST MANOR FARM, NR MAIDSTONE

BUTTERCUP CLOSE, PADDOCK WOOD

GUIDE PRICE

£310,000

£850,000 A converted twin kiln oast house with flexible accommodation situated in a rural area overlooking orchards and natural surroundings. The accommodation includes three reception rooms, a study, five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a cloakroom. There is a south-facing garden with patio, lawned area and mezzanine as well as two garages. The property is being sold with no chain.

CONTACT Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

GUIDE PRICE

A two-bedroom, mid-terrace home in the sought after Hunters Chase development. The property comprises a hall, a sitting/dining room with casement doors to garden, a kitchen fitted with a range of base and wall units as well as spotlighting, two bedrooms with built-in wardrobes and a shower room. There is a garden to the rear with outdoor power, outdoor water supply and a shed. There is allocated parking included for two cars.

CONTACT Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 BAKER’S COTTAGE BIDBOROUGH OFFERS IN EXCESS OF

£500,000

A Grade II listed detached cottage with 16th-century period features such as exposed ceiling beams. Further adding to the appeal is a wood-burning stove.

The accommodation includes two reception rooms, a country-style kitchen and separate breakfast room and three double bedrooms. A stable door from the kitchen provides access to the walled garden, and the property is approached by a brick pathway.

CONTACT Flying Fish Properties 01892 514 189 www. flyingfishproperties.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 ST HILDAS, PLAXTOL, SEVENOAKS GUIDE PRICE

£625,000 An improved 1950s home in a desirable location. The sitting room has a wood-burning stove and a door leading to the kitchen/diner, which has a built-in double oven and multiple storage units. Double doors from the dining room open directly on to the patio and garden. To the first floor, there are three double bedrooms and a fully fitted bathroom. Parking is available for 2/3 cars.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

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PROPERTY

Advertorial Feature

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Homing in on the garden NEED extra space? This might seem like a silly question with the average British home now half the size it was a century ago, however if you’re aware of the average cost of a home extension, there is no doubt that creating space in your home is becoming an extremely expensive commodity.

What tends to get overlooked is the space you have right outside your back door. Gardens are now being increasingly seen as an extension to the home, as opposed to an outdated ‘just stick a shed at the end of garden’ philosophy.

Homeworking The modernisation of the garden building has propelled it from the dark dingy depths of the web-infested shed, to the bright exuberant heights of a modern garden room.

Garden buildings are now so much more than a storage solution for your garden tools or a hiding place for ageing garden furniture. They can be a tailor-made, purpose-built space to meet your every desire.

With the popularity of homeworking growing, the desire for extra space is not just a want, it’s rapidly becoming a necessity.

Working from home is no longer confined to traditional office-based occupations.

You can see why the advancement in design, choice and utilities with modern garden buildings has provided the perfect solution for many people looking to solve their lack of space. New extensive features, such as double glazing, electrical packages, climate control, roof and floor

‘Garden buildings are now so much more than a storage solution for your garden tools or a hiding place for ageing garden furniture’

insulation, make it much easier. It’s clear to see why the garden building is no longer just a summer haven, as you can now utilise it come rain or shine, hot or cold.

The best thing is all of this can be achieved at a fraction of the cost of an average home extension, constructed by expert installers generally within two days, and the majority of these kinds of buildings do not require any planning permission.

Offering free home site surveys and full written quotations on request, to take into account any of those pre-sales anxieties, it’s clear that Johnsons Garden Buildings are dedicated to providing the best service possible.

All of Johnsons’ package prices offer a wide range of choice for your preferred building with no hidden costs, and include expert construction.

With this bespoke service there is no drop-andrun, unlike many internet retailers.

Discover outdoor space with Johnsons Garden Buildings. Visit www.needextraspace.co.uk Email them at sales@needextraspace.co.uk or call them now for a brochure on 0845 459 9444

Advertorial Feature

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

PROPERTY

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Parking space to patio THE Mary Mary company creates gardens of all sizes, and when the Marys say small can be beautiful, they really mean it.

In the lead up to Christmas, the team sprinkled a bit of their magic on to a small courtyard garden, transforming it from a characterless car park to a secluded sanctuary.

Recently widowed and downsized into a Victorian end-of-terrace house, the active and engaging lady who owned the garden deserved some joy in her life. Looking from her window on to the tarmac parking space that previous occupants had installed was not conducive to lifting of the spirits.

An attempt had been made to improve the space with a raised bed and some astro turf for greenery, but the access was hazardous and it felt stifling rather than sheltered. Mary Mary’s design brief had to overcome the steep slope, provide privacy and reflect the stylish flair of their client.

Loving flowers, and owning a special Japanese maple, the only plant her husband had ever bought during a lifetime of trips to garden centres, she wished for a garden full of colour and for this memory of him to thrive.

Aware of her own advancing years, the layout also had to incorporate ease of access and straightforward maintenance for many years to come. And all within a limited budget.

Boundaries are vital in garden design; they cause many neighbourly issues, and it is essential that a boundary is defined in line with the deeds of one’s property.

New fencing was crucial, but the feeling of space had to be increased. By dividing the plot into three distinct sections, each serving its own purpose, immediately the area felt larger.

Conscious of the limited funds, cost-effective but high quality decking was used to overcome two thirds of the slope, with the excavated tarmac and rubble where the posts were fitted recycled to provide a level base for the lower gravelled area.

The completed garden now provides a large level space close to the house and benefits from sunshine most of the day.

A planned corner sofa unit will offer relaxation all day long and will bring the house into the garden, and vice versa. The second area is a stepped walk through substantial raised planters filled with flowers in the client’s favourite palette of soft purples and white, all selected for their scent. This leads to a secluded lower garden, where the last

‘It is so sheltered and warm that I’ve ventured out in my shorts and vest already’

bit of sun falls each day. A stylish pergola provides privacy from neighbours’ upper windows and a framework for potted climbers to scramble against.

“It is so sheltered and warm that I’ve ventured out in my shorts and vest already,” the thrilled client confided when visited just before Easter.

“I get so much pleasure looking at it and sitting in it… when it’s warm enough!”

Let your garden make you happy: Call Mary Mary on 01732 362982 To see the full transformation in action, please visit www.marymarycreatesgardens.co.uk/ tarmac-to-tremendous.html

Advertorial Feature

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

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Ushering in the age of leisure OUR High Streets have changed greatly in recent years with the disappearance of many household names such as Bhs, Woolworths, Athena, Dewhurst, Adams, Comet and Blockbuster. Changing shopper habits and especially the rapid and continuing growth of e-commerce has had a major impact on retailing.

This change appears set to continue, with some major high street retailers seeing online sales growing by over 30% year on year. As a result, many high streets and shopping centres have seen

Keith Nelson BSc (Hons) MRICS RICS Registered Valuer

an increase in vacant property.

The leisure industry has been quick to take advantage of this change. Where once restaurateurs could not compete for town centre sites, they are now seen on many high streets and actively encouraged by landlord’s who have finally seen the benefits that leisure brings to the high street and shopping centres.

A vibrant night time economy has become important for many of our town centres and leisure uses including cinemas, bars, restaurants, gyms, clubs and hotels are one again established occupiers. Traditional cinema brands, Odeon, Vue and Cineworld are being joined by The Light, Everyman and Picturehouse. Established casual dining restaurants such as Pizza Express, Jamie’s Italian, Nando’s and Wagamama are facing increased competition for sites from more contemporary outlets such as Wahaca, Tortilla, Caffe Fego and Franco Manca. Many former street food brands are now opening full service restaurants.

It is not just cinemas and restaurants opening in town, but microbreweries, coffee shops, hotels, new concept gyms and health clubs are appearing in many town centres. Demand from operators is especially strong in the south east, a response to changing demographics and changes in consumer lifestyle. As more

people return to town centre living, with what appears to be a never-ending stream of new apartment blocks appearing on the skyline, demand for a wider range of leisure facilities in town centres will continue.

As consumers become ever more demanding, leisure operators have been quick to see rejuvenated town centres as the perfect location to meet the challenge of their customers. Who will be the next leisure operator to open in your town?

Salisbury and Co. 149 High Street, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1XJ 01732 463 205 Email: info@salisburyand.co

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PROPERTY

Architectural Advice

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

DESIGN WITH THE TIMES

John Bullock

Architectural services

Having studied at Edinburgh College of Art and The Royal Academy of The Hague, John Bullock launched John Bullock Design in 2003. With offices in Tunbridge Wells High Street, John has won awards for his work and is committed to delivering the best outcomes for clients. www.johnbullockdesign.com

A tale of two planning districts with very different policies…

In Kent, the Smiths have a good chance of getting permission for an annexe to house an ageing relative. But just over the border in Sussex, the Crisps’ hopes of converting a farm building for their retirement may have to be put on hold YOUR QUESTION: Dear Design with the Times, We live near to Pembury and have a detached house in a countryside location. It’s a good family home and we’ve been here for about 15 years – we are very happy here.

We have an ageing parent who lives on her own in a nice flat in Tunbridge Wells, and whilst she is reasonably fit and well, she has recently

expressed a desire to move in with us. This could work very well as it would be good for her to have some company, be part of the family, and ultimately we could keep a closer eye on her and be there in case we are needed.

We have three children and two are still living at home, and whilst we would have space in the house we would prefer there to be some separation and independence for both.

We wondered if it would be possible to build some form of an annexe for the parent

concerned? We are also desperate for a new garage as our old concrete-framed one is falling down, and wondered if the two could be combined to form an annexe over a garage, which could be on our driveway, and then give completely separate access to the annexe?

We would welcome your thoughts and advice.

Yours sincerely, George and Emma Smith

Architectural Advice

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

OUR ANSWER: Dear George and Emma, This is a question we are often asked and in short, annexe accommodation is usually supported by the local authority. It’s a good and sustainable way of living and looking after our aged relatives, and thus common sense usually prevails.

A planning application will be required for this proposal, and in planning terms an annexe usually needs to be subservient to and reliant upon the principal dwelling to gain approval.

Locating it above the garage is a good idea as it would create one building and form of mass, which should get the support of the planning department. It would also be more cost-effective to build than two separate structures.

The only issue to consider with an annexe at first floor level is that if your elderly relative becomes frail and unable to use the stairs, access to and from could prove difficult, albeit that a stairlift could easily, and relatively cost-effectively, be installed.

A traditional timber-framed structure with weatherboard elevations and a clay tile roof would sit well within the countryside location and, as ever, the choice of materials are key to making the building sit well within its environment. Taking the time to look at lots of options of tiles, boarding and brick, and

‘An annexe is a good and sustainable way of living and looking after our aged relatives’

considering the colours of the windows and doors, is well worth it and ultimately pays dividends. We would always recommend getting samples of each and placing them together before making an order, although sometimes this can be

difficult when quick decisions are needed by the contractor.

Here, a local and new handmade clay tile with oak weatherboard and maybe an off-white woodwork would sit well. It’s also worth considering the colour of the driveway and materials – gravel is always a firm favourite and can be rolled into hot tar or otherwise embedded into a resin bond.

Internally, the space for the annexe can be created quite simply with a bedroom and en-suite, open-plan sitting room with a kitchenette. In the en-suite, it’s definitely a good idea to look into a wet-room system for the floor to create a level surface without steps for ease of use. Maybe laid with a mosaic tile which would, due to the number of grout lines, offer a fairly non-slip surface. The bedroom could have a number of built-in wardrobes. Storage will be important in a small space like this. In the sitting room the kitchenette could be compact and house the basics for day-to-day living, as it is likely that your mother will share meals with you on a weekly basis – the advantage of living with family!

It is certainly worth looking around at companies who provide traditional timberframed buildings and obtaining some costings for construction. Depending upon the level of finish and ultimately size, a structure of this type is likely to cost anything between £50,000-£100,000.

For further advice, please call us: 01892 525732

‘Locating it above the garage is a good idea as it would create one building, which should get the support of the planning department’

PROPERTY

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YOUR QUESTION: Dear Design with the Times, Last July, we read your column in the Times of Tunbridge Wells regarding the conversion of disused agricultural buildings into dwellings, and a relaxation in the planning policy, with great interest. However, last week there was a long article in the Times about Wealden District Council’s change of policy, which would potentially stop any development in their area.

We live near Wadhurst and have a fairly large and disused agricultural building on our farm.

After reading your column, we were encouraged that we might at some point in the near future be able to develop this and create a new home for our retirement, which would enable our daughter to take on the farmhouse as she now runs the farm.

Given that we are at the north end of the county and some considerable distance from Ashdown Forest, will we still be able to apply for permission for our proposed retirement home?

We would very much welcome your viewpoint.

Julian and Jennifer Crisp OUR ANSWER: Dear Julian and Jennifer, On March 7, Wealden District Council issued a letter to all agents bringing to their attention an immediate turn around on their approach to new development within the county due to evidence of the detrimental impact of development on the Ashdown Forest.

This was devastating, as applications that were otherwise to be supported became unsupportable overnight. Regardless of where in the WDC area you live, the restriction is across the district. Basically, each application will be judged on its own merits and mitigate its own impact. The issue is nitrogen and an increase in deposition on the Ashdown Forest, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

WDC stated: “Where it is assessed that there will be a likely significant effect due to an increase in the level of nitrogen deposition, and in the current absence of any identified mitigation measures, planning permission must be withheld.

“The council will continue to assess the impacts of development on Ashdown Forest, as set out in the Background Section earlier in this letter, and until the necessary compensation/ mitigation measures are in place, developments throughout the district (including those within the existing Core Strategy Local Plan and the emerging Wealden Local Plan that do not have existing planning permissions) can only proceed where they can prove that they will not damage the SAC any further. In practical terms, this means demonstrating that the development of a site will provide no more vehicle movements than currently along affected roads in the SAC.” Unfortunately, in the case of your agricultural building, it is unlikely that there will be viable traffic movements to trade against those additional traffic movements generated by a new dwelling. If it was a brownfield site with some form of commercial traffic then there might be a possibility.

At present, we are awaiting further guidance from WDC on what other mitigation measures could be put in place in order to allow a sustainable form of development. So whilst at present your proposal is unlikely to be approved, it’s a case of holding tight and seeing what is published in the coming months.

More information can be found at: www.wealden.gov.uk/Wealden/Residents/ Planning_and_Building_Control/Planning_ Development_Management/Agents_and_ Parish_Council_Information/Planning_ Agents_Ashdown_Forest.aspx

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PROPERTY

Burnside Court

Stylish new gated development in idyllic leafy location

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

AT A GLANCE

BURNSIDE COURT TUNBRIDGE WELLS ■ Contemporary new builds ■ One of only six apartments ■ Built by local designer Combe Bank Homes ■ Apartments range from 1-3 bedrooms ■ All, except one, have outside space overlooking woodland ■ Undercroft garage provides parking for all apartments ■ En-suite shower rooms to master bedrooms ■ Fully fitted kitchens with induction hobs, electric ovens and quartz worktops. Separate utility cupboards ■ Family bathrooms ■ Hard floors to hallways and kitchen ■ Carpeted bedrooms ■ Lift with direct access to penthouse on top floor ■ Penthouse property has 3 bedrooms and sliding doors to al fresco terrace ■ Garden level apartment has a private entrance, 2 bedrooms, and its own terrace adjacent to woodland

Apartment prices:

£295,000 Two bedrooms from £410,000 Three bedrooms from £600,000 One bedroom from

Available for sale through Savills New Homes Tunbridge Wells 01892 507005 www.rpcandnewhomes.co.uk

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Advertising

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

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PROPERTY

Wyland Wood

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

AT A GLANCE WYLAND WOOD WILLARDS HILL, ROBERTSBRIDGE n Reception hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Family room n Study n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Shower room n Boot/dog room n Principal bedroom suite with dressing area

A house brimming with character with gardens and own woodland

n 3 further bedrooms n Two bathrooms n Well established gardens n Tree house n Woodland n Substantial English heritage garage n Adjoining office and WC n Detached workshop n Tractor store n Lapsed planning for a single storey extension to main house n Further land may be available by separate negotiation n About 2.8 acres

Guide price

£1,350,000

Available for sale through Savills Cranbrook 01580 720161 www.savills.co.uk

‘This beautiful home occupies an elevated position with wonderful far-reaching views over the Dudwell Valley’

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Cross Lane Cottage

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AT A GLANCE

CROSS LANE COTTAGE TICEHURST, NR WADHURST n Drawing room n Inner hallway n Sitting room n Cloakroom n Laundry room n Kitchen/dining room n Master bedroom with en-suite shower and dressing room n 3 further bedrooms (one with en-suite shower room) n Family bathroom

Guide price

£850,000

Available for sale through The Country Property Group Goudhurst 01580 211 888 www.countrypropertygroup.com

Newly improved country cottage nestled between popular village and Bewl Water

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PROPERTY

Newbury House

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Fabulous Sussex country estate set in three and a half acres of grounds

AT A GLANCE NEWBURY HOUSE NEWBURY LANE, WADHURST ■ Entrance hall ■ Drawing room ■ Dining room ■ Family room ■ Study ■ Kitchen/breakfast room, and secondary upstairs kitchen ■ Utility room ■ Garden room ■ 2 cloakrooms ■ Wine cellar ■ Master bedroom with en-suite bath/ shower room and dressing room ■ 7 further bedrooms (2 en suite) ■ 2 bathrooms ■ Laundry room/bedroom ■ Integral triple garage and fully alarmed detached triple-bay garage ■ Billiards room ■ 3 storerooms ■ Flagstone terrace, landscaped grounds, walled garden and ponds ■ Hartley Botanic greenhouse ■ About 3.5 acres in total

£2,795,000 Available for sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

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FEATURES

Food & Drink

How to sow, grow… and reap the culinary benefits Great Dixter, on the Kent and Sussex borders, was the lifelong home of gardening guru and writer Christopher Lloyd for 80 years. Although he died in 2006, his horticultural legacy lives on courtesy of those who now run the historic home and gardens. This includes Aaron Bertelsen, who has published a cookbook celebrating the joys of growing your own, as well as some of Lloyd’s recipes. Here, he shows how you can create delicious recipes from the fruits – and vegetables – of your labour

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

TARRAGON CHICKEN The marriage of tarragon and chicken is one made in heaven, and more than enough reason to grow the herb. At Great Dixter, I grow it in pots that sit in the courtyard outside the kitchen.

Christopher’s recipe, below, is unbeatable, but do take the time to brown the chicken properly at the start, ideally in a cast iron pan. The iron gets very hot and then holds the heat so that the chicken takes on more colour while cooking.

What you need: Serves 4 Preparation: 5-10 minutes Cooking: 50-60 minutes, or 30 minutes if using chicken pieces Large piece of butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 x 1.3-kg/2½-lb free-range chicken, or chicken pieces if preferred 1-2 small onions or shallots, sliced 120ml/4 oz (½ cup) dry white wine Several sprigs of tarragon (be generous) For the gravy Piece of butter Handful freshly chopped mixed herbs (eg: parsley, tarragon, sorrel, chervil, dill, rocket/arugula), a lovage leafet, one shoot each of thyme and winter savoury, or whatever you have available) 175ml/6 oz (3/4 cup) double (heavy) cream (optional)

What you do: Preheat the oven to 230°C/450°F/Gas Mark 8 1. Melt the butter with the oil in a cast iron casserole dish (Dutch oven), then brown the bird (or chicken pieces if using) on all sides. Towards the end of browning, add the onions, wine and the tarragon,

stuffing a couple of sprigs inside the cavity of the bird and placing a couple alongside in the dish. Cover and roast for 40-45 minutes (or 30 minutes if using chicken pieces), or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast registers 75°C/165°F. Transfer the bird or chicken pieces to a dish, discarding the tarragon from the cavity, and set aside to rest.

2. Meanwhile, make the gravy. Put the pan of chicken juices on the hob, remove the tarragon sprigs, add the butter, then stir in the herbs, mixing well.

Remove from the heat. If using, slowly stir in the double (heavy) cream until combined – and that’s it.

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Wednesday April 26 | 2017

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CHICKPEA AND TOMATO SALAD What you need: Serves 3-4 as a light lunch, or 6 as a side dish Preparation: 10 minutes, plus standing 2 x 400-g/14oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed 16 cherry tomatoes, cut in half good handful chopped coriander (cilantro) or flat-leaf parsley 7.5cm/3inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper

This recipe comes from my friend Ellie, who helps me in both the garden and kitchen. I still remember the first time I had this salad.

I was so struck by the levels of different flavour it had, I made her give me the recipe before we even got up from the table.

Recipes and images courtesy of The Great Dixter Cookbook: Recipes from an English Garden by Aaron Bertelsen, published by Phaidon and priced £24.95. Times readers can save Save 30% today with code: TNT30 (+p&p) when they order online at phaidon.com or call 0808 168 9598

What you do: Pat the chickpeas dry with paper towels. Put into a bowl, then add all the other ingredients. Mix well and let sit a while to let the flavours meld. Mix again before serving.

RHUBARB TART

What you need: Serves 8

Preparation: 15 minutes, plus chilling Cooking: 45-50 minutes Butter, for greasing 1 quantity chilled ready rolled sweet shortcrust pastry Flour, for dusting 1kg/2Ib rhubarb, chopped into 5cm/2inch pieces 2 tablespoons demerara (turbinado) sugar 120g/4 oz (½ cup) caster (superfine) sugar, plus extra for sprinkling (optional)

What you do: 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5, placing an oven rack in the lower part of it. Butter a 25cm/10inch loose-bottom tart pan.

2. Roll out the pastry (dough) thinly on a lightly floured work surface and use to line the prepared pan.

3. If using spring rhubarb, arrange it in the pastry case (shell) and sprinkle with the demerara (turbinado) sugar.

If not using spring rhubarb, put the caster (superfine) sugar and 200ml/7 fl oz (cup) water into a pan and stir together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the chopped rhubarb and simmer for 1 minute – you don’t want it to lose its shape.

Drain rhubarb, then arrange inside pastry case.

4. Place the filled case on a baking sheet and bake on a

low oven rack for 40 minutes.

Take the tart out of the oven and carefully slip off the outer ring, leaving the tart sitting on the base.

Return to the oven on the baking sheet for another 5-10 minutes so that the sides get really crisp.

Slide the tart on to a plate and sprinkle with caster sugar, if desired. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

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FEATURES

Food & Drink

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Foodies are sure to fall for Framptons Three friends who came out of the Army and opened a restaurant are proving a big hit. With plenty of visual ingredients for Instagram enthusiasts, and food tasty enough to tempt seasoned bloggers back for more, this addition to The Pantiles is just what the trendy doctor ordered. Hannah Patterson enjoys a Champion’s Breakfast with one of the owners, Sam Westlake, to chat about the new Framptons eaterie There’s been quite a buzz around town about the opening of Framptons – how did it all begin?

Myself, Tom and Ed are all ex-military and had left the Army around the same time wanting a change of career.

We wanted to go into business together, so we had a look at a few different avenues and assessed our skill sets and interests. We all agreed we wanted something we were going to be truly passionate about.

The idea about going into the restaurant business came from a list we made of what we each love. Four words appeared on each list – food, drink, people and property. So a restaurant seemed the obvious answer.

Looking for the right site took a long time, though. Tom was working in property and Ed and I were working front of house in pubs, which we carried on doing as we searched.

We found a property in the New Forest which we loved. It was in need of some TLC, but we gradually shaped it to be our own and that became our first restaurant. We were still working on that site when I stumbled across the one in Tunbridge Wells when going to a job interview at the Duke of York.

It was perfect, and I immediately called the boys to tell them. Having grown up in Sussex, I knew this was the right area for us.

TAKING A PEW (l-r) Sam Westlake (left), chef Sam Stone and Gideon Lax make the best use of the outside space

How did you get from there to where we are sat right now?

That was in November 2016, and it was a 12-week project getting the site to the point where we wanted it.

‘We all love food, but none of us were trained to the level we needed.

Getting a professional chef who was creative and in tune with our vision for the place was key’

The previous owners, Barclays Bank, were great, and real mentors to us throughout the whole process.

I think there may have been a higher bidder than us, but they liked us and what we were about. It helped that they’ve got a great affiliation with the military and also have a few ex-soldiers among them, and we can still call them if we have any questions or concerns.

Now here we are with two café

bars and looking to open our third in Bath this coming June.

That’s a lot achieved in a very small space of time…

That’s efficiency for you! The three of us are a strong team, and bring different strengths to the table.

You’re an Instagrammer’s dream.

Was the design important to you?

Yes, we did the ‘stripped back look’

Food & Drink

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

on steroids! In Tunbridge Wells, the exposed, industrialstyle steelwork is very ‘us’.

Did you have experience in food?

We all love food, but none of us were trained to the level we needed.

Getting a professional chef who was creative and in tune with our vision for the place was key – all-day casual dining with a real lean towards British cuisine, and the menus are still evolving.

Do you use local suppliers?

Yes. There’s even a map of Kent on the menu to show where the produce is sourced. If it comes from the sea, it comes from Sankey’s. The Bakehouse in Tonbridge supply our

sourdough bread – they’ve even designed us our own brioche burger bun, which is truly exceptional.

Our meat comes from Fuller’s butchers, and our chef will always play around with the menu when they’ve got game in.

The fresh fruit and vegetables are all from David Catt & Sons, who also have a dairy farm that provides us with our milk.

We love cheese here as well, and have our favourite St Giles cheese and Chilli Marble that we use in our burgers from Curd & Cure. Tom spent a long time hunting suppliers, and a man drives across Kent and Sussex hand-picking the best quality cheeses.

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With such a range of food suppliers, you must have an extensive menu?

That’s what we were aiming for and, hopefully, have achieved. But our work is never done and we will never stop looking for new ways to improve.

We inherited the first Framptons with a whole big breakfast, lunch and platters menu. But there was something missing – a quality evening menu.

The lunch menu was focused on salads and burgers and so required a little enhancing, but we reinvented the dinner menu entirely. The chefs here have free reign in the evenings – it’s their time to get creative and work their magic. After all, the chef knows best!

The Sunday menu draws from the lunch and evening ones, but with the addition of the game from Fuller’s. The venison is amazing!

If you came here as a customer, what would you order?

The breakfast is easy – Champion’s Breakfast whilst it’s still in season. It is unbeatable! As for lunch, I really like the mussels or the chargrilled pepper steak.

When it comes to the evening, it would have to be the bacon wrapped scallops for a starter, the monkfish for main and probably the lemon posset for dessert.

Has any of this daunted you at all?

We saw Framptons as an opportunity, not a risk. If you take that attitude it minimises the chances of becoming daunted or overwhelmed. It was an exciting project, not a burden.

But there were worries that crossed our minds – the limited outside space, the logistics of completing the renovation, and the location of a pedestrian street with no parking.

WELCOMING (l-r) Stefan Josef, Kate Hamilton, Lorna Bews and Emma Kuwertz are ready to greet you at the café bar

FEATURES

Did anyone else support you in launching the new restaurant?

The council were a great help with regard to planning and licensing. I have to give Ed the credit for our positive relationship with them – he did all the liaising.

Tunbridge Wells has pleasantly surprised us. We had originally thought of it as a big town, but it’s really a big village. It’s very intimate. Even though we are new, the local businesses have made us feel part of a tight-knit community that lift and support each

TEMPTING Some of the treats on display other. We hope that we’ve been a bit of a beacon – drawing the attention of drivers passing by the roundabout on the main road – an effort to increase footfall for all the businesses here, not just our own.

I can’t think of a time I’ve walked by and seen the place empty…

Business has been steady, and we’ve started to see a nice base of regulars.

Our clients cover a huge range – families with toddlers, older people with their dogs. For me, that’s the beauty of this place. We are somewhere for everyone.

We are particularly looking forward to the summer jazz. We are looking at getting some street food going for passers-by, and we have some other plans to make the most of it!

Were you prepared when you opened?

No, not quite. but we are now. Christmas was a real learning curve for us.

Usually, we would have stayed closed for a couple of

weeks’ training before a big opening, but we didn’t want to miss Christmas, so we decided to learn on the job. With our army backgrounds, we are used to fighting through a challenge, but I think in the catering world it’s important to take time to learn the job thoroughly.

I wouldn’t do it that way again.

With Bath, that will be three restaurants in 12 months. Will you continue with such speedy growth?

We never intended to go as quickly as we have. All we wanted were restaurants we were proud of, and could walk into smiling each day.

The Bath project is keeping us busy at the moment, but we may go for another café, bar and kitchen in the south east at some point.

By then, it would be the time to consolidate and reassess the brand to make sure our standards are being met. Once the brand is established and proven, we may just sit back and enjoy life for a bit! www. framptonsbar. co.uk

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Travel

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Fall in love with the Taj Mahal There are few in the world who wouldn’t recognise India’s Taj Mahal, and it’s likely that this marble marvel would be on any traveller’s wish list. The story that led to its construction is one of heartbreak, but it is one of the most iconic tributes to lost loves still around today

O

FTEN described as the greatest monument to love ever created, the Taj Mahal has watched over the River Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, for more than three and a half centuries.

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a 2007 poll, and with its gleaming white marble dome and symmetrical, flanking minarets, it is one of India’s most instantly recognisable spots, greeting more than three million visitors every year.

Romantically described by the Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore as ‘a teardrop on the cheek of time’, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by the

heartbroken Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who had died giving birth to their 14th child the previous year.

Mumtaz Mahal was 37 when she died in Burhanpur, a town some 900km west of Agra, and it was there that her body was first interred in a rather more modest sandstone tomb, which still stands today, although in a sadly neglected condition. Her body stayed there for just six months before being transported to Agra, where her remains were buried in another small mausoleum until the Taj Mahal was complete.

It is said that building materials, including white Makrana marble from Jodhpur, were

‘An astonishing 20,000 craftsmen worked on the building, combining elements of Indian, Persian and Turkish design’

complex, including the main gateway, the guest house and gardens, was completed over the five years that followed. What those thousands of 17th-century hands crafted is now one of the most famous buildings in the world, and widely regarded as the finest example of Mughal architecture, praised by UNESCO as ‘the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage’.

Bejewelled

carried to the site on the backs of a thousand elephants. An astonishing 20,000 craftsmen – masons, calligraphers, painters, mosaicists and other artisans brought from across the length and breadth of the vast Mughal Empire and beyond – worked on the building and decoration over the following 16 years, combining elements of Indian, Persian and Turkish design, all working under the direction of the Chief Architect, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.

The main mausoleum was completed in 1648, a white marble cube crowned with a magnificent onion dome measuring 35 metres across and seven metres high, and framed by four 40 metre-high minarets. The remainder of the

The cuboid exterior is decorated with paint, carvings, stucco and stone inlays adorned with calligraphy, vegetal motifs and abstract patterns.

While passing through the magnificent arched doorway, visitors find themselves in a huge, echoing octagonal chamber. Within the chamber, delicate stone lattice screens, known as jali screens, allow sunlight in to illuminate exquisite marble walls bejewelled with precious and semi-precious stones and floral arabesques.

In the centre, surrounded by an octagonal marble screen, stand the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, both richly decorated with stylised flowers and calligraphy.

The asymmetrical arrangement of these cenotaphs has given rise to the idea that Shah Jahan, who died in 1666, did not originally intend to be interred here, and recent archaeological

Travel

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

SPIRITUAL Uttar Pradesh and (far right) The Taj

‘It was commissioned

by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 as a mausoleum for his wife’ excavations in the gardens have revealed the remains of a summer pavilion. Known as a baradari, this was where Shah Jahan could sit and gaze across the water at the Taj Mahal.

The main gateway to the complex, the Darwazai-Rauza, is a suitably majestic structure. Standing 30 metres high, and constructed from red sandstone, it is adorned with verses from the Koran and floral motifs, and flanked by a pair of

octagonal towers. Originally, the gate would have appeared even more impressive, lined with silver all around, although this has since been replaced by copper.

Beyond this gate is the Taj Mahal garden, which follows a typical Persian charbagh style – a geometrical design divided into four sections by walkways and canals, and in turn each of these sections is also divided into four by narrow paths, creating 16 squares planted with flowerbeds.

The Taj Mahal is one of the real highlights of world travel, and standing before this ‘love poem in marble’, you may well find yourself agreeing with the German philosopher Hermann Keyserling, who declared it to be ‘perhaps the greatest art work which the forming spirit of mankind has ever brought forth’. www.tajmahal.gov.in

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Advertorial

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

It’s never been so important to care about the best care Last year, we talked to Richard Gould, owner of the private home care service TerraBlu, about the role care plays in the lives of our ageing population. Now, we meet Julia Mead, the Manager on the ground who is overseeing the day-to-day operation of the company, and she tells us about the current challenges the care service is facing Can you tell us about your role at TerraBlu?

Having started as a senior, I am now the Registered Manager. I am responsible for answering to the Care Quality Commission, who monitor and oversee any health care businesses such as ourselves, dentists and nursing homes.

I have to ensure their standards are always met – there is no compromising on that. The regulations set with regard to care are there for the benefit of ourselves and our clients, and they must be met. It’s a challenging and demanding role, but I love it – you have to!

‘The real difficulty is that no two care packages will ever be the same. There is no standard care – a one size fits all’ What challenges do you face day-to-day in your work?

The main challenge will always be keeping up with client demand. We are living longer and the older generation continues to grow.

At the moment, I might have five new care packages come in one week, and each of them will want their care to start ASAP. Someone who is physically struggling to get out of bed in the morning, or to get dressed, doesn’t want to be waiting a week for the help they need, and nor should they. The real difficulty is that no

two care packages will ever be the same. There is no standard care – a one size fits all. When a care package is requested, we need to make a full assessment before we can issue any care at all.

We always build something around the client.

How do you go about building someone a care package?

We need to start with the most important part – what they want from us.

A client might want one call a day, four calls a day, personal care, someone to help them with part of their daily routine, meal preparation – the list goes on.

There are endless potential combinations that a client could require.

One of the benefits of being in the private sector is that we are able to go out and talk to clients directly. This way we can really make sure we are catering to their needs. It makes all the difference in building care packages, especially as you can see what sort of accommodation they are in, and what

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Care is such a rewarding job

their daily struggles are, or could be.

Once the assessment has taken place, the information that has been gathered is brought back to the office and fed into our computer database so it’s all on record.

This information then allows us to make the relevant calls to arrange the specific care and generate a Support Worker’s time sheets based on the requirements.

Although we are currently meeting demand, creating support care packages quickly is a real challenge of the job, and the very reason we are recruiting now.

Do you find it a struggle to recruit within the care sector?

Yes, but I have never been able to understand why.

Being a Support Worker is such a rewarding job – the general public perception of the job needs to be changed. In an ever-ageing population, the demand for Support Workers RECRUITING isn’t looking to Julia Mead slow down. More

and more people now want to live out their days in their own homes, and helping to enable people to do that is extremely rewarding.

What sort of person, or people, are you looking to recruit?

If anyone is interested in working with us, they simply need to be genuinely caring.

There are so many benefits that come with a role at TerraBlu. We are extremely flexible with working hours, be it full or part-time, and we offer a good rate of pay, mileage, and paid travel time.

If you’ve got a background in care, great, but if not, we can offer you the chance to gain an NVQ in Health and Social Care with Hospice in the Weald, who we work very closely with.

Of course, there’s an extensive process of inductions, legal standards training, infection control training and medication training to get you fully prepared before you start work.

Do you find there are equal numbers of men and women applying for these roles?

No, it seems that it’s mostly women who are applying for jobs in care. I would love to receive a lot more applications from men. I’m optimistic that the divide will gradually lessen in the future, and we would love to be a part of that.

Another noticeable divide in recruitment is nationality. Although we recruit lots of British

Advertorial

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

careworkers, I’d say the applications are split equally between EU citizens and those who are native to the UK.

Does that mean the nationality of your staff is equally split as well?

Yes, more or less.

Have you been affected by the ‘Leave’ vote in last year’s referendum, and Brexit?

It’s definitely going to affect us the further we get into Brexit. It’s only just begun.

We’ve got staff who’ve been working for with us for ten years, contributing to the economy and paying their taxes, who are now worried about their security here. They have been looking after us, and now they are faced with having to leave.

I find the whole thing extremely sad, and we shall have to see what effect this will have on the care services in general in this country.

‘You can be the difference between someone living a full life or them ending up as someone who cannot leave their bed’ So how can we tackle a potential staffing crisis in care services?

That’s a big question, and we shall have to see how everything plays out on a national scale.

We really do need to get the word out about just how rewarding and beneficial a career as a Support Worker can be. You are not staff to the clients, you work with, you are much more an extension of the family. You can be the difference between someone living a full life or them ending up as someone who cannot leave their bed. That is really meaningful.

Changing people’s mindsets about care is critical.

A good care system is part of the fabric of our communities. If we don’t invest time and effort

ourselves it will continue to be pushed to the margins. We need to look less to the government to sort it out, whether it is arguing about extra funding to go into the bottomless pit of the system or whether the Dilnott commission set the care cap at the right level. Instead we need to spend a few hours of our busy lives getting involved at a local level, not lobbying, but delivering a service, whether working as one of our Home Companions, or volunteering for a local project.

I know all of our workers here do an amazing job, but it would be nice to see this recognised outside of TerraBlu.

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TerraBlu does Hollywood ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET Just one of the special events the service organises

Can you tell us some of the ways you make clients’ lives better with the care you provide?

Other than the day-to-day care, we arrange many special events for our clients. For instance for the past nine years we have hosted lunches which provides the opportunity for our clients to socialise and get out of the house.

We used to do it as a ‘Winter Lunch’ through the colder months to cheer people up after Christmas, but it was so popular we now have one every weekend of the year.

It’s evolved as well. We now have a theme each week, where our clients can dress up and make it more of an event.

Last Saturday was ‘TerraBlu does Hollywood’.

There were red carpets, and there was glitz and glamour everywhere! A Marilyn Monroe tribute sang to us, and we had a special photo booth for all the guests.

AGE UK provide us with a minibus, driver and chef, whilst we organise the rest of the event.

In the summer, we will make our usual trip to Penshurst Place for afternoon tea.

You have to remember, some of our clients don’t have any family, or they have relations that live abroad, and these types of trips help tackle any feelings loneliness.

We are a professional extended family.

TerraBlu Home Care 9 Calverley Crescent Tunbridge Wells TN1 2NB 01892 529429 www.terrablu.co.uk

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Gardening

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Spring is a time to get trimming

BEST OF THE BUNCH

Standy by your secateurs as we give a few pointers on which plants benefit from a good cut at this time of year

Thyme

By Hannah Stephenson AS SOON as the weather warms up a bit, shrubs, hedges and trees seem to take on a massive growth spurt and it’s time to wield the secateurs.

While first-time gardeners may act with caution, pruning isn’t actually that complicated – the secret is to tackle your plants before they become straggly and out of shape.

Pruning properly should give you more flowers, fruits and general vigour, stripping away old dead wood and diseased branches, allowing sunlight to the centre of plants to rejuvenate them for the season ahead.

I know some people are worried about cutting plants back too much, but cut a buddleia hard down to a couple of buds from the ground and you’ll see it tower with fresh blooms in late summer, while cutting dogwood stems down to the ground will reward you with plenty of fresh, brightly-coloured stems the following season.

So, what should you prune and when?

Most evergreens, including conifers, don’t need pruning – apart from a summer shape-up with shears in the spring. Slow-growing shrubs such as azaleas and hydrangeas also don’t need much pruning, and should be allowed to keep their flower heads in winter, which will protect new buds from frost.

Faster-growing deciduous shrubs and trees will need pruning and

There are few herbs which provide as much visual interest as thyme, partly because there are so many varieties which produce loads of tiny flowers in summer and masses of scent when you brush against them or run your fingers through them.

You don’t just have to restrict thyme to your herb garden.

Plant some pretty varieties to trail over your rockery and they should settle well in full sun.

Try T. serpyllum ‘Annie Hall’, a creeping, mound-forming plant with purple-pink flowers, or T. ‘Coccineus’, with its crimson-pink flowers over walls or paving. Other good varieties include lemonscented thyme T. x citriodorus, and T. vulgaris ‘Silver Posie’.

Thyme requires very little attention – water only in very dry conditions and feed sparingly.

Gardening

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

grew during the previous growing season and should be cut back as soon as they have finished flowering, to allow new shoots to form. Prune them too early, in winter or early spring, and you will cut off the flowers for that year. As soon as the flowers are over, cut back all the stems carrying dead flowers. Follow the stem down until you reach a strong bud and cut just above the point where it grows out on the main branch.

these fall into two general groups: n Those that flower in spring and early summer, including forsythia, philadelphus, kerria and weigela: Flowers are produced on shoots that

n Those that flower from early summer onwards, such as buddleia, potentilla and fuschia: Prune in early spring before growth starts, cutting back the old wood (which looks darker and rougher) hard to a low bud to boost new growth, which will give you flowers the same year.

The general rule is if it flowers before mid-June, prune it immediately after flowering; if it flowers later, prune it in late winter or early spring.

Suckers can be a problem on roses and lilac.

Remove the basal shoots from the base of the bush or tree, usually below ground, tracing them to the point of origin, cutting them off close to the main stem. The leaves of rose suckers usually have seven leaflets instead of five.

Shrubs which are not totally hardy, such as Choisya ternata, may have been damaged by frost or cold winds during the winter and you’ll need to cut back the damaged leaves at the tips of the shoots to healthy wood, to make the plant look better and reduce the risk of disease.

On shrubs and trees, eliminate badly crossing branches

which are rubbing against each other to prevent congested growth and reduce the risk of disease occurring through friction wounds.

If you have variegated plants such as euonymus which are reverting to green, cut out affected shoots when you notice them, because if they take hold the whole plant could revert.

Clip small-leaved plants and hedges, such as box, with shears or a hedge trimmer if the plant is large. Larger-leaved shrubs such as spotted laurel should be tackled with secateurs as shears can damage leaves, which turn brown, then die.

Grey-leaved plants, such as lavender, can receive a light haircut in spring with shears, but make sure you don’t cut back into woody old stems or they won’t recover. Clip them again after they’ve flowered to keep them tidy. Rosemary can also be clipped in spring when it has finished flowering.

If you don’t want it to flower, clip it when you see buds starting to form in late spring.

Whatever else you do with your roses, you must prune them every year.

Large-flowered rose bushes (hybrid teas and floribundas) need to be pruned between mid-winter and early spring, cutting back all the stems to around 15-23cm above ground level, cutting out dead wood and thin, weak stems.

Shrub roses don’t need hard pruning now, but when you deadhead them in the summer, remove 10-15cm of stem along with each spent flower.

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BEST OF THE BUNCH – Tulip As daffodils fade, so tulips are emerging in too many different colours to mention and in many different varieties. Some have almost frilly flowers, which mingle happily with orange, yellow and burgundy wallflowers. Others look better grouped as stand-alone specimens.

If you’re looking for a more flamboyant variety, look to the Parrot tulips which have frilly, fringed petals in late spring.

Good choices include the red and yellow T. ‘Flaming Parrot’ or T. ‘Estella Rijnveld’, which is red and white, while more

subtle varieties include T. ‘Spring Green’, a Viridiflora variety with single cream flowers and partly greenish petals, or ‘Queen of Night’, a deep burgundy-black variety which looks great against a green backdrop mixed with acid-coloured wallflowers.

Plant tulips in late autumn in welldrained, fertile soil in full sun. Some need to be lifted after they have flowered and stored until planting time comes around again, while others can remain in the ground to flower again the following year.

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FEATURES

Motoring

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

FIRST DRIVE

Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-I 6MT WHAT’S NEW? The third generation Yaris has been around for some time now – long enough, in fact, to have been subjected to no less than two facelifts since it was first introduced in 2011.

With this latest refresh, Toyota has dropped its 1.33-litre engine in favour of a new 1.5-litre power plant that is both more powerful and more efficient than its predecessor.

The manufacturer has also really stepped its game up as far as standard safety equipment is concerned – a factor that will no doubt appeal to family buyers. Even the entry-level Active models come equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense system, which includes a plethora of alerts and warning systems, including lane departure alert and autonomous emergency braking.

LOOKS AND IMAGE To the untrained eye, the changes to the Yaris’s appearance might go unnoticed. The new front end has been styled to imitate a catamaran ship – with a wide, angular grille dominating proceedings and giving it a slightly more aggressive demeanour.

But round the back of the car is

where the most noticeable changes have been implemented. They have completely redesigned the shape of the tail lights, which supposedly echo those found on larger, more premium models.

Customers also have the choice of opting for the new Bi-tone specification, which adds a contrasting roof and pillars for an even more striking appearance – particularly when paired with the bold new Tokyo Red and Nebula Blue exterior colours.

While Toyota seems to have done a good job of freshening up the little Yaris’s exterior, the cabin unfortunately lets the side down somewhat.

The dark plastics used on the midrange models make the interior feel rather gloomy, and are rough and scratchy to the touch.

That said, while the materials used in the cabin might not win any awards for their aesthetic appeal, in true Toyota fashion they feel as though they will certainly stand the test of time.

With its latest update, Toyota has given the Yaris a fresh look, a new engine and a range of standard safety equipment. Simon Davis puts it to the test

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Having sat in the back seat of a threedoor, first-generation Yaris recently, we were rather surprised to find the new five-door only model felt as though it had less headroom, and less legroom in the rear.

Sat behind a six-foot driver and front passengers, taller adults in the back of the new Yaris will find their knees brush against the seats in front of them, while their heads might narrowly avoid touching the roof.

There’s certainly not an abundance of room in the back of the car, but two adults should be able to travel reasonable distances without becoming too uncomfortable. Squeezing a third adult passenger in the middle seat would certainly make things unpleasant, although a trio of small children should fit just fine.

As far as boot space is concerned, the Yaris offers up 286 litres of storage capacity. While this figure might not be class-leading by any means, it should meet the requirements of most family buyers.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Our experience of the Yaris was mostly limited to low-speed urban driving, which it handled amicably. The controls were light and easy to operate, meaning the little car was incredibly easy to place exactly where you wanted it – a factor that will no doubt appeal to those who will buy one of these for almost exclusive city use.

Motorways didn’t really cause it to flinch, either, with the Yaris remaining planted and confident throughout.

Where it did fall down, however, was in the engine refinement department, with the 1.0-litre engine in particular making itself heard at cruising speed. There was

SAFETY FIRST The updated Yaris has an impressive range of equipment to protect you

FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL (as tested): Toyota Yaris 1.5 VVT-I 6MT ENGINE TESTED: 1.5-litre Dual VVT-I petrol POWER: 110bhp TORQUE: 136Nm MAX SPEED: 109mph 0-60MPH: 11.0s MPG: 58.9 (combined cycle) EMISSIONS: 109g/km PRICE AS TESTED: £15,845

a good deal of wind noise whipped up by the Yaris’s door mirrors, too.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to put the handling abilities to the test as the Dutch roads that made up our route were all arrow straight and silky smooth and didn’t cause the supermini to break a sweat.

Final judgement on its dynamic capabilities can’t really be passed until we’ve had a go back on British soil.

VALUE FOR MONEY We got behind the wheel of the mid-range Icon Tech model, which costs from £15,045. Standard equipment is generous, with features such as satellite navigation, a rear parking camera and a seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system all included as standard.

One of the key selling points, however, is the large emphasis that Toyota has placed on safety across the entire Yaris range.

All cars – from the entry-level Active model all the way up to the Excel and Bi-tone models – come with Toyota Safety Sense as standard. This includes Pre-Collision System, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alert and Automatic High-beam.

Road Sign Assist is also included on cars in Icon specification and above.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE?

‘The Dutch roads that made up our route were all arrow straight and silky smooth and didn’t cause the supermini to break a sweat’

Toyota is primarily targeting young families with the latest Yaris – and its strong focus on safety equipment should help strengthen its appeal with buyers in this demographic.

That said, families aren’t the only people who will look to the Yaris as a means of getting on the road – the 1.0-litre versions should hold some sway with younger buyers as they won’t cost an arm and a leg to insure.

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Advertising

FEATURES

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Beauty

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Nail your

look for spring…

By Katie Wright THE spring/summer nail polish collections have hit the beauty counters, and one thing’s for sure – it’s all about colour.

Forget last season’s nudes and noirs, right now punchy hues and sugary pastels are the perfect partners for the catwalk trends that are making waves on the high street.

PASTEL POWER ORLY ‘HEAD IN THE CLOUDS’ Nail Lacquer, £7.95 www.NailPolishDirect.co.uk

IZ BEAUTY WILD SAGE Gel Effect Nail Polish, £6 www.izbeauty.co.uk

Loving Cuban ruffles and tropical frocks? You’ll want a juicy yellow to set them off.

Rocking the deconstructed shirting look? An ivory shade is what you’re after.

And the colour of the season, pink, is represented on both sides of the spectrum, from raspberry to sugared almond.

These are our top polish picks…

ESSIE GEL COUTURE ‘Lace to the Alter’

by Monique Lhuillier, £9.99 www.boots.com

Beauty

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

FEATURES

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL RIMMEL SUPER GEL

HOUSE OF HOLLAND

Nail Polish Coral Queen, £5.99 www.superdrug.com

Elegant Touch Foil Fade Nails, £8.99 www.Asos.com

BUY IT NOW CIATE GELOLOGY PART TIME MERMAID £12 (available May) www.ciatelondon.com

DIEGO DALLA PALMA Bleu Canard Nail Polish, £10 (available May) www.marksandspencer.com

Lift your spring make-up look with Zoeva’s new Sweet Glamour palette.

The ten-piece eyeshadow collection mixes subtle peachy hues with sugary pastels and shimmering Zoeva Sweet Glamour Eyeshadow textures, offering a multitude of Palette, £18 www.BeautyBay.com eye-opening possibilities.

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Life & Style

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

WANT TO GET YOUR GARDEN UP AND RUNNING FOR THE SUMMER? CROWBOROUGH COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

The West Kent Garden and Leisure Show returns again to Longmead Stadium, home of Tonbridge Angels FC over the weekend of 13th – 14th May. Gates open at 9.00am on both days and will reveal a host of attractive craft, horticulture and furniture stalls with everything you need to beautify your outdoor space.

The first Crowborough Community Festival will launch with a Free Family Fun Day on 1 May themed around author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s adventure story of dangerous exploration, dinosaurs and survival - The Lost World – which he wrote when living in Crowborough. It was said that a fossilised footprint of an Iguanodon, found in a quarry near his home in Crowborough fired his imagination and led him to write The Lost World.

There will be a range of entertainment throughout the day, including bird of prey displays, flower arranging, Newfoundland dogs, face-painting and chainsaw carving. With an extra-bouncy castle for the kids and plenty of refreshment available, the West Kent Garden and Leisure Show is guaranteed to be the perfect day out for all the family.

Admission is just £3.00 for adults and £2.00 for seniors while kids under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult.

Plenty of parking available.

FANTASTIC TURN OUT AND HUGE SUCCESS FOR CORKER LAUNCH EVENT ON GOOD FRIDAY. Good Friday was certainly a very good Friday for newly re-branded business, Corker, who saw a great turn out for their launch event on Friday 14th April. Previously known as Small Loads, Corker unveiled the transformation of their site on the A228 near Paddock Wood with new branding and inspirational show gardens.

The 3 acre site was looking in tip top condition with all 13 show gardens on display. Each garden was designed and built by local landscape designers and offered unique ideas suitable for any sized garden. Other areas of the site showcase the huge range of decking, paving and outdoor furniture Corker offer, a great way to see products in situ and aid those tricky decisions!

TONBRIDGE TRIATHLON May 1st Bank holiday is THE date for keen triathlon competitors. It marks the 26th Tonbridge Triathlon!

The Triathlon is run at the fantastic Tonbridge School Sports Centre where the swim and run take place. The bike ride goes up the A227 past Shipbourne to Ivy Hatch and Seal, returning via Underriver and Hildenborough and then back to the school.

To enter just go to www.tonbridgetriathlon.co.uk before 28th April.

You can enter the Standard event (twice round the course i.e.800m swim, 50k cycle, and 10k run); or the Sprint (400m swim, 25k cycle and 5k run. If you are good at just one event you could create a relay team of three and enter the Sprint Relay.

The event is a time trial with the early birds starting at 7am followed by over 400 other competitors all morning. There will be plenty to see at the School and we have arranged for 3 caterers to be present so come and make a morning of it!!

Tonbridge Lions Club provide all the marshalling in co-operation with the Tonbridge ATC and Tonbridge Police Cadets plus help from professional First Aiders and Time Systems. All the money raised by the event goes to local Charities.

Organisers: Tonbridge Lions Club Contact: Bob Taylor 01732 833976 bob@lodgeoast.co.uk

An outdoor kitchen was set up serving delicious mini burgers and Easter treats were keeping the little ones happy. KMFM Street Team was also present and running a competition, which saw 4 very lucky winners win some great prizes for their garden. Goody bags were handed out which featured some great Corker branded items along with a 10% discount, which is valid until 31st May 2017.

Mick Corkery, Managing Director of Corker says “The launch event was a huge success and it was a very proud moment revealing the completed show gardens. A huge amount of hard work and long hours went into this transformation; thank you to everyone who played a part and to those who attended and supported our launch day.”

If you missed the launch event don’t worry plans for a summer party are underway! Search @corkeruk on Facebook and keep up to date with all the details and in the meantime pay Corker a visit.

As well as the innovative show gardens Corker also supply all the products you need to then create your own masterpiece, allowing you the chance to shop! Products include a wide range of paving, turf, soil, sleepers, outdoor furniture and more.

Corker is situated on the A228 near Paddock Wood and the Corker site and show gardens are now open daily. You can also shop online at www.corker.co.uk or call the team on 01892 833 325.

Taking place in the top field at Goldsmiths Grounds, the day will celebrate this connection. It will feature street theatre in and around a giant life-size dinosaur, dinosaur workshops inside a Big Top circus tent led by Paul Stickland - creator of the famous children’s classic Dinosaur Roar – as well as wilderness survival skills, climbing and assault course challenges. Face painters will be on hand to transform all ages into creatures from The Lost World.

Chairman Denis Hart says “We hope the community will do their bit to make the festival a great success by turning out and enjoying all the activities and entertainment on offer.”

For further information please contact: Denis Hart on 01892 458026 or 07528 597764 hart.f.denis@gmail.com

Puzzles

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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.

Codeword:

3

E A V E L I F L A I E R A I N E N J I G S E E C A N T T I I R ON O U NO S E

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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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 next week’s paper

S E X C L B L O Y R E B AW E Y O O A Z U S I S L S

Jigsaw Sudoku:

Sudoku:

9 8 3 6 2 4 1 5 7

7 4 5 1 8 9 3 2 6

1 6 2 7 3 5 4 8 9

S A L ON E L A A U Z B E K OM O E S Q U I D B R N E M P I R E E N S L A GO S L R E A C I D S E S R P H Y E N A

8 2 4 5 6 1 9 7 3

6 5 9 2 7 3 8 1 4

3 7 1 9 4 8 5 6 2

5 9 7 3 1 2 6 4 8

2 1 8 4 9 6 7 3 5

4 3 6 8 5 7 2 9 1

8 6 7 3 2 5 4 9 1

2 4 1 7 9 3 6 5 8

9 5 6 4 8 1 2 7 3

3 8 5 1 4 6 9 2 7

1 9 3 8 5 2 7 6 4

5 7 8 2 6 4 3 1 9

4 3 2 6 7 9 1 8 5

6 1 9 5 3 7 8 4 2

7 2 4 9 1 8 5 3 6

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★II

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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SOLUTIONS (FROM LAST WEEK)

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

CODEWORD

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FEATURES

NEWS

Recruitment

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY WITH THE

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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Recruitment

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FEATURES

Arts & Culture

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

A timely journey of musical discovery Rock star Shakin’ Stevens is on his biggest ever UK tour, Echoes of Our Times, reflecting his love of blues, roots and classic rock. Here, the Times catches up with him ahead of his concert at the Assembly Hall this Sunday What can people expect in your new tour?

We’re going to do all the tracks on the album and there will be a few of the old hits, too, but I will do them slightly differently. You will know the songs, but it will be with new arrangements, or a new way of performing them.

So we can’t expect an evening of double denim and white dancing shoes, then?

I wouldn’t want to do that because that was a long time ago. Every artist needs to be allowed to move on and develop in their own way and at their own pace.

My stage performance has changed over the years, and it would be boring if artists didn’t move on in their careers.

Hopefully, there will be a lot of familiar faces with the fans who have been there since the early days, but I’m also looking forward to seeing people who have never been to one of my concerts before.

You’ve been on an almost Who Do You Think You Are? style journey to write Echoes of Our Times. Can you tell us a bit more about this?

You get to a stage in your life and realise you don’t know what went on with your family. We started researching before we started recording the album, and that just led us to go down a rootsy feel. There were a lot of sad stories, hence the darkness of the album, but it has been such a fantastic experience. Nobody used to talk, that’s what I’ve really discovered.

I’ve found out so much about my family history, things that I never would have known.

There are such amazing stories about people going down the mines, women and children, and it is just times that are very hard to imagine now.

What else did you discover about your family’s history?

Well, I didn’t even know my grandmother was in the Salvation Army until I started the search – How have you put the and I’ve discovered I’ve ‘There were a lot of sad band together? still got family members stories, hence the darkness There are nine in total, in it now. of the album’ including two female Money raised through singers, a guitarist, three charity gigs that drummer, piano player I recently performed in and trumpeter, but we’ve also got mandolin, has been for the Salvation Army, and I’m very banjo and slide guitar players. They’re all very glad we did that. It’s a charity that does such a talented and I’ve worked with most of them fantastic job. over quite a long time. We all get on really well It’s taken years and years to build this together, so I know we’re all going to get out on information, and to be able to translate it into that stage every night and have a great time. an album has been great.

ROLLING BACK THE YEARS Shakin’ Stevens

The album has proved very popular and won a lot of prime-time radio airplay. Did you expect this?

I enjoyed great success in the 80s, but I had such a strong image from that time that it has been difficult to break through and present my music in its current form. Surprisingly, the album that has seemed to have been the easiest to put

together has been the best tool to break that cycle – perhaps because it is so personal.

This is very much my ‘move on’ album. As you grow up and grow older, you change and want something different.

How have the critics reacted to it?

When it was first revealed to the media, our

Arts & Culture

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

publicist made a point of not saying who it was as we wanted to get the reaction first without anyone having any preconceived ideas. The reaction was, and still is, fantastic, because people just didn’t expect this sound to come from the Shakin’ Stevens they remember. It has also kick-started a lot more ideas, so we will be working on them in the near future.

HOT TICKET The play went down a storm in New York

Have you performed in Tunbridge Wells before?

Yes, and it’s a beautiful town and a place I always look forward to visiting. We’ve had some great nights performing here, and we’re really looking forward to bringing our new music to the audience at the Assembly Hall.

Tickets for the Echoes of Our Times Tour are priced from £24 from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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Performing the serious business of comedy…

Trinity Theatre Club are performing their latest production, Alan Ayckbourn’s Private Fears in Public Places, this week. Director Kirrie Wratten reveals why she chose this contemporary comedy, and why it’s the perfect play for this small and intimate theatre

What do you listen to when you want to relax?

I like radio, we listen to quite a mixture of stations. Radio 2, Radio 4, 6 Music, but then I love to listen to my records, too. I like listening to songs and albums I haven’t heard before – basically anything that takes my fancy. I like a story and a lyric together – mostly rootsy-type stuff.

If Shaky was bursting on to the scene for the first time in 2017, who would he be?

I would definitely be more rootsy like this. If you look at Johnny Cash, in the early days he had this really strong beat, but he moved on and his music was much darker towards the end, but that suited him.

It’s all about growing up and the fact that I absolutely love the music I’m doing now. I liked it back in the early days, but I feel that this is well and truly the real me with the new album and the music I’m working on now.

FEATURES

S

OME years ago, my son gave me a book for Christmas: The Crafty Art of Playmaking by Alan Ayckbourn. I had, over the years, seen and enjoyed quite a few his plays at the National, in the West End, and indeed at Trinity. Not surprising when you consider that he is possibly the world’s most performed living playwright.

But I hadn’t had the opportunity to direct an Ayckbourn play until, in 2011, I was invited to direct Absurd Person Singular for the Goudhurst Amateur Dramatic Society. My respect and enthusiasm for his work increased dramatically as I studied the text, perfectly described by theatre critic Quentin Letts as ‘masterly filleting of the English mind’, so I have wanted to direct another Ayckbourn for the past six years.

Some of his plays are challenging to produce on a modest budget; Way Upstream (1983), for example, famously presents a real waterway and a moving boat capable of holding the entire cast.

Not something that Trinity Theatre Club would be likely to welcome with open arms.

But when I read Private Fears in Public Places I knew I’d found the next Ayckbourn I’d like to direct.

The play has been described as filmic, with many brief scenes and the action moving immediately from one location to another. The characters are wonderfully complex – they have their private fears, as do we all, and Ayckbourn’s observation is ruthless, which can also be hilarious.

Spectacular The comedy comes principally from the situations the characters find themselves in and, as Ayckbourn says, ‘the best comedy springs from the utterly serious’.

Yet Private Fears in Public Places is not one of Ayckbourn’s best-known plays. This is in part because in 2004, when it was written, Alan

Ayckbourn was not given permission for his new work to be performed in the West End, following a dispute with producers over Damsels in Distress in 2002. So, following a run at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough in 2004, Private Fears in Public Places went to the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond in 2005 and then, in a surprising move for the Scarborough company, to New York, as part of the Brits Off Broadway Festival.

In New York the reviews were spectacular, and the play became a hot ticket and had a sell-out run. Of course, the producers were anxious to transfer such a big hit to a larger Broadway venue, but Ayckbourn would not give permission, considering the play unsuited to larger theatres.

Fortunately for us all in Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre is perfectly sized for Private Fears in Public Places. As Quentin Letts wrote in his review of the play in 2004, ‘Private Fears in Public Places makes for a super night out’ – so do come and see it.

For further information, ticket prices and performance times, visit www.trinitytheatre.net or call the Box Office on 01892 678 678

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FEATURES

What’s On

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON

Eileen Leahy

WITH THE

Local events

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages, please email eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

slice of Shakespeare this evening, courtesy of its screening of the National Theatre Live’s Twelfth Night. Starring TV favourite Tamsin Greig in the traditionally male lead role of Malvolio, it provides an interesting twist to the Bard’s famous comedy of mistaken identity and unrequited love. It starts at 7pm and tickets cost £14 for adults and £12 for children. See www. boxoffice.tonbridgeschool.co.uk for further information.

The Vittle and Swig restaurant is hosting a Comedy Night from 8.30pm. Stand-ups stepping up to the mike include Dan Evans, Stefano Paolini and Russell Hicks. Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £10 per person.

POLE POSITION Don’t miss the May Day fun at Hever

>> WEDNESDAY Tunbridge Wells Operatic & Dramatic Society, otherwise known as TWODS, continue their performance of Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun all this week at the Assembly Hall. Tickets cost from £14.50 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge continues its performances of their latest production, entitled A Fine Bright Day Today, penned by Philip Goulding.

Margaret has been a widow for the past 30 years, but then she meets Milton, a divorced American and suddenly her world changes. Described as ‘humorous, poignant and heartening’, this is a play not to be missed. Tickets cost £10 or £7.50 for Oast Theatre members.

See www.oastheatre.com >> THURSDAY ’Tis the season for tulips, and you can see all kinds of colours and varieties in full bloom locally. Hever Castle is hosting its own Tulip Festival until May 7, while Pashley Manor in Ticehurst is also celebrating this perennial flower, until May 6.

The EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge serves up a

>> FRIDAY This is the final weekend to see Trinity Theatre Company’s production of Alan Ayckbourn’s Private Fears In Public Places. This famous play follows the lives of three couples who are struggling with their fears and futures.

Even the smallest action has a potentially devastating consequence in a classic contemporary piece that effortlessly blends comedy and compassion. Tickets cost from £15 and performances start at 7.30pm, with a matinee tomorrow (Saturday) at 2.30pm. See www.trinitytheatre.net

A MAGICAL MIX Pat-A-Cake Baby puppetry at the EM Forster Theatre

>> SATURDAY Pat-A-Cake Baby is being performed by Long Nose Puppets today at 1.30pm and 3.30pm at the EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge.

Based on the book of the same name by Joyce

Dunbar, and aimed at those aged 2 to 7 years, it’s a marvellous show full of riotous rhyme, zany puppets and spiffy special cake – all iced with music and songs by Tom Gray. Little children will feel stuffed to the brim with magic. Tickets cost £8 and can be bought from the usual theatre website.

The time has finally come and the long wait is over. The Extreme Festival is taking place at Groombridge Place today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday). As well as live music and delicious food on offer, the event also includes its much anticipated fun focal point: The Beast, which is the world’s biggest inflatable obstacle course, measuring a staggering 272 metres long.

Tickets cost £18 per person and can be booked at www.extremefestival.co.uk If you’re tying the knot in the near future, then make sure you visit The Pantiles Wedding Fair, which is taking place all weekend along the historic promenade.

Expect dress designers, stationery specialists, musical offerings and delicious food ideas to make your special day utterly unique.

ROLE REVERSAL Tamsin Greig is Malvolio in an NT screening of Twelfth Night

>> SUNDAY Running until Bank Holiday Monday, Hever Castle will be hosting its magnificent May Day Festival extravaganza. There will be a raft of traditional games and customs to experience, including Maypole dancing and a Jack-in-the-Green procession. See www.hevercastle.co.uk At 12noon, Chapel Place Gin Bar will be holding a Mod Music Festival with a Northern Soul soundtrack.

Penshurst Place will be hosting its popular Weald of Kent Handmade Fair over the Bank Holiday weekend, so if you’re a keen on arts and crafts, sourcing unique paintings and jewellery, or just fancy a stroll around the venue’s glorious grounds, make sure you book! Tickets cost £8 for adults and £7 for seniors from www.ichfevents.co.uk >> BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY There will be a May Day Fair today from 12noon until 6pm in Groombridge Village Hall. This fun event for all the family will feature inflatables – not as big as the nearby Beast, granted – a coconut shy, crockery smashing and face painting.

PICK OF THE WEEK Bidborough Dramatic Society Eating Out April 27-28, 8pm, Bidborough Village Hall

Bidborough Dramatic Society have been successfully putting on productions since 1972 and now count approximately 150 members. They perform twice annually and their spring production is on this week.

Entitled Eating Out, it’s penned by Roger Hodge and is a comedy which follows the affairs of three couples who ‘get to know one another through a series of riotous misunderstandings’. The action takes place in a stately home, a Greek taverna and a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells…

Tickets are £7.50. To book, call 01892 231974 or email: bidboroughboxoffice@gmail.com

What’s On

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

BEAT THE BEAST At the Extreme Festival

Paul Dunton Joe Stilgo and Clare Martin

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk and www.thegreylady.co.uk

>> TUESDAY The latest exhibition on at Trinity is hosted by the Rare Skills Gallery. Based in Forest Row, they exhibit the work of many local artists who reflect the cultural heritage of Kent and Sussex, whether it’s architecture, land or seascapes, in a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolour, ink, mixed media and photomontage. On every day until May 7, the show is free to attend and open from 10am until 10pm.

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A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Live music

Food and drink will be available with all proceeds going to Groombridge Primary school.

Grosvenor Bowls Club will be holding an open day from 2pm until 4pm. Any age or ability is welcome to go along and give the sport a try. Just turn up at the club in Grosvenor & Hilbert Park.

If you haven’t seen it yet, then you can catch the latest instalment in the Fast and Furious franchise at the Hop Farm every evening until May 4.

Starring Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Stratham, this is the eighth film in the hugely successful series. Entitled Fate of the Furious, it promises to be as fast paced and dramatic as its predecessors. The film will be showing all week courtesy of Moonlight Drive-in Cinema. Tickets cost £25 and showings are at 8.30pm and 11pm. www.moonlightcinema.com

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY Peter Taylor, Count Bouncy & The Boho Muso Troop, The Varlies FRIDAY Son Pikkante Salsa Band SUNDAY Emanuel Fanthome-Hodgson, Ragged Rebel City, Dervla & Nils, Harry Whitty Quartet

THE KING WILLIAM IV Pembury, open all day, free entry, music from 7.30pm

THURSDAY Open Mic Night FRIDAY The Wood featuring Tom Palmer

Crescent Road, see www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

CHURCH OF KING CHARLES THE MARTYR London Road, information at mkctw.blogspot.co.uk

SATURDAY Let Us Garlands Bring (a celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday): Rachel Godsill (soprano), Marie-Noelle Kendall (piano) THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk

THURSDAY Local & Live Electric: MODL, Kate Lomas, Code: Marla vs Spire Cranes FRIDAY YT SATURDAY The Standard Lamps, I Am Aquitaine and Conor Coughlan SUNDAY The King Blues THE BEDFORD High Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOTEL The Pantiles, open all day, free entry, music from 7.30pm.

Booking advised on 01892 530501 more details at www.thetunbridgewellshotel.com

THURSDAY Pantiles Jazz Warm-up: Two Bobs Worth

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

SUNDAY Shakin’ Stevens: Echoes of Our Times

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

SATURDAY Sean Fennessey and Friends SUNDAY Second Helpin’

THE CROSS KEYS St John’s Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN

FRIDAY Jimmy C and the Blues Dragons MONDAY TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session

Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry,music from 8.30pm

SATURDAY John Whitehorn THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road, open all day, free entry, music from early evening

SATURDAY Riff Raff MONDAY Open Mic Night ST ALBAN’S CHURCH Frant, information at www.frantmusic.org.uk

FRIDAY Clare Martin and Joe Stilgoe

THE SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards, booking recommended on 01892 520 331

FRIDAY Live Jazz: Lesley Alexander RUSTHALL CLUB St Paul’s Street, Rusthall, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

SATURDAY Total Recall

Frant Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

SUNDAY John Whitehorn

TUESDAY Mick Mepham

THE BULL INN

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FEATURES

Books

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

TIMES REVIEWS

Ithaca by Alan McMonagle

Book some time off…

Time to unwind and relax, and what better way than with a great book? Here are a few suggestions for your reading…

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Pussy by Howard Jacobson

Paperback by Jonathan Cape, priced £12.99 (ebook £9.49) Word has it that Booker-winning author Howard Jacobson was so infuriated by the rise of Donald Trump he abandoned his latest book project to rush out this short, angry book. In common with many a classic satire, Pussy is written as a fable. It tells the story of Prince Fracassus, heir to a land of casinos and gilded skyscrapers. He is a spoilt, lonely child who spends his time watching reality TV and fantasising about prostitutes. He has no knowledge of the world, no compassion, no ideas, yet somehow – groomed by his cynical father and opportunistic advisers – he emerges as a populist force on a promise to make his country great again. “By virtue of the family he came from, the title he held and the size of his property portfolio, he lent centrality to opinions hitherto only heard on the lips of disreputables and drunks.” It’s all great fun, especially spotting thinly disguised real-life figures from Farage to Putin – and no doubt it felt good to get all that off his chest, too. Jacobson is very good on the nuances of the Trump phenomenon. And even if his book is unlikely to topple any governments, it may at least – as its author hopes – spread comfort in some quarters – and vexation in others.

(Review by Dan Brotzel)

NON FICTION

Hardback by Picador, priced £12.99 (ebook £7.59)

8/10

Jason Lowry is 11, living in a small Irish town during the 2009 recession, and spending a misspent summer with a strange girl who daydreams herself on trips to Ancient Greece and Egypt. Ostensibly, the boy is trying to find out the name of his father from his heavydrinking, negligent mother – but has to tackle the alluring threats of petty crime, underage sex and self-harm with his newfound accomplice.

This debut coming-of-age novel from Galwaybased writer Alan McMonagle cleverly deals with topics that are far too adult for Jason to fully comprehend, despite the boy’s zinging observations of the town’s residents. It could easily be bleak, but McMonagle’s dark humour, wry one-liners and direct descriptions of Irish people – possibly honed during his two collections of short stories – makes the children’s search for ‘Ithaca’ oscillate from the appalling to the heartbreaking.

Comparisons to The Butcher Boy by Pat McCabe are inevitable, and despite Jason’s recklessnes, it’s hard not to be on his side.

(Review by Natalie Bowen)

7/10

White Tears by Hari Kunzru

FICTION

The Legacy

by Yrsa Sigurdardottir Hardback by Hodder & Stoughton, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99)

The Legacy is the first in a new crime series from the author of the Thora Gudmundsdottir books.

Out-of-his-depth detective Huldar is struggling to solve the murder of Elisa. The only witness is her young daughter Margret, but she’s traumatised, so psychologist Freyja steps in to help. The killer is leaving strange clues. Can they keep Margret safe and crack the code before he strikes again? Another tour-de-force from Sigurdardottir that’s sure to cement her reputation as the queen of Nordic noir.

(Review by Catherine Small)

8/10

Hardback by Hamish Hamilton, priced £14.99 (ebook £8.99)

If White Tears was a car, it would be a high-performance sports coupé dragging a fully laden lorry and struggling to make any headway. But it is beautifully vivid, with this tale of white appropriation of black music in the US developing into a ghost story linked to Depression-era racism. The author makes the bleakest scenes fizz with life (and death), but this expert literary scene painting is married to a disappointingly obvious storyline: Privileged young white musicians (one of them stinking rich) searching for ‘authenticity’ – in this case in the obscure world of 1930s Delta blues. A story about cultural identity is very much on trend, but White Tears doesn’t quite nail it.

(Review by David Wilcock)

7/10

w

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative

by Florence Williams Hardback by W. W. Norton & Company, priced £20 (ebook £11.39) Nature in ‘health benefits’ shock! There is not much controversy in this impassioned, thorough exploration of nature’s impact on our bodies, psyches and creativity – but that is not the point.

Sparked by her own anxiety, following a move from Colorado’s semi-wilderness to DC’s concrete jungle, Williams leaves no stone, boulder or awe-inspiring mountain unturned in seeking scientific validation of her own experience: Namely, that nature is good for you. Her globetrotting mission encompasses neuroscience, fractals and Wordsworth, with chapters around its impact on PTSD and ADHD bringing a welcome human element to all the science. Williams’ unfettered joy in the outdoors is infectious and ultimately makes this a rousing call-to-arms for our urbanised, connected society to smell the roses while we still can.

(Review by Michael Anderson)

8/10

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

Splat! by Jon Burgerman Paperback by Oxford University Press, priced £6.99 The latest in a spate of clever concept books for children (see BJ Novak’s The Book with No Pictures; Jean Jullien and Meagan Bennett’s This is Not a Book), Splat explores ‘what happens when you turn the page’.

With the first page turn, a pair of eyes and mouth get ‘splatted’ into a green, tufty blob, to give us our quirky little protagonist – for whom all the subsequent pages will have pretty sticky consequences. Uh oh, little green guy – there’s a custard pie on the opposite page… Splat! Water balloons…

Splash! You get the idea. Simple, but vividly colourful and sure to make your little splatters laugh out loud with each page turn, Jon Burgerman’s book is a triumph.

(Review by Kate Whiting)

8/10

BESTSELLERS LIST

HARDBACKS

EBOOKS

PAPERBACKS

1.

Generation Next: The Takeover by Oli White

1.

Night School: Jack Reacher by Lee Child

1.

Their Lost Daughters by Joy Ellis

2.

Mary Berry Everyday by Mary Berry

2.

The Girl of Ink & Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

2.

Silent Child by Sarah A Denzil

3.

The World’s Worst Children by David Walliams

3.

The Tobacconist by Robert Seethaler

3.

Lies by TM Logan

4.

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by JK Rowling

4.

Before The Fall by Noah Hawley

4.

The Missing Ones by Patricia Gibney

5.

East West Street by Philippe Sands

5.

The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan

5.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavalloy (Compiled by Waterstone’s)

(Compiled by Waterstone’s)

(Compiled by amazon.co.uk)

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NEWS

Sporting Times

CONTACT US:

Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

The good news is...

Kingdom is coming

TREE AND EASY The PORC mountain bike track and the Shimla chalet

By Andrew Tong

Paving the way for green future The creator of PORC’s mountain biking wonderland Mike Westphal has decided to move on after a quarter of a century. Andrew Tong spoke to a local tour de force…

A SPORTING and environment pioneer is selling his Penshurst Off Road Cycling (PORC) mountain bike course after 25 years.

Mike Westphal has run the popular attraction for a quarter of a century as part of his campaign to ‘save the planet’ – by encouraging people to leave their cars behind and get on their bikes.

Now he will concentrate on his groundbreaking work opening up cycle paths linking Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge to the surrounding villages.

And true to his rather eccentric way of life, he is also planning to convert a camper van into a medieval hall house complete with open fire.

He already drives around in a ‘recumbent trike’, a tricyle where the rider is virtually lying down.

Mike had previously led a varied life, having worked as a flight simulator designer, miner, PA to a stockbroker and shopfitter in Tel Aviv.

His interest in life on two wheels began when he used to ride as a time triallist with the Southborough and District Wheelers.

His parents used to own the Penshurst Vineyard adjacent to the PORC site – which was well known for its population of wallabies as much as its wine.

“I first took it on 25 years ago,” he said. “It was completely inaccessible because of all the trees that had come down in the hurricane in ’87.

“So I cleared the site. I’ve done it all myself with the help of volunteers. It’s taken the full 25 years, in fact I only really finished it a few weeks ago, clearing all the rhododendrons that were put in by the Governor of India 150 years ago.”

Sevenoaks District Council approved the project all those years ago but the village’s Parish Council

WHEEL DEAL Mike Westphal with Kaddy Lee-Preston at the launch of the Tonbridge to Penshurst Route were ‘dead against it’. Mike recalls: “One local said, ‘they should do it by a motorway where they wouldn’t mind the noise.”

“I was trying to develop cycling so that people would stop using cars, and cyclists could ride safely and not get run over all the time.”

But he admits his revolutionary fervour didn’t quite work because ‘everyone arrived at PORC in their cars with their bikes strapped to the roof’.

Vision Cycling has become a hugely popular pursuit in the UK, following on from British success on the Olympic track and in the Tour de France.

One of Mike’s ambitions was to host the mountain bike competition for the London Olympics in

2012, though that dream was thwarted by setbacks in his negotiations with various authorities.

But his ecological vision has been partly fulfilled by his consultancy work for Sustrans, a charity that builds bicycle routes across the UK, and he was instrumental in getting the Penshurst to Tonbridge cycle path up and running.

“Through the offices of Ian Scott, the estate manager at Penshurst Place, we approached Lord De L’Isle [the stately home’s owner], and Sevenoaks District Council donated £14,000 to the project.

“It took 11 years to get it installed but there were immediately 60,000 cyclists using it. That was about five years ago, there are many more now.”

He is now involved in a project to turn the route into a circuit which incorporates Tunbridge Wells, to be known as the Kent Spa and Castle Ride.

“Kent County Council is building a link on the A21 from Vauxhall in Tonbridge to Pembury. The route from Pembury to Tunbridge Wells is already in place. Then we will put in a route from Langton Green to Poundsbridge and back to Penshurst.”

There will also be routes from Penshurst up the old coach road to Chiddingstone Castle, then on to Hever and from there to Edenbridge.

Mike sold off part of the site which is being developed by Kingdom for a road track, and is now letting go of the remaining 34 acres.

Now the 67-year-old is bidding a fond farewell to Shimla, a ‘Hollywood hills’ wooden bungalow he built for the Discovery TV series Treetop Pavilion.

“I’m getting too old to keep all this going,” he concedes. “I’m going to drive around in my camper van and take it easy, but I’ll still be cycling too.”

MUCH-loved local attraction Penshurst Off Road Cycling (PORC) is set to be reborn as a ‘leisure, community and dining space’ called Kingdom.

Set in 13 acres of woodland in South Park off Grove Road, the site features outstanding views and an iconic wood-and-glass clubhouse.

It has a well-established mountain bike track carved out of the hillside, while a new 1.1mile ‘road’ circuit will also be constructed.

The project is being set up by Peter Cornwell, whose company runs The Beacon and The Twenty-Six restaurants in Tunbridge Wells and The Swan at Chapel Down winery in Tenterden.

Kingdom has started a crowdfunding campaign for an equity share of 10 per cent.

Co-Founder and Director Ross Blake said: “Kingdom is a unique space to unplug, unwind and relax with family and friends for food, activity, nature and togetherness.

“We are offering investors the chance to own a slice of the adventure. A venue for skiing and triathlon training has already been spotted. We have decided to start close to home and on two wheels, which is a passion for each of us.”

The eye-catching four-storey clubhouse, which has a roof terrace, was built around the trunks of trees felled by the hurricane of 1987. It will offer food from Basil, the café group which has outlets in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

There will also be a cycle retail shop in the basement in partnership with Wyndymilla, who will provide coaching as well.

Kingdom will work with British Cycling, the governing body, to develop a programme of events and training to identify future talent.

VIEWPOINT The iconic clubhouse

Sporting Times

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

How to play to your strengths Pilates is a popular fitness and flexibility exercise regime which has swept the nation off its feet. Roz Miles of the Core Balance Health Studio in Tonbridge reveals the appeal periods of time and have our heads hunched over mobile phones.

Pilates is increasingly popular with celebrities with the likes of Cameron Diaz, Megan Fox and even Sylvester Stallone becoming huge fans.

Phillip Schofield recently praised the benefits that pilates brings him.

You may be thinking that a pilates class will be full of super flexible ballerinas lifting their legs over their heads, and you may feel nervous about coming along to try it out.

But in my opinion classes do not need to be snooty, they can be friendly and relaxing and you still achieve a great workout.

FLEXIBLE FRIEND Roz Miles at her Tonbridge studio THERE are so many questions people have when they think about taking up pilates: Do I wear a leotard? Will it fix my back pain? Is it like yoga?

Will I need to polish my toes before I come along?

And that’s just the men...

The fashionable system of exercises was developed by Joseph Pilates, who firmly believed that poor breathing technique combined with a bad posture were the key problems with a contemporary lifestyle.

This was back at the beginning of the 20th century, yet remarkably these issues are still being replicated in our daily lives now – especially as so many of us sit at desks for long

SO WHAT DOES PILATES DO FOR YOU? Improves core strength: It’s all very well exercising different muscles down at the local gym, but pilates works on your whole core and your limbs in one go.

It can increase your strength, expand your range of motion and significantly improve your flexibility.

Change the shape of your body: Some people have the perception that because you are laying on a mat, pilates is a ‘lazy person’s workout’.

Despite the fact that it is often considered a ‘gentle’ exercise, you can still work really hard and achieve great results.

Pilates prevents back injuries: Come on guys, are you fed up with that awkward back pain that keeps niggling you everyday?

Pilates isn’t just for women. It will lengthen the

spine and loosen up tight hip muscles so you can stand taller and move with more flexibility.

I can’t promise you a six-pack, but it will certainly strengthen your core.

Improves pelvic floor: Yes I know, no one wants to talk about it and sometimes when I ask people how their pelvic floor is doing, they will avoid eye contact and look away in embarrassment.

However, pelvic floor function is such an important issue, especially for us ladies. Pilates will help improve and fix those embarrassing leaking moments.

Perhaps you have recently given birth and your body feels like it has been hit with a huge pair of boxing gloves. Pilates will help with back pain from bending over to lift your baby.

It can also focus on improving your core and reinstating those all-important muscles in the groin area.

Reconnects your mind with your body: I try to make my classes as relaxing as possible – no one wants to feel nervous or scared about coming along to participate in exercise.

Pilates is an ideal exercise whatever your shape or size, or even the state of your mental health.

You can just be yourself and work at your own pace. There are hundreds of modifications that can be applied to each exercise and you can still feel a sense of achievement at the end of a class, whatever your current level of fitness. www.corebalancehealthstudio.com

NEWS

93

SPORT IN BRIEF

Smith’s hat-trick fires Simla into cup final SIMLA reached the West Kent Sunday Football League Spring Cup (Senior) final with a 5-0 victory over Gardener’s Arms.

Steve Smith netted a hat-trick while James MacGregor and Ian Parsons also scored.

St John’s Yard made it to the final of the Spring Cup (Junior) by defeating Crowborough Town 5-2.

Mushed Miah hit a hat-trick and Jack Veness scored two penalties.

Crowborough were on the receiving end of four yellow cards and one sending-off.

Wells youth trials TUNBRIDGE WELLS Youth FC will be holding trials on Saturday May 13 at its Culverden Stadium in order to strengthen its teams from Under-12s to Under-21s.

The FA Charter Standard Community Club offers excellent coaching by Uefa-qualified coaches on floodlit 3G pitches.

For details and to book your place on the trial please e-mail chairman@twfcexec.com

Tag rugby festival THE mixed primary school and girls’ secondary school tag rugby festivals are returning to Tunbridge Wells RFC at St Marks.

Sponsored by Town and Country Housing, the Primary School Festival takes place on Wednesday May 3 and the girls’ Secondary School Festival on Thursday May 4.

Last year more than 30 teams took part in the primaries’ event. There will be refreshments for players and spectators.

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NEWS

Sporting Times

CONTACT US:

Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Jones hat-trick secures play-off as back to back promotions beckon Tunbridge Wells 46 Maidstone 14

JUMP FOR JOY Hayden Pope leads another Wells charge

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

By Graham Withers RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS hosted Maidstone in their final league game of the season knowing that a win was the bare minimum as they chased a place in the National Three South play-off.

But they were also resigned to the fact that their fate was not in their own hands as Havant had the chance to secure the spot if they won at Sidcup, who had already been crowned league champions.

If there were fears that Sidcup would not put out their strongest side, the news eventually filtered through that the Hampshire side had lost and Wells were through to the knockout round.

The visitors dominated the opening quarter of an hour but the returning second rower Christian Earle turned over the ball in the Maidstone 22 and released impressive hooker Jake

Thompson for the first score.

It was the dominant Maidstone scrum that produced their first score on 25 minutes when they took a ball against the head and outside half Rory Beech crossed for a try.

On 32 minutes Wells were back in front when a miscued clearance kick gave skipper Lee Campion and fit again full-back Charlie Harding the opportunity to put man of the match Jake Jones away for a try with his dazzling pace.

Three minutes later the home team extended their lead when another powerful counter-attack provided a try for Nick Doherty.

The No 8’s form has been so strong that he played himself into the senior Kent squad alongside team mates Frank Reynolds and Chaz Spence.

Good hands from Fionn McLoughlin and Nick Blacklock released Jones for his second try to secure the allimportant bonus point, and Wells went

Wells trio picked for county side recovered from injury. He is a product of Wells’ junior set-up and the scrum-half possesses real pace and energy.

He and Reynolds combined so well in last year’s Kent Under-20 side that the latter was determined to continue the partnership and joined Wells at the start of this campaign.

Reynolds, just 19, combines his rugby with local dairy farming, and is reliable with the boot as well as showing his flair at fly-half.

He is one of eight Kent players called up for national trials to select the

England Under-20 Counties side.

Nick Doherty, 25, has been the form player for Wells over the last few weeks.

He is also a product of the Wells juniors, joining his brother Mike in the first team five seasons ago.

He has an unerring ability to break the gain line with high quality handling skills and physical strength.

The competition will be played next month and Kent kick-off on May 6 against Hertfordshire at Charlton Park.

They play Surrey at Dorking on May 13 and Devon at Barnstaple on May 20.

into half-time leading 26-7.

On 55 minutes Wells put the game to bed when an audacious Reynolds cross-field kick was gathered by Doherty to run in under the posts.

News was filtering through that having led at half-time Havant were now trailing at Sidcup, which further buoyed the mood at St Marks.

On 70 minutes the home support were treated to a superb score as Thompson, Hayden Pengelly and Owain Withers combined to fashion a try for Earle.

Maidstone secured an opportunistic try before the end when wing Matt Moore intercepted a pass 30 metres out.

The home side were not finished yet, though, and Doherty linked with Jones who beat three opponents to secure his hat-trick and Wells’ seventh try.

With the game won, the home faithful waited with bated breath to hear news from Sidcup.

The league leaders won 43-30, which confirmed Wells in second place and qualifying for the promotion play-off.

This will be on Saturday (April 29) at Chingford, who beat Brentwood 35-7 in a ‘winner takes all’ match in London One North.

One more win in another excellent season will see Wells secure remarkable back to back promotions.

A supporters coach will be running from the club up to Essex.

Nick Doherty

PHOTOS: Bruce Elliott

RUGBY: ON THE back of another excellent season for Tunbridge Wells, three of their players were included in the Kent squad for this year’s Bill Beaumont First Division County Championship.

Young half-backs Frank Reynolds and Chas Spence were called up at the start of the week and No 8 Nick Doherty was added to the senior squad having impressed the selectors in the game against Maidstone.

Spence, 21, has been captaining the side while skipper Lee Campion

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Chaz Spence

Frank Reynolds

Galbraith-Lowe scores three times to Sevens event will include ‘festival of female rugby’ show why TJs are the team to beat Southend Saxons 29 Tonbridge Juddians 41

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS travelled to Southend for their last league game in National Three London & South East having secured promotion and the league title a fortnight ago.

The hosts frequently tested the TJ back-line with high kicks in a strong breeze but full-back Murray

Galbraith-Lowe used his takes as a springboard to launch counter-attacks and on one of these forays he went over for the first try.

Southend hit back though to go in at half-time 15-10 up, but Ryan Redman put TJs back in front after the interval.

Tom Nicoll scored following a long, patient build-up and TJs secured their try bonus point when Nicoll scored again.

TJs were in impressive form and

everything they tried came off. A fifth try came almost immediately as GalbraithLowe put in a hard tackle, secured possession and sped away to score under the posts.

It did not take long for Galbraith-Lowe to bag his hat-trick, although Southend rallied in the last 10 minutes to reduce the arrears.

TJs can now look ahead to the Kent Cup Final next Sunday against Sidcup, the London One South champions, at Canterbury RFC (kick-off 4.30pm).

RUGBY: THE Whiting and Hammond Sevens tournament will be contested on April 29-30 at Tunbridge Wells RFC. This well-established event incorporates the regional 24 Sevens Series qualifying event as well as a friendly version.

The 24 Sevens Series is the Rugby Football Union’s national sevens competition for adult players.

It culminates in a national final held at Bath’s Recreation Ground.

Each local qualifier event will feature a minimum of one women’s and two men’s tournaments.

All clubs in Kent have been encouraged to enter in order to make it a countywide event.

The men’s event will be held on Saturday April 29 while the women’s qualifier is running as part of a Festival of Female Rugby on Sunday April 30, including Kent Under-13s, 15s and 18s Girls Sevens.

Sporting Times

Wednesday April 26 | 2017

Ninety-year-old is mascot for his beloved Tonbridge

PHOTO: Wes Filtness

DEDICATION George Plowman with his man of the match, Angels’ Nicky Wheeler

GEORGE PLOWMAN was the mascot for Tonbridge Angels’ last match of the season against Worthing at Longmead Stadium – at the age of 90.

Normally the mascots are about 10 years old, and he said: “I’ve seen all the little children going out there over the years and I felt 20 or 30 years younger. I wished I was playing.”

George has been supporting the team since the 1960s, when they used to play on the Angel ground where Sainsbury’s stands today.

The team was then affiliated to The Angel Hotel on the corner of the High Street and Vale Road, and Kent used to play cricket at the site too.

He led the sides out in front of a crowd of 589 and assisted the two captains and referee with the pre-match arrangements. He also received a signed shirt and football.

“I shook hands with the teams, and as I walked

back all the fans were clapping,” he says. “They looked after me very well.”

George has gained something of a reputation down the years for berating the referee’s ­assistants, formerly known as linesman – and he was doing it again on Saturday.

“It’s usually the old offside, when the ­linesman’s well back and he doesn’t see it,” chuckles George. “I just remind him that he should keep up with the play.”

George was accompanied by his wife Betty, 89.

His son Neil said his father was ticking a box on his ‘bucket list’.

Neil recalls: “He has supported Tonbridge Angels since he was relocated to Albert Road in 1958 as part of London overspill policies.

“He has spent the years berating players and unsuspecting officials alike – God help the

linesman who incorrectly waved for an offside.

“But having survived the Normandy landings as a marine [in 1944] and been the Health and Safety Officer in the early years of the woeful Southern Railway affords this man an ear.

“Being a very private man, the family only discovered what he must have gone through in the war when he opened up during the 50th a ­ nniversary.

“He came from a very humble background in Lambeth and on leaving the Marines he earnt a wage as best he could – one inauspicious method was the ‘round or two for a pound or two’ in south london’s boxing booths.

“Dad worked on the railways since 1947 and was always proud of ‘his industry’. He hated waste and vandalism, calling out stationmasters for having platform lights on during the day and serving ‘citizen arrests’ on vandals.

“When Beeching decimated the railway network in the mid-Sixties, dad was – and remained – furious and disappointed that they had let the public down.”

Neil says that Angels’ Fred Crump was a favourite player of his father. He remembers watching former England striker Malcolm Macdonald playing at left-back and ITV football pundit Brian Moore sitting on the touchline signing autographs.

The club paid tribute to their long-suffering fan in the match programme: “Like all mascots George does have a favourite current Angels player and that is top-scorer Nathan Elder.

“But of course George can go back further than most of us and lists Joe Carolan from the 1960s as the best player from the past.

“Our nonagenarian has been supporting the Angels for more years than he might care to remember but away from football he continues to enjoy a spot of gardening.

“Have a great day with us George, and here’s to many more years supporting the Angels!

George agrees that Elder is ‘a very good header of the ball’. He was asked to pick the man of the match and he chose ‘little Nicky Wheeler’, who scored on the day.

NEWS

95

Subdued end as Angels miss out by single point Tonbridge Angels 2 Worthing 1

By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: Victory in the last game of the Ryman Premier season did little to lessen the pain of Angels’ narrow failure to reach the play-offs.

The final league table showed that Tonbridge had missed out by just one point on joining the four-way knockout to claim the second promotion place for National South.

The damage had been done at Folkestone Invicta on Bank Holiday Monday where a 1-0 defeat left them out of contention.

‘Frustrated’ Manager Steve McKimm was still reflecting on that defeat, saying: “We had with respect to those teams involved, three final winnable matches, we’ve won two of them but failed at Folkestone simply because we didn’t put in anything like enough effort. I learnt a lot from that match, but I’m still frustrated.”

Tonbridge opened their account in the 13th minute when the away defence failed to properly clear a Liam Smith cross and Nicky Wheeler was on hand to rifle the ball past Kieron Thorp.

The Angels were further ahead in the 23rd minute after Dan Thompson’s clever flick put Luke Blewden clear to round Thorp and score.

Worthing were handed a way back into the game by a mix-up between Sonny Miles and keeper Jonny Henly, allowing Worthing’s Ben Pope to stroke the ball into an empty net in the 28th minute.

Angels substitute Luke Allen should have made the game safe in the 65th minute after he was well set up by Akrofi, but he somehow blazed over from around five yards out.

Worthing had one big chance to equalise in the 76th minute when Lloyd Dawes was through on goal but Henly blocked the shot.

Jack Parter was named Supporters’ Player of the Year after the match, with captain Tom Parkinson as runner-up for the third season running.

All square after three defenders fall Tunbridge Wells 2 Hollands & Blair 2

By Scott Bartlett FOOTBALL:

TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ last home game of the season against Hollands & Blair ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

The home side were led out by mascots from the club’s Under-10s boys and girls and there was a fundraising drive for the Rainbow Trust, a children’s charity which provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life

threatening or terminal illness.

Wells were brimming with confidence after their impressive comeback from 2-0 down to draw with Beckenham Town.

Perry Spackman set up Chris Seenan to fire a first-time shot into the roof of the Blair goal on 16 minutes.

The game turned in a space of three minutes, however, Gary Lockyer ­equalising and then James Macdonald giving Blair the lead.

Wells manager Jason Bourne was forced

into his final substitution at the start of the second half when he lost his third defender to injury, captain Brad Potter.

The hosts had to wait until the 58th minute before levelling the scores, substitute Josh Biddlescombe meeting Rhys Bartlett’s corner with a neat finish.

For all of their dominance in the closing half-hour, Wells had to settle for a share of the points.

Wells travel to Deal Town on Saturday for their final game of the season.

LITTLE FEET: Wells’ Under10s lead the teams out