Times of Tonbridge 30th May 2018

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ART FROM THE HEART The Mayor Pam Bates and Roland Stokes of the Freemasons with the Dementia Art Competition winners, (back row) Auj Abbas, James Ansell, Erin Oliver, Megan Hayward, Edward Waters; (middle row) Alicia Rowe, Cleo Prangnell, Katie Ansell, Eve Deadman, Harrison Wheeler, Daniel Rowe; (front row) Kaya Salwan, Isaac Wheeler, Alice Wheeler. Turn to page 2

INSIDE FULL SPEED AHEAD

Poppy Appeal’s centenary is off to a roaring start Page 2

PHOTO: Rose Bainbridge

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

The community café that never opened has been put up for sale

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk UNCERTAINTY surrounds the future of the community café at the River Centre after it was put on the market.

The two-storey Gateway Café has proved to be a white elephant in the town because it has never been used in the six years since it was built.

The two-storey ‘landmark’ building on Medway Wharf Road is being sold by estate agents Bracketts with a guide price of £650,000 to £675,000.

The move has caused anger among residents who believe that a café could provide a venue for young people who have few other options, especially since the Teen and Twenty Club closed.

The adjacent Town Lock has become a focal point for anti-social behaviour.

There is a clause in the planning permissions attached to the site which stipulates the facility must have a community use – casting a shadow over any potential sale to private developers.

‘There is nothing stopping the new owners from applying for a change of use’ But Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council suggested to the Times this could be changed: “The building has planning permission to be used as an internet café.

“The council would encourage anyone considering bringing forward an alter-

FRAGILE FUTURE: Cllr Russell Lancaster outside the glass-fronted Gateway Café native use of the building to make early contact to discuss such plans as they may require planning permission.”

The café had formed part of the church that was built at River Centre by the Harvester Trust, a Christian charity.

The land for the café was ‘sold’ to them by developers Redrow for a nominal fee of 99p in 2009 on the understanding that they built it themselves.

When the trust ran into financial difficulties it sold off the church, car park and café to Servants Fellowship International [SFI], another charitable religious organisation based in Wiltshire.

SFI in turn sold River Centre to Hillsong, a Pentecostal church, and its car park to property developers in 2016.

The original proposal by KingsOak developers was for the construction of 225 apartments, offices and an internet café was approved in 2004.

It included Condition 27, which stated:

Continued on page 2

GONE OFF THE RAILS

Chaos on the trains between Tonbridge and Redhill Page 5

HEALTHY APPETITE Town turns out to sample festival’s delights Page 16

THE LONG GOODBYE Invicta legend signs off with dramatic cup final Page 70

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‘I think this is very disappointing’ Continued from page 1 “No development shall take place on the land identified for the internet café other than the internet café, or separate community social facility.” Planning was finally approved in 2011.

In August 2016, SFI sold River Centre to Hillsong, a large Pentecostal church based in Australia, for more than £3million.

Cllr Russell Lancaster, who represents the ward of Medway, told the Times: “My understanding is that there is nothing stopping the new owners from applying for a change of use, so regrettably the café may never see the light of day.”

He added: “I think this is very disappointing, especially given the history and ownership of the land in question.

“In my opinion, SFI have had little interest in the site or town, which has been a great shame, as the site now stands on a wonderful new Town Lock, which the council has delivered.” £1.95million was spent on the Town Lock, which was unveiled as a new centrepiece in April 2016.

Diane Huntingford, Chair of the Tonbridge Civic Society, said of the café: “The building is certainly fit for this purpose and it would be an ideal world if this use could be retained.

“However, in today’s economic climate we have to be realistic and unless some philanthropic organisation steps forward to finance this we cannot expect the local authorities, knowing the cuts they are currently having to make, to take this project forward.

She added: “A fine example has been set by Tonbridge Old Fire Station. Perhaps this can be replicated on this side of the river.”

REACH FOR THE SKY The car park attached to the River Centre is the subject of a controversial planning application to build a 16-storey residential tower.

Michael Whiteley, who transformed the former Lloyds Bank on Medway Wharf Road into a 64-apartment block, has bought it.

And a company of which he is a director, F Estates, wants to build 252 appartments for rental, with an additional nine-floor tower.

Permission to develop 73 flats on the site was granted in 2011 but nothing was built.

The original application by the Harvester Trust was for a 14-storey ‘Hope Tower’, which would have resembled a church spire or steeple with a prayer room at the top.

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Children’s art showed deep understanding of dementia TOP DRAW Isaac Wheeler with his composition Forgotten House

HELPING HAND: Winning entry by Alicia Rowe, 13 Another highlight of the week was a sports taster session offered by tmactive, the leisure arm of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, at the Angel Centre on Thursday.

There were 32 people at the sports hall, trying out all sorts of different sports, indoor bowling, darts, golf, table tennis, basketball. It is hoped the event will become a regular feature.

Ms Parker said: “There are some real positives to take away from the week, I am absolutely delighted with how it went.”

PRIZE WINNERS

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE winners of the Dementia Art Competition were announced at Tonbridge Castle on Friday [May 25] as the finale of Dementia Action Week.

The Mayor, Pam Bates, handed out the prizes along with books donated by West Kent Freemasons, who were represented by Provincial Charity Steward Roland Stokes.

The works of art, submitted by children from reception up to Year 9, will be on display at Tonbridge Old Fire Station for the next two weeks.

Chris Parker, founder and Chair of the town’s Dementia Friendly Community, said: “The entries were outstanding – amazing, in fact – and it was very clear to me that those children had a personal relationship with dementia.

“You felt it from the way they had drawn it, or from what they had written on the back.”

“It’s brilliant that we’ve engaged with the younger generation – and with their parents.

We’ve reached out to a lot of people in Tonbridge.”

She added: “We hope they will share the books with their friends and schools.

“They are age appropriate and each has a character with dementia.”

Group 1 (Reception to Year 3) 1st: Alice Wheeler, age 7, entitled Old Memories Escaping, 2nd: Katie Ansell, 7, untitled 3rd: Isaac Wheeler, 5, Forgotten House 4th: Kaya Salwan, 6, Stormy Mind Group 2 (Years 4-7) 1st: James Ansell, 12, untitled 2nd: Erin Oliver, Year 7, Drifting Away 3rd: Daniel Rowe, 10, I Know You Love Me 4th: Eve Deadman, 11, untitled Group 3 (Years 8-9) 1st: Alicia Rowe, 13, All You Need Is Love 2nd: Auj Abbas, Year 9, untitled 3rd: Nial Varghese, Year 8, untitled 4th: Edward Waters, Year 8, untitled

Car show raises over £1500 for Poppy Appeal A NEW car show to raise money for the Poppy Appeal has launched the town’s centenary celebrations of the end of World War I. The Poppy Power event was held on Sovereign Way on Sunday [May 27] and raised over £1500.

It was organised by Henry Clarke of insurance brokers Clarke Williams, in association with Carl Lewis, organiser of the Tonbridge Poppy Appeal.

“We had 86 cars on show in the end as we lost a few due to the thunderstorms as they were travelling down,” said Mr Clarke.

“The car clubs have already been asking me about next year and we are looking at various solutions including a new venue to allow for more amusements and activities for families.”

PARK LIFE: Some of the cars on display at Poppy Power, (l-r) Willys Jeep, Ford Mustang and Maserati

Detective rewarded for complex probe into fugitive drug dealer A CERTIFICATE of Merit was given to Detective Constable Hayley Campbell of Tonbridge police at the Divisional Commander’s Awards ceremony at Tonbridge School.

DC Campbell led a complex investigation after 13kg cocaine with a street value of over £2million was found on Nizel’s Lane, Hildenborough.

She returned from leave to charge the offender, Christopher Brewer, when he was arrested entering the country having fled to Spain. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Brewer had been taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital, but ran away wearing just a hospital gown. He was caught trying to enter the UK on a friend’s passport during a routine stop of a car by the UK Border Force in Coquelles, France.

Chief Superintendent Julia Chapman said: “I am incredibly proud to lead such a dedicated team.

“People may say they are just doing their jobs and that is what they are paid to do.

FORCE FOR GOOD Chief Supt Julia Chapman (left) with DC Hayley Campbell “But like anyone else police officers still have to deal with the day-to-day pressures of normal life, balancing spending time with their families with protecting vulnerable people in the community.”

Weapons from WWII are taken away by bomb disposal team A BOMB disposal team was called to a site on Vale Road last week after a cache of World War II weaponry was found.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal [EOD] team and the police were scrambled after they were informed that handguns and grenades had been discovered at Lok’n’Store.

A police spokesman confirmed: “Kent Police was called at 10.05am on May 23 to respond to concerns around a number of items reported to have been stored at a premises in Vale Road, Tonbridge.

“Officers and an EOD team are at the scene have inspected what is believed to be a collection of deactivated items from Word War Two, including handguns and grenades.”

The statement added: “There is no risk to the public and the items are being removed for further checks.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Crescent Road Car Park now requires permit ENTRY to Crescent Road Car Park in Tunbridge Wells has been restricted during working hours to only permit holders from this week, as refurbishment work is completed.

The restriction will apply until further notice from 8am to 6pm on Mondays to Fridays. There are 671 season tickets, with a waiting list of 28.

Throughout the duration of the work, motorists are advised to use other car parks in Meadow Road and Royal Victoria Place.

Crescent Road Car Park has 1,069 spaces and will be extended by 96 in a project, which costs a reported £3million, and ties into the Civic Complex and theatre.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has apologised for ‘any inconvenience’ caused.

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THE SKY AT NIGHT The heavens opened above St John’s Road in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday evening [May 26]. Times photographer Craig Matthews captured this lightning strike during thunderstorms at around 10.30pm from his home.

Thunderstorms were felt widely across the South East. The weather was warm and dry for the majority of the bank holiday weekend.

More patrols in town ADDITIONAL Kent Police patrols will take place around Southborough and High Brooms.

The force committed officers to the patch following ‘concerns raised over incidents of antisocial behaviour’.

Cllr Dianne Hill wrote on Facebook: “I emailed the police regarding unacceptable car vandalism in Southborough and High Brooms.

“Let’s hope we see the police out and about. If not I’ll try and arrange a meeting for us with them to raise our concerns.”

Rural opinion sought RESIDENTS of rural locations in Kent have been asked by county Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott to take part in a survey.

By sharing views to The National Rural Crime Network, contributors can help shape a new Rural Affairs National Strategy, due to be launched later this year.

To take part in the survey, visit www. nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/research/ internal/2018survey/

Bridge Trust quiz night LOCAL homelessness charity The Bridge Trust is holding a fundraising quiz night on Saturday June 9 at Hildenborough Village Hall from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £6 per person for teams of four to eight, although individuals are welcome to join The Bridge Trust’s team.

Entrants can bring their own food and drink.

A raffle will offer prizes including a champagne afternoon tea for two.

Tickets are available from bbutterwick@ thebridgetrust.org.uk or by calling 01732 368363.

Hundreds of homes sell for £1m or more in towns as prices soar

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ALMOST 600 homes costing £1million or more have been sold in Tunbridge Wells in the past decade, latest figures have shown.

In a sign of the rising cost of property, estate agents have said that the cost of some houses has doubled in that time period.

Common The BBC’s analysis of the Land Registry, published last week, has shown that 587 homes priced at £1million or more have sold since 2007 in Tunbridge Wells borough.

This compares to 274 in Tonbridge & Malling, 1,003 in Sevenoaks and 396 in Wealden.

Estate agent Simon Spare, of Thompson Spare in the High Street, Tunbridge Wells, said a £1million home in 2018 would have been

worth around £500,000 in 2007.

“I am pleasantly surprised there have been that many sold in Tunbridge Wells’ borough although properties over £1million are now fairly common and it is not such a massive thing.”

The BBC’s data also showed the most expensive house in Tunbridge Wells borough sold for £9.4million and for £3.8million in Tonbridge & Malling, in the 2007-18 period.

Mr Spare said he first valued a house at £1million in 2000.

“It used to take something really special to be £1million,” he continued. “But now a five-bedroom semidetached will be at least £1.1million.

Today £1.5million is more special and has become the new £1million.

“It has only been in the past two or three years we have seen them [£1million homes] coming more to the fore.”

He added: “In Tunbridge Wells some [of these properties] are in the town centre and some are in the country.

“We are only a small estate agency,

but have a couple at the moment in Eridge and Langton Green.”

Despite this, Mr Spare said the market was currently in the ‘doldrums’ and that while Tunbridge Wells has traditionally been the more expensive location, the ‘value for money’ factor in Tonbridge could see the gap close.

Howard Kingsnorth, of Barnes Kingsnorth estate agents, in Ton-

bridge, said the geography and layout of both towns could explain the difference.

“There are not that many million pound homes in Tonbridge,” he said.

“There are a few in the £800,000 or £900,000 bracket and it is an area that has attracted people coming out of Sevenoaks and London.

“But, quite simply, there are not many £1million homes available.

There is the land and space for large houses in Tunbridge Wells, but not in Tonbridge.

He suggested smaller houses and flats are more likely to be constructed.

DREAM HOME: Six bed on the market in Tunbridge Wells for offers around £1.3million

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Restaurateurs facing stiff competition in ‘casual dining crunch’

By William Mata INDEPENDENT restaurants are looking for new ways to attract lunchtime customers in the face of ‘mid-market over-saturation’.

Owners have reported a fall in covers during the day, which some have put down to customers having too much choice of overly-similar options.

Tunbridge Wells-based law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore published a survey this month which showed 67 per cent of restaurant owners who responded considered over-saturation a problem.

Local restaurateurs told the Times that owners are considering coupon schemes and special offers to stay competitive.

Mark Harper, owner of Rendez-Vous in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, said: “People are eating out more and they have got more choice, but this

QUIETER WEEKDAY LUNCHTIMES Mark Harper of Rendez-Vous

is not helping independent restaurants.

“Lunchtimes seem to be quieter, and it is something I have been talking about.

“Chains are suffering more because of this. We have seen Strada move on and there are more restaurants than ever.

“Business is diluted. It means we are still busy at lunchtimes, especially at weekends, but there has been a decrease on weekdays.

“We have been down [on numbers] year on year recently, although we did have a better 2017.”

Thomson Snell & Passmore also said 83 per cent of respondents answered ‘yes’ to the question: ‘Do you see opportunities for your business emerging from the casual dining crunch?’

Mr Harper added: “Colleagues have used Groupon [a website where restaurateurs can offer customers deals] but I have resisted this.

‘Despite the challenges, local independent restaurants see room for revival’ “We have our regulars and we work through it.”

As well as Strada, Jamie’s Italian has also closed in the town.

The Carluccio’s chain is feeling the heat, too, but says it will stay open in Tunbridge Wells.

Magdalena Szczerbova, Manager of The Warren in Tunbridge Wells High Street, believes chains are still at an advantage.

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

COMPETITION Magdalena Szczerbova, Manager of The Warren She said: “This year we have got less customers throughout the week and more at the weekend.

“I think it is a shame there are so many chains in Tunbridge Wells who are able to force prices down. They are not going away anytime soon.

“To try and compete, recently I have brought in a deal where customers have the offer of having unlimited Prosecco for one hour.”

Alison Sweeney, of Thomson Snell & Passmore, said: “The key takeaway from this survey is that despite the challenges, local independent restaurants see room for revival and opportunities for their businesses.”

County Hall criticised as bus costs rise for thousands of schoolkids THE price of a bus pass used by thousands of schoolchildren will rise to £290.

Kent County Council [KCC] has been criticised for increasing the cost of their Young Person’s Travel Pass by £10 from the term beginning in September.

The scheme is already subsidised by the taxpayer and costs the county council around £8.5million a year. This is the fourth successive annual price rise under the Conservative-ruled local authority.

Cllr Mike Whiting, KCC Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Nobody wants to see prices

increase but unfortunately, as fares rise, we have to raise the price of the pass.”

The travel card for 11 to 16 year olds allows one year’s worth of bus travel on Mondays to Fridays between 6am and 7pm.

Travel companies Arriva and Stagecoach allow cardholders to ride using the pass outside of these hours and at weekends.

The £290 price is the same for all schoolchildren regardless of the length of their journey. They can still choose to pay for individual fares.

Cllr Ian Chittenden, part of the opposition

Liberal Democrat group, said low-income families could struggle to meet rising costs.

“The problem is, whenever they put the prices up it is the people who can least afford it that suffer.”

The pass is being used all over the county and the council say it works out to average around £1.50 per journey. The county council say 25,000 children use the scheme.

Families judged to be receiving a low income will still be able to buy the pass for £100.

Applications to use a pass from September will be possible from June 4. It is also possible to buy a pass for half a year.

See www.kent.gov.uk/youngpersonstravelpass

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

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Call for Southern to hand Ex-police detective is jailed for over local railway line after possessing indecent images weekend of ‘incompetence’ directed ‘the long way’, via Redhill and East Croydon.

This added around 15 minutes onto travel times, and meant the journey from Tunbridge Wells to VILLAGERS were forced to take a rail replacement London Bridge took around one hour. bus service over the bank holiday weekend when A spokesman for Southern said: “During the Southern did not run train services between current short-timetable amendment we have Tonbridge and Redhill. organised to have standby buses at strategic The operator has been accused of locations on our network to quickly assist with ‘incompetence’ after passengers were left to any late notice alterations to our train service.” board buses at five stations; Leigh, Penshurst, The franchise holder has recently been Edenbridge, Godstone, and Nutfield. criticised after making the Tonbridge to Redhill line a shuttle service, with no link to London.

Frustration John Reynolds, Chairman of Tonbridge Line Commuters, a pressure group, called for the line The irony is travellers were forced to watch in to come under Southeastern’s control. frustration as services operated by Southeastern He said: “Southern forgot to tell Network Rail sped through the stations. they wanted to run any trains between Tonbridge Engineering works between Tonbridge and and Redhill over the bank holiday weekend.

Orpington meant Southeastern trains were re“As a result, passengers for all intermediate stations have had to suffer a long and inconvenient bus journey.

“This is despite the fact that the route was open and Southeastern’s diverted services were running on it. Southern’s incompetence merely demonstrates their indifference to this line.

NON-STOP “They have lost all Southern was credibility and should criticised for their hand over the keys to handling of the service Southeastern.”

By William Mata

A FORMER police detective inspector has been jailed for 18 weeks for possessing more than 22,000 child sex abuse images.

Max Holway, 54, of Boyne Park, Tunbridge Wells, was based at Tonbridge Police Station but left the force in March last year.

He admitted three offences of possessing indecent images of children and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court last week.

The court heard he left the force due to ‘issues in relation to looking at pornography on the Kent Police system’.

Holway was arrested after staff at a PC repair shop in Tunbridge Wells noticed the material and

contacted the police.

It transpired he bought the computer on eBay and downloaded the images over a six hour period.

The three offences were: Possessing 24 category B images [the second most serious] possessing 21,824 category C images and possessing 30 movie clips, considered to be category C. Judge Charles Macdonald QC said “The appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody.”

Holway’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register for ten years. He will also be barred from working with children and vulnerable adults.

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The sports-mad new Mayor overcame illness to become town’s first citizen

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE new Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Len Horwood, who recently suffered a stroke, has committed to serving charities and the community.

The sports enthusiast and former financial consultant was sworn in last week and pledged to carry on the charitable work of Cllr Julia Soyke, whom he has succeeded in the historic position.

Cllr Horwood, 70, used the occasion in Town Hall to thank friends and colleagues for their support throughout his illness.

Charity He said: “It is my intention to promote the borough wherever I go, support businesses where I can and support community organisations where possible.”

The Mayor will continue in his role as councillor for Pantiles & St Mark’s ward, which he has represented since 1992, and will be supported by Mayoress Judy Horwood, his wife since 1971.

In his election at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 23, it was announced that Tunbridge Wells Men-

MARRIED TO THE MAYOR Mayor Horwood and his wife Judy

tal Health Resource [MHR] would be his chosen charity of the year.

Cllr Soyke raised £32,103 throughout her tenure for domestic abuse charity DAVSS. Cllr Horwood is a keen cricket, horse racing and Chelsea football fan. Council members voted unanimously to elect him to the post.

He will now chair council meetings and attend events on behalf of the local authority, sometimes being accompanied by new Deputy Mayor James Scholes, who takes over from Cllr Horwood next year.

Both were asked to take on these roles by Council Leader and their Conservative Party colleague David Jukes.

Cllr Jukes said: “Len took a lot of persuading, but I am pretty persistent in what I want to get done.

“I think he will be an excellent Mayor and an asset to the town. He had had every position there is and he has carried them out very well.

“I am looking forward to a sporting year with him.”

Cllr Soyke added: “I think he is a good guy and will have a good innings batting for the council with Judy by his side.”

The announcement means Cllr Scholes will become Mayor for an unprecedented second time from 2019 to 2020.

Road to nowhere for villagers unhappy at developer’s work

By Duncan Audsley newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk HAWKENBURY has had a hard time of it recently.

The village on the edge of Tunbridge Wells has seen hygiene inspectors take over its One Stop shop and a plan to expand its primary school has been downscaled.

That’s not to mention that the road through its centre is one of the most blighted by potholes locally.

Now residents have complained a developer’s pedestrian crossing leads to nowhere.

Berkeley Group has come under fire from Hawkenbury Village Association this week as their zebra crossing remains unfinished, months after work began.

The developer has said the crossing is part of their 245-home Hawkenbury Farm plan.

Village Association Chairman Dean Kenward is

calling on Berkeley to finish what they started, with the crossing currently leading straight into a bank on Hawkenbury Road next to the park.

He said: “Once we saw the pedestrian crossing it was quite clear that it was not going to be much use to anyone.

“There was no ramp to allow mobility scooters or disabled users to access the park, there were no steps up into the park, and the pedestrian crossing leads straight into the bank.

“It is a crossing to nowhere.”

Blogpost Much of the crossing has been completed and lights either side are now flashing. But work appears to have ground to a halt, with one side of it now fenced off.

Mr Kenward submitted a blogpost on the association’s website which states Berkeley

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN CHAIN: CLLR LEN HORWOOD “HORSE racing’s loss is Tunbridge Wells’ gain with Cllr Len Horwood being sworn in as Mayor,” according to Council Leader David Jukes.

The new Mayor is well known on the borough council for enjoying the races at Cheltenham, supporting Chelsea and playing cricket.

An opening batsman in his youth, Cllr Horwood was born in Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire in 1948 and has worked in a number of positions, notably in finance and business.

He met his wife Judy in 1970 on holiday in Ireland and got married a year later, living initially on the Isle of Wight and in London before moving to Farmcombe Road in Tunbridge Wells in 1983.

It did not take long for him to become an active part of the community, and he has been a Conservative councillor for Pantiles & St Mark’s since 1992.

In that time, he has served in a number of roles, including Council Leader.

Outside of politics, Cllr Horwood is Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource, attends St Augustine’s Church and is on the board of Trinity Arts Centre.

He is also a governor of Claremont Primary School.

pedestrian crossing was soon covered with water, making it impassable.”

He added that he had been in touch with local councillors about the issue.

It has not been stated how much the footpath cost to build.

Peter Smith, Managing Director of Berkeley Homes Eastern Counties, said that the works were all part of the plan.

He said: “Berkeley is undertaking various works to improve the public spaces around the Hawkenbury site, including creating a new pedestrian crossing, which will provide a safe passage between the recreational facilities and the intended new St Peter’s School.”

“The works are being coordinated with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, and while the first stage of these are now complete, the crossing forms part of the wider project and will open to the public once the full works are complete.”

DEAD END The crossing in Hawkenbury

Group proposed the crossing last July as part of a detailed planning application request.

The document states the plan is ‘awaiting a decision’ from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, although Berkeley has said the works are ‘coordinated’ with the authority.

Mr Kenward continued: “The area is not gated, so small children and dogs would have free rein to run into road. This would be after they climbed down, of course.

“With the rain we had at the start of the year, drainage also became an issue, and the

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Dine al fresco with new delivery service to parks

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Meeting of minds was beneficial for all

DELIVEROO has stepped-up its Tunbridge Wells operation by introducing a delivery service to town parks.

It means customers can order a meal from selected restaurants through the website or app and receive hot food half an hour later.

The new service was introduced last week in the town as part of a UK-wide summer promotion.

Growth Company spokesman Joe Groves said: “Deliveroo is determined to make this summer as relaxing and enjoyable for customers as possible.

“That’s why we’re delivering to parks. So now you don’t have to sacrifice your spot in the sun to enjoy some of the best summer food and drink.”

Some of the 40 Tunbridge Wells eateries customers can order from include Zizzi, ASK Italian, Pret a Manger and Sankey’s.

Last year, Deliveroo recorded a 400 per cent growth in Tunbridge Wells.

The firm uses self-employed motorbike and bicycle riders to make deliveries and last year tripled its Kent fleet to 200 of these contractors.

For more information, visit: www.deliveroo.co.uk

IN THE BAG Deliveroo is expanding in Tunbridge Wells

ALL SMILES: Emergency services, charities and local businesses networked and swapped tips on collaboration during this year’s International Business Continuity Awareness Week. The Salvation Army was among the organisations to exhibit at an event held at Tunbridge Wells Hospital earlier this month

Finance firm tops M&A list despite Brexit uncertainty

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk RSM, which has an office in Tunbridge Wells, has finished top of the national Q1 [Quarter 1] Experian league table for the the number of active mergers and acquisitions they have overseen.

The audit, tax and consulting specialists, based on Mount Ephraim, moved up from their third place finish last year.

RSM advised on 29 deals in Q1 of 2018, four more than its closest rival.

UK-wide, there were 1,423 mergers and acquisitions [M&A] announced in Q1, a Rob decline of 26 per cent from Donaldson the 1,910 transactions

recorded during the first quarter of 2017. This made it the slowest start to a year since 2013.

However, the total value of UK deals reached £84.6billion, up by just under 1 per cent from the £83.8billion worth of deals carried out in the first quarter of 2017.

RSM’s M&A and private equity team advised on a number of high profile deals during the quarter.

Rob Donaldson, Head of Corporate Finance at RSM, said: “The M&A market is slightly subdued at present because of Brexit uncertainty, but well-presented businesses continue to attract strong interest, particularly from private equity investors.”

Tunbridge Wells is one of 34 UK locations for RSM, who last year generated revenues of £319million.

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Solicitors appoint new litigation partner LAWYERS CooperBurnett have boosted their litigation team by appointing property specialist John Spence as partner.

The Mount Ephraim Road-based firm, one of the leading solicitors in Tunbridge Wells, made the announcement last week.

Mr Spence, a Tunbridge Wells resident, has joined from a London practice and has 16 years’ experience in the sector.

He said: “This is a great opportunity with a firm which has an excellent reputation.”

Southeastern change THE new rail timetable launched by Southeastern did not cause as many problems as reported elsewhere in Govia Thameslink’s South East network when it came into force this month.

In the 48 hours after the changes were introduced on Sunday, May 20, the franchise holder reported 93 per cent of trains arrived within five minutes of their scheduled arrival, and 74 per cent of trains arrived within one minute of their scheduled arrival.

Awards tickets on sale INDIVIDUALS and companies still have a chance to buy tickets for the Times Business Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, June 13.

Television personality Michael Portillo is the guest speaker at the social and networking event, which will be staged at Salomons Estate.

Tickets are £95 each, or £850 for a table of ten. To secure your place, or find out more information, call organiser Lara Milan on 01892 739764.

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By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MORE than 9,000 people enjoyed the best that Tunbridge Wells’ underground music scene has to offer over the long weekend at Unfest.

The festival was staged in various locations around The Pantiles area but centred on The Forum, whose staff and volunteers helped organise it.

Forum co-owner Richard Simm said it was hard to quantify the exact number of people who attended as Unfest is a free festival and visitors can wonder from venue to venue.

“About 9,000 came along and that is around the same as previous years. We try to engage locally and it builds year on year, which is encouraging.

“It has gone really well as we have been lucky with the weather - the

thunderstorms stayed away,” he told the Times.

Unfest has been staged every year since 2010 and is held to promote Unlabel, the record label established by The Forum to support artists in Tunbridge Wells.

‘For some people Unfest is the unofficial start of summer’ Organiser, Richard Simm “It has become a Tunbridge Wells staple and, for many people, the unofficial start of summer,” said Mr Simm.

Around 150 acts performed across the four days from Friday [May 25] until Bank Holiday Monday [May 28], which was said to be a number typical with previous years.

Other stages were held at The Sussex Arms next to The Pantiles, inside The Bedford pub in the High Street, The George on Mount Ephraim, The Royal Oak in Prospect Road, as well as an open air stage at The Pantiles Bandstand and at Sussex Mews.

Artists included, upcoming band Dead Ceremony, festival opener singersongwriter Paul Cheese and Joeyfat, the band of Forum co-owner Jason Dormon.

Mr Simm said he enjoyed performers JC Palmer and Lily Denning, but his work behind the scenes restricted the amount he was able to watch.

He continued: “The music scene in Tunbridge Wells has always been really good and it has only been in the last ten years people have started to appreciate it.”

Good weather was enjoyed for the most part of the weekend, with highs of around 25°C.

PHOTOS: Rose Bainbridge

Thousands turn out for Unfest across bank holiday weekend

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Club in the running for award after helping Helen get back on her feet CLUBBING TOGETHER Sarah’s Runners have all been supportive

By Andy Tong A RUNNING club in Tunbridge Wells has been nominated for a prestigious accolade for helping with mental health issues after it helped a local resident recover from tragedy.

Sarah’s Runners is one of nine nominations for the All In The Mind awards, associated with Claudia Hammond’s BBC Radio 4 programme of that name.

They recognise the people and organisations that have gone ‘above and beyond the call of duty to help you with your mental health’.

The group, which was founded by Sarah Russell and meets every Thursday, was nominated by Helen, whose husband took his own life when she was 38 weeks pregnant.

It was Helen who found his body. Her daughter born three weeks afterwards – and she already had a toddler to look after.

That happened five years ago. The 43 year old, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, credits Sarah’s Runners with turning her life around. “I feel I have changed so much since then,” she said.

“I started going to Sarah’s Runners about a year after my husband took his own life. By the time I started running I was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder caused by my finding him, and I felt the need to run, but I was struggling to run for more than a few minutes at a time.”

GAINING CONFIDENCE Sarah Russell (left) and Helen

Even when Helen overcame that initial obstacle, it was not an immediate release; it would take time to interact with other people – and she feared their judgement.

“Sarah went running with me one on one and persuaded me to try running with the group,” she said. “I didn’t feel like I could talk to new people, I had completely lost my confidence.”

However, her new companions were to prove a very special resource. “The group has been amazing, they have always been inclusive and welcoming,” said Helen.

‘Running and movement, that’s the therapy, and the chat that happens while you’re running is really important’ “I have never felt that either my husband or I have been judged by what he did. This is a particularly difficult thing to deal with when bereaved by suicide, and it regularly happens.”

She added: “I have met many people who run to help with their mental health within the group, which helps normalise my feelings.

“There’s no pressure within the group, no competitiveness to improve times. More important is to support each other, run together and enjoy the benefit of running.”

Sarah recalled when Helen approached her: “It made me feel really emotional. I remember getting an email from Helen four years ago.

“I woke up to hear her telling her story with tears running down my face, thinking ‘if there’s anything I can do, I want to do it’.”

Helen said: “When I found my husband, I went into a frozen state, I just couldn’t move. It was a way of me being able to protect myself. It was ‘fight or flight’ – and I could do neither so I just basically froze.

“Then, when I then gave birth, within there was this overwhelming

desire to be able to run away. It was obviously the ‘flight’ response kicking in. Every time I went out to run, literally within three or four minutes I would be exhausted and couldn’t run any further.

“Going out with Sarah, she taught me how to slow myself down, how to do everything calmly, and the confidence I got from just being able to run further was just incredible.”

She found that the other runners could offer similar support. “They have all been really sensitive. I would start having flashbacks to the event and that would cause me to have the panic attack.

I wouldn’t be able to breathe.

“They would say, ‘let’s just rein it in a bit, let’s walk up the hill’, and they just kept talking to me until I was able to talk back to them.”

Sarah’s Runners is more about mental health than physical fitness. “That’s what makes it so special and so important,” explained Sarah.

“So many runners focus on times and personal bests and get wrapped up in that. There’s so much more that running can offer for your mental wellbeing.

“What we focus on here is creating an environment where people don’t feel judged, they don’t feel under any pressure, they can go at their own pace and just come along and feel they can exercise in a safe environment.

“We run, we walk, we chat, but we provide mental health support almost inadvertently, and that’s what is so fantastic about it. I didn’t realise that until fairly recently.”

She added: “Running and movement, that’s the therapy, and the chat that happens while you’re running is really important.”

Helen nominated Sarah’s Runners because: “I really wanted Sarah to see how much she’s meant to me and other members of the group. It’s a big part of my life today.”

The awards will be announced at the end of June, and one of the judges is a bit of an expert on running – and has also dealt with her own mental health issues: Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes.

Dame Kelly said: “I am very aware that physical activity is a great tool and therapy for people that are struggling with their lives.

“I also think that in sports groups you have a big social interaction, which stops isolation and stops you feeling you are on your own.

“It gives you that energy and spirit to realise you are not the only person. And physical activity gives you the kind of adrenaline and positive affirmations that you need.” www.sarahsrunners.co.uk

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Sarah Speller’s site offers a wide range of partner services

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New Citizens Advice website offers wide range of services and referrals A NEW website has been set up by Citizens Advice which provides a one-stop shop for clients in North and West Kent looking for information and support.

The Advice Together site helps the public to access help from a broad range of local charities and community groups.

The service is particularly aimed at assisting the most vulnerable people in society.

It features around 30 different organisations, ranging from mental health and domestic violence charities to housing associations and council projects.

Sarah Speller, the Advice Together Partnership Manager, said: “People can use our website to find the help they need from a wide range of partners.

“We also have a very successful online referral service called Nellbooker, which allows our members to refer clients on to the most appropriate partner quickly and easily.”

Advice Together was first set up in 2013 as a result of Big Lottery funding won by Citizens Advice in North and West Kent.

The Citzens Advice website can be found at www.advicetogether.org.uk

Find out how you can help during Volunteers Week…

THIS Friday sees the start of Volunteers Week, a celebration of the millions of people who give up their time to help worthy causes in the UK. Across West Kent, volunteering stories and information about a wide range of roles are being gathered and will be compiled by the Volunteer Centre West Kent in a special edition newsletter.

This will be available on the Imago website www.imago.community, the Facebook page Volunteer Centre West Kent and at the Imago charity shop on Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells.

To find out how you can help your local community by sharing a few hours of your time, skills or experience, visit www.do-it.org to search by area, type of role and availability.

Kate said: “Volunteering for Dial 2 Drive is such a good thing to do. It helps people get out and about to their appointments.

“It fits around my own life as I can offer time that suits me and the passengers are always so grateful for the service.

“Sometimes we are the only contact some people have each week, so it’s so important.

I started volunteering this year and love it.”

Donna Ramsay volunteers with Kent Young

Activities Volunteering is not just about helping others, it also allows you to try new activities, meet people and improve your CV. Kate Raper, from Southborough, volunteers for Dial 2 Drive, a service provided by Imago to help people who are unable to access public transport due to age, illness or disability across West Kent.

Volunteer drivers use their own cars to take clients to doctors’ surgeries and hospitals, but also to social appointments like lunch clubs and hairdressers, and on shopping trips. The team drove more than 12,500 journeys last year.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT Donna Ramsay volunteers with Kent Young Carers

Carers [KYC] and said: “I would certainly recommend to anyone to give up some time to support their communities.”

“I work for a bank in London who are very supportive of giving back to our local communities and allow me the flexibility to do it.

“I participate in club activities at different locations around Kent. It’s a great opportunity to really make a difference.

“Volunteering just a few hours a month is all it takes to keep these great clubs going and to help the amazing young carers who come along.”

Kent Young Carers is the countywide service for those aged five to 18 who take on caring responsibilities for a family member with a long-term illness, disability, mental health or substance misuse issues.

KYC works with schools, communities and agencies to identify hidden young carers. After assessment, it offers a range of short-term interventions, including signposting, one-to-one support, in-school support and workshops.

In partnership with Kent County Council, it also offers a two-hour, multi-agency training programme to safeguard vulnerable children.

The session focuses on resilience, confidencebuilding and improved wellbeing for young people and their families.

For more information about volunteering opportunities, visit www.imago.community

Tonbridge Lions charity walk raises £5,000 for range of worthy causes AROUND 135 walkers took part in Tonbridge Lions Club’s Charity and Community Group Walk on May 13, raising more than £5,000 for more than 20 charity or community groups.

The walks consisted of two distances, either five or ten miles, starting and ending at Shipbourne Village Hall. The shorter route took them via

Dunk’s Green, Fairlawn Estate, Ightham Mote, Wilmot Cottage, Budds Green and Shipbourne Church. The longer route extended to Carter’s Hill and Underriver.

The Lions planned and marshalled the event while walkers raised sponsorship. The worthy causes which benefitted inc-luded the homeless

charity The Bridge Trust, Kent West Dyslexic Association, disability support group Compaid Trust, overseas aid scheme The Gambia Project, mental health charity Mind, Tonbridge Air Cadets, Tonbridge Army Cadets and Angel Ladies Indoor Bowls.

In memory of Emma Sander, who died of breast cancer in 2016, a group of her friends raised almost £500 on behalf of Tunbridge Wells-based charity Restore Counselling, Training & Related Services, which Emma had helped to set up.

Pleasant

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Emma Sander’s friends trek on behalf of Restore, the charity she helped set up

Local Scouts walked to raise money for their trips to the next World Jamboree – and the Lions added £100 to each group’s sponsorship.

Five of the Lions members’ wives raised more than £300 for LIBRA and Kidney Research.

At the finish, walkers had their sponsor forms officially stamped to show that they had completed the walk.

Gordon Hill, President of Tonbridge Lions Club, presented them with a certificate.

John Ruck, of Tonbridge Lions, said: “The Lions were extremely pleased with the turnout on the day.

“The event gives groups that need funds the opportunity to raise them in a pleasant environment, and comments at the finish indicated it was much appreciated.”

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New logo isn’t a pyramid but an investment in future of theatre

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE Assembly Hall Theatre is undergoing a redesign of its branding as part of its ongoing efforts to attract new audiences.

In an £8,000 investment, the Tunbridge Wells venue will this year introduce a restyled website alongside with fresh-looking publicity.

Glastonbury But it is their new logo which has proved a talking point on social media, with the large ‘A’ being compared by some to the Glastonbury Pyramid Stage.

It is all part of the vision of Theatre Director John-Jackson Almond, who took over in 2016.

JJ, as he is known, said the change around is part of a long-term plan that will see the borough council’s Civic Development take over their theatre services from 2021.

“This refreshed look and feel encompasses our future and continues to reflect the theatre’s core values,” he told the Times.

“Our personality is not limited to bricks and mortar, names or logos, but what we do and how we do it.

“I’m confident this new look, which will be rolled out over the coming weeks, is a vibrant injection of energy and reflects this.”

TALKING POINT The new theatre logo

CHANGE AROUND The Assembly Hall Theatre

The new logo can already be seen on the Assembly Hall’s posters and their Guide publication, with the updated website set to go live within weeks.

The theatre’s Sales and Marketing Director, Antony Pickthall, said: “We want to be attracting

people who are new to the area and encouraging those who have stopped attending to come back.

“The design work cost around £8,000, and in the context of things it is about the same as the cost of producing and sending out our theatre guide per edition.”

businesses which are given low ratings must make urgent or major improvements to their hygiene standards.

All outlets are rated out of five under the

scheme. Three out of five is considered ‘satisfactory’ and no more work is needed. But it is possible to request a reinspection if a score of three, or even four, out of five is recorded.

A borough council spokesman said: “Businesses have become more aware of the impact that publicity of having scores of zero to two have in local media and an associated public awareness.

“Charging will encourage businesses to achieve a five score and get it right the first time.

“Businesses are likely to consider whether they apply for a request for reinspections, as they will ensure that any work required by the first inspection is completed before the officer returns.

“This should result in more efficient use of officer time and improved public safety.”

Restaurants may have to pay up for future hygiene reinspections

By Duncan Audsley RESTAURANTS and takeaways with a low food hygiene rating might have to pay £160 to be reinspected.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is considering introducing the charges from July 1 which could net the local authority an extra £3,200 a year.

The town adopted the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme in 2010, which allows a reinspection for free within six months of one

being requested by restaurant owners. But the change would allow a reinspection to take place no more than three months after the request.

Improvements The borough council’s Cabinet could pass the proposal on June 21 if it is advanced from an advisory board meeting tonight [May 30].

Mandatory inspections, typically completed every 18 months, will still be carried out, and

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Newton Waterproofing is 170 years old - and it is busy building for the future…

A TONBRIDGE firm, Newton Waterproofing Systems, is celebrating a remarkable 170th anniversary next month.

Established in 1848, it is the oldest waterproofing and damp proofing suppliers to the UK construction industry.

Yet in spite of its longevity and traditions, it has remained at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement.

Newton provides solutions for architects, developers and homeowners to protect properties against water ingress and dampness.

It is the country’s leading independent supplier of structural waterproofing systems and associated pumping and drainage products.

Its extensive range of products are used to treat all elements of a structure - including basements, walls, decks and car parks.

The service ranges from the smallest domestic projects to high-end residential properties, commercial buildings and extensive civil projects.

The company, which has been based on Sovereign Way in Tonbridge for the last five years, is still family owned and run.

It is this family ethos and independence, coupled with their expertise and willingness to innovate, that has allowed them to compete and grow.

MEET THE TEAM Newton moved to Tonbridge from South London in 2012

Diversity The long story began from humble beginnings.

In the 19th century John Newton recognised an opportunity to supply plasterers’ hair and ancillary products to builders.

The hair was used in plaster to fuse the materials together. Traditionally horsehair was the most commonly used binder, as it was easily available before the arrival of motorised transport. Mr Newton collected his raw materials from the tanneries in Bermondsey in south London.

He was so successful that he was soon involved in highprofile projects, including the rebuilding of the current Houses of Parliament in the 1850s.

The introduction of plasterboard in the 20th century meant that demand for plasterers’ hair declined rapidly, and Newton was forced to diversify.

So in 1937 the company designed and introduced the UK’s first physical damp proof membrane, known as Newtonite.

It proved to be an immensely popular product, with more than five million square metres of the membrane sold between 1945-83.

During this time, Christopher Newton, John’s great-grandson, began working at the family firm.

Starting at the bottom in 1963, stoking the boiler, he rapidly rose to the position of Chairman, a post he still holds more than 50 years later.

Christopher’s leadership saw the company recognise the need to modernise and embrace new technologies, resulting in two major developments.

The first was the invention of Newlath in 1984, the first meshed damp-proofing membrane on to which plaster could be directly applied.

And the company began using protective membranes below ground, resulting in the first Newton System 500 basement waterproofing solution two years later.

The innovations were so significant that, although the component products are constantly upgraded, the concepts have remained at the heart of damp proofing and waterproofing best practice for the past 40 years.

FOUNDING FATHER, GUIDING LIGHT: John Newton and his great-grandson Christopher in the 1970s (left)

GROUND-BREAKING Production of Newtonite, the UK’s first physical damp-proof membrane

At the start of the 21st century the firm broke new ground again, introducing the industry’s first approved network of Newton Specialist Basement Contractors in 2003.

With strict entry criteria the network maintains the high standards and guarantees required for Newton products, and now includes 40 of the best specialist waterproofing contractors across the UK and Ireland.

The company’s rapid growth in this time also meant that it finally outgrew its original premises and after 164 years in South Bermondsey they relocated to Tonbridge in 2012.

‘This allows us to grow and improve whilst consistently offering the highest levels of service and sourcing new and innovative solutions’ However, Newton has not lost sight of its family beginnings, and as Christopher Newton observes, this awareness allows the company to continually stand out from the crowd.

He said: “I have always been proud to say that Newton is a family-run company, with a strong family ethos that provides the foundation for our 21st century company.

“Coupled with our independent status, this approach grants us complete impartiality and a valuable freedom of choice.

“This allows us to grow and improve whilst consistently offering the highest levels of service and sourcing new and innovative solutions.”

Without the influence of shareholders or manufacturer ties, Newton’s independence distinguishes them from their competition and allows them to constantly review, update and innovate within their product range.

The development is not just restricted to its products. In 2017 Newton became the first UK

waterproofing company to develop a recycling service for waste cavity drain membrane.

Last year it also launched the brand new venture, the Newton Waterproofing Index, a system for scoring waterproofing designs and making specification as simple as possible.

With new schemes such as this going from strength-to-strength, the future looks watertight for Newton for the next 170 years.

For more information visit the company’s website www.newtonwaterproofing.co.uk, email tech@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk or call 01732 806958.

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Tasting success at Tonbridge’s popular Food and Drink Festival chael of the Lemon Grove in Tunbridge Wells.

Jo Banks’ Alive with Flavour Hands-On Tent offered children the chance to be involved and learn about food.

There were chocolate pizzas in association with Temper Temper in Southborough, while kids could also create their own Eton mess and make ‘under the sea’ sugar paste characters.

FULL TO BURSTING 11,000 visitors came to the festival on Saturday alone

PHOTO: William Mata

Enthusiasm

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE third Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival attracted more than 16,000 visitors to Castle Lawn over the weekend of May 26-27.

Around 60 stallholders dished up a range of treats from around the globe, while also showcasing some of the finest produce from the region.

Alongside Kentish cheeses, cakes and confectionery there were Balkan kebabs, Ghanaian

stews, Thai curries and Mexican burritos.

There were English wines, sensational fruit juices, beer made from bread, spicy hot sauces and cooling ice creams.

The extravaganza was organised by the team behind Tonbridge Farmers’ Market, which won the Taste of Kent Award for Kent Farmers’ Market of the Year in 2017 As well as the rich variety of options for casual diners, the Cookery Theatre laid on masterclasses by local chefs and foodies such as Will Devlin of the Small Holding in Kilndown and Bruce McMi-

Many children also submitted entries for the ever-popular Great Tonbridge Cake Off. Howard Porter of Tonbridge Town Team, who helped set up the event, said: “We are enormously pleased with this year’s Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival, which gets better and better each year.

“We were lucky with the weather, with the thunderstorms conveniently taking place overnight, but the people of Tonbridge are, of course, the real stars.”

He added: “The enthusiasm in the town for this and the other events that take place throughout the year is always striking, which gives us the confidence to carry on pursuing exciting ideas that will help to put Tonbridge STREET FOOD on the map as one of Balkan cuisine the most exciting destinaproved a popular option tions in Kent.”

GET STUCK IN Children were taught to make Eton mess in the Hands-On Tent

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IN thekn

wABOUT CAMPING PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES… And reconnect with nature

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IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH It’s no secret that being in the great outdoors is good for your health. Research has found that just a few minutes of walking in nature can reduce depressive symptoms, so imagine what a whole weekend of being surrounded by trees and water rather than cars and computers could do? In a world where we’re always so hectic and time-poor, camping gives you the chance to reconnect and embrace your surroundings. Plus, sunlight and oxygen help the body to

produce serotonin, the chemical that makes us feel happy.

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YOU SLEEP BETTER When I’m at home I sleep fairly badly, but when I camp it’s a different story. You’d think an inflatable mattress or creaky camp bed wouldn’t make for a good night’s sleep, but actually I find falling asleep easier when camping, and studies have found that sleeping under the stars and waking with the dawn can help the body to ‘reset’ your circadian clock.

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YOU GET A BREAK FROM TECHNOLOGY I’m not saying you should ditch all technology on a camping holiday

– after all – a gas cooker to warm the water for your morning coffee is essential – but, if you can, try and break up with your phone for a day or two. Camping gives you the opportunity to really appreciate your surroundings, and faced with the option to charge my phone or plug in a fridge to chill the wine, I know what I’d choose.

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IT’S GREAT FOR BONDING Camping holidays can be a little more… intense than other types of break, mostly for the reason that the space you’re sharing with your loved ones is a bit more confined than, say, a villa. That said, this is also a good time to get to know everyone better.

Camping holidays provide great

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WAYS TO ENJOY CAMPING UNDER THE STARS

bonding opportunities, from the classic toasting marshmallows around a fire to playing card games. I’m not saying there aren’t rows after an intense game of blackjack, but it’s hard to stay angry when you want someone to share the marshmallows…

5 S BEWL WATER announces the introduction of camping at its reservoir, Charlie Bond reveals why she’s a fan of sleeping under the stars.

Camping

YOU CAN BE (ALMOST) CARE-FREE If you’re disorganised, there are many benefits to a camping holiday.

Lost your keys? No worries – just undo the zip to the tent and you’re back in your room. Can’t cook? No problem – everything on a camping holiday is legitimately allowed to be burned,

because that’s ‘authentic’.

Also, if you’re one of those people who likes to iron everything before they go on holiday, you can let those dreams of crease-free clothing go – everything WILL be crumpled within an inch of its life, but you won’t care because 1) there’s nothing you can do about it, and 2) you probably won’t have the benefit of a full-length mirror.

I should point out that in the event of losing your keys, the likelihood is you’ll probably panic. A bit. Which is totally fine and a normal reaction.

Check the last place you had the wine – they’re probably there…

Bewl Water has released dates available for camping over the summer, starting from June 15. Prices are from just £12 per adult and £6 per child. www.bewlwater.co.uk

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Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Government calls for chemical talks

CARNAGE ON STREETS Forensic officers examine the scene in Liege

THE British government is calling for a special conference of states which have signed up to the Chemical Weapons Convention, in the wake of attacks in Syria, Iraq and Salisbury.

The UK needs to receive support from 64 of the convention’s 192 signatories to trigger a conference within 30 days. It has already secured the backing of 10 other states.

Announcing the move, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that the special conference would aim to ‘reaffirm and defend’ the ban on use of the outlawed armaments.

New Abbey gallery unveils its treasure A RENOVATED storage gallery in Westminster Abbey has been unveiled for the first time.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries sit more than 50ft above the abbey’s floor and will display 300 treasures from the abbey’s collection.

Visitors will reach the gallery, which opens on June 11, through a new tower with a staircase and lift. It is the first major addition to the abbey church since 1745 and is part of a £22.9million, privately funded development project.

HIGH AND MIGHTY: Charles II’s effigy looks on

NEWS IN BRIEF

Royal wedding falls short of Will and Kate RATINGS for the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex were a third lower than those for the marriage of Harry’s brother William.

An audience of 11.5million watched the ceremony on May 19 – 8.9million on BBC One and 2.6million on ITV. But 17.6million in total tuned in for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in April 2011.

Jail for ex-EDL chief

Two female police officers killed in knife and gun attack in Liege A MAN stabbed two female police officers in the Belgian city of Liege yesterday [May 29], stole their weapons, then shot them and a bystander dead.

Prosecutors said the attack could be terror-related. Justice Minister Koen Geens revealed that the assailant, who was later killed by police, was released from prison on a twoday leave Monday.

Mr Geens described him as a multiple repeat offender who was incarcerated in 2003.

The officers were 45 and 53 years old, the latter the mother of twins. Four other officers

were wounded in the attack, one of them seriously with a severed femoral artery.

State broadcaster RTBF identified the suspect as Benjamin Herman, who has a criminal record that included theft, assault and drug offences.

School Liege prosecutors’ spokesman Philippe Dulieu said Herman crept up on the two officers from behind carrying a knife and stabbed them several times, then took their weapons.

He said the attacker then shot

dead a 22-year-old man in a vehicle that was leaving a parking place outside a high school.

The attacker then took a woman hostage inside the school.

“Liege police intervened. He came out firing at police, wounding a number of them, notably in the legs. He was shot dead,” the spokesman said.

A spokeswoman for the city mayor’s office, Laurence Comminette, confirmed the children at the school were all safe.

A senior official at the federal prosecutor’s office stated: ‘There are indications it could be a terror attack’.

THE former leader of the English Defence League [EDL] has been sent to prison for 13 months after breaching court orders for a second time.

Tommy Robinson was detained outside Leeds Crown Court on May 25 after using social media to broadcast details of an ongoing trial which is subject to blanket reporting restrictions.

A judge told him that his actions could cause the ongoing trial to be re-run, costing ‘hundreds and hundreds of thousands of pounds’.

Buggy in burger pursuit A TEENAGER has been charged with drink-driving after police stopped a golf buggy at a McDonald’s drive-through.

Officers said they managed to ‘avoid a high speed pursuit’ in catching Jamie Elliot, 18, of Richmond in North Yorkshire.

A golf buggy is technically a propelled vehicle and the charge of driving while unfit through drink relates to being at the wheel of a propelled vehicle rather than a motor vehicle.

National News

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Tugendhat calls for more power to take on the world’s problems BRITAIN needs to adopt a new style of foreign policy that promotes ­co-operation between nation states, according to Tom Tugendhat.

The MP for Tonbridge & Malling, who is Chairman of the Foreign Policy ­Committee in Parliament, has claimed that organisations like the UN are struggling to adapt to the modern world.

He said ‘multilateralism itself is coming apart at the seams’ and too many people were relying on the old

system that ‘pretends that Putin, Trump, Brexit, China, India and many other changes are just passing events’.

Hollowed Mr Tugendhat called for the Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, to regain powers that had been ‘hollowed’ out in recent years and warned that his ministry was more important now than at any time since World War II.

He suggested a beefed-up Foreign Office should be given a budget of as much as 5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product – around twice what Britain currently spends on defence.

Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute in London yesterday [May 29], Mr Tugendhat said he rejected the theory that after the end of the Cold War the nation state was dead.

He said: “The state is back. It is the primary vehicle of global influence and

VOICE OF AUTHORITY: Tom Tugendhat said the United Nations is struggling

NEWS

19

power and it comes before multilateralism. It is time we acknowledged it.”

Mr Tugendhat, a vocal critic of Mr Johnson, warned that his role, traditionally one of the four great offices of state, had been ‘hobbled’.

He called for a ‘revolution’ at the heart of Government to give the Foreign Office strategic control of diplomacy, intelligence, defence, development aid, international trade and leaving the EU. He said the EU’s ‘centralising, supra-nationalising instinct’ was out of kilter with the age, while the UN was ‘struggling to keep up with a changing international order – especially through misuse of the Security Council veto power, mainly by Russia.

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BUSINESS

National Business News

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Pret A Manger sold to German firm

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE Pret A Manger has been expanding worldwide

Financial expert raises questions over Brexit TOP Treasury official Katharine Braddick has said that the total number of Brexit-related banking job moves is ‘currently unknown’.

The Government financial services director’s comments made yesterday [Tuesday, May 29] raise questions about the scale of losses to London’s economy after Britain leaves the EU. Ms Braddick said the impact on jobs has so far been minimal across the financial services industry, and played down suggestions that all banks had already made decisions to shift staff away from London to Germany’s financial hub.

Speaking at the Frankfurt Finance Summit, Ms Braddick said: “What we see in the UK is an initial set of moves which are to do with essentially hedging the immediate risks to ensure that clients and boards can be assured that services continue in a way that is not only undisrupted, but completely sound from a regulatory and legal standpoint.

“And that first phase of moves is, I think, relatively confined.”

However, the Treasury’s director general of financial services said most firms expect there to be a second wave of job moves - but said the total figures were unknown.

COFFEE shop chain Pret A Manger is to be sold for £1.5billion to JAB, the investment vehicle of Germany’s wealthy Reimann family.

Current owners Bridgepoint, which bought Pret for £364 million in 2008, had been considering listing the firm in New York.

Pret chief executive Clive

Schlee said: “This is a day of celebration at Pret.

Wonderful “This agreement recognises the hard work of all our amazing teams around the world.

“Bridgepoint has been wonderful owners of the business for more than a decade.

“All of us at Pret believe JAB will be excellent long-term strategic owners. JAB believes in Pret’s values and supports our growth plans.”

Pret has 530 stores worldwide and is rapidly expanding globally in countries such as the US, China and France.

It made revenues of £879million last year.

European stock markets hit by Italy power crisis POLITICAL upheaval in Italy has affected financial markets across the continent.

Markets have plunged amid fears the country, the third largest economy in Europe, is heading towards another election that could shape up to be a referendum on whether to stay in the Euro.

Yesterday [Tuesday, May 29] Italy’s benchmark FTSE MIB sank 2.7 per cent.

The knock-on effect saw: The UK’s FTSE drop down 1.2 per cent, Germany’s Dax down 1.3 per cent, and France’s Cac down 2 per cent.

EURO BLUES Premierdesignate Carlo Cottarelli, a former IMF official

Enraged Italy’s Premier-designate Carlo Cottarell is expected to submit his list of ministers to President Sergio Mattarella in Rome, two days after an attempt by two populist parties to form a government failed.

Enraged at losing their chance at governing following inconclusive elections in March, both the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the anti-euro League vowed with other parties to vote against a Cottarelli government when it faces a vote of confidence in parliament, expected later

this week.

That would force Italy to new elections in the autumn, with Mr Cottarelli heading an interim, caretaker government.

Political analyst Wolfango Piccoli said: “Italy will be wrapped in a long drawn-out period of wrangling that will feature intense anti-establishment and eurosceptic tones.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Sainsbury’s boss could face MPs over changes MIKE COUPE, the Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, might have to answer questions in Parliament over a controversial change to contracts.

Employees at the supermarket giant are to move onto new contracts in September, which will see an increase in basic pay.

But the change could also see staff lose out overall with paid breaks and premium pay on Sundays set to be dropped.

Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh has raised concerns and has written to Rachel Reeves, chairwoman of the Business Committee, to demand Mr Coupe explains himself in Parliament.

Sainsbury’s said it will ensure nobody ‘will earn less than they do today’.

Carphone closures MOBILE phone shop Carphone Warehouse has announced the closures of 92 stores over the next 12 months.

It has not been announced which of the chain’s 700 stores will be affected.

All employees will be offered redeployment at other local shops.

Owners Dixon Carphone have said the firm is struggling with older devices for longer. Last year the company’s shares shrunk by nearly 20 per cent.

RBS ends coal projects THE Royal Bank of Scotland [RBS] will no longer fund Arctic oil projects and has pledged to cut lending to firms profiting from coal.

The bank announced the move yesterday [Tuesday, May 29] as part of a harder line on climate change.

World News

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

SPORT IN BRIEF

FA says Wembley sale would not be ‘betrayal’ THE FA’s Chief Executive Martin Glenn says the potential sale of Wembley is not a ‘betrayal’ but makes economic sense.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has tabled a bid of £900million for the national stadium.

Mr Glenn said ‘Receiving an offer to sell Wembley Stadium is not a ‘betrayal’, adding: “It is not selling the ‘soul of the game’. Nor is it a desperate action by a desperate organisation.”

He called it ‘an opportunity to unleash an unprecedented amount of investment into community football’.

Derby close to Lampard FRANK LAMPARD has resumed talks with Derby County about becoming their new manager.

Negotiations are believed to be at an advanced stage, with contractual issues now being discussed.

The former West Ham and Chelsea midfielder, 39, is looking to take his first step into management.

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Study shows hurricane death toll could really be more than 4,600 DEVASTATION Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rica last year

BEARING A CHILD: A zoo in Wroclaw, Poland is celebrating the birth of a bear cuscus, saying it is the first time the rare marsupial mammal has been born in captivity. Bear cuscuses live on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, but their population is shrinking rapidly. To preserve the species, 13 animals are held in four zoos around the world – but they have not reproduced in them previously.

Tampering crackdown CRICKET’S world governing body has recommended increased sanctions for ball-tampering and to personal abuse.

Both issues were to the fore in Australia’s Test tour of South Africa earlier this year, which ended with Australia captain Steve Smith and David Warner banned for a year.

The International Cricket Council says incidents could be covered by new offences of ‘personal, insulting, offensive or orchestrated abuse’ and ‘attempting to gain an unfair advantage’.

NEWS

LATEST research has shown Hurricane Maria may have killed more than 4,600 after it struck Puerto Rico last September.

Harvard University released findings yesterday [Tuesday, May 29] which showed the real death toll could be 70 times the official number of 64.

Researchers say that a third of deaths were due to interruptions in medical care caused by power cuts and broken road links. Experts say an accurate count was complicated by the widespread devastation caused by the storm.

Magnitude Carlos Mercader from Puerto Rico’s Federal Affairs Administration said: “The magnitude of this tragic disaster caused by Hurricane Maria

resulted in many fatalities.

“We always expected the number to be higher than what was previously reported.”

Harvard’s research also found a 60 per cent increase in morality in the three months after the storm.

To find the figure, researchers contacted more than 3,000 randomly selected households over three homes and asked about displacement, infrastructure loss and causes of death.

Mr Mercader said the island’s authorities had commissioned the study and had also used the George Washington University to study the number of deaths. Findings will be released soon.

Puerto Rico’s population of 3.4million are all US citizens and Hurricane Maria is said to have caused losses of £68billion to the American economy.

North Korea official heads for New York DONALD TRUMP has confirmed that a top North Korean official is heading to New York for talks about an upcoming summit between the US President and Kim Jong Un. President Trump said in a tweet that Kim Yong Chol was travelling to America as part of ongoing meetings between the two countries to arrange the summit on the future of North Korea’s nuclear weapons.

President Trump tweeted: “We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea.

Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more.

Kim Young Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you!”

22

NEWS

Letters

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Tunbridge Wells, but it was over 40 minutes going the new way. Still, it beats getting stuck in traffic!

Arnie Smith, via email

Inertia is holding up High Street

VOCAL LOCALS Council elections have little to do with national politics

However you vote on national stage, TW Alliance is the voice on local issues Scott Christian correctly analysed the problem of the split vote that allowed the Conservatives to win so many wards despite the majority of electors not having voted for them [May 16].

He wrongly lays the blame at the feet of Tunbridge Wells Alliance. In the seven wards we fought, we polled 25 per cent of the vote, well ahead of both the Lib Dems and Labour, both with less than 19 per cent, and only 9 per cent behind the Conservatives.

Few committed Conservative voters will switch to either of these parties. The non-party political option of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance provides them with a safe haven.

They can vote Conservative in national elections and vote Tunbridge Wells Alliance in the local elections because local issues have little to do with national politics.

Proud to lead a positive campaign I was amused by Cllr Bob Backhouse’s characterisation of the recent campaign [May 16].

Whilst disappointed not to win this time, I was proud to lead a positive campaign built on support from within the community of Sherwood, and this was reflected in a 100 per cent increase in the Labour vote.

As the largest popular political party in the country, Labour had a number of activists from across Tunbridge Wells, which was in stark contrast to Cllr Backhouse, who was reliant on a paltry number of party members and even had to rope our MP in for support. By his own bizarre logic, perhaps Bob needed to turn away Greg Clark’s panic visit to Sherwood on polling day as his residence isn’t in Sherwood?

His letter contains factual inaccuracies.

Regarding the decline of unemployment from 9 per cent to 1 per cent, both figures have no verifiable source or basis in fact.

I would challenge Cllr Backhouse to advise just how many long-term residents have benefitted from regeneration in Sherwood, given the Tories’ appalling record in delivering affordable housing.

Given Bob’s difficulties with data and details, it is no wonder that he is an enthusiastic supporter of the Civic Centre Project, a vanity scheme with

If Labour and Lib Dems were not obliged by their national leaderships to field a candidate in every ward, deals could have been done to minimise the split vote, and the Tunbridge Wells Alliance would have ousted many more minority-supported Conservative councillors.

Let’s hope in May 2019 both Labour and Lib Dems will recognise that it is they who are splitting the vote and preventing Tunbridge Wells Alliance, by far the second most popular party in the borough even after only ten weeks in existence, from putting power back into the hands of people who care about local issues.

Listen to the people and give way to the party most likely to unseat these tired, arrogant and disdainful Conservative councillors.

Robert Chris Tunbridge Wells Alliance huge vocal opposition from within the community he purports to represent.

Seb St John Labour candidate for Sherwood ward

Cycle path is longer but it’s worth it Our MP, Greg Clark, put his well-practised ribboncutting skills to good use by opening a cycle path extension on May 12. It will now be possible to cycle to Pembury from both Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells without having to use the busy A26.

As someone who has cycled up Quarry Hill to Tunbridge Wells for many years, it was a nice prospect to have an alternative route.

But if I was expecting an easy ride to Pembury and through North Farm, I was mistaken, as the deceptive path feels almost as steep as the A26.

It is a less direct route between the towns, but it certainly feels safer and allows the rider to focus on the cycling rather than oncoming cars.

The path is also smooth and a nice surface to ride on, compared to the potholes cyclists will know all about on St John’s Road.

The key difference is distance. The new path is ideal for riders who need to get to High Brooms or Pembury, but it does add to the journey if Tunbridge Wells town centre is your destination.

It takes half an hour to ride up Quarry Hill into

Your report concerning Tonbridge High Street confirms what so many of us have been saying for a long time, that the alterations made have caused a great deal of inconvenience, as traffic has been constantly held up by the failure to include sensible arrangements for bus stops.

It also shows the pointlessness of public consultations as, when many people pointed out the stupidity of the proposed changes, this was ignored, with the results we have seen since.

Even now there seems to be no urgency in addressing the matter; instead what are described as current investigations are being made into something which any reasonable person could solve in a very short time. Once again, bureaucratic inertia is allowed to take precedence over practical steps to correct the situation.

Colin Bullen, via email

Taking the long view on fossils Edward Baker has a strange idea of taking the ‘long view’ in the fracking debate [May 9]. Just how long does he think we have?

As we find ourselves in the throes of the environmental catastrophe, brought about by our unwillingness to deal with our excess consumption of energy and resources, his idea of taking the long view entails increasing our consumption of fossil fuels, through fracking, with wanton disregard for the consequences.

While he is correct that, at current rates of consumption, there are holes in our energy policy, the imperative is to reduce our consumption, and this has been shown to be practical and reasonable by a number of studies.

I would point him in the direction of the report entitled Zero Carbon Britain by the Centre for Alternative Technology, which has recently been updated and also addresses the issue of keeping the lights on when there is little wind or solar energy available. It is entirely doable without increasing fossil fuel extraction, although not without radical government action.

When a major oil-producing country such as Qatar is seeking to divest from oil production, together with a rapidly growing number of high-profile institutions, it ill behoves us to be rushing headlong down that particular well.

Steve Jackson Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

A right royal mess from the BBC It didn’t take long for the BBC to take the shine off the parade. On Sunday morning, hours after the Royal Wedding, Radio 4 carried the first of the ‘negative’ interviews. They crossed the river from Windsor into Slough and gave airtime to people who clearly thought it was all a waste of time and that the monarchy should be abolished.

On the same morning we heard from a mixed race family who thought the wedding would not make a bit of difference on the question of diversity. You can always rely on the BBC… Jennifer Perkins, 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

SOME kids do have them. Over-the-top parents, that is. Calverley witnessed more than a few on seeing a group of youngsters boarding a school coach for a few days away on the Isle of Wight. They were aged around ten, and for most it was the first time away from home. But it was the mums and dads who stood there sobbing. How upsetting was that for the kids? One parent had even packed five days’ worth of clothes into plastic bags – shorts, pants, T-shirts, socks, etc – and labelled them for use each day so their son didn’t have to think what to wear. Surely these trips are supposed to help kids stand on their own two feet and think for themselves?

WHAT a week it’s been for returns of all those things you buy that don’t work out. As often happens. First there was the new upright vacuum (£180) that broke down twice. Money back. Then there was the petrol mower (£280) that was too heavy and really difficult to handle. Money back. Topping it all were the supermarket roses (£6). They were guaranteed for five days and were meant to get Himself out of trouble with Mrs C, but drooped within 48 hours. Money back.

Himself is exhausted.

CALL Calverley cynical, and many do, but there appears to be a wee bit of hypocrisy attached to the new appointments to the House of Lords. One of Jeremy Corbyn’s new nominees is the veteran left-wing activist Pauline Bryan. Surely this cannot be the same Pauline Bryan who is on record as calling for the abolition of the ‘Monarchy and the House of Lords’? It would appear that they are one and the same woman. Mind you, who would turn down the chance to earn £350 a day just for turning up at the ‘office’?

ROUND of applause to Helen Miller, who works at Benenden Hospital. She was brave enough to rattle the cage of local celebrity Piers Morgan [family roots in Newick]. She Tweeted him to say: “Dr Hilary Jones came to our grand opening and said you’re recovering in hospital with self-inflicted love bites. Get well soon.” Mr Morgan said: “I’m perfectly well… it’s Dr Hilary you need to worry about – after I ONCE next see him.”

BITTEN? Chin Chin, Piers readers Morgan

Education

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

NEWS

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EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Former Home Secretary tells Kent pupils about life after the Cabinet

CANDID MP Amber Rudd takes questions from the floor

Amber Rudd, an MP from neighbouring Sussex, faced questions from pupils at Benenden School last week, and was candid in her responses AMBER RUDD, the MP for Hastings and Rye who resigned her Cabinet position last month over issues connected to the Windrush scandal, recently answered questions on a range of subjects at independent Benenden School.

In the packed school theatre on May 18, Ms Rudd spoke on a number of subjects, including Jeremy Corbyn, the 2017 general election, Brexit, the role of women in politics and the Home Office’s handling of the Windrush generation.

Mistake Asked by a Sixth Form pupil if, in hindsight, she would have acted differently over Windrush, she said: “Yes, and that’s why I resigned. I thought the fact we hadn’t seen at the Home Office there was a cohort of people who should have been given much more assistance to get their citizenship papers in order – and instead were treated as individuals and weren’t recognised as a group that needed particular help – was a mistake, and I think we should have seen that. I think it had been going on for quite a long time.”

GIRL TALK Amber Rudd with some of the pupils She added: “It was quite rightly referred to as a national scandal, and the Home Office should have picked up on it much earlier.”

Asked whether she expected to return to the

Students and staff celebrate school’s outstanding rating INSPECTORS from the Diocese of Southwark have rated St Gregory’s Catholic School in Reynolds Lane, Tunbridge Wells, as ‘Outstanding’ after spending two days looking closely at Catholic life there.

Faith schools are not only accountable to Ofsted, which has rated St Gregory’s Outstanding since 2013, but also to the church, which looks at how the school delivers its promise to uphold its distinctiveness as a church school.

Values The recently published report stated: “The pastoral care and support provided to all students by teachers and support staff is excellent. As a result, students thrive in this highly inclusive and welcoming school where gospel values permeate all aspects of school life.”

MAKING A STAND Pupils and staff air the school’s double credentials

The school is fortunate to have two chapels which are regularly used by all students, of all faiths and none, as places for collective worship as well as quiet prayer, thought and reflection.

The school’s Chaplain is Jane Ireland (pictured far right), who was noted for providing outstanding support to both students and staff.

Headteacher Sean McQuillan said: “This superb outcome is a result of the collaboration between our staff, students, parents, partner primary schools and the local community.

“We wish to extend out thanks to our entire community for their help and support in ensuring this. We will endeavour to maintain and continue to build on the outstanding practices of our school.” Áine Lyons (far left), the Subject Leader of RE, said: “This is a well-deserved result and we are delighted that the report reflects the day-to-day ethos and activities of our school.”

Cabinet [at some point in the future], Ms Rudd said: “I hope that I might be considered in the future, but you know what, it’s summer, I’ve got a little time on my hands, that’s no bad thing: I get

to know my friends and family a little bit.”

Benenden Headmistress Samantha Price said: “A lot of what Amber Rudd spoke about really resonated with the pupils. She answered their questions with candour and spoke strongly about issues they talk about, such as resilience, career decisions, young people in politics and the role of women in the workplace.

“It was a pleasure to welcome her to Benenden, and the pupils gained an enormous amount from hearing from a speaker with such a high public profile.”

Ms Rudd said of the evening: “It was a delight to have the opportunity to listen to some wonderful questions and comments, and to hear their views and to give them some of my own.”

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Greg Clark was first elected to Parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The Conservative MP has since held a number of positions in Government and currently sits as a member of the Cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

We are lucky to have a Mayor who supports local charities LAST Wednesday I had the privilege of attending the Mayor-making ceremony at Tunbridge Wells Town Hall. I have always attended, whenever possible, what is a wonderful meeting that celebrates a year’s work of the outgoing Mayor and bestows the honour of being the borough’s first citizen on another councillor.

Among the many duties that the Mayor carries out, one of the most important is to choose a local charity to support and raise funds for during their year of office. It is a valued way to raise awareness of local charities who are such an essential part of our community.

Last year’s Mayor, the universally liked and respected Julia Soyke and her husband Peter, chose the Domestic Abuse Volunteers Support Service [DAVSS] as her Mayoral charity. Based in the centre of Tunbridge Wells and run by specially-trained local volunteers, DAVSS provides crucial support to women and men who are experiencing domestic violence.

Throughout the last year, Julia’s tireless campaigning has made this local charity better known to those whom it can help, and her work has also encouraged the recruitment of volunteers who – with training and support – can assist people at times of difficulty or crisis.

There was a gasp in the council chamber when Julia announced that she was handing DAVSS a cheque for £32,103 – the astonishing sum that

she had raised for them during her Mayoral year.

It was great to see Len Horwood sworn in as our new Mayor. A shrewd, effective and tenacious borough councillor for many years, Len and his wife Judy have been mainstays of a number of local charities over the years. One of these is the Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource [MHR], and it was no surprise to me that Len has chosen mental health as his charitable focus for the year ahead.

Patron The MHR, based in Grosvenor Park in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, provides help and support to over 500 people a year in our local area who are experiencing mental ill-health. I have the honour of being patron of the MHR, and over the years I have seen for myself how valued that comradeship is by so many people in our community.

The charity’s base is a haven for people who can often feel that the world is too busy or distracted by other affairs to give them the personal attention they need. Metaphorically, and sometimes literally, putting an arm round the shoulder of someone who needs support to help them cope with a condition that may be persistent, or may strike them sometimes but not others.

And, of course, some of the best help comes from people going through the same challenges

themselves. The kitchen at the Tunbridge Wells MHR is the place where that companionship is most in evidence – where conversation flows easily and supportively. I have learnt a great deal from the staff, volunteers and service users of the Mental Health Resource, just as I have through helping individual constituents with particular problems. It has made me determined to make improving mental health care – locally and nationally – one of my most important priorities.

Both for adults, and for children and adolescents, what is available is not as good as it can and should be. I have written in this column

before about some of the steps that are being taken to improve the official services. But they still have some way to go, and this means the work of charities like the Mental Health Resource are all the more important.

Domestic violence and mental health are two areas that historically people have been reluctant to talk about widely. That is changing, as it should, and the fact that two successive Tunbridge Wells Mayors have chosen charities in these fields is a testament to the sense of responsibility and leadership of our borough and its first citizens.

GIFT GIVING: MP Greg Clark joins former Mayor Julia Soyke at the annual Christmas Toy Appeal

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

AND IMPROVING

Window on floral wonders

Chelsea Flower Show winners Page 47

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AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE

TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS, TOP TRENDS AN D GARDENING

A TASTE OF ORANGERIES FOR ALL

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FAMILY HOME SET IN FOUR ACRES

Seeing double A house with two conservatories Page 26

Wharf life

A flat by the river Page 26

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yourh me

To suit your budget

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to BROOK LANE TONBRIDGE GUIDE PRICE

£800,000£850,000

UNDER £350,000

n Master bedroom with en suite

UNDER £500,000

n Large sitting room

CANNONS WHARF, TONBRIDGE

n Further second bedroom

BORDYKE, TONBRIDGE

n Double aspect fitted kitchen

GUIDE PRICE

n Family bathroom

£415,000

n Master bedroom with newly fitted en suite

n Semi-detached house

n 2 further bedrooms (one double, one single)

n Built in 2008

n No onward chain

£300,000-£325,000 (LEASEHOLD) n Modern apartment n Communal entrance area n Sitting room n Private balcony n Modern fitted kitchen

n Allocated parking space n Short walk to lock and river n Lease and service charges apply CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

n Awarded Civic Award n Recently updated n Fitted work surfaces and storage n Cloakroom

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

To suit your budget

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

thekn w

27

great properties by price range…

UNDER £550,000 STOCKS CLOSE, HILDENBOROUGH

£500,000 n Barn-style corner house n Dining room n Sitting room n Kitchen n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en suite n 2 further bedrooms n Landscaped gardens n Timber shed n Parking for 2 cars n Further communal garden area CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 WESTWAY, PEMBURY

£550,000 OIEO n Family home n Study/family room n Cloakroom n Large sitting/dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Large family bathroom n 4 bedrooms (one with en suite) n Rear garden backing on to woodland area n Parking for 3 cars CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Pembury 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £1MILLION

UNDER £700,000

BROOK LANE, TONBRIDGE

DRY HILL PARK ROAD, TONBRIDGE

(SHARE OF FREEHOLD)

GUIDE PRICE

£800,000-£850,000 n Entrance hall/dining room n Kitchen n 2 conservatories n Utility room

n Master bedroom with en suite and dressing room

n First and second floor apartment

n 3 further bedrooms

n Period features with modern fittings

n Detached double garage

n Spacious entrance hall

n Wrap around garden

n Large sitting room with fireplace

n Cloakroom

CONTACT

n 2 reception rooms

Wood & Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

n Downstairs bedroom with en suite

£595,000

n TV room/study n Open plan kitchen/diner n Master bedroom with en suite n 2 further bedrooms n Communal rear garden CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

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yourh me

Rose Cottage

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

AT A GLANCE ROSE COTTAGE KINGS LANE, MARDEN n Entrance porch n Sitting room/family room n Lobby n Cloakroom n Dining room n 2 kitchens n 2 sets of stairs to first floor n Master bedroom with en suite n 2 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Rear garden of approx. 4 acres n Front garden n Parking for multiple cars n Double electric garage

ÂŁ785,000 For sale through Firefly Properties Paddock Wood 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

Unique three bedroom detached home set on large four acre plot

Architectural Advice

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

John Bullock

Architectural services

yourh me

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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

How the once exclusive orangery is now bearing fruit for a variety of households Every month, architect John Bullock discusses ideas for a domestic design project. Here, he shares his advice on creating a glass and light-filled addition to the home that was once only entertained by the very rich… significantly on external cleaning.

Underfloor heating in this space would offer a consistent temperature and heat level throughout while removing the need for radiators, which take up valuable wall space.

In addition, a series of electronicallycontrolled inset roller blinds, hidden in the ceiling, offer sun protection, and also add a degree of visual warmth during the winter months when the nights draw in.

When working with extensive glazing, it is important to avoid a lighting issue that nighttime brings. Large areas of glass become black and reflective at night, but this is easily resolved with clever exterior lighting.

Spotlights are a great way of generating and controlling the direction of light. Garden trees lit with spot or floodlights create great impact when entertaining in the garden during the summer months, but also provide a stunning backdrop throughout the rest of the year.

Within the orangery shown, the large open-plan kitchen/living and dining space – or ‘hub’ – created has become a must-have for many families.

LET THERE BE LIGHT Roof lanterns allow sunshine to ‘dance’ through the orangery

A

N ORANGERY always conjures up images of grandeur, but it has, in fact, become a popular and stylish addition to the humble home.

With links dating back to the Renaissance gardens of Italy, an orangery or orangerie was traditionally a room, or even a dedicated building, in the grounds of an opulent and

fashionable residence where orange and other fruit trees were stored for protection during the winter.

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, glassmaking technology enabled sufficient expanses of clear glass to be produced, and thus the beautiful orangery was born.

Closer to home, the Dutch led the way in GRANDEUR How an orangery can provide additional elegance to a home

developing expanses of window glass in orangeries, though illustrations from Dutch manuals of the time showed solid roofs, whether beamed or vaulted, and heat from stoves rather than open fires.

Orangeries soon became symbols of status among the wealthy – not just a greenhouse but a symbol of prestige and a feature of gardens, in the same way as a summerhouse or folly.

But nowadays, you don’t need orange trees to have an orangery! This beautiful glass home addition has evolved and has become very much part of our everyday architectural language.

It is an elegant alternative to the modern conservatory, adding stylishly to the living area of a home while creating a light-filled space, with the added benefit of being able to efficiently control the heat all year round.

Lanterns Our pictured example shows a beautiful orangery built on a brick plinth with a series of handmade timber windows and doors.

Taking the lead from the main house, a series of long sliding sash windows overlook the garden with a set of French doors creating a physical connection between the inside and out.

The three bespoke lanterns, with highefficiency double glazed units, flood the space with top light, which would effectively ‘dance’ around the room during the day.

An additional recommendation would be self-cleaning glass, which cuts down

Tips to remember when creating open-plan living spaces: n Ensure there is sufficient additional space, or a separate room, which will allow family members to break out and have some privacy or quite space n The ideal layout, depending upon the way your family lives, would be to have the main open-plan area and then a separate TV room and also a study n It’s important to ensure the ground floor accommodation is well balanced and versatile BRITAIN’S MOST FAMOUS ORANGERIES The Orangery at Kensington Palace (built in 1704) Built for Queen Anne to protect her citrus trees from winter weather, the orangery at Kensington Palace was also used for fine dining and afternoon tea.

The Orangery at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew (built in 1761) Designed by Sir William Chambers (a ScottishSwedish architect), the orangery at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew was built of brick and stucco, which is a type of cement plaster made up of a binder and water. This orangery was, at that time, the largest glasshouse in England but had low levels of light.

John Bullock Design is an award-winning, Tunbridge Wells-based, design consultancy and proud sponsor of the Times’ Creative Business of the Year award.

For further advice, please contact John Bullock on 01892 525732.

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thekn w.guide

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Gardening

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Summer of love

IMAGE: RHS Luke MacGregor

Community NORDIC GARDEN

By Paul Hervey-Brookes

The point of Chelsea in Bloom is that it extends the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show out into the local neighbourhood, so even if you can’t get a ticket for the main event you can still get a floral flavour of things.

Walking around, I felt a real sense of community as florists and shop owners were making the last-minute adjustments and still building their creations. This allows the general public to get a taste of the amount of work that

IMAGE: RHS Neil Hepworth

PINK AND FLUFFY Foxgloves and allium

goes into creating the beautiful displays which form the centrepieces of the show – something not many will ever see behind the closed doors of flower show while the gardens are being built.

I love this particular fringe event as much as the show itself as it’s so colourful, well thought out and something that everyone can enjoy.

IMAGE: RHS Tim Sandall

The People’s Champion crown, voted for via the Chelsea in Bloom website, also went to Harry’s Dolce Vita, with Kiehl’s a close runner-up.

The displays were judged by an expert panel and, just like the main show gardens, the winners were announced on the opening day of the Chelsea Flower Show.

IMAGE: RHS Luke MacGregor

C

HELSEA IN BLOOM is the world-class alternative floral art show produced by Cadogan in association with the Royal Horticultural Society [RHS].

It transforms the streets of Chelsea from May 21-26 with breathtaking floral displays.

The annual competition has grown dramatically each year with Chelsea’s best retailers, restaurants and hotels adorning themselves with creative designs to compete for the coveted awards.

This year’s theme was ‘Summer of Love’, inspired by the Royal Wedding and the 60s/70s cultural revolution.

The competition showcases floral displays reflecting the participating retailers’ interpretation of the theme in their own unique style.

This year’s Best Floral Display winner was Monica Vinader, with Highly Commended awarded to Harry’s Dolce Vita and the Innovation Award given to Lucas Hugh.

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‘When I stepped inside the show this year, I noticed a more relaxed feel to many of the planting schemes’

Times gardening writer Victoria Truman gives her verdict on the trends at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, and tells us about Chelsea in Bloom, too

LOOK OF JOY A Chelsea pensioner

yourh me

When I stepped inside the official Chelsea Flower Show this year, I noticed a more relaxed feel to many of the planting schemes, with a mix of cottage garden, such as the much talked about, multi-award-winning Yorkshire Garden, and Mediterranean planting schemes, as seen in Tom Massey’s amazing garden for the Lemon Tree Trust, a Silver Medal winner.

Irises and lupins seemed to be the plant of choice, with salvias adding an intense pop of colour in a few gardens. Spire-like flowers provide instant height and vertical interest if you are looking for strong impact, and they have been used everywhere at Chelsea this year.

Keep planting schemes simple, stick to a limited palette of plants, repeating them several times around the garden to give a sense of cohesion, and provide shape and texture using topiary to provide lasting interest.

Landscaping materials form the backbone for planting, and one way to inject interest is to make bold, confident use of contrasting materials and textures.

In his Nordic garden in the Artisan section, Paul Hervey-Brookes placed rough-hewn natural slate alongside smooth, planed timber to great effect.

Sarah Price’s garden, meanwhile, had multiple layers to her planting scheme, with ground cover, mid-height and then taller plants such as woad isatis tinctoria, which puts out great clouds of yellow flowers followed by dark seedpods, and Ridolfia segutum, which looks a little like dill, with chartreuse yellow flowers right through summer.

Holding it all together, and a vital ingredient in the success of this scheme, is the warm pinky-red of the rammed earth walling – a look that could be recreated with lime render tinted with natural pigment.

One of my favourite gardens was designed by Tony Woods, The Urban Flow garden, which won Gold and Best Space to Grow Garden.

He used a dramatic backdrop of dark walls (an interesting new porcelain covering called DesignClad) and dark clay tiles. These showed off the rich, velvety purples of his planting scheme, peppered with ‘Masterpiece’ lupins, ‘Deep Black’ irises, Salvia x sylvestris ‘Mainacht’ and contrasting Euphorbia amygdaloides.

Tony incorporated all sorts of sustainable features into the space, including drip-feed irrigation to avoid water wastage, permeable paving and water-holding areas under decorative grills where excess run-off from the garden can be collected.

Finally, Plant of the Year went to Hydrangea Runaway Bride Snow White (Thompson & Morgan), whose pure white lace caps open all the way along the stems. I would have chosen that, too. Simply divine!

THE LEMON TREE TRUST GARDEN

By Tom Massey

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

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

ARTS & CULTURE | LIFE & STYLE |

FOOD & DRINK | MOTORING

50

Celebrating

English Wine Week in a Kent vineyard Page 56

Wedding tips Best-dressed guest guide Page 62

FESTIVAL FEVER AT HEVER

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FAIRY-TALE HALF-TERM OUTINGS

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AUDI’S NEW EXECUTIVE SALOON

Reflections on a French bike ride

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From Paris to the coast Page 60

ALL-ROUND EXCELLENCE

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thekn w.guide

Art & Culture

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Taking centre stage in

IN GOOD COMPANY AT THE CASTLE Ailsa Molyneux

summer’s social calendar Hever Castle’s summer festival theatre celebrates its 35th anniversary with a new director in charge after three decades – Ailsa Molyneux. As the seasonal programme begins, Eileen Leahy talks to her about taking on the challenge of ensuring its continued success IT’S A SWINGIN’ AFFAIR! Between Ray Gelato and Claire Martin on Saturday

To start with, can you please give us a brief history of the Hever Festival Theatre?

It began as the Kent Repertory Theatre Company and was founded by Ron Palmer 34 years ago.

Sadly, Ron died last year, but over the years he and his team presented theatre companies from far and wide to bring the magic of live entertainment to Hever’s audiences. Their passion for theatre and their love of Hever Castle has created a magical festival like no other.

What is your involvement with the festival?

This is my first year as Festival Director, so I have been busy programming, working on the operational side, and getting to grips with all aspects of putting on the festival – including marketing it!

Has it been daunting to take over from someone who was in charge for over 30 years?

Ron and his family leave big shoes to fill, but we believe we have created a festival they would be proud of – with perhaps a little new sparkle.

What is your professional background?

I first fell in love with Hever 15 years ago, working with Ron as the stage manager with Kent Rep.

Most recently, I have been the theatre director at the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School.

Before then I worked for The Royal College of Music and produced the Chelsea Festival in London for several years.

What have you enjoyed most about curating this year’s festival line-up?

I’m like a child in a sweetshop! Programming the season has to be my favourite thing about the job. Trying to see through the eyes of our audience isn’t always easy, but it’s great fun booking shows we can all get excited about.

Is there something on the programme for everyone?

There’s certainly a show in our season for

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Wednesday May 30 | 2018

everyone. Our programme is packed with events ranging from An Audience with David Starkey discussing Brexit and Henry VIII to The Magic of Motown, the much-loved children’s tale The Snail and the Whale, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and a comic version of the thriller The 39 Steps.

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LIFE’S A PICNIC On the lawn at Hever

Do people come from far and wide?

Our audience is very loyal – there are many people who put the festival dates in their diary as soon as they are confirmed. They call us before the programme is announced, checking they haven’t missed anything!

Are there any particular show highlights, or is there anything really different this year?

FESTIVAL FEVER

New shows for 2018 include comedian Tom Allen, hot from his presenting stint on Bake Off The

Did you know that over the past three decades Hever Festival Theatre has: ■ Served 17,420 afternoon teas ■ Popped 73,463 bottles of fizz ■ Seen 41,161 picnic blankets sat on ■ Waved 10,115 Union Jacks flags during the Last Night of the Hever Proms Professionals, appearing with his ‘Absolutely’ tour this Friday [June 1], then multi-awardwinning singer Claire Martin, OBE, and old friend saxophonist Ray Gelato performing It’s A Swingin’ Affair! – songs from The American Songbook – this Saturday [June 2].

Later in the season, we also have a musical adaptation of HG Wells’ The Time Machine and an extended family programme with Peter Pan and comedian Jay Foreman’s Disgusting Songs for Revolting Children.

What are the key things you have to consider when putting a festival together?

THE MIKADO Gilbert and Sullivan’s tangled web of love

Capturing the imagination of our audience is key to their loyalty, and the beautiful castle gardens play a pretty substantial role, too! It’s a truly stunning mix…

What do you hope audiences enjoy most about coming to see live outdoor performances?

Hever Festival Theatre is a combination of world-class performances, a picturebook Tudor castle in beautiful gardens with delicious food and stunning views. Each of our performances is a celebration of all these qualities.

No wonder we don’t want to FUNNY GUY be anywhere Every Little Thing is else this Gonna Be Alright summer! says Mark Steel

■ Run 264 metres of cable over the stage ■ Experienced 304 theatre light bulbs blow ■ Seen 64 varieties of dahlia flower during the festival in the theatre garden ■ Welcomed 22 comedians to the stage ■ Witnessed 3 sun hats blow into the lake ■ Spotted 9 ghosts in the theatre garden late at night ■ Tried to catch 6 ducks as they walked across the stage mid-performance For more information on the Hever Festival Theatre programme for summer 2018, visit www.heverfestival.co.uk

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Going Out

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance WEDNESDAY It’s half-term week, and there are plenty of local activities for families to enjoy. Penshurst Place has an event on called Snappy Spring Holiday, which runs until Saturday. Children and their parents are encouraged to explore the orienteering trail, take pictures and then upload them to Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #SnappedAtPenshurst – and doing so means they have the chance to win a free family season ticket. The trails run from 10.30am until 6pm, with additional craft sessions available from 12noon until 4pm.

RACE FOR LIFE At Dunorlan Park

STORY TIME Enjoy Tales of Fairies and Wizards at Groombridge Place

By Eileen Leahy

Bewl Water’s Kids Camps will be running throughout the half-term week. You can choose from either a half day’s activities (£19.50) or a full day (£37). For more information, or to book, call 01892 890000 or email: info@bewlwater.co.uk Trinity Theatre is showing the film Peter Rabbit at 11am today. Starring James Corden, Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne, it is based on the characters in Beatrix Potter’s series of books and is a funny and moving tale for all the family.

Tickets are £8.50 for adults and £6.50 for children.

Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery are

have-a-go archery and falconry, and Bateman’s family fun guided walks. For more information, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk Jazz on The Pantiles continues to be in full swing, with the Sue Rivers Band on stage this week. To make it a really special event, why not avail yourself of One Warwick Park Hotel’s Bubbles and Burger deal, which costs just £10pp?

For more details, see www.onewarwickpark.co.uk Don’t forget that every first Thursday of the month the Artspring Gallery in Tonbridge hosts a private view and Prosecco evening from 5.30pm to 8pm.

The gallery boasts a good variety of quality artists’ work, including sculpture pieces, paintings and jewellery. Visit them at 167 High Street.

FRIDAY

putting on another of their Holiday Happenings today and tomorrow. This one is entitled Crafting Calm, and children are welcome to drop into one of the free sessions, which run from 10.30am until 12.30pm or 2pm until 4pm.

Some Mother’s Do ’Ave ’Em is on all this week at the Assembly Hall until Saturday (with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday). Tickets to see comedian Joe Pasquale reprise the role of hapless Frank Spencer, made famous by Michael Crawford in the 1970s, start from £22.50. For more information, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

THURSDAY

Groombridge Place’s The Tales of Fairies and Wizards includes plenty of storytelling sessions, crafting activities and magic shows. It’s on until June 2 and gates open at 10am and close at 5pm.

Admission price also includes birds of prey displays and entrance to the walled gardens. For more details, see www.groombridgeplace.co.uk All our local National Trust venues will also be putting on lots of entertainment for children over the next week. They include Bodiam Castle’s

This is the final weekend to visit Hever Castle’s Edwardian Life event. If you haven’t been before then pop along to see what life was like in the early 20th century, when the castle’s glamorous Astor family resided there. Children will have the opportunity to attend an ‘Edwardian’ school, where they’ll learn the three Rs – reading, writing and arithmetic. There will also be prizes for the best dressed Edwardian boys and girls. For admission details, see www.hevercastle.co.uk These are also the last few days to visit Pashley Manor in Ticehurst’s Sculpture in Particular event, which showcases almost 200 pieces of artwork at their award-winning gardens. It’s on until June 2, and visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase certain pieces of work.

For more details on admission times and prices, visit www.pashleymanorgardens.com Hever Castle’s summer theatre festival is now underway (see our special interview with its director on page 50). Today you can go along and see Little Red Riding Hood at 2.30pm. Later this evening, comedian Tom Allen takes to the stage with his show ‘Absolutely’. For ticket details and timings, visit www.heverfestival.co.uk

SATURDAY Whether you want to get fitter now summer is on the way, or are in training for a 5k, 10K or even a

Going Out

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

which allow you to ‘laugh, sort your life out, stay sane, plan your death and save the NHS’.

After the success of last year’s inaugural Yard Sale, the table-top event returns for a second year. It takes place today at numerous locations around Tunbridge Wells, and people are encouraged to browse and buy the second-hand goods on sale. This year’s charity partner is Tree of Hope if you wish to raise funds for them, too.

For more information, visit www.twyardsale.co.uk

SUNDAY

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE Wes Anderson-style as Isle of Dogs airs at Trinity Theatre marathon run, then taking part in the area’s weekly parkruns is a great way to either start your running routine or keep it topped up. Dunorlan Park, Bedgebury Pinetum and the Castle Street Park in Tonbridge are just a few of the places that host them every Saturday morning at 9am. For further information, visit www.parkrun.org.uk There’s still time to see Seasons of Change: The Fegans Story at Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art

PICK OF THE WEEK: London to Brighton Kit & Sports Car Run Chiddingstone Castle Sunday June 3

The 2018 Kit & Sports Car Run starts off from Greenwich Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and location of the meridian line – and en route to its destination of Brighton it will stop at Chiddingstone Castle.

Gallery. On until June 9, it tells of a local charity that has been championing childhood and transforming mental health since 1870. Admission is free and the show is on Tuesday to Sunday.

Trinity Theatre welcomes NHS doctor and TV personality Phil Hammond to its stage tonight.

The Private Eye journalist and whistle-blowing comic is in town to showcase a clever fusion of both of his 2016 sell-out Edinburgh fringe shows,

So if you’re a petrolhead – or should we say classic car enthusiast – then this is a must-see event.

If you are an entrant participating in the run, you will have VIP parking on the lawns and entrance to the house and its fabulous collections, including its ancient Egyptian and Japanese ones.

The finish line for this popular veteran car run is Madeira Drive, just next to Brighton Pier. If you would like to enter the race, or find out more about it, visit www.classicmotorevents.co.uk

Dunorlan Park is home to Cancer Research’s Race for Life today, which kicks off at 11am and costs £10 to enter. If you don’t fancy walking or running this 5K race for charity, then go along and support it by watching instead. For more information, see raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org The Royal Tunbridge Wells Croquet Club is again holding an open day in order to encourage more people to take up this pleasant pastime. Free to attend, the open days run from 2pm until 5pm on the first Sunday of every month until August.

The Wes Anderson flick Isle of Dogs is being screened at Trinity Theatre at 5pm. Tickets to this highly stylised animation from the director of Budapest Hotel and Fantastic Mr Fox cost £11. Not suitable for young children, but this will appeal to fans of Anderson’s work as well as dog lovers…

Later tonight, comedian and Britain’s Got Talent star Daliso Chaponda – who was famously fast-tracked to the final by BGT judge Amanda Holden – pitches up at the Assembly Hall this evening with his new show entitled ‘What The African Said…’ For information see www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

MONDAY A new creative concept comes to town this week.

Dubbed the ArTWorks Trail, it officially launched on Saturday and is on until June 10. It will feature the work of selected local artists dotted around Tunbridge Wells. Free to participate in, the trail aims to support artists living and working in the area. There will also be the opportunity to buy

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certain pieces. For more information, see www.artworkstrail.wixsite.com/artworks

TUESDAY

Landscapes is the new exhibition at Trinity, which features the work of Francisco Centofanti. The artist graduated from the Florence Academy of Art in Italy and counts local rock star Roger Daltrey of The Who among his many fans. This is a great opportunity to see his work, which is collected and exhibited worldwide, up close and personal.

There’s another Secret Art Party tonight, and this month’s featured artist is Monet. The event – which welcomes both novice and accomplished painters to come along and have a go at replicating the great man’s impressionist style – will be held at Saint John’s Yard. Tickets cost £35 and include tuition, materials, drinks and nibbles. See www.secretartparties.co.uk

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Going Out

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites www.pdag.co.uk & www.thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Paul Crisp, Dan Sumner, Son Of Kirk (duo set) Friday The Jazz Club Night with Bob Bernard & Friends Saturday Project 5 Sunday Skippy Gonzalez, Summer Mooney

Bookends

TRINITY THEATRE

live music With Paul Dunton

A

fter all the excitement of Unfest, the music – as ever – continues in and around Tunbridge Wells.

Wonderfully atmospheric Son of Kirk headline The Grey Lady on tonight [Wednesday], with support from local soloists Paul Crisp and Dan Sumner.

Tomorrow night [Thursday] sees the superb Sue Rivers Band on The Pantiles Bandstand for the next live jazz event – and for something more alternative, The Forum hosts The Districts with support from JC Palmer and Rattlesnake.

Friday night sees a Simon & Garfunkel: Through The Years event at Trinity Theatre, performed by the

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

deeply talented Bookends duo, and also a Jazz Club Night at The Grey Lady Music Lounge hosted by Bob Bernard.

There are plenty of amazing local acts in action on Saturday night, including Super Duper and the Ya Yas at The Beau Nash Tavern, Jack Mackey at The Bedford pub and Project 5 at The Grey Lady Music Lounge.

Meanwhile, Disco Odyssey will be at The Royal Oak pub and the excellent Lady Bird headline at The Forum.

For folk enthusiasts, Sam Walter will be at The Tonbridge Folk Club, held at The Flying Dutchman in Hildenborough, on Monday evening.

Church Road. All concert details and ticket information at www.trinitytheatre.net Friday Simon & Garfunkel: Through The Years – performed by Bookends

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Tunbridge Wells Common Event information at www.twforum.co.uk Thursday The Districts, JC Palmer, Rattlesnake Saturday Lady Bird, Pussy Liquor, GURU, MK Ultra Tuesday The Don’t Knows, Suzi Island, Pawncapture, The Mystic Shed Son of Kirk

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES On the Bandstand. Music from 8pm– 10pm (donations welcomed) Thursday The Sue Rivers Band

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

Saturday Super Duper and the Ya Yas Sunday Open Mic Night

THE BEDFORD 2 High Street. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm till late Saturday Jack Mackey

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Friday Peter Taylor Presents Saturday Disco Odyssey

TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB The Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Music from 8pm. Hat collection, with a suggested contribution of £7 (£5 concessions). More information at www.tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Sam Walter

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge.

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Crisis

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Food & Drink

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Let’s raise a toast to English wine This week sees the official national celebration of English wines, and to mark it Eileen Leahy speaks to Julian Barnes, Managing Director of Biddenden, Kent’s original vineyard

A VINE ROMANCE Rows of grapes – grown after an early spot of blue-sky thinking at Biddenden

I

T’S fair to say that the English wine industry is in a very good place right now, having seen its grape growing acreage soar by 135 per cent over the past decade, and sparkling and still British varieties appearing on some of the world’s finest restaurant menus.

It’s currently English Wine Week. This annual national event, which runs until Saturday, celebrates the country’s best producers and their viticultural offerings. So who better to speak to than Julian Barnes, the owner and Managing

Director of Kent’s oldest vineyard at Biddenden to find out why he believes we should all be raising a toast to our homegrown wines.

Biddenden was established by Julian’s parents in 1969. Originally the vineyard was actually an apple orchard, and the story of how it transferred into growing grapes is a noteworthy one.

“It happened after my mother heard a feature on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. The programme was about how English vineyards were being replanted, so we began to diversify

Food & Drink

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

‘We’re Kent’s original vineyard, and so have spent almost five decades perfecting what we do’

SCENT OF SUCCESS Julian Barnes samples a glass of red

and the first vines were planted,” he explains.

Today, the vineyard today covers 23 acres, with 11 varieties of grape producing award-winning sparkling and still wines, including its most famous one – Ortega – an aromatic appley white.

“I have been involved since I was 15,” says Julian. “And along with my wife and two of my sons I now manage and run the business on a day-to-day basis.

“We welcome visitors throughout the year, with options for self-guided tours and tastings as well as private tours for small groups. We’re also well known for producing Biddenden Cider, as well as a range of farm-pressed apple and pear juices.”

Awards The team at the vineyard – who will also be supplying their sparkling wine at the Times Business Awards, which take place at Salomons on June 13 – have spent nearly 50 years perfecting what they do, and produce on average five to ten wines per vintage.

“We bottle between 50,000 to 80,000 bottles per year,” says Julian. “We’re Kent’s original vineyard, and so have spent almost five decades perfecting what we do and developing our own styles and varieties which work well for us.”

This includes a full range of white, red, rosé, as well as sparkling wines.

“At a time when the majority of plantings in Kent are traditional champagne varieties, we continue to cement our reputation for producing the highest quality wines, in particular our white Ortega, a medium, fruity still white wine.”

He goes on to say that all of Biddenden’s wines are grown, pressed, fermented and bottled on

the estate, with the majority being sold direct from the vineyard.

“We supply to independent restaurants, delis and shops throughout Kent, but do not supply to any of the supermarkets – something which we believe gives us strength and means we have a close connection with our customers.”

Locally, they supply the likes of The Secret Cellar, Chegworth Farm Shop, Groombridge Farm Shop, Hever Castle and Penshurst Place.

Julian believes that the English wine industry is at a ‘very exciting point’ and has developed dramatically over the last decade.

What would he cite as specific changes?

“The way in which we are collaborating and working together,” he replies. “This is particularly highlighted by the new Wine Garden of England group, which sees seven of the county’s finest vineyards (including Biddenden) working together to put Kent on the map as the wine destination of England.

“New vineyards are being planted at an ever increasing rate, reflecting the rise in demand for English wine, and we have just extended our vineyards to include an additional 5,000 vines to help keep up with demand.”

And given that it will soon be celebrating its 50th anniversary in the wine business, this just goes to show that Biddenden is no flash in the pan.

“Winemaking around the world has changed, which has allowed this boost to gain ground,” he says.

“We have always worked hard to tell our story and to introduce people to English wine, both here at the vineyard and at events across the county, with tourism both from within the UK and outside playing a major part in what we do.

“We’ve always been of the opinion

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that the more people there are talking about English wine, the more interest will grow.

“There is a wide variety of vineyards within the local area, and each of us complement each other with different varieties being grown, winemaking styles and target markets.

“The Wine Garden of England highlights this, and our hopes are that visitors to the area will take the time to visit at least a few, if not all of the seven vineyards.

“Although we are a smaller producer, we have found our niche and pride ourselves on being an independent, family-owned vineyard with a friendly, welcoming team.”

And when asked why we should all be drinking more locally-produced wines, Julian’s answer is simple: “They actually represent good value for money and a reality with local produce that can be lost in today’s supermarket world.

“Aside from that, the fact that we are producing world-class wines and using modern winemaking techniques means that there are varieties to suit every palate.

“So there really is an English wine out there for everyone!”

On arrival at the Times Business Awards on June 13, guests will have the chance to savour a taste of what Biddenden has to offer themselves, courtesy of the vineyard sponsoring the welcome glasses of fizz.

So why did Biddenden want to be part of our gala evening?

“We always like to champion local businesses, which is obviously what your awards are all about,” says Julian.

“It’s great to be able to be part of an event which highlights and supports a wide range of businesses, and to get the opportunity to meet and talk to other enterprises who are growing and succeeding.”

We say a hearty “Cheers to that!” www.biddendenvineyards.com

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Food & Drink

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Celebrate these delicious flavours of the month Three top local chefs and foodie personalities treat us to some of their finest seasonal recipes to try out in the kitchen over the coming weeks as we move into the summer Daniel Hatton’s…

San Marzano tomato salad, cherry tomatoes, purple basil, aged balsamic and Planeta olive oil

Serves 4 as a light lunch Preparation time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS 1kg San Marzano tomatoes or heritage tomatoes Malden sea salt 500g yellow cherry tomatoes 300g sliced shallots Dash of five-year aged balsamic vinegar Pinch of cracked black pepper 200g pitted and halved gordal olives 1 bunch basil, ripped 1 bunch purple basil 100ml Planeta olive oil

METHOD

1

Slice your tomatoes and place in a bowl with a sprinkle of sea salt – this will start to plump the tomatoes and release the flavours. Halve your cherry tomatoes and slice the shallots as thinly as possible, then add this to the sliced San Marzano tomatoes. Now, add the balsamic, pepper and olives, and mix all together.

2

When you’re ready to serve, add half of the basil and place in a big serving platter.

Garnish with the rest of the basil, drizzle with the olive oil and serve with some toasted Focaccia bread to mop up the juices, and a large glass of Alastro from Planeta winery in Sicily. www.hattonsrtw.co.uk

Food & Drink

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Rosemary Shrager’s…

Lemon and strawberry tart

Serves 6 Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes

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Mary Gwynn’s…

Wild garlic, pea and pancetta risotto

INGREDIENTS 23cm pastry case, baked blind 500g medium strawberries Golden icing sugar Mint leaves to garnish (optional) For the lemon pâtissière 2 large eggs Juice of 1 lemon (30ml or 2½ tbsp) 60g golden caster sugar 25g unsalted butter

METHOD

1

Beat the eggs in a large bowl.

Put the lemon juice in a pan with the sugar, place it over a low heat to just melt the sugar, and bring to the boil. Take the pan off the heat and beat in the butter, then whisk this mixture into the eggs.

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Pour everything back into the pan, place over a low heat and very slowly bring to a simmer, whisking all the time. Put into a bowl and cover with clingfilm, patting the film on to the lemon so that it touches, so as to avoid condensation. Set aside to cool.

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Fill the pastry case with all of the lemon pâtissière, arrange the soft fruit on top, and dust with the icing sugar. www.rosemaryshrager.com

Serves 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp olive oil 2 shallots, finely chopped 75g cubed smoked pancetta or bacon lardons 300g risotto rice About 1.3l vegetable stock 100ml dry white wine 100g frozen petit pois, defrosted Large handful of wild garlic leaves, washed and shredded 30g freshly grated Parmesan 25g butter

Salt and freshly-ground black pepper

METHOD

1

Heat the oil in a heavybased saucepan. Add the shallots and cook for about three minutes, until softened. Add the pancetta and cook until lightly browned, then add the rice and stir to coat in the oil.

2

Add a ladleful of stock and the white wine and simmer over a mediumlow heat until the liquid is absorbed, stirring constantly.

Continue adding stock, a few

tablespoons at a time, stirring frequently, until all of the stock is absorbed and the rice is tender and creamy, but still with a slight bite.

This should take about 18 to 20 minutes.

3

When the rice is tender, add the peas and garlic and cook for another minute or two to heat through thoroughly. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning. Serve with scallops, pan-fried in a little butter. www.trufflehound.blog

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travel

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Travel

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

French fancy:

Riding the Veloscenic

ADMIRING THE VELO-VISTAS Abi Jackson on her bike

As a new English guidebook for one of France’s well-loved cycle trails is launched, Abi Jackson takes to the saddle for a chateau and cheese-filled tour…

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or ultimate grandeur, the Château de Versailles is hard to beat, with its masterpiece ceilings, grand stairways and palatial ballroom (visit on a bright day and sunbeams foxtrot between the gilded window frames and shimmering chandeliers).

But there’s something sweetly magical about Château de Maintenon, which sits – as the crow flies – some 47km away from Versailles, in a leafy patch of the Loire Valley.

Although smaller and less plush, with fairy-tale turrets, I’m transfixed as I wander the rooms where, back in the 1600-1700s, Madame de Maintenon defied social convention.

She was the prison-born widow who found herself hired as governess to King Louis XIV’s illegitimate children (he had more than 12; honestly, it all went on), only to steal his heart and become his ‘secret’ wife.

So transfixed, in fact, I totally forget that I’m plodding around this regal scene in padded Lycra, sporting some impressive helmet hair.

Whirl There’s a reason I’m sightseeing in Lycra. I’m exploring France’s Veloscenic, or La Veloscenie – a 453.5km cycling trail spanning four regions from Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy – created in 2013.

Now an English version of the accompanying guidebook has launched so, along with four fellow cyclists, I’ve come to give it a whirl.

We’re not quite doing the whole route. With four days to play with, we’ve trimmed off certain bits, opting to taxi those instead.

This is the beauty of doing Veloscenic; you make the rules, from setting your pace to taking as many pit stops as you like – well, this and the fact it takes you deep through the heart of the countryside, weaving through forests, farmland, sleepy villages and rustic market towns, boasting four UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way.

After flying into Paris, we transfer to the domain of Sceaux, where we meet Hugo from Petite Reine Normandie, whose van will be lugging our cases (and us and our bikes, for the taxi sections) from hotel to hotel.

Hybrid and e-bikes are both ideal for the route We’ve hired our cycles from Loc’Velo, opting for hybrids (while most of the terrain is pretty smooth, there are some gravelly and woodland PALATIAL The Palace of Versailles garden and park orangery

MAGNIFICENT Mont-Saint Michel

bits), but they also stock e-bikes, so if your joints and fitness levels aren’t what they used to be, you can still enjoy the experience.

We settle into our saddles with a quick tour around the domain of Sceaux’s famous gardens, designed by Andre Le Notre, one of Louis XIV’s favourites, before hitting the road to pedal the 28km to Versailles.

Although, to be fair, roads only make up a proportion of Veloscenic; around 42 per cent of the route is traffic-free, with plans to introduce more dedicated cycle paths soon, and the bits that are on roads have very low-volume traffic.

As well as detailing the route (which has its own branded signage), the Veloscenic guidebook aims to provide all the information you’d possibly need, from how you go about taking bikes on trains to bike-friendly accommodation options along the way.

In Versailles, we enjoy a night at the 4-star Hotel Le Louis Versailles Château – MGallery by Sofitel, a stone’s throw from the palace, which we stroll down to explore after stowing our cycles and showering.

The route takes in forest, farmland, rustic towns and sweeping valleys The next day, Hugo carts us off to the Rambouillet Forest, where we hop on our bikes for a 25km ride towards Château de Maintenon

– two hours cruising along sun-dappled woodland trails, sound-tracked by birdsong and crunching twigs, and quiet country lanes punctuated by picture-postcard villages.

After the aforementioned meander around Madam de Maintenon’s fairy-tale abode, we claim a grassy spot at the back of the gardens and tuck into cheese and baguettes, then nap in the sunshine to reboot for the afternoon’s stint.

This is what Veloscenic is all about, really.

While France, and her challenging Alps, smooth roads and bicycle-respecting drivers, has long been popular with road-bikers, this route’s all about scenery and sightseeing, and being as leisurely as you like.

Our next stretch is a gentle 20km on to Chartres, a town that’s not really on the tourist radar but so worth a visit. After stowing our bikes and freshening up at Hotel Jehan de Beauce, tonight’s accommodation, we take a stroll and reward our kilometres with a slap-up dinner at Le Café Bleu, a popular spot in the softly-buzzing square surrounding the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, which serves up contemporary takes on traditional home-made French fare.

As darkness descends, we take the few short steps to the cathedral, where we’ve booked on to a candlelit tour of the crypt, retracing the final

fantastical steps of millions of pilgrims dating back to the 12th century.

Chartres also hosts an impressive free light show, which runs on a loop from nightfall until 1am from April to October, turning the outside of the cathedral and its surrounding buildings into giant animated storybooks.

Day three is probably our most strenuous; a 35km morning ride crossing a series of rolling hills. Thankfully, blue skies and swathes of green valley and golden rapeseed fields keep my mind off my tiring knees, and by the time we reach Le Bistrot des Ecuries, our lunch stop in Boissy-Maugis, deep in the picturesque Perche nature park region, I’m grateful to have ‘earned’ another three-course meal, washed down with a refreshing rosé (well, the French do it so well, it would be rude not to).

We feast on bread and mussels, velvety steak and creamy pistachio ice-cream, before clambering into Hugo’s van to taxi to Carrouges, and then get back on our bikes to pedal our bloated bellies towards Bagnoles-de-l’Orne.

Although on the brink of a carb-coma, the final stretch of the day takes us through the dreamy Andaines Forest, and I soon find myself on a nature-induced high. Cruise-control kicks in and I melt into the moment.

We arrive at Bagnoles, a spa resort town, in time to hit the high street and hunt down its famous macarons.

But the long day of cycling and sunshine means I’m ready to sleep after dinner.

Thankfully, the restaurant at O Gayot Hotel, where we’re staying, is one of the best in town, so it’s only a short walk upstairs from table to bed.

Day four brings a quick visit to the ruins of Domfront Castle (where the Veloscenic and Velo Francette routes cross), 20km of gentle greenways, a gourmet lunch-stop at Auberge de la Selune in Ducey, and a final 14km back in the saddle – complete with a couple of puffinducing hills.

But, the push is worth it. Because, while there are no yellow jerseys or champagne magnums to mark the end of our little Tour de France, our trophy is the magnificent Mont-Saint-Michel, emerging on the horizon like a mystical mirage, taking form as we pedal those final few kilometres towards the Normandy coast.

As France’s most-visited location outside Paris, this island monument sits proudly in the mouth of the Couesnon River like a spectacular cupcake, its abbey the frosting rising atop a walled rim case. You don’t get much more scenic than that.

How to get there For more information on the Veloscenic route from Paris to the Mont-Saint-Michel, visit www.veloscenic.com Loc’Velo hires hybrid bikes for E30 (£26) per day and e-bikes for E39 (£34) per day (www.locvelo.fr). Transfer and bike support with Petite Reine costs from E460 (around £400) for a nine-seater van for a week (us. petitereinenormandie.fr)

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Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

4 ways to stand out during wedding season without upstaging the bride Katie Wright shows how you can still shine at a ceremony while sticking to the guest dress code Feeling inspired after the Royal Wedding?

4

The spring catwalks have delivered heaps of occasion-wear inspiration, offering plenty of options to ensure you’re the best-dressed guest, whether it’s a rustic country reception or swanky city affair.

And you don’t have to spend a fortune either – we’ve tracked down fabulous fashions that will elevate your outfit from as little as £25.

Here are four ways to rule in the style stakes at this summer’s nuptials…

1

Fringed frocks Fringing and feathers were a massive trend at the SS18 shows, but it’s not exactly the easiest look to work into your daily wardrobe.

Special occasions, however, are the ideal scenario to bust out a tasselled little number, especially if you’re going to be shimmying on the dance floor at the end of the night.

Fringed frocks are real showstoppers, so keep your accessories on the minimal side; thin-strapped sandals and one piece of sleek jewellery are all you need to complement your dreamy dress.

Oasis Fringe Dress, £75 (available June), and Suki Silver Strap Heels, £38

2

Stylish suits This is the one trend where pastels are positively encouraged, because if Victoria Beckham says that a mannish lavender two-piece teamed with mint green heels is the suit of the season, then it must be.

Follow VB’s lead and try tailored colourclashing – a royal blue suit paired with fuchsia heels is another winning combo.

Office Highlighter Tubular Strap Heels Red Pink, £69

3

Bold Brights White may be off the cards when it comes to picking a wedding-guest outfit, but uberbrights certainly aren’t, and the shops are full of gorgeous colours at the moment.

Yellow, in every variation from mustard to neon, is having a moment, as is hot pink – a silky slip dress is a great place to start.

River Island Yellow Jacquard High Neck Swing Dress, £42; Earrings, £14, and Green Bag, £35 (earrings and bag available from late-May)

Hot hats Whether a hat is listed in the dress code or not, a wedding is the perfect opportunity to make like a royal guest with a piece of sensational millinery.

The bolder the better is the mantra here – if it looks like a UFO has landed on your head, you’re on the right track.

Dorothy Perkins Showcase Fuschia Spot Bow Fascinator, currently reduced to £20 from £25

thekn w.guide

Motoring

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

FIRST DRIVE

64

WHAT IS IT?

German firm Audi has been on something of a crusade in refreshing its top-end luxury machines of late. Last year saw a new A8 and A7 grace the market, and now there’s a new A6.

Much like its larger siblings, it’s more an evolution of the luxury saloon concept than a revolution, but there’s a lot to shout about.

With the recent release of an updated BMW 5 series and a now two-year-old Mercedes E-Class, Audi could be playing something of a game of catch-up here. Is the A6 up to that task?

WHAT’S NEW?

As to be expected, there’s a lot of new stuff going on – most noticeably in the looks department.

The A6 takes on the bolder design language introduced on the A8, bringing a sleeker appearance along with a much wider grille and fresh headlights.

Under the bonnet, the A6 is the first in its class to offer mild-hybrid technology across all of its engine choices as standard, while new suspension options have been introduced in an effort to create a more agile car.

As for technology, self-learning navigation aims to create an optimal route based on your driving history, while centre console-based physical controls for functions such as air-conditioning and audio controls have been replaced with touchscreen, utilising haptic feedback.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

At its launch, the A6 will be available with a choice of three engines – one petrol and three diesels, all of which utilise mild-hybrid technology.

Our test car was fitted with the sole petrol option on offer. It’s a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 335bhp and 500Nm of torque, here paired up with a seven-speed automatic gearbox that sends power through all four wheels.

It’s capable of taking the A6 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and can power the car on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

However, official figures for its MPG and CO2 emissions have yet to be confirmed.

THE KNOWLEDGE MODEL AS TESTED:

Audi A6 ENGINE: 3.0-litre V6

with mild hybrid system; Power (bhp): 335; Torque (Nm): 500

MAX SPEED: 155 mph 0-60MPH: 4.9 seconds MPG & EMISSIONS: TBA PRICE: £60,000

(estimated)

AUDI A6

Audi’s new car features some innovative tech – but does this affect the way it drives? Ryan Hirons finds out

It’s an extremely potent unit, delivering impressive and usable performance for a car weighing in at 1,825kg.

Don’t expect supercar-levelling speed, but it’s more than enough for most needs, while the gearbox pairs perfectly for a smooth experience under heavy acceleration or at a gentle cruise.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Audi has brought a lot of new technology in for the A6 in an effort to create a better driving experience, but the results vary.

At its most comfortable when cruising for long distances, its plentiful power combines well with the introduction of air suspension to create a relaxing ride when eating up the miles – and there’s little in the way of wind noise.

As for more spirited driving, the A6 is capable of doing it with ease – just don’t expect it to put a smile on your face. It handles well, and doesn’t kick up a fuss when pushed hard, but the overall experience feels pretty uninvolving.

It will undertake town driving with little fuss for a car of this size, thanks to the addition of four-wheel steering, which results in a more agile machine at lower speeds.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Audi are the experts, if not the pioneers in Russian doll car design, each model taking after the last.

And the A6 is no exception, with the updated design language making a strong impact.

That means a hugely wide grille upfront with bold headlights sitting at either side, while a sleeker overall look is seldom interrupted by creases in the bodywork.

It’s a handsome thing to look at and has the presence of a car far bigger than it actually is.

You’re likely to turn heads in a big Audi anyway, but the striking design could do that without the four rings up front.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

As you should expect, it’s an incredibly plush place to be sat in. Premium materials feature right through the cabin, without a scratchy plastic

surface in sight, and it all feels good to the touch.

We also suspect it’ll be pretty durable long-term.

But it’s not all good news inside. Although the leather seats up front feel comfortable, they offer little in the way of support, meaning those of a smaller stature might be likely to slide about under harder cornering.

The 8.6-inch touchscreen, that replaces physical controls in the centre console for functions such as air-conditioning and seat heating/ventilation works well and responsively at a standstill, but can be difficult to use when travelling at speed.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Full UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, so value for money is difficult to judge at the moment. But we can say it’s going to be a seriously wellequipped package – if likely to be expensive once the options list is explored.

Standard luxuries on the saloon include full LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, all-wheel drive, mild-hybrid technology and Audi’s MMI infotainment system displayed on an 10.1-inch touchscreen. As for safety assistance, you have pre-collision warning, parking sensors with a rear-view camera and cruise control.

Our S Line test machine also came with upgraded ‘Audi Matrix’ LED headlights and daytime running lights, a 10mm lower suspension, an S Line styling package and heated/ventilated seating.

Again, UK pricing isn’t official, but we expect it to reach £60k+ in this specification.

Motoring News Massive Euro car safety system drive for 2021 THE European Commission has announced proposals to make 11 new car safety systems mandatory on all new vehicles by the year 2021, as part of a move to cut road deaths and serious injuries in half. They are: n Advanced emergency braking – a system to automatically bring the car to a halt if it detects a crash is about to occur. n Alcohol interlock installation – the ability to place a breathalyser device in the car’s ignition, preventing serial drink-drivers from getting behind the wheel. n Drowsiness and attention detection – detects when the driver’s attention begins to waver and warns them to take a break. n Accident data recorder – much like an aircraft ‘black box’, this records data such as speed and location in the event of a collision. n Emergency stop signal – automatically flashes the hazard warning lights in the event of an emergency stop. n Improved seatbelts. n A larger head impact zone with safety glass for greater cyclist and pedestrian protection in a crash. n Intelligent speed assistance – a system to limit speed based on traffic sign recognition. n Lane keeping assist – alerts the driver if they stray out of their lane. n Greater occupant protection in the side impact test. n Reversing camera or sensors.

New vans and light commercial vehicles will be subject to these regulations other than advanced emergency braking.

VERDICT

The Audi A6 has all the hallmarks of a new class leader in the executive saloon segment. It offers a solid and potent range of engines, bags of technology and a comfortable experience wrapped in a handsome body.

We’d like to have a more engaging experience in harder driving, along with some more physical buttons inside the car – but these are minor annoyances in an otherwise exceptional car.

If marketed right, it could well leave competitors in its trail.

End of diesel Volvo S60 VOLVO has said the latest version of its S60 saloon will not be sold in diesel form due to the lack of demand from key markets the USA and China.

“It’s a market-related decision,” confirmed Volvo’s Lutz Stiegler.

The decision is in line with the manufacturer’s current powertrain strategy.

The brand has already committed to producing electric or hybrid cars only from 2019, with the latter likely to take the form of 48V mild electrification as well as the plug-in hybrid models already on the market.

“Since we’re going more in general towards electrification, we will replace the diesel engines, at least in small cars, with electrified models,” said Stiegler.

London greets new Fiat FIAT has unveiled a new special edition ‘Collezione’ 500 in London to mark ten years of special 500 city car models, with prices starting from £13,875.

The Collezione is the 30th special edition of the new 500, which first went on sale in 2007.

It is available in identically-priced hatchback and convertible (500C) forms.

A celebration Euro tour stopped off in trendy Covent Garden, with London being the city where the 500 sells best outside of Italy.

Fiat UK’s Arnaud Leclerc said: “London has embraced the Fiat 500 like no other city outside of Italy.”

Quarter one of 2018 was the car’s best ever period for sales, with 60,000 units sold.

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Advertising

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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

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1 4 9 6

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CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

7 3

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

15 13

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8 3 7

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★★

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★II

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply.

Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

R E P A S T E A P V E R D I U A N E G G O B O Z S Y N T A X E I NQ U I R S U M E A N I N I Y F C A S T S

S L I E C H O K L I V Y J U S P I E S N T G A L G Y I E

I L A C O H R T L E T E I O U S E I C E S A J E T O O L L OW E E L D E D

Sudoku:

1 9 2 5 8 6 7 4 3

5 4 7 3 2 9 6 1 8

8 3 6 7 4 1 9 2 5

7 5 4 9 1 8 2 3 6

3 2 9 6 7 4 8 5 1

6 8 1 2 3 5 4 9 7

9 7 8 1 5 2 3 6 4

2 1 8 9 6 5 4 7 3

4 6 9 2 3 7 5 8 1

3 8 7 5 9 2 1 4 6

2 1 3 4 6 7 5 8 9

4 6 5 8 9 3 1 7 2

Jigsaw Sudoku:

9 2 6 7 4 8 3 1 5

8 3 5 4 1 6 7 9 2

6 7 1 3 8 9 2 5 4

7 5 4 1 2 3 9 6 8

5 4 2 8 7 1 6 3 9

1 9 3 6 5 4 8 2 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

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Puzzles

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

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Recruitment

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

Fill your vacancy now in print or online

From just £99 For more information contact our commercial team on 01892 779650

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Recruitment

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Sport

Please send sports stories to: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

Invicta thriller is fitting end to Chambers’ reign Tonbridge Invicta 4 Ashford 4 (After extra time; Tonbridge Invicta win 4-2 on penalties) FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE INVICTA manager Lee Chambers hailed his players’ character after they fought back to win the Les Leckie Cup for the first time – in his final game in charge.

The thrilling contest at Sevenoaks Town’s Greatness Park finished 4-4 in 90 minutes, and after a goalless extra time Invicta went on to win 4-2 on penalties.

Tonbridge Invicta opening the scoring in superb fashion in the fifth minute when central midfielder Kane Ramsell spotted Ashford goalkeeper James Atkins off his line and swept a right-footed shot over his head into the roof of the net from 35 yards out.

Invicta went 2-0 up after 21 minutes when Ramsell crossed from the right for James Knight to pick his spot.

They could have been out of sight when Ramsell curled a shot against the top of the far post from 25 yards, with the Ashford keeper rooted to the spot.

But Ashford turned the game upside down when they scored twice inside 60 seconds in the 34th minute to restore parity.

A poor clearance by LONG SERVICE goalkeeper Sam Jenner Lee Chambers was picked up by right

winger Josh Jones, who skipped past three defenders and fired home with his left foot.

Tonbridge then lost the ball from the kick-off, Jones broke down the right and cut the ball back for Matt Forster to score at the near post.

Ashford took the lead three minutes into the second half when Stephen Cowell chipped the ball to Forster, who stroked his shot past Jenner.

They appeared to have the game wrapped up when they scored again in the 70th minute.

Forster swept the ball out to Jones on the right and he cut in and scored at the near post.

Target But Chambers pulled off a tactical masterstroke by throwing centre-half Oliver Hogben forward as a target man.

Tonbridge Invicta gave themselves a lifeline by pulling a goal back with five minutes left.

Knight swung in a free-kick from the left and Hogben glanced his header into the far corner.

Ashford’s Bryan Pearce, who had been substituted, was sent off for arguing about the build-up to the goal.

Atkins managed to tip over Josh Marshall’s drive but then the Ashford keeper made an error

TROPHY HUNTERS Tonbridge Invicta celebrate their dramatic victory to hand Tonbridge Invicta a dramatic late equaliser in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Atkins tried to pluck a cross out from underneath the bar but the ball came out to Ramsell. His drive was blocked and Jack Moore buried the rebound.

Both sides were clearly tiring in extra-time but Ashford finished strongly with Forster’s left-foot shot kept out by Jenner stretching to his left.

In the shootout Jenner saved the first penalty low to his right, then punched James Haylock’s effort away as he drove his kick down the middle.

Kyle Walker stepped up to bury his penalty and hand Invicta a famous victory.

PHOTO: Dean Jacquin

New managers appointed as Rustics await their fate

FRESH START: (L-R) Andrew McKechnie, Rusthall Chairman Joe Croker and Mike Cramp FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL have appointed Andrew McKechnie and Mike Cramp as first-team managers as they await news about relegation.

The move follows the departure of Steve Sands and Steve Ashmore earlier this month following a challenging season for the Rustics.

The pair had secured the club’s highest league status when they won promotion to the Southern Counties East League Premier Division in 2016-17.

But their first campaign in the top flight proved difficult and the club finished 19th out of 20, two points from safety in the drop zone.

Usually the bottom two sides go down but the FA is restructuring Steps 4 and 5 of the game’s ‘pyramid’, so Rusthall may be spared their fate.

They managed just one win since Christmas, which was against the bottom club Rochester United, whose relegation has been confirmed.

The club said: “We would like to thank Steve Sands and Steve Ashmore for their dedication and commitment over the last two seasons as well as earning us promotion last season.”

McKechnie managed Hildenborough Athletic but has close ties with Rusthall, having been on the coaching staff with the 2016-17 squad.

Cramp also arrives from Hildenborough and

they were joint managers there before Cramp went to be assistant manager at East Grinstead.

McKechnie said: “We are very excited and honoured to be given the chance to manage at this great club.

“We both have previous knowledge of the club, and understand how special it is.

“We want to forge a close relationship with the reserve and youth teams to create a style of play that everyone at the club can be proud of.

Ideas Meanwhile Lee Chambers has been appointed manager of the reserves after completing 25 years with Tonbridge Invicta. His assistant is former Invicta player Nick Martin.

Chambers had run the Invicta first team for the past five years, culminating in victory in the Les Leckie Cup final against Ashford (see above).

At the end of his final league campaign Invicta were thrashed 7-1 by Rusthall Reserves.

“I feel that managing the reserves and working closely with the first team, I can bring some new ideas to the club and hope that I can help the club keep pushing forward,” said Chambers.

Chambers said: “There was a lot of character shown from the boys today. They knew what it meant to me in my last game as well but they need to take all the credit today.

“I thought it was a good game of football tonight, two teams that like doing things the right way, two good footballing sides,” he added.

He said of his last game at Tonbridge Invicta after a quarter of a century: “It’s unbelievable to go out on a massive high.

“We were lucky over the years rebuilding this football club to pick up silverware and to add another one to the collection. Today is fantastic.”

THE Rusthall Football Fiesta at Jockey Farm Stadium saw more than 600 young players taking part in 85 teams, with 1,200 spectators. The finalists in each age group were: Under-8s: Tunbridge Wells 0 EMC Academy 0.

Tunbridge Wells Youth won 2-0 on penalties Under-9s: Rusthall Utd 2 EMC Blue 0 Under-10s: Rusthall City 0 EMC Blue 1 Under-11s: EMC Academy 1 Tunbridge Wells 0 Under-12s: Langton Green 2 Otford Utd 2, Langton won 2-1 on penalties Under-13s: Langton Green o EMC Elite o, Langton Green won 4-3 on penalties Under-14s: EMC Elite 2 Langton Green Giants 0 Under-15s: Eastbourne Borough 2 Rusthall Forever 1 CHAMPIONS: (Top to bottom) Rusthall Under-9s; Langton Green Under-12s; Tunbridge Wells Youth Under-8s

Sport

Wednesday May 30 | 2018

FIRM FOUNDATION Ryan Addison rebuilt the Cowdrey innings

Addison and Mutch save Cowdrey after rocky start Cowdrey 227-8 beat Addington 97 by 130 runs

By Stuart Clarke CRICKET: COWDREY are the only unbeaten side in Kent League Division Four after an impressive victory on a challenging Addington wicket.

Captain Anthony Mills lost his fourth toss in a row and the visitors were asked to bat first.

The top order was soon blown away by good bowling on a helpful surface.

Having been reduced to 61 for 5, Cowdrey’s Ryan Addison joined last week’s man of the match, wily veteran Glen Warner, and the pair looked to rebuild and post a competitive target.

They reached three figures before Warner was bowled for 17, another victim of variable bounce, and a further quick wicket left Cowdrey in disarray at 101 for 7.

But wicketkeeper Jack Mutch joined Addison

on the counterattack. They added 91 runs in 14 overs thanks to some powerful hitting by Mutch and elegant touch shots from Addison.

The former departed for 52 and it was left to Addison to provide the impetus and ensure the visitors reached 227 for 8.

He remained unbeaten on 78, an invaluable contribution considering the nature of the pitch and the early collapse.

The lower-order runs seemed to have rocked Addington and they were soon in trouble with Addison and Thom Brown among the wickets.

There were also fine catches held by Jack Southwart, Andy Hammond and Ashley Borella, off his own bowling.

Addington were bowled out for 91 in 31.2 overs.

Borella took 4 for 11 and Glen Warner 2 for 22, while man of the match Addison returned 3 for 32 in an outstanding all-round display Cowdrey lead the table by nine points – but next week they welcome second-placed Walmer to Swanmead.

Westwell and Gatehouse selected for British team SAILING: SIX young Optimist sailors from Bewl Barbarians Sailing Club [BBSC] aged 11 to 15 compete with the top 80 sailors in the country at Weymouth for the opportunity to represent Britain in the World and European Junior Series.

After a tricky four days of sailing in light winds, Freddie Westwell finished in fifth place and was selected for the Worlds team.

His club mate Jamie Gatehouse came sixth and

OPTIMISTIC FUTURE Freddie Westwell (left) and Jamie Gatehouse

was picked for the Europeans team.

Among the other Barbarians, Thicome BironMonnier came 11th, Jesse Kibble 15th, Charlie Gatehouse 17th and Saskia Levy Dethmers 32nd.

BBSC Chairman Will Gatehouse said: “With a further three sailors in the top 20 they have certainly put Bewl back on the map for junior sailing.”

If you would like to sail at Bewl, visit www.bbsc. org.uk or email SEYouthSailing@gmail.com

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Team GB make a splash for Down syndrome swimmers SWIMMING: TEAM GB’s Down syndrome “We are very proud of our fully accessible swimmers held a training camp and team facilities and are sure the training camp will help building event at Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre inspire other young people in the local area to get before heading off to the World Championships. involved in more sport.”

Among their number is 22-year-old RTW Monson To find out more about Down Syndrome club’s Jemima Rudd-Jones, who won a medal at Swimming Great Britain follow them on Twitter @ the European Championships in Paris last year.

DSSGB1 and Facebook @DSSGBofficial The team is looking strong after their success in France, and they had just POOL OF TALENT returned from the first ever Down The British team are put syndrome open gala in Kosovo. through their paces The swimmers gather as a team at including RTW Monson’s least three times a year for additional Jemima Rudd-Jones training and to provide an opportunity (pictured bottom) for them, their parents and carers to meet and socialise.

The training camp was the last time the 40-strong team will gather before the World Championships in Nova Scotia, Canada in July.

The team also want to use their visit to the centre, which is managed by Fusion Lifestyle, to showcase the benefits of swimming and being part of a team to other young people with Down syndrome.

Neil Lacey, the Team GB manager, said: “Getting the team together at training camps is invaluable for us. It allows our swimmers and their escorts to meet outside of competition and I have no doubt these camps are contributing to the success we have been enjoying in recent times.”

Chloe Louch, General Manager of the Sports Centre, said: “We are very excited to have the Down syndrome Swimming Great Britain squad coming to our Tunbridge Wells Centre.