Times of Tunbridge Wells 11th January 2023

By Richard Williams

TAXPAYERS in Wealden are set to foot the bill for almost £500,000 in legal costs over poor decisions by its Planning Committees.

The figure was revealed in a report presented to the Cabinet at Wealden District Council (WDC) just before Christmas and covers just the second quarter of the 2022/2023 financial year.

The report, which has now been seen by the Times, shows that the Council is having to pay £440,000 in legal costs after it turned down planning applications that were later approved on appeal.

The figure is made up of £235,000 in legal and consultancy fees related to successful planning appeals by developers, and £145,000 in legal fees

connected to enforcement cases.

WDC is now expecting a black hole of £220,000 in its planning department’s budget, forcing it to pump more taxpayers’ money into the department, which had been expecting an £80,000 surplus.

into visitor accommodation, despite a similar application being approved in 2015.

The Planning Committee was warned by Council officers at the time that rejecting the plan on those grounds would leave WDC at risk of legal action, but it still went ahead and rejected the proposal.

It also follows the rejection of WDC’s Local Plan in 2020 – the document that shows where the Council is planning to build more homes.

The news follows a number of high-profile planning decisions last year.

In February, the Times reported how WDC turned down an application to convert a dilapidated hut at Bewl Water

The Council’s plan was found by the government’s Planning Inspector not to have fulfilled its obligation to meet housebuilding quotas and WDC also failed to communicate with other

Wealden planning appeals cost £440,000

councils over unmet housing needs in the area.

The rejection of the Local Plan means the Council cannot prove it is building enough homes over the next five years, which means it must have very good reasons to block developments.

Despite this, the Council’s Planning Committees have been continually rejecting planning applications, despite contrary advice from WDC’s council officers.

In August last year, WDC lost two appeals for 900 homes in the district, as well as a new medical centre, school and community centre, all of which the Planning Committee turned

down on highways and transport issues.

The Council was forced to withdraw its objections on appeal, after much expense to local taxpayers, as independent legal experts told them ‘they could not defend the indefensible’.

Profile

WDC has two Planning Committees that cover both the north and south of the district and are made up of elected councillors.

Colleagues have slammed their decisionmaking process.

Neil Waller, councillor for Crowborough South West and the Conservative’s cabinet member for

Finance and Benefits, said the Planning Committees now needed to ‘consider very carefully their decisions’.

He said: “Obviously we are aware recently of some very high profile, high-cost losses of planning appeals.

“This unfortunately is where it [the £440,000 legal bill] is reflected.

“I know there was a discussion at Council about [how] the Planning Committee should consider very carefully their decisions.

“Well, this is the financial impact of perhaps not very carefully considering their decisions,” Mr Waller explained.

“What it means overall is that we are now reporting a £300,000 adverse variance.”

A third of households in Tunbridge Wells have no mortgage and own home outright

By Richard Williams

MORE than a third of households in Tunbridge Wells do not have a mortgage and own their home outright, official figures released last week show.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and based on the 2021 Census, 33.9 per cent of households in the borough of Tunbridge Wells own their home outright.

Meanwhile, just under a third (32.3 per cent) were mortgage holders.

Locally, 43.3 per cent of households in Tonbridge & Malling, 44.7 per cent in Wealden and 38.3 per cent in Sevenoaks owned their home outright.

Homeowners

One in four local authorities in England and Wales had at least 40 per cent of households who own their home outright, the ONS said.

When it comes to total home ownership, whether owned outright or with a mortgage, 66.2 per cent of households in Tunbridge Wells were homeowners.

This compares to 72 per cent in Tonbridge, 73.4 per cent in Sevenoaks and 78.1 per cent in Wealden.

Nationally, Rochford in Essex had the highest proportion of households who either own their home outright or own it through a mortgage, at 81.2 per cent, followed by Castle Point in Essex (80.4 per cent) and Fareham in Hampshire (79.2 per cent).

The areas with the lowest levels were in London, with Tower Hamlets (25.7 per cent) lowest followed by Hackney (27.1 per cent), and Westminster (28.1 per cent).

When it comes to rental accommodation, a third of households (33.9 per cent) in Tunbridge Wells rented, with 19.3 per cent in private rented accommodation, while 14.6 per cent lived in social housing either rented from the local authority or a housing association.

Addresses

Wealden has the lowest percentage of households renting in the local area, with just 21.8 in rental accommodation, 8.4 per cent of which were in social housing and 13.4 per cent in private rental accommodation.

In Tonbridge, 27.9 per cent of households rent, with 15.4 per cent in social housing and 12.5 per cent in privately rented accommodation.

Sevenoaks has 26.6 per cent of households in rental accommodation of which 13.2 per cent is social housing and 13.4 per cent is private rented accommodation.

The proportion of households in Tunbridge Wells with a second home stands at 5.4 per cent.

Nationally, those spending time at second properties, such as holiday homes, students’ home addresses, and partners’ addresses, equated to 5.3 per cent of the population, according to the ONS.

The figures show that 4.3 per cent of households in Tonbridge, 4.5 per cent in Wealden and 4.5 per cent in Sevenoaks have second homes.

Man arrested after pensioner mowed down outside TWFC

By Robert Forrester

A PENSIONER has been left in a critical condition after being hit by a van outside the entrance to Culverden Stadium, home to Tunbridge Wells Football Club (TWFC) at the weekend.

The 75-year-old man was struck by a white Volkswagen Transporter in Culverden Down, shortly after 5.15pm on Saturday (January 7).

Careless

A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving, but Kent Police are still appealing for witnesses.

In particular, officers want to speak to football fans who may have witnessed the incident as it occurred as supporters would have been leaving the stadium after watching TWFC play Erith Town on Saturday.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, who are also keen to hear from anyone with dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage that may assist them.

Witnesses should contact the appeal line on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk

INCIDENT The pedestrian was hit near to the entrance of Culverden Stadium

Double success for the amputee turned down for compensation

By Victoria Roberts

A TUNBRIDGE WELLS man who had part of his leg amputated following a motorcycle accident but was told by insurers he didn’t qualify for compensation, is now celebrating a double success.

After being struck by an oncoming vehicle during his commute to work in August 2015, Hein Pretorius, who was 44 at the time, suffered a broken pelvis and two broken legs, as well as a broken femur. He eventually lost his right leg below the knee.

Compensation

The accident cost him his £50,000-a year hospitality job, but despite this he was turned down for compensation by his insurers Legal & General and Bright Grey (now Royal London), who said he needed to lose ‘two or more limbs’ to qualify.

Following this setback, Mr Pretorius has not only revitalised his career by becoming the new general manager at a popular Tunbridge Wells restaurant and bar, but has also gone on to win a silver medal in a world kayaking championship.

The father-of-three took over the running of The Beacon in Langton Green last year and also won a silver medal for Great Britain’s paracanoe team in the Marathon World Championships.

Speaking to the Times last week, he said during the five months he spent in hospital after his life-changing injuries, he came across

kayaking and canoeing on the internet.

“I’m originally from South Africa and coming from Cape Town, I was always involved in water sports – surfing, lifesaving, snorkelling, waterskiing, windsurfing. I was also in the navy when there was still national service,” he said.

He said he joined the Tonbridge Canoe Club and started competing on the Hasler Series national circuit of marathon canoeing.

He then found himself part of Team GB’s first paracanoe team in the Marathon World Championships in Portugal last autumn, winning silver in the KL3 Men’s Race, after just six weeks of training

“This was the first year there was a para-class in the world championship,” he said. “I was completely fearful I was going to come last. It’s quite a big deal to lose a leg but I never saw it as something that was going to stop me.”

He is now in training for next year’s Canoe Marathon World Championships in Vejen, Denmark, and is looking to get back to the ocean, aiming toward the Cape Point Challenge, a 52-km surfski paddling race in South Africa.

He also wants to inspire others. “I would like to start contributing to helping others,

January,

especially teenagers with life-altering disabilities who love sport, to become active again. To show them that patience, determination and a positive mindset can conquer any challenge. They can and will get there,” Mr Pretorius said.

Career

And his comeback has not been limited to sport. Hein was unable to work immediately after his accident, but has now managed to bring his career back from earlier heights working in top London restaurants. That journey started during his recovery in the hospital when Peter Cornwell, owner of The Beacon in Langton Green, came to see him.

“When he came to visit me in the hospital, I hadn’t even gone to have my prosthetic leg fitted,” Hein recalled. “But we talked about how I could make a contribution.”

He worked for The Beacon full-time for a year and remained involved for another five years, before returning to the restaurant as general manager this January.

“I did not get any financial benefit from insurance after the accident and as I have three children, I need to fulfil work commitments and ensure I am physically capable of that, so have set out to prove it and maintain a good level of mobility as much as possible.

“It’s been a journey of recovery and now the cherry on the top is the medal.”

Kent County Council increases Council Tax

COUNTY Hall is set to increase its share of Council Tax in April by five per cent – the maximum permissible without holding a referendum.

Kent County Council’s (KCC) proposed increase for a Band D property rises by around £73 a year.

This includes a three per cent rise for general council services and an increase in the adult social care levy of just under 2 per cent.

KCC receives around 70 per cent of Council Tax bills. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and local parish councils, which receive the rest, have yet to decide if they will increase their share.

Budget consultation

A SURVEY has been launched by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) as it prepares to set its budget for 2023/24.

The Council says it needs to determine how it can increase income and/or reduce costs to ensure it remains financially stable and would like to hear from as many residents, businesses, and local groups, as possible about how it might do this.

The consultation survey is available on the consultation page of the Council’s website (tunbridgewells.gov.uk) and is open until January 20, 2023.

New police deputy

KENT POLICE has appointed the former Borough Commander for Westminster as its new Deputy Chief Constable.

Peter Ayling led on a number of critical operations when he worked London’s Met police including in the aftermath of the Westminster terror attack.

He has carried out the role as Deputy Chief Constable on a temporary basis since October 2022 but now takes over the role permanently.

Chief Constable Tim Smith, who also only took office last year, said: “DCC Ayling has an incredibly strong background in local policing, public order, firearms command and strategic partnerships, both in Kent and in London.” DCC Ayling said he was ‘very proud, honoured and privileged’ to have been appointed as Deputy Chief Constable for Kent.

The

Recruitment Merry-Go-Round

It’s a known fact that recruitment really spikes in January, but why?

A number of organisations’ budgets restart at the turn of the year so where they may have held off their expansion plans in December, in January they can invest time in recruiting and training that new member of staff.

In December, understandably, many companies decide not to recruit as they are reluctant to bring someone on board when business is typically quietening down. In the lead up to the festive period some may question, why take on a newbie and have them not working for the best part of two weeks.

Additionally, the end of the year represents a busy time with Christmas parties and preparation for the big day, so training a new team member is often the last thing anyone wants to do.

This is the explanation from the clients engaging with us right now who are looking to find the next star.

From a candidate perspective, New Year’s Resolutions will often include a health kick, saving money and changing jobs- New Year, New Career! Since Tuesday 3rd January, we have been inundated with calls and CV’s from candidates who are determined to progress their career with a new employer, we love guiding them through the process and changing their lives for the better.

This is certainly an interesting time in business and the economy, we may be heading for a recession but there’s certainly no let-up in TN Recruits’ world of recruitment.

If you are a business looking to grow or a candidate seeking a move, please do contact us to see how we can help you during the recruitment merry-go-round.

01892 571105 neil@tnrecruits.com

‘It’s quite a big deal to lose a leg but I never saw it as something that was going to stop me’

ACCIDENT

Hein

Pretorius

after his accident in 2015 and (below) with his silver medal

DCC AYLING

From a public convenience to one of the South East’s most revered music venues

LOCAL LEGENDS

The Forum celebrates 30 years of live music

By Richard Williams

THE iconic music venue, The Forum is celebrating 30 years of bringing live music to Tunbridge wells this weekend.

Originally a public toilet, sitting on the edge of The Commons, the conversion to a music venue was the brainchild of musician and promoter Jason Dorman, along with friends Michael Oyarzabal, Peter Hoare and Mark Davyd.

Respected

The first act, Joeyfat, took to the stage on January 15 1993, with Jason Dorman playing bass. Since then, the former public convenience has become one of the most respected small music venues in the country.

Jason Dorman, who was awarded a Civic Medal by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in 2019 for his work at The Forum over the years,

remembers the early days of the venue and how the music business has changed.

He told the Times: “When we first started, vinyl was in, then it was CDs and downloads and now it’s streaming, but the one thing that has stayed the same all these years is the live music element.

“The way people purchase music has changed but the way we engage with it hasn’t and I don’t think that format will ever change.

“You cannot beat that shared, visceral experience of seeing live music in an intimate venue.”

As well as supporting well-known local artists, The Forum has hosted a raft of big-name acts over the years as they started out in their music careers, including Adele, Oasis, Muse and Coldplay.

Now, 30 years on, the 250-capacity venue is still going strong and continuing to win accolades.

In 2012, influential music magazine NME voted it Britain’s Best Small Venue.

As part of its 30-year anniversary celebrations, The Forum has a host of celebratory gigs taking over the next 12 months.

“There’s so much to celebrate, so rather than focusing on a particular week or month, we are turning next year into one long almighty celebration of The Forum,” said Jason.

“We will be bringing what we believe will be the strongest and most varied line-up the venue has ever seen.”

Established

Included in the programme will be Jason’s own teenage sons, who will set foot on the very same stage as their father did 30 years earlier.

Also coming up in the anniversary year will be renowned singer-songwriter Frank Turner who is taking a day out of his Sleeping Souls tour in January.

Other acts confirmed for 2023 are Goldie Looking Chain, Toploader, Dub Pistols, Dreadzone, The Skatonics and The Beat.

Alongside these established names, The Forum will be hosting loads of exciting new acts, such as Welsh indie punk band Panic Attack, who are frequently on BBC Radio 6 Music and have just toured with Yard Act.

The annual festival Unfest, the Tunbridge Wells

Festival and Local & Live will also

Literary

be hosted at the music venue in 2023. Molly Hatchet is also coming to play a show in the summer, alongside rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top and The Allman Brothers band. For more information on The Forum’s packed line-up for their 30th anniversary year, visit: twforum.co.uk

DEFINITELY MAYBE Oasis appearing at The Forum in 1994

Tunbridge Wells duo Slaves (now Soft Play) surf The Forum crowd

MEDAL WINNER Jason Dorman (and wife, Isobel) with his Civic Medal

New Year fireworks as local PR firm founder wins award

THE founder of a social media and digital marketing company in Tunbridge Wells has started 2023 with a bang after being named Female Leader of the Year in a prestigious awards ceremony.

Achievement

Kizzie Nicholson, founder of Social Fireworks, was presented with awards at The Business Show 2022 at the London Excel Business Show in December.

Awarded and judged by BBC’s The Apprentice winner, Harpeet Kaur, renowned M.D of Heart Centered Business, Anna Goodwin and Dr

Andrea Cullen who is the co-founder of CAPSLOCK Education.

This achievement was made even better by the two days the Social Fireworks team spent at the Business Show, meeting hundreds of business owners, talking about their new social media planners, and watching Kizzie deliver a productive marketing seminar to a crowded room of people.

Kizzie said: “I'm honoured to receive this award. Thank you to all those who have supported me and given me the chance to shine. Thank you to my team and our clients for letting me lead the way and show what can be achieved!”

Law firm strengthens its wills and estates division

LAW firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has welcomed Fiona Higgott as a Partner in its Wills, Estate and Tax Planning division.

Fiona joins from DMH Stallard, where she has spent the last 11 years. She brings with her a wealth of expertise in estate planning, including tax efficient wills, the creation of lifetime settlements, making Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs), utilising gifts out of excess income and the arrangement of estates to maximise Agricultural Relief (AR) and Business Relief (BR).

Experience

Her appointment will add further depth and breadth to the team, especially in terms of its offering to the agricultural sector, as Fiona has

significant experience in working with farming families, landowners and the rural community.

Commenting on Fiona’s appointment, Nicola Brant, Head of Estates, Tax and Succession at Thomson Snell & Passmore said: “I am thrilled to welcome Fiona to our award-winning team.

“Her specialist experience will add to and extend our existing expertise. We have ambitious growth plans for the division and she will play a pivotal role in helping us to achieve them.”

Fiona added: “It is wonderful to be joining a firm with such a unique heritage, as part of team which is so well respected in the industry.

“Thomson Snell & Passmore has a reputation for delivering excellent client service, which is something I am also passionate about.”

BIG BANG – Kizzie Nicholson, the founder of digital marketing company Social Fireworks was presented with The Business Show 2022’s Female Leader of the Year Award at Excel London

FIONA HIGGOTT

‘Why I’m sponsoring the Business Awards’

A BUSINESS owner has put her backing behind this year’s Times Business Awards as she ‘understands the challenges, hard work and commitment’ that local firms have undergone.

Although Gillian Palmer’s latest business is very new – The Finance Hub only opened in The Pantiles last March – its structure brings together established consultants, while Gillian herself is a serial entrepreneur and business owner.

This year’s awards take place on March 30. The Finance Hub has also started hosting financial and business literacy events, and it is due to these connections that Kent County Council chose it as the venue to relaunch the Kent and Medway Business Fund last November. Ms Palmer is now supporting the Best Business

Challenges

“As I have been in their position before, I understand the challenges, hard work and commitment it takes to grow and maintain a business of that size,” she added.

“These business owners are an inspiration to all of us.”

To enter this year’s Times Business Awards visit: timesbusinessawards.co.uk

Should auld acquaintance (not) be forgot

A PAST Times Business Awards winner made a nostalgic Twitter post in reply to a celebrity over the festive period – and got a reply from last year’s guest host.

Neil Simmons, whose firm TN Recruits won in the Best Business 1-25 Employees category last year, won something more when he replied to a Christmas post on Twitter by last year’s celebrity host Eamonn Holmes.

Happiness

Mr Simmons answered: “Great to meet you earlier this year Eamonn. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and health and happiness in 2023. Do give us a shout when you’re in Tunbridge Wells!”

His festive tweet, which included a picture of the two men at the Business Awards event in formal dress, won a reply and a personal

reminiscence from the Northern Irish media personality.

Mr Holmes tweeted back: “Was even plagued by back problems then too. Happy Christmas Neil”.

Mr Holmes has spoken publicly about his battle with chronic pain. The Times also wishes him good health in 2023.

WHICH IS THE BUSINESS AWARD CATEGORY FOR YOU?

SPONSORSHIP opportunities are still available for the 2023 Times Business Awards and gala dinner. Sponsors are encouraged to enter the Business Awards, but cannot enter the category that they sponsor.

Start-Up Business of the Year (Sponsor TBC) Companies founded since January 2021, which have really been attracting notice.

Creative Business of the Year (Sponsor TBC) This is a strong sector for Tunbridge Wells, covering the creative, design, marketing and PR sectors which have made our town their home.

Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by Charles Stanley) An entrepreneur is more than just a business person. Entrepreneurs turn their ideas into business opportunities and may run more than one company.

Green Business of the Year (Sponsored by Clarity Homes & Commercial) This new award category will recognise companies for their commitment to the environment, whether through reducing energy usage, ‘localising’ their supply chains or any other green initiatives.

Charity of the Year (Sponsor TBC) In this new award category, judges will analyse the charities and not-for-profit organisations which play such a positive role in the life of our area, looking for impact, sustainability and imagination.

Best in Food and Drink (Sponsored by NFU Mutual) This award is for the local companies producing or serving truly remarkable food and drink. Entries are welcomed from fine dining restaurants,

gastropubs, simple cafés and food and drink producers – any company which can demonstrate how it puts Tunbridge Wells or the local area on the map with its gastronomic excellence.

Best Family Business of the Year (Sponsored by Childrensalon) The judges will be looking for the business that best demonstrates how running a family business has added significantly to its competitive advantage. The winner will need to show how being a family business has had a positive impact on its achievements.

Best Business 1-25 Employees (Sponsor TBC) This award category is for the companies with a workforce of up to 25 which has maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, both meeting its customers’ expectations and supporting its employee’s welfare and growth.

Best Business 26+ Employees (Sponsored by The Finance Hub) Consistent growth, financial performance and an engaged, positive workforce are just some of the criteria that set these companies apart other medium to large businesses in the area.

Outstanding Business of the Year (Sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore) This award will reveal which company demonstrates the best combination of growth, ambition and quality of management in the area. The ‘outstanding’ company has delivered on a compelling business strategy, while developing its employees’ skills and looking after staff.

26+ Employees Award for the second year running and told the Times: “The reason I chose the 26+ employees category is due to admiration for the people who are building these companies and still – in these difficult times – are employing so many local people.

SPONSOR Gillian Palmer (left) of The Finance Hub pictured at last year’s awards

Tunbridge Wells charities among recipients of foundation’s £4million grant giveaway

Panto shows that the London Road is now paved with gold

By Sarah Carter

A KENT-BASED foundation secured funds worth over £4million during the last financial year, helping organisations, families and individuals in Tunbridge Wells.

Kent Community Foundation (KCF) helps channel funds from donors and funds including Comic Relief, the Big Lottery and Kent County Council, to grassroots charities and other good causes.

Last year it helped 538 charities and organisations across the county, as well as 500 families and individuals living in Kent, the foundation said in a report on its financial year, released last week (January 2).

Donations

Donations to organisations supporting the elderly included £5,000 for Age UK Tunbridge Wells, £4,500 for Edenbridge Voluntary Transport Service and £3,000 for Groombridge Men’s Shed.

The Compaid Trust, which offers transport and digital skills training to both vulnerable adults and the elderly and isolated, received nearly

£22,000 worth of funding through separate grants.

Tunbridge Wells-based Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (DAVSS), which helps people over 16 years old in West Kent, benefited from £15,000.

Fegans, also based in the town, which provides counselling and parenting support for children and families, itself received support of £21,500.

Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, which applied under the ‘children and families’ and three other funds, received nearly £14,900.

Mental health and counselling services also received a boost, with West Kent Mind gaining over £26,000 from various funds.

Meanwhile, the Tunbridge Wells Counselling Centre received over £16,000 under the children, young people and families, and the vulnerable adult themes.

KCF Chief Executive Josephine McCartney said:

Community

TCP director Nell Price said: “When the previous venue in Southborough became too expensive to

could work with us to put on such a great community event. We’re very grateful to the Tunbridge Wells Youth Football Club for having us in their new football pavilion in Southborough.”

Familiar faces on stage include Martin Collis as Thomas the Cat, ‘Dame’ Edd Price as Fanny Fitzwarren and Cheryl Crouch playing the evil Queen Rat.

Put on your travelling boots and hit the road with Dick and ‘Thom’ Cat on their quest to rid Southborough of the rotten rats…

FUNDING Chief Executive Josephine McCartney (front row, third from right) with the KCF team

DICK Whittington is making a triumphant return to Southborough, where the A26 London Road is paved with gold and the rats are on the run. Putting 29 years of performances in Tonbridge behind them – non-profit theatre company, The Community Pantomime (TCP) have come back to the town with the support of a local sports club.

COOL CATS The Community Pantomime

Crowborough ladies’ choir calls for fun-loving singers

Hancock loses party whip as he heads to I’m a Celebrity… jungle

FORMER health secretary Matt Hancock has signed up to join I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! which has cost him the party whip.

quit as health secretary after breaking coronavirus lockdown rules by conducting an affair in his ministerial office, has had the Conservative Party whip removed after news of his plans to join the ITV show reached Westminster.

conversation with Matt Hancock, I have considered the situation and believe this is a matter serious enough to warrant suspension of the whip with immediate effect.”

By Victoria Roberts

Human

funerals, and have even sung at a hen party.

Generosity swells this Christmas for the RNLI

Worst month for manufacturers in over two years

A loss of the party whip means Mr Hancock is no longer part of the Parliamentary Conservative Party and will sit as an independent MP until the whip is restored – if it ever is.

A CROWBOROUGH-based female voice choir is looking for members as they enter the New Year ready to raise money for charity.

The ‘Singing for Fun’ choir sing a variety of music, from Bizet to Bernstein and Lloyd Webber to Vaughan Williams, together with Fauré, Tchaikovsky, Karl Jenkins and John Rutter.

Events Co-ordinator Rosemary Wilson said: “It’s not all work, either, as we have a social get together at the beginning of the summer break and a Christmas meal in January, as it is too busy in December.

This year, the celebrities return to the Australian jungle for the first time since 2019. For the past two years, the ITV show has taken place in Wales due to Covid regulations.

The ladies sing in two, three or four parts, performing some music a cappella, while other pieces are accompanied by pianist Mike Aston.

He is not the first MP to lose the party whip for appearing on the show. Nadine Dorries was stripped of the Conservative Party whip for appearing on the show in 2012 but was later readmitted into the Tory party.

Most of the cast for the 2022 edition of show has been announced, and includes DJ Chris Moyles, royal family member Mike Tindall and Loose Women star Charlene White.

“Last year’s theme was ‘Platinum Jubilee’. There was a prize for the best outfit, lots to eat, and the lovely surroundings of a local garden.”

“We don’t hold auditions and the ability to read music is not a requirement as the husband of one of our members painstakingly puts all the parts of all our songs on our website so you just download and listen,” explained Ms Wilson.

Charity

An ally of Mr Hancock said: “There are many ways to do the job of being an MP.

“Whether he’s in camp for one-day or three weeks, there are very few places people will be able to see a politician as they really are.

Solo parts are also available for the brave.

Although Singing for Fun holds two charity concerts a year at the United Church in Croft Road, Crowborough, they are sometimes asked to sing at other events, such as weddings and

“Where better to show the human side of

Mr Hancock was among supporters of Rishi Sunak who welcomed the new leader to Conservative headquarters last week but was overlooked for a ministerial job under the new Prime Minister.

The choir meets on Monday evenings in the United Church, gathering at 7:15pm and rehearsing from 7:30pm to 9pm.

He had also reportedly been considering the role of chair of the Treasury Select Committee but pulled out on Monday.

For more information visit: singingforfun crowborough.com or contact the choir chair Maureen on 01892 663764.

THE Pembury branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) saw donations surge to £1,108 – up 12 per cent since the previous year’s collection on the same date.

Its December 21 collection took place in the same location as South East Water’s emergency bottled water station in the run-up to Christmas. The RNLI collection was carried out by 13 volunteers working one-hour shifts.

Boost

Branch chairman Peter Chartres said: “Around mid-morning, donations were being received at the rate of £2.35 per minute.”

However, he said the use of the contactless card donation machines was probably a bigger boost to funds than the crowds of people waiting for water supplies.

“Everyone was queuing for water and it caused

a bit of a traffic jam outside,” he explained.

“Thirty-eight per cent of donations were received via PDQ (contactless card) machines, up from 18 per cent a year ago.

“That would indicate that people are using their cards more,” he said.

But the 12 per cent increase in the amount raised continues to be a source of wonder to the charity.

“People seem to be still very generous. In a downturn, they are still willing to give,” said Mr Chartres.

“This most welcome 12 per cent increase in funds raised shows a continuing strong support from our local community for the important work of the RNLI, saving lives at sea and around our coasts.”

The RNLI receives no government funding, so is dependent on volunteer fundraising and legacies to keep it running.

Price rises were reported for chemicals, electronics, energy, food, metals, packaging, paper and timber.

ITV show alongside Seann Walsh and Boy George, when I’m a Celebrity returns to ITV on Sunday (November 6) at 9pm.

PLATINUM FUN Choir members celebrating last year’s Jubilee

Shapps on collision course with unions over his minimum service levels laws

UNIONS and ministers are on course for a fresh clash after Grant Shapps set out new laws requiring minimum levels of service from ambulance staff, firefighters and railway workers during industrial action.

The proposals were condemned as unworkable and illegal by unions, who warned it would ‘poison industrial relations’ and lead to more walkouts.

Coverage

Business Secretary Grant Shapps said the plans were in line with laws in other European countries and would ‘protect the lives and the livelihoods of the British people’.

Details of the minimum service levels which will need to be maintained during strikes have yet to be set out.

Mr Shapps said the Government would consult on what an ‘adequate level of coverage’ would be in fire, ambulance and rail services.

He said: “The British people need to know that when they have a heart attack, a stroke or a serious injury, that an ambulance will turn up and that if they need hospital care they have access to it.”

The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill will also cover education, border security and nuclear decommissioning sectors, but Mr Shapps said he hoped that agreements could be reached with unions in those workplaces to avoid having to use the legislation’s powers.

The Business Secretary told MPs the ambulance strike involving tens of thousands of staff in England and Wales underlined the need for the legislation.

He said that while the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) had agreed service coverage on a national level for its strike, paramedics and ambulance drivers had not done so, meaning that “health officials were left guessing at the likely minimum coverage” putting “lives at risk”.

With around 25,000 ambulance workers due to go on strike again on Wednesday, Mr Shapps told MPs there would be ‘patchy emergency care’ as a result, adding: “This cannot continue.”

A spokesman for the GMB union, which represents some of the ambulance workers taking action, said it was an ‘extraordinary attack’ by Mr Shapps.

“He surely knows that across NHS trusts, GMB members, who care for the public every single day, work closely with employers to provide appropriate cover on strike days and have left picket lines to help out on urgent calls,” the

spokesman said.

“The public know who is to blame for the crisis in our NHS – this government. And people will be disgusted that, in a matter of months, they have gone from clapping health workers to legislating to sack them.”

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Oliver Dowden, who is co-ordinating the Government’s response to the strikes, warned Cabinet colleagues that the planned ambulance strikes would be ‘challenging’.

Trades Union Congress (TUC) general secretary Paul Nowak warned the minimum service legislation would risk further strikes.

“This legislation would mean that, when workers democratically vote to strike, they can be forced to work and sacked if they don’t comply. That’s undemocratic, unworkable, and almost certainly illegal,” he said.

“Let’s be clear, if passed, this Bill will prolong disputes and poison industrial relations –leading to more frequent strikes.”

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack called for ‘a mass movement of resistance to this authoritarian attack’.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This Bill is another dangerous gimmick from a government that should be negotiating to resolve the current crisis they have caused.”

Punish

Frank Ward, interim general secretary at the TSSA transport union, said the plans were ‘wrong, unworkable, and almost certainly illegal’, adding: “Our union totally opposes this move to bring in what amounts to further draconian anti-strike laws which are a clear attack on the rights of working people in our country.”

Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT transport union, said: “The only reason this draconian legislation is being introduced is because they have lost the argument and want to punish workers for having the temerity to demand decent pay and working conditions.”

In her response to Mr Shapps, deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said: “The public is being put at risk every day due to the Government’s NHS crisis and staffing shortages. He is right that it is his government’s duty to protect the public’s access to essential services, but livelihoods and lives are already being lost.

“We all want minimum standards of safety, service and staffing. It is the ministers failing to provide it.”

LEGISLATION

Grant Shapps in the Commons on Tuesday

Monday

Cranbrook

Cranbrook Rugby Cricket Club

Angley Road

Cranbrook, TN17 2PN

Monday 7.30pm Call Debbie 07789776887

Tuesday

Tunbridge Wells

St Peters Church Hall

Bayhall Road, TN2 4UX

Tuesday 9.30am Call Susie 07717177892

Cranbrook

Cranbrook Rugby Cricket Club

Anglet Road

Cranbrook, TN17 2PN

Tuesday 9.15am & 11am Call Debbie 07789776887

Rusthall

St Pauls Primary School

Entrace Via Gladstone Road, TN4 8RZ

Tuesday 5.30pm & 7pm

Call Jesse 07710549334

Crowborough

Crowborough Community Centre

Pine Grove, TN6 1FE

Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm

Call Beckie 07948352691

Wednesday

High

Brooms

St Lukes Church Hall

Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9JH

Wednesday 5.30pm & 7pm Call Jesse 07710549334

Ramslye

St Marks C of E Primary School Ramslye Road, TN4 8LN Wednesday 7pm Call Susie 07717177892

Thursday

Crowborough

All Saints Church Hall Church Road, TN6 1ED

Thursday 9.30am, 11am, 5.30pm & 7pm Call Mary 07738014528

Friday

Crowborough

All Saints Church Hall Church Road, TN6 1ED

Friday 9.30am & 11am Call Mary 07738014528

Saturday

Tunbridge Wells

St Barnabas Primary School Quarry Road, TN1 2EY Saturday 8am & 9.30am Call Jesse 07710549334

First UK rocket launch ends in failure after suffering ‘anomaly’

AN ATTEMPT to make British space history by launching a rocket into orbit from UK soil has ended in failure after suffering an “anomaly” during the flight.

After taking off from Cornwall, the Virgin Orbit plane flew to 35,000ft over the Atlantic Ocean where it jettisoned the rocket containing nine small satellites towards space.

Organisers of the Start Me Up mission said the rocket – with a variety of civil and defence applications – failed to orbit.

In a series of tweets, Virgin Orbit said: “We appear to have an anomaly that has prevented us from reaching orbit. We are evaluating the information.

Payloads

“As we find out more, we’re removing our previous tweet about reaching orbit. We’ll share more info when we can.”

Early on Tuesday morning, Virgin Orbit issued a statement which said: “Out of five LauncherOne missions carrying payloads for private companies and governmental agencies, this is the first to fall short of delivering its payloads to their precise target orbit.”

“While we are very proud of the many things that we have successfully achieved as part of this mission, we are mindful that we failed to provide our customers with the launch service they deserve,” chief executive Dan Hart added.

“The first-time nature of this mission added layers of complexity that our team professionally managed through; however, in the end a technical failure appears to have prevented us from delivering the final orbit.”

While engineers tried to establish what went wrong, the plane returned to Spaceport Cornwall safely.

The plane, dubbed Cosmic Girl, took off on

Monday night from Cornwall Airport with hundreds of members of the public watching and over 75,000 viewing a live stream of the event.

Matt Archer, from the UK Space Agency, said the second stage of the launch suffered an ‘anomaly’, which the cause of was under investigation.

“In effect the rocket has not reached the required altitude to maintain its orbit or deploy the satellites and therefore the mission was unsuccessful,” he said.

“Over the coming days, there’ll be an investigation involving the Government and various bodies, including Virgin Orbit, to make sure we understand what caused that technical failure and again we’ll work out what to do next following that.”

He said the first stage burn would have got the rocket into basic orbit but a second stage was needed to put it 500km above the earth

“That didn’t happen tonight and what you have seen is that it has reached space but hasn’t reached the required orbit,” he said.

The rocket was likely to burn up on re-entry to earth but was projected to land over water.

Amazon to shut three of its UK warehouses

AMAZON has revealed plans to shut three UK warehouses in a move which will impact 1,200 jobs.

The company has launched consultations over the closure of sites in Hemel Hempstead, Doncaster, and Gourock in the west of Scotland. All workers at the sites will be offered roles at other Amazon locations.

Fulfilment

The online technology giant has also revealed plans for two new major fulfilment centres in Peddimore, West Midlands, and Stockton-onTees, County Durham, which will create 2,500 jobs over the next three years.

Around 500 employees currently work at Amazon’s Hemel Hempstead site, and will all be offered roles at its nearby Dunstable warehouse or other nearby locations.

The consultations will involve around 400 staff at its Doncaster site in Balby Carr Bank, who the company plans to transfer to its two other

fulfilment centres at Doncaster’s iPort.

The proposals will also affect around 300 workers currently based at the Gourock site.

It is understood these proposals are separate from Amazon’s plan to cut around 18,000 jobs worldwide as part of a drive to cut costs.

A spokesman for the company said: “We’re always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees and customers.

“As part of that effort, we may close older sites, enhance existing facilities, or open new sites, and we’ve launched a consultation on the proposed closure of three fulfilment centres in 2023.

“We also plan to open two new fulfilment centres, creating 2,500 new jobs, over the next three years.

“All employees affected by site closure consultations will be offered the opportunity to transfer to other facilities, and we remain committed to our customers, employees, and communities across the UK.”

DIRECTOR Matt Archer

Greg Clark

Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells

There must be a reckoning for South East Water after failures

THE purpose of a water supply company is to supply water to its customers. Yet for over 8 days before Christmas, South East Water – our local supplier – left thousands of households in and around Tunbridge Wells without that basic necessity.

The week before Christmas should have been a festive and enjoyable time when many households were able to welcome other family members to stay for the first time in three years, following Covid. Yet for many it turned out to be a time of stress and anxiety and squalor in which they were not able to bathe, wash dishes or clothes for days, the end of which was uncertain. For some households, this was not the first time they had endured their water supply being cut off. During the floods in November, many people went without water too.

I had daily meetings with South East Waster during this time and from them I was able to discover the engineering reasons for these outages. The floods in November had put out of action water treatment works at Groombridge and Tonbridge, and a power cut had halted supplies from Bewl Water.

This meant that one of the main holding reservoirs that supplies Tunbridge Wells – an underground facility on the Pembury Road – fell to less than 20% of its capacity. When the icy spell hit in December, with the water leaks from burst pipes that this entailed, the reservoir was

too low to supply the population that relied on it, and could not refill because as much water was being taken out as was being put in.

In my view, this is an explanation but in no way an acceptable excuse. It is obvious that a local water network that can fail so badly in response to heavy rain and an icy spell is not nearly resilient enough.

Overwhelmed

A further failing of South East Water during this emergency was the incident response to customers. Obviously people cannot survive without water, and so getting emergency supplies to people affected is imperative.

Yet for many days the only distribution point for bottled water was in the car park of Tesco at Pembury. At times that became totally overwhelmed, causing gridlock in the roads around. Indeed, South East Water and our community have reason to be grateful to Jon Briley and Justin Alexander, the local Tesco managers for allowing their car park to be used despite it causing severe disruption to their trade in the busiest week of the year for the store.

Of course, as anyone with a knowledge of Tunbridge Wells knows, Tesco’s at Pembury is a long way from many of the properties affected to the south and west of the town, like Hawkenbury and Langton Green. And the Pembury Road is

probably the most notorious in Tunbridge Wells for congestion, even at the best of times. It took several days of pressure from me and the Chief Executive of the Borough Council for another, more central, site to be opened at the Salvation Army HQ, by kind permission of Captains Graeme and Zoe Smith.

To my immense relief supplies were finally resumed on December 23, though many properties suffered a loss of water from airlocks and local burst pipes even after then. And it was too late to save Christmas for the pubs, cafes, hotels and restaurants who had to cancel bookings for the customers they expected during

last month and it cannot be repeated. I have been granted a debate next Tuesday in the House of Commons on the performance of South East Water, to which the Minister will respond. Through that I will demand that the company and the water regulator act immediately on an number of fronts.

Compensation must be paid to businesses and residential customers who were affected by the disruption. It should go beyond the statutory minimum and reflect the cumulative and aggravated impact of rolling cuts to supply over many days. I have also asked that South East Water should make a contribution to our wider community to reflect the disruption caused to our whole area.

Assessed

We also need an urgent plan to increase the security of out supplies against things that have the potential to disrupt them – whether power cuts, floods or freezing weather. I have asked the company for all options to be assessed and any that can be fast-tracked to be brought forward now.

South East Water exists for one reason only –to reliably supply water to our homes and businesses. They have failed to do so. If they cannot give us unambiguous reason to have confidence that this will not happen again in the future they should be removed from their role.

of this notice. A Guide to Masking Representations is

Greg Clark was first elected MP for Tunbridge Wells in 2005. He has held a number of positions in Government, including Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. He is currently Chairman of the Commons’ Science and Technology Committee

And another thing…

We call on Arriva to think again over bus cuts

AS LABOUR Councillors for Rusthall and Sherwood wards we are dismayed at the cuts in bus services that Arriva is proposing to make to routes in Tunbridge Wells.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic we have observed a gradual decline in the punctuality and frequency of services provided by Arriva.

Now, because residents have been using the buses less during this difficult period, Arriva proposes to further slash services in the town, particularly the 277 and 281.

These vital routes serve some of the lowest income households in our areas. Many of these residents are car-free households and elderly. It will be those who have no alternative who will be impacted the most.

The 277 Sherwood to Tunbridge Wells Town Centre is the only service that connects the area with the town.

Cuts here will further increase the isolation that many face. Stopping Sunday services to Knights Wood cuts off entirely a major leisure complex to all without a car.

The 281 connecting Rusthall and High Brooms with the town centre faces the loss of early morning and evening services.

We are very concerned about the impact for those who work shift and

We are grateful for your support

anti-social hours, who rely on these services to get to their place of work.

As documented by the recent organised ‘Reclaim the Night’ walk by two Rusthall residents, women feel unsafe at night and will have far fewer options to get home. Faced with the alternative of high taxi fares, many instead may choose to walk regardless of the consequences for their safety.

Any cuts in bus services when we face a climate emergency and a need to move to more sustainable forms of transport is extremely disappointing.

The timing of these cuts is also terrible, given the introduction of a trial £2 capped single fare until 31 March 2023.

We call on Arriva to think again. Re-instate service levels to those in place pre-Covid. Work harder to encourage more passengers to use buses with a more reliable and affordable service.

These cuts will have a highly negative impact for the well-being of all residents at a time when we need improve air quality and reduce the appalling congestion we’ve seen in recent months.

Cllrs Hugo Pound and Shadi Rogers (Sherwood) and Cllr Alex Britcher-Allan (Rusthall), Labour

Cllrs Hugo Pound and Shadi Rogers (Sherwood) and Cllr Alex BritcherAllan (Rusthall), Labour

One of the familiar sights and sounds of Christmas is The Salvation Army band playing in Calverley Road during Christmas. We have been privileged to do this for many years, even managing a small group during the pandemic. As always the people of Tunbridge Wells have been incredibly generous and during our collection on December 3 they supported our work to the sum of £2,247.32 including credit card donations.

We are, of course, so grateful for the community’s ongoing support of our work as we seek to help vulnerable people of all ages within the borough.

Captain Graeme Smith The Salvation Army

Water company’s apology was ‘hollow’ Your coverage of the water outages before and after Christmas is well presented (Times, January 4). However, the apology from South East Water (SEW) is rather hollow, given that they simply blame the weather; the heat in the summer and the cold in the winter.

Alas, we heard these same excuses in the 1980s, when water companies were overseen by councils and where we paid water rates.

So, it was considered best to privatise these companies as they would have the funds to make better investments in water supply and removal. We now see that instead of fixing the

supply they have paid out £65.9billion in dividends and borrowed as much as £54billion; much of the money raised through water bills.

In fact, it was reported that one company actually paid out 124 per cent of its profits in bonuses & dividends, which is unsustainable. Despite the boast of SEW that they have laid new pipes every time we have a burst water main, they fix with a ‘sticking plaster’, rather than replacing complete sections.

Since the 1980s pipes are made from a mix of materials that are far more robust and can withstand extremes of weather, so blaming weather events for damage is ridiculous.

OFWAT seem paralysed in sorting things, so it’s down to customers to make their feelings known to these companies and hope they listen.

John Pearce Tunbridge Wells

South East Water has a ‘moral duty’ Following the dreadful problems at the hands of South East Water (SEW) in the run- up to Christmas, it was heartening to see that Greg Clark is determined to ensure that SEW finalise, as a matter of urgency, a fully developed plan to ensure that a robust infrastructure is now restored to make sure these failings never occur again.

Whilst it was fine to hear that the company is ‘passionate’ about providing the best possible service to its customers, who have no other

option but to use this supplier, there remains a deep suspicion that the company, with one eye on its shareholders, will be content to let this nightmare gradually become a distant memory until the next crisis blows up through lack of immediate attention.

SEW enjoys a monopolistic position: it has a moral duty to now get down to some serious short and medium term planning which it should immediately commit to and share with its customers by the middle of this year.

David Hudson

Crowborough

Time to talk about mental health

As we enter the New Year, it’s never been more important to talk about our mental health. We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis which is only likely to worsen. This, on top of the fall-out from the Covid-19 pandemic, means it’s essential that we now look out for each other and our mental health.

We know that talking about our mental health can help us feel less alone, more able to cope and encouraged to seek support if we need to.

That’s why we are holding Time to Talk Day on Thursday 2 February 2023. This is the nation’s biggest conversation about mental health. Last year, nearly two million conversations were generated.

We are asking you and your readers to make space in the day for a conversation about mental health. Whether that’s texting a friend, chatting to a colleague or neighbour, or raising awareness in your community.

Sophie Corlett, Interim CEO of Mind

Mark Winstanley, CEO Rethink Mental Illness Rebecca Birkbeck, Co-op

CARTOON BY PEPPY:

( Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)

PEPPY SAYS...

CNK NORTH KENT COLLEGE

EDUCA TION Times

Learning beyond the classroom

Education is not just for school and college pupils. Kent Adult Education speak to the Times and explain some of the skills and learning available for adults...

Is 2023 time for you to try learning something new?

BRING in 2023 with Kent Adult Education. Now is the ideal time to think about your goals and ambitions for this year.

KAE have a wide variety of exciting courses starting now that will give you plenty of tempting options to explore.

Try something new, take up a challenge, find a hobby or your passion, learn new skills, gain qualifications, and meet new people. The possibilities are almost endless.

A new year, a new you

GIVE yourself a new aim or challenge to focus on.

With our range of courses starting now, you can’t make the excuse of not being able to find something to try your hand at.

If there’s always been a course you’ve thought about doing or you really want to do more with your spare time, now is the perfect time to take a look and enrol.

The choice is all yours

KAE offer courses in a vast array of subjects; Arts, Craft, Fitness & Wellbeing, Languages, English & Maths and more, plus don’t forget to check out the exciting Limited Editions range.

With courses in the evenings, at weekends and during the day, you can fit your ideal course in to your lifestyle.

From one day courses to accredited courses, whether you are a beginner or someone who wants to excel with an advanced course, you can find one that’s at the right level for you to flourish.

Range of learning options

YOU can choose how you want to learn, with the option of doing a course online. These are delivered via Zoom and are easy to access with a smartphone, tablet, laptop, PC and an internet connection or Wi-Fi.

In centre courses are delivered across Kent in Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dartford, Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Gravesend, Maidstone, Margate, Sevenoaks, Sittingbourne, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells so you have plenty of options wherever you live or work.

More value and rewards

JOIN one of the two KAE loyalty schemes, Premium Club for those aged 19-59 and Club60 for those 60+ and you’ll have opportunity to get discounts on future enrolments.

Alternatively, you may be able to benefit from a newly expanded range of concessions to make your course cheaper.

It may also be possible to spread the cost of your course by paying by standing order and spreading the payments over time.

Reach your full potential with KAE, the heart of adult learning in Kent.

With wide ranging and diverse courses to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for you.

Your new year starts here. Book your course today with Kent Adult Education. Visit Kent kentadulteducation.co.uk/ new-courses or call 03000 41 22 22

Don’t miss North Kent College and Hadlow College 2023 Open Events

CHOOSING which college to attend is one of the most exciting and important decisions you will make.

The course you choose now will help shape your future career and North Kent College is committed to helping you make the right choice.

Campuses

North Kent College's portfolio consists of five campuses in Dartford, Gravesend, Hadlow includes Greenwich Equestrian centre (rural and land-based) and Tonbridge.

All of the campuses serve their local communities, and each individual campus has its own unique identity – but

together they all offer a broad range of programmes, enrichment and progression opportunities.

Committed to providing students with the best learning experience possible, North Kent College welcomes all students, whether joining from school or college, or returning from a break in their studies.

The college's work with employers and the local community leads to many wide ranging and diverse progression opportunities, something which is evident throughout its website in several testimonies from current and past students who share their journeys and chosen career paths.

FIND OUT WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Join North Kent College for its upcoming open events in January and February to find out more about your next steps after Year 11.

Dartford: Tuesday, February 21st– 3:30 –7:00pm

Gravesend: Thursday, February 23rd – 3:30

– 7:00pm

Tonbridge: Tuesday, February 28th – 3:30 – 7:00pm

Hadlow College and Greenwich Equestrian Centre: Saturday, January 28th - 10am – 1pm

Pre-register now on the North Kent College website here OR pre-register for the Hadlow College events here.

NKC > northkent.ac.uk/news-events/events

Hadlow > hadlow.ac.uk/news-events/events

Divorce is difficult, on so many levels. But, as lawyers who help families untie bonds and reshape their future, we see the opportunity it brings for people to move on, equipped for the next phase in their lives. One common myth we’re always keen to dispel is that divorce will be an entirely negative and hostile experience. The truth is that it doesn’t have to be. Our experience allows us to guide you on some important steps you can take to help alleviate the impact on you of the divorce/separation process:

Divorce is difficult, on so many levels. But, as lawyers who help families untie bonds and reshape their future, we see the opportunity it brings for people to move on, equipped for the next phase in their lives.

One common myth we’re always keen to dispel is that divorce will be an entirely negative and hostile experience. The truth is that it doesn’t have to be.

HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE AROUND YOU

The introduction of “no-fault” divorce in April last year has removed the necessity to play the blame game, but there are still some important steps you can take to help alleviate the impact of the divorce/ separation process on you and your family:

HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE AROUND YOU

Surround yourself with people who’ll help and support you. Friends and family really come into their own at times like these, so lean on those that truly have your back. Seek out the right legal and financial help, too. Divorce can be a long and intense process, so it’s worth investing time in finding professionals you click with.

BE PREPARED

Go into divorce with your eyes wide open. That means

Surround yourself with people who’ll help and support you. Friends and family really come into their own at times like these, so lean on those that truly have your back. Seek out

the right legal and financial help, too. Divorce can be a long and intense process, so it’s worth investing time in finding professionals you click with.

BE PREPARED

understanding what the process will involve, as well as what divorce will mean for you and your family. It also means getting your financial affairs in order. While divorce settlements are sometimes based on a ‘broad brush’ division of assets, time will need to be spent documenting those things owned jointly (the house, for example), and those owned separately - investments and valuables, perhaps. The earlier you can get your paperwork organised (and don’t be afraid to ask for help), the better able your solicitor will be to start working towards getting you the best outcome.

CONSIDER MEDIATION

Go into divorce with your eyes wide open. That means understanding what the process will involve, as well as what divorce will mean for you and your family. It also means getting your financial affairs in order. While divorce settlements are sometimes based on a ‘broad brush’ division of assets, time will need to be spent documenting those things owned jointly (the house, for example), and those owned separately - investments and valuables, perhaps.

Divorce doesn’t always need to be fought in the courts. Where two people are able and willing to work together to agree the terms of their divorce, mediation can be a great way of achieving a settlement. The mediator acts as an independent third party, helping a couple work through their issues and reach a resolution. The parties remain in control, as opposed to a judge imposing

CONSIDER MEDIATION

When two people are able and willing to work together to agree the terms of their divorce, mediation can be a great way of achieving a settlement. The mediator

terms. It can be quicker and less expensive than court. And the emphasis on collaboration can even begin to build bridges, which can be particularly important for those who need to maintain a more positive ongoing relationship with each other.

PUT YOUR CHILDREN FIRST

acts as an independent third party, helping a couple work through their issues and reach a resolution. The parties remain in control, as opposed to a judge imposing terms. It can be quicker and is much less expensive than court proceedings.

ACCEPT THAT DIVORCE WON’T BE EASY

PUT YOUR CHILDREN FIRST

Most separated parents are conscious of their children being caught in the middle of their relationship breakdown. But the reality of divorce is that children’s needs and wishes are not always met; parents can be easily and unintentionally distracted by fighting their own corner. Our advice is always to try to step into the child’s shoes.

Most separated parents are conscious of their children being caught in the middle of their relationship breakdown. But the reality of divorce is that children’s needs and wishes are not always met; parents can be easily and unintentionally distracted by fighting their own corner. Our advice is always to try to step into the child’s shoes. What would he or she want? What would be in his or her best interests? Sometimes this means backing down when you don’t want to, and that can be hard. But keep sight of the bigger picture.

We’re family lawyers who focus on helping clients get ‘good’ divorces - favourable outcomes and positive experiences. We’ll listen to what you want to achieve. We’ll find ways of getting what’s needed. And we’ll be alongside you, every step of the way.

Clients tell us that, during the most difficult parts of their divorce, they were spurred on by remembering ‘why’. That really is key. No one embarks on divorce lightly. They do it because their relationship is irreparable, despite best efforts. And they do it to find happiness elsewhere. Divorce is the stepping stone to getting there.

Contact us today to talk about your situation.

Contact us today to talk about your situation.

TUNBRIDGE

THOMAS MANSFIELD FAMILY LAWYERS

arts

Starting on January 21, visitors to Sissinghurst Castle can enjoy a free exhibition of local innovative artwork. Running until March 19, the show, which is entitled

From Little Acorns: Art Inspired at Sissinghurst, will feature a variety of art and will appeal to all ages.

Eileen Leahy finds out more about the exhibition…

On January 21, the historic Sissinghurst Castle, former home to writer Vita SackvilleWest and her diplomat husband Harold Nicolson, will host a two-month art exhibition.

The From Little Acorns: Art Inspired at Sissinghurst exhibition runs until March 19 and will showcase artwork that was created in the garden’s historic Gazebo in the summer of 2022.

The Gazebo was designed and erected by brothers Nigel and Benedict Nicolson in 1969 as a memorial to their late father Harold Nicolson, co-designer of the formal garden at Sissinghurst Castle alongside his

novelist wife Vita Sackville-West. It was within this structure, that Nigel wrote his most famous work, ‘Portrait of a Marriage’ (1973), which was inspired by the beauty, love and bonds that thread through Sissinghurst Castle’s formal garden and its history.

Last year the National Trust offered up the famous Gazebo to local artists so they too could be inspired by its views.

Dozens responded to the opportunity and it is these sessions which produced the impressive results which form the centrepiece of the From Little Acorns… show.

Held in Sissinghurst’s famous Oast exhibition space, the new show will

‘This exhibition is a celebration of local artistry and a love of nature’

‘I can lose myself here, inspired by the place’s history and the beauty that is seen in each season of the year’

THE GAZEBO

SISSINGHURST CASTLE

feature the work of 16 different artists who were shortlisted. The individual displays will include various mediums including abstract sculptures, poetry, photography and more. The exhibition space, along with its octagonal interpretation, mirror the shape of the full-size Gazebo for additional effect.

“This exhibition is a true celebration of local artistry and a love of nature, following in the footsteps of the garden’s creators author Vita Sackville-West and diplomat Harold Nicolson,” explains a spokesperson for the National Trust, who have owned the house and gardens since 1967.

When asked what inspires them the most about the famous castle and gardens, one of the exhibiting artists says: “I can lose myself in Sissinghurst, inspired by the history and the beauty that is seen in each season of the year. I can then reflect this in my artwork, using bright colours to mirror those of the flowers, and getting completely lost in nature.

From Little Acorns: Art Inspired by Sissinghurst runs from January 21 to March 19 and is open from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Entry to the exhibition is free (£4 standard car parking charge for non-National Trust members).

For more information visit: nationaltrust. org.uk/visit/kent/sissinghurst-castle-garden/ from-little-acorns-exhibition

‘Last year the National Trust offered up the famous Sissinghurst Gazebo to local artists so they too could be inspired by its views’

All images © National Trust

Wakanda Forever! Or perhaps not…

s a film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, is a mixed bag.

Is it a worthy successor to the original and highly successful Black Panther film? I honestly do not know. It had its moments, but for me they were few and far between.

MATTHEW DANN

again it’s in fits and starts.

I can’t help but feel that the action sequences are there to cover up where the story falters.

By the end, in a way I was glad it was over. There also seemed to be scenes added that in truth weren’t needed.

Following on from the muchloved original, whose star Chadwick Boseman tragically died at the age of just 43 in 2020, this film has some big shoes to fill.

Talent

Angela Bassett is magnificent. She commands your attention. Put simply, she is an extremely elegant, pure talent.

Letitia Wright also puts in a great performance. And as the main character of the movie, she does a great job of honouring Chadwick Boseman while taking over the reins.

Speaking of the late actor, there is a very touching and moving tribute to his memory in the film. It was nice to see, the wonderful talent that he was being remembered in this way.

As previously mentioned, the film itself is a mixed bag. The story is ok – there is a new bad guy to fight. It is a story of loss, vengeance, family and letting go.

The running time of the film is around 2hrs 40mins, and at times it felt slow. The story grinds to a near halt at points and when it does get going

There were other scenes that went on too long, as such they lost their meaning. This also added to the film feeling a bit too long and lacking in story.

At times, I felt as though they were put there to pad out the plot. If that is the case, all they have added to the film is time.

The main problem for me though, was behind the camera. During fight scenes the camera is often too close to the actors. As such, you can’t appreciate the fight choreography. Or the sequences to their fullest.

Clumsy

There is a chase sequence that felt too dark to fully enjoy.

Then there is the unnecessary use of slow motion. It felt clumsy, as though the filmmakers did not really know when and how to use it.

All in all, it’s a shame. There are very talented actors in this film that work hard to try and make something great to match the original.

Unfortunately, it is the team behind the camera that let this film down.

Wakanda Forever is currently playing at the Odeon in Tunbridge Wells at 19:20 each evening.

The Marvel sequel falls short in honouring the memory of the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, says Times Film Reviewer Matthew Dann...

Times Books Editor Victoria Roberts picks three new reads for the week

This week’s bookshelf features Pembury-based author Patrick Gillan’s charming tale of animal friendship, a stylish thriller set in the ruthless world of the New York fashion industry and an epic crime saga from Deepti Kapoor that explores the extremes of life in contemporary India…

Someone Had To Do It by Danielle & Amber Brown

Published in paperback by Piatkus, priced £9.99 (ebook £5.49). Available now

9/10

Artist pens a children’s book set in and around Pembury

A LOCAL artist and parish councillor from Pembury has written and illustrated a children’s book, set in and around the Tunbridge Wells village.

Patrick Gillan’s ‘The Hedgehog and the Crow’ is the story of a very mischievous Hedgehog and a very clever Crow, aimed at four to eight year olds.

Caring

Written and illustrated by Mr Gillan, all the events take place around the village of Pembury which in the book is called the village of Charming. The main theme running through the story is caring for our planet.

Readers will be familiar with many of the locations featured in the story, as well as Folly Wildlife rescue in Tunbridge Wells who help restore Hedgehog back to health after his calamitous adventure.

It also features Pembury Primary school and all the illustrations are drawn from sketches in and around the village of Pembury.

The book is available for £7.99 from: patrickgillan@ btinternet.com

This debut thriller about Brandi, a fashion intern in New York, grabs the reader until the very last page. It follows Brandi during her internship with Simon Van Doren, an exclusive designer, and Van Doren’s daughter, Taylor, who dislikes Brandi and wants to steal her boyfriend. Their lives collide when Brandi overhears something she shouldn’t have at a fashion party, putting her in a dangerous situation. Someone Had To Do It explores racism in an interesting way, with Brandi – a black woman – feeling out of place in the fashion world. The fresh and at times exceptionally funny dialogue, as well as the lively characters, add to the book’s fast pace.

Review by Miriam Kuepper

Age Of Vice by Deepti Kapoor

Published in hardback by Fleet, priced £20 (ebook £9.99). Available now

8/10

Age Of Vice is epic in all senses of the word – it’s long (clocking in at nearly 600 pages), spans different continents, and tells the stories of people living in extreme poverty as well as the super-rich. It begins in Noughties Delhi with a deadly car crash – a rich man’s car does the damage, but it’s lowly servant Ajay who takes the blame. Kapoor expertly weaves together the tales of various characters, focusing on Ajay – born into poverty and sold as a young boy, he soon works for the wealthy Sunny in Delhi before going to prison; Sunny, the swaggering son of a gangster who can’t quite figure out his place in life; and Neda, a young journalist who falls for Sunny. It paints a picture of greed, crime, violence and corruption in India, building to a towering crescendo.

The ending doesn’t feel entirely satisfying and at times the writing is slightly overwrought, but it’s still a captivating crime caper with realistic characters.

Review by Prudence Wade

How to eat well in order to beat the January blues

With January’s Blue Monday supposedly being the most depressing day of the year, most of us are looking for a pickme-up. The food we eat each day can affect how we feel and help give us a boost – but how does it actually impact our mood?

In recent years there has been a big increase in scientific research about the ‘gut-brain’ connection. It has been shown that signals travel from your gut to the brain via your nerves and the bloodstream. So, the food which you eat can directly impact your mood.

Three foods have been shown in scientific studies to have potentially mood-boosting properties. They are blueberries, oily fish and pumpkin seeds. To feel the benefits, these foods need to be included consistently in your diet each week. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your daily meals:

Blueberries

Blueberries can enhance brain function as well as your mood. Blueberries are rich in polyphenols (which are plant compounds with antioxidant properties).

Studies suggest eating around 80g per day (which is about two handfuls). Try to sprinkle them on top of your breakfast – they are tasty on muesli and porridge or add them to a smoothie with banana, Greek yoghurt and a bit of mint. They’re super easy to eat daily, and a great snack on the go.

Oily fish

Oily types of fish are a great source of both Omega 3 as well as vitamin D, both of which can be beneficial for helping enhance mood. Omega 3 is a good fat for our bodies and is an important building block for brain cells. Studies have found that people with anxiety and depression tend to have lower levels of Omega 3.

The best sources of Omega 3 come from ‘S.M.A.S.H’ fish, which stands for Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, and Herring. It’s suggested that eating a portion of oily fish three times a week is ideal to support good health.

Try baked salmon with vegetables, mackerel fishcakes, or you can even add anchovies cooked down into tomato sauces which is perfect for anyone not keen on the taste of oily fish.

Pumpkin seeds

These are a powerhouse of nutrients and also a great source of magnesium. The latter has been shown across many scientific studies to improve symptoms in individuals with anxiety and depression.

A 28g serving of pumpkin seeds (which is about four tablespoons) provides around 40% of the recommended daily requirement for an adult. Other great sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables such as spinach and whole grains like brown rice. It’s also worth knowing that both stress and alcohol can lower levels of magnesium in the body.

Pumpkin seeds are super versatile and can be used as a topping for soups, salads, porridge and muesli. They are also delicious as a snack and can be blended into dips like pesto or hummus.

I hope the above helps your efforts in beating the January blues and I wish you all a healthy and happy start to 2023!

I would always advise if are planning to make any changes to your diet, seek the support of a Registered Nutritional Therapist or speak with your GP to make sure these are right for you.

www.katherinepatonnutrition.co.uk

HEALTH BITE

Katherine Paton is a Registered Nutritional Therapist based in Tunbridge Wells, who also runs a busy practice online and in person in Biddenden.

She helps people feel happier and healthier so they have the energy to enjoy the things they love. It was through Katherine’s own health struggles that she decided to train as a Nutritional Therapist. Through her lifechanging journey, she has seen first-hand how transformative nutritional therapy is both for herself and her clients. Katherine offers a free 15-minute introductory call – if you would like to find out more head to her website: www.katherinepatonnutrition.co.uk

www.berryandlamberts.co.uk

Paton

KATHERINE PATON

©

Kika Mitchell Photography

Dame Kelly Holmes has the best advice for beating your New Year health goals

As many of us vow to kick start the New Year by getting fitter, local double-Olympic

champion, Dame Kelly Holmes, says the secret to achieving what you want in 2023 could simply be more self-belief…

“I THINK people could make critical changes to their fitness and the way they look and the way they feel if they believed in themselves a bit more,” says the Hildenborough resident. “I believe a lot of people don’t realise how far they could get, people sometimes don’t push themselves hard enough.

“Our bodies are a miracle, really, and we can do a lot more as long as we look after them.”

The 52-year-old doesn’t believe in resolutions, though.

“No one keeps them,” she reasons. “I do believe in a time to make those fundamental changes and kickstart your year.

“My New Year’s ambition is to be the healthiest I can ever be – that means body and mind,” Holmes adds. “I want it to be a really good year for me, because it hasn’t been great over the years.”

‘Everyone’s history and relationship with exercise is very different. So it’s about going by your means and not putting yourself off before you’ve started.’

Partly, that means running again. Holmes –who retired from professional athletics in 2005 after doing the historic double – taking Olympic gold in both the 800m and 1500m in Athens –has suffered a myriad of injuries in the last few years, and hasn’t been able to run since a calf tear last March. “It’s really critical for me and my wellbeing to get back to doing what I’m good at, and that is running – at any level.”

Holmes, who has partnered with Nuffield Health, was a fitness instructor in the Women’s Royal Army Corps before her illustrious career as a middle-distance runner, so she knows more than most about how to get bodies into peak physical condition. But she understands it’s not one-size-fits-all.

Mentality

“Everyone’s history and relationship with exercise is very different. So it’s about going by your means and not putting yourself off before you’ve started. But knowing that you can keep progressing and knowing that everyone starts from somewhere,” she says. “I have the mentality that physical fitness and mental fitness are absolutely in sync – mine is. I think people have to move their bodies to feel good.”

Plus, our bodies perform better when we feel good, Holmes adds: “[If] we have a more positive attitude to doing something, we will do it more regularly, we will prioritise our fitness. A lot of people say they can’t run, but if you can put one foot in front of the other, and it’s faster than a walk, then you’re a runner – simple as that. How fast you run depends on the training that you do and your ability to maintain health.”

Holmes knows as well as anyone that you can be as physically fit as can be, yet struggle enormously mentally. “I had a lot of mental health issues during my athletics career,” she says. Often she’d explain it away as being injured or not well, “but of course, it was other things going on in my life as well”.

Feeling like she had to hide her sexuality for more than three decades (Holmes came out publicly in June 2022) had a huge impact on not

just her mental health, but her physical health.

“Everything I went through and the pressures in my own health, in my own being, for 34 years did not help, and has not helped, with my body,” Holmes explains.

“Mental health is a massive issue amongst the [LGBTQ+] community because not having that freedom to be you is debilitating. I’ve struggled with it my whole life. People struggle every day, and no one deserves to struggle just because of who they happen to be.”

Although family and friends have known Holmes is gay since 1997, until 2000 it was illegal for gay, lesbian and bisexual people to serve in the British Army, Royal Navy and RAF. She was terrified she would face repercussions for breaking that law during her time in the forces. Even her double Olympic gold win was marred with fears someone would ‘out’ her, she told the Sunday Mirror.

“It’s actually had a big impact on my body, the stress that I really got to in the last two years, and I’ve struggled hugely,” Holmes adds now. Everything seemed to coincide – with two operations on her Achilles, a back injury, suffering from Covid twice.

“I think it was because I was so stressed from everything that was going on in my head. I’ve just not been a happy person and I think it really showed itself in my body,” she says.

“It’s not good to be under so much pressure and have so much anxiety and worry in your life. It’s no good for anybody; it stops your sleeping habits, it ruins the way you nutrition yourself.

“If you don’t take the time for yourself, you don’t switch off your brain, because your brain is constantly having narratives that aren’t good for you.”

While she was in the Army and then training hard as a professional athlete, there was a distraction from the emotional turmoil: “My

brain had other things to think about – I could just carry on,” says Holmes.

“But over the years since retiring, of course, you don’t have that same distraction, because you’re starting to think about real life and how that impacts.”

Since coming out publicly though and the release of her ITV documentary, Kelly Holmes: Being Me, she says: “I’ve just been able to relax. I’m much happier than I’ve ever been.”

“Now I’m starting to think, ‘Right, now it’s time to just heal the body and the mind’. Talking about my journey, talking about who I am as a person, what I’ve achieved, but also humanising it and normalising it to say, ‘Yeah, I’m just somebody who had a real good talent but actually has been through these struggles and, through resilience, hasn’t given up and doesn’t want to give up’.

Pressure

“I think that goes for a lot of people, from any walk of life, who feel under pressure, maybe undervalued or stressed through home life, financial worries, relationships. And then looking at themselves and feeling down, knowing their health isn’t as good, constantly thinking, ‘I need to train, I need to get better, I need to eat better’, but you don’t do anything about out it.”

Instead, Holmes adds, we need to be saying: “‘Right, OK, no more talking about it, I’ve got to do it’ – because no one will get better if they don’t actually make those changes. Including myself.”

Dame Kelly Holmes has partnered with Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity, to help boost the nation’s physical and mental health. For more information visit nuffieldhealth.com/gyms

FIGHTING FIT

Dame Kelly says everyone can improve their health

How to enter Bewl Water’s nature inspired photography competition

By Molly Miller

LAST year, more than 200 amateur and professional photographers from across the county submitted their entries to Bewl Water’s seasonal photography competition, ‘Best of Bewl’ which has re-opened for the winter.

Bewl Water wants visitors of all ages to get creative and capture everything from water to woodland. The winner will receive an annual parking pass worth over £300.

Those wanting to enter have up until the end of the winter and can submit their photographs via Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook (@bewlwater). All entries could be in with the chance of being displayed with credits throughout the site.

Operations Manager Kevin Parker said: “We appreciate the talented photographers that visit Bewl Water and the whole team love seeing the outstanding images they produce.

Beauty

“They reflect the beauty of the reservoir and its natural environment,” he continued.

The competition made its return in the autumn following Bewl Water’s commitment to inspiring more people to get outdoors in 2023.

Part of Bewl’s mission sees work being carried out to sections of the public footpaths and bridleways to improve the overall conditions for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

New self-guided walking trails have also been introduced, along with 50 per cent off cycle hire and a new woodland adventure trail for children which is free to explore.

Outdoors

“We want to make it easier than ever for people to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Mr Parker.

“Bewl Water isn’t just for summer. The reservoir and woodlands are beautiful all year round and we are continuously maintaining them both to ensure the safety of our visitors and wildlife.

Home to hundreds of native species, Bewl Water is a haven for birds, animals, and insects protected by the estate’s close partnership with the Sussex Wildlife Trust.

“The nature reserve remains one of the most effective efforts for protecting our endangered species,” Mr Parker told the Times

“People love visiting and we hope we can inspire more people to get outside and embrace the world around them,” he explained.

Bewl Water is leased to Bewl Events & Waterpark, part of the group that owns One Media, publisher of the Times

Nationwide records longest losing streak in house prices in 14 years

HOUSE prices in the UK have notched up their longest losing streak since the 2008 financial crisis as average prices continued to fall in December, albeit less rapidly than in recent months.

The average price of the houses that were sold during the month dropped by 0.1%, the Nationwide Building Society said last week.

It was the fourth time in a row that prices had dropped month-on-month, and means that house prices are now just 2.8% higher than they had been 12 months ago.

Nationwide said that the average home sold for £262,068 during December, down by a little over £1,700 compared to November.

“December saw a further sharp slowdown in annual house price growth to 2.8%, from 4.4% in November,” said Nationwide’s chief economist, Robert Gardner.

He added: “Prices fell by 0.1% month-onmonth – a much smaller decline than in the previous couple of months.

“However, December also marked the fourth consecutive monthly price fall – the worst run since 2008, which left prices 2.5% lower than their August peak.”

Mr Gardner said there was some reason for potential sellers to be optimistic looking into the New Year.

Interest rates on home loans are easing back from the high levels they reached following the mini-budget in September.

Meanwhile, wages are growing fairly rapidly –at about 7% – so people might be able to spend

more on their homes, he said.

However, those pay rises are still lower than inflation.

“But the main factor that would help achieve a relatively soft landing (especially for house prices) is if forced selling can be avoided, and there are good reasons to be optimistic on that front,” Mr Gardner said.

“Most forecasters expect the unemployment rate to rise towards 5% in the years ahead – a significant increase, but this would still be low by historic standards.”

“Moreover, household balance sheets remain in good shape with significant protection from

higher borrowing costs, at least for a period, with around 85% of mortgage balances on fixed interest rates.”

The slowdown in the annual increase was the most noticeable in all parts of the UK over the last three months of 2022.

Hesitant

The increase slowed down the most in the south west of England, but also decreased rapidly in Scotland and elsewhere.

Matthew Thompson, head of sales at estate agent Chestertons, said that the market had

been supported by 'seasoned buyers' in December.

“Meanwhile, first-time-buyers and second steppers have been more hesitant and decided to observe how the market might develop in the new year,” he said.

“We also noted that, due to the festive season, December has seen fewer appraisals compared to previous months.

“This will lead to fewer properties coming onto the market during the first quarter of 2023, which will inevitably lead to a more limited choice and more competitive market conditions for buyers.”

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'December saw a further sharp slowdown in annual house price growth to 2.8%, from 4.4% in November'