Times of Tunbridge Wells 18th January 2023

By Lilly Croucher

PLANS for Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN) in Tunbridge Wells have been submitted by the Borough Partnership as part of a bid for funding from Kent County Council (KCC).

An ‘LTN pilot’ proposed by the coalition between the Lib Dems, Labour and the Alliance, would be trialled along the ‘rat-runs’ around St John’s Road and St James’ Road in an effort to curb congestion and traffic in residential areas.

LTNs are schemes aimed at reducing traffic in certain neighbourhoods by restricting various types of vehicles, introducing one-way systems as well as other traffic calming measures.

In London, LTNs were introduced at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and have proved controversial, with claims that the schemes can increase congestion, traffic and pollution in surrounding areas.

In Tunbridge Wells, the restricted routes are likely to be enforced by physical barriers like one-way systems, changes to road layouts and bollards (such as plant pots) to prevent vehicle access to certain roads.

The LTNs are one of three Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPS) submitted to KCC for funding through Active Travel England’s Capability Fund.

KCC secured £565,439 from the Capability Fund earlier this month, which gives money to local authorities to draw up plans for cycling and walking routes.

Further cash would then be forthcoming to help deliver individual projects.

But the coalition has said they may consider other ‘options’ such as number plate recognition cameras but would need to seek resident and Council approval beforehand.

If the pilot is successful, the Borough Partnership said it could expand LTNs across the town centre.

Cllr Peter Lidstone (Lib Dem), the Council’s Walking and Cycling Champion who represents St John’s ward, told the Times: “We would need to do a thorough consultation with residents before any changes take place.

“Hopefully our schemes will be put forward and selected for funding, but there are no guarantees here of course,” Cllr Lidstone added.

Continued on page 2

BUILDING PROSPERITY

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods planned for Tunbridge Wells

Continued from front page

The Council has also submitted plans for an improved segregated cycle lane on Pembury Road, with a bus lane heading westbound into the town and continuing along Calverley Park Gardens, as well as traffic signals to improve safety at the junction between Sandhurst Road and Sandrock Road.

Opportunity

The third proposal is for plans to be drawn up for a new cycle lane connecting Rusthall to the town centre along Major York’s Road or Mount Ephraim.

KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and

Transport, David Brazier, said: “The funding opportunity will enable us to work alongside the districts and boroughs with their active travel ambitions and closely with Active Travel England

to meet the latest Government design standards.

“Walking and cycling is a great way to get fit, save money on car-usage and reduce your carbon footprint.

Routes

“Properly designed schemes, taking into account the views of residents, will help produce improvements with public support.”

Active Travel England is investing £32.9million to improve communities, enhance high streets and produce routes which are walkable and cyclable.

The government agency aims to make 50 percent of trips in England’s towns and cities to be walked, wheeled or cycled by 2030.

TWFC ‘devastated’ after supporter dies and clubhouse burns down on same day

information who has not yet contacted the police.

By Victoria Roberts

HANDS OF HEROES

The Forum’s birthday tribute to David Bowie this year features handprints from 69 people who were part of the artist’s life P37

SMART START Wellbeing expert Monica Price advises on how to begin the New Year in the best of health P46

TUNBRIDGE Wells Football Club said it was ‘devastated’ by the news that one of its supporters had died after being hit by a van leaving their stadium.

The news of the death of the 75-year-old, announced last Thursday (January 12), came as the team’s clubhouse was also gutted by fire on Thursday night.

Officers at Kent Police have renewed their appeal for information after the TWFC supporter, who was from the local area, was struck by a white Volkswagen Transporter van in Culverden Down on Saturday January 7. It is thought he was leaving the Culverden Stadium after the match against Erith Town.

As reported in last week’s Times (January 11), the collision happened at around 5.15pm and led to the arrest of a 55-year-old man who was driving the van. He remains on bail until March 28.

Detective Sergeant Chris Wade, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said on Thursday morning: “The victim sadly died in hospital during the early hours of Wednesday January 11 and we are continuing our enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision.

“We remain keen to speak to anyone with

“If you witnessed the collision or saw the van in the moments leading up to it, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are also keen to hear from anyone with dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or mobile phone footage that may assist the investigation.”

Blaze

Anyone with information is being urged to call 01622 798538

TWFC released a statement on Twitter following the news of the man’s death, saying: “Tunbridge Wells Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of a supporter after a tragic incident last Saturday outside the Culverden Stadium. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

But the club was then hit with a fire that gutted its clubhouse on Thursday night.

The blaze broke out just after 9pm and at its peak saw four fire engines tackling the blaze, with crews also using breathing apparatus and compressed air foam.

The flames were extinguished by midnight and while nobody was injured, the clubhouse has been left gutted.

Club chairman Scott Bartlett said: “This is a

dark day, in a dark week for all those associated with Tunbridge Wells Football Club.

“Inspection of the clubhouse by board members in attendance revealed a scene of almost complete destruction.”

Unusable

With the clubhouse ‘unusable for the foreseeable future’, he urged supporters and members of the public to avoid the building and the immediate vicinity.

And he said: “The club is incredibly grateful for the kind offers of support and assistance from across the football family and the wider community.

“We will need that support over the coming days, weeks and months. The club will be putting in place fundraising measures, details of which will be communicated in due course.”

It had also been a blow to the club to realise ‘all of the club history we have lost, including all of our memorabilia from our Wembley Vase Final match in 2013’, added Mr Bartlett.

He added that the cause of the fire was being investigated, but that preliminary investigations by the fire service indicate it could have been caused by an electrical fault.

MP calls for removal of South East Water in Westminster Debate

‘removed from their role’ of operating the local monopoly of supplying fresh water to the area, if the company cannot prove that water outages will not happen again.

The MP for Tunbridge Wells was speaking yesterday (January 17) in a Westminster Hall debate, which allows MPs to put problems on the official record at greater length than allowed in the Commons chamber.

His intervention followed eight days before Christmas when ‘many thousands’ had no water, as well as an earlier period in November when

other parts of the constituency were cut off. Disruption and distress ranged from water supply stations being gridlocked and inaccessible to residents without transport, to hospitality businesses cancelling pre-Christmas bookings, to serious hospital disruption.

Dialysis

“The dialysis unit in Tunbridge Wells was forced to close until Boxing Day as they were unable to guarantee full dialysis for their patients – more than 80,” Mr Clark said.

And he slammed the company’s lack of resilience and poor communication, saying: “South East Water – the company granted the privilege of operating a local monopoly – failed in its only purpose.”

He urged the Water Minister, Rebecca Pow MP, to secure compensation and to demand an ‘urgent plan to increase the security of our supplies against things that have the potential to disrupt them’.

Mr Clark added: “If they cannot make us confident that this will not happen again they should be removed from their role.”

NO ACCESS An LTN in the London borough of Hackney

GREG CLARK has called for South East Water (SEW) to be

DEATH The 75-year-old fan was hit outside the club

Wildlife rescue centre remembers patron and guitar legend Jeff Beck

By Victoria Roberts

A TUNBRIDGE WELLS wildlife centre has sent its condolences after one of its patrons and a major fundraiser, the guitar legend Jeff Beck, died last week.

Broadwater Forest-based Folly Wildlife Rescue said its thoughts were with the family of the famed guitarist who died at his Wadhurst home aged 78 on January 10.

Folly Wildlife Rescue, where Jeff had been a patron since 2004, said: “Many people will now be aware that our patron, Jeff Beck, has recently passed away after a short illness.

Influential

“He was not only a legendary virtuoso rock guitarist, but a great lover of the natural world and its wildlife, as well as an early proponent of the vegetarian movement.

“We first met Jeff and his wife Sandra in 2004 when they found a deer caught in fencing, and shortly after this, he gave us the great honour of becoming a patron.

“Jeff and Sandra have continued to support Folly in all that we do and we are forever grateful.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

During one fundraiser last summer, Jeff and Sandra gave Folly Wildlife Rescue ten official tour t-shirts, featuring artwork by Sandra and signed by Jeff and Johnny Depp during their tour of the album ‘18’ last year.

That netted £12,500 for Folly Wildlife Rescue through the charity’s eBay account.

Jeff was also responsible for introducing Johnny Depp to Folly while the two were performing together in the UK last May, with the Hollywood star also becoming a patron.

Considered one of the greatest rock guitarists

in a number

FORMER ROTHERFIELD RESIDENT LISA MARIE PRESLEY DIES AT 54

LISA Marie Presley, a former resident of Rotherfield also died last week, reportedly following a cardiac arrest.

The American singer, who was the only child of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, died in her

Californian home aged 54. She had previously lived in the East Sussex village in the £3.35million Coes Hall, with her fourth husband Michael Lockwood, between 2010 and 2016.

Christmas hailed a success for the Council’s ice rink and panto

By Lilly Croucher

CHRISTMAS was one of the most lucrative periods for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), with strong ticket sales for its ice rink and panto, and both events being among the most popular on record.

Returning for its twelfth year, the popular SKATE TW ice rink at Calverley Grounds welcomed over 40,000 visitors throughout the month of December, making it the second-most visited season ever.

Revenue

The Assembly Hall Theatre also saw massive support for their annual Christmas pantomime. Jack and the Beanstalk starred EastEnders actor Cliff Parisi and ran from December 10-31.

IT’S BEHIND YOU

Teen girl victim of flashing in Rusthall

KENT Police are appealing for information following the report of a man exposing himself to a teenage girl who was walking home from school at the start of term.

The incident happened at around 4.15pm on January 6 in a wooded area between Coniston Avenue and Woodside Road, Rusthall.

Police said the suspect was described as white, around 30 years old and of skinny build. He had short brown or dark hair, facial stubble and was between 5ft 7ins and 6ft tall. He was wearing all-black clothing, with a zipped jumper.

Anyone with further information should contact the appeals line on 01622 604100

End of Water Margin

A FORMER Chinese restaurant in Southborough is to be partially demolished, according to plans submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The former Water Margin in London Road, which has been vacant for four years, is to be decided by the planning committee at TWBC today (January 18).

Developers have requested the partial demolition of the extension and a connected outbuilding to the former Lloyds Bank building which has also been vacant for some time.

Plans propose the 18th century Grade II listed building, originally a cottage and a public house, be converted into three cottages with the former Lloyds Bank site becoming 17 residential units with 17 parking spaces.

Car showroom plans

PLANS to demolish the Mitsubishi showroom on the corner of St James Road, Stratford Street and Quarry Road, and build a four-storey block of flats, have sparked fears over parking.

The new building would include 24 flats and the same number of parking spaces, but objections to the planning application cite fears over parking, excessive size and height, and loss of light.

Crowborough housing

HOUSEBUILDER Dandara has received final planning permission to build 100 homes on the edge of the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, with construction expected to start this month.

The first phase of its development will consist of 65 private and 35 affordable homes within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

A further 130 homes planned for the same site are scheduled to be built in 2024.

Full story – see our property guide, page 16

Trade park opens

A NEW £20million trade park next to the A26 in Tonbridge is to open with 37 per cent of units already either pre-let or under offer.

While TWBC has not yet finalised the revenue the two events generated, it told the Times that the audience numbers for the panto were ‘up on last year’ when Strictly judge, Shirley Ballas, starred in the popular production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – the second-highest grossing panto for the Council.

Cllr Wendy Fitzsimmons, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Wellbeing and Culture, said: “We are grateful to everyone who supported both the theatre and the ice rink as huge numbers of people visited both venues across the festive season.

“Skate TW 2022 welcomed over 40,000 visitors, making it the second-most visited season ever, showing once again that families and friends love being outside and enjoying themselves at this unique venue,” she said.

“We are pleased to say that the audience for the panto was up on last year, with thousands of schoolchildren once again returning to panto for the first time in several years.”

Located on Vale Road, Tonbridge, next to the A26 towards Tunbridge Wells, the trade park increases the town’s commercial space by 100,000sq ft.

Four units, covering 31,750sq ft, have been pre-let and tenants include chemical production company Tunap and car service and maintenance group, Formula One Autocentres.

New Year’s burglar

A 43-YEAR-old man from South Croydon has appeared in court following the theft of a car, jewellery and other property from a house in Langton Green on New Year’s Eve.

Christopher Grinham, of Kings Walk, South Croydon, was charged with burglary, theft of a car, possession of a flick-knife, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on January 12 and was remanded to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on February 9.

of all time, Jeff Beck won eight Grammy Awards and played

of influential bands such as the Yardbirds, the Jeff Beck Group, Beck, Bogert & Appice, as well as having a significant solo career.

photograph : Sarah Bond

REMEMBERED Jeff Beck with a Folly Wildlife Rescue worker

The cast of last year’s Panto and [below] SKATE ice rink

A&E crisis sees record number of patients wait more than 12 hours

By Lilly Croucher

WAITING times at Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) hit record numbers in December as the service struggled to cope with rocketing attendances.

The A&E departments at Tunbridge Wells Hospital and Maidstone Hospital, both run by MTW, saw a 600 per cent increase in patients waiting more than 12 hours to be treated, new NHS figures show.

In December 2022, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS hospitals saw 114 people wait over 12 hours in A&E departments, up from just 16 people in November.

But it was one if its busiest months on record, with 21,577 people visiting MTW’s A&E departments, of which 5,064 waited over four hours, compared to just 3,318 attendees in November – an increase of 52 per cent.

During Christmas, 76.5 per cent of MTW attendees were seen within four hours of arrival, a significant decrease from 83.2 per cent in November, but still better than the national average, which hit a record low of 65 per cent last month.

Figures released by NHS England on January 12 found a record 54,532 people across England waited more than 12 hours in A&Es from a decision to admit to actually being admitted.

An NHS Kent and Medway spokesperson told the Times: “Urgent and emergency services are facing significant demand with record numbers of A&E attendances.

“NHS staff are working incredibly hard through this challenging winter, with extensive plans in place to make sure patients have access to timely care when they need it, and that they can leave hospital when ready.

“It is important that people continue to come forward for care but patients should use the right service for them. If in doubt, they can contact NHS 111 online, which will advise them on the best place to go.”

…But general waiting lists are on the decline

WHILE A&E numbers have continued to increase over winter, waiting times for routine treatments and operations at MTW have decreased slightly.

According to the latest figures, which cover November 2022, there were 43,793 patients on MTW’s waiting lists in November, down slightly from October’s 43,979 patients.

The waiting lists for procedures such as hip operations and ophthalmic treatment have been falling gradually since September, but are still around 30 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels, when there were fewer than 32,000 patients on the waiting lists.

Strike

MTW reported that 69 per cent of people on waiting lists were seen within 18 weeks, with the average wait time for treatment being 11.4 weeks. The government target is for 92 per cent to be seen within 18 weeks.

Gynaecology services waiting lists have the worst average wait times – 17.6 weeks – with

only 51.2 per cent of patients being seen within 18 weeks.

Nationally, a record 7.21 million people are waiting for treatment at hospitals in England and Wales.

The figures from NHS England came a day after 25,000 ambulance workers went on strike over pay and working conditions last week.

NHS chair, Richard Meddings, visited Tunbridge Wells Hospital and its busy emergency department (ED) earlier this month.

During his visit on Friday, January 6, Mr Meddings met with consultants and matrons to talk about the increase in attendances to the ED and number of referrals to the Maternity and Paediatrics department.

Mr Meddings said: “Thank you to the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust team for hosting me on this visit. Throughout my day, I

Another ambulance strike has been scheduled for next week on January 23. Meanwhile, ambulance waiting times have also hit record levels nationally.

Data from NHS England shows that in December, ambulances in England took an average of one hour, 32 minutes and 54 seconds to respond to non-critical emergency calls – the longest on record and well above the target of 18 minutes.

was struck by the energy, expertise, and passion for excellent care of everyone I met.

“I continue to be impressed and inspired by how teams across very many parts of the country use data, technology, and innovation to tackle some of the NHS’ trickiest issues.

“During a time of immense pressure across the system, I came away from MTW with a real insight into the huge pressures facing our staff but also an ever-greater appreciation for their fantastic work.”

Brainbox borough has four in ten with a degree

By Richard Williams

TUNBRIDGE Wells is in the top 15 per cent of districts and boroughs in the country for having the highest educated residents, figures show.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed the education level of people across England and Wales.

Tunbridge Wells comes 50th out of 331 local authority areas for the number of people with a degree or similar qualification.

Qualification

According to the ONS, which based its figures on information taken from the November 2021 Census, 41.1 per cent of people in Tunbridge Wells have a Level 4 or above qualification, such as a degree.

This compares to an average 33.8 per cent of residents aged 16 and over in England and Wales (16.4 million people) who have a Level 4 or above qualification.

Tunbridge Wells also has a lower-than-average number of residents who do not have any

qualifications at all.

Just 13.5 per cent of people over 16 in Tunbridge Wells have no qualifications, compared to 18.2 per cent nationally.

Highest

Elsewhere, Tonbridge & Malling falls just below the national average for the number of residents with Level 4 qualifications at 32.5 per cent, and 15.5 per cent have no qualifications.

Sevenoaks has 37.3 per cent of people with a degree or similar qualification, while 15.6 per cent have no qualifications.

In Wealden, 32.6 per cent have a degree or similar qualification, while 14.9 per cent of residents have none at all.

The area with the highest percentage of the population with Level 4 or above qualifications in England and Wales is the City of London with 74.2 per cent.

Sandwell in the West Midlands was found to be the area with the most people aged 16 and older who had no qualifications at all at 28.9 per cent.

NHS CHAIR VISITS TUNBRIDGE WELLS

‘Urgent and emergency services are facing significant demand with record numbers of A&E attendances’

PRESSURE Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Christmas ‘disappointing’ for

Tunbridge Wells’ hospitality

Bars and restaurants hit with price hikes, rail strikes and World Cup

By Lilly Croucher

THE HOSPITALITY sector in Tunbridge Wells saw a ‘disappointing’ Christmas period, local representatives have said, after being hit by spiralling energy costs, rail strikes and even the World Cup affecting income.

While this December 2022 saw better sales than two festive periods of the pandemic, nationally, the industry has been trading about 20 per cent down from the last Christmas unaffected by Covid in 2019.

Alex Greig, Owner of Fuggles Beer Café in Grosvenor Road and in Tonbridge, who also sits on the Tunbridge Wells Business Improvement District (BID) board told the Times: “This Christmas was better than the last couple of years with Covid, but it was still disappointing.

Crucial

“The last three years have been carnage and I think the next six to twelve months is going to be crucial for the industry.”

He added: “A lot of businesses rely on December to bring in most of its profits for the year but there have been many things that have impacted the month aside from Covid this year.”

Nationally, it has been reported that the economy was given a boost in the last quarter due to the World Cup, but Mr Greig says this was only felt by those venues showing the tournament.

“The World Cup in December impacted many businesses that couldn’t show the games and we lost a lot of bookings because of it.

“The ongoing train strikes have made people more likely to work from home and not go out during lunch or after work.

“The rise of inflation and the cost of energy has also made the cost of everything go up, including our prices which we don’t want to do.”

Matthew Sankey who owns Sankey’s Seafood Kitchen & Bar on Mount Ephraim and is also Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s ‘Business Champion’ added: “Christmas 2022 was far better than Christmas 2021. We saw a wonderful first quarter of 2022 as the public came out and rallied

round our high streets.

“The biggest danger is the cost-of-living crisis. We all rely on our customers having a healthy disposable income and since the Truss ‘minibudget’ this has been decimated nationwide.

“This is exacerbated in hospitality, as the costs here are arguably two-fold as the food inflation meets a reduce amount of disposable income. It’s a perfect storm.”

The news comes after the Government has announced reduced support for businesses with their energy bills.

Berry & Lamberts expands family law

A FIRM of solicitors in Tunbridge Wells has hired an experienced family lawyer to expand their family law team.

Berry & Lamberts Solicitors has hired Amanda Wilson as a partner of the firm to work in their family law team across their branches in Sevenoaks, Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells.

Ms Wilson specialises in all aspects of family law, with significant experience in complex financial matters following divorce, dissolution or separation.

Distinction

This also includes cases involving business assets, farms and trusts, and in drafting and advising on pre-nuptial, post-nuptial and co-habitation agreements.

She also specialises in private law and children’s matters, including applications in relocating children, and cases involving allegations of domestic violence.

Ms Wilson graduated from the University of Sussex with an Honours Degree in Law and gained a distinction in the Legal Practice Course from the College of Law, Guildford. She qualified as a solicitor in 2004.

She has been commended by her clients for her empathetic approach and for her ability to find solutions in a cost-effective way.

WINNING TEAM

• Chefs – £28,000 p.a

• Kitchen Porter - £9.50 p.h

• Housekeeper - £25,740 p.a.

• Food & Beverage Assistant - Up to £12 p.h

• Housekeeper - £25,740 p.a

Elite Leisure Collection is an award-winning independent group of local companies operating across the hospitality, leisure and media sectors. Founded in 2008, we always aim to recruit, train, develop and support our team to consistently deliver a high level of quality and service. Following a probationary period, by joining our team, you’ll enjoy free gym membership, contributory pension, Healthshield, reward incentives and staff perks along with a competitive salary. Due to continued growth and internal advancements, we are now recruiting for the following roles across our venues in Tunbridge Wells: To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to marketing@onewarwickpark.co.uk

HOSPITALITY Alex Greig from Fuggles

AMANDA WILSON

WHICH IS THE BUSINESS AWARD CATEGORY FOR

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.

Pub owner and letting agent hopes for a double win at the Times Business Awards

and the clientèle.

By Victoria Roberts

A WOMAN running two successful businesses in the Tunbridge Wells area is hoping for a double success at this year’s Times Business Awards

Becky Moran, who part-owns the popular George & Dragon pub in Speldhurst, as well as estate agency TN Lettings has entered two categories this year.

Chances

Ms Moran, who was a finalist in 2022, says she is now looking forward to another two chances to win this year.

The Times Business Awards gala dinner will be held on March 30 in the Victorian theatre at Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells.

The George & Dragon, where she is joint leaseholder, is to go up against other entrants in the Best in Food and Drink category, while Becky hopes her agency, TN Lettings will be named Start-Up Business of the Year.

Since taking on the ‘pretty much derelict’ George & Dragon pub in December 2020 with her partner and some family members, Becky and her partners had to work on rebuilding both the pub

And the customer base is becoming broader, she added.

“We are trying to be a community hub. If you are working from home, come in and have a cup of coffee and get warm. If you want a quick bite to eat, we can do that, too.”

As the pub partnership enters the Times Business Awards, it is trying to raise its profile and expand its customer base.

“The type of customers we get is very important. We are not expensive, but we are catering for a wider and wider clientèle,” Becky explained.

She continued that making connections was important for both her businesses, adding: “Most of my referrals for lettings come from social media.”

She started the agency following a bad experience at the hands of another letting agent for her own property during lockdown. It is now thriving, thanks to a combination of people relocating to Tunbridge Wells and local demand.

“We have quadrupled our turnover and profit is coming,” she said.

Businesses have until February 20 to enter the Times Business Awards. Entry forms are available at: timesbusinessawards.co.uk

Expansion of Ultra Low Emission Zone to help bring clearer air to 5m residents

With London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) set to be extended across all London boroughs in August, the head of the nation’s lung charity says it will make a huge difference to people living with respiratory conditions.

Poor air quality is impacting the health of Londoners, and it is mainly caused by polluting vehicles.

Of the 500,000 Londoners living with asthma, more than half live in the outer boroughs – and

covered by the expanded zone.

“We can be absolutely clear that air pollution is a problem in the outer boroughs. We know hundreds of thousands of people in outer London are living with a chronic lung condition and they tell us toxic air impacts their health. They should be able to breathe clearer air too,” she says.

Sarah Woolnough, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, has welcomed the news that these areas will soon be

More than four out of five vehicles already meet the standards. To check your vehicle and see support available visit tfl.gov.uk/ULEZ-2023

Sarah Woolnough, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK

“We know hundreds of thousands of people in outer London are living with a chronic lung condition and they tell us toxic air impacts their health”

HOPING TO WIN The George & Dragon and (inset) Becky Moran

By Lilly Croucher

A ‘CARRY ON’ actress and valued tennis club member from Tunbridge Wells has been nominated for a county tennis volunteering award.

Laura Collins, the Chair of St John’s Lawn Tennis Club is one of four nominees for the Kent Lawn Tennis Association (Kent LTA) Volunteer of the Year Award.

Successful

Ms Collins has been a member of the club since she moved to the area almost 30 years ago and has been the Chair for six of those years. She has had a successful career as an actress and dancer, having studied at Italia Conti Drama School and featured in many film, television and

stage performances, including the 1972 slapstick comedy ‘Carry On Matron’.

On hearing of her nomination, she said: “I felt incredibly proud and quite emotional, not just for myself but for the whole club and our fantastic team.”

Ms Collins has a history of voluntary work and was Chair of the Oast Theatre, Tonbridge for seven years and was National Chair of the now disbanded cricket charity, the Lady Taverners, in which she chaired the Kent and East Sussex region for 20 years.

Ms Collins is married to the after-dinner comic entertainer Bob ‘The Cat’ Bevan MBE and lives in Bells Yew Green.

The results of the award nominations will be announced at the Annual Awards Dinner, which will be held at the Tudor Park Country Club, Bearsted, Saturday February 11.

Fostering agency seeks Tunbridge Wells families

With over 70,000 children in care in England, and around 13 per cent of the foster carer workforce retiring or leaving every year, it is estimated that a further 9,300 foster families are needed over the next year alone.

Challenging

The Kent-based Diagrama Foundation trains and supports carers in Kent, South London, Sussex and Surrey, and says it offers additional payments, holiday cover and free training and appraisal to develop new skills.

Kate Patel, Head of Fostering and Adoption, said: “It’s more challenging than it has ever been to find foster carers, especially now with the cost-of-living crisis making it very tough for

everyone.

“Fostering isn’t going to make carers millions but foster carers’ primary motivator isn’t the money. It’s a 365-day a year job and there isn’t a limitless supply of people who can do it well.”

Fostering and Adoption Manager Margaret Gardiner added: “While there are no restrictions on the numbers of new foster carers we need, we would be delighted if we could find 20 quality carers in the Tunbridge Wells area who can meet the needs of the children.”

There is a particular need for foster carers to look after teenagers and sibling groups.

Ms Patel added: “The role goes above and beyond normal parenting and we want to work with extra special people and it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be a parent to be a foster parent and you can be single or married, of any faith or ethnicity or age.”

Interested potential carers can find out more at: diagramafoundation.org.uk

NOMINEE Laura Collins and (inset) as she appeared in Carry On Matron

A FOSTERING agency is hoping to recruit up to 20 families in and around Tunbridge Wells who may be considering helping care for a child or children as a New Year’s resolution.

CARE Team Manager Margaret Gardiner with foster children

The housebound can now take a virtual walk through The Amelia

By Lilly Croucher

A ROBOT that allows people who are unable to leave their home to ‘walk’ through museums and other places has been trialled at The Amelia Scott centre.

The ‘telepresence robot’, has a camera and screen, and can be controlled remotely by those people who are housebound.

Benefits

The trial at the Civic Way cultural centre is being conducted to investigate the benefits of telepresence robots for care home residents and staff.

Telepresence is the ability for someone to be present in a location which is usually inaccessible to them using technology.

It has been developed by InteractiveMe, a health technology company led by Occupational Therapist Sam Dondi-Smith and has been awarded funding by Innovate UK.

The project team is working with Kent-based care homes to investigate if people who are

bed-bound or socially isolated can engage with spaces outside of the care home, which typically would not be accessible to them.

The self-driving robot consists of a screen attached to two wheels that can be controlled by the user as they move around the space from a remote location.

They have onboard systems to prevent bumping into things and while they are typically used in office environments, the project team can see potential in supporting the wellbeing of people living in residential care homes.

Jeremy Kimmel, Arts, Heritage and Engagement Director at The Amelia, told the Times: “We’re very proud to be the first venue to trial this new technology, which could allow access to our displays and collections to many people who would not otherwise be able to do so.

“Being a part of work like this, using culture to improve the wellbeing of others, is and has always been an extremely important part of what we do – and we are always looking for new and innovative ways to share our unique stories and help people.”

‘Secret’ dieter loses seven stone after joining a weight-loss group

A MAN from Tunbridge Wells has lost seven stone since attending weight-loss meetings after attempting to diet in secret for years.

Jesse Fuller, 29, has battled with his weight since early childhood and said he had tried dieting on his own without a structure but it never worked.

Calories

Jesse said: “I wouldn’t tell anyone [about the diets] and would start counting calories or cutting out carbs. I thought it would be easier that way than making a big fuss about trying to slim and then not being successful, but ironically, because of that it never worked.

“When I joined my local Slimming World, it took a lot to walk through the doors because I thought I would be judged, but everyone was so friendly and welcoming.”

A study by Slimming World revealed 57 per cent of adults attempting to slim down have tried to lose weight in secret.

Dr Jacquie Lavin, Special Advisor on the Science of Weight Management at Slimming World, said: “Worries about our weight and the decision to start a weight-loss journey can feel deeply personal, so it’s natural to think that a private approach might be best.

“And for lots of people the idea of admitting you

need help or joining a group can be daunting.

Losing weight isn’t easy, though, and going it alone is especially hard,” she added.

“These findings show people should embrace the encouragement and support of losing weight with others, even if that means stepping out of their comfort zones.

“They’ll be sure of a warm welcome at a Slimming World group.”

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.

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

ROBOT VISITOR The device (inset) being trialled at The Amelia Scott centre

BEFORE AND AFTER Jesse Fuller

CYBERSTALKING IN THE WORKPLACE

By Natasha Smith, Senior Associate at CooperBurnett LLP

The recent case of Alex Belfield being jailed for cyberstalking his BBC colleagues highlights important employment law issues for employers to consider. Although he was found guilty of stalking four male colleagues, he was also found not guilty of stalking (only harassing) four senior female colleagues.

The women allege that the BBC failed to take appropriate action during the 10-year campaign and only took steps when Jeremy Vine spoke out about the harassment he also suffered.

WHAT IS CYBERSTALKING?

Cyberstalking is the repeated use of electronic communications to harass, stalk or frighten someone. Even though it takes place online, the psychological effects can be just as detrimental as when the bullying or harassment takes place in person.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CYBERSTALKING?

A stalker may harass a victim with content that's simply annoying or inappropriate; in more serious cases, victims may have to contend with content that's disturbing, traumatising or threatening. In almost every case, victims feel annoyed or fearful. In extreme cases, they may become suicidal.

WHAT STEPS CAN AN EMPLOYER TAKE TO PREVENT CYBERSTALKING?

Employers have a legal obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure all staff are provided with a safe working environment.

EMPLOYERS SHOULD:

• Ensure they have an adequate IT and communications systems policy and procedure. It is also important to address social media usage. Case law has been developed that confirms where the offence is committed on a workplace device, they will hold the employer liable for the employee’s actions.

• Encourage victims of cyberstalking to report the matter promptly, so that evidence can be collated and reviewed.

• Look at what steps they can take to monitor the communications that are exchanged between staff.

Employers who are concerned by the nature of the threat being posed to their staff should refer the matter to the police.

Please do not hesitate to contact Joseph Oates on email: JMO@COOPERBURNETT.COM or Natasha Smith on email: NES@COOPERBURNETT.COM or tel: 01892 515022

WWW.COOPERBURNETT.COM

This blog is not intended as legal advice that can be relied upon and CooperBurnett LLP does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of its contents.

Hundreds of Met officers accused of violence have cases reviewed

MORE than 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers and staff previously accused of domestic violence and sexual offences are having the allegations reviewed in the wake of the David Carrick case.

The 48-year-old, once a highly trusted armed officer in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, has been revealed as one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders.

Carrick was finally sacked for gross misconduct from the force at a disciplinary hearing held in his absence on Tuesday.

Complaints

Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe said: “This is a sickening and horrific case with far reaching consequences for policing.”

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said weak policies and decisions meant Carrick was able to stay in the force for 20 years, despite repeated complaints being made against him.

Sir Mark told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday: “We’ve let London down – he’s been a police officer for 20 years.

“Through a combination of weak policies and weak decisions, over those 20 years we missed opportunities when he joined and subsequently, as behaviour came to the fore that we should have removed him from policing.

“Whether it would have affected him being a sex offender I don’t know, but he shouldn’t have been doing it as a police officer.”

In the cases under review, which affect 800 officers, allegations were made but no further action taken.

Sir Mark said some will have involved a neighbour hearing raised voices, while others will have involved ‘very concerning’ behaviour.

On Monday, Carrick appeared at Southwark Crown Court to plead guilty to a number of offences. He has now admitted 49 charges, including 24 counts of rape against 12 women over an 18-year period.

Details of his abuse were revealed. He kept some victims locked in a tiny cupboard for hours, beating and urinating on them.

One ex-girlfriend told The Sun that Carrick boasted he was untouchable because of his job and would use his police-issue handcuffs and weapons at home during sex.

His mother Jean told The Guardian he changed as a teenager when a serious allegation was made against him. The newspaper did not say what the accusation was.

Carrick joined the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment aged 19 and went on tours to Cyprus and the Falklands.

About 15 years ago, he cut off contact with his mother because, she believes, he did not like his younger half-brother and sister.

She told the newspaper she was devastated by the allegations against him, adding: “He’s still my boy, still my son. I just don’t know why he’s done it.

“You know, when he was doing well, and now he’s lost everything.”

Ken Bruce steps down from Radio 2 after three decades

During his BBC show on Tuesday, the Scottish broadcaster announced he would be departing his 9.30am – midday slot in March.

This news was shortly followed by the confirmation the 71-year-old will be moving to the Bauer radio station in April to present a brand new mid-morning show from 10am to 1pm.

He told listeners: “Nothing stays the same forever and I have decided the time is right for me to move on from Radio 2 when I reach the end of my current contract in March.

Broadcasting

“It’s been a tremendously happy time for me: I’ve made many friends and worked with many wonderful colleagues. However, I feel that after 45 years of full-time broadcasting on BBC Radio, it’s time for a change.

“I would stress that this is entirely my decision but some new opportunities have come up and I would like to continue my career in a slightly different way in the next few years, the details of which will be revealed shortly.

“I will always be very proud of my association with the BBC

and Radio 2 in particular and I’d like to thank everyone who has helped to make the mid-morning show a success.”

The radio DJ first joined the corporation in 1977 as a BBC Radio Scotland presenter and his first regular slot on Radio 2 was the Saturday Late Show in 1984.

The following year he fronted the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, taking over from Sir Terry Wogan.

He later moved to mid-mornings in 1986 and after a brief stint on late nights and early mornings, he returned to midmornings in January 1992.

Bruce has also presented Radio 2’s coverage of Eurovision since 1988, and has been a regular presenter of Sunday Night is Music Night.

His Radio 2 show is famous for a number of segments including PopMaster, a quiz to test music knowledge which has run for 25 years, Tracks of My Years, where a famous person chooses their favourite records and more recently, The Piano Room, featuring live music from a range of great artists.

Lorna Clarke, director of BBC Music, added: “Ken is an extraordinary broadcaster with an exceptional career over many decades.

“He has been part of every significant occasion marked by BBC Radio 2 and we, his faithful audience and the Radio 2 all-star line-up, will miss his warm humour and wit.”

KEN Bruce will join Greatest Hits Radio later this year after it was announced he is leaving his mid-morning weekday slot on BBC Radio 2 after 31 years.

DAVID CARRICK

MOVING ON Ken Bruce (left) pictured at the 2017 Times Business Awards in Tunbridge Wells with Lara Milan and Brian Whiting

Bus containing nuclear powerplant workers overturns as ice grips UK

DOZENS of people have been injured after a double-decker bus taking 70 workers to Hinkley Point C power station overturned in ‘treacherous’ freezing conditions.

Avon and Somerset Police had declared a major incident after the crash on the A39 Quantock Road, in Bridgwater, which also involved a motorcyclist, due to the number of patients.

Incident

A ‘significant number’ of police, fire and ambulance units were sent to the scene and some trapped passengers had to be freed from the overturned bus.

Inspector Rebecca Wells-Cole, of Avon and Somerset Police, confirmed there had been no fatalities and said the major incident had been stood down.

Speaking at the scene, she said: “Fifty-four patients were triaged at the scene and it is too soon to confirm whether any of these patients have life-threatening injuries, however 26 patients are being treated as walking wounded.

“A number of those treated at the scene had been taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, Bridgewater Minor Injury Unit and Southmead Hospital.”

Emergency services were called to the crash at around 6am on Tuesday.

Earlier, the force had urged people to ‘only travel if it is absolutely essential’ as it had received more than 100 reports of road-related incidents in five hours due to the ‘treacherous conditions’.

A total of 53 crashes were reported to police between 6pm and 11pm on Monday, most of them due to the freezing weather causing dangerous driving conditions.

Seven of these incidents were reported to have resulted in injuries, but were not thought to be serious, police said.

A further 67 calls concerned other road-related incidents.

Suspended

A spokesman for Hinkley Point C nuclear power station said: “A bus carrying members of the Hinkley Point C workforce has been involved in a traffic incident on the A39 in Bridgwater.

“Emergency services are on the scene and travel to and from the site has been suspended.”

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) sent 23 doublecrewed land ambulances, two critical care

teams, and two hazardous area response teams to the scene.

After the 54 casualties had been moved to the three healthcare facilities, SWASFT strategic commander Ceri Smart, said: “Please continue to take care while travelling today, the conditions are still hazardous due to the freezing overnight temperatures and residual water on the road from the past week’s wet weather.”

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering south west

England from Tuesday at 6pm to Wednesday at noon.

Snow and ice hit several parts of the country as the UK experienced its coldest night of the year so far on Monday.

Temperatures plunged as low as minus 9.8C in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, overnight as the cold snap continued, with parts of the South West, including Cornwall, waking to heavy snowfall.

An ice warning has been issued by the Met Office for much of the South from 6pm on Tuesday until 10am on Wednesday.

Headteachers may have ‘no choice’ but to close schools

SCHOOL leaders may have ‘no choice’ but to close their doors to pupils during strikes, the leader of a headteachers’ union has warned.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said schools could have to shut during walkouts by teachers in England and Wales if ‘staffing numbers are dangerously low’.

The warning comes after the National Education Union (NEU) announced plans to hold seven days of walkouts in February and March in a dispute over pay.

Nine out of 10 teacher members of the NEU who voted in the ballot backed strike action, and the union passed the 50% ballot turnout required by law.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan is due to meet teaching union leaders on Wednesday morning in a bid to avert the strikes, which the NEU has said could affect more than 23,000 schools.

Downing Street has warned that widespread strikes planned by teachers, train drivers and civil servants on February 1 could likely cause “significant disruption” to the public.

Mr Whiteman said: “A school leader’s first priority is always the safety of the pupils in their school. So if staffing numbers are dangerously

low, it may be that leaders have no choice but to be compelled to close schools on safety grounds.”

Updated guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) suggests that agency staff and volunteers could be used to cover classes on strike days, with schools expected to remain open where possible, although remote learning is also an option and the most vulnerable pupils are to be given priority.

Cooperation

But Mr Whiteman said: “Frankly the guidance provided to headteachers by the DfE yesterday is at best naive. It is based on local disruption rather than the national walkouts planned by the NEU.”

He added that it was ‘unlikely’ that headteachers will “easily gain the cooperation of teams that are so frustrated with how they are treated by Government and are party to the same dispute as their NEU colleagues.”

School leaders in Wales are also set to take industrial action over pay, but headteachers in England will not stage strikes after an NAHT ballot turnout failed to meet the legal threshold.

OVERTURNED The bus on the A39 on Tuesday

Peter Lidstone

Liberal Democrat councillor

The success of the Borough Partnership is all down to whether you like what we’re offering

MAY 5, 2022 was a historic day for local politics in Tunbridge Wells. The Conservatives lost control of the Borough Council for the first time in over two decades, with the Borough Partnership (Lib Dem, Tunbridge Wells Alliance, Labour and an Independent Councillor, Rodney Atkins) taking control.

Consequences

While this presented the Borough Partnership with a fantastic opportunity to change the way local politics works, we were also presented with a number of challenges. Tunbridge Wells, the Council, local government and the country have faced a decade of austerity, the consequences of Brexit, a once-in-a-century pandemic, a war in mainland Europe and a cost-of-living crisis.

For Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, these external events and the Government’s response to them have resulted in greater demands on council services. At the same time the Council has had reduced financial resources with which to deliver its services.

The Borough Partnership’s most immediate priority last summer was safeguarding finances,

with the outgoing Conservative administration leaving a projected budget deficit of £944,000 in the 2022/23 financial year, and a total deficit of £20million by 2028.

Without action this would require us to use reserves, which of course is not sustainable. We took the decision to raise garden and parking fees (which had not increased since 2017) to meet some of the shortfall, and listened to specific local concerns around Southborough and Paddock Wood.

Further plans to shore up the finances include opening part of the Town Hall for co-working, encouraging new businesses (and the business rates), and reviewing our assets such as car

parks which are not at capacity.

We hear a lot of concerns from residents about the declining state of the town centre, so a vibrant and safer town and villages were high up on the Borough Partnership’s agenda. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes here, including plans to bring back a farmers’ market, applications for funding for better cycling facilities and more EV chargers. We are also really proud of the £100,000 Community Support Fund we have been able to establish to support those in greatest financial need across the Borough of Tunbridge Wells.

More cycling and better EV provision are obviously great for carbon reduction, and further work has been undertaken by the Borough Partnership to expand the Co Wheels car club (low emission pool cars for people to hire) and decarbonising Council buildings such as our sports centres.

We recognise how many young people end up being priced out of Tunbridge Wells, so provision of genuinely affordable housing and social rental housing is fundamental. This is not easy, as planning policy protects developers’ profits before they are required to provide genuinely

affordable housing. However, we have set ambitious targets for this in the Local Plan, and are looking at wider opportunities such as using council-owned land to provide housing at social rent.

Finally, we often hear concerns from residents about their ability to trust their local politicians, so digital access, transparency and local democracy are one of our top five priorities. So far this has involved the ‘Cabinet on tour’ with Cabinet meetings being held across the borough and leader Ben Chapelard going ‘back to the floor’ with staff. Look out for a borough-wide survey coming out later in the year.

Underpinning all of this are commitments to being outward-looking, valuing council staff, learning and making the most of digital to streamline things (while recognising that digital isn’t for everyone).

Ultimately, the success of the Borough Partnership will be down to whether you, the residents of Tunbridge Wells, like what we are offering.

If not, please let us know. A conversation is two-way, and we promise to listen and learn as we go.

James Rands Independent

We’ve got two problems – the Tories and the Coalition

LET’S focus on what matters.

If you’re reading this, you’re quite odd – in a good way. You are either engaged enough with local politics to care what an independent borough councillor has to say about stuff or you’re my Mum.

In reality, most people would be hard put to name one of their ward councillors or the ward they live in.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t care about anything. They want clean streets, regular rubbish collections, water to come out of the tap when they turn it on, for it to be safe to walk home at night, if they’re not worried about their own finances in these difficult times, then they’re worrying about their neighbours.

There’s a lot of stuff people care about and I am really not seeing a lot of focus on it in local politics right now.

Worse

Some of this is not in our power to solve and some of it we can only address partially. I think the public gets that, but they still expect us to do something useful to make their lives better or at least mitigate against them getting worse.

We’ve got two problems: the Tories and the Coalition.

The Tories were voted out and yet they’re still dominating the political discourse and not in any kind of productive or useful way. They’re engaged in cynical and often bizarre shenanigans.

You may have seen the ‘Tunbridge Wells Community Group’ on Facebook. Community groups are good aren’t they? This one doesn’t mention any politics, but weirdly all the admins are Tory councillors or candidates and they are refusing entry to active members of other parties. These are grown adults. I wonder if they also have decoder rings. This little gang of Poundland Machiavellis are obviously having enormous fun being as disruptive as possible,

whilst offering nothing positive or useful.

The coalition has many problems. Whether it’s as individual councillors or collectively, TWA and Labour need to stop trying to distance themselves from decisions made by the coalition of which they are part (e.g. parking fees).

It’s disruptive to the coalition, but it’s also pointless. The public sees you as part of the coalition and they’ll hold you accountable for the actions of the coalition. Lib Dems can tell you a story about that.

They also need to figure out how to deal with the Tories being disruptive. The answer is not to ignore them – misinformation (and that’s all the Tories now deal in) needs to be corrected.

It’s a bit of a ‘whack a mole’ challenge and unfortunately the truth (being nuanced) usually takes longer to explain than Tories’ fantasies do. However, it needs doing and the coalition can’t rely on an independent opposition councillor to do it for them.

Skew

They also can’t go to the other extreme and indulge the Tories. The Tories aren’t acting in good faith and we shouldn’t treat them as though they were.

The correct answer to: “We’d like to relitigate last year’s decision on elections” is not “Let’s have a consultation where you can mobilise your party membership to skew the results.” It’s: “No!” Remember that as long as they’re setting the agenda you’re not doing anything useful.

And finally the coalition need to do something tangible. They’ve done some really good work addressing the budget deficit left by the Tories, but it’s finance, it’s complicated, it’s subject to circumstances which will change and it’s frankly boring.

People need to see something positive happening. And they have enough good plans (I know – I wrote some of them). Just get on with what you were elected to do.

Peter Lidstone is a Liberal Democrat Councillor for St Johns and is Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Cycling and Walking Champion.

James Rands is the independent councillor for Culverden. A former Army officer, he was first elected to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in 2019.

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 you can write to the Editor, Times of Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

South East Water exists to provide financial returns for shareholders

Greg Clark is to be applauded for the efforts he has made on our behalf to bring SE Water to account for their appalling service. His excellent article in this week’s Times bears that out.

I would just take issue with him on one point where he says: ‘SE Water exists for one reason only – to reliably supply water to our home and businesses.’

Unfortunately, SE Water exists for another reason and that is to provide financial returns for its shareholders and that is why not enough money has been spent over the years

Take water with ‘reality pills’

Greg Clark last week wrote that South East Water exists for one reason only – to reliably supply water to our homes and businesses.

I think Mr Clark needs someone to give him a shake and a large dose of reality pills: they exist primarily to make the greatest profit for their shareholders. The water companies have increased prices and loaded up the businesses with debt whilst paying out huge dividends. Their privatisation was and continues to be another classic example of politicians getting it wrong: I believe it was a Conservative government wot done it.

Hugh Masters Pembury

Taking up arms over health

Is there any other country in the developed Western World where the health of the nation is the subject of rancorous debate, political point scoring and yah-boo! behaviour in the legislative chamber? I think not, though I may be wrong. People are being denied treatment and are dying while these people blether on – doesn’t affect them, they’re all with Bupa or some such. Everybody seems to be on strike; so perhaps the rest of us should take to the streets and raise the barricades. “Aux armes, citoyens! Marchons! Marchons! [Citizens, to arms! Let’s march, let’s march!]”.

Charlotte Steerpike

Tunbridge Wells

Councillor’s

error on bus route

It is obvious from Cllr Hugo Pound’s letter that he does not live in Sherwood or use the 277 bus. If he did, he would know its route is not Sherwood to the town but from the town to

on maintaining and improving the infrastructure.

I accused SE Water of cynically turning off our water for 11.5 hours at a time to avoid paying us compensation when it is off for over 12 hours.

In their reply, they said that ‘compensation will be considered against our Guaranteed Standards Scheme’ which I think exactly proves my point. Has anyone had any compensation yet?

Peter Russell Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

Thelma Huggett Tunbridge Wells

Cheap fares won’t attract passengers

I fully support the letter from local Labour borough councillors on Sherwood and Rusthall calling on Arriva to think again over bus cuts (Times, January 11). It is indeed richly ironic that

these cuts are coming in at the same time as a £2 promotional single fare has been introduced until the end of March 2023 to encourage more passengers to use the buses. The sad truth is that bus services have barely recovered from the Covid pandemic forcing people back into their cars, if they have one, while Brexit helped lead to a continuing shortage of drivers, causing frequent cancellations on my local routes.

This has been compounded over the past coldest and darkest months of the year by urgent repair works to burst water mains and now gas mains, blocking vital roads, and causing major disruptions and detours to the vital 281 bus services for residents of Silverdale, Upper Grosvenor Road, North Farm and surrounding roads for several weeks now. Information on the re-routed services at bus stops has been lamentable at bus stops. Not all passengers have access to Arriva mobile phone apps.

Dr Alan Bullion (abridged) Southborough Labour Town Councillor

Fund takes RAF personnel under its wing The RAF and its people are resilient and fantastic at facing fear, mitigating risk and getting the job done.

But sometimes life throws a spanner in the works. And you can’t simply rely on your training, on your professional skills, or your can-do attitude; you need additional support.

And that’s where the RAF Benevolent Fund comes in. We’re here to support RAF personnel, past and present, in need during those times when there’s no manual to follow.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is here for the RAF Family, providing practical, financial and emotional support to RAF personnel, veterans and their partners and dependents.

That’s what we do. Supporting members of the RAF Family, whenever and wherever they need us.

We’re here, through thick and thin.

If you’re part of the RAF Family or you know someone who is struggling this winter, please get in touch, we’re here to help, and want to help.

We also value your support, and all donations will go towards improving the lives of serving or former RAF personnel and their families and dependants.

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

SEX CHANGE. It’s official. The vast majority of people in this country (almost 94 per cent) say their gender identity is the same today as their sex registered at birth, according to census data. So that’s the size of the silent majority then. Calverley was coming to believe, through all the social media hype, that he was among the last non-gender-changing-person to survive.

CRISP VIEWS. Sitting on his bar stool Calverley became involved in a heated debate (it was near to closing). Climate change? NHS in freefall? Cost of living crisis? Oh, no. This was about packets of crisps and how the contents seemed diminished. Quick online research revealed weights had plunged from 28g a bag to 22g a bag. A protest petition has been organised, with talk of getting support from footie guru Gary Lineker who makes a fortune (outside his BBC million-pound handout) pushing Walkers crisps. Hold your breath. Not.

Air

Commodore Paul Hughesdon (abridged) Director Grants, Services & Programmes, RAF Benevolent Fund

IT’S THE LITTLE FIBS that can destroy you. As with Horrible Harry and Moaning Meghan. The Prince says he was at Eton when told about the death of the Queen Mother: “… it was just before Easter, the weather bright and warm, light slanting through my window, filled with vivid colours”. How touching. But apparently wrong. He was with his dad and brother skiing in Switzerland. Then there was the day Meghan walked into an organic supermarket shortly after the pair went public about their relationship. Harry says she was confronted with rows of newspapers with the ‘most shocking and disgusting headlines’ about her. She even ‘caught two cashiers sharing a horrible smile’. All very strange as the store does not sell newspapers. Calverley believes if you mislead on the small facts that can be checked, how can people accept the other, bigger storylines?

MOBILES WALK. Figures show Government departments are seeing 50 laptops and mobiles disappear from offices every week. They are being misplaced or stolen. Calverley would dearly like to know if there’s been an increase since most Civil Servants started working from home. What an unkind thought and clearly not true!

FINAL THOUGHT. Much unrest about the amount of cash being handed to MPs by private companies. Calverley suggests those who grab the donations should have to wear the logos of the sponsoring donors. Just like Formula One drivers and footballers.

Chin, chin dear reader…

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Dandara granted planning permission for new Ashdown Forest development

Crowborough on the edge of Ashdown Forest.

The company is planning a two-phase development that will eventually see more than 200 homes in the area.

The first phase is to build 65 private and 35 affordable homes on 8.1 hectares of land off Walshes Road, in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex.

Pearmain Place will deliver a range of private three-, four- and five-bedroom houses and will feature large areas of open green spaces, natural habitats for wildlife and soft landscaped areas, accompanied with children’s play parks.

David Garrett, Managing Director of Dandara South East, said: “Pearmain Place will bring vitally-needed new homes to Crowborough where there has been a real shortage of housing in recent years, particularly for first time buyers.

“Its proximity to well-regarded schools will be attractive to families and the size and styles of

house-types will suit buyers with a wide range of different aspirations and budgets – from those buying their first home, to secondsteppers and downsizers looking for low maintenance, energy-efficient homes.”

Dandara will make a contribution to Wealden Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy to help deliver improvements to local services, including highways, education, local amenity

areas, health, waste, policing and community facilities.

Consultation

Rebecca Taylor, Head of Land at Dandara South East, added: “Pearmain Place has been designed in careful consultation with Wealden District Council to ensure it enhances and

complements its incredible location in one of the most picturesque parts of East Sussex.”

Construction of the new Dandara development is expected to start in January 2023, with a sales launch scheduled for summer 2023.

A further 130 homes are planned for the second phase of the development, which will be built in 2024, with a total of 81 affordable homes being built over the two phases.

•

‘Its proximity to well-regarded schools will be attractive to families and the size and styles of house-types will suit buyers with a wide range of different aspirations and budgets’

GREEN SPACE Artist's impression of the Pearmain Place development

Maddisons Residential opens a London office Berkeley launches its Cranbrook collection

The Mayfair office in Thayer Street, just five minutes’ walk from Oxford Street, is headed by Nicholas Churton, one of the foremost Londonbased marketing experts in country property.

Representation

IN EARLY 2023 Kent-based developer Berkeley will be launching Farmstead at Tannersbrook –a new collection of homes in Cranbrook.

Views

This new gated development will comprise just 28 private three- and four-bedroom houses, alongside a five-bedroom farmhouse with rural

Trained by Chestertons in London, Nicholas

positive move in developing even stronger links within the national and international property market.

“Often described as one of the most desirable areas in the South East in which to live, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas have become more popular than ever with buyers.

“They are tempted by the quality of housing, good rail links to London, renowned schools and excellent recreational facilities.”

“An office in the West End working together

TUNBRIDGE WELLS estate agent Maddisons Residential has opened an office in London’s West End.

Cgi

THE SPRINGS, PEMBURY

An INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT regarding the sale of ten high specification apartments, in the course of construction, with estimated completion for the first units in the Spring of 2023. Situated on the leafy outskirts of the village within close proximity to the A21 which provides access to the coast and the M25 motorway network.

Set within a striking building that has been doubled in size with a purpose built extension to include a lift.

These particularly spacious and luxurious apartment all have two bedrooms and en suite facilities, the vast majority having direct access to outside space – either balconies or areas of private garden.

The German fitted kitchens have integrated appliances, there are striking bathroom suites and the apartments come with allocated parking.

In our opinion, these fabulous and spacious properties will make great homes for a variety of purchasers from downsizers, small family units and, given their closeness to Pembury Hospital, investors and health workers too.

Contact us now for further information on pricing, availability and to register your potential interest. kim@bracketts.co.uk

Kim Stephenson

What does 2023 hold in store for the property market?

Andrew Mann, Clarity Homes and Commercial

INFLATION and supply chain issues have had a huge impact on construction in 2022. We predict projects being put on hold while prices of materials continue to rise. As house prices begin to fall due to the cost-of-living crisis, increased inflation and interest rates, we expect to work on more renovation than new-build projects in 2023.

On a positive note, the sustained rise in the cost of land could begin to correct in the current market, which bodes well for future developments.

Richards, Maddisons Residential

TUNBRIDGE Wells tends to remain resilient to property downturns due to our proximity to the capital, excellent education options and plentiful green open spaces.

London-based buyers will continue to move to our town, so we would expect property sales to remain buoyant. This will be further helped by cash buyers, or buyers

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Though we don’t have a crystal ball, we are confident that the current downward trend in prices will be short-lived and we expect a vibrant year.

Angie Pool, Atelier Design Consultants

AS an architectural practice we are working with our clients and developers in this ever-changing climate to leverage their assets through strategic planning applications and create opportunity without the need for construction.

After the not-so-perfect storm of Brexit, the pandemic and higher interest rates, many

property owners will put projects on hold.

Residential projects have been affected by the soaring costs of building materials over the past two years, resulting in clients having to adapt their approach.

The cost of labour has soared, with all trades having been affected by rising fuel costs. This has made resourcing projects throughout the South East more difficult and costly.

Our ongoing strategy of partnering with local businesses enables us to support the wider community, while delivering spaces that reflect our clients' lifestyles and requirements.

Value engineering as a team allows us to deliver these projects within a reasonable budget and realistic timeframe.

Nick Green, Handelsbanken

JANUARY saw news of yet another month of falls for house prices and mortgage approvals

dropped to their lowest levels since June 2020, providing more evidence of slowing demand for UK housing as the rising interest-rate environment bites.

Handelsbanken predicts that mortgage approvals will stay depressed for some time to come. After a buoyant period during the pandemic, the UK property market is in for a correction, with house prices seeing a projected average nominal drop of nearly 10% from peak levels. That said, it’s still not clear exactly how this will all play out into the early part of this year.

The supply of homes coming to market is falling, but demand appears to be dropping at a

faster rate, meaning it seems likely that average prices will see nominal falls in 2023 and, of course, even more severe decreases in real terms due to the high-inflation environment.

However, the correction is unlikely to be felt uniformly across the UK and as we know, these situations do not tend to last, and property is a long-term investment.

In the many years I’ve worked in banking, I’ve seen plenty of peaks and troughs – remember it’s all relative. If you have to sell your current home for less then you expected, then chances are you will be paying less for your new home.

We are lucky to live in and around Tunbridge Wells, where troughs tend to be shallower, because of factors such as an easy commutable distance to London, quality schools and proximity to beautiful countryside.

Whatever 2023 has in store, the team at Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells is on hand to discuss your financial needs.

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Photo: Shutterstock

Computer Generated Image is indicative only.

Choosing your professionals

WE recently completed the sale of two properties for a client who had instructed Sited to sell two listed buildings in West Malling. We provided a discreet, off-market service that enabled complete confidentiality. Our client's words of appreciation were a welcome conclusion to the transaction…

“Stephen, hello… a quick note to thank you again for all your help in selling The Red House and Assembly Rooms. Unlike SO many businesses today, you did exactly what you said you would, in a challenging market, and eventually made things happen. All the best, Michael”

Sited provides a bespoke, personal service for individuals searching for land where they can build their dream home. Operating throughout the South East, our professional and experienced team can facilitate complete design and build solutions and will manage the whole process from sitesourcing to design and planning, interior design and construction.

We can find you the perfect plot of land via our extensive network of contacts and will also handle the complexities of purchase and planning – we have every detail covered.

Suzie Wakeman, The Good Estate Agent

THE Good Estate Agent, Tunbridge Wells is part of The Good Estate network of estate and lettings agents. With agents throughout the UK, we are one of the most exciting and freshest brands in the industry.

We have a new and refreshing approach to selling and letting homes in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Paddock Wood, Sevenoaks and Crowborough.

We also offer a full lettings service for any landlords looking to let their properties. The Good Estate Agent Tunbridge Wells provides a bespoke service for all our clients.

We pride ourselves on first-class customer service and work to suit you. We can carry out evening valuations and viewings and have an extensive support team to assist in obtaining the right buyers and achieving the best possible price.

Once a suitable buyer has been found, we will assist with the conveyancing process. We realise this can be a stressful experience and we aim to make the process as simple as possible.

The same applies to letting properties. With the ever-

growing legislation in the industry, you can be confident that we have you covered. We will thoroughly vet tenants and prepare all the necessary documentation as required by law.

Simon McKay, SJM Projects

January often feels a struggle following the Christmas festivities, added to which is the requirement to meet the annual HMRC tax deadline. The Government’s desire to simplify and modernise the tax regime through the ‘Making Tax Digital’ (MTD) initiative is bringing about changes for private landlords. James Richards, Partner of award-winning Sales and Lettings Agent, Maddisons Residential, explains in greater detail.

Landlords who file tax returns will be aware that the MTD initiative will involve maintaining digital records of company/individual accounts, with the additional requirement of submitting quarterly summaries to HMRC, rather than simply filing one year-end tax return. It will require the use of HMRC-approved software, with guidance regarding compatibility available on the HMRC website.

The idea is that by keeping digital records and submitting your figures more frequently, it will be easier to keep track of upcoming tax liabilities, therefore making it easier to budget. With no cynicism meant, the Government equally hopes it will reduce the ‘tax gap’, the name for the shortfall in the amount of tax the Treasury expects to receive. With the most recent figures for 2019-20 showing a tax gap of £34.8bn, you can understand why the taxman is keen to have more accurate forecasting.

The MTD initiative was originally launched in 2019 for businesses that pay VAT and have an annual turnover of more than £85,000. This year, it was extended to include all VAT-registered businesses and had been planned to kick in for income tax later this year. This date was then delayed to 2024 to give people whose livelihoods were disrupted by Covid-19 more time to prepare. But, in a surprise move just before Christmas, the deadline was further pushed back to April 2026, to give self-employed individuals and landlords affected by the cost-of-living crisis longer to get ready for the change.

An early Christmas present that some may not have realised they had been given – and perhaps therefore some cheer for both accidental and professional landlords in Tunbridge Wells to read in the otherwise more sombre (sober!) month of January.

Wishing everyone a very happy 2023.

AS we enter a new year, we are excited to build upon our successes of the past by continuing to work with our existing clients and reaching new audiences.

This year we are exhibiting at Build It Live on February 4-5 at the Kent County Showground.

This will be our second show – the first being the Kent Construction Expo, which enabled us to network with other professionals and businesses and was a proven success. At Build It Live, we hope to further expand on this networking with homeowners and the wider public.

Having extended the services that we deliver over the last few years, we are in a great place to provide professional, dependable advice and assistance with most topics relating to residential, commercial, or agricultural projects.

This can include planning, surveying, architecture, or technical issues and enquiries. By growing our business, we plug a gap that many companies miss – by providing a commercially driven package with a local and friendly attitude – and of course, keen pricing.

Across the two days, our welcoming planning, architectural, survey, and technical colleagues will be on hand to provide advice, discuss potential projects, or simply have an informal chat.

We would love to discuss your successes (and any failures), your issues, or your future projects, so please feel free to visit us at stand A8. The SJM Group of companies look forward to seeing you there.

Meet the expert: James Richards is a Partner at Maddisons Residential, leading independent Sales and Lettings Agent in Tunbridge Wells, offering expert sales and lettings advice with excellent customer service.

Stephen Donnelly, Sited

CONTEMPORARY A computer-generated design of an SJM project

The Times speaks to three firms in the local property industry and asks why their customers keep coming back to them…

Photo: Shutterstock

EDUCA

child in this country deserves access to the best possible education’

Every child in this country deserves access to the best possible education. This is not a controversial statement, and I’m sure Keir Starmer and I are very much in agreement on this point. It is clear to see that the state education sector in this country is in drastic need of investment. Again, few would disagree with this assessment. However, Starmer’s proposed tax on aspiration, which would see parents charged 20 per cent VAT on fees, is not the miracle solution he might think it is.

Status

Starmer’s position is nothing new – Labour have long threatened to remove the charitable status which applies to many independent schools (which, for the record, are registered charities because they deliver education for children and are non-profit making), along with exemptions on VAT and business tax. I don’t propose getting embroiled in a debate

about the political ideology around independent schools here because wherever you sit on this issue, the most fundamental aspect is to determine whether Labour’s plan to raise the quoted £1.7 billion stacks up financially.

Perhaps more significant, however, would be the impact on the independent sector’s ability to support the state sector. Despite what some politicians may have you believe, there is no battle between the state and

In addition, we are a proud sponsor of The John Wallis Church of England Academy in Ashford, which involves sharing resources, running partnership activities such as a Combined Cadet Force, offering student mentoring and sharing best practice with one another. It is a genuinely two-way relationship, with Benenden gaining as much from our partnership as John Wallis.

We are also in the midst of a fundraising campaign to increase our partnership work and offer even more bursaries.

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Far from raising any money at all, the policy would in fact leave a £400millon hole in the schools’ budget. This has been calculated on independent schools reclaiming VAT on expenditure (which, as charities, they currently cannot), the loss of VAT on fees income owing to students leaving the sector, and the cost of educating the children who move into the state sector. This hardly seems prudent economics.

independent education sectors. In fact, the two already work closely together in the interests of all children and the wider community. For example, at Benenden last year students and staff devoted the equivalent of 157 days to volunteering projects in the local community, including regularly supporting five local primary and preschools, the village shop and charities helping elderly people and those with dementia.

I’m not saying all this activity will stop if VAT is introduced on fees. Such work is simply the right thing to do, and we will always do our best to support the community, but the harsh reality is this all costs money, and less money will squeeze the positive impact we can all have on state schools – precisely the sector that Labour is, laudably, aiming to support.

Far from being a magical cure-all, I fear that Keir Starmer’s policy will backfire for his party – and the country.

Would You Like To Stop Worrying About The Cost Of Living?

‘Every

Labour’s plan to increase taxation on independent schools is not the magical solution it’s being portrayed as, says Benenden Head Samantha Price…

‘Despite what some politicians may have you believe, there is no battle between the state and independent education sectors. In fact, the two already work closely together in the interests of all children and the wider community’

SAMANTHA PRICE

which focused more on drawing the form and shape of structures that we made ourselves especially for the sessions. We also ran a couple of festive workshops for Christmas 2022, in which our students produced Christmas cards by making their own print designs using lino.

How many members do you have?

At the moment we have a lovely group of around eight to ten members, all with differing abilities and interests. We are very keen to add more members to Studio Collective, and would welcome anyone with an interest in art or design to join us.

What is the average workshop like to attend? They are very informal and relaxed. We usually start each session by discussing the artists who we are looking at that week, what type of work they do and how they are relevant to the work the students themselves will produce. We always ease slowly into the sessions, usually with smaller activities, before working on a main piece. Each student will work at their own pace, some making many artworks, whereas others may only work on one.

every Tuesday from 9:30am to 11:30am for six weeks, missing one week in between for half-term (February 14). Our new project is called ‘Great Women Artists’ and we will be looking at some very influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

What will the Great Women Artists sessions involve?

What’s so beneficial about them?

For a set time during their busy week, our students can block out any other thoughts and distractions in their lives to make art, or to simply enjoy the process and conversations around it.

What will be on the agenda for the next Studio Collective workshops?

They start on January 24 and will be hosted in the Green Room at The Amelia. They will run

Each week we will focus on a different artist, for two weeks at a time. We start with the great Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, then move on to abstract impressionist Helen Frankenthaler and we’ll end with the Bloomsbury Group’s Vanessa Bell. These will be a really exciting set of workshops, where we will look closely at how each artist works, and then the students will get to produce their own work based on a chosen piece by that artist, using the same techniques and mediums.

What do you hope attendees get from attending on of your workshops?

It is really important for us that each student takes home with them a new knowledge and skill for art and design with each session, and that they are proud of themselves with the work that they have produced. We want everyone we

teach to realise that it is not necessarily about being good at art, but it is about the process and allowing yourself to relax, and to create in a comfortable space with like-minded people.

Do you have to be ‘artistic’ to attend? No not at all, we have a wonderful mix of students, some of whom have more experience than others. All you need to have is an interest in art, design and creativity, and to want to learn new skills, or build on ones that you already have. Even if you feel that you have no talent, we believe anyone can create art with the right passion and guidance. We always say to our students that there is no right or wrong in art, but that there are techniques and ways to get closer to the results you intended, which we are very happy to teach and share.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

January 24 and 31

The sessions in January will focus on the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, but also touch on the artistry of Indian artist Sher Gil and Renaissance painter Artemisia Gentileschi.

February 7 and 21

American abstract impressionist Helen Frankenthaler will be the principal subject with African-American artist Alma Thomas, figurative painter Arpita Singh and Sonia Delaunay, a French creative known best for her geometric work, also coming under the microscope.

February 27 and March 7

The final sessions will concentrate on the legendary Bloomsbury Group’s Vanessa Bell with American impressionist Mary Cassatt and Fahrelnissa Zeid, a Turkish abstract artist, also being featured.

All sessions run from 9:30 to 11:30am and cost £45 per workshop, or £240 for all six.

A hands-on artistic celebration of a musical hero

EVERY January The Forum hosts a special David Bowie tribute evening to coincide with what would have been the rock star’s birthday (January 8) but to also mark the anniversary of his death (January 10).

The legendary musician whose hits include Heroes, Let’s Dance and Life on Mars, died of cancer in 2016. And since then the iconic music venue has celebrated Bowie’s huge canon of classic songs courtesy of a wealth of talented vocalists – as well as The Forum’s in-house band.

Masterpiece

This year, as part of The Forum’s 30th anniversary, the venue commissioned local artist Guy Portelli to make a special sculpture in order to mark the extraordinary life and exceptional artistry of David Bowie.

The mosaic masterpiece was unveiled the day before the tribute concert on January 6 and will now be in situ at The Forum until early March, when it will go on a tour of different museums, galleries and venues so Bowie fans around the globe can see it up close.

Guy, a Tonbridge-based artist, who found fame on the BBC’s Dragons Den in 2008, tells the Times that his work tends to be centred around ‘the crossover between art and music’.

In addition to his new Bowie sculpture, over the years Guy has created a sizeable collection of pop icon portraits that span from Frank Sinatra to Amy Winehouse.

He explains that his latest sculpture has taken three years to complete and that it is a very personal piece.

“People who worked with or knew Bowie donated their handprints to the project,” Guy says.

“Among those featured are guitar legends Nile Rodgers, Peter Frampton and also Jeff Beck – who died last week and lived in Wadhurst. Others include producers Brian Eno and Tony Visconti, Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys and DJ, Goldie. There are many other artists, old friends – even some reclusive ex-girlfriends,” smiles Guy.

The giant mosaic is made up of a total of 69 handprints in order to reflect the age Bowie was when he died.

“It's taken three years of work to track all these people down and then make this,” adds Guy, who

is known as ‘sculptor to the rock stars’ courtesy of pieces he has made for Ringo Starr and Robbie Williams.

Guy was assisted by local Bowie expert and author Tom Hagler to get each of the 69 different handprints commissioned. All of the participants, he says, were delighted to help in order to ‘retain fond memories of the singer’.

After its stint at The Forum, the Bowie sculpture will go on show at the Mall Galleries in London from March 2-11 before it embarks on a worldwide tour to various venues.

The Bowie concert at The Forum on January 7 was a sell-out and helped to raise money for the West Kent Mind Charity.

For more information on Guy Portelli’s work visit: portelli-sculptor.co.uk

OF HEROES

HANDS

Artist Guy Portelli and his sculpture

‘It is really important that each student takes home with them a new knowledge and skill for art and design with each session’

Last weekend, local artist Guy Portelli unveiled his sculptural tribute to the legendary David Bowie. Eileen Leahy finds out more…

‘Among those featured are guitar legends Nile Rodgers, Peter Frampton and also Jeff Beck –who died last week and lived in Wadhurst’

Photo: Tom Hagler

THE

guidegig

January 18 to January 31

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, CRESCENT ROAD

All event information and tickets available from www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 20/01 80s Live 21/01 Trextasy

TN1 BAR & KITCHEN, MONSON ROAD

Open all day live music usually from 8pm booking advised Via 01892 513900 or visit www. tn1barkitchen.co.uk

19/01 James Mcmaster (7pm) 20/01 The Masqueraders Duo (8pm) 21/01 Dan & Harry (8.30pm) 22/01 Ash Dodd (6pm) 26/01 Steffan James (7pm) 27/01 The Masqueraders Duo (8pm) 28/01 The Management Acoustic Duo (8.30pm)

TRINITY THEATRE, CHURCH ROAD

All information and tickets available at www.trinitytheatre.net 21/01 Jive Talkin’ 28/01 Richard Navarro

THE GREEN DUCK EMPORIUM, 53 GROSVENOR ROAD

All event information, tickets and

bookings at www. thegreenduckemporium.com/events

27/01 Carradine's Cockney Sing-a-long

THE RIDGEMONT PAVILION, SOUTHBOROUGH

All event information and tickets available at www.tunbridgewellsyouth. com

28/01 Nigel Clark (lead singer of Dodgy) + Ian Prowse (Amsterdam & Pele)

EVEN FLOW CAFÉ, ST JOHN’S ROAD

Open all day free entry all event information at www.evenflowuk.com 26/01 Open Mic Night (all welcome)

THE BOTTLE HOUSE INN, PENSHURST

Open all day music from 8pm booking advised on 01892 870306 Or via www. thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk 25/01 Burns Night at The Bottle House with Celtic inspired music from Mischa Bray of The Orange Circus

THE GUN & SPITROAST INN, HORSMONDEN

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm 18/01 Jam Session – all welcome 25/01 Jam Session – all welcome

DAVID MUMFORD

NIGEL CLARK

STEFFAN JAMES

JAMES MCMASTER

MISCHA BRAY

The human touch

Home carer brings Christmas cheer by surprising local resident

A LOCAL home carer spread some Christmas cheer to one of her clients, as she gave her an unexpected visit – in her own time – to share a chat over a mince pie in the countdown to the big day.

Lindsey, a carer working for TerraBlu Home Care, a local independent home care provider based in Tunbridge Wells, wasn’t working over the Christmas period but wanted to visit Jill, who is housebound, as she felt she needed to see a friendly face during the festive period.

“It was a nice surprise to see Lyndsey before Christmas,” said Jill. “I love seeing all the support workers and Lyndsey goes out her way to make me laugh. I like all the staff as they help me stay at home – which is where I want to be.”

“Christmas is an extremely busy time of year for many and it’s easy to get caught up with events and reunions, and perhaps overlook a family member or a neighbour who cannot get out and about as they once could to enjoy company and get to festive events. It’s at times like this that our carers often make the biggest difference to our clients,” explains Netta Sceal, Deputy Care Manager.

“Lyndsey has only been with us for a few months and has settled into the role with ease and dedication. It doesn’t need someone to be working in the care sector for years and years to put a smile on a client’s face, so long as you have compassion and want to make a difference to an older person’s life,” adds Emma Foard, Operations Support Manager.

Richard Gould, Director at TerraBlu, continues, “Providing care and support to our

clients is what we do best, yet it is these additional human touches that encompass what our team stands for. The mutual friendships that are developed in a short space of time means that genuine care and interest is given to our clients, and that’s when our team will often go out of their way to make a difference to the quality of their lives. I couldn’t be prouder of our wonderful care team.”

Balanced nutrition and regular exercise can help protect cognitive health in later life

MOST

have

New Year’s

A month of caring

IT’S important for a sector looking after potentially vulnerable clients to have external regulation. Since our last Care Quality Commission review in April 2022, we have worked diligently to improve the weaker areas identified within our office processes.

We are so proud of the staff who have left no area untouched to tighten up our paper trails. Our service levels continue to remain excellent, and we welcome our next review this year.

improve

health and fitness, wanting to shed Christmas weight gain. But did you know that making this part of your ongoing lifestyle can help prevent conditions such as dementia?

Plenty of studies show that eating a balanced diet – with a variety of fruit, vegetables, beans, pulses, calcium and protein –combined with a mix of cardiovascular exercise and strength training, alongside not smoking and reduced alcohol intake, will help improve heart health. This in turn protects the brain, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Starting these healthy lifestyle habits young could reduce your risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment later in life, but it can still make a difference when elderly too.

A recent study of 961 people with an average age of 81 by researchers in Chicago, published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that those with a diet high in levels of flavanols (antioxidants), especially the kind found in kale and tea, experienced slower cognitive decline.

When elderly, it’s important to adapt to your changing needs, as fewer calories are required, and if you have medical issues that affect your mobility, you may need to think of new ways to remain active.

Local independent home care provider, TerraBlu Home Care, help their elderly clients living in the Tunbridge Wells, Southborough and Tonbridge areas maintain a healthy lifestyle and get regular exercise.

“Many of our staff will prepare meals for clients, ensuring that they have a good balanced diet and the correct portion size. They also help them perform exercises at home and in the garden on sunnier days, to keep fit and help with strength and mobility. They will help clients with gardening and walking to the shops or going out for general recreation,” explains Emma Foard, Operations Support Manager.

“Our carers are trained to support clients with osteoporosis, dementia and arthritis to improve their daily lifestyle,” adds Netta Sceal, Deputy Care Manager. “They also help our clients maintain cognitive health by providing company

and friendly conversation and doing puzzles and crosswords.

“These all combine to boost the health and wellbeing of our wonderful clients and help reduce stress and anxiety, which plays an equally important role in improving quality of life in old age.”

OUR team is expanding this year with new carers joining us from The Philippines, South Africa, and later from Sri Lanka, to ensure we can continue to provide our services across the local community.

“We have been providing home care to more than 600 clients over the past 20 years, across the Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge area, helping them remain living in their own homes as independently as possible. The cost-of-living crisis has made recruiting locally difficult, so we have looked abroad to find the right people to join our team, and warmly welcome them,” explains Richard Gould, Director at TerraBlu Home Care.

We’re looking forward to… Welcoming new staff as we’re increasing capacity

We’ve been mostly… Improving our internal processes

Lunch prepared by a TerraBlu carer

Carers Ellie and Vicky with a client

Savour a taste of an authentic celebration of Chinese New Year

This coming Sunday – January 22 – is the start of Chinese New Year and to celebrate, Kumquat, an Asian fusion restaurant on The Pantiles, is hosting a series of very special evenings to mark the occasion. Eileen Leahy finds out more about what’s on the mouthwatering menu...

The Year of the Rabbit is just around the corner and Kumquat, a Tunbridge Wells restaurant co-run by Alex Boyd and his wife Virginia, who originally hails from Hong Kong, is going all out to celebrate.

The restaurant, which specialises in delicious fusion food, is situated right in the heart of The Pantiles and opened last year. Service runs from breakfast to dinner and it’s already proving to be very popular with local foodies who love its hallmark blend of culinary classics with an Asian twist. This particular epicurean pairing comes courtesy of Alex’s traditional French culinary training, alongside his and his wife Virginia’s experience of finessing their palates thanks to their time in Hong Kong.

Special

Starting tomorrow evening (Thursday January 19) and running over the next two weekends (this Saturday is sold out), the couple and their team will host a series of special set menu dinners to mark the start of the New Year in the Chinese calendar.

And having already seen the menu – which boasts specialities like ‘Gong Hei Fat Choi’ prawns with steamed scallop, jade-blessed Hainan poached chicken with ginger, garlic and soy, and sesame-marinated jellyfish salad – it promises to be a wonderful dining experience. There will also be entertainment during the meals, with karaoke, music and dancing available to enjoy after dinner.

“We are very excited to be celebrating Chinese New Year in our restaurant,” chef Alex tells me.

CELEBRATION A dish from Kumquat’s special menu

“This Saturday is sold out but there are still some spaces for next weekend, as well as the two Thursdays and Fridays this week and next.

“Chinese New Year is always a special occasion for our family, so to be able to share it with more people is wonderful for us.”

Alex’s wife Virginia adds: “As a modern Asian restaurant, Kumquat needs to be celebrating this special occasion.”

Alex has 28 years of experience in the food industry and says it was when he lived in Hong Kong that he really fell in love with Asian food.

“I have really enjoyed taking traditional

celebratory Chinese dishes and modernising them for this special fine-dining tasting menu,” he explains.

“Food really is at the centre of the celebrations of Chinese New Year and to be able to have an evening enjoying many different tastes will be a fantastic experience.”

Challenge

Virginia admits that making the restaurant’s own real Peking duck will be the biggest challenge for Alex: “It is a very technical process

to get the skin of the duck as crispy as it needs to be, but he does love a challenge!”

Bookings can be made via the Kumquat website, by calling the restaurant or by dropping in to see them. There is availability on Thursday and Friday January 19 and 21, as well as January 26, with limited availability on Friday and Saturday January 26 and 27, so don’t delay in booking! The menu is priced at £65 per person for eight courses, with a welcome drink included. Half bottles of Moët & Chandon Champagne are priced at £30.

www.kumquat.restaurant

CULINARY DUO Virginia and Alex Boyd

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.

CONSIDER MEDIATION

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

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

Say ‘no’ this January without compromising on great taste courtesy of these alcohol-free drinks

In his regular column Alex Greig, founder of the Fuggles Beer Café and Bottle Shop suggests some great alcohol-free tipples if you’re doing Dry January, or if you just want to cut back…

Every year the alcohol-free category gets bigger, better and stronger. Which is a great thing if you’re taking a break from the hard stuff but don’t want to compromise on flavour (or let’s face it, just want the placebo effect!)

This year we have even more options available than before. Included in our mix at Fuggles are some great-tasting alcohol-free beers, hopped sodas, kombucha and alcohol-free G&Ts. Here are some of the highlights we’ve got for you for this January – and beyond…

Creative

The Only With Love team are a creative bunch. Alongside their traditional and craft beer offerings, they also produce some of the best alcohol-free beers going, tasty kombuchas and a new range of hopped soda.

Harmony AF is their new West Coast IPA – a beer which has taken them months of tweaking and playing around with to get right. Aside from a big amount of hops to give you all the piney, resinous notes you’d expect in a beer of this style, it’s also got a lovely undertone of orangey citrus pith too. However, if beer isn’t your thing then they’ve got you covered too.

Our pick from their great range of kombucha is their Rhubarb & Custard offering. The vanilla really balances out the tartness of the rhubarb and natural acidity of the drink itself – and it’s so summery it’ll brighten up the dullest winter’s day! Not tried ‘booch yet? Well it’s a quirky

organic tea, fermented with good bacteria and yeasts – which make it great for your gut!

Finally, The Only With Love team now have a new kid on the block. Step forward LUPHO… Now this is as about as natural as it gets. With no calories or caffeine, it’s simply made for those who want an even more healthy alternative! It’s brewed with citra hops for zest, apricot for flavour and a dash of apple cider vinegar for depth and good gut health!

Another of our alcohol-free heroes is Pentire. Inspired by the coast, Pentire produce some

great tasting alcohol-free spirits including Adrift and Seaward. Adrift sits on the more herbal, coastal side, while the Seaward is more citrussy, with tones of grapefruit leading. I’d say that it’s one of the best alcohol-free spirits we’ve tried. Both styles are available in pre-mixed cans with tonic.

Lowtide beers are always in our fridges and are another of our favourite alcohol-free brewers. This time around they’ve done some collaborations with some fantastic breweries including Time & Tide in Deal and Baron

Brewing just south of Cambridge. Changing Tides has a cracking citrus hit on it thanks to the liberal use of Mandarina Bavaria hops and the addition of orange and grapefruit. Meanwhile Simmer Down is a hop-forward Red IPA, with loads of juicy citrus, soft red fruits and subtle piney notes.

So this month, if you’re taking a step back, on a health kick or just fancy a break, there’s still plenty of delicious, flavoursome drinks to get into and lots of great independent businesses still to support!

Couples can enjoy a romantic meal at Brasserie on this Valentine’s Day

By Molly Miller

TO CELEBRATE Valentine’s Day this February, you can whisk your loved one away for a magical evening at Brasserie, One Warwick Park, as the restaurant announces a new set menu for the occasion.

Located on The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, the stylish eatery launched in September and quickly became popular among foodies for its delicious breakfast and brunch options.

Usually open every day until 2.30pm, the restaurant offers morning favourites such as a full English breakfast (vegan and vegetarian options available), eggs royale, overnight oats and smashed avocado, with on-the-go options for those in a hurry.

However, on February 14, Brasserie will keep its

doors open later than usual for an evening of romance, as they introduce guests to an exclusive new set menu.

Feast

The four-course feast will be available for one night only and costs £49 per person. Happy couples will be treated with a complimentary glass of bubbly and an amuse-bouche, before indulging in a Mediterranean-inspired starter, main and dessert.

Dishes include seared scallops, wild mushroom pappardelle and baked Alaska to name a few, which will be cooked by Head Chef Ollie Funnell and his team.

“The set menu has been a labour of love (no pun intended) and has been carefully curated

with the help of our restaurant director who joined the team recently,” Ollie told the Times “His experience and passion for food really shines through, which makes this menu extra special.”

Romantic

“I recommend the asparagus, prosciutto, and gorgonzola bruschetta for starters, and the seabass fillet for main, which will be served with pommes anna potatoes, buttered French beans and shellfish velouté,” Ollie continued.

But if fine dining isn’t enough, the hotel, which has won numerous awards, is also offering a special overnight package for those wanting a

romantic escape.

For £199, guests can enjoy a stay in a luxury suite, with Brasserie’s four-course set dinner menu and breakfast included

All bedrooms include luxury Temple Spa toiletries, a large flat-screen TV, HYPNOS king beds and a monsoon rain shower. There’s also an opulent bar in the main hotel, where handcrafted cocktails can be enjoyed after dinner.

The promotion is only available to those who book direct, which can be done by visiting OneWarwickPark.co.uk or by calling the reception team on 01892 520 587.

One Warwick Park is owned by Elite Leisure Collection which also runs One Media, publisher of the Times.

Auctioneers Since 1929

A Winter of Wealth

about how making the healthiest possible start to the New Year…

January is the winter month known for setting New Year’s resolutions, starting a new diet, and contemplating change. This is often the time when you look at your health and wellbeing and want to make changes.

Rather than setting yourself goals that may be difficult for you to achieve, look at more realistic goals to help make you feel better about yourself.

Try the SMART approach – Small, Manageable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.

DIET

• Instead of starting a new ‘fad’ diet – simply make your diet healthier by adding more fruit, vegetables, fish, lean meats and plant-based foods to your weekly menu.

• Cut down on your sugary food and drink. Too much sugar in your diet can not only lead to weight gain, but also affects the way your pancreas produces insulin, increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes.

• Use your freezer as your friend and cook more than you usually do. You can then portion these

into containers and you are ready to have a healthy meal in minutes when you don’t really want to cook.

• Try making delicious and tasty vegetable soups. You can add any leftover vegetables, beans, lentils, spinach, watercress, onion and garlic for a dish packed with essential nutrients.

• Instead of eating your fruit cold – why not slice and warm it up. Good choices are apples, fresh or frozen berries, pineapple or orange. These can easily be frozen so you have them to hand.

• Try swapping one of your snacks high in fat, sugar and salt to a healthier option. By simply swapping one or two sugary snacks you can really make a difference to a healthier you.

• Keep your body hydrated and drink more water. Your body is mostly made up of water –nearly two thirds – so it’s important to aim for six to eight glasses a day. Try having a glass of water, instead of a fizzy drink or coffee for example. Add fresh fruit to your water to change the flavour. Hydration is needed for your heart and circulation, digestion, for temperature control and for our brain to work well.

EXERCISE

• Go outdoors as much as you can during daylight hours and embrace nature. A short walk or cycle ride is not only good for your body, but exercise helps to release endorphins and contributes towards a better mood and wellbeing.

• If you are unable to go outdoors then make sure you have plenty of indoor plants. They not only look nice, but research has found that a friendly bacteria in plant soil (mycobaterium vaccae) triggers the release of serotonin, that can

help alleviate symptoms of low mood and depression.

• Variety is important, so take up a new hobby that you really enjoy – you are more likely to stick to it if it’s something that makes you happy. Remember you have a whole new year to make changes, so treat your New Year as a marathon, rather than a sprint.

For more advice, visit: monica-price.co.uk

Photo: Shutterstock

Photo: Shutterstock