Times of Tunbridge Wells 12th July 2023

House prices go through the

By Richard Williams

HOMEOWNERS in Tunbridge Wells made an average of £36,000 on their properties last year, although increases in house prices have now stopped, industry figures show.

lenders, prices across Tunbridge Wells shot up by 8.3 per cent in September compared to 12 months earlier.

town and wider borough is now fetching £36,163 more than it was this time last year. By contrast, the average wage in Tunbridge Wells is just £35,500 per annum, meaning the average homeowner made more money from their house than from their salary last year.

Snapshot

‘Hold South East Water to account,’ says local MP

EXCLUSIVE by Victoria Roberts

WHILE

The most recent snapshot of the housing market by the Nationwide building society shows that across the UK, house prices rose by 9.5 per cent in September compared to the same time last year.

But the mortgage lender says that house prices have now stopped growing month on month and a stronger slowdown is expected in the coming weeks as surging inflation and mortgage rates take their toll.

In

According to Nationwide. the average home in Tunbridge Wells now costs £435,709, which is up from £399,546 in September 2021.

Despite this massive year-on-year hike in average house prices, the property market has now stopped growing. Property values recorded 0.0 per cent growth month-on-month in September compared to August, following a 0.7 per cent increase last month, the mortgage provider has said.

flooded pavements in the Fiveways area and saw the water supply turned off in parts of Grosvenor Road. There were also reports of leaks elsewhere at the time that Mr Clark met Ofwat Chief Executive David Black last Thursday (July 6).

In the letter, Mr Clark asked Mr Black to use the watchdog’s powers to speed up investment in the water network that supplies the area. Ofwat is due to meet SEW management before the end of July.

market pauses while it sorts itself out.”

Meanwhile, Tom Snowdon from Kings Estates said: “Over the last two years, we have seen unprecedented house price growth in the town.”

But he added: “Everyone knew the rapid house price growth had to stop at some point and the catalyst for this was the energy price hike, which was reported over the summer.

normal tariff for outages, given the persistent problems caused to customers and the failure to provide a reliable service.

“Make it clear that no bonuses should be paid to those executives who are responsible for the failure of adequate service to my constituents over the last year.

“The government’s mini-budget a week ago and the subsequent interest rate increases by lenders, has made it more expensive for buyers to borrow money, so this has certainly had a dampening effect on buyers.”

Borough.

On Tuesday July 4, two major leaks

But other vendors say average house prices are higher, with Rightmove saying the average home in Tunbridge Wells now sells for £499,208, while Zoopla says it is £518,385, which means the average house in the area could have increased by as much as £40,000 over the last 12 months.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “Prices were unchanged over the month from August, after taking account of seasonal effects. This is the first month not to record a sequential rise since July 2021.”

Mr Clark also asked the regulator: “Use your powers to set [fines] exceptionally, significantly above the

David Johnson, from KMJ Property confirmed that house prices haven’t grown in Tunbridge Wells in September but added: “Whenever there is political or financial uncertainty, the housing

“Ensure that no dividends are paid out of the regulated business to the holding company until the required investment has been made,” he wrote.

Deborah Richards from Maddisons Residential on The Pantiles added:

“Overall I do feel price growth is slowing, due mainly to the rising mortgage interest rate environment which is affecting buyer’s affordability. However, it will be interesting to see whether this affects Tunbridge Wells, which due to its excellent transport links and schooling options, plus beautiful architecture and green spaces, can often sit in a bubble.”

ToSPICE OF LIFE: Chef Andi Oliver signs a copy of her latest book at Pub in the Park at Dunorlan Park last weekend

Picture: Pub in the Park

MONDAY

Local passengers left waiting as ticket offices threatened with closure

By Victoria Roberts

TRAIN companies have announced plans to close almost all station ticket offices in the country, but Southeastern’s decision to focus on stations closer to London first has raised fears that Kent and Sussex passengers will be an afterthought. Launching their consultation on the future of ticket offices last week, Southeastern and 13 other train operators said they hoped to close most ticket offices, moving the staff to assistance roles instead in an effort to cut costs.

Subsidy

“We want to make sure our railway is sustainable for the future and reduce the costs associated with running the railway, noting that we are a public sector organisation dependent upon a taxpayer subsidy of over £1million a day.”

Southeastern said there are 140,000 e-ticket journeys a week across its network, while fewer tickets were bought at stations. There would also be 14 travel centres at Southeastern’s busiest stations, the nearest of which would be Tonbridge, offering “a combination of travel information and ticketing solutions”.

Meanwhile, “medium- and larger-sized stations” where not enough tickets are sold would lose their ticket office, but remain staffed for safety, accessibility and help with ticket-buying.

And smaller stations with just one staff member working in the ticket office, would keep that staff member to “provide a wider range of customer support”, but the ticket

office would be closed, said Southeastern. Although 18 stations that currently have no staff will be re-staffed, Southeastern’s proposals call for 27 unstaffed stations, served by a mobile assistance team.

It is not clear which categories local stations such as Tunbridge Wells, High Brooms and Paddock Wood would fall into. Compensating for the ticket offices, there would be increased self-service by app, the website, ticket machines or staff, said Southeastern.

However, the train operator plans to consult on its busiest stations and ‘metro’ stops closest to London first, while most of Kent and Sussex will wait until autumn to have their say.

Commenting on the consultation and proposals, Tonbridge Line Commuters (TLC) Chairman Rob Mansfield told the Times: “I’m disappointed that the Southeastern

consultation is happening in two parts and that the first part is very ‘Oyster-’ [Transport for London travel card] centric.”

According to Southeastern, these are stations that each sell fewer than 50 tickets daily and where customers can already use Pay-As-You-Go (tap in, tap out) for their journey.

However, Mr Mansfield stressed that customers “tapping in” to pay “bears no resemblance to the stations in our area”.

“I’m concerned that the outcome of this will be used to the disadvantage of the stations involved, with the second consultation later in the year. We fear it’s a slippery slope to removing staff and weakening the service further.”

Tunbridge Wells-based Chris Jeffery, himself disabled and a campaigner for carers’ rights, also expressed concerns about accessibility, telling the Times: “Unless you’ve got a perfectly staffed station, there are going to be problems.

Existing ticket machines are not always accessible, he added. “What if a person is off sick or deployed elsewhere?”

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, any closures will take place over the next two years, said Southeastern.

NHS braced for prolonged junior doctor and consultant strikes

By Sharon Bruce

EVEN as the NHS celebrated its 75th anniversary on Wednesday last week (July 5), the spectre of further industrial action by junior doctors and consultants this month loomed heavy.

Junior doctors are expected to strike for 120 hours from 7am on Thursday July 13 to 7am on Tuesday July 18. Consultants will then strike for 48 hours, from 7am on Thursday 20 July to 7am on Saturday 22 July.

Impact

“We anticipate and are planning for the action to have a significant impact on services provided across all areas of the NHS,” said NHS Kent and Medway’s Chief Medical Officer Kate Langford. “This includes our hospitals, Accident and Emergency departments, primary care (GP practices) and mental health services.”

The latest strikes are expected to pose serious challenges to all NHS services in Kent and Medway, which have already been beleaguered by understaffing, long

waiting lists and the after-effects of previous strike action. As a result, the NHS continues to implore the public to carefully consider which services they engage, to ensure those most in need are able to access care.

The public is requested to use 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and to only use 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

“Throughout the strikes, the 111/999 phone lines are likely to be very busy. We are urging anyone with non-urgent care needs to first seek help from NHS 111 online,” Ms Langford said.

Patients who need urgent medical care are urged to continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases. Care remains available through other NHS services, including urgent treatment centres and pharmacies, which should be used for less urgent health needs.

Ms Langford reiterated that the NHS in Kent and Medway was working hard to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma, and to ensure that patients who had waited longest for elective care and cancer surgery were prioritised.

The NHS will only reschedule appointments and procedures where necessary, and will immediately re-book, where possible. Patients impacted by the strike action will be contacted directly. If you have not been contacted, your appointment will take place as planned.

COUNTING DOWN: Station ticket offices are set to close

LESS TO CELEBRATE: The Tunbridge Wells yarnbomber’s creation to mark 75 years of the NHS

NEWS IN BRIEF

PCSO helps save choking woman

A TUNBRIDGE Wells police community support officer (PCSO) has been praised for acting quickly to help save a woman from choking.

Driving along Pembury Road on June 27, Sophie Lusher saw a woman in a stopped car who was frantically waving her arms.

The PCSO used first aid to clear the blockage and force the food from the woman’s throat, and then took her to hospital.

Divisional Commander for West Kent, Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon said: “The quick-thinking actions by PCSO Lusher undoubtedly helped to save the life of this woman ... She certainly went above and beyond.”

Person freed after vehicle crash on A21

A TWO-car crash on Saturday afternoon in Lamberhurst Quarter on the A21 required specialist equipment to free an individual from one of the cars, said Kent Fire & Rescue.

The emergency service said firefighters had worked with paramedics and air ambulance doctors using hydraulic rescue equipment to release a person trapped in one of the cars.

“Crews stabilised the vehicles using chocks and braces before creating space for the casualty to be assessed and treated,” said the fire service.

“One other person in a second vehicle was guided to safety by paramedics.”

TW reaches Britain in Bloom finals

Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom, has been named as a finalist in this year’s 2023 RHS Britain in Bloom national competition, said Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC).

Forty-four finalists were named in 10 categories, with Royal Tunbridge Wells competing in the small city category.

A pair of judges will visit all Britain in Bloom finalists this summer, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the autumn.

This Friday (July 14), Tunbridge Wells will also be judged in the regional category, South and South East in Bloom.

Arriva extends £2 fare cap to autumn

BUS operator Arriva has extended the £2 cap for a single bus fare until October 31.

The Department of Transport’s Bus Fare Cap Grant scheme had been due to end on June 30, but Arriva buses outside London will continue to offer single fares at a maximum of £2. If a journey costs less than £2, it will remain at the current price.

Dog owners reminded of restrictions during high season for incidents

By Sarah Carter

“KEEP your dogs under control,” is a message being clearly conveyed to dog owners in Tunbridge Wells.

Last week, at the start of Dog Awareness week, Royal Mail reported a year-on-year surge in dog attacks on postal workers around the country, with the Tunbridge Wells area being the worst offender.

Although Tunbridge Wells has been on the list of worst offenders for nine years, so far this year, about 65 postal workers have been confronted by people’s pets – up from 44 last year. These attacks occurred across TN postcodes, including Cranbrook, Crowborough, Edenbridge, Tonbridge and Uckfield.

Historically, Kent Police receive the highest number of dog incident reports between May and August, and this year seems set to be no different, with 124 reported incidents in Kent in May, and 44 from June 1-12. These incidents included dog bites and dog-on-dog attacks.

However, many reported incidents are occurring out of the house, too. In one recent incident, a man fought off a pit bull-type dog in Dunorlan Park.

Malcolm Flanagan was in the ‘off lead’ part of the park on June 22 when he saw a pit bull running toward him. He said: “Although I am a pensioner aged 73, I was strong enough to fight the dog off and kick it several times. The dog ran a hundred yards to attack me followed by the irresponsible owner.”

He told the Times: “The leash was around the dog’s neck – it had broken away from its owner.

“What do you think would have happened if I were a little old lady? What would have happened if I were a mum with a toddler?”

He added: “It’s not going to stop me walking but I will pick up a very large stick on the way in.”

Friends of Dunorlan Park Chairman Peter Russell told the Times: “If it had been a child or someone less able, it could be

very serious.”

He added: “The first recourse should be to call the police. If you have got a mobile phone, carry it with you. You should take immediate action – don’t go home and dwell on it.”

In the countryside, dogs that ‘worry’ livestock can land their owners with a hefty fine, or the dog might even be shot.

Last month, a Kent dog owner had to pay £5,000 in compensation and a fine of £1,150 for two incidents last November in which eight sheep were killed, along with several unborn lambs.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw of the Rural Task Force said: “This is a significant penalty and a reminder of why we always urge owners to keep pets under control around any livestock.

“It is important to also remember that farmers are within their rights to sometimes shoot dogs, if they are deemed to be worrying their animals.”

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

It is against the law to not have control over your dog. This involves your dog injuring someone, or just making someone worried that they might be injured. The owner is also liable even if not present.

IN PARKS

In Tunbridge Wells, dogs are allowed off lead in all parks, except parts of Dunorlan Park.

At Dunorlan, the formal landscaped areas and around the lake are subject to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), where dogs must be kept on lead. They may be off lead in the meadow areas, on the events field and in the Victoria Cross Grove, but they must remain under control.

IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

As a dog owner or a person caring for a dog, you could be committing an offence if your pet worries livestock.

Worrying includes attacking or chasing livestock in a way that might reasonably be expected to cause injury, suffering or loss.

It can also be an offence to have a dog in a field or enclosed space where livestock is being kept, when the dog is not on a lead or under close control.

Under the Animals Act 1971, a person acting to protect livestock may be able to kill or injure a dog that he/she reasonably believes is ‘worrying’ without incurring any criminal or civil liability.

Greg Clark keeps pressure on South East Water

Continued from front page

He also called for customer compensation and a “more timely and effective response readiness” for future problems.

There is a statutory requirement for companies to reduce leaks by 15 per cent by 2035 and to minimise mains repairs. SEW has been fined £6million over the last two years for not achieving these targets.

Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, whose Business Improvement District (BID) is funded by a levy on business ratepayers in the town centre, has not met SEW, but hopes to join those pressuring the supplier and the authorities for action, said CEO Alex Green.

Seeking what he called a “cohesive, combined approach”, Mr Green told the Times: “We would like to join with these conversations rather than having parallel solutions. We will be seeking compensation for businesses affected, or subsidies for flood protection equipment.”

“There’s not just a lot of water wasted; there are shortages of water to premises. If that is an office, you can’t have staff in an office with no water. In hospitality,

water is absolutely critical.”

Separately, there was a water outage overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday (July 4-5) in Oak Road in Sherwood, which SEW blamed on a burst water main.

And SEW’s map of reported leaks showed scores of incidents this week – although some progress has been made.

The leak at the junction of Farmcombe Road and Farmcombe Close, dubbed the ‘Farmcombe Spring’, was repaired on Friday after three-and-a-half weeks.

A week-long leak that had been pouring down Little Mount Sion from Spencer Mews, Berkeley Road was also fixed.

Residents told the Times the leak had been reported “many times” since Friday

June 30, but the SEW helpline had professed confusion over the postcode being given by those reporting it.

Over the county border in Sussex, SEW is also under fire from Wealden District Council (WDC).

At a meeting on June 26, WDC passed a motion to hold South East Water accountable for water supply failings –notably when Wadhurst, Crowborough and other Wealden towns were left without water for several days.

Compensation

Last week, SEW’s CEO David Hinton attended a meeting with Wadhurst Parish Council on July 6, at which it was it was confirmed that households affected by the water outage in June would receive compensation of £250 each.

According to Cllr Andrew Wilson, who represents Crowborough Southeast on WDC, the compensation would cover those affected in Crowborough, Mayfield and Rotherfield.

The Times has reached out to South East Water for comment.

MAINS EVENT:

The leak in Spencer Mews

Picture: Shutterstock

Another Tunbridge Wells school faces Ofsted scrutiny

By Michelle Wood

YET another local school has come under the scrutiny of Ofsted and its new inspection criteria, resulting in the downgrading of its status from ‘outstanding’ to ‘good’.

In the first inspection of the school since 2016, The Skinners’ Kent Academy, which has just over 1,000 pupils on its roll, was given a ‘good’ rating across all five categories in Ofsted’s report.

Until recently, schools with an ‘outstanding’ rating were exempt from routine inspection, but this rule was lifted in 2020. Since then, the watchdog has inspected 371 such schools, with more than 80 per cent across England losing their outstanding status.

This has resulted in widespread scrutiny of Ofsted and its judging criteria, which has led some educators to describe the new requirements as “unrealistic” and “inadequate”.

Success

However, Ofsted’s recent report on The Skinners Kent Academy highlighted many successes at the school, which concluded: “The school motto of ‘pride in our success’ permeates through how pupils conduct themselves around the school. They strive to become wellrounded and respectful members of society.

“Pupils show kindness and consideration to each other because they want everyone to feel included. A strong pastoral provision in every key stage

means that pupils feel well supported and have someone to go to if they need help.

“Should bullying happen, pupils know that staff will help them resolve issues quickly. Relationships between staff and pupils are nurturing and positive.”

The report continued: “Lessons are calm and purposeful because teachers insist on good behaviour. Well-developed school routines mean that pupils know exactly what to expect. Those who find it more difficult to engage with learning receive effective support.”

The watchdog also laid out areas in which the school could improve. It was noted that too many pupils did not attend school as regularly as they could, and said that staff should “implement plans effectively to improve attendance”.

The report also stated that teachers

Southborough eatery named Britain’s ‘Best Local Restaurant’

By Sharon Bruce

A Tunbridge Wells restaurant has beaten contenders from across the country to come top in the Good Food Guide’s list of ‘Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2023’.

Tallow, in Southborough, has quickly garnered a reputation locally for exquisite dining and was placed 91st on the Guide’s list for 2022, just a year after it was opened by husband-and-wife team Rob and Donna Taylor.

Tasting

Before that, the couple had spent eight years at The Compasses gastropub in Crundale, near Canterbury, and had won the eatery a Bib Gourmand and a top-10 position in Estrella Damm’s ‘Top 50 Gastropubs’ list.

Online reviewers particularly rave about Tallow’s seven-course tasting menu with an optional wine flight.

The Good Food Guide described Tallow as “a down-to-earth, dress-how-you-want, genuinely friendly place”, while praising

“the sheer deliciousness of the ‘unique monthly menus’ and the ‘excellence of the service’, dedicated totally to customer satisfaction and enjoyment”.

For details, visit: thegoodfoodguide. co.uk/best-local-restaurant/

should better check that all pupils understand new learning before moving on to new topics.

In response to the report, Principal Hannah Knowles said: “Since the last full inspection in 2016, Ofsted’s judgements

are made against a set of completely different criteria to those of 2016 and therefore this makes the judgement between the two inspections more difficult to compare.

“Whilst I appreciate that our overall judgement has changed, there are many aspects of the report that demonstrate the clear successes of the Academy. Successes we continue to be very proud of…

“We have worked hard since the pandemic to ensure that a consistent approach to behaviour has been established; an environment whereby learning can take place in purposeful and driven environments, and we were thrilled that this was recognised in the report with a “culture of respectful behaviour”.

“As always there are areas to develop. We will continue with our work around developing students’ ability to write fluently and accurately in addition to the recommended next step involving developing students’ depth of knowledge in subject areas.”

THE RATING GAME: OFSTED INSPECTIONS

Local schools that went from ‘outstanding’ to ‘good’ in latest reports:

• Cranbrook School, Cranbrook (March 2022)

• Claremont Primary (January 2023)

• The Skinners’ School (November 2021)

• The Skinners’ Kent Academy (May 2023)

Awaiting inspection:

• Bennett Memorial – ‘outstanding’ (last inspection 2012)

• Speldhurst Church of England Primary School – ‘outstanding’ (last inspection 2014)

• St Gregory’s Catholic School –‘outstanding’ (last inspection 2013)

• St Peter’s Church of England Primary School – ‘outstanding’ (last inspection 2014)

• Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School

– ‘outstanding’ (last inspection 2011)

Scissors stabbing leaves barber unable to work

A CROWBOROUGH barber was left unable to work after a fight in which he was stabbed in the back with a pair of scissors.

Sussex Police said officers were called to a report of a fight in London Road in Crowborough at about 4.35pm last Thursday (July 6).

The barber, from MK Barbers, known locally as ‘Moonie’, was reportedly stabbed in the back with the scissors and needed stitches. He has since not been able to work, according to a local source.

The road was cordoned off by police and an air ambulance attended the scene, added the source.

Sussex Police confirmed: “A 30-year-old man sustained a minor back wound but did not require hospital treatment.”

They added: “The incident is reported to have involved people known to each other.”

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Both men are from Crowborough.

The suspects have since been released on bail.

Sussex Police has appealed for witnesses to contact them online or call 101, quoting serial number 1162 of 06/07.

SKINNERS’ KENT ACADEMY

TOP TABLE: Tallow, in Southborough

MK BARBERS IN CROWBOROUGH

‘Elvis’ roped in for Lord Mayor’s charity appeal

By Sharon Bruce

HE has been clambering down buildings for more than 25 years, but now Brian Bissell, the Tunbridge Wells-based BAFTA associate, entertainer, motivational speaker and past President of the Insurance Institute of Royal Tunbridge Wells, is once more taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Abseil Challenge.

Superhero

On Tuesday July 4, Mr Bissell abseiled down the iconic Lloyd’s building in the City of London, in what was his third time abseiling for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. Brian likes to dress up as a superhero for the event, but instead of Superman, Batman or Spiderman, this time he chose

KCC bus pass costs frozen but parents must reapply

to be Elvis Presley! His previous ventures involved abseiling down the St Lawrence Jewry at the Guildhall in October 2016 and in July 2019, the 150-metre Barclays Headquarters In Canary Wharf.

In a comment to the Times, Mr Bissell said that before he went over the top of the Lloyds building, he had a unique and spectacular view of the City of London.

The Lord Mayor himself, Alderman Nicholas Lyons, also took part in the abseiling event for the Appeal’s charity –A Better City for All – which supports three inspirational charities: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, National Numeracy and MQ Mental Health Research.

If you would like to support Mr Bissell and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, you can find his Just Giving page at justgiving. com/fundraising/brian-bissell1

FINALLY, there is some good news for parents: Schoolchildren who use the Kent County Council (KCC) Travel Saver bus scheme will benefit from a price freeze this year. However, even if you have used the service previously, you will need to reapply – and the deadline is fast approaching.

Cost

Using Bus Service Improvement Plan funding provided by the Government, the council is holding the cost of all passes at 2022/23 rates and is also “working with bus operators to protect bus services at risk of withdrawal”.

Prices for renewed and new passes will be frozen this year at £450 for the standard pass and £120 for low-income households. Tickets for those 16 and older will remain at £500. The cost of this freeze, KCC says, will amount to £2.5million.

However, this year the Council is using a new application system, which means that parents will need to reapply for passes by August 13 and upload a photo of their child ahead of the new school year in September.

Of the price freeze, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier said: “This scheme represents excellent

value for money for many young people who catch the bus to school and being able to make it as accessible as possible is important to all members of this Council.”

Roads Minister, Richard Holden added: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have allocated more than £35 million to Kent County Council to invest in its bus services… “We leave no stone unturned in supporting households to deal with the rising cost of living.”

To apply for a KCC Travel Saver bus pass, you must be a resident of Kent (whose household pays Council Tax to a Kent district or Borough Council for Kent County Council services).

Only children in school in years 7 to 11, whether they go to school in or outside of Kent, are eligible.

For most children’s journeys, this pass will save you around 50% of what you might pay for an annual season ticket from a bus operator. To ensure you have a ride from the very first day of school, entries must strictly be made by the closing date.

To apply visit: kent.gov.uk/education-andchildren/schools/school-transport/KCCtravel-saver

DAVID BRAZIER

IT’S NOW OR NEVER: Brian Bissell (left) prepares to abseil down the Lloyd’s building last Tuesday (July 4)

Businesses dance through the decades to support food bank

By Sharon Bruce

CHILDRENSALON and Cripps hosted ‘Dance through the Decades’, a fundraising evening in support of Nourish Community Foodbank on Friday 30 June.

Taking place in the Sky Lounge at Cripps HQ on Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, the evening was compered by local legend Tom Swift. Guests visited the Childrensalon Pop-up Designer shop, danced to music from DJ Luke Swift, bid on auction lots, tried their hand at the Wheel of Fortune and enjoyed the stunning views over the rooftops of Tunbridge Wells.

Funds

Gracie Browning, Head of Fundraising at Childrensalon, said: “As long-term supporters of Nourish, Childrensalon were delighted to host this event and raise critical funds for the food bank, especially in the run-up to the long summer holidays, when many families struggle financially. The final totals aren’t in yet, but we were thrilled to announce to the audience on the night that with their help, we have raised well over £5,000 for the charity.”

Dawn Stanford, Operations Director at Nourish added: “We are incredibly grateful to our local community for their ongoing support. Our friends at Cripps and

Childrensalon have always been great supporters of Nourish, and it was such a wonderful evening. We would like to thank all of our guests, the teams at Childrensalon and Cripps and Colley Raine & Associates for managing the event, TN1 Bar & Kitchen for the canapés and TWRFC for helping us stock the bar. Finally, thank you to the best double act we could have asked for, the Swift Brothers, who really made the event so special.” To find out how you can help Nourish, visit: nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk

Sign up for 10 weeks of outdoor fitness

A 10-WEEK programme of free outdoor exercise sessions, led by qualified trainers, starts next Monday (July 17), in an attempt to get residents to use outdoor gyms during the summer season.

Booking is essential for the 60-minute sessions, which will take place weekly in three different locations around Tunbridge Wells.

Those recovering from an injury, or dealing with anxiety or a health issue may particularly benefit from the tailored programmes, but all of them will be suitable for beginners.

Starting from July 17, Monday sessions will take place at Showfields (TN2 5PX) at 6pm.

Friday sessions will take place at Sherwood (TN2 3BL) at 12.30pm and Calverley Grounds (TN1 1SJ) at 6pm.

No equipment or special clothing is required, only loose, layered clothing and comfortable shoes. Always remember to bring your own supply of water to stay hydrated.

Contact health@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or 01892 554411 to book a place.

THE CRIPPS SKY LOUNGE

DANCING TEAM:

The team of volunteers from Childrensalon

Well-wishers celebrate the restoration of Love Fountain

By Victoria Roberts

THE restoration of a century-old fountain is the first stage of a hoped-for regeneration of St John’s, according to a group of well-wishers who helped make the project a reality.

The Friends of St John’s Park and Meadows, the Refresh Tunbridge Wells charity, local councillors including the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, the Parks Department, Tunbridge Wells in Bloom and others gathered to unveil a newly-restored stonework masterpiece donated to the town by businessman and benefactor Joseph Horatio Love in 1920.

Originally a tiered fountain, with water flowing from a central spout, the historic piece has undergone various transformations and refurbishments –as well as suffering vandalism.

Threatened

Refresh Tunbridge Wells chairman Professor Michael Holman told the Times: “What was once a feature that park users could be proud of had become an eyesore, attracting further vandalism and was threatened with possible removal.”

However, thanks to the combined effort, a new ‘tazza’ bowl – which replaces the historic Royal Doulton frieze and fountain parts – was manufactured by local stone masons Chilstone, and now overflows with flowers instead.

The project’s £10,000 budget came from

Children are challenged to

‘Ready, Set, Read!’ this summer

‘Section 106’ contributions by the developer, McCarthy & Stone, plus contributions of time, labour and organisation from the other partners, said Professor Holman.

“This is just the first part of a more general regeneration of the park and the area. This was one of the most neglected parts of the park,” he said.

Michael Lees of the Friends Group said: “Restored as a three-tier planter, the Love Fountain is a beautiful addition to our neighbourhood.”

KCC Libraries has kicked off the Summer Reading Challenge, offering a range of free activities for families.

Children aged 4 to 11 are being invited to visit Kent Libraries to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots, and get involved in ‘Ready, Set, Read!’, which is themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity.

By taking part in the challenge, with free materials from all Kent Libraries and online via the Summer Reading Challenge website, children will be encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active over

the summer break.

The characters – brought to life by children’s author and illustrator Loretta Schauer – navigate a fictional summer obstacle course and help children track their reading as they go, rewarding them with stickers to track their progress.

With activity challenge cards from the Youth Sport Trust and a themed book collection, the Summer Reading Challenge runs until September 9.

For further information, including details of Summer Reading Challenge events, visit: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

How can hiring a temp help you this summer?

The summer can be a challenging time for many businesses. A high proportion of staff taking annual leave in July and August often means long, busy days for those left in the office, and an urgent need for more pairs of hands.

Hiring temporary staff can be an efficient way to keep on top of things. A far cry from the ‘clerical dogsbody’ image of the past, temps can be some of the most specialist and skilled members of a team. There are unexpected benefits, too: a change in energy around the office can invigorate your permanent staff, and the valuable outsider perspective that temps bring can shed fresh light on your organisation.

How can your organisation maximise the opportunities offered by temporary staff?

#1 Use an agency to reduce the admin headache

Hiring temporary staff involves a tangle of beaurocracy. A professional recruitment agency will take a lot of this paperwork off your hands. Agencies should be up to date with employment law, and will take responsibility for things like sick pay, tax and pensions. All of this will spare you considerable legwork, when time is at a premium.

#2 Save on overtime costs and safeguard morale

If your staff are working all hours to meet demand during a seasonal peak, then a temp can be a great solution. Not only do temporary workers take the pressure off your overworked team, they are often a more cost-effective option than paying existing staff overtime, even when agency fees are taken into account.

#3 Focus on time-saving measures

Recruitment from scratch takes a while, and during an overloaded period you may not have the luxury of time. Temps can usually start within a few days, and a good agency will have a stable of workers with different skills, ready to hit the ground running. Investing in a relationship with an agency will really speed things up down the line, saving you from embarking on a lengthy recruitment process whenever things get busy.

How we can help

Hiring a temp is a viable option for many businesses and can really help if you are left with a sudden vacancy or require a specialised skill set in the short term. Taking on temporary staff can keep business productivity up when faced with employee issues and challenges.

www.tnrecruits.com 01892 571105 neil@tnrecruits.com

PATH TO THE PAST: A new temporary installation, featuring Victorian landscape designer Robert Marnock, by local artist Humor, was unveiled in an underpass leading to Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. The commission is part of this summer’s celebrations of Marnock’s work.

WATER COMPANY: The fountain’s supporters

Businesses offered free device recycling

By Sarah Carter

A KENT County Council-backed scheme is offering free IT and equipment recycling to businesses, charities and other organisations, in a bid to help cut their costs and avoid electrical waste.

With Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) representing the fastest-growing type of waste in the UK today, Digital Kent’s device recycling scheme will accept unwanted devices and equipment and perform a certified data wipe.

Some items may be refurbished and reused to support those in the community who need a device, but the rest will be

Former Imli restaurant up for auction this week

recycled, with a zero landfill policy, said Digital Kent.

They added: “We use a specialist process to ensure 100 per cent data-wiping, to the strictest UK legislative standards, with data erasure certification provided back to the business or organisation.”

Support

The Digital Kent service was created in response to the pandemic, meaning funding for its support and services is time-limited.

Organisations with items to dispose of can find out more and book a collection online at: devicerecyclingscheme.co.uk

SOUTHBOROUGH’S former Imli restaurant goes up for sale by auction tomorrow (July 13) with a guide price of £700,000.

The London Road-based restaurant closed in mid-March, with the management citing increased rentals for the closure. A previous auction of the business, scheduled for last December, priced it at £96,000 per annum, but the listing was withdrawn, and tomorrow’s auction is for the freehold of the Grade II Listed building, which has its own parking and gardens.

The restaurant, previously The Weavers, was revealed to likely be hundreds of years old in an earlier planning application for the structure.

“The original building is probably a 16th-century Wealden Hall farmhouse, typical to areas of Kent. Its original structure would have been a full timber frame, with a thatched roof,” said the heritage statement in 2017.

For details of the listing and to attend the online auction, visit: acuitus.co.uk/ property/4835/

THE IMLI RESTAURANT SITE

National campaign to highlight value of vans

By Victoria Roberts

TUNBRIDGE Wells-based van drivers are sharing the spotlight in a national campaign to ‘value the van’ by Logistics UK, which is based in St John’s Road. Logistics added £38million to the Borough’s economy in 2021, the latest year for which Logistics UK has figures. Based on these figures, logistics accounts for 996 jobs (2% of jobs) in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells, but van use goes far beyond logistics to create other jobs and make other services possible – from vehicle recovery to gardening, said the organisation.

Launching the campaign last week, Logistics UK Senior Manager Denise Beedell said: “In addition to grocery and parcel deliveries, vans are used for everything from equipping festivals to transporting art and museum artefacts,

carrying the tools needed by utility services and construction, delivering medical supplies and even supplying the nation’s ice-cream throughout summer.”

And Tunbridge Wells’ small roads, its vibrant population of small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) and the popularity of consumer deliveries, make vans particularly essential for life locally, a spokesperson told the Times

Locations

“We’re also engaging the self-employed sector, which might be your next-door neighbour or your friend who drives a van for work,” she added.

Logistics UK has been collecting pictures of drivers, with names and locations, to be added to an interactive map of the UK. Visit logistics.org.uk to see the map, or follow #ValueTheVan on social media.

Substation application to boost rural resilience

By Sarah Carter

A RECENT planning application for an electricity substation near Frittenden aims to increase the capacity and robustness of the power network serving rural businesses and homes.

If approved, the work will be carried out by UK Power Networks (UKPN), which delivers electricity across the South East, London and East of England, as part of £600million worth of network investment projects this year.

The application to install the 3m by 3m substation on land east of Brissenden Farm, Sand Lane, was made late last month.

A UKPN spokesperson told the Times: “UK Power Networks plans to replace nearly a mile of overhead power lines and 14 wooden electricity poles with new underground cables.”

The proposed substation is a direct replacement for the existing electrical

equipment in the area.

“The investment would increase network capacity and maintain reliable electricity supplies for homes and businesses in the local area,” she added.

Transmission

“In the South East alone there are more han 53,000km of underground cables and overhead power lines, as well as thousands of electricity substations which play an essential role in keeping power flowing across the region.”

Substations convert electricity from high-voltage transmission lines into a voltage suitable for the local distribution network, and in homes and businesses.

The specialist equipment in substations can help prevent local network failures or power cuts due to an overload of current caused by mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions.

Picture: Shutterstock

More allegations against BBC presenter as Met Police set to assess evidence

A SECOND young person has told BBC News they felt “threatened” by the BBC presenter who is currently involved in a row over paying a teenager for explicit images.

The young person in their 20s said they were first contacted by the male presenter on a dating app and felt pressured to meet up but never did.

When they hinted online that they might name the presenter, they claim they were sent “abusive, expletive-filled messages” by the presenter.

BBC News said it has seen the messages and had been able to verify that the messages came from the same phone number belonging to the presenter. According to BBC News, the young person has no connection to the original person who is at the centre of the story in The Sun newspaper.

Scared

They said they were scared by the power held by the presenter and the messages that were sent to them.

On Tuesday, the BBC paused their investigation into the original allegations that a high-profile presenter had paid a teenager for explicit images, to allow the Met police to assess if there is any evidence of criminality.

The Met released a statement, saying: “We have asked the BBC to pause its own investigation while we continue our assessment to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed.

“The assessment is being led by detectives

from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command and follows a virtual meeting with representatives from the BBC on the morning of Monday 10 July.

“There remains no police investigation at this time.”

The BBC confirmed on Sunday July 9 that a male presenter had been suspended and that the police had been informed while an internal investigation was carried out.

complaints are red-flagged up the organisation”.

He asked Leigh Tavaziva, the BBC Group Chief Operating Officer, to assess whether its protocols and procedures are appropriate in light of the case.

The BBC released a timeline of events yesterday, saying a family member first made a complaint on May 18 at the BBC building saying the presenter paid their child around £35,000 over three years, from the age of 17, for explicit images.

However, these inquiries were paused yesterday while the police “scope future work”.

It added: “The BBC has processes and protocols for receiving information and managing complaints when they are first made.

“We always take these matters extremely seriously and seek to manage them with the appropriate duty of care.

“The events of recent days have shown how complex and challenging these kinds of cases can be and how vital it is that they are handled with the utmost diligence and care.

“There will, of course, be lessons to be learned following this exercise.”

Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC, announced that there will also be a review of the corporation’s complaints procedures to “assess how some

The following day the same family members contacted BBC Audience Services and the complaint was referred to the BBC’s Corporate Investigations Team, who assessed that the claims did not include any allegations of criminality, but said they would be investigated further.

The corporation said that the claims made by The Sun newspaper contained new allegations, that were different from the matters being considered by BBC Corporate Investigations.

But, the young person’s mother said they stand by their claims made to The Sun that the presenter paid a young person for explicit photos to use the money to buy crack cocaine.

However, the young person’s lawyer has said the claims are “rubbish” and that nothing inappropriate or unlawful happened with the unnamed presenter.

The Chairman of Ofcom said the board of the BBC must take “full responsibility” for the current crisis as he downplayed the prospects of the family at the centre of the claims being able to pursue a complaint with the broadcasting watchdog.

‘We always take these matters extremely seriously and seek to manage them with the appropriate duty of care’

Picture: Shutterstock

Support for Ukraine and Sweden’s membership discussed at Nato summit

WORLD leaders continue to hold meetings today in the Lithuanian capital for the second day, as Nato discussed its expansion to new members.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he wanted to see further commitments to introducing Ukraine as a full member be ‘reaffirmed’ at the Vilnius summit. The main agenda being discussed is Nato’s expansion and the encouragement for member states to meet the goal of spending two per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence.

Sunak says he “stands by” the conclusion of Nato’s pledge to put Ukraine on the path to membership made 15 years ago.

He said he is keen to see Ukraine’s membership fast-tracked as the fight against Russia’s invasion continues. However, it is said that the US and Germany are not on the same page as Britain.

Language

Mr Sunak said: “I’ve always said that Ukraine’s rightful place is in Nato and that we stand by the language of Bucharest in 2008.

“I think what is important at this summit is that that commitment is reaffirmed and also that there is demonstrable progress towards that goal.”

Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who has had his tenure extended for 12 months, has said he is confident the summit will send a “positive message” to Ukraine about its path to membership.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be arriving in Vilnius today to join discussions but yesterday criticised the “absurd” lack of timetable for Ukraine to join Nato.

“We value our allies,” he wrote on Twitter, but added that “Ukraine also deserves respect”.

“It’s unprecedented and absurd when a timeframe is not set neither for the invitation nor for Ukraine’s membership,” Mr Zelensky said.

He added: “Uncertainty is weakness. And I will openly discuss this at the summit.”

According to the Daily Telegraph, the UK, US, France and Germany – dubbed The

Heathrow nears pre-pandemic passenger numbers

THE number of passengers using Heathrow Airport has almost returned to prepandemic levels.

Figures published by the airport show it was used by 7 million travellers last month, just three per cent below the total in June 2019. That came after passenger numbers reached 6.7 million in May, which was one per cent under the total for the same month in 2019.

Heathrow said transatlantic travel is driving the growth in passenger numbers, particularly in the last three days of June, as many people from the US went home for Independence Day celebrations on July 4. The airport is forecasting that its total number of passengers this year will be between 70 million and 78 million.

Quad – are looking to finalise an “Israelstyle” security deal to provide Kyiv with a multi-year plan to defend itself from Russian aggression.

The paper reported that it would be similar to a military and financial pact that Washington has with Tel Aviv to afford it protection in the Middle East.

He told reporters he was “keen to try and get this over the line”.

“I think it is something that we in the UK have taken a lead on, it is something I’ve spoken a lot to fellow leaders about over the last few months,” he said.

“Those conversations are ongoing so we need to keep having them, but that is the purpose of them.

“It is to demonstrate that long-term commitment from a broad group of countries. It is distinct from the Nato conversation and I think it will send a very strong signal of deterrent to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, that he can’t wait people out, in terms of this conflict. I think it is important and valuable.”

Drop in primary school pupils meeting ‘expected standard’

THE proportion of primary school pupils who met the expected standard in reading in this year’s SATs exams has fallen, official statistics show.

The Key Stage 2 SATs results, which assess pupils’ attainment in literacy and maths by the end of Year 6 in schools in England, showed that 73 per cent achieved the expected standard in reading, down from 75% in 2022.

Overall, 59% of pupils met the expected standard in all of reading, writing and maths this year – the same as last year. The Government’s aim is for 90% of children to leave primary school having achieved the expected standards in reading, writing and maths by 2030.

In a message aimed at Mr Putin, Mr Sunak said: “We are with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

“That is why the security assurances are important because what Putin needs to understand is there is no point in just waiting out the West.

Downing Street said Mr Sunak would use the Vilnius summit to press home the importance of increasing Nato’s defence spending in order to ward off Russian “tyranny”, urging member states to meet the 2% GDP target.

Upon arrival in Vilnius, the Prime Minister was forced to defend the Government’s investment in defence.

Following suggestions Britain could lose influence due to potential cuts to the Army, he told broadcasters that the UK “should be incredibly proud of the leading role” it plays in global security.

Mr Sunak’s first meeting was with Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following the breakthrough with Ankara to remove Turkey’s objections to Sweden joining Nato.

Teacher ‘recovering well’ after secondary school stabbing

A TEACHER who was stabbed in a school corridor is “recovering well” after leaving hospital, his school has said.

A teenage boy is being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder after a male teacher was attacked at Tewkesbury Academy in Gloucestershire just after 9am on Monday.

The academy was locked down and two neighbouring schools were also asked to shut their doors as a “precaution”, Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone of Gloucestershire Police said.

The school said it reopened yesterday (11 July) following careful assessment and consultation with the police. The suspect remains in custody.

Picture: Shutterstock

Jayne Sharratt Labour Party

Let’s work together to ‘green’ our Borough

IN MAY, after being elected for the first time as the second Labour Borough councillor for Rusthall, I was asked to be the Borough Council Cabinet Member for Carbon Reduction and Sustainability. I know that the stakes are high. There is no greater challenge – or greater reward to fight for – than ensuring we have a liveable planet to pass on to future generations. We have a lot to do.

As a Borough Council we have an agreed all-party target to meet net zero by 2030. I welcome this. It is critical that we all take urgent action at a local and national level to mitigate and reverse the damage we cause our planet. This is why the Borough Partnership has made carbon reduction one of its five key areas of focus. We also have a responsibility to engage and attempt to include the whole community in building our wider carbon reduction action plan. The consensus in the Town Hall needs to be reflected across the Borough.

In Rusthall I represent a strong community, with a track record of looking after people and coming together to get things done. I

Picture: Shutterstock

know there are many communities like mine across our Borough. I believe this local resilience will be key to adapting to the challenges of the climate crisis. I am a passionate supporter of community-based action like Community Larders, Repair Cafés and campaigns for dedicated cycle ways. When we collaborate, we can find solutions to our biggest challenges.

It’s right that the Borough Council leads the way on carbon reduction by doing the right thing ourselves. That’s why we, and

the previous local Conservative administration, have worked to decarbonise the Weald Leisure Centre in Cranbrook and the North Farm Depot. We will continue to prioritise funding the staff and resources to work on solutions so that we reduce our carbon emissions as quickly as possible –without relying on false and expensive ‘offsetting’. I will make sure there is more action ahead.

This government is failing in the face of the climate and biodiversity crisis – which

is why we need new national leadership and a new Labour government. Britain needs a clear strategy to reduce emissions by 2030. We can all enjoy the economic benefits that will come with a fairer, greener economy. Labour would invest in renewable energy and high-skilled local jobs. There would be a ban on all new oil and gas exploration and a commitment that any borrowing for investment would be limited to green schemes.

When the election comes in Tunbridge Wells we will all be able to vote for a powerful Labour voice sitting on the government benches in Westminster, fighting for action on climate change, rather than supporting a powerless opposition MP.

In the meantime, we need everyone to stay engaged in finding more solutions to decarbonising, right across the Borough.

If I can help with a local campaign or idea, please do get in touch. This won’t be easy, but together we can make some real progress. Let’s get to work!

jayne.sharratt@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Jayne is the Women’s Officer for Tunbridge Wells Labour, a Labour Borough councillor for Rusthall, and the Cabinet Member for Carbon Reduction and Sustainability on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

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

In Kent or not...

On a recent visit to the Trinity Arts Centre in Tunbridge Wells, I picked up an attractive fold-out tourist brochure listing ’More than 60 of the Best Places to Visit in Kent’. Lovely, I thought, let’s see how many of our attractions in Royal Tunbridge Wells have made it into the top 65. Imagine my surprise when I discovered not a single one – not Charles the Martyr Church, not Trinity, not the Amelia Scott cultural centre, not the vibrant High Street with its high-end independent shops and eating places, not even The Pantiles!

In the accompanying map with each of the 65 attractions listed and given a number, black or blue, all Royal Tunbridge Wells earns, tucked away in the bottom left-hand side of the map, almost falling off into Sussex, is a small red letter ‘i’ picked out in red. This, I assume, indicates the existence of a Tourist Information Centre (TIC).

Since the closure of the TIC in the Pantiles, visitors to the town will be hard-pressed to find one.

Who can we hold to account for the bus gate debacle?

So now we have it, from the horse’s mouth so to speak. In the matter of the awful and greatly-loathed Mount Pleasant traffic scheme – bus gate, a KCC cabinet member unequivocally nailed the scheme and its responsibility firmly on the door of TWBC, they can’t hide and squirm behind the skirts of the KCC any longer.

How are they to be held to account for this? Is it possible to start an online petition calling for a lack of confidence in the whole lot of them? I think we should know who proposed it; which members backed it; those who were against it, and the paid officials who sanctioned it.

The town’s CEO and CFO may have rubbed their hands in glee as the moolah

GREG CLARK MP ADVICE SURGERIES

If you have an individual problem which you think I can help with or you would like to have a chat about a more general issue, please do get in touch.

Our Borough Council hands over to Kent County Council more than 80% of the money raised by Council Tax. Surely it deserves better than this! Royal Tunbridge Wells may be on the very edge of Kent, but it is still in Kent and it does have much to offer the tourist.

Michael Holman, Chairman, ‘Refresh Tunbridge Wells’

rolled in, but did they, or anyone in this benighted administration stop and wonder: how does this sit with the town’s people who we are supposed to represent, or were they comforted by the thought that it’s for our own good?

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

A let-down to our town

After a wonderful day at Pub in the Park this weekend, sampling a range of delectable food and drink, one of the food stalls left a bitter taste in my mouth. What made it worse was that it was a familiar name to locals.

While I choose not to name and shame the restaurant in a public forum, I was horrified when I visited this contributor’s stall, only to be greeted by a cold stare and told: “We’re closed.”

“Oh,” I responded with a smile, “Did you sell out?”

The stallholder looked at me like I was a piece of old cod. “We’re closed,” they repeated.

Chalybeate Spring holds up our history

It is a real pleasure to see The Pantiles’ Chalybeate Spring up and running again and presented so enthusiastically.

The new way of delivering it is much more customer friendly and the different flavours in trendy bottles is a clever selling technique.

It is a real and overdue reminder of our town’s history and why it is named Royal Tunbridge Wells.

A big thank you to those who made it happen.

Tessa Worthington

Tunbridge Wells

Hawkenbury is not an event parking lot

Pub in the Park is an annual event much loved by many people in this town – and indeed, it is a lot of fun – but it is also a source of misery to many residents living around the park area.

As a resident of Hawkenbury, I have repeatedly been ‘held hostage’ over the weekend of the event as revellers swarm into our narrow residential side streets in an attempt to park as close as possible to the park.

As permit-paying residents, it is unacceptable that we are not able to leave our own homes in our cars over such weekends, for fear of not being able to get another parking space within a mile of our homes upon our return. This onslaught is caused primarily by the ‘closing down’ of parking on Bayhall Road, next to Dunorlan Park, which diverts traffic to other areas – and once more, Dunorlan events become our problem. Can the Council think no further than the main roads – or do we little residents not count?

Over the course of the past weekend, I witnessed several tipsy mothers with buggies bumping directly into my parked car before staggering to their own cars and

PEPPY SAYS...

climbing behind the wheel, their own children in tow. I have seen a rather charming gentleman urinating on the curb outside my home, and was woken by a rousing rendition of Sister Sledge’s ‘We Are Family’ from a group that had obviously moved on to party elsewhere before making their way back to their car. Goodness knows if there was property damage elsewhere.

Council, Pub in the Park: the inconvenience to us local residents living directly around the park area is not acceptable. Not only should we be compensated for the living conditions imposed on us, but something needs to be done for future events. Hawkenbury cannot be your extended event parking lot.

K. Molner Hawkenbury

I am holding regular advice surgeries – by zoom or telephone. To make an appointment, please call:

I am holding regular advice surgeries – face-to-face, online or by telephone. To make an appointment, please call:

01892 519854 or email:

greg.clark.mp @parliament.uk

I retreated, feeling somewhat taken aback at their rudeness and abruptness. The vendors at the next-door food offering explained to me quietly that their neighbours had run out of their allocated portions for that session of the event. Why not tell me that? Why be rude to a patron? We are the ones who are most likely to support you year-round when the hype of Pub in the Park has gone. You let our town down. Local business owner, please don’t forget that you are only as big as the patrons who support you – and that will certainly never again be me. There are other fish in the sea.

S. White Tunbridge Wells

THE AMELIA SCOTT

WHY WE LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS: The Visit Tunbridge Wells team exhibited at the Pub in the Park last weekend. Visitors were invited to share what they loved about our town on a paper heart.

Number 1 for fun!

BEWL WATER AQUA PARK

SCANHere toBook

REVIEWS

“Really good fun. An hour flew by and my kids aged 12 and 15 loved it. Proper work out as well! Thought staff and organisation was excellent. Will definitely go back.”

SCANHere toBook

“Really brilliant day out, loads of facilities and everything we needed was provided.”

“A place for fun and joy. Had a blast in the summer with the kids and would definitely recommend.”

bewlwater.co.uk @bewlwater

BEWL WATER, BEWLBRIDGE LANE, LAMBERHURST, KENT TN3

It’s full STEM ahead for Rose Hill pupils as science learning is brought to life

Science Week 2023 at Rose Hill School embraced the issues of sustainability and conservation, with a number of special interactive activities. The Times finds out more about this year’s fun educational event…

CO-EDUCATIONAL Rose Hill School hosted its annual Science Week recently, and for 2023 there was a firm focus on sustainability and conservation.

Throughout the week, teachers at the school, which is in Coniston Avenue in Tunbridge Wells and is one of the country’s oldest preps, provided students with cutting-edge scientific experiences in order to highlight the critical role of how science is instrumental in shaping the future.

Exploring

“By exploring science through a different lens, the event emphasised that it extends hugely beyond laboratory coats and goggles,” a spokesperson for the school, which welcomes pupils aged 3-13, told the Times

“Witnessing the enthusiasm and scientific curiosity ignited in the students during the week of activities reaffirmed to us that science is always in style.”

The spokesperson went on to say that this year’s event was a “remarkable success”, which they attributed to the “valuable contributions” of parental guest speakers, who all volunteered their time and expertise.

“Mr Smith, a prominent expert in designing and constructing sustainable properties, captivated the students with his enlightening presentation on greener home practices,” the spokesperson explained.

“His empowering message emphasised the impact of small changes in our daily lives on the environment. The students were inspired by his can-do attitude, which

of our guest speakers and the chicks that were

left an indelible impression.”

Another contributor to the independent school’s Science Week was a Creative Director in the fashion industry, who specialises in sustainable product development and is also a lecturer at the University of Arts London.

“Mrs Wilson enthralled the audience with her captivating talks and workshops.

She shed light on modern alternative product development, highlighting unconventional materials, such as spider silk, mushrooms, banana leaves, and orange pulp. The students were fascinated by the boundless possibilities in sustainable fashion.”

The spokesperson added that the pinnacle of the week’s events was ‘the

sustainable fashion designs.

“With exuberance and confidence, they strutted down the runway, presenting their creations to esteemed guest judges, the aforementioned Mrs Wilson and Victoria Genevieve, a local fashion stylist. The designs on display were nothing short of extraordinary, revealing the budding talents of future fashion luminaries within the Rose Hill School community.

Remarkable

“This year’s event was a truly remarkable success thanks to the valuable contributions of our parental voluntary guest speakers.”

In addition to the week’s interactive talks, the entire school participated in an event dubbed ‘Operation Partridge’ in an effort to promote the conservation of this oncecommon native bird.

“The students eagerly awaited the arrival of some endangered grey partridge eggs all week. They finally hatched on Thursday and with great joy, Rose Hill School welcomed 21 chicks into the world. Our pupils have affectionately given them

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‘This year’s Science Week event was a truly remarkable success thanks to the valuable contributions

born as part of Operation Partridge’

BIRD BRAINS: Rose Hill students with the partridge chicks

Slow down and savour the views in Europe’s most serene holiday destination

Hannah Stephenson tries a sound bath and admires swathes of wildflowers as she reconnects with nature in the lakes and mountains of Slovenia….

“HEAR the silence for a little while – the sound of nature and your breath,” our sound bath therapist Mina Kunstelj gently prompts, as she lays down her Koshi wind chimes, Himalayan bowls and lyre harp.

We are in the middle of Lake Bohinj, a peaceful expanse of glassy water in northwest Slovenia. The surrounding verdant forest and Julian Alps cast a deep black mirror image along its length; the boat’s electric engine switched off as the panoramic ride (adults €14/£12 return; tdbohinj.si) drifts in tune with our minds. Normally, a sound bath – a therapy

almost to the water and the majestic Julian Alps create a lofty backdrop.

Some of the mountain areas, including Vogel, form ski terrain in the winter, while others have become a playground for hikers, bikers, walkers, rock climbers, paragliders and those just wanting to breathe in the cool, clean air.

It’s early summer and there are few swimmers in the chilly water, the odd paddleboarder creating light ripples and one canoe in the distance. Apart from that, it’s pretty much deserted and an ideal time to visit before the school holiday crowds invade. It takes around three hours to walk the 12km circumference.

designed to help you connect with nature, be mindful and switch off from the stresses of the world – might feel a bit too ‘New Age’ for me. But I go with it and I do feel something serene, almost spiritual, in this heavenly hotspot.

We are treated to a quiet symphony of unusual percussion accompanied by Mina’s dulcet tones expressing love for the forest, for nature, for inner peace, as the boat quietly pushes through the still waters of Slovenia’s largest natural lake, created by glaciers 14,000 years ago during the Ice Age.

When the drone of her Indian shruti box has faded and the gongs’ vibrations have dimmed, Mina performs an impressive finale blowing a conch horn, like a call of the wild.

It’s not hard to feel at one with nature on this lake, which is around half an hour’s drive from its more touristy sister Lake Bled, and sits in a valley within Triglav National Park where the evergreen woods slope

There are just a few cafes and a smattering of hotels near the water’s edge, including the eco-friendly Hotel Bohinj. There’s a general sense of wellbeing here, from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the morning therapeutic outdoor yoga sessions, all inviting you to connect with nature. It may be a small country bordering Croatia and Italy in the south, Austria in the north and Hungary to the northeast, but Slovenia’s outdoor landscape packs a punch, with mountains, forests, lakes and rivers and the sea. Swim in the Adriatic in summer and ski in the Alps in winter. Boarding a bus to head to the forest –although we are spoilt for choice as 70% of Slovenia is forest – we pass vast swathes of wildflowers in farmers’ fields.

For more information on Bohinj, visit bohinj.si. For information on Slovenia, visit: slovenia.info/en

LAKE BOHINJ

‘There’s a general sense of wellbeing here, from the floorto-ceiling windows to the morning therapeutic outdoor yoga sessions’

Picture: Hannah Stephenson/PA

Picture: Hannah Stephenson/PA

‘We love playing Tunbridge Wells – it’s always a really fun night’

As part of the TW Fringe Festival, Scummy Mummies take to the stage at the Assembly Hall theatre this Friday (July 14). It’s been almost ten years since the comedy duo began hilariously documenting the trials and errors of less-than-perfect parenting, so Eileen Leahy discovers what Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson have in store for their Tunbridge Wells fans…

Best known for their humorous take on parenting and over-the-top stage costumes – think skin-tight, gold zip-up catsuits and maraboutrim leotards – Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson, AKA the Scummy Mummies, have brought a breath of fresh air to mums (and dads) everywhere. The hilarious duo, who have documented the ups and downs of parenting courtesy of their now legendary, side-splitting, eyes-streaming stand-up shows, have clocked up ten successful years on the comedy circuit this year.

They are regulars at the Edinburgh Fringe and tour relentlessly, taking in prestigious venues such as Clapham Grand and Brighton’s Komedia along the way. They are no strangers to Tunbridge Wells either, having been championed right from the start by local PRs, sisters, fellow mothers and fans Laura Swann and Natalie Mcilveen of Mums the Word Events.

The pair have been two of Scummy Mummies’ biggest cheerleaders since they first stepped out in 2013.

The pair invited Helen and Ellie to Tunbridge Wells a few years ago and they

proved to be so popular they kept on inviting them back. And the rest, as they say, is history…

“We’ve got to know Laura and Natalie over the years and they’re just divine – and brilliant to work with,” explains Helen, one half of the Scummy Mummies.

“If they’re putting on an event you know it’s going to be a good one. They’re the

don’t have kids at all – this is a not-to-bemissed night out celebrating all things

‘Scummy Mummies’ over the last 10 years! There will be some favourite vintage sketches resurrected and also some great new material too.”

In addition to the many laugh-out-loud sketches, Helen and Ellie’s routine also includes a tonne of songs, which, from previous experience of seeing one of their shows, I can personally guarantee will have you up dancing in the aisles and tears of laughter running down your face.

loud, taking modern-day parenthood to task, ribbing and being extremely candid about the pressures of parenting and not getting it right most of the time.

In the last ten years Helen and Ellie have toured relentlessly, written books, made podcasts and even launched a Scummy Mummies online merch shop which includes clutches with, you guessed it ‘Scum Bag’ emblazoned on them.

most amazing organisers – we had a show with them that sold out in seven minutes!

Put it this way, you know you’re guaranteed a great night out if they had anything to do with it.”

Laura and Natalie are equally complimentary adding: “Whether you’ve seen all their shows or never been to a performance; whether you’re pregnant, have a newborn, toddlers, or teens – or

“Our shows have lots of our personal confessions about being parents but we also talk about us being women in their 40s, and all the hilarious mishaps and adventures that happen because of all that,” reveals Helen.

“We talk about body image and how our bodies are changing at this particular time, as well as the full spectrum of parenting. We include everything – from awful baby shower gifts to dealing with terrible teenagers.”

The pair were early pioneers of talking about issues most hadn’t dared to say out

“When we come to Tunbridge Wells, it’ll be a Friday night – and nearly the end of term,” adds Helen. “There will be that sense of ‘We’ve nearly done it!’ So what better time to have a few Proseccos and give yourself a pat on the back? We absolutely love coming to Tunbridge Wells – in fact we’ve had some of our most fun nights here. It’s always the best!”

Ticket Info:

Brought to you by Mum’s the Word Events, as part of the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival, tickets for the hilarious Scummy Mummies show on July 14 at 7.30pm at the Assembly Hall cost £23.

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk twfringe.com

This is a not-to-be-missed night out celebrating all things ‘Scummy Mummies’ over the last 10 years

MUM’S THE WORD: Helen Thorn (left) and Ellie Gibson

Why this fantastic new festival is music to our ears

roster have been awarded the coveted opening support slots. They include The Ackerleys, Two Weeks In Nashville, Steffan James and my own group, The Paul Dunton Orchestra.

Originally held in Brightling Park in Battle, this is the first year the event will be taking place on our doorstep.

“Tonbridge Castle has been on my radar for some time,” explains Mel. “It is a beautiful venue and really ticks many boxes in terms of its prominent location,

Our resident music guru Paul Dunton reveals the line-up for the much-anticipated Walled Garden Music Festival, which takes place at Tonbridge Castle over the weekends of September 9-10 and 16-17, and features some very famous names…

This September, a fantastic new music festival is coming to Tonbridge. The Walled Garden Music Festival is the brainchild of music promoter Mel Fordham and takes place on the idyllic lawns of Tonbridge Castle.

The family-friendly festival runs over two separate weekends: September 9-10 and

16 -17, with an absolutely superb line-up of world-class musical talent including Feeder, The Feeling, Jethro Tull, Levellers, Bjorn Again, Starsailor, Nik Kershaw, Ian Prowse, Mostly Autumn, Lifesigns, Miles Hunt and many more.

Mel is also a very keen supporter of local music and I’m delighted to announce that four acts from the Local & Live Festival

for those attending’

nearby railway station, larger capacity, easy access, good parking and hotels. I was delighted to secure the venue for the two weekends this coming September and we now plan to run it as an annual event.”

Mel believes that The Walled Garden Festival will offer something for most music fans and adds that each day will offer a different musical genre.

“The Festival opens on Saturday September 9 with the Levellers headlining the Folk Rock Day while Sunday 10 sees the legendary Jethro Tull headlining the Prog Rock Day.”

The following weekend again features established names in music. Saturday September 16 will be a 90s and Noughties

Day with Feeder, The Feeling and Starsailor all performing. The festival finishes on Sunday September 17 with a brilliant 70s and 80s Day, seeing the likes of Nik Kershaw, Go West, Heaven 17 and Bjorn Again filling the castle grounds with their famous back catalogue of songs.

Festivalgoers will be able to bring their own food and folding chairs, but no alcohol as there will be a fully stocked bar on site, selling a wide range of drinks. There will be plenty of hot food stalls too.

“Doors open at 1.30pm and the music finishes at 10.45pm on both Saturdays and 10.30pm on the two Sundays,” explains Mel. “Ticket sales are already ahead of projected figures thanks to the quality of the bands performing. I want people to really enjoy our event and come away from The Walled Garden Festival absolutely blown away.

“We will guarantee a tremendous occasion for those attending.”

Tickets can be purchased online at: walledgardenmusicfestival.com

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‘I want people to really enjoy our event and come away from The Walled Garden Festival absolutely blown away. We will guarantee a tremendous occasion

FEEDER

Girls5eva

Netflix – Executive Producer Tina Fey. Starring Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell and Renée Elise Goldsberry. This American musical comedy series created by Meredith Scardino will instantly evoke feelings of nostalgia for anyone who lived through the late-90s and 2000s era of the girl band.

The show follows four women, now in very different stages of their lives, who were once part of a girl group, cheesily

named Girls5eva.

Having briefly found fame around the year 2000, the band faded into obscurity after achieving one-hit-wonder status.

Now in their 40s, the ‘gals’ decide to reunite to take one last stab at stardom.

Often hilarious, this satirical spoof has much to say about the cult of celebrity, while being infinitely human.

Fortunately, the dialogue is cracking and the characters don’t take themselves seriously. Worth a watch.

Fleabag, Season 2

Amazon Prime

Has there ever been a better anti-heroine than Fleabag? There is nothing to like about her at all: She’s devoid of a moral centre, self-destructive, possibly certifiable, and at times, plain criminal. Her lifestyle is over-the-top and little about her can be taken seriously. However, the more one watches her, the more she has a way of creeping into one’s heart.

As a performer and writer, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is both magnificent and brave. Starring

as a Londoner grappling with the death of her best friend, she has no compass and no filter, as she happily offers up her thoughts on feminism, family tensions, love and a few other less-than-PG subjects. Then there are Waller-Bridge’s brilliant asides with the audience that soon hook one in.

While Season 1 is a smutty yet wonderful crescendo of self-destruction, Season 2 bounces into the realms of blasphemy, as Fleabag grapples with inappropriate feelings for a Catholic priest with predictably hilarious results.

Once more, and true to form, she is immensely shocking, but infinitely watchable – even if it is from behind one’s fingers, mid-cringe.

Times Chief Reporter Victoria Roberts picks three books for the week

On the bookshelf this week, Lorrie Moore’s extraordinary meditation on life, love and loss, another take on campus life in contemporary America from Brandon Taylor, and a most unusual memoir from Shoji Morimoto…

I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home by Lorrie Moore

Published in hardback by Faber & Faber, priced £16.99

As a dismissed teacher, Finn ventures to the city to see his dying brother and reflects on the greatest love of his life and the meaning of grief. Lorrie Moore has created possibly one of the most mind-boggling books of the year, written beautifully and leaving the reader with question upon question – which they should expect to answer themselves. Crossing timelines and pushing the boundaries of realism into absurdity, Moore has crafted an allegory for common human experiences: unwanted loss and love without a place to go. The story is touching, poignant and political in its undertones, while also hilarious and ridiculous. Will you understand it all? No. Is it still gorgeous? Absolutely.

Review by Imy Brighty-Potts

The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor

Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £18.99

Brandon Taylor’s ‘The Late Americans’ is a thoughtprovoking exploration of class, identity politics, and sexuality. Written from the point of view of students at the University of Iowa and locals who live near the prestigious university, its episodic format more closely resembles a short story collection than a typical novel. Taylor’s characters are at turns humorous, furious, and lost. The novel begins with a chapter from the perspective of white working-class poetry student Seamus, who funds his studies by working as a line cook. Seamus’ chapters are among both the strongest in the novel, and the funniest, as he takes aim at his classmate’s crude reliance on personal experience and trauma in their work. References to Trump and social media are rarely clunky, and help place the novel in the context of the contemporary campus wars. Unfortunately, the quality of ‘The Late Americans’ rises and falls with each character. Meat factory worker Fyodor suffers in particular from being unrealistic and jarring. However, there are more than enough moments of brilliance to make ‘The Late Americans’ worth it. It may not be a great American novel, but it is certainly a timely one.

Review by Luke O’Reilly

Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto, translated by Don Knotting

Published in hardback by Picador priced £14.99

There’s really only one way to describe the premise of this book: unique. A memoir of sorts, it follows Shoji Morimoto’s travails in his unusual job – that of a ‘rental person who does nothing’. This means he’s available for anything someone requests of him – as long as his role is relatively passive. The requests are vast in range – from the dull (someone wants him to sit next to them while they work, as they struggle with focus) to the sweet (someone would like him to come to visit their childhood home with them), and occasionally the more serious or sad (someone wants him to witness court proceedings; someone wants to talk to him about how great her girlfriend is – she feels like she can’t tell her friends about her lesbian relationship). Morimoto doesn’t take any money for his services, and the book follows a series of requests and what happened with them. It’s an unusual premise, but one that manages to dive into the human condition in a meaningful way, unveiling people’s secret longings, loves and needs.

Review by Prudence Wade

Are you feeling drained, exhausted or overwhelmed by the stress of daily life?

It may be time to take a break and focus on yourself.

Join Chrissie's new Yoga class for beginners in Tunbridge Wells and let her guide you towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

As an experienced and fully qualified teacher, Chrissie will introduce you to a dynamic form of Yoga designed to increase flexibility, core strength and confidence.

Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience with Yoga, this class is tailored to meet your individual needs. Yoga is an excellent way to release stress, clear your mind and

improve your physical wellbeing.

With Chrissie's guidance, you'll be able to experience all the benefits Yoga offers. You'll leave each session feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.

Don't let tiredness or stress hold you back any longer.

Join Chrissie's class today and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you. Contact us now to book your place and take the first step towards a better future!

Book via: Yoga-Circle.co.uk

Dynamic lessons in Yoga for all abilities

New classes now available

10am Thurs - Introduction

10am Friday - All Abilities

Location: St Barnabas Hall, Stanley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2RH

Book via: Yoga-Circle.co.uk

Aqua Park offers extended hours for summer fun

Aqua Park, a giant inflatable obstacle course located at Bewl Water in Lamberhurst, is already making a splash this summer. Extended opening hours began this month, so the Aqua Park will be open every day, ensuring plenty of opportunities for exciting water adventures in time for the school holidays.

Nestled on the border of Kent and Sussex, the Bewl Water parkland is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking healthy and enjoyable activities. The site

Advertorial

boasts 800 acres of incredible landscapes to explore, including southeast England’s largest reservoir, which serves as the stage for the 3,000-square metre Aqua Park.

The water attraction, reminiscent of the famous ‘Total Wipeout’ course, steals the spotlight each summer and opened for its 2023 season in April for weekend bookings.

It features a wide array of exciting obstacles, such as an XXL action tower, springboard, balance bar, flip mattress, monkey bars, aqua slide, hurdles, and much more. Visitors can enjoy 50 minutes

of pure inflatable fun and tickets are priced at £23 per person.

With warmer weather and the school year drawing to a close, Bewl Water has extended the Aqua Park’s opening hours from weekends only to seven days a week.

Parents are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly, as Operations Manager Kevin Parker reveals that over 7,000 tickets have already been sold.

“Our amazing reception and lifeguard team look forward to welcoming you to the

Aqua Park to fit your wet suit and buoyancy vest – these are both included in the ticket price,” Mr Parker explained. Afterwards, visitors can refuel at the Waterfront Café. Overlooking the beautiful reservoir, with indoor and outdoor seating, hungry diners can enjoy an offering of light meals, tasty snacks, and refreshing beverages. For those seeking sweet treats, there’s an ice cream parlour which serves slushies and milkshakes, too.

HOUSE CALLS THIS JULY IN YOUR AREA

To ensure a smooth experience, all customers must arrive 45 minutes before their session for a safety briefing. Parking costs £7, granting all-day access to Bewl Water for its many attractions, including outdoor playgrounds, laser tag, bike hire, soft play, and other water sports, like paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and more.

Tickets can be purchased at: aquapark. bewlwater.co.uk

The Aqua Park will be open every day, ensuring plenty of opportunities for exciting water adventures in time for the school holidays

BEWL’S AQUA PARK

The best wines

When we think about packing a picnic or colourful spread of gorgeousness, one of the charms of drinking in the open air is that ‘anything goes’.

From sunbathing to socialising, to tucking into something downright delicious, what you slip into your cooler bag can be as eclectic as your veritable feast.

Carefree, without the need for proper glassware, everything seems to taste so much more delicious under sunshine, blue skies and with the kiss of a gentle breeze.

To entice you to unfurl a blanket – as if you needed an excuse – here are some options to chill with and be at one with the great outdoors…

1. Chosen by Majestic Picpoul de Pinet 2022, France, £9.99, Majestic Wines

An exciting new range that’s all about shining the light on key grape varieties from famous regions without having to dig deep, ‘Chosen By Majestic’ own-labels are priced at under £10 when you mix any six. A hot weather white, we’ve plucked their picpoul for its absolute freshness, lemony notes, green apple accompanied by limey acidity and zesty finish. Great with shellfish, garlic dips and Greek salads.

al fresco drinking

2. Adnams Fizz, Rosé, Extra Dry, Italy, £10.49, Adnams (adnams.co.uk)

What’s a summer picnic without a little sparkle? A delicious alternative to rosé champagne, you can’t beat this pretty pink fizz for sheer drinking pleasure. Impressively fresh with a strawberry nose and soft summer fruit flavours entwined with citrus-edged fizzy fruit, there’s a sense of style to this sparkling wine. One for melon and Parma ham or summer fruit puddings.

3. Radlow Hundred Rosé 2022, England, £34.99, (2 x bottles), Radlow Hundred (radlowhundred.co.uk)

With its picture-postcard label, this rosé looks fresh before you’ve savoured the first sip – and lives up to expectations. Mouthwatering from the word go, there’s an engaging quality with wild strawberries on the nose, a fruity palate with ripe, red berry fruits, limey notes and hints of watermelon lingering on the medium-dry finish. A really lovely, attractive style, think prawns with Thai dipping sauce.

4. Champagne Palmer Blanc de Blancs, France, £53.99, Waitrose

If you’re heading to a romantic beauty spot and want the champagne to cascade as beautifully as the water feature,

these top-ranking bubbles are where it’s at. With a beguiling bouquet of white flowers and brioche, there’s a wonderful

yeasty complexity to the pristine citrus fruit, feeling fresh and elegant with a long, persistent finish. Stunning!

Motoring News

Picanto gets dramatic new look and efficient engine choices

KIA has unveiled a striking new update of its Picanto city car.

The compact hatchback now wears a design which ties with other models in Kia’s range of vehicles, with a new front bumper, ‘tiger nose’ grill and rear light signature being key elements that differentiate this model from its predecessor.

MG4 XPower revealed as firm’s most powerful car

MG is introducing its first performance car in almost two decades with the new MG4 XPower hot hatchback.

Seeing a return of the ‘XPower’ name, used on a sports car made in the early 2000s, this new MG4 is the firm’s most powerful production car ever.

The MG4 was introduced last year as a new electric hatchback, and quickly gathered praise for its impressive driving experience and low price. It remains one of the most affordable new EVs, too.

This XPower is a slightly different breed, though, with its twin electric motors developing more than twice the power of the standard car – increasing the output from 200bhp to 429bhp, while torque has jumped from 250Nm to 600Nm. MG says that allows for a supercar-rivalling 0-60mph time of just 3.8 seconds.

That makes it one of the most powerful hot hatches ever made, with performance ahead of petrol models like the Audi RS3 and Mercedes-AMG A45 S. MG says it has made other changes, though, to accommodate the power. These include torque vectoring, a locking electronic differential and a revised suspension setup that is 25 per cent stiffer

than the regular car. A launch control feature will also be included to maximise the full performance.

To set it apart from the regular MG4, the XPower comes with orange brake calipers, a two-tone black roof and new 18-inch alloy wheels. Racing Green will also be offered as a paint option.

Affordable

Guy Pigounakis, commercial director at MG Motor UK, said “We’re confident the MG4 XPower will shake up the market like the rest of the MG4 range, showing that a compact EV can be affordable, practical and a terrific drive.

“We expect it will appeal to customers looking for a pure performance offering which is the antithesis of the traditionally ‘loud’ high-performance hatchback.

MG has given no indication yet of the XPower’s range, but it’s likely to be down on the claimed 281 miles achievable from the standard MG4 Long Range.

The XPower is priced from £36,495 –a very reasonable £4,000 more than the current range-topping MG4 – with sales due to begin shortly.

Digital

It’s also optionally available with LED headlights and daytime running lights, which give a more noticeable ‘face’ during darkness. All cars come on 14-inch alloy wheels as standard, though both 15- and 16-inch versions can be added as an optional extra.

A base trim level brings black cloth seats as standard, as well as a new eight-inch ‘floating’ infotainment screen and 4.2-inch digital display for the driver. All versions

come with Bluetooth connectivity as standard, too, alongside both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All Picanto models also get over-the-air functionality, allowing systems such as navigation and infotainment to be wirelessly updated.

Kia also says that the Picanto’s seatsdown boot space of 1,101 litres is enough to store a folding bicycle or e-scooter, too.

A sportier GT-Line specification is also available, bringing dedicated 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a sporty rear diffuser, as well as a full gloss pack for the interior finishers.

Two engines will be available from launch – either a 1.0- or 1.2-litre petrol. Both have been designed to offer great efficiency, with the 1.2-litre option being angled towards drivers who “want more power”, according to Kia.

There’s also the option of either a five-speed manual or Kia’s automated manual transmission.

Quarter of drivers delay servicing due to cost-of-living crisis

NEARLY a quarter (23 per cent) of motorists are delaying having their car serviced or carrying out maintenance themselves as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

The survey from the RAC found that 10 per cent had postponed a service on their car by up to a year, but five per cent had delayed this essential maintenance by more than a year, and are relying solely on the annual MOT test.

Cheaper

A further 10 per cent had decided to start servicing their car themselves or called in the help of a friend to do so. Of the 1,900 motorists surveyed, nine per cent had opted for cheaper servicing, such as swapping a major service for a minor one. Elsewhere, eight per cent had switched to a different garage to help save money.

While it’s easy to see why motorists are keen to save money when finances are tough, the RAC has advised motorists “strongly against” skipping on maintenance as it risks safety and increases the chance of a breakdown.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Not keeping on top of servicing a vehicle is almost always a false economy, as the probability of suffering a breakdown emergency and having to fork out even more for expensive repairs down the line go up massively.

“So, while drivers might feel the best thing to do is to put off servicing or opt for a cheaper service even if their car is due a full one, we advise strongly against it as repair costs are likely to snowball when things start to go wrong.”