Times of Tunbridge Wells 14th December 2022

WELLS

The high street is on the rise thanks to a hospitality boost

By Robert Forrester

EATING out is alive and well in Tunbridge Wells as new data shows that there has been an increase in the number of pubs and bars in the town, which has helped boost the local economy.

According to data from Ordnance Survey, the number of places to eat in the town had risen by 17 per cent in March this year, compared to two years ago, when the country was preparing to be locked down as the Covid crisis took hold.

Trend

The national data, which has been analysed by the BBC website to give a local breakdown, shows a change in the shape of high streets across Britain.

The figures show that Tunbridge Wells is bucking the national trend, as hospitality has seen just a four per cent increase across Great Britain.

Analysis of the data shows that in March 2020 there were 95 eating and drinking businesses in Tunbridge Wells, but this rose to 111 in March 2022 – an increase of 17 per cent.

Much of the rise is down to new pubs and bars, of which there has been a 48 per cent increase according to the BBC analysis, although the number of

restaurants has actually fallen by seven per cent.

Retail in Tunbridge Wells has also increased, despite the loss of a number of big names over the last two years, including Topshop and Dorothy Perkins. Although the increase in new stores is just two per cent according to the data, three more shop openings have brought the total of retail outlets in the town centre to 199.

Meanwhile, there has been a two per cent decline in retail across the rest of the country, with 9,300 fewer retail outlets in March 2022 than March 2020.

The data also shows an increase in fast food venues in Tunbridge Wells of 41 per cent, including a 17.6 per cent rise in the

number of fish and chip shops.

Other changes to the town centre recorded by the Ordnance Survey data are not so positive, with a 17.4 per cent reduction in the number of banks, compared to an 8.1 per cent reduction nationally.

There was, however a 4.5 per cent increase in beauty services in Tunbridge Wells in 2022 compared to 2020 and an increase in tattoo and piercing studios of 16.7 per cent.

The opening of Lidl in February 2021 next to Homebase in the Linden Park Road retail complex has also seen the town enjoy a 14.3 per cent increase in new supermarkets, while nationally they have risen by just 2.5 per cent.

Council holds crunch meeting to change its ‘archaic’ elections

By Richard Williams

THE Council in Tunbridge Wells is set to vote tonight (Wednesday) on changing its ‘archaic’ and ‘expensive’ voting system that could save taxpayers more than £200,000 in costs every four years.

Currently, elections are held at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC)

every three years out of four, with a third of councillors elected in each ballot.

TWBC is the only council in Kent to hold elections this way, with all other authorities having ‘all-out’ elections every four years.

The move to change the system in Tunbridge Wells from ‘voting by thirds’ to ‘all-out elections’ has been prompted by

changes planned by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).

The Government body, which is already planning to cut councillor numbers from 48 to 39 from 2024, has proposed merging some rural wards due to what it Continued on page 3

BUSY Shoppers braving the snow in the town centre on Monday. For more on the wintery weather see page 6.

Council votes to scrap ‘archaic’ election cycle

calls ‘electoral fairness’.

The LGBCE has argued that currently some wards only have one councillor and the electorate in those wards only gets to vote once every three years, while other voters get to choose a representative every year for three years out of four.

The proposals by the LGBCE have alarmed a number of councillors, especially in rural parishes, who have found that their wards are set to be merged.

Wards

However, the LGBCE has paused its review of the boundary changes to allow councillors at TWBC to consider changing the voting system, which would enable some of the existing ward boundaries to remain the same.

A motion to change the election system has now been put forward by Benenden & Cranbrook councillor and former leader of TWBC, Tom Dawlings (Conservative) who has argued that the current system is ‘archaic’ and ‘expensive’.

He says that the changes being put forward by the LGBCE are only due to the current electoral cycle and will see parishes such as Cranbrook, Sissinghurst & Frittenden merged together, Hawkhurst merged with Benenden & South Goudhurst, while Rusthall & Speldhurst will also be merged.

He told the Times: “The changes by the LGBCE are only coming about because of the way we elect councillors here. If we agree to all-out elections every four years, there won’t be any need to slash the number of wards.”

He continued: “It is also a much more expensive way to elect councillors. It costs around £130,000

to hold a local election and we are doing it three times every four years when other authorities are doing it just once.”

He says changing the electoral system would save taxpayers in Tunbridge Wells in excess of £200,000 each year.

He said the motion to change the election system, which will need a two-thirds majority in the Town Hall to pass (32 votes out of 48 councillors), is not a Conservative motion but has the backing from other party members, especially those in wards likely to be impacted by the LGCBE’s intention to change the boundaries.

Cllr David Knight, who represents Goudhurst & Lamberhurst for the Alliance, said keeping the

2022-23 of £900,000, increasing to £1.8million for 23-24, elections every year are just not affordable,” he said, adding that ‘all-out elections’ would also lead to a ‘more stable’ council and would be ‘more easily understood by everyone’.

Meanwhile, Dianne Hill, a Borough Councillor and the Mayor of Southborough said all out elections were backed by the Town Council.

She said: “We need to keep Southborough and High Brooms together and the only way to do this is by all-out elections. As I've said previously, to take High Brooms School out of High Brooms makes no sense.”

She added that all-out elections were also backed by 64 per cent of residents across Tunbridge Wells.

Preference

But proponents of the current system have argued voting by thirds is ‘democracy in action’.

election system as it is ‘will probably result in Goudhurst Parish being split up, with Kilndown being added to Hawkhurst, and Goudhurst added to a vast, five-parish ward all the way to Matfield’.

He continued that the change to ‘all-out elections' would enable smaller wards and make councillors more ‘accountable’.

“Wards could be much smaller according to geography and parish, with councillors known and accountable to their community, not just by party affiliation, and it should avoid the need for three-member, large rural wards,” Mr Knight said.

“There would also be a cost saving of approximately £260,000 over the four years as an election cost.

“When TWBC is running a forecast deficit in

Cllr Hugo Pound, the Labour Leader at TWBC told the Times: “I remain in favour of electing onethird of our Councillors every year because, in a fast-moving world and a rapidly-changing Borough, I believe that voters deserve the chance to state their preference every year.

“If every Councillor had been elected for a four-year term in 2018, we would now have a half-built new theatre, a debt of about £120million, no plan for a cleaner Borough, no impetus to build new social and affordable housing and absolutely no effort to address our increasing deficit.

“In 2018, there were 41 Conservative Councillors. Now there are 13. That is democracy in action."

The debate and vote takes place at an extraordinary council meeting at 6.30pm tonight (Wednesday December 14).

TIMES COMMENT: IT’S HIGH TIME WE END THIS OUTDATED VOTING BY THIRDS

At a time when the Council is trying to balance its books and plug a Covid-induced deficit, throwing away more than £200,000 every four years on needless elections surely can no longer be justified.

Not only is the way that Tunbridge Wells elects its councillors expensive, but it is also difficult for voters to understand.

The electorate is used to voting every four years – that’s how we elect the Government, Kent County Council and even the Police and Crime Commissioner – but being asked to vote every year (except one year in four!) is confusing,

especially when some voters get the chance to put a tick on a ballot paper while others do not – depending on where they live.

It could also be argued to be undemocratic.

After the Calverley Square debacle, when voters were clearly unhappy with the Conservative administration’s decision to build a theatre in Calverley Grounds, it took the electorate several years to vote them out due to the election cycle.

An all-out election every four years would allow the voters to make their views heard. Loud and clear.

It also provides the opportunity for local political parties to produce a manifesto and explain to people exactly what they plan to do over the next four years – and then be held to account by voters if they fail to do it.

In 2024, Tunbridge Wells will be holding all-out elections anyway, due to the proposed boundary changes and a reduction in councillor numbers, so there has never been a better opportunity to introduce the more conventional, cheaper and far more democratic voting system employed by virtually every other council in the South East.

‘Wards could be smaller according to geography and parish, with councillors known and accountable to their community’

OUTDATED Tunbridge Wells holds three Council elections every four years but [inset] Tom Dawlings wishes to change

that

Vandals attack forest car parks following introduction of charges

By Lilly Croucher

PARKING signs in Ashdown Forest have been vandalised after new, controversial parking charges were introduced last month.

The signs were vandalised using a black spray to obscure the payment and parking fee information, in what is believed to be a protest against the charges.

Parking charges were introduced to all 45 car parks across the ancient woodland for the first time in its history on Monday November 21.

Facilities

Visitors to the forest in East Sussex will be charged £5 for an all-day pass and £80 for an annual pass, with those who are disabled or on Government benefits only paying £5 for an annual pass.

The forest says it has introduced the charges after a decrease in funding.

Forest officials say the funds from the parking will be used to improve facilities, maintain paths and tracks, and clear up rubbish.

Sussex police have been informed of the vandalism and it has been passed on to the rural crime team.

James Adler, Ashford Forest Chief Executive, described the vandalism of the signs as ‘deeply sad’.

Mr Adler said: “It is a great shame that some of the funding that visitors to the forest have so

kindly contributed via their car park payments will need to be used to repair the actions of just a small number of individuals.”

He stressed that the important funding the forest would have received is now being diverted towards clearing up the vandalism.

Acknowledging that not everyone welcomed the charges, he added: “Whilst we recognise that payment schemes will never be universally popular, we hope visitors will notice the improvements to the forest over the coming months and years as the funding allows for repairs and enhancements.”

He also said he was ‘touched’ by visitors who were happy to contribute to the forest's

conservation aims and thanked those who had purchased passes and tickets.

Ashdown Forest is an Area of Outstanding Beauty located in the North Downs in East Sussex and served as the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood in AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories.

It is not the only organisation that has brought in contested parking charges. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is currently holding a public consultation until December 18 on whether to introduce fees at Dunorlan Park’s Pembury Road and Hall's Hole Road car parks.

The move has already led to protests outside the park.

Parents reassured as Strep A cases found in primary schools

PARENTS are being reassured that most cases of Strep A are mild, after a number of cases were found in primary schools in Tunbridge Wells.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria normally causes mild to severe illnesses including scarlet fever, impetigo, and strep throat, but there has been a rise in cases in children across the UK and a number of reported deaths.

St John’s C of E Primary School and Temple Grove Academy in Tunbridge Wells both confirmed cases of Strep A among its pupils in a letter to parents last week, where they said they will be implementing measures to keep pupils safe.

St John’s School in Cunningham Road, confirmed one of its pupils was hospitalised after being infected.

The primary school issued a letter to parents to encourage their children to practise good hygiene

and to inform the school and their GP if they suspect their child presents any symptoms.

Meanwhile, Temple Grove Academy in Friars Way said they would be implementing Covid-like procedures such as ‘bubbles and zones’ after confirming two cases of Strep A.

Bubbles

Head Teacher, Isabel Ramsey said: “There will be no PE or music, and playtime will be separated into zones to keep classes in their bubbles.”

Parents have been told to remain vigilant, but also reassured that most cases of Strep A are ‘mild’ and can be treated with antibiotics.

Director of Public Health for Kent County Council, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “Most cases of scarlet fever are very mild but, working closely together with the NHS, I want to ensure everyone

has the information they need to spot Strep A infections.

“We also want parents to be reassured and know what steps to take should they or their child show signs and symptoms of scarlet fever, including a sore throat, headache, temperature and sickness.

“Additionally, it is important residents are aware of the big part they can play in helping to stop the spread of Strep A infections this winter. This includes frequent hand washing, not sharing cutlery, clothes, bedding and towels, and immediately disposing of used tissues to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ and keep up good hygiene,” Dr Ghosh added.

The NHS recommends calling 111 or your GP if your child is getting worse, eating less than normal, becoming dehydrated or tired and irritable, and has a temperature over 39 degrees.

IN BRIEF

Death of pensioners is ‘non-suspicious’

KENT Police say the deaths of a man and a woman in their seventies who were found dead inside a home in Tunbridge Wells last week are not being treated as suspicious, but ‘unexplained’.

Kent Police said officers were called to a property last Wednesday (December 7).

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 9.15pm on Wednesday December 7 to a property in Langton Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Ambulance and fire crews also attended and a man and a woman, both aged in their seventies, were declared deceased at the scene.

“The deaths are currently being treated as non-suspicious but unexplained and will be subject to further enquiries. Next of kin are aware.”

Hermes House plans

PLANNERS have granted approval to demolish Hermes House in Tunbridge Wells and turn the site into flats.

The iconic building in St John’s Road, which was once the headquarters of Logistics UK (formerly the Freight Transport Association), is to be turned into 43 apartments.

The planning committee at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council approved the plans last Wednesday (December 7), despite past objections from the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society, which wanted to protect the historic building next to the A26.

Happy Easter at TN Recruits! Eh?

Recruitment is a very demanding role and the mental health and well being of our team is important to us. We’d heard about companies successfully working a 4-day week all over the world and wondered if we could make it work for us.

The challenge was that we knew we couldn’t be shut for one day a week, our clients and candidates are used to a healthy level of service earning us 4.9 stars on Google, amongst the best for Recruitment companies in Tunbridge Wells. We decided on a buddy system which ensures everyone is completely covered when they are out of the office.

So, in June of this year TN Recruits took the decision to trial a 4-day week for six months. We have been thrilled with the results. We measured productivity through number of calls out, number of candidates registered with TN Recruits and number of CV’s sent to clients. Overall productivity was up marginally which to us was a success in itself. But, we were bowled over when we discovered our average monthly revenue was up by 7%.

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.

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

I am holding regular advice surgeries – by zoom or telephone. To make an appointment, please call: 01892 519854 or email: greg.clark.mp @parliament.uk

However, far more important to us, the team have recounted that they feel less stressed, better rested and that they have an improved work-life balance. A number of the team choose to dip in on their day off, clear emails, plan for the following week, make vital calls to clients or candidates BUT this is on their terms and in their own time. Typically, the team report that they sometimes do an hour or two of work first thing in the morning which they can do from anywhere- their sofa, the park, the beach etc. They are then able to do their housework, go shopping, do life admin and then the rest of their day is theirs to spend their time on them. When the weekend comes, they are able to spend time with their partners, families and friends knowing their chores are done.

So why Happy Easter? The system in which we operate means every other week we get a 4-day weekend, just like Easter! Imagine getting a 4-day weekend every other week? That’s exactly what we get.

We plan to expand further in 2023, if you’d like to be part of the TN Recruits journey, drop me an email or give me a call in complete confidence. 01892 571105 neil@tnrecruits.com

Snow and ice cause travel chaos and school closures

By Lilly Croucher

A WHITE Christmas came early this year, with Tunbridge Wells waking up to snow and ice at the beginning of the week as much of Kent and the South East were blasted by wintry weather on Sunday night.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for Kent and the South East for Monday and Tuesday (December 12-13) as ice patches and fresh snow led to dangerous conditions.

Major disruption was seen on the railways with Southeastern advising passengers not to travel on Monday due to snow and ice covering the tracks across the whole Southeastern network.

There were severe disruptions on the Hastings line and Paddock Wood line serving Tunbridge Wells on Monday morning after snow, ice and trees had fallen on the tracks.

Many people were stranded at Tonbridge railway station after all services stopped on Sunday evening.

Disruption continued, with strikes by the RMT Union taking place today and yesterday (Tuesday December 13), and on Friday and Saturday (December 16-17).

Vulnerable

Most disruption was seen on the roads, with the M25 and A21 majorly affected by snow and ice on Sunday evening, with hundreds of people being stuck for hours on the motorways.

Even though most main roads had been cleared by Monday morning, National Highways told people not to travel ‘unless absolutely necessary’.

Bus operator Arriva Kent experienced a number of cancellations and delays. In Tunbridge Wells, the 281, 277, 218 and 219 services were affected.

A number of local schools were also closed in on Monday, including both girls and boys Tunbridge Wells Grammar Schools, and Tonbridge Grammar School, although many managed to keep their doors open despite the wintry weather.

The cold snap also prompted the Met Office to issue a level three cold weather warning for the region until 9am on Friday (December 16), with very cold nights and widespread frosts expected, and daytime temperatures just above freezing.

Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Staying warm during cold weather is really important and there are simple steps we can all take to help ourselves and vulnerable friends and family.

“Cold weather can make some health problems worse and some people may need extra help during the winter.

“Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical

help, or if they’re feeling unwell.”

Meanwhile, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) suspended bin collections on Monday due to the harsh weather conditions.

Passable

In a statement on Twitter, the Council said: "All bin collections have been suspended for today because of the weather conditions.

"Some roads are not passable. Crews have been deployed to assist with clearing and gritting where possible.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and will update [residents] as soon as we have more information."

WINTER WONDERLAND The Pantiles after a dusting of snow on Sunday (picture courtesy of Greg Clark MP, Twitter) while Santa Claus (inset) managed to continue his rounds thanks to the Round Table’s Land Rover. Below: the town centre on Monday and a Rose Hhill School pupil enjoying the snowy weather

‘No plans’ to shut Fenwick in RVP after Bond Street closure

By Robert Forrester

THERE are ‘no plans’ to close the Fenwick department store in Tunbridge Wells after the flagship shop in central London was sold last week after trading for more than 130 years.

Last week Fenwick confirmed that its Bond Street store, which has been trading since 1891, was to close after making fewer than half the sales of its bigger shops in Newcastle, Brent Cross and Kingston-upon-Thames.

However, the boss of the department store chain says there are no plans to close any more department stores, including the Tunbridge Wells branch that resides in Royal Victoria Place (RVP).

Footing

Simon Calver, Fenwick’s Chairman said: “We have no plans for other closures.

“If we find opportunities and gaps where we think we can expand our store base we will look at them. This is not a move away from store retailing.”

He later added: “Decisions like this are always difficult but it is absolutely the right thing for the business.

“This was about what we need to do to ensure the business is on a really strong financial footing and can survive for another 140 years.”

The luxury five-storey building on 103 Bond Street has been sold to Lazari Investments, run by the descendants of Chris Lazari, the late billionaire property developer.

Fenwick has not disclosed the sale price, but agents believe it had fetched around £430million. Although the deal is expected to complete early in the new year, the store will

remain open until the beginning of 2024.

Lockdown

In 2021, the central London store made a £5.2million loss as a result of the lockdown rules at the start of the year, the cost-of-living crisis

and Fenwick’s slow adoption of online shopping, which it only started offering in 2019.

Fenwick hopes to invest the proceeds from the Bond Street sale into growing its online business, making store improvements, contributing to the store's pension fund and paying down the last of Fenwick’s debt.

Fuller is sentenced to four more years

DOUBLE killer David Fuller, who sexually abused the bodies of at least 101 women and girls in mortuaries has been sentenced for further crimes committed at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

Fuller, 68, is already serving a whole life sentence for the murders of Wendy Knell, 25, and Caroline Pierce, 20, in two separate attacks in Tunbridge Wells in 1987.

After being linked to the murders in 2020, police uncovered the systematic abuse of female bodies aged between nine and 100 at the now-closed Kent and Sussex Hospital, and the Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury, where he had worked in maintenance since 1989.

On Wednesday, he was sentenced to a further four years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing the bodies of 23 more women aged between 45 and 92, 10 of whom have never been identified.

Monster

During the sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey, relatives of some of the victims expressed their ‘absolute disgust’ at Fuller’s actions, describing him as a ‘monster’.

In a televised sentencing, Mrs Justice CheemaGrubb said Fuller was never ‘disturbed or challenged’ during the offending, which amounted to a ‘habitual’ breach of trust and invasion of privacy for his own sexual gratification.

She told him: “You have no regard for the dignity of the dead.”

The Government has launched an independent inquiry into how Fuller went undetected until he was arrested on December 3, 2020 for what has been dubbed the 'Bedsit Murders', following new analysis of decades-old DNA evidence.

A report on the hospital trust is expected to be published next year.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Fenwick in Tunbridge Wells

Times Business Awards are open for entries

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE

STILL AVAILABLE

SPONSORSHIP opportunities are available for the Times Business Awards 2023, including headline sponsor and some award categories.

Each award category represents a different sector or size of organisation that the Times and the local business community believe deserves recognition.

Those who sign up to be sponsors will be in good company, as you can see from those businesses who have already taken a category.

As well as the category opportunities left for the Times Business Awards 2023, there is also the chance to become headline sponsor.

Previous headliners have included: law firms Cripps and Pemberton Greenish, renowned Tunbridge Wells jeweller G. Collins & Sons, property developer Elysian Residences, and luxury vehicle manufacturer Lexus.

By Victoria Roberts

ENTRIES

With ten categories to choose from, there is an award for every business that trades in and around Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas.

Categories

This year, there are several new categories to choose from.

Among the new categories is a special award for charities and not-for-profit organisations. Organisations in this category will get the

chance to tell the judges about their cause and the demographic they help, in a bid to be officially recognised as Charity of the Year 2023.

Another category which is bound to be popular is Creative Business of the Year, which offers the creative, design, marketing and PR sectors the chance to sell themselves to the judges – and go on to win over the public.

And any company which is beating the rising cost of energy by clever power management, or through investment in energy-efficiency, is a candidate for Green Business of the Year. Entry forms can be downloaded from TimesBusinessAwards.co.uk from today (December 14), and the deadline for entries is February 20.

Many sponsors come back to the Awards again and again, supporting their category from the first entries to the on-stage moment at the Awards dinner, which will be held on March 30, 2023.

Tunbridge Wells-based designer childrenswear retailer Childrensalon have been stalwart sponsors of the Family Business of the Year category, supporting it year after year – including 2023.

Childrensalon CEO Michele Harriman Smith told the Times: “It was wonderful sponsoring the Family Business of the Year award.

“We enjoyed meeting other family businesses that are growing and experiencing the same challenges as we have, and we look forward to taking part again in the future.”

The Finance Hub, itself a young company, also returns in 2023 as sponsor of the Best Business with 26+ Employees award.

Meanwhile, law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore graduated from sponsoring Start Up Business of the Year in 2019 to Outstanding Business of the Year in 2022 and again in 2023.

Wealth managers Charles Stanley are this year’s sponsor of the Entrepreneur of the Year category, after supporting the Best Business with 1-25 Employees in 2022.

TEN AWARDS TO FIND THE BEST IN BUSINESS

Charity of the Year (Sponsor TBC)

Best Business 1-25 Employees (Sponsor TBC)

which

Start-Up Business of the Year (Sponsor TBC)

Companies founded since January 2021, which have really been attracting notice.

Creative Business of the Year (Sponsor TBC)

This is a strong sector for Tunbridge Wells, covering the creative, design, marketing and PR sectors which have made our town their home.

Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by Charles Stanley)

An entrepreneur is more than just a businessperson. Entrepreneurs turn their ideas into business opportunities and may run more than one company.

Green Business of the Year (Sponsor TBC)

This new award category will recognise companies for their commitment to the environment, whether through reducing energy usage, ‘localising’ their supply chains or any other ‘green’ initiatives.

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

Best in Food and Drink (Sponsored by NFU Mutual)

This award is for the local companies producing or serving truly remarkable food and drink. Entries are welcomed from fine dining restaurants, gastropubs, simple cafés and food and drink producers – any company which can demonstrate how it puts Tunbridge Wells or the local area on the map with its gastronomic excellence.

Best Family Business of the Year (Sponsored by Childrensalon)

The judges will be looking for the business that best demonstrates how running a family business has added significantly to its competitive advantage. The winner will need to show how being a family business has had a positive impact on its achievements.

This award category is for the companies with a workforce of up to 25, which has maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance, both in meeting its customers’ expectations and supporting its employee’s welfare and growth.

Best Business 26+ Employees (Sponsored by The Finance Hub)

Consistent growth, financial performance and an engaged, positive workforce are just some of the criteria that set these companies apart other medium to large businesses in the area.

Outstanding

Business of the Year

(Sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore)

This award will reveal which company demonstrates the best combination of growth, ambition and quality of management in the area. The ‘outstanding’ company has delivered on a compelling business strategy, while developing its employees’ skills and looking after staff.

are now open for the sixth annual Times Business Awards, which returns in March next year.

Start-Up Business of the Year Award Companies

were founded in the past two years that have really been attracting notice.

GALA NIGHT

Last year’s awards was a sell-out

Sovereign spree

Small Business Saturday to promote independents

Royal look-a-likes came to town for a little light shopping in the Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Business Improvement District Christmas advert, released this week. Search @rtwtogether on YouTube to see the video.

Voucher scheme launched to make a gift of going out for this Christmas

By Victoria Roberts

LOCAL hospitality businesses are banding together to make it easier to make ‘going out’ a Christmas gift at a time of financial pressure on both businesses and their customers.

Picking up the idea from an initiative in Greater Manchester, two Tunbridge Wells hospitality businesses have created a website signposting the restaurants, pubs and bars in West Kent that sell vouchers, to make local Christmas gift-giving easier.

Pressure

The hospitality sector is under pressure with the cost-of-living crisis and increased business costs, stressed one of the project founders, Matthew Sankey, of Sankey's Seafood Kitchen & Bar and The Old Fishmarket.

Although businesses had planned their Christmas menus according to the costs they knew about earlier in the year, financial turmoil following the Government’s mini-budget had

intensified the situation again, he said.

“The cost of food and all our services are going up. We can weather that, but not £500 to £800 being taken out of people’s back pockets in (increased) mortgage repayments.”

With Christmas on the horizon, the GiftOfGoingOut.com website allows people to spend their present money on local experiences, ‘instead of buying an Amazon voucher’, he added.

The project's other founder is Alex Greig of Fuggles Beer Café and Fuggles Bottle Shop, who also sits on the board of the RTW Business Improvement District.

Voucher payments go directly to individual businesses, so the scheme can expand quickly and simply as more businesses sign up, said Mr Sankey, who is also the small business ‘champion’ on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

“All we are doing is signposting to venues that sell vouchers. And the list is growing. When we’re all working together it all connects. It makes sense,” he added.

New Year promotions and hires for the world’s oldest law firm

TUNBRIDGE WELLS law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore is making a range of promotions and appointments from across its departments for the New Year.

The legal practice, which is in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest, having been founded in in 1570, say the promotions will take effect from January 1, 2023, and include three Associates, one Senior Paralegal and two Paralegals. The appointments include four Newly Qualified Solicitors.

Those promoted to Associate are Ashley Matthews in the Employment team, Elizabeth Thomas from the Court of Protection department

and Rachel Mayston in the Wills, Estates & Tax Planning team.

New appointments inlcude current Trainee Solicitors with the firm. Elizabeth Jones will join Dispute Resolution, Jessica Wells Employment and Oliver Appelboam Meadows Commercial Property, when they qualify as Solicitors in March 2023.

Joanna Pratt, Senior Partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore said: “Huge congratulations to all on these well-deserved promotions and appointments. As a firm, we are fortunate to be surrounded by outstanding people at every level.”

OVER

Across the country, trading associations, chambers of commerce and local authority business teams hit the streets on the first Saturday in December

businesses.

Donated

In Tunbridge Wells, the Council’s economic development team, supported by the RTW Business Improvement District, were out in Calverley Precinct promoting local businesses.

Visitors could win prizes donated by local enterprises by spinning the ‘Wheel of Fortune’.

Cabinet member for Tunbridge Wells Town and Local Areas Cllr Justine Rutland said: “We have so many wonderful small businesses in the Borough and it was great to see them celebrated on Saturday.

“If you are spending money this Christmas, please give a thought to supporting local small businesses first.”

Asian Curry Awards deliver award for Tonbridge eatery

A TONBRIDGE restaurant has been named one of five top takeaways in the UK at the Asian Curry Awards.

Dalchini, on Martin Hardie Way in northeast Tonbridge, took its place alongside four other restaurants from across the country, ranging from Wales to Scotland.

The event was organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which represents 30,000 restaurant and takeaways across the country. Winners will be included in the Asian Catering Federation’s guide: Top100CurryRestaurants. co.uk, with a print edition following next year.

Auction raises £13,000 for mental health charity

AN AUCTION for a mental health charity has raised thousands from donated lots and bids in an event at Pushkin Antiques late last month.

Joseph Trinder, head auctioneer at Gorringe’s, led the bidding in aid of Mental Health Resource, and raised over £13,000.

Mental Health Resource is a local charity based in West Kent, providing safe spaces and personcentred mental health support to help people improve their wellbeing.

250 visitors tried their luck in a promotional game to win goodies on Small Business Saturday (December 3), as Tunbridge Wells joined in with the UK-wide initiative.

to promote local small

SATURDAY SUCCESS Members of the Council promoting Small Business Saturday with social media star ‘Pip the Golden Retriever’

By Victoria Roberts

TOWN councillors responsible for a historic pond on the edge of Southborough Common have abandoned plans to turn it into a wildlife haven for birds.

Southborough Town Council (STC) decided in 2021 to close Holden Pond to fishing, after reports of poaching and abuse of the fish, as well as increasing reports of anti-social behaviour.

Island

The Council then planned a regeneration project to create greater biodiversity in the area and establish the pond as a local wildlife haven.

However, after consultation with experts, the STC team found the costs of establishing a permanent bird island were ‘prohibitive’, while conditions might not help the hoped-for regeneration.

In a statement about the project, STC explained: “One island could only accommodate one pair of birds and there is no guarantee that they would settle there, as they choose nesting

sites based on how safe they feel and there are multiple threats at Holden Pond, given its location.

“Holden Pond has very specific issues to contend with, especially due to the road and the impact of speeding traffic, as well as predators.

“The expert advice that we have received is that birds have very specific needs for nesting and territory, which are better suited to larger ponds and lakes in quieter locations.”

Councillors now plan to take further advice and carry out ecological surveys.

“We have been advised that it is more responsible to establish what wildlife is already thriving there, such as reptiles and amphibians, and to then put together a plan that is sensitive to this existing wildlife but will further improve the pond for both wildlife and local residents," STC said.

“In essence, we do not want to force the pond to be something specific, and instead wish to adopt an approach where nature decides how a site evolves and we simply encourage this process.”

Holden Pond has been in existence for hundreds of years and lies in the narrow valley at the foot of Constitutional Hill Road.

Sustainable scheme improves biodiversity in Crowborough

A LEADING conservationist has praised Walshes Park in Crowborough for its biodiversity, after it registered a wide variety of plants, birds and butterflies, some for the first time.

Kevin Crook, an expert in the conservation and biodiversity sector, and founder of Crowborough Wildlife Group (CWG), commended the management scheme at the site, which is owned and managed by Wealden District Council (WDC).

Grassland

As a Sustainable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS), the park leaves its meadows to bloom all year, with an annual cut in the autumn. Some areas are left uncut for longer, maximising the benefits for small mammals and invertebrates over the winter, and allowing wildflowers such as sneezewort and Devil’s-bit scabious to flourish.

By contrast, said Mr Crook, England had lost approximately 98 per cent of its flower-rich

grassland.

Meanwhile, hedges were also left to thicken and spread, creating bird habitats. Rarer bird species, such as whitethroat and stonechat, were recorded in 2022.

Meanwhile, the dingy skipper butterfly, a priority species under the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan, was recorded for the first time in 2021.

Two species of butterfly – the marbled white and brown argus – were recorded in Walshes Park for the first time in 2022.

A total of 71 species of plants were noted in the Triangle Field, where wild angelica and commonspotted orchid were recorded for the first time.

Councillor Pam Doodles, WDC's Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, said, “It’s excellent news that biodiversity in Walshes Park is improving so rapidly.

“Thanks to the sensitive management of the park, it has achieved brilliant results for flora and fauna not seen before in the area, and I’m sure it will continue to produce outstanding results.”

BIODERVISITY BOOM Walshes Park

PONDLIFE: Holden Pond

Picture: Southborough Town Council

Picture: Wealden District Council

Disability campaigner invited to organise ‘drop-in’ for MPs

A TUNBRIDGE Wells man who has been campaigning for working carers for 13 years has been invited to organise a ‘drop-in’ session for MPs at Westminster in February.

Chris Jeffery’s Mending the Gap campaign is calling for the government to legislate paid time off for all working carers to take their loved ones to appointments.

Disorder

Currently, working carers must take unpaid leave or use holiday entitlement.

Mr Jeffery was diagnosed with a major kidney and bladder disorder 37 years ago, and his wife Jenny is his carer, although she also suffers from diabetes and arthritis.

Mr Jeffery has campaigned directly with MPs

through the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Disability and told the Times he was asked to organise his own event following a meeting last week.

“After the pandemic, it has been found that MPs and peers want to change the way All-Party Parliamentary Groups work,” he said.

“Instead of addressing a meeting, I will be in Westminster for MPs and Lords to come to see me and allow me to raise awareness of the issues facing working family carers.”

His event will take place at the Palace of Westminster on February 21, 2023.

“I'm already working on arranging meetings for next year,” he added.

Mr Jeffery’s campaign aims and news can be found at: mendingthegap.co.uk or @mendingthegap on Twitter.

Refugee charity delays Christmas campaign for urgent baby appeal

Step into Christmas

WITH NORTH KENT COLLEGE AND HADLOW COLLEGE

Start your festive season by visiting Hadlow College for our Christmas Fair on Friday 9th December between 13:00 – 18:00 outside our Christmas filled shop at our Broadview Garden Centre. You will be able to soak up all the festive cheer and get your early Christmas fix by visiting Santa and his elves or taking the first sip of a gingerbread latte at the coffee stall or mooch around the local business stalls to take part in the tombola and raffle or simply find that perfect Christmas gift!

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas Tree? Look no further! Our very own Broadview Gardens & Garden Centre will be selling a variety of Christmas trees starting from as little as £30.00!

Bring your wellies and take a stroll in the four hectares of beautiful individually designed themed gardens built by Hadlow staff and students.

By Sarah Carter

A TONBRIDGE-based refugee charity has delayed its Christmas campaign in favour of an urgent appeal for nappies in northern France, to discourage refugee families with babies from attempting the risky Channel crossing.

During a recent routine aid distribution trip to northern France, Refugease discovered over 80 families with toddlers and babies, living in makeshift camps and squats near the Channel coast.

Families

Valentina Osborn, who co-founded Refugease in Rusthall in 2015, said: “Not having basic infant survival items is a huge push factor for young families.

“The longer this inhospitable environment continues, and without immediate action from the government, we will see a sharp increase in the loss of lives of infants in the Channel.”

Refugease also works in Greece, Syria, Turkey and Ukraine.

In France its work has mainly been providing humanitarian assistance to adults and teenagers in transit.

“It is the first time that our French partners, Vents Contraires, have made a plea for infant survival items above winter essentials,” said Ms Osborn.

Over 40,000 refugees have made the Channel crossing in small boats this year.

The charity called on the UK government to reduce the number of crossings by reallocating funding to include social and humanitarian support for refugee families with young children.

It said the UK could also work with charities to get an accurate count of refugees under five and open a legal French-UK resettlement scheme for families.

Vouchers for nappies in Northern France, and vouchers for other aid, are currently only available online at: refugease.org/aid-shop, but all sales from its Vintage Emporiums at 62 Mount Pleasant Road (furniture), and on the ground floor at Royal Victoria Place (clothes and bric-a-brac) directly fund the Refugease aid deliveries.

PLEASE NOTE OPENING GARDEN CENTRE OPENING TIMES: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5.00pm and Sundays and Public Holidays from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

If you don’t fancy braving the chilly outdoors, make sure to head over to North Kent College, Tonbridge Campus for a mouth-watering four course Christmas meal at our very own ‘View Restaurant.’

You will be able to book to visit from the 1st of December until 14th of December, which includes four festive evenings 1st, 7th, 8th, and the 14th of December. All our menus are freshly prepared, and we take care to ensure we can offer all allergen information if required.

Join us for lunch from 12pm (last order 1.30pm) or our evening service from 5.30pm (last order 7.30pm). We’re open until 9.30pm. We do ask if you are a booking of 6 or more you pre-book. View all our menus on our website here : www.northkent.ac.uk/open-tothe-public/our-restaurants/the-view

TO BOOK PLEASE CALL 01732 372600

OR USE THE FORM ON OUR WEBSITE OR SIMPLY EMAIL THEVIEW@NORTHKENT.AC.UK

Sending you festive wishes from North Kent College and Hadlow College – hope to see you soon!

CAMPAIGNER

Chris Jeffery with Dr Lisa Cameron MP, chair of the APPG for Disability

DONATIONS The Refugease Vintage Emporium on Mount Pleasant Road

Thomas

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The aunt of ten-year-old Jack Johnson, who is reported to have been trying to save others who fell into Babbs Mill Lake in Kingshurst, Solihull, near Birmingham, used a social media post to thank members of the community for their support.

West Midlands Police said on Monday that three boys aged 11, 10 and eight had died after falling into the lake on Sunday.

Efforts

The boys had been taken to hospital after being pulled from the water but could not be revived.

A fourth boy, aged six, was in a critical condition in hospital.

During a news conference on Monday at an entrance to Babbs Mill nature reserve, Superintendent Richard Harris, of West Midlands Police, said one officer tried to punch through the ice during the rescue efforts.

In a post on social media, Jack’s aunt, Charlotte McIlmurray, described the tragedy as a ‘nightmare’, adding ‘that two families can’t wake from the pain is unimaginable’.

“He (Jack) was my nephew, so I know the pain is a million times worse for their moms, dads, sisters/brothers,” she added.

A friend of one of the boys who died spoke to

Tommy Barnet, 10, told Sky News: "They were all playing on the ice, one got their legs stuck in the ice and then… his friends went to go and save him, but they all fell in.

"When it was summer, we used to go in the woods and play hide and seek next to the lake. But I wasn't here yesterday."

"It's so sad, I am upset," Tommy added, as he described how the community was waiting to hear the names of the other boys involved.

"They want them [the police] to reveal more information about it just to make sure who it is."

West Midlands Police said in a statement yesterday (Tuesday): “Our searches at Babbs Mill lake in Kingshurst will continue today.

“The six-year-old boy remains in hospital in a critical condition. We will release further updates as soon as we are able.”

Numerous bunches of flowers left near the scene on Tuesday included tributes from the emergency services, the NHS, local politicians, Marston Green FC and friends of the three boys.

Several bouquets had cards dedicated to Jack, while others paid tribute to another boy by name, saying: “To Thomas, The world will not be same without you” and “Thomas, rest in peace. Love from Earl.”

Children’s toys were also placed at the makeshift shrine, including several teddy bears with the message: “RIP beautiful angels. Love Sienna.”

Sunak to curb illegal Channel crossings with new measures

THE Prime Minister said ‘enough is enough’ as he unveiled a raft of new measures to curb Channel crossings and tackle the backlog of asylum claims.

Rishi Sunak told the Commons ‘unless we act now and decisively, this will only get worse’ as he announced plans to establish a new ‘small boats operational command’ dedicated to tackling the journeys to the UK.

Pressure

He also pledged to clear the number of asylum claims awaiting a decision by the end of 2023 and announced plans to fast-track the removal of Albanian migrants as he faced pressure to address the migrant crisis.

For the first time Border Force officers will be stationed at Tirana airport under a new agreement with Albania, Mr Sunak added.

Early next year new legislation will be introduced to ‘make unambiguously clear that if you enter the UK illegally you should not be able to remain here’, he also said.

Home Office figures from September showed there were more than 143,000 asylum seekers

waiting for a decision on their claims, while nearly 100,000 had been waiting more than six months.

More than 44,000 people have crossed the Channel this year, Government figures show.

Mr Sunak told MPs: “I said enough is enough and I mean it. And that means I am prepared to do what must be done.”

Describing the ‘complex moral dimension to illegal migration’, the Prime Minister said the need to balance the duty to support people ‘in dire need’ and have ‘genuine control of our borders’ provokes ‘strong feelings’, adding: “And so it is my view that the basis for any solution shouldn’t just be ‘what works’ but what is right.”

He said: “It is unfair that people come here illegally. It is unfair on those with a genuine case for asylum when our capacity to help is taken up by people coming through, and from, countries that are perfectly safe.

“It is unfair on those who come here legally when others come here by cheating the system.

“And above all, it is unfair on the British people who play by the rules when others come here illegally and benefit from breaking those rules.”

TUNBRIDGE WELLS LONDON SEVENOAKS TONBRIDGE MAIDSTONE

A RELATIVE of one of three young boys who died after falling into an ice-covered lake has spoken of the unimaginable pain faced by the youngsters’ families.

reporters on Tuesday and said one of the boys got his legs stuck in the ice before his friends rushed over to help him, but they all fell in.

TRIBUTES flowers were being laid on Tuesday

Unemployment rate rises as jobs market shows signs of weakening

BRITAIN’S rate of unemployment has risen again and the number of vacancies fell back further in a sign of a weakening jobs market as the UK faces deepening economic gloom, official figures have shown.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the rate of UK unemployment rose to 3.7% in the three months to October, up from 3.6% in the previous quarter.

The data also showed that vacancies dropped by 65,000 in the three months to November to 1.9 million – the fifth quarterly fall in a row and the first annual fall since the beginning of last year.

The figures signalled that more people are choosing to return to work, with the inactivity rate falling to 21.5% as those in their 50s opt to go back to work at a time of rocketing costs.

Inflation

The ONS said regular wages, excluding bonuses, rose by 6.1% in the three months to October – a record outside of the pandemic – as firms are under increasing pressure to increase earnings.

But wages continued to be outstripped by rising prices, falling by 3.9% after Consumer Prices Index inflation is taken into account.

It comes ahead of official figures on Wednesday that are expected to show inflation remaining at eye-watering levels in November, but easing back to 10.9% from 11.1% in October.

The ONS data also revealed a widening gap between private sector and public sector pay, growing by 6.9% and 2.7% respectively – among the biggest differences seen on record.

It comes as a month of rail disruption begins on Tuesday when workers walk out for their first

of a wave of 48-hour strikes, as nurses also prepare to take unprecedented industrial action.

The ONS said there had already been 417,000 working days lost to labour disputes in October, which is the highest since November 2011.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “To get the British economy back on track, we have a plan which will help to more than halve inflation next year – but that requires some difficult decisions now.

“Any action that risks embedding high prices into our economy will only prolong the pain for everyone, and stunt any prospect of long-term economic growth.”

The latest figures showed a 23,000 rise in the number of jobless Britons to 1.2 million in the three months to October, but there was also an increase in those employed – up 27,000 to 32.8 million as 76,000 fewer people were classed as economically inactive.

The more timely pay as you earn (PAYE) data

revealed that the number of workers on UK payrolls rose by 107,000 between October and November to 29.9 million.

Vacancies

Sam Beckett, ONS head of economic statistics, said: “This quarter the proportion of people neither working nor looking for a job fell, driven by a drop in the number of working-age people regarding themselves as retired.

“This tallies with other data which suggest more people in their 50s are thinking of going back to work, at a time when the cost of living is rising rapidly.

“With more people re-engaging with the labour market, there were more in employment and also more who were actively looking for a job.”

“Though job vacancies are still at a very high level, they continue to fall and are now lower than they were a year ago.”

Days lost to strikes highest in a decade

THE number of working days lost to strike action hit the highest in more than a decade in October, as official figures also showed a widening gulf between pay growth for private and public sector workers.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that 417,000 working days were lost to labour disputes in October – the highest monthly level since November 2011.

The toll is set to surge as industrial action ramps up, with Tuesday marking the start of a month-long wave of rail disruption, with nurses also set to strike.

Sector

This comes on top of planned strikes being held this month by other emergency staff, such as ambulance crews and paramedics, as well as Royal Mail postal workers and driving examiners.

The ONS data showed mounting wage disparity in the UK for the estimated 5.8 million public sector workers, with regular private sector pay surging by 6.9% in the three months to October but increasing just 2.7% for those in the public sector.

The ONS said: “Outside of the height of the pandemic period, this is the largest growth rate seen for the private sector and is among the largest differences between the private sector and public sector growth rates we have seen.”

With inflation running at 11.1% in October, wage growth in the public sector is falling desperately behind rising prices.

Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), called for urgent action to help public sector workers as it said workers were losing £76 a month on average from pay failing to keep pace with inflation.

She said: “2022 has been the worst year for real wage growth in nearly half a century.”

Number One Community Trust, the charity that has been serving the residents of Showfields and Ramslye estates since 1995, is appealing for even the smallest of donations to help maintain the vital support they offer to their local community.

Established as a registered charity in 2002 and managed by a Board of Trustees of which many live and work in the local community, the trust aims are to enhance the quality of life of all its residents; working together to offer a range of events, activities, and community projects over the next 30 years and beyond with your help.

Located in the heart of the community and led by a team that includes a mix of volunteers and paid employees of all ages, who are all local and live in and around the estate.

Residents are able to enjoy a community centre, café and pre-school, alongside a range of activities, events and projects designed to promote the physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing of local residents, such as youth clubs, fitness classes and library. As well as this, the centre works to improve the social and economic outlook of its community through the advancement of education and training, providing employment opportunities for those with learning disabilities, as well as encouraging environmental improvements in the local neighbourhood. Alongside its highly subsidised café and holiday lunch club, which offers wholesome lunches for children in the school holidays for just £1, one of the Trust’s

key provisions is a Tuesday Food Larder, which is now in need of regular food donations to continue.

With rising costs and the threat of winter loneliness, the centre is a lifeline for so many low-income families, the elderly, local children, and those that are struggling. As such, this Christmas, along with their recently appointed ambassador, Rosemary Shrager, the trust is raising awareness of its community in need of support and calling on Kent residents and businesses to help by contributing to the Food Larder and or donating on a one off or regular basis.

Please help and donate, even just £1, by visiting numberonecommunity.org or to find out more about the charity and other ways to get involved.

while Year 7 tested their ninja skills and witnessed an authentic samurai sword display.

All students were commended for making their MARK throughout the event. This is the school’s commitment to students demonstrating Manners, Acceptance, Respect and Kindness throughout their school life. These are the values that underpin the MARK Education Trust’s ethos and are central themes to many of Chris Bradford’s novels.

Head of Key Stage 3 English, Ms Anna Phillips told the Times: “The participation from students was fantastic, with everyone contributing brilliant questions and volunteering to take part.

“Books and posters were personalised and signed, and competition winners were invited to an informal ‘meet and greet’ lunch where

Chris gave insight into his writing process and revealed part of a new Bodyguard plot that he will be working on soon!

“Chris’s visit to Beacon Academy was a wonderful experience for all of our students, and it really conveyed the joy and excitement of reading a good book. We would like to thank Chris Bradford for everything that he did to make the day such a success.”

STUDENTS OF

Bradford

Beacon Academy

Hugo Pound

Labour Councillor for Sherwood

Local politics is about setting priorities and working with others to get there

IT WAS never going to be easy. In the first seven months of the three-party Borough Partnership, we have had some highs and some lows.

But I am proud that for the first time ever there are Labour Councillors in the Cabinet and that our Group provides a strong Labour voice on the Council.

We express values and priorities which resonate with many residents, community groups and businesses across the Borough. We provide the most consistent voices advocating genuinely affordable and social housing. We continue to up the Council’s game on tackling carbon reduction and providing a greener, more sustainable future. And we are proud of engaging and working with local voluntary and charity organisations to help the most hard hit residents deal with the cost-of-living crisis. An example of collaborative work growing across the Borough is in setting up the Warm Room at the TN2 Centre in my Sherwood Ward. This twice-weekly community event has been developed in partnership with Skinners’ Kent Academy, where some Year 12s and 13s have volunteered to help.

The YMCA have found approved volunteers to

supervise the events and the Council has provided the premises and sourced a cooker, toasters and kettles. We are grateful that the Sherwood Larder at St Philip’s Church is providing food and drink – free of charge - for those who come in. This is local community action initiated by two Labour Councillors.

Residents

Through the Borough Partnership Labour has helped to provide the impetus for the Community Support Fund. Up to £100,000 will be allocated to local groups to help them with their efforts to support residents through a cold and financially difficult winter.

Labour Councillors believe that the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which helps some poorer families pay lower council tax bills, does not go far enough. It’s hard to change the tax regime, but through the Community Support Fund the Council can go some way to help those in the most need.

Labour Councillors hold two very important roles in the Council Cabinet. Luke Everitt has Environment, Sustainability and Carbon

Ellen Neville

The Alliance

Reduction and I have Housing and Planning. These two roles are concerned about today’s environment and housing but also have a firm focus on the needs of tomorrow. We want a tomorrow where there are more young families living and working locally; where more elderly people want to stay close to friends and family, possibly by downsize their accommodation and where more residents will have more time for

leisure activities.

Through the Partnership we are working for a Borough where residents can get a job, have a home that is affordable where they can raise their families, and look forward to a decent retirement, and thrive.

Local politics should be about setting the priorities for the future and working with others to help us get there. Some critics of our new Partnership have lost sight of that.

For years, under the Conservatives, our Council has wasted enormous amounts of money and been like a rudderless shipleading us nowhere. Our new Partnership knows where we are going, has a plan and knows that most residents want us to succeed. There will inevitably be setbacks, but it is through these we will learn to be more effective in our work.

Despite all of the future challenges facing us next year and beyond I would like to say that Labour Councillors will continue to work hard for all residents living in their Wards as well as all those living across the Borough.

On behalf of our Labour Group and our local Party I wish you a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

Foodbanks can only provide a short-term supply of basics

MANY residents know me as the founder and project manager of the Hawkhurst Community Fridge, a free, food surplus project that redistributes mostly fresh and local produce that would otherwise go to waste.

Our first objective is to save CO2 emissions and reduce waste, then we fill bellies whilst building inclusion and dignity within the community. Through this work I meet people from all walks of life, including vulnerable residents who are in need of further support such as a referral to a foodbank.

Advice

Over the past decade, foodbanks have become commonplace. They are held together by the invaluable volunteers who are trained to identify the crises causing individuals and families to endure desperate times. In addition to advice, kindness and referrals to other helpful organisations like the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Foodbanks provide a short-term supply of basic food, nothing fresh or perishable, so it is not a balanced diet in 21st century terms and certainly not a long-term solution. This is why local foodbanks in my ward recommend that their clients visit Hawkhurst Community Fridge for fresh produce that varies each day. I am proud to boast that in Kent, growing food is one

of the things we do best and our community fridge stocks some of the finest and freshest that Kent produces throughout the seasons.

Warm Rooms are the latest hot topic emerging from the deafeningly quiet Cost-of-Living crisis mitigation discussions. A warm room provides free heated space for people to drop into during the winter months. They are aimed at those who are struggling to pay to heat their homes.

Foodbank clients are now often referred to warm rooms. Many parishes already have a warm room provision in place, albeit by another name. Hawkhurst has ‘Renew’ which is open one day a week with free coffee and cake available and a chance for some social interaction as well as respite from the cost of heating their home.

The reason why charities and local groups are

compelled to open foodbanks and warm rooms is the elephant in the room and a discussion for another day.

Let’s be clear though, the Government does not provide these facilities.

Support

However, The Borough Partnership is keen to address some cost-of-living issues and has allocated a Community Support Fund to assist organisations in providing what have become essential services. TWBC have also recently released a Cost-of-Living Support Hub. Here is the link: https://tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ cost-of-living-support

Personally, I would like to see the community fridge model rolled out to every ward in Tunbridge Wells. In our second year we redistributed the equivalent of 93,769 meals, saving 99,179kg of CO2 emissions from landfill. It’s progressive yet old fashioned and it works!

Please get in touch if you would like to be involved or even set up a community fridge/ pantry in your area. There is more than enough food to be redistributed to anyone by everyone. hawkhurstcommunityfridge@gmail.com

If you are interested in hearing more about the work of your Alliance councillors, please email info@twalliance.com

Hugo Pound is the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning as well as being Leader of the Labour Group of Councillors on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Ellen Neville is an Alliance councillor who represents Hawkhurst & Sandhurst at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council where she is also Vice Chair of the Appeals committee.

And another thing…

No affordable housing for an iconic building development

On Wednesday evening, the planning committee gave permission for a 43-apartment scheme on the site of the former Hermes House in St John’s. There is not one single affordable unit being provided by this development – just more one and two bedroomed flats.

There are currently 12 pages of available flats and apartments for sale in Tunbridge Wells on Rightmove. There was silence in the room when one councillor asked who was going to buy these flats.

Despite several councillors raising the lack of affordable housing, the developer had provided a viability study which showed it wasn’t possible to provide affordable housing.

The council checked those figures and agreed. There were local objections around parking, discussed and dismissed by the committee, despite acknowledging that with three secondary schools and significant parking stress in the area already, this development will make it worse.

The discussion also mentioned the

Lib Dem a ‘Rory Stewart’ candidate

With regards Mike Martin, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate’s article (Times, December 7) – does anyone else have a problem with ex- Army officers telling us ‘politicians are no longer capable of solving the problems that we face?’ Think Spain, Myanmar...

When this Rory Stewart-lite contender can tell us what conclusions he has drawn from his listening project, and what he therefore wants to achieve, then he might be worth paying attention to. Not until.

Mrs Dariel Francis (Labour) Southborough Town Councillor

Why no banks in Tonbridge?

With the announcement by HSBC that they are closing their branch in Tonbridge next year this means that by summer 2023 Tonbridge will have no major bank branches at all.

By contrast Sevenoaks will continue to have a branch of each of the major banks. Why is Tonbridge being discriminated against?

John Baker Tunbridge Wells.

Wards have to change

This evening (ie next Wednesday) Full Council will debate whether to retain the current

horrendous air quality on St John’s Road caused by the constant traffic, the fact that there will be no capacity within the existing GP surgeries for the 70 odd patients this scheme will generate and yet, the scheme was voted through almost unanimously – ‘because we’ll get just shy of a quarter of a million pounds in S106 monies’.

I don’t blame the planning committee – it had been recommended for approval. The system in this country is broken. We need widespread reform – we cannot keep allowing planning officers to recommend developments without any meaningful infrastructure being provided.

The same day this was voted in, my boys’ school advised that two vital school bus routes (the 235 and the 288) will cease running at the end of this term - so more cars on St John’s Road, as more parents will now be forced to drive their children to and from school. Deep joy. We all deserve better than this.

Ann Hughes-Wilson Tunbridge Wells

electoral system whereby we vote each year or move to all-outs where all borough councillors are elected on the same day once every four years. The arguments are well rehearsed as it is only a year since we last debated this topic.

We’re going to hear some terrible arguments tonight. We’ll hear the new three member wards are just too big.

Last year Cllr Dawlings and Cllr Pound who

brought an amendment seeking to reduce the number of councillors from 48 to 39. If you reduce councillors the wards have to get bigger and the boundaries have to change to account for that. That amendment would have needed a two third majority to pass but it was defeated outright. However the Tory Cabinet then submitted their own proposal to the boundary review team suggesting that their narrow defeat meant there was support for their proposed reduction in number of councillors. (I know - it sounds absurd but they actually argued that in writing). The boundary commission have opted to reduce the number of councillors to 39.

We are going to hear tonight that councillors didn’t know this last year and I am going to have to ask how did you know that when we went over it repeatedly. Retention of single member wards will be a lynchpin of the Tories’ arguments for going to all outs. Guess what their submission to the boundary commission didn’t include. It’s almost as though that’s not really why they’re pushing for the change.

James Rands (Independent) Culverden

Cinema site not political

I do not understand John Hurst in his article (Times, November 30) that the cinema site’s twenty year neglect was due to ‘Conservative stewardship’: they did not own the site and, before any plans of any substance were submitted, developers pulled out, one after the other. For myself, politics at a local level is about making things work and getting on with it rather than seeking to politicise every issue.

The Council has not allowed the town to be decided by developers; it can only pass or refuse planning applications and recognise trends and needs with a large dash of Realpolitik added.

Perhaps Mr Hurst wants to see the cinema site sit for another twenty years while he havers about what is best – in his view, for the town.

He goes on to articulate his view about local elections and, once again he finds himself in the minority but, in his view, he’s right again. Councillors voted for the ‘all out’ process because it reflected the views of the voters; cost would have been a consideration too I’m sure.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

EAVES DROPPING. Sipping a flat white in his favourite TW town centre haunt Calverley could not but help overhear the following comment between two older gentlemen philosophising. One to the other: “You know you are getting older when you forget to pull up your zip.” The other replied: “…and you know you are getting really old when you forget to pull it down in the first place.” Make of that what you will.

UNIFORM BANKS. Another sign of the tough times. Calverley has been dismayed to hear about the number of local schools now operating schemes where parents take along unwanted uniforms and offer them for free or a small price to other students. New uniforms can be expensive when counting pennies. Thank goodness there are enterprising folk out there trying to help those battling to make ends meet. So, not just foodbanks that are springing up all over the place… maybe now’s the time to scrap school uniforms and let kids where ‘normal’ attire? That would save money and go down well with the students!

HAVING A LAUGH. You could not make it up. Customers clapped when environmentalists were thrown out of a top restaurant by waitresses after staging a protest. Dumped on the pavement one activist actually said: “I’m not sure they’re allowed to do that.” So, ok for eco warriors to block motorways and put lives at risk but they get upset when others take direct action against them. Another declared that their eviction was ‘tougher than the police would do it’. Oh dear. Shame that this time they were not offered tea and sympathy by the boys in blue. Calverley just hopes restaurant customers left hefty tips for those staff.

SAVING THE NHS. Apparently, some paper shufflers sitting behind big NHS desks can earn more than consultant neurosurgeons and other top medics who hold lives in their hands. They see their non-clinical jobs, with inflated salaries, as being ring fenced. How about putting them on payment by results? When moves they put in place bring waiting lists down and at the same time patients and staff are happy (that’s a vital point) then they get their big monthly cheque. Don’t hold your breath though…

FINAL THOUGHT. Apologies to family, friends and business colleagues but they will receive no Christmas cards this year from himself. Calverley fears that because of the Royal Mail backlog they have all been lost in transit. It’s the thought…Chin, chin, dear reader!

CARTOON BY PEPPY:

( Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)

PEPPY

12 Noon - 2.00pm

3 courses, coffee & mince pies £80pp

2.45pm - 5.00pm Welcome drink, 4 courses, coffee & petit fours £95pp

Spend Christmas Day with us and enjoy a seasonal feast at one of our two special sittings taking place at midday and 2:45pm. Let us take care of you (and the washing up) on December 25th!

STARTERS

Scallop ceviche with pickled golden beetroot, apple & sorrel gel (GF) (DF)

Terrine of ham hock, celeriac apple slaw, pickled vegetables (GF) (DF)

Lightly spiced parsnip soup, sourdough croutons, parsnip crisps (GF on request)

MAINS

Roasted free range turkey, sage and onion stuffing, smoked bacon wrapped chipolata, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, turkey jus (GF)

Sweet potato, chard, goats’ cheese and pine nut loaf, garlic and herb stuffed mushroom, wilted greens with a butternut and caraway purée (V)

DESSERTS

Selection of cheeses with farmhouse chutney, celery, grapes and artisan biscuits (GF on request)

Christmas pudding with brandy butter and vanilla cream sauce

Dark chocolate marquise, orange marscapone, lemon verbena shortbread

Wicked Productions triumphantly returned to the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge last weekend with their hilarious version of Beauty and the Beast.

Kicking off the seasonal festivities at the popular theatre, which is based at Tonbridge School, were Tom Swift who stars as Phillippe, Rhys Whiteside as Casanova and John Martin as Dame Derrière who are both back by popular demand. Mrs Tom Swift AKA Amanda plays Fairy Potts and pantomime legend Keith Higgins is appearing as Pip.

There are also some new recruits this year – which is something the Wicked team couldn’t be more delighted about.

“We are thrilled to introduce West End star Darren Tough as The Beast and Eilish Stout-Cairns as Princess Belle,” they told us

before taking to the stage last Friday (December 9).

So what’s their spin on this classic 18th-century tale by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve which was popularised thanks to

Dame Darcy Derrière’ and the village idiot Phillippe Philoppe – outwit the arrogant bully Clarence Casanova, and lift the curse? You’ll obviously have to go along between now and January 2 to find out…

The show promises audiences an exciting race against time filled with fun, adventure and laughter.

Fabulous

“We’re back with a full cast of fantastic dancers, brilliant special effects and new leading cast members as Belle and The Beast. We can’t wait to bring all the laughter, fun and hilarity back for the festive season to our amazing audiences,” says Tom Swift of Wicked Productions between busy rehearsals. As well as starring in the show Tom is also directing and has written the script too!

the 1991 Disney film?

Well, the action centres around a handsome prince who is cursed to spend his life transformed into a hideous beast.

Princess Belle, played by Eilish Stout-Cairns and the other characters live in the sleepy old French town of ‘Château de Toilet’. But can Belle and her mum – the ‘glamorous’

“With spectacular scenery, fabulous costumes, incredible special effects and bags of slapstick fun, Beauty and the Beast is a delight for all the family to enjoy,” continues the Wicked spokesperson.

Echoing one of the show’s popular songs they add: “So be our guest this Christmas!

This year is the seventh year of Wicked doing panto at the EM Forster Theatre, and we’re delighted to be back on the Tonbridge stage.

EM Forster Theatre’s Kat Portman Smith says: “It is so great to be back to our full panto this year and we can’t wait to have our amazing ensemble cast of talented local children with us. This year’s hilarious show will be just the tonic that we all need!”

For tickets and timings for Beauty and the Beast, which is on at the EM Forster Theatre until January 2 visit: www.emftheatre.com

Book backed by Southeastern aims to attract more women train drivers

Nature of The Beast

On this week’s bookshelf, a new page-turning mystery thriller from the bestselling author of ‘The Dark’, Melvin Burgess’ retelling of Norse mythology and a children’s version of the life story of Nobel

This is your first year performing with Wicked Productions, how do you feel about joining the show this Christmas?

Published in hardback by Coronet, priced £16.99 (ebook £16.99).

“I am very excited to be joining Wicked Productions at the EM Forster Theatre this Christmas. Beauty and the Beast is such a magical story, and I cannot wait to bring that to life for thousands of people this season!

My Name Is Malala by Malala Yousafzai

industry.

loose – increasing the sense of remoteness even further. This descriptive novel will take you through a whirlwind of emotions.

Who is telling the truth? What is going on behind closed doors?

An exciting read that’ll keep you guessing, The Sanctuary reels you in with beautiful descriptions of this remote location, where you realise a lot more is going on than meets the eye. With many interesting characters to unpick, it is hard to know who you can trust. Despite this, the novel includes some really heart-warming scenes too, breaking up the mystery and sense of dread. This was a gripping read that was difficult to put down.

You will be playing the Beast in this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. What do you love about this character and how will you put your own spin on it?

“The Beast is such an iconic character. I love the transition from a terrifying monster to someone who just wants to be loved. The way that people judge him based on his appearance is so sad, and I hope to bring across the frustrations and vulnerability he must feel. I have had lots of experience playing both the villain and the prince in panto over the years and this is a wonderful opportunity to explore both styles in the same role!”

What else can audiences expect from Beauty and the Beast this year?

8/10

This debut adult novel from children’s fiction author Melvin Burgess is a spirited retelling of Norse mythology through the eyes of the trickster god Loki. Vain, boastful and cunning yet witty and insightful, the decidedly unreliable narrator takes readers on an episodic tour through ancient tales, highlighting the god of mischief-making’s key roles and casting scorn on other deities. We learn of Loki’s birth, his friendship with god-ruler Odin, the arrival of his extraordinary children, a rivalry with god of thunder Thor and his passionate love for Odin’s child Baldr. Bawdy, violent and tragic stories are recounted in a sardonic and playful tone, but not without moments of tenderness. They explore serious themes: from corrupt politics and power to the treatment of gender, sexuality and love. Loki aims to challenge previous perceptions and the authority of the patriarchal gods by exposing their dubious morality, lies and brutality. It’s a rollicking read.

“That it will be hilarious! Our fantastic cast is made up of wonderful comics and brilliant actors that will take you on a magical journey. There will be plenty of singing and dancing from our super talented ensemble too. It’s going to be spectacular!”

is a Train Driver’ is a fantastic way to reach young children and influence them before gender stereotypes have set in.”

You have so much stage, film and TV experience under your belt. How will this help you develop the character for The Beast this year?

consider it as a career.”

Southeastern is recognised as an Endorsed Employer for Women by WORK180, which approves employers with a genuine commitment to supporting women at work, making it easy for job seekers

“I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to work in many areas of the arts over the years

The book is aimed at primary school-aged children and is now available to buy from all good bookshops or from the publishers’ website: butterflybooks.co.uk

and it is great to have so many experiences to draw inspiration from. It will be wonderful to work with Tom in the capacity of our director, writer and our comic. This always ensures the cast have a real collaborative input into the characters and storytelling. The Beast is a very physical role, so getting his movements correct will be a big step (especially when you see the costume!). The voice will be the next step, bringing out the sound of The Beast but also the vulnerability of The Prince. I also have some songs to sink my teeth into, which will be lots of fun.”

8/10

What do you think makes panto so well loved among audiences?

Illustrated by Mariam Quraishi, published as a board book by Puffin, priced £7.99 (ebook £5.99). Available now Few stories are as inspirational as Malala Yousafzai’s, and this simple but impactful board book will introduce young readers to her life. With colourful, sweet illustrations and easyto-follow sentences, each page outlines an aspect of who Yousafzai is – that she is a friend, a Muslim, a reader, and so on. It ends with a short outline of the 25-year-old activist’s life, and while it doesn’t go into huge amounts of detail – this is a book for young children, after all – there are plenty of important themes, and it will no doubt provide food for thought and topics for future conversations. It’s hopeful and inspiring – just like Yousafzai herself.

Review by Prudence Wade

“Panto is fun! It is such a release from normal life and allows audience members of all ages to escape and laugh for a couple of hours. It is such a delicate balancing act to really engross our youngest viewers with the story and have cheeky moments in there that keep the parents and family members chuckling. All in all, it is going to be a wonderful show and you are not going to want to miss it!”

RAILWAY WOMEN Jane Fentaman (left) and fellow train driver Lauren Stowers

Review by Randy Bainbridge

Loki by Melvin Burgess

West End star Darren Tough, who plays The Beast in Wicked’s new panto reveals why he’s so excited to be a part of the show…

There are two ways into the Blue Anchor pub in Crowborough. You can come in past the beer garden and sheltered outdoor table area – ideal for rainy days in the summertime. But the front door is the proper entrance into the oldest and warmest part of the pub, when at this time of year you are, quite literally, coming in from the cold…

With its low ceiling, brick floor and glassfronted stove, you immediately know after a busy week this is exactly where you want to be as it’s such a perfect pub to unwind in.

When my dining companion and I stepped over the threshold of the Blue Anchor everyone else was doing just that. The pub was celebrating ‘Cinco de Maya’ – or the Day of the Dead – and all the staff were dressed up ‘al estilo mexicano’, serving a special fiesta menu. Yet all of the traditional hospitality was still available, so there were plenty of dishes to choose from.

We started with a couple of pints from the bar, a Whitstable Bay Pale Ale and an Orchard View cider from the pub’s landlord brewery Shepherd Neame. I’m no beer drinker, but it was a pleasure to find a cider with a good bite.

We then headed into the dining room to a table, which kept us cosy for a couple of hours

thanks to its close proximity to the nearby stove, and we set about perusing the extensive menu. Guests came and went, piling onto the generoussized tables, some just drinking, some enjoying a three-course meal. The atmosphere was buzzing – it’s been a long time since we had been somewhere so free-and-easy.

beetroot ketchup, crispy leeks and baby leaves (£9.50)

Yet when our main courses of 12-hour pork belly and beef fajitas arrived, we were too tempted to leave them on the plate such was their presentational perfection.

With the normal bill of fare and the ‘Cinco de Maya’ treats to choose from, my guest and I enjoyed mixing-and-matching both menus. Despite the refined flavours and varied ingredients on the menu, I’m pleased to report the portions were absurdly, superbly and very nicely generous. Perhaps we ought not to have had starters, but then we would have missed the scallops and mackerel!

The scallops, which were served with celeriac purée, Granny Smith apple, raisin gel and black pudding crumb (£12.95) slipped down neatly.

And the celeriac purée had a pleasant yet unexpected savoury tang to it.

My choice was the mackerel, whose umami Marmite glaze was nicely offset by the cucumber – both fresh and slightly bitter from being ‘torched’. The dish also came with

The 12-hour pork belly came with pomme anna, creamed leek & savoy cabbage, caramelised apple purée and a red wine jus (£16.95). Every bite of it was a pure delight.

The sizzling beef fajitas, from the evening’s specially themed menu, were served up with a hearty combo of rice, refried beans, salsa, guacamole and soured cream (£19.50 for one or £38 to share).

Award

Our delicious food was accompanied by musicians Joyride Duo, who played numbers from the likes of The Beatles and George Michael to Oasis in the corner of the dining room.

When you’re in the Blue Anchor’s company it’s very easy to see why it’s been the recipient of the prestigious Beautiful South’s Pub of the Year award for the past two years.

During dinner, other diners and drinkers were still coming and going, and unlike a lot of places, there seemed no pressure to ‘move on’ for another sitting or an impatient group at the Blue Anchor.

There seems to be no particular age for the clientèle either. The pub appears to be as popular with the twenty-something crowd having a few drinks and a bite to eat together after the working week – as with, ahem, older people, who are eating at their leisure.

Unfortunately, even this relaxed approach to our dining could not help me make it to dessert. My dining companion however smugly polished off a serving – again, a generous one – of dark and white chocolate feuillettine torte which was enhanced by mango gel and passionfruit sorbet (£8.95). While he savoured every last spoonful, I had a coffee – and sighed over the lack of sticky date pudding which comes with toffee sauce and honeycomb ice cream (£7.95).

Finally, as with the best sort of pub where it’s so pleasant to spend time in, we knew we had to go. There is a good-sized car park, and decent pavements for anyone lucky enough to be able to arrive – and depart – on foot. Perhaps it’s time for

way there, too?

blueanchorcrowborough.co.uk

you to make your own

Come out from the cold and into the warm atmosphere of this great local gastro pub

There’s nothing like a cosy pub to hunker down in during the festive season – especially when it serves delicious, crowd-pleasing and award-winning food, as Victoria Roberts discovered when she shored up at the Blue Anchor in Crowborough...

‘Despite the refined flavours and varied ingredients on the Blue Anchor’s extensive menu, I’m pleased to report the portions are superbly generous’

UMAMI DELIGHT

Marmite glazed mackerel

We’ve been lucky enough to try some wonderful drinks this year – and Christmas is a perfect time to treat yourself (or a friend) to something a bit special. From dark and rich beers laced with festive spice, through to some stunning natural wines, we think we’ve covered all the bases this year. So here’s our yearly rundown of special Christmas treats to enjoy over the festive season…

Who doesn’t like a cheeky glass of fizz on Christmas morning? I’ve two to choose from this year, at opposite ends of the spectrum, but both are lovely drops and will certainly get the festivities started on the right foot.

First up, we have a delicious Cava from Bocchoris. Cava doesn’t get enough love and for the money. This example is aged for 30 months, it’s light and creamy, with lots of green apple, apricot, citrus and hints of brioche. Excellent value too!

At the other end of the scale, we have a stunning Blanc de Noir from London’s Renegade Urban Winery. It’s pretty special stuff, of which only 800 bottles have been produced. Hand-harvested Suffolk grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) go into this white sparkling wine made from red wine grapes, which then undergoes a complex primary fermentation in ex-Chardonnay barrels. It’s final secondary fermentation in bottles happened in the crypt of Christ Church Spitalfields! With hints of crisp citrus, vibrant freshness and freshly-baked bread. It’s quite the treat!

My pick of this year’s Christmas beers come from De Ranke in Belgium, Anspach & Hobday in London and Norway’s Lervig Brewery. De Ranke’s Père Noël is a really nice festive treat – it’s not

sweet and cloying like some can be – it’s amber in colour and laced with the addition of liquorice. With some lingering bitterness on the finish, it sends you back in for another sip.

Anspach & Hobday have taken inspiration from the German Pfeffernüsse biscuit for their seasonal Pfeffernüsse Stout. With ginger and cinnamon, joined by warming spices and rich chocolate notes this is a bit of decadence. Finally, something to share: Lervig’s barrel-aged eggnog stout, ‘All I Want For Christmas’. It’s creamy, thick and delivers notes of rum, winter spice, vanilla and nutmeg.

Special

So what about some wine? Well, let’s crack open some treats as it’s a special occasion. The Wine Mechanics Syrah is stunning drop. Made in Sweden, with the grapes grown in France’s Northern Rhone region and transported immediately after harvest to Gothenburg, where the magic happens. Full-bodied, silky smooth with blackberry, redcurrant and subtle, warming, peppery spice. On the white side, Fitz, who are down in Worthing, Sussex, make a lovely Ortega.

Citrus and peach up front, with some honeysuckle on the finish – a nice treat with the turkey I think! Alternatively, maybe you fancy something a little different – a bit of a palate cleanser perhaps, or just something you’ve never tried before? In that case, check out FIN Wines from Australia. Their Area 51 Pet Nat Rose is a lovely drop of sparkling wine. Loads of bright raspberry and cherry notes, really crisp, with a little bit of sorbet coming through.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

A Christmas film with a difference

Times Film Reviewer Matthew Dann visits the Odeon in Tunbridge Wells to see a new Christmas film with a horror twist…

Violent Night is a film that does exactly what it says on the tin, but sadly, not much more. Nonetheless, it is a worthy escape.

A wealthy family gather on Christmas Eve at their luxury family home. Mercenaries take them hostage, but what they don’t count on is a surprise combatant.

Enter Santa Claus, played by the excellent David Harbour. He is great as a grumpy, ageing, foul-mouthed and tough Chris Cringle.

He goes up against an annoying selection of criminals, who seem to spend most of the movie

But the film is shot well, with lots of Christmas decorations, lights and candy canes for a festive flavour.

The brightness of the decorations, works well against the gloom and violence throughout.

The fight sequences blend well, they are frequent, but not overpowering. One scene of particular note, is when Santa is cornered in wood shed.

Twists

There is room for the story to play out and there are a couple of twists and turns. There are even flashes back to the Viking era. For me, this felt like an unnecessary section of the film, but generally, the film’s plot is pretty much linear.

making terrible Christmas puns.

The ringleader of the group, played by the fantastic John Leguizamo, plays his role very well, it has to be said.

He is an angry, unhinged, trigger-happy mercenary and he’s gunning for Santa.

The film itself, runs at a decent enough pace. It does not feel rushed, nor does it feel slow. It is not for the faint-hearted, as there is gore aplenty.

The majority of the other characters are unfortunately forgettable. In a movie such as this though, it is hardly surprising.

Some of the acting is very questionable. It seems that certain characters, were added to the movie to simply make up the numbers.

For those seeking something different, this is the Christmas film for you. Take away the Christmas cheer, music and yule-tide joy and replace it with a hard-as-nails Santa. Despite the foul language and broken bones, it’s a film that still manages to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling.

There is arguably enough in the film to try and make a sequel work. Whether or not that will happen and whether or not your average cinemagoer would be willing to watch it is still open for debate.

Violent Night (Certificate 15) is on at the Odeon Cinema, Knights Park, Tunbridge Wells – three showings a day: 15:30, 18:10, 20:40

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL, in accordance with the provisions of s.53 & 70 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976 HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that the fees chargeable under the above for the grant of hackney carriage and private hire vehicle, driver licences and private hire operator licences, together with additional costs appertaining to such licences, are proposed to be varied from 1 April 2022 as below:-

PUBLIC NOTICE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL, in accordance with the provisions of s.53 & 70 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976 HEREBY GIVE NOTICE

the fees

the above

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL, in accordance with the provisions of s.53 & 70 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976 HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that the fees chargeable under the above for the grant of hackney carriage and private hire vehicle, driver licences and private hire operator licences, together with additional costs appertaining to such licences, are proposed to be varied from 1 April 2022 as below:-

Computerised Knowledge test (to be paid on booking test which must be passed before an application can be submitted

Computerised Knowledge test (to be paid on booking test which must be passed before an application can be submitted

Proposed fee £52

the grant of hackney carriage and private hire vehicle, driver licences and private hire operator licences, together with additional costs appertaining to such licences, are proposed

Proposed fee £52

EQUO online test for all new drivers and subsequent renewals until passed. Proposed fee £69

EQUO online test for all new drivers and subsequent renewals until passed. Proposed fee £69

Driver Licence (3 years)

Driver Licence (3 years)

Proposed

Proposed fee 2022/23 Proposed fee 2022/23

Initial application £227 £227

DBS fee (every 3 years) if not subscribed to the DBS Update Service

£40 If subscribed to DBS Update Service, no additional charge NIL

Total Fee due £267 £227 On booking

Driver Licence (3 years)

Proposed fee 2022/23 Proposed fee 2022/23

Renewal application £234 £234

DBS fee (every 3 years) if not subscribed to the DBS Update Service

£40 If subscribed to the DBS Update Service, no additional charge NIL

Total Fee due £274 £234

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence

Proposed Fees 2022/23

On initial application for 1 year £300.50

that

chargeable under

for

to be varied from 1 April 2023 as below:-

fees chargeable under the above for the grant of hackney carriage and private hire vehicle, driver licences

‘Despite the foul language and broken bones, it’s a film that still manages to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling’

MATTHEW DANN

Through a fish-eye lens

Recovery for Bewl Water reservoir levels

Law Society award for Loch paralegal

WITH the start of the predator fishing season, the @BewlWater inbox is bulging with a fine catch of entries for the ‘Best of Bewl’ photography competition.

The Pantiles reveals its big Christmas display winners

By Molly Miller

BEWL WATER – the largest body of open fresh water in the South East – has seen its water levels rise at ‘unprecedented rates’ according to officials, after battling one of the most intense droughts on record.

The annual competition, which opened for entries last month, is aimed at everyone using Bewl Water’s 800-acre site, from woodland to water.

The reservoir, near Lamberhurst, provides water to hundreds of thousands of people across Kent and East Sussex and has a 31,000 million litre capacity.

Bits have started falling off the puny coalition of chaos already

Until December 20, entries may be submitted via social media (@Bewlwater) where the winner will be announced at the end of the season and receive an annual parking pass worth over £300.

‘THINGS fall apart; the centre cannot hold’. The great Irish poet, W B Yeats’ premonition of disintegration had grander themes than the puny ‘coalition of chaos’ trying to run Tunbridge Wells’ council, but the words fit.

Inspiring

The competition is part of the reservoir’s commitment to inspiring more people to get out in natural surroundings and enjoy the great outdoors.

Privately owned by Southern Water but leased to leased to Bewl Events & Waterpark, which is part of the group that runs several businesses in Tunbridge Wells, including One Media, publisher of the Times, Bewl covers more than 800 acres and attracts over 150,000 visitors annually.

Bits started falling off the coalition jalopy when it chugged into its first major policy disaster – the unconsulted plan to raise car park charges by 25-75 per cent. A hasty, retrospective consultation ended on September 5 and is being assessed.

New self-guided walking trails have been introduced, along with 50% off cycle hire.

Drought

However, it seems to have been the new season of predator fishing, which started on October 30,

It’s popular throughout the year for healthy outdoor activities including walking, cycling and water sports. Each year thousands of fishermen, sailors, windsurfers, and rowers flock to the reservoir.

WINNER Kumquat

But already, the coalition’s centre is not holding as the Liberal Democrat Leader Ben Chapelard grapples with the hotchpotch of his own party, Labour, a smattering of independents and the Tunbridge Wells Alliance (TWA). It took power only in May, though it seems like years ago.

This year, following what officials have said has been the driest summer for 50 years, Bewl reported its lowest water levels on record –measuring just 42% in late October.

By Robert Forrester

Hotchpotch

To combat the drought which caused the water levels to decline since March, Southern Water worked closely with the reservoir’s team to bring levels back up to 67% – the average capacity expected at this time of year.

THE winners of the Pantiles Big Reveal Christmas Window display have been announced.

Organised by Holly Watson and Charlotte Bowyer of The Zero Waste Company, and sponsored by Maddison’s Residential and RTW Together (BID), the best windows voted for by the public were:

“The water levels have been steadily rising over the past four weeks,” said Bewl Water’s Operations Manager Kevin Parker.

First place – Kumquat

Second place – PoggenPohl

Third place – Catherine Hills Jewellery

The Big Reveal is a free family event held on The

“By carefully managing the reservoir’s capacity throughout the winter, we’re feeling more confident that we will be in a better position

The TWA is a hotchpotch in its own right. Its activists, of various political hues, have the improbable air of doing this council thing for a bet. Its leader David Hayward, a cabinet member, made it clear to Cllr Chapelard, writing in The Times of Tunbridge Wells that he is a ‘titular leader’– a leader in name only, who ‘definitely has no say or control over anything to do with the Alliance’. Nonetheless, Cllr Hayward lined up behind the Lib Dems, voting for parking increases.

people, double that of last year, with over 3,000 votes cast since the unveiling. their fusion style restaurant on the Pantiles this

spirit of Christmas to everyone on the Pantiles.”

remembered its election promise to keep free In truth, the coalition fears a paper tiger they

was necessary to see where they would go before

inflation have upended things. Maybe they’d like

which has really been inspiring photographers

The many quiet inlets of the irregularly-shaped

Pantiles where participating traders submit their Christmas window displays for a public vote, alongside plenty of festive spirit in the form of local carol singers, seasonal food and drink offerings and even a visit from Father Christmas!

MATTHEW SPILLER

ahead of next summer when there will be greater demand,” Kevin explained.

Recent heavy rainfall and flooding allowed Southern Water to begin the operation last month, which saw the refilling of the reservoir from its pumping station at Yalding on the River Medway.

Competition

of Bewl encourages visitors to the reservoir to get outside and embrace their natural surroundings and as water levels rise, competition entrants are capturing the beauty of the waters once again.

Bewl is taking submissions via social media (@BewlWater) and both amateur and professional photographers have been capturing everything from woodland to water.

By Sarah Carter

Business Director Andrew Daniells explained that the rising water level is good news all round, particularly for water sports users, many of whom have entered Bewl Water’s annual photography competition.

FATHER Christmas is well-known for travelling the whole world in a single night to hand out presents, but did you know that collecting all the gifts beforehand takes a lot longer?

Launched at the beginning of the season, Best

is the third year that Santa has been asking

region and runs for 100km of vinous diversity in a north-west to a south-east direction along the path of the River Ebro – the region is named after the río (river) Oja, one of the Ebro’s seven tributaries – reaching about solidly as a percentage of wine sold in the UK,

If you’d like to enter, you could be in with the chance of winning an annual parking pass worth over £300 and having your work featured in the Times and across Bewl Water’s social media channels.

Entries must be submitted by December 21,

up from 8.7% in 2019 to 9.6% in 2021 (Rioja now produces 24 million litres of white wine, up from 21 million in 2018). However, only around 9 per cent of Rioja’s vines are light-skinned and Viura – the same grape as Macabeo in Catalonia’s Penedès – is unquestionably the most planted white variety. This one from Aldi ticks all the

'CANOEING' BY CONNOR

WILL VOCKINS

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Picture: Swoop Media

CALVERMONT

JOIN US?

Are you a creative content producer, PR exec or social media whiz? Would you like to work with some of the UKs hottest property companies, whilst enhancing your skills and network? If so, we would love to hear from you.

We are Calvermont, a small team of bright property PR and marketing specialists. Communications advisors for the likes of Elysian Residences, Ven Morgan and Beau Property, and nationally for Cluttons, Government Property Agency and Ademchic, we create brands, communicate stories and coordinate campaigns which achieve media coverage and increase business value for our clients.

Based in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, we promote flexible working, friendly people and fierce clients. We are a hybrid office and would be happy to consider a part time role for the right person.

Get in touch today via studio@calvermont.com, we'd love to welcome you at the start of the New Year.

Merry Christmas one and all!

Estate agent opens doors to celebrate office refurbishment

On a very wet and windy Wednesday evening, Wood & Pilcher opened their doors to invite a wide selection of business acquaintances, friends and staff to join them in celebrating the refurbishment of their well-known Tunbridge Wells High Street office.

Guests were invited to view the new look interior, with its eye-catching geometric wallpaper, illuminated photo wall panels and flat screen monitors.

Reception

Food and drinks were served during the evening from the new reception area and large central island, which forms the focal point to the office. Additional areas now include a stylish high level meeting table with bar stools, providing a great place for clients to discuss their requirements.

Not only has the interior been given the full make-over, but also the way in which the properties are presented to the High Street.

Two large high-definition monitors with decorative picture frames set upon substantial oak easels create a gallery like appearance, and certainly caught the attention of everybody that entered the building.

When asked why Wood & Pilcher had felt it necessary to undergo such a change of image, which also incorporated a re-designed logo, Director, Steve Bovis said: “Whilst we have been Estate Agents serving the town of Tunbridge Wells since 1981, you can’t just rely on your reputation, there is a need to constantly review the business to keep in touch with new technologies to provide the best service possible.

“We wanted to do this within a contemporary yet welcoming workspace that both clients and staff could enjoy and reinforce our sense of traditional standards blended with a forward thinking approach.”

If you would like to visit their new office and view the new interior for yourselves, then there is always a warm welcome at Wood & Pilcher along with friendly, professional and trusted staff to deal with all your property requirements.

New service to help find a dream home

A NEW complete, bespoke and personal service for individuals searching for land to build and create their dream home has been launched.

Operating throughout the South East, the professional and experienced team at Sited, facilitate complete turn-key design and build solutions managing the whole process from site sourcing to design and planning, interior design and construction.

Network

The company says it can find you the perfect plot of land via our extensive network of contacts and will also handle negotiating the complexities of purchase and planning.

Sited also provides a sourcing service for developers, as well as additional services such as pre-application service, design and planning, construction, interior design, and funding .

A spokesperson for Sited said: “If you can visualise it, we can deliver it and bring your vision to life.”

Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Energy-efficient new builds by Kent developer

Across Kent, developer Berkeley has a range of traditionally styled energy-efficient new build apartments and houses in a rural, yet well-connected setting.

Hollyfields, located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, is fast becoming an established community offering sought after family homes, coach houses and apartments all with energy saving features included.

Here, residents can enjoy modern rural living at its finest. Tunbridge Wells offers a fantastic array of amenities and a train station – from which journeys into London take 44 minutes to London Bridge.

Plus, the station is easily accessible via a dedicated residents’ shuttle bus. Prices start from £360,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £437,600 for a two-bedroom coach house and £875,000 for a four-bedroom house.

Landscape

Just a few miles away is Foal Hurst Green in leafy Paddock Wood. Here, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes are set surrounding a nature reserve, an eight-acre meadow and a picturesque duck pond and bandstand, with the 29-acre Foal Hurst Wood adjacent.

Berkeley is retaining much of the natural landscape, including mature trees and hedgerows, providing rich ecological value locally and creating a sense of escape that feels worlds away from the 41 minutes into London Bridge by train from the town’s station, located just one mile away.

Prices start from £495,000 for a three-bedroom house.

Launching in early 2023, Farmstead at Tannersbrook, in the quaint town of Cranbrook, comprises an exclusive gated collection of 28 three- and four-bedroom houses. Prices will start from £630,000.

For more on Berkeley’s new homes in Kent, visit: berkeleygroup.co.uk/developments/kent

Agricultural and equine planning misconceptions

Over a third of land in the UK is in agricultural use, yet planning laws relating to agriculture are some of the most misunderstood by not only the general public, but often by the Local Planning Authority (LPA) and even the farmers themselves, says a leading planning consultancy and construction firm.

SJM say since 2015 any works relating to agriculture that involve an engineering operation require Prior Approval from the LPA, and must comply with legislation set out in The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.

SJM Planning have assisted farmers nationwide to prepare and submit Prior Approval applications for a range of developments, including new buildings to support the agricultural use of the land.

Robust

While the information required to be submitted is often limited, SJM Planning find that robust supporting statements are essential to assist the LPA in determining the application. So, do equestrian uses have the same rights? No, equestrian uses do not fall within the

definition of agriculture in the UK.

Equestrian use of agricultural land is limited to grazing only; you cannot erect stables, menages, horse walkers or hardstanding on agricultural land without first seeking planning permission, which would also require a change in the use of the land. Even if horses are fed, rugged or exercised on the land, planning permission should be sought for a change of use.

There are no Permitted Development rights for equestrian use. SJM Planning has extensive experience in equestrian planning and can prepare and submit applications on your behalf.

South East site managers continue winning streak at top industry award event

REDROW’S South East division has won two Seal of Excellence Awards from the National House Building Council (NHBC). The NHBC celebrates the hard work and commitment of site managers across the country, celebrating the exceptional contribution each one makes to delivering high quality new homes.

Nick Smith, a Senior Project Site Manager at Redrow’s flagship Ebbsfleet Green development won a Pride in the Job Quality award for the fourth year in a row and a second Seal of Excellence award. Nick began his career in construction at 16 when he enrolled in college and secured a National Diploma in Construction. In 2009 he joined Redrow as an assistant site manager and since then he has risen through the ranks, now focusing on delivering Redrow’s 900-home community in Ebbsfleet Garden City.

Excellence

Paul Hughes, Senior Project Site Manager, won his second Seal of Excellence Award and the Pride in the Job award for a fourth consecutive year. Paul joined Redrow as an Assistant Trainee Site Manager and has since progressed to managing Wentworth Park, Redrow’s scenic development in Herne Bay. Ben Fewsdale, Managing Director at Redrow South East said: “It is great to see both Nick and Paul awarded an NHBC Pride in the Job Award for a consecutive year.

“Their success demonstrates their exceptional contribution to Redrow and their commitment to bringing our communities to life across the South East region. Many congratulations to both Nick and Paul, as well as the wider Redrow team –everybody’s work is greatly appreciated.”

GREEN SPACE

Foal Hurst Green in Paddock Wood

EQUESTRIAN PLANS

A visual of an SJM project

THE SPRINGS, PEMBURY

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

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

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

The German fitted kitchens have integrated appliances, there are striking bathroom suites and the apartments come with allocated parking. In our opinion, these fabulous and spacious properties will make great homes for a variety of purchasers from downsizers, small family units and, given their closeness to Pembury Hospital, investors and health workers too.

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

Kim Stephenson

Estate

As estate agent Jack Charles prepares to open its doors to its new agency at 6 London Road in Tunbridge Wells, their new branch manager Rob Gray shared an upbeat view on the local market.

He told the Times: “We typically see the market quieten towards the end of the calendar year and in advance of the festive build-up, however and despite broader sentiment, we have been encouraged by the levels of demand still present in the local market.

Motivation

“Buyers are clearly still out there, and it is our job to reach them.”

He said the drive and motivation to ensure each property attracts the most interest possible underpins why independent estate agents like

Jack Charles are gaining the edge.

Shaun Kidd, co-founder of Jack Charles shared how independence has enabled them to invest with pace in the right content, media, and platforms for their clients’ properties.

He said: “It is critical that buyers can see properties the way they want to see them.

“For some buyers that touchpoint is through static media alone, however we are excited by the levels of engagement we are achieving as we showcase our properties through recorded and live video tours, drone sequences, 3D-mapping and even presented video walkthroughs.

“We then publish these bespoke property experiences across the major property portals, our website and on social media to reach the widest audience possible.”

For more information contact Jack Charles Tunbridge Wells on 01892 621721 or visit: jackcharles.co.uk

Development to offer ‘unique opportunities’

SET WITHIN picturesque countryside, yet moments from the towns of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, sits The Burrows – a charming new address in the Kentish town of Paddock Wood.

A true hotspot for those looking for the ideal blend of town and country living, The Burrows – from leading developer, Countryside Partnerships – brings forward a range of traditionally inspired two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.

A variety of bright and airy interior layouts means there’s a home that’s suitable for everybody, with flexible spaces, high-quality specifications and stylish interiors ensuring each home delivers for modern living.

Homes are peppered amongst green open spaces, with footpaths and sympathetic landscaping thoughtfully incorporated to create an attractive new neighbourhood.

The Burrows offers a unique opportunity to live in the heart of Paddock Wood, which boasts a

well-established, strong community and great range of local amenities, from independent boutiques and restaurants through to day-to-day necessities.

Impressive

The towns of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge are on the doorstep and extend the impressive local lifestyle offering for residents, while trains from Paddock Wood railway station – which take under an hour to London Charing Cross – put everything the capital has to offer within easy reach too.

The first phase of homes at The Burrows is now over 75 per cent sold, with current prices from £429,995 for a three-bedroom house, and from £584,995 for a four-bedroom detached house.

For further information about The Burrows and the firm’s other developments, visit: countrysidepartnerships.com

CHARMING

The Burrows in Paddock Wood

Wake up in a dream home in

Royal Tunbridge Wells this festive season.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Christmas has come early at the award-winning development,1887

The Pantiles in the historic Georgian Colonnade in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

House hunters who reserve one of the final three, two-bedroom Mews show homes in this sought-after development before the end of December will be treated to an incredible gift from housebuilder Dandara – they will receive all furniture and interior decorations included in the price of their new home. This incredible package is worth up to £40,000.

Louise Norman, Sales and Marketing Director for Dandara South East, said:

“These very special homes are ready to move into right away so buyers could be in their new homes in time for the festive celebrations! “They come with everything included in the price; all our buyers or tenants would need to bring is their toothbrush and suitcases. Each home has been given a completely different makeover by interior designers Abode and is as unique as the individual buyer.”

It would be hard not to fall for the Mews 9 show home. Priced at £550,000, it features a large, sunny open plan living space, perfect for entertaining, a kitchen and dining area, and a sleek kitchen with taupe coloured gloss and walnut units contrasting with white stone worktops.

A downstairs cloakroom and large terrace complete the ground floor. Upstairs the main bedroom has a large en-suite shower room, there is a generous second bedroom, perfect for hosting guests, and a beautifully designed contemporary family bathroom.

Also available with similar layouts, and incorporating dedicated spaces for homeworking, are Mews homes 10 and 11, priced at £545,000 and £535,000 respectively.

2 bedroom Mews homes. Viewing by appointment only.

From £535,000

Call: 01892 628 965

To discover 1887 The Pantiles and our other developments visit: dandara.com

“These homes are commanding rental incomes in the region of around £2,300 per month, representing an annual yield in excess of 5%. With the development almost sold out, it is the perfect time to purchase a home that will retain its timeless appeal for many years to come.”

At 1887 The Pantiles, residents benefit from a purpose-designed outdoor cultural space, where they can come together to enjoy events. Residents can also enjoy a range of top-class facilities including a resident’s reception.

As a vibrant cultural centre, The Pantiles is an ideal place to call home, hosting live Jazz and Soul nights as well as other social events throughout the year. Excellent transport links are available, with Tunbridge Wells station just a five-minute walk away offering frequent services to London.

All of the homes at 1887 The Pantiles are available to view and move into now. To find out more visit www.dandara.com or call 01892 628 965

IT JUST FEELS RIGHT

Louise added:

IT REALLY is getting towards ‘that time of year’ as I pen my final article of 2022 pondering on some of my favourite pieces handled throughout another super year at Gorringe’s.

With the structure of our weekly sales always pressing on sharply to the next event, interspersed quarterly with our fine selected sales marking each of the seasons, I approximate that Gorringe’s will have sold over 30,000 auction lots before the end of the year – in itself a remarkable achievement and a testament to our team.

You’ll then understand if I find narrowing this down to a handful of highlights to touch upon in the next few hundred words iquite the task!

Not necessarily the pieces which have fetched the highest hammer prices within the year, but pieces which have ‘stayed with me’ long after being united with happy new owners…

Firstly, a piece I reference not only because of the story behind it but also just because of its sheer beauty. John Anthony Park’s (1879 – 1962) ode to St. Ives in this oil on canvas for me

encapsulates the very best of British painting of this period.

The use of colour and suggestion of light dancing across the water’s surface is, for me, utterly gorgeous.

This piece was consigned following an impromptu conversation I had with a couple during a Sunday afternoon visit to my home town in the Cotswolds – having struck up conversation during an afternoon stroll. Ultimately finding a new home through Gorringe’s, with an impressive hammer price of £10,500.

Kentish

A piece chosen therefore for the story behind its journey to us, as much as the price achieved.

My next choice – a stunning George II carved giltwood William Kent design wall mirror. Dear frequent readers will recall my mentioning this in concert with a large number of very good works of art, consigned from the same Kentish country house in 2022. Although it fetched a very impressive £12,000 – I choose this lot as a highlight due to its origin – a real true old English country house laden with long-forgotten treasures which really was a privilege to assist with and experience.

With the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen in 2022 – the following lot seems to have risen in poignancy – a treasure which was formerly the property of Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowden – an antique gold, silver and pave set diamond heart shaped dress ring.

Sold with impeccable provenance, it fetched £10,500 – a small but impactful piece of royal elegance and glamour which was such a pleasure

to handle.

Finally, I must conclude with what is undoubtedly my favourite find of 2022 and indeed one of the top in my career to date.

Found, waiting patiently to be discovered in the draw of a bureau here in Tunbridge Wells – a unfathomably rare, enamelled gilt-metal Charles I memorial portrait locket, dating from the execution, January 30th 1649.

For me, this sums up why I adore what I do for a living. This was found in the home of a wonderful family that didn’t know of the item until the property was being cleared.

Having identified this fellow and sharing my discovery with the vendors, I then had the immense privilege of stewarding it to a successful sale – a result of £12,000 which delighted the family and surpassed even my expectations.

Yet, it was just being able to sit quietly at my desk, in the midst of modern life, holding in my hand something so significant, so rare, so wonderful – to consider the history and human endeavour such a piece has witnessed….it really doesn’t get any better.

To now consider what finds await us in 2023 is

an exciting notion – as ever, I remain on hand to assist you if you ever require guidance in the valuation and sale of pieces you may have at home.

Finally – I would like to you, the reader for your time each week and from the team at Gorringe’s and myself – we wish you and yours a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2023.