Times of Tunbridge Wells 17th May 2023

By Victoria Roberts

WHILE parties continue to discuss and debate cabinet and committee roles in the wake of the local elections on May 4, the clock is ticking down towards the first Full Council meeting for the electoral year.

The Full Council meeting is scheduled for next week (May 24), with the formal election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to take place, followed by a Cabinet meeting confirming membership of the various committees.

Former Deputy Mayor Cllr Hugh Patterson (Liberal Democrat) is

Saturday 10th June 9am-1pm

expected to be elected Mayor, and Cllr Nick Pope (Alliance), Deputy Mayor. However, at the time of writing, the makeup of the new Council was still under discussion, with no single party

having achieved a majority. However, the Liberal Democrats cemented their position as the largest party.

With 17 out of 48 councillors, the Lib Dems could achieve a majority with either the Alliance (11) or Labour (8), but the Times understands that all three parties are involved in negotiations.

The three parties, and an Independent, Cllr Rodney Atkins, had previously formed the Borough Partnership following the 2022 election, which left the Council under No Overall Control.

INSIDE: Happy 4ooth, Times of Tunbridge Wells. We look back – page 6

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Antisocial behaviour ‘worrying’

By Lilly Croucher

A SEEMING rise in antisocial behaviour among groups of teenagers has left locals and businesses frustrated, concerned for their safety and property, and increasingly critical of law enforcement’s response to the problem.

The number of reports of antisocial behaviour across Tunbridge Wells has increased 3.4 per cent from last year, Kent Police have confirmed, but many residents believe the situation has escalated beyond antisocial behaviour, with incidents of criminal damage to private homes, smashed-up vehicles, and arson being reported.

One resident in St John’s told the Times how they have been terrorised by a group of teenagers over the last month, who have begun loitering outside their home and smoking drugs nearby. They also allegedly destroyed the resident’s outdoor furniture with a machete.

Retaliation

The resident, who didn’t want to give their name due to a fear of retaliation by the group, said: “These kids are really intimidating, and it’s very worrying. They seem to only come on certain days of the week, and sometimes I question whether I can leave my home on those days.

“I feel the police have done nothing about it, even though they are known to the police. I’ve been told that they are too busy to deal with it. It feels like they don’t care.”

Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, told the Times that they had been verbally abused by a group of young people, before seeing them shoplift from a local convenience store. The resident called the police. They told the Times: “To this day no police have called me. I got a letter from (the police) saying the enquiry is closed. The police need to stop this before it gets really out of control. We need more police on the streets in Tunbridge Wells.”

In Southborough on April 29, during the Town Mayor’s quiz, a group of children entered the library and stole several books and then burned them outside.

Kent Libraries told the Times: “Four or five teenagers entered the library space for not much longer than one minute and took one book from the shelf. After about 20 minutes they returned to take more books. They took the books outside and tried setting them alight.”

When asked how the police handle young people causing criminal damage, Kent Police’s Insp Ian Jones, from the Community Safety Unit, Tunbridge Wells, told the Times: “We will deal with them criminally. Whether it’s the

WHERE TO GET HELP

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the organisations below: For early help, contact Tunbridge Wells Youth hub at TWYouthHub@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 419178

For those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, contact Kenward Trust at admissions@ kenwardtrust.org.uk or call 01622 812603

Parents of children with addiction, contact DrugFAM on 0300 8883853

Those at risk of domestic abuse, contact office@davss.org.uk or call 01892 570538

perpetrator, the parents, or the victim, we deal with everything based on the circumstances. “We are not afraid to bring people to account for their actions in the court, including children, and we will continue to do [so] as long as children are not engaging with the services [available to them].”

According to crime statistics from Kent Police, there were 749 incidences of antisocial behaviour in Tunbridge Wells town last year (Apr 2022-Mar 2023), with 725 reports.

Culverden had the highest number of reports, with 184 incidences last year, followed by Sherwood with 125 reports. In March 2023 alone there were 52 reports of antisocial behaviour in the town.

Between April 2022 and March 2023, there were 502 reports of criminal damage and arson and 485 incidences of shoplifting.

Explaining how Kent Police are tackling the rise of antisocial behaviour, Insp Ian Jones told the Times: “In April and May, as the weather gets better and it is lighter, we see more children on the street, which is no different from any other years, but we have seen an increase in reports of antisocial behaviour and criminal damage involving children and young people.

“Our investigations have found certain

individuals who we are now focused on and, once we have dealt with them, we will hopefully see others in these groups drift away.

“We work with youth engagement agencies to help divert these children away from these behaviours and get to the bottom of what is causing it.”

Incidences

Terry Hughes, Community Safety Manager at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) told the Times: “As partner agencies, we meet with the police team twice a week to discuss incidences of antisocial behaviour and what we can do to assist the police.

“For those involved in anti-social behaviour, we talk to the parents and the children and might give them a warning letter.

“If the behaviour continues, we will issue an acceptable behaviour agreement which they and the parents sign and which is reviewed after three months. Importantly it is not an admission of guilt.

“The next step would be an ASBO (antisocial behaviour order) for criminal behaviour leading to an injunction but there is a very high threshold for this and would need a solid case.”

Roz Heaton, Business Crime Manager at TWBC also said: “We have seen an increase in groups intimidating and abusing business staff, mainly in retailers so anyone over 14 who is involved in this behaviour will be issued with a warning letter and if they continue, will be excluded from that premises.”

For residents who are worried about antisocial behaviour, Insp Ian Jones advised them to: “Keep reporting it to the police via our website, or call 101.”

Roadworks to close part of Pembury Road

By Michelle Wood

A PROGRAMME of gas works in the east of Tunbridge Wells this summer will see the closure of the A264 Pembury Road for nearly six weeks.

The roadworks, which have been approved by Kent County Council, will be undertaken by gas network operator SGN, making the road impassable from July 24 until an estimated completion date of September 1.

New plastic piping is reportedly being laid to replace the old gas mains, to ensure that customers will continue to receive a "safe and reliable gas supply", the company said.

Scheduled

Works are also scheduled to begin on May 29 in Sandown Park, Sandown Close, Sandown Grove and Swallow Drive.

The closure in Pembury Road will take place between the junctions with the A21/A228 and the junction with Sandown Park.

The Cornford Lane junction into Hall’s Hole Road is also slated for closure over the same dates for related gasworks.

area and those coming from the direction of East Sussex who wish to access the A264 and A21.

SGN has stated that diversion routes will be in place and access will be maintained for both

residents and businesses. The company has reportedly written to residents to make them aware of the situation. The roadworks, however, will inevitably have a significant impact on local businesses, including the Tesco Superstore at Pembury.

Hall’s Hole Road is a very popular route for drivers from the Hawkenbury

CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC: Tailbacks will be a familiar sight in Pembury this summer

LEAVING A MARK: St John’s Park is a popular hangout for groups of youths

Southeastern bans e-scooters

SOUTHEASTERN Railway is to ban e-scooters from trains and stations from June 1, citing “well-evidenced safety concerns” about lithium-ion batteries, which have in the past, caught fire.

E-scooters cannot be left at stations or lost property, either, said Southeastern, warning that any e-scooter reported would be “collected and disposed of”.

The ban will also cover other recreational mobility devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as e-unicycles and hoverboards.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters up to 1,200mm long and 700mm wide are permitted.

E-bikes are permitted if they are similar in size to a normal cycle. Power-assisted cycles without traditional cycle-style pedals are not allowed, said Southeastern.

Tributes pour in for local man who died near Tunbridge Wells Station

By Lilly Croucher

A MAN who was found dead near Tunbridge Wells Railway Station last week (May 11) has been identified as Tunbridge Wells local Frazer Allan.

Kent Police were called by South East Coast Ambulance Service at 5:16am on Thursday morning to a report of concern “for a person near Vale Road”.

Officers and paramedics arrived at the call, and Mr Allan was pronounced dead at the scene. The entrance and exit to Platform One at the station was closed by officers and reopened after five hours, Southeastern Railway confirmed.

Report

Mr Allan’s death has been treated as nonsuspicious and a report will be completed for the coroner.

Following Mr Allan’s death, floral tributes were left outside the station, close to The Range homeware shop, and condolences and outpourings of grief have been expressed on social media for a man described as a “beautiful soul, the most craziest, funniest friend” who will be “missed always & forever”.

“Words aren’t quite enough to express my love for you Frazer Allan,” said his sister, Paige. “My darling big brother. I would do anything to have you back…”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Frazer’s family raise money for his funeral. Ahead of going to press, more than £11,000 of the £12,000 goal had been raised.

TRIBUTES: Flowers were left near the scene

SEIZED ITEMS

Items recovered, suspect arrested

POLICE responding to an incident near Paddock Wood have arrested a suspected burglar within 24 hours of a break-in and recovered a stolen trailer and gardening equipment worth several thousand pounds.

Items seized at an address in Old Hay, Brenchley included a ride-on lawnmower. The trailer, lawnmower and other items found in the pick-up truck had been stolen overnight from an address in Priors Heath, Goudhurst.

A 20-year-old man from Orpington was arrested at the scene in connection with a theft. An investigation is ongoing and the suspect is currently out on bail.

Ukraine Relief Group closes

THE Tunbridge Wells-based Ukraine Relief Group (URG) charity has closed down for “regrouping” after a mammoth 14-month effort focused on helping Ukrainian arrivals and also sending aid to the embattled country.

Founder Rich Akehurst said the workload was too much for him, and that it had become difficult to staff the volunteer-run operation at the TN2 Centre in Lakeswood.

However, he wrote on social media: “TN2 is not used by guests as much as it was, and getting aid into Ukraine has become increasingly hard.”

He added: “Volunteer numbers, like many groups, have dropped to the point where it is difficult to ensure adequate staffing to do all we need to do.”

The URG would soon have a “new focus”, Mr Akehurst said.

Unfest 2023 to begin this month

UNFEST, a celebration of live music, art and culture, will take place across various venues in Tunbridge Wells, including The Forum, Sussex Arms and The George from May 27- May 29. All are free of charge. Check local listings for details.

Rugby and cricket club revamp opposed

By Michelle Wood

PLANS by Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club (TWRFC) to upgrade St Mark’s Recreation Ground have been backed by local MP Greg Clark. But local residents are divided over the proposal, which includes a 3G pitch lit by eight floodlights, a cricket pavilion and a new cricket field. 162 letters were submitted to the council: 60 in favour and 62 against the application, with concerns over the visual impact on the area and the traffic caused by the lack of parking at the club.

However, MP Greg Clark, who is also the Vice-President of TWRFC, submitted a letter in support of the application, stating: “The 3G pitch and improved parking on site will significantly improve the facilities and provision not just for rugby but also for cricket.”

The rugby club, off Frant Road, rents space to Tunbridge Wells Borderers Cricket Club during the summer months.

Mr Clark advocated for the improvement of the facilities “to ensure that the club can continue to provide sport in a safe and well-

maintained environment”.

He continued: “The ground conditions currently mean that the club experiences periods of time where the pitches are waterlogged and not playable, despite thousands of pounds being spent on drainage works.”

If approved, the plan will include an additional 76 parking spaces and a storage building Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has recommended approval and the Planning Committee is set to make its decision tonight (May 17).

Parties discuss future Council control

Continued from front page

In a statement released immediately after this year’s election results, the Lib Dems announced their intention to “commence discussions with other parties on possible configurations to create a stable majority on the Council”.

All previous Cabinet portfolio and committee chair positions are still listed for the currently elected council members on the TWBC website.

And Labour group leader Cllr Hugo Pound confirmed late last week that his group were involved in negotiations over cabinet and committee roles, but that he “assumed” he would keep his responsibility for housing and planning.

Increased

Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the discussions so far, Alliance chairman Cllr Pope said only: “We are working through all of that.”

He added: “It’s a bit like herding cats with three parties involved.”

“All parties increased their share, so the division could be much the same,” he said. Traditionally, such roles are allocated according to the relative size of parties in a coalition or partnership.

The recent election saw six councillors standing down, including cabinet member Luke Everitt (Labour), who held the portfolio for Environment, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction.

Meanwhile, Lib Dem Trevor Poile was the chairman of the Planning Committee.

The first formal outing of the new Council is set for May 24 at 10am.

PROPOSED NEW WARD BOUNDARIES

ALL ward boundaries are to change from 2024, under recommendations finally published yesterday (May 16) by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE).

Following a draft proposal, it had been expected that the number of councillors would shrink from 48 to 39. However, LGBCE’s final recommendations call for 14 wards, not 13, meaning not all wards will have three councillors.

In the Western Parishes, High Brooms is to have one councillor, while both the Rusthall & Speldhurst and Southborough & Bidborough wards have three.

In Royal Tunbridge Wells, St John’s would have two councillors and all the other wards –

Culverden, Pantiles, Park, Sherwood and St James – three councillors each.

In the north of the Borough, the combined ward of Paddock Wood will have three councillors, while the merged Pembury & Capel ward will also have three.

The rural Eastern Parishes area has been merged into three wards, each with three councillors: Cranbrook, Sissinghurst & Frittenden, Goudhurst, Lamberhurst & Horsmonden, and Hawkhurst, Sandhurst & Benenden.

A draft order to implement changes is being laid before Parliament for approval, to be implemented at local elections from 2024.

FRAZER ALLAN

Tunbridge Wells welcomes students from twin town

By Alice Reece

STUDENTS from a school in Tunbridge Wells’ twin town, Wiesbaden, in Germany, were given a royal welcome on their trip to England last week as they visited the town amid the Coronation celebrations.

Twenty-nine students and three teachers from the Hermann-Ehlers-Schule Secondary School paid a visit to Tunbridge Wells on May 9 as part of their five-day trip to England which, fittingly, took place on Europe Day.

Lunch

During their visit, Professor Michael Holman, President of the Twinning Association, gave the students a guided tour of the Amelia Scott, including the Georgian Room with its ‘augmented reality’ display, and the library with its public piano that can be played by visitors.

“The students had never seen a piano in a library, let alone one that could be played by casual visitors. In German libraries, one has to be

Brothers tie the vote at Town Council election

By Lilly Croucher

quiet, but two students were brave enough to give an impromptu concert,” Professor Holman said.

The group also attended a lunch in the Green Room, hosted by the Twinning Association, which was attended by the Borough’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Hugh Patterson.

Students were impressed to see the stainless steel cycle stands from their home town and the rejuvenated Chalybeate Spring.

Christina, the leader of the student group, said: “It was lovely to have such a warm welcome from Tunbridge Wells, especially from our friends in the Twinning Association.

“We will be returning home with many happy memories, fired up with enthusiasm to continue and develop the link.”

“I greatly enjoyed and learned much chatting over our sandwich lunch with the students. Especially with Adrian, Blevis and Dimo about multi-cultural Europe.

“Their parents are, respectively, from Bosnia, Albania and Bulgaria. Their common language is now German. And if they keep coming to Tunbridge Wells, it could one day be English too!’

THE ELECTION for Southborough Town Council ended in a “nail-biting” finish, as two brothers who stood as candidates tied for the last remaining place.

Harry Allen, 27 and James Allen, 24, both Conservative candidates in the Southborough North ward, received exactly the same number of votes – 401 each.

Envelope

The unusual electoral incident took place at the Assembly Hall on May 4, after the Borough Council elections had finished, with the two candidates waiting anxiously for the result.

James Allen was eventually elected for the final seat after both of their names were written down on separate pieces of paper and pulled from an envelope by an election official.

Harry Allen, who is also a Borough Councillor for Speldhurst & Bidborough, told the Times: “When they were calling the numbers, I did feel a bit nervous, and then I was totally shocked when we got the exact same number.

Heritage attraction springs to life with new business project

By Sarah Carter

IN A restoration project designed to rejuvenate the town and promote a new business initiative, the waters of the historic Chalybeate Spring have started to flow once more, with a new fountain on The Pantiles, and the mineral water set to be bottled all year round.

The opening of Royal TW Spring Water on the Coronation weekend saw the refurbished Dippers’ Hall open for business in a ceremony attended by Town Crier John Scholes and ‘Dipper’ Liz Scholes.

Attraction

A screen and a fountain complete the attraction for now, but new owner Samuel Danby added: “We run a theatre company and have lots of excited actors ready to get involved, along with original Dippers and the Town Crier to proclaim that the Royal Spring is officially open again.”

Paul Burnett, Asset Manager for The Pantiles' owner Targetfollow Estates said: “The reopened Spring is a fantastic addition to The Pantiles and a great tourist attraction in the historic Bath Square.”

Following UV filtration and testing, it is understood the water will be diluted to 50 per cent strength and bottled in a range of flavours. The first known user of the iron-rich Chalybeate Spring was Dudley, Lord North, 3rd Baron North, who had led a dissolute life.

Drinking from the spring after a heavy drinking session at the Abergavenny Estate at Eridge Park, he attributed his amazing 'cure' to the waters,

spreading the news of his discovery and attracting other high-society visitors.

Despite the creation of ‘The Walks’ promenade to the well, a spa had little appeal during the English Civil War, so it was only after the Restoration in 1660 that development resumed.

Other historic users of the waters include Princess (later Queen) Victoria.

“It was so very close, nail-biting at times, until they called my brother’s name. I was so happy that he won.

“It’s fairer that he got the position over me, as I am also a Borough Councillor, and this will give him some great experience.”

On winning his seat on the Town Council, James Allen told the Times: “It was by pure chance that we got the same number, I was so surprised and delighted.

“When they called my name to say I had won, I was really pleased but was sad my brother couldn’t have won as well, but he can always stand again in the future.

“I am looking forward to working hard for Southborough North, focusing on the civic centre and working with my fellow councillors.”

When asked what it was like running against a family member, Harry Allen said: “I enjoyed it, you know. I went leafletting with him and we talk a lot about politics at home as well as current affairs and local issues.

“We are definitely still talking, no brother rivalry here! I am just really supportive of James and I think he will do really well. “

Hotel planned for Kippings Cross

By Lilly Croucher

PLANS for a hotel to be built near the busy Kippings Cross Roundabout have been submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Planning Department.

Documents from the planning application detail plans for a hotel on the site at the edge of the A21, that was once part of Kippings Cross Farm. The application states that the location of the hotel is in an “ideal” spot for its access to Tunbridge Wells and The Weald, but there are concerns about the “noise implications”, with it being next to the busy trunk road.

To deal with this, the plans suggest using windows and mechanically controlled ventilation systems that should “substantially reduce noise within the buildings.”

The change of use application relates to single-storey dairy buildings that could be converted for office use.

The application put forward on behalf of a Mr and Mrs Marrero, who live in Edenbridge, said: “The barn is large enough to accommodate a mezzanine floor if used as offices or a hotel, and is large enough for distribution or storage use.”

Mr and Mrs Marrero believe that the construction of the project will not cause any more disturbance to the surrounding area than the “existing road traffic does already”.

HOTEL SITE: Kippings Cross

TWIN TRAVELS: Professor Michael Holman with Adrian, Blevis and Dimo

BALLOT BROTHERS: Harry Allen (left) and James Allen

WATER WORKS: The revamped Chalybeate Spring

Berkeley Homes proceeds with Cranbrook challenge

By Victoria Roberts

BERKELEY Homes is challenging the Government’s decision to overturn approval for a property development in Cranbrook, as the Times reported on May 3.

The project to build 165 houses in Cranbrook – approved by the local authority and central government’s Planning Inspectorate – was rejected by Michael Gove’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Local Communities (DLUHC) in April.

Speaking last week, after the end of local election ‘purdah’, Cllr Hugo Pound, who has previously held the Housing and Planning portfolio, called the Government’s decision an “extraordinary intervention”.

He told the Times: “It is the first time a Secretary of State has overturned the decision made by the Council Planning Committee.”

When the decision was referred to the Government and an inquiry was held, the Inspector had recommended the development, subject to conditions, but “with some strong words of approval, which were quite interesting,” said Mr Pound.

“The Inspector was pretty damned positive about it,” he said.

Meanwhile, he explained, the Borough “was under pressure, both from government housing targets and from its own demographics”.

“The 25-49-year-old population is going down. Young people cannot afford to stay here, and they cannot afford to move here,”

REJECTED PLANS:

The proposed Berkeley Homes development in Cranbrook

Mr Pound explained.

“Michael Gove has interfered in local democracy and local decision-making,” he added.

Cllr Pound appeared on the BBC Radio 4 programme ‘PM’ last week, to argue the case alongside fellow representative Cllr Nancy Warne (Benenden & Cranbrook), who has held the local authority’s Rural Communities portfolio.

She told the programme: “I didn’t engage in the Neighbourhood Planning process to fight development. We want development. We need houses. Our young people are desperate. We don’t have anything that they can afford to live in.”

However, she said: “I think this is a very special landscape and a really special town.

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I think we have some really distinctive architecture. I’d like someone to come and do something really special here. It doesn’t have to be a pastiche.”

And she added that objections were not about the detail of the design, but also about the layout.

Farmsteads

“We have a very distinctive settlement pattern in this area, of farmsteads dotted around the countryside, and what is being proposed here is a very generic housing estate.”

Approached by the Times for comment, the Berkeley Group said it was applying to the High Court for a statutory review of Secretary of State Michael Gove’s decision.

“Berkeley is challenging the decision on six grounds, including the individual design of the homes,” a spokesperson said.

“The proposal for 165 high-quality, individually designed new homes (including 66 affordable homes) was developed in close consultation with local partners and had strong support at local level.

“Approved by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and also by The Planning Inspectorate (an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities), it was vetoed by Mr Gove after a three-year planning process,” the spokesperson added. The Times understands the case could take six months to a year to come to court, which means it might not be held until after the general election.

Helping to clear the air for all Londoners

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to be expanded across all London boroughs from 29 August this year.

Poor air quality is having an impact on the health of Londoners, and road transport is a major contributor to air pollution.

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

With these areas soon to be covered by the expanded ULEZ, Sarah Woolnough, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK –the nation’s lung charity – says it will make a huge difference.

“Over half those with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) tell us that polluted air is a trigger for their symptoms,” she explains.

Children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, according to Sarah, as their airways are smaller and still developing and they are often closer to the ground and more exposed to vehicle exhausts.

Older people are also disproportionately affected by air pollution.

It can lead to asthma attacks, as well as COPD flare-ups and aggravations that can lead to hospitalisation.

Air pollution can cause conditions such as heart and lung disease and lung cancer, and there is emerging evidence linking poor air quality with asthma, dementia, low birth weight and Type 2 diabetes.

Describing it as a public health emergency, Sarah praised the decision to expand the

What is the ULEZ?

n From 29 August 2023, the ULEZ will be expanded to create one single zone across all London boroughs, to help clear London’s air and improve health.

n 9 out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day meet the ULEZ standards, so most people will not need to pay a charge. But, if

ULEZ, acknowledging that air pollution is not just a central London problem.

“We can be absolutely clear that air pollution is a problem in the outer boroughs,” she said.

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

“They should be able to breathe clearer air too.”

you drive a petrol vehicle over 16 years old or a diesel vehicle over 6 years old you need to check if you’re affected. The easiest way to check is online at: tfl.gov.uk/check-your-vehicle

n For more information on the ULEZ expansion, including an interactive map to check your postcode, visit: tfl.gov.uk/ULEZ-2023

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

Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive Officer at Asthma + Lung UK

‘It is the first time a Secretary of State has overturned the decision made by the Council Planning Committee’

Happy 400th, Times of Tunbridge Wells

In this, our 400th issue, Editor Michelle Wood looks back to the very first Times published…

THIS week, The Times of Tunbridge Wells has much to celebrate, as we mark the 400th edition of this newspaper. We, as a team, are all extremely proud to be a part of a publication that has truly become the voice of this town.

Since its launch in March 2015, the Times has indeed undertaken a long journey, surviving the strain of the pandemic and the ensuing social and economic upheaval.

During this time, the newspaper has never let slip the mix of quality local and international journalism for which it is so trusted.

As the Editor, this is a trust that I do not take lightly, and we will continue to work to uplift businesses and communities, and to engage on the issues that are important to you, our readers.

To mark the 400th issue, it feels only fitting to hand over – at least briefly – to the very first Times Editor and Editorial Director, Richard Moore…

The story starts when my son, Nick Moore, and myself launched SO Tunbridge Wells magazine in April 2008. There was an opening in the market for a high-end monthly glossy that reflected the “tastes, interests and attitudes of the town”. It was free, and to this day it remains the leading local magazine.

Importantly, it built a trusted brand on which we were able to piggyback in 2015 when we decided to launch the Times of Tunbridge Wells. Again, it aimed to be a high-quality publication that was free to the public.

Both titles are now owned by One Media, which is part of the Elite Leisure Collection. We wanted the Times to be an independent, alternative voice for Tunbridge Wells; one that highlighted all that’s good about our town, and at the same time supported the local community and businesses. And it has proven extremely popular and successful. Just look at the annual Times Business Awards.

We made publishing history by being the first local weekly in the country to carry national and international news, and we made news again when we ran one edition with every advertisement carried free of charge. That was part of our campaign to help businesses through some tough times.

Until retiring a year ago, I always held the title of Editorial Director and was responsible for tone and content, although I stepped into the role of Editor when required. The current Editor, Michelle Wood, is the third at the helm of the newspaper.

To launch a local newspaper as we did at a time when most other towns saw theirs being closed, was ambitious. Happily, it has paid off and remains something with which I am truly proud to be associated.

GOOD MORNING TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£5million fund launched to boost local businesses

fund to help local businesses.

The Times of Tunbridge Wells, working with high net worth individuals, has developed an initiative to support entrepreneurs across the county.

It will be open to a range of businesses from start-ups requiring seed capital to existing businesses looking for money to expand.

Applicants must be 18+ and operating a limited company within the boundaries of the county of Kent.

Then and now...

In 2015, David Cameron was Prime Minister and the Brexit referendum was still a year away. In its very first issue, the Times began to introduce the parties contesting the elections to their constituents. The UK Independence Party (UKIP) was interviewed.

Now, in 2023, in the wake of the local elections nationally, UKIP has lost all of its seats, in effect, wiping it out from national and local politics.

Alongside financial help, successful applicants will receive advice and support, by way of legal, accounting and business strategy, from a network of advisers.

The idea is to bring more innovation and opportunity to Kent, with an initial key focus on Tunbridge Wells

Cllr

know from independent work commissioned by the West Kent Partnership that Tunbridge Wells is an extremely innovative, creative place with more business start-ups and better survival rates than anywhere else in the country.

“We look forward to seeing which initiatives and companies emerge from Tunbridge Wells, where this sort of investment and expertise will enable our businesses to thrive.”

Turn to pages 6 and 7

2023: At the time of writing, the condition of Rolf Harris, the convicted paedophile who was released from prison in 2017, is considered dire. He is “very sick” with neck cancer and struggling to eat or drink.

With just over two months left until the General Election, we have been speaking to those hoping to win your vote and represent Tunbridge Wells in Parliament. First in the hot

A private ambulance has been photographed outside his home in Berkshire. A new documentary outlining some of his heinous crimes is set to be released by ITV.

Rolf Harris stripped of CBE

as young as seven years old.

after

of a

BANK MAKES ITS MOVE

In the second half of 2015, the Tunbridge Wells branch will move to larger premises at 77 Mount Ephraim.

Punching above their weight

customers jumped 22 per cent to £4.4m in 2014.

Mr Green said: “Each branch develops in a way that best serves local needs and we have mainly small and medium-sized enterprise customers whose owners also do their personal banking with us.” The bank currently has three managers working with personal customers but is recruiting a second manager to handle corporate accounts.

In 2015, Handelsbanken was making a property move and Nick Green was the Branch Manager. Today, Mr Green has reached a very different point in his career. See page 10.

March 22 2023

Schoolkids are helping to drive the housing market

A FIRM which helps clients buy and sell businesses and sell funds has won two more industry awards.

Castle Corporate Finance celebrated a record year in 2014 by winning the corporate finance advisory team of the year honour at the South East Dealmakers Awards hosted by Insider Media.

Stuart Stepney, who was promoted to director of Castle in January, won corporate finance adviser of the year for the third year running.

The company will increase its team of six by recruiting an additional transaction manager and it wants to grow its international business. It will move to larger premises in Tonbridge this month.

“As a boutique business competing with some industry giants, these awards help us to punch above our weight by raising our profile,” says Castle owner Mike Norrie.

“Stuart knows his way through a deal and is great at pulling the loose ends of any deal together.”

at Fashion Carpets

(above)

Good local schools were pushing market prices on property.

2023 (right)

Living close to an ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ school remains a key driver of soaring property prices. On March 22, the Times ran with a lead story detailing the increasing number of homes pushing the £1millionmark due to the desire to be in good school catchment areas.

Victoria Roberts and Lilly Croucher

In March 2015, The Times highlighted the growing popularity of local English wines and the expanding maturity of local vineyards, like Chapel Down.

In April 2023, Chapel received the go-ahead to build a new winery in an expansion plan near Canterbury. The £32million project will see the UK’s biggest sparkling wine producer relocate to farmland at Canterbury Business Park off the A2.

IN the first issue (below) on March 4 2015, the Times reported that hacking was ‘rife’ at Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN). Now, in 2023, a seven-week-long trial is currently underway into allegations from Prince Harry and others that their phones were hacked by journalists from Mirror Group Newspapers. The Duke of Sussex is due to give evidence in person.

Phone hacking ‘rife’ at MGN

D-DAY GREAT ESCAPER MEDALS FOR SALE

 WAR medals belonging to the late Great Escaper Bernard Jordan, who won the hearts of the nation when he left his care home to attend last year’s 70th anniversary D-Day events, will be auctioned for charity.

Finally, thank you to all of our advertisers who have been with us from the beginning –and of course, to you, our dear readers. You have taken the Times into your hearts and made it your own. Here’s to the next 400…

 PHONE hacking was “rife” at all three of Mirror Group Newspaper’s (MGN) national titles by mid 1999 at the latest, the High Court has heard. At a hearing to decide the amount of compensation to be awarded in eight representative cases, counsel David Sherborne said that the date when the practice first started at the Daily Mirror, the Sunday Mirror and the People was not known. But, the evidence was that it

The medals - including a 1939-45 Star; an Atlantic Star with a France and Germany clasp; an Italy Star; and a Second World War Defence and War medal - could fetch up to £1,000 when they are sold at Wallis and Wallis in Lewes, East Sussex, on March 17.

The lot will also be accompanied by a portrait of Mr Jordan on canvas and a coloured print of a Bob cartoon from

Branch manager Nick Green

Photography:

Crimestoppers Chair made a Coronation Champion

By Lilly Croucher

A DEDICATED volunteer from Tunbridge Wells has been recognised by their majesties, the King and Queen, at an official Coronation event at Buckingham Palace for his service to community safety.

Peter Rolington, a retired accountant from Goudhurst, was given the official Coronation Champion Award and a certificate signed by the Royals for his service supporting Kent Police and the local community.

Recognition

After a call for entries from the Royal Voluntary Service, Mr Rolington’s colleagues at Kent Police put him forward in recognition of his work as Chair of both West Kent and the county board of Neighbourhood Watch and Crimestoppers.

Out of the 5,000 entries that were received, Mr Rolington was one of 500 volunteers from across the UK chosen for the prestigious award and was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday May 3.

Receiving the award, Mr Rolington told the Times: “It was an honour to receive the Coronation Champion Award and to be recognised for my nearly two decades of volunteering.

“I don’t do any of it for recognition because I feel the safety of the community is important and I am glad to be able to support officers from Kent Police.

“It was a lovely day going to Buckingham Palace and I stood only a few feet from the new King and Queen.”

He created Kent’s e-Watch newsletter, which keeps people informed of current police appeals

Energy worker crowned winner in art competition

By Alice Reece

and policing news and is digitally delivered to nearly two-thirds of the county’s population, twice a week.

Mr Rolington is also the mind behind the app, Country Eye, which was built in collaboration with Kent Police to make it easier for members of the public to report rural crimes like fly-tipping and suspicious behaviour.

An enthusiast of modern history, Mr Rolington routinely books and leads battlefield tours for police cadets between the ages of 13 and 18, sharing his wealth of knowledge about the history of both world wars.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward.

“Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended.”

A WOMAN from Tunbridge Wells has won an art competition run by her employer for a portrait of King Charles III.

Pavlina Rough, who lives in Pembury and works for UK Power Networks as a Training Coordinator, was delighted to win the company’s competition, with her pastel portrait of the King.

Mr Rough’s brightly-coloured portrait features the monarch in his light grey suit and was created using pastels, which took her six hours to complete.

After finding out she had won she said: “I am quite a realistic ‘artist’ and I paint what I see, so my picture portrays King Charles as he currently looks. He has a kind smile and ‘knowing’ eyes. If he reigns half as well as his late mother the Queen, he will have done well.

“I love art, drawing and painting and wanted to study art and politics at university. Despite being successful in the art entry exam, I didn’t pass the English exam and came to England

from Czechia to improve my English. Twentyfour years later, I think I could pass now!

“I should paint more, but with two young boys, it’s not easy. Each time I get the paints out, I end up helping them with drawing a plane or sketching a giraffe for them to colour in!

Apprehensive

“As it’s been a while since I painted anything properly, I felt apprehensive, but when the portrait started to show some likeness of the King, I felt more comfortable and really enjoyed myself.”

Ms Rough celebrated the Coronation with her family in Tunbridge Wells, enjoying the entertainment around the town during the bank holiday weekend.

UK Power Networks, which services 8.5 million homes across the southeast and east of England, held the competition for employees and family members to mark the Coronation.

Estate hosts puppy yoga event for mental health

TO help its visitors relax ahead of Mental Health Awareness week, country house and events venue Salomons Estate in Southborough hosted a beginner-level yoga class with puppies on May 14.

The sessions were run by Happy Puppy Yoga, the brainchild of Katie Tulip, who wanted to combine yoga’s mood-boosting and wellbeing benefits with the joy and mindfulness of being around adorable puppies.

Eight, eight-week-old miniature dachshunds were free to roam around the room while participants took part in a guided yoga practice – with the puppies joining in for cuddles and tummy tickles.

“Puppy yoga is a great way to reduce stress,” Katie explained.

“It boosts your mood and energy levels, relieves anxiety, and improves your overall wellbeing,” she continued.

The event marked the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday May 21 Salomons Estate said it was the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and shine a light on the benefits of puppy yoga.

“The day went really well. It was amazing to see how much interest the classes had and we hope to host Happy Puppy Yoga again,” a spokesperson for Salomons said.

Salomons Estate puts on a variety of events all year round and says that this week, visitors and their furry friends are welcome to join them for an

‘outdoor wellness boost’.

Home to 36 acres of gardens, the grounds are made up of miles of woodland paths and surfaced trails, popular for gentle walks with the whole family.

Guests are welcome to explore the estate for free, seven days a week where there’s also a dog-friendly restaurant and terrace, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee and cake after their stroll. Those interested in upcoming dates can keep an eye out on Katie’s website: happypuppyyoga.com or visit Salomons’ ‘What’s On’ page at: salomonsestate.com/whats-on

ROYAL LIKENESS: Pavlina Rough with her portrait of King Charles

PETER ROLINGTON

‘The day went really well. It was amazing to see how much interest the classes had, and we hope to host Happy Puppy Yoga again’

DOWNWARD DOG: Puppies and yoga at Salomons Estate

Radical new ACL knee surgery being trialled at TW Hospital

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

By Jonathan Rowe, Partner at CooperBurnett LLP

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are certificates, produced by specialist energy assessors, which show information about the energy efficiency of a property. Buildings are thought to account for approximately 40% of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions, so making them more energy efficient is a key part of delivering a zero-carbon economy.

By Lilly Croucher

A LIFE-changing knee surgery that aims to help young patients get back on their feet is being trialled at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

Matthew Milbank, an aspiring player in the academy at Gillingham FC, tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) playing football in 2022, and was offered the opportunity to take part in the trial.

Severe

Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament, where severe twisting force is applied to the knee, can be a life-altering injury. It is most common among those who play sports such as football, netball, or skiing.

Usually, surgeons would operate by taking part of the patient’s own hamstring tendon to create a new ACL, which connects the two bones up to the knee.

However, with the advancements in medicine, the new surgery being trialled at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) will see the donor hamstring tendon taken from a parent. His father, Andy Milbank, who donated his tendon to his son as part of the new procedure said: “It’s one less complication

Local MP congratulates care home on charity fundraiser

By Alice Reece

STAFF at a care home in Tunbridge Wells were visited by local MP Greg Clark to congratulate them on the money raised for the Salvation Army.

The Fountains Lodge Bupa Care Home in Southborough held a coffee afternoon and raffle and raised a grand total of £200.

Inspired

Following a Christmas carol concert given by the Salvation Army back in December, residents and their families were inspired to raise money for the charity and organised the coffee morning.

Louise Eastwood, Home Manager at Fountains Lodge Bupa Care Home, said: “Greg spent the morning chatting to residents and discussing how they enjoyed the coffee morning. He then thanked all the staff for their hard work over the years.

“I am very proud of all our staff. Everyone plays a vital role in keeping our residents safe and healthy, and together we are a family.

“They also do a great job of organising lovely activities like our coffee morning, which keeps us connected to the community and provides an opportunity to give back to charities like the Salvation Army.”

for the child to recover from. He’s got major knee surgery but hasn’t [also] got to worry about his hamstring.”

Matthew’s mother, Clare Milbank added “The support and care both Matt and Andy have received from all the team involved at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, along with Gillingham Football Club, has been incredible and we can’t thank them enough.”

The pioneering technique was developed in Australia, and it is hoped that it will become routine surgery across the UK.

Nick Bowman, the leading Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, said: “There are a number of advantages to this new technique. First, the child’s own hamstring tendons are not disrupted, which improves their recovery.

“Second, the tendon taken from the parent will be larger, making it more suitable as the child grows, which we hope will reduce the re-injury rate.

“And finally, if the child is injured later in life, they still have their own hamstring, which could then be used to repair a tear.”

Helen Samuel, the Specialist Orthopaedic Research Physiotherapist who supports the patients during their recovery, said: “To finally open a study that looks like it will be really beneficial to our patients – and might change the pathway for these patients throughout the NHS – has been a great experience.”

Weight loss group donates clothes for cancer charity

SLIMMERS in Tunbridge Wells have donated unwanted items and raised £2,650 for Cancer Research UK.

Members of local Slimming World groups collected bags of clothes, shoes, homeware and accessories for the charity.

The collection is part of the ‘Big Slimming World Clothes Throw’, which raises awareness on how to keep a healthy weight and reduce the risk of cancer.

Difference

Jesse Fuller, who runs a Slimming World group in Tunbridge Wells, said: “I can’t quite believe how many bags we managed to collect!

“So many people don’t know how much of a difference losing weight can make to health.

“Hopefully this campaign and our efforts for charity will help inspire more people in Tunbridge Wells and beyond to improve their health and change their lives by losing weight, too.”

Slimming World began supporting Cancer Research UK in 2013. Since then, Slimming World members have raised more than £17million by donating pre-loved items to Cancer Research UK shops and a further $673,000 for the Irish Cancer Society by doing the same.

To find out more about Slimming World in Tunbridge Wells, contact Jesse on 077 1054 9334, who runs groups every Wednesday at St Luke’s Church or Saturdays at St Barnabas Primary School.

When EPCs were first introduced, many were sceptical, but they are becoming more important as the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions becomes more urgent.

EPCs contain an ‘asset rating’ to show the energy efficiency of a property on a sliding scale, which is banded from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). They also contain a recommendation report, showing improvements that can be made to the property to improve its energy efficiency.

EPCs are needed when a property is built, sold or rented and, provided no significant alterations have been made to a property that affect its energy efficiency, they have a lifespan of ten years.

Whilst the rules for domestic and non-domestic properties are not identical, since 2018 both must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Certain exemptions can apply, most commonly for listed buildings, where to carry out the works required to improve the property’s energy efficiency would be a breach of the listing rules for that property.

Owners of business premises can be fined between £500 and £5,000, based on the rateable value of the building, if they don’t make an EPC available to any prospective buyer or tenant.

As things stand, landlords are currently on notice that they must bring their properties up to Band C by 2025 for new leases and by 2028 for existing leases and, under current Government proposals, mortgage lenders will be required to have an average band C rating for their portfolios by 2030.

This could mean people with inefficient homes may have to pay higher mortgage rates and find it harder to re-mortgage.

Please do not hesitate to contact Jonathan Rowe on email: JBR@COOPERBURNETT.COM or tel: 01892 515022 WWW.COOPERBURNETT.COM

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

FOUNTAINS LODGE STAFF WITH GREG CLARK

JESSE FULLER

SURGEONS AT TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOSPITAL

DELIVERING TO THE VESTRY, CRANBROOK

Paddock Wood firm keeps democracy on the move

By Victoria Roberts

THE wheels of democracy keep turning year-on-year for a Paddock Wood-based family firm which won the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) contract to transport equipment for all elections nearly a decade ago and has kept the show on the road ever since.

Transport

“We were originally just transporting polling booths – trying to make sure the presiding officer [of each polling station] didn’t have too much to transport by car,” explained Darren Hendley, who owns and runs Hendley Removals with his brother Matt.

The firm has covered all local elections, general elections and the referendum on membership of the EU. Booths and equipment go out to the polling stations on a Wednesday, to be in place in time

Banker to retire after career dedicated to the local area

By Sarah Carter

A LOCAL banker is retiring after 39 years of working in the South East, proving the value of local lending and finance – without needing to go to London.

After 15 years at Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells, and 24 years at Lloyds Bank beforehand, Nick Green has made his career entirely in the region.

Independent

“I started working for Lloyds Bank in Tonbridge and spent 24 years with the bank, eventually as Corporate Director looking after the South East. “But I never worked in London. Never wanted to,” he told the Times

he explained.

Due to the mix of businesses in Tunbridge Wells, and the bank’s focus on service to keep customers rather than seeking market share, the branch has ended up with a with a mix of professional services clients, ‘classic SMEs’ (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises), and wealth management customers, he explained.

for elections on Thursdays, and the team stands by on the day to make extra deliveries, then collects everything again after polls close.

In Covid times, there were additional screens and PPE, said Mr Hendley, adding: “And this year, the new photo ID requirement requirements means it was necessary to transport privacy screens.”

Voters might want to shield themselves from view while removing a headscarf, or might want to show their ID in private, he explained.

The firm won the original contract with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council through a tender in 2014 and has gone through one tender since, in addition to quoting every year, said Mr Hendley.

“I understand they [TWBC] used to use a national firm.

“But we’re just a small family-run firm, run by myself and my brother, and we’re local.

“It’s just a case of being organised. This is something that can be quite time-consuming.”

Micro-brewery hops to the top of Kent food awards with finalist nomination

By Victoria Roberts

TUNBRIDGE Wells micro-brewery Pig & Porter is celebrating a place in the finals of a prestigious regional award for one of its bitters, while keeping the pints coming and with new brews always in production.

The small business’ caramel- and toffeethemed bitter, ‘Caravan’, has been chosen as one of three beer finalists – and the only one from Tunbridge Wells itself – in the Taste of Kent Awards (TOKA).

The news came less than a week after the company’s annual Open Day on site in Chapman Way, High Brooms.

Feedback

Organising the proverbial knees-up in the brewery is an annual event, when customers can tour the facility, sample production and give feedback on new beers.

Over 150 people attended the Open Day on April 28, sampling products such as the new IPA ‘Albedo’ – inspired by and named for Vangelis’ 1976 album.

Catering from ‘Burger’ by South African company House of Biltong kept the visitors supplied with burgers to accompany their drinks. Meanwhile, the business is also taking name suggestions for

its newest lager, which is due to be announced in the next two weeks.

Founder Robin Wright said: “It has become a tradition to invite our customers to help us name our beer lines, picked from song lyrics or titles.”

TOKA winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on June 15, after a finalists’ festival in the afternoon.

Other local finalists are Hinxden Farm Dairy’s Channel Island double cream (Benenden) and the rib of beef from Paley Farm (Cranbrook).

Pig & Porter supplies pubs, restaurants, clubs and hotels, as well as selling directly to consumers through its website: pigandporter.co.uk

When he was recruited to set up a branch of Handelsbanken in Tunbridge Wells in 2008, he had only a laptop, no customers and no staff.

However, thanks to the Handelsbanken model, in which each branch is independent, looking after a defined area, Mr Green’s new branch was also starting with none of the exposure to bad debts and financial instruments which were starting to rip the financial sector apart at that time,

“The Dartford branch, for example, is very different. Each bank reflects the patch it is in.”

After 15 years, he is now retiring on what he called “a high”.

“At no other bank would you have the opportunity to open a branch from scratch, in your home town, recruit and create a team, design your own premises and build a long term business.” His role is now being advertised, and he is set to retire on June 30.

Growth plan for local employment firm

A LEADING local employment law firm has brought in a Director of Strategy and Delivery to expand the business further across the South East and London.

Growth

After having doubled its turnover and growth over the last three years, Loch Associates Group has appointed James Bradshaw to the new role, where he expects to design and set out a threeyear growth plan.

The Tunbridge Wells-based firm currently operates out of two further locations – London and Brighton – with 30 staff.

Mr Bradshaw, who was previously Head of Business Development and Marketing at London law firm Thackray Williams, will start with an audit of Loch Associates’ strategy.

Loch Associates Group founder Pam Loch said: “His wealth of experience will be invaluable for the business — especially at this critical

stage, having recently doubled our turnover and growth in the last three years.

Commenting on the business’ growth, Mr Bradshaw said: “There’s a real enthusiasm, as well as a lot of opportunity to continue the momentum of growth for the brand.

JAMES BRADSHAW

“They’re making the right decisions at this stage to capitalise on this energy and expand their offering across the South East.”

The firm’s growth has seen it develop distinct lines of business, from employment and business law to HR services and mediation services.

The newest division, training and wellbeing, helps clients invest in and develop staff.

BATTLING THE FINANCIAL BLUES: Ladies of The Finance Hub are fundraising for Mental Health Awareness Week in aid of West Kent Mind. Founder Gillian Palmer (centre) said: “This has been my charity at The Finance Hub since we opened. I am very passionate about the impact financial worries have on people’s mental health.” (Left: Office Manager Natalie Gibbs; right: Marketing Manager Deeps Motley).

NICK GREEN

PIG & PORTER

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF CHAMPAGNE

& CHARITABLE GOOD WILL

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO BREAST CANCER KENT AND KNIGHT FRANK’S FABULOUS BLACK TIE EVENING

Date: Thursday 25th May 2023

Time: 19:00 prompt

Venue: The White Bear, 84 High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1YB

Dress code: Dress to impress

Join us for an elegant evening, to raise money for the wonderful Breast Cancer Kent team. Participants will bid to take part in a high-stakes game of Monopoly with Knight Frank’s Ross Davies, with the winner crowned real estate King or Queen during the evening.

If you would like to bid for your place at the table to take on Ross Davies, then place contact Ross direct on ross.davies@knightfrank.com

A complimentary glass of Nyetimber champagne on arrival and canapes throughout the evening.

Free entry and donations welcome. There will be a raffle during the course of the evening. Your generous support during this glittering event is graciously requested.

UK jobs market falters as jobless rate rises and company payrolls shrink

BRITAIN’S jobs market has showed further signs of strain as the flatlining economy takes its toll after official figures revealed another surprise rise in the unemployment rate and the first fall in payrolled workers for more than two years. Official figures showed the rate of UK unemployment rose to 3.9 per cent in the three months to March, up from 3.8 per cent in the previous quarter and the highest level since the three months to January 2022.

Most economists had expected the rate to remain unchanged at 3.8 per cent.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the more timely PAYE figures indicated the first fall in workers on payrolls since February 2021, estimating a 136,000 fall to 29.8 million.

Flagging

In another sign of a flagging jobs market, the ONS said the number of vacancies fell by 55,000 quarter on quarter to 1.08 million in the three months to April amid “uncertainty across industries”, marking the 10th fall in a row and the lowest level since June to August 2021.

And the number of those off work due to long-term sickness rose to a new record high, at 2.55 million, up from 2.53 million in the previous three months and 2.47 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, due in part to mounting backlogs in the NHS and the impact of long-Covid.

While the figures showed the number of unemployed Britons rose by 60,000 to 1.3 million

in the three months to March, there was also an increase in employment – up by 182,000 to 33 million – as more men in particular started looking for work, while there were also growing numbers of self-employed and part-time workers. But the figures indicate that while more people are returning to the jobs market, not all of those looking are able to find work.

Experts said the cooling jobs market may give the Bank of England reason to pause its campaign of interest rate rises, following last week’s 12th hike in a row, to 4.5 per cent.

Competition regulator warns against turning ‘blind eye’ to anti-competitive takeovers

IT IS not worth turning a “blind eye” to anticompetitive business takeovers in order to boost the UK’s reputation as a place to do business, the chair of the competition watchdog has said. His comments come after the body’s decision to block Microsoft’s US$69billion (£55billion) takeover of games company Activision Blizzard, a deal which the European Union approved earlier this week.

Following the decision, Microsoft said the EU was clearly a “more attractive place to start a business”.

On Tuesday, Competition and Markets Authority Chair Marcus Bokkerink pushed back against the idea that blocking deals made Britain seem less attractive.

“We are vigilant, as it is our duty to be vigilant, about investments that consolidate and entrench market power,” he told MPs on the Business and Trade Committee.

Challenge

“I think I would challenge the premise that if there is an impact on international confidence in doing business in the UK, that the best way that that confidence is served is by turning a blind eye to anti-competitive mergers.”

Sarah Cardell, the watchdog’s Chief Executive,

told MPs that the body looked at specific deals on a case-by-case basis but “absolutely” considered the attractiveness of the UK when setting its strategy.

“Individual cases need to be decided on their merits,” she said.

“When we’re looking strategically at the role of the competition authority, absolutely we will consider the impact of the decisions that we have made and the impact that has for the UK economy, including the reputation externally.

“I believe that strong competition is a very positive signal for the UK’s reputation externally.”

Asked about how much the CMA had liaised with the US authorities over the Activision Blizzard takeover, Ms Cardell said that an independent panel at the authority took decisions on their own.

“The CMA will take its decisions based on our assessment of a merger,” she said.

“We are absolutely not, and I would clarify this because I think there’s been some speculation on this, for example, in the press – we are absolutely not doing the bidding of other agencies.

“We undertake our own analysis and, as I mentioned before, we have our independent panel groups who are responsible for those decisions and take those responsibilities incredibly seriously.”

PROTECTED: Activision’s takeover was blocked in the UK

Philip Shaw, an economist at Investec, said: “The signs that conditions in the labour market are cooling appear more convincing this month.

“Following last week’s Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Report we were left distinctly uncomfortable with our view that the Bank rate has peaked, but today’s report should help to ease some of the Monetary Policy Committee’s angst over persistent inflation.

“It will probably take another soft labour market report” and weaker inflation data to

“persuade the committee it is safe to pause”.

The ONS data showed the cost crisis remains stark, with wages still failing to keep pace with rising prices as real regular pay excluding bonuses fell 3.1 per cent once Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation is taken into account.

This is despite another rise in average regular pay growth, to 6.7 per cent in the three months to March.

Encouraging

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said: “It’s encouraging that the unemployment rate remains historically low but difficulty in finding staff and rising prices are a worry for many families and businesses.”

But the pay gap between public and private sector is narrowing, with public sector workers seeing pay growth at the highest level for 20 years.

The ONS said average regular pay growth for the private sector stood at 7 per cent in the three months to March and 5.6 per cent for public sector workers – the highest since August to October 2003.

Pay disputes amid the cost-of-living crisis have led to crippling strikes across the UK in recent months, in both the private and public sector.

The latest data laid bare the extent of industrial action, with 556,000 working days lost to industrial action in March, up from 332,000 in February.

Syria’s President Assad invited to Cop28 climate meeting in Dubai

SYRIA’S embattled president Bashar Assad received an invitation to attend the upcoming Cop28 climate talks in Dubai later this year, even as the years-long war in his country over his rule grinds on.

Mr Assad’s invite, late on Monday, to the climate talks comes as the Syrian president is already scheduled to attend the Arab League summit this Friday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, years after being frozen out of regional politics.

A brutal crackdown by Mr Assad’s government on demonstrators in a 2011 Arab Spring uprising that challenged his rule descended into a civil war and consequently became a regional conflict.

The war has killed half a million people and displaced half of the country’s population.

Mr Assad’s invitation came in a letter from Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Syria’s state-run Sana news agency reported.

The agency published images of Assad reading the letter alongside an Emirati diplomat in Damascus. The UAE similarly had cut ties with Assad, only to slowly restore them

in recent years.

Asked for comment, the Emirati office organising the upcoming climate conference said in a statement that the event marked “a milestone opportunity for the world to come together, course correct, and drive progress towards keeping the goals and ambitions of the Paris Climate Agreement alive”.

Committed

The statement added: “Cop28 is committed to an inclusive COP process that produces transformational solutions This can only happen if we have everyone in the room.”

Syria is both a party to the Paris Climate Agreement, as well as the Kyoto Protocol. Scientists have linked a drought in Syria that began in 2007 to climate change, saying that it likely played a part in the conflict.

However, Assad’s invitation will probably heighten scrutiny of the Emirates ahead of hosting the talks.

The Conference of the Parties, from which Cop gets its name, will be held at Dubai’s Expo City from November 30 until December 12.

TALKS: Bashar Assad (right), seated with an Emirati diplomat, reads an invitation to Cop28

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or you can write to the Editor, Times of Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

We may not be able to fix life, but we can help you to cope

demolition of Palestinian homes, including demolitions carried out by diggers sold to Israel by the UK construction firm JCB. What is our government doing to deter any of this? The answer is very little, judging by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent visit to the UK.

In fact, Rishi Sunak used his recent meeting with the Israeli PM to stress Britain’s opposition to international peace and security organisations such as the United Nations from investigating Israeli crimes.

The UK government needs to stop shielding the Israeli authorities. It’s undermining international law and insulting the memory of Palestinians like Shireen Abu Akleh.

For readers interested in Amnesty’s work to end Israeli apartheid, please contact graham. minter@amnesty.org.uk for more information.

Graham Minter

Amnesty International Kent Network

Casting pearls before swine

to conflate two items of clothing into a grotesque portmanteau word: a coat and a cardigan becomes a coatigan; skirt and trousers are skousers. Really? Even I know a split skirt is called culottes.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

Help us to help the poorest of the poor Lovey Foundation UK is a Kent and Sussex based charity that raises money in the UK in order to provide access to education for the children of rural Ghana.

We work in the poorest districts of northern Ghana, where tribal conflict, extreme temperatures and climate change make even subsistence agriculture difficult.

We know the cost-of-living crisis is affecting the mental health of millions. From soaring energy bills, to rising food prices, or increasing rent or mortgage payments, it’s all adding to the mounting pressure and worry about how we’ll get by.

We’re hearing from people who are experiencing crippling anxiety because they’re being forced to question every penny they spend. Others have become more lonely and isolated because they just can’t afford to see their friends who they rely on for mental health support.

UK government needs to stop shielding Israeli authorities

It is exactly 75 years since over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes and land by the newly-created Israel. It is also a year this week since distinguished Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was shot dead by Israeli soldiers. Shireen was one of a staggering total of 146 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank last

For so many of us looking after our mental health is often last or buried in our busy lists. That’s why, this Mental Health Awareness Week (May 15-May 21), we’re encouraging anyone who may be struggling with their mental health to seek support.

If this speaks to you and your readers, speak to Mind. We know we can’t fix the cost of living crisis but we can help each other to cope and we are here for you. Thank you.

Sarah Hughes CEO of Mind

year, the highest number for decades. Like the vast majority of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces, no-one has been held accountable for her death.

Last year, Amnesty International published a major report showing how these escalating, relentless and unlawful Israeli killings are part of a wider system of apartheid being committed against the Palestinians. So, too, is the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements and the

Charlotte Steerpike makes a brave stand against the (mis)use of ‘begs the question’, but I’m afraid she’s casting pearls before swine as that particular train left the station a long time ago along with ‘hopefully’ – another abomination.

For clarification, hopefully means to be full of hope, it does not mean I hope, which is how it’s misused.

Try this: “I hope to catch the 10.10 to London tomorrow.” This means: “Perhaps I may miss it”. I will catch the 10.10 to London tomorrow, hopefully: there’s no doubt I will catch the train and I am full of hope because I’m going for a job interview.

The latest to arrive is ‘multiple’. It’s everywhere when ‘lots’ and ‘many’ would do. Shorter, too, and more elegant.

Barely a week passes without some fashion writer in The Times or Daily Telegraph attempting

Because of the poor soil, many families are unable to send their children to school. Children are frequently employed from the age of five as labourers, collecting wood from forests, breaking stones in quarries, carrying water or tending livestock. Some children are also at risk of immoral practices or being sold.

Lovey Foundation UK operates through a close partnership with our sister charity, Lovey Foundation Ghana (LFG). LFG has developed an extensive network of local teachers and community leaders who identify child labourers and then reach out to their families to persuade them to allow their children to attend school.

As part of the deal with local families, if they commit to releasing their children for full-time education, we commit to equipping them with school uniforms, sandals and school satchels so that each child is properly prepared for school. Throughout the year we monitor each child to ensure that they are attending school and progressing in their education. Each year LFG draws up a list of children who need our help, and each year only a fraction of the list can be supported. Each year we are held back only by

STEVE HEWETT

MAKING A STAND:

Protesters in London stand against Israeli atrocities. Picture: AP

lack of money. The demand far outstrips the resources we have.

The people of Kent have been very generous to the children of Ghana over a number of years. Because of your kindness, we have been able to help many hundreds of children access full-time education. We look after donations very carefully, and have been able to bring down the cost of helping each child from £72 in 2022 to £62 in 2023. The larger we grow, the more we can bring our unit costs down, so your money has a double impact. The strength of our network means that we are 100% volunteer run, and employ no staff in the UK or Ghana. We operate very efficiently and overheads are just 3% of our income. This letter is primarily written to thank our supporters, so many of whom come from Kent. If you would like to join this group of supporters, please go to www.loveyfoundation.org and click on ‘Donate Now’

Daniel Valentine

Executive Chair, Lovey Foundation UK www.loveyfoundation.org

An accident waiting to happen

The crash in Monson Road recently was an accident waiting to happen as a great number of people foresaw.

Should the damaged business claim off their insurers? Or the local authority. If I was the underwriter I would be disinclined to meet the claim as it was a known risk, indeed a deliberately contrived risk. I think I would resist the claim.

Are the authorities now waiting for a serious injury, a death even?

James Sommerville

Tunbridge Wells

Better luck next time

In reply to the end paragraph of Mr David Scott’s letter of the May 10: the public have made their judgement as requested and voted, so better luck next time in the elections.

Richard Bell

Culverden Park Road

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

early-morning

is

To see your photos featured in the Times –and possibly even on the front page – send them to newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk

Eating out is still a ‘fundamental activity’ for most Brits

WHETHER it’s through the love of food, a desire to socialise or even just convenience, Brits are still determined to eat out, despite cost pressures, a recent survey has found.

Bidfood’s 2023 report for food and drink trends has found that 64% of UK adults said despite the cost-of-living crisis, they would find it difficult to stop dining out with 7 in 10 claiming it’s “the treat they most look forward to”.

Challenges

In addition, 45% of consumers consider eating out a “fundamental activity”, giving hope to the hospitality industry, which has faced many challenges over the last three years.

Operations Director, Nick Moore of One Warwick Park and its restaurant The Brasserie, said: “The industry has coped admirably with a

lot of uncertainty, and we’ll continue to remain positive because, despite the ongoing challenges for our consumers, people are still committed to

eating and drinking out when they can”. However, he added, “Consumers are becoming more conscious of spending, reserving eating out for one-off treats.”

Just like every other restaurant, The Brasserie is facing increases in utility bills, food costs and everything else, but Mr Moore says they do not want to pass these on to customers.

“We’ve hung back as the price of food and drink continues to rise,” Nick said.

“We have a loyal customer base and will always do our level best to keep good value for money and try and keep going out as affordable as possible,” he continued.

Open for lunch and dinner, The Brasserie is a popular destination in Tunbridge Wells for tourists, locals, and commuters alike.

It’s nestled in the bustling hospitality scene of Chapel Place, where guests can visit for a delicious lunch or hearty dinner from its seasonal menu.

Drinks are also served in the bar, which overlooks the cobbled streets of neighbouring shops where guests can enjoy British wines like Chapel Down, expertly-crafted cocktails and locally-roasted coffee.

Bookings for The Brasserie can be made on OpenTable, or guests can call 01892 520 587

‘We have a loyal customer base and will always do our level best to keep good value for money and try and keep going out as affordable as possible’

Jason Stubbs’ aerial image of Tunbridge Wells, taken just before sunrise earlier this year, shows The Pantiles and the A26 just before

rush hour. There

so much to photograph around our town, and we want to see it through your eyes.

Mike Martin Liberal Democrats

Back the Liberal Democrats for real change

ALMOST two weeks ago, the Borough of Tunbridge Wells went to the polls. The result echoed what happened in much of the rest of the country: the Conservatives were routed, and other parties (particularly the Liberal Democrats locally) gained seats.

For those who missed the results amid the fun of the wonderful Coronation weekend, the Liberal Democrats reinforced their position as comfortably the largest party, with 17 seats, the Conservatives and the Alliance are the joint second-largest parties with 11 seats apiece, and Labour trail in fourth place, with eight seats. Vote share tells a similar story with only the Lib Dems increasing their share since last year’s elections, and the Conservatives, Alliance and Labour all losing vote share.

Spectrum

Extraordinarily, our local MP Greg Clark intervened in the election by repeating the lies of the local Conservative group of councillors (in this very paper). He was met with loud denunciations from across the political spectrum. To unceasingly voting with and supporting the most appalling government in living memory, he has added telling falsehoods. Not his smartest move, not least because the

people who used to vote Conservative in Tunbridge Wells value the truth.

For those interested in the 2024 general election, the vote share within the geographical area of the constituency tells a fascinating story. Taking into account only the national parties that we expect to stand in the General Election, the Conservatives received 35%, the Lib Dems 34% and Labour 22% of the votes. These results underscore that the General Election in Tunbridge Wells will be a clear contest between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Labour haven’t even chosen their candidate yet, which tells us how much they prioritise the seat!

Since being selected as the candidate for Tunbridge Wells, I have spent much of my time knocking on doors and talking with constituents. In fact, over the past six months, my team and I have had conversations with over 9,000 of you on your doorsteps. Talking to constituents is far and away the best part of my job as a candidate: you tell me of your hopes, your fears, and your ideas for how we can make Tunbridge Wells and our country a better place.

You tell me that, along with the basics like

telling the truth, you want your politicians to bring down the cost of living, sort out health and social care (including critical services like ambulances and dentists), and get on top of the climate and environment crisis. Locally, you want me to get a grip of Tunbridge Wells town centre. I agree: why can’t we have a town centre that we’re all proud of? And if you live in Paddock Wood, or in many of the rural areas of the constituency, many of you are deeply unhappy about the way that development is often done to you, rather than with your consent. I agree about this too: we must have a consensus on development in our constituency.

This is why (Liberal Democrat leader) Ed Davey’s calls for “community-led development”,

rather than the “developer-led development” of the Conservative Party are so welcome. It’s important to note that in the 2010s, 20% of donations to the Conservative Party came from companies and individuals with a substantial interest in the housing market.

Over the next 12 months I look forward to continuing to talk with you all about this contentious issue, all the while seeking to forge a consensus across the different communities within our constituency.

Interactions

Finally, you also occasionally ask me to act as your representative and help you in your interactions with different parts of the British Government – the Department for Work and Pensions, for instance, or the Adult Care Services. That you entrust me with your problems is an honour, and I would be glad to accept casework from anyone living in the constituency (see email address below). The Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats are shortly to lease premises in the centre of town, and we will be publishing a schedule of drop-in surgeries on the website. I look forward to welcoming you. For casework problems, please contact: mike. martin@twlibdems.org.uk

Mike Martin is the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for the Tunbridge Wells Constituency

The Mead School celebrates double excellence

Alocal prep school based in the heart of Tunbridge Wells has been rated excellent in all areas by the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI).

The Mead School is a non-selective independent school for children aged 3-11. Situated on Frant Road, near the Pantiles, the school achieves impressive academic results in a nurturing and supportive environment

Inspectors spent three days assessing all aspects of the running of the school. The report states: “Pupils’ achievement is excellent. They attain very highly and progress well. A high proportion of leavers attain places at selective senior and grammar schools.”

When reflecting on the quality of the pupils’ personal development (rating: ‘Excellent’) the inspectors stated: “Pupils exhibit excellent self-awareness and self-esteem. They grow in confidence because leaders and staff treat them with much warmth and respect”.

Success

The ISI report also noted much historical success in sports, and this year is no exception.

The U11 girls’ hockey team won the UKSA Plate competition before Christmas, and at the ISA Netball regionals in March, the team qualified for the Nationals in April, where they won the Plate!

The U11 boys brought home gold from the renowned Solefield Rugby Tournament in 2023, winning all five of their matches, only conceding three tries the whole day. One boy also won ‘Player of the Tournament’.

Headmistress Catherine Openshaw said: “We are so proud of all our children’s sporting achievements. We start young with specialist lessons, right from Pre-Reception, and we have

PE/Games scheduled four times a week as part of our KS2 curriculum. We firmly believe in ‘sports for all’ at The Mead. All children in KS2 have weekly fixtures and opportunities to compete at renowned sporting events throughout the year.”

Performing arts

The ISI inspection report states that: “Pupils have been crowned champions in the national ISA drama competitions three times in recent years, winning best musical, best staging and best actor awards. Most pupils who have entered LAMDA examinations in recent years have achieved distinctions, with other entrants achieving merits.”

In music, the children were placed runners-up in the ISA A Capella Competition 2023, and all children perform regularly at services, concerts,

competitions and of course, their big summer and spring shows at the Trinity Theatre in town.

Early Years Programme

A focus on basic skills for beginning literacy and maths, as well as specialist teachers leading French, PE and music classes, give the children the best from a young age. Lessons are just the start of it though: Afternoon sessions include woodwork, climbing, junk modelling, creative sessions, role-play and drama-based workshops and ballet.

The Mead will be holding its next Open Day on Monday May 22. For children wanting a taster session, there is also ‘Mini Meadites’ on a Friday morning – an informal playgroup for preschool children. To book, contact the school office at 01892 525837

As it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, former teacher-turned-psychotherapeutic counsellor Katie Greaves, who runs the Liberate practice, talks about her work with young people, many of whom are struggling with anxiety, autism, trauma and the impact of social media can have on their lives…

Teenagers get a bad press.

Existing within the realms of stale stereotyping, today’s young people are habitually demonised as little more than rebellious, temperamental, irresponsible, socially awkward, over-emotional, party-crazed juveniles.

However, the picture that Western society often paints of the average adolescent is majorly flawed. Every generation has told us to fear subcultural groups of youths: from the teddy boys of the 1950s, mods and rockers of the 1960s and skinheads of the 1970s, to the punks of the 1980s. On and on these historical attitudes have endured.

Expectations

We continue to maintain unrealistically high and rigid expectations of our young people, then far too quickly resort to harsh judgement when they fall short of being anything other than the perfectly behaved mortals we demand them to be. Society expects them to unreservedly conform to adult ideals, except the reality is that we miss crucial opportunities to engage and empathise – and subsequently build stronger connections – with the younger generation. In my fifteen years of working with young people, I have been privileged to meet an immeasurable number of curious, diverse and courageous minds. Teens whose stoicism in times of real adversity has stayed with me for years after and whose

positive outlook on life – despite facing their own personal battles and conflicts – has ceaselessly inspired and motivated their peers to follow suit.

There’s no denying that the teenage world is a complex one: full of unpredictability, raging hormones and Tik Tok! But we need to look at the wider context to further our understanding and boost our capacity for compassion. NHS data revealed in January reflects the worrying rise of serious mental health problems in children. Generation Z (and the emerging Generation Alpha) are living in the aftermath of a global pandemic, with many feeling the impact

of a cost-of-living crisis and witnessing an increase of inevitable pressure in the family home. It’s of little surprise that this cumulative effect has seen a surge in mental health cases in recent years but what is truly shocking is the lack of resources, funding and mental health practitioners to effectively manage the escalating cases among our under-18s, who are in desperate need of some intervention.

Based on figures from March 2023, the British Medical Association states that “demand for mental health services is outpacing the resources afforded to them”. Somebody I personally know is currently suffering the

detrimental consequences of this: referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) an incredible two-and-a-half years ago for suspected PTSD, they have now been informed there will be a further 12-month wait until the system has space to provide the necessary intervention.

Treatment

They were nine years old when first referred, but will be closer to 13 when they finally receive the treatment needed. What are these young people – and their fraught caregivers – supposed to do in the meantime?

In my counselling practice, I have worked with many teens (and many anxious parents) who are struggling under the mounting, unavoidable pressures in a society that continually tells our young people to do better and be better. The transition from childhood to adulthood is crucially important, but being a teenager in our current climate is demanding, daunting and often incredibly tough. The online freedom they are exposed to is too much, the expectations laid upon them are too much, and the pressure they face under current exam legislation is too much. Not to mention the intrinsic need to belong, be independent, and form a thriving future full of career success and healthy relationships.

All our young people are trying to do is negotiate their way through an adult world to reach their next milestones as unscathed as possible. They need our reassurance, compassion and patience now more than ever.

‘There’s no denying the teenage world is a complex one’

KATIE GREAVES

CONFIDENCE: Pupils at The Mead School

Picture: Shutterstock

Life &Times

The top tapas in town Mediterranean flavours at Soprano… P30

A truly scrumptious musical…

Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of the legendary musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at the Assembly Hall from May 31 to June 3. Eileen Leahy met director Chris Howland and some of the cast members to find out all about it…

Everyone’s favourite flying car will be taking centre stage at the Assembly Hall at the end of the month as the town’s favourite theatre troupe, Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society (TWODS) puts on its production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!

Showing just in time for half term, the performances promise to be nothing short of spectacular given the number of special effects and sensational sets TWODS has in store.

“This will be TWODS’ most lavish production to date and audiences will be treated to the spectacle of the famous car flying live on stage,” enthuses the show’s director Chris Howland. So why did this talented amateur dramatics team decide to stage this legendary musical, which is based on a book by James Bond creator Ian Fleming with a screenplay by children’s author Roald Dahl?

“The chance arose to put on the production and we felt that it was too good an opportunity

to not do it,” explains Chris.

“It is an iconic movie that’s dear to most people and the stage production is very close to the film.”

Original

As an aside, Chris tells me that the 1968 film, which starred Lionel Jeffries, Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes, actually bares very little resemblance to the original book.

“In Fleming’s story, the Pott family lived in Maidstone and took Chitty for its first spin down the A20!” smiles Chris.

“I hope the older people in our audiences will remember their childhood watching this family film from years gone by, and as a result will experience a newfound love of this amazing musical.

“Seeing it live will be a very enjoyable experience as it is very faithful to the film, with a few extra songs thrown in. For the younger

members of the audience, I hope they will enjoy seeing this fantastic musical for the first time. There is a car on stage that turns, floats and flies! It truly is a wonderful spectacle!”

Given the impressive stage sets and special effects have there been any challenges in putting this show on?

“Let’s say there have been a few. The actor playing Potts has to operate the car – with very few rehearsals! And we have two sets of children playing the brother and sister characters so that means we have to rehearse everything twice which takes a little longer –and a lot of patience.”

Just like the classic seventies film, the TWODS shows will feature all the Sherman & Sherman sing-along favourites, including ‘Truly Scrumptious’, ‘Toot Sweets’, ‘Hushabye Mountain’, ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’ and the Oscarnominated title song ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’. Tim Taylor is the most recent TWODS recruit and he tells the Times that he is very excited to be part of the cast.

Performance

“This is my first ever show, and I’ve especially loved seeing how the whole performance comes together. Learning the songs, then the choreography, combining the two and then figuring out where it all fits together with the dialogue. That’s before I mention props, costumes, make-up and – of course – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang itself!

“The whole experience has been one of the best in my life, and I’ve been lucky enough to

‘I have no doubt that seeing Chitty fly for the first time will be the ultimate highlight’

HE’S BEHIND YOU: The cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

share it with a group of incredibly talented, kind and fun people.”

Lee Beaney, who plays the show’s infamous Child Catcher adds: “There are many things in this production I’m enjoying. There are the dance numbers which have been choreographed to within an inch of their lives, and which are sure to look stunning during show week. But I have to also point out the amount of fun and laughter we’ve all had during rehearsals.

“That kind of experience as an ensemble bonds you forever.”

Reactions

“I have to admit that having the chance to play a baddie like the Child Catcher is so much fun – especially when seeing the reactions on people’s faces!”

Chloe Randall, who is part of the overall Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ensemble, agrees that it is a terrific experience.

“Being in this show is amazing as it is a dream to have the opportunity to dance to classics like ‘Me Ol’ Bamboo’ or ‘Toot Sweets’, while also singing some amazing songs. It is also great to work with such talented kids and I have no doubt that seeing Chitty fly for the first time will be the ultimate highlight.”

TICKET INFO:

TWODS will be performing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at The Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells this coming half term (from Wednesday May 31 to Saturday June 3), with performance times of 1pm and 6pm, especially designed to make this accessible to young families.

Tickets are priced from £19 are selling fast, so early booking is strongly advised. For more information about the show visit: twods.org

Bucket collections will take place after each performance to raise funds for the Tunbridge Wells branch of Sands, a national charity which supports all those affected by the loss of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.

TAKE A SELFIE WITH CHITTY IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

The full-size replica classic car will be at Calverley Grounds from 12.30 to 4pm on Saturday May 20 for a meet and greet with the public. Members of the cast will be giving away balloons and selling sweet treats from the Truly Scrumptious Tuck Shop.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will pay a flying visit to Tunbridge Wells ahead of its run at The Assembly Hall Theatre this coming half term.

In his fortnightly guide, Times Music Editor Paul Dunton brings us his gig highlights, including Arrested Development, Sleeper and Talvin Singh

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE, THE PANTILES

All event information and tickets available at thegreylady.co.uk

21/05 Soul Kitchen Sunday Special (1pm till late)

26/05 Fiesta Latina Night

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk

18/05 Pale Blue Eyes + Winter Gardens + Red Coast

19/05 Zap Euphoria – EP release show – Zap Euphoria + Animal Sh*thouse + Isaac Holman

guidegig May 17 to May 31

27/05 Russ Kearton Trio

28/05 Ian Ingles

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES, THE PANTILES BANDSTAND

A reservation is required (entrance £5pp).

Participating restaurants:

The Tunbridge Wells Hotel: 01892

530501

The Kirthon: 07592 271151

La Casa Vecchia: 01892 544700

18/05 Simon Spillett Quartet

25/05 Sue Rivers Quartet

7pm – Isabella Coulstock, 6.10pm –Harry Whitty & Friends, 5.20pm –Steve Hewitt, 4.40pm - Charlie White, 4pm – Elias Kopp, 3.20pm – David Mumford, 2.45pm - Ben Parkhurst, 2pm – act tbc

28/05 8pm The Breretons (headline), 7pm – Essie West Trio, 6.10pm –Summit of The Big Low , 5.25pm –Alex Beharrell, 4.45pm –Jez Harley, 4pm – Hannah Richards, 3.20pm – Ben Hills, 2.45pm – Ryan Weeks, 2pm – Leo & Tingley

20/05 Boogie Nights presents: A History of House Music

21/05 freekind. + heidi haswell

22/05 Talvin Singh

25/05 Sleeper + Currls

26/05 UNFEST presents Naima Bock

27/05 UNFEST Festival (1pm till late)

28/05 UNFEST Festival (1pm till late)

29/05 UNFEST Festival (1pm till 5pm)

29/05 Arrested Development (evening show)

30/05 The Stable: BABY + Crushed By Pimps + Rory Sturgeon + Strangeways

THE FORUM BASEMENT, THE SUSSEX ARMS

All event information and tickets available at www.twforum.co.uk

20/05 Unfunfair + Lunch

If you are a venue local to Tunbridge Wells that hosts regular live music or even if it’s a one-off event, concert or festival, contact Paul at least six weeks in advance of your event date with the following details:

• Name and address of venue

• Date and time of event

SQUERRYES WINERY RESTAURANT, WESTERHAM

Dining and live jazz music experience, booking advised via 01959 562345 or squerryes.co.uk

Live music from 7.30pm

19/05 Laura Lawton

26/05 Gianna Duo

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, CRESCENT ROAD

All event information and tickets available from assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

19/05 Counterfeit Stones

20/05 The Illegal Eagles

21/05 Sweet Caroline

27/05 Boyzlife

TRINITY THEATRE, CHURCH ROAD

All event information and tickets available from www.trinitytheatre.net

20/05 Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus

Male Choir

25/05 Martin Taylor Live in Concert

THE BOTTLE HOUSE INN, PENSHURST

Open all day, booking advised on 01892 870306 or online at www. thebottlehouseinnpenshurst.co.uk

26/05 The Managment Acoustic Duo (6pm)

TN1 BAR & KITCHEN, MONSON ROAD

Open all day. Live music usually from 8pm. Booking advised Via 01892 513900 or you can visit tn1barkitchen.co.uk

18/05 Julian Burdoch (7.30pm)

19/05 David Mumford & Mike Wilton (8.30pm)

20/05 Owen Donovan (8.30pm)

25/05 Guy Watson (7.30pm)

26/05 The Masqueraders Duo (8.30pm)

27/05 The Managment Acoustic Duo (8.30pm)

ST EDITH FOLK SESSIONS

All event information and tickets available at stedithfolk.co.uk/ what-s-on

25/05 Show of Hands + Michael Wood & Kirsty Merryn

THE BLUE ANCHOR, CROWBOROUGH

Open all day, free entry, 28/05 The Varlies (6.30pm)

• Name of event and name of act(s)

• Ticket link and/or website (please state if free entry)

• 1 x high resolution (300 dpi) landscape jpeg (performer only, no posters)

• Please state photo credit if required

paul@paulduntonandguests.com

THE ROYAL OAK PUB, PROSPECT ROAD

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

20/05 Live music from 8pm

26/05 The Harveys, The Hoolies, Move Over Dali

27/05 Supajam Fundraiser: 12-7pm Supajam Students, 7.30pm – Platform

4, 8.30pm – Supajam Band, 9.30pm The River Flows

28/05 The Americana Sessions

29/05 The Garden Sessions

THE BLACK HORSE PUB, CAMDEN ROAD

Open all day, music events – free entry (unless stated) music from 8pm. Live music every Friday night

20/05 Santino

27/05 Retro Hip Hop Night

28/05 Reggae Afternoon sessions (ticketed event)

TYBER’S REGGAE BAR, 9 NEVILL STREET

All event information and tickets available at www.tybersreggaebar. com/events

19/05 Selector Stix (ska and reggae DJ)

20/05 DJ Sarah

25/05 Tyber & Pete

26/05 DJ Scorcher

27/05 Live Band – 2B40

THE COMPASSES, 45 LITTLE MOUNT SION

Open all day, free entry.

25/05 Squeeze A Crowd

THE BEDFORD PUB, HIGH STREET

Open all day, free entry music from

8.30pm

12/05 The Sun Dogs

19/05 Twelve Sullivans

29/05 7pm Charlie Rivers Band (headline), 6pm – Steffan James Band, 5.20pm – The Ackerleys, 4.35pm – Mike Wilton, 3.50pm – Mark Morriss, 3pm – Cally Collective, 2pm – Paul Dunton Orchestra

EVEN FLOW CAFE, ST JOHN’S ROAD

All event information and tickets available at www.codatw.co.uk

25/05 Open Mic Night (7pm) Free entry

GEOGRAPHY WINE BAR, HIGH STREET

Open all day music from 3.30pm, free entry

21/05 Mike Wilton

28/05 Paul Crisp

THE GREEN DUCK EMPORIUM, GROSVENOR ROAD

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

26/05 Carradine’s Cockney Singalong!

SANKEYS RESTAURANT, THE OLD FISH MARKET, THE PANTILES

Open from midday onwards, live music from 7pm booking advised 01892 511422 or via www.sankeys.co.uk

18/05 Paul Malsom Duo

25/05 Jennifer Maslin & John Harriman

LOCAL & LIVE OUTDOOR STAGE AT THE SUSSEX MEWS

(Sussex Arms – Unfest Festival)

Family friendly, free entry live music from 2pm each day

27/05 8pm The Varlies (headline),

27/05 Disco Duck

THE GEORGE & DRAGON, LAMBERHURST

Open all day, ree entry, music from 8pm

17/05 Open Mic Jam Session

24/05 Open Mic Jam Session

CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE, CHIDDINGSTONE

All event information and tickets available at www.chiddingstonecastle. org.uk/whats-on/

28/05 Imagine The Beatles live at The Orangery

PAUL CRISP

LAURA LAWTON

ISABELLA COULSTOCK

STEVE HEWETT

Times Chief Reporter Victoria Roberts picks three new reads for the week

On this week’s bookshelf, Mat Osman’s fantasy set in Elizabethan London, another typically insightful (and hilarious) look at mental health from Ruby Wax and a lyrical, literary take on a post-pandemic society from Booker-nominated author Deborah Levy…

The Ghost Theatre by Mat Osman

Published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £16.99

Hauntingly beautiful, Mat Osman’s The Ghost Theatre is a unique blend of history and fantasy, set against the backdrop of Elizabethan London. The story follows Shay, a messenger girl and hawk trainer, who sees the future in the patterns of birds, and Nonesuch, the dark star of the city’s child theatre scene. Drawn together by their shared love of art, they create The Ghost Theatre, an underground troupe that performs fantastical plays in the city’s hidden corners. As their performances incite rebellion among the city’s outcasts, the pair’s relationship sparks and burns against a backdrop of the plague and London in flames.

Osman’s evocative prose brings Elizabethan London to life with vivid detail, seamlessly merging fact and fiction with fantastical brushstrokes, creating a world that is both familiar and completely new. Thrilling and thought-provoking, Osman’s unique creation will leave readers pondering its mysteries long after the final page.

Review by Scarlett Sangster

I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was by Ruby Wax

Published in hardback by Penguin Life, priced £18.99

There is no one as witty, inspiring and frank as Ruby Wax when it comes to mental health – this novel provides a brutally honest and thoughtful insight into Wax’s journey, including conversations with therapists and the highs and lows of fame. Despite being written by someone in the spotlight, the book is surprisingly relatable to anyone who has had mental health difficulties. Wax combines anecdotes about her time in a mental institution with her incredible celebrity adventures without it feeling disjointed. It feels as though Wax is now ready to start a new, more mindful chapter of her life, and the sense of closure in this novel is cathartic, encouraging readers to do the same. An open account of the benefits of therapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, can only benefit readers and is a firm reminder that everyone can struggle mentally, and you are not alone.

Review by Molly

Powell

August Blue by Deborah Levy

Published in hardback by Hamish Hamilton, priced £18.99

Elsa M. Anderson, a famous pianist who walked out of a concert in Vienna, witnesses a mysterious woman buying mechanical horses in a flea market. From this moment, Deborah Levy takes us on a journey of discovery and introspection, as Elsa attempts to discover the truth behind her identity. Set against a post-pandemic backdrop, where the world is struggling to emerge from years of suppression and control, Elsa is forced to brutally prise open the shell of her restricted and disciplined upbringing in order to set herself free. Through the fractured mirror of Elsa’s sense of self, she chases the woman through cities across the world, as she struggles to understand herself as an artist and a person. Levy’s lyrical, pitchperfect prose, where every word is weighted with significance, is an exploration of our reasons for living, the forces that drive us and the inner music that controls the rhythms of our dance through life and love.

Review by Hannah Colby

Tickets released for summer solstice at Bewl Water

THE longest day of the year – the summer solstice – takes place on Wednesday June 21, and southeast England’s largest reservoir, Bewl Water, has just announced they will be celebrating with evening activities running as late as 10pm.

Located on the Kent/Sussex border near Lamberhurst, just off the A21, Bewl Water is popular for healthy outdoor fun and boasts 800 acres of parkland and a large inland expanse of fresh water.

Activities

Here, families of all ages can enjoy scenic woodland walks, cycling and a range of activities like laser tag and paddleboarding, which are already getting booked up for the evening of June 21, which is also the official start of summer.

Operations Manager Kevin Parker said,

PADDLEBOARDING

“Activities will run as normal all day with the addition of late-night sessions allowing visitors to enjoy the sunset out on the reservoir”.

With something for everybody, visitors can book laser tag, soft play, fishing, paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and the Aqua Park, which returned to Bewl Water this month.

Boasting 3,000 square metres of inflatable fun, the Total Wipeout-style floating obstacle course features a range of water-based attractions including an XXL action tower, springboard, slide, hurdles, and much more.

Tickets cost £23 per person for 50 minutes and sessions for summer solstice will run from 11am-8pm. They can be bought online at bewlwater.co.uk alongside all other activities.

The ice cream parlour and the dog-friendly Waterfront Café will also be open until 10pm, allowing visitors to grab a bite to eat before watching the sunset.

Why York is a true northern star

Hannah Stephenson discovers the North Yorkshire city’s intoxicating blend of rich historical past and exciting present during a weekend break…

I’m lying under an arch of ochre bricks, the scent of rose and jojoba in the air, a therapist working expensive oils into my tired skin.

But that arch of bricks isn’t just an aesthetic addition to the treatment room in the stylish No.1 by GuestHouse, York, a boutique hotel 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre, housed within a Regency Grade II-listed townhouse. That cellar room used to be a World War Two air raid shelter in which the residents would take refuge during the bombings, and I’m told the brickwork is original.

Drifting off within the dimly-lit confines, soft music aiding my somnolent state, it’s hard to imagine those less-fortunate wartime occupants huddled together. But this inadvertent step back in time is an ideal way to begin a break with my daughter, Grace, to take in some history, while enjoying the modern draws of the city, namely food, drink, shopping and pampering.

The building dates back to 1829, but the dog-friendly hotel opened little more than a year

UK’s oldest railway towns.

Other quirky asides include in-room record players inviting guests to play their picks from its vinyl library. And we soon find the free help-yourself pantry, a must for midnight snacking, offering crisps, sweets, chocolate, soft drinks and ice-cream whenever you fancy them. A weekend isn’t long enough to see everything in York – so make a list of what you want to do before you come.

You can walk the old wall surrounding the city in about two hours, getting a bird’s-eye view of the historical buildings, and take in the majestic York Minster (yorkminster.org; adults £16) home to the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country.

Sculpture

Don’t miss the new sculpture of the late Queen on the outside of the cathedral, unveiled in November by King Charles. It’s also the subject of ‘Sculpting The Sovereign’, a new exhibition which goes behind the scenes on the making of the sculpture.

We admire the higgledy-piggledy ancient houses in The Shambles, arguably the best preserved medieval street in the world. Formerly dominated by butchers’ shops, it is now home to myriad quirky stores and is a gateway to a maze of streets housing hidden-away eateries, cake shops and hole-in-the-wall pubs.

ago, becoming the second in the GuestHouse boutique group (the first was No.15 by GuestHouse in Bath). Two more are planned: Margate opens in July and Brighton in early 2024.

With 38 rooms, the hotel is a fusion of old and new. Comfortable classic sofas intermingle with contemporary local art on the walls of the Marmalade Lounge (so named because of its orange/yellow colour scheme); the Rhubarb Bar, a nod to the rhubarb fields of West Yorkshire, has a modern cocktail list and a steam train running along the cornice and across the windows to honour York’s status as one of the

To make the most of our stay, we get a Visit York Pass, which allows entry to a number of attractions and saves money if you are visiting multiple museums and other paid-for sights (although you may have to pre-book some attractions).

Those who like an interactive experience might head for the JORVIK Viking Centre (jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk; adults £15) and jump on its famous ride to experience the sights, sounds and smells of Viking-age York, or walk through Kirkgate, a recreated Victorian street complete with olde worlde shopfronts, mock horse and carriage awaiting, at York Castle

‘A weekend isn’t long enough to see everything in York – so make a list of what you want to do before you come’

Picture: Alamy/PA

Photo

Museum (yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk; adults £13 online/£16 walk up) – the former county jail. Meanwhile, in celebration of the Coronation of the King, York Minster is currently staging an exhibition tracing the influence of the monarchy throughout the cathedral’s history (runs to October 1).

Modernity

Yet a trip to York, which claims to have more attractions per square mile than any other city in the UK, is as rich in modernity as it is in the past. We head to the new sixties exhibition in York Castle Museum, an avenue of retro heaven. Featuring images of Twiggy to a Lambretta scooter, Beatles singles and fashion by the late Mary Quant, it’s a nod to the experiences of people in the city, all with hippie dizzy orange and pink ‘flower-power’ signage above.

Yes, there are crowds at peak times, but York is a surprisingly walkable city, largely because so much of the centre is pedestrianised, so the clog of traffic doesn’t feel quite so prohibitive to the visitor.

Shopping is eclectic, tea rooms and cafés offering a plethora of mouthwatering pastries, and cakes are around every corner and there’s a sophisticated restaurant scene.

We happen upon Los Moros (losmorosyork. co.uk; small plates from £6), a cosy ‘Modern North African Kitchen’ eaterie in Grape Lane, where the Moroccan-style tiles in shades of mustard, charcoal blue, teal and terracotta creating a North African feel. Made with ingredients bought locally and cooked in-house on the day, our lunch is a feast of mouthwatering home-made hummus with

sprinklings of sumac, za’atar, rose harissa and piping hot crispy spinach and feta bourekas with Yorkshire honey.

Refreshed, we head for the shops, passing the queues for the ghost tours (York is reputedly the most haunted city in the world), browsing the tiny art galleries, independent boutiques, hand-crafted jewellery shops and botanical havens within the medieval and Georgian architecture of Stonegate and Swinegate.

Later, in need of an aperitif, we venture to York Gin’s tasting experience (yorkgin.com; tastings on Friday and Saturday evenings, £30pp) where, over a gin and tonic, naturally, a friendly guide takes us through the history of gin-making.

The cosy Tudor shop, a stone’s throw from The Shambles, is closed during the tastings as we discover more about the myths and legends of our favourite tipple.

Sampling five types in shades from clear to deep pink and blue, featuring notes of

SATURDAY 24TH JUNE

diners can enter through a separate outside door.

In the Georgian building, featuring natural textures and finishes to blend in with its heritage, we are told that local produce is key – the meat is from specialist Yorkshire farmers, the oysters come from Hartlepool, while Whitby crab and prawns are a regular on the menu.

Sampling a range of delicacies including beef tartare, a platter of fruits de mer followed by a showstopping côte de boeuf, fanned impressively, it feels like delicious local art on a plate. Even the rhubarb crumble soufflé dessert rises to the occasion.

History

On our last day, we walk off all that food on a brisk stroll to Clifford’s Tower (english-heritage. org.uk; adults from £7.70), the largest remaining building of York Castle, a stone fragment of history which sits atop a huge mound of grass. Climbing the 55 steps to get to the keep, then more stairs to a new walkway and a spiral staircase, we reach the new roof deck which offers a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the city.

From here, we can admire York Minster, the many churches, medieval buildings and old architecture from a different viewpoint, with signs to help us identify all the things we’ve seen at ground level.

But we can also see things we hadn’t previously noticed – the rivers Foss and Ouse which meet at York, churches, old streets and the university on a hill in the distance.

It’s a great way to reflect on the city’s past –and anticipate its exciting future.

How to plan your trip:

everything from Earl Grey and citrus to chocolate and orange, it’s a social, intimate setting as we mull over the flavours with other guests and discuss the importance of a good tonic.

Back at base, we’re dining at Pearly Cow (pearlycow.co.uk; mains from around £25), a new restaurant which opened in March and is attached to the hotel – although non-resident

Doubles at No.1 by GuestHouse, York start from £160 (two sharing), room only. Visit guesthousehotels.co.uk

A One Day York Pass, covering entry to numerous attractions including York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, York Castle Museum and Clifford’s Tower, costs £55. Visit yorkpass.com For information on York, go to visityork.org

‘York is a surprisingly walkable city, largely because so much of the centre is pedestrianised’

Pictures: Alamy/PA Photo

REGAL PRESENCE:

The sculpture of the late Queen at York Minster

Picture: Jacob King/PA Photo

A healthy vision for your eyes…

From diet to lifestyle changes, there are many simple things we can do to promote good eye health, says nutritional therapist Monica Price

Eye health is a very important part of our wellbeing, and having a regular eye examination with your optician is the best way to ensure your eyes are healthy. However, there are a variety of strategies we should be looking at.

Optometry practices provide more than 13million NHS sight tests across England per year. These tests not only identify if you need to wear glasses, but they also help to detect any early signs of eye disease, and the NHS recommends everyone should get their eyes tested at least every two years.

There are some simple things you can do to promote good eye health and that is to eat healthy foods, be active, wear UVA sunglasses

and take breaks from your computer screen. If you are a smoker then this can also increase your risk of eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma, however, certain foods have a vital role to play.

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that plays an important role in vision and the health of your immune system because it helps to protect the cornea (the surface of the eye). As an antioxidant, its function is to neutralise the

unstable substances in your body called ‘free radicals’, which can cause damage, especially to the membranes of the cells.

Vitamin A also helps the mucous membranes and skin become effective barriers to bacteria and viruses – therefore reducing the risk of dry eye and other eye infections. It also boosts the immune system to help ward off respiratory

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problems and other infectious diseases.

There are two types of vitamin A, depending on the type of food source it comes from.

Vitamin A from animal-derived foods is called retinol. This form of vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means the body can use it immediately or store it in the liver for future use. Retinol can easily be destroyed by light, high

cooking temperatures, and with ironor copper-based cooking utensils.

Vitamin A from colourful fruits and vegetables are called beta-carotene or ‘provitamin A’, which can be converted to retinol by the body after the food is eaten.

These compounds are water-soluble so are easily eliminated from the body. Beta-carotene is an orange pigment commonly found in fruits and vegetables that belongs to a class of compounds called carotenoids.

Dietary

Among the carotenoids, beta-carotene is the primary dietary source of pro-vitamin A, making carrots and sweet potatoes the most common source.

Which foods contain Vitamin A?

Foods containing a good source of retinol vitamin A are beef and chicken liver, liver sausage, lamb kidneys, butter, whole milk, cheddar cheese, fortified margarine, single cream, oily fish (such as herring) and taramasalata.

Foods containing a good source of provitamin A carotenoids include carrots, carrot juice, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, kale, broccoli, cantaloupe melon, apricots, bananas, cherries, mangoes, oranges, papayas, peaches, pineapple and raspberries.

Monica Price is a qualified nutritional therapist, writer and broadcaster. She is a go-to expert for health and wellbeing on national TV and radio stations across the UK. For more details, visit: monica-price.co.uk

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence

Matthew Dyer Trading as: Book Scaffolding Ltd

2 New Barns Cottages, Lucks Lane, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PB

IS APPLYING FOR A LICENCE TO USE

Witches Barn, Willow Lane Paddock Wood, TN12 6PE

AS AN OPERATING CENTRE FOR 2 GOODS VEHICLES AND 0 TRAILERS

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.

A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioners office.

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that plays an important role in vision and the health of your immune system because it helps to protect the cornea

Picture: Shutterstock

Viva España!

With the cost-of-living crisis, ongoing war in Ukraine and a turbulent political landscape to endure, we need all the escapism we can get right now.

And I’m pleased to report that as soon as you set foot over the welcoming threshold of Soprano on Tunbridge Wells High Street you’ve got it – in spades.

We visited one early spring evening when the rainfall was high and our mood was low after a busy, frustrating week. But as soon as the door was pushed open into this now legendary Tunbridge Wells tapas establishment, we could have easily been in a bustling joint in Barcelona, such was the buzzy, friendly and intoxicating atmosphere.

Magical

Specialising in authentic, tasty tapas there’s also a little magical Mediterranean twist on the menu too which reflects owner Ivan Di Santo’s Italian heritage – he hails from the Calabria region of the country, the southernmost extremity of mainland Italy.

Since it launched in 2006, Soprano is now a reliable – and firm favourite – fixture on the circuit for the discerning diners of Tunbridge Wells and beyond. And just in case you’re new around here, his brother Maurizio runs the incredible French-inspired restaurant Coco Retro just down the road. It’s fair to say that the Di Santo brothers certainly offer a wonderful European epicurean experience here in Tunbridge Wells.

As you’d imagine with a place that styles itself as a ‘tapas bar’ the food on offer at Soprano is

predominantly Iberian-inspired – think classic Spanish picky fare such as pan con tomate (£4.95) and padron pimento (£7.95), as well as heartier authentic offerings like paella del mar (£16.50) and croquette de jamon (£9.50).

But in addition to a little Italian twist here and there, with a few other culinary styles thrown into the mix – a smart move as a decent tranche of the menu will therefore appeal to all tastes. The barriga de cedro (£8.95) – pork belly marinated in lime, pineapple and mixed herbs, for example sits very nicely alongside the more typical Spanish offerings.

Another big draw with Soprano is its incredible cocktail menu. On arrival you can choose to take a seat at the cosy bar while you await your table. And if you do then lucky you, as it’s a great vantage point for seeing Soprano’s incredibly talented team of mixologists do their thing: shaking, mixing and making show-stopping Mojitos, Route 66s or the house Soprano special cocktails.

But back to the food. All the dishes, big and small, boast the finest ingredients and are beautifully presented no matter what you choose. Small plates, sharing boards or

Ivan Di Santo and his team at Soprano have created the perfect mix of fantastic food, amazing ambience and a cocktail list that’s one of the best in town. Eileen Leahy went along to sample a taste of the terrific tapas that this legendary Tunbridge Wells establishment offers its diners…

All the dishes at Soprano boast the finest ingredients and are beautifully presented whether you choose small plates, sharing boards or indulgent dishes

indulgent dishes for one; each creation looks and tastes delicious. And each time I’ve visited, it’s fair to say the electric ambience enhances each bite even further.

On this particular visit, my husband and I dined at a small table tucked away in the corner which was perfect for an intimate meal. Yet all around us were bigger tables of four, six and more, all clearly having an absolute ball!

So whether you’re looking for an intimate diner à deux or a cracking night out with friends, then

Soprano can certainly deliver on every level. As well as delicious food, a superb drinks list (which includes an expertly-curated wine list) this special place has that added touch of alchemy that no amount of money or considered décor can buy: an absolutely brilliant atmosphere. It’s fair to say that if you’re looking for a party or special get-together then you’ve come to the right place…

www.sopranotunbridgewells.co.uk

@sopranotapaswinebar

HOUSE CALLS DURING MAY IN YOUR AREA

Crack open one of these delicious tasting lagers to toast the arrival of summer…

In his regular column, Alex Greig of the Fuggles bars and bottle shop celebrates the start of ‘lager season’ and reveals a few of his favourite beers for summertime drinking

We’ve been waiting a while but the good news is summer is almost here. That means it’s time to dust off the barbeque relax in the sun and soak up some rays. Sunny days for me are known as ‘lager days’, as nothing quite beats the pleasure of drinking something cold and crisp. Traditionally, the best lagers have come out of Europe – particularly Germany, Austria and Czechia. But with the current boom in craft brewing in the UK, we’ve also got some fantastic homegrown lager breweries now producing a lovely array of styles. The depth of flavour is more than you might expect too…

Styles

The two most popular current styles are ‘Helles’, which boasts a slightly sweet taste and bready notes with a hint of honey. The second is ‘Pilsner’, which is a little more herbal on the aroma, with a bit more bite and robustness to it. It often comes laced with subtle citrus and grassy notes, too. Then of course there are keller beers (which are usually nonpasteurised or clarified), strong ‘Bock’ varieties, pale ambers, shandy-style radlers

and so much more. You see… there’s a lot more to lager than meets the eye!

Arguably one of the best examples of the Helles style, and definitely one of our favourites at Fuggles, is Augustiner Helles. This is a Munich institution, as it’s one of the oldest independent breweries in the city.

Easy-going and really smooth, it’s superbly well-balanced and drinkable. And it’s got all the things I love about a Helles lager: it’s lightly hoppy, but has some of that subtle honey coming through to round it all off. For something with a little more bite to it, the slightly stronger ‘Edelstoff’ from Augustiner is everything the Helles is with a bit more ‘oomph’.

Another classic is brewed by Rothaus, and their Pilsner is another must-have for us. Made in the Black Forest mountain region of Germany, it’s a wonderfully clean yet flavoursome lager. Brewed with Tettnang and Hallertau hops, which give it a wonderful aroma, this beer has plenty of body and a subtle bitterness that will send you back in for another sip!

Here in the UK we’ve seen plenty

of great breweries setting up production to solely focus on lager styles. Two of my favourites are regularly featured at Fuggles and they are Utopian and Lost and Grounded.

Utopian is a short distance from Exeter. The team there are working hard on their eco-credentials and this year will see various investments designed to make them more sustainable. This includes capturing the CO2 from the brewing process to use around the brewery for packaging and waste water treatment too. With head brewer Jeremy Swainson they have become one of the UK’s best lager breweries in a very short space of time, so much so that we’re happy to have their beer on permanently at both our pubs. They also focus solely on using UK-grown malt and hops and love to recreate a historical recipe or two. Their latest release, Bohemian Lager, is a tribute to the classic Pilsner styles of Bohemia. At 4.2% it is easy drinking without tasting ‘thin’ and excellent refreshment, with a lovely citrus note on the finish.

Lost & Grounded in Bristol are another outstanding lager brewer who incidentally have just won Gold at the World Beer Cup for their Keller Pils. Keller beers are

unfiltered, the term translating as ‘cellar beer’ – quite simply meaning that the beer is stored (or ‘lagered’) for a period of time and without filtration they tend to have a fuller, more rounded flavour to them. Light and bready, this has a big mouth feel thanks to the yeast not being filtered out and with a great hop character coming through on the finish.

Finally, if you’re after something alcohol-free then another Bristol brewery has produced one of the best alcohol-free lagers going. Wiper & True’s ‘Tomorrow’ is brewed as a German Helles lager, with the alcohol then removed which helps to preserve the flavours of this great-tasting lager. It’s got all the clean, crisp and bready notes you’d want from the style but none of the booze!

‘Sunny days for me are known as “lager days”, as nothing quite beats the pleasure of drinking something cold and crisp’

Augustiner Helles Rothaus Pils

(L to R) Utopian, Lost & Grounded and Tomorrow

What to watch on big screen this week

Times Editor Michelle Wood explores the best movie options at cinemas now...

LOVE AGAIN

Directed by Jim Strouse, starring Sam Heughan, Celia Imrie, Omid Djalili, Celine Dion, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Russell Tovey

What if a random text message led to the love of your life?

In this romantic comedy, Mira Ray is dealing with the loss of her fiancé.

As part of her grieving process, she sends a series of romantic texts to his old mobile

number, not realising that the number has been reassigned to Rob Burns’s new work phone.

As a journalist, Rob is captivated by the honesty in the beautifully confessional texts.

When he’s assigned to write a profile on megastar Celine Dion (who plays herself in her first film role), he enlists her help to figure out how to meet Mira in person… and win her heart.

AIR

Directed by Ben Affleck, starring CChris Tucker, Jason Bateman, Julius Tennon, Jay Mohr, Gustaf Skarsgård, Matthew Maher, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Marlon Wayans and Viola Davis

From director Affleck, Air explores the game-changing partnership between a thenrookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division, which revolutionised the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand.

This moving story follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knew the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenomenon who would become the greatest baller of all time.

VERMEER: THE GREATEST EXHIBITION

Directed by David Bickerstaff

In the spring of 2023, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam opened its doors to the largest Vermeer exhibition in history. With loans from across the world, this major retrospective brings

brings

All films are currently showing at the Odeon

together Vermeer’s most famous masterpieces, including Girl with a Pearl Earring This new film invites audiences to a private view of the exhibition.

Cinema, Tunbridge Wells.

AIRHEADS: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck

Give the gift of learning the violin

The violin, with its elegant beauty and enchanting melodies, has captured the hearts of music enthusiasts for centuries. Whether you’re a child, a teenager, or an adult, the violin can be a source of great joy, personal growth, and creative expression.

Benefits that extend beyond music

Playing the violin can improve cognitive skills, including concentration, memory, and problemsolving abilities. It also encourages discipline, patience, and perseverance, while navigating the intricacies of technique and musicality. The instrument also requires a good level of dexterity and therefore enhances fine motor skills, coordination, and posture, resulting in improved physical awareness and control.

A powerful tool for personal development

Starting to learn at a young age can allow a child to develop a solid foundation of technique and musical understanding.

“Children’s natural ability to absorb new skills and their boundless curiosity create an ideal environment for learning,” explains Bloss. “They can also benefit from the social aspects of playing in youth orchestras or participating in group lessons, fostering teamwork, and building friendships.”

While adults may face unique challenges, such as limited time, work responsibilities and competing priorities, their maturity and life experiences can provide advantages. Adults often approach learning with a deeper appreciation for the music and a greater sense of purpose. They are able to discipline and focus

themselves to practise in a deliberate and efficient manner, accelerating their progress.

“I started learning to play the violin as a child but didn’t progress further than Grade 2 at the

time. I rekindled my passion for playing 38 years later and love it even more than I did back then,” Bloss recalls.

As with playing any instrument, the violin offers a creative outlet and a means of selfexpression, providing a fulfilling escape from the demands of daily life.

How do you learn to play?

Finding a qualified teacher who understands the unique needs and learning styles of the student to provide tailored guidance and support is really important.

“At Brittens Music we also run our own music school offering a variety of different music lessons including the violin. I retook my Grade 2 exam here last year!” adds Bloss. Age should never be a barrier to pursuing the art of playing the violin – or any instrument for that matter.

If you feel inspired and want to investigate the possibility of learning to play any instrument, speak to the team at Brittens Music, attend their next instrument try-out day, or visit: brittensmusic.co.uk for more information on instrument rentals and music lessons.

FINE ART, ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS AUCTION - Tuesday 23 May | 4pm

FREE

We are delighted to be offering free home visits where a valuer can visit your home to assess your valuables.

Covering Kent, Sussex & surrounding areas For enquiries contact Robin Fletcher: 07876 457481 rfletcher@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

‘Children’s natural ability to absorb new skills and their boundless curiosity create an ideal environment for learning’

YOUNG STRINGS: Nila Motley explores the violin BLOSS SPINK

The violin is a timeless instrument. Bloss Spink, Sales Consultant at Brittens Music, tells the Times about the benefits of learning to play the violin at any age…

Style synonymous with luxury

If you desire a little Chanel,

miss our jewellery counter, says Rudolph Hamilton of Tunbridge Wells institution Pushkin Antiques…

with her innovative designs, quickly made Chanel jewellery a symbol of luxury and glamour. Today, Chanel continues to produce exquisite jewellery collections that are highly coveted by collectors and fashion enthusiasts around the world. The brand’s jewellery pieces are crafted with the same attention to detail, quality and style that have made the Chanel name synonymous with luxury and elegance.

In a relatively short time, Pushkin Antiques established itself as the antique and luxury goods retailer of Tunbridge Wells and is proud to announce the latest addition to its gallery – a counter filled with exclusive Chanel costume jewellery.

This addition to the gallery has been an instant hit and we’ve seen a huge demand for costume jewellery from our clients, because you can own a unique piece of fashion history, make a big statement, and it won’t break the bank.

Exquisite

If you are not yet familiar with this brand, Chanel, the French luxury fashion house, has been producing exquisite jewellery for a century. The brand’s jewellery is known for its sophistication, elegance, and timeless design, which has made it a favourite among the

world’s most fashionable women.

Chanel’s founder, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, was known for her bold, innovative designs that challenged the conventional notions of women’s

fashion. In the 1920s, she launched her first jewellery collection, which featured a mix of real and costume jewellery. Her use of materials, such as pearls, gold, and diamonds, coupled

The addition of a luxury jewellery counter at the Tunbridge Wells showroom is a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing its customers with the absolute best.

We will offer a range of stunning pieces, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Each piece is crafted with the highest quality materials and features the iconic Chanel logo, making them a must-have for any fashion-forward individual.

If you are in the market for luxury jewellery that will stand the test of time, be sure to visit Pushkin Antiques’ Tunbridge Wells showroom and check out the jewellery counter. With its unparalleled reputation for quality and style, Chanel is sure to deliver the perfect piece for any occasion.

Clockwise from left: Gentleman’s 18ct gold Rolex watch – £4,600 + fees. Mid 19th century ‘Grecian’ concert harp – £950 + fees. Robert Kelsey, ‘Sunny beach - Iona’ – £1,900 + fees. Gold and diamond set drop pendant – £4,000 + fees. Henry Weekes, Victorian white marble bust – £1,500 + fees.

‘Today, Chanel continues to produce exquisite jewellery collections that are highly coveted by collectors and fashion enthusiasts’

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TIMELESS ELEGANCE:

A Chanel piece from the Pushkin gallery

RUDOLPH HAMILTON

Motoring News

Pricing for new Abarth 500e announced

ABARTH has revealed that its new electric 500e model is available to order with prices starting from £34,195.

Though initially launched in a limited-edition ‘Scorpionissima’ trim level, the electric 500e is now available to order in more ‘regular’ trim levels ahead of deliveries commencing this summer.

Lightning

All versions get 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, alongside rear diffuser inserts and matt-grey mirror caps. The Abarth lettering is also finished in a titanium shade alongside a new Scorpion logo, which integrates a lightning bolt design to reflect the car’s battery-powered nature.

Inside is a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a seven-inch TFT driving display with Abarth-

specific graphics. Plus, all models come with a standard JBL premium sound system and the new ‘Abarth Sound Generator’, which uses exteriormounted speakers to create an exhaust-like noise.

With a 42kWh battery, the 500e can return up to 164 miles of range, while Abarth states that in many situations the electric model is quicker than its petrol-powered stablemate. Thanks to rapid charging, the 500e can also be taken from 0-80 per cent in 35 minutes.

Alongside the regular hardtop 500e is the soft-top 500e Cabrio, which is priced from £37,195. A higher-spec Turismo version is also available and brings additional equipment such as heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging capability and a rear-view camera with 360-degree sensors. Hard-top versions get a fixed glass roof, too, though cabrio versions remain available.

This week…

Abarth 500e ready to order n Electric retrofit for old Minis n Peugeot 2008 gets refresh n

A British electric vehicle technology company has created a new kit that can easily convert a classic Mini into a fully-electric model. Costing from £15,000 plus VAT, the kit – which has been created by Oxfordshire-based Electrogenic – is a ‘plug and play’ way of converting the iconic classic into an EV. The same kit has already been developed by the company for classics like the Land Rover Defender and Jaguar E-Type, but this is the first time that it has been offered for a Mini.

Steve Drummond, co-founder of Electrogenic, said: “We’re delighted to reveal our gamechanging ‘drop-in’ classic Mini EV conversion kit to the world. It delivers Electrogenic’s exhaustively developed, sector-leading EV conversion technology in our most accessible package yet.

“We’ve converted a number of beautiful Minis over the years to electric drive, and have seen significant demand for a solution that’s both easy to fit and budget-friendly. Our new drop-in

Peugeot updates 2008 SUV with fresh new design and upgraded technology

PEUGEOT has redesigned its 2008 SUV, bringing in a new exterior look and upgraded in-car systems.

The 2008 has been a popular car for Peugeot, with close to 700,000 units being produced since its launch at the end of 2019. Peugeot states that a lot of the car’s success is down to the e-2008, which accounted for 17.4 per cent of European sales during 2022.

Inserts

Now, Peugeot has updated the 2008 with a range of enhancements ahead of its on-sale date later this summer.

The exterior has a new, wider front end, which incorporates Peugeot’s new logo, while a ‘light signature’ first used on the 508 is integrated. It features Peugeot’s three-claw design set into gloss black inserts on the bumper. Around the back, the rear lights have been sharpened too.

Inside, there’s a new design for

the 10-inch digital instrument cluster which makes up the 2008’s i-Cockpit setup, while all versions now come with a 10-inch infotainment screen as standard. Many versions get wireless smartphone mirroring through the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, too.

Peugeot says that a range of powertrains will be available for the 2008 – including a hybrid version from 2024 – while the electric e-2008 gains a larger 54kWh battery, enabling a range of up to 252 miles – an increase on the 214 miles offered by its predecessor.

Rapid charging capability means that the e-2008 can be charged from zero to 80 per cent in 30 minutes, while charging up via a normal 7.4kW home charger will take seven hours and 30 minutes.

Peugeot is expected to announce full pricing for the 2008 and e-2008 over the coming weeks.

kit meets those requirements perfectly; it’s cost-effective and simple to install, yet still delivers superb electric performance, thanks to our latest-generation EV powertrain tech.”

Heritage

The whole kit comes pre-assembled on a replacement heritage front subframe which directly replaces the old subframe and its petrol engine. The 60bhp water-cooled electric motor is linked to a 20kWh battery, which provides an 80-mile range around town, according to Electrogenic. The charging port can be accessed via the car’s front grille.

Electrogenic says that the installation can be done by any qualified mechanic, with the pre-tested kit simply requiring the technician to bolt in the new subframe assembly and wire in the throttle and dashboard. It’s also fully reversible, in case owners want to convert their vehicles back to petrol power.

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New ‘plug and play’ equipment introduces simple electric conversion to classic Mini