Times of Tunbridge Wells April 19 2023

Friday

Town traffic ban leads to fines of more than £200k in 30 days

By Lilly Croucher

FINES issued by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) to motorists travelling along the restricted bus lane on Mount Pleasant Road have totalled £210,000 in just 25 days. Despite this massive tally, confusion still reigns among drivers over the exact nature of the restrictions.

Three thousand Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) of £70 each were issued to drivers who used the stretch of road in front of the war memorial between March 20 and April 13.

The PCNs follow 11,000 warning letters that were issued by TWBC to vehicles contravening the restrictions between February 20 and March 20.

The traffic ban is part of a joint scheme by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

(TWBC) and Kent County Council (KCC) in which drivers are fined for using the bus lane between 9am and 6pm. Buses, taxis, and goods delivery vehicles are exempt from the ban.

Confusing signs covered in

When asked what the Borough Council will do with the money collected by the fines, TWBC told the Times: “Any surplus is ringfenced for transport-related projects.”

Walking and Cycling Champion Cllr Peter Lidstone (Lib Dem) told the Times:

“The execution of the scheme has been poor. The pedestrian crossing at Monson Road is wider and less safe than before.

“There is still a significant volume of traffic on Mount Pleasant Road, and the space does not feel like a ‘public realm’.

“There has also been a lot of confusion around the signage and enforcement.”

Confusing signs covered in duct tape and held up with zip ties have been criticised online.

The large sign on York Road approaching Mount Pleasant Road has been partially obscured with grey tape, leaving drivers baffled as to which direction they are allowed to drive.

On Twitter, Cllr Nicholas Pope posted a picture of the taped-up sign and commented: “I am not impressed with

Continued on page 3

Doctor shortages cut deep

interview style, in conversation with the Times P6

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By Lilly Croucher & Victoria Roberts

THE nationwide problem of doctor shortages and the social care crisis is being felt close to home, as patients in Tunbridge Wells have been struggling to get necessary medical attention and make doctor’s appointments with their GP surgeries. Some residents in Tunbridge Wells have reported waiting weeks for appointments.

A patient who is under the care of Kingswood Surgery, in Kingswood Road, was given a three-week wait for a telephone consultation with a completely new doctor after being discharged from the hospital earlier that week.

Urgent

Mrs Rosslyn Bristow-Bovey, 82, suffers from lung disease. After spending a week in hospital suffering heart and lung complications, she was released on the first day of the junior doctors’ strikes. She was informed that she would need to book an urgent appointment with her GP within three days to check her vital signs. However, when she phoned her surgery to make an appointment, she was offered a phone appointment with a doctor she didn’t know –three weeks later.

She told the Times “The hospital told me that my vitals, my heart, lungs, and blood pressure, would need to be reassessed in 72 hours, but when I called the GP, I was told that a doctor would call me on the telephone in three weeks’ time.

“It’s just crazy. I was so taken aback. You can’t do an assessment over the phone, what good is that?

“I was also told that I would be seen by a new doctor because my doctor left, and they have changed all the patients around,” Ms Bristow-

A LOCAL SOLUTION?

A MEDICAL school established in September 2020 to address shortfalls in the southeast of England, has already placed trainees in roles in the community.

Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) is a collaboration between Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent, with support and quality assurance provided by Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

The first cohort of students spent its first two years doing placements within Primary Care Networks at GP surgeries and community health providers across the region.

After entering year 3 last autumn, they began hospital placements at hospital trusts around the region, including the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, which runs Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone hospitals.

A RECENT report by AgeUK, ‘Fixing the Foundations’, stressed the impact that older people’s unmet needs has on both older people and on everyone using the NHS.

It quoted statistics from NHS Digital showing that half (49 per cent of all the people arriving in A&E by ambulance are over 65 and a third (36 per cent) of all the people arriving in A&E by ambulance are over 75.

Meanwhile, said the report, lack of coordination between agencies – GPs, community providers and social providers also “creates barriers”, especially if someone has more than one condition.

Bovey explained.

“It made me feel uneasy because I want to speak to someone who knows my condition, but I just feel like I’ve been blown aside.”

The Kingswood Surgery currently has a ‘Good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), as do all the surgeries in Tunbridge Wells.

However, Mrs Bristow-Bovey is not alone, as GP practices across the country are feeling the

It quoted a GP, explaining: “It’s great if you happen to be ‘lucky enough’ to have just diabetes, or just cancer, or just heart disease, or just epilepsy.

The ‘personal care’ elements of the retirement village group complex, to be built at the former ABC Cinema site in central Tunbridge Wells, would seem to be a response to concerns about social care.

According to documents filed as part of the planning process, the ‘personal care’ elements of the services include preparation of food and assistance with personal hygiene, as well as help with organising prescriptions and taking of medication.

While the numbers of patients being seen shows a slow improvement, surgeries are having to take action to protect their current patients by closing to, or limiting new patients.

Lonsdale Medical Centre in Clanricarde Gardens, announced an ‘informal list closure’ as of March 15. This means they will only be accepting new registrations from children and family members of existing patients.

Rusthall Medical Centre said that it is “not currently registering new patients until further notice”, and the Crane Surgery, in Cranbrook, said it was now “open but full, which means that we are not currently registering new patients”.

Paddock Wood-based Woodlands Health Centre has announced limitations to new patients, citing “difficulties recruiting an adequate number of doctors”.

pressure to meet patient demand as more people need care and doctors continue to leave the profession.

In February 2023, the NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board reported that of the 865,149 appointments made that month, 41.6 per cent were seen the same day.

This is an improvement from October 2022, when a record 1,036,644 appointments were made, and just 36.7 per cent of patients were seen the same day.

A spokesperson for NHS Kent and Medway said: “All GP practices across Kent and Medway are working harder than ever to support patients in the best possible way, and, having never been busier, offered more than 10 million appointments last year.

“Patients are given appointments based on their clinical need and these are made with the most appropriate clinician, including nurse, GP or physiotherapist.

“There continues to be huge demand on the NHS since the pandemic and we are working hard to make sure we provide the best care for all patients.”

Shrinking

Doctor numbers in the NHS have been shrinking over the last eight years, with 2,087 fewer GPs than in 2015.

According to the British Medical Association (BMA), as of February 2023, there were 36,511 individual fully-qualified GPs working in the NHS in England, with 27,277 of those in full-time equivalent (FTE) 37.5 hours a week.

Also impacting surgeries is the need for improved social care as the country’s population continues to age.

A recent report by AgeUK said: “When care is rationed for older people, those pressures will ultimately bear down on the NHS, and particularly our hospitals as we have seen this [past] winter.

“This is therefore a terrible false economy in the charity’s view, reflecting how thresholds for support have risen as a result of Council budget shortfalls.”

Kingswood Surgery and the NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board were both approached for comment.

GP practices across the country are feeling the pressure to meet patient demand as more people need care and doctors continue to leave the profession

‘NEEDS OF ELDERLY IMPACT ON ALL’

Hendy ‘motor village’ plan gets go ahead

At a meeting of the Council Planning Committee last week, the proposal for a car dealership group Hendy to establish a ‘motor village’ on the site of the abandoned John Lewis At Home in Kingstanding Way was approved.

Thief hightails it with Easter decoration

Resident refuses to leave home as half of housing estate is to be demolished

By Lilly Croucher

PLANS for the demolition and rebuilding of half of a council estate have been approved, despite one resident refusing to move from her home.

The green light was given by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) for 110 units on the Showfields Estate to be demolished at a Council meeting on March 22.

A total of 146 new dwellings will be constructed, of which 101 will be affordable homes, including 60 new socially-rented units. However, one resident says she will not be leaving her home, which has been planned for demolition, unless she is compensated with the equivalent of what she already has invested.

Offer

Writing to the Planning Committee in June 2022, Deborah Ann Tivey said: “I want to be very clear in saying that I will not move or sell my house unless Town and Country [Housing] offer me like for like.

at this age and will not put myself in this position.”

The Tunbridge Wells Yarnbomber’s Easter offering to the community has been stolen. The Yarnbomber is well known for providing seasonal cheer to a postbox on Wilman Road. The Easter topper – a white woolly rabbit in an egg-shaped basket – came with a reminder that there was still time to donate chocolate eggs to Nourish Community Foodbank before Easter. However, the entire topper was stolen from the postbox in broad daylight earlier this week.

The Yarnbomber has issued a plea for the bunny’s return, saying: “If you see him anywhere, I’d be grateful if you could let me know so he can be brought home and washed.”

“I have worked hard all my life, paid my mortgage off, and ensured that I have kept my property in good order. I am now being instructed that my family home for the last 40 years will be demolished. I feel as if am getting the short end of the deal here.

“The stress, aggravation, and sleepless nights that this has caused for me over the last 11 months I would not wish on anyone.

“I am approaching retirement age, I am looking forward to the things that later life has to offer, with the current world situation we find ourselves in, house prices rocketing.

“I have not worked all my life to now be in a position where I have to look at having a mortgage

In the planning meeting, councillors were told by the planning leaders: “The proposal would remove a series of 1970s social housing apartment housing blocks which are at the end of their useful life and can’t be satisfactorily modernised, and which are part of a flawed estate layout which causes issues with parking and antisocial behaviour”

Town and Country Housing Chief Executive Bob Heapy also attended, telling members: “We are committed to improving living conditions on the estate, and have listened and responded to feedback from residents and council officers alike.

“We believe the application represents a sustainable and high-quality development, which Tunbridge Wells can be proud of.”

The demolition consists of various apartment

blocks, mostly flats and a few houses, as part of the estates much needed ‘regeneration’ and the improvement of “structural and fire safety issues”. In its place, 146 homes will be built consisting of a mixture of two- and three- bed houses and one-, two- and three- bed flats, of which almost 70 per cent will be affordable homes.

The development will also create new vehicle and pedestrian access, car parking, cycle parking, refuse storage, and landscaping.

A new cycle route will also be created, linking the east and west sides of the estate and includes a ‘safeguarded’ area of land for potential future expansion of the cycle route across the A26 Eridge Road.

The development will see no net loss of affordable housing and hopes to fill the gap in the local housing market, which has been growing over the last five years.

Traffic restrictions lead to confusion and fines

Continued from front page

the tape covering up part of this sign on York Road as you approach Mount Pleasant in Tunbridge Wells.

“Also, why are there two different signs being used for the traffic restrictions? What is going on?”

A spokesperson for TWBC told the Times: “The signage at and approaching the restriction complies with the Department for Transport guidance.

“One sign has been amended temporarily while we wait for a replacement, though this too remains compliant with the guidelines.”

Responsible

KCC, who are responsible for the signage on the roads told the Times that they plan to change the York Road sign.

Furthermore, CCTV symbols have been fixed loosely to the poles with plastic zip ties, allowing them to be easily turned by passers-by or the weather.

This means that the signs on each end of the bus lane are facing in different directions, with some angled away from the view of the driver.

KCC confirmed that these signs were the responsibility of TWBC.

Cllr Victoria White (Conservative, Park Ward) told the Times: “I am aware of the concerns about the traffic restrictions and am not unsympathetic to the complications that seem to be raised by the scheme.

“In the first instance, I hope that we can work with KCC to make the scheme much clearer for residents, as currently it does seem extremely complicated. If that cannot be rectified, the council should perhaps consider these restrictions again.”

There has also been criticism of the road layout, where the main road is blocked off,

with rat-runs such as York Road creating shortcuts for drivers and leading to more traffic along these streets.

Cllr Lidstone said: “Residents of York, Dudley and Newton Road have not seen a reduction in traffic, as drivers continue to use them to avoid the restrictions on Mount Pleasant.

“A lot of this has been taken out of the Borough’s hands as the County Council were responsible for design and implementation.

TWBC said that the traffic ban “supports sustainable transport and reduces air and noise pollution in the town centre” while making the streets “safer for pedestrians and more attractive to shoppers and other visitors”.

While the vehicle numbers on the street have dropped by half, the safety to pedestrians is still debated.

Cllr Lidstone continued: “[The scheme] was actually signed-off by the previous administration in 2018. The thinking behind it

VISITORS coming to Tunbridge Wells will likely be unfamiliar with the new restrictions on Mount Pleasant Road and the road layout, so will use GPS apps to help them.

However, the Times has found that when asking for directions through the town centre, Google Maps and Apple Maps both route unsuspecting drivers directly through the banned area, where they will be hit with the £70 fine.

In the short route from the one-way street, York Road, to Tunbridge Wells Train Station, the directions say to turn right on to Mount Pleasant Road and head through the bus lane.

was to make the link between the bottom of town seamless and pleasant.

“We agree with the principle of making the centre of town more pleasant for shoppers and visitors.

Pedestrians

“Manual traffic counts show that on average, pedestrians outnumber vehicles there by 6:1, and even before the restrictions there were greater numbers of pedestrians than vehicles.

“The road crossing by The Amelia Scott is less safe than it was before, so there is plenty left to do before it is seen as a pedestrian-friendly area.

“We feel that the best way forward from here is to allow time for the restrictions to bed in, and people to understand them (as is the case with the restriction up by the RVP). We will also work to fix the issues above, and make the space feel less like a road and more like a public realm.”

VISION: The new Showfields Estate

Committee rejects affordable local homes development

By Victoria Roberts

PLANS to build seven affordable dwellings in rural Lamberhurst were voted down last week after a lengthy discussion of an application that contained “all the hot button issues”. Gold Property Limited had applied to build seven affordable homes at Lamberhurst Vineyard on Furnace Lane, and Council planning officers had recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions, and also subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement – which secures financial contributions from developers.

Objections

However, with questions around affordability, local connections and the site’s location within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the application had attracted an “unheard of” 194 objections, said Cllr Dr Linda Hall (Goudhurst and Lamberhurst.

In a discussion on April 12, Planning Committee member Cllr Matt Bailey (Paddock

Wood West) echoed the fear that the application would be “the thin end of the wedge” for further developments at Lamberhurst Vineyard. However, debate between the committee members quickly went on to centre around the clashes between housing need, the environment and the effort that had gone into the Lamberhurst Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Cllr Godfrey Bland (Hawkhurst and Sandhurst) commented: “When I first read this application, I thought: ‘Golly, this presses all the hot buttons that the planning committee feels strongly about’.

“It’s all social housing. It’s just what we want.

“But when I look below the surface of that excitement, I find too much to dislike and disagree with in this particular proposal,” he said, citing the AONB and the small number of houses supplied, as well as giving ‘weight’ to the recently made Local Plan.

Cllr Bland proposed rejecting the application, seconded by Cllr Paterson, citing the effect on the AONB and conflict with the Lamberhurst Neighbourhood Plan and unsustainability.

Committee members voted to reject the application by eight votes to four.

Hacker knocks café off track

Hastings trains back on line

By Victoria Roberts

TRAIN services resumed on Sunday (April 16) between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings following engineering works on the line, which carries around 120,000 passengers a week between Kent and London.

Buses

Buses replaced train services on the route during the nine-day closure, which included the Easter holiday weekend.

Network Rail said that this was the third and final extended line closure as part of the programme of work in the past two years.

“Once complete, this work will increase the reliability of this important line, built 170 years

ago,” said the organisation, which manages the country’s railway infrastructure.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s Kent Route Director, said: “It’s a really complex part of the railway which was built in the 1850s along very hilly ground, which meant that the Victorian engineers had to excavate steep cuttings, long tunnels and build miles of embankment.

“As a result of its age and geographical setting, this stretch of line has required regular repairs and upgrades to maintain its reliability.”

The Wadhurst and Frant part of the works involved building sections of a reinforced concrete wall to prevent trees and soil reaching the tracks. South of Wadhurst, in a section of the line near Snape Wood, engineers attached 600m2 of wire mesh to the sides of the cutting, to stop material falling on to tracks below.

Restaurant awaits reinspection after tackling ‘rat infestation’

By Sharon Bruce

Ratings

Spice Fusion (Royal Spice), which serves “Indian, Indo-Chinese and Mauritian cuisine”, was visited by inspectors from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in February this year. The takeaway was given one out of five in the Food Standards Agency ratings.

These ratings are judged on three criteria: food hygiene and safety procedures; compliance with structural requirements; and confidence in management and control procedures.

eliminate these pests”.

According to the report, onions and tinned food were being stored in the rat-infested shed, while cooked chicken kebabs on sticks were found in a plastic container on the floor next to the fridge.

At the time of the inspection, the standard of cleaning was “poor”. The window and window ledge in the kitchen were also dirty and in need of repair. It was also reported that daily opening and closing checks were not being completed in line with guidance to manage food safety hazards.

The restaurant has since stated that the areas of concern had been tackled and that it had applied for a reinspection, which they were expecting “anytime”.

A HACKER has taken advantage of the fine weather and bank holiday distractions to steal the Easter takings from The Inside near Calverley Adventure Ground.

Unfortunately, while the café was taking payments for treats and coffees, a hacker was taking a test amount from the card payment account, iZettle.

False

After getting away with that transaction, the hacker re-entered the false details and cleared out the whole account – which owner Laura Parker only discovered after the bank holiday.

She has contacted police, but it may take 28 days to process the report, and 28 days more for iZettle to investigate.

The café can use cash takings to pay for supplies, and family savings to pay staff, but Laura acknowleged it had been another blow for the business which started in 2019 and battled through the pandemic.

“We’re hoping for birthday parties,” she told the Times. Customers had been “lovely” and some had suggested a fundraiser, but she stressed: “It’s footfall we need.”

See The Insider café at: the-inside.co.uk and on Instagram @the.inside.tw

Spice Fusion (Royal Spice) was visited on February 6, 2023 and the report has since been made public.

Inspectors said that during the inspection “evidence of rats” had been found and noted in the outside food storage area, and that “appropriate treatment methods must be used to

A TAKEAWAY restaurant in Camden Road is awaiting reinspection after tackling a number of issues highlighted by food hygiene inspectors, including rats in the storage shed.

LINE UP: Fiona Taylor (centre) with Transport Minister Huw Merriman (right) on a visit during the closure

Photo: TWBC

REJECTED: The proposed Lamberhurst development

THE INSIDE CAFÉ

Blind teen has podcast vision

By Victoria Roberts

AFTER a brain tumour left Malachi blind at age two, he was not expected to live past the age of six. But now, at 15 years old, he is finding his way as a podcaster.

Although Malachi is not currently attending school (he is waiting for a funding decision to attend a specialist school for blind students) his world is opening up through the people he has been able to interview for his podcast. Last week, the Times had the chance to turn the tables by interviewing Malachi during his daily visit to the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in Tunbridge Wells.

You have done a number of interviews already, including one with the athlete and gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, and an upcoming interview with chef and presenter Rosemary Shrager. Who else would you like to interview in the future?

I’ve got a list of people I want to interview, including: the host of quiz show Tipping Point, Ben Shephard; This Morning presenter, Josie Gibson; singer, Jess Glynn and TV legend, Gloria Hunniford. I’m adding to the list all the time. I started with Ben Shepherd and now I have lots more. I’m interested in their message. What is your message?

If you believe, you will achieve.

What do you hope to do next?

My next achievement will be to get some more podcasts out.

You are very connected to the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, and Polly Taylor jokingly calls herself your manager. What do you do at the drop-in centre?

I’ve been connected to them for a long time. I’ve been going every day for the past five weeks

now and have never missed a day. I’ve been building connections with all the other people.

Do your interviewees ever say anything that surprises you?

All the time. I interviewed Polly. Her story was really surprising.

How do you approach an interview? Do you come up with conversation starters first?

I did come up with some conversation starters.

Do you ever find anyone boring?

Not really, no. Everyone’s different, aren’t they?

This interview is being carried out over the phone, but do you generally interview people over the phone or do face-to-face interviews?

Face-to-face. When I met Dame Kelly, it

was face-to-face. Her handshake is lovely. She gives a good hug as well.

What are your plans for school?

I’m trying to get into New College Worcester (a residential school and college for young people of 11-19 who are blind or vision impaired) with funding from KCC (Kent County Council).

How soon would you be able to attend?

As soon as possible. As soon as I get funding! It is residential, but I can come home every weekend, or at least every month.

Find Malachi’s podcast, ‘Malakye Malavision’, on various podcast apps, or follow him on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok under the handle @malavision2023.

If anyone can help him connect with some of the interviewees on his ‘bucket list’, he can be contacted at malavision23@gmail.com

NHS charity launches 75 things for 75 days fundraising challenge

DOING 75 things for 75 days is a challenge that can help develop new habits and improve health, but now there is a fundraising opportunity, too, according to the charity supporting the local NHS Trust.

Launching the #75for75 fundraiser, to mark the NHS’ 75th birthday, the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Charitable Fund said the challenge would start on this Saturday April 22, and run for 75 days, until July 5.

Active

Possible activities range from active challenges, such as burpees, sit-ups, walking or running, to reading for 75 minutes, or cooking a different recipe for 75 days, said the charity.

MTW NHS Charitable Fund is also set to receive another boost in May, with the next Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Hugh Patterson, indicating that the fund will be one of the chosen causes of his mayoral year.

MTW Charitable Fund’s campaign is at: justgiving.com/campaign/mtw75for75challenge

MALACHI AT THE PICKERING CANCER DROP-IN CENTRE

Lifeboat donations increase 22% year-on-year in April

Sarah Carter

A COLLECTION for the country’s lifeboat charity brought in nearly 25 per cent donations since last April in the same area, according to a local coordinator.

Volunteer collectors on and around the Commercial Road in Paddock Wood raised £679 over a five-hour period on Saturday April 1, said Peter Chartres, Honorary Chairman of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Pembury branch.

Welcome

“The most welcome 22% increase – year-onyear – in funds raised at this event shows a continuing strong support from our local community for the important work of the RNLI, saving lives at sea and around our coasts,” he said.

Environmental poet sets his eyes on the horizon

By Victoria Roberts

EARTH Day this Saturday (April 22) will see the launch of a new book of environmental poetry, formed around a solid core of several years’ worth of thinking and composing – while its creator keeps looking outward.

Steve Walter wrote the book’s foundational poem ‘Gaia2020’ when he joined Tunbridge Wells Friends of the Earth (TWFoE) in 2017.

Steve Walter wrote the book’s foundational poem ‘Gaia2020’ when he joined Tunbridge Wells Friends of the Earth (TWFoE) in 2017

“This is despite the current economic climate, in which personal and family budgets are clearly under pressure.”

The year-on-year increase could not necessarily be explained by the PDQ machines being used for ‘contactless’ card donations, said Mr Chartres.

Nearly 16 per cent of funds in Paddock Wood were raised via two contactless machines, whereas a similar collection at Tesco in Pembury last December had netted 38 per cent of donations by card payment.

The machines were first trialled by the Pembury branch of the RNLI in the lead-up to Christmas 2021.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity and supportive good wishes expressed by the general public during our collection,” said Mr Chartres, who once again thanked the team of 14 collectors for all of their hard work.

“It was a 15-minute poem, and as a result of this performance, it was felt that I should write more,” he told the Times

The book has now grown into a collection of 25 poems, which includes ‘Gaia2020’, revised and updated for 2023.

Meanwhile, in a resurrection of the vintage format dos-à-dos – or ‘back to back’ – the book of poetry includes the opening of a novel, ‘Horizon 2040’, on the flip side.

“The theme is environmental change dating back to 1995,” he said.

This practice of looking forward and pushing out horizons has a great influence on Steve’s art.

Just as he wrote Gaia2020 in 2017, he is writing his novel ‘Horizon 2040’ now. Readers can follow along with the novel as it is published at makingconnectionsmatter.org.

“Why 2040? I’m just thinking further ahead. I’ll be 80 then.”

Other environmentalists and aspiring poets will have the chance to share their own horizons at the launch party and open mic event, from 7.30pm on April 22.

The open mic event and launch of ‘GAIA. Being. Alive’ and ‘Horizon 2040 – the Beginning’ will be held at 7.30pm on April 22 at the upstairs function room at Sankey’s (39 Mount Ephraim).

Tickets are free, but please contact steve@makingconnectionsmatter.org to confirm numbers.

Ecommerce surplus to be donated to food bank with help of new partnership

By Lilly Croucher

ONLINE businesses looking to get rid of their surplus stock will now be able to donate their items to charity under a new waste solutions partnership.

Zendbox, a fulfilment provider, has partnered up with local community food bank Nourish to provide much-needed donations after the charity reported a dramatic decline in donations during the cost-of-living crisis.

Causes

The initiative gives online brands the ability to donate products that no longer have sale value to good causes, like Nourish, that might otherwise have been disposed of as waste. Donations like this aim to support people in need of emergency food and supplies, while helping businesses to reduce their environmental impact.

Pig & Porter open day

PIG & PORTER , an award-winning microbrewery based in Tunbridge Wells, loves to experiment with new styles and ingredients and has now made well over 100 different beers. The brewery is very proud to have been a winner in CAMRA London & South East Specialist Beer Awards.

Range

On Friday April 28, they will be hosting one of their now (in)famous open days at the brewery.

Enjoy the chance to buy a few different pints from their widest range ever, while the team show you around, hear your feedback on their new beers, and tell you more about their future plans.

The micro-brewery is situated in Chapman Way, High Brooms, Tunbridge Wells and the open day runs from midday to 8pm.

The team informs us the South African meat guru, ‘Berger’ will be on site for burger-lovers (non-meat options also available). Some of the Times team may well see you there!

The project is part of a wider partnership with Kent-based business S&S Distribution, who provide logistical solutions for palletised goods and work closely with Zendbox and Nourish.

Nourish Operations Director Dawn Stanford said: “Sadly, price increases have placed Nourish in a vicious cycle of needing more donations to support a growing number of people in crisis across Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas.

“Although we’ve been financially fortunate to sustain some donations with wholesale food purchases, our funds aren’t limitless. This makes partnerships like the one with Zendbox and S&S Distribution all the more valuable to us, as they play an important role in enabling Nourish to continue helping vulnerable families and individuals through tough times.”

“Zendbox ultimately shares our values and goals, and their enthusiasm for our work at

Nourish has been clear from the get-go, so it’s a pleasure to welcome them to our corporate partnership network.

“Alongside S&S Distribution – who are very kindly collecting donations on our behalf – we’re incredibly grateful for the support that Zendbox and, in turn, their clients are providing, and we look forward to a successful, longstanding partnership.”

Michael Pollard, Zendbox Chief Operating Officer, said: “Excessive waste has long been an issue in ecommerce and, indeed, the logistics industry as a whole, but we’re determined to reduce the amount of waste we produce as a third-party logistics provider and help online businesses do the same for the benefit of a more sustainable future.

“Our team is passionate about supporting the amazing work that food banks do, so we’re really pleased to be partnered with Nourish.

“It offers a means for our clients to support a great cause, while keeping usable goods out of landfill, which is ultimately a win for the planet.

“We’re excited to work closely with Nourish to give back to our community and make a difference in the lives of those who need support.”

DAWN STANFORD

BREW BOYS: The Pig & Porter team look forward to welcoming you. Photo: Kane Squire Photography

NFU Mutual named as recommended provider for home insurance for 2023

By Alice Reece

NFU Mutual, which has a branch in Tunbridge Wells, has been named as the only ‘Which? recommended’ provider for home insurance in the country.

The insurer was also Which?’s recommended provider of car insurance and received a five-star rating across its home and motor products.

Million-pound funding pot open to charities in Kent

By Lilly Croucher

RESIDENTS in Kent are urged to nominate a charity to receive a share of a £1million award from an independent financial services group.

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards, now in its fifth year, is giving away £1,000 to any UK-registered charity in Kent that is changing lives for the better.

Since the awards began, £4million has been donated to charities across the UK, including 77 based in Kent, with 55,800 nominations from Kent residents.

Random

Winners will be drawn at random, and the more times a charity is nominated, the more chance it has of being selected.

One-hundred-and-fifty £1,000 grants will be given away in June, with a further 150 donated in September. In December, 120 grants of £1,000 will be given away.

£200,000 will also be given away in special

grants of £5,000, and £500,000 will be given in larger grants of £10,000 or more later this year.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive at Benefact Group, said: “Owned by a charity ourselves, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do, and all of our available profits go to good causes.

“With financial strain continuing to impact many households, the Movement for Good Awards represents a great way for people to continue to support causes close to their hearts, without worrying about an additional cost.

“Any charity can win, no matter how large or small, and even with just one nomination. So find a minute, jump online and nominate – because that small amount of time is invaluable for charities.”

Benefact Group is the third-largest corporate donor to charity in the UK, according to the UK Guide to Company Giving 2023/24.

It has donated almost £200million to charity since 2014 and is aiming to reach its target of giving £250million by 2025.

Kent residents can nominate their chosen charity online at: movementforgood.com

The leading rural insurance company beat two of the country’s most well-known brands –Direct Line and LV – with a total score of 78 per cent.

NFU Mutual achieved a customer score of 81 per cent, a huge distance of six per cent higher than the next best provider.

Clarity

Its building and contents insurance scored 74 per cent and placed it firmly in the top half of buildings and fourth-best for contents.

Which? said: “Whether asked about the clarity of its policies or the speed of updates during claims, NFU Mutual policyholders were full of praise for the insurer.

“It’s also one of the few providers we surveyed that won’t charge you extra for paying your premiums monthly, or a fee for cancelling early.”

Reacting to the news, Rachel Kelsall, incoming Customer Services Director at NFU Mutual, said: “As a leading mutual insurer, we stand up for our members and what matters most to them, not shareholders. We are delighted that this commitment to excellent service has once again been recognised by customers and independent experts.

“Insurance should be personal and transparent, so we make sure customers can discuss their needs with a real person, face-toface or on the phone, and we don’t charge extra

fees for adjustment, cancellation or for customers paying monthly by Direct Debit.

“This means customers can budget ahead, safe in the knowledge that a change in circumstance will not come with a hefty insurance admin fee, and that if they do need to claim they will be well looked after.

“Drawing on over a century of experience as a mutual insurer with presence in communities across the country, we offer our members a wealth of knowledge with an attentive, local service.

“Good service also means helping preventing damage in the first place, so we aim to empower customers to protect their property from damage through initiatives like sponsoring police activities or raising awareness of rural crime.

“And when they do come to claim, we pride ourselves on offering a first-class, empathetic service which is reflected in these ratings. We believe the true value of our product is reflected in the fact that over 95% of our customers choose to renew with NFU Mutual.”

THE MOVEMENT FOR GOOD AWARDS IS CHANGING LIVES FOR THE BETTER

Moscow court upholds spying charges against US journalist

A RUSSIAN judge yesterday upheld the detention of Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich, 31, who denies all charges of spying.

Mr Gershkovich, WSJ, and the US government deny he was involved in spying and have demanded his release.

SNP treasurer arrested as party finance inquiry continues

THE Scottish ruling party’s treasurer, Colin Beattie, MSP was arrested yesterday morning (April 18) in connection with a police investigation into SNP finances. Police Scotland said the 71-year-old had been taken into custody and was being questioned by detectives.

Mr Beattie, who is also the MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, is the second person to be arrested in relation to the investigation after former Party Chief Executive Peter Murrell was arrested earlier this month.

Donations

Mr Murrell, also the husband of former First Minster, Nicola Sturgeon, was arrested and questioned for more than 11 hours before being released without charge “pending further investigation”.

The investigation is currently looking into how more than £600,000 in party donations to the party, earmarked for an independence referendum, had been used.

There was no sign of police activity outside Mr Beattie’s address in Dalkeith, Midlothian, on

Tuesday morning, or outside his constituency office in the town and police confirmed a report will be submitted to the Crown Office.

Mr Beattie was the SNP’s treasurer between 2004 and 2020, losing the position to MP Douglas Chapman but reclaimed the job from Chapman after he left in 2021.

Later that day, as the new SNP leader Humza Yousaf laid out his priorities for his government, he admitted being First Minister “is not without its challenges.

Challenged by opposition deputy leader Meghan Gallacher to suspend his predecessor, Ms Sturgeon, and her husband Mr Murrell, Mr Yousaf said it was “brave” for the Scottish Tories to attack his party over propriety.

“Your Prime Minister, your Deputy Prime Minister and the former prime minister are all under investigation by her Standards Commission.

“So yes, while we absolutely face challenges, I’d rather be standing here with the opportunity to deliver for the people of Scotland, rather than languishing in opposition like Meghan Gallacher and the Scottish Tories.”

He appeared at the court standing inside a glass enclosure with the US ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy and the world’s press also in attendance.

If found guilty he could face up to 20 years in prison. Russian lawyers have said past investigations into espionage cases took a year to 18 months.

Classified

He has been held in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison, from the Tsarist era and has been a terrifying symbol of repression since Soviet times.

Mr Gershkovich was arrested in Yekaterinburg on March 29 and was charged with spying on the Russian government by attempting to obtain classified defence information for the US Government.

Reporters Without Borders said Mr Gershkovich was covering the Russian mercenary group Wagner when US officials said his driver had dropped him off at a restaurant and two hours later, his phone had been turned off.

The arrest comes at a moment of bitter tensions between the West and Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, and as the Kremlin intensifies a crackdown on opposition activists, independent journalists, and civil society groups.

On Monday, a Russian court convicted top opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr of treason for publicly denouncing the war and sentenced him to 25 years in prison.

Lawyers for the WSJ have been able to see him, and the company has said it has been doing "everything in our power to support Evan and his family".

US president Joe Biden spoke to Mr Gershkovich’s parents last week and again condemned his detention.

BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg describes him as an excellent reporter and a highly principled journalist.

He is the first US journalist charged with espionage in Russia since the Soviet period since 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow correspondent for US News and World Report, was arrested.

Mr Daniloff was released without charge 20 days later in a swap for an employee of the Soviet Union’s United Nations mission who was arrested by the FBI, also on spying charges.

US leaders, including President Biden and both Democrat and Republican senators condemning his arrest declaring him ‘wrongfully detained’. At least 65 Americans were being unfairly detained abroad in 2022, according to a report by the James Foley Legacy Foundation.

HUMZA YUSUF

EVAN GERSHKOVICH

Free-range eggs set to

SUPERMARKETS will see the return of free-range eggs to its shelves after birds were restricted from going outside to stop the spread of bird flu. Keepers have kept their birds indoors and away from wildlife to reduce the spread of the avian influenza since November 2022.

It compounded existing nationwide shortages of eggs, with some supermarkets limiting the number of boxes customers can buy.

Output

Higher energy bills, along with the soaring costs of chicken feed, hens and packaging, have forced producers to cut back on output.

From Tuesday, eggs labelled ‘free range’ will be back in shops as hens will again have access to outdoor areas.

The Government said bird flu risk levels have reduced to ‘medium’ which means poultry and other captive birds no longer need to be housed.

return

to shops as bird flu restrictions

eased

But chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss stressed it is ‘more important than ever’ for birdkeepers to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and maintain ‘scrupulous’ biosecurity standards.

The UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with more than 330 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021.

Experts have warned that, despite the relaxation of restrictions, the disease is still around in wild birds.

Robert Gooch, chief executive of the British Free-Range Egg Producers Association, said there is a ‘sense of trepidation’ among farmers even though it is good news for birds that have been kept inside over the winter months, and for consumers who want to buy free-range eggs.

Food standards bodies have reassured the public that avian influenza poses a very low risk to UK consumers, and there is no impact on properly cooked poultry and eggs.

Ban on forced pre-payment meters lifted despite charity’s warnings

NEW rules over which homes cannot be forced to have a prepayment meter have been defended by the energy watchdog chief, amid backlash from campaigners.

Ofgem announced yesterday that customers will be given more time to clear debts and forced meter installations will be banned in the homes of those over 85.

All energy firms will now only be able to force-fit prepayment meters if they stick to a set of voluntary restrictions.

However, charities have criticised the new rules saying they do not go far enough calling for an all-out ban on the practice.

Suppliers

Louise Rubin, Head of Policy at the disability equality charity Scope told BBC Radio 4: “[Ofgem] have taken a welcome step forward in making it significantly harder for energy suppliers to install these PPMs forcefully but they haven’t gone as far as we would like.

“They haven’t gone for an all-out ban. And I think what’s really worrying is when you look at the code of practice, there are grey areas, there are gaps. That is a cause of concern for us.

“We know energy suppliers really sank quite low even when there were rules in place in some of their practices so any room for manoeuvre, anything they can manipulate is worrying.”

PPMs came into the spotlight recently after

some energy companies including British Gas were caught breaking into people’s homes of people struggling top pay their bills and forcibly installing the meters.

In February, an investigation by The Times revealed that vulnerable customers –including disabled and mentally ill people –were being forced by British Gas on to the pay-as-you-go meters or having their supply switched off.

The new rules mean the energy suppliers must make 10 attempts to contact the customer and do a welfare check before a PPM can be installed.

Energy firms will also be required to make representatives fitting meters wear body cameras or audio equipment.

Ofgem chief executive, Jonathan Brearley defended the new rules and said: “Ofgem’s new voluntary code of practice is a minimum standard that clearly sets out steps all suppliers must take before moving to a PPM.

“If and when involuntary PPMs are used, it must be as a last resort, and customers in vulnerable situations will be given the extra care and consideration they deserve, over and above the rules already in place, by suppliers –something that has clearly not always been happening.”

The new rules are a voluntary code of practice for suppliers and the regulator said it will consult on whether the voluntary code of practice can be made legally binding ahead of the next winter.

Rodney Atkins Independent for Paddock Wood East

Rodney Atkins has been an Independent Councillor for Paddock Wood East since 2019 and a Town Councillor for Paddock Wood Town Council since 2015. He worked in financial services for 35 years and has lived local to Paddock Wood for 33 years.

I remain from and for Paddock Wood

FOUR years ago, I was honoured to be elected as the first Independent Councillor for Paddock Wood, ending 20 years of Conservative domination. I have taken this role very seriously and have made it my mission to be open and honest and to work hard for the residents of Paddock Wood. Being a resident myself, my passion comes from the heart.

Voted

During my four-year term, I have voted against the local plan and its lack of infrastructure for Paddock Wood. I brought together the four cross-party Paddock Wood Borough Councillors and worked with the Paddock Wood Business Association (PWBA) and the businesses on Commercial Road to keep the first-hour car parking freeto protect the town.

I have been supporting Heritage Paddock Wood, based at the Wesley Centre, and attended their events and helped raise money for the community storehouse.

This I have been doing long before election time, as I would like to retain and protect our heritage in the town, unlike other candidates who are standing, who are using the Wesley Centre for their political campaign but not long ago wanted to sell the Wesley Centre.

When it unfortunately floods in Paddock Wood, I have been out walking around town, helping residents with sandbags; collecting

Trevor Bisbee Green Party Councillor

sandbags from Putlands to put out around the houses; checking the drains are clear so the rainwater can be carried away; keeping in

constant contact with the Borough day or night to get more sandbags delivered, and making sure that the flooding issue is a priority at the Borough.

In my time as Councillor, I have answered and assisted numerous residents with their enquiries. My email inbox is never empty. Please do keep those emails coming at :rodney.atkins@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk. I do not mind being stopped on the streets, either.

Re-election

This election, on May 4, I am seeking re-election as your Independent Councillor, and once again, I am asking for your support. I am a true Paddock Wood Independent who lives in Paddock Wood. I will not join a national party. During the last four years, three councillors (Cllrs Bailey, Hickey and Rands) left their national parties to become Independents. How you elect me is how I will serve you for that term. I will continue to work for you and the town every day and not just in the run-up to the elections.

If you are voting in person on May 4, please do remember to bring some form of acceptable photo identification. Details can be found at unbridgewells.gov.uk/council/voting-andelections/voter-id

Making Paddock Wood fairer and greener

I’M REALLY pleased that for the first time, the Green Party is standing a candidate in every one of the 16 wards across the Borough, giving people who want to vote Green the opportunity to do so. We offer people a different type of politics: a change that is increasingly recognised as important and necessary.

I was elected to Paddock Wood Town Council two years ago, and have seen the struggles people are going through as I walk the streets in my job as a postie.

As a former police officer, I have a background in dealing with difficult situations in which I had to negotiate with groups of people holding different views. That has stood me in good stead in Council meetings, as I’m sure you can imagine!

I am pleased to say that together with a fellow councillor and the estates manager, we have developed a plan that will see several hundred trees planted in the area, starting next year. It will be a legacy for the future.

I have been very unhappy with the Town Council’s lack of influence on the amount of new housing planned around the town, and also with the Lib Dem-led Borough Partnership allocating another £850,000 of Council Tax-payers’ money to try and make the flawed Local Plan acceptable

to the Government inspector, apparently without fundamental changes to the excessive use of Green Belt land.

I want to represent Paddock Wood West and ask the important questions of the Town Council. Why does the Town Hall have such a high staff turnover rate? Why is so much money being spent on external consultants? Why aren’t councillors delivering on the climate emergency declaration for which they voted?

Growth

Having been a member of the Green Party for many years, I have seen us grow, and also seen other parties react to our growth.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and I was pleased to see that a year after the Green Party adopted “For Fairer, Greener Communities” as its slogan for the 2022 local elections, Hugo Pound (Times, April 5) was promising the same for Tunbridge Wells from Labour.

And indeed, here in Paddock Wood West, I’m hearing lots of people on their doorsteps saying they are willing to put past loyalties to one side and lend me their vote to make sure they get a strong voice on the Council.

The Greens have always been well received in Paddock Wood, and it’s sad to see yet another Lib Dem bar chart come through the door which could give the innocent reader the impression that only they can save the ward from the Conservatives.

The truth is the Lib Dems were last in five

of the last six elections here, and only got 50 votes last year.

I’m running a straight and honest campaign in my quest to make the transfer from Town to Borough Councillor, and I urge anyone who shares my concern about the loss of our green spaces to support me.

Trevor Bisbee is a Paddock Wood Town Councillor, and the Green Party’s candidate for Paddock Wood West in the May 4 Borough elections.

THE WESLEY CENTRE

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

Deciphering Council finances

I would like to respond to Carolyn Gray’s letter questioning the understanding of the figures produced by the Council (April 12 2023). To this end, I have put together the below as an explanation.

The Council’s wealth (as presented in its annual report, 2021/22) was £99.4million, an increase from the previous year of £14.2million. This is highly relative to many other comparable Councils.

Each year the Council creates and monitors departmental budgets based on known income and expenditure. These figures are available to the various committees during the year but not directly identifiable in the annual report.

The budgets are designed to encourage staff and councillors to be dynamic and resourceful in how they prioritise and deliver efficient and successful services.

Investing locally can provide additional income and benefits to

Ask the right questions

the community. However, any new income and potential reductions in costs are only recognised when they are delivered.

Only 10% of the Council’s revenue comes from Council Tax. The remainder comes from fees, charges, income from local investments and government grants.

Standard annual Government grants have shrunk with more money being allocated elsewhere or awarded differently.

This makes the Council’s income become more uncertain, necessitating money to be set aside should planned income and efficiencies not occur.

Budgets are therefore very important management tools, but actual results and forward planning, are far more important.

David Scott Deputy Leader 2021/22 Conservative

“Know the issues, know who you’ll vote for, and do your duty, it’s as simple as that,” wrote R Mann in the April 12 Letters. Noble sentiments, and much to be applauded, but does it, or will it, make any difference to the tin-eared councillors? They get in and go their own way.

What voters should be asking, if prospective candidates turn up on the doorstep, rather than letterbox leaflet stuffing, are things like:

Are you in favour and did you vote for the Mt Pleasant road traffic scheme?

Why do you sell more parking permits than there are spaces? That’s fraud in any other field.

Are you in favour of ward boundary changes that will reduce your numbers?

Are you in favour of all-out elections for all wards at the same time that will save money?

What are you going to do about the traffic lights at Prospect Road and Crescent Road that cause traffic to back up? And the Pembury Road and Eridge Road jams?

Look at local issues affecting local people, not mad, altruistic, aspirational, never-to-beachieved ideas.

Edward Baker

Tunbridge Wells

We need to keep cash options

The pertinent critique from Calverley over the proposals from a senior Tory minister for cashless-only options at our car parks certainly reflects what I’m hearing both on the doorstep and from many of my neighbours. Concerns have been expressed not just by ‘grey voters’ like me, but younger people, too, who have problems

grappling with downloading and using various different payment apps.

My view is that cash payments should be maintained as one of the options. The reality is there will continue to be people without mobile phones or who still mainly deal with cash as king. A cashless society is neither feasible nor desirable, as experiments in Sweden have shown. There are well over one million people in the UK who don’t have access to high street banking for one reason or another.

And for the record, as a Southborough Labour Town Councillor I opposed a proposal from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to impose new parking charges at Yew Tree Road without public

consultation, which would have severely damaged trade and impacted those using the new Civic Centre and various medical and GP services at the hub.

If there are objections to the cost of maintaining parking meters that take cash, it should be remembered that these generate a significant source of revenue for local authorities.

As a former local Conservative Councillor recently told me, when the Tories were in power they supported increased parking charges, but now in opposition of course, call for them to be frozen.

Cllr Dr Alan Bullion Southborough Town Council, Labour Council shopped around

In response to Karen Bryant, (April 12), I can assure her that Council members, as trustees of public money, and our dedicated staff, have not failed to shop around for competitive insurance quotes. Not only must we seek ‘best value’ in all our dealings, but Councillors are themselves council taxpayers, with every incentive to keep a close eye on Council expenditure!

The Council uses insurance brokers specialising in local authority business. (A broker is an expert in the market, and owes a professional duty to find cover that complies with the customer’s needs at the best price).

The increased premium results from three factors:

• This year, resulting from the Grenfell Tower disaster, our broker found a ‘reduced appetite in the market’ for the risks posed by the

construction (cladded timber frame) of the Civic Centre building – despite it complying with all building and safety regulations;

• The market has been re-assessing the risks posed by parish councils, and has concluded that they are greater, and thus more expensive to insure, than previously realised. (Southborough is not the only small council to have been hit by unprecedented increases).

• And finally, our claims have been higher, largely from vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Dianne Hill Mayor of Southborough

The amnesiac effect

In her article, ‘One year of the coalition*: what have they done for Tunbridge Wells’ Cllr White demonstrates the usual Conservative collective amnesia about Calverley Square.

Has she forgotten the £11million spent on this failed, unwanted project?

Perhaps this is a clearer example of the ‘no listening’ she attributes to the Borough Partnership*.

Mary Burgess Grove Hill Road

Join in the Soccer Aid challenge

Schools across the country are looking forward to warmer days, where children can enjoy the spring term with more outdoor play.

Play is such an important part of childhood. It’s the joy of getting your wellies muddy, or of ‘tag, you’re it!’. It’s what every child should have, but for millions of children around the world war, disaster, hunger and poverty are getting in the way.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF helps children around the world get the best start in life, and we’re calling for schools across the UK to use their play time to help kids who face barriers to their own play times by taking on the Soccer Aid for UNICEF Schools Challenge.

Open to all children regardless of ability, we’re encouraging all schools in the South East to design an obstacle course to take on each other’s skills, while raising money to help UNICEF’s work for children worldwide.

Pupils can dribble, kick or bounce a ball, sprint, skip or hop across the playground and help kids have the playtimes they deserve.

To sign up, visit socceraid.org.uk/schools

Sarah Wren

Head of Soccer Aid

UNICEF UK

Where is Calverley?

Dear Sir, Is Calverley on vacation?

I was disappointed to open your edition of April 5 and not to be ‘cheered up’ by his amusing comments and different opinions!

Hope he is back soon.

Phil Crowborough

Dear Phil, Calverley has indeed taken a break, but fear not, he will be returning on a fortnightly basis. The Editor (she/her)

Mayfield girls engineer a sustainable future

Three

Staff and students at Mayfield School, an all-girls independent senior school located in the village of the same name in East Sussex, are celebrating a prestigious placing for three of its Six Form girls in a national contest.

Budding engineers Megan, Elizabeth and Isabella entered the national ICE CityZen STEM competition after taking up its challenge of asking students to create a viable and practical solution to tackle the increasing issue of rising energy costs for their local community and school.

The challenge the STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) students faced was how to reduce the energy costs required to heat their historic school and local buildings – many of which are listed – while at the same time cutting carbon emissions.

Their inspired solution was to harness the power of geothermal energy, which is renewable, in the form of ground source heat pumps, providing an innovative and noninvasive solution to the problem.

The girls’ clever project idea was very well received by the judges and ended up being placed second out of 140 schools from across

tuesday

“The girls’ proposal involved pumps being installed, with excess energy sold to local residents and businesses, improving the sustainability of the village in the process,” a Mayfield School spokesperson told the Times

Solutions

Lower Sixth pupil and competition participant Elizabeth added: “Taking part in the ICE CityZen competition was an incredible experience. I was able to gain invaluable skills throughout the competition process as we problem-solved to find solutions to meet the needs of our local community. I am extremely proud of our achievements, and it was a great honour to go to the ICE headquarters in London, where I realised the importance that civil engineers have in shaping our future.” Mayfield’s Head of Physics, Dr Darragh Corvan, commented: “We are delighted Megan, Elizabeth and Isabella have been recognised for their innovative project proposal. At Mayfield, we encourage all our students to pursue their passions and we actively encourage girls to study STEM subjects and pursue careers in engineering, both of which have traditionally been male-dominated.

the UK who entered this year’s CityZen contest. This is a UK-wide competition in which student teams learn about civil engineering through completing virtual game challenges.

They then take the lessons they have learned and apply them to their own civil engineering proposal and submit a video entry to CityZen explaining their idea.

“We aim to break the stereotype by providing a range of activities and projects to support the girls’ learning within an environment in which it’s encouraged to experiment and make mistakes, in order to learn and progress. We congratulate the girls on their achievement.”

Sixth Form girls from Mayfield School have won a prestigious national engineering prize for their plan to reduce carbon emissions and make their school, and Mayfield village, more sustainable. The Times discovers more…

‘We are delighted Megan, Elizabeth and Isabella have been recognised for their innovative project proposal’

GREEN GIRLS: The Mayfield Sixth Formers with their certificates

Taking the next step in property

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Landlords, is it time to have more time for you?

JACK CHARLES understands that being a landlord is becoming an increasingly complex and time-consuming task. That is why the firm offers a comprehensive range of professional property services.

Being a landlord eats up a lot of time.

Alison Pollard, Senior Property Manager at Jack Charles, says that the company has been approached by many experienced landlords looking for more support with their properties.

Regulations

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Jack Charles closely monitors changes in regulations (such as EPC regulations) and can take steps to ensure their landlords and their tenancies remain legal and compliant. Their business scale also ensures that they

have priority access to reliable and trusted trades. They can secure job rates far lower than individuals might be able to do so, such as Annual Gas Safety Certificates for £60.

“Landlords also share a desire for their tenancies to be managed at arm’s length from their personal life. They want to avoid late-evening calls with their tenant. Having a proactive managing agent who builds trust with occupants from the beginning can also be a huge advantage when it comes to dealing with maintenance issues and addressing matters such as inspection concerns, delivering rent increases and explaining deposit deductions,” says Alison.

Jack Charles’ dedicated property management team will help you find a service that is right for you. Alison and the team can be contacted at 01892 320 330, or: lettings@jackcharles.co.uk

THIS detached family home is set within just under four acres of land and is situated in the picturesque village of Upper Hartfield. It currently has four bedrooms and two bathrooms, but the property offers scope to be extended and made in to a fabulous forever home.

Situated down a lane in a rural woodland setting and offering ample off-road parking, the property is coming to the market for offers in the region of £1million.

Upper Hartfield is a small village located in the district of Wealden in East Sussex, England. Situated just west of Hartfield on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, it is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Hartfield itself is characterised by its quaint, traditional architecture and charming countryside atmosphere.

One of the most notable landmarks in Hartfield is

St Mary's Church, a beautiful 12th-century building with a rich history and stunning stained glass windows.

The village also boasts a local pub, The Anchor Inn, which serves up delicious food and drinks and provides a cosy spot for residents and visitors to gather.

Heritage

Aside from its natural beauty and historic landmarks, Upper Hartfield and Hartfield are also home to a close-knit community of friendly locals who are proud of their village and passionate about preserving its heritage.

Overall, Upper Hartfield is a picturesque and welcoming village that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. For more information, please contact KMJ Property – Forest Row on 01342 824824.

ALISON POLLARD

Picture: Shutterstock

Enabling development could save our history

By Stephen Donnelly

THERE is often controversy surrounding new developments, mostly due to the loss of countryside that is required to build new homes. This is, however, a necessity if we are to meet the housing targets set by the Government in all areas of the country.

History

The loss of important buildings is a serious problem and could result in losing a part of our history forever. Owners of such properties should embrace planning regulations as there are many circumstances where development can facilitate the preservation and conservation of historical buildings.

There are often objections to planning applications that require the conversion of say, a listed property. In the long run, such objections can lead to the loss of these important buildings. Many properties are quite rightly listed in order

to preserve their character and history, but with this comes tighter planning control and considerable expense to preserve our heritage. So often, properties become neglected and fall into a state beyond repair.

In order to preserve our historic buildings, it is sometimes necessary to sub-divide the existing building into residential apartments or institutional buildings. In addition, developing new-build properties in the grounds of an existing building will ensure the donor property survives for future generations.

SITED are currently working with a number of private individuals and institutions across the South East, including several public schools, churches and private estates, in order to secure planning by way of enabling development.

Through sensitive development we seek to secure both the future of these buildings and the financial security of their guardians.

For more information, contact SITED at 01892 579937 or visit sited.land

Royal Tunbridge Wells truly is an outstanding place to live and work

the heart of the town.

New-builds vs older homes:

What are the pros and cons?

DANIEL Copley, a consumer expert at property website Zoopla, considers the options when it comes to choosing a new-build or older home. Why buy a new build?

1. Save money on your bills

New-build homes can be more energy-efficient, with better insulation, double or triple glazing and a modern heating system.

2. Peace of mind

“Most new builds come with warranties,” says Copley, so you won’t have to fork out for major structural repairs.

“Also, the white goods will be brand new when you move into a new-build, which means they are less likely to break down,” he adds.

By Sarah Mott

MANY people who are considering moving are drawn to Royal Tunbridge Wells because, quite frankly, it’s a very nice place to live!

Let me briefly mention some of its highlights. Tunbridge Wells enjoys an interesting heritage. A chance discovery of a spring with distinctive reddish mineral deposits in 1606 led to the development of The Pantiles and later on, Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Elegant

Royal visitors flocked to the town seeking cures, and the town was given its ‘Royal’ prefix in 1909.

The area is steeped in history, its most famous site being The Pantiles, with its elegant, colonnaded walkway bordered by 17th-century buildings.

The recently completed Amelia Scott in the town centre hosts the town’s museum, library, arts, heritage, culture and wellbeing services and a café. There is also an abundance of open, green spaces, with Tunbridge Wells Common in

SARAH MOTT

The town centre is centred on Royal Victoria Place, with its range of national stores, while the ‘old High Street’ and The Pantiles host independent stores, eateries and restaurants.

Two mainline stations and road networks connect via the A21 and M25, making this town popular for commuters. Gatwick and Heathrow Airports, the Channel Tunnel and ferry ports are also within reasonable proximity. The town also boasts three sought-after grammar schools.

Several town centre parks boast free outdoor gym equipment, tennis courts and skate parks. These, together with a wide range of gyms and clubs, including tennis, golf, cricket, bowls and squash clubs, make the town a leisure paradise.

As someone who lives and works in Tunbridge Wells, I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

For sales and letting services in Tunbridge Wells, contact Bracketts at 01892 533733 or visit bracketts.co.uk

Copley still suggests carrying out a ‘snagging survey’, which can be used to spot any minor defects – or alert you to bigger potential issues.

3. Added extras

“Developers sometimes offer deals to help sell their homes, such as throwing in fixtures and fittings, or upgraded white goods,” says Copley. “Many house builders offer even bigger incentives to help them to hit their targets.”

4. Buying schemes

The schemes available to help you own a new-build may vary, depending on where you live in the UK. Housebuilders may also offer their own schemes, so check out what is available from them.

5. Purchasing chain-free

“If you are a first-time buyer or not selling another property then you’re not part of an onward chain, which means you can buy a new home at your own pace,” says Copley.

6. Opportunity to customise

“A massive advantage of purchasing a new-build property is that you can tailor the property to your taste, depending on what stage

the build is at when you pay your deposit,” Copley adds.

Why buy an older home?

1. More character

“While a period home may require restoration and investment, the rewards of bringing original features back to life are immense,” says Copley.

2. Being able to track your property over time – and see how its price has changed

“Tracking the history of your home allows you to see how it’s increased in value and to view old listing photos from previous sales in recent years,” says Copley.

3. Buying a ‘tried and tested’ property

With a ‘second-hand’ home ,which already has occupants, it’s much easier to visualise what it will be like to live in.

The existing owner may also be able to tell you how the property has suited their needs, which can be useful when working out how you may want to adapt it.

4. More chance of an established garden

Ideally, your garden will have already been well-loved and cared for by its previous owners, reducing the need to stock up on new plants and shrubs at the garden centre. Of course money may need to be spent on a neglected space.

5. A central location

“Older properties tend to be in more central locations within towns and cities, so nearer to conveniences such as schools, shops and transport links,” says Copley.

6. Potential to add value

“This could be in the form of aesthetic improvements to give a fresh look, such as painting, or bigger-scale additions, such as knocking through walls to create bigger spaces or even extending out or up into the loft,” says Copley.

Spruce up your garden and increase your home value

So, you are planning a move in May? Improve the garden to impress those prospective buyers!

by Tim Sykes

MAY and June are brilliant times to be selling a house, and they also happen to be when the garden is coming into its best. It’s a great time to be focusing on how the garden can leverage your sale or inspire your purchase.

If you are buying, it’s also a good time to be scrutinising the gardens of any prospective purchase. Remember you’ll be seeing it at its best. So, take pictures and make a record of what’s going on in it currently. Then you can plan any improvements while the conveyancing takes over!

There are several things you could be doing to improve your own garden.

Impressions

The front garden is all about first impressions. Weed the beds. Dress these with a mulch to give them a real boost and improve the contrast. Edge any lawns and give the lawn a neat cut (if you can do stripes, then do so). Top up the beds with clusters of flowers in season. Here are a few: Tulips of various types (you’ll need to buy potted versions in bud), delphiniums, euphorbia, peonies, veronica and aquilegia. Having two large pots either side of the front entrance always makes a cheery welcome. Either plant these with a full display of tulips (one or two varieties, or colours only). Or plant two quarter standards, such as bay trees, with low surrounding ground cover.

The rear garden is that tranquil space that first greets you through the windows. Mow and edge the lawn. Focus on tidying the rear terrace and the surrounding close-to-house beds. Make sure everything is properly watered. Weed and plant up any terrace pots. Take any winter

covers off any terrace furniture and clean these up. Think about their positioning to create a nicely curated vista.

If you need any plant advice, check out the RHS website, or look at Sarah Raven and Farmer Gracy websites for inspiration, and call into your local nursery, who will happily offer you help. You can also email me for further ideas at tim@gardenproud.co.uk or call 07725 173820

If you are on the move, I wish you well and enjoy the warmer weather. It will help to bring the garden alive.

‘The front garden is all about first impressions. Weed the beds. Dress these with a mulch to give them a real boost and improve the contrast’

TIM SYKES

Why it’s not 2008 all over again for banks

The UK banking system has significant resilience

By Nick Green

THERE has been a lot of media coverage over the last few weeks about whether we will face another banking crisis like we did post-2008. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank in the US, and then Credit Suisse, has naturally led to a lot of speculation, and indeed questions as to whether this is the start of another 2008-style crisis, and whether there is the potential for contagion risk across, in particular, the UK banking sector.

Significant

SVB and Credit Suisse collapsed for different reasons. SVB saw rapid growth in taking on large deposits that were not matched by lending. It failed to hedge against the rapid interest rate increases we have seen recently, which were coupled with the venture capital market drying up owing to increasing interest rates. This led to its clients running down credit balances by $155billion by the end of 2022.

Credit Suisse was a significant financial institution that had suffered in recent years from a number of issues, including its involvement with the Greensill Capital scandal. It also had ongoing legal and regulatory issues.

As a result of the 2008 financial crisis, there was a great deal of reform of the UK banking sector, which led to significantly better capitalisation and regulation. These improved positions are stress-tested to a significant degree on a regular basis, with all results published. These measures, together with the swift action of the central banks, are designed to stem contagion, so the

current volatility is not seen as the beginning of another global financial crisis. From Handelsbanken’s perspective, we have a very strong liquidity and capital position, and our credit rating is the highest among comparable banks in the UK. We are also Europe’s strongest commercial bank (Fitch Ratings AA & S&P AA-) as well as being the fourth-safest commercial bank in the world (Global Finance Magazine’s ‘World’s Safest Banks’ 2022 rankings).

BECKY MORAN

It takes just one call for after-hours tenant support

ONE of the most difficult things about being a landlord is having to deal with middle-of-thenight emergencies. Think water dripping through the ceiling at 2am. It’s not great for tenants, either. Who should they call? What happens if they can’t get hold of their landlord?

Becky Moran of TN Lettings says the firm is always thinking of ways to make life easier for landlords and tenants

“We are pleased to announce that our 24-hour tenant emergency hotline is now live,” she says.

“Should disaster strike at any time of day or night, one call to our helpline will mean that there is someone there to sort out the problem.

“Our phone lines are manned 24/7. After taking some details about the issue, the problem will be escalated, if appropriate. We have access to an

army of tradespeople who are on hand to help fix the problem,” Becky adds.

“Of course, we hope the service is not needed too often, for the sake of our landlords and tenants, but it’s comforting to know that it’s there, just in case.”

Emergencies

“The 24/7 helpline service is currently available for managed properties, and will soon also be extended to ‘let only’ properties. For a small monthly fee, landlords who might be away or don’t want to have to deal with out-of-hours emergencies, can stop worrying,” Becky explains. Contact TN Lettings on 01892 249070 or at: tnlettings.co.uk

‘As a result of the 2008 financial crisis, there was a great deal of reform of the UK banking sector’

NICK GREEN, HANDELSBANKEN, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Get the outside edge in your garden

On Saturday April 29, from 10am to 4pm, garden landscaping specialists Corker Outdoor Living, who are based near Paddock Wood, will host a special event unveiling their new and impressive show gardens.

The family-run business has also invited each garden’s designer along so visitors can have a chat as they wander around the new crop of stunning gardens. Coffee, cakes and drinks will all be served and there will also be 10% off all materials purchased on the day.

The mastermind behind the show gardens event is Oliver Corkery, Managing Director at Corker Outdoor Living.

“Since launching the original show garden concept back in 2017 we have been amazed at the way the gardens have helped inspire our customers and generate business for our designers, landscapers and of course Corker Outdoor Living.

“Perhaps one of the most important benefits to Corker has been the way the gardens have been a catalyst to creating a community of individuals and businesses that work and grow together,” says Oliver who co-runs the Corker business with his father Mick and mother Alice.

It’s true to say the experience of being in lockdown at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020 made many more people appreciate their gardens – especially as the weather was so good!

‘Corker’s designers and landscapers have access to a whole plethora of tree and plant nurseries, and associated trades, so they can provide you with a truly comprehensive solution’

In my opinion the garden, no matter how big or small, helps us find that all important time and space to reflect and take a breath. Therefore it is really important we all get all the elements of our alfresco oasis right and there is every chance of doing just that at Corker Outdoor Living.

Having had a sneak peek at the new designs, I can reveal the show gardens for 2023 at Corker are truly inspirational. They will provide visitors with a wide spectrum of ideas that utilise many of the materials and resources that are readily available.

“As well as this, Corker’s designers and landscapers also have access to a whole plethora of tree and plant nurseries, and associated trades including swimming pool contractors, garden building fabricators, electricians and plumbers, so they can provide you with a truly comprehensive solution,” adds Oliver.

“Here we are only able to give you a small glimpse at the creativity and professionalism that goes into creating the show gardens,” he continues.

“I’d just like to say a big thank you to all the very special people who have supported our initiative from the very start. They include Mike from All Your Garden Needs, Sam at Beetlestone, Cameron from Cameron Trend Design, David of Cat & Mouse Landscapes, Barry from English Gardens, Jake at Fairdeck, Kane from Fairweather Construction, Jack at Your Garden Creations, George from Gardenproud, Amanda and Becca at Hopkins & Nash, Karen from Karen McClure Garden Design, Jamie at Kentish,

CORKER’S OUTDOOR LIVING NEW SHOW GARDENS AT A GLANCE:

Designed by Marlene Lento

course Will from Will Buss Landscaping.”

So how did each of the new show gardens come about? Well each of the designers were tasked with creating an innovative garden in a very small space (just 4.8m x 5m) so the grey matter had to work overtime to provide a solution that works and also communicates key attributes of each designer and their landscape construction team.

“Remember that these gardens are even smaller than the Artisan Gardens featured at the Chelsea Flower Show each year so you have to stay focused,” states Oliver.

“Having a strong theme or concentrating on a particular feature of a garden are good starting points. Many clients find it difficult to visualise how much of an impact an intelligently designed garden can improve their appreciation of their garden and indeed home life. Corker have helped enormously by providing a platform for all of us to demonstrate the transition from concept to reality.”

For further information about the event, or help with your garden design contact Oliver on 01892-833325, or see Corker Outdoor Living at: corker.co.uk

A modern, yet timeless design that sits equally well with a Kentish farmhouse, or an urban setting. Successful gardens visually relate to the house they belong to, so the palette starts here with brick and render, which are universal to a range of architectural styles.

The central feature is a large, monolithic planter that merges into a kitchen counter. This clean, minimalist envelope sets off the warmth of the brick and the texture of Millboard used in the decking and floati

ng bench. Black feather board cladding creates a contrasting backdrop for the evergreen planting. This mellow contemporary scheme is low-maintenance and easily adaptable to a variety of outdoor spaces.

Contact Marlene 07900 575588 mlento@marlenelento.com

Marlene from Marlene Lento Garden Design, Paul from Paul Woods Landscaping, Matt at Praesto Landscapes, Ryan from RTW Landscapes, Camellia at The Garden Taylor, Tim from Wealden Country Landscapes, and of

With a whole crop of fresh ideas, what could be better than a visit to Corker Outdoor Living in Paddock Wood to see their new show gardens? Tim Sykes of Gardenproud gets an exclusive look…

‘A Contemporary Kentish Outdoor Entertainment Garden’

GROUND FORCE: Alice, Oliver and Mick Corkery

‘A Journey Through the Garden’

Designed by Cameron Trend

‘The Dutch Way’

Designed by Amanda Hopkins and Becca Nash

This garden is designed to evoke a feeling of enclosure and contemplation. The design showcases the capabilities of a small garden by taking you on a journey through the space.

As you enter the garden, stepping pads lead you through the space with benches offering opportunities to rest along the way. Stepping down into the garden creates a more intimate area and enhances a more tranquil atmosphere. Planting is textural and green to contrast against the dark structure and geometric layout by softening with frothy foliage. Materials are used in an unconventional way that experiments with texture and colour.

Cameron Trend

07581 647855

camerontrend@gmail.com

The concept for this garden was inspired by contemporary Dutch design, which explores beauty in simplicity. An emphasis on clean, uncluttered vertical and horizontal lines, putting materials and craftsmanship centre stage. The central path has been offset and positioned diagonally across the garden

Small Sanctuary’

to maximise length, accentuating the longest part of the garden.

A rectangular terrace, laid in softly veined grey limestone, is angled to push the boundaries of the garden away, draw the eye inwards and give a dynamic quality to the space. A bowl of water reflects light and movement into the

north-facing plot.

Simple planting combinations have been used to bring all-important movement, colour and texture, as well as green interest at height.

Becca 07912 031282

RTW Landscapes 07568 510847

I was really excited to be asked to build a show garden at Corker, especially as it is being built by ‘Garden Creations’ who I regularly work with.

I wanted the garden to showcase the incredible craftmanship from the team and to demonstrate what can be achieved in a small space (with a little help from a friendly garden designer!). I love plants and was keen to include as many as possible – not just because of the environmental benefits,

but also to enhance the landscaping. I was thrilled to use Jura Beige Limestone (a favourite of mine) and some lovely chocolate brown clay pavers that have been recently added to Corker’s extensive range of materials. Corker is very much a community and I love being part of it.

Camellia Taylor 07737 615 042 hello@thegardentaylor. co.uk

‘A Moroccan Riad Courtyard’

Designed by George Sykes

Imagine the warm hues and blistering heat of Marrakech. Then think of a sanctuary you can rest in the dappled light and cool surroundings and sip a refreshing glass of green tea with mint. Well that’s just what George has re- created in his new garden at Corker.

Walk past the giant Trachycarpus fortunei, step over the cool mosaic pool and climb the limestone steps to the Breedon gravel courtyard before finally lounging on the cushioned bench and reflecting on the day in the Marrakech-style, Balau floored garden building.

George’s aim was to demonstrate his company Gardenproud’s skill at building gardens, plus outdoor buildings and their ability to research and deliver themes that transcend geographic boundaries.

George or Tim Sykes

07725 173820

tim@gardenproud.co.uk

Corker sought the creation of an inspired entertaining and corporate space to host key industry and public events and to demonstrate their quality range of products.

The garden features a social lounge and bar, including an outdoor cooking area, kitchen and BBQ. The stylish structure connecting the main area will enable the space to be utilised at all times, as will sensitive and subtle

outdoor lighting. Restorative planting reflects a calming environment including crisp, textural foliage and elegant colour palette, enhanced by the canopies of the ornamental trees.

The Little Corker Zone will ensure that no-one, no matter how small, will miss out on the fun! Quality products will reflect the accessibility of a lifestyle outdoors and materials are chosen with the environment and sustainability in

mind. The Corker Collective show garden aims to reflect the attributes of the Corker brand, an all-encompassing space for families, contractors, designers and landscapers alike to come together to create inspiredoutdoor-spaces.

Karen McClure 01892 263863 karen@karenmcclure.co.uk

‘A

Designed by Camellia Taylor

‘The Little Corker Zone’ Designed by Karen McClure

Contemporary, rural living in the UK’s ‘Best Place to Live’

THE PEOPLE of Wadhurst were delighted to discover that their beautiful village in East Sussex was the winner of the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2023.

The unique market town has been praised for its good schools, convenient transport links, variety of high street shops and its surrounding country scenery. The Sunday Times described Wadhurst as having “everything needed for modern life in miniature”.

Exceptional

Found nestled within the fantastic village of Wadhurst, The Grove is an exceptional hub of 21 quality new homes that offer rural living on the edge of this vibrant, British village.

The homes at The Grove are designed to grow with you and your family, providing an evolving environment of cosy two-bedroom homes, to substantial three- and fourbedroomed houses with generous gardens.

This stunning new development offers all the benefits of buying a new property, providing you with structural warranties that will give you peace of mind for 10 years.

The Grove seamlessly combines contemporary style with traditional joinery, long-lasting ceramic tiling, and quality fittings from top brands.

If you would like to enquire about this fantastic development, please call 07708 290681 or 01892 512020, or you can email: thegrove@connells.co.uk or twells@batchellermonkhouse.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to view these fantastic new homes.

THE GROVE, WADHURST

LIVE THE DREAM

At Sited we are specialists in sourcing desirable plots so you can realise your dream home.

The Sited bespoke journey – source the plot/secure planning/project manage the build

We make dreams a reality – contact Sited to provide the optimum site finding service for your dream home.

At Sited we source exceptional sites for clients requiring a bespoke service – facilitating the dream of developing their own home.

Creating space to grow

Tunbridge Wells-based Integra Property Management (IPM) is a leading residential and commercial property management company that services both the South East and London. The Times spoke to Integra Commercial Director Harry Spencer and Head of Lettings Sophie Meyer about the company’s growing offerings.

How did IPM identify the need for a new lettings brand in Tunbridge Wells?

IPM has been in operation since 2005 and we have a portfolio of 191 properties under management, comprising 61 commercial units, 58 residential properties and 72 industrial units. With that experience behind us, we gained a good insight into what landlords expect and need.

We came to understand that landlords need the peace of mind that an agent offers: knowing that they are doing everything in the best interests of their client and looking after what is possibly the landlord’s largest financial investment. As a result, we launched our Lettings Department in 2022.

With the aim of achieving the best possible rent with as little void period as possible, we dedicated our marketing approach to achieving this. We believe that this is what differentiates us from other letting agents. We understand that response time is crucial, and that having a great relationship with both landlords and tenants is all-important. At IPM we are lucky enough to have our own maintenance team, facilities and estates that allow us to provide the many different services that might be required by our clients.

Precisely what services do you offer your clients?

IPM’s service range is divided into five areas: Estates Management ensures we take care of everything from commercial to residential property, including lettings, private property management and industrial units. Our £300million portfolio proves that we have experience in managing and delivering to a high, professional standard. Facilities Management, run by our facilities team, covers the maintenance and upkeep of all our clients’ buildings. It ensures that each project meets legal requirements and health and safety standards. Our managers are tasked with the day-to-day operations of the buildings.

Maintenance Management, overseen by our maintenance

team of highly skilled tradespeople, undertakes all aspects of refurbishment work for commercial and domestic properties. The team also offers an out-of-hours emergency service. We also offer health, safety and environmental services. In line with the latest legislation, the HS&E team is committed to maintaining the highest health, safety, and employee welfare standards for both our business and our clients. Finally, our new Lettings Department offers a professional and bespoke property lettings and management service in both London and the South East. We provide a turnkey solution: from pre-tenancy documents to end of tenancy, and all things in between.

Which is your fastest growing sector?

That would definitely be Lettings and Maintenance. In the past 12 months, our head count has doubled as we have taken on new trades, thereby creating an even wider offering for our clients. House lettings continue to grow at an exceptionally fast rate as we take on new landlords and exciting properties.

What makes IPM’s offering unique in the market?

We offer all services under one roof. We have our own residential and commercial portfolio, which means we have a wide knowledge of what a landlord demands, and know how we would expect an agent to go the extra mile.

How do you see the future of the letting market in Tunbridge Wells?

We are constantly being challenged by new innovations and online platforms in the market that allow landlords to do their own marketing and management. However, in our experience, neither tenants nor landlords get the service that they, as a business strive for. With that said, we believe that with the right managing agent, one’s marketing and property management should be viewed as a long-term investment.

If you are currently selling a property, you might fear that reducing the price may signal that your house is less desirable and deter potential buyers. But in the current market, this is not necessarily the case. Deborah Richards, Managing Partner of award-winning Sales and Lettings agent, Maddisons Residential, discusses the ways a price reduction can help to boost a property sale within a buyer’s market.

A recent report showed that currently an average 19,311 properties a week are having a price reduction. This figure was below 10,000 a week in 2021 and 2022, demonstrating that the boom seller’s market of the pandemic years has been replaced with a more price-sensitive, buyer’s market. The mismatch between buyer and seller price expectations is the reason for this high number of price reductions. Sellers soon understand that they will not achieve the aggressive prices of last year and appreciate that the heat of the market has cooled.

However, many sellers are reluctant to undertake a price reduction, believing that it will alert buyers to a potential problem with their property. This could not be further from the truth. The reality is that a price amendment aligns the property’s value to what a buyer is prepared to pay.

There are three ways that a price amendment can boost your property’s marketing performance. Firstly, if you reduce by 2% or more, Rightmove will alert all their registered buyers of the reduction, and cleverly advise that there is a new property for sale, which really grabs buyers’ attention. The date on Rightmove will also reset, meaning your property will appear higher in a buyer’s search results. Secondly, if you fall within a new maximum price filter on Rightmove, your property will suddenly be seen by a new host of buyers, who may never have seen it before. Thirdly, there is incredible psychology behind a property’s price, and a meaningful reduction can make a property suddenly feel like really good value.

I totally understand that a price reduction is painful. A seller has anchored on a price, made plans based on achieving that figure, and suddenly thousands of pounds are being “lost” in their mind. However, in this market, the price of their next purchase will probably also be less, and so it is all largely relative. Ultimately, a seller needs to ask themselves, “Are we moving or are we staying?”.

‘At IPM we are lucky enough to have our own teams for maintenance, facilities and estates that allow us to provide many different services that might be required by our clients’

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A festival of delights for literary lovers

From children’s authors and art podcasters, to television icons and a first TW Comicon, this year’s Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival has something for everyone…

After a successful debut in 2022, the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival will once again return to the town from Thursday May 11 to Sunday May 14.

This year’s festival includes a diverse range of events taking place at the Assembly Hall Theatre, The Amelia Scott, Royal Victoria Place, The Forum and One Warwick Park.

Last year’s inaugural festival was a resounding success, with more than 1,600 visitors flocking to events across the festival’s four-day run. This year, with the backing of Arts Council England, including an offer of more than 1,000 free tickets for children, as well as the generous support of Berry & Lamberts Solicitors and RBC Brewin Dolphin, the festival aims to be even bigger and better than before! Brand-new events for this year will include the first ever TW Comicon and the TWLF Local Writer’s Fair.

Highlights include Sir Michael Parkinson, who will appear at the Assembly Hall Theatre on

Last year’s inaugural festival was a resounding success, with more than 1,600 visitors flocking to events across the festival’s four-day run

Saturday May 13. Discussing his book, ‘My Sporting Life: Memories, Moments and Declarations’ with his son, Mike, this is an opportunity to see one of Britain’s most revered

Our first ever TW Comicon will feature comic books, novels and films, manga, workshops with comic creators and artists, collectables and comics to purchase, as well as retro-gaming opportunities. Local talent will also be celebrated at the very first TWLF Local Writers’ Fair.

broadcasters discuss his life in showbiz.

Join Russell Tovey (‘The History Boys’, ‘American Horror Story’, ‘Being Human’), and Robert Diament (Director of the Carl Friedman Gallery) at the Assembly Hall Theatre on Sunday, May 14 as they discuss some of their favourite moments from their hugely popular Talk Art podcast, as featured in their new book, ‘Talk Art: The Interviews’.

Popular children’s authors, personalities and illustrators including Bec Hill, Mama G, Tim Collins, Vashti Hardy, Manjeet Mann and Amanda Quartey will all appear across the weekend at venues including the Assembly Hall Theatre, The Amelia Scott and Royal Victoria Place.

Famous faces from our television screens, David and Carrie Grant, who have been vocal coaches and judges on both Fame Academy and Glee Club, will discuss their book, ‘A Very Modern Family’ at The Amelia Scott. In the book, Carrie and David share their own familial experiences that will speak to and help parents whose children are gender fluid and/or neurodiverse. It will also help parents be more understanding and compassionate towards their

children. This is an important first book on this topic that looks at gender and sexuality, neurodivergence and the challenges that brings as well looking at themes of race and culture.

Arsenal fans can experience fascinating insights from the longawaited memoir of international football ambassador, former co-owner of Arsenal FC and legend of the game, David Dein. ‘Calling the Shots’ is part-memoir, part-inspirational meditation on the game, and includes stories from his time at Arsenal FC. Writers of the hugely successful play ‘Ghost Stories’, Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, will also present an intimate writing workshop. In this two-hour workshop, they’ll explore the process that led to the show’s creation and discuss some of the lessons they both learned, which they carried forward into the hugely popular film version that they went on to adapt and direct. In a further session, they will also discuss their book ‘The Warlock Effect’.

Nicky Carter, Head of Culture at The Amelia Scott, said: “Following last year’s successful debut event, we’re thrilled to be hosting another Literary Festival here in Tunbridge Wells. In addition to showcasing another fantastic line-up of talented writers and storytellers, this year will also include a Local Writers’ Fair and, new to Tunbridge Wells, a Comicon event featuring stalls and workshops covering everything from Manga to superheroes!”

For further information about the festival and tickets for any of the events, visit: theamelia.co.uk/whats-on

ANDY NYMAN AND JEREMY DYSON

RUSSELL TOVEY AND CARL FRIEDMAN BEC HILL

CARRIE AND DAVID GRANT

‘Being part of our theatre group there is a lot of fun to be had’

The Times speaks to Liz Pretty of the Bidborough Dramatic Society about their new production of Steel Magnolias and why they need your support…

Tomorrow, Thursday April 20, it’s curtain up for the Bidborough Dramatic Society as they kick off their latest show Steel Magnolias. Running until Saturday April 22 and on at Bidborough Village Hall, it’s the group’s interpretation of Robert Harling’s classic 1989 movie about female friendships which originally starred Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts and Shirley MacLaine amongst its stellar cast.

Bidborough Dramatic Society Spokesperson

Liz Pretty says that she and her amateur dramatic colleagues are looking forward to reprising this story about female friendships for the stage later this week. But she is also very keen to recruit more members to the club so that it can continue to thrive and thrill audiences.

Loyal

“The Society was established just over 50 years ago and has enjoyed a strong and loyal following ever since, presenting a huge wealth of productions across all genre of drama, plus musicals and even pantomime in the past,” she explains.

“Sadly, as is so often the case with many amateur societies, the years take their toll for all kinds of reasons and the time comes when the

number and abilities of its members diminishes. Happily, we still have a great following and are fortunate to attract a few new members each year. However, it sometimes becomes quite difficult to recruit people for the range of jobs that make up any one production.”

Liz stresses she is not talking about actors –although she adds that of course they are always very welcome, too!

“With the exception of younger people, that is less of a problem. What I am talking about are other essential ‘parts’, without which any number of actors are totally redundant!”

Liz says the troupe requires everything from directors to production managers, and from publicity officers to prompts, and stage crew to box office managers.

“There are always so many jobs to be done but the good news is that the majority of these tasks are only required twice a year! This is in spring and autumn when we put on our performances but when we do require helping hands then 100% commitment to each task is essential!”

At the moment she says the Society is especially looking for a Musical Director who has had some experience. If people are interested in that role – or indeed any others

HOUSE CALLS FOR APRIL IN YOUR AREA

aforementioned then to contact her directly. “I can promise that by being part of Bidborough Dramatic Society there is a lot of fun to be had! I can also promise that we are most definitely not a bunch of ‘luvvies’ – just a group of ordinary people with a love of theatre.”

If you’re interested then call 07881 294 371 or visit: bidboroughdrama.org, where you can also book tickets to see Steel Magnolias for £12 per person.

This local theatrical troupe requires everything from directors to production managers, and from publicity officers to prompts, and stage crew to box office managers

THE STEEL MAGNOLIAS CAST

Clockwise from top: Fred Yates, Figures on a woodland path – £3,600 + fees. Cressida Campbell, Jacaranda in full blossom – £110,000 + fees. Platinum and seven stone diamond ring – £1,800 + fees. After Lord Frederick Leighton, bronze, The Sluggard – £10,000 + fees. Chinese Imperial blue glazed ritual offering vessel and cover– £11,500 + fees.

I HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS AN EXECUTOR – DO I NEED A SOLICITOR?

By Sarah Strong, Partner at CooperBurnett LLP

If you have been appointed as an Executor, there is no legal obligation to engage a solicitor. Executors are able to deal with the administration of an Estate and apply for the Grant of Representation (a document obtained from the Probate Registry to prove the legal authority of the person dealing with an Estate) themselves.

It is, though, best to obtain legal advice where an Estate is complex, either due the amount or type of assets the deceased had, if there are children under 18 who are inheriting, if there are trusts set up under the terms of the Will or if there are likely to be challenges to the Will. However, even where an Estate is simple and straight forward, there are challenging issues that may arise.

An Executor is responsible for making sure an Estate is administered correctly, including ensuring assets and liabilities are valued correctly, making sure the correct about of Inheritance Tax is paid and the Estate is distributed in line with the Will or Intestacy Rules.

Appointing a Solicitor to assist you can alleviate some of the burden and give you peace of mind that you are correctly carrying out your duty.

Many Executors are not familiar with the rules regarding Inheritance Tax and the exemptions and reliefs that are available. For example, the Residential Nil Rate Band was introduced in 2017 and, where an Estate qualifies, this offers an additional £175,000 free of Inheritance Tax. If the deceased had a spouse or civil partner that died before them, there may also be the opportunity to claim this allowance from their Estate. A Solicitor would be able to make sure that all available Inheritance Tax reliefs are being used in an estate.

Please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Strong on email: SHS@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.

String theory: the craft of instrument makers

Taking us inside the intensely creative world of the luthier, Andrew Collins, owner of Brittens Music, gives the Times an overview of the art of instrument making…

In an age where technology has revolutionised the music industry, it’s easy to forget the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into making musical instruments. The world of the stringed instrument maker – the luthier – is one that is rich in history and tradition, and their work plays a crucial role in the creation of beautiful music.

A luthier is a craftsman who specialises in making and restoring all varieties of stringed instrument – everything from violins to guitars, and even folk instruments. These instruments are made by hand using a combination of woodworking skills and an understanding of acoustics.

Luthiers spend years honing their craft, often working with established makers before striking out on their own.

beautiful object, but about understanding the science behind how sound is produced. While the world of instrument making may seem like a niche profession, it plays a vital role in the music industry. Without skilled makers, we would not have the beautiful instruments that allow musicians to create the music we love. And while technology has made it easier to create music, it’s the artistry and craftsmanship of the instrument maker that truly brings the music to life.

Visit Brittens Music’s showroom on Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells to view their huge range of musical instruments. They have a great selection of string instruments and pianos (both pre-loved and new) on display for you to try, and much more.

Alternatively, visit their website at: brittensmusic.co.uk

“I have many years of experience of both instrument making and restoration in my dedicated workshop at Brittens Music, and also work with other highly-skilled luthiers when workload requires,” Andrew explains.

Violin-making is a particularly specialised craft, with makers often following strict guidelines and measurements to ensure that each instrument is built to perfection. The process involves selecting the right wood, shaping and carving the body, varnishing, and carefully fitting the bridge, sound post and strings to achieve the optimum sound and get the best out of the instrument. The result is a beautiful instrument that produces a rich, warm sound that is unique to each individual violin.

“No two violins are the same, which is a charming quality. We have customers that travel across the country to come and try our large selection of instruments, old and new, before deciding on a purchase,” Andrew adds.

The art of instrument making is not just about creating a

‘I have many years of experience of both instrument making and restoration in my dedicated workshop at Brittens Music, and also work with other highly skilled luthiers when workload requires’

ANDREW COLLINS

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS: Andrew’s workshop at Brittens Music

The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Everything you need to know about the Italian plumber’s universe

What started life as an arcade game is now a major blockbuster, and there have been plenty of platform-jumping adventures along the way.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie stars Chris Pratt as the titular character, alongside Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Luigi (Charlie Day), as they go into battle with nemesis Bowser (Jack Black).

But how did Mario jump from an arcade game to the big screen?

Years in the making

Mario Bros. was an arcade game in the early eighties, before the first video game – Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System – was released in 1985.

The game quickly found fans globally. In the original two-player version, players can explore the platform world as Mario, alongside greendungaree-sporting sidekick Luigi. Exploring realms of side-scrolling levels, the plumbers take on big boss Bowser to save Princess Peach.

In 1993, a live-action movie was released, starring Dennis Hopper and Bob Hoskins and set in Brooklyn, but it received mixed reviews. The long-awaited animated offering is the biggest film in multiple languages to focus on the characters from the classic game.

Unprecedented success

The games have since come thick and fast in many forms, be it sports-based, kart racing or build-your-own worlds. The most recent game, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury for Nintendo Switch, was released in 2021, and reportedly sold 5.59 million copies.

Despite the fact the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch was released in 2017, it continues to feature regularly in the top 10 games sold in the UK.

The franchise’s popularity is evident: just this week, two Super Mario games appeared in the top 10 games charts, compiled by GfK.

Devoted fans

So what keeps people coming back to the franchise, and why are fans so eager to see Mario and Luigi on the big screen?

The tag ‘Supermario’ has over 7 billion views on TikTok, and Super Mario 64 has 2.6 million

followers on Twitch.

Gamers like Kris Boorman – who works as a PPC account manager at marketing firm Embryo – love Mario and stand by every release.

“I’ve been playing Mario games since my parents got me an NES and the hybrid Super Mario Bros and Duck Hunt cartridge back in the day, and in the months leading up to the release of Mario 64 and the launch of the Nintendo 64, I was absolutely obsessed with Mario media,” Boorman says.

“I even have a soft spot for the nineties live-action Mario movie starring Bob Hoskins, Dennis Hopper and John Leguizamo.”

The games are not just for kids either.

“My wife and I lived in Japan during Mario’s 25th-anniversary celebration, and all over Tokyo there were promotions at restaurants, cinemas and pop-up stands celebrating – it was a great time to be there,” says Boorman.

Nintendo’s versatility

Non-gamers might wonder how it doesn’t all get a bit repetitive.

“Nintendo (is) always trying new things and keeping things interesting, Mario games are for

everyone, pure and simple. I think it’d be really hard to find someone who couldn’t enjoy at least one Mario game,” Boorman suggests.

“It is quite apt that the movie is being released by Universal, as the series definitely has universal appeal.

“And you’ve got the older Mario fans like me who’ll keep coming back, because fundamentally, Mario and the core games are unchanged and just as fun as they were when we were kids.

“I think Nintendo just hit the nail on the head with incredibly appealing and timeless character designs. The games are so accessible that for many, Mario and Luigi were that gateway media for video games as a whole.”

Nintendo is expected to reveal details of a new game this year.

This new film is making waves at the box office. Imy Brighty-Potts explores the history of the mustachioed hero – and asks why he is so lovable.

guidegig

Via 01892 513900 or you can visit tn1barkitchen.co.uk

20/04 Andreas Jenson

21/04 Charlotte Lubbock

22/04 Owen Donavan

27/04 Rev Farriday

28/04 The Masqueraders

29/04 Indiana Jukebox

ST EDITH FOLK SESSIONS

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

In his fortnightly guide, Times Music Editor Paul Dunton brings us his gig highlights, including Stereo MCs at The Forum and Noble Jacks at The Assembly Hall…

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE, THE PANTILES

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

21/04 Laura & Co Jazz Quartet

28/04 The Grey Lady Sessions: Summit of the Big Low + Steffan James

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk

19/04 Ailbhe Reddy + Merpire

22/04 Boogie Nights

25/04 Benefits + Scrounge + Joeythin

27/04 U18s Open Mic

28/04 Stereo MCs + special guests

29/04 Huey Morgan’s NYC Block Party, Hip-hop, Soul, Funk, Disco

30/04 Fun-Da-Mental Productions

presents Spring into Summer:

JFB + Harry Shotta + DJ Twony b2b

DJ SDN + CODE: MARLA + Fake-Boy Slim from Jellyfunk Allstars + Samantics + Faraone Bros + Captain

Accident & The Disasters + Bjika + Shoplifter Ltd + DJ Sparks + Jo Jardim

1pm start

SQUERRYES WINERY RESTAURANT, WESTERHAM

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

Live music from 7.30pm

21/04 Paul Malsom

28/04 Harry Whitty

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, CRESCENT ROAD

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

22/04 Noble Jacks live in concert + support from The Orange Circus + Paul Dunton Orchestra

TN1 BAR & KITCHEN, MONSON ROAD

Open all day. live music usually from 8pm. Booking advised

21/04 Ray Cooper + Heather Mary Curry (Otford Memorial Hall)

28/04 Eliza Carthy Trio + Hannah Scott (The Vestry Hall, Cranbrook)

THE GREEN DUCK EMPORIUM, 53 GROSVENOR ROAD

All event information, tickets and bookings atthegreenduckemporium. com/events

22/04 Disco Duck with Vintage Vinyl

27/04 Carradine’s Cockney Singalong!

THE FORUM BASEMENT, THE SUSSEX ARMS

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

20/04 Jrugs + HIGH + Sun Messiah

22/04 TEDDYYBEARR EP release party

29/04 Refugease Benefit – Credentials & Sheena

THE ROYAL OAK PUB, PROSPECT ROAD

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

19/04 Americana Sessions

22/04 David Lofts + D’mello

THE BLACK HORSE PUB, CAMDEN ROAD

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

21/04 A night at the musicals with

April 19 to May 2

Nell Price and Ceiron Faux

28/04 Nell Price Jazz Night

29/04 Laura & Co Jazz Quartet

30/04 Not King Cole (3pm)

TYBER’S REGGAE BAR, 9 NEVILL STREET

All event information available at tybersreggaebar.com/events

21/04 Live music from Andy Ska

22/04 Live music from Jack Curtis

28/04 Pete Lacey, aka Ska n Mash (ska and reggae DJ)

29/04 Live band: Double Barrel Reggae and Ska

30/04 All day ska, reggae and motown party

THE COMPASSES, 45 LITTLE MOUNT SION

Open all day, free entry, music from 7.30pm,

27/04 Squeeze A Crowd

29/04 Andy White

THE BEDFORD PUB, HIGH STREET

Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm 21/04 Kepler-22

EVEN FLOW CAFE, ST JOHN’S ROAD

All event information available at evenflowuk.com

27/04 Open Mic Night

ROSE HILL SCHOOL THEATRE

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

23/04 Ryan Corbett (accordion)

KING CHARLES THE MARTYR CHURCH

28/04 Handel’s Messiah by The Merry Opera Company

GEOGRAPHY WINE BAR, HIGH STREET

Open all day music from 3.30pm, free entry

23/04 Jonny Gray

30/04 Charlie White

THE GUN & SPITROAST INN, HORSMONDEN

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

05/04 Jam session all are welcome

12/04 Jam session all are welcome

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

• 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

Your Local Funeral Services

Your Local Funeral Services

Our Funeral Directors are here to support and guide you. We offer a friendly and professional service to families.

Our Funeral Directors are here to support and guide you. We offer a friendly and professional service to families.

T W Boorman Funeral Services www.tw-boorman.co.uk

T W Boorman Funeral Services www.tw-boorman.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells 01892 884 195 31 Mount Ephraim TN4 8AA

Tunbridge Wells 01892 884 195 31 Mount Ephraim TN4 8AA

W F Groombridge Funeral Directors www.wfgroombridge.co.uk

W F Groombridge Funeral Directors www.wfgroombridge.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells 01892 884 224

Tunbridge Wells 01892 884 224

Call us for immediate support, advice or to arrange a home visit. We are here to help 24 hours a day.

Call us for immediate support, advice or to arrange a home visit. We are here to help 24 hours a day.

SUMMIT OF THE BIG LOW

CHRIS WHITE

THE ORANGE CIRCUS

Brand new ice cream parlour brings the cool to Bewl

AFTER an action-packed day out with the whole family, there’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious cone or cup of ice cream. And those in Lamberhurst with a sweet tooth now have another location to quell their cravings, as Bewl Water has opened a new parlour just in time for summer.

Previously the old registration office at the Aqua Park, which sees the return of its 2023 season next week, the new ice cream shop has undergone several weeks of restoration.

“We were so pleased to open in time for the Easter holidays. It’s been a huge success, and we believe it is a welcome addition to Bewl Water,” said Events Manager Thomas Noble.

The ice cream parlour is Bewl Water’s second eatery and can be found next to the Waterfront Café, which serves hot drinks, light bites and lunch items

Sourced from Cornwall-based business Kelly’s, whose milk and cream is produced on local dairy farms, ice creams on offer include triple chocolate, cookies and cream, bubble gum and vegan vanilla.

Sour apple and blue raspberry slushies will also be on the menu, alongside strawberry, mint choc-chip, and salted caramel milkshakes, which can be enjoyed with a choice of soya, almond or oat milk.

The ice cream parlour is Bewl Water’s second eatery and can be found next to the Waterfront Café, which serves hot drinks, light bites, and lunch items, such as steak burgers and butcher’s sausages.

It has views of the reservoir, which is southeast England’s largest stretch of open water, and will be open on weekends and throughout the school

holidays from 11am-5pm.

During a visit to Bewl Water, families can enjoy a range of fitness-friendly activities, including bike hire, laser tag, soft play, and the Aqua Park, which returns to the reservoir on April 29. There are also two outdoor playgrounds, plenty of water-based adventures, and guided walking routes to explore, alongside mascot Ranger Bear’s spring trail, which is free to enjoy.

Bewl Water is asking their customers for suggestions to name their new ice cream parlour, which opened during the Easter holidays. Those looking to put their ideas forward can do so by

messaging the reservoir’s Instagram page @BewlWater or cast their vote this Friday April 21, when the team will share their top three names in the running.

Tunbridge Wells’ first corporate concierge service launches at One Warwick Park Hotel

ONE WARWICK PARK, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Chapel Place, has launched a new corporate concierge service that will provide premier and dedicated support to its business travellers.

The award-winning hotel has long been recognised as a leading destination for tourists and business travellers. In keeping with its spirit of reinventing the ultimate guest experience, One Warwick Park has introduced the new service that provides a ‘one-stop shop’ for its corporate clientele.

Whether arranging a complimentary room upgrade or managing round-the-clock schedules

for an important event, the prestigious new offering, which is the first of its kind in Tunbridge Wells, leaves guests feeling comfortable that everything has been taken care of during their stay.

As part of the service, business travellers will

benefit from a dedicated point of contact. Zoe Ward, One Warwick Park’s Reservations Manager, took over the role of Corporate Concierge upon its launch.

After grinding to a near halt during COVID-19, business trips are bouncing back, explained Zoe, and the expectations of guests are rising faster than ever.

“We have always been a service-orientated business, and we want to deliver that in every aspect of what we do.

“But COVID-19 upended all of it. As corporate travel makes a return to pre-pandemic levels, our new corporate concierge service will play a vital role in enhancing our guests’ experience that one step further.”

Complimentary

“When booking directly through our team, guests will receive a range of complimentary benefits, including the best and lowest hotel rates, bedroom upgrades, late check-out or early check-in, and reserved space in our co-working lounge, which is well equipped with free, high-speed wi-fi and priority parking.”

“We can also advise on sought-after destinations in and around town, and our business travellers will receive 10% off in The Brasserie and our bar, plus enjoy exclusive

discounts on meeting and event spaces.”

The idea, Zoe adds, is to “take care of everything for our guests during their time with us, so they can focus on the important things”.

“After all, they’re not just here for business,” she says. “The hotel offers a luxurious getaway, and we want to help them make the most of their trip and inspire them to return again.”

Located just a 10-minute walk from Tunbridge Wells station, the hotel comprises 39 suites, a dog-friendly, self-catered apartment and four-bedroom house, Mediterranean restaurant, an art-deco-inspired lounge bar and three different-sized function rooms that can accommodate 2-180 delegates, offering business travellers an all-in-one destination for their business needs.

To take advantage of One Warwick Park’s new corporate concierge service, companies should contact Zoe at: zoe.ward@onewarwickpark.co.uk

BEWL WATER SEEKS SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW ICE CREAM PARLOUR NAME

‘We have always been a serviceorientated business, and we want to deliver that in every aspect of what we do’

MEETINGS & EVENTS: Corporate Concierge Zoe Ward (left) is on hand to take care of guests

Meet the chef bringing Michelin-calibre standards to a Tunbridge Wells restaurant

CHAXI GUINZO has been appointed Sous Chef at The Brasserie, a Mediterranean restaurant on Chapel Place, following an impressive career working for the likes of Michelin-starred chef Ferran Adrià.

Part of award-winning hotel One Warwick Park, the restaurant launched a new evening menu last month, which highlights the best in Mediterranean cuisine using seasonal ingredients, all sourced from local suppliers.

Together with Head Chef Ollie Funnell, the Spanish-born cook will develop the menu even further, with plans to grow the team and its offering.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Ollie at The Brasserie,” Chaxi told the Times

“I think the restaurant represents the best of hospitality – beautiful interiors, fantastic food, and warm and personable service – everyone has been so welcoming.”

Experience

Previously running the kitchen at Mayfair’s El Norte, Chaxi brings with her years of experience working around the world, including at the highly-acclaimed establishment Neichel, in Barcelona, before working closely alongside the three-star Michelin chef Ferran Adrià, where her career flourished.

“The Brasserie brand is a perfect fit for my culinary ethos,” Chaxi explained.

“Ollie and his team develop dishes with integrity, creativity, and focus on fresh, local produce, and this is much like my cooking style.

“I like to play with different flavours and seasonal ingredients – so it’s great the team share this passion”.

Relocating to pursue new opportunities and to be closer to family, Chaxi said: “It’s a really exciting time to join The Brasserie and we have lots in store for the next few months”.

“We’ve been developing Ollie’s new menu, introducing seasonal specials and celebratory dishes for key events like the King’s Coronation.”

crostini, citrus grilled swordfish, lobster ravioli, 28-day aged 8oz fillet steak and Chaxi’s recommended spiced chicken thigh orzo.

“The dish combines tender, juicy, and flavourful chicken thighs with goats’ cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh chilli, spring onion and red pepper, all plated on top of orzo.

“It’s flavour-packed, lightly spiced and hearty – like comfort food without the heavy ingredients!”

“More recently, we’ve been experimenting with baked British lemon sole served with sautéed new potatoes, a creamy chardonnay and parsley sauce, crispy capers, and Morecambe Bay brown shrimp butter”.

Dishes from the new menu include asparagus

RECOMMENDED: Chicken thigh orzo

AGILITY & STRENGTH

Learn

WEIGHT

Desserts like pistachio fondant and white chocolate and raspberry blondie are also on offer alongside an extremely popular set menu which costs just £24.50 for two courses.

The Brasserie is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday – Sunday and bookings can be made online at: brasserie-owp.co.uk

Elite-level

From Yoga to innovative strength-cardio, choose from a range of classes to restore your natural fitness potential.

Combine Mobility and Stability to build your individual programme of movement and rediscover moving how you were born to.

BRINGING FLAVOUR: Brasserie sous chef Chaxi Guinzo

‘I think the restaurant represents the best of hospitality – everyone has been so welcoming’

Fawlty yet flawless dining at the Royal Wells

If you haven’t yet popped into the newly refurbished Royal Wells Hotel on Mt Ephraim Rd for tea and cake, a meal, or a classic cocktail, just treat yourself. The vistas over Tunbridge Wells alone are worth it. With plenty of parking, the hotel itself imbues nothing short of a timeless elegance, while walking that exquisite line between contemporary and classic.

If you’re lucky, you’ll bump into Luca ZanettiSpringett, the hotel’s Sales and Event Manager. His passion for the Royal Wells is obvious, and he is turning his many dreams for this RedCat hotel into a reality, starting with the ‘Faulty Towers Dinner Experience’, which runs from May 29 to June 29.

Having been granted a sneak peek of the show, I am more than a little excited to recommend the experience to the diners of Tunbridge Wells.

Famous

From the moment that Basil, Sybil and Manuel enter the room, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported back at least 40 years to the oh-so-familiar foyer and dining room of the old Torquay Hotel for which the show was so famous. The main difference is that the Royal Wells is far more elegant.

The cast are dead ringers: From their appearances, to their voices and mannerisms, these three are a slick act, and the pace is unrelenting. Despite myself, I was soon unwittingly roped into Basil’s antics and Manuel’s shenanigans. I was beguiled.

When you’re immersed in Basil, Sybil and Manuel’s world, your evening is sure to be extraordinary. While you dine on your three courses of vegetable broth, lemon chicken and strawberry cheesecake dessert, expect it to be served alongside a healthy dose of fun and mayhem as you become a part of the storyline of the iconic BBC television programme. With more than 70 per cent of the show improvised, this is a completely immersive and highly interactive comedy spectacular in which anything can happen – and usually does. Each dinner experience starts at 7pm, with the show and dinner commencing at 7.30pm and continuing for at least two hours.

Mr Zanetti-Springett has certainly curated an unforgettable evening for his guests.

“Our Faulty Towers Dinner Experience is the perfect opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the world of Fawlty Towers and to enjoy a night of guaranteed laughter and entertainment,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to bring this unique and immersive experience to Royal Tunbridge Wells and we can’t wait to share it with our guests.”

To purchase tickets to the Faulty Towers Dinner Experience, visit: designmynight.com/ uk/event-space/kent/royal-wells-hotel/ faulty-towers-dinner-experience

The Royal Wells Hotel has turned out a magical night of interactive dining and theatre that supersedes expectations. Michelle Wood went along to enjoy a sneak preview of the Faulty Towers Dinner Experience…

HE’S FROM BARCELONA: Basil berates Manuel in typical style

Hop along and savour a taste of this exciting new beer with benefits

In his monthly column, Alex Greig of Fuggles beer cafés and bottle shop, introduces Times readers to a different kind of brewery: The Hastings Project…

THE Hastings Project is something new and exciting on the beer scene, and pretty rare, too. Why? Because the brewery behind it is actually set up as a Community Interest Company – a not-for-profit organisation brewing beer to raise money for local charities, community groups and projects.

Founded by Robbie Ormrod and Ed Nash, it’s a little bit like the Trappist monk set-up in terms of its business model (minus the silence), and the proceeds are destined to help better the community that surrounds the brewery in its locality.

Awareness

Currently The Hastings Project is collaborating with friends at several breweries around the country to build up awareness and raise funds for the longer term goal which is to build a community-focused hub, complete with a brewery that will also employ and train people, giving them meaningful careers and opportunities, all while raising money for local causes too.

There’s a lot to like here, great community, good causes, nice people. But, have I mentioned the beers?

So far The Hastings Project has brewed a Bitter

and a Pale Ale which we’ve been really pleased to pour at Fuggles over the past six months. The Pale in particular was a big hit when we served it at the Spa Valley Railway Beer Festival last year.

Featuring UK-grown Harlequin hops, alongside Talus and Galaxy hops. The group’s latest beer has been brewed with the Braybrooke Beer Company and this time they’ve brewed a German-style Pilsner. Braybrooke is the perfect partner for this style of beer as it’s been brewing lagers since 2017, just outside Market Harborough.

At 5.1% the Pilsner has plenty of body, yet remains light and very drinkable. There is a lovely rustic bread-like flavour to it and that comes courtesy of the malt, while the noble hop Tettnanger lends a classic Pilsner aroma with subtle floral notes, a bit of lemon peel and some spice which gives it some bite. In short, this is a

beer that sends you back in for more, there’s a nice ‘moreish-ness’ to it thanks to some balanced bitterness at the end too.

I’m really excited about watching, and supporting, The Hastings Project as it develops. One of our goals this year at Fuggles is to really focus on the good – seeking out the projects that aim to better the environment around us all.

The Hastings Project Pilsner is available at Fuggles Bottle Shop now and you should also keep an eye out for it pouring on tap in Fuggles Beer Café, too over the coming weeks. Watch out for the next release which will feature plenty of hops and an exciting Belgian yeast strain. You can find out more about The Hastings Project over at: thehastingsproject.co.uk

‘The Hastings Project’s proceeds are destined to help better the community that surrounds the brewery in its locality’

Motoring News

Mercedes GLS SUV updated for 2023

MERCEDES has revealed an updated version of its GLS SUV, which brings small styling changes as well as electrified powertrains as standard.

The GLS is Mercedes’ largest SUV, coming with seven seats as standard and going head to head with the BMW X7 and Range Rover. The latest generation arrived on sale in 2019, with Mercedes now revising it to ensure it can compete with those aforementioned rivals, both of which have recently been overhauled.

At the front, the GLS

gets a redesigned grille with more prominent horizontal bars

At the front, the GLS gets a redesigned grille with more prominent horizontal bars across it, while the new bumper features additional gloss black elements. Around the rear, the GLS gets a new LED lighting signature with three horizontal blocks at each side, while a new set of 20-inch alloy wheels are offered.

One of the main changes is an

updated version of Mercedes ‘MBUX’ infotainment system, which uses new displays, and a specific ‘OffRoad Pack’ that has a ‘transparent bonnet’ feature, allowing large obstacles under the car, such as stones and potholes, to be recognised more easily.

Performance

All GLS models also now boast 48-volt mild-hybrid technology that provides a small uplift in performance and enhanced fuel economy, with a choice of six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines offered.

The range-topping ‘MercedesMaybach’ model has also been upgraded, with this model getting specific styling elements such as a large chrome grille and 23-inch forged alloy wheels. New features include a pattern made of Maybach logos in the front air inlet grilles, new diamond quilting for the leather seats and further colour combinations.

The updated Mercedes GLS is set to arrive in Europe in late October 2023. Prices are yet to be announced, but it’s likely to start from around £100,000 when sales start later in the year.

Hyundai retains World Car of the Year title as Ioniq 6 takes the top honours

HYUNDAI has won the World Car of the Year title for a second year in a row, with the firm’s new electric Ioniq 6 winning the overall award.

Last year, it was Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 SUV that took the top prize, and now the Ioniq 6 has done the same. Crowned winner at the New York International Auto Show, the awards are voted for by 100 automotive journalists from 32 countries.

Bespoke

It managed to fend off the Kia Niro and BMW X1 in the ‘final top three’ for the award, while also winning the World Car Design of the Year and World Electric Car awards too. Hyundai’s head of design Sangyup Lee was also recognised as World Car Person of the Year.

The Ioniq 6 is only the second model in Hyundai’s bespoke ‘Ioniq’ EV line-up, and arrives as a new saloon car. Nicknamed the ‘streamliner’ by its designers because of its aerodynamic

shape, the model boasts a 338-mile range and 350kW rapid charging capability that means a 10 to 80 per cent charge can take place in just 18 minutes.

Jaehoon Chang, president and CEO of the Hyundai Motor Company, said: “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious honour two years in a row, which recognises the tremendous talents and unrelenting efforts of everyone at Hyundai Motor Company to bring EVs like the Ioniq 6 to market.

“This honour reinforces our commitment to being a global leader in vehicle electrification and will serve to embolden our efforts as a smart mobility solutions provider.”

Elsewhere in the awards, the electric Kia EV6 GT was announced as the winner of World Performance Car, with the Citroen C3 taking World Urban Car. The Lucid Air – a luxury American EV rivalling the Tesla Model S –was crowned World Luxury Car.