Times of Tunbridge Wells 28th September 2022

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Council reverses gear on scrapping free car parking

By Richard Williams

THE Council’s ‘Borough Partnership’ has scrapped plans to abolish free parking in two Tunbridge Wells towns after 80 per cent of residents opposed the plans.

The Lib Dem-led coalition Cabinet, which also consists of Labour and Alliance councillors, had planned to scrap the first free hour of parking at the Council-owned car park in Paddock Wood and the first two hours of free parking in Yew Tree car park in Southborough in favour of a 50 pence per hour charge.

But the moved sparked protests and petitions and even led to Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark blasting the plans

as ‘damaging’ for the local businesses in the towns.

The backlash over the proposals saw the Lib Dem head of finance, Cllr Andrew Hickey, step down and leave the party to become an independent councillor earlier this year.

finances that is set to rise to £3.4million a year by 2026.

As reported in last week’s Times, 80 per cent of residents who took part in the consultation said they opposed the plan to abolish free parking.

At a Cabinet meeting last Thursday (September 22), the Cabinet decided to scrap the plans.

The Council launched a consultation into its proposal to scrap the free parking last month, which was aimed at plugging a growing deficit in the Town Hall’s

While it introduced an increase in fees across other council-run car parks –which will see the first hour rise from around £1.50 an hour to £2 an hour and annual season tickets increasing from £50-80 a year – the Cabinet voted against its own policy of abolishing free parking

this week…

Council u-turns on its plans to abolish free parking

listen to the views of the public we serve and take stock on Council decisions.

in Paddock Wood and Southborough.

Instead, the Cabinet said it would seek ‘other options for funding’ that the Council will ‘engage with Southborough Town Council and Paddock Wood Town Council to discuss’.

Appointment

TOP THIS

Recently-arrived resident Jim Hawker climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Nourish Community Foodbank P10

In defending the u-turn, the new Cabinet’s head of Finance Councillor Chris Hall, who took over from Andrew Hickey last month, said: “Since my appointment as Cabinet member for Finance in August, I have been re-examining our in-year budget plans as well as our strategy on parking.

“I would like to thank everyone who participated in the parking fees consultation and who spoke up for residents at various public meetings. Consultation is an opportunity to

“As a new member of Cabinet, I have been able to look at this again and was pleased that we were able to reach an agreement to modify our initial proposal, by listening to businesses and residents about the impact on their areas,” Mr Hall added.

“While the main charges will need to go ahead in full, to ensure that we address a very significant budget deficit in future years, we will also engage with our colleagues in Paddock Wood and Southborough on how best to maintain the free parking their residents so clearly value.

CLLR CHRIS HALL

and sometimes that means being willing to change our minds.”

The decision has been welcomed by campaigners and councillors in the two towns.

Independent councillor for Paddock Wood West, Matt Bailey, told the Times: "The residents and businesses of Paddock Wood were 100 per cent against the new parking charges, particularly ending the period of free parking.

“So they will be relieved this barmy idea has been dropped."

The news comes after an earlier decision to start charging for parking at Dunorlan Park was also dropped by the Borough Partnership but the idea could resurface next year.

“The Borough Partnership is committed to getting things right,

The Council has asked its officers to conduct an ‘informal public consultation’ to understand resident’s views on the ‘amenity value’ of the park, including the introduction of parking charges, which could be implemented in the 2023/24 financial year.

Commuter misery to resume as bus and rail strikes return

By Richard Williams

THE largest bus and train operators in Kent are set to return to industrial action at the weekend, after planned strikes were cancelled following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Around 600 workers at bus company Arriva are to walk out over pay during a series of strikes that are to begin on Friday (September 30).

Unite, the union that represents the workers at depots in Gillingham, Gravesend, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, has demanded a pay rise of 12.3 per cent for its members.

The union walked out on September 5 but cancelled a series of planned strikes following the death of The Queen.

Action

Unite said Arriva had failed to ‘grasp the nettle’ and make an improved pay offer and is now returning to industrial action.

Janet Nobbs, Unite's Regional Officer, said: "Fresh bus strikes will inevitably cause further turmoil for passengers throughout Kent, but this dispute is entirely of Arriva's own making.

"Arriva has had every opportunity to return to negotiations and make an improved offer, but it has failed even to contact Unite to seek a resolution to the dispute."

And yesterday (Tuesday), Arriva confirmed that further industrial action will take place in October across Northfleet, Gillingham, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells on October 6, 7, 10 and 11.

A spokeswoman for Arriva said the company was ‘extremely disappointed’ for all its customers by the return of industrial action by Unite.

She added: “Arriva remains committed to resolving the industrial action and continues to encourage Unite to ballot on our latest pay offer.”

Meanwhile, rail unions ASLEF and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers

(RMT) are also planning to return to industrial action.

ASLEF, which walked out in September before the death of The Queen is set to return to industrial action on October 1 and October 5 –the walkout has been timed to coincide with the Conservative party Conference in Birmingham that week.

Affected

The strike will likely mean Tunbridge Wells station will remain closed on the days of industrial action as train operator Southeastern is among 12 companies that will be affected by the industrial action.

ASLEF said it is in for the ‘long haul’ as the rail disputes remain deadlocked.

The RMT, which has already conducted several walkouts this summer, has announced that 40,000 of its members at Network Rail and 15

train operators – including Southeastern – will walk out on October 8.

That strike is also set to see no services run in Tunbridge Wells that day and severe disruption the following day.

Scott Brightwell, Southeastern Operations and Safety Director, said: “If these strikes go ahead there’ll be significant disruption. We are unable to run any Southeastern trains on the October 1 or October 5.

“We’re expecting to run a very limited service on October 8. We strongly advise our customers to avoid travelling at these times.

“We recognise the inconvenience this causes and offer our sincere apologies. We continue to work as hard as we can to get normal services resumed as quickly as we can.”

* Royal Mail workers are also set to strike this week, with the Communication Workers Union (CWU) walking out on September 30 and October 1 when there will be no postal deliveries.

Survey to help find new Chief Constable

The Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, has launched a survey to help choose a new Chief Constable.

Mr Scott’s annual policing survey also wants to know if residents have been a victim of crime and if they were, how they felt their cases were handled.

The survey is anonymous and takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

The results will influence the direction of the force after the new Chief Constable is appointed later this autumn.

The current Chief Constable, Mr Alan Pughsley will step down later this week.

Matthew Scott said: “I believe it right that we seek the views of Kent residents, not just to find out how well they believe the force is currently serving them, but what direction they think it should take in the future.

Victims

“The survey is wide-ranging, but anonymous. I want to know how well victims of crime have

been treated and whether they’re satisfied with the outcome of their case, but I also want to know what the public would like to see in a new leader.

“Kent is an important, large county with both urban and rural challenges and borders with both London and Europe. I am looking for a candidate who can address all these things,” Mr Scott added.

The policing survey can be accessed at: kent-pcc.gov.uk/get-in-touch/policingsurvey-2022

SEASON’S GREETING The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra embarks on its 2022/23 run this Sunday P22

HAYSDEN HUB A new development of 125 homes in Tonbridge promises to boost cycling, pedestrian and public transport links P31

MIXED REACTION Local opinions are divided over Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget P6

The town’s blooms are awarded a gold medal

THE annual South & South East in Bloom awards have seen Royal Tunbridge Wells keep its

gold-medal status in the Royal Horticultural Society’s awards scheme, this time in a new size category.

The town had competed in the ‘Large Town’ category since 2010 but is now classed as a ‘Small City’ and was judged alongside large towns and small cities across Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, East and North Dorset, and East Wiltshire.

The award was given out at a ceremony in Farnham, Surrey last Thursday (September 22).

South & South East In Bloom said: “While gardening, planting and creating attractive places is an important element, it is now as much about caring for our environment and wishing to see the community and community volunteers becoming involved in caring for their place.”

KCC roads resurfaced

ENGINEERS have successfully treated enough roads in Kent to cover an area half the size of Monaco, the County Council has said.

Kent County Council (KCC) has completed its road surface preservation programme, which ran between March and September 15, and is aimed at preserving road surfaces.

The programme of works cost £11million and has seen 24km of rural roads reconstructed and 146km of other roads protected.

CC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier said: “Our road preservation programme is part of the wider £5million annual road maintenance programme. This includes £10million on the Pothole Blitz and £30 million on road resurfacing.”

Park’s outdoor gym

EXERCISE instructors will be on hand this afternoon (Wednesday) to help people to get the most out of the new Dunorlan Park outdoor gym, which opened this summer.

Staff from local leisure centre operator Fusion Lifestyle will demonstrate correct use of the equipment, while health advisors will be available to discuss exercise goals.

The event is on this afternoon (September 28) from 3 to 5pm and is aimed at 14 years and older.

GREG

MP ADVICE SURGERIES

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

Puppetry Festival promising a whale of a time with a one-day spectacular

By Robert Forrester

THE normally biennial Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival is to return a year early with a one-day puppetry spectacular.

The event, which has been coming to the town every other year since 2015, is to host an afternoon of free puppetry with an under the sea theme.

The event on Saturday, October 15 between 12 and 5pm comes after support from Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

Last year’s festival exceeded all expectations, with over 15,000 puppetry enthusiasts visiting Calverley Grounds to see Luke Jerram’s installation ‘Museum of the Moon’ – the largest piece of free public outdoor art ever seen in Tunbridge Wells.

Underwater

For the upcoming single-day puppetry afternoon, the centrepiece is going to be an 18-metre-long sperm whale.

Circo Rum Ba Ba will be presenting puppet shows inside ‘The Whale’ throughout the afternoon.

Other underwater puppetry delights include ‘Ocho’ and ‘Iso’ – Tim Davies’ giant octopus and prehistoric sea creature.

Art in the Park will be running underwaterthemed workshops for children on Calverley Grounds and in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, Trinity Youth Theatre will be performing alongside pirates, sirens, seahorses and more.

Teenager denies murder of 20-year-old from Tonbridge

By Richard Williams

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy has denied murdering a 20-year-old from Tonbridge who died from stab wounds.

The teenager, who is from Tonbridge but cannot be named for legal reasons, denies killing Thomas Waugh shortly before 1am on Friday, August 19 in Avebury Avenue.

He also denied attempting to rob Mr Waugh when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court last Thursday (September 22).

In addition, he pleaded not guilty to the robbery of two other men who had been with the victim prior to the stabbing.

Remanded

A second teenager, a 17-year-old boy from Coulsdon in Surrey, who also cannot be named, faces murder and robbery charges over the incident but was not asked to enter any pleas.

Both teenagers were remanded in custody by Judge Julian Smith until a further hearing on September 30.

I am holding regular advice surgeries – by zoom or telephone. To make an appointment, please call: 01892 519854

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

or email: greg.clark.mp

A trial has been scheduled for February 20 next year but the judge was also told by prosecutors that further charges were 'anticipated' in respect of another person.

A 16-year-old girl and a woman aged 47, who were also arrested in connection with Mr Waugh's death remain on police bail, pending further enquiries.

A post-mortem revealed Mr Waugh, who was born in Tunbridge Wells but lived in Tonbridge, died from a stab wound to the lung following the alleged attack.

A SUSPECT is to appear in court charged with violent and sexual offences in Tonbridge town centre.

The incident happened in the early hours of May 21 this year, when a woman in her 30s was walking through the town.

It is reported she was approached by a man she did not know in the High Street, who attempted to speak to her before touching her over her clothing.

When the victim challenged his actions, it is alleged the suspect punched her in the face causing a cut to her lip.

Officers arrested a man on the following day and on Tuesday, September 13, Henry Olner, of Church Lane was charged with sexual touching and assault by beating.

The 24-year-old has been bailed to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court next month on October 13.

CHARGES FOR VIOLENT AND

NO STRINGS The centrepiece at the Puppetry Festival’s one-day event

SEARCH

Police launched a large-scale operation after the incident that left Thomas Waugh [inset] dead (scene picture Sean Aiden)

Foodbank sees rocketing referrals as cost of living crisis begins to bite

By Lilly Croucher

THE number of families needing help from the foodbank in Tunbridge Wells is expected to increase to near-pandemic levels this winter as the cost-of-living crisis begins to push more people below the breadline.

Nourish Community Foodbank, which provides meals and support for families in Tunbridge Wells and the wider area, has seen a 30 per cent increase in the referrals to its service in the last 12 weeks alone.

Consistent

During the Covid crisis, Nourish received upwards of 250 referrals each week – where struggling families are sent to the foodbank by agencies such as the Council or Citizens Advice Bureau.

Post coronavirus, the levels of people needing help dropped quickly back to around 100 referrals a week.

But over the last three months, the numbers have crept up to around 150 referrals a week and Nourish warns that if this rise continues, they will expect to see up to 200 families a week by the end of November.

“For the first time in my career here, I don’t know how this winter is going to go,” Operations Director, Dawn Stanford told the Times

“We used to get dips and flows at certain points in the year, but now we are consistent and have a constant flow of referrals coming in from agencies. The email traffic enquires have quadrupled in the last six weeks.

“This summer, quite honestly, was the toughest summer that I have had as Operations Director of Nourish. We had people further in crisis and very desperate for help. We had higher numbers for those working families than we normally see.”

She blamed rising energy bills and cost of living.

“I think it was a culmination of everything, of a reduction in long-term income, cost of living, the

impending energy crisis coming with high bills expected. Everything was just tougher and here our costs increased as well,” she said.

She added that the largest increase in referrals in Tunbridge Wells has been for people over 65 years old and those in in single households.

“These are probably unidentified clients that needed our help pre-pandemic,” Ms Stanford explained. “The over-65s that were not on the radar before were scooped up during the pandemic and we found that some of them really needed the extra help, with some not getting the benefits they were entitled to, like pension credit.

“The clients we are now getting are much further into crisis than they would have been before, with more complex issues.”

She also said that if the increase in referrals was not bad enough, the foodbank has also seen

a dramatic reduction in the amount of food donated to the charity.

“For the first time ever in the charity’s history we aren’t sustainable on donations,” said Ms

NOURISH Community Foodbank has named Sue Smith as its new chair, after former chairman Paul Haines stepped down in August.

Sue was previously vicechair of the charity and had served as a trustee before that.

Mr Haines had been chairman for the last nine years.

In announcing the new chair, Nourish tweeted: “Sue has a passion for Nourish and doing the very best we possibly can for our clients.”

Stanford. “In previous years, we would use 100 tonnes of food and would receive 100 tonnes of food in donations and then we would buy in fresh fruit, meaning day to day, parcels were all donated food.

“Now only a quarter of the parcels are donated and the other three-quarters are bought in. With the amount of food we are buying and the numbers of people increasing, it is not going to be sustainable and that is a worry,” she explained.

Campaign

“But we are all in the same boat this year. The gap between a client of a foodbank and a non-client of a food bank is not quite as wide as it used to be. It’s getting closer every year and the pandemic showed that.”

Ms Stanford added that this winter, the foodbank, which has its 10-year anniversary in November, will still run its Christmas campaign, but it will make changes.

“We will still have a Christmas campaign, but we won’t be having the reverse advent calendar like we did last year as we know it’s really tough.”

Anybody wishing to help Nourish Community Foodbank is encouraged to visit: nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk

Thanking their former chairman, the charity added: “Paul has been involved with the charity for nine years and his vision has helped shape the organisation that Nourish is today and enables us to help the number of clients we do.

“As Paul moves on, we wanted to publicly say a huge thank you for all your time, effort, volunteering, caring, kindness and Google knowledge. We wish you the very best of luck for the future.”

Tonbridge residents asked for views on housing plan

THE Council in Tonbridge & Malling has opened a consultation to ask residents where they want houses and other infrastructure to go in the borough.

As reported in the Times last week, a raft of sites including a number of car parks and green spaces, such as Tonbridge Police Station and the Tonbridge Racecourse Sports Ground have been added to a list of potential sites as the borough council redrafts its Local Plan.

Needs

Tonbridge & Malling, along with other neighbouring authorities to Tunbridge Wells, including Sevenoaks and Wealden, had its Local Plan rejected by the Planning Inspector last year after it was found not to have communicated with other authorities over unmet housing needs.

Currently, Tunbridge Wells is the only authority among its neighbours in the West Kent/East Sussex area that has an active Local Plan.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC) is having to redraft its Local Plan to accommodate 16,000 new homes by 2040.

Local landowners and developers were earlier this year invited to propose sites for housing and commercial development.

More than 290 sites were put forward and are currently being assessed. Public feedback to the consultation will help shape proposals for specific sites which will be published and consulted on in 2023.

The plan proposes a ‘brownfield first’ approach, prioritising areas of existing development.

The consultation report also stresses the need for infrastructure, such as schools, GP services

and transport links to be provided to serve new communities. The council has set a target that around one-third of new properties should be affordable homes.

Cllr Matt Boughton, Leader of TMBC, said: ‘We know residents care passionately about how and where development takes place and about safeguarding our beautiful countryside, much of which is Green Belt.

“This first phase of creating a Local Plan is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and help shape how our borough evolves between now and 2040.

Prices

“While we are making the case to government that our target of 16,000 homes should be lower, we can’t ignore the real housing supply shortage in our borough which pushes up prices and makes owning a property unaffordable for many,” Mr Boughton explained.

“Getting the balance right will mean we can boost the supply of housing in a sustainable way. This demands that development goes hand-inhand with a range of improvements from reducing traffic and providing better public transport options to improving access to GPs and schools, while also increasing biodiversity.

“Getting the plan in place will also give us much greater control over where homes are built and a stronger basis on which to refuse development which doesn’t meet the high standards our borough deserves,” he added.

The Local Plan (Regulation 18) consultation can be accessed via the TMBC website at: tmbc.gov. uk/consultations

CHANGING CHAIRS AT FOODBANK

DAWN STANFORD

SUE SMITH

READY TO GO Foodbags ready to go to local families

LOCAL PLAN: How the Times reported the Tonbridge planning story last week

Discover your potential in a varied and rewarding career

Police o cer

Starting salary of c.£33.5k.

A fully funded degree or diploma, free travel in London and discounted rail travel up to a 70-mile radius.

Are you looking for a new challenge? Thinking about how you can build on your skills and enjoy a career that’s varied, stimulating and makes a positive impact? If so, a career in policing could be for you.

Whether it’s working with young people in Greenwich, keeping people safe in bustling Camden, or patrolling the Thames and London’s waterways, becoming a police o cer in the Met is only the first step in discovering a satisfying career with roles and opportunities as diverse as our Capital.

Wondering if you have the skills?

You might be an e ective communicator with a knack for building rapport, or enjoy problem solving and analysing information; or you might be someone with an eye for detail. These are just some of the skills needed as a police o cer, amongst many more.

However, more importantly we’re looking for people from all backgrounds who share the Met’s values of professionalism, integrity, compassion and courage, with the will and dedication to make a di erence.

So whatever your skills, we’ll help you build on them and discover new strengths while providing the support and training you need to prepare you for policing in London through one of our entry routes, including the opportunity to gain a fully funded degree through our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship programme.

Become a police o cer. Search Met Police careers.

Business leaders react to Chancellor’s mini-budget

By Victoria Roberts

CHANCELLOR Kwasi Kwarteng billed last Friday’s (September 23) ‘mini-budget’ as the ‘Growth Plan 2022’ but it has received a mixed reaction in and around Tunbridge Wells.

The Chancellor has introduced the biggest programme of tax cuts for 50 years using more than £70 billion of increased borrowing.

While the measures saw the pound plunge to an all-time low against the US dollar earlier this week, the local business community has been more buoyed by the mini-budget.

Tim Aker, Kent and Medway Development Manager at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said measures such as cancelling the planned increase in corporation tax, were ‘pro-business’.

“The Chancellor has delivered pro-small business measures today and has rightly recognised that removing taxes on jobs,

investment and entrepreneurs is essential for our economy,” he said.

“Ministers need to be relentless in removing barriers to small business success – especially with the current headwinds. The Government has today signalled its determination to back small firms and we look forward to working with ministers and departments to put in place measures to help small businesses grow and succeed.”

Boon

Thomson Snell & Passmore’s head of corporate and commercial business, Joanne Gallagher, saw the announcements as ‘firmly aimed at kickstarting business growth’.

“While the longer-term economic impact of these tax cuts remains to be seen, we certainly think they will be welcome news to our corporate clients across the mid-market space in the South East and nationally,” she said.

The Chancellor also cut income tax – notably abolishing the top rate and reducing the basic rate to 19 per cent from next April –along with confirming previously-announced plans to cancel a rise in National Insurance (NI).

TSP’s head of employment Nick Hobden said it was a boon for employers.

“They will recognise that putting more money into the pockets of staff by a reduced tax burden may mean that there is less pressure to award higher rates of pay increases in the coming year,” he said.

Addressing the property sector, Mr Kwarteng offered a stamp-duty cut and plans to both simplify planning and increase sales of surplus government land for housebuilding.

At Maddison’s Residential, founder Deborah Richards suggested the change could ‘make moving house more affordable and encourage both buying and selling’.

“The double-digit price growth of the past two years has been caused by demand outstripping supply, so if more houses come to market, prices should calm,” she said.

However, Alex Greig, founder of Fuggles Beer Café, who is also vice-chair of the TW Business Improvement District (BID), played down many of the mini-budget’s measures.

He told the Times: “Of course, it depends on the style of business. If you are a small or medium-sized business (SME), today (Friday) was not particularly meaningful.

Meaningless

“The actual benefit of the tax cuts and reversal on NI really isn’t that great for the majority – it barely touches the sides in comparison to the knock-on effects of inflation, energy costs and interest rate rises.

“We could have done with a VAT cut – that would benefit companies of all sizes.”

By contrast, Mr Greig explained: “The corporation tax cut is meaningless if you’re not making any profit, and NI [employer contributions] are such a small amount that it’s not relevant to most SMEs – particularly if you

don’t have a lot of staff in the first place.

“In the short term, there’s not a lot there [in the mini-budget] to get excited about,” he added.

The Energy Bill Relief Scheme, which was announced before the mini-budget, was ‘much bigger news’, he said, but warned that the initial support was only for six months and it was not clear what government support would come afterwards.

He said: “We need more clarity and understanding to make decisions and commitments.”

Mr Greig continued: “From the BID’s point of view, the BID is apolitical but I think what has been announced is a very small step in the right direction, but stronger support is needed, especially for SMEs.

“The BID would always urge people to use their high street, local suppliers, pubs and restaurants, accounting firms. That’s what we really need to do.”

For Peppy’s view on the Chancellor’s minibudget see And another thing...page 19

ALEX GREIG DEBORAH RICHARDS

TIM AKER JENNIFER IRVING

Euro lottery win goes unclaimed in Tonbridge

A LOTTERY winner who bought a ticket from the area is yet to claim more than £112,000.

The winning EuroMillions ticket was bought in Tonbridge & Malling for the draw on September 9, netting the lucky winner £112,345.20.

Camelot’s Senior Winners’ Advisor, Andy Carter, said: “We’re urging everyone who bought a ticket in this area to check their old EuroMillions tickets again or look anywhere a missing ticket could be hiding.”

The ticketholder has until March 8, 2023 to claim their prize.

Chargers for Pembury

TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council has received an application to install two electric vehicle chargers in the car park of a pub hotel in Pembury.

The application calls for two rapid DC electric vehicle chargers and an associated electrical feeder pillar to be installed at the Camden Arms Hotel on High Street, Pembury.

A21 autumn closures

CONSTRUCTION and maintenance works on the A21 between the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Bypasses will see closures and traffic diversions throughout September and October.

There will be overnight cl∑osures (8pm to 6am) both northbound and southbound on some weeknights until the end of October, as well as a weekend closure of both carriageways between Friday, October 7 at 8pm and Sunday, October 9 at 6am.

Other disruptions include overnight closures of the carriageway, laybys and lanes for maintenance works overnight from Thursday (September 29) from 8pm to 6am.

Safe Town Partnership prepares for a busy pub and club season

By Sarah Carter

AN OFFICIAL project aimed at keeping the ‘night-time economy’ safe is gearing up for the longer nights, with the World Cup and Christmas expected to increase footfall in pubs and clubs.

The Tunbridge Wells Safe Town Partnership’s (TWSTP) Business Crime Manager, Roz Heaton is now preparing for the autumn and winter by preparing to go out on the town herself to discuss safety.

“TWSTP works very closely with agencies, especially the police, to provide safe and secure experiences within the daytime and night-time economies,” she explained.

Visits

“Over the next couple of weeks, I will be at some of the town’s busier venues providing crime prevention advice and tools for women to use on their nights out,” Ms Heaton said.

She will be at the Pitcher & Piano in Church Road on Friday, October 14, then Aura Nightclub in the High Street on Saturday October 22, followed by The Opera House on Saturday October 29. All visits will take place between 9pm and 1am.

“After that, we will be concentrating on plans for the World Cup [scheduled to begin in November] and Christmas.”

She said there is also an emphasis on ensuring women and girls are kept safe, following a number of incidents in the town.

Resident Lauren Brook saw two women being approached in the street – separately – by the same young man who claimed he needed help.

Ms Brook witnessed the incidents outside

LUSH and Costa Coffee in Tunbridge Wells on a weekday morning late in August at around 8am.

She said she intervened during the second incident by pretending to know the woman who was being harassed, which resulted in the man walking away.

Ms Heaton said: “Her [Ms Brook’s] intervention at the time was de-escalating and quickthinking, although not everyone would feel confident doing that.

“If a woman finds themselves in a position where they feel uncomfortable, the advice would be to walk away and try and go to a place of safety such as a shop, pub, or another area where there are other people and ask for help.”

Local licensed premises also participate in the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, in which any woman can ask bar staff for ‘Angela’ as a code for wanting to escape.

The news comes after a series of spiking incidents in the town last year that saw the Council close a Tunbridge Wells nightclub.

The Pitcher & Piano in Church Road was shut after several young people reported having had their drink spiked, as well as reports of people being injected by sharp implements in the club during the run up to Christmas last year.

The venue reopened in November 2021 after implementing ‘enhanced’ safety and security measures.

FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER

One Media is looking for a graphic designer to work on our leading newspaper and magazine titles on a freelance basis.

If you’re somebody with either newspaper or magazine design experience who is flexible, able to work to tight deadlines and is looking to take the next step in your media career, please contact: jason.stubbs@onemediauk.co.uk

CLOSED The Times story on a number of spiking incidents that closed the Pitcher and Piano last year

Planning permission granted for four homes in conservation area

South East business confidence plummets

By Victoria Roberts

A PROJECT to build four dwellings in the Royal Tunbridge Wells conservation area has been granted planning permission.

The plot on the corner of Boyne Park and Somerville Gardens was originally occupied by a villa built at the same time as many of its other Victorian and Edwardian neighbours.

Original

However, architects Southstudio said the original house ‘was destroyed by WWII bomb damage and rebuilt as a nondescript infill in the 1950s. Southstudio’s vision will return the property in scale and character to that of the original.’

An earlier application in 2021 was refused.

Planning was granted earlier this month

(September) for a new application to build a mansion block of three dwellings and a coach house on the corner plot.

Even this application attracted nearly 40 objection letters, including a joint one from the Boyne Park Residents’ Association.

Southstudio director Patrick Bankhead said: “We are delighted to achieve planning for another complex site, which enables us to bring forward more sensitively designed and sustainable homes within central Tunbridge Wells.

“We are proud to be able to work collaboratively with local stakeholders and the local authority to ensure that our designs match both need and expectations,” he added.

“We also feel strongly about referring to historical architectural precedent, celebrating its beauty, skill and craft but with a modern twist and purpose.”

By Lilly Croucher

CONFIDENCE in small businesses in the South East has crashed below the national average, to levels not seen since the 2020 winter lockdown.

In its South East Small Business Index, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found that confidence had dropped from a rating of 9 in the first quarter of 2022 to minus 32 in Q2.

Business confidence in the South East was below even the national average, which was at minus 25.

Discouraging

Over the last quarter, 40 per cent of businesses reported a decrease in revenue with only a third reporting an increase.

Employment levels were also discouraging, with 14 per cent of businesses reporting a decrease in staff and only 9 per cent reporting an increase.

However, three-quarters of small and mediumsized enterprises (SME) have made no change to staffing levels, with just 16 per cent planning to increase their workforce.

Wage growth is showing some positive signs, but this may not be the case if inflation rises above current levels.

Almost two-thirds of SMEs reported an increase in staff wages, with 58 per cent increasing by 2 per cent or more. Only 6 per cent reported a decrease in staff pay. Similar numbers expect to see wages increase and by 2 per cent or more in the coming year.

Just under half of SMEs in the South East plan to grow in the next 12 months, with only 14 per cent planning to downsize, close or sell.

Linda Garcia, FSB policy representative for the South East, said: “The South East economy is in terrible difficulty. Our SMEs are resilient, but the tipping point is fast approaching.

“Crippling energy prices, high taxes, soaring inflation and disappearing consumer and business confidence make an appalling greeting card for a new Prime Minister.

“We hope action will be taken soon on energy prices and taxation to restore business and consumer confidence and do whatever it takes to avert recession.”

APPROVED

An artist’s impression of the development and (left), the existing building

Shutterstock

Developer names construction company for bus depot project

By Sarah Carter

THE developer of a retirement complex on the former site of the Arriva bus depot on St John’s Road has named a construction company for the job.

Law firm advises on re-acquisition

A LOCAL law firm has helped one of its clients in a transaction to re-acquire a company it sold five years ago.

Elysian Residences has chosen HG Construction for its development, which includes 89 apartments, with dining, leisure and communal facilities for the residents, rising to between three and six storeys.

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

In November 2017, Tunbridge Wells-based PPJ Oiltax (PPJ) had sold CW Energy (CWE) to The Ince Group, with Thomson Snell & Passmore (TSP) advising on the deal.

Five years later, PPJ has now re-acquired CWE, which specialises in tax consultancy in the energy sector.

The construction company is already building a retirement scheme for Elysian in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.

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

Referring to the site on the major A26 artery, the construction company said it would be installing pre-cast floors and stairs, as well as bathroom and utility cupboard ‘pods’.

made themselves from budget documents they probably didn’t well understand. Parking increases which will sting us all in this cost-ofliving crisis, are supposed to help to fill a supposed budget black hole they supposedly inherited from Conservatives.

Independent

Shortfall

PPF partner Phil Greatrex said: “We are looking forward to developing the business as an independent practice again, after five years of it being part of The Ince Group.”

Puzzle

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

The development site has been at the centre of a complex sliding block puzzle in Tunbridge Wells, with businesses moving from site to site to secure a suitable location.

Hotchpotch

The Times revealed in June 2016 that the former Arriva bus depot on St John’s Road had been sold to a developer, although the transport operator secured a lease-back arrangement, to buy time to move to another depot.

Assisted care provider Pegasus Life had planned to build three residential blocks on the site, providing accommodation for older people and staff, and planning approval for this was granted in late 2017.

Pegasus changed its name to Lifestory Group and later sold the St John’s Road site with

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

The coalition’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Andrew Hickey, ducked out early – leaving the Lib Dems and going independent over parking charges. Three elected Lib Dem councillors now sit outside the party. Labour’s rank and file are turning against leadership decisions, especially that to end free parking in Labour-held Southborough.

planning permission to Elysian Residences.

In the meantime, Elysian had originally planned to build an £80million-luxury retirement complex at the ABC Cinema site, but pulled out of the central location in October 2020, blaming uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

A predictable u-turn and a belated, cobbled together consultation has followed the huge public outcry from residents, businesses and town councils like Paddock Wood and Southborough about their views being completely ignored. Five petitions emerged with thousands of signatures. Rumblings grew within the coalition. The Alliance suddenly remembered its election promise to keep free

Having decided to build on the Arriva bus

parking. The Lib Dems suddenly remembered their PR stunt of staging cabinet meetings across the borough was meant – said Cllr Chapelard – to ‘show our face and that we are listening to all parts of the Borough’. Cabinet Member Justine Rutland admitted to the council’s scrutiny committee that not listening to any residents was a ‘terrible and regrettable oversight’ though apparently not regrettable enough for any formal apology.

depot site instead, Elysian secured £39.3million in funding from Silbury Finance in November 2021.

The hastily concocted, biased consultation finished this week, but still there’s no assurance the coalition will listen to the thousands of voices already raised, or even to the (probably far fewer) raised in the consultation should they also reject price rises.

The latest listed planning application for the St John’s Road site is a submission of details in relation to one of the conditions for planning permission, this one relating to biodiversity, submitted this July.

In truth, the coalition fears a paper tiger they

Legal, accounting and financial services provider The Ince Group, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM sub-market, said the resale was part of a strategy to dispose of ‘non-aligned’ businesses.

It’s fake news. Conservatives presented a budget shortfall in February because income levels were still below normal after the pandemic. But they were clearly recovering so it was necessary to see where they would go before deciding on further action. In Tunbridge Wells, vacant shops were being filled, benefiting from the Amelia Scott’s 100,000 visitors since it opened in April. There is growing income from business rates and the Conservative scheme to rent spare Town Hall space to businesses.

The statement also confirmed no money would change hands in the sale, but Ince will no longer be liable to pay £2.9m in deferred consideration to the original vendors.

Coalition claims that Conservatives reinforced the budget from the council’s healthy £32 million savings during the pandemic are not true. Council borrowing was nil.

At TSP, the project was led by partner Jason Varney (pictured above), from the corporate department, assisted by Senior Associate Rosie Haines and Solicitor Luke Guinan.

The coalition’s planned parking fees rise potentially harms recovery, jobs and businesses who say they’ll lose footfall.

Mr Varney said: “We are pleased to support the Partners of PPJ Oiltax Partners LLP as they reacquire the CW Energy business from The Ince Group. We wish them all the best and look forward to seeing the business develop under their leadership.”

Of course, now Putin’s war and the related inflation have upended things. Maybe they’d like to, but the coalition can’t blame Conservatives for that. Go Ukraine!

RETIREMENT RESIDENCE Computer-generated images of the Elysian development

Cllr Seán Holden has been the Conservative councillor for Benenden and Cranbrook since 2008 and the county councillor for Cranbrook Division since 2013. He runs a property business with his wife Corinna and before that he was a television reporter working for TV-am, ITV Meridian and ITN. In 2001 he was the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Chatham and Aylesford.

New resident climbs mountain to raise money for town’s foodbank

West Kent Mind online auction

A MENTAL health charity is preparing to launch its second annual fundraising auction, with lots ranging from pampering experiences to some unexpected and possibly money-saving prizes.

The West Kent Mind (WKM) ‘silent auction’ will take place online on October 7-16.

“We are really pleased to have a few really big lots this year, like the [exclusive use of] Reuthe’s Lost Gardens, and the spa break at Champney’s [Eastwell Manor],” said a spokeswoman for the charity.

Saving

One unusual new prize this year is a full MOT provided by Dartford Transmissions – with the minimum bid set at a potentially inflation-busting £20.

Another potential saving is available with an all-access ticket for a group to visit Sir Winston Churchill’s house Chartwell. With the minimum bid set at the same price as an adult ticket without Gift Aid – £20 – both the charity and the successful bidder could end up quids-in.

By Victoria Roberts

A NEWLY-ARRIVED resident to Tunbridge Wells who decided to raise money for the foodbank in his new town by climbing the highest mountain in Africa, has also broken the altimeter on his fundraising target.

Jim Hawker moved to the town earlier this year when he and his wife Daisy inadvertently bought a home belonging to Edgar Wallace – the Edwardian author who wrote ‘King Kong’ and who was Daisy’s great-grandfather.

When Mr Hawker spoke to the Times in July, after discovering he had bought the author’s former home in Little Mount Sion, he said he

was taking part in a sponsored climb of Mount Kilimanjaro for Nourish Community Foodbank, but he only had a couple of hundred pounds’ worth of sponsorship.

Support

However, his JustGiving page collected £1,265, giving him a total of £1,500 and a lot of unexpected support from his adopted town.

Speaking about the funding, Jim said: “I got a real mixture of donations from the local community, new friends, school friends, connections from my children’s school, too, the tennis club and so on.”

He funded the journey himself, travelling with a group of friends, all raising money for different charities.

“The whole group raised about £20,000,” he said.

“It took about eight or nine days. We did lots of walking – you get used to an altitude then go up a level, then go down again,” he explained.

“You don’t need a mask but it was minus 15.”

Since coming back from Tanzania in midSeptember, he has handed the donations over to Nourish, and has received an invitation to visit to see the work the charity does.

He added: “It’s going to be a big winter for them.”

Objects on offer alongside the experiences and services include a number of paintings, including an unusual ‘Puffin’ linoprint

“They just dropped it off in the office, and it’s such a characterful picture!” said the spokeswoman.

All lots are uploaded to auction.westkentmind. org.uk as they come in for bidders to preview, but the charity will continue accepting donations until the bidding starts on Friday, October 7 at 9am.

WKM is an independent charitable organisation affiliated to the national charity Mind, which provides counselling, support programmes and a community wellbeing and training programme throughout West Kent.

MOUNTAIN MAN Jim on his Kilimanjaro climb

Crowborough man cycles to London and back to pay respects to The Queen

A CROWBOROUGH man carried the thought of a Tunbridge Wells charity with him on a gruelling cycle ride to and from Westminster Hall on the weekend of The Queen’s funeral.

Dominic Nevill said: “The Queen struck a chord when she said how every day should be exciting. I woke up Sunday morning and thought – how could I honour her truly amazing reign?

“I pledged some money to the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre in Tunbridge Wells – a great charity – and then decided to jump on my bike and ride up from Crowborough to Westminster Hall.”

Respects

Mr Nevill cycled into the centre of the capital where he saw crowds of people queuing to pay their respects to The Queen in Westminster Hall, and then met his family, who had come up by car.

However, instead of ‘slinging the bike in the back of the car’, he then issued a call to friends back in Kent to pledge funds to the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre to motivate him for the return journey by bike.

“I thought I would ride all the way home, truly aching,” he said.

Sharing Pickering’s PayPal details, he told friends: “I’m being terribly pushy – apologies – but if one, some or all would like to pledge something to the Pickering centre in honour of The Queen, you would really make the journey highly motivating.”

His return journey took two hours and forty-five minutes, despite legs which were ‘definitely a bit stiff’.

Pickering’s co-founder Polly Taylor said the news of the ride reached them at the drop-in

Probus Club seeks Cranbrook members

THE worldwide network of Probus associations is in its sixth decade, but the local branch is seeking new members.

Cranbrook and District Probus Club brings together like-minded men who have reached retirement age and are looking for further fulfilment with other retirees, or those approaching retirement.

Although named after the town of Cranbrook in the Weald of Kent, Probus members come from communities from Matfield to Tenterden.

Talks

Members meet once a month at The Bull Inn, Benenden, for lunch followed by a guest speaker.

Past talks have included subjects as varied as the ‘History of Biggin Hill in the Civil War, ‘The Unknown Captain’, and ‘You’ve Never Had it So Good’.

centre on Tuesday morning.

She said: “Coming into the centre this morning after a day of mourning watching our wonderful Queen’s funeral, we had a phone call from Dominic Nevill that lifted us all.

“We felt so humbled to have been thought of and remembered on such a powerful day for the nation.”

She told the Times the donations from his shout-out could total as much as £2,000, but said: “Even in her death Queen Elizabeth II brought the community together and that our little charity was considered in this way is quite overwhelming.”

Chairman Michael Clemson said: “Members have had interesting professional and business careers and are encouraged to talk about them.”

Those interested in membership at Cranbrook can contact Mr Clemson at 01892 722157 or secretary Roy Dunstall at 01580 211814.

Further information about Probus associations around the world can be found at: probusglobal.org

HIGH RIDER Dominic and his trusty bike

Tunbridge Wells u3a celebrates its 40th birthday under town’s clock

TIME is a worthy thing to celebrate, especially if it is spent together, which is why members of a local retirement group met under the Millennium Clock for the movement’s annual publicity drive.

The third week in September is always ‘u3a Week’, said Tunbridge Wells branch chair Eryll Fabian.

Movement

“U3as throughout the country make a special effort to raise awareness of the movement each year on one or more days during the third week of September, and the type and scope of celebrations vary enormously.

“This year, they have much to celebrate, for the

movement is now 40 years old,” added Mrs Fabian.

“Started in France in 1972, u3a was founded here in 1982 and is a UK-wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide opportunities for those no longer in full-time work to come together to share their knowledge, learn from each other and broaden their horizons.

“Their motto is ‘Learn, Laugh, Live’.”

The group provides many opportunities for those no longer in full-time employment to engage, keep active and make friends.

“It’s the perfect antidote to the loneliness of

lockdown,” she said.

Some activities are physical, while others are subject areas or skills, but Mrs Fabian said no qualifications were required, and no certificates were given.

“Learning is for pleasure. Whether on a country ramble or in a poetry group, playing mahjong or studying family history, learning is its own reward and is understood in its very broadest sense.”

There are 1,057 u3as in the UK with over 388,000 members, and annual membership costs less than £20.

“We had a very successful day and had a steady stream of enquiries, and handed out a lot of our leaflets,” said Mrs Fabian.

“We are hoping to greet many whom we spoke to at our next coffee morning at Trinity on Friday September 30 – always on the last Friday of the month – when anyone who is interested is welcome to join us.”

Details are available at: tunbridgewellsu3a.org

Planning a party, event, wedding or celebration? Hold it at our multi award winning pub!

Bespoke menu options, full or part hire and wonderful facilities. The Blue Anchor is the ideal venue for events both big and small. Enquire at the bar or contact the team today.

01892 319299 info@blueanchorcrowborough.co.uk Beacon Road, Crowborough, TN61BB

CANVASSING

u3a members on their publicity drive

Voters should never forgive Tories for crashing pound says Starmer

LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the public should never forgive the Tories for the economic turmoil unleashed since Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget last week.

In his keynote speech at the Labour conference in Liverpool, he told activists that Liz Truss’s Government had crashed the economy to offer tax cuts for the richest 1 per cent in society.

He said they had left a ‘Britain all at sea, where a cloud of anxiety hangs over working people’.

The Labour leader said: “At moments of uncertainty like this we must provide clear leadership.

Control

“We must stand with working people. Meet their ambitions for real change. Walk towards a better future and build a new Britain, together.”

He said: “The Government has lost control of the British economy – and for what? They’ve crashed the pound – and for what?

“Higher interest rates. Higher inflation. Higher borrowing. And for what? “Not for you. Not for working people. For tax cuts for the richest 1 per cent in our society.

“Don’t forget. Don’t forgive.”

He said the government had acted irresponsibly in a ‘spectacular fashion’ and lost control of the economy.

Sir Keir Starmer told the Labour Party conference his government would be ‘different’.

He told delegates: “My government will be different. We will run towards the challenges of tomorrow. We will get us out of this endless cycle of crisis. And we will do it with a fresh start, a new set of priorities and a new way of governing.

“But it won’t be easy. And the first step must be to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.”

He later added that it must be ‘country first, party second’ for Labour members.

He said: “That’s why we had to rip antisemitism out by its roots, why we had to show our support for Nato is non-negotiable, show we want business to prosper, shed unworkable policies.

Record

“Country first, party second.”

The Labour leader also promised Labour would create a publicly owned clean energy firm as he took aim at Liz Truss’s economic record.

He said Great British Energy would provide ‘British power to the British people’.

The conference came as Labour took its biggest poll lead over Tories for more than 20 years following the Conservative’s mini-budget last week.

A YouGov poll saw Labour take a 17-point lead on Monday. The pollsters asked who asked would vote for in the next general election with 47 per

cent saying Labour compared to just 28 per cent saying the Conservatives.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has said he is ‘confident’ his tax-cutting strategy to drive economic growth will work despite the turmoil on the financial markets.

In talks with City investors in the wake of Friday’s mini-budget, Mr Kwarteng insisted he was committed to ‘fiscal discipline’ and that he had a ‘credible plan’ to start to bring down the UK debt.

“We have responded in the immediate term with an expansionary fiscal stance on energy because we had to. With two exogenous shocks – Covid-19 and Ukraine – we had to intervene. Our 70-year-high tax burden was also unsustainable,” he said on Tuesday.

“I’m confident that with our growth plan and the upcoming medium term fiscal plan – with close cooperation with the Bank – our approach will work.”

His comments came after the pound plunged to a record low on Monday in the wake of his Commons statement last week setting out his plan for £45 billion of tax cuts.

Banks remove mortgage deals

HUNDREDS of mortgage deals have vanished from the market in recent days amid wider economic turmoil.

Analysis of the market by Moneyfacts.co.uk found that on Friday last week, the day of the mini-budget, 3,961 residential mortgage products were available.

By Monday this week, the total had fallen to 3,880.

By Tuesday, it had shrunk further to 3,596 deals – a reduction of 365 compared to Friday, the analysis found.

The overall choice of mortgage deals remains significantly higher than it was during the depths of the coronavirus pandemic, which also caused significant economic uncertainty.

Riskier

A particular low point was in October 2020, when 2,259 mortgage deals were available.

During the pandemic, low-deposit mortgage deals, often used by first-time buyers, were particularly at risk of being pulled as lenders were concerned about ‘riskier’ lending.

But this time around, the mortgage withdrawals appear to be more evenly spread across different loan-to-value (LTV) brackets.

On Monday, Virgin Money said: “Given market conditions we have temporarily withdrawn Virgin Money mortgage products for new business customers.”

The Skipton Building Society said on Monday that it had also withdrawn its offers for new customers, in order to ‘reprice’ given the market movement in recent days.

The decisions were taken after markets started predicting massive jumps in interest rates this year and next, with some analysts suggesting the base rate could hit 5.75 per cent by March.

Met will attend burglaries new Commissioner pledges

BURGLARY is ‘too serious an intrusion’ not to have a police officer attend, the new head of Britain’s biggest police force has said.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme it is unacceptable that the proportion of reported burglaries attended by an officer from the force has fallen to 50 per cent.

“We’re never going to turn up to every single crime, and the public understand that, but something as severe as burglary needs a proper policing response. It’s too serious an intrusion not to have somebody turn up,” he said.

“We recently got as low as 50 per cent on that, and that’s not acceptable.

“So that’s a first step in terms of getting more reliable, alongside putting more officers in communities, which people will see over the next year or so.”

Serving

Sir Mark began setting out his plans to reform the force in radio interviews on Tuesday, having started his new job during the official mourning period for Queen Elizabeth II.

His predecessor Dame Cressida Dick resigned earlier in the year after a clash with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

Sir Mark said he wants to be able to show the public that progress has been made in key areas in 100 days, and to bring the force out of a form of special measures in 12 to 18 months.

The former Met assistant commissioner rejoined his old force at one of the most turbulent times in its history.

The Met has been shaken by a series of scandals and missteps, most shockingly the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer, but also a number of groups of officers found to have exchanged deeply offensive messages on social media.

Sir Mark said the Metropolitan Police needs to be “ruthless” in rooting out officers whose behaviour lets the force down.

He told the Today programme: “We need to be ruthless at rooting out those who are corrupting the integrity of the organisation – the racists and the misogynists.”

Later, speaking on LBC, he called for zero tolerance of officers who “misbehave”, saying the force had been “too forgiving” of such instances in the past.

However, he said officers should not take the knee – a symbolic gesture against racism.

He told the BBC: “We should not show any allegiance to causes, however noble or not.”

Sir Mark Rowley said he would be happy for his daughters and granddaughters to walk the streets of London at night.

Offenders

He told LBC radio host Nick Ferrari that police can offer a focus on male offenders to make the streets safer for women and girls.

“Most of all, the thing that police can bring to this is (a) very clear focus on the men who

Waste company Biffa is sold to US investor for £1.3billion

WASTE management firm Biffa has agreed to a £1.3billion takeover deal by a US investor.

The London-listed waste firm said Bears Bidco, a new company run by Energy Capital Partners (ECP), will pay 410p per share for the company.

It comes three months after Biffa told shareholders it was likely to accept a £1.4 billion bid from ECP.

Creation

On Tuesday, Biffa chairman Ken Lever said: “Whilst being lower than the proposal previously announced on June 7, it is the Biffa board’s view that this offer represents a compelling opportunity, particularly in a weakening economic environment, for shareholders to realise, in cash and with certainty, the potential for future value creation.”

Biffa said the agreed deal represents a 28 per cent premium on its closing price from June 6, before the offer was announced.

The move, which will be voted on by shareholders, is expected to complete during the fourth quarter of 2022 or first quarter of next year.

Mr Lever added: “ECP is an experienced investor in environmental infrastructure and sustainability assets and offers a supportive environment to accelerate the group’s further development and growth as a leading enabler of the circular economy.”

Andrew Gilbert, partner at ECP, said: “ECP is excited to begin this long-term partnership with Biffa and its extremely talented employees and leadership.

predate on women and children.

“There are many men in the city, sadly, who are stalkers, they’re rapists, they’re involved in domestic violence.

“The thing we bring to solving this problem, alongside other agencies who offer more supportive role to victims, the thing we bring most of all, is the ability to identify and target those dangerous individuals.”

Asked about the number of youth murders in London, Sir Mark said he wants to get the annual number of all murders in London below the 100 mark.

Sabotage fears on Russian gas pipeline

A SERIES of unusual leaks on two natural gas pipelines running from Russia under the Baltic Sea to Germany have triggered concerns about sabotage, overshadowing the inauguration of a long-awaited pipeline that will carry Norwegian gas to Poland in efforts to bolster Europe’s energy independence from Moscow.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki called the events “an act of sabotage”, while Danish leader Mette Frederiksen said she could not rule it out after three leaks were detected in the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which are filled with gas but not delivering the fuel to Europe.

An energy standoff over Russia’s war in Ukraine halted flows on Nord Stream 1 and prevented supplies from ever starting in the parallel Nord Stream 2.

System

Ms Frederiksen, Mr Morawiecki and Polish President Andrzej Duda symbolically opened a valve on a yellow pipe belonging to the Baltic Pipe, a new system that will carry Norway’s gas across Denmark and the Baltic Sea to Poland.

“The era of Russian domination in the gas sphere is coming to an end,” Mr Morawiecki said. “An era that was marked by blackmail, threats and extortion.”

No official presented evidence of what caused the Nord Stream problems, but in central Europe, where distrust of Russia runs high, there were fears that Moscow sabotaged its own infrastructure out of spite or to warn that all pipelines are vulnerable to attack.

The leaks emerged off the coast of Denmark and Sweden, raising the stakes on whether energy infrastructure in European waters was being targeted and leading to a small bump in natural gas prices.

“We can clearly see that this is an act of sabotage, an act that probably means a next step of escalation in the situation that we are dealing with in Ukraine,” Mr Morawiecki said.

Anders Puck Nielsen, a researcher with the Centre for Maritime Operations at the Royal Danish Defence College, said the timing of the leaks was ‘conspicuous’ given the ceremony for the Baltic Pipe.

“The arrow points in the direction of Russia,” he said. “No one in the West is interested in having any kind of instability in the energy market.”

The extent of the damage means the Nord Stream pipelines are unlikely to carry any gas to Europe this winter even if there was political will to bring them online, analysts at the Eurasia Group said.

“Depending on the scale of the damage, the leaks could even mean a permanent closure of both lines,” Henning Gloystein and Jason Bush wrote.

TOP JOB Sir Mark Rowley has taken over at Scotland Yard

TION Times

EDUCA

“We give young people the opportunity to perform great music in fabulous venues”

West Kent Youth Voices (WKYV) choir started in September 2019 as a platform for young singers in West Kent Schools aged from 14 to 19 years.

The group was founded by Adrian Pitts, former music director at Tonbridge Grammar School. He also founded the award-winning Tonbridge Grammar School Motet Choir who were gold medallists in the European Choir Games and made frequent TV appearances.

“I wanted young people to have the experience of performing great music in great venues who may not be able to do this at school,” explains Adrian who is the group’s artistic director and principal conductor.

And despite having a bit of rocky ride at the beginning due to launching just before the Covid pandemic hit, Adrian says that WKYG

group numbers are continuing to rise thanks mainly to the friendly auditions that are held every Wednesday at The Judd School in Tonbridge.

“It’s a short, friendly audition but nothing too scary,” Adrian assures us. “We just want to hear pupils sing as we can often help them develop other skills.

“If a student’s audition is successful and they are able to join West Kent Youth Voices, they will be able to participate in a year-round performance programme alongside

professional musicians, with the opportunity to be part of local and national concerts.”

It’s well known that being part of a choir not only gives you the opportunity to meet others and forge new friendships, it can also help improve your mental and physical health thanks to the natural endorphins – or feel good factor – that singing releases. It’s also a lot of fun!

“My co-conductor Rachel Reilly is a local head of music with a passion for choral singing of all types. Her experience in the

National Youth Choir brings a rich experience and repertoire for all to enjoy,” continues Adrian.

Welcome

“At the start of every term we have an all-comers open rehearsal where you can try us out, and sing as much or as little as you like!” he says.

“Currently we have members from Bennett Memorial, The Judd, Tonbridge Grammar School, Walthamstow Hall and Weald of Kent, but singers from any West Kent schools are very welcome!”

Adrian adds that WKYV have a busy schedule with a series of concerts happening over the next three months.

“We are working with the St Cecilia Wind Symphony for The Armed Man at Tonbridge School Chapel before three exciting Christmas concerts – the first in Canterbury Cathedral with the world famous Gabrieli Consort Roar project under international maestro Paul McCreesh.

“The winter term ends with Christmas concerts with the Kent Police Band in Yalding and the Tonbridge Philharmonic in Tonbridge.”

The choir meets every Wednesday at The Judd School Tonbridge from 4:30 to 5:45pm. For further details on the group and concert dates email wkyvoices@gmailcom

Adrian Pitts, artistic director and principal conductor of Tonbridge-based West Kent Youth Voices tells Eileen Leahy why being part of a choir is good for students’ social and performance skills and reveals how to get involved...

We’re ready to roll up our sleeves to show that a different kind of politics is possible

FOR anyone wondering what the side-effects of a dose of ‘Trussonomics’ would be, there was not long to wait. On Friday, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced a raft of measures that amounted to tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest in society, piling on the national debt, and adding more rocket fuel to already rising inflation.

Measures

Within moments of the Chancellor standing at the despatch box, the markets delivered their verdict: the FTSE tanked and the pound slid to historic lows against the dollar.

At the time of writing, the pound has continued to plunge to levels not seen for thirty-seven years. The markets have completely lost confidence in the UK government. Everyone can see that there is no longer any pretence of facing up to economic reality.

This is all a world away from the vast majority of residents in my own ward of Broadwater, who will see very little benefit from these tax cuts for bankers and CEOs.

People are already living under huge financial pressure and are struggling with food and energy price increases as it is. Yet each time the country faces a crisis, the Conservatives can be relied upon to place the burden onto the shoulders of those who are least able to bear it.

In contrast, we Liberal Democrats called for a windfall tax on energy companies as early as August, that could have delivered £20bn in revenue to freeze energy bills and protect people’s incomes during the difficult winter ahead.

Since becoming Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance, I have been working on helping to steer a balanced and responsible way forward in managing the Council’s finances, but I haven’t forgotten the people I am here to represent.

To support those most in need I have commissioned a Cost of Living Digital Hub to pull together all the support our community can offer those who are

desperately struggling. And despite finances being challenging, I am working on a Community Support Fund to back that up with real financial help.

Rescue

Amazingly—despite it being set out in numerous Council reports—the local Conservatives are not only denying the deficit but attempting to block measures to reduce it.

The ‘deficit deniers’ believe that we can sit on our hands and do nothing, hoping for a ship to sail into harbour in the form of economic growth or a rescue package from central government. Such wishful thinking does the residents of the borough a huge disservice, and in my view is not a responsible position to take.

I’m proud to be part of the Borough Partnership—the first non-Conservative administration in Tunbridge Wells for a quarter of a century—and ready to roll up my sleeves to show that a different kind of politics is possible: one that shuns narrow interests in favour of the broad public good.

Assembly Hall Theatre | Tunbridge Wells

Chris Hall

Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats

Cllr Christopher Hall is Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the councillor for Broadwater Ward

TAX CUTS Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget will give very little benefit to ordinary people

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

ABC Cinema site developers need to return to the table

11:12am which would have got me in about 15 to 20 mins too late for my appointment.

I therefore did not buy a ticket and had to pay a cancellation charge to rebook my appointment with the provider.

I contacted Southeastern sending them a receipt for my cancellation, and they have refused to compensate me as they say ‘ I need to have bought a ticket to be compensated’.

Since the cancellation of the appointment was down to them, I have told them this is not acceptable as they are still obligated to compensate me for my financial loss caused by them and that as a pensioner I cannot afford to lose £25 to rebook an appointment.

The provider of the appointment told me on the day that the latest I could reasonably turn up would be 10 minutes late and they would accept that, but the fifteen/twenty minutes it would take me to get from Charing Cross to Oxford Circus and walk from there was more than the ten mins allowed.

It seems to me it is a question of what is right and what it wrong, and I don’t like Southeastern trying to find a way to wriggle out of refunding me.

Since the start of the pandemic, charities have seen a rise in the number of homeless Armed Forces veterans seeking their help – some report an increase of 50%. We are also seeing people with more severe and complex needs.

When someone has served their country, the least we can do is support them when they make the move back to civilian life.

Yet every year thousands of veterans end up sleeping rough, sofa surfing or living in unsuitable hostels because they’re unable to access housing and slip through the net. The cost-of-living crisis will only make the situation worse.

The Armed Forces Covenant states that anyone who has served should face no disadvantage and that veterans who are especially vulnerable should be prioritised for support.

It’s vital that when someone needs help with housing, they are asked whether they’ve served in the Forces. If they have, this should be recorded. Once identified, they can be directed towards support that’s available.

David Scott calls for negotiations over the cinema site.

As a former Deputy Leader he must know that when a planning application is on the table the time for negotiation is over.

He may not know the effort that the Civic Society and the Town Forum put into negotiating with the cinema site developer.

The only result appeared to be a slight reduction in height and an increase in bulk. We negotiated for precisely the reason that David recommends – to achieve small gains where possible. He is rightly concerned that any solution benefits the town and the community.

But the developer’s scheme has barely changed in six months of `negotiation`. The outcome is now in the hands of the Planning Committee who can only deal with the plans in front of them.

What they show is a very large and dominant

Old people’s home won’t rejuvenate town

In reply to Mr David Scott’s letter (Times, September 21), may I point out he is the man who spent £12million on the theatre development and has been voted out of two Royal Tunbridge Wells wards and was party to the original agreement with AXA for this eyesore.

He agreed to rejuvenate the town centre with an old people’s home housed in an ugly building and maintains his party left huge amounts of money for the present council.

Let’s hope the description of ‘former’’ stays intact and they don’t reintroduce him in another ward.

Mr Richard Bell

Culverden Park Road

Stop cluttering charity doorways

David Roman writes on behalf of British Heart Foundation (Times, September 21) urging people to declutter their homes by donating goods to charity shops.

high cost `extra care` complex `targeted at the over eighties`. It is unlikely that this population will contribute much socially or economically to the town centre. No contribution to the housing target, no s.106 community benefits, and of course no affordable housing.

As important as knowing when to negotiate is knowing when to say no.

If the application is refused the possibility of a deal opens up. By coincidence the developer’s parent company AXA is looking to dispose of Phillips House and Eynsham House, the blocks facing the Assembly Hall.

These are subject to a restriction designed to ensure they remain in commercial use, affecting their value when sold. Lifting this restriction might persuade the cinema site developer to return to the table in good faith.

Alastair Tod Tunbridge Wells

Charity shops have many social benefits. They provide income for worthwhile causes, sell items at affordable prices, reduce the amount of material needlessly sent to landfill sites and offer job satisfaction to the volunteers (on a good day).

But despite a notice asking donors not to leave things outside the shop the only charity shop in Southborough attracts piles of donated items overnight and on Sundays regardless of the weather creating an unsightly mess and sometimes resulting in them being scattered around the neighbourhood.

Please donate during opening hours.

Graham Munn Southborough

No train station refunds

I live locally and on August 31, I had an appointment in London at noon.

I got to High Brooms station at 10:30am ready to catch the 10:42am and was informed that it had broken down and the next train due was

Rosie Langdale-King Tunbridge Wells

Help prevent homeless veterans

As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, we welcome any action to prevent the very real possibility of more people ending up homeless on our streets.

PEPPY SAYS...

We are concerned that without action, things will get much worse. A more coordinated approach between local authorities, housing providers, homelessness charities and veterans’ organisations is needed.

No one wants to see more veterans on our streets this winter. Those that have served, often through the most trying of times, deserve better.

Richard Gammage No Homeless Veterans Campaign

BY PEPPY:

CARTOON

Thursday 6th October at the Hadlow Manor Hotel.

This is a great opportunity to find out more about the lifestyle and services offered by Churchill Retirement Living and our new development on Commercial Road. Be the first to view the plans of this prestigious development and enjoy some refreshments.

us and see how good retirement living can be.

THE ROYAL Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra (RTWSO) returns for its new 2022/23 season on October 2 at 3pm at the Assembly Hall Theatre.

According to its current chair Frances Armstrong, it promises to be ‘a lively and entertaining programme featuring the brilliant young international pianist Martin James Bartlett.’

“We are delighted to welcome Martin back to play with us for this, his fifth performance with the RTWSO,” explains Frances ahead of this Sunday’s concert.

“He is a firm favourite with our audience and a long-standing friend of the orchestra. The Mozart concerto he performs is flanked by Prokofiev’s masterful symphony written in the classical style and the beautifully crafted ‘Suite No. 3 in G Major’ by Tchaikovsky, a piece

bursting with colour, captivating melodies and plenty of orchestral fireworks.”

If you’re not already familiar with the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra – which turned 100 last year – then it is a vibrant, thriving orchestra at the heart of the South East’s cultural community, especially here in Tunbridge Wells. But if you thought it was all high-brow classical music then think again…

“We take great pleasure in performing an attractive and diverse range of orchestral concerts that are designed to inspire all music lovers,” continues Frances.

“We celebrated our centenary season with a highly-successful series of concerts last year, the culmination of which was a fantasticallyreceived ‘70s Night’ at the Assembly Hall Theatre in May. A whole new audience was introduced to the RTWSO at this unique show, and we hope that many of those new supporters of the orchestra will join us again!”

The RTWSO’s 2022/23 season starts next Sunday (October 2) and promises another series of concerts to inspire and delight audiences.

“Alongside our Music Director and Principal Conductor Roderick Dunk, we will be joined by guest conductors George Vass and Neil Thomson,” adds Frances.

“George will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams with a special concert in November. The programme includes works by the celebrated English composer, and also features ‘The Three Elizabeths Suite’ by Eric Coates, a particularly poignant piece of programming given the recent death of Her Majesty The Queen,” she says.

“Neil joins us in February, when he will be conducting the brilliant and much-lauded Isata Kanneh-Mason as she performs Prokofiev’s ‘Third Piano Concerto’. Given his current position as Principal Conductor with the Goiás Philharmonic in Brazil, Neil has become an expert on Brazilian music and so we asked him to bring something warm and sunny from Brazil to cheer up our chilly February. ‘Suite Pernambucana’ by Guerra-Peixe is perfect, with its vibrant rhythms and infectious tunes.”

The RTWSO pre-Christmas concert is billed as ‘An Afternoon in Vienna’ but as Frances tells the Times, it is ‘beyond the traditional waltzes and polkas most often associated with Vienna’.

“The programme includes music by composers from Mozart to Richard Strauss, via the everpopular operettas of Johann Strauss II and Franz Lehár. We are joined for this concert by the brilliantly versatile soprano Rebecca Bottone,

who will share with us her affinity with the music of Vienna,” Frances adds.

Later in the season the RTWSO welcomes back Katherine Lacy, one of the country’s most exciting clarinettists, to perform the ‘Copland Concerto’.

Brilliant

“The piece was originally commissioned by Benny Goodman and consequently has a strong jazz influence,” explains Frances.

“In April we see the return of yet another of the RTWSO’s favourite soloists, Callum Smart.

Callum will perform Mendelssohn’s popular and well-loved ‘Violin Concerto’. And for this April’s concert, and indeed the season as a whole, ends with the great orchestral showpiece which is Rachmaninoff’s ‘Symphonic Dances’.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer such a varied and entertaining season of concerts and look forward to welcoming you to our first performance on October 2,” says Frances.

So whether you’re swayed towards classical or contemporary – or you just love live music – this might just be the local group to get behind!

Tickets from £22; students and under 18s, £5. More details can be found at: rtwso.org

You can also buy tickets directly from the theatre box office at: assemblyhalltheatre. co.uk/whats-onw

OPENING PERFORMANCE:

The pieces RTWSO will be performing on October 2 at 3pm at The Assembly Hall

PROKOFIEV ‘Classical Symphony, Op. 25’

MOZART ‘Piano Concerto No. 27 in B Major, K. 595’

TCHAIKOVSKY ‘Orchestral Suite No. 3 in G Major, Op. 55’

‘We take great pleasure in performing an attractive and diverse range of orchestral concerts’

RODERICK DUNK

FRANCES ARMSTRONG

© Rachel Luckhurst

Times books editor Victoria Roberts picks three must-reads for the week

On the bookshelf this week, a debut thriller set in Australia’s Vietnamese refuguee community, an atmospheric glimpse of 1920s Soho from Kate Atkinson and a painfully hilarious follow-up to ‘This Is Going To Hurt’ from medic turned writer and comedian Adam Kay...

All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien

Published in hardback by HQ, priced £14.99 (ebook £7.99)

The story begins when Ky, a journalist and the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, returns from Melbourne to her hometown of Cabramatta, a Sydney suburb, for the funeral of her younger brother, Denny. Back home, she discovers that the police are stumped by Denny’s murder.

Despite there being multiple witnesses at the popular Vietnamese restaurant where the straight-A student was beaten to death, no one will come forward – and even Ky’s parents are reluctant to push the authorities into action.

Throughout the novel, Tracey Lien’s writing

Shrines Of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson

Published in hardback by Doubleday, priced £20 (ebook £10.99)

Kate Atkinson’s new offering, ‘Shrines Of Gaiety’, tells the tale of Nellie Coker – the formidable head of a family running a Soho nightclub empire in 1920s London.

The novel grabs the reader from the outset. It paints a picture of the capital’s glittering nightlife and its seedier underside so vivid, that it is almost possible to smell the stale cigarette smoke and taste the alcohol. The

Undoctored by Adam Kay

Published in hardback by Trapeze, priced £22 (ebook £10.99)

Fans of ‘This Is Going To Hurt’, Adam Kay’s hilarious and heartbreaking diaries of a junior doctor which was adapted for TV starring Ben Whishaw, will welcome more cutting humour and humbling stories in the writer and comedian’s follow-up memoir. This one looks at life since he hung up his scrubs, the nightmares and PTSD he suffered, the struggles to pursue a comedy and writing career, interspersed with flashbacks to childhood, medic moments and hugely personal events in his life.

An eating disorder, the loss of an unborn child and a violent sexual assault are among his most traumatic memories, but Kay’s survival mechanism has always been humour. He creates

Divorce is difficult, on so many levels. But, as lawyers who help families untie bonds and reshape their future, we see the opportunity it brings for people to move on, equipped for the next phase in their lives.

One common myth we’re always keen to dispel is that divorce will be an entirely negative and hostile experience. The truth is that it doesn’t have to be.

Divorce is difficult, on so many levels. But, as lawyers who help families untie bonds and reshape their future, we see the opportunity it brings for people to move on, equipped for the next phase in their lives.

One common myth we’re always keen to dispel is that divorce will be an entirely negative and hostile experience. The truth is that it doesn’t have to be.

Our experience allows us to guide you on some important steps you can take to help alleviate the impact on you of the divorce/separation process:

HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE AROUND YOU

The introduction of “no-fault” divorce earlier this year has removed the necessity to play the blame game, but there are still some important steps you can take to help alleviate the impact of the divorce/ separation process on you and your family:

HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE AROUND YOU

Surround yourself with people who’ll help and support you. Friends and family really come into their own at times like these, so lean on those that truly have your back. Seek out the right legal and financial help, too. Divorce can be a long and intense process, so it’s worth investing time in finding professionals you click with.

BE PREPARED

Go into divorce with your eyes wide open. That means

Surround yourself with people who’ll help and support you. Friends and family really come into their own at times like these, so lean on those that truly have your back. Seek out

the right legal and financial help, too. Divorce can be a long and intense process, so it’s worth investing time in finding professionals you click with.

BE PREPARED

understanding what the process will involve, as well as what divorce will mean for you and your family. It also means getting your financial affairs in order. While divorce settlements are sometimes based on a ‘broad brush’ division of assets, time will need to be spent documenting those things owned jointly (the house, for example), and those owned separately - investments and valuables, perhaps. The earlier you can get your paperwork organised (and don’t be afraid to ask for help), the better able your solicitor will be to start working towards getting you the best outcome.

CONSIDER MEDIATION

Go into divorce with your eyes wide open. That means understanding what the process will involve, as well as what divorce will mean for you and your family. It also means getting your financial affairs in order. While divorce settlements are sometimes based on a ‘broad brush’ division of assets, time will need to be spent documenting those things owned jointly (the house, for example), and those owned separately - investments and valuables, perhaps.

CONSIDER MEDIATION

Divorce doesn’t always need to be fought in the courts. Where two people are able and willing to work together to agree the terms of their divorce, mediation can be a great way of achieving a settlement. The mediator acts as an independent third party, helping a couple work through their issues and reach a resolution. The parties remain in control, as opposed to a judge imposing

two people are able and willing to work together to agree the terms of their divorce, mediation can be a great way of achieving a settlement. The mediator

acts as an independent third party, helping a couple work through their issues and reach a resolution. The parties remain in control, as opposed to a judge imposing terms. It can be quicker and less expensive than court.

terms. It can be quicker and less expensive than court. And the emphasis on collaboration can even begin to build bridges, which can be particularly important for those who need to maintain a more positive ongoing relationship with each other.

PUT YOUR CHILDREN FIRST

THOMAS MANSFIELD FAMILY LAWYERS

ACCEPT THAT DIVORCE WON’T BE EASY

PUT YOUR CHILDREN FIRST

Most separated parents are conscious of their children being caught in the middle of their relationship breakdown. But the reality of divorce is that children’s needs and wishes are not always met; parents can be easily and unintentionally distracted by fighting their own corner. Our advice is always to try to step into the child’s shoes.

Most separated parents are conscious of their children being caught in the middle of their relationship breakdown. But the reality of divorce is that children’s needs and wishes are not always met; parents can be easily and unintentionally distracted by fighting their own corner. Our advice is always to try to step into the child’s shoes. What would he or she want? What would be in his or her best interests? Sometimes this means backing down when you don’t want to, and that can be hard. But keep sight of the bigger picture.

We’re family lawyers who focus on helping clients get ‘good’ divorces - good outcomes and good experiences. We’ll listen to what you want to achieve. We’ll find ways of getting what’s needed. And we’ll be alongside you, every step of the way.

Clients tell us that, during the most difficult parts of their divorce, they were spurred on by remembering ‘why’. That really is key. No one embarks on divorce lightly. They do it because their relationship is irreparable, despite best efforts. And they do it to find happiness elsewhere.

Divorce is the stepping stone to getting there.

Contact us today to talk about your situation.

Contact us today to talk about your situation.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS LONDON SEVENOAKS TONBRIDGE MAIDSTONE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS LONDON SEVENOAKS TONBRIDGE MAIDSTONE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS LONDON SEVENOAKS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS LONDON SEVENOAKS TONBRIDGE

Autumn spooktacles for half term

By Sarah Bond

HALLOWE’EN draws an enormous spiderweb over stately homes, farms and country parks alike, this October half term.

There’s a special service on the Spa Valley Railway on October 29-30, with Dr Frankenslime journeying into insanity aboard the steam-hauled Trick or Treat Express service. He is trying to build himself a bride, but if you somehow manage to make it back to the station in one piece, the mad doctor’s experiments continue at Tunbridge Wells West Station, with the production of glow-in-the-dark slime. Samples available to take away! Hallowe’en weekend in addition to weekday services over half term.

There’s fun amid the twisted trees, shadows and fleeting creatures of Bedgebury every day from October 22-31 (10am-4pm). Self-led activity sheets also available.

Groombridge Place and Once Upon a Wish Events throw open the doors to the other side from October 22-30. In ‘Witch and Wizard School’, your potions training work includes making your own bubble snake! Also on are

the ‘Spooky Disco’, ‘Pumpkin Hunt’, ‘Pumpkins and Pixie Dust’ show, the ‘Hallowe’en Show’ and more.

At Hever Castle, the costumes enter on child-back, galloping through a dead-zone of witches, zombies, skeletons and bats, searching for the hidden letters to spell out a mystery word. Meanwhile, if young visitors manage to escape the spell of the storytellers, they can preparing the ground for vampire EXCLUSION zones next year – by planting garlic bulbs.

At Penshurst Place & Gardens, the outdoor garden trail is structured around the story of ‘The Failed Witch Heist’, in which children search for clues to help coven elder Agnes Clara protect her spellbook from thieves (October 24-28). Indoors, draw close to the fireplace in the medieval Baron’s Hall for a ‘not-too-spooky’ tale from soothsayer Doctor John Dee (October 24-28).

The Hop Farm near Paddock Wood is offering children’s rides, tricks and treats, with a Hallowe’en trail featuring themed arts and crafts, candle-making and pottery painting. Fancy dress encouraged.

SCREENING at Trinity Theatre tonight at 8pm (September 28) Vanessa van Zuylen’s ‘Eiffel’ treats viewers to striking cinematography in this fast-paced film of forbidden passion. A contributor to the Statue of Liberty project, civil engineer Gustave Eiffel is under pressure from the French government to design something spectacular for the 1889 Paris World Fair, even though all he wants to work on is the Paris Métro. Everything changes when he crosses paths with a woman from his past who inspires him to change the Paris skyline forever…

Master of the one-liners Milton Jones arrives at The Assembly Hall Theatre next Monday (October 3), strangely without any disguise given that he plans to have a good gossip about his past career as a spy. He says: “Milton Impossible is a show about my career as a spy. Some people say that they really love it, others that they can’t believe the sheer number of stupid jokes in it, and one old man in Bolton said, ‘It’s just what we need at the moment.’ (None of them said these things to me directly, but I still own a lot of powerful listening equipment).”

WHETHER you’re looking for somewhere to show off your talents or fancy an evening of music from up-and-comers, open mic nights at Even Flow on St John’s Road bring a new wave of entertainment to town. Join the family-run record store and coffee shop this Thursday (September 29) and the last Thursday of every month, as you enjoy a tipple or two and a bite to eat.

As the air turns crisp and we say our final goodbyes to summer, pack your walking boots and head over to Hever Castle to enjoy autumn colour throughout October. Rich yellow, red, and orange leaves form the backdrop to the castle’s line-up of events and activities.

Autumn at Arty Farty Retreat in Southborough sees a host of fantastic workshops for all ages. From creative expressions to ceramics and watercolours, kids can be a part of a creative community. Join the Retreat on October 4 for the Kids Create weekly afterschool club, where children can express themselves, socialise and collaborate and enjoy different projects each week.

There are just three days left to take advantage of savings this September at Bewl Water. Book now and save up to 50 per cent on activities including children’s cycle hire, camping, laser challenge and the aqua park.

The following night (October 4) at the Assembly Hall, Europe’s leading ABBA tribute group, Abbamania, play a sensational two-hour show of timeless hits from ‘Waterloo’ to ‘Dancing Queen’. So, dust off your platforms, put on your flares and come along and enjoy an unforgettable night! Also on October 4 is the international award-winning smash hit ‘Bromance’ at the E.M. Forster Theatre. The five-star circus show has relationships at its heart, where handshakes become handstands and backslaps become backflips. Audacious, touching exhilarating, and with a great soundtrack, this performance of cutting-edge physical heroics combines the acrobatics of circus with the emotional punch of theatre.

Catch the last gig in the Jazz on the Pantiles series tomorrow night (September 29) as Lionel Shell performs in the Blues Brothers Little Brother.

Also on The Pantiles, The Grey Lady Sessions have been going since August 2005, offering an intimate candlelit live music experience. This Friday (September 30), enjoy two of the local area’s finest original acts, Frances Yonge and Jennifer Lee Ridley. Doors open at 7:15pm.

Internationally-recognised touring and recording artist and award-winning guitarist Ben Poole takes to The Forum on October 6. Nominated as one of the ‘Best Blues Guitarists in the world’, the singer-songwriter is very much at the forefront of the world’s blues-rock scene. Described as ‘the full package’ by Maverick Magazine, this night is not one to miss.

SPOOKY STAR Dr Frankenslime arrives on the Trick or Treat Express

JOIN Mr Tom Carradine on the ‘Ol’ Joanna’ as he presents an evening of timeless songs with audience participation on September 30 at The Green Duck Coffee House & Bar on Grosvenor Road. Let your host lead you through a traditional cockney sing-along, with classics from the music hall era, both World Wars, the West End stage and traditional songs from across the decades. Tickets cost £20 per person which includes an antipasti board.

BEN POOLE

Photograph: Ben Poole Facebook page

HEVER CASTLE

Forage in nature’s larder to improve your diet and boost immunity this autumn

Only a handful of gardeners know that the fruits of their rose labours – the rose hip – contain up to 40 times the vitamin C content of an orange. Tasting rather like a tart apple or plum, the rose hip is an often overlooked autumnal joy. But did you know that rose hips also make a fantastic tea to drink, jelly to eat, or skin-rejuvenating cream? And by this time of the year we can all do with a little bit of rejuvenating!

If you have been growing organic roses and have left them untreated, you can head out into the garden now and harvest your rose hips for all manner of treats and tinctures.

Blooms

I visited Hever Castle & Gardens recently and head gardener Neil Miller took me into the shrub rose garden inspired by American poet Emily Dickinson and her New England rose garden.

The Damask roses and shrub roses in this beautiful border are laden down with what can only be described as ‘fruit’. In fact some of the rose hips are so big, they resemble tomatoes!

All roses produce hips if their blooms are left uncut. The best and most flavoursome varieties are the shrub roses like Rosa rugosa and the Damask roses. Again, ensure that you are only collecting hips from plants that have NOT been

Did you know you can enrich your diet courtesy of mother nature? Vikki Rimmer spoke to Hever Castle’s head gardener Neil Miller to discover the power of rose hips, which can be 40 times more potent than Vitamin C and can also be made into lots of teas and jellies

HIP GARDEN Neil Miller selecting the crop at Hever

Cala Homes announce a new 125-home development for Haysden in Tonbridge

property news

A NEW development consisting of 125 new homes in Lower Haysden Lane in Tonbridge has just been announced.

Cala Homes (South Home Counties) has acquired the land and has full planning consent for the delivery of 125 new homes, 40 percent of which will be affordable.

Set alongside attractive open space and new ecological areas, the scheme will enhance community connectivity – including new cycling and pedestrian links and improved public transport infrastructure. Additional benefits will support local education, social care, medical and community amenities as well as leisure facilities.

Collaborative

The development follows the relocation of its office from Farnham to Dorking that Cala says underscores its sustainability commitments.

The team will be based closer to key locations, at the centre of its operations, which will reduce travel distance and time to its sites, helping to limit carbon footprint while increasing productivity.

The new office provides more collaborative workspaces, and more space for Cala’s expanding team, plus electric vehicle charging points on site to cater for employees transitioning to EVs.

Nick Brown, Land Director at Cala Homes said: “This latest site acquisition showcases our capability for bringing forward attractive and spacious new homes, with affordable housing and well-connected communities to meet local needs.

“We are delighted to support Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council with its housing target of delivering over 800 new homes per year.

“Having delivered 2,400 new homes across Surrey, Sussex, Kent and the south London boroughs since 2014, we’ve established a strong reputation as a trusted development partner. Our team understands the land market and the housing need of each area we operate within,” Mr Brown added.

“We have an ambitious growth plan too –acquiring this site and moving to a new workspace in the centre of our patch support those ambitions.

“We are pursuing more immediate opportunities across the South Home Counties and look forward to making further announcements to bring much-needed new homes and wider benefits to local communities in the coming months.”

Cala has recently declared a strong first half of 2022, ahead of forecast on number of completed homes, turnover, and pre-tax profit.

Total home completions for 2022 are expected to top 3,100, and the company is on track to achieve a revenue of £1.8billion by 2026.

Sellers should pay for stamp duty not buyers says Kent developer

SELLERS of homes should be the ones to pay stamp duty, a Kent developer has argued, as the Government announced a cut in the tax.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng raised the payment threshold from £125,000 to £250,000 (£425,000 for first-time buyers) as part of the government’s plan to boost economic growth.

While the news will be welcomed by house buyers, a Kent-based developer says rather than cut the tax, it should ‘flipped’.

Approach

Chris Hammond, director of Beau Property, said:

“While a stamp-duty cut may get the market moving in the short term, realistically there needs to be a more structural change to facilitate more affordability flowing through the system.

“We would argue – flipping the normal approach on its head – that sellers should pay stamp duty instead of buyers because that would make it easier for people struggling to go up the chain, while down sizers that are more cash rich would more easily be able to afford to pay it.

“In addition, we believe there should be a reduction in stamp duty for new or refurbished homes which are carbon efficient which would create an incentive

for all stakeholders to both build and buy green.”

Other experts believe a stamp duty cut could do ‘more harm than good’.

Sarah Coles, a senior personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said stimulating housing market demand could push house prices up further, at a time when the supply of available homes is already tight.

Ms Coles said: “You can see why the Government is concerned about the housing market, because there’s a risk that rising mortgage rates and rising prices will dampen buyer enthusiasm. We know from recent experience that a stamp duty holiday effectively stimulates demand.”

VALUATIONS: AN ART OR A SCIENCE?

For many people considering a property move, the first important step is understanding the likely value of their home. In days gone by, with no online portals, this was a delicate art where estate agents held all the knowledge. Now, with Rightmove, Zoopla and a plethora of online valuation tools, most sellers have a keen sense of what their home is worth and the selling price they want to achieve, long before the estate agents arrive. So how confident can sellers be in their choice of estate agent, when agents’ valuations differ so greatly? Deborah Richards, Managing Partner of award-winning sales and lettings agent, Maddisons Residential, expands.

The reasons estate agents’ valuations differ from a sellers ‘ideal price’ are varied. Firstly, the estate agent visiting your house may be dominant in your particular property type and area, and therefore have a far greater – and more reliable – sense of a property’s value than an online portal.

Secondly, for most agents, they want to win the instruction – this is after all how we make a living! And so, a high valuation might be offered in the hope of flattering or seducing the seller.

Thirdly, valuations will be dictated by market conditions. In a booming sellers’ market, you can punch for a high price, but in a more cautious, buyers’ market, valuations must be realistic. The danger of overvaluing a property is real: sellers anchor on the unrealistic valuation given and feel they have lost money if a lower figure is subsequently achieved.

With the current market feeling a little more cautious, estate agents must work with their clients, understanding the prime objectives of the sale and creating a pricing strategy that supports these. It must then remain a relationship of trust, with no sense of blame, but a desire to arrive at a common goal. The reality is, any property is only worth what a buyer is prepared to pay, and so ultimately their opinion trumps what sellers, the portals, or even I, believe.

18 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN

Telephone: 01892 514100

Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Meet the expert: Deborah Richards is the founder and managing partner of Maddisons Residential, leading independent estate agent in Tunbridge Wells offering expert sales and lettings with excellent customer service.

ON SITE The layout of the new Haysden development

Keeping time with the market for antique watches

21st-century examples, but their story goes back much further in history. Significant examples of note include the world’s first watch designed to be worn on the wrist, created in around 1810 by Breguet for the Queen of Naples.

Luxury

Watches were initially viewed as luxury products that only the wealthy could afford, but the industrial revolution meant that mass-produced, affordable examples could be made for a wider section of society, including the rising number of

BUYING TIME

The market for vintage and preowned luxury watches is one of the strongest markets among collectors’ items at auction currently, and we are regularly pleasantly surprised at the high prices achieved for our clients here at Bentley’s.

The market for antique and vintage watches started to gain a significant following in the 1970s, with buyers becoming more interested in and knowledgeable about designs from previous decades, as well as aspirational buyers looking at second-hand watches as a way of owning luxury brands at an affordable price. All of which have created an ever-growing demand and a marketplace of avid collectors.

When we think of wristwatches we tend to think mostly about 20th- and

aspirational middle classes, and later the watch industry expanded further to cater for all budgets.

Of course, nowadays you can see the time displayed all around you – on your phone, computer screens, TV and even kitchen appliances – so the necessity for a watch has diminished. This could have seen them become obsolete, but instead they have become a smart accessory – to some a status symbol – and most certainly a collector’s item, which has created a modern day market place estimated to be worth billions of pounds each year.

Desirable

So, what makes one watch more valuable than another? Well, there are various factors, most notably a desirable make and model, rarity, condition and originality. Also, don’t underestimate the added value of having the original box and paperwork or documented history and provenance.

Some desirable brands to look out for are Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Breitling, Audemars, Jaeger-LeCoultre, TAG Heuer, Tudor, Vacheron Constantin, Chopard, Hublot, Blancpain, Lange & Sohne, IWC and Panerai to name but a few.

In our next auction here at Bentley’s, on Saturday, October 1, we have a fine example of a good collectable vintage watches coming up for sale, including lot number 347 – a 1974 14ct-gold Rolex Oyster perpetual date gentleman’s wristwatch with 18ct-gold strap, original box, receipt and other paperwork, which has an estimate of £4000-£6000.

If you have a valuable, rare or vintage watch you’d like to offer for sale to a global market through auction, then please do contact us for an appraisal at enquiries@bentleyskent.com

by TV’s Clive Attrell from ITV and BBC Television

‘Watches were initially viewed as luxury products that only the wealthy could afford, but the industrial revolution meant that massproduced, affordable examples could be made’

Nick Hall of Bentley’s tells the Times about the demand for vintage timepieces

NICK HALL

Rolex is one of the world’s most desirable brands

A pick of our lots over the last year

Auctioneer Joseph Trinder of Gorringe’s with the pieces that have caught his eye in 2022...

estimate than would have been offered if the image was captured during the war. With an estimate of £600-£800, we saw keen interest from collectors at home and abroad push the image to a rather impressive hammer price of £2,400 – showing the demand for such pieces in the current market.

The spring fine sale also saw a remarkable £27,000 hammer achieved for Jack Vettriano’s ‘The Critical Hour Of 3am’, an atmospheric figural composition in oil on canvas.

A result revealing how the market for works by this celebrated living Scottish artist has rocketed

in recent years – with the auction room now a platform securing international competition and involvement to deliver sellers a gallery-level price at Gorringe’s.

Unique

My dearly-appreciated frequent readers may recall that the March sale also featured a unique collection from Greenway House in Devon – the home of Dame Agatha Christie.

As this article goes to print, we will have just held our third fine quarterly sale of the year. It may seem premature, but we are now already turning our attention to the December fine sale, typically one of the most exciting sales within the year, as clients compete to purchase rare and unique Christmas gifts for friends and loved ones.

Highlights

As we begin to invite consignments for the December fine sale, here today I have chosen a few highlights from fine sales earlier in the year which perhaps reflect surprising results – and invite you to ponder if similar pieces may be waiting to be discovered in your home, attic or outbuildings.

Back in March, we sold a signed black and white photograph of Winston Churchill. A typically stoic image of the great wartime Prime Minister.

Taken in 1951, this saw us place a lower

SHOWHOMENOWOPEN

30 spacious one, two, three and four bedroom homes, with reservations now being secured. Book your viewing of our 3-bedroom showhome today.

This sale of course delivered wonderful results in the many books on offer as one would expect – it did however also bring surprising results for other items owned by the great author.

In a market which is –as regular readers will well know – difficult to say the least for traditional Victorian and Edwardian furniture, it really is rather something to see a price of £850 achieved for an early-20th century mahogany glazed display cabinet –reflecting once again how the ‘story’ or provenance of an object can have as much impact on value as the material used or the current ‘trendiness’ of the object itself.

Our summer fine sale in June saw a host of wonderful results as previously outlined –alongside the typical suspects, we saw excellent results for slightly more unusual pieces too, such as in a tiny 17th-century stumpwork panel, depicting a noble couple with castle beyond, leopard and stag, further animals and floral motifs – a rare survivor of miniature scale at just 20cm x 28cm. Yet, due to its history, beauty and sheer scarcity, this little fellow achieved a more than respectable £1,400.

As always – I would love to hear from you with any valuation or sale enquiries, without fee or obligation. Please feel free to contact me at: josephtrinder@gorringes.co.uk

For more information visit: Hillbury.fields @fernham-homes.co.uk or telephone 01580 230332

*Images are indicative only, exact plot may differ.

Located in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hillbury Fields is an exciting new development in the charming village of Ticehurst, East Sussex.

JOSEPH TRINDER

MINI MARVEL 17th-century stumpwork panel

ATMOSPHERIC Jack Vettriano’s ‘The Critical Hour Of 3am’

Auctioneers Since 1929

GARDENS gift us in so many ways, but one thing’s for sure – they require a lot of tender loving care. And while we water and nurture beautiful blooms all summer long and embrace outdoor living when it’s sunny, autumn is not the time to take your foot off the gardening pedal. In fact, there are things you can be getting on with now in preparation for the shift in seasons.

“Getting ready for autumn, for many of us, means looking forward to curling up with a cosy blanket and a steaming mug of hot chocolate,” says Kate Turner, of Evergreen Garden Care (lovethegarden.com/uk-en). “The change of season doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your outdoor oasis though.”

To make sure your garden’s prepped for the cooler days ahead, Turner suggests the following six things…

1. Deal with thatch

“Thatch is a layer of organic matter that can build up between the leaves and the soil, consisting of dead leaves, grass and root stems,” notes Turner. “The build-up creates a blockage, preventing essential moisture and nutrients from penetrating into the soil and down to the roots.”

the winter by building up the roots and health of the grass to withstand the cold. It’s important to feed with a specific autumn lawn food, to get the grass ready for the colder, wetter weather of winter and strengthen the lawn ready for spring,” advises Turner.

She says thatch areas are easy to identify because the ground itself will have a spongy feel, and lack of nutrients will cause dull, dead patches on the lawn.

“The best way to remove thatch is by ‘scarification’, which is the process of raking and removing mulch from the lawn,” says Turner. “There’re a variety of tools available, including a lawn scarifier, that will assist with this process.”

2. Aerate your lawn

Turner says this process allows better penetration of air and water to the root zone of the grass, which is essential for gaining the right nutrients to grow.

“It’s a good way to manage lawns that are

She says autumn lawn feeds are low in nitrogen, as you don’t want to encourage any soft top growth that can be easily burnt by frost.

Tick off this task and you’ll hopefully be rewarded come next spring.

“Feeding in autumn helps encourage strong root growth,” Turner adds, “so your lawn will recover quickly from a harsh winter and put on lush green growth in spring. Autumn feeding is actually the most important feed and an integral part of lawn care.”

4. Planting prep Autumn is an ideal time for improving your soil, especially for barren borders and veg patches that are settling down after a busy

slow-release and long-lasting feeds, she adds, so they can be applied in the autumn months to give the soil a good start for the next growing season in spring. “This is applied by evenly sprinkling the pellets over the soil and mixing in well.”

5. Bring on the borders

Turner’s recommendation? “Get your borders ready to burst with blooms by prepping the area and by digging in Miracle-Gro Premium Border Booster Soil Improver, which is an easy to spread blend of organic nutrients that enriches poor soil and increases yields of fruits and

flowers.

“Not only does it improve moisture retention and drainage, but it can also be used as a method of weed prevention. By adding a 5cm thick application of the soil improver to beds or containers, it can aid suppression of weeds.”

Some brilliant bulbs to plant in autumn are daffodils, tulips and crocuses, she says. “And they’re sure to brighten up your beds and borders in the new year, signalling the new season of growth.

“Daffodil ‘February Gold’ is a great pick, with cheery golden-yellow flowers, growing up to 30cm in height, whilst tulip ‘Aladdin’ will bring some dramatic fiery colour in late spring,” she adds. “Easy to plant and incredibly rewarding to watch grow, bulbs prefer a well-drained soil, as too much water can cause the bulb to rot.”

6. Prune roses

If we have a mild autumn, Turner says to keep deadheading your roses to prolong them flowering as long as possible.

“This is especially important if you have climbing roses. Once the rains start to come in, you can ‘tip prune’ to tidy up the plant and reduce the potential for wind rock,” she explains. “The winds in autumn can be quite intense and can actually rock the plants. When the roots are affected, water and frost can get in and cause damage. To tip prune, take the last flower bud and cut back about 10cm from the tip. You should wait until winter when the plants are fully dormant before reshaping,” Turner adds. “There can still be a lot of sap in roses in the autumn.”

affected by drought or water logging,” she says. “Aeration is performed by creating small holes in the soil at certain intervals and depths, and can be done using a garden fork or specially made tools and machines – even aerating shoes are available.”

For most gardens, Turner says this will only need to be done once every few years and small patches of lawn can also be treated individually if required.

3. Feed the grass

“Autumn lawn feeding prepares your lawn for

growing period, she advises. “To get the soil ready for planting, it’s key to prepare the space to free it from weeds and debris, whilst also breaking up the soil structure to help your plants grow their best.”

Using this time to get some good organic material into the soil is ideal. “Homemade compost straight from your compost heap is a great choice, and the composting process can be sped up by using compost maker, as it stimulates bacteria growth from it’s nitrogen rich content,” Turner adds.

Many organic fertilisers and soil improvers are

SNIP IN TIME Pruning and deadheading is a key step

Motoring

This week…

Bentley’s backseat upgrade

Battery boost for BMW

Dacia’s

Bentley launches ‘business class’ rear seat option after one customer’s request

BENTLEY has introduced an £8,400 business class rear seat option for its Bentayga SUV after one customer moaned about a bad back.

The valued client requested that Bentley try and make the back seats of its luxury off roader more comfortable – and the tech-laden Airline Seat in the new long wheel base model is the result.

Reclines

The £8,400 optional extra offers the occupant sat behind the front passenger seat in the £211,400 car the ability to recline their seat and stretch out.

At the touch of a button on a removable tablet that controls the seat, the backrest reclines, the seat cushion extends, the front seat folds forward and a foot rest pops out.

The Airline Seat also has a back, shoulder and leg massage function built in.

It uses 18 air-powered pressure pads to knead muscles and can constantly monitor the occupant to keep them at exactly the right temperature.

“The design was based on a customer asking what could be done to the rear seats as they suffered from back pain,” says a spokesman for the British-based luxury manufacturer.

“The customer wanted more comfort as they spent a lot of time in the back of their Bentayga and they put a request in.

“That one person’s idea sparked the Airline Seat introduction.”

The 22-way adjustable seats are now expected to be specified in at least half of the Bentayga Extended Wheel Base models sold.

The seat option could also work its way into other cars produced by the luxury car manufacturer, said the firm.

Clever tech built into the seats constantly monitors the occupant’s posture to make fine adjustments during the drive, to make sure they’re comfortable.

The air pockets can be inflated and deflated in 177 different combinations throughout the seat to adjust for comfort as the journey changes.

Sensors also take readings every fraction of a second to monitor the passenger’s temperature and use heating panels and cooling fans to adjust the heat.

The system senses temperature and humidity with an accuracy of 0.1°C every 25 milliseconds.

The Airline Seats are only available as an option on the new longer wheelbase SUV as it has an additional 180mm built into the rear of the car for rear passenger comfort.

The Bentayga EWB is available to order now with first deliveries arriving in October. BMW’s next generation EV batteries to be 50 per cent cheaper than current units.

BMW’s next generation EV batteries to be 50 per cent cheaper than its current units

Dacia’s Manifesto concept car is a look at rugged 4x4s of the future

DACIA has revealed the Manifesto Concept as a futuristic model that showcases what we can expect to see from some of the brand’s more rugged models in the future.

Almost looking like a modern take of a dune buggy, the two-seat concept aims to reaffirm the brand’s values as it looks to target those ‘keener to try outdoor pursuits’.

Windows

Focusing on simplicity – a trait Dacia is well known for with its no-frills models – the Manifesto has no doors, windows or windscreen, but a variety of hard-wearing and waterproof surfaces. You can even jet-wash the inside without causing damage.

BMW says the cost of its next generation electric car batteries will be reduced by 50 per cent as the firm progresses development of its upcoming EVs.

The German firm is working on the development of its ‘Gen 6’ EV batteries, which are due to be launched in 2025 with its ‘Neue Klasse’ – an important new electric car platform that signals the next phase of its EVs.

Currently on its Gen 5 electric cars, BMW says the battery makes up 40 per cent of the total vehicle cost, so the firm is very keen to reduce that as the firm “believes EVs should be available to anyone,” says Marie-Therese v. Srbik, head of battery cell development at BMW.

Charge

Thanks to improvements in battery cells, BMW expects to reduce the cost of a battery by 50 per cent (at a pack level), while also reducing the time needed to charge by 30 per cent. Similarly, the firm expects a 30 per cent mileage increase from a full charge of a battery, though BMW stressed that it was ‘optimising real-world range

rather than WLTP numbers’.

BMW says it will have two different battery cell formats – one for saloons and one for SUVs –showcasing the body styles that it will prioritise.

With the firm also looking to improve its sustainability, it will increase the nickel content in its batteries while reducing the amount of cobalt used, which will help to reduce the amount of CO2 involved in producing a battery.

Frank Weber, head of sustainability at BMW, says: “The newly-developed sixth generation of our lithium-ion cells will bring a huge leap in technology that will increase energy density by more than 20 per cent, improve charging speed by up to 30 per cent and enhance range by up to 30 per cent.

“We are also reducing CO2 emissions from cell production by up to 60 per cent. These are big steps for sustainability and customer benefits.”

On the subject of sustainability, BMW is looking to create vegan interiors by phasing out leather from selected models. The next-generation Mini Countryman, due in 2023, is set to be one of the first models to offer a vegan-friendly cabin.

Just like some of the brand’s current cars, there is no touchscreen but an integration point to connect a smartphone to. The concept car’s ‘YouClip’ feature, which allows a range of modular accessories to be secured to it, will be seen on future Dacia production models, too.

The single headlight can also be removed and used as a torch, while linking to the outdoor pursuits ethos, the Manifesto Concept comes with four-wheel drive, plenty of ground clearance and large off-road wheels and tyres.

Other practical touches include removable seat covers that double up as sleeping bags, while a dedicated and removable battery can be used as a power source for outdoor activities needing electricity. With Dacia poised to introduce a campervan based on its Jogger MPV in 2023, these details could point towards what’s to come from this model.

The Renault-owned brand is working to become more sustainable, and the Manifesto’s main plastic body parts contain a high proportion of recycled substances, including a recycled polypropylene that Dacia has developed with suppliers and called Starkle.

Lionel Jaillet, Dacia product performance director, says: “We want to build a range of products that strengthens our brand promise, focusing on the essentials and adapting our vehicles for outdoor activities.

“Beyond our models, we are also working on innovative features that match our customers’ needs and lifestyles even more closely.

Manifesto Concept is a ‘lab’ to try out and mock up new ideas. The version you can see today will keep on evolving as we keep on exploring. So don’t miss the next models: they will be ever smarter, ever more tailored to outdoor activities and ever more Dacia!”

Vinehall is now a member of the Repton Family of Schools. Come and explore the wonders of Vinehall School during our Open week Monday 3rd - Friday 7th October.

Meet the Head, tour the grounds, and speak to our teachers and pupils about life at Vinehall.

#WeAreVinehall

Register: www.vinehallschool.com

Email: admissions@vinehallschool.com