Times of Tunbridge Wells May 3rd 2023

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Crash in Tunbridge Wells sparks road safety debate

By Lilly Croucher

A CRASH in which a car ploughed into a camping shop in Monson Road and injured three people has prompted further questions about road safety and the traffic restrictions in place in the area.

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Emergency services were called on Friday April 28 at 11.27am after a red Fiat 500 crashed into the Blacks store, where paramedics treated three people for minor injuries.

According to police at the scene, the driver apparently “panicked” and reversed their car into the shop.

Eyewitnesses, Jeremy and Claire Waller, owners of Jeremy’s Home Store, said that it was “an accident waiting to happen” as they believe the driver was attempting to do a three-point-turn on Monson Road to avoid the traffic restrictions.

Claire Waller told the Times: “I was upstairs, and I saw the car go back. It was at such high speed.

“This road is so dangerous. I’ve asked the Council how we get out if we go down Monson Road, and they said you do a three-point turn.”

Jeremy Waller told the Times: “I’ve seen so many accidents over the years where people have done three-point turns. We’ve been here 27 years... Somebody will get killed eventually.”

Many residents have echoed their concerns over the safety of Monson Road since the traffic restrictions were introduced on Mount Pleasant Road – local councillors among them.

Cllr Nicholas Pope (Alliance) Park Ward told the Times last week: “Whilst it is safer that there are

less vehicles on the road, the removal of the traffic island on Monson Road means it’s more dangerous for pedestrians, especially now that the restrictions mean you can’t turn right on Monson Road, and you have to do a U-turn.”

A petition on Kent County Council’s website has been created by local residents calling for the entire scheme to be scrapped with “immediate effect”.

Cllr Paul Roberts (Conservative, Pembury), who sits on the Joint Transport Board, told the Times: “My recommendation would be for the immediate termination of fines, at least until the

correct signage is in place...

“As it stands, it doesn’t fulfil any interested parties’ needs. I fear that it has resulted in an increased carbon footprint, with commercial traffic, residents and private hire vehicles having to take extended journeys....

“I believe it would be sensible for all stakeholders to rethink this.”

Local MP Greg Clark has also requested that the scheme be scrapped (See Letters, page 13).

In his open letter to the leader of TWBC, Cllr Ben Chapelard last week, Mr Clark said: “Indeed, Kent Highways has said the signage is confusing. So, I think it is only fair that the fines paid should be refunded. I would request that the Borough Council turn off the enforcement.”

KCC RECONFIRMS POSITION AS TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REFUSES SIGNS

FOLLOWING the Times report last week (April 25) of non-compliant signage on the approach to the restricted bus lane on Mount Pleasant Road, KCC said it had offered the Times an incorrect statement and has provided this correction.

“We have asked our contractor to replace a sign in York Road as a priority.

“Separately, we are aware of concern about the format of the signs on the approach and entrance to the restriction on Mount Pleasant Road.

“We are arranging for their temporary

amendment while we seek guidance from the Department for Transport on the signs.

“In the meantime, the restriction will continue to operate to the benefit of pedestrian safety and sustainable transport.”

Since then, KCC has temporarily covered up the incorrect wording on the bus gate signs with white plastic.

The Times also contacted the Department for Transport (DfT) which confirmed that KCC approached them on April 26, after the Times’

article, requesting authorisation to use the non-regulation “9am-6pm except for access” sign on the Mount Pleasant Road gate way.

The DfT refused authorisation the following day, on April 27, citing that the signs were ‘watered down’ to such an extent that it would allow a large number of vehicles to go down the road.

They also explained the intention of the bus lane was to limit the road to buses and certain vehicles, but the ‘benefits are lost’ if too many vehicles are allowed on the street.

Teachers march for pay as more strikes expected

By Lilly Croucher

HUNDREDS of teachers in Tunbridge Wells marched through the town yesterday after walking out of classrooms to demand better pay and working conditions.

Teachers from across the Borough and beyond met at Calverley Grounds for a rally with flags, music and posters on May 2.

Yesterday was the second national strike in a week after members from the National Education Union (NEU) also walked out on Thursday April 27 amid students taking their end of year exams.

Opposition

An estimated 7,000 pupils at schools across Tunbridge Wells are expected to have been affected during their exam season, with some schools closing to certain year groups to allow Years 11 and 13 to take their GCSEs and A Levels.

The strikes follow the union’s unanimous rejection of the Government’s pay offer of a £1,000 one-off-payment and a 4.3 per cent pay rise next year, with almost 200,000 members voting 98 per cent against the offer.

The opposition is the largest in the union’s history as they continue to pressure the Government to recognise the issues around teacher recruitment and retention by asking for a

fully funded above inflation pay rise that does not come from the school’s budget.

After the strikes on Thursday, Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan said she was “extremely disappointed” by the strike action as more than half of the 22,000 schools in England closed or partially closed.

The Department of Education have said that school funding would be at its highest level next year after the Government pledged an extra £2billion investment into schools.

But Maria Fawcett, NEU Regional Secretary said the Government continues to overlook the impact on education that comes from poor teacher pay. She said: “Gillian Keegan is failing to address the multiple problems damaging our children’s

education – around teacher recruitment and retention problems, and inadequate school funding.

“She has been told by the profession – and a significant majority of the profession – that her pay and funding offer is not good enough. 98 per cent of NEU members rejected it, on a two-thirds turnout.

“Her response has been to deny the way the wind is blowing. She is refusing to return to the negotiating table.

“It is this inaction, this silence which has left NEU teacher members in England’s schools and sixth form colleges to reluctantly take two more days of national strike action in the coming days.”

According to the NEU, teachers have lost 23 per cent in real terms against RPI inflation since 2010 with nearly half, 44 per cent of state school teachers, planning to quit in the next five years.

The union is expected to announce three further strike days in the summer term with two other unions, NASUWT and NAHT re-balloting their members and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) due to ballot for the first time in their history.

DRIVE IN: The Fiat in Blacks

MAKING THE CASE: Teachers in Calverley Grounds yesterday

Fatal motorcycle accident on A21

A MOTORCYCLIST was killed and his passenger left seriously injured in a crash that closed the A21 in one direction on Monday (May 1).

Police and emergency services were called to the scene of the accident on the coast-bound carriageway of the A21, and the pillion passenger was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Police are asking any witnesses who saw the collision or the movements of the bike beforehand to telephone the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.police.uk, quoting reference RY/ SC/043/23.

Anyone with dashcam footage can submit it at: kep.uk.evidence.com/axon/communityrequest/public/a21pembury.

Ukrainian Saturday school opened

A NEW Saturday school for Ukrainian young people has opened at The Skinners’ Kent Academy.

St Mary’s Ukrainian Saturday School will teach language and writing skills to youngsters aged 5- 16 in five different classes. Older students will also learn history and geography. There will also be art classes in the afternoons, with the ‘school day’ running 10am-4.30pm, all taught in Ukrainian.

The Skinners’ Kent Academy hosts the Saturday school without charge, but the school receives a grant from the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Kingly cutlery set sought by police

WHEN you are sitting down for your Coronation lunch or picnic, do sneak a glance at your neighbours’ cutlery just in case you spot the marking “HM King”. It could be part of a hoard stolen from Tenterden a fortnight ago

The collection of silver cutlery includes dinner forks, tablespoons, a cake slice, dessert spoons and knives, a trefid spoon and six cake knives and cake forks, said the police.

The items were reported missing in Tenterden on April 22.

Anyone who suspects they have seen the cutlery in use or for sale is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/72425/23.

You can also call Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111 or complete their online form.

Don’t forget your ID

VOTERS are reminded to bring photo identification with them to the polling station when voting this Thursday (May 4).

Even expired identification is acceptable – if the photo is still recognisable. The name on the ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.

If you have not posted your postal vote, you can take it to your local polling station by 10pm on election day, or the Electoral Registration Officer (at the Town Hall).

New Citizens’ Advice advisor appointed

CITIZENS’ Advice Tunbridge Wells and District are to add a new local volunteer advisor thanks to a £1,000 donation.

The organisation said the donation – part of the RTW Round Table’s ‘Big Giveaway’ – would go towards training and equipping a new volunteer advisor for the Tunbridge Wells office.

The award was presented by Deputy Mayor Cllr Hugh Patterson on May 2.

Berkeley Homes set to challenge High Weald development refusal

By Victoria Roberts

DEVELOPERS who submitted a plan for 165 houses in Cranbrook in 2020 – only for it to be rejected by the government early last month –are to challenge the decision.

Berkeley Homes’ proposed development, on land adjacent to Turnden on Hartley Road, Cranbrook, was refused in the name of Michael Gove, Secretary of State (SoS) for Levelling-Up, Housing & Communities.

In doing so, Mr Gove overruled the Inspector’s

recommendation to approve the development, subject to conditions.

In a nine-page letter to Berkeley Homes about the decision, Mr Gove stressed positives of the proposals: housing need, biodiversity net gain, opportunities for recreation, highway safety improvements, heritage and even landscape benefits.

However, he gave considerable “weight” to any “harm” to the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s (HWAONB) landscape and scenic beauty, as well as conflict with the Council’s spatial strategy.

Mr Gove concluded that “exceptional circumstances do not exist to justify the proposed development in the Area of

Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and that the development would not be in the public interest.”

The report added: “Overall, [the Secretary of State] does not find that the scheme is sensitively designed with regard to its setting.

“He [Mr Gove] finds that the design of the proposal does not reflect the expectations of the High Weald Housing Design Guide, being of a generic suburban nature, which does not reproduce the constituent elements of local settlements.”

Berkeley Homes has since announced its intention to challenge what they called “the irrational decision” to overrule the Inspector’s recommendation.

Speaking before Berkeley Homes’ decision to challenge, Cllr Tom Dawlings (Benenden & Cranbrook) expressed “surprise” when the development was refused, and warned that

the need for housing remained.

“Pleasing as it is to save sites like Turnden from development, a worrying consequence of this decision may well be the development of other more sensitive sites simply because the Borough does not have a five-year housing supply,” he told the Times

“The Secretary of State’s decision seemed to be more based on housing design than the principle of development and, for that reason, a revised housing scheme may well be pursued,” he added.

Teacher sacked for homophobic slur and inappropriate conduct

By Lilly Croucher

A DISGRACED former Tunbridge Wells teacher has been banned from classrooms after he used a homophobic slur to refer to Freddie Mercury, inappropriately touched a pupil, smoked in front of pupils and lied about his qualifications.

James Gardner, 41, a former Physical Education teacher at Broomhill Bank School in Tunbridge Wells, was found guilty of “unacceptable professional conduct” during his tenure at the school for special needs pupils, where he had worked since 2019.

Offensive

At the three-day hearing by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA), Mr Gardner, whilst listening to the radio in the school mini bus, had said of the late Queen frontman: “That man can sing for a f*****.”

In his written response, Mr Gardner said: “I realise this is an offensive word, but I didn’t mean to cause offence at the time. I didn’t mean it to come out like that, as I was saying it as a joke, albeit in extremely bad taste. It makes me cringe to think that I said it.

“I am not homophobic or racist in any way, but realise how my words were not acceptable, and I have deep regret as it is not my true character to speak like that.

“Although it doesn’t make it right, I said it to a member of staff in the front of the mini bus. We had a student in the back listening to his own

music on his earphones, so I was not talking to him but to member of staff who made the complaint.”

The ex-teacher is also said to have engaged in “inappropriate physical contact with a pupil” during a football game.

After a pupil ran off the pitch upset, Mr Gardner is said to have shouted at the pupil and told her she had embarrassed him.

He is then said to have put his hands on her shoulders and “pushed her up against the wall and kept his hands on her shoulders for about two minutes”.

Mr Gardner said he only “momentarily and gently” touched the pupil to “encourage her focus”, but the panel deemed the behaviour was inappropriate.

He is also said to have offered a cigarette to a pupil and to have discussed smoking cannabis

in front of pupils.

Mr Gardner has disputed all of his actions with the panel, except not disclosing that he had not finished his Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and that he was sacked from a previous job.

In the report’s conclusion, the TRA said: “The panel finds that the conduct of Mr Gardner fell significantly short of the standards expected of the profession.

“The findings of misconduct are particularly serious as they include findings of inappropriate physical contact with a pupil, the use of offensive and/or homophobic dialogue and dishonesty.”

A prohibition order made against Mr Gardner means he is banned from teaching indefinitely in any school, sixth form, youth accommodation or children’s home in England from April 5.

Mr Gardner can ask for the decision to be reviewed in 2026.

‘Exceptional circumstances do not exist to justify the proposed development in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and that the development would not be in the public interest’

THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

BROOMHILL BANK SCHOOL

High Brooms MOT centre to be demolished and replaced with a self-storage facility

By Lilly Croucher

A CAR garage and MOT centre in High Brooms is set to be torn down as part of new plans to create a large self-storage facility for residents and local businesses, after the site is vacated this month.

Planning documents submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) detail how the “somewhat not fit for purpose” Tunbridge Wells MOT Centre garage and car storage area will be knocked down to accommodate the more than 8,000sqm storage facility.

The development, which will sit on the corner of North Farm Road and Chapman Road, is expected to include a 7,885sqm storage building with a reception, service yard, three loading bays, 19 car parking spaces, two disabled spaces and two EV charging bays, along with eight cycle spaces.

Tunbridge Wells-based planning consultancy

Kember Loudon Williams submitted the designs for the self-storage facility, which promises to fit an array of residential units as well as retail and industrial units, so hoping to complement the area of High Brooms.

According to documents, the proposed self-storage development is estimated to generate “one additional trip approximately every five minutes during the morning peak hour and every four minutes in the evening peak”.

However, the increase of 150 daily movements by the storage facility should not “have a severe impact on the transport network’”.

The area will be surrounded by a flower-rich grassland with trees and shrubs to replace the

poor neutral grass and to improve the area’s biodiversity.

In January 2023, a pre-application advice meeting was held with planning officers from TWBC to disccuss DMWR architect’s design, which was received as “very positive” in comparison to the “cluttered” and “unattractive” site that remains.

Officers fully supported the development, highlighting the long-standing traffic and congestion issues in the area, which are associated with the single-width bridge

located further along North Farm Road. In the planning documents, site developer Compound, said: “From the beginning of the design process, our ambition was to create a high quality, contextually relevant, environmentally positive building that lifts the overall street scape whilst creating an excellent experience for our users as well as local businesses and residents.

“Above all, we have sought to reinvigorate a somewhat lost and forgotten site on North Farm Road into a building with both aesthetic

appeal and community benefit.”

“Self-storage is an ever-growing sector in the UK and is in high demand from local residents and small businesses alike.

“Providing a much-needed service to local customers is at the heart of every provider’s aims and is echoed here by Compound.

“Self-storage as a use provides low impact, high-quality commercial activity and connects the local area with efficient and secure solutions to storage problems for households and local businesses.”

New president appointed to the Soroptimists

By Victoria Roberts

THE SOROPTIMISTS International Tunbridge Wells & District (SITWD) have announced the appointment of a new President.

Claire Archbold took office at the Annual General Meeting on April 17, and selected as her chosen charity an LGBTQ+ and youth homelessness organisation based in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Bristol. She will be followed by President Elect Cat Mennell, and Vice President Jill Ruddock. Outgoing President Caroline Auckland stepped into the presidency at SITWD in 2021, at a time when there was no top officer and the organisation was being run by committee.

Charities

Yet despite taking office during the pandemic restrictions, the organisation has kept busy with tree- and flower-planting, supporting a food bank, collecting aluminium cans for the international ‘toilet twinning’ project, and more.

Caroline’s chosen charities were both local ones: Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre and the arts and music organization, Arts Without Boundaries.

“I am all about Tunbridge Wells,” she said at the time.

However, it was Violence Against Women and Girls which became one of the central issues of her presidency.

Not only have local Soroptimists taken part in local vigils and other events; in 2022, they collected and published data on areas of town where women have felt unsafe.

The ‘Spotlight on Safety’ survey results have been shared with police, local government and even Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, whose Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Bill is on its way through Parliament.

“That issue roller-coastered right the way

through my presidency,” Caroline told the Times

Caroline passed on the local Soroptimists’ historic chain of office and insignia to her successor earlier this month.

The enamel centrepiece of the chain of office was created by suffragette Ernestine Mills, some of whose other pieces are in the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Museum of London.

Each president’s name and term of office is engraved on a silver bar and added to the chain.

“In our club archives, there is a record of a discussion around a potential donation of the chain to a museum, but this was thankfully rejected a long time ago,” she said.

“It is an honour and a privilege to wear the chain engraved with the names of past presidents who were business and professional women.”

She added: “Understandably, the chain is quite heavy with the number of engraved bars, but there is room for more!”

RINGING IN CHANGE: Caroline Auckland (left) Claire Archbold (middle) and Cat Mennell

THE SOROPTIMISTS INSIGNIA

‘Self-storage is an ever-growing sector in the UK and is in high demand from local residents and small businesses alike’

THE PROPOSED FACILITY

Annual Bewl race to be hosted by ultra-marathon champion

Call for entries for this year’s National Lottery Awards 2023

By Alice Reece

DIRECTOR of Hermes Running, David Ross, will be running the Hermes Marathon around the 800-acre Bewl Water on Saturday May 13.

The first such event was held in 2012. David, who has run 467 marathons, including ultra distances and 17 London Marathons, has been listed 409th in the World Mega Marathon Rankings.

Notably, he also holds the Guinness World Record for running the fastest London Marathon in a wetsuit in just three hours and 25 minutes.

On what he wants to achieve next, David said: “My current goal is to complete a marathon in every EEA (European Economic Area) member state – I’ve completed 29 of the 30 so far and will be running the last one, the Liechtenstein Marathon, on June 3 to complete the set.”

The event at Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, will see participants run either one lap of the reservoir for a half-marathon, two laps for a full marathon or, three laps for an ultra-marathon. Beginners are also encouraged to attend with a

10km race through the scenic trails. Each route will be timed by a chip, with the top three males and female runners in each race being presented with an award. Results and professional photos will be uploaded after the race with post-race massage therapists available for 10-minute sessions at £12. Refreshments will be also available at the Waterfront Café.

Scenic

Hermes Running hosts a variety of race events across Kent and Surrey including Bewl Water, where runners get the chance to escape the daily park run and enjoy scenic views, rural woodland trails and quiet country lanes.

David explained: “My mission is to offer runners the most fulfilling and enjoyable experience by ensuring that my races are scenic and well managed.”

Tickets range from £24-£52 and registrations for the race in May can be made at: hermesrunning.com/bewl-water/

By Lilly Croucher

JUDGES are on the look out for this year’s community heroes from Tunbridge Wells, to celebrate the inspirational people and organisations that have been supported by National Lottery funding.

In 2021-22 the National Lottery fund gave 19 grants totalling £697,649 to projects across the Borough, providing crucial support to arts, sports, leisure, and community organisation in Tunbridge Wells.

Last year the National Lottery Awards attracted 1,300 entrants to the annual celebration, which commends ordinary people doing extraordinary work with the help of National Lottery funding.

Exceptional

During these challenging times, the awards are hoping to highlight the exceptional work of local heroes who have gone the extra mile to make a difference in their communities. Any person or group who has received

National Lottery funding is eligible to be nominated in the following five categories: Community & Charity; Arts, Culture & Film; Sport; Heritage; Environment; and Young Hero under 25 years.

There will also be a Special Achievement Award to mark the accomplishment of an exceptional individual whose work made the lives of those they help a little bit better in their community.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges made up from the National Lottery family and its partners and will be given a £5,000 cash prize as well as the National Lottery Awards trophy. Also, projects that have benefitted from the National Lottery funding can enter the ‘Project of the Year’ category where entrants will be shortlisted down to 16 finalists with a UK-wide public vote to decide the winner in September 2023.

To nominate someone for this year’s National Lottery Awards, tweet @LottoGoodCauses using the hashtag #NLAwards with your suggestions or complete an entry form by May 16 at: lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards

Charity partnership sets goal to attract more girls to football

By Lilly Croucher

A FOOTBALL club in Cranbrook has teamed up with local leisure charity to encourage more girls under 14 to play the sport.

Cranbrook Juniors Football Club has partnered with Fusion Lifestyle to expand its girls football sessions to include weekend football training.

Ant Tomlinson, Chairman of Cranbrook Juniors Football Club, said: “We, as a club, are huge advocates for the female game and are very keen to grow attendance for these sessions.

Opportunity

“Our aim is to provide the opportunity for as many girls as possible to take part in the game, with our ultimate goal being to start girls’ teams across all age groups”.

Kicking off early on Saturday mornings, sessions will take place from 9am to 10am for all girls aged five to 11 who want to give the sport a go.

On Friday evening, training sessions will be moved to The Weald Sports Centre, managed by Fusion Lifestyle, in due course, with Wildcats training for

five to 11-year-olds at 5.30pm and Squad sessions for 12 to 14-year-olds at 6.30pm.

Gemma Carrick, Sports and Community Development Manager for Fusion Lifestyle in Tunbridge Wells commented:

“We are big supporters of football for girls and are delighted that the Wildcats have chosen The Weald Sports Centre as their new home.”

Fusion Lifestyle is a sport and leisure management organisation which runs facilities across the UK including The

Weald Sports Centre, Putlands Sports and Leisure Centre, Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, St John’s. Founded in May 2021, Cranbrook Junior Football Club provides a fun, inclusive and safe environment for children aged five to 12 to develop their passion for football, join a range of training programmes and compete locally. For more information, contact The Weald Sports centre on 01580 710720 or: chair@cranbrookjuniorsfc.co.uk

Club seeks more young tennis talent this spring

By Lilly Croucher

A MAJOR Tennis club in Tunbridge Wells is calling for more junior players to take to their courts this summer as part of their May membership offer.

Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club (TWLTC) is encouraging bright and talented players between the ages of four and 18 to join their extensive junior training programmes and become a member of one of the most prestigious clubs in the country.

The programmes, running each term, are led by a team of experienced and qualified coaches who take players from beginners to regular competitors, for team or country.

Coaches will monitor each player’s progress carefully, giving every opportunity to maximise a student’s potential and keeping parents updated on their child’s development along the way.

Players are able to join internal and external tennis leagues from friendly one-day tournaments to big LTA graded competitions.

The club is one of the largest in the South East, with almost 1,000 members, and 13 all-weather courts and eight grass courts with most of them flood-lit. They are suitable for players at all levels, whether it’s for a competition or a social match.

TWLTC is one of the oldest clubs in the country, having been established in 1898 on Nevill Ground with a cricket pitch, athletic track and six courts.

The club is proud of its inclusive ethos and welcomes players of all ages and abilities, whether they are picking up a racket for the first time, returning to the court after a break, or are regular players looking to find a place to play.

This May, TWLTC is offering memberships with no joining fee to all new players. For information contact: admin@twltc.co.uk

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Each month Thomson Snell & Passmore will be answering frequently asked questions from across the practice. If you have a legal question you would like featured in this monthly Q&A please submit it to info@ts-p.co.uk.

With the summer holidays approaching, Helen Waite in our family team answers your questions about holidays abroad when you are divorced or separated.

I’ve booked a holiday to Tenerife later this year; do I need to tell my former partner where we are going?

If your former partner has parental responsibility, then unless there is an old style residence order (in your favour), or a ‘lives with’ order ’in place, you can’t take the children aboard or out of the jurisdiction of England and Wales without his/her consent. If there is a residence order or lives with order in place then you can take the children abroad without the other parent’s consent for up to 28 days. Without it you would always need their consent or an order of the court. You should also (because they have parental responsibility) provide details of where you are going, including flights and travel itinerary and contact details for whilst you are away. It is sensible to get their consent to you travelling abroad in writing so there can be no misunderstandings. Some countries will ask for written evidence, if only one parent is travelling with the child and some require formal affidavits. It’s always better to check the countries specific requirements in plenty of time, so there are no surprises at the airport.

My former partner has refused to provide consent to me taking the children abroad. The holiday is already booked and the children are very much looking forward to it. What can I do?

If the other parent will not provide their consent, you can make an application to the court for a specific issue order. A judge can order that you are able to take the children to a specific destination by overriding the other parent. In most cases, unless the intended journey is going to place the children at risk of harm or is very disruptive to the time the children spend with the other parent, a court is unlikely to refuse a holiday which is in most cases in the best interests of the children. For that reason it is usually the case that the threat of such an application would cause the other parent to consider things more reasonably. This is written with the caveat that every case is based on the specific facts of the case.

What if I simply want to take the children on holiday in England or Wales, can the other parent stop me?

Providing the children are due to be with you at that time and there isn’t a court order in place stating that the children should be with the other parent then you can take them on holiday within England or Wales. The only difficulty would be if the other parent considered the trip to be likely to pose a risk of harm in some way to the children or not in their best interests, they could threaten to make an application to the court, but they would have to have a very good reason. You certainly wouldn’t need their permission in the way you would to go abroad. It is always good practice to give notice and details of where the children will be in advance. Any other person with parental responsibility should know where their children are staying if not at home, unless there is a justified reason for them not to know.

If you have any other questions on this topic please get in touch with Helen info@ts-p.co.uk.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS LAWN TENNIS CLUB

CRANBROOK JUNIORS FOOTBALL CLUB

Tunbridge Wells hosts step in to save foreign school groups

By Victoria Roberts

FOREIGN school groups have returned to Tunbridge Wells in force, not just owing to a post-pandemic bounce, but also thanks to hosts picking up the pieces of “over-booking” elsewhere, according to a local home-stay agency.

Stephanie Heymer of International Student Experiences (ISE), which organises home stays for European school trips, started re-recruiting local, paid hosts late last year to cope with the expected post-pandemic return of school trips.

Coachload

She had planned for a coachload every other week from February, but with home-stay organisers elsewhere in the South East over-booking and then letting down groups, she and her local hosts had taken an extra 10 groups.

A coach can bring in as many as 65 people needing accommodation – 60 students, four teachers and a driver.

The week before last, ISE had accommodation for a planned group of 55, then agreed to “emergency” bookings for one group of 15 and another group of 30, she told the Times. The students spend the entire day out on excursions, so only need a place to sleep, along with breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner with their hosts.

Rates range from £126 for two students over three nights, up to £352 hosting four students for four nights, and will rise next year, added Ms Heymer.

Despite publicised fears that European groups

might bypass the UK and go to (EU member) Ireland instead, Ms Heymer played down the Brexit impact on numbers for Tunbridge Wells.

“Ireland is fine for one year, but it’s never going to be a long-term solution,” she said.

“Some (European) schools have started to go to the Netherlands or Malta, but [the children] really want to come to the UK.”

However, she said that ISE could only accommodate the rising numbers with the help of residents willing to host.

Thanks to a robust process of long telephone conversations and a home visit, during which she explains all the requirements and the benefits, hosts tend to stay on,

Literary Festival discounts offered to TN card holders

A LOYALTY discount is to be offered on the second annual Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival, bringing writers, illustrators and readers to five locations across town next month.

The TN card loyalty scheme will be offering 10 per cent off tickets, except for Comicon and children’s fiction events – although many of the latter are already free.

Card members can get their discount code from the TN card website or the events section of the app.

Cards must be shown with the tickets when attending events.

according to Ms Heymer.

“This year, I would say we have about 50 per cent of our original families from before the pandemic, and 50 per cent who are new, or found it was the right time to do it.”

Increasingly, families with children at home are hosting, with the kids interacting with their European peers during the visit and perhaps later helping the family decide how to spend the host fees – for example on a family holiday, she said.

“[Local] children feel very much involved with the process. They’re not being forced.”

“And we still need families to grow.”

You can contact ISE at: info@isegb.co.uk

Local Prezzo to close

THE Tunbridge Wells branch of Prezzo is one of 46 loss-making restaurants to be closed by the company, which cited soaring energy costs.

Chief Executive Dean Challenger said the last three years had been “some of the hardest times I have ever seen for the high street”.

“But the reality is that the cost-of-living crisis, the changing face of the high street and soaring inflation has made it impossible to keep all our restaurants operating profitably.”

The company said its utility bills had more than doubled, while the cost of food hit a 45-year high last month.

SCHOOL OF WHAT: An ISE group visit to London

Coworking company cuts rates to boost sense of community

By Sarah Carter

COST-OF-LIVING stresses affect businesses as well as individuals, so one local office space provider has cut its rates to encourage members to keep coming and building their connections. OfficeTribe was launched in 2019 on Mount Pleasant, opposite the train station, and then added a second location in May 2021, in London Road near the end of the High Street.

Dedicated

Although members work for a variety of companies and for themselves, OfficeTribe lays on tea, coffee and fruit at the coworking site, and has a social programme to give remote workers a taste of office camaraderie.

There are about 70 desks across both spaces, in a mixture of hot desks, dedicated desks and private offices, and the social programme includes running, walking, trivia nights, art

workshops and office parties.

“The rationale for the price reduction is threefold – affordability, flexibility and community,” said co-founder Tom Olden.

“We want our members in as often as possible to help grow our community of coworkers, meet each other more often to build relationships – work and social,” he said.

The company cut its day rate in March, from £20+VAT to £10.50+VAT, and last week slashed the unlimited monthly rate from £195+VAT per month to £100+VAT.

“We have always had monthly options but this is the most flexible and affordable we have ever offered,” he added.

“Our members know they can use the space as much as they need to at a very reasonable cost.

“But if they miss a day here and there to go to London or work from home, for example, they won’t feel they are wasting money.”

Office Tribe is at 16 Mount Pleasant and 8A London Road, and at officetribe.co.uk

Majority of health worker unions vote to accept pay offer

HEALTH unions representing the majority of NHS workers have recommended that the revised pay offer made by the Government should be implemented.

British mission in Sudan ‘not over’ despite end of airlift

THE British mission in Sudan is ‘not over yet’ despite the end of the evacuation airlift, the Foreign Secretary said.

James Cleverly said the situation remained dangerous, and officials were still in Port Sudan to help Britons seeking to leave the country.

The final evacuation flights left Sudan on Monday (May 1) for Cyprus, with anyone seeking to leave now relying on making their own way to safety through Port Sudan or at land borders into neighbouring countries.

Evacuated

During the airlift – the longest and largest operation undertaken by any Western nation in Sudan – some 2,341 people were reportedly evacuated on 28 flights.

Mr Cleverly told the media: “There is still an ongoing humanitarian situation, we still have a presence at Port Sudan, both a military presence and a number of other government officials to help British nationals and their dependents leave the country.”

He added: “We will ensure that we maintain a presence to support British nationals, because

the situation in Sudan, sadly, is still volatile, and it is still dangerous.”

As well as officials and military personnel in Port Sudan, HMS Lancaster is off the coast to support them.

Mr Cleverly said the evacuation from Sudan would have a “significant” cost to taxpayers. But he told the media: “What we have found increasingly now, as people use those land routes to Port Sudan, in many instances they are less in need of an air evacuation from Sudan itself.

“There are a number of options available from Port Sudan, including a ferry across to Saudi Arabia.”

He added: “At the moment we have a warship just off the coast of Port Sudan, we have a cross-Whitehall team of officials in Port Sudan to help British nationals leave the country.

“We can scale that up, or indeed scale that down, according to circumstances.”

The international focus is shifting to preventing a wider humanitarian catastrophe in the region and Mr Cleverly warned that any further fighting would hamper international relief efforts.

In a joint statement, members of the NHS Staff Council said that the unions agreed to the deal for staff on the Agenda for Change contract, which includes all NHS workers apart from doctors, dentists and senior managers.

Balloted

The 14 unions representing staff on the contract have balloted hundreds of thousands of members over the last few weeks.

Unison, GMB, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and the Royal College of Midwives were among those who voted to accept the offer, while Royal College of Nursing and Unite voted against it.

The ballot results were reported at an NHS Staff Council meeting where unions reported the results of their individual ballots then voted on whether the Government should implement the offer.

This paves way for the Department of Health and Social Care to impose the five per cent pay rise for this year and a cash sum for last year.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay, responding to the NHS Staff Council recommendation, said: “I’m pleased the NHS Staff Council has voted to accept our pay offer, demonstrating that a majority of NHS staff agree this is a fair and reasonable deal.

“It is now my intention to implement this for all staff on the Agenda for Change contract and where some unions may choose to remain in dispute, we hope their members, many of whom voted to accept this offer, will recognise this as a fair outcome that carries the support of their colleagues and decide it is time to bring

industrial action to an end.

“We will continue to engage constructively with unions on workforce changes to ensure the NHS is the best place to work for staff, patients and taxpayers.”

Sara Gorton, head of health at Unison, has confirmed she hopes to have an increased pay in nurse’s pay packets in June.

Speaking following the agreement on Tuesday, she said that the “majority” had agreed to implement the pay offer “as soon as possible”. She also confirmed Steve Barclay is “moving to implement” the pay increase.

Head of health for Unison, Sara Gorton, continued to say that today “wasn’t about sharing feelings” among unions as just the Royal College of Nursing and Unite are yet to accept the pay offer.

There is now a “clear majority” among unions to accept the pay offer, with 12 of the 14 unions accepting the Government’s pay offer.

PHOTO: Sgt Paul Oldfield/MOD © UK MOD Crown Copyright 2023/PA Wire

SARA GORTON

Photo: Belinda Jiao/PA Wire

HOW HOME OWNERS AND BUILDERS CAN REDUCE THE RISK OF DISPUTES

By David Brown, Partner at CooperBurnett LLP

Trump in

Scotland to name

FORMER US president Donald Trump has attended a ceremony to break ground for a second course at one of his Scottish golf resorts, and named it after his mother.

After arriving at Aberdeen Airport on his private jet, he headed to his Trump International Scotland Course at the Menie Estate near Aberdeen and cut a red ribbon to mark breaking ground on the new MacLeod course.

Mr Trump said: “It will be dedicated to my late mother and that is a source of great pride to me and my family. My mother was an incredible woman who loved Scotland.”

Mary Anne MacLeod was born on the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles before emigrating to the US. The MacLeod course will be built to

new golf course

the south and west of the existing championship course.

Following his time in Scotland, he will head to his golf course in Doonbeg on Ireland’s west coast.

Campaign

Despite the visit, Mr Trump, who is running for the White House again in 2024 and is seen by many as the presumptive Republican nominee, said his campaign is “on my mind”, stressing that a victory for him would make America “greater than ever before”.

The tycoon’s trip to Scotland comes as he faces legal trouble in his native New York over his business practices. He has pleaded not guilty to charges

Judge approves £150million settlement of Grenfell claims

A JUDGE has approved a “global” settlement of compensation claims made by people affected by the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.

Lawyers representing bereaved relatives, survivors and local residents on Tuesday told a High Court hearing in London that there had been a global settlement of about 900 cases and a global sum of about £150million compensation agreed.

The judge, Senior Master Barbara Fontaine, said she approved the “overall settlement terms”.

Claims

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the London Fire Commissioner and cladding giant Arconic were among defendants involved, lawyers said.

News that settlements of claims had been agreed emerged earlier this year.

Richard Hermer KC, who represented claimants, said the settlement related only to civil court damages claims and would not affect the work of the public inquiry.

Names of claimants did not emerge at Tuesday’s hearing and no detail of individual amounts was outlined.

The judge specifically approved financial arrangements for settlements of claims made by eight children. Lawyers said the children were part of the global claim.

They said a judge had to examine issues such as investment arrangements for compensation paid to children.

Judges would consider arrangements for claims made by other children at further hearings, they said.

Mr Hermer told the judge that, as well as agreeing compensation, defendants had agreed to put a total of about £50million into a “restorative justice project”.

Lawyers said the Home Office, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and firms involved in the construction or refurbishment of the tower block were also among the defendants.

of falsifying business records to hide damaging information ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Asked last week if he will meet Mr Trump, who has made controversial statements about Muslims in the past, First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I would find it difficult, I have to say, to meet with him without raising the significance of concerns I have of the remarks that he’s made in the past.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Liam McArthur said: “The Scottish Government have refused to probe the finances involved in Donald Trump’s purchase of the Turnberry golf course.

“The new First Minister should consider whether to revisit that decision.”

Nurse tells jury she had not harmed any children

A NURSE accused of multiple murders and attempted murders of babies has told a jury she had not harmed any children.

Seven months on from the start of her trial at Manchester Crown Court, Lucy Letby, 33, entered the witness box on Tuesday to give evidence.

She is alleged to have murdered five boys and two girls, and attempted to murder another five boys and five girls, between June 2015 and June 2016.

The prosecution says Letby was a “constant malevolent presence” in their care at the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Poisoning

It is said she used various means to target the infants, including injections of air into their system and insulin poisoning.

Letby’s defence case started yesterday (May 2).

Her barrister, Ben Myers KC, asked her: “Over the period of 2015 and 2016 we are looking at the babies on this indictment, could you put a figure on the number of babies you cared for in that period?”

Letby said: “It would be hundreds.”

Mr Myers said: “Did you care for them?”

Letby said: “Yes.”

Asked if she ever wanted to hurt any of them, she said: “No, that’s completely against being what a nurse is.”

She denies all the allegations.

When domestic building works of any reasonable cost and duration are taking place, it is highly recommended that a formal contract is entered into, as this gives clarity to the residential home owner and the contractor as to how typical issues are dealt with. Disputes often arise because of a lack of understanding by each party of their obligations and a lack of contractual certainty.

A contract can provide for what happens when the works are varied, what happens if there are defects and what happens if the project over-runs for example.

The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) has a suite of contracts, the Home Owner contracts being the most straightforward. It publishes one contract for use with a professional consultant (such as an architect or surveyor) and one for when the client is ‘going it alone’ with a building contractor.

The JCT has recently published Contract Administration Model Forms, which contain template documents for use with either version of the Home Owner contracts. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) also publishes contracts for small residential works.

For larger projects, and particularly where a professional is involved, two other contracts in the JCT suite of contracts may be appropriate – the Minor Works Contract and the Intermediate Contract - both of which are also aimed at commercial parties.

Unfortunately, domestic building disputes are not unusual and can be costly, time consuming and difficult to resolve; and it often helps to have a consultant involved as a buffer between a home owner and the builder.

Terminating a contact should be a last resort but, when it happens, care must be taken by either party because any termination made not in accordance with the contract, may mean that the party terminating are themselves in default and liable for breach of contract.

Please do not hesitate to contact David Brown on email: DCB@COOPERBURNETT.COM or tel: 01892 515022

relied upon and CooperBurnett LLP does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of its contents.

Photo: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones Bishop of Tonbridge

The Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones is the seventh Bishop of Tonbridge. He has oversight and leadership of the education, youth and children, and community engagement work of churches across the Diocese of Rochester, which includes Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge

Volunteers are the UK’s superglue

EVERY generation tends to think its troubles are deeper than before, but this is often not true. When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned 70 years ago, the country had been shattered by war. Grief, rubble and poverty disfigured the UK; goods were still rationed. The Soviet Union had become a mortal enemy and was in possession of terrible nuclear weapons. Stalin had just died and few knew where the Cold War would take us.

Challenges

As her son, Charles III, is crowned, the nation has related challenges: there is war in Europe again and Russia remains a political foe. People are struggling to make ends meet, sometimes terribly so. And there are new problems: a lethal virus is here to stay and climate change is already devastating some parts of the world. The nation has changed greatly in the years between the coronations of mother and son. Heavy industry has largely given way to service industry, and especially finance. Technology has

revolutionised communications, information flows and how we relate one to another. The welfare state, in its infancy in 1953, is now a highly complex system and the NHS hugely expanded as the population ages with its attendant medical needs.

Voice and dignity is given to more people. For diversity to flourish, there need to be things we cohere round, too. These used to be the institutions we have created, but many of these are less trusted than they used to be and some are in crisis. In their place, we talk more about British values, though these are often not uniquely British and can be found in other countries, especially democracies. And, of course, there are some who do not want to talk about Britain anymore and others who talk about Britain when they really mean England. Life is confusing, but one thing we are good at is muddling through.

We are also living in an era of strongmen politicians – Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Victor Orban; the list goes much further. But this is not

new, either. In responding to the egos around him, Jesus reminded his friends that the political leaders of the time loved to throw their weight around, to build status, privilege and wealth. And he said that a leader should instead be like one who serves.

People who serve us today – setting out food and drink, cleaning washrooms, checking tickets, changing incontinence pads – go about

The battle for Town Hall

THE ALLIANCE

THE ALLIANCE is the local, independent party on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, working hard for residents across the Borough, and working with other parties on the Council to make our towns, villages and the Borough a better place. We will continue to focus on things that the Borough Council controls and deal with other issues where we can help influence the outcomes, such as saving bus routes. While the national parties confuse voters with campaigns that include national issues, we are focusing on the local issues under TWBC’s control or within reach of our influence.

We currently have nine councillors representing residents across the Borough from Ashurst and Langton in the west to Hawkhurst and Benenden in the east, as well as in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Tomorrow, please use your vote to support your local and independent party, The Alliance, working for residents across the whole Borough.

CONSERVATIVES

A VOTE for the Conservatives will be for:

• One hour’s free parking in Council car parks

• Local Plan to protect green spaces and deliver more affordable housing for the next generation

• Resolving traffic issues by the War Memorial

• Addressing the 25% Council staff turnover impacting services

A vote for any other Party will result in the continuation of the Liberal Democrat and Alliance-led coalition which has overseen a year of lost opportunity with project delays on co-working arrangements in the Town Hall and reducing carbon emissions on Council properties. Their misplaced hysteria about the

Council’s finances has led to unjustified hikes in parking and garden waste charges and concern about sale of Council properties.

On May 4, don’t waste your vote on continuing the chaotic leadership of the Liberal Democrat and Alliance-led coalition.

Only the Conservatives can form a majority that will give the security to plan for the future.

GREEN PARTY

TUNBRIDGE Wells Green Party is standing candidates in all 16 wards. We want to give everyone who wants to vote Green, the chance to vote Green. There are 23 Green councillors across Kent making a huge difference to their communities, but none on TWBC. We want that to change and judging by our 2022 results, so do voters.

We’re the only party that prioritises issues that threaten our way of life. With climate change and the alarming loss of natural habitats, we need a Council that will act, not talk. The Borough Partnership is currently going to miss the 2030 net zero carbon emissions target and is shying away from its 2019 climate declaration. We will protect the Green Belt and help the borough make more sustainable decisions about local transport, the environment and affordable housing and resist poorly planned development.

A Green in the room will make a difference.

LABOUR

THIRTEEN years of Conservative government and every public service is broken and on its knees. The Conservatives cannot be trusted at any level. They have trashed the economy, our County Council is bankrupt. Locally they’ve left us with a £1million budget black hole and wasted nearly £11million on a failed theatre project.

As part of the cross party Borough Partnership running the Council, Labour is pushing to fix the finances, for more genuinely affordable housing including social housing to rent, moving faster to reduce carbon emissions, backing local businesses and fighting poverty. We want more neighbourhood policing, to tackle anti-social behaviour and make our streets safer for women.

But real improvements will only happen with a change in government, realistically to a Labour

their business largely unnoticed. In fact, if they are noticed, it often means they have failed in their job. The kind of person Jesus held up for praise isn’t the one who always has to draw attention to themselves. They are quick to listen and slow to speak and go about their lives in an unheralded, quiet, reliable way.

Monday May 8 has been designated by King Charles as a day both to celebrate and inspire volunteering in the UK. Volunteering is the purest form of service because it offers itself without expecting any return. But those who volunteer also know it is one of the most rewarding of human acts, because money is taken out of the equation and a different incentive is at work.

It is easy to idealise service, when those who offer it often do so at times of the day when they are dog-tired and would rather be curled up on the sofa in front of Netflix, like others. But the willingness of people to volunteer is the truest sign of the strength of a nation and the superglue that holds us together.

government. It won’t be Lib Dem, Alliance or Green. Use your vote to send the strong message – “it’s time for change”. Vote Labour on May 4.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

WE are proud to say that we have eliminated the budget deficit inherited from the previous Conservative administration, all whilst keeping services going for the Borough’s residents. Next year, we want to build on our record by: continuing to deliver your services in the toughest economic climate in a generation; boosting tourism to drive economic development across the Borough; and investing in our Borough Green Plan to help us meet our 2030 targets.

It is financially illiterate that the Conservatives this year have focused on (re)introducing free parking without saying how they will pay for it!

As for Labour – they are so small in the Borough that voting for them (or another minor party) risks the Conservatives regaining control of the Council.

Only the Liberal Democrats can provide the stable administration that residents deserve. With you, we want to build a Borough that is fit for the 21st century.

RESIDENTS PARTY

THE RESIDENTS Party is a new, non-political group that is 100% focussed on the local community.

Too many councillors on TWBC spend too much time bickering and not enough time representing local people. The Residents Party aims to change this by putting ordinary people in the Town Hall to focus on issues faced by ordinary residents.

Local people want to see the area kept tidy and free from graffiti. They want to see potholes fixed and our green spaces maintained. And they want to see the Council supporting local businesses and helping the vulnerable.

So let’s stop the political arguments and focus on the basics - the everyday issues that matter to ordinary people.

This will only happen if we bring new people into the Town Hall. Residents Party councillors will never have to tow a party line and will only ever focus on you, the people who matter.

Ahead of tomorrow’s local elections, each party at the polls has offered a statement that encapsulates what they stand for –and why they should have your vote

Photo : Shutterstock

And another thing…

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

within the Council documents and minutes of meetings. This is well beneath you as a former Secretary of State.

As a publicly elected figure, may I remind you of your responsibilities to be truthful with the people we were elected to serve. Misleading residents only serves to undermine truth and confidence in our democracy which we dearly cherish. I am personally very disappointed in you.

Upon becoming Council Leader, I genuinely thought that you were immune to the shenanigans that go on in what some would call the “post-truth world”. Sadly, your article proves that I was wrong.

I do hope that after the elections we can return to the effective and successful working relationship which we have enjoyed since last May for the good of our Borough, and I do urge you, for the sake of our residents/constituents that you retract your false claims in your article.

Cllr Ben Chapelard (Lib Dem)

Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Well-intentioned mistakes

them individually and states explicitly on p22 that they “have been declared surplus and identified for disposal in 2023/4”. It is hard to see how this can be interpreted in any other way than how it is written!

I think their disposal in 2023/4 would lead to either a loss of parking or an increase in charges, either of which would damage trade from visitors and residents alike. I hope this will be withdrawn.

Access to A21

The plan to restrict access to the A21 – with predicted delays of 39 minutes for people joining the road – was submitted quietly on July 12, 2022 in the final days of the Local Plan’s examination, not as you suggest, in November, in response to the Inspector’s request. It was only discovered by the Parish Councils this year, who in their consternation asked me to intervene with the Inspector and the Secretary of State to disregard it, which I have done. It would be much appreciated if the Borough Council itself will now withdraw this proposal.

Mount Pleasant fines

Untruths are beneath you

April 27, 2023

Dear Greg,

I am writing in response to your article in the Times of Tunbridge Wells on 25th April. You made a number of incorrect and misleading statements. I am writing to you to place on public record our Borough Partnership administration’s response to the incorrect claims you have made and invite you to retract your comments.

Car parks

You are incorrect to say that we, the Borough Partnership, have made a “decision to put all of the car parks on a list of asset for disposal”. The irrefutable facts, laid down in minutes of Council meetings, is that some car parks were put on an Asset Management Plan list by the previous Conservative administration pending a review of the car parking strategy. We have continued the previous Conservative administration’s policy, and until the review is complete, TWBC multi-storey car parks will continue to operate as they do now.

Furthermore, you know that a “car park sell of” is simply not true. I personally explained this to you at our last one-to-one meeting on 31/3/2023. The public record had been also previously set straight at Full Council on 1/3/23. These alarmist claims by you (and the local Conservative Council Group) are known untruths and I believe are beneath you.

A21 Kipping’s Cross roundabout

You wrote that TWBC wants to reduce access at the A21 Kipping’s Cross roundabout from two lanes to one. You claim falsely that “this underhand change was slipped into the Local Plan in the hope it would not be noticed”.

The fact is that TWBC has been working through the Local (Housing) Plan Inspector’s initial findings since November 2022. As you know, the inspector has asked TWBC to consider some changes to the Plan. To understand the consequences of any changes we are being asked to make, the Council is having to commission work from a number of experts

including highways experts. The funding of the consultants’ report you quote in your article is only providing TWBC the information we need to be able to fully understand the implications of different possible tweaks to the Local Plan.

You have been Secretary of State for Local Government, responsible for planning, twice. In this capacity one assumes you are aware of the Local Plan Process in all its detail. And so, to claim that decisions have already been made about the A21 Kipping’s Cross roundabout is either ignorance or deception on your part, again. TWBC has regularly briefed you privately about progress on the local plan since the process started in 2016. You are much better than this, I believe.

Mount Pleasant bus lane enforcement

You claim that the bus lane along Mount Pleasant Road is “an experiment” as if it is a new initiative by the Council under our leadership.

The fact is this highway scheme is not “an experiment”, but a policy in place by the previous Conservative Borough Council administration. Like much else, we inherited the scheme which was set up back in 2018. Kent County Council (KCC), controlled by the Conservatives, and who are actually running the scheme, have asked TWBC to enforce the restrictions until April 2024 when they are due to take on enforcement via a new contractor. TWBC is simply administering the scheme in the interim. To say anything else is therefore a known untruth and, like much else in your article, beneath you.

Trust in politics

I have been a councillor long enough to understand that “spin” is part of our political culture.

However, there is a clear ethical line between spin and deliberately and purposefully misleading people. The three claims above are deliberate untruths written for naked partypolitics gain.

Furthermore, you do not have the defence of ignorance, because I have personally briefed you on these matters, and the facts are contained

April 28, 2023

Dear Ben,

Thanks for your letter of April 27.

In my column in the Times of Tunbridge Wells this week I said that I greatly respect the public service and hard work of councillors, whatever their party. I also said that many decisions made by councils – like governments – are not easy and that all administrations can make genuine well-intentioned mistakes.

But I think it is perfectly reasonable from time to time to point out where I think a course correction would help everyone. On the points in my article that you object to:

Car parks identified for disposal

I do think it would be wrong to sell off the Council’s car parks in Tunbridge Wells. The Council’s Draft Asset Management Plan lists

I readily agree that the highway scheme in front of the Town Hall was started under the previous administration – I never said otherwise! But the charging of fines has just begun by the current administration, and I think we can all accept that £200,000 of fines in a single month shows that the scheme is confusing people. Indeed, Kent highways has said the signage is confusing. So I think it is only fair that the fines paid should be refunded. I would request that the Borough Council turn off the enforcement.

I am a strong supporter of local councils – as most people in local government would agree my record as Secretary of State shows. But councils can get some things wrong from time to time. I hope that in these three cases it will be possible to correct them, for the good of residents, visitors, and traders.

Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells

Editor’s note: MP Greg Clark’s column in the Times last week, April 25, expressed his own opinions and not those of the paper. This week,

Cllr Ben Chapelard and Mr Clark have written open letters, which the Times has published, in response to each other’s comments.

Top TV chef speaks to Benenden students

SPEAKING to students at Benenden School recently, the longstanding judge on MasterChef: The Professionals said that he had never set out to work in television and encouraged them to follow their passions.

Mr Wareing is one of the most respected chefs in the UK. Having earned his first Michelin star at the age of 26, he now runs the acclaimed Marcus restaurant at the Berkeley Hotel in London – in addition to writing books and his television work. This includes producing a dessert for The Queen for her 80th birthday after winning that stage of the Great British Menu, and the recent series, Marcus Wareing’s Tales from a Kitchen Garden. Speaking to Year 11 and Sixth Form in Benenden’s stunning new Centenary Hall, Mr Wareing said: “All the doors that have opened for me have been because I’ve knocked on that door, and if I found that door locked, I knocked on another one and another one. I never planned to run a restaurant, come to London or write books.

“I certainly didn’t plan to work in the world of TV. These things happened because I focused on the one thing I was passionate about: – cooking.

“If you focus on what you love, then you can do whatever you want to do.”

Mr Wareing was interviewed by Headmistress Samantha Price before it was the students’ turn to ask questions.

When asked about encouraging healthy eating, he urged students: “Make your plate as colourful as possible; stop eating bland food and eat food that’s got colours: vegetables and fruit are full of colour and vitamins.

“It also comes down to your habits when purchasing food. Buy as much fresh produce as you possibly can and pull back on processed food. If you’re going to buy things like tomato

ketchup, look for the alternative with less sugar. When baking at home, start to take away 10 per cent of the sugar in the cookies or crumble

because I’ve knocked on that door, and if I found that door locked, I knocked on another one and another one’

you’re making. It will give you a better feeling and you’ll start to actually enjoy the flavour rather than the sweetness of it.”

When asked about the stereotype of professional kitchens being hostile working

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environments, Mr Wareing said that times had changed.

“The kitchen was behind closed doors, somewhere you didn’t see. Today’s very different. You will see, in the majority of places you eat now, the kitchens are on show, the walls have come down, Hospitality is a very cool industry. You also get to choose the things you want to do, you’ll never be out of work. That view of what kitchens are like isn’t there anymore.”

Mr Wareing outlined the array of career opportunities available in the food industry, saying: “You can get yourself a degree while working on the job, you can work in five-star hotels, become a general manager, work in contract catering, food catering, factories, on a private yacht and travel the world, work in a restaurant. It’s an extraordinary industry if you peel away the layers – like an onion.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Benenden School Headmistress Samantha Price with Marcus Wareing

‘All the doors that have opened for me have been

Renowned chef Marcus Wareing urges young people to pursue what they love, and so unlock their future careers…

MARCUS WAREING

CORONATION

AFTERNOON TEA

SUNDAY 7TH AND MONDAY 8TH MAY

CORONATION

AFTERNOON TEA

To celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation, we’re hosting a special afternoon tea party for all the family to enjoy.

To celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation, we’re hosting a special afternoon tea party for all the family to enjoy.

Guests can experience this delightful British tradition whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Salomons’ gardens.

Guests can experience this delightful British tradition whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Salomons’ gardens.

Keep the little princes & princesses entertained with our children’s activities, such as crown and biscuit decorating and a Royal Treasure Hunt within the grounds.

Adults £28.50 with a celebratory glass of Pimms • Children £18.50

Bookings available from 12pm-3pm 01892 515152 or via the website salomons-estate.com

Bookings available from 12pm-3pm • reception@salomons-estate.com

01892 515152 • salomons-estate.com

Check your home’s energy efficiency and save yourself money

By Victoria Roberts

HOMES in Tunbridge Wells have a median energy efficiency of 66 per cent, bringing the Borough in at joint 89th place with 63 other local authorities, according to analysis by the comparison and switching service Uswitch.

Uswitch ranked 331 local authorities in England and Wales by analysing 23 million Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) certificates and weighting them according to the number of registered addresses.

The lower the rating, the harder the home is to heat. There are 114 locations in England and Wales with an EPC rating of

can improve their scores by installing insulation and solar panels among other measures.”

Flats and maisonettes are the most energy-efficient homes in general, with park homes and bungalows commonly seeing greater heat loss, it advised.

This month brings a big milestone for me. 10 years ago, on the 13th May 2013, my website went live, the phone lines opened, and adverts were printed in all the local glossy magazines, launching my new business, Maddisons Residential – an estate agency founded on delivering a very different service for buying and selling properties. So, I decided to share my reflections on the past decade establishing my award-winning business in the toughest of times.

Back in 2013, the property market was functioning normally. The crash of 2008 was a distant memory, and there were plenty of buyers and sellers looking to transact. However, I did not forecast the ever-changing climate that lay ahead, and indeed which would become my norm.

Just as Maddisons was gaining momentum, we had the Brexit vote, and from 2017 onwards, the market became progressively challenging. We became known for our “Maddisons Magic Wand” which saw properties that other agents had struggled to sell finding their buyers through us.

Then, just as the Brexit uncertainty was resolved and we felt the “Boris Bounce” of early 2020, enter stage left, a pandemic. The most unsettling time that many of us will have ever experienced, but resulting in the most buoyant market ever seen, as sellers re-evaluated their homes. And just as we were starting to return to normal, so Russia invaded Ukraine, resulting in inflationary pressures and a cost-of-living crisis.

However, through these times I have learnt that people will always need to move home. Life’s rich circle sees us marry, divorce, start families, find new jobs, and so on. We live in a beautiful part of the world, with excellent schools, transport links and architecture, and who would not want to live here? In any market, a good agent will always add value, but in truth, my preference is a tough market. I have grown a business in predominately challenging conditions, and the joy of making a difference in people’s property journey is what keeps me loving the intense, fraught, thrilling, exciting industry that I entered 10 years ago.

The organisation added: “New-build homes are much more likely to have a higher EPC rating due to good insulation, and some even have solar panels and heat pumps preinstalled.”

Five of the best-performing local authorities in the country are in London, led by Tower Hamlets, with homes scoring 74 on average for energy efficiency.

over 100, meaning that a property generates more energy than it uses, said Uswitch.

According to the analysis, Tunbridge Wells homes had a median score of 66 per cent energy efficiency – on a level with those in Folkestone and Hythe, Gravesham and Thanet in Kent, as well as next-door Wealden.

All of these local authorities beat Sevenoaks, whose median housing stock had 65 per cent efficiency.

However, all of these were beaten by homes in Swale (67), Dover (67), Canterbury (67), Tonbridge & Malling (68), Ashford (69), Maidstone (69) and Dartford (70).

Uswitch said: “Single-glazed windows, uninsulated walls and roofs, and electric room heaters are common problems that push up costs among inefficient homes. Homeowners

Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “Modern new-build properties need to meet more stringent efficiency standards, which may be why London boroughs have scored highly in the ranking.

“Every bit of heat that escapes your home will cost you money, so it’s worth knowing how efficient your home is.

“Take a moment to look up your home’s EPC certificate online and see where your property could be improved – the reports are incredibly detailed and will give you estimated costs for all the energy-saving measures,” she said.

Check your energy efficiency at uswitch.com. You can see whether your house has an up-to-date energy certificate at www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

Picture: Shutterstock

‘The lower the rating, the harder the home is to heat. There are 114 locations in England and Wales with an EPC rating of over 100, meaning that a property generates more energy than it uses’

‘Every bit of heat that escapes your home will cost you money, so it’s worth knowing how efficient your home is. Take a moment to look up your home’s EPC certificate online and see where your property could be improved’

Life &Times

Starry-eyed

The full Black Deer Festival line-up… P20

Starry line-up set for Black Deer Festival

From Bonnie Raitt and The Pretenders, to Richard Hawley and Hollywood star

Damian

, this year’s Black Deer

to the world as a musician, releasing his debut single ‘Down on the Bowery’. The actor’s debut album, Mission Creep, is described as a “thoughtful collection of rootsy, rock and jazz-tinged songs” and is set for release on the same day he takes to the stage in Eridge Park. Don’t miss what promises to be an unmissable and memorable spectacle.

Patty Griffin is among the most significant voices of her generation. Returning to the UK for the first time in four years, and for the first time since the release of her album ‘TAPE’ in 2022, fans will be lucky enough to catch her on the Black Deer stage.

Another legend joining the bill is Brandy Clark. The 11-time Grammy-nominated musician recently shared the first single,

Black Deer organisers have revealed the final wave of artists for the fourth edition of the festival, which takes place at Eridge Park from June 16-18. This year’s line-up will include Americana legends, winners of the Black Deer Emerging 2023 programme, and even a Hollywood-actor-turned musician.

Joining Bonnie Raitt, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Pretenders, Bear’s Den, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and Far From Saints on the Eridge Park line-up are a range of exciting new additions.

Richard Hawley is a songwriter whose elegant, timeless work ranges from neopsychedelic indie rock to vintage roots rock; lushly orchestrated ballads and highly styled romantic pop. With eight solo albums under his belt and countless collaborations with Pulp, Arctic Monkeys and more recently Acid Klaus, Hawley also took the musical world by storm with his show, Standing At The Sky’s Edge, which further cemented his status as a national treasure.

Last week, Damian Lewis announced himself

‘Buried’, from her highly anticipated self-titled album, which drops this month, just ahead of her Black Deer performance.

Also making their debut on the Black Deer stage will be Demi Marriner, Motel Sundown, Anna Howie, and Samuel Ashton, winners of the Black Deer Emerging 2023 programme, who beat more than 700 artists in a vote to emerge as the deserved winners from the Black Deer community.

In addition to the main stages, Black Deer will also bring a taste of the authentic Americana way of life

to the UK through incredible food, music and storytelling, thanks to the return of the Arkansas Porch Sessions and The Roadhouse. The Young Folk area will also return with a whole host of fun activities for the whole family Excited about this year’s Black Deer Festival, founders Gill Tee and Debs Shilling said: “Black Deer is about experiencing the unique cultural richness that surrounds the Americana lifestyle. The natural ingredients that complete this melting pot can all be found at Black Deer – from authentic smokehouse BBQ cooking and

a righteous Sunday gospel brunch, to the thrill of custom motorcycle culture and a connection with nature to inspire the young folk.” This is one festival music fans won’t want to miss.

Tier 3 day and weekend tickets are available now. Fancy camping, pre-pitched camping upgrades and other upgrades are also available. For more information, visit blackdeerfestival.com

Lewis

Festival promises an authentic Americana experience with a healthy dose of star power, writes Sharon Bruce…

THE TESKEY BROTHERS

NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS

BONNIE RAITT

In addition to the main stages, Black Deer will bring a taste of the authentic Americana way of life to the UK through incredible food, music and storytelling, thanks to the return of the Arkansas Porch Sessions and The Roadhouse

Photo by Ken Friedman

Children’s storytelling galore at the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival

THIS YEAR’S Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival is rapidly approaching. Popular children’s authors, personalities, and illustrators, Bec Hill, Mama G, Tim Collins, Vashti Hardy, Manjeet Mann and Amanda Quartey will all appear from May 11-14 in a series of free events at venues including the Assembly Hall

laughs, it is perfect for kids aged 8 and above. Come along to see and hear Mama G –“everyone’s favourite pantomime dame” –who will be telling some heart-warming stories about loving who you are and being who you want to be in life. A wonderful storyteller, Mama G is always full of energy and gets everyone involved in the stories.

Tim Collins, known for his ‘Sherlock , shares his insights into the world of mystery, suspense, and puzzle adventures. A truly excellent book with over 30 games, such as mazes, search games and silhouette matches which immerses the reader into his unique Bestselling author Vashti Hardy for her exciting and unmissable author talk on her new book, ‘Serpent of the Sands’. Finally, join Manjeet Mann and Amanda Quartey in discussion on a stunning lyrical ode to motivating children to dream big and never give up on their dreams – no matter how small their world may seem. Come prepared to share your dreams at this unique and unmissable

Increase in Bewl Water camping speaks to a growing trend

Campers are snapping up spots at the 80-pitch campsite at Bewl Water in Lamberhurst, as a leading holiday booking website finds more people are looking to escape from everyday life by taking an off-grid break…

Home to southeast England’s largest reservoir, Bewl Water’s back-to-nature breaks are here to stay after already receiving hundreds of prebookings for their 2023 camping season, which returned on Monday May 1.

Operations Manager Kevin Parker said: “The campsite has long been a firm favourite amongst

families and couples, and bookings are up 11% on last year.”

The news comes as no surprise to the reservoir as travel giant Booking.com says 55% of travellers want to spend their vacations off-grid this year. Results also revealed holidaymakers are becoming more budget-conscious, with 68%

All of these wonderful children’s events are free, thanks to the generous support of Arts Council England and sponsors RBC Brewin Dolphin and Berry & Lamberts Solicitors. For more information, visit theamelia.co.uk

paying close attention to how much they’re spending on their adventures.

“Almost 7,000 searches are conducted monthly for ‘cheap holidays UK’, showing a clear desire for affordable getaways,” said Bewl Water’s Digital Marketing Assistant James Broom.

Those looking to get closer to nature at the reservoir can stay for as little as £15 per night. Pitches are set out in an open space with lots of room for children to play, quiet areas to doze in and plenty of communal space to meet with fellow campers.

Showers and toilets are just a short walk away, alongside fresh cold-water stations in the main camping field. Fine dining restaurants, breweries and country pubs can also be found nearby, or campers can refuel at the Waterfront Café where light bites, sweet treats and more hearty lunch items are served.

“One of the major reasons camping continues to be so popular at Bewl Water is that those who visit see it as a time to relax and enjoy quality, undisturbed time with friends and family,” Kevin explained.

Fitness-friendly activities like fishing, bike hire, laser tag, soft play, and water sports like the Aqua Park will keep Bewl Water’s visitors busy during their stay, and this year they’ll save 20% off as the reservoir offers exclusive discounts for campers.

Kevin said: “Those booking for this season will automatically receive 20% off all activities. They will be emailed a unique code after booking their pitch, which can then be used to redeem the discount.”

Camping at Bewl Water runs from May –September 2023 and bookings can be made at: bewlwater.co.uk/camping

MANJEET MANN AMANDA QUARTEY

TIM COLLINS, AUTHOR OF ‘SHERLOCK BONES’ VASHTI HARDY, AUTHOR OF ‘SERPENT OF THE SANDS’

BEC HILL

Photo by Steve Ullathorne

MAMA G

BEWL WATER

PADDLE BOARDING

CAMPING PITCHES

CYCLE HIRE

Five books for a royally good children’s storytime

Imy

WHAT better way to help your child understand who the Royals are and what the Coronation means than books for them, no matter their age?

Authors have been looking for ways to explain the responsibilities, roles and relationships of the Royal family for decades. Be it stories of the late Queen, or even the history of royals as far back as Henry VIII, there are plenty of books out there to teach your children about them. Here are a few of the best options…

1. Paddington At The Palace by Michael Bond HarperCollins Children’s Books, £7.99

Perhaps the heart-warming Paddington video with the Queen at the Platinum Jubilee last year made your child fall in love with the nation’s favourite travelling bear. Well, Paddington at the Palace is a beautiful story about the red-hatted bear going to watch the changing of the guard. A great time to explain and find out what that means!

2. The Boy Who Would Be King by Michael Morpurgo HarperCollins Children’s Books, £12.99

Celebrating the new King, Morpurgo celebrates Charles III and his love of nature, and the work he has done to protect the planet for future generations in a gorgeous allegorical story about a boy, a wise woman and an acorn.

3. Billie Templar’s War by Ellie Irving Bodley Head, £6.50

Aimed at eight to 12-year-olds, this is a heartwarming story about a little girl who wants her father to come home from the war so they can keep winning their annual three-legged race.

Explaining the royals’ involvement in war and the events that surround it, even a staged military tattoo, this is a sweet and heart-warming book for kids.

4. Fatal Throne, co-authored by Candace Fleming RandomHouse, £10.99

In this historical thriller from Candace Fleming, the much-loved young adult fiction writer explores the stories and characters of the often-overlooked

wives of Henry VIII. This collection of stories is a surefire way to get your child interested in royal history and combines storytelling from multiple authors.

5. The King Who Banned The Dark by Emily Haworth-Booth HarperCollins Children’s Books, £7.99

An enchanting tale of a young prince afraid of the dark and a king who uses his power to turn the lights on – all the time for everyone. Will this king listen to his people and change things even though he is scared?

A lovely book about power, royalty and responsibility.

A Very Royal

As the Coronation rolls around,

Brighty-Potts explores the books that will help your children understand the monarchy…

In his fortnightly guide, Times Music Editor Paul Dunton brings us his gig highlights, including Toploader at The Forum and a Coronation Garden Party at Trinity…

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE, THE PANTILES

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

05/05 The Violet Jive (full band show)

14/05 The Grey Lady Sessions: Jez Harley & The Ackerleys

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk

03/05 Roddy Woomble (IDLEWILD)

05/05 Trojan Soundsystem: Reggae, Dub & Ska

06/05 Back To The 90s – Coronation

weekend

07/05 Toploader + Suncharmer

09/05 Fatso Jetson + High Desert

Queen + Gramma Vedetta

11/05 The Skinner Brothers + Dread

FM + Elliott Graham

12/05 Coach Party + Holler

guidegig May 3 to May 16

06/05 No Jacket Required (evening event)

09/05 Dean Friedman

TN1 BAR & KITCHEN, MONSON ROAD

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

04/05 Andreas Jensen (7pm)

05/04 The Masquerdaers Duo (8.30pm)

06/05 Indiana Dukebox (8pm)

11/05 James McMaster (7pm)

12/05 David Mumford Duo (8.30pm)

13/05 Act tbc (8pm)

ST EDITH FOLK SESSIONS

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

06/05 Live Band – The Skasonics

12/05 DJ Lou Vincent

13/05 Live Band – The Skabratts

THE COMPASSES, 45 LITTLE MOUNT

SION

Open all day, free entry.

06/05 The Hysterics

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES, THE PANTILES BANDSTAND

A reservation is required (entrance £5pp).

Participating restaurants:

The Tunbridge Wells Hotel: 01892

530501

The Kirthon: 07592 271151

La Casa Vecchia: 01892 544700

04/05 Live music from Dino Baptiste & Darby Todd (7.30pm)

Free entry, live music from 12.30pm to 5pm. More information at localandlive. org and @localandlive on instagram and facebook

Featuring live music from Parkhurst, Jonny Gray, Rob Picazo, Charlie Rivers, Pete Taylor & Nigel Bent

LOCAL & LIVE AT THE AMELIA SCOTT, FOR THE KING’S CORONATION

Open all day, free entry, live music from

2pm

2pm – Leo & Tingley (The Courtyard)

2.45pm – Hannah Richards (The Upper Atrium)

3.30pm – Alex Beharrell (The Courtyard)

4.15pm – Harry Whitty (The Upper Atrium)

13/05 Dr Feelgood + Mike Wilton

Band

14/05 John Higgs – Love and Let Die

(2pm) Tony King – The Tastemaker

(4.30pm)

16/05 The Stable: Anouska Assisi + Crimson + Lily Ramona + Touchstone

SQUERRYES WINERY RESTAURANT, WESTERHAM

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

Live music from 7.30pm

05/05 John Harriman

12/05 James Lloyd 19/05 Laura Lawton

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, CRESCENT ROAD

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

08/05 Jazz & Swing Tea Party featuring The Postmodern Jazz Cats

TRINITY THEATRE, CHURCH ROAD

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

06/05 TTC Garden Party for the Coronation, 20 minutes duration at various times though the day. 10am, 10.40am, 12.20pm, 1pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 3pm, 3.40pm

13/05 The Outcast Band (The Vestry Hall Cranbrook)

THE BLUE ANCHOR, CROWBOROUGH

Open all day, free entry, 08/05 TN2 Acoustic Duo (live music from 1pm-4pm)

ST MARY’S CHURCH, LAMBERHURST

All event information and tickets available at lamberhurstmusic.co.uk/ forthcoming-concerts/ Emma Johnson (clarinet) & The Orchestra for The Enviroment

THE MASONIC HALL, ST JOHN’S ROAD

All event information and tickets available at www.twjazzclub.co.uk/

05/05 TW Jazz Club Presents: The Krupa Connection

THE ROYAL OAK PUB, PROSPECT ROAD

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

05/05 First Friday Acoustic Night featuring Charlie Rivers

06/05 The Goodness

THE BLACK HORSE PUB, CAMDEN ROAD

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

04/05 Open mic/Jam session

05/05 Karaoke

11/05 Live music from The Fabulous Red Diesel

THE BEDFORD PUB, HIGHSTREET

Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm

05/05 Super Duper & The Ya Yas

12/05 The Sun Dogs

SANKEYS RESTAURANT, THE OLD FISH MARKET, THE PANTILES

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

04/05 The Managment Acoustic Duo

11/05 Harry Whitty & Chelsea Becker

LOCAL & LIVE POP UP STAGE FOR THE KING’S CORONATION

Venue location: ‘The Range’, rear of Tunbridge Wells Station

THE VIOLET JIVE

ROSE HILL SCHOOL THEATRE

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

14/05 Alex Metcalf Charity Piano Recital

GEOGRAPHY WINE BAR, HIGHSTREET

Open all day music from 3.30pm, free entry

07/05 Ben Hills

14/05 David Mumford

THE GEORGE & DRAGON, LAMBERHURST

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

05/05 Open mic/Jam session all welcome

12/05 Open mic/Jam session all welcome

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

• Name and address of venue

• Date and time of event

• Name of event and name of act(s)

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

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

• Please state photo credit if required paul@paulduntonandguests.com

06/05 Ben Parkhurst covers The Best of British

12/05 The Patinas Unplugged

TYBER’S REGGAE BAR, 9 NEVILL STREET

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

05/05 Twin Sounds (ska and reggae DJs)

THE MANAGEMENT

JONNY GRAY

Celebrate royally in Tunbridge Wells

CULVERDEN

King Charles Square

Celebrations for the Coronation will be kicking off early on King Charles Square in Culverden at a community event run by The Wells Free School and Cripps.

On Friday May 5, children and staff from The Wells Free School will be hosting local residents at an afternoon tea to celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. As well as the afternoon tea, supplied by Cripps, guests will be entertained with traditional games and music.

At the end of the afternoon, a tree in a specially decorated planter will be commemorated, and guests will be invited to join in a chorus of the National Anthem.

Liz Carter, Purpose and Impact Manager at Cripps, said: “Cripps feels very much part of the community and we are looking forward to partnering with The Wells Free School for this event. A coronation is a rare occurrence, and it’s a pleasure to be celebrating this momentous occasion with The Wells Free School, and with our neighbours around King Charles Square.”

Coronation Treasure Hunt

Join the community as they come together on Sunday May 7, from 11am to 3pm in a treasure hunt around some key locations in the area. To join in, register at CoronationTreasureHunt. eventbrite.co.uk

LANGTON GREEN AND RUSTHALL

Picture: Alamy/PA

Tickets are £2.50 each and are necessary if you wish to collect treasure and be entered into the prize draw. Download or print your map, which are available on social media and Rusthall Life/ RVA websites.

On Sunday May 7 you will find treasure hunt information points around Langton Green and Rusthall. Your challenge is to use this map to visit each location between 11am and 3pm. At each point there will be puzzles for adults and children, each correct puzzle earns you treasure and an entry into the prize draw.

All entries will be collected and the prize draw will be held between 4pm and 5pm.

Prize draw winners will be notified by phone within 24 hours. Each location will be attended by a small local business, organisation or charity and they will provide games or food and drinks to help you along the way.

HAWKENBURY

A Coronation celebration will be held in the Hawkenbury Recreation Grounds on Monday May 8, from 11am until 3pm. Events include a face painter, dog agility show, gin truck, food trucks, cake stands, games, a book stall, a dance show and more.

The special event is free to attend and open to all members of the local community.

CROWBOROUGH

Raise a glass and join in to watch the Coronation ceremony on the big screen at the Crowborough Community Centre at Pine Grove on Saturday May 6, 12pm to 5pm.

AFTERNOON TEA

Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells will be holding Royal Afternoon Tea Parties on Sunday May 7 and Monday May 8 to celebrate the Coronation. The menu will pay tribute to the King’s favourite dishes and those served at his wedding to the Queen Consort. Adult bookings cost £28.50 and include a glass of Pimm’s.

The special children’s menu, which includes crown crafts and royal garden games to play, costs £18.50. Reservations can be made on OpenTable, or by emailing reception@salomons-estate.com

While many of us will be celebrating with street parties or gatherings with family and friends, another way to celebrate the occasion is by creating some colourful bakes to raise funds for families caring for a seriously ill child.

The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is calling on everyone to celebrate the coronation and

support them by taking part in their ‘Royal Rainbow Bake’.

Sign up at rainbowtrust.org.uk/get-involved/ fundraise/royal-rainbow-bake and you will be provided with all you need, including bake sale posters, social media icons, invitations, cake labels, bunting and of course – recipes!

Enjoy affordable luxury for brides on a budget

According to UK Weddings, approximately 278,599 nuptials take place every year in Britain – with 41,273 happening in South East England, including at awardwinning destinations Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park, both part of Elite Leisure Collection in Tunbridge Wells.

Each year, over 100 ceremonies take place across the boutique four-star hotel and grand 36-acre estate where the wedding team is headed up by Fiona Owens.

Fiona said: “May to September is the most popular time of year for weddings – the weather, blossoming flowers and beautiful themes are just some of the reasons why our couples choose to get married in spring and summer.”

Fiona adds that although both venues can provide the most luxurious of weddings thanks to their opulent surroundings, tailored packages, and excellent array of suppliers, Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park also cater to smaller, more intimate affairs and for budget-conscious couples, there’s even a special discount on offer for last-minute celebrations.

Brand new for 2023, newlyweds-to-be can enjoy an all-inclusive summer BBQ package at Salomons Estate which costs just £4,400. The offer is based on a minimum of 50 guests and includes a dedicated wedding coordinator,

room hire, welcome drinks, and a delicious summer BBQ menu. Table décor such as crockery, glassware, and linen are also provided alongside bacon rolls for the evening and a complimentary overnight stay.

Each year, over 100 ceremonies take place across the boutique four-star hotel and grand 36-acre estate where the wedding team is headed up by Fiona Owens

The package is available Monday to Wednesday throughout 2023, or couples can head into town and tie the knot at One Warwick Park, where they will also save on last-minute nuptials.

Just a stone’s throw from The Pantiles, the luxury hotel has halved the price of mid-week venue hire for 2023. Instead of £1,650, it will cost £795 to get married in The Function Room Monday to Thursday.

The space can accommodate parties of up to 180 and has a stunning adjoining bar area. Its vaulted double-height ceilings, 15-foot windows, exposed brickwork, and gleaming white walls provide the perfect blank canvas for styleforward weddings, allowing couples to completely tailor the décor.

To enquire, brides and grooms-to-be should email info@onewarwickpark.co.uk or leisuresales@salomons-estate.com.

PURE ROMANCE: Get married at Salomons Estate

SALOMONS ESTATE

We made the Coronation Quiche – and this is what we thought

How to make the Coronation Quiche

Serves 4-6

For the pastry:

125g plain flour

Pinch of salt

25g cold butter, diced

25g lard

2tbsp milk

Or 1 x 250g block of ready-made shortcrust pastry

For the filling:

125ml milk

175ml double cream

2 medium eggs

1tbsp chopped fresh tarragon

Salt and pepper

100g grated cheddar cheese,

180g cooked spinach, lightly chopped 60g cooked broad beans or soya beans

Method

1. To make the pastry: sieve the flour and salt into a bowl; add the fats and rub the mixture together using your fingertips until you get a sandy, breadcrumb-like texture. Add the milk a little at a time and bring the ingredients together into a dough. Cover and allow to rest in the fridge for 30-45 minutes.

2. Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the pastry into a circle a little larger than the top of the tin and approximately 5mm thick.

3. Line the tin with the pastry, taking care not to make any holes or the mixture could leak. Cover and rest for a further 30 minutes in the fridge.

Lisa

Salmon tried out the King and Queen Consort’s Coronation Quiche recipe – and even her teenagers ate (most of) it…

AAt first glance, the King and Queen Consort’s personally-chosen ‘Coronation Quiche’ recipe looks fairly cheap and easy to make.

Featuring spinach, broad beans, cheese and fresh tarragon in a no-faff recipe (you put everything in a pre-baked pastry case and stick it in the oven), what could possibly be the problem?

Fresh tarragon, it turns out. With everyone else keen to try this new replacement for Coronation Chicken, you might find it in short supply in your local supermarket.

The recipe has been shared on the Royal Family’s social media channels in celebration of Coronation Big Lunches, which aim to bring communities together to celebrate over the Coronation weekend (May 6-8).

Great British Bake Off judge and Big Lunch

ambassador Prue Leith was one of the first to try it at a special Big Lunch at Westminster Abbey, and described it as “absolutely delicious”.

Leith added: “There was no soggy bottom, the custard was not overcooked and dry, and the balance of tarragon was perfect – a really good quiche.”

The Royal Family’s website says the dish is “a deep quiche with a crisp, light pastry case and delicate flavours of spinach, broad beans and fresh tarragon”. It does not, of course, mention the fact that finding fresh tarragon might be as easy as wearing the Crown Jewels on a night out at Wetherspoons.

I resorted to using dried tarragon (£1.10 at Sainsbury’s), with the internet suggesting using one teaspoon of the dried variety for every one tablespoon of the fresh stuff, as dried tarragon is much stronger tasting.

The other ingredients were easy to find, and pretty affordable. A packet of frozen broad beans is about £1.50 (and you only need a handful for the recipe), you can buy a small pack of spinach for £1.10, double cream costs about £1.20, and the other ingredients – like milk, eggs, cheese and butter – you might have in your fridge already.

While the recipe does give the option of using shop-bought pastry, I made my own – tweaking the recipe to make it vegetarian. Although the quiche filling is all veggie, the pastry included a mixture of butter and lard, which is most

definitely not vegetarian! I used all butter for my pastry instead, which was fine.

Making pastry is easy enough, and I baked my pastry case ‘blind’ for the suggested 15 minutes. I suspect a few minutes longer would have been better, though, as while I’m pleased to say the finished quiche didn’t have a soggy bottom, it wasn’t exactly ‘crisp and light’, as described.

4. Preheat the oven to 190°C.

5. Line a 20cm flan tin with greaseproof paper, add baking beans and bake blind for 15 minutes, before removing the greaseproof paper and baking beans.

6. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C.

7. Beat together the milk, cream, eggs, herbs and seasoning.

8. Scatter half the grated cheese in the blind-baked base, top with the chopped spinach and beans and herbs, then pour over the liquid mixture.

9. If required, gently give the mixture a delicate stir to ensure the filling is evenly dispersed, but be careful not to damage the pastry case.

10. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Place into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until set and lightly golden.

mixture of the double cream, milk, eggs, tarragon and seasoning are poured on top, followed by the rest of the cheese (I added a bit more than suggested, simply because we all love cheese!).

After baking for 25 minutes, the quiche looked roughly like the one in the official Palace picture (although perhaps not quite as neat). But, what did it taste like?

Creamy was my overriding impression, and the hint of tarragon was nice, but I wished I’d added a little more. And to be honest, although I like spinach and broad beans, I didn’t really notice them taste wise – although the quiche looks very green.

Green food is not something eagerly consumed by my teenage sons, so I was expecting them to turn their noses up at it. Surprisingly, they didn’t – and, although they picked out the broad beans, they actually said they liked the rest of the quiche and ate it all. Amazing!

The filling couldn’t be easier. Half the cheese, cooked spinach (which I squeezed in kitchen paper to get rid of excess moisture, although the recipe doesn’t suggest this) and broad beans go in the bottom of the pre-baked case, then a

However, although the recipe claims to serve six, there was just about enough for four of us – six portions would be very small.

The final verdict goes to my 19-year-old son, who concisely described the Coronation Quiche as: “Creamy and cheesy, with a twist.”

LISA’S QUICHE

The Royal Family’s website says the dish is ‘a deep quiche with a crisp, light pastry case and delicate flavours of spinach, broad beans and fresh tarragon’

Creamy was my overriding impression, and the hint of tarragon was nice, but I wished I’d added a little more. And to be honest, although I like spinach and broad beans, I didn’t really notice them taste wise...

KING CHARLES III

QUEEN OF TARTS: The ‘official’ Coronation Quiche

Cheers to Sauvignon Blanc!

Times Wine Editor James Viner identifies five bottles of the everpopular variety for International Sauvignon Blanc Day on May 5

Fling open the windows and grab a bottle of aromatic, crisp and zesty Sauvignon Blanc – by far the most familiar and popular of the white grape varietals. Spring is here and it’s time for International Sauvignon Blanc Day (#SauvBlancDay), which is always celebrated on the first Friday of May. This year it falls on May 5. With its grassy, green-tinged and fruity gooseberry and blackcurrant leaf flavours, typically not masked by oak, the international superstar ‘Savvy B’ also ideal for warmer days.

This is a quenching, skilful South African gem. Situated around 300km/180 miles east of Cape Town in windswept Riversdale, which has unique, mineral-rich limestone soils, low rainfall, cold winters and breezy summers, Baleia is the first and only winery in the Lower Duivenhoks area in the southern Western Cape. It has granadilla, preserved lemon, floral, lychee and guava riffs and a salty acidity. Crunchy, energetic and beautifully composed, this is an excellent match for moules marinières or creamy lobster. Drink a bottle now and cellar a second one for a few years. Mouth-wateringly good.

From the grape’s homeland of the Loire, Touraine Sauvignon is the refined, tangy, entry-level central Loire Sauvignon Blanc bought by Sancerre devotees who don’t have enough money for the real thing. Nab this medium-bodied, mouthwateringly fresh, verdant and zesty bottle. The taste: quite steely and citrussy, with saporous suggestions of green grass, grapefruit, lime, mango and elderflower. Very stylish – a quaffable mini-Sancerre. No need to cellar, since this is at optimum drinking right now. A great result from a problematical vintage. Try it with whitebait, a tomato salad or tuna tartare.

the southern edge of the world’s driest and highest desert, the Atacama, this is a class act with bold bell pepper, lemongrass, and herbal-spiked stone fruit.

This Sauvignon is satisfying, smart, gently mineral and very fine with lovely precision and poise. Just the ticket for fresh shellfish, oysters, and white meat.

It’s gleaming stuff with succulent, slightly saline, acidity and a pristine, dry, stony finish. Impressive persistence and pleasing to the last drop – slam dunk. Yum. Lovely gear.

This is a fabulous, crisp, vibrant cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa’s Constantia Glen, located some 20km/12 miles south of Cape Town. It tastes of green tomato, cut grass, citrus, gooseberry and blackcurrant, with a kick of herbaceousness to close (just in case you forget what the grape variety is). Thanks to a soupçon (3%) of Sémillon and extended lees contact, there is also a smidge of texture to shape the palate, add weight and act as a slightly softer counterpoint.

5. Greywacke Marlborough

Sauvignon Blanc 2022, New Zealand

Greywacke was established in 2009 by Kevin Judd, chief winemaker (and quite possibly New Zealand’s best wine photographer, too) at Cloudy Bay.

This is an extremely luminous and detailed wine with notes of guava, baked apples, lime sherbet, passionfruit, pineapple, green mango, elderflower and citrus blossom. The palate is energetic with wonderfully vivid limey acidity and citrus zestiness.

Drink it with avocado on toast, tomato salads, ceviche, Thai green curry and fish (it’s perfect for sea bass roasted with vine tomatoes). The fruit was sourced from Marlborough’s Southern Valleys and the central Wairau Plains. Hits the Kiwi Sauvignon spot.

A wine that sings and well worth the slight premium over its peers. Kudos Kevin! Simply marvellous.

DID YOU KNOW?

New grape varieties are usually produced from seeds. Cabernet Sauvignon was probably formed by a chance cross fertilisation of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc and very likely originated in France’s Loire Valley, where its first reference appeared under the old synonym ‘Fiers’ in 1534 in François Rabelais’ Gargantua.

Made from pristine fruit sourced from two vineyards at

A treat with asparagus and pancetta with dill mayonnaise, pan-seared scallops or goat’s cheese. Exquisite and a stand-out white wine.

HOUSE CALLS DURING MAY IN YOUR

sell, so call Clive Today to arrange a home visit at no charge and at your convenience. He will advise you personally on your items and absolute discretion is guaranteed.

Follow @SauvBlancDay and James on Twitter @QuixoticWine and be sure to tag #SauvBlancDay and #SauvignonBlancDay

Clive Attrell is back and available throughout Kent & East Sussex for home antiques valuations

Call

on 07860 942726

1. Casa de Baleia Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Baleia Wines, Western Cape, South Africa

2. Famille Bougrier ‘Les Roches Blanches’ Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, Loire, France

3. Kalfu Sumpai Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Viña Ventisquero, Huasco Valley-Atacama, Chile

4. Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Constantia, South Africa

Number 1 for fun!

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A treasure trove of oddities and rarities coming up for auction

It’s been a particularly busy, but productive month on the road, buzzing around the highways and country lanes of the south of England and beyond, visiting clients, chasing up leads, and searching for treasures and consignments for our next auction on Saturday May 6. It was particularly pleasing when one such treasure that I found hidden under dust sheets in an old garage was a spectacular classic car that would be just perfect for a country drive.

The 1955 MG TF 1500, with the added appeal of its number plate ‘1955 MG’, is now consigned with a starting price of £22,000-£25,000, but no doubt when enthusiastic collectors start bidding to add this beauty to their collections, the price could just motor on and on!

Another favourite this month was found lurking in the undergrowth at the bottom of the garden of a country cottage – although it felt more like I was on safari when I saw the near-life-sized pair of bronze lions glaring and snarling at me! Measuring 5ft long and 3ft 6in high, they are both spectacularly magnificent and also a little frightening. Both are beautifully and realistically cast, and the bronze is nicely

weathered with a verdigris finish. They are currently standing proud in our saleroom awaiting the auction, with a starting guide price of £2,000-£3,000, but I wouldn’t be surprised if

they fetched a lot more – a price befitting the king of the jungle.

From lions to mice, another great find and consignment this month is a fabulous quality suite of furniture by the great Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson (1876-1955). For those who are unfamiliar with his work, I recommend a quick search on the internet.

‘Mousey’ Thompson set up a business making oak furniture in Kilburn, Yorkshire just over

100 years ago, and it is said that in 1919, while carving a church screen, he stated in conversation that he was as poor as a church mouse and decided to carve a small mouse into his work. That quickly became his signature mark, and the rest is history. The workshop is now run by his descendants and includes a visitors’ centre, as well as a showroom. We have three wonderful wardrobes and a rare dressing table that were all bought directly by our vendor’s grandfather from Robert Thompson himself in the 1920s – apparently, they were good friends. These pieces have been in the same family ever since and are fresh to market. Split into four lots, there are two larger wardrobes estimated at £3,000-£5,000 each, a smaller wardrobe at £2,000-£3,000, and a rare triple-mirror dressing table at £2,000-£3,000. No doubt the serious collectors and big cheeses will get into a bidding frenzy over these rarities. As if that isn’t enough to whet your appetite,

other treasures in this sale include a 6,000-yearold Egyptian breccia vessel at £3,000–£4,000, a superb, museum quality 19th-century German KPM porcelain vase measuring an impressive 2ft high at £6,000–£8,000, some cool modern art by Donald McIntyre (1923-2009), ‘The Shore’, oil on board, at £2,000–£3,000, or if you’re after some bling then there’s a Pederzani 5ct, diamond-line bracelet at £3,500–£4,000, or a Boucheron 18ct white gold ‘Kaa Double Trouble’ ring set with 30 diamonds at £2,500–£3,000, as well as several hundred other fab antiques, collectables, curios and decorative objects. Viewing at the atmospheric 18th-century saleroom in Cranbrook is on May 4 and 5, with the auction day itself taking place on Saturday May 6.

Bidders can go along on sale day in person, or watch and bid live online. The fullyillustrated online catalogue is available at: bentleysfineartauctioneers.co.uk

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

‘Another favourite find this month was lurking in the undergrowth at the bottom of the garden of a country cottage – although it felt more like I was on safari’

Nick Hall has a quirky selection of lots for sale at Bentley’s Fine Art Auctioneers this week, including a classic MG and an enormous pair of bronze lions…

ROARSOME FIND: Nick with the bronze lions

Motoring News The Jeep Avenger is a solid drive in its class

By Jack Evans

THERE’S little way of avoiding the electrification shake-up that is currently taking over the motoring industry. Even manufacturers rooted in petrol and diesel, like Jeep, have to make the change, too. It’s why we’ve got this – the new Avenger – which arrives as Jeep’s first fully electric vehicle.

Underpinned by some familiar Stellantis hardware but redesigned to take in that more go-anywhere feel that people expect from Jeep, the Avenger is arguably one of the most important models for the brand to date. But, in a market as congested and fought-over as this, can the Avenger stand out from the crowd? We’ve been finding out.

What’s new?

As we’ve touched upon, the Avenger sits on the same platform as the one you’ll find being used on other Stellantis vehicles, like the Vauxhall Mokka Electric. As such, it’s pretty tried-andtested, but Jeep has made some serious tweaks to make it more of a car in its own right. The front and rear overhangs have been shortened to improve the car’s ability to handle steep climbs and descents, while there’s more plastic cladding to help make repairs cheaper should accidents happen.

It’s also impressively compact. Despite its chunky proportions, the Avenger is in fact shorter than Jeep’s Renegade. However, there’s been plenty of work put in to making it as practical as possible despite its small size.

What’s under the bonnet?

At present, the Avenger uses a single-motor set-up – there’s a dual-motor version in the works – with 156bhp and 260Nm of torque being produced and sent through the front wheels only. They’re relatively modest outputs for this type of vehicle, but thankfully, the Avenger’s range is on-par with rivals. With a 54kWh battery, Jeep says you should be able to get up to 248 miles of range from a charge or even more if you’re just doing city driving.

It’s also got a handily rapid charge speed of 100kW, which means that a 0-80 per cent charge could take just under 30 minutes. Hooked up to an 11kW home wallbox and you’ll see a full charge in five and a half hours.

What’s it like to drive?

The Avenger’s dinky proportions are immediately noticeable from behind the wheel, and this makes this car ideally suited for city or urban drivers. The turning circle is good, too, so those U-turns can be done without any hassle. Once it’s up and running, the Avenger is quiet, with only a small amount of wind noise being generated at speed by the forward pillars. Performance is just about right, though we feel like the Avenger could do with a tiny bit more shove. Plus, the front wheels do sometimes struggle to deploy that power without a fuss. Particularly during tighter bends, you can feel the front wheels fighting to both steer and put down the power. This is only a slight niggle, mind you, as for much of the time the Avenger feels predictable in its driving style.

How does it look?

Though design is a very personal thing, we feel like the look of the Avenger has been nailed. It’s got that chunky appeal that you’d expect from Jeep, but this also means that this little car has

quite a lot of presence despite its small size. There are some nice nods to the past, too, such as the seven-bar grille motif (taken from the original Willy’s Jeep) applied to each. The rear lights, with their ‘X’ design, reference the fuel cans from the Willy’s, too.

There are a good number of colours to choose from, too, which is quite refreshing in a market where greys and blacks dominate. The grille and bumpers contrast these shades nicely as well.

What’s it like inside?

Jeep has done well to extract as much space as it can from the Avenger’s interior. Its tall, boxy shape means there’s bags of headroom for both front and rear passengers, while those in the rear are adequately catered for in terms of legroom. There’s plenty of storage up front, too, with a good variety of cubbies, pockets and bins. It’s a shame this isn’t continued to the rear, mind you, where it becomes a bit sparse – you do get some USB-C sockets for charging devices, however.

At 380 litres, the Avenger’s boot is slightly larger than the one you’d get in the Hyundai Kona Electric – one of this Jeep’s main rivals –and there’s a handy split-level design so you’ve

got somewhere to store the charging cables. Plus, the use of hard-wearing plastic on the boot lip itself is a smart move, as it means you don’t have to worry about scratches or dings when loading heavier items inside.

What’s the spec like?

At £34,800, the Avenger lies slap-bang in the middle of the EV landscape. Rivals like the MG ZS EV are cheaper, but the Avenger does strengthen its case with good materials and plenty of on-board tech. The 10.25-inch infotainment is handily located, while there’s either a seven- or 10.25-inch driver display ahead. Ours had the latter and it was clear and easy to read.

There’s a good blend of physical buttons and screens, too. The heating and ventilation buttons are smartly placed on a bar underneath the screen and this makes them easier to operate when you’re on the move. The buttons for the gears, however, feel too far away to be used intuitively, while the folding cubby cover placed ahead of it might be a bit of a pain over time. You can remove it and, after only a little while with the car, we’d opted to pop it to one side rather than keep it in place.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model Jeep Avenger Summit

Price as tested £39,100

Powertrain Single electric motor

Power 156bhp

Torque 260Nm

Max speed 93mph

0-60mph 9.1 seconds

Range 248 miles