The Times of Tunbridge Wells 7th June 2023

Fire crews tackle Kingstanding Way blaze as local businesses lose power

By Lilly Croucher

FIRE services were called to a blaze on an industrial estate in Tunbridge Wells last week after flames had engulfed a car and an electrical substation, leaving at least 40 nearby businesses without power.

Four fire engines from Kent Fire & Rescue Service attended a fire at 12.21pm on Thursday June 1, involving premises inside the Decimus Park industrial estate in Kingstanding Way.

Neighbouring businesses were evacuated, and the power was shut off by UK Power Networks for safety reasons.

Nobody was injured during the incident.

Videos online showed fire crews

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battling flames that had burned out a car and spread rapidly to the outside of the building and electrical substation.

Plumes of black smoke were seen from

North Farm Road and Longfield Road.

A Kent Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “It’s believed the fire started accidentally in an outdoor smoking area, which spread to a car, a

nearby substation and a large commercial unit. The cause is being linked to discarded smoking materials.”

By 2.40pm, the fire had been put out by crews, who remained on the scene to cool the remaining hotspots and assist electrical engineers, while officers from Kent Police closed the road.

Katie, an employee from a nearby business, told the Times: “I was one of the first people to call the fire brigade. “The fire looked like it was in the bins next to the building and it spread really quickly to the car in front and then to the substation.

Continued on page 2

INSIDE: Mass bike ride for new cycle path on A26

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page 3

‘I was moving round the building looking out of the windows and saw the car go up.’

Photograph: heverfestival.co.uk

REVOLTING CHILDREN: The cast from Matilda Jnr, by the Trinity Youth Theatre, performed at the Hever Theatre Festival last week. Forty events are planned for the festival throughout the summer. For more information on summer events throughout Tunbridge Wells, see page 3.

Smoking materials thought to have caused fire that led to power chaos

Continued from front page

“I was moving round the building, looking out of the windows and saw the car go up. I heard a lot of popping of tyres.

“There were about 30 people in our building who were evacuated because of the fire, but we evacuated the office before the fire brigade turned up.”

Many local businesses reported power outages for over an hour, with some shops as far away as TKMaxx and Next in the Tunbridge Wells Shopping Park being affected.

A spokesperson for UK Power Networks said: “Our engineers were called to Kingstanding Way, Tunbridge Wells, following a fire at a substation at 12.43pm on June 1.

“For safety reasons, engineers turned off supplies to 40 customers, before restoring power to 24 customers in stages by 1.58pm.

“The remaining 16 supplies were reconnected at 2.15am on June 2.

“Alternative supplies are in place while new equipment is being installed.

“The cause of the fire will be investigated.”

gentle breeze

SUNDAY JUNE 11

MONDAY JUNE 12

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Sunny intervals

TUESDAY JUNE 13

Low 13° High 23° Light Rain showers

INFERNO:

Fire crews tackle last Thursday’s blaze

Mass cycle ride for new bike path on A26

By Lilly Croucher

CYCLISTS from across the town will be coming together this week for a mass ‘ride along’ to campaign for a new cycle path connecting Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge on the A26.

Tunbridge Wells Bicycle Users Group (TWBUG) will be organising a ‘critical mass ride’ in which two groups will cycle en masse along the busy main road on Friday June 9 at 6.30pm.

Half of the group will start at Five Ways, Tunbridge Wells and the other from Tonbridge railway station. The two groups will converge on Southborough Common to meet fellow cyclists and supporters.

Healthier

On their website, TWBUG said the mass cycle ride aims to “show the community what the future of safer, healthier, cheaper and more planet-friendly travel could be here on our doorstep in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge”.

Paul Mason, an organiser from TWBUG told the Times: “We have specifically proposed this stretch of the A26 because it serves so many people, including an estimated 18,000 school pupils and commuters coming to the town.

“I think there is this perception of the entitled middle-class white male, aggressive cyclist in lycra, which has given cyclists a bit of an unpleasant public image.

“We want to show that it is ordinary people who want this cycle lane so they can travel to the shops, school, work or to see friends but feel like they can’t because of the traffic.

“It is a demonstration to show citizens a better way to organise transport and to persuade those in power to change the way they think about active travel.”

There are also environmental concerns, with transport being the largest CO2-emitting sector in the UK, accounting for 34 per cent of CO2 emissions last year.

Mr Mason continued: “Our campaign is supporting the official government policies set out by the DfT, and Britain’s target to hit net zero by 2030 by improving transport options for residents and getting more people out of their cars.”

Walking and cycling champion, Cllr Peter Lidstone (Lib Dem), who will also be joining the ride on Friday, he told the Times: “Critical mass is essentially a movement for movement where residents come together to call for change.

“By seeing the mass support, we hope it might

change the idea that it is just a few niche-thinking individuals, to a collective of residents demanding something be done.”

“We have been campaigning for the route for years as we think it has the most potential to move people from cars to bikes.

“However, getting KCC councillors’ support has been difficult and we have struggled to make progress on this.”

Cllr Lidstone continued: “A survey by the Department for Transport (DfT) looking at attitudes to walking and cycling found that 65 per cent of people think roads are too dangerous to cycle on.

“We believe that this section of highway is suitable for a cycle lane and is similar to other successful schemes like in Waltham Forest, where a cycle lane was built by experts who have also designed this route for the A26.”

Congestion

The proposed cycle path looks to widen the pavements and narrow the roads. The group anticipates that this will raise concerns from motorists, but says the plans will eventually help ease congestion.

Cllr Lidstone explained: “People are always going to be concerned about the effects it might have on traffic, but the road is already a single lane anyway so even though we are narrowing it, we are not removing any lanes.

“If just 10 per cent of drivers moved from the car to a bike, that is 10 per cent fewer vehicles on the road which would improve congestion.

“The designs plan to use the shared pavement and widen it to create the cycle lane, and I know there has been some resistance from residents who don’t want to drive over a cycle lane to get to their driveways.

“I think with the right conversations we can definitely come to a solution.”

Financial support from the Government’s Active Travel England Fund is currently being used to create plans for a cycle lane from the town centre to Rusthall.

Further rides by TWBUG are being organised in July, August and September.

KCC has been approached for comment.

SAFE SPACE: How the proposed cycle path might look

PAUL MASON

Yard sale returns this weekend

FOR local bargain hunters and sellers looking to sell unwanted items, the annual Tunbridge Wells Yard Sale is back this weekend.

On Saturday June 10, residents across the Tunbridge Wells area will be outside their homes selling everything from clothes and books to art and gym equipment.

Many sellers will be raising money for charity. This years’ charity partner is Mental Health Resource, which offers wellbeing support and safe spaces in Tunbridge Wells.

Other supported charities include Guide Dogs for the Blind, while the TN2 Community Centre, which provides support for Ukrainian families, will be selling children’s toys and school uniforms.

Local businesses are also involved, including The Plant Base Restaurant and Bar, and Milward House Care Home, which will be offering cream teas to passers-by.

Organiser, Ingrid Pope said: “The yard sale is a great way for people to declutter their homes, meet their neighbours and connect with the community.

“For those coming for the first time, keep checking the list of sellers, bring cash and visit those sellers further out to spread the footfall.”

For more details, visit: twyardsale.co.uk/ tunbridge-wells

Knives and weapons found in drugs raid

TWO drug dealers were sentenced last week after police found cannabis and weapons at an address in High Brooms.

Graham Stones and Liam Braithwaite were charged with two counts of being concerned with the supply of class B drugs on December 9, 2022.

Mr Stones was also charged with cultivating cannabis.

Kent Police searched an address in Holmewood Road on February 9, 2021, where officers found 36 cannabis plants, quantities of herbal cannabis and digital scales.

Police also found weapons including knives and imitation firearms at the property.

Both men pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday May 25, where 31-year-old Mr Braithwaite was sentenced to one year and 11 months imprisonment.

Mr Stones, 61, received one year and three months in jail, which was suspended for two years. He also is required to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

Marion Barter inquest to resume today

AN Australian inquest into a missing mother last seen in Tunbridge Wells 25 years ago. is set to continue today.

Mother-of-two, Marion Barter (then aged 51) last spoke to her daughter, Sally Leyton. from a phone box in Tunbridge Wells on August 1, 1997, while she was in the UK on holiday.

After failing to call her son, Owen, on his birthday almost two months later, she was reported missing on October 22, 1997. She has not been seen since, and it has become one of the biggest missing person cases in Australian history.

In 2011, it was discovered that Barter had changed her name to Florabella Natalia Marion Remakel in May 1997.

The popular ‘The Lady Vanishes’ podcast linked the surname to serial fraudster and conman Ric Blum, but he has denied having anything to do with Ms Barter’s disappearance.

Ms Leyton believes that her mother is most likely dead but still hopes to find out the truth.

Tunbridge Wells gets set for a bumper summer season of fun

By Michelle Wood

AS Tunbridge Wells continues to revel in gloriously sunny days, visitors from all walks of life are returning in droves to attend a series of fun-filled events that have once more brought the summer spirit back to the town.

While the Thursday night Jazz On The Pantiles is gaining momentum, last week saw thousands of patrons in attendance at the Annual Gin and Jazz Festival on The Pantiles.

According to analysis by Kent County Council, tourism contributes more than £2.6billion to the economy in Kent, and Tunbridge Wells remains the third-most-visited district in Kent for day trips. There are currently more than 525 tourism enterprises registered in the town.

With numerous key events and festivals still to come on the Tunbridge Wells calendar, this summer season is set to provide a much-needed economic boost to the town.

Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together says: “We are delighted that the work we have done to promote Tunbridge Wells to a wider audience is already starting to pay off.

“We are seeing increased footfall in the town and businesses reporting that it’s not only our

Tunbridge Wells Poetry Festival, June 1-18

This year’s poetry festival takes place from June 1-18 and features a range of events for lovers of the spoken and written word. Multiaward-winning poet and performer Harry Baker brings his one-man show, ‘Unashamed’ to the festival on June 18. Don’t miss him at the Tunbridge Wells Forum. For more information, visit: twpoetryfestival.com

Aqua Park, Bewl Water, June to September

The perfect summer activity for children aged six and upwards. The cost is £23 for a 50-minute session. Visit aquapark.bewlwater.co.uk

Father’s day out, Bewl Water, June 18

Embark on a nostalgic journey at Bewl Water’s Pre-War and Classic Transport Rally and Picnic, presented by Austin 7’s. Wander through an array of pre-1978 cars, commercials, and motorbikes while chatting with fellow enthusiasts.

Discover hidden treasures and spare parts in the auto jumble before enjoying a leisurely family stroll around the 800-acre reservoir. The dog-friendly Waterfront Café and Ice Cream Parlour has a range of snacks and lunch items on offer. Admission to the rally is free.

Black Deer Festival, Eridge Park, June 16-18

The award-winning Black Deer Festival is back even stronger this year, with a powerful line-up of artists announced for this year’s festival, which takes place at Eridge Park, Kent on June 16-18.

Friday June 16 will see Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats performing, as well as Americana pioneers Midlake, Grammy award-winning Lucinda Williams, Far From Saints, plus Kurt Vile & The Violators, Bonny Light Horseman, This Is The Kit and more.

fantastic local residents supporting their local businesses, but many are coming from London and other areas of Kent and Sussex, as well as overseas tourists.

“The summer programme of events and activities across the town will help to ensure residents and tourists alike have a great Summer in Tunbridge Wells. There really is something for everyone.

“We are so lucky to also be situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so along with our heritage, hospitality, entertainment and shopping, we have great walks, forests, beauty spots and days out at historic houses and castles to enjoy.”

The Times has put together a taster of the many summer events on offer for the whole family to enjoy…

The Amelia, Microworld, open until September 3

Created by Genetic Moo, Microworlds are digital ecosystems in which members of the public are invited to become a part of the artwork. Get ready to enter a world filled with digital creatures. Explore and discover a range of creatures and see how they respond to you and your movements, and to each other. To date, more than 1,000 people have visited Microworld at The Amelia. More information from: theamelia.co.uk

Vineyard and Steam Tours, Spa Valley Railway, June 11, July 1-2, August 19-20, September 2-3

The 2023 Vineyard and Steam Tours are now open for bookings.  The experience will include Wine Tastings at Wildwood Vineyard in Eridge and a steam train ride on the historic Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells. Wildwood Vineyard is just a seven-minute walk from Eridge Station. On arrival, enjoy a tour and wine tasting. Afterwards, walk back to Eridge Station to take the return steam train. Advanced booking is essential. Visit www.wildwoodvineyard.co.uk/tours-tastings

Tickets must also be booked in advance to travel on the 11am train from Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge and the 2.45pm train from Eridge to Tunbridge Wells West. For more information and to book, visit: spavalleyrailway.co.uk

On Saturday June 17, Black Deer welcomes The Pretenders, Bonnie Raitt – winner of the ‘Song of the Year’ at the 65th Grammy Awards – as well as The Teskey Brothers, Calexico, Allison Russell, Amythyst Kiah, Robert Vincent and Katherine Priddy.

Closing out the festival on Sunday June 18 are Bear’s Den, Steve Earle, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Drake White, Elles Bailey, Amanda Shires, Bella White and many more.

• See the article with Black Deer founders Deborah Shilling and Gill Tee in this month’s SO Magazine.

The Soapbox Stars Kart Race, Dunorlan Park, June 24

Join in the fun at the annual soapbox cart raise, as racers raise serious amounts of cash for local charities, while bringing together communities and businesses for a hilarious day out. This year, the race will continue to support the Hospice in the Weald and Nourish Community Foodbank stations will be located at the entrances to the park. Tickets are only available in advance. Visit: twsoapboxrace.com

Pub in the Park, July 7-9, Dunorlan Park

The national food and music festival is on its way to Tunbridge Wells, bringing together award-winning restaurants with live music, chef’s demonstrations and children’s entertainment. Pubs and restaurants included will be the Hand and Flowers, Birchwood, Tapas Brindisa, Sankey’s, Atul Kochhar Restaurants and the Kentish Hare. To book your tickets, visit: www.pubinthepark.com

Changeling Theatre, July 21, Penshurst Place

Changeling Theatre produces high-quality, entertaining theatre in non-traditional locations for community audiences across southeast England. Join them for open-air theatre at its best with a production of ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’. The tour will also take in venues like Scotney Castle, Riverhill Himalaya Gardens and Biddenden Vineyards. For more information, visit: changeling-theatre.com

Local and Live, August 25-28, Calverley Grounds

The four-day free festival for music fans of all ages will take place over the bank holiday weekend. Once again, the event will be centred around the main stage in Calverley Grounds taking advantage of the natural amphitheatre in the park. It will be bolstered by a food village offering produce from exclusively local traders.

Photograph: Sarah Mott

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY

AQUA PARK

Yet another application lodged for 5G mast

By Lilly Croucher

NEW plans for a 5G mast in Tunbridge Wells have been lodged with the Borough Council, despite previous resistance to other applications by both residents and councillors.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has received plans for a 15m-high mast with equipment cabinets, to be located on the pavement of St John’s Road, adjacent to Southfields Park.

This is the latest attempt by telecoms company CK Hutchison Networks to install the pole. The previous two applications were met with a flood of complaints from residents, and both plans were rejected by the Planning Committee.

In January, plans for a 17m-high mast, also on St John’s Road (outside Henrietta Court) were submitted to TWBC, but received a fierce backlash from residents who complained about the mast’s safety and the visual impact on the area.

Petition

The plans were so controversial that they amassed almost 40 comments on the application site and sparked an online petition, which gained 304 signatures from St John’s residents.

On February 17, TWBC refused the application, saying that the development would “appear unduly prominent” and have an “unacceptable visual impact” on the surrounding area.

TWBC received a similar application in March for a 15m-high ‘slimline’ mast to be erected on the corner of Cleveland Road and Sandrock Road, but that was also hit by a wall of objections over the technology’s safety and its location to a conservation area.

The planning documents claim the mast ‘will assimilate well into the immediate street scene and not be detrimental’. They also suggest that

the location is the ‘best available compromise between extending 5G service across the target coverage hole’ and have restricted the mast and cabinet to the ‘minimum height which is capable of providing the required essential coverage’.

CK Hutchison, which operates the UK mobile network Three, said: “The proposed installation supports the UK Government digital connectivity vision and provides a basis for support from the local planning authority to speed up the digital infrastructure roll-out set by ministers on August 27, 2020.

“Such development will facilitate educational benefits, providing access to vital services, improving communications with the associated commercial benefits for local businesses, enabling e-commerce and working from home as well as enjoying access to social media

JOOLS HOLLAND and his Rhythm & Blues ORCHESTRA

and gaming for leisure time activities.”

Many historical objections relate to scepticism around the technology’s effects on health and the radiation it emits.

However, the telecoms operator said the mast abides by all laws, including the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which means there is “no convincing evidence of adverse health effects at exposure below the guideline levels”.

A spokesperson for CK Hutchison told the Times in January: “5G rollout is vital for the residents and businesses of Tunbridge Wells. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience, and this site will be critical in making that happen.

“Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in

precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.

“We carry out extensive searches and evaluate a wide range of options before submitting any planning applications.

“We are aware that there have been some concerns raised, however, from a health and safety perspective, 5G deployment is no different from any other mobile technology.

“All generations of mobile technology used by Three comply with guidelines to ensure that no harmful levels of radiation are emitted.

“As a responsible company, we take our obligation to run a safe network very seriously, and actively work to ensure that our network remains compliant with international guidelines.”

POLE POSITION: The proposed location for the new mast

St Peter’s faces conversion into houses

By Michelle Wood

THE former building of St Peter’s Church of England Primary School, in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, could be converted into homes, if an application to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is approved.

A planning application, submitted by Mason Carey Ltd, has been lodged to convert the old St Peter’s Primary School, in Windmill Street, into two homes.

Relocated

The school, which had an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating, was split across three sites, and was the second most oversubscribed school in the area.

As part of a deal to build the Berkeley Homes Estate at Hawkenbury Farm, the school was relocated a mile away to Hawkenbury Road, Hawkenbury, and the original building was closed in February 2021. The scheduled opening date in 2019 was bogged down by delays, In an advert originally posted by Savills for the sale of the Windmill Road property, it was described as: “Residential development/ conversion potential with a gross internal area of

Woof it up at Golden Retriever café

approximately 7,22sq ft”, continuing: “There is residential development/conversion subject to the requisite consents.”

In the new planning application, Mason Carey also stated: “The proposed scheme does alter the aesthetic of the street scene to Windmill Street in a limited manner by way of creating residential entrances as opposed to commercial entrances. It is expected that the alteration is beneficial to the street scene.

“It is proposed to retain the feature elements of the vertical elevations and the roof of the building, which includes arched windows and slated roof covering.”

In addition, the application stated that the painted parking zone for the school in Windmill Street could be removed and parking bays created, which would give four spaces to the ‘local community’, as the new homes were “likely to require only two spaces”.

This is not the first proposed development for the former school. Permission to demolish the existing boundary wall and playground, and to erect nine flats, and the associated alterations, car parking, refuse and cycle storage was approved by the Council on June 16, 2022.

POP and Bark will be running a pop-up Golden Retriever café at the Pitcher and Piano in Tunbridge Wells on June 25.

Success

After some tail-wagging success at the London, Manchester and Birmingham events, former Dragons Den contestants Anushka Fernando and James Morgan will open their doors for the first time in Tunbridge Wells after lovers of the

breed voted for a Kent venue. The café will take over the whole of the Pitcher and Piano for the event, and there will be an enclosed area where dogs can be off-lead.

Dog owners are welcome to take their pets to the event, where they can indulge in a ‘puppuccino bar’, with toppings such as blueberries and peanut butter sprinkles, suitable for your furry friend.

To purchase your ticket, visit: tickettailor. com/events/popandbark/922847

HOME SCHOOL:

The former St Peter’s building

RADAR key access for RVP’s disability toilet

By Victoria Roberts

DISABLED people can now use a widely-used accessibility key to use the Changing Places Toilet facility at Royal Victoria Place. Following concerns that access was controlled by a keypad which initiated a call to security to open it, the facility can now be accessed by RADAR key, said Tunbridge Wells and Area Access Group committee member Alan Bullion.

Scheme

RADAR keys form part of a universal access scheme, which opens over 10,000 disabled toilets across the UK.

“I went in on Friday (May 26) and was pleased to see RADAR key access had now been installed and it was nice and clean too, as it should be,” Mr Bullion said.

Thanking the shopping centre management and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) for action, he said users had contacted the Access Group over what he called a “vital accessibility issue”.

Changing Places toilets are designed for use by disabled people who need specialised facilities when they are out and about. They are larger, accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers.

One such Changing Places toilet was originally installed at the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council-run Gateway building on Grosvenor Road, which closed when services were relocated to The Amelia.

Funding for the relocation of the facility was awarded last year to TWBC from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Changing Places public toilets initiative.

The Changing Places facility is located near other toilets on the lower level, by the Meadow Road Car Park entrance to Fenwick.

ACCESS ISSUES: The steps at High Brooms Station

High Brooms station on list for accessibility works

HIGH Brooms station has been added to the ‘schedule of work’ for accessibility improvements.

The station, where platform 2 is only accessible by steep steps and an underpass, has recently been surveyed, according to Southborough Town Councillor Alan Bullion.

The station is set to have lifts and an overpass, as there was insufficient space for ramps to the underpass, he explained.

The Department for Transport’s Access for All

(AfA) programme aims to provide an obstaclefree, accessible route on to – and between –train station platforms.

Southeastern Railway, which works with Network Rail on improving stations, has added High Brooms to its list of current AfA projects, behind Hither Green (currently in planning approval) and Deal, which is now in development. The soonest scheduled AfA project is at Herne Bay, where construction is due to start in February 2024.

Parents set up funding page for football coach’s daughter

By Michelle Wood

PARENTS from the West Kent District Schools Football Association (SFA) are raising money to support their daughters’ football coach, James, his wife, Evie, and their nearthree-year-old daughter, Élodie.

Élodie was born on August 30, 2020, in between lockdowns.

For James and Evie Blackhall of Tunbridge Wells, becoming parents was all that they had hoped for. Élodie was a ray of sunshine – “cheeky and with a mind of her own”.

Decline

However, Élodie’s health began to decline, and after a year she was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a rare disease that affects one in every 36,000 children, giving them a life expectancy of only four years. This genetic metabolic disorder is passed on from parent to child and causes a build-up of toxins in the brain and spinal cord, affecting the function of the nerve cells.

Élodie’s condition is regressive, so she will slowly lose the skills she once had. Since her diagnosis, she has lost the ability to swallow safely without food or drink entering her lungs. She is now fed through a tube into her stomach. With time, her sight will reduce until she is blind, and the same will happen to her hearing. Élodie has never been able to walk, but she has lost the ability to crawl, and even sitting is difficult. Tremors affect her limbs and she struggles to play like other children her age.

James, Evie and the rest of their family are now

Man praises staff after suffering a cardiac arrest in hospital restaurant

focusing on what Élodie can do rather than what she can’t. Like most parents, they have dreams about places they could take her and experiences they could have together, as a family.

Evie and Élodie and her baby brother, Alfred, can often be found at the side of a football pitch, supporting James and cheering on the West Kent District girls’ teams whenever possible.

A statement on the GoFundMe page set up by the parents said: “James gives so much time, patience and support to our daughters through his coaching and is one of the most passionate but also patient football coaches we know. That is why we are determined to give James and his family the same support back for his daughter and help make their lives a little bit easier.”

The aim is to help fund a range of activities and experiences that will give the family precious time together and allow them to make lots of happy and special memories with Élodie. Additional money raised will be used to offer financial support for Élodie’s treatment.

Visit Creating Special Memories for Élodie at: gofundme.com/f/7aewk-creating

By Sharon Bruce

A MAN has heaped praise on staff at Benenden Hospital for saving his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest in the hospital’s restaurant.

Jerry Gledhill was visiting the private hospital near Cranbrook with his wife, who was there for bilateral cataract surgery, on April 3. While they were ordering food in the busy on-site restaurant, Jerry collapsed.

Equipment

The restaurant staff reacted swiftly, with members of the catering team being the first to administer CPR, while a colleague phoned an ambulance call handler. The hospital’s emergency response team attended quickly with resuscitation equipment and a defibrillator.

It was 40 minutes before Jerry’s pulse returned. Once stabilised, an air ambulance team airlifted the critically ill man to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford for further intensive care treatment.

Jerry, a former GP, said that beyond entering

the restaurant, he remembered nothing of the incident. A month after the event, he and his wife returned to the hospital to thank the staff who had saved his life.

Jerry said: “I just can’t find the words to express my gratitude. The words haven’t even been invented yet. If you’re going to have a medical emergency, this is the place to do it! I just want to credit everyone involved and thank them so much for persevering.”

Hospital Director, Jane Abbott said: “We’re delighted that Jerry made a good recovery and was able to return to visit us and meet many of the people involved in his immediate care.

“At Benenden Hospital we don’t regularly deal with medical emergencies, but our workforce is very well trained, does scenario training to hone their skills and prepare them for the unexpected, and we have all the necessary equipment readily available should we need it.

“They worked so well as a team and used their knowledge and skills to save Jerry’s life. Every single person involved on the day was amazing, and I’m so proud of all of them.”

THANK YOU: Jerry Gledhill (second from right), with his wife Katherine and the hospital staff who all worked together to save his life

ÉLODIE

Legal professionals celebrate 90 years of local law society

By Michelle Wood

THE Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & District Law Society (TWTDLS) celebrated its 90th anniversary on Monday May 29.

Originally founded in the offices of Berry & Berry (now Berry & Lamberts Solicitors) in Church Road, Tunbridge Wells in 1933, the current President of TWTDLS, John Spence, a Property Litigation Partner at CooperBurnett LLP, was invited to mark the occasion at the office where the organisation began its life.

Support

They were joined by Paul Reader, Managing Partner at Berry & Lamberts (and Head of its Commercial and Dispute Resolution Department). Also present were Joanna Pratt, Deputy Vice President of TWTDLS (and Senior Partner and Head of the Family department at Thomson Snell & Passmore) and Imogen Fleur, President of the Kent Junior Lawyers Division

(and a Trainee Solicitor at CooperBurnett LLP).

The TWTDLS was founded in 1933 by local solicitors practising in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. It offers support to local solicitors and other legal professionals, as well as networking, training and social events, while also representing the local members in consultations with The Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority and other Government bodies. In addition to solicitors, members include paralegals, trainees, legal executives, barristers and in-house counsel.

The TWTDLS is sponsored by Newman Business Solutions, TN Recruits Law and Tower Street Finance.

John Spence is in his second year as President of the TWTDLS. “I am really proud to be leading the TWTDLS in its 90th year,” he said. “Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge are home to some highly respected law firms – some of which, in addition to Berry & Lamberts, have been members since the start, including Cripps, Thomson Snell & Passmore, Warners and Buss Murton.”

Swim school invests funds to float its new baby pool

A LOCAL baby swim school has brought a derelict swimming pool in Tunbridge Wells town centre back into use – all thanks to a new business model.

Having lost the use of two swimming pools over the pandemic, the Tunbridge Wells franchisee of Water Babies, working with the owner, set out to resurrect the former spa and gym in the old Post Office building that had previously suffered flood damage.

Timetable

The pool was completed late last year, but the swim school has only recently launched a full timetable.

Kelly Lockwood of Water Babies explained: “Five years ago, one of our main pools in the area closed, and then we lost access to two more

pools after the Covid lockdown.

“Whilst a huge investment, the opportunity to have our own pool and be able to swim seven days a week with complete control was too big an opportunity to miss.”

She added: “Tunbridge Wells is such a fabulous town and in the heart of my business area.

“We also still had a lot of parents who had been displaced and were eagerly waiting for us to find a new pool.”

Renovations at the 12 Vale Road property included installing equipment to ensure a temperature of 32C or above – warm enough even for babies under 12 weeks or 12lbs.

The pool is just 1.3m deep.

Water Babies at Tunbridge Wells also hopes to introduce aqua-natal sessions for expectant mothers and lessons for children aged five and up.

BEFORE AND AFTER:

The ‘Water Babies’ pool in Tunbridge Wells

LAWYER UP:

(Left to right) Imogen Fleur, Joanna Pratt, John Spence and Paul Reader

NASA astronaut lands in Kent to headline global business event

By Sharon Bruce

NASA astronaut Tony Antonelli will address international business leaders at the Innovation Festival for Global Working, which takes place at Relocate Global’s headquarters in Lamberhurst tomorrow (Thursday June 8).

Missions

Mr Antonelli, a naval aviator and test pilot with engineering degrees from MIT and University of Washington, also served as the pilot for two Space Shuttle missions.

After retiring from NASA, he worked at Lockheed Martin, undertaking executive roles, such as Chief Technologist and Director of Advanced Programs, and Artemis II Mission Director for the Orion Program Office.

Mr Antonelli will be the day’s leading attraction, making three presentations throughout the morning at a multi-

layered, festival-style event that looks at how the practices and techniques used in Space Science can positively impact the future of global working.

His presentations will cover his personal journey to becoming an astronaut, as well as broader themes, such as problem-solving, innovation, global leadership and how the learnings

BAFTA-nominated TV presenter Jayne Constantinis will host the afternoon, leading a keynote panel discussion on the future of the workplace and the global trends affecting diverse industry sectors.

The afternoon will also feature a number of ‘innovation hubs’, where interactive workshops and facilitated discussions with experts from across leadership, business, global mobility and education will take place.

of Space Science are relevant to all sectors of business.

Chris Barber, Founder and Director of the International Space School Educational Trust (ISSET), will join Mr Antonelli for the Q&A session.

Business leaders will engage with their peers, share ideas and explore how the ground-breaking, cutting-edge technology and knowledge at the forefront of space science can be used to turbo-charge their own sectors, helping to boost growth and productivity and radically shape innovation.

For more information on the Innovation Festival, visit: thinkglobalpeople.com/events/ the-innovation-festival-for-globalworking-2023/#programme

Chamber announces new Chief Executive

KENT Invicta Chamber of Commerce has appointed Tudor Price to take over as Chief Executive when Jo James retires at the end of the year.

Currently Deputy Chief Executive, Tudor Price, 56, has worked for the Chamber for 12 years. He leads on many of the Chamber’s support and growth programmes, which has seen the team deliver the Growth Hub, a gateway to business support. He has also been involved in developing services to help businesses navigate import and export development, climate change and low carbon services, plus the creation of a Covid helpline during lockdown.

Chris Hare, Chairman of Kent Invicta Chamber, said: “Tudor was the outstanding candidate in a very strong shortlist and his appointment was unanimously approved by the board.

“His considerable understanding of the day-to-day issues facing business across the county, and his insight and experience, will be invaluable in his new role,” Mr Hare added.

Tudor Price will lead the 33-strong team and work closely with the board of directors to ensure the Chamber continues to do everything it can to support its members that employ more than 50,000 people across the county.

Handover

Commenting on his appointment, Tudor Price said: “Over the next few months I will be working even closer than before with Jo, and the board, to ensure a smooth handover so we can hit the ground running in 2024.”

Prior to joining the Chamber, Tudor

worked for Business Link Kent and has worked in a number of industries including business support, recruitment, and logistics.

Before that he set up the Kent Acting Studio after being a professional actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has further strengthened its well-respected Residential Property & Conveyancing team, with the appointment of Matthew Sabine as a Partner. Matthew joins from East Sussex-based Hughes Solicitors, and brings with him extensive experience in residential property, with particular expertise in high value property. He qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and previously spent 13 years in the Residential Property team at Kentbased Warners Solicitors. As such, he has in-depth knowledge of the local property market.

Led by Rebecca Swain, Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Residential Property & Conveyancing team, has a reputation for delivering excellent client service, and particular expertise in advising on high value, complex transactions across the South East, London and nationally. Matthew’s appointment will further bolster the team’s offering to clients.

Rebecca Swain, Head of Residential Property & Conveyancing at Thomson Snell & Passmore comments: “It’s wonderful to have Matthew join the team. He has a great reputation in the local property industry for his brilliant technical expertise, enabling him to get the trickiest of transactions over the line, as well as his friendly and approachable demeanour and dedication to client service. He is going to be a fantastic addition to our already excellent department.”

Matthew Sabine, Partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore adds: “I am thrilled to be joining a firm with such a unique heritage, as part of team which is so well respected in the industry. Thomson Snell & Passmore’s clear commitment to client service mirrors my own ethos and I am really looking forward to working closely with the whole team.”

If you would like to get in touch with Matthew, or any of the Residential Property & Conveyancing team, please contact us info@ts-p.co.uk .

Matthew Sabine

Mr Antonelli is a naval aviator and test pilot, with engineering degrees from MIT and University of Washington

TONY ANTONELLI

TUDOR PRICE

Covid inquiry chair makes ‘no comment’ over legal dispute as ministers face possible sanctions for deleted messages

BARONESS Heather Hallett said yesterday she would not be commenting on the legal row between the Covid-19 Inquiry and the Cabinet Office over former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s WhatsApp messages.

In her first statement at a preliminary inquiry since ministers launched judicial proceedings against the probe, the chairwoman said on Tuesday (June 6) that she would be making “no further comment” on the legal challenges.

Baroness Hallett said: “As has been widely reported in the media, an issue has arisen between the inquiry and the Cabinet Office as to who decides what is relevant or potentially relevant.

Relevant

“I issued a notice under Section 21 of the Inquiries Act 2005 making it clear that, in my view, it is for the inquiry chair to decide what is relevant or potentially relevant.

“The Cabinet Office disagrees, claiming they are not obliged to disclose what they consider to be unambiguously irrelevant material. They invited me to withdraw the Section 21 notice. I declined.

“They are now challenging my decision to decline to withdraw the notice in the High Court by way of judicial review.

“With litigation pending, and as the decisionmaker, I can make no further comment.”

The retired senior judge’s deadline for the UK Government to hand over the former prime minister’s WhatsApp messages and notebooks in an unredacted format was missed by the Cabinet Office last week, with ministers instead announcing plans to challenge the request in the courts.

Ministers have defended the highly unusual move, citing concerns over material that is

“unambiguously irrelevant”, despite doubts by some legal experts over whether they are likely to win the case.

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is due to compare unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks, provided by Boris Johnson, to redacted copies provided by the Cabinet Office, according to the counsel for the inquiry.

Hugo Keith KC told Chairwoman Baroness Hallett that, following the former Prime Minister’s offer to assist the inquiry, the investigation was working to inspect unredacted copies of the messages and notes.

Mr Keith said the inquiry had asked the Cabinet Office to return Mr Johnson’s notebooks to him by June 12 to start a similar inspection process so it

can “compare them to the redacted copies already provided by the Cabinet Office.”

Hugo Keith KC, counsel for the Covid inquiry, said Boris Johnson’s locked former phone had been handed to the Government with the hope of obtaining his WhatsApp messages from pre-May 2021.

He told the inquiry: “Mr Johnson also holds an old phone that was turned off in 2021 for security reasons.

“Neither Mr Johnson nor the inquiry has the technical expertise to ensure the contents of the phone can be downloaded safely and properly, particularly bearing in mind the overarching need to ensure no damage is done to national security.

“We have therefore agreed that this phone

should be provided to the appropriate personnel in government for its contents to be downloaded.

“We have asked the Cabinet Office, in liaison with Mr Johnson and those government personnel, to obtain the phone without delay, to confirm in writing the process by which it will be examined and to give confirmation that it, like the diaries and the notebooks and the WhatsApps, will be accessed fully.

“That is to say, there will be no redactions made to the contents, other than in relation to national security, before we may view it.”

Ministers could also face ‘criminal sanction’ over deleting WhatsApp messages, the Information Commissioner has warned.

Prosecution

John Edwards told MPs on Tuesday that ministers should not have auto-deleting messages turned on if they were using WhatsApp to conduct government business and could face prosecution if they did.

The Government published new rules on using WhatsApp and similar messaging services at the end of March following a row over the leaking of Matt Hancock’s messages to the Daily Telegraph.

The rules say “disappearing messages” have “a role in limiting the build-up of messages” but their use must not affect “recordkeeping or transparency responsibilities”, including a requirement to forward messages about Government business to an official system.

Mr Edwards told the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC): “I think the Cabinet Office is pretty clear that if it is government business being conducted on a non-corporate communications channel, it must be retained as part of the official record.

BARONESS HALLETT

Photograph: UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA Wire

Prince Harry suffered ‘paranoia’ after press intrusion, court told

THE High Court was told that the press has “blood on their hands” by the Duke of Sussex who entered the witness box yesterday to begin giving evidence in his historic hacking case.

On Tuesday, Prince Harry appeared at the Rolls Building to face cross-examination by Andrew Green KC, barrister for Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) as part of his claim over alleged unlawful activities, including phone-hacking.

The 38-year-old told the court that MGN’s alleged intrusion into his life contributed to “a huge amount of paranoia” in his relationships.

Trust

In his witness statement, the duke said that he found it ‘very hard to trust anyone, which led to bouts of depression and paranoia’.

“Friendships were lost entirely unnecessarily,” he added.

“As I am uncovering the extent of the unlawful activities carried out by MGN’s journalist (sic) and senior executives towards me, I feel somewhat relieved to know that my paranoia towards my friends and family had, in fact, been misplaced, although feel sad for how much it impacted my adolescence.”

The court also heard how the prince described the state of the British press and the Government as both being at “rock bottom”, with the Government having “no appetite” for press regulation.

The duke suggested newspaper stories about rumours his father was instead James Hewitt, a former lover of Diana, Princess of Wales, were

aimed at ousting him from the royal family.

He was “extremely worried” he was going to be expelled from Eton following press reports that he was using drugs.

The duke was singled out as a ‘p***y’ by his peers following press reports of his injuries during his time at school and Sandhurst.

Prince Harry alleged that both he and the Duchess of Sussex “have been subjected to a barrage of horrific personal attacks and intimidation from Piers Morgan’’, the former Mirror editor.

The duke said some editors and journalists are “responsible for causing a lot of pain, upset and in some cases, speaking personally, death”.

Prince Harry is suing MGN for damages, claiming journalists at its titles, which also include the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People, were linked to methods including phone hacking, so-called ‘blagging’ or gaining information by deception, and use of private investigators for unlawful activities.

Harry’s claim is being heard alongside three other “representative” claims during a trial which began last month and is due to last six to seven weeks.

The cross-examination is thought to be the first time a senior member of the royal family has personally appeared in court since 2002, when Princess Anne pleaded guilty to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act after her dog attacked two children.

MGN says is contesting all of the Duke’s claims and has either denied or not admitted each of them.

Evacuations underway after Ukraine dam destroyed

WATER gushing from the reservoir in Kherson, a Russian-occupied Ukrainian region has flooded 24 different settlements including more than 80 villages, forcing hundreds of thousands of residents to evacuate.

Kyiv accused Russia of the disaster by blowing up a major dam and hydroelectric power station.

The Kakhovka Dam, which holds over 18 million cubic metres of water and supplied a larger agricultural area, was blown up yesterday in what has been deemed by officials as an “ecological disaster”.

Abhorrent

UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly tweeted: “The destruction of Kakhovka dam is an abhorrent act.

“Intentionally attacking exclusively civilian infrastructure is a war crime.

“The UK stands ready to support Ukraine and those affected by this catastrophe.”

There are concerns that the damage to the dam could have broad consequences: flooded homes, streets and businesses downstream; depleted water levels upstream that help cool Europe’s largest nuclear power station; and drained

supplies of drinking water to the south in Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed.

Mr Zelensky said he convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council. He alleged that Russian forces set off a blast inside the dam structure.

Russian officials claim the dam, on the Dnipro River, was damaged by Ukrainian shelling from military strikes in the contested area.

However, Igor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine told BBC Radio 4 yesterday: “I know that there was a blast and it was made on purpose because you cannot ruin this dam [only] by shelling, because other claims were that it might be ruined by shelling.”

He added that it was “absurd” that Russia had blamed shelling.

Downing Street said the UK is “ready to offer humanitarian and economic support” but it is too early to tell what is needed.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman also said he “wouldn’t rule out” bringing up the attack with Russia but “at the moment we are looking into the situation”.

“None of this would be taking place if it was not for Russia’s illegal invasion. We are steadfast in our support.”

Photograph: Jeff Moore/PA Wire

Residents must be considered when it comes to Pembury Road

EVERY resident of Tunbridge Wells and every visitor knows that getting to the town centre from the outskirts is usually a time-consuming experience. The A264 Pembury Road vies with the A26 London Road through Southborough and St John’s for the title of the most frustrating road in town.

So, like every local resident, my heart sank when I heard that gas utility Southern Gas Networks (SGN) was planning to close part of the Pembury Road to traffic this summer to carry out major repairs to one of the principal gas mains that serve Tunbridge Wells.

Last Thursday, I met with the gas company as well as Kent County Council (who are responsible for local roads) and representatives of bus companies.

What they told me did not satisfy me that everything possible is being done to minimise the exceptional disruption to residents, visitors and traders. So I have arranged a further meeting with the specialist engineering team this Friday to assess the feasibility of some ideas that I have had to improve things.

But first, it is important to set out what was shared with me, on behalf of my constituents, as to why the work has to be carried out in the first place.

I was told that a 1km-section of gas main between Blackhurst Lane and the roundabout, which gives access to the northbound A21, needs to be replaced for reasons of safety. It currently

consists of an 8-inch-diameter metal pipe which has become a source of gas leaks that have required emergency repairs. That section has been ranked as the highest priority in Kent and Sussex for the replacement of the historic main by a modern, plastic version. The engineers in both the gas company and Kent Highways are adamant that there is no alternative but to replace the existing gas main.

Location

I asked whether it would be possible to carry out the works in such a way that at least one lane of traffic could continue to use the Pembury Road – either alternate flows controlled by traffic lights in each direction, or at least a one-way flow into or out of town. I was told that this was considered, but that two things prevent it: first, the location of the gas main is in the centre of the road, not under one side of the carriageway, and second, in order to keep gas supplies to the town, a temporary main has to be laid above ground for the duration of the works. A live gas main cannot have traffic passing next to it in case a vehicle accident ruptured it.

Kent County Council has insisted that the works be carried out during the school summer holiday period. I think that is the right requirement. The works will be hugely disruptive at any time, so taking advantage of

the six weeks when schools and commuter traffic is lighter is sensible. The lighter summer nights and mornings will also allow the crews to work extended 12-hour shifts, from 7am to 7pm.

The diversion route will be via the Industrial Estate. Although North Farm is itself prone to congestion, it is hard to see an alternative.

Halls Hole Road and Cornford Lane, and the rural roads between Hawkenbury and Kipping’s Cross are far too narrow and dangerous for the volume of traffic diverted.

I pressed SGN and Kent Highways for pedestrian and cycle access to be maintained along the whole length of Pembury Road during the works. This was confirmed, and road access to the Tesco store will also still be possible, though from the Pembury direction only. However there are some big outstanding points on which I am not satisfied. It seems to me that the impact of six weeks of works, even from 7am to 7pm, could be reduced by several weeks if two crews worked back-to-back through the night and round the clock. I accept that this would cause great noise disturbance to the residents of Pembury Road, but it would also minimise the period of disruption the same residents have to endure.

I am particularly concerned that – with the works scheduled to make use of the whole period of school holidays up to September 4 –any overrun would cause even worse disruption at one of the busiest times of year. Working

through the night would build a valuable buffer into the timetable to guard against this risk.

I have asked for, and obtained, a meeting with Southern Gas Network’s Head of Engineering on Friday to discuss in detail the feasibility of through-the-night working. I will update constituents following that meeting.

Diversion

Speaking to bus companies, it is clear that their timetables cannot accommodate the long diversion to the many routes that use the Pembury Road. I have asked Kent County Council to look at providing a shuttle service between the town centre and Pembury so that connections can be maintained and a service can be used by bus users and people who might otherwise have used their car.

Once these matters are finalised, it is imperative that there is abundant and clear communication, not just with residents but with visitors, including signage placed around the area several weeks before work commences. There is no getting away from the fact that the replacement of the Pembury Road gas main will be an ordeal for everyone in and around Tunbridge Wells. Although I have no powers to order the gas company to do things in different ways, I will do everything I can to ensure that the interests of residents and traders are pressed forcefully throughout the weeks ahead.

Greg Clark

Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells

Greg Clark was first elected MP for Tunbridge Wells in 2005. He has held a number of positions in Government, including Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. He is currently Chairman of the Commons’ Science and Technology Committee

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

Road closure will cause chaos

AS many of your readers will know, Conservative-controlled Kent County Council have given permission for the closure of Pembury Road for nearly six weeks over the summer. The closure of a main artery into Tunbridge Wells for such a long period of time is likely to cause chaos, not least to the Emergency Department at Pembury Hospital whose ambulances use the road regularly. Worse, no information has been provided for local residents as to alternative routes.

Over two weeks ago, I wrote to David Brazier, the Cabinet Member responsible for Highways at KCC, asking that the length of the works be reconsidered, and that information be provided urgently to local residents. No reply.

Tunbridge Wells residents deserve to know whether KCC has considered all options to keep the disruption as short as possible, such as conducting low-noise work at night so that the closure will be for a shorter time period; or,

Speaking truth to immigration

I usually enjoy Calverley’s irreverent column (May 24), but I fear he is batting very far away from home when he starts commenting on immigration.

Far from thwarting government policy, I believe civil servants have been implementing it begrudgingly. It is, in fact, our courts who have declared UK Government policy incompatible with international law. Before we start blaming ‘Brussels bureaucrats’ for that, it was Churchill who signed us up to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Calverley talks of illegal migrants, but the vast majority of those coming to the UK in small boats are exercising their legal right to seek asylum. Compared to our European neighbours, we do not receive large numbers of asylum seekers.

Finally, let me point out that the church has a reasonable track record of speaking truth to power. Arguably it should do so more. I would be more worried if the leader of the church in this country did not show compassion, given the fact that Jesus Christ himself was a Palestinian refugee.

Peter Lidstone

Lib Dem Councillor for St John’s

The elephant in the room

“We have exciting plans” announces Ben Chapelard in last week’s Times, announcing that he’s ‘going forward’. Perhaps he means in the future, or next week even, before telling us that he’s going to increase our costs and charges because he doesn’t want to eat into the Council’s reserves.

So that’s alright then. We eat into our reserves while the Council protects its own.

No mention though of the elephant stomping about in the room: the Mount Pleasant Traffic Scheme.

Like all politicians, he manages to avoid the matters that are getting up the noses of most of us.

Perhaps he thinks that if he ignores it, we’ll

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

referendum, accompanied by lessons in politics in our primary and secondary schools.

All the evidence suggests that earlier encouragement to vote in local and national elections, and debate in schools and colleges, inculcates wider political participation by citizens throughout the rest of their adult lives, creating a vibrant and more equal democratic culture.

Dr Alan Bullion Labour Town Councillor for Southborough and High Brooms

Plastic waste impacts animals

The critical impact of plastic pollution on our planet is now well documented. It is estimated that the UK alone produces more than 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year.

FINE MESS: Much muttering of late amongst the masses about the ludicrous new traffic restrictions in TW town centre. The original road signage was not compliant with regulations but is still being used wrongly on sat navs, and mapping apps send drivers through the prohibited bus gate. In one 30-day period more than £200,000 in fines were handed out. It’s all still an embarrassing mess. However, if you’re fined, don’t automatically pay it – lodge an appeal. Calverley helped a family member do just that and the £80 was handed back. This newspaper has done a great job over the last few weeks highlighting the very issues that Calverley relied on in the appeal. The Town Hall has even gone on the record declaring: “We are happy to consider any appeal from inside or outside the Borough.” So, make the Council happy. Send in those appeals and do let this column know how you get on!

reconfiguring the works so that full closure of the road only occurs at night, when traffic is low  I will continue to press Mr Brazier and Kent Highways on this unacceptable state of affairs.

Mike Martin

Prospective Lib Dem MP for Tunbridge Wells

give up moaning and accept it. He is for it, I believe.

Sam Goodenough Tunbridge Wells

Voting reform needs to happen

Recently a group of Tunbridge Wells residents met up with Greg Clark MP at the House of Commons to discuss giving our country a fairer voting system.

Sadly, despite increasing public disengagement in politics, our local Tory MP was unpersuaded of the benefits of electoral reform, as seen in most other parts of Europe, except for Belarus.

All the Conservatives have given us in recent years has been the introduction of ID for voting in local elections.

In marked contrast, Labour and other progressive parties are calling for voting for 16- and 17-year-olds, and also for EU residents in general elections, who were negatively affected by not being able to take part in the Brexit

PEPPY SAYS...

In vulnerable communities, plastic waste is threatening the survival of working donkeys, horses, camels and other animals dedicated to supporting people’s livelihoods. With economic pressures now building across the globe, many hungry working animals are supplementing their minimal feed by grazing in areas that expose them to toxic plastics, sharp needles and plastic bags and bottles. The impact on working animals can be life-threatening and, without urgent intervention, is often fatal.

SPANA works across the world providing lifesaving care and support to working animals threatened by plastic pollution and other environmental and human-induced crises. Through essential veterinary support, we are able to offer a lifeline to animals in desperate need.

We are working to transform the welfare of working animals in a world where animals, people and the environment are respected and thrive. These animals have a vital role supporting the livelihoods of families worldwide.

On International Working Animal Day (June 15), please find out how you can show your support for these animals by visiting www.spana. org/workinganimals.

Linda Edwards Chief Executive, SPANA (the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)

WFH JOBLESS: Calverley has never been a big fan of working from home. But he takes no pleasure in predicting it will lead to massive job losses. Big businesses are already looking at the idea of pushing more work abroad. Why pay someone top dollar to sit at home in Tunbridge Wells or anywhere else when a person just as capable can do the work from India or Pakistan for a third of the cost. Couple that with Artificial Intelligence taking away jobs and the UK has to be heading for another ‘industrial revolution’ that will change forever the face of the workforce. Get back to the offices or face the consequences. The choice is yours.

TALKING WORK: Local Lib Dems are casting envious glances towards Cambridge. Why? Because South Cambridgeshire Council has introduced a four-day week for staff with fivedays pay. And that council is run by the Lib Dems. It started as a trial that 88% of workers want to continue. There’s a surprise. Calverley understands that TW Lib Dems, now the biggest party at the Town Hall, are starting to dream of how things might be. They would certainly get support from Labour. And the Alliance?

NO COMPLIMENTS: Calverley is waiting for a knock on the door. Several years ago, at a staff function, he complimented a work colleague on her new dress. It suited her. Could he now pay the price, just like Tesco boss John Allan, who lost his job and career for paying a work colleague a similar compliment? He had immediately apologised. Other unnamed women made three other complaints that it seems did not stand it up to scrutiny. Sorry, ladies. Expect no more compliments.? What a sad state of affairs.

FINAL THOUGHT: BBC Radio Four has lost more than a million listeners in just 12 months with the flagship Today programme shedding almost 800,000. Maybe if the Beeb woke up it might retain listeners.

First prize for Benenden student’s inspiring essay

SIX One (Year 12) student

Mariia has won first prize in an essay competition organised by HMC Projects in Central and Eastern Europe, with an impressive and moving piece responding to the question “Not Better or Worse, but Different: Is This Your Experience of Education in a British Boarding School?”

Detailing Mariia’s adjustment to joining Benenden from Ukraine, the essay – described by HMC Projects as ‘outstanding’ – combines a lyrical prose style with Mariia’s characteristically open and positive outlook. The essay is a testament to how Mariia’s differences have made her a special part of the Benenden community.

Culture

“Being different does not mean better,” Mariia writes. “Nor does it mean worse.

“It simply means being different, which you can turn into being special. Into being interesting. Into being exciting. Into being an explorer. And the things you can achieve with this mindset in this wonderful place are countless.”

It also pays tribute to the elements of British and Benenden culture that Mariia has embraced, as well as the parts of Ukrainian culture that she and her fellow members of the Ukrainian Society have brought to Benenden – including delicious varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings), which were

IMPRESSIVE: Mariia with her essay

very well received in the boarding house! Mariia writes: “I am very grateful for everyone ho is open to learning new things about my culture and asking questions. What makes me different from everyone else here has not stopped me from sharing my otherness – no, rather my specialness – and making new contacts and friends.”

Mariia joined Benenden on an HMC Projects Scholarship in the summer of 2022. HMC’s Scholarship Programme gives students from Central and Eastern Europe the chance to study for two years in a British school of the highest quality. At the start of this academic year, Mariia and three other Ukrainian refugees currently studying at Benenden formed the Ukrainian Society, which has been educating students and staff alike on Ukrainian culture ever since.

The Mead a finalist for Best School 2023

ALREADY known as a top-performing school in Tunbridge Wells, The Mead School has received yet another accolade by being shortlisted on the Muddy Stilettos Best School 2023 Award.

The winners, selected from a national shortlist, are scheduled to be announced today (May 7).

The Mead School, situated in Frant Road, is a preparatory school for children aged three to 11, and one of five finalists in the Prep School category for Originality in Teaching Music and the Arts (Prep School).

The other nominees are Akeley Wood School, Buckingham; Bilton Grange Preparatory School, Rugby; Rydes Hill Preparatory School, Guildford

and St Joseph’s in the Park, Hertingfordbury.

Fees at the school range from £2,990 to £4,315 per term.

Hero Brown, Editor-in-Chief of Muddy Stilettos, said on the website: “We’ve been blown away by the quality of entries (over 400 of them) across our 13 categories, showcasing modern, well-rounded, pastorally strong education, and our expert panel have narrowed it down to five finalists per category.”

Those who entered the Muddy School Awards also have the chance to win an inspirational talk from record-breaking ocean rower and eco-activist, Roz Savage.”

Fun in the sun on Bewl Water’s reservoir

WATER sports such as windsurfing and paddleboarding have become some of the fastest-growing summer activities in the United Kingdom.

According to The Watersports Participation Survey, 13.2 million UK adults tried a boating activity in 2022, up 3 per cent from 2021. Paddlesports like canoeing and kayaking also saw an increase, as results revealed more than 7.5 million adults took part last year.

But as the weather heats up and popular seaside destinations become crowded and costly, water sports fans are left searching for alternative locations to cool off.

And whether it’s the picturesque views that bring you here or the variety of lakes and rivers

to choose from, it’s no surprise southeast England is a top destination.

Home to Bewl Water, which straddles the Kent/Sussex border, the 800-acre reservoir is a popular spot for athletes and thrillseekers alike, offering a wide range of water-based activities for all skill levels.

Memberships

Bewl is open Monday to Friday until 5pm and boasts calm waters – ideal for a first go at sailing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. Memberships are available or, in response to soaring demands, Bewl Water has introduced

Advertorial

day passes. They cost from £20 per adult or £10 per child under 18 years old.

Excitement

You can also enjoy wild swimming with TriSwim, Kent’s only certified Swim Smooth Centre, alongside rowing with the Bewl Bridge Rowing Club which offers coaching and tuition. For those seeking a bit more excitement, there’s a giant ‘Total Wipeout’-style inflatable obstacle course.

The 3,000 square metre Aqua Park was the first of its kind when it opened in 2019, and last

season took an impressive 35,468 bookings, making it Bewl Water’s most popular attraction. It features an ice tower, springboard, balance bar, flip mattress, monkey bars, aqua slide, and lots more, with sessions lasting 50 minutes.

They cost £23 per person and bookings can be made at aquapark.bewlwater.co.uk. Children must be aged six and over to use the Aqua Park, and visitors are advised to arrive 45 minutes prior to their Aqua Park session to watch a safety briefing and change into their wetsuit and buoyancy vest – both included in the ticket price.

FAIRYTALE:

The Mead students in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

AQUA PARK

Staycation demand rises as Brits opt to holiday at home

IT SEEMS that the rising cost of living isn’t deterring Brits from planning their holiday getaways this summer, a study analysing public data from the Office of National Statistics and Visit Britain suggests.

The new research shows that one in three UK travellers are still planning to go on at least one holiday over the next 12 months, with the demand for staycations having seen a significant rise.

Offering a boost to local tourism, 73% of adults are now more likely to opt for local holidays, instead of jetting abroad.

Nick Moore, Operations Director at Tunbridge Wells hotel group Elite Leisure Collection commented: “Given the pressures on peoples’ home and work lives, it’s understandable that most are determined to prioritise their welldeserved breaks.

“It’s been a growing trend in recent years that we and the rest of the hospitality industry have been preparing for: the UK is a whatever-the-

weather spot with incredible hospitality, and Brits are finally realising this,” he added.

In the bid to promote the local area and meet the growing staycation demand, the leisure group’s award-winning country house, Salomons Estate, spent six months refurbishing four new holiday lets, which opened late last year.

Named the Garden Cottages, the new self-catered properties sleep 2-4 guests and are dog-friendly.

They include fully-equipped shakerstyle kitchens, a stylish lounge/dining area with a flat-screen TV, a double bedroom and an ensuite bathroom,

as well as original features, like timber structures and exposed brickwork. Each cottage is named after a species of plant that once grew in the gardens when David Salomons occupied the estate in the 19th century. They can be found behind a grand wall that once enclosed his greenhouse.

Discovering

“People are opting for trips where they can experience the character of an area rather than simply heading to the beach,” Nick explained. “It’s all about discovering new towns and enjoying local food and drink.”

Located in the midst of Tunbridge Wells’ rolling

countryside, Salomons Estate provides the perfect backdrop for summertime getaways, offering a range of self-catering accommodations and staycation experiences.

The grounds are also home to a grand gatehouse and charming cottage, once home to David Salomons’ estate keeper.

The beautifully refurbished period homes boast a rich history and unique charm and are suitable for couples, families and groups of friends.

During their visit, guests can enjoy dog-friendly walks in the manicured gardens and a range of dining options, like traditional afternoon tea, which can be booked online as part of their cottage stay online at: salomons-estate.com

GARDEN COTTAGE

AFTERNOON TEA

WOODLAND WALK

WIN a FREE party worth £1,800!

ONE Warwick Park in Chapel Place is giving its Instagram followers the chance to win big in a huge giveaway. Teaming up with local event decorator, The Glitzy Balloon Company, the prize is worth over £1,800, making it the hotel’s largest giveaway to date.

The competition opened on Monday (June 5) and will close at 12pm on Friday June 23, before the winner is chosen at random.

Follow @theglitzyballooncompany and @onewarwickpark on Instagram and like, share and comment on the pinned post.

Perfect

The hotel will gift one lucky winner a free party, which includes welcome drinks for all guests and venue hire of the Function Room. The stunning, 142sqm of space boasts vaulted, double-height ceilings, exposed beams and brickwork, modern décor, and an adjoining bar. It can accommodate up to 180 people and has hosted hundreds of celebrations including wedding receptions, birthdays, baby showers

and engagements, providing the perfect setting for any occasion.

Winning the giveaway not only grants you free drinks and venue hire but also comes with additional perks such as event photography and an overnight stay in The House –

One Warwick Park’s beautifully refurbished self-catering accommodation.

Providing plenty of space for socialising, The House sleeps up to eight guests and features four double bedrooms, two luxurious bathrooms, a huge lounge, and a fullyequipped marble kitchen perfect for those pre-party drinks.

Event décor has also been taken care of as the hotel has teamed up with East Mallingbased party decorator, The Glitzy Balloon Company, established in 2018 and run by Poppy Greenhalgh. The winner will also receive a gifted display worth over £300.

Participants have until 12pm on Friday June 23 to enter, before the results are drawn at 7pm.

T&Cs apply and can be found at: onewarwickpark.co.uk

Set menus Wednesday to Saturday lunchtimes & Wednesday & Thursday evenings

Food served on our gorgeous terrace

Come and enjoy cool Jazz and Blues vibes from the Two Bob’s worth Jazz Trio on:

June 8th & 22nd

July 6th & 20th

August 10th & 24th

Unwind with a drink, stay for a bite, your choice...

To book a table call 01892 328 191 or email contact@thewarren.restaurant

Cheers to six tasty Cabernet Sauvignons!

A family-friendly venture

A family-friendly venture

Late-budding, relatively late-ripening, full-bodied and often tannic, the planet’s most-prized Cabernet Sauvignons have historically come from Bordeaux, particularly from the communes of Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe. Let’s raise a glass to this much-admired grape. Cheers!

1. 2022 Chassaux et Fils IGP Atlantique Rosé, France (£6.49, Aldi, groceries.aldi.co.uk)

Snap up this dry, crunchy, medium-bodied, Atlantic French rosé with flavours of hibiscus, cranberry fruit and redcurrants. Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant in the blend, topped up with 14% Cabernet Franc. I’d chill it for summer salads, BBQ burgers, grilled fish, goat’s cheese or a salade Niçoise. Pop this crowd-pleasing bottle at your next bash – it’s a fab pink picnic wine, too.

2. 2021 The Best Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia (£10, Morrisons, groceries. morrisons.com)

Coonawarra is Australia’s answer to Bordeaux’s Médoc with Cabernet Sauvignonforward blends from its distinctive ‘Terra Rossa’ clay-over-limestone soils. This easy-drinking Aussie bargain oozes sappy blackcurrants, with hints of plums, sweet cedar, green tobacco and vanilla. It will make a good partner for spicy, barbecued lamb or slow-cooked smoky beef ribs. Brilliant value here for a quality entry-level premium Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon. No point in ageing as it’s ready to drink immediately.

3. 2021 Berry Bros. & Rudd Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon by De Martino, Maipo Valley, Chile (£11.95, Berry Bros & Rudd, bbr.com) Berry Bros & Rudd stock some very fine sub-£20 bargains. like this Cabernet Sauvignon from a progressive Chilean winery in one of Chile’s oldest wine regions bordering its capital, Santiago. Maipo is a region producing worldclass Cabernet, especially in the gravel-rich Alto Mai (upper Maipo), an area which encompasses the sub-regions of Puente Alto and Pirque, in the foothills of the Andes. This rich, graceful, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon is quite structured and has generous notes of pencil

Licensing Act 2003Application for the grant of a Premises Licence

An application for a Premises Licence at Unit 7, Ely Court, Royal Victoria Place, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2SP has been made by Seaside Duck Limited TA – The Green Duck Tap Room

A summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening:

Plays: Every day - 10:00 to 23:00 (Indoors/Outdoors)

Films: Every day – 10:00 to 23:00 (Indoors/Outdoors)

Live Music: Every day – 10:00 to 23:00 (Indoors/Outdoors)

Recorded Music: Every day – 10:00 to 23:00 (Indoors/Outdoors)

Performance of dance: Every day – 10:00 to 23:00 (Indoors/Outdoors)

Sale of Alcohol: Every day – 10:00 to 01:00 (On/Off sales)

Hours open to the public: Every day - 10:00 to 01:00

Any person wishing to view details of an application can contact the licensing team on 01732 227004

Any person wishing to make representation about the proposals should make them in writing by 19th June 2023 to:

Licensing Partnership, Council Offices, PO Box 182, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent. TN13 1GP licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary of conviction for the offence is Unlimited.

shavings, blueberries and damsons, plus a suggestion of nutmeg. Lots here for the money! I could well imagine it with cold roast beef or BBQ lamb.

lends support; the finish streams with spice and crème de cassis. Luscious, stylish and bang on for roasts.

Hannah Patterson discovers what they have in store…

Hannah Patterson discovers what they have in store…

THERE are few things in this world that bring me more joy than being at a country pub in the sunshine.

4. 2020 Rustenberg John X Merriman Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa (£16.99 mix six, Majestic, majestic.co.uk)

THERE are few things in this world that bring me more joy than being at a country pub in the sunshine.

When my colleague and I arrive at The Brecknock Arms one lunchtime, the summer sun has finally arrived and is blazing down upon Digby Furneaux and Katie Bagley’s new venture.

Another tastebud-tingling cracker from the Barlow family cellars and beautiful vineyard near Stellenbosch, with masses of rich, spicy, bramble, mint, leather, briar and cigar boxscented oomph. Flickering acidity drives things along nicely and sapid, fine, powdery tannin

When my colleague and I arrive at The Brecknock Arms one lunchtime, the summer sun has finally arrived and is blazing down upon Digby Furneaux and Katie Bagley’s new venture.

5. 2021 The Society’s Exhibition Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon by Vasse Felix, Australia (£17, The Wine Society, thewinesociety.com)

If you’re a regular on West Kent’s culinary circuit, you may have already come across the pair of them.

If you’re a regular on West Kent’s culinary circuit, you may have already come across the pair of them.

years. been and worked

Katie has worked in bars and restaurants throughout her career, but her main experience stems from the restaurant Cau in Tunbridge Wells, where she was general manager for four

Katie has worked in bars and restaurants throughout her career, but her main experience stems from the restaurant Cau in Tunbridge Wells, where she was general manager for four

This top own-label ‘Exhibition’ (wines sourced only from the world’s finest growers) Wine Society Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Western Australia. It was bottled by Vasse Felix, Margaret River’s founding wine estate, established in 1967 in the temperate coastal area south of Perth, Western Australia. Think bay leaves and concentrated ripe, red and black berry fruit, with a smidgeon of peppercorn, red liquorice and ground star anise. The fruit is ripe and rippling, the tannins fine, willowy and utterly in cahoots, running together to unfurl across the palate and soar through the lengthy finish.

6. 2015 Château Beau-Site, St.-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France (£24.50, Co-op, coop.co.uk)

This textbook, voluptuous, developed and fresh old-school Cabernet Sauvignon-based claret from a super vintage is plumped up with a big splash of fleshy Merlot (Bordeaux’s most widespread grape variety) and a dash of high-acid, red-fruited Cabernet Franc and overflows with warming blackcurrant, spice, violet florals and tobacco leaf charm. It’s a supple supermarket vinous gem and a real treat. Sip with roast lamb; it also goes magnificently with a cheeseboard afterwards. Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

years. been and worked

Other Digby’s down worked

Other Digby’s down worked

This week, Times Drinks Editor James Viner takes another look at six examples of the preeminent, well-travelled, Cabernet Sauvignon – the world’s most widely-planted, classic red grape variety, which comes from Gironde in southwest France…

With a clear goal for what they hope to achieve, Digby and Katie Bagley, along with their young son and reinvigorated The Brecknock Arms in Bells Yew Green.

A NEW CHAPTER Katie Bagley, Digby Furneaux and son Barnaby

With a clear goal for what they hope to achieve, Digby and Katie Bagley, along with their young son and reinvigorated The Brecknock Arms in Bells Yew Green.

A NEW CHAPTER Katie Bagley, Digby Furneaux and son Barnaby

BAR.

RESTAURANT. ROOMS. CAVE. GARDEN.

Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-10.30 pm

Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm Sunday 12-10 pm

Food Service Times: Mon-Thurs 12-2.30pm/5.30-830pm

Fri-Sat 12-8.30pm Sunday 12-5pm Full Menu 5-8pm Light Menu

Come and visit us overlooking the Edgcumbe Rocks on the beautiful Tunbridge Wells Common!

Sip on pints of locally brewed beautifully conditioned cask Harvey’s in our amazing beer garden or a pint of local Pilsner made by our friends at Pig & Porter brewery, ‘’It’s About Time’’!

Scan our QR

code to see our Website...

Or tuck into our well-loved sharing boards, all perfect for a hot summer’s day.

At The Mount Edgcumbe, we pride ourselves on having a variety of locally sourced dishes, all of which are freshly prepared by our amazing kitchen team.

Whether it’s staying in one of our six luxury boutique bedrooms, or dining in either our charming inside restaurant or heated marquee with friends and family we have created an inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy!

T: 01892 618854

E:hello@themountedgcumbe.com

W: www.themountedgcumbe.com

Summer is well on its way, come and enjoyitwithus!

Taste the difference

The Chequers in Lamberhurst is well known for its fantastic Sunday roasts – the busy kitchen at this 15th Century pub dishes up over 200 of them most weekends. But it’s also the perfect spot for a light lunch, weekday dinner or for a quick pit stop pint with its inventive and super seasonal menu and warm welcome says Eileen Leahy…

AS country pubs go The Chequers in Lamberhurst certainly ticks all the right boxes. The 15thC inn is situated in the heart of this picturesque village, which lies right on the borders of Kent and East Sussex.

The first thing that struck me when I arrived was its size. It’s a big old beast with a number of dining areas, a traditional snug bar, an outbuilding which you can hire for private events and a most pleasant beer garden. It’s certainly the perfect spot to sip a summertime sundowner and let the cares of the day ebb away.

Once my guest and I have stepped inside this picture perfect period pub we’re greeted by Helen, its friendly manager who’s been behind the bar chatting away to lunchtime locals. She shows us to our table and I am impressed by the gorgeous way this historic pub has kept its ancient charm but also been brought right into the 21st century courtesy of its stylish racing green interiors which are punctuated with hits of pink paint, funky soft furnishings, quirky pieces of art and statement lighting. So far, so impressive… We’re handed our menus and asked if we’d like something to drink. “I can highly recommend one of our local gins,” enthuses Helen who tells us she has carefully curated an outstanding collection – most of which are hyper local – over the past couple of years. They include Birch Gin and Mousehall, both from nearby Wadhurst as well as Chapel Down Pinot Noir Gin and Ranscombe Wild Small Batch Gin from the Maidstone Distillery.

By now the venue’s head chef Caroline has come out to introduce herself and talk us through today’s menu which she explains changes more or less every three weeks. “We

like to keep things super seasonal and work with as much local produce as we can. All our fish comes from Sankey’s and our meat is from Fullers. But I also forage a lot too.”

This is evident in the first of our trio of starters: golden, lightly battered courgette fritters which come served with an outrageously tasty wild garlic mayo to dip them in. Oh my! Every bite is a pure delight and I could have happily feasted on just this. But we contain ourselves as next up we are treated to a portion of pulled pork ‘bon bons’.

These deep fried nuggets of smoky goodness are presented with a smooth, sweet apple purée compote which, when the two are combined, is nothing short of perfection, not just in terms of taste but texture too. Finally we are served an exquisitely presented plate of delicately gin-cured slivers of salmon, accompanied by hunks of fresh sourdough and the most delicious pickled cucumber and heritage carrots.The dish is finished off with a flourish of fennel, crème fraiche and edible pretty Nasturtium flowers.

Helen clears our plates, which have been scraped clean, and asks if we’d like to have a glass of another local offering: this time a Chapel Down Lamberhurst Estate Bacchus. Having passed by the vineyard en route to

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY AT THE CHEQUERS

8th June - Open Mic Night: Bring your guitar or voice and have a jam. (This event will take place on the second Thursday of each month)

18th June - Father’s Day: Treat your dad to a delicious lunch on his special day.

19th June - English wine week: Raise a glass to some of our brilliant local wineries.

21st June - Quiz Night: This fun event takes place on the third Wednesday evening of each month.

1st July - The Chequers Birthday & Family Fun Day: Roll up, roll up and help us celebrate by participating in our adults’ tug of war, face painting, egg and spoon race, treasure hunt and BBQ in the evening.

8th July - Quack Quack: We are hosting a duck race and we will also have live music on in the evening.

26th - 27th The Chequers charity weekend: Don’t miss this very special event which includes a barn dance at 3pm and a delicious BBQ. This is a ticketed event at £30per person. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Hospice in the Weald, Cancer Research and Lamberhurst Village Hall’s refurbishment. There will also be a live band in the evening of August 26. www.chequerslamberhurst.com

01892 89185

The Chequers it would seem churlish not to. Caroline reappears and gives the choices available for our mains – the enticingly entitled ‘Devour’ part of the menu. She explains they have an ever changing ‘Fisherman’s Plate’ and a ‘Huntsman’s Plate’ which basically means they will put on whatever fresh fish or meat of the day they have ordered in. Today’s choice is either a seabream or guinea fowl, which Caroline says is pan fried and served with charred hipsi cabbage and creamy mash. My guest and I both agree this sounds delicious and agree that it’s best to be a little adventurous when dining out. After all, why have something you might cook at home during the week when you could easily set your tastebuds off on an epic culinary journey? We opt to share the guinea fowl which is expertly cooked and oh so tender. The mash is buttery yet incredibly light and the charred hipsi cabbage is a revelation: it’s so tasty done this way we find ourselves duelling forks towards the end! Of course you don’t have to push yourself out of your culinary comfort zone if you don’t want to as The Chequers caters for all types of tastes and budgets which means you’ll find fish and chips, steak and burgers on the menu, alongside lighter bites like sandwiches, Welsh Rarebit and devilled whitebait. And judging by Caroline’s deft culinary touch – and some of the plates we see going out to other customers - all of these are bound to have just that little bit of extra special magic added to them.

Tastebuds – and tums – completely full we decide that a dessert each might be stretching it on a Wednesday lunchtime when we have to return to work and be productive. It’s a shame because they sound divine. There are classics such as chocolate brownie with honeycomb ice cream and baked cheesecake with blueberries on offer, or you could go for something just a little different like chargrilled pineapple with vegan ice cream. Oh well, next time...

Welcome to the George & Dragon

Family Quiz on the first Sunday of every month

Music in the garden every Saturday from 4.30pm

Welcome to the George & Dragon

Delicious Sunday Roasts available

Family Quiz on the first Sunday of every month

Welcome to the George & Dragon

Family Quiz on the first Sunday of every month

Taster nights - 5 courses & 5 Wines for £70

Music in the garden every Saturday from 4.30pm

Music in the garden every Saturday from 4.30pm

Dates are:- 24th May, 28th June, July 26th

Delicious Sunday Roasts available

Taster nights - 5 courses & 5 Wines for £70, last Wednesday of each month

Delicious Sunday Roasts available Taster nights - 5 courses & 5 Wines for £70

3 Speldhurst Hill, Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom 01892 338549

Dates are:- 24th May, 28th June, July 26th

3 Speldhurst Hill, Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom 01892 338549

bookings@ganddspeldhurst.com

bookings@ganddspeldhurst.com

www.ganddspeldhurst.com

www.ganddspeldhurst.com

3 Speldhurst Hill, Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom 01892 338549

bookings@ganddspeldhurst.com

Top tips to keep energy bills as low as possible

HOW TO EMBRACE MOVING HOUSE WHEN YOUR CHILDREN HAVE FLOWN THE NEST

Moving house for many of us is exciting. However, when it comes to moving when the children have flown the nest, it can carry a heavy emotional burden for those involved.

Deborah Richards, Managing Partner of award-winning Sales and Lettings agent, Maddisons Residential, explains why this type of house move can be so difficult and how best to approach it.

Tunbridge Wells is a town that for many years has been a popular destination for the family market, drawn to our extensive amenities, green open spaces and, of course, coveted schooling. At some point the owners of these family properties want to down-size, or “rightsizing” as we call it.

The children have left home, and the owners want a property that meets their changing needs, with less ongoing maintenance and cost, often releasing valuable equity, and happily knowing that they are handing their beloved home to a new, young family.

This is probably one of the hardest moves that any owner will make. Every property purchase until this time has had a sense of climbing the property ladder, and now there will be a move to a property with perceived compromises. It will be smaller, will maybe have closer neighbours and involve a different way of living, and it may lack period charm.

There will also be the sense of leaving a home where a lifetime of memories have been made, and the children are often also sad about this change. The “family home” has a special place in everyone’s heart.

Average household energy bills will fall by £426 a year from July, after Ofgem drops its price cap.

The regulator revealed plans to cut its price cap from £3,280 to £2,074 from July 1, following tumbling wholesale prices – the first-time consumers on default tariffs will have seen prices fall since the global gas crisis started more than 18 months ago (the cap reached £4,279 at its peak).

However, the regulator said: “Whilst today’s level is lower than last quarter, it is still above the levels it was before the energy crisis took hold, meaning many households could still struggle to pay bills.”

Indeed – as promising as this sounds, many households are still feeling the pinch. And as the old adage goes, every little bit helps when it comes to shaving money off household bills and living costs.

Keen to keep your energy bills – and usage – as low as possible? Here are some tips…

1. Switch off

Now the days are longer again, try to make the most of natural daylight and ensure lights are kept off when not absolutely needed. And when you do need artificial light, think about installing LED bulbs – cheaper to run than traditional lights – and remember that the glow of a candle creates a wonderful ambience.

2. Use cooler settings for laundry

Rethink your laundry cycle and turn the dial to a cold water wash. An estimated 75-90% of the electricity used per wash goes on heating the water, so think how much of a saving you could make by turning that dial down. Many detergents are designed to work well in a cool wash these days.

3. Hang washing outside

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, balcony or terrace, think about hanging the washing on a line outside, especially

now the weather has warmed up. Your clothing will not only dry in the lovely fresh open air but smell so much nicer than pulling it from a tumble dryer.

4. Take a tepid shower or bath

While we all love the feeling of being clean, opting for cooler bathing water now summer is here could be beneficial on numerous levels. According to dermatologists, if you have sensitive skin, too-hot water can trigger flare-ups and strip skin of sebum and oils, leaving it dry and dehydrated – and the energy savings of turning down the heat will add up.

5. Only boil the kettle with the water you need

It’s a no-brainer, but why, oh why fill the kettle to the brim for one cup of tea or coffee? Boil the amount you actually need – you’ll have your brew quicker, and trim down your energy use.

6. Make the most of salad days and rest the oven

With sunshine and settled conditions on the cards, think about a Mediterranean diet and switching out Sunday roasts for all your favourite salad recipes. Raw veggies and dips, tins of tuna, chilled gazpacho soups, cheese boards and French crusty bread. It’s delicious, with none of the faff of baking trays and prepping, and less need for fuel-guzzling cooking.

7. Draught-proof windows and doors

It’s always a good idea to think about draught-proofing your windows with self-adhesive strips – especially if you’ve just finished a spring clean and they’re looking their sparkling best with the sun streaming through – a cheap and effective way to save money on your energy bill.

If it feels draughty in your home, keep internal doors closed between rooms you’re not using and seal gaps at the bottom of doors with draught excluders – you can even make one with an old pillowcase stuffed with tired woolly jumpers –or foam weather strips. This will set you up for any chilly spells to come.

However, it does not need to be a negative move. My right-sizing clients tell me that post the move, they feel liberated, with valuable equity released to aid retirement or help their children, and free from the shackles of maintaining such a large home. So, involve your children, make them at last pack up all their remaining possessions, and press on with the next exciting chapter ahead. Yes, this will be a move that will involve huge emotional upheaval, driven by the head rather than the heart, but I am yet to meet anyone who regretted it!

With household fuel bills set to fall from July, make the most of the Ofgem price-cap drop with these nifty energy-saving tips, says Sam Wylie-Harris…

The Pantiles Antiques & Vintage Fair is back!

GREAT news for antiques lovers – The Pantiles

Antiques and Vintage Fair is returning this Saturday and Sunday (June 10-11), as well as on two other weekends this year.

Following two hugely popular events in 2022, more than 50 antique and vintage dealers will return to the Upper and Lower Pantiles with some of their finest items. There will also be more antiques and friendly dealers inside The Pantiles Exchange.

“We just had to return to The Pantiles to hold another Antiques Fair following the feedback from the events last year,” said the organisers,

Love Fairs, who also organise the Antiques and Vintage Fairs at Lingfield and Brighton Racecourses. “The reaction from those who visited was so incredibly complimentary, especially from locals who loved having a dedicated antiques and vintage event on their doorstep. Visitors just seemed to love the mix and variety of items available as well as enjoying the amazing atmosphere over the two days.”

Along with all of the outside stalls, you’ll also be able to visit the amazing shops inside The Pantiles Arcade, including some great items from Eric Knowles’ shop, Scottish Antiques.

Visitors will also be able to have their own antiques and heirlooms valued by TV antiques celebrities, such as the hugely knowledgeable Eric Knowles.

Entry to the fair is completely FREE and it is open from 10.30am to 5.00pm on both Saturday 10 and Sunday 11.

Further fairs are scheduled for August and September.

With so much going on, it really does promise to be a weekend not to be missed!

For more information, you can visit the organiser’s website at: lovefairs.com or call them on 01293 690777.

Lots to Love

From left to right: Qi Baishi (1864-1957), Bee and chrysanthemums paper scroll painting – £65,000 + fees. Late 19th century Chinese Export silver mug – £2,600 + fees. Lady’s steel and gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual wrist watch – £1,400 + fees. Baccarat millefiori glass paperweight, dated 1847 – £1,000 + fees. 1920’s pierced white gold and diamond cluster set brooch – £850 + fees.

‘We just had to return to The Pantiles to hold another Antiques Fair following the feedback from the events last year’

Louis Vuitton trunks: a history of luxury

Examples of Louis Vuitton’s original travel trunks have become highly sought-after collector’s items, says Pushkin Gallery Manager Rudolph Hamilton…

Pushkin Antiques offers a stunning collection of those most exceptional examples of perhaps the most iconic Louis Vuitton pieces.

For over a century, Louis Vuitton has been synonymous with luxury and elegance in the world of fashion. But the brand’s iconic status was first established through the creation of its signature travel trunks. From steamship voyages to the Orient Express, Louis Vuitton trunks have accompanied the elite and the adventurous alike on their journeys.

The story of Louis Vuitton trunks began in 1854 when a young Louis Vuitton arrived in Paris and began as an apprentice to Monsieur Marechal, a trunk maker. Vuitton quickly distinguished himself with his innovative designs and quality craftsmanship. He soon set out on his own, establishing his own trunk-making workshop in 1858.

Vuitton’s trunks were unlike any that had come before. They were lightweight, durable, and most importantly, featured a flat top that allowed for easy stacking. This was a significant innovation, as previously trunks had rounded

tops that made them difficult to pack efficiently. Vuitton’s flat-topped trunks quickly became popular with wealthy travellers, and the Louis Vuitton brand was born.

Over the years, Louis Vuitton continued to innovate and improve upon his trunks. He added brass hardware to protect the corners and edges of the trunks and introduced a range of sizes and shapes to meet the needs of different travellers. Vuitton also introduced a revolutionary lock system, featuring a single key that could open all of a traveller’s trunks.

As travel became more accessible in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Louis Vuitton trunks became an essential accessory for anyone

CALLS THIS JUNE IN YOUR AREA

embarking on a voyage. They were seen on steamships, trains, and in the luggage compartments of automobiles. Even famous explorers such as Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton relied on Louis Vuitton trunks for their polar expeditions.

Adventure

Today, Louis Vuitton trunks continue to be prized possessions for collectors and luxury travellers. While they may no longer be the most practical option for modern-day travel, they remain a symbol of the golden age of luxury travel. And while Louis Vuitton has expanded its product offerings far beyond trunks, the brand’s heritage and legacy are still deeply rooted in the world of travel and adventure.

The story of Louis Vuitton trunks is one of innovation, craftsmanship, and a dedication to quality that has endured for over a century. As the world continues to evolve and travel becomes more accessible, the legacy of Louis Vuitton trunks will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.

‘Vuitton quickly distinguished himself with his innovative designs and quality craftsmanship’

JUST IN CASE:

A classic Louis Vuitton trunk

RUDOLPH HAMILTON

Motoring News

Caterham looks to the future with electric development car

New BMW 5 Series revealed as tech-laden super saloon

BMW has revealed its new, eighth-generation 5 Series, which brings a host of innovations, as well as the option of the electric i5.

Growing in size, the i5 is, for the first time, longer than five metres fo and will be offered solely in M Sport grades in the UK. The new 5 Series adopts several cues from the latest 7 Series, including its flush-fitting door handles and two-tone front bumper.

That said, it’s a more conservative-looking design than what we’ve seen recently from recent BMW, most noticeably with a smaller and less brash grille, though on higher-spec 5 Series and i5 models, the grille can be illuminated.

Technology

Inside, the new 5 Series gets BMW’s new virtually button-free ‘Curved Display’, consisting of 12.3-inch digital dials and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. Both run on the firm’s latest operating system, which includes new shortcut buttons and in-built YouTube for when the car is stationary, though a separate data plan is needed for this.

Other bits of technology in the new 5 Series include an ‘AirConsole’ where occupants can use their phones to play games on the main screen while the car is stopped or charging. A feature called an ‘Interaction Bar’, which was first seen on the latest 7 Series, stretches across the instrument panel, and can be used to control features such as ventilation.

The 5 Series is the first model to feature a vegan seat upholstery material as standard, though traditional leather is available as an option.

Elsewhere, BMW has rejigged the 5 Series engine range significantly, with diesel models discontinued in the UK, and the only combustion model being the 205bhp 2.0-litre 520i petrol. The key change is the addition of the new electric i5, which will be offered in two forms – the 335bhp eDrive40 and a sporty 593bhp M60 xDrive.

Each uses an 81.2kWh (usable) battery, which allows for a range of up to 362 miles on the standard i5, or 320 miles on the sporty M60.

The latter version’s huge power reserves also allow for a 0-60mph time of 3.6 seconds – a figure not far off the performance offered by the outgoing M5

The i5 can also charge at up to 205kW, meaning a 10 to 80 per cent charge can take place in ‘around 30 minutes’, says BMW. Popular plug-in hybrids will join the 5 Series line-up in 2024.

The latest 5 Series is also equipped with the latest in driver assistance technology, including a ‘digital tyre condition monitor’ that’s able to report problems far earlier than the current systems.

There will also be a system where the car can change lanes automatically on a motorway by the driver simply looking at the relevant exterior mirror, without the need to press the indicator. BMW has not confirmed when this feature will come to the UK.

The new 5 Series will also come with ‘Proactive Care’, where any faults on the car will automatically be reported to BMW, with the firm then following up with the customer to arrange a fix or repair.

Orders are now open for the new BMW 5 Series, with prices starting from £49,850. First deliveries are expected in October with a Touring estate

LIGHTWEIGHT sports car firm Caterham is testing an electric model as it explores the feasibility of a ‘driver-focused petrol counterpart’. While small-scale manufacturers (those producing less than 1,000 cars) may be given an exemption to continue selling combustion cars after the 2030 petrol and diesel ban in the UK, Caterham is pushing ahead to explore the feasibility of whether one of its cars would work as an EV.

Lightweight

The British firm has today revealed the ‘EV Seven’, which it is trialling as it looks to sell electric versions of its lightweight, two-seat sports car. in the future. Based on the regular Seven chassis, the Caterham is being engineered with Swindon Powertrain. Using an immersioncooled battery pack, it’s said to allow for much better thermal management than a traditional battery,

The battery has a usable capacity of 40kWh, and while there’s no word on range, Caterham says it is engineered for a ‘20-15-20’ drive cycle, meaning it can be driven hard on track for 20 minutes, recharged in 15 minutes, and then is

Updated MG HS SUV goes on sale

MG’s revised HS SUV is now on sale, with prices starting from £23,495.

The HS is currently MG’s largest model sold in the UK, and has been hugely successful owing to its low starting price. Rivalling the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, it is available purely with a 160bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as standard. There’s a choice of a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission too.

Eye-catching

The plug-in hybrid version of the HS will remain in the current shape, with only petrol versions being updated now for now.

Changes as part of this 2023 update see the HS get a much more eye-catching grille, along with new LED lights at both the front and rear. MG has also revised the HS’ trim levels, which are renamed SE and Trophy, in line with other new models from the firm, such as the MG4 and ZS EV.

Prices remain identical to before, with the SE

model starting from £23,495. Standard equipment includes bi-function LED headlights, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, keyless entry and a reversing camera.

The top-spec Trophy costs from £25,995 and adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.

Guy Pignouakis, commercial director at MG UK, said: “The MG HS has proved to be very popular with UK customers, but we’re further improving

the car with a much-enhanced design and two generously-equipped models to choose from that still retain a very strong value proposition for our flagship SUV.” MG continues to be one of the fastest-growing car firms in the UK. Year-to-date (up until the end of April 2023), it’s registered 25,713 new cars – a 55 per cent increase on the same period in 2022. MG is now more popular than brands such as Peugeot and Skoda in the UK.

capable of another 20 minutes on a circuit.

Caterham has developed this EV to ‘closely match the performance’ of petrol models, with its electric motor producing 240bhp and 250Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-60mph time of ‘approximately’ four seconds.

While weight is often an issue associated with electric cars, Caterham says the EV Seven weighs just 700kg, and is only 70kg heavier than a petrol model.

Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “Any future EV model we produce must be true to the DNA of a Caterham: lightweight, fun-to-drive and driver-focused. The main objective of this project is to develop a vehicle with a weight delta of no more than the equivalent of having a passenger on board. We’re never going to launch a onetonne Seven – we’d rather not do it.”

Caterham says it doesn’t have plans to build an electric Seven “at this stage,” but that it will launch it “at the right time, when the future generation of battery technology allows it”.

The EV Seven will have a public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, held between July 13 and 16. Caterham also says it is working on ‘another fully electric sports car concept that it will reveal this year’.