Times of Tunbridge Wells March 8 2023

Cabbies urged to accept card payments

By Lilly Croucher

TAXI drivers in Tunbridge Wells are being ‘encouraged’ to accept card payments and to not always insist customers pay in cash.

The Borough Council has been forced to act after passengers have been left frustrated by drivers who insist on cash payments to avoid paying costly card transaction fees.

Customers have complained on social media about being turned away from taxis when they cannot pay in cash.

A poll by this newspaper showed that 84% of those who responded to our question had experienced ‘cash only’ drivers.

However, Tunbridge Wells taxi drivers have explained how the costly transaction fees, signal ‘cold spots’, and bank payment disputes have affected their business.

charged 1.79 per cent for taking card payments and up to 2 per cent on an international card like Amex.

“Taxi drivers are already paying for licensing, petrol, and the vehicle, and this is another cost on top.

“We are stuck to the meter price, set by the Council and we cannot increase our fares to cover the extra cost, unlike private hires can.

Taxi driver, Clayton Berry of Cleggy’s Taxi told the Times: “The fees on card payments for drivers is very high, which is why many only accept cash. We get

Toni Conlon, of Tunbridge Wells 888 Taxis, told the Times: “We are having to pay up to 3.5 per cent on some transaction fees and I don’t know how many other people have to put up with that.

Continued

‘The fees on card payments for drivers is very high, which is why many only accept cash’

this week…

FAB FAREWELL

Southborough restaurant Imli plans an ABBA tribute for its last night this Saturday (March 11) P8

HOLME SWEET HOME A grand mansion designed and lived in by Decimus Burton is up for sale... raising interest in his

Grammar schools admitting lowest number of deprived pupils in Kent

By Lilly Croucher

NEW data shows that three Tunbridge Wells schools rank among the lowest in Kent when it comes to accepting children from poorer backgrounds.

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School (TWGGS) and The Skinners' School are jointthird, while Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (TWGSB) placed fourth as the leastinclusive of 37 grammar schools in the county.

BBC analysis of a Department for Education (DfE) report found that only four per cent of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds were admitted to TWGGS and The Skinners' School last year, while five per cent of deprived children were given places at TWGSB.

Improve

Tonbridge Grammar School was ranked the lowest in the county – admitting only two per cent of poorer children to the school.

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are measured by those receiving Pupil Premium support, which is linked to free school meals.

The DfE reported that in Kent, 24 per cent of children aged 11-15 come from deprived backgrounds, yet grammar schools in the county took in, on average, 9.37 per cent of disadvantaged children.

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Arthur Ponsonby, Director of The Right Tuition Company, who teaches and offers financial relief to deprived children sitting the 11 Plus exam, told the Times: "Whilst Tunbridge Wells, contrary to popular belief, does indeed possess

Edward Wesson, Headmaster of The Skinners' School, told the Times: “We give preference to children with Pupil Premium and as a result the number of children on Pupil Premium has more than doubled since I worked here, from two per cent to now nearly five per cent, with the increase in numbers in years 7-10.

“We have only had this policy for the last three or four years, so most of [these] students are lower down in the school, but the number of disadvantaged children is increasing.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT The Skinners’ School on St John’s Road

pockets of deprivation, it isn't the first town that pops into the minds of Kent folk when contemplating the county's socio-economic hardship.

“On this basis, the conflation of county-wide data with that of a singular town, can present some distortion of the realities surrounding this debate.

“If legislation is ever to be brought forward to enable new grammar schools to be developed, then I think it would be worthwhile to concentrate these efforts in those lessadvantaged parts of the county," Mr Ponsonby explained.

“This is the key difference that will help grammar schools to rediscover their capacity as vehicles for social mobility.”

There has been some improvement in admission policies with 72.5 per cent of schools

it as not every pupil offered a place will come here.

“Data suggests that Pupil Premium children have lower attainment and by default they achieve lower marks, so we try to provide extra help by giving preferential treatment in our admission policy,” Mr Wesson explained.

“We are also running a series of activity days such as a football tournament to encourage disadvantaged primary pupils to come to grammar school.

adopting new guidance such as lowering the pass rate of the 11 Plus exam for disadvantaged children and creating a quota of places.

While TWGSB gives low priority to disadvantaged children, TWGGS gives high priority to children receiving Pupil Premium when considering their application. The Skinner’s School also allocates ten places for deprived children with a lower test score threshold every year.

AIM is a charity in Kent that supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds taking the 11 Plus test.

The number of pupils in education between 2010 and 2022 rose by 11 per cent in Kent, as TWGSB admitted 26 per cent more pupils and Skinners' 35 per cent more, but TWGGS took only two per cent more pupils over the last 12 years.

Grammar schools educate just five per cent of secondary school pupils in the UK at 163 schools across the country.

The selective exam process encourages parents to pay for private tuition to get their children into these schools, making them unobtainable for poorer students.

As well as lowering the pass mark and including quotas, a third of grammar schools now have online practice tests available to make it easier for those who don’t have private tutoring.

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“We have a quota of ten per cent per year group, which is going to be established for this coming September, but we expect we won’t fill

“We support the charity AIM by allowing them to use our premises for free to carry out mock exams.”

The Department for Education have said they are working to encourage ‘all schools including grammar schools’ to improve the admissions processes for disadvantaged children.

Tonbridge Grammar School, TWGGS and TWGSB have been approached for comment.

Council puts brakes on cash only payments

Continued from front page

“Sometimes we have to wait up to a week to get paid by the [card] companies with some of my friends waiting up to six weeks for a transaction.

“There are also many cold spots around Tunbridge Wells where there is no signal on the customer’s phone or our card reader – these are usually around Mayfield and Crowborough.

“You then have to drive around finding signal which makes the meter go up and customers get annoyed. They have also been times when people’s phones have run out of charge or people have forgotten their PIN number,” Ms Conlon explained.

drivers taking card payments.

He told the Times: “One of the existing problems is that they often end up being delivered to somewhere without mobile reception.

“You get to the end of the journey and then they can’t take it [the payment].”

In the Times poll last week, we found that 84 per cent of respondents said they had experienced ‘cash only’ taxis, with many online comments calling for the Council to make all drivers have a card reader.

One commenter said: “Come on TWBC, get cards made mandatory, as well as cash, and do it soon! It’s obviously infuriating people.”

of encouraging more drivers to take card payments.

Luke Everitt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said: “I can understand how frustrating it is to find that a taxi is cash only when you just want to get on with your journey.

Financial

Media, publisher

Disadvantages

“There have been cases when people dispute the payment with the bank as an ‘unrecognised transaction’ and they can claim the money back – it has happened to around three drivers I know.”

Former Tunbridge Wells councillor David Scott, who maintains an interest in bus and taxi transport, pointed out the disadvantages of taxi

Mr Berry of Cleggy’s Taxi explained: “Around 25 to 30 per cent of drivers take cards and the rest prefer cash payments unless it is a long journey where they can make a good profit.

“At the moment the Council does not require taxi drivers to take cards, but all Hackney Carriages must abide by the licensing rules laid out by the Council.

“I think more drivers should take cards – I do with no issues – but I understand why they don’t because they lose money.”

The Borough Council is aware of the issues and said it has written to the taxi drivers in the hope

“Under existing Council policy drivers are not obliged to accept card payments. It is a business decision on their part which I’m sure is influenced by the transaction fees they might incur. If a passenger does not have an alternative means of payment the driver would be within their rights to decline the fare.

“That said, the Council’s Licensing Team has recently written to the taxi drivers encouraging those who do not accept card payments to do so, and to advise them that drivers should be flexible and take people to cashpoints if necessary to avoid leaving them stranded.

“We will continue to work with local drivers to develop practical taxi licensing that residents would expect, while balancing drivers’ business needs in a difficult financial time for us all.”

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of the Times

THE TIMES TALKS TO EDWARD WESSON AT THE SKINNERS’ SCHOOL

Trinity Theatre is on target for fundraising

THE response by members and suporters of Trinity theatre’s recent urgent fundraising campaign to ensure it stays open has surpassed its initial target of £25,000 and is ‘well on its way’ to the second target of £75,000.

The cultural venue’s Executive Director Nick Mowat announced the news last week in an email, stating the fundraising effort to keep the former church’s doors open to the public had been ‘remarkable.’

“We surpassed our initial target of £25,000 by the end of January and are well on our way to our second target of a further £75,000 by the end of this month. With a 200 year old building there are always demands on our finances and we are planning to keep our Just Giving campaign open until the end of March.”

He thanked supporters for ‘considering Trinity’ and assured them the venue was doing all it could to secure its future in the coming weeks and months.

Kent Invicta head and Times Business Awards judge to retire

THE long-term Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce is to retire at the end of this year.

Having worked for the Chamber for 33 years, including 15 as Chief Executive, Jo James OBE has announced she will step down from the role later this year on December 22.

Ms James also steered the judging panel of the Times Business Awards five times, from the inaugural awards in May 2016 to the postpandemic return in March 2022.

Former UKIP official joins Conservatives

A FORMER director and member of UKIP has resigned all positions and membership of the party and joined the Conservatives, saying he wanted to ‘unite the right’.

Alun Elder-Brown said that while UKIP and other parties on the right sought to form some kind of union, including with groups such as the English Democrats, this could ‘only split the vote, if not the country’.

He added that the recent Windsor Framework deal for Brexit ‘was not perfect’ but did represent ‘progress’.

Tunbridge Wells Conservative Association

Chairman Andrew Hobart said: “He has always been a small c conservative, and in joining us he has returned to his natural political home.”

McFly’s Danny Jones on Pub in the Park bill

SINGER-songwriter and guitarist Danny Jones, of pop band McFly, has been confirmed as one of the celebrities appearing at this summer’s food and music festival.

Appearing as part of Pub in the Park’s new Rock ‘n’ Roll Cooking programme, the lead guitarist will appear with Si King of The Hairy Bikers in Tunbridge Wells.

He and McFly are also set to play on the mainstage at Dunorlan Park on Saturday July 8.

The event runs over the weekend of July 7-9.

Engineering work to close Hastings Line

ENGINEERING work will see the train line between Tunbridge Wells and Hastings close for nine days this April.

A replacement bus service will run between Hastings and Tunbridge Wells during the works, covering the period of April 7-15.

Closure of ‘unviable’ community café sparks new protest petition

that there is no workable route forward to issue a new licence which sees all parties satisfied.

As such, the café will cease to operate after this date.

“SPC sincerely hope to avoid similar situations occurring in the future and wish matters had turned out differently.

“We would like to express again our deepest appreciation for all the benefits that Emma and the Pavilion Café provided for the community.”

Value

community hub and café open has reached 1,500 supporters in just two days, with signatures continuing to be added.

Located in the Recreation Ground near the Speldhurst Parish Council office, Langton Pavilion Café’s licence is set to expire on March 31. Customers and supporters have rallied to its defence with a petition on Change.org.

Started by a local customer, the petition highlights the wealth of community activities that the café has hosted, which have included drop-in family sessions and mental health talks.

The petition states: “This cafe is a lifeline to local families, not just as a safe space for parents, grandparents, caregivers to enjoy a hot drink and food with toys, books, etc., but also the pop events that are arranged, drop in midwife sessions (even more critical with the threatened closure of children centres) [sic], but also local markets, community lunches and events.”

customers and her team, and said: “My amazing team and I are absolutely devastated that we will no longer be there to give something to the community.

“We will desperately miss the amazing customers we have grown to love and know so well.”

In a statement, Speldhurst Parish Council (SPC) expressed ‘sincere disappointment’ saying: “It cannot be overstated how significant the café’s contributions to the local community have been.

“Café Manager Emma’s tireless work running the space is commendable, and SPC fully recognises the positive impact she has had.”

However, it said the decision had been taken following discussions between the Parish Council, Langton Green Community Sports Association (LGCSA) and the café.

It added: “The café's licence expires on the 31st of March. After extensive discussions, it appears

Meanwhile, LGCSA chairman Guy Lambert also thanked Ms Howden for her contributions and offered her the Association’s ‘very best wishes’. However, his statement added: “It has become apparent that the current operation of the cafe is unviable.

Further, the operation of the cafe had expanded in a manner which limited other uses for the building.

He said: “What is totally clear is that many view a cafe as central to village life at Langton. LGCSA has our community at its heart and in our DNA –and we agree.

“As soon as a sustainable model for managing the building is determined, we look forward to improving, re-instating and continuing the activities which we all value.

“And we look forward to future discussions with any interested parties to create a sustainable, vibrant, community hub.”

The petition is at: change.org/p/save-thelangton-pavillion-cafe

Commuter group offers tips to beat latest rail fare rises

TRAIN fare increases last Sunday (March 5) have left local season ticket holders more than £300 a year worse off. Hybrid workers, who do not travel every day, now pay as much as £45 for a peak day return to London.

Rail price rises of 5.9 per cent saw the cost of an annual season ticket from Tunbridge Wells to London terminals hit £5,556 – up by around £310.

A flexi-season ticket for the same route is £296.90 for eight passes – at £37.11 per daily pass – but they must be used within a 28-day period, so infrequent commuters could end up better off paying £45 for a peak day return.

Saving

However, rail commuters and leisure travellers can try to beat the increase thanks to advice from a local transport group.

According to analysis by Tonbridge Line Commuters (TLC), commuters should consider using a railcard to get discounted off-peak fares, since Southeastern only charges peak fares in the morning, not the evening.

Both tickets can be bought at the same time, for example, at a ticket office in the morning.

Offering some calculations using the £30 Network Railcard (which can also be bought through some cashback sites), Rob Mansfield of TLC found a £6.10 saving on a Tunbridge Wells to London terminals return.

This is a £45 return journey, yet a passenger could buy a £25.90 peak morning single to London, then an off-peak discounted single back to Tunbridge Wells for £13, he told the Times “The saving is £6.10 and it’s five journeys a

year to cover costs of the card.”

Meanwhile, he added, High Brooms to the London terminals is £44.30 return, but purchasing a £25.70 single to London and £13 single back to High Brooms gives a saving of £5.60 – or six journeys a year to cover the cost of the railcard.

A Paddock Wood return to the London terminals costs £40.30, but buying a peak single in the morning at £22.20, plus the £13.00 off-peak ticket means a saving of £5.10.

According to the TLC guide, for those who travel to London and use the Tube with Zone 1, it will usually work out cheaper to use this method to get to a London terminal and then use

contactless or Oyster on the Tube.

“I think this is infinitely better than the (in) flexible season ticket, which ties you into eight journeys over 28 days,” said Mr Mansfield. In addition, the railcard’s minimum fare of £13 on weekdays does not apply at weekends, so holders can get all such fares discounted – and the savings continue all year rather than expiring after 28 days.

Mr Mansfield noted: “The saving on a Tonbridge to London Terminals ticket is essentially the cost of a year’s membership with Tonbridge Line Commuters!”

Join the Tonbridge Line Commuters group at tonbridgecommuters.org.uk/new-membership

Celebrating a love of literature on World Book Day

THIS year’s World Book Day on March 3 was celebrated across the borough with lots of pupils, both young and old, getting into the spirit of dressing up as their favourite book characters.

Schools including Claremont Primary, St John’s Primary, Benenden School, The Mead and Claremont Prep School, welcomed children dressed as all sorts of traditional and contemporary literary characters including Little Red Riding Hood, The Gruffalo, Where’s Wally, Harry Potter and Dennis the Menace. There were even a few witches, dragons, aliens and fantastic foxes thrown in for good measure too.

World Book Day is the globe’s biggest celebration of authors, illustrators and their imaginative creations and this year celebrates its 26th anniversary.

Every year the event gets bigger and better, with more and more schools actively participating and making it both fun and educational. And despite some local schools participating in the national teachers’ strike on March 3, many children didn’t lose out as lots of World Book Day events were rescheduled for the following day, Friday March 4.

Inspiring children to get into reading lies at the heart of this much-loved literary festival, which is celebrated in more than 100 countries across the globe.

How long does it take to recruit a member of staff?

This is a question I am frequently asked. The truth is, there are so many variables which affect the length of a recruitment process; How desperate is the company? How senior is the member of staff and what is their notice period? Are you prepared and able to recruit attitude and train skill? Etc.

Our PB of recruiting a temporary member of staff for one of our clients is 16 minutes! That’s from taking the brief on the role to having a candidate in place to host a busy reception desk and answer phones.

Permanent roles are different, but a recruitment process doesn’t have to go on forever. The longer it takes, the more risk of either party changing their mind for whatever reason and that can see one or both parties back to square one when they could’ve worked through a situation more efficiently simply with better planning. We assist our clients to identify the type of person they are trying to find but also to have some flexibility. If they are trying to get a like for like replacement for the person leaving the role, that’s a mistake. The outgoing person has outgrown the role so how long realistically is a

person going to last in the same role if they are at a similar level?

It is as important to keep the time between interviews to a minimum. That doesn’t mean compromising the interview process by cutting a stage or a test or task, it’s simply keeping the length of time between interviews to days rather than weeks, ensuring all decision makers are on hand to meet interviewees at stage one or two.

To summarise, if you are recruiting;

1. Define the job description, salary and benefits.

2. Identify how you will assess the criteria required and which members of your team need to be involved.

3. Diarise dates for first and second interviews.

4. When you see the right person, make an offer and on board them efficiently.

5. Keep in touch regularly between offer and start date. For all your recruitment needs neil@tnrecruits.com 01892 571105 www.tnrecruits.com

CLAREMONT PRIMARY

THE MEAD SCHOOL

ST JOHN’S PRIMARY

BENENDEN

CLAREMONT PREP

High Brooms development blocked by Town Council

By Lilly Croucher

PLANS to develop the derelict High Brooms Working Men’s Club have been opposed by Southborough Town Council.

In a comment on the planning application, Tracy Kelly, the Town Clerk for Southborough Town Council said: “The Council has decided to REFUSE this application, citing overdevelopment.”

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) said that the comment is just a recommendation and that the application is still ongoing, pending a decision by the planning committee.

Documents submitted to TWBC detail plans to partially demolish and refurbish the club, while adding an extra storey and creating seven, one- and two-bedroom flats and two, threebedroom apartments.

The original club space will be downsized from 446m2 to 163m2 to create two more apartments on the ground floor and provide refuse storage.

create a better relationship between the club and its neighbours.

The now boarded-up club has been part of the High Brooms community for decades but was closed due to the need for renovation and high running costs.

In 2018 an application was made for the partial demolition and refurbishment of the club with nine flats, which was approved by TWBC.

According to the new plans by ECE Architecture for Naam Investments of Middlesex, the flats will spread across three floors with the renovated club being ‘retained and improved’ with a new bar, kitchen, toilets, and an outside terrace across the ground floor.

The lower ground floor will be ‘opened up’ to create 11 parking spaces, cycle storage facilities for 15 bicycles and the existing conference room will be converted into a three-bedroom apartment.

Additional features of the building include a ramp for disabled access, private parking spaces on the lower floor and external cladding to improve ‘thermal retention and visual appearance’.

Plans for the project hope to provide ‘the opportunity to enhance the character of the local environment and improve the views of neighbours as the existing building is of poor architectural quality.’

The new developers say it will address the housing shortfall across the Borough and will

National Lottery to play a big role in mental health charity expansion

Issues

However there have been some complaints by High Brooms residents about the lack of parking in the area.

Victoria Caglar, from Southborough said: “With eight apartments comes eight to 16 cars. The area is already difficult to find parking due to commuters and this will only add to the lack of parking. Residents have to currently park several roads away.”

Kirsty Carter, from Southborough said: “High Brooms Road can get heavy traffic at the best of times – this will increase with more vehicles in a small space.

In response to the parking issues, the developers have said that there will be a total of

15 spaces on the lower ground level, 11 of which will be located below the building itself and will be secured by a roller shutter door – these will be for residents only.

There will also be four spaces outside the front of the club which will be for club use only.

The applicant, Naam Investments said in the planning documents:

“We consider that the proposals offer significant benefits for the club members and the surrounding area.

“The club building will be refurbished to ensure the club has an appropriate facility to survive, whilst providing much needed housing provision for local people.

“The site is in a sustainable location and the proposals make efficient use of already developed land.”

Southborough Town Council has been approached for comment.

FUNDING from the National Lottery will help a local mental health charity continue and expand its Hub services to reach around 500 people over the next three years.

Tunbridge Wells-based Mental Health Resource provides support for over 800 people every year through four key projects, but its core Hub project helped nearly 200 people last year.

Grant

Now, a new National Lottery Community Fund grant of £353,000 over three years will allow Mental Health Resource to reach an additional 300 people over that period, said Jen Williams, the charity’s Fundraising and Marketing Manager.

Hub activities provide residents who need support with their mental health with a safe space to talk and a timetable of various free activities, from arts and crafts to walking.

Activities are based at 2a Grosvenor Road and at other sites, including the charity’s own allotment, Grosvenor and Hilbert Park, Trinity Theatre, and wellbeing walks in the countryside.

A new 18-25 peer support group and a volunteer programme are also part of the Hub expansion, Ms Williams added.

This is the second time the charity has received National Lottery funding, but the earlier funding, received in 2019, had been due to help establish a befriending service whose operations were curtailed by the pandemic.

Ms Williams said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this grant means that we can reach even more people in our town who desperately need support at this really challenging time.

“This will make a huge difference to people’s lives.”

Find more information at: mentalhealthresource.org.uk/Listing/Category/ our-services

‘The now boarded-up club has been part of the High Brooms community for decades but was closed due to the need for renovation and high running costs’

Headaches for staff and employers as more strikes impact workplace

INDUSTRIAL action could continue to disrupt more than just business operations – staff relations could also end up strained if expectations about time off work are unclear.

Upcoming industrial action is expected from teachers in the NEU union on March 15-16, and by RMT workers on Southeastern Railway on March 16, 18 and 30 March and April 1.

Emergency

Yet working parents cannot rely on emergency dependents’ leave to cover them with their employers, employment expert Pam Loch, of Loch Associates, has warned.

Imli restaurant says thanks to customers before closure

By Sarah Carter

SOUTHBOROUGH’S long-standing Imli restaurant is set to close its doors for the last time this month, with its farewell night featuring an ABBA tribute, after landlords put up the rent.

Unsustainable

Imli explained that money was the issue, telling customers on social media: “[The] landlord has put our rent up from 60k to 100k and also with the rising cost of living, we are left with no choice but to close because it is unsustainable with that level of rent and rising cost.”

Customers can still book for the ABBA Stars night on Friday (March 10) before the London Road restaurant closes on March 11.

The restaurant was previously The Weavers, which in an earlier planning application for the Grade II-listed structure revealed that the building was likely to be hundreds of years old.

“The original building is probably a 16th-century Wealden Hall Farmhouse, typical to areas of Kent. Its original structure would have been a full timber frame, with a thatched roof,” said the heritage statement in 2017.

Bookings for the ABBA Stars farewell tribute night can be made on 01892 522 550 or by visiting: imli.uk

“The key is in the word ‘emergency’, because if you know that the teachers are going to be striking, you’ve had enough notice to be organised and arrange to have someone else look after the children,” she said.

“If you’ve already taken the necessary steps to arrange a childminder, but the person you’ve contacted falls unwell the day before, then obviously you would be able to request emergency dependents’ leave in this case,” she added.

However, she cautioned: “It’s emergency time off, so it will usually be unpaid.”

“Misuse of unplanned absence can break the bond of trust,” she warned.

“Employees should only rely on emergency dependents’ leave in genuine cases, as misuse of leave arrangements can damage the duty of trust and confidence between the employee and the employer.”

Staff unable to find childcare would also be expected to take unpaid time off or use holiday if they are unable to come to work.

Yet working from home, with or without children present, also can raise problems for employers, from the health and safety

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implications of working while looking after children to the potential for discrimination.

Ms Loch said: “If an employee can work from home and does not have children, employers must decide how they approach this as they need to be consistent in their approach and not unlawfully discriminate.”

Any strike which results in staff being unable to get to work must be handled carefully by employers, said Ms Loch, who has been an employment lawyer for 23 years.

Although unauthorised time off can lead to disciplinary action, if someone approaches their manager explaining that childcare arrangements had fallen through at the last minute, ‘it would be difficult not to agree to them having time off’ the lawyer acknowledged.

“An employer also has to consider if the employee could bring an employment tribunal claim for sex discrimination if they discipline the employee.”

There are other solutions for transport-strike disruption, but they do require forethought and initiative, added Ms Loch, suggesting employers consider car sharing or arranging transport.

There are only four months to go until the town’s much loved Soapbox Race opens the gates of Dunorlan Park for another action packed, exciting, fun, family day out. We spoke to Nicole (Coco) Piesse-Turner, the event organiser and Co-Founder who is proud to announce the Headline Sponsors of Tunbridge Wells Soapbox Stars 2023; NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Stoner Motor Company.

We spoke to Shaun Joubert, NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells Partner and asked him the driving force to support the town’s much loved annual event? "As a business owner who has participated in the Tunbridge Wells Soapbox Stars over the years, I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact it has on our community. Not only does it support many local charities, but it also brings families and teams together for a day of fun and bonding. That's why we are excited to take our involvement to the next level of this fantastic event.”

Shaun added, “Not only does the event align with our company values, but it also provides our team with a great opportunity to get involved with a worthwhile cause, boost morale and create lasting memories. We are honoured to support this event and look forward to its continued success in the years to come."

NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells will be racing their Land Rover and Wallace & Grommit style soap kart around the Dunorlan circuit, raising money not only for the Hospice in the Weald but also for two other local charities: The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre (which was set up by a group of cancer patients who realised they needed somewhere to go to relax and talk to others who are in a similar

situation) and Mental Health Resource (an award-winning local mental health charity based in West Kent, which provides safe spaces and person-centred mental health support to help people improve their wellbeing.)

Both of these local charities offer invaluable support to our local communities.

The event’s second sponsor is The Stoner Motor Company which has a proud tradition of supporting local charities and community initiatives in and around Kent.

Their Managing Director, Dean Stoner explained, "The main reason for partnering with this year's Tunbridge Wells Soapbox Stars kart

race is to support local events and raise funds for local charities. As a family-owned business that has been based in Tunbridge Wells since 1974, it is important to us to give back to the local community and this event allows us to do that whilst having fun and bringing people together from all walks of life”.

To see the sponsors and other local businesses whizzing down the 2023 soapbox track in Dunorlan Park, in their customised karts, on Saturday 24th June, come join in the infectious fun day with your family and get your tickets now; https://www.twsoapboxrace.com/buytickets

People behind the scenes play a starring role in staging gala event

Times

business awards 2023

The Times Business Awards 2023, sponsored by Berkeley Homes Southern Counties will take place on Thursday March 30, 2023 at Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells. The evening starts at 5.30pm with a drinks reception, followed by the gala dinner.

the Times

By Victoria Roberts

THE Times Business Awards not only showcases local companies and entrepreneurs every year, but also draws on the services of the business community to stage the event.

Behind the scenes, two of the Tunbridge Wells-based business people getting ready for the gala event on March 30 are international photographer David Bartholomew and the team at Mint DJs.

David Bartholomew was ‘born and bred’ in Tunbridge Wells and has an office in The Pantiles, but although he regularly travels to the US for work, his photography is truly rooted in the area, not just commercially but historically.

As the founder of the Tunbridge Wells Project, he has been photographing and collecting an archive of the town through its many changes since 2010 – a project prompted by proposed changes to the civic complex.

“I’ve been recording the buildings over the years. It’s a snapshot in time, of what the town was like in the early 21st century,” David told

He documents the people, too.

“I was born and bred here, and I enjoy being [in the community], meeting people,” he said.

“I have got to know people and it is good to be a part of it.”

That has involved working at every Times Business Awards since the event began in 2016, and he will be there again this March 30, mingling with the guests at the reception and gala dinner, and officially photographing the Awards presentation.

Entertaining

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said, revealing that his favourite Awards photo comes from last year – an image of the celebrity host, television presenter Eamonn Holmes pointing and smiling during his speech (shown above).

“It typified that engagement during the evening,” said David. “Everyone is pulling together.”

Meanwhile, Mint DJs’ focus for the evening is getting people up and on to the dance floor.

The company’s Managing Director Tim Cullen, also Tunbridge Wells born and bred, said the local area had been a great place for his business to operate for nearly 14 years.

“We do cover [all of] the South East, but nearly all of our work is in this area,” he said.

“Probably the biggest part of our business is weddings, but we do a lot of corporate events, birthdays and club nights.

“And Christmas was back with a bang in terms of business entertaining,” he added. Having provided music, lighting and audiovisual services for the past few Times Business Awards, Tim said: “We’re really looking forward to playing for a load of great local businesses.

“I would just say that a lot of people like to dance in the area. There’s a really nice vibe in the town.

“And when you have a cross-section of people and a cross-section of ages and backgrounds, it’s good to mix it up.

“That’s what we’re going to do.”

Look out for the shortlisted individuals and organisations in next week’s Times (March 15).

THIS YEAR’S AWARD CATEGORIES

Start-Up Business of the Year (Sponsored by Cornerstone)

Creative Business of the Year (Sponsored by Integra Property Management)

Entrepreneur of the Year (Sponsored by Charles Stanley)

Charity of the Year (Sponsored by Lexus)

Green Business of the Year (Sponsored by Clarity Homes & Commercial)

Best in Food and Drink (Sponsored by NFU Mutual)

Best Family Business of the Year (Sponsored by Childrensalon)

Best Business 1-25 Employees (Sponsored by TN Recruits)

Best Business 26+ Employees (Sponsored by The Finance Hub)

Outstanding Business of the Year (Sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore)

STARS ON STAGE

Eamonn Holmes was the host of last year’s gala award ceremony

AWARDS NIGHT FEVER Guests will be able to take to the dance floor after the gala dinner

Drinks reception sponsored by Brewin Dolphin

Sale of Decimus Burton-designed house a boon for Tunbridge Wells museum plan

By Victoria Roberts

THE marketing for sale of an enormous London villa designed by Decimus Burton could not have come at a better time for a museum about the architect planned for Tunbridge Wells.

According to trade and financial press reports, a loan secured on The Holme, in Regent’s Park – along with other assets – has expired, and the property has been put into the hands of receivers and could potentially be sold for a record sum.

Record

The property is reportedly owned by Saudi royal Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan al-Saud, a member of the Saudi royal family, along with other family members.

Trade and financial press reports said agents Knight Frank and Beauchamp Estates have been appointed to handle the sale, which could fetch as much as £250million.

The current record price for a London home is £210million for a mansion overlooking Hyde Park, which the Financial Times revealed last year as belonging to Hui Ka Yan, founder of

Chinese property developer Evergrande.

The flurry of interest in the national press came weeks after the Decimus Burton Society held a public exhibition about its planned Decimus Burton Museum and Study Centre.

“I couldn’t believe it when the news came out,” said Tunbridge Wells-based architect Paul Avis of the Decimus Burton Society.

“It (The Holme) has always been a fairly private residence and there have only been a few occasions that the garden has been opened.”

The Regent’s Park property was special in that it became a family home for Mr Burton himself, but Tunbridge Wells also has a personal connection due to the architect’s practice of building himself a residence on site when he built a development.

“He did have a cottage here (in Tunbridge Wells) that he designed, called Baston Cottage,” said Mr Avis.

The Society held a presentation of the museum concept in late February and is set to present the plan to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council this April, he confirmed.

Plans for the museum and study centre can be seen at thedecimusburtonsociety.org

Wait is over for Tunbridge Wells Mela organiser to receive his MBE

By Victoria Roberts

THE organiser of the town’s Mela festival has finally received his MBE after being named in the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee honours last summer.

Gurvinder Sandher, CEO of the Kent Equality Cohesion Council had been due to receive his award before the death of The Queen last year.

Honour

However, he was eventually given his MBE in a ceremony at Windsor Castle last week (February 28) by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.

“It was a great honour for me and my family to receive my MBE from the Princess Royal,” he told the Times

being recognised for my work in the arts and with the communities of Kent shows what can be achieved with some luck and lots of hard work.

“We have already had a busy start to 2023 and are looking forward to delivering the Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival in July, one of our favourite events of the year, bringing communities together through music, food and dance to celebrate all that binds us together.”

Mr Sandher was also named a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of Kent last November, after being nominated by the late Queen in the spring.

DLs support the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, the official representative of the Crown in the county. Their duties include greeting and accompanying royalty and heads of state during official visits to the county and presenting honours and awards on behalf of the Crown.

and groups apply for funds

Grant-making organisation to help charities

By Sarah Carter

THE GRANT-making organisation for Kent is planning the next of its free ‘funding clinics’ next month to help good causes access the funds it administers.

Kent Community Foundation’s (KCF) director of grants and impact, Natalie Smith, said charities and community groups could make the most of the March 21 event to network, discuss best practice and make valuable contacts.

Promise

But the key promise of the event is the chance for organisations to discuss their individual funding needs with a member of the grants team, she added.

The next clinic is to be held in Sevenoaks on Tuesday March 21, at 12:30-4pm.

Ms Smith said: “This clinic in Sevenoaks is the first of 2023 and we expect the free places to be booked very quickly as charitable organisations across the county feel the impact of the escalating cost of living crisis and are facing real concerns about how they will be able to continue to deliver their services.”

Tunbridge Wells-based community group Venture

Together, which focuses on overcoming barriers to employability, used a previous ‘clinic’ to make a successful grant application for £5,000.

CEO Janet Phythian said: “After failing to gain funding from Kent Community Foundation for a previous project, we took the opportunity to attend one of their advice clinics.

“After the event we applied for help to cover some of the core costs which allow us to provide our services and advice to low skilled and marginalised people. This second application was successful and we received a £5,000 grant.

“The advice we received really helped us to understand what Kent Community Foundation was looking for from applications and made the process much easier for us.”

Jackie Sumner, a trustee of Venture Together, said: “The support from Kent Community Foundation is second to none and Venture Together goes from strength to strength on the basis of the initial funding we secured.”

Kent Community Foundation’s ‘funding clinic’ will be held at Mencap Hall, 71 Hitchen Hatch Lane, Sevenoaks TN13 3AY, at 12.30-4pm on March 21. Booking essential. Contact: paul@ kentcf.org.uk

“For a son of immigrants from the Indian subcontinent to be standing in Windsor Castle

DLs also advise on nominating individuals or organisations for various honours.

ROYAL HONOUR

Mr Sandher receiving his MBE

Photograph:

MEGA MANSION

The Holme in Regent’s Park

Photograph: Shutterstock

FUND FOUNDATION

The KCF team and partners

Triathlon planned for the May Bank Holiday

By Sarah Carter

THE next Tonbridge Triathlon is set for the May Bank Holiday (Monday May 1), with organisers hoping for nearly 400 participants from all over the UK.

The annual British Triathlon Federationsanctioned (BTF) event is organised by Tonbridge Lions Club. Swimming and running are held at Tonbridge School, while the cycle discipline sees competitors take to the roads.

The classic triathlon races come in two distances: ‘standard’ (800 metre swim, 50km cycle and 10km run) and ‘sprint’ (400 metre swim, 25km cycle and 5km run).

The ‘sprint’ event has a team relay option, with three team members competing in one discipline each.

Two new events for this year will see participants swim 400 metres and run 5km in the ‘Aquathon’, or swim 400 metres and cycle 25km in the ‘Aquabike’ race.

Causes

Trevor Prockter, Chairman of the organising committee, said: “Our aim is, as always, to provide an event that is enjoyed by the competitors and spectators alike, whilst raising money for local charities.

“Since the inaugural Tonbridge Triathlon in 1991, the event has raised over £250,000 that Tonbridge Lions have used to support local charitable causes.”

More information and details on how to enter are at: tonbridgetriathlon.com

Patients enjoy a feast for the senses at first ‘dementia café’

DEMENTIA patients at Tunbridge Wells Hospital could soon be enjoying regular ‘café dates’ following the success of a pop-up event held in one of the wards recently.

Funded and organised by the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) Charity, the first ‘dementia café’ was held on Valentine’s Day. The aim was to offer patients the treat of tea and cake in safe, familiar surroundings. There was also a special music playlist provided by Hospital Radio. Dementia organisations often recommend

‘sensory activities’ to help patients connect with other people and their surroundings through sight, touch, smell, hearing or taste.

Research has shown that music can help people recall memories due to the nature of preserved memory for song and music in the brain. It has been proved that musical memory is often retained when other memories are lost.

A hospital spokesperson said: “Following this first successful event, we are hoping to hold them more regularly in future.”

SENSORY EVENT

The ‘dementia café’ at Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Sunak planned law to remove Channel migrants within weeks

RISHI Sunak vowed migrants arriving in the UK illegally would be removed ‘within weeks’ as the Government unveiled plans for fresh laws to curb Channel crossings.

The Prime Minister also confirmed the Illegal Migration Bill – which will stop people claiming asylum in the UK if they arrive through unauthorised means – will apply ‘retrospectively’.

Earlier, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said asylum seekers arriving illegally would be detained and face a lifetime ban on returning after they were removed as she unveiled the plans in the Commons. They would never be allowed to settle in the country or gain citizenship.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Sunak said: “People must know that if they come here illegally, it will result in their detention and swift removal.

“Once this happens, and they know it will happen, they will not come and the boats will stop.”

Mr Sunak, who had visited Dover in Kent earlier in the day to mark the announcement,

said the laws will make it ‘clear that if you come here illegally, you can’t claim asylum’, adding: “You can’t benefit from our modern slavery protection. You can’t make serious human rights claims and you can’t stay.

Banned

“We will detain those who come here illegally and then remove them in weeks, either to their own country if it is safe to do so, or to a safe third country like Rwanda.

“And once you are removed, you will be banned – as you are in America and Australia –from ever re-entering our country.”

Describing the move as ‘tough’ but ‘necessary and fair’, he said: “And this legislation will be retrospective. If you come on a small boat today, the measures in this Bill will apply to you.”

But he conceded the UK will be ‘constrained’ in its ability to take in genuine refugees in future if it fails in its efforts to stop the boats.

“Full control of our borders will allow us to decide who to help, and to provide safe and legal routes to those most in need,” he said.

“I understand there will be debate about the toughness of these measures. All I can say is we’ve tried it every other way and it has not worked.

“It’s this country and your Government who should decide who comes here, not criminal gangs.”

Asked if he would have failed if he had not ‘stopped the boats’ by the next general election, Mr Sunak said: “I wouldn’t be standing here if I didn’t think that I could deliver on this promise.”

Ms Braverman told MPs it would ‘betray’ British voters not to tackle the ‘waves of illegal migrants breaching our border’.

Labour’s shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, branded the Bill a ‘con’ describing the plans as ‘Groundhog Day’ less than a year after reforms were brought into force under the Nationality and Borders Act.

The comments followed criticism by campaigners who said the proposed policy would be unworkable.

Ms Braverman said the need for reform is ‘obvious and urgent’ with the asylum system costing British taxpayers over £3 billion a year.

Vigil planned for Cardiff crash victims

A NIGHT-time vigil is being planned to remember those killed in a car crash in Wales that left two others seriously injured as questions continue to be asked about why it took the police so long to find them.

Eve Smith, 21, Darcy Ross, 21, and Rafel Jeanne, 24, died in the accident while Sophie Russon, 20, and Shane Loughlin, 32, survived but remain in a critical condition, according to police.

Collision

All five were in a Volkswagen Tiguan that came off the A48(M) in Cardiff and crashed into trees in the St Mellons area of the city.

A vigil is planned for 6pm on Tuesday at the scene of the accident, according to posts on social media.

The group had been to a social club in Maesglas, Newport, on Friday night and were thought to then have travelled 40 miles to the Trecco Bay area of Porthcawl.

Police have now confirmed they were last seen at about 2am on Saturday in Pentwyn, Cardiff.

Officers believe the car was involved in a collision and came off the A48(M) some time later, but further investigations using CCTV and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)

inquiries are needed to establish an exact time. Having failed to return home, they were reported missing by their families, the first call coming into the police at 7.34pm on Saturday while further reports were made up until 5.37pm on Sunday.

Hundreds of people took part in searches but Gwent Police did not issue a public appeal for help until 11pm on Sunday.

In a joint statement, Gwent and South Wales Police said a police helicopter was requested to search an area of Cardiff at 11.50pm on Sunday, which the forces said resulted in the vehicle being found at 12.15am on Monday.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the police response.

Details of Olivia Pratt-Korbel shooting given as trial opens

A NINE-year-old girl was killed by a gunman in a ‘ruthless pursuit’ of his intended victim, Manchester Crown Court heard on Tuesday (March 7).

The bullet allegedly shot by Thomas Cashman was fired through the front door of a family home in Liverpool, hitting the hand of Cheryl Korbel, 46, and then fatally wounding her daughter Olivia Pratt-Korbel, the court was told.

Planning

Opening the case, David McLachlan KC, prosecuting, said: “It is about the ruthless pursuit by Thomas Cashman to shoot Joseph Nee at all costs without any consideration for anyone else in the community.

“Such was the planning and ruthless nature of this attack that Thomas Cashman, we say, went armed and was in possession of two loaded firearms.

“When, in all likelihood one of them failed, he simply turned to the other one to execute,

literally, his plan.

“Thomas Cashman’s actions resulted in Joseph Nee being injured, Cheryl Korbel being injured, and most tragically of all in this case, Olivia Pratt-Korbel being killed.”

Jurors were told the nine-year-old screamed,

“Mum, I’m scared!” seconds before she was shot dead in her own home.

Olivia was standing on the stairs behind her mother Cheryl when she was hit in the chest by a bullet fired by alleged gunman Thomas Cashman, the court was told.

Public services and transport hit in French pension protests

TENS of thousands of workers across France went on strike yesterday (March 7) in protest against government pension reform plans, affecting rubbish collection, utilities, transport and more.

President Emmanuel Macron’s proposed reforms would raise the minimum pension age from 62 to 64 and require 43 years of work by 2030 to earn a full pension, amid other measures.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Paris, Marseille, Nice and other cities, including Nantes and Lyon where there were some minor clashes with police.

Unions threatened to freeze up the French economy with work stoppages across multiple sectors, most visibly an open-ended strike at the SNCF national rail authority.

Some unions have called for open-ended strikes

in sectors from refineries and oil depots to electricity and gas facilities.

As the Times went to press yesterday, workers in each sector were set to decide locally whether to prolong the action, said Philippe Martinez, head of the CGT union.

Oil

All oil shipments in the country were halted on Tuesday amid strikes at the refineries of the TotalEnergies, Esso-ExxonMobil and Petroineos groups, said the CGT.

Lorry drivers sporadically blocked major highways and interchanges in go-slow actions near several cities in French regions.

In Paris, garbage collectors started an open-

ended strike.

A fifth of flights were cancelled at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport and about a third of flights were scrapped at Orly Airport. Trains to Germany and Spain were expected to come to a halt, and those to and from Britain and Belgium were reduced by a third, said the SNCF rail authority.

Most high-speed trains and regional trains were cancelled.

In Paris, the Eiffel Tower was closed, as was the Palace of Versailles, west of the capital. According to the education ministry, about one third of teachers were on strike nationwide.

At Paris-Nord train station, some union members voted to continue the strike on Wednesday.

The bill is under debate in the French Senate this week.

People walk their dogs through the snow beside the beach huts at Blyth in Northumberland. Weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across all four nations of the UK and more are expected to be issued as Arctic air sweeps across the country

Cheryl Pratt-Korbel (centre) arrives at Manchester Crown Court

Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones Bishop of Tonbridge

Talking with strangers

RECENTLY, I found the only available table in the small café of an independent bookshop and paused to decide how to spend a book token. A woman asked if she could sit opposite me at the same table, because there was nowhere else to go. After a few short exchanges, we settled into quietness, browsing the phones and books in front of us.

It crossed my mind to start up a conversation, but I didn’t. In fairness, she didn’t initiate one either. So we sat there in silence and merely said goodbye to each other as I got up to leave.

The modern, urban Western world is not set up for these encounters.

The more people we cram into our spaces, the less likely we are to talk to one another. Time is limited and smartphones give the perfect excuse not to look up. We would overload ourselves talking to everyone we saw.

There is suspicion to deal with, too. Maybe the 80s slogan ‘stranger danger’ still prevails.

Sinatra sang ‘Strangers in the Night’ as a romantic ballad. Today it’s cause for a 999 call.

The outcome is cities and towns full of people sitting next to one another on public transport, shopping along the same clothes rack and watching the latest movie release without exchanging a word.

The US journalist Joe Keohane set out to talk to

as many strangers as he could in the space of a year, and to ask experts about why we don’t and what it feels like when we do. The results, in ‘The Power of Strangers’ (Viking 2021), tell a refreshing story. When we make a point of talking to people we don’t know, it has striking effects. We become happier, less anxious, more trusting, smarter (seriously) and feel more alive and engaged with our environment.

Engage

People are especially worried that when they talk to a stranger, this person will think less of them, looking down on their social inadequacy. Yet surveys show the opposite. And it works particularly well when we engage with another person in order to listen to them, asking open-ended questions that are not leading or threatening.

There are some accelerating trends today. We do not listen well to one another, talking over others online and offline. This makes for less empathy and openness to other ideas. Meanwhile, the algorithms of social media guide us into sheep pens where we do not graze with those who are not like us. And when we do not know others well, we impute all kinds of things to them which are wide of the mark.

Tom Dawlings

Budget advice

THE PUBLICATION of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s financial report for Quarter 3 (to the end December 2022) shows that the Council should achieve a surplus of £350,000 in the current financial year which will end on March 31.

The actual position is better than the budget forecast, mainly because there has not been a Covid lockdown imposed which was a real threat when the budget was prepared.

Investments

I hope this will bring to an end the hysteria about the financial position of the Borough Council. Income notably from car parks has recovered and a better return is being generated from investments. Savings on staff costs have more than covered the spike in energy costs. At March 31 2022, the Council had assets of £132million, usable reserves of £24million and no borrowings. The current year has seen an increase in investment income to £1,150,000 –and that certainly does not come from a black hole.

The Liberal Democrat-led coalition is now forecasting a £943k revenue budget deficit for 2023-24 which stems from expenditure rising much more sharply than income – energy costs

have doubled, staff costs are rising, contract inflators are ratcheting up and, of course, there is the continuing increased cost of the expanded Cabinet. So from a ‘wait and see’ budget last year, a more structural deficit has crystalised and the coalition has yet to formulate any plans on how to address that.

Many contemporary cultures are much more accepting of the stranger, seeing him or her as an opportunity to build connection, not a threat to well-being.

On the evening of his resurrection, Jesus came alongside two wistful erstwhile disciples on their way out of town. He asked them:

What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?

If this had been London in 2023, the likeliest

The shortfall becomes even more apparent in the outline years when the Council’s major contracts are due for renewal. There is nothing new in looking ahead at the major issues and seeing how these impact on the Council’s finances in the outline years – it is what leading a Council is about. What is new is that the coalition do not seem to have progressed any ideas on what to do about it.

My advice would be to focus on the following matters.

First, the co-working plans for the Town Hall which were unanimously agreed by the Full Council in December 2021. This project is now months behind the timetable we were working to. The direct net benefits to the Council (about half a million pounds a year of income from the co-working partner and savings from sharing the costs of running the Town Hall) have been delayed. Also delayed have been the wider economic benefits for the Town from the increased number of people working in the Town Hall.

response would be:

It’s none of your business.

By welcoming the question of this stranger, they soon saw him for who he was and were treated to one of the most privileged walks in human history.

The world would feel a different place if we all talked with strangers. It won’t change the world if we alone try it, but the chances are it will change our world. And in a good way.

Second, plans for boosting income from growing the local economy. The Amelia Scott was opened with the expectation this would increase footfall at the top end of Royal Tunbridge Wells – and it has by attracting an average of around 900 visitors a day. Car parking fees are effectively a tax on people coming to our towns and businesses and the high street need footfall to prosper – so I do not support raising car park charges.

Assets

Third, a revised car park strategy so alternative uses for under used car parks can be considered without worrying residents that all are now surplus and potentially available for disposal. The same for other property assets now considered surplus to the needs of TWBC. Fourth, reducing carbon emissions. The works on the Town Hall roof and windows to improve the energy efficiency of the building were almost completed before the change of leadership of the Council. Funding had also been secured for works to improve the efficiency of the Weald Sports Centre and the depot. These projects are still not underway and, except for expanding the car club, I have yet to learn about further carbon reduction plans.

The Liberal Democrat, Labour and Tunbridge Wells Alliance coalition took over leadership of the Council in May 2022. Matters underway at that time have been allowed to get stuck in the slow lane. Time since last May has been wasted.

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

Tom Dawlings is the leader of the Conservative Group at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Tunbridge Wells Conservatives

Photo: Shutterstock

And another thing…

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

Litter picking

I READ the letter from Bryan Johnston this week about litter picking groups in Langton Green and Rusthall.

I take part in the Keep Britain Tidy annual litter pick up which this year is March 17 to April 2. People have stopped and said they would have joined in had they known so l thought l would let you know so that your readers can hopefully be made aware and pick up some litter.

I did contact TWBC last year and asked them to publicise it, but they didn’t! The Keep Britain Tidy team also notify councils and it’s a shame that TWBC won’t help out as we have a real litter problem here.

A lot of the waste is also plastic or drinks cans that could be recycled. They could ask people to volunteer use of their brown recycling bins during this period so that the litter doesn’t all go in to landfill.

It also would save the Council’s money if the public picked it up!

Lynn Conquer Tunbridge Wells

Honest Response

WITH regard to Boris Johnson MP and his comments about the latest attempts to clear up his mess, and on any other matters, I would just like to quote from the Goon Show: “We don’t wish to know that – kindly leave the stage.”

Graham Munn Tunbridge Wells

Budget Breakdown

I AGREE, Truth matters in politics (Times of TW March 1). I also believe the whole truth should be told and not snippets used to imply

something else or aimed to scare voters.

As a Conservative, I have never been told what to do by MPs or KCC Councillors. In fact, I have always found them eager to listen to our Borough’s needs and assist where they can. We have always invested in projects providing local community benefits as wells as income.

I was jointly responsible for setting the budget for 2022/23 before COVID ended, based on keeping council services open, to complete projects and to divert council staff to supporting resident and businesses, and latterly Ukrainian refugees throughout the COVID pandemic. Car parking, and other Council income had fallen drastically during COVID and only partially

HAVE YOUR SAY:

Each week the Times will run a series of social media polls that ask our readers for their opinions on the Borough’s biggest stories.

To participate in the polls, simply follow the Times on Instagram or Twitter using the handle @timeslocalnews

This week we asked our readers:

FORMER HEALTH SECRETARY MATT HANCOCK’S WHATSAPP MESSAGES SHOW HOW HE PUSHED FOR SCHOOLS TO CLOSE IN 2021…

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

compensated by central government. While holding reserves in contingency, we achieved annual surpluses by economising, focusing staff and maintaining services; NOT increasing prices to the public. This strategy created the environment for post-COVID income to recover with a substantial surplus for 2022/23.

During Covid we completed the Amelia Scott, re-roofed the Town Hall and Assembly Hall. We got full Council approval for co-working in the Town Hall – aimed at reducing council costs and increasing income for the future. These, and the earlier capital expenditures were all paid from money generated from our revenue surpluses and capital receipts while maintaining low council taxes.

David Scott

Previous Deputy Leader TWBC

Have you got ID?

For the first time ever, voters in this year’s local elections for Tunbridge Wells council will have to bring photo ID to the polling station.

This isn’t a small adjustment – voter ID is the biggest change to our elections in a generation and creates new barriers between the public and the ballot box.

Many people don’t seem to know about the new rules. The Electoral Reform Society reported on polling that found 60% of voters don’t know they won’t be able to vote in May’s elections if they don’t have one of the government’s ‘valid’ forms of photo ID (www.electoral-reform.org.uk/ government-plans-heading-for-failure-as-just10000-people-apply-for-government-issuedvoter-id).

If you don’t have any valid ID, you must apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online or you will be turned away.

This whole plan seems ill-thought-out and destined to be a disaster. We should cancel it before it is too late.

Ian Rosam Tunbridge Wells

Setting boundaries

Dear Calverley…

Noting your comments on young people and mental health in the workplace, it could well be that they are much more aware of the issues and potential longer-term damage to their wellbeing by taking on more than they originally agreed to a successful interview.

I have always had a problem saying ‘No’ to requests in both work and volunteering situations. It’s good to set both emotional and physical limits to protect against exploitation by employers and others. In the long run, I realised far too late that this had affected my mental and physical health.

LITTER BUGS Once we were seen as a nation of shopkeepers. Today we are a nation of litter louts, turning the Garden of England into a dumping ground. Driving along the main roads that surround Tunbridge Wells, Calverley has been appalled at the rubbish-strewn verges. It is truly disgraceful and disheartening. National Highways and others should be held to account for failing to clear them. Elections are due this May. Before casting your vote, take time to ask candidates what they plan to do about getting the litter cleared. They may not have direct responsibility but they do have a voice.

TEXTIMONIALS Not been a good week for Tory MP Matt Hancock, the former health minister turned TV celebrity, turned object of derision. And all because he trusted a journalist. Silly boy. He handed over thousands of WhatsApp texts to Isabel Oakeshott, who was writing his book the Pandemic Diaries. She promptly handed them to the Daily Telegraph which started publishing all his chit chat during the pandemic. He now says he feels ‘hugely disappointed’ by the ‘massive betrayal and breach of trust’. Interesting choice of words, Mr Hancock. Calverley has to wonder if the wife he walked out on so publicly after being caught passionately kissing his married aide, feels the same. Betrayed.

BEYOND OUR KEN Radio 2 host Ken Bruce left the BBC last week after more than four decades at the corporation. Many of them fronting a morning show that drew the biggest radio audience in the country, some eight million people. On the airwaves he came across as a decent, amusing individual, and he was the same in real life. Calverley had the pleasure of spending an evening with him at the Times of Tunbridge Wells Business Awards. He was the genuine article: charming, witty and great company. Like many others, Calverley will now be retuning his bakelite set to Ken’s new home at Greatest Hits Radio.

DONKEY BUSINESS Talking of the Business Awards, Calverley can’t wait to share an ale again with this year’s host Nick Ferrari, the fiery broadcast journalist whose breakfast show on LBC draws 1.5 million weekly listeners. In another life, Calverley and Ferrari shared a newsroom. One day, the newsdesk phone rang off the hook with people asking about a donkey that had been advertised for sale. Everyone was mystified until Ferrari owned up. He was trying to get rid of the family donkey and had put the number in the adverts. Naturally he had not asked permission. The News Editor was not amused. (Don’t miss the fun – a few tickets are still available for the Business Awards gala night on Thursday March 30 at Salomons. Just don’t mention donkeys.)

Do you have the correct ID needed to vote? YOU SAID…

YES (78%) I have my ID ready NO (22%) I need to get one

Were schools right to close during lockdown?

YOU SAID…

YES (61%) It was the right thing to do

NO (39%) They should have been open

So, I salute those who stand up to Calverley and others in a positive and assertive manner. Hopefully, progress will continue in all workplaces and for all ages in setting a proper work and life balance.

Dr Alan Bullion Southborough Labour Town Councillor

CHEF DE PC Flicking through the job vacancies (well, you never know) Calverley came across one for a chef at the University of Kent in Canterbury. Aside from being able to fry an egg, the individual they are seeking is ‘expected to demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion’ while working nicely with people ‘of all cultures and backgrounds’. Ability to cook an advantage but probably not a priority...

Discover this leading prep school... S

et within 47 acres of East Sussex countryside near Robertsbridge is Vinehall School – a leading co-educational day, boarding school and nursery providing an outstanding education for children between the ages of 2 and 13.

The school produces children who are not only academically strong, but instils in them a strong sense of purpose and self-confidence, the courage to face their challenges and the determination to persevere – preparing them to face the challenges and flourish in our ever-changing world.

Outstanding

The facilities at Vinehall are second to none. The grounds are fringed with woodland, with numerous sports pitches, including a large astro and a 15-metre indoor swimming pool. There is also a nine-hole golf course, zip wires, a fishing lake and a mountain bike track all on site.

Along with the purpose-built centre for Pre Prep and Nursery, the Prep School is housed in the 19th-century country house, with modern classrooms and state of the art library and IT suites. They have their own art, design and technology centres, a music school, science labs, along with a 270-seat theatre.

Vinehall have an outstanding record for placing their children at their first choice of senior schools. Each year a high percentage of their leavers achieve 13+ scholarship success, winning Academic Scholarships to schools including Eastbourne, King’s Canterbury and Tonbridge, along with many scholarships being awarded in Sport, Drama, Music and Art. Last summer Vinehall joined the Repton Family of Schools. At the time, the school’s Headmaster, Joff Powis, told the Times: “This

is an exciting moment in Vinehall’s rich history. Whilst the fabric of our School – our dedicated staff, values, picturesque location, uniform and name – will all remain the same, becoming part of the Repton Family of Schools marks a new and exciting era as we join a global network of world-class schools.”

Repton, which was established in 1557, already has two prep schools within the UK –

Repton Prep and St Wystan’s School, and seven schools internationally, with a further three due to open in the next few years. Repton has established a growing family of schools, both

internationally and here in UK, that share an outward-looking, forward-thinking philosophy focused on giving children the very best chances in the world that awaits them.

Vinehall’s educational philosophy is already closely aligned with Repton’s and this move will enable Vinehall to continue to ensure outstanding provision, bolster admissions and safeguard the School’s future and traditions.

The Skinners’ Kent Academy

Monday 3rd – Wednesday 5th April 2023

Our Secondary Experience is open to all children currently in Year 5, giving them a first -hand experience of what life in a secondary school is like. The days will run from 8.30am-3.30pm and planned activities include:

Science and Maths Challenges | Drama and Music Workshops | Sports, Fitness and Gaming | Team Building and Problem Solving | Art & Design

Places are available for each child between £60 to £80. We appreciate that in the current climate finances are tight therefore we are asking parents to contribute what they feel able within these price brackets

Sign up here

‘This is an exciting moment in Vinehall’s rich history’

SEAT OF LEARNING Vinehall students and (inset) the school itself

Join us for...

Saturday

25th & Sunday 26th March

Come and support our two-day Lambing Weekend event, where we'll be enjoying the arrival of spring which includes our adorable new-born lambs! We will bring together a variety of land-based linked activities and displays as well as showcasing Hadlow College and what we do.

WHAT TO EXPECT...

Food & Drink vendors

Arts & Crafts stalls

Opportunities to speak with our Careers Team and Curriculum Areas

Tractor trailer rides (weather permitting)

Talks and Demonstrations by the National Centre for Reptile Welfare

Birds of Prey display

Chance to meet some of our animals

Fun fair rides and stalls

TICKETS

Online Ticket Prices

(online ticket prices will be available to book until Friday 24th March at 11am):

Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £25

Adult (17+): £10

Child (2-16 years) / concessions (senior citizens over the age of 65 & students with a valid ID): £5

Please note these are the only ticket categories we have available to purchase.

Ashes Lane, Tonbridge TN11 0AN

Sorry, no dogs allowed*

Kent's only rural and land-based college

*except guide or assistance dogs.

also

Local author and teacher Ellen Hannavy-

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as a writer?

Teaching English and analysing great literature and poetry has been an essential part of my life and I have used fantastic novels to bring social comment to the classroom in order to educate students in the rights and wrongs of life and how to make social change by using language. I went to art college for two years before embarking on teacher training. Married with two children I studied for my BA and then MA in English and American literature at the University of Kent, on a part-time basis whilst running the English department in various schools.

What has teaching taught you over the years?

My teaching career gave me insights into the emotional and physical well-being support of young people as I took on the role of pastoral year Head. Concerns for the situations of many young

people and of how their voice was rarely heard alongside experiencing how the ‘caring’ authorities in the community were failing young people provoked me into writing scenarios that I encountered.

Having always written, I found this was leading me more and more to writing fictional stories that were based on true situations.

What was the main inspiration for your new novel Of No Consequence?

During my role as Head of Year 8 in a school near Sevenoaks I met a 12-year-old girl who was fostered. She had come to us part-way through the autumn term and the incident occurred on the Friday prior to the October half-term holiday. A social worker called me to request that I collect the child and keep her in my office until the social worker arrived. I was to inform the girl that she was not going back to her foster parents but

‘I want to alert people to the overwhelming responsibility we have to our children and

ourselves…’

Cousen recently published her book ‘Of No Consequence’, which exposes the hidden realities behind a cosy society. Here Ellen reveals to Lilly Croucher how real life events and social issues formed the inspiration behind this dark tale of a lonely misfit girl called Joanna

would be returning to an institutional care home. Quiet, unassuming, and small she accepted the news without issue. As it turned out the child expected this to occur – this had been her 18th placement in just one year. I was told I could take her if I wanted but feeling uncomfortable over the irresponsibility of handing her over to a relative stranger, I refused. Sadly the girl went to a home run by the council. I never heard of or saw her again.

Is the book’s plot solely based on your own experience of do you draw from other areas?

Interestingly I heard a piece about a young woman on the radio who had been abandoned at birth and was trying desperately to find her birth parents. She had no historical identity and, expecting a baby of her own, realised that she knew nothing about her ‘family’. Desperately searching by all means at her disposal, she hit nothing but dead ends.

I then encountered some very disturbing abusive situations with young people whose voices went unheard. At the same time as all this was happening, there was the discovery in Austria of an underground ‘home’ in the basement of a house whereby Joseph Fritzl had kept his children secretly for his own needs without anyone knowing they existed.

A few weeks further on a similar discovery was made in England. And then there was the revelation of the children’s homes that exploited the inmates and allowed them to be used for prostitution. All these elements came together and spurred me on to write.

How have your experiences of working with vulnerable people influenced your novel?

When I gave up full-time teaching to be self-employed I volunteered with Victim Support and this further supported my knowledge and understanding of how the vulnerable are just that – truly vulnerable! Meeting NHS staff who had come from Eastern Europe at my father’s care home gave me the knowledge of how medical practitioners were treated by this country and how they had to consistently prove their worth and re-qualify.

The cost of coming here had to be covered by their own means and so they in turn became vulnerable to money lenders, often from their own country, who in turn abused the power they had over them.

For our readers, could you explain who your book’s protagonist Joanna is and what briefly happens on her journey?

Joanna is fairly vacuous as a character due to the fact that she has had no care, love or support. Her main goal in her life is to find her birth mother. Abandoned at birth and left in a carrier bag by a bin in a park, Joanna begins life on a ricochet of precarious homes and situations whereby she has no stability, and no security. More importantly no ‘care’. At 16 she has entered and left many schools over her short life as she has been shipped from one home to another. Getting anyone to hear her voice is difficult but she does encounter a group of young people who eventually can become real friends but not before they have all undergone traumatic and horrific dealings with the dark side of society.

What is the significance of ‘consequence’ in the book?

Originally the book had a different title, but as the narrative developed it became clear that for Joanna she was of no consequence; that whatever happened to her she was without consequence to anyone else. She was a nobody

Is your story a comment on our society today?

If so, how and what is it trying to warn us about?

Yes is the straight answer. I think I want to alert people to the overwhelming responsibility we have to our children and also ourselves. There is clearly a wrong perspective in many social aspects of life. Fundamental support and care is missing. There is little flexibility in recognising individual needs. In all aspects of life there is a tick box response to comply with governmental criteria. There is no room for individuality. Lack of compassion and responsibility and the recognition that we are individuals with individual needs and are not clones of others must be the basis on which we, as a society create our institutions and our authorities.

What did you, as an author, take away from the writing of this book?

Relief that after five years of writing it I completed it and that it is now published. But there’s also frustration in how difficult it is to get work published and once it is to actually get it out there and read by people. The reception of my book by some readers has spurred me on to continue writing and I have begun a sequel to Of No Consequence, which brings some other characters to the fore, as well as a third novel that is very different in theme.

What message do you hope your readers will take away when they finish your novel?

and she had no one to whom her life mattered. Other characters also were of no consequence and the lack of care and love is what is the most disturbing. For example, the consequence of Joanna being fostered by a mother suffering from depression and guilt and a foster sibling who is jealous and has her own teenage angst. Then there is the consequence of over worked and under staffed social workers who have to make split second decisions that can have monumental repercussions in many lives.

I have been overwhelmed and inspired by the response by those who have read the book and contacted me about it. Most were shocked to think that this could possibly happen. I hope that they will see the hope that there is in the final chapters and that it is the group of young people who are prepared to do something about it, but that we must all be open to what is around us and if we have roles in authoritative positions to use them wisely and compassionately. Of No Consequence is available from all leading booksellers, priced £9.99.

Auctioneers Since 1929

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.

‘Originally my book had a different title, but as the narrative developed it became clear that for the main character, Joanna, she was of no consequence’

‘We must all be open to what is around us and if we have roles in authoritative positions to use them wisely and compassionately’

ELLEN HANNAVY-COUSEN

Fairtrade Fortnight 2023 is once again shining a spotlight on the climate crisis and the increasing threat it poses to some of the planet’s most beloved food products, as well as the livelihoods of the farmers and agricultural workers who grow them.

Across the world farmers are facing unprecedented challenges not only of unfair trade but also of climate change, which can push them to the brink of survival. Many of our favourite foods such as coffee, bananas and cocoa may soon be unavailable on our supermarket shelves as extreme, unpredictable weather patterns, pests and diseases impacts their production, destroying crops.

Closer to home we have already been affected with a shortage of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, as rising fuel and fertilizer costs has impacted on UK farmers, preventing them from heating their greenhouses. This combined with unseasonal weather patterns in Morocco and Spain has affected production and availability of these foods.

Farmers working in low income countries are also having to face the challenges of rising costs of fuel, fertilizer and food, but with fewer resources to meet them. These workers are already underpaid, having to make choices on essentials such as food, education and medical treatment and therefore have less resources to cope with the extremes of climate change.

Consequently many of our favourite foods are under theat.

For consumers in the UK this is bad news. Not only do we drink 98 million cups of coffee a day and consume 5 billion bananas a year, we are a nation of chocolate lovers. The UK is the 7th-highest consumer of chocolate in the world, eating about 8kg of chocolate per person each year – approximately 660,900 tonnes of chocolate.

By 2050, the area of land suitable for growing coffee globally could be down by 50 per cent. Parts of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire will be too hot to grow cocoa and banana yields will fall drastically in ten countries, including India, Brazil and Colombia.

Bananas are the world’s most popular fruit. With an estimated global export value of $7billion per year, the banana trade remains the cornerstone of many countries’ economy. For more than 450 million people around the world, bananas and plantains are vital staple crops, particularly in lower-income nations. But amid the impact of climate change and the resulting threats posed by plant diseases like Fusarium TR4, the future of bananas is increasingly at risk, according to Fairtrade’s Fairtrade and Climate Change study.

The study warns that dramatic weather patterns spurred by climate change will likely deliver severe blows to agricultural production in key regions around the world, from Latin America to the Asia-Pacific. Banana producers

in the Caribbean and in Central America, for instance, are expected to experience less rainfall and more extreme temperatures, while those in Southeast Asia and Oceania will see an increased risk of tropical cyclones.

The future survival of the world’s most popular foods hangs in the balance unless we achieve inclusive and equitable climate solutions, with farmers and agricultural workers playing a central role in the climate response.

This fortnight and beyond, Fairtrade is asking shoppers to act now and choose Fairtrade to back the farmers behind our favourite products to ensure they are paid fairly and can keep farming through these tough times. A fair income is vital so that these farmers can afford to invest in making changes to adapt to the

climate and economic crisis. Choosing Fairtrade ensures that farmers are paid fairly and can earn enough to meet their everyday needs. In addition, they have the resources to take on the challenges of climate change. Fairtrade farmers follow eco-friendly Fairtrade standards, which include improving the soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, planting trees, using sustainable farming techniques whilst protecting forests and biodiversity. More positively, by buying Fairtrade we are working towards a fairer world and helping our planet at the same time.

To find out more visit: fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/currentcampaigns/fairtrade-fortnight

decadeonrestoration.org/ sdgs.un.org/goals iucnredlist.org/

HOW TUNBRIDGE WELLS IS MARKING FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT:

THE FAIRTRADE Town group have launched a community art project on biodiversity and the climate crisis – to show solidarity with ecofriendly Fairtrade Farmers.

This year the Tunbridge Wells Fairtrade Fortnight events have been focusing on biodiversity and the climate crisis. Working with Kent High Weald Project and the Tunbridge Wells Parks Department, local schools are sowing wildflower seeds in Calverley park during Fairtrade Fortnight, to encourage local biodiversity.

This small action ties in with the UN decade of ecosystem restoration (2021-2030) and is fundamental to Sustainable Development Goal 15, ‘to protect life on land and halt biodiversity loss’. The IUCN Red List of threatened species indicates that biodiversity is declining and more than 42,000 species of plants, animals and fungi are threatened with extinction. Therefore it is vital that we all play our part, joining with the farmers to restore the places where we live.

In July 2019, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council declared a climate and biodiversity emergency, setting a commitment to become a carbon neutral council by 2030. The Fairtrade Group invite schools and local people to get involved, making seed bombs and sowing seeds in their green spaces, gardens, allotments even window boxes to help to restore biodiversity in our local area.

As part of this the Fairtrade Group are working with the Amelia Scott, where there will be nature-themed activities taking place in the Amelia Scott building over the Easter holidays. Check the website for more information: theamelia.co.uk

Finally – to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III – schools are invited to get involved in an inter-schools art exhibition, creating fabulous insects for display in the centre of town

For those that decide to join in, why not let us know, take a photograph and send to the

Fairtrade Town Group at: contact@twfairtrade. org.uk and we will compile a map of our local area showing areas where we have worked together to protect environment.

For more information and to get involved visit the Fairtrade Town Website at: twfairtrade.org.uk or contact the Fairtrade Town Group on: contact@twfairtrade.org.uk

Fairtrade Town Campaigner Mandy FlashmanWells adds: “Farmers are doing all they can to address the problems of climate change and they are best placed with the expertise to protect the environment. We need to be compelled to take a stand for trade justice because it is linked to climate justice.

“Many of the world’s lowest earning farmers can’t earn enough for the basics, let alone to invest in sustainable farming techniques. The good news is that by buying Fairtrade we can be sure that farmers are being paid a fair price and helped to deal with the challenges of a changing climate.”

‘Buying Fairtrade ensures farmers are being paid a fair price and supported with the challenges of a changing climate...’

Tunbridge Wells is currently celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight. On until March 12, the town’s Fairtrade Fortnight events have been focusing on biodiversity and the climate crisis. Here, Mandy Flashman-Wells, the local spokesperson for Fairtrade Town Group explains a little more about this year’s project and how you too can get involved…

‘Fairtrade is asking shoppers to act now and choose Fairtrade to back the farmers behind our favourite products to ensure they are paid fairly and can keep farming through these tough times’

Raising a glass to the talented female producers this International Women’s Day

As today, March 8, is International Women’s Day, Times Drinks Editor James Viner selects four wines and one beer made by female entrepreneurs to mark the event…

Officially celebrated for the first time in 1911, International Women’s Day is an event where countries all over the world connect in the celebration of women’s accomplishments. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity.

To mark the occasion, I have selected five favourite superior sips made by talented leading ladies who continue to make their mark in the wine and craft beer industries. Cheers to IWD! Try these…

1. 2021 Robert Oatley Signature Series

Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia

Spot-on white peach, toasted hazelnut, citrus and vanilla-scented Chardonnay from Margaret River, Western Australia’s best-known wine region. All in balance, all in harmony; matured in French oak barriques (20% new). The finish is svelte and long. Very smart. As is common elsewhere in Margaret River for white wines (except in the coolest years), malolactic fermentation was blocked to retain the naturally high acidity levels. Winemaker: Debbie Lauritz. £11.50-£13.56, Co-op, Majestic & WineDirect

2. 2014 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza, Bodegas

R. López de Heredia, Rioja Alta, Spain

From its base in the historic Barrio de la Estación, or Station Quarter, in Haro (Rioja’s unofficial capital) – from where trains shipped wine to Bordeaux when France’s wine industry was wrecked by phylloxera (the root-feeding aphid eventually reached Rioja at the start of the twentieth century with devastating socioeconomic results for growers) – López de Heredia has been fashioning classic Riojas since 1877. Try this earthy, supple, fine-boned, subtly oak-aged (in neutral American oak for around three years) Tempranillo-led Rioja from vines whose average age is around 40 years. It’s a great introduction to the cult wines of one of Rioja’s arch-traditionalists and a gold-plated bargain with beautiful, savoury, textural tannins unfurling all the way through. It would happily sit alongside roast lamb. Classy.

The winemaker, María José López de Heredia is the fourth generation to run her family’s winery. Her delicate world-class 2010 Viña Tondonia

Tinto Reserva, latterly Liv-ex’s (a global marketplace for the trade) most traded Rioja wine by volume, features in Berry Brothers & Rudd’s (BBR) limited-edition International Women’s Day 2023 six-bottle mixed case (£225), which was put together by BBR’s predominantly female-led buying team, which includes Masters of Wine Catriona Felstead and Barbara Drew. All six wines are made by brilliant female winemakers and are superb choices for splendid spring drinking (BBR itself is a female-founded business, set up in 1698 by a woman known only as ‘the widow Bourne’). £18-£21.95, The Wine Society and Berry Bros & Rudd. I also recommend Heredia’s more complex 2011 Viña

Bosconia Tinto Reserva, available from March 15 at Berry Bros & Rudd (£33).

3 2021 Egy Kis Dry Furmint, Barta Winery, Mád, Tokaj, Hungary I tried a lot of superior Hungarian dry Furmint (white) still wines last during ‘Furmint February’ and highly recommend this delightfully accessible, true-to-type example as the perfect affordable introduction to Hungary’s signature, late-ripening, flagship grape. It’s a delicious, lip-smacking, unoaked, medium-bodied example from Tokaj in the north-eastern corner of the country, a region with hundreds of extinct volcanoes. Think orchard/stone fruits and ripe limes peppered by pockets of juicy, salty acidity. Chill slightly and drink lustfully over the next year. Try it with tandoori fish or sushi. Winemaker: Vivien Ujvari. £15.55 from Corney &

4 Exton Park RB32 Brut Reserve NV, Prepare yourself for an exquisitely crafted beauty of an English sparkling wine. Exton Park’s top Brut Reserve is exceptional, with well-balanced acidity, a whiff of baked apple and light notes of citrus, peach, honey and brioche, followed by a mineral twirl. Blended from a selection of 32 old reserve wines, this is a cracking Hants sparkler derived from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay and aged a minimum of three years on lees. It’s an impressive, structured and well-shaped wine of great finesse and class, with persistent delicious flavour through the long and satisfying finish. Winemaker: Corinne

£39-£42.95, Exton Park, EW Wines, The Whisky Exchange, Adnams, Noble Green Wines

5 Marks & Spencer Helles Lager, Harbour Brewing Co., Cornwall, UK

Beer is one of the world’s popular drinks and 90 per cent of all beer consumed is lager. This classic-tasting, highly drinkable Bodmin-brewed pale golden lager (‘helles’ means bright or pale) is crisp, light and refreshing. The gentle aromas and flavours are of bready malts, lemon peel and herbs. Uncomplicated, but satisfying. One for Madras curry or sausages. Head Brewer: Genevieve Upton (formerly at Marston’s Brewery). £1.80-£1.90 Marks & Spencer & Ocado, 330ml can

Visit: internationalwomensday.com to find out more. Use the hashtag #IWD23 and follow #EmbraceEquality for online conversations on social media.

@QuixoticWine

SIX MORE WONDERFUL FEMALE WINEMAKERS:

1. SUSANA BALBO, Susana Balbo Wines, Mendoza, Argentina

2. JULIE CAVIL, Cellar Master, Krug, Champagne

3. VANYA CULLEN, Cullen Wines, Margaret River, Australia

4. PAULA FANDIÑO, Mar de Frades, Rías Baixas, Spain

5. BIANKA JÁKÓB, Holdvölgy Winery, Tokaj, Hungary

6. SAM LINTER, Bolney Estate, West Sussex, England (as well as being the winemaker and MD of Bolney, Sam is also the new chair of Wine GB)

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Vivien Ujvari of Barta Winery at the Old King vineyard, Mád village, Tokaj, Hungary

Discovering the magic of Italy’s twin Capitals of Culture for 2023

Ancient history, opulent churches and the grand-daddy of gelatos are highlights of the Lombardy region’s exciting urban centres, as Sean Coyte discovers…

You might recognise the names Bergamo and Brescia from the first wave of European lockdowns in 2020. Struck hard by the pandemic, they belong to the Italian region of Lombardy, labelled a ‘red zone’ during that difficult period.

Three years on, the cities have transformed their hardship into hope.

Recognising their shared struggle, the neighbours – they’re less than an hour’s drive apart – joined forces to earn the title of Italian Capital of Culture 2023.

The joint honour is a first in the country where, since 2015, the annual prize has boosted social and economic growth from Palermo to Perugia.

Future

Bergamo and Brescia’s bid focused on four key themes, but it was the idea of ‘culture as a cure’ that really impressed the judges. Conveniently connected, the two cities are ideal for a twin-centre break. Here’s how the arts, food and architecture are unlocking a brighter future for locals and tourists alike…

Roman Brescia

Brescia was known as Brixia by the Romans, and its archaeological sites could easily rival some of the Italian capital’s most popular ancient landmarks.

Entering the restored Capitolium of Brixia,

there’s a five-minute delay designed to regulate moisture in the air and stop the atmosphere outside contaminating two-thousand-year-old mosaics and statues inside.

After examining a series of inscriptions, I’m confronted with the main event – the Winged Victory, a statue dating back to the 1st century AD. The figure was found fractured into thousands of pieces and painstakingly pieced together for guests to admire today.

The winged female’s empty arms would have held a bronze shield displaying the name of a proud victor, and the discovery of the bronze figure prompted the city to open its first museum in 1830.

Next to the Capitolium, you’ll find the Roman Theatre – but the real showstopper is at the other end of a corridor.

New for 2023, the path connects the Capitolium and Roman Theatre to Santa Giulia Museum, which is home to the remains of large Roman villas. A raised walkway allows me to peer into a pokey 2000-year-old kitchen, and I’m surprised to discover there wasn’t more room for preparing the lavish banquets associated

‘Conveniently connected, the two cities are ideal for a twin-centre break’

with the Romans.

Entry to the Capitolium and Santa Giulia Museum (bresciamusei.com) costs €15/£13 for adults and €8/£7 for over 65 and under 26.

Bergamo’s Upper City

I make my way to La Citta Alta, or Bergamo’s Upper City, as a passenger on a tuk tuk. The driver’s narrow handlebars almost graze the maze of medieval walls around us, while my local city guide narrates on our surroundings. “And if you look to your right, you’ll see where chocolate-chip ice cream was invented,” he says. That’s all the persuasion I need to head in and try the grand-daddy of gelatos for myself. The Pasticceria, or pastry shop, stands on a winding road with a shaded outdoor area, benches, and an unlit firepit with views of the Atalanta football stadium in the distance.

Travelling between the modern lower town and historic upper town is an event in itself. For locals, the most practical way to get between the two is using the funicolare (funicular). In operation since 1887, the public transport system carries passengers in carriages on a steep incline with views over converted farmhouses and imported palm trees. Single tickets cost €1.50/£1.30, while a daily ticket costing €4/£3.55 covers local buses too.

The fully pedestrianised upper town oozes old-world charm. Wrought-iron balconies draped in plants are dotted across buildings overlooking piazzas filled with pizzerias and cafes. More than half of locals own a dog too, so you’re never far from petting a pooch while you sink your teeth into a slice of fresh pizza.

I’m told to come back in June to see the city at its best. Donizetti by Night is a series of more than 100 shows celebrating the life of one of Bergamo’s most loved exports, the highly revered classical composer Gaetano Donizetti. The party is set to spill out onto the streets between June 3-4, and will be followed by the city’s Opera Festival, June 9-10, another chance to join in the musical fun across more than 70 public and private venues.

Breath-taking churches

The Church of Santa Maria in the province of Bergamo may look unassuming from the outside, but no trip to the village of Lovere is complete without stepping inside. The towering columns and curved vault are revealed in dramatic fashion as I enter the basilica in darkness. It’s only after my guide switches on the lights that I am able to appreciate its beauty.

The Church of the Good Shepherd in Brescia has a similar effect on onlookers. As I make my way to lunch on the final day of my trip, my guide casually advises me to look inside. The Baroque altar inside is one of the most magnificent pieces of craftmanship I’ve ever seen, a collection of columns, statues and colours that will live long in my memory. It’s not

a large church but the details that adorn its dome and walls have to be seen to be believed.

Not all of Lombardy’s holy buildings are quite so modest from the outside. In Bergamo, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the neighbouring Colleoni Chapel grab your attention from the moment you step onto Piazza Vecchia or the Old Square. My view from Campanone, the city’s tallest tower, might be the best of them all. You can enjoy the same vista of the Old Town for €5/£4.40.

Unique flavours

There’s something about Lombardy’s location at the foot of the Alps that makes the region a gastro goldmine. In the valleys surrounding Bergamo, nine of Italy’s 50 DOPs, or ‘Protected Designations of Origin’, can be found.

The title is given to areas where foods are produced using traditional methods and to the highest standards. Here, the local herdsmen produce cheeses that, by definition, cannot be made anywhere else. It’s no surprise that the city is considered the European Capital of Cheese.

Bù Cheese BAR (Via Monte S. Michele, 1) is just moments from an 18th century opera house and the perfect spot to sample Bergamo’s finest produce. The cheeses on my plate are arranged like a clockface, where every hour is formaggio o’clock. I sample two DOP varieties, the Formai de Mut, or ‘mountain cheese’, and the Strachitunt, which my host introduces as the ‘Father of Gorgonzola’.

If it’s a ‘sit-down meal’ you’re after, Il Colmetto (ilcolmetto.it), a few minutes outside Brescia in Rodengo-Saiano, serves a refined menu made from the freshest ingredients, provided by its residents. The 200-plus goats at the back of the sun-drenched restaurant provide everything from ice cream to cheeses and the lightest butter I’ve ever tasted.

The risotto is the real talking point, a light concoction topped with burnt goat’s milk and black lemon, a combination of flavours unlike anything I’ve tried before. A tasting menu of 10 dishes will set you back €70/£62.

For more information on the cities’ Capital of Culture events, visit: bergamobrescia2023.it/en

GREG CLARK MP ADVICE SURGERIES

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

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

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

Bewl Water prepares to welcome back anglers as trout fishing season returns

Anglers will soon be back on the hunt for their catch of the day as South East England’s largest reservoir, Bewl Water re-opens for trout fishing next Wednesday (March 15).

The new season follows a two-week rest period after winter predator fishing ended on a high note on February 28.

At the reservoir’s lowest point, water levels sat at 37 per cent, but drastically increased at the beginning of this year.

Community

Now at 96 per cent, conditions have greatly improved for the angling community which sees over 3,000 fishermen visit annually.

‘The season has finished with a flourish’ said Ray French, a regular at Bewl Water.

‘They [Bewl Water] go into overdrive to ensure the new season is ready, willing, and able to provide a cracking first week for us all – open day is always a 'frenzied rush’ he explained. With just one week to go, the 770-acre reservoir

which straddles the Kent/Sussex border is busy preparing its waters as it restocks and repairs the fishing boat fleet.

54 boats and their engines have been serviced, cleaned, and overhauled, whilst life jacket services have been carried out in line with required safety measures.

Over the coming days, 6,000 prime trout in three deliveries are to be stocked at Rosemary Lane, Hook Straight and Main Bowl, where Bewl Water will trickle stock using a tank of water and oxygen.

This method will provide anglers with trout in more remote areas of the reservoir, promising plenty of fish in time for opening week.

Both novice and experienced fishermen are welcome to enjoy fly fishing or any method, with options to catch and release trout or take them home to eat.

Young children are also welcome and can fish free of charge when accompanying an adult’s permit, which can be purchased at bewlwater. co.uk, where tickets and boat hire can also be pre-booked.

Hosting suits everyone: single people, couples with or without children & retired people. We are seeking friendly and kind people who will provide the students with a warm, clean, safe and welcoming environment.

We welcome schools throughout the year including summer stays.The groups arrive on a Monday and stay 3 or 4 nights. Their busy schedules mean they are out all day from 7.30am – 7.00pm.

Hosting with ISE is a wonderful and enriching way to give young people the opportunity of a lifetime and to create unforgettable memories.

here to provide quality, expert advice’

The Amara clinic is a women’s health clinic which provides bespoke health and menopause care in a safe and private space in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

It is led by Anne Henderson, a Consultant Gynaecologist and renowned British Menopause Society Accredited Specialist who is one of only 200 specialists across the UK.

With over 30 years of experience, Anne leads a multi-disciplinary team offering a range of services including advice and support on perimenopause, menopause and HRT, gynaecology and mental health support.

The clinic, which opened in September 2022 and is based in Linden Close near The Pantiles, also provides ultrasound scanning, blood tests and other diagnostic investigations.

After graduating from the University of Cambridge, Anne spent four years doing a postgraduate specialising in menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and post-natal depression.

Therapies

She was a consultant gynaecologist within the NHS for 17 years and now practises privately. Anne is passionate about women’s health, HRT and complementary therapies including herbal medicine, diet, lifestyle changes and supplements, which she discusses in her 2021 book ‘Natural Menopause’, published by Dorling Kindersley.

“There is no question that menopause and HRT are now key health issues and the demand for high-quality expert advice continues to increase,” Anne explains.

According to the NHS, there are 13 million women in the UK, a third of the female population, who are menopausal.

Following the publication of the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence Menopause Guideline, and the support from celebrities like Davina McCall, more women are taking charge of their own menopausal health and have started seeking out more specialised support.

Anne

The Amara on The Pantiles…

Anne adds: “Since the pandemic, more women have definitely been taking their health into their own hands. They have become more self-aware and less reliant on GP advice with access to education, social media and TV.

“Most of them cannot get appointments due to the demand and pressure on the NHS so huge numbers of women are turning towards private clinics.

“I am seeing patients who maybe two or three years ago would never have contemplated private healthcare but are now seeking treatment.”

Anne established The Amara Clinic with the aim of providing a one-stop clinic that is safe, regulated and highly effective in treating all women.

“I wanted to create a clinic which is centered around a core expertise, but also provides a seamless in-house process with a full range of holistic services to deliver exactly what women want.”

The Amara Clinic is one of a select number of consultant lead women’s health clinics in the South East.

The benefit of this means everything from prescriptions to procedures can be done in-house through a seamless process that doesn’t require external referrals which a GP-led menopause clinic would.

As a result, patients receive a high level of expertise with continuity of care (and a consultant-led service) as they continue to see the same practitioner each time. The clinic is led by women for women, treating every woman’s case as unique with personalised treatments for each patient.

The Amara Clinic currently performs surgical

procedures at KIMS hospital, Kent and No. 25 Harley Street, London, but will be expanding the clinic to offer in-house procedures at a new site opening in spring 2023.

“Soon the clinic will be expanding to a beautiful 10-room Georgian building in Tunbridge Wells, complete with an operating theatre to continue our in-house treatments available to our patients,” adds Anne.

Acclaimed

“The new clinic will be established with the aim of providing a complete one-stop clinic, which is fully regulated and provides a wide range of expertise.”

Most excitingly, the new site will also be a partnership with the highly acclaimed Private Clinic Group, including the Cosmetic Skin Clinic, which was originally established by Dr Tracy Mountford.

The site will become the UK’s first fully accredited combined women’s health and non-surgical cosmetic clinic, becoming a bespoke one-stop clinic with everything under one roof.

“Tracy and I, together with the Private Clinic Group Team, have a long-standing ambition to

create the safest possible service for women. This is why we are fully-regulated by the highest accreditations.

“Both clinics have a fully-trained team of staff comprising of GPs, nurses, physios, therapists, mental health practitioners, pharmacists and nutritionists to provide the highest quality service for patients.”

Last December, The Amara Clinic had its official launch party which was attended by local businesses, doctors, nurses, medics and the practice team in a large festive tent with cocktails and street vendors.

Having been open for only a few months, Anne is delighted with how the clinic is progressing and is now looking forward to her new partnership and also when the second clinic will be launched.

“My first clinic has been exactly what I hoped for, if not better than I had planned and dreamed of. How often can you say that?”

The Amara Clinic 2 Linden Close, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8HH. Tel: 03333222122 gynae-expert.co.uk

Lilly Croucher meets Consultant Gynaecologist

Henderson who has just opened her specialist clinic

‘The Amara clinic is led by women for women, treating every woman’s case as unique with personalised treatments for each patient’

‘We are

SPECIALIST SERVICE

The Amara clinic and (inset) Anne Henderson

In his fortnightly gig guide, Times music editor Paul Dunton highlights some of the best acts to see over the next couple of weeks. They include Romeo Stodart from The Magic Numbers, electronic party starters Dub Pistols, a solo set by John Whitehorn of The Varlies and a CODA classical concert at Rose Hill School…

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE, THE PANTILES

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

17/03 The Grey Lady Sessions: St Patrick’s Day Concert with Steffan James and special guests.

18/03 Soul Kitchen – 8th anniversary

DJ party

10/03 The Masqueraders Duo (8.30pm)

11/03 The Management Duo (8.30pm)

16/03 Julian Burdoch (7pm)

17/03 The Masqueraders Duo (8.30pm)

18/03 Indian Jukebox Duo (8.30pm)

23/03 David Mumford (7pm)

24/03 The Masqueraders Duo

(8.30pm)

25/03 Owen Donovan (8.30pm)

guidegig

March 8 to March 21

10/03 Hit Play

17/03 Terry Joy Band

18/03 New Groove Band

THE JUNCTION INN, GROOMBRIDGE

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, booking advised 01892 864275

17/03 St Patrick’s Day celebration with Mischa Bray & Friends

THE COMPASSES, 45 LITTLE MOUNT

SION

Open all day, free entry music from

7.30pm

17/03 St Patrick’s Day celebration with James Dunne

TRINITY THEATRE, CHURCH ROAD

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

09/03 Juan Martín

12/03 GEMS concert and prize giving

18/03 Jazz Lunch (12pm) Cafe Society Fundraiser

ROSE HILL SCHOOL THEATRE

bookings at thegreenduckemporium. com/events

17/03 Vittle & Swig St Patrick’s Day Bash

THE FORUM BASEMENT, THE SUSSEX ARMS

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

08/03 Reclaim The Night: A celebration of International Women’s Day. Live music from Anna Howie.

11/03 The Electric Rats

19/03 Upcdownc

The Royal Oak Pub, Prospect Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

11/03 Kharma & The Devil

THE BLACK HORSE PUB, CAMDEN ROAD

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm (live music every Friday night)

10/03 Emma Bennett

THE BLUE ANCHOR INN, CROWBOROUGH

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, booking advised 01892 319299

17/03 St Patrick’s Day celebration with The Management Trio

THE RED LION PUB, RUSTHALL

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, booking advised 01892 527000

08/03 Jazz Jam

11/03 Jez Harley (5pm-7pm)

18/03 Steffan James (8pm)

THE BEDFORD PUB, HIGH STREET

Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Event information and tickets at www. twforum.co.uk

08/03 Word Up! International Women’s Day.

09/03 U18’s Open Mic Night

10/03 Cyrano + Chris Parris + Kay Hazel + Dolly Mae

11/03 Romeo Stodart (The Magic Numbers)

13/03 Crimson + Lily Ramona + Rita

Tam + Touchstone

17/03 Dub Pistols

18/03 Boogie Nights

20/03 Baby + Crushed by Pimps + Safety Jacket

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, CRESCENT ROAD

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

11/03 Switch Presents…Shake It: A celebration of House Music

TN1 BAR & KITCHEN, MONSON ROAD

Open all day live music usually from 8pm booking advised Via 01892 513900 or visit www.tn1barkitchen. co.uk

09/03 Andreas Jensen (7pm)

SANKEY’S BAR & RESTAURANT, MT

EPHRAIM

Open all day, free entry, music from 7.30pm

09/03 Sean Fennessy

16/03 Act TBC

THE GREEN DUCK EMPORIUM, 53 GROSVENOR ROAD

All event information, tickets and

17/03 Dovestock Collective

TYBER’S REGGAE BAR, 9 NEVILL STREET

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

10/03 Haggis DJ

11/03 Tyber/Pete

17/03 Pat O’Reilly & Guests (formerly The Moochers)

18/03 DJ Rocksteady

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

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

12/03 classical music concert Katy Johns (violin) and Jong-Gyung Park (piano)

KING CHARLES THE MARTYR CHURCH

All event information and tickets available at www.kcmtw.org

Inn Stetter Hut: Concert 17

James Gilchrist and The Linarol Consort

GEOGRAPHY WINE BAR, HIGH STREET

Open all day music from 3.30pm, free entry

12/03 John Whitehorn of The Varlies

19/03 Isabella Coulstock

Name of event and name of act(s) Ticket link and/or website (please state if free entry)

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

Please state photo credit if required.

paul@paulduntonandguests.com

DAVID MUMFORD

THE MANAGEMENT DUO

CYRANO

ANNA HOWIE

Picasso pottery is the pick of this sale

detail captured in this cavalry skirmish – one can almost hear the din of battle from the comfort of the viewing galleries! Attributed to the famed Belgian artist, this piece carries a pre-sale estimate of £6,000-£8,000 (plus auction fees). A work of a very different period and feel, lot 387, Dame Laura Knight’s (1887-1970) pencil sketch ‘Kentish Landscape’ is chosen not only due to its depiction of the familiar landscape of home which we will all hold dear, but also due to the charming hand-written annotations reflecting plans for colours which give this preparatory sketch such character and a connection to the artist herself. Estimated at £600 -£800 (plus fees).

With today’s article going to press less than a week before our spring quarterly fine sale at Gorringe’s, here I select a few favourite finds made by the team and I ahead of our first fine sale of 2023.

The first is lot number two – chosen for no other reason than it represents a personal favourite of mine – from a good selection of first editions and scarce printed works which open the sale on March 14 – Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, a first edition with frontispiece by Graham Robertson. A timeless tale which instantly transports a reader back to the innocence of childhood and glimpses the calmness and simple comforts of a long-lost Edwardian Britain.

The next is something which regular readers of my articles know I always delight in finding (this example unearthed in a charming Sevenoaks home). It is a piece by Pablo Picasso (1881-1873) for Madoura Pottery – a white earthenware

ceramic plate ‘Joueur de diaule et faune’, conceived in 1956 and executed in a numbered edition of 100. Together with its unmistakable stye – the reason this item makes my list is that it’s an opportunity to own a piece born of the mind and handled by one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and arguably of all time. Estimated at

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

£3,000-£5,000 (plus fees) it suddenly feels very approachable when compared to the artist’s works on canvas, the auction record price of which to date being over $106million with Christie’s!

Next, lot 347 – a work attributed to Jan August Hendrik Baron Leys (Belgium, 1815-1869) chosen for the sheer delight of the drama and fine

Decoration

My final choice (that I have room for here anyway!) is lot 432 – an unusual early Victorian silver rectangular snuff box, commemorating Grace Darling, engraved with a panel depicting the heroine in a lifeboat rescuing sailors from a sinking ship, within deeply chased scrolling foliate borders, the base with engine turned decoration – produced by Nathaniel Mills of Birmingham in 1838 and sold with a copy of 'Grace Darling or, The Heroine of The Fern Islands' by G.W.M. Reynolds, London 1839 – an example of an object with an utterly enchanting story – elevating a simple silver box with such emotive resonance. Estimated at £1,200-£1,500 (plus fees).

As always – if you have any items at home you might like to have valued, to learn more about or to consign to sale, I would be delighted to hear from you at: josepht@gorringes.co.uk or 07789979396.

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

OBLIGATION OFFER

Joseph Trinder from Gorringe’s auction house reveals a preview of the lots coming up in their spring fine sale, which includes a work by none other than Pablo Picasso…

PAINTING BY JAN AUGUST HENDRIK BARON LEYS

Motoring News

Chris Evans’ CarFest donates Queen Elizabeth II’s Jaguar X-Type as Red Nose Day prize

A JAGUAR previously owned and driven by Queen Elizabeth II has been donated by Chris Evans’ CarFest as a prize for Red Nose Day.

The 2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate was first owned by the late monarch, with its original vehicle handbook confirming its registration as ‘PYN 1F’, belonging to The Queen. She was widely photographed using the car too, including at Windsor Castle. Finished in Emerald Fire green paintwork with a ‘Barley’ leather interior, the car also comes with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate confirming its authenticity.

The Jaguar has now been donated by the X-Type’s current owner, radio DJ and presenter Chris Evans, and his CarFest motoring event as a competition prize for Comic Relief.

Evans said: “I’m so grateful CarFest is able to support Comic Relief and I’m thrilled that we are able to donate this very special historic car, and to share it with another enthusiast, especially for such an important cause.”

The 2009 Jaguar, which has covered around

73,000 miles, was sold at auction in November 2022 by Historics, with the iconic estate car making £43,000 – more than four times what an example without its provenance would go for.

Extraordinary

Samir Patel, chief executive of Comic Relief, said: “We are enormously grateful to Chris Evans and CarFest for this generous donation for Red Nose Day – this truly is a prize like no other we have ever been able to offer our supporters. This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a real piece of history and will be such a special prize for the lucky winner.”

CarFest is a motoring event that is the brainchild of Chris Evans, a huge petrolhead. It takes place on the last weekend of August at Laverstoke Park Farm near Basingstoke, Hampshire.

The prize draw is now open, with entries set to close on March 31.

Ford is heading to the Pikes Peak hill climb… in a van

Hyundai i10 city car updated for 2023

HYUNDAI has announced a series of updates for its junior i10 city car, bringing styling and technology updates.

The latest, third-generation i10 reached showrooms in early 2020, arriving with a far more stylish design and a range of new technologies, many rarely seen in cars as small as this Hyundai.

While many car firms, including Ford and Vauxhall, have abandoned this small car segment as it’s harder to make money, Hyundai remains committed. As part of this update, the South Korean firm has given the model new LED rear lights, while the daytime running lights –integrated into the front grille – use a new signature. Lumen Grey and Meta Blue are two additional colours to join the range.

Sportier

FORD has announced it is returning to the Pikes Peak hill climb in Colorado in 2023, and that it will be competing in a van.

But it won’t be a normal van, rather Ford’s wild electric Transit-based ‘SuperVan 4’. Revealed last year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, it’s the latest execution of Ford’s ‘SuperVan’ concept, and the first EV.

Built by Ford Performance and rally specialists STARD, its four electric motors generate an enormous 1,973bhp, and means this heavilymodified Transit can accelerate from 0-60mph in just two seconds.

Ford has been competing at Pikes Peak for more than 100 years, and was present with its

Model T at the first ever event, with the classic model taking 28 minutes and three seconds to reach the top of the 12.42-mile hill climb, which ends 14,115ft above sea level.

Ford hasn’t confirmed that it is hoping to break the overall record with the van, but has jokingly said it is ‘looking to shave more than a few minutes from the Model T’s time’.

At the wheel of the SuperVan will be Romain Dumas, who is the current record holder at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, getting to the top in a fraction under eight minutes at the 2018 event with the electric Volkswagen ID.R race car.

Dumas said: “Ford’s latest generation of electric vehicle technology is the perfect match for America’s Mountain. With high altitudes cutting power in traditional ICE-powered vehicles, the electric powertrain of SuperVan 4 has no loss at elevation and will be a healthy competitor in this year’s race.”

This year’s Pikes Peak Hillclimb takes place on June 25.

Hyundai also continues to offer a sportier N-Line model, which gets a racier body kit and new 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the i10 can be specified with a ‘Purple Package’, bringing blue mood lighting, tartan seats with purple lines, and a purple sheen on the centre console. Hyundai has also introduced new USB-C chargers in the front and rear, as well as the capability for over-the-air updates, a feature usually found on far pricier models.

UK pricing and specifications for the updated Hyundai i10 are yet to be announced but expect a small increase over the current model’s £14,995 starting price. Production of the refreshed city car will begin in Turkey in April, with first deliveries planned for the second half of the year.

Ford’s latest generation of electric vehicle technology is the perfect match for America’s Mountain