Times of Tonbridge 16th November 2016

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

All the news that matters

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INSIDE GRAVE CONCERNS Tonbridge cemetery could soon be full up. Page 5

BOXING DAYS

Help children experience the joy of Christmas. Page 5

MARCHING TO THE BEAT: The 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band led a parade of more than 25 local organisations through the High Street after the Remembrance Sunday service at the Memorial Gardens. Thousands of people turned out for the service and the parade. For the full story and more pictures, turn to page 4.

David defeats Goliath in litter battle

WHAT’S ON

Conductor Matthew Willis leads way at theatre. Page 82

Facebook backs down after threatening town businessman over name

By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A TONBRIDGE businessman says he is ‘delighted’ after the news that social media giant Facebook is dropping its legal case against his mobile app.

Danny Lucas, 49, launched his app ­Littergram in 2014, allowing members of the public to instantly alert councils to the specific locations of litter, who legally cannot ignore such reports.

But in November 2015, when Mr Lucas went to trademark the name of his app, Facebook launched an objection, claiming it was too similar to the photo-­

sharing site Instagram, which they acquired for $1billion in 2012.

“I thought blimey, I’ve got a huge giant of a company against me,” recalls Mr Lucas. “So I decided not to trademark.

But then in April I received another letter saying that I wasn’t even allowed to call it Littergram anymore.”

‘It came as a complete and pleasant surprise’ In response, he launched an appeal directly to Mark Zuckerberg through an online video, with the hope that ‘common sense would prevail’. This gained national attention, resulting in the BBC

receiving a statement from Facebook in May explaining that there would be no problem as long as there continued to be no trademark.

The dispute appeared to have been resolved – until September, when Mr Lucas received another letter telling him that he had just nine days to stop using the Littergram name.

So when a month later the letter arrived on November 4, he said: “It came as a complete and pleasant surprise to me to receive the letter last week dropping the matter and I’m totally relieved that I can now keep using the name.

“I could not pre-empt that this would be the outcome as it was very apparent

that there was no consistency to what was happening.

“Winning a name battle against one of the largest organisations in the world shows councils we mean business and gives us more strength than any trademark could ever offer.”

Mr Lucas, who is married with two children, said he had ‘no interest in getting into a battle with a big company’, insisting there is very little commercial aspect to his app since it is free and carries no advertisements or sponsorships.

Describing the project as ‘philanthropic’, he claimed he was motivated to combat the fact that the UK is the ‘third most littered country in the world’.

SPORT

Tonbridge Angels Ladies hit five against Colts. Page 86

4 ■ LOCAL NEWS

When you go home, tell them of us and say: ‘For their tomorrow, we gave our today…’

REMEMBRANCE Sunday may be a sombre affair but the massive turnout for the annual service in the town’s Memorial Gardens highlighted the enormous community spirit among Tonbridge residents, who united in their thousands to honour those who have fallen during conflict.

‘It was an incredible turnout.

I’ve never seen anything like it’ The Act of Remembrance began at 10.45am with the Rev Anthony Hammill of the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul welcoming the crowd, which was so big that people had to find vantage positions on the bridge and perched on walls outside the gardens.

After the hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past, the former Tonbridge Mayor Derek Still, the last President of the Tonbridge branch of the Royal British Legion, recited the Exhortation.

A two-minute silence was only punctuated by the sound of football matches drifting across from the park next door, where players had held a silence before kick-off.

Wreaths were laid by the town’s representatives, including one on behalf of all veterans by Leslie Burkett, 95, who served in Burma during the Second World War with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and has lived in Tonbridge for 65 years.

As the national anthem was sung at the end of the service, the sun came out signalling a bright start to the parade. Thousands watched the large procession of local organisations on the High Street, led by the 17th Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band and excellently marshalled by the Tonbridge Lions.

Young and old paraded to the Canon Lawn at Tonbridge Castle, where Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat, who served in Iraq and

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 EDITOR AT LARGE FRANK BALDWIN fbaldwin@markerstudy.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES GEMMA HAK ghak@markerstudy.com | 01892 779580 GENERAL INQUIRIES newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews IF YOU HAVE A STORY WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Contact details above

REPRESENTING VETERANS Leslie Burkett, helped by his daughter Irene

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

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Wednesday 16th November 2016

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Dignitaries take part in the parade

Afghanistan, gave a speech thanking everyone for coming.

Reflecting on the day, Poppy Appeal organiser Carl Lewis said: “It was an incredible turnout. I’ve never seen anything like it.

But when we observed the silence, I thought of all those who have gone before and all those who have defended their country and the painful waves of loss that affect everyone.”

Two days earlier, the town fell silent at 11am to mark Armistice Day (November 11). Hundreds gathered at the memorial by the Watergate, bringing the High Street to a standstill.

Peak Fitness gym in Tonbridge joined in the Poppy Appeal by hosting an 18-hour ‘charity spinathon’ and raising more than £3,000 for the Royal British Legion. Over 100 volunteers topped the efforts of the previous two years, as they annually increase the challenge by three hours – it will be 21 hours next year, while a 24-hour ‘spinathon’ will mark the centenary of the end of the First World War in 2018.

For more photographs of the Remembrance Sunday service and parade, go to our website www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

LOCAL NEWS 

NEWS IN BRIEF

McDonald’s drive-thru sets date for opening THE NEW McDonald’s restaurant in Tonbridge is set to open on December 28.

The drive-thru store will provide 100 new jobs at its premises on Cannon Lane, despite the increasing use of automation in its fast-food service as self-service kiosks fulfil the role of traditional order takers.

Franchisee Surjit Manger said: “As an active member of the community I am really pleased to be creating 100 new jobs for local Tonbridge residents. I am looking forward to the opening of my Cannon Lane restaurant and to making the experience an enjoyable one for our customers.”

Loyal customer prizes THE LATEST winners for the Tonbridge Loyalty Card (TLC) competition have been announced.

Pictured are Bernadette Bullen and Jean Cort receiving £50 of TLC and Farmers Market vouchers from the manager of Cook, Pam Keen, as winners of the October prize draw.

The TLC was established in 2013, with the aim of encouraging people to shop in the town. Every time shoppers spend £5 in a participating store, they get a stamp on a card. Once you have six stamps you can send it off to be entered in the monthly prize draw.

Gold award for park A TONBRIDGE park has received a Gold certificate from the Kent Wildlife Trust for the efforts volunteers have made in maintaining and improving the natural environment.

Haysden Park was commended as part of the annual Richard Neame Local Wildlife Sites Awards, which celebrate landowners who enhance the natural landscape.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr Maria Heslop, said: “It is heartening to know that we are all playing a part in wildlife conservation and making the country parks in the area so enjoyable for all.”

5

Councillor voices concern over capacity of graveyard

By Murray Jones murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

NOT enough foresight is being applied to the issue of capacity in the 15-acre Tonbridge Cemetery – and it is ‘filling up quickly’ according to a borough councillor.

Cllr David Cure, who represents Judd Ward, is concerned that the high rate of demand cannot be sustained for much longer at the cemetery in Shipbourne Road.

He has called on Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council to invest

FORWARD THINKING David Cure calls for a longterm approach

Shoebox appeal gets off on the right foot TONBRIDGE residents are being asked to lend a hand to help make sure children from around the world experience the joy of Christmas.

Operation Christmas Child, which encourages donors to fill a shoebox with gifts for young people in the developing world, began processing contributions from around the South East yesterday (November 15).

It is the second year that the scheme has run its regional operation from Tonbridge – last year a total of 11,435 boxes were processed.

This winter organisers managed to secure the use of the former Homebase site on Cannon Lane for no cost, vastly increasing its capacity.

The appeal’s national Director of Operations,

Nick Cole, who lives in Tonbridge, hopes to increase the base’s volunteer force and output.

He said: “The increased space means we aim to check 25,000 boxes up to December 9.”

He wants to double the 200 volunteers they had last year, saying: “You can turn up at the site and training will be provided on the spot.

Please come for two hours minimum, between 10am-4pm.”

If your group consists of six or more people, contact Sarah Smith on 07840 006316 or sarahtonbridgeOCC @gmail.com.

BOXING DAYS Nathan Cole, son of the Director of Operations at OCC

in more land in the town, in order to significantly increase the space provided to lay the deceased to rest.

“It’s a basic service to the community to bury your dead.

You’ve got to look at least 10 to 20 years ahead,” the councillor warned. “It’s not going to be cheap, but you’ll have to do it at some point. Better sooner rather than later.”

At a meeting of the Communities and Housing Advisory Board on Monday (November 14), a recommendation was put forward

to investigate options to expand capacity ‘in light of current demand’.

However, Cllr Cure is not convinced that this will look far enough ahead, suggesting it will only think of the next ‘five or six years’.

During the meeting on Monday, a 1.5 per cent increase to cemetery charges was outlined.

The purchase of an adult plot will cost £964, rising from £950.

This rise will generate additional net income of approximately £1,800.

The cemetery, which was opened in 1848, currently has approximately 18,000 people buried there.

MUSICAL CHAIRS Lions’ concert performers

Charity concert is music to Lions’ ears TONBRIDGE Lions have declared their night of classical music a ‘tremendous success’ after raising nearly £1,500 for charity.

The ‘Hands Across the Sea’ concert was held in the Science Theatre at Salomons Estate in Southborough last month. It featured the East Peckham Silver Band and L’Harmonie Municipale de Chéreng from France.

The £1,479 total will be divided between two charities, the Hospice in the Weald and The Children’s Liver Disease Foundation.

The concert entertained a full house, and among those attending were the Tonbridge Lions President Bob Bartlett and his wife Jan, along with the Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Cllr Mark Rhodes, and Lady Mayoress Julie Rhodes.

Lions’ member Keith ‘Lofty’ Bunyon, who organised the evening, said: “The club was pleased we were able to host and support this event. The evening was a tremendous success, enjoyed by all those who attended.”

Wednesday 16th November 2016

6  LOCAL NEWS

Christmas is coming to our town…

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS THURSDAY IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

By Phil Spacey

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE festive season kicks off in Tunbridge Wells this week with a number of events to mark the run up to the big day on December 25.

Father Christmas himself will be officially opening his grotto in Royal Victoria Place with the assistance of this year’s Snow White pantomime cast, led by Su Pollard and Jamie Rickers, on Thursday, just hours before the town is lit up by a dazzling array of Christmas lights.

These will be switched on by X Factor winner Ben Haenow, who will also give a live performance alongside other acts including Britain’s Got Talent finalists Boogie Storm.

Friday will see the festive entertainment move to the beautifully illuminated Calverley Grounds and the grand opening of the ice rink which will boast skating displays from Gillingham Silver Blades and the Invicta Dynamos.

Supported by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the 35 x 20 metre ice rink, with a capacity of up to 250 skaters, will be open seven days a week–, except on Christmas Day–until January 2.

To add some additional flair, The Assembly Hall theatre and The Forum have announced a major collaboration to bring live music to the rink from November 24 and each Thursday after until

3.10pm Town Centre Open Top Bus Tour departs Royal Victoria Place (RVP) with Santa and his Elves, stopping en route to collect Snow White panto stars Su Pollard and Jamie Rickers, together with Heart FM competition winners at the Assembly Hall 3.30pm – 4.30pm Open Top Bus tours town centre 4.30pm Open Top Bus arrives at Ely Court Precinct Entrance to RVP with Santa and Snow White cast for Santa’s Grotto Opening event hosted by Heart’s Jenni Falconer.

COOL YULE Calverley Grounds’ ice rink December 15. Those listening to the music or having a skate will be able to warm up with a hot chocolate from Basil On Ice or relax with Belgian beer from Fuggles bar.

JJ Almond, Theatre Director at the Assembly Hall said: “We are really proud to be entering into our first major collaboration with The Forum at the Christmas ice rink. We hope this partnership will grow and give many more local and upcoming bands more and varied opportunities in our borough and further afield.”

4.55pm Santa, Su Pollard and Jamie Rickers with cast of Snow White switch on Grotto Lights 5.00pm Santa’s Grotto officially opens to public 6.30pm Lights Switch On party hosted by Heart FM’s Jenni Falconer 7.00pm Official Lights Switch On party with performances by Ben Haenow, Boogie Storm and the Rock Choir

THEY’RE BEHIND YOU! The Snow White Panto cast YOUR FESTIVE GUIDE AT TO OTHER LOCAL SEASONAL EVENTS ■ The Santa Express visits Tunbridge Wells

every weekend until Christmas from this Saturday. It will also run every day from December 17 until Christmas Eve. ■ Hever Castle is holding a Christmas fair that

promises to be brimming with gorgeous gifts and seasonal treats on November 24.

■ The Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells will

be illuminating The Pantiles with their Tree of Light, which is decorated by locals commemorating lost loved ones, on December 1. The event is held in aid of the Hospice in the Weald and the club are hoping to exceed the £4500 raised last year.

Steffan James will play at the ice rink

■ Trinity Theatre will host a performance of A

Christmas Carol on December 3 and will be running a Christmas Comedy Café from December 8 until December 10.

Paul Cheese will also perform at Calverley Grounds FESTIVE FUN Christmas comes to town on November 17

Wednesday 16th November 2016

8  LOCAL NEWS

Bridge repairs given the green light at last

UNDERGROWTH The lodges will be covered by a wild meadow roof

First glimpse of ‘environmentally sensitive’ earth lodges to bring tourism to Bewl Water PLANS to create 60 ‘earth lodges’ to provide self-catering accommodation at Bewl Water have been unveiled.

The two-bedroom constructions would be cut into a slope, covered by earth banks and sheltered beneath a wild meadow roof. Each would incorporate high performance construction and renewable energy technologies.

The low-energy units could accommodate up to 240 people and would use existing on-site car parking.

It is the latest significant investment by Markerstudy Leisure aimed at improving the facilities at the 800-acre site since

Wednesday 16th November 2016

the company bought it from West Ham owner David Sullivan last year.

Each lodge will have views and a private outdoor space, enhancing local tourism by providing a base for short breaks.

Andrew Daniells, Chief Operating Officer at Bewl Water, said: “Since taking over the management of Bewl Water Country Park and investing in new facilities and improving the existing leisure activities, it has become clear that there is a demand for high quality self-catering accommodation that is sensitive to the environment.”

The proposals were unveiled at a public

viewing in the Waterside Visitor Centre on November 9, attended by 130 people.

Mr Daniells added: “The response from local residents and watersports enthusiasts was overwhelmingly positive.

“We believe the addition of self-catering accommodation at Bewl would enable us to play a greater role in supporting other local tourism businesses.

“The earth lodges are an integral part of our long-term strategy to ensure the country park can operate as an all-yearround destination for outdoor pursuits and continue to improve the facilities for existing watersports users.”

REPAIRS to Grosvenor Bridge in Tunbridge Wells will finally go ahead at the start of the New Year, avoiding disruption to shoppers in the build-up to Christmas.

The reconstruction of the concrete piers supporting the bridge, which spans the London to Hastings railways line, is set to begin on January 3.

The road is expected to be closed to all vehicles until the autumn, but pedestrian access will be maintained.

Traffic will be diverted from Grosvenor Bridge on to Upper Grosvenor Road, Grosvenor Road, Victoria Road, Camden Road and finally on to Quarry Road.

The repairs were due to begin on June 16 but were put on hold because Network Rail needed to divert a high-voltage cable first.

They had to wait because work on the power network at Hastings meant the cable was in use 24 hours a day.

KCC Cabinet member for Environ-

TIME SPAN The bridge will be closed to cars until the autumn

ment and Transport, Matthew Balfour, said: “These works are vital to ensuring the structural integrity of the bridge and the safety of the road.

“I appreciate this will cause disruption and for that we have apologised,” he added. “It has always been our intention to avoid the busy

‘This will cause disruption and for that we apologised’ Christmas period and that is why the works will begin in January.”

Nicky Blanchard, Centre Manager of Royal Victoria Place and Chair of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, said the group worked closely with KCC and other parties to resolve the issue.

She said: “It is paramount that any works do not impact on the busy Christmas trading period for town centre businesses and this should be a key consideration when planning the final schedule for these works.”

LOCAL NEWS �

9

High hopes for Knights Wood

UPWARDLY MOBILE: Dandara’s Knights Wood development has been slowly taking shape since work at the 200-acre site began in 2014. In total, some 550 houses and apartments are being constructed, while the new development’s primary school, run by The Skinners’ Company, opened in September.

How DIY ‘excess’ can build a better future

By Robyn Bannister

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

RECYCLING CYCLIST Alex Thompson rode 8,000 miles to China

A TUNBRIDGE WELLS resident became so incensed by the ‘criminal amount of waste’ he saw in the DIY trade that he believes he has come up with a solution to the problem.

Alex Thomson’s inspiration for his DIY goods recycling website www.diygogo.co.uk stems from his experiences cycling to China, which he said had given him ‘a sense of perspective on the road’.

On his 8,000-mile solo journey, which took him through countries such as Kazakhstan and ­Kyrgyzstan, Mr Thomson was struck by how the inhabitants of these less developed nations lived ‘contented and sustainable lives’ despite being far less materially well off than ­people back home.

Upon returning to the UK he would often pass

‘This really does hit a spot that has yet to be filled, giving it huge potential’ skips full of bricks, sinks and other reusables that he believed would ‘certainly be of value’ to others.

This sense of disillusionment with what Mr Thomson describes as ‘modern excess’ really hit home when he was asked to help some friends take down their old kitchen.

“I was knocking some perfectly good tiles off the wall. Realising that they hadn’t been up for long, I felt that a simple matter of taste in no way justified their disposal,” he explained.

“It was a perfect case of how our regard for fashion, aesthetics and competition has dissolved the actual true need for practicality and, most importantly, sustainability.”

Determined to play his part in reducing waste, the 28-year-old kitesurf instructor set up his free website, which launched last week.

Although admitting his platform is similar to other recycling websites, such as Freegle and

Freecycle, Mr Thomson believed there was still ‘room for more’.

By making the website specifically for DIY items, he cites first home buyers ‘who can’t afford new things’ as the sort of clients who will find it useful.

Those using the site to list items that they wish to give away upload a brief description, a photo and a location where they can be picked up.

Those wanting a particular item can choose from a number of categories to narrow down their search. Alternatively they can search using a map or postcode. The service is free of charge.

Mr Thomson commented: “This website really does hit a spot that has yet to be filled, giving it huge potential.

“Over time it will hopefully become a platform to contribute to the environmental shift that is so necessary for our future. It’s pretty ­exciting.”

Wednesday 16th November 2016

10  LOCAL NEWS

Kurds protest at Great Hall

RAISING AWARENESS of Turkish clampdown

THE closure of a post office, littering, or a lack of safe cycling lanes – these are the types of issues we would expect people to take to the streets over in Tunbridge Wells.

But last Wednesday lunchtime the town played host to a protest from The Democratic Unity of Forces – a group of predominantly Kurdish people speaking out against actions in Turkey following the failed bid to overthrow President Erdogan in July.

Several journalists and politicians have been arrested in the country, as well as a number of media outlets closed, in what the protest group from Brighton argue is an authoritarian clampdown on ‘all-sections’ of the government’s opposition.

On November 4, 12 MPs from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party were arrested, prompting the group to protest outside Parliament and tour around the UK’s towns and cities to spread awareness.

Chanting ‘Wake up UK’ and ‘He is a dictator’, they stood outside BBC South East’s Tunbridge Wells studios in the Great Hall for two hours.

One protester, Mr Mehmet, said: “This is about the arrests of innocent people by Erdogan’s regime. We are speaking out against the persecution of journalists and Kurdish politicians because the situation of violence and arrests is really worrying.”

‘We are just people who live and work in Tunbridge Wells’ When asked whether there was a strong Kurdish community in Tunbridge Wells, Mr Mehmet – who was born in the Kurdish region of Turkey but has lived in the town for 23 years – said: “Yes, well I wouldn’t say we are a community, we are just people who live and work here, but there are a few.”

The Times contacted the Turkish Embassy, who said nine Kurdish MPs had been charged with ‘terrorismlinked’ offences. They claimed the MPs had refused to give depositions to judicial authorities and arrest warrants were issued. Three were later released.

They did not respond to complaints over the closure of 170 media outlets and the arrest of 128 journalists.

Labour’s ‘patriotic’ industrial vision As reported in the Times last week the MP Jon Trickett paid a flying visit to attend a Labour party meeting, Adam Hignett asked the former Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how he thinks Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark is faring as head of the government department he himself used to scrutinise What do you think Greg Clark’s challenges are in relation to the government’s ‘industrial strategy’, which to me seems quite vague at the moment?

What they have done is create a department with industrial strategy in the title, but there isn’t one.

There is just a blank space where the strategy should be. Over the summer, since he took on the department, you have had Sir Philip Green, Mike

‘We want to see homegrown talent being nourished’ Ashley at Sports Direct, the company ARM – which was the crown jewels of British IT – sold to the Japanese, and the steel industry on its knees with no future. So it’s a funny industrial strategy. On the other hand, we have this announcement concerning Nissan, but nobody knows what was offered to them. There is no strategy, it’s just a title.

But Philip Green and Mike Ashley predated Mr Clark taking over as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy…

He could have done more about it when he took over business. I would like to see more action from the government on all these things. But the truth is, even in a place like Kent – which compared to other parts of the country is more prosperous, albeit with some pockets of poverty – I think you need an industrial strategy here. We all do because industry doesn’t just mean people getting dirt under their fingernails, it means rebuilding the

Wednesday 16th November 2016

economy in a new way. The government has been in power for six years, Greg Clark has been part of it, and they haven’t done a lot to renew industry.

I assume a Conservative strategy would involve corporation tax cuts?

Sit back and do nothing is how I’d describe it…

What would a proactive Labour strategy be?

I would say investment to create jobs and growth. What the country’s industries are lacking is basic investment, both private and public. There is a large amount of money sitting in corporate bank accounts ready to be used to invest in the country, and that is what we desperately need. Then there is a large amount of infrastructure, such as railways and internet, and we want to invest in all of that, and on things such as education. The Tories won’t invest because they’re in favour of austerity, but we need to if we want to rebuild the country as the old industries die away.

Some people, especially from around here, might think a Labour industrial strategy means taking over the commanding heights of the

economy, which sounds interventionist. How much intervention would Labour allow?

We would like to see private investment, we will do what we can to retain it. But there are a large number of corporations sitting on large amounts of liquidity in the banks waiting to invest it. I think they just need a bit of forward planning by the government to encourage them. But I don’t think we are going back to the old days of command economy. That’s not at all what we are about.

Is that a veiled threat to penalise the retention of capital?

A carrot works far better…

Jon Trickett

What carrots would you offer?

For example, in my constituency [Hemsworth] there is a businessman who is helping to redesign the New York Stock Exchange. Can you imagine how glamorous that is and the benefits to our economy? But his internet connectivity is so poor he does all the design work in his office and puts the computer in the back of his

car to take it to his house, where he has better connection. It’s these kinds of things. We are not talking about the heavy hand of government, but we’re not afraid to say that if it requires government action then the government should act. But it should be done with carrots rather than sticks.

That may remind some of Ed Miliband’s ‘bad capitalists, good capitalists’ speech. How much will you tax wealth creators to redistribute it?

This is not about tax. We want good business but we don’t want purely business as usual. There are some brilliant companies with world-class technology in our country, one of which was sold off to the Japanese by the Tory government, and I don’t think that was very progressive. There are one or two bad eggs, but what business people say to me is: “I don’t like the fact I am made to compete with somebody who is cutting every corner, avoiding the laws, paying poor wages and all the rest, because it is undermining me as a good businessman.” So we want to encourage good business practice and discourage the bad, but that is not the heavy hand of the state. That is the government saying we want a level playing field.

It could be inferred that you would have protections and tariffs on buyouts?

No. I haven’t said any of that. We want to see homegrown talent being nourished in Britain and that is the patriotic thing to do. I think most people who think about it will agree with that.

It’s just a common sense pitch.

12  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Rail firm embarks on driver hiring spree SOUTHEASTERN has stated its intention to hire hundreds of additional staff to cope with an expected surge in passenger demand over the next five years.

Among those to be hired will be more than 100 additional drivers, each commanding an average salary of £50,000.

The franchise holder claims the number of journeys on its network has doubled over the past 20 years, and currently stands at around 190 million per annum.

Pharmacy merger PRIVATELY run pharmacy group Paydens has bought out another privately owned chain, expanding its reach across the South East.

The company, which was established in 1969, operates pharmacies in both Rusthall and Tunbridge Wells, and will now have 129 branches across the region following its buyout of SG Court Pharmacy’s 21 outlets.

Eco firm recognised A BUSINESS whose Paddock Wood headquarters was ravaged by a fire in a suspected arson attack was presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise last week by Her Majesty’s representative for Kent, Lord-Lieutenant Viscount De L’Isle.

Ecoegg, which makes environmentally friendly washing pellets, was forced to relocate to Gillingham following the fire in June – which cost the firm around £2million in lost revenue and stock.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

Burrell is back After a two-and-a-half-year absence from Tunbridge Wells retail, Richard Burrell is returning with a new family-run store that is aimed at the bespoke market

By Jonathan Banks newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

AFTER more than 50 years in the jewellery trade, it seemed Richard Burrell had got out of the game for good when he sold his eponymous store in Royal Victoria Place in 2014.

With a non-compete clause written into the sale making a return to jewellery almost impossible, the pub enthusiast appeared to find a new vocation to occupy his time when he purchased the Abergavenny Arms in Frant a few months later.

But just over two years on from the sale, and with the non-compete lapsing, Mr Burrell is back on the scene having set up shop once again with the help of his daughter and members of his former staff.

The store, named Richard Burrell, opened to customers on Monday (November 14) and will specialise in designing bespoke jewellery in its own workshop.

Explaining what led him to return, the jeweller said: “I had no intention of coming back at first. However, so many people would come up to me in the pub and ask when I would be returning. At first I thought they

were jesting, but over time I began to feel like I should.”

Mr Burrell stresses that he won’t be as hands-on this time, leaving most of the day-to-day running of the Chapel Place store to daughter Gabby and former employee Matt Delves.

“This will be a family enterprise, and Matt is definitely part of the family,” explained Gabby, who had spent several years living in New Zeeland before returning in July.

“I am very excited as we will have a lot of opportunity to shape the business,” she added.

Mr Delves, who has worked with Mr Burrell since 1993, is equally enthused by what he sees as the ‘challenge’ of setting up an entirely new enterprise.

Mr Burrell said when the premises he now occupies became vacant everything ‘fell into place’.

“It is an exclusive location to be in, and has the feel of the Brighton Lanes to it. This end of town has many quality shops and we can complement Harry Collins’ high-end jewellers with ours, which is pitched at the middle of the market – a position I felt needed filling in Tunbridge Wells.

“I missed my old customers, many have been very loyal, and look forward to this new beginning.”

IN PLACE (L-R) Matt, Richard and Gabby

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

Top government role for businessman tasked with helping small firms AdEPT

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE Chief Executive of AdEPT Telecom has been appointed to a government panel tasked with finding ways to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sell to the public sector.

Ian Fishwick, who has been named UK CEO of the Year by TMT magazine for 2016, will be among a number of business leaders from a variety of industries across the UK to sit on the Cabinet Office SME Panel.

Mr Fishwick has overseen the rapid growth of the Tunbridge Wells-based telecoms firm since it was launched in 2003, alongside its successful listing on the AIM market three years later.

An SME is any company with less than 250 employees or £40million sales per annum. Over 99 per cent of the UK’s 2.5 million businesses fall into this category.

The government has set a target of 33 per cent of public sector spend to be with SMEs by 2020.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Fishwick said: “I want to use my

experience working with SMEs and public sector buyers to increase the number of SMEs bidding for government contracts.

“Key to this work is expanding the government supplier marketplace, so that it is vibrant, diverse and includes SMEs. “I am looking forward to working with the government to share best practice, find out what is happening in other sectors and make this target a reality.”

Calling on local businesses leaders to get in touch with any ideas and suggestions they may have, Mr Fishwick added: “I can’t guarantee them success, but I can guarantee them a voice.”

To contact Mr Fishwick, email: ian.fishwick@ adept-telecom. co.uk

SEEKING IDEAS Ian Fishwick

13

Bridge supports rebuilt on A21 HIGHWAYS ENGLAND have said there should be no delay to the A21 dualling scheme after motorists driving past the ongoing works noticed some of the earthworks that had been formed to support the flyover were being demolished.

The Times contacted the government agency, which is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving England’s

motorways and major A roads, after concerned motorists requested an inquiry.

In response, Highways England Project Manager Anne-Marie Palmer confirmed the observations of our readers, adding: “The major improvements to the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury will transform journeys for the 35,000 drivers that use this section each day.

“Following a routine strength test of the new bridge supports, a small section of the new bridges at Fairthorne and Longfield are being rebuilt to ensure the safety of the bridges throughout their 120-year lifespan. We are confident that we can carry out the additional work required within the current programme without adding a delay to the scheme.”

NO DELAY The A21 Tonbridge to Pembury dualling scheme

Kent economy polarised by Brexit BUSINESSES in the county have become increasingly split between ‘thrivers and strugglers’ in the wake of the referendum, a report by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has revealed.

The benefits of a falling pound have not been felt by everyone, the report has found, with the 31 per cent of exporters polled seeing an increase in sales during

the third quarter, up ten points on the previous quarter, being largely offset by the 28 per cent recording a decline in foreign revenue – up 16 points.

“Evidently the Brexit uncertainty clobbering sterling isn’t an advantage for all exporters,” the Kent report states, adding: “We see some polarisation between thrivers and strugglers.”

In total, 109 firms were surveyed by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, with domestically focused businesses also experiencing mixed fortunes.

One in four firms in the county saw their UK sales decline, up three points, while the number who saw an improvement in domestic revenues stood at 32 per cent – a fall of nine points.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

14  COMMUNITY NEWS

How to move a garden on to roof of Great Ormond Street

By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

VOLUNTEERS from Hadlow College, near Tonbridge, took part in the BBC One’s DIY SOS: The Big Build programme to help Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The programme, which was shown on Thursday [November 10], is presented by Nick Knowles, a former pupil of The Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells.

It saw 16 students and two members of staff move a garden that won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show to the rooftop of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The college volunteers who relocated Chris Beardshaw’s creation are on Garden Design, Landscape Management, Horticulture and RHS Diploma courses.

They provided their time and expertise

for the three-week project in May and June in order to help improve the lives of children at the London hospital.

Sophie Leathart, an RHS Level 2 student, had a personal motivation for volunteering, saying: “I was particularly interested in helping because my son was diagnosed with an eye condition at Great

Ormond Street when he was six weeks old. We went up regularly to the hospital as he was growing up. He is now 19 years old, at university and studying Computer Science. I am glad I can give something back to Great Ormond Street.”

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the garden will provide ‘a muchneeded private and reflective space for parents and families of the children undergoing treatment’.

The design reflects woodland diversity, with a Japanese summerhouse and a collection of hedges, topiary and mature trees providing dappled shade.

Renee Dewhurst, Science Technician at Hadlow, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for us to do our bit for the hospital’s young patients and their families.”

The TV programme is available on iPlayer

DEER SANTA Tree of Hope have helped Rhys, pictured with his mother, Naomi

Carols and songs help Tree of Hope THE choir of St Paul’s Church in Rusthall will be raising funds for the Kent-based children’s charity Tree of Hope with a special concert.

The choristers will perform two hours of carols and Christmas songs on the bandstand in The Pantiles on Saturday, December 3, from 11.30am.

The renowned Rusthall singers have appeared on BBC South East and at several cathedral Evensong services.

Tree of Hope supports families raising money to pay for life-changing

treatments and therapies that are not freely available through the NHS. Fundraising Manager Emma Bourne says: “We’re so grateful to St Paul’s Church Choir for their support. The money they raise could make it possible for a child who can’t walk now being able to take their first steps in 2017. What better Christmas present could you give to someone who is disabled?”

Visit www.treeofhope.org.uk

Wilko supports Crossways with dining room makeover

DIG DEEP: Hadlow volunteers with the DIY SOS team. (L-R) Billy Byrne, Louise Hughes (Science Technician), Chris Frediani, Jack Benton (student), Renee Dewhurst (Science Technician), Julian Perryman, Greg Prior (student), Mark Millar, Peter Isitt (student)

Wednesday 16th November 2016

HOMEWARE and garden suppliers Wilko have celebrated opening their new store in Royal Victoria Place by donating £500 to Tunbridge Wells charity Crossways Community.

Crossways Community provides residential care and round-the-clock support for adults with acute mental health issues.

The charity set up its headquarters at Moxham House in Culverden Park Road in 1971.

Wilko’s generosity will go towards refurbishing Crossways’ dining room at Moxham House by donating new products from its kitchen range.

Becks Hogben, branch manager of Wilko, said: “Supporting our local community is important to us, and the staff at the centre work extremely hard to offer care and support to the adults in the home.

Christopher Munday, Chief Executive at Crossways, said: “The team is very grateful to receive this generous donation from Wilko.

“We are a small charity so it means a lot to us that Wilko has been able to support us.”

Visit www.crosswayscommunity co.uk and www.wilko.com

COMMUNITY NEWS 

15

Marathon runners conquer New York to help Pickering

CORE SUPPORT The Tonbridge Juddians Pink Ladies feel the crunch

Juddians’ women tickled

by Pink Lady sponsorship

Boost for women’s sport as local backing bears fruit PINK LADY apples of Wateringbury have announced a two-year sponsorship deal with the Tonbridge Juddians women’s rugby team.

The team have been renamed the Tonbridge Juddians Pink Ladies and they now wear new pink shirts featuring the company’s logo, which made their debut in a match against Barnes at the end of last month.

Andy Macdonald, Managing Director of Coregeo, which markets Pink Lady apples,

has been a member of the club for more than 40 years and is a Vice-President.

‘For us, this sponsorship is about championing women in all their endeavours’ Michelle Toft, Chief Marketing Officer at Pink Lady, said: “Supporting our local community is really important to us as a company, and we are really passionate

about teaming up with such an inspirational team.

“For us, this sponsorship is about championing women in all their endeavours, which really underpins everything we do at Pink Lady.”

Bill Little, the Pink Ladies’ coach, said: “It’s really exciting to have a brand like Pink Lady supporting the team.”

He added: “It’s great to know that local businesses are behind the team, and the new shirts really stand out from the rest!”

TWO women from Tunbridge Wells, Karen Phillips and Ellen Kent, took part in the New York marathon this month in aid of The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre and Motor Neurone Disease Association [MNDA].

They have raised more than £4,000 for the two charities after running through the iconic streets of the Big Apple on November 6.

The impromptu decision to take part in the race came after a few glasses of Champagne at the Hug-Many event on The Pantiles last New Year’s Eve. Karen was competing in her third marathon, but Ellen had never attempted the 26.2-mile distance before crossing the Atlantic.

“We chose the Tunbridge Wells Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre because of the amazing support they gave to Karen’s dear friend Jo whilst she was battling cancer,” said Ellen.

“As a result of her challenge to look after

her son as a single mum whilst having treatment, the ‘Smile Fund’ was set up.

“Since Jo’s death in August 2015 the fund has gone on to support other people in Tunbridge Wells.”

‘The locals were incredibly supportive’ She added: “The marathon was an amazing experience with 137 bands and performances along the route.

The locals were incredibly supportive.

“It was a tough marathon which involved running over five iconic bridges, but we have raised some money for two great charities.”

To make a donation, visit Karen and Ellen’s Keep Calm and Cramp On campaign page at uk.virginmoney giving.com FLYING COLOURS Karen Phillips and Ellen Kent with their medals in New York City

Wednesday 16th November 2016

16  LOCAL NEWS

Speaking out for young people: Boys with a passion for politics “Hats off to whoever came up with the idea [of the KYCC], otherwise children might be seen but murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk not heard,” adds Tom. Established in 2001, 60 young people are elected TWO teenagers are proving it is never too early to to the KYCC each year, with 30,000 children in the get involved in politics, as they campaign in this county voting in 2015. year’s Kent Youth County Council [KYCC] election.

Meeting once a month at County Hall, members Tom Pritchard from St John’s, 15, and David discuss issues to campaign on, then liaise with Wright from Sevenoaks, 16, are both in Year 11 at and lobby the senior council to achieve their aims.

St Gregory’s Catholic School, making them eligi- This gives young enthusiasts the opportunity to ble to represent the young people of Tunbridge speak directly to the County Council about the isWells. Tom was elected last year and is supporting sues they care about.

David’s campaign this time around.

For Tom, his passion lies with getting ‘real life On Thursday [November 10], rather than subjects’ taught in schools, attending classes, they spent the day such as home economics, in the school’s library-cum-polling sex education, painting station canvassing for David’s and decorating and election to the KYCC, to work woodwork: “These are alongside Tom as a representative the key things that you for the Tunbridge Wells borough. need to get you through life. Things like Speaking of his changing a light motivation for running, bulb or putting David said: “It’s an up a shelf. They opportunity to make people’s lives better in a don’t teach it in way that can’t be schools and achieved at school. that’s a real “What the Youth problem.”

And the pair Council provides is a place to speak about are keen to the issues on our mind, dispel the so that young people’s notion that SCHOOL CORRIDORS OF POWER (l-r) Tom and David voices can be heard.” politics is

By Murray Jones

Wednesday 16th November 2016

only for adults. David, whose interest was brought on by the US election, argues: “It’s better to get into it early and learn when you’re young rather than blunder through politics and look like a fool.”

Tom, who was one of the town’s front-line Leave campaigners during the summer referendum, was more conciliatory to the older generation: “Getting into politics at any age is good, really. As long as you’re in touch with your constituents and they’re in touch with you, I don’t think it matters whether you’re 15 or Dennis Skinner in his 80s.

‘The one thing I can’t stand is career politicians’ “Although I would say that younger people do have a bit more energy. We might be able to distribute leaflets a bit quicker.”

It is this energy which Tom, who is currently in the process of defecting from UKIP to the Conservatives, hopes he can carry through into his future, with his sights set firmly on Westminster: “I want to have a career before politics because the one thing I can’t stand is career politicians. So I’d like to get involved in political journalism, or perhaps teaching, and then pursue a candidacy for a Member of Parliament. I want to be involved, to represent people who have had a poor time.”

Voting closes at midnight on Sunday November 20. To vote, you must be 11-18 and live, work or go to school in Kent. Visit: www.kent.gov.uk/aboutthe-council/youth-participation/kent-youthcounty-council

NEWS IN BRIEF

Council clamp down on untaxed vehicles AN OPERATION by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council led to 52 vehicles being removed from the streets or clamped between October 31 and November 1.

Led by the council’s Street Scene Enforcement Team, in partnership with the DVLA and its contractors NSL, the operation targeted untaxed and possibly abandoned vehicles which had been left on the public highway.

Man arrested for rape A WOMAN was allegedly raped by a man while walking through the town centre in the early hours on Friday morning.

She first saw the man in Mount Pleasant Road at about 02:00 GMT on Friday November 11.

Two passers-by walked her to Camden Road, but she later saw the man again. He allegedly raped her in an alleyway near Albion Road.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested and has now been bailed until December 30. Kent Police are trying to find witnesses, including a taxi driver who may have stopped to talk to the woman.

Viral bug closes pub THE Royal Opera House pub in Tunbridge Wells was forced to close at 3pm on Thursday (November 10) due to a supposed outbreak of the norovirus. The branch of Wetherspoons had a number of staff affected by the bug, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting. The pub was reopened on Saturday (November 12) following a ‘deep clean’ and sanitation.

18 � NATIONAL NEWS

Residents’ homes could be bulldozed to make way for HS2 HOMEOWNERS on a new housing estate who could lose their properties when HS2 is built have expressed their anger after the Government set out its preferred route for the highspeed rail project.

Ministers have suggested that the £55.7billion railway should serve the existing Sheffield city centre station, after proposals to run trains to the Meadowhall shopping centre were shelved.

But critics have warned this may mean a new housing estate in nearby Mexborough could be bulldozed.

Russell Holmes, who lives on the Shimmer estate, said residents are still not clear about what is proposed.

He told BBC Breakfast: “The uncertainty is horrible for those having to go through it.

“This estate is a relatively new estate. But it’s a really strong community. People get on really well. It’s the kind of community where we are proper neighbours.

“It is a proper community that’s been built, so for that to be destroyed is devastating.”

He said: “But the uncertainty of pretty much knowing it’s going to be destroyed but not being able to do anything in the meantime, waiting until it happens, waiting for a deci-

sion as to when you can actually put something in place to move or whatever, is horrible as well.”

Karen Schofield, who lives nearby, has called on HS2 Ltd chairman David Higgins to visit Mexborough so he can ‘see what devastation it’s going to cause’.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said a station at Meadowhall was not the Government’s preferred option.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “That option has been consulted on before. It clearly remains an option we could follow but the view we have taken is that the plans we have set out today are the ones we should follow.”

The Cabinet minister said the Government was on Tuesday ‘effectively starting’ the process of allowing households hit by the scheme to claim for compensation.

The Government has claimed that passengers travelling on the East Coast and West Coast main lines will benefit from more services and extra seats once HS2 is up and running although the current estimate for completion of all of phase 2 is not until 2033.

Phase 1 of the £55.7billion HS2 railway is due to open in December 2026 and will see trains travel at high

MAPPED OUT The preferred HS2 route

speed between London and Birmingham before running on from Birmingham on the existing West Coast Main Line.

A second Y-shaped phase will open in two stages. Phase 2a from the West Midlands to Crewe will launch in 2027 and phase 2b, from Crewe to Manchester and from the West Midlands to Leeds, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, will open in 2033.

In June Whitehall spending watchdog the National Audit Office (NAO) warned that the project is under

financial strain. Cost forecasts for phase one exceed available funding by £204million, while phase two contains some elements that are ‘currently unfunded’, the report said.

Joe Rukin, campaign manager at Stop HS2, accused ministers of ‘simply trying to con the public that HS2 is needed for capacity reasons’.

He said: “The Government has finally come clean in admitting ‘freeing up capacity’ means for many cities losing the trains you already have.”

New memorial garden will mark 20 years since death of Diana A NEW memorial garden at Kensington Palace marking two decades since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales is to be called The White Garden.

The floral tribute will be planted with white roses, scented narcissi and a carpet of forget me nots around the existing Sunken Garden at the Princess’s former home, where her sons Prince Harry and the Duke of Cambridge and her grandchildren Prince George and Princess Charlotte now live.

Kensington Palace is also staging a new exhibition, which opens in February – Diana: Her Fashion Story.

Highlights will include the pale pink Emanuel blouse with large bow she chose for her

engagement portrait by Lord Snowdon in 1981, and the Victor Edelstein ink blue velvet gown which she famously wore to the White House when she danced with John Travolta in 1985.

The garden, which will be open to the public, will be installed for the spring and summer of 2017 – commemorating 20 years since the Princess died in a Paris car crash.

A spokeswoman for Historic Royal Palaces said: “The Duke and Prince Harry have been supportive.

They’ve seen the plans.”

The Sunken Garden, which is more than 100 years old, was chosen as the site of the memorial by head gardener Sean Harkin after he learned that the Princess would often stop to talk to the gardeners who cared for it.

“A lot of our gardeners have been here a long time and they remember the Princess and how she particularly liked this sunken garden. It was somewhere she used to pass by and have a chat with the gardeners and ask about what they were planting.

Mr Harkin said he was looking forward to creating it. “We hope to capture the energy and spirit which made (the Princess) such a popular figure around the world,” he added.

The Sunken Garden, which was first planted in 1908 and based on a similar one at Hampton Court Palace, is terraced with paving and ornamental flower beds, surrounding a pond with fountains formed from reused 18th century water cisterns retrieved from the palace.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Wednesday 16th November 2016

Women march on

Keane out of action

Murrays aim for double

TAMMY BEAUMONT smashed 78 off 79 balls to fire the England Women cricket team to victory over Sri Lanka and into an unassailable 3-0 lead in the one-day international series.

Beaumont hit seven fours and three sixes in Colombo as England chased down Sri Lanka’s target of 161 to record a five-wicket win with one match left to play in the four-game series.

Earlier England’s bowling trio of Laura Marsh, Alex Hartley and stand-in captain Danielle Hazell took two wickets each as no Sri Lanka player more than 30.

England will look to complete a series whitewash in the fourth and final match on Thursday. They secured qualification for the 2017 Women’s World Cup when they took a 2-0 lead on Saturday.

HULL striker Will Keane has been ruled out for the rest of the Premiership football season with knee ligament damage.

Keane picked up the injury in the Tigers’ 2-1 win over Southampton and was set to undergo surgery on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old, who joined the club from Manchester United in August, is expected to be sidelined for up to 12 months.

Hull boss Mike Phelan said: “To lose a player of Will’s quality and potential for such a long period of time is a big blow, but I’m sure his determination and mind set will see him through the tough journey ahead.”

Keane’s injury is another major setback for the Tigers, with fellow striker Abel Hernandez also ruled out for at least three more weeks with a groin injury.

JAMIE MURRAY moved closer to a number one double with brother Andy as he and Bruno Soares defeated Bob and Mike Bryan for their second win at the ATP World Tour Tennis Finals.

Murray and Soares still have work to do if they are to overhaul Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert to finish the year as the top doubles pair, but defeat for the French duo on Monday opened the door.

The Bryan twins are no longer the force they were but nevertheless it was a very impressive performance from Murray and Brazilian Soares, who only dropped seven points on serve in a 6-3 6-4 win.

Murray and Soares can guarantee a place in the semi-finals at the O2 Arena by beating Melo and Dodig in their final group match on Thursday.

NATIONAL NEWS 

Asperger sufferer fears he will die behind bars in US LAURI LOVE, who is alleged to have stolen huge amounts of data from US agencies, fears he will die behind bars after Home Secretary Amber Rudd authorised his extradition to the US. Mr Love, aged 31, who has Asperger syndrome, spoke of his fears as his father called for ‘British justice for a British citizen’.

The Federal Reserve, the US Army, the Department of Defence, Nasa and the FBI claim Mr Love hacked into their systems in a spate of online attacks in 2012 and 2013.

US authorities have been fighting for Mr Love, who lives with his parents near Newmarket in Suffolk, to face trial on charges of cyber-hacking, which his lawyers say could mean a sentence of up to 99 years in prison if he is found guilty.

The Home Office said Ms Rudd had ‘carefully considered all relevant matters’ before signing an order for Mr Love’s extradition on Monday.

Mr Love said he was disappointed at the decision, which may see him face three trials in separate US jurisdictions that could take up to a decade, and then up to a 99-year jail sentence.

He said: “Crimes involving computers seem to be prosecuted much more seriously than some violent crimes in the US especially. In the UK people have been prosecuted for crimes and misdemeanours online, have served proportionate sentences and been rehabilitated and contributed back to society. In the US there is no chance of being rehabilitated if you’re serving 99 years in prison. I don’t think that’s the right policy.

“The other issue is there should be a distinction between crime that is for enrichment, for personal gain, for political activities and protests or people just exploring.”

One hundred and twenty MPs have signed a letter asking US President Barack Obama to cancel the extradition request, and Love will apply for permission to appeal against his extradition in the UK High Court.

The prolonged legal battle has left him battling eczema, sleep loss, depression and anxiety.

It is alleged that between October 2012 and October 2013 Mr Love caused millions of dollars worth of damage by placing hidden ‘backdoors’ within the networks he compromised, which would have allowed confidential data to be stolen.

Mr Love has said that a jail term in the US could cause his health to deteriorate and lead to a mental breakdown or suicide.

Prison officers ordered back to work by court PRISON officers have been ordered back to work after thousands joined a protest held amid claims jails are ‘in meltdown’.

The Government took the unusual step of launching a High Court bid to block industrial action after guards gathered outside establishments around the country.

Granting an injunction, Mr Justice Kerr said it was a ‘very urgent’ application with evidence of up to 80 per cent of staff taking some sort of action in the majority of prisons.

“A number of incidents have occurred in prisons today and the situation is very concerning indeed,” the judge added.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) directed members to protest yesterday [Tuesday] after talks with the Government over health and safety concerns broke down.

At the Old Bailey, the trial of Thomas Mair, who denies murdering MP Jo Cox, was brought to a halt due to the action, with the case adjourned until today [Wednesday].

Elsewhere, a planned appearance of prison governors at the Commons Justice Committee on Tuesday morning had to be postponed.

Prison officers are effectively banned from going on strike and the move was branded ‘unlawful’ by Justice Secretary Liz Truss.

Up to 10,000 staff joined the protest after a string

of high profile incidents at prisons, including an alleged murder, a riot and the escape of two inmates. Announcing the move, the union said the ‘continued surge in violence and unprecedented levels of suicide and acts of self-harm’, coupled with the recent alleged murder and escapes ‘demonstrate that the service is in meltdown’.

Dave Todd, POA representative for London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex, said conditions in prisons were ‘volatile and dangerous’.

“We need to act to protect ourselves,” he said. “It has not come about quickly – it’s a build-up over probably years actually.

Tory former Justice Secretary Ken Clarke said the action was “quite irresponsible” – but warned the situation in prisons was ‘scandalous’.

He told BBC Radio 4’s The World at One programme: “Staff shortages play into it but you have also got to look at why we have got quite so many prisoners there.

“We incarcerate a bigger proportion of our population than anybody else in Europe and it hasn’t had any noticeable affect on our crime levels compared to anybody else’s.”

Earlier this month Ms Truss unveiled her blueprint for prison reform – including a recruitment drive to add 2,500 new officers and ‘no fly zones’ to stop drones dropping drugs and other contraband into jail grounds.

19

NEWS IN BRIEF

Boy died while in school detention THE death of a 14-year-old boy who fell ill at school while in detention is being investigated by police.

Nasar Ahmed, a year nine pupil at Bow School in east London, was taken to the Royal London Hospital after becoming unwell, Scotland Yard said. He died at the hospital on Monday, with his death currently being treated as unexplained by officers.

Trump triumphs again US PRESIDENT elect Donald Trump has secured another victory over a large flagpole at one of his Scottish golf courses. The 81ft (24.9 metre) structure was put up without planning permission at the Trump International Golf Club at the Menie estate in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire.

When the relevant approvals were sought retrospectively, a committee at Aberdeenshire Council refused to grant full permission for the flagpole ‘on the grounds of the visual impact... due to its scale’. But Mr Trump, has now been allowed to keep the structure at his course following an appeal to Scottish ministers.

Underground business THE Channel Tunnel between England and France brings more than £90billion worth of trade in and out of the UK, according to a study by Ernst & Young who were assessing its economic contribution and its role in the UK’s economic growth.

The report found that inbound tourism via the Tunnel is worth £1.7bn to the economy, supporting a further 45,000 jobs in the UK and 840,000 business trips.

Tidal waves of power

PRISON PROTEST The Prison Officers Association (POA) directed all its members to take part in a day of action

A SCHEME which is aiming to be the world’s largest tidal power project has started to generate electricity.

The first turbine of the MeyGen project in the Pentland Firth, off the north coast of Scotland, was successfully installed last week and has begun producing its first power, developer Atlantis Resources announced.

Fall in number of police complaints THE NUMBER of complaints against police has dropped for the first time in three years but there is a ‘postcode lottery’ in how grievances are dealt with and cases take an average of eight months to investigate.

There were 34,247 complaints made against forces in England and Wales in 2015/16, a drop of 8 per cent on the previous year, which saw a record high, and the first decrease since 2012/13 when the definition of a complaint was broadened.

Three quarters of police forces recorded a fall.

But while there were ‘significant falls’ in some forces, others saw ‘considerable increases’, the Independent Complaints Commission (IPCC) said. Figures ranged between a drop of 44 per cent in North Yorkshire, to a rise of 49 per cent in West Yorkshire.

The IPCC found that while forces upheld 19 per cent of appeals against their own complaints investigations, when appeals came to the watchdog 41 per cent were upheld.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

20  BUSINESS NEWS

TalkTalk calls up a comeback after ‘car crash’ cyber attack TELECOMS group TalkTalk said recovery efforts after last year’s cyber attack were paying off as it posted a surge in half-year profits.

The firm thanked a ‘relentless focus’ on retaining existing customers for helping pre-tax profits jump to £46million for the six months to September 30, up from £14million a year earlier.

Underlying earnings leapt 44 per cent higher to £130million. It is also expecting ‘materially’ higher profits for the full year.

However, TalkTalk said it was still feeling the impact of the hack after losing 98,000 retail broadband customers in the first half, although this was largely offset by 69,000 new wholesale customers signing up.

The online attack last October resulted in the personal data of nearly 160,000 people being accessed and was branded a ‘car crash’ earlier this year by then Information Commissioner Christopher Graham, who said it should send a warning shot to the industry.

TalkTalk offered customers a free upgrade to help soothe concerns after the data breach, and created a new bundle of online and telephone security features to boost customer protection.

It has recently launched new fixed low-price plans, which the group said will help drive a return to growth in retail customers and revenues again in the next financial year.

But the investment necessary to bring in these new plans is set to see underlying earnings for the full-year come in towards the bottom of its previous forecast.

Shares fell 5 per cent as this, and details of its broadband customer losses, overshadowed the sharply higher first-half result.

Dido Harding, Chief Executive of TalkTalk, said: “One year on from the cyber attack, we have maintained a relentless focus on looking after our existing customers and keeping up the pace across a wide range of operational improvements to make TalkTalk simpler and better for customers.”

The Information Commissioner’s Office fined the firm a record £400,000 last month for security failings that it said had allowed customers’ data to be accessed ‘with ease’. The ICO said that in 15,656 cases, bank account details and sort codes had been accessed.

In July, the firm said the fallout from the cyber attack had cost it £42million.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

PRE-TAX TUMBLE easyJet plans to get stronger

Google and Facebook target fake news sites GOOGLE and Facebook have announced plans to fight the spread of fake news by placing tighter restrictions on how such sites make money from advertising.

Google has revealed it is working on a policy change to its AdSense online advertising network that will prevent websites with misleading content from using it to earn money.

Facebook said it is updating its advertising policy to restrict adverts appearing alongside ‘misleading or deceptive’ content.

easyJet to slash costs after profits nosedive BUDGET airline easyJet has revealed plans for a company overhaul after seeing annual profits fall by more than a quarter.

The low-cost carrier said it was planning a group-wide review over the next year to make it a ‘simpler, more efficient’ company and to deliver ‘meaningful’ savings.

It said more details would be given over the year ahead.

The group posted a 27.9 per cent tumble in pre-tax profits to £495million for the year to September 30, from £686million a year earlier, after the plunging pound cost it £88million and it suffered a hit of around £150million from ‘unprecedented’ events.

Airlines have been knocked by a combination of terror attacks across Europe, Egypt and Tunisia, air traffic control strikes in France and political turmoil in Turkey, as well as intense competition in the sector.

Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive of easyJet, said it had been a year of ‘significant challenges’.

She added the group delivered a ‘resilient performance’ with a record 73.1 million passengers carried over the year, though revenues still fell 0.4 per cent to £4.67billion as it cut fares. easyJet also faces ongoing woes from the Brexit-hit pound, forecasting another £90million impact over the financial year ahead, with

£70million of that coming in the first half alone.

It will be helped by lower fuel costs, which it expects to fall by between £245million and £275million in the year.

Ms McCall said easyJet will increase its capacity by 9 per cent in the coming year.

“In a tougher operating environment strong airlines like easyJet will get stronger, and we will build on our already well-established network,” she said.

Despite uncertainties created by the Brexit vote, easyJet said nearly half of its growth will be in the UK in 2017.

It is planning ‘double digit’ growth in London and other key bases, such as Manchester, Venice, Berlin and Amsterdam.

An easyJet spokesman said the group review was not about job cuts, with the firm expected to employ more people year on year as it expands from 250 aircraft to more than 300.

He added the overhaul was ‘not an overnight cost-cutting exercise’, but an efficiency programme that would be carried out over the next two years, looking at ways to use data and digital to bolster engineering and services.

Shares in easyJet lifted almost 2 per cent as its annual profits came in at the top range of expectations, despite being sharply lower than a year earlier.

Boxing Day petition SHOPWORKERS’ union Usdaw has joined calls for shops to be closed on Boxing Day as a change.org petition for a ban reached more than 170,000 signatures.

Ian Lapworth, a baker and former DJ from Kettering who started the petition, said the Christmas holiday should be respected by retailers so that staff can have ‘some decent family time to relax and enjoy the festivities like everyone else’.

He added: “We managed 30 and 40 years ago when shops were sometimes shut for a whole week. Let’s get back to the way it was.”

House prices up HOUSE prices increased by 7.7 per cent in the year to September, continuing a strong run of growth, according to official figures produced jointly by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and other government bodies. The average UK property value in September was £217,888, marking a 0.2 per cent increase on the previous month.

Inflation surprise UK INFLATION unexpectedly slipped last month but the Brexit-hit pound caused a sharp jump in manufacturing costs, signalling price rises are on the horizon for consumers. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure of inflation was 0.9 per cent in October, down from 1 per cent in September. Economists were expecting a higher figure of 1.1 per cent.

WORLD NEWS 

21

German government and police clamp down on radical Islamists HUNDREDS of police officers searched 190 offices, mosques and apartments of members and supporters of the Islamic group The True Religion as the German government announced it was banned.

Police raided targets in 60 cities in western Germany and also in Berlin, seizing documents and files, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said. Nobody was detained.

The group, also known as Read!, has been distributing German-language copies of the Koran across the country. The Interior Minister said more than 140 youths had travelled to Syria and Iraq to join fighters there after taking part in the group’s campaigns in Germany.

“The translations of the Koran are being distributed along with messages of hatred and unconstitutional ideologies,” De Maiziere told reporters in Berlin. “Teenagers are being radicalised with conspiracy theories.”

Young men in long robes and bushy beards handing out German copies of the Koran have been a common sight in central and shopping areas across Germany for several years.

The banning of the group comes a week after security authorities arrested five men who allegedly aided the Islamic State group in

Germany by recruiting members and providing financial and logistical help. The recent operations suggest that the German government is trying to clamp down on radical Islamists.

The Interior Minister stressed that the ban does not restrict the freedom of religion in Germany or the peaceful practice of Islam in any way, but

that the group had glorified terrorism and the fight against the German constitution in videos and meetings.

“We don’t want terrorism in Germany and we don’t want to export terrorism,” De Maiziere said, adding that the ban was also a measure to help protect peaceful Islam in the country.

SEARCH PARTY Police officers at a mosque in Hamburg

Obama and Clinton urge Democrats not to despair US DEMOCRATIC leaders have delivered pep talks to demoralised supporters, promising to reassess their strategy, message and organisation in the wake of last week’s election defeat to Republican Donald Trump.

President Barack Obama told Democratic National Committee (DNC) members on a conference call: “You’re allowed to mope for a week and a half, maybe two. But after that, we’ve got to brush ourselves off and get to work.”

The party has entered a period of soul-searching, as Democrats try to chart their direction in the Trump era after he defeated Hillary Clinton on November 8.

An ascendant liberal wing is pushing for a serious shift toward an economic BARACK populist OBAMA message that

could win back white working-class voters who backed Mr Trump.

Party activists, donors and politicians are also advocating significant changes in leadership, with a group of younger House members trying to postpone leadership elections in an effort to force a discussion about the direction of the party.

Anti-Trump protests continued this weekend and post-election polls showed that some Clinton backers are questioning the legitimacy of Mr Trump’s win.

Mr Obama’s call followed a press conference where he delivered a subtle critique of Mrs Clinton’s campaign, pushing back on the idea that demographic advantages would lead to all-butassured victories for the party and stressing that Democrats must

rebuild the party on every level.

Mrs Clinton kept a relatively light campaign schedule until the final weeks of her campaign, focusing heavily on motivating the Democratic base of women and minority voters rather than trying to sway independents.

Mrs Clinton, meanwhile, held her own call with House Democrats on Monday afternoon, in which she urged the members not to be ‘discouraged or divided’, according to a Democratic source.

“Heartbreaks don’t heal overnight, and this one won’t,” she added.

In a separate incident, a racist post about US First Lady Michelle Obama has prompted calls for the director of a West Virginia development group and a mayor to be sacked.

Clay County Development Director Pamela Ramsey Taylor made the post following Mr Trump’s election as president, saying: “It will be refreshing to have a classy,

beautiful, dignified First Lady in the White House. I’m tired of seeing an Ape in heels.” Clay’s Mayor Beverly Whaling responded: “Just made my day Pam.” The post was shared hundreds of times on social media before it was deleted. An online petition is seeking to remove Ms Whaling and Ms Taylor.

The non-profit development group provides services to elderly and lowincome residents in Clay County, and is funded through state and federal grants and local fees.

HILLARY CLINTON

WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

Indian bank chaos

Earthquake rescue

Millions for Munch

INDELIBLE ink is being used to mark the fingers of people swapping scrapped currency notes at banks as authorities in India struggle to deal with the bedlam caused by the sudden demonetising of the country’s highest-denomination bills.

India announced a week ago that it was withdrawing 500 and 1,000 rupee notes as legal tender to fight corruption and tax evasion.

However, people are allowed a one-time swap of 4,000 rupees (£47) at any bank in exchange for smaller notes to meet immediate needs.

Overwhelmed banks have been unable to ensure that people do not line up more than once, since identification such as drivers’ licences and passports are not linked to bank or tax accounts.

A RESCUE operation involving hundreds of tourists and residents stranded in the coastal town of Kaikoura is under way, after a powerful earthquake in New Zealand cut off train and vehicle access.

The operation comes as several buildings in the capital, Wellington, were evacuated yesterday (November 15) and streets were cordoned off after engineers determined that a nine-storey building was in danger of collapsing.

The magnitude 7.8 quake that struck the South Island early on Monday left two people dead and triggered a small tsunami.

It also brought down rocks and mud that swept across roads and cracked them apart.

A PAINTING by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch sold for more than $54million (£42.8million) at Sotheby’s auction in New York.

Girls on the Bridge, a seminal work from 1902, sold in 1996 for $7.7million and again in 2008 for $30.8million dollars, each time setting a record for the artist.

In 2012, Munch’s work The Scream, one of the most iconic images in art history, sold for $119.9million at Sotheby’s. It became the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction, a record that has been broken four times since.

Pablo Picasso’s Women of Algiers (Version O) now holds that distinction. It sold last year for $179.4million (£142million).

Wednesday 16th November 2016

22  LETTERS

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 newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

What we need are fewer hubs and a lot more pubs instead What on earth is a ‘hub’ anyway? There are so many around here, you can’t move without bumping into an artist’s impression of one.

But I’m still no more enlightened about what they are. We’ve got the Cultural and Learning Hub, the Creative Hub, the Southborough Hub, the Grosvenor & Hilbert Park Hub… I get the general idea (I think) that it’s a place where lots of different things come together. Which rather begs the question: What is the collective noun for a load of hubs? A huddle, perhaps.

Maybe I should go with the flow and embrace the idea – hug a hub. Like your correspondent Mr Gilmore [November 2], who welcomed the revival of the Castle Inn in Chiddingstone as a ‘precious community asset’, I would rather see a lot fewer hubs and a lot more pubs.

Robert Winston Via email

Traffic calming measures needed I read with interest your article ‘Rotherfield road is danger to Villagers’ [October 19] which included a report from Angela Moore, who is a resident.

I, too, live in Rotherfield, having moved here from Croydon 13 years ago. I have always been astounded at the speed of the traffic as it passes through the village, especially nighttime.

Four years after I moved into Rotherfield I decided to create a petition regarding this danger which was quite successful. However, when submitting it to the Highways Department at Wealden District Council I received a letter giving all manner of excuses why speed restriction could not be implemented. This ranged from too expensive to disruption of the traffic flow (it is a bus route), and finally the letter said in not so many words that someone has to be killed before measures of traffic calming could be implemented.

The only way that traffic can be made to drive through the village in a sensible way is to place traffic calming measures on the road surface.

It is no use placing 30mph signage – nobody takes any notice of signs – a speed camera is deemed too expensive, so road humps are the only solution.

Failure to implement these speed reduction measures will one day result in a death to one of the elderly villagers. Perhaps then we may get the reduction in speeding traffic. I am seeking volunteers to become the first casualty.

Mike Sterling Rotherfield

Council lottery is a win-win What a good idea to launch a lotto in Tunbridge Wells [November 2], and can I just say that I do not buy the argument put forward by a councillor who said he felt ‘uneasy’ with this proposal due

WHAT a sight met the eyes of Calverley as he sat with friends in a car parked outside the Co-op supermarket in Heathfield the other evening. There appeared at the window of a nearby flat the figure of a half-naked young lady who clearly knew she was in full view.

Before she disappeared, a young boy in the car who was out celebrating becoming eight years old declared in a loud voice: “Happy birthday to me.” Seldom is Himself lost for words.

SOUTHBOROUGH Another hub is being planned to the ‘ethics, the business plan and the financial ramifications’ – and also said it would encourage gambling. Given the fact you carry a story on the same page in your paper about Kent County Council being criticised for spending around £34 each on glossy brochures promoting their budget plans, this is a rich and ironic comment to make by one the council’s members!

Bring on the lotto, I say, which will benefit the grassroots charities of our town and give its residents the chance to boost their bank balance.

Surely this is a win-win for everyone?

Susanna Montgomery Via email

VOA has little accountability We cannot blame businesses for trying to cut down on expenditure through appealing their rates [November 9]. After all, anyone who has ever run a company knows they are one of the biggest burdens that have to be borne.

What is worse is the fact that unlike other forms of tax, such as corporation tax, rates are not reflective of the company’s success. They are levied regardless of profits or loss. What’s more, the system is so convoluted, and applied in what appears to be a very haphazard way, that of course any business owner will be wondering if they were correctly rated in the first place and will look to see if they have been overspending.

Part of the fault lies squarely with the VOA. It’s an enigmatic sub-department of HMRC and appears to have little accountability. It is also the fault of consecutive governments who have done absolutely nothing to clarify or improve the system.

The rating system we have is about as watertight as a sieve and seems so open to interpretation and questioning that it’s no longer fit for purpose.

I say scrap the rates altogether and find some fairer, less arbitrary and far more transparent way of raising government income.

Scott Hollister Via email

Post Office switch will deliver the goods I was rather bemused by the column of Mr Tugendhat [Tonbridge & Malling MP] in November, announcing he is putting his foot down in an attempt to save the Crown Post Office in the centre of Tonbridge.

Firstly, the Post Office will still exist, it’s just being moved into a WH Smith’s 100 metres away, so all their services will continue to be available.

Secondly, Royal are just a business trying to save money and compete against courier services, such as Hermes, which is an uphill struggle seeing as they often don’t pay the minimum wage to their workers. So you can hardly begrudge them for being practical and shrinking their property expenditure.

Plus they can now collaborate with another store and attract new custom. Since it was sold off to the Chancellor’s friends in 2013, it has no obligation to the public, its only role is to make money. The Crown Post Offices are losing them millions. Ergo…

The Post Office are offering a cynical sop to Tonbridge residents by having a ‘public consultation’ on the issue, as if their minds can be changed. Similarly, Mr Tugendhat knows that his petition won’t stop the closure, it’s already going to happen.

Our MP is trying to present himself as the valiant defender of a crumbling institution whose modern relevance has been lost in the post.

Martin Roberston Via email

We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words

Wednesday 16th November 2016

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

EMBARASSMENT all round at The Grove in Tunbridge Wells at the weekend. Pub customers bowed their heads in respect as they observed two minutes’ silence while watching on Saturday night TV a Remembrance Day programme. Suddenly, one of the regulars burst through the doors, was stopped in his tracks by the quiet and shouted: “Has someone died?”

HIMSELF apologises for raising the name of Trump yet again, but there is at least one good thing to note. According to a survey by estate agents that crosses the desk, if you live in a street bearing his name, like Trumps Green Road, then the price of your home has shot up nearly 38 per cent in five years. But if you live in, say, Clinton Avenue, it’s only risen 27 per cent. Every cloud, they say.

THESPIANS are numbered among Calverley’s friends (and yes he does have friends). All of them continue to whisper in his ear (why not plural?) that great things are about to be announced at the Assembly Hall. This coming after the arrival several months ago of new theatre boss JJ Almond, as he likes to be known. It’s John-Jackson, by the way.

Hopefully, the big news is not just about next year’s panto ‘star’.

SITTING in a local restaurant just the other day, the following conversation is overheard shortly after a table of eight has been served a traditional Sunday lunch. Chap at head of table to waiter: “Sorry, but these roast potatoes are so hard you cannot cut them, let alone eat them.” Waiter: “Not a problem, sir, we’ll bring you some steak knives.” Following negotiations, there was a significant discount on the bill. Calverley’s penne arrabiata was acceptable. Well, sort of…

Chin, chin readers

Education in association with:

www.right-tuition.co.uk

EDUCATION ■

23

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Exploring ways to fund foreign charity work Each year many students have to raise thousands of pounds to do charitable work overseas. Here, Hannah Naismith, a 15-year-old pupil at Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, explains how she is employing a number of innovative ideas in order to do so… in the world. I will be working alongside the Crees Foundation in order to undertake studies observing the area’s wildlife, which includes monkeys, birds, snakes, butterflies and a huge array of reptiles.

I will also be examining the Amazon’s phenomenal biodiversity – all for the purpose of protecting such a stunning region, which is sadly being destroyed due to the impact of fossil fuels and general destruction.

WORLD AT HER FEET Hannah Naismith hopes to travel to Peru

‘I have just got my 50-hour medal, meaning I have earned a further £500 for my cause’

NEXT year, in summer 2017, I am travelling to the Peruvian Amazon with British Exploring, a registered charity, and I have to admit that I am a little bit nervous – mainly due to my fear of snakes and having to raise £4,000 – but overall I’m absolutely thrilled.

British Exploring is a personal development charity that is committed to inspiring the next generation of young explorers from a diverse range of backgrounds, and with them I intend to spend three weeks in the Amazon rainforest – one of the most natural and culturally diverse places

As I am aiming to be an environmental journalist one day, this expedition will also provide invaluable experience for me.

I started my fundraising journey in May this year, and since then I have raised over £1,000 through car washing, sponsorship, donations, car boot sales and a scheme called V•Inspired.

This programme allows you to raise money by

volunteering and you can either earn a ten-hour, 50-hour or 100-hour ‘medal’, which then equates to money.

I have just got my 50-hour medal, meaning I have earned a further £500 for my cause, which I did by volunteering at The Children’s Trust, Tadworth, charity shop in town.

I have also had sponsorship through Datalynx, a data migration company, and the Headley-Pitt Charitable Trust.

I used the Turn2Us website to see what grants I was eligible for to aid me with the expedition cost. I would highly recommend this website for anyone who is trying to get money together for an educational or volunteering trip as it was really useful and is helping me get towards my fundraising goal.

I’ve still got a lot more to do but I am enjoying the process of discovering the numerous ways, which include creating a crowdfunding page, young people can now raise money or gain sponsorship and therefore have the opportunity to undertake charitable work and experience different cultures.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

24  WEEKLY COMMENT

Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Greg Clark was elected to Parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The Conservative MP has since held a number of positions in Government and currently sits as a member of the Cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: www.gregclark.org

True picture of broadband blackspots needed CONNECTING online has become, by 2016, a big part of the way most of us live our lives. Whether it’s ordering things from the internet; communicating with distant friends and family through Skype or FaceTime; children doing their homework; listening to music or watching TV and films, more and more of what we do is done online.

For businesses, too, good online connections are not optional but essential. From the biggest corporation to a single person working from home, if you can’t promote your products, deal with your customers and suppliers, and pay your bills efficiently and reliably you will struggle to compete.

That’s why a fast, reliable and affordable broadband connection is now not a luxury but essential.

One of the reasons our economy has been doing well in recent years is that we have been quicker than many other countries to embrace the efficiency and extraordinary richness of the online world. But we can’t take this for granted and, in my view, we need to upgrade

Wednesday 16th November 2016

the broadband – and indeed mobile – coverage we have.

In my constituency of Tunbridge Wells, 83 per cent of the area has access to superfast broadband. But put that another way and it means that nearly one area in five does not. I believe this is unacceptable in 2016 in an area less than 40 miles from central London.

Whole villages, let alone individual properties, have poor and unreliable access to high speed connections and this needs to change.

I have asked all the town and parish councils in my constituency to consult their residents to build up a detailed picture of the blackspots that need sorting. I also want local residents to get in touch with their experiences.

It’s already bearing fruit. In Rusthall, for example, it is encouraging that parts of the village have good connections – however, others are left out and need to improve.

Armed with detailed forensic information, I will work with the parishes and Kent County Council and

‘Armed with detailed forensic information, I will work with the parishes and Kent County Council and the operators to press for an upgrade in coverage’

the operators to press for an upgrade in coverage. It can be done. A successful campaign in Goudhurst led to big improvements in the village – though there is still further to go in the outlying areas.

Earlier this week, I met with Sharon White, who is the Chief Executive of the telecoms regulator Ofcom. We discussed the steps Ofcom is taking to bring about a legal separation

SNAIL’S PACE Faster connections are a real must

between BT’s Openreach subsidiary, which provides much of our broadband infrastructure, and its other activities.

This reform – and Ofcom’s tenacity in policing it – will be crucial to ensuring that investment isn’t diverted from broadband improvements into BT’s other businesses.

Our area is one of the most productive and successful in the country. It is teeming with entrepreneurship and attracts people who want to run businesses but don’t want to have to go to London to run them.

In 2016 they shouldn’t have to sacrifice broadband access by choosing to be based here, and I am determined to make sure that our facilities are state of the art.

The Times is proud to work with:

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Wednesday 16th November 2016

26  PROPERTY SECTION

Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

CALVERLEY PARK CRESCENT TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Pick up your edition at the following stations

£925,000

Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge Wadhurst Hildenborough Paddock Wood High Brooms

To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Patsy Kelly 01892 774 781

Alternatively you can contact the Times of Tunbridge Wells in the following ways 01892 779 624 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

f facebook.com/timeslocalnews k twitter.com/timeslocalnews L timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday 16th November 2016

UNDER £250,000 EDWARD STREET, RUSTHALL NR TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£248,000

This charming two-bedroom terraced cottage in the heart of Rusthall village would benefit from some further updating and possible development. The property has some original features, and

offers a lounge, kitchen, two bedrooms and an upstairs bathroom, plus gas-fired central heating. It also includes a rear garden with a paved area, as well as a paved, fenced area in front of the house. There is no chain.

CONTACT KMJ Property Rusthall 01892 515188 www.kmjproperty.co.uk

UNDER £300,000 PARK ROAD, SOUTHBOROUGH TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£275,000 LEASEHOLD

A two-bedroom first floor apartment in an impressive building located in a sought-after Southborough road.

The high ceilings, bay window, recessed spotlights and modern kitchen and bathroom create a

stylish abode. The accommodation comprises an entrance hall, a lounge/diner, a kitchen with built-in hob and oven, two bedrooms and a bathroom. It also has the benefit of a communal garden and off-street resident and visitor parking.

CONTACT Connells Tunbridge Wells 01892 547966 www.connells.co.uk

PROPERTY SECTION 

27

great properties by price range…

UNDER £400,000 STANLEY ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£386,995

This quirky, newly refurbished threebedroom detached family home offers modern living in a quiet road near St Barnabas Primary School in the popular Camden Road quarter. The property comprises a lounge, a kitchen/diner with a large window, a utility room, a downstairs bathroom and three first-floor bedrooms. There are double doors to a rear patio garden, plus the house has double glazing, gas-fired central heating and off-road parking.

CONTACT KMJ Property Rusthall 01892 515188 www.kmjproperty.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 RIDGEWAY, PEMBURY NR TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£525,000

An updated, detached family home in Pembury village. The hall, dining room and lounge feature engineered oak flooring. Additionally, the lounge has a bay window and fireplace with marble surround, the kitchen/breakfast room has shaker-style units, and the dining room has doors to the patio. Upstairs, the master bedroom is en suite, and three other bedrooms are served by a family bathroom. There is a mature rear garden, off-road parking and a garage.

CONTACT Connells Tunbridge Wells 01892 547 966 www.connells.co.uk

UNDER £700,000 UNDER £1MILLION

THE MANOR, BADGERS HOLT TUNBRIDGE WELLS

CALVERLEY PARK CRESCENT TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£675,000 LEASEHOLD

£925,000 This fine example of a Decimus Burton crescent house, built around 1833, has been comprehensively refurbished throughout while retaining some period features, and offers southerly views towards Calverley Park from its colonnade and first floor reception balcony. The elegance of the property matches the award-winning gardens. With

the original staircase and the combination of sash windows and shutters throughout, this row of houses is one of the classic jewels in Tunbridge Wells’ crown.

CONTACT Sumner Pridham Tunbridge Wells 01892 516615 www.sumnerpridham.co.uk

An exquisite duplex apartment in a former manor house on the edge of town. Period features include sash windows, high corniced ceilings and panelled walls. There is a stunning communal entrance hall, a 24ft drawing room with marble fireplace, a cloakroom, a kitchen/breakfast room with an Aga, an en-suite principal bedroom, a guest bedroom and a shower, plus a double garage and a communal gym. No chain.

CONTACT Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 597039 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 16th November 2016

34  PROPERTY SECTION

Appealing 1920s family property nestled amid charming gardens

BEN BROCK BEECH LANE, MATFIELD

£795,000 Wednesday 16th November 2016

PROPERTY SECTION 

T

HIS substantial, double-fronted, detached family home dates from the 1920s and is set well back from the road off the A21 near Matfield.

The property boasts beautiful gardens as well as a spacious, well-proportioned interior, oil-fired central heating and replacement leaded light timber windows.

A timber front door with a window to the side opens to the entrance hall.

The triple-aspect reception room has a stripped wooden floor and a stylish chimney breast with log-burning stove,

terracotta mantel and slate hearth.

The impressive 22ft kitchen/family room provides double-aspect living space with cream coloured shaker-style units, butcher block worktops and a chimney breast to accommodate a Rangemaster stove, which may be available by separate negotiation. Additionally, the kitchen has underfloor heating and a walk-in pantry.

Parts of the first floor enjoy views over the fields to the horizon.

The dual-aspect master bedroom has an en-suite shower room, an exposed ceiling

35

beam and a built-in, full height, double door cupboard.

There are three further bedrooms, one of which has a hatch to the loft. All of the bedrooms have stripped wood floors, and there is a separate bathroom, all of which make this an ideal size for a family home.

The house is approached through a five-bar gate and a driveway providing parking for numerous cars.

The gardens, which first attracted the owners to the property, offer mature trees, shrubberies and good sized areas of lawn with plenty of space for play equipment, including a timber Wendy house.

There is also a patio area, along with two timber sheds (one with power connected), and a brick pathway leads round the perimeter of the garden.

‘The impressive 22ft kitchen/ family room provides doubleaspect living space with cream coloured shaker-style units, butcher block worktops and a chimney breast to accommodate a stove’

AT A GLANCE ■ Reception room

■ Master bedroom with en suite shower room

■ Kitchen/family room

■ Three further bedrooms

■ Dining/family area

■ Family bathroom

■ Rear lobby

■ Driveway, gardens & sheds

■ Downstairs cloakroom

■ Totals 0.57 of an acre

■ Entrance hall

£795,000 For sale through Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

Wednesday 16th November 2016

38  PROPERTY SECTION AT A GLANCE

A beautiful 16th-century farmhouse with annexe and spectacular views

L GREENMAN FARM RIVERHALL HILL, WADHURST ■ Sitting room ■ Dining room ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Study ■ Downstairs WC and cellar ■ 6 bedrooms ■ Bathroom and 2 shower rooms ■ Detached single-storey, one-bedroom annexe ■ Further outbuildings, including an office ■ Approximately 27 acres in all

£1,200,000 For sale through Wood & Pilcher 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

YING between the villages of Frant and Wadhurst, this charming six-bedroom farmhouse is arranged over three floors, with an additional detached one-bedroom annexe and outbuildings that include the original dairy sheds formerly used for Jersey cows.

The wealth of period features include exposed brick and beams, a quarry-tiled floor in the kitchen and some Georgian-style sash windows.

A large, beamed sitting room with an inglenook fireplace, feature windows to the front and French doors to the terrace is one of the most striking features of this rural property, which has exceptional views to the rear over land which almost exclusively belongs to the farmhouse.

The dining room also has feature windows to the front, as well as a brick fireplace with wood surround, areas of exposed brick work and sand stone blocks to the walls, fitted bookcases and a large cupboard with space for crockery.

The study has a further door to the terrace, two velux windows, book shelving, a deep storage cupboard and steps to a smaller first floor study area.

The dual-aspect kitchen/breakfast room has wall and base units and integrated appliances.

Between them, the bedrooms offer a range of character features, including beams, areas of exposed woodwork and fitted cupboards.

One has a pedestal wash basin, one a cast iron fireplace with wood surround and another

a brick fireplace.

Externally, the property is accessed by double gates that lead to a large parking area.

The outbuildings include a large shed with concrete floors. A stable door leads to the car park and a further door leads to an office/study area with a wood burner and windows overlooking the courtyard.

The detached single-storey annexe, fitted mostly with laminate flooring, has a hall, lounge, kitchen, bedroom with fitted storage cupboards and a shower room.

The gated front garden is predominately laid to grass with hedges and a number of mature shrubs.

At the rear of the property there is raised brick and stone terrace with mature shrub beds and steps leading down to

a lower terrace area with large gravel bedding.

This, in turn, leads to the start of the farmland, which continues the other side of a river within clearly defined borders.

‘A large, beamed sitting room with an inglenook fireplace and French doors to the terrace is one of the most striking features of this rural property’ Wednesday 16th November 2016

PROPERTY SECTION 

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MARKETVIEW

John Elliott

Property expert

John Elliott has been a property and new homes expert for 35 years and is Managing Director of Millwood Designer Homes, a multi-award-winning new homes builder based in Tonbridge. He has previously won both Tunbridge Wells and Kent Businessman of the Year Awards.

The post-Brexit housing market is holding strong

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ESPITE the fears that Britain’s decision to leave the EU would cause property prices to tumble, indications prove that the housing market is remaining robust. The latest Office for National Statistics [ONS] House Price Index put annual price inflation at 8.4 per cent, showing that Brexit has had no negative impact to date on property values.

Indeed, the south east is one of the places experiencing the strongest growth,

ON TARGET No local Millwood development sales have been lost

with prices on average 12.2 per cent higher year on year as of August.

It is still too early to say exactly how the effects on the wider economy will play out as the UK withdraws from the EU, but the residential property market will continue to be underpinned by the simple principle of supply and demand. The UK faces a perennial shortage of housing, yet demand for homes is increasing and will continue to do so.

The government is strongly committed to supporting the health of the property market and recognises that the new build market is a priority for the economy.

It is standing by its target of achieving a million new homes by 2020, and has recently announced several proposals that aim to increase the number of homes being built, as well as extending initiatives to help

buyers such as Help to Buy. The flip side is that if these targets cannot be achieved, supply issues will get worse, which would also push up values.

While the London property market is more vulnerable to the effects of Brexit and more reliant on investors and overseas buyers, in Kent the market is more domestic, which translates into a more stable position. At the Millwood Designer Homes developments across Kent and Sussex, no sales have been lost as a result of the Brexit decision, and traffic to the developments has actually increased since the referendum.

Lack of good stock is just one of the factors at play for this region. One of the key buyer groups fuelling the market here is people moving out from London in order to get more for their money.

Kent represents good value compared to other Home Counties, and areas like Tunbridge Wells are ideal for those that still want to be within commutable distance of the capital. The value gap between London and its surrounding counties has never been greater, giving a huge boost to the buying power of those

‘The latest Office for National Statistics House Price Index put annual price inflation at 8.4 per cent, showing that Brexit has had no negative impact to date on property values’

house-hunting in Kent.

In the short term, the Autumn Statement coming up later this month offers a real opportunity for the government to give a much-needed boost to the housing market by cutting stamp duty fees. This would not only free up the market and help mobility; it would also result in increased revenues for the Treasury, so it would be a win-win for the government.

While there are still uncertainties about what Brexit will look like once Article 50 is invoked and things become clearer, consumer and business confidence will only increase. The major threat to the market has been people scaremongering and talking the market down, however a widespread more positive attitude seems to be emerging, backed by research and analysis, and that will be key to the outlook as we move forward.

It is still early days, but there is every reason to believe that it is better for the future of British housebuilding to be out of the EU. You can follow John Elliott on www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk/ category/john-elliotts-blog/

Wednesday 16th November 2016

42 � PROPERTY SECTION

Unusual period house in popular road overlooking Southborough Common

AT A GLANCE

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HE OLD GRANARY is an attractive attached property and is part of a small complex of buildings that were once part of the Holden House estate.

Set in a desirable road overlooking Soutborough

Common, it offers generous accommodation arranged over two floors.

The house is well-presented with a high-quality specification throughout. Key features include riven slate and oak flooring to the ground floor, a

fabulous dual-aspect drawing room with a wood-burning stove and beautifully finished bathrooms tiled with natural limestone.

The ground floor has an entrance hall, cloakroom, a sitting room with log burner and double doors to the garden, a useful family room and an L-shaped kitchen/dining room with a small conservatory.

Upstairs, the master bedroom overlooks the pretty gardens and has a well-fitted en-suite bathroom. There are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The property shares the front courtyard with the two neighbouring properties and benefits from a covered parking space in the open-bay garage opposite.

There is additional parking for residents a little further down the drive.

The garden lies at the rear of the property, with access to one side, and is predominantly laid to lawn with a sizeable decked area adjacent to the house.

‘The Old Granary is part of a complex of buildings that were once part of the Holden House estate’ Wednesday 16th November 2016

THE OLD GRANARY HOLDEN ROAD, SOUTHBOROUGH n Attractive attached period house n Character features n Beautifully presented n Secluded location n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Family room n Cloakroom n Kitchen/dining room n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Car port n Parking n Shared courtyard to front n Private garden with deck to rear

£695,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

46 ď Ž PROPERTY SECTION

THE OAKS FARM HATMILL LANE, BRENCHLEY

ÂŁ1,100,000

Generous rural home with swimming pool and pond

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HIS link-detached period property, situated half a mile from the pretty village of Brenchley, offers a wonderful flow of well-presented family accommodation. And there are some stylish elements through the three reception rooms, six bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The light and airy entrance hall is fitted with parquet flooring. Off this is a 26ft living room and a separate sitting room.

Further down the hall is the dining room and a conservatory, with views across the garden and swimming pool.

The kitchen/diner, which overlooks the rear garden, can be accessed from both the hallway and dining room and includes shaker-style cabinetry, quartz worktops and a cream Aga. There is also a utility room.

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Two of the bedrooms and a bathroom are on the ground floor, which could be useful for guests.

The property has two staircases, one at each end of the entrance hall.

One leads to the master bedroom, which has a large dressing room leading to generous eaves storage.

There are two further bedrooms and a large bathroom in this section of the first floor.

The second staircase leads to a bedroom currently used as an office, created within the eaves space.

The property is approached via a quiet country lane.

To the front is a large gravel driveway with parking for several vehicles.

The pretty garden is a real feature of the property, comprising a large heated swimming pool, a paved terrace with a wooden gazebo and a duck pond. It is well stocked with a range of shrubs, plants and trees and includes a brick-built shed. Additionally, the open lawn backs on to woodland, adding to the rural feel.

PROPERTY SECTION �

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‘The garden is a real feature of the property, comprising a large heated swimming pool, a paved terrace with a wooden gazebo and a duck pond’

AT A GLANCE n Period link-detached house offering 3,200 sq ft of accommodation n Living room n Sitting room n Dining room n Kitchen/diner n Conservatory n Utility room n Master bedroom with dressing room n 5 further bedrooms (one currently used as an office) n Heated swimming pool, gazebo & terrace n Garden with duck pond and shed n Just under an acre

£1,100,000

For sale through Maddison’s Residential 01892 514100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Wednesday 16th November 2016

ADVERTISING FEATURE �

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Wednesday 16th November 2016

PROPERTY SECTION 

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AT A GLANCE MAPLES MONTEITH CLOSE, LANGTON GREEN ■ Entrance porch ■ Reception hall ■ Drawing room ■ Family room ■ Dining room ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Cloakroom & utility room ■ Garden room ■ Principal bedroom with en suite bathroom ■ 4 further bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Integral garage ■ Approximately 1/3 acre

£1,185,000 For sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 597039 www.hamptons.co.uk

‘The dining room has sliding doors to the garden room, which benefits from both underfloor heating and bifold doors to the terrace’

A five-bedroom house in Langton Green with a south-facing garden and terrace

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DETACHED family house of generous proportions which offers both an extensively updated interior and a southfacing rear garden in a desirable part of Langton Green, near Tunbridge Wells.

The light and spacious feel begins on the ground floor. The wide entrance porch leads into a reception hall which includes a fireplace with brick surround and double doors opening to the drawing room.

The drawing room has further double doors to the family room and French windows to the garden.

The kitchen/breakfast room has maple wood cupboards and a matching dresser, quartz work surfaces, integrated appliances and a pantry cupboard.

From here, double doors open to the dining room, which has sliding doors to the garden room, which benefits from both underfloor heating and bifold doors opening to the terrace and garden.

On the first floor, the bedrooms are all of a generous size, with the principal bedroom having an en-suite bathroom.

The other bedrooms are served by a family bathroom.

The house is approached by a drive that leads to the integral garage and is flanked by mature trees and hedges.

The excellent, well-screened rear garden has a wide paved terrace which wraps around the rear of the house and opens to a long lawn.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

66 n FOOD AND DRINK

Serve up gourmet treats this Christmas Michelin Star chef Daniel Hatton knows a thing or two about great recipes.

Here, the patron of Hattons Private Dining and Event Catering and owner of the eponymously named Deli and Lifestyle store on The Pantiles, gives some of his top culinary tips and hints to ensure your festive season is deliciously stress-free

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HEN writing menus and recipes, it’s all about the food seasons and flow.

The first you obviously know all about it, but why am I talking about ‘flow’? Well, cooking is about just that – getting things on at the correct time and being organised, so that when the finished product comes together everything will be ready at the same time, with no last-minute stress.

I often find myself sitting in local parks, fields or wandering around food markets. Why, you may ask? Well they’re the places where I find my inspiration.

The first two give me the colours and feelings of the seasons: the leaves falling and the mushrooms sprouting up from the ground let me know that autumn has arrived. When I see the warm sun streaming through the trees and hear the birds singing, I know it’s spring and therefore time to lighten my food. I guess you could say that nature helps different types of dishes pop into my mind, making menu writing a little easier.

The famous food markets of Borough, Billingsgate and Smithfield also give a wealth of smells and sights, while the hustle and bustle of them makes them really come alive. Watching

Wednesday 16th November 2016

people grabbing the latest foods from the stallholders before rushing off is incredible; and as the food scene moves so fast, you really have to be in the mix to keep up. The inspiration is immense and makes my mind flow with new and exciting creations.

Everyone can come up with ideas and recipes so be confident and try a few out on your family and friends – and as long as you let the seasons guide you, you’ll be just fine. The salmon dish I’ve created for you takes its cue from the festive season, which, like it or not, is right around the corner.

We all tend to overindulge in December but this salmon dish, which would make a great dinner party or Christmas day starter – along with the panna cotta dessert I’ve also included – is light, fresh and has bags of flavour.

They also both have that essential wow factor and are easy to prepare with no cooking, and can be done the day before, leaving you to be with your friends and family, rather than stuck in the kitchen.

For more information on Hatton’s Private Dining and Events Catering visit his website: www.hattonsrtw.co.uk.

n If you need any help or would like to

discuss your menu for this festive season, please pop in to my deli in The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, and I’d be happy to help.

We have many food items available for your store cupboard, so come and fill your basket and beat the shopping rush.

n I will be hosting two pop-up restaurants

at The Bakehouse at 124 in Tonbridge on November 18 and 19 and December 16 and 17. If you want to taste my food first-hand, head to www.hattonsrtw.co.uk/hattonsevents and book your place at these exciting events.

FOOD AND DRINK �

TARTARE OF ORGANIC SALMON, AVOCADO, BEETROOT AND SEA VEGETABLES What you need: 200g fresh organic salmon, skinned and pin-boned 1 ripe avocado Juice and zest of 1 lemon Sea salt 1 large beetroot (cooked) 1 dill to garnish Edible flowers to garnish Juice and zest of 1 lime Splash of extra virgin olive oil Black pepper Handful of small breakfast radishes 50g samphire

What you do: First, you need the best-quality salmon you can buy, so head to your local fishmonger, as you want it to be as fresh as possible. Dice it as small as you can - you don’t want large pieces, as the smaller you get it, the softer and more delicate it will be. Once diced, place in the fridge until you need to serve.

Remove the stone and peel, place in a blender and add the juice of the lemon and some sea salt. Blitz until smooth, then place in the fridge until serving.

Square off the beetroot and dice into neat squares which will help to enhance the overall appearance of the dish.

To garnish salmon I always use a few fennel tops, from which you get the most amazing

aniseed flavour. If you can’t get them, dill will be fine. If you can get some edible flowers such as pansies or borage, you get an extra vibrant colour from the plate, but of course, make sure you eat them too, as you get a lovely peppery flavour.

Place your pre-diced salmon in a bowl, adding the lemon and lime juice and zest, and the olive oil. Season with sea salt and black pepper; the citrus juice will start to cook the fish, so don’t add too early. In a ring in the middle of the plate, add your salmon and flatten down. Add a spoonful of the avocado mousse and scatter with the diced beetroot.

Slice the radishes and add the samphire and edible flowers. Grate some lime zest over the finished plate and enjoy!

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RUM PANNA COTTA WITH GLAZED STRAWBERRIES Serves 8 What you need: For the panna cotta: 190ml milk 550ml double cream

75g caster sugar 2 gelatine leaves 25ml rum

What you do: In a pan heat your milk, cream, sugar and rum until it comes to the boil, but ensure you use a large enough pan so it doesn’t boil over.

In some cold water place the gelatine leaves so they go soft.

Once soft, squeeze out the water and add the gelatine to the hot milk mixture. Whisk until gelatine is dissolved.

Pour your milk mix into moulds of your choice. Place in the fridge until set, overnight if possible.

For the strawberries: 2 x 200g punnets of strawberries 4 tablespoons icing sugar Half the strawberries and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle the icing sugar over and gently stir, this will start extracting the juice from the strawberries giving you a plump juicy strawberry.

For the chocolate crumb: 250g unsalted butter 250g caster sugar 250g plain flour 30g coco powder Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the flour and coco powder.

Spread on a baking tray and bake at 180 degrees till 90% cooked, allow to cool and then blitz in a food processor to a crumb, place in an air tight container.

To assemble this very simple but extremely tasty dessert, turn out your panna cotta from the mould and place on a plate or bowl.

Carefully place your strawberries around the panna cotta, add a ball of vanilla bean ice cream on top.

Garnish with fennel tops (you will find them in the top of a bulb of fennel from any farm shop) drizzle with aged balsamic and sprinkle with the chocolate crumb.

Enjoy!

Wednesday 16th November 2016

68  TRAVEL DOWN BY THE WATERSIDE A family of African elephants drink in the delights of Etosha National Park

A safari with a conscience

By Sarah Marshall

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OILING and curving like swirls of bent iron, hardy welwitschias burst through the rust red basalt landscape. Living for more than 1,000 years, Namibia’s national plant crawls up slowly from somewhere deep inside the Earth’s core only to gradually wither away. There is, after all, plenty of time to grow old in the desert.

One of the least densely populated countries in the world, Namibia is vast and frequently empty; the kind of place you could spend all day travelling to get nowhere.

I’m here to explore the northwest region on a very unconventional safari with conservationist Garth Owen-Smith, a man who doesn’t like to do anything by the book.

Crammed into a clattering 4WD with a Jack Russell perched on the dashboard and two over-excited Staffordshire terriers licking my face, we head inland from the mist-shrouded Skeleton Coast with no clear plan in mind.

The fog thins to reveal ochre sand dunes latticed with oryx trails and rows of gnarled, prehistoric welwitschias, and very soon I’ve lost my bearings completely.

Rugged and sun-crisped like the land he inhabits, 72-year-old Garth is a man of the bush. Although born in South Africa, he’s been living in Naxmibia since the 60s and his work with local communities has earned him numerous awards – including last year’s prestigious Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa, presented by the charity’s royal patron, Prince William, who is passionate about saving elephants.

Garth was instrumental in getting conservancy legislation written into

Wednesday 16th November 2016

Namibia’s constitution, making it one of the most environmentally progressive countries in Africa, and in 2010 he set up Conservancy Safaris Namibia with his long-term partner, anthropologist Margaret Jacobsohn.

The couple act as trustees for the company, with profits divided between the stakeholders – five Himba communities.

Although there’s no set itinerary, our journey will gently wend through the Kunene Province, a wild, remote region where Garth feels most at home.

Over time, the landscape changes slowly.

Red becomes black as we drive through abandoned mining areas where shiny dolomite columns soar like organ pipes, and the presence of petrified tree logs defies explanation. Veiled mountain peaks fade into infinity as pronging, dustchurning springboks are silhouetted against a setting sun.

Our simple camp for the night is in the dry Huab riverbed. A support team erects tents and prepares dinner for a group of five tourists; Garth only guides small groups and past guests have included members of the wealthy Rothschild and Goldsmith families.

It’s a world away from a sumptuous, five-star safari set-up, but the closest you’ll

‘I’m here to explore the northwest region on a very unconventional safari with conservationist Garth OwenSmith, a man who doesn’t like to do anything by the book’

get to really understanding Africa’s wildlife and people.

Although Garth aims to educate, his teachings are never didactic. Instead, it’s a slow reveal; a sprinkling of shared insights, allowing people to draw their own conclusions.

This mostly takes place around the campfire as the night sky glitters with stars. Puffing on a pipe, Garth tells us about his work with communities and the NGO [non- governmental organisation] Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation, which he and Margie set up in 1983.

Back then Namibia was in the throes of a poaching crisis and people felt disconnected from wildlife. It belonged to

the government. Margie and Garth believed the solution lay with communities, the Himba, Herero and Damara tribes. It was vital they regained stewardship of their environment.

“No one takes responsibility unless you give them responsibility,” says Garth, with a glinting, intent look in his eyes. “No one was listening to the communities, and we changed that.”

Their hunch proved right, and within two years rhino poaching stopped in Kunane.

In 2000, 40 per cent of the world’s black rhino population resided in Namibia, and people are able to track them on foot in the arid, rubbly Damaraland region.

We join local guards working with Save the Rhino to monitor and protect the DESERT WANDERERS A small black rhino, and people walking in the Huab Valley

TRAVEL 

animals. Sadly, another wave of poaching is passing through Namibia, and so far half the rhino here have been dehorned for their own safety.

Crouching low to the ground, we move between sparsely scattered bushy euphorbias for cover. A young bull is resting 100 metres ahead of us– a muscular and resplendent example of prehistoric megafauna. Any charge could prove fatal, but our guide, Alpheus, who is hurriedly recording details of the sighting in a notebook, intimately understands LOUD AND PROUD This pride of lions is rarely caught napping

the behaviour of these animals.

One of the main reasons for the resurgence of poaching in Namibia is a three-and-a-half-year drought that’s ravaging resources and forcing wildlife and people into closer contact. Desertadapted lions are another species particularly at risk.

Hearing the famous bachelor pride the Five Musketeers is in the area, we set up camp in the Barab. Boas, a local guide who also leads tours for CSN, tells me about the importance of allowing communities to

‘I lie awake listening to the low, guttural roar of lions, so close I imagine the wind beating against my tarpaulin is their heavy breath’

select their own lion guardians and develop a sense of responsibility.

He recalls his own lion, Rosch, who was sadly killed last year over a dispute with livestock. “My mum would complain and say, ‘Why not just the shoot lions?’ I would tell her, ‘Then why not just shoot me?’”

At night, I lie awake listening to the low, guttural roar of lions, so close I imagine the wind beating against my tarpaulin is in fact their heavy breath. But, like the breeze, they soon pass by.

The following day, it strikes me there are no firearms in camp, and I ask Garth why we don’t have any protection.

“If we had guns,” he says wisely, “we might be tempted to use them.”

One animal we’re still to encounter is the desert-adapted elephant, although Garth suggests we may run into them on our way to the startlingly beautiful Hoanib.

Tyre tracks overlap in the sandy riverbed hugged by rippling mountain folds, and it’s hard to determine exactly where we are going.

“Garth doesn’t get lost,” Margie reassures us, with a subtle hint of sarcasm. “Getting lost is a state of mind. It’s just that sometimes he’s not sure where he is.”

We settle on a camping spot nestled between powdery white sand dunes and mopane trees, and drive through forest clearings in the hope of finding elephants.

We don’t have to wait long.

Sitting still, we watch a young bull tug at the branches of a winter thorn tree, dexterously rattling free its fruits with his trunk. Critically, as has been the case throughout our journey, there’s no one else around.

In Namibia, most wildlife is found outside national parks, presenting both

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opportunities and challenges to local communities.

While on the road, we bump into game warden Tommy Hall, a friend of Garth’s who’s heavily involved in anti-poaching efforts. Welling up with tears, he’s clearly overwhelmed by the battle ahead.

Days after I leave Namibia, three of the Five Musketeers are poisoned in retaliation for attacking a donkey. It doesn’t paint a positive picture. But Garth refuses to be downbeat. He sees victory in sight and believes the solution lies in harnessing the power of numbers.

“A country never won a war with one person,” he tells me. “The winning army is always the one with most people.”

Garth’s words now seem more relevant than ever.

“I just hope people will start listening to me again,” he says with typical modesty.

Ears open, we’re ready and waiting…

TRAVEL FACTS Sarah Marshall was a guest of The Ultimate Travel Company (020 3051 8098, theultimatetravelcompany. co.uk), who can arrange a two-week Wildlife And Culture experience accompanied by Garth Owen-Smith from £5,500 per person.

Simple accommodation comes with all meals and drinks, and an experience tailored to the season and movements of the semi-nomadic Himba. The price also includes British Airways flights from London via Johannesburg and private transfers throughout.

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70  ADVERTISING FEATURE

Your one-stop property shop We talk to Amal Uddin about his success in bringing his 15 years’ experience in corporate property portfolios to Tunbridge Wells through AU Consultancy HERE TO HELP Amal Uddin

What is your company ethos?

To provide all our clients with a ‘corporate standard’ service. We also strive to offer a complete service in respect to clients’ requirements. As a consultancy, we are able to extend our reach into a wide range of technical areas, which is an effort to be a ‘one-stop shop’. Often this is a major attraction to our clients, as we can be the one point of call where we will provide updates on a case we are dealing with by managing all interconnected aspects – eg: legal, planning and architectural through to letting, management and sales, as well as the various technical aspects.

With such a wide range of services, what kinds of work do you find you are in highest demand for?

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We are increasingly doing a lot more ‘due diligence’ work, which we feel is highly important important, and compulsory preliminary steps which all our clients are advised to consider for any purchase/ sale of a property interest. There is also an increased expectation for ‘good management’ – by that we don’t mean dealing with only the physical aspects of a property in respect to its day-to-day running – but also the regular appraisals, reviews and assessments of the terms and conditions of the interconnected interests (leases, sub-leases, licences licences…), ensuring that the maximum potentials of a property are being realised – which we call ‘enhancing’ the asset.

What separates you from anyone else in your field of work?

As a practice that is rooted to, and founded in in, the corporate world of the City of London, our approach and service delivery is very much true to those standards. We feel that noncorporate/SME clients can benefit from the same standard of service. Our view is that the owner/occupier of a single commercial property should be provided with the same standard of service as a corporate owner/occupier. There is no reason in our view why they should not, and that is fundamental to our approach to offering a holistic service to our clients.

What kind of commercial properties are you most experienced in dealing with?

We have managed, and dealt with, pretty much every conceivable type of commercial property that one can deal with – including land (development and agricultural), a lake (for a fishing club), industrial estates, shopping centres, retail/high street, offices, business

parks. So our experience is expansive and covers a wide range of commercial properties. Also, geographically we have managed and undertaken management and transactional work for all the aforementioned nationwide – from Bridlington to Brighton.

As a successful London business, what inspired your move to Tunbridge Wells?

It was a property instruction, for a property in The Pantiles that I was managing back in 2006, that brought me to Tunbridge Wells. I liked the energy of the town and felt that it had the right synergy for me to one day evolve my business, whereby I can still do work for corporate clients in the City as well as establish the business as a local brand. Affection for Tunbridge Wells was also a major part in the decision to move the business.

How does the commercial property market in Tunbridge Wells differ to that in London?

It is an interesting question, and the comparison is not a straightforward one. London has many diverse areas in different boroughs. The rental value of certain residential units we have managed were certainly on a par with similar units in Tunbridge Wells. The commercial demand is both high and with a high level of intensity. The town centre in Tunbridge Wells is very much split into two parts – the old High Street part with the traditional shops and The Pantiles on one side, which is in some ways quite close to the energy of an area like Richmond, then you have the other end, with Royal Victoria Place, which would be closer to the energy of, say, Hammersmith and the King Street section of Hammersmith – which has the old shopping centre.

From a property perspective you can find certain similarities.

‘It was a property instruction in The Pantiles back in 2006 that brought me to Tunbridge Wells.

I liked the energy of the town and felt that it had the right synergy for me to evolve my business’

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

competitive and long terms, with rent reviews completed with minimum delays, and any tenant concerns addressed swiftly.

SERVICES TO SUIT Amal and his team can cover all your property needs

What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your market?

For us as a new business in town, and as a new brand in town town, it is the process of becoming established, becoming familiar and creating an awareness. These are the challenges all new business businesses face and we are working hard to address this area. Our efforts to network with local businesses has been hugely beneficial. We hope that working closely with the Times will be a useful partnership!

What trends have you noticed in the commercial property market post post-Brexit?

Pre-Brexit there was a degree of caution being exercised. There was an inevitable and understandable cautious approach being taken. But post-Brexit post-Brexit, after an initial ‘judder’ ‘judder’, it is fair to say there has been an even greater level of activity in the market. We are also placing a higher-level emphasis on ensuring tenants are on

‘Pre-Brexit there was a degree of caution being exercised… But post-Brexit, after an initial judder, it is fair to say there has been an even greater level of activity in the market’

What advice would you give to someone looking to move offices or expand their business?

We would advise that the property size and services (offered and needed) are carefully considered. The location in relation to your transport needs, client needs and any other requirements are considered. We would also suggest the focus on assessing carefully the needs of the business – short, medium and long term – to mirror the term of your lease, and how it will marry with your business in its growth/expansion, both now and in the future. Ultimately, this is an area where negotiations on terms are not the only important aspect – but detailed due diligence is highly important. There is also the need to consider and be conscious of ‘events’ and ‘activities’.

‘Events’ (term/rent commencement dates, rent reviews, lease expiry/term end date…) that will take place during the life of a lease, and ‘activities’ (Licence for Alteration, Exercise of a Break Notice…) are actions that can be instigated by one party or the other. All the aforementioned are, of course matters, which we can advise on and undertake.

Tell us a little about your two different services: Property Services and Interim Management Property Services covers all the wideranging services that we offer – from consultancy and management through to transactional services. These are services that all our clients, as well as prospective clients, could benefit from.

The consultancy aspects can be from assessment of a client’s property interests by reviewing their lease, and assessing their rights, duties and obligations through to reviewing/preparing/closing of service charge budgets. The ‘Interim Management’ is very much a service that corporate/institutional property occupiers benefit from. This enables us to systematically manage all facets of a commercial property portfolio. We would agree the targets and objectives with the client in advance and aim to deliver these over an agreed period as we have done in

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the past – we managed an institutional occupier’s property portfolio consisting of 450 properties.

How do you turn an underperforming property into a profitable property for your clients?

Assessment, evaluation, valuation and then enhancement. An initial assessment allows us to identify the key aspects which we will drill down into and carry out a detailed evaluation of the strengths, weakness and opportunities – perhaps carry out an Options Appraisal. This could include evaluating the rental position, evaluating income streams, evaluating the market conditions and evaluating ‘other’ options (development, disposal, etc). We will also carry out a valuation of the property to gauge its market position. Thereafter, we would consider undertaking the enhancement steps – such as an injection of investment to upgrade a property cosmetically, technically and physically, as well as from a ‘compliant’ perspective. Further, we would determine if a lease is required, to be able to take it back out to the market to put in place a better ‘deal’. A better deal from a client’s perspective is a better performing property asset.

Why are your connections with charity so important to you?

We have long supported and promoted several children’s charities (Save The Children, Children in Need, Orphans in Need) which are very worthy and special organisations. We also support Help for Heroes, which is a wonderful charity that aims to look after those bravest amongst us that put themselves in the front line to protect us. The importance of these charities is self-explanatory, and doing one’s bit to support these worthy causes is always needed.

What does the future hold for AU Consultancy?

We hope to work towards establishing the business and the brand as a local commercial property practice with a regional and national perspective.

Describe AU Consultancy in five words…

Professional, Holistic, Reliable, Friendly and Principled.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

72  ADVERTISING FEATURE

Keeping it in the family is the key to this store’s great success Established in 1891, Richard Barsley tells us how longstanding department store Barsleys in Paddock Wood has managed to evolve and expand over time, serving many generations of local customers…

Tell us a little about the history of Barsleys…

My Grandfather, Charles Barsley, came to Brenchley in 1891 and from a tailoring business there he moved and expanded to this larger premises in Paddock Wood at the turn of the century. The business continued to grow to include more and more ready-made clothes and footwear.

After WWII my father expanded the business to include ladies fashions,

furnishings, bedding and floorcoverings.

During the 1970s my brother and I joined the business and we have steadily expanded further to offer a much wider range of the previously existing productsplus added a Coffee Shop, Toys and Cook shop. In 2013 my daughter Alice joined the business and she has helped revitalise our fashion & footwear offering. We have regularly updated and improved the shopping environment and experience

of the store to be in keeping with the times. Recently we fully upgraded our till systems, and we also now have a privilege card for our customers.

How does working in a family environment reflect in your store?

We are very proud of our staff and the great knowledge they have of the products we sell. It makes it feel like one big family, all trying our best

TWO’S COMPANY Richard Barsley and daughter Alice

to bring our customers great value and service. Family is the core of Barsleys and it’s important we channel that in all we do.

What would you identify as the key to such a long standing, successful business?

Being a family department store, we have a great connection with our customers.

We always strive to meet and exceed our customer’s needs. Our customers always come first.

For such a long standing business, you must find you are now an integral part of the community in Paddock Wood?

Yes, we are very conscientious and strive to help where we can in the community. It might be in supporting local Schools, Sports groups, Scouts and other community groups. We are currently actively supporting the Paddock Wood Neighbourhood Plan, especially the Town Centre working group. We feel it is important for the town centre to develop to support the current and future community with a wide range of product and services to meet the needs of the community going forward.

How have products and affiliations with brands changed since you first opened? Have you been surprised in patterns of customer interest?

As you can imagine, the type of goods sold by a country tailor in Victorian times, when most items were made on the premises, is barely comparable to

Wednesday 16th November 2016

ADVERTISING FEATURE �

the wide range of fashions, footwear, furnishings, bedding, carpets, etc. available in store now. In 1891 brands were few and far between, yet today we have many well-known brands like Joules, Seasalt, Esprit, White Stuff, Masai, Clarks, Startrite, Meyer, G-Plan, Parker Knoll, Vax, Russell Hobbs, Judge etc…

Do you have a defined target market?

We have a wide market; we find many young families come in to buy a wide range of products as we stock something for everyone, which is the beauty of a department store. We also have many customers who have been regular shoppers for decades which is fantastic!

Some of them have been coming here since they first did with their parents to buy their school shoes and are now buying their grandchildren’s school shoes in the very same place.

What has been the most iconic moment to date in your retail history?

I think the most exhilarating moments are usually when a customer says “At last! We have been looking around so many shops and here it is in Paddock Wood!” I am very proud of the excellent enthusiasm and exciting products Alice, in particular, has inspired in the business.

How do you compete with bigger retail destinations like Tunbridge Wells?

Most of the large stores in nearby towns are branches of big multiples, so they all have to sell what head office buys for them and commands them to. We can be flexible in offering snap promotions and buy in great offers for our customers whilst still having the capacity to offer such wide selection. However, despite deals we like to offer, many multiples are too obsessed with selling cheap products. Cheap is so often not good value. As the saying goes “buy cheap buy twice!” I think also we are competitive in accessibility- in Paddock Wood you can park for free for one hour and the next two hours only cost 40P! There is very little you can’t find to satisfy your shopping needs in Paddock Wood.

What can we expect from Barsleys in the next 125 years?

I hope we continue to bring great value for money and customer service. I also look to continually update and improve the range of products and service we bring to the Paddock Wood shopping community.

Describe Barsleys in five words…

Quality, family, Service, Value, Brands.

73

‘We are very proud of our staff and the great knowledge they have of the products we sell. It makes it feel like one big family, all trying our best to bring our customers’

WHAT’S IN STORE? Barsleys sells a variety of practical and decorative delights

16-22 Commercial Road Paddock Wood Kent TN12 6EJ Tel: 01892 833464 Web: www.barsleys.co.uk

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Barsleys’ commemorative tea towel celebrating 125 years in business

Wednesday 16th November 2016

74 n LIFE AND STYLE

FROFFY AND PHOAM “The pancakes were a masterpiece. Toasty golden-brown and fluffy with a knob of melting butter… it was everything you wanted.”

Allow yourself to drift back at Froffy & Phoam with a range of speciality pancakes, waffles, crepes, milkshakes, and much more.

Alongside sweet indulgences, they also offer gourmet pizzas, Mexican tacos, chicken fajitas, and masala dosa. At Froffy and Phoam, something a little different is always on the menu- from a pizza base with peaches and ricotta cheese to an ice cream sandwich!

WEALDEN TIMES MAGAZINE MOVES FESTIVE SHOPPING EVENT TO THE HOP FARM On the 17th-19th November the South East’s largest and most prestigious Christmas shopping event, Wealden Times Midwinter Fair, is moving to The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood.

Constantly searching for new ways to add their own twist to your favourite indulgences, visit www.froffyandphoam.co.uk with any suggestions!

The tented village of 7 heated, linked marquees attracts standholders rivalling any of the big London shows, hand-picked for their unique qualities. Enjoy browsing luxury gifts for all the family, exquisite Christmas decorations, vintage and contemporary homewares, boutique fashion and jewellery, alongside food and drink for gift hampers and your Christmas table.

Located at the top of Tunbridge Wells, just a few steps from the RVP mall, drop by and indulge yourself- or take advantage of the delivery service.

01892 670 105

Pause to refuel with friends and family in the Street Food Café and Tea Tent, while you take in the twinkling lights, fir trees and carol singers.

THE PANTILES CAFÉ

Julie Simpson, Wealden Times Managing Director says; “As our growing number of visitors testifies, Wealden Times Midwinter Fair is an inspirational day out with family and friends, in a magical setting.

We have an exciting new collection of emerging and established businesses exhibiting this year at The Hop Farm, which is just 15-minutes’ drive from Tunbridge Wells and has plenty of free visitor parking.

Wealden Times Midwinter Fair will be at The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY on Thursday 17th, Friday 18th & Saturday 19th November, from 9am-4.30pm. Tickets are £8.50 in advance at www.wealdentimes.ticketsrv.co.uk for readers of the Times, with promotional code TWT1MWF16 or £9.50 at the entrance.

Children age 5-12 are £3.50, under 5’s free.

To buy tickets, watch last year’s video or for more information, visit www.wealdentimes.co.uk/events or call 01580 714705

CRANBROOK CHORAL SOCIETY

KENT WILDLIFE TRUST Kent Wildlife Trust is hosting a variety of seasonal and Christmas events inspired by nature in their visitor centres at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Tyland Barn near Maidstone.

If you want to get ahead with your festive preparations then join a Christmas card or wreath making workshop. All the family can make a set of unique robin Christmas cards using different printing techniques on a workshop at Sevenoaks visitor centre on 27th November, suitable for adults and children age 7+ £12 per person, booking essential. Or make your very own traditional Christmas wreath using natural materials at Wreath Making Workshops in Sevenoaks or Tyland Barn visitor centres on 2nd or 3rd December, £35 per person - booking essential.

Full details are on their website: www.cranbrookchoral.org.uk

Children will be enchanted by a visit to Sevenoaks unique Bird Hide Grotto or the Woodland Grotto at Tyland Barn. Little ones will meet Father Christmas and his elves in wonderful natural settings then take part in outdoor Christmas trails. Adults can purchase some last minute Christmas presents in the gift shops or warm up with a hot drink and some festive food from the café (hot food only available from Maidstone visitor centre). It costs £8 per child to visit Father Christmas and each child will receive a present - booking essential.

Grottos will be on a selection of Saturdays and Sundays in December – please check website for details.

It’s great that you don’t have to go to London to hear live performances of this quality.

For information about all Kent Wildlife Trust events call 01622 662012 or book online www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

There is something very special about a large choir, accompanied by a fine orchestra, singing some of the greatest music ever written and the 100 voices of Cranbrook Choral Society will be performing Haydn’s magnificent ‘The Seasons’ at St. Dunstan’s Church Cranbrook for their autumn concert on the 19th November.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

The Pantiles Café opened its doors on Monday 31st October, debuting completely new look, following renovations. The rustic industrial design features a copper bar top, underfloor gardens, an original fireplace and classic movies projected on the wall.

Enjoy the relaxing surroundings as you try our freshly ground coffee, loose leaf tea or our Marimba white, milk or dark hot chocolate selection.

The café believe in serving high quality local produce, including Flimwell's Bean Smitten coffee beans and Novus whole leaf tea.

The La Marzocco Espresso Machine was handmade in Florence, Italy to ensure that every cup is perfect for its customers.

Sample a hot breakfast and full lunch menus or, if you fancy something a little more indulgent, choose from a selection of local cakes and baked goods.

Celebrate the start of the Christmas period on the 19th November as the Pantiles come alight at the Christmas lights switch on event, 'The Pantiles Christmas Cracker'. Open Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-11pm, serving beer, wine and spirits. Offering a Prosecco brunch over the weekend.

With the festive season approaching, The Pantiles Café is the ideal venue for Christmas parties. The versatile setting is available for private hire so pop in or please call for any enquiries.

The Pantiles Café 42 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN 01892 534 059

WITH THE

THE TOWN’S TOP MOTORING GUIDE – FROM EVERYDAY DRIVES TO LUXURY SUPERCARS

FIRST DRIVE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

KIA Optima Sportswagon

to its new fun-to-drive ethos. Cars like this will never be light, but the Optima’s suspension tweaks do a good job of reigning in the rear’s extra heft. The composed ride is a pleasant compromise between feeling soft and comfortable without the unsettled wallowing that’s often a by-product of such a set-up.

The steering, again, is a great compromise. Too often, modern, electrically-assisted set-ups can feel feather-light or have engineered ‘weight’.

But the Optima’s steering feels natural.

The disappointment from a fun-to-drive perspective is the engine. With 139bhp and 340Nm of torque, it was never going to be lightning quick, but it feels slower and less responsive than those numbers suggest. It also lacks the smoothness and surge of torque found in the best modern diesels from the likes of Mazda.

The engine feels like diesels of old; noisy and uninspiring. Go for the DCT auto, though, and responsiveness at low revs is improved, even if the official performance figures contradict that.

Drivers less concerned with picking a Kia because it’s enjoyable to drive will be pleased to know that it is rated at 64.2mpg and 113g/km of CO2, while the automatic is officially 61.4mpg and 120g/km – all decent numbers for a car in this segment.

VALUE FOR MONEY

By Darren Cassey WHAT’S NEW? The Kia Optima has been, by Kia’s own admission, underperforming in the sales department. Part of the problem is that the small company hasn’t had the factory capacity to offer Europe-specific models, but that’s all changed now.

Kia has pledged to build new models for new markets and the Optima Sportswagon is part of fulfilling that goal.

In Europe, estate cars make up two-thirds of sales and 75 per cent of fleet sales in the segment. Kia wanted in on the action which is why it has built its first D-segment estate.

It’s 5mm taller than the saloon, but dynamically the only change is in the suspension – damper rates and alignment settings have been tweaked to accommodate a rearward-shift in weight distribution and to cope with the potential for heavier loads.

LOOKS AND IMAGE Kia has hit the nail on the head stylistically. The look is clearly inspired by European rivals, but it has a unique character often lacking from high-volume manufacturers’ cars.

However, the Korean manufacturer has a big hurdle to overcome. Brand image is something that

takes time to build, and in this category it’s almost as important for buyers to be able to say they own a BMW, MercedesBenz or Audi as it is to have a decent car.

Kia’s in a good place to leap the hurdle, though. The Optima’s door is heavy and closes with a satisfying thud; the interior is mostly on a par with the Germans; the wheel feels good in your hand if a little uncomfortable in GT-Line spec, while the centre console and buttons have the look and feel of more premium rivals.

The only letdown is the shiny, cheapfeeling rough plastic splashed across the top of the dashboard. An odd, featureless slab in an otherwise upmarket interior.

But for those who put quality, or just being a bit different, above showing off, the Kia won’t feel like a compromise.

FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL: Kia Optima Sportswagon ENGINE: 1.7-litre CRDI turbocharged diesel producing 139bhp & 340Nm TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 9.8 seconds (manual) or 10.7 seconds (automatic).

Both 124mph top speed.

ECONOMY: 64.2mpg (manual), 61.4mpg (auto) EMISSIONS: 113g/km (manual), 120g/km (auto)

‘Those looking to save the pennies really only have badge snobbery to overcome’ SPACE AND PRACTICALITY In this category, space and practicality are big selling points. The Optima’s cargo space measures up at 552 litres with the rear seats up and 1,686 litres with them down. This measures favourably against many rivals, including the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4, though it’s a good chunk less spacious than a Volkswagen Passat. Added practicality comes with a power tailgate, one-touch folding seats and, on ‘3’ and GT-Line S trims, adjustable luggage rails.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Kia’s shown admirable commitment

The entry level Optima Sportswagon starts at £22,295, and that feels like great value when you’re behind the wheel. The interior is almost on a par with the likes of BMW. Considering it undercuts premium rivals by a few thousand pounds, those looking to save the pennies really only have badge snobbery to overcome.

It costs a fraction more than a Ford Mondeo estate, which offers similar cargo space and slightly better fuel economy from its also-uninspiring diesel.

The trump card, however, is Kia’s seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty. It helps bring running costs right down and gives welcome peace of mind.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? This car has fleet owners firmly in its sights.

First and foremost, this estate model was added to the line-up so Kia could get a slice of that sweet fleet ownership pie.

Company car owners will be pleased to know benefit-in-kind taxation is 19 per cent for the manual transmission cars and 21 per cent for automatics. This undercuts most rivals by one or two per cent.

Couple that with decent fuel economy and you’ve got a solid alternative to the established European marques.

The Optima Sportswagon will also appeal to those with large families and perhaps a large dog. It provides enough space to keep children comfortable on long trips, and the large boot is ideal for keeping a pet away from your nice seats.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

76 n MOTORING

Wednesday 16th November 2016

MOTORING �

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Wednesday 16th November 2016

78 � PUZZLES SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

Wednesday 16th November 2016

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A H T R A U M M M C A S A N N A H I F I S L OM A U S T R O L Y M B E L I Z N T

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

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5 8 3 8 7 3 6 5 2 3

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In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply.

Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions will be published in next week’s paper

B A N T U R

B J B O E U V R E U D O Q U O R U M U G E NOC H E T B X S L OW A M A Z E R L L S O I L S G T I E K E E P I N D E D N

Sudoku:

7 9 8 3 4 6 1 2 5

2 4 6 1 5 8 9 7 3

1 5 3 9 7 2 4 6 8

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 7 1 2 3 4 5 8 9

3 8 9 5 6 1 2 4 7

5 2 4 7 8 9 3 1 6

4 3 5 6 1 7 8 9 2

9 1 7 8 2 3 6 5 4

8 6 2 4 9 5 7 3 1

9 4 1 2 7 3 8 5 6

3 5 8 6 4 9 7 1 2

1 6 2 9 8 5 3 4 7

6 7 3 5 1 8 9 2 4

2 9 7 1 5 4 6 8 3

8 3 4 7 6 2 1 9 5

5 8 9 3 2 7 4 6 1

7 2 6 4 9 1 5 3 8

4 1 5 8 3 6 2 7 9

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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SOLUTIONS (FROM LAST WEEK)

DIFFICULTY RATING:

CODEWORD

80 n RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Fill your vacancy now in print or online.

For more information contact Jordanne Reville on 01892 576049

Wednesday 16th November 2016

RECRUITMENT n

81

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN ADVERT CONTACT OUR SALES DEPARTMENT ON 01892 779624

Wednesday 16th November 2016

82 ■ ARTS & CULTURE

Setting the scene for a different kind of interactive theatrical experience If you’ve ever wondered what life is like behind the scenes for actors in the theatre, then all will be revealed courtesy of Oliver Tourle’s exciting new show Live and Backstage, which is on at the Assembly Hall on November 26. Eileen Leahy talks to the young, local performer-producer about what he has in store for us doing work experience at the theatre when he was just 15, and as a result has been involved in various productions ever since.

“I was so excited about my first

‘I’ve never been one to define myself in one area or another. I like being a producer and love being in front of a crowd’

AIMING HIGH Oliver is an all-round performer

Wednesday 16th November 2016

work experience placement there,” he explains when we chat ahead of his forthcoming show Live and Backstage, which will be performed there.

“I was in awe of how huge the theatre was, and after so long watching shows I was finally allowed access to places the audience weren’t allowed.”

This obviously planted a seed, and a few years later he is giving people the chance to have the same experience when they come to see him on November 26.

A former pupil of the Performing Arts Studio at Hillview School, in Tonbridge, Oliver has always enjoyed acting, but the draw of the action going on behind the scenes also started to appeal to him, which is why he initially went into production.

“I wasn’t the most confident person at school,” he admits. “I felt I would be content enough just to be around

performers, but after a few years in various jobs in theatre and TV I realised I still had the desire and need to be seen!

“Going through the frustration of not performing taught me a lot about how to be, and get the most out of what the industry can offer you.”

Oliver went on to do some placements in the West End which he says allowed him to talk to people and for them to get to know him.

“If ever anyone needed a young, passionate student to help them, they knew I wouldn’t say no!

“I’m still in touch with most of the people who saw something in me all those years ago and kept me inspired.”

As a result, over the past decade Oliver has done everything from acting and singing to producing.

“I’ve never been one to define myself in one area or another,” he says. “I like being a producer and

A SONG IN HIS HEART Oliver enjoys singing

PHOTO: Emily Dews

FOR Oliver Tourle, performing at the Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall with his one-man show will be like going back in time.

The 25-year-old impresario started

ARTS & CULTURE 

love being in front of a crowd. I think if it’s in you, you can’t escape it, so you’ve got to do all you can when an opportunity presents itself and see where it takes you.”

So how did his one-man show, which gives a unique glimpse of how the theatre really works both backstage and on it come about?

“I approached the Assembly Hall about the

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Experience the magic of theatre

‘I hope they will walk away from it feeling inspired by both the venue and theatre in general’ concept of doing a ‘behind the scenes’ style show and hoped it could work. Luckily, the new Theatre Director, John-Jackson ‘JJ’ Almond, is very interested in encouraging new producers and promoting local talent, so this was ideal for creating something very exciting.”

Since he arrived at the Assembly Hall earlier this year, JJ has made no secret of the fact he wants to encourage and nuture young talent and provide the ‘stepping stone’ for people to acquire experience of professional theatre.

“Young people create brave theatre, but are rarely given the opportunity to showcase it,” he says. “There is a breadth and depth of homegrown talent on our doorstep and the Assembly Hall Theatre is an ideal outlet for producers of the future.”

Oliver did a one-man show last year at the Ship Theatre in Sevenoaks. Entitled Oliver SUPPORT Tourle: This is Me, he says JJ Almond wants to that also gave him lots of nurture local talent experience and helped him learn his strengths and

weaknesses as both a performer and producer, hence why he wanted to do something similar again.

“Although there’s a lot for one person to organise in a solo project like this, I am very lucky to have people wanting to help and make the evening of November 26 one to remember.

“What’s special about this show is that we are giving people a unique insight into that ‘behind the scenes

magic’, and a chance to watch the evening from the performer’s viewpoint.

“To change things up a bit, the audience will enter through the stage door, then go into one of the dressing rooms and take selfies in the mirror and see backstage areas they wouldn’t normally see, as well as hear the backstage calls for the performers.

“For the performance itself, where I will be singing with a five-piece band and chatting, there will be a bar positioned at the back of the stage where audience members will also be seated.

They will look out over the auditorium, which will also act as my backdrop while I perform.”

What does he hope this intimate event will

83

give people?

“I hope they will walk away from it feeling inspired by both the venue and theatre in general. I hope they feel the same sense of privilege when they walk through the stage door. I can’t wait to tell stories and connect with them on a completely different level to most other performances.”

If Live and Backstage is a success, Oliver hopes it will mean he can put on more of these events.

“I want to develop myself as a performer and singer by doing this, and it would be a real boost if opportunities opened up and I began to build up a following of my own.

“There are so many beautiful venues that I’d love to perform in, and for there to be a demand for regular performances would be a dream.

“It’s also total creative freedom for me, and something which I hope will lead to furthering my career as a multi-disciplinary artist.

“We’ll have to see how things progress and what other ideas may be brought to the table after November 26!”

Oliver Tourle performs Live and Backstage at The Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, on November 26 at 8pm. Tickets cost £18 and are available from www.olivertourle.com

Wednesday 16th November 2016

84  WHAT’S ON SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

showcasing a number of local independent designers and businesses. Entrance costs £2, with proceeds going to the Pickering Smile Fund.

You could also check out the Shopping and Pamper evening at Rusthall St Paul’s Primary School, which is on tonight from 7.30pm.

>> WEDNESDAY If you want to experience some unique entertainment then head over to the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge. Starting at 8.30am and running until 8.30pm, it will be hosting a very different type of musical concert – a 12-hour-long performance of Riley in C – The Home of the Brave.

Part of the theatre’s American Music Festival, a group of talented performers will play composer Terry Riley’s seminal piece of minimalist music, which comprises 53 melodic patterns all played in sequence. Audience members can drop in and out of this free event, which promises to be a ‘living sound installation’, and even have a go at playing an instrument or singing themselves. For more details, visit www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk Prepare to immerse yourself into the spirit of Christmas by going along to the Magical Music of Mozart concert at the Assembly Hall from 7.30pm.

This beautiful show recalls the fantastic baroque world of one of the most romantic composers, and brings his story to life courtesy of wonderful music, costumes and candlelight. Tickets cost £21 from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk One of Britain’s best-loved writers will be streamed live into the Odeon and Hawkhurst Kino cinema this evening with his latest work: Alan Bennett’s Diaries Live. This new, fly-on-the-wall film shows both the private and public life of Bennett and includes extracts from his trademark acerbic and humorous diaries. The documentary is then followed by an exclusive Q&A with Bennett from his local library in Primrose Hill. Tickets cost £20 and the screenings start at 8pm.

Alternatively, if you want to steal a march on your Christmas shopping, then make sure you drop into the Christmas Collective shopping event at the Royal Wells Hotel. On from 6pm-9pm, it’s

ICE COOL The skating rink returns

Wednesday 16th November

>> THURSDAY Today sees the start of the Tunbridge Wells Big Christmas Get Together Three-Day Switch-On Extravaganza! Santa Claus arrives at Royal Victoria Place [RVP] from 4.30pm, so make sure you and your excited little ones are ready to pay him a visit.

Heart radio’s Jenni Falconer will be hosting the event, which will include appearances from the panto cast of Snow White and the official RVP Christmas lights switch-on by X Factor winner Ben Haenow and Britain’s Got Talent stars Boogie Storm.

Continuing in the spirit of Christmas, the Assembly Hall is putting on the That’ll Be The Day 2016 Christmas Show. This is the UK’s most popular rock ’n’ roll variety production, which celebrates all those pop hits from the 1950s and beyond and features some comedy sketches, too.

Tickets cost from £23.50 and can be bought from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk There will be a private view at SEEART Gallery this evening celebrating the work of Paul Treasure and John Lipsham, two of the UK’s most revered artists. Reflections in Time is their collaborative show, which highlights the work of these two prolific painters. The event runs from 6pm-9pm.

To reserve tickets, visit www.seaartgallery.co.uk

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages please email eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

RIDING HIGH See Rapunzel at Trinity

to have lots of cool fun skating with your friends and family. The launch evening will be hosted by Heart radio breakfast show presenters James and Becky and the Heart Angels. >> SATURDAY The final big event of the three-day switch-on is The Pantiles Christmas Cracker, which will see the famous promenade lit up with even more dazzling illuminations than usual thanks to a whopping 22,000 extra festive lights. There will be a children’s disco from 5.30pm followed by a DJ set and live music, plus all the stalls selling seasonal goodies.

For more information visit www.thepantiles.com You can see classical musician and performing phenomenon André Rieu playing a medley of festive favourites courtesy of his pre-recorded Christmas with André concert from his hometown of Maastricht at the Odeon cinema, Trinity Theatre and The Uckfield Picture House at 5pm. It features many seasonal hits, including Jingle Bells and White Christmas, as well as a tour of Maastricht’s Christmas highlights. Following the concert there will be a Q&A with Rieu hosted by Charlotte Hawkins. See venues for ticket prices.

The Tonbridge Philharmonic Choral and Orchestral Concert takes place at the EM Forster Theatre this evening. Conductor Matthew Willis will lead his musicians in playing extracts from the likes of Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Holst’s The Cloud Messenger. This is the orchestra’s first concert of the new season and lasts two and a half hours. Tickets cost £15 per adult. For more information visit www.tonphil.org.uk Also performing in Tonbridge this evening are The Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Choir at St Peter and St Paul Church in aid of the Hospice in the Weald. The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £10.

>> FRIDAY It’s the final day of The Hospice in the Weald Christmas Market, so if you haven’t managed to get down there over the weekend then today is your only remaining chance. On from 10am-4pm, there is a huge array of craft, food and gift stalls to help inspire your Christmas shopping. There will >> SUNDAY also be coffee and cakes available to purchase.

If you haven’t made it down there yet this Father Christmas will be visiting from 11am-2pm. weekend don’t forget The Pantiles Market is on Admission costs £3 and under 16s go free. All today. So if you’re running low on gastro proceeds go to the hospice. For more information condiments, specialist ingredients or your favourite see www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk local gourmet treats make sure you pop down.

It’s a busy weekend for the town as a slew of Young children will enjoy Rapunzel and her seasonal events gets underway. Starting today is Witch,, which is on at Trinity Theatre today at the St John’s Christmas Window Wonderland 2.30pm. Beautiful puppets act out this story, extravaganza. The aim is to showcase the area’s which includes fully integrated sign language. vibrant independent businesses and encourage Tickets to the performance cost £7 per person and festive can be booked at www.trinitytheatre.net shoppers to browse and buy from them.

There will also be a fun teddy bear treasure trail for young ones to follow, which will culminate in WINGING IT the competition’s Christmas fairies winner being at the Wealden announced on Times fair December 21, the final day of the festival.

The ever popular Calverley Grounds ice rink opens for business today so get your gloves, woolly hat and waterproofs on and prepare

>> MONDAY At 6.30pm there will be a talk given by Dr Philip Whitbourn about the History of Grosvenor & Hilbert Park. The historian will examine the varied life of this green space, which has included everything from Second World War allotments to an open-air swimming pool. The event is free and no booking is required, just meet at the park’s hub. >> TUESDAY The Government Inspector is being performed at the EM Forster Theatre by members of Tonbridge School’s drama department until Friday. Nikolai Gogol’s classic comedy about a small town in rural Russia run by a corrupt governor is as much a satire on human vanity as it is a reflection on the abuse of positions of authority by self-seeking officials. Tickets cost £5 and are available from www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk

PICK OF THE WEEK Wealden Times Midwinter Fair Thursday November 17 until Saturday November 19

The south east’s largest and most prestigious Christmas shopping event, the Wealden Times Midwinter Fair, is on this weekend at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood. There will be a tented village of seven heated marquees brimming with covetable Christmas buys, including chic fashion accessories, vintage finds for the home and gourmet gifts. You can also pause to refuel in the Street Food Café and Tea Tent while you listen to carol singers. Tickets cost £8.50 in advance at www.wealdentimes.co. uk/events or £9.50 at the entrance. Children aged 5 to 12 cost £3.50, under-5s go free.

WHAT’S ON 

85

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton

The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com

Live music THERE are lots of superb live gigs to be enjoyed this week and my top picks are as follows…

If you are considering a midweek outing, then Chris Difford from the legendary Squeeze will be performing at The Velo House on Wednesday night.

The Forum are hosting the excellent Hooton Tennis Club this Thursday night with support from Zuzu and Go Caruso. I also recommend The Jam Movement and The Sweeney, who are at The Forum on Friday evening.

There are plenty of other great options for Friday night, with alt-folk singer-songwriter Peter Falloon playing live at The Sussex Arms, and popular local group The Harveys performing at Cassidy’s Bar. Saturday night is busy across the town, with The Big Easy Funk at The Grey Lady, Sean Fennessey and friends at The Bedford and local singersongwriter Ryan Weeks taking to the stage at The Beau Nash Tavern.

Remember also to look out for the brilliant Turin Brakes, who come to Tunbridge Wells for the first time next Wednesday (November 23) to perform at The Assembly Hall.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk

THURSDAY Hooton Tennis Club with Zuzu and Go Caruso FRIDAY The Jam Movement and The Sweeney

Sean Fennessey

CASSIDY’S BAR

Castle Street Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late

FRIDAY The Harveys THE BEAU NASH TAVERN

Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

SATURDAY Ryan Weeks THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road, open all day, free entry, music from early evening onwards

SATURDAY The HeartBeats MONDAY Open Mic Night

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

THE BEDFORD

The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk

2 High Street Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm onwards

WEDNESDAY Isabella Coulstock, Mark Chase, James Kirby FRIDAY Soul Kitchen SATURDAY The Big Easy Funk Band SUNDAY Gronk, James Medhurst, The Ackerleys, Matt Rivers TUESDAY Sivix, Poppy Hopson, Matt Falloon, FØNX WEDNESDAY Georgia Bickerton, Steve Hewitt, TYN, Bea Everett

SATURDAY Sean Fennessey and friends

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

Crescent Road information on times and tickets at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Magical Mozart by Candlelight THURSDAY That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show FRIDAY The Manfreds, PP Arnold, Zoot Money SATURDAY Verdi’s Aida (Opera)

THE SUSSEX ARMS

Sussex Mews, Near The Pantiles

FRIDAY (8pm free entry) Peter Falloon: Reed in the River Launch and support from David Mumford THE VELO HOUSE

5 St John’s Road for tickets and show times visit www.thevelohouse.com

WEDNESDAY An Evening with Chris Difford THE CROSS KEYS

St John’s Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Mike Hatchard THURSDAY Open Mic Night MONDAY TWURPS: Ukulele Beginners’ Session Turin Brakes TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB

Ye Olde Chequers Inn, 122 HIgh Street, Tonbridge More details at www.tonbridgefolkclub.org

MONDAY Dovetail Trio 8pm-11pm, £7 suggested donation THE PUNCH & JUDY

11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm

TUESDAY Revival Skiffle

Wednesday 16th November 2016

86  SPORTING TIMES

CONTACT US:

West Kent ladies ready for European curling challenge

Injury list shortens but captain Bryant is still out with fracture

By Neill Barston FOOTBALL: RAIN-SOAKED pitch conditions at the weekend meant Tunbridge Wells’ match against Rochester was postponed.

Wells’ Manager, Jason Bourne, enthused that the side is making solid progress, especially as their injury list is growing shorter.

However, they are still without their captain, Tommy Bryant, who is suffering from a fractured fibula and may be out for an extended spell.

Despite this, Wells returned to winning ways last week with a valuable win against Whitstable, which has eased the pressure after an unsettled run of results.

Bourne said: “The match being called off was not the end of the world for us. We’ve had a good result at Whitstable and we’ve been working hard in training, so we should be ready for the next game when it comes.

“We’ll have to be patient with the injury to Tommy Bryant, but we should have Ryan Crandley back for us next weekend.”

By Neill Barston CURLING:

Kingstonian 1 Tonbridge Angels 1

By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: A second frustrating draw against Kingstonian has added pressure to an already crowded fixture list.

This FA Trophy stalemate left the side set to face their opponents for a third time in 10 days. The replay was scheduled to be played at Longmead last night (Tuesday).

The encounter proved an end-to-end. The return of George Beavan to the heart of the defence gave much more solidity to the Angels’ back line.

There were positives up front too, with striker Nathan Elder back to full fitness.

After 38 minutes, Tonbridge took the lead, with Elder doing well to play in Tommy Whitnell, who converted with great accuracy from a tight angle.

Kingstonian deservedly equalised when Ryan Moss put in the perfect cross for Joe Turner to convert from close range in the second half.

Manager Steve Mckimm said: “It was a fair result.

We kept going forward but never quite managed to get the game by the scruff of the neck.”

Wednesday 16th November 2016

A SENIOR member of the England Ladies curling team is in confident mood as her side gear up for the European Championships.

Anna Fowler, who grew up in Tunbridge Wells and began her career locally at Fenton’s rink, believes the national squad – who hail from West Kent – are in strong form coming into their latest major event in Glasgow starting this weekend.

The 25 year-old, who has captained the junior and senior teams, believes they could be in strong contention for championships honours.

They face several tough opponents in B Division including the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Turkey.

Anna said: “We’ve been playing really well as a team this season, and I feel that we have got a good chance of being promoted [to the A Division].

“We have been pushing ourselves and training hard, so we will be disappointed if we don’t do well at the championships this month.”

The Tonbridge Grammar School pupil now lives in London, where she works as a marketing manager.

But she is proud of her Tunbridge Wells roots in her fast-developing sport, which hit the headlines when Team GB’s impressive women’s team won a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

English players have yet to break into the Team GB squad, which is made up of Scottish members, there is a growing belief that this could soon change.

Though Anna has competed at a number of major international events, she enjoys returning to Tunbridge Wells, which has the country’s only curling facility, and competes in Fenton’s monthly league.

“I started playing when I was around 13, with my interest in the sport coming about through my mum – who had played in Switzerland, so we did it as a family. Then when I was playing at Tunbridge Wells, I got asked to represent the English junior team.

COOL CUSTOMERS: (L-R) England’s Naomi Robinson, Lauren Pearce, Hetty Garnier, Anna Fowler and Angharad Ward “I’ve managed to play around the world and I think it’s a great sport with a strong element of strategy to it. One of the best things about it is that anyone can play from the age of about 11 to 80 and you can soon be playing in around 15 minutes.

“But to become good does take a lot of practice,” added Anna, who explained that as well as the pure sporting challenge, it is also a very social game.

It seems the sporting talent runs in the family, with Anna’s brother Ben, 22, also competing for the England men’s team.

They have also formed a mixed doubles partnership and are hoping to compete at the World Championships in April next year.

Last year was momentous for the England team, as they launched a crowdfunding drive to enable them to compete in the European finals, with Anna captaining the side.

The ladies put in a fine performance but narrowly missed out on a medal – which has left them with some unfinished business as they prepare for this year’s event.

Prolific Skilton lifts Angels up to third place Tonbridge Angels Ladies 5 Castle Colts 1

By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: A STRONG local rivalry was in evidence for the Angels Ladies’ league match at home to Castle Colts.

Four of the Tonbridge team had transferred from the visitors during the close season And Castle Colts claimed two wins in friendly games against the Angels this summer.

This time, though, it was the turn of the Angels to take the spoils.

Abigail Skilton took her season’s tally to 13 with another hat-trick, helping her team to a 5-1 win and returning them to third spot in Kent Division One. Skilton opened the scoring by turning in a cross from Rebecca Saxby at the far post.

Soon afterwards Castle levelled with a goal resulting from a breakaway down the left wing.

Shortly before half-time the Angels were able to regain their

SHARP SHOOTER Abigail Skilton has scored 13 goals this season

PHOTO: David Couldridge

PHOTO: David Couldridge

TARGET MAN Tommy Whitnell scores for the Angels

Stalemate leads to fixture congestion

If you have a sports story or you would like to see your club’s reports and results featured in these pages…

advantage, with Poppy Gilden’s high goalbound cross from wide on the left being helped over the goalline

by Skilton.

The best goal of the match came just 30 seconds into the second half when some crisp one-touch passing resulted in a smart finish by Skilton to record her hat-trick.

Samantha James scored the fourth, just two minutes after coming on as a substitute, with a cool finish.

Then another substitute, Helena Fothergill, dispossessed a defender in the penalty box before firing in from close range.

Meanwhile last Thursday the Angels Ladies had gained a taste of the big time when they were pitted against Premier League opponents Tottenham for a Ryman Women’s Cup tie.

Despite a valiant effort in the match played at Cheshunt FC’s Theobalds Lane ground, the gulf between the two sides was apparent in the result, which finished 14-1 to the Premier League team.

SPORTING TIMES 

…or on our website at www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk please email them to sport@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or sport@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Failure to take chances proves costly

87

Juddians regroup after battling to top of the league

Folkestone Men’s 1st XI 1 Tunbridge Wells Men’s 1st XI 0

By Neill Barston

By Brandon Begg THE Tunbridge Wells men’s first team fell to a defeat on their travels against a tough Folkestone outfit.

Starting promisingly, the visitors created multiple chances and gained several penalty corners, which unfortunately they couldn’t convert.

An end-to-end first half at Three Hill Sports Park saw a number of circle penetrations at both ends, which all proved to be fruitless. The sides went in at the break scoreless.

The second half was to prove a very similar story with Tunbridge Wells piling on a lot of pressure that did not deter the Folkestone defence from their strong performance.

Wells kept creating chances and corners but ultimately could not follow through, which cost them dearly, as Folkestone scored the winner on the breakaway.

It was a solid Tunbridge Wells performance but the team were left with nothing to show for it.

FLOWER POWER Tunbridge Wells proudly wear poppies on their kit

PHOTO: Brandon Begg

HOCKEY:

Knight’s brilliance cancelled out by last-gasp winner Upminster Ladies’ 1st XI 3 Tunbridge Wells Ladies’ 1st XI 2

SHADOW PLAY Jess Begg in action at Upminster

PHOTO: Brandon Begg

By Brandon Begg HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE Wells Ladies’ First XI went into their match against close rivals Upminster at Coopers Coburn School knowing it was going to be far from easy.

The game started at a frenetic pace, with both sides having clear chances to open the scoring.

A series of stunning saves by Alison Playle and excellent defensive work by Amy Jones and Laura Blaxland kept Upminster at bay.

However, the home side opened the scoring with a well-worked goal away.

Wells quickly equalised after some exceptional skill from player of the match Becky Bradbury.

She drove down the left, then slipped to Jen Hunt, whose shot was saved by the keeper.

Nelia Bekker picked up the rebound and

swept it towards the left hand post where it was clinically swept past the flailing keeper by Jemma Stephenson.

The momentum stayed with Wells for the rest of the half, but Upminster capitalised on a break and went ahead just before half-time.

Wells upped their game in the second half but could not convert a series of excellent attacks.

Then Perdi Knight intercepted a clearance and drove towards the D, skilfully avoiding all tackles and reverse-striking from an acute angle into the far right corner.

Lifted by this outstanding individual goal, Wells pushed for a winner. They had numerous chances to score but couldn’t quite covert.

Just two minutes before the final whistle, Upminster had a breakaway attack and snatched a last-minute goal, leaving Wells disappointed at the death.

Wells stay in contention with young players stepping up

By Neill Barston RUGBY: A BREAK in fixtures has enabled Tunbridge Wells’ depleted side to regroup from its growing injury list.

After a bruising loss to Chobham last week in which the team’s Player Coach, Matt Cook, suffered a serious arm injury, a weekend without a match has proved invaluable.

With club captain Lee Campion not expected to return to fitness until after Christmas having

sustained damage to his shoulder, the team has called on its talented bank of younger players to step up to the mark.

Tunbridge Wells are currently lying third in London Division One South on goal difference after losing two of their last three games.

The season is now finely poised as they attempt to get back to winning ways in their next match at home against title rivals Sidcup.

Club Chairman Graham Withers said: “We’re now third in the league after losing our last game by a fairly small margin.

“There’s a long injury list that does not seem to be getting any shorter, so it is good to have had a quiet week in which we’ve given people training sessions off.

He added: “We will be looking to get back on the right track against Sidcup, who are one of the best in the league.”

Mr Withers said that while there are no easy games in their league, Wells are set to play the bottom three sides before Christmas, which could prove a decisive period as the team looks to cement its top-three position.

RUGBY: A RARE window of calm without a weekend game has been welcomed by Tonbridge Juddians, as they sit on top of National League Three London & South-East.

Club President Andy Trotter believes the team have placed themselves in a creditable position, though he concedes that they can take nothing for granted amid a strong group of teams.

Their convincing win in Guernsey last week came despite a number of injuries that have required the squad to dig especially deep in recent times.

According to Mr Trotter, the side have set themselves the target of consolidating a place in the top half of the table, so TJs’ run of form has proved a major morale boost.

He said: “The team are coming back from a lot of injuries, so this week off does help that, as we are now getting back towards full strength.

“But we can’t underestimate our next opponents Shelford. Last year, we let them gain a 21-point lead over us before we came back to win, so we don’t want that situation again.

“There’s going to be a tough run-in to Christmas as well, with Hertford and Westcombe Park who are just behind us in the league.

“However, we are quietly confident and have been really pleased with how things are going. But everyone is aware of just how tough this league is.”

He added that one of the key factors behind injuries to their players has been hard pitch conditions, but surfaces were now softening up, which will be beneficial to playing conditions.

The President explained that training sessions have been particularly pleasing to watch recently, with the ‘power and precision’ shown in practice translating into its weekly matches.

Supporter is banned as police investigate smoke bomb during FA Cup tie FOOTBALL: THE management of Tonbridge Angels confirmed they have placed an immediate ban on a supporter after a smoke bomb was let off at their Longmead ground.

An arrest was made during the team’s FA Cup tie against Dartford on October 15 following the incident, which happened in the second half.

The encounter, which could have seen the Angels reach the first round of the FA Cup for the first time since the early 1970s, was watched by one of the club’s largest recorded crowds of 1,391.

However, fans were left dismayed as Dartford emerged 3-0 winners, with the ground’s bar being closed early over security concerns.

In a statement about the smoke bomb incident on its website the club said: “The perpetrator was identified at the time and the matter is currently in the hands of the police. In the meantime the club has imposed an immediate ban on the person concerned from entering Longmead.”

Wednesday 16th November 2016