Times of Tunbridge Wells 27th February 2019

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

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Times OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Touts cash in on Ricky Gervais sell-out shows

By Richard Williams

WATER WORLD Children enjoying fun at a similar aqua park

‘Tourism is very important for the local economy and I welcome this investment’ Cllr Jane March, head of Culture, Leisure & Tourism

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

TICKETS to see controversial funnyman, Ricky Gervais at the Assembly Hall, which sold out within an hour after going on sale last week, are being advertised on the black market for more than £400. They originally cost £22.75.

The Golden Globe-winning comedian announced last week he was performing two warm-up gigs in Tunbridge Wells on March 27 and March 28 to ready himself for his 2019-2020 SuperNature world tour.

Disappointed The tickets went on sale on Thursday at 10am at the Assembly Hall, causing the box office website to crash due to the unprecedented demand.

The Assembly Hall then confirmed that all tickets for the two mid-week shows had sold out within an hour from when they went on sale, leaving many Gervais fans in the town disheartened.

However, within minutes, touts began offering tickets to see the stand-up comedian at the Assembly Hall at exorbitant prices, with websites such as StubHub and Viagogo listing prices for tickets for Gervais’ Tunbridge Wells shows as high as £417. This is 18 times their face value.

Disappointed Gervais fan, Andrew Elliot, took to Twitter to vent his frustration at the Assembly Hall over the prices touts were reselling the tickets for.

Continued on Page 2

Major boost to local economy as Bewl splashes out on aqua park

By Jonathan Banks THE tourist industry received a major boost yesterday [Tuesday] with the news that a state of the art floating aqua park is to open this summer at Bewl Water.

It’s expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the South East.

The park, near Lamberhurst, will be the first of its kind in the region and is similar to the inflatable obstacle course that was used for the popular BBC TV show Total Wipeout, hosted by Richard Hammond.

Described as 3000 square metres [32,300 square feet] of “floating, inflatable fun” it is aimed at individuals,

groups, adrenaline junkies, families and children.

Andrew Daniells Chief Operating Officer of Markerstudy Leisure who operate Bewl said: “This is a great

‘We are delighted to be welcoming a brand-new addition to our tourism offering this summer’ attraction that complements our existing activities and will encourage people to get even more active and enjoy the great outdoors.”

The new aqua park will consist of a range of inflatable attractions such as climbing walls, trampolines, balancing bars, rockers, rollers, blast bags—all set up on the water and manned by a team fully certified in water safety.

Similar attractions at Rutland Aqua Park and The New Forest Waterpark have proved ‘immensely popular’ and successful at bringing in tourist numbers.

“Bewl Water Aqua Park will create around 30 seasonal and full-time jobs,” said Mr Daniells, “and we expect businesses in the area, including hotels, B&Bs, pubs and restaurants to benefit, from the additional visitors brought into the area.”

Tourism plays a vital role in the local economy with nearly five million people visiting Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area each year, generating more than a quarter of a billion pounds in revenue. Visitors spend on average £60 a day and the industry accounts for eight per cent of local employment.

Deirdre Wells, Chief Executive at Visit Kent said: “We are delighted to be welcoming a brand-new addition to our county’s already impressive tourism offering this summer.

“The aqua park will bring a unique

Continued on Page 2

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

this week… Good news at last for retailers FRUITFUL ENDEAVOURS – Strawberry sales of the Malling Centenary variety enjoy worldwide success pg 8

as council offers rate cut lifeline

By Richard Williams newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

BUILDING ON SUCCESS – Council Leader David Jukes on future proofing Tunbridge Wells pg 10

KELLY’S HEROES Olympic star Dame Kelly supports International Women’s Day with a series of workshops and workouts pg 12 LESSONS IN EDUCATION – See our special guide to enriching your child’s learning journey pg 19

TUNBRIDGE WELLS retailers will be offered relief on their business rates, which could see hundreds of local shops and eateries in the town given a third off their bills.

The Government’s Business Rates Retail Relief scheme was unveiled in the budget in October last year, but was overshadowed by Brexit talks.

The policy goes to Full Council tonight [Wednesday] at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, and since the money for the rate relief comes direct from central government, councillors are expected to approve the plans, which will see its introduction on April 1.

The relief will see business rates cut by a third for struggling retailers whose business has a rateable value below £51,000.

This makes for quite a sizeable discount.

According to council figures, a business with a rateable value of £40,000 would be eligible for a discount of more than £6,500, reducing the tax burden from £19,640 to £13,093.

Business rates have been cited by a number of struggling retailers as a serious concern, and have even been blamed as a cause for putting some shops out of business.

Only in recent weeks, the Times has reported on a number of retail closures including Fromage &

French, a popular independent delicatessen, ness including shops, restaurants, cafes and whose owner Gaelle Coyle put down ‘exorbitant’ drinking establishments, but financial services, and ‘crippling’ business rates as among the main estate agents and employment agencies will not qualify. reasons for shutting up shop.

Councillor David Reilly, Finance & Governance “This is definitely welcome news,” she told the portfolio holder for TWBC said: “This Council Times.

“It is too late for me but if it had come in earlier, recognises the importance of retail businesses to it could have made quite a difference, but I sup- our local economy. It is therefore good news that the Government has provided an injection of pose it is better late than never.”

Ms Coyle said her business rates amounted to much needed short term relief for retailers who around £800 a month, so the discount of £266 are struggling to meet the new challenges brought about by unprecedented changes in shopping would have ‘eased pressures’.

“I’m not sure it would have been enough to habits and the retail landscape.” keep me going – there were other factors – but it would have made a difference, certainly, and I can see it being welcomed by a lot of businesses in the town.”

And only last week, Oddbins in Mount Pleasant Road closed down after the off licence chain went into administration earlier this month, with administrators Duff & Phelps citing rising business rates as among the causes of the wine retailers’ TOO LATE collapse.

Gaelle Coyle closed her delicatessen The retail rate relief is set to partly because of ‘crippling’ business rates benefit many types of busi-

Shortage of doctors plays role in closure of surgery not taken lightly. “We have 3,500 registered patients at the Rowan Tree Surgery,” she said, denying reports that 15,000 patients would have to find a new GP.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615

A POPULAR community GP surgery is set to close next year due to staffing issues and a lack of financial viability.

Rowan Tree Surgery in Showfields, part of the Clanricarde Medical Group, which also has a purpose built health centre in Abbey Court, St John’s Road, has told patients that the community surgery will close in January 2020.

Clanricarde Medical Group has said operating across two locations had presented problems around communication and efficiencies of scale and that the financial viability of both practices was at risk if they did not close the one site.

Practice Manager at Rowan Tree surgery, Denise Netherton, said the decision to close was

DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037

BLACK MARKET TICKETS: Continued from page 1

CONTACTS

CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

Runcie Court, David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TF

CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections.

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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He said. “The tickets were on sale 20 minutes after at these prices — so well done on selling to touts.”

Gervais is the biggest name to play the Assembly Hall in some years, and the news that touts have been profiteering from ticket sales will come as a blow to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, which runs the theatre, especially as they intend to open a new 1200 seat theatre next to Calverley Grounds, which it is hoped will attract more big names to the town.

JJ Almond, Theatre Director at

‘There have been incidents of abusive behaviour every now and again, which can be very frightening’ “Many of these live closer to Clanricarde Medical Centre than to Rowan, anyway, but this closure is not something we are doing lightly.

“All staff, doctors and patients can transfer to

the Assembly Hall said the secondary ticket market is a challenge for the entire entertainment industry He said: “We share the frustration of genuine fans who are unable to see shows because tickets have been snapped up, and then see them online at hugely inflated prices.

“Our advice is to only ever buy tickets from the venue direct or a legitimate reseller.

“If customers choose to purchase tickets from a third party that is not legitimate they risk not being granted entry to the venue.”

the medical centre one and a half miles away, if they so choose.”

She said the main reason for the closure was an ‘economic one’ as well as a shortage of GPs within the NHS. “Since the merger of the two practices, we have been making every effort to maintain the high quality of service that patients expect, but this has become increasingly difficult due to the challenges facing general practice,” she said.

She admitted that there had been a ‘number’ of incidents involving ‘vulnerable’ lone receptionists at the Showfields surgery, but these were rare.

“There have been incidents of abusive behaviour every now and again, which can be very frightening, but the main reason for the closure is an economic one,” she added.

Clanricarde Medical Group said that the surgery is in the process of consulting with patients and the Clinical Commissioning Group over the closure.

BEWL WATER GETS NEW AQUA PARK: Continued from page 1 and exciting contribution to Kent and is the first of its kind in the South East of England.

We’re hoping for a summer as fantastic as last year’s so our visitors can make the most of everything Kent has to offer.”

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has also welcomed the attraction. Cllr Jane March, head of Culture, Leisure & Tourism, said: “Tourism is very important for the local economy and I welcome the investment in the area. This sounds like it’s going to be a great attraction and I’m sure the water park will be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.”

Mr Daniells said Wealden and Rother district councils had been contacted and were grateful to be consulted regarding regulated activities and developments at Bewl Water.

Bewl is already home to the largest stretch of water in the south east, with a host of activities available on and off the water including fishing, laser challenge, cycling, and sailing.

HOW IT WILL WORK… Bewl Water Aqua Park is due to open at the end of May and will operate with timed ses-

sions throughout the day.

There will be a ten-minute briefing from the safety team before sessions get underway.

Children must be aged eight + and be more than 1.2 metres tall (3.9 feet). There will also be special sessions for six and seven year olds.

Youngsters aged from eight - 15 must have a responsible adult on the shore for the duration of the session.

All customers must be able to swim at least 50 metres (164 feet) unaided but wearing one of the buoyancy vests provided.

Visitors will get free parking and there are facilities for both female and male changing including locker space for valuables.

There’s also plenty of food and drink options courtesy of the Waterfront Café and Boat House Bistro on the water’s edge.

Visitors will be able to book via the official website and make full payment online prior to their visit.

You can register your interest by visiting bewlwateraquapark.co.uk

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Closed HMV music store is now given reprieve BELEAGUERED record store HMV has reopened in Tunbridge Wells just a couple of weeks after new owners closed the music retail outlet in Royal Victoria Place (RVP).

Sunrise, Canadian owners of HMV, announced just a fortnight ago that the branch was one of 27 out of 127 stores that would ‘close immediately’, and the shutters came down the same day.

Now though, a change of heart from Sunrise means jobs at the store in RVP are safe for the time being as the Tunbridge Wells branch, along with seven others, including the one in Bluewater, have been saved from closure.

Forest catches fire TWO separate fires broke out in Ashdown Forest yesterday afternoon [Tuesday], with the ‘unusually warm weather’ put down as the cause.

More than 35 hectares of the East Sussex woodland was affected before more than 65 firefighters brought both blazes under control at around 5pm.

Firefighters said the unusual weather for the time of year had dried out the grass, causing the fires, the first of which broke out in Nutley just after noon. The other was less than two miles away and reported about an hour later.

Pistol’s teacher dies A FORMER Mayor of Tunbridge Wells and an English teacher at the school where Sid Vicious was a pupil, has died, aged 92.

Alf Baker had been head of English at Sandown Court School when the notorious punk rocker, real name John Ritchie, was a pupil there.

Mr Baker served as a councillor in Tunbridge Wells from 1984 to 2006, representing first St James and then St John’s. He became Mayor in 1998.

Church theft increase POLICE have responded to more than 50 thefts from churches in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

Kent Police say there were 90 such crimes throughout West Kent over the last five years, with 30 thefts from ecclesiastical buildings in Tonbridge and Malling, and 24 from Tunbridge Wells.

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Hoopers turns down £50,000 in dispute over car park and wants theatre moved ROOM FOR MANOEUVRE The car park which TWBC require access to

By Richard Williams newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE DEPARTMENT store Hoopers, which claims the £90million Calverley Square development could bring an end to its business, refused an offer of £50,000 by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to allow their vehicles to pass through its car park.

Then offer was revealed in evidence presented at the public inquiry into the Council’s use of CPOs (Compulsory Purchase Orders).

Alternative Inspector Graham Dudley heard that in August 2018, property consultant, Mark Davey from GVA, acting on behalf of the Borough Council, wrote to the store’s real estate representative, Paul Lidgley, from Lambert Smith Hamilton, with the financial offer for vehicle access rights to the car park.

The council argues that it needs access to the car park to make the theatre project viable.

Mr Lidgley then emailed Mr Davey in October 2018, declining the offer, and asked the council to consider Hoopers’ ‘alternative proposal’ instead, Mr Dudley heard.

This alternative proposal, the inquiry was told, was to move the entire development three metres to the east and north, which would mean the Council would not need Hoopers’ customer car park for servicing the theatre.

Store Managing Director, Debra Angus, told the

Clark forces May into an extension TUNBRIDGE WELLS MP, Greg Clark, has pushed Theresa May to agree to extend Article 50 in the event her Brexit deal is rejected by the Commons again.

The Minister for Business, Energy and Climate Change was one of three cabinet ministers who said they would defy the Prime Minister and vote to delay Brexit rather than risk Britain crashing out with a No Deal if Parliament rejected her deal again.

Mr Clark issued his warning to the Prime Minister with Cabinet colleagues Amber Rudd and David Gauke.

Mrs May’s Brexit deal was rejected by MPs on January 15 and she has said they’ll get a second chance to vote on it before March 12, which some MPs feel leaves Parliament’s say perilously close to the Article 50 deadline on March 29.

inquiry last week: “It is an alternative that we believe could work. We worked hard to produce it, but at the point of putting it in with our objections, we were simply told it was not going to work.”

The inquiry had already heard from Stephen Eyton, from logistics consultants Vectos, who said Hoopers’ alternative plan would mean the development was within the identified sewer easement zone and would require taking additional land from Calverley Grounds.

Ms Angus said that the use of the department store’s car park was a ‘red line’ that Hoopers

REBEL Greg Clark threatened to defy the PM over No Deal

would not cross.

QC, Ms Heather Sargent, representing TWBC then quizzed her on Hoopers’ decision to sell off a second car park of 17 spaces on Grove Hill Road in 2017.

She said: “You knew the council were seeking a compulsory purchase order on your other customer car park.

“If, as you say, car parking is ‘crucial for the viability of the store’ you would not have closed the other car park, would you?”

She then pointed out that none of Hoopers’ other stores had their own customer car park.

Thanks to Mr Clark and the other rebellious ministers, the PM has agreed to Parliament getting two more votes if her deal is rejected.

The first, on March 13, will be on whether MPs support a no-deal Brexit. If they vote no, there will then be a vote on requesting a ‘short’ extension to the Article 50 deadline beyond.

“To leave the EU without a deal in four-weekstime would have a devastating impact on our economy and on the livelihoods of millions of people who work in businesses that trade with the EU,” Mr Clark told the Times yesterday.

“My first priority is to get a good deal, but I and others called on the Prime Minister to ensure that we would not inadvertently leave without a deal next month. I’m relieved that the Prime Minister has agreed with this.”

It is the first time Mrs May has hinted that Brexit could take place after March 29, following months of insistence that the deadline could not be shifted.

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‘Record breaking’ Hever Castle announces this year’s festival theatre programme THE popular annual open-air summer festival at Hever Castle is back, and it promises to be ‘bigger, better and longer than ever before’.

The 36th Hever Festival, which runs from May to August, comes on the back of a record breaking year for one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions. Last year 389,016 people visited the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, an increase of nine per cent on the previous year, while Hever Castle’s Water Maze saw nearly 62,000 people coming to the Edenbridge attraction in August alone.

The 2019 festival line-up includes some familiar names such as Jeremy Vine who will be making an appearance with ‘What the Hell is Going On?’ on Saturday, August 24. Icons of jazz Mica Paris, Courtney Pine and Miloš Karadaglić will be performing as part of the Rye International Jazz and Blues Festival at Hever over the May Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday May 25 – Monday May 27).

And perennial favourite, Last Night of the Hever Proms, returns on Sunday, August 25.

For comedy fans, Zoe Lyons from Mock The Week and Live at the Apollo brings her trademark high energy and brilliantly observed humour on Saturday August 10.

For children, Saturday, May 4 sees Horrible Histories: Brand New Barmy Britain arrive at Hever, and the Wimpy Kid Show, based on the Jeff Kinney books is on Wednesday, August 7.

Festival Theatre Director, Ailsa Molyneux said: “The 2019 Festival is brimming with events. This year’s extended selection will appeal to both our existing patrons and those who will be new to the truly magical experience of visiting our theatre in the award winning Hever Castle Gardens.”

Tickets for Hever Festival Theatre, which runs from May 4 to August 30, are available online www.heverfestival.co.uk or the Box Office is open for telephone bookings Monday-Friday 9.30am5pm on 01732 866114.

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Why Tunbridge Wells needs to stay relevant on the international stage TUNBRIDGE WELLS is in ‘desperate danger’ of being left behind on the international stage, warns a leading communications agency.

Stephen Page, founder of Page & Page, which is based in the town, is among the latest of the business people to come out in support of our campaign to ‘talk up the town’ in an effort to counter those being negative.

He told the Times this week that international businesses needs to see that Tunbridge Wells is relevant to the modern world otherwise they will not want to be associated with it.

Mr Page, who regularly meets with overseas clients, explained that Tunbridge Wells has to have an international presence.

“We were presenting to an American based pharmaceutical company from a small town in California,” recalled Mr Page. “They asked, ‘where are you based and why?’ We sold Tunbridge Wells hard to them and we explained its plans for a future.

“The first thing they did was, in front of us, whilst we were presenting, go on line and checkout Tunbridge Wells.

“We’re not convinced they took from their online surveillance entirely the right impression.

We hope they did but, for sure, they did not say ‘wow, what a pretty and progressive place’. They just said ‘pretty’.”

Mr Page believes Tunbridge Wells should take the Californian approach to business.

He said: “The Californian business environment, even within the smaller towns, is vibrant, it repurposes itself on a regular basis to embrace necessary progress.

“It is full of new ideas, energetic people and

brave efforts to push the envelope.”

He warned if Tunbridge Wells does not follow suit, the town is in danger of being left behind.

“We must do as the Victorians did in their day and look to the future – especially if we wish to do their legacy justice. Anything else will simply result in tumble weeds blowing down the high street sometime soon.

“That train carrying all that the future brings is hurtling towards us all. We have a window of opportunity. Miss it and the train will simply run us down on its way to somewhere else.”

YOUR TOWN NEEDS YOU The We Believe in Tunbridge Wells campaign has captured the imagination of businesses and individuals alike who share our belief that we should talk-up all the good things about the town where we live and work.

We’ll be featuring more feedback from supporters in the coming weeks. To help us build a ‘voice’ all you have to do is email us to have your say: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk You can also support us by using #WeBelieveTWells See also letters on page 17

LOOK TO THE FUTURE Stephen Page

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

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Police force steps up use of social media in its fight against crime

By Richard Williams newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk KENT POLICE are using social media as a tool to fight crime and put ‘a new dimension’ on how the force interacts with members of the public, despite a shaky start to their online activities.

Four years ago, two police staff were forced to quit the constabulary and more than 50 were investigated, after they breached rules on using social media.

One PC resigned after posting ‘discriminatory’ comments on a Facebook Group, while a civilian staff member had to step down after posting information to Twitter while off duty.

Appeals Things are different now, with the police using websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to engage directly with communities.

“As the popularity for the main social media streams developed it was recognised that there was an opportunity for local and specialist officers to communicate their efforts directly with the public and over the past years more and more officers now run their own official Kent Police Twitter accounts,” explained a spokesperson for Kent Police.

She said the force’s social media accounts are used to communicate appeals for information and to interact with people.

“They are also used to warn and inform the public in the event of burglaries, frauds, crime trends or critical incidents,” she added.

The force’s Twitter account has 169,000 followers, while their Facebook page has more than 118,000 likes, and the advantage of these social media platforms for the police is the immediacy of getting information into the public domain.

In December, police found a pile of Christmas presents dumped in a car park in Snodland and jumped onto social media, posting pictures of the recovered items. Having seen the social media appeal, the victim of a house burglary in Vito contacted the police, and the gifts, which included a Macbook, chocolates and books, were returned on Christmas Eve. The force also shares messages from their partners including Highways Agency, Kent Fire and Rescue and Kent County Council. Social media is also being used to highlight national

campaigns from Counter Terrorism Policing, Action Fraud and the National Police Chief’s Council.

As well as the main police Twitter and Facebook accounts, some officers run their own, tweeting and posting about their day-to-day work.

“The officers who have developed their own social media feeds are passionate about their work at Kent Police and showing the public the reality of what they deal with day-to-day. The officers are keen to put a human face to policing and bring a new dimension to how people have traditionally interacted with the public,” explained the force’s spokeswoman.

Putting a human face to policing was never more realised when PC Jake Sales proposed to girlfriend PC Ellen Green during the pair’s passing out parade. The subsequent tweet received 185 likes.

And when Kent Police’s rural division appealed for information following the theft of a giant bronze hippo, even they weren’t prepared for the story to go viral, with hundreds of retweets and likes - the story even crossed the Atlantic and was covered

by CNN. Of course, police officers have to be careful with what they post, and the force has learnt much over the last few years about ensuring what is put onto social media is appropriate.

“The Corporate Communications team oversee the force’s social media platforms and officers using social media are offered training and ongoing support. They are given advice on engaging with their followers and some guidance around publishing laws,” said the force spokesperson.

Of course, new rank and file police officers are from the social media generation.

“They are definitely getting better at it. People are more experienced with it now and officers have learnt from the mistakes made in the past,” said Chris Carter, Chairman of Police Federation, Kent.

“Officers entering the force now, of course, have grown up with social media and mobile phones so they are CYBER COPS: Police use social media for a variety of policing far more tech savvy. It is second tasks, from appeals for information to public engagement nature to them.”

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Why you should join the race to win one of the top honours at our big gala night in May INTEREST in this year’s Times Business Awards The black tie gala awards ceremony is a fun has really taken off. Companies wanting to enter night where trophies are won and provides an the 2019 event range from large international excellent networking opportunity with over retailers to small family run concerns, as well as 220 attendees from across the business topline legal and PR firms. community.

Entering the awards offers And, best of all, the awards are LOCAL NEWSPAPERS local businesses the unique FREE to enter and presenting opportunity to showcase them is Strictly legend – Anton themselves and their company du Beke, with whom guests will alongside some of the most get a chance to meet and chat outstanding businesses and during the pre-dinner drinks. business people in West Kent.

The black tie gala awards Winning a prestigious ceremony will be held at business award not only adds Salomons Estate on Thursday credibility to a company but May 30. also has hugely rewarding To register your interest and benefits to a business’s team, choose your category please go helping to underpin their to www.timesbusinessawards. credentials when talking to co.uk or email info@times clients, leading to new businessawards.co.uk. opportunities.

Please send in your entries by Winners and short-listed entrants receive 6pm on Wednesday April 24. Early entries will relevant coverage in our publications including receive priority profiling in our publications.

Times Local Newspapers and SO Magazine, as To purchase tickets call Eileen Sweeney well as on their websites and social media on 01892 779583. Tickets are £850 for a platforms. table of ten or £95 each.

Times

2019

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Here’s what it means to win one of our awards…

WE caught up with past winners of the Times Business Awards to find out what it has meant for them and their business.

JENNY KITCHEN, MD Yoyo Design - Creative Business of the Year 2018 “We had a brilliant night at the business awards last year. We were so excited to win Creative Business of the Year but then when they announced Yoyo for Outstanding Business of the Year, we literally jumped out of our seats. Lots of celebrations followed.

“It’s such a great recognition for all of the hard work and dedication the team put into growing our digital agency. We continue to develop at pace, with lots of exciting opportunities across last year. And 2019 is set to be another fantastic year for the company.”

VICTORIA USHER, CEO, GingerMay PR - Service Excellence Award 2018 “GingerMay was proud to win the Service Excellence Award in 2018. The award served as public recognition of everything we strive to deliver for our clients – exceptional and long-lasting relationships. I would highly recommended other businesses to enter the Times Business Awards - you won’t regret it.”

TERRY HILL, owner, Castle Cars Best Business award 2017 “From winning Best Business award 2017, we decided to sponsor The Service Excellence Award 2018.

We loved being able to give another business the opportunity to win an award and having the excitement on the evening like we had experienced the previous year.

“Winning and sponsoring an award has most definitely made an impact on

Jenny Kitchen

Terry Hill

our business, it’s helped to promote who we are, how reliable and customer focused we prove to be and it has also allowed us to work very closely with the Times over the last 12 months.

“We would highly recommend either entering or sponsoring an award this year, and just remember, whether you are the sponsor or finalist, you are all winners in the community that you serve. Good luck for 2019.”

ROB YOUNG Chief Executive Officer, Infinity Group – Best Business 25+ Employees 2018 “The award ceremony is a great event to take staff and clients too, Solomon’s is wonderful whilst the food and guest speakers have been exceptional - we have been the past two years and will be booking again this year.”

ANNA NOUYOU, Marketing Manager, John Bullock Design – Best Business 1-25 Employees 2018 “We were delighted to win last year. This was hugely motivational for our team and has been a great marketing sales tool which we’ve used throughout the year. This year we’re sponsoring the ‘Best Business 25+’ category – and we intend to win a couple more awards too!”

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Record growth for Kent strawberries

By Richard Williams A THRIVING research institute in Tonbridge & Malling sold more than 60 million strawberry plants around the world last year, competing in the global summer fruit market against the likes of Spain, Israel, Morocco and Egypt.

‘We recently passed total sales of 130 million plants, and the commercial success of the variety is now helping to retain world-class science in Kent’ NIAB EMR [The National Institute of Agricultural Botany: East Malling Research], an internationally renowned plant science organisation based in New Road, East Malling, has combined 100 years of traditional growing experience with

the latest in genomics-assisted breeding – a type of gene editing that boosts production, despite the British weather.

The result is the Malling Centenary, now one of the fastest-selling strawberry varieties in the

world, and in high demand from major international retailers.

Mario Caccamo, Managing Director of NIAB EMR said: “Malling Centenary is a fabulous tasting strawberry and a very strong performer for the growers.

“We recently passed total sales of 130 million plants, and the commercial success of the variety is now helping to retain world-class science here in Kent.”

He added that the Malling Centenary saw record sales last year because it yields more than 95 per cent of ‘class one fruit’, significantly higher than the 71 per cent yield of the previous market leader Elsanta, the most cultivated strawberry variety across Europe and America.

Having been promoted at a number of international trade fairs, the variety is expected to make over £1.2million royalty returns for NIAB, greatly exceeding the original investment to breed the strawberry.

The United Kingdom still relies heavily on strawberry imports from Spain, Israel, Morocco and Egypt, despite 90 per cent of British crops now grown in polytunnels to ensure the British weather does not hamper the UK demand, which rises 10-15 per cent each year.

NIAB EMR’s state-of-the-art facilities include 3,000 square metres of glasshouses, 2,000 square metres of polytunnels, a crop handling centre, an efficacy trials system, and a containment facility producing very high levels of quality class one fruit.

Financial watchdog was warned about LCF’s marketing practices FINANCIAL watchdog the FCA was warned about the inaccurate marketing that led to the collapse of a Tunbridge Wells-based investment firm, which has left 14,000 investors out of pocket by nearly a quarter of a billion pounds, it has emerged.

London Capital & Finance [LCF], based in Eridge Park just outside of the town, went into administration earlier this month following an investigation by the FCA [Financial Conduct Authority] into the marketing of ‘mini-bonds’.

The Times reported in January how the FCA had frozen the assets of the investment company following complaints on how the firm was marketing its products.

The company had been promising clients eight per cent annual interest on their ISAs, much higher than any competitive products, but the FCA stepped in following concerns that the firm’s 14,000 clients may not have fully understood the nature of the investment they were making.

Now these clients are set to lose

£230million in investments made to the company as administrators Smith & Williamson have stepped in.

A spokesman for the administrators said: “As a result of [the FCA action] LCF has been unable to raise further monies from investors.

Warning “Professional advice was sought and the company was advised that LCF was insolvent and that it should be placed into administration to provide the best outcome for bondholders and other creditors.”

However, it has emerged that Neil Liversidge of West Riding Personal Financial Solutions – a respected financial commentator – wrote to the FCA’s enforcement division in November 2015 to warn of LCF’s lending practices and alleged marketing to unsophisticated retail investors.

Despite this, seven months after receiving the 2015 warning from Mr Liversidge, the watchdog granted LCF

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

certain regulatory licences.

An FCA spokesman said: “Correspondence sent to us is logged and we are still looking into this.

“Issuing mini-bonds is not a regulated activity therefore LCF did not need to be authorised to issue the mini bonds.

“Nevertheless, its financial promotions were caught by our rules.

“Our immediate priority is to investigate and assist in the recovery of any assets.

“We will then be looking into this matter carefully and will consider what lessons can be learned.”

It has also since emerged that London Capital & Finance was a lender to companies linked to the founder director Simon Hume-Kendall, including a Cornish holiday park, and the Copenhagen-listed Independent Oil & Gas and Atlantic Petroleum.

Mr Hume-Kendall, a prominent Tunbridge Wells businessman and former chairman of the local Conservative Party, resigned his directorship of the company in 2013.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Councils net £20k by selling election data TWO West Kent councils have together netted more than £20,000 in the last five years selling data from the electoral roll to credit reference agencies.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] made more than £12,000 from sales of electoral roll data, while Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] netted nearly £9,000, according to a Freedom of Information request.

All councils are allowed to sell this information under strict guidelines, and the data usually goes to credit reference agencies, such as Experian and Equifax, who rely on it to prove a person’s address.

Political parties are also privy to the data, which helps them target election campaigns.

A spokesman for TMBC said: “The sale and supply of the electoral register is set out in legislation and all electoral registration officers in the country are required to comply with that legislation and guidance.”

He added that any money made goes straight to the Electoral Registration budget and is used to offset administration costs.

Travelodge eyes Tonbridge TONBRIDGE may be set to get a new hotel as a leading budget chain looks to expand its portfolio with sites close to railway stations.

Travelodge, which already has a hotel in Tunbridge Wells, has been looking at other locations in Kent, including Tonbridge, which has been earmarked as ‘a target location’ as one of a number key commuter towns, along with Maidstone and Gillingham.

Tony O’Brien, Travelodge UK Property Director, said: “Our next stop is to open hotels by railway stations in key commuter towns across the south east that have a fast service into London.

“These towns are important business locations in their own

right and are growing at pace and attracting businesses of all sizes.

“They are also a magnet for savvy travellers who are seeking low-cost accommodation and don’t mind travelling into the capital.”

He added that collectively this expansion would represent an investment of £60million for thirdparty investors and create around 300 new jobs.

As reported in the Times of Tonbridge earlier this month, there has been an increase in tourism in the town, which is seeing more than 200,000 overnight stays each year, making it a tempting location for the budget hotel chain.

It also has easy access to London via the mainline railway station.

HANDY FOR WORK A typical Travelodge room

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BUSINESS

Local News

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

‘We operate just like a ‘business’ and generate income from shops, houses, flats and parking’ David Jukes took over as Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council almost seven years ago… it was not a role he particularly wanted. He told council staff that he’d never run a town before but had been ‘quite successful’ at running a company and that was how he would treat his new ‘job’ - operating it as the Chairman of a normal ‘business’ – as he explains below…

Councillor David Jukes has his fans and he has his detractors. Whatever your views he has brought Tunbridge Wells to a point where projects costing £500million could change the face of the town. The Times invited Cllr Jukes to share his thoughts on how he makes his ‘business’ work. Here’s what he told us: Nearly four years ago Greg Clark, then Secretary of State for Local Government, gave a keynote speech at the Local Government Association Conference in Harrogate when he said “Local government can look after the people far better than Central Government.”

He certainly got that right.

The trouble is Central Government will not allow Local Government to act for the local areas; it insists on keeping control of our finances, our charges and our planning regimes.

Our Government Grant has now evaporated.

Last year we had nothing from the Government and this year it was intended that the Council would send to Central Government over £600k from what we raised in Council Tax. This is because we, along with several other Councils, are classified as a “good managed Council”. If we were a badly managed and had debt, we would probably be awarded Government Grants which is a bit perverse.

It was only after lobbying of successive Secretaries of State for Local Government, that we managed to get the negative grant suspended.

I foresaw some years ago the problem with the Grant and that is why the Council has been run on business-like lines over the last six years. The collection of Council Tax, which is capped by Government at 3%, does not allow us to provide for all the services that we undertake to date.

This is why we have invested in property that provides income from shops, houses, flats and car parking charges.

WINNING WAYS? Cllr David Jukes

SPORTING CHANCE The council own The Nevill Cricket Ground and Lawn Tennis Club

Some Parish Councils are collecting considerably more money than us Tunbridge Wells Borough Council collects the revenue from Council Tax on behalf of the County Council, which takes over 80%, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Police.

The Police have just been allowed by Central Government to increase their charge by £24 per household for the forthcoming year on top of the £12 per household that they collected last year. We are only allowed to increase our Council Tax percentage by £5 per household.

Only 12% of our revenue comes from Council Tax. On top of that, Central Government impose upon us restrictions on how much we can charge for Planning Applications which, in Tunbridge Wells, is costing the Council Tax payers over £1m per annum. If we were allowed to charge what it costs us, we would be £1m a year better off.

Another anomaly was brought in by Government to hold borough councils’ Council Tax increases at no more than 3%, whereas some of the Parish and Town Councils are able to up their Parish precept so that they collect far more than the borough council does. We have two or three Parishes in the borough who are actually collecting considerably more than the borough council.

Housing development is having a devastating effect on office space In 2013 the Government introduced a scheme to allow developers to buy up office blocks and convert them into housing without the need to go to the borough council for Planning Permission. This is under the auspices of “Permitted Development”.

Although this may have increased housing in the borough, this has had a devastating effect on the amount of office space available and has also done nothing to contribute to providing offices with infrastructure through the Section 106 Payment Scheme. It means there is no Affordable Housing under this

“Permitted Development” scheme and the developers do not have to provide car parking.

One of the ironies of this particular scheme in Tunbridge Wells is that Greg Clark, our local MP, was evicted from his offices in Calverley House when he was told this particular building was being converted into flats under the Permitted Development Scheme. We have now applied measures to force developers to apply for planning consent, but only after a visit to meet the then Secretary of State.

One of the things that Greg Clark did try to do when he was Secretary of State for Local Government was bring in devolution of powers from not only Central Government but from the County Councils down to the borough councils.

It would give us the opportunity to take on various other services - which many Council Tax payers believe we do already - like undertaking Traffic Orders, maintaining on-the-street parking, putting in double-yellow lines, and most of all, filling in potholes. In fairness to Greg, this went quite well in the early stages of the deliberations but unfortunately he got moved on to another department in Government and his successor didn’t have the appetite for it.

People think we own everything in the town including the cinema site There are numerous things in Tunbridge Wells that many people who have lived there all their lives think we are responsible for. Many

I’m ‘Chairman of the Board’ running a ‘company’ with a turnover in excess of £60m per annum, a staff of 300 and assets of over £100m

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

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Now we HAVE to run it as a business as we do not any longer get any grants from the Government and it is only our business acumen that keeps this Council operating successfully. I’m the ‘Chairman of the Board’ running a ‘company’ with a turnover in excess of £60m per annum, with a staff of 300 and assets of over £100m.

I’ve been Leader for some years, the longest continuous service in 30 years. I get lots of remarks that everybody could do it better than I could, but if you took over the job you would have the same challenges.

FOOD CHAIN Popular Italian ASK is part of the council’s property portfolio

WELL GROUNDED Council receives £837,000 a year ground rent from RVP shopping centre

people who are regular correspondents to this newspaper still believe that we own the Cinema site or Tunbridge Wells Common or even The Pantiles. None of these are actually correct. We do not deal with the drainage and the flooding which took place in The Pantiles over the last few years. It was not caused by the dereliction of the Borough Council although I managed to get Kent County Council and Southern Water together to undertake some works which will hopefully alleviate the problem for the future.

It is not easy running this borough with the restrictions that are imposed upon us

by Central Government. We would be far more efficient and be able to provide a far better service if we were allowed to do the

Local News

economically possible job without the restrictions placed upon us.

I get lots of remarks that everybody could do it better than I could, but if you took over the job you would have the same challenges When I first took over as Leader of the Council, the Chief Executive asked me how I proposed to do it and I told him that I had never run a town before but I had run a company quite successfully and proposed to run the Council as a business.

BUSINESS

We will continue to ‘Talk the Town up’

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Having seen how other councils around the country operate, I’m proud of what we do and have achieved in Tunbridge Wells.

We have an excellent management and dedicated staff that want to continue to make Tunbridge Wells and the borough the best place to live in the South East of England and we will continue to “Talk the Town up” unlike some of our opposition members.

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Community News

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Dame Kelly to celebrate Women’s Day with workshops and workouts for all age groups

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk DAME KELLY HOLMES is holding a day of workshops and workouts to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

The event is being staged at the double Olympic gold medallist’s revamped venue in Hildenborough, The 1809 Hub. The all-day extravaganza features events for women of all ages, from teenagers to pensioners, and ends with a gin and wine bar in the evening.

Among the offerings there will be a 40-minute ‘Core Masterclass’ exercise session with Dame Kelly herself. The former athlete will also be running three 20-minute ‘rebound’ workouts to ‘put the fun back into getting fit’.

‘My masterclass is going to open the door for young people to feel their best’ There will be a Pilates session with Sandrine Gasnier, who has runs a studio in Tunbridge Wells and has worked in the industry for 20 years.

Leading nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville will talk about balancing hormones to help eliminate mood swings, improve memory and reduce stress. “I’m really looking forward to taking part, it’s wonderful to have an event like this taking place locally,” she said.

The day begins at 7am with a business networking breakfast hosted by Bev James, an author and also Chief Executive of The Coaching Academy, which trains sports coaches.

TOP TIPS: Sandrine Gasnier (top), Emilie Walkden and Dr Marilyn Glenville

FLEXIBLE FRIEND Dame Kelly is put through her paces at Sandrin Studioe From 3-4pm, the over-60s are invited to go along to a free ‘OAP get together’ with tea and cake.

And after school, from 4.30pm, there will be a make-up workshop for girls aged 15 to 20 with Emilie Walkden, a certified MAC artist who runs an academy in Uckfield.

Emilie said: “I’m excited to take part in the International Women’s Day event as I would like to help and educate teenagers with their make-up.

“Make-up is exciting and you can be as creative as you like. My masterclass is going to open the door for young people to feel their best. I can’t wait

to be a part of their journey.”

Throughout the day there will be a beauty salon offered by Tipz N Toez with a nail bar, mini facials, eyebrow shaping and Indian head massage.

For details of booking, timetable and prices, visit the1809hub.com/IWD

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Connor can ride to school thanks to Lions’ donation CONNOR CRAWFORD has been presented with a custom-built tricyle by the Tonbridge Lions Club.

The seven year old from Hildenborough suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder which currently has no cure.

Duchenne prevents the body from producing dystrophin, a protein required for muscle

strength and function. The disease, which tends to affect young boys, reduces mobility and eventually attacks the lungs and heart, leading to shortened life expectancy.

It is hoped that the tricycle will allow Connor to get around more easily and even ride to school at Stocks Green Primary.

His parents, Matthew and Emma, set up a charity called Chasing Connor’s Cure to raise money for research.

The Lions were able to donate the tricycle with money from a memorial fund for the late Steve Harvey, a member of Tonbridge Lions for 30 years, president in 2002 and club treasurer for the last 13 years.

His widow Val, who was aware of Connor’s condition, proposed helping him directly and the mode of transport was suggested.

Vital

THREE-WHEELING Connor Crawford with Val Harvey and Lions President Tom Simmons

Mrs Harvey presented the gift to Connor with Lions President Tom Simmons, and Connor was soon demonstrating his cycling ability on the garden path.

Mr Crawford said: “We are so very grateful to Val and the Lions for providing Connor with this tricycle.

“It enables Connor to cycle independently with his friends and family, which is vital for his wellbeing and independence.”

“We are always so humbled at how fantastic our local community have been since Connor’s diagnosis.”

Community News

NEWS

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RECOGNITION Eloise Fryett receives her award from Cllr Roger Gough

Award for young carer Eloise who gives ‘incredible support’ to mum A TEENAGER from Langton Green has been recognised in the Good Friends and Young Carers category in the annual Spirit of Try Angle Awards run by Kent County Council [KCC].

Eloise Fryett, 16, is largely responsible for caring for her mother, who suffers from a condition which causes frequent attacks, resulting in her being unable to breathe properly and requiring immediate medical help.

Eloise was nominated for an award by Helen Stringer, a Young Person’s Support Worker with the charity Imago, who witnessed at first hand how Eloise coped when her mother suffered a sudden attack.

A KCC spokesperson said: “Having dealt with

this emergency on many previous occasions, Eloise knew exactly what to do, calmly calling the ambulance, relaying information about her mum’s condition and her medication.

“She offers incredible support and is also a wonderful carer to her younger siblings, especially when her mother is in hospital.”

Eloise was one of 24 finalists chosen from the many inspirational stories from around the county, and was the district category winner for Tunbridge Wells.

She received her award from Roger Gough, KCC’s Cabinet member for children, young people and education, at the Spirit of Try Angle County Final at the Ashford International Hotel.

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National News

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Four in 10 NHS staff feel ill from stress ALMOST 40 per cent of NHS workers have felt unwell due to work-related stress in the last year, the worst level for five years, and almost one in three thinks about leaving their job.

Experts said the results, taken from the annual survey of almost half a million workers, show an ‘alarming downturn in the wellbeing of hardworking NHS staff’.

The report found 39.8 per cent of staff reported feeling unwell due to stress in the last 12 months, the worst result since 2013.

More staff are also experiencing issues with physical stress, with 27.6 per cent having musculo-skeletal problems.

The survey also found that fewer than one in three (28.6 per cent) felt their organisation definitely takes positive action on health and wellbeing, 3 per cent lower than in 2017.

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Sir Alastair joins exclusive club of cricketing knights

GAME CHANGER Theresa May delivers her dramatic offer

May leaves door ajar for delay to Brexit deadline THERESA MAY has accepted for the first time that the UK may not leave the European Union by the March 29 deadline, offering MPs a chance to vote to delay Brexit if her deal is rejected again next month.

In a dramatic statement to the House of Commons, the Prime Minister left no doubt that she does not want a delay and still hopes to obtain assurances from Brussels which will win MPs’ approval for her Withdrawal Agreement.

Plot But she announced that if she loses a ‘meaningful vote’, due to take place by March 12, MPs will be offered separate votes on a no-deal Brexit or extending the two-year Article 50 negotiation process beyond March 29.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the PM of ‘kicking the can down the road’, while the chairman of the influential European Research Group of Tory eurosceptics, Jacob Rees-Mogg, raised fears of a ‘plot to stop Brexit’ which would ‘undermine our democracy’.

Downing Street declined to say how the Conservative MPs would be whipped in the votes, or what length of extension would be offered if it came to a motion to extend Article 50.

But Mrs May told the Commons that she wanted any delay to be ‘as short as possible’.

Any extension beyond the end of June would

require the UK to take part in the upcoming European Parliament elections, while a shorter delay ‘would almost certainly have to be a one-off’, she said.

The PM’s announcement came amid mounting expectations of a ministerial revolt, with three members of the Government - Richard Harrington, Claire Perry and Margot James warning they would back a cross-party amendment designed to prevent a no-deal.

But Mrs May’s official spokesman said there were no threats of resignations at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, where the PM received ‘broad agreement’ from ministers for her plans.

The amendment, drawn up by Labour’s Yvette Cooper and Conservative Sir Oliver Letwin, will be debated today [Wednesday].

Although Mrs May’s promised votes closely match the Cooper/Letwin amendment’s provisions, the PM made clear she will order Tory MPs to vote against it, as it would hand Parliament control of the Brexit process.

To uproar in the Commons, Mrs May told MPs: “They are commitments I am making as Prime Minister and I will stick by them, as I have previous commitments to make statements and table amendable motions by specific dates.”

But she added: “Let me be clear, I do not want to see Article 50 extended. Our absolute focus should be on working to get a deal and leaving on March 29.”

FORMER England cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook described how nervous he felt receiving his knighthood from the Queen at Buckingham Palace despite playing in front of huge crowds throughout his career.

He is the first England cricketer to be knighted since all-rounder Ian Botham in 2007 and joins an exclusive club of former England cricketers to hold the title, including Jack Hobbs, Len Hutton and Colin Cowdrey.

Naturally shy, he said: “Seeing my name up there in whatever capacity – you just don’t get used to it.

“I don’t think I will ever get used to seeing my name with a Sir before it.”

The father-of-three, 34, added: “I have played cricket in front of many thousands and done OK but you get just as nervous just walking and kneeling, which is very strange.”

Team Former England rugby union captain Bill Beaumont also received a knighthood and said he felt ‘very humble and honoured’.

An expert diver who battled to save the Thai football team trapped in a flooded cave last summer received the George Medal, the second highest civilian gallantry award, at the ceremony.

John Volanthen, 47, and fellow Briton Richard Stanton were the first divers to reach the 12 children and their coach.

He said: “We are part of a much wider team, so while some of us have been individually recognised, it is the whole team who needs to take the credit.”

TAKING GUARD Sir Alastair Cook at the Palace

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

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National and World News

Temperature rises for another record THE UK experienced its warmest winter day since records began for the second day running yesterday [Tuesday].

Records were broken in England and Wales, with temperatures hitting 21.2C (69.4F) at Kew Gardens in London.

Earlier in the day 20.8C (69.4F) was recorded in Porthmadog, west Wales.

On Monday, the thermometer reached 20.6C (68.5F) in Trawsgoed, West Wales, the highest recorded in February and beating the previous record of 19.7C (67.4F) in Greenwich in 1998.

Parts of Britain were hotter than holiday destinations such as Malibu and Athens.

The heat is in stark contrast to this time last year, when the ‘Beast from the East’ brought heavy snow showers and lows of -5C (23F).

Facebook closes Robinson’s page FACEBOOK has removed Tommy Robinson’s page on the platform and Instagram profile because he has posted ‘in ways that violate our policies around organised hate’, the network said.

It added that the former leader of the far-right English Defence League had ‘repeatedly broken these standards, posting material that uses dehumanising language and calls for violence targeted at Muslims’.

He had amassed more than a million followers on Facebook, where he regular posted live videos and appeals for donations.

He said he had not heard about the ban: “You’re not just censoring me, you’re censoring the public’s option of listening to what I have to say.

“This is a complete attack on free speech which is going on across the world.”

NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF

German hospital tries to lure Polish nurses

RULE THE WAVES: British D-Day veterans have been awarded France’s highest honour for their role in the liberation of Normandy in 1944. The four former Royal Navy servicemen, John Nicholls, 93, Denis Haley, 92, Patrick Reardon, 93, Charles Kavanagh, 92, all from London, received their Legion d’honneur medals on board HMS Belfast in London.

Attack on militants is ‘fictitious’ PAKISTAN’S prime minister Imran Khan has denounced Indian statements that its fighter jets hit a militant camp in the Pakistani town of Balakot as ‘fictitious’.

Mr Khan spoke after a meeting of the country’s National Security Committee after Pakistan said Indian aircraft dropped bombs on a deserted wooded area, causing no casualties. India said it killed a ‘very large number’ of militants.

Mr Khan said: “Once again, the Indian government has resorted to a self-serving, reckless and fictitious claim.”

He added that the statements from India were ‘for domestic consumption’ in the run-up to elections and accused the neighbouring country of ‘putting regional peace and stability at grave risk’.

According to the statement, Mr Khan said: “India has committed uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing.”

The overnight raid was the latest escalation

between the nuclear-armed rivals since a militant attack in the disputed Kashmir region earlier this month killed more than 40 Indian soldiers. The Pakistan government has denied involvement.

The Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-eMohammad claimed responsibility. The bomber, who made a video before the attack, was a resident of Indian Kashmir.

Pakistan’s military spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor, said Pakistan scrambled fighters to intercept the Indian jets, which ‘released payload in haste’ near Balakot, on the edge of Pakistaniruled Kashmir.

India’s foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale, told reporters in New Delhi on Tuesday that Indian fighter aircraft targeted Jaish-e-Mohammad camps in a pre-emptive strike after intelligence indicated another attack was being planned.

Balakot police chief Saghir Hussain Shah said he had sent teams to the area where the Indian bombs reportedly hit and found no damage.

A GERMAN hospital has put better pay, weather and food at the heart of its recruitment drive to lure Polish nurses working in the NHS as Brexit looms.

A shorter trip home is also part of the charm offensive targeting nurses working in Britain, who are among European workers worried about what will happen to their work permits and right of residence.

The university hospital of Dusseldorf has placed adverts in two Polish weekly papers in Britain.

Breakfast shows cut ALMOST 100 local radio presenters could lose their jobs after Global Media announced it will launch UK-wide national breakfast shows on Capital, Heart and Smooth radio.

Global say they will be creating the three largest commercial radio breakfast shows in Britain, with 4.8million, 3.7million and 2.7million listeners respectively each week.

But it will mean a massive reduction in locally produced programmes.

Selfridges sheds skins SELFRIDGES has announced it is to stop selling exotic skins such as python, alligator, crocodile and lizard.

The department store said it will phase out the skins and from February 2020 will only sell leather from agricultural livestock including cow or calf, sheep, pig, goat, water buffalo and lamb.

The retailer banned fur sales in 2005 and said it prided itself on being a ‘responsible retailer and a trusted curator of brands’.

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BUSINESS

National News

Mortgage approvals higher than last year THE number of mortgage approvals made to home buyers in January was higher than at the start of 2018, according to trade association UK Finance.

Some 29,159 home loans for house purchase were given the go-ahead last month – up by 1.5 per cent on 12 months ago.

Remortgaging approvals were down by 3.1 per cent, however, with 23,618 recorded.

UK Finance said the decrease follows several months of strong growth earlier in 2018, as customers took advantage of a competitive mortgage market to lock into attractive deals.

Meanwhile, there was £10.8billion of credit card spending in January – 4.4 per cent higher than in January last year.

Personal borrowing through loans and overdrafts increased by 4.7 per cent over the same period.

Scottish Power pumps £2bn into clean energy SCOTTISH POWER has announced it will invest up to £2billion in ‘clean energy’ projects this year, supporting 300 new jobs.

The proposed spending follows the sale of its gas power stations and a commitment to 100 per cent renewable energy.

The company revealed plans for a new public vehicle electric charging service, with fast chargers installed at commercial locations across the UK from this winter.

It announced a 50MW battery storage project at Whitelee, the UK’s largest onshore wind farm.

Scottish Power also intends to develop a 1GW pipeline of onshore wind projects by 2025, saying it sees ‘substantial opportunities’ for the continued development of the technology across Scotland and other areas of the UK.

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

M&S reveals plan to deliver food service through Ocado

DRIVING FORWARD Ocado’s deal with Waitrose is up for renewal MARKS & SPENCER has confirmed it is in talks with Ocado over the possible creation of a joint venture, following weeks of speculation.

The retailer said there was no certainty that the discussions would result in an agreement, and there was no guaranteed timescale.

However, shares in Ocado soared higher on the news, jumping as much as 12.5 per cent. M&S shares were also higher, climbing around 4 per cent.

It comes after a report in the Evening Standard suggested that the deal could be announced by today [Wednesday].

It clamed M&S would pay up to £900million for a 50 per cent stake in the venture, which would give it a food delivery service for the first time.

Ocado’s existing contract with Waitrose, which is coming up for renewal, has added time pressure to the negotiations.

The company will need to trigger an 18-month break clause with the supermarket by the end of

this week in order to walk away from its longstanding partner.

The potential deal with M&S was first reported in late January, prompting a rise in Ocado’s share which was later wiped out when a fire broke out at its Andover warehouse, denting its sales expectations.

Reacting to confirmation that the companies are in talks, Bernstein analyst Bruno Monteyne said the joint venture structure would be beneficial for Ocado, which still uses its retail business to demonstrate the capabilities of its technology.

He added that M&S could be a useful partner for the launch of Ocado Zoom, a one-hour delivery service.

“Ocado Zoom could be a major growth path for Ocado,” he said. “We believe the food of M&S (ready meals, quality food) is perfectly suited for this more upmarket convenience shopping. M&S would boost the potential of Zoom in the UK.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Battling Travis Perkins sees profits perking up SHARES in Travis Perkins shot up after the Wickes owner pointed to a better-thanexpected second-half performance despite the group falling into the red.

The builders’ merchant booked a £49million pre-tax loss in 2018, compared with a £290million profit the previous year.

Profits were dragged down by a £246million impairment relating to restructuring costs.

But sales rose 4.8 per cent to £6.74billion and, on an adjusted basis, pre-tax profit rose 1.2 per cent to £347million.

New boss at Persimmon PERSIMMON has appointed a new chief executive as the FTSE 100 housebuilder records another year of growth.

Interim CEO Dave Jenkinson will stay on in the role permanently. He has been with the firm for 22 years and took on the position four months ago after previous chief Jeff Fairburn left amid controversy surrounding his £75million pay package.

Persimmon reported annual revenue growth of 4 per cent for last year, reaching £3.74billion. Pre-tax profits surpassed £1 billion, growing 13 per cent.

Sweet taste of success HOTEL CHOCOLAT has hailed ‘encouraging early signs’ for its overseas start-ups as it saw a 7 per cent rise in half-year profits.

The chocolate retailer posted profits of £13.8million for the six months to December 30, with sales up 13 per cent to £80.7million, helped by the launch of 14 stores across the UK and Ireland.

Letters

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

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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 Runcie Court, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG Lantern Parade lights up our lives Approximately 1,200 to 1,500 people attended the Tunbridge Wells Winter Lantern Parade run by CREATE [Camden Road Education Arts Theatre Enterprise] on February 9.

A bucket collection realised £564.94, and we would like to thank you for contributing towards ensuring that the parade can happen in the future.

For an ideal parade we require £21,000 to ensure we can include as many community groups as possible.

We would also like to thank everyone who volunteered to help put the parade together, those who marshalled at the parade and all those who attended workshops; and everyone

Calverley

who brought such imaginative lanterns on the theme of Outer Space to make it is such a success, and help to bring local communities together.

We would particularly like to thank the Women’s and Men’s Shed for putting the lantern kits together, and the Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table for helping with the road closures and setting up the Grosvenor & Hilbert Recreation Ground for the end of the parade.

If you would like to sponsor and/or help with organising the next parade, please contact us at: support@winterlanterns.org We look forward to welcoming you.

Veronica Dorset CREATE

Observations on life and more important things

BAD enough when they put televisions into

In support of ‘We Believe’ campaign… It’s all about giving something back For 61 years the Round Table have lit up the skies of Tunbridge Wells organising the Dunorlan Park fireworks.

This is the biggest single event held in this town each year and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity.

Alongside this, we supported this year’s Camden Road Lantern Parade, raised money for Children in Need, and in the past have marshalled the Half Marathon and painted the Sea Cadet hall.

We are just a bunch of local guys looking to give something back to our community whilst having some fun along the way.

The Round Table is a non-political, non-religious international organisation with thousands of members around the world.

We meet up twice a month and enjoy a range of social activities, including curling, go-karting, pub quizzes and curry nights.

We are always on the lookout for new members who want to have some fun whilst giving something back.

We believe in Tunbridge Wells, we are the Tunbridge Wells Round Table.

Kim Hartlev Chairman Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table

Let’s give our town a sporting chance We are fully behind the ‘We Believe’ initiative.

We work hard to give youngsters a love for cricket and they are proud to represent their town through sport.

David Marshall Vice-President Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club EMPTY Town centre

OUT OF THIS WORLD Lantern workshops led to parade success

Hoopers to be another empty shell?

And here’s why we need to act…

It must be about six months since we last visited Tunbridge Wells for breakfast, the shops and a relaxing morning. We used to visit once or twice a month.

To briefly recap, when we last visited there were many empty shops and there was no sign of building on empty lots. Things are definitely now worse, and it is both disappointing and depressing. There are many more shops closed, and others about to close. This includes wellestablished shops both in and outside the mall.

The centre is fast becoming a ghost town. In fact there is nothing that has improved.

There is no sign of the extension to the mall (just more closed shops), nothing has happened on the lot opposite the Town Hall, and shops are closing throughout the town with no new tenants.

If Hoopers were to close, as hinted, then that would be the nail in the coffin signifying the end of the town centre.

I don’t understand how the council is allowing this to happen and not fast-tracking both buildings and filling shops.

I also notice that Tunbridge Wells does not appear to be included in the Kent Big Weekend.

It takes 45 minutes for us to drive to Tunbridge Wells, but I doubt we will now bother as it’s only 12 minutes longer to reach Canterbury, which now gets our custom.

Come on ‘disgusted of Tunbridge Wells’, get vocal and do something about the situation.

C Smith Welling

It is probably beyond doubt that Hoopers would have indicated privately to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council that if the Compulsory Purchase Order on their car park is successful, they would close their store.

It says much about the council that they have chosen to plough ahead with their vain scheme.

It’s just what the town needs, another empty shell.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

Cinema site value is a work of fiction Please can we quash the belief that the cinema site would cost £40million to purchase [February 13]? The figure was plucked out of thin air by Cllr Jukes, the Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The facts are that the cinema site sold for £12million in 2011 and again in 2016 for an undisclosed amount. It is highly unlikely that the value of the site is even half the £40million Cllr Jukes stated, and is more likely to be in the range of £11million to £15million.

Do you need a fact-checker working on your newspaper?

Cllr Nicholas Pope TW Alliance, Park Ward

No one is listening to the musicians We were alarmed at the CPO Inquiry today, to hear from John Riddell, the council’s Theatre Projects design consultant, that the special requirements of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra and local choral societies were not specified by the council in their brief to the designers of the proposed new theatre.

In Mr Russell’s opinion, the new theatre would be less versatile than the Assembly Hall and less suitable for such music.

Is this another example of no consultation?

John and Ann Pickering Tunbridge Wells

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

pubs – that dates Calverley. These days, though, it’s Facetime that’s killing any conversation. Sitting there supping an ale the other day, Calverley watched as a (much) younger man came in, sat at the bar, propped his mobile up against one of the beer pumps and then spent the next hour chatting to a friend. And he didn’t mind who overheard the conversation. It was so unnerving seeing a chap sitting alone at a bar talking at a phone that Himself had to order a large brandy.

REGULAR readers (admirers?) will know that Calverley has two pet hates (it’s actually a few more, but two will do for now). One is the price of a single banana; Costa currently leads at 65p per fruit. The other is the fact that Domino’s sell all pizzas at a price ending in 99p, but never have the penny change.

Take last week. Calverley walks in and orders a large veggie at £11.99 (it was a special offer). He hands over £20 and is told they have no pennies. After a long debate he gets handed a ten pound note: Calverley: “That’s too much.” A few mumbles and next He gets handed £7 in change. Calverley: “That’s not enough – it has to be £8.01.” Having no pennies earns Domino’s millions a year by way of an extra topping.

BEWARE of the reality of TV. That’s the message that’s come across from Jan Leeming. She’s been bemoaning the fact that these days she’s best known for appearing on shows such as the BBC’s The Real Marigold On Tour series, that sends older celebs off to exotic climes, and the jungle hoot known as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! She would rather be recognised as the TV newsreader legend. There must be some consolation, though, Jan… when you check your bank balance.

OFF to new offices last week that had been newly decorated and exuded that smell of fresh paint. Bit of a wet start, though, when Calverley knocked over a bucket of water placed in the middle of the floor. Much chuckling from unkind colleagues. And why was the bucket there in the first place?

According to those colleagues it was ‘to soak up the paint fumes’. It doesn’t work.

Chin Chin, dear reader

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

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Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge & Malling

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff. As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association, and also worked for the Foreign Office. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015, and was elected Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in July 2017.

We’re a well-run town, it’s crucial that this is maintained OUR town is on the up. Visit Kent’s latest figures on tourism in Tonbridge tell a wonderful story.

Tonbridge has long been recognised as being one of the nicest places to live, visit and work in Kent. And rightly so. It’s proven by over 3 million trips that were made to the borough last year.

That demonstrates just how many people want to come here. With so many attractions around, such as Tonbridge Castle and Ightham Mote, it is no surprise.

But you don’t just need historic attractions to bring people in. You need to maintain it. That’s why I’m pleased that investment keeps coming into Tonbridge. Not just from our wonderful businesses, which I have mentioned so often in this column, but from our local council too.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council have a reputation, rightly, for being one of the best councils locally. It’s no wonder we are the envy of many across Kent. Over the past few years they’ve made it easier for small businesses to invest, providing personal support, and put on some excellent networking events in locations as historic as the Castle, and quirky as the Old Fire Station. They make sure there is something for everyone.

Our proactive councillors are at the forefront of this investment. They lead from the front and

deliver this and more on top of the basic services.

All for less than £4 a week. It’s no wonder its auditors have, yet again, judged that the Borough Council delivers value for money.

But there is more to our town than statutory services, such as collecting the bins and picking up litter, promoting tourism and facilitating economic development. The events across our town, most organised by the council or excellent groups such as Rotary and the Lions, are testament to the hard work of many. The Medieval Fayre, Food and Drink Festival and Christmas Festival couldn’t happen without everyone working together.

FLYING THE FLAG Visitors are flocking to attractions such as Tonbridge Castle

Development Every day we’re seeing investment in the town delivering for everyone. There are now 242 allotment plots across 7 sites in the town, all looking excellent. And the plight of homelessness is being tackled by the Council, making sure there are more local places for people to temporarily stay before they can get a home of their own.

There’s a reason people want to invest in Tonbridge. It’s because we’re a well-run town, with excellent support from all in the community. I’m delighted that people have come in such num-

bers to visit us too. 5,235 local jobs are a direct result of the 4.7million trips people make to our town and surrounding villages. It’s crucial that

this is maintained and improved and I’ve every faith that Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, under its current leadership, will do just that.

YOUR IAL E SSEN T GUIDE

Times LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

EDUCATION

t h g i s In

All you need to know about enriching your child’s educational experience, in and out of the classroom

Greg Clark gives pupils a lesson in politics – Pages 20

Why experts still give top marks for reading with your child – Page 22

Introducing the art of Mindfulness into the classroom – Pages 24

How will Brexit affect teachers and their students? – Page 25

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

A lesson in politics

SPEAKING OUT: MP Greg Clark acts as Speaker during a Parliamentary debate at the school – on doughnuts

Staff and pupils at Beechwood School recently had an exclusive audience with Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, also Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy PUPILS at Beechwood Sacred Heart School had a very special visitor towards the end of last term. The children, who had recently visited the Houses of Parliament to understand more about the political workings in the UK, invited local MP Greg Clark to the school in order to answer a series of pressing current affairs questions.

Sadly, Brexit was strictly off the agenda, but the children did have the opportunity to ask Mr Clark about various other subjects, including what he thought of his colleagues, meeting Donald Trump, who his role models were when growing up, and his views on whether schoolchildren should strike to highlight environmental issues.

A spokesperson at Beechwood said: “Mr Clark expertly fielded all the questions while explaining how Parliament works and the role of

politicians to change the world around us.

“He urged the children to think about how they can make a difference to their world as they grow up.”

The session ended with a fun task which saw the pupils divided into two groups as if they were sitting in a Parliamentary debate.

The agreed subject was: “Should doughnuts be allowed at breaktime?”

Playing the role of Speaker, Mr Clark chaired the debate, which culminated in a final vote conducted as MPs themselves would vote.

“Unsurprisingly, the ayes to the right were the ultimate successors,” continued the spokesperson. “And there was a surprise twist as Mr John Coakley, our Prep School Head, agreed to a one-off special doughnut break day to follow the successful debate!”

Students to benefit from university scholarships SIXTH formers from Tunbridge Wells who are off to university this autumn can apply for a scholarship worth £1,500 towards their studies.

Tunbridge Wells-based firm Red Brick Research is offering an initiative entitled The Fresh Perspectives Scholarship for the second year running. The scheme is aimed at students from the local area who see life from a fresh perspective, in order to help support them financially through their university studies.

There are two scholarships, each worth £1,500, available to apply for over the course of a threeyear degree. The company is also offering paid internship opportunities during the summer

holidays to the winning students.

Tim Daplyn, Managing Director of Red Brick Research, said: “We know how hard it can be as a student these days, making ends meet and getting a foot on the employment ladder, so being able to support students from the local area in this way is really important to us.”

To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, students should currently be residing in one of the specified local postal codes and applying to university for entry in 2019. They will need to achieve three A-level Bs or above.

To find out more and apply, visit thescholarshiphub.org.uk

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

C

ELEBRATING their centenary this year has led Hilden Oaks School to think about the future and ask the question: “How sustainable is the school?”

This, along with the children’s enthusiasm to ‘do something’ about the singleuse plastic issue, has prompted them to adopt the philosophy of ‘One Planet’.

Deputy Headmistress Sharon Wade said: “We only have one planet from which to draw resources, and yet we are all living in the west as if we had three or four planets to consume.

At the school we have started by choosing three areas to focus on: Zero Waste; Our Use of Products and Materials; and Developing Sustainable Water.”

Hilden Oaks have initiated their response on three levels: What the children are taught in the curriculum; how they manage their estate; and how they support the local and global community.

For example, in their curriculum, the children are taught a topic about water for a whole term

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk in geography lessons. They learn about the physical and urban water cycle, about drought and water management, rivers and pollution.

The school estate has reviewed how water is managed on site and the children have appointed water monitors to ensure no water is wasted.

Hilden Oaks also supports their local community by offering a free water bottle refill service, and water bottles have been sent (full of school supplies) to a nursery in Gambia to enable the children there to have clean water throughout their day.

The school acknowledges that they have only just begun, and that everyone in the school has a responsibility to work towards the One Planet goals. Ably led by their Eco-club and their enthusiastic and caring staff, they are looking forward to Hilden Oaks providing sustainable education for many years to come.

For further information, please contact: Hilden Oaks Preparatory School & Nursery | 38 Dry Hill Park Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN10 3BU | 01732 353941 | hildenoaks.co.uk

Holmewood pupils make a splash at the Kent County Swimming Championships

Aran Bissett, Year 6 was the stand out swimmer Six pupils from Holmewood House Prep School all of the championships winning an amazing 11 qualified to swim at the 2019 Kent County Gold medals and attaining Boys 11 years County Championships, which was held over four Champion in 400m, 200m, 100m and 50m weekends at the London Aquatic Centre and Freestyle, 200m Individual Crystal Palace Sports Park. The Medley, 200m, 50m Holmewood pupils who also all All these swimmers Backstroke, 50m Butterfly, swim for RTW Monson 200m, 100m and 50m Swimming Club thoroughly have worked Breaststroke. Aran also won enjoyed the experience of exceptionally hard to two silver medals in the 100m competing in 50-metre pools Butterfly and the 100m (especially the Olympic pool!) achieve their county Backstroke. Karen Bradbury Coach Karen Bradbury says, qualifi cation times. says: “This is an amazing “All these swimmers have Having a 25-metre achievement by Aran. He really worked exceptionally hard to shows a special talent and we achieve their county pool at the school are very excited to see what the qualification times. Having a gives the children an future holds for him.”

25-metre pool at the school Max El-Mokadem, also Year 6 gives the children an early early introduction to achieved multiple top six introduction to competitive competitive swimming finishing positions in Kent for swimming and a love for the and a love for the 50m and 100m Freestyle, 50m sport from a young age.

Children at Holmewood House sport from a young age Butterfly and 100 Backstroke.

Henry Guppy, Year 6 also receive a weekly swimming finished 8th for 200m lesson from Nursery to Year 5.

Breaststroke having made fantastic progress this From Year 3, they can join the school swim squad year. Marius Greenwood, Year 6 showed real taking on more swimming sessions. The school strength in the 50m Butterfly, 50m Backstroke also has a very good relationship with RTW and the 100m Freestyle. The younger swimmers Monson and Beacon Swimming club who hire out were also showing their potential. Abigail Smiley the swimming pool facilities. The coaching team and James Wright both in Year 5 qualified for the at Holmewood House are Ben Stevens, Karen 11 years age group, which gave them great Bradbury and Katie Bowman who coach at local experience for next year when they will be swimming clubs, thus bringing a wealth of swimming at the top of their age group. experience with them.

From little acorns

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Ask an expert: why should I read aloud to my children?

Author Meghan Cox Gurdon explains why personal and precious parent-to-child story time is so beneficial…

BUSY parents may well ask themselves: “What are the advantages of reading aloud to my children? I’m so busy that sometimes it’s easier just to play them an audio-book.”

Meghan Cox Gurdon , author of The Enchanted Hour, says: “As a mum of five, I understand. It can feel as though there’s not enough time in the day to cross off half the items on the to-do list, let alone add a new one.

“But here’s what you need to know: Reading aloud is the single best way to give your children the good things they need to thrive in life.

“It’s also – and this is the bonus for busy parents – perhaps the most efficient miracle of multitasking ever devised. When you sit down with a book and a child (having turned off your

technology, lest it interfere or distract), you unleash a tsunami of neurochemical benefits.

“Stress and anxiety diminish, while feelings of relaxation and mutual trust increase.

“For babies and young children, looking at pictures while listening to a story engages deep brain networks, helping to create the architecture for future thought, reasoning, and imaginative exploration.

“Listening to stories also fosters the development of a healthy attention span, which is a key predictor in school success – not just in the early years, but all the way through to university.

“Reading widely and adventurously to your children will acquaint them with thousands

of words they may never hear anywhere else, broadening and deepening their vocabularies.

“They’ll also pick up grammar and syntax, which will make them better speakers and writers.

“And all this, before we’ve taken into account the beauty and joy of the stories themselves.

“A daily ‘enchanted hour’ – even if it’s only 20 minutes – is a chance to share with your children the stories you loved, to voyage with them through stories that are new to both of you, to introduce them to myths, fables, fairy tales, poetry, non-fiction, trickster stories, nonsense verse, picture-book biographies, classic novels, and any other category of writing I may have missed.

“Audio books are wonderful, and I love

to listen to them, too, but when it comes to nurturing the young mind, they – and the electronic devices that tempt us all – are no match for a loving, responsive, physically present human being.

“Read to your children.

I promise, you’ll never regret it.”

The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power Of Reading Aloud In The Age Of Distraction

by Meghan Cox Gurdon is published by Piatkus, priced £13.99

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

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‘Realise your ambitions’ Beechwood School, set within 21 acres of idyllic grounds in the beautiful town of Tunbridge Wells, is a co-educational, day and boarding school for pupils aged three to eighteen.

Beechwood has an excellent reputation for nurturing and developing the potential of every pupil. Every child is important, and we aim to discover and develop each child’s individual skills and interests. At Beechwood we want to unlock this potential through inspirational teaching, wide ranging extracurricular activities, excellent

pastoral support and exciting challenges. Our aim is that every child leaves with confidence, ambition, purpose and determination.

Choosing a school is an important decision for you and your child, every pupil is unique, and finding that individuality and allowing our pupils to realise their ambitions is one of Beechwood Schools’ strengths.

A varied curriculum is supported by an extensive co-curricular programme in the arts, drama and sport. There are many opportunities available for

adventures and trips abroad and many pupils take full advantage of Beechwood’s unique links with partner schools across the world.

To find out more, or to visit our school, please contact Lucinda Coakley, Registrar registrar@beechwood.org.uk or 01892 532 747. To register your place at the next Open Morning on 13th March 2019, please visit www.beechwood.org.uk. @schoolbsh – twitter @BeechwoodSacredHeartSchool – Facebook

The benifits of independent, interactive learning at Marlborough House Children in pre-school today will enter a working world where career paths are less linear, with many jobs being fulfilled more efficiently and effectively by computers. Employers will demand skills such as resilience, flexibility, critical thinking and pragmatism in addition to a set of impressive exam results.

Inspiring children to become lifelong learners at school is essential if they are to successfully navigate these challenges in a changing world.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”, said Benjamin Franklin.

Our ‘Children in Charge’ initiative at Marlborough House has been designed as an interactive, childlead learning experience which encourages little ones to set their own learning agendas; choosing what they want to learn and how they want to learn it.

Opportunities for “Children to be in Charge” are subtly woven into the school curriculum and give the children the time and space to develop their natural curiosity and creative thinking. The result? As their confidence and self-esteem builds, so does their insatiable hunger for more knowledge.

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Mindfulness for children:

3 easy exercises to try with children Teacher and author Uz Afzal tells Liz Connor about some simple strategies to help young people harness a greater sense of calm and appreciation…

M

INDFULNESS is word that seems to be everywhere today – from calm-boosting apps to anti-stress colouring books, the cult of slowing down and appreciating the ‘now’ has never been more popular.

But while most of us know by now how beneficial embracing relaxation techniques can be for adults, what about our children?

Researchers have found that mindfulness can have positive effects for youngsters, too. One 2015 study found that schoolchildren aged ten and 11 who participated in a short meditation programme showed improvements in cognitive control, working memory and cognitive flexibility, as well as achieving better academic results.

Research published in the Mindfulness journal also found improvements in mathematics grades in children with ADHD, while a study of primary school children in Korea found that just eight weeks of mindfulness lowered levels of aggression, social anxiety and stress.

It’s not surprising, then, that a number of schools across the UK have already started adding the practice to the curriculum.

So what exactly is mindfulness? In a nutshell,

according to the experts, it’s a type of meditation where you shift your awareness to focus on what you’re sensing and feeling in that present moment. Practising mindfulness can involve breathing methods, guided imagery, and other techniques to help relax the body and mind

and help reduce stress responses.

It’s not about ‘switching off’ your mind, but bringing your awareness into the present.

“I’ve been a teacher for 20 years and have witnessed first-hand increasing stress levels among children,” says Uz Afzal, a UK primary school teacher who has written a new book on the topic called Mindfulness For Children. Afzal believes that with the growth of smartphones, tablets, gaming and social media, there’s additional pressure on children that didn’t exist ten years ago.

“Living in a fast-paced ‘swiping’ culture means children can find it hard to stop and be still,” she says.

“They can find it hard to ‘just be’ and to connect with things that are slower. The anxiety that children feel before exams can prevent them from performing well, too.”

Afzal has witnessed how building a regular mindfulness practice can help to keep exam jitters under control: “Practising mindfulness before a test can help children to calm down, to focus, and to access their higher order thinking skills and their learning memories.”

Here, she outlines three simple exercises that parents can use to help children have a sense of agency over their lives, thoughts and feelings…

1. BALLOON BREATHING “This is a really helpful practice that your child can use at any time of the day to calm down and to focus,” says Afzal. To start, ask your child to place their hands on their abdomen: “Tell them

to imagine that they have a small balloon in their belly and that each time they breathe in the balloon blows up, and each time they breathe out the balloon deflates.”

She says your child should feel their belly rising and falling as the balloon blows up and deflates.

“As they breathe in, they can say to themselves in their heads: ‘Blow up balloon’, and as they breathe out they can say: ‘Let all the air out’.

“Perhaps they can picture the balloon blowing up and deflating with each in and out breath.”

You should continue this for about 30 seconds to three minutes, depending on the age and attention span of your child.

2. EAT LIKE A SCIENTIST When it comes to mealtimes, it can often be a race for both parents and children to eat as fast as possible, to the point that we often barely register the process.

This exercise, Afzal says, is great for instilling a sense of appreciation in your child, and it may help them to make healthy choices, too.

“Choose a piece of food to share with your child,” she instructs, noting that fruit or dried fruit works well. “Now we’re going to pretend to be scientists. Take a moment to investigate what your food looks like. What colour is it? What shape is it? What else can you notice about the way your food looks? Next, let’s use our imaginary microscope. Looking really closely, can you see any patterns or lines on this food?”

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

In the same way, she says you should also both explore the texture of your food. You can do this either by looking at your food or touching it.

“Take a piece of this food and hold it under your nose,” says Afzal. “Take a deep breath in.

How does it smell?”

Next, put the food on your tongue and use your scientist’s taste buds to explore further.

“How does it feel in your mouth? Notice the shape and texture. Does it taste of anything?”

At this point, you can slowly begin to chew your food, all the time using your scientist’s skills to notice how the taste, shape and texture are all changing. Afzal says you should keep your child engaged, exploring their plate in this way until all of the food is finished.

3. THE GRATEFUL GAZE “This next practice is a lot of fun. It helps your child to notice what they have to be grateful for, wherever they are,” says Afzal.

“Tell them to take a moment to be still and focus on the breath in their belly. Now ask them to look around the space you are in. You might be in their bedroom, on a journey, or outdoors. Wherever you are, can they look around themselves with a grateful gaze? Can they name each of the things they can see that they’re grateful for?

“If they are in their room, they might notice their bed, their books, their clothes, and so on.

If they’re in the kitchen, they might notice the food, the drinks, the cups and spoons, and so on. Ask them to notice how they feel as you practice the attitude of gratitude.”

When practising mindfulness, Afzal says to remember to have fun and keep it breezy – the idea is that your child enjoys spending time slowing down and doesn’t view it as another thing to worry about on their to-do list.

Doing these exercises together can be a great bonding experience for parents and children, and, of course, the calming techniques are also beneficial for adults, helping to ease the stress of day-to-day life.

Mindfulness For Children by Uz Afzal is published

by Kyle Books, priced £14.99. octopusbooks.co.uk

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‘Whatever might have been seen as ‘normal’ in the past has now been swept away by a relentless torrent of unimaginable and historic moments’ Claremont politics students visit Parliament

The positive side of Brexit and Trump is they make children think about politics

Ed Dickie Claremont School

One of the fantastic things about being a Politics teacher is that what is being taught changes on a regular basis. A decade ago Donald Trump was still hosting the Apprentice USA and the idea that Britain might, ten years later, be on the verge of leaving the EU would be met with as much incredulity as the prospect of ‘The Donald’ being the US President. Recent times have seen an extraordinary acceleration of political events that few foresaw.

Whatever might have been seen as ‘normal’ in the past has now been swept away by a relentless torrent of unimaginable and historic moments. It is in this context that young people are having to digest Brexit and teachers are having to find ways to articulate arguments, which are constantly changing and evolving. For many students, the narrative of Brexit is all they have ever really known, given the drawn out process since the announcement of a Referendum in 2016. All of this is played out for them on social

media, with tweets and memes often providing the main sources of information and ‘facts’ upon which opinions are built. As a result, it is not always straightforward to ‘teach’ how seismic the potential changes might be to students’ lives because the very nature of those changes is so contentious and unknown. That said, I cannot remember a time when the daily ‘news’ has provided so much opportunity for testing student’s abilities to debate, argue and be exposed to different perspectives. In this context Brexit has been a godsend! At Claremont we have sought to keep Brexit relevant largely through regular references in the curriculum punctuated with assemblies and events. On 28th February our local MP will be joining the panel at our own ‘Question Time’ event. Climate change, the ‘broken’ political system, votes for 16 year olds and, of course, the impact of Brexit will be high on the agenda! www.claremontschool.co.uk

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Five winning ways for students to achieve their academic goals Getting good grades isn’t just about intelligence, it’s about the way pupils approach their work...

By Lisa Salmon AS THE year progresses, it’s time for many young people to start to focus their minds on impending examinations.

Students tend to study for exams using ingrained habits, believing they know what works for them. But education experts Steve Oakes and Martin Griffin warn that such methods may not work every time.

The former sixth-form teachers spoke to thousands of students about how they study and what they do every day or week.

Their latest book, The Student Mindset (Crown House Publishing, £9.99), identifies key traits and behaviour students need to reach their goals.

“In many cases, students eventually give up, concluding they’re not intellectually capable of study at a more challenging level,” says Mr Oakes. But they’re often wrong.

“It’s the non-cognitive elements of study that defeat them – the new habits, routines and approaches they’ll need. New levels of study demand new tactics and strategies.”

Mr Griffin adds: “Rather than debating what proportion of our success is due to genetic predisposition, we should instead be supporting students in changing the ways they work as the programme of study demands change to prepare them more effectively for an uncertain future.”

The say the five key traits and behaviours needed for academic success at any level are: vision, effort, systems, practice and attitude (VESPA).

1. VISION Mr Griffin says: “Goal-setting needs to adjust as students grow. It isn’t a case of plucking potential grades out of the air and hoping for the best.

“High-vision students are increasingly aware of who they are and what they stand for, and this growing self-awareness allows them to create a compelling vision of what success looks like, and what the future holds for them.”

So, for example, they don’t just focus on wanting to be a doctor, they know why, such as believing equal access to healthcare is crucial.

“This way, they can persist for longer and stay positive during difficult times.”

2. EFFORT The authors stress successful students equate their academic success with hard work.

“Putting effort into study isn’t a symptom of weakness for these people. They’ve surrounded themselves with peers who feel the same and are exacting in their standards and expectations of themselves,” says Mr Oakes.

He adds: “They snack on learning rather than binge.” So they might read a chapter of a textbook per week, summarise their notes in four half-hour

sittings, write an essay in stages, or review their understanding by testing themselves on a topic.

“In short, they actively set themselves work,” says Mr Oakes. “This switch from the passive completion of directed tasks, to the active sequencing of independent study sessions that work as leading indicators – a crucial part of unlocking higher levels of effort.”

past suddenly seem useless, adding: “For students loyal to memorising information, this can be a shock,” he says.

“High practice students learn to adjust the way they revise, mastering the content as the course goes on so the bulk of their preparation involves high-stakes exam-style problem-solving. They are calmer and better prepared as a result.”

3. SYSTEMS Successful students have developed systems that allow them to organise time and resources, so they have neat files and folders, complete with handouts methodically arranged, which allows them to make connections between useful materials and learn faster. They prioritise and meet deadlines.

5. ATTITUDE Successful students know two things that unsuccessful ones don’t: failure is an important part of success, and learning is composed of a series of sharp inclines, plateaux and setbacks.

Mr Griffin explains: “All students face ‘the dip’, when progress halts and backslides. It might have happened before, but what works at one level – reconnecting with our successes, reminding ourselves of our positive qualities, comfort eating and watching TV – might need adjustment as challenges arise more frequently.”

Pupils need a broader and more robust range of tactics when times are tough, such as a strong support network they regularly rely on, because they don’t equate asking for help with inferiority.

“And they have techniques for handling stress,” says Mr Griffin. “They know exams are not a test of their self-worth.”

4. PRACTICE Successful students work on their weaknesses, spending uncomfortable study time operating at the edge of their ability, isolating the things they can’t do and fixing them.

They complete extra work for handing in, done under timed conditions, and then pay close attention to feedback.

Mr Oakes says many students hit crisis point when revision strategies used successfully in the

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TO PROPERTY, INTERIORS AND TOP TRENDS

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AN HISTORIC BIRD IN THE HAND…

Step into your own fairy tale

47

In a dream cottage Page 30

COUNTRY HOME FOR COMMUTERS

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Best property buys for...

Rabbits Corner

We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden, or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on specific aspects that make these properties well worth a look…

Guide price

The OUTSIDE…

David Street Harvel, Meopham

£795,000 CONTACT • Savills, Sevenoaks • 01732 789700 • savills.co.uk A fairy-tale, Grade II-listed 2-bedroom thatched cottage dating from the 16th century, plus a separate, modern 1-bed annexe –a combination that provides a great opportunity for dual occupancy.

The cottage has been updated, and retained period features include leaded light windows and exposed timbers. Both properties are set in about an acre of gorgeous landscaped gardens.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n 2 charming reception rooms divided by a central chimney breast with inglenook fireplace, double-fronted wood-burning stove and seat n Sitting room n Dining room n Glazed sun room n Triple-aspect kitchen with access to garden n Bathroom with corner bath n 2 part-vaulted double bedrooms n Landscaped grounds, including parterre and vegetable gardens, raised decked area and orchard n Thatched barn with power and light, greenhouse and shed n Planning permission to replace sun room n Annexe with front deck, impressive vaulted living room open to kitchen/breakfast room, with a range cooker

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The PRICE…

The BATHROOM…

Bucklers Close Tunbridge Wells

Guide price

£350,000 CONTACT • Kings Estates, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533367 •kings-estates.co.uk A spacious ground floor apartment overlooking communal gardens with its own entrance, decked patio and garage.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n 17ft sitting room n Fitted kitchen n 3 bedrooms and shower room n Decked patio and communal gardens n Walking distance of town and station n Garage en bloc and residents parking

Bird in Hand Street Groombridge

Guide price

£550,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A quaint, historic cottage full of character features with an enclosed rear garden. It is located in the heart of the village, near the green. The owners also own a garage nearby which may also be available for purchase.

Please contact the agent for details.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Sitting room, including recessed niche with brick and stone features n Dining room with timber flooring n Study with timber flooring n 3 bedrooms, two with vaulted ceilings n Bathroom with vaulted ceiling, double-ended foot’s claw curved bath, mosaic-tiled shower cubicle and underfloor heating n Kitchen/breakfast room with Shaker-style units, Belling dual-fuel range-style cooker, underfloor heating and stable door n Courtyard and L-shaped garden

Gimble Way Pembury

Price range

£650,000-£675,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A detached, 5-bedroom family house arranged over three floors with a good sized garden, where there is a separate home office.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Living room with fireplace and modern log-burner stove n Kitchen/breakfast room opening to: n Conservatory n 5 bedrooms, one with en-suite shower n Family bathroom, including corner bath with seat and separate shower. Plus 2 additional shower rooms n Garden n External office with electricity and power n Driveway providing off-road parking n Garage

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Brenchley TN12

Cumberland Mews TN1

1

1

A spacious family home approximately 0.2 miles from the centre of the village.

• • •

A modern mews house in the heart of the desirable 'village' area of the town.

5

Triple aspect sitting room Double integral garage Approximately 0.40 acres

3

• • •

3

Patio garden Integral tandem garage Parking

3

1

Asking price £999,995

Guide price £550,000

mark.yelverton@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Groombridge TN3

ross.davies@knightfrank.com

1

An extremely spacious self-build property in the heart of this popular village.

Triple aspect sitting room 31 ft open plan kitchen/dining room Integral garage

An immaculately presented modern family home in a secluded location to the south of the town.

5

2

• • •

Delightful gardens Integal double garage Well located for transportation links

3

5

3

3

Guide price £1,195,000 mark.yelverton@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Crowborough TN6

1 • • •

2

Asking price £765,000 01892 310977

mark.yelverton@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Sandrock Road TN2 A well-presented attached former coach house which has been stylishly renovated.

• • •

1

Secluded position Parking for several cars Approximately 0.5 miles to centre of town

5

3

3

Your local expert, Ross Davies, looks forward to helping you. ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310997

Guide price £1,250,000

Pembury Road TN2 Mid-century modern single storey property situated in a private location close to Dunorlan Park.

• • •

1

Contemporary living Double garage Courtyard

4

2

3

Your local expert, Ross Davies, looks forward to helping you. ross.davies@knightfrank.com

Guide price £830,000

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Newick Lane TN21 A substantial country house in a rural location with distant views.

• • • •

1

Attached annexe cottage Detached office approximately 1,313 sq ft Gardens, pasture and woodland In approximately 14.5 acres

4

3

4

Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 01892 310997

Guide price £1,750,000

Benenden TN17 A partially moated Grade II listed Manor House which has a place in the history of England.

• • • •

1

Adjoining two bedroom cottage Tennis court and swimming pool Land area approximately 16.5 acres Cranbrook School Catchment Area

8

6

6

Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

Guide price £2,750,000

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

A historic country estate for sale.

1 6

5

5

63 acres

Cowden TN8 An outstanding Grade II* listed house with sporting facilities on the borders of Surrey, Kent and Sussex yet approximately 35 miles to central London.

• • • •

Converted barn for guests Tennis court Farm buildings Indoor arena and menage

Will Matthews and Simon Biddulph look forward to helping you.

020 7861 1440 will.matthews@knightfrank.com 01892 310997 simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

Guide price

£3,495,000 knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Stockland Green Road

POA

Chieveley Drive

£475,000

Beautifully Refurbished 4 bedroom detached Lodge House. Set in gardens of just under an acre.

Kitchen Breakfast Room, 2 Reception Rooms, Study/Bedroom 4, Downstairs Shower Room, Three Double Bedrooms with En Suite to Master Bedroom, Garage and Parking. Hidden within the extensive, established gardens is a Home Office/Studio.

Three bedroom Link Detached House on the popular Chieveley Drive, in Hawkenbury. Kitchen/ Dining Room, Reception Room, Study, Cloakroom, Three Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Well Stocked Gardens and Garage and Parking for Several Cars.

Oakdale Road

Guildford Road

£390,000

£275,000

Four bedroom Maisonette situated on the First and Second Floors of a Beautiful Period Conversation with a Wealth of Original Features. Reception Room, Kitchen/ Dining Room, Four Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Communal Garden.

A lovely two bedroom first floor apartment situated close to the station and the town. There is an airy living room with a marble fireplace with bay window and the room is ‘open’ to the well-appointed modern kitchen. It has a good sized master bedroom, a second smaller double bedroom which has ‘Jack and Jill’ access to the bathroom. Gas central heating. Permit parking.

Newton Willows

St James Road

£375,000

Three bedroom semi-detached house in the popular village of Groombridge. Three Bedrooms, Kitchen, Reception Room, En Suite Shower Room to Master Bedroom, Family Bathroom, Conservatory, Courtyard Garden, Off Street Parking. Approximately half a mile from Groombridge St Thomas Primary School which is rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

lettings@mcauleymiller.com

£335,000

Fantastic three bedroom terraced house situated close to the within St James . Beautiful Open Plan Kitchen/Dining/Living Room, Family Bathroom, Three Bedrooms, Cloakroom, Garden, Permit Parking.

Tel: 01892 614777 www.mcauleymiller.com

sales@mcauleymiller.com

9 Hamilton House, Amherst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9LQ

£395,0

£395,00 9 Hamilton House, Amherst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9LQ £395,000 9 Hamilton House, Amherst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9LQ Hallway

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WITH THE Advertorial £395,000 9 Hamilton House, Amherst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9LQ Hallway FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Hallway Reception hall (could be used as a study). Period features. Panel solid wood doors leading to all rooms. Access to Reception hall (could be used as a study). Period features. Panel solid wood doors leading to all rooms. Access to Reception hall (could be used as a study). Period features. Panel solid wood doors leading to all rooms. Access to overhead storage. Radiator with radiator cover. Door to utility cupboard housing washing machine.

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

An opportunity to purchase a substantial overhead storage. Radiator with radiator cover. Door to utility cupboard housing washing machine. overhead storage. Radiator with radiator cover. Door to utility cupboard housing washing machine.

Sitting/Dining Room Hallway Victorian first floor apartment within a prestigious Sitting/Dining Room Sitting/Dining Room Reception hall (could be used as a study). Period features. Panel solid wood doors leading to all rooms. Access to Feature Victorian marble fireplace fitted with gas fire. Large period sash window (giving access to small balcony area with converted building with close proximity of local Feature Victorian marble fireplace fitted with gas fire. Large period sash window (giving access to small balcony area with Feature Victorian marble fireplace fitted with gas fire. Large period sash window (giving access to small balcony area with overhead storage. Radiator with radiator cover. Door to utility cupboard housing washing machine. shops for every day needs. Views of St John’s room for small table and chairs). Two large radiators. room for small table and chairs). Two large radiators. room for small table and chairs). Two large radiators.

Church, Tunbridge Wells.

Sitting/Dining Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom Throughout this stylish apartment there is Master Bedroom Feature Victorian marble fireplace fitted with gas fire. Large period sash window (giving access to small balcony area with Two large period sash windows overlooking the attractive landscaped gardens and views of Tunbridge Wells. Feature Two large period sash windows overlooking the attractive landscaped gardens and views of Tunbridge Wells. Feature Two large period sash windows overlooking the attractive landscaped gardens and views of Tunbridge Wells. Feature room for small table and chairs). Two large radiators. a wealth of period features including sash marble fireplace. Walk in dressing room fully fitted with floor to ceiling hanging and storage space. marble fireplace. Walk in dressing room fully fitted with floor to ceiling hanging and storage space. windows, fireplaces, deep moulded coving marble fireplace. Walk in dressing room fully fitted with floor to ceiling hanging and storage space.

Master Bedroom and doors. There is a beautifully modern fitted Bedroom Two Two large period sash windows overlooking the attractive landscaped gardens and views of Tunbridge Wells. Feature Bedroom Two Bedroom Two kitchen/breakfast room and stylish bathroom. Two large sash windows to the front which overlooks St John's Church. Period features. Radiator. marble fireplace. Walk in dressing room fully fitted with floor to ceiling hanging and storage space.

Two large sash windows to the front which overlooks St John's Church. Period features. Radiator.

Two large sash windows to the front which overlooks St John's Church. Period features. Radiator.

The rear of the property overlooks the beautifully Bedroom Three Bedroom Two landscaped communal gardens. There is a Bedroom Three Bedroom Three Two large sash windows to the front which overlooks St John's Church. Period features. Radiator.

Large period sash window over looking the landscaped gardens to the rear. Period features. Radiator. stunning sitting/dining room, three double Large period sash window over looking the landscaped gardens to the rear. Period features. Radiator.

Large period sash window over looking the landscaped gardens to the rear. Period features. Radiator. bedrooms, and the master bedroom has a walk Bedroom Three Kitchen Kitchen Kitchen in dressing room which could be converted to Large period sash window over looking the landscaped gardens to the rear. Period features. Radiator.

Large sash window overlooking gardens and views of Tunbridge Wells. Range of white gloss eye level and base units Large sash window overlooking gardens and views of Tunbridge Wells. Range of white gloss eye level and base units Large sash window overlooking gardens and views of Tunbridge Wells. Range of white gloss eye level and base units an en-suite. There are communal gardens and incorporating a one and a half bowl single drainer sink unit with mixer tap. Integrated fridge/freezer, oven, induction hob incorporating a one and a half bowl single drainer sink unit with mixer tap. Integrated fridge/freezer, oven, induction hob incorporating a one and a half bowl single drainer sink unit with mixer tap. Integrated fridge/freezer, oven, induction hob Kitchen parking at the front and the rear. Viewing is and dishwasher. Glass breakfast bar fitted to one side overlooking gardens. Ceramic tiled floor. Half tiled walls. Feature and dishwasher. Glass breakfast bar fitted to one side overlooking gardens. Ceramic tiled floor. Half tiled walls. Feature and dishwasher. Glass breakfast bar fitted to one side overlooking gardens. Ceramic tiled floor. Half tiled walls. Feature Large sash window overlooking gardens and views of Tunbridge Wells. Range of white gloss eye level and base units highly recommended to appreciate all that this spot lights. Glass shelving to one side. Wall mounted alpha gas combi boiler. spot lights. Glass shelving to one side. Wall mounted alpha gas combi boiler. spot lights. Glass shelving to one side. Wall mounted alpha gas combi boiler. incorporating a one and a half bowl single drainer sink unit with mixer tap. Integrated fridge/freezer, oven, induction hob period apartment has to offer. Leasehold. Service and dishwasher. Glass breakfast bar fitted to one side overlooking gardens. Ceramic tiled floor. Half tiled walls. Feature charge is £2,800 PA. Bathroom Bathroom Bathroom spot lights. Glass shelving to one side. Wall mounted alpha gas combi boiler.

Opaque glazed sash window to side. White contemporary suite comprises of panel enclosed bath with fitted shower to one Opaque glazed sash window to side. White contemporary suite comprises of panel enclosed bath with fitted shower to one Opaque glazed sash window to side. White contemporary suite comprises of panel enclosed bath with fitted shower to on end and glass shower screen. Wall mounted wash hand basin. Low level W/C. Heated ladder style towel rail. Spotlights. end and glass shower screen. Wall mounted wash hand basin. Low level W/C. Heated ladder style towel rail. Spotlights.

Location: Bathroom end and glass shower screen. Wall mounted wash hand basin. Low level W/C. Heated ladder style towel rail. Spotlights.

Fitted mirror cabinet. Half tiled walls. Tiled flooring.

Fitted mirror cabinet. Half tiled walls. Tiled flooring.

Opaque glazed sash window to side. White contemporary suite comprises of panel enclosed bath with fitted shower to one Overlooking St John’s Church and within walking Fitted mirror cabinet. Half tiled walls. Tiled flooring. end and glass shower screen. Wall mounted wash hand basin. Low level W/C. Heated ladder style towel rail. Spotlights. distance to local shops and schools. The MLS is Communal Gardens Communal Gardens Fitted mirror cabinet. Half tiled walls. Tiled flooring. approximately a 10 minute walk with its trains toCommunal Gardens Stunning landscaped mature communal gardens with extensive lawn area which are well maintained and include a variety Stunning landscaped mature communal gardens with extensive lawn area which are well maintained and include a variety London and the south coast in under one hour. Stunning landscaped mature communal gardens with extensive lawn area which are well maintained and include a variety Communal Gardens of rare trees and shrubs. of rare trees and shrubs. of rare trees and shrubs.

Stunning landscaped mature communal gardens with extensive lawn area which are well maintained and include a variety AT A GLANCE Outside Outside of rare trees and shrubs.

Outside Communal parking to the front and rear of the buildings behind gardens.

Communal parking to the front and rear of the buildings behind gardens.

Outside 9 HAMILTON HOUSE AMHERST RD Communal parking to the front and rear of the buildings behind gardens.

Communal parking to the front and rear of the buildings behind gardens.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

■ Substantial Victorian Apartment ■ Three Large Double Bedrooms ■ Stunning Sitting/Dining Room ■ Newly Fitted Kitchen/Breakfast Room ■ Newly Fitted Bathroom ■ Communal Gardens & Parking

9 Hamilton House Amherst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9LQ

■ Leasehold

9 Hamilton House, Amherst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9LQ

■ Wealth of Period Features Throughout

£395,000

Guide Price £395,000

• Substantial Victorian Apartment

■ Magnificent Fireplaces

• Three Large Double Bedrooms

■ Ten Minute Walk to MLS

• Stunning Sitting/Dining Room

Guide Price £395,000

• Newly Fitted Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Newly Fitted Bathroom

CONTACT McAuley Miller, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 614 777 • mcauleymiller.com

, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9LQ

• Communal Gardens & Parking • Leasehold

£395,000

• Wealth of Period Features Throughout • Magnificent Fireplaces • Ten Minute Walk to MLS

www.mcauleymiller.com sales@mcauleymiller.com 01892 614 777

House, Amherst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9LQ

PRICE GUIDE: £395,000 - £410,000 An opportunity to purchase a substantial Victorian first floor apartment within a prestigious converted building with close proximity of local shops for every day needs. Views of St John's Church, Tunbridge Wells.

Throughout this stylish apartment there is a wealth of period features www.mcauleymiller.com www.mcauleymiller.com www.mcauleymiller.com including sash windows, fireplaces, deep moulded coving and doors.

There is a beautifully modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room and stylish sales@mcauleymiller.com sales@mcauleymiller.com sales@mcauleymiller.com 9 Hamilton House Amherst Road, Guide Price £395,000 bathroom. The rear of the property overlooks the beautifully landscaped communal gardens. There is a stunning sitting/dining room, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9LQ 01892 614 777 three double bedrooms, and the master bedroom has a walk in 01892 614 777 01892 614 777 dressing room which could be converted to an en-suite. There are • Substantial Victorian Apartment communal gardens and parking at the front and the rear. Viewing is • Three Large Double Bedrooms highly recommended to appreciate all that this period apartment has to offer. Leasehold. Service charge is £2,800 PA. • Stunning Sitting/Dining Room al Victorian first floor apartment • Newly Fitted Kitchen/Breakfast Room with close proximity of local Location: John's Church, Tunbridge Wells.

• Newly Fitted Bathroom Overlooking St John's Church and within walking distance to local e is a wealth of period features • Communal Gardens & Parking shops and schools. The MLS is approximately a 10 minute walk with its p moulded coving and doors. trains to London and the south coast in under one hour.

• Leasehold hen/breakfast room and stylish • Wealth of Period Features Throughout erlooks the beautifully • Magnificent Fireplaces s a stunning sitting/dining room, r bedroom has a walk in • Ten Minute Walk to MLS d to an en-suite. There are ront and the rear. Viewing is www.mcauleymiller.com

www.mcauleymiller.com

sales@mcauleymiller.com 01892 614 777

£395,000

9 Hamilton House, Amherst Road, Tunbrid

Properties of the week

New Instruction

Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 000

Open House Appt only - Sat 9 March

Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells, TN4

Ospringe Place, Tunbridge Wells, TN2

4 bedroom family house, exciting renovation proposition, enviable secluded position, double garage, about 1.4 acres, 2,143 sq ft, EPC = D

Substantial and attractive family house with further potential, 4 double bedrooms, 3 receptions, double garage, garden, 2,623 sq ft, EPC = D

Guide £1.5 million | Freehold

Guide £1 million | Freehold

New Instruction Barden Road, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, TN3

Molyneux Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4

Renovated and extended family house in popular village, 4 bedrooms, garage and parking, west-facing family garden, 1,862 sq ft, EPC = C

Impressive 3 bedroom apartment, well presented, many period features, convenient for town and MLS, permit parking, 1,670 sq ft, EPC = C

Guide £885,000 | Freehold

Guide £675,000 | Share of Freehold

Talk to us today Liz Devall Negotiator 01892 507000 ldevall@savills.com

Becky Card Negotiator 01892 507000 bcard@savills.com

savills.co.uk | savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you?

Properties of the week

Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 050

Crowborough, East Sussex TN6

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1

Striking modern family home, Open plan living, Bi-fold doors to extensive terrace, Built 2017, EPC rating = B, Council Tax = C

Village area, Period features, Modern kitchen, Courtyard garden, EPC rating = D, Council tax = E

Unfurnished | £3,495 pcm + fees apply*

Unfurnished | £1,995 pcm + fees apply*

Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1

Newly renovated, Large, levelled garden, Vaulted reception room, Modern kitchen/ breakfast room, EPC rating = D, Council Tax = F

Warehouse apartment, Open plan kitchen/reception room, High specification, Town centre location, EPC rating = E, Council Tax = C

Unfurnished | £1,850 pcm + fees apply*

Unfurnished | £1,400 pcm + fees apply*

Talk to us today Louise Minifie Negotiator 01892 507057 lminifie@savills.com

savills.co.uk | savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you? * Fees to include drawing up the tenancy agreements and reference change for one tenant - £282 inc VAT one-off fee. £39 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check out fee - charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependant on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details visit savills.co.uk/fees

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.ukCamden

Cottage

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UNDER OFFER

A stylish cottage in a village location yet within walking distance of Frant station AT A GLANCE CAMDEN COTTAGE BAYHAM ROAD BELLS YEW GREEN ■ Stunning, extended Edwardian semi-detached house ■ Fabulous countryside views

■ Sitting room with open fireplace ■ Lounge with brick inglenook fireplace, cast iron wood burner and double doors to garden ■ Bespoke, hand-crafted kitchen/ dining/family room with brick feature wall, island, integrated speakers in ceiling, and two sets of double doors to decked patio ■ Utility room ■ 4 bedrooms, two with cast iron fireplaces ■ Bathroom ■ Garden with large decked patio, vegetable planters and shed ■ Garden room with power and light ■ Plentiful off-road parking ■ Close to Frant mainline railway station

GUIDE PRICE

£675,000 CONTACT Kings Estates, Tunbridge Wells 01892 533367 • kings-estates.co.uk

48

Life&Times

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

BUSINESS SPACE

NOW AVAILABLE TO LET TUNBRIDGE WELLS 3 Chapel Place RETAIL 1000 sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Wellington Gate OFFICES VARIOUS SUITES

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Oakhurst House OFFICES 1200 sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS 53b Calverley Road RETAIL 765 sq.ft + Basement

TUNBRIDGE WELLS 55 Calverley Road OFFICE/RETAIL 4000 sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS North Farm Road BUSINESS UNIT 9000 sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Upper Grosvenor Road OFFICES 2000 sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS CENTURY PLACE OFFICES 2000/4233 sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Calverley Street OFFICES 2104 sq.ft

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Lamberts Road BUSINESS UNITS 5594 sq.ft/5644 sq.ft

01892 512422

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Property Focus

Home

Gate Location

Church Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 1HT

Description

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

COMM ERCIA L PROPERT Y

PROMINENT CORNER UNIT TO LET TUNBRIDGE WELLS “PLANNING PERMISSION IS BEING SOUGHT TO CONVERT THE GROUND FLOOR TO OFFICE USE PROVIDING A SELF-CONTAINED UNIT OF 4,500 sq.ft:”

WELLINGTON GATE CHURCH ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Acting on behalf of Hermes Investments, Broadlands Commercial Property Agents are offering various sized office suites in this landmark building. Immediately available, these offices have the benefit of airconditioning, car parking, and also being located within the centre of the town. New FRI leases are available on terms to be agreed.

53B & 55 CALVERLEY ROAD

Address: TUNBRIDGE WELLS55 Calverley Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2TU Location: Calverley House to occupies prominent Broadlands have just been instructed marketa both thesecorner units.position The on Road, junctionforwith and former Argos store at 55Calverley Calverley Roadatisthe suitable offiCamden ces and Road a planning Monson Road.

The upper floors are currently undergoing application has been submitted to provide 4,500 sqft of ground floor space. redevelopment to provide some 80 residential apartments.

The subject premises sits close to a number of restaurants and homeware retailers including Giggling Squid, Laura Ashley, Magnet and Sharps Bedrooms. Other notable occupiers in the immediate vicinity include Simmonds, Lime Furniture and Iceland to name but a few.

THE LODGE ERIDGE ROAD CROWBOROUGH

Acting on behalf of Selectapension, Broadlands have successfully sold this property to a local professional practice. The property extends to approximately 1,500 sq ft of well refurbished offices. Offers over £400,000 were sought for the freehold interest with vacant possession.

COURIER HOUSE CALVERLEY ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Broadlands have just been instructed to market a prestigious ground floor office suite of 2,500 sq ft, together with nine on-site car parking spaces. The lease is for assignment which expires in June 2021. The current rent passing is £52,458 per annum exclusive.

FURTHER DETAILS ON THESE AND OTHER COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES CAN BE OBTAINED

BY CONTACTING Shane Raggett at Broadlands Commercial Property Agents 01892 512422 shane.raggett@broadlands.co.uk

EPC

ADVERTORIAL

SJD Projects – proud supporters of Folly Wildlife Centre.

WATCH OUT – THERE’S A NEST ABOUT! Traditionally, Valentine’s Day, February 14th, was always known as ‘the Bird’s Wedding Day’ as after a long winter the first bird song heard at this time was thought to herald the beginning of the mating season – it’s a quaint story and although hardier types such as robin, blackbird and mistle thrush are indeed ‘early birds’ when it comes to breeding, for most other species it still needs to be a bit warmer!

are being reported, with for instance, tree sparrow numbers down 95%, willow tit 78%, starling 71% and even song thrush down 56%, while others, such as the turtle dove, grey partridge and cuckoo are now hardly ever seen.

But one place where the news is better are

Generally, this type of light work doesn’t pose a problem, but once we turn to heavier tasks – removing shrubs or cutting back climbing plants such as clematis, we do need to take care, otherwise it can lead to tragedy.

Birds of all species in the UK are now under immense pressure: new building developments encroach on vital habitats, intensive farming eliminates the weed seeds and invertebrates that many depend on for food, and climate change and the more extreme weather patterns we’re now seeing impact on breeding seasons.

Gradual, but persistent declines in populations

When you’re out in your garden, the following points are worth bearing in mind: • Normal trimming of hedges and light pruning doesn’t pose a problem (unless a nest has been exposed), but the key factor is to check for the presence of birds’ nests before you start work, thereby minimising risk.

But with the arrival of milder weather in March and April, the season is soon in full-swing, with birds gathering materials, building nests and very soon laying and hatching out their eggs.

But unfortunately, this period coincides with the first stirrings of another, altogether more deadly and destructive species – we humans. After being stuck indoors for much of the winter, we’re itching to get out into the garden to begin tackling some of those long-overdue jobs – cleaning pots and planters, raking up leaves, digging over veg patches and trimming hedges – and who can blame us?

we do our utmost to protect them.

our gardens – and with more and more people now appreciating the importance of birds (and the pleasure they bring) and taking practical steps such as putting up nest boxes, there is still hope.

But even gardens can be dangerous places and every year at Folly Wildlife Rescue we see hundreds of incidents where birds (as well as other species) have been injured by gardening activities, most of which could have easily been prevented. Plastic garden netting, the indiscriminate use of pesticides, and the over-zealous removal of hedges and shrubs are some of the major causes of accidents.

On the scale of things, these losses may not be huge, but they are nevertheless important, as with so many species under pressure, it’s vital that

• This is best done by looking out for the warning signs – parent birds going back and forth with food or, when you approach a certain area, agitated adults making alarm calls are signs a nest may be present.

• If you do need to remove climbing plants or any shrubs, please put the work off until the autumn when the breeding season is over.

• Exposure of a nest will very likely lead to its abandonment and the death of the eggs or any young that have hatched. Predators too, such as magpies, jackdaws and crows are alwvvays on the lookout, so if you do accidentally expose one, quickly cover the spot with cut material to shield it from view.

• Never attempt to move a damaged or exposed nest to another site or transfer eggs or nestlings to a bird box or hanging basket – it simply won’t work.

• If a nest has been badly damaged and the babies knocked to the ground, the parents may continue to feed them – but it’s a huge risk for them to do so and they will eventually abandon them.

• It’s a myth that the parents can pick their babies up and move them to another nest.

• If an accident occurs or you simply need advice, call your local wildlife rescue who will be glad to help.

Did you know that under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is a criminal offence in the UK to disturb or damage any bird nest, even while it’s under construction, with the penalty in respect of a single bird or egg being an unlimited fine, up to six months’ imprisonment or both.

But the good news is that by taking a little more care, these problems are easily avoided.

Our gardens are meant to be enjoyed but isn’t it so much nicer to enjoy them in the company of birds!

The Folly Wildlife Rescue Trust RCN 1091857 The Broadwater Forest Wildlife Hospital Fairview Lane, Broadwater Forest Tunbridge Wells TN3 9LU 01892 543213 www.follywildliferescue.org.uk

Stephen Donnelly SJD 78 St Johns Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9PH 07739 514350 01892 579937 www.sjd-projects.com

SJD

PROJECTS WWW.SJD-PROJECTS.COM

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

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MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS REIGNS

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FLAWLESS CARBON PERFORM LIVE

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CELEBRATE FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

Off the wall

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See comedian Ivo Graham’s stand-up routine at Trinity Page 54

RUSTHALL STEAL LOCAL HONOURS

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‘A hugely enjoyable hour of stand-up comedy’

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Golden Graham

Comic Ivo Graham is coming to town

A

POLOGETIC Eton and Oxford alumnus Ivo Graham started stand-up in 2009 at the age of 18, and eight months later became the youngest winner of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny? award for new acts at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Since his auspicious start, Ivo has become a regular fixture in the clubs and theatres of the UK circuit, with a gauche charm and crafty, self-aware wit which has proved a hit with audiences of all ages.

His particular brand of humour has led to appearances on multiple TV and radio shows, including Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Live From The BBC and Comedy Central At The Comedy Store. He’s also a regular writer on Fighting Talk and The Last Leg, as well as several others.

Now he embarks on a tour of his highly acclaimed 2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival show Motion Sickness.

Described by the national Times as ‘a hugely enjoyable hour of stand-up comedy’, it centres around the comedian growing in popularity and also growing up. Ivo is currently making lots of big life choices – and doing his hardest to remain upbeat and positive about it. And

not in the least bit scared – honest.

The witty comedian brings Motion Sickness to Trinity Theatre next Thursday [March 7], when he will wax lyrical about mature life-changing subjects such as getting married, having children and having the energy to cope with it all.

But everyone has wobbles about commitment, right? muses Ivo. Or is it just Eton boys who’ve been repressing their feelings since they went away to boarding school aged seven? So is it time to open up a bit? Ivo’s girlfriend thinks so; his therapist thinks so; various comedy critics think so. But what if scratching the itch only makes it worse?

I News recently said that Ivo’s new stage show uses the recent upheaval of pondering all these grown-up choices as its core content ‘to superb effect, proving that he may be no good at DIY but he has nailed the art of being consistently hilarious’.

But don’t just take it as read, why not go along yourself and check him out live on the Tunbridge Wells stage?

Ivo Graham: Motion Sickness is on at Trinity Theatre on March 7 at 8pm.

Tickets cost £16 from trinitytheatre.net

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Arts & Culture

Celebrating a life of crime

Author Nicola Upson, who talks about her books at Tunbridge Wells Library next Tuesday, March 5, tells Eileen Leahy what got her hooked on writing – and why she made a former Tunbridge Wells teacher the principal subject of her crime novels…

NICOLA UPSON’S popular crime novels featuring the author and playwright Josephine Tey, who taught in Tunbridge Wells after the First World War, have been widely praised, garnering reviews such as ‘historical crime fiction at its very best’ (The Sunday Times) and ‘a masterstroke of literary theft’ (Independent on Sunday).

Set in the 1930s, each of Nicola’s ‘Tey novels’, as she describes them, weaves an original murder mystery around a celebration of Tey’s life and work.

Her latest book, Nine Lessons, is set in the winter of 1937 and ‘features a series of baffling murders inspired by M.R. James’s famous ghost stories’.

“The book takes readers on a gripping journey from King’s College, Cambridge to the bleak, atmospheric Suffolk coast, where some of M.R. James’s greatest tales are set,” says Nicola.

This is her ninth Tey book to date, but although she is a huge fan of the genre Nicola says she hasn’t always written about crime.

“The series of crime novels I have written came about almost by accident,” she explains. “They were inspired by a love of the brilliant crime novels that Josephine Tey wrote between the 1920s and the 1950s.

“Tey (who taught in Tunbridge Wells for a while after the First World War) was a remarkable, groundbreaking crime writer, responsible for uniquely subversive books. I loved her voice – intelligent, wry, forthright, romantic at times – and then went on to discover her achievements in the theatre.

“The books began life as a biography to

celebrate those two literary identities, and I was lucky enough to talk to many people who knew Josephine well and worked with her, most notably Sir John Gielgud, but there were still many gaps and they began to be as compelling as the facts.”

Therefore, each of the novels paints a truthful

picture of Tey’s life and work, but she is placed in a fictional mystery each time.

“I owe her a great debt,” says Nicola. “Had it not been for her, I might never have written fiction.”

Nicola, who was born in Suffolk and read English at Downing College, Cambridge, originally worked in journalism and theatre – which she says formed a backdrop to some of her novels before she got into writing.

She had her first book, Mythologies: The Sculpture of Helaine Blumenfeld, published in 1998, and since then has written about myriad subjects.

“I’ve written a lot about art and theatre, and my next novel, Stanley and Elsie, tells the story of the artist Stanley Spencer’s life through the eyes of his maid, Elsie Munday. Like the Tey books, it’s a reimagining of a particular time and place, and it gives a voice to the women who are usually the silent presence in Spencer’s paintings.”

Yet Nicola says that despite the number of books she’s had published, inspiration and the writing process don’t necessarily come that easy to her.

“It seems to get harder rather than easier because there’s more to live up to. I’m lucky enough to have very loyal readers who care as much as I do about the characters in my books, so I never want to disappoint them.

“I’m never short of ideas and inspiration, but it’s important to choose something that’s going to be as compelling at the end as it is at the beginning.”

Her key goals when the inspiration does come are simple, she wants to ‘be entertaining and to do justice to the characters I’m writing about, whether they’re fictional or based on real people’.

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Nicola adds that she wants to open up a world that the reader doesn’t know about, or to surprise them with a different view on something that they thought was familiar.

“I was lucky enough to have a friend in P. D. James, and she gave me the most important piece of advice I’ve ever had: ‘Make it the best book you can, dear’. That’s really the only goal that counts.”

Nicola’s next Tey mystery, entitled Sorry for the Dead, comes out in the autumn and is set at Charleston Farmhouse on the Sussex Downs.

So what is it that appeals to the author about the crime genre?

“The thing I love most about it is its diversity.

There’s no story or human emotion – love, hate, jealousy, grief, obsession, shame – that it doesn’t allow you to explore, hopefully within the context of an entertaining narrative and a great puzzle.”

And finally, what can the audience enjoy about Nicola’s forthcoming talk at Tunbridge Wells library next Tuesday ?

“I’ll be talking about the blend of fact and fiction in my books, and the way in which my crimes are set among the people and events which defined the inter-war years, from the films of Alfred Hitchcock and the pioneering early days of Broadcasting House to momentous changes in women’s lives and the national upheaval of the abdication and coronation of George VI. “We’ll explore the importance of place and setting, and some of the real crimes that feature in my books – the baby farmers Sach and Walters, the Red Barn Murder, the Cambridge Rapist… And of course I’ll be talking more about Josephine Tey, sharing a love of her books and giving insights into her life which are not so widely known.

“It’s lovely to think that there might even be someone in the audience whose mother or grandmother was taught by her!”

Tickets to see Nicola Upson in conversation at Tunbridge Wells library on March 5 cost £4. The event runs from 6.30pm-8pm and can be booked by calling 03000 41 31 31 or visiting kent.gov.uk/libraries

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Going Out

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goingout going 7 days of activities

WEDNESDAY

There’s still a chance to catch The 39 Steps at Trinity Theatre. Starting at 7.30pm, there are plane crashes, romances, and many Hitchcock references. Not many plays can say they have a cast of 140 characters performed by only a few actors. Tickets are £15 and can be booked online at trinitytheatre.net

THURSDAY

The Royal Wells Hotel will be hosting the Out of Bounds Comedy Night from 8pm. The evening includes up-and-coming comedian Tom Smith,

By Jerome Bowman

and will be headlined by the beady-eyed Simon Evans. Simon’s dry delivery and sardonic sense of humour make for a perfect comedic tonic. You can book tickets for £10, or £20 if you would like to eat, at outofboundscomedy.co.uk Put Spring in your step by going on the Snowdrop Walk at Hever Castle. It

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

will take you round the gardens, where 80,000 snowdrops will be in bloom, including rare varieties such as ‘Wendy’s Gold’ and ‘Colossus’. Standard entry fees apply, and it is cheaper to book online at: hevercastle.co.uk

CHARTWELL HOUSE IS OPEN AGAIN See a great Churchill exhibition

FRIDAY

Clive Campbell’s exhibition From Prism to Art is now open at Trinity Theatre Gallery. Campbell’s novel approach to stained and fused glass has produced a variety of representational and more abstract pieces. Inspired by his grandfather’s gift of a prism as a child, Campbell’s collection is truly unique.

Entry is free and the exhibition is open until March 10. See trinitytheatre.net

TRIBUTE TO ELTON At the Assembly Hall

SATURDAY

SEE MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS At Trinity Theatre

The Pantiles Market is back this weekend, with a variety of artisan crafts, locally-grown food and farm products available.

It also features independent, seasonal and rotating stores in order to make each of its weekends unique. The market opens at 10am and finishes at 4pm.

If, according to Elton John, ‘Saturday night’s alright for fighting’, then it’s even better for seeing Rocket Man at the Assembly Hall. This tribute to Sir Elton will feature flamboyant costumes, light shows and a full backing band. Tickets are £26.75 and can be booked at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Chartwell House, near Westerham, is now open again after closing for a winter deep clean, and the latest exhibition is A History of Winston Churchill in 50 Objects. You can also make a day of walking from Chartwell to Emmetts Garden.

Dogs are welcome and you can roam in the surrounding woods. Standard adult admission costs £15.50 and opening times vary. For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell

SUNDAY The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra is hosting an evening with clarinettist Katherine Lacy at the Assembly Hall. Lacy, who has been the principal clarinet player for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, will be performing as a soloist. Works to be played include more traditional classical compositions as well as jazz-influenced pieces. The concert starts at 3pm.

Tickets cost £24.75 and can be purchased at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Fuggles will be hosting another Vinyl Revolution Pop-Up Shop from 12noon till 5pm. Grab a craft beer and browse a range of new and

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

POP IN to the Vinyl Revolution Pop-Up Shop at Fuggles

craft activities such as making a bee figure out of natural materials. Entry is free, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please email Emma Peters at: emma.peters@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

TUESDAY

vintage records, along with a selection of other interesting knick-knacks. Great for music fans of all ages. For more information, you can visit fugglesbeercafe.co.uk

MONDAY Take your kids to learn about our busy yellowstriped friends at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park.

The Bee Bonanza will be running from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Hub. Activities include a mini bee facts trail around the bowling green and

This evening there is an opportunity to Meet Nicola Upson at Tunbridge Wells Library at 6.30pm. The Faber & Faber-published crime writer will be discussing her works, which are mostly historical fictions, including her series centred on Josephine Tey. Upson’s novel Nine Lessons was described as ‘historical crime fiction at its very best’ by The Sunday Times.

Tickets cost £4 and can be bought at the library. For more information, you can email: tunbridgewellslibrary@kent.gov.uk Penshurst Place will be taking a starring role when Trinity Theatre screens the historical drama Mary Queen of Scots tonight at 8pm. Starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, this is a sometimes fictionalised retelling of the betrayal, rebellion and conspiracies that imperilled both the Scottish and English thrones in the 16th century. If you cannot make the evening showing, there are screenings earlier in the day. For information and tickets, go to trinitytheatre.net

THE PANTILES MARKET is back this weekend

Going Out

PICK OF THE WEEK: Duncan’s Place 4Art

Saturday March 2-Friday March 15, 2019 R Allen Motors, Lyons Crescent, Tonbridge

4Art are hosting a new exhibition inspired by and displayed inside the historic Tonbridge

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garage site R Allen Motors, which is soon to be demolished. Duncan’s Place is a collection of contemporary art that is the culmination of two years of exploration of the site, which started as a repairs workshop for horse-drawn carriages in 1896.

For more information, email Jill Goldsworthy at: jill@neilgoldsworthy.demon.co.uk

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THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common Event information at twforum.co.uk Wednesday Fish Head, Placid, Swampstomper, Trench Friday The Orange Circus Band, The Breretons Saturday Mainly Madness: A Party to Celebrate 2Tone & Ska

live music With Paul Dunton

T

onight [Wednesday] local bands Fish Head, Placid, Swampstomper and Trench are all performing in The Forum’s Stable showcase.

Thursday night sees renowned Jazz singer Clare Teal at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge, and The Bedford pub hosts the AVP Open Mic Night in aid of the Jay Harmer Foundation.

On Friday evening, acts in action include Bob Bernard & Friends at The Grey Lady, Steffan James at The Royal Oak pub, The Orange Circus Band at The Forum with support from The Breretons, Flawless Carbon live at The Bedford, the excellent Profoundly Blue at The Masonic Hall

The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com

and folk artist Phil Beer at the St Edith Folk Club, Kemsing.

Saturday night is busy with Nigel Bagge at The Beau Nash Tavern, Off The Cuff at The Royal Oak, Simon Rawlings at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge, Blue Stragglers at The Sussex Arms Basement with support from The Bitter Pills, and Mainly Madness at The Forum.

Bluetones front man Mark Morriss will be headlining at The Grey Lady this Sunday night with support from one-man blues band Andy Twyman, and on Monday folk fans can enjoy the Glymjack Duo at the Tonbridge Folk Club. The excellent Ron Trueman Border & The Strangers at The Punch & Judy on Tuesday.

Flawless Carbon

THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm. More information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Thursday AVP Open Mic Night in aid of the Jay Harmer Foundation Friday Flawless Carbon THE EM FORSTER THEATRE Tonbridge School Event details & tickets available at emftheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows Thursday Clare Teal and her Trio: Swing’s The Thing Sunday Allan Bunney Concert: Sunday Evening Jazz with Alex Ho & Gareth Lumbers THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Friday Jazz Club Night with Bob Bernard & Friends, featuring special guest Bob Haddrell on piano & vocals Saturday Closed for a private party Sunday Mark Morriss, Andy Twyman, Paul Crisp THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Friday Acoustic Night featuring

Steffan James Saturday Off The Cuff THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Music from 8.30pm. Event details & tickets available at twforum.co.uk Friday Seething Akira, Evestus, Choose Us Not Them Saturday Blue Stragglers, The Bitter Pills THE MASONIC HALL St John’s Road Event details at twjazzclub.co.uk Friday Adrian Cox Presents Profoundly Blue ST EDITH FOLK CLUB St Edith Hall, Kemsing Event information at stedithfolk.co.uk Friday Phil Beer THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Nigel Bagge Sunday Open Mic Night

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road Event details & tickets available at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Saturday The Rocket Man: A tribute to Elton John Sunday 3pm The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra: Featuring Katherine Lacy (clarinet) THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm Saturday Simon Rawlings ‘AKA The Big Bopper’ Tuesday Ron True-man Border & The Strangers TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB The Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Hat collection with a suggested contribution of £7 (£5 concessions) Music from 8pm, all welcome More information at tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Glymjack Duo

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Gardening

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Sustenance for the soul

The team at Mary Mary Creates Gardens reflect on the fact that March 25 was once the first day of the calendar year, until an Act of Parliament in 1752 changed it to January 1. And March still has that feel of new beginnings, as they tell us here

M

ARCH most definitely feels like a fresh beginning. The morning greeting of that cacophony of birdsong as you rise for a working day is the presage of the action to come.

The coo, chirrup and warble brings a tingle in our tummies with the thrill of anticipation. There is so much that changes in March. The old adage ‘in like a lion and out like a lamb’ refers to the fearsome cold of winter at the beginning of March and the gentle warmth of spring at its end.

For each dismal drizzle day, there is one with a crisp clear sky. Days are longer, light is brighter, and the bitter bite of morning cold on your nose is balanced by the spring sun warmth later in the day.

Walking through our urban garden every morning we see a change… daffodils appear to grow at a speed the naked eye can see; everywhere around leaves unfurl and blossom breaks, colour seemingly streaming forth to shine in the sun. We defy anyone not to marvel at the crisp cerulean sky of a late winter day and to keep a smile from their lips.

The anticipation of spring lifts everyone spirits, and being outside pottering around in a garden has proven health benefits. Not only in terms of the fresh air in your lungs and the exercise of your limbs; gardening is good for your soul.

It allows everyone, whether they are eight or 80, male, female or non-binary, to nurture and

care for living things. Plants don’t judge you.

They don’t have Insta-accounts and they don’t care what you wear on your back, head or feet.

When you are in a garden, you always have a friend. Every garden the Mary team work in, we are greeted by the resident robin.

These clever and confident creatures know that human gardening activity means juicy rations for them. They will stick by you while you weed, watching out for tasty earthworm treats.

Wellbeing We find ourselves sharing all sorts of thoughts with the robin – which is great therapy in itself, halving the burden of a worry, or working through a thorny topic. And safe in the knowledge he will never betray confidences.

Even the most menial of gardening tasks result in a sense of wellbeing. The calming rhythm of raking or sweeping allows thoughts to settle and competing concepts to clarify. The vigour of chopping, dragging and detangling an overgrown hedge can release of pent-up frustration.

There is no denying the feeling of satisfaction that overcomes you when you have spent a while pottering around in the garden. It connects you to the planet and to every other living being on it.

A long as you give a garden a little of what it needs, it will reward you.

A child born as a screaming bundle of helpless energy needs support and guidance to thrive and grow into a well-rounded adult. A garden needs a bit of support and guidance to thrive and grow, too.

Your little investment of time will create a place rewarding you with memories, pride and satisfaction. Just as your child is not born fully-grown, no garden is instant and needs time to fulfil itself.

What not to do this month: Do not dig over your beds. Shallow hoeing and hand weeding (we favour the hori-hori knife for this method, as it least disturbs the soil) to remove perennial weeds, followed by a thick layer of organic matter – at least four inches – will reduce not only the trampling and compaction caused by feet, but the number of dormant weed seeds brought to the surface to germinate.

Slugs will not benefit from cover provided by the clods caused by spades, and soil organisms will take down the mulch with fertilisers washed in by the rain. Heavy soils benefit greatly from this method – especially useful around these parts of Kent where we have clay sub-soil.

Plenty of organic matter, such as green compost – readily available from the recycling centres or aggregate companies for far less cost than at garden centres – will be willingly processed through the soil by heroic worms, leaving you to enjoy a

‘You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt’ – Anon ‘Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul’ – The Koran

sunny pre-spring day with a cup of something delicious and no aches or pains.

What to do: Leave a bit of grass long. With warmer weather and longer days, the grass soon starts to demand a mow, but leaving patches of it to grow long can be an attractive feature in the garden.

Move your bargain bench bought at the end of last season to just beside the tree you planted last month. Mow a path through the lawn and around the bench and leave the rest to grow longer.

In a short time you will be able to sit there in the spring sun, enjoying the view of the bulbs you planted in November, and you may even find a robin comes to say ‘Hi!’ The benefit of the longer grass is that it brings in myriad weeny wildlife, which in turn attracts larger beasts and birds.

At Mary Mary Creates Gardens, we have encouraged a number of our clients to shun the strimming in favour of a sea of waving sward.

Whether a pasture with a few mown paths, or a perfect patch in an urban lawn, each of them have noticed the increase in wild visitors, both winged and four-footed.

Wandering down a winding mown path, fingertips drifting through the feathery grass tips, is guaranteed to lift your heart. And it is free of both cost and effort.

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Gardening

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Pests and diseases that can ruin your potato crop – and how to stop them

3

Hannah Stephenson looks at three common problems which can devastate your crops POTATOES are in the spotlight at this time of year, thanks to the recent Potato Day (February 9) events, where spud lovers got a chance to quiz expert growers on the best varieties, growing methods and the tastiest cooking results.

While starting off seed potatoes by ‘chitting’ them - to encourage shoots to appear before they go into the ground - seems like child’s play for many, keeping them going may prove hard for some when diseases and pests attack.

So, what are the main enemies of the potato, and how can we deal with them?

1

POTATO BLIGHT This is among the most common and devastating diseases affecting potatoes, which can kill them virtually overnight.

The disease starts with brown patches on the

leaves from June, especially in warm, damp weather, then the stems turn brown or black and collapse, and the tubers will rot.

What you can do...

Once the disease has taken hold, there’s not a lot you can do unfortunately. You may be able to save crops later on in the season by removing all the top growth as soon as the blight is spotted, but check your tubers when you store them, as affected potatoes won’t store. Don’t leave blighted tubers in the ground either. They will all need digging up, otherwise the spores will likely spread again, affecting subsequent crops.

How you can prevent it...

Earthing up may help protect tubers, along with practising crop rotation - don’t grow potatoes on the same piece of land more than once every four years. Try growing early potatoes, which are usually ready for harvesting before blight invades. And go for blight-resistant types like the ‘Sarpo’ range.

2 Potato plants with blight

SLUGS The small black keeled slugs, which live underground, make holes in potatoes which are usually black, leaving the tubers inedible.

POTATO CYST EELWORMS These minuscule worm-like critters, which are nematodes, attack the roots of potatoes and cause the crop to fail. The first sign, which happens in mid to late summer, is when plants that are close together start dying from the base upwards. Reddish brown cysts the

What you can do...

Use beer traps around plants or apply slugkilling nematodes to the soil, which should help deter them.

‘Sarpo’ blightresistant potatoes

How you can prevent it...

Plant early varieties, which may be less affected, and lift maincrops early to minimise damage.

The RHS recommends using slug-resistant varieties including ‘Charlotte’, ‘Estima’, ‘Golden Wonder’, ‘Kestrel’, ‘Pentland Dell’, ‘Pentland Ivory’, ‘Pentland Squire’, ‘Stemster’, ‘Sante’ and ‘Wilja’.

Potato Day events nationwide run through to March, organised by garden clubs and societies.

size of a pinhead can be seen on the roots, and the leaves will start yellowing. The early death of the plants results in a poor crop of small tubers.

What you can do...

Not a lot, once it has taken hold. Your best bet is to destroy the affected crop and don’t grow potatoes there for at least six years, as the cyst eelworms remain alive but dormant in the soil for a long time.

How you can prevent it...

Use crop rotation methods to stop a build-up of cyst eelworm.

Diseased potato plant leaf

Life&Times

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

All’s fair when you show

your support for fair trade The annual international campaign Fairtrade Fortnight, which turns 25 this year, is on now and running until March 10. As both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge now boast Fairtrade status, here’s how you can support the appeal…

T For more information about the Fairtrade campaign and how to get involved, visit fairtrade.org.uk/ fortnight

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Recipe from The Hairy Bikers’ Big Book of Baking by Si King and Dave Myers, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson Photo: Cristian Barnett

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HE principal aim of Fairtrade Fortnight is to highlight the exploitation suffered by farmers, workers and communities in producing goods that we readily consume, such as chocolate, coffee, bananas and tea.

Tunbridge Wells has been a Fairtrade town for over ten years now, and Tonbridge has recently been granted its official status.

As a result we thought we’d share some of this year’s Fairtrade recipe and wine suggestions, along with some fascinating facts, so you, too, can do your best to support this worthy cause – which sees farmers and producers in developing countries obtain a fair price for their goods.

Each Fairtrade Fortnight has a different theme, and this year’s is entitled She Deserves a Living

Income. It centres around the fact that the average female cocoa farmer earns just £1.82 a day.

Fairtrade hopes to highlight some of the things that many of us take for granted, such as education, housing and healthcare – all the key elements that earning a decent income abroad can provide.

By purchasing Fairtrade assured products and supporting the many events taking place during Fairtrade Fortnight – which have included a flashmob dance in Tonbridge and a Mayoral breakfast at Tunbridge Wells Town Hall – you will help the farmers and producers struggling to earn a decent living.

Every year there are a number of celebrity chefs who lend their support, and for 2019 they include Melissa Hemsley and also The Hairy Bikers, whose delicious chocolate cake you’ll find on the right…

CHOCOLATE & HAZELNUT CAKE (TORTA GIANDUIA) Gianduia is a specialty of the Piedmont region and it’s a mixture of ground hazelnuts and chocolate, now mostly seen as the popular spread called Nutella Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes plus 30 minutes cooling | Serves 10 INGREDIENTS n 250g whole blanched hazelnuts n 200g butter, cubed, plus extra for greasing n2 00g Fairtrade dark chocolate, broken into squares n 6 RSPCA Assured medium eggs, separated n 200g Fairtrade caster sugar, preferably golden

n3 tbsp Frangelico hazelnut liqueur, or

Amaretto, or fresh orange juice Topping n 150g Nutella chocolate and hazelnut spread METHOD 1) Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 5.

Put the hazelnuts on a baking tray and roast them in the centre of the oven for 10 minutes, giving the pan a shake every 5 minutes, until

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

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6) Remove cake from oven and leave to cool in the tin for 30 minutes. Undo the spring-clip and invert the cake on to a serving plate, then peel off the lining paper and leave it to cool completely.

When the cake is cold, spread it with the Nutella and sprinkle with the hazelnuts you set aside – these can be whole or chopped, as you prefer.

1) A JUICY RED

BANANA AND CHOCOLATE BREAD This bread cake not only tastes divine, it’s the perfect way to use up all your overly-ripe Fairtrade bananas Preparation time 20 mins Cooking time 45 mins | Serves 8 INGREDIENTS n 225g plain flour n 1 tsp baking powder n 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda n 1 tsp ground cinnamon n Pinch of salt n4 very ripe Fairtrade bananas (mashed with a fork) n 3 tbsp sour cream n 1 tsp vanilla extract n 150g butter, softened n 1 00g Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Dark Soft Brown Sugar n5 0g Tate & Lyle Fairtrade Golden Caster Sugar n 3 eggs (beaten) n 75g Fairtrade dark chocolate chips n 1 tbsp runny honey METHOD 1) Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/ Gas Mark 3 and grease and line a loaf tin.

2) Sift the flour, baking powder,

bicarbonate of soda, ground cinnamon and salt together in a bowl, then set aside.

3) In a separate bowl, mix the banana with the sour cream and vanilla extract.

4) Beat together the butter and Tate & Lyle Sugars with an electric whisk until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, beating well between each addition. Finally add the flour mixture and mix thoroughly.

5) Fold in the banana and sour cream mixture, stir through the chocolate chips, then spoon the mixture into the tin.

6) Bake in the middle of the oven for 45 minutes.

7) Cool the cake in the tin for 10 minutes, then brush the top with honey. Leave for another 20 minutes, then carefully lift it out and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

2018 Co-op Bonarda-Malbec, Famatina Valley, Argentina (£5.25, Co-op) This hearty red from La Riojana, Argentina’s largest co-operative of small-scale grape farmers (Fairtrade certified in 2006), has an attractive black cherry and wild spice boost, plus a ripple of ripe tannin. The fruit here is sweet, ripe and tasty. Bang on for red meat dishes and outstanding value for a juicy and enjoyable weeknight wonder. The Co-op is the world’s largest Fairtrade wine retailer, and sales of this wine have backed a major project which has so far offered a clean water facility and a secondary school for over 600 children.

Suitable for vegans. Alc 13%

1

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

5) Working quickly, stir the Frangelico, Amaretto or orange juice into the chocolate mixture to soften. Add a couple of tablespoonfuls of the whisked egg white and stir until thoroughly combined, then gently fold in the remaining egg white. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and bake in the centre of the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is well risen and feels firm.

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Fairtrade Fortnight is a good time to stock up on ethicallysourced wines from estates that care about their workers’ welfare as much as their profits – and maybe a couple bars of Fairtrade chocolate, too! Times Drinks Editor James Viner recommends two tidy bargain basement wine examples…

2) Butter a 23cm spring-clip cake tin and line the base with baking parchment. Place 200g of the hazelnuts in a food processor and blend them until they are fairly finely ground. You need them to be fine enough to hold the other ingredients as the cake cooks, but leave a few coarser pieces to add texture. If you blend the nuts to the consistency of fine breadcrumbs they should work a treat. Set the remaining nuts aside.

4) Beat the egg yolks and sugar together with an electric hand-whisk for at least 5 minutes until pale and creamy, then stir into the chocolate mixture until thoroughly combined. Wash and dry the beaters well. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form – they are ready when you can turn the bowl upside down without the eggs sliding out. Do not over-whisk.

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Let’s drink to Fairtrade

they are golden brown. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn. Remove and leave them to cool for a few minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4.

3) Put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set it above a pan of gently simmering water. Stir occasionally, and as soon as nearly all the chocolate has melted, remove the bowl from the pan and continue to let the chocolate melt in the residual heat. Stir in the ground hazelnuts and leave to cool for 5 minutes.

Food & Drink

2) A CRISP WHITE

2018 Fairhills ‘Cape Original’ Chenin Blanc-Chardonnay, South Africa (£5.49, Aldi) In response to swelling consumer demand, Aldi has just launched three new vegan-friendly Fairtrade wines in collaboration with the fruitful South African wine project, Fairhills.

Melon, citrus, guava and nectarine all swirl quietly behind the shelter of life-giving acidity in this medium-bodied white from the Breedekloof valley in the Western Cape.

Supple, balanced and harmonious, it’s very decent value for money. A great everyday bottle for a guilt-free aperitif or to drink with seared scallops, light chicken dishes, picnics or Thai fishcakes.

Seems a fair deal to me. Alc 12.5% For more information on buying Fairtrade wine, visit fairtrade. org.uk/buyingfairtrade/wine

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EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk SouthboroughFOR Feature

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Spotlight on Southborough We celebrate one of the area’s most vibrant and thriving towns

HUB OF ACTIVITY The new £10million Southborough Hub

NESTLED between the two larger towns of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, many people pass through Southborough as they commute up and down the A26 London Road, but there is far more to the town than just its location.

Southborough, which comes under the auspices of the Borough of Tunbridge Wells, has its own town council, and is undergoing a period of investment that will see a new £10 million mixed-use development being built on the site of the former Victoria Hall Theatre.

The Southborough Hub will include a theatre, library, council offices and a medical centre, creating a vibrant, thriving new heart to the town.

Situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of Southborough’s jewels is its beautiful common.

The woodland area of Southborough Common, just behind St. Peters church, is a delightful broadleaf woodland featuring ancient and young trees sloping down to a stream, and an interesting sandstone gully covered in moss.

Cricket has been played on the Common for more than 200 years, and the town also has three football clubs, including Ridgewaye FC, which has more than 550 boys and girls aged six to eighteen as members.

With its population of just over 11,000 people, Southborough has cosmopolitan roots too. It has just celebrated its 25th anniversary of being twinned with the town of Lambersart in France, while a friendship between Southborough and Kaniv in the Ukraine began in 2001, and citizens of both towns regularly visit one another as welcome guests.

With its independent shops and intriguing

N NEWSLET

Independent opticians providing the best eye care for all the family Independent opticians providing the best eye care for all the family

October/November/D Children 'getting sight proble Independent opticians providing test delays Children 'getting sight problems because of e the best eye care for all the family Children are developing permanent problems with their visio test delays' tests early enough, optometrists have warned.

Welcome to day lewis Opticians

Eye Carepermanent • Lensesproblems Frames • Contact Children are developing with their visionLenses because they are not being tests early enough, optometrists have warned.

An Association of Optometrists survey of 1,200 people indicate

Ability Plumbing (South UK) Ltd. 80 London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0PP. Phone: Office 01892 514495. | Email: info@ability.uk.com

not been taken for a sight test by their parents. Of parents sur Follow us on Facebook An Association of Optometrists 1,200 people indicated a quarter ofscreening, school-agethe chi in survey primaryofschool.

While some schools do offer not been taken for a sight testprovided by their free parents.

Of NHS. parents surveyed, 52% thought tests wou on the in primary school. While some schools do offer screening, the tests are less comprehensive dlopticians.co.uk provided free on the NHS. Delayed diagnosis can make treatment for sight problems such much less effective.

One in 50 children will develop amblyopia Biggin Hill | Croydon | Edenbridge | Riverhead | Southborough Delayed diagnosis can make treatment for sight problems such as amblyopia, known as "laz build a strong link to the brain, causing vision to not develop p much less effective. One in 50The children will develop amblyopia, where one or both eyes are NHS recommend that children should be screened for the build a strong link to the brain, causingharder vision to develop properly. becomes to not treat after the age of six. Treatments includ The NHS recommend that children be screened when drops should to obscure the visionforinthe thecondition stronger eye to they maketurn thefou we becomes harder to treat after the age of six. Treatments include glasses and using an eye pa drops to obscure the vision inThe theAssociation stronger eyeofto make the weaker harder.

Optometrists (AOP)one alsowork surveyed 1,246 pra ...Now you can with our seen children in the past year whose vision problems could ha The Association of Optometrists (AOP) also surveyed 1,246 practising optometrists and an earlier diagnosis.

Of these, 89% had diagnosed cases of foun amb ...Now you can with our seen children in the past yearbeen whose vision problems could have been treated more success better treated if they had been spotted earlier an earlier diagnosis. Of these, 89% had diagnosed cases of amblyopia in the past year that c been better treated if they had beenTopia, spotted earlier Farah from the AOP, said: "Catching conditions early ca Offer valid until March 31st 2011 development. "For amblyopia, treating a condition early mean Farah Topia, from the AOP, said: "Catching conditions can"All be massively important vision in that eye are a lotearly better. children under 16 arefor en Offer valid until March 31st 2011 development. "For amblyopia,really treating a condition means that the chances of improvi important for usearly to make parents aware that this is avail vision in that eye are a lot better.

"All children under 16 are entitled to an NHS-funded sight children to access." really important for us to make parents aware that this is available for them and available fo children to access."

The AOP's A B See campaign calls on parents to take their child opticians every two years, or more often if their optometrist re The AOP's A B See campaign calls on parents to take their children for an NHS-funded sight opticians every two years, or more often if their optometrist recommends it.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Southborough

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Feature

COMMON TOUCH Southborough‘s jewel of a common eateries, is a great area to enjoy a stroll and just explore, as many of the businesses in this idyllic yet vibrant town are proud to explain.

Daniel Moon of Ability Plumbing, a family business with more than 40 years of history chose to settle in Southborough because of its

convenient location.

“We are a family business started by our father Terry Moon and now run by my brother and I. We both did our apprenticeships from school before taking the decision to start the company,” he says.

“We chose to base ourselves in Southborough as we are familiar with the area and it is central to the two main towns that we service, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, and we are looking forward to the next 40 years. We will continue to offer our outstanding services to both our existing and new clients alike.”

Tailors Hardman & Hemming decided to relocate to Southborough after being in business for 36 years, as owner, Stuart Hardman, explains: “We have been in Southborough since 2016 and we love being part of the local community and to be carrying on the long tradition that our shop has with tailoring, where suits have been made for almost 40 years,” says Mr Hardman.

He says his tailors used to be a sweet shop in the town, and many in the community still remember that fact.

“We still keep a jar of sweets too for those who remember 116 as a sweet shop,” he recalls.

But why set up shop in Southborough?

“I like to think that Southborough chose us as the opportunity to carry on tailoring here came at just the right time.

“Southborough has so much to offer, it is full of small independent businesses that I don’t think you can find anywhere else in once place. On what other High Street can you find a hardware store, opticians, cake shop, pet shop, tattooist,

Furniture and Kitchen unit refurbishment

Before

After

102 London Road Southborough, Kent TN4 0PW 01892 458021 | www.chestsanddrawers.co.uk

cafes, furniture shops and interiors and yes even a tailors? The list goes on and on. It really is a one off and we are proud to be part of it.”

Hardman & Hemming are not the only Southborough business who believe the town chose them. Opticians Day Lewis set up shop in the town 27 years ago in 1992, and they have never looked back.

Charming “We came to help out a friend who was originally in Southborough doing our glazing work and because we liked it so much we stayed,” remembers optician, Kenesh Patel.

“It really is a charming town with lots to offer.

“Here at Day Lewis Opticians we have seen the

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high street change over the years, but there is still a strong sense of community and friendliness from everyone in the area. This is the reason why we are still here after 25 years.”

Pet shop Pets Fayre, is among some of the oldest businesses in Southborough, established 50 years ago. New owner Sarah who took over the shop three years ago explains what tempted her to the town: “Having spent my career working in the City, it was time for a change. I’ve always loved animals and dreamed of finding a job where I could take my dog with me.

“My vision was to open a pet shop that was a one-stop destination for everything to do with animal welfare: boarding, grooming, dog walking, rehoming, advice and supplies.

“But over the last few years we’ve seen it evolve into more of a community hub for both pets and their owners. The fact that we’re thriving here is testament to the fantastic community spirit in Southborough.

“It’s a great location, but working in the heart of this community and the countryside, it doesn’t get much better than that. And I think my dog agrees with me!”

At the Southborough Centre, local businesspeople take advantage of readily available, modern office space behind a beautiful Victorian façade on Draper Street.

“We established it in 2002,” says owner Michael Churchward. “It was developed to fill a gap in the market for local serviced offices.

“Not only is Southborough the perfect location with regard to convenience – we have access to the A21, leading to the M25, Tonbridge station, and of course Tunbridge Wells – but there are great local facilities as well.

“It’s such a vibrant area, and it matches the atmosphere that we strive for in our offices. We have a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere, providing a warm welcome for all. The Centre is equipped with a large meeting room for up to 12 people, break-out areas and in-house technical support.”

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Books

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

6/10

Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99). Available now

Winter reads…

Time to unwind and relax, and what better way than with a great book? Here are a few suggestions for your seasonal reading…

There are certain authors we all think we ought to read, whose works haunt us in bookshops clamouring to be bought, but who, for one reason or another, we never get around to devoting time to. Tessa Hadley is one such author for me. Much praised by the likes of writer Zadie Smith, Hadley has literary clout, and in Late In The Day spins a nuanced tale focused on a pair of married couples who are shattered by the death of Zach, the gregarious soul of their friendship. It is clever and thoughtful, drawing out the frustrations of middle life and the trials of long, protracted friendships. It’s also smattered with musings on art, literature, money – and in truth is wholly impressive. Yet, I did not adore it, and instead put it down feeling uneasy, raw and disliking almost every character. Hadley certainly succeeds in making you feel something, even if it’s not what you’d hoped.

(Review by Ella Walker)

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Blood Orange

by Harriet Tyce

Published in hardback by Wildfire, priced £12.99 (ebook £6.49). Available now

8/10

Blood Orange is the debut novel from criminal barrister turned writer, Harriet Tyce.

Unsurprisingly, it is a psychological thriller which tells the story of 30-something criminal barrister Allison Wood, who has just landed her first murder case. Blood Orange has all the vital components of a juicy thriller: Jealousy, betrayal, lies, and twist upon twist. Allison’s marriage is crumbling, as her career begins to take off. She distracts herself from the misery of her personal life by way of an illicit affair with one of her colleagues, and copious amounts of wine. This is essential reading for fans of Girl On The Train and Apple Tree Yard, and it is just as unpredictable and pageturningly good. Dark, disturbing and gripping – definitely not recommended for the faint-hearted.

(Review by Frances Wright)

Late In The Day

by Tessa Hadley

The Beauty Of The Wolf by Wray Delaney

Published in hardback by HQ, priced £12.99 (ebook £7.99).

Available February now Set in an Elizabethan England where belief in magic, alchemy, fairies and monsters still survives, the novel begins with a curse laid on a cruel lord by a vengeful eco-sorceress, saying the beauty of a son will cause his death. Billed as a retelling of the Beauty And The Beast, what follows is a rambling tale of

hybrid beings, transformations and appearances which adds little to the power of the classic fairy tale.

A medley of theatre references includes cross-dressing, concealed identity, a troupe of travelling players and a pop-up appearance

by Shakespeare himself, but the book’s message about the perils of both extreme beauty and beastliness feels lost amidst the plot’s many twists and turns.

A whimsical adult offering from the award-winning author of YA hit Maggot Moon (written as Sally Gardner).

(Review by Lucy Whetman)

6/10

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk NON-FICTION

Childless Voices: Stories Of Longing, Loss, Resistance And Choice by Lorna Gibb

8/10

Published in paperback by Granta, priced £14.99 (ebook £10.79).

Available now

The cliched question: “When are you going to start a family?” is often greeted by eye rolling among young western women.

But the asker’s causal intrusion could be causing a lot of hidden pain. In a candid amalgamation of personal experience and extensive CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

Charlie Changes Into A Chicken

by Sam Copeland

Books

international research, university professor Lorna Gibb collects dozens of stories about the many variations of childlessness.

She debunks the myth of ‘careerfocused, selfish’ women and shares heartbreaking personal tales of abuse, and even death, in cultures that see no value in women who are not mothers. While short, this is not an easy read – but Dr Gibb’s point that sharing experience is the only way to understand each other, and overcome stigma, is true in all societies.

(Review by Natalie Bowen) ridiculous and silly and will have readers snorting with giggles.

(Review by Holly Williams)

Published in paperback by Puffin Books, priced £6.99 (ebook £3.99).

Available now Literary agent Sam Copeland will have you laughing out loud with his side-splitting debut. The first in a new series, illustrated by awardwinning Sarah Horne, this children’s book sees nine-year-old Charlie McGuffin discover an amazing but highly unusual power – the ability to change into animals. Brought on for the first time when Charlie is worried about his sick brother and hears his mum and dad arguing, he soon realises he has no control over his new-found superpower.

He drafts in his three best friends to help him work out what triggers his secret talent before risking public humiliation on stage in his school production. It is fantastically

9/10

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BOOK CHARTS HARDBACKS 1. The Binding by Bridget Collins 2. Becoming by Michelle Obama 3. The Boy Who Followed His Father Into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield 4. The Familiars by Stacey Halls 5. Normal People by Sally Rooney 6. I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella 7. The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney 8. The Story Of Brexit by Jason Hazeley and Joel Morris 9. The Lost Man by Jane Harper 10. The Age Of Surveillance Capitalism

by Shoshana Zuboff (Compiled by Waterstones) PAPERBACKS 1. Tangerine by Christine Mangan 2. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn 3. Still Me by Jojo Moyes 4. A Pinch Of Magic by Michelle Harrison 5. The Cut Out Girl by Bart Van Es 6. Broken Ground by Val McDermid 7. The Tattoist Of Auschwitz by Heather Morris 8. This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay 9. Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott 10. Everything I Know About Love

by Dolly Alderton (Compiled by Waterstones) E-BOOKS 1. The Corner Shop In Cockleberry Bay

by Nicola May 2. The Rumour by Lesley Kara 3. Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane 4. The Infirmary by LJ Ross 5. The Shape Of Lies by Rachel Abbott 6. The Girl In The Corner by Amanda Prowse 7. This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay 8. Day Of The Accident by Nuala Ellwood 9. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley 10. Next Victim by Helen H Durrant (Compiled by Amazon)

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Travel

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

How a weekend in Dubai can be good for your soul This opulent Arab state is an excellent place for a short wellness break, says Keira Black

‘A yogi-wannabe, I set myself up with a mat and muddle through the copious vinyasas.

Afterwards, I feel fully invigorated, and the fresh-pressed health juice definitely helps’

N

ICKNAMED the Vegas of the Middle East, Dubai has an impressive array of high-rises, sprouting from the Arabian Desert like an ambitious but unfinished game of Sims.

A flamboyant metropolis interspersed with mighty highways, Segways and supercars buzzing in every direction, this is a place to work hard and play hard, too.

And for a wellness weekend, Dubai also makes a good destination. Here’s how to spend a healthy two days…

DAY ONE: THE SPA BIT Start as you mean to go on Nothing starts the day quite like waking up to a panoramic view of Dubai’s palm-studded sprawl, the imposing Burj Khalifa tower puncturing the clouds like a gigantic needle.

I’m treated to the sight from my sky-high room at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, a lavish 51-floor oasis slap-bang in the city’s flashy financial district.

Breakfast can be a minefield of calorific pitfalls, but at Mundo, the hotel’s dining lounge, a helpfully signposted ‘healthy area’ offers smoothies and omelettes, all freshly prepared.

Breakfast fajita or falafel wrap? No problem – ask and it shall appear.

I eat well in preparation for the afternoon ahead – spa therapy can be so tiring!

TAKE A PRE-LUNCH DIP IN THE SPA If you’ve never experienced a floatation tank, the Madinat Jumeirah’s Talise Spa is the place to do it. Reclining in a bodytemperature bath filled with salt and enchanting essential lemongrass oils is, as promised, deliciously restful. I close my eyes and feel like I’m gliding through space, as soft jets gently rotate me.

Mind you, catching sight of myself in the reflective ceiling, pinging slowly around the sunken mosaic bath like a bikini-clad screensaver, is also quite the experience.

How: The Floatation Bath costs AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) 204/£43 for a 30-minute treatment.

SPEND AN AFTERNOON AT THE BEACH Newly invigorated, I hit the beach. La Mer is an American-style, relaxed, man-made strip, and a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

After a brief paddle in the water, I head for Comptoir 102, an award-winning interiors store and café in the charming Old Jumeirah area of the city.

The menu is a health buff’s dream with an all-organic spread, including seaweed hummus and vegan protein bowls.

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk How: The 45-minute Prama class costs AED 55/£11.50 for guests and AED 85/£18 for non-guests.

CITY LIGHTS The terrace at Jumeriah Emirates Towers

The grilled vegetable sourdough sandwich does not disappoint (AED 50/£10) – and neither do the beautiful lampshades made from recycled materials.

How: Visit comptoir102.com ENJOY A NIGHT OF ITALIAN DELIGHTS After a sunset stroll through colourful design hotspot Alserkal Avenue, it’s time for dinner at Alta Badia restaurant on the Jumeirah’s 50th floor.

Once the vertigo subsides, I’m overwhelmed by the city’s myriad lights blinking below me, as well as a strange Big Ben lookalike staring in the floor-to-ceiling window.

The Italian-inspired menu offers such delights as beef and black truffle tortelli and fresh seafood linguine, but I request a vegan surprise – a challenge which Head Chef Mansoor accepts with gusto.

Just 15 minutes later, he presents me with the most delicious, freshly-

made mushroom and caramelised onion ravioli I’ve ever eaten.

How: A three-course meal costs around AED 283/£57.

DAY TWO: THE EXERCISE SESSION – BREAK INTO AN EARLY SWEAT Health and wellness isn’t all about pampering; it’s also about high-intensity leaping, lifting and sprinting in a dark room lit intermittently with LED lights.

I get a fitness fix at Fairmont The Palm on the Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s three artificial palmshaped archipelagos.

Prama is the Fairmont’s take on the humble HIIT class. It’s similar to circuit training, but with neon lights leading you through the stations, and instructor Richie ensuring you don’t drop the ball – literally – for a nanosecond.

It’s an excellent precursor to cocktails on the terrace later on – now you’ll really deserve that signature Bistrotini.

SPEND THE DAY CRUISING BY BOAT You may never have your fill of lavish poolside lounging, but an Abra boat tour at the nearby Madinat Jumeirah hotel is worth leaving your sunbed for.

Whooshing through man-made canals with the impressive Burj Al Arab hotel rising from the sea before me, I feel a deep contentment that’s only heightened by the jovial disposition of our captain, Dilip.

Like so many others in Dubai, he is charismatic, electric, and noticeably joyful – a feeling that rubs off on you as you spend time in this city.

With a deep golden sunset enveloping

Travel

the busy skyline as the boat docks, inner peace is inevitable.

How: Tours cost AED 75/£16 through the Madinat Jumeriah hotel. Visit jumeirah.com CALMING YOGA ON THE BEACH If you’re ready to wind down, do so beside the gently lapping ocean at one of the seaside yoga classes on the Fairmont The Palm’s private beach.

Not a yogi but a yogi-wannabe, I set myself up with a mat and muddle through the copious vinyasas beneath the stars.

Afterwards, I feel fully invigorated, and the fresh-pressed health juice definitely helps.

How: The 90-minute yoga classes take place monthly. AED 80/£17 per person, or AED 150/£32 for two.

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END THE WEEKEND WITH A TREAT The real fun of the evening begins, however, as you step foot into the Fairmont’s popular Little Miss India restaurant.

It is devoted to the fictional character Mohini Singh, whose personal belongings adorn the interior to create an eclectic and enchanting wonderland.

With mouthwatering regional Indian dishes and an array of stunningly presented cocktails (the winner for me is the tropical, gingery Slumdog Millionaire), guests are taken on a culinary journey, all against the backdrop of the glimmering Dubai Marina. Just dreamy.

How: A three-course meal costs from AED 160/£34. Cocktails from AED 75/£15.

HOW TO GET THERE Rooms at the Jumeriah Emirates Towers start from AED 600/£127 with breakfast. Visit jumeriah.com Rooms at Fairmont The Palm start from AED 586/ £124 with breakfast. Visit fairmont.com For more information on the destination, go to visitdubai.com

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Motoring

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Motoring News

This week… n Brexit prices alert Model Ford on way n Dog Mode warning n

Porsche warns buyers of possible 10% post-Brexit tariff price rises GERMAN carmaker Porsche is warning customers that they might have to pay extra for their new vehicles after Brexit.

Buyers placing orders are being asked to sign a clause in their contracts saying they would be prepared to cover the cost of a potential 10% tariff the British government might impose when the UK leaves the EU on March 29.

The move has raised fears that the beleaguered motor industry – already struggling in the face of Brexit uncertainty and a massive decline in demand for diesel cars – could suffer even more.

Porsche said: “As one potential outcome of the Brexit negotiations, there is a possibility that a duty of up to 10% may be applied to cars imported into the UK by us after March 29. In light of this, we have chosen to inform customers whose

cars are likely to arrive after Brexit occurs to warn them that they may be affected by this tariff – allowing them to be fully informed at the point of sale and, if they wish, to adjust their order accordingly.

“Customers who have placed deposits on or before January 17 this year will not be affected by this change.”

Porsche is part of the Volkswagen group but it is unclear whether sister manufacturers such as VW, Seat and Audi are making similar preparations.

A 10% price increase would see a basic Porsche Macan SUV go from £46,344 to £50,978 and an entry-level iconic 911 sports car rise to £102,421 from £93,110.

The move was greeted with dismay by AA President Edmund King, who said: “Import tariffs alone could push up the list price of cars imported to the UK from the continent by an average of £1,500 if brands and their retail networks were unable to absorb these additional costs.”

Rebecca Chaplin, Editor of Car Dealer magazine, said: “Car dealers and manufacturers need to be able to communicate the prices of cars clearly to customers – it’s a fundamental of this business and the government isn’t helping them.”

New Ford Focus ST breaks cover ONE of the most anticipated cars of 2019 has been unveiled – the Ford Focus ST. Available in both hatchback and estate body styles, the performance machine tops the Focus range and boasts bags of new technology.

Two engines are available. The headline-grabber is a 2.3-litre petrol with 276bhp and 420Nm sent to the front wheels via a sixspeed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. Ford says to expect the 0-60mph sprint to come in under six seconds.

Breaking the anti-diesel trend, Ford is also offering a 2.0-litre unit producing 187bhp and 400Nm so expect performance to be down on its petrol stablemate.

Helping to distribute that power across the front axle effectively

is a Ford-first electronic limited-slip differential, while selectable drive modes make an ST debut, allowing the car to be optimised for a number of driving conditions.

Along with ST badging and aluminium trim highlights throughout the cabin, a set of Recaro seats feature up front to enhance the performance feel of the hatchback.

The exterior goes a step further than the already aggressivelooking Focus ST Line with revised grille designs, a larger rear spoiler and the addition of a twin-exit exhaust system. There is an optional Performance Pack and a list of luxury features.

Full UK pricing should follow soon, and order books will open in the summer.

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Animal charities worried about Tesla’s Dog Mode ANIMAL charities have expressed ‘serious concerns’ over Tesla’s Dog Mode, designed to keep pets cool in unattended cars.

The software update, which has been just been made available on all Tesla models, allows owners to leave the air-conditioning on in their cars to keep their pets cool, with a message on the infotainment screen telling passers-by they will be back soon.

However, animal charities say pets could ‘die in minutes’ if the technology failed.

RSPCA Campaign Manager Holly Barber said: “Technology can fail and it isn’t worth the risk of injury to your pet to put them in this situation.

“Many people think it will be fine just to leave their pets for a minute or two, but we know that this is all it takes for temperatures inside a car to soar to dangerous levels. Our advice is never to leave a dog in a car on a warm day.”

Mark Bossley, Chief Vet at pet charity Blue Cross, said: “Blue Cross would have serious concerns that this [Tesla] system could lead to complacency with owners that it is OK to leave their dog alone in a car. They could become a target for opportunist thieves and there are dangers in warmer weather, as dogs can die in minutes if left in a hot car.”

The idea of a Dog Mode was first suggested directly to Elon Musk last October by Twitter user John Atchely.

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

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WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CODEWORD 4

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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.

2 4

Codeword:

7

2 4 9 4 7 1

9 6 3 5 6 2 7 1 3 3 2 1 8 4

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

8

3

3 26

5 15

23

14 1

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1 12

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12 19

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★✩✩✩

2

1 2 5

3 7

9

4 1 9 2 9 8 4

6

8 3 7 3 © 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

1

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★✩✩

CLASSIFIEDS

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Puzzles

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 a forthcoming issue

A C B H O X I Y A Z E N T E L I Q U N F A I T R E E L D A D

C O R D S C V A A D E R E L A R W S T I L L R N E J A H U N U K I O L D I N G D E A S O N R A P E I D Y Y E A R

H E D I R P S E P A OOM E S E D A R I P A E C E R E U N S

Sudoku:

2 1 7 6 9 4 8 5 3

8 5 4 7 1 3 6 9 2

9 3 6 2 5 8 7 4 1

5 7 8 3 4 2 9 1 6

6 9 2 8 7 1 5 3 4

1 4 3 5 6 9 2 8 7

7 8 5 4 3 6 1 2 9

3 2 4 5 7 1 8 6 9

7 9 6 8 4 5 2 3 1

2 8 3 7 6 9 4 1 5

4 6 1 9 2 5 3 7 8

3 2 9 1 8 7 4 6 5

Jigsaw Sudoku:

4 1 5 9 3 2 7 8 6

8 3 2 6 5 7 1 9 4

1 7 9 4 2 8 6 5 3

5 6 8 1 9 4 3 2 7

6 5 7 2 1 3 9 4 8

9 4 1 3 8 6 5 7 2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Wednesday February 27 | 2019

Angels’ play-off hopes hit defensive brick wall

By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: THE visitors dug in deep at Longmead and did enough to shade victory with a strong defensive display in this battle for play-off positions in the Bostik League Premier.

Tonbridge’s first defeat of 2019 saw them sink from third place to fifth, replaced by Merstham, and the game was indicative of what is proving a tight contest below the top two.

Angels largely dominated the first period but ended up a goal down at the break.

After five minutes a Sonny Miles header drifted just wide and on 20 minutes Chinedu McKenzie saw his effort deflected for a corner.

New striker Tom Derry forced two good saves from Merstham goalkeeper Amadou Tangara inside three minutes around the half-hour mark.

The Moatsiders took the lead in 39th minute

when a cross from the right was converted by Walter Figuera – the visitors’ first effort on target.

Figuera might have doubled the advantage two minutes before half-time, and in stoppage time Joe Turner had two chances to equalise.

The second half saw the visitors come much more into the game, with a particularly good spell of pressure around the hour-mark.

With just the one goal in it the home side were still very much in the game but simply could not create any real momentum to their play, which played into the Moatsiders’ hands.

In the 80th minute Miles produced a strong header and with Tangara beaten, the Merstham defence made a desperate block on the line.

In truth it was about the only real moment of quality for home side during the second half, and Merstham hung on to record a deserved victory.

Now Tonbridge face a crucial trip to Enfield, who lie just two points below them in sixth place in the table, on Saturday [March 2, kick-off 3pm].

PHOTO: David Couldridge

Tonbridge Angels 0 Merstham 1

KICKER Caption body to go in this style thankyou

FIRING BLANKS Joe Turner unleashes a shot

Rustic Murray steals spoils from local rivals The Wells had a good chance with a closerange header from a corner but Robbie Bissett cleared off the line.

Rusthall suffered a blow when Louis Clarke had to go off midway through the first half with a pulled hamstring.

At the start of the second half Nodirbek Bobomuradov almost opened the scoring for Rusthall but his shot went inches wide.

NICK OF TIME Rusthall celebrate Sam Murray’s winner

Tunbridge Wells 1 Rusthall 2

By Joe Croker FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL secured bragging rights in the local derby against Tunbridge Wells, Sam Murray robbing the neighbours with two minutes to spare.

The Rustics are giving themselves a fighting chance of avoiding relegation after registering their second consecutive win - and only their

third of the season - in Southern Counties East League Premier Division.

The rivalry was played out in perfect weather in front of an impressive crowd of over 400.

But the first half was destined to end goalless, with the play littered with mistakes and the teams largely cancelling each other out.

The most likely source of a goal was from Tunbridge Wells sending free kicks into the box for Perry Spackman to attack but the Rusthall defence stood firm.

PHOTO: Brendan Kemp

Space The game then changed with Wells exerting pressure and pushing forward and Rusthall looking to exploit the space and counter-attack.

In the 62nd minute Louis Anderson made room for himself down the Wells right and with not much to aim at, he put the ball into the box.

Charlie Clover, surrounded by Wells defenders, managed to get on the ball and put it into the net – though it may have gone in off Dane Moore for an own goal.

Wells pressed for the equaliser and Rusthall still looked threatening on the break. In the 82nd minute the home side levelled when a good cross into the box was met by Tom Pearson, who headed into the net.

Both sides went searching for the winner and it almost came Rusthall’s way when another misplaced clearance hit Clover but flew to safety.

With time running out in the 88th minute, the ball was played harmlessly into the direction of

SUNDAY BEST Rusthall’s Moses Sunday sprints past Lewis Mingle the Wells goal and keeper Cameron Hall opted to let it run into the penalty box to pick it up.

However, Sam Murray nipped in ahead of the keeper, pushed the ball past him and finished into the empty net for the winner.

While the Wells’ stunning recovery has hit the buffers of late, Rusthall are now a point away from the safety zone behind Hollands & Blair.

Tunbridge Wells entertain Erith Town on Saturday [March 2], while Rusthall are at home to Deal Town [kick-offs 3pm].

Harsh lesson for Men as keeper Harris is sin-binned for dissent London Edwardians 0 Tunbridge Wells 4 HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS put up a brave fight in the absence of four establishing first-team players but their London hosts proved strong for them at King’s College.

London Edwardians were in fourth place in the South Premier League, while Tunbridge Wells are battling hard to move up the table away from the relegation places.

The game started as an even contest with chances coming at both ends.

James Harris in the Wells’ goal had to make a fine save early on from a penalty stroke.

But towards the end of the first half London Edwardians took the lead, scoring from the

rebound at a short corner.

Wells continued to create chances after the break, and a short corner from Ben Allberry required a fine save from the home keeper.

The game’s key moment came soon after as the ball came off an Edwardians player’s chest before being slotted home, which was not spotted by the umpires.

To compound Wells’ frustration, keeper Harris received a temporary suspension after protesting about the incident.

The home side sneaked a further goal while Wells were a man down, and scored a fourth as the visitors pushed hard to get something from the game late on.

The tough matches keep coming for Wells, who now take on second-placed Spencer at Kent College on Saturday [March 2, 3pm start].

RED HOT: Tunbridge Wells Men’s Second XI guaranteed they will finish champions of Kent Division Two after they beat Deal First XI 6-1. (Back row, l-r) Chris Pelham, Ben Brandt, Isaac Bepey, James Huntley, Harry Turner, Mitch Hawksbee, Will Brooks, Vince Holden (coach); (front) Tim Sylvester, George Priestley, Ollie Bateman, Dan Credland, Luke Edwards, Nate Webster, Bailey Wright

Wednesday February 27 | 2019

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World champ Williams comes to town to show off skills – but he’ll keep clothes on

By Andy Tong WORLD champion Mark Williams will be coming to the Victoria Snooker Centre on Camden Road on Friday [March 1] to show off his skills and personality.

The 43-year-old Welshman is back at the top of his game, having found his form again in 2018 after a six-year drought without a ranking tournament victory.

Before the semi-finals at the Crucible last year, he said he would do his press conference in the nude if he won the World Championship.

Mark duly achieved sporting notoriety by turning up without his clothes on, through he was told to wear a towel.

‘Evenings like this have always been successful and they mean a lot to us’ He has also promised, tongue in cheek, to perform naked cartwheels if he repeats his feat in April and May this year.

The final, against John Higgins, was described as one of the best ever, Williams winning 18-16 to claim his third world crown.

At 43 he was the oldest winner since Ray Reardon in 1978; it was also 15 years since his last title, the longest time span between victories in the history of the tournament.

He will play 10 exhibition frames against members of the public, and it is hoped that he will bring along a replica of the World Championship trophy.

Graham Martin, the owner of the Victoria club, said: “This would be amazing as we have had numerous world champions here, but never the trophy, so there will be great photos for all.

“I’m sure Mark will be well and truly keeping his kit on in Tunbridge Wells, but we will be looking forward to him doing naked cartwheels when he wins the trophy again this season.”

He added: “This is one I’ve been wanting for two years. He’s come back on the scene at the top level. His snooker’s entertaining, and off the table he’s a jokable man.”

Mark will play 10 frames against members of the public, including the 11-year-old Tunbridge Wells snooker prodigy Dylan Smith (inset), who is currently taking part in a gruelling season of junior tournaments across the South-East.

The renowned referee Michaela Tabb will be attending along with Sky Sports walk-on girl Jade Slusarczyk .

The Victoria Snooker Centre has already played host to an outstanding roster of top professionals and the exhibition events have proved highly popular.

“Evenings like this have always been successful and they mean a lot to us as we feel that we are bringing to Tunbridge Wells what – and who – the people want,” said Graham.

The club had been facing an uncertain future with the plans to redevelop the Royal Victoria

Walker warms up with hat-trick ahead of semi-final with Stones FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS Ladies host Maidstone United at Longmead Stadium this Sunday [March 3] in a vital Kent County Plate semi-final.

The two sides are arch rivals in the league, battling for promotion in the South East Counties Division One East.

The contest is expected to be evenly matched but the Angels will be looking for a repeat of their 4-1 league win over the Stones back in October.

The visitors are seeking revenge for that shock result, having won all four encounters between the sides the previous season.

It is the second semi-final the Angels have

reached this season, having also progressed to the last four of the Chairman’s Cup. Their knockout form has come as welcome relief after the side slipped to three consecutive defeats in the league at the start of 2019.

With no game scheduled for the third consecutive week, Tonbridge warmed up for the game with a 5-1 friendly win away to Diamond United on Sunday.

Sara Walker scored a hat-trick with Becky Janes and Becky Mackley also finding the net.

The match kicks off at 2pm. Entry to the game on Sunday is £2 with Programme for Adults and all children get in free.

EARN YOUR STRIPES: Tunbridge Wells Harrier Michele Bradshaw tops the UK charts after running the quickest 5km by a woman in the country this year in the F60 category [for women aged 60 or over]. In the Serpentine 5k race in London last weekend, Michele posted a personal best time of 22min 4sec.

TOP TABLE Mark Williams with his trophy at the Crucible last year

Centre behind the premises looking likely to spill over on to the Camden Road entrance.

But Graham says he has been in discussions with the new owners of the shopping centre, British Land, and is reassured by their vision.

“The future of the club is looking a lot brighter,” he told the Times. “We have been in conversation with British Land, who had scrapped the previous owners’ plans.

“And they have now informed us that they are ready to discuss a new lease in the very near future. As I stated at the last event we had in November 2017, we are staying!”

Standard tickets cost £30, with a VIP option including drinks at £60. To buy a ticket, call 07376 015716 or email vscsnooker@hotmail.co.uk