Times of Tunbridge Wells 21st October 2020

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Wednesday October 21 | 2020

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Government tops up arts lifeline to almost £1million

By Richard Williams ANOTHER boost this week for arts and culture in Tunbridge Wells with the news that the Assembly Hall Theatre has been awarded more than £500,000 to help it survive the Covid pandemic.

The financial lifeline from the Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund, comes after both Trinity Theatre and the iconic music venue The Forum were awarded around £420,000 between them last week.

The Government has now provided close to £1million for arts in Tunbridge Wells, securing the future of three venues until at least March next year.

The Assembly Hall was one of 588 arts organisations saved by £76million in the second round of Culture Recovery Fund grants.

Payments The grant will allow the Assembly Hall to continue with its reopening and plan ahead beyond the end of its current programme.

It follows £257million in grants awarded to 1,385 arts organisations and cultural venues last week by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

During the first raft of payments, the Arts Council handed The Forum in Tunbridge Wells £168,546 and Trinity Theatre £250,000.

The EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge has not had to apply for the Arts Council funding, as the venue has been supported financially by Tonbridge School, its director Kat Portman Smith told the Times.

But other local beneficiaries from the Cultural Recovery Fund include Chiddingstone Castle, which received £50,353 from the latest round of payments.

The £500,316 given to the Assembly Hall

– the largest given out in Kent – came as audiences returned on Saturday, seven months after the curtain last fell at the theatre.

Due to social distancing restrictions,

‘What an emotional weekend – reopening and a half a million pound grant’ JJ Almond, Assembly Hall Director the 900-seat Council-owned venue has been reduced to an audience limit of just over 200.

On Saturday night, 228 booked to see the popular panel show guest Hal Cruttenden among other comedians when the

Comedy Store visited.

And on Sunday, nearly 200 people attended the venue to see Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra [RTWSO] perform its first concert since the pandemic began.

The future of the RTWSO, which was set up in 1922, had been thrown into doubt when the Assembly Hall closed as it is the only venue large enough in the area able to accommodate the full-size orchestra.

Theatre Director JJ Almond said: “What an emotional weekend. Reopening and the award of half a million pounds from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund – we are all beyond delighted.

“We did have a teething issue with the new bar ordering service, and we had to remind a few people to wear their masks throughout their visit but otherwise it was

Continued on page 2

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PLAYING IT SAFE: Assembly Hall staff check the temperatures of theatregoers

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this week…

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Lockdowns determined using absent student infection rates

By Richard Williams

IN THE PICTURE: Local councillors and politicos tell us what they think the old cinema site should be used for P4 JUST THE JOB: Tunbridge Wells bucks the national trend in terms of rising employment figures p9

TODAY’S STUDENTS, TOMORROW’S LEADERS: Local school embarks on inaugural Artificial Intelligence programme P16

RADICAL changes are ‘likely’ to be made to the way Covid restrictions are determined for towns like Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

Currently decisions on the levels of lockdown are based on what’s happening across the whole of Kent which means at the moment the towns are put at ‘medium’ risk with the ‘rule of six’ and a 10pm curfew for bars and restaurants.

Under a revised scheme the tier classifications would be based on what’s happening locally at district/borough council level. This makes locally reported infection rates even more significant.

The news comes when we are seeing a rise in local coronavirus infections which is being attributed to students going away to university while still being registered with their doctor at home.

A student infected at university would see that figure recorded at their surgery in Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge.

Ultimately the high number of young people thought to be studying away from home, could see the towns face stiffer Covid rules.

Chief Executive to Tunbridge ANDREW Wells BorSCOTTough CounCLARK

cil, William Benson, said that Kent County Council had told him the large increase in infection rates experienced in the borough is being partly attributed to students not having registered to a new GP in their university area.

Posting on Twitter, he said: “Apparently part of the increase in cases is associated with educational and care settings and a number of tests relate to students who have left Tunbridge Wells for University but not changed GPs so their test is related back to GP district, rather than where they actually live.”

Highest The revelation comes following a rapid rise in Covid rates over the last three weeks.

During September, there were fewer than 20 positive cases each week being registered by Public Health England in Tunbridge Wells.

But for the seven days to October 15, 74 new cases of the virus were reported, raising the rate per 100,000 people to 62.3 – the second highest in Kent behind Swale.

Tonbridge & Malling has also seen a sharp uptick in Covid infections with 60 cases reported to Public Health England in the same week, taking its rate per 100,000 people to 45.4, and there has been a similar spike in Sevenoaks, where 74 infections were reported over seven days, taking the rate per 100,000 people to 61.3.

It is thought high student numbers could be behind the rises in both these areas too.

The Government has now introduced its tier system for local areas, and changes to how these

Theatre’s grant

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES RSinger@markerstudy.com | 01892 739763 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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a super weekend with laughter and beautiful music from our own local orchestra.”

He continued: “It’s been a dark time for live events in our town, but the Department for Culture Media and Sport has shown great support for our local cultural economy, and the lights can go back on.

“This grant will help get us through to March 31, 2021, when we hope we can be returning to something that looks like what we have been used to for over eight decades.

“Now we just have to hope that our audiences will continue to support us as they always have – it’s now up to them to keep us all open.”

Councillor Jane March, Cabinet member with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development, added: “The Assembly Hall Theatre is very important to the cultural landscape of the whole area and it plays a key role in the local Cultural Consortium and supports the local economy.

“This financial support will have a positive effect on other organisations too. I am delighted and grateful that we have received this funding.”

Read what Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark has to say on page 18.

What’s happening at…

THE ASSEMBLY HALL

The Assembly Hall has a packed calendar over the next few months.

October see The Comedy Store, Forum Nights, and music tribute acts ranging from ABBA to The Beatles as well as shows from Exciting Science.

November plays host to The Boogie Woogie Bugle Ball, The English Touring Opera and Radio Gaga to name a few.

As Christmas creeps closer, pantomime is back in December with Jack and the Beanstalk, alongside Coming Home for Christmas and A Tribute to The Carpenters.

are assessed could see Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge face stiffer restrictions than the rest of Kent due to the high numbers of students.

Currently, the whole of Kent and Medway has been classed as ‘medium risk’ where no further restrictions have been implemented beyond the current ‘rule of six’ and 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants.

But a spokesperson for KCC said going forward the tier classification is ‘likely’ going to be made at a district/borough level.

The change could see the various boroughs and districts in Kent given a different tier status depending on the number of Covid infections.

In areas classed as ‘high risk’, socialising indoors with people not from the same household would be banned. While an area classed as ‘very high risk’, will find its pubs forced to close.

But with student numbers skewering the results, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks could unfairly face tougher restrictions.

KCC health chief, Andrew Scott-Clark said: “We are analysing the data carefully as we do every day.

“There are often a number of reasons relating to an increase in figures – and we work alongside PHE local health protection teams and the NHS to see if there are outbreaks in a particular setting such as a care home or school, or more widely across the community.

“Some students away at university in other parts of the country may be having their confirmed result attributed to their local GP; this could be adding to figures in some parts of the county and analysis of data is underway to find the reason for the rising case numbers.”

BACK IN BUSINESS The RTWSO (pictured earlier this year) has been saved thanks to the reopening of the Assembly Hall

Continued from front page

CHEERS ALL ROUND: The Bell in Ticehurst wins prestigious Sunday Times pub of the year award P33

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

The New Year brings comedy legend John Bishop, along with fellow comedian Katharine Ryan as well as music maestro Jools Holland.

THE FORUM

While NME’s Best Small Venue is unable to host live music itself, due to social distance restrictions, The Forum has taken a residency at the Assembly Hall with Forum Nights, where the best of local live music acts will take to the stage until December.

The venue itself has teamed up with Fine Grind and adapted into a coffee shop as well selling merchandise to bring in some much-needed revenue.

TRINITY THEATRE

In the historic building of a former church, Trinity Theatre’s October calendar is crammed with comedy on Friday nights, classic movies and performances from Live National Theatre.

The theatre has been hosting events outside but has now opened the auditorium for performances.

Comedy Club continues throughout November

and is joined by The Noise Next Door, a comedy quartet on the last Friday of the month. The November line-up also includes streams from Royal Opera House performances.

EM FORSTER

Tonbridge School’s EM Forster theatre adapted to the pandemic by putting on socially distanced cinema productions.

On the back of presenting 80s pop favourites, The Fizz at the weekend, the theatre is presenting comedy evenings for the remainder of October along with a performance of May I Have a Moment? on October 24.

The comedy nights continue through to November along with musical theatre performances from Bravo Productions and school plays from Tonbridge School.

December’s performance is a production of Robin Hood and his Socially Distanced Merry Men, to round off the year on a high.

The New Year brings some of 2020’s cancelled productions, Tommy by LAMPS and a new stage show of So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs aimed at 5-11 year olds.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

NEWS IN BRIEF

Man charged after road rage assault A 31-YEAR-OLD man from Lamberhurst has been charged after deliberately driving his car into a woman in Tunbridge Wells.

Lee Delay appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with attempted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and with dangerous driving.

He is said to have driven at the woman in Liptraps Lane on 11.30pm on Friday October 16, following an altercation.

The woman, who has not been named, was taken to hospital with leg injuries.

Delay has been remanded in custody until November 16 when he will appear before Maidstone Crown Court.

Pupils self-isolate AROUND 200 boys Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys are returning to school today [Wednesday, October 21] after being sent home last week when a Year 8 student tested positive for coronavirus.

The pupil who contracted Covid-19 had last been at the school on Wednesday, October 7.

Following advice from Public Health England, all of the Year 8 pupils at the school – around 200 boys aged between 12 and 13 – were called into the hall on Friday and were sent home to self-isolate.

A spokesperson for the school said: “The reason for this is that we are operating a year group bubble system and therefore there is a possibility that other Year 8 students will have come into contact with the student concerned.”

She added: “As the family had already acted to self-isolate, this minimises the isolation period for the rest of the year group and they have been advised to self-isolate at home until Wednesday October 21.”

Local News

Pub chain collapses as 10pm curfew proves the final straw THE pub chain that owns the Mark Cross Inn just outside Tunbridge Wells and the Little Brown Jug in Chiddingstone has fallen into administration.

Whiting & Hammond run by Tunbridge Wells businessman Brian Whiting collapsed at the end of last month (30 September), the pub chain has confirmed.

The business called in administrators due to the ongoing pressures of the coronavirus pandemic and the Government’s restrictions, including the 10pm curfew.

The administration has meant the Mark Cross Inn on Tunbridge Wells Road, Marks Cross, has closed for good, along with three other pubs.

The Chiddingstone-based Little Brown Jug – which last year won the Best Foodservice Operator in the National Fish and Chip awards – has been saved along with the Chaser Inn at Shipbourne and the Cricketers Inn in Meopham.

Managing director Brian Whiting said: “It will come as no surprise that during this past year the hospitality sector has endured a torrid time as a result of the pandemic and the forced closure for three and a half months.

HAPPIER DAYS Brian Whiting [pictured second left] and his Little Brown Jug team “It was clear from the restrictions that on July 4 it would not be possible for us to open all our pubs so we picked the four we believed would survive under the new Covid-19 regulations hoping to make enough money to open the remaining sites.

Rescued “Sadly, not for the lack of trying and the continuing added Covid-19 restrictions like the 10pm curfew this has not been possible, unfortunately on September 30, we called in the administrators.

“I am pleased to report that we have rescued three of the

sites from administration under the new name of WH Pubs and have saved 150 jobs.

“We are clearly worried moving forward with curfews and Covid-19 restrictions, which have clearly affected all in hospitality, but the teams in these pubs are working around the clock to make them successful and safe.

“It breaks my heart to see the four pubs – the Farm Friday Street in Eastbourne; the Mark Cross Inn, Mark Cross; the Blue Ball Inn in Walton on the Hill; and the Kings Head in Bessels Green – that we have built up over the last 18 years disappear and the fantastic people that have been on this journey lost.”

Roadside wands aimed at helping cyclists are doing disappearing act

Green flag for parks

By Richard Williams

PARKS in Tunbridge Wells have retained their national accreditation for green spaces.

Calverley Grounds, St John’s Park, Dunorlan Park, Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, along with Woodbury Park Cemetery and The Grove were all given the Green Flag Award for another year.

The award recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces and sets the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK.

POSTS installed along the cycle lane on the A26 in Tunbridge Wells are vanishing before our very eyes.

The roadside ‘wands’ were installed as ‘light segregation’ introduced to the cycle lane running down St John’s Road by Kent County Council [KCC] as part of their £1.6million Active Travel scheme using money given to them by the Government.

The orange and white delineators help separate the traffic and cycle lane on the main road in and out of Tunbridge Wells towards the A21.

But a Joint Transportation Board meeting at

MAGIC WANDS The roadside posts are disappearing for a ‘variety of reasons’ Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on Monday [October 19], councillors heard how the wands are disappearing.

The Council is now asking KCC for a more permanent solution.

In a report presented to the transportation

NEWS

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SOME GOOD NEWS… A TUNBRIDGE WELLS hotel is opening a new bar, creating a unique place to drink in the town centre as well as retaining jobs and creating new ones.

The Warehouse Bar at One Warwick Park Hotel is built using reclaimed materials and provides a distinctive industrial, edgy style design and interior.

It’s due to open this weekend and will operate Thursdays to Saturdays, 4pm until 10pm.

Along with the usual beers and wines, the Warehouse Bar will be serving hot snacks, including Korean style fried chicken wings, brie & grape quesadilla and hot Kentish pork pies.

Martin Garner, Operations Director at One Warwick Park, says the bar has capacity for 50 seated customers.

He added: “Since we successfully opened the hotel three years ago, part of our strategy is to utilise all spaces available in a creative, effective and unique way, The Warehouse continues this theme by adding a very different bar venue to the hotel and the town giving our guests somewhere unique to meet, relax and unwind.”

He continued that opening the Warehouse this week ensures the hotel can retain staff and create jobs.

“With the current economic situation being what it is, and the bar being opened in advance of the furlough scheme ending, it will allow us not only to retain staff but also employ up to six additional people,” he said.

To book a table MARTIN call 01892 520587.

GARNER

board, Hilary Smith – Economic Development Manager at the Council said: “General support for the scheme [has been] expressed by cyclists.

However, the ‘wands’ are being removed by people frequently, for a variety of reasons. KCC is replacing the missing wands.

“Other concerns have been expressed about street cleaning in the stretches of the route with wands.”

She added: “Discussions are on-going with KCC about more permanent light segregation and other improvements on this key cycle route.”

A spokesperson for KCC said the wands have been used as Active Travel Schemes need to be removable with the minimum amount of disruption or damage to the highway.

However, he added that the temporary posts will be replaced with a permanent product should the trial be successful.

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Mixed views on what should happen to the old cinema site

EMPTY SPACE ABC vacated the cinema site more than 20 years ago “No more £1million flats in the middle of town – let’s have a bit more balance.”

By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council has written to all councillors to ask their opinions on what to do with the much-maligned ABC cinema site.

The 1.3 acres of land on Mount Pleasant looks set to remain undeveloped after Elysian Residences put the site back on the market for £17million after paying £12million for the land last year.

They had planned to build a luxury retirement complex, complete with shops, restaurant and boutique cinema, and have blamed the uncertainty over the Covid pandemic for pulling out.

Following the news, the Council’s head of Economic Development and Deputy Leader, Cllr Jane March, is to get the site valued and is organising a panel to see what the Council can do, including the possibility of buying the land.

She has also asked all councillors as to what they would like to see done with the land, if the Council were able to buy it.

The Times invited members of all the political groups to tell us what they would do with the site.

CLLR DAVID SCOTT, CONSERVATIVE “There are 2 types of vision, the dream and the feasible. Many suggestions are the former, i.e. pipedreams.

“I am interested in getting something done. It must be feasible financially, legally, and physically.

“The cinema site sits across the street from the Civic Buildings, also requiring substantial investment.

“Development is best achieved separately but in partnership with developers, preferably who are already committed to our town, acknowledge our heritage, and support our community.

“My dream sees these sites developed quickly,

CLLR DAVID HAYWARD, ALLIANCE With lessons hopefully learned we must get residents and local businesses involved – a collaborative process.

“All are qualified to pitch ideas and in the absence of a Town Plan a ‘meanwhile’ use of the space could be a market.

“The previously ignored fabulously qualified locals should be allowed to give their expert opinion, filtering out the impossible options, assessing the viability of others.

“Utopia will cost a lot of money but what could be worse than what we have? The community will have their say, so let’s make it beneficial for the people of and in the Borough and not solely about financial returns for others.”

without overburdening the Council’s finances, to attract people involved in social, business, and other activities. This is doable.”

CLLR JUSTINE RUTLAND, LIBERAL DEMOCRATS “Following our successful Liberal Democrats campaign to get previous owners to demolish the ‘grot spot’ buildings, residents told us they wanted the site to be made into a public garden.

“We all want the eyesore gone and that can be achieved quickly and at low cost. We would remove the hoardings, grass over the site and get local landscape architects to return it to community use.

“We would engage with residents to find a long-term, economically viable solution that takes into account the challenges of the site.

“There are lots of possibilities – everything from a mixed-use development to a market, a play area to an outdoor theatre.”

Kent becomes fourth force to issue a face mask fine KENT Police has issued its first fine for somebody not wearing a face covering in breach of Covid regulations and is only the fourth in the country to do so.

In July, the Times reported how no fines had been issued for refusing to wear a face mask on public transport in the area a month after the law was introduced.

Unless somebody is exempt, it is now mandatory to wear a face covering in all enclosed public spaces, including shops, libraries, hospitals as wells as pubs and restaurants when not seated at a table.

In England, the police can issue fines up to £200 for refusing to wear a face covering, but Kent Police has only just issued its first fine, and is now only the fourth force in England to issue any at all.

Across the country, just three other forces have issued a penalty notice for face coverings: British Transport Police has issued 51 fines, while Lancashire Police and Lincolnshire Police have issued two and one fine respectively.

The £100 fixed penalty issued by Kent Police was handed to a woman who was verbally abusive and swore at an officer at a petrol station in Folkestone when he attempted to engage with her for not wearing a face covering.

The force say they are continuing to adhere to a policy of educating people not wearing a mask.

Assistant Chief Constable Claire Nix said: “Enforcement is only being used as a last resort in line with national guidance.”

Pets win prizes for local grammar school’s PTA

CLLR DAVID SCOTT

MARTIN BETTS, ACTING CHAIR, LABOUR “Despite its abysmal record, if the Council is able to buy the old cinema site, Tunbridge Wells Labour will propose a mix of retail and leisure outlets and social housing for rent to key workers who support residents living in the town.

“While developers build new apartments for the over 55s, nothing is being done for the workers who will support them into old age.

“So, retail and leisure at ground level, with good quality accommodation for health care and education professionals above.

MARTIN BETTS

CLLR JUSTINE RUTLAND

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

A LOCAL parent teacher association has come up with a novel way to raise money for the school.

Tonbridge Grammar School’s PTA has organised a virtual pet show fundraiser.

The PTA hit upon the idea after being forced to cancel many of their usual events due to Covid restrictions.

These include the Quiz Night and the Christmas Fair, which would normally attract over 2,000 people and £10,000 for the school.

Chairperson of the group, Lynn Gadsby said: “This is the first time we have tried a virtual event.

“We have been able to source some amazing donations from local businesses and we hope that this event will attract attention for the school.”

Those wanting to enter must upload a photo of their pet to the PTA’s website to be in with a chance of winning a selection of pet related prizes donated by local businesses.

If you are interested in entering your furry friend, head over to www.pta-events.co.uk for more information.

CLLR DAVID HAYWARD

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Wednesday October 21 | 2020

So what’s it like today on the frontline of education?

Tunbridge Wells resident Ben Chapelard teaches French and Spanish at a Kent grammar school. He is also a Lib Dem borough councillor. We invited him to tell us how Covdi-19 has changed what’s happening in the classroom MY ‘I missed you!’ was met by somewhat incredulous looks from my 16-year-old students.

It was a genuine and heartfelt statement. It was great to get back in the classroom after months and months of teaching from behind a laptop screen.

Our school feels very different now. Surprisingly, it’s much quieter. Students are in sacrosanct year group bubbles and everything is done to keep these units apart from other students.

Students are housed in zones with their own entrances and pedal operated sanitising stations. Pupils stay in classrooms in their zone with minimum movement between classrooms.

Break, lunch and end times are staggered to avoid contact. Inter-school sport is off but year groups continue to train hard.

What about the teachers? One big change is that I have become nomadic. Students no longer come to my classroom and I rush round to them in different parts of the school. This goes against everything that was drilled into me: arrive early, greet students as they come in and own the classroom!

The biggest change is the relationship between staff and pupils. Successful teaching is about relations with our young people. I can no longer buzz round the classroom, check a book, offer advice or tap a student on the shoulder to say well done.

I am confined to stand 2m back from the first

SCHOOL’S IN Ben has returned to teaching in the classroom

row and teach in the style of a university lecturer which is at opposite ends of my hyper-active style.

Sometimes I might be forgiven for feeling like a prison guard watching down from a watchtower.

The lockdown saw teachers switch overnight to full time home learning, upskilling themselves fast in their commitment to educating our young people.

Now that we are physically back in school, we are trying to balance the increasingly different needs of students. I have to juggle the needs of those who are in front of me, those who are well but self-isolating at home and those who are ill at home.

Teachers’ workload has grown since March and I cannot give you an answer as to how long

my colleagues across the country can sustain this burden but rest assured we will continue to do all we can so students do not lose out.

Seating plans, a vital ingredient to a successful lesson, have become vital to stem the pandemic.

Students now sit in their specific seat and must not sit elsewhere.

Technology allows teachers to share digital plans which allows the school to run its own track and trace system. If a student or teacher needs to self-isolate, we can identify the closest contacts lesson by lesson.

Colleagues Testing quickly is the only way to stop the spreading across a school. Despite being a key worker, it proved near impossible to get tested thus delaying my return to the classroom. I eventually got a Covid test thanks to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of my head teacher.

Unfortunately, I tested positive but luckily I had mild symptoms and made a speedy recovery.

The government’s support of schools during the pandemic has been poor. We have spent thousands of pounds to provide a Covid-secure site but no extra money has been received.

Unlike in Scotland, my exam classes still have no certainty as to what their exam will look like next spring. We need answers fast. This lack of decision making by the government is unnecessarily adding to the anxiety of young people and of their teachers and let’s not mention this summer’s exams fiasco.

The lockdown has made me a better teacher. I have learnt many new computer skills and Covid has helped my colleagues and I to reflect on why we do things and how we can do things better.

My one hope is that Covid leads to new ways of working at a national level.

Of course, we need wholesale reform of the examinations system, but we also need to stagger the school day as well as further harnessing and developing technology for remote learning. My colleagues and I are up for the challenge.

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Local firm Thy Will Be Done takes national stage with best Will Writer nomination in The British Wills and Probate Awards To protect its most vulnerable older clients in the last few months, Worthing-based will writers and estate planners Thy Will Be Done have worked hard in arranging telephone consultations, setting up video witnessing and offering heavily discounted products and services in exchange for small donations to the NHS COVID-19 appeal. The company has also provided a fully Covid compliant office for their clients to drop their paperwork into while passing. As a result, they have been recognised in this year’s prestigious National British Wills and Probate Awards in the category of National Will Writer of the Year.

Thy Will Be Done Director, Paul Blackmoore has a priority to communicate with clients in a straightforward, jargon-free and friendly way - and to provide upfront transparency on fees, which really helps less confident clients to forget any nervousness they may otherwise have about visiting a slightly foreboding solicitor’s office in order to arrange what can in fact be a fairly simple piece of estate planning, confident in the knowledge that they will always know in advance the precise amount that their work will cost.

It is a rare achievement indeed for a small family-run firm from Goring to be in the final 3 of a prestigious national will writing award along with household names Farewill and Co-op legal services.

Paul Blackmoore is very proud of the way the company he bought out of administration just over 3 years ago has, with the help of its hardworking staff and loyal customers, turned its fortunes around to become known locally for exceptional value and friendly service and now since lockdown, and the transition to holding all consultations remotely, to be competing for business on the national stage also.

Paul with Benny on the left and ‘’one eyed’’ Frankie on the right

Paul regularly appears in the local media with his two rescue French Bulldogs Frankie and Benny by his side. Paul says, “Frankie and Benny are a big hit with our clients, many of whom have reported that their presence in the shop helped them to quickly settle and relax.’’

Paul goes on to say that, ‘’wider recognition as one of the UK’s best will-writing companies in the British Wills and Probate awards is of special value to us because the awards are voted for by our industry colleagues and peers.”

The finals of the awards will this year be held online on 22nd October and will once again be hosted by TV celebrity Jenny Bond.

We wish Paul and his team at Thy Will Be Done all the very best of luck this year.

www.thywill.co.uk Brighton 977385 • Chichester 278303 • Crawley 278453 • Dorking 898089 • Eastbourne 364029 East Grinstead 457006 • Hastings 532029 • Haywards Heath 682047 • Horsham 458042 Pulborough 368003 • Redhill 423001 • Tunbridge Wells 278109 • Uckfield 278373 • Worthing 649021

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paying e after Thy Will Be Done is a trading style of Thy Will Be Done (Spain) Ltd Registered in the UK at 36a Goring Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN12 4AD. Companies House number 10791190

8

BUSINESS

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Local News

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Building through a pandemic Despite lockdown and restrictions placed on safe working due to the Covid pandemic, the two main developments in Tunbridge Wells remain on schedule. The Times speaks to the developers behind the Amelia Scott and 1887 The Pantiles on how they have kept on track “We held meetings both internally and with our supply chain partners to discuss options. Looking at the guidance, we felt we could quickly embed the required range of social distancing measures at the site to allow work to continue.

“Our next step was to review the site’s layout, looking at where bottlenecks could occur and implementing measures to mitigate this.

Flexible

ON TIME Work on the Amelia Scott goes on WHILE Elysian Residences, the developer that planned to build a luxury retirement centre on the site of the former ABC cinema in Tunbridge Wells has pulled out, two developments in the town remain on schedule.

The Amelia Scott, the town’s cultural hub, is due to open in early 2022, and while its price tag has risen from its initial £13.4million to £19.3million, its planned opening date of April 2022 has not been put back, despite the Covid pandemic.

Duncan Booth, project lead and construction manager for Wilmott Dixon Interiors, who are building the Amelia Scott, explains how they have handled the pandemic.

“When Covid-19 arrived, we had to move quickly to ensure our operations remained safe for our people and supply chain partners so we could continue building,” he said.

“Our first priority was to consider how the site operating procedures could be safely implemented.

“We implemented a series of one-way systems and marked out 2m spacing at the entrance and throughout the site to avoid close contact. Guidelines were laid out for busy areas, a maximum of one person allowed in each toilet block at a time, with 2m distancing a necessity.”

He added that one of the key priorities was to ensure that the materials needed for the development were on hand when needed.

“The cooperation and buy in from our supply chain were key to allowing the works to continue and this, combined with a flexible approach to managing the programme, has allowed the project to continue without the

lockdown causing any delay to the projected end date,” he explained.

The 1887 The Pantiles development on the site of the former Union House at the bottom of town has also continued unabated during the pandemic.

Alex McEwan, Associate Director at Dandara South-East, who are behind the luxury 127 apartment complex due for completion next year, also says ensuring the supply chain was uninterrupted was key to keeping the development on track.

“Since the start of the Covid pandemic, our first priority with the 1887 Pantiles development was to implement robust health and safety procedures to protect all our staff working for, and on behalf of, Dandara,” he said.

“We had to take into consideration the fact that the availability of building products and materials has been, and continues to be, significantly limited by Covid-19 so we worked extensively with our contractors and supply chain to minimise the impact of these restrictions during construction.

“This allowed us to focus on continuing to deliver the highquality product our purchasers expect from Dandara, as quickly and as safely as possible.”

INSIDE STORY Most of the work on the Amelia Scott is happening inside

‘When Covid-19 arrived, we had to move quickly to ensure our operations remained safe for our people and supply chain partners so we could continue building’

OUT OF SITE Dandara’s project continues despite Covid

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Wednesday October 21 | 2020

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Local News

Town bucks the trend and sees a fall in unemployment

By Richard Williams

JOBLESS Fewer people in Tunbridge Wells need the Tonbridge Jobcentre

THE number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Tunbridge Wells has fallen slightly, official figures show.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics [ONS] last week, show that claims for out of work benefits in the borough decreased from August.

There were 3,310 claiming Universal Credit or some other form of jobless help in September, slightly down from the previous month’s figure of 3,325, which was the highest number of people registered as unemployed in the borough since 1992.

9

Coffee chain set to open in Tonbridge COSTA Coffee is expected to open a branch in Tonbridge High Street next week.

The coffee giant, which already has a selfservice express system in a service station in the town as well as a site in Tonbridge retail park, is planning to open on the former site of Clinton Cards.

A spokesperson for Costa Coffee said: “We’re delighted to confirm the opening of a brand new Costa Coffee store Tonbridge High Street, Kent – coming late October 2020.

Priority

Claiming There are now 2,335 more people on of work benefits in Tunbridge Wells compared to September last year, where just 975 were out of work.

Along with Ashford, it is only one of two areas in Kent that saw unemployment fall last month.

Tonbridge saw a rise in unemployment benefit claims in September, with 3,630 now seeking out of work help – up from 3,480 in August.

This is the highest rate of unemployment in Tonbridge & Malling since January 1994, and up 2,610 from September last year when there was just 1,020 claiming jobless benefits.

Out of work figures continue to rise across Kent with 665 more claims in September compared to August, with the number of people claiming benefits now at 72,080.

Since March, when the country first went into lockdown, more than 4,500 people in Tunbridge

BUSINESS

September saw the biggest rise in unemployment for more than ten years, with an increase of 138,000, taking the UK to a three-year high Wells and Tonbridge have lost their jobs and there are fears that when the government’s Job

Retention Scheme ends on October 31, work could rise even further.

Nationally, September saw the biggest rise in unemployment for more than ten years, with an increase of 138,000, taking the UK to a three-year high of 1.52million.

It is feared that jobless figures could rise even further as the government’s Job Retention Scheme ends on October 31.

“The store, which has created six new jobs, will allow for coffee enthusiasts to easily pick up their favourite handcrafted coffee, such as the iconic Flat White featuring Costa Coffee’s signature Mocha-Italia blend.

“Our number one priority remains the safety of our customers and team members.

“Across all our stores we have implemented strict measures to ensure we operate safely, including social distancing, hand-sanitiser stations and enhanced cleaning processes, as well as additional training and support for team members.

“In line with updated government guidelines, we are applying a six person group maximum for those wishing to eat-in and asking all customers where possible to wear a face covering when inside our stores in England, Scotland and Wales

10

NEWS

Community News in Association with

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Local war hero is honoured by the Dutch government

By Lottie Bulmer A KENT veteran has been honoured with the highest civilian award from the Dutch government in recognition for his actions in World War Two. Kenneth Washer, from the Wealden village of Blackham just outside Tunbridge Wells, was presented with the Thank You Liberators Medal on October 13 by Lieutenant Colonel Rob Arts of the Netherlands military and Marian Van Dijken, Air Attaché of the country’s Embassy.

He was one of thousands of British paratroopers who took part in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.

The battle, which was an attempt by Allied troops to capture the Arnhem road bridge following the invasion of Normandy, was immortalised in the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far. Mr Washer, now 97, was captured during the battle but has now been honoured with a medal by the Dutch Government.

Emotional His wife, Jean Washer, told the Times: “They were only a smallish group, and I think there’s about eight of them still with us. They were only supposed to be there for a day – they had no supplies.

HERO Battle of Arnhem veteran, Kenneth Washer

“He was caught and taken to a prisoner of war camp in Czechoslovakia right up until the end of the war.”

She said her husband, who is originally from London got ‘quite emotional’ when he was presented with the medal at his home.

“It’s a pretty medal, and a lovely way to say thank you for what Ken did,” added Mrs Washer.

“Ken got quite emotional – he does when he thinks about how the Dutch people suffered.

After presenting Mr Washer with the medal, Lieutenant Colonel Rob Arts from the Netherlands Army, said: “Being a soldier I am trained to look tough but I have to admit I have a tear in my eye myself.”

Care centre manager tells of Covid impact A TUNBRIDGE Wells care manager has given evidence before a Commons joint select committee.

Teresa Steed, Home Manager of Tunbridge Wells Care Centre spoke at the Coronavirus: Lessons Learnt inquiry on October 13.

The inquiry, which is co-chaired by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark who is chair of the Science and Technology Select Committee and former Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, aims to identify the lessons to be learned from the pandemic response so far, focusing on the impacts these have had on the social care sector.

PHOTO: Rose Bainbridge

Vulnerable

WONDER KID Dylan Smith with Greg Clark at Paddock Wood Social Club unveiling Dylan’s new Star table

MP unveils professional table to help a young snooker ace

By Andy Tong SNOOKER prodigy Dylan Smith has been given a boost on his climb to the top with the creation of a bespoke practice facility that will also encourage others to take up the sport.

Paddock Wood Social Club has refurbished one of its rooms to offer a sought after ‘Star’ table for the 12-year-old cue wizard to play on, while also offering it out for hire to raise funds.

Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark officially launched the project on October 3 along with Dylan, his father and mentor Lee Smith and club chairman Louis Morritt.

Mr Clark took up the challenge of playing against the youngster and also tried out some of his training routines. He described Dylan as ‘a big talent and clearly heading for the top’.

He said: “It was an honour to be invited to officially open the Dylan Smith practice facility at the Paddock Wood Social Club and to play a frame against the future snooker champion.

The table cost £9,000, which was raised by the Smith family, crowdfunding and contributions

from sponsors including local firms Southern Mastic Roofing from West Malling and Benchmark Joinery in Brenchley, who provided the besoke oak cabinets in the room.

Stuart Flisher of Southern Mastic Roofing, said: “It’s been great to be able to play a part in Dylan’s development and he has a great facility now and a great opportunity to push on from here.”

Further support came from Tiger Cues of Warrington, who are also working with Dylan on a range of his own cues.

Cue maker Darryl Ellis added: “Tiger Cues have been involved with Dylan since his dad purchased his first cue from us and it’s been great to help him on his journey,”

For Hire Enthusiasts can hire the Star for £15 per hour, with the money divided equally between the club, maintenance of the table and Dylan’s running costs.

Dylan, who attends Mascalls School in

Paddock Wood, has been playing at the town’s Social Club since June.

He admitted the chance to play in such professional surroundings has been a challenge in itself – but a rewarding one.

“It was a struggle to start with, getting used to the conditions, but I’ll settle into to the environment and the table,” he said.

“The hard work is starting to pay off and I’m completing more and more routines, which is very exciting.”

The refurbishment included installing new heating and lighting, ceiling and flooring, was carried out by Mr Morritt and his team, who worked extensively on the improvements at a total cost of £20,000 to refurbish the club, said: “When I was elected chairman of the club, we were in quite a sticky situation financially so we decided to refurb the room, with Dylan and Lee providing their own table.

“We are looking for the club to be heading more towards a family venue rather than a traditional working man’s club. We want to welcome everyone.”

Ms Steed told the committee: “Having someone pass away with Covid, whether it’s direct or linked to, has a massive impact on families.

“Being able to support the staff and the families that actually are sitting with their loved ones not knowing whether they can take their masks off and give their mum and dad a kiss and a hug at the end - it’s really hard.”

She spoke of the importance of the extra measures the centre had for residents at the end of their life: “That is crucial, to keep that link there and for them to say goodbye.”

Staff are now being tested weekly and residents every 28 days: “Our residents are among the most vulnerable people in society ... We work hard to protect them, as well as their relatives and our staff and look upon them all as part of our Teresa Steed extended family,”

Remote collection raises £200 for RNLI MORE than £200 has been raised for Tunbridge Wells branch of The Royal National Lifeboat Institution through a remote collection.

A spokesperson for the institution said: “The Tunbridge Wells Branch of the RNLI had a remote collection in Aldi on the Great Lodge Retail Park during the week of October 5 to 12.

“A grand total of £215.53 was raised and, considering very little cash is being used during these challenging times, we are most grateful both to Aldi’s generous customers and to manager Matt for allowing the collection to go ahead.

Malcolm Poole, chairman of the Tunbridge Wells branch said: “A remote collection is a delightful experience, there is no Covid risk as we don’t have collectors, just a table and two buckets and everything is sanitised.”

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National News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Lockdown forced on Manchester as mayor snubs £60million bailout GREATER Manchester will be placed under stricter coronavirus controls with just a £22million rescue package, after the region’s mayor refused £60million of Government help.

Mayor Andy Burnham had demanded £65million during talks on Tuesday in exchange for support for his consent on new restrictions, but the Government would not come higher than £60million.

In a press conference, Andy Burnham said £65 million was the minimum sum needed to prevent a ‘winter of real hardship’ under Tier 3 restrictions but the Government refused to accept this and ‘walked away’.

MAYOR Andy Burnham addressing reporters yesterday

Punishing He told reporters: “That is what we believe we needed to prevent poverty, to prevent hardship, to prevent homelessness. Those were the figures that we had – not what we wanted – but what we needed to prevent all of those things from happening.

“But the Government refused to accept this and at 2pm today they walked away from negotiations.

“In summary, at no point today were we offered enough to protect the poorest people in our communities through the punishing reality of the winter to come.

“Even now I am still willing to do a deal but it cannot be on the terms that the Government offered today.”

However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson later confirmed Greater Manchester would receive £22 million in funding as part of a ‘comprehensive package of support’.

On the negotiations that broke down with leaders in the region, the Prime Minister added: “Over the last 10 days we tried to get an

approach with local leaders in Greater Manchester. Unfortunately an agreement wasn’t reached and I do regret this.

“As I said last week, it would have been better and we would have a better chance of defeating the virus if we work together.”

He said that, in addition, the Government ‘made a generous and extensive offer to support Manchester business’ but ‘the mayor didn’t accept this unfortunately and given the public health situation I must now proceed with moving Greater Manchester to the very high alert level’.

Greater Manchester leaders had been issued an ultimatum on Monday night warning that if a

deal could not be reached by midday then the Government would have to act.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the discussions concluded ‘without an agreement’ and accused the mayor of being ‘unwilling to take the action that is required’.

Pubs and bars will be closed, unless they are serving substantial meals, for a 28-day period, along with betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and soft play areas.

Mr Jenrick said he was ‘disappointed’ that the ‘mayor has been unwilling to take the action that is required to get the spread of the virus under control in Greater Manchester’.

Police posted indecent images of royal family

Navy officer is stripped of MBE over fraud case

MEMBERS of a ‘toxic’ police unit sent ‘explicit and highly offensive’ fake pornographic images of the royal family to a work’s WhatsApp group, a disciplinary hearing has heard.

Six officers from Hampshire Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) office in Basingstoke are accused of breaching professional standards by using “abhorrent” language and sending explicit messages and are facing a three-week tribunal in Winchester.

Jason Beer QC, presenting the case against the officers, said that following an anonymous complaint, covert recording devices were placed in the unit’s offices between March 9 and April 2, 2018.

Mr Beer said that on May 22, 2018, PC James Oldfield posted a Photoshopped image of the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which had taken place three days earlier.

The image showed a black man exposing his genitals and the caption referred to the unit’s only black officer, Detective Constable Sol Koranteng – who is not accused as part of the case – stating “that’s where Sol was on Saturday”.

Mr Beer suggested it was racist to send the image of a “black man with his penis out”, but Oldfield said in interview that he was “not a racist person”.

He added: “Sol’s a black man on our team and I’m trying to make a joke out of that, saying that was Sol.” Mr Beer said that later the same day, Oldfield posted a video showing a black man having sex with a drunk white woman at a bus stop, with a

A FORMER Royal Navy officer has been stripped of his MBE by the Queen after he was jailed for defrauding nearly £60,000 from his stepson’s inheritance fund.

Iain Shepherd, of Bognor Regis, West Sussex, a retired lieutenant commander, had been awarded the MBE in 2015 for services to European maritime strategy.

But in July 2019, Shepherd was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court to three years and eight months for faking his wife’s signature to set up a secret bank account to siphon £58,895 from the inheritance fund of his stepson Joshua Powell.

caption stating: “And that’s where Sol is today.”

He said Oldfield accepted that it was “outrageous”, that he should not have posted the video, but had not intended to be racist.

Mr Beer said that on the same day, Detective Constable Andrew Ferguson sent an image to the Socu WhatsApp group showing the Duke of Sussex having anal sex with the Duchess of Cambridge.

Standards He said the image was “explicit and highly offensive” and added that Ferguson admitted that it was “completely inappropriate” and said: “With hindsight there is absolutely nothing funny about it, it falls well below the professional standards expected of me.”

Mr Beer said that Oldfield was also accused of turning up to work late for an 8am shift on April 1, 2018, while still intoxicated from being out drinking into the early hours.

Mr Beer said that Detective Inspector Tim Ireson (now retired) spoke to Oldfield after he asked not to be sent to help a colleague with a rape investigation in Southampton.

Oldfield is recorded saying: “I just don’t really want to speak to anyone, I just don’t want anyone to realise that I’m still p****d, (laughter), well not pissed, did I say that out loud?”

Mr Beer said that Oldfield denied still being intoxicated when arriving at work, and Ireson did not consider him unfit for work or that he was under the influence of drink.

The heading continues.

Record The Falklands veteran was ordered to repay £19,497.

Following the sentencing, his wife, Mary, had called for him to be stripped of the MBE and said: ‘He is a disgrace to the armed forces, a disgrace to the navy’.

A notice on The Gazette official public record states: “The Queen has directed that the appointment of Iain Cochrane Shepherd to be a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, dated June 13 2015, shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.”

Following the removal of the MBE, his wife said: “I’m absolutely delighted his MBE has been taken away. “He should never have been awarded it because he was an undeclared bankrupt, a liar and a cheat.”

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

NEWS IN BRIEF

Meteor shower expected to light up the night sky Skygazers are set for some celestial fireworks as Earth passes through the debris left by Halley’s Comet.

The Orionid meteor is active throughout October but is expected to peak on Tuesday night, producing 20 or so meteors every hour, and remaining visible until the early hours of Wednesday.

The phenomenon gets its name from the Orion constellation – which is one of the brightest groups of stars in the sky.

Patricia Skelton, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, told the PA news agency: “Meteor showers are produced when the Earth passes through debris left behind by comets.

“The comet responsible for producing the Orionids meteor shower is Halley’s Comet, last seen in our skies in 1986 and expected to return in 2061.”

Meteoroids from Halley’s Comet strike the Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of 148,000mph, burning up in streaking flashes of light.

As both the Earth and Halley’s Comet have elliptical orbits around the Sun, the two intersect twice every year, causing not only the Orionids, but also the Eta Aquariid meteor shower in May. The Orionids will be visible in both northern and southern hemispheres until November 7.

Train driver’s fears of hitting youths on tracks A TRAIN driver thought he had hit two youths who were spotted lying on the railway tracks, according to British Transport Police (BTP).

The force has issued a statement reinforcing the dangers of Scotland’s railway after the incident involving an Ardrossan Harbour to Glasgow Central service on Friday.

The two youths were seen lying on the tracks at Hillington, Glasgow, at 9.28pm.

Police Scotland’s helicopter was sent to search the area and found nobody had been hit by the train.

Former ‘tree of the year’ felled for HS2 works A CENTURIES-old pear tree which won England’s tree of the year in 2015 has been felled to make way for the new HS2 high speed rail line.

The Woodland Trust said it was “shocked and upset” at the felling of the Cubbington Pear, near South Cubbington Wood, Warwickshire, as part of the rail line works, despite campaigners fighting to save it.

The conservation charity also raised concerns that the tree, which is more than 200 years old, was felled after promises the stump and rooting structure would be relocated to provide an opportunity for the parent tree to regrow.

Woodland Trust ecologist Luci Ryan said: “We are shocked and upset that HS2 have felled the historic Cubbington Pear, despite a long battle to save it.

“When we told HS2 of our concerns about the complications of coppicing and moving the Cubbington Pear Tree as it is in fact hollow, we were surprised that they told us that it would be felled and used as deadwood.

“This is in contradiction to what the Government told the public would happen.”

The Woodland Trust is urging people to write to the Department of Transport and demand they hold HS2 Ltd to account.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Father pays tribute to wife and children killed on A40 whose thirst for life and hunger for adventure kept me busy but in the best possible way.

“As I look to an uncertain future, I reflect on the fun that we had as a family, with feelings of sadness that it was cut so short.”

Mr Powell described his wife, who was previously from Sheffield, as “a dreamer”.

He said: “Myself and Zoe were as different as we were alike.

“Despite the frequent tensions this would bring, it was of immense benefit having such differing world views.

“Our children benefited from this in having adventures but also the quiet to talk. Zoe was a dreamer; with a head spinning of new things to do or tales to tell. More than anything, we made a great partnership to raise a family.”

Mr Powell also shared moving words about his children.

Spirited

FAMILY: Josh Powell with wife Zoe and daughters Phoebe and Amelia and son Simeon A YOUNG father who survived a horror crash which killed his wife and three of their children has said he will ‘reflect on the fun that we had as a family, with feelings of sadness that it was cut so short’.

Zoe Powell, from Chinnor, Oxfordshire, was killed in a road crash on the A40 last week alongside her children.

Josh Powell said there were ‘many battles to come’ but said he wanted to ‘thank everyone who has stood by me’ and his 18-month-old daughter Penny, who also survived the crash on the A40 near Oxford on October 12.

In a statement issued through Thames Valley Police, Mr Powell, 30, paid tribute to his wife, 29-year-old blogger Zoe, daughters Phoebe and Amelia, eight and four, and six-year-old son Simeon.

In a touching tribute, Mr Powell said: “I had been blessed with four wonderful children,

He said Phoebe was ‘the model of her mother’ who enjoyed exploring the world.

He said: ‘She was clever and able to make great jumps of imagination – her great creations in Lego are testament to this’.

He said Simeon was ‘just like his father’ and had ‘a mischievous sense of humour and desire to know more of the world’.

Mr Powell said: “A keen sportsman, he had been due to play in his first football match this week.

“He shared the kind heart of his sisters and wouldn’t be happier than when he knew that everyone was OK.” He described Amelia as “kind and spirited”, who had “tenderness and thoughtfulness much more advanced than her years”.

The grieving father said: “Her ability to dance and express herself was a true blessing, with an abundance of self-confidence.

“Tied down by no element of practicality she had the most vivid imagination.”

A crowdfunding page set up by a railway worker colleague of Mr Powell’s has raised well over £125,000.

It is available at https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/andrew-welsford

Minister denies police will have health details THE Government has denied that any health information will be handed to police to enforce coronavirus self-isolation rules.

Health minister Lord Bethell told the Lords no “health information” would be shared, only “isolation information”.

He was responding to concerns raised by peers about the use of track and trace data to enforce quarantine regulations.

Critics have warned that police officers being given details of those told to self-isolate could make people less likely to get themselves tested.

Lord Bethell said a memorandum of understanding allowed the police, when given a report that someone was failing to self-isolate, to check with NHS Test and Trace whether the person in question had been formally notified to self-isolate.

But Labour’s Lord Hunt of Kings Heath said the sharing of what was essentially “health information” with the police was a ‘highly sensitive matter’ and should not have been ‘sneaked out’ by ministers.

Lord Hunt said the policy may “dampen down” the number of people coming forward for tests.

Lord Bethell said: “No health information is shared. This is isolation information, not health information.”

People were asked to isolate for a number of reasons, including when they had tested positive or been close to someone who had tested positive.

He said the principle of isolation and enforcement of it enjoyed an “enormous amount of public support”.

Liberal Democrat Lord Scriven said the memorandum had “undermined some people’s trust” in the system.

Request Lord Bethell said it was reasonable to “demonstrate the seriousness of the principle of isolation” and for those who behaved irresponsibly to face sanctions.

For the Opposition, Baroness Thornton said it was “disingenuous” for the minister to suggest this was not a “health issue” and raised concerns about data protection.

Lord Bethell said the data would only be shared on request and denied it amounted to “wholesale sharing” of data.

He said it included the name and contact details of someone instructed to self-isolate, the date on which they were told to self-isolate and the date that was due to end.

National News

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BUSINESS

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National News

Sales of cleaning products rocket but birth rate set to fall SALES of air fresheners and cleaning products are soaring as workers focus on improving their new home offices, according to global consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser (RB).

But social distancing has reduced sales of condoms and sexual health products, with bosses suggesting this could have a knock-on effect on its baby formula business next year with an expected fall in the global birth rate.

Disinfectants remain in high demand and RB said its Dettol and Lysol products are winning new business, entering 19 new countries since February.

The company, which owns brands including Airwick, Veet, Durex and Strepsils, said sales in the three months to the end of September jumped 6.9% to £3.51billion – or 13.3% when currency fluctuations are removed.

Its hygiene division rose 12.4% to £1.49 billion, health was up 6.9% to £1.22billion and nutrition

fell 1.8% to £806million.

In the first nine months of the year sales are now up 9.4% to £10.4billion.

The company said: “The pandemic has heightened the societal importance of hygiene, seen increasingly as the foundation for health.

“Demand for our category-leading disinfectant products has been exceptional in recent months, with increased penetration and new consumers demonstrating a preference for trusted heritage brands driving growth.

Cleaning “As a result, we expect structurally higher levels of demand to persist longer term as new consumer cleaning and sanitation habits become engrained.”

But it warned: “There is also evidence that birth rates will be further lowered in coming quarters as a result of behaviour changes related to the pandemic. This is expected to have an impact on market growth for our infant nutrition business in 2021.

“Sexual wellbeing products also saw temporarily reduced demand, due to reduced social interactions, although, where markets have started to open up, there have already been good signs of recovery.”

The nutrition business, which includes supplements and vitamins also took a hit with consumers becoming less active during the pandemic.

Business in Ireland left flooded MANY businesses and shops in Cork city in Ireland have been left under a metre of water after significant flooding hit several streets overnight.

Business owners are counting the cost of sudden flooding following yesterday [Tuesday] morning’s high tide.

Despite flood warnings issued on Monday, many struggled to protect properties because of the speed at which the floodwater rose.

The flooding came hours after the Government announced plans for the country to go into a Level 5 lockdown for six weeks.

Cars left on a number of streets overnight were badly damaged.

Video footage posted on social media shows beer kegs floating down Pembroke Street in the city.

Other streets affected by the flooding include South Mall, Princes Street and Oliver Plunket Street.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the city after the River Lee burst its banks.

Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire tweeted: “Heartbreaking footage from the city centre this morning.

“The last thing businesses and residents needed right now.”

Co Cork has been hit by a number of floods over recent months, particularly in West Cork where widespread damage was caused to businesses.

NEWS IN BRIEF

BoE adviser has backed negative interest rates

Iceland and Britvic launch green packaging schemes

A BANK of England policymaker has become the latest to back the case for negative interest rates after warning that more action is likely to be needed as joblessness is set to soar.

Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) member Gertjan Vlieghe said below-zero rates would offer some vital ‘headroom’ for policymakers as quantitative easing (QE) becomes a less powerful tool to help the economy.

In an online speech, Mr Vlieghe also said he believes that the potential side-effects of negative rates are unlikely to outweigh the benefits to the UK economy.

He joins fellow MPC members Silvana Tenreyro and Jonathan Haskel, who have both said evidence from the European Central Bank suggests that below-zero rates could boost lending and the economy.

Mr Vlieghe’s support for considering negative rates came as he warned that there is a ‘tremendous challenge ahead’ for the economy.

SUPERMARKET Iceland is launching bread and potatoes in paper packaging, in its latest move to cut plastic waste from its products.

And as firms seek to make packaging more sustainable, Robinsons fruit drinks maker Britvic announced it is accelerating the shift to 100% recycled bottles for its brands, and those it produces under licence such as Pepsi.

Iceland is launching a standard pre-packed loaf of bread in fully recyclable paper packaging and potatoes in 100% plastic-free fully finished paper packaging, to create sustainable wrappers for everyday items.

They are part of seven new plastic-free or heavily reduced plastic product lines introduced as part of a new trial, which also include apples, pears, strawberries, and mushrooms.

Each trial is being run in different stores and for different periods of time so Iceland can monitor their success.

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

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Education

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EDUCATION Times The future of learning has arrived Last month Lucy Davis, a sixth form student at St Gregory’s Catholic School in Tunbridge Wells won the inaugural Leaders of Tomorrow in Tech Awards. Eileen Leahy discovers all about the competition TO COUNTERACT all the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing issue of the coronavirus and education, thankfully there have been a few silver-lining stories to celebrate over 2020.

One of those comes courtesy of a local sixth form student, Lucy Davis, who has just been announced as the winner of the first Leaders of Tomorrow Tech Awards.

The project was launched in June this year by digital entrepreneur Katie King, CEO of Zoodikers Consulting.

She says the Leaders of Tomorrow Tech Awards’ aim is to close the knowledge gap in schools surrounding the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future of work and society.

Mrs King trialled the first Leaders of Tomorrow programme locally with the aim of rolling it out globally next year.

“For the pilot scheme we had Lucy Davis, Sadie Weir and Damian Zubko from St Gregory’s School and Sabe Santhosh from its partner school St Simon Stock in Maidstone. Entrants were made up of various year groups, including those studying business, finance and IT, and was fully inclusive to all,” explains Mrs King.

HER FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT Lucy Davis (pictured right) at school “The pupils participated in six expert sessions which were delivered to them by leading academics and organisations including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, The Alan Turing Institute, University College London and Price Waterhouse Coopers.

“Initially the idea had been to deliver these sessions face-to-face but due to ongoing social distancing they were all delivered virtually over the summer.”

The students then had to present a special AI project to the team of experts which included Lord Tim Clement-Jones, co-chair of the

All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI and David Leslie of The Alan Turing Institute. The sessions were chaired

by Katie King and the overall winner was announced at the end of last month as Lucy Davis.

The Year 13 student, and former Head Girl, at St Gregory’s Catholic School, says she decided to enter the programme because she liked its premise of showcasing young tech talent in the secondary school sector.

“The contest was all about training and supporting students around AI. I enjoyed watching and listening to the

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

presenters during the virtual programme and hearing how AI is already being used in our day-to-day lives, as well as how it will impact our future and the ethical stance behind AI.” The judges decided unanimously that Lucy, who is studying Criminology, Business and Religious Studies was the winner. Lord Tim Clement-Jones said: “Lucy’s entry, which focused on AI In education, demonstrated that all important originality of thought, combined with an appreciation of the social significance and the wider impact of her ideas.”

On winning the competition Lucy, who hopes to study Criminology and Social Policy at university said: “I was really excited when I won as it has given me the opportunity to experience and learn about how AI can be used in the future, especially as technological advancements are growing rapidly.

“I gained experience in presenting to established businesses, while gaining knowledge and insight into this fascinating field from the industry experts. It has definitely opened my eyes to a new potential career path for the future, especially surrounding the ethics and equality presented in AI.” And if students are keen to enter the next Leaders of Tomorrow in Tech Awards what does Lucy think they will gain from doing so?

“They will gain a deep understanding of how AI will shape all future jobs, from law to football with exciting case studies and demos, which includes talks from those at Amazon, Google and the Alan Turing Institute.”

The project also has the support of Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, who is Chair of Science & Technology

Select Committee: “Programmes like this are incredibly important to help accelerate young people’s careers, giving them skills and training which they may not have had access to previously. It’s excellent to see a Kent school being so proactive – especially during lockdown. In addition, projects like this help support the UK’s rapidly growing AI business sector, ensuring that the UK remains a leader in AI in the future.”

As part of her prize Lucy will receive mentoring from the contest’s leading industry judging panel, something that her Business and Finance Teacher Terry King, who led the project for the schools, says will stand her and future winners in good stead.

“These students are the future

“This project is an essential collaboration between schools and businesses to close a very real gap which currently exists” workforce. Some will choose data science, others may opt for a career in the law, marketing or football.

Whatever path, one thing is certain: AI will change the nature of all tasks in the future, so they need to be fully prepared.

“This project is an essential collaboration between schools and businesses to close a very real gap which currently exists. It’s an exciting opportunity for the students taking part, and we intend to roll it out more widely in phase two, with schools globally already asking to participate.”

For further information on the project visit https://www.aiinbusiness.co.uk/

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Letters

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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, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

A long letter last week [October 16] and an article from the Lib Dems espousing the public ownership of the old cinema site and developing it into a public space for the sort of activities that have ‘public debt’ written all over them.

The letter writer actually postulates a profit with some of it put back into the venture and the rest going to local and national ecoprojects - so quite a lot of profit then, phew!

Some money-spinner.

I’m not against something like this,

providing the site can be had for a nominal £1, and not a penny more. The site is blighted; it blights the town, but it should not become a public money pit.

The cost of making the site viable for such ventures is no small undertaking and I have no confidence in TWBC keeping a lid on things; bringing it on time, or delivering a quality piece of work.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells ABANDONED The former ABC Cinema site has been vacant for 20 years

Out of town Cabinet is out of touch Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillor and portfolio holder for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development Jane March who hails from Hormonden says the council cannot afford to buy the derelict cinema site with its £17million price tag.

Strange, then, that short while ago the local electorate were being told that we could to £120million plus for a theatre which few people wanted and the construction of which would have destroyed the beautiful park in the middle of our town.

Her fellow countryside dweller and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council leader Alan McDermott say he is looking forward to the developers providing a scheme that ‘meets the needs and expectations of the community’.

Does he mean something like the light blocking Dandara monstrosity at the end of the Pantiles which benefits nobody?

The old adage ‘out of sight, out of mind’ could well be replaced by ‘out of town, out of touch’.

Victor Bethell Tunbridge Wells

Appeal for accident information On Wednesday September 30, I was cycling eastwards from Mereworth approaching Wateringbury where I live, on the footpath of the A26, as the road was extremely busy.

This was around 17.15. The next thing I remember was arriving home on foot, with the undamaged bicycle and a broken crash helmet, cuts to my legs and a sore neck.

I also had memory loss, and did not even recognise the wife’s car.

My wife took me to Maidstone Accident and Emergency immediately, and they kept me in for 48 hours for tests and observation. There was no permanent damage, but I am being monitored.

Further inspection shows a heavy impact to the back of the crash helmet, and parts of a lorry wing mirror on the pavement, so a suspected a hit and run.

I still cannot remember the accident, and the Police have said there is nothing they can do, due to lack of evidence, so I would like to appeal for witnesses via the Times of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

Any help would be appreciated.

Ian Deal Wateringbury

Official statistics show Black people are four times more likely to die of the virus compared to white people, while the pandemic and recession are worsening existing inequalities.

As a result, children in Black and Asian communities are suffering bereavement, mental health problems and fear for the future - yet many remain hidden from essential support services and have often been left to suffer in silence.

They urgently need support to deal with a complex and unique range of issues which is why Barnardo’s in partnership with the National Emergencies Trust, and with the support of the Covid-19 Support Fund established by the insurance and long-term savings industry, has launched the UK’s first specialist helpline of its kind for Black, Asian and minority ethnic children and families impacted by the pandemic.

Black, Asian and other minority ethnic families can call our helpline for specialist support on 0800 151 2605 or visit https://helpline. barnardos.org.uk to access the live webchat and resources.

In these uniquely challenging times, we are also working in partnership with government, business and other charities through our wider See, Hear, Respond service to support those who need us most.

Children, young people, parents and carers can call the support line on 08001 577015 to request help.

Emma Bowman Regional Director, Barnardo’s

Councillors don’t deserve handout Astonished to read that Kent County Council propose to pay councillors if they lose their seats.

They are volunteers and the payment they receive is an allowance to cover their expenses.

They are elected for a four-year term at which point they may or may not stand again.

They are under no contract of employment.

Shameful.

Steve Jackson Via website

Thank you to hospital Good Samaritan Our day started very well, until we left home when we encountered Tunbridge Wells roadworks.

Luckily our driver (who hadn’t got a peaked hat on) knew Tunbridge Wells like the back of his hand, and we arrived at Pembury Hospital on time. Then my troubles started, he couldn’t find a wheelchair, I was left standing by the car, luckily, a very kind gentleman came over to me and said: ‘what is your trouble?’

He kindly went and found me a wheelchair, took me into the hospital and disappeared.

I don’t know his name, so would you say thank you through your newspaper on my behalf, for being so kind and helpful.

Our visit to the cardiac dept went well, everybody was very kind and helpful.

Our day ended happily, when Sue, our dentist, called in to see us with her two Spaniel dogs.

Reader from Groombridge

We’re students not prisoners The treatment of students this term is utterly disgusting. We were told to come to our halls of residence, with the promise of Covid security and a socially distanced freshers experience.

Yet many of us have remained confined to our rooms, watching lectures online when they could be with their families and support networks at home.

When will the universities and the government admit they were wrong, allow students an escape from their accommodation contracts and at the very minimum discount their tuition fees?

The Open University offers the same service with years of experience at a fraction of the price.

Max Dawson Tunbridge Wells

CARTOON BY PEPPY: (Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)

Cinema site could be a money pit

BAME families Barnardo’s helpline The arrival of autumn has been a difficult time for children and families with the impact of Covid-19 once again affecting all of our lives with new social restrictions and increased uncertainty. At Barnardo’s we know that families in Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities have been hit hardest by the virus.

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

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Weekly Comment

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Greg Clark Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Greg Clark was first elected MP for Tunbridge Wells in 2005.

He has held a number of positions in Government, including Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. He is currently Chair of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committe.

Culture and arts venues are vital to our community ONE of the things many of us have missed most since Covid took hold in March is the thrill of being at live performances – whether at the theatre, of music concerts or sports.

Tunbridge Wells was founded as a place of entertainment, and for 400 years since we have been a festive town, with attractions from touring drama to local musical talent, from comedy to our symphony orchestra.

Our vibrant art, cultural and sporting scene does not just offer delight to residents and visitors, but supports the livelihoods of performers, designers, directors and producers, technical and support staff, as well as those who work front-of-house to provide a wonderful experience for audiences.

They have been hit particularly hard by lockdown. Live audiences are by definition social – gathering crowds of people together in one place - and so felt the impact when social gatherings were banned.

I believed very strongly that recognition should be given to the specific impact of the lockdown measures on cultural institutions, and the people who work in them, and from the Spring onwards I pressed ministers for support to be given.

So I was thrilled that last week was one of the best for our local organisations for many months.

Three of our most vital venues were given the financial support they asked for to get through the months ahead and to be able to pay their bills.

The Forum – which won Music Week’s National Grassroots Venue of the Year Award just a few weeks ago – Trinity and the Assembly Hall Theatre all won substantial grants from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

The awards were far from assured in advance: they reflected the quality of the work done for our community and beyond by all three venues.

What is particularly exciting is that with this support, live performances are coming back.

Hosted At the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and J J Almond, Director the Theatre, have lifted the curtain on a superb series of treats, from comedy to music and drama. They are to be congratulated on being one of the first theatres in the UK to re-open.

The Forum, having hosted a livestreamed Local & Live at the end of August, have teamed up with the Assembly Hall for a weekly Thursday night residency from tomorrow onwards.

They have also been funded from the new grant to put on live streamed performances at the venue during the months ahead – including a LiveScream on Friday 30 October for Halloween.

Meanwhile, Trinity, after arranging acclaimed summer performances in its garden, is showing films and ‘live recorded’ National Theatre opera and ballet screenings, and several live

Russell Dean Member of Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

LIFELINE The Assembly Hall Theatre has received £500,000 performances throughout the autumn.

And if it’s sport you’re after, you won’t be disappointed. Our local rugby, football, and cricket clubs and many other sports have worked wonders with volunteer coaches keeping opportunities for children open during these tough times.

And while Premier League football is played behind closed doors, our local non-league teams are welcoming live spectators.

I have loved going to support both of our top teams – Tunbridge Wells FC and Rusthall FC. Both have had a great start to the season and are attracting big crowds.

It’s outdoors and there’s plenty of space for it to be safe, so if you have time this coming Saturday, Tunbridge Wells are playing at home at the Culverden Stadium at 3pm. Come along and support them – you’re certain to enjoy it.

I fully recognise that times are still tough for those whose business is entertaining us – some people fell through the safety net that was extended last week and I will continue to fight their corner.

But last week has offered some cheer for those of us for whom live performance in Tunbridge Wells is one of the things that we most enjoy about our town.

Russell Dean is a member of the Tonbridge & Malling Green Party. He lives in Tonbridge and is a theatre maker and artistic director of the Southborough-based company Strangeface.

We must move away from tribal thinking in local politics ‘IF YOU win, other Conservative wards will punish you’. This was the parting shot of an ex-Conservative TMBC councillor on a wet and gloomy election day in May 2019 just before the polls closed.

I was mostly knocking on doors in Judd ward to ask if people had voted when this dark threat came my way.

It is memorable because I knew the bearer as the affable bloke with whom I used to chat when I met him walking his dog.

As it happens, Judd ward was spectacularly won that night by Green Party candidates Mark Hood and April Clark. But what had turned my friendly Dr Jekyll into the seething Mr Hyde?

The obvious answer is politics, isn’t it? My rosette revealed me as a Green supporter, and the red mist had descended. I was ‘the other’.

There was no room for ambiguity or nuance.

No discussion of the fact that I had previously voted for the wonderful yet sadly late Conservative councillor Peter Bolt. The lines were drawn.

We’ve all experienced this. If we’re lucky we’ve only heard of family gatherings ruined and friendships destroyed through Brexit, Trump, fake news etc.

If we’re unlucky we’ve been part of those traumas. However, there is something deeper than politics at work here: tribal thinking.

In our hunter-gatherer days, tribal loyalty was vital for survival. Our ability to unite, fend off axe-wielding rivals and sabre-toothed tigers was bought by submitting to tribal custom and the will of the leader.

However, in the 21st century, far from the plains of our forebears and facing a climate CANVASSING Tonbridge Green Party during the local elections

emergency, tribal instincts become a liability.

Let us put aside the fact that rather than acting in the interests of all, tribal thinking favours taking losses as long as enemies suffer more.

Let’s also ignore the fact that tribal thinking seeks out and even creates enemies in order to strengthen its own cause.

The demonization of immigrants, refugees, benefit claimants and the sick supports this observation, as do many scientific studies.

What is most interesting is that tribal thinking values the tribe over logical argument. This is obvious in our local politics.

Emissions The Conservative mindset prioritizes financial prudence and family. These are both laudable qualities, but values our local Conservative council is failing to uphold.

Why are we busy selling off council assets at below market value when it would be far more prudent to lease assets and boost council coffers?

If we care about our families why are we voting for councillors whose cavalier attitude to spiraling vehicle emissions on our high streets is damaging our children’s health?

Tribe is trumping logic here, and I’m afraid the statements and actions of Conservative councillors will appear more ludicrous as they continue to defend the indefensible and succumb to the irrational actions of Mr Hyde.

Sadly, my acquaintance ducks my gaze whenever our paths now cross and I miss our friendly chats. However, I’m grateful that he only avoids my eye rather than poking it out.

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Interiors

Spooky style

Transform your home this Halloween Page 22

Market value

Why our housing market is on the rise Page 20

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Homes & Interiors

Property Focus N EW S

20

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

House prices reach a record high and rise at fastest rate for four years

By Lottie Bulmer PROPERTY prices in the UK have hit a new record high and are rising at the fastest rate in four years as the housing market continues to boom.

The average asking price for a home coming to market hit £324,000 this month, according to property website – Rightmove, 5.5 per cent higher than a year ago – as activity levels spiked.

According to the online estate agent, this boom is reflected in the average property prices in Tunbridge Wells being £469,891 over 2020. This is a 4 per cent increase from the 2017 peak of £452,088.

But in Tonbridge, average property prices stand at £402,043, which is a 4 per cent down on 2017 prices.

According to Rightmove, houses are selling quicker than ever before too, with the average time to sell a home taking just 50 days.

Increase Estate agents now have more properties marked as sold than available.

The number of sales agreed rose 70 per cent year on year, with the number of active buyers 66 per cent higher than a year ago.

The property website said activity is now starting to wane slightly, but it forecast prices to rise still further before the end of the year, with the annual increase hitting seven per cent in December.

Tim Bannister, Director of Rightmove said: “Previous records are tumbling in this extraordinary market, and there are still some legs left in the upwards march of property prices.

“We predict that the annual rate of growth will peak by December at around

PROPERTY BOOM House prices in the UK have hit a record high seven per cent higher than a year ago,” He added: “Many buyers seem willing to pay record prices for properties that fit their changed post-lockdown needs, though agents are commenting that some owners’ price expectations are now getting too optimistic, and not all properties fit the must-have template that

buyers are now seeking.”

The regions with the biggest annual price increase were Scotland, where prices rose 8.7 per cent to £169,000; the East Midlands, where prices were up 7.7 per cent to £246,000; and Yorkshire and Humber, where prices rose 7.4 per cent to £210,000.

Rural estates hold their value despite uncertainties THE price of farmland remains strong, despite uncertainties causes by the Covid pandemic and Brexit and Agricultural Policy Reform, research has shown.

A survey by Tunbridge Wells estate agent, Savills has revealed that 95,160 acres of land were brought to the public market by September 30.

Chris Spofforth, Savills head of farm agency in the South East, said “There continues to be a remarkable uptick in

interest for houses in the country and amenity farmland as many urban-based buyers seek more green space out of the major centres.

Rural estates with notable residential components are also attracting interest at the higher end of the market.”

Continued demand for greenfield land with forestry planting potential shows natural capital motives are beginning to gain traction in the market.

He added: “Looking ahead, trade and policy reform are expected to develop in detail before the year end.

“The sector is set for radical change, however we expect the demand fundamentals to remain strong and the market steady with such low supply.”

The Savills Farmland Values Survey continues to show that values are resilient with minimal changes to the end of September 2020.

Great Britain’s average ‘All types’ farmland indicator remains unchanged at £6,690 per acre with prime arable down 0.1% to £8,690 per acre. Grade 3 arable was up 0.2% to £7,323 per acre while Grade 3 pasture land was unchanged at £5,384 per acre.

Farmland values have been relatively static over the past 18 to 24 months with lower transaction volumes providing less market evidence and volatility in pricing.

PLOUGHING ON Farmland values are resilient despite market uncertainties

Making a house a smart home CONVERTING your house to a smart home could be a smart investment for your money and the planet.

A study by uSwitch has shown that fitting a Smart meter alone can save 85% of households energy, by making users aware of how much their everyday routines cost.

Control Minster for Climate Change, Lord Callanan said: “Smart meters are playing an important role in helping the UK deliver a cleaner and more

efficient energy system, with the added benefit of also saving tens of billions of pounds in the process.”

Combined with smart home devices like Alexa, Google Homes or Hive, users can control their electricity usage from away from home through apps and increase their savings.

The government set out plans in June to continue its safe installations of the meters while lockdown measures lifted and have cited smart meters as part of their plan for a green new deal.

Energy providers are required to offer meters to every home and small business.

A SMART INVESTMENT Adapting your house into a smart home could save you money

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RUSTHALL

£475,000

This fabulous 3 bedroom, semi detached, family home is situated in an idyllic ‘tucked away’ position in the popular Denny Bottom/ Toad Rock area of Rusthall. Unique & full of style and character with an intriguing layout, which has been architect designed and refurbished. EPC E

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Situated close to The Pantiles - 4 bedroom townhouse laid out over 4 floors. This fantastic family home is within walking distance of the mainline station, generous kitchen/dining area with balcony, living room with patio doors to rear garden, family bathroom and 4 double bedrooms. Integral garage and a driveway for 2 cars. EPC C

CR ANBROOK

OIRO £325,000

A charming and chain free 3/4 bedroom Grade II listed cottage: Living room with inglenook fireplace, fitted kitchen, family bathroom, three bedrooms plus a storage room/study. Private lawn garden to the front with brick paved area, within walking distance of Cranbrook School. EPC Exempt

RUSTHALL

£425,000

Gorgeous 2 bedroom cottage tucked away yet close to amenities and public transport. In the popular Toad Rock area of Rusthall.

Kitchen/diner, living room, 2 bedrooms, upstairs bathroom and versatile loft room. The property boasts a wealth of character, South facing rear garden. EPC D

N PR EW IC E

TUNBRIDGE WELL S

£680,000 - £695,000

Close to Dunorlan Park is this fantastic modern 4 bedroom semi-detached family home. This property is conveniently located for the mainline stations and many excellent schools including St James School. Generous study/ office, cloakroom, utility room, large modern kitchen, stunning conservatory, living room with Juliet balcony, 2 en-suites & family bathroom. EPC C.

RUSTHALL

£300,000

This family home is situated in the popular village of Rusthall and has been fully refurbished and tastefully decorated throughout; living room, fully fitted kitchen, bathroom, 3 bedrooms and an ensuite shower room. Front and rear gardens, double glazing and gas fired heating. EPC D.

RUSTHALL

£585,000

Delightful and substantial bay fronted semi detached family home; Living room with feature fireplace, dining room, spacious kitchen/ breakfast room, downstairs cloakroom, 4 double bedrooms and a family bathroom. West facing garden. Well maintained and presented but would benefit from some updating - EPC D.

RUSTHALL

£325,000

Fantastic Semi Detached family home fully refurbished with 2 double bedrooms and driveway. The property also benefits from a DETACHED SELF CONTAINED ANNEXE in the rear garden which has the versatility of being used as a home office, guest accommodation, gym or art studio EPC C

www.kmjproperty.co.uk

01892 515188

TUNBRIDGE WELL S

£260,000

This superb retirement apartment is situated close to the town centre and offers Warden Assisted Living and a 24 hour care line.

Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 2nd double bedroom, separate W.C., 20ft sitting/dining room and modern fitted kitchen.

Communal gardens and gated parking. Leasehold, no chain, EPC B.

RUSTHALL

£328,000

This lovely terrace cottage is situated in the popular village of Rusthall, which sits approximately 2 miles west of the spa town of Tunbridge Wells and the historic Pantiles; Open plan lounge/dining room, galley style kitchen, 3 double bedrooms, upstairs bathroom and rear garden. CHAIN FREE - EPC D

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

22

Homes & Interiors

11

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

ways to spook your up space for Halloween Set the scene for Halloween with pimped up pumpkins and haunting homeware, says Sam Wylie-Harris

W

ITH ‘Halloween at home’ falling on a Saturday, and our own personal sanctuaries setting the stage for the spookiest night of the year – will a full moon in the offing – the idea of creating a little house of horrors has never been so bewitching.

Want to set the scene for Halloween? Here’s how to spin a web of intrigue and get to grips with ghoulish goodies…

Pack of Five Halloween Confetti Balloons, £6.95, Graham & Green Stringing beastly balloons together with black ribbon is a

wicked way to dress up the entrance hall for trick-ortreaters, especially when they’re filled with confetti disguised as creepy-crawlies, bats and bugs.

Wallsource 70614579 Wallpaper Mural, from £29 per square metre, Wallsource.com Move over Zoom backgrounds… if you really want to capture the chilling mood of Halloween virtual parties, a wallpaper mural is where it’s at.

Made-to-measure and printed on demand to your dimensions, this wonder wall of jack-o’-lanterns in a spine-chilling graveyard is a real scream!

Emma Bridgewater Halloween Themed Cobwebs and Midnight Spiders 1/2 Pint Mugs, £19.95 each, Emma Bridgewater When you want to cup your hands around a warming hot chocolate or mulled pear and cranberry punch, only a generously sized mug – that can cope with a topping of frothy cream and cinnamon – will do. These creepy cups are ideal for Halloween hunkering on the sofa.

TruGlow Pumpkin LED Autumn Candle Trio, £19.99, Lights4Fun Alternatively, this flickering trio made from real wax can be styled with berries, greenery

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Sainsbury’s Home Halloween Collection: Skull Paper Plates, £1 for Pack of 8; Skeleton Arm Shot Holder, £5;

Gold Mercury LED Glass Pumpkin, £29.99 (other items from

Skull Beer Stein, £2; Black Ombre Plastic Wine Glass, £2; Skeleton Platter, £2 (other items from a selection or part of room set), larger Sainsbury’s stores Devilishly good dining ideas, such as dressing the table with a little skulduggery, keeps adults entertained, as well as the kids. Themed treats, nibbles, skull-shaped snacks and hot dogs topped with gory ketchup will look so much better on a spooky black plate (not to mention wicked wines and shots served in black stemware).

a selection or part of room set), Lights4Fun When it comes to glamourous, ghostly ‘shelfies’ and tablescaping, a pumpkin with pizzazz makes a super stylish addition. This one’s made from extra fine glass and will proffer a shimmery, moonlit glow.

cheese icing on the side, with gooey, chocolate eyeballs.

George Home Multi Halloween Dogs Reversible Duvet Set, from £10, Direct. asda.com Come witching hour, when things start to go bump in the night, your Halloween costume party doesn’t have to end. Treat the bed to some spooky dressing up too.

Johnson & White London 2 Wick Candle, from £53, Johnson & White Aromas

and moss, or placed in the window to project shadows and illuminate your spine-chilling decos.

Nordic Ware Haunted Skull Cake Pan, £40.80, and Skull Cakelet Pan, £40 (other items part of room set), Harts of Stur Don’t trust your cake-carving skills to whip up a beastly bake? Then these skull-shaped cake pans will do the job. Conjure up a red velvet skull and after it’s cooled, serve the cream

For some grown-up black magic, you can up your squash game by spray-painting baby pumpkins black then hand lettering them in gold. Styled with a decadent candle, scented with bergamot, juniper, heady jasmine and hint of earthy patchouli, chances are you’ll be enchanted.

The Halloween Window Stencil Pack (42cm x 42cm), £9.99 (was £20), Snow Windows It may be a little unnerving for onlookers, but when darkness falls, this wicked window display will certainly set the scene. To create this haunting, misty scene, position the stencil on the window, spray over with a can of Snow Spray (£3), peel off and wait for the squeals.

Staub 24cm Pumpkin Cast Iron Cocotte Cinnamon, £259 (other items from a selection or part of room set), Zwilling Not just a one-night wonder, pumpkins are a firm favourite on autumnal menus, all season long.

For rustic-style table settings and those devilishly delicious pumpkin soups, curries and stews, nothing beats an eyecatching pumpkin cocotte (with black matte enamelled interior) taking centre stage. Suitable for hobs as well as the oven, it’s also ideal for rustling up a sauce for your pumpkin gnocchi.

23

EASTERLING MARSH PARTNERSHIP Offering a comprehensive range of professional surveying services AREA REFERENCING REPORTS Our experienced team at EMP have the skills and technology to undertake measured surveys for all building types and sizes. All of our Area Referencing Surveys are delivered in compliance with the latest RICS guidelines.

PROPERTY REFERENCING AND AREA CALCULATIONS The leasing, acquisition, valuation, marketing or disposal of a building usually requires an accurate area statement to be calculated for various legal and cost reasons. Using a professional independent company like Easterling Marsh Partnership ensures reliable and unbiased information. A variety of different types of area calculations are available dependent on your specific requirements including: n Gross External Area (GEA) n Gross Internal Area (GIA) n Net Internal Area (NIA) - IPMS 1, 2 & 3 - Office & Residential RICS PROPERTY MEASUREMENT, 2ND EDITION (JANUARY 2018) Following the release of IPMS: Office Buildings and IPMS: Residential Buildings, the RICS have redrafted the Code of measuring practice and incorporated it in the RICS property measurement, 2nd edition (January 2018). This

document became mandatory for all RICS members from 1 May 2018. In the first instance, the Professional Statement (IPMS) is for offices and residential classes only with the incorporated Code of measuring practice still to be used for other property classes.

HM LAND REGISTRY COMPLIANT LEASE PLANS How we help at EMP Our accurate surveys mean our plans are accepted first time, every time - giving you clarity and efficiency.

What is a Land Registry Compliant Lease Plan?

Any new lease lasting seven years or longer must be registered with HM Land Registry and have a compliant

For more information please contact: Andrew Marsh BSc (Hons) MRICS - Managing Partner Easterling Marsh Partnership 7 Linden Close, Eridge Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8HH Tel: 01892 577578 • Website: www.empsurveyors.com

lease plan. The lease plan is essentially a drawing that identifies a leasehold demise within a property and depicts the exact area of land to be included within the intended lease.

Land Registry compliant lease plans can be undertaken for: n Retail Units n Offices n Industrial Units n Residential n Land All of our measured surveys follow the RICS Code of measuring practice and the HM Land Registry practice guide 40.

TW Property Specialist estate agents for flats and apartments in

TW Property

Tunbridge Wells

If you are thinking of selling we would be delighted to come and see you for your personal property valuation

CULVERDEN PARK ROAD • £169,950

KENSINGTON COURT • £227,000

A rare opportunity to purchase a one bedroom flat in this area which is predominantly made up of period family housing. A lower ground floor flat with a private entrance and courtyard garden in the St John’s area of town.

A spacious 2 bedroom apartment with open plan living area, en suite shwer room and a private balcony.

If you are thinking of selling we would be delighted to come and see you

MOUNT EPHRAIM • £219,950 A quite superb apartment, internally designed to exacting standards and presented to the market in immaculate condition. The accommodation is lit by a number of Velux windows drawing in plenty of natural light.

MOUNT PLEASANT AVENUE GUIDE • £240,000 TO £249,950 TW Property are pleased to present to the market this exceptionally spacious apartment located in Tunbridge Wells town centre. The flat is presented in very good decorative order throughout.

r ty TW Prope et For Sale/L

Sales, Lettings, Property Management 34 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LU • Tel: 01892 530109 • Web: tw-property.co.uk

handling rent arrears All new landlords are understandably worried about rent arrears! They always ask what actions we take as their agent if the rent isn’t paid or is late. Fortunately arrears are not something we normally have to deal with in our team thanks to comprehensive referencing of tenants but they are becoming more prevalent in 2020.

For peace of mind, Belvoir encourage landlords to take up Rent & Legal Insurance which gives 100% rent protection, for up to 6 months of rent, until vacant possession is obtained. Plus Belvoir handle all of the admin in making a claim. Legal costs – which can run to £5000 or more - are covered and professional court attendance on your behalf can be arranged.

paid less at the current time and we try to work together to find a practical solution.

When rent is first overdue an initial letter is sent to question whether non-payment is an oversight.

From this point we keep in contact with the tenant (and guarantor if applicable) and issue escalating letters until payment is received. Belvoir document every action taken in case a situation needs escalation. If the rent is not paid or a payment plan not agreed within a reasonable timescale, we move to legal action, issuing a notice for possession.

Our arrears process We match rents to their due date, 6 days a week by automated process.

Exceptions are quickly identified and discrepancies followed up with a phone call to the tenant.

We aim to investigate and resolve the situation through polite, respectful discussion with the Natalie tenant, as soon as possible. We Boardman appreciate that many people have (Director) not been able to work or are being

Legal Notices At the time of writing a landlord must give 6 months notice to a tenant except in a couple of specific circumstances.

Where a tenant is coming

to the end of a fixed term agreement or where the tenancy is rolling monthly, we can issue a Section 21 Notice and no specific reason is required. It is rare for a landlord to issue such a notice without good reason, which may be rent arrears or serious breaches of the tenancy agreement.

Alternatively, a Section 8 Notice can be issued citing a specific reason or ground for possession.

Rent arrears is a commonly cited reason and known as a mandatory ground so possession will be awarded by the courts if the notice is valid.

If you are tired of being a superhero and worrying about arrears, legislation and more, Belvoir would love to help. We would like to offer all DIY Landlords a free, no-obligation property management compliance review and 3 months free full management service.

Call 01892 615333 or email tunbridgewells@belvoir.co.uk or book via this link https://tinyurl.com/y56y3xru

Belvoir! Case Study

At the start of the lockdown one of our tenants advised us that Mrs had lost her job in the travel industry, Mr was on furlough from his retail job so their family income had been significantly reduced. Their landlord was sympathetic to their plight and agreed a deferral of rent until Universal Credit payments started coming through around a month later. The landlord did, fortunately, have a rent guarantee policy and, as claims need to be made within 31 days, we did start a claim but when the benefit payments were received we cancelled this (although could have restarted a claim at a later date). As the tenants were receiving extra support, they have managed to pay the rent each month. We have kept in touch will both tenant and landlord throughout, gently reminding the tenants about the arrears from the original deferral, which they are now able to start to repay.

Rocky Hill, London Road, Maidstone auctions@cliveemson.co.uk 01622 608400

Inviting Entries We have five strategically placed Regional Offices from which the Auctioneers and their local support team for that region operate.

We are continually inviting entries for our upcoming auctions which take place throughout the year.

If you would like to arrange an auction appraisal please do not hesitate to contact us at auctions@cliveemson.co.uk, on 0345 8500333 or by completing the online form at www.cliveemson.co.uk/selling/.

The Team For the past 30 years we have strived to conduct auctions that are not only available to property professionals but to all parties looking to use this effective and transparent method of sale.

Purchasing a property (or land), is normally the largest transaction that anyone will make in their lifetime. With the assistance of our highly trained team that operate within our family business we can help reduce the stress that this can cause.

A selection of Lots available in the upcoming November Online Auction

MAIDSTONE Detached office premises on large plot Guide Price: £460-470,000 + fees (EPC:E)

CHATHAM Period office premises with potential Guide Price: £300-320,000 + fees (EPC:G)

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Compound of twelve garages Guide Price: £115-120,000 + fees

STANFORD (NORTH), ASHFORD Village hall with potential Guide Price: £135,000 Plus + fees (EPC:G)

SITTINGBOURNE Double fronted shop with potential Guide Price: £90-100,000 + fees (EPC:TBC)

GILLINGHAM Freehold commercial block for investment Guide Price: £180-190,000 + fees

DOVER Substantial mixed block with potential Guide Price: £375,000 Plus + fees

Compound of four garages Guide Price: £36-40,000 + fees

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Guides are provided as an indication of each Seller’s minimum expectation. They are not necessarily figures which a property will sell for and may change at any time prior to Auction. Unless stated otherwise, each Lot will be offered subject to a reserve (a figure below which the Auctioneer cannot sell the Lot during the Auction). We expect the reserve will be set within the guide range or no more than 10% above a single figure guide. All lots are sold subject to legal documentation. Please check our website regularly at cliveemson.co.uk, or call 01622 608400 in order to stay fully informed. *Other non-optional fees including VAT, Stamp duty and further inclusions may also be payable within the contract terms. Buyers or their legal representatives are advised to inspect the Common Auction Conditions and Special Conditions of Sale along all other available legal documentation prior to bidding.

Upcoming Auctions Bidding Live from 2nd November Auction Ends on 4th November Times of Tunbridge Wells.indd 1

Join us on:

19/10/20 10:35:08

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Food & Culture

Grape expectations Discover gorgeous Grenache

COLD COMFORT We meet food blogger Jo Banks from Alive with Flavour Page 34

Page 35

Smart cookies

Brilliant baking ideas for Halloween

Page 36

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Food & Culture

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

“While I can’t bring history to life through performance for the time being, I’m now bringing stories to life through illustration” Local artist Claire Chard has had to rethink her job as an Historical Interpreter due to Covid-19 so what better thing than to turn her hand to illustrating some of the famous characters she usually portrays?

ILLUSTRATOR Claire Chard

So Claire, let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself ...?

I grew up in Tunbridge Wells and went to school at Beechwood. Inspired by the international environment of the school and the friends I made there, travel became important to me and I spent a year living in Hong Kong using drama as a tool to teach English. This was my first taste of what a wonderful tool creativity can be to convey information which could otherwise be rather dry.

Have you always worked in the creative sphere?

Yes, I have – or at least I’ve always tried to bring a bit of creativity to everything I do.

Upon my return from Hong Kong, I went to drama school and after a few years as a jobbing actor, was increasingly drawn to roles which involved a degree of improvisation,

allowing me the freedom to find the most effective ways to tell a story, be it fact or fiction. This eventually led me into Historical Interpretation, performing in historical costume to crowds of visitors at historic sites, bringing history to life through interactive performances and education workshops.

What do you enjoy most about it?

For me, creativity is very much about storytelling. Every place, be it a historic site, a school, office or home, has a story to tell, whether it’s the story of its past, present or future. Over the last few months, many of us in creative industries have had to rethink how we work. The arts and heritage sectors are absolutely crucial, so I believe it isn’t a matter of retraining but of rethinking. For the moment, I can’t bring stories to life through performance, so instead I’m doing it through my

FRIDAY 18TH JUNE

REGAL BEAUTY Catherine of Aragon – inspired by working as a Historical Interpreter at Hampton Court Palace last summer

Illustrations: copyright Claire Chard

arts

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pen and I’m really enjoying it.

And what did you like most about being an ‘Historical Interpreter’?

I love the moments when you make a real connection with an audience. I’ve delivered countless education workshops at the Tower of London and

Hampton Court Palace to thousands of school children, but every time even just one member of the group makes the mental leap from thinking of the past as something irrelevant to seeing it as a world full of people not so dissimilar to themselves it’s exciting and it’s important. I believe very

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THE FELICE BROTHERS SHOOTER JENNINGS GET CAPE. WEAR CAPE. FLY WADE BOWEN THE PICTUREBOOKS IRISH MYTHEN THE EAST POINTERS CAROLINE SPENCE INDIAN QUEENS MIDNIGHT SKYRACER STEVE SMYTH

THE MILK CARTON KIDS COURTNEY MARIE ANDREWS THE SECRET SISTERS MT. JOY MADISON VIOLET JACK BROADBENT SAMANTHA CRAIN IRISH MYTHEN ROB HERON & THE TEA PAD ORCHESTRA 1968 BENJAMIN DAKOTA ROGERS

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‘LIVE FIRE’ BBQ ARENA DEMO’S & MASTERCLASSES FROM: ROMY GILL MARCUS BAWDON HANG FIRE KITCHEN & MANY MORE

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FOREST SKILLS DEN MAKING TREE CLIMBING ZIP LINE CRAFT WORKSHOPS MUSIC LESSONS COWBOY TALES & ADVENTURES

eridge park, kent

Food & Culture

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

image (character or object), I could simply sketch and pitch it myself.

inspired me to get drawing.

Can you briefly tell us what it’s all about?

KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR: Bespoke prints will be available from Etsy next month

strongly that this work must return when the time is right.

Where did you work as an Historical Interpreter?

Many wonderful places! Most frequently the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Dover Castle and Audley End House. Over the years, I’ve played a wide range of characters at these sites, from a medieval brewster to Queen Mary II; from Henry VIII’s laundress (Anne Harris) to Queen Victoria’s mother (the Duchess of Kent).

You mentioned that you came up with the idea of Claire’s Characters during lockdown. What inspired it?

From the start of lockdown, my Historical Interpreter colleagues at Past Pleasures Ltd maintained a strong team spirit, supporting one another and seeking out ways to keep working creatively under the new constraints. There was a flurry of photo-sharing as we looked back on happy days in historical costume. These photos

I actually created my first ‘character’ illustration before lockdown. A friend played Catherine of Aragon at Hampton Court Palace last summer during an event for families called ‘Henry’s Sporting Academy’. Inspired by a beautiful photo of her, I set about turning her into a ‘character’ illustration. As I worked, I realised that my first-hand knowledge of historical costume was a huge help as I understood how the costume was constructed, how it felt to wear it and how it caused the wearer to stand in a certain way. When my Historical Interpreter friends started sharing photos during lockdown, I realised that while we can’t bring history to life through performance for the time being, I can still find ways to bring stories and narratives to life through illustration.

And did you enjoy the educational side to your work?

Are you self-taught or did you go to art school?

I’m self-taught. At school I learnt to paint in Gouache, which I still enjoy. However, my ‘Claire’s Characters’ illustrations are digital - I draw directly in Adobe Photoshop using a graphics tablet and stylus. I love the freedom this gives me to play with the images.

Do you do personal commissions and/or commercial ones?

A mixture . I’m currently working on a set of characters including King Henry VIII and François I of France which are to feature in a film for Head2Head Sensory Theatre.

Recently I’ve been tackling an illustration for the film based on a real life wrestling match between the two kings that took place in 1520. Working from photos, I also create family ‘character’ portraits, which make unique gifts.

I have also illustrated and designed webinar presentations, bringing a bit of ‘character’ to the corporate world.

Over the years, I have written many of the education workshops I’ve delivered at FAMILY AFFAIR: historic sites and have created An example of how Claire resource packs to support them. can transform a family With Claire’s Characters, I can not photo into a character only write these resources, but Anything else we should know illustration to create a illustrate them too. This summer I about? unique gift. was commissioned by Hogarth’s I’m also creating a line of House to create some lockdown customisable characters, starting learning resources. It was my first opportunity with a medieval knight - inspired by my work at to illustrate as well as write the materials. It was the Tower of London and frequent contact with liberating not to feel limited by the availability actual armour! With options for hair style, hair of externally sourced images. If I needed an colour, skin tone etc., customers can choose the

31

elements they wish me to put together to create a portrait of their young loved one as a knight in shining armour! I will be launching this offer on Etsy in the next 10 days.

Have you had much support locally?

To be honest, until lockdown I was a typical commuter. Having returned to the area four years ago, I then spent nearly every day in London. However, a positive effect of lockdown has been the increased sense of community. I now feel more rooted in my local community than I have done for years and I’d love to find ways to work with local businesses.

What do you hope to achieve with your illustration business?

The skill of the storyteller is to maintain a clear narrative. This is true whether you’re telling tales of thrilling escapes from the Tower of London in the very spaces where they unfolded, or whether you’re using illustrations to tell the story of a local business.

Would you like to work with local companies?

Having started to reconnect with my locality, I’d like to work with local businesses and offer friendly, bespoke illustration services. I can write and illustrate learning resources, create illustrations which help brighten up information leaflets, maps, cards and other printed or online resources across visitor sites, restaurants, schools and offices. I’m planning to add a series of Christmas cards to my Etsy shop but ideally I’d like to sell my cards and prints in local outlets. I’d love to hear from anyone who might be interested in stocking Claire’s Characters cards.

How to get in contact with Claire: Website: https://www.clairescharacters. co.uk/ Instagram: claires_characters Etsy: ClairesCharacters

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING FROM VARICOSE VEINS Join Dr Mo Faris on Thursday 12th November at 1.30pm for his free lunch time session where he will be discussing varicose veins and the various treatments available.

There’ll be information to take away and plenty of opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed environment. The talk will last approximately 40 minutes followed by a demonstration of the ultrasound droppler machine on 1 – 2 patients in the audience to map the cause of their varicose veins.

Please note we will be following strict social distancing guidelines which means this session is limited to 5 people so please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to attend.

Dr Mo Faris

EVENT OFFER: Bookings taken on the day will receive 25% off consultation fee and 10% off treatment cost!

TO REGISTER PLEASE EMAIL events@bellavou.co.uk OR CALL 01892 257357

40 YEARS OF BRITISH D E S I G N & M A N U FA C T U R I N G Newly Refurbished Tunbridge Wells Design Studio

By appointment only

Food & Culture

food

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

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Pub of the year on Tunbridge Wells’ doorstep areas, from bowler hat lights and a floor-to-ceiling book pile in the main pub area, to mismatched vintage-style wallpaper and tenor horns for urinals in the gents.

Each room offers the curious visitor a feast of visual surprises including a fine collection of art. The neon sign in the aptly named Stable with a Table, a dining room with a unique sunken oak table for groups of up to 22 feasting friends or family, fondly observes “I will always love you my friend”, summing up the sense of constancy yet originality awaiting visitors to The Bell.

Refurbished regularly and under independent ownership since 2011, both the food and the interior design are eclectic and worldly, with Head Chef, Oscar Fonesca blending traditional English cuisine with vibrant global influences.

as well as established names upping their games.

“Whatever style of getaway you’re looking for, in whatever region, you can be sure of a welcoming and safe place to stay.

“We’re delighted that our reviewers have selected The Bell as one of our best hotels in the country.”

The Bell’s General Manager, Howard Canning shared his excitement of the award.

He said: “We are jumping for joy!

“This is recognition of our team’s efforts to go above and beyond a regular pub with rooms.

“It has taken a while, but we have managed to balance the needs of our local community whilst welcoming visitors from near and far who can embrace our unique pub culture.”

Feature AL FRESCO DINING The garden was the focus of the summer for The Bell.

By Lottie Bulmer A PUB in East Sussex has been awarded a prestigious title from a national newspaper.

The Bell, in Ticehurst has been named ‘Pub of the Year’ in the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Stay Guide.

This award has followed a difficult year for the industry as Duncan Craig, Travel Editor of The Times and Sunday Times explained.

He said: “The annual Sunday Times Best Places to Stay guide, featuring the very best British hotels, has become the gold standard of the industry over the past decade.

“It’s a tribute to this thriving sector that even in this most challenging of years, we’ve seen a raft of exciting new openings,

This was seconded by Creative Marketing Director, Philippa King who said: “The owner, really believes in community and is incredibly generous with village life.”

The Bell has used its time during lockdown to reimagine its outdoor spaces and introduced alfresco dining throughout the summer, leading to record breaking trade.

Now with the cooler months approaching the indoor spaces, which have been lavishly refurbished for weddings, are now used for socially distanced dining.

Where world class comedy and jazz nights were once a feature of the calendar, The Bell is now running socially distanced creative courses in calligraphy, oil painting, lampshade design, drawing and lino printing.

Quirky touches continue in the public

UNASSUMING FROM THE OUTSIDE: The Bell’s charm comes from its eclectic interior decor

A D VE R TISIN G FEATU R E

Letting agent won’t let you down IN my time as a landlord in the private residential sector, what have I learnt that I now bring to my role as the owner of Belvoir Tunbridge Wells? I draw on my own experiences every day in managing a large portfolio of properties on behalf of our landlords. Sometimes it simply gives me empathy with how they feel about a particular situation but on occasions I have had a similar situation myself.

The importance of a regulated Letting Agent – of course these days every agent has to have Client Money Protection but I would also advise choosing an agent which is a member of Safe Agent or ARLA and where the staff are professionally qualified. Back in the 90’s before I knew much about the industry or how to select an agent, I let out a flat that I had lived in.

Unfortunately, the agent did a midnight flit with my rent and when I returned to the property it had been painted black throughout!

Despite what I would have thought when first becoming a landlord, a tenant with a pet can be a good idea! The first time I allowed a dog was for a couple moving over from France and I found only out about the dog when they were already travelling over on the ferry! However I

NATALIE BOARDMAN BELVOIR DIRECTOR

researched the breed and decided it would be a calm animal and I knew that the tenant was starting a job at a nearby rescue centre so would be home every lunchtime to walk her dog. There have been no issues at all – the tenants have been in residence for over four years and the flat is still in very good condition.

I have learnt the hard way that a good agent can save you/make you money. A good agent will advise you what works are required to keep your property in good order, will regularly review rents vs the market to give you the option to increase and will keep on top of any arrears so these are not allowed to build up. Recently, I ended up losing 4 months’ rent as our tenant had lost his job and pocketed the Universal Credit he received, all the while spinning a yarn to the letting agent. You can read more about how Belvoir would have dealt with this on page 26.

Natalie is the owner of Belvoir Sales and Lettings in Tunbridge Wells

Food & Culture

food

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Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Sharing the perfect recipe of how to keep in touch with your foodie fans at this testing time...

Local food blogger and supper club host Jo Banks of Alive with Flavour tells Eileen Leahy how she has remodelled her business to cope with Covid and why’s she’s hosting a special Halloween themed virtual event to help raise money for a children’s mental health charity

So Jo, how has your experience of lockdown been?

I really like being at home! Like most families we have had our challenges, thank goodness for our cocker spaniel, who needs a daily walk!

Joking aside, it’s been a great time to focus on the family, supporting the local farm shops and eating in!

I have enjoyed practising new skills, experimenting in the kitchen with seasonal ingredients, learning a whole new way of presenting virtually, and generally having a time to assess my business.

How were you able to keep doing what you love but without having the opportunity to meet people in person?

We have continued the food experience (bringing people together through good food) with our virtual ‘cookalongs’, recipe demonstrations, supper clubs and deliveries to your door. Our main mission is to continue to showcase what’s new in food keeping it fun and achievable.

What lessons do you think you have learnt from this situation for you and your business?

How important it is to keep in touch with fellow foodies, talking together

One of our most popular Halloween events has been at Chiddingstone Castle, such a great setting to do a day of spooky baking, games and fun.

and being positive! Food is a comfort and a companion: we have had so many virtual experiences sharing stories and inspiration and that’s what it’s all about! Our next virtual supper club on November 4 is a Mexican Fiesta, so we are sipping a mojito while cooking a few Mexican favourites! Through our lockdown cookalongs we have reached Wales and Somerset and chatted all things food with guests from Italy, Spain and beyond, there are no limits when its online, that has been a major positive!

When did you start being able to run a near normal service for Alive with Flavour or are you still doing everything virtually?

We are keeping online for the moment. We are thrilled to launch our online shop which is bringing Christmas experiences to your door, perfect for small groups to be creative and celebrate together this festive season.

And can you tell us what you will be doing this year instead?

FLAVOUR SAVIOUR: Jo Banks who runs the Alive with Flavour cookery blog

Why did you choose to support Young Minds?

I am pleased to be highlighting the valuable work that it provides. It’s been a challenging time for so many but young people’s mental health is an important issue and one that can get forgotten. Cooking and baking, experimenting with simple ingredients, is not only educational but

And what about Halloween, which is one of your busiest times?

Well, with half term just around the corner I would be busy teaching and running local workshops for young chefs and Duke of Edinburgh courses.

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We had great support back in the spring as we did our first Junior Virtual Bake Off so we have decided to run another one on Halloween. It will take place on Facebook LIVE and it is open to any children under the age of 16 years old who would like to take part in our baking challenge! Back in April we raised over £250 for our local NHS, this time we want to smash that as we are raising support and awareness for the brilliant Young Minds, the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health.

Tell us what else you have coming up for the rest of the year that people can get involved in?

You can join our Alive with Flavour membership for just £22 till the end of the year and this includes access to all our recipes, videos with tips and tricks from our guest chefs, discounts from our recommended suppliers and a reduced members’ price at our events including online supper clubs!

And finally please tell us about your special Christmas delivery boxes...

This time of year we are normally busy planning our Christmas workshops and as numbers are limited and restrictions are still in place we cannot run them as we would have liked. Therefore we have an ‘Experience Box’ to your door! It’s all about making your wreath, putting the finishing touches on delicious festive canapés and sweet treats being creative and making Christmas your own!

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it develops creativity and confidence. It is such a valuable life skill.

We can’t wait to announce our baking challenge this Halloween, join us on www.facebook.com/alivewithflavour Facebook LIVE at 10am.

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Food & Culture

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Grand Grenache

Discover the all-round, long-lived grenache noir grape, one of the world’s most planted grape varieties, and you’ll unearth treasures galore, says Times Drinks Editor James Viner TYPICALLY blended with other supporting varieties, drought/vine trunk disease resistant, relatively early budding and late ripening, grenache flourishes in warm, dry Mediterranean climates. In southern France it often drives the blend in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Côtes-du-Rhône; as garnacha tinta, it is found in many of Spain’s famous red wine districts, including Prioriat and Rioja, where it has become the queen variety of Rioja Oriental.

It also makes successful rosés and dominates the blend for France’s most complex sweet fortified wines in Banyuls in the southern frontier of Roussillon (delicious with mince pies, Christmas pudding and chocolate brownies!). Growingly revered in Australia, South Africa and California, it predominantly feels fleshy, rich and soft – really attractive for autumnal imbibing. Try these...

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1) CHEERFUL, RIPE & JUICY GRENACHE NOIR (AKA GARNACHA TINTA) BARGAIN FROM ARAGÓN, NORTHEASTERN SPAIN Co-op Old Vine Garnacha 2019, Campo de Borja, Spain (Co-op, £5.35) Snap up this deliciously succulent steal of a no-nonsense

supermarket garnacha. It has a lattice work of fine, powdery tannins on which crushed red berries, ripe plummy fruit, cherry preserve and moderate acidity are flaunted with all their winsome talents.

An easy-glugging Aragonese winner to sip with

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peppered steak, spicy chorizo and Jamón Serrano/de Teruel. It brims with an energy and sapidity that demand another glass.¡Salud!

2) A DISCOUNTED GRENACHE-FORWARD RED FROM THE SOUTHERN RHÔNE The Best Côtes du Rhône Villages 2019 (Morrisons, offer price £6.50, was £8.25; until October 25) Morrisons has some surprisingly classy ‘The Best’ reds, including this easy-swigging, smooth, herbal-scented 60% grenache 2019, topped up with syrah and mourvèdre, which hums with ripe black fruits, red cherries and a subtle twist of pepper spice. It’s appealing and delicious stuff, flourishing in the glass in a most attractive manner. One for ribeye steak, roast beef, pie and mash, shepherd’s pie, autumn stews and Cantal.

Overlook the dull label and reel in the lavish fruit.

3) GRENACHE IS VERY USEFUL FOR ROSÉ!

TIP-TOP PROVENÇAL PINK FOR SEAFOOD OR A THAI GREEN CURRY Domaine de la Sanglière, La Cuvée Spéciale Rosé 2019, Côtes de Provence, France (South Down Cellars, £22.95) With low tannins and moderate acidity, grenache/garnacha is also the mainstay in many come-hither, early-drinking rosés from Navarra in north east Spain and Provence, France. This pale, sculpted, tranquil and indubitably superior 80% grenache and 20% cinsault Provençal pink blend offers refreshing lemon-sorbet acidity and subtle notes of Mediterranean herbs, pink grapefruit, raspberry and citrus. It bristles with quality and is redolent of languid, balmier and more hale times. Pissaladière, seafood, duck with peaches, camembert, Niçoise salad, ratatouille, sushi or a Thai green curry, anyone?

A delicious and versatile pandemic treat on a sunny, autumnal day. And check out the great curved bottle — so often we first drink with our eyes! Classic and classy.

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12 ELITE GRENACHE/GARNACHA PRODUCERS: AUSTRALIA: n Ochota Barrels, Adelaide Hills – RIP rock

star winegrower Taras Ochota, who died last week n Turkey Flat Vineyards, Barossa Valley n Yangarra Estate Vineyard, McLaren Vale n Z Wine, Barossa Valley

FRANCE: n Château Rayas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape n Domaine de la Rectoire, Banyuls – sweet

fortified wine (‘Vin doux Naturel’), an alternative to tawny port

SOUTH AFRICA: n David & Nadia, Swartland

SPAIN n Bodegas Frontonio, Valdejalón, Aragón –

made by one of Spain’s most gifted winegrowers, Fernando Mora MW n Bodegas Jiménez-Landi, Méntrida & Gredos n Comando G, Gredos n Daniel Ramos, Gredos n Domaines Lupier, Navarra

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Food & Culture

food

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Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Bake Off’s Helena Garcia: ‘Humour is very important – it’s in my bakes and everything else’ Spooky bakes are not just for Halloween, Helena Garcia tells Ella Walker

TRICK OR TREAT Helen Garcia adds a spooky twist to baking

“I

’m wasted now,” shrieks Helena Garcia. “I’m wasted here!” The former Great British Bake Off contestant, who came runner up in last year’s tenth series, is lamenting the fact all the children on her street have had the gall to grow up and become teenagers – they no longer care for her spectacular Halloween endeavours. “Last year I made a real effort, and not one knocked on my door,” she says, mock despairing.

Unfortunately this year, thanks to the spectre of Covid-19, trick or treating looks to be a total no-go. That doesn’t mean you must forgo the magic of All Hallows’ Eve entirely though. Carve that pumpkin – and then pick up Garcia’s debut cookbook, The Wicked Baker.

Broomsticks It offers many a ghoulish – but tasty – way to celebrate, and features bakes that, without exception, have a “spooky twist”. Some are just plain ingenious, like her Cousin Itt baklava, whose Addams Family shroud of floor-length hair is recreated using Greek pastry kataifi (“Basically shredded filo”), which Garcia constructed amidst a pastry surplus following the making of breadstick broomsticks – because of course.

There’s a haunted Yule log (a tree

SPOOKY FUN A baked Cousin It from the Addam’s Family

stump appearing to howl), truffles masquerading as eyeballs, eclairs iced with entombed mummies, and lemon and thyme cupcakes that writhe with (modelling chocolate) sand worms.

Don’t expect edible maggots or blood-drenched sponges though; Garcia draws the line at gory bakes. “In relation to food, it really is off-putting,” she says. “I’m not a gore junkie at all.”

However, she has stretched her own rule with a batch of cinnamon rolls made to look like brains, as “it was too good [an idea] not to!”

Born in Spain, Garcia went to high school in Las Vegas, ostensibly to learn English, but it was there, surrounded by desert and high rollers, that she picked up her penchant for baking, and for “flavours like cinnamon and maple, pecan and pumpkin puree. I love them.” Living with a family of Mormons, who, unlike many an average American family, would cook everything from scratch, she was swept up in a world of community bake sales, and – already crafty – got utterly hooked. “It was amazing, absolutely

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Food & Culture

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

incredible,” she says, recalling her Las Vegas school days. “It’s just every scene you see in teenage movies or in sitcoms – [that’s] pretty much the real thing.”

Her interest in Halloween, however, is less the gaudiness of America’s traditional, plasticky blowout and more to do with the history, tradition and aesthetic of “Celtic festivals and paganism, magical plants and anything witchy.”

And while she might like the gothic, slightly macabre side of things, fun and wit run just as strong in her. “I just want to be able to have the best time possible,” says Garcia. “Humour is very important in my life. It’s in my bakes and everything else.” Take her affinity with Bake Off presenter Noel Fielding (“We’re both idiots – I feel like if we had gone to school together, we would’ve been inseparable”) and that time she famously told Prue Leith: “They come to me ’cause I’m dead,” when the judge reached to pluck a fly from her hair. She’s since even made a cameo appearance in US mockumentary horror comedy series, What We Do In The Shadows.

Pressure “At the time, when you’re [in the Bake Off tent], you’re like, ‘This is the most stressful thing I’ve ever done and I can’t bear it’,” she continues.

“And then you’ve gotten away from it and you’re like, ‘That was the most amazing experience’.

“I was able to take criticism really well,” she says, considering what she learned about herself on the show, but adds with a laugh: “I found that I dealt with the pressure well on the outside, but inside I was melting. I think they didn’t show how nervous I actually was!”

Her Bake Off family have proved one of the most tightly knit yet too. “Every day, there’ll be a couple of phone calls,” she says happily, although Covid has put a stop to their meet-ups, but not to Garcia’s enthusiasm for making and doing. She’s been busy picking blackberries (“it’s like treasure hunting”) and foraging for mushrooms as she did as a child, when she’d look for milk caps in Spain’s pine woods (“I

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Halloween recipe: Gingerdead twins Gingerbread figures with a morbid twist.

“Although inspired by the creepy twins from the 1980s horror film The Shining, these cookies still maintain the classic gingerbread features,” says food writer Helena Garcia.

“Draw the silhouette of the twins on a piece

DEAD RINGERS ‘Gingerdead twins’ belong to a mycology club where everybody pretty much is retired apart from me, but I love it, absolutely love it”), and growing all sorts in the garden of her Victorian home in Leeds.

She hopes Halloween will be an opportunity for people to get creative, but is adamant there’s no need to restrict spooky baking just to October 31. “Horror movies or mystery movies don’t just come out at Halloween!” she points out.

Having a bit of a lark with baking – be it in the construction or the decorating – is what’s key.

“That’s the funnest bit,” she says. “You can bake a cake just to eat it, or make something out of it that you will enjoy and be really proud of.”

The Wicked Baker: Cakes And Treats To Die For by Helena Garcia, photography

by Patricia Niven, is published by Quadrille, priced £12.99. Available now.

Ingredients: (Makes 12) n 450g plain flour, plus extra for dusting n 1/2tsp salt n 1tbsp ground ginger n 1 and a 3/4tsp ground cinnamon n 1/4tsp ground cloves n 80g unsalted butter, at room temperature n 165g dark brown sugar n 1 large egg n 230g golden syrup, maple syrup or molasses n 2tsp vanilla extract For the royal icing: n 3 egg whites n 1tsp vanilla extract n 600g icing sugar, sifted To decorate: n Blue food colour n Pink food colour n Cocoa powder n Black edible ink pen n Red edible ink pen n Green edible ink pen n Red powder food colour Method: 1. Sift the flour, salt and spices into a large bowl. Set aside.

2. Mix the butter, brown sugar and egg together in another

of paper and use it as a template. If you don’t feel confident icing them with royal icing, you can always cut the dress out of modelling chocolate or fondant and decorate that – but if I’m able to do it, you can too, as I hardly ever ice cookies!”

bowl. I like to use a wooden spoon for this – somehow gingerbread seems like it has to be mixed with a wooden spoon. Add the syrup and vanilla and continue to mix.

Mix in the dry ingredients and combine until smooth.

3. Divide the dough in half and wrap in cling-film pressing down to create two discs.

Refrigerate for three hours, or up to three days.

4. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan [400°F/Gas mark 6] and line a baking tray with baking paper.

5. Roll out the first disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to about 5mm thick.

Cut out six cookies by cutting around your template with a small sharp knife and place on a lined baking tray. Bake for seven to 10 minutes – the longer they are in the oven, the snappier they will be, but I like them a bit soft. Leave to cool completely on a wire rack before icing. Repeat with the second disc of dough to make six more cookies or alternatively, freeze for another time.

6. For the royal icing, whisk the egg whites until frothy,

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then stir in the vanilla extract.

Slowly add the icing sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.

If the mixture is too thick, add a little water. If it is too thin, add more icing sugar, one tablespoon at a time.

7. Dye small amounts of the icing pink and blue with food colouring, and a third amount brown with the cocoa powder. Decorate each twin by outlining the dress with piped blue royal icing, then filling in the outline. Pipe the little lace details with white icing around the hem of the sleeves, collar and skirt hem. Leave to dry, then pipe on the pink belt and buttons, and the brown hair.

8. Pipe the eyes in white and draw the eye lashes with the black edible ink pen. Draw the mouth with the red edible ink pen and finish the faces with a dust of red coloured powder on the cheeks.

9. Leave to dry completely before adding the lace on the belt with white icing, the shoes with black pen, and green irises and black dots on the eyeballs. The gingerbread twins will keep in an airtight container for around two weeks.

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Motoring News

Wednesday October 21 | 2020

Motoring News

This week… n New Audi SUV n Gearbox technology n City driving

New Q8 TFSIe brings plug-in hybrid efficiency to Audi’s flagship SUV A NEW hybrid version of Audi’s range-topping Q8 SUV has been introduced, bringing the German firm’s tally of plug-in models to seven.

The new car, badged Q8 55 TFSI e, combines a V6 petrol engine with an electric motor and batteries for improved efficiency. As a result of the setup, the Q8 will travel for up to 28 miles on electric power alone. Driven to all four wheels through Audi’s quattro system and an eightspeed automatic gearbox, power can be distributed by up to 85% to the front axle or 70% to the rear.

Two variants will be available in the UK – the standard 55 TFSIe quattro and the Competition 60 TFSIe quattro. Both are available to order later this month, with prices going from £73,860 for the former and £85,760 for the latter.

Power outputs initially separate the pair, with the regular car’s 375bhp and 600Nm of torque being eclipsed by the Competiton’s 455bhp and 700Nm of torque. As a result, the former will complete the 0-60mph dash in 5.5 seconds, while the latter drops this to 5.2 seconds.

But it’s when it comes to efficiency that the entry model fights back, delivering up to 100mpg

A NEW research project is looking to see how the very latest autonomous vehicle technology can be incorporated into city environments.

ServCity, which is due to be launched soon, is being funded by the government’s Intelligent Mobility fund, which is then delivered by the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. Backed by five partners – Nissan, the Connected Places Catapult, TRL, Hitachi and the University of Nottingham – the project will look at how autonomous vehicles can be best used in cities throughout the UK.

Mobility HYBRID The Q8 55 TFSIe combines the best of petrol and electric and emissions of 65g/km CO2. The Competition version still does well, meanwhile, returning a claimed 97mpg and CO2 emissions of 66g/km.

Intelligent brake recuperation has been included to ensure that the Q8 hybrid generates as much energy as possible when slowing down.

In fact, it can regain up to 25kW of power just by coasting, while the electric motor performs braking equivalent to everyday usage. The larger hydraulic brake only comes into play when heavier stopping force is required.

The Q8 comes equipped with cables for

three-pin or faster public charging, while a full charge via a 7.5kW home wallbox can be completed in around two and a half hours. Audi’s bespoke app can also be used to pre-heat the car or even activate the heated seats ahead of a journey while the vehicle is plugged in to charge.

Both variants benefit from a high level of standard equipment, with highlights including powerful Matrix LED headlights, adaptive air suspension and a high-definition, dual-screen infotainment setup. Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit is included too.

Transmissions revamped THERE was a time when the vast majority of cars in the UK were sold with manual gearboxes.

However, as automatic transmissions have improved over the years, so has their popularity.

As the technology has advanced, we’ve seen a variety of different transmissions developed, many gaining their own confusing acronym.

Here, we’ve put together a list of the most common types of gearbox and what they mean…

Instead of using a clutch to disengage the engine from the gearbox when switching gears, it pushes fluid around a sealed case called an impeller. This section transfers the energy from the engine into the fluid, which is then transferred to the output shaft.

The advantages of this are smooth acceleration from low speeds, as well as high torque at low engine revs.

Manual transmission The classic. This involves using a gear stick to choose which gear you want to be in. You use a clutch pedal to disengage the gearbox with your left foot and switch between gears using your left hand.

One of the key advantages of this gearbox is that it gives the driver full control over which gear they want to be in, meaning you can drop a gear to get away quickly or stay in a higher gear to save fuel.

Single-clutch transmission These are sometimes referred to as automated manuals, because they are essentially manual transmissions that shift automatically.

Therefore, they use a traditional clutch to disengage the engine between shifts.

While the theory is sound, in practice most manufacturers have struggled to make them work properly. BMW had the best-known example, but it was known for sluggish, jerky shifts, with the technology now superseded by dual-clutch transmissions.

Torque converter The rest of the transmissions in this list are variations of the automatic gearbox, and the torque converter is the classic example of this.

New research project looks to unlock urban autonomous car tech

Dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) As the name suggests, there are two clutches in play with these gearboxes. In its most basic

form, there will be a separate clutch system for the odd and even numbered gears.

The gearbox can therefore pre-select the next gear before a shift happens, which means the shifts are considerably faster than with other types of gearbox. In performance cars, this has been developed to the point where gear changes are almost imperceptible.

Continuously variable transmission (CVT) This is one of those incredible technological feats that, in practice, still needs some work – but if manufacturers find a way to make them more pleasant to drive, they will beat all other gearbox types.

In its most basic form, it uses a cone shape with a band around that and another axle. The band can be moved up and down the cone to vary its length and therefore the gear ratio.

Theoretically, it offers infinitely variable ratios between its upper and lower limit, meaning it can be perfectly optimised for fuel-efficiency or performance at any given time.

The downside is that, for the driver, acceleration feels bizarre – like the car is pulling against a rubber band.

Bob Bateman (Project Manager) from Nissan said: “We are extremely proud to be a part of the ServCity project and are excited to trial our electric Nissan Leaf as test vehicles. Our Nissan Intelligent Mobility strategy strives to achieve a mobility future that is more electric, more autonomous and more connected and we look forward to working in collaboration with ServCity’s other partners to achieve this.”

It looks to build on the experience gained from the recent HumanDrive project, which saw autonomous vehicles tested on country lanes where road markings are seldom used.

A lack of any real marking on the road is one of the key challenges for autonomous vehicles, which often use these to plot their path forward.

ServCity will follow a similar path, albeit in cities rather than rural areas. A combination of test simulations, end-user experience research and real-world trials will show how autonomous cars could be used in urban environments.

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