Times of Tunbridge Wells 2nd October 2019

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

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Lizzy launches the battle of the budget supermarket chains

By Robert Forrester OLYMPIC gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold will launch Tunbridge Wells’ newest supermarket as Aldi confirms it will open its doors for the first time this month.

The news comes as German supermarket rival, Lidl, has also confirmed it is scouting for locations in the town.

Lidl, which already has stores in Tonbridge and Crowborough, has not yet said where it is planning to open up but confirmed it is looking to invest in the area.

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FRUSTRATED Sue Luck outside her art supplies store

Traders win review of ‘inept’ town centre pedestrian plan

By Richard Williams COUNCILLORS have voted to think again about plans to turn part of the town centre in Tunbridge Wells into a pedestrianfriendly zone, following a petition raised by traders.

Sue Luck, owner of M Saltmarsh, the art materials shop in Monson Road, and Clare Waller, who runs the next door hardware shop, Jeremy’s Home Store, presented the petition at last week’s Full Council meeting.

Some 1,130 people signed the petition to protest about the effects the changes to the town centre will have on trade.

Phase 2 of the Public Realm Improvement plan is aimed to make the town centre more pedestrian-friendly, but as reported in the Times in July retailers fear the changes will lose them passing

trade in Monson Road and put an end to their businesses.

The scheme, which Tory Cllr Julian Stanyer told Conservative colleagues at last week’s Full Council meeting ‘was the most inept project we have seen for

‘We feel the theme was ill-thought out from the beginning’ Sue Luck some time’, was given final approval by the Cabinet in April last year.

Since then, the Council has held business breakfast briefings held for traders on September 6 and November 8, 2018, and put on an exhibition in Royal Victoria Place on September 22, 2018.

Despite this, Ms Luck, whose store has been trading in the town since 1835 and is England’s oldest high street art shop, told councillors there had been a lack of consultation with businesses and ‘unsustainable’ losses of trade.

She told councillors: “We feel the theme was ill-thought out from the beginning and there was no consultation with local businesses.

“We want an inquiry now. Not in a few months, but now because the ongoing effect on our businesses is detrimental.”

Councillors spent an hour discussing how to help traders affected by the Public Realm Improvement plans, and following a vote, overwhelmingly agreed to undertake a review of ‘the true impact’ of the scheme while ‘works continue’.

Continued on page 2

Superstore A spokesman for the German budget chain said: “We are in the process of exploring various options to bring a Lidl store to Tunbridge Wells and look forward to sharing any firm plans with the community, as soon as we’re in a position to do so.”

But as revealed in the Times in April, Lidl’s chief rival Aldi is already opening a branch on the site of the former Toys R Us superstore at the Great Lodge Retail Park in Longfield Road as part of a nationwide drive to open

Lizzy Yarnold

Continued on page 2

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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Petition, continued from page 1 After the meeting, Clare Waller said they hope the Council ‘will listen and take on board what the people and businesses of Tunbridge Wells are saying’.

She added: “We all want the same thing – an amazing town.”

HISTORIC CELEBRATION Salomons Estate marks 190 years with special event p4

PUBLIC REALM PLANS

UNDERWAY Artist’s impression of Southbrough Hub

STILL FLYING HIGH Baldwins’ Nick Marks says high street travel agents are here to stay p8 ENVIORNMENTALLY AWARE Explorer and climate change pioneer Steve Backshall on appearing at Tonbridge Talks p40

Building to get underway on the Hub development

By Richard Williams

HEVER’S HEROES Thousands decend on Hever Castle for the final triathlon in 2019 series p54

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 GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TF

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

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

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A PROPOSED £10million community centre, GP surgery, theatre and council offices has finally got the go-ahead after years of controversy, delays and being on the brink of collapse.

As previously reported in the Times, the deal to build the Southborough Hub nearly fell through in August when NHS bosses threatened to withdraw funding over changes to the contract.

Following an eleventh hour intervention by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, and negotiations between councillors at Southborough Town Council [STC], Kent County Council [KCC], Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] as well as NHS England officials, the project was saved.

Yesterday [Tuesday] the £10million contract with Baxall Construction was finally signed by all parties, enabling building work to begin.

The project is expected to take about 60 weeks, with completion anticipated in early 2021.

Since plans for the Hub were first drafted in 2015, the project has been scaled down from its original £30million design, raising more concerns about the the development on the site of the former Royal Victoria Hall.

Nick Blackwell, from STC, said he was ‘extremely pleased’ that the Hub will finally be built ‘after so many years of waiting for it’.

He added: “We will be reaching out to the community as the project reaches fruition for their ideas and contributions in shaping the facility and ensuring its long-term success.”

The Hub project has been funded largely through the sale of land to Crest Nicholson for a residential development and contributions from STC, KCC and TWBC. The NHS has also contributed £4.2million towards a new GP surgery to replace St Andrews Medical Centre that serves patients in Southborough and High Brooms.

This money was nearly withdrawn in August OLYMPIAN Lizzy Yarnold

after STC raised c0ncerns about their ground rent liability, delaying the signing of the NHS contract.

Following assurances from KCC they will help cover any hefty maintenance bills, the NHS deal was finally agreed, and now the contract with Baxall Construction means building will start.

Peter Oakford, the Deputy Leader of KCC and local Kent County Councillor said: “It has taken a lot of effort by many people to get to this stage and, once completed, I am sure residents will appreciate the hub as a very welcome addition to the town’s facilities.”

Threat The news the project is finally going ahead comes as a relief to members of Tunbridge Wells Youth Football Club, who would have been under threat if the project had not gone ahead.

The hub project was also awarded a grant of £500,000 towards the construction of a new sports pavilion by the Premier League Football Foundation, following input from the club.

Tom Sullivan, club secretary, said: “We are delighted that contracts have now been signed and the construction will commence of our new clubhouse.

“We would like to thank the club members and the wider community for their support in this process and are excited at the prospect of having superb facilities for our local children as well as the wider community.”

Greg Clark also welcomed the news. The MP told the Times: “Today marks a milestone for the Southborough Hub. After a period of uncertainty about the future of the development, I am pleased to see contracts are being signed which will commit all parties to delivering the Southborough Hub and lay the groundwork for building to begin.

“This project is set to deliver a range of benefits for the residents of Southborough which is why today’s announcement is so welcome.”

Aldi opening, continued from page 1 more stores to reach more customers.

The company has now confirmed that the skeleton race winner at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in Korea last year is to cut the ribbon on the new store when it opens for business on Thursday, October 31.

Matt Cook, the new store manager, said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to the new store in Tunbridge Wells.

“It’s set to be a special day as we’ll be celebrating the opening of Aldi’s first store in the area and having Olympic hero, Lizzy Yarnold,

The £1.3million improvement plan, mostly funded by the South East Local Enterprise Fund, will see traffic other than buses banned during the day.

Work began on converting Mount Pleasant Road and Monson Road into pedestrian friendly areas in July and were expected to be finished at the end of August, but has been delayed until the end of October due to ‘issues with utilities’.

The road has been blocked to traffic since the works began and the Council had promised to review the changes 12 months after it is completed.

Once complete, cars and taxis will be prevented from driving through the area of Monson Road and in front of the Town Hall until after 6pm, in line with the pedestrian area of Fiveways further up the town.

ACCUSED: Tiffany Tate and daughter Holly [picture: Facebook]

Mother charged with killing baby

THE mother of a Crowborough baby who died last year from a traumatic head injury has been charged with her daughter’s murder.

Paramedics were called to Alderbrook Close, Crowborough, in the early hours of September 10, 2018, where baby Holly Roe was reported to be having breathing difficulties. She was taken to Pembury Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The baby’s father, Michael Roe, 32, was charged with the murder of Holly last month, but a pre-trial hearing has heard how the baby’s mother, 21-year-old Tiffany Tate, has now also been charged with killing the child.

Both parents pleaded not guilty to murdering Holly Row at the hearing at Lewes Crown Court last week, as well as denying wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, and causing or allowing the death of a child.

A trial date has been set for March 2, 2020. Roe remains remanded in custody but Tate was granted bail with conditions.

Judge Christine Laing QC said she must remain at the address she is living at under curfew and report to her nearest police station three times a week. join us will make it a morning to remember.”

Lizzy Yarnold, who is originally from Sevenoaks, added: “I’m so excited to open the new store, it will be great to chat to customers and a lovely way for me to thank Aldi for its endless support of Team GB.” While the German brands are opening stores and looking for new sites, many traditional supermarkets are closing branches.

Last week Sainsbury’s announced plans to shut 55 of its supermarket branches and 70 of its Argos stores but the company has not yet revealed which outlets will be earmarked for closure. And Tesco announced a series of redundancies earlier this year.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Care worker found dead in grounds of charity A FORMER solider was found dead in the grounds of a special needs charity following the breakdown of his marriage.

Shane Underdown of Rusthall, was discovered by colleagues at Aspens Charities in Tunbridge Wells where he worked as a care worker on September 4.

The coroner in Maidstone was told the 32-year-old was last seen alive at 7.30am after he finished his shift.

The father-of-two, who had served in Princess of Wales Regiment before becoming a care worker, had split from his wife in May. A post mortem revealed he had died from suspension. The inquest was adjourned.

REMEMBER, REMEMBER Last year’s fireworks over Dunorlan Park

By Richard Williams

A TUNBRIDGE WELLS campaigner has been shortlisted for his work in calling for private carers to be given paid leave.

Chris Jeffrey, who runs ‘Mending the Gap’, has been shortlisted for Campaigner of the Year at the European Diversity Awards 2019, which takes place at the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone on November 14.

Mr Jeffrey says working family carers should have the same freedom and control as other sectors of society and wants them to be entitled to paid leave by employers.

NEW waste collection services began this week, six months after the new refuse company took over, and the Council insists they are all ready.

As from Monday [September 30], Urbaser, who replaced Biffa providing waste services to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council earlier this year, will for the first time be collecting glass during fortnightly recycling collections, as well as providing a weekly food waste collection.

This will be in addition to the usual fortnightly general waste collection.

In a joint deal with both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling councils, Urbaser was awarded an eight-year contract to operate in both boroughs.

The deal, worth around £3million a year, has already proved controversial with garden waste collection fees of £52 having come into force in Tunbridge Wells – and £40 in Tonbridge.

However, around 43,000 people in both boroughs have signed up to the new service, way beyond either authorities’ expectations.

VILLAGERS concerned about the effects of Gatwick Airport’s plans to use a second departure runway are holding a meeting in Groombridge next month.

Campaigning organisations, are holding the ‘drop-in’ public meeting in the village hall on Saturday, October 12 from 2 - 5pm.

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THE town’s annual firework display is back for its 62nd year in November, with 12,000 people expected to watch the spectacle in Dunorlan Park.

Organising group Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table last year raised more than £30,000 for good causes from the event, and organisers hope to do even better this year.

The fireworks display, one of the most popular events in the town, returns on Saturday November 3.

Andrew Mockford, committee member, said: “We’re committed to giving the people of Tunbridge Wells a great value evening of entertainment, whilst enabling them to give something back to the local community.

“It’s because of their generosity that an event like ours continues from strength to strength.”

More than 30 charities and good causes benefited from last year’s firework display, including Oakley School, Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, DAVSS, TW Crisis Recovery, and TWMHR (mental health hub).

Nourish Community Foodbank, an organisation which helps prevent families in Tunbridge Wells and south Tonbridge from going hungry, will be among the charities to benefit with collections of food gathered at the end.

Fireworks will begin from 7pm, and doors will open from 5.30pm.

People can expect a funfair, local DJ Andy Walker presenting over the loud speaker, and various stalls selling food and drink, including Eat the Farm – a street food vendor made famous in Channel 4 television programme Sunday Brunch.

Charities are invited to approach the Round Table for funding, with giveaways set to be presented in a function next year.

Round Table Chairman Kim Hartlev said: “Over the past year, we’ve seen a wide range of requests for funding.

“We’re extremely grateful for the public’s continuing support, to help us fulfil these.

“As we approach our 61st fireworks display, we continue striving to improve things to ensure the event’s future success.”

TICKETS, PRICES AND SPONSORS THE event is being sponsored for the fifth successive year by Buss Murton Law, and Times newspapers are again involved as media sponsors.

Tickets are £6 and £4 for adults and children respectively in advance, or £8 and £5 at the gate on the day. They are also being sold in Fiveways in Tunbridge Wells on the day of the event.

To find out more, visit: rtwrt.org

Council insists it’s ready for new waste recycling service

Campaigner shortlisted

Village airport meeting

NEWS

Firework display is back with a bang

TV star’s Tonbridge talk ADVENTURER and environmentalist Steve Backshall is taking part in this weekend’s Tonbridge Talks: A Festival of the Environment.

The BBC host of Deadly 60 and Lost Land of the Tiger is at the second Tonbridge Talks, which runs from October 4-6.

Steve Backshall will give his ‘Voyages to Undiscovered Places’ talk, on Friday, October 4 at the EM Forster Theatre.

The naturalist and explorer has talked exclusively to the Times about the upcoming lecture. For the full story see page 40.

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PHOTO: Sarah Mott

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

But concerns have been raised about whether Urbaser will be ready to roll out the new services.

As reported earlier this year, a number of residents have complained of poor service and missed collections and the Council has been forced to deny reports the service would not be ready for its September 30 launch.

A spokesperson said: “This is a huge undertaking and Urbaser is clear as to what the contract requires of them.”

PILED HIGH A missed collection in Dudley Road

HOW IT WORKS BIN collections will alternate fortnightly for recycling and general waste, but there will also be weekly food waste collections.

All residents should have received a grey five-litre kitchen caddy along with a 23-litre black and orange food bin for outdoors.

The brown recycling bin is for glass, plastics and tins, while the green recycling box is for paper and card.

General refuse collections remain fortnightly

in the green bin and the optional fortnightly garden waste service goes in the black bin.

Householders can also put out batteries on recycling day, as well as small electrical appliances and textiles.

Gary Stevenson, Head of the Environment at the Council said: “A lot of hard work has gone into getting ready for the new service.”

For more information visit: tunbridgewells. gov.uk/new-waste-service/garden-bin

Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION Proposed development at: 9 Nevill Terrace, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY Take notice that application is being made by: Mmh Property Limited, Mr Miles Hall For planning permission to: Description of proposed development Erection Of Part Three Storey/Part Four Storey Side And Rear Extension To Facilitate The Creation Of A Further Three Self Contained Flats; Provision For Internal Cycle Storage Facilities And; Associated Scheme Of Hard & Soft Landscaping Local Planning Authority to whom the application is being submitted: TWBC Local Planning Authority address: Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1RS Any owner of the land or tenant who wishes to make representations about this application, should write to the council within 21 days of the date of this notice.

Signatory: Mr Miles Hall Date 30/9/19 Statement of owners’ rights: The grant of planning permission does not affect owners’ rights to retain or dispose of their property, unless there is some provision to the contrary in an agreement or lease.Statement of agricultural tenants’ rights: The grant of planning permission for non-agricultural development may affect agricultural tenants’ security of tenure. ‘Owner’ means a person having a freehold interest or a leasehold interest the unexpired term of which is not less than seven years. ‘Tenant’ means a tenant of an agricultural holding any part of which is comprised in the land.

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The fascinating history of Salomons is celebrated on estate’s 190th anniversary

By Debbie Saunders A FORMER manager at Salomons when it was an NHS centre in the 1980s, and Liz Scholey and husband John, who were married at the venue 20 years ago, were just some of the guests returning to the Tunbridge Wells estate for its 190th anniversary celebrations.

Elegant Other guests at the 190th celebrations included Thomas Stammer, who was representing the Jewish Country House Project. Mr Stammer is writing a book which features Salomons.

The country estate was designed by renowned architect Decimus Burton and is known locally as an events and conference centre.

The ‘very elegant small villa’ was bought in 1829 by Sir David Salomons, one of the founding members of what is now known as NatWest Bank, who had it demolished and rebuilt as a large family house.

Sir David was the first Jewish Lord Mayor of London and campaigned for equal rights for Jews. The house is now part of the Jewish Country House Project, which celebrates Jewish life in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Sir David left the estate to his nephew, Sir David Lionel Salomons, a keen scientist and engineer, who built laboratories and workshops in the grounds and a Science Theatre to demonstrate his experiments.

Car enthusiast Sir David also held a motor show in the town, giving Showfields its name.

And he introduced a new speed limit allowing

TREASURED GIFT A portrait of the first Sir David Salomons in the museum

PARTY GUESTS at Salomons, including the Mayor & Mayoress

HOW IT USED TO LOOK The original ‘small villa’

Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION (Notice 2: This notice is for publication in local newspaper if Certificate C or D is completed)

Proposed development at: 24

Name or flat number Property number or name

Church Road

Street Locality Town

Tunbridge Wells

County

Kent

Postal town

TN1 1JP

Postcode

Take notice that application is being made by: AKOM Developments Limited

Organisation name Applicant name

Title Surname

Mr

Andy

Forename

Gross

For planning permission to: Description of proposed development

Roof extension to approved three-dwelling residential development

Local Planning Authority to whom the application is being submitted:

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Local Planning Authority address:

Planning Services, Town Hall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS Any owner of the land or tenant who wishes to make representations about this application, should write to the council within 21 days of the date of this notice.

Signatory: Signatory

Title Surname

Mr

Forename

Andy

Gross

Signature

Date (dd-mm-yyyy) Statement of owners' rights: The grant of planning permission does not affect owners' rights to retain or dispose of their property, unless there is some provision to the contrary in an agreement or lease.

Statement of agricultural tenants' rights: The grant of planning permission for non-agricultural development may affect agricultural tenants' security of tenure.

'Owner' means a person having a freehold interest or a leasehold interest the unexpired term of which is not less than seven years.

'Tenant' means a tenant of an agricultural holding any part of which is comprised in the land.

This notice is for publication in a local newspaper.

Print Form

cars to travel more than 4mph. Added to that, he invented an electric exposing camera in 1895 and was granted a patent for his invention of the automatic railway signalling system.

The third and final member of the Salomons family to live on the estate was First World War hero Captain Reginald Salomons, who lost his life when his ship, HMS Hythe, sank off the coast of Gallipoli in 1915, taking down his squad of 128 men from Southborough and High Brooms with him.

After the Second World War, following the creation of the NHS, the estate was passed to the Ministry of Health and became a convalescent home for women.

In the 1970s it was a training centre for regional health authorities and more residential facilities were built.

Canterbury Christ Church University used the estate in the 1990s when stables were converted into offices and lecture rooms.

Today, Salomons is operated by the Markerstudy Group and is used for education, training, conferences, weddings and special occasions.

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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

West Kent tops list of complaints against GPs DOCTORS in West Kent generate more complaints from patients than anywhere else in the county, new figures reveal.

GPs in the area received nearly 700 written complaints, more than any of the other seven Clinical Commissioning Groups [CCG] in Kent.

NHS West Kent CCG, which covers Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Maidstone and Sevenoaks is the largest CCG area in the county.

According to 2018/19 figures from NHS Digital, 693 people in West Kent wrote to complain about their GP, although only around half of those complaints were upheld.

This is down on the 702 people who complained the previous year. The most common grounds for complaints to GPs centre on poor communications or staff attitude.

NHS Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley CCG had the next highest number of written complaints about their GP with 480. Swale CCG had the fewest at 238.

The Trust that runs Tunbridge Wells Hospital saw the number of complaints rise, according to the NHS data.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust received 557 complaints last year, but around half of those complaints were not upheld.

Council among greenest AN ENVIRONMENTAL group has rated Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] as one of the greenest local authorities in the country.

Friends of the Earth say they ranked councils by various categories including renewable energy, public transport, lift-sharing, energy efficiency at home, waste recycling, and tree cover to find the greenest Council.

Wiltshire ranked top, scoring 92 per cent, but was one of only thirteen other Council’s that outranked TWBC. Tonbridge & Malling fared less well than its neighbour, scoring only 62 per cent.

As reported last week, students in both boroughs took to the streets to protest against inaction over climate change.

But research by the green group found that 22 per cent of the Tunbridge Wells area has tree cover, 36 per cent of commuter journeys are made by public transport, cycling or walking and a third of homes are well-insulated.

They also found nearly half [48 per cent] of household waste is reused, recycled, or composted.

In contrast, Friends of the Earth found 42 per cent of waste in Tonbridge & Malling is recycled, it has less tree coverage [19 per cent] and only 26 per cent of commuters opt for public transport.

Craig Bennett from Friends of the Earth said that ‘local authorities need to take the lead by adopting ambitious local climate action plans’.

Local News

New theatre hangs in balance as clock ticks down on project

NEWS

The Conservatives have 28 councillors on the 48-seat council, but following the death of Cllr Basu, the Cabinet member for Sustainability, their eight-seat majority has been reduced to seven, including the Mayor.

Cllr David Scott remained determined. He told the Times: “I will fight for this until the last minute. I am determined this is the right thing to do.”

He added: “Regardless of the outcome, I will fight to see something in this town. I will not sit by and let this town die.”

POLITICAL PASSION TURNS TO CONTEMPT

CURTAIN FALLS? Calverley Square looks doubtful

By Richard Williams PLANS to build a new theatre and civic centre in Tunbridge Wells appear ever more doubtful after a major setback last week when councillors adjourned a vote on whether to press ahead with the scheme.

The Cabinet were left frustrated at Wednesday night’s Full Council as several absentees meant they may have had enough support to push Calverley Square through.

But a motion to defer the debate on the £108million theatre project was overwhelmingly carried, with councillors arguing there was not enough time to give it justice.

A new meeting has been scheduled for next Tuesday [October 8], but the Council’s best chance to get the development past councillors may have already gone.

Tactical Any further delays would most certainly finish the project as contractors, Mace, are likely to walk away if the contract is not signed by the end of October, and even if they are convinced to stay on board, the Council say costs will rise around £200,000 a month.

The agenda-packed meeting last week got off to a disruptive start with the Mayor having to threaten a handful of hecklers with removal following shouts and jeers from the public gallery.

A discussion on a petition handed to the Council by traders concerned by the Public Realm works in Monson Road, meant only an hour of the monthly assembly of councillors remained to discuss the theatre.

Chief Executive to the Council, William Benson, told councillors they could extend the four-hour limit of the meeting, but independent councillor

for Paddock Wood [East], Rodney Atkins, forwarded a motion to postpone.

Cllr Atkins, who before being elected as an independent councillor unsuccessfully ran for Council for the Tunbridge Wells Alliance in 2018, said another meeting was necessary ‘so that time can be given to the decision that this Calverley Square project needs’.

He said: “It is unfortunate we have got to 9.15 and not got to the main item. And in order to give this item the justice it deserves, I think we should adjourn these agenda items to an extraordinary meeting.”

His motion was seconded by Labour’s Hugo Pound [Sherwood] and carried, despite protestations from the Cabinet.

After the meeting, a Cabinet member described the move as ‘likely to be tactical’, which was denied by opposition councillors who blamed the Council for packing the agenda ‘too heavily’.

Regardless of the reasons behind the motion to delay the debate, it was a missed opportunity for the Cabinet. Absent from the meeting were Cllrs Lucy Willis and Becki Bruneau, both from the Alliance party, which was set up specifically to oppose Calverley square.

Also unable to attend was Conservative Cranbrook councillor, Sean Holden, who has told colleagues in the past he ‘never had and never would’ vote for the new theatre.

Early signs suggested the vote last week might have squeaked through, as the Cabinet defeated an opposition motion to change the order of the agenda for Calverley Square by a single vote.

At least six councillors from the controlling Tory group are unlikely to back Leader Alan McDermott and Cllr Scott when Calverley Square comes back to Full Council next week.

Most opposition members are expected to vote against the development.

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EMOTIONS ran high during the Calverley Square debate with a number of hecklers shouting from the public gallery forcing Mayor, Cllr James Scholes, to stop proceedings a number of times.

But high emotions turned to disrespect when Cllr Scholes requested a minute’s silence following the death of Conservative Cllr Ronen Basu last month.

A member of the public gallery told the Times that a number of people refused to acknowledge the silence due to Cllr Basu’s position on the theatre.

He said: “Around 14 people in the upper gallery refused to stand. One person next to me said, ‘I’m not standing for that man’ and continued talking to the person next to them.

“Others were playing with their phone – it is not like these were badly behaved teenagers. The average age had to be well over 60 and I can’t believe they would behave like that.”

PUBLIC RESPECT: Those attending the Borough Council meeting were invited to stand for a minute’s silence in memory of former Mayor Cllr Ronen Basu who died last month. This picture was taken of people in the public gallery during the moment of silence. There is no suggestion that all those seated were in anyway being disrespectful.

However, it is understood that some in the public gallery remained sitting down as part of a protest against the late councillor being in favour of the new theatre.

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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Soapbox race to return in June

By Debbie Saunders ORGANISERS of Tunbridge Wells’ wackiest annual event say next year will be ‘even bigger and better’ as they launched the town’s third annual soapbox race.

Racers raised more than £30,000 earlier this year by hurtling down the slalom course in Dunorlan Park.

Nicole Piesse Turner, event organiser from Crazy Jeans Events, said next year will ‘be bigger and better and will raise even more money for charity’.

Presenting a cheque for £30,859 to charities Taylor Made Dreams and Hospice in the Weald at the launch of the 2020 event, Ms Piesse Turner,

said: “I’m so proud to be from Tunbridge Wells where the people are able to raise such a great amount for charity because that is what it is all about.”

She told sponsors, racers and celebrity ambassador Rosemary Shrager who attended the launch at Grange Bentley in Dowding Way: “Last year was so phenomenal and so emotional, and despite the weather, we still raised an overwhelming amount for charity.”

Ms Shrager has put her name to the wacky race again this year and is joined by former F1 Ace Max Chilton, said she was ‘privileged’ to be involved as a celebrity ambassador.

She said: “I’ve been involved from the beginning and I feel so privileged because

everybody puts so much effort into it that it deserves support.

“Next year it will most certainly be bigger and better and will raise even more money for charity.”

“I am going to go down in my own kart, with Max, in the first session. I always wanted to be a racing driver.

When I was young I had a little dream and when my children were young, I used to say ‘let’s go racing!’ and so this is it!”

SOAP STARS: Nicole Piesse Turner [in black] and the Chatty Hatter team with 2020 competitor and crew T-shirt sponsor Peter Lappin

PHOTOS: Craig Matthews

Smashing Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Kart Race returns on June 27, 2020 when around 40 soapbox karts decorated by racers compete to be the fastest to the end of the downhill course.

“Entrants all get a basic soapbox, which they can personalise and modify to be as wacky and crazy as they like,” explained Ms Piesse Turner.

She said that this year eight local schools from the West Kent Independent State Schools Partnership will be adding kart building to the Year 9 curriculum.

Pupils aged 13 and 14 will design, build and race their soapbox karts at next year’s event. The partnership is a collaboration between independent and state schools which aims to provide fun and

Childrensalon will be holding an open jobs fair at their head office in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday 12th October Please come visit us at Unit 21 Decimus Park, TN2 3GP from 11.00am – 2.00pm.

We would love to meet you and welcome speculative applications!

Childrensalon is an award-winning, forward thinking retailer, specialising in luxury childrenswear and dressing children beautifully. Our head office in Tunbridge Wells has over 430 talented people. With a fun, creative and family-friendly culture, we believe in putting people first and offer a highly competitive salary, company pension plan, health plan, fully subsidised gym membership, in-house yoga classes, company shuttle, generous holiday allowance and company discount. We are ranked #34 on the 2019 Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list and proud to be a member of the Living Wage Foundation.

We currently have vacancies in the following departments Finance Merchandising Digital & Marketing IT Studio

Logistics Facilities Communications Customer Service Buying

We are happy to accept speculative applications and for more detailed information about our current vacancies please go to the careers section on our website at www.childrensalon.com/careers/vacancies Childrensalon is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or team member received less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status or race.

RACER: Rosemary Shrager with Bentley’s Jon Lovell inspirational learning opportunities for pupils.

“The schools’ involvement for 2020 is an exciting addition and is a sign of its value within the community and across West Kent,” continued Ms Piesse Turner.

Julie Roderick from West Kent College added: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of this amazing initiative, the key thing is this event is about community and getting all our children in Tunbridge Wells involved.”

Jon Wood from the Judd School said: “This is a great thing to get involved in, the children racing their karts and probably smashing the adults’ race times as well, we’re very excited to be there on the day.”

For discounted early bird tickets and more information visit: www.crazyjeans events.com

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9 Chapel Place, Royal Tunbridge Wells, 01892 540216 gabriellajewellery.co.uk

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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Thomas Cook collapse ‘no surprise’ – but High Street travel agents are here to stay

By Richard Williams DESPITE the rapid collapse of Thomas Cook last week, the travel giant’s demise came as no surprise to those in the industry.

The world’s oldest tour operator went into liquidation after failing to secure a £250million taxpayer bailout.

The collapse of the firm resulted in the loss of 9,000 jobs in the UK, and more than 20,000 worldwide, as all of its 600 high street branches closed their doors for good.

Around 150,000 holidaymakers had to be repatriated following the collapse.

‘We have a saying, the holiday starts as soon as you come into the shop, because that is when people start getting excited’ But the boss of one of the South East’s leading travel companies has said the demise of the ‘iconic brand’ did not come as a shock.

Nick Marks, Managing Director of familyowned Baldwins Travel Group, which is headquartered in Tunbridge Wells, told the Times: “It came as no surprise in the end. It is such a shame, especially for all those staff in the UK and worldwide who have lost their jobs.

“They are an iconic brand, but they have been struggling for the last six to seven years. A few years ago somebody asset-stripped them and when that happens you are finished.

“From Baldwins’ point of view, we have a lot of

tour operators to choose from and Thomas Cook were not even in the top 30.”

He said that the collapse of the high street chain did not mean the traditional travel agent was losing the battle with online tour operators.

“You have to remember that 50 per cent of Thomas Cook’s business was online, but from our perspective, passenger numbers increase year on year and have done for the last 22 years since I have been in the industry.

“The reason for this is that we are there every step of the way. Thomas Cook is a good example. When they collapsed, we contacted our customers affected by that and started to help them get home. We help them with their compensation claims.”

Baldwins has been in the Marks family since 1991, when the family bought the original three shops in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Maidstone.

Since then, the Baldwins Group has expanded to eight shops across Kent and East Sussex, employing 72 people, and with an annual turnover of £40million.

This success Mr Marks puts down to their personal approach.

He said: “We have a saying, the holiday starts as soon as you come into the shop, because that is when people start getting excited about it.

“We can offer more than the internet can. We have all the experts and are here every

TAILORED TRAVEL: Baldwins’ shop in Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells step of the way. That’s why people come to us.”

He said the travel industry will continue to do well, as people are now opting for more bespoke holidays rather than the traditional package tour.

“Package holidays are still big, but there has been a big resurgence

Nick Marks

in adventure holidays, such as walking holidays or tennis camps – we have just sent a fair number of people to Japan for the Rugby World Cup. “People are more adventurous with their holidays now.”

But he added: “Cruises remain really big at the moment still, and more people are choosing to go to the Caribbean now than before.

“It is a fantastic industry to be involved with at the moment,” he said.

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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Ephraim and The Black Horse in Camden Road.

Shepherd Neame also operate The Foresters Arms in Tonbridge.

Mr Templeman said: “This is a unique independent family business and I have enjoyed every moment of my time with the company.

“I am proud of the transformation it has gone through to become the modern, forward-looking, organisation it is today.”

Reins

LAST ORDERS Chairman Miles Templeman

Shepherd Neame boss to step down after 15 years THE chairman of one of Kent’s oldest breweries and pub operators is to step down after 15 years at the helm.

Miles Templeman, current Chairman of Shepherd Neame, says he will step down after the company’s next AGM,

which is in October next year.

The brewery, which is headquartered in Faversham, owns and operates 322 pubs across the South East.

These include the Royal Wells Hotel and The Beau Nash Tavern on Mount

He will be replaced by Richard Oldfield, who has been a non-executive director since 2016.

Mr Oldfield is the founder and Chairman of Oldfield Partners, an investment management firm with a global client base, a Director of Witan Investment Trust and former chairman of Keystone Investment Trust.

Mr Templeman added: “The strength of the company’s position is testament to the hard work of the executive team, my colleagues on the board and the staff across each of our divisions.

“I look forward to continuing to work with them over the next 12 months before handing the reins over to Richard, who I know will do an excellent job in taking the business on the next phase of its development.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Family-run agency buys McAuley Miller

Top 20 listing for Harrow seeks online senior care company advice from Cripps

A TUNBRIDGE WELLS estate agent has increased its managed portfolio by nearly a half thanks to its latest acquisition.

Martin & Co, which has offices in both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, has taken on the property portfolio of Mount Ephraim-based McAuley Miller estate agents.

The acquisition increases the family-run property agency’s managed portfolio to beyond 200 properties, boosting it by 43 per cent.

David Rogers, Managing Director of Martin & Co since 2009, whose staff include his wife Jackie [Property Manager], eldest daughter Vicky [Lettings Manager] and her husband Scott [Sales and Valuation Manager], says McAuley Miller is their third but also the company’s largest acquisition to date.

A WEST KENT care in the community company has been listed as one of the UK’s top 20 home care groups, as voted for by the people whose lives they have most affected.

Seniors Helping Seniors, an elderly care service that covers the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks areas, is a non-medical, in-home care and companionship service that matches seniors who need help with seniors who want to help.

It has been listed in the top 20 of the UK’s 673 home care groups by homecare.co.uk – a website visited by over two million elderly people and their families who post uncensored reviews on the quality of care provided by care home groups.

Keith Reddy, who runs Seniors Helping Seniors, said: “We are delighted to receive this national accolade for the service we provide.

“It is a direct reflection of the caring, compassionate companions and carers working with us.

“Our unique business model not only reduces the strain on the NHS, but also creates employment opportunities for seniors who want to continue to work.”

Ethos He said: “We’re delighted to have completed on this acquisition, and certainly hope there will be many more to come as we look to grow the business further.

“As a branch, we’re very much looking forward to helping our new landlords get the best out of their properties, while also ensuring the tenants are well looked after and benefit from our strong customer service ethos.”

Ian Wilson, retiring Chief Executive of The Property Franchise Group, which owned Martin & Co, added: “I met David and his daughter at a franchise show in 2009. He was an experienced agent looking to use our brand to develop a new venture.

“I’m sure that he and his family are delighted with the progress he has made since.

“His clients speak very highly of the service they receive, and the seller’s clients will be welcomed warmly on-board.”

ONE of the UK’s leading public schools has sought the services of a Tunbridge Wells law firm to help launch its new online education service.

Harrow School Enterprises, the commercial arm of Harrow School, one of the country’s oldest boarding schools for boys, turned to Mount Ephraim-based Cripps Pemberton Greenish to advise it on the launch of Harrow School Online.

The online education programme will start from September 2020 and will charge £15,000 per year to students, who will be able to take part in oneto-one academic tutorials, live online lessons and regular coaching sessions.

The technology underpinning the system is provided by Pearson and is already used by more than 75,000 school students around the world.

Cripps’ Corporate Partner Andrew Millett assisted in the negotiations.

Heather Rhodes, Principal for Harrow Online School, said: “It’s a privilege to be at the forefront of this new chapter of education. Our thanks go to Andrew and the Cripps Pemberton Greenish team for their expertise and assistance on this project.”

GOING VIRTUAL: Harrow public school is going virtual with online teaching

Local News

BUSINESS

A new chapter in a long history Heathervale House Thomson Snell & Passmore’s head office is moving to new premises on 11 November 2019.

www.ts-p.co.uk @pragmaticlawyer T 01892 510000

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Community News

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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Record numbers hit the road for Hospice Run with new 5k version THIS year’s Hospice Run saw the biggest number of athletes taking part following the introduction of a 5km version to go alongside the traditional 10k race.

The 14th edition of the event, which raises money for the Hospice in the Weald, saw more than 850 runners set off from the Lower Cricket Ground in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday September 22.

The new, shorter route – which mirrors the popular parkrun distance - proved highly popular with families taking part with children as young as six years old.

Most of the participants were running in memory of family members or friends who have been cared for by the Hospice, and set a £100 fundraising target.

However, many have raised considerably more, and one local family have collected more than £4,000.

The funds help to raise the £7million which is needed each year to provide care for local patients and their families free of charge.

Greg Clark, the MP for Tunbridge Wells, is a regular at the Dunorlan parkrun and was among the runners on Sunday. He said: “I very much enjoyed the Hospice Run. “There was such a positive atmosphere from all of the runners and it was great way to be involved in supporting our local Hospice.”

Kelly Heaton-Ralph, Relationship Fundraising Manager at the Hospice, described the occasion as a ‘fantastic day’, adding: “Thank you so much to all of our runners and supporters who took part.

“Thank you to all of our marshals and volunteers who helped make the event possible, and of course to our sponsors, Savills, Dandara and CSIS – they are a crucial part of the Hospice Run.”

ON YOUR MARKS: Runners take off from the Lower Cricket Ground in bid to raise funds

ALL DECKED OUT (L-R) Steve Brown, Cllr James Scholes and Will Street cut the ribbon

Bewl Water’s ‘Big Lift’ project helps sailors with disabilities PARA Sailing world champion Will Street opened a new pontoon section and hoist at Bewl Water, designed to make watersports more accessible for people with disabilities.

He was joined by BBC presenter Steve Brown and the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells James Scholes at the unveiling of the ‘Big Lift’ project.

The facilities were provided by Mariners of Bewl, a club which supports the integration of physically disabled and able-bodied people through sailing.

The Mariners have been based at Bewl Water for 30 years and are accredited by the Royal Yachting Association [RYA] Sailability scheme.

Will raced at Bewl Water in his youth and the Mariners helped him to train before he and Jonny Currell won the Para Sailing World Championships in the United States last year.

Steve, who captained Team GB’s wheelchair rugby squad at the London Paralympics in 2012, hailed the latest breakthrough in disablity sport.

He said: “Whatever sport you are part of, however able or disabled you are, sport is huge.

It bridges gaps, it makes friendships, it gives people common ground and that is really important. Sport has been a massive part of my life.”

The hoist and pontoon took two years to plan and cost more than £20,000 and was funded by grants and donations from the RYA Foundation, Sports England, Bewl Sailing Association, Hilary’s Dream Trust, which helps disabled or financially disadvantaged adults to sail, and a number of individuals and groups.

Richard Hayden, Trustee of Mariners of Bewl, said: “The equipment now means that those who need a hoist on a stable platform to transfer from land to boats can now do so in a safe and more dignified way.

If you are interested in sailing with Mariners of Bewl email enquiries@mariners-of-bewl.org.uk

FREE INFORMATION EVENING

Cosmetic Breast Surgery & Mummy Makeovers Wednesday 23rd October from 6:30pm If you are considering breast surgery or a mummy makeover, this is a perfect opportunity to find out more about the procedures, ask questions and meet Mr Paul Banwell, Consultant Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Free mini 1:1 consultations will also be available at the event.

Book online at themcindoecentre.co.uk or call 01342 488058.

Why Choose The McIndoe Centre?

The McIndoe Centre is home to some of the UK’s most esteemed consultants who are experts in their field. Located in East Grinstead, our centre provides patients with a comprehensive range of health care facilities and the highest quality of patient care in a friendly, comfortable and peaceful environment.

Find out more about our services at themcindoecentre.co.uk

Holtye Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3EB

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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Community News

Royal Marsden’s children enjoy grand day out at Hadlow Manor

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk TWO hundred and fifty young people under the care of The Royal Marsden Hospital came to spend a day at Hadlow Manor near Tonbridge in September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Some of the families who were invited had children who lost their lives to cancer, while others are currently undergoing treatment or have been treated.

The Giant Pledge event was set up by Vicki and James Woodall, whose son George was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in January 2017,

to raise money for research and support projects.

Having seen George go through months of gruelling treatment they knew how important it is to enjoy some relaxation and excitement away from the hospital environment.

Vicki said: “Over the past two years we’ve met so many amazing companies looking to support our Giant Pledge fundraising.

“This time we took the opportunity to bring some of these to the families of the Marsden as we know all too well how much they all need spoiling.”

The couple enlisted the help of their charity partner Google UK as well as L’Oréal, Nintendo, Paramount Pictures, Disney and McVities to provide goodie bags and treats.

ALL REVVED UP: Children enjoyed ‘dream rides’ in super cars on hospital’s day out

“It’s astonishing to think our army of Giant Pledge supporters have now raised over £1.4million between them to help beat childhood cancer together with The Royal Marsden.

“We’re hoping to do more events like this, if we can secure further corporate support to benefit families that are going through the torment of childhood cancer right now.”

Rewarding In the grounds at Hadlow Manor there were go-karts, ‘dream rides’ in vintage and super cars, flower crown making, live music and theatrical performers.

Tim Wetherall, whose son is in recovery after being treated at the London hospital, found the occasion hugely rewarding as his wife now suffers from bowel cancer.

“It’s been a pretty horrific few months,” he said. “But for a few hours on Sunday we were able to properly laugh and smile as a family and I can’t tell you how much that means” Giles Thomas, Operations Director at the venue, said: “We have worked with Vicki and James many times over the years to help with fundraising for The Giant Pledge and we really enjoy it.

“When Vicki approached us to host this special fun day we didn’t hesitate to get involved with such a worthy event. Our staff worked so hard in the lead-up and on the day and all really enjoyed it.”

He added: “We loved being part of something so special. Seeing the children having such a great time makes it all worthwhile.”

For more information visit giantpledge.com or email georgeandthegiantpledge@gmail.com

NEWS

Hospital Trust hailed for success of new Patient Flow project MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust [MTW] has been shortlisted for the Acute or Specialist Service Redesign Initiative for London and the South at this year’s HSJ [Health Service Journal] Awards in November.

MTW’s Improving Patient Flow project was chosen by the judges because of its ‘ambition, visionary spirit and the demonstrable positive impact’.

The Trust is now one of the top ten in the country for its use of emergency care services after making ‘significant improvements’ over the past year.

The innovative measures are designed to reduce the number of unnecessary admissions and increase the availability of outpatient services.

Delighted These include extending the use of frailty units to make assessments at the front end; securing beds outside hospital to care for patients waiting for social services support; working with partners so patients can finish their acute care at home via the new Hospital @ Home scheme; and improving the efficiency of operating theatres and outpatient clinics.

Lynn Gray, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at MTW, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for an HSJ award.

“It recognises the collaborative efforts and dedication of our staff members over the last 12 months to successfully improve our emergency care services.”

She added: “We are committed to delivering improved outcomes for our patients, and to be chosen among the other incredible nominees is a wonderful achievement.”

Open Morning Thursday 10th October 2019 10:00 - 12:30

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You are warmly invited to Holmewood House School to meet our Headmaster, staff, parents and pupils and to take a tour of the School.

To book a place, please contact Mrs Connie Cherrett on 01892 860006 or on email at ccherrett@holmewoodhouse.co.uk

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19th January

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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Fugitive convicted after international manhunt

FA investigating Jonathan Leko racism allegation

ONE of Britain’s most wanted fugitives has been convicted of murder at the Old Bailey after a three-and-a-half-year international manhunt.

Shane O’Brien slashed 21-year-old Josh Hanson’s neck at a West London bar before fleeing the country in a private plane.

Council worker Mr Hanson died from a 14.5ins wound in the October 2015 attack.

After an international manhunt O’Brien was finally arrested in Romania on March 23 and brought back to Britain on April 5.

O’Brien, showed no emotion as the guilty verdict was returned.

He will be sentenced by Judge Nigel Lickley QC on October 17.

THE Football Association is investigating an allegation of discrimination during Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship match between Charlton and Leeds.

Charlton said in a club statement that their forward Jonathan Leko, who is on loan from West Brom, was allegedly racially abused by an opposing player during the match.

In a statement Charlton said: “Charlton Athletic can confirm that an allegation of racial abuse directed at Jonathan Leko by an opposing player during Saturday’s game against Leeds was reported to referee John Brooks.

“The Football Association are carrying out an investigation following the report.”

Paddy, Security Officer at Gatwick Airport.

He has run 11 marathons in 11 years (most recently for Air Ambulance Kent, Surrey & Sussex) raising over £10,000 during this time.

National News

CHARITIES

BORIS Johnson has suggested that allegations about his private life and previous conduct have been made because of attempts by some people to ‘frustrate’ Brexit.

The Prime Minister accepted it was ‘inevitable’ that he would come under ‘shot and shell’, but said he thought it was ‘raining down’ on the Government because of his vow to take the UK out of the EU on October 31.

Claims that Mr Johnson squeezed the thigh of journalist Charlotte Edwardes at a private lunch at The Spectator magazine’s HQ shortly after he became editor in 1999 have overshadowed the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.

He has also faced allegations about his relationship with American entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri and whether she enjoyed preferential treatment while he was mayor of London.

Mr Johnson insisted Ms Edwardes’ allegations are ‘not true’ and said it was ‘very sad’ that someone should make such claims.

But in an interview with LBC radio, the PM suggested the stories had come to light at this time because of his Government’s stance on Brexit.

“I think there’s a very good reason, and that is that I’ve been tasked one way or the other to get Brexit done by October 31.”

Mr Johnson spoke just before the penultimate day of the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester where allegations against the Prime Minister were almost over-shadowed by a senior Tory MP who was kicked out after he was involved in a ‘totally unacceptable’ incident with security.

Sir Geoffrey CliftonBrown had attempted to bring his fiancee, who did not have the relevant pass, into the International Lounge at the Manchester event when TOUGH STANCE Priti Patel making her keynote speech at the Conservative Party Conference

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PM blames conduct allegations on Brexit

Unacceptable

CALLING ALL

NEWS

DEFIANT Boris Johnson arriving at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester yesterday he was stopped by a member of staff.

The Cotswolds MP is understood to have remonstrated with the member of staff, at which point security personnel intervened.

A Conservative spokesman said: “The incident was totally unacceptable. Geoffrey has been asked to leave Conference and we are establishing all of the facts to see if further action is necessary.

“We will always adopt a zero tolerance approach to any inappropriate behaviour towards our hardworking staff.”

Greater Manchester Police said in statement: “At around 1.45pm on Tuesday 1 October 2019, an attendee to the Conservative Party Conference attempted to enter the International Lounge area of the conference without the relevant pass.

“Security staff intervened and resolved the situation without any breach occurring.”

Meanwhile at the conference yesterday [Tuesday], the Justice Secretary outlined plans to keep sexual and violent offenders behind bars for longer. Robert Buckland confirmed he will end the system which sees some serious offenders released after serving just half their sentence.

Home Secretary Priti Patel, in her conference speech, said law and order was ‘central to our DNA as Conservatives’ as she pledged a £10million ringfenced fund to equip up to 60 per cent of police officers with Tasers.

“It is the job of chief constables to make that operational decision,” she told the conference.

“It is the job of the Home Secretary to empower them to do so. I am giving them that power.”

Tributes paid to BBC journalist Hanna Yusuf

100-year-old woman takes ot the skies

TRIBUTES have been paid to Hanna Yusuf, the ‘wonderful’ and ‘widely admired’ BBC journalist who died last week at the age of 27.

Yusuf was a reporter for BBC News and had recently broken stories about working conditions at Costa Coffee and Shamima Begum, the young woman exiled form Britain after being groomed

by Islamic State.

Fran Unsworth, the BBC director of news, said Yusuf’s death was ‘terrible news that has left us all deeply saddened’.

She added: “Hanna Yusuf was a talented young journalist who was widely admired across the BBC and our utmost sympathies go to her family and many friends.

“Hanna will be much missed.”

Katharine Viner, Guardian News and Media’s editor-in-chief, also paid tribute, saying: “Hanna won the Guardian’s Scott Trust student bursary in 2016 and was a wonderful journalist. She was incredibly intelligent, adaptable and full of ideas, as well as being a lovely person.”

While BBC World Service journalist Sophia Smith Galer wrote: “The world has lost a bright young talent and we have lost a fierce and compassionate friend.”

A PENSIONER has overcome her fear of flying by taking a flight in glider for her 100th birthday.

Olwyn Hopkins took the glider ride after staff at Davers Court care home in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk arranged a flight for her at her request.

She enjoyed the experience so much that she asked to go again this year, and the trip was arranged with the help of a local gliding club.

Mrs Hopkins said afterwards: “I wanted to show people that you can be adventurous at any age, and that the sky really is the limit!

“It was a wonderful day and I was delighted to be able to get back into an aircraft, this time feeling excited rather than nervous.

“It was a fantastic way to celebrate my 100th birthday and I can’t thank Rattlesden Gliding Club and the team at Davers Court enough for organising this experience for me.”

She said she did not enjoy her first experience of flying as a 19-year-old, which was on a trip from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight.

She was so scared that she got the boat back and did not set foot in another aircraft until last year. She made her request to go up in a glider a second time through her care home’s Wishing Tree initiative.

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Sat 12 October, 9.30am - 1pm

enquiries@claremontschool.co.uk . claremontschool.co.uk

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2019

Fri 11 & Sat 12 October, 9.30am -1pm

10/09/2019 13:30

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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

SHIELD-BUSTING The new DF-17 hypersonic missles

China marks birthday with show of strength IN A scene reminiscent of the Cold War, China’s military has shown off a new hypersonic ballistic nuclear missile believed capable of breaching all existing anti-missile shields deployed by the US and its allies.

The vehicle-mounted DF-17 was among weapons displayed on Tuesday in a massive military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese state.

Some analysts have called the missile a threat to regional stability because its speed allows far

less time to determine whether to fire nuclear weapons in response.

Speed and its use of multiple independently manoeuvrable re-entry vehicles to deliver its warheads makes it far more difficult to detect and intercept.

The DF-17’s hypersonic glide vehicle technology also permits it to fly at a much lower altitude just prior to delivering its warhead, further frustrating attempts to detect and intercept.

JD Sports facing probe into takeover JD SPORTS has insisted its £90million takeover of high street rival Footasylum will not be bad for shoppers as it faces a full-scale probe by the competition watchdog.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was set to refer the planned acquisition for an in-depth phase two investigation after JD Sports failed to offer any solutions to ease its concerns by the September 26 deadline.

It comes after the CMA warned last month that the deal could lead to “higher prices, less choice and a worse shopping experience for customers”.

But JD Sports hit back, saying it “strongly disagrees” with the CMA’s fears.

Peter Cowgill, executive chairman of JD Sports, said: “This transaction will not result in any price increases or a reduction in product ranges or service quality.

“The focus of all of our group businesses is to ensure we deliver a best in class, multi-channel experience to our consumers by offering a compelling product proposition.”

JD Sports added that it will continue to cooperate fully with the CMA.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Manufacturing shrinks as potential no-deal looms THE UK manufacturing sector has shrunk for the fifth month in a row - the worst run since 2009, according to new figures.

The closely-followed IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) hit 48.3 in September - anything below 50 is seen as a contraction - although this was a slight improvement on August’s six-year low of 47.4.

Some companies restarted their Brexit preparations ahead of a potential no-deal exit on October 31, but this was not enough to offset declines elsewhere as the US-China trade wars hit and the global slowdown in trade continued.

Rob Dobson, director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said: “The UK manufacturing downturn continued in September, adding to signs that the sector may be sliding into recession.

“Output, new orders and employment all fell further as rising political, trade and economic uncertainties exacerbated concerns about Brexit.”

Argos boss jumps ship SUPERMARKET Sainsbury’s has been dealt a blow after the boss of its Argos chain revealed plans to quit and join advertising giant WPP.

John Rogers, who had been tipped as a potential successor to Sainsbury’s chief executive Mike Coupe, is leaving on October 31 after three years in the job and more than 14 years with the grocery giant.

He is to become WPP’s chief financial officer, but will not start in the role until early 2020.

Sainsbury’s confirmed it is not replacing Mr Rogers at Argos, with main responsibilities instead being split between retail and operations director Simon Roberts and commercial director Paul Mills-Hicks.

Greggs sales slow GREGGS has hailed ‘very strong’ trading in the third quarter but warned that Brexit will put pressure on food and labour costs.

Shares in the high street baker slipped after it also told investors that it expected fewer shop openings by the end of the year than previously forecast.

Like-for-like sales at the retailer rose 7.4 per cent in the 13 weeks to September 28, although this represented a slowdown from the first half of the year.

It said like-for-like sales for the year so far increased by 9.4 per cent as it was boosted by its new autumn menu and offers.

Total sales, which increased by 13.9 per cent in the year so far, were buoyed by 90 new store openings in 2019, while 34 sites were closed during the period.

World and Business

NEWS

15

16

NEWS

Letters

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

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 Thanks for kindness to my father – but KCC must take action about paving I would like to pass on my family’s thanks for the help my elderly father received when he tripped on an uneven brick pavement and fell very badly by the Tesco store adjacent to the McCarthy & Stone building in Southborough last Saturday at around 5pm.

People rushed to help, check him over, get him to his feet and find his belongings. One even went into McCarthy & Stone to check if he was resident there (he is), and the manager came straight out to assist.

The kindness of everyone was exceptional and we are so very grateful to them all.

However, shame on Kent County Council

[KCC], who have had the bad state of this pavement reported to them, been sent a petition and promised an inspection, but to date no action has been taken.

The pavement is very uneven and not easy to walk along. It is a real liability and it’s like this all the way to Southborough.

As a result of this inaction, Dad had to spend around seven hours in A&E, has had stitches, other dressings, and soft tissue damage in one of his shoulders.

Any chance of something being done?

Kerry Glover London CRAZY PAVING KCC have been sent a petition about the pavement

A new civic centre is the right move

Council must fact-check statements

To inspire and encourage – what a challenge at this time! I happily experienced both on the same day this week. Once on a Heritage tour of the Opera House. The guide explained its history and I learned of its interesting journey through the decades and its restorative transformation since JD Wetherspoon acquired it over 20 years ago and turned it into a very successful pub/ restaurant.

That same evening I visited Waterstones in the Calverley precinct to attend a book launch and learned from the author, who originally came from Scotland, not only all about her book but how much she enjoyed living in Tunbridge Wells. She said Tunbridge Wells has everything, including clean air and many valuable resources to appreciate. She genuinely and most enthusiastically loved where she lived.

I myself have lived in and around Tunbridge Wells for upwards of 50 years and share this lady’s positive sentiments about our town and borough.

The Calverley Square project has been in our midst for many years, and its positive benefits, including its affordability, have been articulated in council meetings and in the local press these past weeks and months by those who have both personal and professional knowledge of what’s on offer – a development to help revitalise our town centre and secure the long-term stability of the council.

Over 80 years ago our councillors were faced with a momentous decision to create our Civic Centre and Assembly Hall. We’ve enjoyed the results. May they now vote for its needed replacement.

Brian Bissell Via email

Cllr Tom Dawlings, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance, states that the Calverley Square project is affordable [September 18]. This is fake news.

He seems unaware of the problem of the limitations to the council’s borrowing capacity.

But then has been employed by the UK government and does not profess any financial qualifications.

He makes no reference to the council’s own advisers’ assessment to the viability which resulted in it having a red risk assessment being given in the council’s risk register.

Furthermore he fails to report that the proposed new theatre does not have the versatility of the Assembly Hall, for instance for concerts, as required by the council’s go-ahead given in 2015.

Incidentally, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s own Cadogan Hall in London, referred to in the Times [September 11] has a capacity of only 950 and yet is deemed acceptable.

The recent statement by the orchestra’s Managing Director that the Assembly Hall is not fit for purpose, presumably including concerts, is unjustifiable.

Confidence in the council would be improved by submitting their statements to a fact-check.

No go-ahead can be given until it comes up with a plan for the total civic complex.

The council’s business planning skills seem as short as ever.

John Pickering Via email

Have courage to invest in the future

I abhor and despise those individuals who have harassed, insulted and defamed councillors who are in support of the theatre project.

However, they are not representative of the thousands of residents who, like me, object to a grandiose, costly and ill-conceived building being imposed on a sensitive area.

You state that the ‘Tories must hold their

Congratulations to the Times for exposing the farce the Tunbridge Wells Alliance is.

Come on, council, end the reign of the NIMBYS and have the courage to invest in the future of this lovely town!

David Clarke Via email

Reporting on all shades of opinion

nerve’, which is clear evidence that your paper is siding with a political party rather than attempting to reflect all opinions in this matter.

This council has had a Tory majority since the repeal of the Corn Laws! It is evident that there is collective outrage and denial in response to the significant shift in the balance of power brought about by the local election.

If the Times is truly concerned about the threat to freedom of speech, you will continue to do what you used to, which is reporting on all shades of opinion and, most important of all, the facts.

Paul Fisher Via email

Grave concerns over water supply It so happens that since 1982 I have had grave concerns regarding the water industry and its relationship, in particular, with local councils and/or housing associations.

I strongly urge those affected by the water bills at Ashby’s Point [Times of Tonbridge September 18] to search the internet for the High Court appeal case on March 6, 2016, Jones v Southwark Council, where they were fined a reported £37million in overcharges to tenants over many years.

As a long-term independent investigator, I followed a local case over a five-year period to prove that despite social housing blocks having been installed with meters, throughout the bills claimed that all homes remained unmetered.

Astonishingly, that word ‘unmetered’ had a much reduced font size, so that most would not notice it.

I can assure readers this type of scam warrants a four-figure sum in compensation. But Ofwat, the ‘regulator’, clearly states they ‘do not deal with individual cases’. Cunning, eh? This outfit, in my view, has been unfit for purpose for many decades, which is why we are at this stage today.

As to the leaks, the question to ask is whether the land under which the pipes are laid is clay soil, as it is where I live.

Colin Packman Tonbridge

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

John Humphrys

AT LAST the truth has come out. The BBC has an ‘institutional liberal bias’ with the bosses distraught after the people voted to leave Europe. It was not what they wanted. Who claims all this? BBC icon John Humphrys in his new book published after retiring from the Radio 4 flagship breakfast programme Today at the end of 33 years. He charges the ‘Kremlin’–style corporation of being out of touch. And before remoaners put pen to paper, they should know Mr Humphrys voted to remain in the EU. Does this mean we can justifiably now call it the Biased Broadcasting Corporation?

IT COULD only happen at Waitrose. Ructions the other day when the upmarket store changed the shape of its six-seeded batch loaf. They went and switched it from a roundish elongated shape to a square, and did it without so much as a ‘may we?’ Bakery staff attempted to quell the unrest at the counter by telling shoppers it was done to make the bread easier to put in a toaster.

They also admitted they didn’t have any advance warning. What is the world coming to?

Loony bin colours drive me mad Asteroid impact may keep James Sommerville awake at nights [Times September 18]; my insomnia is caused by something much more prosaic: Which coloured waste bin to use.

My brown bin is now my recycle bin, not garden waste; a new black bin is now garden waste; my green bin is still general waste– I think. I have a new, smaller, black bin with another inside it for food waste– I believe I’ve got that right, but let me think.

And then there’s the ‘what day of which week do I put which bin(s) out?’

Is there a GCSE for this sort of stuff? More to the point, when do they start fining me when I get it wrong?

Mike Pearson Tunbridge Wells

Lost the plot, or finding it again?

I see that Mr Bullen [Times September 18] wishes to progress from student of French literature to advocate of civil disobedience.

He has an admirable precedent in this latter role in the shape of Robert Catesby who, with his friend Guy Fawkes and others, have had their exploits celebrated on the November 5 each year for over 400 years.

He might, however, have difficulty these days in laying his hands on 36 barrels of gunpowder.

Alexander Magnus Via email

EMBARRASSING MOMENT. Off to a Thai restaurant with a dear friend who prides himself on being fluent in the language, which can often be useful. Twenty minutes and a few sips of plonk later, he lowers the menu and proceeds to rattle off our order in Thai. Only problem is all the waitresses are Filipina. Big oops.

HOPS can add a nice traditional touch when hanging over the bar. But they can lead to some confusion. Calverley happened to be in a local hostelry (yes, He should cut down) when the owner returned from a couple of weeks away visiting his money in Jersey and noticed the hops had disappeared. When questioned, his pub manager explained: “What do you mean ‘hops’? You mean those flowers over the bar, they were dead and we threw them away.”

FINAL THOUGHT: Hands up all those who a couple of weeks ago knew what the word ‘prorogue’ meant? Yes, today we all know it means ‘nightmare’.

Chin Chin, dear reader

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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Wednesday October 2 | 2019

EDUCATION

Education

Times

NEWS

17

ADVERTORIAL

Beacon Academy students join creative community projects through Artytime The aptly-named Artytime is a local community interest company with a mission to bring arts and craft to all ages and abilities, and it’s offering an enjoyable ‘Lifeline’ to all involved…

THE ART OF TEAMWORK Doreen and Eve

OVER the summer break, a number of Beacon Academy students enjoyed getting involved in creative community projects with Artytime, a local not-for-profit company with a mission to bring arts and craft to all ages and abilities.

Year 9 student Katie and former Beacon Academy students Sam and Eve volunteered to take part in Artytime’s intergenerational Life Lines project with residents of Crowborough’s Windlesham Manor Residential Care Home.

Katie, Samuel and Eve were paired with residents Edith, Gaye and Doreen, working alongside them over several meetings during the course of the summer to each produce a piece of art depicting the resident’s life.

The students spent time with their partners, getting to know them and taking photographs or copies of photographs to support their research.

The rest of the time was spent developing and creating their piece of art which, once finished, will be displayed at the care home.

The founder of Artytime, Beverly Pashley, comments: “Life Lines is a real living history project that offers enormous benefits to both the students and their partners. Some of the

‘Life Lines is a real living history project that offers enormous benefits’ residents remembered the war years and rationing, the technology they used (or lack of it) in their chosen professions and general NEW FRIENDS: Gaye and Samuel

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You will be a team player working closely with others on the design, production and editorial team, who create the titles on a weekly and monthly basis.

We are part of the Markerstudy Group and are looking for people who have: Strong design, typography and layout skills.

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life in yesteryears. It is a really important and interesting project for young people to be involved in – we plan to run another project in October this year.

“The project is open to all aged 14 to 22 with a ‘have-a-go attitude’ – art techniques will be discussed so don’t feel you need to be a budding Leonardo da Vinci.”

All art materials and a project manager were provided by Artytime, who were on site during the sessions at the care home.

In celebration of the recent opening of their new Scrapstore at Jarvis Brook Skate Park, Artytime ran a street art competition for 11-16 year olds to design an inspirational mural reflecting the Artytime ethos to ‘reuse, recycle, repurpose’.

With the help of Beacon Academy students Ollie and Kyan and professional street artist Julian Johnson, aka Artjaz, the winning design

by Riley, Haydon, Thomas and Tommy was finished this summer. Artytime is now recruiting students that would like to be involved in the redecoration of the rest of the skate park.

Pupils pick up a puppet Nancy Pashley and Analise Lambert, both pupils at local schools, have helped set up puppet booths in locations across the centre of Tunbridge Wells and to hand out programmes to promote the forthcoming Puppetry Festival.

The two schoolgirls also brought puppets to the recent Harvest Food Festival on The Pantiles ahead of the event, which runs from October 11-13.

Assisted by ‘Shedders’ Tim Tempest and David Stephen from the Sherwood Men’s Shed project, who designed and built the mini puppet theatres, children enjoyed bringing the puppets to life.

The colourful booths will continue their journey around town in the run-up to the festival so children can practise puppetry skills and enter the festival competition.

You can see them this weekend at Royal Victoria Place on Saturday and at The Forum on Sunday.

For information, programme and tickets, visit twpuppetryfestival.org

Open Day Thursday 10th October

I

often find, whenever I’m leading a prospective tour that I lose myself for a moment and I’m on the tour with the parents marvelling at the children and what they’re up to. I then catch the couple waiting patiently in my peripheral vision and it takes a few seconds for me to remember I’m the one who should be showing them around.

I was in a STEAM lesson recently with a couple and the children were so engaged. They were dissecting owl pellets, finding the remains of small rodents and identifying these remains against a chart. One of the year 4 boys turned around to me, with this look of pure joy on his face and said, and I quote, ‘Mr Webster, picking bones out of poo, does school get any better than this?’

These are the moments we’re looking for, not necessarily all poo related, but the moments of inspiration and real engagement in their learning. It’s lovely to show off The Mead on tours - the facilities we have and the things we do, but it’s not what really matters. What matters most is the impact that it is all having on our children, on an individual level, on a daily basis.

What should that impact look like?

Absolutely, individual success and progress across the curriculum, absolutely, the development of their character; their compassion, ambition and curiosity. These are our core aims and values, but is there something even more fundamental that we’re aiming for?

In my view, underpinning every prospective question is one fundamental thought: will they be happy here?

Not superficial happiness fuelled by a bag of sweets but, rather, genuine contentment, fulfilment, a sense of accomplishment and belonging. This deeper development of self-worth and self-belief is the heart beat of being a Meadite and it fills us with great pride to think that every Meadite will carry it with them for the rest of their lives.

The ability to choose graphics, photographs and images to enhance the text and add impact to articles.

A background in editorial design would be an advantage.

Please contact Editorial Director Richard Moore Email: richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk Tel: 01892 779615

Andrew Webster Headmaster, The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells www.themeadschool.co.uk

18

NEWS

Weekly Comment

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Archie Mitchell Coordinator of West Kent Young Greens

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Archie is a student at Oakwood Park Grammar School and Green Party activist. He is a keen campaigner for his local community, fundraising for and maintaining a defibrillator, and organising several annual community events.

To save my generation’s future, we must act now ON FRIDAY, September 20, millions of people across the world joined local strikes to demand climate action from our political leaders.

Workers joined with students for the first time in almost every country, to show our anger that almost nothing has been done to resolve the Climate Crisis. Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells were no exception, with students, workers and retired people joining together to march.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], we have just 11 years left to prevent irreversible damage from climate change.

Knowing the threats we face, I greatly fear for the future of the planet. But I am not without hope. If we act now, we can prevent the worst impacts of climate change. However, in order to act, we must create the political will.

There are a number of organisations that campaign for environmental action, but for me, I believe that in order to solve the Climate Crisis

we need to change the entire political system.

We cannot simply add some environmental sticking plasters to current policies, but rather we need to make sustainability the key principle of all decisions made within local, national and international politics. With this in mind, I joined the Green Party in 2017.

Since then, there have been massive leaps in

Success

‘I believe that in order to solve the Climate Crisis we need to change the entire political system’ Failing to act will be catastrophic for our future existence on the planet.

There will be more frequent and severe droughts and heatwaves, the melting of all ice in the Arctic Ocean and subsequent sea level rises. This will make large parts of our world uninhabitable, cause millions of people to be displaced from their homes, and destroy many aspects of our current agricultural system, leaving us without food.

the public’s awareness of the Climate Crisis. In the wake of Greta Thunberg’s first school strike in Sweden, David Attenborough’s documentary series and Extinction Rebellion protests, awareness has never been higher, with 85 per cent of British citizens expressing concern about climate change, according to a recent study.

In my personal experience as a Green Party activist, I have seen a massive surge in support for environmental action on doorsteps across the county.

ON THE MARCH: Hundreds of Tonbridge pupils joined the climate change protest

Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Here in Tonbridge, April Clark and Mark Hood have been standing up for the enviroment on the Borough Council since their election victory in May. They have already had significant success, with the Council declaring a Climate Emergency in July and committing to reach carbon neutrality by the end of 2030.

Whilst April and Mark make up only a small proportion of our councillors, their arrival has already created a precedent at King’s Hill.

At every level of government, Greens have pushed for climate action and always will. In this time of crisis, we are determining the fate of my and future generations.

If we are to create a desirable future, we need more Greens to represent us and push for environmental action at every level.

Greg Clark was first elected to Parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The MP has held a number of positions in Government, including Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. He currently sits on the back benches as an independent Conservative.

Camaraderie of Speldhurst is a world away from the toxic atmosphere of Parliament WHAT a pleasure it was to perform the official opening of the Speldhurst village store last weekend in its new incarnation as a communityrun business, with 60 volunteers from the village working on a rota to make sure it is open for business to serve customers.

Taking the store on has been a tremendous community effort, and there was a festive atmosphere inside and outside the shop on Saturday morning as a large crowd gathered to applaud and celebrate the efforts of the village in its success.

I have to say that the morning was the perfect tonic for me, coming as it did at the end of a particularly disappointing week in Parliament, in which the toxic atmosphere felt a world away from the bonhomie and camaraderie of Speldhurst village.

I don’t underestimate the importance of the issue that has been dividing Parliament and much of the country for over three years now.

And I am not so naïve as to have expected that an issue that provoked such heated debates during the referendum campaign would, in its Parliamentary stage – in the bear pit of the House of Commons – suddenly

become a matter of easy consensus.

But I do think, nevertheless, that we must strive to keep to civilised standards of discourse and respect the genuinely-held motivations of opponents, however strongly we disagree with their judgement.

In my job as Secretary of State for Business I travelled to boardrooms around the world to make the case for investment in the UK.

Vitriol I was successful more often than not, and the strongest asset that we had – even beyond our stable economy and strong record of scientific and technological excellence – was a reputation for being a dependable, moderate, pragmatic country. One in which debates and divisions are not resolved by disorder or crisis, but by finding a way through even the most difficult problems in a civilised but determined way.

That is a precious reputation to have and has taken decades to build but can be quickly lost.

The next few weeks are going to be some of the most testing for us since wartime. I hope that the widespread sense that the vitriol that marked

WORLDS APART: The bonhomie of village life is a stark contrast to the toxicity of the Brexit debate last week’s proceedings was unproductive will establish a more respectful atmosphere.

Any family knows that without self-restraint, in the heat of a disagreement, things can be said that can never be forgotten and damage or even destroy relationships forever.

One way or another, we will soon resolve what

our future relationship with the EU will be. At that point we will need to come together as a nation, and people of deeply different views will have to work together again.

I hope that in anticipation of what we will need to do, we can make a start in the conduct of the debates during these crucial weeks ahead.

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

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

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North Common Road North Chailey GUIDE PRICE

£1,150,000 CONTACT • Savills, Haywards Heath • 01444 446000 • savills.co.uk You really could be on a ranch with wide open windows looking out on to wide open spaces in this stunning single-storey home dating from the 1950s, which sits in a partially-wooded plot of just over an acre. In a superb rural position, it has direct access to Chailey Common Nature Reserve.

The house was designed by Leslie Gooday, RIBA, OBE, a post-war modernist architect whose work has been praised by Pevsner, and whose other notable designs include Richmond Baths – the bathing pools for the 1951 Festival of Britain on London’s South Bank.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Echoes the design principles of mid-century modern architecture, including open-plan living spaces and large picture windows

n Sitting room with study area n Kitchen/dining/family room n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom n 4 further bedrooms, plus a family bathroom and further shower room

n Garden with large paved terrace offering lovely views to the South Downs

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n In all about 1.1 acres

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

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Culverden Park Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE

£300,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk Spacious ground floor apartment in a purposebuilt block with an allocated parking space.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST ■ Entrance hall with door entryphone ■ Sitting/dining room with Juliet balcony ■ Fitted kitchen with integrated appliances ■ 2 double bedrooms, one with with triple wardrobe and en-suite shower room, and one with wardrobe included in sale ■ Bathroom

The Walks

■ Gated parking and communal lawn

The Green, Groombridge GUIDE PRICE

£499,950 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A fine example of a quintessential beamed period cottage with exposed timber features throughout, and in a fabulous position overlooking the village green.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

■ Sitting room with leaded light window and inglenook fireplace housing a wood burner.

Open access to:

Croft Close Tonbridge PRICE

£545,000 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Tonbridge • 01732 771616 • bkestateagents.com

■ Dining room, including table recess with vaulted ceiling feature. Further open access to:

■ Kitchen/breakfast room with Aga, wine rack and door to the outside

■ Beautiful master bedroom with vaulted ceiling feature, a wealth of beams and a stunning window

Attractive home described as a ‘hidden secret’ due to the sense of privacy of its cul-de-sac.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST ■ Entrance hall with cloakroom

■ 2 further bedrooms

■ Sitting room with bay window, fireplace and multi-fuel woodburner. Opening to:

■ Bathroom/WC featuring a roll-top bath and

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Velux window

■ The garden has paved courtyard areas and a raised seating area with a pergola, vine and assorted planters. Plus there is a garden store

■ An additional garden may be available to rent.

Please ask the agent for details

■ The owners also own a nearby garage available at valuation if required. Please ask the agent for details

■ Fitted kitchen with oven and hob ■ Lovely conservatory/garden room ■ 3 bedrooms (two double and one single) ■ Family bathroom ■ Large garden, including summerhouse, sheds, greenhouse and workshop ■ Driveway leading to carport and garage

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Langton Green TN3 An imposing residence of approximately 8,000 sq ft ideal for family living located close to local amenities.

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Immaculately presented to a high specification Located on a sought-after private road Impressive entertaining space Approximately 2.2 miles to mainline station

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8

5

Your local experts, Edward & Ross, look forward to helping you. edward.rook@knightfrank.com 020 7861 5115 ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310997

Guide price £3,250,000 Freehold

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

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Mayfield TN20

Speldhurst TN3

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An attractive Victorian family house in this attractive 16th century villlage.

• • •

Period features Paved terrace with large mature garden Approximately 0.2 miles to village amenities

Exceptional Grade II listed village house offering substantial accommodation and space.

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With detached Oast house Separate detached barn Mainline station approximately 4 miles

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Guide price £1,200,000 Freehold 01892 310997

Broad Oak TN21

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ross.davies@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Mayfield TN20

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A beautifully presented family house in a stunning rural setting with fantastic views.

Gardens are a particular feature With a separate studio Village approximately 2 miles

A stunning second floor apartment, with a lift, on the outskirts of Mayfield village.

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Detached gymnasium for residents Two allocated parking spaces Mayfield village approximately 1.6 miles

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Guide price £1,195,000 Freehold holly.sibley@knightfrank.com

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Guide price £2,000,000 Freehold

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

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8

Guide price £525,000 Freehold 01892 310997

holly.sibley@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

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

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

bracketts est. 1828

When experience counts...

Tunbridge Wells £550,000 - £575,000 An immaculately presented, contemporary town house, set within gated development in the St John’s area. Reception, stylish kit/brkfst room, master bed with en suite shower, walk-in wardrobe + terrace & views. 3 further beds, bath. Parking & garden. EPC: D

C H FR AI EE N

Tonbridge Guide Price: £825,000 - £875,000 Bay Fronted Edwardian Detached House, established residential area, within walking distance of the High Street and several schools. Hall, cloakroom, 2 reception rooms, breakfast room, 4 bedrooms, gardens, scope for parking (stp), EPC E

Hadlow Guide Price: £500,000 - £525,000 Well-presented home of character, in the heart of the village, early viewing recommended. 4 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 ground floor), reception hall, sitting room, study, dining room, utility, parking, garage at present used as a studio. EPC D

Tunbridge Wells £379,950 A 1960s semi-detached house, in need of updating/modernisation with potential to extend situated in established residential road on the east side of town.Through lounge, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, shower room. Driveway parking & garage, 80ft rear garden. EPC: D

Tonbridge Guide Price: £800,000 £350,000 -- £850,000 £360,000 Modern 3 Bedroom Semi-Detached House, in need of further Improvement, north end Substantial Detached 5 bedroom family house, retaining the charm and features of an of the town, local facilities include a shopping parade, bus services and schools.

Edwardian home. 3 reception rooms, kitchen-breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, store garage, corner plot.modern EPC E bathroom, garage, large garden. EPC C 2rooms, reception, conservatory,

Bidborough £2,650 pcm A 5 bedroom detached house situated in a sought-after location in Bidborough within walking distance of the primary school and close proximity to Tonbridge MLS.The property offers spacious accommodation suitable for a family. Available unfurnished. EPC: D

bracketts.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 | tunbridgewells@bracketts.co.uk

Tonbridge 01732 350503 | tonbridge@bracketts.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Lanthorne

Mews

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AT A GLANCE LANTHORNE MEWS TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Grade II-listed mews house with views over Calverley Grounds n Part of original stable block to Decimus Burton house that is now Hotel du Vin n On favoured side of gated courtyard with direct access to communal gardens n Good size kitchen/dining room n Generous sitting room leading to: n Conservatory n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with recently refitted en-suite shower room n Further double bedroom (originally two rooms) n Well-fitted family bathroom n Access to large attic n Private decked area of garden n 2 private parking spaces, one under a covered canopy, plus a cycle store

GUIDE PRICE £600,000-£625,000 CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 521700 • jackson-stops.co.uk

Enjoy superb views over Calverley Grounds from former stable block to Decimus Burton mansion

Properties to call home

Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 000

New Price

New Instruction

Tidebrook, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5

Lye Green, Crowborough, East Sussex, TN6

Victorian character house, PP for imaginitive extension, 3 receptions, 8/9 bedrooms, attractive gardens, 3.55 acre paddock, 5,121 sq ft, EPC = E

Beautifully presented Grade II listed house, 5 beds, 2 receptions, parkland views, established gardens, garage, 2,301 sq ft, EPC exempt

6 acres

Guide £1.895 million | Freehold

New Instruction

Guide £1.2 million | Freehold

New Instruction

Aviemore Road, Crowborough, TN6

Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells, TN2

Striking and beautifully presented property, 4/5 bedrooms, wonderful views, well-kept garden, swimming pool, garage, 2,340 sq ft, EPC = D

Immaculate ground floor apartment, 1 bed, external access, town/station within a mile, allocated parking, communal garden, 632 sq ft, EPC = D

Guide £850,000 | Freehold

Guide £325,000 | Share of Freehold

Talk to us today Robert Jacobs Head of Office 01892 507000 rjacobs@savills.com

Natasha Selbie Associate Director 01892 507000 nselbie@savills.com

Becky Card Negotiator 01892 507000 bcard@savills.com

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

Properties to call home

Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 050

Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2

Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5

Spacious kitchen/ breakfast room, Stunning reception room, Communal gardens, Garage, EPC Rating = D, Council tax = D

Beautifully presented, Contemporary finishing throughout, Two parking spaces, Stunning communal gardens, EPC Rating = E, Council tax = F

Part Furnished | £1,295 pcm + fees apply*

Unfurnished | £1,650 pcm + fees apply*

Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4

Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4

Well presented, Open plan kitchen/ reception room, Central location, Allocated parking space, EPC Rating = C, Council tax = B

Brand new apartment, Open plan living/dining room, Allocated parking, Exclusive development, EPC Rating = B, Council tax = C

Unfurnished | £1,150 pcm + fees apply*

Unfurnished | £1,050 pcm + fees apply*

Talk to us today Michael Churchill Negotiator 01892 507057 Michael.churchill@savills.com

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

NORTH TONBRIDGE £430,000 TUCKED AWAY IN A LITTLE CUL-DE-SAC near to local shops and amenities, you will find your very own slice of privacy and convenience. This delightful semi-detached chalet-bungalow is immaculately presented and offers sitting room, dining room/bedroom, stylish fitted kitchen, conservatory, modern bathroom and bedroom to ground floor plus study, master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite shower to first floor. Charming and secluded rear garden plus car port and ample off road parking. EPC: C (Apply Tonbridge)

PEMBURY £350,000 END OF TERRACE CORNER PLOT A light and bright 3 bedroom property immaculately presented throughout. The accommodation comprises: entrance porch, cloakroom W.C, double aspect sitting/dining room, conservatory, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and family bathroom. The rear garden is a great size and has a patio and gently sloping lawn with flower borders. Driveway parking for 2 cars and wider than average garage en-bloc with power and light connected, adjacent to the property. EPC: C (Apply Pembury)

PEMBURY £365,000 FANTASTIC POTENTIAL WITH WOODLAND VIEWS!! This semi-detached home has been well maintained but would now benefit from some cosmetic updating. The accommodation comprises: entrance porch, hallway, study, sitting/dining room with doors to the garden, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 double bedrooms with built in wardrobes, bathroom and additional cloakroom W.C. Good-sized rear garden which backs on to woodland. Driveway which continues to the side of the house with a covered area for a carport leading down to a detached garage.

NO CHAIN. EPC: D (Apply Pembury)

Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestateagents.com

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Advertorial

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

JUST RELEASED

A unique opportunity to live in an architecturally impressive building in a stylish contemporary apartment

THE WAREHOUSE TUNBRIDGE WELLS n 12 superb open-plan warehouse apartments, combining period features with the convenience of modern day living n Central communal hallway with lift to all floors n 2 double bedrooms, 1 en-suite shower room and bathroom n Stylish interior with high specification finish, Porcelanosa fully tiled bathroom and en-suite and Woodpecker Harlech raw oak flooring n Sleek and contemporary kitchen with quartz worksurfaces and Siemens appliances n Bedrooms fitted with elegant wardrobes and luxurious carpets n Integrity of the building preserved, featuring stunning large black arched crittal windows, supporting steel pillars, high ceilings and exposed brickwork n Beautifully light and spacious accommodation n Electric gates to an allocated parking space n Central location 0.6 miles to the mainline station and minutes walk to shops, cafes, restaurants and bars n Leasehold – new 125 year lease

GUIDE PRICES RANGE FROM £365,000 - £435,000 Please call to view

CONTACT • Sumner Pridham, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516615 • sumnerpridham.co.uk Joint sole agents Maddisons Residential

Cosy up this winter in a home from KMJ Property

www.kmjproperty.co.uk

01892 515188

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Property Focus

ARCHITECTURE

Architecture

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John Bullock

Architectural services Having studied at Edinburgh College of Art and The Royal Academy of The Hague, John Bullock launched John Bullock Design in 2003. With offices in Tunbridge Wells High Street, John has won awards for his work, and is committed to delivering the best outcomes for clients

A FABULOUS FEELING OF SPACE On the inside

Container living – the cons ■ Living near the sea can be problematic as the sea salt can accelerate corrosion – but this problem can be resolved by treating the container appropriately ■ Don’t remove too much of the steel as it can weaken the structural integrity and it will then require additional structural support ■ Insurance is rumoured to be a problem due the unconventional construction – but as the popularity spreads, insurance companies are offering cover, so shop around for the best deal

8 CONTAINER FACTS

Why contain your imagination?

IT’S no secret that space is a luxury in your home. It’s not always possible to transform a spare room into a home office, teenager’s den or a man cave. So for some, looking for alternative solutions is the only option. Step forward the humble shipping container!

Some believe that shipping containers aren’t suitable for home living, but the number of people up and down the country jumping on the container bandwagon is proving the doubters wrong.

Our case study this month looks at a recent project on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells for clients living in a conservation area and Are of Natural Beauty [AONB].

A recent change in job for the husband meant that he could spend at least two days a week working from home.

He found that working in the house with teenage children was proving difficult, so he was keen to create a ‘proper’ home office away from his busy family.

Stepping away from traditional construction, we put forward a design solution incorporating a shipping container.

Despite their initial surprise, and a few reservations, the many positives convinced our clients to take this alternative approach.

As our clients live within a conservation area, planning permission was required. However, many kinds of buildings and structures can be built in your garden or on the land around your house without the need to apply for planning.

There are limits and conditions which must be followed. It’s always best to check with your local council planning office or by visiting planningportal.co.uk – the home of planning and building regulations advice.

Installation is straightforward and generally doesn’t require a full concrete base or foundations. In most cases, concrete slabs, treated timber or portable building foundations are sufficient. However, again, it is worth checking with your supplier.

As the humble container becomes more

accepted and popular, this bulky two-tonne steel box, which has travelled the world and seen more cargo than most could ever dream of, will provide ideal space solutions for many of us – it’s already making a name for itself as ‘cargotecture’!

Container living – the pros ■ Fast to design and build with a four to six-week lead time, meaning they are far quicker than a traditional extension or timber garden room

BOXING CLEVER In the garden

■ Built to your needs in whichever size, specification or application you need them for, from basic garden rooms and offices to full-size houses ■ Portable – unlike a traditional building, a container conversion can be lifted up and moved if you decide to move to a new house or property, or even if you just want to reposition it or sell it ■ Hardwearing, built from corten steel, shipping containers are hugely durable and very secure

1. 95% of the world’s cargo is currently moved by ship 2. 97% of all containers are made in China 3. A regular shipping container can hold up to 8,000 shoe boxes 4. The largest ships can store 745 million bananas in nearly 15,000 containers 5. Between 2,000 and 10,000 containers get lost in the sea every year after falling off of the ships carrying them 6. Containers don’t always sink. A 40ft container full of toys fell into the Pacific Ocean and it took ten months to drift ashore on the Alaskan coastline 7. A container ship can travel a great deal.

In fact, one ship can cover three quarters of a trip to the Moon and back in one year 8. The first modern intermodal shipping container was developed by Malcom McLean in 1956, which was designed to replace the old style of break-bulk container handling. It was 8ft high and 8ft tall John Bullock Design is a multi-award-winning architectural design consultants, and the proud winner of the Times Business Awards ‘Best Business 1-25 Employees’ Award 2018.

For further information, call 01892 525732 or visit johnbullockdesign.com

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS NOW LIVE!

On display in our showroom:

Luxury Assisted-living Bathrooms 01732 350911 | showroom@townsbathrooms.co.uk | townsbathrooms.co.uk Unit 5, Sanderson Way, Tonbridge TN9 1QG | Mon to Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: 9am - 4pm

Do you need shade from the sun or shelter from the rain?

AWNINGS, VERANDAS & CARPORTS FROM SBI Ltd

25% OFF INSTALLS INC. FREE HOME SURVEY – QUOTE SBI Ltd SUPPLY AND INSTALL A RANGE OF CANOPIES THAT HAVE BEEN DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO ADD STYLE AND PRACTICALITY TO YOUR HOME. Durable and attractive aluminium structures are available with a range of glazing or fabric covers, allowing you to choose the perfect structure for your setting and budget. SBI’s bespoke awnings are remote, have LED lighting built into the arms, have a motion wind sensor and manual override, fully loaded as standard. Any size up to 7m wide by 3.5m projection.

Garage door and carport packages available.

SBI Ltd Established 1998 – Over 1000 satisfied customers – Members of the BBSA

CALL NOW 0800 0742721 www.sbiproductsltd.co.uk

Deposit match

Save a 5% deposit for your new home?

Reserve by 31st October and Bovis Homes will match it!

NORFOLK Costessey Wymondham

SUFFOLK Ipswich

Bishops Stortford ESSEX Chipping Ongar HERTS

Gravesend

Ifield WEST SUSSEX

Staplehurst

Hurstpierpoint Ringmer

If you have a 5% deposit, on selected plots* we could boost it by funding up to 5% of the sale price giving you a larger deposit. This means you need to borrow less from a lender and could even secure you a more competitive mortgage rate!

How does it work?

90%

Mortgage

£315,000

5%

Buyer’s deposit

Coming soon developments

Maidstone

Whether you are a first time buyer, have limited equity in your current home, or are having trouble getting a big enough deposit together, we would love to help!

Faversham

Example house value

£350,000

£17,500 £17,500

5%

Bovis Homes deposit contribution

KENT Headcorn

EAST SUSSEX

Horam Bexhill Hailsham West Durrington

Incentive is only valid on homes marketed up to £600,000 and is available on selected plots only, subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, deal or incentive except Help to Buy. Purchaser(s) of the home must have a minimum of 5% of the purchase price required as a deposit. Deposit must be in the bank account of the purchaser before the reservation is taken and proof of deposit submitted to Bovis Homes. Bovis Homes will give a deposit contribution up to 5% deposit of the purchase price. The value of the Deposit Match payment will be deducted from the total sale price on legal completion. Reservation is subject to the usual £500 reservation fee. Incentive available on specific plots, please see development sales advisor for further details. Help to buy available on homes up to the value of £600,000. The Help to Buy Equity Scheme has specific terms and conditions and is subject to affordability criteria as prescribed by Homes England. Its use is also subject to specific mortgage lender conditions and qualifications. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion or purchase assistance scheme. Please ask our sales advisor for details. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. GDD52772

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Life&Times

ARTS & CULTURE LIFE & STYLE FOOD & DRINK MOTORING SPORT and MORE...

IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK timeslocalnews.co.uk

Old wives’ tales

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Hear what King Henry VIII’s spouses have to say at Penshurst Place Page 41

SEE OPERA DON GIOVANNI

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CHILD’S PLAY IN CROATIA

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RAISE A TOAST TO BORDEAUX

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WELLS FAIL TO HURT HERTFORD

Life&Times

arts

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Arts & CultureFOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

‘I want to encourage people to think more about the world around them’ Tonbridge Talks: A Festival of the Environment takes place this week [from October 4-6]. Ahead of his talk on Friday night, adventurer and TV star Steve Backshall tells Eileen Leahy why he got involved…

CALL FOR ACTION Steve Backshall

T

HIS weekend, the second Tonbridge Talks event takes place. Following the success of last year’s inaugural one, which celebrated the centenary of the Suffragette movement, this year’s is all about the environment ahead of Global Climate Change Week, which runs from October 14-20.

Experts, explorers, bloggers, artists and campaigners who all have a razor-sharp focus on the environment and natural world – as well as living sustainably – will be giving specialist talks during the three-day festival, which runs from Friday [October 4] to Sunday [October 6], and will mainly take place at the EM Forster Theatre and Tonbridge School.

“Tonbridge Talks 2019 aims to inspire, challenge and entertain all ages with panel discussions, writing workshops, talks, performances, free kids events, a film festival and photography exhibition,” explains Kat Portman Smith, who is once again co-organising the event alongside Amanda Carpenter.

“As we face a climate emergency, the festival will offer advice, inspiration and encouragement to take action from a range of expert speakers, including Anjuli Pandit, UK Head of Corporate Sustainability for BNP Paribas, David Hone, Chief Climate Change Advisor for Shell, Gareth Redmond King Head of Climate Change WWF-UK, and April Clark, Green Party Tonbridge.”

There’ll be plenty of Q&As, too, from the likes of blogger Emma Ross (aka Mamalina),

‘I’ll be talking about first descents of whitewater Himalayan rivers, first ascents of mountains in the desert and up inside the Arctic circle, and the discovery of ancient artefacts in cave systems deep within the rainforests of Borneo’ a leading voice in sustainable parenting aiming to make living sustainably fun for all the family, and from horticulturalist Sarah Wilson on what we can do in our gardens to help the environment.

The Wilderland Film Festival will bring breathtaking stories from the natural world to the big screen, made by independent film-makers from around the globe, and there will also be special talks by explorer Pen Hadow and also from TV presenter and adventurer Steve Backshall.

Steve exclusively talked to the Times about why he decided to get involved with

Tonbridge Talks: “Since I could crawl, I’ve been passionate about the wild world, and it is now under threat,” he said.

“Events like Tonbridge Talks: A Festival of the Environment are so important to increase the focus on climate change with events that engage all ages, starting debates and discussions about living sustainably and the effects on the natural world.

“I want to encourage people to think more about the world around them, and action we can all take to help protect our planet for future generations, and also to inspire the explorers and adventurers of the future.”

Steve, who presents numerous television shows, including Deadly 60 and Blue Planet Live, and carries out a number of environmental expeditions all over the world, says that his talk will focus on his recent travels which have taken him to corners of the globe that until now have remained unknown.

“I’ll be talking about first descents of whitewater Himalayan rivers, first ascents of mountains in the desert and up inside the Arctic circle, and the discovery of ancient artefacts in cave systems deep within the rainforests of Borneo.”

Why does he believe it’s so vital that we take positive action regarding the issue of climate change?

“I made my first documentary about climate change 20 years ago now, and even then it seemed people were dragging their feet, trying to deny the science, doing anything they could to avoid the big FELLOW SPEAKERS Anjuli Pandit (above right), Emma Ross (below) and Pen Hadow (right)

decisions that needed to be made,” he explained.

“Every single prediction the scientists I worked with back then has come true – and then some. And yet we are still debating whether it is even happening.

“People in the future will look back on our generation with fury and frustration – the generation that knew full well what was coming, but buried their heads in the sand.”

In order to drive awareness and change further, Steve has a key idea which he believes can work: “My number one drive is for forest purchase. Working with the charity World Land Trust, we endeavour to buy strategic portions of (mostly) rainforest, and protect it, ensuring it is not cut down, burnt or otherwise abused.

“In terms of carbon offsetting and real world goals, this is the most effective single thing I believe we can all do.”

See the full schedule, times, and buy tickets at tonbridgetalks.com or emftheatre.com

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Arts & Culture

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The Baron’s Hall at 12.15pm and 3pm.

All six wives will tell visitors about their own individual experience of negotiating a royal court full of scandal, intrigue and beheadings, as well as spilling the beans on what it was really like being married to one of England’s most infamous kings.

We are always happy to answer any Tudorrelated questions too!

THE MERRY WIVES OF… PENSHURST PLACE! All six wives of Henry VIII will be portrayed in the historical show

What do you think the audience will get out of seeing The Six Wives Of Henry VIII? I hope they will be able to relate to and understand better each of the six wives of Henry VIII. Why they may have acted the way they did or made a certain decision with regards to their fate.

I think sometimes, amidst the textbook facts and historical recounts, we forget that the wives of Henry VIII were once real women – flesh and blood with thoughts and feelings, too.

They were all trying to survive in a society that was so completely different to that of our own.

So much focus is upon Henry VIII himself that we feel that the wives should also be given a voice.

The Tudor roses To mark the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII’s first visit to Penshurst Place, Tudor Legacies are bringing a show focusing on the monarch’s six wives to the historical house. Kate Marlborough-Fletcher explains more about what they will be ‘kissing and telling’ on Friday [October 4] Tell us a little bit about Tudor Legacies…

We are a historical performing theatrical troupe who predominantly focus upon the six wives of Henry VIII. We perform as Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Katherine Parr. Other historical Tudor

personalities included in our group are Margaret Beaufort – The Mother of the Tudors, Mary I, little Princess Elizabeth, played by seven-year-old Penny, and Edward VI, played by 11-year-old Gabriel.

We first appeared as a group at Penshurst Place so it is somewhere extremely dear to us.

Where else do you perform?

We visit several stately homes, castles and cathedrals throughout the south of England.

We have performed at Hatfield House, Burghley House, Worcester Cathedral and Thornbury Castle, to name but a few, and we shall be adding more to our list of venues in 2020.

What will the show this Friday entail?

We shall be offering visitors the opportunity to meet the ‘Real Housewives of Hampton Court’, revealing the eclectic mix of personalities behind those famous portraits.

We shall be performing one of our presentations ‘The Six Wives Of Henry VIII’ in

tunbridge wells

P U P PETRY festival 11-13 October 2019

TO BOOK TICKETS VISIT: twpuppetryfestival.org @twpuppetryfestival

Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

@twpuppetryfest

What do you enjoy most about being at Penshurst Place, and will you be appearing there again?

It’s an amazing venue to perform at and a perfect place to bring Tudor history alive.

Tudor Legacies will be returning to Penshurst Place on Sunday December 15 for a ticketed Roast and Rambles event to showcase our new presentation ‘A Very Tudor Christmas’.

Tudor Legacies is a volunteerbased living history group. For more information about them and their events and Tudor adventures, you can find them on Facebook @TudorLegacies, on Instagram at TudorLegaciesOfficial or via their website – tudorlegacies.co.uk

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

goingout 7 days of activities

WEDNESDAY Popular comedic quartet A Pair of Four are at the Sussex Arms tonight from 8pm. Chris Murphy, Scott Kingsnorth, John Oakley and Dan Smiley will be improvising their entire routine with help from the audience, so expect lots of weird stories, oddball characters and general nonsense. Tickets cost £8 in advance and £9 on the door. To book, go online to twforum.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

By Jerome Bowman

THURSDAY If you like eating, drinking and sleeping, look no further than A Celebration of Kentish Wines Dine & Stay at Hever Castle. After checking into the Astor Wing, you can take stroll around the estate before a guided tour of the castle itself, followed by a drinks reception. A six-course dinner will be served in the evening, each course paired with a wine from a Kentish vineyard. On Friday morning, LIVING IT LARGE! at Hever Castle

UNLOVABLE ROGUE See Don Giovanni at the Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst enjoy breakfast in the Tudor Suite before heading and dealing with big business as well as family, off to Squerryes’ Estate for a tour of their forgiveness and hope. The screening starts vineyard and a wine-tasting session. Tickets at 7pm, and tickets cost £20.75. To book, visit cost £250 per head and upgraded odeon.co.uk rooms are available. For more To kick off the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry information and to book, go to Festival, Judith Hope will be running a Make hevercastle.co.uk a Magpie Family Puppet-Making Workshop in See Emma Rice’s criticallyRoyal Victoria Place at 11am. Hope’s creation, The acclaimed theatrical Keeper’s Nests – two giant magpies in walking adaptation of Angela nests, are the inspiration for the workshop.

Carter’s Wise Children can make their own mini-magpie rod puppet and write a secret for Children at the to carry in its beak (hopefully Odeon. Follow it not how to steal jewellery!) twin chorus There is a second run at 2pm. girls Nora and Tickets cost £5 and must be Dora Chance booked in advance, so visit as they twpuppetryfestival.org celebrate their 75th birthday FRIDAY together and Take your children for soon find WISE some gruesome and grizzly themselves CHILDREN entertainment at the Assembly unravelling the complex at the web of their family history Odeon Hall Theatre at 5.30pm this evening.

GruB & LIquOr Christmas 2 Courses £22.99 3 Courses £25.99 Includes a glass of fizz

Christmas Lunch from £17.99 Buffet party menu £12.99 Includes a glass of fizz

dj & disco party every weekend in December

Book christmas dinner by the end of october RIP

and receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco for every 6 guests

RIP

RIP RIP

function room Available for large parties

new years Eve Cocktail party 31st december

01892 457899 hello@grubandliquor.co.uk 9 nevill street, tunbridge wells, tn2 5ru

2208-Hever-Halloween-SO-2019-125x148mm-AW.indd 1

18/07/2019 10:56

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

BIG BIRD Learn to make your own puppet at Royal Victoria Place

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk PEN HADOW breaks the ice at EM Forster Theatre

Going Out

35th anniversary, the Odeon in Tunbridge Wells will be screening the film about three disgraced parapsychologists on a mission to save the world with nuclear-powered backpacks. Full of sharp jokes and cheerful goofiness, the film starts at 3pm and tickets cost £11.50 for adults with concessions also available. For more information and to book, go to odeon.co.uk MONDAY Join the TWUNTS in The George pub on Mount Ephraim for their relaxed Ukulele Jam at 8pm. All levels of experience, including attempting to the play the ukulele with a bow, are welcome. Grab

and your own belongings disappear before your eyes (never fear, the performers have promised to return them!) Featuring magicians Danny Grew, Mike Vincent and Chris Wood, the show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £19.50 and can be booked online at stagsevenoaks.co.uk

Horrible Histories: Awful Egyptians promises to give you the foul facts on the Pharaohs, the puerile pyramids and the meanest mummies in ancient Egypt. The show will bring history to life with actors and groundbreaking 3D special effects. Alternatively, you can see the Terrible Tudors in the morning at 10.30am and learn all about the horrible Henrys and Bloody Mary. Tickets for either show cost £20.25 for adults and £16.25 for children. Other times and dates are also available, so for more information and to book, go to assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk The Close-Up Show is back at The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. It’s an intimate magic show held in the bar, where you will get to see incredible sleights of hand. Watch coins, cards

SATURDAY If you think it’s getting a bit cold now, go to the EM Forster Theatre this afternoon at 2pm to see arctic explorer and advocate Pen Hadow and you will feel cosy by comparison with his tales. Most famous for having trekked solo without resupply to both poles from their respective coastlines, Hadow has also led the Catlin Arctic Survey and was declared a ‘Hero of the Environment’

by Time magazine in 2017. His stated mission is to protect the wildlife of the North Pole’s international waters, so he will be talking on these subjects and more. Tickets cost £10. To book, visit emftheatre.com

PICK OF THE WEEK: Tenors Unlimited Trinity Theatre Church Road Tunbridge Wells Friday October 4, 8pm

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a drink at the bar and join in with the group on a huge variety of songs. Attendance is free. For more information visit twukulele.com TUESDAY See the Royal Opera House’s production of Don Giovanni, with Erwin Schrott in the lead role, in a live screening at the Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst.

In Mozart’s tale of sexual intrigue, jealousy, wit, anger and retribution, Don Giovanni is a young, arrogant and promiscuous nobleman who finds that, in the end, he cannot dodge the inevitable.

The screening starts at 6.45pm Tickets cost £20 and can be booked at kinodigital.co.uk

Put a sing in your step with the Tenors Unlimited and their new show That’s Amoré!

The ever popular classical trio are returning to Tunbridge Wells with a show stuffed with iconic songs made famous by Pavarotti, Michael Bublé, Freddie

Mercury and more.

The trio will be supported by the local choir of St John’s C of E Primary School, of which band member Jem Sharples is an alumni.

Tickets cost £22 or £21 for concessions and can be booked at trinitytheatre.net

SUNDAY Join Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis in their quest to bust ghosts in the 1980s film classic Ghostbusters. In celebration of its Ghostbusters

Like singing?

Want to develop your voice?

Want to make new friends, receive superb coaching and sing for good causes?

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir is looking for new members whether you are a new or experienced singer.

Try us out at rehearsal on Thursday evenings St Peter’s Church, Bayhall Road Tunbridge Wells TN2 4UX at 7.15pm Contact Peter on 07454 721270 | chevinpjc@googlemail.com

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles. Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Sean de Burca, Gronk Friday The Grey Lady Jazz Club Night with Bob Bernard & Friends Saturday Project 5 Sunday Chasing Skies, The Hoolies

live music With Paul Dunton

T

his Wednesday night, blues fans can catch the superb John Emil at The Anchor Inn, Sevenoaks, The Forum hosts the excellent Alessis Ark, and renowned instrumental guitarist Sean de Burca headlines at The Grey Lady with support from popular singer-songwriter Gonk.

Thursday evening sees Ferris & Sylvester at The Forum with support from Roseanne Reid.

Friday night brings some great shows, including Tenors Unlimited at Trinity Theatre, Stick In The Wheel at the St Edith Folk Club in Kemsing, The Ryan Weeks Band at The Bedford and The Royal Oak hosting its monthly acoustic night at The Grey Lady. And in Lamberhurst, fans of classical music can enjoy

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

acclaimed pianist Graham Drott at St Mary’s Church as part of The Lamberhurst Music Festival.

Saturday night offers Gez Gold at The Beau Nash, Los Twangueros at The Royal Oak, Project 5 at The Grey Lady and Jean Genie’s Bowie Tribute at The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks.

Close out the weekend in style with Steven Devine and Kate Semmens at Finchcocks in Tunbridge Wells, Joe Cox at Verdigris in Tonbridge, and The Hoolies and Chasing Skies at The Grey Lady.

On Monday, folk fans can catch Tom Lewis at The Tonbridge Folk Club, and ukulele enthusiasts of all ages and levels are welcome at the TWUNT ukulele night at The George.

And on Tuesday, The Vultures return to The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Tunbridge Wells Common Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Wednesday Alessis Ark Thursday Ferris & Sylvester, Roseanne Reid Friday Fat Freddie & The Queens (tribute to Queen) Saturday Back To The 80s Sunday From 3pm: Tunbridge Wells Climate Action Day Tuesday British Sea Power THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews From 7.45pm. Tickets at twforum.co.uk Wednesday A Pair of Four: Improv comedy THE ANCHOR INN London Road, Sevenoaks free entry, music from 8pm Wednesday Blues With Bottle Presents: John Emil MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential. Call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm: Adult band workshop. All levels welcome TRINITY THEATRE Church Road Details and tickets at trinitytheatre.net Friday Tenors Unlimited: That’s Amoré!

THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street

Free entry. See thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday The Ryan Weeks Band

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Los Twangueros

THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry, music from 8.30pm Friday Acoustic Night Saturday Los Twangueros LAMBERHURST MUSIC FESTIVAL St Mary’s Church, Lamberhurst Doors open 7pm, information and tickets available at lamberhurstmusic.co.uk Friday Graham Drott (piano) ST EDITH HALL Kemsing Details and tickets at stedithfolk.co.uk Friday Stick In The Wheel THE GREAT HOUSE Hawkhurst Free entry, music from 7pm Friday Matt Brooks THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8.30pm Saturday Gez Gold Sunday Open Mic Night THE STAG THEATRE High Street, Sevenoaks Information at stagsevenoaks.co.uk Saturday Jean Genie (David Bowie tribute) FINCHCOCKS Waterdown House, Frant Road Information at finchcocks.co.uk Sunday 2.30 & 6pm Steven Devine with Kate Semmens – Around the Collection: Handel, CPE Bach, Mendelssohn, Haydn,

Purcell, Beethoven, Debussy & Quilter In solo keyboard pieces, song and conversation VERDIGRIS High Street, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 6pm Sunday Joe Cox THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8pm Monday TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Music from 8pm. See tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Tom Lewis THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday The Vultures Sean de Burca

CALL CLIVE ON

OCTOBER

07860 942 726

Wed 9th Oct (PM) WADHURST Commemoration Hall

High Street Wadhurst TN5 6AP 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Mon 7th Oct (AM) EDENBRIDGE Edenbridge WI Hall

Station Road Endenbridge TN8 5LX 9.00am - 12.00pm

Thu 10th Oct (AM) BRENCHLEY Grays Tea Rooms

Brenchley Road Brenchley TN12 7NX 9.00am - 12.00pm

Mon 7th Oct (PM) CROWBOROUGH White Hart on The Green Tue 8th Oct (AM) HILDENBOROUGH Village Hall Tue 8th Oct (PM) MATFIELD Village Hall

Church Road Crowborough TN6 2XZ 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Thu 10th Oct (PM) RUSTHALL The White Hart Fri 11th Oct (AM) FOREST ROW Village Hall Fri 11th Oct (PM) BIDBOROUGH Village Hall

16 Lower Green Rd Tunbridge Wells TN4 8TE 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Wed 9th Oct (AM) TUNBRIDGE WELLS Royal Wells Hotel

59 Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells TN4 8BE 9.00am - 12.00pm

10 Riding Lane Tonbridge TN11 9HY 9.00am - 12.00pm Matfield Tonbridge TN12 7LW 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Lewes Road Forest Row RH18 5ES 9.00am - 12.00pm Bidborough Ridge Tunbridge Wells TN3 0XD 1.00pm - 4.00pm

AVERAGE 5-15 MINS WAITING

Clive Attrell and his experienced team ensures waiting times are kept to a minimum

Clivewill willalways always offer a Clive offer a fair fair price for items your items price for your

TOP PRICES PAID FOR: • GOLD (in any condition) • SILVER (in any condition) • WATCHES (working or not) • COSTUME JEWELLERY • SOVEREIGNS / KRUGERRANDS • DIAMONDS • COINS • MEDALS • SWORDS • MILITARIA • CLOCKS • PAINTINGS • BRONZES • PRINTS / BOOKS • TOYS / GAMES • POSTCARDS • CHINESE CERAMICS • FIGURINES • OBJECTS OF INTEREST

WHAT THE PUBLIC SAY...

“ I’m so glad I went, I was a little nervous about going as I had never been before.

However it was very relaxed & interesting, Clive was very friendly and explained a lot more about my items than I expected him to” Mrs. Jenson from Ashford

ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN GOLD Clive Attrell has a well-established and successful £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ What Our Customers say.... antiques warehouse on the High Street in Hastings £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Old Town and you may recognise him from Dickinson’s £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Real Deal, on which he was an appraiser for over two £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ years, and numerous other television productions. £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ ££££££££££££££££££££ For general enquiries call Phil on: 07836 719895

I was given almost double the amount offered by a London Auction House, so was very pleased we contacted Clive.

Peter James - Eastbourne

KS & C S O E L L I was recommended friends, who said ES INES EDAto see Clive by C H M H C C he was known for being very fair dealer AT ICS TEaD W M A D Mr R. Sayer - New Romney E R WAN T CE AN Keen to find out about some items left toW me by my NTED A W Uncle and was delighted to learn about the history For more info please visit: www.freeantiquesvaluations.com from Clive and his team

Pat Evans - Tenterden

DAGGERS, SWORDS AND KNIVES WANTED Clive Attrell is Kent County Council Trading Standards Approved: Reg No 15618

CAN’T GET TO CLIVE’S VALUATION ROADSHOW? THEN USE CLIVE’S CASH 4 COLLECTABLES BELOW If you’re looking for an easy way to make money, then pack up all your collectables and post them off to us NOW!

4 Collectables .COM

Drop in to us Pop into our Shop in Hastings Old Town We’ll give you an on the-spot valuation.

Email it to us Send us a photo / video of the item We’ll give you a rough idea of it’s value.

PACK IT & POST IT – ALL FREE

OR CALL IN TO The Hastings Antiques Warehouse

THE STRESS-FREE WAY TO CASH Box it & Send IN ON YOUR COLLECTABLES Pack itPACK up carefully andPOST post it for IT & ITFREE. – ALL FREE OR VINTAGE BITS & PIECES. We’ll pay the postage.

OR CALL IN TO The Antiques Warehouse, Valuation Hastings, We’ll give you a valuation Sussex on the spot or FREE VALUATIONS within 48 hours.

THE STRESS-FREE WAY Accept & we’ll arrange same day payment CASH IN ON DeclineTO & we will return theYOUR item for FREE.

SPEEDY PAYMENT DIRECT TO YOU!

www.cash4collectables.co.uk

COLLECTABLES OR VINTAGE & PIECES. HASTINGS ANTIQUES WAREHOUSE, 54BITS HIGH STREET, HASTINGS, EAST SUSSEX, TN34 3EN, TEL: 01424 433142 FREE VALUATIONS SPEEDY PAYMENT

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food

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Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Bordeaux patrol This week, Times’ Drinks Editor James Viner toasts a satisfying vinous quartet from Bordeaux, the birthplace of a quarter of top French wines…

B

ordeaux is the world’s largest fine wine region with some of the planet’s most expensive bottles, including the famous five ‘first growths’ as arranged in the top division of the famous 1855 classification.

‘Bordeaux comes from the French au bord de l’eau, meaning along the waters.

It lies in Aquitaine, a word whose Latin roots mean a wellwatered place’

BORDEAUX REGION Colourful landscape of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux

Offering wines to suit every pocket, it accounts for around a quarter of all French AC/AOC wine, 1.8% of the world’s/11% of all French wines, dwarfing all other domestic wine regions bar Languedoc-Roussillon.

Here are my personal recommendations for you to try in order to celebrate this classic of the wine world…

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

1) Ultra-Digestible Claret for the Sunday Roast Château Pey La Tour Réserve du Château 2016, Bordeaux Supérieur (£11.50, The Wine Society, Alc 14.5%) This estate-grown blend, mostly merlot with a splash of cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, throbs with a juicy kaleidoscope of red and black fruits. Its silky tannins, supple mouthfeel, suave spiced finish, deft oak (and integration) are all cause for joy. Classy wine from Vignobles Dourthe, an ultra-reliable, high-quality large merchant/grower. Certainly delivers at this price. Perfect for the Sunday roast or hard cheeses.

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2) Must-Try Supermarket ‘Right Bank’ Red= Château Jacques Blanc Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 (£15.99, Aldi, Alc 14.5%) There are lots of run-of-the-mill ‘Grands Crus’ from St-Émilion but this beauty from one of the great vintages was a highlight at Aldi’s recent press tasting. It is a soft, rounded and seductive red with rich, sweet dark cherry, plum, raisin, blackcurrant, baking spice, vanilla and raspberry flavours sweeping through the palate. Skilfully judged oak too, which is not always the case in this vast appellation. Mainly merlot with 15% cabernet franc to give it strength and leafy freshness to cellar a few years. Enjoy alongside beef wellington, roast lamb or a Comté-led mature cheese board. Deeply impressive.

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3) Complex & Intense Barrique-Fermented White Clos Floridène Blanc 2016, Graves (£19-£23, Co-op & The Wine Society, Alc 13%) Bordeaux also means white wine. This benchmark Graves is a blend of around 55% old-vine sémillon, 44% sauvignon blanc and 1% muscadelle with bright, focused blackcurrant leaf, dried apricot, passion fruit, lime, baked grapefruit, pear and spice complexity. The subtle oak – only the sémillon component sees a dab of new oak – has merged with the fruit seamlessly. Moreish is the word and bottle age will only make this yet more beautiful. Drink with grilled lobster, crab, white fish in a butter/lemon/caper sauce, poached salmon, raw Atlantic oysters, goats’ cheese or Brillat-Savarin.

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4) Intense, Sweet, Fresh & Texturally Unctuous Dessert Wine Bargain Comtesse de Balmont 2017, Sauternes (£7.49, Lidl, Alc 12.5%, 37.5cl) The quantity of white Bordeaux has plunged from around a quarter in the 1990s to about 12%, around a third of which is sweet. Made from a blend of tangy, dehydrated – principally sémillon and sauvignon blanc – grapes infected capriciously with a benevolent form of fungus called Botrytis cinerea, Sauternes is the pride and joy of French sweet wine (and very expensive to make). This textbook lighter rendition is the steal of steals on the shelves now and a rich mix of chamomile, candied pineapple, apricot, honey, summer fruits and lemon curd. For Roquefort, tarte tatin or the naked sip. Part of Lidl’s tasty French “Wine Tour.” Serve chilled.Certainly delivers at this price. Perfect for the Sunday roast or hard cheeses.

Food & Drink

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In this month’s article Andres Villamagua, owner and Head Chef at Galapagos, shares his story about the influences that have inspired his passion for Latin cuisine.

This includes his inspiration for the menu and fresh ingredients, as well as the vibrant Latin American artwork adorning the restaurant and the garden that makes a visit to Galapagos feel like walking into a Latin American paradise...

Learning my trade Growing up in Loja, Ecuador, I earned my cooking stripes alongside my most treasured culinary icons: my mother and grandmothers.

They inspired my love of flavour, quality ingredients and instilled in me the importance of perfecting and respecting the art of cooking.

Large family gatherings called for creative feasting and I witnessed first-hand the magic that takes place when you bring together friends, family, and food. This has stayed with me throughout my culinary journey.

My fathers’ creative influence has found its way into my cooking.

Having travelled extensively for over 20 years, I continue to be captivated by the hand-crafted cooking techniques used by culinary artisans in homes and family-run local restaurants. Many of these techniques have become the blueprint for my own versions of traditional dishes which we serve in the restaurant today, including the Peruvian Lomo Saltado, flash-fried spicy Argentinian steak with Aji Amarillo a yellow chili and pisco a Peruvian spirit.

Now running Galapagos, I often reflect on the times I shared with my mother and grandmothers and the joy and happiness preparing meals for others brought to them. I feel exactly the same way now! Fresh and high-quality ingredients cooked with passion; it’s the way they worked then, and the way I work now.

A broader Latin American experience The art of providing an authentic Latin American dining experience is not just about the menu and the ingredients. It’s also about the ambience and atmosphere, from the music to the decoration. Again – I drew my experience from my family.

Born in 1947 in Santiago – Loja, the cultural capital of Ecuador, – my father Alyvar graduated as a painter and sculptor in 1973 and has become one of the most celebrated modern artists in Ecudador. The Central University of Ecuador honoured him by publishing a book about his life and work (you can browse through this when you visit!). He has exhibited all around the world, from London to Shanghai, and his paintings bring an authenticity and Latin charm with their distinctive South American style.

All of the art in the restaurant is for sale so please ask if you would like to learn more about the paintings or make a purchase.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check out the What’s On page on our website here: https://galapagos-restaurant.co.uk/whats-on

Bordeaux Bites

• Bordeaux comes from the French ‘au bord de l’eau’, meaning ‘along the waters’. It lies in the region of Aquitaine, a word whose Latin roots mean ‘a well-watered place’ • Until the 1950s this was a white wine region; 1956’s destructive frost

changed everything, with huge areas replanted to red varieties • Not that long ago, Bordeaux produced more wine than Chile, and now encompasses around 110,000 ha of vineyards (the UK has around 2,500 ha)

• Annual turnover of Bordeaux wines is around ¤3.8 billion with China the top export market in both value and volume • An Impériale (6l) of Petrus 1989 sold for ¤47,450 at auction last year. ¤7900 a glass

See bordeaux.com for more information on this region. Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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travel

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THE ISLAND OF BRAC Sparkling seas at Sumartin

Travel

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Why exploring Croatia out of season is a surprisingly relaxing family treat During the summer season, Brac is buzzing with tourists. But visit off peak and the island becomes a wilderness playground, says Claire Spreadbury

E

VEN UNDER a veil of silver cloud, raindrops and choppy surf spraying up in our faces, there isn’t a more exciting holiday transfer than a speedboat. As we bump and squeal our way from Split airport to Brac, my nine-year-old hangs on to the squashy seats as she screams: “We’ve had 90 big bumps so far!” The driver asks if we want to go faster, as he puts his foot down for the last 20 minutes of the half-hour journey.

We arrive in the tiny town of Milna, which is known for being the most beautiful and safest harbour in Brac. It’s springtime, so there aren’t the bustling crowds that summer brings, although it is always less touristy here than the neighbouring island of Hvar.

Tall sandstone buildings overlook the water, many several stories high. Some are bruised, battered and boarded up, while others have been renovated into holiday flats or luxury villas.

It doesn’t feel like there’s a lot of money here, I note, while watching a young man trying to stop his boat from capsizing by scooping up buckets of water and pouring them back into the sea. Paint peels off shanty shutters and rusty wrought-iron balconies call out for a clean against the shiny new boats in the marina, but that only makes me love it more. The ragged edges of the harbour are perfectly picturesque, and the bobbing boats create a feeling of calm.

We shelter from the April rain inside our big, shiny villa, which sits just next to the waterfront.

The sleek furnishings all scream luxe, in a super-understated way, and the five bedrooms blend earthy brown woods with fresh white linen on big, comfy beds, with grey tones throughout.

All the rooms bar the bunk have an en-suite with a rain shower bigger than most fancy hotel rooms, and there’s a bath for the kids (and me), too.

MODERN LUXURY On the lower level, there’s a small gym for anyone wanting to work off that holiday ice cream and gin habit. (The bay makes an excellent running track for those who prefer an outdoors workout.)

There’s a sauna, washing machine and tumble dryer, and the upstairs open-plan set up is really sociable, with two turquoise velvet chairs just begging for an afternoon snooze.

The pool is small but lovely, with sunloungers, an outdoor kitchen and more speakers. There are obvious disadvantages to coming out of peak season. But even a freezing cold pool doesn’t put little ones off. We did pack wet suits just in case, and they are definitely needed, but it’s almost more fun splashing in water that’s too cold for grown-ups to contemplate. Even daddy won’t go any further than a shin dip.

All this obviously comes at a price, but that’s another plus of visiting outside of summer – you can save yourself two thousand pounds on a week’s holiday here.

Walking away from the harbour and up into the hills, giant, spiky cacti and aloe vera plants line

BEING COOL Ice cream and smiles on the waterfront

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Travel

IMAGES: Claire Spreadbury/PA

gestures at the girls. Their frowned faces soon unravel when he gifts them a fresh orange though, which they look forward to juicing in their mocktails later.

MILNA Safe and sleepy harbour the rough tarmac roads. Thirsty olive trees reach into a dirt track as we meander further upwards towards a pretty olive grove watched over by a herd of sheep, their bells ringing faintly in the distance.

Stones piled on top of each other form crumbling, makeshift walls and new life can be seen in furtive fig trees, the bright green leaves all fresh and new, with tiny fruits peeking out from behind.

The scent of pine trees fills the mountain air and moth nests, made by the pine processionary species, hang in the branches, like papier-mache spiderwebs.

There are lots of cycle trails here – all a little challenging for Poppy and Rosie, aged 6 and 9, but great for teens and adults. Instead, the girls collect dense, dark pine cones on our walk, to mark a trail for our return.

An old man insists on trying to chat to us, despite his lack of English and our non-existent Croatian. He tries to crack jokes we pretend to understand, and makes cat noises and pouncy

TAKE A DIP Inviting beaches and warm seas at Milna

BACK TO NATURE It’s good to take kids to a place where life is simple. It might be all plush surroundings, Netflix and Sonos sound systems in the villa, but out on our walk, we’re discovering nature – the buzz of the bees filling our ears, while butterflies chase each other in the breeze. And Rosie’s as happy scrawling her name and making emoji faces in the dirt tracks, as she would be playing computer games. It’s a slow pace of life, much needed as we escape the pressure and busyness of the work-school-clubs-homework-socialising hamster wheel, we seem unable to hop off at home.

Our reward for all that walking rests in the middle of Milna. The fast food shops might dish up burgers and chips come sunset, but by day, there’s an array of ice creams and sorbets for sale, all whipped up into creamy peaks. For 36 kuna we buy a cone each (the chocolate ice cream is so rich, you might want to sink your whole face into it) – which works out at £1 a pudding, and puts a smile on all our faces.

When it rains, it can feel a bit like a ghost town, but once the sun’s out, locals fling open their shutters and hang washing from their balconies.

Kids ride bikes around the harbour and the bars you thought had closed down are suddenly open, serving pints of Karlovacko beer on their outside tables and chairs.

Food and drink is incredibly cheap here. Two filo pastry tarts – one feta, one meat – from Perkana bakery costs 27 kuna (£3), and feeds all four of us for lunch with leftovers. Dinner at Pizzeria Slika sets us back 396 kuna (around £40) and includes three enormous, freshly cooked pizzas, all dripping with hot, stretchy cheese, plus a piping-hot garlic bread pizza, the biggest pitcher of beer on the menu, an Aperol Sprirz, Coke and bottle of water.

At night, street lights ripple in the water like multiple golden sunsets, while tatty old

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fishermen set themselves up at the water’s edge, hoping for tonight’s dinner to come swimming their way.

Venture along the coastal road and the landscape turns lush and green. The road gives way to a rusty red track, anchored by grey rocks, bushy green pines and a sparkling sea. Or hire a car and seek out Bol, the Golden Cape Beach, Pucisca and Lovrecina. There’s so much, yet so little, to see and do here, it really doesn’t matter when you come.

Out-of-season rainy mornings make for lazy starts and catching up on much-needed sleep.

The urge to stay inside means your exercise routine doesn’t go awry and finally, you get to focus on some family self-care. Snuggling up with our small people and watching Our Planet becomes a daily ritual, and we even book a therapist to come to the villa to give every single one of us a massage (500 kuna (£60) for four halfhour treatments).

Reading a brilliant book in a hot bubble bath is (almost) as relaxing as lounging on a sunbed by the pool. And when you’re in a huge villa, the kids are having so much fun playing in new spaces, that not only are there zero interruptions during your hot soak, there’s also time to slather yourself in body lotion afterwards.

And when the sun comes out, you really appreciate it. There’s no rush to fit everything in; you take each day as it comes, see what the clouds are doing and make your decisions from there. It makes for a really relaxing break, and one that many families (mine especially) need in order to de-stress from the bustling busyness of modern life.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP: Villa Tourmaline in Brac is available with CV Villas (020 7261 5404; cvvillas.com), sleeping up to 10 people and priced from £467pp (£4,672 total) for a seven-night stay, including welcome pack and daily maid service. CV Villas can also arrange flights, transfers or car hire for an extra fee.

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS NOW LIVE!

On display in our showroom:

Luxury Assisted-living Bathrooms 01732 350911 | showroom@townsbathrooms.co.uk | townsbathrooms.co.uk Unit 5, Sanderson Way, Tonbridge TN9 1QG | Mon to Fri: 9am - 5pm Sat: 9am - 4pm

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Recruitment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

School Business Manager required January 2020

Pupils aged 3-11 years

Located in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Mead is co-educational, ages 3 to 11. The Mead School is part of the Wishford Schools Group.

We are seeking to appoint a Business Manager who will help lead the strategic, financial, estates and operational management of the School and play an integral role in developing the School’s vision within the Wishford Group as it builds on recent investment and continues to flourish. We are looking for someone with energy, authority and empathy. A person with a ‘can do’ flexible attitude, who can connect with and inspire colleagues, with excellent managerial, IT, interpersonal and communication skills, good attention to detail and the ability to lead by example with honesty and integrity when dealing with the school community. Furthermore, this candidate will have a clear sense of ethics and vision in line with the School’s values and the Head.

Classroom Assistant / Gap Student Start January 2020, Full-time

A candidate pack and application form are available from the school. Please contact the Business Manager, The Mead School, 16 Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5SN (01892 525837) or manager@themeadschool.co.uk. The closing date for all applications is Monday 7th October 2019.

The successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The Mead School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The Mead requires a vibrant, dynamic, creative and committed person to support and enhance areas within this successful prep school which enjoys a reputation for both high academic and performance standards within a caring, happy environment.

The successful candidate will be a highly personable and self-motivated individual, empathetic to the values and ethos of The Mead.

The job descriptions and application forms are available from the school.

Please contact the Business Manager, Rebecca Hall, The Mead School, 16 Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5SN (01892 525837) or manager@themeadschool.co.uk. The closing date for all applications is Monday 21st October 2019.

The successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The Mead School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Site Team Manager Starting salary KR11 £39,665 Reporting to School Business Manager

Site Team Member Starting salary KR6 £20,744 Reporting to Site Team Manager

We are looking to appoint a skilled and experienced individual to join our successful, expanding school.

The Site Team Manager will be responsible for all aspects of site management, including line management of our site team. They will work alongside the team overseeing their work, improving their efficiency, manage projects, including our current new build.

They will plan, implement and oversee a rolling programme of improvements to the school, within an agreed budget, in conjunction with the Headteacher and School Business Manager.

This role is full time, 37 hours per week, 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year, expected to be 7:30-4:00 daily (one day to 3:30) to include one hour for lunch unpaid. 27 days holiday per annum.

To be mutually agreed with Headteacher and School Business Manager.

Some flexibility needed to meet demands of the site.

For application form and further details, please visit our website: www.bennettmemorial.co.uk Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the post before applying, please do not hesitate to contact our HR Department on 01892 774615.

Applications should be submitted on the correct Application Form, CVs will not be accepted.

Completed Application Forms should be sent via email recruitment@bennett.kent.sch.uk or posted to HR Department, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells,

We are looking to appoint a Site Team Member to join Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, a large secondary school in Tunbridge Wells. The successful candidate is likely to have previous experience of building maintenance. The role includes, as part of a team, responsibility for site security and safety, cleanliness and general maintenance of the site as well as record keeping, and statutory testing and recording.

We are seeking applicants that can act on their own initiative, deal with any unexpected problems that may arise, and willing to learn on the job.

This role is full time, 37 hours a week, 5 days per week, expected to be 10am until 6pm (one day until 5.30pm) to include one hour for lunch unpaid. 25 days holiday Some flexibility needed to meet demands of the site.

For application form and further details, please visit our website: www.bennettmemorial.co.uk Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the post before applying, please do not hesitate to contact our HR Department on 01892 774615.

Applications should be submitted on the correct Application Form, CVs will not be accepted.

Completed Application Forms should be sent via email recruitment@bennett.kent.sch.uk or posted to HR Department, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells,

Kent TN4 9SH.

Kent TN4 9SH.

CLOSING DATE : 12PM ON FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2019

CLOSING DATE : 12PM ON FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2019

The Tenax Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to vetting checks and a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WORKING IN EDUCATION? Or considered a career in teaching?

The Skinners’ Kent Academy Trust prides itself in being a popular choice for parents and students from Reception to Year 11 and the Sixth Form in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. The Academy Trust aims to raise and reflect aspirations within the local community and our innovative and distinctly internationally focussed curriculum sets the Trust apart from many other schools, along with our outstanding state-of-the-art facilities.

Our successful and stimulating Academy Trust offers a variety of training opportunities and avenues to support getting into teaching. Due to continued growth, we have a variety of new and exciting career opportunities for both The Skinners’ Kent Academy and Skinners’ Kent Primary School.

We are committed to recruiting the highest calibre of staff to all areas; teaching, administration and support and we are currently looking to recruit to: The Skinners’ Kent Primary School

Receptionist, Administrator

The Skinners’ Kent Academy

Teacher of Science Senior Science Technician Science Technician Teaching Assistant Examinations Officer

To find out more about working with us and for further information on all our vacancies, job packs and application process, please visit our websites www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk or www.skinnerskentprimaryschool.org.uk Email: info@skinnerskentacademy.org.uk | t: 01892 534377

52

Life&Times

Motors

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Motoring News

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

This week…  Electric discounts  Comparing fines  Plug-in hybrids

London boroughs exceed parking fines of most major cities

MG announces further discount on MG ZS EV following the ‘unprecedented’ demand MG is introducing another incentive for customers interested in buying its new ZS electric vehicle.

The zero-emission crossover has resulted in ‘unprecedented customer demand’ for the brand after it promised a ¬£3,500 discount on top of the government’s own ¬£3,500 plug-in car grant for the first 1,000 customers in July. This resulted in a starting price of ¬£21,495, making it the least expensive full-sized electric vehicle on the market.

It reached 1,000 orders in just two weeks before extending the offer to the next 1,000 customers. Two months later it has reached that figure and has announced a restructuring of its discounts.

The original offer was on the entry level Excite trim, which is now available with an MG

contribution of ¬£3,000 on top of the government grant. This ¬£6,500 discount makes the ZS EV’s starting point ¬£21,995.

The full £7,000 discount is still available on the top-spec Exclusive trim, bringing the price down to £23,495.

Daniel Gregorious, head of sales & marketing at MG Motor UK, said: “Since the official launch of the ZS EV in July, MG dealerships across the country have reported unprecedented demand from customers eager to get behind the wheel.

“We have listened to all of the positive feedback and are delighted to offer this fully electric family SUV to the next 1,000 retail buyers from just ¬£21,995. Our mission at MG is to make high-tech, zeroemissions cars available to all, and we are well on our way.”

Ford introduces plug-in hybrid Transit range FORD has revealed a plug-in hybrid Transit, which it says is the first vehicle in the one-tonne van segment to offer zero-emission driving capability.

The Transit Custom Plug-in Hybrid model uses a 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack that makes the van capable of 35 zero-emission miles per full charge. It can be topped up from a domestic electric outlet in 4.3 hours or 2.7 hours via a Type-2 AC public charger.

However, to do away with range anxiety, it comes with a 1.0-litre petrol engine that acts as a ‘range extender’ to top up the battery on the move. Combined, this results in fuel economy of 92mpg and CO2 emissions of 60g/km.

Ford says this gives the security of increased range for longer trips, but also

contributes to reduced local emissions to allow the vehicle to enter the growing number of low-emission zones appearing in high-population areas.

The plug-in Custom offers a payload of 1,130kg, while the load volume of 6.0m3 is unchanged from other models thanks to the packaging of the battery beneath the floor. Meanwhile, the battery is covered by an eight-year, or 100,000-mile, warranty.

Ian Porter, chief programme engineer of Transit Custom at Ford of Europe, said: “Our customers want electrified vehicles, but we understand that they may have concerns about infrastructure and range.

“Our connected Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid delivers productivity with no compromises, offering the capability to drive on zero-emission electric power.”

LONDON boroughs raised tens of millions of pounds in parking fines in the last financial year, eclipsing some of the most populous UK cities outside the capital.

The London borough of Camden raised the most cash at £13,247,011 from 237,306 penalty charge notices (PCN), followed by Islington with £12,865,842 raised from 260,340 PCNs. The top five was rounded out by Newham, Hammersmith and Fulham, and City of London.

Four of the top five London boroughs raised more than double the amount of the largest city outside of the capital.

Leeds in Yorkshire raised £6,175,573 from 133,949 tickets, putting it behind 17 London boroughs.

Of the other cities outside London, Edinburgh was second, raising £5,903,306 from 191,563 tickets, followed by Manchester, which issued the highest number of PCNs at 545,314, raising £5,364,657.

The data was compiled by insurance comparison site Compare the Market through Freedom of Information requests.

CODEWORD 4

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A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 23

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4 16

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8 8 2 1 7 7 2 4 8 5 2 8 4 7 3

7

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1 3

Codeword:

9 8 9 5

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

9

14

L

2

7

9

19

26

17

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15 14

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26 1

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9 17

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7 6

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★★

2

23

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

2 1 7 6 9 5 5 8

3 9

9

4 2 6

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

1

53

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★✩✩✩

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

Puzzles

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

B E R E F T R A R U N T R U E G H I E J E C T S S R S Q U U S M D A Y C R A V A T R T R E U R E K A A I E MA X I N E

I S T T R O P U A D R T O E P I MA T N E

W I P I N G Z N L AW I R T E D L E

Sudoku:

9 4 7 3 5 8 2 1 6

1 6 2 9 4 7 3 5 8

8 3 5 6 2 1 9 7 4

2 8 4 7 3 5 1 6 9

3 7 6 4 1 9 5 8 2

5 9 1 8 6 2 4 3 7

4 1 3 2 7 6 8 9 5

7 2 8 5 9 3 6 4 1

6 5 9 1 8 4 7 2 3

8 2 5 6 9 3 1 7 4

4 3 6 1 7 5 2 8 9

2 7 4 5 3 6 9 1 8

6 5 8 9 1 7 4 2 3

3 9 1 8 2 4 5 6 7

Jigsaw Sudoku:

1 4 2 3 6 8 7 9 5

9 6 3 7 5 1 8 4 2

5 8 7 2 4 9 6 3 1

7 1 9 4 8 2 3 5 6

SANTA AT SALOMONS

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

54

Life&Times

Sport

FOR EVENstories MOREto: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.ukor newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send sports newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

Wells pay for scrum woes as Mongston runs in hat-trick Tunbridge Wells 15 Hertford 34

HOLD ON Max Hobbs is stopped in his tracks

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

By Graham Withers RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ unbeaten start to the season came to a halt when visitors Hertford ended their run of three straight wins in London and South-East Premier.

Nine of the players who had beaten Brighton the previous weekend were injured or unavailable as the team took the field through the Under 8s’ ‘guard of honour’.

The visitors seized the early initiative after Wells were penalised at the scrum, which was to become a recurring theme.

After 12 minutes flanker Luke Mongston took a quick tap penalty and charged over the line for a try that was well converted from wide on the left

by Kyle Lemon.

Two more scrum infringements saw Lemon slot penalties to put Hertford 13-0 up by the half-hour mark.

A Chris Brown turnover saw George Montgomery kick three points to get the home side on the scoreboard.

On 36 minutes, Hertford lock Dan Peasnall galloped through under the posts for a converted try to make the score 20-3 at the interval.

Any hopes of a second-half recovery were

virtually extinguished after the break as the visitors camped in the Wells 22, allowing Mongston to score another converted try.

On 50 minutes, however, the home captain Ryan Taylor-Dennehy led by example, beating two tacklers on the outside channel before feeding back inside to Mike Doherty.

Impossible He was able to run untouched under the posts for a try, and with Montgomery adding the extras Wells had a foothold in the game.

But the home side were finding it impossible to lift the Hertford pressure, and having been warned as a team for conceding too many penalties in their own 22, Tiggy Bartley received a yellow card for a ruck infringement.

A strong rolling maul saw Mongston score his hat-trick try, giving Hertford their bonus point, and Lemon completed an immaculate kicking display.

The visitors were then reduced to 14 too and, deep in injury time, Ben Whale showed great tenacity to twist out of the grasp of two defenders to score an unconverted try for Wells.

Wells, in fifth place, now make the trip to fourth-placed Guernsey on Saturday (October 5, kick-off 3pm).

Bournemouth 10 Tonbridge Juddians 49 RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS are sitting on top of National Two South after recording their fourth successive emphatic victory in a row.

They rose to the summit at bottom-placed Bournemouth after Taunton, in second place, beat Henley, who drop to third.

Bournemouth enjoyed the lion’s share of the ball for the first quarter and TJs seemed content to defend and slow the game down.

With a strong wind in their favour, the home side put three points on the board from a penalty after Ryan Ward received a yellow card.

Then Bournemouth went a man down too, and Hugo Watson cut a nice line to score a try converted by Will Robinson.

Just before half-time Charlie Edwards dived through a hole to score another converted try to give the visitors a 14-3 lead at the interval.

With the conditions now in their favour TJs began to dominate, and it was Robinson’s turn to

sense the space and step through to score a try that he converted himself.

A scrum penalty took TJs to the right corner where a catch and drive enabled Max Hayes to dot down for the fourth try and a bonus point, Robinson adding the extras.

Tommy Nicoll’s charge was intercepted but quick ball found Murray Galbraith-Lowe who went over under the sticks, Robinson converting.

Attacks off first phase were reaping rewards and Truman Sullivan picked up at the base of the scrum to find replacement scrum-half Matt Walsh for another converted score.

A yellow card for Murray Galbraith-Lowe allowed Bournemouth to register their first and only try and a few quick phases, and it was converted.

TJs had the final say as Tom Chapman sped in off Robinson’s shoulder for another try under the sticks which the latter converted.

Tonbridge now entertain Taunton, the only other unbeaten team, at the Slade on Saturday (October 5, kick-off 3pm).

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

Tonbridge reach the top as Edwards finds spaces

FULL SPEED AHEAD Matt Walsh makes a dash for the line

Men edged out in testing start Alexander gets Ladies off mark Indian Gymkhana 4 as they ditch their bad habits Tunbridge Wells Men 3

By Chris Pelham HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Men began their South Premier League campaign away to a Gymkhana side who narrowly missed out on promotion last season and recruited strongly over the summer.

James Harris was soon called on to make a couple of important saves in the Wells goal, but the home side’s pressure finally told with the hosts taking a deserved lead.

The visitors’ best early chance coming from a skilful aerial from Oli Bateman across the circle to George Priestley, who could not find the finishing finish.

Wells did draw level from a short corner with a powerful drag flick from James Beck finding the net.

They continued to apply pressure but conceded a second goal against the run of play after Indian Gym

converted a penalty stroke following a short corner.

Wells kept pushing forward, however, and excellent link-up play between Tom Butt and Ben Allberry saw the latter fire home to make it 2-2 at the interval.

Pressure The hosts upped their game at the start of the second half, and worked two good goals to open up a 4-2 lead.

Wells came back at them again, while James Lester and Nathan Palmer managed to hinder the hosts’ forward movement.

Sustained pressure by Wells saw Beck fire in a second short-corner goal to cap a man of the match performance.

But Wells could not find the equaliser, with Bailey Wright going agonisingly close in the final stages.

Wells now entertain Oxford University at Tonbridge School on Saturday (October 5, 1.30pm start).

Tunbridge Wells Ladies 2 Crostyx 0

By Lily Loveland

HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Ladies came out fighting at Hawkenbury after a disappointing start to their season in East Region Division Two South East.

The enthusiasm of the hosts showed from the start as Wells were able to score through Harrie Alexander from their first short corner.

The players linked up well with good set plays, especially down the right-hand side of the pitch, and that was where the second goal came.

Ele Cairns and Alexander passed between themselves, eliminating the opposition as they went, and their fast attack led to another welldeserved goal for Alexander.

After going into half-time 2-0 ahead, Wells slipped into some of their old bad habits and made careless errors.

Momentum But Ali Playle in goal made several fine saves including winning a one-on-one by swiping the ball away from the advancing forward.

Wells regained their momentum and bounced back with Cairns scoring a third goal from another short corner.

Croystx did well to channel the home side to the left-hand side of the pitch. But Wells held off any pressure from the visitors in impressive fashion.

The Ladies now face a local derby against Sevenoaks at Hollybush Lane on Saturday (October 5, 10.30am start).

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 2 | 2019

HOT SHOT Prolific Luke Adams opens the scoring

Sport

By Jim Rowe

By Rich Smith FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL secured two wins inside a week which lifted them to fourth place in the Southern Counties East League Division One. Three goals in 10 minutes midway through the first half was more than enough to secure three points against a weak Meridian at Jockey Farm.

The pace of Reuel Powell-Downey saw their defenders struggling and the game became rather stop-start with a string of free kicks being awarded to the home side.

On 25 minutes Rusthall were rewarded for their dominance when an interchange of passes saw leading scorer Luke Adams make no mistake from 10 yards.

Three minutes later, Rusthall were awarded a penalty following another clumsy challenge and Adams sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Now in full flow, Rusthall twice hit the bar before

PHOTO: Dean Jacquin

Rusthall 3 Meridian VP 0

another fine passing move was expertly finished off by Charlie Clover on 35 minutes.

The second half failed to live up to the fluidity of the first period as Meridian defended deep and Rusthall’s chances were few and far between.

Impressive But it was a comprehensive victory to add to their impressive 2-1 win on Monday night against Greenways at Cobdown.

Greenways took the lead in with a well struck free kick by Lewis Wood on 27 minutes.

Rusthall levelled on 57 minutes, a superb through ball from defender Ryan Styles set Powell-Downey free and he calmly rounded the keeper before slotting home.

Then a well-delivered free kick from Tommy Lawrence on the left enabled Powell-Downey to head in the Rustics’ winner four minutes later.

Rusthall now visit Forest Hill Park on Saturday (October 5, kick-off 3pm).

55

McKimm orders clear-out after 10-man Angels lose to late goal Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 Tonbridge Angels 0

Adams doubles up to give Rustics back-to-back wins

Life&Times

FOOTBALL: MANAGER Steve McKimm has begun restructuring his squad in the wake of another disappointing defeat to the bottom club in National League South.

The result, their fourth loss in a row, left them second-from-bottom but they held on with 10 men for most of the match before succumbing to a goal deep in stoppage time.

McKimm has now released three players, Tommy Brewer, Rhyle Ovenden and Alex Read.

He said: “The hard fact is that we have to move on and release funds to allow the squad to develop and improve.”

He added: “Readie will go down in Angels history as a key member of the 2018-19 promotion winning squad and I will for ever be grateful for what he achieved for me during last season.”

Midfielder Brewer was sent off after just 18 minutes for a rash challenge and tweeted at half-time: “Apologies to the travelling fans. Let you all down here.”

McKimm dropped Joe Turner to the bench and Brewer had returned to take the holding midfield berth after he completed a previou suspension.

Tonbridge were the better side despite their numerical disadvantage, though there were few clear-cut changes in the first period.

A free kick for Hampton flashed across the visitors’ goal in the 39th minute while an attempted overhead kick by Angels’ Khale da Costa sailed over the bar.

Danilo Orsi-Dadomo spurned a decent chance for Hampton & Richmond, which was followed

by another wasted opportunity for the Beavers’ Jefferson Louis.

Joe Turner came on at half-time but was powerless to stop the build-up of an intense spell of pressure for the home side around the hour-mark.

The Tonbridge woodwork was hit and Angels keeper Jonny Henly was forced to make an extraordinary sequence of point blank saves.

While Hampton continued to see more of the ball with their man advantage, it seemed that Tonbridge had ridden the worst of the storm.

Unmarked In fact they missed a glorious chance in the 63rd minute when a Da Costa cross was headed just wide of the post by the unmarked Turner.

Turner played in fellow substitute Tom Derry for another chance, and with five minutes left the same pair linked up again, Derry seeing his effort crash against the the base of the post.

The Angels eventually conceded on the break after Derry was dispossessed which charging upfield in time added on.

With several players out of position a cross from the right was bundled over the line by Sam Deadfield to win the game for Hampton.

McKimm said afterwards: “I asked for much more effort after last Saturday and I certainly got that from the players. But once again we’ve missed chances and switched off at the vital moment.

“Of course, the sending-off made a difference and I have to say it appeared at first glance to be the correct decision.”

Tonbridge now have a weekend off before resuming at home to Braintree Town on Saturday October 12 (kick-off 3pm).

HEVER CASTLE was the stage for the climax of the 2019 triathlon season on Sunday (September 29) with more than 6,000 competitors taking part in 30 different swim, bike and run challenges.

Despite wet weather conditions, athletes enjoyed the multisport event, which included live bands and street food in the Festival Village, a Tipi bar with guest speakers including endurance runner Susie Chan, and prize giving ceremonies.

The swimming was held in the 38-acre castle lake and River Eden, followed by an undulating cycle through the High Weald, taking in Ashdown forest for longer distances.

The run section circumnavigated the estate and land owned by the Bellhurst Nature Conservation Trust, which is usually not open to the public.

PHOTO: Will Milner

6,000 take on Hever Castle challenges Due to the weather overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning the longest distance race, the Gauntlet cycle, had to be shortened. TWTC members took a host of podium spots, in what for many is The Individual Olympic triathlon (1.5km swim, 40k bike, 10.5km run) was won by David Jackson in a time of 1hr 21min 34sec. Lucy Byram was the first woman to finish in 2:22.44.

The Gauntlet (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21km run) saw Sam Wade come first in 3:35.57, with Saskia RIcks first female in 4:32.54.

The Sprint triathlon (750m swim, 20km bike, 4km run) title went to James Kessell in 1:10.35 with Nichola Shuttle coming first among the women in a time of 1:28.08.

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