Times of Tunbridge Wells 13th December2017

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Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge brings his food festival to town

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

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Wednesday December 13

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

| 2017

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CHRISTMAS PRESENCE Scarlett Leigh Fawcett, pictured with Toto, stars as Dorothy in Trinity’s Wizard of Oz

County Hall apologises after jumping the gun with buses

‘I am sorry it has caused

people understandable

concern’

INSIDE MP IS ‘UNSUNG HERO’

Colleagues vote for Wealden’s caring Nus Ghani Page 5

By William Mata

Among those on the list are the: 222 – Tonbridge to Borough Green, 296 – Tunbridge Wells to Paddock Wood and 293 – Tunbridge Wells to Tenterden/Rye. THE Leader of Kent County Council Councillor Carter is planning (KCC) has been forced to apologise after with to meet leaders a list of bus services facing an uncertain and Arriva of travel firms Stagecoach future was published “prematurely.” before Christmas to discuss the arrangements further.

Councillor Paul Carter has also made a ‘personal pledge’ to handle A COMPLEX ISSUE negotiations ‘Changes will not impact with bus companies in Is Tunbridge Wells Alliance an effort to keep on some of the routes open. home to school transport branching into politics?

Page 7 And he added: “I can provide reassurfor parents and children’ ance that any changes will not materially impact on home to school But the councillor has for parents and their children transport shown no sign of given our backing down statutory obligations for on the plan and will also home to school consult transport.” with community bus providers as well as taxi services.

He said: “It is true that bus subsidies Financial are among the potential savings we must look at in the coming budget Because of budget cuts in February KCC is consid- but A CUT ABOVE THE REST we understand the importance ering ending its subsidy in of Experience a Rosemary 78 services, which includes support of these transport arrangements Shrager to people. a combined knife skills masterclass “We are progressing a 23 in Tunbridge Wells Page 42 programme that and Tonbridge, to could save an estimated £4million. potentially significantly reduce the list of affected routes County Hall provides in advance of financial sup- the public port to some services.

Ending this could January. consultation, set to start in see anything from one bus a week being “Because of this I am making stopped to a whole service a personbeing cut. al pledge to handle the This week Cllr Carter forthcoming programme of negotiations said: “I think that list of with routes was prematurely bus operators to try to persuade released and I am sorry them to keep a significant it has caused people unnumber of routes going derstandable concern.”

SEASONAL SPARKLERS without subsidy.”

James Viner’s top fizzy It is understood the Chiefs from Arriva wines to enjoy for Christmas Page list of 78 routes sent and Stagecoach 40 out by the council were also criticised which could be affor raising ticket fected is not the final prices by 3.5 per version and Councillor cent, which is above Carter is concerned it inflation. was sent too soon. will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.u k

see your regular free paper inside

PHOTO: Craig Matthews

timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

It’s nearly Christmas and that can only mean one thing; pantomime once again – oh yes it is! And season is in full swing whether Assembly Hall’s Aladdin production you want to enjoy a traditional offering such as the or see something more alternative in Tonbridge’s Wendy and like The Oast Theatre Peter Leigh Fawcett who plays Dorothyperformance, there’s plenty of choice. Pictured is Scarlett in Trinity’s Wizard of Oz. See pages 52-55 for more…

Continued on page 4

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Wednesday December 13 | 2017

All the news that matters

YOUR

Local, National and International

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

FREE PAPER

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE Scarlett Leigh Fawcett, pictured with Toto, stars as Dorothy in Trinity’s Wizard of Oz

County Hall apologises after jumping the gun with buses ‘I am sorry it has caused people understandable concern’

By William Mata

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE Leader of Kent County Council (KCC) has been forced to apologise after a list of bus services facing an uncertain future was published “prematurely.”

Councillor Paul Carter has also made a ‘personal pledge’ to handle negotiations with bus companies in an effort to keep some of the routes open.

And he added: “I can provide reassurance that any changes will not materially impact on home to school transport for parents and their children given our statutory obligations for home to school transport.”

PHOTO: Craig Matthews

Financial

It’s nearly Christmas and that can only mean one thing; pantomime season is in full swing once again – oh yes it is! And whether you want to enjoy a traditional offering such as the Assembly Hall’s Aladdin production or see something more alternative like The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge’s Wendy and Peter performance, there’s plenty of choice. Pictured is Scarlett Leigh Fawcett who plays Dorothy in Trinity’s Wizard of Oz. See pages 52-55 for more…

Because of budget cuts KCC is considering ending its subsidy in support of 78 services, which includes a combined 23 in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, to save an estimated £4million.

County Hall provides financial support to some services. Ending this could see anything from one bus a week being stopped to a whole service being cut.

This week Cllr Carter said: “I think that list of routes was prematurely released and I am sorry it has caused people understandable concern.”

It is understood the list of 78 routes sent out by the council which could be affected is not the final version and Councillor Carter is concerned it was sent too soon.

Among those on the list are the: 222 – Tonbridge to Borough Green, 296 – Tunbridge Wells to Paddock Wood and 293 – Tunbridge Wells to Tenterden/Rye. Councillor Carter is planning to meet with leaders of travel firms Stagecoach and Arriva before Christmas to discuss the arrangements further.

‘Changes will not impact on home to school transport for parents and children’ But the councillor has shown no sign of backing down on the plan and will also consult with community bus providers as well as taxi services.

He said: “It is true that bus subsidies are among the potential savings we must look at in the coming budget in February but we understand the importance of these transport arrangements to people.

“We are progressing a programme that could potentially significantly reduce the list of affected routes in advance of the public consultation, set to start in January.

“Because of this I am making a personal pledge to handle the forthcoming programme of negotiations with bus operators to try to persuade them to keep a significant number of routes going without subsidy.”

Chiefs from Arriva and Stagecoach were also criticised for raising ticket prices by 3.5 per cent, which is above inflation.

Continued on page 4

INSIDE MP IS ‘UNSUNG HERO’ Colleagues vote for Wealden’s caring Nus Ghani Page 5

A COMPLEX ISSUE

Is Tunbridge Wells Alliance branching into politics? Page 7

A CUT ABOVE THE REST Experience a Rosemary Shrager knife skills masterclass Page 42

SEASONAL SPARKLERS James Viner’s top fizzy wines to enjoy for Christmas Page 40

4

NEWS

Local News

Taxis and community buses might be answer Continued from page 1 A spokesman from Arriva said: “KCC has asked us to review what we might be in a position to operate without support.

“This has seen a review and there are none that we believe are self-supporting owing to low patronage.

“We can only operate where the route or service is viable and self-supporting. We would be unable to operate a route that is not able to support itself commercially as that would risk other routes.”

A spokesman for Stagecoach said: “The majority of our services are commercial and do not receive a subsidy. The impact is likely to be on certain journeys when the buses are less well used.”

KCC is looking to find savings of £62.5million ahead of their budget in February, which has been blamed on demand pressures, inflation and reduction in central Government funding.

Meetings Councillor Carter said he would also be meeting with smaller bus operators to discuss the routes at risk and how they could help reduce the impact.

He added: “I have scheduled meetings with taxi operators to explore the development of a taxi share scheme to support rural communities alongside expanding community minibuses.”

Hugo Pound, chairman of Tunbridge Wells Labour Party, said: “These proposed cuts to bus services will disproportionately hit a large number of people living in our borough’s rural communities.”

Misconduct inquiry THREE officers have been served with notices of gross misconduct following the death of a man being held in custody in Tonbridge Police Station.

Carl Maynard, of Shepway in Maidstone, had been arrested on October 13 over a domestic incident which took place two weeks earlier.

It is understood that the 29-year-old man died while having his fingerprints taken and received medical attention but could not be resuscitated. The cause of his death remains unclear.

A first post-mortem proved inconclusive.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the death.

The IPCC said the three officers had been informed that their actions and subsequent care given to Mr Maynard may have constituted gross misconduct.

IPCC Operations Manager Catherine Hall said: “The serving of the notices on the three officers represents a new stage in our investigation but I would like to emphasise it does not indicate guilt on any person’s part.”

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Force is named best in the country for keeping people safe and cutting crime Katie Harris newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk KENT POLICE was named yesterday [Tuesday] as the only force out of 43 in England and Wales to be graded ‘outstanding’ for its legitimacy.

It is the third year in a row that Kent Police has received the grade for how legitimately it keeps people safe and reduces crime.

Each year police forces in England and Wales are assessed by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) on their effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy.

The legitimacy inspection found Kent Police to be ‘outstanding’ at treating its workforce and the people it serves with fairness and respect. It was judged to be ‘good’ at ensuring its workforce behaves ethically and lawfully.

The overall rating was ‘outstanding’.

Kent Police’s Chief Constable Alan Pughsley told the Times: “To have our legitimacy

MAGNIFICENT NEWS Chief Constable Alan Pughsley

Double deaths are ‘unexplained’ as the investigations continue POLICE confirmed yesterday [Tuesday] that the deaths of two people in a Tunbridge Wells flat are still being treated as ‘unexplained’.

Alongside ambulance and fire officers, Kent Police were called to an address on the corner of Grove Hill Road and Sutherland Road shortly after noon on Wednesday [November 6].

Engineers from gas firm SGN were also at

the scene which led to local speculation there had been a gas leak. The police has not commented on the link.

A force spokesman said: “Two people were declared dead at the scene. The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will be carried out.”

The two were locally said to be men and the

INVESTIGATION Emergency services were called to Grove Hill Road

“There is no threat to public safety.”

Sutherland Road residents said they were unaware of the cause of death.

A neighbour who wished only to be named as Chris said: “We do not know the people who died. As it is rented accommodation a lot of people come and go.

“There was a strong police presence and they were here for a long time.”

A female resident, who did not wish to be identified, added: “The road was shut for four hours as the police cornered it off so I couldn’t access my house.”

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

CHIEF REPORTER WILLIAM MATA will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240 626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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police reported that the post-mortem is likely to happen before the weekend.

The police spokesman added: “The occupants of neighbouring addresses were asked to temporarily leave their homes as a precaution while SGN engineers attended to check the premises, but have now been permitted to return.

Rented

CONTACTS

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

graded as ‘outstanding’ is magnificent news and an endorsement of our work to provide a first class service to the people of Kent.

“This is down to the determined hard work of every officer and member of staff throughout the organisation and is genuinely a great team effort.

“In spite of the challenges and demands faced by the police today, we have achieved this by focussing on the things that matter the most and doing the right thing.”

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott described the rating as ‘fantastic’.

He said: “Legitimacy, or policing by consent, is vital. The more that people trust our local police force the more likely it is that victims will seek help, witnesses will come forward with evidence, and members of the community will get involved in volunteering and community safety initiatives which make us all safer in Kent.”

In November Kent Police was graded ‘good’

by HMICFRS for efficiency.

LET’S HOPE THE CIVIC COMPLEX VOTE IS NOT THE START OF MORE WRANGLING – JUST LIKE THE BREXIT VOTE TEN years from now the row over the creation of a £90million new Civic Complex and theatre will be seen as a bit of blip on the radar of our community. The benefits, if all goes to plan, being seen to wipe out any bad memories.

Today, though, feelings will still be running high and emotions will be raw, on both sides of the argument for and against the development on the edge of Calverley Grounds.

For the record the vote last week to go ahead with the scheme was 30 councillors in favour, 13 against and three abstentions.

Hundreds of people were at the Town Hall last week as part of a protest organised by TW Alliance which has lead the campaign against the initiative. And the alliance has done an important job holding the council to account, as someone should where one party totally

dominates, in this case the Conservatives.

Some have accused the alliance members off being NIMBYS (Not in My Back Yard) because they live close to the planned site.

Hand on heart, though. How many of us would not be doing the very same thing if our neighbourhood was about to change so drastically?

On the other side, the Council Leader David Jukes has not played a bad hand. Mind you he’s an acquired taste; like marmite you love him or hate him. But as the protestors were overheard to say in a pub: “He gets things done.”

In the last few months Cllr Jukes took a step back and gave Cllr Tracy Moore her head in profiling the council’s arguments. That was one smart move, because it’s hats off to Cllr Moore.

She went out there and treated it like an election campaign, pounding the pavements, so to speak. She certainly has done her ambitions no harm if indeed she has any when it comes to climbing the slippery pole in the council chamber.

Whatever the views of those involved they have one thing in common; all of them share a love for our town. All of them want the best for Tunbridge Wells. It’s just that they have different thoughts on how that might be achieved.

Let’s hope that moving forward they might eventually find a way of working together.

Surely no one wants the Civic Complex vote to be the beginning of a new battle of words and ideals, just like Brexit?

Editorial Director, Richard Moore

Local News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

Code Red warning as temperatures plummet GRITTERS are treating all primary roads in Kent with several days of chilly weather forecast. Kent Highways is deploying its 64 winter service vehicles on A and B roads, busy commuter routes and other roads which can become hazardous.

The authority has issued a Code Red until Saturday [December 16] with road surface temperatures set to fall below freezing, and ice and snow a possibility.

Bookmaker Coral is currently offering odds of 6/1 on Kent having a white Christmas.

Nevill faces inspection KENT County Cricket Club has asked the Times to clarify that the Tunbridge Wells Cricket Festival will go ahead at The Nevill Ground on June 20-23 only if the pitch and outfield pass an inspection in the spring.

The club said: “The County Championship fixture scheduled for June 20-23 will be held at Tunbridge Wells if Kent Cricket and England and Wales Cricket Board officials are satisfied with the condition of the playing area during pre-season inspections.

Book free boot fair CHARITIES, community and hobby groups are invited to book a free stall at Tonbridge & Malling Festive Charity Boot Fair. The event will be held at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge on Saturday [December 16] from 10am to midday. Tables, chairs and refreshments are provided. It’s being organised by The Stronger Kent Communities Programme in partnership with Imago.

Volunteers can be nominated to receive a thank you certificate and group photo in recognition of their hard work.

To book a stall contact Emma Cooney at volunteersfair@strongerkentcommunities. org.uk or call 07977 989974.

Christmas Market plan TUNBRIDGE Wells Christmas Farmers’ Market will return this year on Saturday, December 23. Local food and festive items will be on sale from 9am to 2pm at Civic Way outside the Town Hall.

NEWS

5

Sell-out crowds expected at celebrity chef’s food festival Exclusive by Jonathan Banks ONE of the UK’s best known celebrity chefs, Tom Kerridge, is bringing his popular Pub in the Park festival to Tunbridge Wells. It will take place next year in Dunorlan Park and is expected to attract huge crowds.

When his first festival was staged in Marlow in May this year the 18,000 tickets were sold out within 24 hours. Similar demands for tickets are expected in Tunbridge Wells.

The popular TV chef, who boasts two Michelin stars, will bring with him a ‘stellar line up of chefs, pubs and music’.

Tom (44) and his fellow chef friends will next year be visiting four English towns across the

country. Aside from Tunbridge Wells they include Marlow, Bath and Knutsford.

At each venue, he’ll be bringing his Michelin-starred pubs, The Hand & Flowers and The Coach, plus a selection of other top UK pubs and restaurants to serve their most popular dishes.

Celebrate Every event will celebrate the very best food the country has to offer, combined with live music, chef demonstrations, top quality shopping and other festival fun.

On top of the national chef and music names, each event will celebrate the local community with the help of artisans, pubs, local foodie heroes and musicians.

STAR CHEF Tom Kerridge

Tom told the Times yesterday: “I am delighted to be able to share the magic of Pub in the Park with the people of Tunbridge Wells.

Expect great food, brilliant music and an ace day out.”

He will be paying a pre-festival visit to Tunbridge Wells next month.

After initially appearing in several small television parts as a child actor, Tom decided to attend culinary school at the age of 18.

His hit TV shows include Bake Off: Crème de la Crème, Food and Drink and Tom Kerridge’s Proper Pub Food.

Pub in the Park takes place at Dunorlan Park from July 6-8.

Winnie the Pooh steps out with MP

By Andy Tong THE MP for Wealden Nus Ghani has been recognised as an Unsung Hero for her campaigning on behalf of vulnerable people who struggle to have their voice heard.

It’s part of the GovNet Alternative Parliamentary Awards for MPs and Peers.

Ms Ghani was presented with the award by Cheryl Gillan MP, having been nominated by her Parliamentary colleagues from all political parties.

The award particularly recognised four areas of activity. This include the national enquiry that she chaired with Barnardo’s into harmful sexual behaviour among children and child sexual abuse and grooming.

Her long-running efforts to try to get the international community to reach an agreement on how to prosecute and investigate IS. Her work on tackling domestic violence in all

communities. And her campaign to tackle social media platforms on hate crime and extremist content.

In the presentation speech, Nus was also commended for her dedication and for being an MP who ‘speaks human’.

Champion Ms Ghani said: “I was incredibly flattered that my Parliamentary colleagues chose to award me in this way.

“There are many unsung heroes working in Parliament on campaigns that get little coverage in the media but have huge impact on the lives of the most vulnerable people in our constituencies.

“One of the privileges of being a Member of Parliament is being able to champion causes and influence policy in areas that some consider too difficult. The award itself is great fun, taking the form of a cartoon of me in the Ashdown Forest alongside Winnie the Pooh, who resides in my constituency, Wealden.

“I thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to another year of working on campaigns that have such positive impact.”

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Local News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Stormy meeting sees controversial council project given the green light

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PLANS to spend £90million on a new Civic Complex and theatre were finally passed by the Full Council last week amid claims that protestors had mounted a campaign fuelled by ‘negativity, anger and at times hate’.

At the end of a stormy meeting that saw Mayor Julie Soyke working hard to keep order and members of the public walking out at the frustration of a five hour session, members voted 30 to 13 with three abstentions in favour of the proposal.

The case for the council has been led by the Cabinet member for Civic Development Communications Councillor Tracy Moore who told the meeting: “There has been negativity, anger and at times hate. This campaign is not about me and accusations of this being a vanity project are a personal attack.

“This is the right project at the right time for Tunbridge Wells. We TRACY MOORE would be making the arts Personal attack more accessible.”

Council Leader David

Jukes said he wants Tunbridge Wells to follow in the footsteps of Canterbury’s Marlowe in securing a new theatre.

He was the first of many to speak in a heated meeting on Wednesday [December 6] which saw several members of the public walk out in protest.

“There is a desperate lack of office space in this town [which the new complex will provide] and the theatre will bring economic benefits to the town. The Marlowe in Canterbury produces an £18million economic benefit and the building is subsidy free.

“I would like to see a Marlowe in Tunbridge Wells. I am passionate about doing something for the youth generation, people want to come to Tunbridge Wells but what is there to keep them here?”

The council will now seek to obtain planning permission for the project that includes offices, a car park and council rooms to replace the existing Town Hall and Assembly Hall theatre. Not all Tories were in favour of the development. Councillor Linda Hall (Benenden and Cranbrook) said: “I am most concerned about how the costs have escalated from £35million to £90million.

“In addition we do not have a public mandate.

Councillors are getting emails of 15 to one against, while it is a mistake to compare Tunbridge Wells, a town, to Canterbury, a city with two universities.”

Councillor Claire Stewart (Paddock Wood West) added: “We are losing our community funding as money goes towards a theatre so that wealthy people don’t have to travel so far to watch musicals.”

Councillor Frank Williams put forward several amendments to the small print which were all voted down. He went to vote against the development.

Concerned The Sherwood member had carried out a referendum in his own ward where a reported 80 per cent of those taking part said they would not be in favour.

Both Labour members, Cllrs Graham Munn and Dianne Hill, along with two Liberal Democrats, Councillors Peter Lidstone and Ben Chapelard, voted against.

Cllr Chapelard said he recognised the need to build something ‘to put Tunbridge Wells on the map’ but questioned the ‘inflexible’ design of the theatre.

Former Lib Dem Mayor Councillor David Neve was the only opposition councillor to vote in favour.

He revealed his St James’ ward residents had received leaflets with a superimposed image show-

THE CHAMBER Debate lasted over five hours

Civic Complex ing him throwing away £50 notes by protesters.

Four members of the public who walked out from the gallery voiced concerns about a ‘lack of democracy’. Mayor Julia Soyke had to repeatedly ask spectators to be quiet and not clap.

One argument started even before proceedings had begun with some members of the public unable to access the Council Chamber. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) had supplied an audio feed in a committee room and also on YouTube.

Four public speakers put forward their feelings against and four spoke in favour, including town jeweller Richard Burrell.

He said: “I think this is an exciting modern building that will be wonderful for the people of this town. Let’s stop being disgusted of Tunbridge Wells and be proud.”

Theatre producer and TW Alliance member Ben Van Grutten raised issue with the proposed loading station location for the theatre next to Hoopers department store and added: “The theatre has a flawed and inflexible design that is incapable of hosting events, civic dinners or other functions.”

Local News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Councillors who voted against project Name

Party

Ward

Peter Bulman

Conservative

Park

Ben Chapelard

Liberal Democrat

St James’

Linda Hall

Conservative

Benenden

James Hannam

Conservative

Frittenden

Dianne Hill

Labour

Southborough

Bill Hills

Conservative

Paddock Wood East

Peter Lidstone

Liberal Democrat

St John’s

Graham Munn

Labour

Southborough

James Scholes

Conservative

Pantiles and St Marks’

Joe Simmons

Conservative

Southborough North

Julian Stayner

Conservative

Speldhurst

Claire Stewart

Conservative

Paddock Wood West

Frank Williams

Conservative

Sherwood

Party

Ward

Sean Holden

Conservative

Benenden

Joy Podbury

Conservative

Rusthall

Chris Woodward

Conservative

Broadwater

7

Defeated protestors vow to shake up local politics CAMPAIGNERS have pledged to continue their fight against the new Civic Complex and theatre through the ballot box.

The TW Alliance, that has led protests, warned this week that councillors who voted to advance plans for the development can expect to be challenged in next year’s elections.

The pressure group formed of more than 100 professionals, who live and work in the town, was set-up initially in opposition to the theatre and council office plan.

Challenge Group member Nicholas Pope said they will target winnable wards when a vote is held in May to decide 15 of the authority’s 48 seats.

“We will be supporting some of the opposition parties in some wards and there is a possibility we will have candidates ourselves [as independents]. We

Councillors who abstained Name

NEWS

The Entrance

have not got into details yet.

“It is not just the Civic Complex [that we are interested in] but that is the single biggest thing that has made residents aware that things have got to change.”

The Conservative Party is defending all but two seats due to be contested. TW Alliance is set to challenge seats that could include Pembury, where Conservative Councillor Paul Barrington-King is up for re-election, and the St John’s seat currently held by Tory Councillor Nasir Jamil.

Both these wards have been held by a mixture of parties and appear on paper more winnable than safe seats such as Speldhurst and Bidborough, which Mayor Julia Soyke is looking to defend.

TW Alliance has previously vowed to fight the complex at every stage of the process, which is likely to see the group raise opposition to TWBC’s attempt to obtain planning permission next year.

Mr Pope said members of the alliance are from all parties.

“We want to improve the quality of decision making within our council. It is not trying to be vindictive but always trying to improve the process.”

He said they would decide on a case by case basis whether to contest wards as ‘different councillors have different ways of working.’

He added: “I think the feeling [of anger] will remain as the repercussions of the decision will continue to have an effect, with a number of services set to be cut.

COMTEMPLATING Nicholas Pope of the TW Alliance “There are opportunities to challenge the development and it could be stopped.”

Mr Pope concluded: “I am contemplating standing for election although I never thought I would get involved in local politics.”

TW Alliance launched a Crowdfunding initiative in October with the aim of paying a law firm to investigate TWBC and their handling of the Civic Complex.

Original member Councillor Ben Chapelard went onto leave the group, stating last week “I could not continue as it was interfering with my role as councillor.”

Mr Pope said this was ‘not a set-back’.

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Local News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

CABINET Where decisions are made

Bid to retain business rates could pay for special projects

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ONE OFF projects could be paid for in Tunbridge Wells by a fund that retains 100 per cent of income from local business rates.

The Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) backed a proposed retention scheme in passing their 2018/19 Budget on Thursday [November 7].

Anxious TWBC is bidding alongside all authorities in Kent for the county to be one of around five chosen by central Government to benefit from retaining £25million in business rates currently returned to HM Treasury.

Financial documents show TWBC face a funding gap of £149,000 in their draft budget, meaning there is a significant shortfall in capital needed to fund future operations.

The council has denied that securing the localisation of business rates could be seen to ease financial pressures as it is a “one of receipt”.

Lee Colyer, the council’s Director of Finance, said he was “anxiously waiting” the Government’s decision.

In the meeting, he said: “This council has played a leading role nationally in asking for more funds from local businesses to be retained locally.

“The Government has listened to that call and launched a pilot asking for some areas to come forward and present how this could work in practice.

“All local authorities within Kent reached an agreement to submit a bid. If it is successful that will result in £25million in growth proceeds being retained.

“The benefit to this council is to retain an extra £600,000 of business rate growth and the creation of a West Kent Infrastructure Fund of £1.05million.

“It is a very strong bid but it is a very competitive process. The government can only support around five and we are anxiously waiting the decision of the secretary of state.”

A decision about which county the Government chooses is expected in the coming days.

TWBC was unable to state how any extra capital might be allocated.

Tunbridge Wells is a real hotspot when it comes to fines for parking MOTORISTS are statistically more likely to be hit with a parking fine in Tunbridge Wells than nearly anywhere else in the South East.

Data revealed in a Freedom of Information Request found 9,423 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were handed out within the borders of Tunbridge Wells borough from July 1 to September 30.

Only Canterbury had more fines within the time period with 10,224, according to the information released by price comparison website Compare the Market.

In Tonbridge and Malling borough 3,258 PCNs were handed out within the same time period with Angel Car Park named as the

number one hotspot.

There was no data to show which Tunbridge Wells car park attracted most fines that produced revenue of £258,745 compared to £68,695 in Tonbridge.

The average fine paid out is £70 with research also finding that in London wardens issue PCNs within 12 minutes of a ticket expiring.

Vigilant The notices can also be issued for other offences such as breaking traffic rules, going against a no right turn sign or driving in a bus lane.

Simon McCulloch, director of Compare the Market, said: “Our parking fines hotspots have

revealed that motorists need to be extra vigilant when it comes to something as simple as parking their vehicle correctly if they want to avoid a hefty fine.”

A spokesman from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council previously said: “Significant capital investment is required to provide and maintain car parking facilities.”

A spokesman from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council said: “The income generated from car parks comprises part of the Council’s fees and charges, which together with council tax, business rates, and Government grants combine to provide the funding necessary to pay for the services that the Council provides.”

Local News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

Town energy deal RESIDENTS in Tonbridge can find out if they can save money on energy bills by registering for a scheme.

Through Energy Deal, households will be sent a personalised offer showing the most favourable tariff. It is free to register by visiting www.tmbc.gov.uk or calling (01732) 876395.

Festive free parking PARKING in Tunbridge Wells car parks will be free on five afternoons in the lead-up to Christmas.

This will apply to all council-run car parks in town from 4pm every day next week, commencing Monday [December 18] until Friday [December 22].

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Cautious welcome given to plans to put mental health therapists into schools

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk GOVERNMENT plans announced last week to train 3,000 health professionals to go into schools and help students are a ‘great promise’ but likely to take ‘years before it actually happens’.

That’s the view of Chris Munday, chief executive of Crossways Community, the charity that currently leads assemblies and sessions in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge schools focusing on facing challenges, and spotting signs of mental issues.

before it actually happens.

“Also, how are the schools going to deal with this? School timetables are rammed.

“Mental health has got its place in the sun and I worry this is an easy thing to promise when NHS trusts are missing targets.”

Mr Munday believes that the high

Timescale “We think it is fantastic news that mental health is getting a higher profile,” he said.

“One of the problems is that it is not treated with the same seriousness as physical health. Part of what we want to do is get the conversation going.”

Mr Munday is cautious, however, and said more detail and timescale needs to be announced.

“It is a great promise but I don’t know how or when it is going to happen.

“More money is great, but where are those therapists going to come from? I think it is going to be years

CONSIDERED Chris Munday has expressed partial support for plans

expectations of young people has been partly to blame for a rising number of students experiencing mental health problems.

He feels social media has changed how children see themselves.

“It seems to me the demands are going to get greater as young people are facing issues previous generations

never had to cope with,” he said.

“Mental health problems can stem from a huge range of things. There is no question the demand for help is increasing and more people are coming forward.

“Children are always comparing themselves to other people. We can always find people who can run faster or look better. Before it was just someone on TV but social media has changed that.”

Crossways has been involved with a number of secondary schools including Skinners’ School, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, St Gregory’s Catholic School, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School and The Judd School.

The Christian charity is also works in primary schools to help leavers mentally prepare for the step up to Year 7.

Previously speaking to the Times Mr Munday said ten per cent of children and young people (aged five to 16 years) have a clinically diagnosable mental problem.

He added: “I am not from Tunbridge Wells and one of the things that struck me [having moved to the town] is that it is so posh and affluent.

“Everybody is expected to achieve and that is a pressure in itself. We kid ourselves if we say that mental health problems are not happening here.”

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

King of curry crowned for flair and work ethic MASTER of madras Soyl Miah has been named Best Chef at the national Curry Life Awards.

The head cook at the Raj Pavilion, in Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, returned a winner to the Indian restaurant after picking up the award.

Regular customers have praised Mr Miah for his signature goan green madras and king prawn lahori, which he has served up over a long career in the kitchen.

Asjad Choudhury, Manager at the Raj Pavilion, said his colleague was well deserving of the accolade, which he picked up in front of 600 people at a gala event in London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel: “We’re all delighted for Soyl Miah. He is an amazing chef and whatever he touches tastes great.

“He has been with us for many years and is always working towards becoming a better chef.

On a busy night he will cook more than 150 meals with his team.

“Also, he loves experimenting with new dishes.

It doesn’t always work out, but when he gets it right we have a new addition to the menu.”

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer was the guest of honour at the event and said: “The curry industry makes a huge contribution to the economy and is an integral part of the UK dining experience.”

Firms asked to help end tech’s diversity problem COMPUTER SUPPORT Mike Masey at work in Yoyo’s office

STEM-based careers [science, technology, engineering and mathematics], but it is such a deeprooted issue it is going to take time.”

The codebar workshops, set to begin in March, aim to help women, LBGTQ and ethnic minority groups interested in pursuing a career in the industry. There is no age or experience limit.

They offer a safe and collaborative environment to learn programming.

Workshops are likely to be run on a monthly or fortnightly basis around the county, and anyone can learn from the guidance of industry experts volunteering to share their knowledge.

Yoyo has already taken on interns specifically from diverse backgrounds.

Volunteers

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

CURRYING FAVOUR Soyl Miah (centre) with his award, standing next to Keir Starmer (centre left)

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

A DEVELOPER at digital agency Yoyo is hoping to encourage under-represented groups into technology by launching accessible workshops.

Mike Masey, 27, has worked for the Tunbridge Wells firm for three years and considers the local industry to have a disproportionate number of white male professionals.

He has now called on Kent companies to help him establish a series of free informal training sessions called ‘codebar’, which have already proved a success in diversifying Brighton, London and Oxford’s technology industries.

“At meet-up events with tech firms, it is predominantly white guys who attend, and I know there are more people from different demographics [with the ability to succeed],” he said.

“There is a well-known level of discrimination in tech. There is a movement to get women into

Mr Masey is managing the sessions, having previously spoken at and provided guidance to groups in London, which he said can range from five attendees to 80.

He continued: “I would just like to try and do something positive, and if it leads to one person getting a job in tech then I will be happy.

“At the moment, it is a case of planning and gathering interest. I am not really sure what to expect, but I will see what comes.”

It is not essential for every session to be attended, and codebar does not operate as a course, but rather allows anyone to gain an insight into programming and receive guidance on taking next steps.

Businesses interested in taking part are being asked to get in touch. Volunteers to lead sessions and office space are essential for the operation.

In some meetings, food and drink is also provided free. A good Wi-Fi connection and adequate table space is also required.

Further information and guidelines can be found by visiting www.codebar.io To contact Mr Masey with enquiries, email mike. masey@yoyodesign.com

Local Business News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Celebration for company named as the top retailer AN ‘INCREDIBLE’ 2017 for Childrensalon got even better when the company was named International Fashion Retailer of the Year.

Staff at the children’s clothing firm were excited to pick up the prize at the industry-leading Drapers Awards at London’s Roundhouse.

Childrensalon, one of the biggest employers in Tunbridge Wells, needed to show financial success in its operations outside of the UK to stand a chance of winning.

A company spokesman said: “We have successfully expanded overseas, boast a strong business strategy for international growth, and have a good understanding of the customer needs in the rele-

vant markets.”

This latest success follows on from a string of awards this year.

Amazing In 2017, Childrensalon has already been named in the London Stock Exchange 1,000 companies to inspire Britain and 1,000 companies to Inspire Europe.

The company, which is based in Kingstanding Way and has an outlet store in High Street, was also named by the Sunday Times in their HSBC International Fast Track 200.

Michele Harriman-Smith, Chief Executive of Childrensalon, was named Private Business Woman of the Year at the UK Private Business Awards.

After the Drapers success, she said: “I would like to thank the amazing team at Childrensalon.

“Without their hard work and dedication this incredible achievement would not be possible.”

Childrensalon primarily trades online, and last month launched an application for Apple devices to make it easier for shoppers to buy clothes.

The firm also recently challenged Tunbridge Wells Borough Council over proposals to introduce a scheme to hand on-the-spot fines to people begging in the streets.

After their online petition was signed by 6,000 people, members of the firm met with council leaders and agreed to decide with other companies what best action to take to help homeless people in town.

TEAM EFFORT Childrensalon Chief Executive Michele Harriman-Smith (centre) picks up the award

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Foreign trade advice to be given over breakfast BUSINESSES are invited to a festive breakfast hosted in Tunbridge Wells by the Department for International Trade [DIT] South East.

The Ready, Set, Export event, running from 8am-10am on Friday [December 15] at One Warwick Park Hotel, will give professionals the chance to gain insights on overseas trade from experts.

For more details, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Ready, Set, Export (151217)

Company in top spirits A FIRM’S prize whisky and gin has led to them being named The Spirit Masters 2017 overall Grand Master.

Tunbridge Wells-based drinks producer Atom Brands won the top award on December 4 after their products scooped several best in class titles in tasting competitions.

The company distributes beverages under the brand names Albeforth’s, That Boutique-y Whisky Company and That Boutique-y Gin Company, which were all commended.

Shop has county future TOYS R Us stores in Chatham and Lakeside will remain open despite the retailer closing the branch in Tunbridge Wells.

Last week, the US-owned chain announced plans to shut 26 shops nationwide, citing the warehouse-style stores are too big and expensive to run in the current retail market.

The Longfield Road branch is set to close in the spring, putting around 30 jobs at risk.

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Community News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Collective generosity at shopping event benefits two local charities

Care homes raise £24k in cycle relay the length of Britain STAFF at Birkin Lodge care home in Tunbridge Wells and Ashurst Park in Fordcombe took part in the Wishing Wheels cycle relay from one end of Britain to another last month.

The challenge, which started in the Scottish Highlands and ended on the island of Jersey, raised £24,387 for BBC Children in Need.

The route covered over 2,000 miles from Inverness to St Brelade, with cyclists totalling more than 150 employees and relatives of residents from all 71 homes run by care group brighterkind.

Wishes The ride started on October 2 and finished on November 16. The team’s mascot Buddy Bear was handed over at the end of each stage of the relay.

The West Kent section saw riders leave Sutton Valence and cycle 26 miles to the Camden Road home, then a short six-mile hop to the village of Fordcombe before a 45-mile marathon to Cossins House in Cobham.

The participants were supported by Olympic triathlon stars Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee during the stage from Leeds to Heckmondwike.

The brothers support young people through the Brownlee Foundation, which encourages children to get active in any sport.

Michelle Wilson, Regional Operations Director at brighterkind, said: “We have a wishing well scheme in brighterkind homes which aims to make it possible for residents to experience something they have long wanted to try, or be taken somewhere they want to visit.

“The cycle challenge is to raise money to help make some children’s wishes come true.”

THUMBS UP: (L-R) Emma Donovan, Emma Buchanan, Suzi Mitchell of Taylor-Made Dreams, Gaynor Ratcliffe of the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre and (seated) Polly Taylor of Pickering

THE Christmas Collective II, the second charity shopping evening held at The Spa Hotel, raised £1,200 for two local causes, the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in Tunbridge Wells and TaylorMade Dreams in Crowborough.

The event is organised by local businesswomen Emma Buchanan of Little Mole Boutique and Emma Donovan of Peas-in-a-Pod to showcase the wares of small independent retailers and designers while also raising money for worthy causes.

Taylor-Made Dreams enables children with lifelimiting illnesses to fulfil their wishlists and offers holistic care and counselling for their families.

Suzi Mitchell, the founder, said: “What an event it was! Being such a tiny charity in an ocean of worthy causes we rely greatly on the support of local fundraising and corporates as we do not receive any government funding.

Have your picture taken with ellenor’s giant teddy Selfie A GIANT teddy bear has taken up residence in Royal Victoria Place in the build-up to Christmas, and wants to have his picture taken with shoppers and their families to raise money for the charity ellenor.

The teddy, called ‘Selfie’, will be on the second floor between French Connection and Ernest Jones every day until 4.30pm on Christmas Eve. If you Tweet your teddy picture using hashtag #RVPTeddySelfie by midnight on Christmas Eve, you could be one of five winners of a £50 Royal Victoria Place Gift Card.

ellenor provides specialist hospice care to the homes of terminally-ill children, allowing families to spend more time together.

All its services are offered free of charge to babies, children, young adults and their families. ellenor delivers respite, chemotherapy and round the clock end-of-life care in the sanctuary of the family home.

If you wish to find out more about their dedicated Children’s Hospice Care, visit www.ellenor.org/childrens-hospice-care

“A wonderful event run by wonderful ladies, we sincerely thank them, the stallholders and all who supported the festive gathering.”

The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre offers counselling and advice for those suffering from cancer and their families, as well as therapies, nutritional advice and yoga – all free of charge.

Polly Taylor, co-founder of Pickering, added: “Wow, what a wonderful event yet again. Great support from everybody, the atmosphere was very warm and humbling towards the two charities.

“It certainly was an amazing evening. Thank you to everyone who supported the Christmas Collective and big hugs to the two Emmas.”

Emma Buchanan said: “I’m over the moon that we managed to raise £1,200, and knowing it will do such good at these two amazing charities is the best Christmas present.”

GRIN AND BEAR IT Teddy Selfie with friends

Community News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

WARM WELCOME (L-R) Volunteers Gerri Hickman and Louise Clarkson with hounds Summer, O’Reilly and Joe

Santa Claws comes to town: Dogs need hugs and homes RESCUE hounds dressed in their festive best greeted Christmas shoppers in Tunbridge Wells last week.

Volunteers from the Forever Hounds Trust were out in the town to raise awareness of the plight of ex-racing greyhounds and lurchers.

They were also raising money to help feed the dogs in kennels who are still waiting for a home.

The Trust aims to rescue and rehabilitate these special animals and finds homes for around 400 dogs a year. They received plenty of hugs, strokes

and treats from passers-by. Louise Clarkson, a volunteer for the charity, said: “Our huggable hounds were a huge hit with the public.

“They attracted lots of attention in their Christmas outfits, and maybe we’ll find homes for some more of our hounds in kennels.”

If you are interested in adopting a hound, visit www.foreverhoundstrust.org.uk or call 03000 111 100. You can also make a donation or sponsor a rescue hound.

A&E heroes recognised at hospital awards night

HEALTHY RESPECT: (L-R) Carol McGiffin presents Kate Holmes, Employee of the Year, and her A&E colleague Colette Griffiths with the award on behalf of Ethel Candelaria, with the Trust’s Chief Executive, Jim Lusby MEMBERS of the Accident & Emergency team at Tunbridge Wells Hospital have been recognised for their outstanding service.

The Respect Individual Award went to Ethel Candelaria at the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Staff Stars Awards, while Kate Holmes, A&E Matron, received the award for Employee of the Year.

The Surgical Assessment Team at the Pembury site received the accolade for Team Excellence.

The event at Oakwood House in Maidstone recognises those who ‘always go above and beyond expectations in their roles’.

The awards were handed out by former star of TV’s Loose Women Carol McGiffin along with the Trust’s Chief Executive, Jim Lusby, and Chairman, David Highton.

A charity raffle raised over £1,000 for the blood cancer charity Bloodwise, which was nominated

by Carol as the beneficiary.

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County News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Healthcare debate on which facilities should be closed A NEW hospital is needed in Canterbury, according to Kent County Council’s Leader Paul Carter who wants to maintain local healthcare.

As part of his vision to improve NHS standards in East Kent, the Conservative wants the new infirmary to include a consultant-led A&E and specialist services.

In addition he wants to keep the emergency department at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford and the QEQM Hospital in Margate.

Councillor Carter expressed his dissatisfaction at two options proposed by health commissioners to make services more efficient.

These were to either strip the existing Canterbury Hospital of A&E services or to give the city a new hospital but downgrade William Harvey and QEQM. “Simon Cook, the leader of Canterbury City Council is in full support, that we should press for a third option to be put on the table,” he said.

“If there isn’t a third option, I have no doubt that Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee will refer this to the Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt.”

Meetings to discuss further options will CONCERN continue this County Hall month.

Leader Paul Carter

LOADING Dover Port

Pre-Christmas warning of fake goods being traded BORDER Force officers are seizing thousands of pounds worth of fake goods in Kent in the lead-up to Christmas.

The authority has warned shoppers against buying counterfeit items after recently uncovering 379 football shirts worth £16,149 at Dover Port.

The Barcelona (pictured right) and Borussia Dortmund tops are among a list of expensive items recovered by the Home Office department around the country.

Crime These also include 1,440 Superdry hoodies at Southampton, 1,530 Pandora charms at Manchester Airport and 16,000 Gillette razors from Heathrow Airport.

Brandon Lewis, Minister for Immigration, said: “The international trade in counterfeits is linked to serious and organised crime and undercuts honest traders, damaging our economy.

“Customers are also left out of pocket with

inferior and potentially dangerous goods.

“We are determined to crack down on this criminality and have Border Force officers working 24 hours a day at ports, airports and mail sorting centres to identify and seize counterfeits.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Building finally starts after planning battle HUNDREDS of homes are being built in Edenbridge after a planning inspector overturned a council’s decision on appeal.

In 2015 Sevenoaks District Council members voted against the 300-property Oakley Park, proposed to be built on land west of Enterprise Way and St John’s Way. However, developer Bellway Homes was successful in their appeal last year and work is finally beginning on the project this month.

Pharmaceutical closure DOZENS of jobs are at risk at Novartis Pharmaceuticals which is set to close in Sittingbourne.

The Kent Science Park-based firm has developed treatments for allergic disorders, and also has staff based in Switzerland and the USA. This closure is thought to affect 72 staff who were told the news at the end of November. The company stated they were unable to find a buyer.

Ex-offender course boost THE Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent has boosted a project to get reformed offenders and vulnerable people into work.

Matthew Scott has awarded £20,000 from his Safer in Kent Fund to Thanet Community Development Trust which supports 45 people in Ramsgate, Margate, Sandwich and Canterbury.

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National News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Overseas aid could be spent on clearing plastic from sea THE government is looking at proposals to use more of Britain’s overseas aid budget to cut plastic pollution of the oceans.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove is reportedly pressing the Department for International Development to divert more of its budget to tackling the problem.

He is said to have highlighted the issue after researchers in Germany found 90 per cent of the plastic entering the oceans comes from just ten rivers in Asia and Africa.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed that Mr Gove was working with International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt to

DEEP TROUBLE Blue Planet II has highlighted pollution

see what more the Government could do to deal with the problem.

“Michael Gove and Penny Mordaunt are actively looking at what more we can do in this specific area,” a spokesperson said.

“Their departments have a strong record of work on the environment and development, and tackling marine pollution is a good example of where we can apply the Government’s joint strengths.”

Awareness The move comes amid heightened public awareness of the effect of pollution from the BBC’s Blue Planet II, presented by Sir David Attenborough.

According to the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, nine-tenths of the plastic waste entering the oceans comes from the Nile and Niger rivers in Africa, and the Yangtze, Yellow, Haihe, Pearl, Mekong, Amur, Ganges and Indus in Asia.

The Prime Minister’s spokesman said the Government has already committed £5.8billion to environmental protection and tackling climate change in developing countries for 2016-21.

At a climate change summit in Paris, Theresa May announced a further £140million to help the world’s poorest communities build resilience to extreme weather caused by global warming.

Flights cancelled in big chill THE coldest night of the year yesterday (December 12) led to flights being cancelled and schools closed.

Vast swathes of the country fell below freezing on Tuesday night - with minus 13C (8.6F) recorded in Shawbury, Shropshire.

At least 16 flights from Heathrow were cancelled because of disruption caused by heavy snow.

Passengers due to fly to or from the airport were given the option of a full refund or rebooking for travel until December 18.

Passengers travelling on Eurotunnel Le Shuttle services in both directions between Folkestone

DEEP FREEZE Icicles at Killhope mine in County Durham

Kate visits children affected by Grenfell THE Duchess of Cambridge talks to Yahya Hussein Ali 7, and Dawud Wahabi 10, two children affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, and Ailise Taylor 7, during her visit to the Rugby Portobello Trust community centre in North Kensington, London.

Kate met young women in the centre’s Magic Mums group who have been helped by the trust’s activities. It has been distributing donated funds to families who lost everything in the fire.

and Calais faced estimated delays of up to six hours after ‘horrific’ weather conditions damaged the power supply, particularly on the continent.

A Eurotunnel spokesman said: “The residual delays this morning are the aftermath of the horrific weather conditions over the past couple of days, particularly in France where there have been power cuts and road, rail and port closures.

In Shropshire, more than 140 schools were closed on Tuesday, while 106 remained shut in Staffordshire and dozens in the South West, West Midlands and Wales.

National News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Honour for Rowling

MAGICAL MOMENT JK Rowling with her award

JK ROWLING has been made a Companion of Honour at Buckingham Palace.

The Harry Potter author described it as a particular privilege to be given the rare honour as a female writer.

Rowling, who is also marking two decades since the publication of the first book in her best-selling series, has been honoured for services to literature and philanthropy.

After she was decorated by the Duke of Cambridge, the 52-year-old said: “I’m deeply honoured and proud to be

receiving this honour.

“To be included in the distinguished and diversely talented company of the other Companions of Honour, especially as a female writer, is a particular privilege.”

Membership of the Order of the Companions of Honour, established in 1917 by George V, is a special award held by only 65 people at any one time, and recognises services of national importance.

Rowling, whose first name is Joanne, was awarded an OBE in 2001.

House prices fall over Brexit uncertainty HOUSE prices dipped by 0.5 per cent month-onmonth in October according to official figures, as experts suggested Brexit uncertainty may be having an impact on the market.

The average UK house price was £224,000 in October, marking a 4.5 per cent annual increase.

Slowdown In September, the annual growth rate had been higher, at 4.8 per cent, a report published jointly by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Land Registry and other bodies said.

Richard Snook, a senior economist at PwC, said a stamp duty cut for first-time buyers announced in the recent Budget ‘is likely to provide a small boost to the market in 2018 but today’s data

suggest that uncertainty linked to Brexit may be leading to a wider market slowdown’.

The East Midlands showed the highest annual house price growth, with prices increasing by 7 per cent, followed by the South West at 6.7 per cent and the East of England at 6.1 per cent.

London continues to be the region with the highest average house price at £481,000, followed by the South East at £322,000.

The local authority showing the largest annual house price growth in the year to October 2017 was Swale in Kent, where prices increased by 15.5 per cent to stand at £255,000.

The figures also show a first-time buyer in Britain faces paying 4.2 per cent more for a home than they did a year ago, with average prices in this sector at £188,173 in October.

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Sports News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

SPORT IN BRIEF

Mourinho says ‘diversity’ Incident ‘out of proportion’ Fury is free to fight again ANDERSON believes the incident that saw TYSON FURY is free to resume his boxing career was to blame for fracas JAMES England Lions’ Ben Duckett pour a drink over his after a compromise on his positive test for the JOSE MOURINHO has described the differing accounts of players’ behaviour after the Manchester derby on Sunday as ‘a question of diversity’.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described his side’s celebrations at Old Trafford as ‘definitely not’ over the top.

His Manchester United counterpart responded: “The only thing I can say is that for me it was just a question of diversity – diversity in behaviours, diversity in education. Just that and nothing more than that.”

head was ‘blown out of proportion’.

The bowler told the Daily Telegraph that it was ‘not malicious and was a bit of a non-event but we understand that in this climate we have to be smarter in the future’.

He added: “The frustrating thing is that what was a pretty silly incident would have gone unnoticed before but now puts an unfair question mark over our culture.”

The third Test against Australia starts in Perth tomorrow morning (December 14) at 2.30am.

banned steroid nandrolone was found with UK Anti-Doping.

The former world heavyweight champion has been cleared to fight again immediately, subject to receiving a licence, after being handed a two-year ban which has been backdated to December 2015.

“In recognition of the respective counter-­ arguments and the risks inherent in the dispute resolution process, each side has accepted a compromise of its position,” a statement released

by UKAD read.

Wallabies’ female boss RUGBY AUSTRALIA has named Raelene Castle as its new Chief Executive - the first female head of any of the major national unions in world rugby.

The New Zealander was previously in charge of Canterbury Bulldogs rugby league side in Sydney.

Brits team up for IndyCar THE first all-British team is set to race in the IndyCar Series in America next season after Max Chilton joined Carlin Motorsport.

The former Formula One driver, 26, raced for Chip Ganassi Racing last season.

National Business News

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

Suspect in NY subway bombing is charged THE man accused of Monday’s New York subway bombing has been charged with supporting an act of terrorism, the city’s police force has said.

The New York Police Department said on Twitter that Akayed Ullah has also been charged with making a terrorist threat and weapon possession. Federal charges are expected later.

Macron hosts summit FRENCH president Emmanuel Macron’s office has announced a dozen international projects that will inject hundreds of millions of dollars in efforts to curb climate change.

The plans were presented at a Paris climate summit that Mr Macron convened to counter US President Donald Trump’s rejection of the 2015 Paris climate accord.

They include a project for eight US states to develop electric vehicles, an investment fund for the hurricane-hit Caribbean and money from Bill Gates’ foundation to help farmers adapt to climate change.

Far right funding probe THE party of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been charged with misusing European Parliament funds to pay aides who did political work for the National Front.

An official said yesterday [Tuesday] the party was charged on November 30 as a legal entity with complicity in breach of trust, five months after Ms Le Pen was charged.

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Inflation at highest for almost six years INFLATION unexpectedly jumped to a near six-year high last month, forcing the Bank of England to explain to the Chancellor how it will tackle the growing problem.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 3.1 per cent in November, compared to 3 per cent in October.

Squeeze It means inflation has climbed to its highest level since March 2012, with economists expecting CPI to hold steady for the third month in a row at 3 per cent.

The outcome spells more misery for households as they face a further squeeze on their finances ahead of the Christmas period.

It also means the Bank’s Governor Mark Carney must pen a letter to Chancellor Philip Hammond – due to be published in February – outlining the PLEASE EXPLAIN reason behind Bank Governor CPI’s rapid rise.

Mark Carney The govern-

ment has set a CPI target of 2 per cent, with protocol dictating that the Bank must contact Mr Hammond if inflation exceeds 3 per cent or falls short of 1 per cent.

The move will pose fresh questions to the Bank’s interest rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) about whether or not inflation has topped out.

Lucy O’Carroll, Aberdeen Standard Investments Chief Economist, said: “It’s quite possible that inflation is now close to its peak.

“But some of the latest surveys suggest that service sector costs and prices are rising.

“Given how dominant services are in the economy, this could feed through to inflation overall.

“That means that further interest rate rises are definitely not off the table.

“The Bank of England has a tricky tightrope to walk. Too much inflation could threaten the Bank’s credibility and therefore its grip on the economy.”

Birth of a property titan as Westfield sold for £18.5bn SHOPPING centre giant Westfield is to be taken over by Unibail Rodamco in a $24.7billion (£18.5billion) deal.

The combination of the two firms will see the creation of a property titan worth $72.2billion (£54billion) spanning Australia, Britain, France, Spain and the United States.

The deal will see Paris-based Unibail pay shareholders in Australia’s Westfield Corporation – which has giant malls in London’s White City and Stratford – $7.55 a share at a 17.8 per cent premium.

Unibail Chief Executive Christophe Cuvillier said: “The acquisition of Westfield is a natural extension of Unibail-Rodamco’s strategy of concentration, differentiation and innovation.

“It adds a number of new attractive retail markets in London and the

wealthiest catchment areas in the United States. It provides a unique platform of superior quality shopping destinations supported by experienced professionals of both Unibail-Rodamco and Westfield.”

The acquisition is expected to result in $100million in cost savings per year across the 104-property group, and the firms have committed to expanding the Westfield brand “flagship shopping destinations”.

It comes amid consolidation in the sector. Last week, shopping centre owner Hammerson agreed an all-share takeover of rival Intu in a £3.4billion deal that will create Britain’s biggest property company.

The likes of Intu-owned Lakeside and Hammerson’s Bullring in Birmingham will come under one roof, forming a £21billion giant.

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Letters

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

Monumental vanity project: Where are all the costings?

The day arrived: The Full Council meeting to decide whether to approve the Civic Complex.

We were invited to watch most councillors rubber-stamping this through without weighing up the consequences.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] hoodwinked us for two years telling us £72million was the cost.

Only now have they admitted this was the net figure, and that gross is upward of £90million.

Alternate facts or economy of truth?

For two years, restricted access was not

Ignore the voters at your peril Our councillors missed the chance to stop voting Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] into a financial disaster over the Civic Complex and losing the trust of the majority of their constituents.

The council’s Leader, David Jukes, said the people in Tunbridge Wells will click any petition.

Was he correct?

Over 2,200 people clicked the Save Our Park petition to stop this development, and it continues to increase.

Meanwhile, the Support 4 TW Civic Centre petition, backed by the Portfolio Holder for Civic Development Communications Tracy Moore, has reached 94 clicks at the time or writing, and has been stuck on 94 for more than a day.

In 2015, TWBC commissioned a survey which asked residents if they were willing to pay £10 extra for a new theatre. Fifty-five per cent said no, 32 per cent said yes.

This year, councillors Williams and Simmons asked the residents of their wards to vote on the Civic Centre Development. Around 80 per cent voted against.

What will happen in next year’s borough council elections? You can be certain there will be an unusually strong challenge to unseat most of the incumbent councillors.

I will be working with a growing number of active residents across the borough to help make this happen.

If our councillors vote [as they did] to proceed

considered. Now Hoopers are being faced with a Compulsory Purchase Order – how much will this cost us ratepayers?

If Hoopers decide to sue, how much extra will this cost us? Will the council admit that this was already in their plan?

TWBC tells us council tax will not go up. But stealth tax is already in paying for garden waste collection, subsidy for buses cut, an extra £36 on planning applications, just for starters. And in terms of income, beggars may be fined.

We are told the complex will benefit Tunbridge Wells by £14million. Without the Great Hall car park, the economy of the southern end of town will suffer. It is used to 80 per cent of capacity, the council’s survey admits.

Touring companies take 75 to 80 per cent of theatre revenue. Can the council cover the costs of 41 employees and all the overheads from the rest? How much will the theatre subsidy come to?

Apart from a few councillors who have tried valiantly to establish financial costings, we will just see this monumental vanity project go ahead.

Catherine Thomas Tunbridge Wells with this project, they will not only be voting for a financial disaster, they will also be voting themselves into a political disaster.

Nicholas Pope Tunbridge Wells

Half a century of austerity After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we had Doom Day Wednesday – the day the majority of Tunbridge Wells councillors were ‘encouraged’ to vote in a particular way on a speculative project that condemns the residents of the borough to 50 years of austerity in order to deliver an unaffordable Civic Complex.

What is striking about the documents prepared for the council meeting is nowhere were there any sensitivity analyses of future scenarios that could lead to even greater costs for the overall project, or shocks to the base budget of the council – for example, steep increases in inflation post Brexit and a recession that could follow, leading to increased charges or more reduction of services in the future.

The same is true now as it was in 2000, when analysis of the Asset Management Plan clearly demonstrated that the costs of replacing those assets was unaffordable for residents.

That is why the Regeneration Company was formed to replace the assets from the profits of retail development of the town centre, at no cost to residents.

The councillors that ended the Regeneration Company contract are the same ones who are

now proposing to charge the residents at least £120million over 50 years for the replacement of those assets. I cannot help thinking that is somewhat ironic.

Roy Bullock Lamberhurst

Don’t drive on the pavement We know that urban speed limits have in effect been abolished (they are not enforced), but when was driving on the pavement legalised?

Walking out from Camden Park on to the Bayhall Road pavement I missed, by a fraction of a second, being run down by a car swinging on to the pavement. Complete lunacy. I have had similar experiences in the recent past.

If driving on the pavement with impunity is now acceptable, leaving pedestrians obliged to look out for such vehicles and get out of their way, we have reached a state of highway anarchy.

If we can’t walk safely on the pavement, where can we walk? Do we now have to peer round corners to check whether anyone is driving on the pavement towards us?

Bayhall Road pavement is heavily used by parents with children and children walking to school alone. How can anyone walk safely, or let their children walk, with vehicles being driven willy-nilly on pavements?

Police traffic monitoring and patrolling have ceased, so some drivers are treating the pavement as an extension of the road surface, and raising two fingers to the law and common sense – a symptom of the Me, Me, Me society being created.

It’s awful.

Do we have to wait for people to get killed before anything is done? So much for the government wanting more people to walk.

No use writing to MPs about this. They are too busy cutting police and local government funding and then complaining that services are being reduced. You couldn’t make it up.

John Telling Tunbridge Wells

Grateful for good samaritan May I, through your letters page, thank the very kind man who ferried us from Crowborough Station to Tunbridge Wells on November 25, when we were left stranded by public transport?

As you can imagine, on a Saturday evening taxis were in short supply, so not everyone who disembarked from our train could find one. I do hope that anyone travelling from Uckfield on later trains did not have a long wait for transport.

No prizes to Brighton & Hove buses for directing Tunbridge Wells passengers to the train without providing means of onwards travel from Crowborough. I understand that the 29 bus route was blocked by an accident, but the company could have done very much better.

Alison Taylor Tonbridge

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

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

ROYAL BOX Chilstone hog the limelight

THIS is the picture that went round the world – Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announcing their engagement. Most people probably focused on the Canadian-designed coat that the Duchess-in-waiting was wearing as she posed in the gardens of Kensington Palace.

But that was not what caught the eye of Calverley. Oh no. His attention [how sad] was drawn to the impressive planters on the side of the steps. Surely they were the ones created by our very own Langton Green company Chilstone? Confirmation soon followed with Chilstone revealing they were among 22 commissioned by the Royal Planter. As one Chilstone staffer admitted: “It was amazing to be featured in their beautiful pictures.” Guess what the royal couple will be getting for a wedding prezzie?

LISTENING to Radio Four the other day [what else would He be doing?], Calverley noted a comment by Mr Tim Martin, the man who owns the Wetherspoons chain of public houses.

Those are the ones that most people deny ever entering; but they fib. Anyway, Mr Martin disclosed that his employees are not told to smile at customers but just be themselves. “Some of our best staff are quite grumpy,” he boasted.

For the record then: Staff at the Wetherspoons in Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough must be among the best in the country. The jury is still out on the Tonbridge branch.

MOBILES can often prove a bit of a nuisance, although what happened at this flat in High Brooms takes the biscuit, so to speak. A visitor left her phone perched on the arm of a sofa.

Up jumps a cat and knocks the mobile to the floor, where it slipped through a gap in the floorboards. Oh yes it did; it was a very slim phone. Some 36 hours later, a man with a crowbar arrived and levered up the boards.

Calverley, strange sense of humour that he has, would like to think the phone rang on and off all through the night, but this cannot be verified.

Chin Chin, readers

Education

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Bennett Memorial is named ‘World Class’ On Thursday, a group of local students accepted a prestigious award on behalf of their school BENNETT MEMORIAL has been designated as a ‘World Class School’, joining only 60 other establishments in the country to have achieved this prized status, and the only one in Kent to do so.

Only schools who can demonstrate that they are operating well beyond the level of Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ are able to be considered for this award.

Following a rigorous assessment process, Headteacher Mr Sparke and Deputy Head Dr Brookes accompanied students Charles Carr, Adam Fleming, Tamina Hussain, Francesco Montoro, Harriet Taylor and Lauren White to an awards ceremony on Thursday night [December 7] at Churchill College, Cambridge to accept their coveted accolade.

Achievement After the event, a Bennett Memorial spokesperson told the Times: “The World Class Schools quality mark is unique in that it measures and assesses the students in a school across a broad range of criteria. The first stage comprises a scrutiny of examination outcomes across the school and achievement must be in the very top tier for the school to be able to progress to the next stage.”

They added that for the next phase of assessment, supported by Assistant Headteacher Mr Stoodley, students from across the school put together a

NEWS

21

Help in learning to love science A RECENT Wellcome Trust study entitled ‘The Deployment of Science and Maths Leaders in Primary Schools’ found that very few educational establishments have access to high levels of science expertise, and that strategic leadership for the subject is weak. The research concluded that more action is needed to improve the quality of science education in primary schools.

Inspire

WE’RE ALL WINNERS: Bennett Memorial pupils (LtoR): Tamina Hussain, Harriet Taylor, Charles Carr, Adam Fleming, Lauren White and Francesco Montoro, accept their World Class School award portfolio of written evidence of the school’s performance against the exacting standards of the accreditation, as well as producing a video to demonstrate their educational achievements.

Three students then attended an assessment day at a secondary school in Leeds, at which they had to carry out a social responsibility project, collaborating with students from the other applicant schools, watched by assessors.

Mr Stoodley said: “The students at the assessment day really took the lead in their project, which was to redesign a school library. We are committed to a vision that our students must be enabled to live their lives in the fullest way possible, the education that they receive here should be better and fuller than the experience anywhere else. This sought-after World Class School award gives us further evidence that we are realising this vision.”

Richer Education, an organisation set up by academics, is now aiming to tackle this problem by conducting science workshops on Saturdays and during the school holidays.

Richer Education’s co-founder Sian Chalkley said that its science team aims to ‘inspire and motivate children aged from four to 11 years’.

She added: “We’re trying to address issues related to science education by encouraging children to discover and explore science by themselves under the guidance of our science team.”

If you would like to see for yourself the difference some sessions with Richer Education can make to your child’s knowledge of science, then they are holding a workshop from Monday December 18 until Friday December 22 in the Hayloft Room, Knole House, Sevenoaks. For more information, visit www.richereducation.co.uk

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

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

Change is coming and we must be ready for it WE ARE living in one of the most exciting times in the history of the world’s economic development.

In virtually every country on the planet, new technology is transforming the way we live our lives. Advances in medicine mean that we can live longer than ever thought conceivably possible. In Britain today, there are 15,000 people who have reached 100. And among the people currently living in Britain, ten million of us can expect to live to 100 or more – an extraordinary transformation.

Energy The car industry is undergoing its biggest change since the invention of the internal combustion engine. Within a generation, our cars will be powered by electricity and will, in whole or part, be driven automatically rather than by human action.

The energy that powers the world is moving rapidly from being based on fossil fuels to clean sources. Last year saw the first day in Britain since 1882 – three years after the invention of the light bulb – that no coal was used to generate electricity.

Such a revolution sweeping the world will involve Britain whether we like it or not, so it is far better to prepare ourselves now for the future that is dawning.

We have become a world leader in clean energy. Our focus on battery technology that can store wind power to be used when it is needed is exactly what our car industry – also one of the world’s most efficient – needs to compete in the future.

I have been working closely for the last year with businesses across the country and around the world to TECHNICAL REVOLUTION learn what we need to do to The car industry is a driving force make Britain an attractive destination for future investThat is why I, on behalf of the Government, pub- ment. They were very clear that we need to do five lished a few days ago an Industrial Strategy that things, and do them well, and do them consistaims to make sure we can take advantage of the ently, for years to come. changes that are happening.

First, make sure that we are at the forefront of Our great good fortune is that Britain is extraor- new inventions and discoveries, but also become dinarily well-placed in almost all of the biggest better at translating those discoveries into busiforces changing the world. nesses operating here.

Take medicine, for example. A hugely disproporSecond, significantly improve the technical tionate share of the world’s most brilliant scientists skills in our workforce. For too long, technical are based in Britain – we have more Nobel prize qualifications have been seen as the poor relation winners than any other nation except the USA. to academic qualifications – despite the fact that

Richard Byatt Treasurer, Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

Richard Byatt has lived in West Malling for over 25 years. He worked in Tonbridge for 12 years as Editor of a B2B journal, was Communications Director of a professional body, and is now a freelance writer and researcher. Richard is a keen cyclist and walker, and is particularly interested in protecting the wonderful environment and wildlife habitats we have in Kent. He joined the Green Party in 2014, and is Treasurer and media lead for the local party. He is also a member of West Malling Parish Council

Housing crisis needs fresh thinking AT THIS time of year, with the days still getting shorter and Christmas just a week or so away, we value spending time at home with our friends and family. We should all have a place we can call home.

Living with parents longer than you planned to, renting on an insecure, short-term lease or being stuck in cramped, unsatisfactory accommodation can all affect personal relationships, health and general quality of life.

It is clear that the housing market has failed. It has failed to deliver homes that people can afford, in the numbers needed, and in places that don’t just put more pressure on green spaces, local infrastructure and services. It is not just a numbers game. The location, design, energy efficiency, build quality, and particularly the tenure of new homes, are all important.

Unfortunately, the Government is actively planning to make things worse. It is proposing a completely new way of calculating housing need.

One that will undermine the work of local authorities to date, increase development in areas where both land and infrastructure are under intense pressure, and encourage building the wrong type of homes in the wrong places.

In Tonbridge & Malling, the proposals would see an increase of over 23 per cent on the housing target included in the draft Local Plan currently

these skills are massively in demand and lead to great, well-paid jobs.

Third, we must upgrade our infrastructure to be as good as our competitors – not just roads and rail, but broadband and mobile, too, where the performance is not good enough.

Fourth, we need to have a business environment that is entrepreneurial – where success is rewarded, and we are a hotbed for new ideas that can grow into big businesses.

And fifth, that we restore the kind of power and opportunity that our towns and cities used to have before it was remorselessly eroded by the centralising tendencies of Whitehall.

That is what our Industrial Strategy sets out to do – for the long-term. Because, with all the inevitable uncertainties that followed the Brexit vote, it is especially important to be able to do what other countries – like Germany, Singapore and Japan – have done to set out an approach that endures, and in which investors have confidence beyond the day-to-day ups and downs of politics.

A strategy has to be for the long-term. But it can have short-term benefits. Because if investors have confidence in the future, they will invest now – creating jobs and supporting our economy.

So I was delighted that following the publication of our Industrial Strategy, a number of major jobcreating investments have been announced. I hope, and intend, that they will be the first of many.

MORE HOMES ARE DEMANDED But are they in the right places?

going through public consultation – an extra 3,260 homes, on top of the 6,000 already planned for.

The new methodology is based on the assumption that simply increasing the number of houses in an area will reduce prices and increase affordability. But in areas such as this, demand is almost limitless. West Kent attracts people moving out of London, taking advantage of high prices in the capital to ‘trade up’. To date, new housing has not been built to meet the needs of local people at ‘affordable’ prices.

‘The Borough Council’s overall view is that the proposals are unrealistic and of little practical use’ The plans are being heavily criticised, from all sides, as unworkable. Conservative-controlled Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council said in its response to the consultation: “The Borough Council’s overall view is that the proposals are unrealistic and of little practical use in speeding up or increasing the supply of housing.”

The Green Party is not opposed to new housing,

but we believe there are many things that can be done before building on green fields and green belt. Firstly, the Government must address the UK’s regional imbalance to reduce pressure on the South East. Perversely, the new method of calculating housing need would see targets reduced in some parts of the north of England.

Brownfield sites must be brought forward and landbanking discouraged, possibly through a land value tax. We should make sure new infrastructure is in place before building.

We may need to look again at the density of housing developments, particularly in the

suburbs, but any increase in density must be accompanied by better design and provision of gardens or communal green space.

The law should be reformed to give more protection to those renting in the private sector, as has recently been done in Scotland. By the middle of the century, one in four people will be over 65 – housing that would help older people downsize, but still provide good amenities and a sense of community, must be part of the solution.

It’s time houses were seen as places to live, not as ever-appreciating assets.

It’s time for fresh, green thinking.

WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL WITH THE

Available in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge

Let there be light!

In a stylishly improved Victorian home

The Times is proud to work with:

24

PROPERTY

To suit your budget

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Pick up your edition at the following stations

OAKFIELD COURT TUNBRIDGE WELLS GUIDE PRICE £450,000-£475,000

Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge Wadhurst Hildenborough Paddock Wood High Brooms

To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Patsy Kelly 01892 774781

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

UNDER £250,000 LITTLE PARK, WADHURST

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

£175,000 (LEASEHOLD) A purpose-built, second floor, one-bedroom apartment in need of some modernisation. It has wellproportioned rooms and the remainder of a 999-year lease from 21 January, 1994. The kitchen has a

range of units in neutral tones.

The apartment windows are doubleglazed, and te outside of the property includes a communal area of garden as well as parking. The ground rent and service charge is currently £87 per month.

CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £350,000 LITTLE PARK, WADHURST

OIEO

£280,000 (LEASEHOLD) A stylishly-presented three-bedroom maisonette with an open feel. The sitting room has glass-panelled double doors leading to the openplan kitchen/dining room, which has a range of cream eye and base ‘soft

close’ units and inset spotlighting.

Outside, the communal area includes the garden as well as parking. The property has the remainder of a 999-year lease from January 1994 and the service charge is £87 per month.

CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

To suit your budget

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

PROPERTY

25

great properties by price range…

UNDER £450,000 DOUGLAS ROAD, TONBRIDGE

£400,000

An Edwardian home located in a popular area for commuters. The rooms are neutrally decorated and the sitting room has a bay window and period style fireplace. The dining room has storage under the stairs, and the kitchen has a built-in oven and hob.

There are three bedrooms – one of which is a master bedroom with a feature cast iron fireplace and plenty of storage. There is a low-maintenance gravelled garden to the front and an enclosed rear garden laid to lawn.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £600,000 MAY COTTAGE, HALLS HOLE ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£450,000 An immaculately presented single-storey attached home at Dunorlan Farm where the sitting room and both bedrooms have doors to the garden. The kitchen/diner has a range of cream units, tiled splash backs and a chimney-style extractor, and the sitting room is double aspect.

Externally, there is a good-sized southwest facing garden with large patio area and low-level fencing. There are also two parking spaces.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £800,000

UNDER £500,000 OAKFIELD COURT TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£450,000-£475,000 A two-bedroom apartment with spacious accommodation and character features, including timber sash windows. There are exposed wooden floorboards, panelled Victorian doors and picture rails to some rooms. The communal entrance is shared with two other apartments and the second floor has a further exit point. The kitchen/dining room

WELLS CLOSE, TONBRIDGE

£750,000

has extensive units and space for a table and chairs, and on the second floor is a double bedroom with en suite bathroom. The first floor also has another bedroom and family bathroom. There is a large communal garden and block of four garages (one of which is for this apartment), as well as a smaller communal garden.

CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

A detached home where the sitting room has large bay windows, and there are double doors to the second reception. The kitchen is in need of a little updating but has plenty of granite work surfaces and storage as well as room for a table and chairs. To the first floor, there is a master bedroom and an en-suite shower room, and there are three further bedrooms and a family shower room. The low-maintenance garden has turf grass and large patio.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

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PROPERTY

Princes Street

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

The property is close to three parks – Calverley, The Grove and Dunorlan

Modernised Victorian home within walking distance of the station

AT A GLANCE PRINCES STREET TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Semi-detached house n Flexible accommodation n Entrance hall n Sitting room with bay window n Kitchen/dining room with bifold doors to the garden n Master bedroom n 2 further bedrooms n Bathroom n Well-maintained rear garden with lawn, shrubs and two spacious patios at each end n Close to Claremont and St Peter’s primary schools

GUIDE PRICE

£675,000 Available for sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Interiors

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

How to create a Christmas table that’s a feast for the eyes The festive season is almost upon us, which means it’s time to step up to the table - and transform it into a stunning setting for the most important meal of the day (or of the year, really).

Choose from a colour scheme of silver, gold or classic red and white (maybe with a dash of Highland tartan) for a Christmas table that will attract just as many compliments as the food.

We’ve already scoped out the best buys on the high street; all you need to do is choose your favourites, and then pop on some carols and set the scene...

Gabrielle Fagan reveals how to lay on the festive style with a terrific table setting

SET A SILVER SHIMMER “Forget any minimalist tendencies and go all out with the glamour and sparkle this Christmas. Gold or silver are festive favourites, but this year, also consider introducing dark, moody tones,” says Clare Harris, managing director at Talking Tables (talkingtables.co.uk). “A grey or even black tablecloth creates a dramatic backdrop, and shows off your table decorations more effectively than white. If you’re going for a single colour, use a mix of textures and finishes.

“A collection of beautiful mercury glass baubles moves a silver scheme from classic to contemporary, especially with the introduction of glittering disco balls.

“Surprise your guests by taking your table scheme in new directions,” she adds. “Clusters of paper honeycomb, and pompom decorations hung overhead, are a new approach to table decorating, which saves crucial table space and elevates the setting.”

TIP: Iridescent decorations are particularly effective at picking up the light and work beautifully with silver tones. Choose a variety of shapes and sizes, hang from the ceiling with clear wire and attach with removable sticky hooks. For a super-glamorous party-feel, hang a metallic foil curtain behind your table.

GO FOR GLITTERING GOLD “The Christmas table is an opportunity to go completely OTT and let your creative flair run wild. The whole day is about extravagance, indulgence and glamour, so I love to go a little crazy with the decorating,” says Jenny Hurren, founder of Out There Interiors (outthereinteriors. com). “The food is a beautiful sight in itself, but why not add some glitz and glamour to the proceedings and adorn the table with beautiful place settings, decorative touches and ‘the decent’ china?

“My favourite is gold-painted twigs and foliage,” adds Jenny.

“Eucalyptus leaves look stunning with a touch of gold spray paint. Run a few

sprigs along the middle of the table, intertwining them through glass stems, around dishes and bowls and dangle them off the end. Use small bunches of them tied with ribbon and a named luggage label as a truly personal place setting.

“If you have the space, add a statement centre piece, such as a quirky gold pineapple, and team the whole look with fresh white linens and elegant glassware.”

TIP: Arrange a procession of candle holders of varying heights down the centre of the table. Clear glass holders, mirrored place mats and metallic table scatter will reflect the light and add glamour.

STAY TRUE TO TRADITION “Always start with a theme and keep to one or two key colours, and then build up the setting. Have in mind the general look you want to achieve, for example classic red and white, rustic, opulent or minimal,” says Danielle Tolson, co-founder of Tolly McRae (tollymcrae.co.uk), specialists in luxury table linen, among other things.

“This year, I’ll be using gold as the core theme, with dusky pink accents, and I’m going for an overall opulent effect. More is more as far as I’m concerned, and our table will be

crammed with flickering candles, sparkling cutlery and glasses.

“For a centrepiece, a glass bowl filled with pine cones, baubles or even a foliage garland is effective. Alternatively, lightly spray fruit - pomegranates, pineapples and other exotic fruit - with gold paint and arrange in a clear glass bowl. Add a string of twinkling fairy lights.”

TIP: Fill miniature bottles with a special tipple and write each guest’s name on it using a metallic Sharpie pen; these will serve as both a place card and a sweet favour.

36

PROPERTY

Longbourn

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

AT A GLANCE LONGBOURN BROAD OAK, NR HEATHFIELD ■ Entrance porch ■ Reception hall ■ 3 reception rooms ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Larder, cellar, utility & laundry rooms ■ Conservatory and veranda ■ 2 cloakrooms ■ Galleried landing ■ Master bedroom with balcony ■ 4 further bedrooms (one en suite and opening to a balcony) ■ Additional bedroom/sitting room ■ Large attic store ■ Detached triple garage block ■ Two first floor offices ■ Workshop ■ 5 stables with enclosed pens and automatic water troughs

The dining room has a wood-burning stove set within an intricately-carved oak surround

A large period country house that is ideal for equestrians

■ Hay barn, feed room and tack room ■ 4 sheds ■ Aviary ■ Mature garden with carp pond ■ Fields and several stock pens ■ Planning permission for single-storey extension to provide a garden room ■ About 11.38 acres in total

OIEO

£1,750,000

Available for sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

40

FEATURES

Wine

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Let’s get fizzical

Follow James on Twitter @ QuixoticWine

In the run up to the festivities, Times’ wine writer James Viner is sharing his recommendations for festive drinking. This week, he delivers a selection of Champagnes and fizz ranging from £8 to £100 a bottle, which will ensure your Christmas truly sparkles BARGAIN BASEMENT CHOICE (UNDER £10)

Exquisite Crémant du Jura Chardonnay Brut 2014, France (12%, £7.99, Aldi) If you wish to amaze your guests with refreshing and quaffable traditional method festive fizz and want to save some cash, too, then look no further than this French offering.

Floral with light brioche and green apple notes, it’s a great party wine to enjoy with or without food. Kir Royale anyone? Then why not pick up a bottle of Aldi’s awardwinning Specially Selected Crème de Cassis (£6.99, 50cl) and add a dash of it to the crémant? This is an absolute steal, so rush to take advantage – you have the scoop.

BEST SUPERMARKET BUBBLY (UNDER £15)

Veuve Monsigny Brut NV Champagne, Philizot & Fils, France (12%, £10.99, Aldi) Hats off to Aldi for securing this fine own-label fizz. It punches above its weight and has decent complexity to challenge and compete with the big brand names at much greater prices. Flourishing with filigree bubbles, lemony acidity and toasty biscuit, almond and green apple flavours, this is peppy enough to pair prettily with the salty scrumptiousness of smoked salmon canapés, sushi, sashimi and oysters.

At this price, it’s a cracking Champagne.

A glass of this dry and honed wine will make your Christmas day appreciably better.

TOP SOUTH AFRICAN SPARKLER

2010 KWV Laborie Blanc de Blancs Brut, South Africa (12.5%, £11.16, Slurp) South Africa produces an increasing quantity of really appetising sparkling wines made by the painstaking traditional bottle-fermented (Champagne) method – the official name is MCC: ‘méthode cap classique’. A glorious 100 per cent Chardonnay harvested from vineyards in the Western Cape, this is elegant, fresh and stylish with hints of green apple, hazelnuts and zesty citrus fruit.

Three years on lees adds texture and weight, along with a nice creamy, roasted almond, biscuity note. One for delicate seafood dishes, sushi and oysters. Great stuff.

MUST-TRY ENGLISH BUBBLES FROM THE SOUTH DOWNS

Hambledon Classic Cuvée Brut NV, Hampshire (12%, £24-£30, M&S/ Ministry of Drinks/Waitrose) Try this fabulous offering from one of the UK’s leading sparkling wine producers to see what all the fuss is about English fizz. A blend of the three main Champagne varieties from our oldest commercial vineyard, here’s a complex and energetic wine with flavours of red plums and yellow orchard fruits, plus a hint of pain grillé and brioche richness.

With its deeply satisfying combination of livewire acidity and a marvellous umami savouriness, this is one of the most chic and engaging English sparklers I have tasted this year.

Delicious with eggs Benedict, dim sum, fish and chips and smoked salmon.

SYBARITIC CHAMPAGNE ROSÉ MAGNUM

Bollinger Rosé Brut NV 1.5l Magnum (12%, £98.95-£115, Drinksdirect & Berry’s) When tasting this nectar professionally, I could not bring myself to spit. What a delicacy. A blend of majority Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, it has notes of baking bread, summer red berry fruit and spice. Unleash this rich and delectable pink Champagne from Aÿ’s most eminent house before or during Christmas lunch and your guests will smile with glee. Enjoy with red-fruit desserts, smoked salmon, tuna, lobster and Boxing Day cold cuts.

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FEATURES

Food & Drink

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

A cut above the rest Keen to improve her culinary prepping skills, Hannah Patterson decided to enrol on one of Rosemary Shrager’s Knife Skills Masterclasses. But will her efforts impress, or will they be for the chop? Read on to find out…

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HERE are three lessons I learn within the first ten minutes of a class at Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery School. Firstly, I have been chopping vegetables incorrectly all my life; secondly, even the sharpest knife I have in my kitchen isn’t actually that sharp; and thirdly, I do not own nearly enough types of knife.

Today I am attending the Knife Skills Masterclass at Rosemary’s school, located in the Corn Exchange on The Pantiles, and I am out of my depth. Although I knew the topic of this particular class when I enrolled on it, I appear to be surrounded by a number of starry-eyed youths far younger than myself who are being put through their paces on their journey to becoming professional chefs. They all look the part and are dressed to impress in their chef’s whites. I am not, but thankfully I am offered an apron.

The class has also begun without me, and when I arrive the students are already standing around the pristine kitchen worktop used for demonstrations, listening to Shenley Moore, a professional chef and regular trainer at the school, who is leading the class.

Rosemary, who is also currently starring in a new series of popular BBC One show The Real Marigold Hotel On Tour, is there too, perched to the side, chirping in words of wisdom.

The class begins with an introduction to the basic knives you should expect to find in any

MEET THE MENTOR Hannah Patterson with Rosemary Shrager (left)

kitchen for effective food preparation. Shenley expertly lifts, displays and explains each type of knife the class will be working with. These include a 20-30cm chef’s knife with a deep blade; a 10cm paring knife for dicing smaller ingredients; a boning knife with a sturdy blade to remove meat joints; a filleting knife with a flexible blade; and a serrated fruit knife for slicing fruits and soft vegetables.

I have just one of these knives at home – a chef’s knife – and I cut everything with it. I quickly decide that it’s best to keep this information to myself, although it does explain why my lone knife is so blunt that it couldn’t slice through air.

Which brings us on to lesson one: Keeping your knives sharp. We’re told that every chef must know how to sharpen their tools correctly. This does not mean running it along a steel pole absent-mindedly; absolutely everything requires technique. We are taught that the best way to keep the edge is by using steel, diamond steel, or whetstone.

It sounds obvious, but Shenley, and Rosemary, stress the importance of correct sharpening and avoiding any bluntness, as the sharper the blade, the easier it is to chop. It also prevents it from slipping so you can keep all of your fingers intact.

The course guide, which each student receives a copy of, specifies that the steel is for maintaining the edge, and the whetstone is for getting it back before continuing with steel.

I think of my friend who has recently bragged about a new whetstone he’s purchased, and how he will never use steel again, and so I make a mental note to show him the guide. Surely he won’t argue with Rosemary Shrager?

After a demonstration of the best way to sharpen – hold the knife at a 45-degree angle against the steel, and alternate between both sides of the edge after each stroke – we are sent off to our workstations to sharpen our own tools before the chopping begins.

I take my place amongst four aspiring chefs and watch them locate the correct angle against the steel. A lot of the students are from Kent and Sussex, but some have travelled from further afield to train with Rosemary. They are all here to follow their dreams of working as professional chefs.

The young chef next to me, who can’t be any older than 20, watches me as I awkwardly try to follow their example.

‘Rosemary’s teaching kitchen is an incredibly supportive and nurturing environment, where the chefs are all eager to help one another’ “The angle is good,” she comments, “but make sure you alternate between the sides of the knife so you don’t run one down further than the other.

You want them to be equal.”

Unlike myself, these would-be chefs are not here for a one-off course. They are training for months, learning the key skills required to make it in a competitive industry. Both they and their tutors take it very seriously. During the course of the class I realise it’s not just about flavours, tastes and ingredients, but the technical aspects, too, which will help them turn around 100 covers a day

Food & Drink

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

FEATURES

43

THE STUDENTS Full of cheer with chef Shenley (far left) and at work

in a busy restaurant – without breaking a sweat.

Rosemary’s teaching kitchen, however, is an incredibly supportive and nurturing environment, where the chefs are all eager to help one another.

It’s small wonder the school is positively thriving.

Rosemary and Shenley move between the stations encouraging and correcting, adamant that every student understands and perfects the correct form.

But the real challenge is about to begin. There are piles of celery, tomatoes and carrots awaiting the chop, and we are all summoned back to the demonstration island in Rosemary’s pristine Mark Wilkinson Furniture kitchen.

We start by being shown how to effectively cut identical slices of celery, at a frighteningly fast rate.

With the tips of her fingers tucked in as she holds the stalk steady, Shenley demonstrates a rocking motion with the blade as she makes her way down the celery leaving perfect sliced pieces in her wake.

“Consistency is key,” adds Rosemary, “Precision is a necessity in cooking.”

Size affects cooking time; a small piece of celery will take less time to cook through than a larger

one, though for now our focus is not on speed, but consistency.

We all have a ‘display plate’ on our stations, where we are asked to place a sample of our chopping for Shenley to inspect and offer feedback. I’m happy with my celery, and I can’t help but daydream of a career in the kitchens when Shenley gives me the nod of approval. But the celery was easy, next are the tomatoes and carrots, which, apparently, can be chopped in multiple different ways.

Shenley shows us what she expects CHOP, CHOP! us to fashion with only two carrots There are a surprising – paysanne, batonnet, rondelle, variety of ways you can julienne and fine julienne styles cut up your food using a large, medium, small dice

and brunoise dice.

Back at the workstation, the carrots get the better of me. Shaving one with a large knife into a perfectly square shape is a painstaking and infuriating thing, and my batonnet (which should be nice and chunky) looks more fine julienne by the end of it.

“It’s a little thin,” one of my fellow students comments as she looks down at my increasingly slim carrot stick. I imagine a professional having to do this with hundreds of carrots, and I’ve barely got through one in 20 minutes. Perhaps this isn’t the career for me after all.

Following on from the carrots and tomatoes experience, we chop onions, garlics and herbs – all in preparation

for the soup which we make later that afternoon.

On completing the class, I take the lessons I learnt back home with me to my own kitchen and the following weekend go out to purchase steel and some extra knives.

I will admit to being a little apprehensive when I first walked in, but I actually found the class extremely rewarding and enjoyable. Rosemary and Shenley explain their instructions clearly. They also show real care for the results their trainees produce, and the students responded to their mentors’ critiquing positively throughout the day.

I hope to see them all flourish on their chosen career paths, and although I may not be destined for life as a professional chef, my cooking at home has certainly improved and my prep time has halved.

Courses range from £95 for a half day to £160 for a full day, and from £245 for a full day or £395 for a two-day class with Rosemary herself. Gift vouchers are available as Christmas presents on all courses. To book, telephone 01892 528700, email: school@rosemaryshrager.com or visit www.rosemaryshrager.com

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FEATURES

Advertising Feature

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

The season to sparkle

With Christmas around the corner, retail is at its busiest time of the year, so we thought we would talk to Harry and Josh Collins, the directors of G Collins and Sons, family Jewellers and the Jewel in the Crown of Royal Tunbridge wells

Advertising Feature

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

FEATURES

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HAVE YOU HAD TO HIRE ANY NEW MEMBERS OF STAFF SINCE EXTENDING THE WORKSHOP? We are flooded with applications for apprenticeships and have already taken on a few, which we are very excited about. It fills us with pride to be able to employ local people and give apprentices a unique opportunity to work at this level. Learning traditional skills from masters of their trade is the very best form of hands on experience.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS? Three words: Quality, quality, quality!

No matter what, we always focus on the quality of our items, the quality in service which we provide to our clients followed by the quality of aftercare offered.

PEOPLE OFTEN TALK ABOUT INVESTING IN JEWELLERY AND WATCHES, WHATS YOUR TAKE ON THIS? With today’s economy the way that it is, people are looking more and more into investing for the long term. Moveable and tangible assets are an extremely popular way to do this.

With this, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for rare items such as fancy coloured diamonds, rare coloured gemstones and of course, Patek Philippe watches.

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, THIS MUST BE A VERY EXCITING TIME FOR YOU BOTH? Yes, it’s our favourite time of year!

There’s a real buzz in our little shop. Both of us really love Christmas, and we want the shop to feel like a mini Winter Wonderland. There’s Christmas music playing, mulled wine, chocolates, and it has to feel warm and cosy.

It’s important that our visitors are given a truly special experience that’s unlike any other.

Our team are not only expert Jewellers, but they’re also welcoming and friendly. Often customers are purchasing something of real importance, and we strive to provide our knowledge and experience whilst making people feel at ease.

YOU MENTION PATEK PHILIPPE, HOW ARE THEY TO WORK WITH AS A BRAND? Absolutely wonderful. We’ve been working together now for 12 years and our partnership only gets stronger.

Patek’s philosophy of never actually owning a Patek Philippe but merely looking after it for the next generation is exactly the same as G Collins’ philosophy with our jewellery.

IS CHRISTMAS STILL A LARGE PART OF YOUR BUSINESS, OR HAS ONLINE SHOPPING DETRACTED FROM SALES IN RECENT YEARS? Christmas has always been an extremely busy time for us in the shop, but now with online sales, we have found people are buying a lot more on our website too.

Our user-friendly website is a brilliant platform for customers to see and purchase our products from the comfort of their own home. We pride ourselves on the personal service we offer in store, and enjoy serving our customers on a face to face basis, however with our online sales we have now been able to reach customers from all over the world who otherwise may not have been able to find us. In fact, online business has trebled within the year.

For us as a business, the most vital thing is to maintain our traditional values without losing touch with the modern world.

WHAT DO YOU FIND ARE THE BESTSELLING ITEMS OF JEWELLERY THIS TIME OF YEAR? It really does depend on the client.

In our opinion, every lady should have a classic diamond pendant and matching stud earrings. These items are timeless classics and never go out of style. When you know how much these pieces will be worn and enjoyed, they truly are a pleasure to sell.

This time of year, it’s mostly men coming into the shop to buy gifts for their partners.

Earrings and pendants are very important pieces of jewellery – real staples.

If a partner is talking to a lady who is wearing this sort of fine jewellery, their eyes divert to the earrings and pendant. It is a gift for both parties as the partner gets to enjoy looking at them, just as much as the lady enjoys wearing them.

HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY CHANGES OR NEW TRENDS IN WHAT PEOPLE ARE BUYING? The trend for the last 20 years or so has been to wear almost solely platinum and white gold jewellery when diamond set. This is changing rapidly, with ladies now mixing yellow gold with white and rose. It is a beautiful combination of warm colours that really work well together.

THERE’S A RUMOUR YOU’RE EXTENDING YOUR ONSITE WORKSHOP, IS THIS TRUE? It is indeed! We have extended it to now fit all 17 members of our expert craftsmen and women under one roof, making it one of the largest independent fine jewellery workshops in the UK. The whole team are very excited. It has been a dream of ours for many years to be able to showcase our artisans, and their incredible work, to our clients. Now, this dream will be possible. This is a real milestone for our family business.

G Collins & Sons 76/78 High St, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1YB www.gcollinsandsons.com 01892 534018

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FEATURES

Motoring

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

The all-new BMW M5 is the latest in a long line of super-saloons. Jack Evans heads to Portugal to see how things have moved on

FIRST DRIVE:

BMW M5

WHAT IS IT?

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

So here it is – the all-new BMW M5.

Following in the footsteps of some of the best-regarded super-saloons ever made, this latest four-door powerhouse from the manufacturer has a tougher job than ever to remain top of the pile thanks to some hugely capable rivals.

Utilising the latest engine technology, it’s also the first M5 to feature all-wheeldrive, as well as a host of other features designed to make it sharper and more capable than ever before.

BMW M5s of old had a reputation for being somewhat spiky to drive. This latest one has been designed to offer a little more traction – and it has well and truly achieved this. Despite packing close to 600bhp, the M5 rarely feels out of control, instead offering a lot of balance and adjustability.

The biggest factor in this is that all-wheel-drive system. There’s no doubting the car’s rear-drive-bias; when the system is set to allow a certain amount of slip, the M5 will fall into delightful mini-drifts, sliding you through corners without ever feeling like it’s going to spin around and bite you.

Turn all the systems back on and it transforms into a point-to-point weapon with all of the traction you could want.

Then there’s the engine. Anybody who doubted turbocharged engines in performance cars needs to experience the way the M5’s V8 deploys its power.

There’s no lag to speak of, just shove throughout the rev range.

Of course, lower down is where you notice the power the most, and any press of the throttle is accompanied by a deep, mechanical bellow.

The steering also has a decent weight to it, though it feels its most capable in ‘sport’ mode – the middle of the three.

‘Comfort’ feels too light, while ‘sport plus’ is granite-heavy. The middle ground, unsurprisingly, is the best bet.

WHAT’S NEW? There’s a lot going on. The new car makes use of a 4.4-litre V8 turbocharged engine as well as that all-important all-wheel-drive system – one of the biggest changes to the M5’s layout, with most M-cars traditionally powering the rear wheels only. That said, it can still be locked off to rear-wheel-drive only – so purists need not be too aghast.

Not only this, but this sixth-generation vehicle is lighter than ever before, too, making use of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic to keep its overall weight down.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? The above engine produces 592bhp and 750Nm of torque, allowing it to hit 60mph in 3.2 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 155mph top speed.

All that fury is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

BMW claims that the M5 will do 26.9mpg on a combined cycle, while emitting 241g/km CO2 – so there’s still some degree of sense, despite the performance madness.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? The new M5 exudes all of the classic styling that we’ve come to expect from big, powerful M-cars.

It’s certainly not as wild as the current-generation M3, but it still looks special.

At the rear, four exhaust pipes give some hint of the car’s performance, as do the gills at the side of the car, but all in all it’s still instantly recognisable as a BMW saloon – and that’s no bad thing.

M-cars aren’t meant to be shouty and brash in terms of exterior styling, as they let their performance do the talking – and that’s just the case here.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The interior uses the vast majority of components from the standard, but excellent, 5 Series cabin. That means you still get an infotainment system which is simple and easy to operate, as well great build quality and good materials.

The M5 builds on this with additional ‘sporting’ touches, such as carbon-fibre finishers for the dashboard.

The biggest changes come in the form of driving mode selectors. Two red ‘M’ buttons sit at either side of the steering wheel and allow you to customise the suspension, steering and engine responsiveness to one of three modes.

There’s also the drivelogic selector, now found on the top of the gear stick, which controls how quickly and sharply the car changes gear.

Of course, as it’s based on a standard 5 Series saloon, the M5 remains hugely practical. There’s loads of space for both people sat up front, while rear seat legroom is excellent, too.

The cabin as a whole feels special as well as comfortable – and this makes it

FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL: BMW M5 ENGINE: 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 POWER: 592bhp TORQUE: 750Nm MAX SPEED: 155mph 0-60MPH: 3.2 seconds MPG: 26.9 EMISSIONS: 241g/km PRICE: £89,640

ideal for those who are planning to undertake longer journeys but still want the ‘star’ factor.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? You’d expect any high-powered executive saloon to pack a lot of toys and, thankfully, the M5 delivers in this respect.

Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED headlights and dynamic LED brake lights on the outside, while on the inside you find BMW’s professional media system, 10.25-inch colour display and front heated seats are just some examples of the long list of included technology. And, being a BMW, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Highlights include ceramic brakes, a sports exhaust system and a full carbon engine cover.

However, the car’s price starts at just shy of £90,000 which means, even by ticking just a few boxes, the M5 could easily nudge into the sixfigure bracket – and that’s a lot, even for a car with as much performance as this. But it is in line with its competitors – the Mercedes-AMG E63S matches the BMW in the price department.

VERDICT

FAST AND FURIOUS The M5 is packed full of engine power

The M5 certainly came into this world with a lot of competition. However, thanks to better allround capability than ever before, it’s likely to come out on top when it goes on sale next year.

It’s relatively expensive, but given the sheer amount of technology and performance on board, it feels more than worth the money.

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Advertising

FEATURES

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Puzzles

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

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

1

6 8

3

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4 3 4 6 1 8

Codeword:

9 4 5 2 9 1 8

8 4

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7 2

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

2 6

3

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9 8 5

3 8 9

1 9

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4 7 6

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

C O C K P I T P I Q U E

A T E R B R H U O A R I B O U O I N U B I C C R O E U B I N G M E F L A Y F U L M U A U I S S K E S E E P H E S U S

A M B L E C A V C A N V A R G D A C K L E O A R K U P N R AWA R E L W T Y H O L E Z K X E J E C T

Sudoku:

9 6 3 8 2 4 5 7 1

4 8 7 5 3 1 9 6 2

5 2 1 7 6 9 3 4 8

2 1 9 4 8 7 6 3 5

6 7 8 3 5 2 1 9 4

3 5 4 1 9 6 2 8 7

8 3 6 2 4 5 7 1 9

2 1 6 4 5 3 9 8 7

9 5 4 6 2 1 8 7 3

7 4 5 9 1 3 8 2 6

1 9 2 6 7 8 4 5 3

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 9 5 1 7 4 2 3 8

7 4 8 3 9 2 5 6 1

5 7 2 8 1 6 3 4 9

8 6 1 9 3 5 7 2 4

4 3 7 2 6 8 1 9 5

3 8 9 5 4 7 6 1 2

1 2 3 7 8 9 4 5 6

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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CLASSIFIEDS

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★II

1

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

FEATURES

49

NEWS

Recruitment

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

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

50

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Recruitment

NEWS

Fill your vacancy now in print or online For more information contact our commercial team on 01892 779 650

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52

FEATURES

Arts & Culture: Panto Roundup

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Meet the genius behind the genie For the first time the artistic director of the Assembly Hall, John-Jackson Almond (pictured left), is taking charge of the theatre’s annual pantomime. Here he tells Eileen Leahy why he decided to get involved with Aladdin

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VERY Christmas pantomime fans of all ages look forward to seeing The Assembly Hall’s big seasonal show. For over a decade the theatre has invited UK Productions to put on a panto and as a result enjoyed record audience numbers flocking to the venue to see the likes of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with Su Pollard last year and Cinderella starring CBBC’s Dani Harmer the year before.

This year however, change is afoot with the Assembly Hall’s artistic director John-Jackson

Almond, known as JJ, overseeing the 2017 offering, Aladdin. This is the first time this has ever happened at the theatre so I was curious to find out why JJ, who has been at the helm since May 2016, decided that he would be sitting in the director’s chair and telling Aladdin’s cast members, which include former Eastenders star Michael Greco (Abanazar), Britain’s Got Talent star Jess Robinson (Slave of the Ring) and children’s TV presenter Mark Rhodes (Aladdin) what to do.

“Well I am the theatre’s director so it’s important

A SONG AND DANCE The ensemble rehearsing with Quinn Patrick (Widow Twanky)

that I’m actually directing shows at the Assembly Hall and for its community,” he states.

“We as a venue need to take some ownership of the thing that most people come to see throughout the whole year. Delivering pantomime is a gift as for some people it’s their first experience of theatre so there’s a responsibility that goes with that which we should embrace and enjoy.

“Also I’m very aware that families save to bring their children to a pantomime. It’s an important part of their life and sometimes the only time they find themselves in a theatre for the whole year. How amazing for the team here to be much more involved in delivering that to the people?”

There has been no falling out with UK Productions JJ reassures me. In fact they are still very much involved as producers and in charge of casting, although JJ was consulted on this angle too. In fact, he goes on to say that UK Production’s boss Martin Dodds was totally ‘open’ about the whole idea.

“It’s still their set, their values, their production but Martin said STAFF that he really wants the INSPECTION Assembly Hall venue Michael Greco and people of Tunplays Abanazar

DOUBLE TROUBLE Chris Pizzey and Mark Rhodes bridge Wells to feel like this is their panto and that they’re being served. That’s why he has been so open about me putting a creative team together and working with them on it.”

The pair started working on the script in February this year and then picked things up again in June when they discussed what their ‘production values’ would be. Late summer came the auditions process to cast dancers and the extra parts but according to JJ the real work has only just started.

“It’s a busy time. We’ve got through the technical rehearsals and opened

Arts & Culture: Panto Roundup

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

‘It’s a busy time.

We’ve got through the technical rehearsals and opened the panto but the really hard work is now’ the panto but the really hard work is now for all those people delivering the shows twice a day until January 3. They deserve a lot more credit than I do!”

JJ says that so far the cast vibe has

been ‘really good fun’ and they’re excited about playing their characters and performing some of the jokes that have been written.

“The cast really enjoys getting in front of a new audience as it brings a freshness to things and you think ‘Oh, ok that joke is funny’ because when you’re stuck in a rehearsal room and have heard it time and time again for a week you start to think it isn’t.

“After the first six shows or so we might make adjustments but after that you really have to stop tinkering as it’s important to let the cast settle and get into their routines. The great thing is they’ve all done panto before. Mark Rhodes played Aladdin in Bath last year and Michael Greco who has been in Los Angeles for a bit

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CASTING A SPELL The Aladdin cast

A TRIO OF TROUBLE Aladdin, Wishee Washee and PC Pong (Tom Whalley)

has done quite a lot of panto previously. They can all sing well, they move nicely and our ensemble cast are just fantastic. Sometimes they don’t gel but these do and they all look great together when they dance and harmonise. I think it’s a really strong show.”

JJ is no stranger to pantomimes either. Prior to this he directed Maureen and Linda Nolan in Jack and The Beanstalk at the Shaw Theatre in London and also Alison

Hammond and Oliver Mellor in Beauty and the Beast.

“I haven’t done a panto since moving here but I’m really excited about Aladdin. It’s been so much fun and has been intense as there’s not much time but you’re working with people who’ve all done it before and they’re pros. They know what works for both themselves and the audience,

and the rehearsal room we’ve been in for the past couple of weeks has been lots of fun with lots of play!”

And does JJ have any surprises up his sleeve for the audience? “There will be some surprises in store in the venue but I’m not telling you what! You’ll just have to come along and see for yourself.”

Aladdin runs at the Assembly Hall until January 3. To book tickets go to www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk LITTLE VOICE: Jess Robinson (left)

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FEATURES

Arts & Culture: Panto Roundup

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Follow the yellow brick road all the way to Trinity this Christmas…

If traditional panto is not your thing then why not pay a visit to Trinity Theatre which from tomorrow [Thursday] will be staging its version of The Wizard of Oz. Artistic Director John Martin tells the Times all about their ‘alternative’ to pantomime And, as any fan of The Wizard of Oz knows there’s also the tricky task of casting a dog to play Toto isn’t there?

Well actually Toto was easier than casting Dorothy! We had a choice of four dogs and it became clear very quickly who the two front runners were and this was primarily down to temperament and size.

THREE’S COMPANY The cast rehearses Please tell us a little bit about putting this classic film together for the stage …

We had nearly 350 people apply to be in the show and most of them wanted

to be Dorothy! Ultimately we were able to whittle it down to a small group and after several recalls Scarlett - who was our Cinderella last year - emerged as our perfect Dorothy.

Where do your cast members come from and are they local?

Some are and some come from London. I think we have a lovely mixture of people we have worked with before, along with some new people who we haven’t worked with. It is almost like we have an extended loose repertory ‘family’ now and that’s great.

Why does Trinity Theatre decide to not do a pantomime every year?

The area is well served for panto and we have always presented an ‘alternative’ Christmas show that is based

on classic works of literature. By doing this we give audiences a choice and complement what is on offer at other theatres rather than try to compete with the Assembly Hall for example. Also we have clear feedback from our audiences that they like the fact that we present something a bit different.

What’s the secret behind a successful seasonal production?

For me it has to be a classic story with lots of great songs and something that gives everyone a lift. It’s essential that people leave the theatre with a spring in their step and singing the odd show tune!

What can the audience expect to enjoy when they come along to see your production?

Everything they know and love from the film including all the classic songs but there will also be a few surprises in the show as well. We are using projection in an innovative

SIMPLY WIZARD! Actors step up to the challenge

way and want to transport audiences to Oz and immerse them in this magical world. Oh, and of course, there’s always the dog to enjoy watching on stage!

The Wizard of Oz is on at Trinity Theatre from December 14 until January 3. For tickets and timings see www.trinitytheatre.net

Arts & Culture: Panto Roundup

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

55

Enter the enchanting and liberating world of timeless children’s classic Neverland This year, the Oast theatre in Tonbridge is staging Wendy and Peter Pan. Here the theatre’s Youth Director, Jason Lower, explains why they chose to put on this contemporary version

E

very year the Oast theatre gathers all of its acting groups together to put on a seasonal ensemble production. This year we have 53 cast members taking part in Wendy and Peter, a play by Ella Hickson which is based on the classic children’s tale by J M Barrie. In total our cast ages range from the Hoppers (8-13 year olds) to the Youth Theatre (14-19 year olds) and adults of all ages.

And while the play is a slightly feminist reworking of the original story it is in no way heavy-handed. In fact, it is full of joy.

I have always loved the story of Peter Pan - in all its variations - and as a child, I watched Hook more times than I can count. As I have got older and done more work with children and young people, I find it disappointing that the childish urge to play gets suppressed as people get older. So, along with Phil Burns, my assistant director and leader of the Hoppers, I have tried to encourage the young (and older) actors to play more, have fun and embrace the silliness of it all.

Matt Jenner, who plays one of the Captain Hooks and also runs a local toy shop, sees his character as ‘a hero in the wrong story’ adding that “he realises his youth has passed and that time has become more of an enemy than a friend.” Hook relishes

all the fighting and the games, and probably envies Peter’s youth and sense of adventure.

One of the unfortunate features of many interpretations of classic stories is that the female protagonist – in this case Wendy – is often portrayed as a killjoy, nagging the boys who want to have fun. This version by Ella Hickson which was first performed at the Royal Shakespeare Company, has Wendy billed first and casts her as keen on adventure, wanting to fight pirates and play games like her brothers.

When I asked Alice Kinsella Swan, who plays one of our two Wendys, what she thought of the interpretation, she said: “I adore the feminist reimagining of Wendy. Every rehearsal has been a sheer joy and I hope that shines through in the performances.” She also added that she likes this version of Wendy because “she’s sassy and smart and brave, but just as quintessentially Wendy as ever.”

The play gives some wonderful parts to our young actresses especially those playing Wendy, Tink and Tiger Lily as well as the many other roles we have cast gender blind. It is a struggle to find plays that have big parts for girls and women though it has improved quite a bit in the past ten years. This particular version of Peter Pan offers great roles and, importantly, retains the fun and

PHOTOS: Daniel Holden

PERFECT PAIRING Scarlett as Dorothy with ‘Toto’

FEATURES

FUNNY GIRL: Audiences will enjoy this production injects humour into it. There are some very funny scenes throughout the play that we have had great fun with in rehearsals and I am sure this fun will translate to our audiences who come to see it.

A large number of local people have volunteered their time to make our Christmas production become a reality so it really is a collaboration between the young, and the young at heart, and I hope to see many of you there!

Wendy and Peter Pan is on now running until December 17 at the Oast Theatre, Tonbridge.

Tickets are available from www.oasttheatre.com, in person or via Box Office 01732 363849.

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FEATURES

What’s On

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON

Eileen Leahy

WITH THE

Local events

>> WEDNESDAY All this week until Friday, Chiddingstone Castle will be hosting a Victorian Christmas. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover lots of traditional Christmas craft ideas from this era and also have the chance to meet Father Christmas in a traditional Victorian setting. Tickets cost £9.50 per adult and £4.50 per child. For more information, see www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/events All week, Daddy’s Home 2 will be showing at The Hop Farm’s Moonlight Drive-in Cinema. This hilarious festive flick stars Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg and picks up the story of the respective stepfather and father working together to make their children’s Christmas perfect – until their own fathers arrive, and cause havoc. Tickets cost £25 per vehicle and can be booked at www.moonlightcinema.com >> THURSDAY Tonbridge Historical Society hosts a talk this evening from 7.45 pm in the Riverside Room at The Angel Centre, Tonbridge. Dr Rebekah Higgitt will talk about ‘Ships, Clocks and Stars: The Quest for Longitude.’ Tickets cost £3 for non-members and there will be mince pies, teas and coffees to enjoy.

Hever Castle continues to be full of the festive spirit courtesy of its Christmas offerings. Wander around the castle and learn about the history of carols, browse around the tempting shop, or sample some tasty seasonal bites in the café.

For further information, see www.hevercastle.co.uk

>> FRIDAY Every Friday, The Angel Flea Market takes place from 8am until 1pm at The Angel Centre in Tonbridge. Visitors can expect to see offerings from around 25 stallholders selling a huge variety of bargains. Entrance is free.

Another venue with plenty of original gift ideas is the charming shop at Penshurst Place, which is now positively brimming with seasonal treats galore. Choose from handmade wreaths or sprigs of mistletoe – both harvested from the estate’s glorious grounds – or browse their selection of impressive hampers. It will also be hosting its Father Christmas in Narnia Christmas Grotto on weekends up until the big day… For more information, visit www.penshurstplace.com >> SATURDAY The EM Forster Theatre’s pantomime Aladdin kicks off today. Starring famed local actor Michael Fenton Stevens and Tom Swift as Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee, it promises to be a very entertaining production from one of the area’s best pantomime casts. For tickets and timings, see www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk Barnardo’s Meadows School in Southborough has its Winter Market on today, where a number of local artisans, including Snapdragon Designs, will showcase their quality crafts alongside PHOTO: Paramount Pictures

A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS At Chiddingstone Castle

DADDY’S HOME 2 At The Hop Farm

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages, please email: eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

those made by students and staff. Money raised from sales of the students’ work will go towards supporting the school’s long-standing partnership with Kenyan school MOLO 220, with whom they have run reciprocal student exchanges and projects.

Paddock Wood Choral Society invites you to join them for their Christmas Joy concert this evening from 7.30 pm at St Andrews Church in the town.

Visitors can enjoy a wealth of festive music, including Bach’s Christmas Cantata as well as A Christmas Trilogy by choir member James Corse.

Tickets cost £12.50, with under-19s going free, available from members, or on the door, or via www.paddockwood-choral.org.uk >> SUNDAY Merry Elfmas continues at Groombridge Place this weekend and is certainly lots of festive fun for all the family thanks to the Santa letter-writing workshops and Christmas crafting sessions with the elves. For tickets and timings, visit www.groombridgeplace.com Santa is certainly busy this weekend as he’s also making an appearance at lunchtime at The Hotel Du Vin’s restaurant. Places are still available and priced £25 per adult and £10 per child aged 12 and under. The children’s lunch includes a present, a chat with Father Christmas and an opportunity for a photo with the man himself. For further information, visit www.hotelduvin.com >> MONDAY Pashley Manor’s Christmas Shop is now open for business, so if you’re stuck for some festive gifting inspiration look no further than this treasure trove, which is selling everything from horticultural to homewear items. Nestled in the beautiful Ticehurst countryside, it is always worth a trip.

For details, see www.pashleymanor gardens.com

STAND BELOW THE MISTLETOE At Penshurst Place

>> TUESDAY Not feeling festive yet? Then pop along to Trinity at 8pm to see that Christmas celluloid classic: Miracle on 34th Street. The screening of this original feelgood festive movie, which sees ‘Kris Kringle’ trying to convince a little girl to believe in Santa Claus – despite her mother’s bah humbug wishes! Tickets cost £11 and can be booked at www.trinitytheatre.net

PICK OF THE WEEK

Tonbridge Philharmonic Family Carols Tonbridge School Saturday December 16, 4pm Tonbridge Philharmonic Society once again present their annual celebration of Family Carols in the candlelit Tonbridge School Chapel. Under the baton of their music director, Matthew Willis, this seasonal event is a mixture of both old favourites and contemporary carols, featuring the awardwinning Motet Choir. Organised in conjunction with Tonbridge Round Table, who will be serving mulled wine and mince pies afterwards for a small donation, with proceeds going to local charities, this is one not to be missed!

For tickets, go to www.tonphil.org.uk

What’s On

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

FEATURES

57

Mike Wilton

Paul Dunton Live music

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

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Event information at www.twforum.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Word Up Christmas Slam Final FRIDAY Blurt, Joeyfat, JC Palmer, Sweet Williams SATURDAY Back to the 80s SUNDAY Love Cycle Festive Fundraiser (12noon start) THE FORUM WINTER SESSIONS

The Ice Rink, Calverley Grounds 6.30pm onwards (no admission charge for music)

THURSDAY The Floodgates, Mike Wilton, Niamh McSmith SUNDAY Kung Fu Slipper, Saethesae Son of Kirk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites www.pdag.co.uk, www.thegreylady.co.uk

THURSDAY Christmas Party with Groove Agents FRIDAY Christmas Party with Over The Edge SATURDAY Christmas Party with Studio 54 SUNDAY Jez Harley, Alex Van, Lucy Jarrett, The Ackerleys TUESDAY Rob Picazo, Hannah Haynes, Duke Lloyd, James Kirby

THE BEDFORD

2 High Street, open all day, free entry For more information, please visit the pub’s website: www.thebedfordtw.co.uk

THURSDAY Estelle Mey SATURDAY Badflys MONDAY Christmas Show: Jason Lines, One Night Love Affair & TW3

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT

Sussex Mews (by The Pantiles) Open all day music from 8.30pm till late Music cover charge may apply

SATURDAY Café Society Jazz Swing Ensemble featuring Jenny Maslin TUESDAY Swing Studio (Dance)

THURSDAY Matilda’s Scoundrels, Teal, Paul Cheese FRIDAY The Gallery, Jelly Fish, Faded Shades SUNDAY Son Of Kirk

THE PUNCH & JUDY

St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm till late

TUESDAY The Bourne Valley Boys TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB

THE ROYAL OAK

The Flying Dutchman, 118 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough, Free entry, music 8-11pm, hat collection (£7 recommended) Full details at www. tonbridgefolkclub.org

Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN

SATURDAY The Heartbeats

Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late

SCALLYWAG CAFÉ

SATURDAY Red Rooster

Open all day, entry charge may apply Music from 8.30pm

45 Mount Ephraim Road

Jennifer Maslin

MONDAY Will Duke

58

NEWS

Sporting Times

CONTACT US:

Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

Sports Minister calls for more heart-screening

By Andrew Tong

Roger Maddams, father of Jack, admitted that progress had been ‘slow’.

He added: “We would like to get to a situation as in Italy where anyone playing an organised sport over the age of 14 has to be screened.”

The club and the community have raise more than £35,000 over the last two and a half years to allow young people to have the screenings, which cost £35 and take 15 minutes.

LOOK TO THE FUTURE BBC cameras were on hand to record the 1,000th screening

SPORTS Minister Tracey Crouch came to ­Tonbridge Angels’ Longmead stadium for the 1,000th heart screening to be held by the club.

Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) set up the Football Fightback scheme with the club in 2015 after former Angels player Junior Dian collapsed on the pitch and died during a pre-season friendly at Whyteleafe FC aged 24. His heart stopped while he was playing due to undetected cardiac problems.

Seven years before, Angels’ Under-18 player Jack Maddams, 17, died in his sleep because of an undetected heart condition.

Ms Crouch pledged in Parliament that she would look into compulsory screening for athletes after Mr Dian died.

On Saturday the MP for Chatham & Aylesford said: “Before I made that pledge nothing was happening, now something is happening.

“More sports are getting involved in screening their young,” she added.

“But we would like more to happen. Screening has to be done by the sports themselves.”

PHOTO: David Couldridge

‘We would like a situation as in Italy where anyone playing an organised sport over the age of 14 has to be screened’ According to CRY, 12 people under the age of 35 die from an undiagnosed cardiac condition every week in the UK. Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat also attended the event along with members of Tonbridge Lions, who donated £1,000 towards the fund last month.

Smith steals three points with stunning late strike Bradshaw and Rusthall 2 Sheppey United 1

By Richard Smith FOOTBALL:

A SUPERB strike from Steve Smith with three minutes remaining secured another wellearned three points for Rusthall, who completed a league double over Sheppey.

The home side were playing an impressive passing game but could not find the net until a moment of magic from Steph Harper broke the deadlock on 37 minutes.

He picked up the ball in midfield and from 25 yards curled a right foot shot into the top righthand corner, giving Josh Glover in the Sheppey goal no chance with his 11th goal of the season.

Rusthall were punished for switching off on 66

Spackman keep clean sheet intact

minutes. From a corner on the right they allowed the ball to bounce in the area and Luke Girt equalised with a well-taken goal.

Sheppey looked the more likely to go on and win the game but Rusthall’s midfield worked their socks off to repel the visitors.

Glebe 0 Tunbridge Wells 0

By Will Northcote

Vicious As the clock ran down, the Rustics won the ball in midfield and fed it through to Smith. The hard-working striker unleashed a vicious right-foot shot from outside the box that left keeper Glover rooted to the spot as it flew in the net.

So Rusthall’s quest for survival in the Southern Counties East Premier Division were boosted.

Now the Rustics face a trip to Deal Town on Saturday (December 16, kick-off 3pm).

MOMENT OF MAGIC Steph Harper scored from 25 yards

Rebels down Angels again as visitors pay the penalty

By James Rowe

Worthing 2 Tonbridge Angels 0 FOOTBALL: IT WAS another tale of woe for the Angels on their visit to Woodside Road. Last New Year’s Eve it was a story of three penalties that did for Tonbridge; this time another two were awarded to the home side.

Worthing started brightly with three chances in the first five minutes and but then a Joe Turner free kick for the visitors had to be pushed round the post by Lucas Covolan.

The big talking point of the half came in the 31st minute when Covolan rushed from his line and took out Nathan Elder - seemingly in the area. The referee awarded a free kick rather than a penalty,

with just a yellow card for the keeper.

After 10 minutes of the second half, Worthing cleverly split the Angels defence and Jack Parter fouled the attacker inside the area, but the penalty was brilliantly saved by Jonny Henly.

The game was decided in a two-minute spell. On 64 minutes Worthing were awarded another penalty following an innocuous coming together in the box.

Melted away This time Kieron Pamment made no mistake from the spot, and a minute later with Angels still smarting, their defence simply melted away and Jimmy Wild scored the Rebels’ second.

Angels manager Steve McKimm said: “Quite simply on the day our performance wasn’t good enough. Worthing are an improving side despite

their position at the foot of the table and they fully deserved their win.

“We’ve got some difficult games coming up through the Christmas and New Year period but sometimes we play better against the stronger sides and we will have to work on how to get some positive results.”

DULWICH HAMLET: TO BE OR NOT TO BE On Saturday (December 16) the Angels travel to Dulwich Hamlet, who faced eviction from their Champion Hill ground last weekend unless they signed a new licensing agreement with owners Meadow Residential, which they did just before the Friday evening deadline.

FOOTBALL: TUNBRIDGE WELLS came away from Glebe’s Foxbury Avenue with a hard-earned point following a spirited rearguard action against a team featuring ex-Football League players in the shape of Jason Goodchild and Peter Sweeney.

Perry Spackman was commanding in defence and goalkeeper Jack Bradshaw produced several good stops to preserve his clean sheet.

Just after the half-hour Bradshaw saved well low to his left to foil Laurent Hamici, and he was called upon to thwart the same player five minutes before the interval.

Rescue Tunbridge Wells responded with shots from Tom Davey and Steven Ita but could not find the net.

Nine minutes into the second half Wells’ defence got in a tangle but Bradshaw came to their rescue again, pushing away another effort from Hamici.

Wells’ best chance came after 64 minutes when a free kick was only half-cleared to the feet of John Shea, whose first time shot crashed against the post; the follow-up from Ita was blocked.

Tunbridge Wells thus failed to make up ground on their fellow strugglers in Southern Counties East Premier Division.

They lie in 18th place, six points behind Glebe and three othe teams – though they still have a comfortable margin ahead of the bottom two.

The Wells now travel to Bearsted next Saturday (December 16, kick-off 3pm).

Sporting Times

Wednesday December 13 | 2017

NEWS

59

Redruth 45 Tonbridge Juddians 11

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS headed back to the south-west for a first visit to Redruth and Hell Fire Corner, a notorious part of their pitch. It proved as tough as their trip at Barnstaple last month.

Redruth had secured their four-try bonus point before half-time. It took the Reds four minutes to score as their elusive winger weaved through some poor defence to touch down in the corner.

TJs got on the scoreboard after a good period of pressure, Nathan Holmes slotting a penalty.

A Redruth penalty to the corner led to their lock forcing his way over the line for their second try.

The Reds kept up their dominance and earned a

penalty try in the first of the TJ three yellow cards – lock Dave Irvine was the first to go.

Holmes managed a second penalty but the home side scored again when A J Cant scored his second try with another mazy run.

In the second half ruthless Redruth released their full-back to score in the corner.

Two more yellows for TJs saw Ryan Jackson and Finlay Coxon-Smith binned in quick succession and the TJ defence was fully stretched as a result.

Redruth unleashed a series of drives in Hell Fire Corner which ended with their seventh try.

TJs secured the last score as lock Luke Bellinger finished off a set of drives with a dive to the line.

TJs sit in 11th place in National Two South and now entertain third-placed Taunton Titans to The Slade on Saturday (December 16, kick-off 2pm).

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

TJs burnt by yellow card fever on way to Hell Fire Corner

COOL HANDS Luke Bellinger scores TJs’ only try

Three wins on bounce as Wells show top form Guildford 26 Tunbridge Wells 39

ONWARD CHRISTIAN Lock Earle twists through tackles for the first try

By Graham Withers

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS made it three wins in a row with an impressive display in Surrey.

A clever inside pass saw the home skipper Joe Garner burst through to score under the Wells posts on three minutes, Gareth Davies converting.

The visitors got on the scoreboard when Nick Doherty produced an inside pop pass to Christian Earle and the lock twisted through two tackles for a try on 19 minutes.

Frank Reynolds delicately fed an inside pass to the flying Ryan Taylor-Dennehy, who cut a super angled line to cross in the corner.

Four minutes later Taylor-Dennehy made a 30-metre run, found Mike Hathaway on his inside shoulder and fed the flanker for the score.

A rolling maul saw the hosts’ Ash Williams

Men head into winter Strikers keep Ladies break on top of table aiming for the top Tunbridge Wells Men 1 Guildford 1

Burnt Ash 1 Tunbridge Wells Ladies 4

HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Men go into the Christmas break on top of South Premier League Two following a draw at Tonbridge School.

A tough fixture was expected against opponents who two years ago played in the National League.

Wells were fortunate not to go into the break a goal down with James Harris making several saves including from a penalty flick.

They emerged in the second half with more energy and took the lead, James Beck bundling home from a short corner.

Guildford pressure finally led to an equaliser, with a neat deflection over the diving Harris.

Although Wells worked hard to find the winner, the Guildford keeper made several good saves.

Wells will be pleased with their success after achieving promotion, and will return in the new year refreshed for their home match against Staines on January 13.

HOCKEY: THE preceding match at Burnt Ash was cancelled due to frozen pitch, but the sun thawed it sufficiently for Wells’ game to go ahead.

Burnt Ash worked well as a unit, distributing and keeping hold of the ball. Wells took a while to find their feet but soon they posed an attacking threat.

The visitors notched a brace of goals in each period, all from open play. Jen Hunt was tireless in the middle and was rewarded with a goal.

Nelia Bekker, Perdi Knight and Becca Watson also got on the scoresheet, proving that Wells offer attacking options in all areas.

Burnt Ash notched a late short corner goal, but it was purely a consolation.

An impressive run of form sees the Ladies lying in third place in East Region Division One South going into the second half of the season.

The season resumes on January 6 when Wells entertain mid-table Chelmsford.

burrow over two minutes before half-time.

Wells were back in the ascendancy straight from the kick-off and player-coach Dave Allen hit an unstoppable line to crash over under the posts.

Reynolds converted the ‘bonus point’ try and then slotted a penalty two minutes later.

On 55 minutes, Reynolds hit a wayward-looking ball at pace and ripped through the heart of the defence to dot down and then add his conversion.

A series of missed tackles saw Guildford’s Tom Devereaux cross for a try to make the score 19-34.

The outcome was settled on 67 minutes when Blaise Salle ran 25 metres before drawing the last defender and passing to his fellow wing Matt Spicer, who cruised over in the left corner.

A side-stepping run by Guildford’s Dan Paton saw him cross for a consolation bonus point.

Wells move up to an fifth place in London and South-East Premier Division.

They entertain fourth-placed Barnes at St Marks on Saturday (December 16, kick-off 2pm).

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