Times of Tunbridge Wells 17th January 2018

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

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Tougher action against ‘professional begging’ wins public support

INSIDE

Forum celebrates 25 years with a year-long birthday

CAR PARKING RISE

By Jonathan Banks

Southeastern increases some prices by 10 per cent Page 4

PLANS to introduce Public Space Protection Orders [PSPOs] to tackle ‘professional begging’ have been largely supported by the public in a consultation.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] recorded mainly positive feedback to the scheme in a two month public consultation which ended last week.

PSPOs could see, as a last resort, on-the-spot fines imposed to tackle antisocial behaviour relating to begging.

Analysis by this newspaper of results available on TWBC’s website found around two thirds of 160 respondents voted in support of the proposed measures.

The public was asked: Do you support the use of PSPOs to deter the unauthorised collecting of money in public spaces and address antisocial behaviour associated with begging?

To this 66 per cent said they were in favour.

And: Do you support the use of PSPOs to manage antisocial behaviour associated with rough sleeping in multi-storey car parks and other public spaces in Tunbridge Wells town centre?

To this 64 per cent said they were in favour.

All those who took part were given the chance to comment.

Some of those in favour included: “As long as support is given to those affected I would support this idea.”

Another respondent wrote: “I

Continued on page 2

Pre-teens struggling with social media Page 21 PHOTO: Patrick Dighton

Antisocial

RING THE CHANGES

SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT: Members of The Forum’s staff including owner Jason Dormon (fourth left) and his wife Isobel (second left) gather outside the iconic music venue on Tunbridge Wells Common, to celebrate its 25th birthday, with a series of events. Full story pages 66-67

Plans to axe local bus routes are scrapped following public outcry

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk BUS services tipped to be axed will continue in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge after a last minute County Hall u-turn.

Kent County Council [KCC] announced yesterday [Tuesday, January 16] that a consultation into the proposals that was due to start tomorrow [Thursday] will no longer take place.

The authority was set to recuperate £2.25million a year by ending subsidies to routes, which included a combined 23 in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

But after central Government grant

reductions were less than feared, KCC needed to only budget for £450,000 rather than the predicted £2.25million.

Council Leader Paul Carter said there is no longer a need for the subsidies to end.

The climbdown is a direct response to thousands of people protesting Instead, County Hall has budgeted £500,000 for ‘conversations’ about the buses with parish councils and community groups.

“We believe there are smarter, more responsive ways to deliver these bus ser-

vices,” said Cllr Carter.

“We intend to arrange a whole series of big conversations with parish councils and communities on how this can be delivered.”

Controversial proposals to end routes, which included entire services to villages and small communities, provoked a public outcry after they were unveiled in the autumn.

This forced Cllr Carter to apologise for the ‘premature’ release of routes potentially facing the axe.

The fallout has seen Cllr Matthew

Continued on page 2

DISAPPEARING ACT

Crowborough hospital’s stag sculpture is stolen Page 3

WHERE TO BE GIN

We celebrate Gin-uary and this iconic spirit Pages 52-53

2

NEWS

Local News

Bus news is ‘great relief’ Continued from page 1 Balfour, the Cabinet Member for Transport, lose his job last week to Cllr Mike Whiting.

Martin Betts, Campaign Coordinator for Tunbridge Wells Labour Party, said: “The climbdown is a direct response to thousands of people across the county who are saying that they have had enough of the austerity embraced by Conservatives at all levels of government.”

Gillian Douglass, Chairperson of Liberal Democrats Tunbridge Wells, added: “The rural routes had already been cut down which affects chiefly the older people and younger people. It is great we are going to keep these services.”

Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells, said: “Many people would have been affected so this news will be a great relief. It is vital that our local bus services keep running.”

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

MP mounts attack on Government over its failure to cut aircraft noise CAMPAIGNERS have hailed a debate about aircraft noise set up in the House of Commons as a much-needed step in the right direction.

The Conservative MP for Tonbridge & Malling Tom Tugendhat led a fierce attack on the Department for Transport in Parliament last week, calling on them to do more to reduce the noise caused by planes using Gatwick Airport.

Mr Tugendhat lamented the plight of residents who have been plagued by aircraft noise for a number of years.

Martin Barraud of Gatwick Obviously Not! (GON) said: “Our chagrin is that there doesn’t seem to be anyone making the airports change.

Why is it that people like me have to make the Government do the right thing?

Overflown

COUNCIL TAX TO RISE BY FIVE PER CENT RESIDENTS learnt this week an extra 4.99 per cent will be added onto their council tax bill as County Hall looks to balance its books.

This means residents of band C properties will pay an extra £52.30 a year.

Kent County Council was boosted by a Government motion to allow local authorities to increase the amount they can claim in council tax by 1 per cent.

The Conservative administration confirmed savings of £53million in its budget, but denied this would see frontline services reduced.

The recommendations for the 2018/19 Budget will be voted on in a council meeting on February 20.

Council Leader Paul Carter added: “It is never easy to see council tax rise. However, our autumn consultation with the public has shown that the respondents will accept manageable council tax increases if these are used to protect front line services.

“Whilst the additional 1 per cent will raise £6 million, it by no means compensates for the loss of grants but will go some way to protect frontline services.”

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER WILLIAM MATA will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 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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“It shouldn’t come down to community groups to enforce the law,” he added. “We need to have a change at the top to have any real change.”

Irene Fairbairn of Tunbridge Wells Anti-Aircraft Noise Group (TWAANG) said: “This is a very important national as well as local issue.

“Tom Tugendhat is courageously calling Government to account on behalf of his heavily overflown constituency. His arguments were well made and it is encouraging to see that his views were well supported by other local MPs.”

Punishing beggars is ‘shameful’ Continued from page 1 think that there are some professionals at work - this was particularly noticeable at Christmas.

The bulk of beggars though are probably in need of help.”

A third commented: “They need to be moved on. If it means handing out fines then that is what must happen, but they need to be moved on.”

Early opposition to the scheme led to more than 6,000 signing a petition calling on Town Hall not to enforce PSPOs for begging.

This was reflected in parts of the consultation, with one unnamed respondent commenting: “This is immoral and shameful.

“When the council has sufficient housing and support services for these people, then it would be more appropriate than to issue penalty notice and fines. Let’s deal with the cause not the symptom.”

Another bluntly commented: “I hope this is a joke.”

The results of the PSPO consultation will go to TWBC’s Cabinet Advisory Board on March 21, Cabinet on April 12 and Full Council on April 25.

Councillor Lynne Weatherly, Cabinet member for Communities and Wellbeing, said: “There’s been a good response to the consultation.

“Comment people have made will be taken into consideration.”

See more comments by visiting www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

INCREASING Gatwick flights are on the rise Mr Tugendhat pointed out that while there was a lack of action at the highest levels, the amount of traffic into the Sussex hub was increasing – and nothing was being done to keep the noise at existing levels, let alone reduce it.

Afterwards he said: “For five years we have had to endure constant noise and this is harming the economic prosperity and environmental sustainability of our area.

“I’m particularly concerned that as Gatwick grows, not enough is being done to reduce noise, despite this being the clear aim of the Government policy.”

The protest movement has been infuriated by a letter they received from Baroness Sugg, the minister in charge of aviation, last month which said that community groups should be responsi-

ble for putting pressure on the airport.

She was referring to a body called the Noise Management Board (NMB), consisting of stakeholders from all sides including airport chiefs, Government representatives and councillors as well as protest groups.

Baroness Sugg wrote: “The Government believes that the existing channels of dialogue between communities and the airport continue to provide a credible means of developing actions to tackle noise.”

Mr Tugendhat was critical of the way that the NMB had been identified as the ‘place to discuss these matters’. “Passing the issue to the Noise Management Board for its consideration is being used as a reason not to enforce policy, which is a great shame,” he said.

Hospitals not meeting targets during tough winter for patients

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE TRUST which runs the hospitals in Pembury and Maidstone is still failing in three key areas, according to latest research.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has missed targets for A&E admissions, cancer care and planned operations.

The data, revealed in a BBC study, ranked MTW below average in the UK and among the country’s poorest performing for cancer care.

A spokesman admitted the trust was experiencing ‘high demand’ on emergency services and that planned procedures had been cancelled.

But while cases of flu have been noted within the infirmaries, MTW has seen more A&E patients in the last month compared to December last year, and in a faster time.

But for cancer care the trust is within the bottom ten in the country.

The report into MTW performance found:  For A&E (emergency department) 85 per cent of patients were attended to within four hours.

The NHS target is 95 per cent and the UK average is 85 per cent.  In cancer care 69 per cent of patients are

treated within 62 days, which is behind the 85 per cent target and 82 per cent UK average.  For planned operations and care MTW saw 85 per cent of patients within 18 weeks. This was short of the 92 per cent target and 89 per cent UK average.

An MTW spokesman said: “We have seen a very busy period over the last few weeks at the same time as a background of flu in the community.

“We have seen a number of patients with flu-like symptoms with a very small number of confirmed flu cases.

“We have worked throughout last year to put plans in place to deal with this winter’s pressures.”

The data also showed MTW ranked 127 out of 134 trusts for starting cancer care treatment.

It ranked 56 out of 133 for A&E and 104 out of 125 for planned operations.

In some areas across the country patients were reportedly waiting an hour or more inside an ambulance for a bed space and even being treated inside a cupboard.

The spokesman said this had not happened at MTW. “Our staff are well prepared for this expected annual surge in demand and we are very grateful for their hard work,” he added.

THREE POSSIBLE STEPS TO HELP CURE THE ILLS OF OUR NHS THE NHS is in crisis, no matter what words politicians might use to describe the current state of affairs. Our own hospitals in Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone have failed yet again in three key areas against which they are judged.

They missed targets for A&E admissions, cancer care and planned operations. With cancer care they came near the bottom of the national table seeing 70 per cent of patients within 62 days.

The target is 85 per cent.

But don’t blame the staff. No one has ever doubted the dedication of doctors and nurses forced to work under extremely difficult circumstances where they are required to make life

and death decisions.

Two things are largely to blame for the state of our NHS; increasing demand for services and shortage of money. The solution? Well, there are some people who argue we should be looking at three different approaches for a start: 1) Reducing the number of health tourists, people who end up in the UK claiming free NHS treatment for which they have no entitlement.

Estimates put the cost at around £2billion a year.

2) Changing the way we manage those who are taken to A&E because they are so inebriated they are incapable of even standing up. Why not

charge them or set up so called ‘drunk tanks’ where they would be placed in specialist rooms for treatment? The NHS should not be seen as the National Hangover Service.

3) Reviewing the £13billion it is estimated we spend each year on Foreign Aid [0.7 per cent of national income] and clawing some of it back to support the NHS. These might all seem like extreme measures but if we are going to cure the ills of the NHS then we have to at least start thinking about some possible remedies…

Editorial Director, Richard Moore

Local News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Mystery surrounds Groombridge closure GROOMBRIDGE PLACE has yet to explain the status of two of its planned events after making a surprise announcement that it would be closing for three months until Good Friday [March 30].

A statement appeared on the venue’s website on January 7, saying: “Please be aware, we are now closed for the remainder of the winter season.”

However, listed under its What’s On section there is a half-term activity called Wild Adventures Week in the Enchanted Forest from February 12-18, featuring woodland crafts and story-telling.

It is also still advertising a Mother’s Day Family Fun event on March 11 complete with crafts, bouncy castles and live music.

On New Year’s Eve the 17th century manor house, which is owned by film producer Justin Bodle, had told its Facebook followers that it was due to reopen on January 2.

Faster broadband plea GREG Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells, has called for upgrades to broadband across the constituency at a meeting with communications firm Openreach.

The MP met with Clive Selley, Chief Executive of Openreach, and raised local examples of where improvements to internet speeds are required.

Mr Clark said: “Most of the constituency has been upgraded to superfast broadband but that makes it all the more frustrating for those left behind. A fast and reliable connection is not a luxury – it is an essential part of modern life.”

Restaurant now closed ELEVEN staff lost their jobs when Strada became the latest restaurant to close in Tunbridge Wells.

The Italian eatery on Mount Pleasant was chosen as one of 11 closed by the downsizing-firm across the country. It served its final meal last week.

Jamie Oliver’s Italian, The Nutmeg Tree and Shrager’s Patisserie have also recently shut down in what business experts have called a tough time for the industry.

A Strada spokesman said in an increasingly competitive market in has been harder to stay afloat with rising rent and wage costs.

“Following a comprehensive review, it is with regret that we have closed a number of our Strada restaurants.”

NEWS

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Horder’s ‘mascot’ is stolen by thieves

By Phil Spacey A LIFE size bronze figure of a stag has been stolen from outside the charity-run Horder Centre in Crowborough.

The much-loved sculpture is considered a mascot of the orthopaedic hospital and stood on a plinth near its entrance.

Police are investigating the disappearance of the statue, which was last seen on Sunday, January 7.

The stag, originally bought from a local antiques company in 2011, was fixed down and although thieves managed to remove it, part of the statue’s leg was left in place.

The Horder Centre is run by charity Horder Healthcare and is based on the edge of the Ashdown Forest.

Richard Fenner, from Horder Healthcare, said: “The bronze stag has been associated with the Horder Centre for many years and is well known to all our patients and visitors.

Atmosphere “If anyone has any information, we would urge them to contact the police as soon as possible.”

He added: “The stag was a symbol of how the hospital connected with the surroundings, creating an atmosphere that reflected the peace of the forest.”

No value of the stag has been released.

Sussex Police can be contacted on 101.

SYMBOL Stag connects hospital to its surroundings

‘Town needs a shopping centre that will draw consumers in’

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk TWO more shops have left Royal Victoria Place [RVP] with brands declaring a preference to trade in other towns.

Gandys and Yankee Candle are the latest to leave the shopping mall where around one quarter of units are now vacant.

swered about latest developments towards their £70million redevelopment, which would see a multiplex cinema and more shops.

A spokesperson from ethical fashion brand Gandys told the Times they have opened a new store in Richmond after disappointing footfall in Tunbridge Wells forced them to close on January 7.

“We opened in Tunbridge Wells [in autumn 2016] as our online sales

excelled in Kent but the store was not performing to our expectations,” she said.

“We believe this to be due to the town needing an actual shopping centre that will draw consumers in.

“Locals seemed to use food shopping amenities but not the Calverley Road shopping area. We saw this as a shame due to being really excited about reaching out to our customers that shop with us the most.”

Expectations Uncertainty continues to surround RVP, with H&M last week announcing plans to close their kidswear store while there are no longer any shops in the Ely Court sub-arcade.

The Food Court now only has four eateries open. There used to be at least eight.

The centre’s management has declined to answer any questions about a reported £100million sale from Hermes Real Estate to major property developer British Land.

Questions also remain unan-

CLOSURE Gandys in Calverley Road

Building on their online brand Gandys, which commits 10 per cent of its profits to building orphanages, has opened four stores in London where their two full-time Tunbridge Wells staff have been offered roles.

Yankee Candle has closed today [Wednesday, January 17] after a six month lease to operate a pop-up shop came to an end.

Nick Cooper, Shop Manager, said: “It is a company decision, everyone was employed by an agency on a short term contract.

“Our closure in the shopping centre is a great loss but there are plans in place to return in 2018 for Christmas.”

Mr Cooper was unable to say if the same shop-front would be used again. Yankee Candle employed three full-time and nine part-time staff.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, who own the freehold of RVP, commented to say they were not concerned about the situation.

A spokesman said: “The Council is confident about the long term economic viability of Tunbridge Wells and that of RVP shopping centre.

“The number of closures, while planned, are an unfortunate temporary impact as part of the preparatory work to enable the redevelopment and refurbishment of the shopping centre.”

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NEWS

Local News

Pressure group asks supporters if they would vote for them PRESSURE group TW Alliance believes the result of an opinion poll provides a confidence boost ahead of their local election campaign.

The group of more than 100 professionals was founded last autumn, primarily in opposition to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s [TWBC} plans for their Civic Complex and theatre.

Member Nicholas Pope previously told the Times they were considering contesting seats in the May elections for a third of TWBC’s seats.

Last week 186 people took part in a poll on the group’s Twitter page which TW Alliance posted to test the water ahead of launching any campaign.

Asked ‘would you vote for a TW Alliance candidate?’ 43 per cent said yes, 30 per cent said maybe, 22 per cent said no and 5 per cent replied to say they did not vote.

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Rail firm now hikes car park charges after raising train fares will cost £1,124.60 (up from £1,071), High Brooms will cost £940.80 (up from £896), and Hildenborough will be £1,126.70 (up from £1,073).

All of these stations, and nearby Frant, have seen their car park price rise by 4.7 per cent a year, significantly less than Tonbridge.

John Reynolds, Chairman of the pressure group Tonbridge Line Commuters, said: “It is another burden on people who are already struggling with expensive train fares.

“The rate for Tonbridge is just under ten per cent, which is way over inflation. It is a massive increase and way over the top.”

Reinvested

Support Mr Pope, who has stated he may consider standing himself, said: “Although the total number of votes is small, it does give a measure of the support.

“I am not sure it will help shape how TW Alliance will operate at the elections, but it does give a level of confidence that there is support for what we are doing and frustration with the way decisions are currently made in the council.”

The Times understands TW Alliance is set to target ‘winnable’ wards in a bid to beat councillors who voted in favour of the contested complex, which costs a gross £90million.

This could either be by supporting an opposition candidate or an alliance member standing as an independent.

Mr Pope continued: “We are in an information gathering and analysis phase, and are looking at each individual council seat being contested as each seat needs a different strategy.”

INCREASE Tunbridge Wells railway station

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk COMMUTERS are paying hundreds of pounds more to park at local railway stations after Southeastern raised prices by up to ten per cent.

The franchise holder has been criticised for introducing the hike this month after rail season ticket prices also rose by around 3.6 per cent at the turn of the year.

A one year ticket for Monday to Friday access at Tonbridge railway station car park will now cost £1,276, a 9.09 per cent increase from the £1,160 it was last year.

A rail season ticket from Tonbridge to London today costs £4,232 (up from £4,088), which means commuters from one of the busiest stations in Kent are now paying more than £5,500 a year just to get to work if they pay for parking, and that does not include petrol costs.

In Tunbridge Wells, the main station car park

Southeastern confirmed the price change and said income is reinvested into passenger services, commenting that ‘supply of spaces is kept in line with demand’.

The Times understands purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a car park space.

There are 837 spaces at Tonbridge and 79 at Tunbridge Wells, although it is believed more tickets are actually sold.

Mr Reynolds continued: “The problem is that Tonbridge and Hildenborough, two of the places with the most substantial price increase, have the largest catchment areas.

“They seem to be picking on Tonbridge and they forget there are poorer people in the area, and for some there is no usable bus service to a station.

“They are under a delusion that people in Tonbridge are very rich.

“This goes alongside rising rail ticket fares, which I think should be measured by the

Local News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

MULTI-STOREY Tonbridge station car park

Consumer Price Index rather than the Retail Price Index.”

The cheapest station to park at, by some way, is Frant, in the East Sussex village of Bells Yew Green, at £672 a year, where a rail ticket to London for 12 months is £4,644.

But while the total car park plus rail ticket price works out as less expensive than Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge, the reduced train service may put off some commuters.

A Southeastern spokesman said: “When we review our commercial arrangements, we always take into account the demand for limited parking space and local parking conditions, and ensure that our car parks are competitive with other local facilities.”

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Link road will close for four months A BUSY road in Tunbridge Wells will be closed for four months while a pipeline is replaced. Kingswood Road links Bayhall Road to Pembury Road and is often used as a short cut in heavy traffic.

It will be shut from Monday [January 22] while a 400-metre section of water main is upgraded by South East Water.

The main has burst five times in the past 16 years, and residents have been cut off or seen discoloured water coming through their taps.

The utilities company will spend £155,000 on the project, which also involves laying the new pipe across Pembury Road for three or four nights.

Nuffield Health hospital and Kingswood Surgery are sited on the road and access will be provided, as well as for businesses and private houses, by a diversion agreed with Kent County Council’s Highways department.

HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO PARK A CAR AT LOCAL STATIONS

TARIFF LIST High Brooms railway station

NEWS

Frant

Tunbridge Wells (Main)*

High Brooms

Tonbridge

Hildenborough

Number of car park spaces

106

79

47

837

Annual Ticket (2017 price)

£672 (£640)

£1,124.60 (£1,071)

£940.80 (£896)

£1,276 (£1,160)

£1,126.70 (£1,073)

Six monthly

£370.70 (£353)

£621.60 (£592)

£520.80 (£496)

£732.60 (£666.00)

£621.60 (£592)

Quarterly

£184.80 (£176)

£310.80 (£296)

£259.40 (£247)

£366.30 (£333)

£315.00 (£300)

Monthly

£61.50 (£58.50)

£104.20 (£99.20)

£87 (£82.80)

£122.70 (£111.50)

£105.30 (100.20)

265

Weekly tickets can also be bought. Tickets cover cost of parking from Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays and Sundays, a separate daily charge applies. * A limited number of tickets can also be bought for Torrington Road Car Park in Tunbridge Wells.

NEWS

Local News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

PHOTOS: DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

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Gastronomic heaven at Seventeen THURSDAY evening [January 11] saw an exclusive launch party at one of Tunbridge Wells’ most popular hotels, One Warwick Park.

Over 80 guests, including some of the town’s most prominent business members as well as regular clientele, were invited to celebrate the four star hotel’s new Seventeen restaurant.

During the evening canapé versions of some of the new menu’s epicurean offerings including ham hock croquettes, devilled whitebait and

mini chargrilled British beef burgers were served whilst those gathered also enjoyed glasses of Prosecco, gin based cocktails and live music.

Classic According to the hotel’s Head Chef Andrew Giles the concept behind the new restaurant - which is named after its location number on Chapel Place is “taking classic British dishes and ingredients,

breathing new life into them using flavours and influences from around the world, modern cooking techniques, seasonality and presentation.”

The Seventeen menu will change weekly and offer fresh seasonal ingredients and gluten free options.

One Warwick Park Hotel’s Operations Manager, Harry Spencer, commented “the launch of Seventeen marks the start of exciting things ahead and a promise of something unique for visitors.”

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Concern as thousands impacted in town by reduced public sector PUBLIC sector employment has fallen by 32 per cent in Tonbridge in less than a decade, a concerned trade union has reported.

Figures released last month by the GMB general union show that in 2016 5,948 people were working in jobs such as police officers and civil servants – 2,851 fewer than in 2009.

In the South, only Waverley and Rushmoor had

‘It is not possible to reduce public sector employment on this scale without damaging vital public services’

PREDICTION Brooks Macdonald Senior Director Pam Beith

a higher percentage of job losses than the borough of Tonbridge & Malling, which ranked third.

The figures, sourced from the Office for National Statistics, relate to the local authority for each town. Sevenoaks was tenth on the list, with a 22 per cent reduction.

The borough of Tunbridge Wells ranked at No 50, with 7,218 – a fall of 541 jobs, or 7 per cent.

Paul Maloney, GMB Regional Secretary for the South, warned that in the South East the public sector had shrunk by 72,495 – a drop of ten per cent.

He said: “It is not possible to reduce public sector employment on this scale without damaging the vital public services we all rely on for a civilised society.

“Law enforcement and police, armed services, further education, social and children’s services, social care, environment services, parks and libraries, social welfare, transport infrastructure, refuse and street cleaning and all aspects of public administration have all been subjected to often quite savage cuts.”

Mr Maloney added: “It is high time to stop cuts now. GMB does accept that the public sector deficit should be eliminated. The proper way to do this is to increase the tax base so as to afford the vital public services we all rely on for a civilised society.

“Another would be a system of corporate taxes that can’t be avoided by transfer pricing and tax havens.”

SPEAKING OUT Paul Maloney

The government’s Cabinet Office, which deals with personnel, has been contacted by the Times for a response.

Firm predicts business change

CHANGES to oil prices, wages and UK tax are three factors which could affect financial markets, according to an investment firm’s Senior Director.

Pam Beith, Head of the Tunbridge Wells office for Brooks Macdonald, stressed a need for caution in her 2018 predictions.

The company, which also has offices in London and Hampshire, has released its financial outlook for this year.

Ms Beith noted 2017 was one of the ‘least volatile on record’.

She said: “Should the current low-inflation, low-growth backdrop persist, we would expect this to be

positive for risk assets in aggregate.

“In particular, it should benefit sectors that can deliver secular above-trend growth, such as technology and healthcare. With equity markets hitting all-time highs, we have balanced portfolios to prepare them for the possibility of higher interest rates.

“To accomplish this, we have retained underweight positions in fixed interest assets and added holdings in financial equities, which can increase profits if rates rise faster than markets expect.”

Brooks Macdonald has made three resolutions for 2018, which Ms Beith said were necessary if a ‘goldilocks

environment’ continued.

These are to: Ensure portfolios are balanced, invest thematically and research alternatives.

“We seek to make sure portfolios contain a blend of risks so you are not overly exposed to the path of the broader market,” continued Ms Beith.

“If the current goldilocks environment continues, growth sectors such as technology may outperform and if inflation returns then relatively cheap areas like financials should do well.

“Investing thematically rather than based on geography allows a more precise control of the risk and rewards in a portfolio.”

Local Business News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Under-fire rail service to be given extra funds THE rail network behind the under-fire Southeastern and Southern brands is set to receive tens of millions of pounds from the taxpayer.

Govia Thameslink Railway will receive funding to deliver new trains and pay for more services through London, according to the National Audit Office.

A spokesman for the watchdog told media last week that mistakes made by the Department for Transport led to shortcomings in the £8billion franchise.

The full figure set to be spent has not been disclosed, but the cash is said to be needed because of Govia’s delays in delivering 12-carriage trains.

Business engagement A FREE business event will be hosted at Tonbridge Old Fire Station from 6.30pm on Wednesday, January 31.

Attendees at the Business Engagement event will be briefed on council business rates and have chance to participate in a Q&A session before networking.

To sign up for the event, organised by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, email: economic.regeneration@tmbc.gov.uk

Wine director on board CHAPEL DOWN has announced their Director of Wine, Mark Harvey, will join the Board of Directors at industry group Walpole.

The Kent drinks producer has been a member of the group since 2016, alongside members Burberry, Harrods and Rolls-Royce.

Mr Harvey said he was looking to help develop the British luxury industry.

BUSINESS

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Plan to extend plastic bag charge is backed by independent traders

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk GOVERNMENT plans to extend a mandatory charge for plastic bags to all stores has been backed by independent retailers.

Small shops in Tunbridge Wells buy bags for around 20p each, and three managers told the Times they would encourage the attempt to cut down on spending and waste.

At present, all shop brands with 250 employees or more are required to charge 5p for plastic bags. Last week, the government announced a consultation for plans to extend the levy to all retailers.

‘Having a 5p charge will encourage customers to bring in their own bags…

We see so many plastic bags go to waste’ Teresa Wilczek, owner of Snowear on Camden Road, is in favour of the idea in principle, but is keen to see how it is enforced.

She said: “At the moment we do not have to charge, but we will always ask people if they would like a bag [rather than handing one over].

“I would be in favour, as many plastic bags go to waste and this would be

good for the environment. But I have not heard enough about it to know how it would work.

“It feels cruel, as well, to charge 5p for a bag after the customer has just spent hundreds on ski equipment. I would feel embarrassed to enforce it.

“It might also create more work in how we organise our finances.

“There are so many extra costs for a small firm already, like having a licence to play music and keep data.”

The 5p charge has seen a reduction of nearly 90 per cent in the use of plastic bags, according to government figures.

Some independent shops have already enforced their own rule voluntarily.

Since the law came into force in 2014, £66million has been raised through the bag charges, which the Department for Environment said had been donated to good causes.

Adam Lush, Manager of Camden Road’s The Friendly Fisherman shop, said: “In this business the customers will come here whatever.

“We are the only fishing equipment shop in town, so a 5p bag charge is by the by, really.”

Amit Lamichhane, owner of Camden News, added: “I would favour it, some of our customers will buy a newspaper and take a plastic bag just for that.

“Having a 5p charge will encourage customers to bring in their own bags.

“We see so many plastic bags go to waste.”

IN THE BAG Snowear owner Teresa Wilczek

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NEWS

Local News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Rail improvements on the agenda for promoted MP

NUMBERS’ UP: (L-R) Volunteers Caroline Neill and Gaynor Ratcliffe, Cook Assistant Manager Finn Haynes, Co-founder Polly Taylor and volunteer Tessa Hewston

WEALDEN MP Nus Ghani is looking to continue pressuring Southern rail in her new role in the Department for Transport.

The Conservative was named Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the department in last week’s reshuffle, in which she also became government whip.

Campaigned

Well-wishers help put Pickering cancer charity back on its feet

By Jonathan Banks BUSINESSES are helping Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre to raise funds through a raffle after burglars broke into their premises, ransacked the offices and stole hundreds of pounds from the Tunbridge Wells charity.

Managers at Cook, the gourmet frozen food shop based opposite the centre in Monson Road, organised the initiative to help replace the losses.

Polly Taylor, Co-founder of Pickering, told the Times she felt ‘overwhelmed’ at the ‘good will’ after several more firms pledged gifts for the raffle.

Pickering helps around 3,000 people a year whose lives have been touched by cancer.

The charity is run entirely by volunteers, who on New Year’s Eve found the fire safety window had been smashed and that collection tins had been taken.

Ms Taylor said it was unusual for the charity to have money on their premises but that they were able to continue their service immediately.

She added: “The raffle came about because of the burglary between Christmas and New Year, which left us heartbroken. Cook store Manager Julia Palmer and Assistant Manager Finn Haynes are

friends of ours and asked if they could hold a raffle for us. They got other businesses involved and have been overwhelmed. We have also been overwhelmed at the centre, with people telling us how sorry they were and offering to do what they can to help. It has shown me how generous people can be, and that something good has come out of this.”

ASK, Lakeland, Sainsbury’s and Sankey’s are among the businesses that have put forward prizes for the raffle. Tickets are now on sale at Cook costing £1.

Town MP Greg Clark is set to draw the winning ticket at 3pm on Saturday, January 27 inside the shop.

In her more influential position, Ms Ghani is likely to step up her fight for improvements on the Southern line to London, which serves Eridge and Crowborough, and has been described by the MP as a ‘misery line’.

She said: “Transport is a subject on which I have campaigned

passionately since being elected as the MP for Wealden. Alongside my ministerial duties, I will continue to be a strong voice for Wealden and deliver for my constituents.”

The rising Tory star was tipped for promotion in the reshuffle, in which Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark surprised a few by keeping his role as Business Secretary.

Ms Ghani, 42, first won her seat in 2015. With the new appointments, she becomes one of the first female Muslim junior ministers.

“I am delighted and honoured to have been asked by the Prime Minister,” she said.

“The roles are both exciting and challenging opportunities, and I am looking forward to getting started and making a difference.”

Ice rink’s most popular year A RECORD 40,000 people used the ice rink in Calverley Grounds over the festive season.

Returning for its seventh year, the Tunbridge Wells attraction was open every day except Christmas Day from November 17 to January 1.

Boost The rink was attended by 39,827 skaters, an increase of 613 from the previous year, to provide an economic boost for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC].

Cabinet Member for Leisure Cllr

Jane March said: “We are delighted that the ice rink has been even busier.

Nearly 40,000 people enjoyed skating this winter, demonstrating that the rink continues to be popular with all ages. This year we saw an increase in the numbers enjoying our Parent and Toddler sessions (up from 1,392 to 1,472), and more families than ever before experienced the ice, with over 6,500 family tickets sold.”

She added: “We look forward to welcoming the rink back to Calverley Grounds next Christmas.”

TWBC has yet to disclose how much money the rink generated.

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NEWS

Community News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Clark’s campaign to recognise Speedwatch data is a success GREG CLARK’S campaign to have Speedwatch data taken into account when deciding where to locate speed cameras has been successful.

The MP for Tunbridge Wells wanted to change the policy on the location of new fixed safety cameras.

In a letter to Mr Clark, Kent Police’s Head of Roads Policing, Chief Inspector Richard Smeed, has confirmed that this will now happen.

“Previously, the criteria for installing speed cameras was based on the number of fatal or serious accidents along a particular stretch of road,” said Mr Clark.

“I thought that it should also take into account Speedwatch

data as it provides accurate information on where people are regularly breaking the speed limit.

Delighted “It has taken many months, but at last there is good news.

“Kent Police’s new Head of Roads Policing has confirmed that information from Community Speedwatch schemes will now be taken into account when assessing the location of new road safety cameras.

“I am delighted that Kent Police has decided to change its approach – it’s a great start to 2018.”

Mr Clark’s campaign started in 2016, when he invited Kent’s new Police & Crime Commissioner [PCC],

Matthew Scott, to meet members of Hawkhurst Speedwatch.

The local group had observed the highest proportion of speeders compared to any other Speedwatch scheme in the whole of Kent, and they wanted fixed speed cameras to be installed.

Two serious accidents took place in Hawkhurst in the autumn – on September 24 three people died after a car crashed into a wall, and on October 22 two people were injured.

After these incidents, Mr Clark expressed his frustration to both the police and Kent Highways on the lack of progress regarding this policy change and asked them to urgently reconsider their positions.

WATCH LIKE A HAWK MP Greg Clark and PCC Matthew Scott with councillors in Hawkhurst

ellenor’s Fire and Ice challenges are hot ticket for cool customers

DASH AND DIVE Firewalking comes to Royal Victoria Place while St Julians hosts the hardy swimmers

HOT on the heels of the success of its Fire Walk and Chilli Dip over the last seven years, the children’s hospice charity ellenor is unleashing a double temperature challenge, Fire and Ice. This fundraiser, which involves walking across hot coals and then swimming in an outdoor pool, will be held on Friday February 16 at Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells from 7pm, and then at St Julians Club in Sevenoaks the following day from 11am. ellenor is the only charity in Kent to provide children’s hospice care in the home.

All care is provided to patients facing terminal illness up to 16 years of age free of charge.

Emma Bowles, ellenor’s Events Fundraiser, said:

“This year we are extremely excited to be taking the Fire Walk to a brand new venue, and we are thrilled to be returning to St Julians for another chilly dip.”

She added: “The Fire Walk and Chilli Dip have both raised an incredible £26,000 for families facing terminal illness over the last seven years, and we hope 2018 will be our biggest yet.”

Entrants will receive full training and a safety talk, which will take place 15 minutes before both challenges. Fire walkers will receive refreshments and all swimmers will be offered a bowl of chilli.

Registration costs £15 for each event, or £20 if you sign up for both. For more information, call 01474 320007 or visit https://ellenor.org/events

Community News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

The American dream is coming to Eridge Park in a new festival UNCLE SAM Sam Beam (right) and Jason Isbell will be on stage

NEWS

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Find out how to stop financial abuse of people with dementia THE Dementia Friendly Community in Tonbridge will be hosting a meeting of local businesses to address the issue of financial abuse of those who live with the condition.

The Information & Advice, Scamming & Financial Services event is run in association with Trading Standards, who have developed the programme nationally.

It is free and will be held at Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club at The Slade on March 7 from 5pm7.30pm. The event will be opened by Kent Police & Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott.

Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat has backed the campaign, saying: “This needs tackling locally, on every high street and in every business, too.

Devastating

By Andy Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A NEW music festival is being held in a stunning local venue this summer, bringing with it a supersized portion of Americana.

Black Deer is coming to Eridge Park on June 22-24 with a fusion of country, folk, blues, bluegrass and rock music, combined with a rich array of US-style food and culture.

Passenger, aka Michael David Rosenberg, will be among the headlining acts. The award-winning singer-­songwriter from Brighton had a No 1 in 17 countries with his hit Let Her Go, and regis-

tered 1.7billion views on YouTube.

Ward Thomas will be bringing their brand of modern country. The twin sisters’ album Cartwheels became the first album by a UK country act to reach No 1 in the charts last year.

Sam Beam – better known as Iron & Wine – will also be performing, along with Grammy winner Jason Isbell and his band The 400 Unit, and many other acts.

Authentic meats and smoky whiskys will be on offer alongside customised motorbike showcases and storytellings delivered by ‘cultural pioneers’.

Jon Finch and Ben Merrington, who have opened five American smokehouse restaurants in the UK

“I know we all want to make Tonbridge as welcoming, inclusive and safe as possible for the and jointly wrote a bestselling meat cookbook, vulnerable. It’s good for all of us and good for will be bringing their barbecue expertise to business.” the party.

He added: “Financial abuse to those with There will also be artisan wares and a range of dementia can be particularly devastating, and I’d activities from bourbon tasting and wood-­ like to invite local businesses and organisations chopping to leather craft and denim customising. offering financial services, cashback, or cash It will be a family friendly event and children transactions of any form, or who, by virtue of will be able to enjoy outdoor adventures, cinema, what you do, can help uncover such abuse.”

The objective is to help frontline staff to spot ukulele lessons and a special stage dedicated for tell-tale signs where vulnerable people with budding young talents. dementia are being taking advantage of, and to know what to do when they see it happening.

Tickets are on sale now from £115 – juniors For more information, or to say you will attend, (5-17 year olds) cost from £45 – available from email: info@tonbridgedfc.org.uk www.blackdeerfestival.com/tickets

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NEWS

County News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Four firms to battle it out for £2m reserve contract THE Kent Wildlife Trust has shortlisted four architectural firms to design the £2million Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve visitor centre.

Practices were invited to submit designs for the Nature and Wellbeing Centre when the competition launched in November.

Last week, the Trust announced the final four, who will each receive £3,000 to further their designs before a final decision is announced in May.

Benefits The centre is said to be the first in the country dedicated to connecting people and nature in ways that demonstrate

positive benefits for both people and wildlife.

The shortlisted firms are: ArkleBoyce, Ben Adams Architects, Studio McLeod and Bilska de Beaupuy.

John Bennett, Chief Executive of the Kent Wildlife Trust, said: “This will be our flagship visitor centre, and the natural companion to our remarkable Sevenoaks Reserve.

“Our foremost concern will be to maintain the wildlife value of this important and cherished site in the heart of Sevenoaks.

“This building will enhance and complement this special place.”

Work is set to begin on the final construction of the building later this year.

Healthy eating initiative to combat child obesity A COUNCIL is encouraging healthy eating after statistics revealed worrying child obesity levels.

East Sussex County Council is publicising Public Health England’s latest Change4Life initiative to encourage families to snack healthily rather than on sugar-based items.

Cynthia Lyons, the authority’s Public Health Director, said action is needed with more than a third of ten and 11 year olds being overweight in the county.

Green scheme for kids SCENIC Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

New hospital chief says trust can be among best in country MILES SCOTT has announced a five-point plan of action as he takes over Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust [MTW].

The new Chief Executive of the body, which manages the hospital in Pembury, started work last week.

Using his experience of managing other hospital trusts in London, Harrogate and Bradford, Mr Scott will hope to lead the Trust to a higher Care Quality Commission [CQC] result than its most recent ‘requires improvement’ rating.

The hospitals have been recently visited by CQC inspectors and a new report is pending.

NEWS IN BRIEF

“I would like to thank Jim Lusby for acting as CEO in recent months and leading the Trust so positively for staff and patients,” said Mr Scott.

“I am very proud to join this fantastic team, and I believe MTW has the potential to be among the very best NHS trusts in the country.”

To achieve this ambition, Mr Scott has outlined his five priorities.

These are: To boost staff engagement and clinical Miles Scott leadership; to act positively

and constructively after the CQC result is revealed; to support operational delivery under pressure; to work towards a breakthrough for patient experience; and to strengthen relationships.

Addressing MTW staff, Mr Scott continued: “I join you following several weeks of relentless demand for your skills and expertise.

“During this time, you have provided many thousands of people from our local communities with the best possible care amid significant operational pressures.

“Your efforts exemplify MTW’s values of putting our patients first, working with respect, bringing innovation to the workplace, delivering care efficiently and striving for excellence no matter the challenge.”

PRE-SCHOOL children in Maidstone have been thanked for their efforts in helping improve the town’s environment.

Smarties Nursery pupils invested a combined 1,000 hours in gardening, cleaning and recycling, as well as learning about sustainability. Manager Lucy Ring said the scheme was run in coordination with Kent County Council, and involved youngsters transforming plastic bottles into plant pots.

Service on shortlist KENT Adult Education is in line for a top award next month.

The service has been nominated in the Adult and Community Learning Provider of the Year category in the TES FE Awards 2018.

Comedian Alan Davies will present prizes at the ceremony inside London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Friday, February 23.

The County Hall supported Kent education programme is one of eight shortlisted for the award.

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NEWS

National News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Breastfeeding ‘cuts chance of diabetes’ MOTHERS who breastfeed for at least six months cut the risk of diabetes during their child-bearing years by half, a study has found.

Scientists analysed 30 years of data from a major US investigation of heart disease risk factors.

About 5,000 adults aged 18 to 30 joined the coronary artery risk development in young adults (Cardia) study between 1985 and 1986.

Women who breastfed for six months or more were 47 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who chose not to breastfeed, the researchers found.

Mothers breastfeeding for six months or less reduced their risk of diabetes by a quarter.

Hormones associated with breastfeeding may have an effect on the pancreatic cells that control blood insulin levels, the scientists believe.

Hatton Garden burglary: £5.7million still missing THE Hatton Garden burglars are believed to have sold almost £10million worth of valuables stolen for a fraction of their market value, according to a confiscation hearing at Woolwich Crown Court.

Prosecutors say £13.69million of property was taken in the London raid, and that only £4,324,437 has been recovered.

Of that, around £3.6million worth of items have been returned to its owners, some of it damaged.

A sum of £689,233 cannot be returned because its owners have not come forward, or because it is not possible to identify who it belongs to.

But taking into account the fact that the outstanding goods would not have sold at the market value of £9,365,894, all parties have agreed that £5,757,846 worth is unaccounted for.

Prosecutor Philip Evans said: “Somewhere in the world is £5.7 million worth of stolen jewellery.”

Suspect was plotting attacks on Big Ben and Queen’s Guard

EXPOSURE The risks are ‘manageable’

Banks not in danger over exposure to Carillion debt THE Bank of England has said UK lenders are not under direct threat following the collapse of Carillion this week, but cautioned that the ripple effects are yet to be fully felt.

Treasury Select Committee chair and Conservative MP Nicky Morgan questioned a panel of Bank representatives about the impact on financial services, following reports that some lenders could face hefty losses due to billions of pounds worth of exposure on its loans and debt.

Assurance The Bank’s deputy governor for prudential regulation and head of the Prudential Regulation Authority, Sam Woods, offered assurance that he had checked the exposure data for banks and insurers but found little reason to be concerned.

“Those direct exposures are entirely manageable across all the institutions,” he told MPs. However, the secondary effects are not as easily measured. “There’s then the question of will

there be a wider, indirect issue with suppliers and that’s more difficult for us to get a handle on,” Mr Woods said, but added: “I’m not massively worried about it.”

It comes amid reports that Carillion’s lenders, including Barclays, HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Lloyds and Santander UK, are facing heavy losses on their £2billion exposure to the collapsed outsourcer.

There are also issues surrounding the hole left

by Carillion on the services front, with the collapsed company having been contracted to manage a number of company buildings and facilities, including their security.

“We’ve been asking institutions, ‘quite aside from your financial exposures, are you going to be able to open your doors on Monday?’ – which is sort of the financial services version of the problem that the Government’s been having to deal with,” he said.

“So far it’s been OK, there have been a few issues but nothing too serious.”

AN ISLAMIC State-inspired terror suspect planned attacks in the UK on a range of targets including Big Ben and the Queen’s Guard, a court heard.

Umar Haque, 25, allegedly enlisted the help and support of others at his local mosque where he also tried to groom children with roleplay and extremist videos.

Opening his Old Bailey trial, Mark Heywood QC said: “The essence of this case is that the first defendant Umar Haque had decided in 2016 and early 2017 to carry out one or more violent attacks with others if he could in this country.

“His motivation was the same motivation that drives the banned Islamic State group and was at its heart religious and political.

Inspire “He hoped in due course to be able to inspire others to join him in one or more than one significant violent attacks on targets in this country including on both civilian, police and other targets.”

Abuthaher Mamun, 19, Muhammad Abid, 27, and Nadeem Patel, 26, who knew Haque through the Ripple Road Mosque in Barking, east London, are accused of helping him in various ways.

Mamun assisted with planning, Abid had a role in ‘discussion and lower level of support’ and Patel agreed to provide a gun, jurors were told.

Mr Heywood said: “Umar Haque was fascinated by the warped and extreme ideology of Islamic State.

He had identified methods and targets. Those targets were numerous but included for example, the Queen’s Guard, the courts, Transport for London, Shia Muslims, Westfield, banks in the City of London, Heathrow, west London, Parliament, Big Ben, the English Defence League or Britain First, embassies, media stations.”

National News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Maitlis ‘scared and let down’ after harassment continued NEWSNIGHT presenter Emily Maitlis has spoken out over how a 20-year campaign of harassment at the hands of a former university friend is destroying her life as he was jailed for nearly four years.

Ms Maitlis said she had been let down by the criminal justice system and Edward Vines’s unwanted attention was upsetting her husband and scaring her children.

Vines, 47, was jailed by a judge at Oxford Crown Court for 45 months after admitting two breaches of an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting the BBC journalist.

The court heard that Vines – who had briefly become friends with Ms Maitlis while they were both students at Cambridge University – had written letters to her while serving a previous prison sentence for earlier breaches of the restraining order.

He had also written again after his release from prison while living in a bail hostel and subject of licence conditions.

Judge Peter Ross described this as ‘wholly JUMPY: Maitlis unsatisfactory’ and gave has suffered the probation service and for 20 years the governor at HMP Bullingdon 10 days for a written explanation.

In a victim impact

statement read to the court, Ms Maitlis, who was not present, said: “When I heard that Edward Vines had breached his restraining order I felt scared and let down.

“Scared because it meant that even from within the prison system the perpetrator was able to reach me – let down because the system had been unable to stop him getting in touch even though the crime he is serving time for is harassment through unwanted and ongoing contact.

Frustrated “It has affected my relationship with my husband, who is frustrated that we cannot get to the bottom of this problem even though we have been tackling it through the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts for over 20 years, and it has scared my children who thought the threat had gone away – albeit temporarily whilst he was behind bars.

“It has affected my ability to do my work – I am constantly thinking of where I am being sent and whether he will be attempting to track me down.

“And it affects everyday decisions like how I leave the house and how I get to work, what time I feel able to come home at night, I work late nights often.

“It also makes me jumpy around strangers for no reason as I fear any advance might be him.”

Raising a toast to 60-year-old Shane NICK CAVE, Johnny Depp and Bono were among the guests at a star-studded birthday concert for Shane MacGowan at Dublin’s National Concert Hall.

The Pogues singer, who was born in Pembury Hospital and attended Holmewood House prep school in Langton Green, turned 60 on Christmas Day. He was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by Irish

President Michael D Higgins at the event on January 14.

Hollywood actor Depp played the guitar for a rendition of The Pogues’ A Rainy Night In Soho, while Cave and MacGowan teamed up for the band’s Summer In Siam.

MacGowan, who was brought on stage in a wheelchair, performed a solo version of traditional tune Will You Go Lassie Go.

CHEERS ALL ROUND Shane MacGowan went to school in Tunbridge Wells

NEWS IN BRIEF

New US Embassy opens

Snow warning increased

THE new US embassy in London has officially opened after Donald Trump suggested its move to a new location was a ‘bad deal’.

The President cancelled a visit to the UK to open the building, criticising its move from Grosvenor Square to an ‘off location’ at Nine Elms, south of the Thames. Mr Trump had blamed his predecessor Barack Obama for the move but last week an embassy spokesman insisted it was completed within its $1billion (£730million) budget.

SEVERE weather warnings for snow and ice have been upgraded as wintry conditions sweep the UK. The Met Office has issued amber ‘be prepared’ warnings of snow and ice for southern Scotland and Northern Ireland. More than 50 schools and nurseries were closed in the Highlands.

Forecasters warn of ‘heavy squally showers of snow’ which may cause power cuts, with 15 to 25cm of snow possible on high ground and five to 10cm at lower levels.

Uber orders drivers to rest

Ireland to Spain by ferry

TAXI firm Uber is to introduce a cap on how many hours its drivers can work, saying the move is an ‘industry first’.

The new policy means licensed drivers on Uber’s app must take an uninterrupted six-hour break after 10 hours at the wheel. If they fail to do so, they will not be able to log into the apps.

IRELAND and Spain are to be linked by a direct ferry service for the first time.

It will enable firms to bypass the UK when transporting freight, which could be useful after Brexit because of customs queues at British ports.

Brittany Ferries will operate two return sailings a week from Cork to Santander from April.

NEWS

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BUSINESS

National Business News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

BP takes billion pound hit from oil spill disaster

PRESSURE’S OFF Slowdown reduces possibility of an interest rate hike

OIL giant BP has said it will book another 1.7 billion US dollar (£1.2 billion) charge from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 as part of the settlement for the disaster.

But the group said despite the fourth-quarter hit, the lengthy settlement process for the mammoth claims related to the spill is now winding down.

BP said cash payments related to the blast which killed 11 rig workers and led to millions of gallons of oil being spewed into the Gulf of Mexico - are now expected to be around 3 billion US dollars (£2.2 billion) in 2018, rather than its previous estimate of just over 2 billion US dollars (£1.5 billion).

Inflation drops from near six-year peak INFLATION has rolled back for the first time since June, helping households to cope with the relentless pressure on their finances.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) eased to 3 per cent in December, down from 3.1 per cent in November when inflation reached its highest level since March 2012.

The outcome was in line with expectations, with some economists believing Britain’s soaring inflation has now peaked following sterling’s collapse since the Brexit vote.

Falling However, ONS Senior Statistician James Tucker said it was ‘too early to say’ whether the fall was part of a long-term trend.

The drop was largely caused by air fares, but falling price tags on clothes and toys also pulled costs lower.

The slowdown of inflation takes the pressure off the Bank of England to hike interest rates beyond 0.5 per cent in the coming months.

Yael Selfin, Chief Economist at KPMG UK, said the inflation fall will provide a ‘small relief’ to households, but oil prices could keep everyday costs higher.

She added: “A rise in oil prices together with the lagged effect of sterling’s earlier falls, which is expected to take some time before being fully

passed on to consumers, will continue to provide upward pressure on prices.”

The lion’s share of the downward pressure in December came from air fares, which counted for a smaller slice of the basket of goods and services in 2017 than the year before.

It means the cost of air travel dragged on overall prices, despite growing by 52.8 per cent monthon-month in December, compared with a 48.9 per cent rise in 2016.

Food and non-alcoholic drinks also recorded smaller monthly growth of 0.6 per cent, down from 0.8 per cent in December 2016.

In contrast, tobacco was applying upward pressure in response to tax increases announced in the autumn Budget.

Costs lifted by 2.7 per cent month-on-month in December, compared with a 0.2 per cent rise for the same month in 2016.

At the pumps, motorists were facing higher fuel costs, with petrol up by 0.8p per litre on the month to 119.9p per litre.

Diesel also rose by 0.7p to 123.5p.

The Retail Prices Index (RPI), a separate measure of inflation, was 4.1 per cent last month, up from 3.9 per cent in November.

The Consumer Prices Index including owneroccupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) - the ONS’ preferred measure of inflation - reached 2.7 per cent in December, down from 2.8 per cent for the month before.

Compensate The fourth-quarter charge was made to cover remaining payments to businesses to compensate for economic losses from the oil spill and other claims linked to the court-supervised settlement programme as a result of BP’s class action settlement.

The bill for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico spill had already reached more than 62 billion US dollars (£45 billion) by last December.

NEWS IN BRIEF

House prices rise by £11,000 in a year UK house prices were around £11,000 higher in November than a year earlier, official figures show.

The average price was £226,000 in November 2017, marking a 5.1 per cent annual increase, slightly down on a 5.4 per cent rise in October, according to figures compiled jointly by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Land Registry and other bodies.

Property values edged up by 0.1 per cent, month-on-month in November.

Digital currency falls THE value of Bitcoin tumbled to below $12,000 as the prospect of a regulatory crackdown saw investors take fright from the cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin was trading 12 per cent lower at $11,933 on Tuesday, according to Coindesk, a dramatic fall from its December highs of nearly $20,000.

However, it remains significantly higher than its $900 position recorded in January 2017.

Greggs plan growth HIGH street chain Greggs has said it plans to ramp up shop openings over the year ahead after a solid performance in 2017 despite seeing sales growth slow over the Christmas season.

The group said like-for-like sales rose 3.7 per cent last year, but growth slowed to 3 per cent in the final three months as it came up against tough comparisons from a strong performance the previous Christmas.

Greggs boss Roger Whiteside said it aims to open between 110 and 130 shops on a net basis over the year.

World News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

SPORT IN BRIEF

Konta books place in second round JOHANNA KONTA eased into the second round of the Australian Open.

The ninth seed has a fine record at Melbourne Park having reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals the last two years and is one of a whole raft of contenders for the women’s title.

She was far too good for 90th-ranked American Madison Brengle, hitting 37 winners and eight aces in a 6-3 6-1 victory that lasted only an hour and six minutes.

McIlroy is upbeat RORY MCILROY feels a first win since September 2016 is ‘not far away’ as he makes his comeback in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship tomorrow [January 18].

McIlroy, who suffered a rib injury which disrupted his entire season, said: “I’ve practised and I’ve played, obviously not competitively in a proper tournament, but I’ve shot some really good scores over the last few weeks. That’s different from being out here with a card in your hand but from everything I’ve seen in practice, there is no reason to think it is not that far away.”

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Parents of children ‘chained to beds’ could face torture charges THIRTEEN siblings have been rescued by police after a number of them were found chained to beds in ‘foul-smelling surroundings’.

A 17-year-old girl called police after escaping from her family’s California home where she and her 12 brothers and sisters were locked up, some so malnourished officers at first believed all were children even though seven are adults.

Shackled The girl, who was so small officers initially believed she was only 10, called 911 and was met by police who interviewed her and then went to the family home in Perris, about 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

They found several children shackled to their beds with chains and padlocks in dark, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The children, ages two to 29, ‘appeared to be malnourished and very dirty’, according to officers who arrested the parents.

David Allen Turpin, 57, and Louise Anna Turpin, 49, each were held on 9 million dollar (£6.5 million) bail and could face charges including torture and child endangerment.

It was not immediately known if they had lawyers.

Neighbours said they were stunned by the arrests. Andrew Santillan, who lives around the corner, heard about the case from a friend.

“I had no idea this was going on,” he told the Press-Enterprise of Riverside. “I didn’t know there were kids in the house.”

Other neighbours described the family as intensely private.

The Turpins filed for bankruptcy in 2011, stating in court documents they owed between 100,000 dollars (£72,500) and 500,000 dollars (£362,000), The New York Times reported.

At that time, Mr Turpin worked as an engineer at Northrop Grumman and earned 140,000 dollars (£100,000) annually and his wife was a homemaker, records showed.

MEETING: Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with migrant Salha Medhat

French President urges more UK funding for Calais FRENCH president Emmanuel Macron has said he wants to negotiate with the UK over better police cooperation to handle migrants in the French port of Calais - and is also seeking more money from Britain to help develop the city.

Illegally

Wenger referee rant ARSENE WENGER called referee Mike Dean ‘not honest’ and ‘a disgrace’ when he burst into the officials’ room after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with West Brom on New Year’s Eve, according to the Football Association.

The manager was angry about a penalty decision for handball late in the game, and the outburst earned him a three-game ban.

Dean’s written testimony stated: “He was very aggressive leaning towards me.”

NEWS

CALIFORNIA The Turpins’ house in Perris

Mr Macron is visiting the northern city, where many migrants attempt to sneak across the Channel.

In a speech to security forces in the city, Mr Macron also said he wants the UK to take in more unaccompanied minors.

Mr Macron is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Theresa May in Sandhurst tomorrow [January 18].

He said France is doing ‘everything’ to prevent migrants from illegally entering the UK, insisting: “Calais is not a back door to England.”

The city is the closest point between France and Britain, with two cross-Channel transport systems, the Eurotunnel and ferries.

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Local News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

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 Criticism is a bridge too far – new station is success story Instead of complaining about the length of time Network Rail (for it is they, not Southeastern) are taking to complete the regeneration of London Bridge Station, and the fact he had to walk a bit further, Noah Clinton-Moss [January 3] should be congratulating them on a brilliant job.

The project has been meticulously planned from the outset and they have kept precisely to their timetable.

The communications have been really good – no one could say they haven’t been warned what will happen at each stage.

And they’ve kept the trains running and people moving through the station throughout, except for short periods such as Christmas (the least busy times).

What would Mr Clinton-Moss prefer – that they just closed London Bridge completely for two to three years?

Hilary Pook (also a commuter) Tunbridge Wells

Planners on the wrong path Why would any planner in their right mind close off one of the main accesses to Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury for nine weeks?

From January 8, Tonbridge Road was closed southbound whilst construction work continued on the provision of a cycle path.

The most obvious way of permitting safe completion of the works, causing the least disruption to traffic in the area, and allowing normal, full and unfettered access to the hospital, would have been to close the road northbound at the hospital entrance.

The current arrangement entails adding further disruption to all hospital visitors from Tonbridge and north Tunbridge Wells, including emergency vehicles. It also adds to the rush hour traffic problems at the A21/Pembury Road junction, with traffic dangerously backing up on to the southbound dual carriageway.

This arrangement would also benefit other principal businesses in the area, Notcutts Garden Centre and the Mercure Hotel.

Patients attending clinics and other hospital visitors are already under considerable stress and pressure without having to worry about getting to their appointments on time.

The obvious question is: Why wasn’t the cycle path constructed whilst Tonbridge Road was closed for nine months during the construction of the new A21 flyover at North Farm?

Parties in breweries come to mind!

John Eaton Via email

MP is putting his career first Mr Clark [MP for Tunbridge Wells] stayed on as a Cabinet member last week during the government reshuffle.

By choosing to continue in Theresa May’s government, Mr Clark is putting his ministerial career ahead of his residents, who

ON THE RISE The London Bridge project has been meticulously planned

Read letters and consultation responses from your constituents, understand the issues and concerns, and use all available facts and evidence to help form your position. Do not discard evidence that opposes your views.

■ Challenge your own pre-conceived opinions and positions on issues and policies. Read opposing evidence and views and understand and appreciate them.

■ Do not be influenced by others before considering issues and policies in detail. The opinions of family and friends are not evidence – they are opinions of a very small minority.

■ Debate supporting your arguments with facts and evidence. Please note, Cllr Jukes, one letter from an 11 year old is not evidence.

I hope 2018 will be a year of change for better debate and local government in the borough.

I hope May’s local elections will help to focus councillors’ and residents’ minds.

Nicholas Pope Tunbridge Wells

No shops, no new Town Hall?

overwhelmingly oppose Brexit.

Mr Clark is choosing to pursue the Prime Minister’s extreme version of Brexit – out of the single market and customs union.

Thousands of his constituents rely on the single market for their livelihoods.

He must put his constituents and country ahead of his party and admit that Brexit is a disaster and the country needs to have a rethink.

Cllr Ben Chapelard Leader of Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats

Reshuffle changed nothing Wealden MP Nus Ghani may have been promoted to government whip and to become a minister in the Department for Transport [January 10], but Theresa May’s reshuffle is hardly a victory for women, or equality.

The Prime Minister was hailed for boosting ‘diversity’ after her change around. And it is true the number of female ministers is now 38, a rise from 29 last year, with nine ministers of ethnic minority background, up from five.

But for analysts to say the reshuffle is a revolution or, as one MP put it, ‘positive discrimination’, would be ignorant. In fact May’s reforms have not gone far enough.

The number of male ministers has decreased from 89 to 82, but still remains more than double the number of women.

White ministers have only decreased by two, from 113 to 111, and Oxbridge-educated ministers have increased from 46 to 48. There are only six women in the 23-member cabinet.

Behind the headlines, nothing has changed.

Robinson Shaw High Brooms

Time to show some resolve May I suggest some New Year resolutions for Tunbridge Wells borough councillors?

■ Take time to read documents before meetings.

More shops closing in Tunbridge Wells, as you reported last week, means that the council’s revenues fall, too. How then will Tunbridge Wells Borough Council pay for its folie de grandeur – the new Town Hall and theatre?

Ralph Steerpike Tunbridge Wells

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

IT really wasn’t her fault. The fact that TV ‘personality’ Lydia Bright appeared on the BBC’s highbrow Celebrity Mastermind the other day has to be down to the show’s producer. He/she must have known the one-time star of The Only Way Is Essex would have been just a tad out of her depth with the wrong environment and wrong questions.

And it wasn’t funny. It was embarrassing.

Especially for Lydia. When asked what the pips lead up to on BBC Radio 4 (normally the news), she admitted she didn’t even understand the question. When presenter John Humphrys imitated the sound of the pips she was no wiser. No doubt the PC Brigade at the Beeb (why can’t we all have ring-fenced pensions?) would say it’s all about diversity.

THE ongoing race for readers is all-important in newspapers. If this picture is anything to go by, then this esteemed publication is reaching readers that others can’t. Calverley is grateful, as ever, to the friend of this column who kindly sent him the image. Are there any more out there?

Homelessness matters here Reading your article about the homeless in Tunbridge Wells [January 3], I was not surprised to learn that rough sleeping is on the rise here.

Two charities in our area, Nourish Community Foodbank and DAVSS [Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services)], consistently point out that residents of a well-to-do town like ours are not immune to financial catastrophe.

Nourish say that all too often a change of circumstances means residents can longer pay their bills, and if the arrears are large, the problem can be overwhelming.

Similarly, DAVSS say that some of the most vulnerable people in our society are those who have become accustomed to a certain standard of living, but then have that support network severed when they have to flee abuse.

So before anyone thinks: ‘This isn’t our problem’, they may like to reflect on the fact that when the standard of living is high, it is all too easy to drop off the bottom end.

George Payne Tunbridge Wells

Stamp of approval for library I am delighted that Kent County Council is to clean up the high quality fascia of the library, a key building in Tonbridge High Street and Avebury Avenue – the entrance to the Barden Estate and Judd Ward.

I am also pleased the interior and the access is to be upgraded. So thanks for this investment in this much appreciated facility.

David Cure Tonbridge & Malling Borough Councillor Judd Ward

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

BEING in 46,000th place in any competition is not normally something to shout about.

But that’s what Calverley came across on sauntering into a local watering hole. The person buying the Champagne was in 46,000th place in something called the Fantasy Football League, where punters manage imaginary teams. Our friend was ‘over the moon’ because there were five million other ‘managers’ below his side in the league. Pass the bubbly.

TALKING about imbibing, Calverley spotted the following sign outside a popular bar: “We embrace Dry January. We offer dry Martinis, dry white wine and dry cider.”

Chin Chin, readers

Education News

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Secondary school starters are struggling with social media The Children’s Commissioner for England has warned that pre-teens are ‘ill-equipped’ for the avalanche of pressure on social media as they head into secondary school. Eileen Leahy finds out more about this report…

A RECENT report published by the Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, found that for many children the social media world begins to dominate their lives, with some craving and seeing likes and comments as a way of validating their identity.

The report, entitled, Life In Likes, states that children are becoming increasingly anxious about their online image as they begin Year 7 [11-12 years of age].

Ms Longfield said it has been known for a while that more and more children under 13 are using social media apps, despite the fact they are not designed for their use. The study, which involved eight groups with 32 children aged eight to 12, found the most popular social media platforms are Snapchat, Instagram, Musically and Whatsapp.

RINGING THE CHANGES Pre-teens are using more apps

Pressure But Ms Longfield said the most surprising discovery for her was the change in how social media is used between the ages of nine and 10, and up to 12 and 13.

“What starts as fun usage of apps - children are using it with family and friends and to play games when they are in primary school - turns into an avalanche of pressure when children really are faced with a cliff edge of social media interaction when they start secondary school,” she said.

This move is centred around a social pressure to be constantly contactable and connected, with children describing this as an important expectation of their friendships, and fallouts over not being responsive enough, the report said.

Some Year 7 children, who are in the first year of their secondary education, described how receiving notifications from across the social media platforms, especially if there were a number of them, was distracting, time consuming and stressful to manage.

The Times approached a number of our local schools for comment. The new Head Teacher at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Amanda Simpson said: “As a school we see

firsthand the impact that social media has on young people, sadly this is too often negative.

“We have made the decision to ban phones and tablets from the school during the school day with overwhelming support from parents.

Encouraging our young people to interact more on a face to face level. The link between social media and screen time and mental health is all too evident.”

Julie Lodrick, Headmistress of Kent College added: “Ann Longfield is right to highlight the increasing pressures that children face from social media. However, to say that schools should play a bigger role in preparing children for the demands of social media as they move from primary to secondary school is far too simplistic.

“A more realistic response needs to propose an equally co-ordinated effort between schools, parents, the Government and the social media platforms themselves, with each taking equal responsibility for supporting, guiding and educating this fully digital generation of

Inspiring science TV presenter and broadcaster Rob Bell (pictured right) visited Vinehall School, Robertsbridge last week as part of its STEM Day which covers science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The STEM ambassador and Channel 5 star started the day with an assembly explaining that engineering is omnipresent in our everyday lives before running a series of bridge building workshops. The brief was to build the strongest, but also most aesthetically pleasing, bridge but to also inspire students into thinking more about the engineering around them.

Deputy head Tom Gregory said “It was an absolute pleasure to have Rob visit the school, as his enthusiasm and knowledge rubbed off on the children and inspired them to have a go.”

LESSONS LEARNT Rob Bell with Vinehall students

children.”

Describing the start of senior school as a ‘very pressured time for children anyway’, the Children’s Commissioner said it is likely that by the age of 11-12 most are likely to have a smartphone.

Ms Longfield went on to say that social media provides a way of children passing judgment on the popularity of others and what they look like, and can be ‘very negative for children’.

She added: “We know it is hugely damaging for children in terms of their self identity, and confidence, but also in terms of their ability to develop themselves as individuals,” she said.

Calling on schools and parents to prepare children for this change in social media use towards the end of primary school, the commissioner also warned it needs to be dealt with ‘swiftly’.

“It is something which, if we don’t deal with now, will mean that it grows over time and children will have greater problems as they move through secondary school,” she added.

NEWS

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Peter Lidstone

Tunbridge Wells councillor

The youngest member of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Peter Lidstone, aged 32, is a Liberal Democrat councillor and was the only candidate to successfully dislodge a Conservative opponent at the last local elections. With a full-time job as part of the charity Build Africa, the former law student of the University of the West of England is also fluent in French. His interest in politics came after attending a conference on the subject at Christian Aid about why Christians should get involved

Action is needed to make homes of empty houses IN LOCAL politics, it is tempting to feel powerless in the face of the big issues facing our society.

Brexit comes up a lot on the doorstep, and while I continue to believe that we are a stronger nation allied to the European Union than outside it, my role is to focus on what’s within our power to change as councillors.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] often portrays itself as the victim of Government legislation, which obliges them to take certain decisions. Is there more they could be doing to challenge this situation? I am sure there is.

Take the current lack of affordable housing, for instance. The Government requires councils to set targets for levels of affordable housing in new large scale developments. But in 2012 the law was changed to allow developers to avoid building affordable housing if this impacts on their 20 per cent profit margin.

Developer viability assessments, which allow them to avoid providing affordable homes, are private documents. Councils can open these up to external examination, but TWBC has not done this. So how many of the 108 flats proposed on the former cinema site are affordable? Not one.

Then there is the issue of vacant homes. A recent freedom of information request from the Liberal Democrats revealed that more than 11,000 homes across the country have been empty for longer than

ten years, and 60,000 for more than two years. This includes 102 properties in Tunbridge Wells. Again, councils have powers to take over properties which have been vacant for more than two years, but TWBC has not used these powers. At a time when people are sleeping rough on our streets, we have one hundred potential homes sitting empty.

‘More than 11,000 homes across the country have been empty for longer than ten years, and 60,000 for more than two years’ And the Council is crying foul over Government rules introduced in 2013 which allow offices to be converted into residential without planning permission (via a process called permitted development). This has resulted in a lack of office space in our town, as offices are converted into lucrative residential flats.

What can Tunbridge Wells do? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot. Councils such as Merton and Sevenoaks passed Article 4 directions to restrict the ability of developers to automatically convert offices in certain areas. Tunbridge Wells has not.

Passive councils deliver poor results for residents.

It’s time we stopped playing the role of the victim, and started taking our destiny into our own hands.

VACANT Homes can sit empty for years

The Times is proud to work with:

Available in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge

bracketts

WITH THE

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

Cutting edge

A rural designer home for the modern family

est. 1828

24

PROPERTY

To suit your budget

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to

UNDER £250,000 LITTLE PARK, WADHURST

GUIDE PRICE

£175,000 (LEASEHOLD) A purpose-built second-floor one-bedroom apartment in need of some modernisation. The living/ dining room includes an eaves storage cupboard and hatch to the loft. The kitchen has a range of eye and base units in neutral tones.

The bedroom has a built-in

wardrobe and storage heater, and there is a bathroom. The outside of the property offers a communal area of garden as well as a bin store, allocated parking and visitor parking. The property has the remainder of a 999-year lease from 21 January 1994 with ground rent and service charge payable.

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

UNDER £350,000 WOODSIDE ROAD, TONBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE

£310,000-£315,000 A two-bedroom end-of-terrace property in a popular location close to the mainline station and high street. Arranged over two floors, the accommodation comprises an entrance hall, a living room with recessed fireplace and tiled hearth, a dining room

with understairs recess, a rear lobby with double doors to the garden, a kitchen, two bedrooms and a first floor bathroom.

Outside, there is a courtyard to the front and a partially-walled garden to the rear with a decked seating area, lawn and garden shed.

CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

To suit your budget

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

PROPERTY

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great properties by price range…

WEST PIKEFISH OAST LADDINGFORD

GUIDE PRICE

£865,000 FREEHOLD

UNDER £450,000 DOUGLAS ROAD, TONBRIDGE

£400,000 An Edwardian home in a popular area for commuters and with neutrally decorated rooms. The sitting room has a bay window and a period-style fireplace. The dining room is a good size, with large storage under the stairs, and the kitchen has a built-in oven and hob. On the first floor, there is a master bedroom with a feature cast iron fireplace and plenty of storage, plus two further bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is a gravelled garden to the front and a rear lawn garden.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £600,000 TONBRIDGE ROAD, HILDENBOROUGH

£525,000 This extended semi-detached property has a sitting room with an open fireplace, a kitchen/dining room fitted with ample oak units and a downstairs cloakroom with ceramic flooring. There is also a conservatory that leads out to the large garden. The first floor has two double bedrooms and a single bedroom plus a bathroom. A staircase from the landing leads to a light and airy master bedroom suite with fitted wardrobes. There is also driveway parking and a garage.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £1MILLION WEST PIKEFISH OAST PIKEFISH LANE, LADDINGFORD

GUIDE PRICE

£865,000 FREEHOLD A square kiln oast and barn full of character, with beams, vaulted ceilings and an impressive brick fireplace. The property is situated in a country lane yet is just four miles from Paddock Wood train station.

Set over two floors, there is a kitchen, sitting room, utility room,

UNDER £650,000 CHICHESTER ROAD, TONBRIDGE study, a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and three more double bedrooms as well as two en-suite shower rooms and a family bathroom. Externally, there is a garden with stone-paved patio and a double garage.

CONTACT Firefly Properties Paddock Wood 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

GUIDE PRICE

£550,000-£600,000 A beautifully presented detached property situated close to the mainline station, high street and a primary school. On the ground floor, there is a sitting room and a dining room which leads to an open-plan kitchen/family room. To the first floor there are four bedrooms, a bathroom and cloakroom.

Outside, there is a garden with a lawn and patio area and off-road parking.

CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Little Mount Sion

Presented to offer spacious open-plan living

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

AT A GLANCE LITTLE MOUNT SION TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Immaculate decorative order n Timber sash windows – two having New England shutters n Real wood flooring on ground floor n Entrance lobby n Kitchen/dining room with wooden units and fitted worktops n Living area with exposed brick chimney and beams n Half-glazed door to garden n 2 double bedrooms, one with a range of four-door fitted wardrobes n Stylish bathroom with roll-top bath and separate shower n Good storage n Walled courtyard garden with space for garden furniture and BBQ

GUIDE PRICE

£425,000

Available for sale through Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

Immaculately designed Victorian house in the heart of Tunbridge Wells ‘village’

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PROPERTY

Martins

New executive property offers six bedrooms and far-reaching views

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

AT A GLANCE

MARTINS WELLBROOK, MAYFIELD n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Dining room n Cloakroom n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Conservatory n Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite

There is a separate studio/music room which could be used as an office

n 4 further bedrooms n Office/bedroom 6 n Family bathroom n Shower room n Detached double garage with studio/office n Double open-bay garage n Gardens and grounds including fully-fenced pond n Decked areas n In all about 0.6 acres

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ975,000 Available for sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Summerfield House

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

AT A GLANCE SUMMERFIELD HOUSE ARGOS HILL, ROTHERFIELD ■ Cutting edge design by local architects HMY ■ Energy efficient ■ Iron electronic gates ■ Entrance hall ■ Cloakroom cupboard and WC ■ Utility room ■ Dining room ■ Kitchen fitted with sleek grey and white units and breakfast bar ■ Drawing room with bifolding doors ■ Principal bedroom with en-suite shower room ■ 5 further bedrooms, one wth en-suite shower room ■ Large family bathroom with doubleended bath and separate shower

Statement home built less than a year ago and perfect for entertaining The drawing room has a feeling of grandeur with a larch-clad feature wall

■ Garden bordered by a tall brick wall on one side and timber fencing ■ Large expanse of level lawn with southern and westerly views ■ Sun terrace

£1,195,000 Available for sale through Barnes Kingsnorth Tunbridge Wells 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com

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PROPERTY

Bidborough Ridge

There is a spacious landing which could be used as a TV or music room

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

AT A GLANCE BIDBOROUGH RIDGE BIDBOROUGH NR TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Over 3,500 sq ft of well-presented accommodation on 3 levels n 21ft sitting room with stained glass windows and feature fireplace n Dining room n Open-plan kitchen/breakfast room with large walk-in larder n Cloakroom n Conservatory n En-suite master bedroom with dedicated dressing area n 4 further bedrooms n Bathroom n Study n South-facing rear garden n Large garage with attached 21ft games room and storage shed n Spectacular views over countryside

OIEO ÂŁ1,200,000 Available for sale through Maddisons Residential Tunbridge Wells 01892 514100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Plenty of space for all the family with acres of common and woodland on the doorstep

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FEATURES

Food & Drink

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Let your drinking experience be gin

BEARING FRUIT There’s much more to gin than G&T

If you are not participating in dry January, why not embrace another current drinking trend – Gin-uary? Times drinks editor James Viner picks his six favourite tipples 1 LOCAL HERO

A

gin-aissance continues to flourish in the UK as one in three people say that the spirit once known as Madam Geneva is their tipple of choice.

Gin sales have doubled in value over the last six years, reaching £1.2billion in the 12 months to the end of September 2017, according to the most recent market report from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association [WSTA].

Forty seven million bottles of gin were bought in the UK in the 12 months to last September – seven million more than in the same period in 2016. That’s the equivalent of 1.32 billion G&Ts being drunk in the past year.

In addition to this, 45 new distilleries opened in 2016 – a rise of nearly a fifth – bringing the total number in the UK to around 280.

Here are my top six gin offerings to try…

Professor Cornelius Ampleforth Bathtub Gin, Tunbridge Wells, Kent (£29.99-£33, Amazon/ Morrisons/Waitrose, 70cl) The World Gin Awards 2014 announced this very decent Tunbridge Wells gin as the World’s Best Compound Gin. It’s made using the traditional method of cold compounding/dry hopping, which infuses a range of botanicals, including coriander, cloves and cinnamon, in a copper still, creating its astonishing flavour. Not my first choice for a G&T, but Bathtub Gin really comes into its own when used in a French 75 or a very respectable Martini or Negroni. Each bottle is tastefully packaged entirely by hand using paper, twine and wax. Alc 43.3%

2 MUST-TRY BARGAIN PREMIUM GIN Topaz Blue Premium London Dry Gin (£13.99, Aldi, 70cl) A revelation and spotless all-rounder to stock up for Gin-uary on your next Aldi shop, this inexpensive, smallbatch supermarket gin is classically bright and citrusy. The pronounced juniper hit works extremely well, giving it a welcome kick that makes

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3

for a deliciously rounded G&T and luxurious Negroni (with a classic ratio of 1:1:1 gin/sweet vermouth/ Campari). Utterly exceptional value for a top-quality gin – do not hesitate. There’s no denying that you get a great taste for a great price. Your drinks cupboard deserves this bargain! Alc 40%

3 HIGH STREET CHOICE

Co-op Irresistible London Dry Gin (£16 until Jan 23, then £17.49, 70cl) Sixteen botanicals in this mix make for an exceptionally sophisticated own-label premium supermarket gin. Crafted by one of just a very small group of female British master distillers, this corker is expertly balanced with juniper berries and fragrant botanicals,

Food & Drink

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

including cardamom and coriander.

There’s a delightful exotic spiciness here as well, alongside bursts of citrus.

Serve it with a wheel of orange and ginger ale, or simply with tonic and a slice of grapefruit, for a great G&T. Top value for the quality, ace from the Co-op! Alc 40%

4 LIDL BEAUTY

Hortus Artisan London Dry Gin (£15.99, Lidl, 70cl) Lip-smackingly clean and balanced with discreetly complex notes of lavender, rosehip, citrus and orange, this would make a fantastic gin fizz and G&T. Juniper is a constant presence and discloses its piney guise. Skilfully distilled in Warrington using traditional copper stills, it’s further testament to Lidl’s mission for superior bargains.

Very decent gin for a snip of a price and a must-try. Alc 40%

5 KENTISH KNOCKOUT

Copper Rivet Distillery Dockyard Chatham Dry Gin (£28-£32, Whisky Exchange/Dulwich Vintners, 50cl) Sublime, sophisticated and silky, this garden-fresh, complex and intense Kentish gin brims with tangy Italian juniper notes that are reinforced by Spanish orange and Italian lemon peel characters, with further botanical backing from Bulgarian coriander, local elderflower, European angelica/orris root and green cardamoms. African Grains of Paradise add a wondrous piquant depth. It’s just the ticket served over ice with your favourite mixer and a slice of pink grapefruit/sprig of rosemary for a great G&T. Very classy stuff crafted by a master distiller who studied and taught at Edinburgh’s renowned Heriot-Watt University, it makes all the time Martini time. Alc 41.2%

Anno 60 Squared Gin, Marden (£50-£52 Amazon/Master of Malt/ The Drink Shop, 70cl) This is a remarkable and quite brilliant spirit from Kent’s first micro-distillery, the first to distil gin in the county for over 200 years. There’s such a flavour intensity here, which edges to the flavours of juniper, citrus, spice and Kentish hops. It’s hard to beat this superlative earthy and woody gin deployed in a G&T (1724 tonic water is ideal) – impossibly delectable and beautifully refreshing. Also, an excellent Martini bedfellow. One of my favourites and Kentish excellence that you need to taste. Splash out, it’s worth it, and will tantalise your taste buds. Alc 60%

Gin Distillery Tour at Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham’s Maritime Marina (ME4 4LP)

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6 BEAUTIFULLY BOLD ARTISANAL GIN FROM MARDEN

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Opened in October 2016, this familyrun craft distillery – which occupies a Grade II listed Victorian building at Chatham Dockyard – is one of only six in the UK to control the whole distillation process from grain to glass.

It’s open all year round for relaxed drinks, lunches, fabulous tours and corporate functions where you can learn how they distil spirits and discover the secrets behind the botanicals. Hourlong distillery tours and tastings (don’t miss out on the award-winning Vela vodka) take place Thursday-Sunday.

Book online or call 01634 931122. What a fab birthday present for the gin hound in your life! £12 per person. www.copperrivetdistillery.com/tours Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

TEMPTING TRIP The Copper Rivet Distillery

FEATURES

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FEATURES

Weddings

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

A wedding day of historic proportions Sparks flew when Claire Johnston met James Fuller in a Tunbridge Wells nightclub on New Year’s Eve in 2011. Fast forward to last year, and they were walking down the aisle at a venue that fufilled Claire’s dream of getting married outdoors. She tells the Times all about her special day…

How did you and your husband meet, Claire?

My friend had just moved from Horsham to Tunbridge Wells, close to where I lived, and he had bought a few tickets to a nightclub called Beluga on New Year’s Eve 2011.

There was actually a fire in the club that night– I remember smelling burning when I was dancing – so we were all evacuated into the street. It meant my New Year’s Eve was spent in

the street whilst watching a shed go up in flames behind the club.

Thankfully, my evening got a lot better when James turned up at the bar.

He had his bow tie undone and looked very smart in his dinner jacket. He certainly stood out as he was the only man wearing one. I approached him and asked why his bow tie was undone, to which he replied with a cheesy one-liner: “I was waiting for you to do it up.” It obviously won my heart.

MAKING THE CUT James and Claire

Tell us about the proposal…

James took me away for a surprise Valentine’s Day weekend. He took me to Hartwell House National Trust Hotel in Buckinghamshire. I remember arriving at the gates and thinking how stunning it was – quite extravagant for just one of many Valentine weekends.

In fact, I think I even told James off for spending so much.

We got a room upgrade, which was great as it meant we had our own lounge. It was an enormous suite overlooking the lovely gardens – their best room, apparently.

We went for an afternoon walk around the grounds, all wrapped up as it was a chilly day, and then James stopped on the beautiful bridge and got down on one knee.

He presented me with a little ring box and asked me if I would do him the honour of being his wife.

The sun had just come out at that minute and was shining down on us. I did some nervous laughing and said yes.

Where did you get married and how did you choose the venue?

We got married at Leez Priory – a Tudor manor house in Great Leighs, Essex.

We went to an open day and fell in love with the place, and booked a cancellation date they had straight away.

A TOUCH OF THE TUDORS The towers added to the romance

Weddings

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

We aren’t normally very decisive, so we definitely knew it was the right place. The venue has a long history and many beautiful features, and as I’m an artist I noticed all the little things like the old chandeliers.

It was very castle-like, and I could just picture us walking down the aisle with all our friends and family there. We always wanted an outside wedding, but being England we felt we couldn’t trust the weather, so were struggling to find a location that offered equally beautiful places to get married outside and inside. Leez Priory had just as beautiful places indoors and outdoors, so we would have been happy with either.

They were great because they let me put my personal touch on the wedding, supplying my own name cards, table plan and extras like lanterns.

As I only had just over four months to organise

the wedding. I got a lot of things on eBay and used local suppliers where I could, like I did for the cake.

Tell us about your big day, and some of its key highlights…

It really was a perfect day. I was quite anxious as I stayed at the venue the night before, and during the day it was pouring down with rain. I felt so sorry for the bride who braved it outside in the afternoon to get some photos, she looked so wet.

I wanted the wedding outside the stunning tower, and although there were beautiful inside places, too, I had my heart set on it.

I checked the weather app on my phone for most of the night, it said rain at 3pm – I could only hope it was right.

I woke up and looked out the window to see a frosty morning, but with a bright blue sky, and I

knew the sun was coming. It turned out to be a beautiful warm day, and I remember reaching the end of the aisle and walking across the lawn, shutting my eyes for just a brief few seconds and feeling the warmth on my face.

It was perfect, and we fulfilled our dream of getting married outside the stunning priory tower.

It was wonderful having all our friends and family together in one place, with some of them meeting for the first time.

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The cake tasted really good and she made the top tier dairy free as well. It tasted delicious and we even had a couple of bits at Christmas as had so much left over.

The photographer was Ben at Lavenham Photographic in Essex. He took so many beautiful photographs – over 800 in total.

It really was a day to remember!

5 TOP TIPS FOR FUTURE BRIDES & GROOMS

How did you start your married life together?

We stayed overnight at the wedding venue, dancing the night away. The next morning we went to Luton Hoo Hotel and stayed there for a couple of nights.

In October, we went on our honeymoon to South Africa, which included a three-day safari, whale-watching, and then five nights relaxing on the West Coast. We had an amazing time and were so fortunate to have had such generous contributions as our wedding gifts to enable us to go to one of our dream destinations.

Can you tell us about some of your suppliers, and how they helped make the day special?

My beautiful wedding dress was by Essence from Bridal Gowns at Jodi in Maidstone.

It took some altering as I’m petite, but it was all worth it and was perfect on the day.

The dress had everything I wanted, and even a corset back. Everyone commented on what a beautiful dress it was.

The groom, best man and father of the bride suits were hired from Moss Bros in Tunbridge Wells. They fitted perfectly.

A little shop called Fleurtations in Braintree, Essex supplied our flowers, pinholes and my bouquet. It’s a lovely little florist near the venue.

The catering was all done in house by Leez Priory and was very good. I can’t have dairy, so the chef even made me a dairy-free banoffee pie at my request as it’s my favourite!

Our beautiful wedding cake was made locally in Crowborough by Nancy from Cake Creators.

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If you want a weekend date, book as soon as you can. Weekends can be booked over a year in advance at some venues. Leez Priory was booked up three years in advance, so we booked a Thursday as we just had to have this venue.

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Take time to choose the right photographer and meet with them prior to your big day.

Make sure you enjoy the wedding, and don’t worry about the little things.

Make a list of all the people you want to have photographs with and give it to your photographer before the event.

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If you’re set up in a home already and have everything you need, you can always ask for contributions to your honeymoon as wedding gifts.

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FEATURES

Motoring

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

FIRST DRIVE:

Skoda Karoq

2.0-litre TDI Edition WHAT IS IT? We’re getting pretty weary of introducing yet another compact crossover – but if anything has the potential to be a bit different, it’s the Skoda Karoq.

This is the replacement for the Czech brand’s quirky but brilliant Yeti, and incorporates the best the VW Group has to offer, peppered with ‘Simply Clever’ touches. It has all the ingredients for success – a practical and comfortable interior, sharp but discreet styling, and a wide range of VW-sourced petrol and diesel engines. But can it mirror the popularity of its bigger Kodiaq brother?

WHAT’S NEW? The Karoq is an all-new car for Skoda, ditching the old Yeti’s bespoke platform for the ubiquitous MQB underpinnings that can be found under so many VW Group vehicles.

That does mean the oily bits are all very well proven, though, with the majority already racking up hundreds of thousands of miles underneath numerous VW Tiguans, Seat Atecas and Audi Q3s.

Inside is a similar story, with the refreshed cabin new to Skoda – but familiar to anybody who’s sat in a modern car from the German brand.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? Buyers can choose from a number of petrol or diesel engines, starting from an entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol to a range-topping 2.0-litre diesel in a variety of power outputs.

We spent a week with what’s expected to be a real volume-seller – the 2.0 TDI, tuned to produce 148bhp. It comes mated as standard to a six-speed manual gearbox, but our car had the optional seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.

We’re familiar with this combination, and the

FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL: Skoda Karoq 2.0-litre TDI Edition ENGINE: 2.0-litre diesel POWER: 148 bhp TORQUE: 340 Nm MAX SPEED: 121 mph 0-60: 8.2 seconds MPG: 56.5 combined EMISSIONS: 131 g/km PRICE AS TESTED: £33,710

With the might of the VW parts bin and Skoda’s quirky heritage behind it, the Skoda Karoq is entering a very crowded compact crossover market. Tom Wiltshire puts it to the test

engine is decent – smooth and refined, with enough power for easy overtaking.

The DSG gearbox is less successful. It’s great on the open road, offering super-quick shifts, but it’s laggy at slow speeds and hangs when setting off from a standstill. It quickly becomes irritating in stop-start city traffic.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The Karoq feels like almost everything based on the MQB platform – it’s clearly a quality product, and there’s a reassuring solidity to all the controls.

However, Skoda has tuned it differently to its Seat Ateca sibling, aiming for comfort rather than dynamic ability.

Our model was equipped with four-wheel drive and offered safe and steady handling. Push it a bit too fast into a bend and it does understeer, but stick within normal limits and it remains safe and inert, with body roll well controlled.

There’s no fun to be had, no matter how hard you push it, but where this pays off is in the ride, which is compliant around town and cushioned at a cruise. With good refinement elsewhere, it’s a relaxing car to do long distances in.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? All models come decently equipped, with entrylevel SEs offering 17-inch alloy wheels, autonomous emergency braking, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and cruise control – while inside, dual-zone climate control and plentiful touchscreen connectivity come as standard.

‘Our’ Karoq came in Edition trim, which tops the current range. It’s fitted with LED lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and those excellent VarioFlex seats as standard.

You’ll want for very little, but the £30k+ price

tag of our test car isn’t such a bargain as models lower in the range.

HOW DOES IT LOOK? The old Yeti’s looks were a real talking point, but the Karoq won’t attract nearly so much controversy.

Where the old car stood out, the new one blends in, with a generic silhouette only broken up by Skoda’s now trademark sharp styling lines. But it’s far from ugly and looks every bit the Kodiaq’s smaller brother.

As for the Skoda badge, any perception that it’s just Volkswagen’s poor sibling has been washed away. No, it doesn’t bring admiring glances in the same way an Audi Q3 would – but it’s certainly a cut above a Nissan Qashqai.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? The interior is a real success story. It’s the ideal combination of roomy, premium and clever, and is likely to be a hit with family buyers.

There’s a comfortable amount of room for four 6ft adults, and if you choose the optional

VarioFlex system, the rear seats slide and recline individually to help balance boot space and legroom.

Best of all are the ‘Simply Clever’ touches Skoda hides. There’s an optional wireless phone-charging mat ahead of the gear lever, while little additions such as the sealed bin in the door pocket and tablet holders mounted on the front headrests are well thought out – though these are options.

However, it has lost the Yeti’s sense of sheer practicality, losing the boxy roofline for one more fashionable.

VERDICT The Karoq is decent to drive, well equipped and has a great interior, but it’s unforgivably dull, and has lost the element of quirky originality that characterised its Yeti predecessor.

As such, it doesn’t stand out from the crowd as much as it could have. It’s merely good, and in such a crowded crossover market, that’s just not enough to make it a must-buy.

‘There’s no fun to be had, however hard you push it’

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Advertising

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Life & Style

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

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MALE VOICE CHOIR CELEBRATES ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY This year is a significant milestone in the life of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir - it reaches its 80th year.

INTRODUCING RAPPORT HOUSING & CARE The Abbeyfield Kent Society are now officially operating under the new name Rapport Housing and Care.

Set up in 1938, they held their first concert only two months later. Concerts were given throughout the war and their second Annual Concert in May 1940 took place in the same month as the Dunkirk evacuation.

They will continue to provide much-needed care and support across the region as an independent organization. They are recognized as experienced providers of care and housing for older people across the region and have grown exponentially to provide a variety of care options for local older people.

They currently operate 14 services accommodating over 400 residents.

Since that time, the choir has sung in many prestigious venues, including Buckingham Palace, the Royal Albert Hall and Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

The choir has undertaken trips abroad and won or reached the finals of several competitions. Led by several very talented and active musical directors, one thing has remained constant – the regular performance of public fund-raising concerts for charities and churches. Over the years it has raised many tens if not hundreds of thousands for good causes.

Their decision to move forward separately from The Abbeyfield Society is supported by The Abbeyfield Society’s Chief Executive David McCullough, who has said “This move will give them greater independence to continue to develop at the pace and direction they want to, delivering excellent services that meet local need into the future.”

John Cohen, Chairman said “We are holding some special events to mark our 80th year, starting with a recruitment drive. We are offering free singing tuition to those who want to learn the basics and build confidence. We are also keen to attract experienced singers and pianists”.

Leon Steer, Chief executive of Abbeyfield Kent commented, “We are a leading household and care provider in the south-east… going forward we have plans to meet the sharply increasing numbers of older people”

BRACKETTS OPEN HOUSE EVENT THIS WEEKEND Bracketts are hosting an open house event this Saturday between 12pm-2pm in Tunbridge Wells. The house on offer is a spacious detached family house set back from the road and close to the town centre. With generous sized rooms and flexibility of use, viewing is advised. This property has four bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms, a double garage and garden. For more details or to discover more properties for sale and let in the area, visit www.bracketts.co.uk

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAKING A WILL There are many reasons to make a Will, and some people are not aware that, without a Will, minor children of deceased parents can be taken into care whilst a court decides who should be appointed as Guardians.

Similarly, your inheritance may go to the wrong person or even the state, and you cannot be sure that your spouse/ civil partner will be receive all of your estate, or even that a ‘Common Law’ partner will receive anything.

Charity donations that you may wish to make, or money you may wish to give to friends, will also fall out of the Rules of Legacy and will not be acknowledged a your wishes.

Not having a Will can cause lengthy delays for your Beneficiaries as well as potential family disputes.

To book a free Will consultation in your own home, contact Peter Barrett at Wills & Lewis on 07504 902501. Wills and Lewis can review an existing Will or help advice on preparing you a new one completely.

www.willsandlewis.com

Event highlights this year include the 80th Anniversary concert on 12 May at Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Well, a Summer Lunch on 2 June, a concert at Rochester Cathedral, and a WW1 commemorative visit to Belgium in August where the choir will have the privilege of taking part in the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

www.rtworpheusmvc.org

FIT4LESS HOST “SPINATHON” TO RAISE MONEY FOR SCHOOL P.E EQUIPMENT Spin instructor Emily Stevens from Fit4Less Gym has decided to raise money in support of Tunbridge Wells Grammar School Boys’ new PE equipment. The event, a fancy dress themed Spinathon, will take place on February 3rd.

The extra P.E equipment is key to improving the quality of sports education within the school, important for the boys’ health and progress. Emily became aware of the lack of equipment at her son’s school through talking to various members of staff.

Gym members and external volunteers will keep twenty bikes going for six hours – with a different fancy dress theme for each hour! Emily commented, “Physical exercise is a vital component for a healthy teenager’s development. Having three teenage boys, I’m acutely aware of the importance of sport both in and outside the school environment… the specific equipment I would like to raise funds for includes sandbags, battle ropes and boxing gloves with pads.”

www.f4l.com

Puzzles

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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.

3 2 5 4

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

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CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★III

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2 3 © 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★I

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

A C B H O X I Y A Z E N T E L I Q U N F A I T R E E L D A D

CO R D S C V A A D E R E L A R W S T I L L R N E J A H U N U K I O L D I N G D E A S ON R A P E I D Y Y E A R

H E D I R P S E P A OOM E S E D A R I P A E C E R E U N S

Sudoku:

5 6 8 1 4 9 2 7 3

1 4 7 3 8 2 6 9 5

3 9 2 7 6 5 4 1 8

4 2 5 8 1 7 9 3 6

6 1 3 5 9 4 7 8 2

8 7 9 2 3 6 1 5 4

7 5 1 6 2 3 8 4 9

2 4 7 3 9 5 1 8 6

3 6 8 7 1 9 2 4 5

7 1 9 8 4 3 6 5 2

9 8 6 4 5 1 3 2 7

2 3 4 9 7 8 5 6 1

Jigsaw Sudoku:

1 9 4 2 5 6 3 7 8

8 2 5 1 7 4 9 6 3

6 7 3 4 8 2 5 1 9

5 8 6 9 3 1 4 2 7

9 5 1 6 2 8 7 3 4

4 3 2 5 6 7 8 9 1

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

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Recruitment

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

NEWS

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WITH THE

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

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

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Arts & Culture

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

The Forum’s still taking note of the live music landscape 25 years later Tunbridge Wells’ legendary music venue The Forum, which has welcomed acts as diverse as Oasis, Tom Chaplin, Slaves, Wolf Alice and Adele, turns 25 this year. Here, owners Jason and Isobel Dormon reveal what they have planned to celebrate the music mecca’s big birthday at the iconic building on the Common and elsewhere…

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MUSICAL MILESTONES Over the years

FTER much debate, The Forum’s 25th birthday party spread from taking place on just one day, to a weekend, a month, then to a whole year.

So although it’s officially our quarter of a century anniversary this month, we’ve decided that we’re going to put on lots of special events during 2018 and we will be looking both backwards, and forwards.

Keen to continue nurturing future talent, the first thing we have done is to relaunch The Stable. This band showcase ran for several years in the past and we’ve decided to revive it for 2018. It’s not a Battle of the Bands as such, more of a chance for The Forum’s staff to see new, original acts playing in a live environment in front of their existing fans.

‘Throughout the year we’ll be keeping the birthday celebrations going’ The Stable’s new run of gigs starts next Wednesday [January 24], and the idea is that each week there will be a show which consists of acts of similar musical genres. So if you already like one of the acts performing then you’ll probably like the others on the bill, too.

It’s also a way for us at The Forum to identify

TEAMWORK Jason Dormon (front) and Isobel (back) with their music-loving supporters bands who might have the talent to support touring bands at the venue in the future.

Another range of shows running through the year will be those curated by bands featured on our 25th Anniversary Compilation Album ‘25

Years and Beyond’. Funded by The Forum and the PRS Open Fund, it’s a collection of new tracks from 11 bands who represent the diverse and exciting talent that plays at The Forum to a regular and dedicated crowd.

Giving a nod to the past is Joeyfat, the first band to play when The Forum opened its doors in January 1993. Also on the album are artists such as Ladybird, Dead Ceremony, The Bay Rays and Lectures, who first played here as relative unknowns but who are now being recognised and appreciated on a more national platform.

Throughout the year we’ll be keeping the birthday celebrations going courtesy of other top acts who’ll be returning here to play gigs.

These include The Wedding Present, who’ll be

Arts & Culture

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

CROWDED HOUSE A Slaves sell-out

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TONING UP Mark Morriss of The Bluetones and Matt Berry

PHOTO: Tim Pope

performing next month, and Frank Turner, who plays tomorrow night [January 18].

We also continue to take a punt on new, up-and-coming acts like Pale Waves and Shame. And we’ll carry on with other popular music events, which include Local Legends and Indie Disco nights, which will have everyone reminiscing over the early 90s – do you still have your baggy smiley T-shirt?

But it’s not just music that The Forum is passionate about. We also run theatre nights here, and comedy evenings at our sister venue, The Sussex Arms, and we plan to continue the Sunday Sessions throughout the summer as the themed afternoons we ran in 2017 were particularly popular.

We’ll have a variety of tribute acts playing, so if you can’t make it to a festival, come along to The Forum and have a sing-a-long inside where it’s dry!

Aside from celebrating our big birthday with a wealth of musical events,

MUSICAL YOUTH If you have any pictures, posters or paraphernalia from the past 25 years of The Forum that you would like to see included in their new book, please send them with your details to the following address: Forum 25th Anniversary c/o The George 29 Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells TN4 8AA

work is also underway to publish a book of memories, and we’re therefore asking any Times readers and fans of The Forum to send us old posters, tickets, photos, cuttings or any short written review pieces they have which we’ll hope to include in it.

The book will be launched in the summer as part of a bigger celebration. And at our annual festival Unfest, which takes place over late May Bank Holiday, you’ll find a range of 25th anniversary merchandise to buy.

Finally, we’ll be asking both regular customers and those from the past who still retain an affinity with the venue to join The Forum as members of a new patronage scheme in exchange for a voluntary fee.

This will help raise funds to pay for improvements to the building – the first thing on the agenda is a good heating and cooling system – and also contribute to our artistic programme of music WALKING IN THE AIR festivals, the relaunch of The Stable, and supporting more album releases to ensure another successful Tom Chaplin of hit 25 years of investing in and supporting Sussex band Keane independent live music.

For more information, see www.twforum.co.uk FULL POINTS Palmas

PHOTO: Lauren Towner

‘Giving a nod to the past is Joeyfat, the first band to play when The Forum opened its doors in January 1993’

PHOTO: Tim Cox

PHOTO: Lauren Towner

ROCK & ROLL STARS Oasis at The Forum in their early days

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What’s On

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

SEVEN DAYS OF FESTIVE ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

will be performing alongside Jason Simmons and Nick Page.

Tickets cost £12 and can be booked from the box office on 01732 304241 or the new website – www.emftheatre.com There’s been much hype about the latest celluloid offering The Greatest Showman, and now’s your chance to catch it at The Hop Farm’s Moonlight Cinema. Starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams and Zac Efron, it tells the legendary story of PT Barnum (played by Jackman), who basically invented showbusiness through his circus.

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS At Grosvenor & Hilbert Park

>> WEDNESDAY

The incredibly popular Pitch Perfect 3 is currently showing at The Hop Farm today and tomorrow at 7.30pm. The third instalment of the film follows the characterful group of girls and their choir, known as the Bellas, after they’ve won the world championships – but all is not as it should be…

The film stars Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson in the lead roles, and tickets cost £25 per vehicle plus a 90p booking fee. For more details, see www.moonlightcinema.com

>> THURSDAY Why not lend your support to the local area’s animals and birds by going along to a wildlife talk this evening at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park’s Hub? Hosted by local conservation group Folly Wildlife Rescue, the event aims to inform local residents about how they can care for vulnerable animals this winter. Free to attend, and with a special guest appearance from a rescue hedgehog, the talk is on from 7pm for an hour with refreshments available.

There’s still time to see the Hayward Touring exhibition of screen prints by Eduardo Paolozzi at Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery before it ends later this month. The artist, who lived from 1924 until 2005, was one of the pioneers of the pop art movement in the UK.

>> FRIDAY

Tonbridge Comedy Night returns to the EM Forster Theatre this evening. The first gig of 2018 sees the return of Russell Hicks, who

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

Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins, on at 2pm (tickets cost £11 for adults and £6.50 for children). Later today they also host another of their monthly Comedy Cafés, which presents the best stand-ups in the area. Tickets cost £12, or pay £15 and get a curry meal, too. For more information, see www.trinitheatre.net The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge starts its sevenday run of Brontë this evening. Written by Polly Teale and directed by Barbara Smith, it’s a fictional piece focusing on the lives of the three famous Brontë sisters, who each achieved literary success despite their solitary existence on the Yorkshire moors. Tickets cost £10, or £7.50 for members, and can be purchased from www.theoasttheatre.com

THREE SISTERS: Enjoy a theatrical excursion about Yokshire’s talented Brontë girls at The Oast Theatre

>> SUNDAY

>> MONDAY

The Kent Wedding Fayre will be holding their Stuck for something to do on a cold Monday in event at the Mercure Hotel in Pembury today mid-January? Then how about going along to the from 10.30am until 3pm. See Cake and a Natter session organised by the www.mercuretunbridgewells.co.uk Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park? On from Trinity Theatre will be screening a live 10am until 12.30pm today at the park’s Hub, it’s a transmission of Rigoletto at 2pm. This chance for locals to get to know their neighbours >> SATURDAY particular production of Verdi’s dramatic and and other Tunbridge Wells residents over a cup of The Pantiles Market is on all weekend, so if tragic opera is directed by David McVicar and tea, slice of cake and a board game or two. There you’re running low on any specialist store is currently receiving much acclaim. Alexander is a suggested donation of £1 per person. See cupboard basics, or want to indulge in some Joel conducts the music, and Dimitri Platanias www.fogh.org.uk tasty gourmet products, then head on down and Lucy Crowe star. Tickets cost £19 and can to the town’s historic be booked at www.trinitytheatre.net walkway for a >> TUESDAY Alternatively, you can catch the Bolshoi pleasant browse.

If you didn’t catch it just before Christmas, then Ballet’s production of Romeo and Juliet at the Trinity Theatre now’s your chance to step aboard the fabulous Odeon cinema today at 3pm. Tickets cost £18. new big screen version of Murder on the Orient has a busy See www.odeon.co.uk Saturday ahead Express. Showing today at 11am, 2pm and 8pm at There’s nothing like with a screening of shaking off a seasonal the much acclaimed feeling of slothfulness than Paddington 2, going for a bracing walk which stars out in the country. There Ben are plenty of enjoyable Whishaw, and free roaming routes to choose from in our area, but if you want something more organised then have a look at the variety on offer at The National Trust properties, including Scotney and Bodiam Castles, Sissinghurst and Ightham Mote.

DANGERS ON A TRAIN ROLL UP, ROLL UP! For more details, With Olivia Coleman For all the fun of seeing visit www. and Dame Judi Dench Hugh Jackman as the nationaltrust. on The Orient Express legendary PT Barnum org.uk

What’s On

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Trinity Theatre, this classic Agatha Christie whodunit has been marvellously cinematically enhanced by Kenneth Branagh, who directs and stars alongside a stellar cast, including Dame Judi Dench, Olivia Coleman, Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz.

PICK OF THE WEEK:

Paul Dunton Live music

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Frank Turner

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

Hever Castle Wedding Showcase

THE BEDFORD

Sunday January 21, 12noon-4pm

2 High Street, open all day, free entry More information at www.thebedfordtw.co.uk SATURDAY Nicole Simpson

’Tis the season to think about getting married, and there are quite a few wedding showcases happening over the next few weeks. One of the area’s best is at Hever Castle, so if you’re thinking about tying the knot then make sure you pop along to this beautiful historic venue for inspiration.

You can envisage how your special day will look and have the chance to chat to the castle’s wedding experts and suppliers.

For more information, visit www.hevercastle.co.uk Jennifer Lee Ridley

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN

THE ROYAL OAK

Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY Between Giants

Prospect Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY The Management

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

SCALLYWAG CAFÉ

Crescent Road. Details of all events and tickets available at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk FRIDAY T-Rextasy (7.30pm) SATURDAY Bowie Experience (7.30pm)

45 Mount Ephraim Road, open all day, entry charge may apply, music from 8.30pm SATURDAY Jordan Marsh Trio & Lindyhop Party Launch

Andy Tywman THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites www.pdag.co.uk & www.thegreylady.co.uk WEDNESDAY Jez Harley, Summer Mooney, Milly Rusling, Andy Twyman FRIDAY Soul Kitchen SATURDAY Closed for a private party SUNDAY Ellie Wade, Paul Monham, Jennifer Lee Ridley TUESDAY Mya PB, Daisy Port, Josh Renton (TBC) THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Event information at www.twforum.co.uk THURSDAY Frank Turner FRIDAY Dead!, Sons, Alibi SATURDAY Ice Cream: Indie Disco

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NEWS

Sporting Times

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

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

Tring triumph despite Dohertys’ double

By Roger Clarke RUGBY: IT HAS been a tough mid-season for Tunbridge Wells, their last three fixtures being against Barnes in third place, Guernsey at the top and now second-placed Tring.

Yet despite having narrowly failed to register a home win against any of the top four, they are in a good position to consolidate sixth place in the London and South-East Premier Division.

Wells’ backs combined to give Mike Doherty the chance to win a 40-metre race for the line after eight minutes, but the extras went astray.

But two minutes later Tring’s fly-half Tom Newton demonstrated his dummy and passed inside to hooker John Morgan for a try, with Newton converting.

Both sides continued to play expansive rugby.

Wells built patiently on the Tring line with 10 phases of play before the ball was moved to Frank Reynolds, who cut inside for the try which he converted on the quarter-hour.

Tring second-rower Nicholas Radley received a yellow card for an incident in the build-up but Wells could not take advantage.

It was Tring who scored next as the ball was moved out to centre Gary Andrews to score.

Newton converted to tie the scores at 12-12 after a hectic first quarter.

Wells produced the try of the match on 26 minutes as fly-half Reynolds put an inch perfect kick to the left wing, where Max Douch plucked the ball from the air to score Wells’ third, though Reynolds could not convert.

Just a minute before half-time Tring levelled the scores as left wing Jake Olley got around the corner to make it 17-17 at the break.

Wells’ prop Brendan Crosilla left the field feeling unwell at the start of the second half and replacement Carl Straeche received a yellow with Tring close to the home line.

HAPPY FEET Nick Doherty befuddles the Tring defence

Pace With Straeche off they rolled the maul from the penalty and hooker Johnny Morgan got the touchdown, converted by Newton to give them the lead on 48 minutes.

Tring struck again on 57 minutes as they got around the back of the Wells defence at pace through full-back Ben Criddle, the erratic Newton landed the conversion for 31-17.

In the last quarter Wells did get back in the game. Ryan Taylor-Dennehy and Mike Hathaway made ground and the ball found Nick Doherty who made no mistake with the hosts’ try bonus, although Reynolds could not convert.

Tunbridge Wells’ next match is a visit to Towcestrians, near Northampton on Saturday (January 20, kick-off 2pm).

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

Tunbridge Wells 22 Tring 31

Conlon strikes late to give TJs fourth win on the trot Henley Hawks 15 Tonbridge Juddians 20

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

By Adam Hookway

DARK ARTS Reece Conlon dives over near the end

RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS made it a fourmatch winning streak with victory at Henley Hawks, who were sitting in sixth place compared to TJ’s 10th spot.

The home side dominated possession and territory for the first 20 minutes and the fact they managed just three points was testament to TJs’ defence on the gain line and last-ditch tackles.

The slightly one-dimensional Hawks were then caught by surprise as TJs scored twice from successful forays into the opposing 22.

First wingman Finlay Coxon-Smith crashed over on the left and then second row Rory McHugh did the same moments later.

Nathan Holmes, having his best game in a TJ shirt at No 10, slotted one of the conversions and TJs took a 12-3 lead into half-time.

Hawks came out again all guns blazing in the second half and narrowed the gap to 10-12 with a converted try before edging in front 15-12.

Things looked ominous for TJs but Henley’s lack of imagination showed again as the TJ defence stifled them repeatedly.

The visitors again headed into Henley territory and Holmes slotted a penalty to make it all square with 10 minutes to go.

Determined Rory McHugh again went close on the left and TJs patiently drove the ball infield before Reece Conlon took the pass and swivelled in the air to swallow-dive over.

TJs had the lead, and though Henley tried again to batter down the TJ door but there was no way through and Tonbridge took another four points in determined and impressive style.

TJs stay in 10th place but Henley dropped to ninth and there are only five points separating fifth place and Tonbridge.

Now they travel to London Irish Wild Geese on Saturday (January 20, kick-off 3pm).

Roberts quickly makes his mark Surface tension affects Ladies Tunbridge Wells Men 4 Staines 1

By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: AFTER a run of disappointing results before Christmas, Tunbridge Wells began the second half of the season strongly against Staines at Kent College.

Wells enjoyed the majority of possession in the early stages and applied continuous pressure.

But despite their dominance the play often broke down towards the edge of the D. Meanwhile Staines were employing route one tactics, attempting to thread the ball down the sidelines to a lone forward that was always leading out wide. However, Wells’ defence remained disciplined.

Ben Allberry gave the home side a deserved

lead with a well-placed reverse hit from the edge of the circle.

Shortly before half-time debutant Harry Roberts scored an impressive deflection as he slid in to direct the ball into the goal.

Staines pulled back a goal early in the second half against the run of play, but a well-worked short corner routine lead to another Wells goal from Ben Brandt.

Wells retained possession and on the final play the home side won another short corner, which was dispatched by Allberry with a clean strike to the bottom corner.

Wells remain three points clear at the top of the league. Next up is a trip to Purley Walcountians on Saturday (January 20, 2pm start).

Tunbridge Wells Ladies 2 Crostyx 4

By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: IT TOOK Tunbridge Wells a while to become ­accustomed to the water-based pitch used by the England national team at Lee Valley.

The home side capitalised on this, scoring a goal early on with a well-struck shot that wrong-footed the keeper Ali Playle.

They soon doubled their lead as a softly conceded short corner saw the shot hit the shin of Bertie Organ and loop high in the air over the rest of the defence and into the back of the net.

Wells began to find their feet and produced good link play between the midfield of Organ, Jen Hunt and Georgie Hughes.

A good run by Hughes into the opposition D was

followed by a pass to player of the match Harrie Alexander, who scored Wells’ first goal.

Crostyx restored their two-goal lead from another short corner, with a well-placed flick to the top corner, to go in at half-time 3-1 ahead.

Wells started the second half well and were thwarted by a couple of goalline clearances.

But they continued to press the opposition and were awarded several short corners, one of which was neatly converted by Organ.

A bobble on a clearance from the home side saw the ball reach their forwards and they calmly took advantage of a two-on-one to score.

Wells will look to get back to winning ways when they host East London at Hawkenbury on Saturday (January 20, 1pm start).

Sporting Times

Wednesday January 17 | 2018

NEWS

71

Angels keep struggling on their travels Leatherhead 1 Tonbridge Angels 0 FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS suffered their eighth away league defeat of the season at the hands of a resurgent Leatherhead, who have won seven in a row in the Bostik League Premier.

They have risen from 18th place to ninth and were brimming with confidence.

Nathan Elder had a chance as early as the fourth minute but the first half belonged to the hosts.

They were particularly strong on their right flank where Sean Clohessy gave Jack Parter a torrid afternoon, and it was this route by which a goal finally arrived in the 31st minute.

An overlap involving Clohessy and Niall ­McManus saw the former put in a cross for Tom Richards to head past Jonny Henly.

The goal was overdue but the full-back’s run into the box was not tracked by the defence.

Unfit Trailing to a single goal at half-time, Tonbridge knew they were still in the game and two early substitutions saw the unfit and yellow-carded George Beavan replaced by Liam Smith and Dan Bennett making way for Tashi-Jay Kwayie, who went up front with Elder.

The visitors saw a lot more of the ball after that and certainly gave the Tanners more to think about. But the Surrey side also showed their defensive capabilities.

In the 58th minute a well-struck free kick from Tom Jelley forced a good save from Tanners keeper Zaki Oualah.

Good work between Alex Akrofi and Joe Turner in the 73rd minute again forced Oualah into action. But the game concluded with Leatherhead looking comfortable.

Angels manager Steve McKimm bemoaned the inconsistency that has bedevilled his team throughout the season, which is making any bid for the play-offs increasingly remote.

“Sometimes I’ve made mistakes, sometimes the players have made mistakes but the reality is that because of that inconsistency we are mid-table instead of in or around the top six,” he said.

Angels, who are in 11th place, take on fifthplaced Leiston away on Saturday (January 20, kick-off 3pm) in a run of three away games which their form suggests could be tricky.

PHOTO: Richard Owen

By James Rowe

IN AT THE DEEP END Chris Olley (centre, in white) negotiates the terrain in Scotland

Olley runs into stiff opposition

By Andy Tong ATHLETICS: TONBRIDGE Athletic Club’s Chris Olley displayed his talent on the big stage when he took part in his first event for the senior Team GB squad at the Great Edinburgh International Cross Country on January 13.

The prestigious contest pits Britain against teams from Europe and the United States, and is one of the highlights of the athletics calendar.

Chris explained: “Everything counts to the overall score, and there was an announcement when we lining up, we were told that we had 10 points to make up. We didn’t catch up but we kept hold of second place.”

The 21-year-old from Sevenoaks came 16th out of a field of 26 in the men’s 8km race in a time of 25min 35sec, and was involved in a thrilling sprint finish with one of his running rivals.

“It was very exciting,” said Chris, who has run for Britain at age group level before. “It was good not having too much pressure on me because I wasn’t expected to win – though there were some nerves given the nature of the occasion.

“The race itself was pretty tough, it was a very high standard and the pace picked up too much so I dropped off the pack.

Chris is in the final year of his degree in physics at Imperial College, London, and was furiously trying to overtake a fellow student in the British team in the closing stages.

“At the end I saw Alex Teuten, the British Universitives champion, in front of me in the last

200m so I thought I could catch him. He wasn’t expecting it, given his reaction afterwards.”

The race was shown live on BBC1, and Chris revealed: “My parents sent the link around to everyone and so they all watched it. Most of them said it made them feel really tired!”

His coach at Tonbridge, Mark Hookway, said: “Chris ran very well to be the fifth of nine GB runners home, so he scored for the team.

“He was ahead of some experienced seniors and hopefully it maintains his momentum in the senior ranks, since he is still just 21 years old.”

His Tonbridge team mate Phoebe Barker also went north of the border for the multi-format

event and was 15th in the Under-20 women’s race.

Next for Chris is the British Universities Cross Country Championship in Uxbridge on February 3. “It’s my last year at university so I would like to be up there challenging for a medal,” he said.

If he manages a top-six finish, he will qualify for the World University Championship in St Gallen, Switzerland in April.

After that it’s the track and field season, and Chris is hoping for a place at the European Championships in Berlin in August, either at 1500m (personal best 3min 44.22sec) or 5km (PB 14min 3.29sec). There’s just a few exams to get out of the way first, though.