Times of Tunbridge Wells 1st August 2018

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

All the news that matters

YOUR

FREE PAPER

Local, National and International

Times OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Data shows that 1 in 10 cannot get out-of-hours GP appointment

AIR MILES: An artist impression of how HS4Air could look at Gatwick

INSIDE SAVE LOCAL & LIVE

Crowdfunding to help popular music festival Page 6

By Duncan Audsley MORE than 48,000 people in West Kent are unable to pre-book a GP appointment outside working hours, according to NHS data.

This means 9.8 per cent of the 443,683 registered patients in the area [which covers Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge] have no access to appointments in the evenings or at weekends.

NHS England released the data this week as the authority comes under pressure to provide bookable appointments for all UK residents by October 1.

Estimates The NHS needs to provide a bookable weekend slot, or an appointment until 8pm on a weeknight – in at least one GP surgery in the Clinical Commissioning Group [CCG] area.

Locally this is the West Kent CCG, which extends to Maidstone.

Ian Ayres, managing director of Medway, north and west Kent clinical CCG, said: “Currently 90.2 per cent of people in west Kent can pre-book a GP appointment outside normal working hours of 8am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.

“Appointments will not necessarily be provided at patients’ usual practice, but will be in their local area, and will be available until 8pm Monday to Friday, with weekend slots too.”

The data results were gathered through a survey sent to all GP practices, asking if they deliver extended hours access. The Conservative Party policy was announced in 2014.

PULLING THE STRINGS

Assembly Hall marks its 80th year with puppet show Page 4

MP backs plans for a high speed rail link to airports

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PLANS are on track for a high speed train that would drastically reduce travel times from Tunbridge Wells to Gatwick and Heathrow via Tonbridge.

Engineering consultants Expedition haver released the first image of their proposed £10billion HS4Air [High Speed for Air] project that could see travel times cut in half.

Now the company will submit their plans to the Department for Transport to secure funding and support. The move is in response to a call for ideas within the rail sector.

As revealed by the Times in March, the

project would see trains run from Ashford through Tonbridge to Edenbridge on existing routes before switching to a new track, linking to Gatwick and Heathrow.

‘This proposal seems a very positive initiative’ Greg Clark MP HS4Air has been backed by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark.

The Business Secretary said yesterday [Tuesday]: “I have long campaigned for better rail connections between Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Gatwick, and this proposal seems a very positive initiative.”

Described as ‘an M25 for high speed trains’, the route would connect the existing Kent HS1 line to the HS2 route at Denham, north London, serving both airports before joining the Great Western main line.

There would not be a direct link from Tunbridge Wells with passengers needing to switch trains at Tonbridge.

Alistair Lenczner, Expedition Director, said last week: “The very positive response the HS4Air project has received from various parties suggests that they proposal can expect widespread support as it moves forward.

“The proposal will have an important

Continued on Page 2

THE HISTORY MAN

Historian Dr David Starkey talks Reformation and Brexit Page 46

CHERRY- PICKING

Making the most of summer fruits with our salsa Page 52

2

NEWS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Better latte than never: New coffee shop delayed

Businesses hit hard by changes to rates could be offered help from authority

By Duncan Audsley CAFÉ Esquires is to open in Tunbridge Wells before the end of August, the chain’s management has said.

Advertising hoarding has been erected outside the shopfront on Mount Pleasant Road, in the former India Jane unit. This states their pledge to be ‘not another coffee shop’.

The exact opening date is still to be confirmed. It is later than the original brief which said it would open before the end of June, but sources told the Times this week it would be ‘around three weeks’ from now.

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FIRMS that suffered most from the re-evaluation of business rates could be offered further relief under a Tunbridge Wells Borough Council plan.

This Friday [August 3] the Town Hall’s Cabinet is to vote on how to continue supporting companies after central government’s 2017 move which saw rates double for some of the town’s establishments.

Chancellor Philip Hammond’s controversial scheme, designed to reflect shifts in the value of property, was met with protest by firms in the London and South East region, who were particularly affected.

This led to the Conservative minister setting aside £300million to quell the backlash and establish an easier transition process.

Last year the borough council received £269,000, which was shared between establishments who were particularly hard hit by the hike.

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Relief Esquires operates in 36 locations, each with a menu specially chosen to suit the town it is in.

The company also commits to buying in local produce for sandwiches, snacks, coffee, tea and cake on offer.

A unique selling point is their pledge

SMELL THE COFFEE: Esquires’ opening has been pushed back

to stand out from the crowd. This will be put to the test in Tunbridge Wells where several big name coffee shops are within walking distance.

Doug Williamson, Managing Director, said: “It’s not easy competing with Costa, Starbucks and Caffé Nero so we don’t. We at Esquires recognise that we are not a big, deep pocketed high street brand.

“When the residents of Tunbridge Wells visit Esquires they will feel the same way the community in our recently opened Putney store felt, which was a sense of relief.

“We will create a special place. We are not another coffee shop, we are better.”

A self-proclaimed ethical coffee franchise, Esquire supports Fair Trade, Project Waterfall and the fundraising scheme UK Coffee Week. But only time can tell how their conscientious approach will compete with more than 60 other local cafés and coffee shops.

Diminish A spokesman said: “The number that benefitted was less than we originally thought would qualify and the amount of relief that was awarded in total was £240,048.

“The reason for this was that the increases as a result of the 2017 re-evaluation were not as significant as the Government had anticipated.”

However, the amount of money the government is offering to firms, is set to diminish year-on-year with £130,000 being on offer this year, £54,000 next year and £8,000 from 2020-21.

A borough council spokesman commented: “It is proposed to award relief on a percentage basis to those businesses who qualified for the relief in 2017-18.

“This means it can proceed without any applications being made, to avoid any delays.

This option will ensure all qualifying businesses benefit from some amount of relief.”

This option seems the likely choice, as the plan has already passed through stages of the council’s committees.

The meeting will be held in Town Hall on Friday.

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

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

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

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

PRINTED BY MORTONS PRINT LTD Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR

‘We would welcome a through service’ Continued from Page 1 role in stimulating much-needed new housing developments in the south east.”

The link would also speed up international travel, according to Expedition, who claim that by using this line and others, it would be possible to journey from Manchester to Paris in a faster time than it would take to fly the same journey.

Expedition say around 20 per cent of the railway will run in HS4Air tunnels to minimise the impact the project would have on the environment.

Plans have received mixed reviews locally. John Reynolds, Chairman of Tonbridge Line Commuters, said: “We would welcome a through service to Gatwick but we would not wish to find any detrimental effect to smaller stations like Leigh.”

Howard Porter, Chairman of Tonbridge & Malling Green Party, said: “Many commuters travelling to London will rightly feel the proposed budget might be better spent on improving existing routes.”

HOW IT MIGHT WORK… THE proposed £10billion HS4Air scheme would enable passengers to travel with ease to both Gatwick and Heathrow airports from Tunbridge Wells railway station.

Expedition has not yet provided the full timetable. The following is a prediction based on current journey times. It allows for a change of train at Tonbridge, which is an HS4Air-serving station.

ON TRAIN TODAY

BY ROAD TODAY

WITH HS4AIR

Tunbridge Wells –> Gatwick Airport

1 Hour 30 minutes via London

50 minutes depending on traffic

Around 30 minutes

Tunbridge Wells –> Heathrow Airport

2 hours via London

1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic

Around 40 minutes

WHY WE SHOULD ALL BE TRYING TO KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE AT THE END of this month [August] something like 20,000 people will enjoy some of the best of the musical talent that this town has to offer over four days. And what makes it even better is the fact that it’s all free.

Nobody has to pay as they sit back and enjoy, or bounce around, to the sets being played at the likes of Calverley Grounds, The Forum, The Royal Oak or Cassidy’s Sports Bar and The Spa Hotel.

But then again, we all know there is no such thing as a ‘free lunch’. Somebody, somewhere has to pick up the tab. As is the case in this instance at the event known as Local & Live.

Since 2005 we’ve embraced the idea of a Bank Holiday weekend ‘freebie’ where we can relax

with friends and family.

It all, though, comes at a cost of around £40,000.

So who pays the bill at the end of the day?

Well, it’s a chap called Paul Dunton who will be known to many of you but not to all.

Paul is a sort of Mr TW Music with his finger in many noteworthy pies: think Paul Dunton Orchestra and Grey Lady. His day job, by the way, is playing and teaching golf.

Each year he puts his life on hold while he organises Local & Live. Each year he struggles to raise the £40,000 needed to stage the event.

The musicians appear for free, the crew members volunteer but those responsible for

staging, lighting, security, insurance and licensing all need paying - and why not.

The purpose of this to let you know that Paul is around £10,000 short this year and has started a crowdfunding campaign to try and make up the difference and ensure Local & Live goes ahead.

All the details on how you can help can be found on Page 6.

If you enjoy the music festival this is your chance to keep it alive. Even a fiver would help.

And you’ll feel so much better when you’re enjoying the music as a ‘sponsor’.

Editorial Director, Richard Moore

NEWS IN BRIEF

Sex trafficking suspect charged over brothels A WOMAN has been charged with a sex trafficking offence following police raids at suspected brothels in Tunbridge Wells.

Shuangyan Hu, 36, from Harrow, was arrested at her home as police seized £8,000 in cash.

This was after police searched a suspected brothel in Rock Villa Road, where officers identified a 39-year-old woman, believed to be a victim of sex trafficking.

Another suspected brothel was searched in Lime Hill Road.

Hu has been charged with arranging or facilitating the travel of the suspected sex worker with a view to her being exploited, and with possession of criminal property.

She will next appear in Maidstone Crown Court on August 23.

Also in court: Gordon Locke, 28, charged with murdering Gordon Farnes, 48, is to enter a plea today [Wednesday].

Drilling in Calverley TEMPORARY fencing will be erected in some areas of Calverley Grounds from August 3 to 30 as borehole drilling and surveying work takes place intermittently Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

This soil investigation precedes construction of the £90million Calverley Square civic complex and theatre. Impact to visitors is said to be ‘limited’.

Ban on park barbecues BARBECUES should not be used in parks, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has warned, because of the risk of fire caused by grass dying in hot weather. Four barbecues, which had not been extinguished, were left behind in a park last weekend.

Crescent Road Car Park REFURBISHMENT work will see Crescent Road Car Park in Tunbridge Wells closed to all vehicles each of the four weekends in August. The 1,085-space facility will shut from 6am on Saturday until 6am on Monday.

Planning & Transportation Cllr Alan McDermott said: “The work that’s being done will improve the car park and make it a better experience for visitors.”

Alternatives include Royal Victoria Place and Meadow Road.

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

NEWS

3

Roosting bats means conversion of the Old Pavilion is put on hold PLANNED refurbishments to the Old Pavilion in Calverley Grounds have been delayed after an ecologist found bats roosting.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council were due to waterproof the roof, install an accessible toilet with a baby changing table and let-out the pavilion’s main space to a small business.

use the space for craft workshops as part of their offering.”

BAT FOR MORE: Two pipistrelle bats were found roosting in the Old Pavilion

THE HISTORY…

Breeding But the find of two common pipistrelle bats roosting in the roof led to the plans being put on hold with a further survey now required.

A spokesperson for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: “As is normal practice when refurbishing an old building, bat surveys are always carried out along with other surveys.

“When the pavilion was surveyed the ecologist found bats roosting in the building, this means that under

the Wildlife and Countryside Act [1981] no work can begin until after the breeding season later in the year.”

Friends of Calverley Grounds group said they and the council had been

approached by several organisations about the use of the pavilion.

A spokesman said: “This included a small business that would like to

Start date for cinema site slips further back to a year

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk WORK to transform the old cinema site on Mount Pleasant into £80million project The Belvedere may not begin until next summer.

Developer Altitude told the Times this week they are ‘nine to 12 months’ away from starting work on the Tunbridge Wells eye sore site.

This is the second time the start date has been put back to build at least 99 homes and a boutique cinema on the former site of the ABC, which closed to the public in 2000.

Altitude secured planning permission for The Belvedere last autumn and said work would begin in 2018, taking two and a half years to complete.

This January the firm said it would more likely be the end of 2018 or the beginning of 2019.

Teams were spotted in February, completing drilling and early assessments on the plot. The

COMING SOON? The cinema site in Tunbridge Wells

Belvedere is set to also contain a walkway, five restaurants, nine shops and an extra nine homes or a GP surgery.

As discussions continue with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the start-date appears to have slipped further. Stephen Tillman, Director of Altitude, said: “We have been progressing all the legal matters that need to be sorted to enable us to proceed with the application, including the

The Pavilion was built-in the east of Calverley Grounds in 1924 to go alongside the 1923 Bowling Green.

Used as a bowling pavilion, the council of the day decided to build it next to a tea house, when opening the park for public use.

Today, the Pavilion sits on the site of Calverley’s Adventure Playground, which opened in 2017.

Even though the building is not in use, it’s gothic detailing and charm provides an aesthetic, historical and communal value to Tunbridge Wells’ 1920s park.

new agreement for a walkway.

“We are still some nine to 12 months from getting on site, but hope to be able to bring forward a small competition for the pattern design on the metal cladding element on the cinema in the coming months.”

Honourable The Times has asked Altitude for further details of the ‘new arrangement for a walkway’ but no response had been received at the time of writing.

The delay is disappointing for businesses and residents, hoping to see a new development.

Brian Lippard, of Tunbridge Wells Civic Society, said: “We would have expected Altitude to progress this development quickly in order to gain the earliest possible return on their investment. If they have had second thoughts then they should do the honourable thing and immediately put the site up for sale. The resultant delay would be regrettable but it would give the town the opportunity of getting a more suitable building [than the one being planned].”

A spokesperson for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: “Altitude is keeping us informed and we continue to work with them.”

Additional reporting by Abi King.

4

NEWS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Assembly Hall pulls the strings to mark its 80 years in showbiz Herringbone will then stage a series of free promenade performances, inspired by interviews with Assembly Hall staff and memories of Tunbridge Wells on Friday, August 10.

Memories Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival creator Linda Lewis said: “The Assembly Hall Theatre is one of our town’s most iconic and historic buildings, so we thought what better way to celebrate its 80-year anniversary than by bringing its story to life through puppetry?

“It’s very special, and we wanted this performance to have a real community feel, and for local people to know they have been part of the journey when we

present the final piece at the 2019 festival.

“Engaging young people is also very important to us. We’d love for it to inspire those who come along to continue exploring this art form, and maybe even create their own puppet show.”

The puppetry workshop for 12 to 17 year olds will be held on Tuesday, August 7, from 1.30pm to 4pm and costs £10.

The Hall of Dreams promenade performances will be held at 10.30am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.30pm Friday, August 10 and there is no charge, but booking is essential. The performances are suitable for anyone aged five and upwards.

For more information and booking, visit twpuppetryfestival.org/hall-of-dreams

THEATRE OF DREAMS One of the town’s popular puppet shows

RHS In Bloom competition went ahead despite heatwave and wilting plants

By William Mata

DON’T WORRY, BEE HAPPY The Town Hall bee garden –just one of Tunbridge Wells’s In Bloom displays

SOARING temperatures have proved a ‘challenge’ for Tunbridge Wells’ efforts to gain Britain in Bloom honours, although organisers did not be pull out of the Royal Horticultural Society competition.

Temperatures, which topped 30°C at times in the last week, have led to gardens and hanging baskets on display throughout the county being parched, to the extent that Bearsted Parish Council cancelled the Kent village’s own event.

The Royal Horticultural Society [RHS] judges were visiting Tunbridge Wells this week as part of the national In Bloom competition to find the most impressive ‘large town’.

Stressed They looked at gardens of residents to have put themselves forward as well as parks and community flower beds around the town.

But any anxiety the organisers had that the heat could damage their chances were eased. The RHS said they would understand if

Images: Sarah Bond

A SPECIAL puppetry performance will be staged next week to celebrate the 80th anniversary of The Assembly Hall Theatre.

The piece, Hall of Dreams, is a collaboration between the venue, Herringbone Arts creative group and the biennial Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, which saw the Lion King exhibition at Trinity Theatre last year, and will return in 2019.

With the festival taking a year off in 2018, organisers wanted to engage with the community and celebrate the legacy of the Assembly Hall before it is replaced by the Calverley Square complex – set to open in 2022.

Youngsters aged 12 to 17 are invited to take part in a workshop on Tuesday, August 7, held by Herringbone Arts, which offers an opportunity to learn more about puppetry.

gardens looked ‘a little stressed’ due to the heat.

Helen Timms, the Council’s Parks and Sports Team Administrator, said organisers are taking comfort from that fact ‘everyone is in the same boat’.

“The RHS wrote to reassure us that they would understand if the displays looked a little stressed,” she said.

Fortunately, the wilting plants had a last-minute reprieve when the town enjoyed a welcome downpour of steady rain throughout Sunday ahead of the RHS judges’ inspection on Monday.

WATER WARNING FROM KENT’S FIRE AND POLICE SERVICES RIVERS and lakes should be treated with caution, Kent Fire & Rescue Service [KFRS] and Kent Police have said in a joint appeal.

The services said the waterways carry ‘hidden dangers’ and that entering can cause a danger of death.

Kent Police Chief Inspector Mark Hedges said: “There have been a number of occasions when people have entered bodies of water during the summer months and got into difficulties. Tragically, in some cases this has led to fatal consequences.

“My officers are supporting Kent Fire & Rescue Service to get the message across that families can enjoy themselves in public areas near rivers and lakes but we’d ask people to do so responsibly by not swimming in deep water and ensuring children are supervised at all times.”

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide support the businesses and organisations that operate in the Canterbury city centre.

“Canterbury BID has invested nearly £600,000 annually in Canterbury city centre since 2014.”

Since its creation, the Canterbury BID has: • Overseen the delivery of Christmas lights across the city.

• Provided more than 300 hanging baskets.

• Helped Canterbury secure the ‘Purple Flag accreditation’ for helping residents enjoy a night out safely.

• Promoted businesses through the MyCanterbury tourism initiative.

• Helped businesses network and access training conferences.

MERRY MAKING Funds secured through the BID process were used to provide Christmas lights in Canterbury

Could BID scheme generate an extra £600,000 to boost town?

By William Mata will@timesoftonbridge.co.uk BUSINESS leaders in Tunbridge Wells are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of their Canterbury counterparts by supporting a new initiative.

Around 700 retailers, restaurateurs and other firms are to be asked their views on whether to create a Business Improvement District [BID] in Tunbridge Wells.

Canterbury was the first place in Kent to adopt a BID, which sees retailers in a defined area contribute to a levy.

The proceeds from this can be used for initiatives or projects to make the area a better place to work and live.

After being pitched the idea in 2012, firms were asked to vote on plans to create Canterbury Connected BID in 2014 – in a five year agreement.

Baskets Of the 54 per cent of firms who turned out, 64 per cent voted in favour, which was enough to secure the scheme until 2019. Later this year, BID project promoters will launch a consultation before a vote on a second scheme next year.

A BID spokesman said: “We deliver a range of projects and services to improve, promote and

The spokesman continued: “Not everyone has been fully supportive of the BID, but we hope that we will be allowed to continue our work into a second term and earn their support.

“It is a challenging time that our high streets are facing, and the best way to move forward is to work together.

“We will always be striving to make Canterbury a better place to live, work and visit.”

Royal Tunbridge Wells Together is leading the call for a BID to be installed locally.

Firms in a town centre area, which encompasses Mount Ephraim, The Pantiles and Camden Road are being asked for feedback.

Once this happens, they will be invited to take part in a ballot on setting up a similar company to Canterbury’s, who would operate the scheme.

This could look to: Improve parking, boost marketing, stage events and make Tunbridge Wells ‘a great place to work’.

It is not the first time Tunbridge Wells has looked to follow Canterbury’s example.

Cllr David Jukes, Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, previously stated his desire to follow in the footsteps of the city in building a new theatre.

“I would like to see a Marlowe Theatre in Tunbridge Wells,” said the Tory, as the authority passed plans for the £90million Calverley Square civic complex last December.

Local News

NEWS

5

Last chance to have your say on bus routes

By Molly Smith BUS passengers have just one week left to take part in Kent County Council’s consultation, which explores the viability of rural services.

After previously making a u-turn on proposals to withdraw its subsidies to 23 routes in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, the authority is now considering other options.

The county council currently has a £7million annual budget for local bus routes. It provides financial help to the 3 per cent of services which would not be viable to run as a business.

But Council Leader Paul Carter has previously said a number of alternatives are being considered, including a taxi-style service to rural residents.

Decisions The County Council’s Big Conversation consultation, which has run for the past few weeks, seeks to gather points of view and opinions from bus users to help make transport decisions.

The online survey ends on August 8.

Cllr Mike Whiting, portfolio holder for Transport, said: “Each year we spend more money on supporting bus journeys in Kent.

“The purpose of The Big Conversation is to ascertain whether we can provide more people in rural areas with a reliable service.

“I think this has been a valuable series of meetings.

“It has been great to hear the views of the many hundreds of people who have taken part.”

For more information and to take part, visit at www.kent.gov.uk/bigconversation

6

NEWS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Crowdfunding campaign launched to keep Local & Live festival alive LIVE AND KICKING: The festival draws in around 20,000 people over four days

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

event, which started in 2005, should stay free.

Musicians are not paid and crew members volunteer, but staging, lighting, security, insurance, licensing and medical expenses all contribute to the costs.

“There are so many costs you can’t avoid and we are just looking to cover the essential bills,” continued Mr Dunton, who performs as part of The Paul Dunton Orchestra.

“I want it to be free to enter, and we are not going to put a fence around Calverley Grounds. The beauty is that it is free and organic local music. It brings so much to the local economy as people have come in to watch from all over the world.”

Single

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE organiser of the town’s Local & Live Music Festival said he needs more donations from the public if the free event is to return this month.

Paul Dunton is hoping the festival, one of the biggest in Tunbridge Wells, will again welcome around 20,000 people across four days over the Bank Holiday weekend, from August 24 to 27.

Local & Live showcases unsigned local talent with a main stage inside Calverley Grounds and stages in other venues, including The Forum, The Royal Oak and Cassidy’s Sports Bar. On Bank Holiday Monday the festival moves to The Spa Hotel.

But organisers face a race against time to gather the £40,000 needed to cover costs and have started a crowdfunding campaign to raise £10,000 towards it. If the money is not raised, deposit and insurance costs may not be met and organisers could be forced to scale back or even cancel the festival.

Help Mr Dunton, a familiar face on the Tunbridge Wells music scene, said: “Everything is in place and we have funding. Now Local & Live needs your support. Even if someone puts in just £5 it would be a massive help.

“Sponsorships and grant funding have been difficult to obtain, and that could be down to the

financial climate. We are always looking at ideas to try and raise money for the event and we are reaching out to the community to see if they can help.”

At the time of writing, more than £2,000 had been pledged on the crowdfunding website.

Existing sponsorships, advertising banners and other grants are likely to meet the other £30,000.

Mr Dunton said he is determined the community

Other capital has come in for Local & Live through their fundraising ‘Sessions’ concerts, which are held several times over the year at Trinity Theatre. While musicians are not given a fee, they have stood to benefit through the sale of their merchandise.

There is also an official single available to download to raise money. The Paul Dunton Orchestra has recorded and made a music video for the song ‘Give Me a Reason’, which is released on August 10 and available to preorder now on iTunes.

For opportunities to advertise on the festival big screen across the weekend for as little as £50, please email: paul@pauldunton.co.uk To donate or find out more, visit www.gofundme. com/local-amp-livemusic-festival-2018 Read Paul Dunton’s gig guide on p54. See also Editor’s Opinion p2.

MAN ON A MISSION Local & Live organiser Paul Dunton

8

NEWS

Local News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Vintage Fair never grows old as shoppers snap up top bargains

By William Mata will@timesoftonbridge.co.uk OLD times and good times were celebrated at The Pantiles Vintage Fair, held over two contrasting days over the weekend, thanks to the weather.

Around 2,000 shoppers snapped up retro furniture, vintage clothing, collectables and antiques at the annual event, which also offered food stalls and live music.

Organiser Julian Leefe-Griffiths, Managing Director of The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, said of the sixth event, held on July 28 and 29: “It was a game of two halves. Saturday was great. We had 1,800 to 2,000 people. There was a nice atmosphere and there was some good music on the stage. There were some 35 stalls with a whole range of items.

“The festival’s sponsor, H Engineering, presented two classic cars which attracted a lot of interest.”

But Sunday’s day-long rainfall affected the crowds. “On Sunday it rained for the first time in months and exhibitors turned up but it was not so successful,” said Mr Leefe-Griffiths.

Return He added that The Vintage Fair will return in 2019, and he has already pencilled in a similar date at the end of next July.

The fair was the latest in a series of events on The Pantiles, incuding weekly jazz nights on Thursdays throughout the summer.

“We have been lucky this year with the weather,” Mr Leefe-Griffiths continued.

“We have done a gin festival and a jazz festival and had incredible weather. We have held a broad spectrum of events.”

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Local News

NEWS

9

10

BUSINESS

Local Business News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Soapboxes to race once more with 2019 date for charity time-trial set BUSINESSES will get another chance to race homemade karts down Dunorlan Park in the second Crazy Jeans Soapbox Race.

Organising firm Crazy Jeans Events has confirmed the time-trial event in Tunbridge Wells will return on Saturday, June 8, 2019.

More than 5,000 attended the inaugural race earlier this year, which was sponsored by the Markerstudy Group.

Firms dressed-up a go-kart shell, which had been created by students from Hadlow College, with their own livery before pushing and steering them down a course against the clock.

The second stage of the event saw competitors powering a boat in a time trial around the park’s lake, with the team registering the lowest

combined time declared winner. Local firm Henry Paul Funerals scooped first place.

The sponsored event raised £21,000 for local charities ellenor and Hospice in the Weald.

Nicole Piesse Turner and Garry Jefferey, coowners of Crazy Jeans Events, confirmed the date last week and said firms will be eager to sign up for the next race.

Ms Piesse Turner said: “Taking all the positive aspects of this year’s Soapbox Race and turning it into something even crazier next year is incredibly exciting, and we can’t wait.

“The confirmation of the date is the first of many more announcements to come, including our nominated charities and participating businesses.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Small firms demand focus on crossing plan THE government needs to ‘keep focused’ on delivering the £6billion Lower Thames Crossing, the Kent branch of the Federation of Small Businesses [FSB] has warned.

Deborah Turner, the FSB’s Area Leader, said the project connecting Gravesend in Kent and Tilbury in Essex risks falling behind schedule as local MPs take their summer recess break.

The crossing, which will provide an alternative to the M25’s heavily-used Dartford bridge and tunnel, is scheduled to be complete by 2027.

PUT YOUR HANDS UP A team from Salomons Estate take part

Kent projects have chance to bid for portion of partnership’s £8m PROMOTERS of projects in Kent that have the potential to provide a boost for business are being invited to apply for a share of an £8million cash pot.

The government funding is being offered via the South East Local Enterprise Partnership [SELEP], which has already allocated £561million to 97 projects across the region.

Interested parties must show their project can demonstrate value for money and will realise benefits such as delivering jobs, homes or skills.

A recent example of a successful bid was Strood Waterfront, where £3.5million is being EFFECTIVE USE OF FUNDS The aim of Christian Brodie, Chairman of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership

spent on flood defence works ahead of the regeneration of the former Civic Centre and Strood Riverside sites.

Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP, said: “Our area is seeing growth on a significant scale and we must ensure we have the

‘Initially, we are looking for projects to pick up unallocated funding’ homes, jobs and infrastructure in place to support that.

“As a local enterprise partnership, we have been very successful in securing local government funds, and our aim is to ensure that money is used effectively and produces tangible results.

“Initially, we are looking for projects to pick up unallocated funding and any that becomes available from underspend on current works.

“The projects must have evidence of public support and be supported by SELEP Federated Boards and by a relevant county or unitary authority in the SELEP area.”

Anyone interested in discussing a proposal, or looking for additional advice, should contact their local Federated Board by emailing Sarah Nurden at the Kent & Medway Economic Partnership at the following address: sarah.nurden@kent.gov.uk The closing date for expressions of interest is 5.30pm on Friday, August 31.

Further information is available at www.southeastlep.com

Strawberry fields producing sweet centenary for growers A STRAWBERRY variety developed in West Kent has stunned growers by becoming one of the summer’s success stories.

It is predicted that the Malling Centenary plant, developed at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany East Malling Research institute [NIAB EMR], will have been cultivated 59 million times by the end of summer.

This is a 15 million increase on last year, and it has been grown on the company’s site near Tonbridge.

Fabulous The variety is listed by all UK supermarkets and is said to provide a better taste than the previous market-leading variety, Elsanta.

Mario Caccamo, Managing Director of EMR, said: “Named to celebrate a century of fruit science and

innovation at East Malling Research, Malling Centenary is a fabuloustasting strawberry and a very strong performer for the growers.

“The commercial success of the variety is now helping to retain world-class science here in Kent.”

EMR have formed a successful partnership with supplier Meiosis Ltd, who have helped ensure that Malling Centenary is commercially protected with Plant Variety Rights.

Mark Coxeter, Chief Executive of Meiosis, based at Bradbourne House on the East Malling Estate, said: “The success of Malling Centenary is the result of growers and supermarket buyers recognising it offers great taste, a regular conical shape, good skin and firmness of the flesh, and strong shelf life. That can only be achieved through investment in breeding programmes.”

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

TOP OF THE CROPS Malling Centenary strawberries are blooming

Service stations ranked EATING at our nearest M25 service station is a better experience travelling westbound than eastbound, research has revealed.

The twin Clacket Lane service stations, positioned on the Kent/Surrey border, accounted for two of 112 motorway facilities ranked for the second year by the watchdog Transport Focus.

The Roadchef-operated service stations recorded an 83 per cent customer satisfaction rate on the eastbound side and 94 per cent on the westbound side.

Transport Focus’s report, released last week, did not state if price, service or quality was behind the difference in ratings, and both stations ranked mid-table in the UK list.

Thurrock Moto, the next service station to the east on the M25, was bottom of the list with a 68 per cent satisfaction rating.

Top was Norton Canes in Staffordshire with 100 per cent.

Spirits high for Atom TONBRIDGE drinks producer Atom Brands has secured a hat-trick of trophies at the International Spirits Challenge.

The awards were shared between several titles in the Morley Road firm’s portfolio.

The Handmade Cocktail Company was named Pre-Mixed Producer of the Year, while The Blended Whisky Company and That Boutique-y Whisky Company also won accolades for their drinks.

Atom Managing Director Ben Ellefsen said: “There is no more rigorous test of a liquid’s quality than blind panel tasting, and we’re absolutely delighted.”

Law firm listed in guide CRIPPS, one of Tunbridge Wells’s leading law firms, has been listed in the Chambers High Net Worth [HNW] 2018 Guide.

The business, which has an office on Mount Ephraim as well as offices in Kings Hill and London, was recognised as ‘a national leader for its private client practice’ in the recently released Kent and national rankings.

Chambers commended the firm’s ‘depth and breadth of expertise’ and its ability to ‘deal with complex issues’, claiming the firm is a ‘one-stop shop’ for private clients.

Launched in 2016, the HNW guide provides an in-depth analysis of the leading lawyers and law firms acting for high net worth individuals and families.

It covers private wealth management work and related specialisms in key jurisdictions across the world.

Feedback is collated from clients, other law firms and legal commentators to compile the rankings and editorial.

In addition to the team rankings, Myles McIntosh, Head of the Private Client Team, and consultant Simon Leney have been recognised as leading lawyers in their fields.

Mr McIntosh said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a market leader.”

12

NEWS

Community News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Castle trip keeps it in the family A FATHER and daughter from Tunbridge Wells have raised over £1,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society by cycling more than 500 miles from Tonbridge Castle to Edinburgh Castle.

Jim and Rebecca Wood split the journey into six stages and completed it in five and a half days, averaging 91 miles a day. The longest leg was 117 miles from Sunderland to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Spinning Jim celebrated his 58th birthday during the trip, which was part of his plan to keep fit after losing a lot of weight three years ago – he also completed the London marathon last year.

He said: “I knew what I was letting myself in for as I’ve driven up to Edinburgh many times before, so I could appreciate just how far away it was.

“Up until recently I had been focused on running. My only real experience of cycling was from spinning classes in the gym.

“I had planned to do the ride by myself as I didn’t think anyone else would be mad enough to do it. But having just finished university, my daughter Rebecca, who is a keen cyclist, volunteered to join me.”

Jim, who is an Aftersales Manager at Inchcape UK in Tunbridge Wells, added: “I chose the Alzheimer’s Society because it was Inchcape’s chosen charity, and I wanted to join colleagues in helping to raise funds and meet the company’s overall target of £50k in the first year of the charity partnership.

“We both wore Alzheimer’s T-shirts on the journey and were surprised by how many people spotted them and wanted to add donations along the way.

“So many people have been affected by dementia and were really keen to support us. It really opened my eyes as to the help this charity provides and gave us extra motivation to complete the challenge and raise as much money as possible.”

STARTING GATE Rebecca and Jim prepare to leave Tonbridge Castle

HOME COMFORTS Ian Soars, Chief Executive of Fegans, receives the cheque from John Lewis staff (l-r) Christine Robbins, Tracey Odell and Debra Thompson

John Lewis shoppers help Fegans support families CUSTOMERS at John Lewis have raised £1,220 by choosing Fegans as their preferred charity when placing their green tokens into one of the three Community Matters boxes at the front of the Tunbridge Wells store.

‘Demand for the charity’s services is greater than ever before’ Fegans provides counselling for around 400 children a week, as well as practical and emotional support for parents and carers who are finding it difficult to cope.

All Fegans’ counsellors are registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Working in schools and Fegans sites across the South East, including the head office in St

James’ Road, they deal with issues that include abuse, anger, anxiety, bereavement, bullying, depression and self-harm.

Despite doubling in size in the last six years and seeing more children year-on-year, demand for the charity’s services is greater than ever before.

“We are so grateful for the support shown

by John Lewis At Home Tunbridge Wells,” said Ann-Marie Fisher, Head of Communications and Fundraising at Fegans.

“Community Matters ensures more local families are aware of the services Fegans offers, and also helps to fund this valuable work. The money raised will enable Fegans to counsel more children through trauma and support more parents who are struggling to cope.”

John Lewis Branch Manager Tracey Odell said: “We are delighted our customers showed such great support for this fantastic charity.”

Community News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

NEWS

13

Hever delivers triathlon training for primaries in historic setting THE TriKnights Schools Roadshow returned to Hever Castle for three days on July 10-12 for triathlon-style training in swimming, cycling and running – as well as a cultural history workshop.

The educational project is organised by the Castle Triathlon Series, which hosts the world’s largest children’s triathlon at Hever in September.

Catherine Jameson, who won the British Middle Distance Championships at Hever Castle on July 8, and fellow elite triathlete Stephen Sims were on hand to inspire the next generation of Team GB triathletes.

The week saw primary schools from

the villages of Hever, Penshurst, Chiddingstone and St Lawrence each bring 30 Key Stage 2 children for a half day of triathlon training and a half day of cultural learning about the historic setting.

Exciting All of the activity is linked to the curriculum while helping the schools to keep to their Active 30:30 commitment of 30 minutes’ exercise each day.

Alison Saunders, Headteacher of St Lawrence’s in Stone Street, near Sevenoaks, said: “This is a unique and exciting op-

portunity for the children to be exposed to a contemporary and popular sport.

“Triathlon broken down is swimming, cycling and running, so naturally part of a child’s life, and this fun platform is a creative way of delivering the curriculum and benefitting the children.”

Comments from the pupils included: “It was an opportunity to do something new and it was great fun”; “It gave me a chance to find out what a real triathlon was like”; “I felt really proud of myself when I’d finished”; “I think swimming in the lake was better than swimming in a swimming pool.”

KNIGHTS TO REMEMBER The next generation of triathletes at Hever Castle

WARM WELCOME: Crossways service users and volunteers at Woods

Award-winning mental health charity Crossways is recruiting CROSSWAYS Community is looking for committed and talented people to join its team in a variety of roles.

The Christian charity, based in Tunbridge Wells, provides residential care and support for adults with acute mental health issues.

It also delivers mental health training in local schools and for other community partners.

Crossways was named Supporting Services Charity of the Year at this years’ Kent Charity Awards.

Café It is opening a café, The Kitchen Table, in Camden Road in the autumn, and is seeking paid staff to help create a welcoming place for those who may be struggling with poor mental health.

It is also looking to recruit trustees to help drive the organisation

forward and for volunteers to help with activities such as furniture upcycling, gardening and supporting residents.

Julia Kirk, PA to Chief Executive Chris Munday, said: “Experience or knowledge of the mental health sector, whilst useful, is not essential. Full training will be given.

We would encourage anyone with a heart for our work to apply.”

There will be a recruitment session on Tuesday, August 7, from 11am1pm at Crossways’ Admin Building, 8 Culverden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9QX. To book a place at the open morning, email: julia.kirk@ crosswayscommunity.org.uk For an informal conversation about the roles, email: chris.munday@ crosswayscommunity.org.uk or call 01892 543290. For job descriptions see www.crosswayscommunity.org.uk

14

NEWS

National News

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Teenager sentenced to 17 years in ‘acid killing’ case A TEENAGER was was jailed for 17 years yesterday (Tuesday) for what is believed to be the first acid killing in the UK. The trial of Xeneral Webster (pictured right), 19, at Reading Crown Court for the murder of Joanne Rand took a dramatic turn when he pleaded guilty to an alternative charge of manslaughter part-way through the hearing.

He had armed himself with a corrosive substance, which was knocked from his hand by another male from whom he was trying to get a bicycle, the court heard.

Ms Rand, a 47-year-old nurse and mother-of-three, was hit with the high-strength sulphuric acid on June 3 last year as she sat on a bench in Frogmoor, High Wycombe.

She died 11 days later from multiple organ failure after contracting septicaemia due to the burns.

Webster, of Banstead Court, Westway, west London, also pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, namely acid, and affray, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

He was also sentenced for two counts of possessing an offensive weapon, namely a samurai sword and ammonia, and criminal damage relating to a separate incident to which he pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

Responsibility Sentencing him Judge Angela Morris said: “You and your actions bear the responsibility for her (Ms Rand’s) tragic demise.”

Referring to his carrying of a corrosive substance on April 19 2017, she added: “The fact remains, you had this substance with you in a public place and you cannot have failed to realise the significant harm its contents would have caused to

others had it been released.

“Because it is a liquid it is all the more likely to be indiscriminate in its spread.”

Judge Morris said she had concluded that Webster posed a risk to the public and as well as 17 years in custody gave him an extended licence period of three years.

Talking about Ms Rand she continued: “The cost of your actions were incalculable and irreparable for her family and friends and there is no sentence which this court can pass which can replace the value of her life.”

Ms Rand worked at the Sir Aubrey Ward care home in Marlow and was described as “hard-working and passionate about her job” in a tribute issued by her family in October.

Her family have since called for tough sentences for people carrying acid.

Ms Rand’s daughter Katie Pitwell, 18, said: “I think the buying of acid needs to be restricted but also if someone is carrying it there should be tougher sentences because most of the time they do intend to use it for harm.”

She added: “He went out with the intention of hurting someone and it’s an innocent person that got hurt in this situation.

“People need to know that if they’re carrying that type of stuff, it’s going to hurt someone or kill someone.”

Webster sat with his arms crossed and looked around the dock as Ms Rand’s sisters read a victim impact statement.

“All we have now is tears and upset.

We have lost so much.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Police chief hits out at middle class drug users BRITAIN’S most senior police officer has hit out at middle class cocaine users who worry about issues like the environment and fair trade but believe there’s ‘no harm’ in taking the class A drug.

Gangs that deal drugs are linked to violent street crime, but Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said demand for illegal substances remains high, and has gone up recently for cocaine.

Ms Dick said: “There are groups of middle class people who will sit round happily thinking about global warming and fair trade and environmental protection and all sorts of things, organic food, but think there’s no harm in taking a bit of cocaine. Well there is. There is misery throughout the supply chain.”

Violent crime has risen nationally in the past few years, and so far in London this year Met figures show there have been 87 homicides, with the rise partly fuelled by street violence.

M20 ‘car park’ concerns FRESH fears over the impact of a no-deal Brexit have been raised by Dover District Council regarding how Channel ports will cope with lorry backlogs.

An impact assessment, released under freedom of information, says that a ‘temporary solution’ to deal with a no-deal Brexit of converting a 13-mile stretch of the M20 between junction 8 near Maidstone and junction 9 near Ashford into giant lorry park could last many years.

VICTIM Joanne Rand

Rail talks on track TALKS are to be held in a bid to avert more strikes in the bitter dispute over the role of guards on trains following a third series of walkouts involving members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on South Western Railway (SWR) yesterday (Tuesday).

Further stoppages are planned for the next three Saturdays ahead of a 48-hour strike starting on Saturday August 31. The union announced that talks will be held at the conciliation service Acas, although the next strike, on Saturday, remains on.

Famous sailor dies

Facebook removes ‘fake’ accounts FACEBOOK has uncovered ‘sophisticated’ efforts to influence US politics on its platforms.

The social media giant said it removed 32 accounts from Facebook and Instagram because they were involved in ‘co-ordinated’ behaviour and appeared to be fake.

The company said it does not know who is behind the efforts, but said there are may be connections to Russia.

Facebook said it has found some

connections between the accounts it removed and the accounts connected to Russia’s Internet Research Agency which it removed before and after the 2016 US presidential elections.

The earliest page was created in March 2017.

Facebook said more than 290,000 accounts followed at least one of the fake pages.

The most followed Facebook Pages were Aztlan Warriors, Black Elevation, Mindful Being and Resisters.

SAILOR and entrepreneur Tony Bullimore, who became world-famous after he survived for four days in the upturned hull of his boat when it capsized in the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean in 1997, has died at the age of 79. Mr Bullimore was a founding member of the famous Bamboo Club in Bristol, which he opened with wife Lalel, in 1966.

£30m for new cladding HOUSEBUILDER Taylor Wimpey has set aside £30million to replace flammable cladding on its developments, saying it was ‘morally right’ to help customers in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.

16

NEWS

National News

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Father believes his missing son will not be

found but mother says search must go on THE mother of missing airman Corrie McKeague has said she has ‘not given up’ on the search for her son.

Nicola Urquhart said she would keep fighting for answers despite Mr McKeague’s father, Martin McKeague, saying he was ‘certain’ his son is in the waste disposal system and his remains are ‘essentially irretrievable’. Mr McKeague has said his son is no longer missing.

Corrie McKeague was 23 when he vanished on a night out in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on September 24, 2016.

Police believe he climbed into a waste bin and was taken away by a refuse lorry. He had been stationed at RAF Honington, about 10 miles from Bury St Edmunds.

No trace of him has been found, and the investigation was handed over to a cold case squad in March.

Ms Urquhart wrote in a Facebook post: “If any person feels they have the answers they need to move on, I completely respect that.

“I can only keep fighting for the answers I need - to do what helps me, my sons and our family through this.

“This is not a criticism of how any other person deals with their guilt or grief.”

She said a coroner has refused to issue a death certificate, saying Mr McKeague is missing presumed dead, and that she agrees with this position.

“We have not given up,” she wrote. “Corrie is missing, he has not been found, nor has there been any corroborated evidence shown to me yet to say what has RESPECT happened to my son.”

Nicola Urquhart She continued: “Although to the very depths of my soul, I know and feel Corrie is not AWOL. “I cannot state this is a fact, as there is no proof it is not the case - just a lack of any proof it is.”

She said she accepts that when a person goes missing ‘they may never be found’.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Police investigate attack on female tube driver TWO men have been arrested after a female London Underground train driver was attacked in her cab on the Northern Line on Saturday evening.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “Shortly before 11.40pm on Saturday 28 July, officers from BTP were called to Angel station following reports of a fight on board a Northern Line train.

“Police attended and two men, a 54-year-old man from Southwark and a 28-year-old man from Seven Sisters, were arrested on suspicion of affray.

They’ve each been released under police investigation.”

Prepare for cleaner air ALMOST four in 10 small and medium businesses in England are unaware they may face charges when clean air zones (CAZs) are introduced, a new survey suggests.

The schemes are set to be introduced in some towns and cities from next year and could involve fees for all but the most modern and least polluting vehicles. Daily charges will be as much as £100 for lorries and £12.50 for taxis and vans.

Rovers now greener MISSING Corrie McKeague

‘I can only keep fighting for the answers I need’

FOREST Green Rovers have been certified by the United Nations as the world’s first carbon-neutral football club. The Sky Bet League Two football team based in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, had already become the world’s first vegan football club after making the switch to a plantbased diet for all players, fans, staff and events.

World News

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Spanish taxi drivers jam up cities for four days STRIKING taxi drivers protesting against ride-hailing services have caused massive jams in some of Spain’s biggest cities.

Hundreds of taxis have spent a fourth consecutive night parked on the Gran Via, one of Barcelona’s main roads, while dozens of protesters slept in tents along Madrid’s Paseo de la Castellana. Protests have also disrupted traffic in Valencia, Malaga and Zaragoza.

Aviation chief resigns MALAYSIA’S civil aviation chief, Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, has resigned after an investigation highlighted the shortcomings in the air traffic control centre during the disappearance of Flight MH370 four years ago. The jet carrying 239 people from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing vanished on March 8, 2014 and is presumed to have crashed in the far southern Indian Ocean.

Ryanair strike threat

Zimbabwe awaits results of historic post-Mugabe election ZIMBABWEANS will have to wait a few more days before they find out the result of its first election since former leader Robert Mugabe was ousted.

Officials are counting votes after millions of Zimbabweans peacefully cast their votes in a process closely watched by international monitors, who have yet to announce whether the election was free and fair.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission said it would release the final tally within five days of the election held on Monday.

The two main contenders are President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a former deputy president, and

ELEVEN people have been killed after a bomb-laden van driven by a suspected Abu Sayyaf militant blew up in the southern Philippines.

Delighted “I am delighted by the high turnout and citizen engagement so far,” Mr Mnangagwa tweeted.

Mr Chamisa said he had his own results from

Trump must rejoin nuclear deal if he wants to talk, says Iran leader WARNING Donald Trump

GERMAN pilots at budget airline Ryanair have voted to strike unless a dispute over pay is resolved in the coming days. The Vereinigung Cockpit union said it is ‘offering Ryanair a final deadline to submit a workable proposal by August 6 2018’.

Ryanair said it has invited union representatives to meet next week.

Van bomb kills 11

Nelson Chamisa, a lawyer and pastor who leads a coalition of opposition groups.

More than 5.5 million people were registered to vote and turnout was about 70 percent.

Both candidates issued upbeat assessments of how they did, though said they were waiting for the electoral commission to make the final announcement as required by law.

PRESIDENT Trump needs to rejoin the international nuclear deal he pulled out of earlier this year if he wants to hold talks with Iran’s leader, an adviser to President Hassan Rouhani has said.

The US premier said on Monday that he would meet with Mr Rouhani without preconditions if the

Iranian leader was willing.

The Iranian leadership previously ruled out one-on-one talks with Mr Trump after his decision to pull the United States out of the deal under which Iran was given relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.

Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency quoted political adviser Hamid Aboutalebi as saying that for talks to happen, the US needs to rejoin the deal.

Mr Aboutalebi said: “Those who believe in dialogue as a method of resolving disputes in civilised societies should be committed to the means.”

Speaking during a joint news conference with Italy’s premier Giuseppe Conte, Mr Trump said he would meet with the Iranians ‘anytime they want to’.

The United States has vowed to boost sanctions until Iran changes its regional policies, including its support for regional militant groups.

NEWS

17

most of the nearly 11,000 polling stations, though said he would wait for the official tally.

The election featured a record number of more than 20 presidential candidates and nearly 130 political parties vying for parliamentary seats.

If no presidential candidate wins more than 50 per cent of the vote, a run-off will be held on September 8.

Western election observers were in Zimbabwe, reflecting a freer political environment since the November resignation of Mr Mugabe, who had ruled since independence from white minority rule in 1980.

But there were concerns about bias in state media coverage of the election, a lack of transparency in ballot printing and reports of intimidation by pro-government local leaders who are supposed to stay neutral.

18

BUSINESS

National Business News & Sport NEWS IN BRIEF

House of Fraser looks for new investment SPORTS Direct tycoon Mike Ashley has discussed a new investment deal with House of Fraser in a bid to help the struggling retailer, according to reports. The billionaire, who already owns an 11 per cent stake in the troubled department store, is said to have been asked to consider providing it with a £50million loan. House of Fraser announced plans to close 31 of its 59 stores in June, putting 6,000 jobs at risk.

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

RBS managers will not face action over small firms scandal says City watchdog COMPENSATION RBS has offered £125million

BP dividend boost ENERGY giant BP has announced the first rise in its dividend for almost four years as it struck a confident note about its future prospects. The company increased its dividend by 2.5 per cent to 10.25 cents (7.8p) a share, saying its results had been aided by higher oil prices.

Holiday sales slump THOMAS Cook has warned its annual earnings will be hit as the UK and European heatwave dented demand for last-minute trips abroad. The group said holidaymakers had been enjoying record temperatures at home in June and July, which has knocked late bookings for package holidays.

Rates reform needed BUSINESS rates need to be reformed to help keep the high street alive, the chief executive of Next has said. Lord Wolfson, who is also a Tory peer, said the commercial property tax needs to be updated to reflect major changes in retail triggered by online shopping.

THE Bank of Scotland and its senior managers will not face disciplinary action over the treatment of small firms in its controversial global restructuring group, the City regulator has confirmed.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it had concluded that its powers to discipline anyone for misconduct do not apply and added that action against senior management in the global restructuring group (GRG) for lack of fitness and propriety ‘would not have reasonable prospects of success’.

It said it had taken independent, external legal advice on its decisions, which found that GRG’s activities were not within its remit and confirmed ‘the FCA’s conclusions are correct and reasonable’.

A much-anticipated independent report into GRG by Promontory Financial Group was finally published earlier this year, showing that there was ‘widespread inappropriate treatment of customers’ inside the unit.

The FCA also said it found no evidence of dis-

Millions more Dixons Carphone records affected by data breach DIXONS Carphone has admitted that a massive data breach has affected close to 16 million records, including bank details and personal data, a figure far higher than first reported.

The retailer revealed that 5.9 million customer bank card details and 10 million personal data records were hacked in an attack over several months in the second half of 2017.

Originally, Dixons Carphone said 1.2 million personal data records, which include

customers’ names, emails and addresses, were impacted.

The company said in a statement: “Our investigation, which is now nearing completion, has identified that approximately 10 million records containing personal data may have been accessed in 2017.

“While there is now evidence that some of this data may have left our systems, these records do not contain payment card or bank account details and there is no evidence that any fraud has resulted. We are continuing to keep the relevant authorities updated.

“As a precaution, we are choosing to communicate to all of our customers to apologise and advise them of protective steps to minimise the risk of fraud.”

Compromised Dixons, the retailer behind Currys, has said 5.8 million of the payment cards targeted were protected by chip and pin, but around 105,000 non-EU cards without chip and pin protection were compromised.

The firm is nearing the end of its investigation, aided by third-party cyber security experts.

The cyber attack is also the subject of a further investigation, with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) all taking an interest.

Chief Executive Alex Baldock said on Tuesday: “Since our data security review uncovered last year’s breach, we’ve been working around the clock to put it right.”

honesty or lack of integrity. But FCA chief executive Andrew Bailey said: “The fact that we can’t take action in no way condones the behaviour of RBS. “We expect high standards from the firms we regulate and RBS fell well short in its treatment of GRG customers.

“We feel strongly that those companies that have suffered loss as a result of how they were treated whilst in GRG must be appropriately compensated.”

The Treasury Select Committee said it was ‘disappointing and bewildering’ for those affected by the scandal and called for greater regulation of SME lending.

Sir Howard Davies, chairman of RBS, welcomed the FCA’s conclusion that it will take no further action.

RBS has so far offered a total of £125million to victims of GRG - the now defunct turnaround unit that has been accused of pushing firms towards failure in the hope of picking up assets on the cheap.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Bale will fill Ronaldo’s boots says Real boss WELSH footballer Gareth Bale can fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, according to new Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui who replaced Zinedine Zidane as the club’s head coach.

Ronaldo joined Juventus in July, ending a record-breaking nine-year spell in the Spanish capital. Bale has help lift the Champions League trophy four times since joining Real in 2013.

Murray back on court THREE-time tennis grand slam champion Andy Murray has signed up to play in the China Open at the beginning of October as his comeback after hip surgery continues.

The Scot won his first match on hard courts since February 2017 at the Citi Open in Washington on Monday.

Murray won the China Open title in Beijing on his last visit in 2016, part of a run of five successive tournament victories that propelled him to world number one.

Eddie slides down list ENGLAND’S head coach Eddie Jones has plummeted from second to 19th in a list of rugby’s most influential people according to Rugby World magazine following a dismal first half of 2018 that included five successive Test defeats. World Rugby vice-chairman Gus Pichot tops the list and is followed by new South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus with Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad in third. * For local sport, turn to pages 62 & 32

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Letters

NEWS

19

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 Instead of having a dig at cyclists, get in the car and join the queue ROAD TO RUIN M25 congestion is not caused by bikes

I am afraid Mr Camp made a few mistakes in his letter [July 18].

Firstly, there is no such thing as ‘road tax’, and, yes, cyclists (along with everyone else, driver or not) do pay for the roads via the many taxes collected, including council tax.

As to the efficiency of engines, all internal combustion engines, and electric motors, are at their most effective when they are not

operating; to get optimal efficiency, Mr Camp would be better off leaving his car at home.

Or it may be time, after 43 years, for Mr Camp to venture outside of Tunbridge Wells. He may well encounter the M25 and inevitably spend time stationary in a traffic jam. I can assure him this will not have been caused by a cyclist.

Mark Blackman Tonbridge

What reason do you need to engage?

This is Parliament for the grown-ups

Chris Camp raised a number of questionable points [July 18].

While he was right to say the Tunbridge Wells Alliance carried an anti-Civic Complex campaign, he was wrong to suggest that opposition to the £90million development was not reason to engage in local politics. Is a project that diverts funding away from community groups and charities not reason enough to take a stand?

He was wrong, as well, to say that less than 20 per cent of voters opposed it, as if there was some kind of referendum. Planning documents will show the vast majority of commenters were in opposition, while in the two Tunbridge Wells wards that did stage a referendum, residents voted overwhelmingly against it.

Surely to go from forming as a party to winning a seat in just 100 days is enough to show the Alliance’s venture was worthwhile?

Mr Camp then took aim at cyclists in a bizarre left turn in his letter. “Let them use their bikes off road,” he wrote, and then, incredibly, states that ‘cyclists cause atmospheric pollution’.

It is hard to understand why he wants to blame cyclists. They ride on the road because it is illegal to ride on a pedestrian footpath.

Of course, riders would prefer to have a cycle path option, but the fact that there isn’t one in all areas is not their fault.

And I didn’t even think it needed to be said, but nor is it their fault that so many people choose to drive and cause pollution. Cycling is an environmentally-friendly method of transport that should be encouraged rather than shunned.

Scott Christian Via email

In contrast to Hugh Masters [July 18], I find our MP’s actions reassuring, principled and seriously democratic.

In the wake of Vote Leave having been fined for breaking Electoral Commission rules in the 2016 Referendum, it seems clear to me that lying and cheating to get the ideological outcome you desire is not remotely democratic, just irresponsible.

It is the first, and totally democratic, responsibility of government to defend the whole nation from harm. Mitigating the economic and social impact of the act of leaving the EU is now the responsibility of the grownups in the room, of whom Greg Clark is one.

Kate Sergeant Tunbridge Wells

Democracy is a difference of opinion With reference to your leader comment [July 4], I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Masters [July 18] that we should expect our constituency MP to vote in line with our wishes and not just toe the party line.

How refreshing, therefore, that Greg Clark did exactly this, as it seems to have conveniently slipped Mr Masters’ mind that, despite the overall result, we as a constituency voted to Remain.

I fail to see how Mr Clark arguing for a different form of Brexit from the one that Mr Masters seems to want is undemocratic. It’s just a difference of opinion. But it is wrong to infer that Mr Clark doesn’t accept the overall result when there is no evidence of this.

I hope, therefore, that he continues putting the majority of our views foremost when voting on the options to leave the EU, as we wouldn’t

want to stray from the very nature of the UK’s democratic Parliamentary process.

Steve Hough, Via email

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

Picking up the pieces after the blitz I was interested to read that Kent County Council’s ‘drain cleaning blitz’ has been welcomed by the Conservatives on our borough council. This follows on from the recent ‘pothole blitz’, which has made a barely noticeable improvement to our town’s crumbling roads.

The warning signs on flooding in The Pantiles have been there for years, but no one wants to take ownership of the situation.

The drains were not designed for current levels of development and need more capacity as well as cleaning. Without this, residents (ratepayers) and local businesses will pick up the pieces when the rains come again. Perhaps investment, rather than neglect and blitz, is the way forward.

Peter Lidstone Liberal Democrat Councillor for St John’s

It will take a while to save the world Your correspondents Sam Goodenough and Edward Baker [July 18] make some curious and inaccurate claims.

The former says that the Greens ‘want to stop burning fossil fuels today’, but nobody is suggesting this. Rather it is a question of investing in renewables to replace fossil fuels in a measured way. It cannot be achieved overnight.

Mr Baker thinks we should produce more of our own gas, hence he supports fracking. According to British Gas, most of our gas still comes from the North Sea (around 43 per cent) and another 23 per cent comes from Norway. The rest comes from other European sources, and 13 per cent is brought in by tankers in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas. Only around 1 per cent comes from Russia.

Unconventional gas (fracking) could be used to increase the amount produced onshore, but this is an extreme technique which can produce large amounts of fugitive methane emissions and, because of the specific geology of the UK, the potential for property damage is significant – with very few returns to show for it. Neither is it clear that there is a strong economic case for favouring fracking over conventional gas.

There is also the uncomfortable fact that scientists tell us that to keep climate temperatures within a relatively safe 2 degrees, we cannot use 80 per cent of known reserves, so looking for more is highly irresponsible.

As things stand, we have enough gas to see us through a transition without having to find more, but only if we are serious about investment in renewables and energy-saving through, for example, stronger building codes and better insulation, which will also save people money and combat fuel poverty.

Far from ideology and zealotry, we advocate a practical programme of transition to a low-carbon economy, just as other countries are doing, so that we not only combat climate change but also ensure we have a competitive economy.

Howard Porter Chair, Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

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

THEY never learn. Teenage drivers, that is. Take the case of Harry, a most likeable 19-year-old apprentice who drives a gleamingly polished Volvo. He finds it hard to ease his foot off the accelerator, which resulted in him being caught speeding and going on one of those ‘awareness’ courses where you pay nearly £100 not to get any points. His mum was not happy and lectured him about speeding. Being a good son, he promised not to do it again. The very next week he was hitting 60mph through his village and zoomed past another car. It was being driven by his mum. Guess who has had his keys confiscated for two weekends?

LISTENING to supper table chat with friends, Calverley was amused to hear how a wife lost her personal battle with satnav. She repeatedly insisted to her husband that she could give better directions from a map than the robot lady [who is she, anyway?]

It transpires that her verbal route updates largely consisted on the motorways of her turning to her husband as they flashed by exits, saying: “I think that was our turn off.”

[Disclaimer: Calverley would point out it could equally have been a ‘husband’ who made the mistake in giving directions.]

WOULD you believe it? Parents will go to almost any lengths these days to get their kids noticed and give them an edge climbing up the pole of success. Witness the actions of a football-mad mum and dad whose 13 year old is not a bad player. They have had his teeth whitened to make him look more appealing to football scouts. There was nothing wrong with them in the first place! [It’s the second such case Himself has come across.]

THEY’RE BACK! Calverley, as one would expect, is invited in this town to the opening of everything [aside from brown envelopes], and not long ago came across a couple who planned their lives around gatecrashing such events at shops, bars and restaurants, where they enjoyed complimentary drinks and canapes, etc. They told friends: “It’s a great way of eating out for free and meeting nice people.” They ended up on a banned list.

Now the pair have slipped back into their old ways and have so far not been noticed. And Calverley is not about to turn them in.

Chin Chin, readers

20

NEWS

Weekly Comment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Nus Ghani

Nus Ghani was elected MP for Wealden in May 2015 and represents Crowborough, Eridge and Uckfield, among other towns and villages. She also currently serves as Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State at the Department for Transport and is Assistant Government Whip. In 2018, Ms Ghani became the first Muslim woman to speak from the House of Commons Despatch Box. The Times also publishes comment from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties

Conservative MP for Wealden

Working with Wealden farmers for green goal THE Wealden countryside is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. From the rolling hills of the South Downs to the charm of the Ashdown Forest, we are lucky to be surrounded by a diverse and vibrant environment.

Ensuring we pass on a clean and sustainable Wealden to the next generation has been a priority of mine since I was first elected.

My postbag is regularly full of residents’ concerns on the environment, and it’s something

which consistently comes up in my advice surgeries and when visiting Wealden schools.

Recent moves across the country to reduce carbon emissions, create new woodlands and habitats, and protect Britain’s bees and pollinators are all very welcome.

Proposals for a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles will help to keep litter off our streets, making us a world leader in recycling plastics which all too often end up in the ocean.

Hotline

BETTER TOGETHER: Nus & Lord Abergavenny, Eridge farmer & Chairman of the Conservative Rural Forum

Locally, I’ve campaigned on keeping the recycling centres at Wadhurst and Forest Row open, community assets that are incredibly important to my constituents. I’ll continue to lobby to keep the recycling centres open, for the benefit of East Sussex residents and the Ashdown Forest.

Littering is a terrible blight on the health of our countryside, and it’s great to see Wealden District Council prosecuting and fining people for fly-tipping in the Ashdown Forest. Fly-tipping has many untold consequences, not only dirtying the environment but also causing problems

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

LOVELY LANDSCAPE: View of the Wealden countryside

for our farmers and food producers who make up the vibrant rural Wealden economy.

I recently welcomed the launch of a new rural crime reporting hotline by the National Farmers Union and CrimeStoppers.

Rural crime, which can include fly-tipping, livestock worrying or machinery theft is on the rise, and I have been working with our farmers, local councils, the Government and the NFU to combat problems arising from rural crime.

The hotline is 0800 783 0137 – or you can visit www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk – and I would encourage anyone to use it if they are at all suspicious of any potential rural crime, helping to rid this blight on our countryside, passing on a clean and sustainable environment to our children.

Ben Chapelard

FARMING FRIENDS: Wealden livestock

Liberal Democrat councillor Ben Chapelard has represented St James’ ward since 2010. He is the Leader of the Opposition on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Last week he was the first to announce he will be standing at the next general election, currently scheduled for 2022

Liberal Democrat councillor for St James’

What is needed for Tunbridge Wells to prosper HAVE you ever sat in a traffic jam in Tunbridge Wells and thought why is our town not moving?

Tired of the same old problems? Tired of the same old excuses from the Conservatives?

Faced with issues ranging from congestion and speeding, potholes and dog mess to an increasing number of empty shops, the Conservatives respond by extravagantly spending £93m on a new Town Hall, office and theatre, paid for by residents. The message we are getting on the doorstep is clear: Tunbridge Wells under the Conservatives is not working.

I completely understand the frustrations of local residents. Indeed, it was my incessant ranting about local issues to Councillor David Neve which led him to suggest that maybe I should consider standing myself in St James’ ward. That was eight years ago and I haven’t looked back since.

Candidate We Liberal Democrats believe that Tunbridge Wells is a great place to live, BUT it has not been served well by the complacent Conservatives and is in need of a lot of tender loving care!

We believe we can do better in Tunbridge Wells.

This is why last week we announced that I will be standing as the Lib Dem candidate at the next general election.

Take the recent flooding in Tunbridge Wells.

Why was action not taken after the first flood

PROBLEM SPOT: The old cinema site in Tunbridge Wells

back in 2015? Two further floods later, the MP and the Conservative-run borough council and the county council finally pull their finger out. This complacency needs to be called out. It is too little too late for the residents and businesses affected.

Residents deserve a proactive MP who focuses fully on our constituency and works tirelessly for our area rather than their own political career. Is that too much to ask?

Look at the Brexit shambles, for example – an internal Conservative party squabble that is tearing our country apart. Who is speaking up for Remain Tunbridge Wells? Mr Clark [MP] is certainly

not fighting for the thousands of residents whose livelihoods depend on the EU. In the name of Cabinet loyalty, Mr Clark has voted to take us out the Single Market and the Customs Union. What about loyalty to residents? It is clear his first loyalty is to the Conservative party. Mine will always be to the residents who elected me.

We Liberal Democrats want Tunbridge Wells to be a pioneer in 21st-century living. We need a strategic plan to tackle traffic congestion in the town, illegal levels of air pollution – especially important near our schools – and the lack of sustainable transport across the constituency as

well as poor infrastructure in our rural areas.

The Conservative’s piecemeal approach has not worked and is not working.

The Lib Dems have already achieved a lot locally, be it getting real action on the cinema site grotspot, saving CCTV from Conservative cuts or campaigning for glass recycling. Just imagine what we could achieve with a Liberal Democrat MP! Over the coming months I look forward to campaigning for a positive new agenda for our community. In the meantime, you can join in with the conversation. Get involved at www.benchapelard.org.uk

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

ULTIMATE GUIDE

AND IMPROVING

Barnstorming ideas from an expert The best ways to convert

AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

TO PROPERTY AND INTERIORS

22

EDGE OF TOWN WITH AN ORCHARD

31

Page 42

BEAUTIFUL HOME FOR BIRD LOVERS

41

SUPERB STYLE IN THE TOWN CENTRE

22

yourh me

To Suit Your Budget

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to

EXCHANGE MEWS CULVERDEN PARK ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS GUIDE PRICE

£450,000

UNDER £300,000 SHAFTESBURY ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n Kitchen with door to garden n 2 bedrooms

GUIDE PRICE

n Spacious bathroom

£295,000

n Loft space

n Victorian semi-detached house requiring general modernisation n St John’s area cul-de-sac n Sitting room with fireplace n Dining room

n Garden n Off-road parking space CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £400,000

n 2 bedrooms

DAIRY COTTAGE, OLD ROAD EAST PECKHAM, NR TONBRIDGE

n Wrap-around garden overlooking orchard

£365,000

n Detached single garage n Shared private driveway

n Grade II Listed converted farmhouse in village centre

n Potential to add further bathroom, subject to the necessary permissions

n Entrance and hallway n Farmhouse-style kitchen/dining room with door to rear porch n Sitting room with wood flooring n Downstairs bathroom

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

To Suit Your Budget

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

thekn w

23

great properties by price range…

UNDER £600,000 WHITEFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£499,950-£525,000 ■ Victorian semi-detached house ■ Reception room with shutters ■ Dining room ■ Kitchen ■ Rear utility lobby with door to garden ■ Cloakroom ■ Master bedroom with shutters ■ 2 further bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Loft ■ Front and rear gardens with patio CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £700,000 MANOR ROAD, RUSTHALL

£625,000 ■ Updated detached period house ■ Sitting room ■ Open-plan dining area through to kitchen with door to garden ■ Cloakroom ■ Master bedroom with en-suite shower ■ 2 further bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Loft ■ Detached single garage and adjoining office/study with separate entrance ■ Front and rear gardens and terrace CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

UNDER £500,000 EXCHANGE MEWS CULVERDEN PARK ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£450,000 ■ Smart mews townhouse in St John’s development ■ Living/dining room with French windows to garden ■ Kitchen with space for breakfast bar ■ Cloakroom ■ Master bedroom with en-suite shower room and balcony

UNDER £1MILLION TANGIER LANE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS ■ 2 further bedrooms ■ Bathroom

£775,000

■ Boarded loft

■ Semi rural attached home

■ Communal garden

■ Sitting/dining room with fireplace

■ Driveway with parking for two cars

■ Drawing room with fireplace

■ Private garden with paved terrace and lawn CONTACT Flying Fish Properties Southborough 01892 514189 www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk

■ Kitchen/breakfast room/family room ■ Master suite with country views ■ 3 further bedrooms (one en-suite) ■ Family bathroom ■ Gardens with small apple orchard ■ Garage and driveway CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Birds’ Isle

thekn w

31

AT A GLANCE BIRDS’ ISLE, GRANGE ROAD ST MICHAELS, TENTERDEN n Country residence built in 1952 on the site of a Tudor property

Updated country property enjoys pool, ponds and safe island haven for birds

n Recently updated to a high specification n Drawing room n Dining hall n Study n Snug room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Conservatory n Boot/utility room n 2 bedroom suites n 4 further bedrooms n 4 bath/shower rooms n Heated swimming pool n Summerhouse n 2 greenhouses n Double oak-framed car barn n Machinery store n Approaching 3 acres n Garden, including pleached lime walk and two ponds with a bridge and central island for birds (hence property name Birds’ Isle) n Potential for creation of annexe, subject to the necessary consents

GUIDE PRICE

£1,765,000

Available for sale through Jackson-Stops Cranbrook 01580 720000 www.jackson-stops.co.uk and Savills Cranbrook 01580 720161 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Church Road

thekn w

41

AT A GLANCE

CHURCH ROAD (BELVEDERE TERRACE) TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Immaculately restored Grade II-listed townhouse built in 1840 n Central location n Arranged over five floors n Adaptable lower ground floor accommodation n Entrance hall n Kitchen/breakfast room n Cloakroom n First floor drawing room with balcony n Dining room n Laundry/utility room n Master bedroom suite

Gothic-style townhouse in heart of Tunbridge Wells town centre

n 2 further bedrooms n 2 bathrooms Lower Ground Floor: n Sitting/bedroom and kitchenette n Bedroom n Bathroom Outside: n South-facing garden (approximately 90ft) n Garden shed & 3 storerooms n Designated off-street parking for up to 5 cars

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ1,285,000

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

42

yourh me

Architectural Advice

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

John Bullock

Architectural services

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

The beauty of converting a handy barn We are lucky at the moment in the borough of Tunbridge Wells, as the council is supporting such projects as transforming barns into amazing living spaces – so make hay while the sun shines!

C

ONVERTING a barn is a unique opportunity to create a one-off home packed with character and boasting more volume than might be achievable in a traditional property.

Given the strict planning rules, which vary from council to council, permission is very much dependent upon where you live. The good news is that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council currently supports this type of project.

The secret to a successful renovation is to retain or match as much of the barn’s original character as you can, not only because this is probably why you were attracted to the idea in the first place, but old beams, timber cladding and beautiful stonework bring to life the unique character and quality of the building.

If you sensitively respect the local vernacular and marry in contemporary elements your reward will be a stunning individual new home.

Our case study this month demonstrates this approach. This two-bedroom barn conversion is a sensitive scheme which expresses the original building’s industrial character.

The external corrugated roof has been removed and replaced with welded zinc. On the exterior walls, vertical oak cladding adds a tactile element and celebrates the barn’s original timber cladding. Over time, the zinc will dull to a ‘watering can’ grey and the walls will silver, blending the building back into the landscape.

Inside, vaulted ceilings create the form of an envelope giving height and space to the living area. Light floods in through the floor to ceiling glazing bringing the outside in.

The contemporary open-plan living area creates the kind of inviting and social space so popular with families today. Removing walls means there’s more natural light travelling through the home,

THE MAX FACTOR Floor to ceiling windows bring the outside in so there are no wasted areas or dark corners.

Zoning areas is important to divide the openplan space, and this can be achieved cleverly in different ways. A breakfast bar or island unit can separate the kitchen area from the living space.

Storage units offer another great way of creating partitions while also proving useful. Shelving units on casters can even be pushed out of the way or rearranged to allow for a gathering or party.

Two bedrooms with large picture windows, each with its own en-suite facilities and dressing room complete the design to create a contemporary yet sympathetic home within a historic building.

WHERE CAN I FIND A BARN? Some clients we work with are fortnate enough to have an unused barn sitting in their garden which has only ever been used for the occasional party. But not everyone is so lucky!

To find a barn is similar to finding a new house, and there are dedicated online websites and land agents. Alternatively, consider buying a house with a barn in the grounds.

This presents an exciting development opportunity for the future with a perfect way to downsize in retirement.

But don’t wait too long – planning policy can change at any time.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO COMPLETE A RENOVATION? You can expect to pay approximately £1,750£2,250 per square metre, but this is will vary on finish quality. Retaining and carefully upgrading the existing structure and fabric can be a costly exercise, but the character and history it preserves can be priceless. For this project, if we take a midway price conversion, the budget would be in the region of £300,000.

IS PLANNING PERMISSION REQUIRED? In 2014, permitted development rights were extended to allow agricultural buildings (e.g. barns) to be converted into homes (Class Q).

Before this, it was necessary to apply for full planning permission.

However, this concession in planning policy should not be viewed as a sure thing for every barn conversion. There are certain rules, restrictions and hoops to jump through in every case, and there’s a possibility that permitted development rights won’t apply to your project, especially if the barn is in an area designated AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

PRINCIPAL PLANNING REQUIREMENTS THAT NEED TO BE FULFILLED:

n The building must be redundant n The building must be of sound structural condition

n The building should be able to be converted without significant extension

n The development must not harm the building’s character

n The access, car parking and residential cartilage must not harm the character of the countryside n The conversion would meet an identified local need for housing PLENTY OF SPACE ‘Vaulted ceilings create the form of an envelope’

John Bullock Design is the proud winner of the Times of Tunbridge Wells ‘Best Business 1-25 Employees’ Award 2018. For further advice, please contact them on 01892 525732.

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

thekn w.guide IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

Could vehicles really cure our potholes?

ARTS & CULTURE | LIFE & STYLE |

FOOD & DRINK | MOTORING

46

See Motoring Page 58

Madagascar Youngsters stage a musical adventure

HEVER’S ‘STARK’ LINK WITH BREXIT

48

Page 48

NATIONAL PLAYDAY IN THE PARK

52

With a song in his heart…

TREATS WITH A CHERRY ON TOP!

54

Fred Clark is in our live music guide Page 50

THE SPORTING WAY TO HOLIDAY

thekn w.guide

arts

46

All pictures courtesy of Hever Castle & Gardens

Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Hever and the history man Next Wednesday evening (August 8), the renowned and often controversial historian Dr David Starkey takes to the stage at Hever Castle’s open-air theatre to discuss the parallels between Henry VIII’s Reformation and Brexit. Eileen Leahy spoke to him ahead of what promises to be a fascinating talk

F

amous historian, broadcaster and Kent resident Dr David Starkey, CBE, is passionate about one of our local landmarks. Indeed, he declares: “I know Hever extraordinarily well,” as we chat a few days before he brings his talk, ‘Henry VIII: The First Brexiteer?’, to the castle’s outdoor theatre on August 8, as part of its summer programme of special events.

David has been touring with this partly historical, partly interactive debate – which examines the key parallels he believes exist between King Henry VIII’s Reformation and the issue of Brexit – all over the country. So it seems

HEVER CASTLE Where Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn

only right that the revered academic should also come to Hever to discuss the similarities he believes lie between King Henry breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church so he could divorce his Spanish wife, Catherine of Aragon, to marry Anne Boleyn, who grew up at the castle.

“It’s the place, I’m increasingly convinced, where the key event of that first Brexit actually takes place,” states David, who has also curated the castle’s new Tudor exhibition, which will be unveiled in October.

“It was where, during the Christmas holiday of 1526, Anne Boleyn actually decided she would accept Henry VIII. Hever is a place of beauty, of charm but also of extraordinary significance because of the Reformation, and Anne Boleyn was a central player in this the first Brexit.

“The position Henry VIII took to break with the Roman church at the beginning of the 1530s is a direct analogy, a direct parallel, and indeed the actual predecessor of the Brexit debate,” he continues.

“The Roman Church was a super-national organisation with its own system of law, its own language, governance and own system of taxation.

In other words, exactly like

TUDOR EXPERT David Starkey specialised in Tudor history at Cambridge and has written several books on them

Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

‘The position Henry VIII took to break with the Roman church at the beginning of the 1530s is a direct analogy, a direct parallel, and indeed the actual predecessor of the Brexit debate’ the European Union! And it’s no accident at all that the EU was founded by the Treaty of Rome.

“So, I would argue that one of the reasons why England – not Scotland, not Ireland – why England has had this extraordinary fraught relationship with the EU right from the beginning is that we’ve had 500 years, since that first Brexit, of propaganda which is partly true, partly false and partly exaggerated that we are different; that we are distinct. That the way things are done on one side of the Channel are different to how they are done on the other side.”

David says he believes the link between the Reformation and Brexit is totally ‘obvious’ and that the latter runs deeper than just saying it’s all about ‘wicked racism or all to do with Nigel Farage’.

“That seems to me to be very trivial. The question of our relationship [with Europe] has always been fraught ever since Churchill. On the one hand he was a passionate believer, following the Second World War, in European unity – particularly of France and Germany – in order to make sure the horror of conflict doesn’t happen again. But he was profoundly ambiguous on the relationship between a British Empire and that European entity.

“Churchill represents in so many ways the process that I’m talking about [on stage]. He has this passionate awareness of English history, of

its distinctiveness, the extraordinary balance which, historically, we’ve been able to strike between liberty on the one hand, and continuity and good government on the other.

“Remember, hardly any European country had an experience of limited government that was more than 100 years old. And I think that we really do have to start saying things like this.”

Now in full passionate spiel regarding our position – or lack of it – in Europe, David goes on to draw further comparisons to historical events and today’s current Brexit deadlock.

“Churchill was a complete contradistinction to our present day politicians. He’s somebody who is in history, and was a considerable historian, and was aware of this process. So it seems to me that what we need to do as part of the national conversation we should be having on this is to put the whole Brexit debate into an historical context.”

Which brings us back on to the topic of the six-times-married monarch again, and David’s imminent visit to the place he describes as being ‘one of the great King Henry VIII sites’.

I ask him whether the First Brexiteer debate will involve any input from the audience, to which he quickly responds: “But of course! It’s an absolutely essential part.”

David Starkey is well known for being outspoken

thekn w.guide

47

about things, and our chat proves no exception as Cameron found himself in when Angela Merkel said ‘No, I won’t flex the rules’. Cameron then he serves up a volley of criticism at the current Prime Minister to galvanise his reasoning further. had to call the referendum.

“But what Henry did, which no modern “One of the great problems of public debate – politician could or would dare to do, is he stops; and you see it most clearly with someone who is he thinks; he researches; and he sets up a think terrible at it, like Theresa May, is the complete lack of confidence in engaging with an audience. tank to look at the situation to find ways forward.

“We are used to thinking of people like Henry “Again, a politician like Churchill, far from VIII as absolute dictators, which is not true at all. being put off by heckling or rough questioning, We had a Parliamentary system of government he actually rejoiced in it! then in the same way as we do now.

“One of the terrible failures we have at the “It takes Henry three years to get the moment is how bad our public conversation is.

Reformation through Parliament. It’s a bit like It’s not led by anybody, and as I actually enjoy Theresa May now, he couldn’t get it through so public speaking – and the occasional rough and tumble – my show will indeed include questions he had to work at it with patience, with cunning and with occasional bribery – all the techniques from the public.” of the government!”

David says that he will talk for ‘an hour or And, finally, putting politics aside, what does so’ before he opens up the floor to around 30 David think will be so special about staging this minutes of questions and debate. talk at Hever?

“It seems to me to be essential,” he says. “I “Well, it’s the context, and I’m an enormous try to treat audiences seriously and put serious believer in places having echoes. I almost expect arguments to them, so part of that process is to then listen to what they have to say back to you.” a ghost or a voice coming from the wings saying What, I wonder, are David’s views on the current ‘No, I didn’t say that, you’re wrong!’”

Whatever your political views, it might just be crisis surrounding Brexit? Again he pulls no worth going along to find out… punches with his answer: “Well, like everybody says, it’s rapidly turning into an absolute disaster Dr David Starkey appears at the Hever Festival whatever your position – be you a Remainer or Theatre at 8pm on Wednesday, August 8. To book a Leaver. It illustrates desperately, and I make tickets, which cost £17, visit www.heverfestival.co.uk these kinds of points in my talk, the need for serious leadership.

“King Henry VIII was viewed as a monster and a tyrant, but he was an unbelievably able politician.

“He confronted an absolute breakdown in relationships with the Pope in 1529, when the latter FESTIVAL FIRST effectively said ‘No, I David Starkey is giving Hever will not divorce you’, Festival Theatre’s first talk. which is a similar Above: Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII situation David

48

thekn w.guide

Going Out

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance

By Eileen Leahy

HOORAY – IT’S NATIONAL PLAYDAY! Have fun in the great outdoors at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park

will be leading a free family bug hunt around Dunorlan Park at 10.30am. The hunts take place on a weekly basis in a different location each time, and also run in the afternoon from 2pm.

The 75-minute sessions are suitable for all ages, with children to be accompanied by an adult. For details, see www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org Bewl Water’s popular children’s camps are on once again for the summer holidays. So if you find it a challenge to keep your little ones occupied, then this club really steps it up a gear courtesy of its exciting outdoor activities aimed to keep youngsters fit and entertained and to help them make new friends. Full-day activities run from 8.30am until 5pm and cost from £37 per child. Half-day activities run from 8.30am until 1pm and cost £19.50 per child. For further information, see www.bewlwater.co.uk For entertainment of a different kind, head over to Hever Castle’s open-air theatre, where you can catch a performance of Peter Pan at 2.30pm. For ticket information, visit www.heverfestival.co.uk Jazz on The Pantiles is still in full swing every Thursday evening through the summer. To make it a really special event, why not avail yourself of One Warwick Park Hotel’s Bubbles and Burger deal, which costs just £10 per person? For more details, see www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

FRIDAY WEDNESDAY

Did you know today is National Playday? If you want to get your little ones involved in an organised event, you can join in the celebrations at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. There will be lots of free outdoor activities suitable for all ages happening next to the skate park. It’s organised by the Friends of the park and Kent High Weald Partnership, and the fun runs from 11am to 3pm.

The long-awaited film sequel Incredibles 2 is being screened all week at the Moonlight Drive-In Cinema at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood. The family with special elasticated powers face their biggest challenge yet – but who will spring into

action to save the day? Tickets are £25 per vehicle.

For timings, see www.moonlightcinema.com At Pembury Library today at 2pm, keen readers have the opportunity to Meet the author Molly Green. The local writer – former estate agent Denise Barnes, who also pens books under the name Fenella Forster – will talk about how her chequered career provides her with inspiration for her beloved historical novels. Tickets cost £2 and are available from Pembury Library, or you can email: pemburylibrary@kent.gov.uk

THURSDAY This morning, local wildlife expert Dr Ian Beavis

Throughout the summer holidays, Hever Castle will be running a Knights & Princesses School so little ones can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times.

Suitable for children aged approximately six to 12, these free classes last for around 40 minutes

JOIN THE SECRET ART PARTY At St John’s Yard

and take place daily at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Children are encouraged to come in costume to really get into the spirit of their training session.

Later this evening, at 8pm at Hever Festival Theatre, you can catch a performance of Mozart’s operatic classic The Marriage of Figaro. Tickets cost £29.50 per person at www.heverfestival.co.uk The amazing Maize Maze at Penshurst Place is open through the holidays, until September 2, from 11am until 6pm (last entry is at 5pm). This year’s theme is time travel, so the giant maze has been designed to resemble a clock face. There’s also an optional new shorter route to explore. To find out more, visit www.penshurstplace.com

SATURDAY Today there will be a number of perfomances by the Junior Summer Project at Trinity Theatre at 12noon, 2pm, 5pm and 7pm. They budding young group of talented performers, aged between seven and 13 years, will put on Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. Based on the hit DreamWorks animated motion picture, it follows all of your favourite furry

Going Out

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

GO ON A BUG HUNT At Dunorlan Park

friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Tickets cost £6 at www.trinitytheatre.net Today and tomorrow, Bewl Water will be hosting a triathlon and open swim event, so if you’re into running, swimming and cycling this is just the ticket for you. There will be bespoke finishers’ medals and prize money for winners, as well as plenty of refreshments and race commentary, too. For more information, see www.bewlwater.co.uk

The National Trust’s Smallhythe Place property near Tenterden will be hosting a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream today and tomorrow at 7.30pm.

Tickets to see this Shakespearean comedy, that’s just perfect for summer, cost £14. Find more information at www. nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place

castle’s unique, award-winning Ancient Egyptian-themed conceptual grass maze to explore. All activities are included in usual castle admission fee. Adult tickets cost £10, those for children aged five to 13 are £5, and under-fives go free. For further information, see www. chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

SUNDAY

MONDAY

During the summer months, Penshurst Place are hosting a fun day of activities every Sunday, which includes falconry displays courtesy of The Hawking Centre and Aardvark Productions entertaining children and adults alike with their garden pantomimes. There will be lots of crafting to keep you busy, too. For more details, see www.penshurstplace.com Chiddingstone Castle will be putting on an Ancient Egyptian Day from 11am until 4.30pm. Families can learn all about this particular period in history, and there will be something to enjoy for all ages. from being able to get up close and personal to objects that are more than 3,000 years old to listening to talks by a Professor of Egyptology. There’s also the

The free photographic exhibition entitled Remarkable Characters of Tunbridge Wells is still on at Woods restaurant on The Pantiles. It is the brainchild of photographer Mark Wilkinson and writer Anne Wagstaff, who have a ‘curiosity about people and what makes them tick’. There are 40 portraits in total of the area’s most ‘remarkable characters’.

Another exhibition worth seeing is Trinity’s From the Kitchen Table. It is so named as husband and wife team Maria and David Strappini, whose work is featured, have never had a studio to work from and do everything from the hub of their home. Commenting on the ethos of the exhibition, they say: “We sit individually or at the same time across the table from each other painting, drawing or just smudging pastel on paper. These works are the journeys we take and the work we create, on, around and under our kitchen table.”

TUESDAY

ENJOY ANCIENT EGYPTIAN DAY At Chddingstone Castle

The Puppetry Festival of Tunbridge Wells is hosting a special event today at the Assembly Hall. Entitled Hall of Dreams, it’s a workshop which will explore the fascinating world of puppetry. Go along and discover how to animate objects, manipulate shadows and tell a story through puppet movement. Tickets cost £10 and the start time is 1.30pm.

Suitable for those aged 12 to 17 years.

See www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

thekn w.guide

49

PICK OF THE WEEK: Castle Canines Hever Castle, August 4 & 5

If you’re a dog lover, you won’t want to miss the paw-fect event that Hever are hosting this weekend for man’s best friends.

And whether you own a own dog or just love them, there is something for everyone at Castle Canines.

As well as displays and entertainment from a variety of different breeds – including Newfoundland Dogs in Action, who will be doing a water display on the lake – you’ll have the chance to parade your pooch as part of the Hever Castle Dog Show.

Prize rosettes will be awarded for the most Dashing Dog, Super Senior, Perfect Pup and Ravishing Rescue.

The gardens at Sissinghurst Castle Garden are in full bloom right now and infused with Vita SackvilleWest’s passion for old roses. Her vision for ‘a tumble of Roses and Honeysuckle, Figs and Vines’ has been gradually restored over the past few years. With over 200 cultivars, Vita’s original collection is nearing its former glory and the Rose Garden is once more bursting with colour, fragrance and romance.

Definitely worth a visit this summer.

See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sissinghurst-castle-garden There’s another monthly Secret Art Party happening this evening at St John’s Yard in Tunbridge Wells. Tonight’s event is entitled Hopper: The Long Leg, so you can go along and have a go at painting some of famous American artist Edward Hopper’s work.

Tickets cost from £35 per person.

For more information, see www. secretartparties.co.uk

50

thekn w.guide

Going Out

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Will Watson

THE BANDSTAND

TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB

The Pantiles. Music from 8pm-10pm (donations welcomed) Thursday Jazz On The Pantiles: Derek Nash with Unit 7 Saturday Soultrain

The Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Hat collection with a suggested contribution of £7 (£5 concessions).

Music from 8pm, all welcome.

More information at www.tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Border Crossing

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information at www.twforum.co.uk Friday Ice Cream: Indie Disco Sunday Unfest Sunday Sessions (1pm start)

THE CASTLE INN Chiddingstone. Open all day, free entry Music from 7.30pm Friday Steffan James

live music With Paul Dunton

T

ONIGHT [Wednesday], you can catch popular local acts Gronk, Alex Metcalfe, Night Without Sleep and The Naming of Things all performing at The Grey Lady.

And on Thursday night, worldrenowned saxophonist Derek Nash headlines Jazz on The Pantiles with Unit 7.

My top picks for Friday night include The Indie Disco at The Forum and popular local guitarist and singer Steffan James returning to The Castle Inn at Chiddingstone.

The weekend features many excellent local pop/rock groups in

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

action, and on Saturday night you can catch Will Whisson at The Royal Oak pub, Rooster Tail at The Beau Nash Tavern, and The Violet Jive headline at The Grey Lady.

On Sunday afternoon, I highly recommend the Unfest Sessions at The Forum, and local singersongwriters Niamh McSmith, Fred Clark and Will Watson will all be at The Grey Lady.

Looking ahead to next week, folk fans can enjoy the excellent Border Crossing at the Tonbridge Folk Club on Monday night, and the superb Heyzeus will be at The Punch & Judy pub in Tonbridge on Tuesday.

THE PUNCH & JUDY PUB 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 9pm Tuesday Heyzeus Fred Clark

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles. Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites www.pdag.co.uk & www.thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Gronk, Alex Metcalfe, Night Without Sleep, The Naming of Things Saturday The Violet Jive Sunday Niamh McSmith, Fred Clark, Will Watson

Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Rooster Tail Sunday Open Mic

THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road. Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Will Whisson

The Naming of Things

thekn w.guide

food

52

Food & Drink

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Cherry-picking Summer is the season for all those delicious red fruits, including cherries. So when you’re out and about, make sure you stop and treat yourself to a punnet or two of these sweet and tasty nuggets of seasonal splendour, says Eileen Leahy

STAY CONNECTED 7 DAYS A WEEK…

thekn w.guide

D

ID you know that Kent, along with Hereford, is the UK’s biggest cherrygrowing area? Yes, our very own Garden of England produces tonnes of them every year – in addition to a plethora of plums, strawberries and apples during the official season, which runs from July until September.

During that time, around 5,000 tonnes of British cherries are produced, with shoppers spending a cool £131million on them last year.

And according to recent research carried out

by Seasonal Berries, sales have risen by 5.6 per cent. They also state that due to this year’s crop including lots more younger trees, the cherries are bigger and juicier and of excellent quality.

Cherries are also a perfect healthy snack as

they are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and melatonin, and according to nutritionists help to promote sleep patterns.

One local farmer, Michael Bourne of New Park Farm in Groombridge, must be happy this year, as previously he told the Times: “Cherries are notoriously hard to grow. You’ll have one average year, one good year and one bad year of harvest.

If the weather is too wet, or there isn’t enough sun, then the harvest will be poor.”

Luckily for him and his fellow farmers, they have had a good couple years with a good harvest where the fruit is ‘plump and tasty’.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to seek out a farm shop or roadside stall and enjoy them au naturel, or in one of these delicious recipes…

Cherry Salsa Use this fresh-tasting salsa on grilled meat, fish or halloumi, on top of your nachos, or in burritos.

Or, as we have pictured, for a cheeky snack!

Prep time: 15 minutes 1/2 cucumber, diced 1/2 small red onion, finely sliced 150g cherries, stoned & chopped

100g fennel, chopped 1 green chilli, deseeded & diced 15g coriander, chopped 15g parsley, chopped 10g mint chopped Finely grated zest & juice 1 lime Serve with toasts or little gem leaves. Keep covered in fridge, but best eaten within 24 hours.

Serves 8-10

Food & Drink

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

ONE FROM SEVENTEEN

Black Forest Gateaux vibes

INGREDIENTS

100g dark chocolate, melted & cooled 4 medium egg whites 220g caster sugar 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar 100g skinned, roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped Filling/topping: 450ml double cream 500g cherries, pitted 1 glass marsala or cherry liqueur 10g dark chocolate, for grating

METHOD

1

Begin by macerating your cherries. Place them in a bowl and cover with the marsala, toss them through the wine until they are thoroughly coated and then set aside.

thekn w.guide

Brought to you by Seventeen, One Warwick Park Hotel

2

Preheat oven to 170°C and line two baking sheets with baking parchment. Whisk egg whites in spotlessly clean bowl or stand mixer until soft peaks form, then, without stopping whisking, gradually add sugar a little at a time, whisking constantly until thick and glossy. Whisk in vinegar. Pour the melted chocolate down the sides of the bowl, turning the bowl to distribute it evenly, and then fold it through with the nuts, until the meringue is marbled with chocolate.

3

Spread a circle of the chocolate and hazelnut meringue – about 20-25cm diameter on each baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes (don’t worry if it cracks, it will still taste delicious), until they

peel away easily from the parchment. Remove from oven and carefully lift the meringues and parchment on to wire racks to cool. Peel the parchment from the meringues and then, using a wide palate knife carefully lift on on to a serving platter or cake stand.

4

Whip cream to just soft peaks, being careful not to overwhip, then drain marsala from cherries into cream and fold through with half of the cherries. Spread just over half the mix on the bottom layer of meringue, top with the other disc of meringue, the remaining cream mix and then the leftover cherries.

Grate over the dark chocolate and serve. Feel free to make it ahead of time and refrigerate.

Gin has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and with that in mind we thought we’d introduce you to one of the great brands we stock at One Warwick Park Hotel: Aviation Gin. It’s an American brand now owned by famous Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, and it’s an exciting and quality gin, which is why we stock it.

Now our talented team behind the bar have formulated the perfect Aviation Gin cocktail.

Here’s how to make it…

YOU WILL NEED: 50ml Aviation Gin 25ml Maraschino liqueur 15ml Crème de Violette 10ml lemon juice METHOD:

Mix all the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker and pour into an iced glass with a sprinkle of griottines berries and enjoy it al fresco.

The team at Seventeen like to play around with different cocktail recipes. Be sure to join us for one of our new creations…

BERRY GOOD! The hotel’s new Aviation Gin cocktail

53

thekn w.guide

travel

54

Travel

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Italy is famous for its food, but you can still eat well, sunbathe

and get yourself shipshape Have-a-go fan Chris Wiltshire finds out how you can get fit on a sporting holiday and still savour all the local culinary delights

LASER-LIKE PRECISION Chris Wiltshire enjoying great sailing conditions in a Laser Pico during a lesson in Calabria

O

UR sailing instructor’s disarming smile and laid-back demeanour gives little hint of the drama about to unfold.

“I hear there’s a wind line coming, but you’ll be fine,” he assures us as we gather for the start of Neilson’s weekly regatta, bedecked in red buoyancy aids, faded T-shirts and lashings of sun cream.

Wind line? I look around at my fellow competitors for signs of concern, but all eyes are fixed on Ash, our bronzed race starter with his shock of bleached blond hair, and the fleet of gleaming new dinghies lined up on the shore of the Ionian Sea. I’m sure ‘wind line’ hasn’t been discussed at our daily intermediates class at Airone, the new Neilson resort in Calabria, southern Italy. But I convince myself it’s no big deal.

Within minutes, the 20 or so of us are bobbing along on the shimmering sea, trying to catch the breeze as we make our way out to the start line some 100 metres offshore.

But when the weather suddenly turns, a gust of wind hits my sail and catches me off-guard, forcing me to duck under the swinging boom. Then the ripples of water develop into waves. “Now this is getting interesting,” I say to myself.

The wind line, a stretch of darker water which had been spotted from the beach lookout post, has arrived. But it comes with much bigger waves than the race marshals had anticipated.

The race is swiftly called off and I turn for home, wrestling with a wind that has dramatically switched from force two to force five, gusting to force six.

‘I’m also fit enough for the riotous beers and balls games that, for some reason, come naturally to me’ Minutes later I’m back on terra firma, relieved to have avoided a complete soaking and elated to have taken part in such a thrilling afternoon’s action – even if the race never actually started.

After watching the remaining dinghies come ashore, I check the time and dig

out the rather soggy daily sports schedule from my back pocket.

Excellent! There’s still time for beach volleyball and tennis before sundowners.

My wife, Carole, gives a resigned sigh.

“Can’t you take it easy just for a minute?” she asks with a roll of her eyes.

The Neilson motto: “Relax as hard as you like…” springs to mind.

With all this sport going on, who can relax? Not only is it fun, but it’s a brilliant way to shape up my ageing frame and keep off the pounds – even if the daily supply of pasta, pizza and panna cotta threatens to make it a losing battle.

Fortunately, I’m surrounded by plenty of other like-minded people who relish a challenge and love a spot of competition.

At the week’s first briefing, barely a handful of hands went up among the 200-plus guests when asked if they were new to Neilson holidays.

It’s a remarkable testament to a brand that knows what its clients like and consistently delivers.

Most have been to summer resorts in Sardinia, Croatia and Greece (where there are seven) and are keen to see how Airone, which lies in the toe of the foot of Italy, shapes up. They are not disappointed.

The one-hour, 40-minute transfer

ON THE BALL Everyone for tennis!

Travel

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

RESORT TENNIS COURTS At Airone Beachclub

huge pizzas cooked beside the club bar prove too tempting for Carole and I to venture far.

It was disappointing when Neilson closed the intimate Adakoy resort close to Marmaris in Turkey, presumably because of security worries, but we have a new favourite in Airone.

We leave with many new friends and memories, but the highlight is reacquainting myself with the delights of sailing and getting my gybe and tack shipshape again.

Thanks to the patience and encouragement of the brilliant Ash and his teaching sidekick, Dylan, I come within a smidgen of completing my RYA Level 2 exam – something I had no intention of pursuing before I arrived.

I learn afterwards that it would cost me the best part of £600 to complete the course back

thekn w.guide

55

ALL AT SEA Chris among those battling the wind

home, but it’s all part of the service at Neilson.

It gives me the perfect excuse to return to Airone to complete the final two tasks – but this time, hopefully without the dramas.

SWEPT ASHORE Chris after his racy sailing adventure after a three-hour flight from Heathrow was initially a concern, but it turned out to be one of the highlights owing to the comfortable airconditioned coaches and magnificent Calabrian scenery.

At the resort, a strip of pine woodland separates the white sandy beach from an impressive pink hotel and villa complex, giving the large pools shelter from onshore winds.

Four new tennis courts – run by former professional Mark Petchey in certain weeks of the year – plus table tennis tables, a basketball court and the renowned kids clubs are all within easy walking distance around the wellmaintained grounds.

Dozens of road and mountain bikes are freely available at the cycle centre, with the latest GPS devices helping guests to navigate the medieval villages and rolling hills surrounding the resort.

And a large, airy sun deck on top of the hotel offers space for daily Zumba, Pilates and yoga

lessons, with spectacular views across the region. It’s an idyllic spot to warm up for the day’s action.

As someone who throws themselves into activity holidays a little too literally, I’m delighted to see a plush treatment room is available to massage my aching limbs and, no doubt, my battered pride.

For once on these types of holiday, I manage to avoid an emergency room visit, and somehow make it through to the tennis semi-finals in my rookie group.

I’m also fit enough to take part in the riotous ‘beers and balls’ games, a revered part of the Neilson week that, for some reason, comes naturally to me.

All of the resorts have their own quirks, but the high quality food is a given everywhere.

The buffet restaurant shuts on three evenings a week, encouraging guests to head into nearby villages to sample the local cuisine, although the

HOW TO GET THERE Neilson (www.neilson.co.uk; 0333 014 3350) offers seven nights at the Airone Beachclub from £549pp, including return flights from Heathrow, resort transfers, seven nights’ accommodation on a club board basis (breakfast and lunch daily plus four evening meals), a range of activities (from sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, to tennis, biking and fitness) with inclusive tuition and children’s clubs. Price based on a September 29 departure.

56

thekn w.guide MISS SELFRIDGE Red One-Shoulder Prom Dress, £59; Honey Barely There Heel Sandals, £29

Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

BLOCK PARTY:

How to style the paint box brights trend It’s all about hot hues this summer, says Katie Wright…

Remember Crayola Crayons? If your childhood was anything like ours, a brand new yellow and green cardboard box filled with pristine paper-wrapped wax crayons, or chunky felt-tip pens, was enough to send us loopy – and keep us occupied for hours.

The art supplies company still exists, of course, but now it’s having a major fashion moment thanks to a new make-up collection launched last month on ASOS (letting grown-ups play with crayons again – what’s not to love?) and the so-called ‘Crayola brights’ trend that lit up the SS18 catwalks.

A departure from the rainbow trend, which

involves the whole ROYGBIV spectrum, this paintbox trend is all about colour blocking, picking a narrow palette of super-saturated shades and working them together in one outfit.

At Mary Katrantzou and Calvin Klein, that meant shiny, sporty tops paired with high-waisted full skirts, while at Roksanda, models wore head-totoe fuchsia, scarlet and azure blue.

This is a trend that’s superbly suited to summer – particularly this year’s sweltering temperatures.

Sunny hues, like tangerine, lemon and tomato red make a delicious sartorial cocktail – but keep it to no more than two or three colours on one outfit or you’ll end up looking a tad too much like a tequila sunrise!

MISS SELFRIDGE Ochre Tie Front Pyjama Blouse, £25

DOROTHY PERKINS Yellow Billi Heeled Sandals, £27

OLIVER BONAS Glows Double Layer Cami Top, £39.50

TOPSHOP High Waist Leather Mini Skirt, £95

SIMPLY BE Magenta Tiered Pleated Midi Skirt, currently reduced to £28.50 from £59

Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

What is K beauty? Everything you need to know about the growing skincare fashion Katie Wright on how Asian beauty collections are taking the UK by storm

A

fter decades of revering French women and their no-nonsense, pharmacy-backed approach to looking good, a few years ago, a new international skincare idol emerged.

Korean ladies reportedly spend an hour each morning and night on an elaborate 12-step process that results in skin so dewy and perfect they eschew foundation altogether.

While we collectively agree that we value sleep more than skin, and wouldn’t be sacrificing any shut-eye in the name of a few wrinkles, the popularity of ‘K Beauty’ products has continued to rise, so much so that at the end of July Superdrug will be launching a range of five new ‘SoKo’ (South Korean) brands.

“Korean beauty is a huge trend in the industry, with some of the most innovative and Instagrammable products and ingredients on the market,” says Superdrug’s Commercial Director, Simon Comins.

“In addition to the products the big brands are launching, we also wanted to be able to offer our customers authentic Korean beauty brands, which is why we are introducing Scinic, Soo’Ae, SNP, Dewytree and JinJu to the UK market.”

But is it possible to incorporate the Korean method in your daily routine in less than 12 steps? Here, the experts explain what it’s all about – and how to do K Beauty the easy way…

WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF K BEAUTY? “Korean women see their skin as a whole. They treat it with great respect and prefer milder solutions and repetition rather than harsh and aggressive treatments,” explains Katalin Berenyi, co-founder of Erborian.

“Instead of seeking the efficiency through only a few products, as we do in Western countries, Korean women are seeking the efficiency

through a sophisticated process of ten to 15 products, used one after the other in a savvy order and timing.”

“The steps may vary from as little as six to as many as 14,” says Allan Lever, founder of MasqueBar. “Korean skincare is ‘cultural’ – it’s a way of life.

Before face masks, Korean mothers taught their children to use natural ingredients as a basis of ‘masking’ – using ingredients with benefits for specific skin needs.

“Most Korean women now have a busy life and do not do the full routine every day, but instead pick and choose their products of choice.”

WHICH K BEAUTY PRODUCTS SHOULD WE BE USING? “The main objective in Korea is to have an absolutely pure and purified skin. For this reason, all Korean women use at least two, sometimes three different steps to perfectly cleanse their skin with different textures,” Berenyi explains.

An oil-based cleanser followed by a foaming one is common, followed by ‘lotion or lotions, at least one essence and can go up to three’.

‘Lotion’ doesn’t mean a cream, but a liquid that acts as a toner, while ‘essence’ is what we would call a serum and is packed with actives.

After cleansing ‘exfoliator is next, although is sometimes skipped and may not happen every night’, according to Lever.

“Toner and serum are next – leading to a face mask. The face mask may be a sheet mask or alternatively a cream, mud or peel-off mask.”

Eyes are a big focus in K Beauty, adds Lever: “Either an eye cream or easy-to-use under-eye hydrogel patches.

“The last step is the sleeping mask, which absorbs into the skin and does not get on pillows or sheets.

“Throw in the use of an essence and you will have that glow, or ‘honey skin’ as known in SoKo.”

ERBORIAN Yuza Double Lotion, £26

SOO’AE My Collagen Hydrogel Lip Mask, £3.99, Superdrug

SNP Green Tension Calming Lifting Mask, £4.99, Superdrug

ERBORIAN Dongbaek Camellia Essence, £32.40 – currently reduced from £54

thekn w.guide

57

58

thekn w.guide

Motoring

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Motoring News

A look at what’s happening in and around the world of motoring

How vehicles of the future could fix potholes faster…

The 2018 Sportage is off to an electric start

KIA has revealed full specifications and pricing for its updated Sportage.

The family crossover is its bestselling model in the UK, and key upgrades include the infotainment system and new active driver aids to boost safety.

The big ticket item is the addition of a hybrid powertrain. ‘EcoDynamics+’ is an extension of the 2.0-litre CRDi diesel with a 48-volt mild-hybrid booster system strapped on. Kia says it produces a range-topping 182bhp, but hasn’t yet revealed fuel economy or CO2 emissions figures.

With this, Kia and sister brand Hyundai will be the first manufacturers to offer a vehicle line-up including combustion, mild hybrid, series hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.

There are four other Sportage engines – two petrol and two diesel.

Trim levels kick off with No ‘1’, with prices starting from £20,305. No ‘2’ is priced from £22,405, and the range then moves on to ‘Edition 25’, celebrating 25 years of the Sportage, costing from £25,655.

The ‘4’ grade, priced from £27,260, includes a panoramic sunroof.

The GT-Line and GT-Line S trims add dynamic styling, a sports steering wheel and black leather upholstery.

‘S’ models have adaptive cruise control, ventilated front seats, a smart power tailgate and are priced from £25,510 and £31,645 respectively.

The hybrid powertrain is only available in top-spec ‘4’ and GT-Line S trims, with a starting price of £32,545.

JAGUAR Land Rover has joined forces with Transport for West Midlands and Transport Scotland for a global research project that could see autonomous vehicles detecting and reporting potholes.

They will start adding data to a system created by American technology company Inrix as part of its ‘AV Road Rules’ project. The aim is to digitise street signs and lines to help autonomous vehicles better understand and react to them.

Jaguar Land Rover’s Chris Holmes said: “Self-driving vehicles are stimulating conversations globally, but they are in fact a very local challenge.

“Road conditions and layouts can

vary drastically over a matter of miles, so it’s vital that self-driving is facilitated collaboratively.

“Local traffic authorities play a significant role in this. Inrix’s AV Road Rules provides improved information to the car, ensuring our self-driving technology is the most safe, sophisticated and capable to deal with challenging real-world environments.”

The system will also enable vehicles to link up with local authorities and provide them with status reports on roads. For instance, flagging up a pothole or other damage.

This would allow for quicker repairs and more effective treatment of potholes across the road network.

New N Line extends ‘fun-to-drive’ factor WHEN you see a car with a ‘performance’ title (e.g. ST, GT, S) followed by the world ‘Line’, you can be sure the manufacturer is cashing in on motorists’ desires to drive something that looks more sporty than it is.

Enter the new Hyundai i30 N Line, which attempts to build on the success of the brilliant i30 N hot hatchback by offering a less hardcore package under the skin, but with all the visual drama of its full-fat sibling.

The N Line will be offered with the 1.4-litre T-GDI petrol engine, a turbocharged fourcylinder unit producing 138bhp – more than 100bhp down on the i30 N’s 247bhp 2.0-litre unit, and barely half of the more potent 271bhp Performance Pack-equipped model.

Visual updates are extensive and unique to the N Line. New front and rear bumpers give the car a more purposeful look and are accented with a silver paint line. At the rear, there’s a dual-tip exhaust arrangement, while the front wings have N Line badges.

Eighteen-in alloy wheels hide mechanical changes, too – namely a set of 16-in front brakes over the 15-in ones on the standard car, as well as high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. The suspension has also been uprated to, in Hyundai’s words, ‘add extra spice to the i30 five-door’.

The interior makeover includes N-branded sports seats finished in grippy suede to help keep passengers in place during spirited cornering, plus a perforated leather steering wheel and N-specific gearknob.

Hyundai Europe’s Andreas-Christoph Hofmann said: “Our i30 N has been hugely successful… emotionalising our brand with its fun-to-drive factor. Now, we are extending that feeling to a wider audience with the new i30 N Line.”

60

thekn w.guide

Recruitment

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Look out for your puzzle answers for the 25th’s edition in next week’s paper!

62

thekn w.guide

Sport

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

New striker King reigns supreme with hat-trick

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

QUICK FEET Liam King opened his account with a hat-trick

Herne Bay 0 Tonbridge Angels 7 FOOTBALL: NEW signing Liam King scored a hat-trick as Tonbridge Angels’ pre-season preparations continued with a comprehensive victory over Herne Bay at Winches Field.

The new Bostik League Premier campaign is set to kick off on August 11 with Tonbridge playing away at Merstham.

The Angels are looking in good shape after recording four wins on the bounce, including a 1-0 win at Faversham last week.

King, 23, arrives from Walton Casuals and the striker played for Faversham Town against the Angels in last season’s FA Cup.

Contributions Manager Steve McKimm was keen to thank supporters for their financial contributions to the 12th Man Fund, which made the signing possible.

Such support has proved invaluable after McKimm was forced to make cutbacks to his first-team squad towards the end of last season

in order to balance his playing budget.

The Angels opened the scoring at Herne Bay after 12 minutes when another new recruit, Tom Beere, pulled the ball back from the left byline for Joe Turner to steer home from close range.

Two minutes later, Tonbridge were awarded a penalty when Tommy Whitnall was brought down in the box, and Beere stepped up to score.

The visitors were now in control, and Beere hit a post before King opened his account with a goal from a narrow angle.

King then claimed another after a goalmouth scramble on the half-hour, and he completed his haul when he converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

On the hour, Beere intercepted a pass in defence and beat the goalkeeper one-on-one to make it six.

Substitute Sam Jones, promoted from the development squad, set up Turner to fire in the final goal - though Turner also hit a post with five minutes remaining.

The Angels first home league match of the season on Tuesday [August 14] is against Lewes, 7.45pm kick-off.

PHOTO: David Couldridge

By Wink Tomkinson

Angels prepare for platinum season by rolling back years

FRESH START Andrew McKechnie

Rusthall duo look to fresh faces and strength in depth FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL avoided relegation in their first season in the Southern Counties East League by default long after the season had ended, saved by a reorganisation of football’s pyramid structure by the Football Association.

The club was determined to avoid a recurrence so there have been major

changes over the close season, most notably with the appointment of Andrew McKechnie and Mike Cramp as joint first-team managers and Lee Chambers as reserve team manager.

McKechnie and Cramp have worked together at Hildenborough Athletic, while Chambers arrives after 25 years at Tonbridge Invicta.

Departure

MANAGEMENT ROLE: Mike Cramp

The appointments follow the departure of Steve Ashmore and Steve Sands as co-managers in April.

The pair were responsible for taking the club up to its highest ever league position but last season they were 19th out of 20.

Ashmore, however, wanted to retain his links with the club and has signed up to play for them once again.

Ahead of the Rustics’ first game of the new campaign at Canterbury City on Saturday [August 4] Joe Croker, the

club’s chairman, said: “These appointments added a fresh vitality to the club.

We are extremely fortunate to been able to attract managers of this quality.

“Their strength is their knowledge of local football and players but they have also been involved at a higher level.

“They are an excellent fit with the Rusthall FC ethos of staying a local club whilst playing at the highest level possible.”

There has been a significant turnover of players with some of the older ones leaving and younger players being drafted, bringing down the average age of the team considerably.

There is now more strength in depth and this will be backed up by the new development set-up which is designed to bring young players on into adult football.

Mr Croker said “I start every season with optimism but this year, although there has been considerable rebuilding, I am sure that we will have a better season than last.

“The club has finished the pitch renovation and now has an excellent playing surface so the spectators can expect to see quality football at Jockey Stadium in the coming season.”

FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS are getting ready to celebrate their platinum anniversary over the forthcoming season.

To mark the occasion, many of those closely connected with the club will be sporting a replica of the original strip worn by the players 70 years ago.

Founder Neil Durling, Minister at Tonbridge Baptist Church on Darenth Avenue near Longmead and the club’s Chaplain, was among the first to don the old kit.

The club, which was known simply as Tonbridge at first, was the brainchild of local businessman and founder chairman Herbert Portch,

PHOTO: David Couldridge

PHOTO: Brendan Kemp

By Andy Tong

and was formed in October 1947.

They took to the field competitively when they were elected to the Southern Football League for the 1948-49 season with former Chelsea player Jock Dunoon as their manager.

The club took out a lease on the Angel Ground, formerly a venue of Kent County Cricket Club, on the site of the Sainsbury’s superstore. It was named after The Angel Hotel at the junction of the High Street and Vale Road.

Thereafter Tonbridge FC became known as the Angels, though the nickname was not formally incorporated into the club’s name until many years later.

A crowd of around 5,000 turned up for the club’s opening league fixture against fellow newcomers Hastings United. Tonbridge lost 2–1, with Albert Robson scoring the club’s first ever goal.

By Christmas the club was at the bottom of the Southern League.

Harold Hobbis took over as manager from Dunoon and Marshall Raybould and they ended up third from last.

The second season would prove much more successful as the Angels finished in 11th place.

OLD FASHIONED Neil Durling wears the replica 1948 strip

Sport

Wednesday August 1 | 2018

Wells show fighting spirit to overcome leaders and stake claim for Kent title Tunbridge Wells 275-8 beat Blackheath 218-9 by 57 runs

By Alan Cutts CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS showed their title credentials with a convincing victory at home to Blackheath, who had been on top of the Kent League Premier Division for several months.

The visitors won the toss and saw Wells play on a pitch that had been protected from a heavy overnight downpour.

The long heatwave finally took a break as a cool, blustery wind swept over the Nevill all afternoon.

The Blackheath attack was very accurate and probing, and both openers had fallen with 25 on

the board after the first 12 overs, including the prolific home captain Chris Williams.

The rebuilding process was undertaken by another in-form batsman, Christian Davis, alongside Alex Williams.

The latter was welcomed with a huge shout for LBW first ball but gradually a watchful third-wicket partnership evolved, though progress was difficult.

Opportunities Finally, miserly spin gave way to medium pace and there were more opportunities to score.

The stand reached three figures and Davis was first to his 50, soon followed by Williams,

and it came as a surprise when he was caught out in the 33rd over.

The remarkable recovery had added 127 runs from 158 balls and Williams made 63 with six fours and a six from 81 deliveries.

There were aggressive contributions after that from Graeme Francis, Marcus O’Riordan - who set the run-rate alight with 37 from just 21 balls as he drove fours and ramped sixes - and Ari Karvelas.

Davis unselfishly perished on 86, having struck nine fours and a six from 112 deliveries.

The hosts managed to post an imposing total of 278 for 5 after what had been an epic struggle for supremacy between bat and ball.

The reply began with a fusillade of boundaries

thekn w.guide

63

as Dipayan Paul and Shahzaib Hassan peppered the open spaces.

But suddenly strike bowler Ari Karvelas (3 for 30) produced a spell of 18 balls in which he took three wickets without cost, including the star number three Tanweer Sikandar, and the scoreboard showed 54 for 3 with 12 overs gone.

A fourth wicket soon fell to Chris Williams, and George Wells (33) and Joe Kerridge (46) had to battle hard.

The resistance was broken when Paddy Sadler (2 for 54) prised out the former, then Marcus O’Riordan removed another at 106 and the contest seemed to be heading towards the home side.

Captain Chris Willetts (34) had other ideas, as he and Kerridge posted 74 in 19 overs for the seventh wicket.

But the run-rate was reaching impossible proportions and Sadler accounted for Willetts, after which two run-outs hastened the end at 218 for 9.

Wells have now narrowed the gap at the top to a mere six points ahead of their meeting with Beckenham at the Nevill on Saturday [August 4].

All-rounder Addison hits maiden century to rescue Cowdrey after batting collapse Cowdrey 298-8 beat Addington Village 237-9 by 61 runs

By Phil Spacey CRICKET: COWDREY’s top order returned to form after a dramatic batting collapse the previous weekend to reinforce their hopes of winning the Kent League Division Four title.

The architect of their comeback victory was all-rounder Ryan Addision (pictured), who scored an unbeaten century - his first for the club - to put the home side out of sight.

Addington skipper Alex Rolfe lost the toss and Anthony Mills had no hesitation in electing to bat first on what looked an excellent surface at Swanmead sportsground.

Australian run machine Ashley Borella looked fluent in scoring a quickfire 36 with six fours and six but he was bowled in a rapid opening spell which brought Harry Bee two victims.

Mills promoted himself up the order in the absence of Stuart Clarke and he was joined by the prolific Addison, who gave his captain the freedom to play a hard-hitting knock and he struck 10 boundaries.

While Addison got his head down to build the foundations of his match-winning innings, Mills (52) reached his first half-century but was then caught on the boundary next ball.

Addison duly brought up his first hundred for Cowdrey, a superb, chanceless innings, and finished on 109 not out with 14 fours and two sixes.

Useful contributions from the middle-order helped Cowdrey to approach the 300-mark and they posted an imposing total of 298 for 8.

It was a welcome improvement on 68 all out the previous week against Old Colfeians but it was

Bosworth pledges to stand up for gay rights in Qatar during World Champs ATHLETICS: TONBRIDGE athlete Tom Bosworth has told his fiancé and family not to attend the World Championships in Qatar next year because of the country’s anti-gay laws.

But he vows to stand up for LGBT rights at the sport’s showpiece, saying ‘I want those opportunities for everybody’.

The openly gay race walker, who broke the world record in the 3,000m in the Anniversary Games in London, is one of Team GB’s leading medal prospects in Doha.

He also won silver in the 20km race walk at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast of Australia earlier this year, when he was team captain.

The 28-year-old was widely praised for promoting gay athletes across all sports when he proposed to his boyfriend Harry Dineley on the beach during the Rio Olympics in 2016.

But the Middle-Eastern country, which is also hosting the next World Cup in 2022, imprisons gay men for up to three years and clamps down on campaigns for equal rights.

In an interview with The Independent, Bosworth said: “I’ve told my fiancé, don’t even consider coming [to Qatar]. I don’t want you or my family to come. I’m going there to do a job and compete but I want to do that safely, happily and I want those opportunities for everybody.

“There’s many questions as to why this championship’s ended up where it has, I think the athletes and perhaps even the sport has been forgotten.

“Obviously, Qatar wants to make a statement.

They’ve got the football World Cup (in 2022) as well. If it’s about money, there’s other options.”

Bosworth, who already holds the world record for the one-mile race walk, recorded a time of

OLYMPIC RING: Tom Bosworth proposed to Harry Dineley in Rio during the 2016 Olympics 10min 43.84 sec to set a new 3,000m benchmark at the London Stadium.

“That’s a big, big confidence boost because we used the indoor season to boost me for Gold Coast and I came home with a silver medal there.

We’re trying to replicate that a little bit and these shorter races get the legs going.”

It was his first race in the UK capital since his disqualification from the World Championships 20km race walk last summer because his walking technique was said to be against rules.

He said: “It was heartbreak, to be honest, last year. It broke me, it took me a long time to get over that. It will always be in the back of my mind but I’d be a fool if I were to ignore that.

“The Commonwealth Games took that pressure off and put that to bed, and now I can go out and perform and really enjoy what I do again.”

The Tonbridge Athletic Club member will be competing in the 20km race walk at the European Championships, which will be held in Berlin from next week.

still achievable on a decent track which had little in it for the bowlers.

Indeed Addington started their run-chase well, using the pace of lofty Nick Farr to keep finding the boundary early on.

But the introduction of veteran Glen Warner proved inspirational choice as he made the breakthrough. Cowdrey’s attack then showed discipline to keep it tight.

In another judicious intervention, Addison was

thrown the ball and the bustling paceman picked up the scalp of opener Tom Sallis for a well-made 36.

The spin of Borella returned 3 for 43, supported by good fielding and sharp catching, and with the run-rate increasing Addington’s batsmen fell having to play shots.

Special mention goes to new-ball bowler Chris Fenwick, who bowled beautifully on a docile pitch to take 2 for 24 in his 10 overs.

Addington finished 61 runs short on 237 for 9 with Cowdrey taking a maximum 18 points which keeps them clear at top the league table, 21 points ahead of Catford Wanderers with five games to go.

On Saturday [August 4] Cowdrey make the long trip to take on Walmer, who currently sit in third place 36 points behind.