Times of Tunbridge Wells 1st May 2019

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THE KENTISH HARE’S

By Richard Williams

JAMES TANNER DETAILS DISHES UP THE THE TOP ON 20 YEARS AT

THE mother of two sons, one of whom is autistic, has told of the impact on their lives brought about by the collapse of an investment firm based just outside Tunbridge Wells.

The company, London Capital & Finance [LCF], was founded by Simon Hume-Kendall.

Amanda Cunningham, 50, invested £22,500 in LCF, which former Tunbridge Wells Conservative Party Chairman Hume-Kendall retained links with until its collapse earlier this year.

MAY 2019

READ ALL ABOUT CELEBRITY CHEF JAMES TANNER AND SO MUCH MORE:

‘I don’t know how Simon Hume-Kendall sleeps at night, he should pay everything back’ Amanda Cunningham

FLORAL TRIBUTE How to get the Chelsea look in your garden

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Mother tells of ‘devastating’ impact caused by collapse of an Eridge firm

Life savings that have been lost were to help care for her autistic son

How to get the Chelsea look in your garden

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Wednesday May 1 | 2019

HIGH LIFE Simon Hume-Kendall with his wife, Helen

Around 11,500 people are set to lose a total of £237million following the demise of the company, which is based at Eridge Park.

Ms Cunningham told the Times this week: “I am a full-time carer for my son, Jack. He has autism. This money was my life savings. It was money to help Jack, who will need care for the rest of his life.”

She explained the reason for her investment in the company.

“I had put the money into an ISA, but at the time the interest rates were very low so I looked on a comparison website and found LCF. The eight per cent interest was a great attraction.

“It was so easy. I had very little contact with them and just did it all online.”

The first time she HARD LIFE realised something was Amanda wrong was in January.

Cunningham

“I was due an interest payment, but instead I got an email from LCF to say the FCA [Financial Conduct Authority] had frozen their assets.”

She continued: “It has been devastating. It has left me in a very difficult position.

“I’m in exceptional hardship. That money was all I had.”

Amanda Cunningham had this message for Mr Hume-Kendall and his associates: “They are no better than scammers. They are preying on the vulnerable. They are the scourge of the earth.

“I lie awake at night worrying about how Jack is going to cope in the future. We will probably have to claim benefits to support his social care, and all the while people like Simon Hume-Kendall are living in the lap of luxury.

“I bet he has never had to endure financial hardship like this. I don’t know how Simon Hume-Kendall sleeps at night.”

She continued: “I want him to pay everything back. All of it. I think he is ruthless.”

Ms Cunningham is one of three investors that this newspaper has traced. Together they are set to lose more than £350,000.

Administrators Smith & Williamson were called in after it was discovered the investment firm had been misleading investors with its marketing material.

LCF were selling unregulated mini-bonds, offering investors an eight per cent return for money that was purportedly being lent to a range of businesses.

In reality, the administrators discovered most of the £237million went to a convoluted web of business interests, stretching from Cornish holiday cottages and land on a

Continued on Page 4

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this week… Businessman ‘refuses to answer the door’ ELECTION SPECIAL: Your local parties on why you should vote for them on Thursday May 2 Pages 6-7

ALDI’S COMING TO TUNBRIDGE WELLS: Former Toys R Us industrial estate site is confirmed as supermarket’s new home Page 10 GOING THE EXTRA MILE: Han Wright explains why she ran the London Marathon for the Samaritans Page 12

SQUARE MILE SPOTLIGHT: Stephen Hazell-Smith AKA The City Grump discusses his new politically charged tome Page 51 CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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

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

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Continued from page 1 Cape Verde island to a racing stables and even a helicopter.

All of these business interests are linked to Tunbridge Wells businessman Simon Hume-Kendall or his associates – Hadlow Down-based Elten Barker, Crowborough businessman Spencer Golding, and LCF director Andy Thomson.

One company, London Oil and Gas [LOG], borrowed £124million from LCF before it, too, fell into administration. Smith & Williamson say LOG was a subsidiary of London Power Corporation, whose ultimate parent is London Group LLP, which is owned and controlled by Mr HumeKendall and Mr Barker.

Administrators also say investors are only expected to get around 20 per cent of their money back as only one company LCF lent funds to, Independent Oil and Gas, which received nearly £40million, has any chance of repaying it.

Four people have so far been arrested by the Serious Fraud Office in relation to the collapse.

Mr Hume-Kendall refused to answer questions when the Times knocked on the door of his quiet mews house in Tunbridge Wells where he lives with his wife, Helen.

FOUNDER FAILS TO HONOUR PLEDGE Simon Hume-Kendall has not yet paid any money or assets to the administrators of London Capital & Finance, despite promising to do so.

Both Mr Hume-Kendall and LCF director, Andy Thomson, had pledged to repay more than £18million between them, which administrators Smith & Williamson were planning to hold in escrow.

Mr Hume-Kendall had pledged to provide an asset-backed personal guarantee for £15million, but lawyers acting on behalf of the administrators say so far the former Tunbridge Wells Conservative Party Chairman has failed to pay anything back.

BROKEN PROMISE Simon HumeKendall

Other investors also want answers…

“It makes me feel physically sick PAUL HAMMER, a 69-year-old retired engineer from Windsor, to think what they have got away decided to invest in LCF after he had with.” done what he thought was enough Another investor has told how the collapse of LCF has left him due diligence into the company.

“I checked on the health of the £160,000 out of pocket, in what he company with auditors Price Water- described as nothing more than ‘a house Cooper [PWC],” he told the Ponzi scheme’.

The man, who we have chosen not Times.

He said he was assured by PWC as to name, is retired and a widower.

He told the Times: “I to the financial health knew the scheme, like of LCF, so he ploughed any investments, had £186,000 into the ‘It is a Ponzi no guarantees, but if mini-bonds scheme. scheme, as you look at their literaMr Hammer, who simple as that’ ture, every piece menhas connections to tions that it was reguTunbridge Wells, said: lated and protected by “Last year I could see things were not looking good. In the FCA, but this wasn’t true. They hindsight, I probably should have lied.”

He added: “I was given the impresgone straight to a solicitor.”

Instead, he said he went to see sion that the money was going to a Simon Hume-Kendall at his Tun- substantial number of companies. It bridge Wells address, but Mr Hume- wasn’t. We now know they were only lending to 12 companies, all of Kendall refused to answer the door.

“Somebody was in but they which are connected.

“This was peer-to-peer lending, wouldn’t answer,” said Mr Hammer.

He further explained that he also and on the outside there looks absotried to track down Spencer Golding lutely nothing untoward.

“It is only when you start looking at his equine stables as well as Mr Hume-Kendall’s former solicitor, at where the money we invested Robert Sedgewick, but was unsuc- went that you realise something cessful in tracking either man down. doesn’t add up.

“It is a Ponzi scheme, as simple as “I just want answers,” said Mr that.”

Hammer.

Bewl invests in state of the art equipment to ensure water safety

MPs step in after franchise decision is delayed again

More than 1,000 people have already booked tickets to be among the first to enjoy the new Bewl Water Aqua Park. The Total Wipeout-style obstacle course opens on May 25 and is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the area.

Work has been taking place at the reservoir over the last few weeks installing new technology and procedures to improve the quality of the water.

Bewl are working with Southern Water and the environmental water specialist South West Environmental to ensure that blue green algae does not become a problem. Also known as Cyanobacteria as it can be harmful.

A spokesperson for Bewl said: “Algal blooms can occur at any time of the year and in all areas of a body

andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

MAKING A SPLASH The Aqua Park promises to be one of Kent’s top summer attractions

of water but become concentrated in sheltered areas near to the shore.

“It is most common in non-flowing fresh water such as lakes and ponds during hot weather when there is less rainfall, but can also occur at other times of the year without warning.

Ultrasound “This spring has seen ideal conditions for blooms to develop and they have been identified in sheltered areas of the reservoir.

“Water quality testing is conducted weekly by Southern Water and an independent water

By Andy Tong

impact assessment has been completed and approved by Southern Water.

“All staff have received training on the identification of blue green algae blooms.”

Bewl has invested in specialist floating units that create ultrasound pressure preventing algae from reaching the surface and so reduces the concentration of bacteria and blooms.

Bewl advise that all dogs are kept on leads at all times to protect them from any health risks.

LOCAL MPs have criticised the decision by the Department for Transport to delay the award of the new franchise for the services currently run by SouthEastern.

The company’s tenure is due to expire on June 22 but Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told Parliament that there would be a postponement ‘while we make a decision on the competition’.

The retendering process has already been delayed once – the new franchise was supposed to begin last December.

Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark and his Tonbridge & Malling counterpart Tom Tugendhat have called for the immediate introduction of a new Delay Repay compensation scheme while talks are ongoing.

This entitles passengers whose trains have been delayed between 15 and 29 minutes to be refunded 25 per cent of a single fare.

Writing to the DfT Mr Clark said: “With passengers potentially missing out on the more long-term improvements for the time being, introducing this measure straight away would both benefit customers and go some way to addressing the disquiet caused by the further delay.”

Mr Tugendhat told the Commons on April 23 that reducing Delay Repay from 30 minutes to 15-minute delays will have a ‘significant impact for commuters in West Kent’ because most journeys were between 40 minutes and just over an hour to London.

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Free breakfast stunt heads towards court AN ONLINE alleged fraudster who filmed himself ‘conning’ staff at a Tunbridge Wells hotel into giving him and his girlfriend a free breakfast, has been identified.

He is Andy Davis, aka ‘Digit Davis’, from Southborough, a self-proclaimed rapper who has played at the local Forum venue.

His girlfriend is Sophie Lander, who claims to be a model and make-up artist and is from Swindon. The pair posted their ‘con’ on social media last week.

However, the stunt, which was viewed hundreds of times by Facebook users before it was taken down last Wednesday, has landed the pair in hot water.

Both Mr Davis and Ms Lander have been served notifications of impending legal action by hotel owners, Salomons Country Estate, for ‘Fraudulent Misrepresentation’.

The pair have been asked to pay a ‘substantial sum’ in damages within seven days or face a civil prosecution.

Kent Police said: “We are aware of an allegation of theft at Salomons, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells on 19 April 2019.

Enquiries are ongoing to establish further information about the incident.’

Andy Davis has denied the pair ‘conned’ the hotel out of a breakfast.

Any monies recovered by Salomons will be donated to a local charity.

MP denounces leak BUSINESS Secretary and Tunbridge Wells MP, Greg Clark, has denied he was the cabinet minister thought to have leaked details of a secret meeting on Chinese telecoms firm Huawei.

Most of the ministers who were at the meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) last Tuesday [April 23], which involved not only cabinet ministers but also high ranking intelligence officers, had denied any knowledge of the leak.

Yesterday Mr Clark joined them. His spokesman told the Times : “Greg never has, and never would, disclose the contents of a discussion at the National Security Council.”

Last week’s NSC meeting reportedly resulted in the PM approving Huawei’s bid to help build the UK’s 5G network.

Former deputy evicted THE former Deputy Principal at Hadlow Group is being evicted from his campus flat.

Mark Lumsdon-Taylor left his role at the beleaguered education group on March 1 as several investigations began into the financial health of the college group and the professional conduct of both Mr LumsdonTaylor and former Principal, Paul Hannan.

It has now emerged that Mr LumsdonTaylor is being evicted from a flat he has on campus, with a spokesperson for the college saying they had served notice ‘regarding the inaction of his tenancy’.

WWII grenades in park ARMY bomb disposal experts carried out controlled explosions in St George’s Park, Broadwater Down, on Monday, after wartime munitions were found.

Police say they were called at 10.51am following a report that wartime munitions had been found in the park.

A spokesman said: “An Army bomb disposal team also attended. The munitions were destroyed in controlled explosions.

“Residents were asked to close their doors and windows while the explosions were carried out.”

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Name game continues as council does another u-turn over the hub

By Richard Williams COUNCILLORS have overwhelmingly voted for the new £13.2 million cultural and learning hub planned for the centre of Tunbridge Wells to be named… ‘Amelia Scott’.

It was originally going to be given that title to honour the town’s famous social reformer and women’s suffrage campaigner. Then it was announced it would simply be called ‘The Amelia’.

This led to the Council being accused of ‘trivialising’ and ‘infantilising’ women by abbreviating the name for the mixed-use centre.

Despite an open letter from several female members of the Cabinet justifying the decision to shorten the name to the Amelia, a motion was passed at a Full Council meeting last Wednesday urging the board overseeing the development to adopt the suffrage campaigner’s full name.

The cross-party motion was put forward by Cllr Mark Ellis of the Liberal Democrats with an amendment by Conservative Cabinet member Tracy Moore.

Ms Moore’s amendment enables the council to still use the branding of ‘The Amelia’ but the official name for the cultural hub will be Amelia Scott.

Cllr Moore said: “It is a fair compromise. The official name will be the Amelia Scott but it will use the branding of ‘The Amelia’ for activities inside the cultural centre.

“It is very positive to achieve compromise.

Everyone agrees it is a fantastic project for the town.”

She added that as the cultural hub is reliant on £4million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, they had to ensure the centre remains as

More fake police victims FRAUDSTERS claiming to be police officers in an elaborate con are still targeting people in the area, Kent Police say.

Nearly £20,000 has been defrauded from local pensioners this year after a gang of conmen began targeting the area using a scam that has become known as the ‘courier con’ or ‘bogus police fraud’.

Police have said two more victims have been targeted.

On April 18 a woman from Tunbridge Wells and a pensioner from Tonbridge were separately called by men who said they were officers from Hammersmith police station.

ALL CHANGE The cultural hub will now be called Amelia Scott

inclusive as possible.

“I think this compromise achieves this,” she said.

The decision still has to be approved by the board overseeing the development.

The board members consist of officers from both the borough and the county council, as well as Mike Hill, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, and Jane March, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism.

Cllr March, whose cabinet responsibilities mean she is ultimately responsible for the project, had tried to block the motion with her own amendment that would have meant the official name remain as ‘The Amelia’.

She was defeated after a number of Conservative councillors abstained leaving just 14 councillors voting in favour of her amendment and 21 voting against.

The council had heard from a number of members of the public in a lively and impassioned debate.

Eventually, the council voted through the motion with a majority of 32.

Commenting after the vote, Lib Dem Cllr Mark Ellis, said: “I thank everyone who supported this motion cross-party and the guest speakers who spoke with such passion about respecting Amelia Scott’s memory.

“This is a project that every councillor supports and I hope that the project management board now take note of the council’s views and make the appropriate adjustments.”

The Amelia Scott is set to open in 2021. The council-led project, with the backing of KCC and £4million in funding from the National Lottery, will be a combined library, museum, tourist information and gallery, and will connect with the adult education centre as well as hosting Gateway services.

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Theatre row and sale of public assets could cost the Tories council seats

By Richard Williams TOMORROW [Thursday] sees the voters of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling go to the polls to elect new councillors.

Results will be announced on Friday.

The two boroughs join 246 other local councils in England and a further 11 in Northern Ireland who are electing more than 8,200 seats in this year’s local elections.

In Tunbridge Wells, just over a third of the Council’s 48 seats are to be contested as the local elections are held over a fouryear cycle, where one third of the council is up for election every year except for one year in four when there is no election.

Many councils choose to re-elect their public officials in this way, rather than re-elect an entire chamber, as it provides continuity and consistency, while other local authorities, such as Tonbridge and Malling, are electing their entire council chamber.

All political parties have fielded candidates in Tunbridge Wells with 78 prospective councillors from all the main political parties contesting 18 seats in 16 wards, including two by-elections in Park ward and Paddock Wood East.

In the borough of Tonbridge & Malling, 52 seats out of 54 are being contested in 23 wards—with the Conservative councillors, including Cabinet member for housing, Piers Montague, not being challenged in and Mereworth and Down.

Among the 129 candidates there are 52

Tories, 27 Liberal Democrats, 22 Labour, 14 Greens, 10 independents and four from UKIP. Brexit is set to play an integral role in what box people may tick at the polling stations this year, with nationally, some predicting a large defeat for the Conservative Party, who are defending more than 4,600 seats across England.

Analysts suggest the Tories could lose as many as 800 of these seats as votes punish Theresa May over the failure to leave the EU. Locally, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Calverley Square project could cost the local Conservative Party seats.

More than a hundred campaigners and members of opposition parties attended a march last weekend to protest against the £90million development.

But voters also opposed to the theatre and civic centre plans may have too much choice on their ballot papers, with all nonTory parties opposing it, which could result in any opposition to the Conservatives being split.

Whatever the outcome, the Tunbridge Wells Conservative Party cannot lose overall control of the council, although this is not the case for many of the 134 Conservative controlled councils across the country.

In Tonbridge & Malling, the Local Plan development on Green Belt, High Street pollution and congestion levels, as well as the Council selling off publicly owned assets could all have a major effect on who people vote for.

CALVERLEY SQUARE CLASH COMING TO A HEAD AS VOTES are counted on Friday, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will hear if their Calverley Square theatre development will get the go ahead.

The theatre has proved contentious and could have a large impact on the Conservative vote share.

The Planning Inspectorate is expected to announce whether it has confirmed the use of compulsory purchase orders [CPOs] the council needs to bring its plans into fruition.

Among the opposition to the Council’s use of CPOs is Hoopers department store.

The retailer at the bottom of Mount Pleasant Road has been involved in an embittered row with the Council over access rights to its car park.

Unacceptable Last month, Hoopers released a new statement, reiterating its opposition to the plans because a number of comments it made at the inquiry into the council’s use of CPOs have been ‘misinterpreted’.

It is thought some prospective Conservative councillors, during their election campaigns, have been making suggestions that the department store no longer objects to the Calverley Square development due to remarks Hoopers made during the Planning Inspectorate’s public inquiry held in February.

The department store has dismissed this suggestion saying the comments were ‘taken out of context’ and ‘misinterpreted’.

They said they support the theatre ‘in principle’ but the planned use of the Hoopers car park they find ‘unacceptable’.

They added: “Our objection remains, unaltered, and will be considered and reported upon in due course by the Planning Inspector along with all the other objections made to the CPO.”

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

And the final word We invited all the parties to tell us in no more than 5o words why they should get your vote IN TONBRIDGE & MALLING CONSERVATIVES The Conservatives’ local record is a balanced budget, protecting cherished local services, record recycling rates and the leadership required to deliver all this. In this local election I hope people vote on local issues, allowing us to continue the work we have started. If you value it, then please vote for it.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS Our council needs fresh voices to provide effective opposition to the Tory majority, which assumes its point of view is the only one. Our candidates, mostly new to politics, have a wealth of experience and knowledge. They are committed to listening to and working with Tonbridge residents and businesses.

GREEN PARTY Improve our council by electing hard-working new councillors with fresh perspectives. We are free to put forward innovative ideas and challenge the council to make better decisions, without having to toe a party line. We will stand up for you on critical issues such as air quality, housing and the environment.

UKIP The UK Independence Party is the only mainstream political party committed to full independence from the European Union, free to determine our own laws in our own parliaments, free to control our own borders, free to trade with whom we like, outside of the Single Market and Customs Union.

LABOUR A vote for Labour is a vote for your community. Let’s challenge the stale one party Conservative control of our council that has consistently failed to deliver for Tonbridge and Malling. We deserve a forward- looking council that listens to residents.

Vote for transparency and fairness on Thursday. Vote Labour.

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Wednesday May 1 | 2019

from all parties…

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Elections

IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS CONSERVATIVES Tunbridge Wells has a well-run and successful Council under the Conservatives. We have one of the lowest council tax rates in Kent but provide excellent services and value for money. We have bold plans for the future, investing now to ensure the town remains vibrant.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS The Liberal Democrats want a modern Tunbridge Wells with joined-up services for our diverse communities. We will support transport choices beyond the car so there will be less congestion and pollution. We will champion good new development and fix our aging infrastructure, to reinvigorate our local retail and business environment.

WOMEN’S EQUALITY PARTY Like you WE think our councillors must get their priorities straight. That means putting community first, making sure that everyone feels heard and daring to care for those in need.

Good ideas must come above party politics and fairness must be at the heart of every decision.

It’s time for change.

BOROUGHS GO TO THE POLLS POLLING stations open tomorrow morning at 7am and will close at 10pm.

In Tunbridge Wells, votes will be verified on Friday morning, before the count takes place at 1pm at the Assembly Hall. Results will be announced during the afternoon.

In Tonbridge & Malling, the count will be held at Larkfield Leisure Centre in Aylesford, also at 1pm.

2019

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ALLIANCE TWA was formed last March to challenge the Council’s unlistening and complacent Conservative majority. We are not only opposed to the theatre extravagance but come from right across the political spectrum. Unlike the other opposition parties, we are therefore entirely focused on local issues without the distraction of national politics.

LABOUR Labour wants an end to a top-heavy Conservative Council and opposes spending over £90m on a civic complex and theatre. We want more genuinely affordable housing and revitalisation of our town centres. We support a cleaner, greener environment, investment in cheaper public transport, and more public involvement in decision making.

GREENS We would declare a Climate Emergency, and make Tunbridge Wells carbon-neutral by 2030 - with every policy having a climate change assessment. We would set smart targets for Air Quality, introduce a Low Emission Zone, replace dirty buses, and ban idling. Only the Greens put people and the planet first.

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People feel ignored and taken for granted

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk FOR eight years between 1995 and 2003, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council was under no overall control as the Liberal Democrats challenged the Conservative stronghold.

But from having 21 councillors out of 55 in the 1999 elections, the Lib Dem representation has dwindled to four – in Larkfield and East Malling.

Michelle Wallington is running for the first time because she believes the two main parties have ‘behaved abysmally’ over Brexit.

Tall order However, as a candidate for Cage Green alongside Rob Shergold she faces a tall order.

She is up against Conservative Nicolas Heslop, who has been the Council Leader for seven years.

She spoke to the Times about the Lib Dems’ chances this time around.

Are you hoping for an upset?

The response has been amazing. People want to talk. They feel ignored and taken for granted. They’re unhappy with the local Conservative leadership.

BACK TO THE BALLOT Michelle Wallington wants another public vote on Brexit

Only last week someone said ‘you’re the first to bother to knock’. People see our leaflets with ‘fresh voices’ and they nod and start to talk to us about their ideas.

The Liberal Democrats have seen their Parliamentary presence eroded – but can they claw back their traditionally greater influence at council level?

If elected we will work to make sure local residents are really involved in the plans and decisions that affect them. It’s why we want to explore Tonbridge having a town council, and we feel council meetings should be webcast.

We already have 1,900 councillors across the country and a strong record in local government.

The polls are predicting a further 400-plus wins for us nationally.

What about a second EU referendum?

I’ve been on two EU marches in London.

It’s been great to see a strong Tonbridge contingent, of all ages and backgrounds, taking part.

Given that there is no agreed view of what Brexit means in practice, and Parliament can’t make up its mind, the only way to resolve matters is to put it to a public vote.

If people feel it’s a good enough deal they can vote for it, or they can decide that it’s better to remain.

This newspaper has profiled candidates from all major parties in the run up to the elections.

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Networking night of the year set to get feet tapping at gala dinner

M

ore than a hundred companies from audiences with his ballroom dancing and has now Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, and Sev- extended his talents to include singing – recently enoaks have put their names forward releasing the swing album ‘From the Top’.

He also last year penned his first novel, entitled for this year’s Times Business Awards One Enchanted Evening, and has Each category will be shortlisted to LOCAL NEWSPAPERS written a follow up, which is schedthree entries and those who have uled for release in October. made it through to the last round will However, the light-footed personalbe revealed next Wednesday [May 8]. ity may soon be hanging up his danc“Yet again the standard of entries is ing shoes, as he is hotly tipped to extremely high and reflects the qualbecome a judge on the popular enterity and diversity of the businesses tainment show after the surprise that make our towns tick,” said Times’ announcement earlier this month Editorial Director Richard Moore. that Darcey Bussell will be quitting “It’s all building up to another great the show after seven years. night to remember, for all the right And Anton said he would be reasons.” ‘delighted’ to slip into her dancing Winners will be announced at the gala dinner on May 30. The black tie event at shoes and become a judge on the show.

On top of all that, the 52-year-old veteran enterSalomons Estate will see local businesses named in their specific category, and each winner will be tainer became a father to twins just two years presented their award by Strictly Come Dancing ago, and yet he has somehow found time in his busy schedule to entertain the guests at Salolegend Anton du Beke.

The busy BBC star is taking time off from his mons on May 30.

It will be the fourth time that the event has hectic schedule to follow in the footsteps of former politicians Michael Portillo and Edwina taken place. In the opening three years nearly Curry as well as BBC 2 DJ Ken Bruce who have all 600 companies and individuals put themselves forward across ten categories ranging from startacted as guest speaker at the black tie event.

Mr du Beke has spent the past 15 years wowing ups to Outstanding Business of the Year.

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

Headline Sponsor

Times

2019

YOUR HOST Strictly’s Anton du Beke

THE FINAL CATEGORY SPONSORS HAVE SIGNED UP FOR THE 2019 BUSINESS AWARDS Leading local digital creative agency, Studio 44 have decided to sponsor this year’s Creative Business of the Year award.

CEO, Larry Hardcastle, said: “We are delighted to be involved in supporting the business awards, and we recognise the enormous amount of creative talent in the Tunbridge Wells area. The kudos and recognition the award brings will be well deserved for the winner.”

Tonbridge taxi company, Castle Cars, has also signed up to sponsor the Young Business Person of the Year 2019 award.

Owner, Terry Hill, said: “We love the idea of being able to give another business/person the opportunity to win

an award and having the excitement on the evening like we have experienced.

“Winning and sponsoring an award has most definitely made an impact on our business, it’s helped to promote who we are, how reliable and customer focused we prove to be and it has also allowed us to work very closely with The Times over the last 24 months.”

While getting involved for the first time will also be the Church Roadbased Perfume Studio.

Director, Ben Janousek, said: “The Perfume Studio decided to sponsor the Times of Tunbridge Wells Business Awards in order to meet and network with local businesses and raise its profile with the TW business

community.

“We love working with local businesses where possible and are keen to develop relationships with forward thinking business leaders in West Kent.”

BOOK YOUR SEATS If your business has entered an award this year, or you just want to come to what is one of the best networking events on the calendar, you’ll need to be quick to book your tickets, which are selling out fast.

Tickets are available priced at £95 per person or £850 for a table of 10. Numbers are limited and based on the previous four years, the award night will be a sell-out.

To order tickets or request more information, contact info@times businessawards.co.uk or you can simply call award’s organiser, Eileen Sweeney, on 01892 779 583.

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BUSINESS

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Aldi planning a November launch for its new Tunbridge Wells store

By Richard Williams POPULAR supermarket chain Aldi is preparing to open a new store in Tunbridge Wells in November.

The budget retailer is advertising staff vacancies on its recruitment website for the store, which is to be located on the site of the former Toys R Us superstore at the Great Lodge Retail Park in Longfield Road.

There has been speculation about the site ever since the toy retailer went into administration last year, leaving the unit empty.

The German supermarket chain had submitted a planning application via a third party developer to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council at the end of last

POPULAR: The budget supermarket

year to extend the use of the abandoned retail unit to include food and drink.

Now they have begun advertising for staff, with salaries for sales assistants starting at £10.55 an hour, and a planned start date of November 2019.

It had been thought the company was planning to open a Tunbridge Wells branch off Eridge Road, near to supermarket rival Sainsbury’s, but it is understood Aldi had difficulty acquiring all the land it needed to access the site, and it appears those plans have been scrapped in favour of the Great Lodge store.

The company has been approached for comment but have said they do not have any information on the new outlet at present.

Florist quits the town centre after 20 years

BLOOMING SUCCESS Sharon Wood is taking her business out of town to focus on online sales

A FLORIST who has been trading in Tunbridge Wells town centre for nearly two decades has moved from Monson Road to an out-of-town location to grow her online and phone order business while avoiding the ‘overheads of a town-centre shop’.

Colonnade Florist has moved to a new studio premises in the Broadwater area this week to concentrate on its wedding and funeral arms as well as its online business, but the flower seller is not neglecting its loyal local customers.

Director Sharon Wood, a Chelsea Flower Gold Medal Winner and florist of more than 30 years’ experience, explained: “We will miss seeing the friendly faces of our customers, but moving to the studio will enable us to grow stronger as a business, while still offering the same highquality Dutch flowers, the same guarantees and the same personal service.”

She added that town centre customers will still be able to order flowers by visiting the website or phoning the florist, with the options of delivery or collection from COOK in Monson Road, after the frozen food specialist agreed to provide a collection point for Colonnade Florist customers.

“We will still offer bouquets ready for same-day collection from COOK, so for our customers it will be business as usual,” added Ms Wood.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Cycling 110 miles for Majestic to decide on Business support at mental health charity outlets’ future in June The Camden Centre AXA have announced their Charity Cycle 2019 will go from Weybridge to Tunbridge Wells and back again, all in the name of mental health charity YoungMinds.

The mental health advocate became the insurer’s new charity partner after a vote by employees, and will be the beneficiary of AXA’s fifth charity cycle on July 19. A JustGiving page has been set up with a £5,000 fundraising target.

“We’re taking the bike ride to Tunbridge Wells – 110 miles in one day, now that’s a challenge,” AXA says on its donations page. The site adds that the route ‘includes the famous Leith and Box Hills for good measure’.

YoungMinds Chief Executive Emma Thomas said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by AXA’s employees as their charity of the year, and are very grateful to have the support of their fantastic organisation.

“Their generosity will help us continue our vital work fighting for the mental health of children and young people across the UK, and we are very much looking forward to working with them.”

STAFF at the Tunbridge Wells branch of Majestic Wine have an anxious few weeks ahead as they wait to discover if the wine chain will be selling the store.

Its fate will be revealed next month.

Majestic Wine has announced it could sell up to 200 UK outlets as it shifts its focus to its e-commerce business.

As we reported last month, the company admitted that some stores could go as it rebrands, renaming itself Naked Wines, after the online business that it acquired in 2015 has since more than doubled in size.

Now the British wine retailer has confirmed it will provide details on its plans on June 13.

Investment bank Rothschild has been appointed to explore options for Majestic Wine’s UK store estate and seek potential buyers.

The company currently employs over 1,000 staff across the UK and operates from 211 stores, including the large branch in St John’s Road, which sits on the border of Tunbridge Wells and Southborough.

THE West Kent Business Support Programme takes place in Tunbridge Wells next week, offering confidential one-to-one support and advice for those wishing to grow or start a business in 2019.

The free professional and personalised advice is provided by the National Centre for Micro Business, and has been used by more than 400 new and established businesses in the area.

The one-day event will be hosted at The Camden Centre in Market Square, off Camden Road, between 9am and 5pm next Wednesday, May 8.

The 2019 West Kent Business Support Programme is part funded by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in conjunction with the West Kent Partnership.

The partnership was set up to address local issues, including infrastructure and transport factors, in order to benefit West Kent’s economy and create an environment where business can prosper.

To book a place, call 0300 030 9660 or email: info@ncmb.co.uk

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

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Wednesday May 1 | 2019

Han goes the extra mile to thank Samaritans for help TUNBRIDGE WELLS runner Han Wright ran the London Marathon on Sunday [April 28] to help raise awareness of the Samaritans.

The 28 year old, who owns the creative content business Wellness & Wander Studio, is supporting the charity because she credits it for saving her life.

‘All I wanted to do was be on my own, but Samaritans came into my mind, so I reached out to them’ Han admitted the 26.2-mile challenge was out of her comfort zone, saying: “Endurance running just isn’t my cup of tea.

“I like to work on my strength and lift weights, so running is a real test for me.”

She added: “I was very nervous before starting but it was all going well.

“At mile 16 I started to feel blisters forming and my hips tightened up, so from then it was mind over matter to reach the finish line” Her mental health symptoms started when she was diagnosed with depression at 17 after suffering anxiety issues.

She said: “Samaritans means so much to me – they were there when I couldn’t face things any more.

“I had counselling but it didn’t really help, so I chose to ignore everything and masked it with university life, but

that didn’t work out very well.”

Her anxiety increased with the social pressures of being a student. Then, one evening, she was feeling manic as events spiralled out of control.

She said: “All I wanted to do was be on my own, but Samaritans came into my mind, so I reached out to them.

“The woman on the end of the phone kept me safe and got an ambulance out to me.

“So I am eternally grateful to her and Samaritans for being there.

“The call was the catalyst for me to deal with my anxiety and depression. That’s why I’m proud to be wearing a Samaritans vest.”

Han now runs a mental health and fitness blog called Wellness and Wander, has a Diploma in Mindfulness, and has published an e-book called Mindfulness for Anxiety.

She was among 72 runners at the Marathon aiming to raise £140,000 for Samaritans.

They included Dave Lock, who ran his 21st consecutive race on behalf of the Samaritans on Sunday – wearing a giant green phone costume.

Since his debut in 2003, Dave has run 19 marathons in the suit, covering a distance of 553 miles.

To support Han Wright’s fundraising campaign visit justgiving.com/ Hanna-Wright1 SENSE OF WELLBEING Han Wright runs a mental health and fitness blog

RAISE THE BAR: (L-R) Stanley Ward, Scott Smith, current Mayor Len Horwood, Mayoress Judy Horwood, Julie Charles, Clint Cole and John Cunningham at the George & Dragon in Lamberhurst

Mayor celebrates St George’s defeat of the dragon with tour of borough’s pubs THE Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Len Horwood, and Mayoress Judy, visited three George & Dragon pubs across the borough to mark St George’s Day. The Mayor took the opportunity to give the pubs collecting boxes for his charity of the year, Mental Health Resource.

On April 23, Cllr Horwood met Martin Mummery, the landlord of the George & Dragon in Tudeley, who decked out his premises in patriotic regalia.

Martin, who took over the pub last August in his first publican’s position, said: “I’d never met the Mayor before. I think it was great that he was getting out to celebrate St George’s Day. “I’ve always celebrated it myself with a lunch, but unfortunately this was the first time I haven’t for a long time because I was too busy!”

Then in Lamberhurst he met landlords Julie Charles and Clinton Cole and assistant Scott Smith – and was joined by former Mayors Stanley Ward and John Cunningham.

Both are members of the Probus Club of Royal Tunbridge Wells, a lunch and fellowship club for retired professional and business men.

Finally, in Speldhurst, they were welcomed by pub manager Jordan Cook who was interviewed live on air about St George’s Day by BBC Radio Kent while they were there.

Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource provides long-term practical and emotional support in a safe and caring environment.

It helps more than 950 people who have complex and enduring mental health conditions who struggle with low self-esteem and lack skills to manage stressful life events.

The charity runs The Hub and the Serenity Cafe, wellbeing centres in Grosvenor Park, where clients can develop a tailored progress plan with experienced staff and also take part in a variety of activities.

For more information, visit twmhr.org.uk

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Community News

NEWS

13

Berry & Lamberts head for the summit

By Andy Tong FIVE staff from Berry & Lamberts Solicitors have raised almost £2,000 for Hospice in the Weald after undertaking their annual challenge on behalf of LawNet. Robert Moseley and Melanie Williams from the Tunbridge Wells branch, Anna Blackwell from Paddock Wood, Sharon Hawkins from Tonbridge and Andrew Hollingsworth from Sevenoaks undertook a 13-mile hike in the Lake District, climbing Fairfield Horseshoe above Rydal Beck.

Members of all 71 firms affiliated to LawNet took on the same ramble, taking over a whole

HIGH ACHIEVERS (L-R) Robert Moseley, Melanie Williams, Anna Blackwell and Sharon Hawkins on top of Fairfield Horseshoe

youth hostel over the weekend of April 12-14.

LawNet offers a network of more than 2,500 lawyers across the UK, sharing expertise, knowledge and best practice.

Sara Kennaugh, Berry & Lambert’s Senior Manager of Marketing and Business Development, said: “There are very few people in the area who haven’t been touched by what the Hospice in the Weald does.

“We ask staff from our five offices to put forward suggestions for the chosen charity and then vote on it. So many have experience of the hospice’s work.”

Hospice in the Weald in Pembury provides care

free of charge to patients with a terminal illness, as well as support for their families and carers.

Emma Brooker added: “They are there 24 hours a day to help, support and care for patients with an illness where a cure is no longer possible, and for patients who will at some stage die from their illness.

“But Hospice in the Weald is not just there for the end of someone’s life.

“They try to ensure anyone affected by a terminal illness, whether a patient, a family member or a carer, has the best possible quality of life.”

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/berryandlamberts

JUST THE TICKET: Hadlow Manor staff run the raffle supported by local businesses

Community event is the right answer for Hadlow Manor HADLOW MANOR pooled its resources to lay on another homegrown quiz evening that raised £800 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The Hadlow Suite was packed with local quizgoers eager to win the trophy while supporting the hotel’s chosen charity.

The questions were set and hosted by the hotel’s head receptionist and the scores were tallied up by other members of staff in what was a real team effort.

They were keen to replicate the success of a quiz at their sister hotel in Reigate and engage with people from the area at the same time.

Giles Thomas, Operations Director of the hotel group, said: “We really enjoy getting involved in the local community and hosting our quiz nights.

“The Hadlow Suite came alive with nearly 100 locals enjoying fish and chips and getting competitive over the questions, all whilst generously helping us raise a fantastic £800 for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

“We also get a lot of support from local businesses who kindly donate raffle prizes, so it’s a real community effort.”

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National News

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London police face Blood scandal inquiry pledges raft of allegations to be quick, open and fearless ELEVEN serving officers are being investigated by a police watchdog about allegations including violence towards women, steroid use and racism.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC] said it had ‘considerably’ widened a probe into claims an officer had sex with a vulnerable woman at a central London police station in 2016.

Analysis of messages uncovered in a separate internal investigation by the Metropolitan Police brought to light the ‘serious’ allegations against officers primarily from a now-defunct unit called the ‘impact team’ and others based mainly at Charing Cross police station.

Bullying, including threatening and malicious messages, violence towards women, taking advantage of vulnerable people and the use of steroids, are among the allegations.

Five-year sentence for cricketer rapist A CRICKETER who raped a woman he found ‘dozing’ in his team-mate’s bedroom has been jailed for five years.

Alex Hepburn, 23, was convicted after an attack on the first night of a sexual conquest ‘game’ he helped to set up on a WhatsApp group.

The Australian-born former Worcestershire all-rounder was said by the prosecution to have been ‘fired up’ by the contest to sleep with the most women, before carrying out the rape at his flat in Worcester in April 2017.

At Hereford Crown Court Judge Jim Tindal told him: “You probably thought it was laddish behaviour at the time. In truth it was foul sexism.

“It demeaned women and trivialised rape - a word you personally threw around lightly. Only now do you realise how serious rape is.”

THE inquiry into the infected blood scandal will be ‘frightened of no one’, its chair said, as he thanked victims for their bravery.

Former High Court judge Sir Brian Langstaff promised to put people at the heart of the probe.

He said he has read many of the witness statements already, describing them as ‘harrowing’ and ‘incredibly moving’.

The scandal has been labelled the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS. Thousands of patients were infected with HIV and hepatitis C via contaminated blood products in the 1970s and ’80s.

The Infected Blood Inquiry will hear evidence at Fleetbank House in central London for the rest of this week.

Bravery Two previous inquiries have been branded a whitewash by campaigners.

Inquiry chairman Sir Brian thanked those who volunteered statements and told the packed hearing room: “For many, making a statement has been, and for some it yet will be, an act of bravery, which I would like to acknowledge publicly here and now; it may have stirred up, and may yet stir up, distressing memories.

“I understand some simply cannot bring themselves to make a statement because it is too much.”

He added: “At the preliminary hearings I set out the principles that were to guide this inquiry.

“They were, first and foremost, putting people

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Not guilty plea from Grenfell model man A MAN accused of filming a burning model of Grenfell Tower that provoked outrage when it was shared online has pleaded not guilty to two charges.

Paul Bussetti, 46, from South Norwood, south-east London, denied sending a ‘grossly offensive’ video on WhatsApp and causing footage of a ‘menacing character’ to be uploaded on YouTube.

Mr Bussetti contested both counts under the Communications Act 2003 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Train strike in London

at its heart, UK-wide; being as quick as reasonable thoroughness permits; paying proper respect to a person’s right to be heard; being as open and transparent as it is legally possible to be; being independent of Government, and frightened of no one in the conclusions it draws.”

The inquiry heard NHS England had written to GPs to help them support patients who have or who believe they may have been exposed to risks associated with infected blood or blood products.

The letter, dated April 11, said the greatest risk was in relation to hepatitis C, which often doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms until the liver has been significantly damaged, meaning people could be infected without realising it.

It said that because symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, doctors should consider checking if patients with flu-like symptoms, tiredness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and feeling or being sick had received blood or blood products prior to 1991.

STAFF on London Overground are to stage a fresh strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union who are employed as travel safe officers will walk out for 24 hours on May 16 following a stoppage earlier this month.

The workers, employed by STM Security, are planning other forms of industrial action short of a strike, saying they face a pay freeze.

Return of Crown couple THE CROWN stars Claire Foy and Matt Smith are reuniting to play a couple on stage.

They received accolades for their roles as the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for two series of the Netflix period drama.

The pair will return in Duncan Macmillan’s play Lungs at The Old Vic as a ‘conflicted couple who wrestle with huge contemporary dilemmas surrounding the responsibility of bringing new life into an increasingly precarious world’.

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

National/World News

Comfort A team lead by Assistant Chief Constable Nick Downing has been assessing the panel’s findings to establish if there is sufficient new evidence to support a further police investigation.

Mr Downing said: “The families of those affected by the events at Gosport War Memorial Hospital are at the heart of everything we do and I hope the news that we will now be carrying out a full investigation is of some comfort to them.

“This investigation is not about numbers, it is about people,” he added, “specifically those who died at the hospital and the loved ones they have left behind.

“Now that we have launched a full investigation, we will be arranging to meet with the families on a one-to-one basis.”

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Rescue attempt to free 1,800 miners

Kent Police launch fresh investigation into Gosport deaths A NEW criminal investigation into the Gosport hospital scandal – where hundreds of patients died after being given powerful painkillers - has been launched.

The care provided to patients who died at the Hampshire hospital between 1987 and 2001 will be the focus of a full investigation by Kent Police.

More than 450 people had their lives shortened while another 200 were ‘probably’ similarly given opioids between 1989 and 2000 without medical justification, according to the Gosport Independent Panel report released last year.

Ian Sandford, whose mother Hazel Felicity Sandford died at the hospital, attended the meeting and welcomed the latest investigation.

He told reporters he was ‘very glad’ Kent Police were taking on the investigation, but had reservations about how thorough any fresh inquiry could be because of the time that had passed since the deaths.

NEWS

Fuel rises: Shop around … and hope for the best “That said, around 60 per cent of the prices curMOTORISTS have been hit with a hike in fuel prices that has added up to £3 to the cost of filling rently being charged at the pumps goes to the Government in tax. up, official figures show.

“US sanctions on Iran and oil producer group Since March 18 the average price of a litre of petOpec’s decision to further limit rol at UK filling stations has risen supply has pushed up the barrel by 6p to £1.26, while diesel has ‘The best advice price to above 70 US dollars. gone up by 4p to £1.35.

“All drivers can do is hope the The Department for Business, to drivers is to situation doesn’t get any worse, as Energy and Industrial Strategy’s data shows it typically costs £69 to shop around for the price of petrol is nearing the fill the tank of a 55-litre family pet- the lowest prices five-year high of October last year it hit £1.32 a litre. rol car, or £74 if it is a diesel car. as this can make when “The best advice to drivers is to Diesel prices have gone up for 14 consecutive weeks dating back to a big saving on a shop around for the lowest prices mid-January, while petrol prices complete fill-up’ as this can make a big saving on a complete fill-up.” have risen for the past 11 weeks.

Earlier this year a group of MPs RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “The last six weeks have been tough for driv- called for an independent body to be set up to monitor fuel costs. ers as the price of petrol and diesel has rocketed.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Fair Fuel “While rises like this hurt family budgets and have a negative effect on the economy, they are wants a body, which could be named Pumplargely out of the UK’s control as they are driven Watch, to oversee fuel prices in a way similar to the scrutiny faced by utility providers. by global and geopolitical issues.

SOUTH AFRICA’S department of mineral resources says plans are under way to free a large number of miners caught underground by hoisting them up an adjoining shaft.

The department says it has an inspector monitoring the situation at the Thembelani shaft in Rustenberg, which is run by mining company Sibanye-Stillwater.

The company says some 1,800 miners are affected but are safe with no serious injuries.

It says some rails that were being transported underground came loose and fell down the shaft at midday yesterday [Tuesday].

Workers are removing them and inspecting the shaft for any damage. The company confirmed the adjacent shaft will be used if needed.

Military coup threat

by Venezuela chief VENEZUELA’S opposition leader Juan Guaido has taken to the streets with activist Leopoldo Lopez and a small contingent of heavily armed soldiers in a bold call for the military to rise up and oust socialist leader Nicolas Maduro.

“I want to tell the Venezuelan people: This is the moment to take to the streets and accompany these patriotic soldiers,” said Mr Lopez.

It was his first appearance since being detained in 2014 for leading anti-government protests.

“Everyone should come to the streets, in peace.”

Mr Lopez said he has been freed by members of the military responding to an order by Mr Guaido, whom the US and dozens of other governments recognise as Venezuela’s rightful leader.

Socialist party boss Diosdado Cabello downplayed the significance of the rebellion, saying most of Caracas was in complete calm.

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BUSINESS

National News

Four Seasons goes into administration CARE homes giant Four Seasons has collapsed into administration, raising fears about thousands of elderly residents.

The company has appointed corporate restructurers Alvarez & Marsal to carry out the process following an aborted sale attempt.

Four Seasons houses 22,000 elderly residents across 322 homes, although the firm insists that operations will be unaffected by the move.

“The operating companies under which the care home and hospital operations sit are not in administration and continue to be run as normal by the existing leadership teams,” the firm said.

The collapse is the biggest care homes failure since Southern Cross went bust in 2011.

Late last year, US hedge fund H2 Capital Partners ordered a sale of the company, which is struggling under a £525million debt mountain.

Mining company shares plummet after financing SHARES have dived at mining firm Sirius Minerals after it announced £2.9billion of financing to fund its major fertiliser project in North Yorkshire.

Shares in the FTSE 250 company sank by 18 per cent to 17.9p on Tuesday, after it increased its financing for the project.

US bank JP Morgan has backed the financing package, which will be used to build a giant mine under the North Yorkshire moors.

The project will look for polyhalite, which can be used as a fertiliser and has other industrial uses.

Sirius has secured fertiliser supply deals in Europe, South America, China and Africa.

Financing of $3billion [£2.3billion] was initially announced for the mine, but last year Sirius revised this up to $3.6billion [£2.8billion]. It will now raise $3.8billion [£2.9billion] for the project.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Santander profits fall by third HIGH street banking giant Santander has revealed a 35 per cent plunge in first-quarter profits after being knocked by Brexit uncertainty and competition in the mortgage market.

The Spanish-owned lender reported pre-tax profits of £270million for the first three months of 2019, down from £414million a year earlier.

Underlying pre-tax profits fell 13 per cent to £352million in the first quarter.

The group said results suffered as the wider economy has been held back by Brexit fears, as well as mortgage margin pressure, costs of its swingeing overhaul, and charges related to ring-fencing to keep retail banking services separate from corporate and investment banking activities.

It has announced that it will axe 140 branches across the UK, putting more than 1,200 jobs at risk.

First-quarter figures showed it booked £77million in charges related to the overhaul.

Nathan Bostock, chief executive of Santander UK, said: “Our first-quarter results reflect the impact of the highly competitive mortgage mar-

NEWS IN BRIEF

Irish newspaper empire taken over by Belgians INDEPENDENT News and Media [INM] has accepted a takeover offer by a Belgian group for €145.6million [£125.7million].

Under the terms of the acquisition, INM shareholders will receive 9p per share.

INM is Ireland’s largest media group with more than 50 per cent of the daily market and over 65 per cent on Sundays.

Mediahuis is a private European group that was founded in 2013.

It employs more than 3,200 people and had a turnover of £707.2million last year.

ket, a demanding regulatory change agenda and the uncertain economic environment in the UK. “In this context, we have accelerated our multiyear strategic transformation programme, with a focus on simplifying, digitising and automating the bank for our customers, to deliver on our strategic priorities and significantly improve operational efficiency over time.”

Santander said it is now assuming there will be no interest rates rises at all in 2019 and forecasts a ‘slight deterioration’ in economic growth due to Brexit and a slowing global economy.

Easter egg boost for supermarkets SUPERMARKET sales have grown at their fastest rate this year, helped by shoppers going on a record £2.5billion Easter spending spree.

Consumers bought £335million of Easter eggs and chocolate over 12 weeks to April 21 as yearon-year sales rose by 2 per cent, Kantar said.

The average household took home 10 Easter treats during the longer build-up from February.

The warm weather over the Easter break boosted sales of ice cream by 8 per cent and hay fever remedies by 27 per cent over the past four weeks.

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

Lidl’s 8.6 per cent growth pushed its market share to a new high of 5.7 per cent, up 0.3 percentage points compared with last year.

Aldi was again the fastest growing supermarket on 11.6 per cent, a position it has held since July 2018, increasing its market share to 7.9 per cent.

Co-op and Ocado were the only other retailers to gain market share on last year, moving to 6.1 per cent and 1.3 per cent respectively.

Sainsbury’s was the only one of the big four to see sales fall over the quarter – down 1.2 per cent.

Land Rover moves over THE next generation Land Rover Defender will be assembled in Slovakia rather than the UK, it has been confirmed.

Jaguar Land Rover said the new vehicle will be designed and engineered in the UK, and will be unveiled later this year.

The company said the models will be manufactured in Nitra but the engines will be built in Wolverhampton, adding that this will reinforce its British roots and the globalisation of its manufacturing strategy.

Green light for PayPal PAYPAL’S $2.2billion [£1.7billion] takeover of payments firm iZettle has been given provisional clearance by a competition watchdog after an in-depth probe.

The Competition and Markets Authority had initially raised concerns over the deal amid worries that the acquisition of the payments provider, which makes card readers aimed at small businesses, could result in PayPal dominating the British market and thereby hamper innovation.

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Wednesday May 1 | 2019

Talking IT and telecoms with tecwork With over 25 years’ experience locally in the burgeoning IT and telecoms industry, Nick Brandon tells us how he founded his own company in Tunbridge Wells, and why cloud migration is the next big thing…

What kinds of services do tecwork offer?

We provide advice, support and solutions to small businesses and organisations in Kent and Sussex on anything to do with IT and telecoms.

That could be upgrading them to a VoIP [Voice

over Internet Protocol] or cloud-based phone or IT system, installing a better internet connection and cabling, providing day-to-day computer and server support, or helping them to move office.

There’s a large range of things we can do.

Nick Brandon

What motivated you to set up your own company?

All of us used to work for another local company, First Office Systems. Indeed, I worked there for 23 years, latterly as a Director.

When my long-planned management buyout didn’t happen, the owner sold up to a much larger copier company. It was very tough to take as I had been building up a business for many years that I thought I would own.

I walked out soon afterwards and made an immediate decision to start tecwork, a new brand of what I had been doing anyway for 25 years.

Our company itself has been going since 1998 – kind of alongside First Office – ‘tecwork’ is the new brand.

Now that you are in control, what would you say the future aim of the company is?

To be the best company in the area at servicing businesses with telecoms and IT. At our last company, our intrinsic objective was to strive for ‘Wow Factor’ service and we won awards for it. Even when that company was still in Tunbridge Wells, there was a noticeable absence of good technology companies looking after their customers.

That has not changed, and now there is an even bigger gap – and we have been plugging it.

To me, it’s amazing how many people just

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

get bad service and support on both IT and telecoms. However, there is a tendency to stick with the ‘devil you know’, particularly with regards to IT, as moving can be a bit of a leap of faith, which is understandable.

Which kinds of customers do you think you would best serve?

We have quite a few customers, particularly in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area.

Our target market is any organisation in a 30-mile radius of Tunbridge Wells – we want to stay locally focused so we can react and respond quickly. I particularly like helping people move office seamlessly, as we can bring a lot of value and experience to the table. It’s interesting and the results are hugely visible.

‘If you are reliable and do a cracking job, you build loyalty, trust and friendship’ We deal with businesses who are small, with just one person, and we have some customers with 100 or so people. So it varies.

I suppose our ‘sweet spot’ is between ten and 50 people. I prefer that size because we can build relationships with the owners and managers more easily, as our value gets more visibility at a senior level.

Building these relationships is what I love most – it is very satisfying, rewarding and enjoyable.

I have built up many relationships with business owners who I have helped and become friends with over the last 25 years. It’s important to enjoy those relationships, and if you are reliable and do a cracking job for people, you build loyalty, trust and friendship.

It’s a really enjoyable role.

What do your customers like about you?

Well, we have a long list of testimonials on our website. I have always maintained that the most important thing in a business is people. Getting

tecwork

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk really good people and keeping them is the key.

So that is our focus, because good people who are happy and fulfilled with lots of experience and knowledge will always deliver for you and for the customer. We have a lot of experience – lots of knowledge – and good people! We love and enjoy what we do and no two days are the same. No two customers are the same, either.

What is the current buzz in the technology world for businesses?

Cloud migration without a doubt. For most organisations, moving your voice service to VoIP is a win-win. Often people find they save money as well as getting a new system, and becoming more efficient and agile. Definitely a win/win – but it has to be done right, and a premisesbased system still has its place. The ISDN clock is ticking and people with ISDN should upgrade to either a fully hosted system or change their ISDN for a SIP trunk (voice service on their internet connection).

With regards to IT, it’s similar – people moving from premises-based servers and applications to cloud solutions like Microsoft Office 365, Sharepoint and One Drive. But again, it’s not always right for everyone, and sometimes we suggest a hybrid solution – part cloud, part premises-based.

Being agile and efficient is important, and giving all the people in the business that agility has never been easier.

All this means their internet connectivity is

‘We are fortunate – we really have been at the coal face and have benefitted from that’ key, so a lot of the time we are improving and upgrading connections as much faster direct fibre is now much more accessible and affordable, mainly due to the government subsidy, which loads of our customers have benefitted from.

I really love what I do, and the people in the business are handpicked, so they are really good people.

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I suppose we are fortunate – we really have been at the coal face and have benefitted from that in so much as we really can impress people with our knowledge, experience and, hopefully, our personalities.

In summary, having been through two recessions, we know how tough running and owning a business can be.

Having some empathy with our customers, and having repeated the installations, suggestions and recommendations, really gives us an edge which I really don’t think our competitors have.

We partner with recognised, award-winning industry leaders, including AVAYA, Gamma, Microsoft and Mitel. We offer all services on a single monthly bill, with one point of contact for all IT and telecoms services – customers really love that.

Contacting and re-engaging some of our former customers, we get comments like ‘Thank goodness we are dealing with you again’.

Those kinds of comments galvanise you. It really makes it all worthwhile.

For expert advice or a free consultation on anything IT or telecoms-related, call tecwork on 01892 578666, email: helpme@tecwork.co.uk or visit tecwork.co.uk

Sam Durnell LEADERSHIP TEAM: Nick Brandon and Technical Director Adam Walder

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Canford Care

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Care and compassion have become an important topic

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

LOVING HER JOB Home Manager Theresa Steed

With care being such a topical subject, we talk to Theresa Steed, Home Manager at Canford Healthcare’s Tunbridge Wells Care Centre, about her career, the challenges the industry faces, and why she is so proud to work to be working in this home this could mean an even greater shortage of staff than the industry as a whole faces already.

OPEN HOUSE Families can visit the home at any time they wish

Can you tell us a little about your background and what your role is at the care centre?

I have worked in care for 30 years now, and I thoroughly enjoy helping people as a nurse and as a manager, giving residents the best possible experience while they live with us. I specialise in dementia care, and it is great to work somewhere with a dedicated dementia floor.

Do you think the industry has changed since you began working in it?

The industry has changed enormously since I’ve been working in it. And I’m pleased to say it has brought great benefits to residents.

Safeguarding laws and guidelines have given residents a better sense of security and respect than in previous years – you cannot just move somebody out of their bed or chair without permission, for example.

Residents’ boundaries are better respected and they are also protected better.

In the past, when a resident’s condition worsened dramatically, we would have to move them to a hospital. Now we are able to integrate all the equipment and medical facilities we need. At Tunbridge Wells Care Centre, we have carers, nurses and doctors all working together HOME LIFE The residential facility in Grosvenor Road

so that the residents are truly settled and able to stay with us, whatever happens.

The media has a tendency to focus on the most negative stories – which are shocking and unacceptable – but they make people blind to the real progress the industry has made in significantly improving residents’ quality of life.

And what are some of the challenges for your residents and their families?

There are cultural and emotional issues that we have to deal with together. It is no secret that care is expensive and that this is a difficult choice for people to make.

What I always say to anyone considering coming to the home and their families is that although it may be expensive, they are paying for round-the-clock care and all the bills they would have to pay for even if that person were not in a residential home.

Money is not the only issue. It is tough for anyone to admit they need support and can no longer live independently. We have to understand why they will find it hard to accept help in everyday tasks like bathing and getting dressed. Part of helping people is giving them the respect and dignified treatment that we would want ourselves.

We always try to care for the families of the residents as well. For them, the burden of choice is often much heavier than the cost. Putting someone you love into care, sometimes without their expressed consent, is a very hard decision.

It is crucial that we have a real relationship with the families. Especially for the relatives of those suffering from dementia. It can be very hard, and we try to support families as best we can in these difficult circumstances.

Could you tell us about the challenges you think the industry still faces?

There are lots of challenging aspects in the current climate. The number of people going into care will continue to rise as people live longer. This is very concerning as at the current rate there may not be enough care homes to house everyone that needs this service.

Being a carer is a rewarding job that requires a lot of passion and expertise. At Canford Healthcare we pay above the living wage, but sadly that is not the standard across the care sector. Because of this, fewer people born in the UK are coming into the industry.

Many of our employees, whether that’s nurses or carers or doctors, come from overseas and from Europe. The lack of certainty over what will happen with Brexit is already putting people off coming and working in the UK. In the future,

What does the Tunbridge Wells Care Centre do differently to other care homes to meet such challenges?

One of the things that really makes our home stand out is our holistic approach of looking after staff, the residents, and families..

We care for our staff not only by paying above the living wage, but also by making sure that people do not work more hours than they should. We make sure that our staff are happy so that in turn they can make the residents happy.

Our residents are treated with the dignity they deserve, and we are dedicated to making their lives here enjoyable. We have an Activities Team which organises all sorts of events, from days out in Eastbourne, to visits from therapy dogs. We’ve found that residents respond very well to animals - in fact you have just missed the ducklings we hatched and

raised, as they are now out in the wild! We also have musicians and singers who entertain us regularly.

Because of our excellent in-house facilities we can provide very good end-of-life care. Residents do not have to deal with the stress of moving around and neither do their families. It means they really feel like this is their home and they can build meaningful relationships with our staff.

To make the transition of becoming a resident much easier, we have different floors providing specialised care according to an individual’s level of need.

We also offer a fully transparent service. Now that all our records are electronic, families and residents have easy access to these whenever they wish, and I am able to go through them to

‘People are always surprised by how good a care home can actually be’ answer any questions.

Unlike many homes, we allow families to visit at any time.This lets them see the home as it really is on a day-by-day basis and also gives them a better sense of connection with their relative in our care.

Finally, what would you say Canford Healthcare is looking to do in the next five years?

As a new generation of residents come into care, it is important we are not complacent. A new generation means new challenges will need to be met, so having an open mind and evolving the service will be important.

In the next five years we hope to be one of the first homes of choice, purely based on what we offer in terms of respect, dignity and compassion.

It’s very satisfying to work in a home where we are doing the best for residents we possibly can.

People are always surprised by how good a care home can actually be in comparison to what they may have seen in the media.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS Theresa Steed with a resident

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NEWS

Letters

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Wednesday May 1 | 2019

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG Eyesore? What they’re planning to replace old cinema site with is just as bad Before moving over the border into Sussex I lived in different parts of Tunbridge Wells for many years, so I know it well.

I was shocked to see on your front page [April 24] a picture of the proposed building to occupy the old ABC Cinema site.

Can anybody in their right mind actually be considering having such a monstrosity erected in such a prominent location?

No doubt the value of the ground has now reached such a height that the only way investment can be justified is to pile as much on the site as can be got away with, and hang the effect on the rest of the town.

Yes, the number of people and businesses that can be located in such a construction will

have an effect and generate a lot of rates, but at what cost to the aesthetic character of a town with reasonably tasteful buildings?

We have our share of architectural mistakes in Brighton, some to be replaced, or thankfully in locations where they have been constrained.

The old cinema site is a prime location and something of decent architectural merit should be insisted on to complement the town, not make it look like a development that the council let get out of control.

The existence of the ghastly Royal Victoria Place shopping centre should be a lesson learned in architectural appropriateness.

Michael Timberlake Hurstpierpoint DOWN ON THE CORNER Artist’s impression of the Belvedere project

doorstep glass collection. There will also be weekly collection of food waste, and these new services will be free.

There will be an opt-in fee for garden waste removal. We are one of the last local authorities in Kent to charge for such collections. Of the 14 other local councils in the county, 12 already charge for garden waste removal.

Of the councils that charge, the average fee is around £45 per year for an equivalent service – so close to our level of £52 per year. Some charge more, with Bromley charging £60 and Lewes (in Sussex) charging £70.

In summary, our new increased recycling services will benefit many households.

Garden waste collection is discretionary, many households do not have a garden and do not need a collection; those with gardens (including myself) can compost or pay for collection, which then goes to farms for composting.

Cllr Lawrence Heasman Conservative candidate for Pantiles & St Mark’s

This town is the pick of the bunch

Theatre will breathe life into park In response to your reader who asks why the council does not build the new theatre and Civic Centre on the old cinema site: As well as the reasons outlined by Cllr Peter Oakford about expense and unsuitability because of the tunnel underneath [April 24], the area at the edge of Calverley Grounds, which is already owned by the council, is a good one for the theatre.

It will replace a car park, and more alternative parking will be nearby. The project opens up parts of Calverley Grounds currently being misused. It provides an impetus to businesses, especially in that area of town, and will give life to Calverley Square.

Residents have been informed by the council of a number of redevelopment and public realm initiatives around town. Some shops have closed in anticipation of this, others will open after the work is complete.

Any short-term inconvenience will be more than compensated for by the added amenities, including the theatre, a Civic Centre fit for purpose, the boost to businesses and the local economy, and an even more attractive Tunbridge Wells with inherent benefits to the borough.

The alternative is decline and stagnation.

We should not let slip this opportunity for a revitalised town, giving a climate for investment and providing for the future of our children and grandchildren.

Don Sloan Via email

We will foot the bill long into future With local elections taking place tomorrow [May 2], it’s vital that residents of the borough of Tunbridge Wells focus on whether they want the Calverley Square proposals to go ahead.

Significant Conservative losses could lead to a rethink. Two financial aspects may help concentrate minds.

How much will the proposals actually cost

us? The total gross figure given by the council is £90million. But what about the impact of the interest on the £77million loan that will be required? We will be paying that as well, as part of the £2.8million annual loan repayments over 50 years, subject to any income from the new office building forming part of the plans.

On that basis, the overall cost of the proposals is above £150million.

Will the theatre make a profit? The council’s own theatre expert gave evidence to the public inquiry that the theatre would have to sell 350,000 tickets a year to break even.

At the risk of pointing out the obvious, that’s 958 tickets for every one of the 365 days of the year. This makes it very likely that residents will have to subsidise the theatre on an ongoing basis.

I’m in favour of progress, but I believe that Calverley Square would be a financial disaster for which we, as residents, would suffer.

Those who agree will want to think very carefully about how they use their votes.

Sally Antram Tunbridge Wells

They glossed over local businesses It’s a shame that the local Conservative party didn’t see fit, as claimed in their election leaflet, to support local business. The leaflet – a highquality, four-colour job – was produced and printed outside the borough in Rochester.

It’s unfortunate that this work wasn’t briefed to one of the many small, independent printing firms in Tunbridge Wells.

David Wade-Jones Tunbridge Wells

Everything’s rosy for garden waste Emily Stevens complained about the new garden waste charge [April 24]. The change is part of a big overhaul of our recycling services. Changes will benefit local households, including a new

My daughter moved to Tunbridge Wells from Bexleyheath nearly three years ago and always said what a lovely place it is to live, so eventually we followed her three months ago.

I can now testify to this from such kindness shown to me in Sainsbury’s in the town on Good Friday. In fact at the time I have to admit I did shed a few tears.

After admiring a beautiful bunch of flowers at the checkout, and mentioning that my Dad used to grow them, the gentleman paid his bill and then presented them to me. Even the checkout guy said he had never seen that before.

I just wanted to mention this as a way of saying thank you.

Carole Moore Via email

KCC charges encourage fly-tipping Much good work is being done in the county to tackle the scourge of fly-tipping, but introducing new charges for disposing of items such as rubble and plasterboard is unlikely to help in the war against dumped waste.

Kent County Council is to charge £6 per plasterboard bag and £4 per bag of soil, rubble and hardcore from June 3.

While some other councils in England also charge, these fees are higher than in some areas.

In many parts of Kent, the number of flytipping cases is rising, with 20,000 incidents recorded a year. It would be very disappointing if the numbers were to grow even bigger as a result of these new fees.

There were nearly one million cases of fly-tipping recorded by local authorities in 2017-18, though the true figures are likely to be significantly higher as the statistics do not include incidents on private land, where the landowner has responsibility to oversee the clearance and cost for waste removal.

The Country Land and Business Association [CLA], which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses across the region, estimates it costs a farmer or landowner an average of £844 to clear up each incident.

The message needs to be sent loud and clear that dumping waste will not be tolerated, and those who do it will be prosecuted. Imposing and enforcing stiffer penalties which better reflect the seriousness of the crime is crucial, along with seizing the vehicles used to fly-tip.

Robin Edwards, Regional Director, CLA South East

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

WAXING, it would appear, is very much in vogue with young men these days. Although many of them have no idea (nor has Himself) of the discomfort (pain) involved. This is evidenced by the tale told to Calverley by a beautician friend. She had a booking with a hyper-cool guy who turned up with his girlfriend. He totally ‘blanked’ the beautician as she waxed his chest and ignored her warning that he might feel some discomfort.

As he prattled on to his girlfriend, the beautician shrugged and ripped off the wax.

The screams from Mr Macho could be heard throughout the clinic. How wonderful.

INTO the charity shop in search of another author to try. Calverley’s attention was taken by the sound of nursery rhyme favourite Old MacDonald Had a Farm coming out of the back room where stuff was stored. After a slight pause, the singing started again, then repeated and repeated… Calverley probed and uncovered the fact it was coming from a toy brought in by a donor. “We were really busy and tossed it into the back room, where it fell behind a load of furniture and is hard to reach,” explained staff. “The fall turned it on and we’re waiting for the batteries to run out.” Calverley wished them luck and hoped the batteries were not long-life.

INSPIRED by the last series of MasterChef, Calverley decided to try his hand at cooking.

He bought one of those cartons of spicy soup from Waitrose. Trouble is, at home His mobile went off and He forgot, on returning to the kitchen, he had already loosened the plastic lid. When He picked up the carton and gave it a vigorous shake, as one does, it exploded all over the worktop, the walls and the new blinds. Mrs C was not a Happy Easter Bunny.

TALKING of Easter and Waitrose… Staff are enjoying free treats. The retailer got into trouble when it produced three chocolate ducklings for Easter; they were labelled ‘Fluffy’, ‘Crispy’ and…‘Ugly’. The last was a darkcoloured confection. Social media erupted and the offending ‘racist’ item was taken off the shelves. “And all the staff have been given those ducklings to eat,” whispered Calverley’s inside mole. Every cloud…

Chin Chin, dear reader

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Wednesday May 1 | 2019

EDUCATION Times All the world’s a stage for these students celebrating Shakespeare’s anniversary

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL Pupils enjoyed their Shakespeare Slam day at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

Year 7 Students at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys participated in ‘Shakespeare Slam’ - a special drama workshop in order to commemorate Shakespeare’s anniversary last week. The pupils started the workshop off with a fun quiz which centred on the Bard’s cannon of work and were then challenged to learn some of his most famous speeches and soliloquies.

Helen Burns, the school’s KS3 Coordinator for English organised the event which celebrated Shakespeare’s Birthday. “Each

boy had the opportunity to learn a speech and present it in class,” said Ms Burns. “Pupils wowed staff and students alike with their diverse, engaging and original interpretations of these famous texts. The overall winner was William Treutenaere who had prepared ‘All the World’s a Stage’, demonstrating dramatic skill and understanding. Runners Up were Jerome Delafons and Morgan Green. The event was a great success and all students should be congratulated for their resilience and participation.”

Top marks as Claremont School makes it an Ofsted hat trick after latest inspection Following a three-day Ofsted inspection, Bodiam’s Claremont School has been judged ‘Outstanding’ across all categories HAVING secured 16 out of 16 ‘Outstanding’ judgements in its last two inspections since the Senior School opened in 2011, Claremont School in Bodiam received praise from inspectors once again.

They recognised consistency in the quality of teaching and learning from the Nursery and Pre-Prep, all the way up through the Prep, Senior School and Sixth Form.

Ofsted inspectors said: “This happy and successful school has gone from strength to strength since the previous inspection.” They also commented on the school’s ‘consistently strong teaching…’, ‘high standards of behaviour, good manners and respectful relationships…’

and ‘…well planned curriculum… that ‘prepares them [pupils] exceptionally well for the next stage of their education’.

Triumph Claremont’s Principal Giles Perrin said: “It has been a triumph of teamwork and all that is good about our community. I am delighted that Ofsted have once again recognised all the work we do to deliver the best pupil outcomes and in preparing our students for life as a teenager in the 21st century. The judgements of this Ofsted inspection are testament to this and fully recognise why Claremont is such a special and

unique place to learn and work.”

Claremont School became a member of the International Schools Partnership in February 2018 which has brought with it renewed invest-

ment in its facilities at the Bodiam site, to include the construction of a new Dance and Music department and the £3.5m ‘Octagon Project’ due for completion this summer.

Investing in a new generation of teachers If you are interested in retraining as a teacher then a number of our local schools are participating in the Teach Kent & Sussex initiative which sees educational establishments

train prospective teachers directly.

Two of the schools participating in the scheme are St Gregory’s Catholic School and Bennett Memorial and there will an

information evening at the latter’s campus on Thursday May 16 at 7pm.

The meeting will take place in the sixth form department of the school and will aim to inform anyone thinking about a career in teaching about the opportunities and grants available.

“Great teaching can inspire students and transform the opportunities available to them,” said a St Gregory’s spokesperson.

“In order for that to continue to happen St Gregory’s Catholic School is part of a growing number of schools that train our own teachers directly. By recruiting the very best talent to train to teach we believe we can continue to achieve the very best outcomes for our students.”

Both St Gregory’s and Bennett Memorial are working with a

partnership of schools in Kent and Sussex to provide teacher training across both counties as part of the School Centre for Initial Teacher Training scheme. This means that all parts of the teacher training course will take place in the local vicinity of West Kent (Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks) and the northern part of East Sussex (Crowborough, Wadhurst, Uckfield, Heathfield). By training with Teach Kent & Sussex all trainees will be able to gain a PGCE; the internationally recognised teacher training qualification.

For more information see the Teach Kent & Sussex website for more details: www.teachkentandsussex. org.uk or follow them on Twitter @TeachKandS

Education

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Weekly Comment

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Greg Clark

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

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

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Why I am backing our local councillors FORTUNE has dictated that my regular monthly column lands on the eve of our local elections to the Borough Council.

While nationally Brexit is still rumbling on, to the consternation of almost everyone in the country, tomorrow’s elections are about who can best run our local council.

In Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling, and Sevenoaks, we are fortunate to have well run councils which have done a good job for our area.

There are good reasons why the borough continues to be listed among the best places to live in the country: It is steeped in history, has fantastic schools, beautiful architecture, close proximity to both London and the coast, has a vibrant social scene, encompasses wonderful countryside, and much more.

Together, these attributes ensure Tunbridge Wells will always be a good place to live. But what makes it a great place to live is the frequently overlooked efforts of those elected to serve on the Borough Council.

The 48 individuals that we elect to serve on the council are responsible for delivering, or scrutinising, a vast array of day to day services which it is easy for us residents of the borough to take for granted.

Collecting our bins, providing leisure centres and sports pitches, managing planning permissions, licensing taxis and the sale of alcohol, administering certain welfare benefits, housing the homeless and keeping our parks

and green spaces some of the best in Britain are just some of the services provided.

Of every pound paid in council tax, a tenth goes to the borough. This is equivalent to £3.43 per week – one of the lowest council tax rates in the UK. Remarkably, despite rising demands, this Conservative-run council delivers its services that have been rated among the best in the country on a balanced budget through efficiency and co-operation with neighbouring districts.

CONSERVATIVE-RUN The efforts of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council often get overlooked

Destination Importantly, the council has always pushed to ensure better services are delivered, such as glass collection from the doorstep, which will come into force in September.

It is also investing in the future of the town.

Projects such as widening the pedestrian access along Mount Pleasant, and the new Amelia Scott cultural and learning centre, are set to rejuvenate the top of town.

Some of these decisions have been controversial, such as the proposed Calverley Square development.

The easiest path for members of any council is always to defer difficult decisions and enjoy a quiet life for now.

Yet we know that to look the other way is not responsible. There is increasing pressure on towns in this age of the internet.

Many towns will be places that are home to people but whose residents work, shop and enjoy cultural pursuits elsewhere.

A smaller few will be destinations where people come to, rather than go from.

Tunbridge Wells must be a destination not a dormitory. And that means constantly upgrading our attractions, from events like open air concerts, the farmers’ market and Christmas ice rink; to how welcoming the town centre is to walk around and sit out in; and to cultural

April Clark Local Election Candidate, Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

beacons that attract people from far and wide.

Over the years ahead, the council will find itself facing rising demands for its services and the work to keep our towns and villages prosperous will only increase.

Our Borough Council has a strong track record of rising to these challenges, while at the same time ensuring residents get very good value for money.

Please use your vote tomorrow to make sure our borough continues to flourish.

April was born in Australia and moved to the UK 12 years ago (she has dual Australian and British citizenship). She has lived in central Tonbridge since May 2008 and works full-time in London in the Financial Services industry as an HR Director. In 2015, April helped establish a new branch of the WI in South Tonbridge.

Climate change starts here in Tonbridge WATCHING 16 year old Greta Thunberg speak about the climate emergency facing our world is inspiring and frightening at once. In her speech to MPs she said, “The problem is that basically nothing is being done to halt – or even slow – climate and ecological breakdown, despite all the beautiful words and promises ... the only thing that we need to look at is the emission curve. And I’m sorry, but it’s still rising. That curve is the only thing we should look at. Every time we make a decision we should ask ourselves; how will this decision affect that curve?”

Here in Tonbridge we are seeing our own young people echo Greta’s words and actions, as well as even more direct action like the heroic Litter Kickers who spend hours picking up litter after school and on weekends to reduce the impact of plastic waste on our local environment.

In Tonbridge, we should apply Greta’s advice to examine every decision and consider how it impacts on the environment. For example, on a personal level, we can reduce plastic waste and other litter by using re-usable bottles and cups, and by putting our litter in the bin or taking it home to recycle. One of our local Green Party activists promoted the Refill scheme in Tonbridge

that allows the public to fill up their water bottles at many shops and cafes around the town, instead of buying more disposable ones.

At a community level, we can change habits like reducing unnecessary car journeys by deciding to walk or cycle where possible, to reduce air pollution in the town centre where it currently exceeds safe limits. This will soon be made even safer by the introduction of 20 mph speed limits throughout the town beyond the high street, something the Green Party has been campaigning for for years.

The results of all this positive action won’t just be good for the planet, which would be reason enough. We’ll all enjoy the benefits, including cleaner air and a more pleasant environment.

But people can only really take effective personal and community action if the political set-up allows and supports change. We must hold our council to account, for example, to make better decisions on planning that factor in traffic and parking issues, and prioritising home building in the right places - on brownfield sites in the town first.

Our council is made up of 54 elected members, 48 of which are Conservative. The danger of such a huge majority is complacency - without anyone

to hold them to account, councillors can make easy or short-term choices. They may even begin to take the support of residents for granted, and fail to take their views into account.

REFILL The Refill scheme helps reduce the use of plastics

Tackling climate change is a big issue but every single step counts, including those people take tomorrow, 2nd May, to the polling station to put a cross on a piece of paper.

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

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AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS & TOP TRENDS

INSPIRATION FOR MOVING AND IMPROVING timeslocalnews.co.uk

Ideal home for improvers

With wonderful grounds and outlook Page 27

26

Glorious glasshouses

in an historic walled Victorian nursery Page 42

STEP INTO PERIOD HOME WITH PLANS

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Best property buys for...

Palmers

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

Guide price

The STAIRCASE…

Holtye Hill Cowden

£1,295,000 CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 521700 • jackson-stops.co.uk A pretty period home in a beautiful location with a cottage annexe and planning permission for various substantial improvements.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

Main House n Entrance hall n 2 reception rooms n Kitchen n 4 bedrooms n Family bathroom Cottage n Sitting/dining room n Kitchen n 2 bedrooms n Bathroom Outside n Walled, brick-paved terrace n Detached double garage and further garage/stable n Detached playroom/studio n Greenhouse, shed and boiler house n Old disused well n A further 12 acres of adjoining paddock and woodland are available by separate negotiation

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

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The PRICE…

The VIEW

AGE 55+

Park House

Kingswood Road Tunbridge Wells

Guide price

£227,500 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk

First floor apartment for age 55+ with lift and views. The building has a House Manager, communal reception room and conservatory, laundry room and guest suite.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

■ Reception room open to kitchen ■ Double bedroom adjacent to bathroom ■ Communal gardens ■ Residents’ parking

Silver How Hendal Hill Groombridge

Guide price

£695,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk

Priced for updating on the inside, this property sits in lovely grounds on the outside – in a elevated rural position with far-reaching views across the countryside. The house has potential for extension and remodelling, subject to the necessary consents, so could prove very worthwhile for improvers.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

■ Sitting room with tiled fireplace

Spring Hill

Hadlow Park, Hadlow

£899,950 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Tonbridge • 01732 771616 • bkestateagents.com

A substantial family home exclusive Hadlow Park, yet just a short walk from the village.

■ Garden room/study

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

■ Dining room with oriel bay and beams

■ L-shaped sitting room with wood-burner

■ Kitchen with door to side and step-in pantry

■ Conservatory

■ Eaves storage/box room with small window

■ Dining room, study and family room

■ 3 bedrooms, one with vanity unit

■ Kitchen

■ Bathroom

■ Master bedroom with en-suite shower

■ Extensive grounds with lawn, sunken rose garden, pond, seating areas, screened potting area, assorted fruit trees and two grapevines

■ 4 further double bedrooms, one en suite

■ Detached single garage, shed and store ■ Approximately 0.45 of an acre

■ Family bathroom ■ Garden with wide terrace and fruit trees ■ Integral garage with wine cellar, plus drive and double open barn for parking

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Brenchley TN12 A substantial triple roundel oast on the edge of the village.

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Far-reaching views over countryside Tennis court Triple garage Set in approximately 1.5 acres

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Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 01892 310997

Guide price £1,100,000 Freehold

Brenchley TN12 Beautifully refurbished family house in the heart of the village.

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Swimming pool and tennis court Large walled garden Detached double garage Planning for separate property

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Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

Guide price £1,695,000 Freehold

01892 310997

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

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

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Chimney

Wonderful woodland home with oast cottage, flat and stunning views

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AT A GLANCE WARREN CHIMNEY WARREN ROAD, CROWBOROUGH n Extended, refurbished property dating from the 1860s with oast cottage and flat above stabling n Drawing room n Dining room n Family room, snug and study n Kitchen/breakfast/sitting room with access to central courtyard n Master bedroom with Juliet balcony, dressing room and en-suite bathroom n Guest bedroom with en suite n 4 further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms The Oast Cottage n Living/dining room n Kitchen n 2 bedrooms and 2 en-suites n Unconverted kiln section with planning permission to refurbish The Flat n Living/kitchen/dining room n Bedroom with en-suite bathroom Outside n Over 11 acres, including courtyard, terrace, pond, woodland, paddock and access to Ashdown Forest n 3-bay oak-framed garage with storeroom n Stable, loosebox, tack room, machine store, log store and tractor shed

GUIDE PRICE

£1,995,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk

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Property Focus

COMMERCIAL

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

THIS stunning, Grade-II listed Victorian nursery by St Ronan’s School in Water Lane, Hawkhurst, is a favourite with gardeners and tourists alike, so is a rare prize for any commercial buyer who would like to continue sharing the current owner’s years of painstaking restoration and love.

With its walled kitchen garden and 13 Victorian glasshouses, the £1.1million plant haven is an historical masterpiece in the gardening world and originally formed part of the Tongswood Estate.

Today, the working nursery, café and restaurant offer an established business portfolio with diverse income streams, and is offered with a delightful two-bedroom Bothy Cottage, which has an open-plan kitchen/dinning/study area and boasts a bay window overlooking the glasshouses and lawns.

Opportunity Coriander Longley-Coomber, from the rural agency team at Savills, Haywards Heath, said: “The 13 Victorian glasshouses dating back to the 1800s include a melon house, cucumber house, peach case, fernery and a three-quarter-span vinery, and have recently been restored.

“With part of the vinery being transformed into a café in 2016, The Walled Nursery is a successful and established horticultural outlet which also presents opportunity for expansion.

“With the demand for diverse rural assets growing, The Walled Nursery presents an excellent opportunity for rural investors.”

At approximately 3.5 acres, the property also offers a range of outbuildings and stores.

The Walled Nursery is available by private treaty as a whole at a guide price of £1.1million. Green stock and gift shop/café stock is payable in addition to the sale price.

• For more information, contact Coriander Longley-Coomber at Savills, Haywards Heath on 01444 446066, or visit savills.com • The nursery’s website is thewallednursery.com

Blooming with opportunity – an historic Walled Nursery with lovingly restored Victorian glasshouses and a vinery

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190 HIGH STREET

49A HIGH STREET

TONBRIDGE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Broadlands Commercial Property Agents have been instructed to offer excellent Ground Floor Offices at 190 High Street Tonbridge. A new lease is available at £12,500pax and the offices have the benefit of 3 car parking spaces.

FURTHER DETAILS ON THESE AND OTHER COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES CAN BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING • Shane Raggett at Broadlands Commercial Property Agents • 01892 512422 • shane.raggett@broadlands.co.uk

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

THE PINE GROVE ENTERPRISE CENTRE CROWBOROUGH

Broadlands are currently offering The Pine Grove Enterprise Centre in Crowborough. Located in the town centre this fully revamped building has various sized serviced office suites starting from a 1 person office up to a 14 person office. All amenities are available together with car parking.

Full terms on request.

Broadlands are offering a 2nd floor office suite of 317sq.ft at 49a High Street Tunbridge Wells on a fully inclusive basis at £1200per month. The space is available immediately.

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

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

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SEE HORRIBLE HISTORIES AT HEVER

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GET ON YOUR BIKE AROUND BEWL

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DISCOVER AMAZING AJMAN

Blonde ambition

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TWODS perform Legally Blonde Page 50 WELLS GIRLS CELEBRATE WIN

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LEGAL-EYED The team bringing the show to the stage

Legally Blonde’s highlights Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society, aka TWODS, stage their version of Legally Blonde at the Assembly Hall next week. It’s the comic tale of a young woman named Elle Woods who embarks on a law degree at Harvard to win back her ex and prove she’s no dumb blonde. The show’s director, David Street, tells us more…

Tell us a bit about the storyline…

Legally Blonde is the story of Ms Elle Woods, a fashion student from Malibu who is everyone’s favourite blonde – but she’s not the stereotypical blonde.

There are brains under those highlights.

After losing her fiancé, Warner Huntington III, to a brown bobbed socialite, Elle decides to embark on an adventure at Harvard Law School to win back her man. Along the way, with the help of some new friends, she takes on misogyny, sexism and prejudice…

How similar is this to the original film and the West End show?

Our production has the same storyline as the original film, with all the same characters you have come to know and love. But the musical version of the film is enhanced further still with upbeat songs and amazing dance routines to

keep your excitement charged – just like you would get from a West End show.

What are the challenges with putting something like this on the stage?

It’s always a challenge with any production making sure that everyone knows what they are doing, where they are going, scene by scene, in both direction and choreography. We have risen to the challenge and have an amazing show on our hands.

The other thing we have done is work with the stage manager from day one, and incorporate the scene changes into the running to make the show move with fluidity, and with no disruption to audience engagement.

How many are in the cast, and are they all local?

There are 37 members of the cast; some are long-term TWODS members, and for others this is their very first show.

All are from Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas.

Was it a fairly easy task casting the lead role of Elle Woods?

There was a lot of competition for this very coveted role, but we knew what we wanted and have most definitely found it in our leading lady, Becky Histed.

She has the perfect combination of comedy, strength and vulnerability that

the role requires, but she brings a little extra, too. I’m so excited for audiences to see her – she’s amazing!

You can’t help but fall in love with her the moment you see her on stage.

What do you think people will enjoy most about seeing the show?

The story is engaging and full of laughs with superb choreography and exceptional vocal performances executed by a very talented cast.

It’s a high energy production from start to finish, constantly building momentum. Hopefully people will be walking out of the theatre humming a catchy tune, with a smile on their faces, after having an amazing time!

As the show’s director, what have you enjoyed most about putting Legally Blonde on the stage?

I have really enjoyed working with such a talented bunch. They have all worked extra hard to produce a production to both entertain but also keep the TWODS flag flying high.

The group has a reputation for exceptionally polished performances of the highest quality, which takes months of rehearsal. But I must say I have enjoyed coming to rehearsal as there’s been such hilarity, joviality, and fun along the way.

TWODs really are my kind of people!

PHOTOS: Symon Hamer

Why did you choose to stage Legally Blonde The Musical?

After the amazing success of our recent productions of Hello, Dolly! and Grease, Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society [TWODS] decided to look for another production to appeal to younger members and an audience with a more varied age range.

Legally Blonde was the only choice as it’s the perfect funny, feelgood show for all the family.

FAR FROM DUMB Becky Histed plays leading lady Elle Woods

Legally Blonde The Musical is at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, from Tuesday May 7 until Saturday May 11. Tickets cost from £19. For more information, tickets and times, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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Diary of a City whizz-kid Former fund manager Stephen Hazell-Smith, from Penshurst, has recently published The City Grump Rides Out – a witty and clever collection of his observations on politicians and business leaders after spending 30 years in the City’s Square Mile “Yours, disgusted, of Tunbridge Wells” seems to be alive and kicking in Penshurst these days.

Stephen Hazell-Smith, working under the nom de plume, The City Grump, has just published – to considerable critical acclaim – a book which, in the words of one reviewer, directs ‘a white hot fury against the absurd and idiotic behaviour of many of our political and business masters

whom he reckons are messing up our country’.

Entitled The City Grump Rides Out – with a cover by world famous cartoonist Gerald Scarfe – it is a collection of the Grump’s best columns from nine years of writing for a publication called Real Business. And it doesn’t pull any punches.

For 30 plus years, Hazell-Smith was a broker, then a fund manager, and finally Chair of several

CITY KICKER Acerbic author Stephen Hazell-Smith

Arts & Culture

organisations in the City of London. But when he retired from full-time employment, rather than disappear to the beach or the golf course, Hazell-Smith decided to turn himself into a City version of Victor Meldrew meets Ali G. Asked what gave him the inspiration, he says it was a book called The Letters of Henry Root, which was a runaway success in the early 1980s.

“Henry Root, aka journalist William Donaldson, published a collection of letters from the fictional Root to the great, the good and the famous employing politically incorrect suggestions to see how they would react, with the aim of pricking pomposity and getting them to reveal their innermost thoughts.”

In his Introduction to The City Grump, Hazell-Smith quotes Donaldson, saying: “Power is the best shield that the disordered personality can conceive against being revealed as the laughing stock he secretly suspects himself to be.”

‘It directs a white hot fury against the absurd behaviour of political and business masters messing up our country’ The City Grump Rides Out is published by Matador and costs £12 from all good bookshops and Amazon

The book, he says, is his ‘homage’ to the scene in the film Network where national newscaster Howard Beale, railing at the dissemblance of the powerful, urges his viewers to get off their backsides, go to their windows and yell: “I’m as mad as hell and I am not going to take this any more.” The difference is that this book, in many

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instances, puts forward practical solutions to what he sees as some of the ‘calumnies at hand’.

Targets for the Grump treatment include prime ministers, the present Governor of the Bank of England, regulators, former chancellor George Osborne, extreme socialists and overpaid public company directors.

He is an ardent Brexiteer, so the EU characters in the chapter ‘The Brussels Deathstar’ are also given the Grump treatment.

“Given what’s presently unfolding in front of our eyes, it’s all very topical!” says Hazell-Smith.

But there is another side to the author that comes out in the book, and that’s his passion for small companies and the entrepreneurial spirit of this vital sector of our economy.

It is the domain Hazell-Smith spent most of his time in during his City career. He says he is constantly amazed at how hard these people and businesses have to fight to be heard. To describe this, he points to Anthony Hilton’s review of his book in the London Evening Standard, headlined ‘In praise of the City Grump who blasts with both barrels’. In it, Hilton draws out some of the book’s themes when he says: “Small businesses are never consulted by government, never make up committees of inquiry, and government has no real idea about what makes them tick.

“They don’t lobby, they don’t make political donations or provide sinecures for retired political mandarins, so they don’t really figure – despite being a significant sector of the economy.

“Politicians say they want to help but leave it to banks, who have long since stopped lending serious money. Normally less than 3% of lending goes to the small cap sector. Banks would rather lend to domestic mortgages.”

If Hazell-Smith ever pens a follow-up, it sounds like there’s plenty more for him to rail against!

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goingout 7 days of activities

WEDNESDAY Edward Albee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Three Tall Women will be on at 8pm tonight at Trinity Theatre. It’s a provocative and emotional story about a widow looking back on her life and attempting to solve its riddles. Tickets for this amateur production cost £15 for adults and £14

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

THREE TALL WOMEN At Trinity Theatre

By Jerome Bowman

for concessions. For more information, and to book, visit trinitytheatre.net THURSDAY This is one of the last nights you can see The Pitmen Painters at The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge, which ends on Saturday. After an unlikely meeting, an art professor and a group of miners find their worlds intertwining. Unable at first to understand each other, the painting master and the miners embark on one of the most unusual experiments in British Art, as the pitmen learn to become painters. The play starts at 8pm. Tickets cost £11 and can be booked by going to oasttheatre.com FRIDAY The Close-Up Show is back at The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. The intimate magic show is held in the bar, where you will get to see incredible sleights of hand. Watch coins, cards and your own belongings disappear and reappear without the aid of your sofa cushions. The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £19.50 and can be booked online at stagsevenoaks.co.uk The Bluebell Spectacular is in bloom at Hole Park in Rolvenden. Enjoy

the stunning seas of blue flowers as you take a woodland walk. Standard admission fees apply.

For more information, go to holepark.com SATURDAY Penshurst Place is hosting the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show from today until Monday. It will feature more than 100 activities as

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN At Hever Castle

well as stands selling handmade and artisan items ranging from jewellery to furniture, and there will also be crafting demos to watch and get involved with. Activities include a petting zoo, laser clay pigeon shooting and live music, although possibly not all at once. To book tickets, which cost £10, go to thecraftshows.co.uk Rusthall Community Cinema is screening David Lean’s classic Brief Encounter tonight at 7.30pm. Idealistic Dr Alec Harvey and middleclass housewife Laura Jesson meet at a station and fall in love, forcing them to choose between their innocent love and the lives they have already built. There will be licensed bar and facilities for those hard of hearing or unable to travel without assistance. Tickets are £5 on the door for non-members. For more information, visit rusthallcinema.club Which historical figure would you most like to meet? OK, they may be dead, but Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain may be able to help. The irreverent West End show is back at Hever Castle’s Festival Theatre at 8pm. If you fancy seeing Mary Tudor knock the spots

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

off Mary Queen of Scots you can get tickets for £27.65 per adult and £23.25 per child. For more information and to book, go to heverfestival.co.uk SUNDAY Artist Bernardo Carrara has a new exhibition at Trinity Theatre. Animal Realm is a series of imaginery and highly symbolic scenes that appear to be snapshots of an animal’s life.

Carrara’s bright colours and clean lines show a contemporary style, but there is also a clear influence from the naive and post-impressionist movements. The gallery is free to enter and can be visited until May 12. See trinitytheatre.net Tonbridge Methodist Church will be holding a Spring Fair from 10am until 12noon today. The fair is in support of their Uganda Projects and will be selling second-hand toys, books, jigsaws and CDs. There will also be cakes, coffee, a barbecue and a raffle.

Today is the first day of the Mayfield Fringe Festival, which features live music, poetry, visual art, comedy and performance art and runs in the village until May 18, with the May Fair on May 11.

The opening poetry fundraising event is Touching the Grain at Mayfield Scout Hut at 2.30pm. For a

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full diary of events, visit mayfieldfringe.co.uk

53 TIPTOE PAST THE TULIPS At Pashley Manor Gardens

EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY Take a walk through Pashley Manor Gardens in Ticehurst and see the Tulip Festival. The gardens will be carpeted with more than 35,000 tulips with 108 varieties on display in colour-themed garden ‘rooms’. There will also be cut flowers and you can stop in the café for a light lunch or tea and cake, or all three if you’re hungry! The gardens are open from 10am-5pm. Tickets cost £11.50 for adults and £5 for under 16s. For more information, go to pashleymanorgardens.com TUESDAY Who knew May could be spooky as well as jolly?

To see why, just join in the first Haunted Tour of Tunbridge Wells. It starts in The Compasses pub, where you will hear stories about one of the oldest and most haunted pubs in the area.

The evening finishes at The Grey Lady, with other paranormal stops on the way. Flat shoes are recommended as walking is involved, and you wouldn’t want to slip on any ectoplasm! Tickets cost £10 per person and booking is essential. To find out more, email: hauntedtoursTW@gmail.com COUNTRY CRAFT SHOW At Penshurst Place

PICK OF THE WEEK: Wild West Weekend Groombridge Place Groombridge Sunday, May 5 and Early May Bank Holiday Monday May 6 10am-4.30pm

Grab your six-shooters and spurs because the cowboys and girls are coming to Groombridge Place.

The event will feature line-dancing, a bucking bronco, and the headline attraction – The Devils Horsemen Wild West Show.

The display will feature horse riding, dressage and even a shoot-out – all with music and a professional commentary.

To book tickets, which cost £14.95 per adult and £12.95 for children, go to groombridgeplace.com

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Robyn Keen, Xavier Ralph, Gronk Friday Jazz Club Night with Bob Bernard & Friends, plus Paul Eshelby (trumpet) Saturday Disco Odyssey Sunday EMC presents unplugged

live music With Paul Dunton

T

ONIGHT [Wednesday], local singer-songwriter Robyn Keen headlines The Grey Lady with support from Xavier Ralph and Gronk. The Forum hosts Vukovi and Superlove, and fans of blues can enjoy Martin McNeill & Wes Weston at The Anchor Inn, Sevenoaks.

Thursday sees the opening of the 2019 Jazz on The Pantiles season and the excellent Force 10 Big Band will be headlining on The Bandstand.

Friday night has some fantastic shows, including Sean Fennessey & Friends at The Bedford, The Cureheads (Cure tribute) at The Forum, Bob Bernard’s Jazz Club at The Grey Lady and Wayne Dilks’ George Michael tribute at The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks.

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

Plus The Sussex Arms host their first Nu Metal night with Lump Buzkit, and The Time Off Festival runs from Friday to Sunday at Tonbridge Castle.

On Saturday night, look out for Kharma & The Devil at The Rusthall Club, Rooster Tail at The Beau Nash Tavern, the Lyrae Duo at The Trading Post, Los Twangueros at The Bedford, Sick Joy at The Sussex Arms and The Junkyard Choir at The Royal Oak. Folk rockers Show of Hands will be at St Dunstan’s Church, Cranbrook, and classical music fans can enjoy a recital from Tasmin Little (violin) & Andrey Gugnin (piano) at Tonbridge School.

Meanwhile, Sunday night brings the acoustic sounds of Matt & Lavinia at Verdigris in Tonbridge.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common, London Road Event information at twforum.co.uk Wednesday Vukovi, Superlove Friday The Cureheads (The Cure tribute) Saturday Tim Cullen presents Switch: House & Techno – Strickland, Jakson, Faz, Pete Griffiths Tuesday Black Honey, Marthagunn, Naipia THE ANCHOR INN High Street, Sevenoaks Music from 8pm Wednesday Martin McNeill & Wes Weston JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Pantiles Bandstand Music from 8pm (donations welcomed) Thursday Force 10 Big Band

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THE TIME OFF FESTIVAL Tonbridge Castle All event details available at timeofffestivals.co.uk Friday-Sunday The Festival THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Music from 8.30pm More information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday Sean Fennessey & Friends Saturday Los Twangueros THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Music from 7.45pm till late Friday Acoustic Night Saturday The Junkyard Choir THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Friday Nu Metal Nights: Lump Buzkit Saturday Sick Joy Sunday 1pm-11pm Alfresco Festival THE STAG THEATRE Sevenoaks Tickets available at stagsevenoaks.co.uk

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Rooster Tail Sunday Open Mic Night THE TRADING POST Culverden Down Music from 8pm Saturday The Lyrae Duo RUSTHALL CLUB St Paul’s Street, Tunbridge Wells Music from 8.30pm Saturday Kharma & The Devil (Rolling Stones set) ST EDITH FOLK CLUB St Dunstan’s Church, Cranbrook Event information at stedithfolk.co.uk Saturday Show of Hands THE NEW TELEGRAPH CLUB 26 Priory Road, Tonbridge Doors 6.30pm. Members free, guests £5 Saturday The Backbeats TONBRIDGE MUSIC CLUB The Big School, Tonbridge School All event details available at tmc.org.uk Saturday Recital: Tasmin Little (violin) & Andrey Gugnin (piano)

THE BLACK HORSE PUB Camden Road Music from 8.30pm till late Thursday Open Jam Session MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge More information at musicstation.pro Telephone 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Play it Again at MusicStation.

Adult band workshop, all levels welcome. Booking essential.

Friday Wayne Dilks: George Michael Tribute Concert

VERDIGRIS High Street, Tonbridge Music from 6pm. Event details at verdigris-tonbridge.com Sunday Matt & Lavinia

The Lyrae Duo

THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Music from 8pm Tuesday The 3 Amigos

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Shout-out by charities to get aboard

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CHARITY DRIVE NFU Mutual supporting Hospice in the Weald

Two local charities have put out a call for the community’s help in supporting this year’s Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race, which returns to Tunbridge Wells next month…

WITH Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race gearing up to thrill the crowds in Dunorlan Park on June 8, local charities Hospice in the Weald and Taylor Made Dreams are hoping supporters will turn out for the fundraiser.

The event not only provides a fun day out for families and businesses, but raises awareness and much-needed funds for both causes.

On the day, 50 local firms, organisations and residents will go head-to-head in soapbox karts on a specially-made, nail-biting racetrack through the town’s picturesque park.

Hosted by TV chef Rosemary Shrager, it will also include a huge kids’ zone with an inflatable

village and cinema marquee as well as a food and drink zone and a VIP area.

After last year’s successful inaugural event raised £21,000 for charity, event organisers Chatty Hatter have again chosen to support Pembury-based Hospice in the Weald, along with Crowborough-based Taylor Made Dreams, which enables children with life-limiting illnesses to achieve their dreams and wishes.

Taylor Made Dreams was introduced to the organisers by this year’s main sponsor, the Tunbridge Wells children’s clothing company Childrensalon, who have been long-time supporters of the charity.

COMING TOGETHER [L-R] Suzi Mitchell, Rosemary Shrager, Tom Swift, Nicole Piesse Turner, Leeann Wilmer and Gracie Browning

Taylor Made Dreams was inspired by, and set up in memory of, Taylor Mitchell, who sadly lost his courageous battle against a terminal condition in 2011 aged just 15. A fund was set up called ‘Taylor’s Bucket of Wishes Association’ by two family friends, which enabled Taylor to tick off his own bucket list, which he wrote with his mother Suzi before he passed away.

Eight years on, the charity continues to enable children with life limiting illnesses to achieve their dreams when time is, sadly, all too short, while also providing vital therapeutic support to the families on their difficult journey.

Suzi Mitchell, who runs the charity, said of the zany races: “This event is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about Taylor Made Dreams.

“Although we work across Kent, Sussex and Surrey, we are a very small operation, and spreading the word about what we do is of the utmost importance.

“We would absolutely love to see as many people in the community come out to support these races as possible, which in turn will help our families enormously.”

Hospice in the Weald has been serving the communities in West Kent and parts of East Sussex for almost 40 years.

It provides outstanding free-of-charge hospice care through an extensive range of services, including a Hospice Day Service, In-Patient Ward; Counselling and Support Services and Hospice in the Home.

Supported by the community it serves, the hospice needs £7million each year and relies on the generosity of the public. Fundraising events like the soapbox race are an integral part of helping to fund the vital services it provides.

The Hospice’s involvement in the family fun day comes as it gears up for a particularly exciting chapter in its history – the opening of a new cottage hospice later this year.

In a UK first – and currently in its final stage of the build – the ten-bedroom facility will provide a home from home environment where patients will continue to be cared for by their loved ones at the end of life.

A spokesperson for Hospice in the Weald said: “The community of Tunbridge Wells are always great supporters of Hospice in the Weald and we thank you in advance for getting involved in this fantastic event.”

For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities for Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race on Saturday June 8, please visit crazyjeansevents.com

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Things to see and do during a

Tunbridge Wells staycation Record numbers of Britons are opting to stay in the UK for their holidays, says VisitEngland. Here are four attractions in our area to keep you busy HEVER CASTLE Tudor glory at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn

HEVER CASTLE The historic castle and gardens have more events than ever this summer, including the upcoming May Day Festival from May 4-6, which will include music, a castle trail and Morris Dancing.

There will also be car shows, British heritage events, jousting and even a dog show.

One event they are really excited to be hosting in August is An Evening with Lord Astor.

This is a chance to book a stay in the five-star Bed and Breakfast as part of a package that incorporates dinner in the castle and a private tour and speech with Lord Astor of Hever.

In addition to the award-winning Bed and Breakfast, Hever Castle offers a four-bedroom holiday cottage sleeping up to eight, allowing guests to explore the Castle and gardens and fully immerse themselves in everything the Estate has to offer. There’s an adventure playground for the children and a water maze to be discovered too.

Activities for families also include the Knights and princesses’ school and the Father’s Day super car weekend is the perfect way to treat Dad. The castle is easily found in Hever Road, Hever, Nr Edenbridge. hevercastle.co.uk

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE THE Assembly Hall Theatre is proud to present a wide variety of exciting shows all year round, appealing to all age groups and tastes.

For example, in the coming months they are welcoming a programme as diverse as huge comedians like Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert, and Julian Clary.

There will also be talks by famous faces such as Ruby Wax and Sir Ranulph Fiennes, amazing music from Jools Holland and his Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, incredible dance shows like Burn The Floor with Strictly Come Dancing winner Kevin Clifton, and a hugely exciting selection of kids shows, including

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

My First Ballet: Sleeping Beauty by the English National Ballet and The Tiger Who Came To Tea, a production that the whole family can enjoy.

And that’s not even mentioning the Assembly Hall’s hugely popular tribute and classical music shows. There really is something for everyone.

Most of the shows appeal to all generations, and many include matinee performances, which are ideal for family groups.

The theatre is also accessible for anyone with mobility access issues thanks to its level access entrances, a lift available to the stalls, a full row dedicated to wheelchair users, accessible toilet facilities, signed performances, and free hearing loop headsets offered.

They also offer a special Go! Card to anyone going through financial difficulties, allowing theatregoers to buy tickets at a reduced price.

The theatre itself is housed in a visually stunning and historically listed building, and is centrally located in the beautiful spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, surrounded by excellent restaurants.

It has comfortable seating with good views of the stage and a bar area offering a range of drinks and snacks.

The Front of House team is friendly and helpful and the ushers are always on hand to assist with any particular needs. assemblyhalltheatre. co.uk COMING SOON Les Musicals is at The Assembly Hall Theatre on May 13

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

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you can also treat yourself to a ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL luxurious massage in COCO SEVENTEEN at One Warwick Park BLUSH. Hotel recently launched its One Warwick Park new seasonal A La Carte Hotel is located in menu, using fresh and the heart of Royal seasonal spring/summer Tunbridge Wells, a ingredients which have stone’s throw from been locally-sourced. the scenic Pantiles, With the start of Jazz on a five-minute walk The Pantiles tomorrow from the mainline [May 2], SEVENTEEN has train station to also reintroduced the London, and in popular Burger & Bubbles walking distance menu, where you can enjoy from many local cafés a delicious home-cooked FINE DINING and boutiques. burger and glass of fizz from as in the Seventeen Around the area you little as £12. restaurant will find the Old High Street, Whether you are looking to host The Pantiles and vibrant Chapel a celebration, visit for afternoon tea, Place, which is home to lots of cute stay for a business trip, or indulge in some cafés, quirky bars and stylish boutiques. relaxation in COCO BLUSH, there is something for It is a scenic town centre and has lots of everyone at One Warwick Park. local events which take place on The Pantiles, There is a choice of function rooms, corporate including the summer jazz evenings, local spaces, 39 individually-styled rooms and suites, markets and gin festivals. There is always the onsite restaurant SEVENTEEN, The Lounge – something to do. onewarwickpark.co.uk the perfect spot for after-work happy hours. And

SPLASHING GOOD FUN At Bewl Water’s new Aqua Park

BEWL WATER WITH summer approaching there is so much going on at Bewl Water.

Firstly, the exciting opening of their new Aqua Park on May 25 will run alongside all of their other family activities.

They then have a huge range of events coming up which include the Austin Seven Rally, Bewl’s Big Dog Day Out, the famous Dragon Boat Race and much more – there is something every week for the whole family to enjoy.

There is something for everyone at Bewl Water,

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whether you fancy a leisurely stroll around the reservoir or a relaxing boat trip on the Bewl Belle.

If you want an actionpacked day filled with adventure, then you also have the option to go cycling, sailing or fishing, as well as the chance to play the Laser Challenge, or try the Bewl Water Aqua Park.

Bewl Water is easily accessible, located on the Kent/Sussex border near Lamberhurst, just off the A21. bewlwater.co.uk

SHEER LUXURY One of the stylish rooms at One Warwick Park

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food

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

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

A successful recipe for healthy dining out Nutracheck nutritionist Emma Brown (right) looks at government plans to drastically cut restaurant calories

T

HE UK is suffering a huge obesity crisis, and the fallout costs the struggling NHS over £6billion year. This much we have known for many years.

We also know that more

and more of us are now regularly eating outside of the home, meaning eating out establishments have a big role to play in what – and how much – we’re all eating.

With this in mind, the government has requested that UK eateries – which include

restaurants, pubs, cafés, coffee shops, takeaways and delivery services – must cut the calories in the food they sell by 20 per cent.

Once the consultation on this plan closes, targeted businesses will have until 2024 to make it happen.

But why is a lot of the food we eat outside of the home so high in calories in the first place? In my view, there are two big factors – the focus on taste, and portion size.

FAST FOOD VS FINE DINING When it comes to taste, there are slightly different angles – depending on whether we’re talking fast food or fine dining.

In a bid to deliver the most droolinducing meals that will keep you coming back time and time again, many fast food establishments call on the three staple flavour-enhancing nutrients: Fat, sugar and salt. Food is often supplied ‘partmade’ so that it can be microwaved in order to finish it off – rather than it being made from scratch on the premises.

It’s generally a fixed menu that is caloriedense, nutrient-poor and created for maximum profit.

At the other end of the eating experience, fine dining, restaurants use the highest quality fresh produce to deliver the very best taste, with no compromise on indulgent ingredients.

However, it’s fair to say that smaller portions may offset the impact of such indulgence, and this sort of dining out is probably more for a special occasion.

But for many mid-market eating out places – of the type many of us probably frequent more regularly – it’s all about great taste and decent portion sizes.

The cooking method and generous use of oil can add hundreds of avoidable calories.

Switching from deep frying to baking or grilling food; using low-fat yoghurt and reduced fat crème fraiche instead of cream; or cutting back on extra sugar – are all achievable changes that can and should be made.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

per cent reduction target, there PORTION CONTROL needs to be a focus on reviewing This is probably the biggest factor ingredients and cooking methods in seeing the calories soar when it used, as well as portion size. eating out, so we seriously need to Reducing how much they’re change our mindsets as there is an ingrained belief that a large portion serving up doesn’t compromise on taste, and should actually save equals great value. them money. A start would be to This sense of ‘getting value for offer the choice of large and small money’ at all-you-can-eat buffets portions of a dish – after all, a and help yourself carveries drives 5ft 2in female probably won’t have us to pile our plates high. the same appetite as a 6ft 4in male.

But it would be so much better Think how much wasted food to encourage diners to ‘sample small’ at first, rather than go all-out could be avoided.

On top of this, restaurants before they’ve assessed what need to get more they really want to try. imaginative with A simple and According their dishes. effective way to government They should to bulk out make better meals to add research, about a quarter of use of volume but calories now come from food and vegetables not calories drink consumed outside of the home. to fill is to pack Restaurant meals and foods eaten on the plate in more and add vegetables. the go are often much higher in calories vibrancy The when compared to their homemade while massive counterparts, so this reduction cutting trend calories. They towards seems to me to be absolutely could consider veganism essential. other ways to is reflected in make their dishes more choice of more filling, by using a vegan dishes in many good protein and fibre mix. restaurants and eating out More interesting grains than places. More plant-based meals is a great way to provide healthier food. ‘white rice’ should be introduced such as quinoa, buckwheat and giant wholemeal couscous, for WHAT RESTAURANTS CAN DO: added fibre and interest, too.

For restaurants to meet the 20

Emma Brown is an in-house nutritionist for calorie experts Nutra Check. For more information on how to cut the calories – especially when you eat out – visit nutracheck.co.uk

Food & Drink

In good spirits Gin is officially the nation’s favourite spirit! Feeling the juniper-fuelled vibe, Times wine expert James Viner mixes it up, selecting two innovative, sophisticated gins – one from Kent, the other a knockout supermarket own label, to pair with your favourite tonic water…

Gin has been experiencing a real resurgence over the last few years, and thanks to the craft gin boom, England has for the first time in history more distilleries than Scotland, according to recent HMRC figures. Gin sales and exports for 2018 in the UK were worth over £2.7billion, including sales of around 66 million bottles in the domestic market. So what better time to write about gin? Here are a few of my current favourites:

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

1. MUST-TRY OWN-LABEL SUPERMARKET GIN Topaz Blue Premium Gin, England, £13.99, 70 cl, Aldi Zesty, uplifting and unbeatable value, this is a canny supermarket bottle you’ll want to drink all summer long. It’s full-bodied, lively, complex, fresh and focused, with intense juniper, lemon and orange peel flavours. Best enjoyed with your choice

of premium tonic, lots of ice and a sprig of rosemary or slice of lemon or wedge of lime. Perfect for showing off your cocktail-making talents, and a great present for the gin lover in your life. Take a bow, Aldi. Alc 40%

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2. THE DOCKYARD SPIRIT ENDURES: SMALL-BATCH GIN MADE IN CHATHAM Copper Rivet Dockyard Gin, Chatham, £25-£32, 50cl, Co-op (London only)/ Master of Malt/DrinkShop/Waitrose Chatham was home to Britain’s first royal dockyard, building ships ranging from Nelson’s Victory to the submarines of the 1960s. Following on the success of Anno gin near Maidstone, Copper Rivet opened its doors in October 2016, and since then has gone from strength to strength. Owned

by Bob Russell and his sons Matthew and Stephen, Dockyard Gin is a delightful floral and citrusy Kentish offering made with local chalk water and nine botanicals, namely juniper, coriander seeds, grains of paradise, elderflower, lemon peel, orris root, orange peel, angelica and green cardamom. Simply serve with the best tonic you can find, plus a slice of pink grapefruit, to let these fine ingredients shine in your new preferred G&T.

In the Mix:

Try this Kentish Cooler Gin Cocktail n 35ml Dockyard Gin n 12.5ml yellow Chartreuse n 15ml elderflower cordial n Mint n Lemon n Mix in a shaker and garnish with mint and lemon

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travel

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Travel

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

A little-known Arabian hotspot boasts the

best beaches in the Emirates In search of a change from the skyscrapers of glamorous Dubai, Georgia Humphreys soaks up refreshing R&R in nearby Ajman

W

HEN I shared the plans for my next foreign adventure, the common response from friends and family was: “Ajman? Where on earth is that?”

But they can be forgiven, because this off-the-radar suntrap has been

largely overshadowed by its neighbours’ towering skyscrapers – until now.

Sitting between Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman belongs to the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven states formed between 1971 and 1972, when the ruling sheikhs decided they would have a stronger voice in the wider

Middle East region by uniting forces.

Measuring 260 sq km, Ajman is the smallest emirate and is far less blingy than nearby Dubai, which is only 40km away.

And although tourism is a relatively new concept (Ajman only started promoting its treasures in 2012), this is a place where sunseekers can fully switch off while ARABIAN NIGHTS Sparkling citiscape of Ajman and Sharjah

still enjoying a taste of Emirati life and traditions – all within a seven-hour flight from the UK (it’s just a 30-40 minute car ride from Dubai International Airport).

In general, Ajman is also far less conservative than other emirates.

While alcohol is illegal in neighbouring Sharjah, for example, here it’s more easily available. Several restaurants and resorts stock liqueurs, and residents from Dubai often come here to purchase wine without the need for a licence.

One of the area’s leading resorts is the five-star Ajman Saray, located alongside the Corniche – a 4km esplanade overlooking the Persian Gulf.

Two pools (one dotted with mini Jacuzzi jets) are just steps from the ocean, and friendly service means you barely need to lift a finger – unless it’s to tap buttons on the high-tech sun-loungers, alerting bar staff to your cocktail needs.

There are three restaurants, along with an award-winning spa where treatment rooms benefit from soothing sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The luxurious gold, teal and purple bedrooms have private balconies and en suites decorated decadently with marble.

Some even have views of the Gulf beyond.

Understandably, leaving the comfort of your resort does require some effort, but there’s a great deal to discover if you do.

These are a few of the activities which, despite its diminutive size, set Ajman apart from better-known, showy emirates:

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

in a modern setting is the playfully designed Qdeemk Ndeemk on the Corniche, opposite the Fairmont Ajman Hotel. It’s full of cool photo opportunities, including a red car in the centre of the café.

Dishes to share include Freej Meyan, similar to chicken Biryani (55AED/£11.50), and Leewarah Majbos, lamb marinated in tomatoes and herbs (60AED/£12.50). Both go well with the rice (15AED/£3.10), which is flavoured with cardamom.

HORSEPLAY A golden sculpture greets you at the Ajman Saray hotel

DISCOVER PAST GLORIES Built in the 18th century, Ajman Fort has been restored several times and was used as a royal residence until the 1970s.

Its latest incarnation is as the Ajman Museum (5AED/£1 entrance fee; guides free of charge), although you can still climb one of the spiralling turrets for a snoop at the surprisingly understated former royal living quarters.

Venture from room to room learning about the history of Ajman, and the importance of pearl diving as a source of income for men in the 1800s. Today, men (and women) still pearl dive, but more for fun. Outside is a serene courtyard with benches shaded from the hot sun.

BASK ON THE BEACH Ajman claims to have the best beaches in the UAE because the chalk-white sands are natural rather than man-made, and the clear water is so swimmable it could easily be mistaken for the Maldives.

The beach at the Ajman Saray is ideal for gentle swims thanks to low seawalls at either end buffering the waves and keeping the water nice and flat.

Travel

The neighbouring Ajman Hotel, which opened as the first hotel in the emirate two decades ago, boasts the best patch of sand along the Corniche, and the wall between both properties is currently being torn down, so guests will soon be able to easily walk between the two.

Further along the waterfront, there’s a public beach with a sheltered tidal pool.

DINE ON NEW DELICACIES Fish forms an important part of the Ajman diet, and many restaurant owners purchase their catch of the day at the Ajman Fish Market auction, held between 5pm and 6pm every day, and open to the public.

Eager buyers shout and point at fish piled high on huge slabs of white plastic, while a master of ceremonies accepts bids by bellowing through his megaphone.

For a taste of the finished product, head to Aquario – a speciality seafood restaurant at the Oberoi Beach Resort Al Zorah, where a highlight dish is the perfectly crispy red snapper (180AED/£37.50). oberoihotels.com Ajman cuisine is influenced by Indian flavours, and one of the best places to try traditional food

TROT ALONG TO SEE THE HORSES Some of the world’s finest thoroughbred Arabian horses are bred at Ajman Stud, an equestrian facility founded in 2002. It’s located in a tranquil spot 30km from Ajman city centre, with views of the desert dunes beyond.

Plans for a horse museum are in the pipeline, but for now the fun is in petting and taking selfies with the animal residents, who’ve won many awards at showrings in both Europe and the UAE. Natural light pours through pretty stainedglass windows running along the top of the FIT FOR ROYALTY The Ajman Fort and Museum

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stables. Book a free visit (daily from 10am-2pm) through your hotel concierge. ajmanstud.com ADMIRE THE ARCHITECTURE The mighty white and gold Aamnah Bint Ahmad Al Ghurair Mosque, which opened in 2015, was built by Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman in memory of his mother.

Breaking with convention, hardly any marble was used, and the roof is not a dome – instead, a bulbous gold chandelier hangs from the ceiling and lattice windows are decorated with eyecatching Islamic motifs, allowing the mosque to be bathed in natural light.

The 15,000 sq m mosque, located on Safia Street, is free to visit – and the Crown Prince is also the owner of the Ajman Saray.

EXPLORE THE MANGROVES The best way to experience Ajman’s 2km-long mangroves is by kayak. Quest For Adventure, run by expat Brian Parry, offers guided tours (175AED/£36.50 for two hours). questforadventure.net Unlike mangroves in other parts of the UAE, vegetation is up to a metre taller thanks to seawater nutrients which flood the narrow creek twice a day.

The stretch is also popular with birds, including egrets, ospreys, herons, plovers, and cormorants. There are 120 resident flamingos, and Brian refers to one breakaway group as teenagers determined to do their own thing!

Surprising and charming, they skip to their own beat – a bit like Ajman itself.

HOW TO GET THERE Kuoni offer seven nights B&B at Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection resort, in a Deluxe Creek View Room, including flights on Emirates from London Gatwick and transfers in resort.

The price for selected departures in May and June 2019 (two sharing) is from £999 per person, with a saving of up to £230 per couple.

Call 01306 747 008 or visit kuoni.co.uk

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Books

The bookcase…

This week’s bookcase includes reviews of The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary and Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

BOOK OF THE WEEK

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

Published in hardback by Trapeze priced £12.99 (ebook £6.99)

9/10

Candice Carty-Williams’ debut novel is a delight from start to finish. It focuses on the debauched life of twenty-something Queenie Jenkins, an aspiring journalist from south London. She’s a little bit Fleabag, but less double-barrelled and more relatable. This novel is so relevant that it could have been written tomorrow, with references from Dua Lipa’s New Rules to the gentrification of Brixton Market.

It’s important that a young black British woman like Carty-Williams is heard in the literary world, so thank goodness for Queenie being given a platform. You will cry with her, and cry for her, and anyone who has ever been dumped will nod and squirm in recognition at Queenie’s behaviour. By the end you will love her friends as if they were your own, and find yourself missing their WhatsApp chats. Queenie is flawed and troubled, but she seems so real. I found myself becoming very attached to her, and could barely put her story down.

(Review by Frances Wright)

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

Published in hardback by Quercus priced £12.99 (ebook £6.49) If you like your chick-lit with a heavy dose of reality, this could be for you. Craft-book editor Tiffy has ended a relationship and needs a new but cheap place to live. Male nurse Leon, who works nights in a hospice, needs extra cash, so they come to an arrangement where they share the flat, use the same bed, but are not there at the same time. To help resolve things while they share, much notewriting ensues, opening up a path to communication between the taciturn Leon and the not always honest with herself Tiffy. Chapters are told either from Tiffy or Leon’s point of view, so you get insights into both. The path to true love never runs smooth and, disconcertingly, Tiffy’s newly engaged ex-boyfriend keeps popping up, plus a brother’s wrongful arrest needs putting right, a dying patient needs to be reunited with the love of his life, and Tiffany must meet her deadline. While the premise can seem a little forced, there are elements that feel all too real. Your enjoyment may depend on just how romantic you want your romances to be.

(Review by Bridie Pritchard)

6/10

4/10

The Mister by EL James

Published in paperback by Arrow priced £7.99 (ebook £4.99) EL James calls her new novel ‘a Cinderella story for the 21st century’. But the fairy-tale plot belongs in the dark ages: Wealthy, powerful man saves innocent, penniless, damsel in distress. Maxim is a party boy who’s never worked and has a different woman in his bed every night. Then his brother dies, leaving him to inherit a title, a huge fortune, and the responsibility of running the family’s estates. Meanwhile, Alessia has just arrived in London from rural Albania, and finds work as Maxim’s cleaner. They quickly fall for each other, but it’s not that simple – he’s keeping his new position a secret and she’s on the run from something much darker.

It’s a troublesome cliche, but what James is adept at doing is creating suspense. You feel the tension in the build-up to Maxim and Alissia’s romance – but he has all the power, so it’s inherently creepy. You’ll either get hooked on the romantic chase and suspense, or be eye-rolling the entire way through.

(Review by Lauren Taylor)

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk NON-FICTION

101 Ways To Go Zero Waste

by Kathryn Kellogg

9/10

Published in paperback by WW Norton priced £9.99 (ebook £8.35). Available May 3 We know the planet’s in trouble, but solutions are worthless if people don’t get on board with them – and, let’s be honest, to many people the ‘zero waste’ concept sounds wildly unrealistic.

This is why Kathryn Kellogg’s new book is so good. Not only is she a key spokesperson in the zero-waste movement, she’s also in touch with what real, everyday life looks like for regular folk – and this invites them all to embrace a more waste-conscious lifestyle in ways that won’t leave them paralysed by overwhelm. There’s no scaremongering or moral high ground. This is an engaging easy CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW

RHS Let’s Get Gardening

Published in paperback

by DK priced £9.99 (ebook £4.99). Available May 2 This book covers all the bases, whether children are interested in designing their own mini nature reserve or would rather grow their own blueberries to scoff. It combines lots of handson activities – like how to grow nasturtiums in egg shells and succulents in wine corks – with a positive environmental message. It’s also smart.

Did you know how to create

Books

read brought to life with witty, relatable anecdotes and just enough facts, stats and science to gently hammer home the point.

Kellogg makes it clear that nobody is 100% zero waste – and that’s OK. Here, though, are 101 big and small ways you can move towards that goal, in chapters you can dip in and out of or work through start-to-finish. Kellogg explains how to make logical, lasting changes and navigate those in-between moments when you just won’t win: What if your only option that day is bottled water? What if somebody’s sick and needs a remedy that only comes in a plastic pack? This isn’t going to make you feel even more guilty, but it will get you to slow down and think about your consumer choices a little more – hopefully with a sense of hope and even some enjoyment.

(Review by Abi Jackson) a butterfly feeder out of an overripe banana? Or a ladybird sanctuary out of corrugated card? No doubt the grown-ups will be getting involved, too!

(Review by Ella Walker)

8/10

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BOOK CHARTS HARDBACKS 1. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney 2. Pinch Of Nom by Kate Allinson and Kay Featherstone 3. Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan 4. Hinch Yourself Happy by Mrs Hinch 5. Fing by David Walliams 6. Spot’s First Easter Board Book by Eric HIll 7. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams 8. A Book Of Bones by John Connolly 9. Appeasing Hitler: Chamberlain, Churchill and the Road to War by Tim Bouverie 10. Dancing The Charleston by Jacqueline Wilson (Compiled by Waterstones) PAPERBACKS 1. Lethal White by Robert Galbraith 2. The MIster by EL James 3. Circe by Madeline Miller 5. Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty 6. Past Tense by Lee Child 7. BBC Proms 2019 Festival Guide 8. Transcription by Kate Atkinson 9. Wilding by Isabella Tree 10. The Secret Barrister by The Secret Barrister (Compiled by Waterstones) E-BOOKS 1. My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing 2. No Way Out by Cara Hunter 3. You Then, Me Now by Nick Alexander 4. A Streetcar Named Desire

by Tennessee Williams 5. If Only I Could Tell You

by Hannah Beckerman 6. The Rumour by Lesley Kara 7. The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry 8. Closer by KL Slater 9. Bring Them Home by DS Butler 10. One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence (Compiled by Amazon)

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Motoring

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Motoring News

This week… n Toyota Proace City n Kia’s new dream car

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

Going for the last mile with an e-delivery van

n Renault’s urban van

Toyota unveils its smallest van yet, with a car variant TOYOTA has bolstered its commercial vehicle line-up with the Proace City.

The compact van will be the firm’s smallest workhorse, developed in collaboration with Groupe PSA. It will be available in two lengths – 4.4m and 4.7m. Both can be specified with three seats upfront, and as either a panel or glass van. In addition, the longer wheelbase model is offered as a ‘crew cab’ – bringing with it an additional row of seating.

The two models boast 3.3 m3 and 4.3 m3 of load volume respectively, with a ‘Smart Cargo’ option. This extra allows for load lengths of up to 3.4m.

A passenger variant will also be offered. The Proace City Verso will be

available with either three individual rear seats with Isofix mounting points or a 60:40 folding bench, plus the option of an extra pair of seats at the back of the car to form a seven-seater.

There’s a whole host of safety systems on both the van and Verso. For no extra cost, pre-collision warning, road sign assistance, lane keep assist and cruise control all feature.

Optional extras include automatic high beam headlights, sway warning, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

There are luxury inclusions and other options, too, and the City will have both petrol and diesel choices.

A late 2019 UK release is expected.

Kia reveals ‘The Everything Car’ HAVE you ever wished your city car was just as capable of taking on a treacherous off-road course as it is taking you to and from the shops?

Kia may just have the answer.

The HabaNiro, which the firm titles ‘The Everything Car’, is a fully-electric crossover kitted out with an all-wheeldrive system, level five autonomy, more advanced tech than that which helped ‘land men on the moon’, and even butterfly wing doors for a bit of Lamborghini-style flair.

But don’t get too excited yet – this is just a concept vehicle, and there are no plans for production anytime soon. Still, it’s an interesting insight into the engineering brains at Kia. It has a compact, boxy shape with no real outlandish design features – until, of course, the doors open upwards, that is…

Inside is a full ‘lava red’, simplistic

interior – doing away with traditional buttons and switches. Once turned on, though, an array of head-up displays adorn the windscreen – all controllable via a large touchpad.

Level five autonomy systems can be engaged via the steering wheel – allowing the car to completely drive itself while the head-up display can be turned into a giant entertainment screen.

There’s also Kia’s ‘R.E.A.D’ concept feature – which tracks a driver’s movements and other signals to alter cabin conditions to suit their mood.

Tom Kearns, of Kia Design Centre America, said: “We wanted this concept to be comfortable navigating city streets, carving turns on a coastal road and off-roading with confidence.

Adding that Kia were ‘blown away’ by the imagination, he said: “We want it in our driveways. Today!”

RENAULT has shown off an all-new concept electric van named the EZ-Flex.

Unlike last year’s EZ-Pro concept, this van could make production if trials of the vehicle across Europe are successful.

Designed for ‘last-mile’ deliveries in urban environments, it has a super-tight turning circle, large load bay and, crucially, an allelectric powertrain with 93 miles on a charge.

Renault claims the average urban delivery van covers just 30 miles a day, and says vehicles like this will be a solution to the growing problem of delivering in cities, compounded by the growth of online buying.

The rear of the van offers 3 m3 of storage, and a low floor height of just 760mm, aiding loading and unloading. Renault claims the rear compartment will accept a wide variety of configurations, allowing businesses to make use of the van as best suits them.

The cockpit has a wide driver’s door, a super-clear dashboard and smartphone integration to aid deliveries.

Renault will deliver 12 EZ-Flex vehicles to various businesses, companies and cities across Europe for a two-year testing period.

Each will be equipped with sensors and data loggers to monitor use, with Renault keeping tabs on location, mileage, range, charging, and number of stops. This will help the firm shape the future production model.

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Recruitment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CODEWORD 4

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

7 9

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Codeword:

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

9 22

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A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 5

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★✩✩

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★✩

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

Puzzles

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

A C C L A I Z O D T OWE L E A I C A R I B O D J O S H U A O M U S U R P R N I N UM E R A E E E Y A T E S

M L I A O S E GM Q I U C H A E F L O E V E RM E E L L A Y A N O X I

T U P H O E N T D E A I N C P P Y R O N T V A I R S S K O U S

Sudoku:

4 1 8 2 9 6 3 5 7

3 7 9 4 8 5 2 6 1

6 2 5 1 7 3 8 9 4

2 9 1 8 5 4 6 7 3

5 3 7 9 6 1 4 2 8

8 4 6 7 3 2 9 1 5

7 5 2 3 4 9 1 8 6

9 6 4 5 1 8 7 3 2

1 8 3 6 2 7 5 4 9

9 6 7 1 8 4 2 3 5

8 2 9 7 5 3 4 1 6

1 4 8 6 3 2 7 5 9

7 3 6 5 9 8 1 2 4

5 9 4 2 6 1 3 7 8

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 7 2 8 1 5 9 4 3

2 1 5 3 4 6 8 9 7

4 8 3 9 2 7 5 6 1

3 5 1 4 7 9 6 8 2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Wednesday May 1 | 2019

Clover in full bloom as Rusthall finish in style Sheppey United 3 Rusthall 3

By Joe Croker FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL ended their season with a crowd-pleasing thriller after what has been a difficult campaign ending in relegation from the Southern Counties East League Premier Division.

Rusthall conceded after 10 minutes after a home player was pushed from behind inside the visitors’ penalty area.

The assistant referee raised his flag and the players stopped but no penalty was awarded, and Tarik Ibrahim took advantage to score.

In the 31st minute Charley Clover received the ball wide on the right, beat his man and crossed for James Miles to smash in the equaliser.

Rusthall were trying to play out the half when the defence was dispossessed by Ryan Freeman, who ran on and scored.

That gave the home side a 2-1 lead at half-time.

The second half started with Rusthall on the offensive and in the 53rd minute Clover beat the offside trap and ran through to beat the Sheppey goalkeeper with a low drive.

Rusthall took the lead for the first time when Clover scored again the 58th minute, floating a ball over the goalkeeper onto the inside of the post and into the net.

Vulnerable It was not to last as Jono Richardson headed in for Sheppey from a corner, Rusthall having looked vulnerable to these set-pieces during the second half.

Rusthall looked the more likely to find the winner and in added time Raul Powell-Downey broke free, beat the goalkeeper and shot tantalisingly wide.

TAKE THE LEAD Charley Clover scores Rusthall’s third goal

Angels face injury worries for tough play-off Potters Bar Town 2 Tonbridge Angels 1

TURNING HEADS: JOE WINS FANS’ AWARD AGAIN

PHOTO: Wes Filtness/KLM Sports Photography

By Jim Rowe

Joe Turner receives the award for Angels Supporters’ Player of the Year for the second season in a row from vice-president Toni Jarrett. The midfielder has enjoyed another prolific campaign with 16 goals and 12 assists. He is a true crowd favourite, with a sense of expectation arising whenever he takes possession of the ball on the left wing. Runner-up for the award was goalkeeper Jonny Henly.

FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS will have to play their Bostik League Premier play-off semi-final tomorrow [Thursday May 2, kick-off 7.45pm] away from home at Haringey Borough after a defeat in their final league game saw them drop to fourth place.

The team they beat to reach the knockout stage, Carshalton Athletic, leapfrogged over both contenders to secure the runners-up spot in division narrowly on goal difference.

Anti-climax Victory would have given Tonbridge home advantage as the second-placed team but the hosts fully deserved their win.

Tonbridge never really settled and looked vulnerable throughout, perhaps suffering from a sense of anti-climax after the excitement of Easter Monday at Longmead.

Conditions were tricky with high winds, and Jonny Henly had to make a series of important saves in the Tonbridge goal.

The Angels’ cause was not helped when Tom Beere, who had only just returned from an ankle

Fitzpatrick shows form in Sevenoaks triathlon TRIATHLON: ATHLETES from Tunbridge Wells Triathlon Club were on top form in the Sevenoaks Triathlon, taking first and second place in the women’s team standings overall and also runners-up in the men’s.

Twenty-two competitors from the club competed in the event, which was selected to be the club championships this year.

Superb

WELLS DIG DEEP Amy Pay (above) was eighth female home while (far right) Kieran Fitzpatrick came fourth overall

The tough race, which saw more than 330 finishers, consisted of a 400m pool swim, 25km bike leg and an 8km run through Knole Park.

Kieran Fitzpatrick backed up his superb early season form by coming home fourth overall and first for the club, claiming first place in the M30 age category.

Adam Dennis was next home as third M40,

while David Bagge and Michael Thomson battled it out for M50, Bagge finishing second in the age group and Thompson third.

James Sarre, who was competing in his first triathlon, made a fine debut, coming fifth in M40.

First female for the club was European duathlete hopeful Amy Pay. Having started in unfamiliar territory in the pool, she quickly reeled in her competitors on her specialist disciplines to finish eighth overall and fourth in F30.

After a strong swim, Emily Twigg finished less then two seconds behind, claiming fifth in F30 and knocking over 11 minutes off her previous best. Third placed female for the club was Sue Bonner, fifth in F50.

The race was won by Scott Wiseman of Ashford Tri Club in 1hr 22min, four minutes clear of second place. Catherine Linney of 7Oaks Tri Club was first female on home turf in a time of 1:39.

injury, was stretchered in the 24th minute.

On the half-hour the Scholars went ahead after the home forwards chased a series of lost causes and the tricky No 10 Marvin Morgan was able to force the ball into the net.

A minute before half-time Jack Parter’s cross was fumbled by goalkeeper Berkeley Laurencin but there was no one on hand to take advantage.

The hammer blow for the visitors came in the 52nd minute. Potters Bar attacked down the left wing, where much of their attack was focused.

Morgan slipped to Nana Kyei, who made no mistake from from close range.

In the 67th minute the Angels did manage to pull a goal back. Joe Turner’s corner fell loose in front of goal and Sonny Miles saw his effort go in off the post.

As the clocked ticked down, results from elsewhere meant Tonbridge needed to win to secure that home advantage but the strikers could not stamp their authority on proceedings.

McKimm revealed afterwards that Beere, Turner and Craig Stone were all doubtful for the play-off semi-final in east London.

“They will all be assessed, receive treatment as appropriate and hopefully they may be able to play at least a part,” he said.

“Today Potters Bar deserved the win, they adapted to the conditions better and our players didn’t respond to our instructions.”

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Wells Under-18s girls crown superb campaign at Sevens RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS retained their title as hosts of the annual Whiting & Hammond Kent Sevens at St Mark’s, in a festival of rugby stretching over two days.

A record 40 squads participated, with a regional qualifier for England Rugby’s Secure Trading Sevens series on Saturday and Kent County Girls playing at four age groups on Sunday.

Wells beat Richmond Renegades for the second year in a row to win the Men’s Open final 40-5.

Jake Caddy from the home club was named Player of the Tournament.

Penarth Bearbacks from Wales lifted the Social Plate, beating the Colts, a team made up of 17-year-old Wells players who showed great promise in their first venture into senior rugby.

The Kent Under-13s Girls competition was won

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PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

by Heathfield, with Medway Golds as runners-up and Horsham Green in third.

The Under-15s title was won by Aylesford, who were very impressive in a 31-0 win over Medway in the final; Sudbury beat Tunbridge Wells 39-5 in the Plate final.

Uckfield Vixens beat Medway 21-10 in the Under-18s Plate final before the weekend’s rugby reached a fitting finale for the host club.

Tunbridge Wells White defeated Sudbury 21-14 in the Under-18s Cup final, securing victory with try scored by running the length of the field in the dying seconds.

This completed a remarkable clean sweep for Tunbridge Wells Ladies Under-18s.

This season they have also won the Kent League and Cup.

SEVENTH HEAVEN: Wells Girls Under-18s with sponsor Brian Whiting: (Back row, l-r) Hannah Sheehy, Lucy Fitzmaurice, Hannah Lawton, Jemma-Jo Linkins, Catherine Davies, Millie Rabbitt, Katie Hazelden; (front) Amy Dobson, Phoebe Leach, Fiona Tapley (captain), Thea Miles, Amelia Marshall

Watson at the double as TJs end with 13th win on bounce

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS finished their hugely successful campaign in National Two South with a 13th successive victory which secured third place in the division, just outside the playoff berth.

The Bees had already been relegated, but after half an hour they found themselves 14-0 up with TJs unable to threaten the scoreboard.

OVER THE LINE Ryan Jackson crashes over to score

Jeffreys leads Harriers home in sub-three hours in London ATHLETICS: HARRIERS from Tunbridge Wells had a successful trip to the London Marathon with Alex Jeffreys leading the club’s male runners home with a time of 2hr 51min.

He was followed by Tom Woolley in 3:05, with his sister Harriet Woolley (3:07) the first female home two minutes behind him, alongside Tim Lucas (3:07).

They were followed by Geoff Turner (3:18), Cathy Gill (3:18), Steve Austin (3:23), Hayley Larkin (3:29), Nicola Morris (3:31), Harriot Sinclair (3:32), Sonja King (3:42), Martin Hobbs (3.47), Steve Wellstead (3:54), Paul Hollis (3:58), Derek Harrison (4:00), Stella Richardson (4:00), Amanda Smith (4:01), Mark Davey (4:14), Kate Waddell (4:24), Andy Boorman (4:26) and Allan Jones (4:29).

Many fellow Harriers offered their roadside support in the closing miles, having volunteered for marshalling duties for the event.

from a line-out the pack drove a maul over the line for lively hooker Ryan Jackson to score.

Robinson converted with his superbly judged kick curling sharply in with the wind.

Then the Bees’ No 6 was red-carded for a punch and from the next series of plays Charlie Edwards reached No 8 Will Colderick, who dived over for a fourth try.

Robinson’s judgement of the wind was again right on the mark for the conversion.

The Bees hit back with an unconverted try before a break by centre Duncan Tout and a helping hand from May ended with winger Watson handing off his opponent to touch down, the impeccable Robinson adding the extras.

A long move from deep involving many TJ players ended with a converted try for the

TJs finally got hold of the ball and some excellent phase play allowed Toby May to support in the centre and go through under the posts, Will Robinson converting.

The kick-off went straight out in the strong wind, and a TJ break down the left by winger Hugo Watson saw the flying Finlay Coxon-Smith in support.

He showed his strength to hold off defenders and reach over the line to score TJs’ second try.

Robinson converted and again and the visitors went in level at half-time.

TJs kept up the pressure in the second half and

NEARLY THERE Hayley Larkin closes in on the finish line

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

Birmingham Solihull 24 Tonbridge Juddians 47

hard-tackling flanker Truman Sullivan.

Then centre Tom Nicol broke through and was hauled down short of the line. The ball spun out to winger Watson to record his second try, which was not converted.

The resilient Bees launched one last attack and were rewarded with an unconverted try.

TJs had showed resilience in coming from behind to win and the flair to take advantage of their own scoring opportunities.

It was a fitting end to an outstanding season for the Tonbridge side, in which they won 25 of their 30 matches.

They finished just one point behind runners-up Canterbury, who play Chester of National Two North on Saturday [May 4] to determine who will be promoted to National One.