Times of Tunbridge Wells 22nd August 2018

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

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Plan to charge £52 for garden waste collection

GOING NOWHERE

Tennis ace Jo Konta gives up plan to build house Page 2

By Duncan Audsley HOUSEHOLDS in Tunbridge Wells could be charged £52 a year for a new opt-in garden waste collection from 2019, under a borough council [TWBC] plan.

The Conservative-run authority has been accused of considering a ‘stealth tax’ by entering into a waste partnership with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

This agreement, to last a minimum of eight years, would see glass bottles and jars collected for recycling and a separate free weekly collection of food waste. It would be enforced from March 30.

Fly-tipping Critics have welcomed both these proposals, but are unhappy with the £52 fee [which could include the cost of a new brown bin] – especially as it is a 70 per cent rise from the £30 fee suggested last year. The council has predicted 30 per cent of households [around 14,700] will take part.

Bi-weekly collection of garden waste is currently free. The plan would deliver net cost reductions for TWBC of £700,000 a year by 2022/23.

Liberal Democrat Cllr David Neve suggested the move could lead to a rise in fly-tipping. He said: “Here we go again. We will be paying more for less. Are people going to pay to have garden waste taken away, or will they throw it away themselves over a hedge?”

His Lib Dem colleague Cllr Ben

Continued on Page 2

PHOTO: Rose Bainbridge

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

A LITTLE WAITROSE Shell stocks supermarket’s products at garage Page 3

ON PARADE: Hundreds took part in the second Pride march at the weekend and brought a touch of colour to the town. Pages 4-5

MP wants tougher action to stop stalking after her ‘draining’ ordeal

MAKING THE GRADE A level results are released for school leavers Pages 6-9

Tech giants urged to play a greater role in combating the crime

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk WEALDEN MP Nus Ghani is calling for a new initiative to combat stalking after she was hounded for two years by an unknown tormentor.

The Conservative Transport Minister opened up about her ‘incredibly draining’ ordeal for the first time at the weekend, to highlight a campaign to stop stalking.

And she wants the likes of Twitter, Google, Facebook and Microsoft to play a role in the campaign.

Ms Ghani said a man with knowledge of her constituency, which contains

Crowborough, Eridge and Frant by the stalker,” she told the Sunamong other towns, targeted her day Times. “People would get in because she is of Pakistani touch with me and say, ‘this descent and the first female Musman emailed me asking lots of lim minister in the Commons. questions and I responded, The man would follow the MP’s before I realised he was a bit of activity by studying artia nutter’. I kept hearing this cles online and in the man’s [fake] name — he was local press, and would contacting everybody.” email those in contact Ms Ghani is now urging with her to find out more technology companies information and promote such as Twitter, Google, conspiracy theories.

Facebook and Microsoft “I’d have a meeting with to play a greater role in SPEAKING OUT a farmer, say, and that combating stalking.

Wealden MP Nus meeting might end up in Ghani was first the newspaper and that Continued on Page 2 elected in 2015 farmer would be contacted

LOVE FROM RUSSIA Company brings Carmen to The Assembly Hall Page 50

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Stalker was ‘not known to MP’ Continued from Page 1 “Social media companies and those that host IP addresses need to think about their platforms being used for crimes to take place,” she told the newspaper.

“They should also make data available to the police faster. Why does it take so long to locate an IP address?

“In my case, the police decided to take action as the stalker began to make threats via emails and phone calls and we had to be alert to unpleasant post arriving at home.

“But it took weeks for them to get the information they needed to locate the stalker.”

Suspicious Ms Ghani’s ordeal began in 2015 when she was first elected as Wealden MP, but did not know what the man looked like, his name, or even if he was a man – which made her suspicious of those she came into contact with.

She explained: “It could have been anyone. It becomes incredibly emotionally draining because you don’t know what the threat is, when it will become physical, and you’re worried about everyone else you expose to this person.”

Last year police found the unnamed middleaged man, who was not known to the MP. But the search for him took months, a period she described as ‘worst of all’.

Her call for tougher action follows BBC presenter Emily Maitlis talking about her experience of being stalked and Tory MP Sarah Wollaston tabling a Private Member’s Bill that would enable police to intervene earlier.

“Online anonymity means perpetrators often simply get away with it,” said Ms Ghani. “I have long believed the police need powers to intervene early to identify people.”

Speaking to the Times this week, she explained: “There are victims [of stalking], and a victim statistically has 100 incidents before they come forward.

“Social media may be part of our lives but it can create a barrier for the perpetrator to be anonymous.

“We need to find a way to challenge perpetrators and I think social media companies need to help as much as possible.”

Ms Wollaston’s Private Member’s Bill is due to be read at the ‘report stage’ at the House of Commons on November 23.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER WILLIAM MATA will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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Action plan to tackle violent crime after rise in incidents AGENCIES are advising Kent Police on how to best tackle violent crime after a large rise in the number of incidents reported.

Since 2014, the number of violent crimes reported has risen from 2,541 to 5,683 in 2017 across the county. The figure is on the rise again with 6,822 having been reported before the end of June.

Police and Crime Commission-

er [PCC] Matthew Scott hosted a conference with 20 organisations last week to discuss his Violence Reduction Challenge.

Vulnerable At the meeting in Kings Hill the groups, which included charities, care organisations and other emergency services, agreed to work closer together.

A number of ideas were

proposed at the meeting, but an overall solution was not decided, with further meetings to come.

Mr Scott said: “We can say ‘we will spend money here’ or ‘we will copy that model we’ve seen there’ but there’s no point if we don’t know if the scheme will be effective here in Kent.”

There is set to be a plan of action drawn up in the next few months.

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Konta scraps house as Trust cries fault

By Holly Stafford BRITAIN’S top female tennis player Johanna Konta has withdrawn her application to build a fourbedroom house on the edge of Ashdown Forest.

The Australian-born 27-year-old last week abandoned her plans as the proposed development was found to breach planning rules by damaging ancient woods.

Conservation group The Woodland Trust objected to the plans to build on land on the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Konta wanted to build the countryside house for her parents Gabor and Gabrielle.

Glass and food waste collection scheme welcomed Continued from Page 1 Chapelard, the council’s Shadow Leader, said: “Following our campaign for doorstop glass recycling, we welcome news that residents will be able to recycle glass. But this is a brown bin tax that penalises residents who want to recycle.”

Hugo Pound, Chair of Tunbridge Wells Labour Party, said: “This looks like another stealth tax by the council.

“We are delighted that kerb-side glass collections are included in this proposal. But this new opt-in charge is likely to lead to illegal dumping and garden bonfires.”

Efficiencies A Town Hall spokesperson said ‘financial efficiencies’ need to be made because of funding cuts by central government. The reported £30 was the amount charged by other councils but TWBC had not previously confirmed how much it would be.

Tory Cllr Ronen Basu said: “Charging for garden waste brings us in line with other councils in Kent

and allows us to enhance our kerbside collections.

“The change will also be welcomed by those residents who do not have garden waste.”

The council said garden waste should not be mixed with general rubbish but details have not yet been revealed as to how the council will regulate this.

The average charge in Kent is £43.50, with only Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Tonbridge & Malling not charging.

The proposal will be debated by the Communities Cabinet Advisory Board tonight [Wednesday, August 22] and could be passed by the Cabinet on August 30. The authority is also looking to assign a bidder for the contract.

CALVERLEY SQUARE CASTS A SHADOW SINCE garden waste charges were first proposed in November last year, debate has raged as to how it could tie in with the council’s Calverley Square civic complex and theatre project.

The Town Hall has denied that savings from the waste collection could be used to fund the £90million project. A spokesperson said: “The timing of the introduction of new waste and recycling services is not linked to the Calverley Square project.”

But opponents are not convinced. Cllr James Hannam, who rebelled against his Conservative party’s line to vote against civic complex plans in December, previously told the Times: “It is connected. Every last penny

of the £700,000 we will bring in has been earmarked for the civic complex.”

The councillor said he came to this conclusion by analysing the council’s funding plan for the project.

Hugo Pound, Chair of Tunbridge Wells Labour Party, said: “The £52 a year more than covers the costs of collection. Labour suspects the council will use any excess to fund the new civic complex.

“Labour would support this initiative if priced to only cover costs. If a penny is going elsewhere, it’s just another rip-off by a Tory local council denied funds by a Tory central government.”

Tory President upsets party by using his title in attack on May

By Andy Tong THE President of the Tonbridge & Malling Conservative Association has been criticised by his own party after he called for Prime Minister Theresa May to resign in a letter to a national newspaper.

Jacques Arnold, the former MP for Gravesham and a prominent supporter of Brexit, wrote to the Daily Telegraph criticising the Conservative leader for her ‘Chequers’ White Paper on leaving the EU. He also lambasted Mrs May for her treatment of Boris Johnson after he criticised Muslim women for wearing burkas, saying they looked like ‘letter boxes’ and ‘bank robbers’.

by Tory party Chairman Brandon Lewis – and Mrs May agreed with him.

Mr Arnold added: “Now, she has arraigned a senior parliamentary colleague, in his absence abroad, for investigation on anonymous allegations of racism, Islamophobia and sexism.

In 50 years of service to the party, I have never known such discourtesy and malevolence.

Hard-earned Mr Arnold signed the letter with his official title, and the West Kent Conservative Association has said he should have expressed his views as a private citizen rather than using his office.

Mr Arnold wrote: “The Prime Minister went behind the back of her responsible Cabinet colleague to produce an alternative White Paper on Brexit.”

He went on to say that she had ‘spent £100,000 of hard-earned party funds to circulate individual members with a mendacious interpretation of her White Paper’.

Mr Johnson, the former Foreign Secretary who resigned last month over the Chequers plan, was told to apologise for his comments about burkas

TAKE YOUR LEAVE: Jacques Arnold called Theresa May ‘an embarrassment’ and ‘a humiliation’

“Theresa May has indeed created a nasty party.

She is at best an embarrassment, and at worst a humiliation for our great party and country.

Enough is enough. She must go.”

Andrew Kennedy, Agent and Campaign Director for the West Kent Conservatives, told the Times: “Mr Arnold was writing in a personal capacity and should not have signed his letter as President of the Tonbridge & Malling Conservative Association.”

He said: “Like all members of the public, Conservative Party members hold a wide range of views on Brexit.

“Members are entitled to express their views (we are a democracy and debate is a good thing) but they should do so in a personal capacity.”

Tom Tugendhat, the Conservative MP for Tonbridge & Malling, said: “It’s no surprise that as the Brexit talks are reaching their conclusion, tensions in all political parties are rising.

“Jacques Arnold is entitled to his views but I am assured that he was speaking in a personal capacity, and not on behalf the association.”

Mr Tugendhat was identified by the Telegraph as one of 15 ‘Brexit mutineers’ on its front page in November after they threatened to vote against a bill to enshrine the Brexit date in law.

“Most members who I speak to just to want to get on with it and focus on the issues that will make a real difference to our lives.”

Mr Arnold was the MP for Gravesham from 1987 until the Labour landslide 1997, and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent. He was Chairman of the local constituency party from 2012-16.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Investigation launched after woman dies in fire AN elderly woman has died after her house in Mount Sion, Tunbridge Wells, caught fire last week.

Peggy Northwood, who was in her 80s, became trapped as smoke filled the ground floor. Emergency services have launched an investigation.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service responded shortly after 1am on Thursday [August 16] and Ms Northwood was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital, where she died.

The fire is being treated as nonsuspicious and an inquest date has not yet been set.

Denny’s backs charity

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Wednesday August 22 | 2018

NEWS

Congestion and bus changes as two sets of roadworks hit home JOURNEY times for some Tunbridge Wells motorists and bus passengers have lengthened this week with two sets of roadworks being completed simultaneously.

Delays of up to half an hour have been reported, with Highways teams from Kent County Council working on two town centre roads.

‘Could passengers please use the bus stops at the War Memorial during this work’

Completion of this work has led to heavy traffic in some sections of town, including the High Street and Mount Pleasant.

Lorries have also been witnessed attempting to turn around along Vale Road, after spotting the lane closure – the manoeuvre causing further delays to traffic behind.

For bus passengers the work has also had an effect with the stops outside the Great Hall Arcade currently out of action. This has left passengers faced with a walk to a temporary stop outside the Town Hall on Mount Pleasant.

Arriva has displayed a sign reading: “Could passengers please use the bus stops at the War Memorial during this work. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

The firm said this had potential to last until early September but could not say if anybody had been in contact to complain.

The county council has also been approached for comment.

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DENNY’S PLACE barber shop on Grosvenor Road will be raising money for local children’s charity Tree of Hope this year at the annual Denny’s Fest on September 1.

From 9am to 7pm Denny’s Place is offering half-price haircuts, the 14 Arrows tattoo studio will ink tattoos for £30 and The Beauty Rooms have discounts on a range of treatments.

The entertainment will be provided by two comedians and a magician, live bands and acoustic artists, as well as a programme of games for children.

A bar and barbecue will offer refreshments, and there will be raffles for adults and children with all prizes donated by local businesses.

As Little Waitrose opens we ask: What about a Big One?

Art returns to Common

By William Mata

THE Southborough & District Lions Club will be holding their annual August Bank Holiday Art & Crafts Fair for three days from Saturday [August 25] to Monday.

The event will take place on Southborough Common outside the entrance to Meadows School daily from 10am to 5pm, and will be opened by the Mayor of Southborough, Cllr Mo Uddin, and Lion President Jacqui Jedrzejewski.

Nevill Street is closed from August 13 to September 3 to allow drainage work to be completed.

The left-hand lane of Vale Road has been closed to allow Kent Highways to complete scaffolding work from August 6 to September 3.

Meanwhile, in Grove Hill Road a skip is causing some incursion from August 15-23.

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk IT’S the news Tunbridge Wells has been waiting for: A Waitrose has finally opened.

Well, kind of. The upmarket supermarket is now selling products in the reopened Shell garage on St John’s Road.

Little Waitrose, as the petrol station shop has been named, opened on Friday [August 17] and stocks a

selection of products found in larger supermarkets.

Mayor Len Horwood cut the ribbon and his wife Judy was the first customer. Shell closed its doors in January for the refurbishment.

Complimentary

MP seeks rail change PERFORMANCE on the train line that links Eridge, Crowborough and Ashurst has ‘failed to improve,’ according to Wealden MP Nus Ghani.

The Conservative last week met with Rail Minister Jo Johnson to discuss what can be done on the Southern-controlled line, which provides a key link from East Sussex to London.

RUSH HOUR: Traffic backs up along Tunbridge Wells High Street

PUMPED UP: Mayor Len Horwood opens the Waitrose store at the garage

Regulars at the Tonbridge and Crowborough branches of the supermarket have come to appreciate the My Waitrose offers in the shop, including a complimentary cup of tea or coffee with any purchase.

These will not be available at the Little Waitrose. Instead, Costa Coffee is offered to customers in store, but there will be a charge.

Ed Hall, Shell UK Alliance and Strategy Manager, said: “We’re pleased to announce the re-opening of Shell St John’s.

“Working with Waitrose, we are bringing an updated and expanded store to our customers in Tunbridge Wells,” he added.

“The service station now offers a great range of products for customers, whatever they need – whether that be grabbing a coffee or quick snack during a rest stop, or picking up groceries for tonight’s dinner.”

Now the town has a Little Waitrose, how about getting a Big Waitrose? It’s something residents have been pressing for over the years.

The Times yesterday [Tuesday] put the question to Waitrose bosses.

A spokesman said: “Beyond the one shop opening we have in the pipeline later this year, we are not currently exploring opportunities for any new sites in the UK and are instead focused on investing in improvements to our existing estate.”

That’s a ‘no’ then…

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Wednesday August 22 | 2018

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk HUNDREDS joined a colourful celebration of Tunbridge Wells’ LGBTQ community in the second annual Pride.

Pride Chairperson Jazz Alexander estimated that 1,000 people took part in events throughout Saturday [August 18], which included a march from the clock tower outside Royal Victoria Place to The Forum, where music and performances were staged.

Ms Alexander, who heads a five-member organising committee, said: “It went really well, it was a good turn-out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves – they kept saying ‘thanks’.”

But she added: “We are still testing the waters in Tunbridge Wells. It is only the second event and some people are still offended by it. It is meant to be a peaceful protest for a basic human right, but we do have fun.”

Musician Miss Luna Lestrange and ‘drag king’ Chiyo Gomez were among the performers at The Forum.

The organisers’ job was made easier by mild weather and local businesses, such as Oxfam Bookshop and Chapel Place Wine Bar,

PHOTOS: Rose Bainbridge

Pride march ‘tests the waters’ as plans made for third event

‘It is meant to be a peaceful protest for a basic human right, but we do have fun’

OVER A RAINBOW Pride was enjoyed by large crowds

decorating their shopfronts specially. Passengers at Tunbridge Wells railway station were offered Pride-themed ticket holders.

One disappointment for organisers was that the march again took place along pavements because they had been unable to secure permission to close roads.

However, Ms Alexander believes that with comparable attendance numbers to last year, the event has now become a firm fixture in the town’s calendar.

“We have moved forward [in attitudes

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide page, which shows a sign-post to The Pantiles, suggests the location of next year’s events.

“I would love to have a full-on festival in Calverley Grounds,” continued Ms Alexander, who is aiming for a Local & Live Music Festival-style event for their fifth Pride.

“For next year, we want the roads to be closed. I would like to have floats going down the road.

“We are aiming to stage it at The Pantiles and use its Bandstand. To have the parade there would be beautiful.”

She added: “I would like to say thanks to everyone that came and for raising money towards our chosen charity Allsorts Youth Project, who help people get re-homed.”

Amanda Turner of the Tunbridge Wells Women’s Equality Party who attended the march said: “We believe equality is better for everyone.

“We were there to celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance alongside the LGBTQ community and take a positive stance against discrimination and violence.”

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Petition against centre presented to Town Council OPPONENTS to the proposed £2.3million Paddock Wood Community Centre must now wait to hear their fate.

Early plans, which have been passed by Paddock Wood Town Council, set out a vision to build a multi-use hub on Memorial Field to hold 300 people, which can be used for sport and by community groups.

It has been hailed as a ‘long overdue’ development and the council is now moving forward to RIBA Stage 3, a key part of the planning process.

But critics have raised concerns about noise, lack of car parking spaces, flooding risks and a general lack of consultation.

Abandon towards the LGBTQ community] but there is still a long way to go before it is equal rights,” she said.

“I have trans friends who have been groped. There is still a lot of hate crime against people in this community.

“I have experienced it [bad feeling] in Tunbridge Wells and all over [the country].

Safe “It is a shame there are not many places where people can feel safe to be who they are,” she added. “I want to make Tunbridge Wells one of those places.”

And Pride will return to Tunbridge Wells next year, with organisers having already announced the date of August 17.

It is self-funded and organisers do not take sponsorship from businesses, but do accept donations from individuals to meet running costs.

Ms Alexander was tight-lipped about next year’s details at this stage but a new logo on Pride’s Facebook

A petition calling on the Town Council to abandon plans for the project has now received more than 350 online supporters and 470 paper signatures.

Wendy Morris presented the petition she started in a council meeting on Monday [August 20] which was attended by 30 supporters.

Further debate was not possible because according to standard local government practice, seven days’ notice is required to add a discussion item to the agenda.

The authority’s Chairman, Cllr Meryl Flashman, said it will now be on the agenda for the meeting on September 17.

Ms Morris said: “We are not against a Community Centre being built but feel this is the wrong location.

“I did not expect the discussion to happen at the meeting. I would encourage all to come to the next meeting in September.”

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Wednesday August 22 | 2018 PHOTOS: Craig Matthews

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HAPPY FAMILY: Bennett Memorial’s Gideon Griffiths is congratulated by family after securing an A*, A and B

Students hit their grades but fewer head off to university

By William Mata and Holly Stafford will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

BENNETT MEMORIAL: Edd Ansell, David Nesrallah, Charlotte Wenham, Tahmid Chowdhury, Tom Chandler and Adam Creasey enjoy the moment after receiving their results

STUDENTS responded to revised A level exams by achieving top grades, despite some schools noting results were down on last year.

Headteachers praised the performance of their students, but noted ‘fewer than usual’ were now going to university, with more now considering apprenticeships or employment.

The results, released on Thursday [August 16], showed students across the UK recorded the highest number of A* and A grades since 2012.

This was reflected at Weald of Kent Grammar School in Tonbridge, where 38 per cent of students, their highest level ever, achieved the top two grades.

It was the last set of results in Maureen Johnson’s time as Headteacher before she retires. She said:

“It was the first year of a linear system – with no AS exams at the end of Year 12 [lower sixth], which has been a challenge.

“I am very pleased with the results, which I would put down to hard work by the students and support from staff and parents.”

Apprenticeships However, headteachers noted some exams were markedly tougher for students this year, which could have led to lower grades in some subjects – notably sciences.

Many leavers are now set for university, but headteachers have noticed a growing trend of leavers taking a year out or starting an apprenticeship instead.

Continued on Page 8

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide high university fees and they can find different routes to the same results.”

Rebecca Malone, Head of Sixth Form at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells, added: “The majority of students are going to university, but apprenticeships are becoming more popular. They have worked really hard this year.”

Tomorrow [August 23] will see students receiving their GCSE results. For a report, visit our website, theknow.guide

THE JUDD SCHOOL: Rohan Shiatis, Moya Thomas and Daniel Starkey after a nervous wait

Continued from page 6 Edward Wesson, Headmaster at The Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells, said the number of exams passed with an A* to B grade was 77 per cent – 2 per cent down from the result last year.

“It is very hard to get an A*, so we are very pleased with the results, and students are getting into [their chosen] universities,” he said.

“There is a smaller number of 18 year olds in this year group because of a population drop, and universities are looking to fill their places.

“Some of them are offering unconditional places – but we want students to work for the best A levels they can.

“We have more students not going to university than usual, and some are taking high level apprenticeships. Some have been put off by the

THE SKINNERS’ SCHOOL: Oscar Hussey achieved three A*s and one A

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

A level round-up: How did the other schools get on?

Mayfield School received excellent news, THE JUDD SCHOOL in Tonbridge saw 25 per cent with students securing places at prestigious of all exam results achieving A* [it was 28 per universities such as Oxford and Durham. cent last year] and 85 per cent earning an A* to Headmistress Antonia Beary said: “Once B – a similar result to 2017.

The school’s Head Girl, Moya Thomas, achieved again our girls have excelled across the board, an A*, an A and an M1 grade in a Cambridge confirming the strength in breadth and depth Pre-U qualification – an alternative to an A level. for which Mayfield is acclaimed. I continue to be She is now looking to study medicine at delighted by our girls.”

University of East Anglia and said: “I have loved Kent College, at Pembury, saw 20 per cent of every minute here and I could not have achieved students recording at least one A*. this without the support from Judd.”

Student Tara Davis, who achieved three As Headteacher Jon Wood said: “I am delighted and one A*, said: “I am really grateful to the for our students, who have yet again achieved Science Department for everything they have outstanding results.” done to help me get into Bath University to study biochemistry in September.”

At Weald of Kent Grammar School, Beacon Academy in Crowborough triplets Hattie, Rosie and Issie Dinnis celebrated another year of success, with 87 all scored A grades. This helped the per cent of students achieving A* to C and Tonbridge secondary to its best ever 50 per cent getting A* to B. A level performance in terms of the Head of Sixth Form Steve Baker said: percentage of A* and A “We are incredibly proud of our students. grades achieved.

“All Year 13 students have worked In his final A level exam announcement before he retires incredibly hard under really as Head of Governors, David challenging circumstances, once Bower said: “It is a fantastic again, to achieve these set of results and a great impressive results.” day for Weald.”

Benenden School saw 31 There was also good news per cent of exams passed at St Gregory’s Catholic at A* grade.

School in Tunbridge Wells, Headmistress where 44 per cent of grades Samantha Price said: were A* to B grades and 76 “Benenden girls have per cent A* to C. not only achieved Headteacher Sean academic outcomes that McQuillan said: “This is they can be very proud another great set of results, of, they also leave us particularly given the more fully prepared for the HEADTEACHER rigorous and challenging next exciting phase of Jon Wood courses now being studied.” their lives.”

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Wednesday August 22 | 2018

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WOULD I GO TO UNIVERSITY AGAIN?

WHITE PAPER READING St Gregory’s Catholic School Name of school

Bennett Memorial Diocesan School Weald of Kent Grammar School The Judd School Beechwood Sacred Heart School Hillview School for Girls Beacon Academy Kent College Benenden School St Gregory’s Catholic School The Skinners’ School Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Tonbridge Grammar School The Hayesbrook School Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School Mayfield School The Skinners’ Kent Academy

Percentage of exams passed with grades A* to B [2017 figure in brackets] 47 [58] 73 85 46 No data 50 No data 86 44 [40] 77 [77] No data No data 32 [41] 81 [78.7] 80 No data

Percentage of exams passed with grades A* to C [2017 figure in brackets] 77 [83] No data No data 68 No data 87 No data 96 76 [70] 94 No data No data 57 94 [92] No data No data

Former Bennett Memorial student Holly Stafford on why she might not say yes to university again…

RESULTS day is that day as a student you both earnestly await and dread. For me it was simple: Get some A levels and then off to university, not because I was pressured or that was my only option, but because it was what the majority of students were doing in the Tunbridge Wells area.

I am currently in my last year at university, studying journalism at the University of Staffordshire. If I were to ask myself: ‘Would I go to university again?’ I would not be so sure that I would say yes.

The ‘university experience’ which everyone harps on about is one which I will cherish for a long time because it has provided me with

some lifelong friendships and has made me into the independent young person that I am.

However, is it worth £30,000?

Perhaps not, because with journalism going to university is not the only route you can take.

Going to university has provided me with great life skills and an education which is universally recognised. However, I would perhaps consider getting an apprenticeship and doing my professional exams on the side.

Students who have just got their results should remember it is not too late to reconsider other options to your profession, and that university is not something which should be taken on lightly.

It is a big commitment, so be sure it is what you want.

WEALD OF KENT GRAMMAR SCHOOL: Charlie Brooks, Zac Weare, Frankie Smith-Morris and Harvey Kennard

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BUSINESS

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Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Manager reaches new heights with skydive DAYS OF SUNSHINE Nathan Ruthven takes a dive for charity

THE Manager of the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel has raised £1,600 in a charity skydive.

Nathan Ruthven, who describes himself as ‘far from an adrenaline junkie’, set a target of £1,000 to drop 12,000ft from the sky in support of Rays of Sunshine, a charity that brightens the lives of seriously ill children in the UK.

He said: “Even if this makes a difference to just one child and puts a smile on their or their families’ face, then it’s been more than worth it.”

Mr Ruthven is already planning his next challenge for the charity, and he has also inspired his colleagues and guests. To donate to his cause, search for Nathan Ruthven at btplc.com/mydonate

Car drivers fight back over 20 per cent rise in pre-paid Dart Charge

By Holly Stafford

TAKING ITS TOLL The Dartford Crossing

THOUSANDS of car drivers are showing their anger over last week’s announcement that those using the online pre-pay system for the Dartford Crossing are to face a 20 per cent price increase.

On hearing the news, 52-year-old user Jayne Phillips, a numerologist from Strood who uses the crossing daily, instantly launched an online petition which has gained nearly 6,000 signatures in less than one week.

Not only does it protest the rise, but also calls for the Dart Charge to be dropped completely in line with the promise made when the Dartford Bridge was created in 1991 to increase capacity.

Penalty Highways England announced on August 13 that car drivers using the Dart Charge pre-paid account system will pay £2 per use of the tunnel or bridge when the new rate kicks in from October 1. This is compared to the £1.67 currently paid.

It is also possible to pay £2.50 online on a tripby-trip basis. This cost will remain the same.

Drivers who fail to pay the charge by midnight the day after the trip are liable to a penalty fee.

Valerie Amar-Matthews, of Highways England, said: “More than a million people are eligible to save money on every crossing at Dartford after having signed up to the Dart Charge pre-pay account. After nine years of operating a 33 per cent discount for cars, the Department for Transport has reviewed how fairly the benefits to account holders are spread across different vehicle types,

and have aligned the Class B rate more closely to Classes C and D.” Ms Phillips’ petition to Highways England is headed ‘Dartford Crossing Price increase’ and asks “To not increase the dart charge prices but to stop further charging”.

Some of the motorists who signed the petition made their feelings known in the comment section. One wrote: “It is disgusting they want to raise the toll price and do nothing to contribute to or figure out a way to reduce congestion around this area.”

It can be found at 38degrees.org.uk

Employers struggling to fill some vacancies after fall in jobseekers

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE number of people looking for work in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge has fallen again, according to latest figures.

Office for National Statistics data, released last week, showed a decline in people signing on for Jobseeker’s Allowance in July, alongside a national trend.

For July, the number of claimants in Tunbridge Wells’ borough was 595, a fall of 60 from the same month the year before. For Tonbridge & Malling, the figure of 695 was 20 fewer than the 2017 total.

Locally the job market has been helped by leading brands John Lewis at Home, YMCA West Kent, Wagamama and Crossways Community all recruiting.

Andrew Holmes, Partnership Manager for Maidstone & Tonbridge

Jobcentres, said: “It is a very positive market.

Employers are coming to us because they are struggling to fill vacancies. There are a lot of opportunities out there. We have been working very closely with employers.”

Vibrant Alok Sharma, Minister for Employment, said the national unemployment rate was at a 43-year low.

“It is also very good that we are seeing wages continuing to outpace inflation for the fifth month in a row,” he commented.

Esther McVey, Work and Pensions Secretary, added: “In fact the UK’s vibrant jobs market is benefitting people across the board.

“Record rates of ethnic minority people in work also show that more families across our society are benefitting from the security of a job, with Esther McVey wages also on the increase.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Homebase store is not among those to close THE Homebase store in Tunbridge Wells is not one of the 42 branches facing closure in the latest round of cutbacks.

Around 1,500 jobs are at risk with the DIY chain announcing a nationwide downsizing programme, after being sold in May. Homebase closed its Tonbridge store some time ago, but the store in Broadwater Lane, near Tunbridge Wells West station, will stay open.

Car dealers expand CAR dealers the Motorline Group have acquired the dealership of East Kent Audi in a sale overseen by Tunbridge Wellsbased law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore.

The agreement was announced last week, and will see Motorline – who have a Volkswagen showroom at North Farm – adding to their portfolio.

Motorline Chairman Glen Obee said: “We are delighted to have completed this deal, which gives us our first Audi business.”

RBS branch closes A BRANCH of the Royal Bank of Scotland has closed on Mount Pleasant in Tunbridge Wells.

In May, the troubled bank’s management announced the shopfront and cashpoint would be one of 162 branches closing across the UK. The move led to 792 jobs being lost.

Kent towns Maidstone and Dartford also saw their branches close.

RBS still under review by the Financial Conduct Authority for historic advice issues.

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Local News

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Tonbridge 100 brings home living history of Great War Poppy Appeal Organiser AN ESTIMATED 5,000 visitors attended a special centenary celebration of the end of World War 1 held at Tonbridge Castle last weekend [August 17-19].

Tonbridge 100, hosted by a team of volunteers led by social historian Pam Mills, began in style with the arrival of a replica Mark IV tank, which was delivered to the High Street and made its way up Castle Street.

The event was opened by the Mayor of Tonbridge, Pam Bates.

Each day, the first train into Tonbridge from Strood became a ‘troop train’, with a living history group arriving and marching up the High Street to the sound of bagpipes played by Dennis Newman.

Castle Lawn was the centre of activities and visitors from as far afield as Belgium and the United States were entertained by singalong king Tom Carradine, accompanied by Sarah Dacey, as they led the crowd in wartime and patriotic song.

The actions of animals in war were marked by a search dog demonstration and exciting displays by horses and riders of the Sussex Yeomanry.

A 1918-style military encamp-

ment was set up by the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group and one of the re-enactors, Richard Heald, said: “This has been the best town-sized show we have done since the group was formed nine years ago. We were amazed by the amount of people.”

Young visitors were ‘enlisted’ by army recruiters before being put through their paces in drill instruction and assault courses.

‘History is for sharing – that’s what we did’ Two other important centenaries were marked, with South Tonbridge Women’s Institute remembering the actions of the women who won the right to vote, and Tonbridge Royal Air Force Air Cadets of 2520 Squadron presenting the 100-year history of the Royal Air Force.

THE FIRST TO FALL On Thursday [August 23] a short service will be held at the Memorial Garden in Tonbridge at 7.15pm to mark the first soldier from the town to die in the war: Philip Hobden of the Royal West Kent Regiment who fought at the battle of Mons.

Static displays also recalled the tragedy of HMS Hythe, the community of local Belgian refugees and the role of the Voluntary Aid Detachment hospital.

There But Not There silhouettes, created by Penshurst artist Martin Barraud, stood guard and the Royal Engineers and Queen’s Ghurka Engineers brought a Husky armoured vehicle as a contrast to the previous century’s equipment.

Mrs Mills said: “It’s been brilliant. We did what we said on the tin: Educate and entertain. I have seen so many lovely comments I have lost count.

“I’m so happy we put on an event that attracted so many people. History is for sharing and that’s what we did.”

More than £2,000 was raised for the Royal British Legion’s Tonbridge Poppy Appeal through donation buckets and the sale of special poppies made by local artist Mark Willson from recycled materials.

Tonbridge Farmers Market provided food and drink stalls, and the event was generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Warners Solicitors, Clarke Williams Insurance Brokers, J D Wetherspoon, Kent County Council, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Tonbridge Lions and Rotary clubs.

FLOWER POWER (L-R) Poppy Appeal volunteers Julie Lawrence and Jenny Lewis with Billie Negus of the Royal British Legion

NO STOPPING The Mark IV tank rumbles up Castle Street; (left) Vickers machine gun

PHOTOS: Stephanie Jaynes Photography

By Carl Lewis

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

WAR ZONE A field hospital is recreated on Castle Lawn

National News

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Forget 10,000 steps a day, says Google GOOGLE has redesigned its fitness app to redefine the ‘10,000 steps a day’ exercise goal currently used by many fitness trackers.

A new version of its Google Fit app that works on smartphones and wearables will focus on users earning Move Minutes and Heart Points rather than counting steps.

The company said its research showed that many people found the idea of 10,000 steps a day an intimidating goal.

Caesareans refused PREGNANT women requesting a caesarean section face multiple barriers from the majority of NHS trusts in the UK and are sometimes refused outright, new research has revealed.

Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) state that all women who ask for a caesarean should be offered one if, after support and discussion with a doctor, they feel it is best for them.

But a report by childbirth charity Birthrights found that only 26 per cent of trusts were abiding by the guidelines and many women faced delays and difficulties in requesting a caesarean on non-medical grounds.

New record for Bieber SINGER Justin Bieber has broken his own record after the remix of chart-topping single Despacito became the most streamed song worldwide, according to Guinness World Records. It was streamed almost five billion times.

Javid committed to righting wrongs of Windrush scandal THE Home Secretary Sajid Javid has apologised to 18 members of the Windrush generation who may have been wrongfully removed from the UK or held in immigration detention.

He took the step after a review by his department provided the clearest indication yet of the impact of the scandal.

A trawl of nearly 12,000 historical records has uncovered evidence suggesting 18 people suffered ‘detriment’ because their right to be in the country was not recognised.

The finding relates to individuals whose records indicate that they came to the UK from the Caribbean prior to 1973 and stayed permanently.

But they were unable to demonstrate ‘continuous residence’, resulting in them being removed or detained in an immigration removal facility or a reporting centre.

Eleven people voluntarily departed, with some having been served with immigration enforcement notices informing them they had no right to be in the UK. None of the 11 was held in detention. In a further seven cases, people were detained and subsequently released without being removed.

The review also identified 74 individuals who it would appear were either detained or removed because they had lost their entitlement to indefinite leave to remain after leaving the UK for more than two years. A further 72 people were detained temporarily at the border but allowed to enter.

APOLOGY Immigrants arriving at Tilbury in 1948 and (inset) Sajid Javid Mr Javid said: “The experiences faced by some members of the Windrush generation are completely unacceptable and I am committed to righting the wrongs of the past.

“I would like to personally apologise to those identified in our review and am committed to providing them with the support and compensation they deserve.”

Ministers faced a furious backlash over the treatment of the Windrush generation – named after a ship that brought migrants to Britain from the Caribbean in 1948.

Commonwealth citizens who arrived before 1973 were automatically granted indefinite leave to remain under the 1971 Immigration Act. But some have lost their jobs, been denied access to NHS treatment and had their driving licences withdrawn despite living in the UK legally for decades.

NEWS

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National and Business News

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

FORMER CHIEF Sir Norman Bettison outside Preston Crown Court

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF

New Chairman gets on board at Hornby TROUBLED toymaker Hornby has appointed a new Chairman to oversee a turnaround plan at the firm.

John Stansfield, who has been Hornby’s finance chief for the last 12 years, replaces Lyndon Davies, who will step down from the interim Chairman position to focus on his role as Chief Executive of Hornby.

Earlier this year, the Kent-based company, best known for its model railways and Scalextric car race tracks, reported pre-tax losses of £10.1million for the year to March 31, up from losses of £9.5million a year earlier. That was against a near-25 per cent drop in revenue to £35.7million.

Higher surplus logged

Hillsborough families seek review after police chief misconduct case is dropped HILLSBOROUGH families plan to call for a review of the decision not to prosecute former police chief Sir Norman Bettison, after the case against him was discontinued.

Sir Norman, aged 62, had been charged with four counts of misconduct in a public office, all relating to alleged lies he told following the disaster at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final, in which 96 Liverpool fans died.

At a hearing before judge Sir Peter Openshaw at Preston Crown Court yesterday [Tuesday], Sarah Whitehouse QC, prosecuting, said the proceedings would be discontinued as there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.

She said that, under the victims’ right of review process, those with a ‘significant’ interest in the case had three months to seek a review of the decision.

Margaret Aspinall, Chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, said: “We have grave concerns about the handling of this case by the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] and can confirm that we will be exercising our right to an independent review under the right to review scheme.”

Sir Norman had been a Chief Inspector in South Yorkshire Police at the time of the disaster.

He was off duty on the day but in the aftermath of the tragedy was part of a team tasked with

finding material for police lawyers to present to the public inquiry led by Lord Justice Taylor.

He was charged with misconduct for allegedly telling lies about his role in the disaster in 1998, when he applied for the Chief Constable’s job at Merseyside Police, and in 2012 when the Hillsborough Independent Panel report was published.

Political interference Paul Greaney QC, defending Sir Norman, said he was an ‘innocent man’ and that there had been ‘naked political interference’ in the case.

Speaking outside court, Sir Norman said the decision to discontinue the case ‘vindicated’ his position.

He added: “Six years ago, I was driven from the job that had been my vocation for 40 years, and some commentators, who didn’t really know anything about me or the facts, rushed to judgement and predetermined my guilt.”

Sir Norman was charged after the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) carried out the biggest criminal investigation into alleged police misconduct ever carried out in England and Wales.

Five other men, including Hillsborough match commander David Duckenfield, are due to face trial for offences related to the disaster next year.

THE Government has logged its largest July surplus in 18 years according to official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

They show public sector net borrowing, excluding state-owned banks, was in surplus by £2billion in July, £1billion more than the surplus logged in July 2017.

Economists expected a surplus of £1.1billion.

The figures also showed that the deficit, excluding banks, in the current financial year to date was £12.8billion, which is £8.5billion less than during the same period in 2017.

Million pound invite NEARLY 500 banks, lenders and fintech firms will finally receive details on how to access a £77million fund from Royal Bank of Scotland after months of delays to the scheme.

The Banking Competition Remedies [BCR] body, which is to distribute the cash, said on Tuesday that it is sending invites to ‘eligible bodies’ for a market event in central London in late September.

Flagship store survives HOUSE of Fraser’s flagship outlet on London’s Oxford Street has been saved from closure. The key site had been due to close when the department store group announced a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in June. It collapsed into administration, before being snapped up by Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct. * For local business news, see page 10.

Higher fuel prices for drivers heading for a bank holiday weekend getaway DRIVERS embarking on a bank holiday getaway will be hit by fuel prices at a four-year high with unleaded petrol costing an average of £1.29 per litre and diesel £1.33 per litre, according to Government figures.

Unleaded prices have not been this high since August 2014, while diesel is at its most expensive since September 2014.

Those planning a day out may be concerned that Met Office forecasts suggest a cold front will bring cooler conditions by Friday, with temperatures in the ‘mid to high teens at best’ by the start of the weekend.

The RAC said its research suggests 11.2million people have planned a car journey for a day trip or extended break between Thursday and bank holiday Monday, while a further 3.2million intend to drive during the period but are undecided on which day.

Highways England is lifting or completing more than 300 miles of roadworks from motor-

ways and major A roads from Friday morning.

The busiest times on the road for getaway trips are expected to be on Friday and Saturday, with 3.6million cars on both days.

Traffic information supplier Inrix warned that some journeys will take almost four times longer than. The most delayed route is expected to be the M5 from junction four to junction one in the West Midlands between 1pm and 6pm on Friday, when journeys with a typical travel time of 21 minutes could take an extra hour.

On Saturday the M1 is predicted to be badly affected from junction 22 to junction 25 in the East Midlands, with journey times increasing from a typical 16 minutes to 62 minutes.

Other stretches of road where jams are anticipated include the M20 from junction nine to junction three in the South-east between 7.30am and 9.30am on Friday Monday is a public holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not Scotland.

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National News

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

SPORT IN BRIEF

Franco could be exhumed

by Spanish government

New baby could end Cook’s run of Tests

SPAIN’S government is seeking legal amendments to ensure the remains of former dictator General Francisco Franco can be exhumed in the near future.

Spain’s new centre-left government has made removing Franco from the Valley Of The Fallen, a mausoleum 30 miles northwest of Madrid, one of its headline policies.

The amendments aim to block an expected legal challenge to an exhumation from Franco’s descendants and supporters.

Culture Minister Jose Guirao said on Tuesday the amendments are likely to be approved at a Cabinet meeting on Friday and the government believes it has enough cross-party support to get the amendments approved in parliament next month.

ENGLAND are set to name Alastair Cook in their squad for next week’s fourth Test, hoping that the birth of his third child does not clash with the match in Southampton.

The penultimate match of the Specsavers series will get under way on August 30, and the 33-year-old holds the unique distinction for the longest unbroken run of Test appearances in the history of the sport worldwide.

Should Cook’s wife Alice give birth next week, the leading contender to deputise for him is the uncapped Surrey batsman Rory Burns.

Children’s guns on film INDONESIAN officials claim a street parade involving veiled nursery-age children carrying replica weapons has been misinterpreted.

A video of the parade, one of the thousands held across Indonesia on Friday to mark independence, went viral on Facebook and police want to question the person who uploaded it as it may have been edited to convey the wrong impression.

Flood waters subside THE INDIAN military has scaled down rescue operations in the popular tourist destination of Kerala where intense floods caused by monsoon rains have left more than 220 people dead and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. The navy has rescued nearly 16,000 people in the state.

OUTRAGE Jakiw Palij

Former Nazi camp guard who lied about his past deported from US A NAZI war crimes suspect was deported from the US to Germany yesterday [Tuesday] after being taken from his home in New York City.

The deportation of the 95-year-old former concentration camp guard, Jakiw Palij, came 25 years after investigators first confronted him about his Second World War past. He admitted lying to get into the US but claimed he had spent the war as a farmer and factory worker.

Secret Palij lived quietly in the US for years, as a draughtsman and then as a pensioner, until nearly three decades ago, when investigators found his name on an old Nazi roster and a fellow former guard spilled the secret that he was living somewhere in America.

Palij told Justice Department investigators who showed up at his door in 1993: “I would never have received my visa if I told the truth. Everyone lied.”

A judge stripped Palij of his citizenship in 2003

for ‘participation in acts against Jewish civilians’ when he served as an armed guard at the Trawniki camp in Nazi-occupied Poland and was ordered to be deported a year later.

But because Germany, Poland, Ukraine and other countries refused to take him, he continued living in limbo at his home in Queens he shared with his wife, Maria, now 86.

His continued presence there outraged the Jewish community, attracting frequent protests over the years.

Palij has admitted serving in Trawniki but denied any involvement in war crimes.

The deportation came after weeks of diplomatic negotiations, which the White House said President Donald Trump had made a priority.

Germany’s Interior Ministry and Justice Ministry and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office did not comment on where Palij would be taken in Germany and what exactly would happen to him in the future.

Accolade for Beckham DAVID BECKHAM is to receive the 2018 UEFA President’s Award for his ‘outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities’, said European football’s governing body.

The former England captain, who has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris St Germain, will receive his award in Monaco later this year.

Ashton faces long ban SALE SHARKS and England winger Chris Ashton is facing a potentially longer ban than originally thought after he was sent off in a pre-season friendly.

The Rugby Football Union confirmed that Ashton was dismissed for a tip tackle on Castres scrum-half Rory Kockott during last Friday’s game. He will face an independent disciplinary panel on Thursday [August 23].

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Letters

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

And another thing…

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

DOWN IN ONE The Refill scheme is trying to stop single-use water bottles

Martin Betts and Tom Tugendhat [MP] have both written in the Times in the last fortnight about the problem of plastic pollution.

I would like to tell readers about a project which has started in Tonbridge to cut down on waste from single-use water bottles.

Refill is a nationwide scheme which is setting up a network of businesses where people can refill their own reusable water bottles free from the tap.

There are already 20 participating businesses in the Tonbridge area. Look out for the blue Refill logo on shop and café doors to see where you can refill your water bottle free.

These are Café in the Park at Haysden,

We have right to change our minds I agree with Kate Sergeant [August 1] that it is the responsibility of government to save the nation from harm. Where we are going now looks very harmful. Northern Ireland still appears insoluble, the vital financial and service sectors left until we are mere outsiders, and customs threaten endless delays, severely damaging perishable imports and trouble-free ferries.

Brexiteers cheated financially and fought a negative campaign vilifying Brussels and not saying what they really wanted. The referendum was advisory. In changed circumstances, not least the election of Donald Trump, people have every right to change their minds.

The process should be halted and any fresh votes taken only when the advantages and disadvantages can be set out clearly.

We and others fought two world wars to end divisions in Europe. I can never agree to our country joining a small group of far right populists trying to do in the EU, and risk divisions springing up again.

John Champneys Via email

United States is now biggest threat In reply to Peter Lane [August 8], the EU referendum bore only a passing resemblance to genuine democracy, as we now know, and its outcome is not a sacred cow.

In any case, the referendum was more than two years ago and has been superseded by three

Campbell International, Sulston’s Kitchen, Fargs, Hendy Ford, Nancy’s Tearoom, Starbucks, The Humphrey Bean, Beyond the Grounds, Ellis & Co, The Bakehouse at 124, Tonbridge Old Fire Station, Artspring Gallery, Country Garden Florist, Premier Inn Hotel, Cafe 1809, Hilden Park Golf Centre and Parkfoot Butchers in Hadlow. We expect more businesses to become involved soon.

Alternatively, download the free app to your phone to show you the nearest Refill point, wherever you are in the UK. Go to refill.org.uk Fran Long Friends of the Earth Tonbridge & Malling Branch events – namely the 2017 general election result, the course of the UK-EU negotiations, and, above all, the advent of Donald Trump as US President.

The first denied the government an electoral mandate for all its manifesto policies, Brexit included. The second has revealed problems which the Leave camp never as much as mentioned in its campaign. Had they been, the result might have been different.

The third, and perhaps the most important, has shown at best that the United States is henceforth an unreliable ally, and at worst is the greatest threat to world peace since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

So it is little surprise that pressure for a second referendum is gathering force. Opposition to Brexit is not motivated by negativity or spite but rationality, and I fear that his hope of Britain being a better and more prosperous country because of Brexit is a dangerous delusion.

Brexit is, and always has been, wholly about Tory divisions and leadership manoeuvres.

James Robertson Pembury

A myth of ‘one for all and all for one’ Howard Porter of the Green Party [August 1] tried to slip past us a number of points in the hope they will continue to reinforce the folklore that surrounds energy use.

Sorry, Mr Porter, you’ve been rumbled.

“To ensure we have a competitive economy.”

Really? Competitive? Electricity prices to industry

are: Germany, 7.92 pence per kWh; France, 5.27p; UK, 10.54p. How competitive is that?

Germany has just concluded a singular ‘sweetheart deal’ with Russia for gas, destroying the EU myth of ‘one for all and all for one’, so expect prices to fall. France’s energy comes from nuclear, but the Greens are opposed to that, too.

Mr Porter describes fracking as an ‘extreme technique’, but it is well-proven and time-tested, and the UK industry will be the most heavily regulated in the world.

“The potential for property damage.” Well, that’s going to get middle-class England running to the barricades. Good move. If you can’t win them over with reasoned argument, scare the pants off them.

“Enough gas to see us through the transition period.” Clearly Mr Porter is privy to when the breakthrough will occur, and we move into the sun-drenched uplands of total renewable energy?

Does he care to share that with the rest of us? 2030? 2050? 2100? This year, next year, sometime, never?

Sam Goodenough Tunbridge Wells

Thanks for showing your appreciation Another show over! This time at the Assembly Hall Theatre, with a unique evening of variety followed by a preview of the new original musical ‘Intended Journey’, written by local residents Billy Pavely and Nigel Stapple.

The evening went really well and we played to an enthusiastic audience who showed their appreciation at the final curtain call with rapturous applause and some standing ovations.

We were supporting the Mayor’s charity, Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource (twmhr.org.uk), which benefitted on the night with many generous donations.

This was a community production, and with the exception of our King of the Ukulele, Ralph Shaw, who had travelled some distance to be with us, the entire cast were made up from among the best of our local talent.

All were wonderfully supported by the Assembly Hall technical team, the marketing team and the theatre Director, JJ Almond.

My thanks to everyone involved, and especially our audience who supported us on the night.

Brian Bissell Tunbridge Wells

What to do with the old Town Hall?

What confuses me about this whole Calverley Square thing is what happens to the old Town Hall? In 1973, when councils were last reorganised, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council had the option to move to Pembury. Instead, sadly in my view, it remained in the town and the Pembury office was converted into a hotel.

How much is the council getting for the current site? Surely enough to cover the Jukes memorial in Calverley Grounds with plenty left over?

And the old one becomes a hotel, since given Royal Victoria Place and its empty spaces, shops will not be of much use.

Richard Forth Tunbridge Wells

We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

MOST people have been on a hen night or a stag night. But Calverley received a rather unusual invite recently, to a stag night re-enactment. Yep, that was his reaction.

A what? The idea is to go back in time and recreate the chap’s big night out. This particular one was looking back 20 years, with planned visits to the same racecourse in Brighton, the same pubs, the same Indian restaurant and the same casino. Sadly, Calverley was otherwise engaged on that night. However, he is now talking with another friend who held his stag night in Monaco.

HARD to hide a smile sitting in Costa last week eavesdropping on two youngsters at the next table. Somehow they had got on to the subject of milk. The first one: “How do they get semi-skimmed milk and that full cream stuff?” Second one: “It’s all to do with the cows.” First: “What do you mean, the cows?” Second: “Well, they get semi from one cow and full from the other.” First: “How does that happen, then?” Second: “Dunno, but I think they feed them different types of grain.” How scary is that?

PICTURE this. Mother of three young sons sat at home late in the evening helping them with their homework at the end of yet another taxing day at her office. Husband is away earning loads of money working at an oil field in foreign lands. He spends something like eight weeks away (“It’s really hard work.”) then two weeks home with the family. As the worn-out mum prepares to call it a day, her mobile pings and there’s a picture from hubby… sat by a hotel pool, sipping a lager and surrounded by young females partying. That’s the way to earn brownie points.

SPARE a thought for this student. One of his college tutors, the one he dislikes most, has just bought the house next door to where he lives. It’s a semi. No more late-night gatherings when his folks are away, then.

DISCUSSING life and politics with Mrs C at the weekend, Calverley thought he had made a winning point when advised: “I would agree with you, but then we would both be wrong.” Calverley put the kettle on…

Chin Chin, readers

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Education

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Lessons on how to balance young academia with essential life skills With A level results having just been published, and GCSE ones released tomorrow [Thursday], there’s a sharp focus on academic success. But – as Emma Neville, Head of Rose Hill School, argues – it’s important to teach pupils life skills, too RESULT! Exams are a great start, but are they everything?

OUR school curriculum balances many different elements. Pupils do not simply acquire knowledge while at school, but are developing life skills as well as having their wellbeing supported and nurtured.

We provide our pupils with life skills, not just about how to make your bed, clean your shoes or look after your teeth, but a much deeper, richer set of skills which are rooted in how we behave to the demands of life. We want our pupils to walk into adult life with confidence and not arrogance.

A ROUNDED EDUCATION: Emma Neville

‘We have adapted our school day to include mindfulness for our older pupils transitioning from childhood to early teenage years’ We have thought about how we can enable our pupils to develop and debate an opinion, think critically, have clarity and make decisions, and respond to emotional and stressful situations with success. Not an easy programme to put together, but fundamental to ensuring our pupils leave with an understanding of how to make informed decisions, communicate and develop personal coping strategies that can help them lead healthy and productive lives.

We have adapted our school day to include

mindfulness for our older pupils transitioning from childhood to early teenage years.

This empowering start to the day, rich with positive energy, supports pupils’ emotional wellbeing and enables them to begin to learn to understand themselves. Our approach to the school day is based on ‘I am, I have and I can’, and our observations note that pupils attempt problem-solving with greater success and demonstrate resilience when issues occur.

Developing social competence and positive

social norms is demonstrated in all aspects of our school life. For example, if you were to walk into our dining hall at lunchtime, of course there would be a hubbub of noise – but on closer examination you would see our pupils differentiate between listening and hearing in how they respond to their friends over a leisurely and social lunch and then in the games they play afterwards.

Running alongside and integral to our creative academic curriculum we have an extensive co-curricular. At Rose Hill School we provide opportunities to think big, make strategic decisions, think about the long and short term and taking action or non-action.

Art, drama and sport all provide pupils with opportunities to find and develop their talents, but added to this we spend time developing a rich programme of school trips that support both the classroom activities and pupils’ personal development. This might be through fundraising, debating, brainstorming, buying a mobile phone or planning a trip.

Why is this so important? Well, pupils with these skills are more likely to have positive self-esteem, demonstrate greater empathy and critical thinking, communicate and thrive, and therefore be someone who is employable. You want to have them in your workplace and be part of the team.

The next open morning at Rose Hill School in Tunbridge Wells is on October 3, 2018

NEWS

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT thekn w.guide

Greg Clark

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

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

Two wheels are better than four in summer SUMMER is always a great time to get out and about on two wheels. Having chosen a cycling holiday this year, the pleasures of freewheeling through the countryside have proven a good reminder of the opportunities that we have to make our area more cycle-friendly.

Tunbridge Wells has the potential to be a great place to cycle, which is why, a few years ago, I kicked off the Get Tunbridge Wells Cycling Campaign by holding a public meeting at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys.

More than 100 people turned up, which goes to show the high level of interest.

After the meeting, the Tunbridge Wells Cycling Forum was created to help the Borough Council develop its Cycling Strategy.

Boost This Strategy – which was adopted in 2016 – identified a network of potential cycling routes so that if funding becomes available, projects can be quickly implemented.

The Tunbridge Wells Bicycle User Group has now taken forward an ongoing campaign to encourage more cycling in our local area So what can we do to make cycling an easier option?

The first thing is developing new cycle routes, like the off-road link along the newly dualled stretch of the A21 between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. When campaigning for the road to be dual carriageway, I pressed to ensure that a cyclepath was included in the plans, and we also persuaded Highways England to fund the two crucial links at either end – to the centre of Tonbridge and to the hospital at Pembury.

I had the pleasure of officially opening this new cyclepath in May – along with my neighbouring MP, Tom Tugendhat – and even greater pleasure riding the route with other local cyclists on an electric bike kindly loaned for the day by Cycling Made Easy, which is based in St John’s Road.

Although it was before our summer heatwave, and so was a rather cold and drizzly day, it seemed to take no time at all to reach Tonbridge – especially with the boost from the electric bike – and I would certainly recommend anyone that commutes between the two towns to consider it.

Another way to encourage cycling is by providing safe and secure cycle parking at our rail stations.

Both Tunbridge Wells and High Brooms stations now have modern double-decker cycle parking. When I went to see the recently

Richard Byatt

PEDAL POWER The enthusiasm for cycling is growing installed parking at High Brooms station, I was chatting to a few commuters picking up their bikes before peddling home.

They told me that they were delighted with the new bike parking because it’s situated close to the station entrance with lighting and CCTV,

Treasurer, Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

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

Think global, act local LAST June, the Committee on Climate Change – an independent statutory body – produced its assessment of the UK’s progress on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and meeting carbon budgets.

The UK committed to reduce emissions by at least 80 per cent on 1990 levels by 2050. The CCC found that greenhouse gas emissions were about 42 per cent lower than in 1990, around halfway to the 2050 commitment. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that progress has stalled. “Since 2012, emissions reductions have been largely confined to the power sector, whilst emissions from transport and building stock are rising,” said the CCC. The UK needs to reduce emissions by 36 per cent to keep the UK on the lowest-cost path to the 2050 target.

The UK’s building stock is responsible for almost a fifth of total UK domestic greenhouse gas emissions, and housing is a large proportion of that.

Buildings emissions have risen in the last two years, said the CCC. Most boilers have now been replaced with efficient condensing models, but rates of insulation have been very low since 2012, and the uptake of heat pumps and district heating remains minimal.

New buildings with high-carbon heating systems are still being built. The CCC advises emissions from buildings, including homes, should be reduced by 20 per cent, and says a package of meas-

and so the risk of theft was reduced.

Initiatives like the 20mph scheme in the St John’s area – promoted by local Kent County Councillor Peter Oakford – which covers a number of roads and is one of the first wide-area schemes in the county, is also great for cyclists.

ECO-BUILDING Our councils should exert more influence

ures should include ‘stronger new build standards for energy efficiency and low-carbon heat’.

This is where it gets local. Through planning policies and development control, local authorities can direct and influence the design and quality of new buildings – they are on the front line.

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] has recently published the latest draft of its Local Plan – this ‘sets out a vision and a framework for the future development of Tonbridge & Malling borough up to 2031’.

Concerns Unfortunately, TMBC’s draft plan does not make a real commitment to reduce carbon or other greenhouse gas emissions. This is not just my view – Tonbridge & Malling Climate Action Partnership and the local Friends of the Earth group have both raised concerns.

The draft Local Plan sees just under 700 new houses a year being built, and this figure could well rise when the plan is reviewed.

The greenest (and cheapest) energy is the energy you don’t use, so it’s imperative that these new houses are as energy-efficient as possible.

While we wait for the Government to bring in higher standards, local authorities can act.

TMBC says its hands are tied – it cannot impose higher standards than are required nationally by

building regulations. But the latest advice is that local authorities can go further than the building regulations, and some are doing just that.

Oxford City Council, for example, has included a policy in its Local Plan that calls for development to ‘contribute to both mitigating and adapting to climate change’ – through such measures as ‘high standards of energy efficiency, including

optimal levels of thermal insulation, passive ventilation and cooling, passive solar design, and the efficient use of natural resources in new buildings’.

Our local authorities have a vital role to play in helping the nation meet its climate change commitments. Wouldn’t it be great if Tonbridge & Malling was leading by example?

Local & Live

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

FEATURES

with the OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

ENCORE!

Welcome to Tunbridge Wells’ biggest and best Local & Live festival yet

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Meet this year’s headline acts

MUSICAL KEY

Look inside for your comprehensive listings and festival map

YOUR DEFINITIVE

Photo: Michael Houghton

GUIDE TO THE

In association with

FREE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

MUSIC FESTIVAL AUGUST 24-27

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FEATURES

Local & Live

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

WELCOME TO LOCAL & LIVE

By Paul Dunton, Organiser

I

hello@localandlive.org

Calverley Grounds

The Spa Hotel

The Local & Live Music Festival, August 24-27, Calverley Grounds, The Spa Hotel, The Forum, The Bedford, Cassidy’s Bar, The Royal Oak, The Tunbridge Wells Bar & Grill

am delighted to announce the Local & Live Music Festival is returning to the beautiful Calverley Grounds this August Bank Holiday weekend with an extended programme in addition to our open air stage in the idyllic grounds of The Spa Hotel on the Monday.

The Forum will be hosting after-show parties all weekend and there will be several other venues putting on live music under the umbrella of the festival including The Bedford, Cassidy’s Sports Bar, The Royal Oak and The Tunbridge Wells Bar & Grill.

In Calverley Grounds, Local & Live is teaming up with renowned local food and drink traders to provide a varied selection of quality concessions including beer tents from Fuggles and The George. Food Comes First offers a traditional barbecue and there is paella, Pimm’s and bubbles from Sankeys, Alice’s Ices, Indian cuisine by the Raj Pavilion, Thai dishes from The Trading Post, organic vegan offerings by Mother Bhumi, smoothies and burritos from Souper Juice and coffee and teas from Fine Grind.

The festival officially starts on Friday [August 24] at 6pm in Calverley Grounds featuring music from popular local acts Nick Stephens, Jack Burns, Cyrano, The Gallerys, Top Cat Collective and headliners SUNCHARMER. The main stage in Calverley Grounds will run from noon to 10pm on the Saturday and some of the popular local acts performing on that day include headliners DAVID MIGDEN & THE TWISTED ROOTS, The Violet Jive, Black Gabanza, Laky, Mike Wilton, Arcelia, Chris Pope and many more.

Sunday’s line-up again starts at midday with an array of local stars taking to the stage including Bea Everett, Isabella Coulstock, Orfila, The Ackerleys, Harry Whitty, Harley & Woods, I Am Aquitaine and headliners THE VARLIES. The grounds of the Spa Hotel and The Forum will be the main focus on Bank Holiday monday with no stages running in Calverley Grounds.

The Spa Hotel has music starting at 1pm and crowds can enjoy live sets from local acoustic acts including Léanie Kaleido, Jack Clarke, Sean de Burca, Steffan James, Alex Beharrell, Charlie

2018 Rivers, Hannah Richards and many more.

Renowned sibling duo THE BRERETONS will be headlining at around 8pm. The Spa Hotel will be providing various food and drink concessions on site.

Don’t forget, Local & Live will be running free evening shows at The Forum on all four days, and acts to look out for include Ukulear Fallout, The Gallerys, Alcatraz Blues, The Long Faces, Front Bench, John Mclane & The Hans Gruber Three, Kung Fu Slipper, Duch Jo, The Naming of Things, TWUNTS, Riff Raff and Second Helpin’.

The Bar & Grill are teaming up with Local & Live for the first time and will be hosting two excellent acts, Charley Blue and Steffan James.

I would like to express my deepest thanks to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Together who are both supporting the festival with grants of £2,000 and £1,000 respectively. We have also been very well supported by six local businesses: Cripps Law, Bright Spark Electrical Services, Helios Homeopathy, British Land/RVP, The Times of Tunbridge Wells and Tiger Music.

Coupled with generous support from other local businesses and individuals via our crowdfunding campaign, they have enabled Local & Live to return to its much-loved home of Calverley Grounds with a similar format to the 2017 event.

Once again the entire festival is FREE to attend and its ethos remains to showcase the leading original soloists and bands from the local area. Thank you for your support! To find out more about the festival visit www.localandlive.org and find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ localandlive and on twitter @local_and_live Our crowdfunding campaign is still active and can be found at www.gofundme.com/localamp-live-music-festival-2018

PAUL DUNTON Founder of Local & Live

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

In association with Trinity | www.trinitytheatre.net

Battle of the bands Ahead of next weekend’s performances, we catch up with the four headline acts

Local & Live

FEATURES

Suncharmer Paul Crisp, Lead Singer Tell us a little about who you are and how you came to form the band…

We’re an Indie Rock band with a surf vibe and we’ve been together as a band for about two and a half years now. We’ve come a long way since our first performance with Paul Dunton in The Grey Lady, and we’re always evolving.

We’ve got quite a Tarantino sound and at the moment we are really working on bringing visual elements into our music.

Have you had any particular musical highlights as a band?

…AND FROM TRINITY THEATRE: “We are thrilled to be supporting Local & Live in 2018. Trinity Theatre and Paul Dunton have shared a long-held passion for music and its promotion in Tunbridge Wells at a grass roots level. Community sits at the heart of Trinity’s ethos. The support we can offer to up-and-coming artists is integral to this.”

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Honestly, it was last year’s Local & Live. We were so thrilled to be invited along, and to have been asked back again this year to top the bill on the Friday night was incredible – we were quite surprised as we’d seen how amazing the other bands attending are.

What are you looking forward to the most about performing at Local & Live this year?

Seeing some of the other amazing bands. We really love Jack Burns so that will be awesome.

The Gallerys will be great and Sarana are incredible. Top Cat Collective, on before us, is really exciting as well so we just know that the whole event will be great.

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FEATURES

Local & Live

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

The Breretons Marc Brereton

How would you describe your sound?

well as being such a positive thing for Tunbridge Wells.

I recently read something in which we were described as neo-folk, which was an interesting description. I think I’d say folk with a rock sentiment.

Is there any particular song you’re looking forward to performing?

How long have you been a band?

Being just me and my sister, it’s been a lifelong project! We’ve been together in the band for over six years now, but we were performing in Tunbridge Wells pubs since we were teenagers. We went to London to be in a rock band but it’s always so special to come back here as, musically, it’s our home. Local & Live is such a special event for us in that sense – as

We’ve actually been working really hard on a whole new set for Local & Live. Watch this space!

How would you describe the Tunbridge Wells music scene?

Rich and eclectic. It’s always been that way – Tunbridge Wells is a hub of creativity and it’s always amazing that, for a relatively small area, the amount of talent emerging seems to be endless!

The Varlies

John Whitehorn, Vocals & Guitar How did you become involved with Local & Live?

Strangely, I was actually holidaying in Dublin when I met Paul on the roof of the Guinness Factory! We got talking and realised that not only were we both from Tunbridge Wells, but we both shared the same passion for music. As a band, we’ve supported Local & Live since the beginning so we are massively proud of the way it’s grown.

What’s the best thing about the festival?

Having a really great time with everyone in the park and, hopefully, making people happy! I’m really excited to see Suncharmer and, of course, The Paul Dunton Orchestra. The festival itself is such a great platform for musicians. Back in the 90s when we started, people were stuck in their bedrooms trying to put music together and now the facilities are available to a far wider audience, which has really raised the standards. With so many pubs closing down over the years, it’s great to have festivals like this to keep the culture of live music alive.

How has the Tunbridge Wells music scene changed over the years?

Much like fashion, things have moved from being clear-cut to limitless. You used to be, in terms of fashion, either a mod or a rocker. Nowadays, you can mix it up and anything goes. In music terms, people embellish what they love, mix it up, and produce pieces that aren’t held down by the fear of being pigeonholed.

David Migden & the Twisted Roots David Migden - Vocals, Trumpet and Piano Have you had any particular musical highlights as a band?

We’ve been around for 15 years now, so there’s been many! I think winning the Brunswick Blues Competition, which resulted in us going to Canada, was a standout moment for us.

However, the best moments come from the crowd’s responses – so next Saturday could easily become another highlight for us!

What are you looking forward to the most about performing at Local & Live?

The atmosphere itself is unbeatable – it’s great to have a festival that brings so many people together. Young music meets old music and the admiration we have for Paul Dunton for bringing this event together is huge.

Which song should everyone look out for when you perform?

Rev Jack Crow is always an interesting song for us to perform as it comes across differently each time. We also have a couple of new songs to bring along so watch out for those!

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

AND IMPROVING

AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY AN D GARDENING

Single storey country living in a Victorian lodge house Page 26

It’s time to get chilli in the garden

Growing tips Page 39

Shining a light

on a gleaming coach house kitchen Page 30

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yourh me

To Suit Your Budget

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to

EAST GATE LODGE SPELDHURST ROAD LANGTON GREEN

£625,000

UNDER £300,000

n Cloakroom

UNDER £450,000

n Small front garden

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HONEY POT COTTAGE, CHURCH STREET, SEAL NR SEVENOAKS

n Set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens

OFFERS IN THE REGION OF

n Access to communal land for the use of residents, including small paddock and wooded area

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n Modern mid-terrace house offering low-maintenance living n Built in 2007 n Sitting room with doors to garden

n Bathroom n Garden with patio and store

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Pembury 01892 822880 bkestateagents.com

n Two allocated parking spaces n Provision for guest parking

n Newly redeveloped 2-bedroom terraced house n Open-plan living/dining room and kitchen n 2 bedrooms, both with en-suite showers

CONTACT Hamptons International Sevenoaks 01732 280801 hamptons.co.uk

To Suit Your Budget

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

thekn w

27

great properties by price range…

UNDER £500,000 STANAM ROAD, PEMBURY

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF

£460,000

■ Well-proportioned detached house ■ Sitting room with wood burner ■ Dining room ■ Updated kitchen with dining area and doors to garden ■ Utility room with door to garden ■ Downstairs bathroom ■ 3 bedrooms ■ Shower room ■ Driveway providing off-road parking ■ Garden with summerhouse and store CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Pembury 01892 822880 bkestateagents.com

UNDER £600,000 CHURCH ROAD, PEMBURY

£495,000 ■ Well-presented semi-detached home ■ Sitting room with wood burner ■ Open-plan kitchen/dining/family room with range-style cooker and doors to garden ■ Master bedroom with en-suite shower room ■ 3 further bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Driveway parking for several cars ■ Detached garage with power and light ■ Garden with decked terrace CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Pembury 01892 822880 bkestateagents.com

UNDER £1MILLION MANOR CLOSE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

UNDER £700,000 EAST GATE LODGE SPELDHURST ROAD LANGTON GREEN

£625,000 ■ Detached single-storey Victorian lodge with later additions ■ Views over farmland and beyond ■ Open-plan kitchen/sitting/ dining room ■ Utility room/rear lobby with door to garden ■ Conservatory ■ Study/nursery ■ Master bedroom with door to terrace

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GUIDE PRICE

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■ Ample off-road parking

■ Cloakroom

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■ 4 bedrooms (3 with wash basins) ■ Bathroom & separate WC

CONTACT Jackson-Stops Tunbridge Wells 01892 521700 jackson-stops.co.uk

■ Garden with greenhouse ■ Covered way to double garage CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 bracketts.co.uk

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yourh me

The Coach House

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

AT A GLANCE

THE COACH HOUSE CHURCH STREET, SEAL NR SEVENOAKS n Family home set amid farmland n Refurbished to a high specification n Wonderful views n Main reception room with brick-built open fireplace and doors to garden n Bespoke open-plan kitchen/ dining room n 3 bedrooms, each with en suite n Garden with patio shaded by wooden gazebo, fruit trees and outlook towards fields beyond n Set within 15 acres of landscaped communal gardens n Parking for 2 cars and an electric car charging point, plus further opportunities for guest parking

Coach House enjoying stunning views towards the North Downs The garden features a patio that is shaded by a wooden gazebo – perfect for entertaining through the summer months

ÂŁ950,000 Available for sale through Hamptons International Sevenoaks 01732 280801 www.hamptons.co.uk

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yourh me

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Gardening

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Want to grow your own chillis?

Here’s a few hot tips to help you As chilli festival season begins, expert Nigel Parker offers advice on picking, planting and maintaining your spicy crops, writes Hannah Stephenson...

thekn w.guide

39

your plants for three to six months, but also give them a high potash feed, such as tomato food, when the fruits have set.

Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) and seaweed extract (calcium nitrate) can also be watered in. Do this occasionally from when the plants start to flower.

“Epsom salts improve the quality of the fruit, with better skin quality, and make the plant look healthier, while calcium helps prevent deficiencies in the fruit.”

When will they be ready? of Fire and Super Chilli, which are quickmaturing if you haven’t such good conditions.”

How hot should you go?

“Don’t underestimate the heat,” Nigel warns.

“Often people grow types that are too hot for them. A jalapeno is around 6,000-8000 Scoville units, the measuring scale of heat.

“A habanero can be 30 times hotter than that. So when you say something is ‘a bit hotter’, people don’t realise it’s a significant jump.

“Extremes include as the 7 Pot group – including 7 Pot Jonah – which are really hot, and then you have the ghost chillis such as the bhut jolokia, which are running at a million Scoville units.”

And if you want something milder...

W

ITH the beautiful summer we’ve had, any chillis you’ve been growing in sheltered, sunny spots against warm walls should have ripened beautifully, if you’ve kept them fed and watered. Nigel Parker, an expert grower who will be exhibiting his produce at Holker Chilli Festival in Cumbria in September, says that providing you follow a few key rules, you shouldn’t go far wrong.

Here, he discusses the dos and don’ts and shares some top tips for growing chillis...

Choose the right plant for the right place “If you have a greenhouse, you can grow virtually any chilli on the market because you have an extended growing season,” Nigel says.

“The general rule of thumb is the hotter they are, the longer they will take to fruit.”

Really hot habaneros take longer to mature, so you need a conservatory, polytunnel or a greenhouse to grow them successfully.

“If you grow them on a windowsill, or you intend to put them on the patio, choose a chilli variety that’s faster, such as Prairie Fire, Basket

Milder types include Beaver Dam, a really large podding type which is quick to grow and can be stuffed or used in a salad. For a slightly warmer flavour, you might prefer purple jalapeno, which is also an attractive plant.

Maintenance is key Add granular slowrelease fertiliser to the compost, which will feed

If you put your plants out at the end of May, you should be picking fast varieties by the middle of July onwards.

“Super Chilli, for instance, is very quick and you would be picking green pods in mid-July and red pods at the end of July and beginning of August,” says Nigel.

“Flavours do change depending on the ripeness. Purple jalapeno is nearly black to start with and when it ripens, it goes burgundy.

“With this one, you need to wait until it ripens.

Others in their first stages, such as standard jalapenos, can be eaten green or red.”

Holker Chilli Festival at Cark-in-Cartmel, Cumbria, runs from September 8-9. For more information, visit holker.co.uk or call 01539 558 328

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

In association with Trinity | www.trinitytheatre.net

Local & Live

FEATURES

Bid for Roger Daltrey’s guitar to support this ‘fantastic platform’ In addition to all the acts performing as part of the Local & Live Music Festival which runs over the August Bank Holiday weekend – in Calverley Grounds and numerous stages elsewhere around town including The Spa Hotel, The Forum, The Bedford and Cassidy’s – there will be other acts to go and see before and after the free festival.

EVENTS

Today [August 22] you can catch popular local acts Ryan Weeks, More Than Echoes and one man blues band Andy Twyman who will all be performing at The Grey Lady. On Thursday night the fantastic Spice Fusion headline Jazz on The Pantiles.

On Saturday night you can catch Stella Donnelly at The Sussex Arms, Disco Odyssey at The Beau Nash Tavern, Wasted at The Royal Oak and The Soul Train returns to The Pantiles Bandstand. And looking ahead to next week the superb Bourne Valley Boys will be at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge on Tuesday night.

www.thegreylady.co.uk

August 22-29 THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE, THE PANTILES

Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk + Wednesday [August 22] - Ryan Weeks, Artist (TBC), More Than Echoes,

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN, MOUNT EPHRAIM Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday - Disco Odyssey

THE SUSSEX ARMS (BASEMENT), THE SUSSEX MEWS Music from 8pm all event details and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk

Andy Twyman

Saturday - Stella Donnelly

Saturday - Jazz Al Fresco

Sunday - Muffin + Frass + Placid

THE BANDSTAND, THE PANTILES Music from 8-10pm free entry

THE PUNCH & JUDY, 11 ST STEPHEN’S STREET, TONBRIDGE

(donations welcomed)

Open all day, free entry,

Thursday - Spice Fusion

music from 8pm

Saturday - Soultrain

Tuesday - The Bourne Valley Boys

The star of the rock ROCK legend Roger opera Tommy Daltrey is bought auctioning one Holmshurst his guitars to Manor, a raise money Jacobean for Local & manor house Live. near Burwash The lead in East Sussex, singer of The and ran Lakedown Who has signed Trout Fishery at the Tokai WHO WILL WIN? the farm site. acoustic guitar, Roger Daltrey (right) In June, he which is on display at Hotel with festival organiser released his first Paul Dunton solo album for Du Vin on more than a Crescent Road quarter of a century, As Long and will be sold at the end of As I Have You. the weekend’s gigs.

To make a bid for the Festival organiser Paul instrument, email Dunton said: “We are hugely fundraising@localandlive. grateful to Roger for his org or visit localandlive.org involvement in our and fill in the form. The fundraising efforts, and auction closes at midnight we’re looking forward to on Monday [August 27]. some very healthy bids.”

It is a ‘sealed bid’ auction, The 74-year-old charismatic so bids will not be displayed frontman is a fan of the free event and said: “Local & Live and will be treated confidentially. You will is a fantastic platform for receive an e-mail independent original confirmation that we have musicians. Long may it received your offer. continue!”

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FEATURES

Local & Live

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

FESTIVAL

MAP

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS BAR AND GRILL THE ROYAL OAK PUB

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

In association with Trinity | www.trinitytheatre.net

Local & Live

FEATURES

Local & Live | Listings THE FORUM – free entry

THE SPA HOTEL GARDENS – free entry

Friday [August 24] 8pm - Peter Mercer 8.45pm - Can’t Be Committed 9.30pm - Ukelear Fallout 10.15pm - Alcatraz Blues 11pm - The Gallerys (headline)

Monday 1pm - Zoe Eve 1.35pm - Paul Monham 2.10pm - Lachlan Daly 2.45pm - Léanie Kaleido 3.20pm - Jack Clarke

Saturday 8.30pm - Sophie Harmsworth 9.15pm - Mike Wilton 10pm - John Mclane & The Hans Gruber Three 10.45pm - Front Bench 11.30pm - The Long Faces (headline) Sunday 8.20pm - Aaric Snook 9pm - Code: Marla 9.45pm - Duch Jo 10.30pm - Cyrano 11.15pm - Kung Fu Slipper (headline) Monday 3pm - Peter Taylor (full band) 3.40pm - Second Helpin’ 4.20pm - James Medhurst 5.05pm - TWUNTS 6pm - Riff Raff 6.55pm - Alex Metcalfe’s Catastrophic Organ Failure 7.35pm - Night Without Sleep 8.20pm - The Naming of Things 9.15pm - Suncharmer (headline)

CALVERLEY GROUNDS – free entry Friday 6pm - Nick Stephens 6.30pm - Jack Burns 7.10pm - Cyrano 7.50pm - The Gallerys 8.30pm - Top Cat Collective 9.15pm - Suncharmer (headline) Saturday 12noon - Kate Virgoe 12.30pm - Matt Falloon 1pm - Dave Shep Sheperd 1.30pm - Ryan Weeks

3.55pm - Charlie Rivers 4.30pm - Fred Clark 5.05pm - Sean de Burca 5.40pm - Hannah Richards 6.15pm - Rob Picazo David Migden & The Twisted Roots

6.50pm - Alex Beharrell 7.30pm - Steffan James 8.10pm - The Breretons (Headline)

2pm - Chris Pope

CASSIDY’S SPORTS BAR – free entry

2.30pm - Joanne Louise Parker

Saturday

3pm - Arcelia

3pm Rasco

3.40pm - LAKY

4pm John Lusher & Ash

4.20pm - Youth

5pm Nate Austin

5pm - Chasing Skies

6pm - J.E.M.

5.40pm - Mike Wilton

7pm - Step

6.20pm - The Alley Devils

8pm - act tbc

7pm - Wake Up Leo

9pm - The Cockroaches

7.40pm - Black Gabanza 8.20pm - The Violet Jive

Sunday

9.05pm - David Migden & The

4pm - Riff Raff

Twisted Roots (headline)

5pm - Silk 6pm - Grace Leaper

Sunday

7pm - Grosvenor Road

12noon - Teddy Trenowden

8pm - Crowded Squeeze

12.30pm - Anna Howie

9pm - Ryan Weeks Band

1pm - Peter Taylor 1.30pm - Chasing Shadows 2pm - Alana hazzard 2.30pm - Isabella Coulstock 3.10pm - Bea Everett 3.45pm - Orfila 4.20pm - The Ackerley’s 5pm - The Harry Whitty Quartet

THE BEDFORD – free entry (In association with The Jay Harmer Foundation & The Acoustic Valium Project) Friday

4.15pm - Tea Duty 4.45pm - Charlie Melrose 5.45pm - Katie Jane McGlinchey 6.15pm - Alice Rose 7pm - Tierz 7.45pm - 8 car Attach 8.30pm - Just Desserts 9.15pm - The Patinas 22.15pm - Move Over Dali (headline) Sunday 12.30pm - artist tbc 1pm - artist tbc 1.30pm - Lucy Jarrett 2pm - Simon Smith (tbc) 2.45pm - Arthur O’Hara 3.30pm - Charlotte Rose Ellis 4.15pm - Jon McDevitt 4.55pm - Magda-Marie 5.30pm - India Rose 6pm - Uplift (tbc) 6.45pm - Jessica Johansson 7.15pm - Lana Pitcher 7.45pm - Ian Roland 8.30pm - Bits & Pieces (headline)

THE ROYAL OAK – free entry Friday 7.30pm - Platform 2 8.30pm Nate Austin Saturday 8.30pm - Chasing Skies Sunday 4pm - Alex Van 5pm - Paper Friends 6pm - Red, Green & Blue 7pm - Vertical Ghost Cat 8pm - Jon Grayson 9pm - The Jemima Price Band Monday 5pm - Amber Anderton 8pm - Cracks In The Land 9pm - act tbc

KAOS Roadshow

5.40pm - The Alley Devils

Saturday

6.20pm - Harley & Woods

1.15pm - Jerri-Leigh Brodie

7.10pm - I Am Aquitaine

2pm - Spyplane

8pm - The Varlies (headline)

2.45pm - Matt Bridle 3.30pm - Ben Westwood

All schedules subject to change. For the latest updates, see www.localandlive.org

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS BAR AND GRILL – free entry Monday 1pm - Steffan James 5pm - Charley Blue

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Wednesday August 22 | 2018

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

ARTS & CULTURE | LIFE & STYLE |

A bike to match a Morgan

FOOD & DRINK | MOTORING

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A dream team is born Page 56

Jazzing it up

FUN WITH KIDS IN PYRAMIDS

Rye buzzes with festival fever

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Page 47

PRODUCING THE PRODUCERS!

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Seeing red…

Captivating Carmen is coming to town

GOLDEN TRIP TO THE SEYCHELLES

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COWDREY CROWNED CHAMPIONS

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Going Out

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance

By Eileen Leahy CHILDREN CAN WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN At Royal Victoria Place

THURSDAY

This morning a Park Safari is being run on Tunbridge Wells Common, so join insect expert Dr Ian Beavis for either the morning or afternoon session. They run from 10.30am to 11.45am and 2pm to 3.15pm. It is suitable for all ages, but all children should be accompanied by an adult, and as there is limited availability advanced booking is suggested. To book your free place and receive a map of where the route begins and ends, call the Safari Lodge booking line on 01892 554171 or email: museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Bewl Water’s popular children’s camps are still on for the summer holidays. So if you find it a challenge to keep your little ones occupied, then this club really steps it up a gear courtesy of its exciting outdoor activities aimed to keep youngsters fit and entertained and to help them make new friends. Full-day activities run from 8.30am until 5pm and cost from £37 per child.

Half-day activities run from 8.30am until 1pm and cost £19.50 per child. For further information, see bewlwater.co.uk

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY The Assembly Hall welcomes the touring production of Fame The Musical all this week until Saturday. Starring Mica Paris, Jorgie Porter and Keith Jack, it follows the lives of students at New York’s High School for the Performing Arts.

Tickets start at £15 at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk The gardens at Sissinghurst are currently in full bloom and infused with famous resident Vita

Sackville-West’s passion for old roses. Her vision for ‘a tumble of Roses and Honeysuckle, Figs and Vines’ has been gradually restored over the past few years. With over 200 cultivars, Vita’s original collection is nearing its former glory and the Rose Garden is once more bursting with colour, fragrance and romance. Definitely worth a visit before the end of summer. For more details, see nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden

JOUST FOR FUN… Who will be champion knight at Hever?

Get you children’s creative juices flowing at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park’s Forest Fun session today, which is on from 10am until 3.30pm.

You will have the opportunity to make natural jewellery and create woodland craft. Booking is essential, so if you want to go, please email: steff.dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

There will be a Treasure Hunt Trail on today at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park from 10am until 12.30pm. The event is free event and no booking is required, but all children must be accompanied by an adult.

The National Trust’s Women and Power programme explores the lives of those who fought for the vote for women a century ago, as well as those who influenced advancements in women’s rights throughout history. And there are plenty of events and exhibitions happening this summer, such as The Shakespearean Lectures of Ellen Terry and Edy Craig: Women, Suffrage

and the Theatre currently on at Smallhythe Place near Tenterden. Tickets cost £8.40 for adults and £4.20 for children. To find out more, head to nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhytheplace Milkfest, the ‘full fat’ food and drink festival put on by The Milk House in Sissinghurst, kicks off today and runs all Bank Holiday weekend.

This annual event showcases the ‘cream’ of Kent, with music from top local talent and delicious food and drink from some of the establishment’s esteemed suppliers. From cocktails to hot dogs, face-painting to juggling, there’ll be something to put a smile on everyone’s face.

SATURDAY The Knights of Royal England are once again at Hever Castle this Bank Holiday weekend to battle it out at the culmination of this year’s annual jousting tournaments. Visitors will be treated to a thrilling show as the brave knights compete for points to find this season’s champion. Witness spectacular displays of action, stunts, falls and

Going Out

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

fights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box. Ticket prices start at £14.20 (adults) and a family ticket costs £38.90. For more information, visit hevercastle.co.uk Looking for a way to spice up your Saturday nights? Then why not join the Murder Mystery Fish & Chips special on the Spa Valley Railway.

There’s been a murder and it’s up to you to help the other passengers solve the mystery. Arrive at Tunbridge Wells West railway station at 6.15pm.

Tickets, which include dinner, cost £37 per person. Book online at spavalleyrailway.co.uk The Producers starts its run tonight at Trinity Theatre. On until September 2, it’s a reprise of the classic musical and film by Mel Brooks which has just celebrated its 50th birthday. For tickets and timings, visit trinitytheatre.net See pages 48-49 for our exclusive interview with Director and star John Martin

all summer long. For further details, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans Is your daughter potty for princesses? Then why not take her to meet some at the Once Upon a Princess Afternoon Tea at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel? Princess Beauty and The Snow Queen will be at this fun-filled party, which is hosted by Once Upon a Wish Events to raise money for the great Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity. It runs from 12.30pm until 3.30pm, and adult tickets cost £20, with children’s priced at £15. Under-1s go free. For more details, see mercuretunbridgewells.co.uk Hever Festival Theatre’s final performance is on this evening and it’s the rather fitting Last Night of the Hever Proms. The Brandenburg Sinfonia feature, who will be playing pieces by Puccini, Brahms and Mozart. Tickets cost from £18 and can be purchased at heverfestivaltheatre.co.uk

SUNDAY

MONDAY

If you’re a gardener and want some horticultural inspiration, then why not head to Rudyard Kipling’s former home Bateman’s, where the formal rose garden the author designed in 1907 has recently been restored. It is now planted with three varieties of Polyantha rose; ‘Frensham’, ‘Betty Prior’ and ‘Valentine Heart’. The small blooms flower in shades of pink and red nearly

There’s still time to go on an Egyptian adventure at Royal Victoria Place thanks to the free interactive and educational experience Kids in Pyramids, which is on until Monday [August 27].

Children can learn about life in ancient Egypt by dressing up, discovering the pyramids and digging for artefacts in the sand. The Egyptian Adventure Tour starts at the Great Pyramid of Giza, located on level MILK THE MILKFEST 1 opposite M&S. Each At Sissinghurst’s Milk tour takes 30 minutes, House (where else?) and on completion every child receives a free personalised certificate to take home. There’s a maximum of 25 children per tour session. Full event details and times are available at royalvictoriaplace.com Also for those who love gardening, how about visiting Ightham Mote and seeing its series of rustic arches

THE WONDER OF THE WHITE GARDEN At Sissinghurst

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Dr Watson, tackle this most baffling case cost £12 for adults and £10 for children. Book at illyria.cloudvenue.co.uk Are you interested in singing with a vibrant, friendly and enthusiastic group of singers?

Paddock Wood Choral Society is looking for new members, particularly male voice singers (tenors and basses) to join them for their forthcoming season, starting in September. They rehearse every Tuesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm at St Andrew’s Church, Paddock Wood. To find out more, contact the group’s Secretary, Adrienne Bishop, on 01892 833232, or email: secretary@paddockwood-choral.org.uk

PICK OF THE WEEK: Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival 2018 August 24-27

adorned with climbing roses along the expanse of herbaceous borders. A flamboyant mix of perennial plants ranging from cool whites and blues to vibrant fiery hues of yellow and red are interspersed with clouds of deep red roses and are a must see for any keen horticulturalist at this time of year. nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

TUESDAY Throughout August, Emmetts Garden is holding a Giant Ant Summer Trail, where families can look out for friendly ants dotted around the garden and woodland. Trails run from 10am to 4pm and cost £1. nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden Tonight at 7.30pm, the Illyria theatre company will be putting on their performance of The Hound of the Baskervilles at Tonbridge Castle. Go along to find out who killed Sir Charles Baskerville, and whether anyone can prevent the same fate befalling the young Sir Henry Baskerville? Tickets to see the original and greatest literary detective of them all, Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant,

Courtney Pine The Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival takes place over the Bank Holiday weekend all around the historic town, and this year visitors can expect to see performances from the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae, Courtney Pine, Joan Armatrading and Zara McFarlane.

Now in its seventh year, the festival is firmly established as one of the best high quality boutique music festivals of its kind in the UK. There are lots of free performances to enjoy, too, so make sure you have a look at their website for the full programme and to purchase tickets – ryejazz.com

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arts

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Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Staging a

theatrical classic Next week Trinity Theatre puts on their production of Mel Brooks’ legendary musical The Producers. Its Artistic Director and star, John Martin, tells the Times why it’s going to be so special

OR the past few years, the scale of my summer productions have increased in their size and ambition, so after last year’s run of One Man, Two Guvnors the challenge was to ‘follow that!’

Trinity’s late Finance Manager Richard Wilson had long been encouraging me to do Mel Brooks’ The Producers, but as I always try to alternate plays and musicals I was slightly nervous of this particular show because of its size and complexity.

However, having pulled off One Man, Two Guvnors, I realised that we did indeed have the potential to undertake a project like this and we decided to take the plunge.

And it’s for that reason I’m dedicating our interpretation of The Producers to Richard Wilson’s memory, for both his encouragement and for sowing the seed of the idea.

For those not familiar with The Pro-

ducers, it’s essentially about a downon-his-luck theatre producer named Max Bialystock (played by me) who meets an accountant, Leo Bloom, (Tom Tapsfield), who comes up with the idea that you can make more money with a flop musical than a hit.

‘It honestly has to be the funniest musical I have ever seen!’

As a result, they set out to put on the worst play ever, with the worst director and the worst cast, so Bloom’s scheme can work. Of course you can guess what the actual outcome is!

Last year The Producers celebrated its 50th anniversary, and for me I think the ultimate secret to its success and longevity is Mel Brooks’ humour. It honestly has to be the funniest musical I have ever seen!

I was lucky enough to see it in its original production on Broadway, with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, in the title roles, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard!

It is also a love letter to Broadway and musicals in general.

In our production we’re sticking true to Brooks’s original story and plot but, where possible, we’re putting our own spin on it – partly out of necessity due to the sheer size of the show.

The song Springtime for Hitler, for example, has a very unique staging by our choreographer SallyAnne Leigh. We also have our largest professional ensemble taking part – a STAR TURNS total of 12 people – who are John (left) going to be extremely busy and Tom playing all the various roles.

We have a lovely company, made up of both locals and those from further afield.

Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

WITH SPRINGTIME IN THEIR STEP The ensemble are loving the action They have come together to do this production and we are all enjoying the camaraderie of rehearsals and working hard in a short period of time. We’ve been able to maximise our rehearsal time of just ten days courtesy of our friends at the Nuffield Gym, who have kindly let us rehearse in two separate studios.

Everyone is working incredibly hard and supporting each other in pulling the show together – a wonderful example of teamwork! We also have a great technical team who are working on constructing some elements of the scenery, which will then be incorporated within a hired set.

The costumes are coming together nicely for the show, too, and we often joke that we’ll be entering the Guinness Book of Records due to the number of costume changes within a single number!

One of our ensemble members, Harvey Ebbage,

has grown up with Trinity Theatre working on our Christmas shows, but this is his first professional engagement before he embarks on his formal training at The Urdang Academy in London this September – the day after our run finishes!

I think Harvey is a lovely example of how Trinity offers young people opportunities in all aspects of the theatre, and gives them the chance to grow and develop.

I hope the spirit of fun and enjoyment we’ve experienced working on this production will communicate itself to our audiences, and that they enjoy both the scale and spectacle of the show.

Ultimately, The Producers encourages us to laugh at tyrants who rob people of their power, and I think that this is something we need to be reminded of – more now than ever!

The Producers runs at Trinity Theatre from August 25 to September 2. Tickets at trinitytheatre.net

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Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

From Russia with love…

military duties, but not everything works out as planned…

Having based their work on Prosper Merimee’s original novella, librettists Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halevy certainly fashioned a timeless story of love, jealousy, and violence in the Spanish city of Seville during the 19th century.

And is it true that Tunbridge Wells will see the first performance of your new production?

Bizet’s timeless opera, Carmen, comes to town next Wednesday [August 29]. Ahead of the premiere performance of this classy new production, Eileen Leahy talks to Alexej Ignatow from the Russian State Opera…

Tell us a little bit about your history as a touring production company?

We have been touring for more than 11 years and have organised more than 25 ballet and opera tours, which equates to more than 1,000 performances. This year, we will be staging more than 140

performances across the UK, and there will definitely be some highlights to remember. We have a group of theatres where we perform both opera and ballet that we consider loyal friends. To us it is always special to come back to towns like Tunbridge Wells and excite the audience.

Can you give our readers a synopsis of the story of Carmen?

It tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced

by Carmen – a seductive, free-spirited femme fatale. José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts his

Yes. This is a brand new production for us, and the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells will be the first venue we perform it in.

In the last five years since we started touring opera in the UK, we have done Carmen on two previous occasions. But we always try to ensure our opera and ballet productions are kept alive and updated frequently.

The idea is that if an audience member came to see our Carmen production in 2014, for example, then the next time we bring it over they see it presented with a completely new set and staging.

It is a very costly undertaking for us, but we believe it is essential for keeping the interest in opera going.

What do you enjoy most about being on tour with a show?

I’m not sure where to start with that answer! It’s partly the 200-plus performers we bring to the UK, whom we show close to 100 different towns while they are touring.

Then, of course, there’s the daily challenge we face as each theatre is so different, so we have to adopt quickly and transform our staging.

And, of course, the smiles and

appreciation of the audience makes it very memorable when you feel the energy that comes from the public towards the stage.

Are your audiences proactive about their theatrical experience?

They are very loyal, and we get lots of emails of praise and thanks every year, which proves that we are doing something right.

We also have followers that are there for each of our performances, which is a great inspiration.

Every year we get more and more opera first-timers, and we often hear comments like: ‘Why did I not come to the theatre earlier?’ It is very motivating to see young and old audience members coming along.

What do you think people will enjoy most about seeing Carmen?

Carmen is one of the most popular operas in the world. The tragic clash of Carmen and José is an eternal story of the struggle between a man and a woman. There are a lot of great pieces of music in the opera, and most people will know or remember the music straight away.

The storyline is extraordinarily dramatic but yet simple to follow, allowing any newcomers to really enjoy the opera.

Why do you think Carmen has stood the test of time?

As Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky once said: “This opera by Georges Bizet is a masterpiece, one of the few things which are destined to reflect itself in the highest degree of musical aspirations. In ten years Carmen will be the most popular opera in the world.”

Arts & Culture

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

SPECTACULAR A night at the opera you will never forget!

And after its first performance in 1875, Carmen is, indeed, one of the best loved operas! Its storyline is and always will be applicable to any time or generation.

Then there are the great tunes that keep coming back to you even after you have left the theatre.

All this combined becomes timeless…

What do you think is so appealing about seeing live opera?

It’s the drama and the music, and the art of the performers which allows an audience to engage with the plot. The live orchestra’s music also contributes to the full enjoyment.

When performing operas and ballets, it is always exciting to imagine the time when the music was composed, and how it’s still so relevant and enjoyable today.

I don’t think people will ever get tired of listening to classical music.

What are you looking forward to most about coming to Tunbridge Wells?

We always love to come to here and we adore visiting the theatre. The artists always try to come a bit earlier so they can spend time walking around and exploring its history.

Personally, for me, it is a highlight as we are now based in Canterbury, and therefore performances in Tunbridge Wells become like home shows for us.

Carmen is on at the Assembly Hall on Wednesday August 29 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £33 for adults and £21 for children.

To book, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

CARMEN HAS MANY FANS And exudes fiery Spanish passion

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drink

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STAY CONNECTED 7 DAYS A WEEK…

Food & Drink

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

FOR THOSE EXTRA SPECIAL OCCASIONS… If you want to try the most breathtaking pink champagne, look no further than Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2009 (12%, £435; £1,175 magnum, The Whisky Exchange) It’s poised, stunningly complex, concentrated and utterly captivating – beyond any qualm or discussion.

Aged six years on its lees, this is a towering vinous monument with virtually unrivalled class from a warm season that I’d (albeit narrowly) pick over Krug’s intricately detailed and ethereal multi-vintage rosé blend (£235,The Whisky Exchange) Royal rosé champers for Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Follow James on Twitter at @QuixoticWine

thekn w.guide

Thinking pink?

Then think Provence...

Real care is being bestowed on quality rosé production world-wide now, but Times wine expert James Viner still believes its original powerhouse is France. This week he raises a glass to some magnificent pink Gallic sunshine sips…

Food & Drink

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

1: BRILLIANT SUPERMARKET LANGUEDOC BARGAIN ROSÉ TO ENJOY WITHOUT DELAY

2017 Exquisite Sud de France Rosé, Jean-Claude Mas, Languedoc (13%, £5.99, Aldi) Delectable, racy, zesty, strawberry, melon, cherry and nectarine-stashed Languedoc rosé, with just enough of syrah’s spicy piquancy (think aniseed).

Great drunk ice-cold as an aperitif, or poured with salade niçoise, garlic prawns, grilled meat, fish and sushi dishes. It looks the part, more than does the job and is very tasty – hurry to secure your summer stash. An outstanding Aldi bargain, fresh and raring to go. Hard to expect more at this price. There is no need to spend any more on your late summer revelries this year!

Holy rosé! Like a close friend who stops by for a spur-of-the-moment snifter and ends up settling for dinner and then dessert, this moreish wine unquestionably delivers for all occasions. Macerated strawberries, redcurrant, creamy peach, passion fruit, watermelon and

2: LIGHT-BODIED ROSÉ FROM THE FRINGES OF MONT VENTOUX

2017 Château Pesquié, Les Terrasses Rosé, Ventoux, Southern Rhône (12.5%, £14.95, Stannary St Wine) Watch out for this pretty blend of cinsault and grenache (with a dollop of syrah) because Château Pesquié is one of the standard-bearers in Ventoux, the southern Rhône’s coolest appellation, which produces wine in all three ‘colours’.

Exciting, artisanal, light, pale, silky, herbal, citrusy, cherry blossom and red-fruited summer rosé, from a dynamic producer. Glass after glass, this wine is so agreeable you’ll almost forget all about food, but it’s also ideal with grilled fish/ vegetables/meat, a summer moussaka, fruit-based desserts and charcuterie – and it’s also just the ticket for the picnic hamper. There is a lot of wine here for the money. Imported by trailblazing Flint Wines.

3: SPLASH-OUT ROSÉ FROM AN ELITE, REMOTE & ELEVATED RHÔNE ESTATE

2016 Domaine de la Verrière, Chêne Bleu (‘Blue Oak’) Rosé, IGP Vaucluse, Southern Rhône (13%, offer £16.49-£24.90, Waitrose Cellar & Hedonism Wines)

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herbal notes ride high on the bouquet and palate, the long, dry finish and aftertaste reprising the theme through to the end. It was produced from a combination of 65% grenache, 35% syrah and 5% cinsault grown at around 500m above sea level, then raised in 75

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per cent stainless steel and a mixture of new and used French barrels. An altogether very grown-up rosé from an estate dubbed the world’s first ‘Super Rhône’ estate (its owner Xavier Rolet was until very recently the London’s Stock Exchange’s CEO, no less). Outstanding rosé now discounted by £5 at Waitrose Cellar that’s great with a variety of food: It would happily handle plates of grilled seafood, shellfish, lobster, grilled fish/chicken/lamb, lightly-spiced Asian cuisine, as well as summer salads (dressed in lemon juice rather than vinegar please!) It’s an alluring style that captures the senses.

Can’t praise it enough. A taste of opulence, all-star quality and well worth treating yourself to.

4 GIVE IT TIME: GOLD-PLATED ROSÉ PROPOSITION FOR THE CONNOISSEUR’S CELLAR

2017 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé, Provence (14%, £27.95, or £24.95 when you get a mixed case, Lea & Sandeman) Prospering Bandol is Mediterranean Provence’s most serious appellation and produces de mieux en mieux wines each year. This iconic fullbodied rosé from arguably its finest estate is bred in the purple for cellaring and will always welcome food. The 2017 vintage – a dead set candidate for ten-plus years cellaring – is now available from ace wine merchant Lea & Sandeman. Hold off a few years and you’ll be in rapture with the spicy, herbal, blackberryish, thick-skinned and structured mourvèdre grape (which doesn’t ripen north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape) at its very pink vinous best. A rosé of uncommon quality that will blow the house down in a decade or two. It cries out for patience, and the more you’re patient, the greater the reward.

thekn w.guide

Travel

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

travel

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Enjoy an age for inspirational holidays that

take you on wild adventures Saga’s worldwide collection of holidays and tours is packed with amazing adventures in every corner of the globe – spot orangutans in the rainforests of Borneo, search for tigers in Northern India, meet elusive mountain gorillas in Uganda, trek through the Himalayas, or visit the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ in Peru

T

HE UK’s leading operator for travellers aged 50-plus has come a long way since it started offering affordable, off-peak holidays to retired people in 1951.

These days Saga spans the globe with its collection of hotel holidays and tours.

The breadth and depth of choice is remarkable, from exhilarating adventures – including journeys

by road, rail or river – to special interest holidays, ‘especially for singles’ departures and small group tours.

WHERE IN THE WORLD? Even the most seasoned traveller will find inspiration in Saga’s collection. Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Japan, Oman, the Galapagos Islands,

Uzbekistan, Peru… these are just a handful of the more exotic destinations featured.

Others that are more iconic but no less exciting include Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, Thailand and the Seychelles.

With guaranteed departures on all tours, customers can book with confidence that every date advertised is 100 per cent guaranteed to depart.

‘There are so many incredible adventures to be had, from the classic to the intrepid and everything in between…

When you’re booking a trip of a lifetime, it’s good to know it won’t be cancelled at the last minute!

WAY TO GO Will you cross the dusty savannah on an African safari? Or go island-hopping through the Caribbean or Seychelles? Perhaps you’ll journey across a continent by rail, trek through the rainforests of Brazil, or hike in the foothill trails of Nepal?

There are so many incredible adventures to be had, from the classic to the intrepid and everything in between. And most tours offer the choice to extend your holiday with a hotel stay, too, giving you the chance to relax or explore further, and really make the most of your time.

SEE THE WORLD YOUR WAY Saga makes it easy for you to see the world in a way, and at a pace, that suits you. Holidays are categorised into the following types, with tours further rated 1, 2 or 3, according to how much activity they involve.

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Travel

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everything runs smoothly while you are on holiday, while their holiday creators and travel consultants meticulously plan, book and take care of every detail.

Saga works hard to take the hassle out of long-haul travel so your holiday is problem-free from the moment you book online or over the phone.

ALL THE DETAILS TAKEN CARE OF Planning a holiday can be daunting, so these are just some of the details that Saga takes care of for you…

All Worldwide holidays include a VIP door-to-door travel service in the

This allows you to choose a level that feels right for you, and travel with guests who have similar hopes and expectations for their holiday. The categories are: GO FOR IT – A holiday for the truly adventurous. Explore off the beaten track for a richer cultural experience DISCOVER – Adventures by road, rail or river, staying in handpicked accommodation along the way STAY & EXPLORE – Uncover the best a city, region or island has to offer, all from no more than two perfectly placed hotels EXPERTISE, AT HOME AND AWAY Saga uses its 65 years’ experience in the travel industry to build excellent, long-lasting relationships with the countries they visit, and create fabulous holidays their customers will love.

Their team of Saga Representatives, Tour Managers and local experts make sure

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UK, which means a chauffeur will pick you up from home and take you to the airport, as well as be there to meet you when you return.

And with flights from up to seven regional airports, you can enjoy a great choice of departures and the convenience of flying from an airport closer to home.

The value is exceptional, too, with all holidays including optional travel insurance (or a reduction if not required), additional cancellation rights, return flights, airport taxes, visas (if needed), accommodation and meals as described, and much more.

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Motoring

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Motoring News

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

Morgan saddles up with Pashley Cycles

Honda’s HR-V crossover enjoys new tech and look HONDA has updated its HR-V compact SUV for 2018, giving it a cleaner look while improving efficiency and refinement.

The 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol has received an upgrade. It retains its 128bhp power output but sees official fuel economy rise to an impressive 53.2mpg when paired with the CVT gearbox.

The front facelift features a chunkier chrome bar incorporating what the brand calls its ‘Solid Wing Face’. The headlights are now projector units as standard and incorporate LED daytime running lights on all models.

Round the back, the tailgate sees a similar chrome strip plus darkened

taillight lenses for a more modern, sleek look. There are also new alloy wheel designs.

Inside, so-called ‘Magic Seats’ are a big selling point as they free up space for a huge rear load area, and the upholstery has been improved.

Regarding refinement, Honda has also added extra soundproofing around the bulkheads, the boot and door panels, and top-end models will now be available with active noise cancellation.

Deliveries of the latest HR-V will begin in October. Expect prices to be similar to the outgoing model, with a premium for the new turbocharged engine due in 2019.

MORGAN has revealed a new range of motorsport-inspired bicycles created with Pashley Cycles, who share a similarly long history to Morgan and are Britain’s longestestablished cycle manufacturers.

Two new bikes will be produced, both being made with high-strength Reynolds 631 tubing and featuring a unique curved top tube design.

Each bike gets a frame-mounted race plate, too.

The first bicycle, called The Pashley Morgan 8, is finished in a light grey offset by black leather grips and all-wood guards. An eight-speed Shimano Nexus internal geared hub

keeps the bike’s looks clean, while sending power to a classic domedstyle headlamp. A Brooks vulcanised rubber saddle also features.

It will retail in the UK for £1,595.

The second, slightly cheaper model, The Pashley Morgan 3, has a higher cycling position and is finished in British Racing Green. Honey leather grips combine with aluminium end caps to give a clean, classical look, and it has a three-speed Sturmey Archer internal gear hub. The guards are finished in walnut laminated wood veneer, and it features a classy leather Brooks B17 saddle.

This bicycle will cost £1,495.

A NEW CLASSIC The Pashley Morgan 3 bicycle

Edinburgh to bring in new car-free days EDINBURGH is set to become the first UK city with an outright ban on private cars as it brings forward a pilot scheme to close ‘key parts’ on the first Sunday of the month.

The initiative is part of a set of proposals by the authority entitled ‘Open Streets’, which will look at further pedestrianisation of the city centre, improved public spaces and other schemes to improve walkability and reduce air pollution.

Transport convener Cllr Lesley Macinnes said: “This prospectus is a truly ambitious document, which is bound to generate some lively debate right across the city.”

And he warned: “Frankly, the status quo is just not an option any more. As a council, we are serious about tackling poor air quality, reducing congestion and making it as easy as possible to get around Edinburgh, especially by walking, cycling and public transport.”

Several other cities, including London, are considering similar solutions in the battle against air pollution. But support for car-free days isn’t necessarily widespread.

Cycle insurer ETA found out that not a single UK city has signed up to support World Car Free Day 2018 on September 22 yet.

Edinburgh’s proposed scheme will undergo public consultation, with the aim of starting the car-free days early next year.

But Macinnes was optimistic about public opinion, pointing out: “Our plans for open streets build on the success of our Summer Summit, when we transformed parts of the city into traffic-free spaces.”

He added: “This concept has been tried and tested in other major cities, from Paris to New York, where it’s proved to be a valuable and successful model.

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Powered by COFFEE CALL

LOOK SHARP

Lavazza’s Modo Mio Jolie and Milk has a high-quality ergonomic design and boasts an integrated milk station for creating a range of milk-based drinks at the touch of a button. From flat whites and cappuccinos to macchiatos and mochas, this is the perfect gadget for every coffee lover. Jolie and Milk, £29, lavazza.co.uk

Any keen cook will know that a set of sharp knives is essential for culinary success, but using a traditional sharpening stone can be time-consuming, right? Not any more, thanks to this revolutionary AnySharp Pro, which makes easy work of even the bluntest of knives and is guaranteed for ten years. AnySharp Pro, £15, available in a range of colours, amazon.co.uk

LISTEN UP The RevoNext RX8 dual driver in-ear earphones are ergonomically designed and boast hybrid technology for full frequency sounds. They also have a streamlined, semi-transparent sound chamber and a polymer polycarbonate shell which naturally fits the ear canal to enhance your listening pleasure.

RevoNext RX8 earpones, £25, revonext.com

tech

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

Must-have gadgets

State of the art technology Theknow brings you the latest tech and clever time-saving gadgets and widgets to make your life easier and more enjoyable. Eileen Leahy picks her top tech essentials

POWERED BY

THE WRITE STUFF

DRIVE SAFELY

The 3Doodler pen helps you create lots of pretty projects – from beaded keyrings to floral earrings – courtesy of its clever crafting ink. It also boasts distinct fast and slow speeds, which ensure increased control and speedier doodling. There is also a new heating algorithm for enhanced performance, and auto retraction to prevent any ink oozing.

3Doodler, £69.99, the3Doodler.com

With the new, stylish and lightweight MiVue C330, you’ll always have proof of what really happened on the road. For your convenience, the dashcam will start recording when you start your car. The Full HD 1080 pixel camera records your journey, functioning as your personal eyewitness on the road. Mio MiVue C330 – Full HD 1080p In Car Dash Cam and DVR with GPS and Speed Camera Detection, from £108, amazon.co.uk

SURROUND SOUND The S350DB is the latest in Edifier’s next generation of desktop lifestyle speakers. This 2.1 active speaker comes with a 3.5-inch aluminium diaphragm subwoofer and titanium dome tweeters.

This classically-styled sound system has old school temperament with modern technologies utilised to full effect. S350DB Edifier speakers, £249.99, edifier.com

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Recruitment

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

thekn w.guide

CODEWORD 4

14

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5

6

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9

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X

10

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A B C D E F G H I J K L MNO P Q R S T U VWX Y Z 13

16 14

22 22

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18

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22 23

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6 1 1 4 9 5 6

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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.

6 7 1 9 3

8

6 5 6

22

12

Codeword:

8 3

6 4 3 2

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

17 23

2 8

6

23 6

7

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13 18

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7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★II

2

1

1 9 7

8

5 2 8 4 8

7 2 7

7

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

1

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★I

CLASSIFIEDS

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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

I N S I D E N N O F R E E Z E R L E A T L A N T R P D E C K H A O A N N U M L G P S A L L L N A E X E R O X

R

V OW E L E H E S H E R A P H I R R A C L E A N T L O E R E E F R A M R E Q U E S T I U L O A B I L I T Y N O E E J E C T E D

Sudoku:

1 6 4 7 9 8 2 3 5

9 8 5 4 3 2 7 6 1

3 2 7 6 5 1 4 9 8

5 1 3 9 2 7 8 4 6

6 7 9 8 4 5 3 1 2

2 4 8 3 1 6 9 5 7

8 9 2 1 6 3 5 7 4

1 6 9 5 8 3 7 2 4

2 9 8 1 4 6 5 3 7

7 3 5 4 9 2 6 8 1

7 3 6 5 8 4 1 2 9

4 5 1 2 7 9 6 8 3

Jigsaw Sudoku:

9 5 6 3 7 8 1 4 2

3 8 1 2 5 4 9 7 6

4 2 7 8 6 1 3 5 9

6 4 3 7 2 9 8 1 5

8 7 2 9 1 5 4 6 3

5 1 4 6 3 7 2 9 8

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

Puzzles

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

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Sport

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

Young Rustics are taught a stern lesson by Deal Deal Town 3 Rusthall 0 FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL’S inconsistent start to the new season in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division continued at Deal Town.

In the opening period the home side were better in all departments.

They played slick passing football and used their physical strength and speed to advantage.

Young Rusthall prospect Regan Corke played as the central attacker but had to go off injured on the half-hour and was replaced by home-grown youngster Callum Strachan.

The home side scored after only two minutes when Connor Coyne headed in from a corner.

Deal continued to make chances and Rusthall conceded two more goals in two minutes both scored by Ben Cardwell; the first was a low shot, the second a close-range header.

Callum Ridley managed to unleash a good shot just past the post, which was Rusthall’s best attempt in the first half.

Accurate Rusthall came out more positively after the interval and produced some of the quick, accurate passing they had displayed in the previous two games.

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

They had the better chances in the second half, with two early substitutions seeming to liven up Rusthall’s play.

But the team were missing a number of players, notably Joe Fuller, the captain and leading goalscorer, and a young side are taking time to settle in at this level.

Rusthall face Cray Wanderers in the next preliminary round of the FA Cup after their victory over Wick FC at the Culverden Stadium.

They will take on the Bostik League South East side on Saturday [August 25, kick-off 3pm] at Bromley FC’s home ground, Hayes Lane.

Angels keep it clean after Turner makes his mark Tonbridge Angels 1 Burgess Hill 0 FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS recorded their third consecutive clean sheet at the start of the new Bostik League Premier season as they emerged as narrow victors against Burgess Hill.

The home side started impressively, with Alex Read’s header rattling the woodwork in the fifth minute and wingers Joe Turner and Adem Ramadan causing problems.

The only goal of the game came in the 26th minute; right-back James Folkes grabbed possession and played a neat through ball with the outside of his right foot to Turner, who slotted it past Joshua James.

WIDE AWAKE Joe Turner (left) caused problems on the wing

PHOTO: David Couldridge

Flurry Play was stopped for nine minutes while Angels captain Tom Parkinson was treated for a head injury, but he played on.

A flurry of chances followed, but none beat the Burgess Hill keeper.

The visitors started the second half more brightly, answering a shot by Read with an effort from Ben Pope coming agonisingly close.

The Angels looked rattled but they soon settled again and proved a threat from corners, with Sonny Miles hitting the crossbar from one set-piece.

Burgess Hill came close

from a corner themselves seven minutes from time, Jonny Henly keeping out a strike after Arthur Lee had cleared the danger initially.

Angels are now up to fourth place in the early league table, and manager Steve McKimm said afterwards: “I was delighted with this afternoon’s performance.

“After three games no goals conceded and being unbeaten in the league is testament of the progress we are making.”

Tonbridge Angels now travel to Margate on Saturday [August 25, kick-off 3pm].

PITCH PERFECT Tonbridge Angels’ Peter Elves has been named as Bostik Isthmian League Groundsman of the Year by the Football Association. The Longmead maestro was also named as Best Groundsman in Steps 3/4 of the football pyramid, which comprises the Northern and Southern Leagues as well as the Isthmian.

Peter said: “I was very proud to represent our club at the fantastic St George’s Park facility and to meet my fellow groundsmen. It was a fantastic day.”

Seventh heaven for TJs Tunbridge Wells 12 Tonbridge Juddians 47

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS ran in seven tries but then saw Tunbridge Wells come back strongly in a pre-season practice match of four quarters with rolling substitutes.

The contest started evenly with the home side containing TJs’ constant attacks.

But after 10 minutes a penalty saw the ball moved quickly down the back line for wing Murray Galbraith-Lowe to score.

Pressure Two more tries came TJs’ way in the first quarter as they began to exert more pressure, first from the lively wing Ade Lipede, then from centre Robert White in a sweeping move directly from the restart.

In the second quarter TJs continued to have the better of the game. No 8 Will Colderick scored after a lengthy handling move and White added a second, Will Robinson converting both.

Tunbridge Wells enjoyed a good spell and took advantage of TJs’ open play, and scored a converted try of their own before half-time through Academy winger Jake Smith.

The home side continued to see more of the play after half-time but White added his third try

UP AND RUNNING: No 8 Will Colderick showed promising early-season form with two tries for TJs and Colderick his second, both the result of all-round team play. Tom Simmons, coming on at fly-half, converted both.

The final quarter saw Tunbridge Wells finish strongly and Richard Webster scored when a TJs pass off the base of the scrum was intercepted by the centre, who sprinted for the line.

Sport

Wednesday August 22 | 2018

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Lordswood tailenders defy Wells in tense finale Tunbridge Wells 221 lost to Lordswood 225-8 by 2 wkts another stand of 43 with Graeme Francis before James Anyon (2 for 29) removed both batsmen to reduce the home side to 116 for 6.

There were still 20 overs to go, and Julian O’Riordan and Dave Smith fought a crucial rearguard for the seventh wicket, worth 93 runs from 106 balls as each compiled a half-century.

O’Riordan eventually fell for 55 off 81 balls with three fours and a six as Chaitanya Bishnoi grabbed 3 for 28, the last four wickets going down for just 12 runs, David Smith was also dismissed for 55 off just 60 balls with six boundaries to leave Wells 221 all out with two balls remaining.

The reply was similarly rocked by the loss of three early wickets as Smith (2 for 33), with new

By Alan Cutts CRICKET: THIS was a game which both sides needed to win in order to further their title ambitions as members of the tight cluster at the top of the Kent League Premier Division, and a tense, committed encounter was played out.

The visitors won the toss and asked Wells to bat, and there were three ducks in the top four as the batsmen struggled to cope with the movement off the pitch.

Captain Chris Williams (38) showed admirable technique as he overcame the wiles of Palash Joshi (2 for 24 from his 10 overs), and he found an able ally in Marcus O’Riordan (34).

The skipper fell leg before but O’Riordan forged

ball in hand, removed Bishnoi and a testing spell from Paddy Sadler brought him the wickets of Jack Laraman and Joshi.

Linden Lockhart stood firm, though, and found a staunch ally in Chris Piesley (30) as they added 98 for the fourth wicket in 110 balls before Sadler (3 for 41) trapped the latter leg before.

Determined Wells were back in the hunt when Lockhart was narrowly run out by Michael Churchill when he was going for a needless second run.

He had dropped anchor for a determined 79 from 121 deliveries with five boundaries, but now the home side had two ends to attack at 174 for 6.

Alex Williams (2 for 39) then snapped up two wickets in a key nine-ball spell, and Lordswood at

182 for 8 needed a testing 40 from the last five overs with just the tail to get them.

However, in a nerveless ninth-wicket stand Anyon (26 not out) and Adeel Hussain (14 not out) both found the boundary twice during a hectic run-in and they saw the visitors home with four balls to spare.

Lordswood leapt up to second spot in the table as news came in that Sandwich Town had lost while Blackheath hung on to their lead at the top and remain on course for the title.

So Wells dropped to fourth place, paying the price for an inability to take full bonus points as neighbours Sevenoaks Vine moved one point ahead of them.

The Vine visit the County Ground on Saturday [August 25] for a local derby in the penultimate episode of this finally balanced campaign.

Teenager Juneja spins Cowdrey to title High Halstow 149 lost to Cowdrey 152-3 by 7 wkts

By Stuart Clarke CRICKET: HAVING clinched promotion last week, Cowdrey were duly crowned champions of Kent League Division Four with a thumping victory over High Halstow.

The win came early, with almost 30 overs to spare, and news of a defeat for second-placed Catford Wanderers at Hythe confirmed their No 1 and prompted celebrations at Swanmead.

The home captain Anthony Mills lost the toss and was asked to field. Nick Farr and Ryan Addison were given the new ball and bowled fiery opening spells, ensuring High Halstow were on the back foot.

Addison picked up an early wicket and the introduction of Thom Brown (2 for 31) saw him take the key wickets of Chris Maurice and Tyler Dockwray who scored heavily in the first match.

Exceptional Sixteen-year-old off-spinner Gautam Juneja was making his first appearance in the senior team this season and he caused serious problems for the visitors.

The teenager finished with exceptional figures of 4 for 25, clean bowling four batsmen including Ciaran Fredericks, who top-scored with 67 and 10 boundaries.

Farr (2 for 16) returned to claimed two victims as High Halstow’s innings closed on 149 with 10 overs still remaining.

In response, Cowdrey’s overseas star Ash Borella was in brutal mood, taking 16 off the first over. But his team mates were soon in trouble as the hosts lost three quick wickets, all ducks, as the hosts slipped to 17 for 3.

But all-rounder Addison (45 not out) joined Borella and played the anchor role in a match-

CHAMPIONS: (Back row, l-r) Xavier Yeats Brown, Nick Farr, Thom Brown, Rob Fenwick, Stuart Clarke, Barney Scott; (front) Glen Warner, Chris Fenwick, Ash Borella, Anthony Mills, Jack Southwart, Jack Mutch, Ryan Addison

PHOTO: Oscar Holmes

winning, unbroken partnership of 135.

It was fitting that Borella scored the winning runs, finishing on 94 not out off only 56 balls with 11 fours and three sixes as Cowdrey reached 152 for 3 off only 20.1 overs.

HIGH FLYING: The Red Arrows display team join in Cowdrey’s 70th birthday celebrations on Sunday

The comfortable win was achieved at 5pm and three hours later news filtered through that Catford Wanderers had lost, handing the title to the Tonbridge side.

The following day saw the club celebrate their

70th anniversary in style with a party which included a flypast by the Red Arrows.

Cowdrey will look to keep up their winning ways when they travel to Downham & Bellingham on Saturday [August 25].