Times of Tunbridge Wells 7th February 2018

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

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Wednesday February 7 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

33

AND IMPROVING

IN THE SWIM

AVAILABLE EVERY WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE

35

TO PROPERTY, INTERIORS, TOP TRENDS AND GARDENING

GAME, SET AND MATCH

46 Victorian semi with garage

thekn w

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

thekn w ARTS AND CULTURE | LIFE & STYLE | MOTORING TECHNOLOGY | DREAM DESTINATIONS | SPORT

Gadgets

Computer in the cloud Page 74

FOOD & DRINK

Hollie’s Little Cakery ‘Our bespoke cakes will always be our bestsellers’

60

HALF-TERM HAPPENINGS

68

Page 64

GARDEN DEVELOPMENT

Page 26-27

VALENTINE’S GIFTS

49

Tempting townhouse for commuters Page 43

WONDERWALL

Milling around Away from the daily grind in Speldhurst

53

PLAN FOR SUMMER

Page 39

Your favourite local newspaper just got even better with a sparkling new leisure and lifestyle supplement plus the launch of an exciting new website called theknow. See pages 8 and 9 for all the details.

Council shows true colours in marking

66

On stage

TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA

Comic Ed Byrne is coming to town

72

Page 58

Kiddie caper Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Page 61

TEST DRIVE: SUBARU XV

PUBLIC PROTEST Suffragettes march through the centre of Tunbridge Wells

A NEW CHAPTER

Local publisher buys American firm pages 12-13

women winning vote TUNBRIDGE WELLS is set to hang out the bunting next month to mark the occasion of women winning the vote… and the town needs your help.

The idea is to commemorate the ‘massive contribution’ of local Suffragists like Amelia Scott, 100 years after their landmark victory for equal rights.

On February 6, 1918 the Representation of the People Act, the landmark act giving some women the right to vote, was passed after years of campaigning by women and men across the United

Kingdom and Ireland.

This historic event gave more than eight million women the right to vote.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council plans to mark this event on International Women’s Day on March 8.

People across the borough are being asked to create one length of bunting in the colours of the movement: red [or purple], white and green.

The bunting will then be hung on the Town Hall.

It must arrive at the Tunbridge Wells museum by March 1.

CAPED CRUSADER Thousands now raised through ring pulls page 6

Pupils urged to play their part in stamping out cyber-bullying

By Jonathan Banks SCHOOLCHILDREN across the county are being asked about their experiences of cyber-bullying as part of a campaign to stamp it out.

Behind the move is the Police and Crime Commissioner [PCC] Matthew Scott, who is lobbying for more to be done to help youngsters being targeted through social media.

Since becoming the PCC in 2016 he has taken a keen interest in cyber-bullying, visiting schools and speaking with pupils about their experiences. He has also met representatives from social media companies.

Now, following Safer Internet Day [Tuesday February 6], he has created a Cyber-Bullying Survey. It has been sent to around 900 schools in an effort to find out the scale of the problem in Kent.

Mr Scott said: “The first thing to say about my survey is that it is entirely anonymous. It does not ask for anyone’s name or contact details. No-one will know

INSIDE

what answers anyone has put because I want young people to fill it out and to answer honestly.

“What their answers will do is allow me to build a broader understanding of how much cyber-bullying is going on in Kent, and where, and to hear from young people themselves about what apps they are using.

Understanding “As adults, we might understand Facebook and Twitter but there are plenty of other apps young people are using to chat with friends and sometimes, unfortunately, to abuse each other.”

Cyber-bullying, in this case, is being defined as bullying that takes place using electronic technology such as mobile phones, computers, tablets and games consoles. It can take place on social media, in chatrooms and forums, on websites and in online gaming environments.

Examples of cyber-bullying include sending abusive or mocking messages, circulating rumours, sharing embarrassing pictures or videos, and creating fake profiles to mock the real person.

Mr Scott said: “I’ve been testing some of the survey questions with our Volunteer Police Cadets and I’m grateful for their help.

“I’ve made the survey shorter and added a section at the end inviting young people to suggest any ideas they have about how to make the internet safer.

“In the future I will be discussing cyber-bullying again with Government Ministers and social media companies.

“I want to share with them the findings of the survey and see what we can do together to tackle online abuse and harassment.”

To take part in the survey, go to www.kent-pcc.gov.uk/consultations

SCIENCE LESSONS

Nobel prize winner educates secondary pupils page 23

TOKENS OF LOVE

See our Valentine’s gift ideas for February 14 pages 58-59

Local News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Village housing plan threatens rural area MORE than 60 homes could be built on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of Hawkhurst.

A planning application has been received

by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] for a proposal to build 62 properties.

Developer AAH Planning Consultants said that affordable housing would be provided.

A decision will be made later this year.

Fashion brand closure WOMEN’s fashion brand East has entered administration, with its Tunbridge Wells staff facing an uncertain fate.

The retailer operates inside Hoopers on Mount Pleasant and continues to trade.

The Times contacted Hoopers for a response on the status of its concession but the department store’s management declined to comment.

Railway show on track TONBRIDGE Model Railway Club is holding its 37th Annual Exhibition on Saturday February 17 at The Angel Centre from 10am to 5pm. There will be around 70 stands and more than 30 layouts.

Trade support and demonstrators will be on hand, as well as ‘loco doctors’ to carry out repairs. Admission: £6 adults, £1 for children aged 10-16 and free for under-10s. www.tonbridgemrc.com

The oast with the most TONBRIDGE Historical Society will be holding a lecture on The Heritage and Memory of Hop Picking in West Kent in the Angel Centre tomorrow (Thursday February 8).

The talk will be given by Dr Toby Butler, who teaches at the University of East London and lives in Tonbridge. The lecture will be held in the Riverside Room at 7.45pm. Admission costs £3 (free for under-18s). For more information, contact the society’s Secretary, Madge Woods, on 01732 503874.

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More snow and ice expected as gritters hit county streets

By Phil Spacey newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

GRITTING teams in Kent and East Sussex are experiencing a busy week with temperatures set to plunge below freezing again.

Motorists faced delays on routes into and around Tunbridge Wells on Monday [February 5] after a light snow shower – the first of the year.

Forecast The Met Office has issued an Amber Warning for snow and ice in Kent today [Wednesday] with sub-zero temperatures forecast overnight later in the week.

Journeys were taking three times as long for some on Monday, with motorists reporting 90 minute commutes from Heathfield to Tunbridge Wells along Frant Road.

Eridge Road was also particularly congested.

Kent County Council and East Sussex County Council, the organisations with responsibility for highways and gritting, both said they were working flat out.

After Monday’s travel disruption, an East Sussex Highways spokesman said: “All primary routes – that’s 75 per cent of the county’s roads – were gritted last night and again at 7am this morning.

“Any action we take is based on the latest forecast from the Met Office, which had suggested further snow showers and ice in the early hours of the morning.”

A fleet of 65 gritters operate on Kent roads. Teams cover 2,500 miles of roads, of which 1,600 miles are considered primary routes.

All major roads in and out of Tunbridge Wells are considered to be primary routes.

NOT A SIGN OF THE TIMES Southern Water said the ‘ten days’ notice was wrong. It is five days.

Town centre road to close MOTORISTS will also have to contend this week with five days of town centre disruption when a busy road section is partially closed for maintenance.

Southern Water confirmed yesterday [Tuesday] that Calverley Road will be shut to traffic from Saturday [February 10] until next Wednesday for maintenance.

Works will affect half of the southern end of the road, which runs from Carrs Corner roundabout to Monson Road and Camden Road.

A sign seen on the road yesterday [Tuesday] said the road would be

Maternity results provide step in right direction for hospitals

By William Mata THE NHS Trust for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells [MTW] has been boosted with a favourable report of their maternity care.

MTW, which includes the hospital in Pembury, has faced high demand for its emergency department and was most recently judged by the Care Quality Commission [CQC] to ‘require improvement’.

But with new Chief Executive Miles Scott recently taking over and a new CQC report due, the maternity care result provide a step in the right direction.

The report released last week, also compiled by the CQC, marked the three key areas of antenatal, labour and birth, and postnatal care out of ten based on hundreds of individual responses to a survey.

Cornerstone shop safe

Feedback

AFTER fears the town’s Marks & Spencer store might be closing following an exodus of shops from Royal Victoria Place, it has not appeared on the retailer’s list of 14 nationwide stores which are set to close.

The study compared MTW to another 129 other trusts, and found it to be among the top ranking for labour and birth. The trust was also ‘on par’ when compared with other trusts for antenatal and postnatal care.

The report was circulated by health equality

HEALTH CHECK Tunbridge Wells Hospital

closed for ten days, although Southern Water has now said this is incorrect.

A spokesman from Southern Water said: “This is essential work to replace a length of sewer and will mean that a lane closure is in place making the street one way during the works. A diversion around the area will be clearly sign posted.”

He added: “We will be working as fast as possible to complete this necessary work.

“We thank residents, local businesses and users of the road for their patience and understanding.”

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

charity Picker, who were unable to state exactly where MTW ranked nationally.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “MTW is proud to have such a dedicated workforce who all aim to give parents the best experience possible.

“We always welcome feedback on how we can continually improve and respond to the diverse needs of all families.”

Maternity services within MTW are: Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Maidstone Hospital, Maidstone Birth Centre, Crowborough Birth Centre and Sevenoaks Hospital.

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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Finance team praised as residents face a minimal rise in tax GOOD news for homeowners who face a minimal increase in council tax as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] looks to balance its books.

The authority’s Cabinet unanimously approved the plan contained in its 2018/19 Budget in a meeting on Thursday [February 1].

If the draft proposal is given final approval, residents will pay an average £4.98 extra per year to net TWBC an additional £300,000.

Lee Colyer, the authority’s Director of Finance, said the spending plan was necessary due to central Government grants being stopped entirely.

Alongside proposed internal efficiencies, the savings are projected to balance the books with central government reducing £202,000 in grants to zero.

Boosted TWBC will also see their New Homes Bonus, a Government grant to encourage house building, cut by £302,000.

Councillor Tracy Moore, a member of the Conservative-ruled Cabinet, said: “I would like to congratulate the finance team as [balancing the books] is an excellent achievement.”

Mr Colyer said there will be no use of the general fund and no major reductions to services.

TWBC’s accounts will also be boosted by a fund that retains 100 per cent of income from local business rates.

The authority successfully bid to be included alongside all Kent councils in the scheme, which will provide funding for one-off projects.

The Budget will now go before the full council in a meeting on February 21.

If a majority of members vote in favour at the full council meeting, the Budget will be applied from April.

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Winter Shelter keeps homeless people off the freezing streets

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MORE THAN 30 homeless people have avoided having to spend nights on freezing streets, thanks to the work of Tunbridge Wells Churches Winter Shelter.

Volunteers with the coalition of churches have also helped nine former homeless people into accommodation since their service began at the beginning of January.

With temperatures dropping below freezing for three nights this week, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has also been required to provide emergency accommodation to the homeless in a separate arrangement.

Organisers of the Winter Shelter have seen a fall in demand over the weeks they have been operating, with 31 different people having now stayed the night.

Until March 1 one of ten town centre churches will provide a meal, showers and safe place to sleep for 12 people a night on a rota arrangement.

Stigma Barry Chaseley, who is this year’s Shelter Manager alongside his wife, Maureen, said: “Usually we start off with low numbers and end up full.

“But this time we had 12 on our first night and we have seen nine of those find accommodation.

We have not seen any guests from previous years.”

All first-time applicants must visit the council’s walk-in Gateway centre at Fiveways between

TEAM EFFORT: Volunteers with Tunbridge Wells Churches Winter Shelter 9.30am and 12.30pm on weekdays for an assessment and interview.

The Winter Shelter team then decide who to allocate the 12 spaces to, based on their situation and proximity to Tunbridge Wells – although the large majority are local.

Mr Chaseley added: “Some people have been offered a place and not come in.

“I don’t know why they would not but there might be a stigma about staying in a hostel or they have an offer of a sofa at a friend’s house.

“The guests who do come in have said the Shelter is far more than they expected and they

are grateful.”

Over the 63 night period 234 volunteers will help cook and welcome the homeless people – referred to by Shelter staff as guests.

Julie Russell, Shelter Support Worker, said: “The atmosphere has been fantastic and the volunteers have been incredible.

“They have made a huge effort and we would not have a shelter without them.

“Having less guests is a positive thing and it would be worth our time even if there was only one homeless person we had helped.

“It has been so rewarding to be part of.”

Local News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

NEWS

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Criticism of Civic Complex continues with consultation

COUNCIL PROVIDES EXTRA FLATS FOR THE HOMELESS HOUSEHOLDS could be offered extra flats in Paddock Wood following a surge in homeless applications.

The Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will offer the seven flats in Dowding House in Commercial Road, originally intended for private rental. This means in total 25 flats will now be available at the site for homeless people.

Councillor Lynne Weatherly, Cabinet member with responsibility for Communities and Wellbeing, said the flats are on offer to homeless people who would otherwise have to be housed ‘outside the borough in bed and breakfast’ accommodation.

She said: “I am so pleased that we’re able to provide these flats.”

SAFE SPACE Churches provide beds

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a £90million Civic Complex and theatre on land bordering Calverley Grounds have moved a step closer.

On Thursday [February 1] the Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] approved Supplementary Planning Documents, which included results of a consultation which showed the level of public opposition.

Analysis of the survey, which ran from October 30 to December 11 last year, found 20 out of the 38 responses expressed strong feeling against.

Only four were in support of the designs for the project which includes a 1,200-seat theatre, car park and council offices.

Vanity

IN CHARGE Maureen Chaserley, Barry Chaserley and Julie Russell

MEET AND EAT Guests meet volunteers

Research finds firm lacks value for money

By Jonathan Banks SOUTHEASTERN has the joint-lowest ‘value for money’ rating of all major rail networks, a national survey has found.

Slightly more than one third (36 per cent) of passengers asked said the franchise, which serves Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, was worth the price of the tickets. Most of the remainder thought it poor value for money.

The data, released last week by watchdog Transport Focus, also found eight out of ten were ‘satisfied overall’ with Southeastern’s performance.

Of the 26 firms analysed, Southeastern had the lowest ‘value for money’ score alongside South Western Railway.

West Kent commuters pay some of the highest commuter fares per mile in the country, with season tickets to London recently rising by an average 3.6 per cent.

Rail passengers reacted with dismay when the recent fare increases pushed the cost of an annual season ticket from Tunbridge Wells to London through the £4,500 barrier adding an extra £160 to the cost.

Even before the latest rise a commuter making a return journey five days a week, excluding 25 days annual leave and Bank Holidays, would spend 31 pence per mile travelled.

Commitment An annual season ticket from Tonbridge to

London now costs £4,232, up from £4,088.

Car parks managed by Southeastern also saw a sharp increase that means Tonbridge commuters are now charged £1,276 a year just to park.

Transport Focus spoke to a combined 27,000 commuters across the country to compile the report.

Their findings also showed Southern, which serves Leigh, Penshurst, Crowborough and Eridge, had a 72 per cent satisfaction rate and 38 per cent thought it was good value for money.

Of the 26 firms analysed, Grand Central finished top with a 96 per cent satisfaction rate.

Southeastern also recorded 80 per cent in the Autumn 2017 report.

David Statham, Managing Director of Southeastern said: “We’re pleased to see our scores are continuing to improve.

“We’ve achieved this through the hard work and commitment of our employees, working together with our colleagues at Network Rail.”

A spokesman from GTR, the firm who control Southern, commented: “On Southern, after the previous year’s intense period of industrial action, our services have improved and we are determined to build on that.”

Doreen Lambert wrote: “Fix what is already broken in our town before you build these monuments to personal vanity.”

Patricia Stone wrote: “The present Town Hall would be left to rot and we’ll be left with another rotting eyesore in the very centre of the town.”

Striking a more balanced tone, another commenter wrote: “In the local press recently, a Council spokesperson was quoted as summing up its initiative as ‘cultural investment for the future’.

“I entirely support that aspiration in principle, but differ about the means of achievement.”

The designs were passed by TWBC in a meeting in December and the authority is now in the process of applying for planning permission.

Residents now have just a few days left to participate in another consultation, this time to comment on the approved plans for the complex.

This public consultation ends on Friday [February 9].

Nicholas Pope, of pressure group TW Alliance, said this is an important opportunity for opposition voices to be heard.

“On reviewing the first 15 responses to the planning application, only one is in favour and that is from a prospective Conservative councillor.”

To comment on the application visit www. tunbridgewells.gov.uk/residents/planning and search the reference 18/00076/FULL.

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Local News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Caped crusader says two years of collecting has helped thousands PHOTO: Sarah Clark Photography

SCHOOL’S OUT Ring Pull Man with Hillview students

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk HE may not have any super powers but a caped crusader says his own mission has changed the lives of hundreds of children.

In two years Ring Pull Man says he has collected an estimated one million drink can tops from businesses, schools and clubs around Tunbridge Wells.

Ring pulls are sent to the Philippines, where they can be turned into jewellery and sold by the charitable Purple Community Fund [PCF].

This has allowed 1,600 children, who would otherwise have worked on rubbish dumps, to attend a school established by the charity.

Ring Pull Man, who would not disclose his age or personal details, said: “People have been very

supportive and it is making a difference.”

PCF founder Jane Walker confirmed his efforts were helping and estimated that each ring pull was worth around 3p.

This means that if the hero had collected 1million ring pulls, the financial equivalent would be £30,000.

“Ring Pull Man has never collected money,” the superhero continued.

Accident “It is trying to find people who are in all sorts of suffering all around the world, and the people of Tunbridge Wells have been very supportive.

“The word manic would sum it up with the interest I have had, there is little rest as there are so many things I am being asked to do. “[The project] has become a full time job on top

of my full-time job.”

Since launching the scheme in summer 2015, the masked man has become a regular sight on a motorised unicycle around town.

But his efforts have come at a personal cost.

“I am self-funding the project, and so far it has cost £40,000,” continued Ring Pull Man, who often refers to himself in the third person in conversation.

“I am onto my thirteenth motorised unicycle as if you have an accident you can smash it up in one go.”

Now in 2018 he is back to full

health after an accident caused him an injury which ruled him out of collecting ring pulls and threatened to reveal his identity.

Describing the incident in November, he said: “I was going on the inside of stationary traffic and just as I was going past a driver he veered to the left and I was trapped alongside the kerb.”

Ring Pull Man did not want to disclose the injuries he sustained other than that he broke a bone.

“I did not exchange any details as it would have given me away. I went to hospital for x-rays and heard the news of the break,” he added.

The crusader said he was unable to put a monetary value on what he had done but he said he preferred to raise awareness.

He continued: “All the police in Tunbridge Wells are supportive, they are pulling me over all the time for a photo.

“But I am really not into being famous. I have no intention of ever letting my identity out as it would spoil it for the children.

“My parents know now but for a while my father used to ask me about it and did not know it was me.

“People can talk about it though with me and not realise, which can get surreal.

“Trying to get out without being seen is a challenge but I have secret methods.

“I never used to dress up and I have never bought a comic book. I don’t want the attention but I just know how to communicate with people.

“I don’t take myself too seriously. It is making a difference and it means the children can get involved.”

PCF founder Ms Walker said Ring Pull Man had asked if he could help raise awareness, which she was supportive of.

She said: “He has been amazing, and has raised tonnes of ring pulls over the years. His work has also raised awareness of what we do.”

She said ring pulls are shipped over to the Philippines for free in an agreement with a cargo firm.

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Local News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Why local businesses want to The Times launches a new digital platform to help people make the most of their free time Wednesday February 7 | 2018

yourh me

and possessions – 76 per cent opted for the experience.

And it’s this change in focus and THERE’S quite a 35 ULTIMATE lifestyle that has revolution going on today GUIDE prompted Times in the way that we spend Local Newspapers our hard-earned cash.

46 and their sister Gone are the days Victorian semi Hollie’s 60 publication, SO when we would rush to 49 Little Cakery Tempting magazines, to create buy, at the shops or townhouse ‘Our bespoke cakes will always a new digital online, the latest be our bestsellers’ 68 Page 64 publishing platform. so-called ‘white goods’, 53 Milling around It will be called such as washing Away from the daily grind in Speldhurst theknow and is machines, fridges, 66 Page 39 designed to help cookers and other large people across West pieces of electrical On stage Comic Ed Byrne Kent and the Weald household equipment.

72 is coming to town make the most of Cheap imports have Kiddie caper Dogs Don’t Do Ballet their free time. flooded the marketplace in recent We recognise that years, pushing down prices and locally there’s a making the products almost irresistible. high proportion of Now, though, it would seem we have consumers who are cash rich and time poor and had our fill of white goods and consumers are have a limited opportunity to keep in touch with more concerned with enjoying ‘an experience’. what’s happening in and around their towns.

They are looking to spend their money on things The new leisure site, which will be launched by like food and drink and other leisure activities.

Indeed, leisure is attracting one and a half times publishers One Media later this month, will help residents and visitors alike to get the best out of more discretionary spend than retail and the Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge – and beyond. sector is growing twice as fast, while eating out It’s been developed to give you useful and is by far the most popular leisure activity with meaningful information on everything from 85 per cent of consumers spending in this area. local news, entertainment and events to food The switch in spending is borne out by our and drink, arts and culture, travel and style. own informal online poll, where we asked if One Media Editorial Director Richard Moore readers would prefer to spend money on an said: “Launching a leisure site that also provides ‘experience’ or on ‘items’ such as white goods

By Jonathan Banks

INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

33

AND IMPROVING

IN THE SWIM

AVAILABLE EVERY WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

thekn w TO PROPERTY, INTERIORS , TOP TRENDS AND GARDENING

GAME, SET AND MATCH

ARTS AND CULTURE | LIFE & STYLE | MOTORING TECHNOLOGY | DREAM DESTINATIONS | SPORT

with garage

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Gadgets

Computer in the cloud Page 74

FOOD & DRINK

GARDEN DEVELOPMENT

Page 26-27

for commuters Page 43

local news is a natural progression for us. It offers advertisers another unique media platform that’s complementary to print and enables us to provide readers with rolling information about what’s happening in their local world.

“Think of a sophisticated ‘what’s on’ where you can find out all you need to know about the places to eat, the best shows to see, family days out that you won’t want to miss, and that will give you a flavour of what to expect.

HALF-TERM HAPPENINGS

‘We believe it will quickly become the leading online leisure site for West Kent and the Weald’

WONDERWALL

VALENTINE’S GIFTS

PLAN FOR SUMMER

TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA

Page 58

Page 61

TEST DRIVE: SUBARU XV

“We believe it will quickly become the leading online leisure site for West Kent and the Weald, just as our newspapers and magazines have become an integral part of the community.”

The switch in focus by consumers is why this week you’ll also see some changes towards the back of this newspaper, where we’re launching a new section [P25] called yourhome that is full of ideas to provide you with the ‘inspiration for moving and improving’ when it comes to your property. That’s on top of our usual section listing some of the best homes on the market.

There’s also a new lifestyle section [P57] called theknow.

It will work in conjunction with the digital platform of the same name and will pull together all of your favourite features, including going out, live music, fashion and beauty, motoring, gadgets and sport – plus a few new twists to make the section even more meaningful and appealing.

Let us know what you think, email: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

OUR LAUNCH PARTNERS… Key to the success of any new media, be it print or online, is the support of the business community. And that’s certainly happening with our digital platform theknow. This is where we hear from four local businesses that have signed up to be our launch partners THOMAS MANSFIELD SOLICITORS As a resident of Tunbridge Wells, I was absolutely delighted when the Times ran their first edition. Like everyone else I have a busy life, but I like to know what is happening in the local community.

The paper brought me all the relevant information in a good quality format and immediately filled a knowledge gap in keeping up-to-date with events in Tunbridge Wells.

It also offered an important platform for my business to showcase its talent, which is why, for the first time, we decided to get into print advertising.

When we heard that the Times was going to launch a digital platform, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of it because an online platform will fill the void that the newspaper could not reach.

It will greatly assist in our marketing campaigns because, unlike the newspaper, we will obtain instant feedback on the numbers and demographics of the visitors landing on the site, which will assist us in focusing on our target audience.

Like the newspaper, I believe the Times website is in the right place at the right time because, more than ever, people use their computers, phones and tablets to search online not only for local news and events but for plumbers, cars, houses and solicitors.

Neill Thomas Partner

Local News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

be in theknow

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Our track record…

TEN years ago, when we launched the upmarket glossy So Tunbridge Wells, the sceptics said it would never take off. It was the start of the recession.

Today, SO magazines are recognised across West Kent and the Weald as the leading monthly publications in the region.

Three years ago, when we launched the Times of Tunbridge Wells, the sceptics again doubted it would prove a success. They were wrong; it has become an integral part of the community and has been ‘commended’ at the prestigious National Newspaper Awards, where judges said it was a

BALDWINS TRAVEL GROUP Baldwins Travel Group is delighted to partner with One Media on their new digital platform.

Online and social media channels are vital to the success of our business, from brand awareness through to promoting events, etc.

It’s important for us to ensure we are reaching the right demographic/target audience. theknow matches our client profile, so this will be a fantastic channel for us to reach a new audience.

Nick Marks Joint Managing Director

NUFFIELD HEALTH TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOSPITAL Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital has worked closely with SO magazines and the Times of Tunbridge Wells for some time now, and are proud to be a part of theknow.

We know our customers want premium products and services and will use new online technology for advice and bookings. theknow provides us with a great platform to share what we can offer the local people of Tunbridge Wells, and we very much look forward to being a part of it.

Amy Martin Business Development Assistant

RTWSKIN rtwskin have always been at the forefront of digital communication and we have now joined as launch partners with theknow platform provided by Markerstudy (SO Tunbridge Wells magazine) – one of the most active and forward-looking companies in Tunbridge Wells.

We have been working with SO TW for many years and we are confident that we will increase our interaction with our patient database, whilst it will also enable us to provide more interesting and informative information for those looking for the services we provide within the Dermatology, Aesthetic Medicine and Travel Clinic fields.

Our clients come from all walks of life with a multitude of issues, not just from Kent and Sussex but nationwide, and even sometimes from international locations.

We have one of the largest and most well equipped medical laser clinics in the world and we need to let local people know about it.

We have many projects in place for this year, which is why we have chosen to partner with the theknow.

John Sheffield, Chairman and Registered Manager & Laser Protection Supervisor

fantastic achievement for ‘such a young newspaper’.

Eighteen months ago, we launched the Times of Tonbridge, and today it is the biggest local paper and has become ‘a must read’ for people in the town.

Since the opening edition of the Times we have worked hard to establish a reputation for accurate, balanced reporting on matters and stories that really matter.

And thanks to our readers and advertisers we have become the largest newspapers in town.

Each week we attract an average of more than 35,000 people across print and online.

The CEO of Kent Invicta

Chamber of Commerce, Jo James, is on record as saying: “The Times shines a light on local businesses and what they are doing to ensure the area has a vibrant economy.”

Indeed, Jo James has for the last two years hosted the Times Business Awards.

Last year, more than 130 companies and individuals in the area entered the awards, with more than 200 people attending the gala night prize presentation ceremony.

This year we’re aiming to make the awards even bigger and better as we use the new digital platform theknow to raise the profile of the occasion.

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NEWS

Local News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

How decisions were made on spending £500,000 of developer’s money from cinema site

By Jonathan Banks newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE company developing the former ABC cinema site will hand over at least £500,000 to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] once the paperwork is finalised.

It will all happen under something called a Section 106 agreement, as reported in the Times last week.

Altitude, the developer, is expected to start work on £80million project The Belvedere at the end of this year or in early 2019, which would be later than originally stated.

It will take around two and a half years to build and will include shops, restaurants, a boutique Everyman cinema and at least 99 homes, with either ten more properties or a medical centre to be added on.

Section 106 agreements are viewed by some as a ‘sweetener’ to encourage planning authorities to look kindly on applications. There is no suggestion that rules are being abused or broken through the use of a Section 106.

Members of the TWBC’s Planning Committee voted in favour of passing the then proposed development in a meeting in October last year.

Planning documents, published in the Times last week, showed that Altitude will pay £501,693.41 if the medical centre is chosen.

The developer would pay £601,035 if extra housing is given the nod. Some councillors raised concerns that no affordable housing was on offer within The Belvedere.

To find out how the process works the Times put a series of questions to TWBC. The full questions and answers are published below and are unedited.

What is the purpose of 106 agreements?

A Section 106 agreement or planning obligation/ planning contribution helps to mitigate the impact of an unacceptable development to make it acceptable in planning terms.

The need for contributions will sometimes be identified in particular planning policies, and sometimes become apparent through the consideration of a planning application.

This can be illustrated in relation to primary school places. Additional homes can result in a need for additional school places. A contribution

can fund these additional school places, for example through an extension to a local school.

To be acceptable contributions must meet a series of tests which are set out in national policy and legislation.

A Section 106 agreement can also be used to ensure that other non-financial elements of a proposal are delivered at certain times.

What is the formula for reaching the figure of payment?

It varies depending on the reason for the contribution, but will be based on accurate costings and an identification of how much impact a particular development will have. This is dependent on the site location and type of the development proposed.

Using the example of impact on school places, Kent County Council [KCC] as the education authority has detailed information as to existing and future capacity at schools, the consequential additional school places that will be needed as a result of a development, and the cost of providing those places, for example by extending a school.

Who decides on what the money should be spent?

A consultee such as KCC or the NHS or an internal department in the Council will advise the level of contribution required, and indicate the projects that the contribution would be spent on. TWBC officers will check this against the relevant national policy and legislative tests.

Only if the contribution is considered to comply with the tests that the Planning Committee is advised that this should be secured through the Section 106 agreement.

What criteria is used in deciding who gets the money?

As above, contributions must meet the relevant tests. TWBC secures the contributions and will then pass them on when appropriate to the relevant service (e.g. KCC as the education authority).

If the cinema site had included affordable housing would 106 payments still be liable?

TWBC affordable housing policy sets out that if it is demonstrated that a proposal is not deliverable for viability reasons, then a reduced (or nil) level of affordable housing will be negotiated. This will need to be demonstrated by the submission of a viability assessment, which is

subject to review by the Council’s retained independent viability consultants.

This was the case at the former cinema site: this is explained in the report presented to the Planning Committee: http://democracy.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/ meetings/mgChooseDocPack.aspx?ID=4114 However, Local Plan policy does not include the same provisions in relation to other contributions. This has the effect that, in practice, where there are demonstrable viability issues on a development that other Section 106 contributions are generally secured ahead affordable housing. This matter will be reviewed by the Council as part of the new Local Plan.

WHO STANDS TO BENEFIT FROM THE AGREEMENT TWO schools are among the likely beneficiaries of the section 106 agreement struck between Altitude and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Broadwater Down Primary School and St Gregory’s Secondary School, both in Tunbridge Wells, are both set to receive in excess of £40,000.

St Gregory’s has been approached for comment. Neither school is the nearest in location to the site’s development.

In addition £50,000 would be provided towards a ‘sustainable transport contribution’ and around £35,000 towards the new Cultural Hub.

No affordable housing has been provided so why was the money not put towards supporting affordable housing in some shape or form?

Please see above.

Would you accept that many might see 106 as ‘incentives’ for a council to pass contentious planning applications?

Each and every contribution must past the national policy and legislative tests. Officers have provided training to the Planning Committee so that the Members understand that contributions can only be secured to mitigate the impact of

PHOTO: Craig Matthews

development, and must pass the relevant tests.

The Committee and Delegated reports on planning applications also reflect this.

Finally, will the Civic Complex development attract Section 106 monies?

Potentially. It will be dependent on the impact of the proposal. This assessment will take place if a planning application is submitted.

Developer Altitude will decide on whether to build a medical centre or more flats. This will impact the section 106 agreement as follows. See Times January 31 for full list.

MEDICAL CENTRE

OFFICE PLUS FURTHER 9 UNITS

Primary school

£59,832

£65,649

Expansion of Broadwater Down Primary School

Secondary school

£42,476.40

£46,606.05

Enhancement of St Gregory’s Secondary School

NHS contribution

None, as medical centre being provided

£76,392

Lonsdale Medical Centre, Kingswood Surgery, Grosvenor Medical Centre and / or St James Medical Centre

Cultural Hub

£34,797.51

£37,960.92

Provision of space within the Cultural Hub and library stock

Youth & adult recreation contribution

£184,915

£194,328

Calverley grounds and / or Rusthall playing fields expansion

CONTRIBUTION

TO BE USED TOWARDS

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Takeover deal to be decided in High Court INSURANCE firm Reliance Mutual is set to be bought by Life Company Consolidation Group [LCCG].

Tunbridge Wells-based company Reliance is in sale negotiations which could be agreed by the High Court in a hearing on March 15.

A spokesman was unable to comment on how many jobs could be affected or on the future of the company’s offices in Vale Avenue.

The firm was also unable to comment on how much the deal is worth.

A statement on its website reads: “If you have a policy with us, it will be included in the transfer.

“We have written to all Reliance Mutual policyholders and members to explain the transfer process in detail.

“The two resolutions proposed were passed by members in attendance at the meeting, and by members who cast proxy votes by post or online.”

Acquisitions Reliance operates as a mutual company, owned by around 10,000 members who voted 98 per cent in favour of the sale in a poll in December.

London-based LCCG already operates principal business Utmost Wealth Solutions, which provides savings, protection and investment solutions in Europe and Asia.

A spokesman said: “LCCG is in the process of acquiring the business of Reliance Mutual, which will form the platform for further acquisitions of traditional books of life business in the UK.” The court date has already been put back a week and Reliance has stated that it could possibly change again.

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

EXPERT HR specialist Sandhya Iyer has opened a branch for Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells

Law firm chooses new corporate team partner SPECIALIST tax lawyer Elizabeth Middleton has joined Cripps as a partner in the corporate team.

Last week, the law firm, which has offices in Tunbridge Wells, Kings Hill and London, announced the arrival as a boost.

Formally a partner at Boodle Hatfield, Ms Middleton joins from NGM Tax Law, where she has been a consultant for the last six years.

She said: “Cripps has a strong reputation in the South East for its corporate work and I am looking forward to working with the team, its client and referrers.”

Firm offers area’s small and medium sized companies corporate HR help

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A BUSINESSWOMAN has found Tunbridge Wells is the ‘perfect fit’ to open the country’s 68th branch of national chain The HR Dept Ltd. Sandhya Iyer has worked within the HR sector in Singapore and India, and plans to draw on her international experience to offer advice to some of the 10,000 small and medium sized businesses [SMEs] in West Kent.

Headache As well as Tunbridge Wells, the new branch will offer cover to firms in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks.

“Tunbridge Wells was the perfect fit,” she said.

“My experience is well-rounded – I’m an HR generalist and over the years I have been involved in companies in various industries during different phases of change and restructuring.

“Business owners don’t want to worry about HR, they want to concentrate on running and growing their businesses. I can help take that headache away so that they can focus on what they do best.”

She added: “HR issues do not vary hugely between organisations. What does vary is the ability and resources available to resolve these issues.

“There are many HR considerations for modern companies to consider, and much of what I’ve learned is applicable to SMEs as well as multinational corporates.

“An employment contract is an employment contract, no matter whether you are a blue chip or a start-up.”

Success for The Mafia NETWORKING group The Muesli Mafia welcomed 70 guests for their first business breakfast of 2018.

John Barry, Director of management consulting firm Timeless Time, spoke at last month’s Mecure Hotel, Pembury event on January 26.

Co-host Ron Roser, of Langton Business Services, said the strong turnout was encouraging after lower numbers in 2017.

The meet-ups alternate between Tunbridge Wells, Ashford and Maidstone, with the next Mercure Hotel event on April 20. To book, visit www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk

Closing time for cobbler POPULAR shoe repair shop The Nodding Cobbler has closed in Tunbridge Wells.

The Grosvenor Road store, based next to Costa Coffee, also offered key cutting and bag repairs, but shut its doors for good last month.

Local Business News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

BUSINESS

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Internet gives mum a chance to launch luxury fashion start-up…

By Jonathan Banks A MOTHER of two is encouraging women to follow their dreams as she launches an unusual fashion business.

Brazilian-born Nara Vidal was a writer before she started selling tights from her home in Tunbridge Wells – where she has lived for seven years.

Through her Augusta Collection website, the 43 year old offers clients free home delivery of two pairs of the designer garments per month.

Mrs Vidal chooses all the tights to send from leading designers, with a quirk of the trade being that customers have the joy of not knowing what is coming next.

Since she established the luxury firm two months ago, she has attracted clients from Europe and America, as well as some closer to her Culverden home.

“I came across a company that did a similar trade, but I found the quality was poor and one of the key points of this is the feel factor,” she said.

Challenge “It has to be really top quality and we sell very chic tights.

“Being a mum at the same time as doing the business can be a challenge, and I do not have a lot of time on my hands,” she continued.

“But it is a fantastic little thing to have and the response has been amazing. I complain about it but I would not have it any other way.

“I think [mothers] should do it, the kids will grow up and you will be left with something nice that is still going on.”

Customers pay £13 per month for the tights.

Mrs Vidal said the start-up would be ‘impossible’ from a physical shop, but with the online challenge comes opportunity.

“You have to be quite savvy about marketing,” she added, saying she is investing time in Instagram and contacting vloggers.

“There is a need to be clever about the format and make the most of opportunities.”

TIGHT FIT Nara Vidal, founder of augustacollection.com

New chapter for publishing firm

By Phil Spacey

ANOTHER UK-USA SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP James King (left) with D&GTP President Mike Osenga

SPECIALIST publisher KHL has made further inroads into the American market by acquiring the Wisconsinbased Diesel & Gas Turbine Publications Group [D&GTP].

Four jobs are set to be created by the buy-out, which was confirmed on Thursday [February 1] in a deal for an undisclosed amount.

KHL publish construction magazines and already employ 55 staff at their Wadhurst office, and another 45 (combined) in the USA, Latin America, India and China.

Managing Director James King

confirmed all D&GTP staff, around 20, would continue in their roles. D&GTP will continue to run under the same banner but with new owners.

The four new staff will help build links between the two.

Strengths The acquisition is a boost for KHL and will see extra magazines, digital media and directories added to their portfolio.

Among the acquired titles are Diesel Progress and Diesel Progress International, both market-leading magazines.

Mr King said: “Diesel Progress has a

great brand, great heritage and is run by great people. We will build upon the company’s clear strengths and make it even stronger.

“This acquisition continues to transform KHL as it heads towards its long-term vision of becoming a full-line information, data, events, research, consultancy and communications company. And all delivered to our readers in whatever format they prefer to consume it, whether that is digital, print or face-to-face.

“Right now, I cannot think of any better company than D&GTP to complement KHL’s existing information products.”

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NEWS

Community News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Children’s charity Fegans celebrates 148 years with museum exhibition FOUNDING FATHER James Fegan

By Andy Tong AN EXHIBITION called Seasons of Change is coming to Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery this week to celebrate the work of Fegans, the Kent children’s charity.

Fegans has been helping families since its inception almost 150 years ago, and currently counsels more than 400 children each week while also providing parents with support, training and interventions.

The free exhibition, which runs for four months from Friday [February 9], describes the work of its founder, James Fegan, and follows the charity’s story up to the present day.

Fegans’ Chief Executive Ian Soars said: “We are really looking forward to sharing our story with the people of Tunbridge Wells. Fegans has a fascinating 148-year history and our founder James Fegan was a truly inspiring man.

“Our work today has evolved into transforming the lives of children within our communities through counselling and parenting support – and our services have never been in greater demand.

“We hope that our exhibition inspires people to think about how we can bring hope to future generations and open up conversations about our children’s mental health.”

Mr Fegan began helping street children in 1870 and, a year later,

met an orphan called Tom Hammond in Bognor Regis. Tom and the other ‘Fegans Boys’ were initially given homes in London.

Emigration But in 1884, ‘to provide a better start in life’, he started to help boys emigrate to Canada. Then, in 1911, he bought a farm in Goudhurst in order to help them train and learn farming techniques ahead of their trips across the Atlantic. The emigration programme ran for 55 years until 1939.

In the 1960s, Fegans Homes became smaller to provide an intimate family environment and also started to support girls.

Then, in 1990, the charity opened the Family Residential Assessment Centre in Broadstairs, and since then it has set up two preschools, in Thanet and Heathfield, alongside parent and toddler groups.

During half-term, from February 13-15, there will be free farmyard arts and crafts drop-in sessions for children at the museum.

For more information, visit www.fegans.org.uk/seasonsofchange DOWN ON THE FARM Fegans Boys in Goudhurst in 1940

Community transport service needs more volunteer drivers DIAL 2 DRIVE is looking to recruit volunteer drivers to help its community transport scheme for a few hours each month.

The service, provided by the Imago Community in Tunbridge Wells, was set up to help people who are unable to access public transport due to age, illness or disability.

It is offered to residents of Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas. The Dial 2 Drive team carried out more than 12,500 journeys last year.

Volunteer drivers use their own cars to take clients to doctors’ surgeries and hospitals, but also to social appointments, such as at day centres, lunch clubs and hairdressers, and on shopping trips.

The driving role is flexible and mileage OUT AND ABOUT Dial 2 Drive client Mrs May has a lift from her volunteer driver, Vicky

expenses are reimbursed.

Jon Weller, Director of Community Services at Imago, said: “Dial 2 Drive is a friendly and trusted service designed to reduce isolation and loneliness.

“It provides an essential and affordable community transport service for hundreds of older people across the West Kent area, ensuring that those who are unable to easily access public transport can remain independent and active within their communities.

He added: “It’s a lifeline to the members, for whom the driver is often the only person they speak to during the week.”

For more information, call 0300 777 1200, email: driving@imago.community or search for Dial 2 Drive at www.imago.community

Community News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Top award for Crossways in fight to end stigma around mental illness CROSSWAYS COMMUNITY in Tunbridge Wells is celebrating its half-century with a national award from the National Council of Voluntary Organisations [NVCO] in recognition of its high standards of governance.

The charity’s Chief Executive, Christopher Munday, was thrilled to be awarded the Winifred Tumim Memorial Prize.

‘We look forward to talking about and supporting this issue for the next 50 years with vigour and enthusiasm’ He said: “We are delighted to receive this governance award from NCVO in our 50th anniversary year, which we celebrated with a visit by a member of the Royal Family, The Countess of Wessex.”

Crossways has announced it will open a community café in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells as an informal place for people to visit who may be unsure how to ask for help on mental health issues.

There are opportunities for local businesses to be part of this project by fundraising and sponsoring equipment.

Crossways is also looking for a full-time café manager and volunteers to run it.

The charity was backing ‘Time to Talk’ day on February 1, a national awareness campaign which encouraged people to discuss mental health issues.

Mr Munday added: “Family, friends and colleagues are all at risk from poor mental health at some point in their lives. It’s time we ended the stigma, talked openly and learned how to help.

“I hope that 2018 is a better year for anyone who needs to improve their mental health.

“We look forward to talking about and supporting this issue for the next 50 years with vigour and enthusiasm.”

Crossways is a Christian charity supporting adults with mental health needs in West Kent.

It provides residential care for over 40 adults with moderate to acute mental health issues and offers wider support services in the community, challenging ignorance and stigma about mental health.

It recognises that pressures on young people and adults can be overwhelming these days, so it works with teachers in primary and secondary schools to provide tailored and interactive learning to students.

Their work also helps students to spot signs of poor mental health in themselves and others, and provides coping strategies.

Crossways also delivers interactive training courses for business owners and staff to ‘understand, listen and communicate’ to improve mental health.

Worries It says: “Stressful careers, a long commute, family and relationship problems, health and financial worries all take their toll, and in the Tunbridge Wells and wider West Kent area the needs are growing.”

There are three residential schemes where adults with acute to moderate mental health issues are accommodated and supported according to their needs.

The charity’s ‘Enterprises’ programme teaches the residents a range of rehabilitating life skills – including selling goods online, gardening, furniture restoration and retail skills – ‘to ensure that everyone can thrive and experience fulfilling lives’.

For information and support, please visit www.crosswayscommunity.co.uk

RECOGNITION Chris Munday with his governance award

NEWS

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NEWS

Local News

Runners prepare to take on hilly but scenic half marathon

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk NEARLY 2,000 runners are preparing to take on the notorious hills of the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon this month.

Late entries are still available for the 35th annual 13.1-mile event before the starting gun fires on Sunday, February 18.

Mark Taylor is into his fifth year as Race Director for the Tunbridge Wells Harriers-organised challenge, which has become a firm fixture in the town’s calendar.

“We are expecting 1,500 to 2,000 participants,” he told the Times last week.

“The race has had up to 2,500 in the past, but the numbers have gone down a little as there are so many more races now than when we started.

“It is our 35th year, and not many half marathons have been going that long, but we’re not making a big thing of the anniversary.”

The scenic and challenging course has not changed in the event’s history.

Gruelling Starting near to Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre in St John’s Road at 9am on the 18th, the route takes in the villages of Bidborough, Penshurst and Fordcombe.

A lasting memory for many is the gruelling 300ft climb up Spring Hill into Langton Green as the route heads towards Rusthall and the town centre before finishing in Southborough.

But despite the hilly sections, Mr Taylor said it is possible to set a personal best [PB] – last year’s winning time was a swift 68 minutes.

He continued: “I talk to a lot of people, and there are mixed views on how easy the course is.

Because of Spring Hill, some say that it is tough.

“But I think the Tonbridge Half Marathon [held in the autumn] is harder. Tunbridge Wells is my PB course.”

“It is downhill to Penshurst and I would advise runners not to go off too fast,” he added.

Local News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

NEWS

17

How I am training for the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

TOUGH TIMES Spring Hill is a challenge

RUNNERS: Julian Rendall, William Levett and Greg Cole “Training-wise, I would advise getting some reasonable distance in.”

There is also a charitable element to the run with the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, The Bridge Trust and Tunbridge Wells Counselling Centre all set to benefit from the £10,000 expected to be raised this year.

Hendy Ford dealership is sponsoring the 2018 event.

Mr Taylor continued: “It is a race organised by runners for runners, and the marshals can add to the atmosphere.

“There will be a lot of runners looking to go on to run the London Marathon.”

Entry to the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon costs £28 for non-affiliated runners and includes a T-shirt, medal and timing chip.

For more information, visit Martin www.twharriers.org.uk Salmon

ON THE RUN Veteran Graham Brooks (below)

WOMEN’S WINNER Maria Heslop

Times reporter William Mata is running his sixth half marathon and his first in Tunbridge Wells next month.

The half marathon is my favourite distance to run. The length is such that you can settle into a rhythm and not feel pressure to rush against the clock, as you would do in a 10k. It is a challenging distance but you can also train for it without feeling that running is taking over your life.

That said, I have had some tough experiences over 13.1 miles in the past when I have not put enough training in. In last year’s Harrow Half Marathon [pictured below], for example, it really was a struggle to get to the finish.

I am determined for that to not happen this time, and for the past month I have been slowly building up the distance. So far, I have done three runs which are nearing 13 miles and I would like to get one more in before the race day.

I’ve never run the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon before and I have heard the course is a bit of a killer. For that reason, I have been trying to include a few hill runs and I’ve been finding the area around Penshurst useful.

Despite what Race Director Mark Taylor tells me, I don’t think my personal best of 1hr 28.08 [set in Tonbridge] is under threat.

Typically, I’ll do two short runs per week before work at a medium to fast pace and a long weekend run at a slow pace.

I’ll try and sneak the odd parkrun 5k in, too!

OVER THE HILL Times reporter William Mata

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NEWS

National News

Outsourcing collapse leads to long delay in new hospital opening COMPLETION of a new £335million hospital is facing a ‘significant delay’ following the collapse of building giant Carillion, an NHS chief executive has warned.

The firm, which went into liquidation in January, was building the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in Merseyside.

The project was already behind schedule when Carillion told the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust in December that it could not meet a revised handover date set for February 28.

The Trust’s Chief Executive, Aidan Kehoe, has said its ‘preferred option was for sub-contractors and Carillion staff who worked on the project to complete it’.

Significant But he added: “Many of the subcontractors are experiencing severe financial difficulties as a result of Carillion’s collapse.

“It is therefore difficult at this stage to get those subcontractors back on the site.

“I anticipate that the conversations between ourselves, the hospital company, subcontractors and the official receiver will take some time.

“Therefore I would expect a significant delay on the completion of the new hospital scheme.”

Carillion was handed the contract for the hospital in 2013 and it was originally due to be handed over to the NHS in March 2017.

At the time of being awarded the contract, the company said it would be the ‘largest all singlebed hospital in the country’ with 646 beds, including a 40-bed critical care unit, and 18 operating theatres.

It was buiding the hospital for a private consortium, The Hospital Company (Liverpool).

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Carillion boss admits: ‘I should have acted sooner to save firm’ EXECUTIVES at defunct construction giant Carillion have been branded ‘delusional’ and accused of playing the blame game by MPs, as a damning report revealed how company bosses presided over a string of failures that led to its collapse.

The freshly released report compiled by the firm just days before its collapse in January showed that it was well aware of its problems.

“The group had become too complex with an overly short-term focus, weak operational risk management and too many distractions outside of our core,” the presentation said.

It also highlighted ‘poor planning of effective contract controls and monitoring’, ‘insufficient understanding of and adherence to contract requirements’ and a ‘lack of ownership of issues’.

The former Interim Chief Executive Keith Cochrane has told a parliamentary committee that he should have acted sooner before the company’s collapse.

Cochrane told the Business and Pensions Committees: “Clearly the business did have issues –

undoubtedly. And clearly, do I wish we had done something about it sooner? Absolutely. I recognise that.”

The construction giant collapsed in mid-January, struggling under nearly £900million of debt.

Last year it reported a £587million pension deficit when it fell into liquidation.

Blame Former Finance Director Zafar Khan denied being ‘asleep at the wheel’ but admitted that Carillion was grappling with mounting debt, significantly underperforming contracts and tough construction markets in the UK. And ex-Chairman Philip Green told MPs said he ultimately took the blame for the liquidation.

Mr Green said: “As Chairman of the board, I take full responsibility. We went into the year with too much debt. Contracts deteriorated rapidly and because we didn’t have that wiggle room, that was a significant factor.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tesco fraud trial halted because of heart attack THE accounting fraud trial of three former Tesco bosses has had to be discontinued after one of the defendants suffered a heart attack.

The trial at Southwark Crown Court, which began in September last year, collapsed on Monday after Carl Rogberg, 51, was taken to hospital.

Rogberg, Chris Bush and John Scouler are accused of failing to correct inaccurately recorded income figures which were published to auditors, other employees and the wider market.

The Serious Fraud Office is considering if the case should go to retrial.

Pardons ‘complicated’ GRANTING pardons to Suffragettes who were imprisoned while fighting for the right to vote would be ‘complicated’, according to Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

On the centenary of the first British women being enfranchised, she said she would ‘take a look’ at the issue.

Jeremy Corbyn said a Labour government would apologise to suffragettes and have criminal records overturned.

Frasier father dies at 77

FAULTY FIGURES: (L-R) Former Carillion executives Keith Cochrane, Zafar Khan and Philip Green

JOHN MAHONEY, who played Martin Crane in the US sitcom Frasier, has died aged 77.

The British-born actor had a distinguished career in theatre, winning a Tony award.

He is best known for playing the outspoken father of Frasier and Niles Crane in the hit comedy, which ran for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2004.

National News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

NEWS

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More mayhem in markets as fears grow over interest rates ALMOST £50billion was wiped off the FTSE 100 as the London market fell prey to a global stock sell-off sparked by fears that rising inflation could force central banks to hike interest rates.

London’s blue chip index ended the day down 2.6 per cent or 193.58 points at 7,414.4 points marking its lowest close since April 2017. The decline was mirrored by both the German Dax and French Cac 40 - which each dropped 2.3 per cent.

Brutal It adds to deep losses during Monday’s session when more than £27billion was wiped off the value of London’s blue-chip stocks and followed a brutal overnight sell-off in Asia and on Wall Street, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 dropped 4.6 per cent and 4.1 per cent respectively on Monday.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 Day closed down 4.7 per cent, while the Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Indexplunged 5 per cent lower.

US stocks continued their descent after markets opened on Tuesday.

The global equity sell-off has been building since last Friday when traders became spooked by the prospect of tighter monetary policy after the US posted strong average earnings data.

Connor Campbell, financial analyst at Spreadex, said: “The only hope for the markets at the moment is that investors suddenly decide that the sell-off has been a bit overdone – though in a way it is fitting, matching the astonishing, recordbreaking recent rise of the global indices with an equally astounding, heart-stopping drop.

“Admittedly, the Bank of England could go some way to allaying investors’ fears of rising interest rates on Thursday, if [Governor] Mark Carney issues a more dovish statement than forecast.”

FALLING FAST: The FTSE 100 in London hit its lowest close since April last year

FREEDOM FIGHTER Jennifer Robinson representing Julian Assange

WikiLeaks founder fails in attempt to stop arrest warrant in London AN ARREST warrant against Julian Assange is still valid even though an investigation against him by the Swedish authorities has ended, a court in London has ruled.

Lawyers for the WikiLeaks founder had argued that the warrant should be dismissed because it had ‘lost its purpose and function’ after the investigation over sex-related allegations was dropped last year.

Mr Assange has been living in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for over five years, fearing extradition to the United States for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks if he leaves.

The outstanding arrest warrant dates back to 2012, when Mr Assange failed to answer bail associated with the Swedish investigation.

A warrant was subsequently issued by Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Prime Minister calls for preservation of papers

since 2005, which said was ‘dangerous for our democracy’ because of the risk that voters will turn to ‘untrustworthy’ sources for the information on which to form their views.

THERESA MAY has announced a review of the sustainability of Britain’s newspaper industry in the face of falling circulations and online competition for advertising revenue.

In a speech in Manchester, the Prime Minister described the free press as ‘one of the foundations on which our democracy is built’, declaring: “It must be preserved.”

She cited the closure of more than 200 titles

Digital The review will examine the operation of digital advertising and look at whether those writing online content are getting a big enough slice of the income from ads. It will also consider action which the government or the media could take to ensure a financial future for the free press.

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BUSINESS

National Business News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Supermarkets report rise in meat and fish-free meals MORE than a quarter of evening meals do not contain meat or fish as trends such as Veganuary reach mainstream grocery choices, supermarket sales figures show.

During January, one in 10 shoppers bought a meat-free ready meal, leading sales to rocket by 15 per cent compared with the same time last year, while 29 per cent of evening meals are now free of meat or fish, the latest grocery market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel show.

The ‘sustained interest’ in vegan and vegetarian diets also saw sales of other fruit and vegetables grow significantly on this time last year, such as spinach, cherries and aubergine, up 43 per cent, 25 per cent and 23 per cent respectively.

Emigration Despite the healthy eating trend, the cold weather and flu outbreak took its toll on Britons, with sales of over-thecounter painkillers up by 12 per cent and cough cures increasing by 17 per cent.

Overall, grocery sales over the 12 weeks to January 28 increased in value by 3.4 per cent compared with 12 months ago.

Lidl was once again the UK’s fastestgrowing retailer, increasing its market share by 0.5 percentage points and see-

HEALTH KICK Sales of fruit and vegetables have soared

ing sales climb by 16.3 per cent on this time last year. Aldi also increased sales by 16.2 per cent to hold a market share of 6.9 per cent, up 0.7 percentage points.

Tesco remained the fastest growing of the big four with sales up by 2.6 per cent, although its market share fell by 0.3 percentage points to 27.8 per cent.

Analysts Nielsen showed supermarket sales rose by the highest year-on-year rate for more than six months as inflation saw shoppers spend 4.2 per cent more on groceries during the four weeks

to January 27 than in the same period a year ago. Mike Watkins, Nielsen’s UK head of retailer insight, said: “Inflation and New Year’s Eve falling within the reporting period helped supermarkets start 2018 in an encouraging fashion, following an extremely good Christmas.

“This offset the fact that most of the major supermarkets saw less visits than a year ago as shoppers are still in an economising mood and may have cut back on restocking the cupboards with household bills coming in after Christmas.”

Increase in oil price boosts BP’s profits

More bad news for fashion chain

OIL giant BP has cheered one of the strongest years in the company’s recent history after a hike in the cost of crude helped annual profits more than double.

The energy giant saw underlying replacement cost profit – BP’s preferred income measure – soar to $6.2billion (£4.4billion) for 2017, up from $2.6billion (£1.9billion) the year before.

On a fourth-quarter basis, BP chalked up another rise at $2.1billion (£1.5billion), climbing from $400million (£286.2million) over the same three-month period in 2016 BP is among a string of oil majors benefiting from climbing prices, having seen Brent crude hit $70 per barrel last month – its highest level in more than three years.

STRUGGLING fashion chain New Look has posted another set of dismal figures as the retailer continues to consider a raft of store closures.

New Look, owned by South African investment group Brait, posted a pre-tax loss of £123.5million in the three quarters to December, while sales slumped 6.3 per cent to £1billion.

The high street chain booked an underlying operating loss of £5.1million, which compares to a £111.5million profit in the same period last year.

Like-for-like sales in the UK plunged 10.7 per cent during the period, while online sales fell 15 per cent.

New Look is thought to be mulling plans for a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), which would put it on a firmer financial footing by allowing it to shut loss-making outlets and secure rental reductions.

It has 594 stores in the UK, around 60 of which are thought to be at risk of closure.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Defence outsourcer’s warning of slowdown in market for contracts

Ocado predicts slump because of its development initiatives

DEFENCE supplier Babcock International has cautioned over its full-year sales amid tough trading in the oil and gas sector and a slowdown in the market for defence contracts.

The outsourcing giant – the Ministry of Defence’s largest contractor – said it now expected full-year revenues to be ‘slightly’ lower than expected, at between £5.3billion and £5.4billion for the year – which is between 2 and 3 per cent up on 2017.

ONLINE grocer Ocado has slumped to a full-year loss and warned that earnings will be knocked by the cost of developing its new warehouses and IT systems.

It reported a pre-tax loss of £500,000 to December 3, down from profits of £12million a year earlier, despite seeing sales rise 12.4 per cent. Full-year sales are expected to rise by 10 to 15 per cent over the 2018 financial year, which would mark a slowdown.

World News

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

SPORT IN BRIEF

BONES OF CONTENTION Hesham Sallam with the dinosaur’s skeleton

Wales are unchanged for Twickenham showdown WALES head coach Warren Gatland will send an unchanged team to Twickenham for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with England.

Gatland has retained his starting line-up that beat Scotland 34-7 in the opening match at the Principality Stadium.

The only switch is among the replacements, where fit-again Northampton wing George North takes over from Owen Watkin.

North, who has twice been sidelined by knee injuries this season, last played for Wales when they lost to France in the final match of last season’s tournament.

Leeds grab Tykes’ boss LEEDS UNITED have appointed Paul Heckingbottom has as their new head coach – less than a week after he signed a new contract at Barnsley.

The 40-year-old, who had been in charge at Oakwell since February 2016, agreed new terms with the Tykes on Friday.

But Heckingbottom has swapped that rolling contract for an 18-month deal with their Yorkshire rivals to replace Thomas Christiansen.

A DINOSAUR skeleton the size of a city bus has been unearthed in Egypt’s Western Desert.

Researchers from Mansoura University in the Nile Delta said the new species of long-necked herbivore could herald more desert discoveries.

Experts said the find is a landmark which could shed light on an obscure period of history for the African continent between 70 and 80 million years ago – approximately 30 million years before dinosaurs became extinct.

Boxer banned for steroid

China is ready to intercept ballistic missiles in space

BRITISH Olympic boxer Muhammad Ali has been given a two-year ban after testing positive for a steroid last year.

Trace elements of trenbolone were found in his urine sample when he was fighting for the British Lionhearts in their World Series match against Morocco in Casablanca last April.

The 21-year-old Yorkshireman was hoping to secure a place in the squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

THE Chinese government says it has successfully tested a mid-course anti-missile defence system within its own territory.

The move comes amid tensions over North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme and China’s own military developments in disputed regional waters.

Mid-course interception involves destroying a ballistic missile while it is flying in space before re-entering the atmosphere.

The defence ministry insisted the test was ‘defensive and does not target any country’.

China is North Korea’s closest economic and diplomatic partner, but has signed on to increasingly tough United Nations sanctions aimed at curbing the North’s nuclear weapons programme.

Despite that, Beijing has opposed the deployment of an advanced US anti-missile system known as THAAD in South Korea, saying it would respond with counter-measures.

NEWS

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Poland goes ahead with Holocaust bill THE Polish president has said he will sign into law a controversial proposal to outlaw blaming Poland for crimes committed during the Holocaust.

In an unusual move, Andrzej Duda also said he will ask the country’s CONTROVERSY constitutional court to President Andrzej Duda suggest possible amendments.

The measure, passed by Polish MPs, will impose prison terms of up to three years for statements blaming Poles as a nation for crimes committed

by Nazi Germany during World War II. The move has caused a diplomatic crisis with Israel amid fears it will allow Poland to whitewash the role of Poles who killed or denounced Jews to Germans during the occupation of Poland.

The United States also strongly opposes the legislation, saying it could hurt Poland’s strategic relations with Israel and the US.

Maldives emergency after ‘coup’ by court THE president of the Maldives said he ordered a state of emergency to investigate a ‘coup’ involving a supreme court ruling which ordered the release of imprisoned opposition leaders.

Yameen Abdul Gayoom said: “This is not a state of war, epidemic or natural disaster. This is something more dangerous. This is an obstruction of the very ability of the state to function.”

He said the court overstepped its authority and the order ‘blatantly disrupts the systems of checks and balances’.

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NEWS

Letters

Wednesday February 7 | 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

PHOTO: Beth Stephens

IMPORTANT OCCASION Genocide remembered at Tunbridge Wells War Memorial

A penny on tax would help NHS

Sad to see so few at Holocaust memorial It was nice to see the Times report on Tunbridge Wells’ Holocaust Memorial Day, an annual tribute to victims of atrocities.

But while Mayor Julia Soyke attended, it was sad that more people did not come to mark this important occasion.

Less than 20 people were counted at the War Memorial for the gathering on Saturday January 27, and I think that is a shame.

I’m grateful to the Royal British Legion for organising the event and hopefully, thanks to the Times coverage, more will consider coming next year.

Garth Cole Pembury

When the Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury was built, three hospitals were merged and they lost 100 beds. The Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has struggled to find beds at the best of times. The situation over the last few years has only got worse as we have an ageing – and increasing – population.

The government has been aware of this situation for years but has chosen to do nothing about it. It has also cut bursaries for nurses despite a shortage. Further, hospital staff are finding it difficult to work their shifts as buses are not always available to get home.

This situation is disastrous and shows no signs of being properly managed by the current government. The Liberal Democrats have proposed increasing funding for the NHS and social care by putting an extra penny on income tax. While this will not solve the bed problem, it would go some way to being able to recruit and retain additional staff.

Gillian Douglass Chair, Liberal Democrats Tunbridge Wells

forced to remain full-time earners; children, infants really, are farmed out at the earliest opportunity; the state encourages both to work by guaranteeing paid nursery care; grandparents become unpaid childminders, and post-hospital care for the elderly is unavailable.

Coupled to this is the expectation that the state can and will ‘do everything’, cradle to grave; this is fostered by those politicians who believe that a centrist, state-ist, dirigiste style of government can and will do everything – a Stalinist view that if it doesn’t come from the government then it’s profit-driven and therefore suspect.

This is deception on the grandest scale, not least because governments do everything very badly and at the greatest cost. All political parties now indulge in this race to the bottom, and eventual state bankruptcy.

It was sad to note in the same edition that Labour’s Martin Betts continued to swing the party political cudgels at the NHS. As Masters said: “Party politics before the nation’s health.”

Ralph Steerpike Tunbridge Wells

No one home to look after elderly

Party politics, or a caring society?

Hugh Masters described the NHS as a model unfit for the 21st century [January 24] and he’s not wrong. One of the biggest problems facing the service, we are told, is ‘bed-blocking’. There’s no one at home to receive and look after aged patients after treatment.

In former times, it was the custom that women would give up work to bring up children until they started school and then, if it suited them, return to work on a part-time basis.

This had good social benefits: Children were ready to be schooled, and mothers could take care of ageing parents.

The current position is that, because housing is scarce and prices high – another major facet of the broken social model, both parents are

Britain currently spends less of its Gross Domestic Product on its health service than the governments of (in ascending order) Ireland, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Holland, Germany, France and Sweden.

Now I’m sure that most of the anti-Europe Tories out there would scoff and say: “Well, that’s why we shouldn’t have anything to do with the Continent, they are clearly far too generous to the less privileged members of their societies.”

Perhaps they might add: “We spend more than [descending order] Finland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Luxembourg, so there.”

Until you think that in almost all of those countries there is a long and fantastic tradition

of people taking care of the more elderly – in their homes, as beloved and valued family members. Oh, and they are struggling economically. So that leaves, er, Finland and Luxembourg.

And then there’s the business of hospital beds.

The sharp end of healthcare provision.

So in the UK we have 273 beds per 100,000 inhabitants. That’s 25th out of 28 EU countries.

Germany is top with 823. That’s more than three times as many.

So party politics before the nation’s health? Or a mean, disgraceful right-wing government that treats its poor with contempt. Work it out.

Geoff Broad Via email

Being part of the EU creates jobs Ben Chapelard, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, is criticised by your pro-Brexit, anti-EU reader David Preston [January 25], who provides almost the correct unemployment figures for some EU countries.

Sadly, that letter fails to point out UK unemployment stands at almost half the EU average, at a mere 4.4 per cent, largely as a result of businesses in Tunbridge Wells and across the UK having unrestricted access to the richest free trade area in the world through our full membership of the EU. Long may that access continue, and the low unemployment it brings.

Martin Brice Tunbridge Wells

Unemployment is case-by-case In typical Brexiteer fashion, David Preston [January 25] quotes a set of highly selective, irrelevant and misleading statistics to suggest being in the EU results in a disaster.

He could equally find lots of other EU countries with far better employment stats, and of course Britain also has a relatively good record on this as a result of policies pursued by Labour, Conservative and coalition governments alike – all while being in the EU. We are also helped, of course, by the fact that EU migrants in Britain are more likely to work than the British population, and are net contributors to the Exchequer.

The poor figures in the countries cited by Mr Preston are solely to do with their labour market structures, benefits system and motivation and nothing to do with being in the EU. Britain will be much worse off outside and struggle to raise enough tax to pay for pensions and the NHS (particularly as it will then need to support those who can no longer retire to Spain and the like).

As for Greg Clark, I want an MP who represents his constituents. But it is clear that in his safe seat he’s not interested in doing so.

Andrew Wilcox Tunbridge Wells

No respect and lots of problems Regarding the development of the old cinema site, I would like to point out that firstly, like those that were proposed before this one, it does not respect the heritage and architecture of our

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

town. It is far too large and dwarfs Decimus Burton’s Holy Trinity Church.

On the question of providing residential parking spaces, the Kent and Medway Parking Requirements states under Class C3 Dwellings that at least one parking space has to be provided for each dwelling, in this case a communal space.

There is also the problem of providing service parking spaces and approved highway access for both cars and delivery vehicles.

It should be mentioned that to build ‘affordable housing’ as part of the scheme will eat into any profit-making for the scheme.

With Altitude needing to create a profitable investment from building on this site, they have to pitch the sale of the apartments and leasehold rents for the shops and restaurants at a fairly high level.

There is, of course, no guarantee that tenants will be found for the new retail and restaurant units because of the town’s existing number of vacant shops. We should also take into account the enormous number of other residential units being built elsewhere in the town.

Altitude is faced with a more serious problem in that the cinema on the site has been located directly over one of the oldest brick railway tunnels in the South East. With experience, ground pressures, the substructure and the weight of the cinema structure could necessitate additional building work plus the cost of railway possessions.

John Albiston Tunbridge Wells

Empty shops are not attractive I am a taxi driver working within the Tunbridge Wells area. I am very concerned to see the clear decline in the town, especially the centre. The closing of yet another business, Multiyork, raises my concerns even more.

I understand that businesses are now keen to be in areas such as North Farm. However, with the shopping centre having just been sold and the seemingly neverending empty shops, the town almost seems to be dying.

If I were a potential business looking to open in a (supposedly) wealthy area like Tunbridge Wells, I would be unconvinced.

I am also concerned that the longer the redevelopment of the shopping centre takes to even start, the more customers will look elsewhere to shop.

I went to Brighton recently, and admittedly the city has more tourism and a student population, but there were far fewer empty stores in the centre and they are stores that the people actually want. The busiest by far when I was there was Primark.

It would only take Marks & Spencer or Fenwick in Tunbridge Wells to decide that the footfall through their stores is not enough and to move elsewhere, Maidstone or Sevenoaks, and the town would be in freefall.

People are beginning to moan about the state of the town. Let’s do something to make people love it again.

Tim Cole Via email

Calverley is away this week…

Education

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Learning the art of science from one of the modern-day masters Nobel Prize winner Richard Henderson captivates pupils with an inspirational talk

CLOSE-UP Richard Henderson shares his knowledge of microscopy STUDENTS from four schools across West Kent have been treated to a special science lesson delivered by a Nobel Prize winner at Tonbridge Grammar School.

In total, 170 students attended Richard Henderson’s presentation, including pupils from Sevenoaks School, Weald of Kent Grammar and West Kent College.

Mr Henderson was awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize for Chemistry in October, alongside Jacques Dubochet and Joachim Frank, for their breakthrough in the field of cryo-electron microscopy [cryo-EM].

Cryo-EM enables researchers to see molecules in living organisms far more clearly than before

and therefore track their behaviour over time.

This is expected to drive forward the development of treatment for many diseases, such as the Zika virus and Alzheimer’s disease.

During his talk with the students, Mr Henderson showed them how the images captured of molecules have improved greatly in clarity as scientific techniques have developed.

The 72-year-old Scot works at the Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, and also spoke about the various stages in his career and discussed other Nobel Laureates and their contribution to science.

At the end of the presentation, two roving microphones were taken into the audience and

EDUCATION IN BRIEF

‘There is no escape from knowledge, once discovered you cannot put it back into a box’

A chance to be on the ball this half term CHILDREN in years 3 to 6 can take part in a special football training camp being held during half term by West Kent District Schools Football Association from Monday February 12 to Wednesday February 14.

The camp runs from 9.30am to 3pm and the cost is £45 for all three days. To book tickets, email: carl@msporti.co.uk

Mr Henderson fielded questions from students.

Questions included: “Once you have identified the structure of an illness, how quickly can you develop a cure and make the medicine available?” and “Do you worry that new scientific research could be used for ill purposes?”

Responding to the first question, Mr Henderson briefly explained the three methods that could be used to counteract a virus, and mentioned the scientific techniques used.

He cited the example of the AIDS virus, which scientists have been working on for 30 years, where they knew the structure of the virus and had developed antibodies to fight against it, but none had yet being totally successful. He finished by saying: “So even knowing this information’ [virus structure and methods to combat viruses] it was not possible to predict whether a cure would be available in one, five or ten years.”

And when asked if he worried whether scientific developments could be used irresponsibly, he replied: “There is no escape from knowledge, once discovered you cannot put it back into a box. Even if they tried, someone else would discover it and dig it up.”

Mr Henderson followed this using the example of nuclear bombs, but said there was huge potential for fusion research.

He added that he had ‘perfectly good faith’ in humankind to ‘bring all these threats under control whilst benefitting from the improvements’ new scientific research brings to the world.

Pupils also had the opportunity to hold an inscribed replica of Mr Henderson’s Nobel Prize medal. He revealed that the gold original is worth approximately £6,000 and must be kept locked away at the university.

Speaking after the event, Tonbridge Grammar’s Assistant Head Teacher Adrian Pitts said: “Students and staff alike quickly warmed to a man of great intelligence who has achieved a great deal in his lifetime, and has an obvious passion for encouraging young scientists.”

HANDS-ON KNOWLEDGE Students listen to Richard Henderson

SCHOOLS are invited to enter the Delancey UK Schools Chess Challenge, an annual competition which encourages any school with a chess club to pitch themselves against others.

Games are played from now until Easter alongside 40,000 schools around the country. Medals will be awarded to the highest scoring entrants in each year group.

For more information, or to enter, visit www.delanceyukschoolschesschallenge.com If you have any education news from your school, please email: eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

PHOTOS: Juliet Pone

Make your move…

NEWS

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Greg Clark

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

Leaving EU will be a transition for national and local business NEXT month, the leaders of the European Union member states – including the United Kingdom – will meet to consider the latest stage of the negotiations on Britain’s withdrawal from the EU. It is an important meeting because it gives the opportunity, almost exactly one year before Brexit, to agree arrangements to make sure that people and businesses will not suffer an abrupt change in trading and working arrangements on the day we leave.

As both a local MP, and as Business Secretary in the Government, employers from small businesses to large manufacturers tell me that the certainty of a clear implementation period is the most important thing they need now to be able to operate with confidence in the next few months and years. A period of around two years from March 2019 would make sure that there were no sudden changes required, for which it would be difficult to plan in a matter of months. In fact, one of the reasons why it is so important, in my view and that of most businesses, that we reach agreement in March, is that there is from now a period of around three years of stability ahead – time for firms to plan for any changes they might need to make for the longer term.

Last week I wrote, along with Chancellor Philip Hammond and the Brexit Secretary, David Davis, to businesses across Britain to set out the

approach that we will be seeking to agree.

The first element is stability during that period.

There is no point businesses having to go through, in the space of two years, three different sets of rules whilst we are a member of the EU, during the implementation period, and following that period. That would cause unnecessary and costly disruption that would damage investment and jobs. So the terms of trade should remain as they are now.

Simplicity

employ people who come from our neighbouring countries.

These proposals have been warmly welcomed by business leaders and I hope that agreeing them in March will allow us to make progress with the next step, which is to agree the long-term relationship we will have with the European Union.

However we voted in the referendum, we all

share a deep interest – along with our European neighbours – in ensuring that our future relationship is as strong and productive as it possibly can be. My job as Business Secretary in the Government gives me an important role to play in shaping that relationship and in the months ahead I will keep readers updated with the progress that I am determined to see made.

TALKING POINT Trade could be affected by Brexit

The second is simplicity. Every business, large or small, irrespective of their industry, should know that the certainty applies to them. It also means, for example, that the trading agreements that the EU has with other countries should continue to be available to British companies, even though we have left the EU. The third is that people from other European countries should be clear that they can come and live and work in the UK during this period. Here in Tunbridge Wells unemployment is currently just 1.1 per cent. Employers, including businesses, farmers and growers, and our local NHS, all tell me that it is often a struggle to recruit enough people to perform the work available, so it is important that we don’t cut off the ability to

Howard Porter Chair of Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

Howard Porter has a background as a teacher in further and higher education and in the graphic design and advertising industry, where he was a founding partner in a full service design company for more than 25 years. In addition to his role as Chair of Tonbridge & Malling Green Party, he also chairs Tonbridge Town Team and is a board member of the Kent Farmers’ Market Association

Can we live in a world without any plastic?

THE short answer is no, but in line with all environmental issues, it is complicated and takes political will to find solutions.

Thanks to the recent Blue Planet TV series, there has been a welcome increase in the awareness of plastic pollution. Even Environment Secretary Michael Gove is reported to be ‘haunted’ by images of plastic polluting the world’s oceans.

Such responses are welcome but only if they lead to action.

At first sight, the omens don’t look promising.

Over recent years, our use of plastics of all kinds has rocketed and things are about to get much worse. ExxonMobil Chemical and Shell Chemical are currently planning investments that will help to increase plastic production by 40 per cent and we have already produced more disposable plastics over the last decade than in the whole of the 20th century.

There have been successes. The levy on single use plastic bags was eventually adopted and has resulted in a huge decline in their use. But there are many other areas where action is becoming more urgent. Plastic drinks bottles, plasticated single use coffee cups and many more such items have become everyday objects to be discarded

and left to litter our towns and countryside and, all too often, end up in the oceans.

Plastic has become a symbol as well as a fact of our throw-away society but if we make plastic the enemy, we can easily lose sight of its good qualities.

Plastic packaging does help to preserve and protect food and, as a consequence, reduces food waste.

Embedded Plastic components are to be found in just about everything we use. It is embedded in our lives but, like the hydrocarbons from which it is derived, it is a limited resource. As the oil and gas industries decline, so too will the availability of plastic.

While every one of us can resolve to use less plastic packaging and bottles, we need concrete incentives from government, such as the bag levy, to encourage responsible use and action from industry to fund research into more benign alternatives.

We also need proper collection and reprocessing close to home. Too often it has been a case of out of sight, out of mind. The recent decision by China to stop taking mountains of our waste is

DROWNED WORLD Ocean pollution has caused concern actually a longer term opportunity. We need to design products with their end of use in mind at the outset, not an afterthought or something not even thought about at all.

This is the lasting solution to the plastics problem. Along with all waste and pollution issues, the solution is not to be found at a product’s end of life but at the design stage. We need to design products with their eventual disassembly, reuse

and recycling as an intrinsic part of the product itself. This will also affect our own behaviour and help all of us become responsible users not abusers of what is, in fact, an amazing and versatile set of materials. Plastic should be seen as a precious resource that needs to be handled with care, not one that can simply be discarded. After all, it comes back to haunt us so we must all take responsibility for its use.

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

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AND IMPROVING IN THE SWIM AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE

35

TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS, TOP TRENDS AN D GARDENING

GAME, SET AND MATCH

46 Victorian semi with garage

GARDEN DEVELOPMENT

Page 26-27

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Tempting townhouse for commuters Page 43

WONDERWALL

Milling around Away from the daily grind in Speldhurst Page 39

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PLAN FOR SUMMER

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yourh me

To suit your budget

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to

In my View…

Simon Biddulph Partner Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells

In with the new Well, 2018 is off to a flying start.

Traditionally, the early part of January is slow to get going whilst people recover from Christmas festivities, dare to open their credit card statements or perhaps prepare to get children back to school and normality.

This year, however, we were busy taking enquiries from new buyers and clients keen to ‘get cracking’.

There is certainly a more confident attitude amongst buyers and sellers in all price sectors. The last two months of 2017 proved to be very busy, especially in the prime market, so we aren’t overly surprised that this has continued into the New Year.

Sentiment amongst buyers seems to be that now is the time to get moving and not to sit on the fence any longer.

This may be partly due to the interest rate rise and there’s already talk of another rise at some point.

It remains crucial to get the right advice. Each property is different and requires a specific marketing strategy in order to achieve the best results.

Take your time, listen to advice and have a clear path to selling or buying your home.

For further market insight, browse our market-leading reports at www.knightfrank.co.uk/research.

Our global network of offices, operating in over 50 countries, means we can carry out research virtually anywhere in the world.

You can also sign up to My Knight Frank to receive the latest property market updates, or visit our Knight Frank blog for up-to-the minute analysis and comment.

To discuss your property plans, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be delighted to assist.

PS: We are on the move. Look out for our new location in Spring 2018…

Simon Biddulph, Partner Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 310997 simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

UNDER £300,000

n Downstairs WC

UNDER £400,000

NORMAN ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n 2 double bedrooms

SOUTHWOOD ROAD RUSTHALL

GUIDE PRICE

bedroom 2)

n Bathroom (accessed through

£265,000

n Rear garden

n End-of-terrace house in

n No chain

need of modernisation

n Reception room with fireplace n Dining room n Kitchen

CONTACT Andrews Tunbridge Wells 01892 515 144 www. andrewsonline.co.uk

GUIDE PRICE

£340,000-£350,000 n n n n n

Semi-detached house Lounge Further reception room/study Extended kitchen/diner Double bedroom

n n n n n n n

Further double bedroom with WC Dressing room area Upstairs family bathroom Double glazing Gas-fired central heating Front garden Well maintained rear garden

CONTACT KMJ Property Rusthall 01892 515188 www.kmjproperty.co.uk

To suit your budget

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

thekn w

27

great properties by price range…

FRANT ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£895,000

UNDER £500,000 REDLAND AVENUE TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£425,000-£450,000 n Terraced house built in 2011 n Entrance hall n Open-plan living area n Kitchen n Downstairs cloakroom n Master bedroom with en suite shower n 2 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Rear garden n 2 parking spaces CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 WESTWOOD ROAD, RUSTHALL

£500,000 n No through road n 3 floors n Entrance hall n Lounge/diner n Study n Kitchen n Conservatory n 5 bedrooms n Family bathroom n Further WC n Rear garden n Integral garage and a driveway CONTACT KMJ Property Rusthall 01892 515188 www.kmjproperty.co.uk

UNDER £800,000

UNDER £1MILLION n Bedroom with en-suite shower

TETLEY MEWS, WILLICOMBE PARK TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n 3 further bedrooms

GUIDE PRICE

n 1st floor family bathroom

n Reception room with Juliet balcony n Study/bedroom 4 n Reception room with en-suite shower n Kitchen/breakfast room with double

FRANT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

£895,000 n Late Victorian semi-detached house set over four floors

n 2nd floor shower room

n Entrance hall

n Rear garden with paved terrace

n Sitting room

n Parking for several cars

n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast/living room n Cloakroom

CONTACT Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

£675,000

doors to garden

n Master bedroom with en suite shower n 2 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Garage, parking and garden CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

Forest Road

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AT A GLANCE

FOREST ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Entrance hall n Cloakroom n 4 reception rooms and a study n Kitchen/breakfast room n 1st floor master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and shower n 5 further 1st floor bedrooms (3 with en suites) n 2 more bedrooms on 2nd floor n 2nd floor bathroom with shower n Indoor swimming pool complex with steam room, plant room and shower n Garage n Car port n Gardens and grounds

A grand residence set behind gates in a sought-after road

n In all about 0.46 acres

GUIDE PRICE

£2,250,000

Available for sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Roomy home has swimming complex with music system

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Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Boxhurst Farm

yourh me

Handsome house with open fireplaces, tennis court, pool and annexe

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AT A GLANCE BOXHURST FARM RYE ROAD, SANDHURST n Three floors n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Garden room n Sitting room n Family room n Study n Orangery dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Cloakroom and utility room n Master bedroom suite with dressing room and balcony n 6 further bedrooms (2 en suite) n 2 family bathrooms Triple Garage with Annexe Above: n Triple garage on ground floor n Bathroom on ground floor n Living room n Bedroom Outside: n Gardens n Swimming Pool n Tennis Court n Private parking

GUIDE PRICE ÂŁ1,325,000 Available for sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

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Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Barden Mill

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AT A GLANCE

Bright mill conversion beams with character

BARDEN MILL BARDEN ROAD, SPELDHURST n Sitting room n Dining room n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Boot room, utility room & cloakroom First Floor: n Galleried landing n 2 double bedrooms (one opening to gallery over kitchen) n Single bedroom n Study area n Shower room Second Floor: n 2 double bedrooms with shower room Third Floor: n Double bedroom with en suite Outside: n Detached outbuilding n Gardens with river frontage n Swimming pool n Meadow with road access n Driveway parking n About 1.23 acres in total

GUIDE PRICE

£1,300,000

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

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Grove Hill Road

yourh me AT A GLANCE

GROVE HILL ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Sitting room with bay window and wooden shutters n Dining/family room n Kitchen/breakfast room n 4 bedrooms n Shower room n Bathroom

Victorian townhouse close to station, park and high street

n Loft space n Courtyard garden n En-bloc garage

GUIDE PRICE £765,000 Available for sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

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yourh me

Architectural Advice

John Bullock

Architectural services

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

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

Raising funds by using the garden as a building plot There could be many reasons why home owners may wish to turn spacious gardens into building plots. One would be to release equity without having to move house by selling a suitably sized plot for development. But to do this you have to ensure you have obtained all the relevant permissions.

One reader wrote to us with just such an enquiry…

YOUR QUESTION: Dear Mr Bullock, We live on the south side of central Tunbridge Wells. Our home is in an established residential area with good accessibility to the town and we have lived here for 30 years and brought our children up here.

The house is 1960s Sussex style and has a large rear garden. We have close to 3/4 of an acre in total. Over the years we have seen many of our neighbours obtain permission for building other houses in their gardens, which has completely changed the character of the area. However, we are attached to our house and would like to stay here and enjoy it in our impending retirement.

What we would like to do is help our children out with deposits for their first steps into the property market, and would like to investigate how we go about obtaining planning permission for development of our garden.

If this was possible then we would likely try and sell the building plot to release the equity for our children.

Yours, James and Emma Williamson

OUR ANSWER: Thank you for your letter. This is a very interesting and poignant question and one we are quite often consulted upon, and what a wonderful thing to do to help out the next generation. Releasing unrealised capital from the parental home is something we see a quite often, it has become quite normal.

There are several criteria when considering development. Firstly, is the site within the town boundary or the limit to built development?

The Tunbridge Wells Local Plan describes this boundary definition as: n 3.6 A defined boundary has been drawn for the Limits to Built Development, Metropolitan Green Belt and Major Developed Sites within the Metropolitan Green Belt to ensure that the boundaries will endure and that there are clear indications of where the Borough Council will seek to concentrate new development. The boundaries are based on those contained in the adopted Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan (1996), which in turn had reviewed the boundaries in the previous area-based Local Plans for Royal Tunbridge Wells, Southborough and Paddock Wood.

n 3.7 The Limits to Built Development and Metropolitan Green Belt boundaries for each settlement have been defined where the character of the area changes from being ‘built up’ or ‘urban’ and therefore belonging to the character of the built up area, to being ‘rural’, ‘loose-knit’ and more akin to the countryside.

In some cases there is an abrupt change of character, where the built up area may abut, for example, dense woodland or open countryside.

In other cases a change of character occurs at a break in development, marked by undeveloped land, between the more compact, densely developed built up area and ‘loose-knit’ groups of buildings or isolated dwellings which lie beyond this break. This change in character is the point at which boundaries have been defined. n 3.8 Wherever possible, Limits to Built Development, Metropolitan Green Belt and Major Developed Site boundaries have been drawn close to the built up area along the inner boundary of readily recognisable features such as roads, watercourses, hedge or tree lines.

However, where by following such a boundary this would enclose a substantial area of largely undeveloped land that is visible from, or visually related to, the countryside, or a smaller area at a sensitive location such as the entrance to a town or village or in an exposed location, the boundary has been drawn a reasonable distance (generally 10 metres) from the back edge of the existing principal building. This approach has also been followed where there is no strong boundary at the edge of a settlement. n 3.9 Careful consideration has been given to the possible policy implications of including marginal areas within the built up area – for example, on the purposes of the Metropolitan Green Belt and the possible visual impact of harmful outward expansion which might otherwise be permissible under policies for the built up area (such as residential infill development). Consistent with the Kent Structure Plan 1996 and the Kent & Medway Structure Plan 2006, the Limits to Built Development, Metropolitan Green Belt and Major Developed Site boundaries have been defined with the aim of preserving the character of settlements and the countryside beyond. n 3.10 This Local Plan allocates sites for development, some of which are at the

BEFORE An example of an existing house with a large garden

periphery of settlements. Boundaries are specifically drawn to include such allocations within the Limits to Built Development. This signifies clearly that the Borough Council accepts that such development within the area allocated should take place. Exceptions have been made for the allocation of land for village primary schools and Park and Ride sites.

Such sites remain outside the Limits to Built Development to indicate the lack of support for any other type of development. In any event, such exceptional development will remain primarily open in character with limited built form.

AFTER How the site might look after development

Within the Limits to Built development there are also other restrictions to consider, and in Tunbridge Wells there are several areas where development could be potentially more challenging.

The areas in particular to consider are the conservation areas, where there is a unique built heritage or strong visual character, and whilst it doesn’t necessarily rule out development within in a protected area like this it takes a little more thought.

Within their advice on conservation areas, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] state:

Architectural Advice

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PROPOSAL An idea of how the garden could be built on

“Designation of an area as a conservation area is about managing change positively, by respecting the historic environment that has been inherited by us, understanding what is special about it, and using this understanding to encourage excellence when adding new layers to it.”

Looking to your site, and given that there is already a well-set precedent for new dwellings and a pattern of back-land development, planning permission should be likely, but a great deal of thought and consideration needs to be given to the site and to the neighbouring properties.

The first step in the process is to commission a topographical survey [Topo]. The Topo is undertaken by a specialist who measures the full extent of your site with sophisticated laser levelling equipment [Total Station].

This survey will also pick up the boundaries, buildings, trees and any level changes and will form the basis of the design and planning drawings.

At present, we are seeing a big push from TWBC for tree protection. So when the Topo is available, it would be a good time to engage the services of a tree expert to offer advice on any

restrictions to any trees that might impose on the resultant design.

Local arborcologist Ben Larkham comments: “Trees are recognised as a very important feature within the built environment, offering scale and instant maturity for new build developments and existing properties where extensions and remodelling works are proposed. In addition to the environmental benefits that trees provide, the contribution to visual amenity and a sense of place are all recognised within the planning system.

“The contribution trees make is well established in the planning system with the use of Tree Preservation Orders and the designation of Conservation areas which protects trees within its boundaries. Trees in this situation are a greater material consideration in the planning process. Your consultant can establish the position regarding tree protection from your local authority and this may have a material impact on how your proposal fits with tree retention if they are protected.

“If trees are to be removed as part of the application, then we would often encourage the client to provide replacement tree planting elsewhere in the garden to give continuity and longer-term tree cover to the garden. New tree planting would form part of any new landscape planting if this is required by the local authority when issuing planning approval.”

Once parameters are defined, then the design process can commence. It is always best to take a holistic approach and consider the site fully with the host or donor house to create a site-specific design that is rooted in the setting.

It is also important to ensure that the site isn’t over developed and creates a crowding effect which could potentially alienate the planning officers and neighbours.

When a basic design is sketched out then it is worth applying for a pre-application discussion.

TWBC Planning state: “The Council encourages you to seek advice before submitting a formal planning application. The pre-application advice service is known to improve the quality of planning submissions and speed up the process from submission to planning decision. This will also reduce the likelihood of you incurring costs for the submission of an unacceptable proposal.

This service applies to all types of development proposals. There is a fee for the pre-application advice service, details of the fees are available are at: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/residents/

planning/make-a-planning-application/ pre-application-advice/1 Engaging with the planning office at this early stage will offer an open and informal discussion about the proposal, and any comments can be amalgamated into the final design. If possible, working with the planning officers is always the best way forward.

Also, and at this point, it is also worth discussing with neighbours. In our experience, it’s quite usual for neighbours to raise concerns about any form of development, especially any impact issues, so during the design process it is worth considering and paying attention to mitigation of any perceived impact issues.

If at all possible, try and avoid any direct overlooking situations from the windows of the new development into any private garden areas, and where there might be some offer improved planting and screening to the boundaries.

When final designs are complete then the formal planning application can be submitted.

Upon submission, the council generally takes up to 14 days to register or request additional information. Once the application is validated it is assigned to a planning officer, who will take the application through to decision.

There is a statutory eight-week process with a 21-day consultation period where neighbours and any other interested parties can make representation.

Assuming all is acceptable, then the planning officer can make his recommendation for approval of the application under what is called ‘delegated’ powers. This means that it will be dealt with at officer level. If there is significant objection and the planning officer is recommending approval, then they might need to discuss it with the local councillor.

At this stage, the councillor has an opportunity of calling it in to be heard by the planning committee, which sits once a month.

If an application is called into committee, all parties can make representation for and against it. The councillors have an opportunity to ask questions and will then debate the acceptability of the scheme.

It would be unusual for a committee to go against the planning officer’s recommendation, so as long as the officer is recommending approval there isn’t too much to worry about.

Hopefully, approvals are forthcoming, and then the marketing process can commence.

If you would like to find out more, please contact John Bullock Design on 01892 525732

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

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Interiors

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1 How to create a picture wonderwall at home…

IN THE FRAME:

‘The image wall is such a ‘wow’ feature’

TAKE TIME TO FIND THE IDEAL SPOT IN YOUR HOME

Give some thought to where your display wall is going to be.

Remember, it doesn’t just have to be in the living room or above the mantelpiece, you’ve got your whole home to work with – although bear in mind whether you want other people to see it, of course.

“The image wall is such a ‘wow’ feature and can often take a lot of time to get right, so ensuring that you have the right home for it is key,” says Amy Sanders, Curator of home, prints and art at www.notonthehighstreet.com “Finding an unusual spot which can be ‘uncovered’ can often be just as ‘wow’ as being the focal point of a commonly used room,” she adds.

Scour interiors blogs and social media for inspiration – a stairway, that disused spot on the landing, the space around your mirror in the hallway (how lovely would it be to be greeted by your favourite ‘moments’ every time you enter your house?) Explore the options.

2

DO SOME PRACTICE RUNS USING THE FLOOR AS A ‘WALL’

Before you start knocking in nails, it would be a good idea to do some dummy runs.

“Play around with placements and positions before you start hanging,” says Amy Sanders. “Get a large bit of floor space and use this as a faux wall to ensure you get the right layout. Do try multiple variations, and take pictures of your favourites to remember them.”

Many would like to fill their homes with treasured snaps and prints but are unsure where to start. Well, there’s no need to ‘hang’ around any longer, says Abi Jackson.

A well-curated display wall can turn a blank space into something that’s both visually striking and a talking point for curious guests, as well as sparking joy for you on a daily basis. But how can you ensure your displays look suitably stunning?

3

NOW TO CHANNEL YOUR INNER INTERIOR STYLIST…

It’s your space, so they are your rules – spend some time thinking about the ‘look’ you’re after, but don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment.

From minimalist and monochrome to marvellously mish-mash, whatever the vibe, the key thing to keep in mind is whether it ‘feels’ balanced, but this doesn’t have to mean perfect symmetry and matchy-matchy – unless you want it to!

“Play with proportions and styles,” suggests Amy Sanders.

“This can be done both through the images themselves, as well as the frames – however, you want to ensure there’s a common theme which ties the wall together.

“This could be done through the image subject, palette or framing.”

4

PLAY IT SAFE WITH CAREFUL PLOTTING AND PREPPING

This is an important point and one many of us are guilty of skipping. Once you’ve decided on your frames and wall positioning, don’t just go guessing or ‘doing it by eye’.

If you’re going to be drilling and/or banging in nails, or you’re attempting a full-scale gallery-style display wall, at the very least use a tape measure and perhaps a spirit-level and pencil or masking tape for marking out your guides. Plus a second pair of hands and eyes, if possible, will help.

You’ll also, crucially, need to make sure the area is safe and suitable before you go drilling/hammering.

There are nifty tools out there to make these tasks foolproof. The Bosch Quigo projects 100 per cent straight horizontal and vertical laser lines on to your walls, while the Bosch Truvo can detect live cables and metal objects in walling, so you’ll know where’s safe to drill.

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Gardening

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

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GARDENING JOBS FOR FEBRUARY

Grand designs

1 2

Start ordering up seeds for the summer – you can do this in the warmth of your living room while looking out at the garden

Deal with the debris – waste material from the beds is gathered up and put on the compost heap rather than burned, as many of the stems are still home to insects that will crawl from the heap when they hatch. The beds are raked clean in readiness for spring mulching and to make way for the bulbs

for summer planning 3

T

It may be frosty in February, but there’s plenty to do if you want a gorgeous garden this year. Now is ideal time to think about your design plans, says Victoria Truman

HERE is a public misconception about garden design that it is about gardening – it isn’t. It’s about design; the manipulation and organisation of three-dimensional space. Plants play a part in this, of course, but so too do paving, lighting and drainage systems. So while pretty flowers may contribute in the creation of something beautiful, design involves spatial awareness, a bit of human psychology and, as Apple’s Steve Jobs once said: “Design is how it works.”

But garden design is more complex again; it doesn’t just exist in its own space but needs to make sense of the context of the space; how it relates to buildings and the wider landscape, whether that’s the neighbour’s dominating leylandii hedge or a far-distant rural view.

Now is the time to walk around your garden, sit in the space and ask yourself what you could improve on. If it’s a large garden, I like to start with the driveway (this is the first impression as people visit you), following on to the rear terrace or area nearest the house and then outwards from there.

Ask yourself if it is achievable for you to do, or do you need the help of a professional?

Personally, I love winter in the garden, and it truly is the best time to start the design process as you can see the bones of it. With the perspective that comes from distance, and with the bones of the garden exposed, you can easily see what’s out of balance and where you might want to add in structure or visual texture, whether in the form of plants or hardscaping.

When I’m seeing a client’s garden in winter, even though it’s the bleakest time of year, I can really understand the flow and the way the spaces are laid out and connected.

For homeowners starting from scratch, consider hiring a designer in the winter and early spring months to help you

‘I love winter in the garden, and it truly is the best time to start the design process as you can see the bones of it’

Get mulching – I like to leave mulching until the ground is a little warmer, but where bulbs are coming through it is timely to work in a 5cm layer of weed-free organic matter before they grow any more.

Never mulch on weed-infested ground as you will simply be creating a better environment for the weeds

4

Hedge fund – if you have old yew or holly hedges in need of renovation, the end of the month is the time to do this. Prune into old wood on one side of the hedge and leave the other to feed the regrowth. It will look terrible for a couple of years before it comes back, but the clean start will be worth the shock

5 6

Get winter tree work done It’s the best time for many trees, while they are dormant

Take time now to plan any new borders wanted – which plants to plant, where they’ll be situated and how they would work within your existing garden

7 8 9 10

Prune your wisteria now – cutting back summer sideshoots to two or three buds

Cut back shrubs such as cornus and salix cultivars – down to their bases (grown for their colourful winter stems) Cut back the old foliage from ornamental grasses before growth begins – clip them to within a few centimetres of the ground

realise the garden you have always wanted.

Some forward thinking and planning could mean a useable outdoor space by the spring/summer.

Lift and divide snowdrops still ‘in the green’ if you want to move them or create more plants www.victoriatruman.com

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thekn w ARTS AND CULTURE | LIFE & STYLE | MOTORING TECHNOLOGY | DREAM DESTINATIONS | SPORT

Gadgets

Computer in the cloud Page 74

FOOD & DRINK

Hollie’s Little Cakery ‘Our bespoke cakes will always be our bestsellers’

60

HALF-TERM HAPPENINGS

68

Page 64

VALENTINE’S GIFTS

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On stage

TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA

Comic Ed Byrne is coming to town

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Page 58

Kiddie caper Dogs Don’t Do Ballet Page 61

TEST DRIVE: SUBARU XV

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E

Arts & Culture

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Still making cutting-edge comedy

Comedian Ed Bryne comes to the Assembly Hall tomorrow (February 8) with his new show Spoiler Alert.

The Times finds out what inspired the Irishman’s latest touring act and what sustains his success…

D BYRNE has been an acclaimed stand-up for 20 years. His success with shows such as the Roaring Forties, Different Class and the 1998 Perrier-nominated A Night At The Opera led to him crossing over into the mainstream world of television, appearing in such TV shows as Mock the Week, Father Ted, The One Show and All Star Mr & Mrs. As he prepares to launch himself upon the nation with another touring show, the Irish comedian is firmly of the belief that the current breed of parents spoil their kids rotten, whether it’s to do with the ever-increasing size of garden trampolines, or his own children’s demand for elderflower cordial.

“My dad wasn’t a bad dad, he was just a 1970s dad. I could never see my children ever again from this moment on, and I’ve already done more parenting then he did in my entire life.

“But, of course, I made a conscious decision that I was going to be an awesome dad. My wife will come back with tales from her friends of how awful their husbands are, and she’ll see me smiling and say: ‘All right, stop congratulating yourself just because such and such can’t be left alone with their children for two minutes’.”

In his new touring show, the perfectly-titled Spoiler Alert, Ed compares and contrasts the old-school child-rearing days with 21st-century methods, and suggests that there are different ways to learn how to be a mum or dad.

“I grew up in what I would call an aspirational household, in that my parents bettered themselves over the course of my childhood,” he says. “My mother was a radiographer and ended up a lecturer in radiography, while my dad was a sheet metal worker and went up to a supervisory role.

“I’d still say that you are expected to do a lot more parenting than our parents did, and that’s a weird thing because you tend to think that your parents are where you learned parenting from. But you don’t, really, it’s more that you look around you to see what’s going on with other parents.”

For the show, Ed extends his analysis on the culture of entitlement to look at areas where we

‘I was telling the story of the electric fence for a while, and then suddenly it struck me that it was Brexit in microcosm’ could perhaps do with being spoiled a little bit more.

“Where I think we’re not acting spoiled enough is in the political arena,” he says. “We have a tendency to accept what’s happening and that’s where we should be acting more entitled: We are literally entitled to the government we want.

We’re spoiled in all these little ways, but not spoiled enough.”

As well as stories about his two young sons, Ed weaves in routines about running out of petrol in the most awkward place imaginable, helping rescue an injured man in the Cairngorms, and the nation-

Did you know? n Ed Byrne loves the

great outdoors, and has appeared on TV’s Countryfile and Volcano Live n His best friend is fellow

Irishman Dara O Briain, with whom Ed has appeared in two BBC series: Dara & Ed’s Big Adventure and Dara & Ed’s Road To Mandalay n Dara set Ed up with his

wife Claire (with whom he has two sons, Cosmo and Magnus) when she was

doing his press and PR in 2003

dividing campaigns and result of the EU referendum.

His way of tackling Brexit is to draw an analogy with the time his son was determined to touch an electric fence, with his dad trying to warn him of the dangers.

“I was telling the story of the electric fence for a while, and then suddenly it struck me that it was Brexit in microcosm. I don’t want to alienate half of the population or maybe a third of my audience, but it works as an analogy whichever side you’re on.

The government told you not to do this and

THE CRAIC OF THE IRISH Enjoy a slice of Ed Bryne’s life

that it would be a terrible idea, but you said: ‘No, we want to do it anyway’. So now we’re doing it and it’s proving a terrible idea. I do think it’s a fair analogy, but no doubt for some it will come across as me being a typical liberal elite Remainer.”

Spoiler Alert also continues a theme that he’s tackled in previous shows – that of his gradual shift from being a working-class Dubliner to a fully paid-up, rural-residing member of the middle classes.

Where once he would do routines slating 4x4 owners, he is now the proud(ish) owner of such a vehicle. And in the poster for his tour, he brandishes other signifiers of social mobility: A bow tie and chainsaw.

Of the chainsaw, he remarks: “It’s one of two I own: That one is the smaller of the two. I use it for firewood, both for my wood-burning stove and also for the barbecue. The first time I used one I was fine, though I think it worried my parents that I had bought a chainsaw.”

Having premiered Spoiler Alert at the Edinburgh Fringe, Ed’s since been on tour with it and is coming to Tunbridge Wells this week.

What does he enjoy about performing? “Being on stage is enjoyable, and this part of the writing process is enjoyable. The empty page, though, is a scary thing. On the first leg of the tour, l’ll do about an hour and 15 minutes, plus I’ll have a support act. I keep a tour diary now of places where the curries are disappointing and where they are good, and where audiences have been good before.”

With an extensive series of dates ahead, this is a great chance to catch Ed Byrne in action.

Go ahead and spoil yourself!

Ed appears at the Assembly Hall at 8pm on Thursday February 8. Tickets cost £24 and can be purchased from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Just for laughs Some of Ed’s funniest one-liners: n “I have two boys, 5

n Ed once appeared in a

Friends-style ITV sitcom with Davina McCall entitled Sam’s Game

and 6. We’re no good at naming things in our house”

n “For me, snowboarding n “I thought I’d give up

n He was also the voice of

Carphone Warehouse for eight years

smoking, but decided not to – I’m not a quitter”

the proud owner of an electric guitar that the late, legendary pop star Prince used on his Purple Rain tour

is basically like being beaten up by a mountain” n “Ed, I see you’ve been

say the right thing. But the wrong thing is funnier”

out drinking again. What was the occasion?”

Bryne: “I was sober”

n “I know that every

n “If Kent is the Garden of

cigarette I smoke takes five minutes off my life,

England, then Maidstone must be the patio!”

n “Sometimes you should n The comedian is now

but if it takes ten minutes to smoke it that’s a five minute net gain!”

PHOTO: Roslyn Gaunt

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Arts & Culture

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Keeping it in the family A Spoonful of Sherman, which celebrates the work of the clan who penned tunes for such stars as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald and some of Broadway’s greatest musicals, including Mary Poppins, starts its run at Tonbridge’s EM Forster Theatre on February 15. Here, writer Robert Sherman (left) tells Eileen Leahy about his family’s noteworthy tale…

Robert, please can you give us a brief synopsis of A Spoonful of Sherman…

How long have you been touring, and how do you find it?

It’s a show about my family’s century-long, songwriting journey, and includes the songs of my grandfather, father and uncle, and even a few by me! It’s about family and family values; and what it is to be on the voyage of the human experience. It’s a show loaded with heart and is very much ‘The Songbook of Your Childhood’.

This is actually the show’s very first tour. We’re doing it as a part of centenary celebration of my family’s songwriting legacy. My grandfather started writing songs 100 years ago, and there have been Shermans writing popular songs ever since. Tonbridge is actually our very first venue!

What makes it such a special performance?

Ultimately, it comes down to the songs, I think.

These are special songs that connect to a very deep part of all our lives. Hopefully, the five performers in the show are able to connect to their own inner child. But I should add that it’s not a childish show. Children will love it, but so will their parents and grandparents as it plays on so many levels.

How many are in the cast?

There are five in our current cast. Sophie-Louise Dann, Mark Read, Glen Facey, Jenna Innes and Ben Stock, who is doubling as our Music Director as well. And they are all flat-out wonderful!

You did a slightly different version of the show in London, can you tell us about that?

We did it three times between 2014 and 2017, and I was the narrator. But this time there’s more movement and choreography. At its heart it’s the same, though. I’m not in this version of the show, although I do give a presentation at each venue. It gives me a

GIVE US A TUNE The cast playing the Shermans

chance to do something I love doing, which is to connect with fans of my family’s music.

How does this happen?

After I have spoken, the audience has the chance to ask questions and tell me their own stories about how these songs impacted on their lives. They also get to see some really nifty bits of my family’s Hollywood and Broadway memorabilia up close. This includes my father’s Oscars, which he received for Best Song and Best Score in Mary Poppins, plus some Gold Records, a Grammy and other items of Hollywood and Broadway intrigue.

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What is the audience’s general reaction to the show?

Folks love it as It transports them back to their childhood – it’s quite remarkable.

When we’ve done the show in London, I would have people come up to me afterwards crying tears of joy. They were so moved by some of the numbers. They’re surprised by how much of the show they already know because they know the songs from their childhood, and it’s amazing how much iconic music has been written by my family over the last century.

What is the secret behind a successful stage show?

Funny you should bring that up! I was just chatting with famed Oscar-winning lyricist Don Black about this very subject two days ago. The truth is that no one really knows the secret to what makes a successful show.

What works for one show can be a disastrous idea for another. I can only speak as a writer because that’s my expertise. If you write something that’s meaningful to you, then you at least have a chance to connect with your audience. Then, if the stars are aligned – that is to say you get the right producer, the right music director, the right performers, etc – then you have at least a smidgen of a chance at having a hit.

A Spoonful of Sherman runs from Thursday February 15 to Saturday February 17 at the EM Forster Theatre. Tickets cost £16 (£14 concessions) and timings vary. For more details, visit www.boxoffice. tonbridge-school.co.uk

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Going Out

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance WEDNESDAY

The exhibition Shelved continues running at Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery and other town locations until April. It’s a collaborative project between bookbinder Tracey Rowledge and silversmith David Clarke. Funded by Arts Council England as part of the second development stage of the town’s Cultural & Learning Hub, the artists have spent time going through the museum’s collections and library archives as well as various items sourced from charity shops. Townsfolk have also reworked some items to give them new OPEN AGAIN Penshurst Place – just in time for half term!

By Eileen Leahy

aesthetic value. For more details see www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org There’s a new art exhibition intriguingly entitled The View from Nowhere running all month at Thompson Spare estate agents in Tunbridge Wells High Street, too. Artist Gxjacques vividly captures unmapped woodland scenes you won’t see on Google or any other visual guides.

Every Wednesday from 7 until 9pm, the Angel Indoor Bowles Centre in Tonbridge welcomes beginners to their ‘Have a go at bowling’ evening.

There’s even a free drink on offer at the bar

afterwards! For more information, visit www.angelibc.co.uk

THURSDAY Roma Sharpe, who will be 90 this year, is an amateur artist and she will be holding her first solo exhibition of art work at Trinity Gallery every day until February 17. The show is entitled Just Journeys and is a collection of her work over a period of 50 years. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 10pm. See www.trinity-theatre.net Staying with Trinity, the So Lifestyle Awards will be taking place there this evening from 7pm. The great and the good of Tunbridge Wells will be celebrated by the lifestyle magazine, with special guest appearances from Paralympic gold medallist Will Bayley and comedian and Mock the Week star Kerry Godliman. You can be there, too, by buying a ticket, priced £29.50 from www.solifestyleawards.co.uk Over at the Assembly Hall, Irish comedian Ed Byrne takes to the stage with his latest show Spoiler Alert. Tickets cost £24 and the show starts at 8pm.

WATCH THE BIRDIE… The Big School’s Birdwatch will keep youngsters on the alert

FRIDAY The latest exhibition at Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery is Seasons of Change. Starting today and running until June 9, it will focus on the work of Fegans, a local charity that has been championing childhood and transforming mental health since 1870. Admission is free and the show is on Tuesday to Sunday.

There’s another chance to see the biopic David Hockney at the Royal Academy of Arts at Trinity Theatre at 8pm. Featuring fascinating and revealing interviews with Hockney, this intimate film focuses on two blockbuster exhibitions held in 2012 and 2016 at the London academy and is directed by Phil Grabsky. Tickets are £11 per person.

SATURDAY Keep your New Year resolutions going by joining the weekly park runs at both Dunorlan Park and the Castle Street recreation ground in Tonbridge.

They’re free to enter, all you have to do is register your details beforehand so you can participate in the 5k circuits, which start at 9am. For more information, see www.parkrun.org.uk The Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market returns to the town centre today, so if you need to stock up on any specialist products, store cupboard basics or local epicurean treats make sure you get down to the Town Hall, where it’s on from 9am to 2pm.

Penshurst Place has reopened its doors for spring this weekend. Winner of the Kent Tourism Award for Best Family Day out, it will be putting on a half-term Enchanted Gardens Trail for children and adults to enjoy from today until next Sunday. You’ll have the chance to explore the PLAN THAT WEDDING! At the Support Local event at One Warwick Park Hotel

stately home’s magical forest and hidden secret garden rooms as you traverse the 11-mile trail, which is dotted with concealed characters and clues. For tickets and timing details, visit www.penshurstplace.com Little ones will relish a visit to the Spa Valley Railway this weekend as PJ Masks characters Owlette, Catboy and Gekko will be putting in a special appearance. Trains depart at 10.20am, 12noon, 1.40pm and 3.20pm, and will take travellers through the gorgeous High Weald countryside – where you may just spy the superheroes again! Tickets are £12 per adult and £6 per child at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

SUNDAY

The Tonbridge Farmers’ Market happens today and every second Sunday of the month at Sovereign Way car park from 9.30am until 1.30pm. It is the largest one in the county and has just been shortlisted in the Taste of Kent Awards 2017 Top Three Best Farmers’ Markets thanks to the fact it offers such an impressive array of excellent quality local produce. For more information on your nearest markets, visit www.kfma.org.uk One Warwick Park Hotel will be hosting another Support Local event today from 10am until 4pm.

Today’s theme is weddings, so if you’re thinking of tying the knot, or know someone who is, make sure you get down there and discover the wealth of suppliers, artisan cake makers and dress designers around the area. Entrance is free.

Going Out

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

PICK OF THE WEEK:

HOCKNEY ON SHOW Catch David Hockney at the Royal Academy of Arts at Trinity Theatre

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet

EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge February 11 at 11.30am & 2pm This is the very amusing tale of a small dog named Biff who has big dreams of being a ballerina.

The Odeon is showing the Royal Opera’s Tosca this afternoon at 2pm. One of Puccini’s most famous works, it’s also considered one of the greatest operas thanks to its powerful opening, which reveals a fraught political landscape and lashings of drama and menace. Tickets cost £23.25 and can be booked at www.odeon.co.uk Flow is currently showing at Tonbridge School’s OBS gallery. It is a wonderfully rich selection of ceramics, paintings, installations and photographs, and children are welcomed along to take part in the show’s special activity trail. Entrance is free and the show can be viewed every weekend from 12noon until 4pm until March 4. For more information, visit www.tonbridge-school. co.uk/obsg

MONDAY It’s half-term week for most schools and there’s

lots going on to entertain children. Over at Hever you can discover all about conservation and local wildlife as part of its special week-long event Living with Nature. As well as finding out about wildlife and their habitats, there will be workshops with the RSPB and a self-guided Wildlife Detective walk. For further information, call 01732 865224 or visit www.hevercastle.co.uk This evening and every alternate Monday there is an Italian class for beginners at St Dunstan’s Church in Southborough. On from 8pm until 9.30pm, each session will cover a different topic and there will be a brief refreshment break.

Entrance costs £5, with proceeds going to the church fund. To book your place, contact Diana Mancini on 01892 537 017.

Tunbridge Wells

Library will be hosting a Harry Potter Book Night from 6pm to 7.30pm. There will be plenty of free activities for wannabe wizards and witches to enjoy but booking your place is essential. Please call 03000 413131 or email: tunbridgewellslibrary@kent.gov.uk

TUESDAY At 10.30am (ages 2-5) and 11am (ages 5+), there will be a Furry Friends event at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park with Folly Wildlife Rescue’s education team leading an interactive session in the Hub.

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Instead of scratching his fleas, this hound likes dancing to music and walking on his tiptoes.

Children aged three and upwards are bound to enjoy this fun puppetry performance, which is based on the classic children’s book by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie.

Tickets cost £10 and can be bought from www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk

There will be a friendly hedgehog for you to get to know, and you can find out more about the wildlife that may be lurking in your garden. Donations of meat-flavoured cat food welcomed. No booking required, but there is limited space, so please turn up promptly and bring a cushion to sit on.

The Big School’s Birdwatch is on until February 23 – an event which encourages children to get out and about and look out for different varieties of bird then submit their findings to the RSPB. With half-term coming up, now is the perfect time to get involved. For details, visit www.rspb.org.uk

Would you like to see your events featured in our Going Out pages? Email: eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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Going Out

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7. Websites: www.pdag.co.uk & www.thegreylady.co.uk Friday Valentine’s special with The Volare Trio Saturday Into The Blue Sunday Miar Murphy, Anna Howie, Infrared Tuesday Teddy Trenowden, Harry Whitty

TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common Event information at www.twforum.co.uk Wednesday Inheaven, Thyla, Suncharmer Friday Discharge, Fish Head, Scars Of Sense

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN

live music With Paul Dunton

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ELCOME to the continuation of the new look Going Out section, which celebrates the brilliant music scene we’re lucky to have in and around Tunbridge Wells.

As we edge towards spring, there are a host of excellent gigs and concerts to be enjoyed, so make sure you venture out to one of the following venues and catch some fantastic live music…

There are some great midweek outings on offer, and fans of alternative/indie/rock can head to The Forum on Wednesday, where they will see Inheaven headlining, supported by Thyla and Suncharmer.

If your taste is more blues, then the excellent Voodoo Vendors are at

Anna Howie

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

The Toad Rock Retreat the same night.

This Thursday evening, renowned local singer/guitarist Jason Lines will be at The Bedford performing a lively mix of popular covers from the 60s to the present day.

The weekend also has plenty to offer, with revered local pianist Ed Watts playing at the Scallywag Café on Friday night. And Abba fans will love the ‘Thank you For The Music’ tribute to the legendary pop group happening at the Assembly Hall.

My top picks for Saturday night include two popular local bands – Duck Soup at The Beau Nash Tavern and Into The Blue at The Grey Lady.

Monday is The Duke of York’s Open Mic night, and on Tuesday evening, The Vultures are at The Punch & Judy pub in Tonbridge. Enjoy…

Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Duck Soup

THE GEORGE 29 Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry music from 8pm Monday TWUNTS: Ukulele jam session

THE DUKE OF YORK The Pantiles Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Monday Open Mic Night

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

Suncharmer

THE TOAD ROCK RETREAT

Crescent Road Details of all events and tickets available at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Friday Thank you For The Music (Abba Tribute)

Upper Street, Rusthall Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Wednesday Blues With Bottle Club: The Voodoo Vendors

THE BEDFORD

THE ROYAL OAK

2 High Street Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Thursday Jason Lines Saturday Ryan Weeks

Prospect Road

SCALLYWAG CAFÉ 45 Mount Ephraim Open all day, entry charge may apply, music from 8.30pm Friday Jazz Piano with Ed Watts

Ryan Weeks

Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Disco Odyssey

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, entry charge may apply, music from 8.30pm Tuesday The Vultures

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food

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Food & Drink

Life is sweet

So Hollie, please can you give us a brief history of your business and how it came to launch?

Around five years ago, I started baking for friends and family from my tiny family kitchen in Southborough. Business boomed a lot faster than I had anticipated, and as my talent and confidence grew, demand for my bakes increased – and here I am one year into opening my own studio. I now have two members of staff, and we are churning out our largest ever number of bakes each week.

Why did you decide to start running your own cake-making business?

I’m a control freak! I always loved the idea of having my own business and being in control of my own future. I like the idea of something I can build and put my passion and personality into.

Cakes allow me to do all of this in a creative way.

Is it something you have always wanted to do?

I always loved making a mess – however, my mum did not! So when I’d ask to make cakes every week I was quickly shut down. Maybe I’m making up for all that lost time?

How long did it take you to get your own premises, and how is it working out?

It wasn’t until three and half years into it that I decided to take the plunge and make my dream of having my own premises a reality. The past year has been a whirlwind of ups and downs, but I have met some amazing people and achieved so much. This includes employing those two people – Nicola our baker, otherwise known as ‘Bon’, and Allya, who is our admin chief and prone to the odd operatic outburst! All three of us have nicknames, actually. Allya is LaLa and I am Bean.

CELEBRATING A YEAR IN THE STUDIO With cupcakes, of course!

Allya (left) and Hollie

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Since opening her own cake-making business and boutique shop Hollie’s Little Cakery a year ago, entrepreneur Hollie O’Callaghan is going from strength to strength.

Eileen Leahy catches up with the queen of bakes to discover the secret of her success

Food & Drink

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Hollie’s Top Baking Tips

SO TUNBRIDGE WELLS! Cupcakes always rise to the occasion

1

To avoid sugar lumps in your buttercream, beat half the butter with all of the sugar until there are no lumps, then add the remaining butter for a smooth, fluffy buttercream

2

Keep your eggs at room temperature, as if they are cold they will curdle.

What are your bestselling products, and why?

Our bespoke cakes will always be our bestseller because we are constantly striving to create something new that narrows the boundary between cake and art. What we really love is that no two cakes are ever the same.

Are most of your clients local, or do they come from further afield?

We are lucky to have an array of regular local clients that we have created cakes for since the very beginning. In many cases, we have followed their lives and been able to make cakes to celebrate milestones such as engagements, weddings, baby showers, christenings and first birthdays. It’s such an honour to be part of these occasions and see families grow. However, we have also recently gained many customers from elsewhere in the country, including London and

the north of England, and even from abroad. The future is looking bright.

How important is the digital and social media side of your business?

Very important, it allows all of our existing and potential clients to be updated with our newest creations and showcases our developing talents.

Do you have any celebrity clients?

We are still waiting for our invitation to create the royal wedding cake for Meghan and Harry!

Who are your cake-making heroes?

There are so many these days, including Cake Ink, Cotton & Crumbs, Rosalind Miller, Poppy Pickering and Willow and Bloom.

What are your plans for 2018 and beyond?

World domination – one cake at a time…

ALL THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS Available from Homesense

We warm ours in a cute little lukewarm water bath

3

When using sugar paste, make sure to knead it for a good five minutes before rolling or you will get cracks

4

When making cupcakes, use a piping bag to distribute your mix into the

cases. This gives you more control of quantity, creating an even batch of cupcakes that are perfectly domed every time!

5

Secret tip No 5 – always bake with some sweet, sweet lovin’, because hey, even if the cake sinks, there’s always cake pops!

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Three Tools you’ll ‘knead’ for perfect decorating: n An offset or angled palette knife n A metal bench scraper n Piping bags

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Travel

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Visit Colombia’s statuesque, strange-faced

ghosts of the past…

Packed with unexplained statues and burial tombs, South America’s San Agustin is one of the world’s biggest archaeological mysteries. Sarah Marshall investigates the Colombian region once besieged by drug cartels A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME Performers in front of Neiva’s Gaitana Monument

A

storm is brewing in a notoriously tempestuous corner of south-west Colombia; clouds of pristine white taffeta and riotous red silk spiral like mini tornadoes as dancers perform in a public plaza beneath the threatening shadow of a furious battle memorial.

A mixture of modernist yellow pillars, muscular stallions and arrow-shooting warriors, the 1974 artwork was built in honour of Gaitana, a heroine from the indigenous Yalcon tribe who fought Spanish conquistadors in Colombia’s Upper Magdalena Valley.

Extending from thriving city Neiva, the Huila region is characterised by dense forests, swollen rivers and a history of conflict.

Used as a hideout by Farc guerrillas, it was deemed largely off limits in the 80s and 90s – a source of frustration for foreign travellers eager to discover the wealth of archaeological treasures buried within.

“That was a dark time,” says Freddy, a rags to (relative) riches guide, who learned to read and write as an adult, determined to find employment in the area’s growing tourism industry.

Hinting that official forces may have played their own part in the drawn-out, bloody episode, he adds somewhat cryptically: “It was more complex than you can imagine.”

But in recent years, peace has resumed and – although never to be forgotten – the threat of machete-wielding kidnappers is no more.

Instead, ghosts of the past strangle the impenetrable jungle like winding parasitic vines, but some stories of death and warfare are more mystifying than macabre – particularly those relating to the culture of San Agustin, a pre-Colombian community which lived in a valley along the country’s longest river, Magdalena.

Carved from volcanic rock 2,000 years ago, a collection of 600 statues is the only evidence of their existence. The largest group of religious

RIVERS OF BEAUTY The Magdalena Valley

‘Each statue is unique, adorned with a different expression and symbolic design; some feature sacred animals such as eagles and frogs’

Travel

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

WEAVING THROUGH HISTORY Colombia’s longest river

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DREAM DESTINATIONS – Go global or stay local Luxury safari break in South Africa Travelbag is offering eight days in Cape Town and Kruger National Park staying in 4-star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis. The company’s safari holidays incorporate selfdrive tours of the winelands and the chance to search for the big five, whilst staying in luxury boutique lodges. Prices start from £1,799 pp, including Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow. Based on selected July and August 2018 departure dates, book by April 30, 2018.

Based on two adults travelling with two children aged under 12. For more details, call 0207 001 5252 or visit www.travelbag.co.uk

Snowy adventure in Finland

monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America, it was granted UNESCO status in 1995.

Currently, the fragile artefacts are protected only by rudimentary wooden shelters, and there’s limited information available for visitors.

But last month, the Colombian Government pledged to invest almost 20 million dollars in 15 tourism infrastructure projects in 2018, including the San Agustin Archaeological Park.

A growing number of flights from Bogota to Pitalito, a 30-minute drive away, also cuts out the 220km schlep from the region’s gateway Neiva – finally opening the door to one of the continent’s most intriguing historical sites.

WHAT ARE THESE STRANGE STATUES?

Towering up to seven metres high, with weapons strung across their backs and dagger-sharp teeth protruding from bottom lips, the surprisingly well-preserved statues appear demonic.

Each statue is unique, adorned with a different expression and symbolic design; some feature sacred animals such as eagles and frogs, and others show heightened states of meditation.

Freddy tells me one vomiting figure depicts the practice of taking ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic medicine used by people in the Amazon basin.

Although various theories abound about the origin of these people, researchers unanimously agree the jungle area where they were found was used as a burial site, and it’s currently considered to be the world’s largest necropolis.

How to get there The Ultimate Travel Company can arrange a 16-day trip to Colombia, visiting Bogota, San Agustin, Pereira, Cartagena and Tayrona National Park for £4,721 per person.

Price includes international and domestic flights, transfers and accommodation, based on two people sharing. www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk 020 3051 8098

WHO WERE THE SAN AGUSTIN PEOPLE?

Very little is known about the people and their culture, although archaeologists believe the community flourished between the first and eighth centuries.

Some claim the tribe may have eventually been forced out of the region when the Yalcon warriors arrived in 1350 – others say they simply adopted a different culture for burying the dead.

The name San Agustin was given by Spanish chroniclers and missionaries.

WHEN WERE THE STATUES DISCOVERED?

One of the earliest accounts of the statues, at that time covered in foliage and largely hidden from view, came from a Spanish priest visiting in 1750. Almost a century later, the statues were depicted in paintings.

But official bodies didn’t show any interest until much later. In 1931, the area was named an archaeological park, and in 1993, it was declared a national monument.

Unfortunately, in the interim period, the gold-rich sarcophagi and burial mounds were subject to looting. Farmers ignorant of the statues’ value also used torsos to fortify walls, and heads even became doorstops.

WERE THESE FIGURES SYMBOLS OF SADNESS?

A PENNY FOR HIS THOUGHTS… One of the mysterious burial statues

Although largely concerned with the deceased, a sentiment of celebration shrouds the statues.

Death was seen merely as a passage to another life and, like so many pre-Colombian civilisations, relatives were keen to safeguard their loved ones’ journeys.

The San Agustin people also had a connection with nature that’s irresistibly admirable.

Human faces are etched on to the rocky riverbed of the Lavapatas Fountain, and images of animals are found in every tomb.

Stare long enough into the eyes of these idols and some rationale about their past might become apparent.

But mostly it’s a mystery, cast deep in the rock.

The village of Vuokatti is the ideal location for family fun this half term. Enjoy a husky safari into the forest, explore the wilderness by snowshoe or hunt for the Aurora Borealis by night. There’s also the chance to experience the thrills of a snowmobile and ice fishing tour. This trip is priced from £1,755 pp for adults/£1,535 pp for children (4-12 years), and includes flights (from London), transfers, seven nights’ half-board accommodation, one lunch, activities listed and expert guides.

To book call AITO member Activities Abroad on 01670 789 991 www.activitiesabroad.com

Walk on Yorkshire’s wild side On Foot Holidays has designed a walking holiday that links the highlights of the Dales in a rewarding journey from vale to peak. The new route seeks to show walkers the two sides of Yorkshire’s rural heritage. Breaks start from £725 pp based on two sharing and including seven nights’ B&B, luggage transfers and route information. Departures available from May to October. Graded medium-hard (15 to 24 km per day), but options to shorten daily walks are available. For more information, visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk

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Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Heartfelt gifts for Valentine’s Celebrate February 14 by spoiling your loved one, or yourself, with these love tokens, says Eileen Leahy

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE Limited edition Bella Freud Loving Candle, £48, Amara, www.amara.com

EARN YOUR STRIPES Heart Stripe Jersey Tee, £35, White Stuff, www.whitestuff.com WE LOVE THIS RED HOT HANDBAG Heart4Heart Handbag, £135, Folli Follie, www.folifollie.co.uk

HOT STUFF Valentine’s Good Morning Heart Mug, £9, Paperchase

Who’s feeling rosy?

Instead of chocolates or flowers, how about gifting that special someone a rose-scented beauty treat? says Katie Wright A bouquet of red roses is a classic Valentine’s Day gift, and with very good reason – the fragrant blooms have been associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, since Ancient Greek times.

Present your other half with a bountiful array on February 14 and they’re sure to be impressed, but the one downside of freshly cut stems is that within days they’ve wilted and taken their

evocative aroma with them.

Luckily for us, the quintessential Queen of Flowers scent has been captured by beauty experts and bottled in the form of perfumes and pampering products that will last long after any floral arrangement has faded. And this year, there’s a bumper crop of limited edition releases and new collections to choose from.

From little treats to lavish luxuries, here are a dozen rose-infused gift ideas to delight your Valentine…

Lush With Love Gift Set with Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner and Tender Is The Night Shower Cream, £12.95 www.uk.lush.com

Lancome La Nuit Tresor A La Folie Eau de Toilette £51 for 30ml, The Perfume Shop

By Terry Baume de Rose Body Scrub £54, Space NK

Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

MONEY CAN’T BUY LOVE BUT IT CAN BUY THIS Heart-Shaped Coin Purse Red, £112, Launer www.launer.com

GOOD AS GOLD Timeless 18ct Yellow Gold Vermeil Necklace, £250, Links of London, www.linksoflondon.com

HEART OF THE MATTER Personalised Posh Totty Designs Medium Heart Necklace, £49.99, GettingPersonal.co.uk

ON RED ALERT Slim Fit Jumper, £20, Topshop, Topman

SMOOTH LIKE SILK Regent Red Cream Folded handkerchief, £36, Geoff Stocker www.geoffstocker.com

SAY IT WITH CHOCOLATES Box of 36 Coeurs with 6 flavours, £35, Pierre Marcolini, www.uk.marcolini.com

Ted Baker Blush Bouquet Cosmetic Gift Bag £24, Boots

Korres Limited Edition Roses Are Red Collection £18, FeelUnique Jo Malone London Valentine’s Day Floral Box with Red Roses Cologne, £140 (available online, Dublin Brown Thomas and Selfridges London and Manchester)

Diptyque Limited Edition Eau Rose Hand Cream, £23, and Soap, £17, Space NK

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Advertising Feature

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

From strength to strength Having recently moved to a new location in the centre of town, Anissa Germain’s BORA Studio has taken things up a level in their new three floor studio. Daniella Gavin caught up with her in the new premises to discuss wellbeing, osteopathy, and what’s on the horizon for the upcoming year…

THIS is very different to your last studio. What’s it like having all this extra space?

We are thrilled to have relocated. I had my eye on this building from the very beginning and to have gone from a single studio room to three floors feels incredible. I’ve hired five new amazing members of staff as, and the move allows them to run fitness classes downstairs whilst I have this [first] level for reformer machines and my osteopathy practice. The upstairs area is primarily for well-being purposes; we provide, hot stone and sports massages in addition to running fitness classes.

Has the move had any effect on the classes you are able to offer?

It’s allowed us to offer so much more. We are open six days a week and classes are running constantly. Group classes run from 8am until 1.30pm, and then start again at 6pm. In between those times, I run private reformer classes of one to one or one to three. The reformer classes are still the most popular and having the machines here is a large part of our appeal. There aren’t many places around here with top of the range equipment like this and they’re crucial in my osteopathy work.

Tell us about your osteopathy work…

I’m now on my fourth year of my osteopathy training and that’s my primary focus. I specialise in rehabilitation and

working with injuries, whilst the other instructors cover fitness training. The reformer machines are the main apparatus we use for rehabilitation and they can help anyone, of any age, with any injury. They look scary, but they’re honestly not.

Do you find a lot of people are nervous about using them initially?

All the time but yet they quickly realise there is nothing to worry about once they arrive. If someone tells me beforehand that they are nervous, or even if I can sense it on the phone, I will suggest we do a complimentary 30-minute session where we can just play around with the reformer machine and get to know one another. We had an 85 year old lady call up yesterday and she will be coming in for a relaxed tour and chat to help ease her worries.

Is getting to know your clients a big part of what you do?

Definitely. I’ll always make an effort to understand someone’s medical history and personal requirements before we start any sessions.

Classes are very small, never more than eight, so it’s OWNER always catered Anissa Germain to whoever is

attending – even more so with the one to one and smaller sessions. If you’ve never done anything fitness related before, you can be sure we will get to know you and will cater to your needs and track your progress with you. We can find the right class to suit you. We actually do a special class for clients aged 65 years and older twice a week.

HIGHER LEVELS The new Bora studio

Do people need a membership or can they pay as they go for your classes?

In my experience, monthly membership isn’t as popular as pay as you go. Now, you can pay as you go or you can buy lessons in bulk. Most people choose to buy either ten or 20 classes that they can use throughout the year as and when they please. You can book all of this through the

Advertising Feature

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

MindBody app that we are registered with, so there’s no need to bring payment to the studio.

It’s very rare to have anyone who comes along for a session and doesn’t return for more.

And how is the sportswear range going?

Things here in the studio have been doing so well that we’ve had to separate the clothing line from the studio. The clothing, however, all has the BORA logo and is approved and tested by me to ensure it is perfect for Pilates. We are on second production for the range now and I’ve loved being a part of it I always wear the clothes

myself when I’m training.

And what does the future hold for Bora?

The staff are always asking me to buy new equipment as there’s so much that we want to be able to offer our clients. We have been looking into classes like aerial yoga, for example, and we are due to start a pre and post natal class soon.

We will be starting to run bi-weekly yoga classes from February, which is very exciting as we will have a new teacher coming to join the team.

Although we will always be a Pilates’ studio, I’m aware that many of our clients would benefit from the yoga classes. It’s not about stealing yoga clients from anywhere else, but the three floors here mean we really do provide an all-round service where we can offer a bit of everything. We will also be having more osteopaths join me in the team this year.

BORA STUDIO LIMITED 86 Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RT www.borastudio.co.uk 07402 666 847 anissa@borastudio.co.uk

EXPANSION Upstairs therapy room

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Motoring

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Subaru is back with an overhauled version of its XV compact crossover, but does its all-wheel-drive system live up to the promise of performing as well on-road as off-road? Will Rimell heads to the Cotswolds to find out

WHAT IS IT?

The new XV, Subaru’s all-wheel-drive crossover, is aimed at the average family and young, active buyers who may feel the need to traverse steep hills and boggy countryside on occasion.

This is the first time the brand has reworked the XV since its 2012 launch. However, they point out that it’s ‘not a facelift’ but a complete overhaul.

WHAT’S NEW?

The new XV is built on Subaru’s new global platform, which they say improves safety as well as performance. A host of safety tech is packed in, including the driver assistance system EyeSight. This uses two cameras that capture 3D images to map out the road ahead, allowing the car – depending on speed – to avoid or reduce the severity of accidents. Subaru says the system acts as a ‘second pair of eyes for the driver’.

The new car also boasts an upgraded interior and reworked exterior for a sportier, more aggressive look.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

a 2.0-litre. Both are paired to the brand’s Lineartronic CVT [Continuously Variable Transmission] automatic gearbox. This has been built specifically for use with the Boxer engines, which Subaru says improves fuel economy via a stepless gear ratio and optimal power band. However, on the 2.0-litre model we tested, which has a great kick to it, the car is let down by that automatic transmission, which holds on to gears far too long.

It’s a shame because ignore the gearbox and the highlight of the Boxer engine is that it’s quick to respond to throttle inputs and offers decent acceleration.

And after averaging around 24mpg – driving in fairly normal fashion – this is something families and commuters won’t be happy about, especially as Subaru claims a fuel economy of 40.9mpg combined. Maybe a diesel version is needed.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The XV is still lovely to drive – especially if you’re not the one paying for fuel! Careering around winding country lanes gave us a great chance to test the impressive handling. The all-wheel-drive system meant we took every corner without hassle and allowed us to shoot out the other side without losing much traction.

Thinking it would be rude not to test out the car’s off-road-friendly X-Mode and Hill Descent Control features, we ventured off the beaten track. After heavy rain, the terrain was boggy.

Now standard in the XV, the features make tackling these tricky conditions as easy as driving on tarmac: X-Mode takes control of the

To go with the sportier appearance, Subaru is offering two Boxer petrol engines – a 1.6-litre and

engine, transmission, AWD, brakes and other components, allowing the driver to focus on not sliding into a tree, stone wall or furry creature.

And the Hill Descent Control maintained a constant speed down inclines. These extra features make it feel more like a serious 4x4.

Motoring News

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The XV’s image really is a lot more striking. The new front end has sharper edges, a lower nose and sleek headlights, and the rear has had similar treatment. Gone are the boring ‘polygon’ lights, replaced by a new rectangular shape.

Subaru has also squared up the body. But, even with all these style changes, it still looks like a school-run family car.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The XV continues the car’s family appeal, with loads of cubby holes for a vast amount of storage, more than ample legroom in the back, and an easy to use infotainment system.

There’s an additional screen which displays satellite navigation directions if the main eight-inch touchscreen is being used for another of its many functions – including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB radio.

But this 4.3-inch dashboard display gets even more use when you venture off-road. Apart from informing the driver about fuel economy, temperature and driving conditions, it also shows wheel alignment, so you never lose track of where the wheels are pointing when the going gets particularly tough.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The base 1.6-litre model comes in at £24,995.

This is equipped with all Subaru’s latest safety features, including rear vehicle detection, keyless entry and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 2.0-litre costs £26,495 with a similar spec.

There is also a choice to improve the quality of the interior, with leather seats, a sunroof, satnav and power-adjusted driver’s seat. These are an additional £2,000 for both engine types.

We drove the high-spec SE Premium trim and the leather seats were a great addition. The satnav is decent, so an extra £2,000 for that and the other kit does seem worth it, although that prices the 2.0-litre model up to £28,495.

VERDICT

The difference between the old and new XV is night and day. The drive was smooth on road and rugged off, although the CVT gearbox is a disappointment. And if you do a lot of miles, expect hefty fuel costs. That aside, the XV has the capabilities to tackle pretty much anything that can be thrown at it but doesn’t shout about it. It doesn’t really need to – that’s its best feature.

Kia to drop Venga and Rio diesels from range AFTER a slump in sales, South Korean manufacturer Kia is discontinuing its Rio and Venga diesel models.

Petrol versions of both models will remain on sale, and diesel variants will be sold until stock runs out.

A spokesman explained: “As part of our ongoing commitment to maintain a simple, effective and easily understood model range, we have taken the decision to end diesel-engine sales of Rio and Venga in due course. We continue to offer support… but it is clear to us that the focus for the future in these two categories should be on petrol.

“This is not a move that in any way diminishes our commitment to clean, efficient diesel engines that will meet and exceed planned legislation to reduce levels of emissions. Kia will be introducing new diesel engines in the future.”

Another diesel problem GREENPEACE is calling on Volkswagen to end diesel sales following allegations that it tested its emissions on monkeys.

The environmental campaign group says the German car maker needs to ditch the fuel and switch to ‘cleaner, reliable electric’.

Their comments come in the wake of a New York Times report that a research group funded by car companies exposed monkeys to diesel exhaust fumes from a late model Volkswagen, while another group was exposed to fumes from an older Ford truck.

The experiments were said to have been carried out in 2014, before Volkswagen was caught using software that let vehicles cheat on vehicle emissions. No monkeys were reported to have died and Volkswagen Chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch has pledged a full and unconditional investigation.

Limited edition revealed

FACTS AT A GLANCE:

FIRST DRIVE:

SUBARU XV

MODEL AS TESTED:

2.0i SE Premium Lineartronic ENGINE: 2.0-litre

Boxer petrol POWER: 152 bhp MAX SPEED: 120 mph

TORQUE: 196Nm 0-60MPH: 10.2 seconds MPG: 40.9 (combined) EMISSIONS: 155 g/km PRICE: £28,495

MCLAREN has revealed an ultra limited edition version of its 570S Coupe – the MSO X. Taking inspiration from the GT4 race car, external additions include a large rear wing, a carbon-fibre air intake on the roof and a unique rear bumper, while the roof, bonnet, side skirts and engine cover are now made from satin-finished carbon fibre. The visual package is finished with an MSO-produced titanium exhaust, and a livery inspired by the McLaren F1 GTR race cars of the mid-90s.

The race car inspiration continues on the inside with a minimalist design, including carbon-fibre bucket seats.

Just ten cars have been made, and all have been ordered by McLaren Newport Beach, USA. Pricing has not been revealed.

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Technology

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

TURN ON AND TUNE IN Sony Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones Beige, £329.99, www.very.co.uk

SLEEP LIKE A BABY Courtesy of this smart sleep tracker which doubles up as a lamp. £199, Homni, www.amazon.co.uk (launches next month) WI-FI WHEREVER YOU ROAM The Skyroam Solis gives you the freedom to get online wherever you are. Simply charge and go, £155, Skyroam Solis, www.skyroam.com

PLAY LIKE A PRO Transform your game with this football performance tracker which fits into a sports vest and gives you data through its phone app. £149, Playertek, £149, www.playertek.com and www.prodirectsoccer.com

tech

TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR FITNESS REGIME This Apple Watch Series 3 is a smart activity coaching device that boasts an enhanced Heart Rate app. It also does all the other things you need it to, like playing songs, speaking to Siri and tracking your daily activity, £379, www.apple.com

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS This range of audio speakers has been launched by British company Orbitsound and includes wireless charging and unique Airsound technology. £399.99, The Dock E30, www.orbitsound.co.uk

Must-have gadgets State of the art technology Every week in theknow we’ll bring you the latest tech and clever time-saving gadgets and widgets to make your life easier, more enjoyable and often fun. Eileen Leahy picks her top tech must-haves

HEAD IN THE CLOUD Shadow is the first high-end PC in the cloud accessible everywhere, using any internet-enabled device Prices start from £26.95 per month for a one-year commitment. For more information, see www.shadow.tech

YOUR DIGITAL ASSISTANT Find out what the weather’s going to be like, which restaurant serves the best specialist cuisine, or simply ask to be told a joke. The Echo Show will do it all for you, £199.99, Echo Show in white, Amazon, www.amazon.co.uk

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Motoring

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Recruitment

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Recruitment

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

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

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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.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

2 8 7 5

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

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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

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

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

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

O B L I Q U E H B O M B

A S E S J I I P E I N K A G E A V U I E S C E N T S X I L E S A N A A A D D I S P I F S S A M A I S N S Z E A T T I E

T I M E T A B L E

T E N E D E M I A C

R S I R A E O V WH E

R Y E I A R E N U S O A L O L I S A T

Sudoku:

1 4 2 5 8 6 9 3 7

3 9 5 7 1 2 8 6 4

8 7 6 9 3 4 5 2 1

9 3 1 8 2 5 4 7 6

7 2 8 6 4 3 1 9 5

6 5 4 1 9 7 2 8 3

4 6 7 2 5 9 3 1 8

3 2 4 5 7 1 8 6 9

7 9 6 8 4 5 2 3 1

2 8 3 7 6 9 4 1 5

2 8 3 4 7 1 6 5 9

5 1 9 3 6 8 7 4 2

Jigsaw Sudoku:

4 1 5 9 3 2 7 8 6

8 3 2 6 5 7 1 9 4

1 7 9 4 2 8 6 5 3

5 6 8 1 9 4 3 2 7

6 5 7 2 1 3 9 4 8

9 4 1 3 8 6 5 7 2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Sporting Times

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

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Beacon of light as Academy shows curling talent Beacon’s curling teams every week.

“Mr Rees is very driven to get as many young people into the sport as possible,” says Felix.

“The way he has grown the Beacon curling club from eight to almost 50 players is pretty cool.”

Mr Rees commented: “Curling offers lots of opportunities. Players can go really far with it.”

Competing in Finland was just the tip of the iceberg, however. Two weeks later, four teams of Beacon Academy curlers entered the Under-21 Open Curling Championship at Fenton’s Rink near Tunbridge Wells, and the team of Annabelle Martin, Keara Hunnisett, Ellie Smith, Jessica Shorman and Eliza Bassett won the title.

They also tried to defend their title at the English Schools Curling Championships at Fenton but narrowly lost out in what proved a very exciting and competitive event.

Beacon’s Blue team had a nail-bitingly close final game against Walthamstow Hall. Both teams had ten points after winning five games.

Beacon were pipped to the winning post when the tie-breaker was decided on the number of ends, Wally Hall having 13 to the Academy’s 12.

However, the Beacon teams still finished second, third, fourth and fifth One parent, Becki Russell, describes how her daughter Keara has excelled at the club and is now ‘hooked’ on curling.

“Keara enjoys the fact that it’s something different, loves being part of a team and enjoys the camaraderie,” she says.

“It is a club that doesn’t need special sporting skills, just a friendly, enthusiastic attitude. The atmosphere between the children is nothing you see anywhere else.”

Beacon Curling would like thank their sponsors, Dawson Hart Solicitors for their support.

SWEEPING ALL BEFORE THEM (L-R) Ellie Smith, Keara Hunnisett, Annabelle Martin, Jessica Shorman, and Eliza Bassett win the Under-21s Open title CURLING: ONE sport captures the imagination of the British at the Winter Olympics like no other, the arcane but fascinating pursuit of curling.

Tunbridge Wells has the only curling venue in England, and Crowborough’s Beacon Academy have been excelling at the sweeping arts.

The school has recorded hugh success at three prestigious, internationally renowned events.

Sydney Boyd and Felix Price, along with former Beacon student Joe Sugden, travelled to Finland to represent England at the World Junior B Curling Championships at the turn of the year, playing against opponents up to the age of 21 from around the world.

England’s Junior Boys team were successful against Austria and Latvia and narrowly missed out on victory against the eventual winners China and runners-up Russia – both games were decided with the final shot.

The Junior Girls also beat two opponents, Australia and Romania, and came very close to beating Hungary in a contest which finished 7-6.

All three students were introduced to the sport through the school’s thriving Beacon Curling Club, which was founded in 2013 by Humanities teacher and England curling coach Owen Rees.

The students are now reaping the rewards for their hard work and commitment to the sport.

Sydney says: “I started curling in Year 8 after Mr Rees gave an assembly on the club. I had seen it the year before in the Winter Olympics and I wanted to give it a try.

“It’s a team sport, and so it’s fun to play with lots of other people. The curling community are really nice, everyone is really friendly.”

Sydney was competing at the World Juniors for the first time, while this was Felix’s third experience at this level - and he now also coaches

BRUSH AND RUSH One of the sweepers goes to work to help the stone slide further

HOW TO PLAY A 42-pound ‘stone’ is pushed down a sheet of ice, while two players furiously sweep the surface in front of the rock to get it as close as possible to the target, or ‘house’.

The brushing heats up the ice, causing it to become slick, which reduces friction and allows the stone to travel further and straighter as a result.

Powerful Combe pack piles on the pressure Westcombe Park 11 Tunbridge Wells 10 RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ visit to nearby Goddington Dene saw another wet day and heavy pitch, and they could not replicate their domination of Sutton & Epsom the week before.

Combe have recruited recently in a bid to avoid relegation and a large pack took to the field equipped to give the visitors a hard afternoon.

Points were hard to come by and after a flurry in the first 20 minutes there was little on offer.

Combe took advantage of early pressure with Jordan Saunders driving over the line for an unconverted try on four minutes.

A dump tackle saw a Combe centre head to the sin bin on eight minutes and Frank Reynolds made no mistake with the ensuing penalty.

The visitors could not take advantage of the extra man as Mike Doherty limped off to be replaced by Richard Webster.

After consistent pressure, however, Shaydn Osgood broke through the Combe cover to go over, with Reynolds converting on 20 minutes.

The only further score of the half came from a 33rd-minute penalty from Combe full-back Will Robinson and Wells went in at half-time 10-8 ahead.

The second period was dominated by the home side with half-backs James Cameron and new signing Ed Durki putting in precise and tactically astute kicks.

Key moment Their possession eventually told when Robinson kicked a penalty for offside on 65 minutes to put Combe in the lead for the first time.

With injury time looming came the key moment of the game as Cameron made a rare mistake, kicking low with the ball ricocheting back behind the Combe defence.

Reynolds latched on to it like a greyhound and kicked on to beat the cover and dive for what all thought was a score.

However, the referee disallowed it because he was unsighted and could not confirm that the ball had been grounded.

TJs fall narrowly short in thrilling encounter T0nbridge Juddians 13 Chinnor 14

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: SECOND-placed Chinnor arrived with some apprehension knowing that Tonbridge Juddians were undefeated in six matches and were a potential banana skin for anyone with an

eye on promotion. And the home side took them to the wire in an enthralling match.

TJs were out the blocks first as Tom Nicoll intercepted a stray Chinnor pass and scampered in from 40 metres out with barely a minute on the clock, though the try was not converted.

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

By Roger Clarke

OFFICIALLY SPEAKING Mike Hathaway is penalised by the referee

Wells’ performance was spirited and competitive, and they pocketed a losing bonus point to remain in sixth place in London and

South-East Premier Division.

They now enjoy a rare week off before travelling to Hertford on February 17 (kick-off 2.30pm).

Chinnor responded and despite the slippery ball they battered TJs with confident passing. The defence held firm but did concede a penalty kick which was missed.

TJs’ scrum struggled at times and an early problem gave Chinnor a chance to create right and then left to score, then take the lead with the conversion.

Chinnor, who lost their outside-centre to the sin bin, conceded ground and penalties, and Liam Prescott slotted one to make it 8-7 at the break.

The visitors suffered two more yellow cards as they were pinned back in the second half but TJs could not take advantage at first.

Then on 55 minutes TJs’ driving game off the scrum produced the goods.

The ball was passed back to the narrow side

and flanker Ed Varney found a little space to slide over from 10 metres out.

However, the home side’s grip on the game gradually loosened and Chinnor’s replacement scrum-half found some space around the fringes to scamper in under the posts and take the lead.

The final minutes of the match were frantic as Chinnor missed a penalty kick but Wells were unable to find a way upfield during an extended injury time.

TJs’ losing bonus point lifted them to eighth in National Two South ahead of their visit to table-topping Cinderford in Gloucestershire on Saturday (February 10, kick-off 2.30pm).

Meanwhile The Slade will be hosting the club’s beer festival on Friday, February 9 (5-11pm) and Saturday (11am-11pm).

Sporting Times

Wednesday February 7 | 2018

Frail Angels pay price for defensive errors Needham Market 4 Tonbridge Angels 2 forced a superb save by custodian Danny Gay tipping over a deflected Sam Bantick effort.

It seemed only a matter of time before the Angels would restore parity but it was the hosts who went further ahead.

On 23 minutes a short clearance from keeper Jonny Henly to Craig Stone saw the defender’s pass intercepted and John Sands had the easy task of beating Henly from close range.

The Angels still dominated in the second half as Joe Turner shot on the turn and Bantick hit the bar.

Perhaps the best opportunity for Tonbridge came in the 58th minute when Alex Akrofi fed

By James Rowe FOOTBALL: THREE

defensive errors from Tonbridge Angels gifted a struggling Needham Market three comfortable points which allowed them to climb clear of the relegation zone in the Bostik League Premier.

The home side went in front after just seven minutes from a corner where the Angels defence failed to pick up the runners, giving Luke Ingram the chance to score.

Angels took a firm grip of proceedings and produced four shots on target, one of which

Tashi-Jay Kwayie, whose effort went just over.

Thirteen minutes later Angels substitute Nathan Elder’s knock down to Akrofi saw the striker’s effort blocked by Gay but no visiting player could take advantage.

Despite the Tonbridge pressure it was Needham Market who went further ahead when a mix-up between Henly and his defence presented Adam Mills with an unguarded net.

With a three-goal advantage the Marketmen started to play with the confidence and it came as no surprise when they scored a fourth.

A cross from the right into the penalty area carried through to the left where Mills’ follow-up cross ended up in the back of the net.

The Angels had nothing to lose, pushed up and went on to score two of their own. Dan Thompson’s assist was poked home by Bantick in the 85th minute.

Two minutes later Turner produced a shot from the edge of the area that Gay couldn’t hold but but it was too little too late for Tonbridge.

Meanwhile Dan Bennett has announced he is leaving the Angels to seek footballing

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opportunities elsewhere.

Manager Steve McKimm said the club would not stand in his way, adding: “I’d like to thank Dan for all his efforts while he has been with us and wish him all the very best for the future.”

The defeat, a third on the bounce for McKimm’s men, keeps them in 11th place in the table ahead of the visit of Staines Town on Saturday (February 10, kick-off 3pm).

HALF-TERM COURSES Tonbridge Angels will be holding half-term workshops at Longmead on February 12-16.

The sessions, from 9.30am to 3pm, are for boys and girls aged four to 12.

Two participants will be chosen to act as mascots for the first team, and there will be technical, tactical and fun-based learning with prizes to be won.

For more information email tafccommunity@hotmail.com or call Dom Welsh on 07548 989666

PHOTOS: Brendan Kemp

Skinner grabs derby spoils with scrambled winner in injury time

STRIKING DISPLAY Steve Smith caused Tunbridge Wells problems up front

Tunbridge Wells 3 Rusthall 2

By Richard Smith FOOTBALL: TUNBRIDGE WELLS snatched lastgasp winner to edge a crucial local derby on a mud bath of a pitch at the Culverden.

So Rusthall’s poor run of results continued and they must now quickly turn things around if they are to avoid a relegation dogfight in Southern Counties East League Division One after Rochester United’s surprise 3-2 win at Corinthian narrowed the gap to the drop zone to nine points.

On the treacherous playing surface the Rustics were unable to play their usual passing game but started the game strongly with Steve Smith causing the home side problems.

The visitors were gifted an opening on 23 minutes. A poor pass from the back found its way to Steph Harper, who went to take it round the Tunbridge Wells keeper Cameron Hall but was taken down in the penalty area.

Hall received a yellow card and the vastly experienced Harper calmly smashed the spot-kick high to the keeper’s left to open the scoring.

The game became a midfield battle as conditions worsened, and Smith and skipper Stewart Gostlow picked up yellow cards.

On 39 minutes the home side were denied an equaliser by an outstanding save from Callum Christie in the Rusthall goal.

The home side looked to up the pace in the second half and won several corners. From one of these that they made it 1-1 in the 54th minute.

Rusthall failed to clear the ball from the set-piece and after a goalmouth scramble John

Alexander leads the charge and Ross keeps clean sheet Tunbridge Wells Ladies 5 Old Loughtonians 0

By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS put behind them a couple of frustrating performances to thrash Old Loughtonians at Hawkenbury.

Wells played with flare, passion and skill and Harriet Alexander scored twice in the first half, the ball moving between Pip Ross, Jen Hunt and Beth Organ to create through balls for her.

Tempo Alexander then linked up well with captain Hunt before crossing to Anna Glubb, who was poised at the back post to make it 3-0.

In the second half Wells allowed their tempo to drop and found themselves defending waves of counterattacks from Old Loughts.

Hunt, inspired by player of the match Ross and her tenacity in defence, carried the ball in a from the defensive D up to the attacking one.

After a quick give and go with Organ, Hunt received the ball at the top of the D and smashed it into the right-hand side of the goal.

Wells were back on point and a final goal from youngster Alex Sacker saw Wells seal a 5-0 victory that allows them to hold on to third place in East Region Division One South.

Tunbridge Wells men’s first team retained their three-point lead in South League Premier Division Two with a 3-1 win away at Trojans.

Ben Allberry, with two goals, and Sam George were on target for the visitors.

The Ladies now travel to mid-table Upminster on Saturday (February 10) while the men make the long trip to Bournemouth.

Shea forced the ball over the line at the far post.

On the hour a Rustics counterattack down the right saw Hall parry Dan Mitchell’s shot on to the bar and as the ball dropped down Calum Gallie raced in but somehow managed to head over from a couple of yards out.

Another great move down the right on 68 minutes found Mitchell again and the big striker played in a superb cross that was met by Smith, who forced the ball over the line.

He managed to score despite being fouled by the keeper, and Rusthall had the lead back.

Ryan Waterman and Paul Butler also found their way into Zoltan Konkoly’s notebook as Rusthall continued to battle for everything.

A smart interchange between Tunbridge Wells’ Jack Harris and Josh Biddlecombe set Harris free ON THE SPOT Steph Harper is congratulated after his penalty

in the box and he was sent tumbling over by a challenge from defender Luke Stratford, earning him a yellow card. Biddlecombe smashed home the penalty kick to make it 2-2.

With five minutes left Gostlow cleared the ball after the whistle had gone for a free kick on and the referee produced a yellow card, then a red.

In injury time winger Jared Trespaderne skipped past Mitchell wide on the right and crossed into a crowded six-yard box, and Greg Skinner was on hand to force the ball over the line for the winner.

Rusthall now face a crucial run of four home games in February starting with the visit of Deal Town on Saturday (February 10, kick-off 3pm).

Tunbridge Wells opened up a five-point gap above Rusthall, and will hope to pick up more points at rock bottom club Hollands & Blair.