Times of Tunbridge Wells 7th March 2018

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

LOCAL NEWSPAPER See Page 19

REAL FEMINISM SEEKS EQUALITY FOR ALL - SAYS TRACY MOORE Page 12

Waitrose is finally coming to town – in a small way

Local, National and International

FEW WAYS TO GO AS FAST FOR AS LITTLE… THE CATERHAM 620S

ENTRIES ROLL IN FOR BUSINESS AWARDS WITH MICHAEL PORTILLO Page 8-9

Page 66

OPERA SINGER EMMA VENTRIS HEADS SCHOOL’S CHARITY CONCERT Page 52

Penshurst Church campaign goes nationwide

INSIDE GAY PRIDE RETURNS And it will be bigger and better say organisers Page 3

By Jonathan Banks TUNBRIDGE WELLS has scored a partial victory in its never ending campaign to entice Waitrose to establish a presence in the town, it can be revealed.

Speculation that the esteemed grocer will finally set up shop in the Royal town, after years of being snubbed in favour of its neighbours, has reached fever pitch in recent weeks.

WORTHY WINNERS

Childrensalon is one of the 100 best places to work Page 6

Agreement Residents could have been mistaken for thinking their prayers had finally been answered when a notice appeared at the site of the now-demolished Shell petrol station on St John’s road which read: “This site will be closed for major redevelopment. [It will] Reopen on 15th June 2018 as a Waitrose Store. Sorry for the inconvenience. Shell, St John’s.”

However, a spokesman for the upscale supermarket was quick to quell the speculation, issuing a statement to the local press saying: “We have no plans to open a Waitrose branch here at present.”

But Times can now reveal that this line is only half-true. Waitrose have admitted to this newspaper that whilst they will not have their own actual store, the rebuilt Shell garage will stock its products.

“Waitrose has reached a supply agreement with Shell for its St John’s Road forecourt store in Tunbridge Wells.

“The retailer will provide around 600 products in a dedicated section of the existing Shell site,

Continued on page 2

PAYING TRIBUTE: A Chelsea Pensioner attaches a poppy to a Perspex Tommy outside the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.

Full story pages 4-5

Water shortages leave thousands high and dry as schools, pubs and businesses shut

By Adam Hignett THOUSANDS of people in the villages and towns surrounding Tunbridge Wells were left without water this week, many for up to four days, when underground pipes burst.

As taps ran dry schools were forced to close along with businesses including hairdressers, dentists and pubs. One landlord was last night set to give away free beer rather than see it go to waste.

Emergency bottles of water were being handed out in some areas with people limited to six litres. Those with babies were given extras.

Residents and businesses faced the grim prospect of going into day five with no mains water as the Times went to press

last night (March 6), with South East Water battling to reconnect almost 12,000 properties across its network. By last night around 1,000 were still without supplies.

The pub looking to giving away free beer is in nearby Cousley Wood.

‘If the quiz goes ahead we will start giving the beer away for free’ “It’s better than letting it spoil,” said Sara Anderson, who runs the Old Vine Inn. “We were supposed to have a large pub quiz this evening (March 6), but it may have to be cancelled. If it goes ahead we will start giving the beer away for free.”

With the water out, the pub has not been able to serve diners or accommo-

date people in its rooms since Saturday.

Without a high turnover of customers the cask beers, which typically last three to seven days once tapped, were at risk of turning sour.

Although she would not disclose the estimated financial impact, Ms Anderson hinted at the likely high cost of the missed weekend, stating that they had to cancel 80 Sunday lunches.

She was particularly critical of the way South East Water handled the situation.

“What is terrible is the lack of information from South East Water and when they do send it is often late notice, which means we are unable to plan at all. They have kept pushing back the times they

Continued on page 2

DANCE LIKE DARCEY Miss Bussell the ballerina dances into town Page 53

MOTHER’S DAY

Try our delicious recipe ideas to make her day Page 58-59

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Working ‘round the clock’ Continued from page 1 say they will undertake the repairs,” she said, adding: “We haven’t been able to clean for days. Our chef is coming in but sadly it’s mainly to empty the fridges.”

Other pubs and eateries which were forced to close over the weekend included the Middle House in Mayfield, which had reopened by yesterday, and the Kings Arms in Rotherfield, among others.

Many other businesses throughout West Kent and the Weald were severely impacted by the water shortages, while Rotherfield and Uckfield primary schools were also reportedly closed on Monday.

Bottle banks with emergency supplies were sited, amongst other places, at Rotherfield Community Centre, the Greyhound Inn on Wadhurst High Street and Pine Grove in Crowborough.

The water outages have been sporadic in nature, typified by Western Road in Crowborough, which has seen residents on one end of the street facing shortages while those at the other end remained unaffected.

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Lions battle snow to celebrate 100th birthday at the palace

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE Presidents of local Lions Clubs were invited to Buckingham Palace last week as part of the organisation’s 100th birthday celebrations.

But for Tonbridge’s Gordon Hill it was a bit

special. He could register a particular claim to fame among the 350 members gathered in the state ballroom from around the UK, since Tonbridge was the first Lions club in the country.

Formed in 1949, the Tonbridge branch was in fact inaugurated the following year. It had to wait its turn because members in Canada thought a

Struggle Individuals, such as Isobel Home, have seen their homes cut off for several days forcing them to resort to measures most thought would have vanished in the 21st century.

“Luckily my garden contains a small freshwater spring, so I have been using that for the past four days, although I can’t really get enough to bathe so I still have to visit friends,” the fifty five-yearold said, adding: “It’s not too bad for me. But it must be a real struggle for many older people in the area.”

Her house, situated up a rural lane between Frant and Mark Cross, is neighboured by several farms which are struggling.

“Two of my neighbours are beef cattle farmers and they have no water for their stock,” she explained.

As the Times went to press, South East Water said it has teams ‘working around the clock’ to find and fix pipes and ‘aimed’ to have all its customers reconnected last night (March 6). However, it warned intermittent cut-offs were likely in the coming days.

WHY DID THE PIPES BURST? When the pipes froze, the water inside them turned into ice which expanded and put pressure on piping. However, although this does rupture some pipes, it is actually once the water inside the pipe starts to melt quickly and rush through the pipe that many of them end up bursting.

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

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

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

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SELFIE SERVICE: The five Lions’ Zone club presidents arrive at a snowy Buckingham Palace to celebrate the service organisation’s 100th birthday; (l-r) Tony Constable (Southborough), Gordon Hill (Tonbridge), Hilary Lyon (Crowborough), Liz Brown (Sevenoaks) and Christine Small (Paddock Wood).

Independent investigation launched into rail services hit by bad weather

By Jonathan Banks SOUTHEASTERN yesterday [Tuesday] issued an apology to passengers caught up in disruption on the network last week caused by the bad weather and especially those stranded on Friday.

The operator also announced the appointment of an independent investigator to carry out a full review of last week’s events.

Managing Director David Statham said: “We will use the findings to improve our operations and share learning across the whole rail sector.

SNOW TIME High Brooms station

Compensated He added: “When it snows in our part of the country, we have an enormous challenge to keep the train service running. This is because our trains draw power from a ‘third’ conductor rail running along the tracks.

“When this rail is covered with snow or hit by freezing rain, ice forms and acts as an insulating layer, preventing trains from drawing power.”

Southeastern is encouraging those passengers who were disrupted to contact them through their website so that they can be compensated.

“We are doubling Delay Repay compensation for all passengers caught up in disruption from Tuesday to Friday last week, and will be providing enhanced compensation for those who were stranded on trains on Friday,” explained Mr Statham.

“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience and once again apologise sincerely for the disruption they faced last week.”

‘Host Club’ in London should be the first to be officially recognised.

The Countess of Wessex, Patron of the club, attended the ceremony to mark the centenary, and encountering the Tonbridge President proved a special moment to her.

Impressed “The Countess of Wessex gave a very eloquent talk without notes,” recalled Mr Hill, “after which I managed to exchange a few words with her, explaining that I represented the first club to be formed in the UK and one of the largest.

“She seemed impressed and explained that she knew Tonbridge well, having been brought up in Brenchley and studied at Kent College and West Kent College.”

The occasion was held last Wednesday [February 28], a day after the arrival of the Beast from the East, but the snow was not going to stop the intrepid Lion on Tonbridge.

“The journey there and back was...expeditionary - especially as we were dressed in our finery!

To see Buckingham Palace covered in snow a rare sight,” said Mr Hill..

The Lions were actually formed in 1917, by the American Melvin Jones, and it is now the largest service organisation in the world, with more than 1.35 million members belonging to around 42,500 Lions clubs in 178 countries.

There are 810 clubs in the UK and Ireland, comprising some 16,000 members and collectively known as Multiple District 105 (MD105).

It began as a vision of a Chicago insurance man, Melvin Jones, who thought local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely corporate concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world at large.

Shell and Waitrose tie up Continued from page 1 which will comprise around two thirds from its own label ranges with the remainder consisting of some of its most popular brands,” a Waitrose spokesman said.

The offer, which will be available from a date to be confirmed this summer, is designed primarily to provide Shell customers with ‘dinner for tonight’ options in addition to a small selection of household, family and personal care products.

Products available will include ingredients for scratch cooking such as fresh meat, sauces, vegetables, pasta and stir fries as well as ready meals, pizzas, fruit, vegetables, cakes and a small selection of wines.

As a supply agreement, the stores will continue to be run by Shell.

Ed Hall, Shell UK Alliance and Strategy Manager, added: “Shell is proud to be working with Waitrose to offer our customers a wider variety of choice, whether they are stopping at our station for a snack, or to pick up their dinner for that evening. The new store at Shell St John’s continues our commitment to offering highquality, convenient retail experiences.”

Waitrose already has full scale stores in Tonbridge and Crowborough but claims it has not been able to find a suitable site in Tunbridge Wells.

HOW A CAMPAIGN TO REPAIR THE VILLAGE CHURCH HAS TOUCHED A NATION IT ALL started a couple of years ago as an initiative to help raise £700,000 for repairs to the village church at Penshurst. Today it has become the central plank of a nationwide campaign to raise £15million for armed forces and mental health charities as part of the events to mark the centenary of the end of the Great War. By any stretch of the imagination it’s quite an amazing transformation.

We’re talking about the clear Perspex silhouettes of servicemen from the parish who were killed in the conflict. A story that was featured in this newspaper in November 2016.

Behind the idea was local photographer Martin Barraud, he’s the chap also involved in the

campaign against low flying aircraft out of Gatwick. Anyway, he modelled the figures on four photographs that the Friends of Penshurst Church had found of First World War Soldiers sitting in uniforms.

Different elements from each of the pictures were then combined while the size was modelled on someone sitting in the pews.

Those who were related such as the Yeoman brothers and the three Hardinge cousins were placed together. The youngest to fall, Private Noel Baker aged 17, has a slightly smaller silhouette.

All of which produced a powerful image bringing home the scale of the war time tragedy on all levels - family, parish and country.

Last week images inspired by the Penshurst silhouettes appeared across the UK - in sentry boxes at the Tower of London, on Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, at Heart of Midlothian Football Club in Edinburgh and the National Coal Museum in Wales.

The project is called There, But Not There and members of the public can buy versions of the commemorative figures made, of course, by military veterans.

Full details are on pages 4-5 Such a simple, brilliant idea and it all began in Penshurst...

Editorial Director, Richard Moore

Local News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Tunbridge Wells has more cash to splash RESIDENTS of Tunbridge Wells have more disposable income than in any other part of Kent, figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed.

After taxes, national insurance, pension contributions and interest have been deducted from pay-packets, the collective amount of money left for people in the borough to spend on goods and services, or to save, is £3.1 billion.

Although the total is less than Maidstone (£3.5billion) and Canterbury (£3.2billion), when divided by population the Gross Disposable Household Income (GDHI) of the borough is £26,805 per head.

Sevenoaks has the second highest GDHI per head, at £24,217, while Tonbridge is fourth, on £23,273, behind Dartford (£24,018). The Kent average is £20,176.

Write-offs approved A TOTAL of £364,000 owed to the borough council is to be written off after attempts to reclaim the money failed. Most of this debt is owed in the form of unpaid business rates, split between 18 companies, many of which have since gone bankrupt or been dissolved.

Poppy Appeal dinner TONBRIDGE Poppy Appeal is holding a special evening at the Hadlow Manor Hotel to raise money for the British Legion.

There will be a dinner dance at the picturesque setting on Saturday April 7 from 7.30pm to 12.30am. Tickets for the three-course meal cost £25 per person, with £5 being donated to the Poppy Appeal.

Hadlow Manor can also offer overnight accommodation. For more information and to buy tickets, email pjstmills@aol.com.

Tonbridge High Street TIME is running out to sign up to an online survey by Kent County Council to find out the public’s views on the improvements made to Tonbridge High Street during 2016.

The work, carried out by the local authority, created wider pavements as well as loading bays and bus stops, which have caused some controversy.

Visit https://www.surveymonkey.co. uk/r/5MJBRFR to give your opinions.

Closing date is March 4.

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Flying the flag for this year’s Pride parade

By Adam Hignett TUNBRIDGE WELLS Pride is set to return ‘bigger and better’ this year following the success of the inaugural march last year which saw more than a thousand people joining the parade.

Taking place over both days of the weekend starting August 18, as opposed to just the Sunday, event organisers are gearing up for another colourful display of solidarity with the town’s LGBTQ community.

Reprising her role as head of the organising committee is 27-year-old Jazz Alexander who has high expectations for the coming event including the closure of the town centre to allow the parade to pass.

“We like to think more people will come this year. We have more volunteers, it is going to be over two days and we have secured a later license at The Forum so the after party on the Sunday can go on until 1am. We aim for it to be bigger and better,” she said.

Dancers Although the group are keeping the list of acts they have contacted to play at the event a secret for now, Ms Alexander said among the entertainers will be the Glitterbombshell dancers – a popular drag act which headlined at Canterbury Pride last year.

The fact the Tunbridge Wells festival has attracted the attention of its longer established counterparts elsewhere in the region is a clear sign of how highly regarded the latest addition to the scene is.

PRIDE BANNER Jazz Alexander (left) with colleague “A lot of the prides in Kent love the fact that we raise all our own money and do not rely on advertisers.

“As an organisation we want to ensure it is made by the local community for the local community.

“We don’t want to be pushing the message of corporate sponsors although we will be advertising our pride more this year.

“Ultimately we just want to raise awareness.

Although last year was really successful, many people still did not know about it,” Ms Alexander explained.

Perhaps the largest endorsement, and sign that Tunbridge Wells is now fully on board, will come if Ms Alexander is successful in ensuring the

Commuters help pay vet’s bills for Sapphie the station’s cat

By Andy Tong A CROWDFUNDING campaign to raise money to pay the vet’s bill for Sapphie, the much-loved Tonbridge railway station cat, reached its target within eight hours.

The 10-year-old piebald cat is well known to residents and commuters alike. But a lump has been found in the stomach of Sapphie, short for Sapphire.

Jonathon Wilson, a member of staff at the FCB coffee shop next door to the station, set up the appeal on the GoFundMe website.

He said: “I have been given the news that the cat that calls the station home could potentially be very unwell and she may need surgery to make her better.

“Any help will be greatly appreciated by me and all the staff that work at Tonbridge train station.”

The £260 required for Sapphie to undergo a scan and blood test was soon reached, and at the time of going to press the figure had risen to

FAVOURITE FELINE: Sapphie calls station home £450. The excess will go towards any operations required as part of ongoing treatment.

Sapphie used to live near the station on Barden Road and when her owners moved away, they thought it would be safer to leave her behind.

According to train co-ordinator Debbie Hanson, Sapphie has two beds – in the offices of the station manager and the supervisor.

town centre can be closed to traffic on August 18 to allow the march to go through.

Last year saw the colourful procession start at The George pub, work its way along Mount Ephraim before descending across the common to The Forum.

This year’s preferred route would take it along Grosvenor road and Mount Pleasant.

“If anyone wants to make a float, we say go wild,” added Ms Alexander, who believes the process of getting the road closure – a prerogative of the council – was ‘about 90 per cent’ complete.’

A spokesman for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: “We have been contacted by the organisers of the march who have updated us about their plans and we are working with them.”

Residents urged to help transform stroke care STROKE services in West Kent are ‘not fit for purpose’ as too many people are left waiting for vital medication and treatment, MP Greg Clark has claimed.

Writing in the Times the MP sets out his view on why his constituency is a logical place to base a new specialist stroke unit following a review of stroke care in Kent and Medway.

Three specialist stroke units are set to be delivered at a cost of £40million, with Tunbridge Wells Hospital on a shortlist of potential sites.

Mr Clark has argued in favour of its selection as the hospital’s catchment area also services a large portion of East Sussex and the fact its inclusion ranked highly in the quality of care assessment.

With the launch of a public consultation on the issue, Mr Clark is urging residents to seize the ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to comment.

His lobbying for the new unit comes as he criticises the quality of care currently available as being ‘unacceptable’.

For the full story, turn to P22.

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Local News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Penshurst art inspires the nation as it honours those who fell in the Great War Installation was originally intended to help with church repairs

Mr Barraud said the purpose of the installation is to ‘commemorate, educate and heal’, adding he feels ‘beyond humbled’ that it has now gone nationwide.

“I hope it spreads the message that we need to reflect on the past and cherish those who are either serving right now or have served in their lifetimes,” he said.

Humbled Since February 28, Perspex ‘Tommies’ have appeared in sentry boxes usually manned by Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London, on Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland, at Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon, South Wales and at Heart of Midlothian Football Club in Edinburgh.

There, But Not There patron Lord Dannatt, who oversaw the installation of 888,246 ceramic poppies in the moat around the Tower of London in his former role as Constable of the Tower said: WHERE TO BUY YOUR TOMMY

By Adam Hignett A ‘HAUNTING’ art installation originally created to honour the men of Penshurst who laid down their lives during the First World War has inspired a nationwide campaign to mark the centenary of the 1918 armistice.

Entitled ‘There, But Not There’ the original installation, set in Penshurst Church, depicted 51 life-size, clear Perspex silhouettes of the servicemen from the village who had fallen in the conflict.

The project, which was opened to the public in November 2016, was the brainchild of local

photographer Martin Barraud who modelled the silhouettes on four photographs of First World War soldiers from the village sitting in uniform.

They were then placed among the pews, which not only allowed visitors to sit beside them, but also gave people a visual perspective on the magnitude of the loss of life.

Information on their lives was also provided to honour the contribution they made to the community.

His inspirational work – which was originally intended to help raise money for repairs to Penshurst Church – was expanded across the country last week through a campaign led by

former Chief of the General Staff, Lord Richard Dannatt which aims to raise £15million for armed forces and mental health charities.

Commenting on its expansion to other towns and villages across the UK, Mr Barraud said: “After the original installation I was approached to take it much wider in 2018 and made the decision to go ahead.

“It has taken a year and a half of solid hard work by the veterans working at the Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford who have been making all the Perspex figures. They have been amazing and they get a real buzz out of the work.”

Those wishing to support the cause by buy their own ten inch Perspex model can purchase one online at shop. therebutnotthere.org.uk. Each keepsake costs £29.99 and comes in commemorative packaging.

From the summer, communities will be also be able to apply for grants of up to £500 to purchase a small number of silhouettes that can be placed in places of worship and community spaces, courtesy of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

The profits from the sale of the Tommies will enable Remembered to support the following charities: The Royal Foundation: Heads Together, Walking With The Wounded, Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation and Project Equinox: Housing Veterans.

Local News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

NEWS

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SPREADING THE MEMORY (L-R)Perspex Tommies at the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon,Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland and Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London

Above: As first reported in the Times in November 2016

WHY WERE THE SILHOUETTES MADE? The idea was proposed at the start of 2016 by photographer Martin Barraud in his capacity as a member of Friends of Penshurst Church.

The group itself was set up seven years prior to raise £700,000 to refurbish and repair the church, a target which has since been met.

Mr Barraud’s concept was enthusiastically embraced by other members of the group

and by the Rector of St John the Baptist Church in Penshurst, Rev Tom Holme.

Members of the public were able to view the finished installation on November 1 that year a date chosen as it marked the day Penshurst lost its first man in the war, in 1914.

He was Able Seaman Ernest Chandler, who perished in the Battle of Coronel, off the

coast of central Chile.

Of the 51 figures made, one to commemorate each man from the village who fell, those who were related to each other were placed together. This included the Yeoman brothers and the three Hardinge cousins, The youngest to fall, Private Noel Baker, aged 17, had a slightly smaller silhouette than all the others.

“The poppies captured the start of the national WWI commemoration – There, But Not There will be the abiding concluding image.”

Alongside the silhouettes, which will be touring the country until Armistice Day on November 11, members of the public are being encouraged to buy their own 10inch versions to remember their own relatives.

More than £1million was raised from the sale of these commemorative figures in the first 24 hours alone – money which is set to be distributed evenly among a number of military charities.

Lord Dannat, who spent 40 years in the armed forces himself, added: “In buying the Tommies and silhouettes, people are not only commemorating the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of British and Commonwealth soldiers, they are also supporting the veterans of today, with all profits going to charities supporting the armed forces community.”

The campaign has also won the backing of Birdsong novelist Sebastian Faulkes who said: “One hundred years ago this country offered its best young men to the war. These haunting figures allow us to give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice these men made for our country.”

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

WINNING WAYS Nick Rodrigues, Deputy Editor of The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies with Childrensalon People Team Caroline Alexander, Head of People Team and Melissa Ferns, Recruiter

More than just profit as local firm puts people first and picks up top award

By Adam Hignett ONE of the most iconic business in Tunbridge Wells has been recognised for staunch commitment to the wellbeing of its employees by The Sunday Times.

Childrensalon has been ranked 45th in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list 2018.

The company, which is headquartered on Kingstanding Way in the industrial estate and has a small shop on the High Street, has grown over the past decade to become the largest online retailer of children’s designer clothing.

Operating with the ethos ‘people before profit’ the firm, which employs around 300 staff, has invested heavily in workforce and now sees over

a third of mid-level and senior management rise through the ranks from entry-level positions.

It also pays above the minimum wage in line with its commitments to the Living Wage Foundation.

Amazing Denise Hamilton, People Team Director said: “We are so proud to be a part of The Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work for List for 2018 and look forward continuing to work with our amazing team here in Tunbridge Wells to make Childrensalon the best workplace it can be.”

The company, which picked up its award at a ceremony hosted at the Battersea Evolution venue on February 22, was not the only business in the borough to make it onto the list.

Report shines light on local economies THE boroughs of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge are the county leaders in financial and insurance activities a report by Kent County Council (KCC) has shown.

Overall, the finance and insurance industries based in the two boroughs accounted for 40 per cent of the county’s £1.5billion output in this sector in 2016.

According to the latest Business Intelligence report, published by KCC in January, financial and insurance companies in Tunbridge Wells add around £340million to the county’s economy, while those based in Tonbridge contribute a further £260million.

It noted that while output in this sector has been increasing in West Kent and Medway, it fell in other parts of Kent.

West Kent also commands the lion’s share of output in professional and administrative services, 48 per cent – led by Tonbridge – as well as accounting for 38 per cent information and communications output – led by Sevenoaks.

Overall Kent’s economy as measured by Gross Value Added (GVA) is valued at £39billion.

GVA is a measurement of the value of the goods and services produced in the economy.

Bedgebury-based Go Ape, which provides outdoor activities such as segway forest safaris, zip wiring and treetop adventures, was ranked 67 on the list.

Jonny Cox, Site Manager at Go Ape Bedgebury, said staff feel reassured to work at a company which ‘cares about more than just profits.’

“Go Ape feels like a big family and we all try to make a positive difference in everything that we do,” he added.

Also making the list is Stockbroker AJ Bell, ranked 86.

The company, which at its peak employed more than 100 people in Tunbridge Wells, has been winding down its presence in the town after permission was granted to turn its Calverley House office into flats, while attempts to find new premises failed.

Aldi plans new consultation on Eridge Road store TWO years after first expressing an interest in moving to Tunbridge Wells, budget supermarket chain Aldi has confirmed it is seeking to launch a consultation on developing its preferred site in the spring.

Application A spokesman for the German retailer confirmed it has held talks with the borough council on moving into the site next to the Esso garage on Eridge road, with the aim of submitting a planning

application ‘later this year’.

The new store will provide around 50 jobs, similar to the number set to be created when it opens its Tonbridge supermarket in the coming months, he added.

Although the discounter first expressed an interest over two years ago, little progress has been made.

Rumours that the lack of progress stemmed a dispute with the Manor of Rusthall, run by its titleholder Targetfollow, over access to the premises were denied by both parties.

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NEWS

Local News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Full steam ahead for business awards as country’s most famous rail traveller climbs aboard…

By Jonathan Banks NEWS that television personality and former Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo [below] is to present the honours at this year’s Times Business Awards has prompted a flurry of interest in the gala night event that provides an ideal platform for networking and profiling your company.

The first of the entries across ten categories have been registered and the

Passmore, also in Tunbridge Wells.

Previous award-winner Castle Cars of Tonbridge is sponsoring The Tables.

Indeed, much interest is being shown in the sponsorship packages [£950 plus VAT] for the black tie gala night at the Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells, on June 13.

And the interest is not surprising with the Business Awards having established themselves as one of the leading social and networking events of the year, starting with a ‘welcome’ drinks reception followed by a three-course dinner with wine, the awards presentations plus live music and the chance to dance.

‘Guests will have the chance to meet Michael when he mixes and mingles’ first of the allimportant sponsors has signed up.

John Bullock Design in Tunbridge Wells is sponsoring the Creative Business of the Year award, while Start-Up Business of the Year is being sponsored by Thomson Snell &

Here’s why you should become a sponsor SPONSORS are guaranteed editorial coverage in both the Times of Tunbridge Wells and the Times of Tonbridge. Plus inclusion within the extensive editorial coverage in SO Magazine and theknow.guide This along with further extensive coverage on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

And, of course, exposure to more than 220 guests from the local business community at the black tie gala awards ceremony.

The category sponsor packages

This is what previous sponsors have to say about the event

• Inclusion within the extensive editorial coverage in Times local newspapers and So Magazines through to June 2018, as well as Post Awards editorial review

“It was a unique opportunity to support, showcase and be associated with the very best local creative talent.

Tunbridge Wells has become the creative hub of the South East with many diverse businesses producing outstanding work.

“We were proud to celebrate with the shortlisted finalists at the glittering awards ceremony, which was also a fantastic networking opportunity for our architectural practice.

“Our association with the Business Awards has broadened our own profile locally, so much so that we have signed up again as sponsor of the 2018 ‘Creative Business of the Year’ Award.”

John Bullock, John Bullock Design, Tunbridge Wells

“We were delighted to sponsor an award for such a great local event, recognising and rewarding some truly great local businesses and business people. It gave us the chance to really cement our local banking approach, engage with the local business community and to meet new people.”

Nick Green, Branch Manager, Handelsbanken, Tunbridge Wells

Sponsorship of the Times Business Awards represent true value by offering a whole host of branding, networking and data capture opportunities in print, online and face-to-face at the event. Not only do the awards allow you to align your brand with excellence in the local business market, they offer an unparalleled chance to network within a high profile, fun and rewarding business environment.

• Logo & link on the Business Awards website

• Half Page Advert and Half Page Editorial in the Awards brochure/menu – A5 size • Quarter Page Editorial coverage in the Times local newspapers ‘Awards’ supplement • Credits on marketing, advertising and promotional activity generated for the Awards • Logo on screen and credit during the sponsored category • Company logo on table plan • Credits in the Business Awards script • Award presentation and photo opportunity with category winner and special presenter • 1 x ticket at the awards ceremony • 10% discount on tables/places at the ceremony Rate: £950 + VAT

For more information about the awards, visit www.timesbusinessawards.co.uk or email info@timesbusinessawards.co.uk

Local News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Among the highlights of the night is the guest speaker, where again the bar has been set high.

First there was former Minister and MP Edwina Currie, who was followed last year by popular BBC Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce.

Colourful This year it’s Michael Portillo, the man famous for the colourful blazers and trousers that he sports when fronting the popular BBC TV series Great British Railway Journeys the BBC’s current affairs show This Week. Awards night guests will have the chance to meet Michael when he For more information about the awards, visit www.timesbusinessawards.co.uk or email info@timesbusinessawards.co.uk

‘mixes and mingles’ at the drinks reception.

Since the first event in 2016, there has been a 40 per cent rise in the number of entries, with 300 companies representing more than 4,000 local employees attending the awards.

The event has attracted 950 Tweets on the night, plus 16,000 website page views and more than 30 articles in print and online.

1. EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2. YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR BBC Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce talks the talk

3. SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

5. EXPORT AND INTERNATIONAL AWARD 6. BEST BUSINESS 1-25 EMPLOYEES 7. BEST BUSINESS 25+ EMPLOYEES 8. OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (This category is already being sponsored by Stiddard Wealth)

9. START-UP BUSINESS AWARD (This category is already being sponsored by solicitors Thomson Snell & Passmore.)

10. CREATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (This category is already being sponsored by John Bullock Design) The 2018 Tables sponsor is Castle Cars of Tonbridge

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

business awards

2018

If you would like to enter for one of the awards…

To register your interest and receive an application form, or to find out more information, please contact us by emailing: info@timesbusinessawards. co.uk leaving your full contact details and an indication of which category you might like to enter. You can also call Lara Milan on 01892 739764.

The timeframe…

The closing date for entries to the Times Business Awards is 6pm on Wednesday May 9, 2018. Each category will be shortlisted to three entries. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email on Wednesday May 16, 2018. Winners will be announced at the gala dinner. Tickets are available priced at £95 per person or £850 for a table of ten. Numbers are limited, and in the previous two years the award ceremonies were a sell-out.

To book, please call Lara Milan on 01892 739764. bu aw sine ar ss ds

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Former Minister Edwina Currie with guests

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THE TEN CATEGORIES BEING SPONSORED

4. BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

Times

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Community News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Call to donate pencil cases and help refugee children express themselves

By Andy Tong A LOCAL organisation collecting stationery so refugees can express themselves artistically is calling for more contributions.

BearNecessities is taking in donations to send on to Hope Café in Athens, which welcomes migrants who have fled to Greece from Syria and other trouble spots.

The venue was set up by a British woman, Kerrie Moor, as a safe space for refugees who

have come to Greece to meet and relax – and make connections with the local community.

It supports displaced families, offers a variety of workshops and provides free clothing and food parcels, including baby milk and nappies.

BearNecessities, based in Matfield, distributes unused and nearly new teddy bears and some other soft toys for refugees and other vulnerable children.

The organisation approached Hope Café to ask if they wanted anything else.

BearNecessities co-founder Helen Kitto said: “They asked in particular for materials for the children to draw with.

“So we decided to make up pencil cases and send paper and pads, too.”

Ms Kitto, who is an artist herself, recognises just how important creativity is for young people.

She said: “Art can be used as an outlet for children to express their emotions and helps to process the world around them.

“Most of the children supported by Hope Café

CREATIVE FORCE: Tonbridge Welcomes Refugees sends in donations

have few possessions left from their previous life and have faced unimaginable trauma.

“Having a teddy to cuddle, and something they can call their own and take away, is so important to instilling some sense of normality for them.”

Now BearNecessities is making a final appeal for specific items, such as pencils (not coloured), erasers, sharpeners and rulers.

Above all, they would like to receive empty pencil cases in which to put all the coloured pencils and crayons they have received so far.

Locations These can be dropped off at several locations in the area, including Tunbridge Wells Together in Ely Court and Childrensalon in Decimus Park, Tunbridge Wells, Downingbury Farm Shop in Pembury, Hammonds Butchers and Grays Café in Matfield, Brenchley Tennis Club, Carzana Interiors and Cats Holiday Home in Lamberhurst, Tonbridge Old Fire Station and Alice’s Tea Shop in Sevenoaks.

BearNecessities was started by Ms Kitto and her partner, Steve Jones, last year after they were given the donation of a box of teddy bears while collecting aid for refugees in Europe and the homeless in the UK. “It made us think: ‘Children do need bears – we could get more’.

“So we collect new and pre-loved teddy bears for a wide range of vulnerable children – not just refugees, but those either facing bereavement, illness, poverty or displacement, or young carers both in the UK and overseas.

“We have also provided bears to a local care home for their dementia residents,” she added.

The organisation works closely with several projects and charities, including RefugEase, Imago, Childrensalon and Family Liaison Officers in local schools.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BearNecessitiesTattyBear or www.bearnecessities.org.uk

Community News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Dame Kelly’s Trust reaches milestone with lottery grant

THE Dame Kelly Holmes Trust is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year with a grant of £400,000 from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The funds have allowed the Trust to expand its reach within Scotland and Wales through its Get On Track programme, and launch a schoolbased transformational programme called On Track To Achieve in Scotland.

President and founder Dame Kelly attended a gala evening at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and said: “We are very grateful for the support of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

“The Trust specifically targets the hardest to reach in society, and this funding will enable us to help more young people facing disadvantage across the United Kingdom.”

On Track to Achieve is a seven-month programme based in schools, in which mentors work with groups of young people aged 14-19.

The programme helps to develop their confidence, emotional resilience and teamwork and enables them to reflect on their aspirations.

The participants have an athlete mentor to help them achieve set targets, keep an account

of their development, work as a team with others in the school and be part of a community project that will make a positive impact locally.

Get On Track, which is led by world -class athletes over a 14-month period, is aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 who are facing disadvantage.

The programme helps them realise the attitudes and behaviours they need to make long-term positive life choices: Determination, focus, resilience, motivation and confidence.

The Trust has now received £1.7million in total from the People’s Postcode Lottery. Since launching in 2008, the Trust has reached over 300,000 young people from diverse backgrounds.

POINTED APPROACH Violet Manser turns the council meeting upside down

PERFORMANCE TARGETS (Back, l-r) coach Joanne Cox, Violet Manser, Evie Ginbey, Francesca Arnell, coach Georgie Hughes; (front) Jemima Cynk, Darcey Jefferies, Maddie Hind

Councillors receive a useful lesson in flexibility, balance and co-ordination GRACE, poise and teamwork were on display in a recent Tunbridge Wells Borough Council meeting – but it had nothing to do with the councillors present. They merely formed the audience.

Schoolgirls from Kent College’s gymnastics club performed to music at the Town Hall after being invited by the Mayor, Cllr Julia Soyke.

In a rare show of agreement, members from all parties applauded the six youngsters from the Pembury school after they performed handstands, twirls and stretches at the Full

Council meeting on February 21.

Maddie Hind, Darcey Jefferies, Jemima Cynk, Evie Ginbey, Francesca Arnell and Violet Manser, aged between eight and 12, took part in the display.

Fantastic Georgie Hughes, the college’s Director of Sport, said: “We are immensely proud of our gymnasts at Kent College and what they have achieved.

“We coach gymnastics to girls of all abilities as it is a fantastic sport to develop flexibility, core strength and balance.”

She added: “Gymnastics is among many of the vast sports and activities we have on offer to inspire young ladies to participate regularly.”

Explaining her unusual idea for the students to demonstrate their gymnastic skills at the meeting, Cllr Soyke said: “I wanted to recognise the fantastic achievements of the Kent College gymnastic squad, and felt that a demonstration of their skills before the council meeting was a good way to show it.

“We were delighted that they were able to come to show us.”

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IN THE LONG RUN Through her Trust, Dame Kelly (centre) has helped 300,000 young people

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Local News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

There’s much to celebrate, yet further to go, and real feminism seeks equality for all sexes…

HUNDREDS of people are tomorrow [Thursday March 8] set to follow in the footsteps of Suffragettes and Suffragists by marching through Tunbridge Wells exactly 100 years after some women were given the right to vote.

Talks, music and re-enactments have also been planned as part of the celebrations to mark International Women’s Day. It all starts at The Pantiles at 3.45pm.

The Times asked one of the town’s most high profile women, Councillor Tracy Moore, for her thoughts on how much progress towards equality has actually been made…

Right in the heartland of our local democracy we are going to celebrate that day, a hundred years ago, when women first got the vote. In our Town Hall, in Tunbridge Wells, on March 8, our female Mayor, Julia Soyke, will host a lively special event. She’s also leading the borough’s marking of International Women’s Day for the first time. It’s an open event but town hall space is limited and you’ll need a ticket. You can get one from mayor@tunbridgewells.gov.uk.

There’s an exciting programme starting with a tea and cakes welcome from our Mayor, and then inspiring speeches celebrating women, past and present and we’ll also share young people’s hopes for the future.

The author/historian, Anne Carwardine, will tell us about Tunbridge Wells’ great-grandmothers, the suffragettes, who struggled here for that basic right to vote. Anne’s written a new book on

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this day – if less obviously. That’s why this year’s International Women’s Day hash tag is #PressforProgress. It’s a strong call to speed up equality between the sexes. It’s not about fighting. It’s about constructively building a mood for cultural change. The International Women’s Day website says it’s: “about motivating and uniting friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.”

Real diversity is about celebrating differences, not all trying to be the same. If we all play to our

In the last ten years ten per cent more women have been elected to the council and there are 50 percent more in Cabinet.

significant Tunbridge Wells women. One such, Amelia Scott, the Suffragist, (they weren’t for direct action like Suffragettes) was the first woman elected to the town council. Liz Douglas of the Tunbridge Wells Museum will say more about her.

Suffrage campaigners were always inspired by song. Young Charlotte Bartholomew will sing to inspire us the same way. We’ll hear from local businesswoman Ania Jeffries and from international athletics champion and former Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar School pupil, Tatum Nelson, speaking about women in sport. Former British soldier and Miss England, Katrina Hodge, will talk about women in the military, unthinkable in 1918.

Diversity It’ll be a kaleidoscope of stories. Polly Taylor, co-founder of the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, will be there to show the difference women make in charities. Jane Beeley from the local United Nations Association, will look far away to work they do for women worldwide.

Not forgetting this generation we’ll welcome young women from local secondary schools talking about equality and their future hopes.

Meanwhile there’ll be much elsewhere including an afternoon walk and more events in Royal Victoria Place.

The battle wasn’t won in 1918. Only some women got the vote until equality with men came in 1928 and inequality, everywhere, persists to

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skills and our strengths, together we can make strong teams. Equality between the sexes is in everybody’s interests. Research shows diverse opinions and viewpoints lead to better decisionmaking. Countries with greater equality (Iceland, Scandinavia) show higher measures of happiness among men as well as women.

In the last ten years 10% more women have been elected to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and there are 50% more women in its Cabinet.

The council is more diverse in race, religion and age. But it’s far from balanced or reflective of its community. [There are 32 male councillors and 16 female.] We must remember there’s more to do as we celebrate progress.

The snow caused the cancellation of a school Question Time for some local politicians last week.

It meant we didn’t face a most telling question from the young people, “Why are there more men than women in politics?” There are a myriad answers, but it’s a good start that these girls asked that question. The answer may be that whatever the cause, we have to change the effect.

We need more diverse election candidates, locally and nationally. We must also call out sexism, like the #MeToo movement, wherever we see it, to stop it.

In this centenary year of women’s votes we can be proud to have female MPs locally - Helen Grant in the east of our borough and next-door in Wealden, Nusrat Ghani. Conservatives are not only proud these two women are Conservative MPs, but also we are proud of the first two (and

only) women to become Prime Minster, Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May. The party was in at the very beginning of change for women with Conservative MP Nancy Astor being the very first female to take her Commons seat. The great Suffragette leader, Emmeline Pankhurst, herself was a Conservative member. But equality is not about party politics.

No party has exclusive claims in the battle for fairness. We must all acknowledge Labour women like Barbara Castle; Liberal Democrats

Councillor Tracy Moore like Shirley Williams; even Sinn Fein’s revolutionary Constance Markievicz the first woman MP elected who didn’t take her seat.

There’s much to celebrate, yet further to go, and real feminism seeks equality for all sexes.

TIMETABLE OF EVENTS Marchers will convene at The Pantiles Bandstand at 3.30pm and walk to 11, The Pantiles, the site of the former Suffragette office at 3.45pm.

People will then proceed from Chapel Place onto Nevill Street, Mount Sion and the High Street.

Marchers will gather by the former Suffragist Office in Crescent Road at 4.35pm before returning by the same route towards Civic Way. Mayor Julia Soyke will host at the Town Hall from 4.45pm to 6pm an event which will welcome female speakers.

At 6pm Create Choir will sing inside the Council Chamber. This is a ticketed event and places are available on a first come first served basis by emailing mayor@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk The Forum will musically mark the day with Laura Lamn, Placid and Lily & Jessie on the bill to perform from 7.30pm. For tickets see www.twforum.co.uk For the latest on the march visit www. facebook.com and search TW Women 100.

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National News

Protesters lose fight for publication of Brexit impact study CAMPAIGNERS have lost a legal bid to force the Government to release studies on the economic impact of Brexit.

Ministers have refused to release Whitehall studies relating to 58 sectors of the economy and a Treasury report comparing the possible costs of leaving the European Union with the potential benefits of new trade deals.

Green MEP Molly Scott Cato and the Good Law Project campaign group brought a challenge against Chancellor Philip Hammond and David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, at the High Court in London on Tuesday.

But, refusing permission for a full judicial review hearing, Mr Justice Supperstone said the Freedom of Information Act provides an ‘alternative remedy’.

Sainsbury’s to raise basic pay for all staff SAINSBURY’S is planning to increase its basic rate of pay by £1.20 an hour to £9.20, and £9.80 in London, well above the national living wage.

The supermarket giant said it will be investing £100million in its employees this year, adding that the pay rise will be funded by cost savings within the business.

A new contract is being introduced for all 130,000 staff, which the company said will ensure ‘consistency and fairness’ across all its stores, regardless of the age or length of service of employees.

The number of roles will be cut from 22 to five – trading assistant, food services assistant, online assistant, general merchandise and clothing assistant, and services assistant.

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Johnson warns Russia to expect ‘robust’ response FOREIGN Secretary Boris Johnson has vowed that Britain will respond ‘robustly’ if evidence of state responsibility emerges after a Russian double agent was left fighting for his life following suspected exposure to an unknown substance.

Sergei Skripal, 66, was found unconscious in Salisbury, Wiltshire, along with his 33-year-old daughter Yulia shortly after 4pm on Sunday.

Noting that the case has ‘echoes’ of the death of Alexander Litvinenko, a Russian dissident who was fatally poisoned in London in 2006, he told MPs: “While it would be wrong to prejudge the investigation, I can reassure the House that should evidence emerge that implies state responsibility, then Her Majesty’s Government will respond appropriately and robustly.”

Mr Johnson said it was clear that Russia is now ‘in many respects a malign and disruptive force

FIGHT FOR LIFE A police tent at the spot where Sergei Skripal was found critically ill

and the UK is in the lead across the world in trying to counteract that activity’.

He added that the Government may be forced to look again at its sanctions regime.

State threats Scotland Yard said the investigation in Salisbury is being led by the counter-terrorism policing network but stressed: “It has not been declared a terrorist incident and at this stage we are keeping an open mind as to what happened.”

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, the country’s most senior counter-terrorism officer, had earlier said: “We have to be alive to the fact of state threats.”

Mr Skripal, a former colonel in Russian military

intelligence, was convicted in 2006 of passing state secrets to MI6 before being given refuge in the UK as part of a spy swap.

Mr Rowley added: “There are deaths which attract attention. I think we have to remember that Russian exiles are not immortal, they do all die and there can be a tendency for some conspiracy theories.

“But likewise we have to be alive to the fact of state threats as illustrated by the Litvinenko case.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia did not ‘have any information’ and had not been approached for help in the investigation. “Moscow is always open to co-operation,” he added.

Alfie’s parents lose appeal as expert witness is criticised THE parents of a 21-month-old boy have lost the latest stage of their fight to continue his lifesupport treatment.

A High Court judge has ruled that doctors can stop treating Alfie Evans, against the wishes of his parents Kate James and Tom Evans.

Three Court of Appeal judges upheld that decision on Tuesday.

Judges have heard that Alfie, who was born in May 2016, is in a ‘semi-vegetative state’ and has a degenerative neurological condition doctors had not definitively diagnosed.

Mr Justice Hayden had analysed the case at hearings in the Family Division of the High Court in London and Liverpool.

He criticised a German doctor who had been asked to give evidence by Alfie’s parents. “Dr [Matthias] Hubner gave evidence and was cross-examined,” said Mr Justice Hayden in his ruling on Alfie’s case.

“He accepted that he had gone to the Alder Hey Hospital in a clandestine manner, posing as a friend of the family.

“He agreed... that he had deliberately withheld

his professional status from the doctors and staff.

“He told me that he had never done that before.

I am at least relieved to hear that.”

The judge said Dr Hubner had made an ‘assertion’ that he had ‘seen all of Alfie’s files’.

“He accepted in evidence that this was not the case. In fact, he has seen very little.”

He added: “Perhaps most alarmingly, Dr Hubner’s travel plan for Alfie set out an anticonvulsant medical regime which, on the basis of Alder Hey’s experience with Alfie, would have been ineffective and inappropriate.”

National News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Less satisfaction for health service staff

Drugs fly into prison PRISONERS can get drugs flown straight to their cell windows by drone in a ‘Deliveroostyle’ ordering scheme, the Justice Secretary has revealed.

David Gauke also highlighted how some inmates deliberately breach their licence conditions after being released so they are returned to custody to smuggle in more illicit substances.

Record for Hamilton WEST END musical Hamilton is leading the charge at the Olivier Awards with 13 nominations in total, the most a production has ever received in the ceremony’s history.

Other nominees include the musical Follies, which has 10 nods, and The Ferryman, which is the most nominated play with eight.

Andrew Garfield, Bryan Cranston, Lesley Manville, Imelda Staunton and Lesley Joseph are among the individual nominees.

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Barbie create boxer doll of Nicola Adams

NEWS IN BRIEF

NHS staff in England are reporting lower satisfaction with the quality of work and care they are able to deliver.

The 2017 NHS staff survey - the largest workforce survey in the world - found that 66.8 per cent of staff ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ that they are able to deliver the care they aspire to – down from 68.2 per cent in 2016.

The poll of more than 400,000 NHS workers found that 81.2 per cent said they were satisfied with the quality of care they give to patients - down from 82.7 per cent in 2016.

Only 31 per cent agreed that there are enough staff in their organisation to enable them to do their job properly.

NEWS

BEAR ESSENTIALS: The first trailer for the new, live action Winnie the Pooh film Christopher Robin has been released. Starring Ewan McGregor (left), it tells the story of the eponymous boy after he has grown up – and Pooh has aged too. The Disney film, which was partly shot in the Ashdown Forest, where the author A A Milne – will be released on August 3

Woman’s body found after family deaths at Birling Gap A WOMAN was found dead in south-west London less than an hour after police discovered the bodies of her husband and two young boys more than 80 miles away at Birling Gap. Scotland Yard said a murder investigation had been launched after the woman, believed to be in her 40s, was found dead with stab wounds at her home in Twickenham on Monday (March 5).

Cliffs Detectives tried to trace her husband, 57 and two boys, aged seven and 10, and were contacted by Sussex Police officers who found the bodies of a

man and two children at the foot of cliffs at Birling Gap in East Sussex, at around 5pm that day.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “Whilst formal identification awaits, police believe that they are the deceased woman’s immediate family.”

No arrests have been made and the Met said officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

A vehicle was recovered near the seafront by Sussex Police and a crime scene remains in place at the Twickenham address.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police added the bodies had not been found in the vehicle and had been discovered by a member of the public.

A BARBIE doll in the likeness of British double Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams has been unveiled for International Women’s Day on Thursday (March 8).

Makers Mattel said it was ‘proud to honour’ Adams with the one-off first ‘boxer Barbie’ as part of its Shero programme recognising women who inspire girls with their achievements.

Adams said: “I am so excited and honoured to be Barbie’s first ever UK Shero and the first ever boxer Barbie.

“Having my own Nicola Adams Barbie doll is so amazing and my hope is that everything I do helps more people realise they can do anything they put their mind to.”

She added: “Without my own role models, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Other women who are having dolls in their likeness include US snowboarder Chloe Kim, the Australian conservationist Bindi Irwin, the French chef Helene Darroze and the Chinese actress and philanthropist Guan Xiaotong.

GLOVE AFFAIR Nicola Adams with her Shero doll

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BUSINESS

National Business News

FCA bans disgraced Co-op chief Flowers DISGRACED former Co-operative Bank boss Paul Flowers has been banned from the financial services industry by the City watchdog.

Mr Flowers was chair of Co-op Bank from 2010-13, overseeing its near collapse after revealing a £1.5billion black hole in its accounts.

He was forced to step down amid allegations he bought and used illegal drugs, as well as claiming inappropriate expenses.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said his conduct demonstrated a ‘lack of fitness and propriety’ required to work in financial services.

Mr Flowers demonstrated an ‘unwillingness to comply’ with FCA and other legal, regulatory and professional requirements.

The FCA said it believes Mr Flowers’ disregard for the standards he is expected to meet demonstrates a ‘lack of integrity’ and that any future involvement by Mr Flowers in the financial services industry risks ‘undermining consumer and market confidence’.

Tensions rising over ‘asset stripper’ GKN PRESSURE is mounting on the Government to intervene in the proposed £7.4billion takeover of engineering giant GKN, with unions warning that bidder Melrose is an ‘asset stripper’.

Parliament’s Business Committee grilled bosses from both companies on Tuesday amid heightening tensions over the mooted deal.

Melrose confirmed to MPs it had held meetings with the Ministry of Defence and US defence officials to reassure over its plans for GKN. Co-founder and Chief Executive Simon Peckham said they would not sell GKN’s military protected assets to anyone ‘who’s not an appropriate buyer’.

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Grocery sales boost retailers but essentials eat up budgets SHOPPERS were dealing with the ‘financial reality’ of their budgets being eaten up by essential spending in February, leaving less cash for discretionary purchases, a report has found.

Figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG showed that in February, UK like-for-like retail sales increased by 0.6 per cent year-on-year, compared with a 0.4 per cent decrease in February 2017.

On a total basis, sales rose 1.6 per cent in February against a growth of 0.4 per cent in February 2017. The report described the increase as ‘quite an achievement’ in testing times.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of BRC, said inflation is still eating into shoppers’ budgets,

PARTY TIME Festive celebrations helped growth

Just Eat tastes success despite Anzac arm loss ONLINE takeaway delivery firm Just Eat has swung to a loss in 2017 after taking a big hit on its Australian and New Zealand business – but cheered a record surge in orders.

The group – recently promoted to the FTSE 100 Index – slumped to a £76million pre-tax loss last year against profits of £91.3million in 2016 after taking a £180.4million charge on the acquisition of its Australian and New Zealand arm.

It posted underlying earnings of £164million – up 42 per cent on 2016.

Lego looks to rebuild

‘The fact is that consumers want to spend, they just don’t have the resources to do so’ pushing them to spend a greater share of their income on essentials and leaving less left over to buy discretionary, predominantly non-food items.

At the same time, weak growth in household earnings is keeping overall sales low.

She said: “There’s little sign that consumer confidence, rather than financial reality, has much to do with the current weakness in spending.

“The fact is that consumers want to spend, they just don’t have the resources to do so.”

Paul Martin, Head of Retail at KPMG, claimed retailers experiencing any growth in this environment will be counting themselves lucky.

He said: “Total growth of 1.6 per cent in February is quite an achievement in such testing times.

“Softening consumer demand, rising costs for retailers and of course the ongoing structural changes within the industry are creating the per-

NEWS IN BRIEF

fect storm which is uprooting the weakest players.

“On the high street, it was grocery sales that continued to pull it out of the bag.”

February celebrations saw sales of ready meals jump by 26 per cent as all of the ‘big four’ supermarkets enjoyed growth, figures show.

Tesco and Morrisons were the fastest growing, both seeing sales growth of 2.7 per cent, according to grocery market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel for the 12 weeks to February 25.

Grocery sales overall increased in value by 3.2 per cent compared to the same time last year, the 12th consecutive period that total sales have exceeded 3 per cent.

Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year resulted in a 26 per cent jump in sales of chilled ready meals over the month, while Chinese ready meals also rose by more than a quarter.

LEGO posted its first fall in annual earnings and sales since 2004 after seeing profits tumble 18 per cent in a ‘challenging’ year.

The Danish toymaker admitted it had put in a disappointing performance as it reported pre-tax profits of £1.2billion against £1.5billion the previous year.

The launch of the Lego Ninjago movie and strong demand for Lego Star Wars products failed to halt a sales slide, with revenues down 8 per cent to £4.2billion. Operating profits fell 17 per cent to £1.2billion.

New centres cost IWG PROFITS at International Workplace Group (IWG) fell last year after the office space company was hit by increased costs, losses from new centres and a London slowdown.

IWG, which operates brands including Regus, Open Office and Signature, posted a 14 per cent decline in pre-tax profit to £149.4million in 2017.

Investment in new office space and associated overheads dragged IWG down.

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World News

Florida to allow some teachers to carry guns FLORIDA’S Senate has passed a school safety bill that would place new restrictions on rifle sales and allow some teachers to carry guns in schools.

The 20-18 vote followed three hours of often emotional debate, and came in response to last month’s deadly school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School.

The Senate amended its bill to limit which teachers could volunteer to go through law enforcement training and carry guns in schools.

Any teacher who does nothing but work in a classroom would not be eligible for the programme, but teachers who perform other duties such as coaching and other school employees could still participate.

Ryan Petty, whose 14-year-old daughter Alaina was killed in the shooting, read a statement outside the school.

He implored politicians to pass Governor Rick Scott’s proposal to add armed security guards, keep guns away from the mentally ill and improve mental health programmes for at-risk teenagers.

Mr Scott also opposes arming teachers.

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

North Korea holds out hope of stopping nuclear missile tests NORTH KOREAN leader Kim Jong Un has agreed to hold a landmark summit with South Korea’s president and impose a moratorium on nuclear and missile tests if his country holds talks with the United States.

Chung Eui-yong, South Korea’s presidential national security director, said the two Koreas agreed to hold a summit at a border village in late April – only the third ever to be held.

He also said the leaders will establish a ‘hotline’ communication channel to lower military tensions.

Mr Chung led a 10-member South Korean delegation that met Mr Kim during a two-day visit to Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.

US President Donald Trump cautiously welcomed ‘possible progress’ in talks with North Korea.

He tweeted: “For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned.

“The World is watching and waiting! May be

false hope, but the U.S. is ready to go hard in either direction!”

The agreements follow a flurry of co-operative steps taken by the Koreas during last month’s Pyeongchang Olympics in South Korea.

Tensions were running high last year because of a barrage of North Korean weapons tests.

The two past summits, in 2000 and 2007, were held between Mr Kim’s late father, Kim Jong Il, and two liberal South Korean presidents.

They resulted in a series of co-operative projects between the Koreas that were scuttled during subsequent conservative administrations in South Korea.

Mr Chung said North Korea had agreed to suspend nuclear and missile tests for as long as it holds talks with the US. Pyongyang also made it clear it would not need to keep its nuclear weapons if military threats against it are removed and it receives a credible security guarantee, Mr Chung said.

Refugees should not be sent back says UN ROHINGYA refugees in Bangladesh cannot be safely sent back to Burma because widespread and systematic violence against them is continuing, the UN has said.

Andrew Gilmour, the UN’s assistant secretarygeneral for human rights, said refugees in Bangladesh had told him ‘credible accounts of continued killings, rape, torture and abductions, as well as forced starvation’ in the western Burmese state of Rakhine.

Burma’s government said in January that it was ready to accept the refugees back. About 700,000 Muslim Rohingya have since last August.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Hartley likely to miss France clash in Paris DYLAN HARTLEY is doubtful for England’s Six Nations match with France, while Jack Nowell and Sam Underhill have been ruled out of the trip to Paris.

Hartley is struggling with muscle tightness in his leg and Jamie George poised to start at hooker with Owen Farrell likely to take over the captaincy.

Nowell and Underhill have been afflicted by respective ankle and toe injuries sustained in training.

They will be covered by James Haskell and the returning Elliot Daly on the bench.

Fans want Wenger out SUPPORT for Arsene Wenger from Arsenal supporters appears to be waning after 88 per cent of a prominent supporters group voted in favour of his contract being terminated at the end of the season.

The Arsenal Supporters’ Trust canvassed their 1,000 members ahead of their annual general meeting on Monday night.

Those who responded overwhelmingly called for the Frenchman’s 21-year tenure to come to a close.

Walsh ready for return

SHAKEY CONFIDENCE: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (right) meets South Korean National Security Director Chung Eui-yon in Pyongyang ahead of a summit next month – only the third ever to be held

RUBY WALSH could return to race-riding at Thurles or Navan on Thursday after nearly four months on the sidelines.

Walsh has been out of action since suffering a broken leg in a fall from Let’s Dance at Punchestown on November 18.

He has always maintained that he would be back in the saddle in time for the Cheltenham Festival, where he has been leading rider 11 times.

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Letters

Wednesday March 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 regeneration – all that funding came from the Local Growth Fund and was delivered by Kent County Council.

It is good to see democracy at work with the selection of new Tory councillors over there in Tunbridge Wells. Why is Andrew Kennedy, an unelected employee, involved in ensuring that the next raft of representatives are even more clone-like than the last?

Mark Hood Vice-Chair, Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

SELECTION BOARD Council Leader David Jukes

Bridge Trust work is well known

Conservatives and Civic Complex – I was lectured on the pet project With regard to Andrew Kennedy’s response to the letters [February 21] about being asked for our views on the Civic Complex when myself and Robert Mayall were interviewed as prospective Conservative council candidates, firstly let me say that I fully comply with any decision of the Tunbridge Wells Conservative Association regarding anyone being given the opportunity to go forward to a branch for selection as their candidate.

However, Mr Kennedy was not present at the Selection Board which I attended.

The importance of support for the Civic

Mr Kennedy was wrongly informed Contrary to what Andrew Kennedy said [February 21], the first question I was asked at the interview was on my views about the new Civic Complex.

It was not only myself who was asked this question but also another of your letter writers, Kay Williams, who was also interviewed by the Conservative Association with regard to becoming a councillor.

In her case I understand she was subjected to a five-minute rant by Cllr Jukes on why the Civic Complex was such a good idea.

We were both not accepted as councillors.

As Mr Kennedy said, the reason for decisions is never stated so we can never be certain.

However, it is surprising that neither

Tonbridge is selling family silver Ian Lash should be careful what he wishes for if he thinks Bidborough transferring to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] would be good news [February 21].

Its Tunbridge Wells counterpart has embarked on a massive land grab of properties, and at considerable expense, to attempt to future-proof its finances and pay for services, incurring massive debt.

TMBC prefers to oversee dwindling reserves and fritter away the family silver by selling

Complex proposal was made obvious to me by the fact that the Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Cllr David Jukes, spent a considerable time lecturing me on the merits of his pet project.

I was not convinced as I do not believe that his view is correct for the borough as a whole, and particularly for Sherwood ward, where I live.

I pointed out to him that he should be open to differing opinions and could not possibly expect every prospective candidate to agree to the letter with his policy.

My application was unsuccessful.

Kay Williams Tunbridge Wells myself nor Kay were accepted, despite both campaigning for the Conservatives for over 20 years, whereas I know of another candidate who had only recently joined the party, who was in favour of the new Civic Complex, and was approved as a council candidate.

It is certainly true that some established candidates, such as James Scholes and Joe Simmons, who are opposing the Civic Complex, have been accepted again.

I do not blame Mr Kennedy if he is giving an incorrect statement about what was asked at the interview as he was not present and was probably supplied with incorrect information.

Robert Mayall Via email assets at a discount rather than developing its own land, as witnessed last week with them marking their own homework to rubber-stamp the new medical centre.

The height of TMBC’s ambition is to be left with reserves of a miserly £2million, according to its own medium-term plan.

There is another way, issuing bonds to fund modest development of key projects to generate future revenue, which our council has no appetite for.

TMBC had no input into the High Street

In response to Cllr David Cure [February 21], I am only too aware of the good work undertaken by The Bridge Trust, which has been helping homeless people in West Kent for over 25 years.

For many such people, their journey starts even before they move into The Bridge Trust’s service. In the case of rough sleepers, the Trust can often provide a few basics such as warm clothing or a sleeping bag, and these are mostly donated items.

A few years ago, The Bridge Trust also identified the need to provide street homeless with a readily available resource that shows them where they can go to get help, whether this be advice, a meal and a shower or accommodation services.

The resulting handbook has apparently received nothing but commendation and praise both from the homeless people who use it and the many agencies who give out copies, including Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Citizens Advice.

Indeed, only last autumn I was approached

by John Handley, Chief Executive of The Bridge Trust, to finance the production of 450 more copies of the latest edition the Bridge Trust’s Survival Handbook, which I supported using Kent County Council’s Combined Members Grant.

Whilst writing, I would just like to remind you that I was not present at the council meeting last year when there was a vote to increase members’ allowances.

I had attended the start of the meeting to introduce Kent County Council’s Local Transport Plan and to sum up the debate before it was adopted. I then had to travel to the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee to represent Kent before returning to Tonbridge for a meeting that evening regarding the cycle strategy.

Michael Payne Kent County Council Member for Tonbridge

A plan that leaves us in the dark There are documents on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s planning website about the theatre development which are the work of the BRE Group, a world-famous company which examines building work and impact.

They were hired by Alexandre Boyes [AB], who are the managing agents for Grove Hill House.

The surveys strike at the heart of the council’s case, by showing that they’re fixing the evidence to make their case.

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

The impact on daylight and noise would be much greater than assumed.

The BRE report shows that the council’s expert plans are highly questionable because they’re based on dodgy assumptions.

Document 3 from AB says: If the council views the residents of Grove Hill House as ‘collateral damage’, then residents demand that the council buys the building or offers them compensation for loss of value.

Assuming 20 flats at about £300,000 each, this would amount to at least £6million, but I’m sure AB could offer a better estimate.

The council’s demand that residents keep their windows closed for long periods to avoid noise disruption is unreasonable, and instead residents demand a curfew for lorries from 6pm to 8am.

Documents 2 and 3 show that many residents in Grove Hill House and Mount Pleasant Avenue would suffer a significant loss of daylight, and some would be plunged into darkness; and that the noise would be much worse than estimated by the council.

Francis Harris Via email

An eyesore for Generation Why? I was disturbed to hear of the latest delay in putting something up on the infamous Tunbridge Wells ‘grot spot’, the old cinema site.

It seems like it will be two decades before something is actually built on this most central, high-profile area.

Just think, they could have ripped up all that concrete and popped some grass seed down, plus a bit of gravel, and had a lovely little park in the epicentre of this otherwise charming town for the public to stroll around.

Some schools could have been given the chance to have their own flowerbeds, the public might have been offered the opportunity to erect benches in memory of loved ones – and a generation of local people would have benefitted.

Think about that – an entire generation.

Of course, the council would probably say, ‘Well it would cost you extra for us to get Sodexo to cut the grass’.

Sadly, in this case, the grass has not always been greener on the other side of the hoardings.

Anthony Briers Tunbridge Wells

Public safety is the casualty here One tends to think of human sacrifice as something from times gone past, but it seems that this is not so.

In response to a letter from our MP about the provision of safe pedestrian access to Wadhurst Station, a letter from Rupert Clubb, Director of Transport at East Sussex County Council, defends the inaction of the council on the grounds that ‘no killed or seriously injured casualties have been recorded over the last three-year period’.

At what rate does he require victims to the motor vehicle before we can walk safely to the station?

Jonathan Bell Wadhurst Calverley says he’s still stuck in the snow… Yeah right

Education News

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Children’s literacy charity recognised for inspiring wellbeing in community In the wake of this year’s ever popular World Book Day, The Times celebrates those who are encouraging children to love reading SO REWARDING! LOCAL children’s literacy charity Beanstalk has been awarded for its innovative interactions within the field of wellbeing at the Inspiring Wellbeing Awards, held earlier this month.

The Inspiring Wellbeing Awards highlight projects that set the template for wellbeing, showing the path to a better way of life – whether at home, in work or out in the community.

Malou Bengtsson-Wheeler, Area Manager for Beanstalk South East, was presented with the literacy award and was praised for Beanstalk’s work in the community category.

Beanstalk supports children who have fallen behind with their reading by recruiting, training and placing volunteers to work one-to-one with pupils in primary schools across England.

MEET THE AUTHOR NICK CARTER is a children’s author from Southborough who has written numerous books, including Barney and Edward’s Adventures at Bodiam and Mr Wiggles and the Bubble Blowing Machine. Here he tells Eileen Leahy what inspired him to write his books aimed at pre and primary school pupils: “I run a tree surgeon business, but wrote my first poem in 2009, which was selected to go into a book called Majestic Minds. After that I wrote Poetry for your Pocket, which I selfpublished. I then decided to try and write a children’s book. This resulted in Mr Wiggles and the Bubble Blowing Machine, which again I self-published.

“Chestle Crumb and the Animals of Broadwater Warren and Barney and Edward’s Adventures at Bodiam followed, with illustrator Nathan Stell bringing each one beautifully to life courtesy of his fantastic drawings. I am currently trying to get these titles published.

“When people ask how my stories have come to me, I explain that it’s usually when I have been outdoors in the fresh air working.

Something just happens and my imagination brings a story to life. Because of that, I have pushed hard to go into schools and inspire children to write, and also draw, as I think it is a great thing. Imagination is always in the hearts of children. I probably dreamt of being a pirate or some superhero when I was a child.

“I received letters from both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thanking me for sending my books to Prince George. So when I visit schools it’s nice to be able to tell the children they will be reading the same story as the prince!

“Although I still run my tree-cutting business, I regularly go on the radio to talk about my books, and do lots of book signings at local places, including Notcutts, Halls Bookshop, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

Currently, I am working hard on writing other books and looking for sponsors to help me fund my work. The feedback I receive from my books has been amazing.”

Last year it helped more than 1,650 children in the South East through the support of approximately 380 volunteers.

Ms Bengtsson-Wheeler said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won at the Inspiring Wellbeing Awards in the community category! This is our 26th year of supporting children with reading in the South East, and it is so important for us to work closely with communities to offer flexible volunteering opportunities where people can make a real difference to children’s lives.

Helpers “So many of our reading helpers tell us how much they get from the experience themselves, from the training we provide right through to the ongoing support they receive once they are placed in a school. It really works both ways because the difference our volunteers make to children and their reading confidence is amazing to see.”

However, Beanstalk still needs more members of the community from across the South East to help children that have fallen behind with reading. To find out more about volunteering, please visit www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk

Beanstalk’s Malou Bengtsson-Wheeler with the award

NEWS

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Weekly Comment

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

This is your chance to help transform stroke care – and make sure we get it right Local services are currently not fit for purpose READERS may remember that around 18 months ago I wrote about the need to reform our local emergency stroke services. Stroke has recently made the headlines again as new figures published by Public Health England showed that more first-time strokes are occurring at an earlier age compared to a decade ago. The average age for men having a stroke fell from 71 to 68 years and for women, 75 to 73 years. This is a very worrying trend, especially when people are generally living longer and healthier lives.

Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability in the UK – there are around 32,000 stroke-related deaths in England each year and 3,000 patients are treated for stroke each year in Kent & Medway hospitals.

Successful treatment relies on speed – the shorter the time between the stroke and treatment, the greater the chance of reducing damage to brain tissue. The medical saying goes “time lost is brain lost”.

The way local stroke services are currently

organised is not fit for purpose. One in three stroke patients are not getting brain scans in the recommended time – within an hour after arriving at hospital – and half of patients are not getting clot busting drugs in the recommended time - within two hours of calling the ambulance.

This is clearly unacceptable and I have been pressing our local NHS to make improvements.

Stretched The problem is that specialist resources are stretched too thinly across six hospital sites.

Only one hospital out of the six currently meets the national threshold of seeing 500 stroke patients a year.

A Kent & Medway Stroke Review has been completed and the resulting plans published to radically overhaul the service with the opening of three specialist stroke units across the county operating 24 hours a day, 365 day a year.

Apart from emergency treatment, the new

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

stroke units would also provide specialist rehabilitation which is vitally important for patients’ long-term recovery and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – ‘mini stroke’ – clinics operating 7 days a week.

Establishing specialist stroke units is a model that has been successfully applied years ago, with great success, in other countries, and more recently in other parts of the UK, including London - where it is estimated that 100 lives a year have been saved since the changes were put into place.

Whilst the Kent & Medway proposals do not come without a cost - it will require a capital investment of up to £40m - in the long-term the overall cost of stroke services should reduce as patients will have a better outcome and won’t need as much long-term care. It’s in everyone’s interests to upgrade our stroke service.

Five options have been put forward for a combination of the three possible sites which the local NHS think are deliverable - two include Tunbridge Wells Hospital and two Maidstone Hospital. The option which does not include any hospital in West Kent is, to my mind, the weakest of the five as travel times are longer as our catchment area

extends well over the border into East Sussex.

Indeed, the best travel times are provided by the option which involves Medway Maritime, William Harvey and Tunbridge Wells hospitals so it is this one that I personally favour. This option also comes out top in terms of the quality of care assessment.

You can see all the options on the following website: www.kentandmedway.nhs.uk/stroke - the consultation ends on Friday 13 April.

We have a once in a life opportunity to transform stroke care in our county and it’s important that we get it right. I urge you, therefore, to look at the proposals and make your views known.

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

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AND IMPROVING MAKE A GRAND ENTRANCE

Cosy village cottage with rustic views Page 40

John Bullock talks architecture

AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

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ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS, TOP TRENDS AN D GARDENING

A BEAUTIFUL SUN TRAP

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Page 44

A DECIMUS BURTON APARTMENT

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Go with the floral flow Rachel Ashwell on interiors Page 48

A STRONG SENSE OF STYLE

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TOP GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY

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yourh me

To suit your budget

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to

UNDER £250,000

n Communal entrance

UNDER £400,000

LONDON ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n Open-plan living room n Feature fireplace

BELGRAVE ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

GUIDE PRICE

n Modern fitted kitchen

GUIDE PRICE

£180,000-£190,000

n One double bedroom

n Top floor apartment n Facing Tunbridge Wells Common n Close to mainline station n Period conversion n Period features

n Bathroom n No chain CONTACT Andrews Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 www.andrewsonline.co.uk

n Bedroom with en-suite shower room and double wardrobe n 2 further bedrooms n Family bathroom

£350,000-£375,000

n Small balconies

LEASEHOLD

n Gated underground parking

n Town centre location n Behind Royal Victoria Place n Curved windows to the front n Open-plan kitchen/living space

n Residents’ garden n No chain CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

To suit your budget

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

thekn w

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great properties by price range…

SUNNYBANK FLIMWELL

UNDER £450,000 QUEENS ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£600,000-£625,000

£425,000 n Townhouse n Extended and modernised n Entrance hall n Kitchen/breakfast room n Living room n Dining room n 3 bedrooms n Bathroom n Rear garden with artificial lawn n No chain CONTACT Andrews Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 www.andrewsonline.co.uk

UNDER £750,000 CLARENDON WAY, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£675,000 n Grand entrance hall n Living room n Dining room n Family area n Modern kitchen n Master bedroom with en suite n 3 further bedrooms (one with balcony) n Family bathroom n Garden n Driveway leading to garage CONTACT Andrews Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 www.andrewsonline.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 UNDER £650,000 SUNNYBANK, FLIMWELL

n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room

£600,000-£625,000

n 3 further bedrooms

n Entrance hall n Study/bedroom

n Rear garden laid to lawn with fruit trees

n Sitting room

n Enclosed front garden

n Dining room

n Parking and timber shed

n Kitchen n Breakfast/family room n Utility room n Shower room

n Family bathroom

CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

BROAD GROVE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

OIEO

£725,000 n Entrance hall n Through reception room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Galleried first floor landing n Master bedroom with en-suite shower n 3 further bedrooms n Front and rear gardens n Garage CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

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yourh me

Adene

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

AT A GLANCE ADENE PETTERIDGE LANE, MATFIELD n Detached house n Entrance hall n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Lounge n Dining room n Conservatory n Study n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room n 3 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Front garden n Rear garden n South-facing views n Garage n Driveway

GUIDE PRICE

£825,000

Available for sale through Firefly Properties Paddock Wood 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

Four-bedroom home with an abundance of living space and a south-facing rear garden

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yourh me

Bentham Hill House

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Apartment in a Decimus Burton building with six acres of grounds

AT A GLANCE

BENTHAM HILL HOUSE STOCKLAND GREEN ROAD SPELDHURST n Decimus Burton building n Semi-rural location n Communal entrance hall n Open-plan contemporary lounge/kitchen n Double bedroom n Modern bathroom n Off-road parking for 2 cars n Communal gardens & cellars n No chain

£200,000 For sale by auction through Wood & Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

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yourh me

Leigh Road

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

AT A GLANCE LEIGH ROAD HILDENBOROUGH n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Kitchen/dining room n Playroom n Study n Cloakroom n 3 bedrooms n Family bathroom n Off-street parking n Detached barn

GUIDE PRICE

£1,150,000-£1,250,000 Available for sale through Wood & Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

Stylish house located in a popular village has the bonus of large barn

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yourh me

Chafford Cottage

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

AT A GLANCE CHAFFORD COTTAGE CHAFFORD LANE FORDCOMBE n Rural position n 3 levels n Entrance lobby n Cloakroom n Principal sitting room n Bow windows n Sitting room n Feature fireplace n Kitchen/dining room n Fitted study area n 4 bedrooms n Family bathroom n Front garden with rockery n Rear garden with lawned and seating areas n Brick-built single garage

GUIDE PRICE

ÂŁ575,000 Available for sale through Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

Pretty semi-detached cottage with character features in rural setting

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Advertising

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

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yourh me

Architectural Advice

John Bullock

Architectural services

Wednesday March 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

Designs on your cellar Often, when it comes to problems with planning permission, growing families are torn between buying a new house for vital extra space or staying in the family home they love and just making do. But there could be another option if you have a basement or cellar…

YOUR QUESTION: Dear John Bullock at the Times, We live in the countryside and come under the Sevenoaks District Council [SDC] planning area.

Our area is classified as the metropolitan green belt, and as such SDC has significant restrictions. We have been through this process and have permission for an extension which is the maximum allowed, but we have four children and have come to the conclusion that the extension isn’t going to create a house large enough for our growing family.

We are now in two minds as whether or not to build it or sell with permission and move to a larger house which we can grow into.

In our discussions with the council, they did suggest that we could create a basement level without windows which might not be part of their calculation, and therefore would give us a little more space. If we could achieve this it could make all the difference to us staying and building or not. However, we have heard horror stories of basement works and problems with damp and water and wondered if it was a realistic option?

John and Alice Barker

OUR ANSWER: This is a common issue we have faced whilst working with Sevenoaks District Council, and in comparison to other councils, their policy for extension of dwellings can seem a little harsh. The principal policy is GB1, below: Policy GB1 – Limited Extension to Dwellings in the Green Belt Proposals to extend an existing dwelling within the Green Belt which would meet the following criteria will be permitted: a) the existing dwelling is lawful and permanent in nature; and b) the design is in keeping with the original form and appearance of the building and the proposed volume of the extension, taking into consideration any previous extensions, is proportional and subservient to the ‘original’ dwelling and does not materially harm the openness of the Green Belt through excessive scale, bulk or visual intrusion; and If the proposal is considered acceptable when considered against criteria a) and b), the following criterion will then be

assessed and must also be met for the proposal to be considered appropriate: c) the applicant provides clear evidence that the total floorspace of the proposal, together with any previous extensions, alterations and outbuildings would not result in an increase of more than 50% above the floorspace of the “original” dwelling (measured externally) including outbuildings within 5m of the existing dwelling.

Planning applications that include the conversion of loft space through the addition only of roof lights will be permitted and will not be subject to the floorspace allowance in criterion c), provided there is no increase in volume or bulk to the existing building as result of the proposal. Proposals for loft conversions that include the addition of dormer windows or other alterations that create volume or bulk will be subject to criterion c).

Interestingly, and within the policy guidance, it does not specifically mention cellars and basements, and in the past there have been applications approved for these over and above the 50% increase within the district. Of course, this is subject to officer discretion.

The green belt policy is in place to try and negate impact to its openness and it’s hard to see how a basement would create impact, so it would definitely be worth pursing this.

Designing and building a basement is a skilled job and it shouldn’t be underestimated, both from a cost and complexity perspective.

It is important to select your contractor carefully and find someone who has a track record and understands what they are dealing with and who can deliver a damp-free installation.

Whilst claims relating to basements are relatively small, if there is an issue a claim could have a significant

cost, so careful consideration is required.

If you are using the basement as habitat accommodation, it needs to be built to Grade 3 of BS8102, which states that ‘No water penetration or dampness is permitted’.

BS8102 also specifies three types of waterproof protection: ■ Internal or External Tanking ■ Structurally integral protection ■ Internal drained cavity protection with a sump and pump for removal of water or its disposal by gravity Where Type A tanking is used in new build basements, it is best to be applied externally.

This results in the hydrostatic and ground pressure acting to maintain the tanking in contact with the retaining structure.

The NHBC guidance recommends: It is vital that ground investigation reports are commissioned to identify the appropriate type of waterproof protection (i.e. Type A, B or C) in conjunction with the basement grade’ (in our case 3) An accurate assessment of the ground water conditions and the possibilities of a seasonally variable water table must be considered. This will affect the type of waterproofing options available, as the risks associated with a variable or high water table are significant.

As a result, Type A tanking on its own might not be sufficient to provide waterproofing protection in such situations. In the absence of adequate ground investigations to

establish the ground water regime and drainage characteristics, BS 8102 (Clause 6.1) requires that ‘Waterproofing measures should be designed on the basis of water to the full height of the retained ground at some time during the structure’s life’.

Type B protection could be a proprietary waterproof admixture to concrete in walls and floors. Independent certification of waterproofing admixture systems to concrete, including waterstops or grouting at joints between floor, wall and podium slabs, is required to confirm the performance of these systems.

Only independently certificated waterproofing systems should be used.

Waterstops are an inherent part of any system designed to achieve watertight construction. Where a manufacturer’s proprietary waterstop is being used to achieve watertight construction in conjunction with an accepted waterproof admixture system, the waterstop should also be covered by the certificate for the admixture or by its own separate certificate.

Where a manufacturer’s proprietary waterstop does not have current certification, traditional dumbbell/face fixed waterstops should be used, or a proprietary product that has current certification and is compatible with the waterproof admixture system.

Copies of the independent certification should be made available on site.

‘Whilst installation of a basement might sound daunting, with the right contractor it could offer the space you need to give longevity to your family home’ There are many different manufactures for tanking systems on the market, so it is worth researching and looking at different product options. Some manufacturers have preferred or registered installers, but most importantly the guarantee and warranty options are worth looking at very closely.

Typically, there will be a product guarantee which covers any defect in the materials, however, and when trying to assess issues with water ingress, it is often difficult to pinpoint the exact problem so it’s not advisable just to rely on this level of guarantee only.

Neither is it advisable to rely on the installer’s guarantee, as he might not be operating further down the line if a problem occurs after say five or six years.

For optimum peace of mind, we would suggest an insurance-backed warranty which should cover all eventualities.

It might cost a little extra at this stage, and hopefully it will never be required, but it is worth it.

Whilst installation of a basement might sound a daunting project to undertake, with the right contractor it could offer you the space you need to give longevity to your family home.

Architectural Advice

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Design a new driveway Parking is a major issue in Tunbridge Wells, and residential permit parking is no guarantee of a space. Here is my advice for one couple who want to add off-road parking to their home YOUR QUESTION: Dear John Bullock at the Times, We have a large detatched Edwardian house in the conservation area of Tunbridge Wells. It has a good sized garden but no off-road parking.

Parking in the town has become increasingly difficult over the past few years and sometimes, after the school run, we have to park in another street and walk to the house. It’s not ideal, but we love the house and its central location, so up to now we have accepted it.

We would now like to try and resolve our parking issues and create a driveway and parking area.

Would this require planning permission and how would we be able to achieve this?

We would be pleased to hear your advice.

Frances and James Burton

OUR ANSWER: Creating a new vehicular access and off-road parking should be broadly acceptable. You are on a residential road within the Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area and inside the Limits to Built Development, and the property has well established hedging to its frontage and to the boundaries.

The proposal to create a new vehicle access and hard standing would be considered as permitted development under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(England) Order 2015, Schedule 2, subject to the provisions of Class B and Class F, which states, below: Schedule 2, Part 2, Class B – Means of Access to a Highway Permitted development The formation, laying out and construction of a means of access to a highway which is not a trunk road or classified road, where that access is required in connection with development permitted by any Class in this Schedule (for example Part 1, Class F, the only exception being Class A of Part 2 which covers

the erection of gates, fences, walls, etc.) would be classed as permitted development.

Should you wish to erect any gates, walls, fences, etc., then Class A of Part 2 would apply.

Under this Class, these structures could be erected under permitted development provided that the height of any structure did not exceed one metre. Should this height be exceeded, formal planning permission would be required.

Schedule 2, Part 1, Class F – hard surfaces incidental to the enjoyment of a dwellinghouse Permitted development Development consisting of the provision within the curtilage of a dwellinghouse of a hard surface for any purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse as such is classed as permitted development subject to the following conditions: That where the hard surface would be situated on land between a wall forming the principal elevation of the dwellinghouse and a highway, and the area of ground covered by the hard surface would exceed five square metres, either the hard surface is made of

porous materials, or provision is made to direct run off water from the hard surface to a permeable or porous area or surface within the curtilage of the dwellinghouse.

Dropped kerb You would need to create a dropped kerb outside the property, and whilst this would not require formal planning permission as the road is not a classified road, provided it is carried out in association with work that also does not require planning permission (for example, works to provide off-road parking within the curtilage).

Therefore, as long as the dropped kerb is constructed in association with works permitted under Class F above, planning permission would not be required.

However, you would need to contact Kent County Council Highways, who would advise on their costs and procedures, and an application for works would need to be made to them.

For more information, visit www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/highwaypermits-and-licences/apply-for-a-dropped-kerb

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Removal of hedge Whilst the hedge is well established, formal planning permission would not be required for the removal of part of the hedge in connection with these works.

‘It is important to stress that trees within the conservation area are protected, and it is crucial to gain any necessary consents’ Protected trees If there is a tree within the front garden area of your property, and if the driveway affected this, then advice should be sought from a qualified arborologist, who would assess the impact and make an application to the council.

It is important to stress that trees within the conservation area are protected, and it is crucial to gain any necessary consents.

With the exception of any tree works, the proposal can be undertaken by way of permitted development.

However, it is worth considering applying for a Lawful Development Certificate for the proposed works as this will formalise the proposal and mitigate any questions at a later date from any conveyancing solicitor should you decide to sell.

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

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Gardening

Wednesday March 7 | 2018 PHOTOS: Jonathan Buckley

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Sissinghurst, the shortlisted images are displayed in the castle’s Oast House, where there’s a striking dried flower installation that has been created especially for it.

Jo Jones, one of Sissinghurst’s gardeners, explains more about the installation: “All the dried flowers on display in the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition were grown in the cutting garden or gathered from the garden here at Sissinghurst during 2017.

‘The vision she conjures is almost magical’ “They were chosen for their longevity, colour, texture and form, and have all been arranged to complement the photographs on show as well as reflect the romantic planting style of the garden.”

She goes on to say that inspiration was also found in one of Vita Sackville-West’s garden books entitled ‘In your Garden’, which was first published in 1951.

COMPETITION PICTURES PHOTO: Cathy Cooper

Garden life

Sackville-West, the former first lady of Sissinghurst and a revered writer, wrote in The Observer in February 1948 about what inspired her gardens at the castle.

“A wet January evening seemed just the time for such an indulgence of dreams, and in an instant I found my room (which hitherto had boasted only a few modest bulbs in bowls) filling up with flowers of the queerest colours, shapes, and habits. The first batch to appear, thus miraculously conjured out of the air, were all of that peculiar blue-green which one observes in verdigris on an old copper, in a peacock’s feather, on the back of a beetle, or in the sea where the shallows meet the deep.”

“The vision she conjures is almost magical,” says Jo, “with flowers appearing to grow from thin air.

“From this description, we wanted to explore the idea of plants growing in seemingly implausible situations. The idea of plants growing up through the floorboards in Vita’s writing room had great appeal. Perhaps a handful of accidentally scattered seeds somehow managed to germinate against all odds and miraculously burst into life.”

And so with the help of a small team of volunteers, they have created an installation using wooden boxes as a platform to display and contain the dried flowers.

“Their worn appearance seemed to perfectly reflect the look of old floorboards,” explains Jo. “We used floristry oasis placed between the timber slats to secure the dried flowers firmly in place.

We chose combinations of dried flowers, arranged to mimic self-sown plants and Vita’s informal style of planting.”

Normal admission fees apply and National Trust members go free.

captured through a lens

PHOTO: Rosanna Castrini

The National Trust’s Sissinghurst Castle is again hosting the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition.

Eileen Leahy finds out more about this world renowned event

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ARDENS aren’t just a place to relax and plant pretty flowers – for many they’re a constant source of visual inspiration, come rain, snow or shine, with many professional and amateur photographers finding great aesthetic value in them, no matter how grand or artisan they may be.

Garden photography, and those who successfully capture it, are celebrated by the annual International Garden Photographer of the Year [IGPOTY] competition, which tours the whole of the world, including National Trust property Sissinghurst Castle, before the overall winner is announced at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London.

IGPOTY, which is considered to be the world’s most prestigious global competition for garden and plant photography, is open to all ages and to both amateur and professional photographers alike.

There is also a sub-category entitled Young Garden Photographer of the Year, which is aimed at those under 17.

Currently at Sissinghust, until April 13, the exhibition tours

other locations in the UK, such as Sheringham Park, and also Germany, Gibraltar, Portugal and The Netherlands.

In this its tenth year, the IGPOTY competition had 19,000 individual entries from over 50 countries, and is supported by the Royal Botanic Gardens. During the time the show is at

For more information on the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition, visit www.igpoty.com and www.nationaltrust.org/sissinghurst

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Advertising

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yourh me

Interiors

Life’s just rosy Rachel Ashwell, aka the original Queen of Shabby Chic, has just published her latest book, entitled ‘My Floral Affair’. In this extract, she remembers visiting style guru Pearl Lowe’s boho chic bolthole

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HILE doing a photo shoot at Babington House, I remembered my friend Pearl Lowe lived nearby, so I called her up meaning to go over for a cup of tea.

Instead, I learnt that she had recently moved, so with flowers in hand we arrived for a spontaneous shoot at her new home.

Singer-songwriter Pearl retreated from the hectic London music scene about 12 years ago to spend more time with her children and return to her first love, fashion design.

She has created a full and committed life in the countryside, running her textile and children’s fashion business from the home she shares with her musician husband and three children, with welcome visits from her eldest daughter, model Daisy Lowe.

Pearl and family moved into this new house – it has 11 bedrooms, just to give you some idea of the size of the project – only eight weeks before these photographs were taken. But then Pearl is a genius when it comes to interiors, and I’ve visited most of them.

Just as she dresses in elegant, feminine, and totally individual floral frocks, her interiors reflect the way she is. There’s a

definite Pearl palette, bolder and more subdued than mine, that veers sometimes toward dark colours and even black, which somehow in her world still feels romantic to me. Added to the effortless faded elegance she brings to every interior and her make do, mend, and recycle ethos, she creates a fairytale ambiance that is subtly theatrical and never over-dramatic.

Her design credentials began with sourcing and overdying lace curtain panels, which led inevitably to lace dresses and a successful high-street collaboration.

Now she’s turned her creativity toward homewares and her unique line of children’s clothing – a fantasy of Pierrots, trapeze artists, harlequins, bats, glitter, and magic wands.

In her short tenure of the house, she’s stamped her personality on it. All 11 bedrooms have some kind of furnishing and her signature touches of love.

Armoires and cupboards overflow with fabrics: Napkins, lace and floral eiderdowns – she’s not a crisp white duvet sort of girl. And little moments of floral décor show up over and over, in a non-frou-frou way, a perfect match for my floral affair.

MODERN ROMANCE A dusky pink sofa draped with bohemian silky shawls and a floppy pillow with just the right degree of mush is a nice balance of boho and romance.

Family photographs are displayed in an eclectic variety of frames, an interesting way to give photos some status. A quiet bunch of roses complements the embroidered shawls.

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

SHELF LIFE There are some wonderful floral touches in this bathroom and all eyes, of course, are drawn to the amazing crochet café curtain from Pearl’s own textile collection. The walls are painted in Green Ground by Farrow & Ball

Extract taken from My Floral Affair by Rachel Ashwell, published by CICO Books with photography by Amy Neunsinger © CICO Books Rachel Ashwell: My Floral Affair is available from all good bookshops priced £25 or Times readers can call 01256 302699 quote NP1 and purchase a copy at the special price of £18, including free p&p

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL For all the attraction of wonky floorboards, ancient plumbing, and making do, the one area Pearl insists on being totally functional is the kitchen. I used the worktop as a staging post for floral offerings. The units, which are bespoke, were made to Pearl’s specifications by deVOL Kitchens

Interiors

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

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Get the look:

Floral tribute You’ve read how you can enhance your home with a little floral festooning, so go forth and pick the best of the bunch with theknow’s flower power looks

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS Floral print cushion, £19.99, www.tkmaxx.com

BOWLED OVER Mint floralpatterned bowl, £8, www.mandco.com

DELIGHTFUL BOUQUET Iberia bright floral arrangement, £10, George Home, www.asda.com

SITTING PRETTY Floral chair, £49.99, www.homesense.com A PIECE OF CAKE Pip Studio Floral cake tray 30.5cm pink, £45, www.daisypark.co.uk

CLEAN SWEEP Summer meadow tea towel, £4.95, www. dotcomgiftshop

GO RETRO Large Plant Bag 70s Flower Oval Persimmon, £45, www.orlakiely.com

PETAL POWER Pink Pansy ½pt mug, £19.95, www. emmabridgewater.com

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Wednesday March 7 | 2018

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

Say cheers

to Mother’s Day

FOOD & DRINK

Page 60

54

Choral connection

Read all about a very special musical concert Page 52

Step into spring

GENTLE LAMBS

58

Perfect your new sartorial style Page 64

AFTERNOON DELIGHTS

62

AMAZING ARGENTINA

Darcey Bussell The Strictly star sashays into town

64

Page 53

MAKING SCENTS

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Arts & Culture

A harmonious

musical event…

There will be a very special charity concert taking place at Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School next Friday, with opera singer Emma Ventris. Here, Eileen Leahy talks to her and organiser Anita Reid about what the Evening of Enchantment will entail

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

‘At primary school they recommended I have professional singing lessons, and from then it became my thing’ London College of Music at 18, but she only stayed a year.

“It was all a bit much as singing, unlike with instrumentalists, comes much later in life, so I took a year out and started working at the Royal Opera House as an usher and I absolutely loved it!

“I couldn’t believe that I was being paid to watch everything. I remember seeing famous soprano Angela Gheorgiu sing her final aria before the interval when she was starring in La Traviata, and I couldn’t get up after it. I was meant to be selling programmes and ice creams, but I was just so moved. It knocked everything out of me because it was just so incredible. I’d never experienced anything like that before.”

That set Emma back on her musical path at the Royal Academy of Music, where she stayed for another six years.

“I did my degree there, a teaching diploma and post graduate diploma. After graduating, I started working and travelling, mainly in Europe but occasionally in America and Asia, too.”

She says she would have continued touring but having her two children and being married to another opera singer who travelled constantly meant that she had to take a break. “The fact I also haemorrhaged a vocal cord after having my son didn’t help.”

While she was bringing up her young daughter and son, Emma would give the odd teaching lesson to friends’ children, but it was after she and her husband separated five years ago that she started pursuing her love of singing again.

“I thought I need to do something for me, so I started teaching at Pembridge Hall in Notting Hill and then went to The King’s School in Canterbury.”

“I thought I need to do something for me so I started teaching at Pembridge Hall in Notting Hill and then went to The King’s School in Canterbury”

PERFECTLY IN TUNE: Singer Emma Ventris pictured centre with concert organiser Anita Reid far left next to Ghana Education Project’s Julie Robinson. Also pictured alongside some of the TWGGS students who will be performing are the school’s music teacher Michele Roszak, (second from right) deputy head Jane Parkinson (far right) and fellow organiser James Speller, the PTA teacher

O

pera singer and Tunbridge Wells resident Emma Ventris has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, such as The Barbican, singing alongside the legendary likes of Bryn Terfel, Renée Fleming and Andrea Bocelli during her illustrious career.

Now you can see her perform famous pieces by Schubert and Mozart, courtesy of an intimate concert she is hosting at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls [TWGGS] next Friday evening.

The event is the first of its kind at the school and aims not only to showcase the breadth of musical talent at TWGGS and the surrounding school community, but to also raise funds for the Ghana Education Project, a charity run by former TWGGS teacher Gillian Norris, which supports girls’ education in the African country.

As we chat, Emma explains how the idea for putting on this musical concert came about.

“It was my neighbour, Anita, who came up with the idea,” Emma says. “Her youngest daughter Fiona is a former TWGGS pupil and is now studying at a renowned arts school in the US. Anita wanted to thank the school for being so supportive.”

Anita takes up the story: “My daughter was helped by the school to apply to the Interlochen Center for the Arts to do a drama scholarship there for two years during our equivalent of sixth form.

“I wanted to say thank you to the school for

helping her apply three years in a row, the first time at 14 years old with a two-week deadline!

They really pulled out the stops to help her achieve her dream.”

Around the same time, the school kindly allowed classical music artist Emma to record some tracks for her agent.

“Rather than paying a sum of money for the time spent using their studio recording facility,” says Anita, “I asked if she would think of giving a charity concert. She said yes!”

Emma, who has been singing since she was ten years old, also got into singing at school.

“At the end of my final year in primary school, they recommended I have professional singing lessons, and my parents said ‘OK’ without really knowing anything about it, and from then it became my thing.”

When Emma was 14 she joined the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, A NIGHT AT which she loved: “It was THE OPERA just amazing.”

With Emma Her passion for singing Ventris led Emma to study at the

She stayed for two years at Pembridge and ‘loved it’, but left when offered the chance to set up the Locton Choir, also in London.

“At first I wasn’t sure about getting a whole room of brokers ready to sing,” Emma laughs. “It started off as a team-building thing, but we now rehearse once a week. Most of them don’t read music, but it’s just incredible. They absolutely love it.”

What does Emma think being in a choir gives people?

“An escape from normality; they can laugh, they can sing and have fun. When singing is working well, you see their eyes light up and that’s not something you get anywhere else. Singing taps into your senses, it’s like a musical endorphin.”

And that’s precisely why Emma is so looking forward to performing at TWGGS, as it won’t just be her – she will also be welcoming on stage a number of singers from TWGGS organised by music teacher Michele Roszak, who is singing two duets with Emma. There will also be 35 young harpists, led by harp teacher Nikki Martin, who will perform two pieces. The school’s PTA teacher, James Speller, has also been instrumental in pulling all the various strands together to make this unique event happen, for which Anita says she is ‘very grateful’.

Emma believes that putting children in a position such as this does enormous amounts of good for their confidence and self-belief.

“If you can allow your voice to speak and allow yourself to be seen, then it’s empowering. Watching children sing or play and face their fears is actually really good for them. To be able to stand up and play in front of people you don’t know is a real life lesson. We have singers of varying degrees of ability, which is great. Some are more confident than others so it’s become less about me and more about supporting these children, both here as they perform, and also in Ghana.”

Emma will be singing around ten pieces, including works by Schubert, Fauré and Mozart, and also some popular show tunes.

“But my role is also to be there for the children and to try and make them feel comfortable. It has to be a positive experience.”

What does Emma hope the event, which is being supported by Maddisons Residential and Basil café, will give the audience?

“I hope very much that they will enjoy all the genres of music and have a really nice entertaining evening and raise some money for a very good cause.”

An Evening of Enchantment with Emma Ventris will be held at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Girls on March 16 at 8pm.

Tickets are priced from £5 to £12 via www.tickettailor.com

Arts & Culture

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

JULIE ROBINSON TALKS ABOUT OVERSEEING TWGGS’ INVOLVEMENT WITH THE GHANA EDUCATION PROJECT My daughter visited Nkwanta in 2010 as part of a TWGGS team. She came back so enthused by the work that Gill Norris does in Ghana that I decided to continue my involvement with fundraising for the charity and become a Trustee.

My role is to support the fundraising by the TWGGS teams and raise money from the wider community. I’ve visited Nkwanta four times, and each time I am overwhelmed by the enthusiasm shown by our pupils and staff in Ghana. It makes all the hard work in fundraising so very worthwhile.

Our primary focus is the Kyabobo Girls’ Secondary School that we built and opened in 2013. The school currently educates 350 girls and will, at capacity, have a roll of 500.

We offer a high quality and fully resourced education to girls up to the end of Senior High School in a remote and deprived area where many do not complete even a basic education. We’re also involved in outreach work to improve educational standards across the whole district.

Our founder, Gill Norris, lives and works in Nkwanta running our project. She survives on her UK teachers’ pension and, as with the UK Trustees, takes no expenses. Nearly every penny donated to the Ghana Education Project [GEP] goes directly to fund our work.

GEP has had a long association with TWGGS, who offer tremendous support.

Teams of girls go to Ghana raise money with the support of TWGGS and their friends and families, and have to fund the cost of their trips from other sources.

The last four teams have all raised in the region of £50,000 for the charity.

To find out more, please visit www.ghanaeducationproject.org.uk

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Dance like Darcey Ballerina and Strictly star Darcey Bussell brings her enormously successful dance exercise class to town on Saturday. Her business partner, Gisele Parker, reveals to the Times what it’s all about…

So what’s involved with Darcey’s Diverse Dance Mix (DDMIX)?

It’s a fun, inclusive aerobic dance fitness programme which is designed to get everyone moving no matter what their ability is, whilst embracing a broad spectrum of dancing cultures and eras from around the world.

Can you give us an idea of what happens in a class?

We have over 30 dance styles, ranging from Japanese and Charleston to Line Dance and the Haka. Each genre is only 2.5 minutes long, so in a hour’s class for example you could do seven or eight different styles and get a full body and cardio work out. It is about having fun and not about being an extreme workout. Your mind has to work, too, as you switch styles.

How did Darcey Bussell become involved, and why?

Darcey is the founder of DDMIX. She feels passionately that we should all dance more and that dance fitness is an easy way to be healthy and active.

How often does she go out on the road with the DDMIX team?

Every week ! Whether it’s holding a MAXIT class

for 300 people, teaching instructors or visiting schools, Darcey is continuously involved.

What makes DDMIX classes so special?

The diversity, the camaraderie of a group class, the bespoke music, the list goes on. Dancing releases positive endorphins, improves your cognitive skills and makes you feel great!

Tell us a little bit about how people can get involved?

They can take a class with an instructor near them, or do an online class, and even become an instructor. We also have DDMIX for schools, with programmes designed to go directly into PE lessons. So sign your school up!

Can you sum up a Darcey’s Diverse Dance Mix session in three words?

Diverse, inclusive and fun.

Tickets to Darcey Bussell’s dance class at St John’s Sports Centre on Saturday March 17 cost £15 per person.

For further information about DDMIX, visit www.diversedancemix.com

DANCING QUEEN Darcey Bussell

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Going Out

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance

By Eileen Leahy

OSCAR-WINNER See the Darkest Hour at Trinity Theatre

more details can be found on the TW Women 100 Facebook page.

Mr Books in Tonbridge will also be getting involved in International Women’s Day by hosting a talk with local historian Pam Mills at 7.15pm.

For tickets and further information, visit www.mrbooks.co.uk Also in Tonbridge, there will be another talk at 7.45pm in the Riverside Room at The Angel Centre by the Tonbridge Historial Society. This time it will be Alex Ferris on the plague coming to 17th-century Kent, and how a Wealden doctor tried to deal with it. Alex is the Chairman of Smarden Local History Society, and his talk is based on recent research carried out by the society. Tickets for non-members are priced £3 per talk.

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

Over the next four weeks, Tonbridge Creates will be running a pop-up arts hub in the town. The aim is to help local artists showcase and sell their work and to regenerate some of the empty shop units. According to its organiser, Louise Knight, the idea is to bring back ‘the local community to the heart of the town’. For more information on the event, visit www.tonbridgecreates.com 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 at the bar afterwards!

For more information, visit www.angelibc.co.uk The Winston Churchill biopic Darkest Hour, which stars Oscar-winner Gary Oldman and

Kirstin Scott Thomas in the lead roles of Mr and Mrs Churchill and has wowed cinema audiences the world over, is showing at Trinity Theatre today at 11am, 2pm and 8pm. Tickets cost from £8.50.

For more information, see www.trinitytheatre.net

THURSDAY

Today is International Women’s Day, and to mark it – and also the centenary of the Suffragette and Suffragists movements – there will be an organised walk through the centre of Tunbridge Wells. Starting at 3.30pm in The Pantiles and progressing through the town, stopping at certain points to hear speakers, the idea is to celebrate the journey women have come on so far over the past 100 years. The walk finishes at 7.30pm and

The National Trust’s International Garden of the Year exhibition is on once again at Sissinghurst Castle. The exhibition, which runs until April 13, showcases everything from portraits to panoramic shots of horticultural scenes and intricate flora and fauna details from both professional and amateur photographers.

To find out more, visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden Not the Nine O’Clock News and Three Men in a Boat star Griff Rhys Jones comes to Trinity Theatre tonight with his Where Was I? one-man show.

He’ll recount anecdotes and both amusing and adventurous experiences from his illustrious career, which has spanned 40 years and seen him trek up mountains and appear in some of comedy’s POP IN most To the Tonbridge memorable Creates pop-up

sketches. It starts at 8pm and there are currently only return tickets available. Visit the website to join the mailing list www.trinitytheatre.net

SATURDAY Want to get fit for spring, then why not join the popular weekly park runs which happen 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 details see www.parkrun.org.uk There will be an artisan vintage and crafts fair happening at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge today from 10am until 3pm. Entry is free.

Rusthall Cinema Club will be showing that celluloid classic Cinema Paradiso tonight at 7pm.

Tickets cost £5 on the door, or you can become a member for an annual fee of £40 and see a special film followed by an expert talk once a month. Fore more information see www.rusthallcinemaclub

SUNDAY

The monthly Tonbridge Farmers’ Market is every second Sunday of the month at Sovereign Way car park from 9.30am until 1.30pm. It’s the largest in the county and has 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 It’s Mother’s Day and there’s plenty to treat your mum to around the area.

Both Penshurst Place and Hever Castle will be hosting a special weekend of celebrations for your mum to enjoy, including afternoon tea and special crafting workshops for children to make their own personal gifts. For more information, visit www.hevercastle.co.uk and www.penshurstplace.co.uk

Going Out

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

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PICK OF THE WEEK:

Hadlow College Lambing Weekend Saturday and Sunday March 10 & 11 | 11am-4pm

Who could resist going to see the newborn lambs springing about at Hadlow College? There will be plenty of other activities to enjoy, too, including tractor trailer rides and a bird of prey display. Some of the lecturers will be on hand to talk about the range of courses available. A family ticket costs £15 for two adults and up to three children, or you can purchase them separately, £6 per adult and £3 per child. For more information, visit www.hadlow.ac.uk

THERE’S PLENTY OF MOTHER LOVE For Mother’s Day at Hever Castle and Penshurst Place Alternatively, why not pop along to the Bacchus Wind Orchestra’s concert at the Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul in Tonbridge at 3pm today?

Free to attend, this community orchestra was founded over 30 years ago and will be playing a programme that includes Bernstein’s ‘Candide’ overture, Walton’s ‘Facade’ and two of Dvorak’s ‘Legends’ arranged by local musician Ian Rae. Donations will be gratefully received.

MONDAY

WHERE WAS I? Well, on Friday you’re at Trinity, Griff Rhys Jones!

Trinity Theatre’s latest art exhibition is entitled The Existential Landscape and features work by artist Jane Cordery. She believes that in this current climate of information overload, the ‘physical landscape remains critical to our sense of place, identity and wellbeing; evoking memories of our past’. She explores the ‘tension between internal and external landscapes’ through a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing and sculpture. The gallery is open from

10am to 10pm and entry is free.

IT’S CINEMA Staying at Trinity, as part of its PARADISO Oscar film season it will be At Rusthall showing the hugely praised Cinema Club French film A Woman’s Life tonight from 8pm. Stéphane Brizé’s drama is adapted from the classic novel Une Vie by Maupassant and is a tale of ‘tormented love embedded in the restrictive social and moral codes of marriage and family in 19th century Normandy’. It follows the story of young aristocrat Jeanne who marries a local viscount, only to find out he’s mean and miserly.

Jeanne therefore soon finds herself looking elsewhere for comfort…

Methodist Church, Sevenoaks. For more Tickets cost £11. information, email: gsbsingers@gmail.com or visit www.greenstreetblues.org This evening and every alternate Monday there’s TUESDAY an Italian class for beginners at St Dunstan’s Green Street Blues ladies’ acapella chorus Church, Southborough. On from 8pm until 9.30pm, guarantee you a warm welcome whatever your each session covers a different topic and there is level of experience or musical knowledge. a brief refreshment break. Entrance costs £5, with They rehearse their sassy mix of modern, show proceeds going to the church fund. To book your tunes and pop in glorious four-part harmony place contact Diana Mancini on 01892 537017. every Tuesday from 7.45-10.15pm at The Drive

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Going Out

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites www.pdag.co.uk and www.thegreylady.co.uk Friday Closed for a private party Saturday The Violet Jive Sunday Skippy Gonzalez, Teddy Trenowden, Jennifer Lee Ridley Tuesday Alex Cavanna, Alex Beharrell, Flawless Carbon

Estelle Mey

THE DUKE OF YORK The Pantiles, open all day, free entry music from 8pm Monday Open Mic Night

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

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

live music With Paul Dunton

M

ARCH has plenty of gigs and concerts to be enjoyed, so make sure you venture out to one of our local venues and catch some fantastic live music!

Tonight [Wednesday], The Forum presents The Stable, featuring Ashley Evans, The Manatees & Basement Cat. Thursday brings the folk/ceilidhswing sounds of ‘Steamchicken’ at Trinity Theatre, The Bedford Music showcase, and Placid, Lily & Jessie and Laura Lamn all at The Forum.

Friday night sees Estelle May at The Bedford, The Crooners at The Assembly Hall, Daxx & Roxane at The Sussex Arms, and Dom Pipkin live at The Scallywag Café.

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

Many excellent local acts are in action on Saturday, with The Violet Jive at The Grey Lady, Second Helpin’ at The Beau Nash, The Heartbeats at The Royal Oak, and The Dub Pistols returning to The Forum with support from Bombay Monkey and DJ Verstyle.

Also, Sarah Tonin headline The Sussex Arms, and The Midnight Martinis will be at The Scallywag Café.

Sunday night at The Grey Lady offers three acoustic artists – Skippy Gonzalez, Teddy Trenowden, and Jennifer Lee Ridley.

Monday is Open Mic night at The Duke of York.

On Tuesday, Abbey Capers are at The Punch & Judy, and The Voodoo Vendors are at The Toad Rock Retreat.

Event information at www.twforum.co.uk Wednesday The Stable: Ashley Evans, The Manatees, Basement Cat Thursday Placid, Lily & Jessie, Laura Lamn Saturday The Dub Pistols, Bombay Monkey, DJ Verstyle Tuesday Under-18s Open Mic Night

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews, open all day, entry charge may apply, music from 8.30pm. More information at www.twforum.co.uk Friday Daxx & Roxane Saturday Sarah Tonin, Saint Agnes, Red Coast

music from 8.30pm till late Saturday The Heartbeats

THE TOAD ROCK RETREAT Saturday Midnight Martinis Sunday Sunday Showcase

THE ASSEMBLY HALL Crescent Road. Details of all events at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Friday The Crooners

THE BEDFORD 2 High Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Thursday Thursday Night Showcase Friday Estelle Mey

TRINITY THEATRE

THE ROYAL OAK

Church Road. Details of all events at www.trinitytheatre.net Thursday Steamchicken

Prospect Road, open all day, free entry,

Rusthall, open all day, free entry, music from 7pm Tuesday Blues With Bottle Club presents: The Voodoo Vendors

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm Tuesday Abbey Capers

THE EM FORSTER THEATRE Tonbridge School All details of tickets and events at www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk Thursday Ronnie Scott’s All Stars – The Soho Songbook

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim, 0pen all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Second Helpin’

SCALLYWAG CAFÉ 45 Mount Ephraim Road, open all day, Music from 8.30pm, entry charge may apply. For more information, visit www.scallywagcafe.co.uk Wednesday Carry On Regardless Friday Dom Pipkin Smokin’ Boogie Show

The Dub Pistols

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Food & Drink

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Make your Mother’s Day a delicious one...

Recipe extracts courtesy of Nadia and Kaye Disaster Chef by Nadia Sawalha and Kaye Adams. Published by DK, £20, DK.com

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Both Nadia Sawalha and Kaye Adams are working mothers, regular panellists on TV’s Loose Women and YouTube vloggers. Their hilarious videos showing keen chef Nadia trying to teach kitchen-phobic Kaye how to cook have resulted in their new book, Disaster Chef, which was launched last week. Here they share two perfect recipes for Mother’s Day that even a culinary novice can make

Tip Ano

th testing er way of of you the stiffnes s r me – dollo ringue mix p som e on your n ose

Marshmallowy Fluffy Pavlova NADIA: Right, trust me. You can make a perfect pav with a light, crisp shell and a soft, marshmallowy middle. Follow this recipe word for word, take heed of my warnings, and you’ll taste true culinary success. If I look the worse for wear in these photos, it’s because I was!

Serves 6-8 INGREDIENTS

For the meringue: 2 tsp raspberry vinegar or white wine vinegar, plus extra for cleaning the bowl Lemon juice, for cleaning the bowl (optional) 4 large egg whites, at room temperature 225g (8oz) caster sugar 2 level tsp cornflour For the cream: 350ml (12 fl oz) double cream, chilled 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional; don’t worry if you haven’t got any) 2 tbsp icing sugar, sifted (optional), plus extra for dusting For the topping: Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries

METHOD:

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6

2

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On a large piece of baking parchment, draw around a 23cm (9in) dinner plate with a pencil. Turn the parchment over so it’s pencil-side down and place on a baking tray.

Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F/Gas 2).

Clean a large glass or metal bowl with a little bit of vinegar or lemon juice. Nadia says: “Odd as it sounds, acid will clean away any trace of fat in your bowl: Fat is the enemy of stable egg whites, if it’s there, they won’t whip up!”

3

Separate the eggs, ensuring the whites are completely free of yolk. Pour the egg whites into the super-clean bowl. Nadia says: “Just like fat, any trace of yolk will stop your whites from whipping up properly.”

4

Using an electric whisk, beat the egg whites on a slow speed, then gradually increase the speed to medium until they reach the soft peak stage. Kaye says: “What does ‘soft peaks’ mean exactly?” Nadia says: “It means that if you hold your whisk upside-down, the peaks of the mixture will just hold their shape before flopping down.”

5

Increase the speed of the whisk to its highest, then, whisking continuously, add

Lemon Gin & Tonic Cake KAYE: A tipsy twist on the classic lemon drizzle. What can I say, except: Any excuse! I actually watched Nadia make this last week, while sinking quite a bit more gin than she put in the cake. Make ours a large one

Makes about 8 good-sized slices, Kaye says: So that’s 4 each, Nadia INGREDIENTS

For the cake: 200g (7oz) softened unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 175g (6oz) caster sugar 4 medium eggs 200g (7oz) self-raising flour ½ tsp baking powder Finely grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon 75ml (2½fl oz) gin

METHOD:

For the syrup 60g (2oz) caster sugar 60ml (2fl oz) tonic water 2 tbsp gin For the icing and decoration 50g (1¾oz) granulated sugar juice of ½ lemon 1 tsp gin 1 lemon, very finely sliced with a mandoline Kaye says: “How long do I have to stand here and do this?”

Nadia says: “It should only take 5-6 minutes.”

1 2

Butter a 900g loaf tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment.

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3

5

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4).

Put the butter and sugar into a bowl, and whisk with an electric whisk until pale, light, and fluffy.

Lightly beat the eggs in a jug.

You just need them to all become the same uniform, yellow colour.

Pour them, bit by bit, into the butter and sugar mixture, whisking all the while.

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Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and lemon zest, so you don’t burst the air bubbles in the batter. Pour in the gin and give it a gentle stir. Spoon into the prepared tin.

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Bake for 1 hour. After 55 minutes, insert a skewer into the centre of the cake and, if it comes out clean, take the cake out of the oven. If it doesn’t, give it another 5 minutes.

8

Meanwhile, make the syrup. Put the sugar and tonic water into a small pan and set over a low heat.

Kaye says: “No sipping!”

9

Stir until the sugar dissolves. Kaye says: “How do I know when the sugar has dissolved?”

Nadia says: “You’ll see it disappear, and also feel no more graininess under the spoon.”

10

Increase the heat under the pan and

the sugar a spoonful at a time until the meringue is shiny and the sugar thoroughly mixed in. If you were to hold the whisk upside-down now, the meringue would stand up in proud (stiff) peaks.

boil the syrup for 1 minute without stirring.

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Measure out 2 tbsp of the syrup into a small bowl and mix in the gin (discard the remaining syrup).

12

Once the cake is out of the oven, use a skewer to make 8 holes in it.

13

Drizzle the gin syrup over the top of the cake and leave to cool in the tin.

14

Turn out the cake, turn it right-side up again, and place on a wire rack.

15

Mix together the ingredients for the icing and spoon it on to the cake. Arrange the lemon slices along the top. Leave to set.

16

Eat. And with a glass of G&T alongside – naturally!

In a cup, whisk together the vinegar and cornflour until smooth. Whisk this mixture into the meringue. Kaye says: “I had to concentrate so hard the first time I made this. I considered crushing two paracetamol into it. I didn’t. It was worth it.”

Spread the meringue to fill the baking parchment circle, building up the sides so that they stand higher than the middle. Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the door ajar. Leave the pavlova inside the oven until it has cooled completely. This stops it from cracking.

8

Combine the chilled cream (Nadia says: “I’m talking cream straight from the fridge here”) with the vanilla extract and icing sugar (if using) in a large bowl. Beat on a low setting using an electric whisk, then gradually increase the speed to medium and whisk just until the cream increases in volume and begins to stiffen, but still has soft peaks. Dollop the cream into the centre of the cooled pavlova. Nadia says: “Stop now or else you’ll end up with butter!”

9

Scatter the blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries over the cream and dust with icing sugar. Ta-Dah!

Hacr,kuse a metal

flou la to To fold in bber spatu r o spoon ru rough the th cut down nd do a ‘lift a n e th r, e batte th e on. Giv over’ moti rn tu re rt a bowl a qu t and repea

Food & Drink

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Everything stops for afternoon tea Nothing could be nicer this Mother’s Day than a feast of warm, plump scones and clotted cream, dainty finger sandwiches and delicious cakes.

But where’s best to indulge your tastebuds? The Times reveals its top spots

PHOTO: Courtesy of The Ivy restaurant

CHAMPAGNE TEA Why not really treat yourself or your mum?

THE SPA HOTEL: Classic – if you want to really push the boat out, then this is the place to go.

Starched white linen tablecloths are laid out on the tables before a luxury assortment of homemade scones, indulgent cakes and delicate finger sandwiches are offered up with a selection of aromatic teas – or if you prefer a glass of Champagne – in the elegant lounge area.

Prices start from £21.50 per person.

Served daily from midday to 6pm.

ONE WARWICK PARK: Contemporary – Tunbridge Wells’ newest hotel is the place to be seen, and its afternoon tea selection, served in its Seventeen restaurant, reflects its chic clientele.

For something special, a Prosecco (£22) and Champagne (£28) afternoon tea are on offer, boasting a variety of mouthwatering savoury bites and an array of sweet treats created by the hotel’s talented pastry chefs. Prices start from £16 per person. Served daily all afternoon.

JULIET’S: Vintage chic – This cool little café in Tunbridge Wells High Street focuses on providing its customers with fantastic homemade cakes and specialist teas, and is a hot-spot for afternoon tea.

Sandwiches are served on artisan bread, while scones brim with French butter, Devonshire clotted cream and Bonne Maman jam. You can swap tea for coffee, or upgrade your feast with a glass of raspberry Bellini for £5.50 more. Prices from £15.50 per person. Served from 2.30-3.30pm. Booking in advance required.

THE IVY: The luxury treat – since it opened in the High Street in November last year, The Ivy restaurant has caused quite a stir in Tunbridge Wells. Echoing the popularity of its London counterpart, it’s beautifully decadent and the place where you go to see and be seen. So what better time to pay it a visit than Mother’s Day? There is a classic afternoon cream tea available for an affordable £8.95, which comprises a pot of tea (or coffee) with freshly baked fruit scones and homemade preserve, or you could treat your tastebuds to its proper afternoon tea (£19.75 per person) and enjoy a tantalising feast of truffle chicken brioche rolls and marinated cucumber and dill finger

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sandwiches before indulging in scones, chocolate and salted caramel mousse and crème brûlée doughnuts. To make it a day to remember, upgrade to the Champagne menu (£27.50) SALOMONS ESTATE: Great for a stunning view or being outdoors – if you want to head out of the urban sprawl and feel at one with nature, then pay a visit to the elegant Salomons Estate on the Tunbridge Wells/Southborough borders. Here, they are offering a delicious Prosecco afternoon tea, complete with a selection of fresh sandwiches, scones and traditional sweet treats which can be enjoyed while you dine in the stunning conservatory and admire the impressively grand grounds and lake.

AFTERNOON TEA FACTS n Dates back to the 19th

century, when it’s believed that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, and other ladies of the upper social classes would get a little peckish ahead of dinner.

service became increasingly grand. Etiquette played a big part, from the dress code to the way that tea was poured and stirred. n Today there are no strict rules

n The solution was to have a

cup of tea and a light snack mid-afternoon to keep hunger pangs at bay. This soon became part of a daily routine and the duchess began to invite friends to the house for refreshment. n Queen Victoria made it the

more formal affair we enjoy today as, during her reign, tea

when serving an afternoon tea, but traditionally it will consist of an ornate three-tiered cake stand displaying a selection of dainty finger sandwiches and other small savouries, warm scones with accompanying pots of clotted cream and preserves, and a variety of visually appealing bite-sized cakes and pastries.

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drink

60

Food & Drink

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Sparkling ideas to

celebrate this March 11 R

OUND the cannon, mark your calendar, it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday, which means it’s time to celebrate – and why not do so with a traditional bottle of bubbly, or switch things up by gifting some artisan gin?

JAMES’S PICK OF THE BUNCH… 1) HIGH-STREET ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE CHOICE

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Les Pionniers NV Rosé Champagne, France (£21.99, Co-op) Be first in the queue for this superstar supermarket steal, which spent four years on tirage. Think summer fruits, red berries, lemon curd and a hint of almond. It’s an elegant and classy apéritif and one to enjoy with sushi, smoked salmon, charcuterie or a rhubarb and strawberry crumble. Top value bubbles from the Co-op for the quality. Nab it now for your most special English rose.

60% Pinot Noir/40% Chardonnay. Alc 12%

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2) HAMPSHIRE BRILLIANCE FROM IRISH SUPERSTAR WINEMAKER DERMOT SUGRUE

Jenkyn Place Classic Cuvée 2013, Hampshire (£30-£31, Great British Wine/ Hawkins Bros) For traditional method sparkling wine, it’s England (and particularly Hampshire) all the way with Jenkyn Place’s newest release of their distinguished Classic Cuvée (2013).

From a well-sited estate on the south-facing slopes of the North Downs, this elite sparkler is based on Chardonnay with support from Pinot Noir and a hint of Pinot Meunier. Like baked bread with crisp, tangy green apples and hedgerow blossom.

Stellar with Cantonese cuisine, omelettes, oysters, sushi or fish and chips. Drinking beautifully now, but it will age, too.

Grab this zippy, classy English fizz before it’s all gone (and put a bottle in the cellar). Alc 12%

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3) MUST-TRY ENVIABLE GRANDE MARQUE NV CHAMPAGNE

Taittinger Prélude Grand Crus NV Champagne, France (£40-£50, Amazon/John Lewis/Great Western Wine/Majestic) Billowing with bubbles and the scent of ripe orchard fruit, elderflower, white peaches and spicy cinnamon toast, this is alluring and undeniably refined.

Made solely from fruit (50/50% Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) grown in Grand Cru classified vineyards, and from the first pressing, it’s a beautiful Champagne with immense breeding and distinction; perfect to toast mum’s moment in the spotlight. It’s so elegant it’s like sipping satin, and is spot on for smoked salmon, cold lobster with mayo, gougères and Dover sole with beurre blanc.

Splash out, it’s worth it.

Alc 12%

3

4) SOPHISTICATED BARGAIN FLORAL GIN

Bloom London Dry Gin, Warrington (£20-£20.49 Waitrose/Bargain Booze) Gin: Just three letters, but they convey so much contentment – and choice.

Bloom’s the handiwork of Greenall’s

Master Distiller, Joanne Simcock, and is enriched with seven botanicals, including camomile, honeysuckle and pomelo.

Inspired by the natural flora of an English country garden, and elegantly labelled and delicate, this is cracker of a gin. For such a good concoction, the price tag of roughly £20 is a bargain. It would be hard to beat this masterful gin, deployed in a French 75 or served with two strawberries and ice, topped up with (Fentimans) tonic water.

Alc 40%

5) GREAT SUPERMARKET GIN GIFT PACK

G&T Gift Pack (£9.99, Aldi, pack of 8, 5cl & 175ml) Four distinctive flavours from the UK’s favourite gins make up this tantalising Aldi gift pack. Mums can choose between well-known Gordon’s, Beefeater, Greenall’s and JJ Whitely botanical blends to mix with their favourite flavoured tonic blend.

GINius! Alc 37.5%

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Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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travel

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O

Travel

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

What’s new,

Buenos Aires?

Seven reasons why the land of Evita is the break you need to book. A new direct low-cost flight route means it’s now easier, and cheaper, to reach South America.

Sarah Marshall explores Argentina’s exuberant capital – famous for tango, steak and a certain football player…

ften referred to as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires has always enjoyed close links with Europe; waves of Italian immigrants populated the port city in the 19th and 20th centuries, and much of its resplendent architecture echoes trends from this side of the Atlantic.

Now connections are even closer, with the launch of the continent’s first direct low-cost flight service from Norwegian, linking the Argentinian capital with London.

Blighted by dictatorships, spiralling inflation and angry protests, the city bears a colourful past. But nothing has ever managed to dampen its spirit, expressed through impassioned tango clinches, riotous football crowds and the poetic fantasies of literary greats, like Jorge Borges.

As if any excuse is needed, here are seven even more wonderful reasons to visit Latin America’s most enchanting city.

TAKING THE TANGO TO NEW HEIGHTS Mural of Carlos Gardel in Buenos Aires

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It’s the birthplace of tango While not so popular with younger porteños (people from the port, a nickname given to locals), tango is still synonymous with Buenos Aires.

Although expensive and filled with foreigners, a dinner and show is the best way to see the pros in action. One of the most dramatic is at Esquina Carlos Gardel (www.esquinacarlosgardel.com.ar; ARS $2290.40/£81.50 for dinner and a show) in CABA, opposite an art deco shopping centre which was once the city market.

The food is surprisingly decent, but it’s the performances that really count – svelte, agile dancers flick their legs like jackknives and, gaze fixed, slide into an electrifying embrace.

It’s hard to imagine anything more sensual other than the act of sex itself.

But, given it’s humble origins, some of the best displays can still be seen on the city’s streets.

Every day, from around lunchtime until 6pm, tango dancers can be found in San Telmo’s Plaza Dorrego. If you want a front row seat, come during the week when there are fewer people – but bring enough change to leave tips.

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The buildings are beyond beautiful Much of Buenos Aires’ romance is cemented in its belle epoque architecture, intended to emulate the fashionable grandeur of Paris. One of the finest examples is Teatro Colón in the city’s downtown, inaugurated in 1908.

Muses from Greek mythology dance around a skylight in the eye-popping entrance, and the Golden Hall – modelled on Versailles – glints with 22ct gold leaf. Ornate occasionally spills into ostentatious, but nonetheless it’s a glamorous window on the past.

Guided 50-minute tours take place every day except Saturdays (ARS $300/£11; www.teatrocolon.org.ar). Or experience acoustics ranked among the best in the world by attending an opera or classical music concert – check their Facebook

and stylish wardrobe, and her final resting place is part of the most visited ‘attraction’ in the city.

Wild legends lurk in the shadows of Recoleta Cemetery, a labyrinth of grand graves popular with street photographers and story hunters.

Tucked discreetly between marble mausoleums housing wealthier bodies, Perón was ironically laid here alongside her worst enemies – a decision made during the 1976 military dictatorship.

Her sombre, simple epitaph is easy to miss, but follow the crowds and you can’t go wrong.

page for news of free events (March to December).

Tip: Although far from the action, seats in ‘the hen house’ (the Gods) have the best acoustics.

Expect to pay from ARS $50/£2 for a ticket.

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Evita made her mark here The First Lady Of Argentina from 1946 until her death in 1952, Eva Perón – or Evita – captured the hearts of working class socialists and is still a symbol of the country’s class divide. A museum, Museo Evita (web.museoevita.org.ar; ARS $120/£4) in Palermo, charts her life history

‘The food is surprisingly decent, but it’s the performances that really count – svelte, agile dancers flick their legs like jackknives and, gaze fixed, slide into an electrifying embrace’

Carnivores will be in their element Along with dulce de leche (the addictive, gooey caramel spread which goes well with pretty much everything), steak is undoubtedly Buenos Aires’ culinary delight, and competition is fierce for the best parilla (grill).

Don Julio (www.parrilladonjulio.com) in Palermo Viejo is undoubtedly a classic, enjoying a resurgence of interest last year when it was ranked 13th of the 50 best restaurants in Latin America. It also boasts Argentina’s biggest wine cellar, with 13,000 bottles on the shelf. (Expect to pay around ARS $1600/£57 for food and wine).

A few streets away, competitor La Cabrera (www. lacabrera.com.ar) also serves quality, marbled, tender meats. The rib eye (ARS $561/£20) is recommended (minimum cut 400g), but go easy on ordering sides as meats are accompanied by myriad mini sauces, purees and nibbles. Arrive before the restaurant opens (from 6.30pm until 8pm; last entrance 7.15pm) for a 40 per cent discount on the bill.

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Outsiders have always been welcome There are 48 neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires, but La Boca, where Italian immigrants settled from 1830, considers itself a republic.

It’s home to the raucous Boca Juniors stadium ‘Bombonera’, where Maradona rose to fame, and colourful tourist magnet Caminito, a street of brightly-painted tenement houses now selling ‘Diez’ football shirts (the position played by ‘the Hand of God’ and current star Messi), Gauchoinspired souvenirs and chunky steaks.

Originally decorated by artist Benito Martin, who wanted ‘to bring art to the streets’, the row of buildings was named after a famous tango song.

Yes, it’s tacky and busy – visit after midday to avoid the cruise-ship crowds – but its scruffy charm is irresistible.

Most modern-day portenos have Italian roots, celebrated in restaurants and cafés around the city. One of the most visually impressive is Napoles in San Telmo, a cavernous antique store, bar and

How to get there

RIP EVITA Eva Perón ‘s resting place – La Recoleta Cemetery

Norwegian (www.norwegian.com/uk; 0330 828 0854) operates four weekly flights year-round direct from London Gatwick to Buenos Aires on a fleet of new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with two cabins – Premium and Economy.

Fares start from £275 one way and £589 return in economy, and £640 one way and £1,360 return in Premium

Travel

restaurant, where diners sit on barber stools set amidst clothes rails, Maserati cars and classical sculptures.

The food is nothing special, but Instagram opportunities are countless.

Pay around ARS $250/£9 for mains (www.facebook.com/napolesristorante).

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PHOTO: Shutterstock

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Portenos revel in their romantic past Once owned by rich families, San Telmo’s narrow ‘sausage’ houses fell into the hands of poorer immigrants when an outbreak of yellow fever caused the wealthy set to move north.

It was in these tiled courtyards that tango was born, a close and sensual BUZZING: San Telmo flea market dance banned in public places until the mid-19th century. Years later, it was modern-day porteno. The best bars, independent popularised by singer Carlos Gardel. boutiques and restaurants cluster around One of the best remaining examples of these Palermo Soho, which has become an openhouses is El Patio del Tiempo in Pasaje air gallery for accomplished street art. de la Defensa, where bric-a-brac The scene exploded in 2001, at the stores fill the ground floor and height of Argentina’s financial crisis, Bohemian cafés and wine bars and some of the most striking drift along the upper level. pieces – by artists like BA Paste Every Sunday, a craft market Up and Nasepop – can be extends 1.4km from Plaza de Mayo found in the area around Jorge along Defensa to Plaza Dorrego Luis Borges Street. (Download (10am-4pm), with local artists a broader map of Buenos Aires peddling avant-garde jewellery, graffiti at www.streetartfactrendy leather purses and towers of tory.eu/en). This is also the mate gourds. city’s greenest area, inspired Head into the covered wrought iron partly by London’s Hyde Park, Mercado de San Telmo for a fresh with tree-lined parks, decoraempanada; El Hornero sell their tive rose gardens and a swanoven-baked pies for ARS $30/£1 each. filled lake perfect for pedalos.

Operating daily, the Palermo Through The Senses bike tour (ARS There’s a seriously cool $125/£4.50) covers the key sights, crowd in town including a statue by Rodin and a A sprawling polo stadium where gauchos once residential area seized played with a live duck. Book at upon by artists and any of the tourism kiosks in the creatives, Palermo SEDUCTIVE park, which also offer free water is the place to The Tango and phone charging stations. truly live like a

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TWO MORE DREAM DESTINATIONS… Viva la villa – Commenda di San Calogero, North Syracuse

Amazing Asia – Singapore & New Zealand South Island Highlights This 16-night holiday includes three nights at the 4-star Parkroyal On Beach Road, Singapore, two nights at the 4-star White Morph, Kaikoura, two nights at the 4-star Misty Peaks Fox Glacier, a Heli Hike and Glacier Hot Pools tour in Franz Josef, a Milford

For a relaxing holiday in beautiful, lavish surroundings, this charming villa, set in 110 acres, boasts gardens with orange and olive groves, views of Mount Etna and gentle hills and valleys.

Located in north Syracuse, only a short distance from Catania airport, the estate is next to the small village of Commenda di San Calogero, and makes the perfect base to explore the sights of south-east Sicily, including many archaeological ruins and ancient architectural spots, along with iconic Mount Etna itself.

Price from £838pp based on two sharing (May departure), including seven nights’ B&B accommodation, car hire and flights from London Southend to Catania (Air Malta). To book or talk to an expert at Sunvil, call 020 8758 4722 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

Sound Nature Cruise, and one night at the 4-star Rydges Latimer Square, Christchurch.

Included are 11 days’ car hire, and transfers and return international flights from Manchester with Emirates, based on selected travel November 2018. Prices from £2,969 per person – a saving of up to £193 per couple. Austravel (0808 250 4889, www.austravel.com)

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Look Good, Feel Good

Earn your

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Wednesday March 7 | 2018

style stripes

PRETTY IN PINK Pink and white stripe blouse, £45, www.gerryweber.com

BLUE FOR YOU Navy trousers, £24, www.mandco.com

Cast off your winter woollies for a more stylish spring wardrobe.

Eileen Leahy shows you how

Clothing all available from www.joules.com

W

E’RE now in March, so it’s time to turn your thoughts to dressing for spring 2018.

And what could be more stylish then injecting a little laid-back chic into your wardrobe? You can easily do this courtesy of a couple of timeless staples; namely a pair of navy chinos and a casual linen shirt. Add in a dash of leopard print and some statement accessories, and you’re good to go…

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS Pink matte drop earrings, £12, www.simplybe.co.uk THE BUCKET LIST Navy tassel bucket bag, £22, www.dorothyperkins.com

SEE THE SUNNY SIDE Ava Solid Colour Sunglasses £45, www.oliverbonas.com

WILD AT HEART Aeron ballet pumps, £65, www.dunelondon.com

Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

English Fields Collection, from £47, www. jomalonelondon.com This limited edition collection is available in a selection of five fragrances, which include Poppy & Barley, Primrose & Rye, Oat & Cornflower, Honey & Crocus and Green Wheat & Meadowsweet. The idea behind them is to capture the ‘essence of the English landscape’, and as with all Jo Malone scents you can combine them in order to create a unique fragrance.

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Carolina Herrera Good Girl, £50 for 30ml, £72.50 for 50ml and £94.50 for 80ml, www.thefragranceshop.co.uk This glamorous bottle of perfume doesn’t only smell divine, it looks the part, too courtesy of a chic shoe design that will embellish any bathroom or boudoir shelf.

Boasting a blend of richly fragrant cocoa and Tonka, with a lighter touch of almond and a twist of tuberose, it’s utterly intoxicating.

Sheer Radiance £22, www.marksandspencer.com Fresh and light, this scent’s chief aim is to ‘encapsulate the purity of morning light’. Notes of mandarin give it a sweetness which is tempered by a flurry of citrusy hits to making it the perfect scent for spring.

The scent of

a woman It’s currently National Fragrance Week. To celebrate, Kitty Argent picks her top fresh scents for spring…

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NE spritz of a scent can instantly transport you to a certain time and place in your life, such is its strong sensory allure – and this week talking about perfumes couldn’t be more timely as it’s National Fragrance Week.

The idea of this annual event is to bring the power of perfume to people’s minds and encourage them to share their favourites. So with Mother’s Day on the horizon, what better time to gift or receive one of those here?

Elisabethan Rose £137, www.penhaligons.com This fragrance unfurls with notes of rose absolute and rose centifolia, before a warming blend of cinnamon, vetiver, musk and woods takes over. The dash of lily keeps it from feeling too overpowering.

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Motoring

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

FIRST DRIVE:

Caterham 620S

Motoring News

Offering supercar-beating performance in a compact package, the Caterham 620S is a mad, powerful track car for the road. Jack Evans gives it a go…

The shocking lifelong costs of car ownership WHAT IS IT?

If you want to go fast, it usually costs. The Bugatti Veyron, one of the quickest cars ever built, cost the best part of £2million. Then there’s the Caterham way. The 620S can hit 60mph in under four seconds – close to the Veyron’s time – yet costs from £44,995. In short, there are few ways to go as fast for as little money.

WHAT’S NEW?

Our test car used the wider SV chassis, making more accessible to taller drivers. In addition, it gets a smattering of design cues to help it stand out from the crowd, including a nose with an embedded air intake.

Of course, the biggest changes are mechanical – the supercharged motor is supremely powerful, while the S pack brings a softer, more road-focused suspension setup than the one you’ll find on the more hardcore R version.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The engine is remarkable. Two litres in capacity, featuring a supercharger, it produces 310bhp and 296Nm of torque – yet the car weighs just 610kg, giving it a figure of 508bhp per tonne, which is more than a Ferrari Enzo or McLaren 650S. It’s simply a breathtaking amount of performance for a ‘regular’ road car.

That fury is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, and can power the 620S to a top speed of 145mph.

If you’re looking for economy, this

isn’t the place to go. It will return an estimated 30mpg on the combined cycle, though this will drop harshly under heavy driving. That said, the S model benefits from a larger fuel tank than other Seven models – so touring is a more viable prospect.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Dramatic – the steering is welljudged, with the smallest of hand movements on the wheel directing the car exactly where you want it.

The five-speed gearbox is smooth to operate (though can feel notchy when cold), while the softer suspension is exactly as you’d want on UK roads – not too firm for the bumps, but not so pliable as to leave the car feeling wallowy.

Then there’s the performance.

There’s nothing to prepare you for the way such a car fires itself down the road. The twin-outlet exhaust howls in a close-to-demonic way, rising to a near-deafening tone under heavy acceleration.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The Seven remains a design classic, but the 620S is about as modern as that look can be. It’s recognisable thanks to the vented nose cone, while it also benefits from a gunmental colour-painted chassis, giving it a stealthy, undercover look.

There are plenty of options to make it look even more special.

Caterham can even finish your 620S with any colour you could think of – just supply the paint code and

they’ll do the rest.

And it’s still an iconic design, even after 50 years.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The 620S doesn’t have a huge amount to offer in terms of creature comforts. The S pack brings a heater, while a 12V socket means that you can charge a smartphone – though that’s about it for in-car features.

The biggest benefit of the S pack is the full windscreen, hood and sidescreens, making it far more usable in typical British weather.

Also, the driving position is spot-on, while the carbon-fibre dash looks well made. The variety of toggle switches may be difficult to decipher at first, but they soon become second nature.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

As mentioned, the key attributes are mechanical – the car’s overall cost is spent on the engine, chassis and gearbox.

As standard, you get a lovely Momo steering wheel, black leather seats and a four-point racing harness, as well as the windscreen

and sidescreens.

The 15-inch alloy wheels are shod in sticky ZZS tyres, while a limited-slip differential comes included in the price, too.

The swathes of options include heated carbon-fibre seats, and the wider SV chassis would be good for those who want a little more space in the cabin. In truth, anyone over six foot will struggle for room in a ‘regular’ Caterham.

VERDICT

The Caterham 620S is a real giant killer, capable of taking down nearly any supercar on sale today.

But even a ‘regular’ Caterham can deliver big thrills. Though the 620S benefits from many features designed to make it more comfortable, it remains overwhelmingly spiky to drive, with traction close to non-existent in the wet.

Just under £45,000 may seem good value considering the performance, but you’d be just as happy with a lower-powered Caterham at half that price.

THE average motorist will fork out £206,625 over their lifetime, a study of the spending habits of 2,000 British drivers by car finance provider MyJar found.

The figure (taken from age 17 to 80) was calculated from the cost of buying a car, refuelling it and keeping it on the road.

The biggest expense is fuel, with motorists paying out £54,341 in their lifetime. Next is buying a car, with the average driver owning five vehicles at a cost of £8,395 each. Other big hits include insurance (about £21,595), tax £6,943. Repairs £27,716, servicing £10,380, and parking a whopping £20,409.

It’s also estimated the average driver will spend more than £700 on fines.

A MyJar spokesman said: “Running a car is a necessity for many people in the UK. But our survey found the costs of owning a car run far beyond the initial payment of buying one.”

The survey found about 40 per cent of drivers have considered getting rid of their car because of the cost. However, more than half said their vehicle was a vital part of their life.

Powering a new SUV BASED on BMW’s X3, Alpina has added its trademark mechanical and visual upgrades to bring a fresh offering in the performance SUV market – the Alpina XD3.

A reworked version of BMW’s 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and can take the XD3 from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 158mph.

Power is sent to all four wheels through an Alpina-developed torque distribution system which the manufacturer says ‘guarantees maximum traction, neutral driving dynamics and high levels of safety’. Full details of the car will come later this year.

THE KNOWLEDGE: MODEL: Caterham 620S SV

MAX SPEED: 145mph

ENGINE: 2.0-litre

3.44 seconds

supercharged petrol POWER: 310bhp TORQUE: 296Nm

0-60MPH: MPG: N/A EMISSIONS: N/A PRICE: £46,995

Paying the mobile price MANY European countries hand out fines of less than 100 Euros (circa £88) to motorists caught using a hand-held phone at the wheel. However, UK drivers can be hit with a £200 fine plus six penalty points, only beaten

by Holland, which has fines of 230 Euros.

The figures were compiled by German motoring organisation the ADAC, but despite the high cost, Ministry of Justice figures show that 11,961 drivers were convicted of using a hand-held mobile phone in 2016.

Sarah Sillars, Chief Executive of safety organisation IAM RoadSmart, said: “Using a hand-held phone is a major distraction… there is no such thing as multi-tasking when it comes to driving. Heavy fines and extra points are a key part of the government strategy to combat it. Clearly, this is not enough.”

An IAM Roadsmart survey of 2,004 drivers last year found driver distraction linked to mobile phone use was the biggest safety issue.

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Motoring

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Recruitment

Wednesday March 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 March 7 | 2018

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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.

9 7

3 8

8 7 5 9

6 18

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7 5 2 4

1 8

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

9

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CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

2 4

8 2

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13 25

3 6

19 5

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★★

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★II

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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

S H R U I E T O X I W P L U T O N S Q U A T S E L U D R A I S L E O L R O Y A

B A L G N J A F O B A I L L L A E Y A R E S E L D L

M I C A E R D R O F A I L I S R S A L WA W N U T T A S U Z B E R A Y A R

R O P O P R L E S Y S O E R V E K O D S

Sudoku:

4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 9

7 1 8 6 9 5 2 3 4

5 6 9 3 2 4 1 8 7

8 2 3 7 4 6 5 9 1

6 4 7 9 5 1 8 2 3

1 9 5 2 3 8 4 7 6

9 7 6 5 1 2 3 4 8

2 4 6 5 8 3 7 9 1

5 1 7 8 9 6 3 4 2

7 9 4 2 1 5 8 6 3

2 8 1 4 7 3 9 6 5

3 5 4 8 6 9 7 1 2

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 5 2 4 7 1 9 3 8

8 7 9 1 3 4 5 2 6

1 3 8 7 2 9 6 5 4

9 6 5 3 4 2 1 8 7

4 8 3 9 6 7 2 1 5

3 2 1 6 5 8 4 7 9

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Sporting Times

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

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Cold comfort as local sports clubs have a snow day THE local sports clubs were hit hard by the Beast from the East’s snowfall last week, in conditions that were more appropriate for the recent Winter Olympics.

Among the casualties of the weather, Tunbridge Wells men’s hockey team were denied their chance to achieve back-to-back promotions.

They require just one point from their last four games to go up to South Premier League Division One – and are aiming to be crowned champions.

This weekend they go to Tulse Hill & Dulwich, then take on Banbury and Guildford, who are second and third in the table respectively.

Tonbridge Juddians and Tunbridge Wells rugby clubs were sidelined because of frozen ground.

Tonbridge Angels FC’s fixture at high-flying Dulwich Hamlet in the Bostik League Premier was also called off.

There was no action in football’s Southern Counties East League Premier Division, where Rusthall find themselves fighting to stay in the top flight after achieving promotion to their highest ever league position last season.

On Saturday the Rustics have a massive game as they face bottom of the table Rochester United at

the Jockey Farm Stadium. The club still have 12 games to play before the end of April and they must start picking up some points if they are to avoid relegation.

They are currently third from bottom, nine points above both Hollands & Blair and Rochester, but are on a poor run of form has seen them pick up just one point since Christmas.

Joint managers Steve Sands and Steve Ashmore are hoping that their hugely experienced Joe Fuller will be fit again for the run-in.

They have set the team the target of catching Chatham Town who currently sit one place and four points above the Rustics.

Tunbridge Wells are two places above them, and eight points ahead.

Rusthall have been told the final stage of their pitch renovations, the installation of sand drains, will start in May.

WHITE LINES Dulwich Hamlet’s pitch on Saturday

TOUGH TIMES Steve Ashmore’s side have earned just one point since Christmas

Hadlow’s buccaneering baseball club is about to swing into action

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk BASEBALL: A NEW baseball club is pitching up in Hadlow this summer and will play their first pre-season friendly on March 18 at Williams Field in the village.

The Kent Buccaneers will be taking on South Coast Pirates at the venue near the village hall from 11am. Entrance is free and there will be music and a family atmosphere with hot and cold drinks and snacks available to buy from the clubhouse.

Jon Carter is General Manager and Head Coach of the new outfit, and said: “Hadlow had nothing to offer in terms of an all-inclusive sport for the locals, especially the youth, so baseball fits perfectly into this community.

“We have had a fantastic response from the local community and beyond. The youth of Hadlow have really been keen to come along and play, which is great.”

Jon is a former pitcher for Team GB and a regular in the national team from 2002-04. He played for the LA Dodgers in the Men’s Senior Baseball League (MSBL) World Series in 2015, the first British player to take part.

MSBL, the premier amateur baseball league for adults, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this

PLAY BALL: The Buccaneers practise in Williams Field

experience,” he recalls. “Working at interface areas uniting Catholic and Protestant children through sport was a highlight of my time there, along with opening the first purpose-built caseball facility in the country.”

Jon was born in Tonbridge and after attending Hayesbrook School he was a semi-professional footballer with Tonbridge Angels, Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough Athletic.

In the 1990s he became a player, coach and the general manager at Tonbridge Baseball Club, which has been running for 30 years and produced a number GB players.

He then joined the Brighton Buccaneers, helping the club win three National Baseball League titles between 1999 and 2002 and reaching the European Cup final.

The Hadlow club currently have 25 players over the age of 14 for the two senior sides: Kent Buccaneers, who will play in the more experienced Double A standard; and the Kent Bucs who are in a Single A development division.

Inclusive BALLPARK FIGURES: The players are ready for their first season year. It has 3,200 teams and 45,000 members, with clubs from Holland and Australia taking part.

Last year Jon, a baseball and softball UK Level 2 Coach, took a team from Northern Ireland to play in the MSBL Over-35s World Series, the first time a club from the UK had taken part.

“I had such a great time there in 2015, I made it my mission to take my own team there so players

from this side of the pond could experience it,” he said.

The 45-year-old lived in Ireland for ten years, opening a baseball and softball academy and bringing together children across the secular divide in Belfast, before returning to his home town of Tonbridge.

“The work in Northern Ireland was a great

PITCH PERFECT Jon Carter played for the British team

There are also more than 20 children who play for the two youth teams, Kent Knights for six to nine-year-olds and Kent Bucs Youth from 10 to 14.

The club is fully inclusive, catering for male and female players from the outset.

The players come from diverse backgrounds, with members from Venezuela, Lithuania and Romania They will be playing in the British Baseball Federation (BBF) leagues against teams such as London, Brighton, Southampton, Norwich, Guildford and Essex.

Jon’s side ‘will also be squaring off against local rivals Tonbridge and Kent Mariners Baseball Club’.

The Tonbridge Wildcats team were runners-up in last season’s Double A competition and also came second in the Ulster Baseball Tournament, which was started by Jon. He says baseball is a rapidly growing summer game in the UK and he believes it’s an excellent alternative to the more traditional cricket.

“Baseball is a family-friendly, fully inclusive sport - and is one of the fastest growing sports in the country,” he says. “It is now an Olympic sport too.

“Although cricket is deeply engrained into the English way of life, I think baseball is an exciting, different alternative which is attractive to both genders and in particular youth.”

Mischievously he adds: “Also, why would you want to play or watch a game like cricket that lasts for five days and ends in a draw?”

The club will also be holding a free baseball umpiring clinic in Hadlow Village Hall on March 31 from 11am to 3pm.

Sporting Times

Wednesday March 7 | 2018

Wells’ youth players make big impression

RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Rugby Club’s Under-15s have enjoyed a hugely successful season, and for the first time three players have been chosen to join the prestigious Saracens Academy.

In total 10 juniors have been selected to train with the Kent Developing Player Programme.

Kent selects 10 per cent of the county’s top players and offers them monthly training sessions to improve their skills ahead of further selection opportunities.

Saracens, the professional Aviva Premiership club based in north-west London, work closely with Kent, Essex and Hertfordshire and select 30 of the most talented and promising young players to feed into their Academy.

Gruelling

COUNTY BOUND: (L-R) George Callow, Euan Symonds, George Kendon, Finn Watson, Harry Child, Max Walker (Rafael Johnstone not pictured) have been chosen for the Developing Player Programme

Dom Bradley, Finn Bradley and Paddy Hagger were chosen for the programme after attending a three-county festival.

They will now be undertaking a gruelling Rugby Skills, Strength and Conditioning programme twice a week at the Saracens Academy, which will open up the opportunity to play the sport at a professional level.

Peter Walker, the club’s coaching co-ordinator, said: “On behalf of the club, we would like to congratulate all 10 players – and especially Dom, Finn and Paddy for this amazing achievement.

“They all absolutely love their rugby and are

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FUTURE SARRIES: Saracens Academy players (l-r) Paddy Hagger, Finn Bradley and Dom Bradley at the Aviva Premiership club’s Allianz Park ground hard-working players who have been a joy to coach since they joined the club at a young age.

“Like all of our players, we have watched them grow and develop through the values that rugby instils. We are immensely proud of them and know that this is only the beginning of their rugby journey.”

Tunbridge Wells Under-15s comprises over 40 players who play in two competitive sides.

The team have won the Kent Cup twice as well as the Development Cup, the Sevens Plate and Saracens Festival.

The club has a strong youth section with over 600 players from Under-6s to up to the Under-18s, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Open weekend for golfers GOLF: POULT WOOD Golf Course is holding a free Open Weekend on April 7-8 for adults and juniors, golfers and non-golfers.

Visitors can enjoy a complimentary bacon roll and coffee before teeing off.

There are free balls, free use of driving range and discounted pre-booked tee times – £10 for 18 holes, £5 for nine holes.

There will also be a Pro Challenge on the course

and a coaching clinic which will ‘add 10 yards to your drive’.

Those who attend will receive a voucher for 50 per cent off 18 holes, valid to May 31, and exclusive discounts in the shop.

To attend this event contact the Pro Shop on 01732 364039 to sign up.

For more information visit www.poultwood.co. uk, email poultwoodgolf@tmactive.co.uk

FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN Poult Wood is offering 50 per cent off green fees to Open Weekend visitors