Times of Tunbridge Wells 8th May 2019

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

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The town centre police station, which is pictured on the right of the Assembly Hall, is set to be put up for sale. The 1930s building has been valued and ‘various options’ are being considered including selling the site. Last year the majority of officers were switched to a base in Tonbridge.

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Theatre plans under growing pressure as voters sweep Tories away at the polls

By

Richard Williams announced on Friday – the same day was not the only cabinet that the Times broke THE political landscape member to the news online lose of the town has about a seat as the borough the theatre being given changed dramatically election the green results were following the light announced. following the planning council elections that inquiry into have added impetus to the campaignprovided Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs). to ditch ‘I certainly hope they Council Leader David the £90million theatre Jukes was will development. among those that lost Last week’s elections now think about their his seat as Tunsaw the Tory bridge Wells’ majority on the authority theatre project again’ slashed from announced local election results were 32 to just eight. last week.

Cllr Nick Pope, TW Alliance Mr Jukes lost Opposition parties picked up 13 of the ough, which Speldhurst and Bidbor18 seats that were up for he has held since 2007, grabs. to The Cabinet Tunbridge Wells Alliance’s Most observers blame Lucy Willis. Development Member for Economic the backlash He was defeated by and Communication against the Conservatives more than 400 Tracy , on the local votes, with Moore, lost in Park ward, theatre project along the newly elected Cllr despite with the national taking Willis there being two seats up for election due 1007 votes [51 per cent] shambles that Brexit has to Mr to the standing become.

Jukes’ 613 [31 per cent]. down of former ConservIronically the elections results were ative councillor, Peter The now former Leader Bulman. of the Council Both cabinet members said they were

‘disappointed’ after Returning Officer William Benson announced the results in a packed Assembly Hall afternoon, with Mr Jukes on Friday admitting it was the council’s theatre project as well as national discontent over Brexit that resulted in such a bad day for the local Conservative Party.

Tunbridge Wells Alliance, the party set up to oppose the council’s £90million Calverley Square project took both seats.

Opposition parties have now called for the local Conservatives to the Calverley Square project. ‘rethink’

For additional election coverage see pages 6-10 inside

ADVERTISING FEATURE

INSIDE

THE VOTES ARE IN

Election shock means 16 new faces on TWBC council page 6

THEATRE GO AHEAD

Green light for civic project but will it still happen? page 4

CINEMA SITE PLEDGE

New owners reveal their exciting Belvedere plans page 5

Fearless Girls A DAY OF ADVENTURE FOR GIRLS APPLYING TO KENT COLLEGE FOR YEARS 7 AND 9

SATURDAY 8TH JUNE | 9.00AM - 4.00PM

KENT COLLEGE

AWARD FINALISTS

Shortlisted companies named for Business Awards page 12

INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 3-18

To find out more and to book, visit

www.kent-college.co.uk

INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 3-18 WWW.KENT-COLLEGE.CO.UK

by Ms Lodrick, Headmistress

Kent College is a boarding and day school, where every girl is treated as an individual and valued for her own unique strengths, talents and ambitions. Girls are encouraged to work hard and balance their academic studies with a full extra-curricular programme so they achieve their personal best in all areas of school life.

Being comfortable with imperfections Julie Lodrick argues that we should encourage girls to take risks

School should be an adventure both in and out of the classroom. Too often girls are treated as if they are fragile objects, when we should be encouraging them to embrace exploration and the unknown.

Reshma Saujan, Founder of Girls Who Code, the US not for profit organisation which aims to close the gender gap in technology, has written about the differences between how, as a society, we treat girls and boys. She believes girls are raised to be perfect and boys to be brave. This pursuit of perfection means that girls are constantly striving for the unobtainable. In her 2016 TED talk she says, “I need each of you to tell every young woman you know to

be comfortable with imperfection.”

Consider that sentence for a moment. It makes for difficult reading. Girls are so often socialised to be flawless, whether this be physically, socially or academically, that when they’re not, they feel like failures. This often means that they shy away from taking risks.

Being comfortable with imperfection forms the basis of resilience, determination and boldness. It allows us to embrace challenges and risks; even be energised by them.

At Kent College, we ensure that girls feel supported and accepted, just as they are. We celebrate their

Back to nature

by Mr Pears, Head of Prep School

Last week’s essential TV viewing was ITV’s Planet Child. The programme, which had viewers on the edge of their seats, ran an experiment to send a group of four to seven year olds across London, without their parents, using just a map and public transport.

There is no doubt that the episode was anxious viewing at times, but what it did show was that children are often much more independent than we anticipate; each group that participated completed the three mile journey from a central London park to the London Eye. In other countries, such as Japan, children are regularly expected to travel across cities by themselves to get to school.

Whilst I am not advocating that we should all leave children to cross busy cities alone (there were hidden chaperones following the children at all times), it is interesting that we often underestimate their self-reliance. In fact, a recent piece of research showed that children are spending less time outside than prison inmates.

At Kent College Prep School, being outdoors is an essential part of the curriculum and we have one of the biggest Forest Schools in the local area.

Girls regularly learn and play outside in our 82 acres of woodland. Girls have the opportunity to explore the woods, overcome the challenges of our outdoor adventure course (even swinging on tyres over a lake) and build dens from

courageous moments and their bravery, not just their successes. A girl is more likely to take a leap if they are told that it doesn’t matter how they land.

That’s why we talk about Kent College girls having GRIT – generosity, resilience, independence and tenacity; key skills needed to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

Watch out world; Kent College girls are coming for you!

Come and join us for our Fearless Girls Day on Saturday 8th June.

A day of adventure for girls applying for Years 7 and 9.

Book online www.kent-college.co.uk

Being Fearless

by Millie, Head Girl

items found on the woodland floor. They cook over campfires, climb trees and learn survival skills.

With so much of children’s lives being devoted to screen time, a connection with the natural world is increasingly important.

Technology brings its benefits, but play in the outdoors is where they will learn to cope with risks and challenges.

Outdoors is unstructured and untidy, full of hiding places and things to be discovered. It makes us feel alive.

Nothing can beat the look of pride on a girl’s face when she cooks her own breakfast on a campfire which she lit using only cotton wool and a spark!

If you’d like to see some of our Forest School yourself, why don’t you come along to our Family Forest Explorers’ Morning on 18th May? It starts at 9.30am and there will be a whole morning of outdoor activities. We’ll be carrying on come rain or shine, so bring wellies and appropriate clothing.

It’s for the whole family - including grandparents!

Prep Open Mornings • Forest Explorers’ Morning - Saturday 18th May, 9.30am - 12.00pm.

• Explore and Play - Regular days throughout the year • Supporting your child’s numeracy in Nursery and Reception - Saturday 15th June, 9.00 - 10.30am.

Millie recently gave a speech at Kent College about ‘Being Fearless’. Here is an excerpt from it.

“I am not a fearless girl so, when I first started writing this speech, I thought I was a fraud. I’m not fearless: I have fears.

If I came face to face with a sloth or was forced to ride a bike, I would run to the hills. But I soon realised that this can’t be the sort of fearless everyone is talking about. So I went to the source of all knowledge, Ms. Church, my English teacher. In some ways, she agreed with me. She admitted that she would fear someone who was fearless - just how I had interpreted the word. I then went to Google (the place we all go when we’re in need of answers). Google gives a long definition about what fearless means, but the general gist is that to be fearless is to be confident and have courage.

I soon found myself researching celebrities who inspire me such as Emma Watson and Malala fighting for equality, Emma Gonzalez speaking up about her beliefs, even if it means going against her own president, and Ashley Graham helping young people accept themselves for who they are.

And, after making a long list of all the people who are fearless and inspirational in the world, I realised that although they are incredible and great role models, I don’t know what they’re actually like as people.

I started to wonder, why is it that, when asked about who inspires us, we are driven to talk about those in the media and celebrities who we’ve never met, when, in reality, we have people

close by who can inspire and support us more.

We can often look to those around us to find people who are fearless: friends who show us that we’re enough; our parents who encourage us to be caring, generous and loving; and our teachers, who give us the confidence to believe in ourselves, even when we are riddled with self-doubt.

These people inspire us to be and become fearless. When I look back at my younger self, little Millie in Year 7 emerging into the big wide world that is Kent College, I see how much these people around me have influenced who I am now. I have changed a lot since my first day here through the help of my fellow fearless girls.

I don’t see myself as fearless, but in many ways I am. I’m sure if you all think a little harder, there will have been a time when you too were fearless. You do not have to have sky-dived or swum with sharks. It is just about overcoming something that has made you unsure or wary.

We have all done fearless things: taken an exam we dreaded or performed on stage when we had butterflies, even gone to a new school where we didn’t know anyone; they are all achievements in their own ways.

So, perhaps, instead of looking to celebrities, you should look to your past self, look back at a time when you were fearless, when you were confident, when you showed courage and soon you will see that the person who inspires you the most is you.”

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Police station to be closed and building sold The town centre police station, which is pictured on the right of the Assembly Hall, is set to be put up for sale. The 1930s building has been valued and ‘various options’ are being considered including selling the site. Last year the majority of officers were switched to a base in Tonbridge.

Full story page 4

Theatre plans under growing pressure as voters sweep Tories away at the polls

By Richard Williams THE political landscape of the town has changed dramatically following the council elections that have provided added impetus to the campaign to ditch the £90million theatre development.

Last week’s elections saw the Tory majority on the authority slashed from 32 to just eight.

Opposition parties picked up 13 of the 18 seats that were up for grabs.

Most observers blame the backlash against the Conservatives on the local theatre project along with the national shambles that Brexit has become.

Ironically the elections results were

announced on Friday – the same day that the Times broke the news online about the theatre being given the green light following the planning inquiry into Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs).

Council Leader David Jukes was among those that lost his seat as Tunbridge Wells’ local election results were announced last week.

Mr Jukes lost Speldhurst and Bidborough, which he has held since 2007, to Tunbridge Wells Alliance’s Lucy Willis.

He was defeated by more than 400 votes, with the newly elected Cllr Willis taking 1007 votes [51 per cent] to Mr Jukes’ 613 [31 per cent].

The now former Leader of the Council

was not the only cabinet member to lose a seat as the borough election results were announced.

‘I certainly hope they will now think about their theatre project again’ Cllr Nick Pope, TW Alliance

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Communication, Tracy Moore, lost in Park ward, despite there being two seats up for election due to the standing down of former Conservative councillor, Peter Bulman.

Both cabinet members said they were

‘disappointed’ after Returning Officer William Benson announced the results in a packed Assembly Hall on Friday afternoon, with Mr Jukes admitting it was the council’s theatre project as well as national discontent over Brexit that resulted in such a bad day for the local Conservative Party.

Tunbridge Wells Alliance, the party set up to oppose the council’s £90million Calverley Square project took both seats.

Opposition parties have now called for the local Conservatives to ‘rethink’ the Calverley Square project.

For additional election coverage see pages 6-10 inside

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Police station could be sold as part of money-saving operation

By Robert Forrester THE police station in Tunbridge Wells is set to be closed down and the building sold, the Times can disclose.

The planned move is part of a money-saving exercise by Kent Police and Crime Commissioner [PCC], Matthew Scott.

The building has not been fully staffed since last year when officers based in the town were moved to Tonbridge, in a move police said was to better ‘pool resources’.

Last week, property valuers attended the 1930s art deco building on Crescent Road, which is owned by Kent Police, to work out the value of the site with the prospect of selling it.

Mr Scott recently put up the police precept part of council tax from £169.15 for a Band D property to £193.15, adding an extra £1million to the council tax bills of the residents of Tunbridge Wells.

At the time Mr Scott said the rise was going to be used to fund 180 new rank and file officers, but he admitted that efficiency savings had to be made.

He said: “I’ve asked Kent Police to continue their drive to be as efficient and effective as possible without putting frontline services at risk. They will make £9.7million of savings over the next year.”

Now it appears that some of those savings will be generated from selling off assets belonging to the Kent Police estate, including the station in Tunbridge Wells.

A spokesman for the Commissioner confirmed

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

serious crime problems, such as Thanet, Dover or Maidstone, meaning taxpayers in the borough will be subsidising the policing of other districts.

“I share concerns that Tunbridge Wells will not see any of these additional resources, but also we have recently lost the police being based in the borough,” said former police commander for Tunbridge Wells, Dave Pate.

Keeping a police presence in Tunbridge Wells Police Station had been a priority for Mr Pate, the former borough commander for Tunbridge Wells, who unsuccessfully contested Rusthall ward in last week’s borough elections for the Conservative Party.

Disturbing

that valuation took place at the police station and that the estate team were looking at ‘various options’ including selling the property.

The spokesman said: “Kent Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner have a duty to the public to make sure all buildings are fit for purpose and offer value for money.

“Our estates plans are kept under review, but any future proposal for any site changes would only be approved by the PCC based on the service offered to the public.”

He added that if the police station were to be sold off, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council would get ‘first refusal’, if they wanted the building.

The news will come as a blow to the people of Tunbridge Wells, who have not only enjoyed a police presence in the town since 1864, when the first police station was built in Pembury, but who also pay a considerable amount towards the policing of the county.

Through the police precept aspect of council tax, 49,412 council taxpayers in Tunbridge Wells now spend nearly £10million a year funding Kent Police.

But critics argue that any extra rank and file officers deployed by Mr Scott will not end up operating in Tunbridge Wells but most likely be sent to other areas of Kent that have more

The former Chief Inspector retired last year and discovered soon after he stepped down that most officers were moved to Tonbridge station, which meant the borough had lost that ‘vital local element’.

“We lose that local knowledge which is so important for gathering local police intelligence,” warned Mr Pate.

He added that unless something was done soon, Tunbridge Wells could see a sharp rise in crime.

“We are already seeing crime increase across the country and the county, and in Tunbridge Wells, we are seeing a number of crime types rising,” he warned.

Indeed, as reported in the Times earlier this year, knife crime in the borough has doubled, and crime in general is increasing, with nearly 2,500 more crimes in Tunbridge Wells reported in the year up to October 2018 – up around a third on the previous year’s figure.

Among the most disturbing trends is the increase in both violent and sexual offences, with 134 more sexual offences reported last year compared to the previous year, a rise of more than 50 per cent.

Borough council gets its theatre but suffers heavy losses in election

By Richard Williams THE Conservative run Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have had their controversial £90million theatre approved, but have paid a hefty price for pressing ahead with the project, taking heavy losses in the local elections.

The Planning Inspectorate confirmed the council’s use of Compulsory Purchase Orders [CPOs] on Friday, effectively giving a green light to the Calverley Square project.

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

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

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

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The council had been involved in a row with several objectors, including Hoopers department store over the use of its car park to service the theatre and town hall development.

However, the Planning Inspectorate, who held an inquiry in the council’s use of CPOs in February, released the outcome of his findings, just after the local election results were announced.

Planning Inspector, Graham Dudley, said: “I have taken into consideration the adverse effects that the development will have as identified in the decision above, including in terms of human rights and equalities of the statutory objectors, but consider overall that the development will contribute significantly to the achievement of the promotion and improvement of the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the area.

“Therefore, on balance there are strong planning justifications for the use of the Compulsory Purchase Order powers to implement the redevelopment scheme so that I consider that there is a compelling case in the public interest. I therefore confirm the Compulsory Purchase Order.”

While there is an appeal process for decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate, it can only be done by judicial review, which means that unless procedures were not followed at the inquiry correctly, the decision cannot be overturned by objecting parties.

Now the council has received confirmation that it can carry on with its compulsory purchase of land and access rights required for the Calverley Square development, work is expected to begin in October, with a planned completion date of January 2022.

Consequence However, the results of Thursday’s local elections have now cast doubt on the Conservative-backed council scheme.

Both David Jukes and Tracy Moore were the most vocal proponents of the development, and while approval for the project has been passed by the council, opposition councillors may now try to bring a motion to postpone or even block the development.

And with 12 Conservative councillors up for

re-election next year, some may be thinking twice about their support for the development.

But Councillor Jane March, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said the report was a complete ‘vindication’ of the council against all arguments made against the theatre.

She said: “This destroys every single argument and vindicates the council especially when you look at the economic impact it will have and the £24-35million that it will bring into the town.”

However, she admitted that plans to press ahead with the theatre were not certain until a new council leader was elected by the Conservative Party.

“We do not know yet exactly where we are going as we do not have a leader as yet to decide which is the way to go.”

But she warned: “If we do not do this, it will have a dramatic consequence for the town.

“Businesses are already questioning why come to a town that is not investing in cultural regeneration.”

Alan McDermott, Deputy Leader of the council, said the new leader will be chosen by the local Conservative Party before their AGM on May 22.

NEW LOOK COUNCIL NEEDS TO REASSURE THE DEVELOPERS HE IS known as the Marmite Man; people love him or feel otherwise. Whatever the feeling, one thing is for certain, Tunbridge Wells will likely be the poorer with the departure of David Jukes from the political arena.

Last week’s local elections saw him ousted from his seat, which also means he is no longer Council Leader. It is largely as a result of his drive and enthusiasm that the borough is looking at developments in the town of around £500million; projects that would transform where we live and work.

There’s the cinema site, the cultural hub, the RVP shopping centre and, of course, the theatre project. And that’s the one that has undone former Cllr Jukes. The idea of building on the

edge of Calverley Grounds led to the creation of Tunbridge Wells Alliance, who took his seat and four Tory scalps.

David Jukes, who always took his job as Leader seriously but never himself, once famously said: “You could put a dog in pram and so long as the pram was painted blue it would get elected.”

Clearly that’s no longer the case.

Another casualty of the voter backlash was Tory Tracy Moore, who also lost out to the Alliance. She was the ‘voice’ of the council initiative to build a new theatre. Cllr Moore, was though, somewhat more than that. She was one the new breed of younger professionals and a potential Council Leader. Her talent and enthusiasm for the town could not be faulted.

Congratulations, though, to all the new councillors and in particular to the Alliance for a targeted campaign that achieved its goal – a greater voice on the council.

This writer has gone on record before stating that democracy is perhaps better served by a local authority that is balanced with no single party having total dominance.

Now, though, the real work begins. Because the new-shape council will have to work together in a way that demonstrates to developers that Tunbridge Wells remains a town that is worthy of their Investment.

And that investment is no longer a given...

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Young driver killed after losing control AN INQUEST into the death of a young driver in Tonbridge found that she was over the legal alcohol limit and may have been using her mobile phone at the time of the TRAGEDY crash.

Lydia Smith Lydia Smith, 23, was driving along Tudeley Road just after midnight on January 26 when she lost control while taking a bend, Senior coroner Roger Hatch heard how her Ford Focus swerved onto the wrong side of the road and hit an oncoming Volkswagen Passat taxi head-on.

Miss Smith, from Stephen’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, died at the scene from serious head injuries, while two men in the Passat suffered serious injuries but survived.

PC Mark Myers of Kent Police’s Serious Crash Investigation Unit said her speedometer was locked at 65mph when officers arrived at the scene - the speed limit on the road is 50mph.

Toxicology tests revealed the former St Gregory’s Catholic School pupil was twice over the legal alcohol limit.

PC Myers added: “It’s possible Miss Smith’s intoxicated state and interacting with her mobile phone, either just before or at the time of the collision, impaired her judgement and distracted her from driving.”

Secret theatre plan AN IMMERSIVE theatre experience is coming to Tunbridge Wells in which the audience plays the jury in the trial of a fighter pilot.

Terror, by Ferdinand von Schirach, tells of a hijacked plane that is shot down while heading towards a packed football stadium. The pilot is put on trial and the audience gets to decide his fate.

Trinity Theatre are putting on the play at a secret location and there are only 48 seats for each performance. It will run from Tuesday May 28 to Sunday June 16. Tickets are available at trinitytheatre.net or 01892 678678.

Open prison closes AN OPEN prison on the outskirts of Goudhurst that closed in 2015 will not reopen, the Ministry of Justice [MOJ] confirms.

HMP Blantyre House, a Category D 122-inmate jail was closed in 2015 for refurbishment but never reopened.

Now MOJ officials have confirmed the prison will be decommissioned.

Philomel rehearsals THE Philomel Singers in Tonbridge are currently preparing for their summer concert in aid of Tonbridge Cottage Hospital League of Friends on June 22.

They meet for rehearsals on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm at Tonbridge Parish Church on Church Lane.

New singers are always welcome and there are no formal auditions. For more information please contact the Secretary Julie Penn on 01732 358073 or the Director of Music Tim Daniell on 07775 581725.

For more information visit philomelsingers.wixsite.com/website

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Inviting new look for derelict cinema site that could boost local economy FRONT OF HOUSE What the foyer of the Belevedere project could look like

By Richard Williams THE new owners of the old cinema site have pledged that when any revised project is completed it will include a ‘boutique cinema’ with at least ‘two screens and maybe three’.

Elysian residences last week outlined their plans for the development in an exclusive interview with the Times.

The company bought the land for an undisclosed sum from Altitude last month, and being the sixth company that has now taken control of the site, the news did provoke some scepticism, with people taking to social media to call the situation a ‘farce’ and that ‘broken promises litter the ground’.

Engaged Now the UK company, which specialises in mixed-use developments aimed at the over 65s, has promised that the Belvedere will ‘definitely’ go ahead, and whatever revisions are made to the original plan—the 1.6 acre site will include a cinema.

“There is definitely going to be a cinema with at least two screens, possibly three,” confirmed Mark Curry, Head of Development and Planning at the developers.

He said the ‘boutique cinema’, which will be positioned on Mount Pleasant Road closest to the station, will be operated by a third party and offer a ‘more relaxed’ movie-going experience.

The 3,000 sq ft restaurant, which will be aimed at both residents and the public, will sit on the

Five hour tailbacks following bike crash A MOTORCYCLIST has been left in a critical condition following a serious crash that caused five hour tailbacks on the A21 on bank holiday Monday.

Police say three motorcyclists were involved in the incident on the coast-bound carriageway of the A21 Tonbridge Bypass between Quarry Hill Road and Woodgate Way. The accident occurred shortly after 9.30am on bank holiday Monday May 6 as hundreds of bikers were heading to Hastings for the annual May Day Run. The injured biker was airlifted to a London Hospital, which meant both London-bound and coast-bound carriageways had to be closed to allow the air ambulance helicopter to land. The injured man is in his 60s and from the Maidstone area. * Two people were also rushed to a London hospital after a crash that closed St John’s Road in Tunbridge Wells for five hours on Friday evening.

adjacent corner of Mount Pleasant Road and Church Road.

In total, the company is investing about £80million in Tunbridge Wells, which includes the cost of buying the site from previous owners Altitude. They will also be generating between 20 to 30 full-time roles.

The apartments will cost upwards of £400,000, and under Section 106 rules, Elysian will be contributing around £500,000 to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for community projects.

However, Elysian dismissed concerns that the Belvedere will be reminiscent of a ‘retirement village’ or a ‘sheltered housing’ scheme.

“For our residents it is more like a hotel. We have a concierge service, a restaurant and shared spaces,” insisted Mr Curry.

He continued: “We could build it in the countryside, but that is not what our residents want. They are people that want to enjoy all that the town has to offer.

“Fundamentally, these are people with disposable income that will spend money in the town’s shops and restaurants.”

CEO at Elysian, Gavin Stein, confirmed that there were ‘no major hurdles’ COMMITMENT that could Mark Curry [left] and Gavin prevent Stein of Elysian Residences the

project from going ahead.

“There is nothing on the horizon that will stop this project being realised,” he said. “We have engaged with Network Rail and while we have a little more work to do preparing the site, the tunnel is not going to cause an issue.”

By adopting most of Altitude’s plans for the land, the company also say they are able to avoid any delays in submitting a new planning application.

“We are aiming to be on site at the end of the year with a two-year construction window. So the Belvedere should be finished by the spring of 2022,” confirmed Mr Stein.

“Not only do we want to hear what people want from the project, especially with regards to the retail aspect, but we also want to build a relationship with the people of Tunbridge Wells,” said Mr Curry.

“We have come to invest in this town and to play a part in its future,” he added.

The company is holding a public exhibition on Thursday May 9 (2pm-7.30pm), Friday May 10 (12pm-4pm) and Saturday May 11 (11.30am-3.30pm) at the Trinity Theatre Bar & Café. All are welcome.

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Deposed Leader warns of the ‘devastating’ impact on local economy of election upset

By Richard Williams IT WAS a disastrous day for the Conservative Party, both locally and nationally, as the results were announced on Friday for last week’s local elections.

Not only did Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Leader David Jukes lose his place at the council chamber, along with cabinet colleague Tracy Moore, but the party lost 13 out of 18 seats it contested.

Mr Jukes admitted that both the national Brexit situation, as well as the council’s divisive theatre and civic centre project, were the two factors for Friday’s shock results.

He said: “The people have spoken. It wasn’t expected but then again it wasn’t a surprise.“It wasn’t just what is happening locally with the theatre but also what is happening nationally with Brexit.

“To say, I’m disappointed is an understatement. We have lost some good councillors, and with so many long term projects in front of us, I’m worried this will have a devastating effect on the economic growth of Tunbridge Wells.”

Tracy Moore, said after the votes were counted: “I think the Calverley Square development is the right way forward for the town and I fought hard to persuade people to my point of view.

“I didn’t succeed in that which is disappointing. It’s now for the new Council to decide the way forward. I hope they will continue with the project but whatever decision is taken I want only the best for Tunbridge Wells.”

It was a good day for Tunbridge Wells Alliance, who picked up five seats. While the Liberal Democrats also won five seats from the Conservatives.

Local Council

Elections

2019 The Conservatives did manage to hold on to five seats, while Independent Rodney Atkins took one of the seats up for grabs in Paddock Wood East. One of the incumbent Conservative councillors there, Sarah Hamilton, also keeps a seat in the council chamber as there was a byelection in the ward.

A Conservative hold in Paddock Wood West was technically a draw. Both Matthew Bailey for the Conservatives and Raymond Moon for Labour secured 289 votes. The ward was finally given to Mr Bailey after the two candidates drew lots.

The Labour Party managed to take Sherwood and Southborough & High Brooms from the Conservatives. In total, 18 seats in 16 wards were contested.

Turnout was comparatively good for a

local election with more 37.6 per cent of the 67,641 registered voters turning out to cast their ballots in the borough, which is more than 25,000 voters.

While the Conservatives retain control of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, as only a third of the council’s 48 seats were being contested, it was still a disastrous day for the party.

Nationally, the Conservatives lost more than 1,300 seats across the country, with many voters blaming the governing party for failing to take the UK out of the European Union.

In Kent, the party lost control of two councils— Swale, where they lost 16 councillors, and Folkestone & Hythe, although they are expected to form a minority council there.

The Labour Party failed to capitalise on the disastrous local election results for the Tories, as they too lost 82 seats across England, which for an opposition party during such turbulent times was seen as a major disappointment for many Labour Party activists.

The big winners had been the Liberal Democrats. The party most opposed to Brexit gained more than 700 seats across the country.

Tunbridge Wells MP, Greg Clark, who was at the count on Friday, told the Times he was ‘disappointed’ in the local results.

He said: “It was clearly a very disappointing night for Conservatives and I am sad to have lost dedicated and hardworking councillors.

“It was tough to fight these elections

‘The people have spoken.

It wasn’t expected but then again it wasn’t a surprise’ David Jukes

against a backdrop of frustration over Brexit and some controversial local issues, and I admire the personal efforts that candidates made.”

Commenting on the loss of the council Leader, he said: “David Jukes has served our borough with energy and passion, over nearly 30 years, including as mayor and latterly Leader of the council.

“David has always been straight talking and clear-sighted and I applaud his huge contribution to our borough.”

However, he added: “I congratulate all councillors elected on Thursday and wish them well in their vital work of representing the people of our wonderful area.”

The Conservatives still won the majority vote share during Thursday’s ballot, taking 29 per cent of the vote, while the Liberal Democrats came a close second with 27 per cent.

The Tunbridge Wells Alliance, who only fielded six candidates took 18 per cent, while the Labour Party managed only 12 per cent.

The Women’s Equality Party came second

and fourth in the two wards they contested, securing a two per cent vote share, while Greens and Ukip secured seven per cent between them.

The makeup of the council now sees 28 Conservative’s facing opposition from 20 councillors made up of nine Liberal Democrats, six from Tunbridge Wells Alliance, four from Labour and one Independent.

Alternative Liberal Democrat Leader, Ben Chapelard, commenting after the results, said: “This result shows that we are now the alternative party across Tunbridge Wells’ borough.

“It has shown the Conservative party that they will perhaps need a rethink on their £90million theatre and town hall complex.

“Even if the CPOs are confirmed today, it shows across the borough only a small percentage of people are behind the scheme.”

Councillor Nick Pope of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance added: “I certainly hope they [the Conservatives] will now think about their theatre project again. It must be clear to them now that this is the wrong project for Tunbridge Wells.”

Both councillors said their respective parties will be seeking to work together ‘for the good of the borough’.

NEWS

With Councillor David Jukes losing his Speldhurst and Bidborough seat to the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, the council will have to elect a new Leader.

Tracy Moore is no longer in contention to take over from Mr Jukes, having lost her Park ward seat, and Cllr Lynne Weatherly, the Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, stepped down from her Sherwood seat [won by Hugo Pound for Labour].

This leaves only four cabinet members remaining: Councillor Alan McDermott, Cabinet Member for Transport, also the cabinet’s ViceChairman, will be temporary de-facto Leader until a new

Chairman of the cabinet is elected.

Councillor Dr Ronen Basu, Cabinet Member for Sustainability, Councillor Jane March, Cabinet Member for Culture Leisure and Tourism, and Councillor David Reilly the Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance could all take over Mr Jukes’ reins.

Cllr Jane March, who has served on the council since 2011, may have been seen as favourite, but following the recent culture hub naming debacle, which saw the council’s mixed use replacement for the library being renamed ‘The Amelia Scott’ then ‘The Amelia’ and back to ‘The Amelia Scott’ again, Cllr March may not be seen as a safe pair of hands.

West, Andrew Fairweather in Frittenden & Sissinghurst, and Linda Hall in Goudhurst & Lamberhurst.

Five new Liberal Democrats have joined the chamber, which are Lib Dem Chairman, Andrew Hickey [Pantiles & St Mark’s], James Rands [Culverden], David Funnell [Rusthall], Trevor Poile [Southborough North], and Marguerita Morton [St John’s].

Joining Tunbridge Wells’ Alliance’s previous only councillor, Nick Pope

[Park], will be: Christian Atwood [Park], Rebecca Bruneau [Park], David Hayward [Pembury], Lucy Willis [Speldhurst & Bidborough], and Nancy Warne [Benenden & Cranbrook].

Labour also has two more councillors to join its existing two seats at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. They are Luke Everitt in Southborough & High Brooms, and Hugo Pound in Sherwood.

Lib Dems call for ‘Extraordinary’ meeting THE Liberal Democrats have already written to the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to request an Extraordinary Full Council meeting to discuss the theatre project.

Cllr Ben Chapelard, Liberal Democrat Leader of Tunbridge Wells’ official opposition, told the Mayor Len Horwood: “Firstly, following last Thursday’s Borough elections, the Council lost its Leader, Cllr David Jukes. We need to appoint a successor at the earliest opportunity rather than delay until Full Council on

Wednesday 22nd May. “Secondly, in the elections, residents sent a clear rejection of the Calverley Square project, with 13 of 18 seats being won by parties standing on a platform of rejecting the project as it currently stands.

“With the main proponents of the scheme, Cllrs David Jukes and Tracy Moore, losing their seats, it is urgent to establish whether this council, under new leadership, still has the political appetite to go ahead with the project in its current form.”

Tunbridge Wells ward results Benenden & Cranbrook Nancy Elizabeth Warne

VOTES/VOTE SHARE Tunbridge Wells Alliance

771

43%

Liberal Democrat

723

32%

Conservative

347

46%

Conservative

505

39%

Conservative

797

55%

Rodney James Atkins

Independent

416

23%

Sarah Ann Hamilton

Conservative

329

18%

Conservative

289

31%

Liberal Democrat

1346

60%

Christian Robert Atwood

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

1125

24%

Rebecca Jane Bruneau

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

1088

23%

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

784

44%

Liberal Democrat

547

41%

Labour Party

517

34%

Labour Party

845

50%

Liberal Democrat

691

53%

Tunbridge Wells Alliance

1007

51%

Liberal Democrat

1165

59%

Culverden James Edward Rands Frittenden & Sissinghurst Andrew Eric Fairweather Goudhurst & Lamberhurst Linda Marian Hall Hawkhurst & Sandhurst Godfrey Hamilton Bland Paddock Wood (East)

Paddock Wood (West) Matthew Richard Bailey Pantiles & St Mark’s Andrew Thomas Hickey Park NEW BLOOD: [L-R] Luke Everitt [Labour], Lucy Willis [Tunbridge Wells Alliance], and Andrew Hickey [Liberal Democrat]

Paddock Wood votes independent THE borough council’s only independent councillor was elected in the hotly fought ward of Paddock Wood East.

With a by-election in the ward in addition to the seat being defended by incumbent, Sarah Hamilton [Con], ten prospective candidates put themselves forward to represent the town and civil parish, with most of the major political parties fielding two candidates.

Town councillor Rodney Atkins (pictured) was voted in alongside Cllr Hamilton, and he believes the result was due to people being fed up with traditional party politics.

Before the count he told the Times: “All the party candidates have to toe the party line, so whatever is decided they have to abide by this in the borough level. It is local issues that are important. And I think the

7

WHO WILL BE NEXT LEADER?

Meet your new TWBC councillors TUNBRIDGE WELLS has a total of 16 new elected councillors to the borough council.

Just two incumbent councillors managed to defend their seats— Sarah Hamilton [Cons] for Paddock Wood East and Godfrey Bland [Cons] for Hawkhurst & Sandhurst.

All the other councillors are new to the chamber. The new councillors include three Conservatives: Matthew Bailey in Paddock Wood

Local News

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

people have had enough. It is time for change.”

For Paddock Wood East, the most fundamental local issue has been the planned location of the new £2.8million community centre, which has been earmarked for Memorial Field, a patch of green land near to the town centre.

Cllr Atkins explained: “Two things have been coming up on the doorstep—the Calverley Square project and Memorial Field, the site for the proposed community centre.”

A campaign group called Friends of Memorial Field was set up to oppose the project, and managed to force the town council into holding a local poll on the

community centre’s location.

The council spent £5,000 on the parish poll to get the views of local residents in January of this year, which returned 409 votes against the development on Memorial Field, and 357 in favour.

But in a meeting held after the vote, Paddock Wood Town Council, backed by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), voted in favour of continuing with the project, despite the vote against the community centre being built on the earmarked site.

And it is this decision that may have come back to bite the traditional parties, leading to the election of TWBC only independent councillor.

Pembury David Donald Hayward Rusthall David Maurice James Funnell Sherwood Hugo Giles Pound Southborough & High Brooms Luke Alistair Everitt Southborough North Trevor William Poile Speldhurst & Bidborough Lucinda Dawn Willis St John’s Marguerita Morton

For a full list of the borough results please visit: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/council/voting-and-elections/election-results

8

NEWS

Local News

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Lib Dems and Greens seize control of Tonbridge wards

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE radical change at local council level across the land was reflected in Tonbridge, where the Conservatives lost more than a quarter of their seats – four out of 15 – two to the Liberal Democrats and two to the Green Party.

The Tories retained a powerful majority on Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] – they still hold 39 seats out of 54 – but lost nine seats across the borough in the local elections on May 2.

Frani Hoskins, who had been a councillor in Vauxhall for 21 years before she lost in the 2007 ballot, was re-elected along with fellow Lib Dem Garry Bridge.

And in Judd ward the Greens created a sensation as they swept to victory after a turn-out of more than 50 per cent.

The winners there were Mark Hood, chair of the local protest group Keep River Lawn Green, and April Clark, the Greens’ constituency candidate at the last General Election.

They gained 79 per cent of the vote, contrasting with four years ago when the Tories enjoyed 66 per cent.

The Lib Dems claimed five seats in total to give themselves nine representatives, while Labour gained one and there was one Independent Alliance success, Wendy Palmer in Borough Green & Long Mill – meaning three independents now rule there.

The only independent in Tonbridge,

‘It’s been a brilliant campaign, it’s gone really well, we have been campaigning for a year. Yesterday we knocked on a thousand doors’ GREEN WAVE Mark Hood and April Clark (centre) with fellow Green party candidates

Stacey Pilgrim, polled an impressive 21 per cent in Trench against the Mayor, Pam Bates, who accrued 26 per cent – the same as fellow Conservative Georgina Thomas.

In Vauxhall, Maria Heslop, Cabinet member for Community Services and wife of Council Leader Nicolas Heslop, lost the seat she had held since 2007.

Carl Lewis, the town’s Poppy Appeal organiser and flood warden who was her running mate, failed to fill the role vacated by Sarah Spence.

She had decided to stand down as a councillor partly in protest at decisions

taken by TMBC’s planning department.

Cllr Hoskins said: “I have carried on working in Vauxhall even though I lost my seat 12 years ago, and it’s brilliant to be back. But this is not the end, it’s the beginning.”

The former teacher at Sussex Road Primary School added: “I stood for the county council elections and did very well in Vauxhall, though I did poorly everywhere else in Tonbridge. But that renewed my spirit.”

Cllr Bridge, who works for a financial services firm in Hildenborough, was elected after running in the last three local elections.

He said the victory had come because ‘there is a sense that the Conservatives had total control. People wanted a different voice’.

The Green victory means that David Cure loses his seat after 16 years while

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Local Council

Elections

2019 Tony Lambeth, the man chosen to replace stalwart Peter Bolt, failed to make an impression.

Cllr Clark, who works in human resources and has an 18-month-old daughter, said: “The turn-out has been amazing, around 30 per cent overall but more than 50 per cent in Judd ward.”

Continued on page 10

10

NEWS

Local News

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

LIBERAL ELITE Garry Bridge and Frani Hoskins enjoy the count in Larkfield Leisure Centre She added: “It’s been a brilliant campaign, it’s policies other councils are doing, because our gone really well, we have been campaigning for a council’s business model is broken.”

He added: “We think people want real change, year and had over a hundred people helping us.

“We held a public meeting about the Local Plan they can see what the council has been doing and and people remembered us from that, and yester- have rejected their broken policies, like the Local Plan – building 4,400 homes on the Green Belt – day we knocked on a thousand doors.” and Special Expenses, which is Cllr Hood revealed: “We all went solely down to their poor finances. to the Foresters [pub] to celebrate, “The council has behaved with we used that as a training base ‘I have carried on complete disregard to the people of along with the Nelson. working in the town – and they are sick to “We had dozens of people helpVauxhall even death of it.” ing us out with the leaflets and they though I lost my Council Leader Nicolas Heslop, were all there.”

He added that the Greens wanted seat 12 years ago, who was re-elected in Cage Green, to work with fellow councillors to and it’s brilliant said: “While the Conservatives are the largest group on Tonbridge & offer an alternative vision to the to be back. But Malling, I recognise that there are Tory majority.

“We are not interested in power,” this is not the end, communities represented by other he said. “We want to talk to other it’s the beginning’ political parties.

“I will wish to listen construccouncillors and effect change. tively to the views of those members “We want to change the way the council is structured, we want to see an end to in how to deliver the best possible service for all the Cabinet system and work with the opposition our residents.

“We will work hard to ensure we continue to – and there are more of them now – to put preshave an efficiently run council and deliver highsure on the Conservatives.

“We want to see best practice, we will look at quality local services.”

Tonbridge ward results Vauxhall: 2 seats

Castle: 2 seats

Hoskins

Lib Dem

858

33%

King

Con

640

Bridge

Lib Dem

759

29%

Branson

Con

623

25%

M Heslop

Con

526

20%

Arigho

Lab

129

5%

Lewis

Con

445

17%

Songer

Lib Dem

342

14%

Stepto

Green

338

14%

Watson-Reynolds

Green

323

13%

Wilson

Lab

92

4%

Turn-out 35% Judd: 2 seats Hood

Green

1,512

40%

Clark

Green

1,477

39%

Bullen

Ukip

144

4%

Cure

Con

348

9%

Lambeth

Con

272

7%

Turn-out 51% Trench: 2 seats Bates

Con

484

26%

Thomas

Con

460

26%

Marten C

Lab

240

14%

Pilgrim

Ind

366

21%

Richardson

Lab

234

13%

Turn-out 29% Higham: 2 seats King

Con

785

34%

Tombolis

Con

608

26%

Brightmore

Lib Dem

279

12%

Ramsay

Lab

187

8%

Stockdale

Green

476

20%

Turn-out 37% There were 15 seats up for grabs in Tonbridge town’s seven wards, which had all previously been occupied by Conservative councillors.

26%

Turn-out 38% Cage Green: 2 seats Heslop

Con

732

30%

Davis

Con

726

29%

Buckley

Green

352

14%

Long

Green

325

13%

Shergold

Lib Dem

164

7%

Wallington

Lib Dem

172

7%

Turn-out 37% Medway: 3 seats Boughton

Con

725

16%

Botten

Con

697

15%

Lark

Con

624

14%

Gray

Green

528

12%

Hussey

Ukip

207

5%

Lloyd

Lib Dem

333

7%

Marten A

Lab

210

5%

Marten Z

Lab

189

4%

Munro

Lib Dem

281

6%

Partington

Green

370

8%

Ruge

Green

418

9%

Turn-out 31%

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

A decade in town for busy investment firm TUNBRIDGE WELLS investment management firm Brooks Macdonald is celebrating its tenth anniversary in the town.

Part of the Brooks Macdonald Group, which was founded in London in 1991, the Mount Ephraim Road-based branch provides services to professional advisers, private clients, trusts and charities throughout Kent.

Delighted It set up shop in the royal town in 2009, and since then the firm says the business has ‘exceeded their expectations’ and now employs eight members of staff, headed by Senior Investment Director Howard Crossen.

He said: “We are delighted to reach the ten-year milestone. We have built our business on the central Brooks Macdonald philosophies, which include strong relationships, trust, investing in high quality people and investing in the local community through various charities and sponsorships.”

He continued: We hope to continue developing our professional adviser relationships and will seek to exceed our clients’ expectations as they plan and save for their future financial requirements.

He added that the company has also agreed to sponsor Jazz on The Pantiles for the third year running.

The festival, now in its 22nd year, began last week and continues every Howard Thursday until Crossen September 26.

Local News

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BUSINESS

11

Nearly half of BHS units remain empty

By Richard Williams ALMOST half of the units abandoned by BHS when the retailer collapsed still sit empty, according to new research.

The former BHS store in Tunbridge Wells, which straddled Calverley Road precinct and Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, has been empty since the firm went into administration in 2016,.

But it is not alonem as 44 per cent of all the former BHS stores across the UK have yet to be filled by other retailers.

Out of the 160 stores that closed, only 90 have been filled, with 70 units still sitting empty, according to the Local Data Company [LDC].

All BHS stores were closed in August 2016 after administrators failed to find a buyer.

Primark took on seven of the empty BHS units, B&M Bargains took six, Poundland five and Next and Sports Direct each took four.

But only 12 of the empty units were let in the past 12 months, with LDC’s data showing that 96 of the department stores’ shops were empty without a new tenant or redevelopment in the works this time last year.

CLOSED SHOP Tunbridge Wells’ BHS is among 70 units up and down the country that remain empty

Controversial The figures suggest the fallout from BHS’s collapse is still reverberating along UK high streets.

Controversial businessman Sir

Philip Green had bought the company for £200million in 2000, but sold it 15 years later for just £1.

The Pensions Regulator is still

working to secure a £9.5million payout from the last owner of the company, Dominic Chappell, to plug a black hole in the pension scheme.

how we work matters to both our clients and our people. Put simply, having lawyers that care more, imagine better and enjoy their work means that they consistently achieve more for our clients.”

The company has also expanded its agricultural team, with the

appointment of new legal expert Kit Mordaunt.

Mr Mordaunt joins from Exeter firm Foot Anstey and has extensive experience acting for large landed estates, advising on their agricultural, commercial and residential property needs.

Law firm rebrands

SOLICITORS Cripps have rebranded following last year’s successful merger with London-based property and private wealth lawyers Pemberton Greenish.

The company, which is now called Cripps Pemberton Greenish, has become one of the country’s leading legal practices focusing on real estate, private wealth and growing businesses thanks to the merger.

Finalised in December last year, the combining of the two firms has enabled the law firm to provide a full range of skills across commercial,

real estate and private client law.

CEO Gavin Tyler explained: “The launch of our new brand marks the start of an exciting time for Cripps Pemberton Greenish.

“Our merger in December 2018 has already produced real benefits for both our clients and for our people, and our new brand is the next step in our commitment to developing a modern and progressive firm underpinned by a focus on exceptional client service.

“Expertise and experience are simply expected these days – so

12

BUSINESS

Times Awards

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Judges face tough task as business award finalists are announced…

will win one of the ten coveted THE deadline has passed, the categories. It will not be an easy entries have been counted, and task. the shortlisted companies for this “Each year it seems to get more year’s Times Business Awards have difficult to arrive at a shortlist,” been selected. said Times Local Newspapers’ More than a hundred businesses Editorial Director Richard Moore. from the boroughs of Tunbridge “This time round it was particularly Wells and Tonbridge and the challenging with Sevenoaks such an impressive district entered number of highthe fourth LOCAL NEWSPAPERS calibre entrants, annual awards, which range from which will young people take place at starting out to Salomons Estate, experienced hands Tunbridge Wells running successful on Thursday, enterprises.

May 30.

“Tough decisions This year, have had to be made, the calibre of and we know many entrants has will be disappointed been particularly if they don’t see high, and their names on while plenty of the shortlist. But I past winners would like to share have thrown our appreciation for their hats into them taking the time and effort to the ring again, there has been put themselves forward, so a big an overwhelming number of thanks to all of them. businesses entering the awards for “Congratulations to those who the first time. have been shortlisted – and good Forty entrants have been luck on the big night.” shortlisted, and these finalists The winners will be announced at will be sent to our panel of six a black tie gala awards ceremony at judges, who will make the ultimate Salomons on May 30. decision as to which businesses

Times

2019

The Times Business Awards 2019 finalists START-UP BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore

SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD sponsored by Handelsbanken

These entries are all new start-ups under two years old that have translated an idea into a successful business venture.

Retail Fire – maintenance and installation of fire equipment SPN Lifestyle – fitness boutique MP Payroll Solutions – payroll bureau and HR advice service Pipehouse Gin – makers of gin

The finalists in this category have all demonstrated outstanding assistance and advice to those who buy or use their business or organisation’s products or services.

Bright Spark Electrical Services – safety checks, installations and repairs HR Revolution – outsourced HR consultancy Archway Autos – garage, servicing, repairs and MOTs RTW Skin – medical, aesthetics and dermatology Paperstone – online office supplies

CREATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Studio 44 Those shortlisted for this award are all businesses whose success is based on innovation and creative thinking.

ECCE – web development agency Hardman & Hemming – bespoke tailors John Bullock Design – architectural practice Corker UK – outdoor living and landscape supplies

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR sponsored by Charles Stanley This award is open to dynamic individuals who are running their own business and are able to demonstrate significant success and drive in growing their company.

Loch Associates – employment law and HR consultancy Fox Marketing Services – print, direct mail and data solutions Ansacom – telephone answering service Sally Henderson – executive change mentor

YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR sponsored by Castle Cars The shortlisted entries are all people in business under the age of 30 that have shown a clear vision and strategy for their business and are committed to growing it.

Support Local – lifestyle magazine and pop-up events Once Upon a Wish Events – children’s party and event entertainment Duke & Hyde – men’s grooming Pasta Verdi – food manufacturer

BEST IN FOOD AND DRINK AWARD sponsored by Targetfollow The following shortlisted entries have all demonstrated that they provide truly remarkable food and drink in the area.

Framptons – café bar and restaurant The Mount Edgcumbe – bar, restaurant and rooms Soprano & Coco Retro – restaurant, wine and tapas bar Pipehouse Gin – makers of gin

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

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

TO ORDER TICKETS OR REQUEST MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: INFO@TIMESBUSINESSAWARDS.CO.UK – OR YOU CAN SIMPLY CALL AWARDS ORGANISER EILEEN SWEENEY ON 01892 779 583.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

BUSINESS

Advertorial

Judge’s panel to decide winners Businesses that have been put on the shortist will have to wait until the gala evening on May 30 at Salomons Estate before they know if they have scooped one of this year’s Times Business Awards.

All shortlisted entrants will be sent to our expert judging panel, which is made up of a number of leading names from a range of fields.

Winners will be notified on the night where Strictly legend, Anton du Beke, will present the 10 category winners with their awards.

Times Awards

Every month we hear from Nick Brandon at ‘tecwork’ on the latest developments in the world of IT and Telecoms.

Head Judge Jo James

Gavin Tyler

Darren Austin

Tracy Moore

James Priory

Richard Moore

What you Should Expect from Your IT or Telecoms Support Company With so many varying levels of IT and Telecoms support offerings out there, it can be a confusing subject so here we briefly cover what you we think you SHOULD expect from your Support company.

A reliable and responsive support team has never been so critical…they should stay ahead of the game, anticipating and avoiding future issues via proactive monitoring, and advising on replacements and upgrades to systems before they pose a risk to staff productivity, security or data integrity.

Fast Response Responses to problems should take no more than a few minutes.

If you are waiting any longer, this could have a huge impact to your organisation and people. A local presence is essential where site visits are required. Taking hours or days for responses is surprisingly common.

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD sponsored by Childrensalon Shortlisted entries for this award range from large family-run concerns to small businesses run by family members, but all have shown great success.

Runway Training – education and training Abbey Funeral Services – funeral directors Archway Autos – garage, servicing, repairs and MOTs Fuller’s Farm Shop – traditional butcher’s and farm shop Corker UK – outdoor living and landscape supplies

BEST BUSINESS 25+ EMPLOYEES sponsored by John Bullock Design These larger businesses all employ more than 25 people and have shown consistent growth and strong financial performance alongside an engaged workforce and a business plan supporting innovation and future growth.

Fox Marketing Services – print, direct mail and data solutions Castle Cars – taxi and chauffeur service CT Travel Group – leisure and corporate travel

BEST BUSINESS 1-25 EMPLOYEES sponsored by The Perfume Studio Among the best small businesses, these shortlisted entries that employ fewer than 26 people have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance.

Oaklands Global – aviation and aerospace recruitment DMP – chartered building surveyors HR Revolution – outsourced HR consultancy Loch Associates – employment, law and HR consultancy Page & Page – advertising and marketing

OUTSTANDING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Tunbridge Wells Together The ultimate award of all the categories will go to one of these shortlisted businesses that have all demonstrated outstanding initiative, boldness and

imagination in the enterprise, as well as sound management practices.

Fox Marketing Services –print, direct mail and data solutions GingerMay –marketing and PR consultancy Oaklands Global – aviation and aerospace recruitment

A bubbly welcome thanks to Unity Wine Finalists and guests attending this years’ gala night at Salomons Estate can expect an effervescent welcome, courtesy of Unity Wines.

As Welcome Drinks Sponsor, the wine supplier is providing 40 bottles of its Baron de Marck Champagne for the awards evening.

The company has said it is ‘delighted’ to sponsor the Times Business Awards and to help toast the success of the 2019 awards finalists.

Unlimited support agreements Much of the time an organisation will drift from one company to another (in our experience). This is often due to mis-understood expectations.

A good way to avoid this is to have an ‘Unlimited Remote Support’ package as this keeps things simple and avoids misunderstanding.

Of course, some organisations have specialist equipment or software which may be supported by a specialist vendor but for most smaller organisations, this will not apply.

This way your organisation can log support tickets as often as required with no need to worry about how much it is costing.

With around 95% of support request being resolved remotely, there is usually no need for smaller organisations to be paying a premium for included site visits in their support agreement – ‘Pay As You Go’ is often a better option.

Tracking support requests Your support company should have a proper job ticketing system in place, meaning problems will be assigned a new ticket and ID number. This ensures fast centralisation and delegation of tasks, with an audit trail to keep track of ticket volumes, responses and trends.

Simple remote access & monitoring Establishing fast and secure remote access to devices on your network should be simple using remote access and monitoring software. This should enable technicians access to any business computing device, whether it is a Windows Server, laptop, iMac, smartphone or iPad. A proactive approach Your support company should hold regular review meetings with you. Many support companies seem to respond to faults, take the money and that’s where it ends. They should be discussing with you the latest developments in the industry and new and better ways of working. Also many companies seem to be very narrowminded and stick only to what they know, rather than ensuring their staff are motivated to learn and train on new solutions.

Simple & fair billing We have found that customers really value a simple approach with all services billed on a single monthly bill with full itemisation.

Pricing should be simple and clear for you so when you have new starts you know how much it will cost in additional support charges.

www.tecwork.co.uk/it-support Contact 01892 578666 Email: twtimes@tecwork.co.uk

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

manager at Souper Juice said. “It’s almost like a different time, except we always have new and exciting businesses moving in as well!”

Diversity

It’s still business as usual in historic Monson Road during new facelift…

Work is set to continue over the summer to improve one of the oldest roads in Tunbridge Wells. Jerome Bowman spoke to traders about the positive steps they are taking to ensure Monson Road’s future as an essential shopping destination WORK was recently finished on the first stage of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s project to improve Monson Road, which will remove the traffic island on the corner of Mount Pleasant Road and add a granite kerb to make a level crossing for pedestrians.

You will quickly notice the character of the

shops is changing, with a boutique opticians, a pet shop and a juice bar adding to the longstanding retailers. There is even a floatation therapy spa and a food shop that offers gourmet ready-meals. With 28 shops in total, you really have to visit to see all that is on offer.

Some of the businesses have been in Monson

Road for decades, such as pet shop Wolfit, or M Saltmarsh, established in 1835, which makes it the oldest shop in Tunbridge Wells and the oldest art shop in the South East.

“Monson Road feels more personal, people love to idle on the street and browse, or come into any of our shops and have a chat,” a

If you ask people about the places they go to shop in Tunbridge Wells, they will probably say Royal Victoria Place, The Pantiles and the High Street. However, traders in Monson Road are hoping to change that.

They may have faced some challenges recently, including the temporary closure of the Crescent Road car park and the roadworks that shut the road off from traffic, but when talking to these businesses it becomes clear how passionate they are about thriving as an important retail area.

“This end of town has a lot to offer,” one trader told me. “We have mainly independent shops here and there really is a diversity that makes it special – and that’s why we want to put ourselves on the map.”

The traders are rallying round despite the recent road closure affecting footfall significantly.

“We still had destination customers, but curious shoppers and potential customers were not coming really,” Jamie, one half of opticians Edney & Edney, said about the roadworks.

A manager at Jeremy’s Home Store agreed that this had been a difficult time: “It was really hard, because the works were so unsightly it put people off coming, and we need the footfall to improve in order to survive,” he said.

The temporary but extended renovation of the Crescent Road car park also had a negative impact. One trader explained that ‘without people parking in Crescent Road car park, we lost customers coming to and from there to Royal Victoria Place’. Another business owner reported a drop of as much as 40 per cent in their revenue during this period.

Yet despite these challenges, traders in Monson Road remain optimistic and pro-active in their approach to attracting more custom.

“For the first time we decided to start having weekly traders’ meetings,” the manager of

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

‘We have many shops here, and there really is a diversity that makes it special’ Souper Juice explained, “and everyone agrees it has been a really positive step forward because we all have great ideas for how to attract more business and work together in the long term.”

The ideas on the table include a revamp of the Christmas lights display, bringing back hanging baskets, and having their own market.

“Now that the weekly market has moved to Market Square, we feel this is an opportunity to have our own stalls, and we are talking through some creative solutions for where to have it, including on the top floor of the car park – as has been done in other towns,” one trader said.

The main priority for these businesses, though, is to change people’s perception of the road. Jamie from Edney & Edney said: “What I would really like to see is this road becoming its own district.”

And other traders agreed that if Monson Road

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk is to improve they will need a stronger identity.

“People often think of shopping in Tunbridge Wells as walking in a straight line, starting in The Pantiles and finishing in Royal Victoria Place,” they explained. “What we want is for people to see Monson Road and Camden Road as the next stop on the line.

“At our traders’ meetings we have been discussing naming this area. It’s early days, but we are talking to local historians about it as well so we can really make it stick when we do decide.”

This will help with their other aim, which is to have better signage so that shoppers don’t simply walk past the two roads.

“With an identity, we can really start to put the area on the map as a district,” said another trader.

Pro-active work with local institutions means businesses here feel optimistic about the future.

“We are really happy with all the help and advice we have had from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together. It means a lot to us that we can all work together to make shopping in Monson Road and the town in general more attractive so

‘What we and our neighbours offer is something you can’t get online’ that our independents can thrive,” they said.

“What we and our neighbours offer is something you can’t get online,” Jamie Edney added. “We all offer an exceptional level of service and have personal relationships with our customers, meaning they can leave satisfied with the quality product they have bought.”

The manager of Souper Juice agreed that the way forward is to nurture the independent and unique businesses they have. “Everyone is excited about the Amelia Scott building project, too. It’s a chance to show people the history of our area and the heritage of our town.”

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Try your hand on the tiller for free at Bewl Water’s open day

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

THE HIGH LIFE Tam Thompson with Maxine (left) and Megan

OPEN WATER Bewl Water’s free sailing is available to all age groups and abilities

Ninety-year-old great-grandmother shows why she’s tower of strength FREE sessions for all the family are being offered

by Bewl Sailing Association on the South-East’s largest reservoir, Bewl Water, on Saturday May 18.

The event, at Lamberhurst, is part of the Royal Yacht Association’s Push the Boat Out campaign to attract people who are new to the sport or looking to get back on the water.

Commodore Mark Munday said: “We’re inviting the local community to come down to have a go at sailing, see what Bewl Sailing Association and the other sailing groups and organisations have to offer, and get involved.

Who knows, you might just get hooked.

“Sailing can be as physical or as relaxing as you want to make it. You can sail with others or on your own, do it competitively, or potter about and just enjoy the gentle escape of being outside in the elements.”

Visitors may be of any age, and can simply turn up at Bewl Water and book their session with an experienced helm. The day runs from 10am to 4pm and parking is free.

With integrated sailing provided by Mariners of Bewl, this is also an opportunity for the physically disabled and able-bodied to get afloat and enjoy sailing together.

Buoyancy aids will be provided, and refreshments are available throughout the day.

To find out more about Bewl Sailing Association, visit bewlsailing.club or follow @BewlSailing on Facebook For details about Mariners of Bewl, visit mariners-of-bewl.org.uk or follow @MarinersBewl on Facebook For more information on Push the Boat Out, visit rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

A DAREDEVIL great-grandmother from Tunbridge Wells has abseiled down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth to raise funds for a South-East hospice.

Tam Thompson, who turned 90 on April 20, performed the feat alongside her daughter and granddaughter – known as the ‘Generation Girls’.

The tower structure is one of the tallest in the UK outside London, standing 170 metres tall – twoand-a-half times higher than Nelson’s Column.

Tam, who has three children, seven ­grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, ­follows a daily routine that includes Tai Chi, Pilates, aerobics and walking her Alsatian dog.

She is oldest person ever to perform the ­Spinnaker feat, having decided to take up the challenge after the death of her husband of 66 years, Michael, in January.

Her daughter, Maxine Thompson, said she has developed a taste for numerous activities and adventures in later life.

“Mum and dad met when they were 13,” said Maxine, “and up until her 60s she was quite

a typical mum – looking after the family and content to stay at home. Then she suddenly took off on an Outward Bound expedition to the Lake District and hasn’t looked back since.”

Maxine had originally planned to do an abseil for the Princess Alice Hospice after her husband, Mark, died in 2014. He had been diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and was cared for by the hospice.

Princess Alice Hospice has provided free end-oflife care to tens of thousands of people across the Home Counties for more than 30 years.

Maxine has undertaken other fundraising activities since Mark’s death – including a 5k run, music gig and various cake sales.

The two women were accompanied by Maxine’s niece Megan Stapely, 31, who has previously undertaken bungee jumps for charity.

Maxine said: “We were excited and nervous to do this abseil challenge but we were keen to do something memorable to raise money for the hospice, to make a difference, and take home some incredible memories!”

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

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John’s fundraising marathon for holidays reaches £75,000

By Andy Tong SOUTHBOROUGH’S marathon man, John de Vial, completed his sixth London Marathon in a row last month, and has raised more than £75,000 since 2014.

The 56 year old is aiming to raise a total of £100,000 for the Family Holiday Association [FHA], and this year’s challenge has accrued a further £11,250.

The charity helps some of the most deprived children in the country and their families to have a break, either for a week in a caravan in the UK or simply for a day trip.

FAMILY OUTING Vicki and Phil Corby with their sons Adam and Ben [in red top]

Three scenic cycle tours of Kent to support Hospice in the Weald

The charity helps some of the most deprived children in the country to have a break with their families The FHA is only able to help the most serious cases of young people living in poverty, who are referred to them by the NHS and other agencies.

John has been appointed as an ambassador for its Together 2020 campaign, which is aiming to double the number of families helped.

He became involved in supporting the FHA through the travel industry, a sector in which he has worked since leaving education 39 years ago.

John took part in his first London Marathon in 1988, when he was running on behalf of The Prince’s Trust.

His recorded his best time over the 26.2-mile distance, 5hr 1min 26sec, five years ago but admits ‘I’m getting slower every year now!’

John trains every day by walking or jogging to Tonbridge railway station and home again, on his

KEEP GOING: John de Vial aims to raise £100,000 way to and from work at ABTA’s headquarters in London, where he looks after consumer financial protection.

During the winter months he builds up the distance on a route which takes in Southborough, Tonbridge, Hildenborough, Somerhill, Pembury and Tunbridge Wells.

To make a donation, visit virginmoneygiving. com/johndevial For more information on the FHA, visit familyholidayassociation.org.uk

THIS Sunday [May 12], Wheels Around the Weald will once again be offering three cycle routes around the Kentish countryside to raise funds for Hospice in the Weald.

The rides all start from the Hospice in Pembury at 9am. The 20-mile route is ideal for those who are new to sportive events and families, taking in Goudhurst and returning through Paddock Wood.

The 40-mile version is more challenging and goes through Cranbrook and Staplehurst before joining up with the 20-mile route.

And finally, the gruelling but rewarding 80-mile challenge goes all the way down to the coast at Rye and back again.

Entry for the short ride costs £25, or £20 for children, while the two longer rides cost £35.

If you have taken part in Wheels Around the Weald before, or want to ride as part of a team of four or more, there is a £5 discount.

Last year’s event raised a total of £17,500 to help fund the hospice’s five essential services, which are provided to patients, their families

and carers completely free of charge.

One family taking party this year are Vicki and Phil Corby and their sons, Adam and Ben, who have already surpassed their fundraising target of £500.

Vicki’s family will be riding in memory of her mother Valerie, who died three years ago following a cancer diagnosis.

“Her last days were spent being cared for by the amazing people at the Hospice in the Weald,” she said. “As a family we have always wanted to do a fundraising event to say thank you to the hospice team.”

Relationship Fundraising Manager Ewan Tuohy said: “Wheels Around the Weald caters for all abilities, with three fantastic routes around the Kent countryside.

“It’s perfect for the whole family, friends or colleagues, so why not kick-start your summer with a ride that you won’t forget?”

For more information call Ewan on 01892 820533 or email: ewan.tuohy@hospiceintheweald.org.uk

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Inquest opens into William to Harry: ‘Welcome to terrorist attack the sleep deprivation society’ at London Bridge THE coroner in the inquests into the deaths of eight people in the London Bridge and Borough Market terror attack has said: “The lives of many people were torn apart by what took place in less than 10 minutes of high and terrible drama.”

Mark Lucraft QC told a packed court one at the Old Bailey that he hopes the inquest will answer the ‘obvious and understandable questions’ of the relatives of those who died and give the bereaved families some comfort.

Three women and five men died on June 3 2017 after three men ploughed into crowds in a van and stabbed passers-by with 12-inch ceramic knives.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, the head of UK counter-terrorism policing Neil Basu and the Commissioner of City of London Police Ian Dyson were in court.

The attackers, Khuram Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba were shot dead by police at the scene of the attack.

The assault came three months after Khalid Masood ran down pedestrians on Westminster Bridge before stabbing a police officer to death.

The inquests are expected to examine why there were still no protective barriers on London Bridge.

British soldier killed by elephant in Africa A BRITISH soldier has died while on counterpoaching operations in Malawi, the Ministry of Defence [MoD] has announced.

It is understood that Mathew Talbot, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was on patrol in Liwonde National Park on May 5 when he was killed by an elephant.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Launders, described the 22-year-old as a ‘determined and big-hearted’ man, who devoted his life to serving his country.

Proud “It was typical of his character to volunteer for an important and challenging role in Malawi,” he added.

“He was hugely proud of his work as a counterpoaching operator, and tragically died doing great good.

“Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit.”

With more than 30 British troops currently based in Malawi, where they are working to combat poaching, the MoD said this was Guardsman Talbot’s first operational deployment.

THE arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s baby son – as yet unnamed – was celebrated during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle yesterday [Tuesday].

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland played the musical classic Congratulations in the baby’s honour.

The Duke of Edinburgh made a rare appearance with the Queen as they held a luncheon for members of the Order of Merit.

And in Berlin with the Duchess of Cornwall, the child’s grandfather Prince Charles said: “We couldn’t be more delighted at the news and we’re looking forward to meeting the baby when we return.”

At the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, the Duke of Cambridge said: “Obviously thrilled, absolutely thrilled, and obviously looking forward to seeing them in the next few days when things have quietened down.

“I’m very pleased and glad to welcome my own brother into the sleep deprivation society that is parenting.”

The Duchess of Cambridge added: “It’s such a special time, obviously with Louis and Charlotte just having had their birthdays it’s such a great time of year to have a baby, spring is in the air.”

Kate continued: “As William said, we’re looking forward to meeting him and finding out what his name’s going to be so so it’s really exciting for both of them and we wish them all the best.

“These next few weeks are always a bit daunting the first time round so we wish them all the best.”

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Strike by Uber drivers DRIVERS at minicab firm Uber are planning to go on strike today [Wednesday] ahead of the company’s stock market flotation tomorrow.

Protests will be held in London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Glasgow, as well as a nine-hour boycott of Uber’s app.

The United Private Hire Drivers Branch of the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain said the flotation is going ahead even while drivers’ pay issues remain unresolved.

No need for nurse skirt

BABY CHANGING The Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle

Euro elections will go ahead as deal cannot go through in time More than a month after the talks began, Mr THE Government has accepted it cannot pass its Lidington said: “We very much hoped that we Brexit deal through Parliament in time to avoid would be able to get our exit sorted and have the European elections on May 23. treaty concluded so that those elections did not Theresa May’s effective deputy David Lidinghave to take place. ton confirmed the elections will go ahead, but “But legally they do have to take place unless said the Government was ‘redoubling our our withdrawal has been given efforts’ to get an EU Withdrawal Agreement ratified by ‘Ideally we’d like to legal effect, so those will now go ahead. the start of July so the MEPs be in a situation “But we will be redoubling elected this month never have our efforts and talks with MPs where those MEPs to take their seats. all parties to try to make sure Mr Lidington was speaking never actually have of that the delay after that is as shortly before cross-party to take their seat at short as possible.

Brexit talks with Labour resumed in Whitehall.

European Parliament “Ideally we’d like to be in a situation where those MEPs Pressure on both sides to – certainly to get it never actually have to take make progress was heightened by their poor performance in done and dusted by their seat at European Parliament – certainly, to get last week’s local elections. summer recess’ this done and dusted by the Both Conservative and summer recess.”

Labour leaderships interpreted The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: it as a message from voters to get on with “On the basis of advice in relation to delivering Brexit.

Mrs May had been hoping the talks would ­Parliamentary timetables, we will look to deliver a compromise deal in time to allow her to complete this ideally by June 30, but if not then, call off the European Parliament elections. by summer recess.”

NHS nurse Jessica Anderson, who was told her marathon world record attempt would only count if she completed the race wearing a skirt, has seen the decision overturned.

Guinness World Records said its guidelines for the fastest marathon wearing a nurse’s uniform were ‘outdated’ and ‘incorrect’ and have awarded the title.

She was told that wearing scrubs with trousers was too close to a doctor’s uniform and a nurse’s uniform must include a blue or white dress.

‘Nick’ case judge warns trial may last 12 weeks POTENTIAL jurors in the case of the man known as ‘Nick’ who is accused of fabricating his claims about a Westminster VIP paedophile ring have been told it will be a ‘long trial’.

Carl Beech, 51, from Gloucester, is on trial at Newcastle Crown Court, where he denies 12 counts of perverting the course of justice and one count of fraud.

Mr Justice Goss picked 25 potential jurors from a larger group and sent them home for the night to check with their employers and family that they could sit on a trial that could last 12 weeks.

‘NICK’ A court artist’s portrait of Carl Beech

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City watchdog changes rules to help find right mortgage CHANGES to mortgage sales requirements which could give people more choice and help them find the right deal have been proposed by the City regulator.

The Financial Conduct Authority [FCA] proposals aim to make it easier for firms to present a range of mortgage options to consumers without giving regulated advice.

They will also require advisers to take account of price when choosing between mortgages.

The FCA said many consumers are overpaying for their mortgages, even when they get advice.

Where a mortgage adviser recommends a mortgage which is not the cheapest of those that meet the customer’s needs and circumstances, they will now be required to explain why a cheaper mortgage has not been recommended.

This should mean more consumers understand how price has been taken into account in the recommendation they are given and offer an opportunity to challenge the recommendation.

The FCA also said people who would like to buy a mortgage on an ‘execution-only’ basis without advice, find it hard because they are

diverted to advice and because execution-only sales channels are not always easy to use.

Some rules around mortgage advice are currently acting as a barrier to new tools being developed which could help customers choose and buy a mortgage, the regulator said.

It is proposing to change its rules to make it clear that tools which allow customers to search and filter available mortgages are not necessarily giving advice.

It will also be clearer that some forms of interaction, such as firms helping consumers with their applications, do not require advice.

The FCA is consulting on the new rules until July 7 and will publish its feedback and final rules around the end of the year.

The proposals are part of wider work by the FCA to make sure people have the information and support they need to make informed choices about how they buy a mortgage, and help them get good value from advice.

It has previously found that a significant minority of customers - around 30 per cent - fail to find the cheapest mortgage for them.

Concern as G4s buyout falls through

SECURE THE FUTURE G4S will focus on separating its cash business SHARES in G4S have tumbled after Canadian security firm Garda World Security walked away from a potential £3billion bid for the British firm.

Garda revealed last month that it was in the preliminary stages of considering an approach to the board of G4S regarding a possible cash offer for all or part of the company.

However, over the weekend, Garda – which describes itself as the ‘world’s largest privately owned security company’ – said that it does not intend to make an offer for G4S. The news of the setback sent shares in the

security giant down more than 6 per cent to 202p.

For its part, G4S said it will continue to focus on its previously announced review of options for the separation of its cash solutions business.

It said: “Our aim is to establish two strong independent businesses that are able to take advantage of their leading market positions and excellent service offerings for the benefit of customers, employees and shareholders.

“The group is making good progress in its plans to enable it to commence separation of the cash business in the second half of 2019.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Vodafone’s German deal

Hiscox sees income rise

MOBILE phone giant Vodafone has agreed a cable deal with Telefonica in Germany to help ease competition concerns over its takeover of large parts of Liberty Global in Europe.

Vodafone said it had secured a wholesale cable agreement to allow Telefonica Deutschland to offer high-speed broadband services to consumers on Vodafone and Unitymedia’s cable network in Germany.

INSURER Hiscox has said an increase in rates at its key businesses helped it post a rise in first-quarter income.

The group saw gross written premiums grow 3.3 per cent in constant currency to $1.16billion [£877.4million] in the three months to March 31.

Hiscox recorded growth at its retail and London Market divisions, while reinsurance dipped.

Domino’s overseas woes DOMINO’S Pizza has warned over losses in its international arm and said it remains in discussions amid an escalating row with franchises demanding more support in the face of rising costs.

The pizza delivery company has seen a ‘disappointing’ performance in its international business, with ‘weak’ system sales across all its overseas markets - down 2 per cent on a reported basis to £25.1million overall.

Moving out of Australia PURPLEBRICKS founder and chief executive Michael Bruce has left the online estate agent as the firm announced it will exit Australia and place its US operations under review.

Mr Bruce will step down from Purplebricks with immediate effect, just months after shares in the firm tumbled when it cut annual revenue guidance and announced the departure of the bosses of its UK and US units.

BEAK COUNTERS: The National Trust will now conduct a yearly census of the puffin population on the Farne Islands in Northumberland instead of every five years due to climate change. The charity is concerned about a decline in the birds’ readily available food, the sandeel, and more frequent storms.

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Letters

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And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG One of the best places in South-East – shame you can’t afford to live here Your front-page article [April 17] about Tunbridge Wells being one of the best places to live in the South East throws up some deeply concerning issues.

It mentions all the restaurants, retail outlets and excellent schools that attract commuters to the town.

But where are all those excellent waiting staff, shop workers and teachers going to live when, as you excitedly herald, starter homes are £207,000 to buy or £904 per month to rent?

I already know of retail workers and teachers who commute into Tunbridge Wells because they cannot afford to live here, and this borough council has allowed the housing waiting list to rise to nearly 1,000 families and vulnerable people.

Your article also notes that ‘the town’s proximity to London is one of its great selling points’ – ah, that place with lots of theatres and other performance outlets, where most of the commuters already work!

Ironic, then, that this council wants to spend £90million-plus on a new theatre, civic centre and car park.

Tunbridge Wells is a lovely place to live, but not for everyone. Some people can’t afford to live here – the very people your article praises for providing the services the lucky few enjoy!

That’s why the council needs to focus its priorities on the issues that matter – and top of that list is social and affordable housing.

Cllr Hugo Pound, the new Labour councillor for Sherwood DREAM TICKET Teachers and shop workers have to commute into town

Cinema site drama has become a farce I totally agree with you that the cinema site has turned into a farce [April 24]. I know for a fact that this ‘grot spot’ has had an enormous detrimental effect on our town’s development in recent years.

I salute you for talking up our town, however the council’s attitude and understanding of its problems has to change.

You also cover the news that British Land is intending to put a new ‘food court’ in Ely Place.

In every shopping centre refurbishment I was responsible for at Benoy, we removed the food courts because of the change in the marketplace.

As this proposal is outside the centre’s envelope and will have a bar, perhaps it may become a vibrant place for young people to congregate in the evenings.

Lastly, Cllr Peter Oakford has a letter in your paper [April 24] with regard to building [a theatre] over the railway tunnel.

Yes, a problem with regards to railway possessions could add millions of pounds to the cost of the project, as this is one of the oldest brick tunnels in the South East.

I was the very first to mention this fact in my design audit, having worked on a project with possessions.

Does the councillor realise that the two new cinemas sit directly over the tunnel, and did he experience any vibrations whilst watching a film in the old cinema?

John Albiston Via email

Teaching at West Kent is a class apart

No independent experts were called

Vote for action, not voter apathy

In response to a letter from Matthew Bailey [April 17] saying he believes that Hoopers can thrive despite the risks identified in evidence to the CPO inquiry, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s expert Virginia Blackman from [commercial property agency GVA] was directly challenged as to the impact of the loss of Hoopers on the town.

Miss Blackman could not say whether the council relied on GVA’s design options report to a Full Council meeting in December 2015.

However, the council decided in principle that a new theatre and civic centre would be built, to vacate the Town Hall and to move to a new site further down Mount Pleasant detailed in an interim report.

We do know, however, from the inquiry, that there is a main report detailing the full criteria and scoring to reach a conclusion as to whether a compelling case had been made.

Miss Blackman asserts that there would be a boost to the local economy of £34million per annum and 252 jobs for the region – 180 direct and 72 indirect – but was unable to give an exact number for the borough area.

However, she admitted that she didn’t write the report, nor is she a macro economist.

No independent economic expert was called to give evidence.

So, we have to ask whether a compelling case has been made in the public interest?

What additional benefits does the public gain with the building of a 1,200-seat theatre?

Cllr Marguerita Morton, the new Liberal Democrat councillor for St John’s

Single party authorities such as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council lack scrutiny.

The Calverley Square project is clearly not wanted by the vast majority of the electors in the borough. Councillors being told how to vote by tribal agendas (bloc voting) would be all but ineffectual in a hung council.

A hung council would not have let the cinema site fester like it has.

The council’s plans aside, the suggestion that the electorate will be ignored, no matter what the outcome, is disingenuous and symptomatic of not having an effective opposition.

Complacency has now become contempt for us mere mortals.

In Pembury, where I was the [successful] Tunbridge Wells Alliance candidate, only the Conservatives and I were actively campaigning.

The disillusion with the national political parties is vociferously conveyed on the doorstep, but the danger is that people would simply not bother.

It is my view that Tunbridge Wells people now realise, thanks in part to the imposition of the Ceaucescuesque vanity project, that enough is enough. Representation at a local level should be local, not driven by national agendas.

In these elections, there was a real opportunity to achieve enough seats to remove the political straightjacket which is not good for our borough or any town.

I hope none of it was wasted through apathy.

Cllr David Hayward, the new Tunbridge Wells Alliance councillor for Pembury

I am writing in reference to “Tonbridge housing plan ‘in limbo’ after new concerns over student parking” [Times of Tonbridge, April 17] to correct an inaccuracy in a comment from Councillor David Cure.

Cllr Cure is quoted as saying: “The Hadlow Group… are also under threat about the courses at a number of colleges and the quality of their teaching.”

We are concerned that the statement is misleading, as the assumption is incorrect.

West Kent & Ashford College’s recent Ofsted report (in October 2018) saw it achieve Grade 2 ‘good’ ratings in six out of the eight assessment areas, one of which was the Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment.

Other external quality marks for West Kent & Ashford College include: A ‘silver’ in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework for its higher education provision.

The silver award is given to institutions that consistently exceed ‘rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education’.

They also include a rating of ‘full confidence, with no recommendations’ in a report from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, the only provider amongst those that were reviewed during the 2016-17 academic year to gain this.

Far from failing, which the published article seems to suggest, the improvements made to the overall student experience in the last four years have meant that applications to both the Tonbridge and Ashford sites have grown yearon-year since 2016.

Moreover, the college is working with the developer to ensure that the impact on local residents is minimised, and that appropriate parking continues to be provided for staff and students at the college.

Dr Jim Mawby Vice Principal of Curriculum West Kent & Ashford College

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

OFF to the West Country for a brief break; it was a bit like entering a time warp. Lovely people, great scenery and charming pubs like The Carew Arms near Torpoint in Cornwall.

The place was full and Calverley could not but help overhearing the conversation of some people on the next table – judging by their accents they were locals. They were chatting about TV, when one of the chaps said: “I turned on the telly last night and there on the screen were two blokes kissing, I do NOT want to see that in my living room, I really don’t.”

WALKING along the shoreline during the time away, Calverley spotted a stunning beachfront property that was called: ‘You didn’t get this!’ Questions at the nearby newsagents (one of the best sources of local gossip) revealed that the disgruntled owner was referring to his ex-wife, whom he had recently divorced.

TALKING of divorce, Calverley cannot resist sharing the tale of the couple in their 90s who decided to go their separate ways. When asked why they left it so late in life, they replied: “We wanted to wait until the kids were dead.” Not in good taste.

CAUTIONARY TALE. Retirement communities are springing up all over the place but, buyers beware. One of Calverley’s aquaintances told how they purchased a home on such a development after being told there would be medical staff on site, plus a shop and restaurant. They were also advised a care home was to be built for those who might need it later in life. Two years on, and the shop has closed along with the restaurant, no medical staff are on site, and a block of flats has replaced the planned care home.

WHAT a laugh. In the Ukraine they elected a comedian as their President. They were lucky.

In this country we only find out our politicians are comedians after we’ve elected them.

Chin Chin, dear reader

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

Education

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

EDUCATION Times

Boys’ sponsored sleep out for homeless breaks fundraising record amid high winds and rain How new pupils at Tonbridge School have raised over £13,000 for Porchlight this year Every year at Tonbridge School, first year boys – or Novi as they are called – sleep rough in the all-boys public school’s Quad area in order to raise awareness of homelessness.

This year the event saw 135 Novi boys and six staff members spending the night in a ‘cardboard city’ to learn more about the factors behind homelessness and to raise funds for Porchlight, a charity which supports homeless and vulnerable young people in Kent.

They have broken their fundraising record by raising more than £13,000, with more donations still to come.

After building their cardboard shelters, the boys listened to talks from Porchlight staff and gained an understanding of why someone may end up sleeping on the streets.

Two people shared their stories via video interviews, explaining how challenges in their lives, including relationship breakdowns and prejudice, left them on the

CARDBOARD CITY Two of the boys sleeping rough

street – and how Porchlight has helped them get back on their feet.

The pair also told the pupils that they are both now in permanent housing and working towards a much better future, thanks to the local charity’s support.

The reality of the discomfort involved in sleeping on the street hit home during the night due to high winds and heavy rainfall.

‘Tonbridge School has raised more than £75,000 for Porchlight over the last five years’ Tonbridge School’s Community Action Manager, Juliet Burnett, said: “Our boys finished the night with a better understanding of the desperate reality faced by an increasing number of young people in Kent who end up rough sleeping

and with nowhere to go.

“Porchlight breaks the cycle, helping young people into safe accommodation, giving support and training, and assisting them to plan a career and a proper future.

“We are very proud to support this work. We hope that all the boys and staff who took part will now have a highly informed attitude and will think about the real person in every rough sleeper.”

Tonbridge School has raised more than £75,000 for Porchlight over the last five years.

This sum has helped the charity to help fund staff who approach young people on the street, open a dialogue and start helping them.

If you would like to donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ fundraiser-display/showROFund raiserActivities?userUrl=Tonbrid geSchoolSleepOut

Good to glow SOUTHBOROUGH PRE-SCHOOL are hosting the Glow Midnight March on Friday (May 10) and will be walking 13.1 miles through the night into the early hours in order to raise funds for the preschool.

The half-marathon will be made up of parents and local residents, who are all encouraged to wear neon and glitter so they stand out in the dark.

The person who raises the most money will win a treatment with Tunbridge Wells Reflexology and a blow-dry and treatment at Hair Workshop in Southborough.

For more information, visit southboroughpre-school.org.uk

Shopping made easy for students THE Owl Class at Oakley School in Pembury Road recently visited Asda in Tunbridge Wells to take part in a national launch that saw the supermarket providing Makaton communication boards to shoppers with additional needs.

A spokesperson for the school said: “As soon as the Owl Class pupils saw the boards around the store they were engaged and excited.

“We were supported by four lovely Asda staff and a manager who walked around the store using the board alongside our pupils.

Calling all teachers TRINITY THEATRE is offering a free taster session to teachers tomorrow [May 9] so they can learn more about their Speech Bubbles drama sessions.

“It is a remarkable programme, and the positive impact it is having in Tunbridge Wells and beyond is profound,” a theatre spokesperson told the Times.

Trinity Theatre currently runs the Speech Bubbles scheme in eight local schools.

“We at Oakley School are incredibly proud to be the first to use these brand new resources, as they will make shopping for so many families a lot easier.

“When you have a child who has additional needs, even a simple grocery shop can feel like a marathon with every step a struggle.

“The boards capture the child’s interest, give them a purpose and responsibility, and keep the shopping flowing without frustration and boredom setting in.”

The workshops help children aged 5-7 with speech, language and communication needs through drama and storytelling, using the children’s own stories as a focus.

In 2016-17, 88 per cent of referred children showed improvement in their learning, speaking and listening, while 90 per cent showed improvement in their emotional and conduct behaviour.

Jess Horsley, Learning Officer at Trinity Theatre, added: “This is an incredible programme that I

am very proud to deliver. You can see the positive impact it has week by week for those children who might fall below the threshold of clinical need, but who thrive with the boost of confidence Speech Bubbles can provide.”

The programme was established by London Bubble in 2009 and runs in 32 schools across the country. Trinity Theatre was the first organisation to bring the programme to West Kent area in 2017, with support from Kent County Council.

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Weekly Comment

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Alan Bullion Liberal Democrats

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Alan Bullion represents Southborough Town Council for the Liberal Democrats and is the Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrat Communications and Press Spokesman.

The people have spoken and want change TUNBRIDGE WELLS Borough Council saw a radical transformation last week, with a significant loss of seats from the Conservatives to opposition parties and independents, especially the Lib Dem’s, who now hold nine seats.

On Southborough Town Council, both Labour and the Lib Dem’s also increased their number, while as in Tunbridge Wells several senior Tories lost their seats.

I am proud to be one of the three Lib Dem councillors elected to represent the residents of Southborough, and among my key priorities will be the long overdue upgrade of facilities and accessibility at High Brooms Station, used by over 1 million passengers a year.

The vote last Thursday in Tunbridge Wells was certainly part of a wider national trend and a backlash against an incompetent Conservative government. But most voters I spoke to said they were protesting in particular against the £90 million plus civic development, which led to the defeat of the council leader and others who had vocally promoted the scheme.

Since last Thursday, it has become apparent that several leading Tories are still hell-bent on the Calverley project going ahead regardless.

Clearly they have not been listening and learning from the public, who defeated the Tories in droves across most wards up for election this year.

In the wake of these results, there will need to be more cross-party cooperation on stopping the civic centre project, as well as many other issues affecting the borough, such as traffic congestion, cycling, walking, and parking.

Overdue For far too long Tunbridge Wells has been controlled by a Tory group that was both complacent on many core issues yet also contemptuous of those who spoke out against their unwanted plans. Clearly the people have spoken loudly, and long overdue change is at last coming.

The Lib Dem’s will be contesting the European Parliamentary elections on Thursday May 23 as the leading Pro Remain party, as we believe that remaining in the EU is by far the best choice for Britain to preserve peace and prosperity both for now and the future.

Brexit was of course the main non local issue that came up on the doorsteps during the local elections. It’s clear that the unambiguous and positive message the Liberal Democrats have promoted over the past three years has resonated widely with the public, as shown by the seats won right across Kent and the rest of the country last week. We therefore look forward to further success both locally and nationally on May 23.

STEPS TO SUCCESS The Liberal Democrats after Friday’s count

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

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A FINE SPACE FOR FAMILY LIVING

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Best property buys for...

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

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Madeira Park Tunbridge Wells

£1,150,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 772947 • knightfrank.co.uk The full-width sliding doors in this super-modern kitchen open wide to a pleasing manicured garden for those who like their homes minimalist with clean lines. Even better, this stylish, extended family home is in the sought-after ‘village’ area of Tunbridge Wells, under half a mile from the High Street and mainline station.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Features include wood-framed windows, panel doors with chrome fittings, wellappointed bathrooms and limestone flooring with underfloor heating to the domestic areas n Covered front entrance opening into a striking reception hall n Sitting room with wall-mounted Gazco fire, open to: n Spacious kitchen/breakfast room with large island/breakfast bar and aluminium sliding doors to garden n Study/family room with a range of built-in bookshelves n Master bedroom with with a bank of wardrobes, automatic Velux skylight and en-suite shower room n 3 further double bedrooms n Family bath/shower room n Low maintenance garden with wide flagstone terrace and raised sleeper beds n Storeroom n Driveway with parking for 3 cars

The KITCHEN…

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

The GARDEN ROOM…

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The PRICE…

Bredbury House Mount Ephraim Tunbridge Wells

Price range

£275,000-£295,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk

A one-bedroom ground floor garden flat on one of the highest points in Tunbridge Wells, across the road from The Common.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Open-plan living/dining room and kitchen with access to garden n Spacious bedroom and large bathroom n Courtyard garden n Allocated parking

Yew Tree Road Tunbridge Wells

Offers in excess of

£950,000

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

A home close to the Southborough border which has been extended to provide a superb garden room and kitchen/breakfast room. The deck is a great spot to catch the evening sun.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Entrance with stained leaded light inserts n Reception room with open fire n Dining room with fireplace and doors to: n Garden room featuring a vaulted ceiling with four roof lights, feature window, travertine tiled flooring and French doors to patio n Kitchen/breakfast room with pull-out larder, Velux skylights and French doors to garden

Little Crittenden

Crittenden Road, Matfield

Guide price

£1,100,000 CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 521700 • jackson-stops.co.uk

A Grade II-listed 15th-century country house which requires sympathetic renovation and comes with planning permission.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Study

n Sitting room with inglenook-style fireplace

n Master bedroom with outlook to the horizon and steps to dressing area and en suite

n Dining/reception hall and separate study

n 3 further bedrooms, one en-suite n Family bathroom n Garden with patio, deck, two-storey Wendy House, greenhouse, vegetable plot and shed n Deep garage and parking for several cars

n Kitchen/breakfast room with Aga n Master bedroom suite n 5 further bedrooms and a bathroom n Grounds of around 2.4 acres including orchard, pond, greenhouses, tennis court in need of refurbishment, barn and parking

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

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AT A GLANCE TYTHINGS HASTINGS ROAD, PEMBURY n Extended detached four-bedroom house with further potential n Sitting room with wood burner and doors to garden n Second reception, currently used as a music room n Kitchen with Rangemaster dual-fuel oven. Open to: n Large dining area and family room with doors to garden n Study n Utility room and cloakroom n Luxurious master suite with fully fitted dressing room and en-suite with double-ended bath and separate drench shower n 3 further double bedrooms, one en suite

Decorated in neutral tones with the natural warmth of wooden doors and flooring

Family home with spacious open kitchen and living area plus a luxurious master suite

n Family shower room with drench shower n Large attic over bedrooms with potential for conversion, subject to necessary consents n Loft storage n South-facing L-shaped garden with sheltered patio, gazebo, shaded seating area, lawn and small ornamental pond n Detached double garage and parking for numerous vehicles n In total, approximately 0.3 of an acre

£895,000 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Pembury • 01892 822880 • bkestateagents.com

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AT A GLANCE ASPEN HOUSE PEELING LANE WESTHAM n Detached Family House in country lane setting n Five/Three Bedrooms - master with ensuite, n Four/Two Spacious Receptions n Farmhouse Style Kitchen/Breakfast Room n Double Garage with electric door n Electric Gates with CCTV nLandscaped Gardens - front and rear n BBQ area Paved Terrace Decked areas n Heated Swimming Pool With stunning waterfall n Backing onto field and views

Guide Price £900,000

CONTACT McAuley Miller, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 614 777 • mcauleymiller.com

Aspen House is accessed by electric wrought iron gates which lead to a brick paved driveway.

Electric garage doors and slate steps up to the entrance to the house. The entrance hall, which has a wooden floor gives access to the main reception rooms and stairway to the first floor. All of the ground floor except the kitchen/breakfast room have wooden floors. On the first floor there are three spacious double bedrooms with built in dressing tables and wardrobes and storage. The master suite has a stunning shower room and the family bathroom has a walk in shower and a free standing bath. Outside, the swimming pool and water feature are the main features together with the entertainment areas. The grounds are well stocked and landscaped with a variety of plants/trees and shrubs. Viewing is highly recommended

Location: One of the many fine features which Aspen House has to offer is its convenient location, enjoying countryside solstice while only a short walk from Westham Railway station with trains to London/Gatwick, London Victoria and the south coast, The surrounding area is well renowned for its tourism and good educational facilities alike with its historical roots to Pevensey Castle.

Pevensey, Norman and Cooden beach are closeby . There are excellent shopping facilities all close by and Eastbourne is only a very short distance away with its excellent range of schools (both public and state), theatres and other entertainment facilities.

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Property Focus

NEW HOMES

The perfect tonic – an iconic Homeopathic Hospital restored to offer 12 impressive apartments right in the heart of town MANY people have fond memories of Tunbridge Wells’ former Homoeopathic Hospital.

Dating back to 1902, it’s an historic and fascinating building in a prime location off Church Road and overlooking The Common.

So buyers will be intrigued to see its conversion into 12 newly released two-bedroom apartments under the name of Royal Wells Court, with prices starting from £550,000.

The development sits back from the road and could not be more convenient, being close to the town centre as well as The Common, and just a third of a mile from the mainline station.

With contemporary living spaces that include their own period features, each apartment has been thoughtfully and sympathetically restored to a high standard.

The ground floor units enjoy private gardens, while the upper floor apartments feature private sun terraces, and all have private parking.

Grand

• For further information, contact Savills, Tunbridge Wells on 01892 507005 or visit savills.com

Tom Bryant, Head of Residential Development Sales at Tunbridge Wells-based selling agents Savills, said the conversion work was carried out carefully to ‘retain and respecting the building’s history and enhance its traditional features’.

Outlining the benefits, he further commented: “Situated at the end of a private driveway and set back from the London Road, Royal Wells Court offers residents a private and peaceful setting.

“The outside space provides a wonderful connection to the outdoors, and a number of the apartments provide pleasant views across The Common.”

Of the interiors, he added: “Original sash windows and detailed cornicing are beautifully framed by a bespoke Farrow & Ball colour scheme.”

The open-plan kitchen/dining and living areas include Schmidt fitted kitchens, integrated Bosch appliances and solid wooden floors.

In addition, residents have a large storage area in the basement of the building and an expansive communal garden, grassed and planted with mature trees.

The apartments, which have guide prices ranging from £550,000-£725,000, are accessible via a grand entrance hall with an entry security system. Marble effect flooring and the magnificent original staircase are a big feature of the reception area, which has a lift providing access to all floors.

• See panel above for selling agent’s details

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

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Piano man

See classical pianist Ji Liu play live Page 55

ARTIST SHOWS ANIMAL MAGIC

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On the beat...

Artist Vaughan – aka Thomas Harvey – is a local musician and producer from Cranbrook who’s just released his debut single ‘I AM’. Having cut his sonic teeth at The Grey Lady and The Forum, he’s now performing at Brighton’s Great Escape festival this week – with a string of additional summer performance dates lined up.

Eileen Leahy talks to him about his musical roots and future plans

I AM! Vaughan says that these days he is being ‘unapologetically me’

So, Tom, please can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am an artist, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. I was born in Cranbrook and attended the grammar school there as well as The Judd School in Tonbridge.

I studied for my degree at Leeds College of Music and used my time there to work out where I fitted into the world as a musician.

On graduating, I moved to London and spent the first three months sleeping on friends’ couches, floors, houseboats and pubs. I finally have my own space and DIY studio in East London now.

It’s been a long time coming – having written these songs over the past two years – but I’m so thrilled to finally be sharing my debut single I AM, the first single from my EP which will be released later this summer.

How did you get into music?

I’ve always naturally gravitated towards music, and anyone who knows me well would tell you that I never stop singing – ever! My dad is probably my biggest influence, having raised me on listening to Motown.

He’s a massive fan of Marvin Gaye, and also never stops singing.

My love of singing then progressed into studying music, learning to play piano and guitar, and also performing in theatre shows. I’m obsessed with finding new music and listening to new artists, from all types of genres, backgrounds and eras.

Along with being an artist, I’m also a music journalist, so this obsession is pretty handy, and I love having the opportunity to interview and write about new and exciting upcoming artists.

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Did you find it a difficult process to get yourself heard?

There is so much music out there, and so much music constantly being consumed, so it’s definitely hard to feel like you’re cutting through and finding people to listen to your music.

For me, though, the more I build a team around me, the more I feel more confident in my music.

I’m really fortunate to have great people supporting me, and that’s helping me learn to surrender to the journey and trust that my music will speak for itself. I’m more focused on being unapologetically ‘me’ right now.

Can you tell us about your music – how would you describe its sound?

It sits within the realm of pop, while hitting a mark that is definitely off-centre. My music is all about storytelling, and all of the songs are about my life or the people around me. It’s a translation of what’s happened in my life so far – both positive and negative.

Sound-wise, I like pushing strong beats on to acoustic instrumentation. I have a real admiration for techno, but more emotive songwriting and detailed lyrics come more naturally for me.

I’m also a producer and enjoy creating cinematic landscapes with my vocals and arrangements.

On all of the tracks from my EP, the backing vocals are layers of my voice, sometimes with my voice, sometimes with as much as five or six-part harmonies.

I’m a trained dancer, too, so if you catch me live you’ll also see some interludes of this.

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

PIANO MAN Every song tells a story

Arts & Culture

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‘My paintings are like windows on my life’ Trinity Theatre’s new art exhibition ‘Animal Realm’ is by Bernardo Carrara Carrara, who has moved from Canada to Tunbridge Wells. He tells us about his journeys, both artistic and physical…

How much experience do you have of performing in front of live audiences?

I’ve been performing live my whole life. I’ve played in shows around Europe as well as in theatre companies on stages like The Royal Albert Hall. I feel at home on stage, and I love the feeling of getting out of my comfort zone while performing. One of the first live venues I actually played at was The Grey Lady in Tunbridge Wells!

Is this your first time at The Great Escape festival?

This is indeed my first time there, and my first show in Brighton, which is really exciting! I am playing two shows on May 9, one hosted by Spinnup and one hosted by Leeds College of Music. We worked with Spinnup to distribute my first single I AM, which came out on May 1.

They’ve been big supporters and selected me to showcase, which I’m incredibly grateful for. My former college has been amazing with its continued support of my music. At its showcase, I’ll be performing with a bunch of bands I know really well from school, and who are all really talented, so I’m really looking forward to that as well.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

I love the feeling of being totally in-sync with my band, and having a really tight performance.

I put a lot of thought and effort into the live show, and I want to make it feel like a performance, adding to the music.

Vaughan performs at The Great Escape festival tomorrow [May 9] in Brighton. For further information, visit greatescapefestival.com

ANIMAL MAGIC Bernardo Carrara with one of his paintings

I

AM OF Italian origin, but was born in Egypt and lived in Canada for most of my life. While I was always interested in the arts, I actually enrolled in biology programmes in school, and went on to earn an MSc in biology (ecology) at university.

After I graduated I worked as a teacher, but my love for art never diminished. In fact I continued to draw alongside working in Canada. My career as a professional artist only started in the 1980s when I was in my 30s.

The reason I started painting was more or less a progression from doing photography and printmaking – I specialised in the silk screening technique. I just loved the feeling of freedom that painting gave me. You do not need any special equipment or to possess any technical constraints; all you need is paint.

My pictures, like all of the other art forms I have created over the years, are like windows on my

life. I now paint full-time, and like to create works that are inspired by experiences and events that fashion my life.

I usually work with themes, and my art is always organised in specific collections. Categories include Peace, Pictures of a City, Places to Remember, Women in my Life, Artist’s Recipes and Stamps.

Lately, I have been captivated by the influence that animals have had throughout my life, and have created works entitled ‘Animal Friends’ and ‘Animal Realm’, and the latter is currently on show at Trinity Theatre’s Art Gallery.

The exhibition is meant to be a celebration of their beauty, but I also hope it raises awareness

about the way we see and treat animals.

I came to Tunbridge Wells from Canada to join my wife, who had been working here for while.

I always liked this town when I visited her, so I am happy to be living here now. It’s a nice change from Canada – the severity of the winters there were getting a bit too much for me!

I like the fact that Tunbridge Wells is a fairly small place with plenty of green spaces, and that it’s quiet. I like hanging out in cafés, where I do most of my drawing, and since there are plenty of them in Tunbridge Wells I am delighted by that!

The art scene here is also quite vibrant, and for an artist that’s a major plus. I particularly like the town’s location as it’s not too far from the countryside, and close enough to the sea and the capital if one wants an escape to find something different.

As I look back on my work, I can say I’ve been influenced by many artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Rousseau, and Andy Warhol.

My art has been shown in many solo and group exhibitions and it can be found in national and international collections, like the Library of Congress in Washington DC, the National Library of Canada and the National Library of Quebec. And now it’s here in Tunbridge Wells!

I do hope you will come along and see it…

Bernardo Carrara’s ‘Animal Realm’ exhibition is free to see at Trinity Theatre until May 12. The gallery is open from 10am Wed-Sat and 1.30pm Sun. For further details, visit trinitytheatre.net

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Going Out

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goingout 7 days of activities

By Jerome Bowman LITTLE WELLIES AND LOTS OF FUN With Kids vs Mud at St Clere Estate

WEDNESDAY Have you always wanted to play an instrument but never had the time? Or maybe you played when younger but gave up? Either way, Brittens are holding Free Adult Taster Sessions on a variety of instruments. This week, you can try the violin. A teacher will take you through the basics and you can have a go yourself. It’s free but booking is essential. Visit brittensmusic.co.uk/events

The Uckfield Picture House are screening The Australian Ballet’s production of Spartacus tonight at 7.30pm. One of their most popular new works, it tells the story of the gladiator who led a slaves’ rebellion against the Roman Empire.

This showcases the company at their spirited and athletic best, with love, justice and freedom on the line, and it’s not all pointed shoes and tutus.

Tickets cost £15 from picturehouseuckfield.com

THURSDAY Garden design has always been affected by changes in fashion as well social and economic factors. Tonight, Stephen Harmer from Plumpton College will be giving a lecture to the Civic Society at 7.30pm called The Arts & Crafts Movement and its Gardens in the Council Chamber at the Town Hall. Non-members welcome. For more information, visit thecivicsociety.org The Mayfield Fringe Festival continues with the musical comedy A Turbulent Priest at 8pm at St Dunstan’s Church, telling the story of the Murder of Thomas Becket. Tickets cost £12.50 and are available from onlineticketseller.com FRIDAY Curious House in Stonegate are holding a Creative Writing Workshop today. It will be hosted by experienced writer Mary Wheeler, who will use games and exercises to encourage a spontaneous approach to writing. If you’re suffering from writer’s block, this might give you the inspiration you need. The course runs from 10am to 3.30pm and tickets, which cost £95 and include lunch, can be booked at curioushouse.net Magic, illusion, mind reading and comedy all mix at High Rocks this evening. Professional

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

IN THE MOODY With James Dean and Julie Harris in East of Eden at Trinity Theatre

magician Adam Smith is bringing his new show Shuffled to the inn this evening at 7pm. Tickets cost £15 and can be made to appear in your hand by ringing 07469 241313 The Crowborough Players are staging Terry Pratchett’s Wyrd Sisters, adapted by Stephen IT’S MAY FAIR TIME AGAIN BUSYBODY… In Mayfield It’s murder in Bidborough

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

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Going Out

Designed for beginners, the course will show you how to identify honey bees, the parts of a hive, and how to extract honey, among other topics.

The informal day runs from 9.45am to 4pm. For more information and to book tickets, which cost £59, go to boreplace.org The Bidborough Dramatic Society’s Busybody is on at 7.30pm this evening. This is an hilarious murder mystery play written by Jack Popplewell and directed by Anna Novella, a drama teacher who recently joined the society. It has plenty of red herrings, and nearly as many bodies as an episode of Midsomer Murders. Tickets, which cost £9, can be bought on the door or by emailing: bidboroughboxoffice@gmail.com

ALL THE FUN OF THE MAYFAIR In Mayfield, of course Briggs, at Crowborough Community Centre, bringing Pratchett’s rich and wonderfully silly parodies to the town for the first time. You can see it at 7.45pm tonight and tomorrow, and there’s a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £9.50 and £8 for concessions. Age advisory 12+. To book, visit thecrowplayers.com SATURDAY Ready your tastebuds, as The Pantiles Food Festival brings another delicious weekend serving of food, live music and cooking demonstrations.

Today also brings all the fun of the Mayfield Mayfair in Mayfield High Street from 1-4pm, with maypole dancing by local schoolchildren and a Big Dance where you can join in to try and break a record (89 people required, no experience necessary!) Plus Morris Dancing, the Robin Hood Mummers, The Mayfield Band, Jack O’The Green springing into battle with Jack Frost and the

crowning of the May Queen. You can also see Louise Body’s Art Exhibition in the church, and take part in an artistic record-breaking attempt in artist Eric MacLennan’s Open Air Drawing Room.

And at 7.30pm there will be a Gin+Brew talk & tasting event in the Rose & Crown. Tickets can be booked at eventbrite.co.uk All aboard for the Spa Valley Railway Transport Film Festival. The line will be operating a two -train service over the weekend, including steam and diesel locomotives. Classic, original and transport films will be shown at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge and Eridge stations, and you can even visit a Vintage Mobile Cinema Bus. The films range from the 1930s through to the present day. Tickets cost £14 per adult and £8 per child.

To book, go to spavalleyrailway.co.uk Have you ever wanted to have your own hive of honey-making minions? Get an Introduction to Beekeeping at Bore Place near Chiddingstone.

SUNDAY Comedy Tapas is back at The Sussex Arms tonight. The line-up includes Martin Wratten, Charmaine Davies and Ben Carter, with Scottish improvisation veteran Paul Pirie headlining, which promises to make for a lively night. Tickets cost £8.80 and can be booked at comedytapas.co.uk Prepare your washing machine, because the UK’s largest outdoor obstacle course for children has arrived at St Clere Estate near Sevenoaks. Kids vs Mud is

PICK OF THE WEEK: Ji Liu Concert St Mary’s Church Lamberhurst Friday, May 10 7.30pm till 10pm

The award-winning and chart-topping pianist Ji Liu has a fond connection with this

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designed for children aged 4-12, and has over 30 challenges on a 3km route. Expect climbing walls, a huge water slide, scramble nets, balancing poles, a foam pit and, of course, lots of mud!

The Little Welly Festival Village also has plenty of attractions, including The Toddler Course, pony rides, trampolines, bungee, and a Total Wipeout Sweeper. Tickets cost £9.50 per adult and £22.50 per child. For more details and to book, go to thelittlewelly.co.uk MONDAY Based on the John Steinbeck novel, East of Eden will be screened Trinity Theatre at 10.30am. James Dean stars as Cal Trask, a farmer desperate to compete for his father’s attention. Part of the Senior Cinema series, meaning that the house lights will not be fully turned down and there will be an interval with refreshments. Non-members welcome. To book, visit trinitytheatre.net TUESDAY Learn how to recreate Van Gogh’s Vase with Three Sunflowers with a drink in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. Secret Art Parties will be hosting another evening of painting with refreshments at The Black Pig at 7pm. Tickets cost £40 per head and include a drink and nibbles. To book, call 01892 871684 or visit secretartparties.co.uk church, saying that he feels in touch with the music, the performance and the audience in such a close space. He will play pieces by Debussy and Beethoven, as well as some of his own arrangements.

Widely regarded as one of the finest pianists of his generation, this is not to be missed for any fan of classical music.

Tickets cost £20. To book, visit lamberhurstmusic.co.uk

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Isabella Coulstock, Paul Gunn Collective, KAY Friday The Informers Saturday Heads South Sunday Steve Hewitt, Barry McCormack, Paul Turvey

live music With Paul Dunton

T

ONIGHT [Wednesday], The Forum’s Stable showcases Grace and Danger, Bare Poets, The Circus Birds and Törque, while up-and-coming local country singer-songwriter Isabella Coulstock is at The Grey Lady with support from The Paul Gunn Collective and KAY. Thursday night sees the superb Swinging Little Big Band play Jazz on The Pantiles, while Honeyblood are at The Forum with support from The Feet, and The Bohemians are at Cranbrook’s Queen’s Hall Theatre.

Friday night brings Release The Geese at The Nelson Arms, Tonbridge, The Gibbons-Hyldon Experience at The Bedford, The Informers at The Grey Lady, Turnpike at The Chequers

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

Inn, Lamberhurst, and Bob Drury’s Neil Diamond at The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. Folk fans can catch the charismatic Gigspanner at St Edith Hall in Kemsing.

Saturday night is busy with Wayne Bridle at The Beau Nash, The 38s at The Black Horse, The Luka State & Hunting Holly at The Sussex Arms, Heads South at The Grey Lady, and Disco Odyssey at The Royal Oak. Plus The Carpenters’ Story (tribute) is at The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, and the fantasic Orpheus Male Voice Choir are at Trinity Theatre.

The weekend closes on Sunday with Steve Hewitt, Barry McCormack & The Fabulous Hoolies and Beyond The Vinyl at The Grey Lady.

THE NELSON ARMS Cromer Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Friday Release The Geese Sunday MusicStation Open Jam night

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Bandstand Music from 8pm, donations welcomed Thursday The Swinging Little Big Band

THE CHEQUERS INN Lamberhurst Open all day, free entry, music from 7pm Friday Turnpike

THE QUEEN’S HALL Cranbrook Information at queenshalltheatre.co.uk Thursday The Bohemians

ST EDITH FOLK CLUB St Edith Hall, Kemsing Event information at stedithfolk.co.uk Friday Gigspanner

MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge More information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Play it Again. Adult band workshop, all levels welcome. Booking essential.

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Music from 7.45pm Saturday Disco Odyssey

THE BEDFORD 2 High Street Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm More information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday The Gibbons-Hyldon Experience THE STAG THEATRE Sevenoaks Tickets available at stagsevenoaks.co.uk Friday Bob Drury’s Viva Neil Diamond Saturday The Carpenters’ Story

ADVERTORIAL

It’s time to get gardens ready for the summer – with cooking in mind – says Simon Prince, owner of Tunbridge Wells firm Kitchens Outdoors What do you like to cook? Is there enough room for preparation or a servery area? Then you decide on equipment and, of course, your budget.

The construction is normally masonry to withstand the British weather. You can achieve a subtle look using sympathetic materials similar to your home or patio, or we can make something standout for a statement.

I like to pick the best materials for the job – granite and marble are great for worktops, as are tiles or quartz if looking for a cheaper alternative.

As for the look, pretty much anything is possible. I am passionate about creating the vision you have for your outdoor kitchen, while making sure that it is completely funtional and safe to use for cooking.

For enquiries please call: 01892 530325 Or visit: kitchens-outdoors.co.uk

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm Saturday Wayne Bridle TRINITY THEATRE Church Road Tickets available at trinitytheatre.net Saturday The Orpheus Male Voice Choir

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common Event information at twforum.co.uk Wednesday The Stable: Grace and Danger, Bare Poets, The Circus Birds, Törque Thursday Honeyblood, The Feet

Garden kitchens are fast becoming hot property

WITH even warmer weather just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to eating outside in the garden, so why not take it a step further?

In the 13 years I’ve been designing and building outdoor kitchens, I’ve seen the market grow, as well as the range of products you can include.

Whether it be a simple built-in barbecue or everything and the kitchen sink, this really is a great addition to any garden. Gone are the days when there was only a built-in barbecue – now there are outdoor fridges, pizza ovens of all sizes, teppanyakis (a Japanese iron griddle), gas side burners, smokers, warming drawers, plus that sink. All built to be durable for the outdoors and to be used all year round.

Planning an outdoor kitchen is a lot like planning an indoor one. You will be asking many of the same questions: What space is available?

Isabella Coulstock

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

The Orpheus Male Voice Choir

THE BLACK HORSE Camden Road Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm Saturday The 38s THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Tickets available at twforum.co.uk Saturday The Luka State, Hunting Holly Tuesday Chapter and Verse, Delaire, The Liar, Orestea THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road Tickets at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Monday Les Musicals THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday The Sam Dunstall Trio

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

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Touch of magic for crazy kart race

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IMPRESSED Another magic participant

A magician to the stars has been added to the awe-inspiring line-up for Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race, which returns to Tunbridge Wells next month I love bringing magic to people and when they introduced me to the Crazy Jean’s Kart Race, I wanted to be involved

HORSEPLAY Adam Smith (right) entertains members and guests at Cowdray Park Polo Park TALENTED Southborough magician Adam Smith, whose celebrity bookings include performing tricks at supermodel Kate Moss’s wedding, will wow the crowds at the Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race charity event on June 8.

News of his appearance at the family fun day, where 50 soapbox karts go head to head on a nail-biting race track in Dunorlan Park, comes ahead of his new show ‘Shuffled’, which makes its debut in Tunbridge Wells this Friday [May 10].

The one-off evening at High Rocks will see the

conjurer perform a two-hour set of illusions, card tricks and mentalism.

Adam has also performed at footballer Rio Ferdinand’s book launch and 2017’s ‘Evening With The Stars’ charity gala with guests such as Phil Tufnell, and he hopes to roll out his new show, sponsored by comparebuildersmerchants. com, across Kent later this year.

The magician’s appearance at the town’s second kart race – which proved a big success last year – is in support of Crowborough-based

charity Taylor Made Dreams, which this year’s event is fundraising for, as well as supporting Hospice In The Weald.

Taylor Made Dreams, which makes the dreams and wishes of children and young people with life-limiting illnesses come true, first contacted Adam several years ago to perform at a young person’s farewell party.

He said: “After they booked me for that very poignant party, I knew I wanted to support Taylor Made Dreams in every way I could. I love bringing magic to people, and when they introduced me to Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race, I wanted to be involved. I can’t wait to perform at this unique charity event, which is raising funds for and awareness of two such deserving causes.”

Adam has already tried his hand at enticing local residents to the charity fundraiser after joining local graffiti artists the Paint Mechanics in the town centre as they

decorated one of the karts to publicise the event.

The talented spray painters conjured up a magicthemed design for race organiser Chatty Hatter’s kart as Adam performed tricks for onlookers.

Nicole Piesse Turner of Chatty Hatter said: “Adam has already been a great support in the run-up to the kart race, and is another great addition to our incredible line-up. We are looking forward to being surprised and entertained by his magic on the day!”

Fifty teams will take part in Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race, and TV chef Rosemary Shrager is returning to host the day alongside star commentator Tom Swift of Wicked Productions.

A range of wacky family-friendly activities will include an inflatable village, a mountain boarding ride and a parkour wall.

A food and drinks village and VIP tent have also been confirmed.

For more information, tickets and sponsorship opportunities for Crazy Jean’s Soapbox Race on Saturday June 8, visit crazyjeansevents.com Tickets are priced £15 for Adam’s show ‘Shuffled’ on Friday May 10 at High Rocks. For more details and to book, see adams-magic.co.uk WHAT A CARD Richard with Apprentice winner James White

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food

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FARMED WITH LOVE Every asparagus spear is hand-picked

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

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Tips for making the most of the asparagus season Now is the peak time to appreciate asparagus – and with so much of it available locally there’s no excuse not to add these delicate spears of culinary joy to your springtime dishes

T

HE arrival of the asparagus season heralds the first signs of the approaching English summer. The official date when you’re able to source it at its premium seasonality is St George’s Day, April 23, and it’s at its peak for the next eight weeks, when you’ll see it cropping up in farm shops, supermarkets and restaurant menus.

Given that asparagus is so versatile there’s plenty you can do with it. You can stick to being a foodie purist by simply steaming or chargrilling it then drizzling it with a little salted butter, lemon juice, black pepper or shavings of mature Parmesan. Or you can flex your culinary muscles and be a little more creative, as in our recipes.

Due to its slower, cooler growing

climate, native British asparagus, which is cut by hand, boasts a more intense taste to that of its foreign counterparts, so always try to source it from a nearby producer if you can to guarantee that immense flavour.

Local asparagus grower James Smith who runs Loddington Farm in Linton, near Maidstone, grows approximately four tons of asparagus a year.

“It’s a new crop for us, and we plan to expand as there’s loads of demand,” says James.

“It’s been a good year so far, and has started about ten days earlier than last year. Quality is good, but we need more sunny weather to keep it growing nice and quickly.”

Let’s hope the sun shines this May so you can have a go at creating delicious dishes such as these:

British asparagus and lamb chop tray bake The perfect alternative to a Sunday roast for springtime.

With just five ingredients, this has little preparation time and will seriously deliver on flavour.

Serves: 2 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 15-20 minutes You’ll need: n 250g white potatoes n 4 lamb chops n 2tbsp olive oil

n A few sprigs of rosemary n 250g British asparagus n 260g frozen peas

What to do: 1) Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees.

2) Place a medium pan of water on to boil while you chop your potatoes into 3-4cm chunks.

Add the potatoes to boiling water and cook for 10 minutes, then drain.

3) Place a large frying pan on the heat and add a drizzle of

olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb chops and sear on all sides until browned.

4) Place the potatoes into a medium-sized oven tray and nestle the lamb chops in amongst them. Add the rosemary, asparagus spears and peas and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes until the asparagus is cooked and the potatoes are crispy.

5) Serve immediately.

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Cheers to the spears!

British asparagus, chilli, lemongrass and lime leaf stir-fry with king prawns

 Small knob of ginger, peeled and grated  1 stalk of lemon grass, bashed and finely chopped  4 lime leaves, thinly sliced  4 tbsp fish sauce  1-2 tbsp palm sugar or light muscavado sugar  1 tbsp vegetable or groundnut oil  10 raw king prawns, shells off but with tails on if you can  1 small onion, cut into thick slices  1-2 small red Thai bird’s eye chilli, finely chopped  3 cloves garlic, finely chopped  4 spring onions, cut into thumb-length pieces  1 bundle (approx 250g) British asparagus, chopped in half lengthways then cut into thumb-length pieces To serve: Steamed Thai rice Fresh coriander and/or Thai basil

Times Drinks Editor James Viner rounds up three vinous gems to complement those flavoursome asparagus tips

What to do: 1) Mix together the ginger, lemon grass, lime leaves, fish sauce and sugar, and put to one side.

2) Meanwhile, heat a wok on high heat and when hot add the oil.

Once the oil is simmering, add in the king prawns and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the prawns have gone pink with slightly golden edges.

Remove with a slotted spoon.

3) Throw in the onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the chilli, garlic and spring onion and stir-fry for a further 4 minutes, until the onions have softened. Add the prawns back in and also add the British asparagus, then stir-fry for a further minute.

4) Finally, pour over the sauce which was prepared earlier, and cook until the sauce becomes sticky – 3 minutes or so.

5) Serve immediately, topped with the fresh herbs and with the Thai rice.

1) THE BARGAIN SUPERMARKET WHITE Exquisite Collection Leyda Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Chile (£5.49, Aldi) This delight of a zingy, cool-climate sauvignon blanc has enough flavour to take on asparagus dressed with Parmesan shavings, vinaigrette or hollandaise sauce. It’s also one for avocado on toast, seafood and fettuccine primavera. Think green capsicum, sorrel, grass, crunchy snow peas and greengage with a curl of gooseberry fool. Proper spring wine and a steal for the quality. Note the svelte alcohol.

Alc 12.5%

Recipes courtesy of britishasparagus.com

Serves: 2 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 12 minutes

2) DRY & TANGY SHERRY MATCH FOR SEASONAL GREEN SPEARS Tesco Finest Fino Sherry, González Byass, Spain (£6, Tesco, 37.5cl) This bone-dry sherry is pure magic and was aged ‘biologically’ for an average of six years in partiallyfilled casks under a strange oatmealcoloured cushion of yeast called flor, which protects the

Life&Times

Food & Drink

wine from the air. It’s lightly fortified, texturally delicate, pungent and redolent of roasted almonds, crisp green apples, vanilla, yeast and damp moss – very classy. Hello, steamed

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or grilled asparagus or, my fave, steamed or roasted asparagus with runny poached eggs. A magnificent aperitif, it also goes well with nutty-salty-sweet-fatty jamón ibérica de bellota, sashimi, tapas/mezze, olives, gazpacho, fish curry, shellfish and smoked salmon. Once opened, keep refrigerated, consuming within three days. ¡Salud!

Alc 15% 3) VERSATILE, MOUTHWATERING WHITE FROM LIMESTONE SOILS IN NIEDERÖSTERREICH Markus Huber Grüner Veltliner 2017, Traisental, Austria (£10.79, Waitrose & Waitrose Cellar) Grüner veltliner is Austria’s signature white grape and makes vivid wines that offer both acidic verve and peppery/herbaceous characters. This chiselled and refreshing example is produced by an enterprising winery in a small district south of Kremstal, and recalls white pepper, flint, minerals dipped in peaches and celery stick.

The acid line is racy and filigreed, like a show pony gambolling about the palate. It would be good with simply cooked white and green asparagus, Tiroler Gröstl, sushi or river trout with a watercress salad. One for Chablis fans.

Alc 12.5%

3

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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travel

60

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Oceans deep, mountains high There’s a big world waiting for you out there, and cruising allows you to reach many more destinations in less time than you might spend on a package holiday PEAK VIEWING The Andes mountain range, winding road and lake at Torres del Paine National Park in Chile

C HISTORIC HILLTOP WONDER The Monastery is one of the legendary monuments of Petra in Jordan

Advertorial

RUISING can be easier than you think. If your time is particularly restricted, flying to join your ship allows for extended exploration of far and distant lands such as Patagonia, Japan, India and the Middle East that you might never have considered as being reachable before.

Fly-Cruises are also an excellent choice for a more reserved traveller who wants an exotic holiday experience whilst having the safety and security of organised tours, a more ‘British’ accommodation and culinary repertoire and the same bed every night.

Revel in the opportunity to unpack only once as the ship takes you from port to port – covering distances that would be exhausting by any other means.

As you dine, get entertained and then settle into a peaceful slumber in your room, the miles melt away and a new city – or even country – awaits you in the morning.

Make sure those digital cameras are on charge each night as these are the types of holiday where capturing the colourful panoramas and local people becomes an

addiction. This is the beauty of having your room travelling with you – somewhere to leave your chargers, laptops and technological extras, leaving you free to roam and click away to your heart’s content without being weighed down.

Friends and family may or may not thank you for it when you return home eager to share your adventures, but there’s no doubt they will be impressed. So could these fascinating destinations make it on to your wish list?

‘Wildlife, history, culture, dancing, adventure and scenery – just some of the boxes that you can tick off on a cruise’ PATAGONIA AND THE FALKLAND ISLANDS Wildlife, history, culture, dancing, adventure and scenery – just some of the boxes that you can tick off on a cruise hugging the coastline of South America. Start out in Strictly style in Argentina, with dazzling examples of the

‘Marvel at the classical countries of Arabia as you step back in time, wandering the tombs and temples of this ancient land’

Argentine Tango which will set the pace as you move south past Uruguay towards the Falkland Islands. A focal point of history in the region, and also a nature lover’s checkpoint, this rare port of call is a real attraction.

Navigating westwards, the extensive country of Chile awaits with breathtaking fjordland-like scenery.

You will experience the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of Lower Patagonia and the Andes, before arriving in colourful Peru to begin the journey home.

OMAN, JORDAN AND ISRAEL Marvel at the classical countries of Arabia as you step back in time wandering the tombs and temples of this ancient land. Mystique and intrigue are woven through the stories bought alive by your local guides as you explore delights such as the Lost City of Petra and the holy lands around Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Transiting the Suez Canal is an experience in itself, bringing an additional dimension to this really unique cruise itinerary.

THE ISLANDS OF JAPAN There are many icons of Japan that form a colourful picture of a country with exotic rituals that are steeped in history.

From the painted faces of the Geishas to the classical tea ceremony, if you have a tick list for Japan this cruise cannot fail to disappoint. Immerse yourself in vibrant, fastpaced Tokyo before relaxing in the thermal hot springs of Beppu to ease your troubles away.

THE COAST OF INDIA Spice, romance, vivid colour – just some of the words that spring to mind about the diverse and sensual country of India. Immerse yourself in the bustling cities and enjoy being surrounded by the smiles of the Indian people as you take in the many memorable experiences from the birthplace of Gandhi to the iconic Taj Mahal. A completely different and captivating country awaits.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND INDONESIA Taking a cruise on a smaller ship allows you to reach more unique destinations and reach the heart of these fascinating archipelagos.

Uncover faraway tribal cultures, thought-provoking WWII history, and encounter amazing wildlife such as the world’s largest lizard – the Komodo Dragon.

From the submerged coral wilderness of the Great Barrier Reef to volcanic vistas and rice terraces, the variety of landscapes on this two-week cruise will be sure to leave you with many great images and memories.

ITALIAN SUNRISE Over Florence

THE ATLANTIC AND SOUTH AFRICA With seascapes and sand dunes aplenty, there couldn’t be a cruise of more contrasts than moving from Island to Island in the South Atlantic, a cruise which culminates

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

in visits to the African wilds of Namibia and the vibrant South African city of Cape Town.

Take time out to enjoy the marvellous mix of land visits and days at sea where you can relax away the hours visiting the spa, sunning yourself on deck and getting stuck into a good book. Cape Verde and the British Overseas Territory of St Helena are so remote that visits by sea are few and far between – so revel in the solitude and panoramas as you explore them at leisure.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

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SPARKLING SINGAPORE The cityscape at dusk around Marina Bay

POLYNESIA AND AUSTRALIA The South Atlantic is remote, but the South Pacific is even more so. It takes over a month to traverse from the Panama Canal across the magnificent ocean to reach Sydney. Along

‘Sparkling white sandy beaches, tropical lagoons and exotic coral reefs will dazzle you’ the way you can visit some exceptional island paradises that are so idyllic you may just find it hard to tear yourself away and get back on board your cruise ship. Sparkling white sandy beaches, tropical lagoons and exotic coral reefs teeming with brightly coloured fish will dazzle you. Truly unforgettable.

VIETNAM, HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE A melting pot of culture awaits you on a two-week cruise from Hong Kong to Phuket. China, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand all have colourful histories, spectacular skylines and traditions to leave you spellbound.

Immerse yourself in bustling markets and the bright lights of cities that never sleep before going zen in the temples and botanical gardens that litter these countries. You can uncover the history of the Vietnam War and learn poignant stories

SAIL AWAY To your dream destinations

on tours that will take your breath away.

Be met with bowing heads and broad smiles by these most inviting of nations.

There are so many opportunities when you take a fly-cruise. This is just a small indication of the many enriching itineraries that reach some of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating coastlines.

And though taking a flight is often seen as an inconvenience, make it part of your journey. Ship comfort awaits and the unfolding vistas that you will encounter are not be missed in this lifetime.

It may also be worth looking out for the cruises which benefit from starting or finishing in the UK, which means you only need to fly one way. This is

particularly good if you pick a cruise that finishes at home – as you do not need to worry about luggage allowances for your souvenirs!

Baldwins Travel has branches across Kent and Sussex and can guide you to your perfect cruise. From two-night tasters to 140-night Grand Voyages, their Cruise Champions will help you find the itinerary to suit you.

For more details, visit baldwinstravel.co.uk

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Motoring

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Motoring News

This week… n Emergency E-boost n More van power n Honda bricks it

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

Now Honda gets lifesize Lego treatment

New tech enables RAC to rush to the rescue for electric cars THE RAC has unveiled a new system capable of giving a power boost to stranded electric vehicles that have run out of charge on their journey.

The EV boost technology has been created in response to growing demand for battery-powered models, and as a result an increase in the number of such out-of-charge vehicles at the side of the road.

Initially, six Ford Transit Custom patrol vans fitted with the EV generators will hit the roads of London, Birmingham and Manchester in June.

RAC Head of Roadside Rescue Innovation Chris Millward said: “Our solution enables our patrols to help stranded EV drivers at the roadside with a power boost, equivalent to a top-up from a fuel can for a petrol or diesel car.

“With nothing like it on the market, the real challenge was to develop a

mobile EV-charger system which is compact and light enough to fit into our normal patrol vehicles without compromising on space, so we can still carry all the normal parts and tools.

“Other solutions require valuable van space to be taken up by heavy portable chargers that negatively affect fuel economy, and also need to be recharged after use. Our on-demand solution means that the power is always available when needed.”

The system will be capable of giving a stranded vehicle enough of a boost to enable it to reach a charger nearby, and is compatible with all Type 1 and Type 2 connectors – making it suitable for 99% of the electric vehicles currently on the UK’s roads.

Millward added that it could also address any driver anxiety about the current charging infrastructure.

Powerful engine added to Ford Transit Custom Sport FORD has bolstered engine choices for its Transit Custom Sport range with a new, more powerful diesel.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine produces 182bhp and 415Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Sport van ever.

Customers are able to choose from either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic, the former of which can deliver up to 43.5mpg with emissions of 155g/km CO2, while the latter can achieve up to 41.5mpg while emitting 163g/km CO2.

The exterior features a full sports bodykit, with body-side mouldings and wheel arch extensions helping to give it a little more presence.

It’s also available with either 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, and comes

with body-coloured bumpers, side mirrors and door handles. Inside, you’ll find partial leather upholstery applied to all seats – including second or third rows when fitted.

The Custom Sport series can be specified in a variety of different body styles to suit different functions, with van, kombi and double cab models available in both short and long-wheelbase layouts.

Ford’s Connect on-board system has also been fitted, which can turn the van into a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten devices. In addition, the van gets Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system, which includes media functions, smartphone connectivity and satellite navigation.

The van is priced from £32,270.

EXPERT Lego builders have created a life-size Honda Civic Type R with over 320,000 bricks.

To celebrate the launch of TV show Lego Masters, which recently premiered in Australia, a team of nine builders sank over 1,300 hours into the project.

Sitting underneath the bricks, which have been glued together, is a steel frame to support the remarkably lifelike creation.

Not only does it faithfully replicate the Japanese hot hatch’s design, it also boasts functional headlights, daytime running lights, hazards, and brake and reverse lights – all of which can be activated via an iPad. Ryan McNaught, a Lego Certified Professional and lead of the Civic project, said: “We’ve loved the challenge of this project. The car is shaped with a considerable amount of curved lines, making it a tough but interesting build.

“From the working lights and indicators to intricate Lego Honda logos, the detail on the model has been a fun one for us to work on.”

Though Lego itself didn’t construct this one, the Danish toy firm is no stranger to creating full-size replicas of cars. Last month, it created a 1:1 McLaren Senna model from its bricks – incorporating seats, steering wheel and pedals from the real car – and in 2018 it built a driveable Bugatti Chiron replica.

66

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Recruitment

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday May 1 | 2019

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CODEWORD 4

5

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A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 24

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9 6

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7 17

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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.

2

6 7 6

1

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5 8 3

9

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8 5

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5 4

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23 2

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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.

7

24

17

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17 23

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25 9

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2 1

Codeword:

4

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★✩

2

7 2

1 4

8 3 6

3 7 9 3 2 3

2 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

1

67

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

Puzzles

In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply.

Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

J B T OMA T S R H I D E A F R C H A O O MU T E E G A N D H D O C O R P S W E

R O D E O D

S F Q U S E F U N A A S A T I R O T F R I T Z A T N D E X P MO P E D E I E I D L R A B V E K E L V I D E E S

L E

O Y N

Sudoku:

8 5 4 7 6 1 3 9 2

1 9 6 5 2 3 7 4 8

3 2 7 4 9 8 5 6 1

5 8 9 3 7 6 2 1 4

2 6 3 1 4 9 8 7 5

4 7 1 2 8 5 6 3 9

6 4 5 9 3 2 1 8 7

7 1 8 6 5 4 9 2 3

9 3 2 8 1 7 4 5 6

5 8 4 3 1 7 2 6 9

6 2 5 7 9 4 8 3 1

1 9 8 4 7 6 5 2 3

4 5 2 1 6 3 9 7 8

7 3 9 8 5 1 6 4 2

Jigsaw Sudoku:

9 6 1 5 3 2 7 8 4

8 7 3 2 4 5 1 9 6

2 4 7 6 8 9 3 1 5

3 1 6 9 2 8 4 5 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Wednesday May 8 | 2019

68

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Sport

FORsports EVENstories MORE to: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Back to back victory for Rusthall in Charity Cup Rusthall Reserves 3 Southborough 0

By Joe Croker FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL repeated their Tunbridge Wells Charity Cup final success with a second victory in a row over Southborough at the Culverden Stadium.

On a chilly and wet Friday night more than 270 spectators came to the annual showpiece.

The competition is run by Rusthall’s vicechairman Dave Rusbridge and raised over £2,500 for charity this year.

The Rustics were on top from the start and Adam James scored to put them in the lead after 28 minutes. A goal from Kane Ramsell made the score 2-0 at half-time.

The second half followed the same pattern and

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

SHINING EXAMPLE Kane Ramsell lifts the Tunbridge Wells Charity Cup from Glyn Turley

Franck Ndouga added another goal with a header after 66 minutes.

The Reserves had their promotion confirmed to Division One East of the Kent County League at the end of April.

The elevation in second place came after results elsewhere went in their favour, their own season having come to an end two weeks before.

It was their first season under manager Lee Chambers, who arrived last May after coaching at Tonbridge Invicta for 25 years.

The Reserves have another final to play tonight [Wednesday May 8] against Lydd Reserves in the Kent Intermediate Cup at K Sports ground.

The Rusthall Development team played Tonbridge Invicta in the Fisher Shield, with Invicta snatching victory 1-0 towards the end of extra time.

Angels have to wait despite play-off final win

PHOTOS: David Couldridge

FLYING HIGH Angels manager Steve McKimm is hoisted aloft by his players

Tonbridge Angels 2 Merstham 0

By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS lifted some richly deserved silverware after winning the Bostik League Premier play-off final in front of a passionate crowd at Longmead on Bank Holiday Monday [May 6].

But their promotion to National League South is still not assured despite taking the runners-up slot behind champions Dorking Wanderers.

So the Angels now enter uncharted territory by

qualifying for a ‘super play-off’ away to Metropolitan Police of the Southern Premier South to find out who goes up because of the FA’s restructuring of the non-League pyramid.

It meant there was no winner-takes-all outcome to this game, but it was a moment to be savoured by the home side’s supporters.

Getting the large crowd of 2,268 into the ground was something of a logistical challenge and meant a 15-minute delay to the kick-off.

The Moatsiders soon took hold of possession with their No 9 Walter Figueira looking like the danger man.

MacVicar proves difference as Wells fail to break the ice Tunbridge Wells 235-9 lost to Beckenham 196-3 by 7 wkts [D/L method]

By Alan Cutts CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS found themselves left out in the cold as the hailstones descended at the Nevill in their opening Kent League Premier Division contest of the season.

Will MacVicar showed why he is probably the best current all-rounder in the division as he provided the difference between the two sides.

His pulsating hundred steered them to safety, and he reached his century and nudged his side ahead of the revised target at the same time.

The toss was important and Wells lost it, finding themselves batting on a fair track with a lush outfield – but in chilling conditions.

Luke Sanders took the early prize of the home captain Chris Williams (23) and Sam Stickler as the top order subsided to 59 for 4.

As the half-hour approached, Sonny Miles expertly cleared his lines following a dangerous looking Merstham attack.

Yet despite Merstham’s dominance, it was the Angels who drew first blood. A Turner attack down the left in the 34th minute produced a good cross which Tom Derry tapped to the unmarked Chinedu McKenzie and he finished clinically from close range.

Just before half-time an altercation between Sonny Miles and Oliver Cook resulted in referee Michael Ryan sending both players off.

The second half saw a similar pattern to the game with Merstham prepared to play their short passing game and Tonbridge more content to hit with pace on the break.

Figueira made space for a shot in the 49th minute and Jonny Henly was forced to dive quickly to his right to avoid the ball sneaking in at his near post.

The game began to move into the Angels’ favour. In the 67th minute a fabulous move initiated by D’Sean Theobalds saw McKenzie find Turner’s run in from the left but his shot went agonisingly wide.

With four minutes left, Parter capped a fine game with a run deep into the penalty area that was only stopped by a brave block from Moatsiders keeper Amadou Tangara.

On 90 minutes the excellent Theobalds was tripped in the box and Michael Ryan had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Turner went for power straight down the middle with his penalty kick to send the mass of Angels supporters behind the goal into ecstasy.

The delighted Angels manager Steve McKimm said: “I can’t praise my players enough for their efforts this afternoon.

“The pity of it is that despite lifting a trophy, if this was a normal season we would have been promoted by now.

“We will take a couple of days to enjoy this achievement and then start to prepare for Saturday’s game at Met Police.”

The Angels had reached the play-off final after beating second-placed Haringey Borough away from home on Thursday night [May 2].

They scored when Adem Ramadan’s shot-cumcross deceived keeper Valery Pajetat and curled into the top right-hand corner on 35 minutes.

Eight minutes later Derry broke and Ramadan whipped in a cross that fell to McKenzie, who fired a fine shot into the net.

The Londoners were awarded a penalty after 52 minutes for a trip by Turner. Kudus Oyenuga scored, but then the Angels defence held firm.

Tonbridge travel to Metropolitan Police at Imber Court in Surrey on Saturday [May 11, kick-off 3pm].

Then Alex Williams and Will Stickler (23) combined to defy the Beckenham attack of pace and spin, adding 87 before the latter was adjudged to have feathered a catch to the keeper.

Williams found another accomplice in Ian Mclean and ran the fielders ragged in a rapid seventh-wicket stand of 49.

49 and the captain removed Kent’s Alex Blake as they kept the runrate under control after a third-wicket stand of 93.

But then MacVicar stole the show with a dynamic century, raising his game as the light closed in and he upped the tempo just when it was required.

The Duckworth-Lewis Method was consulted to recalculate the target amid interruptions due to the weather, before the light was found to be too bad to continue.

With a startling precision, MacVicar ensured that his side were three runs ahead of the asking rate when the game ended, having just reached three figures himself.

Wells now face another key encounter at Lordswood on Saturday [May 11] – they came second last year, with Wells in third place.

Dynamic He finally departed to MacVicar (3 for 54) for a fine 74 off 90 balls with eight fours and a six, with four overs left to gather the fourth batting point.

MacVicar snapped up two wickets in two balls but Dave Smith and Mark Mclean produced 17 off the last over for the last wicket, and the visitors were left to make 236.

Wells snared two wickets as the reply moved to

JUMP FOR JOY The Angels celebrate with fans after the late penalty secured victory

Wednesday May 8 | 2019

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69

Safety fears shorten events at Tonbridge Triathlon

By Andy Tong TRIATHLON: THE 28th Tonbridge Triathlon on Bank Holiday Monday [May 6] was another huge success despite problems with extra traffic on the bike route affecting the later races.

A total of 462 athletes took part in the sell-out event, which is organised annually by the town’s Lions club.

But the closure of the A21 bypass following a road accident meant that while the main race was unaffected, other contests had to be cut short.

The men’s winner of the standard distance event was Jack Josephy, who completed the 800-metre swim, 50km cycle and 10km run in 2hr 29min 30sec, while the women’s winner was Saskia Ricks in 2hr 44min 38sec.

For safety reasons the Sprint, Relay and Go Tri events were cut short - the cycling was curtailed, but the swim and run sections were able to continue.

The bike route for the main race takes in Hildenborough, Underriver, Seal, Ivy Hatch and Shipbourne. The bypass was closed at the two South Tonbridge junctions.

The Lions had been given permission by the British Triathlon Federation to offer Go Tri, a new initiative, for the first time in Kent.

The shortened version is for those who want a relatively easy introduction to the sport.

Each distance is a quarter of the standard length – 200m swim, 14km cycle and 2.5km run.

The event raised more than £10,000 for charity, which the Tonbridge Lions will distribute to Air Ambulance Kent Sussex Surrey, Hospice in the Weald and Libra, the Lions International Blood Research Appeal at Kings Hospital London and other local good causes.

TRIUMPHANT Jack Josephy with Lions Club President Tom Simmons

Positive The Lions have donated over £285,000 to charity since the first event in 1991.

The event organiser, former Lions president Bob Bartlett, said: “We were very pleased with the way the day went, everything went to plan, even the changes we made due to the A21 road closure went very smoothly.

“The competitors’ reaction to the event has been very positive and complimentary.

“Overall it was a very satisfying day,” he added.

“I would like to thank all those Lions club members, their wives and friends, the Tonbridge

ATC Squadron, Police Cadets and importantly the competitors for making this annual event an outstanding success.”

Wells quartet show skills in Spain

FANTASTIC FOUR: (L-R) Richard Bysouth, Steven Dunkerley, Pippa Whitby and Guy Whitby

TRIATHLON: FOUR athletes from Tunbridge Wells Triathlon Club travelled to Pontevedra in Spain to represent Great Britain at the International Triathlon Union Multisport World Championships.

Familiar names such as London 2012 silver medal winner Javier Gomez and the BBC’s Louise Minchin were among the competitors at the event, which featured the best age group athletes in the world.

More than 3,000 age group athletes represented 54 counties – with 22 participants over the age of 80.

In the long distance aquabike race, Guy Whitby (M35-39) came ninth in 4hr 14min 36sec, followed by Pippa Whitby (F35-39) 17th in 5:11.54, Richard Bysouth (M40-44) 19th in 4:18.21, and Steven Dunkerley (M55-59) 29th in 4:56.12.

The two-discipline race was scheduled to feature a 3km swim followed by three laps of a hilly bike course, each containing four notable climbs, riding 110km in total.

However, on the morning of the event, Saturday [May 4], the swim was reduced to 1.5km due to low water and air temperatures.

WWW.KENT-COLLEGE.CO.UK INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 3-18

BEING BRAVE Four girls from Kent College discuss a time where they had to step into the unknown...

Christina

Year 8

Hello, my name is Christina. I wouldn’t think I am the bravest of all people but sometimes I can live on the edge. For example, I am terrified of needles (I don’t even have my ears pierced). However, when I want to be, I can be fearless.

I would like to share an experience that I had in the Summer Term of Year 7. It was Sports Day and there were not enough people doing the 800m race. My friend and I were asked to join if we wanted to. I said no the first time because I thought I would not be able to do the 4 laps around the field and would make a fool of myself. However, in the end I decided to be adventurous, because I don’t need other people’s opinions.

We were all waiting there to be called up for the 800m and I was nervous and about to cry with fear. But I had my friends to calm me down. They called my group up to start the first two laps. I did them, they were painful, but not too bad.

Then the third lap came around and the pain kicked in. I slowed down, and my breathing was really painful, and my mouth was really dry. Also, I had a really bad stitch. Fortunately, some Year 10s were helping me get to the end (because I looked I like I was about to pass out!) and all the school were cheering me on. Ms Lodrick started running with me and said “You can do it, control your breathing. Well done.” After all that, I was pleased with myself that I actually finished the 800m. Everyone congratulated me.

That day I learned that being fearless pays off.

Kent College girl Year 7

I was sitting with my best friend at dinner; we had known each other our whole lives and I understood her inside and out: all her likes and dislikes, her health issues and allergies… I knew everything.

Earlier in the evening, we had ordered a Chinese takeaway. Talking on the phone, we had asked over and over whether there was egg, milk, and multiple other ingredients in our order that she was allergic to, and they had fervently said no.

But… when the food arrived and we began eating, Jasmine had suddenly shrieked, ‘I think there’s egg in this!’

‘There can’t be! I asked them over and over and they promised! But don’t eat anymore. Stop now!’ It was too late.

Jasmine suddenly began to swell up right before my eyes. I was terrified and shocked, but I knew exactly what to do so I ran to her medicine bag and pulled out her EpiPen. I then traced down the line of the nerve checking that I didn’t hit it. I was scared at first but I knew there was no choice. It had to be done. Finally, I found the spot and stabbed the EpiPen into her leg.

I ran back over, grabbed her medicine bag and handed it to her because at this point in the proceedings she knew more about what to do than I did.

Still, I ran to the phone and called my mum, then her mum. They reached us twenty minutes later and I knew that I’d done all I could. We all rushed to the hospital where she had been taken for a check up to see how she was.

And how was she? She was fine. I had done it!

The writer of this piece is a pupil at Kent College but wishes to remain anonymous. She wants to tell her story to inspire others but does not want to receive plaudits.

Emma

Year 7

My heart is beating fast, my chest pounding and I’m shaking. Today is the day. I mean, life is all about trying new things, right?

I was never a sporty girl. I was the girl who always sat in the corner when everybody was busy with their hobbies and talking about how excited they were about the next sport meet. I just rolled my eyes and continued feeling sorry for myself but I guess my parents were getting tired of me doing nothing, so they signed me up for hockey and running. Oh no!

Now, as I said, I never was a very sporty girl, so I was dreading the trials. I put up a good fight, argued, argued and argued some more until eventually I gave up. And I took that step. I showed up at the trials…

The hockey turned out to be pretty good and I watched, as if from above, as a lazy, unsporty girl moved out of her comfortable space/zone/corner (choose your own word!) and became a hockey player.

It might seem like a small thing compared to what so many others have to face in their lives but today I am glad that I, no to be honest, my parents, made me take that step, because now I’m not the girl in the corner, I’m the girl. Now, I play for Sevenoaks Hockey A team and, guess what, we are off to Nationals on the 17th May.

Freya

Year 7

Today I am at the stables and I am grooming my horse: scrape scrape with the hoof pick, shum shum with the dandy brush, csh csh with the comb, squirt squirt with the spray. There. All done! On goes the saddle and the numnah, the saddle pad and now to do up the girth, set the stirrups to the correct short length for jumping and the saddle is complete. The bridle goes on nicely and I do up the nose band and the throat lash. I am ready to ride.

I enter the school and check my girth and pop it up a couple of holes. All set. Then I see the jump. Oh no! It has to be about a 1m straight pole. I have never done a metre before, only eighty centimetres. But look, I’m fine. After all, I’m on my favourite horse. Yes, it will definitely be fine.

My mind tells me no but my head tells me yes. I am already moving at a fast walking pace. Please no! Into trot now; nearly cantering. Oh my God. Please no! Cantering; no stopping now. And I’ve just realised I have to go round a whole course.

Right. Get the line look straight. 10 metres…for pity’s sake…5 metres…

2 metres…and he jumps and I squeal! I feel as if everything else is frozen.

Except me. Stay focused. Wait…

I DID IT! I JUMPED THE ONE METRE STRAIGHT!

SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN DAYS • Open House - Friday 10th May, 2.00pm to 3.15pm • Open House - Wednesday 15th May, 9.15am to 10.30am • Fearless Girls - Saturday 8th June, 9.00am to 4.00pm Other regular open events throughout the term

Book online - www.kent-college.co.uk

We love forest school at kent college prep school

KRISHA

HARRIET

EMILIA

SOPHIA

EVA

“I went to the woods and made a ladybird. My favourite bit is the wings.”

“Here is my elephant. I was a bit nervous making an elephant, but then I was happy. I put my elephant in my bedroom with my other elephant. His name is Elephant!”

“I picked some flowers and put them in my headdress. I am an explorer!”

“I painted and coloured my stone.

Do you like it? I felt really excited making it.”

“I like the flowers in my crown. I added a feather. I coloured the feather in rainbow colours.”

Outdoor activity idea

PREP SCHOOL OPEN EVENTS • Forest Explorers’ Morning Saturday 18th May, 9.30am to12.00pm • Explore and Play - Regular days throughout the year • Supporting Your Child’s Numeracy in Nursery and Reception Saturday 15th June, 9.30am to 10.30am Other regular open events throughout the term.

Noughts and Crosses There are plenty of outdoor activities you can try which help develop new skills.

Try painting ‘Os’ and ‘Xs’ on pebbles then play noughts and crosses, using a homemade board with sticks to make a simple grid.

www.kent-college.co.uk

KENT COLLEGE PEMBURY PREP SCHOOL

FAMILY FOREST EXPLORERS’ MORNING Saturday 18th May | 9.30am to 12.00pm For girls and boys aged 0-11

Book online at www.kentcollege.co.uk

UR O Y LE T

GINATION A M I

RUN WIL D