Times of Tunbridge Wells 31st January 2024

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PROGRESS REPORT: Work finally began on developing the old ABC cinema site last week

TWBC set to reveal its five-year Strategic Plan for the Borough

By Grace Corcoran

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Wednesday January 31 | 2024

THIS Friday (February 2), Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) will publish its draft Strategic Plan for 2024-2029 for public consultation.

The five-year plan sets out TWBC’s five priorities for the Borough’s future. The Council’s ambition for Tunbridge Wells is to be a ‘place where all generations can live healthy and fulfilling lives in vibrant and connected communities’.

The five priorities are: climate action, environment, sustainable growth, community wellbeing and a vibrant economy.

Members of the public have until March 15 to give their feedback on the plan.

Council Leader Ben Chapelard said:

“Our towns and villages are full of caring, creative and community-minded people. Our Borough oozes passion and dynamism.

‘As a Council, we are unashamedly ambitious for our Borough and we are about much more than the services we provide to residents and businesses’ “As a Council, we are unashamedly ambitious for our Borough and we are about much more than the services we provide to residents and businesses.”

One of the priorities – the ‘vibrant economy’ – sets out to ‘enhance the vitality of Tunbridge Wells Town Centre’.

TWBC said it will ‘support the creation and growth of local businesses, increase tourism in towns and villages, capitalise on funding opportunities to promote businesses and the rural economy and balance visitor and resident parking and encourage responsible car use’.

The consultation period for the five-year plan comes as an exciting flurry of new hospitality and retail ventures are popping up across Tunbridge Wells, aligning with the Council’s ‘Vibrant Economy’ strategy.

Continued on page 2

INSIDE: Town remembers victims of the Holocaust – page 2

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Wednesday January 31 | 2024

This week… Local residents gather together to PLANNING ISSUES: Residents worry over the 120 new homes proposed for Horsmonden.P5

remember victims of Holocaust

By Elena Percy

LEGAL EAGLE: Joanna Pratt of Thomson Snell & Passmore elected to prestigious law society. P6

TOP OF THE CLASS: Bennett Memorial school receives an Ofsted Outstanding rating after visit. P19

ROOT OF THE ISSUE: Local writer on the messages in his children’s book about an unconventional carrot. P20

CONTACTS EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 NEWS REPORTER GRACE CORCORAN | 01892 240626 newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk NEWS REPORTER BEN CORNWELL | 07494 453524 newsdesk@onemediauk.co.uk SUB EDITOR SIMON MUGFORD simon.mugford@onemediauk.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION JASON STUBBS jason.stubbs@onemediauk.co.uk ADVERTISING 07557 847841 robin.singer@onemediauk.co.uk facebook.com/timeslocalnews www.timeslocalnews.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TF Salomons Estate, One Warwick Park Hotel and Bewl Events & Waterpark are owned by the Elite Leisure Collection, which also owns One Media, publisher of the Times.

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MEMBERS of the public gathered last Saturday (January 27) at the war memorial in Tunbridge Wells to remember victims of the Holocaust.

The Mayor, Councillor Hugh Patterson laid flowers to honour those who died in genocide.

Duncan Lustig-Prean also spoke at the service about this year’s theme ‘The Fragility of Freedom’ and how it connected with his mother Erica Prean.

Erica was a German refugee who fled to Britain on the Kindertransport to stay at The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells. The Amelia Scott’s Beacon archive is named after her.

Other events were held throughout the day to remember the millions of people murdered during the Holocaust under the Nazi regime, and to victims of subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

Playwright Diane Samuels gave an author talk

at the Amelia, and local young people performed a rehearsed reading of Samuel’s play Kindertransport.

An Ashes to Light Concert was held, recounting Nelly Ben-Or’s story with live music.

Alex Metcalfe and Patricia Calnan played works

by Chopin, Bach and Bloch on the piano and violin.

Picture: TWBC

Picture: Anne Goldstein

Cranbrook left without water after power outages following Storm Isha damage

By Ben Cornwell

LAST week residents in Cranbrook were left without water on January 23 and 24 following ‘power outages caused by Storm Isha’, South East Water has confirmed.

Almost 200 properties in Cranbrook and Benenden experienced supply issues for more than 12 hours last Tuesday, with some residents in Cranbrook impacted for over 24 hours.

South East Water set up a bottled water collection point at Snowfields Academy, on Angley Road in Cranbrook for residents affected by the low water pressure and delivered supplies to customers who have registered for their priority services, while their team worked to resolve the issue.

Jim MacIntyre, South East Water’s Incident Manager apologised to those impacted by the water supply issues last week.

He told the Times: “Levels in our treated water storage tanks were low last week following power outages caused by Storm Isha and bursts caused by ground movement, which happens when frozen ground is suddenly hit by an accelerated thaw.

Sorry “This resulted in localised parts of Kent experiencing low pressure or no water on Tuesday and Wednesday and we are sorry to our customers for this.

“Just under 200 properties in the Cranbrook and Benenden areas experienced supply issues for more than 12 hours, with some customers in Cranbrook regrettably impacted for more than 24 hours. Properties on high ground were also affected by shorter supply interruptions, with their supplies restored overnight.

“Our team worked hard to pump drinking water from the storage reservoir and move water around our hidden network of underground pipes.

“In total, more than 10,000 bottles of water were either delivered to customers on our Priority Services Register or collected at our bottled water station at Snowfields Academy in Cranbrook.

Hospitality boost as TWBC sets out plan Continued from front page Chef Atul Kochar’s long-anticipated Essence is set to open on The Pantiles on Wednesday February 7. The restaurant, which promises a menu of traditional pan-Indian cuisine, will be occupying the space of the former Woods business.

A branch of the stylish Brighton restaurant Burnt Orange will also be joining the bustling Tunbridge Wells hospitality scene, taking over the large, vacant Russell and Bromley unit on Mount Pleasant.

Showcase Locals and visitors will be spoilt for choice, as Robin Read recently announced he will be opening his family restaurant, The Counter, on Calverley Road. Billed to open in March, Read promises to showcase the best seasonal and local produce.

Camden Road also gained a new resident recently, as East End-inspired café and coffee shop Whippet opened yesterday (January 30) with its bagels, pie and mash offering.

It joins the growing list of the street’s tenants, which includes events company Once Upon a Wish, coffee shops Gusta and St Kilda, barber shops including P2 Collective as well a number of other restaurants.

With 3.6 million visitors to the Borough each year, which was recently voted onto World Atlas’ ‘Six Most Underrated Towns in the UK’ list, the new eateries promise to bring more people into the town and bolster the already buzzing food scene.

Since the Council announced it would be taking over the lease of Royal Victoria Place (RVP), Ely Court too has welcomed new foodie tenants in a bid to revive the arcade – Spicy n Nice Smoke Jerk House and Stone and Coal.

Inside the shopping centre, Centre Manager Nicky Blanchard recently announced that the empty Wilko unit is to be taken over by a new retailer.

Poundstretcher has been announced to take over the empty unit, offering similar items to the former occupant.

Arun Uner, Asset Manager at RivingtonHark, the company appointed to take on the Asset and Development Management of RVP, recently commented: “More activity at Royal Victoria Place. Within three months of acquisition we have already re-let the Wilko unit to Poundstretcher.”

Yesterday (January 30) Nicky Blanchard confirmed that Poundstretcher would be opening this weekend.

She said: “The grand opening will take place on Saturday 3rd February at 10am and Mayor Hugh Patterson has confirmed his attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony.”

Flagship department store Fenwick has applied for planning permission from the Council to install a new LED-illuminated white ‘Fenwick’ sign at its RVP address.

With the iconic Fenwick on Bond Steet store announcing its closure after 130 years, it will be a relief for the town to see the Tunbridge Wells branch making future plans and improvements.

Highlights Alongside new retail and hospitality businesses choosing to open in Tunbridge Wells, the Times reported last week that work had finally begun on the ABC Cinema site.

The 1.5-acre development site, which has been left vacant for 24 years, will become a ‘later life village’ after permission was granted to Retirement Villages Group in November 2022.

The village will contain a mix of homes, retail space, restaurants, a café, an outdoor courtyard, and leisure facilities.

The other four priorities set out in the draft Strategic Plan will also play into the future of the town.

Highlights include reducing the Council’s emissions to net zero by 2030, safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists, more housing and improving the Council’s leisure centres.

You can have your say on the draft Strategic Plan on the TWBC website from Friday February 2.

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

NEWS IN BRIEF

Kent County Council CCTV system to be phased out KENT County Council said it will begin to phase out its Hikvision cameras due to alleged ethical abuse and security matters.

CCTV camera manufacturer Hikvision has been accused of being connected to human rights abuse in China.

It was reported last year that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, along with Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks councils, said they will replace the Hikvision cameras used in council buildings when they needed to be upgraded.

Trinity seeks new Chair to lead board of Trustees TRINITY Theatre, Tunbridge Wells is looking for a new Chair for its board of Trustees.

The arts venue is seeking someone with experience to oversee the board, with a hands-on approach to support the organisation.

Trinity offers a varied seasonal programme, inspiring all ages with a focus on enriching lives and promoting cultural togetherness.

The role is voluntary, and deadline for submission is February 12. For more information contact Amanda Lewis at hr@trinitytheatre.net

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Pantiles markets set to return again next month

NEWS

Lantern parade returns to light up the Tunbridge Wells sky

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By Elena Percy COLOUR, life and music are set to fill the streets next Saturday at the annual winter lantern parade.

Organised by Camden Road Education, Arts and Theatre Enterprise (CREATE), the parade will be held on Saturday February 10 at 5.30pm from Calverley Road.

Dream The traditional route will see the parade form up on the pedestrianised part opposite the millennium clock, turning left in Mount Pleasant and left again into Monson Road, following it through to Camden Road and all the way into Grosvenor and Hilbert Park.

This year’s theme is Dream Destination – think favourite holiday place, an imaginary world like

Wonderland or even your bedroom.

Local Scouts and Guides, schools and the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival and more will be joining the parade, alongside local businesses.

So far, there have been eight workshops for the public to make lanterns including a pop-up at Royal Victoria Place. Local businesses are also selling kits for £5 to make your own lantern and bring them along to the parade. They can be found at Cook, Manic Ceramic, M. Saltmarsh Artists’ Materials or Whirligig Toys.

One of the parade organisers, Nell Price, told the Times: “The parade is full of music and life at this dark time of year! Plenty of people join in, lots of people get dragged in to carry those bigger lanterns, plenty of people also watch from the sides to see the whole thing going past!

“Bloco Fogo and TS Brilliant keep us marching in time and we all finish at the Grosvenor and Hilbert Park to see the bigger lanterns up close, listen to the music and have food and drink from the stalls there. It really is a festival atmosphere!”

SE Water meeting for Paddock Wood residents RESIDENTS of Paddock Wood have been invited to a public meeting to discuss a £900,000 investment in fresh drinking water mains upgrades this year by South East Water.

A public drop-in session has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 7 from 3.30pm to 7.00pm at Paddock Wood Community Centre.

This session will have South East Water staff in attendance to answer questions about the work which is due to be carried out during school holidays to minimise disruption.

After completing an upgrade on Mascalls Court Road in 2023, a two-phase upgrade has been unveiled for a project in Gedges Hill and Chantler’s Hill.

Phase two will start on Tuesday 23 July and is expected to take over six weeks in the summer holidays to complete.

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The CREATE committee, made up of five members, have said they are always in need of volunteers to get involved. Contact them at create@camdenroad.org

PIG will open its Headliner announced for THE Groombridge Place Sausage and Cider Festival boutique hotel in 2025

By Grace Corcoran

THE PANTILES has announced that its markets will be back next month.

Starting on Saturday February 17, The Pantiles Markets, which run every weekend, will have a variety of stallholders with a wide range of local produce, designer clothes and artisan crafts.

The popular fixture on the parade will take place every weekend from February 17, from 10am to 4pm.

POPULAR boutique hotel chain, THE PIG is set to open its doors at the former Groombridge Place in 2025.

With exciting plans in the pipeline for the largest PIG hotel yet, the Times exclusively spoke to Tom Ross, CEO, about the developments for the local hotel:

Special

The Manor House hosts its first family rave

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS

PUB and nightclub, The Manor House, on Church Road held its first family rave on Sunday January 28.

Formerly the Pitcher & Piano, the rebranded venue welcomed families to its event ‘Bounce’ with music, soft play and garden games.

The music was geared towards the adults with 90s club classics and noughties tunes, and entertainment to keep children of all ages entertained.

Hosted by Double A events, the day included a music set by local DJ and actor Muzz Khan, glitter from Glitterbox Tunbridge Wells and characters from children events company Once Upon a Wish joined in on the fun, too.

THE headline act for this summer’s Sausage and Cider Festival at Dunorlan Park has been announced by the event’s organisers.

Indie rock legends Scouting for Girls will be headlining the first ever edition of the event in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday June 15 (2pm-11pm). The three man band, known for their 00s hits She’s So Lovely, Heartbeat and Elvis Ain’t Dead have previously headlined the festival in other locations across the UK. Alongside the headline act there will also be Barrioke with former Eastenders and Extras star Shaun Williamson as well as tribute acts of Queen, Abba, Elton John, Madness and The Killers.

The foodie festival, which had over 120,000 attendees in 2023, will not only have live music as festival goers will be able to enjoy more than 30 cider flavours and 20 sausage varieties, on-stage sausage and chili-eating contests, and the opportunity to dance the night away at a silent disco.

There will also be a children’s stage which will include a children’s disco, face-painters, and character dress-up activities to keep the little ones entertained.

Tickets to the event at Dunorlan Park are available from £25 on the festival’s website at sausageandciderfest.co.uk/ tunbridge

“We are very excited about the plans for Groombridge place. It is a very special building and has all the makings of a fantastic PIG hotel.

It will be our largest hotel to date and our first with a moat, as we always like a new challenge!

He added: “In the meantime we have been working hard on restoring the vineyard to its former glory and have just completed our first harvest of Seyval Blanc from the 35-year-old vines!”

THE PIG currently has eight hotels across the country and will be adding a further three throughout 2024 and 2025, including the one at Groombridge Place.

Plans for THE PIG at Groombridge are ongoing for the historic house, originally built in 1662 by barrister and architect Philip Packer and Christopher Wren, but all bedrooms will enjoy views across the property’s moat, gardens or vineyard.

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Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Southborough Society pleas for action to save historic buildings

AT RISK: The former Lloyd’s Bank building in Southborough

By Ben Cornwell THE Southborough Society is appealing for action to be taken to ensure the preservation of two historic buildings on London Road, Southborough, ‘before it is too late’.

As previously shared in last week’s letters page of the Times, the local civic and heritage group sent a joint letter to local MP Greg Clark to express their extreme concern over the at-risk Grade II listed former Bat & Ball pub and the old Lloyd’s Bank building on Southborough High Street.

Precaution Mr Clark issued the following response to the public letter: “The disgraceful neglect of these buildings has led to them becoming eyesores and I share the concern that their importance as buildings will be compromised. Action needs to be taken to remedy an unacceptable situation.

“In fact, I have already written to the company that are acting as administrators to press them to take action.

“I have also been in contact with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who in my experience are very responsive in these types of circumstances, to ensure that they are taking every precaution to prevent a fire breaking out at the site and being able to respond quickly should that happen.”

On January 8, the Southborough Society wrote to Mark Stephenson, the Principal Conservation Officer at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) to ask why after the damage and dereliction was first reported back in June 2023 by Southborough councillor Brian Dury, that still no site visit has taken place at the Grade II listed former Bat & Ball pub.

At the time of writing, the group has revealed to the Times that they are yet to receive a response from Mr Stephenson, despite giving him an opportunity to respond, prior to sending the letter to Greg Clark.

Southborough Society Chair, Diana Blackwell added: “The Grade II listed Bat & Ball is one of the last remaining 18th-century buildings on the east side of London Road. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has statutory powers which they can enforce to safeguard this building.

“We do not want to be in the position where we lose another important part of our architectural heritage because of lack of action, a ‘careless’ fire or the building condemned as being beyond economic repair. These buildings need protection from the weather and anti-social behaviour not just covering up again with hoardings.

“Despite regular communication with TWBC, there appears to be a complete lack of urgency to resolve this issue. While TWBC considers their options, our buildings slowly rot, and our high street looks more run down than it has at any time in living memory. We want action and we want action before it is too late.

“We are pleased to hear our MP Greg Clark shares our concerns and we will be closely watching for progress in the coming weeks.

The Southborough Society has exclusively confirmed to the Times that following Mr Clark’s response, an online meeting has been scheduled for Friday morning (February 2) to discuss the issue further.

Also attending the meeting alongside Greg Clark will be Southborough Mayor, Cllr Dianne Hill, local historian, Fiona Woodfield, Cllr Brian Dury and the Southborough Society Chair, Diana Blackwell.

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NEW HOMES: The plans for the Horsmonden development

Plans lodged for 120 new homes in Horsmonden

By Jack Thornton DEVELOPERS Persimmon have lodged new plans with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) for 120 new homes to be built on the site at Bassetts Farm in Horsmonden. The new plans also include the future development of a new medical centre and a community orchard at the site just off Goudhurst Road.

The UK housebuilding firm, based in York, initially applied back in January 2023 for up to 163 homes on the site to the east of Horsmonden.

The original application attracted more than 150 letters from the public and resulted in the plans needing to be scaled back.

A spokesperson from Persimmon Homes South East told the Times: “We’re delighted to share our exciting proposals for new homes in Horsmonden, Tunbridge Wells.

Attractive “Our latest submission is the culmination of over two years extensive community engagement and careful hard work to produce this highly attractive, green and sustainable housing scheme.

“If approved, our plans will deliver 120 much needed new homes for the area, including 48 homes for either shared ownership or affordable rent. This will make an important contribution to addressing some of the affordability challenges that people experience in this part of Kent.

“We will also be providing land for a new medical centre, allotments and new areas of public open space with stunning views of The Weald to the benefit of the whole community.”

The affordable housing statement published alongside the planning application confirms that the 48 affordable dwellings will comprise of 29 two bedroom homes – including four bungalows, 17 three bedroom homes and 2 four bedroom homes.

Although land will be reserved on the site for a new medical centre - another firm will have to come forward to provide it.

A spokesperson from TWBC confirmed to the Times that a date has not been set yet for when the council’s planning committee will decide on the planning application.

For further information, visit the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Planning Applications portal and reference 24/00078/HYBRID.

In place of the Q&A, the ofany thepayments support packages have to reduce made and/or duethat on account.

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Reviewing your quarter tax position is an ideal time to This 1. means that May VAT Returns, where consider whether you could change anythingas to payment is due by 7 July, will still be payable reduce your overall tax burden.will Is it become time to transfer to normal.

Any payments deferred payable a company or perhaps form a partnership? Would by the end of the tax year (31/3/21 Company or 5/4/21 changing the method or timing of your income make a Unincorporated) difference? The earlier you identify opportunities, the

Income Taxyou Deferral: self-assessment second sooner can startThe saving. payment on account, due by 31 July 2020, will be 2. If your tax liability has decreased, you may be able deferred to 31 January 2021. No penalties or interest will be charged.

3. If your liability is higher than expected, perhaps you Cash Grants: A grant of £10k will automatically be are newly self-employed and were not expecting the provided to all businesses currently entitled to Small need to pay the whole of last year’s tax plus a further Business Rates A grant of £25k canyou be claimed 50% payment onRelief. account, the more warning have for businesses in the retail, of the liability, the easier it is hospitality to plan for. or leisure industry if their rateable value is between £15k and £51K. 4. Leaving it to the last minute leaves little time to

Business Rates Holiday: (lost There is a forms 12-month obtain missing information P11D for business rates holiday (April to Marchof21) for all retail, taxable benefits or the20 breakdown mortgage payments between capital and interest rental hospitality and leisure businesses infor England. properties are common culprits).

Time to Pay Arrangements: In addition to the deferral schemes noted above, you have 5. If you pay tax at source, such asifunder the outstanding Construction Scheme, youVAT may be a tax liabilitiesIndustry (Corporation Tax, or due Income Tax) refund.

Unlike tax payments, refunds areto payable due to coronavirus, you may be able agree once a time thepay Return has been filed. to arrangement.

Arrangements will be agreed on aIf case by case basis.

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Wednesday January 31 | 2024

NEWS

Councils come together for work experience projects

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Local NHS Trust awarded a national quality mark

By Grace Corcoran TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council (TWBC) is tackling social exclusion with two volunteering and enrichment projects, which it is supporting in partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

The priorities of the projects include support for young people with special educational needs and help for people with mental health problems who are out of work.

Mission The councils will work with both West Kent Mind and The Oaks Specialist College based in Tonbridge. The projects will include work experience placements in Charlie’s Angels Kitchen Café, a café on a mission to reduce food waste in Tunbridge Wells.

Charlie Moore, owner of Charlie’s Angels

yes

Kitchen, told the Times: “I am delighted to be working with The Oaks Specialist College. All people are equal and if I can help young people find and develop their skills it’s a privilege.”

The projects are funded by money the councils received from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. They are being finalised at present and are expected to be up and running in early April.

Councillor Justine Rutland, Cabinet member for Economic Development said: ‘The Council is delighted to be supporting this programme.

The projects have the potential to make a big difference to young people with special educational needs and those with mental health problems.

She added: “Giving these young people experience of work will help build confidence and grow their independence, whilst West Kent Mind is a fantastic charity with a proven track record of local mental health support.’

MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells (MTW) NHS Trust’s preceptorship programme was awarded a national quality mark in recognition of its excellent standards in supporting newly registered nurses.

The preceptorship programme offers a period of guidance and support for newly registered nurses and ensures new members of staff have the support they need to kickstart their careers, develop their confidence and put their knowledge into practice.

The programme also provides study days on topics including patient safety, leadership, and career development, ensuring patients receive safe and compassionate care from confident and competent staff.

The Quality Mark is the national gold standard and was created in 2022 when NHS England introduced the new national Preceptorship Framework for Nursing, which NHS trusts benchmark themselves against. The Quality Mark awards organisations which create an environment where new team members can thrive, learn and grow.

Lisa Tritton, MTW Lead Nurse for Education and

Development said: “I’m really proud of our preceptorship programme which provides a supportive environment for staff to develop into safe and autonomous practitioners who will deliver care with skill, knowledge and kindness,” “We’re absolutely delighted to be accredited with the Quality Mark. It highlights the fantastic work of the team and is great news for the Trust as well as those joining us for preceptorship. It also demonstrates our dedication to delivering the highest standard of care through our highly skilled nursing teams.”

The Trust was commended on its individualised learning plans and study programmes, created to enhance skills and boost confidence and competence in clinical settings.

Chief Nurse, Jo Haworth commented: “Our preceptorship programme has been designed to support the professional development of our new colleagues and promote multidisciplinary working.

“I’m incredibly proud of the offer we provide as a Trust and want to congratulate everyone involved for their work in obtaining this recognition.”

WITHOUT RTW TOGETHER (BID)

Marketing campaigns attracting tourists in London, South East & overseas

Grants for festivals & cultural venues

Free training through the BID school

OUR TOWN WILL LOSE

Crucial Safe Town Partnership & CCTV Support

RTW Christmas lights

Hand-drawn Tunbridge Wells Maps

Quarterly RTW Guides

yes

RTW Together Business Improvement District (BID) is a not-for-profit organisation funded by, and representing, over 640 business members in the town centre.

Events & Trails to promote Footfall

Advertising to tour operators, coach parties & tourists

Powerful & influential voice on behalf of all member businesses

Graffiti removal & street enhancements

Security Patrols across town

There are over 350 BIDs around the UK and they are effective models for delivering impactful campaigns and initiatives through the economy of scale of multiple members.

Through its first term running 2019-2024, RTW Together BID invested over £2.1m to promote the town and encourage economic growth for its members.

Members are going to the polls throughout February to decide whether they want to renew the BID for a second term (2024 – 2029).

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Wednesday January 31 | 2024

New President elected to prestigious law society

By Elena Percy

FINE DINING: Tallow has been praised by foodie fans

Southborough restaurant in top 50 of the UK’s best

By Archie Lawrence A TUNBRIDGE WELLS eatery has placed in the top 50 of a popular restaurant guide.

Tallow, in Southborough, has been voted number 29 on Square Meal’s UK Top 100 Restaurants list.

The fine-dining venue, run by husband-andwife team Rob and Donna Taylor, thanked voters in a post to their Instagram: “Sitting alongside some of our favourite restaurants is just surreal, not sure we entirely belong there, but are grateful all the same!

“Thank you to everyone that took the time to vote and thank you to the whole team at Tallow who continue to deliver day in day out.”

Tallow offers an impressive, seasonal menu that changes monthly.

The award-winning restaurant’s January 2024 menu includes caramelised pork belly, soused white halibut or leek and salsify to start, plaice and ox tail, masala spiced squash or roast rump of lamp for main and a pear doughnut, warm chocolate mousse or cheese and ginger parkin for dessert. Diners can choose a tasting menu with an optional wine pairing too.

Square Meal describes Tallow as having ‘a fine dining style menu’ but with a ‘relaxed and homely’ atmosphere. The wooden interiors, exposed brickwork and low-hanging lights ‘add to the laid-back ambience and you really feel that you have been welcomed into the Taylors’ world’.

FOLLOWING the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and District Law Society AGM last week, the society has elected a new president for 2024.

Joanna Pratt, Senior Partner and Head of Family at Thomson Snell & Passmore will be at the helm of the society this year, taking over the role of President from John Spence, Property Litigation Partner at CooperBurnett.

Joanna said she is ‘honoured to be serving as president and look forward to working with our members to help support and raise the profile of the legal profession across the local area’.

The Society, which was founded in 1933 by local solicitors practising in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, congratulated the outgoing President and thanked him for his ‘dedication, enthusiasm

The society congratulated outgoing President John Spence, and thanked him for his ‘dedication, enthusiasm and passion over the last two years’ and passion over the last two years’.

It added: “With his drive we have truly recovered from the impact of the pandemic in our ability to provide learning, networking and social opportunities for our members.”

Others voted to the board at the AGM alongside Joanna Pratt (President) included: Helen Stewart, (Vice President), Matthew Sabine and Amy Lane of Thomson Snell & Passmore, Fiona McIntosh, Phil Youdan, Dino Sikkel, Jade Hallam of Cripps, Imogen Fleur, John Spence,

JOANNA PRATT Sarah Strong of CooperBurnett, Michael McNally of Warners Law, Daldeep Jaswal of Buss Murton, John Moreland of Clarke Kiernan, Jenna Hunter of Hunter Law and Administrative Officer Caroline Winning.

Sarah Strong, Partner at CooperBurnett said: “Following the TWTDLS AGM, I am very happy to remain on the Council.

“I have very much enjoyed working alongside John Spence during his two years. He has been proactive and enthusiastic as President and I know he is leaving the Society in great shape.

CooperBurnett has a long tradition of being involved with TWTDLS and I am proud to be part of that.”

The independent law society is made up of over 260 subscribed members, and overseen by a committee elected annually. It offers support to local solicitors and other legal professionals, including networking, training and social events.

New Holiday Calculation Rules for 2024 Calculating holiday entitlement can at times, be challenging, especially when the rules around the method that is to be used, changes.

commission (where given) and any enhancements relating to professional or personal status.

4. Employees on family-related leave and also long-term sick leave, must be allowed to carry over unused holiday. This is not new guidance, and most employers will already be doing this.

You may recall, in 2022 the Supreme Court of the UK Sophie confirmed that part-year Forrest-Lavery workers would be entitled to 5.6 weeks holiday for the year (even though some of these workers don’t work a full year), following the Harpur Trust v Brazel case.

Legislative intervention to simplify holiday entitlement calculations has been required ever since and many employers will be pleased to know that with effect from 1st January 2024, this has arrived!

The new changes will be greatly received by many industries, including (but not limited to) hospitality, retail and education. The changes will relate to those on irregular hours and/or work just part of the year, for holiday years that commence on or after 1st April 2024.

We’ve covered this topic in greater detail in our recent blog, available on our website, but here is a summary of the main changes, plus a helpful reminder of some practices that were already in place.

1. Holiday entitlement will accrue at 12.07% of hours worked in a pay period, therefore providing entitlement in accordance with their actual working hours.

2. Rolled-up holiday pay will be allowed for irregular hours and part-year employees.

Rolled-up holiday pay is when an additional amount is paid for holiday along with basic pay, instead of making a payment at the time holiday is actually taken, as previously required. The calculation should be 12.07% of the worker’s earnings during the pay period.

3. Normal pay for the purposes of calculating holiday pay, must include overtime,

5. Employees who have not had a ‘reasonable opportunity’ to take holiday must be allowed to carry it over to the following year. This is also not new guidance and employers should always be ensuring that they have processes in place to monitor whether employees are taking their holiday, and to actively encourage them, where necessary. It should certainly be common knowledge that it is an absolute no no, to pay in lieu of any unused holiday entitlement, unless the Company provides more than the statutory 5.6 weeks entitlement or the individual’s employment is ending.

Holiday entitlement calculations can still be a minefield for some, contact the experts at ForrestHR for support and to discuss in more detail how these changes will affect your business.

01892 726060 | www.theforrestgroup.co.uk | hello@theforrestgroup.co.uk

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Wednesday January 31 | 2024

BUSINESS

9

Local entrepreneur expands coworking sessions to London

By Grace Corcoran A LOCAL businesswoman is holding a pop-up coworking session in London to broaden connections and opportunities.

Jenny Cooper, of Jennifer Cooper Time Saver, has been holding regular free coworking in Tunbridge Wells for 20 months, but will be holding a session this Friday (February 2) in central London, giving locals a chance to widen their circle beyond Tunbridge Wells.

Jenny explained to the Times that hosting in a different location creates the ‘opportunity to meet new people’.

Networking “The coworking sessions are not ‘traditional networking’. They are much gentler, where natural connections arise, people make friends, share knowledge and collaborations always come out of it.

“I adore Tunbridge Wells, but we all know it can be small, and you can bump into the same people,” she added.

Jenny plans to do a pop-up session in London every two months, and another session near Lewes in March. She describes her coworking sessions held in Tunbridge Wells at Charlotte’s In The Pantiles, as ‘without a doubt, the best part of my week’.

“There is usually a core of six of us. Sometimes I have as many as 20. There is normally someone new every fortnight or so.

“All sorts of people come to coworking, usually female founders and entrepreneurs: we have copywriters, coaches, artists, social media managers, photographers, interior designers, stylists, nutritionists, hypnotherapists, consultants, tutors, mortgage advisors,

yes

TIME SAVER: A coworking session at Charlotte’s property experts and more.”

Jenny believes the reason her coworking sessions have been a success is the relaxed environment and that they are free.

“People like that they can pop in with no pressure, you don’t have to stay for the whole two hours, some people pop in between appointments. Free parking on Castle Road behind The Forum also helps!

“All I ask is that you buy something from the [venue] that is hosting us,” she added.

Jenny will host the coworking session at the Citizen M Hotel next to the Tower of London this Friday between 10.30am and 1.30pm. She also hosts regular sessions at Charlotte’s In The Pantiles every Thursday.

For more information follow Jennifer on Instagram @jennifercoopertimesaver

Award-winning operator acquires town’s iconic Royal Wells Hotel

By Elena Percy THE Royal Wells Hotel in Tunbridge Wells has been acquired by an independent hotel and inn operator. The historic hotel has been obtained by multi-award-winning Coaching Inn Group, which operates 34 other hotels and inns in market towns and other popular destinations in the UK. The hotel was previously run by RedCat Pub Co.

Contemporary The hotel, which boasts spectacular views from its hilltop location on Mount Ephraim, is a short walk from the town centre and owes its regal title to Queen Victoria who visited as a young princess early in the 19th century.

It has undergone an extensive refurbishment, incorporating the latest facilities while

retaining its Victorian elegance and period features.

Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Charity, said the family-owned group’s whole ethos was based around ‘offering hospitality from the heart’ and ensuring all their hotels and inns played a growing role at the centre of all the communities they serve.

“We’re thrilled to bring our ‘Hospitality from the Heart’ philosophy to the historic town of Tunbridge Wells,” he told the Times.

“Our recent endorsement as a Which?

Recommended Provider for small hotel chains and being awarded the title of AA Hotel Group of the Year demonstrates our passion for providing excellent hospitality across all our historic hotels and inns,” Kevin explained.

“The Royal Wells is an exciting addition to the Coaching Inn Group family, and we know our guests will love the hotel and its rich history as much as we do,” he added.

WITH RTW TOGETHER (BID)

yes

TUNBRIDGE WELLS WILL BENEFIT FROM

RTW Together BID is seeking to renew for a second 5-year term (2024 – 2029) and will invest £3.1m of member contributions to support our town, attract more footfall and generate income.

Members need to vote YES between 1 February and 29 February to ensure the RTW Together BID continues to deliver these valuable services for our whole town.

The BID will support business members directly to help them operate as effectively as possible.

Member businesses will be promoted, alongside the town as a whole, as a destination to visit, work, live and enjoy.

Free services & resources for businesses

Free RTW conferences & training support

Love Local Campaigns & Guides supporting local businesses

New RTW free job recruitment site

Investments in public realm & greening of RTW

Guidance & advice from a dedicated support team

TW Works Campaign supporting inward investment

Street art & lighting installations

Premises, Security & Sustainability Grants

Support for Amplifi & Creative TW Partnerships

Town statistics including footfall counters measuring visitors to the town

RTW Events & Christmas launch for town

The BID will enhance our town and the local environment of member businesses

10

COMMUNITY

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Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Father to attend Transplant Games in memory of his son Top four tips for 2024 to yield the biggest returns for the least effort

SPORTING MEMORY: The late Sam Roonan (centre) with his father Mark (left) and godfather Chris Magennis

By Archie Lawrence IN SIX weeks, the World Transplant Winter Games will take place in Bormio, Italy and a local father will be attending in support of his late son.

Mark Roonan, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, has a very close connection to the Games, as his son, Sam, had a double lung transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2012 at the age of 13.

Following his operation, Sam competed in the Games, winning three Gold Medals at the event in Switzerland in 2018.

Awareness Sadly, Sam died in 2020 while on the waiting list for a new pair of lungs after issues with his transplanted organs. Now, his father Mark wants to raise more awareness for organ transplants.

He said: “There is a shortage of organs for those needing lifesaving transplant operations and the Transplant Games is a great way to publicise that and encourage people to discuss

and go on the donor list.

“Additionally the event is just an amazing experience for those who have had a transplant or have an association,” he added. “I’m really happy to be able to go help and support this year and remember the joy of life Sam got after his transplant operation.”

This year, Team GB will be competing at the Games on March 3-8 in Bormio. The team includes 19 transplant athletes, eight live donors and three donor family members. They will be accompanied by a further 20 supporters and volunteers.

The transplant athletes have all survived either a heart, kidney, liver, multi-visceral or bone marrow transplants, and come from all parts of the UK. Lynne Holt, GB Team Manager said: “Not only are these athletes ambassadors for organ donation, but they are also representing the charity, Transplant Sport, with the aim to raise awareness of organ donation here in the UK and globally.

Part of this also includes encouraging conversations with friends and family to discuss their wishes regarding organ donation and signing up for the Organ Donor Register.”

To join the NHS Organ Donor Register, call 0300 123 23 23 or visit organdonation.nhs.uk

Town’s first board game café comes to The Amelia

By Ben Cornwell

A BRAND new board game café will be opening soon in Tunbridge Wells.

Local community hub The Amelia has announced that it will be launching its free-to-play ‘Game Changer’ events from February 4. The board game sessions will be held in The Green Room on the first Sunday (12.00pm-3.45pm) and third Thursday (4:00pm-7.45pm) of the month.

Gamers and attendees will be able to get food and drink while they play from the hub’s independent café, Fine Grind.

Entertainment An Amelia spokesperson told the Times: “We’re always looking to reach new audiences and to offer something different and interesting to the community. Board games offer entertainment, an opportunity to try something new, practise strategic thinking and meet new people.

“Since the venue opened, we’ve put on a number of themed days and events that provide engaging and entertaining events and we see this as a very natural and exciting next step.”

The free events will be open to anyone and everyone as they believe games should be fun for all ages. The community hub hopes that its array of different games will interest a broad cross-section of the community, as well as any avid gamers, into visiting The Amelia.

The spokesperson added: “Our collection features classic

board games, such as chess, Jenga and Cluedo, through to newer games such as Exploding Kittens and the always popular Traitors board game. Board games will take place in the Green Room while family games, such as Top Trumps and giant Jenga will be in the activity space.

“We will also have the famous game invented in Tunbridge Wells – Subbuteo – available to play.”

The Amelia hopes these initial board game events ‘will just be the start’ and has already lined up ‘Dungeons and Dragons for Beginners’ workshops for the near future.

Following a year of financial shocks and budget squeezes in 2023, you may well be resolving to start the new year with a new money regime. But what simple changes could yield the biggest financial return for the least effort?

Amanda Redman explores four new year’s resolutions to revolutionise your relationship with money.

1. Use the ‘pots’ method to budget The method of separating money into different pots is as old as the hills, but it’s effective. It has also been given a digital update with the ability to create separate ‘spaces, ‘pots’ or ‘jars’ within your online bank account, and automatically allocate separate sums into these on payday. If you only do one thing, setting up a separate bills account can be transformational for your finances. After building up your regular monthly payments, set up a direct debit to transfer your share to the bills account. Keep your fixed costs separate and it will be clear how much is left to spend, save or invest. You may like to think of your savings as sitting in three separate jars. You have your emergency fund in an easy access savings account; a separate account for things you want to do within a year or two like holidays or a big life event, and then anything over and above that can be invested in stocks and shares for the long term.

2. New mortgage rates If your mortgage fix comes to an end in 2024, start looking for a new deal up to nine months beforehand.

Use an online mortgage calculator to get a sense of how your monthly payments could increase and speak to a mortgage broker early in the process.

Financial markets expect interest rates to fall in 2024, providing respite for borrowers — so grab the best deals on savings accounts while you can.

3. Prepare for political change This year could produce a huge political moment on both sides of the Atlantic, but what could it mean for your money? Manifesto promises are likely to favour older voters, but experts urge the under30s to become politically engaged and campaign for change. If you want to see changes to rules to do with renting, Lifetime ISAs, then pay very close attention to the parties and individuals who are promising these things, and vote for them.

While investors could see a change of government, they should stay focused on the long term. A good investment strategy should never need to fundamentally change, no matter which way the political wind is blowing.

4. Focus on the economy and financial outlook Forecasting the economic and financial outlook for the coming year is always difficult. In 2020, the surprise came in the form of a global pandemic; in 2022, it was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For 2024, the known unknowns come in two categories: economics and politics. The likely good news comes in the form of falling inflation and the widespread expectation that the Federal Reserve, and other central banks, will start to cut interest rates during the year. Anticipation of this policy shift sparked a strong rally in global equities in November and December, making 2023 the best year for global equities since 2019.

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Amanda at : amanda.redman@sjpp.co.uk.

Love is in the air in Tunbridge Wells A hand-picked selection of food, gifts and flowers to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from some of your favourite Tunbridge Wells businesses

FLOWERS Say it with flowers; from the simplicity of a single red rose to a jaw dropping hand tied bouquet, we are spoilt for choice in Tunbridge Wells. We would recommend you order in advance as this is one of the busiest times of the year!

The Cove bouquets from £40 94 High Street, TN1 1YF M&S Royal Victoria Place Sainsburys Linden Park Road, TN2 5QL

JEWELLERY

CARDS

Nothing says “I Love You” better than a hand-picked piece of jewellery for your loved one. Here are some special pieces from some of your favourite local businesses.

The Diamond Setter, 39-41 Pantiles 9ct Man’s Yellow Franco Bracelet, £519 Walsh Bros, 16 Mount Pleasant Road 1.5ct Diamond Heart Necklace £11,500 Ernest Jones, Royal Victoria Place Tennis Bracelets starting from £75 Gabriella, 9 Chapel Place 0.8ct Diamond Studs, 18ct White Gold £2350

Valentine’s Day gives us a perfect opportunity to send somebody special a card as a secret admirer, signed with a ?

There is a huge selection of cards for spouses, couples, galantines, friends, family & even pets!

Card Factory 58 Calverley Road Hoopers, 2-12 Mount Pleasant Road Mooch, Royal Victoria Place Zebra Cards, 5 High Street Pink Mary, 66 High Street Clintons, Royal Victoria Place Anthropologie, 59-61 High Street WHSmith, Royal Victoria Place Jeremy’s Home Store, 26-28 Monson Road

#Lovelocal Support Tunbridge Wells Businesses Supported By:

·

Why not follow us on Social Media to keep up with the latest news in the town centre

GIFTS

There are a wealth of retailers who have curated some beautiful Valentine’s Day gift ranges. From His & Hers Fragrances (Fenwicks Royal Victoria Place), (Boots RVP), (Superdrug 26-28 Calverley Rd), (Hoopers 212 Mount Pleasant) to thoughtful books & accessories (White Stuff 21 Calverley Rd), gifts for men (Retro Stuff, RVP) to chocolates (Hotel Chocolat RVP), there is something for every budget.

How about beautiful Valentine’s nightwear, at Sainsburys (Linden Park Road) and Marks & Spencer (RVP).

@rtwtogether @rtwtogether @Royal Tunbridge Wells Together

GOING OUT & EATING IN For the most romantic Valentine’s treats & meals whether you are out for the evening or cooking at home, we heartily recommend any one of these great local offerings: The Brasserie OWP, 17 Chapel Place Sopranos, 56 High Street The Ivy, 46-50 High Street TN1 Bar & Kitchen, Monson Road Pizza Express, 81 High Street M & S, Tesco, Sainsburys “Valentines Meal Deals” for £20 (in store) COOK Romantic Dinner for Two £31.80 (pick up in store)

ESTABLISHED

Weddings at Salomons Estate Nestled amongst the picturesque landscapes of Royal Tunbridge Wells, our spectacular manor house, four ceremony and reception rooms, and 36-acre rolling gardens create an unforgettable backdrop for your dream wedding.

CONTACT OUR AWARD-WINNING TEAM TO START PLANNING YOUR SPECIAL DAY salomons-estate.com @salomonsestate_wed dings leisuresales@salomon s-estate.com Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Rowing club needs new coxes

Local News

COMMUNITY

13

Golf Club’s charity drive raises £14,000

By Ben Cornwell

By Elena Percy

BEWL Bridge Rowing Club, founded in 1977, is searching for new coxes to take charge of its various quads and eights boats for the club sessions on Bewl Water and at races around the region.

The clubs’ members range in age from 12 to 82 and many compete regularly across various different levels, from local competitions to regattas. Some of them go on to compete at the highest levels of the sport, notably Team GB Olympian Emily Craig.

Despite having just under 200 members, including a core team made up mostly of women who act as coxes for the club, the club hopes to find some extra volunteers.

NEVILL Golf Club has raised an impressive £14,000 through various fundraising events to support two local charities – Mental Health Resource and Taylor Made Dreams.

The fundraising events, including a charity bridge game with afternoon tea and two special charity days, were arranged by Gill Nyberg, the current ladies’ captain and Guy Kent, who captains the men.

Delighted

Motivate I attended a morning session at the club last Thursday to see the impact a cox can have on a team of rowers and to see the club’s members in action.

On arrival at the club’s boat shed, I was met by club secretary Ian Bailey and club captain Chris Wynne, who was a founding member of the club and the club’s original captain back in 1977.

They were keen to get me out on the water in a launch and see first-hand the boats on the water.

Ian explained that one of the fundamentals of a cox is to not only motivate the team but to look out for anyone out of time.

He explained, “The key to rowing is finding a way to put less effort in and go faster. Even the slightest wrong movement or out-of-sync motion can slow down the boat and make the difference on race day.”

Following some engine troubles and a midwater changeover, I joined fellow longstanding member Lawrence Williams on his launch, who passed on some tips on how to spot

CREWS FOR YOU: Could you be a cox at Bewl? if the rowers are in sync. He told me to line my finger up with the cox’s back to look for any jerking movement and also to observe the heights of the rowers’ hands to ensure that they were level.

Following my time on the water, Liz May, who has been a cox for around three decades, discussed how she first became involved in the role.

She initially joined the club as a rower but then after falling pregnant she found she couldn’t get the oar over her bump and so was introduced to the alternative role of cox and has enjoyed it ever since. Her proudest moment at the club was coxing and successfully winning a race while she was nine months pregnant.

Liz explained that there isn’t one specific way to best motivate and cox a team. She added: “I try to get to know each individual rower and find

out what works best for them.

“Many prefer to be spoken to the entire time as they tell me that it helps them to concentrate.”

After the session ended there was plenty of time for members to have some much-needed hot tea, cake and a chat.

Club secretary Ian Bailey explained more about the ethos of the club: “Rowing suffers from this perception of elitism sometimes, but here it feels like one big family and community.

“We try to ensure there is no pressure on any of our rowers to compete and encourage members to row at whatever level they want to. The club has got some fantastic boats and more importantly fantastic people.”

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a cox for the Bewl Bridge Rowing Club, email club secretary Ian Bailey at ian.c.bailey@gmail.com

They presented cheques during a ceremony at the Club, to Jen Williams of Mental Health Resource and Dave Richardson of Taylor Made Dreams on Sunday January 21, where members gathered to welcome the new captains for 2024.

Guy and Gill said: “We were delighted to be able to support two worthy local charities during our year and that thanks to the generosity of the members of Nevill Golf Club.

“We were able to raise such a significant amount in support of the invaluable services provided by both charities.”

Reacting to the generous donation, Jen Williams said: “The support of the local community is essential to bolstering our work in providing safe spaces for those who are struggling with their mental health in Tunbridge Wells.

“We are so grateful to Gill, Guy and everyone at the Club for shining a light on such an important issue and are blown away by the amount raised!”

For further details of Mental Health Resource’s free and confidential services throughout West Kent, visit mentalhealtresource.org.uk.

For details on Taylor Made Dreams visit taylormadedreams.org.uk

SCAN HERE TO BOOK

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with our special menu!

Available on the 9th, 10th, 14th, 16th and 17th of February.

We’ve curated a special menu specifically designed for you and your loved one this Valentines, including: Oysters, Scallops, a Seafood Sharing Platter for 2, King Prawns, Lobster, Steak and more!

Sit back and relax in our award winning restaurant - with romantic lighting and excellent service, we’ll make sure it’s an evening to remember!

Please see our website or our social media for the full menu.

Looking for the perfect gift?

Our gift vouchers are an ideal treat for you to enjoy together!

Available to buy from the restaurant.

BOOK NOW by scanning the QR code, giving us a call, or visiting our website: T: 01892 513900 W: www.tn1barkitchen.co.uk @TN1barkitchen 33 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN1 1LS We are open 7 days a week from 9am - midnight Mon to Sat & 9am - 9pm on Sundays.

14

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Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Sunak urged to act on migration as UK Review into decision accept triple population projected to hit nearly 74m tokiller’s pleas NEWS IN BRIEF

RISHI Sunak has said the UK would not hesitate to launch further air strikes against the Iranbacked Houthi rebels if attacks on shipping continued.

Rishi Sunak was under renewed pressure as projections put net migration on course to swell the UK by more than six million people by the middle of the next decade.

The Prime Minister’s critics on the Conservative right urged him to act after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the population could reach nearly 74 million by 2036.

Trends Some 92 per cent of the 6.6 million projected growth – or 6.1 million people – was attributed to migration in the research based on current and past trends.

Downing Street insisted Mr Sunak wants net migration to ‘come down quickly’ but was not backing a call from former home secretary Suella Braverman to introduce a cap on numbers.

Home Secretary James Cleverly said that migration levels are ‘too high’ and that ‘we must get back to sustainable levels’ as he detailed a raft of new restrictions.

The ONS cautioned that policy changes and the ‘impact of as yet unknown migrant behavioural

patterns’ will affect population levels.

But the figures suggest that the UK population could hit 70 million by mid-2026 – a decade sooner than in figures published in 2022, which projected a date of mid-2036.

Mrs Braverman, the sacked home secretary who is seen as a potential challenger to Mr Sunak, argued that the ‘numbers are too high, placing pressure on schools, the NHS and housing’.

“Recent Government measures will help a bit but they’re very late,” she wrote on social media.

“We need a cap on overall numbers so we can hold Government to account and fix this problem.”

Robert Jenrick, who quit as immigration minister alleging Mr Sunak’s Rwanda policy does not go far enough, said the population growth will ‘deepen the housing crisis’.

“There is no democratic consent for this outcome. This pace of change is far too fast,” he said.

“After leaving the EU the power to change this and set us on course for far more sustainable numbers, is in Parliament’s hands.”

Downing Street sought to appear on the front foot in efforts to bring migration down but chose not to back Mrs Braverman’s call for a cap.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We’ve set out the biggest ever reduction in legal migration, we retain the ability to go further. We do think it is something that the public wants us to do.

“The Prime Minister is certainly of the view that legal migration has been too high – it must come down, and it must come down quickly.”

The population of the UK is projected to grow from an estimated 67.0 million in mid-2021 to 73.7 million by mid-2036, an increase of around 6.6 million or 9.9 per cent.

Over this period, it is projected that 10.8 million people will be born, 10.3 million will die, 13.7 million will move long term to the UK while 7.6 million people will emigrate.

SINN FEIN leader Mary Lou McDonald has claimed Irish unity is now within ‘touching distance’ as she hailed the significance of her party assuming the role of Stormont first minister for the first time.

Ms McDonald said the expected appointment of her party colleague Michelle O’Neill into the job in the coming days would be a moment of ‘very great significance’.

Asked what Northern Ireland’s first ever nationalist first minister said about the potential for future constitutional change in the region, particularly when Ms McDonald could herself become taoiseach after the next general election in Ireland, the party president insisted the conversation about a “new Ireland” was gaining momentum.

She said Ms O’Neill’s elevation would be ‘a mark of the extent of change that has occurred in the north and indeed right across Ireland’.

Ms McDonald added: “Striving for the new Ireland isn’t some kind of dusty legal,

UNITED: Sinn Fein representatives speak to the media in the Great Hall at Stormont, Belfast

Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Sinn Fein First Minister claims ‘Irish unity is within touching distance’

constitutional matter, although it is that, it really is about us collectively having a conversation about what Ireland can look like and will look like in the next five years, 10 years, 20 years, for the next generations.

“And, for us, one of the challenges is to bring as many people as we possibly can into that conversation.

“And that has to include people of all religious perspectives and none, people of every class, colour, creed and, of course, it has to include those that define as unionist, as loyalist, as British.

“Because we are very clear the new Ireland will have within it British citizens, or ‘subjects’, whichever sits more comfortably with them.

“And that has to be part of the big societal dynamic and change.

“So it’s very exciting, I feel very excited by that. I feel very optimistic for our future together.

“I’m not naive, we are not naive. We know that there will be challenges and there will be forces that will push back against change.

“But we are all about a changed Ireland and new Ireland for everybody.

“What’s more, I think that the turn of events, the historical turning of the wheel, and the electoral place that we’re at, I think signifies that what we talk about now is possible.”

Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin to receive 2024 Gershwin Prize

Memorable They will be given the prize at an all-star tribute concert in Washington, DC, on March 20.

“Elton John and Bernie Taupin have written some of the most memorable songs of our lives. Their careers stand out for the quality and broad appeal of their music and their influence on their

fellow artists,” Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said.

Their hits include Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Bennie And The Jets and Crocodile Rock.

Sir Elton has retired from touring.

The prize, named after Jazz Age songwriters George and Ira Gershwin, is described as the American ‘nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in popular music’.

Taupin was in many ways the Ira to Sir Elton’s George Gershwin, a lyricist who liked to tell stories with his words, whether giving ‘a mohair suit, electric boots to Bennie And The Jets or calling Marilyn Monroe — and later Diana, Princess of Wales — A Candle In The Wind.

Sir Elton was the showman, pounding his piano and famous for impressive melodic hooks and elaborate costumes.

MPs bid to improve free-to-air access for flagship sports At least one England men’s cricket Test and one-day international would be screened on free-to-air television each summer under a proposal tabled in Parliament.

The Government’s Media Bill seeks to ensure that public service broadcasters continue to benefit from the listed events regime – which includes the Olympic Games, the World Cup and Wimbledon – while allowing audiences to access them free of charge.

But MPs have tabled several amendments in a bid to expand the list and also guarantee access to on-demand digital highlights.

EasyJet to use new system to optimise its flight paths EasyJet has become the first airline to use a new system aimed at optimising flight paths through satellite technology.

The European Space Agency (ESA) said the Luton-based carrier will reduce fuel usage and flight times through its involvement in the Iris programme. The system, developed in partnership with communications company Viasat, digitally connects pilots with air traffic controllers (ATC) via satellites. This is designed to enable the creation of more efficient flight routes as satellites offer ‘secure, reliable and fast high-bandwidth links’, ESA said.

Man ‘armed with crossbow’ shot dead by police SE London Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire

THE songwriters who gave us Your Song, Tiny Dancer and Rocket Man will add to their awards shelf later this year when Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin are awarded the Gershwin Prize.

The Library of Congress said yesterday (Tuesday January 30) that songwriterperformer Sir Elton and lyricist Taupin will receive the library’s Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, called by the institution ‘one of the great songwriting duos of all time’.

The Attorney General has ordered an independent review of the Crown Prosecution Service’s handling of the Nottingham stabbing case, as Rishi Sunak promised victims’ families that ‘we will get the answers’.

The inspection announced by Victoria Prentis yesterday (Tuesday January 24) will look into the CPS’s decision to accept triple killer Valdo Calocane’s guilty pleas to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and whether it sufficiently consulted with the victims’ families.

Thirty-two-year-old Calocane stabbed students Barnaby Webber, 19, Grace O’MalleyKumar, 19, and school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, with a dagger in Nottingham in the early hours of June 13 last year.

Last week, the killer was given a hospital order at his sentencing for manslaughter by diminished responsibility after the city’s crown court heard he had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Mr Webber’s family described the hospital order as a ‘huge insult’ and called for a public inquiry into the case.

A man in his 30s who was reportedly armed with a crossbow has been shot dead by armed police in south east London.

The Metropolitan Police said the man was trying to force his way into a building in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, just before 5am on Tuesday January 24 and was threatening to hurt the people inside.

He was given first aid but died at the scene, and police are trying to contact his family.

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COMMENT

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Hugo Pound Tunbridge Wells Labour Party

Hugo Pound is the leader of the Labour group of Councillors on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning. He has lived in the town for over 30 years. Hugo is a business psychologist and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society

We need change – locally and nationally Labour’s 2022 and 2023 local manifestos for the Borough of Tunbridge Wells had five ‘priorities’, as does the cross-party Labour, Lib Dem, Alliance Borough Partnership running the Council. As Labour Councillors we are delighted to have been able to so actively shape the Council’s agenda over the last two years.

Labour said we wanted to reinvigorate the local economy. The Council has bought the lease on Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, we’ve let space in the Town Hall for co-working small businesses and entrepreneurs and there are new business parks coming in Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood.

Action Labour said we wanted to ensure our streets and communities are safe. The Council has brought together the Police, the Community Safety Unit, residents’ groups and businesses to take action on street lighting, local police patrols, speeding on residential roads, school visits and antisocial behaviour.

Labour said we wanted to build more genuinely affordable homes across the Borough. This year, the Council has begun acquiring fifteen properties for social rent, it is

converting four retail units into social housing in the middle of Tunbridge Wells. It’s not enough but it’s a beginning.

Labour said we wanted to accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions and protect biodiversity. The Council has adopted a bio-diversity action plan, and appointed a sustainability officer.

The Council is putting EV chargers into all our town centre car parks and is also looking at ‘solar panelling’ every roof of all the Council’s buildings.

Labour said we wanted the Council to listen more to residents. The Council has run a residents’ consultation this year on budget priorities, the Tunbridge Wells Town Centre plan, on safe streets. We are consulting on the Local Plan and there is work progressing on digitalization of the Council’s call centre, to improve response times.

After years of frustration, the Council is pushing forward with a new Local Plan – supported by every political group. This will see greater opportunities for genuinely

affordable and social housing, more office space, warehousing and supporting infrastructure in agreed locations over the next ten years.

Labour has also successfully pressed for a second round of the Community Support Fund which provides help for the most vulnerable people hit by the cost-of-living crisis.

For this coming year Labour’s local ambitions remain high – seeing the Local Plan adopted, more affordable homes, a greater reduction in carbon emissions, and increased use of our retail centres.

We want to reduce antisocial behaviour and secure greater safety in our communities. We want our towns and villages to thrive.

Nationally we want to be proud of our public services, and make sure they are all working.

All achieved by electing a Labour government - focused on achieving its five missions: to get Britain building again, switch on green British energy, get the NHS back on its feet, take back our streets and break down barriers to opportunity.

We want to help shape our Borough’s future and to get Britain’s future back by electing more Labour councillors and a Labour MP. Together we can all win in 2024.

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LETTERS

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

And another thing…

17

Dear Editor...

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 you can write to the Editor, Times of Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

Bad chart

wards]. The misrepresentation of statistics for electoral advantage is an obvious problem, it could sway someone’s voting decision and risk undermining trust in the electoral system, and unfortunately is practised by all parties – although the Liberal Democrats do have a track record of creating misleading graphics and bar charts. If that bar chart was submitted by one of my students, I’d ask them to redraw it. Perhaps we collectively knock on the door of the Lib Dem HQ and politely ask them to have another go?

Dr Matt Barnes, City, University of London (not aligned with any political party, but a selfappointed data nerd)

CARTOON BY PEPPY: (Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)

I am a university lecturer who teaches students how to understand, and challenge, the social, economic, and political world using data and statistics. I often use examples from politics to demonstrate the misuse of statistics and how it can influence major decisions – think the Boris bus during the Brexit referendum (spoiler alert, the UK didn’t send £350million a week to the EU). I’m pleased (disappointed) to say that I can now take an example, albeit less grand, from the political hotbed that is Tunbridge Wells.

Now, I don’t mind admitting that I have a penchant for a good bar chart (clear title, properly labelled axes, bars in proportion etc.). Unfortunately, the bar chart that the Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats have displayed in the window of their Hub and Campaign HQ in Chapel Place, and on their latest campaigning pamphlet put through Tunbridge Wells letterboxes last week, has many flaws – the main being that the bar that represents the Labour Party is too low. It’s less than half the height of the Liberal Democrat’s bar yet the percentages are 22% (Labour) and 34% (Liberal Democrats) [the bars are meant to represent the vote share of national parties from May 2023 elections for Tunbridge Wells

PEPPY SAYS...

the Church ( St James’ Road ) one way, there would be no need for the traffic lights and thus no hold ups.The four-way system by the Spa continues to cause problems as the person designated to manually operate the lights to reduce waiting time, doesn’t work weekends.

I believe the KCC is the problem, due to their inflexibility.

Dick Bell

THE TIMES NEEDS YOU

Where is the security at RVP?

I was very surprised to read David Howard’s letter this week (Antisocial behaviour is out of control in our town centre, January 24). Where were the RVP security staff? And where were TW police? It makes rather a mockery of the Council buying the Centre if this is allowed to happen.

David Rose

Is TWBC ageist ?

Town centre traffic restrictions will be a key issue in the Council elections

Richard Harrington’s piece last week is a timely reminder that TWBC elections are imminent.

Sometimes an election can be determined by a single issue and the May elections may provide a watershed moment, so as voters we need to get out there and collectively demonstrate our opposition to the traffic restrictions in Mt Pleasant Road.

Ask any canvasser who turns up on the doorstep how they or their candidate voted, or go online and check the voting record. If they’re a new candidate, ask them where they stand on the matter.

Then decide, but don’t let the opportunity pass, use your vote and remember: over £1million has been raised by TWBC in this iniquity.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

The Tories need to own the traffic restrictions mess they created

I read my friend Richard Harrington’s column in last weeks ToTW with interest. Firstly, may I congratulate him on his nomination. Richard made a lot of points and there’s not space to address all of them, but the most substantive one seems to be that the ‘public realm’ (the sort of but not really pedestrianised part of the town centre where motorists are accruing fines) isn’t

working properly. He’s right and when a Tory-led TWBC and a Tory led KCC were promoting this scheme I laid out a large scale map with coins representing cars and showed them it couldn’t work as planned, but they went ahead anyway saying they’d see how it went.

The Tory solution to the mess is to stop enforcing the rules, which is at odds with their demand for a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

The problem is we cannot just got back to how it was. The corner between Rubys and The Amelia Scott is actually quite dangerous. Traffic comes from multiple directions (often too fast) and visibility for pedestrians isn’t great. The new layout removed the pedestrian refuge, which is fine so long as you have limited traffic coming through. If you open it up again, then the Tories pet project has cost millions to make the road less safe.

The Tories made an absolute mess of this and personally I’m about as interested in their non-solutions as they were when I (and plenty of others) explained what was wrong with the scheme.

James Rands

Temporary traffic lights are causing more problems than they solve

Following on from last week, there is a four-way traffic light system by St James church, causing hold ups and, BUT, if they made the road next to

I was online at the weekend and saw that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have launched a survey to find out what kind of shops residents would like to see in the town.

The first thing that struck me was how on earth will the people of Tunbridge Wells have any sway over whether the likes of Zara, Primark and H&M ever come to town. Surely that is up to their HQ’’s and not our TWBC? The second thing that I found amusing is that there is a ‘prize’ for the aforementioned survey!

On further inspection I found out there are indeed multiple prizes up for grabs. They include a free group ticket to BAIT interactive game at the Assembly Hall, a £50 clothing voucher of your choice, and a £20 food and £10 beauty one in case you too were wondering.

But if you were and you’re aged over 35 then tough luck as guess what? The ‘survey’ is only open to those aged under 35! What a load of rubbish! Surely in these transparent and inclusive times age is – quite literally – just a number. I have been a resident of this town since 1985 and love a good shop around so I found it quite insulting to think that being in my 60s – and with a healthy interest in fashion, interiors, beauty and retail in general that I and my peers would be excluded. I know that TWBC is desperate to lure the young away from London and Bluewater but surely it should consider those who have supported the town through thick and thin for decades? I won’t hold my breath for a response!

Gail McKenna

The Times of Tunbridge Wells would like to hear from readers across the Borough. This is an opportunity to share with us any local events happening in your community. We’re keen to receive information on anything exciting going on in your village or town…

Whether you sing in a church choir, play a sport, volunteer for a charity or organise a local coffee morning or a community cinema night, we want to hear about it. Perhaps your town or village holds a weekly farmers’ market, or your church hall plays host to an amateur dramatics society or dance troupe. If so, it’s about time you had the spotlight and we are to help.

From theatre, dance and live music showcasing the breadth of local talent available to us across the Borough, to food larders and charity events that demonstrate our community spirit, there’s lots to promote and also celebrate - including the local heroes who make it all happen behind the scenes.

We are so fortunate that the Tunbridge Wells Borough is made up of a great many small but mighty communities with largerthan-life social calendars. No matter how big or small your event might be, please get in touch and we will endeavour to include it in a borough-wide round-up of what’s on in and around Tunbridge Wells.

To tell us about your event or initiative, please email us at communitynews@ timesoftunbridgwells.co.uk with your full name, the name, date and time of the event you would like to tell us about, and a short description, and we will try our best to include them all.

Letters printed on these pages do not reflect the views of the Times of Tunbridge Wells. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter if too long.

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Local News

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Wednesday January 31 | 2024

EDUCATION

19

‘Our students rose to the occasion of the inspection and have demonstrated real pride in their school’

Bennett Memorial School has been judged an ‘Outstanding’ school following an Ofsted inspection FOLLOWING an inspection by Ofsted in December 2023, staff at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells say they are ‘delighted’ to receive a judgement of ‘Outstanding’ in every area.

A spokesperson for the school told the Times the result ‘recognises and affirms the dedicated work of teachers, support staff, school leaders, students, parents, governors and trustees over many years’.

They added: “We are honoured to be one of only a few schools awarded this top Ofsted judgement, as this level of success can only be

‘As inspectors highlighted, the opportunities we offer our students helps them to learn how to live out our values of hope, wisdom and love’ achieved through all at Bennett, including students and parents, working together and supporting one another.”

They revealed that although short, the report is packed with positive feedback on the ‘wonderful school community’ that captures the hallmarks of an education at Bennett. Comments from Ofsted ranged from declaring it a ‘highly inclusive school’ and one that is ‘unashamedly ambitious for all’.

“All pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND),

achieve exceptionally well,” Ofsted declared.

The report also focused on the students’ behaviour, saying that their conduct was ‘exemplary – particularly in lessons’.

“They are well-mannered, polite and courteous to each other and to staff. Sixth Form students are excellent role models for younger pupils.”

The report, published last week, also noted that the school had planned and organised its personal development co-curriculum ‘superbly.’

It added: “Opportunities to serve and volunteer are abundant because of the school’s unshakeably clear and Christian character and ethos.”

Commenting on Ofsted’s findings, Bennett’s Headteacher Dr Karen Brookes said: “Our

students rose to the occasion of the inspection and demonstrated such pride in their school.

We are incredibly proud of them. We are also grateful to all parents who completed the parental survey and offered words of support during the inspection.”

Chair of the local governing board, Joanna Langton, added: “We will continue to build on all the strengths inspectors highlighted in their report. Governors, trustees and school leaders remain committed to our aim and belief that the education students have at Bennett should be better and fuller than they would experience anywhere else.”

The inspection report highlights Bennett’s commitment to ensuring that every child can

excel while also investing in a wider curriculum that allows them to grow in confidence and character.

Dr Brookes reflected: “As inspectors highlighted, the opportunities we are able to offer our students help them to learn how to live out our school values of hope, wisdom and love. We believe this equips them with the knowledge they need to succeed and the desire to serve others and make a positive difference to society. We will honour our ‘semper tenax’ motto in being tenacious in pursuing this vision for education.’

The full Ofsted report can be read on Bennett Memorial’s website at bennettmemorial.co.uk

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Arts

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Meet the journalist putting down roots as a children’s author thanks to his new Carlton the Carrot creation Nick Hughes, below, is a local journalist who has recently written his first children’s book after his wife challenged him to do so ahead of their eldest daughter’s fifth birthday. Eileen Leahy chats to him about how he has balanced creating a fun book for little ones that also contains important messages on sustainability and body issues…

So Nick, let’s start with you telling us a bit about yourself…

I’ve been a journalist for almost 20 years now, specialising for most of that period in food and environmental affairs and writing for a range of national and business titles.

I’ve also had the opportunity to work for the government on its review into the 2013 horsemeat scandal and for WWF (World Wildlife Fund) as a food sustainability adviser. It’s these experiences that have fuelled my passion for food-related issues such as waste and the importance of growing and eating healthy foods like vegetables.

And what made you decide to add author to your writing portfolio – and is this type of work something you think you’ll continue to pursue?

As a father to two young daughters I spend a lot of time reading children’s books. For all the wonderful stories that are out there I was struck by how few dealt with the subject of food, despite it being integral to all our lives.

I felt there might be an opportunity to use my experience writing about food issues to tell

engaging stories with a sustainability theme running through them. Plus, it was a nice counterbalance to the serious – dare I say, slightly dry – articles I write for a living. It’s something I’d love to pursue further in future alongside my journalism.

It was your wife who challenged you to write a story for your eldest child’s fifth birthday. What made you believe you could do it?

It was indeed. She had clearly become sick of me complaining that most children’s books feature cuddly-looking animals as the main protagonist and made a suggestion along the lines of: ‘If you think you can do better then do it!’. So I started writing a few rhyming couplets that I thought might turn into a poem to give to my daughter on her fifth birthday but it rather spiralled from there and before I knew it I was immersed in writing a fully-fledged picture book.

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How did that challenge translate into a fun kids’ story with a serious message about food waste and the environment?

The character Carlton the Carrot came into my head almost fully formed as an ‘ugly’ carrot who succeeded by staying true to himself. The challenge was to place him into a scenario where, as a misfit in this world of perfect carrots, we could empathise with his struggles and root for him to overcome them. That’s when the idea of having him ‘audition’ as an ingredient in a series of chefs’ recipes came from. I was very conscious while writing the story of not wanting to preach to children. The message that we must always try to find a use for ‘ugly’ veg is secondary to the story being entertaining and Carlton being a fun, sympathetic character in his own right. If the children engage with the message behind the text then that’s a bonus. It’s also a book about resilience and being confident in who you are.

isn’t, has really resonated with children. My favourite piece of feedback so far has come from a teacher who told me the younger pupils wanted to rename Aldi’s Kevin the Carrot to Carlton the Carrot because ‘he’s better!’

How did the readings and workshops in local schools come about and have you enjoyed this aspect of the book?

The readings to-date have mostly been in local schools attended by the children of friends and relatives. I’ve also been invited to read at community libraries, fetes and at an Easter fun day where I ended up dressing up in a full-length

‘My aim when writing the book was to have it read by as many people as possible and have the chance to communicate a message around food waste to the young people who will be the stewards of our environment in the future’ carrot costume. Not a flattering look! Some of the teachers have incorporated the book into their learning plans which has been really gratifying. Brenchley pre-school even created a fabulous Carlton collage!

Are you currently planning on doing any other interactive workshops in local schools and if so whereabouts and when?

I have a reading and talk planned at Benenden Primary School in the spring and am very happy to travel locally to give readings in and around the Tunbridge Wells area should any teachers or parents be reading this article. My main aim when writing the book was to have it read by as many people as possible and have the chance to communicate a message around food waste to the young people who will be the stewards of our environment in the future.

And how did your daughter react to it when it was read to her for the first time?

It’s funny as, since the book took so long to write, illustrate and then publish, she had actually turned seven by the time she came to read it for the first time. By that stage we’d started reading longer form books together and so, while she loved the fact the book was dedicated to her and her sister, it didn’t quite compete with Harry Potter! Her younger sister on the other hand really enjoyed the story itself although she couldn’t quite get her head around the fact her daddy had written it!

Having read it myself I can see how it’s a great way to get young minds thinking about food consumption, body image and eco issues. What kind of feedback have children given the story?

I’ve had some lovely feedback from both children and parents. In particular, the fact that Carlton succeeds by staying true to himself and not pretending to be something he

Arts

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How has the book been received by the general public – are you happy with the general reaction?

It’s been really positively received both from people within my existing network of friends and colleagues and by complete strangers. It’s certainly given me motivation to carry on writing.

Do you have plans to write another children’s book and if so do you have any exclusive info you can share with Times readers?

I’ve already written a follow-up text whose central character is an onion named Olive and I’m keen to publish that within the next year. Ultimately, I’d love to create a series of books using veg-based characters to communicate important environmental messages in a fun and engaging way.

‘Carlton’s Perfect Part’ by Nick Hughes is published by Troubador and is available to buy online from all major bookstores. Any schools wishing to contact Nick should head to his website at nickhugheswriting.com

21

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estled in Lamberhurst, Bewl Water spans an impressive 800 acres of natural landscapes meticulously cared for by our dedicated team of Rangers. Guided by Estates Manager Dan Baker and Head Ranger Stan Jarvis, our team plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the largest reservoir in southeast England. Together, they have achieved fantastic results in environmental performance, estate maintenance, and enhancing the overall experience for our local community.

Delving into these developments and more, our ‘Rangers’ View’ column provides insight into our ongoing projects. From supporting local water sports teams to biodiversity initiatives, stay informed about our latest projects every week, directly from the source!

This past week saw the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch take place, with many birdwatchers continuing their exploration and conservation passion. The RSPB has actively engaged members of the public and conservationists alike to survey their gardens and surrounding areas for the past 40 years, collecting valuable data to monitor wildlife trends affected by environmental changes.

Caught up in the action, our team spotted a rare Grey Wagtail overlooking one of our ponds – it has a yellow breast, so the colour caught our eye at first!

As a species, the Grey Wagtail is naturally drawn to places like Bewl Water; however, what made this exciting is their rarity. With a population of just 38,000 in the UK, we felt privileged to see it with our own eyes.

Home to over two hundred bird species, Bewl Water serves as a long-term residence for many, attracting migrating birds on their routes across England.

In our continual commitment to preserving local wildlife, our team has introduced new nesting boxes strategically placed around Bewl Water’s woodlands, aiming to encourage increased activity in the upcoming seasons.

From the Grey Heron to the Kingfisher and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bewl Water never disappoints! Bird watching is a popular hobby for people of any age, so be sure to bring your binoculars to see our feathered friends up close on your next visit!

VEGGING OUT: Children at Brenchley Pre-School created this collage after the Carlton the Carrot workshops with local author Nick Hughes

bewlwater.co.uk @bewlwater

22

Food & Drink

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a culinary trip to Asia… without leaving Tunbridge Wells

Alex and Virginia Boyd opened Kumquat restaurant on The Pantiles in April 2022. Since then their offering of delicious food – pitched as ‘Asian fusion’ - has proved to be a huge success, attracting not only local discerning diners but foodies from afar too. For the upcoming Chinese New Year the couple will be hosting two specially-themed weekends on February 9 and 10, and February 16 and 17. Here Alex, who heads up the kitchen, tells Eileen Leahy what’s on the menu…

A

lex Boyd’s trademark Asian fusion cuisine has ensured Kumquat, the restaurant on The Pantiles that he co-runs with his wife Virginia, is always buzzing with discerning diners. They simply can’t get enough of the delicious dishes the talented chef consistently creates to give the good people of Tunbridge Wells – and further afield – an exceptional epicurean experience every time they visit.

Alex trained at the prestigious Westminster Catering College – whose alumni includes Jamie Oliver, Ainsley Harriott and Antony Worrall Thompson – during the nineties and then went on to work at some of London’s top restaurants including L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Scott’s of Mayfair and La Tante Claire.

In 2003 he went to work in Hong Kong which is where he met his wife Virginia and it’s there he honed his Asian cooking skills. “They love food in Hong Kong and it’s not just Chinese cooking.

There’s all sorts of Thai, Korean and Vietnamese cuisine to enjoy, too,” he explains.

On returning to the UK he worked in London again but gradually scaled back from hectic kitchen life when he and Virginia had their two children. He admits that he and Virginia had always toyed with the idea of running their own restaurant, but it wasn’t until April 2022 that the dream became a reality.

“We always thought Tunbridge Wells would be the perfect place to open a restaurant as we

ALEX AND VIRGINIA BOYD

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Food & Drink

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk and 16 and 17. And having had a sneak peek at the menu they certainly promise to be something very special indeed.

Priced at £68 per person for six courses, diners can feast on Asian delicacies such as Jade blessed poached whole poussin chicken, good health steamed Skrei cod, soy and sesame marinated jellyfish salad and lucky money grilled king prawns.

Celebration “The evenings promise an array of festivities, including fun and lucky games, as well as captivating performances to enhance your dining experience. Immerse yourself in the joyful ambience as you savour each dish and revel in the celebration of the Lunar New Year,” says Alex before adding that diners can elevate

knew people would appreciate what we wanted to do,” reveals Alex, explaining that this was to fuse Virginia’s Hong Kong foodie heritage with his classic training in order to develop a really

‘At Kumquat, we are dedicated to offering not just a meal, but an experience that captures the essence of the celebration’ exciting and different menu – which has proved to be a big hit after nearly two years of trading.

Since then Kumquat – which won last year’s

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their experience by opting for the wine pairing they’re offering at £35 per person. “Each wine will be expertly selected to complement each exquisite dish.”

His wife Virginia, who runs front of house at Kumquat adds: "We are delighted to present this special Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner, featuring a menu that combines tradition with a modern twist in order to welcome in the Year of the Dragon. Our dedicated team at Kumquat is excited to extend warm hospitality and a personalised touch to every guest joining us for the Chinese New Year Celebration Dinner. We believe that exceptional service is an integral part of creating cherished memories, and we look forward to making these festive evenings truly unforgettable for everyone." kumquat.restaurant @kumquatrestaurant

Times Business Award for Start Up of the Year – has hosted a variety of specialist supper clubs and themed evenings alongside its regular menu, which is available every day.

"At Kumquat, we are dedicated to offering not just a meal, but an experience that captures the essence of the celebration. Each dish has been carefully created to blend my modern Asian style of food with the traditional dishes that are eaten at the tables of families in Hong Kong.”

Following the success of Kumquat’s special Chinese New Year menu last year, Alex and Virginia were keen to do one again for 2024.

Their Chinese New Year evenings will take place over two weekends in February – 9 and 10

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Food & Drink Homes & Interiors

37

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Say cheers to these vegan-friendly wines women and it makes for a much more respectful environment that overturns stereotypes.

Your studio is based in Speldhurst, which must be very inspiring. What other areas in life do you draw inspiration from?

My son is sports mad and I am finding myself more frequently on the side of a cricket pitch, all over the country! Just as I am intrigued by how a person can shape a home, I am intrigued by how a culture can shape a person. My designs readily embrace local culture and influences.

Toasting the end of dry January, Times Drinks Editor, James Viner raises a glass to five flavourful vegan-friendly tipples for you to savour…

V

egan wines are growing in popularity – but how can wine not be vegan in the first place I hear you cry! It’s made from fermented grapes so surely it’s appropriate for vegans?

But the critical issue here is the fining agent, which may be used to stabilise and clarify the wine before it’s bottled (so it’s star-bright and not hazy). Not all wines are fined but most are and a surprising number of the fining agents are animal-derived. Popular non-vegan fining agents include albumin (or egg whites), isinglass (a protein derived from fish bladders) and casein, the main milk protein.

Delicious But fear not as two vegan fining agents are other local We use localinclude being used designers. more and more.

These photographers, local (both marketing PR, as kaolin and bentonite clays)and as well and on the procurement side.

We also love and proteins derived from corn, wheat, potatoes collaborating and sharing For other plants. Some retailersknowledge. and winemakers example, a few companies I know in Kent already make this information available onthat the touch the hometime build space and share our do bottle.

So next you’re browsing bottles values been chatting about setting up look outhave for the words unfiltered/unfined onathe network so people movingthe to wine the area label as that will indicate wascan made immediately the right for them. without finingfind agents and isexperts likely veganfriendly.

How many arewines in your team and is it Here are five thatdesign I enjoyed – without deliberate that it’ssuitable an all-female one?Cheers! realising they were for vegans.

I am proud to be breaking the mould of the male dominated building industry.

My2022, female1.

Hartley’s Block Sauvignon Blanc led team has a core of eight designers, Marlborough, Newteam Zealand (£10.99, developers and craftspeople, but we are also Waitrose) privileged to haveflavours an extensive network we can All the piquant of Marlborough call upon for our larger projects Our Sauvignon Blanc are here: greentoo. mango, craftsmen andblackcurrant tradesmen are happy to workand for passion fruit, leaf, gooseberry

Are there any particular designers you are inspired by?

I have always admired the work that comes out of the Helen Green Design Studio. The designs are always elegant and use colour and texture brilliantly. I am also a huge fan of the Tollgard Design Group for more contemporary design and their fabulous use of art.

1

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Most of your work takes place in the local area. Are they all private projects or have you done some commercial ones you could tell us about?

We have worked on some wonderful projects both near and far, From Grade II-listed country manors, to contemporary London apartments and boutique holiday homes across the globe.

We design exclusively to the style and vision of our clients, whether they are private or commercial. We don’t look for one type of project – we really enjoy interesting elderflower.

Runscomplex long andand delicious.

Lovely. challenges and,and if wea can buildoffer. it in-house then Vegan certified brilliant it’s better for all parties as the client saves money and we can ensure our 1912m’ designs2021, are 2.

Château Pesquié ‘Edition delivered how they(£11.99, are meant be. Majestic) Ventoux, France mixtosix, Ventoux, one of France’s largest appellations And finally, can youborder sum up interior on the south-eastern ofyour the southern design just philosophy?

Rhône, east of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is a Originality and for people-powered lifestyle fab place to look super-value reds like this design. one.

From a vineyard at around 300m above sea level, this cracking Grenache-Syrah-Cinsaultvenmorgan.com Carignan blend takes its name from Mont @venmorganinteriors Ventoux, a peak rising 1,912 m/6,273 ft high that

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something new, there is something to suit every wallet and occasion this year. Don’t overlook Spain’s cava (made in the painstaking traditional method.) A mouthwatering mix of lemon zest and Granny Smith apples, with a little toastiness from bottle ageing, this makes a good perky winter vegan-friendly sparkler. Pair with paella or risotto.

5

overshadows the district. Look out for delicious layers of red fruits, spice, violets, black pepper and blackberries with a lifted, clean finish. A hug in a bottle, it’s a fab wine for hunkering down on darker nights. Both organic and vegan-approved - but stocks are low.

3. Segura Viudas Brut Vintage 2021 Premium Cava, Spain (£12, Tesco) With over 250 vegan/vegetarian bottles at Tesco, selecting a suitable wine has never been simpler. So whether you’re already a committed vegan, vegetarian or simply just want to try

4. Errazuriz Wild Ferment Pinot Noir 2021, Aconcagua Valley, Chile (£14-£17, VineKing, Wholefoods, Amps Fine Wines, NYWines, WineDirect) The ‘New World’ is the place if you want to spend less money on Pinot Noir. Crammed with fresh cherries, a little smoke and red fruit, this vegan-friendly Chilean Pinot Noir is a must-buy.

So supple, so mellow, with magnificent flow and a drawn-out finish.

5. Davenport Vineyards, Limney Estate 2018, E. Sussex/Kent, England (£29, Davenport Vineyards) Produced using the traditional method, Will Davenport’s first-rate organic, canapé-loving, Chardonnay-forward sparkling Limney Estate 2018 has been ideal for those on a vegan diet for many years. Aged five years on lees. A classy bottle brimming with enticing red fruit, citrus and light biscuity notes. The acidity is the highlight, saline and sinuous. Will is buoyant about the 2023 vintage and recently told me ‘We ended up with the biggest crop we have ever picked. Quality was good as well.’ Certified organic by The Soil Association.

Follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines

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is applying for a licence to use: Swattenden Business Park Ltd, Shotcrete Yard, Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3PS as an operating centre for 10 lorries and 10 trailers Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.

Representors must, at the same time, send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office

Books

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

25

Times reporter Grace Corcoran picks three reads for your week On this week’s bookshelf, a tale of forbidden love set in Norfolk in the last century from Jon Ransom, a university campus drama from Kiley Reid and Colin Barrett’s Ireland-based debut, ‘Wild Houses’ The Gallopers by Jon Ransom

Come And Get It by Kiley Reid

Wild Houses by Colin Barrett

Set against the bleak and unforgiving backdrop of post-war North Norfolk, ‘The Gallopers’ is the tale of a young man’s quest to discover the truth about his mother’s disappearance and navigate the treacherous tides of love and betrayal. When Jimmy Smart, a tightlipped showman, arrives at the barn owned by Eli’s aunt, Eli is plunged into uncharted waters – and he finds that he is soon out of his depth. Whilst stones are thrown at the cottage windows and the locals shun the family, the curse of his aunt’s field and its hidden secret mirrors Eli’s own deep-rooted sense of shame. But when he turns to Jimmy Smart for reassurance, he realises that Jimmy is not all that he seems. Moving between the grim reality of 1953 to a fictional arena in the Aids epidemic of 1988, ‘The Gallopers’ explores the social stigma of forbidden love and the ramifications for those who wish to express that love, even when the stakes are at their highest.

Gritty and unsettling, Jon Ransom has crafted a story of discovery and loss, the circularity of life and the shockwaves which ripple out from the centre of tragedy.

Kiley Reid’s follow-up to smash hit ‘Such A Fun Age’ feels a lot more pedestrian. Like her previous book, it follows multiple perspectives – this time we have Millie, a black woman and Resident Assistant at a university; Agatha Paul, a white visiting professor who has just gone through a break-up; and Kennedy, a white student struggling to fit in. The loose story arc is Agatha paying Millie to listen in on some of the other students’ conversations, which she then writes up as first-person-style money stories for Teen Vogue – and the two soon fall into some kind of a relationship.

Reid writes characters well and it’s engaging, but the plot is a bit meandering until it accelerates all of a sudden with a pretty grim happening involving Kennedy. The ending feels vaguely unsatisfactory – while readable, it leaves you wondering what the point was.

Wild Houses is the debut novel of renowned short story writer Colin Barrett. Set in rural Ireland, the open countryside offers not freedom, but entrapment. Local drug dealers Gabe and Sketch choose to pursue a debt by abducting Doll, the brother of the man who owes them.

There is comedy in the incompetence of how this clumsy act of criminality plays out, but what ‘Wild Houses’ is really about is the interconnectedness and over-familiarity of small communities, and the impossibility of escaping judgment and escaping demons. Barrett tells this tale with his extraordinary eye for detail, which elevated his short stories, and his lyrical talent for description. The actual story at the heart of the book ultimately seems a little mundane, but the way in which it is told is anything but.

Review by Prudence Wade

Review by Ian Parker

Published in hardback by Muswell Press, priced £14.99

Review by Hannah Colby

Published in hardback by Bloomsbury Publishing, priced £16.99

Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £16.99

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26

Health & Wellbeing

Make up your mind

What you think matters! Lucy Parker from Flow Tunbridge Wells explores the third pillar of wellbeing – steadying your thoughts to tame a busy mind…

LUCY PARKER my inner world and allows time for reflection, awareness and curiosity to develop. Meditation has a very long lineage and as such has evolved and been taught in a plethora of different ways, some more esoteric and convoluted than others.

In truth, the very act of meditation is remarkably simple. Here are the rules; sit down (best not to lie down in case you fall asleep), close your eyes (best to stop you from getting too distracted by the outside world), gently focus on your breath (an object that is part of the external as well as internal world and moves slowly and steadily enough to keep the mind interested), repeat for any given time frame from 5 minutes upwards. It really can be that simple, and yet for so many of us not getting distracted is oh so hard.

The aim of meditation is not to do anything, cultivating a sense of being, and through being present to the here and now of things we can see more clearly what is happening for us and therefore consciously choose our response to it.

The problem here is that so many of us are so inherently attached to being busy doing things that sitting still and ‘simply’ being is nigh on impossible. It’s a process of learning to see the

RIGHT RELAXATION

RIGHT NUTRITION

RIGHT THINKING

RIGHT BREATHING

‘Watching the mind and developing your inner witness allows for more understanding of self which builds both confidence in self and acceptance of self’

RIGHT EXERCISE

W

e’ve all heard the term monkey mind, where our thoughts jump from one thing to another like a monkey leaping from branch to branch. Often this chatter goes on continuously, so much so that it thinks it runs the show and can unconsciously direct the course of our daily lives. Sometimes the noise is quiet and sometimes loud or even shouty. Often the thoughts create a sense of unease, stress or anxiety. We can be ruled by critical internal voices, demanding parts, habitual thoughts or unhelpful beliefs, summed up by the yogic term, ‘vritti’, translated as whirlpool or vortex.

Whatever way you look at it, managing this chaotic inner landscape and creating a steady, calm way of thinking must be helpful, but how?

Meditation is my go-to here, a daily regular practice of sitting and steadying my thoughts to calm the waters and tame my monkey mind.

Meditation also offers a wonderful insight into

wood for the trees, as we might say, and it takes lots of practice. Now, it’s entirely possible for us to go into this with a bit of gung-ho mentality making all sorts of demands of our brains to ‘stop’ our thoughts or ‘clear’ our minds. Over time this type of shaming and critical approach only leads to much discipline being required and becomes exhausting, demanding and virtually impossible. Better to befriend your mind, and to watch your thoughts much like you would watch clouds in a windy sky, as the late Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh said is in his poem, Breathing.

When we can allow ourselves both the space and time to sit with ourselves, to get to know our inner world and to allow ourselves to truly be, we are creating a ripe fertile ground of our minds where new seeds of gentle, nurturing and compassionate energy can grow.

Only when we can see what’s truly going on inside of us can we consciously, considerately and appropriately choose what actions we wish to take. We’re no longer governed by reactions and responses that may feel out of control, ‘knee jerk’ or out of character.

Watching the mind and developing your inner witness allows for more understanding of self which builds both confidence in self and acceptance of self, for it comes from a true sense of self, the unchanging nature within.

If you’ve tried meditation before, and feel it’s not for you, perhaps give it one more try and get in touch with me. I will be very happy to arrange a private session to give you some new insight into how you can tame your monkey mind, see more clearly from within and start to get your thinking back on the right track.

Lucy Parker, Coach, Counsellor, and Yoga Therapist flowtunbridgewells.com embarkcounselling.co.uk

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Health & Wellbeing

27

Balancing Act: How to set realistic goals to sustain a healthy lifestyle amid a busy schedule Daisy Tappenden of Tap Into Your Health is a registered nutritional therapist and personal trainer from Tunbridge Wells. Here she reveals the key steps to achieving that all-important balance of eating well while life throws you many more plates to spin at the same time... to safely do this!) takes the strain off one person and also teaches new skills and creativity to those cooking. Too many cooks didn’t spoil the broth, in fact it was rather fun!

Snacking is often where many individuals falter in their quest for a balanced diet. Instead of reaching for sugary or processed snacks, keep a variety of healthy options readily available.

Fresh fruits, vegetables with hummus, a handful of nuts, and a couple of squares of dark

‘One of the key elements in managing a healthy lifestyle is preparation and meal planning.

Taking a few minutes each week to plan meals for the family can help ensure that everyone gets the nutrients they need to thrive’ chocolate can be satisfying alternatives that provide essential nutrients without compromising health. Preparing homemade non-refined snacks that you can store for up to a week or freeze, such as oaty bars or energy balls, can be a saving grace to prevent reaching for processed sugary snacks.

Finding time for physical activity may seem challenging, but integrating exercise into your

Picture: Ursula Armstrong

I

n today’s fast-paced world, juggling family responsibilities and a hectic work schedule can often make maintaining a healthy lifestyle seem like a daunting task.

However, with a strategic approach and a focus on prioritising wellbeing, it’s possible to strike a balance between a demanding job, a brood of children and sustaining a consistently healthy lifestyle.

One of the key elements in managing a healthy lifestyle is preparation and meal planning.

Taking a few minutes each week to plan meals for the family can help ensure that everyone gets the nutrients they need to thrive. By ensuring you include each of the following four food groups into each meal means you will be hitting all the macronutrients that your body so needs – proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and plant fibre. Preparing meals in advance or utilising batch cooking can save time during the week and reduce the temptation of opting for convenient, but less nutritious, fast food options.

Incorporating a diverse range of foods not only adds excitement to meals but also provides essential vitamins and minerals. Encourage the family to explore new recipes together, making cooking a fun and collaborative activity. This not only promotes healthier eating habits but also fosters family bonding. Delegating meal prep, or even the whole meal on some nights, to different family members (as long as they are old enough

DAISY TAPPENDEN daily routine can be more manageable than you think. Consider family-friendly activities such as evening walks, weekend hikes, or even quick home workouts. Exercise really can be as simple as a mat in your living room and 30 minutes of your time. By involving the family, you not only make exercise a collective effort but also instil healthy habits in children from an early age.

Hydration is another critical aspect of overall wellbeing, and keeping hydrated prevents those feelings of fatigue which may reduce your

motivation to move more and eat well.

Encourage everyone in the family to drink an adequate amount of water each day. Opting for water instead of sugary drinks and juice helps maintain hydration levels, supports gut health, and contributes to overall health.

While work commitments may be demanding, it’s crucial to establish boundaries and create dedicated family time. Use mealtimes as an opportunity to turn off your work emails and connect with loved ones and discuss the day’s events. This not only reinforces the importance of family but also promotes mindful eating, which increases the absorption of essential nutrients.

Finally, setting realistic goals is key to sustaining a healthy lifestyle amid a busy schedule. Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on making gradual changes that are achievable and sustainable in the long run.

Celebrate small victories and acknowledge that progress, no matter how incremental, is a step in the right direction.

Have you been struggling to find the balance?

Get in touch for a free consultation where I can lay out a personalised plan for you to optimise your health, whilst taking into account your children, your partner, your job, your dog, your nosy neighbour, and the rest!

Tapintoyour.health Info@tapintoyour.health @tapintoyourhealth

SEEKING CHAIR FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Trinity is a thriving arts venue in the heart of Tunbridge Wells which makes a real difference in the local community which we are seeking to further develop. Over the next few years we look forward to significantly expanding our community and creative engagement activities. We are currently seeking an experienced Chair to oversee the Board of Trustees with a hands-on approach to support the organisation and join our committed Board of Trustees.

Trinity is a small organisation and we require a dedicated and active Chair willing to take on specific roles and responsibilities and follow through on actions and delivery. The Chair needs to be willing and able to support the Executive Team on a day to day basis as required. It is a critical role and will help provide the guidance and support to help the charity achieve its vision whilst ensuring a key oversight and ambassadorial function. This will be a rewarding role where you can feel part of a fun team that is helping maintain and develop a treasured local arts charity.

Trinity offers a varied seasonal programme, inspiring all age groups with our focus firmly on enriching lives and promoting cultural togetherness. Our programme includes leading touring theatre companies, the best in arthouse and international film, live transmissions from leading national venues, renowned comedians and musicians. It also includes multiple amateur theatre productions from Trinity Theatre Club, Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society and a range of community hires. Our Youth Theatre is highly respected with over 423 young people participating in 11 productions and weekly workshops.

This is a voluntary role. While we invite applications from candidates with a varied range of skills, applications from candidates with legal experience would be welcomed. We are fully committed to equality and inclusion and seek interest from a diverse range of backgrounds. For more information on the role, including an application pack, please contact Amanda Lewis hr@trinitytheatre.net. Deadline for submission is 12th February, interviews will take place throughout February before a final appointment is made at the beginning of March.

28

Travel

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Picture: CroisiCruise/PA

Fly to the Dolomites for the best of Italy’s skiing and gourmet delights

Picture: Alex Moling/Alta Badia Tourism/PA

A weekend of snow, ski and fine food has never been easier, says Chris Wiltshire…

I

f it’s true that cleanliness is next to godliness, then you can call me St Christopher.

After a day of thrilling skiing in the achingly beautiful Italian Dolomites, I’m dowsed, dunked, sprayed, gently baked and then showered at my luxurious hotel spa… and it’s utter bliss.

As I gaze up to the shimmering stars, I swear the steam rising from the outdoor hot tub is coming from my throbbing feet as they recover from six hours on the slopes.

I’m reacquainting myself with the delights of Alta Badia in Italy’s South Tyrol, more than a decade after first sampling this foodie-andsports wonderland. And my only regret is that I haven’t been back sooner – this UNESCO World Heritage site is off the scale for gorgeousness.

‘As I gaze up to the shimmering stars, I swear the steam rising from the outdoor hot tub is coming from my throbbing feet as they recover from six hours on the slopes’ To my delight, reaching the slopes has become a whole lot easier and quicker since December 2023 thanks to the launch of a new airline, SkyAlps. Every Sunday and Wednesday, the Italian company’s 76-seater turboprop-powered aircraft makes the two-hour and 35-minute trip from London Stansted to Bolzano on the edge of the Alps.

With complimentary wines and snacks on offer, plus plenty of room to spread out, it feels

more like a private jet than a commercial airline.

And it claims to offer one of the greenest eco-footprints, with much lower CO2 emissions than a turbojet.

It takes 90 minutes to reach our classy Ciasa Salares gourmet hotel through towering alpine trees laden with snow – that’s a good hour-anda-half quicker than my last visit to the region via Milan Bergamo Airport. (The mountains can, in

fact, be reached in 40 minutes, but the Ciasa is only a snowball’s throw from button lifts that take you to the main gondolas, and oh so worth the extra effort.)

My first experience of this region was at the exclusive Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano, where chef Norbert Niederkofler found tastebuds I didn’t know existed at his neighbouring three Michelin-starred St Hubertus restaurant. The

hotel is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment.

It’s a hard act to follow, but the five-star Ciasa, with its chocolate and cheese rooms and unique cellar restaurant, is a more than adequate substitute.

After a hearty breakfast, I meet up with my easy-going skiing tutor, Marco de Lazzer, whose previous clients have included Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall and his family. He patiently puts me through my paces and I quickly get up to speed on one of the easier blue runs, slicing through the perfectly groomed show with surprising agility, considering I’m now into my 60s.

“It helps to think of music,” he tells me through broken English. “For rhythm?” I suggest. “Yes, that’s it. For rhythm. Just enjoy it.”

I take his cue and hum Simply Red’s classic track Fairground, a favourite of holidays gone by, and wish my two grown-up children were alongside to share the experience.

Fearing Arctic conditions, I’m wrapped up like a polar explorer, but with temperatures dropping to a bracing -2C, no wind and the low-lying sun breaking through the clouds (typical conditions for Alta Badia in January, according to Marco) – I soon shed a layer or two.

After a gentle introduction on the slopes near Corvara, we head up a series of gondolas and chairlifts to trendy Jimmi Hut on the edge of the Sella Ronda ski circuit for some Dutch courage before tackling the more challenging runs.

It’s packed with skiers from all over the world, all enjoying the stylish Tyrolean charm, hearty meals and stunning views. We order a round a potent Bombardino cocktails, a popular local drink of half Advocaat (eggnog) and half brandy served hot with whipped cream, which

immediately hits the spot.

Back on the piste, and feeling emboldened by my Italian hot toddy, I launch myself down my first red run – that’s one down in technical difficulty from the death-defying black runs – swaying from side to side and trying to keep up with Marco.

“Bravo! Well done,” he exclaims, as we finally reach the bottom.

I’m relieved to make it down in one piece and, feeling exhilarated, happily agree to head for lunch. We slide down one of the quieter blue runs, take a right turn and happen upon a small, idyllic hut. Outside, the owner Maria Sofia is already pouring glasses of local white wine and laying out snacks of salmon and locally-caught

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk river char and fennel on a large pine table dug out from the snow.

It’s an exquisite, solitary spot, perfectly framed by the blue-tinged Sassolungo mountains and pines, and made possible by the launch of The Brunch Tribe, a new gourmet offering by locals.

We indulge in delicious carrot soup, polenta with cheese and sauerkraut, melt-in-your-mouth venison with blueberries and lemon and blueberry cake, washed down with fruity Picolit and Sauvignon wines.

For many, a winter trip to Alta Badia, with its 500km of pistes and 50-plus modern ski lifts, is more about the aprés than the actual skiing.

Some are drawn to the region by the annual Gourmet Skisafari, a culinary indulgence laid

Picture: Alamy/PA

Travel

29

Picture: Alex Moling/Alta Badia Tourism/PA

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

on by some of the most decorated chefs in Italy, including culinary whizz Massimiliano Alajmo and Ana Ros, voted the world’s best female chef in 2017.

Skiers can sample some of their finest dishes, using ingredients from the Dolomites landscape, by swish-swishing between nominated partner huts for each course. The huts are relatively close so no one goes hungry, but far enough to build up an appetite, and courses can be taken in any order.

The following day we head for one of the restaurants taking part, Edelweiss hut in Colfosco, a nod to when the region was ruled by the Austrians prior to the First World War. Outside it’s a hive of activity as skiers young and old feast on freshly-baked pizzas, but inside it’s warm and welcoming – a perfect base from which to rest weary muscles and soak up the wonderful views of the Sella massif.

We indulge in an array of Ladin cuisine – meat and cheese dishes that hail from the 30,000 Ladin-speaking people who live in the Dolomite mountains, including Marco – as well

as Mediterranean delicacies. My favourite dish is beef cheeks with mash, carrots and fennel, accompanied by an intense and aromatic Burgum Novum pinot nero.

Sated and just a little intoxicated, I squeeze my feet back into the ski boots and, humming along to Simply Red, join the dozens of other skiers weaving down the silken snow. Holding back the years, I head for the Ciasa Salares for a rendezvous with a beer and the hot tub. After all, if you don’t know me by now…

How to plan your trip:

Ski Solutions (skisolutions.co.uk) offers a seven-night ski holiday to Ciasa Salares from £1,945pp (two sharing) on a half-board basis. including return SkyAlps flights from London Stansted to Bolzano, and private transfers.

SkyAlps (skyalps.com) operate twice-weekly flights from London Stansted to Bolzano, starting from €184/£157 each way.

Chris was a guest of the Alta Badia Tourism Board. For further information, visit altabadia.org

30

Motors

Wednesday January 31 | 2024

Audi Q7 plug-in hybrid: The lowdown on this big SUV with small running costs...

FACTS AT A GLANCE: Model as tested: Audi Q7 55 TFSI e Price as tested: £76,845 Engine: 3.0-litre petrol V6 with hybrid assistance Power: 376bhp Torque: 600Nm Max speed: 149mph (83 electric-only) 0-60mph: 5.6 seconds MPG: 134.5mpg Emissions: 48g/km Electric-only range: 34 miles

What is it?

Audi’s Q7 has been a near ever-present sight on our roads for close to two decades now. The original broke new ground for luxury and versatility when it first appeared back in 2006 and it has gone on to become one of Audi’s most sought-after SUVs due to its high level of build quality, which is combined with some excellent practicality.

But the Q7, like all cars, needs to evolve to survive and in this day and age that pretty much always requires some extra electrification. It brings us to this – the Q7 plug-in hybrid – which aims to provide the same level of spaciousness as its more traditionally powered stablemates but with a sharpened focus on efficiency and electric-only running.

What’s new?

Naturally, the big change here is the inclusion of the plug-in hybrid engine setup but there are some tweaks to check out. One of the big kickers with this electrified Q7 is that because of the

fitment of the larger batteries, this established seven-seater switches to a five-seat layout which means that practicality has immediately taken something of a kicking.

In fact, boot space has also suffered. Okay, so the 650-litre boot is still well sized by SUV standards, but it’s some way off the 770 litres you’d find in a non-plug-in Q7 with the rearmost row of seats folded flat.

What’s under the bonnet?

Underneath the Q7 you’ll find an amalgamation of traditional German engineering brawn with some clever hybrid technology. The focus here is on the 3.0-litre petrol V6 which, unlike many of the Q7’s competitors, is quite a large and powerful engine

in its own right before electrification is added.

Many key rivals favour a smaller-capacity petrol engine, but Audi has shunned this in favour of a far larger setup.

Combined with an electric motor you get 376bhp and an impressive 600Nm of torque, equating to a 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds which isn’t half bad for a car weighing over 2.3 tonnes.

It’ll top out at 149mph, too, or if you’re in electric mode then you’re held back at a still usefully fast 83mph. It means you can still easily travel at motorway speeds without troubling the petrol engine.

mirroring the one for the petrol filler – and while this plug-in hybrid can’t be rapid-charged, a normal top-up via a conventional 7kW home charger will take around three hours.

What’s it like inside?

The Q7 has been Audi’s flagship SUV for some time – only recently sharing the limelight with coupe-styled Q8 – but that means it has become known for its high-quality materials and excellent technology. It’s true in the PHEV, too – the numerous leather-clad surfaces and plenty

What’s it like to drive?

With 34 miles of electric-only range, the Q7 is able to saunter about on battery power alone for quite some time. In fact, when you’re travelling around town the ability to do so without troubling the engine is handy and, if you’re often doing shorter trips at lower speeds then there are some great fuel savings to be made with this feature. That said, it’s far less than the claimed 66 miles of electric-only range claimed by Mercedes for its GLE plug-in hybrid.

But when that energy is depleted, it’s good to have an engine like this petrol V6 to fall back on.

Naturally, efficiency takes a big dive once you’re on petrol power alone – we were averaging around 25mpg at this point – but the V6’s silky power delivery makes the whole All pictures: Audi Q7 experience feel just as upmarket as you’d expect.

It also cruises along at motorway speeds well, with the air suspension on this test car doing a great job of dialling out the lumps and bumps that you inevitably encounter on the UK’s roads.

How does it look?

If you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid that doesn’t scream about its electrification, then you’ve come to the right place. Aside from some smaller badges at the rear – this Q7 has a snappy title of 55 TFSI e – then there’s not a lot to differentiate this model from its petrol and diesel counterparts. That’s no bad thing, of course, as we’ve always found the Q7 to be quite a handsome beast.

You’ll find the charging port for the Q7 hybrid located on the left-hand side of the vehicle –

Verdict

This plug-in hybrid Q7 is all about deciding what you want from a car. If you’re after a true seven-seater with a really large boot then we’d still be sticking with the ‘standard’ version.

Likewise, if you’re often doing really long journeys – where this car’s electric power would do little to help in the long run – then a diesel or standard petrol variant will be a better choice.

However, if you do shorter journeys and don’t require those two extra seats then the Q7 plug-in hybrid brings some advantages. Keep its batteries charged up and thanks to its reasonable electric range it’ll deliver noticeable savings on fuel, too.

C OAC H TO U R TO S C OT L A N D of bright metallic finishers make it a pleasant place to be.

Space for those in the rear is plentiful, too, with good levels of both head- and legroom available to back-seat passengers. The lack of a seven-seat option is a pain, however, and takes away one of the Q7’s direct selling points.

What’s the spec like?

Our test car came in at £76,845, representing quite a chunk of change. However, the Q7 is a big, versatile car and here in plug-in hybrid form has plenty of the latest technology so it does have aspects which go towards justifying that price tag. You do get all of Audi’s excellent technology, including the dual-screen MMI system which, despite being around for quite a while now, continues to be easy to use and intuitive due to clear menu layouts.

The build quality is excellent for this price point, too – as you’d expect it to be, mind you – and there’s just a general perception of robustness throughout the vehicle which makes it feel suited to a variety of tasks and situations – this is a car that’ll just as happily devour long motorway stretches as it will trips around town.

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