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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

By Victoria Roberts and Aimee Munn TUNBRIDGE Wells has been blasted by record breaking temperatures this week as scorching heat swept the UK. Temperatures in the town centre reached a blistering 35°C by Monday afternoon and yesterday the mercury had soared to a searing 39°C – a new record.

This was hotter than Kingston in Jamaica, Madrid in Spain, Athens in Greece and the Western Sahara.

The extreme heat led the Met Office to issue a Red National Severe Weather Warning as temperatures in parts of the UK were predicted to be over 40°C. The weather body said the hot weather was caused by high pressure over the UK, with southerly air flow from the continent developing over the weekend that had allowed very high temperatures to start spreading northwards.

Professor Penny Endersby, Chief Executive said: “This is the first time we have issued a Red National Severe Weather Warning for extreme heat and

39ºC the first-time 40°C has been forecast in the UK. “In this country we’re used to treating a hot spell as a chance to go and play in in the sun. This is not that sort of weather.”

‘We’re used to treating a hot spell as a chance to go and play in in the sun – this is not that sort of weather’ The searing temperatures have led to a raft of warnings being issued across Tunbridge Wells and the wider region.

Train operator Southeastern asked passengers not to travel unless necessary and to expect delays as trains were operating under speed restrictions due to fears tracks could buckle due to the heat.

A spokesman said: “Weather warnings for extreme heat are in place for Monday and Tuesday and speed restrictions will

10.30AM TO 5.00PM

& SUNDAY 24TH JULY

10.30AM TO 4.00PM be in place across our network. Services may be disrupted and you should only travel if necessary.”

Water Network Rail said the number of passengers using major stations across Britain on Monday was around 20 per cent down compared to a week earlier as commuter numbers dropped as people opted to work from home during the worst of the heatwave.

South East Water were also asking people to be mindful of the amount of water they were using as hot temperatures pushed up demand beyond levels expected for the time of year.

And a number of schools in Tunbridge Wells allowed students to wear PE kit instead of uniform during the hottest days yesterday and Monday while some schools in the area cancelled sports days.

Full story page 6

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Tonbridge MP crashes out of contest to be the UK’s next PM

By Richard Williams TOM Tugendhat’s hopes of becoming the UK’s next Prime Minster were dashed this week when he failed to get enough support from fellow MPs to back his leadership bid.

The Tonbridge & Malling MP had made it to the last five candidates by securing the requisite votes last week to make it through to Monday night’s ballot.

But Mr Tugendhat, who was standing to replace Boris Johnson after the PM said he would step down earlier this month, received just 31 votes out of more than 350 MPs on Monday (July 18), which relegated him out of the competition.

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

The vote was held after a series of private hustings in front of MPs and the 1922 Committee and two live TV debates held on Friday and Sunday.

Mr Tugendhat who has never held ministerial office but chairs the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, had promised the UK a ‘clean start’.

The former army officer, who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq, also pledged to spend three per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence and security.

Ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak received the most

votes on Monday with 115, followed by Penny Mordaunt with 82, Liz Truss with 71 and Kemi Badenoch with 58 – all of which remained in the leadership race.

A further round of voting took place yesterday when Kemi Badenoch was ejected from the leadership race.

A subsequent round is set to take place later this week to leave just two candidates who will then OUT: Tom Tugendhat pictured on his way to one of the battle it out over the TV debates at the weekend with wife Anissia Tugendhat summer to win the support of Conservative members, with their choice of the next prime talking about any candidates at the moment, I’ll minister being unveiled on September 5. listen to what they have to say and I’ll be making Mr Johnson will then formally tender his my judgment later.” resignation to the Queen to make way for his He also took to social media to thank his successor the following day. supporters, saying: “Although it wasn’t to be today, I am immensely proud of the positive vision we put forward for our country.

Competition “Thank you to all those who supported me and believed in A Clean Start. This is only the After crashing out of the competition, Mr beginning!”

Tugendhat refused to say who he would be For the latest of the leadership election see backing out of the remaining candidates.

National News page 14.

He told reporters: “Please, I’m not going to be

Council considers U-turn on fees for car parking at Dunorlan Park

By Victoria Roberts A COUNCIL committee last week shelved proposals to introduce parking fees at Dunorlan Park to allow for a consultation.

As the Times reported last week [July 13], proposed parking charges at Dunorlan Park took the Friends of Dunorlan Park by surprise and sparked a petition.

The Finance and Governance Cabinet Advisory Board committee met last week to discuss the proposed charges put forward by finance chief

Cllr Andrew Hickey on the new cross-party Borough Partnership, as part of what the coalition Cabinet calls its ‘inherited deficit reduction plan’.

Discussion Labour leader Cllr Hugo Pound (Sherwood), who sits on the Borough Partnership’s Cabinet told last week’s committee meeting: “I think the sense is that [a parking charge at Dunorlan] is a step too far and that we should be having more

discussion… with the Friends of Dunorlan and anticipating a better understanding of the pricing structure.”

Cllr Andrew Hickey, the Cabinet member in charge of finance and author of the deficit reduction plan, accepted a recommendation to remove these charges from the committee vote at last week’s meeting (July 12) so that a consultation can take place.

However, he added: “It will be considered as part of the (2022/23) budget process toward the end of this year.”

…but other planned charges spark more petitions TOWN councillors, residents in Paddock Wood and Southborough, and the MP for Tunbridge Wells have all criticised plans to introduce parking charges in the two towns, as petitions are launched against the proposals.

As part of the Borough Partnership’s deficit reduction plan, free parking for the first hour in Paddock Wood and the first two hours in Southborough are to be scrapped in favour of a 50 pence per hour charge.

Signatures A Change.org petition calling to ‘Keep One-hour free parking in Paddock Wood’ has generated nearly 1,000 signatures after being set up last week, and a similar ‘Keep Yew Tree Parking Two Hours Free’ in Southborough has also garnered a similar number of signatures.

And MP for Tunbridge Wells, Greg Clark, has also slammed the move and has urged the Borough partnership to drop the plan.

Writing in this week’s Times, Greg Clark said the moves were a ‘mistake’.

“We need the small businesses in our towns to attract more customers, not fewer, if they are to be vibrant and attractive,” he said.

“As well as damaging the vitality of our towns I think it is a mistake financially: empty shops

end up actually costing the Council more money through the loss of business rates and the impact of dilapidation.”

Councillors in both Paddock Wood and Southborough arranged protests over the plans at the weekend.

Meanwhile, an attempt to head off the parking charges in Paddock Wood failed at last week’s Finance and Governance Cabinet Advisory Board.

Guest speaker, Richard Barsley, managing director of Barsley’s department store and chairman of Paddock Wood Business Association (PWBA) told the committee he was ‘stunned’ by the proposals.

He said: “Customers lack the incentive for more considered shopping or just time for a coffee and a snack. Dwell time is crucial to many businesses in the town and the council has said it aims to promote this.”

All four Paddock Wood councillors, Matthew Bailey (Independent), Ray Moon (Labour), Rodney Atkins, and Suzie Wakeman (Alliance) spoke against the plans.

But the fees were agreed by advisory board following a majority vote, with the plans set to go before Cabinet at Tunbridge Well Borough Council tonight [July 20] for approval.

For your views on the intended parking fee rises see And another thing… Page 19.

FOREST FEES ARE FINALISED The Conservators of Ashdown Forest have finalised their parking plans.

The Times revealed last year that the organisation that looks after the beauty spot planned to introduce the fees after its funding was cut.

Horizon Parking Ltd has now been awarded the contract to manage the scheme and the tariffs for parking have been finalised.

Visitors to the forest’s numerous car parks can expect to pay £2.00 for an hour’s parking, £2.50 for two hours, and all-day parking for £5.00. An annual pass will also be available for £80.

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

NEWS IN BRIEF

Two bodies discovered in two separate homes THE bodies of two people were found at separate addresses in Tunbridge Wells last week.

On Monday, July 11, Kent Police was called to an address in Bishops Down Road at around 4pm where a man in his 50s was found dead.

In a separate incident, the force attended an address in Newcomen Road on Wednesday, July 13, where a man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Neither death is being treated as suspicious and reports are being prepared for the coroner.

Bank’s flat conversion PLANNING permission is being sought to convert the Lloyd’s Bank building on the crossroads of Mount Pleasant and Crescent Road to flats, although commercial premises will remain on the ground floor.

According to the application, the developers will create eight one-bedroom flats spread across four storeys in the Grade II listed building, with the flat roof being turned into terrace spaces for the third-floor apartments.

The planning application was submitted with an application for listed building consent.

Plans for Groombridge PLANNING permission is being sought for holiday lets at Groombridge Place, best known as the scene of the 2005 version of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, as new owners attempt to safeguard its future.

Restoration Groomsbridge, which took over the site following the death of previous owner Justin Bodle in 2019, said the Grade I-listed 17th century manor house would welcome groups on inter-generational family holidays, as well as some ‘occasional business meetings’.

In their planning application Restoration Groombridge said: “Day visitors and commercially letting the house will not generate the funds required to restore the Estate alone.”

The application continued: “But it will enable Restoration Groombridge to commence some of the most urgent works, whilst the owners develop a more comprehensive strategy of the long-term safeguarding of the Estate and heritage assets.”

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Businesses and residents rally round as park’s café threatened with closure

By Victoria Roberts RESIDENTS and fellow businesses are rallying round in an attempt to save a café in a Tunbridge Wells park that could be set to close.

‘The Inside’ opened in Calverley Grounds as a community business in 2019, which owner Laura Parker admitted was not good timing due to the pandemic.

Tough Since then and despite providing coffee, snacks and food, as well as organising events in the playground including activity trails and treasure hunts, the business has struggled to bring in enough customers and now faces closure.

“Costs are mounting against us and every day we struggle to simply break even,” Laura told the Times.

“The problems really started last summer as everybody went on holiday, went to see this friend or that friend – and it was just really quiet. After that, it was a really tough winter for us.”

She said the location of the café might also be part of the problem.

“The playground is so popular, and people are so loyal to it, but the café is tucked away so people just… forget we’re here,” she said. “It’s just a cauldron of so many factors. It’s just heartbreaking.”

The Council, which owns and manages

TUCKED AWAY The Inside café in Calverley Grounds could be set to close Calverley Grounds, has a plan to cut back some willows, which could make the café more prominent, but Laura said footfall in the park was generally down.

But residents and park goers as well as other local businesses have offered support with donations to a fundraiser on GoFundMe.

Difficulty “Originally, I said I didn’t want to do a fundraiser. I want this to be sustainable. But I was quite shocked and quite emotional about the response I’ve received.”

Fellow café owner Geff Stone of The Plant Base in Camden Road, whose own business fell into difficulty earlier this year when the roof caved in but was helped by the Tunbridge Wells business

community, is among those offering financial assistance.

“Geff is amazing.

When they had their problems, I reached out to them, so it’s amazing they’re helping,” added Laura.

The fundraiser is set at £4,000, which she said should be enough to put the café on a sustainable footing, although she would ideally like support from a corporate sponsor.

“By the end of August, we will need to sit down to make a plan, whether that means serving notice to the Council or staying open,” admitted Laura.

Laura’s fundraiser is at GoFundMe.com/f/ The-Inside

Fringe festival is now mainstream following success of its second year

have big plans for it,” said Debbie, who coorganised the festival with comedian Aimee Cooper, Grace Simpson of Goupie Chocolate, Nell Price of Arty Farty Retreat, and Larry Hardcastle of Studio 44.

TW FRINGE came back with a bang this year, more than doubling both ticket sales and profits for artists, and raising nearly £10,000 for local charities.

The two-week event, modelled on the famous Edinburgh festival, brought 165 performances to 45 businesses, indoor venues and outdoor locations across the town, with seven shows entirely sold out, said organiser Debbie King.

The event sold 6,000 tickets, more than double the amount in 2021 – ‘and that doesn’t include people who turned up or just came and saw something for free,’ added Debbie.

New venues which joined in this year included The Old Auction House, Brittens Music Shop, the Assembly Hall Theatre, The Duke of York, Sankey’s, and The Forum.

Debbie, who also runs The Talentz Musical

The event this year was supported by a grant from Tunbridge Wells Together, while Berry and Lamberts Solicitors were a main stage sponsor, and TN Recruits, The Original Tree Surgeons and Azhagi Tandra Temple also helped support the festival.

Such sponsorship is essential for the organisers to make a start on the programme for next year, said Debbie, adding: “We would really love to hear from companies that would like to sponsor or can help so 2023 can happen. Until we have funding, we cannot start.

“We would also love to hear from new venues, and we will be opening up applications for events as soon as we can.”

Sponsors

Theatre Company, stressed the festival’s support for artists, with performers receiving over £11,000, more than twice the total shared by artists in the inaugural season in July 2021.

The festival’s chosen charities, Taylor-made Dreams, Fegans, RefugEase, and Nourish Foodbank, also benefited, to the tune of £9,827.

“We are already planning TW Fringe 2023. We

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Record waiting list stops growing as hospital staff battle through backlog

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Woman posed as a good Samaritan after stabbing man

By Richard Williams THE list of patients waiting for routine treatments at Tunbridge Wells Hospital has stopped growing after reaching record levels in the wake of the Covid crisis.

Figures released by the NHS last week, show in May there were 40,679 people awaiting treatment at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW), which runs the hospital in both Pembury and Maidstone.

The figures show the number of people waiting for treatments such as hip and knee operations has grown by just 43 patients, up from 40,636 in April.

This is the smallest rise since the pandemic began in March 2020, when the waiting lists began to increase from 29,419 to its current record levels.

Operations The departments in MTW with the largest waiting lists include ophthalmology where there are 7,257 people waiting, gynaecology with 4,872 waiting and general surgery – which includes hip and knee operations – which has 4,731 patients waiting.

There are no recorded incidents of people waiting more than a year for treatment at MTW, and 71.2 per cent of people are seen within 18 weeks.

While the 18-week figure is lower than the NHS target of 92 per cent, it is up from April’s figures when 69.8 per cent of patients were seen within the government’s standard.

The figures come amid a backdrop of record people on waiting lists in Trusts across the country.

More than 6.6 million people – up 100,000 in a month are waiting for treatment across England – which is a new record Around 8,000 people in England were waiting more than two years to start routine hospital treatment at the end of May, NHS England said.

This is down from 12,735 at the end of April but is more than three times the 2,608 people who were waiting longer than two years in April 2021.

Urgent Last month, following a series of rises to the waiting lists at Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone Hospital, a spokesperson for MTW said the staff there had been working hard to address the backlog.

He added: “We have continued to maintain our

position of no patients waiting for surgery over 52 weeks and caring for our most clinically urgent patients.

“After continuing cancer treatment throughout the pandemic and seeing unprecedented admissions within our emergency departments, the Trust are now also increasing the number of outpatient appointments over the next year to ensure we provide timely care. We continue to urge people to come forward for the care they need, using NHS 111 online where appropriate.”

Patients miss 37,000 appointments while one in four put off seeing a GP

By Robert Forrester MORE than 37,000 people in Kent and Medway failed to turn up to their GP appointments in May, while a quarter of people are putting off booking GP appointments because they find it too difficult to book.

According to figures released by NHS England, 819,103 GP appointments were carried out in Kent and Medway in May 2022.

Around 60 per cent of these patient visits being held face to face with nearly 307,000 telephone

and online consultations.

This is up from April’s figures when there were 720,798 GP appointments in the county, 60 per cent of which were face to face.

Provision But no shows to GP appointments have risen from 33,000 in April to 37,000 in May. A spokesperson for Kent and Medway CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group), which provides GP provision across the county said: “We would

urge anyone who can no longer attend any appointment (be it with their GP, a vaccination appointment or a hospital appointment) to please cancel them. This allows the NHS to use the time to see other patients in need.”

However, the figures coincide with the annual GP Patient Survey that found more than a quarter (27 per cent) of people across the UK had not made an appointment to see their doctor because they found it too difficult, up from 11 per cent in 2021.

Avoided

CONSULTATION 60 per cent of appointments to see a GP are face to face

While the survey, which is carried out by NHS England every year, found that 72 per cent of patients in England said they had had a good experience of their GP practice early in 2022, this was down from 83 per cent the previous year.

Some 55 per cent of patients who needed an appointment said they had avoided making one in the last 12 months, up from 42 per cent in 2021.

The poll also found that the proportion of patients who said it was easy to get through to someone at their GP practice on the phone has fallen sharply over the last decade.

Of the patients who had tried to contact their surgeries, 53 per cent said it was very or fairly easy to speak to someone on the phone, down from 68 per cent the previous year and much lower than the 81 per cent reported in 2012.

A WOMAN who told police she was helping a man following a knife assault in Tunbridge Wells but later admitted stabbing the victim multiple times has been jailed.

Chloe Glew, 23, left the 30-year-old man suffering serious injuries before lying to police that she had been trying to help him and that someone else was to blame.

Glew and the victim were known to each other and on November 9 last year had visited a flat together in Brokes Way in the High Brooms area.

At around 9.45pm, three children were walking close to the property when they came across the victim, who told them he had been stabbed.

Located Neighbours provided first aid while they waited for ambulance crews to arrive, and the victim was later airlifted to a London hospital suffering three puncture wounds to his torso. When police entered the flat they located several knives with blood on.

Glew told officers someone else was responsible and she had simply tried to offer assistance to the injured victim.

She was arrested and an investigation revealed Glew had confessed to several witnesses she carried out the assault. Glew, of no fixed address, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court and initially denied any wrongdoing, but later pleaded guilty to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm.

She was sentenced on Wednesday July 13, to 21 months’ imprisonment.

PC Jon Short of the West Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team said: “This was an utterly senseless attack which only by luck did not lead to more serious harm.”

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If you have an individual problem which you think I can help with or you would like to have a chat about a more general issue, please do get in touch.

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

It’s a record – the week’s sweltering temperatures are hottest in history THE temperature on Tuesday was the hottest ever recorded in Tunbridge Wells as the heatwave broke records across the UK. Previously, the highest temperature recorded before this week in the borough was in Frittenden in 2020 when the mercury reached 34.5°C in the summer of that year.

Before that, the highest temperature seen in Tunbridge Wells was in May 1944 when it reached 32.8°C. While there is no official weather station in the town, with the closest ones being in Biggin Hill and Maidstone, the Met office suggested yesterday’s temperatures were set to break all records, so the Times took a thermometer into the centre of town to find out.

SUNLOVING Residents enjoying the sunshine in Calverley Grounds

A BURST water main cut off water to Paddock Wood at the weekend just as the record-breaking temperatures swept across the area.

The affected mains in Maidstone Road, near to the entrance to Mascalls School, saw hundreds of properties in the town on Sunday lose their supply, according to Southeast Water.

Water flooded across the carriageway and into the yard of two semi-detached homes opposite that lie on a slightly lower level to the road.

Pressure The utilities company said it had ‘managed to re-route some of the water in the network, which means customers should have their supplies returned at lower pressure.’

Repairs were completed by Tuesday, South East Water said.

Extreme Temperatures had reached a blistering 35.5°C on The Pantiles during Monday afternoon, and

by Tuesday the mercury had soared to 39°C outside the Town Hall, which made it by far the hottest day on record for the Royal Town.

Temperature records were also smashed across the country.

The previous highest ever UK temperature recorded in the UK was at Cambridge University Botanic Garden on July 25, 2019, when the mercury hit 38.7°C. This record was broken by midday on Tuesday when the temperature reached 39.1C in Charlwood, Surrey, and it only got hotter throughout the day with London Heathrow reporting a temperature of 40.2C before 1pm yesterday.

Monday night was also the hottest on record with temperatures not dropping below 25°C in some places.

Locally, the extreme weather saw the Kent Resilience Forum (KRF) – the county’s emergency response team – to appeal to people to check on friends, relatives and neighbours

SCORCHING Thermometer reading 39°C Tuesday at 3pm who may be less able to look after themselves in the high temperatures of this week.

Kent County Council (KCC) Director of Public Health, Dr. Anjan Ghosh who is leading the KRF response, said: “We are expecting record temperatures and although we have not seen a level four alert before, the important thing is that we all prepare appropriately to deal with the extreme heat.

“It is vital that people think carefully about what they need to do to protect themselves, their family and particularly vulnerable people who might need extra assistance.

“Elderly people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children can all be at particular risk. Remember though, these

FEARS OVER WATER SUPPLIES He continued: “Although we’re used to managing high demand and have tried and tested plans in place, we are grateful to customers who play their part by using water wisely, so that we can continue to keep water flowing to everyone.”

Meanwhile, Southern Water said that on an average day it supplies around 540 million litres to its 2.6 million water customers – but that the peak level so far this summer has been 657 million litres.

Bewl Water has reported that the Southern Water reservoir was running at 70 per cent capacity but demand was high – around 20 per cent higher than average with six million litres more water being used each day.

The heatwave could lead to water shortages, South East Water has warned.

The utilities company has said that while the amount of water available in reservoirs and groundwater stores in the South East is currently good but this week’s hot weather could see demand rise by 50 per cent.

Lee Dance, Head of Water Resources at South East Water said: “We have been producing an extra 120 million litres of drinking water every day – the equivalent of 20 million flushes of the toilet – for our 2.3 million customers to use but if everyone uses a lot of water at once, demand can outweigh the amount of water we are able to treat.”

levels of heat can present risks for all of us so be prepared. Avoid travelling if you can, especially in the heat of the day.”

KCC also urged residents to call 111 to find medical support – pharmacies and urgent treatment centres – which could take the pressure off emergency services.

Additional contingency support was in place at the ambulance service, such as more call handlers and extra working hours, but health bosses warned the service would be hard pushed in the face of the extreme heat.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Emergency and Planning and Response team were providing cold water for ambulance, fire and police crews during the hot weather to ensure emergency service workers were kept cool.

While Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) took to social media to warn people about potential fires that could be caused in the extreme heat by BBQs, bonfires and disposed cigarette ends.

Meanwhile, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council implemented its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, to protect the rough sleepers.

“We are already in a good position with many verified rough sleepers in temporary accommodation. Outreach workers are supporting the process,” said the Council.

The local authority also announced it was shifting working hours for waste collection with bin crews starting work earlier at 5am to avoid the worst of the heat. The weather is expected to cool from today, with thunderstorms also predicted for parts of the South East. For more on the heatwave see National News page 15.

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ON THE ROADS A21 will see overnight (from 8pm) mobile lane closures on dates throughout the week, for litter picking and cutting vegetation.

A26 (St Johns Road, Southborough) Lane closure and traffic controls until July 21.

Broom Lane (Langton Green) Road closure, with diversion, for gas works outside Orchard House.

Ongoing until July 22 at 11:59pm .

Frant Road Delays due to carriageway works. July 4 at 8pm to August 13 at 6am.

Grove Hill Road Traffic controls for roadworks. July

25-27. Also affecting junction with Prospect Road and Camden Road.

Hadlow Down Road (Crowborough) Road closure, with diversion, for new development works. July 23-August 21.

Langton Road Road closure, with diversion, for surface works, from Burnt House Lane to Penshurst Road. July 22.

Luxford Lane (Crowborough) Road closure, with diversion, for water works July 21-26 Penshurst Road (Penshurst & Speldhurst) Road closure, with diversion, for broadband works between Southfields and Bullingstone Lane. July 20

Emergency at village pond to save the fish

Emergency

Courtesy of the Met Office

WEATHER & TRAVEL

Burst water main leaves hundreds without supply

9:30am-3:30pm.

Reynolds Lane (St Johns) Start of an approximately 11-week programme of gas works. Traffic controls and road closures. July 25- September 1.

Speldhurst Road (Southborough) Start of an approximately 11-week programme of gas works.

Traffic controls and road closures. July 25-October 3 St Johns Road (Crowborough) Road closure, with diversion, for repairs and resurfacing. July 26 7am-7pm.

Wadhurst Road to Station Road (Frant) Road closure, with diversion, for carriageway works. July 25 at 7am to July 30 at 7pm.

LOW Matfield pond was at dangerously low levels for the fish HEATWAVE conditions have seen the water in Matfield village pond drop so low that the fire service had to be called in to help save the fish.

When levels drop in the silted-up pond, the remaining water is too low in oxygen for fish to survive, Sean Miller resident who also runs a local aquarium called The Trop Co told the Times.

Began The Fire Service was called last week to pump water into the pond as temperatures began to rise, and an inlet pipe is currently in place, he said.

“The water inlet is on a meter and therefore is being monitored to check costs,” he added. “It’s expensive, at around £50 a day, but keeping the fish alive.

“Every hot summer we suffer with the same problem. The water levels drops and without intervention the fish and other aquatic life perish.

“Given my job as a fish farmer I find it destressing to see the water level drop to a critical level.”

He added that the community were now trying to raise enough money to pay for the inlet with donated funds, but the long-term goal of the fundraiser is to de-silt the pond.

“If we could remove that silt, the water level will be maximised and I’m hopeful we will not suffer the same issues,” he explained. “The parish council have been helpful in getting quotes for the proposed work to be done.”

The fundraiser is at JustGiving.com/ crowdfunding/matfield-pond

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Wine producers hit a six with cricket deal

By Victoria Roberts

Shortlist for founder of marketing business A TUNBRIDGE WELLS-based marketing executive has reached the finals in the National Business Women’s Awards in two categories.

Nat Sharp, who founded Sharp Thinking Marketing in 2018, has been shortlisted in both Best Business Owner of the Year and Southern England Business Woman of the Year categories.

Nat has enjoyed a 20-year marketing career, working for companies like Vodafone and London-based advertising agencies, as well as for smaller start-ups.

However, she said, “I took a long career break after having my children and always knew it would be hard to rebuild my career but I was determined to do it, so this recognition means so much.”

KENT Cricket has signed a partnership deal with local wine producer Chapel Down.

The deal was announced last week, during the 170th Canterbury Cricket Week, with a pop-up outdoor bar for spectators during Kent’s match with Northamptonshire.

‘We are committed to supporting the game at both a national and regional level’ For the rest of the season, both still and sparkling Chapel Down wines will be sold in main bars and hospitality areas.

This follows an agreement earlier this year which made Chapel Down the ‘official sparkling wine’ for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), offered to all winning teams on the podium.

This covers all Men’s International, Women’s International and Domestic Finals, with a worldwide audience of millions.

Chapel Down CEO, Andrew Carter, said: “Our brand home is in Kent and we are delighted to be partnering with Kent Cricket this summer.

Not only is it one of England’s first-class county clubs, it is also at the centre of our county’s sporting community.

“We are committed to supporting the game at both a national and regional level.”

Calling the wine producer ‘an outstanding Kentish business’, Kent Cricket’s director of partnerships, Andy Griffiths, added: “Chapel already has a relationship with ECB, so it’s fantastic to see their commitment to supporting cricket at all levels of the game by becoming official partners of Kent Cricket.”

Chapel Down is England’s leading wine producer producing 1.5m bottles each year at its vineyard in Tenterden and across the Southeast.

Recognition Sharp Thinking specialises in offering support to local SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) from Kent which lack either the experience or the time to develop a marketing strategy.

Her clients include Birchwood House, Kewell Converters, and the 200-year-old school uniform supplier Simmonds.

Nat also uses her marketing skills to benefit local voluntary organisations, such as St James' School’s PTA, as well as being a business mentor for The Kent Foundation.

Her company won recognition in the Local Business Awards as best marketing and PR organisation, and was also shortlisted for a Times Business Award in March 2022.

The National Business Women’s Awards ceremony will be held in Wembley on November 18.

Nat also said: “I am absolutely thrilled to get through to this stage and am so excited to get to Wembley and be amongst other inspiring women.”

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Apprenticeship scheme offering opportunities for young talent

Pay rise advice after survey finds half never ask

By Molly Miller

MORE than 50 per cent of Brits have never even asked for a pay increase, a local financial advisor has said, as she offers advice to local employees on how to seek more wages to cope with the cost of living Amanda Redman crisis.

Amanda Redman of Amanda Redman Financial Planning said You Gov poll of British adults who have been in employment, found that 53 per cent had never requested a pay rise at their workplace – with more women than men hesitating when it comes to asking for more.

Ms Redman, who is also a published business author, said: “Preparation is key. Step inside your boss’ shoes and ask, what will justify a pay rise?

“Everybody’s in the same economic boat so, rather than focusing on personal circumstances, consider your contributions and how you benefit the company.

“Use examples of how you add value and – with a pay rise – be motivated to take on more responsibilities in your role.”

She continued that one of the most important things to remember is to have a figure in mind – not just a general increase.

“Being confident and self-assured about your worth is an indicator that you’re doing a good job, without coming off as arrogant or selfserving,” she said. “Be direct and straight to the point, skirting around the topic only creates uncertainty.”

TUNBRIDGE Wells-based Elite Leisure Collection is continuing to attract new talent as it provides young people with opportunities to develop and thrive.

Almost half (47 per cent) of organisations that employ students and graduates say they intend to increase the number of hires they make in the next 12 months, research has found.

The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) and Handshake survey comes as no surprise to Elite Leisure Collection who believe educating and developing young talent is crucial to a successful workforce and are keen to help foster the talents of graduates, apprentices and passionate individuals.

Shortage ELC, formerly known as Markerstudy Leisure, is an independently-owned group of companies that includes One Warwick Park Hotel, Salomons Estate, Bewl Water and One Media UK, publisher of the Times.

Employers like ELC play a pivotal role in the future of young talent, and with a nation-wide skills shortage, the group is committed to tackling this problem.

“We want to give young people the opportunity to build a long-term career in an industry they love,” said Daniel Yardley, head chef at Salomons Estate.

With a shared ambition to revitalise their local hospitality sector, the committed and motivated team across the group explain that employment numbers across the industry are still slowly recovering from the pandemic.

You’re hired ELC Apprentices Jessica Porter, Elana van Leeuwen and Terry Antoine And, with youth unemployment continuing to escalate, there is no better time to invest in such an eager generation.

Jessica Porter, 20, from East Sussex, started her digital marketing apprenticeship with ELC in August 2021, where she began to build her portfolio.

With hands-on experience, onsite lessons and dedicated study time, the scheme has allowed her to not only acquire valuable skills and real-world experience, but benefit from wraparound support in further education as she retakes her maths exam.

“My apprenticeship has not only given me a career path, but life skills that have developed me as a person,” she said.

Jessica is four months away from obtaining her qualification and is set to receive a full-time position. The company has also recently appointed Elana van Leeuwen (pictured above).

The door is never closed when it comes to growth, according to Terry Antoine, who was previously food and beverage supervisor and is now an IT apprentice, stressing the support he has received.

“I was looking for a new opportunity in a slightly different career path but because of my history at Elite Leisure Collection and my love for the company I wanted to stay, so you can imagine how overjoyed I was when I heard about the availability of an IT apprenticeship here at Salomons Estate,” said Terry.

“Everyone deemed me capable to make the leap and become the next IT member. Despite being sad to see me leave, even my manager was incredibly supportive with my next venture.”

Apprenticeships are not the only path available. ELC is actively encouraging graduates, students, and those wanting to pursue a career, to contact emma.martin@salomons-estate.com

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Tranquillity garden opens at hospital Intensive Care Unit

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LONDON SEVENOAKS TONBRIDGE MAIDSTONE

GARDEN OPENING L-R) Senior Sister Lucy Gosnell, MTW Chief Executive Miles Scott, Mayor of Tunbridge Wells Godfrey Bland and ICU Matron Jane Sansom

By Victoria Roberts A NEW garden area outside the Intensive Care Unit at Tunbridge Wells Hospital will allow patients to spend time outside while staying within reach of the ICU – even if connected to life-saving equipment.

With many intensive care patients spending weeks in hospital, the ICU garden was designed as a safe, tranquil place for them to spend time outdoors, escaping the constant beeping of medical devices.

Features Visitors are encouraged, and arrangements can even be made to spend time with pets here, under some circumstances.

The accessible paved area features electrical points to allow patients to bring essential equipment outside with them, and can also be used for rehabilitation by physiotherapy and

occupational therapy teams.

ICU Matron Jane Sansom said: “We have been able to take patients into the garden for a couple of months now and there many benefits for them. Patient stays in ICU can be lengthy and very difficult.

“Patients can often become depressed and having an outside space that we can take them to can really help, and shows them that the real world is still waiting for them.”

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) chief executive Miles Scott added that the garden had been funded by the trust’s dedicated charity.

“Donations from our supporters touch the lives of patients, carers and staff across our hospitals, and we are hugely grateful for their generosity,” he said.

The ICU at Tunbridge Wells Hospital treats around 1,000 critically ill patients every year.

The garden was opened on July 5 as part of the 74th anniversary celebrations of the NHS.

Summer food and activity vouchers given to pupils on free school meals KENT County Council (KCC) has allocated funds for summer holiday food and activity vouchers for children who are entitled to benefits-related free school meals.

Schools and colleges will issue each eligible child or young person with a £50 food voucher which can be used in supermarkets and some local shops, funded out of KCC’s Household Support Fund allocation.

Support Eligible children will also receive vouchers for four weeks of up to 16 hours of free activities, with lunch provided, through the Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), funded by the Department for Education.

Nearly 8,000 places are available at more than 140 locations across Kent, with providers

offering activities from cookery to fitness and sports, to outdoor learning.

Shellina Prendergast, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “For many families, school holidays can be especially difficult with the extra cost of more meals and paying for more activities for their children while they are at home.

“I am pleased that we can help ease the pressure on some of Kent’s most vulnerable families, particularly at this difficult time, by continuing to provide this valuable support.”

Schools are issuing the vouchers to eligible pupils from this week.

Any families who think their children may be entitled for the free school meals which unlock the summer vouchers should apply to Kent County Council via the website: kent.gov.uk/ FreeSchoolMeals

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

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Bidborough man raises £8,000 Five-year-old who survived brain by cycling from London to Paris cancer to walk 18 miles for charity

By Aimee Munn CYCLING 300 kilometres is no easy feat, but a good cause and the support of people who pledged £8,000 helped Ian Playford go the distance.

Ian’s donors helped him smash his original fundraising target of £4,000 for his sponsored ‘Duchenne Dash’ cycle ride for charity from London to Paris last month.

“Remembering all those that have sponsored me kept the wheels turning,” said the 54-yearold Bidborough resident, who was introduced to the muscular dystrophy charity by a neighbour.

PEDAL POWER Ian PLayford on arrival in Paris

Dieppe Contributors included Ian’s friends, family and village neighbours, as well as colleagues at commercial property developer Kingsbridge Estates, based in Tangmere, West Sussex.

“When I had to really dig in, I just focused on all the good the Duchenne UK charity does and the mums and dads whose sons live in hope of the research finding a treatment,” he said.

The charity has invested over £9million in medical research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which causes all the muscles in the body to gradually weaken, including the heart and lungs.

Duchenne UK has funded 34 clinical trial staff at sites across the UK, as well as supporting families with their diagnoses and care of their children.

The condition mostly affects boys, with some rare girls also diagnosed, and the charity estimates there are 2,500 people living with DMD in the UK, while 20,000 children are born with DMD globally each year.

The riders pedalled from Herne Hill in

Sarah Carter A FIVE-YEAR-OLD girl from Tunbridge Wells who was saved from a brain tumour is to lead an 18-mile charity walk to help raise funds for the hospital that cared for her.

Matilda Wright received life-saving treatment at King’s College Hospital (KCH) when she was just four, after an eye test revealed a swollen optic nerve which turned out to be a brain tumour.

She underwent multiple operations over ten nights before being able to return home but was back at school part-time a couple of weeks later.

Now she has been chosen to lead the 18-mile 2022 Great Hospital Hike on September 17, which the King’s College Hospital Charity hopes will raise £80,000 from over 400 hospital staff, patients, volunteers, friends and family members.

Matilda and her family have already raised nearly £2,000 to support King’s hospitals, and her mother, Sam Wright, said: “King’s were absolutely incredible and we were all treated with the utmost care and compassion during a very scary and worrying time.

Woodland southeast London to Newhaven and crossed the Channel by ferry, before cycling from Dieppe to Paris.

“I’m grateful for everyone who has supported me and very pleased with the total. It makes training worth it,” he said.

Riders pay for all their own travel and expenses, so all funds raised go directly to the charity.

Ian was among 140 riders taking part in the event to raise money for Duchenne UK, who raised £600,000 in total.

“We will be eternally grateful for everything King’s has done for us – this is why we wanted to take part in the Great Hospital Hike and raise some money for the brilliant teams we were fortunate to meet.”

The walk starts in Denmark Hill, London, where KCH is located, and will pass through miles of parks and woodland in Southeast London to the Princess Royal University Hospital near Bromley, which is also part of KCH NHS Foundation Trust.

A smaller ‘Little Hospital Hike’ will see more people join in for the last three miles, headed by another grateful fundraiser, three-year-old Lola

PLUCKY Matilda Wright

Rose from Gravesend.

Chief executive of the charity Gail Scott-Spicer said: “We are delighted to have Lola and Matilda lead the Great Hospital Hike. They and their families have shown such bravery and resilience.

Their stories celebrate the amazing care that King’s provides and inspire us to keep taking this care further.

“I hope that anyone who has counted on King’s in the past or who might need their care in the future will come and join us this year.”

Funds raised will go towards work including pioneering liver research, development of play facilities for children, and enhanced support and spaces for parents with ill children in hospital.

To take part in the Great Hospital Hike on September 17, visit SupportKings.org.uk/hike. It costs £15 to register, and each participant commits to raise at least £150.

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Crafty Southborough schoolgirl wins national arts competition

By Victoria Robers

BNI is the World’s Leading Business Networking and Referral Organisation

A SOUTHBOROUGH schoolgirl has won an award for upcycling a chair, as part of a Crafts Council programme to boost hands-on learning in schools and society.

Taking part in the ‘Craft School’ national school competition, Southborough CofE Primary School pupil Matilda Tuck won in the KS2 [Years 3-6] category by giving an old chair a makeover, using bright colours and shapes to represent musical stanza lines, rests, and multicoloured vinyl records.

Encourage Craft School: Yinka’s Challenge is a joint project by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori and national charity The Crafts Council, both motivated by a decline in craft education in UK schools.

Yinka explained: “I am trying to really encourage young people in schools to tell their own personal stories within design, whether it’s about family or friends or experiences.

“I think for anyone trying to develop their voice in their making, my first tip would be to be proud of your story and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable in your work.”

The schools’ project culminates this summer with a season of workshops and hands-on displays at the Crafts Council gallery in Islington.

Matilda’s chair is the central exhibit in the accompanying exhibition at the Crafts Council Gallery.

The Crafts Council believes making with their

Last year members in the UK generated over £482 million worth of business for each other If you are interested in growing your business, then why not come along to One Warwick Park at 6.30am on a Thursday or join us for our Visitor day on 28th July, if you would like to attend please contact gillian@lendingmadesimple.co.uk or call 01892 280000

Raising funds for West Kent Mind and Taylor Made Dreams BNI Tunbridge Wells at 6.30 am at The Nevil Golf Club BNI Excelsior at 6:30 am at Salomon’s Estate BNI A21 at 10:00 am at The Mercure Hotel All money raised goes to these charities:

hands helps young people to develop problemsolving and communication skills alongside practical skills of creating, mending, and repairing. “Craft destresses, empowers, and contributes to wellbeing and happiness.”

The Crafts Council Gallery, Islington, is open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am-5pm. Advance booking at Crafts-Council.ArtTickets.org.uk or buy tickets on the door.

Charity issues call for silent auction prizes

The Finance Hub are delighted to host our Charity BNI speed network including the 4 BNI’s in Tunbridge Wells BNI Royal Spa every Thursday at 6.30 am at One Warwick Park

WINNER Matilda with her chair and Yinka Ilori

By Aimee Munn A MENTAL health charity has seen demand for its services continuing to rise since the pandemic and is calling for auction prizes to allow them to step up help this year.

West Kent Mind’s (WKM) silent auction netted over £5,000 last year, but the charity is hoping this October’s event will be bigger and better, after demand for its services increased 40 per cent in the first year of the pandemic – and has kept going up.

At the same time, funding was becoming ‘harder to come by’, WKM warned.

The ‘silent auction’ format – with sales of prizes taking place over a week – and participants being notified when they are outbid, creates a buzz and increases prices, especially on the last day, explained a charity spokesperson.

It added: “Some fantastic prizes, such as a stay in a Spanish villa and private time in a recording studio, changed hands several times last year, before being claimed by the eventual highest bidder.”

Fundraising manager Kate Barnes added: “We are looking for fantastic prizes that will generate interest, excitement and, most importantly, bids.”

She continued: “This could be weekend getaways, spa packages, golf memberships, home or car services, jewellery, signed sports memorabilia, VIP event tickets and experiences – anything that you think would make a fabulous prize.”

To donate to the silent auction, contact fundraising@westkentmind.org.uk. The event will be held over the week of October 7-16.

Sessions

www.thefinancehub.money 01892 280000

Fundraising manager Kate Barnes said: “This demand continues to rise and in these challenging times, the impacts on mental health are significant.

“Last year the charity delivered over 3,000 counselling sessions with over 2,000 attendances at social activity groups and provided a wide range of specialist support programmes including money advice, parental support, a supported living scheme, Life Skills, and an online crisis café.”

FUNDRAISER WKM manager Kate Barnes

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Comment

And then there were three…

PM removes whip from Mordaunt Kemi Badenoch crashes out of leadership challenge backer Ellwood Victoria White

THE number of candidates running to be the next Conservative party leader and British PM has been whittled down to just three after Kemi Badenoch was eliminated on Tuesday.

The MP for Saffron Waldon received 59 votes in the fourth ballot to choose a replacement for Boris Johnson.

Rishi Sunak received 118 votes, Penny Mordaunt 92 votes, and Liz Truss had 86 votes.

Candidate Ms Badenoch’s elimination comes after Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat was ejected from the contest on Monday.

A further contest is to be held later this week when one more candidate will be removed from the contest, leaving just two from which Tory party members will have the final say in a vote set to take place by September.

The current size of the Conservative membership is unknown, but at the last leadership election in 2019 there were around 160,000 members, and insiders expect it to have grown, meaning the polling is not representative of the party.

The Sunak, Truss and Mordaunt campaigns will now focus on trying to pick up Ms Badenoch’s supporters ahead of the final vote of MPs on Wednesday afternoon.

Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak

looks set to make it through to them membership vote, with Penny Mourdant and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss set to battle it out for the remaining place.

Penny Mordaunt, said she was ‘so nearly across the finish line’ following Tuesday’s vote.

In a statement, the Tory leadership hopeful said: “This afternoon colleagues once again put their trust in me and I cannot thank them enough. We are so nearly across the finish line. I am raring to go and excited to put my case to members across the country and win.

She also heaped praise on eliminated rival Kemi Badenoch, whose votes will be crucial in deciding which candidates make the final two.

“I want to pay tribute to my friend Kemi Badenoch who electrified the leadership contest with her fresh thinking and bold policies.

“She and I both know that the old way of government isn’t working as it should. Voters want change and we owe it to them to offer a bold new vision for this country. Kemi’s passion for this showed and I’m glad she put herself forward to be heard.”

Meanwhile Liz Truss received a surge in support after picking up 15 votes to command the support of 86 Tory MPs in the penultimate ballot, as the right of the party appears to be coalescing around her in the race for No 10.

BORIS Johnson has stripped the Tory party whip, and the right to vote in the leadership election, from Penny Mordauntbacking MP Tobias Ellwood after he failed to TOBIAS support the Government ELLWOOD in its confidence vote. something I feel strongly Mr Ellwood, who chairs that we, as a Conservative have not been goodhe the Commons Council, Defence Committee, argued enough at doing. was unable to travel back from a meeting with a townofcentre in need of rejuvenation, theWith president Moldova. now the move time to talk ahead to everyone understand The is PM’s came of theto penultimate what they care about and what they want our round of voting

by Tory MPs on Tuesday town to look like goingspeculation forward. that he was afternoon, it prompted Gone are of the Council imposing working forthe thedays benefit of Ms Truss’s campaign. policies from above. Going forward we must

Conservative Cllr for Park Ward, Tunbridge Wells

Communication has not been th I WAS honoured and delighted to be elected as a new Conservative councillor for Park ward in May. Winning the seat showed that local residents understand and appreciate the hard work local Conservatives put in over the last 18 months during an incredibly difficult time for the Borough Council and for all of us.

But I believe the support I received was about more than just that. It was also recognition that the Conservatives in Tunbridge Wells are changing and that we are planning a new and exciting future for the town.

Residents

OUT OF THE RACE Kemi Badenoch

It’s fair to say that the Conservatives have a reputation for a certain ‘type’ of councillor but the last election has shown this is no longer true. I was able to add another female councillor to the Conservative group, and I now work alongside other new and younger Conservatives – such as Lance Goodship, Paul Roberts and Harry Allen - all keen to bring a new perspective and voice to local politics.

Together we want to deliver change. I believe this needs to be focused around two things – communication and cooperation.

With a background in marketing, I understand the importance of communication. It’s

unde resid comm We with t media e-new And we ha

Capital MPs voted 349 to 238, majority 111, to support the motion stating that the Commons has confidence in the Government, but Mr Ellwood’s name appeared on the no vote recorded list alongside 11 other Conservative MPs. Mr Ellwood, who was first elected in 2005 as Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, said he had been unable to return from a meeting with Moldovan president Maia Sandu in the nation’s capital of Chisinau.

“Following my meeting yesterday with the President of Moldova I was unable to secure return travel due to unprecedented disruption both here and in the UK,” Mr Ellwood said.

“I am very sorry to lose the whip but will now continue my meetings in Ukraine promoting the Prime Minister’s efforts here and specifically seeking to secure the re-opening of Odesa port The Council wants to know what you want –REJUVENATION: so vital grain exports can recommence.”

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National News

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Heatwave breaks all records as parts of UK swelters in 40°C heat TEMPERATURES reached 40C for the first time on record in the UK, with 40.2C provisionally recorded at Heathrow Airport, the Met Office said.

The threshold was hit at 12.50pm on Tuesday as much of the UK sweltered in a heatwave, with parts of England and Wales under a red warning for extreme heat, posing a danger to life, pressure on the NHS and disruption across transport networks.

The extreme heat is fuelled by climate change, which is making every heatwave more intense, frequent and likely, scientists warn.

The new high for daytime temperatures came after the UK experienced its warmest night on record on Monday, with temperatures remaining in the mid-20s.

BUSY Brighton Beach on Tuesday

FUN IN THE SUN Beach lovers in Bournemouth on Tuesday

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps conceded the UK’s transport network cannot cope with the extreme heat and said issues on the rails and roads will continue for decades during such heatwaves.

Congestion levels on city roads and commuter numbers on London public transport services were both down on Tuesday morning, suggesting people were heeding advice not to travel unnecessarily.

Britons have been urged to stay inside during the hottest period of the day, between 11am and 4pm, and wear sun cream and a hat, stay in the shade and keep hydrated with water – and there are warnings about swimming in open water.

A swimmer is missing at sea and five others were pulled from the water after a “serious” incident close to Clacton Pier, Essex Police said.

On Monday, the Metropolitan Police said a 14-year-old boy was missing and was believed to have drowned after getting into difficulty in the Thames in Richmond, west London.

Hospital Four other people have died in incidents in rivers, reservoirs and canals in the hot weather.

Two boys are in hospital – one of them in a critical condition – after being pulled from the

Fires breakout across the UK Fire crews have battled hundreds of wildfires across the country as temperatures topping 40C transformed fields and grassland into a ‘tinderbox’.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said London Fire Brigade has declared a major incident “in response to a huge surge in fires across the capital today’ saying that the service is under ‘immense pressure’.

Around one hundred firefighters were called to tackle a huge blaze in east London.

Television footage showed thick black smoke billowing into the air, with buildings and fields on fire on Tuesday afternoon in the village of Wennington.

sea at Blackpool on Monday, Lancashire police said.

In the health service, the interim deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin, said the heatwave was impacting urgent and emergency care and some planned services.

She said: “Across the country we are seeing hospitals having to scale back the number of planned surgeries as operating theatres are too hot.

“Trusts are having to install industrial cooling units, mounting fans, and trying to cool down IT server rooms.”

She said staff have swapped formal uniforms for cooler scrubs, while in some places those who are not frontline workers have been given the option to work from home, and hospital kitchens are making ice lollies for staff and patients.

Trusts are checking in with vulnerable patients to make sure they have enough water and plans to stay cool, and many clinical services have reviewed whether appointments or group activities should be cancelled or moved online, she said.

There have been 284,772 visits to the heat exhaustion and heatstroke section of the NHS website over the seven days from July 12 to 18, NHS Digital said.

London Fire Brigade said 15 fire engines and around 100 firefighters were called to the scene at just after 1pm.

Meanwhile a blaze in Dartford caused when a grass fire broke saw Kent Fire and Rescue Service deploy twelve fire engines and a height vehicle have been sent to the scene near fire near Durrell Dene, in Joyce Green.

On Monday, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service received three times its average number of calls, which a spokesperson said was driven by wildfire reports.

West Midlands Fire Service received 717 incident calls on Monday – an increase of 280 in the space of a week.

One blaze, at Lickey Hills Country Park near Birmingham, spread to around 50,000 square metres and forced 15 people to flee their homes.

Hereford & Worcester crews had 54 fires based around fields, undergrowth and woodland, which it said was a ‘much higher number’ than normal.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has seen a ‘significant increase’ in grass fires over the last month, with numbers rising even further this week.

BLAZE: The fire in Wennington on Tuesday

Migrant Channel crossings land rover social exceed 15,000 for the year LAND ROVER

MORE than 15,000 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year after crossing the English Channel, figures show.

Since the start of 2022, 15,107 people have reached the UK after navigating busy shipping lanes from France in small boats such as dinghies, according to provisional Government data.

This is almost double the number recorded this time last year – 7,735.

Journey Crossings continued on Monday for the 11th day in a row, with 330 people arriving in seven boats, Ministry of Defence (MoD) figures show.

A newborn baby and several other young children were among those braving the heatwave to make the journey.

15

Reports

Climbing The 40.2C (104F) recorded at Heathrow beats the previous record for the UK of 38.7C in Cambridge three years ago, by 1.5C, and the Met Office warned temperatures were still climbing early on Tuesday afternoon.

Charlwood, Wisley and Chertsey in Surrey, and Kew Gardens and Northolt in west London were among the places to exceed the 2019 record by early afternoon, with temperatures climbing above 39C. Rail services have been heavily disrupted, with no services into or out of London Kings Cross all day, no Thameslink or Great Northern trains north of London, and only very limited services on East Midlands Railway.

There are also very limited and disrupted services running into and out of London Euston, on Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway, and London Marylebone on Chiltern Railways, and temporary speed restrictions in the face of the risk of buckling rails.

NEWS

More than 2,000 people arrived in the UK between July 8 and July 18, the longest consecutive run of crossings to date this year.

The highest daily total so far in 2022 was recorded on April 13 when 651 people made the crossing in 18 boats.

The following day Home Secretary Priti Patel signed what she described as a “world-first” agreement to send migrants deemed to have arrived in the UK “illegally” to Rwanda. Since then 9,839 migrants have crossed the Channel.

The Home Office came under fire on Tuesday from the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, who said he is becoming “increasingly frustrated” over delays in publishing his report on small boat crossings.

The findings were submitted to Ms

Patel in February and should have been made public by the end of April, David Neal said, adding: “There is a strong public interest that it is published. I fear that, unless it is laid before Parliament this week, there will be yet further delay over the summer recess.”

Agency A total of 28,526 people made the crossing in 2021, compared with 8,466 in 2020, 1,843 in 2019 and 299 in 2018, official Home Office figures show.

Despite the increasing numbers, the UK’s small boat arrivals are a fraction of the number of people going to Europe.

Data from the UN’s refugee agency shows at least 120,441 people arrived in Europe via the Mediterranean by land and sea in 2021.

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Education

NEWS

17

EDUCATION Times

‘The hard work and dedication of our students Medals for prep has resulted in an excellent set of IB results...’ school’s athletes Final year pupils from Skinners’ Kent Academy celebrate success in their recent International Baccalaureate exams

YEAR 13 Students at The Skinners’ Kent Academy are celebrating another year of successful International Baccalaureate Career-related programme (IBCP) results.

The IBCP is an innovative education programme tailored to those who want to focus on career-related learning. Over the past two years, students have completed a Reflective Project and Community Service Learning whilst studying a range of different subjects including mathematics, chemistry, film, social & cultural anthropology and geography.

Congratulate

Final year students have been offered university places to study a range of courses including accounting, anthropology, criminology, English and law at universities such as Kings College London, University of York, University of Plymouth and University of Sussex.

Commenting on this year’s results, Skinners Kent Academy Principal Hannah Knowles said: “We are delighted that the hard work and dedication of our students

‘The IBCP is an innovative education programme tailored to those who want to focus on career-related learning’’

FIVE Holmewood House pupils returned triumphant from the recent National Athletics Prep School Championships, in Coventry.

TOP MARKS IB students celebrate has resulted in an excellent set of results that are recognised both nationally and internationally.

“This is the first time in three years that our IBCP students have sat written exams so we would like to congratulate them for the commitment they have shown towards their studies. We wish them all the best for the future and look forward to welcoming them back in years to come as part of our alumni!”

Talented One girl, Ayanfe, won Gold in the 100 metres, 200 metres and relay races while another pupil, Tiffany, clinched Silver in the 800 metres and was awarded Gold in relay. Holmewood’s team of four girls also won the relay. A spokesperson for the co-ed prep school in Langton Green said: “Congratulations to five of our talented athletes, who performed incredibly at the National Prep School Championships yesterday in Coventry.

Individuals took Gold in the 100 & 200 metres and Silver in the 800 metres; the Relay team won Gold. A fantastic achievement for all pupils involved.”

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NEWS

Letters

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Cllr Dave Funnel

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Dave Funnell is the Liberal Democrat Borough Councillor and Parish Councillor for Rusthall. Like many Rusthallians, he volunteers at the senior lunch club, the community cinema, the bonfire and fete groups, and at Speedwatch. He has lived in Rusthall his entire life, as have many generations of his family.

Liberal Democrat

Living in Rusthall all my life I’ve seen the village go from strength to strength IT makes me deeply happy to see our community spirit, whether it is demonstrated by our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, our summer fete (we just had out first for three years due to covid), raising money for charities like Dementia Awareness, or our very own bonfire and fireworks committee which has been going for forty years.

Most recently, the community staged Rusthall Rocks with Ukraine: a concert to raise money for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, and to support Ukrainians who are newly arrived in Rusthall.

There was not a dry eye when our Ukrainian guests in the audience sang their national anthem, and a young Ukrainian girl of about twelve played a violin solo to the crowd.

It was utterly humbling and showed what is best about Rusthall—its heart. I’m extremely proud to be part of and to support the community that I love.

Rusthall has deep roots, and a history almost a thousand years longer than Tunbridge Wells.

The first known mention of Rusthall is from the 8th century, when Ecgberht II, who was the Anglo-Saxon King of Kent, granted the land to a

Diora, the Bishop of Rochester. It was old already when the Domesday Book was written.

But history is nothing without making the present work, and that is what we are all trying to do in our own small ways. Let me give you some examples.

Campaigned Over the past three years, Rusthall Parish Council has been extremely effective, and I’ve been proud to work with them in setting up the Covid Response and the Community Larder to support the poorest amongst us.

The Parish Council has also campaigned alongside Rusthall Community Speedwatch for 20mph zones—which we now have. We all take turns in volunteering to help the police enforce this limit, and also to report near misses which are sadly a not infrequent occurrence.

I was also successful in submitting the green spaces in Rusthall as ‘vital green spaces essential for community wellbeing’ in the draft Local Plan meaning that they will be kept for the community rather than being built on.

But this does not mean that we can rest on our laurels.

Thirteen-hundred years of community actually means over fifty generations of people working together to improve the community.

So as we go forward I—and my Borough Partnership colleagues on the Borough Council—are working on cycle routes in Rusthall and towards town, bringing in a low-traffic neighbourhood to try and stop as much of the ‘rat-running’ as we can, and on putting in crossings on Langton Road and Lower Green Road.

I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Parish Council and Borough Council for their support in these initiatives.

And finally—a call for volunteers! This year, the Rusthall bonfire and fete group are looking for sixty people to ensure that the annual Bonfire, Fireworks and Torchlight procession goes ahead.

We are also always looking for help with Rusthall Speedwatch. Please contact me if you are able to volunteer for these activities in support of the community that we all love.

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Letters

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And another thing…

19

Dear sir sir...

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

Dunorlan Park charges are getting people talking

NEWS

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

COVID CLASS ACT This village primary has one particular class with 28 youngsters. Two stay off with Covid. Another three come in with all the symptoms.

Teacher suspects they have Covid but is not allowed to ask if they have tested and if so what was the result.

At the last count 18 pupils in that class had tested positive plus the teacher. One of the youngsters is clinically extremely vulnerable. The parents of those three suspected of being Covid carriers all work from home. Sending kids into school is a cheap form of childcare. Those parents certainly have no conscience.

The Head Teacher, whom Calverley knows, is more than frustrated. What a sorry state of affairs.

ANOTHER fine mess continues to be home working. In the last week Calverley experienced some of the draw backs. First was when he needed to talk to a senior staffer at the Department for Transport where just half the people are in the office. The contact was given as a mobile, always a bad sign. The person took two days to respond and explained their laptop wasn’t working.

The other involved a major national company where an executive agreed a business call that was missed because of ‘technical issues’. He also avoids the office. Ten million people are working from home.

Following the Times revealing that parking charges are being considered

by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for Dunorlan park, many residents took to social media to air their thoughts on the matter. Here is a selection of what people have been saying:

BULLY for Tom Tugendhat! The MP for Tonbridge has made himself a lot of friends in his run for Prime Minister. He came top in a viewer poll after a live TV debate with the four other hopefuls and was the only one to publicly admit Boris was not an honest soul.

How hard should that be? Tom would make a great Foreign Secretary. He is Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Parking charges for towns are a mistake I wish the new Tunbridge Wells Borough Council coalition well – I want the best for my constituents and I will always support actions and policies taken that will make our wonderful towns and villages better, regardless of politics.

But I would respectfully say to the new administration that I think it is a mistake to remove free short-term parking from council car parks like Southborough and Paddock Wood.

We need the small businesses in our towns to attract more customers, not fewer, if they are to be vibrant and attractive.

Many people will shop in person rather than online, or drop in for a coffee or snack, if they can park without the hassle and the expense of paying.

As well as damaging the vitality of our towns I think it is a mistake financially: empty shops end up actually costing the Council more money through the loss of business rates and the impact of dilapidation.

In my view this this is an early error, and I urge the Council to drop the plan.

Rt. Hon.Greg Clark MP for Tunbridge Wells.

Cattery death was heavy-handed I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Wayne Littlechild, Cattery Owner.

Until a year ago I often passed Wayne to and from the Grosvenor Recreation Ground whilst walking my collie ‘Barney’ early in the morning as he had a border collie ‘Molly’ as well.

Unfortunately I lost my dog in March 2021 so I was unaware that Wayne was no longer around.

He was such a nice man, so very inoffensive, polite and pleasant to talk to. I believe at one time he mentioned to me that he ran marathons for charities.

He loved his cattery and I am sure he would not do anything to harm them.

Along came Ms Jobsworth from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council with a heavy-handed approach, it would appear, without making too many enquiries about this man.

It would appear that the Council then just sent out a letter setting up a hearing for Wayne with a view to shutting the cattery down.

The Council’s only comment was ‘we send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends’. In my view empty words indeed to say the least.

I sure Ms Jobsworth the Council Official feels now that it is a job well done but do hope that her actions prick her conscience just a little bit as Wayne has now sadly lost his life due to what appears to be unnecessary heavy handed Council bureaucracy.

Peter Pilbrow Tunbridge Wells Former chancellor has avoided tax Can anyone explain to would-be voters how Rishi Sunak can be allowed to stand for election as the new PM?

Our PM should be someone beyond reproach and someone who can be both respected and able to command respect.

He represents our country at all times.

To hold any credibility in the world, we can no longer be made a laughing stock.

We have to find the right person to lead us. Despite his sizeable bank balance, Sunak has evaded [sic] paying tax and holds a green card for USA. How can he be regarded as suitable to even be considered?

Pam Stovell Tunbridge Wells Editor’s note: Pam may be mixing up tax avoidance, which is legitimate, and tax evasion, which is unlawful. There is no evidence Rishi Sunak’s tax affairs are in breach of the law.

Only MPs should choose PM It is quite unacceptable that the Tory party will take two months to select a new leader.

Why not two weeks?

The problem is that the membership now has a say. The process should revert to how it was done formally: only MPs voted.

After all, they know the candidates better than the rank-and-file membership for whom it is just a parade of show ponies.

MPs know the secrets, the scandals, the peccadilloes, the backroom deals, they are the ones best placed to decide.

Mike Pearson Tunbridge Wells

STRANGE how China is backing Rishi for PM. Interesting though, that his wife owns a £700million stake in the IT giant Infosys which happens to have a Chinese subsidiary that makes loads of money.

SHOULD we care who becomes the next Prime Minister? Probably not, all the time the lefties in the Civil Service try to run the country. Don’t take Calverley’s word. Former minister Kemi Badenoch said, when vying for the leadership, about moves to abolish gender neutral loos: “You wouldn’t believe how tough it was to get that through.” Civil Servants told her ‘you can’t do that, you need to check whether that’s something you’re allowed to say’. Happily Kemi took no notice.

SKEWED VAUES? Crisp (TV ads) promotor Gary Lineker has again appeared at the top of the BBC’s Rich List. He’s paid around £1.3million to sit in a comfortable studio nattering on about football. His studio sidekick Alan Shearer is paid about £450,000.

BBC journalist Orla Guerin is putting her life on the line reporting from the front line in Ukraine. She gets around £165,00. Maybe people should be able to allocate who gets their £159 license fee.

FINAL THOUGHT. Tis’ no longer the silent majority (think Woke). It is the silenced majority.

Chin, chin dear reader…

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

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Life&Times

ARTS • BOOKS • GOING OUT • FOOD • EVENTS • ANTIQUES • TRAVEL • PROPERTY • LIVE MUSIC and MORE...

Drama queens Tudor Legacies come to Penshurst Place P22

Going Out - P25

Food - P27

Antiques - P36

22

Arts

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

arts

Life in the court of Henry VIII

Starting this Sunday, Penshurst Place will host a series of special Tudor Legacies events which will give visitors the chance to see history brought to life. Eileen Leahy discovers more about this unique and fun regal affair

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Wednesday July 20 | 2022

M

OST locals will probably know that King Henry VIII had ties with Penshurst Place. The many-times married monarch used the stately home, which is located in the heart of Penshurst, as a hunting lodge. And it is rumoured that he may well have stayed there secretly while wooing Anne Boleyn - who lived at nearby Hever Castle - before they married.

Henry VIII first visited Penshurst Place in 1519 as the guest of Edward Stafford, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham, who lavished the equivalent of over £1million in today’s money on entertaining Henry and his entourage. But with a strong claim to the throne himself, Henry soon grew suspicious of the wealthy duke and had him tried for treason. Found guilty, he was beheaded at Tower Hill on 17th May 1521, with Penshurst Place coming into the possession of the Crown.

our official Tudor living history group at Penshurst Place.

“This is the third year we have welcomed them back to entertain and delight visitors with their historically authentic representation of life as one of Henry’s wives, and as the household of Queen Elizabeth I, where members even portray members of our own Sidney family including Sir Philip Sidney and also Robert Dudley!”

Passionate She added: “Tudor Legacies add an enormous sense of authenticity during their visits, and help our visitors transport themselves through the history of Penshurst Place. An incredibly friendly and informed group, it’s obvious to all who speak to them how passionate and engaged they are with the history and people they represent.

“The period costume group from Tudor Legacies will be wandering the house and grounds in character as one of the six wives,

‘We forget that Henry VIII’s wives were real women, flesh and blood with thoughts and feelings too’

Photo © Tom Jeavons

Weddings at One Warwick Park Hotel onewarwickpark.co.uk @onewarwickpark Photo © Penny Young Photography

Photo © Tom Jeavons

talking with visitors about the nobility they portray, and what the royal family was like during this period,” Lucy explains.

During their visits, the men and women of Tudor Legacies explain how the people they portray breathed life into the historic houses they called home, the politics of the era, and the lives, loves and often losses they experienced.

At Penshurst they will specifically concentrate on the stories and characters of Henry VIII’s six wives, touching on the children they had including Queen Elizabeth 1 and Mary Queen of Scots. They’ll also play traditional games too!

The group’s authentic and beautiful period costumes, and engaging stories, help bring history to life, while putting in context the wonderful backdrop of Penshurst Place and the Grade I listed gardens, once owned by Henry VIII and frequently visited by Queen Elizabeth I.

Textbook Kate Marlborough-Fletcher of Tudor Legacies comments on her excitement at returning: “I hope the audience will be able to relate to and understand better each of the six wives of Henry VIII. Why they may have acted the way they did or made a certain decision with regards to their fate.

“I think sometimes amidst the textbook facts and historical recounts we forget that the wives of Henry VIII were once real women, flesh and blood with thoughts and feelings too. They were all trying to survive in a society that was so completely different to that of our own.

“Moreover, so much focus is upon Henry VIII himself that we feel that the wives should be given a voice too. They each have their own individual story to tell. We hope the audience will leave knowing each wife just a little bit better.”

The Tudor Legacies experience is included in the price of a standard house and gardens entry ticket. To find out more information about opening times and tickets visit www. penshurstplace.com.

Photo © Tom Jeavons

PICTURE PERFECT Photo © Fay Andrea Photography

Photo © Penny Young Photography

Photo © Tom Jeavons

Photo © Penny Young Photography

This summer visitors can see this particular period of British history brought back to life courtesy of the Tudor Legacies entourage who will be descending on picturesque Penshurst once a month until September in order to reveal intriguing accounts of life with the infamous king. His ‘wives’ will also have their say!

Tudor Legacies are a voluntary based living history group amd will be at Penshurst Place from 11am to 3pm this coming Sunday July 24 and then on Sunday August 14 and Sunday September 11.

Lucy McLeod, Head of Marketing and Events at Penshurst Place told the Times the stately home is always very happy to welcome the Tudor Legacies team: “We are delighted to have Tudor Legacies as

23

Photo © Tom Jeavons

24

Books

Times book reviewer

HANNAH KIRSOP

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

SWEET REVENGE

ABSORBING HISTORY

All Human Wisdom

by Pierre Lemaitre

Who Dares Wins: Britain, 1979-1982

by Dominic Sandbrook

Published by MacLehose Press, priced £9.99

Published by Penguin, priced £18.99

All Human Wisdom is a beautifully pitched revenge novel filled with secrets, blackmail, betrayal and tricks set against the background of Paris – and wider Europe – in the late 1920s. Other than her divorce, Madeleine Péricourt has led a blessed and carefree existence until the day of her father’s funeral when her seven-year-old son, Paul, falls from a secondfloor window onto his grandfather’s coffin. Blinded by her focus on Paul, Madeleine misses the vultures circling and soon ends up destitute with nothing… but the sweet lure of revenge rekindles her drive as she sets up a hugely entertaining escapade to bring down her enemies.

With a bit of a slow first half, this book really kindles its momentum in the second half as you are drawn into Madeleine’s plan, and the various strands of the book are all brought deliciously together. With really lovely – and really detestable – characters, this is a satisfying read which brings the correct resolution for most people in the end.

Taking its name from the motto of the SAS who hit public prominence through the Iranian hostage siege in 1980, Who Dares Wins is a fascinating analysis of a pivotal period in modern British history. Although only covering three years, there is much to cover in that time - notably, the election and early years of Margaret Thatcher’s government, the royal wedding, the establishment of the SDP, IRA hunger strikes as well as social and cultural developments such as the rise of the New Romantics, Spectrum computers and the Coe/ Ovett athletics rivalry.

There are also great parallels with today with double digit inflation, a government battling unpopularity and industrial strikes.

It is, however, the book’s final section – focusing on the Falklands conflict – which (on the fortieth anniversary of that conflict) is perhaps the most memorable and really brings home the doubts, precariousness and lack of inevitability about its outcome. Balanced and hugely readable, this is popular history at its best.

8/10

Hannah Kirsop grew up in Kent and now lives in Horsmonden with her family. She loves to read and share recommendations and runs Bainden Book Club for a group of local women to discuss interesting fiction and non-fiction in a range of genres.

You can find www.baindenbookshelf.com online or on Instagram: @baindenbookshelf

9/10

The bookcase…

Here are some more reads to inspire you this week …

The Daughter Of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Missing Crypto Queen

by Jamie Bartlett

Published by Jo Fletcher Books, priced £16.99 (ebook £7.99) The name Dr Moreau may well conjure memories of Marlon Brando’s bizarre performance in a schlocky Nineties movie – but the story of a mad genius and his disconcerting experiments with humans and animals belongs to the futurist science fiction master H.G. Wells. Silvia MorenoGarcia reimagines the tale from the perspective of Moreau’s daughter, the beautiful and enigmatic Carlota, and his scarred assistant Montgomery, an alcoholic Englishman in exile on the Yucatan peninsula.

Romance, intrigue and body horror swirl together fantastically, as Moreau’s isolation is breached by outsiders with unclear intentions, leading to a dramatic conclusion to an eerie book, in which strange creatures lurk and simmering passions ignite.

9/10

Review by James Cann

Published in in hardback by Ebury Press, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99) This book is truly a page-turner.

Brilliantly researched and well-written, it’s made even more compelling because it’s based on a true story. The book version of the podcast of the same name, Bartlett gives a much more in-depth look at the Oxford graduate Dr Ruja Ignatova, who launched the new cryptocurrency OneCoin in 2014 – making huge amounts of money, only to have Ignatova

9/10

One Last Secret

by Adele Parks Published in hardback by HQ, priced £14.99 (ebook £7.99) Dora has resolved to leave the exclusive escort world behind.

Ready to settle down with her new fiancé Evan, she is talked into taking one last job – a week pretending to be a former client’s girlfriend at a chateau in the south of France.

Leaving her engagement ring behind, she steps into a role where she must convince everyone around her that she is a whole different person.

But things start to go awry and as her memory begins to blur,

events start to scare the usually unflappable Dora.

Is she losing her mind, or is there something more sinister at play?

Can Dora escape from the mounting horror and confusion that is building up around her?

Parks has crafted a fabulous fast-paced and brutal tale of love, revenge and vengeance, that is also filled with heart, understanding and compassion.

Review by Rachel Howdle

9/10

disappear in mysterious circumstances.

From start to end, the pacy book is full of intrigue and crafted to tell a far richer story beyond the podcast, featuring never-before-told additions.

An excellent example of first-class investigative journalism, it is a truly unbelievable tale of events – you won’t be able to put it down.

Review by Ellie Iorizzo

Going Out

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

25

From the Hop Farm to the big screen for pop icons HOT on the heels of playing the Hop Farm in Tunbridge Wells, pop icons Westlife have thrown their Wild Dreams Tour Wembley gig open to cinemagoers, after the rescheduled date in 2022 remains sold out.

The Irish quartet had been due to play at Wembley on August 21, 2021, but due to the delay in lifting Government Covid-19 restrictions, the sold-out concert was rolled over to August 6, 2022.

And if you missed the pop icons performing at the Hop Farm on July 1, the only UK dates available before November are now in the cinema, as the Wembley show is broadcast to over 500 cinemas across the UK, including the Odeon, Tunbridge Wells.

Despite the group’s status as the UK’s biggest-selling album group of the 21st century, this will be Westlife’s first performance at the iconic stadium location, which reopened in 2007.

Westlife members Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian will perform hits including ‘Uptown Girl’, ‘Flying Without Wings’, ‘You Raise Me Up’, and ‘If I Let You Go’. “We will be giving Wembley everything we’ve got on the night with all of our Greatest Hits included!”

Speaking before they started their tour, the four said: “After a two year wait, August 6th will be the biggest show we have ever undertaken in the UK and all under the arch of one of the world’s most iconic venues.

“To now announce the show will be screened live in cinemas right across the UK, Ireland and Europe, allowing our fans who won’t be there on the night to enjoy it in real time too is something really special for us.”

Westlife ‘Wild Dreams Tour’ is on at The Odeon, Saturday, August 6, at 8:30pm.

Encore screening on Sunday, August 7 at 3pm.

Tickets from WestlifeInCinemas.com

THERE is combustible, comedic chemistry from Trinity Theatre’s own amateur dramatic society TTC in Noel Coward’s ‘Private Lives’. A comedic masterpiece written in just three days at the peak of Coward’s career, this remains Coward’s greatest success. Expect heated rows, passionate reconciliations, sparkling repartee and chaos.

The Elton John Show comes to The Assembly Hall at 7:30pm this Saturday [July 23]. This tribute to the musical journey of a mega-star combines spectacular vocal and piano performances with flamboyant costume. From ‘Rocket Man’ to ‘Tiny Dancer’, expect a neverending catalogue of greatest hits as Soul Street Productions brings “young Elton” back to stage at his energetic best.

On July 23, rewind the clocks to the 80s at 8pm, as The Forum takes you back in time to a totally outrageous decade.

Brush up on your Barbra Streisand and perfect your Prince with DJ Alex Macnutt (of The Common Room and Ministry of Sound) for a night of pure 1980s heaven. Age 18 and older.

Fancy diving deeper into the greatest hits of all time? Back by popular demand, Soul Train is returning to The Pantiles this Saturday [July 23]. Prepare yourself for an evening of 70s tunes and funktastic beats as you embrace the return of summer. Music on the bandstand from 7pm.

The Breathing Room at Trinity Theatre on Sunday night [July 24] at 7pm might be the cool drink you need, after what is predicted to be the hottest day of the year. American singer-songwriter Dean Friedman’s recent album ‘American Lullaby’ introduced instant classics like ‘American Lullaby’, ‘Halfway Normal World’, ‘The Russians Are Coming!’, ‘Too Much Stuff’, ‘Welcome to Stupid Town’ and ‘On a Summer’s Night’.

On Sunday [July 24], the Tunbridge Wells Mela returns to Calverley Grounds for a cultural celebration from around the world all afternoon (12-6pm). Marking its 16th year, the festival of music, visual arts, food and dance, both on and off stage, is a sure hit for all ages. The event is a celebration of the diversity within our borough, organised by Kent-based organisation Cohesion Plus, with the support of local partners. Free entry.

BIRDS OF PREY

THE ELTON JOHN SHOW JASON MANFORD Onstage until Saturday [July 23], with evening showings at 7:45pm and 2:30pm matinées on July 20 and 23.

Opening this Saturday [July 23] for a week’s run, The Oast Theatre (Tonbridge) presents a new adaptation of ‘Jane Eyre’, in which Polly Teale uses the character of Bertha to mirror the conflicting emotions that Jane is unable to admit, let alone express, giving a new dimension to Jane’s life progress from pupil to teacher to governess. On until July 30, performances at 7:30pm (3pm on Sunday).

“In these trying times, it’s always important to be able to get away for a couple of hours and exercise the old chuckle muscle,” according to Jason Manford. The nationally acclaimed comedian’s new stand-up show ‘Like Me’ will have you laughing all night long at the Assembly Hall. July 21 at 8pm.

Food and performance make another perfect match at Trinity Theatre this Sunday at 1:30 and 3:30, with ‘The Rascally Diner’. Rufus Skumskins O’Parsley’s kitchen crew cooks up a stink in this fun-filled, messy performance about food inspired by award-winning children’s book ‘The Rascally Cake’. Age 5 and older.

Starting this weekend [July 23] and every Saturday until August 27, get up close and personal with Joe’s Bows’ birds of prey at Penshurst Place. The magnificent creatures swoop and fly – and then meet the crowd. Shows at 11am, 2pm and 4pm, included with admission ticket.

For a more sedate family day out, this year’s Antiques Festival is on at The Pantiles this weekend [July 23 -24]. Enjoy live vintage music and celebrity antiquarians including Eric Knowles of The Hoard, more than 50 dealers and lots of places to eat and drink. Free entry.

26

Gig Guide

Music fans in Tunbridge Wells can enjoy a cultural festival, a live alfresco jazz set, some cracking 80s classics and a trio of tribute acts...

gigguide July 20 to August 2

7.30pm – 10pm reservation required (entrance £5pp).

Participating restaurants : The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, The Kirthon, La Casa Vecchia Thursday 21/07 Brad Webb Saturday 23/07 Soultrain Thursday 28/07 Dave Ital & Friends Saturday 30/07 Soultrain

Times resident music editor Paul Dunton shares his pick of the best live gigs to see over the next fortnight in Tunbridge Wells THE MELA FESTIVAL, CALVERLEY GROUNDS Family Friendly, Free Entry 12noon – 6pm Featuring live music from Ukelear Fallout Bloco Fogo Samba Band The Paul Dunton Orchestra Kings of Dhol Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band And many more….

THE GREY LADY, THE PANTILES Doors 7.15pm, all event information and ticket entry available from www. thegreylady.co.uk Friday 22/07 The Grey Lady Sessions: Phoebe Katis + Hannah Richards THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk Wednesday 20/07 TMOFGY + Murrain + Rude Susan + Sophia Syndicate) Thursday 21/07 EXTC - XTC’s Terry Chambers & friends Friday 22/07 A Year In Provence + Another Day + Torque + Citrus Blue Saturday 23/07 Back to the 80s Sunday 24/07 Pryma + Scars Of Sense + Strenuous + Vesicarum Monday 25/07 Entropy + Sainted +

TIMO + The Wot Nots Tuesday 26/07 Dirty Lexi + Estelle Mey + Morgana + Spyder Byte Wednesday 27/07 T2:3 + AUW + Dark Cloud Sunshine + Elliott Graham Friday 29/07 Animal S***house Saturday 30/07 Duran - A celebration of Duran Duran music Sunday 31/07 BABY + Debdepan + Hunting Holly + Wytch Pycknyck

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Saturday 30/07 Nickyfest – Mulitband evening event in aid of Hospice in the Weald THE GREEN DUCK EMPORIUM All event information and tickets at www.twfringe.co.uk Saturday 23/07 3pm-6pm Tom Carradine’s afternoon sing-along Friday 29/07 7pm – 11pm Tom Carradine’s Cockney sing along HEVER CASTLE FESTIVAL THEATRE All event information and tickets available at www.heverfestival.co.uk

Saturday 23/07 Stacy Kent Sunday 24/07 The Simon & Garfunkel Story Sunday 31/07 The Four D’s TN1 BAR & KITCHEN Open all day, free entry, booking advised www.tn1barkitchen.co.uk (Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival) Thursday 21/07 7pm – Steffan James Friday 22/07 8pm - Masqueraders Duo Saturday 23/07 8.30pm – The Management Duo Sunday 24/07 4pm – Ben Hills Thursday 28/07 7pm – Julian Burdoch Friday 29/07 8pm – Masqueraders Duo Saturday 30/07 8.30pm – Chris Harper Sunday 31/07 4pm – Cal White

FIONA BEVAN

STEFFAN JAMES

SAINT JOHN’S YARD (St John’s Road) Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Monday 25/07 - TWUNT Ukulele Jam session

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE All event information and tickets available from www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Saturday 23/07 The Elton John show – A tribute to The Rocketman Saturday 30/07 The Rod Stewart Songbook Sunday 31/07 Roy Orbison and the Travelling Wilburys Experience TRINITY THEATRE All event information and tickets available at www.trinitytheatre.net Sunday 24/07 The Breathing Room presents: Dean Friedman Sunday 31/07 The Breathing Room presents: Fiona Bevan JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Pantiles Bandstand RAJASTHAN HERITAGE BRASS BAND

BLOCO FOGO

THE GEORGE & DRAGON Speldhurst. Open all day, free entry, music from 3.15pm till 5.45pm Saturday 23/07 David Mumford Saturday 30/07 Paul Crisp SANKEY’S RESTAURANT The Pantiles. Open all day, free entry, music from 6.45pm – 9.15pm Thursday 21/07 Paul Crisp EVEN FLOW CAFÉ St John’s Road. Open all day free entry all event information at www.evenflowuk.com Thursday 28/07 Open Mic Night (all welcome) THE BEER CELLAR Tonbridge. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Friday 22/07 Gez Gold Friday 29/07 Pete Trott THE GUN & SPITROAST INN Horsmonden. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

Wednesday 20/07 Jam Session all welcome Wednesday 27/07 Jam Session all welcome

If you are a local to Tunbridge Wells venue that hosts regular live music or even if it’s a one-off event, concert or festival please email me at least six weeks in advance of your event date with the details.

Email to paul@paulduntonandguests.com Name and address of Venue Date and time of event Name of event and name of act(s) involved Ticket link and/or website please state if free entry 1 x high resolution (300 dpi) landscape jpeg (performer only, no posters) Please state photo credit if required.

Food

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

27

food & drink

River Cottage chef Gill Meller’s top tips for the perfect picnic...

Thinking about dining outside? It’s all about preparation

G

ill Meller knows a thing or two about al fresco dining – so much so that he’s dedicated his latest book to cooking and eating outside.

And one of the most accessible ways to enjoy food outside is with a picnic, where you can precook everything and cart it to your favourite location.

“One of the most lovely eating memories I have is heading out on a very cold winter’s afternoon up onto the cliffs, just east of where I live in Dorset – and having a thermos full of lentil soup with Alice, my wife,” Meller reminisces.

Simple “Having this warming, comforting homely nourishment in the form of a simple soup just makes you feel safe – it’s like a reassuring blanket.”

If you really want to nail a picnic – whatever the weather – these are Meller’s top tips…

PREPARE PROPERLY Planning what you’re going to cook will save you a last-minute scrabble for picnic food. Meller suggests choosing “recipes that are cooked inside in advance – conventional cooking, but with an aim of transporting those wonderful things, and those delicious recipes to a whole new place – wherever you choose to enjoy it, whether it’s on the

HOST WITH THE MOST River Cottage’s Gill Meller

SALAD DAYS Use seasonal ingredients beach, in the woods, in the park, or just down at the bottom of the garden”.

Even though Meller is all about preparation, that doesn’t mean you have to do anything incredibly elaborate – “Even eating a cheese sandwich at the end of the pier in the rain” can be exactly what you want.

BUILD UP AN APPETITE “I love that idea of being able to pack up something fantastic to eat, heading out the door and building up an appetite by exerting yourself – whether it’s swimming in the sea, or hiking up a hill – then rewarding yourself with the food you’ve

Outside: Recipes For A Wilder Way Of Eating by Gill Meller is published

by Quadrille, priced £30. Photography

by Andrew Montgomery.

Available now. prepared,” he says.

“It’s just the most lovely thing – I enjoy that food and outdoor connection. You’re doing something that feels slightly unusual, in that you’ve made something, you’ve taken it with you and you’re eating it. It’s

not how we tend to live conventionally, it’s special and becomes a treat.”

MATCH YOUR FOOD TO THE WEATHER The picnic chapter in Meller’s new book is broken up into seasonal sections, because no one really wants to take lentil soup out with them on the hottest day of the year.

“If you’re cooking seasonally, you tend to be cooking with ingredients that fit that time of year. So on a hot, sunny day, you’ll probably be preparing fresh vegetables, salads, fruit, and light, clean, crisp things.

Whereas in the cooler autumn months, you’ll have a different approach to the picnic food you make – and indeed, the food you eat on a daily basis.”

JOIN OUR TEAM RECEPTIONIST SALARY: £25,740 PA (£11 PH) + a share of service charge and tips LOCATION: One Warwick Park Hotel, Tunbridge Wells Full & part time positions available An opportunity has arisen for a Receptionist to join our professional and friendly team at One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. The hotel comprises 39 bedrooms as well as meeting rooms and a variety of event spaces. You will be playing a vital role in the everyday operation of the hotel and will be responsible for creating a great first impression.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Six months or more experience ideally in a hospitality business Can work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings Be nicely spoken with excellent written and communication skills Enjoy working with people and want to learn SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM: Company pension Company perks Employee discount 30 days holiday Health cover To apply please send your CV to Lisa.McVickers@salomons-estate.com Please scan the QR code for all vacancies at One Warwick Park Hotel onewarwickpark.co.uk |

@onewarwickpark

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Food & Drink

28

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Think pink for these hot summer days

Times’ Drinks Editor James Viner selects his top tipples to enjoy during this heatwave... fruit is skilfully harnessed into a savoury package of strumming length and refinement.

Part of the wine’s magic emanates from its modest alcohol. Pour with BBQ mackerel/ swordfish/tuna/sardines, Greek/chicken Caesar/ tomato salads, fish and chips and lamb chops.

Lovely stuff from a boutique winery run by the fifth winemaking generation of the Mansilha family in the Pinhão river valley. They have a fab wine hotel, great beers, Moscatel, olive oils and ports, too. A great addition to the Society’s range from shrewd wine buyer for Portugal, Joanna Locke MW.

A COOL glass of rosé is just the ticket for sipping on hot summer days. Rosé’ is still on a roll and is currently very possibly the hippest wine around, with sales rising annually. In 2021 we sank a record £717 million worth of it! And with every summer yet more exciting pinks are produced for us all to relish. We Brits are swigging more and more of it, though not as much as the French where it outsells white wine! Here are my top picks which also include a handy little can…

1. Keenly priced Rioja rosado to uncork when firing up the grill…

Specially Selected Rioja Rosado 2021, Spain (£7.99, Aldi, 13%) This summer, Aldi has the best bargain rosés but they’re running out fast. Grab a bottle of this spectacularly keenly priced, refreshing rosado right now! This is the kind of crowd-pleasing, peachy pink wine you can buy with confidence, stick in the fridge and enjoy any time. Crisp, easy to drink and tingling with stone fruit, red cherry and citrus flavours, it’s perfect with BBQ meats, tapas or as an aperitif. For those guests cutting down on their units, you could cut 50-50 with soda water for a simple, quenching rosé spritzer. Try if bored with the everyday French rosés. In-store only.

2. Pale pink, dry, fresh and unoaked Portuguese blend of Tinta Roriz & Touriga Nacional Quinta do Portal Rosé 2021, Douro, Portugal (£9.50, The Wine Society, 12.5%) Sorry Port lovers but Portugal’s Douro makes some exquisite dry still rosés too! With aromas of red berries (think pomegranate and strawberries) this wine opens out to an explosion of herbs, sour cherries, cassis compote, pomelo and a soupçon of salinity. The

3. A top-selling starry rosé from the foot of Cézanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire, around

2 1

3

25km to the east of Aix-en-Provence MIP Classic Rosé, Made in Provence, Côtes de Provence 2021, France (£13.95, Lea & Sandeman, 12.5%) France still rules the pink wine roost. Such is the popularity of its rosés from Provence that prices have increased quickly lately. Whatever your plans this summer, whisk yourself to the sunny Mediterranean with two of the finest sub-£20 examples. This silken, medium-bodied, delicately dry rose-petal coloured best-seller from ace London wine merchant and importer Lea & Sandeman is well worth splashing out on, however. ‘MiP’ – Made in Provence – is a canny collection of bright wines made by Guillaume and Virginie Philip. This top seller teems with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry, citrus, white peach, dried Provençal herbs, pink peppercorn and white flowers and is bang on – one whiff will take you straight to the craggy hills of deepest Provence. A fantastic barbecue swiller that would also be a good pairing for simply served seafood, garlicky dishes, vitello tonnato, gazpacho and salads. Try it! A magnum is £31.75.

The (higherpriced) Premium is superb too. 60% Cinsault, 20% each Syrah and Grenache.

4. And now for my second must-try, dreamy, posh,

4

5

pale, organic Provençal pink to take to summer dinner parties…

Château Léoube, Love by Léoube Organic Côtes de Provence 2021, France (£15, Tesco, 13%) The scorching weather and sunshine are finally back so what better way to take your summer days to the next level than with a glass of sans pareil Vins de Provence rosé? Tesco has a plethora of tasty premium, elegantly packaged Provençal pinks to help you host your evening BBQs and garden parties. Step forward my second posh pink from Ch. Léoube, a beaut of a Côtes de Provence organic rosé, overflowing with the aromatic, luminous Provençal hillside aromas of rosemary, crunchy red apples, red fruits, lavender, tobacco leaf, cherries and pine.

The Domaine is owned by the Bamford family (of JCB and Daylesford Organic) and they’re doing an excellent job with the help of a gifted winemaker. Unoaked, food-friendly and based on a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Cinsault, it’s a whizz with everything from salade niçoise and tomato tarts to ratatouille, roast leg of lamb hot off the BBQ, bouillabaisse and sushi. A truly delicious, fleshy, organic and vegan-approved pink vinous pearler.

5. A ‘canny’ buy! A stylish bone-dry canned southern French pink wine ‘to go’…

Mirabeau Prêt-à-Porter Canettes Rosé to Go, IGP Méditérranée (around £3.50, Waitrose & ND John, 12.5%, 250ml) I’m highly impressed with this silky, crowdpleasing canned dry rosé from a blend of grapes in southern France. Smooth on the palate, with hints of red cherry, grapefruit and lemon. A great portable, tinned, recyclable option and treat for hikers’ backpacks, beach trips, long train journeys, the poolside and picnics. 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah.

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AWARD WINNING WEDDING VENUE SET IN 36 ACRES OF PICTURESQUE GROUNDS Please e-mail leisuresales@salomons-estate.com to book your viewing. *T&C’S APPLY

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30

Property

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

property news

Demand is cooling but house prices still rising say surveyors HOW WILL INTEREST RATE RISES AFFECT THE PROPERTY MARKET?

PROPERTY professionals saw fewer new inquiries from house hunters in June, but house prices continued on an upward march, according to surveyors.

Some 27 per cent of professionals reported a fall in interest from potential buyers, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) said.

It marked the third month in a row that interest from new buyers slipped.

London appeared to be more resilient, as 7 per cent of professionals there reported an uptick in inquiries in the past month.

Despite a general cooling in demand in the housing market, the direction of house prices was upwards, with 65 per cent of professionals seeing an increase.

That’s because of a lack of available properties for buyers to choose from, the report said.

Immediate Survey participants also said market appraisals are broadly unchanged compared with 12 months ago, suggesting the tight supply backdrop is unlikely to shift drastically in the immediate future, it added.

The 65 per cent of professionals seeing prices increasing is lower than a recent high of 78 per cent in April but remains comfortably above the long-term average of 13 per cent, Rics said.

Looking further out, 37 per cent foresee prices continuing to climb over the next 12 months, although this is down compared with a high of 78 per cent recorded in February.

Some 13 per cent of professionals have seen newly agreed house sales fall back and transactions are expected to fall further in the next three months, Rics said.

House sales are also expected to fall in the 12 months ahead. Anecdotally, professionals are preparing for economic changes to have an impact, with many suggesting that the market is starting to cool off, the report added.

Many homes are still selling at above the original asking price.

Looking at the competitiveness of the current market, half of survey participants reported that average sales prices are coming in above asking prices for properties listed at up to £500,000.

For properties priced between £500,000 and £1 million, 39 per cent are seeing the sales price beat the asking price.

For properties listed at over £1 million, selling prices are typically coming in at slightly below the asking price on balance, the report said.

Rents are also expected to rise due to the continued imbalance between supply and demand, Rics said.

Some 36 per cent of professionals reported an increase in tenant demand, while 11 per cent saw a fall in the number of new landlord instructions.

And 52 per cent predicted that rents will rise over the coming three months.

The report also included comments from surveyors.

One professional, based in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, said: “Buyer demand remains strong in all sectors but so few properties available to buy.

“Many tenants now paying more rent than the cost of a mortgage.”

Another, in Colchester, Essex, commented: “Definite cooling off of the market, air of caution from buyers.

“Still demand for competitively priced properties and starting to see some reductions in values of those on the market in order to generate interest.”

Southborough development has opened for house viewing A NEW development is Southborough has opened for viewing.

Wickham Rise consists of three and four bedroom homes overlooking the gently rolling hills of the Kent Weald, on the fringes of Southborough.

Situated between Tonbridge to the north and Royal Tunbridge Wells to the south-west, it’s the ideal location for those who want to enjoy the countryside without losing touch with the vibrancy of larger towns. Plus, excellent transport links make commuting to London and beyond still very viable.

Putting up interest rates is a tried-and-tested response to inflation, the theory being that if people have to spend more of their disposable income servicing their debt, they will have less to spend on more luxury items, so demand will reduce and prices will fall.

Most certainly property prices will be affected as buyers’ budgets are constricted – if your mortgage payments are higher, then you cannot borrow as much, and accordingly you will have a lower budget to spend. Indeed, Zoopla’s latest House Price Data showed that prices rose by just 0.1% in May, the lowest monthly increase since July 2020 and evidence that prices are cooling.

At Maddisons, we are also seeing this translate into a real sense of urgency to get the deal done. Buyers want to lock into the previous low rate before it expires and their payments increase.

However, I do not think this will lead to a property market crash.

Banks no longer have to complete a “stress test” on new lending requests but they remain prudent lenders – a very different picture to the run up to the 2008 crash.

Rates are still just 1% – phenomenally low – and for many borrowers, their monthly mortgage payments are fixed, or at worst rising slightly and being frustratingly a bit more expensive than the month before.

However, people will still change jobs, get married, have children, get divorced, or simply want a bigger garden, off-street parking or that fourth bedroom, and so the property-moving wheels will keep turning.

Meet the expert: Deborah Richards is the founder and managing partner of Maddisons Residential, leading independent estate agent in Tunbridge Wells offering expert sales and lettings with excellent customer service.

Choice Built by Shanly Homes with views across an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, open fields and distant woodland, Wickham Rise has been described as making ‘the perfect lifestyle choice to start your exciting new chapter’.

Each home has been designed to blend within the surrounding environment and offer a range of layouts to meet differing lifestyle requirements.

Each house has been configured to maximise light and living space. Downstairs a beautiful shaker style open plan kitchen-diner leads out onto private

The Bank of England has now raised Base Rate three times in the last seven months, with further interest rate rises expected in an attempt to control rising inflation. But what will this mean for the property market? Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential looks at the implications for sellers, buyers and property investors.

www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk gardens, as well as a separate lounge.

Upstairs, the generous master bedroom boasts fitted wardrobes and an ensuite, with good sized additional bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Prices start from around £655,000.

Those interested should contact www. woodandpilcher.co.uk

18 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

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32

Later Living

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Recruitment is key for expanding care group

later living

By Victoria Roberts A CARE group which opened a 75-bed care home four years ago, is now recruiting across two homes after dealing with the after effects of Covid-19, Brexit and now the cost of living crisis.

Greensleeves Care looks after people over 65 with residential care needs and dementia.

Originally based in Tunbridge Wells, manager Karen Cooper told the Times that her responsibilities have seen her handling the transfer of patients and staff from Mount Ephraim House, when it was closed for renovation, to a newly-opened care home in Seal, Sevenoaks.

KAREN COOPER

Phased “We’ve been doing a lot of recruitment over the past four years,” she said. “When we moved from Mount Ephraim four years ago, it was only a 38-bed house. Lavender Fields (in Seal) is a 75-bed home.”

And now, with Mount Ephraim House due to reopen later this year, there is a ‘double whammy’ recruitment effort underway to ensure both homes are staffed, she added.

“It will be a phased reopening. We brought 27 residents to Sevenoaks when we moved out four years ago, and we’re bringing seven long-term residents back with us.”

The renovation and home moves had not been the only challenge to retention and recruitment, she said, acknowledging the cost of living crisis.

However, with rates of pay above minimum wage, Ms Cooper said, ‘staff working for Greensleeves are in quite a good position.’

“And the cost of living also impacts on whether people will travel for work,” she added, revealing that she had arranged for a minibus to transport Tunbridge Wellsbased staff, who had originally joined to work at Mount Ephraim House, to work in Deal.

Those with cars received a mileage allowance.

“We hired a minibus on long term lease – we’ve still got it and are still transporting people – it’s at 15-seater,” she said, adding that the bus made around 12 trips a day, to transport each shift to and from the care home.

Another way to reward staff was Greensleeves’ the annual ‘accolades’, which had been paused for two years apart from a special Zoom ceremony to recognise

staff who had carried on working through the pandemic.

“There are 27 homes across the business, and anyone can nominate anyone for the annuals awards, which are held in Heathrow,” she said.

The next ceremony is due to take place in April.

Managed However, Ms Cooper added: “We have been very, very lucky. We managed to keep the majority of staff, not only during the time when we came out of Europe, but then there was the issue when we all had to be vaccinated – and then they (the Government) changed their minds.

“We only had one member of staff affected by that (the vaccine mandates).

“(But) recruiting in care, it has been very, very difficult time for us.

“Covid put people off. All the people in care – the older workforce – just couldn’t carry on. It was the worst time any of us can remember. That’s what we’re trying to address.

“It’s a good place to work, spending time with residents. It is good to be in care,” she stressed.

“Also, we don’t just need caring staff. We need domestic staff. We need laundry staff.

There are many, many roles in care. There are lots of opportunities to grow and develop.”

Outlining her own career, Ms Cooper said she had joined Greensleeves 15 years ago.

“I came into the company as a manager, but I am a qualified nurse, and I’ve been here for the past 15 years.”

Dementia advice from the experts Weald Heights care home, Sevenoaks

Everyone’s dementia journey is different. Uncover lesser-known facts from our dementia experts to help you navigate caring for a loved one. At Weald Heights care home, we’re here for you every step of the way.

Download our free dementia guide, Let’s talk about dementia, 21 things everyone should know or call 01732 809663 to request a printed copy.

Trusted to care.

Let’s talk about dementia 21 things everyone should know

For family carers

If you’re considering care 01732 809663 amelia.moore2@careuk.com careuk.com/weald-heights

We are hiring!

Mount Ephraim House Care Home in the heart of Tunbridge Wells is reopening soon after a full redevelopment. We are now interviewing for a range of new opportunities that we have available.

These roles include: Care roles, Senior carers, Chefs, Kitchen assistants, host and hostesses, night staff, and activities.

For more information, call

01892 351122 or email

jobs.meh@greensleevescare.co.uk Mount Ephraim House, Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8BU greensleeves.org.uk

34

Later Living

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

Hospice seeks new people wanting long term career MOBILITY SCOOTERS

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HOSPICE in the Weald shops are a familiar sight on West Kent high streets, making the charity a household name, but behind the fundraising is an ongoing recruitment and retention effort to keep the organisation’s work going.

The charity employs 250 people in total, which includes the shops, the fundraising department, clinical staff and more, head of personnel Jemma Clements told the Times.

Hospice in the Weald offers free-of-charge care to people at the end of life, as well as their families, through a combination of therapy, counselling, ‘outreach’ visits, care in the Cottage Hospice at Five Ashes, and soon a children’s service.

Outreach It covers the West Kent and northern East Sussex area.

“People quite often don’t know what a hospice is. We try and see patients in their last year of life. It can be longer because of the hospice outreach service, for homes and care homes,” said Jemma.

The Living Well service also offers therapies such as art or music for those who have a terminal diagnosis.

“We can make a really meaningful difference at that crucial time. Our motto is ‘celebrating life and dignifying death’,” she added. “We want to see as many people as early as possible.”

The organisation’s retention and recruitment efforts feed into the way it cares for patients, while the care itself benefits the staff, she said, explaining: “Our nursing staff have lots of time to spend with patients. We have really good ratios

Westbury

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Keswick

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so we can spend quality time and do holistic wraparound care.

“We have run quite a few recruitment campaigns. We say: ‘Nursing as it should be.’”

Human contact and job satisfaction had been particularly pertinent during the pandemic period, which saw severe restrictions on hospitals, nursing homes and other clinical locations.

“We cut down on visits the inpatient ward (at the Hospice) in Pembury, but at no point did we cut visitors completely.

“Family and friends are an important part of the care we give,” she said, pointing to the Cottage Hospice, where families move in to provide care near the end of life, while having nursing staff at hand.

“That allows family to keep connected.”

Meanwhile, in the face of the cost-of-living crisis, the Hospice in the Weald strives to hold its own, said Jemma.

“We stay competitive with the NHS, and benchmark ourselves on that.

“We are quite steady as an organisation. When people come to work for us, they really want to work for us. We are different from the NHS.” And the results speak for themselves, she said.

“We want people to build a long-term career with us. We recruit all sorts, and quite a few have been with us really long-term.”

The Hospice is now launching a children’s service, to help children and their families who might have previously travelled to London.

The new service will provide support through home visits, counselling for parents and siblings, and is developing a children’s centre with specialist play and sensory rooms.

Government delays social care reform Tunbridge Wells Showroom 26 Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2AP (Opposite Tesco Metro)

01892 544 933 am

pm

Mon-Sat 9 -5

*Prices quoted exclude VAT and are available to customers with a long term medical condition.

TOTW

CARE Minister Gillian Keegan has announced the government is delaying access for self-funders to lower local authority fee rates by 18 months.

In a statement earlier this month - on the same day that Boris Johnson announced he was resigning - Ms Keegan said that following consultation on implementation of the change with local authorities the government had decided to stage the extension of Section 18(3) over 18 months with people living in residential care eligible from April 2025 at the latest.

News of the delay has not been received well by care groups.

Mike Padgham, chair of the Independent Care Group, said: “Many warned the Government that there was not enough money available to enable

councils to pay a fair price for care and therefore make the changes fair for those who pay for their own care and fair to hard-pressed and cashstrapped care providers who currently face great challenges just to survive.

Headway “Now the whole thing is being kicked down the road for 18 months and we are no further forward.

“Unless the Government starts to reform and properly fund social care, we are never going to make any headway in making the system work for the benefit not only of those who are already receiving care but also for the 1.5m people who can’t get the care they need.”

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The human touch

Local elderly resident has a day trip out she never thought was possible AN ELDERLY Tunbridge Wells resident who thought she would never see her beloved south coast again has had her dream of a trip to the seaside brought to life by her dedicated carer.

Although Carol has plenty of friends locally, she finds going further afield a struggle, especially as she is fearful of public transport and has no family close by.

Having lived and worked on the coast as a nurse, Carol dreamt of making a day trip to the sea but thought she would never manage it.

But her dream was made a reality by her main carer from TerraBlu, an independent company who provide domiciliary care for elderly people living in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and the surrounding areas.

Until last year, Carol had not considered using the services of a local home care provider, but sadly following a bereavement she decided that she needed extra help and support.

Since using TerraBlu, Carol has struck up a much-valued friendship with her carer, Gina, who is a very experienced member of the team.

Reflecting on Carol’s needs, Gina decided to arrange a day trip to the coast last month. Gina drove Carol in her own car, so she could enjoy a walk browsing the shops, eating a sea-view lunch and having an essential seaside treat of an ice-cream.

“The trip to Hastings was very special

for me. Since my husband died, getting out of the house has been difficult for me. I used to live in Hastings before I moved to Pembury, so the day was filled with memories, and I even got to see where my grandchild is going to college.

I am very grateful for my friendship with Gina and can’t thank the TerraBlu staff enough for helping and supporting me. It was great to have some company while walking along the seafront. A day trip to Eastbourne is next on my list!,” says client Carol.

“Providing excursions such as this, so our clients can enjoy their favourite activities and visit the places they love, is one of the many services that our team of committed carers provides to ensure our elderly clients enjoy the best possible quality of life while living independently in their own homes,” explained Netta Sceal, Deputy Care Manager.

“What’s really telling about Carol’s day trip is that it was her carer, Gina, who realised how important this would be for Carol and who made it happen.

It’s this human touch that our carers provide for all our clients that makes TerraBlu care so much more than delivering an agreed care plan.

“It’s knowing our clients on a personal basis, finding out about their earlier lives and interests and weaving this into the care we provide so they can live life to the full,” added Managing Director, Richard Gould.

A month of caring We’ve been mostly…

Celebrating Emma’s 15 Years with TerraBlu

ONE OF our longest-serving and much-valued members of the TerraBlu team recently celebrated 15 years of working with us. “Emma has spent her time fixing things, answering queries from clients and their families, ensuring staff are paid on time, mastering the complexity of calculating holiday pay for part-time workers, and smiling throughout.

Emma, thank you!” Richard Gould, Managing Director.

We’re looking forward to… Announcing the winner of TerraBloom!

Carol enjoys a sunny day at the coast

Managing a better quality of living after suffering a stroke WITH more than 100,000 strokes in the UK every year, it’s encouraging to know that early treatment and the right support can help you or your loved one enjoy a positive quality of life if you are unfortunate enough to experience one.

Recovering from a stroke is a life-changing experience for the sufferer. Strokes can happen to anyone at any age, although some underlying health conditions can make a person more likely to suffer a stroke, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

According to the Stroke Association there are three types of stroke and whichever one is experienced is a medical emergency. Swift medical treatment is needed – think FAST – and the road to recovery is different for everyone, as

every stroke is unique.

Difficulties with speech, mobility and brain function can occur. These can improve over time, depending on how quickly the initial medical care was received, and with ongoing treatment, rehabilitation and support.

Often elderly people can benefit from having a home carer post stroke, giving them the ability to remain in their homes whilst receiving experienced care and help with day-to-day activities.

Qualified carers are trained to see the signs of stroke, something that stroke survivors often worry about, and will also tailor the care they give to help their client’s specific needs, such as preparing meals or bathing.

Carers can also help by accompanying clients to hospital or physiotherapy appointments, or by assisting with the taking of medication or regular exercises within their home.

Equally important is the company that a carer can provide. Having regular contact and conversation not only helps with memory and speech, but also gives many clients the empathy and compassion needed during times of frustration.

Quality of life post stroke is much enhanced by the enjoyment of such visits, as many people can feel quite vulnerable in the early stages of recovery.

It can make a big difference having such additional support.

Looking for care with a human touch?

Want a fulfilling career where you can make a difference?

www.terrablu.co.uk

01892 529 429 info@terrablu.co.uk 9 Calverley Crescent, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2NB

DURING May, we ran a competition called TerraBloom celebrating the hard work and efforts of our green-fingered clients – our version of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Our clients have really enjoyed taking part, and we have been sharing many photographs of beautiful gardens, well-stocked borders and flower-filled planters over the past two months.

We are now looking forward to awarding our bronze, silver and gold winners with their certificates.

36

Antiques

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

antiques

Antiques festival arrives at The Pantiles

A

NEW celebration of all things old and antique is to take place on Tunbridge Wells’ most iconic promenade at the weekend.

The inaugural Pantiles Antiques Festival in Royal Tunbridge Wells has been organised by

Love Fairs.

Taking place on Saturday July 23 and Sunday July 24, more than 50 dealers are set to be in attendance, offering visitors the chance to buy antiques whilst enjoying the atmosphere with live music and a huge choice of places to eat and drink.

Vintage The Pantiles already hosts the hugely popular Food Festival as well as the Gin and Jazz Festival, the Antiques Festival is aimed at retail and trade visitors alike who love all forms of antiques and vintage treasures. There are even more antiques to be found inside The Pantiles Arcade, including some amazing items from Eric Knowles’ shop,

Scottish Antiques.

As well as live vintage music throughout the day, the festival will also feature a number of knowledgeable celebrity antique valuers on hand to hold antique valuation sessions, including Eric Knowles himself.

Entry to the festival is completely FREE and the festival is open from 10.30am to 5.00pm on Saturday July 24 and 10.30am to 4.00pm on Sunday July 25.

With so much going on, The Pantiles Antiques Festival promises to be an incredible couple of days and an experience not to be missed. For more information, please visit our website: lovefairs.com or call us on 01293 690777

HOUSE CALLS

THIS JULY IN YOUR AREA There is no obligation to sell, so call Clive Today to arrange a home visit at no charge and at your convenience. He will advise you personally on your items and absolute discretion is guaranteed.

Clive Attrell is back and available throughout Kent & East Sussex for home antiques valuations (Appointment Only)

Call Clive on 07860 942726

SOCIAL DISTANCING FOR SAFETY

GOLD • SILVER • WATCHES REMEMBER CLIVE IS ALWAYS READY TO MAKE YOU A GENUINE NO OBLIGATION OFFER

During appointments hand sanitiser & masks will be used on arrival. Social distancing will also be observed where possible at all times.

TOP PRICES PAID FOR

• GOLD (in any condition) • SILVER (in any condition) • WATCHES (working or not) • COSTUME JEWELLERY • DIAMONDS • SOVEREIGNS • KRUGERRANDS

• COINS • TOYS • GAMES • POSTCARDS • CHINESE CERAMICS • FIGURINES • OBJECTS OF INTEREST

• MEDALS • SWORDS • MILITARIA • CLOCKS • PAINTINGS • BRONZES • PRINTS / BOOKS

K O O B NOW

Clive Attrell is Kent County Council Trading Standards Approved: Reg No 15618

Summer Raffle

H

Local goodies to sample

R G EA E

T

T

Refreshments on the day

SU M

M

Music ACOUSTIC from A T L A S

2PM ‘TIL 6PM!

N

S U N DAY 7TH AUGUST

IC!

At Tonbridge School

ER P

C I

Entertainment by K I N E T I C C I RC U S PRICES INCLUDE PICNIC BOXES!

Adult Child Family

£12 £8 £38

Visit www.treeofhope.org.uk/great-summer-picnic for tickets!

With huge thanks to our sponsors Invictacut Ltd. With over 40 years experience in the Diamond Cutting and Builders Services Industry, Invictacut Ltd are well placed to ensure a professional job is completed efficiently, on time and cost effectively.

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38

Antiques

Wednesday July 20 | 2022

The pick of the lots from our summer sale

Auctioneer Joseph Trinder talks about some key items that have just gone under the hammer for documents of such importance and fine condition saw this piece achieve an impressive hammer price of £22,000 against an estimate of £4,000 - £6,000.

Moving from one of the oldest to one of the most youthful entries in the sale, we saw strong results for works by familiar contemporary British studio ceramicist Edmund de Waal (b.1964) culminating in £8,000 as the winning bid for a tall lidded jar, made in just 1993 – reflecting how quickly the global auction market has matured for

A

S YET another thrilling quarterly fine sale passes under the gavel at Gorringe’s, I am delighted to this week take readers through our recent June 28 summer auction, with my pick along the way of just a few highlights from a day which saw over 700 lots selling to bidders in the room, over the phone and across the globe through the multiple online platforms we utilise in each of our sales.

Firstly, lot 4 was not only one of the earliest lots of the day, but also one of the oldest pieces to feature in our sale as well as being amongst the highest-achieving.

A beautifully illuminated poetic Grant of Arms to Nicholas Stanyhurst of Dublin, dated 1 August 1554.

This rare survivor stands as a piece of civic history as well as an object of great intrigue and aesthetic beauty - strong international demand

weight dating from the 17th / 18th century. It surpassed even heightened expectations to fetch a hammer price of £31,000.

As more traditional furnishings and decorative arts are so often referred to as a shadow of their former selves in the current auction market, I was delighted to personally sell lot 304 – a George II carved giltwood William Kent design wall mirror.

Kentish

‘One of the physically most impressive pieces in the medium offered in the sale took the form of a life-sized heron by Meissen’ this much-admired artist’s work.

Similar results could be seen in a cup, saucer and side plate by celebrated British potter Dame Lucie Rie (1902-1995) selling for £2,600.

Staying with porcelain for a moment longer, one of the physically most impressive pieces in the medium offered in the sale took the form of a life-sized heron by Meissen.

Although too only a youngster, a 20th century piece after J. J. Kändler, it surpassed its estimate to find a new home at £8,500.

As is always the case, choosing a singular work of Chinese art to exemplify the buoyancy of this market area is no enviable task – in a sale which saw the characteristic demand for Chines works in porcelain, jade, paintings, textiles and more.

Lot 261 has to be a favourite.

A breathtakingly heavy, well modelled, and beautifully patinated bronze lion-dog scroll

SOLD Barbera Hepworth’s ‘Girl’ fetched £98,000

A piece of classical proportions and enduring style – it rather stole the show as it sold for £12,000 – just one of dozens of pieces sold from within the contents of a beautiful Kentish country home in this sale.

The highest price of the day was seen in lot 492 – Dame Barbera Hepworth’s (1903-1975) hauntingly beautiful 'Girl (Pillar) 1949'.

A sketch in oil and pencil on board, it reflects an important and scarce example of its kind within the artist’s oeuvre. Surpassing an estimate of £50,000 - £80,000, the piece of only 68 x 22cm sold for £98,000.

(All hammer price results are subject to additional fees and not inclusive of buyer’s premium here).

As always, the wordcount scuppers my discussing any other examples, of which there were many as in every one of our sales to draw comment!

We are now consigning for our September Autumn fine sale, as well as our weekly sales each Monday. If you would like valuation, advice, or route to sale for any pieces you may have – I would love to hear from you and provide free, professional, no-obligation guidance – please get in touch: josepht@gorringes.co.uk

Opening the front door to the House of Odiot This week, Alexander Pushkin discusses some historically important French silversmiths...

I

N THIS week’s article I would like to talk about perhaps the most prominent French silversmiths of the 18th and 19th Century, a Paris based company called La Maison Odiot, Founded in 1690 by Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot, a fine silversmith active during the reign of Louis XV. However it was with his grandson, Jean Baptiste Claude Odiot (born in 1763) that the firm reached its peak of notoriety, receiving exceptional commissions from Napoleon’s court

and the most important Royal families of the world.

Coronation In 1802 the firm participated at the International Exposition de l’Industrie in Paris winning the gold medal. Soon after, Odiot succeeded Henry Auguste as Napoleon’s official silversmith and was commissioned both the sceptre and the sword for his coronation in 1804,

two massive dinner services for Napoleon’s mother and sister and one for the Emperor’s campaigns.

Jean Baptiste Claude is certainly the most iconic silversmith of the Empire style, influenced by the return of the classical Greek and Egyptian patterns: his pieces, often silver-gilt, are characterised by neoclassical forms and figural elements, often fixed with rivets and bolts, and not by the classic soldering method.

Purveyor Jean Baptiste Claude retired in 1823, and his son Charles Nicholas took over the business. By 1825 he was already purveyor of silverware by appointment to His Majesty the King Louis-

Philippe and to the Royal Family of Orleans and he started experimenting with electroplating, a technique he imported from England. Charles Nicolas excelled in the Rococo style, featuring shells and scroll motifs, flowers and richly ornate elements.

Charles Nicholas was succeeded by his son Gustave who worked for the firm from 1856 through 1906. He accepted the most majestic commission ever received by the company: 3000 pieces of solid gold flatware for the Viceroy of Egypt, Said Pacha.

The House of Odiot is still active nowadays, counting on an extraordinary long story and heritage and its pieces are displayed in the most important museums of the world such as the Musée du Louvre and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

At Pushkin Antiques we pride ourselves on having pieces by Odiot, as well as other important French silversmiths pushkinantiques. com (French Silver)

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