Times of Tunbridge Wells June 29

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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Photography: Rachel Luckhurst

Town’s wackiest event returns to Dunorlan Park

Musical instruments Sheet music Instrument rentals Servicing & repairs Brittens Music School

Visit us at: Russell House, Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1RZ. Our shop is open: Tues – Fri 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm Tel: (01892) 526659 www.brittensmusic.co.uk

DOWNHILL Soap Box Superstars returned to Tunbridge Wells at the weekend after a three-year hiatus. Full story and pictures page 6-7.

Population of Tunbridge Wells hasn’t changed in a decade census reveals

By Richard Williams THE number of people living in Tunbridge Wells has not changed in ten years despite a population rise across the country, the latest census data shows.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics yesterday (Tuesday) show that when the census was taken in 2011, there were 115,048 people living in the borough.

But the latest data, which was collected on March 21 last year, reveals that in the last decade, the population in the borough has grown by just 250 people, with the number of people now living in Tunbridge Wells at 115,300.

This bucks the national trend that has seen the population of England and Wales increase by 6.3 per cent to 59.6 million – up from 56,489,800 in 2011.

‘Tunbridge Wells is the only district in Kent that has not seen a significant increase in its population’ More than 24 million households across England and Wales filled in census questionnaires in spring last year, with a record 89 per cent of responses completed online.

But the ONS has warned that because the 2021 survey came against the backdrop of Covid-19, population change in certain areas may reflect how the pandemic affected people’s choice of usual residence on Census Day. Despite this, Tunbridge Wells is the only district in Kent that has not seen a significant increase in its population.

Tonbridge & Malling has seen the number of people in the borough rise from 120,805 by a massive 9.4 per cent to 132,200.

Sevenoaks saw its population shoot up by nearly five per cent, from 114,893 in

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UR E ER YO E AP FR L P CA LO

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this week… Census data shows borough has not grown BACK IN HARMONY Hundreds of primary schoolchildren return to the scene with the Singing Festival onstage for the first time in three years P5

HOLIDAY HUNGER Nourish Community Foodbank launches its summer campaign to feed children out of school P10

Continued from front page

2011 to 120,500 in 2021.

The county town of Maidstone has seen the population increase from 263,925 to 279,800.

And even in rural Wealden in East Sussex there has been an increase of 7.5 per cent from 148,915 in 2011 to 160,100 now.

Yet the ONS has recorded a rise in population of just 0.2 per cent in Tunbridge Wells.

The census, taken every decade, is a crucial tool used by local authorities such as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) and Kent County Council (KCC), along with the NHS, police and other organisations to plan services for the area, such as how many houses need to be built or how many school places need to be

GARDEN BARD Trinity brings Shakespeare out into its grounds P24

ROADSHOW The cabinet at Vestry Hall

THE new look cabinet at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council met for the first-time last week since the ‘Borough Partnership’ took over the authority from the Conservatives last May. The Lib-Dem led, Labour and Alliance coalition held the first meeting of its decisionmaking body at Cranbrook at Vestry Hall at 6.30pm last Thursday (June 23) in a new look for cabinet meetings that will tour various venues around the borough each month.

Around 30 members of the public attended the meeting and asked various questions relating to loss of local school the High Weald Academy, the planning policy working group, building zero-carbon developments and homes for social rent; lack of police presence in the area; as well as parish council initiatives such as the Warm Room.

During the 45-minute meeting, Council leader Ben Chapelard (Lib Dem) and his cabinet members also heard that £963,000 planned to be borrowed from reserves in the third quarter of the financial year to March 31, 2022, was not needed due to underspending.

Savings

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A report revealed that the budget had been helped along by £2.17million worth of credits from central government and Kent County Council.

Other pandemic-related savings were also revealed, including delays to maintenance, and limited opportunities for the council to use its staff training budget.

Staffing costs had also been lower when venues were closed, or when services could not be provided. The lack of HGV drivers leading to suspension of garden waste collections (and use of same staff to perform other services) also saved expenditure.

WEATHER & TRAVEL

It comes following criticism by the new head of finance, Cllr Andrew Hickey (Lib Dem, Pantiles & St Marks) about the previous administration’s handling of the borough’s money.

Writing in the Times earlier this month (June 15), Cllr Hickey said that that ‘the Borough has too little income to deliver the services and projects it seeks to undertake.’

And he warned the coalition would have to make ‘hard decisions’ and blamed the previous Conservative administration for leaving the borough’s finances in a ‘shocking state’.

However, this has been denied by former Conservative Council Leader, Tom Dawlings, who said: “The Council’s draft accounts for 2021-22 show a revenue budget surplus.

“A brief summation of the Council’s financial position would be that it has no borrowings and cash reserves of £32million.

“The balance sheet shows an increase of over £7million in the value of Property, Plant and Equipment to £132million. That position would be envied by most other Councils.

“The External Auditor reported in December 2021 that the actions taken during the pandemic placed the Council in a strong financial position and the Council had a robust financial planning process.”

The next remote cabinet meeting is scheduled to take place in Sandhurst on Wednesday, July 20 at 6:30pm.

PASSENGER rail services are now back to normal after three days of strikes last week, but unresolved issues could see further industrial action, a commuter group has warned.

Last week, Tunbridge Wells Train Station was closed on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as union RMT walked out over pay and conditions.

Rob Mansfield of Tonbridge Line Commuters (TLC) said that passenger service disruption spilled over onto non-strike days, when engineering works due to take place out overnight were pushed into the following day, resulting in a number of late starts.

And he warned further disruption is likely.

Anticipate He said: “As a word of warning, there does not seem to have been much progress in resolving the Government and [union] RMT’s issues over the long term.

“Regrettably we would therefore anticipate further strike action, which thankfully would be outside of exam season.”

He warned: “The successful future of the railway depends on grasping the opportunity created by the Covid pandemic and costs have to come down somewhere as revenue has declined so much.

“TLC is therefore calling for more dialogue between the industry and the unions to find a solution that is the best compromise for passengers, staff and the country.”

STRIKE The RMT outisde Tunbridge Wells Station

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ON THE ROADS A21 Northbound & Southbound (Tonbridge Bypass to Sevenoaks Bypass) carriageway closures for bridge works. 8pm July 1-6am July 4 A26 (London Road, Southborough) traffic control (two-way signals) for gas works continuing until July 1 at 11:59pm A26 (outside 84-84B London Road) works to replace street light column. Traffic control (two-way signals) from 7pm July 1-July 5 at 3am Forest Road Traffic lights for gas works July 2-10 Frant Green Road (between A26 and A267) closed

for resurfacing roadworks 8pm July 4-August 13 at 6am Traffic lights, etc.

Frant Road Pavement closure for broadband works.

Lane closure for pedestrian walkway, with traffic controls (two-way signals) 9am June 30-July 4 at 7pm Hever Castle event (Festival of Endurance cycle race) all-day road closure on Sunday, July 3.

Starting and ending at Hever Castle via Penshurst, Chiddingston Causeway.

Major York’s Road traffic light controls for road resurfacing July 4-5.

Penshurst Road (outside Printstile Lodge) traffic controls (two-way signals) for works on roadside signs July 4-6

RAILWAYS Partial/ revised services at High Brooms, Tunbridge Wells, Frant and Wadhurst due to engineering work on Sunday, July 3. Rail replacement buses run between Lewisham and Orpington both ways.

On the Paddock Wood line on Sunday, July 3, Charing Cross-Ramsgate rains will go to/from Victoria instead. A reduced service will be split, running Ashford-Ramsgate via Canterbury West.

Courtesy of the Met Office

DESIGN/PRODUCTION JASON STUBBS jason.stubbs@onemediauk.co.uk

The census data released on Tuesday also shows the age of people in Tunbridge Wells.

The largest demographic group is aged 16-64 with 62 per cent of the population (71,500 people). With those over 65 making up 19.4 per cent of the population (22,400) and those under 16 making up 18.6 per cent (21,400).

Further information based on the census is set to be released by the ONS in the coming weeks.

This will include such things as occupation data, co-habiting arrangements as well as the religious make-up of the borough.

In 2011, 62.9 per cent of people in Tunbridge Wells claimed to be Christian, 26 per cent no religion, while 455 people identified as a ‘Jedi Knight’ and four people said they believed in ‘Heavy Metal’.

Train services recover Council’s cabinet hits the road as Authority’s financial health revealed but future action looms

By Victoria Roberts

PEAK PHILANTHROPY Four former St Gregory’s girls climb Mount Snowdon for Hospice in the Weald P19

allocated in the coming years.

Since the last census in 2011, organisations such as KCC have been estimating what the actual population is, with the last figure in 2020 suggesting the number of people in Tunbridge Wells had grown to 118,900.

But the reality is much lower and remains relatively unchanged in a decade.

However, a spokesperson for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said the census results should not alter its housing plans.

She said: “The ‘standard method’ for calculating the minimum annual local housing need figure is set out in the Planning Practice Guidance.

“We will wait to see whether the publication of the Census figures result in any changes by Government to that standard method.”

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ambulance service criticised for bullying THE ambulance service in the South East has been criticised for failing to act on complaints about staff behaviour.

In a 58-page report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) found that bullying and harassment as well as inappropriate sexualised behaviour were ‘normalised’ at the Trust.

A spokesman for SECAmb said the service was ‘committed to making improvements’ following the publication of the report.

He added: “The serious concerns surrounding culture and leadership highlighted by the CQC are being taken extremely seriously and we have already begun the work to implement improvements at pace, taking on board early feedback from the CQC as well as feedback from our own staff survey.”

Showfields housing PLANS have been submitted to demolish 110 homes in a Tunbridge Wells housing estate.

Town and Country Housing say the current buildings are ‘not fit for purpose’ and has proposed 146 new modern properties to replace them which they describe as ‘modern and efficient’.

The developer says residents in homes earmarked for demolition will be rehoused.

Local & Live help A MOTION has been tabled for the next meeting of councillors at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to see if the authority can support Local & Live.

As reported last week, the August bank Holiday festival that is now in its 16th year is under threat due to a lack of funds.

Cllr Matt Bailey (Independent, Paddock Wood West) says he has tabled the motion for the July 6 Full Council meeting to request the cabinet considers providing a grant to enable this year’s festival to go ahead and to look at ways to provide ongoing financial support going forward.

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From protecting rhinos in Africa to ranger at Tunbridge Wells Common

By Victoria Roberts

COMMONER New ranger Dan Colbourne

THERE is a fresh face in Tunbridge Wells Common, with Dan Colborne taking the reins as the new Ranger after a month-long handover with 30-year veteran, Steve Budden.

An ecologist who once enjoyed the dream job of being a ‘bodyguard for rhinos’ against poachers in South Africa, Dan will take on responsibility for 250 acres of some very ancient habitats in the middle of the town, from this Friday (July 1).

Seasons The Tunbridge Wells Commons extend from the A26 (Eridge Road and Vale Road) in the south and east, to Bishops Down and Mount Ephraim on the north side. To the northwest, they connect with Rusthall Common.

Despite having lived in Tonbridge and Heathfield for two decades, and having worked in Crowborough and National Trust properties in the area, Dan admitted the size, beauty and biodiversity of the Commons had taken him by surprise when he saw the job advertised.

“I had no idea it existed. I am always around Tunbridge Wells, but never really knew what was behind that line of trees in town. But I knew immediately I needed the job to be mine.”

Dan will spend his first six months tracking how wildlife and humans use the Commons, what the pressures are, and how the land and daylight patterns change over the seasons.

He told the Times that visits have declined since the pandemic when there was a surge in use.

“The numbers have definitely seen quite a profound drop-off since then. For wildlife, this is great, because their refuge had been shared with a lot more people,” he said.

“But the pressures have been significant,” he added, noting that in his previous National Trust work he had seen new paths beaten into wilder areas and main paths being widened due to greater use.

Plea for more bees PRIVATE landowners are being asked to answer the call to let portions of their land grow wild to help encourage pollinators to thrive.

It comes as a Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife Citizen Science project, Bugs Matter, has indicated a rapidly declining trend in insect abundance nationwide, with a staggering 58% decline in Kent between 2004 and 2021.

Kent’s Plan Bee chairman, and Tunbridge Wells County councillor Seán Holden, said: “The whole idea of Plan Bee is to mobilise all Kent’s people to rescue the habitats and forage of pollinators. Farmers with their great swathes of landscape are critical to that.

“A third of our food comes through pollinating insects and their existence, in fact that of all insects, is vital to our existence.

“The way land is farmed makes a major impact on whether wildlife thrives or not. Mike Bax is a farmer who understands this and the habitat he’s created at Moat Farm is allowing bees and other pollinators to thrive.”

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‘Dan will spend the first six months of his new role tracking how wildlife and humans use the Common’ He said that access to nature had, however, given people an appreciation of resources like the Commons, and an awareness he hoped would persist.

“It was hard for people, so we must grateful that this was here,” he said.

But Dan added that he was already aware that the Commons is a potential island that must not be cut off from other wildlife areas if it is to remain diverse.

“There are barely any swallows and swifts – both migratory birds – left, because of a lack of insects,” he said, adding that meadowland was more vulnerable to development than woodland areas because the importance of ‘wildlife corridors’ was not understood.

Depp becomes a patron after being pictured at rescue centre MOVIE star Johnny Depp is to give his backing to a Tunbridge Wells animal sanctuary following his visit earlier this month.

As reported in the Times, the Pirates of the Caribbean star dropped into to the Folly Wildlife Rescue Centre in Broadwater Forest on June 2, where he became enamoured by badger Freddie Mercury.

Resident The star’s visit received plenty of local and national media attention and was even immortalised by Times cartoonist Peppy.

The 58-year-old actor’s trip to the centre

followed a ‘recent break’ with rock star friend and local resident Jeff Beck, who is a patron of the wildlife charity, and came just after Mr Depp won his multimillion-dollar defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Now the rescue centre has revealed that Mr Depp has also decided to become a patron of the charity.

In a social media post last week, the charity said: “Following the success of our patron Jeff Beck’s tour with his good friend Johnny Depp & Johnny’s visit to Folly to see for himself the Trust’s work with wildlife we’re very pleased to announce that Johnny has done us the great honour of agreeing to become a patron.”

RETIRED Steve Budden “We have a Woodland Trust, and it is bonkers to me that we don’t have a Meadow Trust as well.

“We are very sympathetic to the fact that there is a need for housing, with a growing population, but we have to be much cleverer.

Re-planted “Developers tend to clear an area and then start from scratch,” he said, pointing to construction projects like the crematorium, during which he said an ancient hedge had been ripped out and then re-planted but not necessarily re-established as a wildlife route.

Follow Dan’s work at TWCommons.org

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Taxi drivers break rank over price hikes

By Victoria Roberts TAXI fares have risen in Tunbridge Wells despite a spat between rival factions at the cab rank over the price hikes.

Following spiralling fuel costs, cabbie Clayton Berry who claims to represent 70 per cent of the licensed Hackney Carriages at the rank, asked the Council to increase taxi fares in April.

His proposal would have simply extended the old weekend rate to the whole week, adding 80p to every weekday fare from April 27.

The licensing committee at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council approved the proposal last month and put it out for public consultation, but rival cabbie, Shujaullah Baraki, who also claims to represent 70 per cent of drivers as Chairman of the ‘the Tunbridge Wells Hackney Carriage Association’ objected to the price hike.

He instead proposed increasing both the weekend surcharge and the week-day tariff.

Meeting again on June 13, the Licensing Committee at TWBC considered both proposals

Consultation The increased taxi fares took effect on Monday (June 27), increasing the cost of ordinary-tariff journeys by 80p, while overnight and public holiday journeys increase by £1.

TWBC’s legal team told the Times: “There is no further provision for consultation nor can the decision be appealed.”

But they added: “The Licensing Committee has, however, agreed to further review the agreed fares in six months’ time, to reflect the exceptional circumstances of the day.”

Last stop for rural bus service THE operator of rural school bus service between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, via Penshurst and Bidborough, has given notice the service will cease from September.

The axing of the 230 comes after Kent County Council’s (KCC) bus services consultation this spring. Around 55 supported bus services have been identified for reduction or closure from this summer.

Subsidised In March, an amendment, which would have transferred £2.21million from the New Homes Bonus Grant to the bus budget, ‘to ensure no

and questioned Mr Baraki, before reducing the charges he had sought in his objection including the weekend surcharge.

The decision has angered Mr Berry who told the Times: “He’s done us out of money. It should have taken effect already.”

And he slammed the new rates as too high, adding: “If these prices go through, it will kill the business.”

INCREASE Taxi fares are set to rise

subsidised bus contracts are terminated during 2022-23’ and let KCC consult communities and operators, was defeated.

Operator Autocar gave its 70-day notice last week, meaning it will expire by the new school year in September.

Having contacted Autocar about the running costs, Cllr Matthew Sankey (Speldhurst & Bidborough) said he had been waiting at bus stops to hand out letters to travelling schoolchildren and inform their families.

According to a letter received by Cllr Sankey with Autocar the rates for the service have been described as ‘not viable’ as the rate proposed from September was capped at £2.87 per

journey, meaning £5.74 per day.

The operator says it requires at ‘least another £2 per day, i.e. £7.75 per day to make the 230 service viable’.

Meanwhile, Kent ‘shopper services’ provided during the school day by the same bus and driver were also being axed, said Autocar.

Service According to Cllr Sankey, a question mark now stands over a further school service, the 288 between Groombridge and Tonbridge via Speldhurst and Bidborough.

However, when contacted by the Times, the director of Autocar, Julian Brown, would only confirm: “At the moment, the 288 is staying.”

Racially aggravated crimes rise by a fifth

By Robert Forrester CRIMES classified as racially or religiously aggravated are on the rise, with Kent Police seeing an 18 per cent increase in the offences.

According to figures published by the Home Office a total of 76,884 racially and religiously aggravated offences were recorded across England and Wales in 2021, up 15 per cent from 66,742 in 2020.

Jump Kent Police saw an even greater than average increase in the offences with the number of incidents rising by 18 per cent, from 1,465 incidents in 2020 to 1,735 in 2021.

The number of offences has been on an upwards trend since 2013, the first calendar year for which comparable data is available.

But this is the biggest percentage jump across the UK since 2017, which saw a 16 percent rise in offences that was put down to being fuelled by reaction to terrorist attacks in London and Manchester.

Independent charity Victim Support said the figures for 2021 were ‘seriously concerning’ and fit a pattern for ‘spikes in hate crime linked to world events’, while the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned that ’more still needs to be done to improve the quality of support for victims, including effective hate crime training for police forces.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said all forms of hate crime are ‘completely unacceptable – police will take, and do take, all reports seriously and we will do everything we can to investigate’.

The figures show that of the 44 forces in England and Wales, 39 reported a rise in racially and religiously aggravated offences

from 2020 to 2021, while 34 forces, including Kent Police, saw numbers last year reach a new high.

The offences – all of which are defined as hate crimes – include racially or religiously aggravated assault, harassment and criminal damage.

The Metropolitan Police recorded the highest number of these offences last year (15,394, up 2 per cent from 15,156 in 2020) followed

by West Midlands (8,019, up 57 per cent from 5,117), Greater Manchester (6,431, up 36 per cent from 4,724) and West Yorkshire (5,334, up 15 per cent from 4,642).

Damaging Chief Superintendent Amanda Tillotson, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Kent Police, said: “There is no place in society for crimes motivated by hatred towards someone because of who they are or what they believe. Kent Police takes all such incidents very seriously as they are often very damaging for victims and leave long-lasting effects.

“The increase in reports of racial and religiously-aggravated hate crimes between 2020 and 2021 reflects a national trend that can

Repeat offender jailed for NHS hospital assault

ATTACK An NHS worker was assaulted at Tunbridge Wells Hospital A WOMAN who assaulted staff at Tunbridge Wells Hospital has been jailed for seven months.

A court heard that it wasn’t the first time Rebecca Colman 28, of Station Road, Edenbridge had attacked emergency workers.

Kent Police say the latest incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, June 22, where officers were called after Colman had verbally abused a member of staff and also tried to assault him.

Nuisance

largely be attributed to a general reduction in crime due to Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020, although it is possible other global events also had an impact.

“It is however important to note that positive factors can also lead to an increase in reports, such as an improved confidence among victims to come forward. We work very hard in this regard and therefore welcome the opportunity to support more victims who may otherwise have suffered in silence.”

She continued: “Every person in Kent should feel safe to go about their daily business without being subjected to prejudicial behaviour and we will continue to play our part in providing support to victims, protecting them from harm and bringing offenders to justice.”

Colleagues intervened and also had kicks and punches aimed at them.

Colman was later charged with two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and with causing a nuisance or disturbance on NHS premises.

After appearing before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 23 and pleading guilty, she was sentenced to 240 days’ imprisonment, after it emerged she had been on a suspended sentence for previous offences against emergency workers.

District Commander for Tunbridge Wells, Chief Inspector Omid Changizi, said: “Every day police officers and hospital staff deal with unpredictable, challenging and sometimes volatile situations. However, like any other job, they should be able to perform their roles without being the subject of abuse and physical violence.

“Any assaults on emergency workers are completely unacceptable and we will not hesitate to prosecute those who put their safety at risk in this way.”

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

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Primary children hit all the right notes for singing festival’s return

IN TUNE Around 300 children rehearsed at the Assembly Hall last week

By Richard Williams HUNDREDS of primary school children gathered for the return of the biennial singing festival last week – the first since before the Covid crisis.

The return of the Tunbridge Wells Primary School Singing Festival at the Assembly Hall Theatre on June 20-21 was the 15th held in the town but the first in three years due to the pandemic.

Organisers hailed the return of the event as a ‘huge success’ with nearly 600 children from 17 local primary schools aged from eight to eleven taking part in two concerts on two consecutive nights, singing to around 1,600 parents and friends.

Jerusalem The singers had been learning the songs back at their own schools since January, but they came together for the festival under the leadership of Elisa Harrod, Director of Music at Rose Hill School.

On each night, the children learnt six songs to be sung all together and many schools also offered their own choice song as well.

The repertoire reflected the theme of ‘Songs Through the Ages’ and encompassed offerings from the stately anthem ‘Jerusalem’ right through to the barnstorming ‘Come Alive’ from

‘The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Godfrey Bland attended the concert and made a speech afterwards thanking the children and their teachers for the joyful performance’ ‘The Greatest Showman’, via Abba and World War One marching songs.

The pupils were accompanied by Alexander

Metcalfe on piano and local student Tom Fitzpatrick on drums.

On Monday, June 20 the primary aged children were joined by the Year 7 choir from Bennett Memorial School, taught by Head of Music Lisa Davies, who supported the younger pupils with solos and their own choice songs as well.

Bennett pupil Imogen Strand performed a beautiful flute solo during ‘Adiemus’ by Karl Jenkins.

On Tuesday June 21 the extra voices were supplied by The Skinners’ School Year 9 choir, conducted by Head of Music, Simon Hendry. Mr Hendry and his colleague Will Roberts played a SCHOOLS 17 local primaries were involved

harmonious viola and cello duet on Tuesday night again during ‘Adiemus’.

Also on Tuesday the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr Godfrey Bland attended the concert and made a speech afterwards thanking the children and their teachers for the joyful performance.

A number of workshops were also held during the festival

Supported

ALL AGES Children from 4-11 took part

Altogether 939 local primary school children participated in either the workshop or one of the concerts and many more came along to see their brother or sister on stage at one of the performances.

The singing festival was supported and sponsored by The Southborough and Pembury Satellite Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells, The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent Music and The Arts Council England.

The event was organised by Yvonne Smith, who is a local music teacher and Chair of the Tunbridge Wells Network of Primary School Music Teachers. Former local Head Teacher Peter Cornish, who has been involved with the festival since its inception 30 years ago was also a co-organiser for this event.

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Wednesday June 29 | 2022

Downhill racers raise thousands for charity as Soap Box returns to park All pictures Rachel Luckhurst

By Richard Williams THOUSANDS of people lined a makeshift track at the weekend as Tunbridge Wells’ annual soap box race returned for the first time in three years.

The race nearly had to be cancelled on its return following the Covid pandemic after insurers refused to back it, but it was saved at the eleventh hour by local brokers NFU Mutual.

Around 5,000 people descended on Dunorlan Park on Saturday (June 25) to see 22 businesses and six schools race their ‘pimped-up’ go karts down the specially designed course.

Charity The Race was officially opened by celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager, followed by a performance from Bloco Fogo who processioned down the track banging their drums.

The overall winner of the businesses category went to Days Garage from Edenbridge, as they steamed down the track with green smoke flowing from the back of their kart.

Second place went to Sweat-It All Stars and third place to The Epic Crew 22 (The 3H Foundation) whose kart was donated by VIP Sponsor DSL. Previous champions at the kart race, Team Mucka, was not as successful this year as they crashed out before the finish line, but they did raise £5,700 for charity.

The team’s kart was piloted by Ash Pitman,

RACE TO THE BOTTOM One of the first karts takes to the track

‘The biggest winners were local charities after the event looks set to have raised more than £25,000’ HARD ROCK Flintstones themed kart

CROWDS Around 5,000 people watched the action which was opened by Rosemary Shrager [inset]

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

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who was raising money in honour of wife and former Casualty actress, Rebecca Gibbs, who was looked after by Hospice in the Weald before she died.

Judd School won the schools’ race, followed by Skinners Kent Academy in second place and Oakley School in third.

But the biggest winners were local charities after the event looks set to have raised more than £25,000, organisers said.

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by offering last minute cover, also entered the event, with their NFU Saviours kart, and raised more than £12,000 for various charities.

Nicole Piesse Turner organiser of the race, told the Times: “The day was a phenomenal success, we couldn’t have asked for more.

“Whilst we are still adding up all the totals raised to be announced, we literally couldn’t be happier, the whole community, town, schools, racers and charities came together – we even gave a special presentation which can be viewed on our TWSoapbox Instagram page to Rosemary and Polly for all their help.

“We’re still counting up the overall raised figure on the day but we are confident we have smashed the last race’s total and if not, we have got very close to raising around £30,000. The official amount will be announced soon.

Founder The money will go to good causes including the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, whose founder Polly Taylor was seen descending down the track in the charity’s own kart, along with Hospice in the Weald, Taylor Made Dreams and Nourish Community Foodbank.

Insurers NFU Mutual, who had saved the event

Mighty “This event has been my love and passion and a love and hate project at times - but seeing the people of Tunbridge Wells all come together was fantastic. Thanks also to my amazing Chatty Hatter team. We may be small, but we are a mighty force and we could not be happier!

“With over 5,000 attending on the day, it felt like the best soapbox to date and definitely what the whole town needed.

“It was so wonderful to finally come together - at last! Roll on next year - dates to be anounced this week…so get planning teams!”

Fringe festival is back after its initial success

By Victoria Roberts AN EVENT based on Edinburgh’s famous Fringe Festival returns to Tunbridge Wells on Sunday on the back of its success last year.

TW Fringe, modelled on the world-famous Scottish capital’s arts festival, will see hundreds of events take place across Tunbridge Wells between July 4-17.

The two-week extravaganza returns to scores of venues in the town ranging from local pubs to community halls, churches, The Forum and The Pantiles. There will be a mixture of free and fee-paying attractions.

Cultural Organisers say this year will see more artists, extra performances and new venues, in a sign that the carnival can outgrow its pandemic origins and become a permanent part of the Tunbridge Wells cultural scene.

For 2022, there are some 170 events at 47 venues across the town, organiser Debbie King said.

“Last year, a lot of creatives pulled together and started looking at all the amazing people we have in Tunbridge Wells. We also needed to get people back into our businesses – all the businesses suffered as well,” recalled Debbie,

who also runs performing arts school The Talentz.

She works with Nell Price of Arty Farty, comedian Aimee Cooper, and Grace Simpson of chocolatier Goupie.

Stressing the way in which the multi-location festival brought the town together, Debbie added: “I’ve met businesses that I never would have gone into before. But it was all about hope.

“In the first year (2021), there still ended up being restrictions, but two and a half thousand people still ended up coming to see things.

And, she said, the attraction of the festival this year is its accessibility. “It’s affordable. You can go and see an awardwinning show. We’re helping businesses.

We’re helping artists.

Seeing shows offers a win-win-win all round.”

Funding from RTW

Together’s Business Improvement District – means the festival now uses local suppliers – strengthening the festival’s investment in the community, said Debbie.

“We have more venues – this year, we are working at the (1,000-seat) Assembly Hall, with the ‘Scummy Mummies’,” Debbie noted.

Other new venues include Tangier Wood, a 10-acre private woodland near The Pantiles, the Pitcher & Piano on Church Road, Britten’s Music in Grove Hill Road, and even The Chapel hairdressers, Chapel Place.

During the two-week extravaganza, acts and performers will appear across the town at venues from local pubs to community halls, churches, The Forum and The Pantiles. There will be a mixture of free and fee-p¥aying attractions.

WHAT TO SEE AT THIS YEAR’S TW FRINGE

For children • The Bubble Show. Saturday, July 2 at 11am, 2pm. Tunbridge Wells Christian Fellowship (South Site) • Cababarave! Thursday, July 14 at 2-4pm.

Pitcher & Piano Live Bands • Motor Raider. Saturday, July 16 at 6pm.

Black Horse Pub • Local singer-songwriter Biddle. Sunday, July 10 at 2pm. Brittens Music Shop Comedy • Thanyia Moore. Thursday, July 7 at 6:30pm.

Zero Waste Company, Pantiles • Scummy Mummies (Ellie Gibson & Helen Thorn). Thursday, July 15 at 7:30pm. The Assembly Hall theatre Theatre • A Midsummer Night’s Dream(ish). Friday, July 15 at 7pm. Tangier Wood • The Comedy of Errors. Sunday, July 10 at 2:30, 6:30pm. Old Auction House.

8

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Wednesday June 29 | 2022

Corporate supporters celebrate Trinity Theatre’s four decades

By Victoria Roberts SUPPORTERS of Trinity Theatre came together to celebrate the charity-run venue’s 40th birthday.

Birthday guests sipped Piña Colada cocktails from the flamingo bar before they teed off at the 1980s-themed crazy golf event.

Autumn

property and construction consultancy Gleeds was ambitious enough to enter two teams, and took the title Best Swinger.

TRINITY THEATRE

HILDEN PARK Supporters from Hilden Park Accountants getting into the swing of things

The evening offered the perfect opportunity for Trinity to update corporate partners, supporters and friends on the venue’s heritage renovation plan, which features the National Lottery Heritage Funded clocktower project.

Works are set to be complete this autumn, with the four floors and the 360-degree viewing platform opening to the public by October.

Toasts to the theatre’s future completed, Trinity’s marketing team ‘Tears For Beers’ started playing, followed by Berry & Lamberts solicitors, whose team moniker ‘MIAMI Legal AdVICE’ won Best Team Name.

‘Best-Dressed Team’ Hilden Park Accounts wore gold bomber jackets and sweatbands for their round on the indoor crazy gold course.

Meanwhile, Tunbridge Wells-based global

MIAMI LEGAL ADVICE

OVER one in five of the Kent ‘Muddy Stilettos’ awards went to Tunbridge Wells businesses, with six enterprises from the town picking up a county gong in various categories.

The lifestyle portal had shortlisted 135 Kent companies, and these regional award winners will form the shortlist for a national ‘Muddy’ award.

Awarded

THEATRE SEEKS A NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES TRINITY is also recruiting a new chair of the board of trustees, to replace Michael Stevens when his term of office ends later this year.

The chair leads a board of 12 trustees providing good governance and co-operating with the CEO and senior leadership to provide strategic direction.

The voluntary role will require approximately

Tunbridge Wells cleans up at the Muddy Stilettos

two days’ work a month, but candidates should ideally have previous experience as chair or vice-chair of an established commercial or charitable organisation.

An interest in the theatre and/or arts world is helpful but not essential, said the arts centre.

Candidates should contact hr@trinitytheatre.net.

The recruitment process closes on June 30, 2022.

Michael was previously senior partner of Cripps Pemberton Greenish, where he was a commercial real estate lawyer who acted for major investors and occupiers in the public and private sector.

He holds a number of non-executive positions throughout Kent, and is a an ambassador for the county.

Isabella Grace Bridal was named best wedding dress store, The Beacon won best wedding venue, and Once Upon A Wish Events claimed best children’s business.

In addition, Juliet’s on the High Street was named best café, The Zero Waste Company best sustainable business and Flow Yoga Studio the best yoga/Pilates studio.

Further out in the Times of Tunbridge Wells readership area, Caisters Hair Lounge in Hawkhurst was awarded best hair salon.

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Wednesday June 29 | 2022

Aspens plans ‘reverse job fair’ for the graduates of its work schemes PEMBURY-based social care charity Aspens is re-engineering job-seeking for young people with autism and learning disabilities, by organising a ‘reverse job fair’ to match them with local employers.

Young people who have been through employability courses and other life-skills initiatives through Aspens will play host to local employers at the event, held in Tonbridge’s Angel Centre on July 22.

9

New partner for the ‘world’s oldest law firm’ SUZANNE BOWMAN

Employers Unlike a traditional job fair, where employers lay out their own stand, and it is jobseekers who move between the stalls, the Aspens Reverse Job Fair features stalls hosted by the job skills students, and it is the employers and recruiters who visit them, explained the charity.

There will be stalls representing industries including hospitality, retail, IT, horticulture and animal care, allowing employers to target the students who are interested in a particular sector.

“They will be telling our attendees about the skills and experience they have gained through our employability courses and initiatives, and why they would make excellent employees for local businesses,” said the charity.

The fair’s organiser, Megan Hollamby, Aspens’ employability lead, explained: “The primary purpose of this event is to get the people we support into meaningful employment. The percentage of people on the autism spectrum or with a learning disability who are in paid employment is significantly lower than the national figure for all adults in paid employment.

BUSINESS

EMPLOYEE Graduate Katie “I want to close the gap and support people to achieve their aspirations, face less discrimination and not only promote inclusivity, but really show what a fantastic asset these individuals would be to an employer,” she said.

“We are looking for employers who want to make a difference to people in their local community by giving individuals the opportunity to thrive and be an asset to their business.”

One Aspens graduate is Katie, 27, from Tunbridge Wells, who is neurodivergent and describes herself as being autistic.

She started paid employment at Aspens’ Bluebell Café in Pembury since completing the charity’s employment initiatives two years ago.

She said: “Working at the café is amazing, it gives me a chance to meet the public. I just love it. It’s changed my life to be paid every month – I

THOMSON Snell and Passmore, the Uk’s oldest law firm, has recruited a new partner for its residential conveyancing team.

The Tunbridge Wells based company, which is mentioned in the Guinness Book of Record having been established in 1570, has hired Suzanne Bowman previously of Lewes-based Adams and Remers, who brings with her a background in heritage and listed buildings.

can save up for things that I want and buy them.

People like me should have the opportunity to have a job and get paid.”

Hospitality Aspens runs the City and Guilds Skills for Working Life qualification, which takes approximately a year, and which allows students to specialise in business areas they are interested in, for example horticulture and hospitality.

The charity also runs its own employment initiatives to help those with disabilities, complex needs and autism to find paid work.

The Reverse Job Fair will be held on Friday, July 22 at the Angel Centre, Tonbridge. Employers interested in participating in the fair can email Megan.Hollamby@aspens.org.uk

Advisor She also has a background in land and property sales and acquisitions, rural property, estate issues, rights of way, land options and developments.

Meanwhile, in the estates, tax and succession department, Simon Mitchell was named the new head of wills, estate and tax planning.

He joined the firm as a partner in 2018.

Kyle Barford, the firm’s new trusts and tax manager, is a chartered tax advisor who joined the Tunbridge Wells firm from Maidstone-based CaseWare UK, which supplies audit, financial reporting and tax software to accountants and auditors.

Mr Barford was previously a client tax manager, private client, for accountancy firm Creaseys.

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Wednesday June 29 | 2022

Nourish launches summer appeal to fight children’s ‘holiday hunger’

By Victoria Roberts

HELP Dawn Stanford and (left) Nourish’s online cereal box campaign

A CAMPAIGN to help feed children and young people in need during the school summer holidays has begun, led by Nourish Community Foodbank.

The charity’s annual Hidden Holiday Hunger Campaign targets the boroughs of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling, where, according to figures by campaign group End Child Poverty 21 per cent of children are classed as living in poverty.

This figure classifies a child living in property if the income of the household in which they live is 60 per cent below the median income, after housing costs.

WEST Kent Mind was one of eight charities in Kent to receive a £1,000 grant in funding from the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good (MFG) campaign earlier this month.

The funds are ‘unrestricted funding’, meaning charities can use the money for whatever they need, without having to make a specific proposal, explained a spokesman for the specialist financial services group, which is owned by the Benefact Trust.

This could be used to put on a residential for children, or for staffing costs – even paying the electricity bill,” added the spokesman.

“This is what charities have told us they needed,” the spokesman added.

Charities

Costs Dawn Stanford, operations director at Nourish, said: “Food poverty is often a hidden issue and, with rising fuel bills, grocery costs and inflation, the issue has escalated.

“Future predictions are forecasting a rise to 16 million people in the UK being officially classed as living in poverty by 2023, a rise of 15 per cent on pre-pandemic numbers.”

A spokeswoman for the charity added that the Hidden campaign was in addition to the foodbank’s standard food parcels, which are a three-day supply, instead of covering the six-week holiday from school.

The campaign will also feature a powerful empty cereal box advert.

This is specifically to support families with children during the long summer holidays, especially working families who have to pay for childcare and may normally be in receipt of Free

Movement for Good awards West Kent Mind £1,000 grant

School Meals so have to find money to pay for additional meals, said the spokeswoman.

“This campaign aims to provide some of those extra items to make up packed lunches and picnics to enable them to have some extra nutrition and have days out with food that all the other children have, for example picnics in parks, etc.”

People can be referred by social services, Council teams, GPs, schools, abuse charities,

Citizens Advice Bureau and other agencies.

Dawn added: “For a donation of just £15, you can help to provide a family with holiday items to supplement their basic food needs and ensure children can enjoy some of the fresh lunch bag items that other children are fortunate to have every day.”

You can donate £15 by texting HUNGER to 70560, or at NourishCommunityFoodbank.org. uk/Give-Money

Thanking Kent supporters, Mark Hews, group chief executive of Benefact Group, said: “We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

He added: “Benefact Group is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK and has an ambition to be the biggest. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the group grows, the more the group can give.”

West Kent Mind’s grant was one of 250 drawn at random from those nominated.

Charities can be re-nominated for future funding rounds, which will include 250 £1,000 grants given out in September, 120 £1,000 grants in December, and also £500,000 in larger grants later this year.

Nominations for the £1,000 awards in September are now open at MovementForGood. com

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Wednesday June 29 | 2022

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County Hall is to honour those who gave youngsters help after pandemic

By Robert Forrester KENT County Council (KCC) has opened nominations for a new award, recognising those who helped children and young people restart their pre-pandemic lives and activities.

Groups and organisations and individuals – including a special category for young volunteers – can be nominated over the next two months, and the awards will be made in early October.

The £10million Reconnect: Kent children and young people programme was launched in April

2021, and ends at the end of August this year, giving grants to projects addressing missed learning, employment and employability.

Other projects promoted wellbeing, sports and leisure, and family and community – which could include accessible travel and universal holiday offers.

Fantastic Sue Chandler, KCC’s Cabinet Member for integrated children’s services, said: “The community response to the Reconnect

programme has been overwhelming and they have created some fantastic opportunities for children and young people to reconnect to their pre-pandemic lives.

“The Reconnect Community Awards aim to shine a light on and give some well-deserved recognition to the people and organisations in Kent that have gone above and beyond to make such a positive difference to our children and young people.”

Young people can be nominated in one of seven categories, but there is a special Young Volunteer category for someone 18 or under, or

25 and under for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who has volunteered in their community and helped to support other children and young people.

The deadline for nominations is midnight on August 23, after which a panel will draw up a shortlist. Winners will be announced at a Reconnect Celebration on October 6.

Winners will be awarded a trophy and certificate, but the Outstanding Individual and Young Volunteer will both receive a voucher.

To nominate someone, search the Kent.Gov.uk website for ‘Reconnect Community Awards’.

PARALYMPIC ATHLETES RECEIVE COUNTY GRANTS TWO Tunbridge Wells athletes have been awarded £1,000 each by Kent County Council (KCC) for potential future Olympians and Paralympians.

Table tennis Paralympian Will Bayley, and swimming para-athlete Fern Sneddon were among those nominated and recognised by their sport’s national governing body to receive funding toward their training, equipment and coaching.

Will is also aiming for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

This is the 14th year that KCC has provided this support to top sports performers. Previous recipients have included double Olympian, European and World Athletics medallist Jack Green, and Steve Brown, a Paralympian and the GB wheelchair rugby captain at London 2012.

WILL BAYLEY

Liz Davidson, partnership director for Active Kent and Medway (formerly Kent Sport) said: “To be able to support athletes in their preparations for a home Commonwealth Games is fantastic.

We look forward to seeing a number of them performing in Birmingham this summer and inspiring talented young athletes across the county to follow in their footsteps.”

Active Kent and Medway is funded by Sport England and KCC. The fund is designed to assist talented Kent athletes who have been identified as having the most potential to compete and achieve at a high level, while also promoting them as positive role models.

Cllr Mike Hill, KCC cabinet member for community and regulatory services, added: “I am delighted that we are once again able to

support a number of Kent’s talented sports performers with targeted grants and hope that this support will assist them in their future ambitions to be successful at major sporting events on the international stage.”

FERN SNEDDON

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Wednesday June 29 | 2022

MCC women come out to bat for girls in Mayfield Lions offer thanks

By Victoria Roberts MAYFIELD Girls’ School cricketers had a chance to face two ex-international players during a visit by a women’s representative side from Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to the Catholic independent school earlier this month.

This is the second time the prestigious club, formerly the governing body of the game, have visited the Mayfield-based school to play two Twenty20 fixtures against the best 11-18 year-old schoolgirl cricketers.

However, Mayfield’s Head of Cricket, Emily Starr said: “It is a real honour to play the MCC and play our part in championing women’s cricket.

“The sport is now a firm favourite at Mayfield even though we introduced only it as a major sport five years ago.”

The school now has several girls in their respective age group County squads, and has been recognised by ‘The Cricketer’ magazine as one of the country's top-20 all-girls schools for cricket, over the past two years.

“A big thank you to the MCC for giving our girls this opportunity,” added Emily.

after return of fete

A CHARITABLE group in Tonbridge has offered its thanks after the return of popular fete at Tonbridge Caste.

The Tonbridge Lions Club held a Community Fete and Fun Dog Show at the castle earlier this month on Sunday June 12.

In the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Year the fete commenced at midday on the castle lawn with the 17th Tonbridge Scout & Guide Band leading the crowds with the National Anthem.

Elected

Dance

According to the school, the MCC won the toss on both occasions and elected to bat first, making the most of the warm and sunny conditions to set a tough target for Mayfield's young cricketers.

Despite some great batting performances from Lizzie (scoring 39*), Zara (35) and Flo (26), Mayfield fell just short in their run chase in both games.

This was then followed by a variety of entertainment throughout the afternoon including the Cannon School of Irish Dance, Stage Coach Theatre Company, Razamatazz Theatre School, Sunset Twirlers Majorettes, family entertainer Niki Naki Noo and vocalist Ian Fox .

The crowds also enjoyed a variety of stalls from tombola’s and traditional sideshows to stalls selling cream teas, cakes, books and toys with a number of activities for children in the ‘Kiddies Corner’.

For the first time a Fun Dog show was held in the Castle Walk area which proved to be very popular.

The crowds gathered to watch the dogs compete in various classes including Child’s Best Friend and Happiest Dog. Miles Harvey Chairman of the Organising Committee said “We are very pleased with the way the day went. The weather was perfect and we had very positive feedback from the local community.

“Tonbridge Lions Club would like to thank everyone for their support especially Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Tonbridge Air Cadets and our main sponsors Brampton Windows and Tonbridge Veterinary Surgery.”

All proceeds from the Fete will benefit local charities and good causes.

OWZAT’ Mayfield girls’ cricket side and [right and above] with the MCC players

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Wednesday June 29 | 2022

Ghislaine Maxwell could spend the rest of her life behind bars BRITISH socialite Ghislaine Maxwell is facing the rest of her life in prison for luring young girls to massage rooms to be molested by Jeffrey Epstein.

Last night as the Times went to press, the 60-year-old, who was labelled ‘dangerous’ by the prosecution during her three-week trial last year, was awaiting sentence for enticing vulnerable teenagers to the disgraced financier’s various properties for him to sexually abuse between 1994 and 2004.

Convicted Victims of Maxwell were at the court in the Southern District of New York to tell of her ‘relentless and insatiable drive to meet the sexual needs of Epstein’ and their ‘re-traumatisation’ over having to give evidence during the trial.

The socialite was convicted in December of sex trafficking minors, conspiracy to entice a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts, and conspiracy to transport a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

She was also found guilty of transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.

Maxwell’s defence attorneys sought a delay to sentencing proceedings through a motion filed on Saturday, in which they said she had been placed on ‘suicide watch’ and was ‘not permitted to possess

and review legal documents’.

Despite not being part of the indictment, the victim impact statement of the Duke of York’s accuser, Virginia Giuffre, is due to be read to the court where she says Maxwell opened the door to hell.

Prince Andrew has always strenuously denied Ms Giuffre’s allegations.

In their sentencing submissions, prosecutors urged Judge Alison Nathan to impose a sentence of between 30 and 55 years for Maxwell’s crimes.

The statutory maximum term Maxwell can serve in total is 65 years.

Maxwell’s defence counsel had attempted to distance her from Epstein, but a series of photographs showed the close relationship the pair had.

Epstein was found dead in his cell at a federal jail in Manhattan in August 2019 while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges.

The death was ruled a suicide. Maxwell has been held in a US jail since her arrest in July 2020.

Hospital admissions from Covid have risen by a third THE number of people in hospital in England who have tested positive for Covid-19 has jumped by more than a third in a week, in fresh evidence of the growing prevalence of the virus.

Some 7,822 patients in England had coronavirus on June 27, up 37% on the previous week, NHS figures show.

It is the highest total for nearly two months but is still some way below the peak of 16,600 patients during the Omicron BA.2 wave of infections earlier in the year.

The latest wave is being driven by the newer variants BA.4 and BA.5, which now make up more than half of all new Covid-19 cases in England.

Research published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests BA.5 is growing approximately 35% faster than BA.2 while BA.4 is growing 19% faster – meaning it is likely that BA.5 will soon become the dominant Covid-19 variant in the country.

There is “currently no evidence” the two variants cause more serious illness than previous variants, however.

Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA chief medical adviser, said: “It is clear that the increasing prevalence of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 are significantly increasing the case numbers we have observed in recent weeks.

“We have seen a rise in hospital admissions in line with community infections but vaccinations are continuing to keep ICU admissions and deaths at low levels.

“Our data also show that 17.5% of people aged

75 years and over have not had a vaccine within the past six months, putting them more at risk of severe disease. We urge these people in particular to get up to date.”

Positive Most hospital patients who test positive for Covid-19 are being treated primarily for something else, rather than the virus.

But they will need to be kept isolated from those patients who do not have Covid, putting extra pressure on hospital staff.

The number of people in hospital with the virus is now on an upwards trend in most parts of the country.

In Scotland, 948 patients were recorded on June 19, the latest date available, up 27% from the previous week.

Wales has seen patients jump 41% week-onweek, reaching 417 on June 24.

The trend in Northern Ireland is uncertain, with numbers rising in early June before levelling off in recent days between 320 and 340.

Figures published last week by the Office for National Statistics showed an estimated 1.7 million people in private households in the UK had Covid-19 in the week to June 18, up 23% from 1.4 million a week earlier.

The rise of 23% is lower than the 43% jump in the previous week’s figures, but it means total infections are now at levels last seen at the end of April.

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Wednesday June 29 | 2022

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THE G7 summit in Germany has drawn to a close with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and fellow world leaders condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

The gathering in Bavaria has been overshadowed by Vladimir Putin’s atrocities, including the missile strike on a packed shopping centre in Kremenchuk on Monday.

The joint statement issued by the G7 at the conclusion of the summit promised continued tough sanctions, but drew back from imposing a price cap on exports of Russian oil – something Joe Biden’s White House had pushed for.

Instead the leaders agreed only to explore the measure.

But the G7 leaders condemned ‘Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine’.

The statement said: “We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, providing the needed financial, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support in its courageous defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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Pressures The Government views the 2% figure as a “floor not a ceiling” but any further increase in defence spending would need to be balanced with the wider pressures on the public finances.

Ahead of the Nato summit, the alliance’s general secretary, Jens Stoltenberg, set out plans for a dramatic expansion in the number of personnel forming part of the high-readiness force from 40,000 to 300,000 in response to the threat posed by Russia.

Firefighters threaten to strike over 2% rise

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“We are ready to reach arrangements together with interested countries and institutions and Ukraine on sustained security commitments to help Ukraine defend itself and to secure its free and democratic future.”

The leaders of the UK, US, Canada, Japan, Germany, France and Italy promised to “continue to impose severe and enduring costs on Russia to help bring an end to this war”.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson faces a fresh row over increased defence spending as he heads to a Nato summit likely to be dominated by the need to boost military resources to counter Russia.

The Government could be forced to abandon a commitment to increase the defence budget by 0.5% above inflation, a senior source acknowledged.

With inflation set to hit 11% this year and the public finances battered by the impact of the pandemic, the source admitted the pledge made in the 2019 election manifesto might be dropped.

“The manifesto was written before £400 billion had to be spent locking people up for their own safety because of the global pandemic,” a senior

Government source said.

“There is a reality check on things that were offered in a different age which is the only reasonable thing that we can expect.”

The source said “the intention is always to honour manifesto commitments but they were made before £400 billion was spent coping with a global pandemic that none could have possibly foreseen”.

Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was reported to be pushing for a spending increase of around 20%.

The Government is committed to meeting the Nato target of spending 2% of gross domestic product – a measure of the size of the economy – on defence, with expenditure currently around 2.1%.

Mr Wallace made the call in a letter to Mr Johnson ahead of the Nato summit in Madrid, which begins with a formal dinner on Tuesday night.

A defence source did not deny the reports, saying: “We do not comment on alleged leaks.

“The Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister have always said that the Government will respond to any changes in threat which is why in 2020 the Ministry of Defence received a record defence settlement.”

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A FIREFIGHTERS’ union leader is warning of strikes after reacting angrily to a 2% pay offer.

The executive of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is recommending rejection of the offer, which it said is well below the soaring rate of inflation.

Between 2009 and 2021, firefighters’ real pay has been cut by 12%, or nearly £4,000, the FBU said.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary said: “This is utterly inadequate and would deliver a further cut in real wages to firefighters in all roles in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis.

Emergency TOTW

“This latest insulting proposal follows 12 years of government-imposed reductions in real wages.

“This proposal will anger firefighters, those working in emergency fire controls, and those in all uniformed roles in fire services across the UK. “It is galling to be insulted in this way, especially after our contribution to public safety during the pandemic.

“Firefighters will now inevitably begin to discuss reactions, including industrial action.

“The Fire Brigades Union and our members do not consider or take industrial action lightly or without ensuring that all efforts to resolve the issue have been exhausted.

“To that end, we will be writing to the national fire employers to inform them of the anger and frustration their proposal will create.

“We will also seek confirmation that they have written to and met with the Westminster fire minister to request additional funding in order to make a realistic offer which meets the urgent needs of firefighters, respects their workforce and has some prospect of being accepted by firefighters.

“Similarly, we will be writing shortly to the ministers and/or government departments responsible for fire and rescue services in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland to seek urgent additional funding to enable fire and rescue employers to make a reasonable offer.

“Our members will now begin to discuss this offer and the executive council will reconvene shortly to discuss our next steps.

“We will now consider all options, including strike action.”

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

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Arrests made after 46 Mexican migrants found dead in a lorry THREE people were in custody after 46 bodies were found in a lorry trailer containing suspected migrants on the outskirts of San Antonio.

However, police chief William McManus said it was unclear if those arrested were connected with human trafficking.

Some sixteen people were taken to hospitals after the lorry was found on a remote back road near the south-west Texas city.

A city worker at the scene was alerted to the situation by a cry for help shortly before 6pm (12am BST)on Monday, Mr McManus said, adding that officers arrived to find a body on the ground and a partially opened gate to the trailer.

Of the 16 taken to hospitals with heat-related illnesses, 12 were adults and four were children, said fire chief Charles Hood. The patients were hot to the touch and dehydrated, with the trailer lacking water or airconditioning, he said.

NEWS

17

Nazi conviction for 101-year-old A 101-YEAR-OLD man has been convicted of 3,518 counts of accessory to murder for serving at the Nazis’ Sachsenhausen concentration camp during the Second World War. The Neuruppin Regional Court sentenced him to five years in prison.

The man, who was not identified, had denied working as an SS guard at the camp and aiding and abetting the murder of thousands of prisoners.

In the trial, which opened in October, the man said that he had worked as a farm labourer near Pasewalk in north-eastern Germany during the period in question.

However, the court considered it proven that he worked at the camp on the outskirts of Berlin between 1942 and 1945 as an enlisted member of the Nazi Party’s paramilitary wing, the German news agency dpa reported.

Guard

Horrific “They were suffering from heat stroke and exhaustion,” Mr Hood said. “It was a refrigerated tractor-trailer, but there was no visible working AC unit on that rig.”

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the 46 who died had “families who were likely trying to find a better life”.

“This is nothing short of a horrific human tragedy,” Mr Nirenberg added.

Those in the trailer were part of a presumed migrant smuggling attempt into the US and the investigation was being led by Homeland Security Investigations, Mr McManus said.

International News

It may be the deadliest tragedy among thousands where people have died attempting to cross the border from Mexico in recent decades.

Ten migrants died in 2017 after being trapped inside a truck that was parked at a Walmart in San Antonio. In 2003, 19 migrants were found in a sweltering truck south-east of San Antonio.

Lorries emerged as a popular smuggling method in the early 1990s amid a surge in US border enforcement in San Diego and El Paso,

“The court has come to the conclusion that, contrary to what you claim, you worked in the concentration camp as a guard for about three years,” presiding Judge Udo Lechtermann said, according to dpa, adding that in doing so, the defendant had assisted in the terror and murder machinery of the Nazis.

“You willingly supported this mass extermination with your activity,” Judge Texas, which were then the busiest corridors for Lechtermann said. illegal crossings.

Prosecutors had based their case on documents Before that, people paid small fees to mom-and- relating to an SS guard with the man’s name, date pop operators to get them across a largely and place of birth, as well as other documents. unguarded border. As crossing became For organisational reasons, the trial was held in exponentially more difficult after the 2001 terror a gymnasium in Brandenburg/Havel, the 101-yearattacks in the US, migrants were led through more old’s place of residence. dangerous terrain and paid thousands more.

The man was only fit to stand trial to a limited Heat poses a danger, particularly when extent and was only able to participate in the trial temperatures can rise severely inside vehicles. for about two and a half hours each day.

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Education

EDUCATION Times

NEWS

Former students climb Snowdon to fundraise for Hospice in the Weald St Gregory’s girls raise funds for local charity to honour the organisation’s vital work...

FOUR former students of St Gregory’s Catholic School have successfully climbed Mount Snowdon to raise funds for Hospice in the Weald, a charity that is close to their hearts.

Chrissy, Nancy, Gemma and Mia, who all attended the school from 2010 onwards, were motivated to undertake the challenge in order to raise money for the Hospice in the Weald after it provided palliative care for Nancy’s Mum, Clare, during the last weeks of her life.

The team of girls made the eight-hour journey to Snowdonia in Wales in order to climb the mountain - despite one of the group suffering with severe asthma.

“With determination the former St Gregory’s students successfully reached the summit in just

PEAK PROGRESS Chrissy, Nancy, Gemma and Mia

‘The girls’ climb has raised an incredible £1,390 for the Hospice in the Weald’ over five hours, beating the average eight hours it normally takes,” a spokesperson for the school based in Reynolds Lane told the Times.

Their climb has raised an incredible £1,390 for the Hospice, an organisation which supports patients with terminal illness and provides emotional help to those around them.

Talking about the care her mother received, Nancy praised the Hospice saying: “They made sure she was comfortable and pain free, so that we could all make the most of her last few weeks.

“All her family and friends could visit whenever

they wanted, which she loved. They ran many different activities, which did help to make us smile during such an awful time. This included making keepsakes for us, which we still treasure to this day.”

After her mother had passed away Nancy, along with her friends, was inspired to raise money to support the hospice.

“We chose to fundraise for Hospice in the Weald because it is so vitally important that others in this position receive the love and care that my mum did.”

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Weekly Comment

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Cllr Tom Dawlings

Leader of the Conservative group at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Cllr Tom Dawlings has represented Benenden & Cranbrook at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council since 2014. Before entering local politics his career was spent with the Bank of England. He was Leader of the Council between May 2021-May 2022 and is now the leader of the Conservative group at the Council.

Actions taken in the pandemic placed the Council in a strong financial position MANAGING the Council’s finances during the Covid pandemic has been extraordinarily challenging but I have heard some ridiculously inaccurate claims about the Council’s finances from Members of the new administration.

The Council’s draft accounts for 2021-22 have now been published. These show a small revenue budget surplus was achieved which was transferred to reserves. A small revenue budget surplus was also achieved in the previous 2020-21 Covid-affected year.

Pre-pandemic that was the norm but achieving a balance budget during the Covid lockdowns was a significant achievement. A brief summation of the Council’s financial position would be that it has no borrowings and cash reserves of £32 million.

The balance sheet shows an increase of over £7m in the value of Property, Plant and Equipment to £132m. That position would be envied by most other Councils.

On the soundness of the Council’s finances, the External Auditor issued their value for money conclusion in December 2021 which provided a clean financial bill of health and did not identify any significant weaknesses in

financial sustainability, governance or in terms of achieving economy, efficiency, or effectiveness.

The report concluded that the actions taken during the pandemic placed the Council in a strong financial position and the Council had a robust financial planning process. However, like other Authorities, the report commented that the Council is under pressure to identify savings in the years ahead.

Income The Council has three main sources of income.

It retains less than 10% of the Council Tax collected (about £8.5 million) and about 4% of the Business Rates collected (about £2 million).

The major source of income (about £21 million) is from fees and charges for Council services, based on the principle of the user pays. Income from Council Tax and Business Rates held up well during the pandemic. It was the income from fees and charges that fell dramatically and during periods of lockdown monthly shortfalls of over £1million were being experienced.

For 2022-23, the Council’s budget approved in

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

February identified a £944k shortfall.

This is a very prudent budget which does not include the probable share of Business Rate growth that the Council will be permitted to retain nor the likely increase in income as we recover from the pandemic.

Two measures that certainly will provide a boost to the local economy and to the Council’s finances will be the Amelia Scott (a £21 million pound project with £9.5 million secured from grant funding) and the plans for co-working in the Town Hall. Both these projects will bring significant additional footfall to the Town Centre.

The new Cabinet will need to continually assess the services that Council is able to afford based on the level at which income levels plateau – my assessment

is that with more residents working from home income levels will probably not return to pre-pandemic levels. The Council too will be impacted by inflationary pressures.

Determining the services that can be afforded with limited income has been a fact of life for all Councils especially in the last decade – for Tunbridge Wells with the phased withdrawal of our entire Revenue Support Grant from Government (£5 million in 2011).

That was addressed by making costs savings, substantially through establishing shared services with neighbouring boroughs, whilst not reducing Council services. The challenge is to deliver more for less.

Letters

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21

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or you can write to the Editor, Times of Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

Energy price rises just require careful planning Well it's not all doom and gloom in chez Boulanger: my energy supplier: Shell, with whom we have a fixed dual fuel deal, wrote the other week and told me they'd reduced my direct debit from £90 per month to £79, though it'll all end in tears next year when the 3 year deal ends. Smug, I hear you say; not so, just very careful.

And it gets better: the government is going to give me £700, but they'll employ a civil servant to take it from me in the first place and another one to give it back.

Why don't they cut out the middlemen and let me keep PM is toast Boris Johnson is toast, or is soon to be, but I hope whoever takes his place – and I hope someone will take his place, will maintain the same vigorous prosecution of Ukraine’s case among the faint-hearted Europeans.

Hugh Masters Pembury

the money, that way they can work towards their aim of reducing Civil Service numbers.

Worst fuel price difference seen recently? The Shell garage outside Battle on the way to Hastings: £1.82 for petrol, £1.97 for diesel.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

Calverley

UKRAINE FATIGUE is something Boris has warned against as news of the war slips from the front pages. Last week, though, something happened that reminded Calverley of the fallout from the conflict. A nine-year-old Ukranian boy attends the village school having fled the bombs and missiles with his mother. He was in the playground when a low flying aircraft, possibly enroute to Gatwick, roared overhead. The boy looked up, screamed and ran sobbing into the school where he hid under his desk. Families might be rescued from the frontline: memories and fear cannot so easily be removed.

as William. Only the manager knew his real identity. On one occasion he rang the benefits office on behalf of a youngster looking for help. That was said to be ‘an education’ for the future King. It was all low key and anonymous. Friends say typical of William. No TV crews and no posed pictures. What a contrast to the headline grabbing antics of brother Harry and wife Meghan who rarely move without an entourage and camera crew from Netflix, said to be paying around £100million for their services. Thank goodness the right brother is heir to the throne. Lucky break.

EACH YEAR the Duke of Cambridge has

JERRY HALL and Rupert Murdoch are getting

Observations on life and more important things

secretly worked as a volunteer with Centrepoint, the national charity for homeless young people. He was known to staff simply

PEPPY SAYS...

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

Amelia visitor doubts I wish Edward Baker (Times, June 15) the best of luck finding a ‘haitch’, a toilet, an art gallery and a tourist information office.

Have any counsellors and promoters of the scheme ever been to an art gallery?

Who thinks that this space with glass will attract 500 thousand visitors a year as forecast?

If it does against the odds, it could result in the same number of parking tickets to balance the budget!

Victor Webb Tunbridge Wells

divorced. According to the front page of the Daily Mail, that claimed the inside story, ‘the whole world’s wondering why’ they split.

Wrong. Most people are not that interested in something that’s a private matter. But could the age difference be a factor for the breakup?

The former Texan model/actress is 65. The media tycoon is 91. Just a thought.

OFF to pick up a Domino’s pizza. It’s Mad Monday and Calverley’s feeding his clan with large pizzas at £6.99 each. (That’s one way to cut the cost of living.) Problems in the queue, though, when two teenagers proffered a crisp £10 note in payment for their takeaway.

Domino’s no longer, they were told, accepts cash in any shape or form. Horrible stuff.

Before matters got out of hand Calverley stepped in and paid for the extra pizza on his M&S card. What a guy. He declined to pose for selfies.

FINAL THOUGHT. Barristers on strike – no one really cares. Baristas on strike – disastrous.

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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Darren Austin at Synergee

Darren Austin is a director of Synergee Limited, a firm of Chartered Accountants & business advisers based in Tunbridge Wells.

If you have any questions you'd like to ask Darren he can be contacted on 01892 772960 | www.synergee.org.uk

In place of the usual Q&A, the following are some of the support packages that have I am heading to Birmingham on Wednesday afternoon The above is a great analogy for how business been made available to help businesses deal with the Coronavirus: to help my daughter move to new accommodation. I

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: HMRC will obviously know where I am starting from and where I reimburse 80% of wages paid to workers who have be want to get to, which is the information my Sat Nav laidneeds off due to the coronavirus crisis. This is capped at to plan an initial route. I will fully charge my car £2.5k per employee pergive month. which I know should me a range of 140ish miles VAT Deferral: The deferral will apply from 20 March based on likely speed and temperature (I found out to early 30 June 2020.

There is lack cold of clarity on can the Gov. with an electric cara that weather reduce as and can we cruising at 70). I havethis a list charging ukrange, website are interpreting as of payments at various services so that I have duestations by 30 June rathermotorway than quarters ended 30 June. options where stop, depending on how things This meansonthat Maytoquarter VAT Returns, where progress.

Once off, will the Sat will trackasmy payment is due byI set 7 July, stillNav be payable progress and indicate if I have taken a wrongpayable turn or if normal. Any payments deferred will become road conditions change, necessitating a new route.

I by the end of the tax year (31/3/21 Company or 5/4/21 will also keep an eye on remaining range so that I can Unincorporated) decide on the best recharging point. Hopefully, the

Income Tax Deferral: The self-assessment second flexible plan and tracking of progress will allow a payment on account, due by 31 July 2020, will be trouble-free journey. deferred to 31 January 2021. No penalties or interest will be charged.

owners should view their business journey. Having Cash Grants: A grant of £10k will automatically be great management information (accounts, key provided to all businesses currently entitled to Small performance indicators, etc.) tells you where you are Business Rates Relief. A grant of £25k can be claimed now. These need to be accurate, relevant, and timely. for businesses retail,by hospitality leisure industry The destinationinisthe defined a financialorforecast if their rateable value is between £15k and £51K.by detailing where you want to get to, broken down Business Rates Holiday: There a 12-month month.

This will be supported by is a plan showingbusiness what actions are required each of the rates holiday (Aprilto 20achieve to March 21)stage for all retail, journey (new systems, marketing, hospitality and leisureemployees, businessesservices, in England. etc.).

As you progress, the management information Time to Pay Arrangements: In addition to the is regularly updated and compared to where the forecast deferral schemes noted above, if you have outstanding indicates you should be. Variances can be considered tax liabilities (Corporation Tax, VAT or Income Tax) to check whether your implementation needs further due to coronavirus, you may be able to agree a time work or, perhaps, the plan needs amending in light of to pay arrangement. Arrangements will be agreed on changing conditions. Hopefully, having a flexible and a case by case basis. To discuss your options, contact regularly reviewed business plan will help you HMRC on 0800 0159 559. progress toward your business destination.

Further info and updates can be found here: https:// www.synergee.org.uk/press-releases/coronavirus-update

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Arts

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

arts

Trinity invites you to enter Shakespeare’s fantastical world of magic, music and mayhem From Thursday June 30 Trinity Theatre will be hosting a four-day Shakespeare takeover to celebrate the prolific work of the great Bard - and to make it more accessible to all. Eileen Leahy discovers who’ll be taking to the stage - and also the venue’s garden - over the next few days...

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE Trinity Theatre is hosting a special Shakespeare season

A

celebrate some of the Bard’s key works S ANY English student will courtesy of a variety of different theatre know, the work of William companies in the great outdoors is down to Shakespeare was never one simple reason: accessibility. written to be read and The venue’s Artistic Director Sean Turner analysed in a stuffy tells the Times: “There is nothing that is classroom or lecture hall more quintessentially British summertime setting – but instead to be seen, and most than Shakespeare in a garden - rain or importantly enjoyed, live. shine,” Sean And with that in mind Trinity Theatre, ‘We all know Shakespeare explains.

“We all know which is celebrating can be kind of intimidating, Shakespeare can be its 40th anniversary kind of intimidating, this year, has decided particularly for young particularly for young to create its own mini people so we have people so we have celebration of the world’s most famous handpicked some theatre handpicked some companies playwright by hosting companies that do things a theatre that do things a bit a Shakespeare bit differently’ differently. Each in takeover, both on their own way has stage and within its been designed to glorious grounds too. break down the barriers and make the Bard Kicking off tomorrow (Thursday June 30 of Avon’s work accessible. I cut my teeth as at 7pm) with Bring on the Bard, the mini a director working on these kinds of plays festival runs until Sunday and will include and it is nice to be able to offer a slew of fun and engaging performances including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and opportunities to the next generation of Shakespeare interpreters.”

Much Ado About Nothing.

The first show Bring on the Bard is a new The reason behind Trinity’s decision to

KIDS £7 31st July · 1.30pm

BEAT BOX OFFICE: 01892 678 678

BIG events in the HEART of Kent Have you heard? We're 40!

We are perhaps best known for theatrical productions, live music, cinema and stand-up comedy (you've GOT to get your hands on a club night ticket), but we offer the community so much more!

In our 40th year, we are almost ready to open up our clocktower; our Heritage project is near completion, and we invite you to be part of this enormous milestone in the history of our wonderful venue. We are asking for your help in the telling of our story, read on to learn about our heritage and find out how to get involved in our 40th!

trinitytheatre.net

24th Aug · 1pm & 4pm

TRINITY THEATRE

TICKETS £10+

SO. What have we got planned?

OUR 40th Anniversary Weekend! 26th - 29th AUGUST We are marking the occasion throughout the year, but we are going all out this August Bank Holiday weekend; it's fit to burst with celebration! FREE community events? We've got quite a few!

FRIDAY 24th July 1.30pm · 3.30pm

TICKETS £7+

7.30pm · £12 We've played host to some amazing talent, but we’ve also nurtured quite a bit of it ourselves!

We are showcasing the brilliant people that make this venue special with entire evening dedicated to their talents!

SATURDAY SUNDAY SUMMER FETE FREE entry 11am ~ 4pm

6.30pm ~ 10pm · £15

THE GREAT TRINITY MUCK IN

The Great Trinity Muck In asks for YOUR time and hopefully, in return, we can offer you some new skills.

Worst comes to worst – there’ll be FREE CAKE! Let’s celebrate Trinity’s past whilst protecting its future.

Our mission is to support the younger and older population in life-enhancing and life-changing activities – all with a sense of fun, and we are good at it. We really are.

Visit TRINITYTHEATRE.NET for full listings, event info and sign-up!!

BOX OFFICE: 01892 678678 · trinitytheatre.net

COMEDY · THEATRE · FAMILY EVENTS · CINEMA · CAFÉ · GALLERY · MUSIC

Arts

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

partnership between Trinity Creative Engagement, Kent County Council’s Reconnect Programme and The Shakespeare Project.

“Bring on the Bard introduces Key Stage 3 school students to the magic of Shakespeare in a cultural education project which promotes confidence and understanding. Supported by Trinity’s theatre practitioners, our partner schools have immersed themselves in a cross-curricular creative learning experience,” explains a Trinity spokesperson.

“Participating schools choose from our selection of sonnets and monologues and accessibly abridged scripts and used a specially created accompanying resource pack to prepare, then take to the stage for performances in our professional theatre to an audience of family, friends and the local community.

“This festival offers opportunities for young people to get involved behind the scenes, working with Trinity Theatre’s professional technical department on lighting, sound and stage managements, and the chance to see professional performances of Shakespeare’s plays throughout the festival period.”

25

tenth season. The group specialises in Shakespearean performance, producing UK theatre tours as well as repertoire performances for schools, festivals, dining experiences,

‘We’re breathing new life into Shakespeare’s canon of work’ weddings and private events. It was founded in 2013 by Artistic Director Stephen John and the company’s goal is to complete the entire

BARD IN THE YARD This theatrical troupe believe in taking Shakespeare off the page and into communities Following Bard in the Yard the next evening, July 3 at 7.30pm, the Players Theatre Company presents its interpretation of Twelfth Night.

Trinity’s spokesperson says this particular troupe made the cut as ‘they breathe new life into Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identity, music and love’.

The newly established and all-female company promises to pack a punch thanks to its eclectic take on this classic Shakespeare piece which is set in Illyria where multiple plots are interwoven.

Performance Bard in the Yard’s Artistic Director Victoria Gartner adds: “The past few years have been tough on all of us, but particularly on children's mental health and their access to education funding cuts mean that after two years of theatres being closed, it will be harder than ever to access Shakespeare in a playful way. So, this season, we are delighted to announce that Williams Nicolson will help us take the Bard to school yards across the country."

And it’s a project which receives high praise from Hollywood royalty Dame Helen Mirren: "Bard in the Yard is a simply wonderful project which brings Shakespeare to everyone, delivering humanity, connection and inspiration just when we need it the most. If you're looking for an unforgettable theatrical experience, I highly recommend it."

Entertainment

SUMMER OF LOVE Bowler Crab Company bring their version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Then on Saturday afternoon, July 2 at 2.30pm, Bard in the Yard will be back with The Scottish play. According to the Trinity spokesperson the plot goes a little something like this: “William Shakespeare is trying to write a new masterpiece, and has the weight of his company’s eager return to the stage on his shoulders. What’s more, Shakespeare has been sent to Scotland to write a masterpiece, but apart from meeting a witch and penning a rough draft of a speech about a dagger, he’s got nothing! The King will have his head on a stick if Will dares show his quill in London without a Scottish play.”

The afternoon’s alfresco entertainment will include a ‘roller-coaster ride’ of classic monologues and plague quarantine travails from its author and director Victoria Gartner. Once again, Dame Helen Mirren, lends her support to this particular project saying: “If you’re looking for an unforgettable theatrical experience, I highly recommend The Scottish Play.”

Bard in the Yard performs to audiences in – yes you guessed it – yards as well as schools, care homes, pubs, clubs, cafes, outdoor theatres, on jetties, in cathedrals… “All the world’s our stage, really,” they tell us.

On Saturday evening at 7.30pm Trinity audiences will be treated to an on stage performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Bowler Crab – who this year are celebrating their

Shakespearean canon.

This particular show will be Stephen’s fifth version of the A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and his latest version takes experiences and styles from all four past productions. “This show blends them into an energetic romp through Shakespeare’s most popular comedy,” he says.

The group’s theatrical style can be considered as a mixture of minimalism and traditionalism, bringing Shakespearean language to life using fresh creative perspectives on customary performance practices inspired by literary themes rather than excessive sets or special stage effects.

Find yourself among trick-some fairies, enchanted lovers and ass-heads as The Bard’s magical romantic comedy is performed in beautiful rhyming verse. It promises to be a ‘comic fairy tale with song, dance and humour galore.’

Finally on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm Trinity’s mini Shakespeare festival will wrap with Much Ado About Nothing. Shakespeare’s tangled tale will be performed by Shake-Scene - and rather intriguingly from lines and cues only - and with no group rehearsal.

“That’s how it was done in Shakespeare’s time!” laughs a Shake-Scene spokesperson. “We are the only company in the UK currently performing this way so you won’t want to miss this unique theatrical adventure!”

TICKET OFFER: Tickets and timings all differ for each performance but Times readers can buy a ticket for any two events and get 25% off.

Simply use the following code during the checkout process: BardWeekend

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Books

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

Times book reviewer

HANNAH KIRSOP

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

27

TEENAGE MEMORIES

ONE YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

Sweet Sorrow by David Nicholls

Less than Angels by Barbara Pym

Published by Hodder Paperbacks, priced £8.99

Published by Virago, priced £8.99

As the title suggests, this is a bittersweet coming-of-age novel

by David Nicholls whose well-oiled and witty style perfectly imagines this story of first love…albeit some of the language the sixteen-year-olds use is a little too slick in places for that awkward age.

Charlie Lewis, an ‘ordinary’ boy, has just left school following a less than average performance in his GCSEs, and is confronted with a summer of hanging out with his depressed and recently bankrupted dad whilst petty pilfering coupon money from his part time job at the petrol station. A chance meeting with Fran Fisher – a beautiful, erudite girl from the posh school across town – steers him on a path to an unforgettable summer, getting to grips with Shakespeare and himself.

With well-drawn characters and an engaging plot, this is a warm, sad, charming and atmospheric novel which many will find reminiscent of their teenage years, at least in part. Worth a go for a nostalgic read.

In this novel, Pym takes it upon herself again to comment on the nuances of British society through observation of a group of characters and their relationships, and – as is characteristic of Pym – wittily so this time by adopting a group of academic anthropologists in the 1950s as her subject matter.

Whether young or old, all her characters are subject to the same subtle analysis and wry commentary as she charts their loves, lives and fortunes over a short period of time.

Not one for those who crave a plot, this is a character driven novel whose stars are portrayed with affection and sympathy by Pym who knows her subject well having once worked in The African Institute in London. A relatively slow read but a quietly charming story.

8/10

7/10

The bookcase…

Here are some more reads to inspire you this week …

Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh

Briefly, A Delicious Life

by Nell Stevens

Published in hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99)

Published in hardback by Picador, priced £14.99 (ebook £8.49) There are biographies, and there are novels fictionalising real characters, imagining what might happen ‘if’. This one is truly original, as it is a brilliant mix of both. It’s written from the perspective of a dead girl, who falls in love with the real-life, eccentric writer George Sand, when she and her lover, composer Frederic Chopin, arrive in Mallorca.

Blanca may be a ghost, but her feelings are very real, as are the sights, sounds, smells, and dramas which envelop Sand, Chopin and their family, as they struggle for acceptance, creative freedom and, at times, survival.

An interesting and absorbing read with an unusual approach byusing a deceased main character. Highly recommended.

Lapvona is the latest novel from Ottessa Moshfegh, the writer of 2018’s wildly popular My Year Of Rest And Relaxation. This folk horror story represents quite the departure from her usual style; Moshfegh wrote this during the pandemic, to keep her sane.

8/10

It is about the fictional medieval village of Lapvona, with the motherless Marek as the central character. It is full of corruption, religion and depravity, and focuses on the cruelness of society and its people.

The novel is split into chapters based on the seasons, beginning with the Easter slaughter, and as the seasons pass, a plague spreads through the village. It is weird, unsettling and exciting, and Moshfegh writes like a dream – or perhaps a nightmare?

9/10

Review by Frances Wright

Review by Victoria Barry

Ghost Lover by Lisa Taddeo Published in hardback by Bloomsbury Circus, priced £16.99 (ebook £11.89) Ghost Lover is a compilation of short stories from the pen of Lisa Taddeo, with each of the nine tales exploring a different aspect of women’s sexuality. It looks at modern relationships – where a text forwarding service takes the stress and anguish out of conversing with your wannabe love, to using sex to exert dominion over your target in ‘Maid Marian’. The dark story of Grace Magorian is equally twisty and heartbreaking. Every tale has a satisfying conclusion. The power of the short story is used well here, to ramp up the desperation and the intensity of infatuation, love and grief.

Ghost Lover will be a perfect companion on the sunlounger this summer when you need a good read, but the concentration is waning for a long story.

8/10

Review by Rachel Howdle

You Are Not A Before Picture by Alex Light Published in hardback by HQ, priced £14.99 (ebook £7.99) You Are Not A Before Picture is about how to make peace with your body. Journalist-turned-influencer Alex Light opens her debut by talking about her own body struggles, which led to an eating disorder. For anyone who’s suffered from disordered eating, yoyo dieting and/or body negativity, you’re likely to nod along as she talks about things many of us can relate to; going to bed at 7pm in an attempt to stave off the hunger pangs; restarting the diet/healthy eating/ exercise plan every Monday; chewing every mouthful 32 times… There’s a lot of theory in this book, which can be a bit dull, when all you want to do is skip to the end to be given the magic formula for learning to love your body. Sadly, of course, this doesn’t really exist. There is no foolproof one-size-fits-all answer, because we are all unique. Knowledge, hard work, therapy, the right sort of social media and deconditioning can – and will – help, though. And it’s very worthwhile doing.

8/10

Review by Claire Spreadbury

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Going out

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

29

THE WAY THEY WERE [Left] The Forum team back in 2012

Music magazine gives The Forum its industry award… 10 years late Victoria Roberts reveals news on the music venue’s missing accolade and looks at some of the local events and activities set to entertain...

A

BEST Small Venue award, given to The Forum by the one of the leading authorities in the music industry, NME, has finally arrived… a decade after it was won.

The Tunbridge Wells-based music venue won its NME Award in 2012, but somehow the statuette was ‘mislaid’.

Now re-made, the bronze statuette of a fist with its middle finger extended, will find a place in the former public convenience, which owner Jason Dorman converted into a musical hub nearly 30 years ago in 1993.

Community event organiser Isobel Dorman told the Times: “It’s been fabulous to receive our NME Award in 2022, ten years after the awards ceremony. We are really grateful to NME for sending us an even better and engraved award after the original was mislaid!”

At the time of the award, 2012, The Forum was just about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, so the ten-year gap means the statuette will be in place in time for the 30th anniversary.

“It’s been rather apt timing,” said Isobel.

“It’s given us pause for thought and reflection on what has happened, changed and progressed over the last decade.

“In that time, we’ve become a Community Interest Company, made extensive improvements to the venue itself and hosted thousands of regional, national and international artists and musicians.

“In 2012, we played host to many international and national artists who were – at that time – playing small, grassroots venues, who have gone on to become household names like Warpaint, Jack Savoretti and Foals… plus bands who continue to play The Forum, like The Wedding Present, Dreadzone and Dodgy.”

Looking to the future, The Forum’s Stable Showcase Summer sessions are now on, giving the stage to new artists from Kent and East Sussex.

“From the venue’s perspective, it’s a perfect way for us to meet new artists,” said Isobel.

“Many previous Stable bands have gone on to play regular shows, including major support slots and even their own headline shows.”

THIS WEEKEND [July 1-3] Trinity Theatre is dedicated to all things Shakespeare and want you to enjoy more for less. Buy a ticket for any two events and get 25 per cent off, using code BardWeekend. Pick from ‘Bard in the Yard’, ‘Twelfth Night’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.

TWELFTH NIGHT

The Luna Cinema is set to transform the grounds of Tonbridge Castle this weekend [July 1-3] into an impressive open-air film night showcasing a superb line-up of movie classics. For a unique experience on a giant screen, visit the medieval castle on July 1 for a 9:15pm screening of Rocketman – a cinematic masterpiece that tells the epic musical story of one of the most iconic figures in pop history, Elton John.

If you’re feeling a little more romantic, book the July 3 screening at 9:15pm where Brit bookshop owner [Hugh Grant] and Hollywood movie star [Julia Roberts] fall in love as they deliver one of our all-time favourite romantic comedies, Notting Hill.

On July 1, The Childrensalon Foundation presents ‘Night at the Museum’ in aid of Porridge and Pens. From 7-11 pm, the foundation will be hosting a fundraising evening in the newly opened Amelia Scott centre. Expect an evening of food, drinks and live music where guests can try their luck at casino tables, peruse the charity pop-up shop and take part in the live auction and raffle. Tickets are £45 and all profits will go to Porridge & Pens to fund a new Girl Power centre in Ghana which will help vulnerable girls gain an education and become independent.

Westlife have announced The Wild Dreams Tour with shows running throughout summer and winter 2022 and this Friday [July 1] they are coming to Tonbridge. As one of the UK's biggest-selling groups of the 21st century, the global pop kings will be kicking off their tour at local Kent venue Hop Farm as they perform all their greatest hits along with chart-topping pop anthems.

Described as a “once in a lifetime event”, this show is not to be missed.

Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival returns! Between July 4-17 both up and coming and established acts will perform live across a variety of locations throughout town. Participating venues include traditional theatres and hotels to more quirky and unique settings. The exciting schedule includes the likes of Arty Farty’s mini puppet making and Glamazon Prime’s laugh-out-loud comedy show plus many, many more.

From 8-10 July the UK’s biggest celebration of food and music makes a comeback. Pub in the Park will bring delicious food, banging live music, and tasty drinks to Dunorlan Park throughout the three-day festival. Expect a line-up of charttopping music including singers Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Melanie C, paired with mouth-watering dishes served by 39 award-winning restaurants. And if that wasn’t enough, the Live & Cooking zone will take centre stage.

Today [June 29] charitable organisation Carers Stepping Out, are at Bewl Water ready for The Big Step Out at 10am. The non-profit frequently organises scenic, sociable and rejuvenating walks like The Big Step Out, to unpaid home carers and those they care for.

The walks aim to promote mental health and reduce loneliness as well as connect people through nature, exercise, laughter and cake. Today, the location at Bewl Water offers magnificent views and tranquillity whilst allowing participants to foster new friendships and strengthen bonds within the local community.

Perfect for the kids, Dinosaur World Live’s roar-some adventure comes direct from the West End and offers an entertaining and educational performance that will delight the whole family. Explore the world of pre-historic creatures through stunning puppetry that brings remarkably life-like dinosaurs to stage.

With one successful showing yesterday proving popular with its audience, DWL Productions are ready to perform yet again tonight [June 29] at 4:30pm at the Assembly Hall Theatre.

So, grab your compass and your map and get ready for an evening of mind-expanding adventure. And for the braver explorers, expect a special meet and greet that will take place after the show.

The Langton Green Village Fete is set to make a comeback this Saturday [July 2] after a two-year pandemic set back between 12-5 pm on The Green. This year, the annual celebration will be jubilee themed, and locals can expect a fun-fuelled schedule the whole family will love. Expect musical entertainment, an infamous dog show and a selection of delicious food carefully curated for preferences of all kinds. And don’t forget to make a pit stop at the Pimm’s and Fizz bars as well as the tea tent where you can indulge in a selection of sweet treats provided by the fabulous local bakers of the village.

For an afternoon of all things vintage, why not visit the Summer Vintage Fair at Chiddingstone Castle this Sunday [July 3]?

30

Food & Drink

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

Kent Gin Fest heads to Tonbridge Castle

food & drink

By Robert Forrester TONBRIDGE Castle has been chosen as the venue for a large two-day gin festival.

The Kent Gin Fest is one of the UK's biggest outdoor gin festival tours and is coming to Tonbridge this summer for its 2022 Kent Gin Fest on Saturday July 23 and Sunday July 24. It’ll be on from noon each day until 9pm.

With more artists to be announced, ex-lead singer of The Drifters, Ray Lewis, will be one of the main stage headliners over the weekend together with top tributes like Abba Divas.

of public interest in this festival, and this will only increase as we get nearer to the weekend itself.

"Our message is simple - secure your tickets as soon as you can."

Showcase Exhibitors include Jonomade Gin, a family-run business based in Sevenoaks, The Rum Company, situated in Tunbridge Wells, and many others from around the south-east and indeed around the world.

David said: "Kent produce is at the heart of this unique festival but we will also be showcasing gins of the world with

international culinary options to complement them.

"Our Best of the Rest zone will feature small-batch guest gins from neighbouring counties.

"There will also be craft beers on site and some local fizz for you to try.

"When you need cooling down under the July sunshine, you can even head for the Pimm’s bar.

"We will celebrate the extraordinary craftmanship of independent, Kent, British and worldwide gin distillers at this unique summer event."

Tickets are available online at: ginfestco. com

‘We have been blown away by the amount of public interest in this festival, and this will only increase as we get nearer to the weekend itself’ Some of the main attractions include three unique Gin zones – one covering local distillers, one showcasing Gins of the World, and the Best of the Rest zone with featured gins from around the UK. There is also the very best variety of locally sourced hot and cold food that Kent has to offer, and live entertainment all day with everything from up-and-coming artists through to The UK’s biggest tributes.

Organiser David Hill, CEO of E3 Events, said: "We can't wait to put on this spectacular two-day event.

"Tonbridge Castle is the most amazing venue. It has everything and really is the perfect back-drop for a gin festival.

"We have been blown away by the amount

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Food & Drink

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

31

Paul Hollywood’s sweetest treats...

‘A hybrid between choux pastry and a doughnut, these tasty treats are deep-fried like a doughnut then filled with lemon curd and whipped cream and glazed with a lemony icing,’ explains former Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood. ‘They’re the perfect combination of crisp pastry and tangy citrus flavours’.

Here the TV star shares his delicious recipe for them...

Ingredients:

For the lemon curd filling: Finely grated zest and juice of 4 lemons 190g caster sugar 100g butter, at room temperature, in pieces 3 medium eggs 1 extra egg yolk 100ml double cream, whipped For the icing: 100g icing sugar, sifted Finely grated zest of 1 lemon About 25ml water

(Makes 8) For the choux pastry: 150ml water 60g butter 60g plain flour 60g strong white bread flour 3 large eggs To cook: Sunflower oil, for deep-frying

Method: 1. First, make the lemon curd filling. Put the lemon zest and juice, sugar and butter into a heavy-based pan over a low heat and stir until the butter is fully melted then take off the heat.

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and extra yolk then whisk into the lemon mixture.

Place the pan back over a low heat and stir well for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Pass the lemon curd through a sieve into a clean bowl and allow to cool, before folding in the whipped cream.

2. To make the choux pastry, put the water and butter into a medium pan over a medium heat to melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, turn

up the heat and bring to the boil, then take off the heat. Immediately add both flours and beat well to incorporate into the liquid. Continue to beat until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the side of the pan. Leave to cool slightly, for five minutes.

3. Transfer the mixture to an electric mixer fitted with the paddle beater. With the mixer on a low speed, slowly add the beaten eggs. Once all the egg has been incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until glossy and thick. The mixture should just about hold on the end of a spoon and feel silky.

4. Cut eight 12cm squares of baking paper. Put the choux pastry into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm star nozzle and pipe a ring, 10cm in

Bake: My Best Ever Recipes For The Classics by Paul Hollywood is published by Bloomsbury Publishing, priced £26. Photography by Haarala Hamilton.

Available now. diameter, on each paper square. (Or, as a guide, you can draw a circle on the paper, then turn it over.)

5. Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or other deep, heavy pan over a medium heat to 180°C (check with a thermometer). You will need to deep-fry

your choux rings, two or three at a time: carefully lower into the oil, paper uppermost, then remove the paper with tongs. Deep-fry the rings for three to four minutes. Drain and place on a wire rack. Cut a small hole in the side of each ring to let steam out and leave to cool.

6. Once cooled, make the hole in the side of each ring larger so you can insert a small piping nozzle. Put the lemon curd filling into a piping bag fitted with a five millimetre plain nozzle and pipe into the choux rings to fill, until you meet resistance.

7. For the icing, mix the icing sugar with the lemon zest and enough water to make a glossy icing with a thick, pourable consistency. Brush over the top of each chouxnut to coat and allow to set before serving. Enjoy!

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Drink

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

33

From Marlborough, with love….

This week Times Drinks Editor James Viner turns his focus onto the ever-popular New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and reveals why it’s still one of the wine world’s record marketplace hits. Here are his three top picks that are perfect for summertime sipping

LAST year over half of all the ‘savvies’ – the UK's most valuable grape variety by far – drunk here came from New Zealand. With its long, hot sunny days and cool nights, Marlborough, the country’s dominant region (its Sauvignon Blanc accounts for over two-thirds of the entire vineyard area) delivers tantalisingly crisp, boisterously aromatic, zesty and citrusy-fresh Sauvignon Blanc.

So just in case you also have a passion for the Kiwi stuff - unlike many wine snobs, who like to hate it - then you can refresh your palate and put your mind at rest with three of the best from 2021. Here are the season’s must-buy bone-dry bottles from the grape’s heartland on the north eastern tip of the South Island… Oh and for the record, I happen to adore SB’s saporous pizzazz, especially in midsummer with a dish of Thai green curry…..

biodiversity reserve established by the Holdaways on land they own in Marlborough’s Upper Wairau Valley. Try it with tomato salads, sea bass roasted with vine tomatoes, fish and chips, Fattoush or Panzanella. Vegan approved.

Further down the aisle, Tesco’s Wairau Cove Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (£7.50) is a bosky, lighter-bodied, more everyday quaffer.

2 Classy full-bodied offering from Marlborough’s slightly drier, windier and cooler Awatere valley Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (£14.99, Waitrose, Waitrose Cellar, Sainsbury’s; 14%) Here’s a zingy, pungent, full-bodied, savvy from premium vineyards in Marlborough’s coolest, driest and windiest subregion of the

2

1

1 Vegan-friendly savvy from the stony, silty plains of the broad, flat Wairau Valley, Marlborough’s largest sub-region Mount Impey Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (£12, Tesco; 13%) Try and drink only one glass of this spot-on drink-now Sauvignon Blanc on a midsummer’s day – you’ll surely find it testing to resist helping yourself to a second! It has bright thiol-derived aromatics, all nettles, bell pepper, citrus, passionfruit, blackcurrant and mandarin. A luminous ripper and bargain of a savvy by the Holdaway family of Lowlands Wines. Mt Impey (1448m) is the highest point of a 2000ha

o t s h t n o m Six s a m t s i r h C

3

southeastern Awatere Valley. Think jalapeño, snow peas, herbs, peas and lemongrass, with a hint of tomato stalk. It has its cake and eats it too, with both fruit flavours and texture augmented. Complex yet refreshing. Pour with freshly shucked oysters (hello Sankey’s The Old Fishmarket on The Pantiles), a broad bean, feta and mint salad or pork and mango noodles.

Polished, bone dry and bursting with life. A winner.

3 Ever-classy, reliably good, quintessential Marlborough savvy that drinks well, sits well and will age well…

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (£23-£27.95, Laithwaites, Sainsbury’s, Amazon, Harrods, Jeroboams, Fortnum & Mason; 13.5%) Cloudy Bay is one of New Zealand’s most iconic premium wine estates and put the country on the map with its enthralling flavours. The first vintage of its world-famous, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc was in 1985 (the country’s first one was in 1979). Though around £25, this is still a class act and a gorgeous wine from a small but perfectly formed vintage, with restrained lemongrass, kumquat, grapefruit, passionfruit, lime, nectarine and white peach aromatics, which reverberate over a fully packed palate.

Sophisticated, delicious, quality – admittedly not a giveaway. Should be alive and kicking, if cellared well, in 15-20 years. Buy it if you can find it. Scores highly with sashimi, a seafood platter and green salads.

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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Property

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

35

property news

Average UK house price jumps by £31,000 in a year THE average house price was £31,000 higher in April than a year earlier, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

Across the UK, the typical property value in April stood at £281,000 in April, which was 12.4 per cent higher than a year earlier.

Some property professionals pointed to more recent figures indicating a softening in the housing market.

They also highlighted a nervousness about taking on debt when it is unclear when the living costs surge will start to level out.

ONS figures also released on Wednesday showed that Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose from 9 per cent in April to 9.1 per cent in May. The pace of annual house price growth accelerated in April from 9.7 per cent in March.

Increased In March, the average UK house price had been £278,000.

Average house prices in England, Scotland and Wales all hit record levels in April, the ONS said.

House prices typically increased over the year in England to £299,000 (an 11.9 per cent annual increase), in Wales to £212,000 (16.2 per cent), in Scotland to £188,000 (16.2 per cent) and in Northern Ireland to £165,000 (10.4 per cent).

The South West was the English region with the highest annual house price growth

in April, with average prices increasing by 14.1 per cent annually.

The lowest annual house price growth was in London, where average prices increased by 7.9 per cent over the year to April.

The average house price in London remained the most expensive of any region in the UK, with an average price of £530,000 in April.

Jason Tebb, chief executive officer of property search website OnTheMarket.com,

said since the ONS’s latest house price data: “Evidence of a rise in the number of new instructions means we are seeing the beginning of an inevitable rebalancing of supply and demand.”

Jeremy Leaf, a north London estate agent and a former residential chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics), said the fact the report deals with figures from a couple of months ago “means it is not yet showing the softening in

No short term lets can be served up in Wimbledon Across Wimbledon, short-term lets currently account for just 6 per cent of all rental properties available. Short-term rental availability is at its highest In Wimbledon Park at 7 per cent, falling to 5 per cent in the prestigious Wimbledon Village and 6 per cent in Wimbledon Common.

Surprise

ANYBODY looking for a short term let to enjoy the tennis this year is set for disappointment, Research by London rental platform Rentd has revealed that short let rental properties have all but evaporated from the Wimbledon rental market ahead of this year’s Grand Slam.

The London rental market has been enjoying a slow but steady return to form as tenants return to the city following a pandemic induced decline in demand. In fact, when it comes to rental stock availability there are now 47 per cent fewer homes available to rent across the capital when compared to a year ago.

Barking and Dagenham has seen the biggest reduction in stock, with available

rental properties falling by 60 per cent year on year, along with Brent (-57 per cent) and Haringey (-56 per cent).

Decline However, the same can’t quite be said for the London Borough of Merton, home to Wimbledon, where rental market stock has decreased by -36 per cent annually.

While still a notable decline, it’s the sixth smallest seen across London in the last year.

But when it comes to securing a short-term rental, tenants looking for a temporary home within arm’s reach of the All England Tennis & Croquet Club are likely to struggle.

With such a low level of short-term rental stock remaining, it’s no surprise that a fifth of short-let properties currently available on the market in Wimbledon Village and Wimbledon Common have already had a let agreed on them.

For those looking to rent a temporary rental property for this year’s Grand Slam, the average cost of a short-term rental in Merton comes in at £1,690 for 13 nights, although this is likely to be far higher the closer you get to Wimbledon itself - as founder and CEO of Rentd, Ahmed Gamal, explains.

“The short-term rental market is very much about making the most of seasonal demand and there’s nowhere that benefits to a greater extent than the Wimbledon area when the tennis world comes to town,” he said.

“Properties within close proximity of the All England Tennis Club can rent for huge premiums during these two short weeks as demand is extremely high, with the vast majority being snapped up many months in advance.

“So those looking for convenience of a centre court adjacent property to call home are likely to struggle to find one and if they do, they can be prepared to pay through the nose to secure it.”

demand picked up by other reports over the past few weeks.

“We are seeing increasing nervousness about taking on debt at a time when buyers and sellers have no real clue as to when and how the rising cost of living will start to level out.

“Nevertheless, continuing lack of choice and strong employment prospects means there is still little chance of significant price changes over the next few months at least.”

Nearly £200billion of vacant homes are sitting empty THE value of homes that are sitting empty in UK streets is nearly at the £200billion mark, research has found.

Analysis by estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, has revealed that despite the number of vacant homes across England falling by 2 per cent annually, those that remain dormant are valued at a staggering £194.3billion in the current market.

GetAgent analysed Gov.uk data on the level of vacant dwellings found across each area of England to reveal how the level of this underutilised bricks and mortar has changed year on year, as well as its total following the pandemic property market boom.

Valued Across England there are some 653,025 homes classified as vacant, 2 per cent less than there were the previous year. With the average home currently valued at £297,524, that’s a total vacant property market value just shy of £194.3million.

In fact, all but one region has seen a drop in the level of vacant homes, with the largest reduction being seen in the North East, where there are -6 per cent fewer than the previous year.

London has seen a 9 per cent increase and with the capital also home to the highest average house price (£523,665), it’s no wonder it also tops the table with the highest value of vacant homes at almost £46bnillion The South East has one of the highest levels of properties sitting empty outside London with 96,219 homes valued at £37billion.

Co-Founder of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, said: “While it seems as though some buyers have decided to cash in while the price is right, there remains a substantial number of properties lying dormant across the market. Homes that could go some way in satisfying the nation’s hunger for homeownership.”

36

Antiques

Wednesday June 29 | 2022

Keeping track with Olympic timekeeper

antiques

This week, Alexander Pushkin talks about the history of Swiss watchmakers Omega closure after the 1st world war and during the financial crisis 1975-1980, rivalry with another major player, Rolex, and competition with many prominent watchmakers.

Exposition

Alexander Pushkin

O

MEGA SA is a Swiss manufacturer of highquality watches, famous for their durability, proven by countless extreme condition tests.

When the company was just founded, it mainly specialised in assembling pocket watches from parts and details, supplied by local manufacturers. It was only in 1894, when Omega started producing its own mechanisms thanks to the development of in-house manufacturing, as well as the system, that helped run and control both processes: production and assembling.

This year turned out to be revolutionary for the company. With 800 employees and 240,000 watches annual production output, by 1903 Omega SA had become one of Switzerland’s largest watchmaking companies, as it remains now. The history of the company has many ups and downs, including the threat of bankruptcy and

Throughout its long history, the company has repeatedly become both a pioneer and a recordsman in various fields. Just to mention a few of them: the company won the Grand Prix at The Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris for its legendary design of the 'Greek Temple' pocket watch, its 'Art Nouveau' collection was awarded Grand Prix in 1906 in Milano, and in 1936 the watch by Omega won the Kew-Teddington Precision Competition with 97.8 points out of 100 and the record is

still unbeaten. Along with the already mentioned records the company’s list of achievements counts more than 90 victories in precision competitions and around 70 world accuracy records.

The name of Omega is connected with space and marine observations and explorations. It was the Omega Speedmaster watch that astronaut Buzz Aldrin had on his wrist while exploring the moon on July 20th, 1969. Neil Armstrong also had a timepiece by Omega on that day.

What is important, the Speedmaster is the only model to be certified by NASA for space travel. In addition, this model was chosen by the Russian space corporation NPO Energia for work in space, and Alexei Leonov had the Omega watch at the time of the Soyuz-Apollo docking.

Omega watches have always been compared to timepieces by Rolex, which is no surprise: these two largest luxury Swiss watchmakers are worldfamous for their items of exceptional durability and high quality. There was a time around the 1970s, when the Omega brand outsold Rolex, although its watches sold at lower prices. The experts say, this can be explained by the fact that Omega watches are as a rule more professionally focused and, which is most important, revolutionary, while Rolex

HOUSE CALLS

timepieces pay tribute to tradition, rather than innovation.

Sponsor Trusted by millions of clients and corporations all over the world, Omega has been presented in many important events and films both as a sponsor and a brand itself. Since 1995, the brand has been associated with James Bond movies, which is interesting, because before that the main character used to have timepieces by Rolex, Seiko and Pulsar on. Since 1932, Omega has been the official timekeeper for the Olympics, which is truly prestigious. It became the first company in history to time all sports disciplines. Since then, Omega has become the Official Timekeeper at the Olympic Games more than 20 times.

At Pushkin Antiques we understand how difficult it is to get your hands on a rare and discontinued Omega watch, with us there are no waiting lists, just peruse at your own leisure the watches we currently have in stock on our website: pushkinantiques.com/watches

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

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Business Motoringfeature special

30 38

Wednesday 2 | 2022 WednesdayMarch June 29

Motoring News Tonbridge Spotlight on:

Vauxhall celebrates its supermini heritage with special edition Corsa-e

VAUXHALL is celebrating 40 years of its superminis with a new limited-edition version of its electric Corsa-e.

Called the Corsa-e Anniversary Edition, it is limited to just 1,000 numbered units in the UK, with each gaining a variety of styling upgrades that are inspired by Vauxhall’s heritage.

For instance, the Anniversary Edition is available with a new ‘Record Red’ metallic exterior paint, which takes inspiration from the ‘Carmine Red’ available on the original Nova. This is contrasted by a black grille and black front and rear Vauxhall badges. All cars get 17-inch alloy wheels in gloss black

with grey inserts.

Inside, there is a ‘modern interpretation’ of the original Nova’s tartan fabric seats. All cars are accompanied by a presentation box containing four pairs of socks that are inspired by a pattern used in the Nova ST and the one in the new Corsa-e Anniversary Edition.

spot alert. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are added as well, alongside a seven-inch infotainment setup containing satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

The Corsa-e is powered by a 134bhp electric motor linked to a 50kWh battery capable of delivering up to 222-miles on a single charge. The ability to charge at speeds of up to 100kW means that an 80% charge could be conducted in as little as 30 minutes.

Available entirely online, the Corsa-e Anniversary Edition will be priced from £31,000.

This week…

New Corsa-e n Megane E-Tech prices revealed n Classic Land Rovers go EV n

Renault announces pricing for new Megane E-Tech Electric

RENAULT has announced that its new Megane E-Tech Electric will start from £35,995.

The funky electric hatchback is the first Renault to sit on a bespoke electric car platform, known as CMF-EV, while boasting a new design language for the firm and also a new Android touchscreen system.

Revealed at last year’s Munich Motor Show, Renault was set to offer two battery options and electric motor sizes, but has now confirmed that only the flagship powertrain will be offered to UK customers

Range Pairing a 60kWh battery with an electric motor producing 217bhp and 300Nm of torque, it’s able to hit 60mph in 7.3 seconds, while claiming a range of 280-miles. It can also be rapid charged at up to 130kW, which allows for 186-miles of range to be added in half an hour.

Prices kick off from £35,995 for

As the closest large town neighbour, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are sometimes confused, but as Victoria Roberts finds out, there is Sensors a lot more to theAllmarket town just a similar sounding name... cars are based on existing GSthan Line

T

vehicles, which means that they get front and rear parking sensors as standard, as well as a reversing camera and blind-

of these districts are now given over to leisure would later become Tunbridge Wells. he General Post Office changed the and residential buildings.

Tonbridge’s strategic value turned commercial name of the former town of Tunbridge From 1842, the railways made river shipping in the 18th century, when the Medway to Tonbridge in 1870 to avoid being unprofitable, and today Tonbridge’s station Navigation Company was founded, making the confused with Tunbridge Wells, remains an important junction between the river navigable to Tonbridge, which imported although many people still get the South Eastern Main Line, the Hastings Line and coal and lime and exported gunpowder, hops town locations mixed up. the Redhill–Tonbridge line. The town also lies at and timber to Maidstone and the Thames.

However, Tonbridge predates its Royal the crossroads of the A21 road between London Streets such Medway Wharf Road, Cannons neighbour than fivetocenturies. ensuring that it can stillastackle difficult A new ‘dropbyin’more kit can help easily and Hastings, and the A26 between Maidstone Wharf and New Wharf Road still show the Thanksthe toclassic the Normans’ decision to fortifyconditions. the Plus, with dual-stage convert Land Rover Defender and Newhaven on the south coast. outlines of the working river, crossing the River Medway, the town of regenerative braking, Electrogenic sayseven though many to run onof electric power.

Tonbridge first around the motte and that steep descents are more easily Developed by formed Oxfordshire-based bailey castle that still sits in kit thehas centre of the controlled.

Electrogenic, the conversion town nearly millennium ago. at the Steve Drummond, Electrogenic already beenaextensively tested co-founder, said, “This new electric famous Worthy Farm, home to the conversion kit is a really exciting Glastonbury Designed to be ‘TodayFestival.

Tonbridge’s station development for us. We do high‘maintenance free’, the system sees an antoimportant electricremains motor mounted the Defender’s specification conversions for roadwarriors, but this kit is all about giving existing clutch bell housing, meaning junction between the South an economic, sustainable that it can retain all of its original gears.

Eastern Main Line, the landowners option.

Hastings Line and the Redhill– “It’s easy to install and uses Housed Electrogenic’s proprietary technology. It Tonbridge line’ gives Land Rover Defenders – long a With 120bhp, it’s comparable in power trusty workhorse for farms up and down to the older diesel engine. Then, a Over the centuries, different 52kWh battery is housed underpowers the wouldthe country – an affordable new lease of FORMED battle in wartime, andofthe town life, reducing running costs while bonnetover andTonbridge gives just over 100-miles The town was created after the would be an important civic centre in peacetime. enhancing performance and driveability electric-only range. building of Tonbridge Castle It even hosted some theoriginal visitors going toaround that the estate.

The conversion keepsofthe has been designed to be qualified mechanic’, according iron-rich spring, five miles tosystem, the south The kit comes in at £24,000+VAT and Defender’s four-wheel-drive too,– which installed by a ‘suitably to Electrogenic.

New ‘drop in’ kit can easily convert classic Land Rover Defender to electric power...

the entry-level Equilibre, and standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital driver display and nine-inch Android touchscreen system.

The mid-range Techno starts from £38,495 and adds large 20-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, 48-colour interior lighting and adaptive cruise control.

At the top of the range is a Launch Edition model, which gets bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels, gold styling elements, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and 360-degree camera, and is priced at £39,995.

Alongside the option of fitting a home charger, which can be included in any finance arrangement, Megane E-Tech customers will also be able to access a ‘Mobilize Charge Pass’, giving easy access to more than 7,000 public EV chargers in the UK. The Renault Megane E-Tech Electric is available to pre-order now, with first deliveries expected later in the year.

RESTORING THE WORLD’S MOST ICONIC CARS

WWW.H-ENGINEERING.COM H Engineering Ltd, Little Cacketts Farm, Haymans Hill, Horsmonden, Kent, TN12 8BX info@h-engineering.com | 01892 549042

For stories not yet written...

Reading for pleasure at an early age can have fundamental positive effects on the rest of your life.

Acorn Book Club is a children’s literacy charity that collects and redistributes pre-loved children’s books across London & Kent.

If you’d like to donate books (suitable for ages 3-11), we’ll make sure they end up in the hands of those children who need them the most.

Find out more at acornbookclub.co.uk

Your nearest drop-off point is:

Langford Russell 68b High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1JR

Acorn Book Club is a UK registered charity (1184137), proudly supported by The Acorn Group.

acornbookclub.co.uk

Photo: Connie enjoying an ABC-donated book.