Times of Tonbridge 13th July 2016 by One Media

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

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THERESA MAY HOLDS HER HAND UP – NO ELECTION Page 17

CASTLE SUNSET And the band played on

PHOTO: Owen Baldock

CLASSIC FILMS ON SHOW AT OUTSIDE CINEMA IN CASTLE GROUNDS

FA CUP WINNER HELPS TONBRIDGE ENTREPRENEUR WITH A SNACK ATTACK

Page 5

RAPID RISE FOR AWARD-WINNING YOYO BOSS

Page 4

Orchestra lights up festival MUSICIANS from the Tonbridge Philharmonic Orchestra were given an ovation after they kept playing through a mystery power cut that hit their grand finale performance at Tonbridge castle. The orchestra, which was appearing as part of the ten-day Tonbridge Festival, played on to the delight of the large audience who had earlier witnessed a spectacular sunset behind the stage as they enjoyed the music. Former mayor Owen Baldock, who was

at the performance, said: “I have to give credit to the musicians and singers who were very professional in keeping going after the stage lighting went down right at the end of its Handel’s Messiah finale, just as the fireworks started.” Liz Penn, marketing manager for the festival said she was unaware of the power failure’s cause. She said: “The festival has gone really well, with good attendance at all of the events throughout the week.”

Key site for new homes is rejected by planners

Average price of property continues to soar out of reach for young families By Neill Barston

newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THERE have been major revisions to the plans for delivering up to 2,000 new homes in Tonbridge over the next 15 years. An image drawn up by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council showing potential sites for development appeared on the front of the Times of Tonbridge on 1st June 2016. It formed part of a new Local Plan being drawn up to meet the surge in demand for family homes in the area. However, the council has now rejected several key locations in Tonbridge on environmental and planning grounds including Grange Farm, off Higham Lane, which could have seen up to 1,200 properties being built. This removes a sizeable portion from the total expected number of homes from the borough’s next Local Plan, which covers a period until 2031, despite a projected need for 6,000 new properties across the

Pages 10-11

borough during that period. According to the council’s ‘Way Forward’ document, which forms the basis of the public consultation due to start in September, there are more than 15 sites actively being considered for development in Tonbridge. These include potential for up to 332 homes at Manor Farm, 300 properties at Coblands Nurseries, as well as hundreds more homes in Lower Haysden Lane. However, as council studies revealed, the area now faces

‘We need to find around 6,000 homes for the borough’ major housing challenges with average property values in Tonbridge having soared to £277,000 for a three-bedroom home, according to property website Zoopla. The borough’s figures show this is at least eight times a mid-earning Tonbridge salary of around £29,000 placing the property market out of reach for many families who then have to rely on the rented sector – which

is also under strain because of the recently introduced hike in stamp duty. As previously reported in the Times, concerns were raised by Mark Hood, of West Kent Green Party, who said the ongoing issue of serious flooding in Tonbridge posed a considerable challenge to future development. However, according to Ian Bailey, planning policy manager for Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, its teams would work with the Environment Agency to strike a balance between developing a sufficient number of properties against ensuring environmental considerations. He said: “The next stage for us now is to put together the proposed strategy which takes the best part of the principles of the initial call for sites that include existing locations that we can use as building blocks to help deliver the needs of the plan. “We need to find around 6,000 homes for the borough. We’ve looked at some of the sites such as Grange Farm and found that perhaps parts of the location are not viable, which means in Tonbridge there might be around 1,200 homes as part of the Local Plan.”

INSIDE ROCK OF AGES

German gift to town gets a makeover. Page 5

ON STAGE

Tonbridge theatre school stars in show. Page 5

GET LOST

The maize maze returns to Penshurst Place. Page 84

PROPERTY GUIDE

40 pages of the finest homes on the market. See property section

4 � LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday A mostly dry morning with sunny spells. Showers are likely later

July 13, 2016

19 C

Neill Barston

newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Visibility: Very good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 63%

Sunrise: 04.59am

Sunset: 21.10pm

Wind: 10mph

Thursday

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19ºC

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Footballer helps tackle the competitive crisp market

23ºC

Clouds over the fields of Tonbridge Send your weather pictures into... newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 EDITOR AT LARGE FRANK BALDWIN fbaldwin@markerstudy.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES GEMMA HAK ghak@markerstudy.com | 01892 779580 GENERAL INQUIRIES newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

A BOLD approach to former football hard-man turned film actor Vinnie Jones proved to be an inspired move for a Tonbridge entrepreneur. Tom Lock, the businessman behind the London Crisp Company, asked the FA Cup winner to lend his name to a special edition snack called Salt and Vinniegar and this has resulted in them putting a crunching tackle in on the snack market. His range of crisps is now attracting plenty of interest but the 26-year-old had to overcome more than a few obstacles before his hard work started to pay off. Having attracted some investment, the former Judd School pupil started to build up the company and managed to persuade supermarket chains including Waitrose and the Fuller’s pub group in London to stock his products. The London Crisp Company is celebrating its first anniversary and Tom expressed high hopes for his latest product, which came about following a chance meeting with Wales and Wimbledon midfielder Vinnie Jones through a friend. “He loves crisps, which really helped, but with his football background and London connections it just seemed like a perfect fit for us,” explained

TEAM EFFORT Boris Johnson with Tom Lock

Tom, who said it was working in his local Waitrose specialist counter as a youngster that inspired him to start in the snack industry. He is projecting that his venture will expand to a turnover of around a million pounds a year within the next 12 months. As well as Vinnie Jones, the company gained support from senior Conservative Boris Johnson when he was still Mayor of London. He became

involved in the campaign to promote Tom’s range of crisps, which represent different areas of the capital. Tom added: “Ours is a challenging industry and it is hard to gain a foothold in the crisp market. But we think we have enough of a USP to carve out a niche in the business. “We had noticed a lot of crisp companies are quite traditional in what they are doing, so we wanted to give our brand a bit of an edge with its packaging and having strong yet simple flavours, which is what we thought people were really looking for.”

Record results for Grammar School pupils HANDS UP Staff and pupils celebrate

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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tunbridge Wells we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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AN APOLOGY… Last week we published a story about the descendants of a hero of the Battle of the Somme, Lt Frank Thornely, in which we wrongly named his daughter Celia’s family as the Pearsons. Their name is Preston, and we apologise sincerely for the error.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

TONBRIDGE Grammar School is celebrating its biggest success ever, as a total of 157 pupils received their International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma qualifications. Among those achieving impressive results was Lydia Bunt, who gained the maximum score possible of 45, and will be going on to study Modern Languages at Cambridge. A further four teenagers scored 44 points including Teigan Berre, who will also go on to Cambridge to study Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Jennifer French, going

to Warwick to take Physics, as well as twins Dominic and Lucy White, with Dominic opting for Computer Science at Durham and Lucy going on to Cambridge to study Natural Sciences respectively. Half of the year group scored 38 or above, which is considered equivalent to four grades of A* at A-Level, with 85 per cent of this year’s graduates achieving an equivalent of three A* grades. Under the IB system, pupils receive their grades earlier than traditional A-Levels,

enabling them to determine their university places before the summer holidays. Tonbridge Grammar School’s Head Teacher, Rosemary Joyce, said: “These results are truly exceptional. Our students are to be congratulated for their outstanding achievement. “Not only are our students among the very best in the world academically, but we know their diploma experience has equipped them more broadly with the skills and qualities that universities and employers prize.”

LOCAL NEWS 

MP Tom gets behind Theresa as she heads for Number 10 Neil Barston

newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk TONBRIDGE & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat, who made his debut on BBC One’s Question Time programme last week, had confirmed his support for Theresa May as the next Prime Minister even before a twist in the story saw her get a firm grip on the keys to Number 10 Downing Street. Her main opponent in the race to become Britain’s second female Prime Minister had been Andrea Leadsom, a former Tonbridge Grammar School pupil. But in a dramatic turn of events on Monday, Mrs Leadsom announced that she was standing down from the contest following a newspaper interview she gave in which she was reported as saying that being a mother gave her an edge in her fight to become leader. Mr Tugendhat had previously decided not to indicate which of the five original candidates he was supporting in the initial round of the contest. Then, having been at the forefront of

the Brexit campaign, Justice Secretary Michael Gove was knocked out of the race, along with Liam Fox and Stephen Crabb. With the contest reduced to two candidates, the Tonbridge MP said he believed Home Secretary Mrs May, who backed the Remain campaign in the EU referendum, was ‘the best candidate to guide the nation’. Andrea Leadsom had rejected criticism over claims that she allegedly inflated her CV, and of her change of mind over the EU that saw her support the Leave campaign. Despite the controversies, she was popular within the grassroots of the Conservative Party. Its members had been due to vote between the two, with results announced in September. Mr Tugendhat said: “Theresa May is committed to delivering a strong, independent Britain with excellent links to our European friends and the rest of the world. She will provide the leadership our nation needs and, I am sure, reassure those who invest in our economy that the UK is very much open for business.

Friendship with German twin town is rock solid A MEMORIAL in the High Street which celebrates Tonbridge’s twinning with the German town of Heusenstamm has been restored to its former glory. A stone from Heusenstamm Castle was presented as a gift to the town 20 years ago and was laid on the lawn between the river bridge and Chequers Inn. But when it started showing signs of neglect, residents stepped in to give the site a makeover. Suzannah Niklas said: “The Heusenstamm relic is around 500 or so years old. It was dedicated by a German contingent in the 90’s along with the town’s Friendship Circle. A lot of people didn’t even know the relic was here. “We brightened it up with a flowerbed around the relic as it was a gift from our twin town and a symbol of our friendship with them.

“After what happened in the EU referendum it’s important to remember our relationships with Germany.” Rob Smith, of Pavilion flowers helped source the blooms for the new flowerbed with the Chequers Inn providing hoses for watering the display. Community gardener Fred Long said: “We just wanted to make this site right for the community and this is another welcome part of the town’s regeneration.”

ROCK OF AGES Fred Long, George and Suzannah Niklas put in the new flowers

STANDING ASIDE Andrea Leadsom, inset, Theresa May “I have also received assurances from Theresa that any decision on increased airport capacity in southeast England will be taken by the whole Cabinet. I firmly expect they will take into account the recommendations made by Sir Howard Davies in the Airports Commission’s report,” explained the MP, who added that Mrs May’s experience in government made her well placed to understand the security, economic and social pressures facing the country. During Mr Tugendhat’s first appearance on Question Time last Thursday, the former army officer, who served in the Afghan war and was stationed in Iraq when war was announced in 2003, spoke passionately about his own experiences following the publication on the Chil-

NEWS IN BRIEF

Calls for Southern Rail to be given the axe A POOR performance from Govia Thameslink, the operators of Southern Rail, should result in it losing its franchise, according to Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat. The company, which operates a line to London via Redhill, was branded among the worst for satisfaction in the latest National Rail Passenger Survey alongside Southeastern. Mr Tugendhat has met with rail minister Claire Perry and hopes a decision over Southern Rail’s franchise will be made quickly. He said: “Over the past few months the service on the Uckfield and Tonbridge to Redhill line has significantly deteriorated. “Govia Thameslink is clearly incapable of running a major rail franchise, and I would like to see it stripped of the Southern franchise immediately.”

Big screen at the castle cot report into the conflict, and tackled several crucial political issues, including whether a general election should be called. He said: “I think we have to go down the route of [EU] negotiation before we have an election, as this country needs stability so that businesses know what we are doing, so they can set up again and start recruiting. “Once we have the negotiating strategy ready, and we know what question we are actually putting to the British people, then of course it is right that they should make a choice. “Whether that’s through a second referendum or in the Government position being put before a general election, I’d much prefer a general election.”

TONBRIDGE castle is to play host once again to some classic movies as the Luna Cinema returns this month. On Friday 22, Saturday 23, and Sunday 24 July there will be open-air screenings starting with Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, followed the next day by Grease, with a finale of Back to the Future on Sunday night. They will play on a giant screen against the atmospheric backdrop of the castle. Tickets are available from: www.thelunacinema.com or 01732 770929

A fete full of fun THE Capel Fete and Friday night ‘Fete-ival’ was a real hit with residents. The two-day event saw large crowds enjoying live music, food and drink, a fairground, stalls and a traditional procession. The Friday night Fete-ival returned for its third year, with a programme of live music, a real ale bar powered by Tonbridge Brewery, a children’s film tent and barbecue.

Table tennis in park TABLE tennis enthusiasts enjoyed a free afternoon of exhibition matches, games and free professional coaching on Sunday to celebrate the official opening of two new outdoor table tennis tables at Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground. Visitors were also treated to a host of fun prize games including ‘Beat the Robot’, which fired dozens of table tennis balls at high speed. For full story and pictures see our website: www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Energetic students take to stage

Football fiesta time

ASPIRING young performers from Razzamataz Theatre School in Tonbridge took part in a special community show at the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks on Sunday. The high-energy variety show

TONBRIDGE Junior Football Club will be kicking off its annual Football Fiesta at The Racecourse Sportsground this weekend. The event is now in its 23rd year and matches will take place from 9am-6pm on Saturday and 9am-3pm on Sunday.

featured a mixed programme of music and dance. Dave Mac, Principal of Razzamataz, said: “The Tonbridge students were just brilliant, and I could not be more proud of them.”

Wednesday 13th July 2016

6  LOCAL NEWS

Schools support Somme Living Memories AROUND 150 people gathered at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery on Saturday to remember those who fell at the Battle of the Somme. Students and cadets from Skinners’, TWGGS, Skinners’ Kent Academy and St Gregory’s took part, as well as local cadet forces, army reserves and town and county dignitaries. The open-air Living Memory event at the cemetery’s Cross of Sacrifice marked the 100th anniversary of the Somme offensive. Before the service commenced, a red sash ribbon was placed on each of the 75 graves to honour those from the town who died in the First World War. They will be left there for two weeks for others to see. The event was organised by the Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery with the support of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. “It was a terrific attendance,” said Mr Peter Blackwell, of the Friends group. “I was very pleased. I didn’t expect so many people. The whole object was to have young people with us and they were here, too, in abundance.” Bob Atwood, Chairman of the Friends, said: “It is particularly striking considering so many of those who died had not long left their school years behind.” “In organising this we have also uncovered interesting stories about local people in the First World War, and we would love more families to come and help us to create a biographical record of them.” Special guests included 96-year-old Second World War hero William ‘Alf’ Hunt of Ramslye, whose father served in the First World War, as well as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Chief Executive William Benson, who laid a wreath.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

PHOTOS: David Hodgkinson

By Murray Jones

TRIBUTES FROM TODAY’S YOUNG Left: History students from Skinners’ Kent Academy with WWII Military Medal holder Alf Hunt. Below: A talented trumpeter with the St John’s Ambulance cadets

NEWS IN BRIEF

Handcraft furniture store comes to town A NEW furniture store is set to open on Calverley Road in Tunbridge Wells town centre. Indigo Furniture will be taking over the premises formerly occupied by shoe store Shoon before its sudden closure in April. Specialising in handcrafted solid wood and leather furniture, the furniture chain counts Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica EnnisHill among is customers. Due to launch in the autumn it will be the third showroom the retailer has opened alongside its stores in Matlock and Harrogate.

New home for medics ST ANDREW’S MEDICAL CENTRE in Southborough has found a home in the short term after it was evicted from its premises. The practice, which serves 8,200 people, was told it must leave its current location in St Andrew’s Court last week. But councillors and local residents’ groups have come up with a plan for the centre to be run from the Town & Country Housing Group’s Pinewood Court for up to three months. It will subsequently be located in temporary accommodation in Yew Tree Road car park.

Aid for Christian victims A CHARITY fair in Tunbridge Wells will raise money for persecuted Christians in Syria and Iraq this weekend. The event will be held in King Charles Church Hall, Warwick Park on Saturday July 16 from 10am-1pm.Proceeds will be shared between Canon Andrew White’s Fund and The Barnabus Fund.

LOCAL NEWS 

Council disputes survey HGVs for North suggesting that planning Farm may double approvals have shot up Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FLORAL CONTENDER Calverley Grounds

Park blooms for RHS competition judges By Murray Jones JUDGES from the Royal Horticultural Society were welcomed to Tunbridge Wells last week to evaluate the efforts of the Friends of Calverley Grounds (FoCG) gardening team over the past year. The visit was part of the RHS’s South & South East In Bloom competition, designed to encourage communities to band together and improve their local environment through gardening. The judges use three key areas of assessment: Horticultural achievement, and community and environmental participation. Their results are expected in September, and FoCG members are hoping their efforts will be awarded with a gold rating. The Calverley gardeners have completed a number of projects this year – including the completion of a two-year renovation of the rose terraces, with 200 new rose bushes being planted. Sue Daniels, a member of FoCG, is optimistic about the visit, telling the Times: “The judges noticed straight away that the park was now in far better shape than five years ago. “Just as important as what has been done are our plans for the future – to keep the oasis of green in the heart of town attractive, well-loved and providing something for all age groups.”

TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council has rejected figures reported in the national press last month claiming there had been an 82 per cent rise the number of planning applications accepted last year. The disputed figure was quoted in an article by the Daily Mail on June 4, in which they cited research by commercial law firm EMW showing the growth in successful planning applications in towns surrounding London far exceeded that of the capital itself. Research by the firm claimed Tunbridge Wells had the second highest number of successful applications out of the towns

PRICE SURGE London housing costs are affecting local planning

they surveyed in 2015, behind Swindon on 111 per cent. Reasons behind the surge in applications are unaffordable London house prices pushing residents out and an increasing willingness for commuters to make ever longer journeys to work, the report said. But a spokesman for the council said they ‘do not recognise’ the figure quoted, adding: “No matter how we crunch the numbers we can’t make an 82 per cent increase.” Instead, data released by the council for the Times revealed the total number of applications granted rose from 1,092 to 1,487 between 2014 and 2015 – a rise of 36 per cent. Out of all the 1,663 applications submitted, 89 per cent were given the green light. Of these, 31 were deemed ‘major’ applications – classed as a development of ten or more residential units or 1,000 sqm of commercial floor space. In addition, a total of 368 were classed as ‘minor’ – a development between one and nine residential units – while the rest were classed as ‘other’, making up the remaining 1,088 applications which were given the go-ahead.

A RECYCLING area for aggregates adjacent to the tip in North Farm Lane could be quadrupled in size. In April this year, Kent County Council granted planning permission for the ‘importation, storage and treatment of non-hazardous, inert and excavation materials’ next to the Tunbridge Wells Recycling Centre. Applicant Oaktree Environmental now wants to increase the maximum amount of material recycled per year to 172,000 tonnes, up from the currently permitted 40,000, and double the consented number of daily HGV movements to 80 from 40. Cllr Frank Williams, ward member for Sherwood, is concerned that the proposal could lead to more lorries using unsuitable residential roads during roadworks to implement the A21 Tonbridge to Pembury dualling scheme. He said: “If all recycling vehicles go to and from Longfield Road I have no objection to them expanding, but if they use Birken Road and Liptraps Lane then it will be awful for residents.” These roads currently have a 7.5-tonne weight limit that Cllr Williams says is being regularly flouted when the A21 is closed for roadworks. “I have complained and been told that Kent County Council (KCC) has agreed that the limit can be suspended during the road improvement scheme,” he added. Cllr Williams also confirmed that he has formerly lodged an objection which would come into effect if Oaktree submit a new planning application. KCC says the new development does not require an environmental impact assessment, but Oaktree Environmental would have to submit a fresh planning application. Oaktree Environmental has yet to respond to requests for a comment.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

8  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Mixed messages as firms take stock of a brave new world It will be three weeks tomorrow since the UK took the historic decision to begin a process which will see it step away from the European Union. The aftermath has seen turbulence grip the markets and a power vacuum develop at the highest levels of government. The Times talks to companies which operate in and around Tunbridge Wells about the impact on their businesses, their clients, and where it is all heading… THE BROKER Nick Crabb: Business Development and Client Services Director at Jarvis Securities AS AN execution-only stockbrokers (which means we don’t give advice) we find that volatile markets are good for our business. On the Friday following the Brexit result, we had a record day – completely smashing the previous record – in terms of deals executed by our clients. Although the market opened more than 500 points down, 74 per cent of these deals were purchases. The high volumes continued last week as well, which is very encouraging. We have also seen a sharp rise in new client accounts being opened so maybe the public have concluded that there are bargains to be had. Conversely, there are others selling as they have been ‘locked in’ for 12 months. It’s extremely difficult to predict which way the market will go in the next few weeks and months.

THE MEDIA FIRM Kim Ling: Director and Head of Buying at Allied Media Ltd WE HAVE had a couple of clients overseas that have stopped spending for the foreseeable future. They are waiting until there is more clarification to what the situation is before they decide to either spend or pull out of the UK market. But in the meantime our other clients are spending as planned. THE MORTGAGE ADVISER Steve Bassi: Owner of SPB Mortgage Consultants Ltd WE HAVE already seen a shift towards lower fixed-rate mortgages across the board, and I expect this trend to

Looking for the post-Brexit positives TWO-thirds of Kent businesses said they are confident about the year ahead despite the ongoing uncertainty caused by Brexit, a new poll has found. Conducted by accountancy firm Crowe Clark Whitehill – which has its Kent offices based in Tunbridge Wells – the survey found that 65 per cent of the 55 respondents were feeling positive about the next 12 months. The figures are in stark contrast to when the same survey was conducted in the run-up to the Referendum –it found that 67 per cent of respondents favoured remaining in the EU. Darren Rigden, a partner at the accountants, said many of those surveyed in the latest poll believed Brexit presented an ‘opportunity’ for their businesses to grow faster and will result in less red tape. He added: “Although the terms are yet to be finalised, the businesses we spoke to felt it was unlikely OPTIMISTIC there would be a Darren Rigden higher amount

Wednesday 13th July 2016

of legislation and therefore were confident opportunities would be greater. “In the lead-up to the Referendum there was a lot of uncertainty politically, socially and economically. “Those businesses that voted ‘no’ when asked if they were confident about the year ahead felt that the Referendum result had done little to appease the uncertainty. “Some said the shocks felt in both the currency and stock exchanges would take a significant amount of time to recover, and may not do so until Britain had demonstrated how it operates outside of the EU.” The picture is more optimistic in the medium term, however. Mr Rigden said: “A large number of the ‘no’ voters said that had our survey covered a period of five years rather than the next 12 months, they would have voted ‘yes’, indicating that confidence levels in businesses in Britain still remain high. “But for some this is more medium than short term.”

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

continue over the coming days and weeks, although people have to remember that we are already at very low levels so the moves will be relatively small. I have not yet seen anyone ‘pull out’ of a property transaction where a mortgage has already been offered post-Brexit, although I am hearing that there have been such instances happening elsewhere. The only noticeable difference post-Brexit for me is that the enquiry levels for purchase mortgages have dropped in the last week or so. However, the enquiries about remortgages have increased. THE RECRUITER Rhiannon Whybra: Recruitment Business Manager at Office Angels OFFICE ANGELS in Tunbridge Wells has not seen any significant changes in the local employment market since Brexit. It’s business as usual for most of our clients; companies are still recruiting and candidates continue to search for new opportunities.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES Office Angels (L to R) Melanie Harding, Rhiannon Whybra and Kirsty Smith

None of the vacancies we were working on post-Brexit has been pulled. In fact confidence is still high and we are continuously working with employers whose businesses are seeing significant growth and need additional staff to support this, both on a temporary and permanent basis. UK laws will not automatically change because of Brexit. Many EU-originated laws have been implemented in the UK via Acts of Parliament, which will remain in force until UK governments decided to amend or repeal them. Some legislative changes are perhaps more likely than others; the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) and the TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations are potential contenders for reform. THE FINANCIAL PLANNER Gary Jefferies: MD of Panoramic Wealth Management DESPITE the fact that Tunbridge Wells voted to Remain, as it is not yet an independent EU state our clients and the area will be affected by the fallout of the result. The major downside has been the slide on sterling and the true outcome of that will take longer to transpire. This could have a marked impact on the UK’s Gross Domestic Product and could result in the UK going into recession. This process could take two years to finally evolve, with the

distinct possibility of rising inflation impacting particularly those on fixed incomes. Some of our clients who are in a position to delay the timing of an investment have preferred to wait until market conditions calm down. We have only seen a slight increase in client discussions and reassurance during this time. Like most financial advisers in the UK we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, where much regulation is driven by the EU. How this finally evolves with Brexit could potentially result in a reduction in the costs of delivering financial service advice to clients, though at this stage that is difficult to predict.

THE BANKER Nick Green: Branch Manager of Handelsbanken WITH the UK electorate having made a seismic decision to leave the European Union it will have meaningful political and economic implications – not just for the UK but also for Europe and the global economy. From a local perspective we expect the residential property market to slow, as people keep their hands in their pockets and cautiously wait to see what happens. This will also be further impacted by the summer holiday period, which is now well under way and traditionally marks a slow-down. INVESTMENTS We will not see the full impact of Gary Jefferies the vote on businesses for some

time, as we remain at the very early stages of the uncharted exit process. But as we have seen in the past, uncertainty leads to nervous markets, businesses deferring investment and therefore growth decisions. In recent days we have seen increased nervousness in the commercial property sector as investors look to withdraw from some of the large property investment funds. Whether this will impact on the local commercial property sector is unknown. Some benefits have materialised, however, with longer-term interest rates reducing, which benefits borrowers looking to fix for a period of time. But this does not help investors with cash. We are in uncharted territory and there is a long way to go, but we have strong local economy and with change always comes opportunity.

CONFIDENCE Nick Green (centre) hires two new recruits, Kerri Gibbons (L) and Dan Batchelor (R)

Wednesday 13th July 2016

10  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Rapid rise for Yoyo boss What is it like to be the Managing Director of a multi award-winning digital agency while juggling a busy social life, numerous voluntary activities and raising a family? Adam Hignett talks to Jenny Kitchen of Yoyo Design and winner of the Young Business Person of the Year category at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Awards about how to run a successful enterprise by the age of 30 Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

GENERATION PLAY Staff at Yoyo Design

Wednesday 13th July 2016

FROM the outside, the office of Yoyo Design is an inauspicious building. With its entrance sandwiched between the two halves of Iceland on Calverley Road and a brutalist-looking exterior, it did not look like a building conducive to creativity. But it is a different story when stepping into the office itself – the first thing you notice is a wall filled with Lego, alongside numerous framed pictures of comics, modern art, sculptures, three hanging snowboards and a well-used chalk board which takes up an entire wall. It certainly felt like the Silicon Valley-style office I had read were so common in creative industries. I was greeted by Jenny Kitchen, whom I had come to interview, and was given a quick tour of the predominantly open-plan layout before settling down in a comfy side room with a big TV and sofas. “So why do you think you won the Young Business Person of the Year award?” I asked. “That’s a really tough question, probably because I do a lot of different things,” She replied laughing and putting an emphasis on ‘a lot’. “I joined Yoyo four and a half years ago and since then I literally haven’t stopped. “Along with my other business partners we are the type of people who are never satisfied with the work we do ourselves and are always hungry for the next thing, which means we are never resting on our laurels. “We want to create something brilliant and sustainable which will carry on for a long, long time.” The business has grown rapidly since she joined and now employs 19 staff. It hit a record turnover of £100,000 last month, of which £25,000 is profit, going a long way to achieving their

revenue target for 2016 of £1million, she said. Yoyo was actually founded in 2008 by Jan Golding, Director of Strategy, and Gregg Lawrence, the Creative Director, four years before Jenny joined. “I had worked in various marketing agencies in London and started at a company called Undercurrent for three days a week while still at UCL (University College London) studying linguistics.

‘It gave me an understanding of what it takes to build a reputation as well as how quickly it can be lost’ “Somehow I still managed to get a 2:1, but I knew from then on I wanted to go into marketing.” Despite being a very small operation, as Jenny was the sole employee of the firm – which was run by her future husband’s best friend, who also happened to be their housemate – she believes it taught her all the skills of running a marketing firm. “It gave me an understanding of all the boring stuff people forget like the accounts, banking and admin side of things, what it takes to win new business and build a reputation as well as how quickly it can be lost.” At that time she was still only 19. She continued to work for other marketing firms in London before joining forces with her by-then husband James Forage, whom she has been married to for the past ten years. It was through his work at a company called Fortune Cookie that they met Yoyo founders Gregg and Jan. Before I ask how both her and her husband came to own 25 per cent of Yoyo each, I have to ask if every creative company has to have a name which to most people sounds very bizarre. “I know,” she said, laughing, “but that is the creative world, rules and corporate-sounding things go out of the window. Could you imagine if this agency was called Lawrence-Golding-KitchenForage?” It was a fair point. I thought that I wouldn’t want my branding designed by a company which sounded more like a law firm or accountants. Realising they had complementary, but not overlapping, skill sets and a good rapport, they struck a deal to buy into Yoyo over a few drinks in The Barn pub. “We decided to go for it and the rest is history,” she said, describing the first year in which they commuted down from Tufnell Park and slept on sofas as ‘horrific’. She candidly admits that the money to invest came from her grandfather’s inheritance. But investing in any company – rather than in a house, putting it in the bank or simply spending it – is a risk, I suggested. “It was a big risk, but I knew working in the larger London agencies that there were many things I loved about the industry and wouldn’t change but there were a lot of things I didn’t like and would change. “It meant that if I wanted to be in the industry I would have to be involved in managing an agency myself.”

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

WHO ARE YOYO DESIGN? 



The present day Yoyo started in 2008 with creative directors Jan Golding and Gregg Lawrence and specialises in digital strategy, marketing, branding, user experience, web design and development. There are 19 employees who work under the slogan ‘generation play’ as everyone was born between 1977-1994 – the generation

Too much hierarchy, leading to a loss of communication with clients and their wishes through what she described as ‘Chinese whispers’ plus a lack of value for clients and rapid turnovers of staff – leading to low morale – were the parts of the London scene she wished to rectify. To this end, Yoyo operates a profit share scheme with its staff – 15 per cent of the total. It also ensures employees are regularly briefed on the direction in which the company is going so they can give feedback, and it pays for them to get their qualifications. It also offers an array of non-work activities, such as yoga, trampolining, quizzes and nights out designed to boost morale, fostering friendship among colleagues and letting them relax. As if to emphasise the point, at that moment a group of female employees passed by the glass office in which we were sitting, heading for a twohour ‘style workshop’. “It’s part of our commitment to having happy staff,” she said. So how is it that she is now the MD, the first among equals of the four directors – one of which includes her husband James, who joined at the same time as Jenny and has the title of Technical Director? “I was brought in as Client Services Director and we all had our very specific divisions. “We were all on an equal level but then about two and a half years ago we had a really frank conversation as things were not working with us all being at the same level, because there was no one person leading the direction of the business. “We sat in a room with two of our business mentors at the time and asked ‘who should it be?’ and they all turned around and pointed at me. “I was 27 and petrified, wondering if I could do it, although I knew I probably had the best skill set for the job.” Since then she has stepped back a bit from personally managing client accounts to focus on overall strategy, leaving the other directors, who she said are ‘at the top of their game’, to concentrate on the creative process. So how does she juggle having a two-year-old boy and running a business? “Lots of people say that when women have children they come back to work distracted and their priorities have changed. “And it has changed me entirely because I don’t have a huge amount of time and can’t stay late into the evening. “But I have studied every single book out there on time management to make sure I do as much as possible. I actually do more now than I ever did before.” On top of this, Jenny involves herself in a host of other activities, such as being a Digital Envoy for Kent, speaking at conferences, organising tech events and this year being a manager of TedX. Does this leave her with any free time? “My drinking habits haven’t changed,” she joked. “Yes, running a business takes up a lot of time but I never want my life to be solely on that side of things so I say yes to as many opportunities as possible – even if it means a few sleepless nights and working long hours. “But none of it I have regretted because it has either taught

which has grown up with easy access to digital technology and subsequently helped define it. 

Clients include Universal Music, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, England Athletics, Marks & Spencer, Penguin Random House and The Open University.

me something new or let me meet new people, or it’s simply fun and distracting.” But does this not get exhausting? She hesitates before saying: “Well, I am still only 30 so I guess I just find the energy to do it.” AWARD WINNER Jenny Kitchen

Young entrepreneurs TWO young entrepreneurs from Tunbridge Wells have made it into the finals for the Kent Region in a competition run by Young Start-up Talent. Serena Christie and Ben Jeffries are among five finalists who hope to win a prize fund of £50,000 worth of products and services to help launch their businesses in a ‘Dragons’ Den’-style knockout on July 21 in Maidstone. Both met with Lorraine Nugent, one of the founding partners and directors of Young Startup Talent, to receive feedback on their business plans at Trinity Theatre on July 1. Over 60,000 youngsters aged 16-25 across the south east have benefited from the advice workshops and the prize money is made up from the contributions of 140 different businesses from across the UK.

Serena said she has ‘lots to think about’ in the coming weeks, when she hopes to convince the judges – made up of prominent businessmen and women from across the county – to back her start-up Imperial Industries, which specialises in the production of cufflinks made from old British coins. Likewise, Ben said he had gained many ‘useful insights’ into the world of business and gained ‘a lot of confidence’ from the process. He is hoping to secure funding for his fledgling marketing agency Influencer, which links brands to celebrities who they can approach to promote their products on social media. The headline stars using the website include Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho and British model Amy Willerton.

Dividend hike at AdEPT as profits and revenues soar INVESTORS appeared unimpressed as shares in AdEPT Telecom closed down over five per cent the day after releasing its final results, despite recording double digit growth across the board. The Tunbridge Wells telecoms firm said its pretax profit grew to £2.8million for the year to March 31 up from £2.1million the year prior, helped by 31 per cent growth in revenue to £28.9million from £22.1million. Revenue was boosted by the company’s buyout of Centrix, the UK communications services provider in May 2015, leading to an increase in

their public and private sector customer base. Shareholders were rewarded with a 37 per cent increase in the total dividend payout, which rose to 6.50p from 4.75p the previous year. Chairman Roger Wilson said the company is ‘confident’ that continued strong cash generation would support a ‘progressive’ dividend policy, adding: “The excellent result for this year was delivered through a combination of strategic acquisition and organic contract wins, improving margins on customer contracts and maintaining high levels of operational efficiency.”

Wednesday 13th July 2016

12  LOCAL NEWS

Mismanaging the nomadic way of life can create poor relations SEPTEMBER sees the Gypsy Horse Fair take place in Horsmonden. It’s likely to attract 3,000 people and will yet again highlight ongoing issues between settled communities and travellers. Last month saw the local council left with a £4,000 bill after travellers set up an illegal camp on Tunbridge Wells Common. To find out the background to the whole matter we turned to Matthew Knight, the Senior Partner of Knights Solicitors in Tunbridge Wells. He has over 20 years’ experience of dealing with gypsies and travellers; principally for farmers, landowners and householders affected by unlawful incursions on their land, but also for local authorities seeking to manage gypsies and travellers in their area. Here’s what he told us: Tunbridge Wells has had its fair share of challenges when dealing with gypsies and travellers, and the mismanagement of this issue creates poor relations. Gypsies and travellers lead a nomadic way of life in caravans and tents and there is legislation in place to work collaboratively with the 60,000-strong community for a mutually beneficial relationship. They have been a part of the economy since at least the 16th century and were, and still are to an extent, involved in seasonal agricultural work. Labour, Coalition and Conservative governments have disagreed on how to accommodate this community in the past and this has resulted in a significant shortage of suitable pitches throughout England and Wales. As such about 20 per cent of gypsies and travellers are technically homeless (with no lawful place to station their caravans or pitch their tents). Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) have been required under the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS), a document produced by the Coalition government in 2012, to have a five-year supply of sites to meet the identified needs of gypsies and travellers ‘to ensure fair and equal treatment for travellers, in a way that

EXPERT VIEW Matthew Knight

Wednesday 13th July 2016

PARK LIFE Travellers set up camp on Tunbridge Wells Common

facilitates the traditional and nomadic way of life of travellers while respecting the interest of the settled community’. It is for the gypsies and travellers to apply for planning permission from the LPA for land that they own or control. As per paragraph five of the PPTS, LPAs must ensure they make their own assessments and work collaboratively to identify sites whilst protecting Green Belt land and sites protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives, Sites of Special Scientific Interest,

‘Police can find them difficult to deal with as they can be abusive and rude and are often reluctant to move away’ Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks and local green spaces from inappropriate development. Only in exceptional circumstances would an LPA deviate from this. Gypsies and travellers sometimes settle illegally because the time required to get planning permission can be relatively long or there are simply no sites available. In doing so they can break criminal or civil law such as, when entering a third-party site, by breaking locks (criminal damage) and trespass (entering the property without permission) and, when staying on the site, by leaving waste. Although police have powers to remove illegally settled gypsies and travellers they tend not to use them. Police can find them difficult to deal with as they can be abusive and rude and are often reluctant to move away when asked to do so. In addition, sites that are dismantled in one place often crop up elsewhere, whether that is beside a public road or on someone else’s private property. Complicating matters further is that itinerant gypsies and travellers do not have residential addresses and move around, often making it difficult to notify them of civil proceedings and to effect enforcement against them. This, however, does not excuse police inaction and they should be encouraged to use statutory powers when they are appropriate.

If gypsies and travellers illegally settle on private land this is a trespass and the owner can evict them under common law, seek damages and/or seek an injunction to prevent any further trespass. In case law it has been established that you must ask them to leave the land, after which the owner may forcibly remove them. If they have entered the land using violence or force they may be removed without previous requests. In removing trespassing gypsies and travellers reasonable, force may be used; this is a question of fact dependent on the individual case. Using excessive force can give rise to a civil claim and caution must be used. If you decide to use your common law rights you should notify the police of your intention so that they may be present to prevent any breach of the peace. It is best to make use of private bailiffs who deal with gypsies or travellers on a regular basis. Gypsies and travellers’ lifestyles lead them to face these issues regularly but this does not excuse their breaking the law. Moving forward, LPAs need to use their powers to ensure that there is space in suitable locations for gypsies and travellers to use. For example, a temporary site could be made available for use in moments of need. Ultimately this will lead to maintaining a mutually beneficial and more positive relationship between the settled and gypsy/traveller communities.

The difference Gypsies are wandering or itinerant people at one time believed to originate from Egypt but now thought to have come from the north-western part of the Indian sub-continent. They have been present in England since at least the 16th century. Gypsies are also known as Romanies and they used to speak a separate language or dialect called Romany. Travellers were originally homeless people living in Ireland whose wandering status originated from dispossession initially associated with the English plantation of Ulster, but also with the economic and social changes arising from the Civil War. Irish travellers tended to stay in Ireland and it is believed that they started to travel to Wales, Scotland and England in the 19th century – perhaps as a result of the potato famine.

COMMUNITY NEWS 

A really outstanding result Pupils and staff celebrate Ofsted report

SEVEN-YEAR HIGH Pupils mark the occasion THE SKINNERS’ KENT ACADEMY achieved its first ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted this week. The school, seen above celebrating how far it had come in seven years, is now rated higher than some local grammars. The report commended the school’s high-quality curriculum, which ‘helps

pupils grow into self-confident, inquiring and resilient learners’. But Principal Matthew Tompkins insisted the school will not rest on its laurels, saying: “We will get even better in the years to come as we embark on the next stage of our exciting journey.”

A chance for smaller charities to receive £1,000 donation… OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

TIME is running out to win £1,000 for your local charity. This newspaper has teamed up with the Vodafone store in Tunbridge Wells to find a worthy recipient for this donation. We are looking to help one of the smaller organisations in the area for whom £1,000 could make all the difference. The winning cause could be anything from a new oven for a kitchen that feeds homeless people to books to help young people learning to read. Polly Taylor is co-founder of one of the most successful charities in the area, Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in Tunbridge Wells. She told the Times: “This is a wonderful idea because £1,000 can make such a difference to small charities or ones that are just starting out. “It’s lovely to recognise the important role these organisations play in the life of our town. I wish all of those who enter lots of luck.” The funding forms part of the Vodafone Community Connection Awards, which was launched nationwide in 2014 to mark the ongoing expansion of the telecoms company. Previous winners of £1,000 have included Homestart in Broadstairs, which connects volunteers with families whose children are going through times of stress, and Brixington Lunch Club in Devon, which offers a social environment for the elderly, among others. Robert Apps, Vodafone’s Store Manager in Tunbridge Wells, said: “We’re delighted to team up with the Times of Tunbridge Wells and the Times of Tonbridge to offer the award. “We’re keen to play our part as members of the local community and we know there are some really deserving causes out there, working hard to make a difference – we hope they will put themselves forward.”

THE CRITERIA… Any charity that wants to be considered must meet the following five criteria:  It should be a local charity that makes a significant impact on the local community  It cannot be a personal or individual plight, nor a government-funded organisation  The award must also be for a specific project or purpose, rather than just to cover operating costs  The award must be stand-alone rather than form any part of a larger contribution or bigger appeal  Nominees must have a registered charity number HOW TO ENTER… All you have to do is send us full details of your charity, with its registered number. Those details must tell us when the charity was founded, who runs it, why it was established and what approximately its annual income stands at. And in no more than 100 words tell us why you feel your charity should receive £1,000 and what you will do with the money. Closing date for entries is Friday July 22, 2016 Entries should be sent to: Charity Award Times of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge 16 Lonsdale Gardens Tunbridge Wells TN1 1NU You can also email the details to: info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk The winner will be chosen by the Times and Vodafone. Their decision will be final.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

14  COMMUNITY NEWS

Roll up for the Bronze medal for Hadlow Circuit of Kent florists and carnival man INSPIRED by the Tour de France? Or just itching to get out in your Lycra? The Circuit of Kent bike race wants to recruit cyclists to take part on Sunday September 4. More than 750 riders are set to participate in the Circuit Of Kent Cyclo Sportive, which is organised by The Rotary Club of Sevenoaks Amherst. Now in its 19th year, the race has raised more than £500,000 for Hospice in the Weald, Macmillan and other charities.

‘All the rides are along quiet roads’ There are three options: 130km, 80km and a new 40km route. All the rides are along quiet roads which are clearly arrowed or marshalled. If you can collect £100 of sponsorship, you will be entitled to receive a cycle jersey. Corporate teams are also encouraged to take part in this not-for-profit event. Local businesses can also lend their support by sponsoring elements of the race from £500. Entry costs £30. You can register online at www.kentcyclosportive.co.uk

FOUR Hadlow College students have won a bronze medal for floristry at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Ruth Fagg, Linda Pope, Megan Roxburgh and Lily Grundy won the award for their design, which was based on a theme of carnival. The college’s Broadview Gardens hold the Royal Horticultural Society’s national collections of hellebores and Japanese anemones. They are maintained by the students, who have previously won Best Show Garden at Hampton Court and a gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show as well as being named RHS Chelsea Floristry College of the Year for 2015.

FLORAL FOUR (L to R): Bronze winners Ruth Fagg, Linda Pope, Megan Roxburgh and Lily Grundy

Endurance football to help child refugees

WINNING TEAM Captain Amanda Mehlin and colleagues

Wednesday 13th July 2016

PEDAL POWER Competitors tackle Carter’s Hill in last year’s Circuit of Kent

STUDENTS at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys are staging a 24-hour football match to raise money for Save the Children to help refugees. The pupils have been inspired to perform the marathon feat after being moved by the appalling conditions endured by young refugees around the world. Year 12 student Thomas Burbelly, who organised the contest, said: “We have seen on the news the impact of war and natural disasters on children and how they have to flee their country, moving into camps with little shelter, and little food and water. “We want to improve their quality of life and living conditions by helping Save the Children provide tents and blankets as well as food and water to the child refugees to keep them warm and prevent them becoming malnourished.” The match will start tomorrow (July 14) at 2pm, featuring 35 children playing five-a-side matches lasting 30 minutes each. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/twgsbfootballmatch

STICK MAN Arrangement with a carnival theme

Larrytech tee off for charity golf THE WINNER of the Creative Business of the Year category in the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Awards is hosting a charity golf event in aid of palliative care provider ellenor. Web development agency Larrytech will be hosting the event at the Nevill Golf Club in Tunbridge Wells on September 16. Director Larry Hardcastle said: “We are a local business, with many of our team educated in the West Kent area, so we thought that this would be a fantastic way to give back to our local community. “It also gives other businesses in the county the chance to come and support ellenor while building relationships with like-minded professionals in a relaxed, fun environment.” Rachel Holweger, Director of Fundraising for ellenor, said the charity was ‘delighted’ with the event, saying: “One child or young person is newly referred to our children’s service every single week and we know there are other families we could be helping too. So fundraisers such as this are vital.”

CLUB TOGETHER Larrytech directors Doug Rubashow (L) and James Blacklee (R) with Angela Ward of ellenor at the Nevill Golf Club in Tunbridge Wells

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16  COMMUNITY NEWS

The community café that feels more like Cheers than a church Murray Jones

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MANNA CAFÉ, which offers sandwiches, cakes and coffee on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells, is a business with a difference – it is not designed to make a profit. And any money they do make is sent directly to poverty relief projects in the Mathare Valley, Kenya, one of the biggest slums in the country. However, while he is a supporter of the charitable activity, the real drive for café volunteer Alex Whittle is much closer to home.

TALK SHOP Customers enjoy the atmosphere

Wednesday 13th July 2016

“What really motivates us is looking after people. It’s more important to have a well-run, welcoming space than to make lots of money,” he tells the Times. “If we were motivated by money, we’d have half the staff, the cakes would be a pound extra and we’d be hassling people to spend more.

‘There’s no pressure for mums to buy anything’ “We are a business, but with a heart.” And it’s clear, from when you first walk in seeing staff and customers sharing banter over the counter, that this approach has developed a real sense of community. The café is physically attached to Christ Church, but exists as a separate limited company which pays rent to the church, and Alex insists: “We are not here to evangelise. “It was very church-based about two years ago, whereas working here today, for example, no one is from the church. We are appealing to a much wider audience now. “We have such a range of characters here. It’s more like Cheers than a church club.” It is this cultivation of an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere that attracts regular visitors, especially mothers with young children.

CAFÉ CULTURE (L to R): Janet Lindsay, Patricia Fuller, Alex Whittle, Ioseu Vidal, Ignacio Hormaechea and Valentin Onitu The ‘Manna Mums’ “The idea all started with my wife,” Alex reveals. “She felt there was nowhere in town she could go with our children without feeling pressured to leave as soon as she finished her drink. “We wanted to provide that space so we have pretty much dedicated a whole corner for mothers with young children. There is no pressure for them to buy anything.” The next step Now the team at Manna, made up of two paid staff and 20 volunteers, want to start operating outside the café, with plans to introduce a takeaway and delivery service. However, that might be a while off as funds for various bits of equipment will take some time to

raise. As Alex admits: “Some costs are ridiculous! Our small chiller that just displays sandwiches cost £5,000. Can you believe it? Luckily we have lots of suppliers that give us a really fair deal when they know we’re non-profit.” While Alex runs his own successful photography company next door to the café, he always finds himself popping in, explaining: “It’s just such a unique space in town. It’s like an Italian piazza – there’s no one here at the beginning, then the kids start running about, someone might get out a guitar… Sometimes it’s mad, sometimes it’s formal, but life is always brought here by our customers.” Manna is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5pm, and Saturday, 9am to 5pm Visit: www.mannatw.co.uk

NATIONAL NEWS 

Cameron goes out with a bang SENIOR colleagues bade David Cameron a fond farewell after his 215th and final Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street yesterday (Tuesday). The Prime Minister told ministers of the honour and pleasure he felt at having served over the past six years. And he received tributes from his successor, Theresa May, and Chancellor George Osborne for his achievements in office. Ministers responded with four rounds of banging on the table – the traditional Westminster alternative to applause – before Mr Cameron set off on his last trip as PM to a free school in west London. Mr Cameron told colleagues that over the 215 meetings he has chaired, ministers had discussed more than 900 items of government business, with the PM himself personally leading the discussion on over 150 of those. Mr Cameron described the efforts being made to improve the prospects of disadvantaged children as ‘a prime example of the way the government he had led had worked to do more for those that have the least’, adding that it would be for Mrs May to take the work forward and publish the strategy. He recalled that one of his most memorable moments as PM was being winched on board the nuclear submarine HMS Victorious off the coast of Scotland in 2013. Mr Cameron thanked his successor Mrs May for the support and friendship he had received and said she was the right person to lead the country wisely through difficult times ahead. The new Conservative leader said that her predecessor had ‘always put the country first’.

May content to bide her time despite calls for General Election OPPOSITION parties may be clamoring for a General Election but Theresa May has made clear she is in no hurry to go to the country. While some at Westminster have urged her to seek her own mandate, the new Prime Ministerin-waiting, who moves into Number 10 today (Wednesday) appears to have concluded voters are in no mood for another round of politicking after the prolonged referendum campaign. Constitutionally, she is entitled simply to take up where David Cameron leaves off as long as she can continue to command a majority in the House of Commons. Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, the next election is not due to take place until 2020 unless the government loses a vote of no confidence or there is a vote by MPs with a two-thirds majority in favour of holding an early election. However, opposition MPs have complained that she lacks an electoral mandate of her own, particularly as she has signalled that she intends to pursue

significantly different policies from Mr Cameron in some areas. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said it was ‘simply inconceivable’ that Mrs May should be crowned leader without even having had a proper election within her own party. “The Conservatives must not be allowed to ignore the electorate. Their mandate is shattered and lies in ruins. Britain deserves better than this Tory stitch-up,” he said. On the Conservative side, some have argued that with Labour weak and divided, it is the ideal moment for an election which could leave the main opposition party shattered. Most, however, would appear to agree with the MOVING IN veteran former Cabinet Theresa May minister Ken Clarke, who said there was no appetite in the country for an election and that there were other priorities for Mrs May and her new team as they grapple with the fall-out from the vote to leave the EU. “After the last month or two of campaigning, the idea of now having a general election – you’ll have the entire public protesting,” he told the BBC.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Prehistoric farm found under South Downs AERIAL laser scanning to discover the archaeological secrets under an area of ancient woodland have revealed prehistoric farming on ‘an astonishing scale’. The discovery of large-scale farming from before the Roman invasion in the South Downs National Park in Sussex suggests a degree of civilisation closer to ancient Greece, Egypt or Rome than what is known of prehistoric Britain, archaeologists said. ‘Lidar’ surveying of a wider area of the national park has also unearthed a Roman road which has been speculated about for decades, experts said.

Ready for take-off A REVOLUTIONARY British space plane engine that could turn science fiction into fact may be test fired in just four years following an £8million boost from the European Space Agency (ESA). The Sabre (Synergistic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine), being developed by Reaction Engines Ltd in Oxfordshire, would enable craft to be reused, allowing routine access to space.

Tax to cut violence A SMALL alcohol tax could cut A&E visits caused by violent injury by more than 6,000 a year, says research by Cardiff University. Putting a duty of 1 per cent above inflation on drinks could be more effective than a minimum price for a unit of alcohol, it says.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

18  NATIONAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Southern under more pressure – from Mayor LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan has called on the Government to strip Southern Railway services of its franchise, saying he is appalled at the ‘unceasing misery’ being inflicted on passengers. He urged the Department for Transport to take temporary responsibility for operating the services, which have also been hit by a dispute between the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and Southern. The company, owned by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), began using a revised timetable on Monday which has cut 341 trains a day from the timetable.

Flight cost info attacked MORE than a third of passengers believe airlines are making it harder to find the total cost of a flight, according to a new survey by TripAdvisor, which has just launched a new airline review section on its website. Its poll of 4,497 UK consumers also found that 38 per cent think information on in-flight amenities such as WiFi or entertainment is not very accessible, while 32 per cent named seat selection as the most annoying extra charge.

No Johnson appeal FORMER England Footballer Adam Johnson, aged 28, who was jailed for six years for engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old fan, has been refused permission to appeal against his conviction and sentence.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

Corbyn calls for calm after Chef’s son too attack on leadership rival hungover to

UNDER ATTACK Angela Eagle’s office in Wallasey. Inset, Jeremy Corbyn JEREMY CORBYN appealed for calm after a brick was thrown through a window of the Wallasey constituency office used by Labour leadership challenger Angela Eagle. The Labour leader said he was extremely concerned that Ms Eagle had been the victim of a threatening act and there should be no place for violence in politics. Mr Corbyn revealed he has also received death threats and urged party members to treat each other with ‘respect and dignity’. Ms Eagle, a former shadow business secretary, has denied that she is too emotional to lead the country. During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme she admitted to ‘shedding a little tear’ after walking out of the Shadow Cabinet in protest at Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, but insisted politicians were

entitled to display emotion. Unions warned Labour against a ‘sordid fix’ to remove Jeremy Corbyn as the party’s ruling committee met yesterday [Tuesday] to decide whether he will have an automatic place on the ballot paper in the upcoming leadership contest. Unite trade union General Secretary Len McCluskey said it would be ‘alien to the concept of natural justice’ if Mr Corbyn was blocked from defending his position. Mr Corbyn cancelled a planned speech at a Unite conference in Brighton in order to attend a crunch meeting of the National Executive Committee, which was set to rule on whether the leader needed the nominations of 51 MPs and MEPs to stand in the contest triggered by the leadership challenge from Ms Eagle. The NEC had been presented with conflicting legal advice over Mr Corbyn’s position, with Labour-commissioned analysis stating that he would need the nominations, but Unite-backed advice from Michael Mansfield QC concluding that he would not because he is a sitting leader. As we went to press, before the meeting ended, the battle looked as though it may end up in court.

appear in court THE estranged wife of celebrity chef Marco Pierre White has been cleared of assault after son Marco Jr was ‘too hungover’ to give evidence against her. Matilde White [pictured below], who is separated from their father Marco and known by her maiden name Conejero, was accused of attacking her adult sons, Luciano and Marco Jr. The trial collapsed after both Luciano and Marco Jr failed to attend Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court yesterday [Tuesday], where they were due to give evidence. Marco Jr, who recently appeared on TV’s Big Brother, told police he was ‘too hungover’ to attend after apparently going out partying. Police were unable to make contact with Luciano. District Judge Deborah Wright dismissed the case after prosecutor Katie Weiss offered no evidence. Michael Smith, defending, said Marco Jr’s attitude to the criminal justice system was ‘utterly outrageous’. White, 51, of Chiswick High Road, London, was formally cleared of two counts of common assault by beating. She denied the charges and claimed she was acting in self-defence during the incident on September 20 last year.

NATIONAL BUSINESS NEWS �

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Sales unacceptable declares M&S chief MARKS & SPENCER’S Chief Executive, Steve Rowe, said the retail giant is facing more ‘tough decisions’ while speaking to shareholders at Wembley Stadium this week. He branded the performance of its clothing and home arm ‘unacceptable’ after like-forlike sales plummeted 8.9 per cent. The company plans to cut premium pay for Sundays, Bank Holidays and anti-social hours for close to 7,000 people, while 11,000 workers will be impacted by cuts to pension contributions.

CBE for entrepreneur JACQUELINE GOLD, the Chief Executive of Ann Summers, who introduced sex toys to the UK’s high street, is to receive a CBE at Windsor Castle. The 55-year-old will be awarded the honour for her services to entrepreneurship, women in business and social enterprise by Princess Anne, who is leading the ceremony. The mother-of-one is reportedly the 16th richest women in the country, with an estimated fortune of £250million.

Boeing deal confirmed THE WORLD’S largest tourism group Tui, which owns the Thomson and First Choice brands, announced an order for 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and one 787-9 Dreamliner at Farnborough International Airshow on Tuesday. The deal has been valued at $1.4billion (£1.1billion).

Dairy farm dilemma ONE IN 10 dairy farms in England and Wales have closed in the last three years, according to new figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). The number of farms has fallen by 1,000 since June 2013.

Cinema chain sold THE ODEON & UCI cinema chain has been sold by Guy Hands’ private equity vehicle Terra Firma to US firm AMC Entertainment for £921million.

Company bosses demand clarity on rights of EU nationals in UK BUSINESS leaders have urged new Prime Minister Theresa May to swiftly confirm the long-term residency rights of EU nationals working in Britain’s manufacturing heartland. The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, which represents more than 3,000 firms, estimates that almost 200,000 people from other EU countries live in the West Midlands. Welcoming the swift conclusion to the Tory leadership contest, the business group’s Chief Executive, Paul Faulkner, said: “Like many across the country, we have been calling for unity, clarity and strong leadership in recent weeks. “It will be up to Theresa May to deliver unity,

both in Parliament and across our communities, and the strong leadership our nation needs.” Urging Mrs May to deliver clarity on a host of key issues, including the long-term rights of EU nationals living in the UK, Mr Faulkner said: “They, and the businesses which employ many of them, need swift confirmation of their long-term residence rights as soon as possible to end the uncertainty they are living and working in. “In addition, we would welcome further affirmation that critical housing, road, rail, energy and digital schemes, whether regional or national in scope, will push ahead as planned.” Describing the recent political upheavals as

‘near unprecedented’ in modern times, the business leader has also urged those who are calling for a snap General Election to pause and take stock. Mr Faulkner added: “We need both the government and the opposition to be in a position where they can clearly set out their stalls on their vision and priorities for the UK during negotiations and post-Brexit before it can be a helpful exercise. “More than that, we need a period of stability and certainty to help set the course of the UK’s future. That being said, there are questions we need urgent answers to.”

Chancellor intervened in HSBC probe says US A US report has claimed the UK’s Financial Services Authority ‘hampered’ an official investigation into money-laundering allegations against banking giant HSBC and that Chancellor George Osborne sought to influence the inquiry. ACCUSED George Osborne

HSBC was not prosecuted over the allegations in the US because officials were concerned it would cause a global financial disaster, according to the report. The bank was instead fined £1.2billion by the US authorities in 2012 in a settlement.

The report, ‘Too big to jail: Inside the Obama Justice Department’s decision not to hold Wall Street accountable’, names Mr Osborne as having intervened in the US investigation by sending a letter in September 2012 to the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. It says: “Chancellor Osborne insinuated in his letter of September 10th that the US was unfairly targeting UK banks by seeking settlements that were significantly higher than ‘comparable’ settlements with US banks.” The report, compiled by Republican staff of the Committee on Financial Services in the US House of Representatives, said in its executive summary: “The involvement of the United Kingdom’s Financial Services Authority in the US government’s investigations and enforcement actions relating to HSBC, a Britishdomiciled institution, appears to have hampered the US government’s investigations and influenced DOJ’s decision not to prosecute HSBC.” Bank of England governor Mark Carney told MPs in a Treasury Select Committee hearing that he was not involved in or aware of any alleged intervention in the HSBC case.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

20 � WORLD NEWS

Prisoner kills two in court gunfight A PRISONER trying to escape from a Michigan court used a gun he had taken from an officer to kill two bailiffs and injured two more people before being shot dead. People scrambled for cover inside Berrien County Courthouse in St Joseph, about 100 miles north east of Chicago. Larry Gordon, aged 44, who was in custody facing several felony charges, was being moved from a cell for a court appearance on Monday when a fight broke out and he was able to disarm an officer. The prisoner briefly took hostages before trying to escape through a door. During the resulting gun battle Gordon shot and killed Joseph Zangaro, aged 61, and Ronald Kienzle, aged 63. He also shot sheriff’s deputy James Atterberry, aged 41, and a woman civilian was hit by a bullet in the arm. Gordon was finally shot dead by two other bailiffs. Mr Atterberry is in a stable condition at Lakeland Hospital, following surgery on his arm. Mr Zangaro, who was head of court security, had retired from the Michigan State Police as commander of the Bridgman Post in Berrien County.

Mr Kienzle retired as a sergeant with the Benton Township police after serving in the US Army. Both had been employed by the court for more than a decade. “Our hearts are torn apart. I have known both for over 30 years. It’s a sad day,” said Sheriff Paul Bailey. The Sheriff added that it did not appear that Gordon was handcuffed and authorities had no warning signs that he would be violent. Gordon’s ex-wife, Jessica Gordon, said in an interview with the local media that he was probably trying to escape to see his family. She said he was not a monster but ‘an amazing man that got mixed up with the wrong people’. Ms Gordon said they divorced earlier this year but he remained close with his six-year-old daughter. She said she spoke with him on Sunday and had no indication he was planning an attack. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder cut short a visit to Midland and travelled across the state to St Joseph to meet investigators and victims’ families. Mr Snyder described the incident as a ‘terrible day in a wonderful community’.

WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF

Around the world Market bombing Privacy protected A RUSSIAN took off in his hot-air balloon from the Australian Outback this week in an attempt to break a 19,000 mile non-stop round-the-world record. Fedor Konyukhov launched the 170ft balloon from the same field outside Northam in Western Australia state where the late American adventurer Steve Fossett started his 2002 circumnavigation of the globe. Mr Konyukhov, 65, hopes to complete the journey in a cramped gondola in less than the 13 days set by Fossett.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

AT LEAST 11 people have been killed and another 32 injured in a suicide bombing at an outdoor market in Baghdad. The blast came as Iraqi Government forces deployed across much of the capital in preparation for a major military parade later this week. The attack yesterday [Tuesday], using an explosivesladen pick-up truck, follows two large-scale attacks last week by the so-called Islamic State group, in which more than 300 people were killed.

THE US and European Union have announced a new data privacy agreement which EU regulators say will impose stricter obligations on American companies to safeguard the personal data of individuals. The Privacy Shield accord, which takes effect immediately, was announced in Brussels. The new system comes after the European Court of Justice ruled in October 2015 that the previous Safe Harbor agreement governing trans-Atlantic data flows was invalid.

NEW CHALLENGE Hillary Clinton

Congressmen pursue Clinton REPUBLICAN politicians have formally asked the US Justice Department to investigate Hillary Clinton and determine whether she lied to Congress in a fresh challenge certain to unsettle the Democratic presidential candidate. The Republican Party was furious that the FBI decided against pressing charges against Mrs Clinton over her handling of classified information when she relied on a private email server for government business during her tenure as Secretary of State. Congressmen Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the oversight panel, and Bob Goodlatte, head of the judiciary committee, said in a letter that ‘evidence collected by the FBI during its investigation of Secretary Clinton’s use of a personal email system appears to directly contradict several aspects of her sworn testimony’. “In the light of those contradictions, the department should investigate and determine

whether to prosecute Secretary Clinton for violating statutes that prohibit perjury and false statements to Congress, or any other relevant statutes,” the congressmen wrote. In evidence to the House of Representatives’ Benghazi panel last October, Mrs Clinton said she never sent or received emails marked as classified when she served as Secretary of State. She has also said she only used one mobile device for emails and turned over all her work-related emails to the State Department. FBI director James Comey said there were no grounds to prosecute Mrs Clinton, but did acknowledge that she and her aides had been ‘extremely careless’ in their handling of classified information. The Republicans are now waiting for a response from the Justice Department, although referrals from Congress do not automatically result in fullyfledged investigations.

SPORTS NEWS �

SPORT IN BRIEF

Henry turns down Arsenal job for TV THIERRY HENRY has left his coaching role at former club Arsenal to remain a TV pundit. The France striker had worked with the Gunners’ academy players last season while earning his UEFA A Licence, and was offered the role of Under-18s coach. But the 38 year old, who works for Sky Sports, was told by the club’s manager Arsène Wenger that he would have to step down from his television duties. Former Arsenal captain Tony Adams is now understood to be returning to the club on a permanent basis. He underwent heart surgery last year and has been working with Arsenal’s Under-18s.

Spurs sign prolific striker TOTTENHAM have signed AZ Alkmaar striker Vincent Janssen for a fee of £17million. The 22-year-old Dutchman, who has signed a four-year deal, was top scorer in the Eredivisie last season with 27 goals in 34 appearances. He also has five full caps for Holland and scored against England in his country’s 2-1 win at Wembley in March. This summer Spurs have already signed the defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama from Southampton.

Bolt holds off injury fears USAIN BOLT has been included in Jamaica’s squad for the Rio Olympics this summer despite injury concerns. The six-time Olympic champion suffered a hamstring tear at his country’s national trials at the start of July. The 29 year old, who will defend his 100m, 200m and 4x100m medals in Brazil this summer, was one of four Jamaican athletes who applied for medical exemption. Bolt will now look to prove his fitness and form at London’s Muller Anniversary Games.

Love match for the stars BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER, the Manchester United and Germany midfielder, married tennis player Ana Ivanovic on Tuesday [July 12] in a ceremony at Venice City Hall.

McIlroy hacks away at Olympic golf: ‘I will watch the stuff that matters’ “Personally, I think there’s been something of an overreaction to the Zika situation, but that’s for individuals to determine.” Spieth revealed the agony caused by his decision to withdraw, saying it was ‘probably the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life’. He added: “This was something I very much struggled with. Why was it so hard? Because I’m a huge believer in Olympic golf.” But Danny Willett, Britain’s Masters champion, will take part and is not concerned about Zika. “You’ve got more chance of getting

VOTE LEAVE Rory McIlroy fields questions about his Olympics decision AS ROYAL Troon welcomes the world’s finest golfers for the 145th Open, the sport’s elite were busy turning their backs on the Rio Olympics because of the health threat posed by the Zika virus. After Jordan Spieth became the latest high-profile name to pull out of the Games, Rory McIlroy’s comments on Tuesday (July 12) have left golf’s long-awaited return even deeper in the long grass. The Northern Irish world number four, who decided to miss the Games at the end of last month, said he will not be watching the golf in Rio, only ‘probably events like track and field, swimming, diving – the stuff that matters’. When asked if he was worried that he was shunning his responsibilities, he replied tersely: “I don’t feel like I’ve let the game down at all. “I didn’t get into golf to try and grow the game. I got into golf to win. I didn’t get into golf to get other people into the game.” He added: “I’m very happy with the decision that I’ve made and I have no regrets about it.” Spieth, the world number three,

malaria in South Africa than you have in getting Zika when you go to Rio,” he said. And Sir Steve Redgrave, who won rowing gold medals at five Olympic Games, questioned the players’ motivation. “I think they are just using it (Zika) as an excuse because of their crowded programme,” he told the BBC. “They like the idea of the Olympics but when it comes down to it, the majors are much more important. “It’s a money-oriented sport as well, so they don’t earn any money for going to the Olympics.”

Hat-trick hero’s ’66 shirt unsold expressed his ‘concern for health issues’ in a telephone call to the International Golf Federation (IGF) at Troon shortly before it announced the 60 eligible players for golf’s return to the Games for the first time since 1904. This prompted the IGF’s president, Peter Dawson, to say there had been an ‘overreaction’ to the threat of the Zika virus. More than 20 male players have now opted out of competing in Rio, with the world’s top four – Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Spieth and McIlroy – all concerned about Zika. The virus has been linked to defects in newborn babies and Guillain-Barre, which causes temporary paralysis in adults. South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace is the only female player to withdraw. “It’s certainly disappointing that we’ve had so many withdrawals on the men’s side, and wonderful that all of the women have been very supportive,” said Dawson. “There is no doubt that the number of withdrawals hasn’t shown golf in the best light and we have to accept that.

PERFECT TEN Sir Geoff Hurst (right) THE SHIRT worn by Sir Geoff Hurst during the 1966 World Cup final failed to sell at auction this week after the reserve price was not reached. Hurst was the hat-trick hero as England beat Germany 4-2 at Wembley, their only success at a major tournament. The red number 10 shirt was put up for auction at Sotheby’s on Tuesday (July 12) and was expected to fetch between £300,000 and £500,000. Now 74, Hurst remains the only player to score three goals in the global showpiece. The third goal led to the classic commentary from the BBC’s Kenneth Wolstenholme: “They think it’s all over… it is now!” A Sotheby’s spokesman told the BBC: “For English collectors, items

from the 1966 World Cup are in a different league to anything else. “This shirt, worn by the match’s star player, is the most significant obtainable artefact relating to this historic match. “It’s a really special, unique item – there is a premium attached to it and it’s these sort of items that increase in value over the years.” Eight members of the team have now sold their World Cup mementos. Several players have been diagnosed as suffering from dementia. The last 1966 shirt sold at auction was Nobby Stiles’ number four jersey, which sold for £75,000 in 2010. The record sale of a football shirt was £140,000 for Pele’s strip from the 1970 World Cup final in 2002.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

22 � LETTERS

And another thing… The Times of Tunbridge Wells and the Times of Tonbridge always want to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU If the young had put down smartphones and voted then we’d still be in Europe Jan May’s letter (July 6) does not tell the entire story about those who voted to remain in Europe and those

Anti-democracy forces unleashed

So there we have it, within hours of a clear public decision made on a vast turnout, the forces of anti-democracy are unleashed. As with Denmark and Ireland – where the people were subjected to repeated elections until the vested interests of Establishment and big business succeeded in imposing their will on the great unwashed – the campaign has begun. No matter that the British low-paid have had their meagre earnings suppressed by cheap migrant labour; our low-wage economy allows tax-evading multinational boardrooms and City slickers to pay themselves millions in bonuses. What if the myth of EU-generated prosperity has been exposed? What do we care about the massive levels of youth unemployment in Greece (52.4 per cent), Croatia (45.5 per cent), Italy (42.7 per cent), Cyprus (35.9 per cent) and Portugal (34.7 per cent)? People’s holiday homes in the Dordogne are at stake here. Have you seen what the collapse of sterling has done to the price of a case of Château Latour? At this rate, I’ll be drinking Second Growths before the year is out. George Shaw Frant

More statesmanship needed

If Greg Clark [MP] and his fellow government ministers had exercised a bit more statesmanship, had prepared the country for either outcome of the Referendum rather than rushing headlong into a Remain campaign and all the attendant scaremongering that went with it, then the country could have moved seamlessly into a well-prepared exit strategy instead of drifting around leaderless, rudderless, cast about in a sea of storms. It’s not the public who have acted foolishly and thoughtlessly, and placed the country where it is, but the arrogance of politicians who thought they had it in the bag and considered no alternative. Hugh Masters Pembury

who chose to leave. Of the young people who voted, 73 per cent chose to remain but only 36 per cent bothered to vote, so that’s 73 per cent of 36 per cent. Of the 4.3 million who could have voted in the 18 to 24 age group, 65 per cent did not bother to register. So of the 4.3 million able to vote, just 395,000 voted to remain. Young people may well be ‘seething on social media’, but that’s not where democracy takes place; if they’d bothered to exercise the rights provided to them, took their faces out of their smartphones, and engaged with the real world around them, we’d still be in Europe. Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

Boris – the modern day Pandora

Well, bravo Boris Johnson, the modern day Pandora. You have prised open your box full of evils and, frightened, have run away as hard as you can leaving someone else, anyone else, to try to close the lid again. If they are able, even partially, to succeed, doubtless you will be back again in a few years saying how right you were and how much you deserve to be Prime Minister. But it must now be clear to everyone that it will not be alright. There will not be £250million a week to give to the NHS; we will not gain access to the single market without accepting the free movement of people; we shall not be in a better economic situation than before having – already – lost our triple A rating and seen a devaluation of our currency. Alexander Magnus Via email

Angry with Prime Minister

As Liberal Democrats we campaigned to remain in Europe. The EU is a huge and diverse body and in need of reform and we accept that. We campaigned for the UK to be at the table reshaping and reforming the EU but, sadly, the local result did not match the national mood. Our open, tolerant and hopeful country is in crisis. This Referendum has divided us and the wounds won’t be healed overnight. That is why I am angry that the Conservative Prime Minister, David Cameron, called an unnecessary Referendum in order to halt the rise of UKIP to win a Parliamentary majority in the 2015 General Election. Today the UK is the casualty of internal Conservative Party squabbles. Brexit will be the Tory party’s legacy to our country. MP Greg Clark, despite being on the Remain side, was part of the Conservative cabinet which took the reckless gamble to have a Referendum. I am proud to be member of a party which is

pro-Europe and has always campaigned and will continue to strive for an open, tolerant and diverse society. Ben Chapelard Lib Dem Councillor for St James’

More than ‘narrow’ win

Obviously the Remain campaign thinks that if you repeat lies often enough they will be believed. As we’ve found, they have scant regard for the truth, or the real circumstances of those they call ‘racists’ and ‘xenophobes’! They obviously have no understanding of the true meaning of these playground taunts! Some of us who have seen the many years of lies and manipulations to force us into a federal state of Europe, to be ruled by 27 other countries and pay billions for services which are already provided by our own Parliament, understand that we need to wrest back control from the dead hand of the EU. If the results of the Referendum had been calculated on the first-past-the-post system, as loved by our political masters, it would have been 68.8 per cent Leave and 31.2 per cent Remain. Not a ‘narrow’ win by any means!!! Phil Granger West Malling

The austerity architects

Whilst proud that Tunbridge Wells was a Kentish standout with its 55 per cent Remain vote, those of us at the count could see there was over 55 per cent in prosperous areas, and far under that percentage in less advantaged ones. That pattern was seen across the country, with millions who feel that they have lost control of their lives giving the architects of ‘austerity’, Cameron and Osborne, a kicking by the only means at their disposal. We need to make sure everyone in Britain has their voice heard, and the time is right to urgently switch to proportional representation. In the General Election in May 2015, PR would have left the Tories as the biggest party, but with too few seats to have triggered this unnecessary EU Referendum. The 3.9 million UKIP voters would now have about 83 MPs at Westminster (rather than just one) and the Greens’ 1.1 million voters would have produced 23 MPs to fight for climate change measures. Locally, PR in the local council elections last May would have produced eight Lab/LibDem/ UKIP councillors instead of the near-bluewash for the Tories. I hereby appeal to Greg Clark [MP] to come out for proportional representation, to help heal the busted country his party has produced. John Hurst Chair, Tunbridge Wells Green Party

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.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

Calverley RESTAURANT customers can be quite challenging; as Calverley finds out when he drops into an eaterie (horrible word) just outside of town. Woman on next table moans about her main course. Too hot. Too cold. Too spicy. Patient waiters change the plate each time but to no avail. What a pretentious individual. Waiters (and Calverley) have the last laugh when, as she’s leaving, we spot a price ticket on her coat. It comes from Primark. Nothing wrong with the store; but you get the message. WALKING round a friend’s garden we come to an abrupt halt and stand back amazed. This is the home of a couple who spend every weekend visiting open gardens looking for inspiration. That’s why their own ‘backyard’ looks gorgeous, a stunning array of colour. Then Calverley leans forward and recoils in horror – some of the flowers are plastic. MOMENT of despair. Sitting on a bar stool (regular readers will know this is very much his natural home) Calverley overhears two young ladies deep in conversation. First one: “So, how are you liking your new job.” Second one: “It’s terrible, really awful.” First: “What on earth’s gone wrong?” Second: “I just can’t get used to working full time. I think I’d be much happier working in a part-time job.” CELEBRITY status can be so fleeting. Two X Factor ‘stars’ were in town and ended up enjoying the delights of Jazz on The Pantiles. Both singers appeared on TV in 2014. Neither did well. As they sat admiring the crowd an older gentleman came up to the table, looked at the male singer and said: “Might I introduce my wife?” Said singer replied: “But of course.” Whereupon the chap said to his wife: “This is the young magician who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.” TO Ashdown Park Hotel for an open air delight – the screening of one of my favourite films, Top Gun. What a delightful idea, encouraging people to enjoy a picnic as they watch the big screen by the lake. What a shame they haven’t yet banned smoking outdoors and what a shame some people were more intent on partying than admiring the talent of Tom Cruise et al. FINALLY, Calverley just cannot resist sharing with you the notice chalked onto a blackboard outside a certain establishment: “America and Britain are having a race to see who can muck up the most. Britain is in the lead but America has a Trump card.” Chin, chin readers

Education in association with:

www.brightyoungthings.co.uk

EDUCATION �

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Photos by Eloise Miraflor

St Gregory’s students are the driving force behind a new production of Grease The director of St Gregory’s end of year show, Michael King, tells the Times all about their production of this classic American musical and why he is so proud of his talented pupils “FIFTY performers, ten musicians, three choreographers, two casts and one very special car have all contributed to making St Gregory’s 2016 summer production of Grease another huge success for our school [in Tunbridge Wells]. Weeks of perfecting Teddy Boy quiffs and learning to jive in time to the show’s memorable tunes, which include Summer Loving and You’re The One That I Want, have resulted in a production that I believe to be pure perfection. Our students are clearly loving every minute of being involved in this much loved musical, which immortalised both John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the roles of Danny and Sandy in the cinematic version in 1978. I’ve noted a real adrenaline and enthusiasm coursing through the cast during rehearsals and

I have to admit that it certainly helps to have a plethora of different personalities involved as they really do contribute a variety of skills and talents to the production. Some have never danced before while others have performed in numerous shows for years. YOU’RE THE ONE We decided to THAT I WANT take the step of Francis Bisco and creating a dual cast Chloe Butler as for the show as that means Danny and Sandy that whoever wanted to

Kenickie Murdoch, admitted that being involved in it has presented him with a ‘new sense of confidence’. Those kinds of positive comments are just great to hear. But it’s not just the challenge of acting that has been so enjoyable for our pupils. The dancing, despite some very tricky choreography, has been a big hit too. Year 10 student Sabina Elston, who plays Cha-Cha Di Gregorio, said to me in rehearsal last week that learning all the different dances her character has to perform like salsa and the cha-cha-cha were definitely a ‘challenge’ but that by persisting she was able to get them right. That sort of spirit runs throughout the whole of the cast. Yet although there will, of course, be some trials and tribulations involved in putting on a show of this size I have to say that our students have done exceptionally well and are really excited about performing Grease. Their perseverance for perfection is palpable – not to mention addictive! Grease really is the word…”

be part of the Grease production could. One of our year 10 students, Eliza Oyo, who is playing the female lead Sandy Olsson, told me that having a double cast gave her ‘the chance to meet and get to know more people in the school’ which is just fantastic. George Palourti who is in year 12 and plays another of the principal characters,

The St Gregory’s production of Grease runs from Wednesday July 13 to Friday July 15. Performances start at 7.30pm and tickets cost £7 for adults and £4 for students and under 18s. For more information please visit www.sgschool.org.uk

Wednesday 13th July 2016

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Glass stairs lead to master suite with skylight to stars

Farmhouse with three acres and lots of potential

Lovely views from School House with walls of windows

Wednesday 13th July 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

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Pick up your edition at the following stations Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge Sevenoaks Orpington London Cannon Street

Move with the Times Welcome to our supplement highlighting the best properties on the regional market and brought to you by the Times of Tunbridge Wells & Tonbridge. The newspaper is published every Wednesday, is free of charge and has a print run of 25,000 copies. This 40 page supplement of old and new homes, plus places to let, appears each week as part of the paper and in addition a further 4,500 standalone copies of the supplement are handed out at key stations as part of our service to commuters and those looking to relocate to Kent.

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Alternatively you can contact the Times of Tunbridge Wells in the following ways 01892 779 624 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU

UNDER £200,000 EAST STREET, TONBRIDGE

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Wednesday 13th July 2016

floor comprises an entrance lobby, cloakroom and open-plan living room/kitchen, with a bedroom and en-suite bathroom on the first floor. There is a small outside space providing bin storage for both cottages. CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £350,000 HIGH STREET, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£325,000 LEASEHOLD

This spacious top floor apartment has a wonderfully central location, close to shops, restaurants and the mainline station. It has its own entrance hall with stairs leading up to the main accommodation of a sitting room, kitchen, bathroom

and two bedrooms. There is a lovely rooftop view and period features include wood floors and a feature fireplace in the sitting room. There is a private parking space to the rear of the building with gated access. CONTACT Wood and Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

PROPERTY SECTION 

great properties by price range… OLDBURY LANE IGHTHAM

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UNDER £450,000 ASHDEN WALK, TONBRIDGE

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A popular Gough Cooper-built semidetached home in Tonbridge, with an extended ground floor. It features an entrance hall, sitting room, dining/ family room, kitchen/breakfast room, three bedrooms and a bathroom. There is parking and a garage, and good-sized, well-maintained mature garden. The house could do with some updating and is offered for sale with no onward chain. CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £600,000 CHILTERN WAY, TONBRIDGE

£550,000-£575,000 Conveniently located for Tonbridge High Street, this well presented semi-detached house is in a soughtafter road and offers generous accommodation throughout. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, living room, cloakroom, dining room, kitchen and pretty conservatory, with three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. There is an attractive rear garden, mainly laid to lawn, and the property benefits from driveway parking and a garage. CONTACT Robinson Jackson 01732 757300 www.robinson-jackson.com

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£725,000 A most attractive period cottage with a south-facing garden set in a sought-after location. This pretty family home is packed with character features and is beautifully presented throughout. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, a kitchen/breakfast room with inglenook open fireplace, a sitting room with multi fuelburning stove, a dining area and a conservatory. Upstairs there is

a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, two further bedrooms and a bathroom. The cottage has a gated driveway with parking for several vehicles and a carport, as well as a delightful established garden to the rear. CONTACT Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

This attractive modern home, in a desirable part of Tonbridge, has been recently updated to include an extended, fitted kitchen/breakfast/ family room. The ground floor now has an entrance hall, cloakroom, study, sitting room, dining room and the new kitchen area. Upstairs there is a master suite with a bedroom/study/dressing room off it. There are three further bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside there is driveway parking, a double garage and attractive private garden. CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com

Wednesday 13th July 2016

BEWL WATER - KENT- ÂŁ750,000 FREEHOLD An enviable country cottage, with an eclectic mix of country life versus London suave! As a result this cottage combines periodfeatures,a bespoke finish and all the 21st century finishes that could be desired! All with far reaching westerly views over Bew! Water.

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

THE MANOR HOUSE SPELDHURST HILL, SPELDHURST

ÂŁ3,500,000

Extended grandeur

HE MANOR HOUSE is a magnificent, elegant Grade II listed Georgian residence built from local stone and set in the heart of popular Speldhurst village. The property has been completely renovated by the current owners who, in addition to extensive work throughout, have added a seamless extension to the side of the house incorporating a stunning Martin Moore bespoke kitchen. The substantial family home opens to a grand reception hall with cloakroom. On the ground floor there is a superb double-aspect drawing room, a dining room, snug, games room, fabulous kitchen/breakfast room and utility room. There are also two interconnecting ground floor bedrooms and a bathroom. Below is a vast cellar with several storerooms. The first floor comprises a master bedroom

Wednesday 13th July 2016

with a stunning en-suite bathroom, along with a further three double bedrooms and three bath/ shower rooms. There is also the benefit of a separate threebedroom cottage which has been updated throughout and provides more than 1,200 sq ft of space. This could be let out or used as additional guest accommodation. The property is approached through an impressive gated entrance leading to a parking area at the front of the house. There is a heated swimming pool, with an automatic safety cover, and a paved pool area offers changing facilities, a shower, WC and a barbecue space. The well-maintained gardens are laid mostly to lawn with a number of mature specimen trees and rhododendron bushes. In total there is just over one and a half acres.

PROPERTY SECTION ďż˝

AT A GLANCE

n Impressive Grade II listed manor house n Dating from the Georgian era with recent extension n Reception hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Snug n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Games room n Cloakroom n Two ground floor bedrooms and a bathroom n Master bedroom with en-suite n Three further bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms n Extensive cellar n Garage and parking n Three-bed cottage n Heated swimming pool and changing facilities n Gardens and grounds of 1.59 acres

ÂŁ3,500,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 13th July 2016

Goudhurst Charming Victorian cottage situated within the Cranbrook School catchment 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Front and rear gardens, off-street parking, detached timber-clad outbuilding, detached studio. EPC rating F.

Langton Green A beautifully appointed modern family home in a quiet village location 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Double garage, established gardens with pond. EPC rating C. In all about 0.37 acres.

. . Knight . . Frank

� PROPERTY SECTION

Glistening contemporary looks inside and plunge pool outside

‘Includes a stunning glass staircase and full-length bifold doors opening the house to the rear terrace’ AT A GLANCE

ROMFORD ROAD, PEMBURY n Renovated family home n Popular village location n High specification n Entrance hall n Open-plan living/dining room and kitchen n Utility room n Study/playroom/ground floor bedroom n Ground floor shower room n Master bedroom with en-suite n Three further first floor bedrooms, two en-suite n Top floor attic bedroom and bathroom

ET in a sought-after road in the village of Pembury, this family house has been completely renovated over recent years to offer exemplary accommodation with double-glazed aluminium windows and underfloor heating. It also includes a stunning glass staircase and full-length bifold doors opening the house to the rear terrace. An entrance hall leads to a delightful open-plan living/dining and kitchen area, which includes a moulded one-piece Corian worktop, Quooker

Wednesday 13th July 2016

boiling tap and integrated appliances, with an adjacent utility room. Also on the ground floor is a versatile bedroom/ study/playroom and a shower room. On the first floor, the master bedroom has a vaulted ceiling with skylight windows and ensuite bathroom. There are two further en-suite bedrooms, along with a fourth bedroom currently used as a study with double doors leading to a rooftop terrace. On the second floor is a further large attic bedroom with bathroom.

The house has a large wine cellar, a generous off-road parking area, including a tandem garage, plus a garden room with sliding doors opening to the terrace. Outside, there is an enticing 200ft south-facing garden with a vast covered terrace shaded by an awning, along with a covered plunge pool. This rather special family home is fitted with a CRIS data/TV compact residential infrastructure system throughout, alongside a CCTV system and security lighting.

n Tandem garage and driveway n Garden room n Rear terrace with plunge pool n 200ft rear garden n Wine cellar

£1,100,000 For sale through Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

••

•

iJl1iFLY PROPERTIES

BY CAROL PRIER

Perfectly located within wa lking distance of town centre, schools and mainline station. Arare opportunity to acquire a 3 bedroom, mid terraced home. The property offers beautiful gardens to front and rear and includes off.road parking for 2-3 ve hicles. Three bedrooms (2 double, 1 twin), first floor famil y bathroom, 2 reception rooms, large kitchen/breakfast room, rear sun room and boot room to the front. EPC: G

NO CHAIN The Brambles is located in a most idyllic spot within the sought after village of West Peckham; the property is set in a mature plot in excess of one third of an acre with gardens to front, sides and rear. The house provides extensive accommodation comprising five bedrooms(three to ground floor) large sitting/dining room, kitchen, conservatory, ground floor bathroom with separate w.c., and first floor shower room. Detached garage. EPC: D

Grade II listed maisonette situated in the heart of Horsmonden village, offering private garden and car parking. Accommodation is set out over two floors comprising large sitting room with open fireplace , kitchen/dining room, bathroom, large bedroom and cloa k/utility room to the first floor and a further two attic rooms to the seco nd floor.

Beautiful 1950s family home offering in excess of 1 acre of grounds plus an additional 2.2 acres of communal land. 4 bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms, 3 receptions to include conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility and cloakroom. Detached annex building with services and triple bay garage. NO CHAIN EPC: E

An elegant and spacious Victorian se mi-detached famil y house in need of a cosmetic update.Accommodation comprises of 2 large receptions, 3 bedrooms, a good size kitchen, ground floor bathroom and first floor WC. Large loft space which would be ideal for a loft conversion (subject to planning). Charming courtyard garden with useful wo rkshop. EPC: E

Three bedroom semi-detached cottage within wa lking distance of Matfield village centre, with off road parking with driveway to the side. Accommodation comprising sitting room with fireplace , se parate dining room, fitted kitchen and bathroom/utility room. To the first floor, three good size bedrooms, shower and cloakroom. Outside, secluded garden to the rear with rural views. EPC: G

Stable Cottage is perfectly located within the Parish of Brenchley for country living , yet only 1.9 miles distant to Paddock Wood mainline station and su rrounding amenities. Accommodation comprising 3/4 bedrooms, study/bedroom 4, large drawing room which is 22'5" x 18'7". Ground floor bathroom with first floor cloakroom. Farmhouse kitchen with bespoke fitted units, 2 double bedrooms to the first floor. Garage with utility area which leads off from the kitchen. South facing rear garden. EPC: E

Awell presented detached famil y home situated in an elevated position located within wa lking distance to village amenities and approximately 5 miles distant to Paddock Wood mainline station. The attraction with this property is certainly the beautiful south west facing rear garden and the versatile accommodation comprising cloakroom, 3 large reception rooms, fitted kitchen, utility, large garage, four bedrooms, family bathroom. EPC: G

Sitting centrally in its large south facing garden, this impressive 3,200 sq ft (approx) family home offering an elevated location within the sought after Brenchley village. The property has stunning views across orchards and countryside. The house benefits from having annex potential and offers 2 kitchens, 3/4 receptions, 2 master bedroom suites, 2 further double bedrooms, outbuildings, electric gates, NO CHAIN. EPC: D.

£485,000 Wilton is a beautifully presen ted detached bungalowwith deceptive ly spaciou s and flexible accommodation, with 3/4 bedrooms, 2 receptions, 2 bathrooms, kitchen/breakfast room standing on a good size plot with a love ly secluded rear garden featuring a su mmerhouse and workshop. The property has been the subject of considerable expenditure to extend and refurbish. EPC: E

DORMANS PARK,

EAST GRINSTEAD

HASSOCKS,

WEST SUSSEX

5/6 bedrooms + detached self-contained 'pavilion' + station within walking distance + about 14.2 acres + tennis court + swimming pool + council tax= H + EPC = C

Kitchen/breakfast room + 6 bedrooms + 5 reception rooms + 4 bathrooms + private gardens + double garage + council tax = H + EPC = F

£10,750 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£5,750 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

HEATHFIELD,

TICEHURST,

EAST SUSSEX

6 bedrooms (4 suites) + family bathroom + 4 receptions rooms + study + playroom + cinema room + games room + stabling + manege + council tax = H + EPC = D

Lovely village location + 4 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + 2 receptions + courtyard terrace + split over 3 levels + council tax = F + EPC exempt

£5,500 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£2,000 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

*£36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/o ccupant/guarantor reference where required. Inventory check o ut fee - charged at the end of o r early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished / unfurnished. For more details including example inventory fee, visit

www.savills.eo.uk/fees.

LANGTON GREEN,

CROWBOROUGH,

KENT

EAST SUSSEX

Central portion of a Grade II listed mansion + MLS 1.9 miles + drawing room + study/family room + kitchen/dining room + 5 bedrooms + garden studio + private gardens + 3,693 sq ft

Period granary with panoramic views + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 4 bedrooms + gardens + garage loft room + about 0.67 acres + 2,369 sq ft + EPC=D

Guide £1.395 million Freehold

Contact: Liz Devall

-----------------------

WADHURST,

SOUTHBOROUGH,

EAST SUSSEX

KENT

Delightful Victorian terraced cottage + MLS 0.5 miles + open plan living area + 3 first floor bedrooms + en suite second fioor bedroom + detached studio + 1,260 sq ft + EPC=D

Raised ground floor apartment + sitting/dining room + kitchen + 2 bedrooms, 1 en suite + bathroom + private balcony + allocated parking + communal garden + 835 sq ft + EPC=B

Guide £470,000 Freehold

Guide £315,000 Share of Freehold

Contact: Becky Card

It's more than our outstanding knowledge and product range that makes us so attractive.

T: 01732 350911 Unit 4 Orchard Business Centre, Sanderson Way, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1QG

showroom@townsbathrooms.co.uk

A UALISA

ashton@ bentley

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www.townsmerchant.co.uk

IMPERIAL KOHLER. ~-~~~.f.~~ ~'?.C.! Vi trA

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� PROPERTY SECTION

Lovely period cottage with views over lavender fields

AT A GLANCE PILLAR BOX COTTAGE OXENHOATH ROAD, HADLOW n Charming character cottage n Semi-rural location n Views over lavender fields n Period features n Reception hall n Dining room n Sitting room n Inner hall n Kitchen/breakfast room n Walk-in larder n Four bedrooms n Bathroom and separate WC n Detached garage n Lovely established gardens n Around a third of an acre

£1,100,000 For sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

‘The property takes its name from the Victorian red pillar box set within the external wall of the house, and it is within the conservation hamlet of The Hamptons’

ILLAR BOX COTTAGE is a period property of great character set close to the village of Hadlow. The property takes its name from the Victorian red pillar box set within the external wall of the house, and it is within the conservation hamlet of The Hamptons. The property has views from the first floor over the neighbouring lavender farm. Internally, the house is well presented and has some exposed wall and ceiling timbers, attractive

Wednesday 13th July 2016

fireplaces and multi-pane casement windows. Of particular note is the delightful established cottage garden, which provides an attractive backdrop and in total amounts to about a third of an acre. The front door opens to a pretty reception hall with an attractive brick fireplace which has an electric fire fitted into it. There is a doubleaspect sitting room with an impressive inglenook fireplace and direct access to the rear garden,

as well as a dining room with a fireplace and recessed shelving. The part-vaulted kitchen is triple aspect and has a door to the garden. There is a range of wall and base cupboards with fitted appliances. A rear lobby has access to the garden, stairs to the first floor, a useful understairs storage cupboard and a walk-in larder. Upstairs is a double-aspect master bedroom with fitted wardrobe and fireplace along with three more

bedrooms and a bathroom with a separate WC. The delightful gardens feature rose-adorned gateways and arbours, lawned paths, established beds and borders and a wide area of lawn. Beside the house is a brick terrace providing an ideal area for alfresco entertaining, and there is a timber summerhouse and a brick potting shed. On from here is an enclosed garden with a greenhouse, compost area and a detached garage with access to the lane.

Andrews >

Tunbridge Wells andrewsonline.co.uk

Gimble Way Pembury TN2 4BX

Price ÂŁ415,000

Versatile family living in Village Cul de Sac with 3 bedrooms. The living room has a log burning stove and opens into a garden room. The fitted kitchen has doors out to an alfresco dining area with pergola. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 11+1+

LANDLORDS WANTED

Reynolds Lane Southborough TN4 9XJ

Price ÂŁ575,000

Modern 3/4 bedroom semi-detached house with stylish open plan living space and bi-folding doors to the garden. Great garden leading to a three room home office/studio space. Parking to the front. Energy Efficiency Rating: D To view more properties available from all 85 of our offices, visit andrewsonline.co.uk

Andrews

REQUIRED FOR PROPERTIES IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

lettings@andrewsonline.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells £699,999 Situated at the head of popular cul-de-sac on the east side of town, this 4 bedroom family home offers the potential to extend (STPP). 2 reception rooms, kitchen, family bathroom. Driveway parking, integral double garage, I 16' rear garden. EPC: E.

Tunbridge Wells £499,950 Immaculately presented detached home, in excellent decorative order, situated in the popular St Peter's area. Reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms (one en suite), family bathroom. Low maintenance garden and parking area. EPC: C.

Tunbridge Wells £385,000 Top (2nd) floor apartment, with 2 balconies, situated on the south side of town. Lift, 18' 11 reception room, 2 double bedrooms, en suite shower room, large family bathroom. 2 undercroft parking spaces, communal gardens/terrace. No onward chain. EPC: C.

Tunbridge Wells £299,950 A well maintained, purpose-built flat situated off Mount Ephraim. Hall, reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, 2 bedrooms, shower room.Allocated parking, communal gardens, plus use of extensive Chancellor House grounds. No onward chain. EPC: C.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £I, 150 An immaculate 2 bed I st floor apartment within 1.5 miles of the main line station. Modern kit/bfast room, living room, master bedroom with en-suite, further bedroom and shower room. Gas central heating, garden & parking.Available from I0th August. EPC: B

Rusthall Monthly Rental £2,500 Immaculately presented 6 bed detached family home. Kitchen/breakfast/family room, living room, study, ground floor bedroom with en-suite wet room, 5 further double bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. Gas central heating. Large garden & off road parking.Available now. EPC E.

Tonbridge

£675,000

I970's built 4 Bedroom Detached House, just off the High Street. 2 Bathrooms, I ensuite, hall, 2 reception rooms, study, cloakroom, double garage, parking, enclosed rear garden. EPC D

Hilden borough

Offers in Excess of £850,000

Similar Required.We were delighted with the interest shown in this Detached Family House. If you have a similar property, please call us for a free market appraisal. EPC E

Hadlow Park

£775,000 - £825,000

Detached Family House in this sought after Private Park. 3/4 bedrooms, study, utility room, 'L' shaped sitting/dining room, conservatory, garage and car port, large gardens. EPC D

North Tonbridge

£650,000 - £700,000

Similar Required. Detached 5 Bedroom House, arranged over 3 floors, set within a gated development.We have many applicants seeking family homes. EPC C

South Tonbridge

£600,000 - £650,000

Stunning 4 Bedroom Victorian Town House with accommodation arranged over 4 floors . 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms.Walking distance of the High Street and several schools. EPC E

Hadlow

£650,000

Similar Required. Improved and extended 4/5 bedroom home on the market, several offers were received. Please telephone for a free market appraisal. EPC C

 PROPERTY SECTION

‘To the rear, steps lead down to lower levels of lawn and a meadow incorporating a tree-fringed pond’

AT A GLANCE

Charming farmhouse has a range of useful outbuildings

ATING back to the late 17th or early 18th century, Kings Toll Farmhouse in Matfield is a delightful character property set well back from the road within mature gardens. Sympathetically updated and improved, with stylish bathrooms and neutral decoration, the well-proportioned accommodation boasts good ceiling heights and a host of attractive period features, including exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces and multipaned sash and casement windows. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, with cloakroom, which leads to a triple-aspect drawing room with a large stepped brick inglenook fireplace fitted with an Aga wood-burning stove and French doors to the side terrace. There is a character dining room with another inglenook fireplace and French doors to a conservatory. The kitchen/breakfast room features a walkin pantry with a hatch for deliveries, solid oak units, integrated appliances and a separate utility room. Beneath the house is a cellar with bar area. Upstairs, the master suite incorporates a good-sized bedroom with a lovely outlook over the front garden, a fully-fitted dressing room and an en-suite shower room. There are four further bedrooms, with one currently arranged as a study, as well as a family bathroom. A sloping driveway sweeps down through electrically-operated wrought-iron gates to a parking and turning area. A west-facing paved courtyard lies between the house and a detached garage, sheltered by a tall stone wall and creating an ideal space for outdoor living.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

To the rear, steps lead down to lower levels of lawn and a meadow incorporating a tree-fringed pond. In all, the grounds extend to just over three acres. A large commercial-style barn with extensive hardstanding lies towards the side of the plot, enabling independent access to this area if desired. A detached double

garage, with a gardener’s cloakroom, first floor office and shower room offers further, and flexible, ancillary accommodation. And just to the north of the house lies a pretty period two-storey building currently used for storage, and suitable for a variety of uses subject to obtaining any necessary consents.

KINGS TOLL FARMHOUSE MAIDSTONE ROAD, MATFIELD ■ Grade II listed farmhouse ■ Popular village location ■ Character features ■ Recently updated ■ Entrance hall ■ Drawing room ■ Dining room ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Utility/boot room ■ Conservatory ■ Cellar with bar ■ Master bedroom with dressing room and shower room ■ Four further bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Detached double garage with first floor office and shower room ■ Detached two-storey store building ■ Barn with office, store, cloakroom and tandem garage ■ Paddock ■ Gardens and grounds of 3.13 acres

£1,675,000 For sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

COWDEN, KENT

£950,000 Freehold

Beautiful four bedroom family home situated in a quiet country lane in a stunning rural location. Being only 3 miles to Cowden Train Station this property would certainly suit someone needing access to Central London. Originally constructed around 1900, Bellgate South is one of a pair of properties which has been substantially altered and extended. The generous flexible accommodation includes two receptions rooms , and four double bedrooms. The large light windows add to the feeling of spaciousness and allow good views over the well-stocked gardens, which include a swimming complex and double garage. The property also comes with a share- holding , to a 100 acre forest nearby, giving the owners a unique facility to enjoy. EPC E55

~ ' .

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WITHYHAM, EAST SUSSEX

£950,000 Freehold

An impressive and well-proportioned family cottage available with early possession. This pretty four bed cottage is full of character in a sought after village , with large and attractive gardens and private parking and certainly the perfect family home. EPC - E51

' "" ' 1'

EDENBRIDGE, KENT

£675,000 Freehold

Beautifully presented four bedroom chalet bungalow in a semi-rural location with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. Being close to the town centre this property would certainly suit a family needing fast access into central London or someone wanting to downsize and enjoy living in the country. There is a beautiful enclosed garden approximately 115ft long, large terrace area and driveway with parking for several cars. EPC - D65 .

•••

···~·

HARTFIELD, EAST SUSSEX Offers in the region of £350,000 to £375,000 Share of Freehold The property is a stunning conversion apartment arranged over two floors comprising the center of an imposing detached Victorian house well known as a prominent landmark within the village of Hartfield. Having been sympathetically divided the apartment retains many character features including generous ceiling height, excellent decorative cornicing and mouldings, fireplaces and doors. EPC - D63

(~ RICS -ACOU TRY LIFE

rightmove.00,U( (5 The UK .. number OM Pf'Ol*1Y w.t>ti~

EDENBRIDGE, KENT

£360,000 Freehold

Spacious three bedroom semi-detached house with large south facing garden and fabulous views overlooking open fields. Being situated in a central position this property would certainly suit a family or someone wanting to be within walking distance of Edenbridge Town Mainline train Station. EPC - D65

Primelocation.corn

11 High Street, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 SAB

� PROPERTY SECTION

Immaculate new mews house off popular Broadwater Down

IDDLE HOUSE forms part of Broadwater Mews, an individual development of just three detached townhouses which have recently been completed and are now ready for immediate occupation. Sitting by a no-through road off the highly sought-after Broadwater Down, this substantial family home is both attractive and spacious.

Like the other two homes in this exclusive development, the property has accommodation arranged over three floors. The ground floor opens to an entrance hall with a storage cupboards, a study, and a guest bedroom with en-suite shower room. The first floor comprises a cloakroom, a goodsize drawing room, a separate dining room and a lovely kitchen/breakfast room with a

contemporary fitted kitchen, a pantry and an adjacent utility room. On the top floor is a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, as well as three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. To the front of the property is a communal driveway leading to the integral double garage, and to the rear there is an enclosed, south-east facing garden which is mainly laid to lawn.

AT A GLANCE MIDDLE HOUSE BROADWATER MEWS TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Newly built townhouse n Part of a small development n Desirable part of town n Accommodation over three floors n Entrance hall n Study n Guest bedroom with en-suite n Kitchen/breakfast room n Pantry n Utility room n Cloakroom n Drawing room n Dining room n Master bedroom with en-suite n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Integral double garage and shared drive n Enclosed rear garden

£825,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

‘Middle House forms part of Broadwater Mews, an individual development of just three detached townhouses which have recently been completed’

Wednesday 13th July 2016

Mi{fer

McAufey

Estate Agents

Speldhurst Road

£395,000

New to the market! Retaining many period features. The ground floor has a hallway leading to the living room with a wood burning stove, dining room with storage and a fitted kitchen. Upstairs there is a master bedroom to the front and second bedroom. To the rear is a useful third bedroom/study and bathroom. Accessed from the kitchen is an attractive rear garden.

Erskine Park Road

£395,000

This charming three double bedroom home is located in the village of Rusthall. The first floor accommodates a sitting room, well-appointed kitchen , dining area, family room with bi-fold doors opening onto the pretty gardens and guest cloakroom. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms and a modern family bathroom. There is a further double bedroom on the second floor.

Prospect Road

£430,000

A charming period property located in Southborough. Presented over two floors, this property benefits from two generous reception rooms both with fireplaces , spacious kitchen/ breakfast room and steps leading down to the cellar. On the first floor there are three double bedrooms, family bathroom and separate W/C. The rear garden is panel fence enclosed on three sides.

Te(: (ettin3s@mcau(eymiffer.com

Oak Villas

£495,000

An opportunity to purchase this charming house located in the village of Langton Green. Comprising of a spacious kitchen/breakfast room, sitting/dining room and guest cloakroom on the ground floor. Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms, spacious family bathroom and separate W/C. Outside, the rear garden is walled in the style of a Victorian kitchen garden.

Little Court Lodge

£595,000

NO CHAIN!! An opportunity to purchase in the village of Speldhurst. The ground floor comprises a sitting room , dining room , kitchen , conservatory, separate utility room and downstairs cloakroom. The first floor has three good sized bedrooms, a bathroom and separate shower room. Outside, the rear garden provides ample space for outdoor entertaining.

Brahma Place

£380,000

Stunning house located in Crowborough. On the ground floor the property consists of a kitchen, sitting/dining room and cloak room. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. With two further double bedrooms on the second floor. The master bedroom is en-suite with a dressing area. Lawned rear garden.

01892 614777

www.mcaureymiffer.com

sa(es@mcaureymi((er.com

� PROPERTY SECTION

MOVEI Times OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

TO PROMOTE YOUR PROPERTY CONTACT PATSY KELLY PKelly@markerstudy.com I 01892 774781

Saffron Place, School Lane , Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 1FL

Come and view the 4 bedroom Frankland (plot 11 ), ready to move into now with carpets/vinyl throughout and turfed rear garden - avaliable at just £384,995

Also 1 bedroom homes from £199,995 and 3 bedroom homes from £359,995, all located in an established leafy setting just a mile south of the town centre.

with help from the Government-backed 'Help to Buy' scheme

Contact our Selling Agent

01732 363633 Telephone for further details on 01892 598 119 Wednesday 13th July 2016

www.rpcnewhomes.co .uk

www.abbeynewhomes.co.uk

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WOOD & PILCHER

Tunbridge Wells

£385,000

Rusthall

£650,000

A well presented three bedroom period cottage in a pretty location on Tunbridge Wells' semi rural outskirts. The property comes with the real advantages of an off road parking space. EPC: E

A beautifully finished, brand new four bedroom detached family home, situated in a small development of only four properties within the village of Rusthall and close to open countryside. EPC: TBA

Tonbridge

Offers Over £270,000

Offers Over £550,000

Two bedrooms, stunning views ... luxury lift-serviced apartment on the top floor of the iconic Whitefriars Wharf; bathroom and en-suite, secure allocated parking, though this close to town, who needs a car? No onward chain. EPC: B

4 bed semi with garage within a mile of town, station and 3 outstanding grammar schools. Great living and entertaining space with a contemporary kitchen. Master bedroom with en-suite, 2 further double bedrooms. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells

£298,500

This is an extremely well presented two bedroom purpose built apartment situated on the first floor of this desirable building, particularly popular because of its very central location situated close to the end of the Pantiles. EPC: C Tunbridge Wells Office I 01892 511211 tun brid ge w e 11 s@ w ood and pi I cher. co. u k Southborough Office I 01892 511311 south bo roug h@ w ooda nd pi lch er. co. u k Tonbridge I 01732 351135 ton brid ge@ w ooda n d pi I cher. co. u k

This spacious apartment has great style with its split level living/ dining room, and balconies to sitting room and both bedrooms. It also has a separate kitchen, bathroom and en-suite to master bedroom and secure allocated parking to the rear. EPC: B

woodandpilcher. co. uk rightmove

£350,000

~ nTheMarkelcom

Other offices in Crowborough, Heathfield & associated London Branch

� PROPERTY SECTION

Lap up the quiet life in Five Oak Green yet still be handy for town

AT A GLANCE ELSERANE FIVE OAK GREEN ROAD FIVE OAK GREEN n Spacious detached family home n Generous plot n Versatile layout n Entrance hall n Living room n Kitchen open-plan to dining room n Utility room n Two ground floor bedrooms n Ground floor bathroom n Master bedroom with en-suite n Two further bedrooms n Further bathroom n Extensive off-road parking n Tandem garage n Large rear garden and terrace

£650,000 For sale through Robinson Jackson 01732 757300 www.robinson-jackson.com

‘The generous plot features a block paved terrace to the rear as well as a garden with a large lawn and decking’

LSERANE is a deceptively spacious detached home which offers bedrooms both upstairs and downstairs. It also has generous gardens and extensive parking. Surrounded by countryside, but only two and a half miles from Tonbridge mainline station, it offers a peaceful yet extremely convenient location. The accommodation includes an entrance hall, an ample double-aspect living room with a freestanding wood-burning stove and sliding doors to the rear terrace, an open-plan kitchen/dining room with stairs to the first floor, a breakfast

Wednesday 13th July 2016

bar, integrated appliances and a generous utility room with access to the garden. There are also two bedrooms on the ground floor, each with a bay window, plus a family bathroom. Upstairs there is a superb master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, along with two further bedrooms and a bathroom. To the front of the house, which is set well back from the road, there is a large gravel driveway providing off-road parking for several vehicles. Gates to the side lead to a further gravel area for secure parking and to a double tandem garage. The generous plot features a block paved terrace to the rear of the house, offering a lovely secluded outdoor area for entertaining, relaxing, or for children playing, as well as a garden extending to 110ft with a large lawn and decking.

Chiltern Way, Tonbridge

£550,000 - £575,000

Conveniently located for Tonbridge High Street in this sought after road is this stunning three bedroom semi-detached house, offering generous accommodation throughout.

Mill Stream Place, Tonbridge

£425,000

A delightful three bedroom town house set in a private development, offering stylish and versatile accommodation with an array of quality fittings.

·1 Mill Crescent, Tonbridge

£350,000 - £375,000 George Street, Tonbridge

A charming two double bedroom Victorian house set in a very popular road conveniently located for the town centre and station. Offered to the market chain free.

£260 ,OOO - £280 ,OOO

A charming two bedroom, three storey period style house ideally located for Tonbridge Station. Well presented internally this property is offered to the market chain free.

 PROPERTY SECTION

Unusual home is sitting pretty with a wonderful window on the world

ITTING in a prominent position, with stunning views towards the village of Wadhurst and the surrounding countryside, Old School House is an unusual and beautifully presented property. Originally dating back to 1837, the single-storey home has plenty of character and has been fitted out and decorated to a high standard. Surrounded by beautiful, well-stocked gardens, as well as fields and forest, it takes advantage of its attractive rural setting with large picture windows offering stunning views from all the south-facing rooms at the rear. At the heart of this delightful home is the beautiful dual-aspect sitting room with its vaulted ceiling and full wall of windows. To one side of the sitting room is a bright and spacious kitchen/dining room, a guest suite with shower room, an inner hall, utility room, cloakroom and study/bedroom. To the other side is another inner hall and the main bedroom accommodation. The master bedroom has a wall of windows and a door to the rear terrace, as well as a superb en-suite bathroom. Two further double bedrooms are both served by a family bathroom. The house also has a storeroom, garage and driveway parking, and the garden covers about half an acre.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

‘ Surrounded by beautiful, well-stocked gardens, as well as fields and forest, it takes advantage of its rural setting with large picture windows offering stunning views’

PROPERTY SECTION 

AT A GLANCE ■ Attractive single-storey property ■ Period features ■ Stunning views ■ Bright interior ■ Very well presented ■ Sitting room ■ Kitchen/dining room ■ Utility room ■ Cloakroom ■ Master bedroom with en-suite ■ Guest bedroom with en-suite ■ Two further double bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Study/bedroom ■ Storeroom ■ Garage ■ Off-road parking ■ Mature gardens of 0.5 of an acre

£1,200,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

OLD SCHOOL HOUSE PELL HILL, WADHURST

£1,200,000

Wednesday 13th July 2016

CROWBOROUGH

I REGION £1,890,000

A handsome country house enjoying an idyllic semi-rural location with detached cottage and wonderful far reaching views set amidst beautiful established gardens and grounds in all 5 acres Drawing Room. Dining Room. Sitting Room. Kitchen/ Breakfast Room. Butlers Pantry. Master Bedroom with En Suite Bathroom. 5 further Bedrooms. Studio/ Bedroom 7. Family Bathroom. Shower Room. Double Car Bay. Gardens include former grass tennis court and Japanese inspired garden, in all about 5 acres. Detached 2 Bedroom Cottage. EPC F APPLY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

STONEGATE

REGION £1,350,000

REGION £1,250,000

A striking contemporary house by renowned architect

A spacious house situated in the popular St James area

Delightful oast and barn conversion close to Stonegate station

Open Plan Kitchen/ Dining Area. 2 Reception Rooms. 6 Bedrooms (2 ground floor). 3 Bathrooms. Landscaped Garden. Driveway and Parking. Garage. EPC C

Open Plan Kitchen/ Breakfast Room. 3 Reception Rooms. Study. Conservatory. 5 Bedrooms. 3 Bathrooms. Large Terraces. Summer House/ Studio. Garden. Double Garage. EPC F

Kitchen/ Breakfast Room. 3 Reception Rooms. Study. 7 Bedrooms. 3 Bathrooms. Triple Car Port. Office. Heated Swimming Pool. Gardens in all about 2.3 acres. EPC F

APPLY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE

Battle

Haywards Heath

Pulborough

Tunbridge Wells

01424 775577

01444 453181

01798 872081

01892 512020

London Mayfair Office

battle@batchel Iermon khouse .corn

hh@batchellermonkhouse.com

pu lb@batchel lermon khouse .corn

twel Is@batchellermon khou se .corn

mayfair@batchell ermonkhouse.com

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

I REGION £1,675,000

An award winning contemporary property located in this prestigious road within half a mile of Tunbridge Wells main line station and a few minutes walk of the High Street and Pantiles Open Plan Kitchen/ Dining/Living Room with Terrace. Sitting Room. Study. Master Bedroom with Dressing Room and En Suite Bathroom. 2 further Double Bedrooms, one with Balcony. Family Bathroom. Guest Bedroom with En Suite Shower Room. Spacious Family Room. Laundry Room. Garage. Secluded Terraces and Landscaped Gardens. EPC D APPLY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE

MAYFIELD

FIVE ASHES

CRANBROOK

REGION £950,000 - £1,000,000

REGION £700,000 - £725,000

REGION £975,000

A very well presented house on edge of village with views

Attractive period cottage located in this popular village

A delightful Victorian property a short walk from High Street

Kitchen/ Breakfast Room. 3 Reception Rooms. 4 Bedrooms. 3 Bathrooms. Study. Utility Room. Conservatory. Double Garage. Attractive garden approaching 0.75 Acres. EPC D

Kitchen/ Breakfast Room. 2 Reception Rooms. Conservatory. 4 Bedrooms. 2 Bathrooms. Attic Room. Garage. Detached Studio. Grounds in excess 0.6 of an Acre. No Chain

Open Plan Kitchen/ Dining Room. Drawing Room. 6 Total Bedrooms. 3 Bathrooms. Utility Room. Cellar. Large Garden. Off Street Parking. EPC D

APPLY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE

Battle

Haywards Heath

Pulborough

Tunbridge Wells

01424 775577

01444 453181

01798 872081

01892 512020

London Mayfair Office

battle@batchel Iermon khouse .corn

hh@batchellermonkhouse.com

pu lb@batchel lermon khouse .corn

twe l Is@batchellermon khou se .corn

mayfair@batchell ermonkhouse.com

 PROPERTY SECTION

RUSHLYE BARN BELLS YEW GREEN, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£1,000,000

Imaginatively converted barn is in walking distance of station

USHLYE BARN is a delightful converted Grade II listed building, superbly and imaginatively updated in recent years. Formerly a traditional barn, it is approached up a sweeping drive and boasts an ample two acres of land. It is also conveniently placed in the small hamlet of Bells Yew Green, a short walk from Frant mainline station. Bursting with character features, the interior layout is extremely versatile and on the ground floor is arranged partly open-plan. The entrance hall leads through to the open area, which consists of a sitting room, dining hall and kitchen/breakfast room. Impressively, the dining hall is open to full roof height and a first floor galleried landing. The kitchen/breakfast room is well equipped with appliances and a range of cupboards.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

An inner hall off the sitting room leads to another wing with a cloakroom, study, utility room, family room with vaulted ceiling and a ground floor bedroom with en-suite shower – which could form a self-contained annexe. To the front there was former planning permission to extend the study. Upstairs, the principal bedroom has an excellent en-suite shower room and the other bedrooms are served by a family bathroom. Externally, the drive passes by the barn and its paddock, continuing to a detached double garage block which has a room above and a store to the rear. The gardens and grounds provide an attractive setting for the house, with a stone wall on the outer boundary, lawned areas, a paddock and a further grassed area with a large pond and fruit trees.

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE n Grade II listed converted barn n Character features n Recently updated n Versatile accommodation n Entrance hall n Open-plan sitting room/dining hall/ kitchen/breakfast room n Inner hall n Family room n Study n Cloakroom

‘Formerly a traditional barn, it is approached up a sweeping drive and boasts an ample two acres of land’

n Utility room n Ground floor bedroom with en-suite n Master bedroom with en-suite n Two further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Detached double garage with room over n Paddock n Long driveway n Gardens and grounds of just over 2 acres

£1,000,000 For sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 13th July 2016

ELLIS&CO Sales & Lettings

GARDEN ROAD, TONBRIDGE £1,995 pcm Fees Apply

ALBERT ROAD, TONBRIDGE £1,300 pcm Fees Apply

4 BEDROOM SEMI DETACHED HOUSE* BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED THROUGHOUT* 3 DOUBLE BEDROOMS* 2 EN-SUITES* PARKING FOR SEVERAL CARS* AVAILABLE EARLYJULY*EPC C

3 BEDROOM SEMI DETACHED HOUSE *WALKING DISTANCE TO STATION, HIGH STREET & SCHOOLS* DOWNSTAIRS CLOAKROOM *UPSTAIRS BATHROOM* COURTYARD GARDEN* AVAILABLE NOW'* EPC D

NURSERY CLOSE, TONBRIDGE £1,150 pcm Fees Apply

DERNIER ROAD, TONBRIDGE £1,050 pcm Fees Apply

2 BEDROOM DETACHED BUNGALOW* WALKING DISTANCE TO LOCAL SHOPS *NEWLY DECORATED & CARPETED THROUGHOUT* 2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS* WELL MAINTAINED GARDEN* AVAILABLE NOW'* EPC D

* 2 DOUBLE BEDROOM TERRACED HOUSE* WALKING DISTANCE TO HIGH STREET* SPACIOUS ACCOMMODATION* UPSTAIRS BATHROOM *GARDEN* AVAILABLE NOW' EPC F

Please contact us for Sales, Rentals and Valuations t: 01732 770077

e: tonbridge@ellisandco.co.uk

~ /\

93 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1 DR

The Property

ombudsman

~ ~

we open doors for you ...

BarnesKingsnorth

TONBRIDGE

£950,000

Situated in 'The Haydens', one of the most sought after areas in Tonbridge a superb, double fronted detached family home in stylish location offering spacious and immaculately presented family accommodation with four to five bedrooms, three reception rooms, luxury bathrooms, kitchen/breakfast/family room, study and utility room. Outside there is a double garage and a delightful, private rear garden. EPC: D

Apply Tonbridge

PEMBURY

OIEO £700,000

STUNNING, UNIQUE FAMILY HOME set on the village green. Deceptively spacious and characterful 4-5 bedroom attached house with sunny and secluded !awned garden with brick cobbled courtyard and magnificent fig tree as well as a large balcony to the principal bedroom. Beautifully presented throughout and comprising 31' sitting room with study area and arched windows, kitchen opening to the dining room, cloakroom, first floor family room leading to 3 bedrooms, principal bedroom, dressing room/bedroom 5 and family bathroom. Integral garage and driveway parking for several cars. Internal viewing essential to fully appreciate the character features and the sense of privacy. EPC: F

Apply Pembury

TONBRIDGE

£750,000

This splendid bay-fronted Victorian detached house is just a few minutes walk away from the mainline station and many excellent schools and provides superb accommodation for a growing family with five bedrooms, three reception rooms including family /breakfast room, sitting room with log burning stove and separate dining room, there is also a recently fitted kitchen. Outside there is a fully enclosed rear garden with plenty of space to suit the whole family! EPC: E

Apply Tonbridge

'B) Primelocatior

Residential

t f rightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings

Pembury: 01892 822880 e.pembury@bkea.co.uk

Tonbridge: 01732 771616 e.tonbridge@bkea .co.uk

Lettings: 01732 771616

e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestatea1ents.com

we open doors for you ...

BarnesKingsnorth

HILDENBOROUGH

£565,000

This delightful detached family home is within walking distance of Stocks Green Primary School in the favoured village of Hildenborough and is offered for sale in excellent order throughout providing spacious family accommodation including many fine features such as sitting room with wood burning stove and bi-folding doors opening onto the beautiful and private rear garden. There is a separate dining room, kitchen/breakfast room and conservatory. The master bedroom has the benefit of an en suite shower room and there are three further bedrooms with bedroom two leading into a further bedroom/study. Plentiful parking and garage makes this property an ideal family home. EPC: D

Apply Tonbridge

, L --0

HORSMONDEN

£280,000

SECLUDED, SUN-TRAP GARDEN. Unique, 2 bedroom link-detached house. An unusual layout with all the benefits of the elevated position of a maisonette, but without the neighours above, below or to either side. The modern kitchen has integrated appliances and is open plan with the sitting/ dining room with vaulted ceiling and Juliet balcony adding to the feeling of space. Two double bedrooms with en-suite shower room and family bathroom. Secluded, low-maintenance garden and integral garage with utility space. Internal viewing essential. EPC: E

Apply Pembury

TONBRIDGE

£899,950

Settle into this fabulous Georgian style family home in one of the most sought after locations in central Tonbridge. This attractive detached property enjoys a delightful sitting room with double aspect, separate dining room and conservatory, large study /TV /family room and contemporary style kitchen, four double bedrooms, the master bedroom enjoying an en suite with corner bath, and family bathroom. Delightful gardens and double garage together with ample parking. Conveniently located for schools, Tonbridge town centre and main line station this property ticks all the boxes. EPC: E

Apply Tonbridge

'B) Primelocatior

Residential

t f rightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings

Pembury: 01892 822880 e.pembury@bkea.co.uk

Tonbridge: 01732 771616 e.tonbridge@bkea .co.uk

Lettings: 01732 771616

e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestatea1ents.com

CONTEMPORARY SEAFRONT APARTMENTS HYTHEIKENT 6 Unique contemporary apartments, including two stunning split-level penthouses, all with uninterrupted views of the shore line. Direct beach access with terraces on the ground floor and generous balconies at first floor level, ensure all occupants can make the most of this exclusive location.

From ÂŁ625,000. Available from July 2016.

tgdesignerhomes 07887 507798 kate@tgdesignerhomes.com

AWARD WINNING CASK ALES

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Introducing Strongbow Cloudy Apple, along with a large selection of premimn Ciders & Lagers

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66 n FOOD AND DRINK

Indulge in a few French flavours this Bastille Day Add a little dash of Gallic savoir faire to your cooking on France’s national day of celebration on July 14 by trying out this trio of fabulous French fancies. The soup, salad and cheesecake will make a delicious three-course meal FRENCH ONION SOUP WITH GRUYÈRE GARLIC TOASTS Richly flavoured beef stock and tangy Gruyère cheese make this soup a thing rich in taste. There aren’t many other ingredients, so it follows that there aren’t many places for mistakes to hide. Therefore you need to nail the caramelisation of the onions – cook them slowly at first, then turn up the heat and cook until sticky and golden brown. Serves: 4 What you need: 50g butter 1kg onions, sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tablespoon caster sugar 2 tablespoons Cognac or brandy 300ml dry cider 1.2 litres beef stock 1 bouquet garni (1 sprig each of parsley, thyme and bay) Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper For the garlic toasts: 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 small baguette or ½ large baguette, sliced 200g grated Gruyère

Wednesday 13th July 2016

What you do: Preheat the oven to 180°C. To make the garlic toasts, mix the olive oil and garlic together and season well. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with the garlic oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until crisp. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or casserole over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and stir until starting to soften. Turn the heat to low, cover and cook gently for 25–30 minutes until really softened. Take the lid off and add the sugar. Cook for a further 20 minutes, stirring until golden brown and extremely floppy-

looking. This is the secret to a successful onion soup. Pour in the Cognac and cider and leave to bubble up for 1 minute. Add the stock and bouquet garni and stir to blend. Simmer for 45 minutes, then season to taste. Remove the bouquet garni. Preheat the grill/broiler. Divide the soup between 4 ovenproof bowls and place them on a baking sheet. Float 2–3 garlic toasts on top of each bowl and scatter the Gruyère over the toasts. Grill until the Gruyère is bubbling and golden. Remove the baking sheet and lift off the hot bowls with an oven glove, warning everyone that they are hot.

FOOD AND DRINK �

FIG AND HONEY RICOTTA CHEESECAKE Ricotta makes for a pleasantly light-textured cheesecake. Here it’s combined with figs and honey to give a Southern France flavour. Serve it for dessert or enjoy it with coffee as a mid-morning treat. Serves: 6 What you need: 150g digestive biscuits 50g butter, melted 750g ricotta 2 eggs 2 tablespoons runny honey ½ teaspoon orange flower water 40g plain flour 5–6 fresh figs, halved A 20-cm loose-based cake pan

What you do: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Using a rolling pin, crush the biscuits into crumbs. Use a large bowl to mix the crumbs with the melted butter. Next, press this mixture firmly and evenly into the cake pan to form a base. In a separate large bowl, mix together the ricotta and eggs. Stir in the honey, orange flower water and flour. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly across the base. Now, press the halved figs, skin-side down, into the ricotta mixture. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes until set. Remove the pan from the oven and cool, then cover and chill until serving. The cheesecake will keep for a few days, covered, in the refrigerator.

Recipes taken from Cooking With Cheese, published by Ryland Peters and Small. Cooking with Cheese is available to Times readers for the special price of £11.99 including postage & packaging (rrp £16.99 by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting the reference GJ8)

ROQUEFORT, PECAN & APPLE SALAD Apple and cheese are natural partners. Here, the apples are pan-fried in a light honey-butter sauce until golden and glossy, while the piquant blue cheese balances out any sweetness. Serves: 4 What you need: 30g butter 2 large, crisp eating apples, peeled, cored, and each apple cut into 10 wedges 1 tablespoon clear honey 100g watercress, tough stalks removed 50g baby spinach leaves, tough stalks discarded 175g Roquefort or other blue cheese, crumbled into chunks 60g cup pecan halves, toasted Dressing: 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper

What you do: Mix together all the ingredients for the dressing and season lightly with salt, bearing in mind that Roquefort is already quite salty, and more generously with pepper. Melt the butter in a large, non-stick frying pan. Add the apple wedges and cook for 5 minutes, turning once. Stir in the honey, turn the apples to coat them in the honey-butter sauce and cook for 1 minute more, or until golden and glossy. Remove from the pan and set aside. Spoon as much of the dressing over the watercress and spinach as needed to coat the leaves in a serving bowl. Toss until combined, then top with the apples, Roquefort and pecans. Serve immediately.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

68  ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Caribbean and beyond

HERE’S only one place to be for sunseekers next spring – the Caribbean. Balmy ‘scorchio’-degree days on powder white beaches, palm trees swaying gently in the tropical breeze and sapphire blue waters lapping at the shore, promising adventures above and below the waves. Does life really get much better? But there’s far more to the Caribbean, and the neighbouring resorts, than just beaches and palm trees. Experience the history, culture and cuisine of each exciting port of call as you immerse yourself in some of the world’s most fascinating and breathtaking destinations. Do something different in 2017: take an adrenalin-filled ride on a catamaran; get off the beaten path on a four-wheel-drive safari; race around St Maarten on an America’s Cup-winning yacht; or get up close with the marine life on an underwater scuba adventure. For the more laid back, why not get a glimpse of the vibrant marine life while leisurely snorkelling through the crystal clear waters; swim with the majestic stingrays; relax on a deserted beach; walk through a lush rainforest canopy; and enjoy the world famous rums with the master distillers. Colonial ports painted in pastels beckon with their charming market stalls, historic forts and rich, colonial architecture. Captivating, charming, and pulsing with the rhythm of life,

Wednesday 13th July 2016

each island of the Caribbean offers something for everyone, making this region one of the greatest travel destinations. Here’s a selection of our favourite ports of call as we head to the Caribbean... Miami, Florida Sunny Florida skies, year-round warmth and sunshine, a buzzing nightlife and a mix of cultures define this cosmopolitan city. While the celebritydrenched South Beach is its claim to fame, attracting people-watchers from around the world, it is the famed Art Deco District, featuring the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world, and the authentic Cuban cuisine and culture that makes this city truly unforgettable. Charleston, South Carolina Founded in 1670 by a group of English aristocrats as an intended moneymaking venture, ‘Charles Towne’ swiftly boomed, exporting products from the region’s rice and cotton plantations. The Civil War started on Charleston’s very doorstep at Fort Sumter, which is strategically situated on an island in the harbour. Combining history and plenty of Southern charm, Charleston is a compelling place to visit.

DEEP BLUE Angelfish off St Maarten

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Tour the historic district by horse-drawn carriage and discover stately homes adorned with wooden shutters, ironwork balconies, leafy patios and hidden gardens. Watch Gullah weavers create sweet grass baskets and immerse yourself in this friendly city’s ante-bellum ambiance.

LIGHT TOUCH The harbour entrance at Nassau, the Bahamas

‘You will want to do nothing more than to grab a beach chair and sit back and relax in the sun until you’re ready to swim in the turquoise waters. Make no mistake, there are plenty of things to do, though’ Nassau, Bahamas One of the best beaches in the Bahamas can be found on Blue Lagoon Island. As soon as your catamaran arrives, you will want to do nothing more than to grab a beach chair and sit back and relax in the sun until you’re ready to swim in the turquoise waters. Make no mistake, there are plenty of things to do, though, from encounters with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins to touring through the Bahamian countryside in Jeeps – it’s up to you to do as little or as much as you want. Tortola, British Virgin Islands Spend a glorious day swimming at famed Cane Bay Garden Beach, hiking through the island’s rainforest and enjoying a scenic drive around this

lush island. Swim with dolphins, go sea kayaking or head over to Virgin Gorda and climb down to the famous baths for a day of swimming and exploring this natural phenomenon. Take home charming local crafts, straw items, artwork and resort wear. Enjoy local fish dishes or perhaps a pub lunch.

ELECTRIC FEELS South Beach in Miami, the street that never sleeps

St. John’s, Antigua Touting 365 beaches – most protected by coral reefs – a ring of forts and quaint colonial architecture, Antigua is a classic example of the British Caribbean, particularly St John’s. Sites to see include St John’s Cathedral, destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt on the same spot at least three times, the last time in 1845; and the museum of Antigua & Barbuda, which, in addition to island history, offers a fascinating exhibition of semiprecious stones. For a stroll in natural surroundings, make your way to Nelson’s Dockyard National Park or the nature trail to Shirley Heights. St John’s offers several hotspots for nightlife and live music. And be sure to stop at a local restaurant to taste the buttery flying fish which are unique to this part of the Caribbean. Devil’s Island, French Guiana French Guiana is best known for the infamous penal colony to which convicts and undesirables were deported from France – the small archipelago became known as Devil’s Island. The notorious convict settlements were built in 1852. Today, discover a lush, green landscape, where tropical foliage has grown over the old prison buildings and softened their aspect from forbidding to quaint. The most celebrated prisoners were Alfred Dreyfus, the French Army officer falsely convicted of treason, and Henri Charrière, who immortalised the island in his book Papillon and was supposedly the only convict to escape from the ‘Green Hell’.

San Juan, Puerto Rico Puerto Rico’s first inhabitants were the Taino Indians, who encountered Columbus in 1493. The Spanish quickly settled, defending their territory against the Dutch and British. This is evident by the imposing fortresses of Old San Juan, namely the El Morro Castle dominating the old section of this capital city. In 1897, Spain declared Puerto Rico an autonomous state. Spain later ceded Puerto Rico to the US and residents were granted American citizenship in 1917.

TRAVEL FACTS From an inescapable tranquility to thrilling sights and exhilarating excursions, a Regent Seven Seas Caribbean Cruise is the best way to immerse yourself in the region. For more information please contact Baldwins Travel Group www.baldwinstravel.co.uk

Wednesday 13th July 2016

70 n LIFE AND STYLE “TONBRIDGE GYM GOES GLOBAL”

BURRELLS OF ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS PRESENTS… AN EVENING WITH TUDOR AND CARL FOGARTY.

The Strength & Conditioning Institute launches groundbreaking Internet service

Burrells and Tudor hosted an exclusive presentation of the 2016 Tudor Collection on the evening of Friday 24th June for VIP customers.

Award-winning UK gym The Strength & Conditioning Institute (The SCI) has today launched an online service which delivers worldclass training and nutrition programmes directly to Internet devices around the world. THESMARTCOACH is the brainchild of National Level Strength & Conditioning Coaches Alex Shoebridge and Martin Shyvers, and filmmaker & photographer Christopher Shoebridge.

Guests admired the new watches over a glass of crisp Bottega prosecco and were treated to delicious canapés and music. Sven Olsen, UK General Manager at Tudor, spoke to guests about the new collection, which includes the Black Bay Bronze, this year’s biggest surprise at Baselworld.

Cutting-edge training facility The SCI was founded in 2012 and is already leading the industry as a centre of health and fitness excellence. The new platform, THESMARTCOACH, will deliver the world-class body transformation programmes for which The SCI has become renowned, directly to smartphones, tablets or desktops. No matter where in the world users are, an internet device will provide 24/7 access to the very best and personalised health, fitness and nutrition instruction.

To add to the excitement, guest speaker Carl Fogarty MBE was there on the night, the most successful World Superbike rider of all time. Carl earned his reputation in World Superbikes with Ducati, beginning his relationship with them in 1993 and going on to win four out of the next seven seasons. Guests enjoyed amusing and insightful tales about Carl’s life and magnificent career and customers also had the opportunity to marvel over two impressive Ducati bikes that were there on the night. Tudor and Ducati have had a unique partnership since 2011.

Combining Martin and Alex’s more than 30 years' knowledge and experience as National Level Strength & Conditioning Coaches with the skills of professional chef Ben Sulston gives THESMARTCOACH enviable credentials. The service aims to help people achieve their goals, change their lives, and dramatically improve their health, anywhere in the world. 12 week courses are available at a price of £127.50, and offer detailed workout videos, healthy cooking tutorials based on carefully devised and balanced recipes, and continual encouragement and guidance.

All in all, is was a fantastic event to celebrate and unveil the magnificent new Tudor collection. Edward Ferris, owner of Burrells, said, ‘It was fantastic to have Carl Fogarty at our Tudor event the other day - following the success of our last event with Sir Ranulph Fiennes it was wonderful to be able to bring another icon to meet and talk to our customers.’

Director and Head Coach Alex Shoebridge said: “We provide a level of training and expertise for people of all ages and abilities previously unseen in the sector, and this is what has lead people from all over the UK, and from as far afield as Australia, to contact us for guidance. THESMARTCOACH means that anyone with an Internet device can now benefit from our expertise and revolutionise their health.” Martin Shyvers, fellow Director and Head Coach said: “Our mission has always been solid but simple: to improve the health of every single person who walks into The SCI. The development and launch of THESMARTCOACH now allows us to expand and realise this vision on a global scale.”

210 Royal Victoria Place Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2SS 01892 618618

GREAT HAIR DAY FOR LOCAL SALON BUSINESS DIRECTOR SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL TITLE

THE BRECKNOCK ARMS – BELLS YEW GREEN – TUNBRIDGE WELLS Unmissable in the centre of Bells Yew Green, just a mile from Tunbridge Wells and heading south down the Bayham Road, you will find the recently transformed Brecknock Arms. Since taking over just over two years ago, landlords Sally and David Fawcett have transformed this tired old hostelry, turning it into the hub of village life. Serving the best of award-winning ales from local brewers, Harveys, alongside an eclectic menu of great food, The Brecknock is a true country pub with a very warm welcome to match. The menu includes steaks, a variety of burgers, continental platters, chilli, salads and paninis, with a great seafood selection including salmon, moules mariniere and of course it’s legendary Harveys battered Cod and Chips – also available for takeaway!

DALMA GEBE Dalma Gebe is a professional violinist based in Tunbridge Wells. Dalma is available to perform at weddings and corporate and private events within the UK and also abroad. She is a passionate and versatile performer, bringing a unique style to any event. Dalma has the ability to adapt her playing and improvisational style to music of very different genres, creating a unique atmosphere everywhere she performs. For more details don't hesitate to check out Dalma's website: www.dalmaviolinist.com

Wednesday 13th July 2016

The Brecknock has extensive gardens at the rear where patrons can also dine at the garden tables or just relax and enjoy the delightful English summer! The pub also has a large marquee available on request for special events. Private functions such as club dinners, wakes and meetings can be catered for and a hot or cold buffet menu can be designed to suit any requirements. Friday to Sunday, July 22nd to 24th, sees the Annual Brecknock Beer Festival which showcases a number of beers from all across the UK alongside some local brews, accompanied by live music each day and a hog roast on Saturday to compliment the regular menu. Each day runs from Midday to late! www.thebrecknockarms.com Tel: 01892 750237

Today is a good news day for The Gallery Hair & Beauty in Tunbridge Wells as they stand tall over a vast industry of 245,745 professional UK hairdressers who work in just 35,000 hairdressing salons**. Named by Hairdressers Journal International’s British Hairdressing Business Awards as finalists for the Salon of the Year for the third year running and Business Director of the Year for Creative Director Lorenzo Colangelo. The Gallery Hair & Beauty now have a rite of passage to contend for the ultimate title at the grand final to be held at the Lancaster London Hotel. It is here, on September 12th, The Gallery Hair & Beauty will find out if they can lay claim to their two award nominations. Lorenzo says, “Showing that we are a serious business contender is important for us, we are naturally known for our creativity as hairdressers, but the art of commerce is key to any successful business and I am delighted to be recognised by HJ’s award system in this way. It’s a great hair day for us and our team to shine within such a massive industry and also to be able to fly the flag of excellence for Tunbridge Wells.” The final word goes to Hairdressers Journal International’s executive director Jayne Lewis-Orr, “It is a great honour to have business directors like Lorenzo within the industry, he is setting a new benchmark for other salon business directors to follow. It is because of businesses like this and business directors like Lorenzo that the UK hairdressing industry retains its position as the most highly esteemed in the world. British hairdressing is one of this country’s most positive business messages and of that we are incredibly proud. The future looks incredibly bright as this recession resistant sector forecasts women’s haircare product sales alone to grow 9% to reach £1.51 billion by 2020*. In the hands of these phenomenal business thinkers we can see why.”

WITH THE

THE TOWN’S TOP MOTORING GUIDE – FROM EVERYDAY DRIVES TO LUXURY SUPERCARS

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

FIRST DRIVE

FACTS AT A GLANCE PRICE: The V90 starts at £34,555 for the D4-engined Momentum (£44,055 for the D5 PowerPulse Inscription model tested)

VOLVO V90

MODEL: Volvo V90 D5 PowerPulse AWD Inscription ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 232bhp and 354lb/ft TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic driving all four wheels PERFORMANCE: Top speed 145mph, 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds ECONOMY: 57.6mpg combined EMISSIONS: 129g/km

By Andrew Evans WHAT’S NEW? Perhaps the most indelible image of Volvo is the large estate car, and the new V90 exemplifies it. Based on the same scalable platform as the very successful second-generation XC90, the V90 – and its saloon brother, the S90 – is the second model in Volvo’s rejuvenation. The all-new V90 will be coming to the UK with the same 2.0-litre D5 diesel as you’ll find in the XC90, to be joined by a hybrid-electric petrol T8 model later in the year.

LOOKS AND IMAGE There is no getting away from the fact the V90 is an incredibly imposing car on the road. It’s rather large, coming in at just under five metres nose to tail and a fraction over two metres across the mirrors, but it’s not just the size that gives it serious presence. The ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights and concave grille, along with the redesigned Volvo logo – all of which debuted on the XC90 – generate an overall image that exudes confidence. Opt for the Inscription trim and the grille is chromed too, which adds to the effect.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Cabin space is just as vast as you might expect. Rear legroom is particularly impressive with even a leggy supermodel able to fit in the back without any danger of running out of space. A fifth occupant might not have such a great time, with a fairly broad central tunnel to straddle, but otherwise there is plenty of space front and rear. It’s a traditionally Volvo-esque boot, too. There’s a powered tailgate as standard and it

‘There is no getting away from the fact the V90 is an incredibly imposing car on the road’

There isn’t a pleasing soundtrack to go with the tech and the performance though, it merely sounds hoarse rather than coarse if you provoke it, and settles down to an unobtrusive hum on cruise, assisted by the eight-speed gearbox. Set to Dynamic mode, the 1.8-tonne V90 makes for a very capable point-to-point machine, as it will need to be when the 401bhp T8 Twin Engine model arrives later in the year. But while you’ll have to be going some before you run out of available grip, it almost feels wrong to do so. Slot it back into Comfort or Eco mode and the V90 becomes a supreme cruiser, taking everything in its stride. On a gentle 75mph lope down a Spanish autopista, we recorded interior sound at less than 70dB, so it’ll be easy to maintain conversation.

VALUE FOR MONEY reveals a nicely uniform opening with a low and flush lip. Boot space is 560 litres in standard configuration, with the rear seats folding flat by a single button each in the boot. A 13 gallon (60 litre) fuel tank gives the 57.6mpg V90 D5 a range of just over 750 miles between fuel stops.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

It wouldn’t be a Volvo if it wasn’t filled with safety kit, and the V90 meets targets here. As standard, the V90 packs in city safety, pedestrian and large animal detection, adaptive cruise control and a run-off-road prevention system that detects the offside of the road and keeps you from crossing it inadvertently.

Volvo also fits pilot assist as standard, which allows the car to maintain its speed and lane positioning at up to 80mph, decelerating automatically as appropriate to traffic conditions – even to rest. Navigation, an 8-inch TFT screen, two-zone climate control, DAB radio, heated front seats and LED headlights are all standard kit, as is the power tailgate. The V90 starts at £34,555 for the D4-engined Momentum model, rising to £44,055 for the D5 PowerPulse Inscription we tested. It’s broadly comparable to what Volvo terms its German rivals, but noses ahead on equipment levels.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? It’s an ideal vehicle for the family, with two older kids, plenty of luggage and a couple of large dogs. Volvo has always been inextricably linked with the big estate car and it more than meets expectations here too. More noticeably, the UK’s police forces will probably be up for getting a few of them on their fleets as well.

Equipped with the D5, the V90 is quite a brisk beast, with 60mph coming up in under seven seconds. This is helped along with the ‘PowerPulse’ feature, in essence an electric supercharger. Using electric power to compress air, it spools the turbocharger up at low engine speeds in low gears to reduce any lag as you’d normally have to wait for exhaust gases to do the job.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

72 n MOTORING

Model shown is the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe at OTR ÂŁ52,505. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Romeo 4C range: Urban 28.0 - 28.8 mpg (10.1- 9.81/lOOkm); Extra Urban 55.4 - 56.5 mpg (5.1-5.01/lOOkm); Combined 40.9 - 41.5 mpg (6.9 - 6.81/lOOkm). C0 2 emissions 161 - 157 g/ km. Fuel consumption and co, figuresare obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with ECdirectives/regulationsand may not be representative of real -life driving conditions. Promotion available on newAlfa Romeo 4C models registered between 4th May and 31st July 2016. With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the ve hicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Fin ance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, POBOX 4465, Slough, Sll ORW. We work with a number of creditors including Alfa Romeo Fin ancial Services.

THAMES MOTOR GROUP TUNBRIDGE WELLS, LONGFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 3EY. TEL: 01892 549766 WWW.THAMESMOTORGROUP.CO.UK Fuel consumption figures for the new Fiat 500 range in mpg (11100km): Urban 51.4 (5.5)- 68.9 (4.1); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3)- 94.2 (3.0); Combined 60.1 (4.7)- 83.1 (3.4). COi emissions 110 88 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO, figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a New Fiat 500S. Model shown includes optional extras: 16" Matt black alloy wheels with diamond fini sh and Pasodoble Red special pastel paint. *Uconnectâ„˘ LIVE services, where available, require a data enabled smartphone to use. "Figure refers to 0 .9 TwinAir 105 hp Turbo engine. Engine range starts from 69 hp.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

MOTORING n

Our premises are lacated at Kingstanding Way Business Park in Tunbridge Wells. We invite all new and seasoned enthusiasts to visit us today to find out more about our classic car restoration services. We will use our experience to advise you on the best way to restore your classic, vintage or collectible car, and help you to revive its past glories.

• Fram full graund up restaratian ta summer check aver • Specialist mig and tig welding • Full engine and gearbax rebuilds • We can lacate hard ta find parts, • In hause machining facilities • Vapaur blasting • Everything yau need ta care far yaur classic car ... • Baak yaur fflDT anline with us

. ... . .,

Contact details: H-Engineering Unit 12, 2, Kingstanding Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UP 01892 549 042

www.h-engineering.com

EVERYTHING YOU WANT. FOR LESS

1t,,1aZDa CX-5 WITH A £1,500 MAZDA DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION NOW AVAILABLE WITH

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INVICTA MAZDA TUNBRIDGE WELLS Tunbridge Wells Business Park, Dowding Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DS 01892 597726 www.invicta-mazda.co.uk

ZOOfl7-ZOOfl7

Th e offi cial fuel co nsumption figure s in mpg (l/100km ) for the Mazda Range: Urban 30.4 (9.3) - 74. 3 (3 .8). Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5 ) - 8 8 .3 (3 .2). Co mbined 40.9 (6 .9) - 83 .1 (3 .4). CO, emi ss ions (g/km) 161 - 89. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained t hrough laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not refl ect your actual driving results. Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles registe red between 01.07.16 and 30.09.16 at participating dealer s. T&C apply .....3.9% APR Mazda Personal Cont ract Pu rchase available on all Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-5 models. fina nce subject to status. 18s or ove r. Guarantee may be required. Mazda f inancial Se r vices RHl lSR. Models shown: Mazda CX·3 120ps 2WD Sport Nav, OTR from £20,495. Mazda CX·S 150ps 2WD Sport Nav Diesel, OTR f rom £27,495. Models shown feature soul Red Metallic Paint (£670). OTR pr ice includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months' road f und licence, first regist ration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years· European Roadside Ass istance. Test dr ives subject to applica nt status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conju nction wit h any other off er unless speci fi ed . Ca mbria auto mobil es pi e, trad ing as ln vict a Mazd a is a credit broker not a lender f or t his fin ancial prom otio n. We can introd uce you t o a limi ted numb er of ca refull y se lec t ed fi na nce prov ider s and may rece ive a co mmi ss ion from th em for the introdu cti on.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

74 � MOTORING NEWS

The great AV dilemma DECISIONS, decisions. With the advancement of autonomous technology, the cars we drive could be making choices every day about which lane to be in, how fast to travel, and which route to take home. But what happens in the event of a potential accident? What happens if a car is faced with the option of saving itself and its occupants, knowing the only way to do this might be to hit a pedestrian? Or it could avoid the pedestrian but put its driver and passengers at risk by swerving into oncoming traffic? It’s an interesting question and one that is the subject of a new study. A journal called Science published its findings, based on a survey of 1,928 US residents, in a report named ‘The Social Dilemma of Autonomous Vehicles’. The study showed that most people think an autonomous vehicle (AV) should sacrifice its passengers to minimise harm in an emergency, by doing things like swerving to avoid a group of pedestrians. However, the subjects also said they would rather be a passenger in an autonomous vehicle that protected them no matter what, even if it meant putting other motorists or pedestrians at risk. The study, which was authored by Jean-François Bonnefon, Azim Shariff and Iyad Rahwan, said: “Autonomous vehicles should reduce traffic accidents, but they will sometimes have

Wednesday 13th July 2016

A MORAL CHOICE Who should suffer in a crash?

to choose between two evils, such as running over pedestrians or sacrificing themselves and their passengers to save the pedestrians. “We found that participants in six Amazon Mechanical Turk studies approved of utilitarian AVs (that is, AVs that sacrifice their passengers for the greater good) and would like others to buy them, but they would themselves prefer to ride in AVs that protect their passengers at all costs.”

The study also showed that respondents did not approve of regulations which made self-sacrifice mandatory, and that such regulations would make them less inclined to purchase an AV. The study highlights an interesting moral dilemma surrounding the development of autonomous vehicles – and one that will need to be solved before they can enter the mainstream market en masse.

Family comes first… PEOPLE looking to purchase a new company car are influenced by the opinions of their family members, new research shows. According to figures from Skoda, which interviewed 601 company car drivers in May, people required to spend a lot of time driving as part of their job listen to family members when deciding on a company car. Children play a surprisingly important role in the decisionmaking process, with 15 per cent of households taking their kids’ perspectives into account, and many saying their children’s opinions mattered the most. The sway children carry could be attributed to the fact almost half of company car drivers (47 per cent) ferry their kids to and from school in their work cars, while 73 per cent use

BACK-SEAT DRIVERS Kids help decide on company car models

them to take their children to social occasions and sports practice. Company car drivers are most likely to consult their spouses when choosing a new vehicle, with nearly 50 per cent seeking their partner’s advice first. More than a third of men (39 per cent) seek their wife’s opinions, while over half of women will go through their options with their husbands prior to making a decision. The research also revealed that men generally seek fewer opinions than their female counterparts, with 11 per cent not asking anyone at all. On the other hand, women are much more open to asking questions before purchasing a company car, with 35 per cent of those surveyed saying they seek the opinions of as many people as they can.

76 � PUZZLES

Wednesday 13th July 2016

15. I’m back with anger that is more apparent than real (6) 17. Athletes may take it in their stride (6) 18. It’s bent on submission (4) 19. Final bid to secure an agreement? (8) 21. Emphasise, in a manner of speaking (10) 22. Told to go North in a group (4)

Scribble pad

Across 1. Sort (4) 8. Significance (10) 9. Oblique (8) 10.Chopped (4) 12.Loiter (6) 14.Threefold (6) 15.Scatter (6) 17.Reply (6) 18.Carry (4) 19.Quarter-circle (8) 21.Obstacle (10) 22.Simple (4)

Down 2. Symptomatic (10) 3. Eat (4) 4. Withstand (6) 5. Shining (6) 6. Impetuosity (8) 7. Thin (4) 11. Desert (10) 13.Left (8) 16.Fluid (6) 17.Rouse (6) 18.Edge (4) 20.Speed (4)

SOLUTIONS

21 Impediment; 22 Easy. Down: 2 Indicative; 3 Dine; 4 Oppose; 5 Bright; 6 Rashness; 7 Lean; 11 Wilderness; 13 Departed; 16 Liquid; 17 Awaken; 18 Brim; 20 Rate.

Across 1. Fail to keep up a legend (4) 8. It’s something to go on (5,5) 9. Abandoned ship (8) 10. A boy naturally opposed to the current trend (4) 12. It’s not certain the doctor will come in the storm (6) 14. Not in a good mood to sail (3,3)

QUICK CLUES

SUDOKU:

CRYPTIC CLUES

Down 2. A neat tailor may make it if ordered (10) 3. Illness makes the French leave the league (4) 4. Gather I’ve to support a revolutionary uprising (6) 5. How one should march on foot (6) 6. Frank or firm counsellor (8) 7. Wait for support (4) 11. Unpopular second feature that’s apt to grow on one (6,4) 13. A small band or two allowed (8) 16. Former name to cause a stir (6) 17. Shelter for fliers (6) 18. Some dark, handsome ruler in the East (4) 20. Is sorry for a trick, we hear (4)

SUDOKU

DOUBLE CROSSWORD: Cryptic: Across: 1 Saga; 8 Green light; 9 Derelict; 10 Eddy; 12 Gamble; 14 Put out; 15 Mirage; 17 Hurdle; 18 Knee; 19 Contract; 21 Accentuate; 22 Sent. Down: 2 Alteration; 3 Ague; 4 Derive; 5 Instep; 6 Director; 7 Stay; 11 Double chin; 13 Bracelet; 16 Excite; 17 Hangar; 18 Khan; 20 Rues. Quick: Across: 1 Kind; 8 Importance; 9 Sidelong; 10 Hewn; 12 Dawdle; 14 Treble; 15 Dispel; 17 Answer; 18 Bear; 19 Quadrant;

DOUBLE CROSSWORD

PUZZLES 

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ 8. Donna Air, Sinitta and Simon Webbe were all participants on this year’s series of which celebrity cooking competition?

9. In which year did Bucks Fizz win the Eurovision Song Contest with Making Your Mind Up? 10. Liam Hemsworth joins Jeff Goldblum, who is reprising his role as scientist David Levinson, in which movie sequel?

th - Q10 Liam Hemswor 2. What is the first name of ITV’s Judge Rinder, Britain’s answer to Judge Judy?

3. Beautiful Thing is the latest single from which Manchester-based rock band? 4. Who plays Nixon to Michael Shannon’s Elvis in the new film about the true story of their meeting in 1970?

11. Which US drama series, starring Julianna Margulies, began and ended with a slap? 12. What was the title of the 1991 number one hit for Vic Reeves and The Wonder Stuff?

13. Who played Robbie Hart - The Wedding Singer - in the 1999 movie opposite Drew Barrymore?

14. Ellie Kemper portrays a woman rescued from a doomsday cult on which Netflix sitcom? 15. In Only Fools and Horses, what was Boycie’s job?

5. In which Dick King-Smith novel and TV adaptation did Harmony Parker use a fifty pence piece to make her wishes come true?

6. Which British singer-songwriter’s second studio album is called Wrong Crowd?

7. Which Steven Spielberg classic starring Harrison Ford celebrates its 35th anniversary this year? Drew Barrymore - Q13

16 13

1. Ring of light 9. Cure 2. Gemstone 10.Den 3. Big cat 11. Paper quantity 4. Require 12.Insect 5. Pointed missile 13.Suspend 6. Small branch 14.Righteous 7. Spiritual guide 15.Peace bird 8. American state 16.Boy’s name Keyword clue: A mythical creature

SOLUTIONS WORD SPIRAL: 1 Halo; 2 Opal; 3 Lion; 4 Need; 5 Dart; 6 Twig; 7 Guru; 8 Utah; 9 Heal; 10 Lair; 11 Ream; 12 Moth; 13 Hang; 14 Good; 15 Dove; 16 Eric. Keyword: UNICORN

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Starting from 1, fill in the grid clockwise with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next to reveal the key word in the shaded boxes.

10 Independence Day: Resurgence; 11 The Good Wife; 12 Dizzy; 13 Adam Sandler; 14 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt; 15 Used car salesman

1. Six-part Channel 4 thriller The Border is set in which country?

CODEWORD: 1=V, 2=J, 3=Z, 4=S, 5=L, 6=K, 7=F, 8=U, 9=A, 10=I, 11=D, 12=B, 13=T, 14=Y, 15=Q, 16=X, 17=G, 18=P, 19=E, 20=R, 21=H, 22=N, 23=M, 24=W, 25=O, 26=C

Codeword is the crossword puzzle with no clues. The number in each square corresponds to a letter. Work out the words in the grid using the letters provided. Fill in these known letters first, then use skill and judgement to work out the others.

WORD SPIRAL

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ: 1 Poland; 2 Robert; 3 The Stone Roses; 4 Kevin Spacey; 5 The Queen’s Nose; 6 Tom Odell; 7 Raiders of the Lost Ark; 8 Celebrity Masterchef; 9 1981;

CODEWORD

Wednesday 13th July 2016

ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL

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JI.Li 111 /111 YOUR CELEBRATORY LAUNCH INVITATION Step

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Join us this summer to wine, dine, relax and celebrate the new One Warwick Park. We are so keen for you to enjoy all aspects of the One Warwick Park experience so we are offering the choice of a complimentary Lunch, Afternoon Tea or Dinner with every new bedroom booking made to stay with us between now and 30 September 20 I 6*

Book your room online, then confirm your choice from one of the following, Lunch, Afternoon Tea or Dinner by contacting reservations@onewarwickpark.co.uk or calling O 1892 520587

RECRUITMENT �

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

NOT REALLY FITTING IN? SOMETIMES YOUR CURRENT POSITION JUST DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT... FIND YOUR DREAM JOB WITH THE TIMES Wednesday 13th July 2016

80 n RECRUITMENT

Travel Consultant

£16,000+ FTE dependent on experience (Full or part time)

The Baldwins Travel Group has a new opportunity at our Sevenoaks Travel branch in Sevenoaks, Kent. Are you looking for your next adventure? Are you tenacious with a proven ability to close sales? Do you keep the customer at the heart of everything you do? The Baldwins Travel Group is looking for a dynamic Travel Consultant with retail travel experience. In return, we offer a competitive pay package alongside the opportunity to join a fantastic team and grow and share in our success. We are delighted to be Travel Agent of the Year for London and the South East; an award we have now won 9 years running. If you’d like to be part of our story, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV to hr@baldwins-travel.co.uk

Wednesday 13th July 2016

Fill your vacancy now in print or online. For more information contact Jordanne Reville on 01892 576049

RECRUITMENT n

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN ADVERT CONTACT OUR SALES DEPARTMENT ON 01892 779624

“

After just one day of the newspaper being out, our recruitment advert had received a great response from potential candidates; three of which we now have at interview stage. We will certainly use the Times of Tunbridge Wells for future recruitment adverts.

“

John Haynes, Partner, Belvoir Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday 13th July 2016

82  WHAT’S ON SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy

Local events

URBAN IDENTITY Diversitas on at Trinity

Celebrate Bastille Day at Fromage & French today. The specialist cheese and wine shop on Tunbridge Wells High Street will be marking France’s national day by offering a glass of free fizz and samples. On Saturday there will be a Meet The Suppliers event from 10am, where Florent and Roberto from The French Comté will be showcasing their popular cheeses and charcuterie. For more details visit: www.fromageandfrench.com At 12.30pm there will be an organ concert at St Peter & St Paul on Church Lane in Tonbridge followed by a light lunch. The event is free but donations are welcome. If the weather’s fine there’s no better place to be on a Thursday night than at Jazz on The Pantiles. Head down there tonight to experience the lively sounds of Jive Aces. Measure For Measure continues its run at Trinity Theatre from 7.30pm. Go and see this classic piece of Shakespeare – which is full of drama, deceit and despair – any night this week until Saturday. Tickets cost from £14. For more information visit: www.trinitytheatre.net

IN THE FRAME Artist Jack Frame is exhibiting at the Fairfax Gallery >> WEDNESDAY Art lovers should put a date in their diary to visit the Fairfax Gallery Summer Exhibition which runs until September 8. This year it celebrates its 21st anniversary so will be open seven days a week for people to go along and view over 100 contemporary paintings and sculptures by established and emerging artists. For more details visit: www.fairfaxgallery.com If you’re a music fan then make sure you’ve got front row seats at the Scallywag Café this evening. From 8pm it’ll be hosting a Naked Jazz Jam Session with Sandar Priston at the helm. Tickets cost £5 and are available on the door. The Roundel Poetry Prize will be announced this evening by Lynne Rees at the Rose and Crown in Tonbridge. John Pargeter and Danny Rivers will provide a musical interlude to the readings. Entrance costs £7 and includes a first drink. Tickets are available from Mr Books on Tonbridge High Street. >> THURSDAY The Country Lifestyle Luxury Gift Fair takes place today and tomorrow from 10am-4pm at Salomons. The stunning country estate will be transformed into a mecca of luxury shopping thanks to the unique fashion boutiques, specialist food producers and talented interior designers who will be exhibiting. There will also be food and drink available to purchase. Tickets cost £4 and are available on the door. For more information, visit: www.countrylifestylefairs.co.uk

MEAT AND GREET Celebrate Bastille Day at Fromage & French

Wednesday 13th July 2016

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages please email info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

>> FRIDAY There’ll be plenty to keep pre-schoolers occupied at Tunbridge Wells Library this weekend thanks to its monthly free arts and crafts and story-telling drop-in sessions. Friday’s fun starts at 10.30am and lasts for an hour, while on Saturday there are two sessions from 10am-12noon and 2-4pm. The Tunbridge Wells Cricket Festival starts tonight with the NatWest T20 Blast taking place at 5.30pm at the Nevill Ground. For ticket details visit: www.kentcricket.co.uk The Assembly Hall hosts Six-Five Rock ’n’ Roll Express, a musical evening full of your favourite hits from the 50’s and 60’s which provide the soundtrack to the story of two young lovers battling adults and authority. The show starts at 7.30pm and is presented by local musical maestro Dave Mac of Razzamataz, who says: “It’ll have you jumping up and jiving the night away.” For more see page 85 and visit: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk At 7pm tonight Rusthall Community Cinema will put on a screening of The Station Agent at Sunnyside Hall. Tickets cost £2 for members and £7 for nonmembers. There will be a bar and discussion after the film. For more information visit: www.rusthallcinema.club >> SATURDAY This weekend Christ Church in Kilndown will hold a flower festival entitled Pastimes and Times Past to commemorate 175 years of the church. The event will take place on both Saturday and Sunday and run from 10am5pm. For more details call: 01892 890426. The fifth POTS Fighting Forces annual charity day will be at the

Memorial Ground, Paddock Wood (opposite the fire station). Gates open at 1pm and entry by programme costs £2 or a donation. A Summer Tea Party will be held from 3-4.30pm at St Saviour’s on Dry Hill Park Crescent in Tonbridge. There will be refreshments and a Desert Island Discs-style event as part of the entertainment. At 7.30pm the Mercure Hotel will host a Murder Mystery evening with a difference. Not only will participants have to determine who the ‘killer’ is, they can boogie and enjoy a barbecue while they work out who dunnit. Tickets cost £28 per person from www.mercure.com >> SUNDAY The Mela Festival 2016, comes to Tunbridge Wells today and promises a diverse cultural mix of musical treats, dance performances and delicious culinary offerings from around the globe. This free family event starts at 12.30pm in Calverley Grounds and runs until 6.30pm. For information visit: www.cohesion plus.com Join in the family fun at the Hop Farm today with the Tractor and Smallholding Show Show, which runs all weekend from 10am-5pm. Bringing the best of rural Britain to life courtesy of a number of vintage tractors, livestock displays and crafting sessions, there will also be plenty of delicious food on offer, giftware and falconry displays. For more information including tickets and camping visit www. tractorworldshow.co.uk The Tunbridge Wells Cricket Festival continues with the Specsavers County Championship Division Two match between rivals Kent and Sussex at the Nevill Ground, taking place over four days from 11am. From today until next Sunday (July 31) Trinity Theatre will host an exhibition entitled Diversitas by Shirley Baker Gore. The screen printer, who divides her time between Tunbridge Wells and Italy, is inspired by a variety of subjects including nature, people and forms. Expect an interesting collection of visually arresting artwork.

TWO’S COMPANY Love & Friendship is showing on Tuesday

>> MONDAY The Tonbridge Folk Club meets from 8pm for an evening of traditional music and song at Ye Olde Chequers Inn on the High Street.

WHAT’S ON 

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS If your children are off school already then why not treat them to a day out at Penshurst Place, where they can try to find their way around the new Maize Maze? Celebrating the year of the English garden, you can make your way around the tricky trail collecting clues as you go. For little ones there’s also a mini maze, which is easier to get round but just as much fun. Adult tickets cost £8.80, children £6. Access to the main gardens is included in the price. For more details visit: www.penshurstplace.com >> TUESDAY Showing at 11am, 2pm and 8pm at Trinity you can catch a screening of Love & Friendship, a film by Whit Stilman. Adapted from the Jane Austen novella Lady Susan, this celluloid offering stars British actress Kate Beckinsale in the eponymous lead role with Chloe Sevigny playing her daughter. The film follows the pair’s ruthless search for a husband each – no matter what the consequences might be.

BOWLED OVER T20 cricket is on at the Nevill

Paul Dunton

TRINITY THEATRE

Church Road

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

Live music THERE is a feast of live entertainment to be enjoyed across the local area this week and my pick of the week is the wonderful Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival which is on Sunday (July 17) and boasts free entry and entertainment from 12.30pm onwards. Held in Calverley Grounds, it is a truly multicultural event which focuses on world music and dance and involves both local acts and others from across the globe. This year it features a diverse range of artists including the Bloco Fogo Samba Group, Bulgarian folk dance group Kitka, Phase 5 Steel Band, local band Sean Fennessey and Friends, global Bhangra star Jassi Sidhu, African ensemble Uzambezi, bellydancing troupe Anaconda and leading Stevie Wonder tribute act Stevie One. The atmosphere at The Mela is wonderful and very family-friendly. Alongside the exciting main stage programme, there is a creative arts zone and a vast selection of high quality cultural food and drink concessions. For children there are various play areas, bouncy castles and activities, so make sure you go along and experience a taste of this international cultural celebration.

THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road, 0pen all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards

SATURDAY The Heartbeats MONDAY Open Mic/Jam Session SCALLYWAG

45 Mount Ephraim, open all day, music from 7.30pm, entry charge for music may apply, for more information visit www.scallywagcafe.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Naked Jazz Jam with Sandar Priston FRIDAY Ed Watts (Jazz Piano) WEDNESDAY Cabaret Open Mic Night

SUNDAY Glyndebourne: The Master Singers Of Nuremberg THE BEAU NASH INN

Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

SATURDAY Woodface TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB

Ye Olde Chequers Inn, 122 High Street, Tonbridge Free entry music 8-11pm Hat collection (£7 recommended) For more information, visit www.tonbridgefolkclub.org

MONDAY Si Barron THE PUNCH & JUDY

11 St Stephens Street, Tonbridge, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

TUESDAY Snakes & Ladders IN THE PINK Visit the Mela Festival

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk

PICK OF THE WEEK Eridge Horse Trials Saturday and Sunday July 16 and 17

SATURDAY Unrulee Rockers International: Marvellous Cain, King Unrulee, Chong Man, DJ Gravity, Mr Wong, SN SUNDAY UNFEST Sunday Sessions WEDNESDAY Basement, Dinosaur Pile-Up and The Sun Days THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, www.pdag.co.uk and www.thegreylady.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Kyla Stroud, The Crew, Megan Jordan, Sam Firth FRIDAY Soul Kitchen SATURDAY Over The Edge SUNDAY Lazy Sundays, Chris Rush (Pure Assassins) WEDNESDAY Ian Knapp, Lights On The Mountain JAZZ ON THE PANTILES

8pm-10pm, live music on The Bandstand, free to attend, donations welcomed

THURSDAY The Jive Aces THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

PHOTO: Nigel Goddard

Crescent Road, show times and ticket prices vary, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk for more details

EXPECT to see elegant dressage, exciting eventing and superb showjumping from some of the world’s top equine stars at the Eridge Horse Trials. Amid this weekend of fun for all the family, visitors can also enjoy watching the ‘terrier trials’ on Saturday and falconry displays on Sunday. Tickets cost £10 per car on Saturday and £15 on Sunday. Visit: www.seesltd.com

FRIDAY Six-Five Rock ’n’ Roll Express Show (see page 85) WEDNESDAY Curtis Stigers (see page 84) NO.9 SMOKEHOUSE

9 Nevill Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

FRIDAY The Tar Babies SATURDAY Double Six THE CROSS KEYS

St John’s Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: The Jazz Funk Giants FRIDAY Sonny’s Blues MONDAY Tunbridge Wells Ukulele Rookies Practice Session: Beginners’ jam WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz

Wednesday 13th July 2016

84 � ARTS & CULTURE

The jazz singer and saxophonist who will blow away fans with his blend of blues, scat and soul Curtis Stigers, the talented American musician who first found mainstream fame in the 1990’s with his hits I Wonder Why and You’re All That Matters To Me, is coming to the Assembly Hall on Wednesday July 20. He tells Eileen Leahy why performing a variety of musical genres has helped him sustain a successful career How long have you been performing? I’ve been playing saxophone and singing to audiences for the past 35 years. What do you enjoy most about it? I love performing for people. My job is to tell stories that just happen to be set to music. Communicating with an audience with a song is the thing I do best and what I love most about my job. Where is the most unusual venue you have done a gig? I’ve played a lot of different kinds of places; from Disneyland and a tiny basement in a former bank, to a German country and western bar and Wembley Stadium. How often do you tour and is it always worldwide? I’m on the road about a third of the year. I’m from Idaho but most of my concerts are in the UK and Europe – that’s where I seem to have created the most loyal following. It’s great because it’s like being on holiday and getting paid to sing occasionally.

Wednesday 13th July 2016

‘My job is to tell stories that just happen to be set to music’

Where is your favourite place to perform? I always have such a lovely time travelling around the UK, seeing the towns and villages and sampling the ales. Ronnie Scott’s in London has become a home away from home for my band and me. I have a lot of friends in London, and the chance to live there for a week or two and sing every night is a joy. Ronnie’s is a classic jazz club, you don’t find that kind of place just anywhere.

What other musical genres are you into? I love great songs – no matter where they come from. I listen to a lot of singer/songwriters and alternative country but I also like a lot of old school soul, R&B and blues. Is your standard concert mainly jazz or do you include other varieties of music? I always play my hits but the arrangements are updated and better suited for the acoustic trio

ARTS & CULTURE 

or quartet that I play with. It’s mainly a jazz combo but you’re also likely to hear an Elvis Costello number or a Gershwin tune, or something by The Beatles, Thelonious Monk or Dizzy Gillespie. Do you play any other instruments apart from the sax? I play the guitar and the drums as well as the saxophone, but my first instrument is definitely my voice. Is there anything you’d like to learn? I’ve been struggling to teach myself piano for years. I’m also a huge fan of comedians. I actually admire them more than any other artists. If you could perform with an artist or band – living or dead – who would it be? Those still alive would have to include Annie Lennox, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, Diana Krall and Jason Isbell. The people I’d love to perform with if they were still around would be Ray Charles, Levon Helm and David Bowie. Have you been to the Assembly Hall before? Yes, my band and I have played there several times before and we always have a lovely audience there. Did you discover much of Tunbridge Wells? I’ve never had much of a chance to wander around. I hope to do so this time – I love a nice pub lunch! How would you sum up your musical style? Eclectic, open-minded, entertaining and soulful. What’s next for Curtis Stigers? I’m very much looking forward to voting for Hillary Clinton and against the hideous Donald Trump. Curtis Stigers plays the Assembly Hall on Wednesday July 20 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £32 and are available from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Get ready to shake, rattle and roll as the old tracks come steaming back This Friday the Six-Five Rock ’n’ Roll Express chugs into town. One of its stars, Dave Mac of the Razzamataz Theatre School, tells us all about this feelgood fifties musical and why it will have you jiving in the aisles “I WAS so happy to be asked to be part of Six-Five Rock ’n’ Roll Express as its creator and producer, Alan McLellen, has become a good friend since we met a year and a half ago. He started off playing drums in a covers band in 1974 and then, after a successful songwriting career and a spell as manager of a football team, he was approached by the BBC in 1989 to create a one-off performance of the Six-Five Special Show. This was originally the first pop programme to appear on TV and a precursor to the likes of Top of the Pops. Alan’s brief was to recreate it in order to mark the 40th anniversary of the Variety Club of Great Britain. Why am I telling you all this? Well this is what, many years later, led to Alan staging the Six-Five Rock ’n’ Roll Express musical. Alan and his wife Pam approached me to get involved in the project when we met at a local arts fair over a

year ago. Since then they have worked tirelessly on it and hope to tour Six-Five around various venues. Having worked on the show I can tell you that it’s fantastically vibrant and features hit after hit from the 1950’s and 60’s – all performed by a live band decked out in authentic outfits from the era. Six-Five also showcases pupils from my stage school Razzamataz in Tonbridge, who’ll be doing a number alongside the London cast as they act out various parts of the story. The plot primarily focuses on a group of lovestruck teenagers whose weekly dances – and romances – will be doomed if the railway line that unites them from different areas of their fictitious town closes down. Set to a backdrop of rock ’n’ roll classics, we see the teens battle it out against the adults and authorities who want the railway shut down. But if you want to know if they’re successful then you’ll have to come along on Friday to find out! When Six-Five premieres in Tunbridge Wells later this week history will be repeating itself as it will be almost 30 years since Alan brought his Variety Club Six-Five tribute to the Assembly Hall. So if you want to experience a wonderful evening and a little nostalgia then I’ll see you jiving in the aisles!” To book tickets to see Six-Five Rock ’n’ Roll Express at the Assembly Hall on Friday July 15 call 01892 530613 or visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk For more information on Dave Mac and Razzamataz visit www.razzamataz.co.uk

Wednesday 13th July 2016

86 � THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Kent Barker Country matters

After taking a leap from London, the plan was to start a new life in the countryside and a career as a famous author. Instead I acquired a dog and part-time work managing a community orchard. You can read these experiences on my blog: www.kentcountrymatters.blogspot.co.uk

The day we joined the refugees

GOT THEM to line up for a photograph outside the Notaire’s office. Three sisters, a brother and a brother-in-law. All now in their late 60’s and 70’s. But they had been infants when they arrived from Spain with their parents. I asked if they’d been refugees fleeing from Franco? There was an uncomfortable silence. One muttered about lack of work for their father in their remote village inland from Valencia. Then across the room another spoke of family difficulties. She said their grandmother had been a harridan, starving her family while ensuring she was plentifully fed. Their father had been a mason, working on the Alarcón Dam – which was an extraordinary project, begun in 1941 five years after the end of the Spanish Civil War and unique, being financed entirely by a syndicate of farmers who needed irrigation for their land in the harsh mountainous region. The dam was completed in 1952 and other employment must have been scarce – or the grandmother became intolerable, because Señor Tolosa and his wife and their four children left their village and their homeland and travelled north-west across the Pyrenees into France. Why they ended up in the remote village of Berlou in the Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park I do not know. Perhaps it was the topography – not that dissimilar to their home in Spain. More likely, though, was that the Tolosas heard there was work available in the vineyards round there. So they bought a house at 17 Rue Basse in the tiny village of just 200 people and brought up the children, who all married locally – two are still living in the village. The house was relatively spacious and airy. There are three decent-sized bedrooms upstairs, and the front room, which must have served as a kitchen and dining room, is large enough. But the sitting room is as narrow as a train compartment and extremely gloomy. Any light struggles to enter through the small, barred window and is

Wednesday 13th July 2016

then immediately sucked up by dark, heavily patterned wallpaper. Then there’s a room that’s best described as a scullery which, today, leads out on to a terrace with a small, two-storey shed at one end. Apparently this building was occupied by what can only have been an extremely short person with troglodyte tendencies. Anyway, the Tolosas eventually bought it and turned it into what nature must basically have always intended it to be – a shed. But for them the main advantage would have been acquiring the outside terrace which went with the shed.

‘It made me realise how free movement has worked to the benefit of all ’ Eventually the children all left home and Señor and Señora Tolosa lived on in the house, clearly without much money to spend on maintenance. When they died ten or 15 years back the place was shut up and left to decay while the tortuous rules on French inheritance played out. It meant it was only at the end of last year that the house was put on the market without, I suspect, much hope that prospective purchasers would be lining up to buy, even with a fairly modest asking price. To begin with, Berlou is not a hugely populous or popular village. It has five winemakers and a cooperative of local vignerons but little other commerce – certainly no shops. There is a restaurant that features in the Michelin guide, and the cooperative has constructed a rather impressive retail wine outlet – which between them just put the village on the tourist trail as people travel from St Chinian over the mountains to the valley of the river Orb. It’s also clearly a good training ground for cyclists intending to compete in the Tour de France, as scores of Lycra-clad men stop in the village

square to take on liquid from the fountain thoughtfully provided by the Marie, before further essaying the mountain roads. Well, as you may by now have guessed, the Tolasa family accepted the offer we put in to buy their family house and met us there before we went to the Notaire’s office to sign the papers to complete the purchase. It was a poignant moment as they watched newcomers poking round their childhood home. And while the village doesn’t particularly need more second homeowners, it’s

questionable whether anyone other than foreigners would have bought the property at all. The encounter did make me realise how fluid the borders of European countries have been in the past and how ‘free movement’ has worked to the benefit of all. I just hope that recent events in the UK will not jeopardise that. Or I may find myself a refugee too. In blazing summer sunshine Berlou looks wonderfully inviting. Whether it will still seem so as the Tramontane winds sweep down the valley, I’m not so sure. SELLING UP The Tolosa family

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