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Protesters unite against antisocial night racers RESIDENTS have backed a petition calling for a trial night-time closure of Tonbridge car parks to tackle noisy boy racers gathering. More than 110 people have already supported the move. According to the petition, started by Tonbridge resident Simon Jones, the issue has been at its worst in Sovereign Way, the Angel Centre and industrial estate car parks. He is calling for a trial night-time closure at those locations from 8pm to 6am.
INSIDE HOUSING NEEDS
Dame Esther visits Tonbridge care company Page 4
The issue has been taken up by Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat, who said when working late at his constituency office nearby he can hear the sound of screeching cars in the supermarket car parks. The MP has written to Tonbridge Police to urge them to make the issue a priority. Mr Jones said: “I am proposing a trial run. Once we have shown the council this could be a solution we can find a more permanent way, such as an exit only system.”
DRIVE TIME Town car parks are abused by boy racers
CALLING CARD
Tonbridge tax rises could be approved before end of year
Generous festival organisers donate money to charity Page 4
Residents are ‘being clobbered’ by Government says council leader
GREAT DEBATE
By Neill Barston newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A DECISION to make Tonbridge residents pay more council tax could be taken before the end of this year. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s ‘Local Charge’ plans will see bills rising by an average of £42 a year, from £192 to £234. A consultation over the plans found 74 per cent of respondents in Tonbridge were against the proposals but, despite public concern, members of the council’s scrutiny committee have recommended the scheme is given the green light. According to the council, more cash needs to be generated as it faces a funding shortfall from the Government of £1.8million. If the Local Charge plans are not adopted,
residents will face cuts to public services. One of the issues raised during the consultation was whether Tonbridge traders should pay towards services such as Christmas lights and floral displays, which are presently solely funded by the council.
‘We have been penalised for following what the Government has actually asked us to do’ As previously reported by the Times, council leader Nicolas Heslop believed residents were ‘being clobbered’ by the Government in terms of its reduced grants. He said this was demonstrated by the local authority being among just 15 others in the country deemed to be performing well enough to have its national funding cut on an accelerated basis over the next two years.
As a means of compensation, the Government is proposing that local councils are to be allowed to keep money raised by local business rates – though uncertainty surrounds how much this could yield. “We have been penalised for following what the Government has actually asked us to do in terms of encouraging businesses and building houses to meet population growth,” explained Cllr Heslop. If approved, the new council tax system would mean the borough would no longer pay an annual grant totalling £226,000 towards parish areas, clawing back some of its Government funding shortfall. It has identified a further £175,000 of savings could be made through scrapping its Council Tax Reduction Scheme funding paid to parishes. Sharon Shelton, the borough council’s
Financial Director, said residents’ feedback had been taken into consideration by members. “Presently, people in Tonbridge pay the lowest level of council tax in the borough, which has led to some in the parishes asking if that is fair,” said the director, who said the imbalance in present rates was in part due to the fact that Tonbridge does not have its own council. She added: “We have to look at this as an issue for the borough as a whole, and everyone’s comments have been taken into consideration. “While nobody wants to pay more council tax, I think people understand that maybe this is the only way to make sure that they receive the services they value.” The Local Charge plan will be decided by the authority’s Full Council meeting in November.
Future of grammar schools divides opinion Page 5
FOOD & DRINK
Why local markets are the places to be shopping Pages 76-77
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4 ■ LOCAL NEWS
Weather Wednesday September 21, 2016 Early mist or fog patches will lift and clear during the morning with some sunny spells
By Neill Barston
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newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
Visibility: Good
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Wind: 9mph
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QUOTE UNQUOTE
‘The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have’ Vince Lombardi Wednesday 21st September 2016
More housing is needed for the elderly says Silver Line founder Dame Esther DAME ESTHER RANTZEN has called for a greater range of housing provision for the elderly. The Childline founder and former BBC journalist made the appeal during an awards ceremony visit to a Tonbridge care company. She spoke out on the issue before presenting accolades to staff from Consultus Care and Nursing, which specialises in 24/7 live-in support and nursing for older people across the country.
Tonbridge, which offers accommodation to staff while they are on assignment or training. The TV presenter has previously played her part in the Consultus awards on a number of occasions, but the 2016 accolades will be her final appearance. According to Dame Esther, the company’s care work has been especially valuable in that it provides assistance to people in their own homes – a less stressful experience for its
‘I am so impressed with the carers who have received these awards and love hearing their stories’ Having founded The Silver Line charity, which offers a confidential helpline for the retired, the campaigner believes one of the key problems facing the elderly is a shortage of properties located centrally within towns. She said: “More housing should be apportioned for older people, but local councils appear reluctant to give planning permission for such properties, fearing that they are impacting on the work of social services. “If older people have access to shops and facilities within towns then they are likely to stay well for longer,” added Dame Esther, who praised Consultus’s new carer house in Dry Hill Park Road,
clients than other forms of care. She said: “I am so impressed with the carers who have received these awards and love hearing their stories. “I know from my own family how crucial it is that the care is loving and compassionate, and provides security and companionship. I would be thrilled if any family member of mine had the kind of consistent, dedicated and skilled care that these awardwinners provide. BEST PRACTICE Dame Esther with Peter Seldon, the CEO of Consultus
“I am sad that I am unable to continue to attend the ceremony, but I look forward to receiving regular updates from Consultus about their work. They are defining best practice in care and nursing in the UK, and the new carer house is another example of that.” Speaking of the Silver Line charity assisting older people through befriending phone calls, Dame Esther said that since it was established two-and-a-half years ago it has recently taken its one-millionth call. She described the volume of enquiries it receives as a ‘desperately sad’ situation that underlined the need for its services, which are supported by Consultus. However, she added that ‘the public really need to get behind the cause’, conceding that it had not been as easy to gain media coverage for this compared to some other charities. On her work with Childline, Dame Esther voiced concern in the wake of the latest figures which, shockingly, showed that last year 19,481 young people contacted them affected by suicidal thoughts. This is more than double the rate of five years ago. She added: “Unhappiness seems to be a background to so many young people’s lives now. “It’s good that Childline has been able to help a total of four million children over the past 30 years, but we now have a new generation of young people who have problems.”
Festival gives back to the community ORGANISERS of this summer’s Tonbridge Calling community arts festival have donated a total of £300 for two causes within the area. The group presented cheques to Kent homelessness charities Porchlight UK and The Bridge Trust during the town’s Dragon Boat Race. Both organisations entered teams in the event, with the money for Porchlight going towards funding a young person to attend college after sleeping rough. The arts group also donated a further £150 for the Grant Rule Trust, which works to achieve connected, healthy and happy communities. Fred Long, a coordinator of Tonbridge Calling, felt it had been a huge success given that it had been put together at short notice. The group was organised to demonstrate the area’s tolerance in the wake of a national rise in racerelated hate crime incidents following the EU referendum. As a result of how well it has been received, Tonbridge Calling has confirmed that it will be returning to the town next summer.
CALLING CARD Fred Long presents homelessness charity Porchlight with a cheque at the Tonbridge Dragon Boat Race
LOCAL NEWS
NEWS IN BRIEF
Boundary changes could make MP’s domain larger MP TOM Tugendhat is to investigate proposed major changes to constituency boundaries that have been put forward as part of a UK review. The Boundary Commission for England set out proposals which have caused concerns that dozens of parliamentary seats could be lost. Mr Tugendhat said he had taken several enquiries from concerned residents over the issue – which could potentially see the Tonbridge constituency considerably extended eastward beyond the village of Lenham.
Police cadets wanted KENT Police are looking for volunteer cadets in Tonbridge as part of a new recruitment campaign. Their training programme offers an opportunity to young people aged 13 to 17 to get involved in activities that support community safety. Candidates will learn about responsible citizenship and work alongside police in the Tonbridge area, developing skills that will prove valuable for training and employment. For more information email cadets@kent. pnn.police.uk
Mongolia mission PHIL BROAD, who recently took on a gruelling charity challenge to cover 250km of Mongolia on foot, bike and horseback, is organising a talk on his experiences on Friday September 30 at St Stephen’s Church in Tonbridge. Mr Broad, who is Managing Director of Yeomans in East Peckham, made the journey in aid of the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation and says it proved an eventful experience with illness and injury affecting the group of 22 he was part of. During their journey they were chased by wild dogs and endured rough camping. Entry to his talk is is free, but spaces are limited. For more info visit www.noble-cause. eventbrite.co.uk
5
The great grammar debate rumbles on as Weald of Kent prepares to open an annexe The creation of new grammar schools has proved extremely divisive – with the Tonbridge area finding itself at the heart of the debate. Neill Barston looks into some of the key issues WITH three long-established grammar schools operating in Tonbridge, it has earned a reputation as one of Kent’s strongest centres of education. As pupils in the area proved from the latest batch of GCSE and A-Level results, academic attainment levels in the town have been far above national averages. So with Prime Minister Theresa May signalling her first major policy decision will be to spearhead controversial proposals to overturn a near 20-year ban on creating new grammar schools, it is perhaps little surprise that West Kent has found itself at the centre of the debate. The area has made national headlines over Tonbridge’s Weald of Kent Grammar School plans for an annexe at Sevenoaks PUTTING DOWN ROOTS that opens next September for 450 girls. Weald of Kent Head Maureen Johnson Heralded as the first ‘new’ grammar for plants a tree at the new site 50 years, its creation has taken a further twist, with Kent County Council pressing for a further grammar school for boys on some observers as not being grounded in evidence. the site. As a result, the Kent Education Network (KEN), In releasing her bold policy, Mrs May has come a campaign group including concerned parents under fire for contradicting predecessor David and lecturers, has written to Education Secretary Cameron, who had promoted non-selective Justine Greening to condemn the Kent Test, education – with many senior Conservatives said which is the county’s 11-plus entry exam. to be against building new grammars. Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn claims the ‘Government is heading backward as it will lead ‘We should be looking at education to failed segregation for the few and second-class in terms of what is suitable schooling for the many’. for each young person’ However, Mrs May responded: “For too long we have tolerated a system that contains an arbitrary The group’s letter read: “Selection is based on rule preventing selective schools from being the false notion that intelligence is fixed rather established – sacrificing children’s potential than acquired through experience or teaching. No because of dogma and ideology. educationalist believes this theory today, and few “The truth is that we already have selection in would say that ability is fixed for life.” our school system – and it’s selection by house Despite the issue proving divisive, the Weald of price, selection by wealth. That is simply unfair,” Kent Grammar School’s expansion is being hailed claimed the Prime Minister, who felt grammar schools promoted social mobility for those from as a positive development by its management. poorer backgrounds. This has been challenged by David Bower, Chairman of the Governors, said:
“Our application was first made back in 2012, as it was recognised that there wasn’t a selective grammar school in Sevenoaks. As the rules did not allow the creation of a new grammar, the annexe was put forward. “Around 40 per cent of the girls currently attending the school are from Sevenoaks, with some coming from Sussex and Surrey, so we have been oversubscribed.” On the question of assisting lower income families, he added: “We want to do our part by going into our feeder schools and make sure that children from more disadvantaged backgrounds are not being put off doing the 11-plus or the thought of going to a grammar school. We want to support them as much as possible.” Rosemary Joyce, Head Teacher of Tonbridge Grammar School, said it was ‘too early to comment’ on the green paper that the Government was preparing on the issue. The Times also approached the Judd School in Tonbridge for comment on the issue, but it declined to do so. Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tugendhat explained he is not against educational selection as part of an overall offering of opportunities for children. He said: “I think we have the focus wrong on this issue, as we should be looking at education in terms of what is suitable for each young person. “Some children are more academically minded, some might be more arts minded, but we have to be very clear that we are not going back to the 1950’s where there were only two ways of doing things. “In Tonbridge we have schools such as Hillview that have specialised in the arts and drama, but also gets very good results for English, maths and science,” added the MP, who said he would like to see a greater number schools having specialisms including sport and the arts.
Can you help the Bridge Trust find a new home?
Trio’s key to success THIS month’s lucky winners of the Tonbridge Town Team Loyalty Card scheme were Diane Sturmer, Eileen Laker and Sue Streeter. They are pictured above receiving their money saving vouchers from Mick O’Brien of Tonbridge Shoe Repairs and Keycutting.
A TONBRIDGE homelessness charity has made an urgent plea to help find alternative new warehouse facilities that are essential for its work. The Bridge Trust has operated a used furniture project for the past 13 years, but it has now been forced to sell up its stock for the second time in 18 months. As its Chief Executive John Handley explained, its charity stores had benefited significantly from leasing a storage facility situated in Cannon Lane in Tonbridge. But with plans for a new McDonald’s drive-through on the
site, the Trust had to move out in April 2015, with the only affordable location being its present warehouse on the edge of Paddock Wood. However, as Mr Handley admitted, the out-of-town site has failed to attract sufficient custom to make it financially viable. As previously reported by the Times, the charity had already faced a severe blow this summer after being forced to sell one of several properties it owns in the Tonbridge area to house homeless people from across West Kent, due to ongoing financial challenges.
Mr Handley said: “As with any business, whether a charity or not, it makes no sense to continue to invest money in a failing operation. “We tried everything we possibly could to make it work, with masses of marketing and PR and, after taking professional advice, we even changed the business model somewhat to try and generate more sales but alas, nothing seemed to work for us.” He hopes that despite the challenges being faced by the charity, its two Tunbridge Wells stores would still be supported.
He added: “It is a very sad day regarding our warehouse – for the staff there who have had to leave, the community who benefited for so many years from what we provided and indeed for the Trust as the warehouse generated significant excess funds we needed to help our work with local homeless people. “So not only have we all lost a valuable community resource, the Trust has to work out how to survive with £30,000 a year less income.” If anyone can assist, contact the Bridge Trust on 01732 368363 or info@thebridgetrust.org.uk.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
6 LOCAL NEWS
Employment market in good health but school leavers can’t get foothold By Murray Jones murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
YOUNG people are not seeing the benefits of a buoyant economy, local employers have warned. That was the message from last week’s jobs fair, which saw more than 40 businesses promote their career opportunities to the public at the Assembly Hall.
‘I’d like to see employers less reluctant to take on young people’ Despite overall optimism there are concerns that school leavers are not being given the necessary opportunities by employers. Kent Training and Apprenticeship Coordinator, Tracey Burns, argues that while there are plenty of parttime and casual jobs available, the kind with which young people can ‘build a career’ are in short supply.
“Employers are only looking for people already with experience, so it’s really hard for young people to get into a role,” she said. “I’d like to see employers less reluctant to take on young people. They’ve got the ability and the enthusiasm, but they just need someone to give them a chance.” Concerns over youth employment were echCAREERS ADVICE oed by Cristina FernanKent Training and Apprenticeship Coordinator Tracey Burns speaking at the jobs fair dez, regional recruiter for Babcocks, an engineering However, the overall picture released this week, reflect that Tunsupport service. She claimed that remains positive, with local recruiter bridge Wells maintains its reputamany school leavers were not being Gemma Skillet, of Blue Pelican, tell- tion as a place with historically low equipped with the necessary skills to ing the Times they had seen the num- unemployment. flourish in the jobs market. ber of jobs actually go up since Brexit. Despite a minimal increase of 50 to “I’m seeing a lot of people leaving “There was a two to three-week lull 575 in the number of people claiming education with a lack of competence when the result was first announced Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal in basic English and maths – it’s but now we are seeing an overall Credit during August, unemployobviously something that is going increase in the number of vacan- ment remains low at 0.49 per cent wrong on an educational level,” said cies,” she said. compared to a national average of Ms Fernandez. The latest employment figures, 4.9 per cent.
Police chief to focus on mental health issues By Daniella Gavin newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
KENT’S Police and Crime Commissioner has pledged to make mental health the ‘golden thread’ of his plans to reform policing in the county. It is one of a number of pledges made by Matthew Scott for his programme in the coming year, which include improving the accountability of the Chief Constable, an increase in the use of CCTV and the appointment of rural community coordinators. All PCCs are obliged to publish a plan outlining the priorities for their force and setting out how they will
Wednesday 21st September 2016
ensure these are acted upon, shortly after assuming office. Mental health is his main focus and Mr Scott said he would work closely with the charity Mind by using its Blue Light Programme – an initiative that provides mental health support for emergency services across England. “I want to revolutionise the approach to mental
health, to ensure those with mental health issues who come into contact with the police, for whatever reason, receive the appropriate support without taking up valuable police time,” he said. “I also want to ensure officers and staff have access to the right support should they need it.” The other initiatives Mr Scott wishes to pursue include conducting a feasibility REFORMS study into Matthew Scott providing a
free school in Kent to help troubled children and ‘prevent them falling into a life of crime’. Mr Scott also produced a ‘mediumterm financial plan’ to respond to an overall 0.6 per cent cut in Kent Police funding for 2016-17. He confirms the savings can be made ‘without any cuts to frontline policing’ and notes that Kent’s police precept of £152.15 remains below last year’s national average of £173.35, despite seeing a 9.6p rise per week. Expenditure will include a one-off payment of £50,000 for IT systems which will track the health of detainees in custody.
Trust paid debt advisor £100k for three months By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
DEBT-LADEN Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust paid a financial consultant £100,000 for three months’ work before it was placed in special measures because of a massive deficit. The advisor was hired as part of an NHS Improvement initiative, which targeted 16 ailing parts of the health service in order to save £50million within a year. More than 80 trusts had volunteered for the programme. The trust (MTW) hired Jane Hurst, a partner and ‘restructuring professional’ at the audit company KPMG who specialises in healthcare. The Improvement Director’s salary was reportedly part of an overall package of £600,000, but this arrangement was immediately scrapped when MTW was placed in special financial measures in July over a £23.4million shortfall in its budget.
Hearts and minds The trust’s board meeting for June revealed a 43 per cent increase in expenditure on locums – as well as agency staff year on year – along with the costs incurred for appointing new medical staff. Other rises in spending were ascribed to a ‘significant problem area’ in trauma and orthopaedics – which had led to ‘hearts and minds issues’ for staff in the day care unit – and the trust taking over the contract for High Weald maternity services. NHS Improvement is an umbrella body formed in April which brought together existing monitoring groups to ensure financial sustainability ‘by holding providers to account and, where necessary, intervening’. It is understood that the consultant and NHS Improvement were unable to agree on a figure which would bring the deficit under control, resulting in MTW becoming one of the first five trusts in England to be put in special measures. The national body appointed Simon Worthington as a financial improvement director last month. He is due to deliver his own savings plan within a short time frame. The trust has repeatedly tried to bring in experts at high cost to bring its budget under control. Interim finance director Colin Gentle was paid £240,000 for 11 months’ work in 2010-12. And Ian Miller, another interim appointment, received £250,000 for six months in 2014 to tackle a £10million deficit at MTW.
LOCAL NEWS
7
Post your messages for golden Bayley
FLYING HIGH Will Bayley enjoys First Class
CHASING FAME Three students from St Gregory’s entertain the media
Where’s all the talent gone? By Daniella Gavin newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
THE auditions for Britain’s Got Talent arrived in Tunbridge Wells last week… and staff had no need to beat back the crowds. Each Saturday when the show goes out on ITV, ten million people tune in to watch. So when it was announced that the talent of Tunbridge Wells would be given their shot at the big time, long queues outside the Assembly Hall were expected. ITV said it anticipated ‘hundreds’ of hopefuls, but in the end those who turned up could be counted as ‘dozens’. Thames, the production company behind Britain’s Got Talent, were unable to provide exact figures.
Members of the press were the only people present at the 4pm opening of the doors, followed almost an hour later by a small number of budding performers. Eventual arrivals, who proved there are those with talent, included a magician hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Richard Jones, along with alternative musician Bradley Osborne from Maidstone, and nine-year-old trumpet player
GUITAR HERO Bradley Osborne dons his shades
ITV said it anticipated ‘hundreds’ of hopefuls, but in the end those who turned up could be counted as ‘dozens’ Eleanor McKenzie-Jones from Hildenborough. Her mother, Sarah, said: “She only decided yesterday that she was going to audition.” Eleanor planned to perform a rendition of
‘Feeling Good’ in her bid to make it to next year’s judges’ auditions.
Also in the line-up was band of three ‘Lucie’ from Tunbridge Wells. Aged between 16 and 17, all are students at St Gregory’s School. Alex Cavanna, Tom Fish and Amy Lewis performed a song they had written themselves. The band spoke of their dreams to play their own ‘headline shows’ – having previously performed as a support act at The Forum. FEELING GOOD Eleanor, 9, plays away
LOCAL hero Will Bayley arrived back at Heathrow yesterday [Tuesday] with his gold medal from the Paralympic Games in Rio. The Groombridge table tennis player Tweeted pictures of himself enjoying First-Class comfort on board the British Airways flight from Brazil. He won the Class 7 Singles event, and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has commissioned a golden ‘postbox’ to allow local residents to post their messages of congratulations to him. It will be situated in the Tunbridge Wells Museum, the Assembly Hall Theatre and at the Farmers’ Market on September 24 and October 8. The council hopes to present the box and all the messages inside to Will at the annual Love Where We Live Awards ceremony in October. The postbox was crafted by Terry Malone of Sevenoaks, who first made one for Winter Olympics skeleton gold medallist Lizzie Yarnold. On his arrival at the airport Will, 28, said: “It’s been a whirlwind few weeks but I’m just delighted to be back in the country I love.” After his Rio win, he celebrated by jumping up on to the table tennis table – a manoeuvre which has since become famous. “I don’t know why I did jump on the table,” he reflected. “I just thought, ‘well this is the pinnacle of my career, it’s not going to get any better than this’. “So I did some crazy air celebration, but when I was on the table I was thinking, ‘what am I doing up here?’”
Wednesday 21st September 2016
8 LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS IN BRIEF
Profits up on one-off sale as crop yields fall PALM oil producer M.P. Evans, which is headquartered in Tunbridge Wells, saw its bottom line for the first half of the year (ending June 30) boosted by one-off gains from the divestiture of its stake in the North Australian Pastoral Co, netting £8.9million. Pre-tax profits rose by £330,000 to £3.6million compared with the same period last year, while revenue declined from £28.7million to £22.7million as an extended period of drought impacted on overall crop tonnage.
Kent tourism boost KENT tourist numbers are nearly a fifth ahead of where they were last year as the industry looks set to benefit from this year’s Indian summer. So far in 2016 there has been an 18.8 per cent rise in the number of people visiting the county, marking the biggest year-on-year rise since 2013. Early indicators suggest the trend continued in August, according to statistics released by tourism agency Visit Kent.
New Millwood director LUXURY residential developer Millwood Designer Homes has appointed a new Finance Director as the company embarks on a phase of expansion across the south east. Rob Sisley will be joining the Tonbridgebased firm following a ten-year term as Finance Director at MCL Group Limited.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Borough remains top spot for knowledge-based businesses Links to the capital and a large pool of talent help to cement Tunbridge Wells as the number one spot for knowledge-based businesses in Kent, however space to support them all is quickly running out By Adam Hignett
adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A THIRD of all people employed in the borough of Tunbridge Wells work in the ‘knowledge economy’, new figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed – far exceeding any other district in Kent. Defined as ‘specific sectors [that] are knowledge intensive in their activity, deal extensively with IT and the distribution or exchange of the information that they hold’, the knowledge economy has been identified by the ONS as: “A key sector to drive future economic growth.” ONS figures based on data collected this year show 32.9 per cent of people in Tunbridge Wells have a job in this sector. It marks a considerable increase on 2015, when Tunbridge Wells still led the county with just under a quarter of people in the borough employed in the knowledge economy. By comparison, the proportion of people employed in this sector in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks stands at 19.1 and 20.4 per cent respectively. The Kent average across all 12 districts is 16.8 per cent. Barrie Whipp, Chairman of the Tunbridge Wellsbased technology firm Crimson Tide, believes
HI-TECH Barrie Whipp
it was the town’s ability to attract talented individuals which give it the edge. He said: “Tunbridge Wells has access to good educational facilities and is relatively wealthy. This, along with good transport links, means it is a town which attracts well-educated, tech-savvy employees for businesses located in the town.” Mr Whipp added his AIM-listed company has District
‘Tunbridge Wells has access to good educational facilities and is relatively wealthy. This, along with good transport links, means it is a town which attracts welleducated, tech-savvy employees’
Percentage of people employed in the knowledge economy
Tunbridge Wells
32.9
Canterbury
25.6
Sevenoaks
20.4
Tonbridge & Malling
19.1
Ashford
14.0
Maidstone
13.6
Shepway
13.5
Dover
11.1
Swale
11.1
Dartford
11.0
Thanet
9.4
Gravesham
8.9
LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
had ‘great success’ in hiring graduates from Kent generally who decide that Tunbridge Wells offers a pleasant environment without the stress of London commuting. However, he said the future growth of businesses ‘both young and established’ could be ‘stifled’ as an increasing amount of office space continues to be converted into residential usage. His views were echoed by Andrew Metcalf, a Director of PR specialists Maxim and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who linked the growth of the town to London’s status as a global city, but also voiced concern over rising land prices. He said: “Maintaining the jobs locally will be determined by having a strong economy, but also the right business premises for these firms to grow and expand in. “My concern is that with housing demand continuing to be strong, and therefore land prices remaining high, the opportunity to develop new commercial premises in and around the town of a size and quality that will attract more of these businesses will be limited.
Rhokett takes off – with its third food factory purchase By Adam Hignett
adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A PREMIUM food supplier established by the Michelin-star chef Gary Rhodes has purchased a new factory in Hawkhurst after securing a £1.5million funding package. Rhokett, which was founded in 2001 and is based in Cranbrook, will employ 50 additional people in the new facility as it seeks to increase its revenues to more than £15million in the coming year. It is the third factory to be opened by the
THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY EXPLAINED The figures showing Tunbridge Wells has continued to entrench its position as leading the county in this field come on the back of a report in August which highlighted the town as one of the UK’s top ‘creative hotspots’. However, it is not just creative businesses which comprise the sector, but any company which tends to specialise in science, IT, the distribution and exchange of information, research, technical support and consulting. The ONS states: “In a knowledge economy, labour costs become progressively less important and traditional economic concepts such as scarcity of resources and economies of scale cease to apply.”
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‘We are proud of the contribution we can make’
TEAM EFFORT Rhockett will create 50 new jobs
company, which counts Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Pret A Manger among its clients. By adding 22,000 sq ft of floor space, the factory – which is due to be up and running by late October – will effectively double the firm’s capacity. Funding for the scheme was secured through HSBC in a bespoke package consisting of a £900,000 loan and an asset finance facility of £600,000. Matt Povey, Corporate Banking Relationship Director at HSBC, cited the ‘impressive’ customer portfolio and ‘rapid’ growth of the
company – which has exceeded 20 per cent each year for the past decade and currently has a turnover of £12million – as two of the reasons for lending the money. Peter Le Voir, Chairman of Rhokett, said the company has been greatly supported by the bank since it was founded, adding: “We are very excited to be opening the new factory shortly. The doubling of capacity is in response to high levels of demand for our bespoke desserts, cakes and related products. “We are proud of the contribution we can make, including the provision of increasing employment opportunities.”
STAR DIRECTOR Gary Rhodes
Wednesday 21st September 2016
10 COMMUNITY NEWS PADDLE POWER Max Thorpe (left) and Chris Williams training on Bewl Water
team we bought the boat off and they won last year,” explained Chris. He said they were both generally quite fit because they take part in a range of other sports. And despite their inexperience, neither seem too fazed by the scale of the task ahead. “More people have been into space or have climbed Everest than have rowed the Atlantic, which shows just how tough a challenge this is,” said Max, adding he ‘loved’ the thought of being pushed to his limits. “Hopefully I will cross over into a potential I never thought I could reach.” They are also confident the confined conditions and isolation will not be too detrimental to their friendship. “We have been best friends since we were ten years old,” said Max. “We know that we need to avoid issues that could cause arguments, such as being late on the oars at the start of our shifts, but we back ourselves not to fall out with each other.” “The fact is we bicker about things all the time, but we are just making sure we get it out of our system now,” Chris added.
HOW TO HELP
Oars with a cause as rowers take on Atlantic challenge… By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
TWO childhood friends from Tunbridge Wells are set to undertake the challenge of a lifetime by embarking on a 3,000-mile rowing race across the Atlantic. Max Thorpe and Chris Williams, both 23, will spend Christmas with just each other for company adrift in the world’s second largest ocean as they try to raise money for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). CRY tests 14 to 35 year olds for heart defaults free of charge. It is a cause the pair are passionate about, as both have been impacted by the sud-
denness with which their peers can be affected. “In my second year at university a good friend of mine, a fit and healthy young man, died suddenly from an undetected heart condition,” said former Judd School pupil Chris, adding that tragedies like this happen on average 14 times a week in the UK. For Max, who attended Sevenoaks School, the experience of knowing someone afflicted with such a heart condition was even more recent. “My cousin went into cardiac arrest about four weeks ago. Luckily, another family member of mine who was in the next door bedroom heard him fitting and gave him CPR until the ambulance arrived.
“They managed to save his life but that is very unusual for someone who suffers such a sudden heart attack.” Racing as a team called Tide Together in the Talisker Whisky
‘Neither of us come from a rowing background’ Atlantic Challenge, the pair have set themselves a target of £50,000 to help the charity. It will cost them in the region of £60,000 to get to the starting line in terms of set-up costs and entry into the competition. They are the youngest rowers to take part in this year’s race, which
starts in the Canary Islands and ends in Antigua. It will take up to 90 days to complete. The challenge will involve rowing non-stop, in shifts, through conditions ranging from 40ft storm waves to searing equatorial heat. Previous competitors have reported suffering from salt sores, sunstroke and vivid hallucinations brought on by extreme fatigue. The pair are training every other day at Bewl Water as they prepare for the race, which starts on December 14, but until recently neither had any experience of rowing and they have yet to make it to the sea. “Neither of us come from a rowing background, but neither did the
Kids go head over heels for Next Dimensions play area THE ongoing £2.5million development of the Next Dimensions Gymnastics Academy (NDGA) has seen its latest addition open to the public – a soft play area. Situated above the viewing gallery, the area is intended for children who are aged eight or under who can play while their friend or sibling is in the gymnasium. This will allow friends and parents to watch their gymnast perform
Wednesday 21st September 2016
without facing distraction from hyperactive children. Operations Manager at NDGA Grace Spencer said: “Our soft play area is divided into two sections to suit different stages of development. “Those under the age of two can crawl around the soft pitted area with soft objects to manoeuvre. “Those between two to eight years old can enjoy the two-tiered play area, which includes slides and dens.”
Max and Chris have set themselves a target of £50,000 to help the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), and are looking for support from individuals and corporate sponsors. The latter can choose from a number of sponsorship packages, including the branding on their 7.4-metre boat. Money raised will also go towards funding the journey and getting the team to the starting line at an estimated cost of £60,000. For more details of sponsorship, how to donate, and about the crew themselves, visit www.tidetogether.co.uk
THE CHALLENGE Dubbed the ‘world’s toughest row’, the race was founded by Sir Chay Blyth and began in 1997. Boats can be entered in solo, pairs or four-man teams in two classes: Pure Class and Concept Class, with an overall winner in each. The teams row over 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera to Antigua. No outside assistance is allowed and each team must carry all food, cooking gas, medical kit and safety equipment for the crossing. Drinking water is produced from sea water using a watermaker.
ChildLine 30 for 30
PLAYTIME BEGINS New children’s play area
CHILDLINE is calling on 30 local companies to help raise £2,000 each towards their work in saving ‘precious young lives’. The 30 for 30 initiative marks 30 years of ChildLine, which provides an over-the-phone care service to children suffering from issues such as low self-esteem, abuse and self-harm. Helen Beattie, ChildLine Service Manager, said the free 24/7 counselling service currently answers three of every four calls, but aims to use money raised to ‘answer every child’. Any businesses interested in signing up for the initiative are encouraged to email michelebaxter@nspcc.org.uk or to telephone 01622693284.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cyclists climb peak for spinal injury charity A TEAM of local cyclists overcame a challenge of extreme endurance to raise awareness and funds for people who are paralysed. An eight-strong group of family and friends cycled more than 1,100km over four days in southwest France. They were inspired by 18-year-old Tunbridge Wells wheelchair user James Morrison, who at 16 was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, which left him paralysed from the chest down. The ‘Journey for James’ also saw them rising from sea level to the summit of Col du Tourmalet, a vertical climb of 1.31 miles.
The group have raised more than £11,000 for Back Up – a charity which helps thousands of people rebuild their confidence and independence after suffering serious spinal cord injury. After completing the long ride on September 11, James’s aunt, Claire Midgley, from Hadlow said: “This was definitely the toughest challenge I have ever done on a bike. “Climbing the iconic Tourmalet in the pouring rain was as hard as it gets, but what kept me going was the very personal nature of the cause for which I was riding.”
TOUR DE SOUTH-WEST FRANCE The fundraising team inspired by James Morrison
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Vodafone £1,000 award gives Town wins gold for carers a well-deserved rest ‘In Bloom’ colours absolutely delighted to receive this award. This funding will go directly into sending local carers to Burrswood. “This is so special for them because most carers are 24/7. It is a hugely stressful life and it’s really difficult to get time off. “I think everyone can empathise with carers. Not everyone has experience with disability, but most will have done some caring in their life.” The funding forms part of the Vodafone Community TAKE CARE: (L-R) Times of Tunbridge Wells Editorial Director Richard Moore, Connection Awards, Vodafone’s Store Manager Robert Apps, 3H Charity Manager Lynne Loving which were and Vodafone Regional Manager Mark Paine launched nationwide in 2014 to mark the THE 3H Fund has been named the winner of the expansion of the telecoms company. £1,000 charity award offered by the Times of Store Manager of Vodafone Tunbridge Wells Tunbridge Wells in partnership with Vodafone. Robert Apps said: “We are delighted to be able The charity, based in Speldhurst, arranges to help 3H Fund with a £1,000 donation – they subsidised group holidays for disabled people, do amazing work providing group holidays for with grants for those on low incomes. the physically disabled, helping their carers gain They also provide respite for carers through valuable respite. a partnership with Burrswood Health and “It’s a pleasure and an absolute privilege to be Wellbeing in Groombridge, offering a day of rest able to support the hard work they do.” and relaxation in tranquil surroundings. The Times would like to thank all the charities 3H Charity Manager Lynne Loving said: “We are that took part – to us, you are all winners.
LOOKING ROSY (L-R) Pete Every, Alison Fox, Cllr David Elliott and Joe Talbot THE efforts of the town’s volunteer gardeners fully blossomed this week after Tunbridge Wells received a Gold rating at the annual Royal Horticultural Society’s regional ‘In Bloom’ awards. Tunbridge Wells received the highest accolade in the South & South East for the ‘large town’ category. As well as the town as a whole, individual parks were recognised for their hard work over the last year – with Dunorlan Park and Woodbury Park Cemetery both receiving Gold ratings. Several other locations received a Silver Gilt, a recognition of high standards, such as Calverley Grounds, Grosvenor and Hilbert Park and Tunbridge Wells Cemetery, despite it being the first year they had entered. Chair of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom, Cllr David Elliott, expressed his delight at the results, saying: “We would not be able to achieve any of our success without the support of all our partners, sponsors, Friends groups and volunteers who work hard all year to provide support and help to keep the town looking colourful.”
PARLIAMENT should be given a vote on triggering formal negotiations to take the UK out of the European Union, a committee of peers has concluded. It would be ‘constitutionally inappropriate’ and set a ‘disturbing precedent’ for Prime Minister Theresa May to kick off the talks by invoking Article 50 of the EU treaties without first obtaining the approval of both Houses of Parliament, said the House of Lords Constitution Committee. Although Downing Street has indicated that MPs will have ‘a say’ on Article 50, Mrs May has made clear she believes she can press ahead without a vote by using her prerogative powers. In a report on Article 50, the Constitution Committee challenged this procedure, arguing that Parliament must ‘play a central role’ in the decision to launch negotiations, either by passing an Act of Parliament or approving resolutions tabled in both Commons and Lords. And the committee said MPs and peers should also have a key role in scrutinising the Brexit negotiations – due to take two years – and approving the final deal reached between the UK and the remaining 27 EU states. It is unclear whether the UK can unilaterally halt Article 50 talks once they have been triggered, if it changed its mind about wanting to leave the EU, warned the committee. Parliament should therefore act on the assumption that the Article is ‘irreversible’ and should allow it to be invoked only when it is in the UK’s best interests to begin negotiations, said the report.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
12 � COUNCIL COMMENTARY
MURRAY JONES’ VIEW FROM THE GALLERY
Fracking? Our position is… actually we have no position
C
OULD Tunbridge Wells be sitting on a bottomless lake of black gold? Are we destined to become the Dubai of Kent? Sadly, we may never know after those in charge of finding out decided not to waste their time on ‘hypotheticals’. At a council meeting last week, after months of painstaking research, Cllr James Hannam (Frittenden & Sissinghurst) – speaking on behalf of his diligent team at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee – announced to the esteemed members of the Cabinet that they had come to the conclusion that having any sort of policy was, frankly, a waste of time. At the end of the day it’s all a matter for everyone else, especially Kent County Council and the Government, was the verdict. This ‘Borough Council policy position statement’ on fracking in the borough left councillors somewhat bemused at the lack of either a policy or a position. ‘Exceedingly bland and rather wishy-washy,’
Wednesday 21st September 2016
were the carefully chosen words of Cllr Alan McDermott’s (Brenchley & Horsmonden) evaluation of the ‘policy’. “Well the wishy-washiness was somewhat deliberate,” responded a rather crestfallen Cllr Hannam. He referred to the ‘unnecessary controversy’ that an actual for or against position on fracking would create, especially considering that fracking in the borough is entirely hypothetical. Council Leader David Jukes politely reminded Hannam that the purpose of a policy statement was not to avoid controversy but to ‘say what it is. Yes or no’. And besides, with the nation ‘hostage’ to belligerent regimes overseas when it comes to our energy security, a clear statement of intent is more vital than ever, he insisted. It was this line of reasoning that gave Conservative Cllr Jukes the opportunity to put Liberal Democrat Cllr Ben Chapelard (St James) in his place.
Dismissing the sole Lib Dem concerns that fracking would be a regressive step and we should encourage renewable energies, the Cabinet Leader warned that if the Russians turn off our gas supply: “Your gas central heating will not work, I can assure you! And your solar power will work with limited effect and you can put up a windmill if you like. “Personally, I’d emigrate.” He was not yet done with Cllr Chapelard either, for when the lonely eco-warrior earnestly suggested that he ‘would like to make some proposals’, Cllr Jukes was quick to interject: “Let me stop you there. You are not on the Cabinet yet, so we are not listening to your proposals.” Slightly taken aback, and probably wishing the Dear Leader really would emigrate, Cllr Chapelard qualified his position: “OK my ‘comments’, if you like.” He then continued to make his policy ‘proposals’ anyway, with his mention of electric cars drawing laughs from the rest of the Cabinet. This reporter looks forward to an update on the fracking policy – hopefully next time it will be slightly more groundbreaking.
‘You can put up a windmill if you like… Personally, I’d emigrate’ Cllr David Jukes
Council begins financial year with underspend GOOD news from the Town Hall. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Cabinet meeting heard last week that the authority has started the financial year in the black. Delivering the report, Head of Finance and Procurement Jane Fineman told the Cabinet that the net expenditure on services in Quarter 1 (April-June) was £2.238million – £281,000 less than had been budgeted. The announcement was welcomed by the Council Leader, David Jukes, who insisted that underspends like these were less than ordinary: “There are lots of councils, even in Kent, that would envy a finance report like this, let me assure you,” he said. “When I see some of my colleagues [from other councils], they tell me that theirs are either delayed or over budget, so well done here.”
Head of Finance pleased to reveal promising numbers Ms Fineman was pleased to reveal the promising numbers, adding that Quarter 1 is normally when the council establishes that something has been missed from the budget. However, this year ‘nothing had been highlighted so far’. The departments most significantly under budget this quarter were Environment and Street Scene (£108,000) and Planning (£46,000). This has allowed the finance team to anticipate net expenditure for the whole year to be £13.598million – £50,000 under budget.
NATIONAL NEWS
NEWS IN BRIEF
Glasgow tops UK’s list of angry drivers A STUDY into road rage in the UK’s 14 biggest cities found Glasgow motorists topped the table and were on average the angriest, most impatient, anxious and stressed. Liverpool was the calmest driving city, with just 16 per cent regularly feeling angry behind the wheel, compared with 35 per cent in Glasgow. The YouGov poll commissioned by Ikano Bank surveyed 2,086 UK drivers and compared them with their counterparts across Europe. The study found Swedish drivers were the calmest and Italians the most prone to road rage, with UK drivers coming second.
Jolie and Pitt to split HOLLYWOOD star Angelina Jolie has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences in legal documents filed on Monday. The couple married in August 2014 after 10 years together. They first met when they played married spies in Mr And Mrs Smith, when Pitt was still married to Friends star Jennifer Aniston. It is understood Jolie is asking for physical custody of the couple’s six children.
Bee killer confirmed THE first sighting of an invasive hornet which kills honey bees has been confirmed in Britain by Government experts. An Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has been found in the Tetbury area of Gloucestershire, where work is now under way to find and destroy any nests belonging to the non-native species.
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Kent intensifies armed police patrols to counter terror threat RESIDENTS in Kent and Essex have been warned they are likely to see a more visible armed police presence as the counties’ two police forces step up patrols to counter the terror threat against Britain. Both forces stressed there was no specific intelligence or information to suggest a direct threat in their areas. Kent Police said firearms and Taser patrols will be increased around key locations such as Canterbury Cathedral, the Port of Dover and Bluewater shopping centre. In Essex, armed officers are set to be deployed at various sites including Lakeside shopping
centre and London Southend Airport. In the UK, the official threat level for international terrorism currently stands at severe – meaning an attack is seen as highly likely. The assessment has remained at severe – the second highest out of five categories – for more than two years. Kent Deputy Chief Constable Paul Brandon said: “We continue to regularly review the threat levels in the county in consultation with the Home Office to ensure we provide the most appropriate protection for the people of Kent. “While we are not expecting a direct threat to
the county, we do want to make sure that should circumstances change quickly, we are adequately prepared,” he added. “Some of the locations extra patrols will visit include Canterbury city centre, including the cathedral, the Port of Dover and Bluewater, and we want the public to know what we’re doing to protect them and not to panic if they see officers with firearms or Tasers on patrol.” A drive to boost Britain’s armed policing resources was launched in the wake of the Paris attacks in November, with forces around the country training hundreds of extra personnel.
Bumper harvest expected after delay to apple picking season THE English apple season started yesterday (Tuesday), later than last year mainly because the poor spring weather held blossom growth back. However, producers say the long, hot summer has led to a crop that is full of flavour and juice and fruit because of the high levels of sunlight. English Apples and Pears, which represents producers, said growers would usually have
started picking the Cox variety last week, but this year’s weather meant that this was delayed until this week or even into next week. English Apples and Pears Chief Executive Steven Munday said: “We’re two weeks later than normal. “We had a dull, wet spring, which retarded blossom growth, and we tend not to be able to make that up. “However, we hope the lovely hot summer, with plenty of sunlight,
will give us great tasting, great coloured, great looking fruit.” Mr Munday added: “I think we are expecting to have a very good season this year, helped by Brexit. “It has opened people’s eyes in relation to British food and producers. “Clearly we are going to see some benefit from that this year.”
CORE BUSINESS Top of the crops
Wednesday 21st September 2016
14 NATIONAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF
Restored timetable is good news for fans SOUTHERN Railway is to restore services for passengers between Brighton and Seaford from next Monday. The services had been mostly replaced by buses since a temporary reduced weekday service was introduced in July, which has also affected fans of Brighton & Hove Albion. Around 340 trains were removed from the Southern Railway timetable in July because of problems caused by industrial action.
Sheridan on tour again SHERIDAN SMITH is set to reprise her role as Fanny Brice for a UK tour of the hit musical Funny Girl. The Royle Family actress took a leave of absence from her starring role in the West End show with stress and exhaustion in mid-May, returning almost two months later in July. Sheridan, pictured, will return as Fanny Brice next year in several UK cities including Bristol, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin.
Rare whisky stolen A RARE bottle of malt whisky worth £12,000 was among several items stolen from the Tullibardine Distillery’s shop in Blackford, Perth and Kinross, sometime between Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Think tank supports call for school governors to be paid
Extra police on patrol after massive fight between 100 youths
SCHOOLS should be allowed to pay their governors, a think tank has recommended. Reform, which attempts to identify more efficient ways of delivering services, is calling on the Government to make it possible for maintained schools and academies to financially reward governors for their time and effort. A new report from the public services think tank said the ‘increasing complexity’ of the role because of academisation means ‘the need to recruit skilled governors is overwhelmingly apparent’. “To address the persistent poor governance skills and time, the Government must make it possible for governors to be paid,” said the report.
RIOT police had to be deployed after a mass brawl broke out in Erith, south-east London between as many as 100 youths, including schoolchildren. A boy of 15 and a man aged 19 were taken to hospital, while seven males aged between 15 and 21 remain in custody after being arrested, Scotland Yard said. Police received more than 40 calls from the public about five linked incidents which started around 5.40pm on Monday in the borough of Bexley. Extra police patrols were brought into the area yesterday (Tuesday). Reports on social media suggested around 100 youngsters, some wearing school uniform, were involved in the fight in Northumberland Heath, near the Duchess of Kent pub. Video footage posted online showed youths, some wielding poles as weapons, surrounding a prostrate youth and hitting and stamping on him as a few horrified adults attempted to stop them. Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe, the Metropolitan Police’s Borough Commander in Bexley, said: “This incident was a large-scale fight in a public area and would have been shocking to anyone who witnessed it.” “Every available officer within Bexley was deployed to assist with the incident and support from the Territorial Support Group was provided.” Scotland Yard said the fight in Northumberland Heath followed a ‘disturbance between a large group of youths’ more than a mile away in Bexley Broadway, just over an hour earlier. A spokesman for Bexley Borough Council said: “This is not the norm for Bexley – we are the safest borough in London and we aim to work together to keep it that way.”
‘School reform is at a crossroads’ Reform also wants school funding to be taken out of the hands of headteachers and given directly to academy chains. It warns that a ‘power struggle’ between the leaders of academy chains and headteachers is preventing the chains from reaching their full potential. The report also recommends taking responsibility for approving academies away from the Department for Education and giving it to an independent body in order to prevent ‘cronyism’. Amy Finch, head of education at Reform and co-author of the report, said: “School reform is at a crossroads. There is currently a mixed model
of academy and local authority schools with two different systems of funding and oversight. “If academies are the right way forward, then the Government must reform how it funds and holds academy chains to account.” The report also details the first ever survey of academy chains, covering some 66 chains which run 700 schools. The survey found only 20 per cent of chains take control of all their academies’ finances, with a further 26 per cent wanting to do so. Meanwhile, most said they want to get bigger because they believe a chain needs to consist of at least 10 schools in order to achieve financial efficiencies and reduce running costs. Not all chains were found to value the role played by parents on local governing bodies. Only half of the chains said that being a parent was one of the three most important skills needed as a local governor. Neil Carmichael, Chairman of the Education Select Committee, said: “The Education Select Committee is currently examining the role and governance of MATs [multi-academy trusts] to ensure we have a system which ensures these academy chains deliver excellent performance while being properly held to account. Reform’s new report is a helpful contribution to the debate.” Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner said: “This is an extremely concerning report which highlights yet again that Tory academy plans are in complete chaos.” She added: “Forcing all schools to become academies and introducing even more disruption into the system with new grammar schools will make this situation even worse.”
ADVERTISING FEATURE ■
New research shows summer holiday stress leads to an increase in separation and divorce
More relationships than ever are expected to hit the rocks over the coming weeks. The study by the University of Washington shows that the number of couples separating and filing for divorce increases after the summer holidays.
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LEGAL NEWS End of lease guide for business tenants What happens at the end of a lease can be
Summer holidays are very much part of
every separation is different and the way the
a solicitor, is to be proactive and get the
more expensive to sort out than taking the
our domestic calendar and a welcome
legal process is interpreted is bespoke to
advice and information before you start
break from work that provide a chance to
your circumstances.
the process. This will help you to plan your
lease in the first place!
enjoy some quality family time together. However, for many couples it can be emotionally charged and one of the most stressful times of the year, particularly if your relationship is strained. Hopes that the holiday will put your
You may find you don’t need a solicitor at all but it’s always worth going along for
fresh start are quickly dashed as you find that spending a couple of weeks together without the usual daily separations of work and school runs is the final straw and breaking point for the relationship. In many cases the decision to end the relationship may have already been reached but formally ending it has been put on hold until after the summer holidays when the
the unexpected as much as possible.
You may or may not have ‘security of tenure’ depending on whether certain forms were served on you by the landlord
an initial meeting to understand how the
Due to high demand my team are only
before the start of the lease. Even if you
process works and the impact it will have
able to offer 20 free initial appointments
have security the landlord can oppose
on your life. As they say, what have you
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got to lose?
relationship back on track and give you a
journey towards your new life and will limit
For further information and to apply for
If you choose to instruct a solicitor they will
a FREE CONSULTATION please call or
tell you what advice and assistance they can
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Telephone: 01892 526442 or email
reach an agreement with your partner such
times@keenemarsland.co.uk
certain grounds for possession.
Sharing Property with the Elderly Sharing a property with an elderly
as negotiating through correspondence with
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answer to rising property prices and concerns over care for the elderly,
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but people contemplating such an
may be collaborative law or mediation.
arrangement should be aware of the
Collaborative Law is where you and your solicitor meet your partner and their
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solicitor in a series of round table meetings
arise. There are a number of different
If you find yourself in this position the
to try to reach an agreement on the divorce
ways to share property, but an equal
first place to start is to understand what
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do this you need information and advice to
other issues that are relevant to your
make informed decisions about your future.
circumstances. This also cuts out most of the
children have returned to school.
Well meaning friends and family can offer great support and may even offer advice
Making an Inheritance Act claim to challenge a will or the Rules of Intestacy
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from their own experience of relationship
The important thing to remember, whether
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Generally, we are free to dispose of our assets as we want to. However, the law does provide protection for people who have been financially dependant on
Children should always come first when a family separates When families break up, children can feel very isolated, puzzled and worried about why Mum and Dad are not getting on and what might happen to the family. It is easy to overlook how badly the children can be effected when you are caught up in the emotional hurt and turmoil. Tunbridge Wells Law firm, Keene Marsland are only too aware of these issues and challenges. They have produced ‘Hey! We’re part of it too!’, a children’s guide to help them understand what happens when
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the shape of the Inheritance (Provision
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Wednesday 21st September 2016
~ --:..,...SS ~
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BUSINESS NEWS �
BUSINESS IN BRIEF
Sports Direct orders independent review SPORTS DIRECT is to undertake an independent review of working practices and corporate governance, following concerns raised by shareholders. The so-called ‘360-degree’ review was initially to be led by the retailer’s law firm, RPC. However, the Mike Ashley-owned company said yesterday [Tuesday] that following discussions with shareholders, including the influential Investor Forum, the review ‘will now be led by an independent party’.
Big four celebrate run BRITONS toasting recent Olympic and Paralympic sporting success helped the Big Four supermarkets enjoy their best run of sales growth for at least two years. Figures show the major grocery chains staged a fightback over the summer against discounters Aldi and Lidl, helped by surging sales of prosecco and champagne as promotions tapped into the nation’s celebratory mood.
Another loss for French FRENCH CONNECTION slumped to a £7.9million loss for the first half of the year, mirroring last year’s figure. It came alongside an 8.7 per cent fall in sales to £69.2million as the firm continued to close under-performing stores. However, like-for-like sales at its shops rose 6.5 per cent.
Nonsense says O’Leary RYANAIR boss Michael O’Leary has rubbished Government claims the airline will secure favourable trade deals post-Brexit, insisting the UK will be ‘screwed’ in negotiations. The outspoken Remain campaigner said most of the Cabinet did not have a clue what Brexit will look like, and described predictions of positive agreements as ‘arrogant nonsense’.
Royal visit planned THE Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will make an official trip to the Middle East this autumn on behalf of the Government, Clarence House has announced. Charles and Camilla will travel to Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates in November.
17
New chief executive set to become FTSE 100’s most powerful woman DRUGS giant GlaxoSmithKline has named Emma Walmsley as its new Chief Executive in a move that will make her the most powerful woman in the FTSE 100. Ms Walmsley has been promoted from heading Glaxo’s consumer healthcare arm to Chief Executive Designate and will replace Sir Andrew Witty when he retires next March. She will join a small band of women at the top of some of the UK’s biggest listed companies, becoming the seventh female FTSE 100 chief executive. There are also women at the helm of easyJet, Imperial Brands, Whitbread, Royal Mail, Kingfisher and Severn Trent. But with Glaxo’s mammoth £80billion stock market value dwarfing the other female-led FTSE 100 firms, she is likely to be the most powerful woman in the top tier. Glaxo Chairman Sir Philip Hampton, who is also leading a Government-commissioned review into boosting the number of women in executive posts at top UK companies, said her appointment follows a ‘very thorough and rigorous’ selection process. He added: “Emma is an outstanding leader with highly valuable experience of building and running major global businesses and a strong track record of delivering growth and driving performance in healthcare.”
NEW CHIEF Emma Walmsley
Ms Walmsley has headed Glaxo’s £6billion consumer healthcare arm since it was created in March last year as part of a joint venture with Novartis, and has been a member of Glaxo’s corporate executive team since 2011. She joined Glaxo in 2010 from L’Oreal, where she worked for 17 years in a number of marketing and general management roles.
‘GSK is a company that leads both in science and in the way it does business’
But shares dipped nearly 1 per cent after the announcement. Jasper Lawler, Market Analyst at CMC Markets, said: “Some more vocal shareholders had wanted an outsider appointed to help push through a change in GSK’s structure and are selling shares in a show of disappointment.”
She said: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed GSK’s next Chief Executive. “GSK is a company that leads both in science and in the way it does business. We have momentum in the group, and as the demand for medical innovation and trusted healthcare products continues to rise we have the opportunity and the potential to create meaningful benefits for patients, consumers and our shareholders.” Glaxo said Ms Walmsley’s salary will be announced on January 1, following a group-wide review of executive pay, while her total pay package will be set out in the firm’s next annual report.
Pinewood Studios opens office in China PINEWOOD Studios, home to James Bond and Star Wars, is expanding into China as it looks to capitalise on growing demand in the ‘flourishing Chinese film industry’ for its services. The group, which is set to be acquired by Aermont Capital for £323million, said it has opened a representative office in Beijing, headed up by Amanda Halliday. Andrew Smith, President of Pinewood China, said: “Pinewood has been working in China for a number of years and we have forged some strong relationships with film companies, content producers and games developers. “A permanent presence in China is a key
strategic element of Pinewood’s overall international strategy.” Pinewood said its expertise in the fields of studio design and build, production services, content development, marine services and training were in high demand in the country. The firm added that it already provides consultancy services to a number of Chinese film companies. In July, Pinewood said the plunge in sterling following Britain’s decision to quit the European Union would give it a boost, adding that the impact of Brexit would be ‘largely mitigated’ as its most significant customers are based in the US.
MOVING PICTURES Pinewood is heading east
Wednesday 21st September 2016
18 WORLD NEWS
Aid workers killed by warehouse air strike
Fragile Syrian ceasefire is declared a failure THE UN humanitarian aid agency has temporarily suspended all convoys in Syria following a deadly air strike on aid trucks on Monday. At least 12 people were killed when a United Nations humanitarian aid convoy inside Syria was attacked while unloading supplies at a warehouse in the town of Uram al-Kubra, west of Aleppo city. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the victims were lorry drivers and Red Crescent workers. UN officials said the UN and Red Crescent convoy of 31 trucks contained provisions for 78,000 people. The attack came as the Syrian military declared that the week-long US-Russian brokered ceasefire had failed. With the truce apparently teetering, the US brushed off Damascus’s assertions and said it was prepared to extend the agreement, while Russia – AIR STRIKE The convoy was delivering humanitarian aid
after blaming rebels for the violations – suggested it could still be salvaged. With the week-old ceasefire in danger of unravelling, both Moscow and Washington have indicated a desire to try and salvage the agreement, which had brought a brief respite to at least some parts the war-torn country. In the wake of the Syrian military declaration, US Secretary of State John Kerry acknowledged that the first stage of the truce – which called for a week of calm and the delivery of humanitarian aid to several besieged communities – had never really come to fruition. The ceasefire came into effect on September 12. Under the terms of the agreement, the successful completion of seven days of calm and humanitarian aid deliveries would be followed by an ambitious second-stage plan to set up a joint USRussian co-ordination centre to plan military strikes against the Islamic State group and a powerful alQaeda-linked militant faction. But from the start the truce has been beset by difficulties and mutual accusations of violations. By Monday, both the Syrian Government and prominent opposition activists were speaking of the truce as if it had already failed.
New York bomb suspect charged after shoot-out with police officer THE man suspected of carrying out the weekend bombings in New York City and New Jersey has been charged over the shoot-out with police which led to his arrest. Ahmad Khan Rahami is accused of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose,
prosecutors said. Bail was set at 5.2 million dollars (£4million). The gun battle began on Monday after a police officer responding to a call about a hooded vagrant asleep in a bar doorway roused him. It turned out to be Rahami, who had been identified in an FBI bulletin just hours earlier as a man wanted over the bombings. He pulled a gun, shot the officer
and triggered the confrontation in the street that ended with Rahami wounded and in custody. Rahami, aged 28 – a naturalised US citizen from Afghanistan who lived with his Muslim family in Elizabeth, New Jersey – underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to a leg. Five other explosive devices were discovered in the New York area on Sunday.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Bowler on bail
Ashton faces ban Aanholt all-clear
SRI LANKA bowler Nuwan Kulasekera, who played three matches for Sussex in the T20 Blast this season, has been released on bail after he was involved in an accident which killed a motorcyclist, the country’s cricket board has confirmed. Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement that the 34 year old was travelling to Colombo from Kandy when it is claimed a 28-year-old motorcyclist lost control of his vehicle attempting to overtake a bus and was thrown into the path of Kulasekera’s vehicle. “Mr Kulasekera is on bail pending completion of the investigation,” added the statement.
SARACENS winger Chris Ashton could face a lengthy ban after being charged by the Rugby Football Union over two acts of biting. The 29 year old, capped 39 times by England, is alleged to have bitten Northampton prop Alex Waller during Saturday’s 27-12 Aviva Premiership victory, and will appear before a disciplinary panel in London, the RFU said in a statement on Monday. The two incidents occurred in the 24th and 25th minutes of the clash at Allianz Park, with Ashton’s mouth appearing to make contact with Waller’s hand during a tangle on the floor.
PATRICK VAN AANHOLT will return to the Sunderland squad for Wednesday’s EFL Cup third round trip to QPR having been given the all-clear by cardiologists. The full-back was withdrawn from the team facing Tottenham in the Premier League minutes before the start of play on Sunday on the advice of medics following regulation tests. But he has since undergone further checks and is now free to play. The Dutchman’s withdrawal at White Hart Lane barely 30 minutes before kick-off sparked a series of conspiracy theories until it was later revealed the reason was a heart scare.
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20 LETTERS
And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Equality: New women’s party represents another fragmentation of the left wing of politics I READ with interest [September 14] about the establishment of the Women’s Equality Party and how it has taken hold in Tunbridge Wells. We should all welcome a party that seeks to address the current imbalance between men and women at the upper echelons of British society. Our institutions are dominated by the male, pale and stale, and do not reflect modern Britain at all, and the gender imbalance is just one of several problems regarding equal representation in our institutions and businesses. Sophie My only issue is while I Walker endorse wholeheartedly the socially progressive
Refugees: Nationwide dispersal needed I found it really saddening to read [September 14] about the impact of the refugee crisis in Kent, where services are stretched to breaking point. The current situation is good for no-one. Firstly, the refugee children all being placed in one area means it is likely to build up more resentment from people in the local area since they feel overburdened. This will undoubtedly cause friction, and such hostilities will only perpetuate as these children feel isolated and will keep amongst themselves, missing out on the crucial initial integration period. I echo the views of Councillor Peter Oakford [Kent County Council] that there needs to be a nationwide dispersal programme so every region can take a manageable amount of children. My heart goes out to these poor children, who have come from unspeakable circumstances. This is not a case of ‘But not in my town!’ I know that Tunbridge Wells is an affluent place that can afford to help a large number of people, but that does not mean our resources are unlimited. I would urge those who take the decisions in the Government to recognise that burdening one region is going to lead to disaster. Adam Oldman Via email
St John’s: Splurge of taxpayers’ money The extent of the planned ‘go-slow’ zone surrounding the St John’s area seems somewhat
agenda of this party, it represents yet another fragmentation on the left of the political spectrum. If they skim off just a few votes from Labour’s candidates, then it could make the 2020 election even more of a bloodbath for the Labour Party than they already face. The Tories have never been the party of equality, and despite them having two female leaders they have constantly sought to thwart progressive measures such as enforced quotas on company boards and all-women shortlists at elections. The Women’s Equality Party, led by Sophie Walker, should affiliate with Labour, where it will find a lot of common ground with our fantastic leader Jeremy Corbyn, and together the parties can take the fight to the Tories. Joanne Lloyd Via email excessive. A hundred slower roads costing £40,000 of both the county council and borough council’s money seems wasteful, not to mention wholly detrimental to the rest of the flow of traffic in Tunbridge Wells. It seems an extensive splurge of the taxpayer’s money on ‘traffic calming measures’ when the cash could instead be targeted more specifically to the exact roads on which the schools are situated. Despite the apparent desire for the initiative to ‘spread further in the future’, I suggest that we focus on reducing traffic and congestion in Tunbridge Wells as a priority. For the majority, there seems nothing calming about an increase in traffic build-up around the St John’s area. Beryl Clifton Via email
Brexit: It really offers us an opportunity I was intrigued to read about the ‘Digital Envoy’ [September 14] describing Brexit as an opportunity for Tunbridge Wells businesses. I’m not trying to take credit or anything like that, but as someone who voted Leave this is exactly what I wanted to see happen. For far too long in this country we have let so many of the important areas of British life – our economy, our borders and our culture – be determined by out of touch, metropolitan elites, either in London or in Brussels. It’s only via a direct route of people power, namely the referendum, that we have been able
to shake up the London-centric establishment. The fallout from Brexit will show that there are fantastic places outside the capital, where great work can be produced without the London premium added on top. And Tunbridge Wells has to be at the top of that list of places. Rory McClaggen Via email
Southern: Stop blaming your staff I was disappointed to read [September 14] that train operator Southern is yet again offering an apology for appalling services while still blaming their staff. The blame on staff for their unprecedented levels of crew sickness doesn’t restore faith within the system for the average commuter – and instead suggests Southern is still trying to avoid blame for their own mistakes. The rail union is right to highlight the way Southern is still blaming staff for their own systematic failures, and thus encouraging the conflict within the rail operator. The proposal of more services to be back up and running seems redundant if Southern can’t organise their staff to run them. Surely this just heralds a poorer service to come? Jeremy Houlton Via email
Visitor: Ladies quite made my week My daughter and I were in Tunbridge Wells last Wednesday [September 14], holidaying in the area, and with tickets to see Carmen in the evening. I, aged 81, am recovering from a knee replacement and using sticks/wheelchair. I still aim to look good, and with a brightly patterned pink dress, pink hair and shoes I obviously made quite a statement. I received lovely comments from at least four different ladies as we walked round the town – even one from a lady in a car. She wound down her window at a junction to comment favourably on my pink hair. Ladies of TW – you made my week. Many thanks. Audrey Winkler Via email
Mr Corbyn: Why no words of support? Most politicians are only too eager to air their views on most matters. Strange, then, that we have not heard from Tunbridge Wells Labour Party about where it stands on the issue of Mr Corbyn – to be or not to be its leader? The silence is because the local party members cannot, I understand, decide, and are taking a neutral stance. They are ‘not taking a position’. Vincent Levy Via email
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 21st September 2016
Calverley
WHAT a surprise for a Mayfield wife. She looks out the kitchen window to see an unknown young man erecting a tent in the middle of her lawn. Rushing outside to demand an explanation she’s intercepted by her husband, who breaks off from his gardening to tell her the chap is a cycling tourist looking to pitch his tent for the night. Husband had happily agreed. He just forgot to consult ‘management’ first. ROUND of applause please for our hardworking friends at the crematorium. Longer ‘premium’ funerals along with shorter ‘cheaper’ services are apparently boosting the crem’s bottom line. Councillors have been told the move means there’s likely to be an extra £25,000 in the pot this financial year. Something members have been dying to hear. CALVERLEY is indebted to one of the staff at Waitrose in Crowborough. In desperate need of scoring brownie points at home, he calls in to the store to buy some ‘let’s be friends’ roses. Ever careful of the need to look after the pennies (alcohol is so dear these days) he checks the reduced bunches and spots one marked down from £10 to £4.95. Just as he is about pick up the roses, an assistant whispers: “Hang on. I’m going to reduce them even further down to 99p.” Result! Yet another example of why we really need a Waitrose in TW. SEXIST Calverley is not (or, at least, he tries exceedingly hard not to be). However, he cannot resist sharing the fact that two young ladies at the table next to his at a local restaurant spent 35 minutes discussing the best way to have perfect nails. And they did this as they sat there in fashion jeans that had been ripped to bits. The jeans probably cost a fortune. The nail treatments a little less. CHEFS are a particularly interesting breed, with many of them getting in a real stew as they attempt to emulate the outrageous behaviour of role models such as Gordon Ramsay. (Wonder if he can still actually cook?) One of Calverley’s favourite watering holes has seen no less than eight chefs come and go since December. That’s almost one a month. Chin, chin readers
Education in association with:
www.right-tuition.co.uk
EDUCATION ■
21
EDUCATION Times WITH THE
Davina McCall gets the inside track on school’s new state of the art facilities
Benenden has just completed the first two phases of its new development programme which includes eight purpose built staff homes as well as an all-weather sports pitch which will benefit the local community too TEAM SPIRIT Pupils are ready for action
TV CELEBRITY Davina McCall opened two new key elements of Benenden School’s Centenary Vision project last weekend, much to the delight of dozens of pupils, their parents and teaching staff. International hockey players Sarah Haycroft and Zoe Shipperley and cheerleaders from the John Wallis Church of England Academy were
also present for the grand opening of the first two completed phases of the development programme. Opening the new facilities, which along with eight staff homes that have also recently been completed at a cost of £4million in total, Davina said: “It’s so important for young people to lead an active lifestyle and this will be a huge asset. I wish I’d had something this good when I was at school!” The aim of the school’s new state of the art additions is to further enhance the complete education offered to girls at Benenden – and to also ensure that the local community benefits from using things like the all-weather pitch too. Being able to play games such as
lacrosse and hockey on it throughout the winter months will enable students to improve their skills and increase the amount of training that they receive. The school’s Under-15B lacrosse team are the national champions and they hope this new sports area will further enhance their standard. Benenden Headmistress Samantha Price said: “We offer girls a complete education – academic excellence with an exceptional array of extra-curricular activities. The new Centenary Vision programme will ensure girls are getting the very best facilities to support our innovative curriculum to let them succeed in the modern world.” The next building project will be the construction of a new school hall and the establishment of a OPENING new music school. CEREMONY The Centenary Vision was Host Davina launched in April 2015 by HRH McCall The Princess Royal, a former Benenden pupil who is also Founders’ Patron of the School.
NEWS IN EDUCATION
Musician is on song THE renowned international clarinettist Julian Bliss went along to Lamberhurst Primary School last Friday to talk to the children about his love of music and treated the attentive pupils to an impromptu recital. Mr Bliss, who plays both classical and jazz music, appeared at the school just ahead of his concert at St Mary’s Church in the village on Friday evening. The world famous clarinettist started playing at the age of four and first appeared on TV aged five. In 2002 (aged 13) he performed at the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and appeared again in 2006 at her 80th birthday celebrations.
Valuable IT support St Gregory’s School has received a grant of £4,000 from the John Collings Educational Trust, based in Tunbridge Wells. It will fund laptops for Sixth Form students from financially less advantaged families. Nick Hunter, Deputy Head of Sixth Form, said: “We are hugely grateful to the John Collings Educational Trust for their generous donation which will enhance educational attainment and make a real difference to the opportunities for the young people in our care.”
Wednesday 21st September 2016
22 WEEKLY COMMENT
Greg Clark
MP for Tunbridge Wells
Greg Clark was elected to Parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The Conservative MP has since held a number of positions in Government and currently sits as a member of the Cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy: www.gregclark.org
We must always look to improve schools FOR families with children, September is always a month of mixed emotions – regret that the school summer holiday which seemed endless to start with (and so short by the end) is over, the stress of buying new uniform and school shoes, the resistance to early morning starts and the excitement of being back in the classroom with friends, old and new. And as the new term begins, politics has entered a vigorous debate about education policy – an area in which feelings are also mixed. Whatever your views on the debate, one inescapable fact is that our town is well served by a range of good schools – all-ability, grammar, church and independent. When Tunbridge Wells features at or near the top of league tables of the best places in the country to live, education is one of the most cited reasons as to why people want to move here. During each Parliament I try to visit every school in my constituency – more than 50 of them. Earlier this month, I visited Claremont Primary School to talk about the role of an MP. With the hall full of around five hundred pupils it was almost as lively as the House of Commons! I am always encouraged by the knowledge our
Wednesday 21st September 2016
children have about our political system. One pupil at Claremont knew exactly how many MPs there are in Parliament – a fact which I am sure many adults would struggle to recall. Whilst Claremont is a well-established primary school, later this week I will have the honour of opening our newest addition, Skinners’ Kent Primary School in Knights Wood. I have no doubt that it will be highly successful under the leadership of the Skinners’ Kent Academy Trust, very ably led by one of the country’s best headteachers, Sian Carr. The Trust also runs Skinners’ Kent Academy where strong management, passionate staff and dedication
‘I believe that every generation should be better educated than the last’ from pupils have created a school recently rated by Ofsted as Outstanding on all counts. We have good schools locally but must not be complacent. For many of my constituents, getting their children into a primary school close to home is more problematic than they anticipated. It is one of the reasons I was always supportive
of establishing The Wells Free School, the new Skinners’ Kent Primary, and now the proposed expansion of St Peter’s Primary in Hawkenbury. We need to ensure all children have the opportunity to thrive and to achieve their best. That means making sure there really is a choice of good schools for all and that they go out of their way to encourage applications from all pupils,
irrespective of background or parental support. I believe it is important too that the sporting and artistic potential of children is nurtured and encouraged. Then as students reach the end of their school days, they should be helped into training or continue their formal education in a way that prizes their individual talents – with vocational opportunities promoted as vigorously as an exclusively FRESH START academic path. I believe that every Skinners’ officially opens on Friday generation should be better educated than the last. As we have become better off as a nation and learned from the past, there is no reason why this continual progress should not be expected. That is why national debate on education will not – and should not – be settled forever. We should be restless in achieving more for every child.
WITH THE
WEDDINGS OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
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Find your own inspiration from our real life brides
The wedding event of the season comes to town
Get creative with women who are changing the game Wednesday 21st September 2016
24 � WEDDING FEATURE
Inspiration and ideas for your wedding day It’s common knowledge that planning a wedding can be pretty daunting, so if you’re looking for good ideas then don’t miss The Wedding Experience at the Royal Wells Hotel on Sunday September 25 FOR brides and grooms facing the task of planning the most magical day of their lives, this event promises to make what seems impossible absolutely possible. Tina Green, Event Director of The Wedding Experience, says: “Couples can browse at leisure and discover the
THE ROYAL WELLS HOTEL The perfect Wedding Experience
Wednesday 21st September 2016
latest trends, taste the cake, try on the tiaras, smell the flowers and have fun in the photobooth. The shows are an opportunity to meet with specialists who really care about making your wedding day special and helping you to style it your way and to your budget.”
For those of you just beginning to plan your wedding day it’s a chance to meet with the Royal Wells wedding coordinators to view their fabulous wedding and reception facilities. Whether planning an intimate ceremony with close family and friends or a lavish
‘Couples can browse at leisure and discover the latest trends, taste the cake, try on the tiaras, smell the flowers and have fun in the photobooth’
celebration, the Royal Wells can provide the tailor-made wedding day of your dreams. As a licensed wedding venue, the hotel can offer couples a complete package and a variety of accommodation, including the luxurious Honeymoon Suite. Admission is free with the option to purchase VIP tickets for a more luxurious visit at £20pp, which includes fast-track entry, exclusive use of the VIP lounge, a glass of bubbly, a cupcake, ice cream, a gift bag with exclusive offers for VIPs, and a reserved seat for the fashion show. To purchase VIP tickets, pre-register then follow through to VIP ticket option. Whether you dream of a traditional wedding, or a quirky day to celebrate your nuptials, then The Wedding Experience will help you find just the right specialists to ensure you leave the shows bursting with inspiration. And do make a date in your diary to visit the region’s largest independent wedding show at The Kent Showground, Detling on Sunday October 23. Arranged over two vast arenas, this event is host to more than 200 exhibitors and you’ll be able to enjoy amazing fashion shows and listen to live entertainment on stage throughout the day. Sunday September 25 at the Royal Wells Hotel. Admission free. Register at www.wedding-experience.co.uk
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26 � WEDDING FEATURE
Blue bow ties and plenty of smiles When a family holiday in Spain started with a romantic proposal, Clare Lush-Mansell, the blogger behind mytunbridgewells.com, embarked on a three year engagement to plan her perfect day Describe your husband in less than ten words: Kind-hearted, sensible, selfless, strong, and a great Dad! How did you and your husband meet? I was on my way back to Ireland after a year in Australia and Dave was on a threemonth sabbatical from work in May 2006. We met in a bar in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand. He wrote his email address in my Lonely Planet guidebook and the rest is history! Tell us about the proposal… We were staying at Dave’s dad’s place in Spain. My mum had arrived that night to spend our second week on holiday with us. She offered to babysit so Dave and I could have a much-needed evening out together. We went to our favourite restaurant at the nearby town of Nerja. He was pretty quiet throughout the whole meal. I wasn’t sure what was wrong with him and honestly had no idea that he would propose to me that night in the restaurant! A traditionalist at heart, he got down on one knee and I said yes.
Where did you get married and how did you choose the venue? We had originally planned to get married abroad, but after we had our second child, and I started my blog, we decided it would be easier and quite apt to keep things local before going further afield for our honeymoon. It was difficult to find a venue that ticked all of the boxes. There were certainly a couple of ‘Bridezilla’ moments! Initially, I had dismissed The High Rocks as a venue. I thought it was for wedding parties with really large numbers, but it turned out that they had several different options. When we went to see it, we knew straight away that this venue would work for us. The fact the party could keep going to 2am was an added bonus! Tell us about your big day and some of its key highlights… The day itself was surprisingly relaxing. My mum, bridesmaid and I had a lovely morning getting pampered by Jade at The Gallery in Southborough and Ellie from MY TUNBRIDGE WELLS WEDDING Clare Lush-Mansell
Wednesday 21st September 2016
The Beauty Aisle, who did our make-up. Highlights for me included seeing my beautiful boys in their little blue and white striped bow ties, my mum giving me away, exchanging vows, being welcomed with my new ‘husband’ at the reception and having all our loved ones in the same place at the same time. My husband really enjoyed seeing me with our boys when we walked up the aisle, and having some time together after the ceremony for our photographs. How did you start your married life together? We went to Menorca on a ‘familymoon’ with my husband’s Best Man, his wife and two children. They had flown over to the UK from Australia for our wedding. The first week was spent in a villa with our friends, and the second was just the four of us at another resort. Dave and I are going on honeymoon to where it all began, Thailand, later in the year. The grandparents have kindly offered to look after the boys.
‘I wasn’t sure what was wrong with him and honestly had no idea that he would propose to me that night in the restaurant! A traditionalist at heart, he got down on one knee and I said yes’
Who were your key suppliers? Isabella Grace was the first bridal shop I visited. I was blown away by their service, choice of dresses and the overall experience I had there. My mum, mother-in-law and sister-inlaw came along and helped me choose the dress, and it meant a lot to get their opinions. Miss Kay was a super seamstress too – her shop is across the road from Isabella Grace. Jo Fisher, also known as The Florist Tunbridge Wells, did an amazing job with the flowers. I met her at a networking event and knew immediately that I wanted her for the flowers. She is such a lovely person, and the brief was met perfectly.
WEDDING FEATURE �
The cake was made by my mother-inlaw, and it meant the world to us that she made it. Clare Fitzgerald, from Fitzgerald Photographic, was a joy to have with us. She’s so relaxed but professional and captured the day perfectly. We were over the moon with our photos. I changed my mind several times about the hair style I wanted, and Jade from The Gallery in Southborough has the patience of a saint! She stayed late after work to ensure we got it right ahead of the wedding. I couldn’t have been happier with the end result. The High Rocks were wonderful. They have so much experience with catering for large functions and everything ran so efficiently – a very safe pair of hands. There wasn’t a single moment when we didn’t feel at ease. We chose to have some marvellous macaroons as wedding favours after meeting Mary-Anne from The Crow Kitchen at a wedding fair in The Pantiles. We really enjoyed the ‘tasting’ part of it, too. Giuliano from Graphik Vision was our absolutely superb videographer. He was so unobtrusive and I just love watching the video! Ellie from The Beauty Aisle worked wonders with my make-up on the day. She understood the look I was going for and experimented with lots of different colours and textures during our trial to see what suited me best.
27
THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS
1 2 3 4 5
Have a short engagement. We were engaged for three years and, in hindsight, a shorter engagement might have kept things simpler! A long engagement means more time to plan, which can be a mixed blessing Get help with the children. We had nine young children at our wedding, two of which were ours. Hiring three girls from our son’s pre-school to help on the day ensured we could relax as much as possible Make a decision and stick to it – there is so much choice these days! I had a wobble about the venue and my dress. I kept coming across other options and wondering whether I should have gone for them. Make your decision and stop looking Hire a videographer. I have watched our wedding video so many times already! It lasts approximately seven minutes and is such a beautiful synopsis of the day. It will be so nice to watch when the kids are older, too Delegate, delegate, delegate! There are only so many things a bride can do during the leadup to her wedding day. I called in help from family and friends for various things whenever possible. They were happy to help and it was nice to have them involved
A FAMILY AFFAIR Clare, Dave and their two sons in their blue and white striped bow ties – the icing on the wedding cake
Wednesday 21st September 2016
28 � WEDDING FEATURE
It only took Nancy six weeks to realise she had found ‘the one’
After meeting the seemingly shy Carol on an online dating site, Nancy Fisher soon realised she was the one for her. After six weeks there was no doubt for either of them that this was meant to be, and a proposal shortly followed Describe your wife in five words: She made me believe again How did you and your wife meet? We met on an online dating site. I had three dates that week and two of them were not a good fit at all! Carol was so normal and sweet, although she was so shy at first that she barely said a thing on the initial phone call. Luckily, I trusted my instinct and went on a date – the rest is history. Tell us about the proposal… It was only six weeks after meeting that I knew I had found ‘the one’. We went to Wales for a five-day break in a teepee.
On the first evening, we had a romantic, candlelit dinner and I produced a large diamond and asked her. Carol was in shock as she had no idea, but she said yes – luckily! Where did you get married and how did you choose the venue? The ceremony was at The Mansion House in Tunbridge Wells. Afterwards, we returned to our beautiful home in Southborough. We have an apartment in a Decimus Burton Mansion with five acres of grounds, so we erected a marquee in the garden – it was a beautiful setting! We originally had a civil partnership at Brighton Pavilion ten years ago. But
‘After the ceremony we walked around the garden in our wellies for more pictures. For the children, there was a bouncy castle and a piñata – absolutely lovely’
we wanted a special day to convert to marriage on our tenth anniversary. The Mansion house was local to us and was a grand setting to complement our home. Tell us about your big day and some of its key highlights… It truly was a magical day. Carol and I were very relaxed and the sun was shining brightly. The day started with champagne and photos outside the house. After the ceremony we walked around the garden in our wellies for more pictures. For the children, there was a bouncy castle and a piñata – absolutely lovely. For music, there was a live Salsa band who were absolutely amazing and kept us dancing all night. A delicious hog roast easily fed all the guests and left us with more for the next day. How did you start your married life together? I know it’s become the ‘must do’ place for honeymooners, but we headed to the Maldives and there really is no place like it. The ten days were so fantastic – really relaxing. Nothing beats doing nothing in paradise!
Wednesday 21st September 2016
WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL
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Rare chance to buy dream Scotney home Fabulous farm still has plenty of further promise
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Wednesday 21st September 2016
PROPERTY SECTION
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
In my view…
Your at-a-glance guide to
Stephen Lightfoot Connells Tunbridge Wells
Sell now and move by Christmas, says Connells Connells’ Six-Week Challenge to sell your home in record time… Local estate agency Connells, in Tunbridge Wells, is urging homeowners to start marketing their properties now if they want to be moved by Christmas. According to the branch, September is a good time to market your home, and by taking advantage of the company’s SixWeek Challenge customers can successfully sell their property in record time and for the best price. “September is an ideal time to sell your home,” says Stephen Lightfoot, Branch Manager at Connells, Tunbridge Wells. “It’s traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for us with the summer holidays over
FERNDALE TUNBRIDGE WELLS
£925,000 – £950,000
and buyers returning to the market keen to purchase before the end of the year.” “Our Six-Week Challenge – where we use all our expertise and knowledge of the local housing market to help sellers secure a buyer in less than six weeks – has been hugely successful for our customers over the summer months,” continues Stephen. “With even more properties required to meet current buyer demand, we would urge those interested in moving to make the most of a buoyant housing market and put us to the challenge!”
If you are thinking of selling your home, keen to move by Christmas and would like to be considered for Connells’ Six-Week Challenge, please contact the local branch on 01892 547966
UNDER £250,000 HARMONY STREET, RUSTHALL
OIRO £200,000 newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Wednesday 21st September 2016
This two-bedroom end-of-terrace cottage is situated in the popular Toad Rock area of Rusthall and requires updating. The accommodation comprises a lounge, kitchen/diner, downstairs bathroom and two bedrooms. It also benefits from gas-fired
heating, double glazing and a rear garden. There is a paved area to the front where the previous owner parked a vehicle. The property is being sold with no forward chain, and the vendor is looking for a cash purchaser as there has been some historic movement in the property. CONTACT KMJ Property 01892 515188 www.kmjproperty.com
UNDER £350,000 DAWES CLOSE, TONBRIDGE
£300,000 – £315,000 A terraced cottage in a popular residential road close to the mainline station and High Street. The property is well presented throughout and offers light and spacious accommodation that includes an entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen and lounge/
dining room with sliding patio doors. To the first floor there are two bedrooms as well as a family bathroom. Outside to the front there is parking, and to the rear is a decked area with steps down to a delightful garden. CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk
PROPERTY SECTION
great properties by price range… UNDER £450,000 SIR DAVIDS PARK, SOUTHBOROUGH
£425,000 – £435,000
This smart detached house is set in a popular Southborough cul-de-sac where the majority of homes adjoin fields to the rear. The accommodation features a porch, entrance hall, living/dining room and kitchen on the ground floor, with three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. There are gardens to both front and rear, with lovely views over countryside behind the house. Additionally, a garage is situated in a nearby block. CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk
UNDER £600,000 WINDMILL ROAD, WEALD, SEVENOAKS
£590,000
An appealing character cottage in the heart of popular Weald village on the outskirts of Sevenoaks. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen and laundry area. The first floor has three bedrooms and a bathroom, and the master suite lies on the top floor. The property also benefits from a useful cellar, a garage to the rear with separate access and attractive, mature gardens. CONTACT Jackson-Stops and Staff Sevenoaks 01732 740600 www.jackson-stops.co.uk
UNDER £800,000 GREAT BOUNDS DRIVE, SOUTHBOROUGH
£725,000 – £750,000
UNDER £1MILLION FERNDALE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS
£925,000 – £950,000 A substantial detached home which has had much improvement over recent years, and is located in the heart of the popular St James’ area. To the ground floor there is an entrance hall, large drawing room, dining room, study/ bedroom, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and cloakroom. Upstairs is a master suite with a bedroom, shower room and
dressing area, as well as three further bedrooms and a bathroom. There are shared electronic gates plus a large driveway and a garage to the front, as well as a side garden and lovely mature rear garden with play area and terrace. CONTACT Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk
An extended detached family house located on the Southborough/ Bidborough borders. Inside, there is an entrance hall, cloakroom, lounge/diner, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, four bedrooms and a family bathroom. Outside, there is an attached double garage and a large driveway offering ample parking. To the rear is a garden that is mainly laid to lawn garden and a large dining terrace. The property is being offered to the market chain-free. CONTACT Robinson Jackson 01732 757300 www.robinson-jackson.com
Wednesday 21st September 2016
£370,000 UNDER OFFER
VILLAGE LIFE Downsizing from a leafy country lane To be part of a community is the name of this game She has been lady of the manor, been in a large pad But now driving everywhere is driving her mad Looking for a cottage or something from which she can walk With friendly neighbours to whom she can talk Period features are still very much her need Along with a garden, to titivate and weed USUAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
£700,000 CASH BuYE AHOMETO R Looking for their INVEST IN new home' t 0 b e first Many as a rental used people think th. . Looking to buy no~samhan is slightly mental ouse to become h1·s h eventually B u t at th e moment it will ome. l provide a . Peace and qui t . ater on his throne n mcome, D e is the k . etached and well ey with no cars rush. USUAL presented, he will b _mg past TERMS AND CON uy It fast! DITIONS APPLY
£250,000 MORTGAGE AGREED BANK OF MUM AND DAD
The bank ofm~m an d d ad has been very kind . allowmg this couple to f'md But with a. limited th ere IS . not much . budget . choice, so it is becoming a bind Ideally they would love a period cottage with beams and a real f'rre But they mu~t ~ave parking for two cars nearby this IS a must, not a desire
~
WA~:~·~i ;t~H
BuYER An insurance brok ROKER A DEAL L"ivmg . in rentederwho d work s in the city findin 't ~sperate to buy but He feels h · g hings gritty Is needs should But he is going be easy to find up alley flt totall . a er alley A period y bhnd c?ttage from derelict to For the . h immaculate ng t property h . willing to w:i;s more than A garden for rel axing . a n d a patch t N grow veg o ot adverse t o neighbours . us side of the h d on the other UAL TERMS AND e ge APPLY CONDITIONS
£1,000,000 CASH BUYER
ROOMS WITH A VIEW After selling up and relocating they are new to this place But the one main requirement is a huge amount of space Under 3 ,000 sq.ft need not apply Rooms with fine views they really want to buy Being out in the sticks is just not what they are looking for A pool and close to a shop is what they implore USUAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
USUAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY £435 ,000 CASH BUYERS FOR THEIR TWILIGHT YEARS A perambulating nurse for the elderly and her retired husband who is 6' l" tall Under offer in Sevenoaks, trading down to a smaller home but won't comprise at all He loves his gardening and needs ample space to . have a kitchen garden to grow his veg If its well-proportioned with light and bright rooms, it will g ive you the edge 2 bedrooms plus is all they need but they would be happy with more Invite us to market your home and they could end up with the key to o w:.. d · USUAL TERMS AND CO DlT NS APPLY
£500,000 CASH BuYE . . RETIREM R Retiring fro ENT DREAM m schooling ' it's i.arr c. . to sa th Educatm·g a rest Y ey need our yo ungsters th N ow wanting to d ' . ey really did the. b owns1ze and rr est M d well-earned h spend some o est yet bea t. cas Beams and featur u I~l, not huge and A es with a s not flash workshop and pace to park th . a garden, not . eir car luck too far pushmg their USUAL TERMS
AND CONDITIONS APPLY
£1,200,000 UNDER< JUST WHAT THE DOCTOJ Just what the doctor ordered, a retrea A daily commute to Pembury o tiring, all that w , He dreams of a large, light and spac with large gardens and viev Where he can forget his hectic · delight in the new tranq1 USUAL TERMS AND CONI
£1,750,000 NON DEPENr HIGH FLYER With AirBnB starting a jet It seems there are plenty of pe, . to spend Lookmg to cash in on such ' We need a house with cottag A n_ew business venture is wha1 A s~r~ous outlay for the popular s Stnkmg distance to the airports, If you have lots of accommodat should trust USUAL TERMS AND COND
£800,000 UNDER 0
A LONG OVERDUE Due to poor health they put their 1 only to create a fu It went under offer so quickly plus we 1 Their needs are simple but proving to b• A village property in a peaceful setting Have you got something special that ye If it' s the right house for our buyers, t1 USUAL TERMS AND CON
£650,000 NON DEPI
GREEN LI
N
°. point in trying to describe
An rmmaculate house with a ti
her gro: The plot and the location ii Offer her a rural view and to Acreage would be a nice surpri~ 3 bedrooms is all they need which to J USUAL TERMS AND CC
)FFER R.ORDERED t for the end of the day r Maidstone is so :1.y! ious home to relax in, vs that abound work schedule and 1illity found
)ITIONS APPLY
£1,400,000 NON DEPENDANT SALE . MULTI GENERATIONAL LIVING T! children already and another to join their family too home and would like per10 . d , not new Graeyd need another · n parents ~ tow to help with the kids and daily grind A ~ome with a detached cottage they must :f ind Stat10n to London they need and paddocks for an equine friend If you ha~e the place, their hearts you will mend Been s~archmg for ages and seen all that we have got Nothmg already marketed, they have seen the lot' USUAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY .
>ANT SALE
setting trend ople with money
an opportunity :es of at least 3 t this will become :top off she will run Jbviously is a must ion a viewing you
£1,900,000 CASH BUY DEVELOP ERS With recent events ha ~GA FUTURE You would think de~::::~ 0 ~ political scene The d . what a dream it's b unhappy, but es1re to build d . een But lack of opp:~:tf/~ve is still_ going strong Land with plannin s al_l that is wrong Cash in their pockets ; · a ?roJect or a plot If you live in a ' urmng HOT HOT HOT Call us quick so the wreck, a ruin or on a site USUAL T ERMS ~J'bo ~<3~l>~-Ffoyers may fight!
£2,000,000 CASH BuY A SAFE SA ER This wonderful I NCTUARY running an animal :dy aged 82 has been Now under off" anctuary for 40 years ier to <level Sb h her financially secur~pbers which will make e as to quickly find ut full of fears tw 1 a property . h Th o, ots of good 1 d wit houses of ere needs to be good an and a view no . pasture outb ·1 . H noise to upset h ' UI dmgs and er son, his wife and f. e~ rescued crew h amily are . p . . er to help with h movmg with rov1dmg both . t e chores parties have s USUAL TERMS AN eparate front doors
°; 1!~
NS APPLY
.
£750,000 UNDER OFFE ITIONS APPLY
FFER ; FIND b.ome on the market
,r ore b.ave under bidders galore e totally impossible to find is what they have in mind mare willing to sell soon? 1ey will be over the moon
IF YOU WANT A JOB DONE ASK A BUSY WOMAN The hunter gatherer goes to London daily by train Leaving his busy working wife to take all the strain The children, three horses, dogs and chickens to be precise And now add to that house hunting with a brief that is concise Easy access to a mainline, good schools and room for the menagerie too The property need not be perfect inside or out because work they will do For the animals shelter and paddocks are an absolute given Remember they are willing to renovate/extend as this couple are driven USUAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
DITIONS APPLY
~NDANT SALE YING this lady's perfect home ny garden will only make an i all that really matter be sure you will flatter ;e, a big garden at the least and a decent kitchen in feast
)NDITIONS APPLY
£300,ooo UN
IT IS DER OFFER A lovely countr A IDOGS LIFE y ady and h . Have re . Russell called G er little Jack g1stered with C em . ountry c Sb . village home fi ottages to find a ops Within walkin . or them g distance Gem needs nearby to park her ' somewhere good country car . walks that a USUAL TERMS AN re not too far D CONDITIONS APPLY
D CONDITIONS APPLY
£1,500,000 NO CHAIN BEEN TO HELL AND BACK ... Parked up with their family and house hunting for nearly a year has been Hell But then suddenly they found the house of their dreams but sadly all did not go well So now they are back looking again for a house in the catchment for Tonbridge School Detached, five plus bedrooms, modem or period but there is one golden rule They don't want to be on a busy road as they absolutely hate noise And of course they need a good sized garden for their four boys USUAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
£900,000 NO CHAIN BUSINESS BOLT Starting a new b . HOLE us1ness venture can b W"th and stressful at best e scary I no property to base yourself fr dar • om, you Th. I en t ever rest' IS ovely lady needs a mod~st home with But bedrooms of just 3 somewhere with land . Large outbuildings IS whe~e she needs to be w are essential, no matter Th . . hat state they are in Is IS where this b us1ness . sea h rc must begin 2 acres or more she .11 Or if it has plann. WI n?t ~le out a lot mg perm1ss1on, she may USU look at a plot AL TERMS A
ND CONDITIONS APPLY
PROPERTY SECTION
WITH THE
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS
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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 28 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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Wednesday 21st September 2016
Handsome village rectory sitting in gorgeous gardens
T
HE OLD RECTORY in the village of Frittenden, near Staplehurst, is a fine Victorian family home of excellent proportions, and is understood to date from the mid-1840s. Internally, the property has been sensitively refurbished by the present owners and boasts a wealth of period features, including sash windows, working window shutters, picture rails, wooden floorboards, period-style radiators and lovely fireplaces to the majority of rooms. On the ground floor there is an elegant reception hall, a drawing room with a woodburning stove and French doors out to the substantial terrace, a sitting room and –
unusually – a snooker room, which could easily be used as a formal dining room instead. The excellent kitchen/breakfast/family room has a central island and is equipped with an extensive range of hand-painted cupboards complemented by granite work surfaces. And integrated appliances include a two-oven Aga. A door leads from the breakfast area to the terrace, and cleverly concealed within the floorboards is an access door to the cellar. A utility room and a cloakroom complete this floor. On the first floor the master bedroom suite has luxuriously-appointed en-suite shower facilities together with far-reaching views. Four further double bedrooms are served by a
family bathroom and a separate shower room. Bedroom six is currently used as a study. The Old Rectory occupies a superb tucked-away position with a right of access over a shared private drive. Electric wrought iron gates open to an area for off-road parking and a double garage. The stunning gardens provide a wonderful backdrop to the house, including a delightful Mediterranean-style garden with an ancient olive tree, arbour and fountain. To the rear, a generous terrace spans the length of house with stone steps leading down to the expansive lawns. There is a club-sized tennis court with beech hedging and a timber five-bar gate to an area of paddock with vehicular access.
PROPERTY SECTION
THE OLD RECTORY THE STREET, FRITTENDEN
£1,895,000
AT A GLANCE ■ Attractive period home ■ Tucked-away position ■ Period features ■ Beautifully presented ■ Reception hall ■ Drawing room ■ Snooker room (or dining room) ■ Sitting room ■ Stunning open-plan kitchen/ breakfast/family room ■ Cellar ■ Utility room ■ Cloakroom ■ Master bedroom with shower facilities ■ Four further bedrooms ■ Study/bedroom 6 ■ Family bathroom ■ Shower room ■ Parking and double garage ■ Outbuildings ■ Delightful gardens and terrace ■ Paddock ■ Tennis court ■ Almost 2 acres in all
£1,895,000 For sale through Savills Cranbrook 01580 720161 www.savills.co.uk
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Hartfield Spacious and well-arranged house in the sought after village 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. 2 bed guest annexe. Garage. EPC rating F. In all about 0.55 acre.
Brenchley An attractive detached 1930's family house situated in the heart of the village 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 5 reception rooms. Mature gardens and grounds. Integral double garage with attached workshop. EPC rating G. In all about 0.35 acres.
Pembury A spacious detached family house with self-contained annexe 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms (including 2 bed annexe). Front and rear gardens. Integral double garage and parking. EPC rating C.
Wadhurst An immaculate attached Victorian house on the edge of the village, with wonderful views 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. Swimming pool. EPC rating F. In all about 0.39 acres.
. . Knight ••Frank
ď Ž PROPERTY SECTION
LODGEFIELD FARM BLACKHAM
ÂŁ4,750,000
Taste a slice of rural life down on the farm L ODGEFIELD FARM is an impressive estate in the village of Blackham, near Tunbridge Wells, which has a combination of residential properties, commercial units and 200 acres, including farmland and woodland. Approached via a private driveway, the residential properties are all located in the centre of the estate, protected by their own private grounds. Parts of the farm offer phenomenal 360-degree views of the beautiful surrounding countryside, and the properties benefit from a private water supply, as well as mains. The principal residence is a Grade II listed 17th-century building with a more modern wing added. It has many period features and is set over three floors plus a cellar. Points of note include a dining hall with a large inglenook fireplace, a superb kitchen with a breakfast room opening to a terrace and a 33ft drawing room. There are four bedrooms in total, including the master suite. Planning and listed building consent had been granted for a two-storey extension to the farmhouse but lapsed in July this year. Also on the estate is a converted oast house, recently extended to create a lovely four-bedroom home, and a three/four bedroom cottage. Additionally, there is existing planning consent for a four-bedroom lodge cottage at the beginning of the driveway.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
The estate has some excellent commercial and farm buildings, the majority of which are currently let and run as diverse methods of enterprise. The remaining land is mainly made up of pasture interspersed with woodland. Altogether there are 199.48 acres, comprising 146 acres of permanent and temporary pasture, of which approximately 72 acres has been subject to arable cropping in recent years. The owners have worked to balance the running of a productive farm with their own conservation interests. The production of good quality grazing, and cutting grass from permanent and temporary leys for a local dairy farmer, has gone hand in hand with the management of the farm in various agri-environment schemes for over 20 years.
PROPERTY SECTION
‘Parts of the farm offer phenomenal 360-degree views of the beautiful surrounding countryside’
AT A GLANCE ■ Village location near Ashurst station and Tunbridge Wells ■ Extensive farm estate with period features set in rolling countryside ■ Grade II listed farmhouse ■ 33ft Drawing room ■ Dining hall with inglenook fireplace ■ Kitchen and breakfast room opening to terrace ■ Master suite plus three more bedrooms ■ Cellar ■ Previously had planning and listed building consent for two-storey extension, which lapsed in July ■ Private water supply as well as mains ■ Recently extended oast house with four bedrooms ■ Cottage with three/four bedrooms ■ Existing planning permission for four-bed lodge cottage ■ The separate residences all have their own gardens and grounds ■ A variety of commercial and farm buildings with most units let out ■ 146 acres of farmland, 43 acres of woodland, 199.48 acres in total
£4,750,000 For sale through Savills Haywards Heath 01444 446066 www.savills.co.uk
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ1,550,000 A stunning 5 bedroom spacious town house of exceptional quality and beautifully presented set in the sought-after southern part of the town, a short distance from the famous Pantiles, the High Street and the main line station. EPC:D
Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ750,000 Situated at the very heart of the popular 'Village area' and within walking distance of the picturesque High Street and Grove Park, this elegant 4 bedroom Victorian townhouse provides both spacious and versatile accommodation. EPC: E
Tunbridge Wells Office Sales. 01892 597607 I tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com
Speldhurst ÂŁ1,350,000 Situated in a superb semi-rural location along a very highly regarded lane, this unique and mainly single-storey detached 4 bedroom property offers both spacious and versatile accommodation and many fine features. EPC:E
Crowborough ÂŁ1,200,000 On the edge the Ashdown Forest and enjoying delightful views across surrounding countryside, this beautifully restored and presented 4 bedroom Grade II listed farmhouse offers spacious accommodation with a wealth of character and charm and a superb versatile detached annexe. In all about 0. 75 acre.
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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk ·"""·
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INTERNATIONAL
THE . . . .TIMES
Heathfield, East Sussex - £3250pcm Available Now. A fine Edwardian detached country house with an elegantly refurbished and immaculately presented interior, set amidst its own beautiful gardens and grounds. EPC: F
Crowborough, East Sussex - £3,250pcm An outstanding detached 7 bedroom country house set in attractive gardens and grounds with separate studio, swimming pool, tennis courts and views. EPC: D
Tunbridge Wells, Kent - £2995pcm Available 1th November 2016. A charming 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom detached cottage with private garden and parking. EPC: E
Tunbridge Wells, Kent - £2200pcm A Fantastic four bedroom period property, arranged over four floors, offers flexible accommodation right in the centre of the popular Village area of Tunbridge Wells.
Tunbridge Wells Office Lettings. 01892 313000
I
tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com
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PROPERTY SECTION �
‘Displaying classic features of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, this beautifully presented semi-detached townhouse offers excellent family accommodation’
Striking period home convenient for both station and town centre D AT A GLANCE
QUARRY HILL ROAD, TONBRIDGE n Charming Victorian/Edwardian townhouse n Desirable and convenient location
ISPLAYING all the classic features of the popular Victorian and Edwardian eras, this beautifully presented semi-detached townhouse offers excellent family accommodation arranged over three floors. Located in a highly desirable road in Tonbridge, convenient for both the High Street and the mainline station, this striking home is packed with period charm. There is a stained glass front door into the entrance porch as well as high ceilings throughout, carved wooden newel posts and banisters on the staircases, feature fireplaces and a superb square bay window to the front drawing room. Other features include deep skirting boards, picture rails, ceiling roses and some sash windows.
The property opens to a porch and then through to an entrance hall with stairs rising to the first and second floors. To the front of the house is an attractive drawing room with open fireplace, and beyond that a cosy sitting room with doors to a courtyard area. At the rear of the house is a two-storey extension housing a lovely farmhouse-style painted shaker kitchen with granite and solid wood worktops, a central island and Falcon gas range cooker. The adjoining utility room has matching units with a further sink, a cloakroom off it and a door to the garden. On the first floor there are three spacious bedrooms, one with an adjoining dressing room, and a fabulous family bathroom featuring a
stand-alone roll-top bath with telephone-style shower attachment. Two further bedrooms and a shower room lie on the top floor. The immaculate rear garden includes a walled courtyard area with access through French doors from the sitting room and the utility room. This continues around to the back of the house where steps lead up to a paved dining terrace. Another step takes you down to a brick paved pathway that meanders through areas of lawn, passing a raised ornamental lily pond. Towards the back of the garden is a terrace with a garden shed and workshop. The property benefits from two off-road parking spaces in front of the house.
n Character features n Spacious family accommodation n Entrance porch n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Sitting room n Kitchen/dining room n Utility room and cloakroom n Five bedrooms n Dressing room n Family bathroom n Shower room n Courtyard garden n Lawned garden with terraces n Outbuilding
£899,000 For sale though Jackson-Stops and Staff Sevenoaks 01732 749600 www.jackson-stops.co.uk
Wednesday 21st September 2016
LANGTON GREEN,
KENT
BIDBOROUGH,
KENT
Detached Oast house + semi-rural + 5 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + 3 reception rooms + utility Complete refurbishment + 5 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + 2 receptions + kitchen/breakfast room + about 12.5 acres + separate barn externally + Council Tax=G + EPC=D room + utility room + garage + garden + Council Tax=G + EPC=E
£3,250 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie
£2,950 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie
TUNBRIDGE WELLS,
TICEHURST,
KENT
EAST SUSSEX
Family home close to grammar schools + 5 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + dining room + sitting room + utility room + delightful gardens + double garage + Council Tax=G + EPC=D
Lovely village location + 4 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + 2 receptions + split over 3 levels + courtyard terrace + wood fired pizza oven + Council Tax=F + EPC Exempt
£2,695 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie
£1,750 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.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS,
NR HIGH HURSTWOOD,
KENT
EAST SUSSEX
Recently refurbished and extended family house + MLS 1 .1 miles + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/d ining room + 5 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + garden + 3,093 sq ft + EPC=C
Period granary with views + Buxted MLS 3. 7 miles + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 4 bedrooms + garden + garage loft room + about 0.67 acres + 2,369 sq ft + EPC=D
Guide £1.5 million Freehold
Guide £1.395 million Freehold
WARREN AREA, CROWBOROUGH,
Contact: Liz Devall
EAST SUSSEX
HORSMONDEN,
Contact: Liz Devall
KENT
Beautifully-restored 'Arts and Crafts' home + Crowborough MLS 2.5 miles + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 5 bedrooms + garage + 2,841 sq ft + 0.82 acres + EPC=C
Attached period family house + 2 reception rooms + study + office + 5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + front and rear gardens + garage + 3,576 sq ft + 0.23 acres + EPC=E
Guide £1.025 million Freehold
Guide £925,000 Freehold
Contact: Liz Devall
Contact: Becky Card
PROPERTY SECTION
AT A GLANCE THE COTTAGE NOBLES WOOD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS ■ Stylish modern family home ■ Built two years ago ■ Close to Bells Yew Green & Frant Station ■ Entrance hall ■ Sitting room ■ Family room ■ Kitchen ■ Breakfast/dining room ■ Utility room ■ Cloakroom ■ Master bedroom with en-suite ■ Guest bedroom with en-suite ■ Three further bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Parking area ■ Double garage and storeroom ■ Pretty gardens ■ Additional woodland area ■ 0.9 of an acre in all
£1,150,000 For sale through Knight Frank 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk
Modern country cottage handy for mainline station comes with its own woodland area
T
HE COTTAGE was built two years ago and is one of just six houses in an exclusive development near Bells Yew Green and Frant mainline station. The spacious detached family house is approached through an automatic gate and down a drive to a parking area by the house. The ground floor accommodation comprises an entrance hall, family room, sitting room with two sets of doors to the garden and breakfast/ dining room open to the smart modern kitchen. A useful utility room and a cloakroom complete this floor. Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts a superb en-suite bathroom and there is a guest bedroom with en-suite shower room. There are three further bedrooms, a family bathroom and there is plentiful storage space. The attached garage fits two cars and has a large storage room at the end, and there is extra parking space for three cars to the front of the house. The property has a spacious garden which is separated from an additional parcel of woodland by an attractive picket fence. The garden and woodland extend to just under 0.9 of an acre and offer a sense of privacy, as well as a wonderful rural environment.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
‘The spacious garden is separated from an additional parcel of woodland by an attractive picket fence’
Tunbridge Wells
Andrews >
andrewsonline.co.uk
Do
Dougall Close, TN2 3GN
Guide ÂŁ275,000
Well presented, light and bright maisonette with private entrance and allocated parking for one car. Stairs to 1st floor landing with doors to master bedroom and en-suite, further double bedroom and bathroom. The top floor has a spacious 13'7 x 12'3 living room with box bay window and a kitchen/dining room. No chain! Energy Efficiency Rating: B
Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 11+1+
LANDLORDS WANTED
To view more properties available from all 85 of our offices, visit andrewsonline.co.uk
Andrews
REQUIRED FOR PROPERTIES IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Contact us on: 01892 51511.tlt
lettings@andrewsonline.co.uk
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BarnesKingsnorth
£550,000 HILDENBOROUGH IMMACULATELY PRESENTED 3-4 bedroom, detached family home set in a cul-de-sac location close to Stocks Green primary school. Well proportioned and flexible accommodation with sitting room with wood-burner and bi-fold doors opening to secluded garden, separate dining room, good sized conservatory, well planned kitchen and three generous bedrooms plus an interconnecting dressing room/nursery /Bed 4 or study together with modern family bathroom. En-suite shower to main bedroom and downstairs cloakroom. Driveway parking, integral garage and attractive gardens. EPC: D
Apply Tonbridge
£450,000 PEMBURY VIEWINGS SATURDAY, 24TH SEPTEMBER. PHONE NOW TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT. New-build detached bungalow due to be completed and ready for occupation in October 2016. Well-proportioned rooms and 3 double bedrooms. Decked terrace and !awned garden, kitchen with integrated appliances, breakfast bar, family bathroom and en-suite shower room. Block-paved parking to the front. Gas central heating and supplementary solar power. Low maintenance. NO CHAIN. PEA: B.
Apply Pembury
OIEO £535,000.
PEMBURY
BEAUTIFULLY MODERNISED AND PRESENTED detached 4 bedroom home with garage, driveway parking and attractive gardens. The accommodation comprises entrance hall, spacious sitting room with doors to the dining room, a Shaker-style kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom we, principal bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further double bedrooms a single bedroom and a contemporary-style family bathroom with shower-bath. Internal viewing is recommended to fully appreciate this super home. EPC: C
Apply Pembury
'B) Primelocatior
Residential
t f rightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings
Pembury: 01892 822880
Tonbridge: 01732 771616
Lettings: 01732 771616
e.pembury@bkea.co.uk
e.tonbridge@bkea .co.uk
e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk
www.bkestatea1ents.com
� PROPERTY SECTION
Fresh oast conversion offers 12 acres of stunning grounds
AT A GLANCE SPRING FARM OAST COLTS HILL, FIVE OAK GREEN n Newly converted oast house n Semi-rural setting n High specification n Reception hall n Glass and oak staircase to galleried landing n Cloakroom n Utility room n Two versatile roundel reception rooms n Contemporary fitted kitchen n Drawing/dining room n Master suite with bedroom, bathroom and balcony n Four further bedrooms, one en-suite n Family bathroom n Garaging and storage n 12 acres
£1,400,000 For sale through McAuley Miller 01892 614777 www.mcauleymiller.com
‘To the rear of the house is a terrace with views across open countryside’
T
HE fabulous Spring Farm Oast has recently been converted to a high specification and is ready to become a family home. It has a superb setting, too, lying amid approximately 12 acres of beautiful countryside between Pembury and Paddock Wood. Approached via a long driveway from the road, the property includes adaptable accommodation and the vendors have worked closely with conservation officers to provide a sympathetically designed home. Features include traditional green windows and lime white cladding, a glass and oak staircase, a balcony and two roundels. The property opens to a reception hall with a central staircase to a galleried landing above. The hall leads to two roundel reception rooms, and a cloakroom and utility room. The contemporary kitchen has a wide range of high-gloss units, with white quartz surfaces and integrated German appliances. Spanning the rear of the house, and open plan to the kitchen area, is a magnificent drawing/ dining room with two sets of bifold doors opening out to the terrace. Upstairs, there is an impressive master suite with a large, dual aspect bedroom, an en-suite bathroom and a door to a shared balcony. There are four further bedrooms, two in the roundels, one with an en-suite shower room and one sharing access to the balcony. A family bathroom completes the accommodation. The colour schemes are neutral and a selection of flooring within a budget will be included once an offer has been accepted. An air source heating system provides underfloor heating throughout and there is mains electricity and private drainage. Outside, there is ample garaging and storage in the form of a former cow byre, and to the rear of the house is an expansive terrace with views across open countryside.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Independent Family Estate Agent based in
FLYING pFISH roper t ies
Southborough, Tunbridge Wells - covering Kent & Sussex
making a splash in the property market
Hylands, Vicarage Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells
Retreat Cottages, Hilltop, Hunton
Offers in the Region of £1.250,000
Guide Price £650,000
Warehouse Mews, Draper Street South borough, Tunbridge Wells
Vauxhaul Lane, South borough, Tunbridge Wells
Guide Price: £450,000 (per unit)
Long Term Let £3,750 PCM (available immediately)
Vale Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells
Harland Way, Southborough/Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells
Offers in Excess of £700,000
Guide Price: £835,000
.Let's foe soctvil: l(j facebook.com/ftyingfishproperties
C']
twitter.com/ftyingfishuk
Independent Family Estate Agent 01892 514 189 I flying fish properties.co.uk 55 London Road. South borough, Kent. TN4 OPB
~ /\ The Property ~Ombudsman
Not all fish are the sameJ some are refreshingly different ...
FLYINGFISH . pr o p ert i es Call us now to discuss how WE would sell or let YO UR home
HELP TO BUY AVAILABLE AT KNIGHTS WOOD
Owning your first home should feel like a dream come true. With just a 5% deposit now is a great time to purchase a new home at Knights Wood with Help to Buy. Knights Wood offers a variety of exceptional new homes in a peaceful woodland setting in Royal Tunbridge Wells . Our marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm, so come and visit us to see how Help to Buy will get you the home you want for less. Alternatively, call us on 01892 800580.
Two, three and four bedroom homes available with Help to Buy from £355,000 to £599,000.
KNIGHTS WOOD ROYA L TU NBR I DG E W ELL S
5°/o DEPOSIT 75°/o MORTGAGE 20°/o GOVERNMENT LOAN Example of a Victoria two bedroom house priced at £355,000
5°/o Deposit £17,750 20°/o Loan £71,000 75o/o Mortgage £266,250
Knights Wood , Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UW YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. This example is provided for guidance only; Dandara does
Call us to discuss how Help to Buy will work with your property purchase
not offer mortgage advice. Subject to full affordability checks, you may qualify for a higher equity loan amount from the government. You should take advice from a suitably qualified adviser before agreeing to a mortgage. Prices correct at time of print and are subject to change without notice .
. . Knight ia.4111 Frank
dandara
new homes
� PROPERTY SECTION
Substantial 1930s home in sought-after spot
AT A GLANCE
CRAIGTON ASHGROVE ROAD, SEVENOAKS n Attractive 1930s house n Popular location n Well presented n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Sitting room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Study n Shower room n Utility room n Cloakroom n Wine store n Master bedroom with en-suite n Three further double bedrooms, two sharing a ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom n Family bathroom n Home office/bedroom 5 accessed from ground floor n Integral double garage n Established gardens n Lovely decked terrace
£1,600,000 For sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk
Wednesday 21st September 2016
C
RAIGTON is a large family house offering flexible accommodation and set within established gardens. The house dates from the early 1930s and enjoys period features alongside modern bathroom suites and a bespoke kitchen. Of particular note is the sought-after location within a mile of Sevenoaks High Street and Knole Park. The principal reception rooms, together with the generous entrance hall, provide ideal areas for entertaining. The triple-aspect drawing room has a stone fireplace with a gas fire and double doors to the rear decked terrace, while the sitting room has an outlook to the rear and a contemporarystyle gas flame-effect fire. The dining room adjoins the kitchen/breakfast room and there is a study fitted with a range of office furniture which has the benefit of a shower room off it. The kitchen/breakfast room has fitted units and quartz work surfaces incorporating a sink and extending to provide a breakfast bar. There are fitted appliances and the breakfast area has double doors opening to the decked terrace. The utility room leads to an inner lobby with a wine store,
cloakroom, door to the garage, and a door to the garden. There are also stairs rising to the guest bedroom/ home office – which lies above the garage and can only be accessed from the ground floor. On the first floor, the master bedroom is triple aspect and has a range of fitted wardrobes together with a stylish en-suite bathroom. There are three further double
bedrooms, with a Jack and Jill bathroom between two of them, and a family bathroom. The house is approached over a carriage driveway with established trees and a circular area of lawn. There is an integral double garage, and to the rear of the house is a raised decked terrace providing a seating area and covered, in part, by an attractive veranda.
‘The drawing room has a stone fireplace with a gas fire and double doors to the rear decked terrace’
Powder Mills, Leigh
£350,000 Church Road, West Peckham
This fine two bedroom two reception room property benefits from a 15' kitchen/breakfast room and an approximately 100' garden, situated in the ever desirable Powder Mills, a stunning village location.
Lawson Mews, Tonbridge High Street
Set within the village of West Peckham with its lovely local pub, Saxon Church and surrounding grounds is this four bedroom extended semi detached house offering flexible annexe type accommodation.
£240,000 - £260,000 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough
A well presented two bedroom maisonette, recently converted to a high standard, part of this grade II listed building set over three floors with its own roof terrace.
£525,000 - £565,000
£510,000 - £530,000
A charming individual architect designed three bedroom detached family house on the site of a former pottery, for local schools, Hildenborough station and fast access to the A21.
ELLIS&CO
01732 770077 tonbridge@ellisandco.co.uk
Tunbridge Wells
£850,000 - £875,000
An extremely well presented and significantly improved 5 bedroom detached house, located in an excellent residential area on the favoured south side of town. Hall, cloak/shower room, 2 receptions, kitchen/dining room, utility room, 2 en-suites, bathroom, integral garage, large mature garden. EPC D
Tunbridge Wells
01 RO £635,000
Fine example of 4 bed Edwardian family house, beautifully maintained and benefiting from well proportioned rooms with period features. Located in a sought-after residential road close to schools and station. Hall, 2 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, utility area, bathroom, walk-in attic and garden. EPC E
[6Jilllll ~
Tunbridge Wells
£850,000
A significantly improved and extend 5 bedroom detached family house, located in prime residential road for the grammar schools. Hall, cloakroom, 2 receptions, kitchen/breakfast room, en-suite bathroom, bathroom, shower room, integral garage, off road parking and large garden. EPC D
Tunbridge Wells
£925,000
A beautifully presented 4 bedroom family house in a "tucked away" position adjacent to Claremont School gates on high ground with views and easy walking to central station. Planning permission granted for a two storey extension. Large garden and off road parking. EPC D
01892 516615 www.sumnerpridham.co.uk
Martin & Co Tunbridge Wells 11 Vale Road Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN 1 1BS
MARTIN&CO
01892 543856 e: tun bridgewells@martinco.com www.tunbridge-wells-martinco.co.u k
PROPERTIES FOR LET
Letting• Sales • Investment
PROPERTIES FOR SALE
3 BED
• 3 bedroom semi-detached house
• Kitchen/dining room • 3 bedrooms • Utility room • 2 bathroom
£1600 PCM TO LET
• Lounge/diner• Kitchen with integrated appliances • New build
£325,000 FH FOR SALE I
5 BED
GRANGE I
2 DOUBLE APARTMENT
• Beautiful 2 double apartment • Private lift access • 2 large receptions • Quality fitted kitchen • Allocated parking
• Holmwood school location • Fully refubished • 5 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Kitchen/diner • Large receptions
David Rogers, Managing Director The opportunities opened up by technology in estate agency have been enormous, yet many local agents simply use their website as a glorified shop window. Like any agency window, the properties displayed need to be regularly updated and presented in a way that inspires buyers to take things further. But a good estate agency website is more than a simple property search tool. If that's all it did, it would be a bit like only being able to get the news on TV!
£4500 PCM TO LET
• On site residents gym set in private grounds
The first thing many prospective sellers do is check out local agents' websites. Does the home page give a clear impression of the "personality" of that particular agency? A list of features is one thing, but does it highlight the people behind the business and the company ethos? However, the most important benefit derived from our huge investment in technology is the amount of time released by our enhanced efficiency. Because the system captures and automatically matches buyers to properties (within our manually predetermined parameters) we have more time available to do what we do best - look after our customers through personal communication. Therefore, and somewhat ironically, our use of technology has streamlined us to the extent that we have been able return to, and develop, the traditional service levels appreciated by so many of our delighted customers to date. Why not phone us for an infonmal chat about how we could maximise your own sale prospects?
£800,000 LH FOR SALE
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WOOD & PILCHER
Tunbridge Wells
£450,000 - £475,000
Tunbridge Wells
£470,000 - 495,000
OPEN HOUSE Sat 24/9 2-3.30PM By appt only. This detached property has three double bedrooms, sitting room with bay window, dining room, modern kitchen and pretty garden to enjoy and is situated in a popular location with good access to High Brooms station as well as being convenient for local schools. EPC: D
This deceptively spacious three storey, four double bedroom town house, is situated on a small no through road conveniently located under one mile walking distance of High Brooms main line station. EPC: C
Tunbridge Wells
Tonbridge
£745,000
£370,000
This beautifully presented four bedroom detached home is set within the extremely desirable St James area of Royal Tunbridge Wells with its well regarded local schools and within a mile distance of a mainline station. EPC: C
Three bedrooms, parking, walk to station, beautifully presented house, modern kitchen with integrated appliances, stylish tiled bathroom, great location for town, station and schools. EPC: C.
South borough
Tonbridge
£420,000 - £435,000
An attractive, extended and sympathetically restored semi detached three bedroom Victorian period house retains a number of its original features, but has been improved in such a way as to offer a sense of modern contemporary living should be viewed without delay. EPC: D 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 ood and pi I cher. co. u k
Immaculately presented detached house, plenty of parking, Grammar schools nearby. Wonderful openplan living space with bi-folding doors, stylish kitchen, two further reception rooms, laundry room, cloakroom, bathroom and en-suite. EPC: D
woodandpilcher. co. uk rightmove
Offers Over £625,000
~ nTheMarkelcom
Other offices in Crowborough , Heathfield & associated London Branch
PROPERTY SECTION
THE DOWN HOUSE FURNACE LANE, LAMBERHURST DOWN
£3,650,000
Luxurious listed beauty close to Scotney Castle T HE DOWN HOUSE, at Lamberhurst Down, is an imposing and very attractive Grade II listed country house thought to date back to the 17th century, but with substantial Georgian additions. Standing proud within beautiful gardens and grounds extending to more than 18 acres, it comes with a recently converted coach house and a bothy with potential, and has unimpeded views to the south west. Thought to have been built as the dower house to nearby Scotney Castle, this stunning property is on the market for the first time in 30 years. The approach to the house is through a field gate to a sweeping gravel drive. Inside, the well-balanced home displays many period features, including high ceilings and large sash windows. The front door opens to a wide reception hall,
Wednesday 21st September 2016
and the drawing room was extended in the 19th century to create a stunning room with windows on three sides and beautiful views. The dining room and sitting room both have working fireplaces. while the large kitchen/ breakfast room occupies the oldest part of the house and is well fitted with a range of units and integrated appliances. From here, double doors lead to a conservatory with three sets of doors to the garden. A rear hall leads from the kitchen to a utility room and cloakroom, and there is also a substantial cellar which offers a party room, games room, storeroom and a boiler room – also housing the plant for the swimming pool. The first floor has a master bedroom suite along with two further bedrooms and family bathroom. A short flight of stairs lead to a half landing where there are two more bedrooms and a
bathroom, with another two bedrooms and bathroom on the floor above. In the grounds, the coach house has two bedroom suites, a large kitchen/ dining/sitting room and a double garage with a workshop/store area. The bothy is linked to the main house by an open walkway. This period building is currently in poor condition but offers 1,825 sq ft of space and huge potential to convert, subject to the necessary permissions. Outside, there is a heated swimming pool and the garden is mostly laid to lawn with a number of mature trees. Additionally, there is an orchard, a large pond, a hard tennis court, a copse of woodland and three fields of pastureland. In all, there is around 18.7 acres.
PROPERTY SECTION �
AT A GLANCE n Grade II listed village residence n Dating from 17th century with additions n Period features n Superb views n Reception hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Sitting room n Cloakroom n Utility room n Conservatory n Kitchen/breakfast room n Cellar with party room, games room, storeroom, plant room n Master suite n Six further bedrooms n Three bathrooms n Two-bed coach house with double garage
‘Standing proud within beautiful gardens and grounds extending to more than 18 acres, it comes with a recently converted coach house and a bothy with potential, and is on the market for the first time in 30 years’
n Swimming pool n Tennis court n Unrestored bothy n Gardens and grounds of 18.7 acres
£3,650,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Bayhall Road, Tunbridge Wells
*Price Range £325,000-£350,000*
Favoured St Peters area.A two bedroom semi-detached property situated in this popular Location, only 0.9 mile radius to the train station and town. Lounge, kitchen, dining room, two bedrooms and upstairs bathroom. Courtyard Garden. No Chain.
High Street, Flimwell
*Price Range £240,000-£260,000*
First time buyers- a three bedroom end of terrace house with garage en bloc situated in this village Location. Lounge, modern kitchen, conservatory, upstairs bathroom. Garden.
Ravenswood Avenue, Price Range Tunbridge Wells £450,000-£475,000
Southboroug h, Tunbridge Wells
*Price Range £325,000-£350,000*
Three bedroom Semi with off road parking. Contemporary styling throughout with Cloak, Bathroom, modern Kitchen, Lounge/Diner. Garden with shed. Ideally placed for primary/ secondary schools in the Local and St Johns area.
St Davids Road, Tunbridge Wells
*Price Range £350,000-£375,000*
CHALLENGE US TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY IN JUST 6 WEEKS
e,¥6~~
jal SEE WINNING RESULTS!
We have been successfully selling properties in this road and have applicants Looking for properties in the St James area. If you are considering selling then challenge us to the 6 week challenge to sell your property.
See variation to standard agenc y terms and conditions. Properties urgently required in the St Lukes/St Johns area, ideally with three bedrooms, two receptions and garden. Please call if you would like to book a market appraisal for your property to find out what it is worth in today's market.
*Price Range Strawberry Close, £625,000-£650,000* Tunbridge Wells
Dunstan Grove, Tunbridge Wells
Family home or downsizing? This charming 3 bedroom detached property is situated on the sought after south side of town. Open plan Living space with Lounge/diner, sunroom area and Kitchen. Ensuite to Master bedroom and bathroom. Gardens, Driveway and Garage.
A detached property situated in this popular Location and convenient for Local schools. Inside you have 3 double bedrooms, bathroom, w.c, Lounge/diner and kitchen. The garden is Laid to Lawn with mature shrubs and trees, potential to extend spp. Driveway and Garage.
*Price Range £425,000-£450,000*
01892 547 966 tunbridgewells@connells.co.uk 5 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN11BS
Vale Road, Tonbridge
Price £258,000
Investors and First Time Buyers. Convenient for the train station and town centre, this mid terrace house offers 2 bedrooms and study room, Lounge/diner, kitchen, ensuite and bathroom. No chain.
PROPERTY SECTION �
AT A GLANCE WINDMILL COTTAGE WINDMILL HILL, BRENCHLEY n Spacious extended family home n Sought-after village location n Open-plan living n Beautifully presented n Kitchen/dining/family room n Sitting room n Utility room n Shower room/cloakroom n Master bedroom with en-suite n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Pretty garden with extensive terrace n Gravel driveway with parking
£900,000 For sale through Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk
Improved village property is perfect for open-plan living
W
INDMILL COTTAGE is a tastefully extended detached property situated in the heart of popular Brenchley village. With attractive, south-facing gardens, off-road parking and a bright and contemporary interior, it’s an ideal family home with a useful open-plan living space. The ground floor is extremely bright and spacious, with a stunning kitchen/dining/ family room as the centrepiece. This also features an attractive oak and glass turned staircase and a flag limestone floor with underfloor heating. A wall of bifold doors open up this indoor living space to the
outdoor living offered by the extensive terrace that spans the rear of the house. The white Harvey Jones kitchen was fitted last year and includes a contemporary centre island and high-quality integrated appliances, including a wine chiller and a range double oven. An oak door leads to a useful utility room with a shower room/cloakroom. Another door leads through to a large sitting room, which has a triple aspect, an oak floor, a feature open fireplace and double doors to the garden. Upstairs, the property offers an excellent master suite with fitted wardrobes to the
bedroom and an en-suite shower room. There are three further bedrooms served by a family bathroom. Externally, the pretty rear garden is principally laid to lawn with a vast variety of mature shrubs and trees along with a large terrace that is perfect for the summer months. To the front is a gravel driveway providing ample off-road parking. The property is offered for sale with the benefit of no forward chain.
‘The ground floor is extremely bright and spacious, with a stunning kitchen/ dining/family room as the centrepiece. This also features a flag limestone floor with underfloor heating and a wall of bifold doors to the extensive terrace’
Wednesday 21st September 2016
£220,000
Tonbridge
Purpose built I Bedroom Apartment with its own enclosed courtyard garden & parking, few minutes High Street. Open plan Kitchen-diner-lounge. EPC B
__ Tonbridge
£650,000
Extended 4/5 bedroom Modern Detached House offering excellent ground floor accommodation, stunning kitchen-diner. Garage & Parking, enclosed garden. EPC C
,____________
£325,000 - £350,000
Well-presented 3 bedrooms Semi-Detached House with first floor bathroom, 2 reception rooms, modern kitchen, enclosed garden, parking. EPC E
Tonbridge
Hadlow
£450,000 - £475,000
I 930's 3 Bedroom Semi-Detached House in a popular residential area, about half a mile of the High Street. General updating required. Garage, 95ft rear garden EPC D
Central Tonbridge
£295,000
Purpose built apartment in the centre of town, few minutes' walk of the High Street & Castle grounds. 2 bedrooms ( I en-suite).Parking EPC C
South Tonbridge
£340,000 - £360,000
Sought after Meadow Lawn - Similar properties required for disappointed applicants, still looking for 2/3 bedroomed properties in this area. Free Market Appraisal EPC D
Tunbridge Wells
£895,000 - £925,000
OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER - 2pm - 4pm -VIEWING STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT A much improvement detached home located in the heart of St James'. 2/3 recep rooms, superb kitchen, 4/5 bedrooms ( I en suite), bathroom. Garage, gardens. No onward chain. EPC:C
Tunbridge Wells
£369,950
Frant
£745,000 - £795,000
A charming detached cottage set in private estate in plot of approx. '/• acre. 2/3 recep rooms, kitchen, 3/4 bedrooms, wet room, shower room. Detached garage, feature gardens. EPC: E
Tunbridge Wells
£175,000
A split level maisonette over 3 floors situated in favoured St John's. Spacious reception, kitchen, 3 double bedrooms ( I en suite), bathroom.Allocated parking. No onward chain. EPC: C
A purpose-built top floor flat located 'I• of a mile from town centre. Hall, living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom. Residents' parking, communal gardens. No onward chain. EPC: C
Groombridge
Tunbridge Wells
Monthly Rental £2,350
A deceptively spacious detached family home with self-contained annexe. Kitchen, 2 recep rooms, utility, cloakroom, 4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. Landscaped garden & driveway. EPC: E
Monthly Rental £1,350
Immaculate ground floor apartment close to The Pantiles. Modern kitchen, living room with terrace, master bed with en suite, 2nd bed/study & shower room. Private car park. EPC: C
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WEDDING FEATURE ■
69
THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS
Who were your key suppliers? Two brides, two dream dresses. Mine was from With Love Bridals in Sidcup and Carol’s was selected at Dress Dreams in Sevenoaks. Both dresses were found in the sales and absolutely gorgeous! We can’t recommend Hungry Hog Catering enough – for any event! They supplied the wonderful hog roast
1
Do what you want on the day and not what others want. Your wedding is your own and no one else’s. You can’t please everyone
2 3 4 DREAM VENUE A Decimus Burton House was the backdrop for the garden reception
GORGEOUS GOWNS The two brides and their bridesmaids were stunning
5
Don’t stress about the weather – there’s nothing you can do about it Don’t exclude children, it upsets people, and they can bring a real joy to the day September is the time that wedding dress shops have their sales. You can pick up some fantastic bargains as they sell off that year’s designs to make room for the new season When looking for suppliers, get at least three estimates. You’d be amazed at how much the prices can vary!
and the bar. They were so helpful and for a very good price. LA Sounds in Rusthall provided the marquee. Owner Chris put up with my tears and tantrums when I was worried it was too small. He even got an extra bit to add to it. He was a star and I can’t thank him enough. They also do discos, but we didn’t require it due to the band. The Camina salsa band, a regular at The Grey Lady in The Pantiles (the last Friday of every month), did an absolutely fantastic set for us. They are truly superb players of Latin music. The wedding cake was made by my daughter, who is a professional cake maker. You can find her on Facebook under Wonda’s Wonderful Cakes. The photographer saved the day by stepping in at only two days’ notice. David Bartholomew from Tunbridge Wells was brilliant and captured the day perfectly.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
70 � WEDDING FEATURE
We staged a fabulous wedding down on the family farm
When university student Amelie Hawkins took a holiday job as a barmaid, she never suspected that offering a customer a lift home would lead to marital bliss with Rory Snell. Fast-forward to a beautifully stylish springtime wedding with plenty of personal touches… Describe your husband in five words: Funny, kind, handsome, generous and loyal How did you and your husband meet? During my university holidays I was a barmaid in our local pub, The Woodcock in Iden Green. Rory came in on a Thursday night when the bar was quiet with a group of friends. They had a little too much to drink to drive, so I drove them all home. It wasn’t too long after that night that we started seeing each other. Tell us about the proposal… Rory took me out to our favourite restaurant for a date night. As far as I knew, it was just a normal Saturday evening out. We had an absolutely delicious meal before heading home. Once we had returned, he put some music on, went down on one knee and produced a ring! He had champagne ready on ice and we spent the weekend celebrating with family and friends. It really was perfect.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
‘I was incredibly nervous before the ceremony and was clinging to my father, but I instantly relaxed when I caught sight of Rory’
Where did you get married and how did you choose the venue? We got married at Sandhurst Church, where I was christened as a child, so it holds a very special place in my heart. It is also in my parents’ village. For the reception, my parents very kindly let us use their absolutely beautiful garden, which has plenty of space. A huge tepee was set up and we were able to decorate it exactly to our taste.
Tell us about your big day and some of its key highlights The whole day, from start to finish, was just amazing – there aren’t enough words to describe it! The morning was spent being pampered with my close friends and family while hair and make-up was done. There was also plenty of champagne, of course. I was incredibly nervous before the ceremony and was clinging to my
WEDDING FEATURE �
PURE VINTAGE Amelie and Rory had a terrific wedding in a village church and giant teepee
father, but I instantly relaxed when I caught sight of Rory. The reception was terrific, and both our families did such a great job of putting it all together. It was just fantastic fun – the food, the music, the speeches, the dancing… How did you start your married life together? And if you went on a honeymoon, where did you go? We went away on ‘minimoon’ to a place called Jalon, near Valencia in Spain. It was a lovely boutique hotel and the ideal place to relax after the wedding. The next stop is Tanzania for two weeks for our honeymoon. Between the trips to Spain and Africa, we have bought a house and started renovations, so it has been a very busy start to married life. Which wedding suppliers would you recommend? The flowers were provided by Astilbe and Sorrel in Saint Ronan’s. Our florist was so helpful and did a marvellous job – I can’t recommend them enough. Holmstead Events provided our teepee for the reception. It was exactly what we wanted and they were incredibly helpful. Our photographer was Gavin Rimmer from Freshpix. He was nothing but professional and the pictures are stunning. They are the perfect memory of a perfect day. My wedding dress was from Isabella Grace and I love it so much that I want to wear it all the time. The groom’s suit was from Gresham Blake in Brighton and was beautifully made. He looked so handsome! The wedding cake was Marks & Spencer’s. I would highly
71
recommend both them and the cake! We had a great pizza van come down from London called Pizza Pickup – very delicious! The hair and make-up were done by Bliss Beauty Studios in Sandhurst. They were lovely and so calm amongst all the madness. With such attention to detail, everything was done beautifully. The band were Shine On, also from Brighton, and they were brilliant!
THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS
1
Shop around for the big items, such as marquees, florists and cakes. Just because a supplier is pricey, it doesn’t make them the best
2
Create a budget early on and decide what your priorities are for the big day. There will be times when you have to make choices and sacrifices
3 4 5
Take your time over choosing a photographer and make sure you pick a great one. Once the big day is over, the photos are the most precious memories Enjoy the planning. It may be stressful sometimes, but you’ll miss it when it’s all over and you have a lot of spare time! If you can, book a live band. They got everyone up dancing immediately – young and old
Wednesday 21st September 2016
72 � WEDDING FEATURE
Add a dash of creativity to your DIY nuptials Three years ago Clair Hinge of Crowborough decided to launch Creative Brides – a blog, magazine and events company, and now she and business partner Fiona Branch inspire brides and grooms everywhere So what inspired you to launch your Creative Brides enterprise? Clair: I started Creative Brides in 2013 after being a wedding supplier myself. I really wanted to create a business that supported suppliers in marketing their products and services, as well as provide a platform to showcase them to thousands of brides and grooms across the south east, in a fun and easily accessible way. How has the company changed since you started out? Fiona: Last year I worked with Clair on various projects for Creative Brides alongside my other design work, and after a moment of ‘I want to do something more exciting than just graphic design’, I learnt Clair was looking for someone to join her at the helm of CB to take it to the next level – and here I am! There are so many exciting things happening at CB at the moment, and Clair and I are usually bouncing around like kids in a sweet shop. Have you seen a move towards more brides going down the DIY route? Fiona: Yes, so many brides (and grooms) are making things for their weddings. It’s a great way to put your own stamp on your wedding and even get other people involved in the celebrations.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
‘Traditional rustic charm is very popular – with old-fashioned ice cream carts, food served from beautifully converted caravans and hay bales for seating’
FULL OF FUN Clair and Fiona
How should you start planning? Clair: Budget is the first thing to consider, and then comes the fun part – the wedding journal, Pinterest page, wedding inspiration blogs (like ours), mood board or a spare wall! Next, work out a calendar countdown to your wedding date and note down when things need to be booked in good time. Some venues get booked up a long time in advance, so that should be at the top of your list. Then it’s time to start collecting images of everything ‘wedding’ that you love, like themes, colours, decorations, dresses, outfits, menus, venues, transport, etc. Do some research on local suppliers, venues and companies who fit your style and go and meet them to discuss what you would like for your big day. Wedding fairs are also a great place to see lots of companies in one place.
What’s the most creative thing you’ve ever seen done at a wedding? Clair: I think it would have to be a couple that turned a very bland hall into a giant sitting room from the 70s. They collected old furniture and brought in rugs and kitsch lamps. It looked amazing, and all the authentic accessories just set the scene. It was very different from the pastel colours that are normally used, and the whole wedding was very personal. What new wedding and DIY trends are emerging now? Fiona: Traditional rustic charm is very popular – with old-fashioned ice cream carts, food served from beautifully converted caravans and hay bales for seating. A homemade theme can be perfectly simple or totally mind-blowing, just as the bride and groom wish. When meeting lots of our DIY brides at wedding fairs, they all say how it really brings friends and family together with all the fun of creating various items to make their day really special.
BRIGHT IDEAS Creative Brides are full of them, from confetti cones to pin wheels
Any advice for DIY brides? Clair: If you’re making items for your wedding, then make sure you leave lots of time. It can be very time-consuming crafting for your wedding, so maybe choose three areas to make for. It might also be nice to work closely with some of your suppliers. They can offer good advice and might even include some of the things you’ve made for your wedding. www.creativebrides.co.uk
WEDDING FEATURE ■
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Discover your dream dress Mouthwatering catering DRESS DREAMS is a beautiful bridal boutique located in Sevenoaks. It is an individual store offering a personalized service to brides. They understand that choosing your wedding dress is a special occasion in itself. In keeping with the sense of occasion, each bride is welcomed with a glass of champagne, has a consultation and is assigned her own stylist. Stocking an array of international designers, the dresses found here are breath-taking. Their haute couture designers combine sexy, traditional, elegance and contemporary elements to insure the perfect balance in a dress. If you are looking for something different from the rest, then this is the boutique for you. Dress Dreams’ dresses have been worn by pop stars and footballer’s wives. Keep an eye out for trunk shows and designer weekend events in store where the most recent releases are showcased before they hit the stores worldwide.
‘If you are looking for something different from the rest, then this is the boutique for you. Dress Dreams’ dresses have been worn by pop stars and footballer’s wives’
Samp le Sa 25th Septe le m 2016 ber
for every single occasion
HUNGRY HOG is a Sussex-based, successful, family-run catering business with exceptional chefs producing Michelinquality food with outstanding service and hygiene. Whether you’re planning a formal sit down, a wedding breakfast or a more relaxed garden party, we are able to offer our clients a tailor-made package. Clients can choose from our famous hog roast carvery and four-course menus through to evening buffets, chocolate fountains and sweet carts. Whatever you
An invitation to The Gardens’ open day SET in 12 acres of stunning gardens, The Gardens in Yalding was once described as “amongst the most inspirational gardens anywhere, for everyone, and will surpass the expectations of anyone searching for the ultimate, romantic English country idyll for their wedding.” Originally opened to the public in 1995, The Gardens have been lovingly restored
‘The Gardens have been lovingly restored by their new owners and reopened as an exciting wedding venue’
by their new owners and reopened as an exciting wedding venue. 16 beautifully restored gardens surround two Tepees and a contemporary barn creating an unforgettable, bespoke wedding venue. In the summer months, civil ceremonies and events can be held outside in the spectacular gardens, with the contemporary barn available during
require, they are able to provide the full package without the need of booking separate companies. Their fully licensed, well-stocked bars are also available all year around and are free to hire. With over thirty years of combined experience in providing outdoor catering, you can rest assured that you and your guests will be delighted with the service, professionalism and, of course, the food. Combing their expertise with your own requirements, they assist in the creation of your perfect menu. They also back up their guarantee by possessing a range of health and hygiene certificates. They look forward to showing you the difference between good food and service that’s world class. inclement weather – as well as offering a way to create your own wonderland in the winter months. Two Tepees interlinked with the barn provide a unique and flexible space for entertaining and dining, connecting the inside to the outside seamlessly. If you are searching for a truly memorable and unique wedding or event venue then be sure to visit The Gardens on Sunday 2nd October between 10am and 3pm. Enjoy canapés, a complimentary drink and meet the recommended suppliers of The Gardens. They look forward to welcoming you soon. 01622 814650 www.thegardensyalding.co.uk
Flower power in Tunbridge Wells A dream venue for the perfect Kentish wedding MOUNTAINS COUNTRY HOUSE in Hildenborough is a magnificent Grade II listed mansion set in stunning parkland. It is a breathtaking venue that delivers a wedding celebration to remember in the most romantic and exclusive setting. Getting married in an outdoor ceremony is a dream for many couples. At Mountains Country House, it is possible to be surrounded by nature under the oakframed gazebo with up to 120 guests in attendance. The gazebo can be decorated to personal requirements resulting in a a special wedding ceremony. In less clement weather, the ceremony can be conducted inside the Victorian house. The luxury, all-weather marquee is the most flexible of spaces and is complete with a permanent bar and dance floor. It comfortably
accommodates 200 guests for a sit down wedding breakfast and 250 guests for an evening reception. Mountains has something truly magical to offer that will suit all tastes and budgets. The team at Mountains Country House in Hildenborough will be delighted to welcome you to their Wedding and Event Open Day on Sunday 25th September between 10am and 3pm. 01732 832222 www.mountainscountryhouse.co.uk
IF YOU’RE looking for your wedding florist, The Florist Tunbridge Wells can create something beautiful to fit your wedding theme, including bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, buttonholes, corsages and table centres. Jo creates beautiful bespoke wedding flowers certain to make your big day extra special. From your initial consultation to the big day itself, she will work with you to create that ‘just picked’ look and fill the room with a beautiful scent. Working from her home studio in Tunbridge Wells, Jo believes in providing a personal service to create the perfect floral arrangements. Where possible, she uses English flowers from local growers and flower farms. Jo really enjoys going to pick the flowers to order, looking for exactly what she needs to create the perfect look. It’s so important to appreciate the bride and groom’s own style. Some of her recent styles have been wild and rustic, contemporary pastels, purples and ornamental cabbages! Every wedding, every couple and every bouquet is unique. She has even been asked to create a bridal bouquet with a hidden Go Pro camera inside to capture the special day from the bride’s perspective! 07342 632408 www.thefloristtunbridgewells.co.uk
Wednesday 21st September 2016
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76 n FOOD AND DRINK
Celebrating a bumper crop of organic produce on our plates B
In the first of his regular food columns for the Times, Bruce McMichael (left), Farmers’ Market Manager for Tunbridge Wells, explains why there has never been a better time to start buying fresh, natural, pesticide-free ingredients, and why our local markets are the best place to source them
UYING organic food and drink is no longer an expensive trend for a handful of foodies – it’s becoming mainstream, with the demand boosted by falling prices and worries about pesticides in our food. Across our region, growers are reporting a strong interest in learning about and eating organic fruit and veg. It’s taking up more and more space in our fruit bowls and fridges as increasing numbers of us look to eat food grown without the use of pesticides. Bombarded with food scares and confusing health stories about what we should or what we shouldn’t eat (butter, red wine, processed meats?), many of us are increasingly cooking with organicallyproduced foods. To celebrate this interest, the Soil
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Association – the country’s largest organic certification scheme – runs an annual month-long celebration called Organic September. The Association predicts sales of organic produce will be at £2.5billion by 2020, up by 25 per cent on today’s sales. Growers such as the charity farm Bore Place, a few miles west of Tonbridge, are reporting bumper crops such as French
beans, tomatoes, courgettes, sweetcorn, cucumbers and peppers, while Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market stallholder Metske van der Laan of Pannel Organic says his cauliflowers, green beans, radishes and fennel are currently selling well. This year’s theme is swapping – choosing an organic ingredient on your plate instead of a non-organically grown one. As Helen Browning, the Soil Association’s Chief Executive, explains: “Swapping everyday items like carrots, chicken or yogurt for organic alternatives can make surprisingly large differences. Choosing organic means helping protect our vital wildlife and reducing your exposure to potentially harmful pesticides and chemicals.” Pannel Organic has one of the longer queues at the Tunbridge Wells Farmers’
‘Swapping everyday items like carrots, chicken or yogurt for organic alternatives can make surprisingly large differences’
Market. Metske’s organic vegetables are grown at a smallholding near Winchelsea, and his growing fields are surrounded by marshland and a bird sanctuary offering clean air and soil. He grows on his plants from seed in his glasshouses before transplanting them out into the fields, where they are nurtured and harvested for sale at farmers’ markets and farmshops. His colourful stall overflows with bright purple-coloured baby beetroot and the vibrant greens of leeks, fennel and spinach leaves. Organic September ambassador and celebrity chef Anna Jones says: “Organic September is a month of celebrating all things organic – from simple recipes that make eating well both easy and delicious to the people who make our amazing
FOOD AND DRINK
produce. I believe eating should be joyful and good organic ingredients are at the centre of this joy.” It’s not necessarily grown locally, but produce found at farm shops and farmers’ markets is generally sourced from within a 40-mile radius. Jo Jeffries, of Naked & Ready, makes scotch eggs flavoured with ingredients such as chorizo and black pudding, and uses organic ingredients as often as possible, especially for the vegetarian ones for markets, including Tonbridge, Penshurst and Tunbridge Wells. There are many myths surrounding
LOCAL TRADERS L-R David Yems (Riverford Organic Farmers), Metske van der Laan (Pannel Organics) and Jo Jeffries (Naked & Ready)
organic food, one of the most common being that no pesticides are used in the production of fruit and veg and other crops, such as cotton. An absolute minimal amount is used with the Soil Association providing a list of approved products that can be used without the food losing its organic label. Likewise, up to 20 per cent of non-organic chicken feed and ten per cent of cattle feed can be fed to organically-raised animals. Another myth, although this has some truth attached, is that organicallyproduced food costs more. Check prices on the stalls of organic producers at farmers’ markets such as Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge and you’ll be pleasantly surprised, as prices are often cheaper
or very competitive than on offer at supermarkets. An added benefit of buying from a market stall is that you can talk with the grower and learn about how the produce is grown on their farm or smallholding, and pick up cooking tips and recipes. However, if the price is slightly more, it’s likely to be because labour costs are higher as extra weeding is needed and organic feed for animals is usually higher. So, get down to your local farmers’ market and farm shop and enjoy the taste and benefits of organic produce from artisan bread to gourmet coffee and flavour packed, nutritious fruit and veg to melt-in-your-mouth organic cheeses and meats.
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WHERE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL ORGANIC FOOD FARMERS’ MARKETS Find your local farmers’ markets:
PRODUCERS & SUPPLIERS Look out for these producers and suppliers and their delicious, organically-grown food and drinks at your local farmers’ markets and farmshops: Chegworth Valley, Tunbridge Wells Farm shop selling fresh and dried goods Cherry Gardens Farm Shop, Groombridge Selling produce from the farm, and seasonal Pick Your Own Naked & Ready, Tunbridge Wells Homemade patés, houmus and scotch eggs Pannel Organic, Winchelsea Seasonal vegetables Riverford Organic Farmers, Bromley and Kent Fruit and veg home delivery box scheme Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, Sedlescombe, Nr Robertsbridge Red, white and sparkling English wines from rural East Sussex
Tunbridge Wells (Town Hall), 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month, 9am-2pm Tunbridge Wells (The Pantiles) 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, 10am-4pm Tonbridge (Sovereign Way) 2nd Sunday of the month, 9.30am-1.30pm Cranbrook (Vestry Hall) 4th Saturday of the month, 9.30am-1pm Hildenborough (St John’s Church Centre) Every Thursday, 9am-11am Lamberhurst (Memorial Hall) 1st Wednesday of the month, 9am-12noon Penshurst (Penshurst Place car park) 1st Saturday of the month, 9.30am12noon Shipbourne (St Giles Church) Every Thursday, 9am-11am West Malling (High Street) 4th Sunday of the month, 8.30am-9.30am For a full list of Kent farmers’ markets, go to www.kfma.org.uk and for Sussex go to www.placestovisitsussex.co.uk/ places/farmers-markets
Wednesday 21st September 2016
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80 ADVERTISING FEATURE
Calm confidence in a complex business After personal circumstances led to a need for additional support within his family, Richard Gould discovered that a good care service was less accessible than he first thought. Fourteen years later, he owns TerraBlu Homecare in Tunbridge Wells, one of the longest-standing private care organisations in Kent. We sit down with him to discover the secret of success in one of the most challenging sectors Having now been in business for over a decade, how has TerraBlu evolved into the organisation it is today? We began predominantly as a care service that worked with younger clients. It wasn’t until we started getting a large number of requests that TerraBlu started working with the older generations, who require a different type of service. As time went on and the company evolved, caring for the elderly became a significant part of the business, which required a specific workforce and came with a different set of regulations that had to be abided by. In the earlier days, a lot of our clients came through referrals from local authorities, hospitals and charities. As local authorities commission 80 per MULTI-TASKING Richard Gould is proud of the management team that he has built over the years
Wednesday 21st September 2016
cent of home care work, we relied on our relationship with them and supplied a lot of staff to local villages that were struggling for carers. It wasn’t until 2009 that we were faced with a difficult decision. The authorities had run out of money and were cutting their spending by 26 per cent. How do you run a viable business with that sort of tariff cut overnight? In 2012, we handed all our work back to the authorities and went private. Many people said we couldn’t run a home care practice without the flow of referrals. We were volunteering to compete in a much smaller segment of the market. But due to our excellent staff and experience, we weathered the storm.
Having to compete in a much smaller market, what makes you stand out from your competitors? TerraBlu is a local company, not part of a national chain. We are now one of the longest established in West Kent. This length of time has resulted in an unfaltering confidence in my managers. Some of my staff have been with me for 10 years, which is uncommon in care service. But this goes for any private home care provider – you’re only as good as your last call and we make over a thousand calls a week. Out of all the industries I’ve worked in during my lifetime, private healthcare is the most logistically complex. Clients often need visits in the early morning
‘How you spend the later years of your life is a choice, and is one that is dependent on a wide range of factors. Living a full life at home is an option for most people and that’s where we come in’
or evening, both of which are at rush hour. There’s also the issue of absence and sickness of staff. When this occurs, we would always relocate a call rather than miss it. It takes a lot of experience and years of dealing with stress, to be able to effectively co-ordinate a business like this, and my managers have these in abundance. Saying this, care work is extremely satisfying. You can see the results. We are always looking for good staff as we take on more clients. We also champion our clients within the system and receive consistently good feedback. To continually improve our service, we try to innovate. In 2004, TerraBlu was the first care service in Kent to introduce electronic reporting for quality assurance. When a carer enters a client’s home, they electronically check in and check out. This system is commonplace now. I’m always looking for ways to incorporate technology further into how the business can be run. Although faceto-face relationships and personal contact is central to what we do, technology can be used for both quality assurance and to reduce cost for our clients. Cost is always a concern in planning for the future – can you give us an estimate of what a client’s family can expect to pay for a care service? Care homes are the most expensive option for obvious reasons. There are many costs to cover – the building, maintenance, 24-hour care, ensuite bathrooms, bills. Typically you are looking at £900 to £1,400 per week. If your house has enough space for live-in care, you can expect to pay around £600 per week. When a client opts to spend their later
ADVERTISING FEATURE
years in their own home and use a home care service, the price varies greatly on the requirements of the client. For one visit a day throughout the week, including the weekends, you’re looking at around £105. Apart from the lower cost, what are the benefits of home care services? How you spend the later years of your life is a choice, and is one that is dependent on a wide range of factors. Living a full life at home is an option for most people and that’s where we come in. The core of what we offer is personal care, regulated by the Care Quality Commission. Personal care is intimate support, such as bathing or assisting with medication. But we also offer a lot more. TerraBlu is here to assist a client in continuing to live a full and happy life. Often we take clients shopping, visit the seaside, go to doctor’s appointments and organise a whole variety of social events. What is the process when a potential client first gets in touch with you? Every client is unique with their own set of requirements, which defines our service. There is no obligation with the initial consultation. If they decide that having visits from a carer is the right solution for them, we then send an assessor to their house to gain an idea of their current living situation. Sometimes it’s best if another family member can be there as well. We, as home carers, are usually plugging ourselves into an existing support network and an understanding of this is required in order to provide the best possible service. We form a range of support tasks based on this assessment and we will always support a client’s choice to live out their days at home. But, if a client requires palliative care, we work alongside Hospice in the Weald.
to be very well co-ordinated with doctors and Hospice in the Weald. At what point do you sit down and have that discussion? I think having an open conversation with family members is always the best way to go. But we often see families that have evolved in a way that means this type of conversation is simply too uncomfortable or painful to have. Saying this, eventually there will be what I call the “trigger event” where the subject becomes something that cannot be avoided and demands to be discussed. Usually a fall or an unexpected diagnosis. Ideally, a member of our staff is brought in when the older relative only requires a little support. This way a trust can be built before a client becomes more heavily reliant on the additional support. Finally, describe TerraBlu in four words… Local, caring, responsive and fun. TerraBlu Homecare 01892 529429 www.terrablu.co.uk
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LOOK TO THE FUTURE How you spend your later years is a choice
‘TerraBlu is a local company, not part of a national chain. We are now one of the longest established in West Kent’
Do you work closely with the Hospice? We do, as part of their Federated Scheme. A lot of our training is through them, particularly taking advantage of their fantastic palliative care training. Palliative care is not a big part of our business, but it’s important. For some people who have made the decision to live out the remainder of their lives in their own home, it is possible but needs
Wednesday 21st September 2016
82 ADVERTISING FEATURE
It is always the right time to start investing in the future When it comes to financial security for you and your family, it’s hard to know where to begin. With an ever-changing economic landscape, it’s recommended to consult an independent advisor on how to develop your portfolio. Ted Shaw, Managing Director of EJ Financial Financial,, speaks to us about how they can help you reach your goals… Tell us the history of EJ Financial – how did it begin? What is the company ethos? EJ Financial started its journey on December 31, 2014. I set up the company after experiencing a growing disappointment at the approach taken by financial companies whenever I worked with them. There was lack of independence and an indifference to the real needs of their clients. Our ethos is straightforward; keep it simple, explain thoroughly and treat clients exactly how you would like to be treated yourself. Our clients’ success is ours as well, and having an excellent working relationship with each other is key. How does your service differ from your competitors? Our service differs from many of our competitors because we are truly independent. We perform our due diligence every day and are not frightened to make changes when the service partners’ performance is below what we expect from them. Our client agreement can be viewed on our website – our fees are tiered and we use multiple investment types to achieve the best outcomes for our customers, which is all that happens.
INVESTOR Ted Shaw of EJ Financial
Wednesday 21st September 2016
Every client is different. In what way do you tailor your services to them? Yes, every client is different. We listen carefully to what they say about their financial goals and objectives. Once these have been clarified, we work in partnership to plan, act upon that
plan and meet their expectations. The nature of our communication with our customers is truly transparent and we believe that putting them at the forefront of everything we do is the only way forward. Together, we work towards a comfortable retirement for them with a valued relationship and service ethos. The financial sector is constantly evolving. As financial investors, how do you keep ahead of the curve? We use service partners that are constantly reviewing their fees, systems and processes. Our whole business is now paperless, ensuring that clients receive communications promptly and sparing them from having to shred wheelbarrows full of paper reports. Staying economical and green is important to us as a company. For younger clients or new families, what steps should they take now to protect their finances? Younger clients or new families have many draws on their finances. It is difficult to know where best to place any spare cash they may have saved. Auto Enrolment is starting to make younger people think seriously about the future. Pensions are a key investment to enable a comfortable retirement. Many people are happy in retirement, but in a recent survey 41 per cent had three main regrets; not starting their pension savings early enough, not engaging with a professional financial advisor sooner than they did and leaving their involvement in good retirement planning a little too late.
Pensions are a hot topic and are regularly under legislative review. In what ways can you work to keep a pension safe for a client in an ever-changing environment? We work with professional investment managers who are active in their approach to investing money. For example, they were up at 3am on the Friday morning after the Brexit results making changes to their portfolios to take advantage of the impending drop in sterling when the markets opened. They were spot on. No investment with a decent return is ever safe or guaranteed, and I would reasonably expect a six per cent to eight per cent return from a medium-risk, well-diversified and actively managed portfolio. Have you noticed any trends in the market recently and how are they reflected in the services you offer your clients? The trends in the markets recently are being driven by the Government closing down the opportunities for high-earners to take advantage of the pension contribution benefits. We are currently assisting clients on navigating through these changes. What would your one key piece of advice be to a client looking to invest their savings? My key piece of advice to a (potential) client who is looking to invest their savings would be to consult with an independent financial advisor. It’s important, when looking for this sort of service, to consider whether or not you could
ADVERTISING FEATURE
‘The trends in the markets recently are being driven by the Government closing down the opportunities for highearners to take advantage of the pension contribution benefits’
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LIVE WITHOUT REGRET Many wish they had started their retirement fund sooner
form an excellent working relationship with the advisor. ‘People buy from people that they like and that they are like’, as they say. What does the future hold for EJ Financial? Currently, we have approximately £13million of assets under influence and have set up a Client Review Board, including three of our customers, to keep our business at its best. We are constantly improving our accreditations so we are able to provide the service that is both desired and needed. Describe EJ Financial in five words. Fiercely independent, friendly, honest and transparent. EJ Financial Limited 2nd Floor, Johnson Building, The Broadway, Crowborough TN6 1DE 01892 234 884 or 0203 657 9079 www.ejfinancial.co.uk
Wednesday 21st September 2016
84 ■ LIFE AND STYLE YOUNIQUE HOME INTERIORS YouNique Home Interiors of Tunbridge Wells can help you with all your kitchen, bathroom and bedroom needs… Creating individual interiors built to a standard of craftsmanship that is second to none. Whether you are looking to revamp your kitchen, create an oasis of calm in your bathroom, or turn your bedroom into a realm of relaxation, YouNique can help you. As the heart of the home, they believe kitchens should be warm and inviting areas you enjoy spending time in, so to enable this they can create a bespoke design visualised in the latest 3D software with their free design service. Using a range of modern, durable and practical design options, they can cater for all budgets and offer a ten-year guarantee on all their workmanship. Whether you want to overhaul your bathroom furniture and fixtures or simply spruce up a cloakroom, you can get bathroom inspiration for every style, size and budget from YouNique, resulting in a room that provides you with a sense of calm. When it comes to bedrooms, if it’s minimalistic, luxurious, classic or contemporary YouNique can transform any new build or renovation into an award-winning design that will incorporate the best layout possible and will utilise the space to its fullest. The design team will then create unique surroundings through joinery, lighting and wall features, finished off with amazing furniture creating surroundings you will love.
RAISING THE BAR OF KENT’S DINING SCENE One of Kent’s most high-profile restaurants, The Bull in Wrotham, has appointed a new Executive Chef, Adam Turley, who worked under Michel Roux
RAISING THE BAR OF AdamKENT’S Turley is a classically-trained chef who deepened his DINING SCENE knowledge working under Mark Flanagan (now personal chef
For more information please call in to YouNique Home Interiors, 16 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1ND Tel: 01892 576969 or visit www.youniquehomeinteriors.co.uk
to The Queen) before moving on to the Michelin-star kitchen One of Kent’s most high-profile restaurants, at The Waterside Inn, where he worked with Michel Roux Snr The Bull in Wrotham, has appointed new executiv and Alain Roux.
chef, Adam Turley, who worked under Michel Rou
Since then, Adam has made quite a name for himself cooking beautifully presented dishes using modern techniques, and winning his first AA Rosette in 2009itsatclassy the Bluebells thing without being Adam Turley is a classically trained Restaurant & Bar in Sunningdale, Berkshire. conscious about it. As owner M chef who deepened his knowledge
FROM CITY SURVEYOR TO BEING A TOWN SURVEYOR
Deadman says “What working under with Mark Flanagan Kent is blessed an amazing range of quality produce – I have l
AU CONSULTANCY Chartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Services have quietly over the early part of 2016 settled into Tunbridge Wells town centre, opening their main office at the top of Mount Ephraim. Founded in 2010 by Amal Uddin a Chartered Surveyor from the City of London, AU CONSULTANCY was offers corporate Commercial occupiers a full range of management and transactional surveying services, the focus of the business is to offer the same professional corporate standard service to noncorporate/SME owner/occupiers of commercial properties, both Landlord and Tenants. As explained by Amal, “Corporate occupiers with large portfolios know the importance of engaging an experienced chartered surveyor to undertake due diligence (sales/purchases) to provide good management and deal with key events/activities (rent reviews, lease renewals) which form much of the transactional work we are able to undertake. So, if you are an owner/occupier of a Commercial property interest, irrespective of whether you’re a corporate/non corporate or an SME, these are all as relevant to you.” AU CONSULTANCY and Amal have ties with Tunbridge Wells that go back beyond the firm’s early days. One of its first instructions was to provide consultancy services to the TWBC’s property division, an instruction that spanned over the course of a year and half, in addition to work undertaken for another corporate client with property interests in the Pantiles, dating back to 2006. AU CONSULTANCY are glad to be associated with Tunbridge Wells and looks forward to providing a quality level of service in the years to come. For more information on our services, advice, guidance or to arrange a meeting to discuss any commercial property matter, contact – AU CONSULTANCY on 01892 315 935 or au@auconsultancy.co.uk
Wednesday 21st September 2016
running a place is that it ev but surprisingly there are only three Michelin-star restaurants the food can’t stay the same in the whole county.
(now personal chef to the Queen)
before moving onto the Michelin star kitchen at The Waterside Inn
years. That is why it is so ex
The growing number foodies willing to try exciting menus His cooki working with Adam. where he worked withofMichel Roux
wholesome, hearty, mouthwat Snr andLondon Alain makes Roux. Since then, time outside it the perfect for a new Michelin-
andnear visually attractive. Adam made quite a Bull name trainedhas chef in Kent. The in for Wrotham, Sevenoaks, is We are
investing in new equipment, cro himself beautifully presented exactlycooking what many of us crave: An ambitious restaurant which
and changing theit.kitchen layo dishes using modern and selfconscious does its classy thingtechniques without being about winning his first AA Rosette in 2009
enable Adam to serve his new
Asthe owner MartinRestaurant Deadman&says: “What to I have learnt running our growing clientele”. at Bluebells Bar in a place is that it evolves, the food can’t stay the same for five Sunningdale, Berkshire.
Thewith Bull’s newHis menu will be years. That is why it is so exciting working Adam.
SOUTH EAST CONSERVATORY VALETING
unveiledand to a visually selected group of c Kent is ais blessed county with mouthwatering an cooking wholesome, hearty,
The Valeting Professionals
will be available amazing range of quality producein- new and attractive. We are now investing equipment and to the public
A family-run business that has a wealth of knowledge and experience in their field. They offer a full-restoration service package which includes complete gutter clearance, a full clean on the pvc or wooden frame work, three chemical treatment processes on all the glass, blind cleaning, and patio doors. If you like the idea of a completely restored conservatory or you are selling your property, SECV will provide an exemplary service. South East Conservatory Valeting use the very best
9thtoSeptember. For to lunch diner surprisingly there are onlythe 3 Michelin crockery and changing kitchen layout enable Adam
Set Lunch Menu is reasonably p star restaurants in theto whole county. clientele.” serve his new menu our growing The growing number of foodies
at £17 for two courses and £22
The Bull’s new menumenus will beoutside first unveiled to a selected group three-course meal and is wort willing to try exciting of clients and will available the public from September trip to Wrotham in Sevenoaks. London makes it thebeperfect timeto for a9.new trained chef Kent. Menu is reasonably priced For Michelin lunch diners, the SetinLunch Tables can be booked at £17 for two courses and £22 for a three-course meal, and on 01732 789800 or online The Bull the in Wrotham Sevenoaks is is worth trip to Wrotham, Sevenoaks. exactly what many of us crave: an
at www.thebullhotel.com
Tables can restaurant, be booked on 01732 789800 ambitious which does or online at www.thebullhotel.com
materials and chemicals for the job. Using high quality products in the conservatory ensures a high standard of finish with a long lasting effect. Managing Partner Lee Jolliffe says, “we are committed to making sure the customer is completely satisfied with the result and are only satisfied with a total spot-free finish, which makes the conservatory look brand new again. Our team of professionals take pride in every job and get same results whether it is a small or large area. We offer a very reasonably priced service and have many satisfied customers all over the South East, who have recommended us to their neighbours, friends and family. For further information or would like a quotation please email: info@southeastconservatoryvaleting.co.uk or call on 07508688898
VISIT US
The Bull Hotel • Bull Lane • Wrotham • Kent • TN15 7RF
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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.
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To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
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In this Sudoku the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely. Puzzle solutions to be published in next week’s paper
E N G L A N D I A M G I MM I C K H M N E M T E A R OOM O P O J E S S O R E I F D O Z E N O P E E C OW R U B E L E E E R D E L V E S H Sudoku:
6 7 3 1 2 9 4 8 5
8 9 4 5 7 6 3 1 2
1 2 5 3 8 4 7 6 9
P R O X Y I N E Q T E A A R U A G R E E N I N T T O D O I N I ON D O N F T I S T E O E R I M P S
Jigsaw Sudoku:
9 4 2 7 1 3 6 5 8
7 8 1 6 4 5 9 2 3
5 3 6 8 9 2 1 7 4
4 5 7 2 3 1 8 9 6
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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Wednesday 21st September 2016
86 n MOTORING
Model shown is Alfa Milo 875cc
TB TwinAir 105 bhp,
OTR £15,135 including metallic paint at £475. Official fuel consumption figure s for the Alfa Milo range: Urban 38.7 - 64.2 mpg (7.3 - 4.41/100km); Extra Urban 61.4 - 97.4 mpg (4.6 - 2.9 l/100km);
Combined 50.4 - 80.7 mpg ( 5.6 - 3.5 1/lOOkm). C0 2 emissions 130 - 90 g/km. Fuel consumption and co, figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/ regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. •customer deposit is £1,725. Optional Final Payment is £3,867. Contract Term is 48 months. Promotion available on Alfa MiTo registered between 24th August and 30th September 2016. !Alfa Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Alfa Romeo Preferenza PCP. With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the vehicle 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. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL! ORW. We work with a number of creditors including Alfa Romeo Financial Services.
Wednesday 21st September 2016
MOTORING NEWS ■
87
Renault insists there’s no fuel to the diesel rumours
IN THE DRIVING SEAT Delta Topco
A new racing Formula AMERICAN media company Liberty Media is taking control of Formula One following a £5.9billion deal with the sport’s parent company, Delta Topco. A statement released by Liberty Media confirmed that it would be taking an 18.7 per cent stake in the company, in conjunction with majority shareholders CVC. The stake is worth £559million, with the entire process due to be completed in time for the 2017 season. Delta Topco currently owns Formula One, with the primary stake in the company held by investors CVC Capital Partners. With these recent changes, Liberty Media will have full control of the sport. Liberty Media will pay £3.29billion in equity value, while also undertaking F1’s current debt of £3.07billion. After the move, Liberty Media Group will be
renamed as the Formula One Group. Chase Carey will take position as the Chairman of Formula One, while current Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone will retain his current position. Carey said: “I am thrilled to take up the role of Chairman of Formula One and have the opportunity to work alongside Bernie Ecclestone, CVC and the Liberty Media Team. “I see great opportunity to help Formula One continue to develop and prosper for the benefit of the sport, fans, teams and investors alike.” Many of the current Formula One teams have shown their interest in continuing their investment in the sport, making this clear before the contractual details are finalised next season. Current CEO Bernie Ecclestone said: “I would like to welcome Liberty Media and Chase Carey to Formula One and I look forward to working with them.”
RENAULT says customers, not manufacturers, will decide when diesel is too expensive Renault has denied reports that the company may stop producing diesel engines for small cars sold in Europe, claiming the market will decide when diesel has run its course, not a manufacturer. Reuters had previously stated that Renault felt rising development costs brought about by new European emission regulations would lead to diesel engines becoming uneconomic to make. A statement from the company said: “There is nothing new. Renault has always said it will adapt its offer according to the local market demand. Diesel makes up around 70 per cent of Renault’s sales in the UK today.” The French car manufacturer, which has been subject to investigation in the wake of the VW emissions scandal, has admitted new regulation
will make diesel engines more expensive, but a spokesman said the market will decide when prices get too high. “Diesel cars are already expensive compared to petrol cars,” he said. “Some small cars aren’t available with these engines because they’re more expensive to produce, but we think consumers will make the decision when diesel is too expensive.” The company has also refused to rule out the possibility of diesel-electric hybrids being brought into the small car market in a bid to reduce emissions. After demonstrating the new Scenic dieselelectric hybrid to the press, Renault’s UK Communications Director Jeremy Townsend said: “There’s no reason not to [introduce hybrid versions of smaller models] – we have the technology – but there are no plans at present. It’s currently there to provide benefits for company car drivers.” CUSTOMERS WILL CHOOSE When they think diesel has become too expensive
Wednesday 21st September 2016
88 n RECRUITMENT
WITH THE
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
Wednesday 21st September 2016
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
RECRUITMENT n
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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN ADVERT CONTACT OUR SALES DEPARTMENT ON 01892 779624
Wednesday 21st September 2016
90 � ARTS & CULTURE
Meet the local artist who’s wild at heart A sculptor from just outside Tunbridge Wells has been shortlisted for the prestigious David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year prize for her bronze of Sudan, the last male northern white rhino. Here Camilla Le May talks to Eileen Leahy about what inspires her, and why she is so passionate about the conservation work she is involved with in Africa How long have you been working as a sculptor? I have been sculpting professionally since 2000. What got you interested in doing this as a career in the first place? I started clay modelling when I was at St Leonards-Mayfield School. It had a great ceramics department where I was taught by a fantastic teacher, Celia Allen, who specialises in animals. From there I went on to do a History of Art degree at Edinburgh University, and then I did two years at Chelsea College of Art and Middlesex University. I also did evening classes in life modelling in clay, and after doing a masterclass with the late Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, and being encouraged by him, I decided to take it up seriously. What was your first break? Being accepted early on by the Frank T Sabin Gallery in Albermarle Street,
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London. It was an established gallery and provided me with great sales right from the start. But I have to admit it was – and still is – a hard slog. I managed to afford to cast my first works into bronze because I worked at a foundry and was paid in bronze casts! UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL Camilla at work
OUT OF AFRICA The mighty Sudan
jewellery You also make jewellery, don’t you? Why did you decide to do this? I only produce jewellery on a small scale. I would like to expand this and build up a collection, but I just don’t have the time at present. I did a rhino brooch as a commission for the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya for their retiring
staff and it developed from there. I then created a silver version to raise funds for rhinos, and when Satao – a famous big tusker elephant – was killed in Kenya, I decided to commemorate him in a piece of silver jewellery and raise funds for the protection of elephants. I sell these pieces online, through word of mouth and at charity auctions. What do you enjoy most about your work? Of course I enjoy the actual sculpting, though it has stages where it is tough. But I especially love working from life, particularly from wildlife in Africa.
ARTS & CULTURE n
Do you use a local foundry, mould maker and caster to produce your work? Yes, I work with Livingstone Art Founders in Matfield, and Loo Grandi of Sculpture Castings in Flimwell does my moulds and resin casts. My silvers are done by Just Castings in Hatton Garden, London. Do you prefer sculpting or jewellery making, or are there benefits to both? Jewellery is less stressful and rather easier and quicker, but the tiny scale can become a little trying, so in that respect I enjoy working on a larger sculptural scale as I find it more challenging and rewarding.
‘They were looking for a painter or sculptor to do a portrait of Sefton’
Your sculptural work tends to be very figurative, is there a reason for this? It’s just my rather conservative approach, character and preference I guess – there’s no specific reason. The detail I work to is part of my perfectionist nature, which can be exhausting! I don’t include every hair and skin crease, though, as I do not want the surface to become hard and lose life. I guess it’s about striking a balance between anatomical correctness and form but not overworking it, as it’s important to keep the vitality in the piece, too. Your sculpture of Sefton, the Household Cavalry horse who survived the IRA bombing in Hyde Park in 1982, is one of your best-known works. How did the commission come about? I was lucky. Peter Johnson of the Ackerman and Johnson Gallery in London showed a few of my works over the years, and was then approached by a contact of his at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) who said they were looking for a painter or sculptor to do a portrait of Sefton. They also wanted someone to do a few beginners’ workshops with the students and staff there, and Peter kindly put me forward. The RVC were brave
to take me on as it was my first large piece, but I was just in the right place at the right time. What attracts you so much to Africa and conserving its wildlife? I first went to South Africa in 1999 on a sculpture bursary from the Society of Wildlife Artists, which supported my trip. I was blown away by the experience of being on safari and by the huge variety of wildlife. It never ceases to amaze and inspire me and gives me enormous joy. The UK, in comparison, has lost much of its wilderness to agriculture. I ended up living in South Africa for the best part of eight years, and while there I met a fascinating lady – the late Anna Merz – who was a rhino conservationist. She dedicated her life to saving them and put all her funds into it. How did she influence your work? She became a dear friend and introduced me to Lewa in Kenya in 2009. It was really her dedication to rhinos, and my sadness at her sudden death, that I threw myself into supporting rhino security teams in a desire to help secure her legacy. I then decided to sculpt individual rhinos, and as I spent months studying and sculpting them from my Land Rover, which I turned into a mobile studio, my love and understanding of rhinos grew.
DARK HORSE Camilla with Sefton
The rhino is in danger of extinction, so what can be done to help? By securing an area for a mega herbivore, this in turn protects a whole ecosystem, both for smaller species which share a symbiotic relationship, and also for so much more. Rhinos and numerous other species are being driven to extinction by poaching and a rife illegal wildlife trade. It is a desperate situation with over 1,340 rhinos butchered just last year, and many youngsters being left as orphans. A thousand rangers have also been killed by
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armed poachers as they try to protect the wildlife. I find it deeply distressing knowing the cruelty to animals who are being killed by slow methods, all for profit, so I do all I can to spread awareness and raise funds, particularly for rangers. Your bronze of Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, was shortlisted for a prestigious prize earlier this year. How did it feel to be included in such illustrious artistic company? Of course it was wonderful, and a great boost for my project – bringing more attention to the work. It was also so encouraging when one sold at the private view, which helped to cover my considerable costs of doing the work. Sculpting Sudan, the last male northern white rhino in existence, was a moving and sad time, getting to know him so well and knowing he is the last male. I also got to know an orphan southern white rhino baby named Ringo, who was a delightful character. The footage I was fortunate to catch of him going for an early morning run went viral! How much money has been raised? So far the Sudan bronze has raised $4,000 for charity. This is going to buy a vital portable incubator which will be of use in an attempt to save the northern white rhino through IVF, and also will be used in a collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service and The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya in a lab they are developing for endangered species. My previous rhino sculptures and other works have raised around $47,000 for Kenyan conservation over the last few years. How can people find out more about the work of these conservation trusts if they want to? I support various organisations, and links to these can be found on my numerous blog reports at www.camillalemay/blog
Wednesday 21st September 2016
92 WHAT’S ON SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
WHATS ON
Eileen Leahy
WITH THE
Local events >> WEDNESDAY There will be An Audience With Lesley Garrett at the Assembly Hall from 7.30pm. Britain’s most successful soprano will be chatting about her life and career and singing some of her favourite songs from the world of opera and beyond. The audience will be encouraged to request songs and ask Lesley questions. Top seats £28. For further information please visit www.assemblyhalltheatre If you’re into cycling and high drama, then the 2Magpies production of Ventoux at Tonbridge’s EM Forster Theatre is for you. It recreates the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani’s epic race up the French mountain of the same name during the Tour de France 2000. Real footage of the treacherous mountainous road is used as the backdrop while the actors retell the story of the rivals who pushed themselves to the limits to succeed. Tickets cost £10, £9 students. To book visit www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk For entertainment of a totally different kind go along to the Hop Farm’s Moonlight Drive-in Cinema where Lights Out will be showing from 8pm. This supernatural horror film directed by David F Sandberg will certainly keep you on the edge of your (car) seat! Tickets cost £25 per vehicle. www.moonlightcinema.com Alternatively, pop along to the Word Up! happening at The Forum from 7.30pm. Tommy Sissons and AP Staunton host this special poetry event, which costs £5 per person on the door. Visit www.twforum.co.uk >> THURSDAY From 6.30pm there will be a Bat Walk at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. Meet at the hub. From here the guide will then take you around the grounds to spot the many different species that live in this park. Children must be accompanied by adults, and it’s advisable to bring a torch
Wednesday 21st September 2016
If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages please email info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
along and dress appropriately for the weather. The event is free but pre-booking is essential. To do so contact Community Engagement Officer Steff D’Agorne at steff.dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk The Odeon will be screening the National Theatre’s production of The Threepenny Opera this evening from 7pm. It’s a dark comic tale set against the backdrop of London preparing for The Queen’s Coronation. The police are keen to wipe out any whiff of trouble, but the capital’s thieves and dodgy dealers have other ideas… To book tickets, which cost £20, visit www.odeon.co.uk The Sussex Arms will be hosting another of its quiz nights from 8pm. Entrance costs £2 per person and the lucky winner takes all! The penultimate Jazz on the Pantiles takes place from 7.30pm. Burrito Cat will be the musical collective taking to the bandstand to entertain.
>> FRIDAY Tunbridge Wells Library and Museum gears up for another term of pre-school Friday fun with their Dangerous Dinosaurs storytelling and craft sessions today. Running from 10.30-11.30am, it’s a perfect way to engage little ones in reading and art. There are also additional sessions once a month on a Saturday from 10am-12noon and 2-4pm. For a musical evening with a difference, make sure you catch Tcha Limberger’s concert at St Alban’s Church in Frant. Performing with his seven-piece Budapest Gypsy Orchestra, the accomplished violinist and guitarist will treat the audience to an evening of passionate folk and classical music from Eastern Europe. Tickets cost £18 and can be bought from Frant Stores, Brittens Music shop or www.wegottickets.com The hop walks at Scotney Castle finish on Sunday, so if you haven’t ON SONG been along yet make sure you go Lesley this weekend. Visitors will have the Garrett opportunity to enjoy ambling through
the hop fields, checking out the drying rooms and then enjoying a sample of the estate’s delicious brew. There are two daily sessions from 12noon-2pm and 2.30-4pm. Tickets, £2. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotneycastle The Velo House on St John’s road hosts punk legend Glen Matlock from the Sex Pistols for an evening of tales about his life in rock ’n’ roll and on the road. The legendary bassist will be also be performing from 7-11pm. To book tickets go to www.thevelohouse.com >> SATURDAY If you’re a fan of vinyl, then you’ll be pleased to hear that there will be a Revolver Record Fair taking place at King Charles the Martyr Church Hall today. Entry is free and the event lasts from 10am-3pm. Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market is on outside the Town Hall this morning. Expect the usual variety of seasonal produce, specialist ingredients and delicious sweet treats on offer from 9am-2pm. (Please turn to page 76 and 77 for our exclusive interview with Bruce McMichael, who runs the Tunbridge Wells farmers’ markets). Whether you want to shift those extra postholiday pounds, or get training for your next big race, then it’s a good idea to participate in the weekly 5K park runs that happen in Dunorlan and the Castle Road park in Tonbridge every Saturday morning from 9am. They’re free to attend and are a great way to up your exercise count. All you need to do is register at www.parkrun.org.uk. Friends of Bricklehurst’s Autumn Fair takes place from 12noon-4pm. Set in the beautiful grounds
THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Tcha Limberger plays on Friday
of Bricklehurst Manor School, visitors can expect stalls laid out with attractions including homemade crafts, produce and plants. There will also be bouncy castles, face painting and a tug-ofwar. Entry is free. www.bricklehurst.co.uk The charity Compaid, which helps disabled people get out and about in Kent, is celebrating its 30th anniversary by holding a Fundraising Ball at the High Rocks this evening. Tickets to the black tie event cost £50 per person and include a welcome drink, three-course meal with wine and musical entertainment. To book tickets please visit www.compaid.org.uk
LIFE ON THE EDGE See Swallows and Amazons
WHAT’S ON
93
A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS >> SUNDAY Swallows and Amazons is screening at Trinity Theatre from 5pm. This classic book by Arthur Ransome is brought beautifully to life for the cinema thanks to its stunning scenic locations set in the Lake District. For those not familiar with the story, it tells the tale of two young families – the Walkers and the Blacketts – who meet on holiday and enjoy plenty of sailing action in their dinghies and mock fighting. But they have to swap their imaginary world of pirates, swords and cannons for real adventure when faced with a series of dilemmas. Kelly Macdonald and Rafe Spall star. See www.trinitytheatre.net for more details. The Kent RSOC car show gets underway today at The Hop Farm. Running from 10am-3pm, there will be a host of classic Ford cars to check out, including convertible Cosworths, sporty Sierras and rally-style Fiestas. For tickets at £5 per person (under 16s go free) visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk The Forum will be putting on Run Tumour Run! – an afternoon of live music in aid of the The Brain Tumour Charity. To kick things off there
PICK OF THE WEEK Hospice in the Weald 10K run Sunday September 25 10am Tunbridge Wells
This is a great way to raise money for charity and to help keep you fit. If you turn up on the day you pay £35 to enter, with proceeds going to the charity. By raising just £100 in sponsorship you could enable a patient to attend therapy for a day. As the race is on roads, children under 12 are not permitted to take part. Those aged 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please visit www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk
Paul Dunton
will be a children’s disco followed by a magician to amuse youngsters all afternoon. From 7pm, a series of bands will take to the stage to also raise vital funds for the charity. Bloco Fogo and DJ Adam Lightspeed are among the performers. For more info visit www.twforum.co.uk >> MONDAY The Sevenoaks Literary Festival is now underway and, until October 7, will host a number of workshops and talks with writers in different venues around the town. Now in its 14th year, it’s a popular event which showcases some of the best contemporary literary talent around. Tomorrow you can hear author Anne Sebba chat about her latest book, Les Parisiennes, a tale of life pre- and post- the German occupation of the French capital. She will be at the Sevenoaks Kaleidoscope Library from 7.3opm. Other guests appearing over the festival fortnight include local authors Juliet Nicholson and SD Sykes and illustrator William Grill. Visit www.sevlitfest.com for more details. There will be an Open Mic Night at the Duke of York on The Pantiles from 8pm. All the amps and equipment will be there, so just bring along your instrument – or your voice! Calling all ukulele players. Whether you’re keen to practise this instrument, or learn some new techniques on it, then you’ll want to join TWURPS at The Cross Keys tonight for their weekly jamboree. Just turn up and join in! >> TUESDAY The Workers’ Educational Association puts on various adult educational courses a few times a year. Today is the start of its Literature Justice course, which looks at the concept of law in some of the most famous books, including Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, EM Forster’s A Passage to India and Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. The ten-week course takes place at the Camden Centre in Tunbridge Wells from 1.30-3.30pm every Tuesday and costs £86.10. For more details visit www.wea.org.uk From 6-8pm there will be an SRP Toy Fair at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge. With admission priced at just £1.50 it’s an inexpensive way to seek out some rare finds for your vintage toy collection, or just a unique place to buy some early Christmas presents! For more information visit www.srptoyfairs1.co.uk Tunbridge Wells FC kick off against Croydon tonight at their Culverden Stadium from 7.45pm.
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com
Live music Local favourites The Standard Lamps (who will be supporting The Who on their forthcoming UK tour) will be performing at Trinity Theatre on Saturday night as part of the Local & Live sessions. The popular three-piece are renowned for their exemplary musicianship and brilliantly crafted retro rock/pop numbers. They will be joined on the bill by the sublime David Migden & The Twisted Roots, who are regarded as one of the best live acts around, offering a genre-busting live sound comprising blues, rock, pop and roots. Opening the show will be the superb Cyrano, renowned for their high-energy, anthemic sound – which could be described as Elbow-meets-Pearl Jam. Other excellent options for the rest of the weekend include Kharma & The Devil at The Beau Nash this Saturday night, and the Acoustic Reverb Collective Saturday Showcase at The Bedford which offers a cracking line up of local acts including Daniel Son, Chris Priest, Ian Roland and GCSB (Taj Mian). Further Saturday-night choices include The Heartbeats at The Royal Oak.
TUESDAY Lachlan Daly, The Floodgates WEDNESDAY Gronk, Michael Wood, The Breaks, Son of Kirk TRINITY THEATRE
Church Road, information on times and tickets at www.trinitytheatre.net
SATURDAY Local & Live Sessions: The Standard Lamps, David Migden & The Twisted Roots, Cyrano THE CROSS KEYS
St John’s Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk
WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Jazz Funk Giants FRIDAY Sonny’s Blues MONDAY TWURPS – Ukulele Beginners’ Session WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Mike Hatchard and LeJog piano THE ROYAL OAK
THE FORUM TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Prospect Road, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards
Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk
SATURDAY The Heartbeats MONDAY Open Mic Night
WEDNESDAY Word Up! A Spoken Word Event: Tommy Sissons + AP Staunton SATURDAY CTW Fest: Coke Bust (USA) + Violent Reaction + Renounced + Blind Authority + Higher Power + Sectarian Violence (UK/USA/SWE) + Unholy Majesty + Drawing Last Breath (USA) + Frame Of Mind + Firm Standing Law SUNDAY Run Tumour Run! A Brain Tumour Charity event featuring Run Leia Run, Cyrano, The Pisdicables, Adam Lightspeed, Bloco Fogo WEDNESDAY Trash Boat THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE
THE BEDFORD PUB
2 High Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm till late
SATURDAY Acoustic Reverb Collective Saturday Showcase featuring Daniel Son, Chris Priest, Ian Roland, GCSB (Taj Mian) SUNDAY Sunday Night Sessions – Weekend Recovery THE BEAU NASH INN
Mount Ephraim, open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late
The Pantiles, doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk
SATURDAY Kharma & the Devil
WEDNESDAY Isabella Coulstock, Dale Chapman and Ryan Weeks, Jack Leon Mackey FRIDAY The Tar Babies SUNDAY Rachael Stalker, Sam Firth
THE PUNCH & JUDY
11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm
TUESDAY Moveable Feast
Wednesday 21st September 2016
94 ■ 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
Well, in the end, dinosaurs became extinct, didn’t they?
I
T WAS rather an odd question. Or at least so it seemed at the time. On reflection, I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised. There’s no reason why he should have known. He’s 20, so grew up in the digital era. But analogue has something of a fascination for his generation. Personally, I think it’s wonderful that the music from my entire collection of LPs (which still takes up two hefty shelves in the cupboard) is now contained on an iPod smaller than a handful of playing cards. And there are no irritating scratches, and you don’t have to get up and turn the record over halfway through, and you can take it anywhere. (Though I do remember, while on a school camping trip, lugging a battery-operated record player and half-a-dozen 12-inch albums on a ten-mile hike and setting it up next to the tent.) Anyway, my son isn’t particularly worried about vinyl, but he is interested in ‘old school’ 35mm cameras and photography. Hence his question: “Can you tell me how this SLR camera works?” Well, of course I can. After my first camera, a Kodak 127 Brownie, I acquired a Pentax lookalike and used it for more than 30 years until I got my first digital camera in the late 1990s. So obviously I knew all about shutter speeds and ‘F’ stop
Wednesday 21st September 2016
‘depth of field’ and split ring focusing, and ASA and ISO film speeds. Didn’t I? Well, I thought I did until I tried to explain them. No, it was all too much, so I referred him to Google and YouTube for assistance. But at least I was able to show him how to load the film in the camera, which is still second nature to me but a complete mystery to him. It got me thinking, though, about how utterly reliant we have become on digital technology. I’m typing this on a computer and will shortly email it to the editor who will sub it on screen, before copying and pasting it into a slot in a desktop publishing programme which will then be sent electronically to the printer. My father was a newspaper man of the old school, and I remember him bashing out stories on an elderly Remington typewriter. Then he’d phone them through to a copytaker at the Evening News. This newly typed sheet of paper would go to the subs and then would be handed to the linotype operator, who sat with a keyboard in front of a massive mechanical contraption which produced a mould for a whole line of type into which molten metal was poured. When it had cooled,
BEST FEET FORWARD The times are always changing
‘I got to thinking how utterly reliant we have become on digital technology’ this line (o’type) would move automatically down to the ‘stone’, where whole articles would be assembled line upon line ready for the press. Printing a photograph was an equally complicated process, requiring a special screen to translate a picture into a series of different sized dots (half tones), which would then be transferred to a metal plate.
When printed, the dots would trick they eye into thinking there was black, white and many shades of grey (though probably not as many as 50!) The point about the old hot metal printing was that it was massively time-consuming and labour intensive, with the printers and their unions holding huge power over the newspaper management. A sudden strike would mean the loss of an entire edition of a paper and all the advertising revenue from it. This was the rationale behind Rupert Murdoch’s decision to take on the unions in what became known as the Wapping dispute – exactly 30 years ago. After violent clashes on the picket lines almost nightly for 12 months, the print unions were defeated and all major newspapers moved to offset litho printing and eventually wholly digital compositing. Despite the financial savings this brought, newspapers have been in decline pretty much ever since. As they adapted to the new technology so, too, did TV and social media and the portability of the devices we view them on. Fewer and fewer people seem to want to hold pages of paper in their hands, and are happy to get their news electronically or online. But with ever-cheaper production methods, newspapers can increasingly be produced ‘in house’. And that means proprietors are less able, or less prepared, to employ freelance staff or outside contributors. Which is a roundabout way of saying this is my last column for this paper. This is sad, but I enjoy the irony that it’s digital technology that seems finally to have done for me. Sadly this is the last column from Kent Barker – Our thanks for all the fine words he’s given us since the Times was launched in March 2015.
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