Times of Tunbridge Wells 10th August 2016

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

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HISTORY COMES TO LIFE WITH CASTLE JOUSTING DAYS Pages ages 74-75

Arriva cancels more school bus routes

By Andrew Tong BUS company Arriva have announced they are axing more services that take local children to school from the start of next term.

The decision to cancel another two routes into Tunbridge Wells has been taken because the services carry ‘insufficient passengers’.

From September 4 the following services will no longer be available: 220/221: The villages of Addington and Wrotham, north of Sevenoaks, to Bennett Memorial School in Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells.

267/268: Hawkhurst and Cranbrook into Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

Earlier, Arriva cancelled the 228/229 service from Crowborough’s Jarvis Brook and Alderbrook into Tunbridge Wells – a route that includes the village of Eridge.

The company has made the cuts, which will particularly affect students in rural areas, after undertaking a review of its services.

Continued on page 2

MUESLI MAFIA MEN LINE UP AGENT FROM BANK OF ENGLAND Page 4

TOWN’S VERY OWN KING OF BURGERS ON LIFE AT MCDONALD’S Pages 8-9

OUR PROPERTY GUIDE IS SIMPLY AWASH WITH CHARACTER Property section

Devolution plans signal end of the INSIDE road for the nightmare journeys BUSINESS

Historic move for law firm as it heads up town. Page 4

Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

JAM-PACKED Queues into Tunbridge Wells

THE end might be in sight for some of the traffic jams and tailbacks that daily blight the lives of local motorists.

High-level talks are taking place on a new initiative that could see the devolution of certain powers from Kent County Council (KCC) at County Hall. Such a move would give responsibility for highways back to Tunbridge Wells.

Recent developments mean the county could soon be formally divided into three subregions – West Kent, East Kent and North Kent.

‘We have got Kent County Council very much engaged’ The West Kent sub region – formed from the districts of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks – is already used to close cooperation through the West Kent Partnership.

But talks are being held on giving each sub region a raft of competences that were previously the preserve of the county council, which would make the groups far more powerful.

Kent County Council will still oversee countywide issues and is itself seeking more powers from central Government.

Council Leader David Jukes said he was ‘delighted’ by the possibilities of further devolution.

He said: “We have got Kent County Council very much engaged in the devolution of various powers to borough councils across Kent.

“If we get our own highways back it means we can then start doing the things that we have wanted for many years. We won’t have to go to Kent County Council and ask, we can simply go out and do them ourselves.

“This is not going to be an overnight thing, it will be brought in gradually and I hope gracefully. It will be very cost effective, and due to

GATWICK

Flight path switch should lead to quieter skies. Page 5

economies of scale it means not only will we be getting a better service from our contractors, but also cheaper.”

Cllr Jukes described it as a ‘good deal all round’ for this part of the county, which he said was ‘at the forefront’ of the initiative to devolve powers.

The plans coincide with the revelation that Tunbridge Wells has the joint largest funding gap between the infrastructure it needs and the money required to deliver it.

Alongside Sevenoaks, the borough is only seeing 56 per cent of proposed projects funded, compared to 80 per cent in neighbouring Tonbridge and 89 per cent in Dover.

The Growth DRIVING SEAT and InfraCllr David Jukes structure wants to run Framework our roads report from

Kent County Council identifies a £107million black hole when it comes to providing for projects from now until 2031 in Tunbridge Wells.

Upgrades and improvements to highways alone are expected to cost £67million, however roughly eight tenths of this has yet to be funded.

Capacity issues highlighted by the report included: Congestion on the A26 and A264 approaches into Royal Tunbridge Wells; restricted road access to North Farm Estate; and congestion on the A21 and the A228 at Colts Hill.

Public transport upgrades worth £12million have no funding whatsoever.

Speaking at Cabinet, Jane Clarke, Head of Policy and Governance at the borough council, said: “We are continuing to work with our partners in West Kent to seek opportunities for closer working relationships and collaboration wherever possible.

“However, the town of Tunbridge Wells still faces significant transport issues and there is a lack of infrastructure across the borough as a whole.”

EDUCATION

Use summer to get children off devices into reading. Page 19

FOOD & DRINK

Nothing to beef about at this great country pub. Pages 58-59

2 ■ LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday Some rain clearing southwards with brightness and showers following

August 10, 2016

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17 C Pollution: Low

Humidity: 58%

Sunrise: 05.35am

Sunset: 20.33pm

Wind: 11mph

Friday

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19ºC

22ºC

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GOODBYE GOODWILL Hospice in the Weald’s day centre will be affected

Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Visibility: Very good

Thursday

No more NHS ambulances for ‘outstanding’ hospice

25ºC

Colourful skies over Tunbridge Wells by Marcin Mirek

Send your weather pictures into... newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 CHIEF REPORTER ADAM HIGNETT adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576051 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES GEMMA HAK ghak@markerstudy.com | 01892 779580 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews IF YOU HAVE A STORY WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Contact details above

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tunbridge Wells we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections.

If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

FROM next month terminally ill patients who need to visit the Hospice in the Weald’s day centre or leave the facility to attend hospital appointments will have to find their own way of getting around.

The development comes after the nonemergency NHS ambulance service that had previously transported them was scrapped.

Only last week, the hospice was awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating by the Government watchdog the Care Quality Commission.

The security company G4S took over Rob Woolley the Kent and Medway Patient Transport Service last month after the previous operator, NSL, did not renew the contract. people a week, and direct support to about The West Kent Clinical Commissioning 700 clients in their own homes.

Group (WKCCG), which bought the The service will run until September, by £90million service, has decided that the which time the hospices will be expected to ambulances which have served the facility have found another means of transport. in Maidstone Road, Pembury – and another Mr Woolley is concerned that if the hospice in Medway – no longer qualified as hospice has to rely on volunteers they non-emergency transport. will not be able to provide the specialist The CCG maintains the service had only assistance required by some patients.

“Ninety per cent of our funding comes from been put in place as a gesture of ‘goodwill’ the community we serve and only ten per cent and did not meet the national criteria. from the NHS, which I believe is the lowest of Rob Woolley, Chief Executive of Hospice the 220 hospices in the UK”. in the Weald, says at least five patients will He added most patients are already catered be affected by the cancellation – and that for by volunteers and family members, but many more people facing the end of their a few would be seriously affected. “Four or lives will encounter problems in the future. five people who benefit from attending the Hospice in the Weald runs a 17-bed Hospice Day Service should be empowered in-patient unit, a day service used by 120

Continued from page 1 Arriva insists that it is not planning to make any more changes to local services in ‘the forseeable future’ – though it adds that it is always looking into viability.

Arriva’s Marketing Manager, Richard Lewis, said: “Like all bus companies, we are a commercial business that is required to operate profitably.

“The services we have had to withdraw were carrying insufficient people to cover the cost of providing them, and we are no longer able to sustain losses on these routes.”

Mr Lewis admitted that because schoolchildren pay reduced rates, such routes are automatically more financially stretched than those used by adults paying full fares.

Students can apply for Young Person’s Travel Passes, which are issued by Kent County Council solely for pupils who live in the county.

“Children using the Young Person’s Travel Passes will generate less revenue,” he said, “and the school buses aren’t used by adults.”

The pass, which can be used all through the academic year from September 5 to July 31, costs £270, or £100 if the pupil receives free school meals.

The loss of the Crowborough service had already been announced on July 1, and within ten days another bus company, Seaford & District Motor Services, said it would step into the breach and run a half-hourly replacement service for Tunbridge Wells – also numbered 228/229.

The Sussex-based company has said it will accept the Kent bus passes. For more

or enabled to get here by the NHS. “And then other patients will be referred to us and they will need transport. Hospice in the Weald will not pay for their transport costs.”

Ian Ayres, Chief Officer at WKCCG, said: “Our contract with G4S is for journeys to and from NHS appointments for people whose health means they cannot get there in any other way.

“Although the hospice provides vital services for people who are reaching the end of their lives, and receives NHS funding in recognition of this, it does not usually offer NHS appointments.”

The CQC report praised the hospice’s range of social activities along with its empathetic staff, strong medicine administration process and the way it strives to meet the spiritual needs of patients. Its standard of care and responsiveness were deemed ‘outstanding’. information on the details, call 01273 510181.

In addition, the Brighton & Hove bus company will continue to run a half-hourly service that links Tunbridge Wells, Eridge and Crowborough on its way to Brighton.

Kent County Council reacted swiftly to cover for the loss of the 267/268 serving Hawkhurst and Cranbrook.

It will now be taken up by another operator, Hams Travel, based in Benenden, who have said they will also take the passes.

Mr Lewis added: “In the case of services 267 and 268 between Hawkhurst and the schools in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, these were run under contract to Kent County Council and they have awarded the contract to another operator to ensure continuity.”

The 220/221 buses from north Sevenoaks had already been run by another operator alongside the Arriva service for several months, and it will continue to do so.

Two other school networks serving Sevenoaks, the 502 from Riverhead into Tonbridge and Bennett Memorial and the 562 from Dunton Green into Tonbridge, have undergone minor changes.

EDITORIAL COMMENT Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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QUOTE UNQUOTE ‘As you grow older, you learn a few things. One of them is to actually take the time you’ve allotted for vacation’ John Battelle

Wednesday 10th August 2016

IT’S been the bane of our lives for more years than most people can remember traffic congestion. Those who have to make the daily grind into Tunbridge Wells don’t need to be reminded of the need to allow that extra half an hour ‘just in case’ there’s a tailback. They know that most mornings there will be a tailback at some point.

Well this week we report on the fact that there’s a ray of light at the end of the tunnel.

It’s possible, just possible, that down the road the borough council will get its hands on responsibility for highways instead of Kent County Council.

And what does that mean? It means the buck will stop at the Town Hall instead of County Hall. It’s a prospect that’s been welcomed by the Leader of the Council David Jukes, who told this newspaper: “If we get our highways back it means we can then start doing the things that

we have wanted for many years.”

Noble sentiments, although something of a double-edged sword. Get it right and a knighthood beckons (in the eyes of all motorists). Get it wrong and as they still sit in those tailbacks talk of public executions will mount…

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS 

NEWS IN BRIEF

Conjuring up support for 48-hour magic marathon aid of MS,” Mr Smith said.

His mother Sue and father Dave were both there to see the end and spoke of their pride in their son’s achievement.

“I’m a bit teary because of what he has done. It has been

Three-way car crash leaves road closed

‘I am a bit teary because of what he has done’

MOUNT Pleasant Road was closed for two hours on Monday August 8 following an accident involving three cars at the junction of Church Road and Crescent Road.

It is understood that one man suffered a head injury while a woman was left with back pain. Both were taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

Kent Police were called to the scene alongside Kent Fire and Rescue and the ambulance service at 10.06am. The road was clear by 12.19pm.

Power cut after fault MORE than 100 homes were left without power throughout most of Sunday after an electrical fault led to blackouts on a road near the Skinners School.

Residents on William Street and some surrounding properties first reported outages at around 10am when UK Power Networks was forced to switch off a faulty piece of equipment due to safety concerns.

Power was restored later that evening, with UK Power Networks fixing the relevant equipment by 8pm.

KCC transport report KENT County Council is launching a public consultation about its latest Local Transport Plan.

The plan analyses transport priorities both county-wide and at a district level. It also sets out what funding sources are available and alternative funding strategies.

KCC Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport Matthew Balfour said: “This consultation is an opportunity for people and organisations within Kent to let us know their views and whether they agree with our priorities.”

The consultation closes on October 30.

No merger for SECAMB KENT’s embattled ambulance service has denied claims it may be planning to merge with another trust.

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB) – which covers Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge – said it has instead struck a deal of ‘formal collaborative working’ with a second provider.

It will see SECAMB co-operate with South Central Ambulance Service to ensure expertise and best practice are shared after a highly critical report by the Care Quality Commission revealed ‘a culture of harassment and bullying’ at Kent’s operator.

3

THERE were moments of pure magic on The Pantiles this week.

Adam Smith, the town’s most prolific magician, who has performed for the likes of Kate Moss, Jude Law and Boris Becker, undertook a 48-hour magic marathon on the famous promenade, finishing at 12pm yesterday.

When the Times met up with Mr Smith yesterday afternoon – 20 hours after our first visit – the prolific performer,

surrounded by family and friends, was in a mixed state of joy and exhaustion.

“I am so happy, but I feel like death,” Mr Smith said. “I really can’t keep the tears back, because I just wanted to do this for my mum.”

His gruelling task – which had left his fingers calloused from the 26 decks of cards that he had already got through – was undertaken to raise money to help fight multiple sclerosis, the neurological

a hard slog but he has been so well supported,” said Sue. Mr Smith, who had raised his £3,000 target by yesterday, thanked the large crowd which had gathered to watch him and LEADER OF THE PACK singled out his partner Jacquie Adam Smith’s fans celebrate and good friends Nikki and the end of his endurance feat John who had been there for the duration. condition from which his mother Sue has In addition to donations and suffered for 32 years. sponsorship, those watching But despite the stress of performing all also participate in a raffle for night, Mr Smith was in characteristically dozens of gifts donated by good spirits as he fascinated the local shops, which combined audience with a range of 50 tricks from had a price tag running in the his position on the bandstand. thousands of pounds.

“I try and do something for charity each “The local traders have been year and I decided that this year I would so generous and I am very do ‘the big one’ and perform for 48 grateful for their support,” Mr hours because this year I am doing it in Smith said.

Tonbridge is a hotspot for scams says report Neill Barston newsdesk@timesoft0nbridge.co.uk TONBRIDGE has become one of the top targets for scam artists and con men, according to a study by Citizens Advice.

The findings from the charity’s national survey revealed that the town is in the top three in the country when it comes to people who have been victims of fraud, with each one losing an alarming average of £1,447 in each case.

Among the most common scams identified were cold-callers claiming to offer phone call-blocking services, or companies offering computer virus repairs.

Residents have also taken to social media over the past month warning of a ‘Real Hustle’ style TV scam. This involved a man targeting shoppers in Sainsbury’s car park in Tonbridge claiming to be an Armani store manager seeking directions to Gatwick Airport, before offering a deal on clothing he was allegedly unable to take through customs.

Citizens Advice, which moved into its new base at Tonbridge Castle last week, took part in a UK scam awareness week with Trading Standards.

Nationally, 102 postcodes were analysed in its scam study. Tonbridge, Bournemouth and Coventry emerged as having the highest rate of cases relative to their population size.

‘If people are asking you for money over the phone, then you should question why they are doing that’ The survey revealed that there were 93 reports of fraud incidents in Tonbridge between February and June this year.

Angela Newey, Chief Executive Officer of Tonbridge Citizen’s Advice, said she was ‘very concerned’ that the town had been identified as a scam hotspot. She urged residents to be cautious of any cold-callers, especially if requesting payment up front for services.

She said: “It is very concerning that scams are an

issue in the Tonbridge area. If anyone does have any issues, they should come to us and we will be able to help and advise them.

“Our move last week to the Gateway Services at Tonbridge Castle has gone well, and we also have a very good telephone service that people can use.

“I think it is a question of educating people to make them aware of the issues.

“Internet scams, where you are sent a message saying there is a problem with your computer, but have to pay £100 first to fix it, are one example.

“If people are asking you for money over the phone, then you should question why they are doing that, and seek advice before you do so.”

Jenni Terry, Citizen’s Advice Research Campaign Coordinator, explained that residents had revealed a wide range of fraudulent activity.

She said ‘anyone could be affected’ by scams and described how one of the most prominent cases she was aware of locally revolved around a cold-calling investment scam which defrauded an individual out of thousands through promising a return on shares that could not be cashed.

Wednesday 10th August 2016

4  LOCAL NEWS

Media tie-up coincides with central bank guest speaker A FIRM CRIPP Gavin Tyler (left) with Peter Smith outside new offices

Historic move for one law firm as it heads up town THE keys to the first office building to be constructed in Tunbridge Wells for more than 25 years have been handed over to its new tenant.

In November, the law firm Cripps will be moving into the 40,000 sq ft state-of-the-art building in Royal Wells Park on the former Kent and Sussex Hospital site.

Developer Berkeley Homes handed over the keys to Gavin Tyler, Cripps’ Managing Partner, who said: “This is a really exciting time for us and another major step in the long history of the firm.

“We have had a base in Tunbridge Wells since 1852, and whilst we outgrew our offices here some time ago and have been looking for new premises for the last ten years, we were always determined to remain within the town and continue to invest in its future.”

As one of the largest employers in Tunbridge Wells, with an overall head count of 350, Cripps currently occupies five buildings in Mount Ephraim Road. The firm had almost given up on its goal of finding an office large enough to accommodate everyone under one roof, so when the premises at Royal Wells Park became available less than 400 metres from its current location, Cripps seized the opportunity.

During November, the entire Tunbridge Wells workforce will move into the new purpose-built office, which is situated over four floors. The building has a central atrium with client facilities on the ground floor and open-plan working areas on the floors above.

Berkeley Homes Eastern Counties’ Managing Director Peter Smith said: “Royal Wells Park is a key development within Tunbridge Wells and we are, therefore, delighted that such a highprofile employer as Cripps has decided to remain within the town and occupy this very prestigious office space.”

As the furniture and most of the IT equipment will be new, Cripps will be donating various office items to a number of charitable groups and organisations, including Computers 4 Africa and the Wells Free School.

Wednesday 10th August 2016

ONE of the Bank of England’s most senior economists will be addressing a prominent networking group in Tunbridge Wells next week.

Phil Eckersley, the central bank’s Agent for the South East and East Anglia, will be talking to members of the Muesli Mafia at the Royal Wells Hotel on Wednesday August 18.

Ron Roser and John Sayer, who run the event on behalf of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, have accommodated 86 guest speakers since setting up the informal network in 2007.

However, Mr Eckersley is one of the most distinguished guests yet.

His talk comes at a time when the Bank of England has once again launched another round of quantitative easing and slashed interest rates to the lowest level in its history on the back of the Brexit vote.

It will also be the first event hosted in the town by the business network since the decision was made to renew

its partnership with One Media – the publisher of this newspaper.

Mr Roser said: “The Muesli Mafia has enjoyed an excellent partnership with SO Tunbridge Wells magazine for several years.

“Now that its publisher, One Media, has established the Times of Tunbridge Wells as the leading medium for the town’s business community, it is a very easy decision to carry on our media partnership through the newer title.

“We look forward to a renewed relationship, working together focused on Tunbridge Wells businesses.”

Times Editorial Director Richard Moore described the tie-up as a ‘natural fit’ for the paper.

“As the town’s business paper we are delighted to renew our relationship with the Muesli Mafia and look forward to documenting many of their guest speakers in the future.”

CEREAL NETWORKERS John Sayer (left) and Ron Roser

Fire crews held up by terrible parking

BLOCKED Problems for emergency services

POOR parking could be putting lives at risk, according to Tunbridge Wells firefighters, and residents must ‘think carefully’ in order to avoid ‘devastating consequences’.

The complaint comes after the emergency service found itself being held up while responding to two emergency calls last month.

A fire engine called out to Brookfield Court had to reverse out on to a main road. Later that day another truck was held up by vehicles that were double-parked on Springfield Road in Southborough.

Crew manager Keith Ward said: “The main problems we are finding are in the narrower residential side streets where we are encountering vehicles that are parked on junctions, making it impossible for our fire appliance to turn, as well

as vehicles that are double-parked, making the road too narrow for a fire engine to pass.

“We understand that parking can be tight and that people like to park as close as possible to their homes.

“But blocked roads are causing serious issues and it is worrying because, as we know, every second counts.”

“We are pleading with residents to have more consideration, and to think more carefully when they are parking about whether a fire engine, or any other emergency vehicle, could get through.

“Remember, we could be on our way to a life-threatening incident – we might even be trying to reach you – and any delay caused by poor parking could have devastating consequences.”

LOCAL NEWS �

The Hub project moves forward THE development of the Southborough Hub took a major step forward this week with the submission of a formal planning application to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The application sets out a detailed design for the proposed complex, which will see a new library, theatre, coffee shop and football pavilion as well as community rooms and town council offices.

Most of the new hub will be built on the site of the Royal Victoria Hall Theatre, which will be demolished, and will be partially funded by the sale of part of the playing fields to the rear of the theatre.

Adjoining land previously owned by Tesco will also be included.

The submission of the planning application comes after an eight-week consultation in December and January, followed by a further planning exhibition in July, both of which sought more feedback from the community on the proposals.

Delivery of the Southborough Hub has been a collaborative work between Southborough Town Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) and Kent County Council (KCC).

Peter Oakford, KCC member for Tunbridge Wells and a past chairman of Southborough Town Council, said: “The submission of this planning application and the purchase of the Tesco land is yet another sign that the three partners working together can truly deliver a scheme that will benefit all the residents of Southborough and High Brooms.

“This site has been an eyesore in Southborough for far too long and these plans give our town the opportunity to finally have the town centre it always needed.

“I am delighted to see progress being made and look forward to a successful planning outcome.”

5

Flight path switch will lead to quieter skies for the town Jonathan Banks newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MEMBERS of the Tunbridge Wells Anti Aircraft Noise Group (TWAANG) have their ‘fingers crossed’ that plans to change the final aircraft approach to Gatwick will be implemented by the weekend.

The group – that was set up a year ago to represent Tunbridge Wells – believe shifting the flight path westwards, away from Tunbridge Wells, could reduce aircraft noise for up to 80,000 residents.

It is one of 23 recommendations within the IndeDECLINING NOISE Campaigners hope for a quieter future

pendent Review of Arrivals that was concluded at the start of the year.

Commissioning the review came in response to growing discontent over Gatwick’s extension to the minimum distance of its final approach flight paths in 2013. This resulted in the busiest traffic corridor passing directly over the town and surrounding areas, causing over 100,000 more people to be affected by aircraft noise, and leading to a string of campaign groups taking action against the airport.

A separate report by TWAANG – which looks at flights to Gatwick between 2013-2015 – found the average descent angle over Tunbridge Wells to be

1.7 degrees, almost half the 3 degrees recommended by international best practice.

By following standard guidelines, Gatwick could reduce the noise levels residents experience by five decibels, the report adds. It is believed that moving the approaching flight path westwards will help to deliver this by shortening the distance used by planes coming into land, forcing a steeper rate of decent.

A spokesman for TWAANG said: “We have learned that the promised change to the final approach will happen this coming weekend.

“Our report exposes in detail what people are complaining about regarding flight patterns over the town.

“These include excessively low altitudes, too much concentration of flight paths, planes that follow each other within minutes, and air traffic over areas that were previously left quiet.

“TWAANG are represented on the new Noise Management Board (NMB) at Gatwick, and intend to use this ongoing work alongside various other efforts to confront the airport with solid facts about what the local population is going through.”

A spokesman for Gatwick welcomed TWAANG’s input at the Noise Management Board, but could not guarantee the change will be made as soon as this weekend.

He said: “We are certainly working towards the implementation of the review and good progress is being made.

“So far, five of the 23 recommendations have been made, however some take longer as they require the input of other organisations.”

Wednesday 10th August 2016

6  LOCAL NEWS

Making a real splash in stunning surroundings Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk AMID all the concerns about pollution in the waters off Rio for the Olympic Games, one Tunbridge Wells woman can promise you access to the cleanest waters amid beautiful scenery.

It may not be Copacabana beach, but Laura Ansell has four stunning venues on offer for one of Britain’s fast-growing sports, open water swimming.

Laura is the inspiration behind TriSwim, which was formed in April this year and hosts events in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Hever, near Edenbridge.

Laura This Friday, the club Ansell will be holding a special evening – its first public moonlight swim – at its latest venue, Honnington Farm in Southborough.

The World Health Organisation has advised athletes in Rio to ‘minimise their time in the water’, avoid swallowing it and to be sure

to shower as soon as possible after getting out.

But locals need have no such concerns. Laura explains: “We microbiologically test the venues every 30 days so we can promise an EU bathing standard of excellent or good, in line with the British Bathing Directive.

“We make sure there’s no blue-green algae or parasites. If there’s any problem with the water we would stop swimming immediately.”

At the Rio Games, the marathon 10km swims will be held on Monday and Tuesday (August 15-16). This year they have received special recognition, being run separately from the main swimming programme for the first time.

Meanwhile, this summer TriSwim has organised the following venues for local enthusiasts to try the invigorating sport, at Haysden Country Park in Tonbridge, Hever Castle, Chipstead Lake near Sevenoaks and Honnington Farm.

The moonlight swim starts at 8.30pm, just before the sun goes down. The lake shore will be illuminated with candles and solar-powered mood lighting,

‘If there’s any problem with the water we would stop swimming immediately’

Wednesday 10th August 2016

while the swimmers will be decked out in LED lights.

“Honnington is a great new venue,” said Laura. “It is a 250m long man-made lake which is shallow around the edges and sheltered from the wind by trees.”

Swimming in indoor public pools is expensive when mums and dads are looking for ways to entertain the kids during the holidays.

“No-one swims indoors in Europe or America,” said Laura. “And outdoor swimming is growing in popularity here. It’s a great, low-cost way to go swimming with your family.”

‘It’s a great, low-cost way to go swimming with your family’ As the Amateur Swimming Association Open Water Manager for Kent, Laura is spreading the word: “I see what can be done to increase numbers and alleviate people’s safety concerns.”

The club’s website describes the experience of taking a dip in the open as ‘a daunting prospect’ and TriSwim’s mission is to reassure those who are keen but anxious.

“The idea of starting TriSwim was to offer lakes with full safety management,” explained Laura, 30, from Tunbridge Wells, who has two young children.

OPEN MOUTH Outdoor swimming can be a ‘daunting prospect’

“I was part of Gordon Ramsay’s triathlon team, GR100, last year and when I was training I went to various venues.

“There was never a coach to talk about my stroke and things like that, no-one to get in the water with me.

“I was nervous too. You don’t know what wildlife is in there, you can’t see the bottom – and you’re always told as a child that there’s broken glass in there and things like that.

“I couldn’t see many safety measures in place at these venues either. I remember I had to attend to one incident myself, because I am fully trained as a lifeguard.”

TriSwim aims to take care of every eventuality. There are lifeguards on shore and in ‘safety’ kayaks, and they are all connected by radio.

LOCAL NEWS 

7

SIX OF THE BEST: LOCAL OLYMPIANS PIER PRESSURE Chipstead Lake near Sevenoaks hosts a swim

“Swimmers have to sign in and sign out, we check your medical information, and we can always get in the water and swim with people.”

For the night swim, the LED lights attached to swimmers’ waists and wrists and on the kayaks are not just a pretty decoration, they are a great way to ensure that swimmers can be monitored for safety reasons.

The TriSwim events are proving popular with children. Although under-16s cannot take part in the night swim, they are welcome to jump right in at the daytime meetings.

“We have a lot of eight to 11-year-olds taking part,” says Laura I remember when we were running the triathlon at Hever Castle, they kept coming up to us during the swim and asking about how they could get some coaching.”

Laura started swimming at Beacon Community College in Crowborough. She took part in the Nationals at the age of 16 and was picked by British Swimming to compete in the European Junior Championships in Portugal.

TriSwim offers competitive events as well as casual and beginner swims. And the sport can be every bit as dramatic as its Olympic version.

“It can be a bit rough,” said Laura. “There are three ways of starting: Beach start, rolling start and deep-water mass start.

“With a mass start, they cram you in and you’ve got your feet in someone’s face, someone else’s feet in your face, two faces pushing in on either side.

“I tell people to count to ten and let the hustle and bustle go by before you start, but the adrenaline takes over and most people just go for it.”

FOLLOWING in the golden footsteps of Dame Kelly Holmes, our towns are represented at Rio 2016 by half a dozen elite athletes striving for precious medals – from a hockey legend with three Olympic notches on his stick to the captain of the Team GB golfers as the sport makes his first appearance at the Games since 1904. William Lloyd profiles our own team of glory hunters…

WILL BAYLEY – TABLE TENNIS Silver medallist at London 2012, Will Bayley will be hoping to go one better at the Paralympics in Rio. It will be his third Games.

Bayley, 28, was born in Tunbridge Wells. He suffers from arthrogryposis, a curving of the joints causing severe muscle weakness.

At the age of seven he was diagnosed with cancer and during his recovery he began playing table tennis on a table bought by his grandmother.

Five years later, Bayley joined Byng Hall Table Tennis Club in Tunbridge Wells and went on to represent Kent’s non-disabled men’s team.

SUSANNAH TOWNSEND – HOCKEY This will be Susannah Townsend’s first Olympics, having narrowly missed out on Team GB’s women’s field hockey squad for the London Games.

After growing up in Sevenoaks, the 27-yearold now plays for Canterbury and is known for her lung-bursting runs from midfield.

In 2014 Townsend was named Hockey Writers’ Club Women’s Player of the Year. She is now a regular for the team as they look to better their bronze medal in London.

JAMIE SPENCE – GOLF After a long career on the European Tour, Jamie Spence, 53, was chosen as the golf team leader for Team GB, though, as with Ryder Cup

Bryony Shaw captains, he will not compete but act as mentor.

Born in Tunbridge Wells, he turned professional in 1985. With two victories on the European Tour, he is seen as having the right amount of experience to handle the egos of top-level golfers.

BRYONY SHAW – WINDSURFING She lives in Tunbridge Wells and won a bronze in Beijing but became seriously ill before London 2012 and could only finish seventh.

The 33-year-old cemented her Tom reputation among Bosworth the world’s elite with a gold medal in the European Championships last year in Sicily.

After the disappointment of London, Shaw has visited the Rio Olympic course numerous times in order to perfect her preparation.

ASHLEY JACKSON – HOCKEY The player grew up in Tunbridge Wells and has represented Team GB in Athens, Beijing and London.

Already his country’s leading scorer, the 28-year-old has twice been named in the Ashley International Jackson Hockey Federation’s World All-Star team.

The men’s field hockey teams have come fifth and fourth in the last two Olympics and hope for a podium finish this year.

TOM BOSWORTH – RACE WALKING The front-page story of last week’s Times of Tonbridge, Tom Bosworth is competing in the 20km walk at his first Olympics.

As a member of Tonbridge Athletic Club for the last 15 years, the 26-year-old has kept in contact with his roots while training in Leeds full-time.

After setting the British record for the 10km race walk last year, Tom is coming into form at the perfect time.

Jamie Spence

www.triswim.org.uk

Wednesday 10th August 2016

8  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Slim pickings being a McDonald’s franchise holder but still worth the narrow margins Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk LOVE it or loathe it, the fast food industry makes up a large part of the economic landscape and nothing epitomises the sector more than McDonald’s, which employs 85,000 people in the UK across 1,200 restaurants.

Many of these are operated by one of the 600 franchises, and the two in Tunbridge Wells – which can be found in the Royal Victoria Place food court and in the Dowding Way business park – are no exception.

Mahbod Mohammadi has run the franchise since 1993 after climbing the ranks from when he joined the world-famous brand as a part-time kitchen worker in 1980.

His insight, therefore, into how the company works and where it is heading is second to none.

During his time running the franchise in Tunbridge Wells he has witnessed many changes and has taken some risks.

The biggest was opening the Dowding Way drive-through in the business park on September 7, 1998, at a time when it was quite literally on the edge of Tunbridge Wells.

“It was the edge of nowhere,” Mr Mohammadi admits. “There was no cinema, there were hardly any retail shops around here… we were on our own.

“I remember the first day we opened, and at the end of the day I had a representative from

Wednesday 10th August 2016

McDonald’s come in to congratulate me and I was standing there thinking, ‘what have we done here? It is so quiet, this is going to be hard work’.

‘Tunbridge Wells people know exactly what is going on and know when to stay away and when to come over here’ “We have certainly moved on since then.”

With the rapid expansion of the business park – which has diversified into retail outlets over the past decade, the building of the Knights Park leisure facilities and a new housing development on the way, his decision to locate a restaurant on Dowding Way now looks like an act of foresight that was pure genius.

“We have been very lucky with the development in the surrounding area and when the roadworks [on the A21] are done it’s going to be fantastic.”

He added that the roadworks over the winter to improve Longfield Road had been quite detrimental for business, but he noticed a huge improvement upon completion.

“Tunbridge Wells people know exactly what is going on and know when to stay away and when to come over here. So congestion has a big impact on us.”

At one point Mr Mohammadi owned three restaurants in the town, but decided to close his first one on Grosvenor Road, near the entrance

to the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, a couple of years after the outlet in the food court was opened.

But while this made good commercial sense at the time of its closure eight years ago, he does sometimes wonder if it was the right choice.

“At the time I was not sure the town needed two so close to each other. From a takings point of view the one outside was getting quieter and quieter. There wasn’t a lot going on in the evenings in the town centre.

“It was a really big building as well, and very expensive to maintain, so we decided to combine DRIVING FORCE Business is on the up at the Dowding Way restaurant

the two and keep the one in the shopping centre – which we expanded to include the neighbouring unit.”

He said the transfer of customers from the Grosvenor Road outlet was one of the largest McDonald’s had seen at the time and all the staff were offered new jobs in the remaining two restaurants.

“But when you look at the site now, I sometimes sit there and think we shouldn’t have closed it. It was a fantastic building and that part of the town centre has got a lot busier now.”

Mr Mohammadi has not ruled out looking for

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

‘We do have a very effective training system and there are a lot of opportunities for people to do other roles and get qualifications ’ a second town centre site on the back of the expected upswing in visitors coming to Tunbridge Wells once the expansion of the shopping centre is completed – something he hopes will benefit his food court store as well.

He dismisses the condescending notion of a ‘McJob’ and highlights the many opportunities available for career advancement.

“The managerial programme is well recognised and can be an advantage in other jobs.

“We don’t have many people who go ‘Oh, I’m only serving fries and have not achieved my objectives’ because we do have a percentage of part-timers who are still studying.

“They are here because they want to earn a bit of money and have fun. We know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea and not everyone who starts with us will stay for the rest of their lives. It just doesn’t happen.

“But we do have a very effective training system and there are a lot of opportunities for people to do other roles and get qualifications if they want it. Of course not everyone does.

“We are not naïve enough to think everyone who works here loves us and wants to stay forever.”

When it comes to making a profit, volume is key, especially when a regular hamburger will only set the customer back by 99p.

However, the amount Mohammadi’s franchise makes off of each one can vary considerably, he explained.

“It is not so simple as saying out of the hamburger ten per cent goes to the supplier, 15 per cent goes on wages… it doesn’t work like that.

“We get a box of meat from the suppliers, we know how much we have to pay McDonald’s as a percentage, that includes rent, advertising and a service fee – so we know exactly how much we pay McDonald’s.

‘Having a company like McDonald’s on my side when I am dealing with the electricity company, say, it is not just me as an individual but the whole enterprise’

“But on top of that there are the payroll costs, the utilities, miscellaneous costs. There is not a lot of profit left by the time you sell the hamburger.

“Once you add up all the hamburgers we sell then with decent business control it is a profitable business.”

He said, as a rough estimate, he is currently making just under 5p in profit for each burger sold.

However, he added that the figure can go up and down ‘like a yoyo’ as it is highly influenced by expenditure elsewhere.

Central control by McDonald’s over the franchise is tight, he said, due to their desire to keep standards the same across the board.

“That is what makes the company as successful as it is. They set their standards and I follow them. It’s as simple as that.

“I can’t just decide to use other suppliers because then the quality starts suffering. I don’t have to make too many decisions.

“The guidelines are there and they are very fair.”

The percentage of profit which flows up towards the company varies considerably from restaurant to restaurant, he explained.

Each one is judged on its own merits, with location and footfall being the main considerations, but other factors, such as being a new and less experienced franchise operator, also count.

“In terms of what I pay, is it fair? Well I wouldn’t mind it being a little less,” he jokes.

There are numerous advantages to being part of such a large company he adds, due to the support they give during negotiations with third parties, such as utilities operators.

“Having a company like McDonald’s on my side when I am dealing with the electricity company, say, it is not just me as an individual but the whole enterprise.

“But it works the other way as well. If we want to engage the services of a firm we have not used before, sometimes they think because it is McDonald’s they can charge a little more.

“So there are pros and cons, but most of the time it is a great help.”

He adds that while the guidelines are very stringent, every franchise operator has a chance of influencing the policy from which they are formulated.

This is done through quarterly meetings of their National Leadership Group, where members of each franchise gather to discuss the direction of the company.

“If there is anything we are not happy about in terms of what McDonald’s have said or what they would like us to do then the National Leadership Group takes it to the executive and it gets discussed further.

“It is not a dictatorship. Far from it.”

9

MCDONALD’S FACT FILE MONTHLY FEES Monthly rent on the premises is based on sales and profitability (usually between ten and 18 per cent).

Service fees for the use of the McDonald’s system – currently five per cent of sales.

Contribution to the national marketing spend – currently four and a half per cent.

THE DIGITAL EVOLUTION Mahbod Mohammadi said the introduction of table service at the Dowding Way restaurant in June was the biggest investment he had ‘ever made’.

It is the latest stage in a general evolution of the fast food chain, which is placing more emphasis on digital innovation. This includes

digital kiosks for ordering your food and drink and iPads to keep children occupied.

Behind the scenes, new layouts in the Kitchens and increased technology mean each meal will be made specially to order for customers, with every burger and wrap being freshly prepared.

ABOUT THE CHAIN The two restaurants contribute £2million to the local economy.

They employ over 150 people and plans are to keep expanding.

Last week 2,680 Big Macs were sold at the outlets.

The Dowding Way restaurant operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CLIMBING THE RANKS Mahbod Mohammadi joined McDonald’s in 1980. He worked part-time during his A-levels at the Croydon outlet, where he spent ‘almost every day’ on the grill.

“It was a great experience. There was just something about the company, the restaurant I was working in, the social side of it was fantastic because most of the people were of a similar age to me – I loved it.”

He said that although he was juggling his job with doing his A-levels, which he took ‘quite seriously’, he always looked forward to going to work on Saturdays.

Within a couple of years Mr Mohammadi had become full-time, after his original plan to be a pilot with an airline company had to be put on

hold when Laker Airlines went bankrupt.

“I decided I would rather stay with McDonald’s than become a pilot and I have no regrets at all.”

He proceeded to rapidly climb the managerial ladder and within a few years was overseeing 21 restaurants in London’s West End. His strong performance did not go unnoticed and eventually he received a phone call from his Managing Director asking if he wished to take on a new franchise.

“He asked me if it was something I wanted to do and I said ‘absolutely it is’.”

By 1993 Mr Mohammadi had bought the Tonbridge franchise (since sold on) and was looking to build up his presence by expanding into Tunbridge Wells.

FAST WORKER McDonald’s franchise owner Mahbod Mohammadi

HOW TO GET A FRANCHISE Restaurants typically cost between £150,000 and £400,000 to buy.

You need to provide 25 per cent of the investment in unencumbered funds upfront – the rest can be funded through a bank loan.

There is a one-off franchise fee of £30,000 and training costs of around £750.

In addition there is a refundable £5,000 security deposit to be paid at the start of training, which is refunded after the purchase of your first restaurant.

Wednesday 10th August 2016

10  COMMUNITY NEWS

Best of luck for the Black Cat Brewery THE Black Cat Brewery owners Paul and Kate sel Gala takes place on October 21-23. This year it Wratten received an award at the end of last month will offer more than 125 real ales and 30 ciders and for serving up the best beer in the Spa Valley Rail- perrys. There are bars at three stations and on two way Real Ale Festival. trains throughout the weekend.

The event is run in association with the West Kent STEAMING Branch of the Campaign for Iain Dalgleish (left), Chairman of West Kent Real Ale (CAMRA).

CAMRA and organiser of the festival, presents Appropriately, Black Cat the award to Black Cat’s Paul and Kate Wratten began brewing in Groombridge – one of the stations on the line – in 2011 in the garage of an airline pilot, but he sold the business to the Wrattens in 2014.

They moved the brewery to Palehouse Common near Uckfield, where they set up a larger facility with a view to expanding the business.

They provided four different brews, Original, Crossale, Hopsmack and Nine Tails, for CAMRA members to sample.

The Spa Valley Railway Real Ale Festival and Autumn Die-

Durlings tennis day beats off heavy rain DURLINGS Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants played host to more than 40 guests at Tunbridge Wells Tennis Club last month.

Seven teams contested a doubles tournament, with the final having to be played on clay rather than grass because of heavy rain.

Alan Treacy of Telstra International and James Penn of Marsh Green Surgery beat Mark Folley and Jonathan Miles of Wells Associates in the final.

Other teams included Herve Back and Angela Munden, Dan Aldred and Tilly Wilson, Hugo Evoli and William Baker, Aynsley Evoli and Rupert Farrant, Jonathan Rowe and Stephen Pocock.

NET PROFIT: (L-R) Alan Treacy, Rupert Farrant of Durlings and James Penn

A fair way to raise money for brain injury charity

A feat fit for superheroes?

TUNBRIDGE WELLS will be hosting a charity challenge to promote disabled golf next week.

The Nevill Golf Club in Benhall Mill Road will be the venue for the event on Monday August 15. The competition will run non-stop from dawn to dusk.

Proceeds will go to The Silverlining, a charity which helps people affected by brain injuries and their families. The funds will also contribute towards a volunteering trip to help impoverished communities in Namibia, Africa.

Local resident Graeme Mazur, who suffered severe brain trauma and paralysis of his left side after an accident in 2000, will be taking part.

DETERMINED He had to learn to play the game Graeme Mazur all over again with one arm and has has learned to since become the first disabled play with one arm registered PGA Level 1 trainee golf coach in the UK. Entry costs £50, or £180 for a team of four. There will be refreshments included and a prize-giving ceremony.

A GROUP of 20 local residents will undertake a 77-mile coast-to-coast hike across Scotland on August 25 dressed as Batman, Superman and Marvel Avengers characters to raise funds for the charity FPWR-UK. The Foundation for Prada-Willi Research supports families whose children have a rare genetic disorder called PradaWilli Syndrome, which affects the chromosomes.

The UK has an estimated 1,150 people with PWS, and the trek also aims to raise awareness of this little-known illness and the work of the charity.

The team will be led by Sevenoaks rugby player Tim Golds, whose son suffers from the disorder.

To book a place, please email admin@thesilverlining.org.uk

Wednesday 10th August 2016

To make a donation, go to www.justgiving.com/teams/ fpwrscotlandcoasttocoast2016

NATIONAL NEWS �

11

Bank shake-up may not reduce charges CONSUMER groups have questioned whether the steps by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will be enough to curb banks’ ‘exorbitant fees’.

A package of measures has been put forward by the competition watchdog to put more power in the hands of banking customers to make their money work harder.

Watchdog Which? previously found that customers slipping into an unarranged overdraft can be charged several times the amount that payday lenders are allowed to charge.

Alex Neill, Which? Director of Policy and Campaigns, said: “It is questionable whether these measures will be enough, not only to increase competition but also to ensure banks deliver a better service for their customers.

“It is disappointing that the monthly charge cap is not actually a cap and banks will be allowed to continue to charge exorbitant fees for so-called unauthorised overdrafts, rather than protect those customers that have been identified as among the most vulnerable.”

Paul Pester, Chief Executive of challenger brand TSB, thinks the CMA has ‘played right into the hands’ of the biggest banks.

He said: “Banking must be the only industry that doesn’t tell its customers how much they are paying for their services. Consumers need to be equipped with the necessary tools in order to make informed choices about the best products and services for their needs.”

Citizens Advice said it helps with 55,000 overdraft debt problems a year and high fees can make it impossible for many people to pay down their debts.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Excessive overdraft charges can push people into cycles of unmanageable debt.

“The CMA’s move to force banks to be clear on

their maximum overdraft charges is good, but banks really need to step up to the plate and set limits that are fair on consumers.”

Kevin Mountford, a banking expert at MoneySuperMarket, said the CMA’s intervention on overdraft charges is ‘long overdue’, adding ‘these end up milking customers, exacerbating indebtedness and all the stress that goes along with it’.

NEW MEASURES The CMA is aiming to give bank customers more power Hannah Maundrell, Editor in Chief of money.co.uk, said: “I simply don’t feel they’ve done enough to unlock the iron cuffs that chain people to their bank accounts. Their package of remedies feel like small steps in the right direction when a giant leap is needed to shake up the sluggish sector. Giving banks the freedom to set their own maximum overdraft charges seems counter-productive.”

Ricky Knox, founder and Deputy CEO of Tandem Bank, said: “Banking must come out of the dark ages and embrace technology that helps its customers have a better life with their money.”

Mike O’Connor, Chief Executive of StepChange Debt Charity, said: “These recommendations from the CMA will not do enough to get rid of excessive overdraft charges. There should be a cap on unauthorised overdraft charges and it must be set independently by the Financial Conduct Authority, not by the banks themselves.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Palace break-in

Rail tragedy

Peak performance

A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after climbing over a security fence at Buckingham Palace.

The breach is not believed to be related to terrorism.

The man, who had been drinking, was spotted on CCTV and detained on Tuesday after being apprehended in a security perimeter. He did not manage to get into the palace.

Scotland Yard said the man was unarmed and is in custody at a police station in central London.

The incident follows another security breach in May when convicted killer Denis Hennessy scaled a perimeter wall and spent around ten minutes in the Palace gardens before being apprehended by armed police.

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a ‘life-long railway fanatic’ who died after he put his head out of a train carriage window on the Gatwick Express at Wandsworth Common station in south London on Sunday.

Simon Brown, who was originally from East Grinstead and first volunteered on the Bluebell Railway in Sussex as a nine-yearold, died from head injuries.

He had recently taken up a position as an engineering technician with Hitachi Rail Europe in Bristol.

His friend Reuben Smith, has launched a fundraising page to help cover the costs of the funeral. He said: “Railways were his life. I have known him since we were 12. It is very sad.”

A BRITISH mountaineer who lost his hands and feet after suffering severe frostbite is thought to be the first quadruple amputee to climb the Matterhorn in Switzerland.

Jamie Andrew, aged 47, from Edinburgh, scaled the 14,692ft Alpine summit using prosthetic legs and specially adapted poles.

He was stranded in a storm while climbing the North Face of Les Droites in the French Alps.

After being rescued from the mountain, his hands and feet were amputated. His climbing partner Jamie Fisher died.

Within three and a half months Mr Andrew was walking again and he turned to skiing and long-distance running before returning to mountaineering.

Wednesday 10th August 2016

12  NATIONAL NEWS

China sounds Southern rail bosses tell union: ‘We’ll warning over meet you any time, any place, anywhere’ nuclear plant THE Government has insisted it is right to take time to make a final decision on the Hinkley Point nuclear power plant despite Chinese warnings that Britain’s relationship with Beijing is at a ‘critical historical juncture’.

Chinese Ambassador in London Liu Xiaoming called for a quick decision on the project, in which his country has a one-third stake, and said he hoped the UK would ‘keep its door open’ to the Asian giant.

Prime Minister Theresa May ordered a last-minute halt to finalising the £18billion Somerset plant to review the situation, and suggestions that there were security concerns over the Chinese state investing in critical infrastructure in the UK appeared to anger Beijing.

A Government spokesman has since insisted she was right to order the review. He said: “As we’ve already made clear, this decision is about a huge infrastructure project and it’s right that the new Government carefully considers it.

“We co-operate with China on a broad range of areas from the global economy to international issues and we will continue to seek a strong relationship with China.

“The message that we continue to take to the world is that Britain remains open for business and we are the same outward-looking, globally minded country we have always been.”

Liu Xiaoming, writing in the Financial Times, outlined his country’s experience in managing nuclear plants.

He insisted the safety and security of the plant would be ensured by the UK’s regulatory authorities and China’s record of 30 years of safe operation of nuclear facilities.

He said Chinese companies had invested more in the UK than in Germany, France and Italy combined in the last five years, partly because of mutual trust and respect THE CHINESE WAY between the two Ambassador Liu Xiaoming countries.

Wednesday 10th August 2016

SOUTHERN Railway has called for fresh talks to try to resolve a bitter row over the role of conductors as a five-day strike from Monday to Friday caused more travel misery for hundreds of thousands of passengers his week.

The train operator, part of the giant Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) franchise, said it would meet the Rail, Maritime and Transport union ‘any time, any place, anywhere’ to end the walkout.

The company said one in five conductors turned up for work yesterday, although the union maintained that support for the action was ‘solid’.

Southern published full details of an eightpoint written offer to the union which was tabled

damaging to people’s everyday lives and the South East economy, and causing undue disruption and hardship to customers and employees.

“I urge the RMT to come back to the table to talk, have constructive and productive discussions on the way forward and shake hands on a deal. We are prepared to meet them directly or through Acas any time, any place, anywhere to let common

sense prevail and give our customers back their trains and give them the service they expect.

“We urge them to call off this wretched strike and sit down and talk with us to end this dispute.”

Mr Cash has written to Charles Horton, Managing Director of the Southern franchise operator Govia, asking for talks to be held without any preconditions.

STALEMATE No deal in rail dispute

‘Everyone is sick and tired of this pointless, needless and senseless strike’ during talks at conciliation service Acas last week, which collapsed without agreement.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT can confirm that we were within an inch of making progress towards boxing off a deal with Southern in Acas talks on Friday afternoon.

“We were just getting into the detailed wording when suddenly the plug was pulled and our legs were kicked from under us. We have it on good authority that the deal, which would have enabled us to suspend the Southern strike action this week, was sabotaged by the Government with their director of rail, Peter Wilkinson, directing operations from outside the talks.

“We are now taking our protest direct to the DfT (Department for Transport). We want the Government to stop weaponising the Southern dispute for political purposes and we want them to stop treating passengers and staff as collateral damage in a war that Peter Wilkinson has unilaterally declared on the rail unions.”

GTR Chief Executive Charles Horton said: “This comprehensive and incredibly fair offer is on top of existing commitments made on no compulsory redundancies, no reduction in salary, a guaranteed above-inflation pay rise for two years, additional salary paid to staff working voluntary overtime and no compulsory location moves.

“Everyone is sick and tired of this pointless, needless and senseless strike, which is so

No sign of Brexit yet says PM THERESA MAY has told two of her European counterparts Britain will not begin the formal process for leaving the European Union this year, Downing Street said.

The Prime Minister said she would not trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty before 2017 to provide time for the UK and EU nations to prepare ‘properly’ for negotiations to ensure a ‘smooth and orderly’ Brexit.

She made the commitment in phone calls with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Danish PM Lars-Lokke Rasmussen.

Mrs May told them she wanted to keep strong

individual relationships with EU countries and with the bloc as a whole after Britain pulls out.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister spoke by telephone yesterday to Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte, and to Danish prime minister Lars-Lokke Rasmussen.

“Both offered their congratulations on the Prime Minister’s appointment, and said they looked forward to working together closely.

“In both calls, the Prime Minister explained that we are keen to approach negotiations for Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union in a constructive and positive way.

BUSINESS NEWS �

Morrisons goes into millions of new homes

MORRISONS is set to go nationwide after striking a new deal with partner Ocado that will see home delivery extended to millions more customers.

The UK’s fourth biggest grocery chain has renegotiated its agreement with the online supermarket to allow it to store-pick orders, doubling the reach of its delivery.

The website Morrisons.com serves around half of UK households, largely across central England, but currently does not deliver to areas such as the south west or Scotland.

Chief Executive David Potts said: “The new investments in online growth are further examples of Morrisons building a broader business, and will allow millions more customers all over Britain to enjoy Morrisons’ good-quality fresh food and great value for money.”

The expansion of Morrisons.com comes as the chain stages a fightback against its rivals after being slow to join the race online.

The extra investments will see Morrisons.com remain loss-making for slightly longer, the supermarket confirmed, although it is expected to be a key part of Mr Potts’ plans to boost group profits by up to £100million in future years.

The renegotiated terms of its deal with Ocado will also see Morrisons end its profit-sharing agreement once the store-picking service is up and running.

Morrisons signed a £170million contract with Ocado in 2013, providing the chain with its first online delivery service.

It also recently joined forces with Amazon, allowing the internet giant to deliver fresh and frozen food products for the first time.

High street stores count the cost of referendum FASHION chain New Look became the latest clothing retailer to be hit by high street trading woes as it revealed slumping sales.

The group said UK like-for-like sales dropped 7 per cent in a ‘tough’ first quarter to June 25.

It blamed unfavourable market conditions as it said shoppers stayed away from the high street in what was a difficult spring/summer season for clothes retailers, amid uncertainty ahead of the EU referendum, wet weather in April and June and the timing of Easter.

Clothing giant Next recently repeated concerns over a slowdown in consumer spending on fashion as it said Britons were splashing out instead on eating out and experiences.

Next posted a 3.3 per cent fall in sales across its stores in its second quarter to the end of July, although it marked an improvement on the 4.7 per cent slide seen in the previous three months.

Marks & Spencer has also been rocked by dismal trading, with the group’s clothing arm suffering its worst sales performance for more than a decade.

M&S last month posted an 8.9 per cent plunge in first-quarter like-for-like sales in its clothing and home division – marking the biggest drop since the March to July quarter in 2005.

But the latest British Retail Consortium-KPMG survey suggested retailers enjoyed a better July thanks to warmer weather.

Summer sales promotions also helped attract shoppers, with the report showing like-for-like sales rose 1.1 per cent over the period, adding

that fashion sales increased ‘markedly’ in July.

New Look, which was bought by South African investment group Brait last year, said underlying earnings fell 29 per cent to £43.4million in the 13 weeks to June 25. But on a bottom-line basis it swung out of the red to a £2.7million pre-tax profit from losses of £73.7million a year earlier, when it was affected by costs related to the change in ownership and refinancing.

New Look Chief Executive Anders Kristiansen said: “We continued to manage the business for long-term growth in what was a tough quarter, with unfavourable market conditions impacting high street footfall.”

The retailer continued to focus on growing areas, such as menswear and expansion in China, where it opened another nine stores, taking its total to 94.

New Look Menswear sales rose 21 per cent in the quarter, with the group rolling out more standalone stores and expanding its ranges.

13

NEWS IN BRIEF

Manufacturing output figures on the decline THE UK manufacturing industry continued to decline in June despite improving its performance in the run-up to Britain’s vote to leave the European Union.

The Office for National Statistics said manufacturing output fell by 0.3 per cent, stepping up from a 0.6 per cent contraction in May but slightly below economists’ expectations of a 0.2 per cent drop.

The ONS also reported that Britain’s trade gap widened again in June after imports reached a record high. They increased by £1.9billion to reach £48.9billion, while exports rose by just £1billion.

General rise in profits INSURER Legal & General has shrugged off Brexit uncertainty and posted a 23 per cent rise in profits for the first half of the year.

The firm said pre-tax profits rose to £826million, flagging up that it was able to keep its property funds open during a post-vote meltdown which saw a number of others shut down temporarily.

Rank bets on Hill RANK GROUP and 888 have submitted a formal £3.6billion offer for William Hill as the duo press ahead with plans for a threeway merger.

William Hill’s board is expected to meet this week to discuss the offer before a formal response is released to the stock market.

Wednesday 10th August 2016

14  WORLD NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

EU sets new budget deficit deadlines THE European Union (EU) has set new deadlines for Spain and Portugal to bring their budget deficits into line after both countries escaped fines for failing to rein in spending.

A spokesman said: “Portugal is now required to correct its deficit by 2016 and Spain by 2018 at the latest.”

The two countries must submit a report by October 15 on how they plan to bring their deficits under the EU ceiling of 3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Water slide tragedy A TEN-YEAR-OLD boy who was killed while riding the world’s tallest water slide died of a neck injury, US police have said.

Caleb Schwab was one of three passengers riding in a boat on the 168ft Verruckt water slide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, near Kansas City. Emergency responders said they arrived to find the boy dead in a pool at the end of the ride.

Protester promises to end her 16-year hunger strike AN INDIAN court has granted bail to a hungerstriking activist who has been force-fed for nearly 16 years, after she assured the judge that she planned to end her fast.

Babloo Loitongbam, a rights activist close to the hunger stiker, Irom Sharmila, says he expects her to be freed later, once the paperwork is processed.

Ms Sharmila has not eaten voluntarily since

November 5, 2000, when she began fasting to protest over an Indian law that suspends human rights protections in conflict areas. These include the north-eastern state of Manipur, which has long been plagued by uprisings by ethnic separatist militants and violent government crackdowns.

Three days before Ms Sharmila began her hunger strike, ten civilians were killed by FORCE FED Irom Sharmila

Delta planes grounded REFUNDS and travel vouchers are being handed out by Delta Airlines after a computer malfunction meant the US airline had to cancel more than 700 flights and had 2,600 others delayed, some for hours.

The problem was created by a power outage at its Atlanta headquarters that caused computer systems to crash.

paramilitary troops in Malom, a small town outside Imphal, the Manipur state capital.

She had been charged with attempting suicide, a crime in India, which allowed officials to force feed her through a tube that runs into her nose.

Ms Sharmila announced last week that she planned to end the fast and run for state elections in the hopes of overturning the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act. The hunger strike brought her supporters from around the world.

Yesterday [Tuesday], an official with Amnesty International India said the fast was ‘a testament to her passion for human rights’.

“The Government arrested her, confined her to a hospital room and force fed her for 16 years, seemingly to break her will.

“There was zero dialogue. A peaceful protest was criminalised,” said the official, Abhirr VP. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in effect in Indian-ruled Kashmir and northeastern areas facing separatist insurgencies.

The law gives security forces the right to shoot to kill suspected rebels without fear of possible prosecution and to arrest suspected militants without warrants.

It also gives police wide-ranging powers of search and seizure.

It prohibits soldiers from being prosecuted for alleged rights violations unless granted express permission from the federal Government.

Such prosecutions are rare.

Ireland launches probe into Olympic tickets THE Olympic Council of Ireland is investigating why tickets allocated to the organisation were found on two men arrested by Rio de Janeiro police.

Irish national Kevin Mallon, one of the heads of British ticketing and hospitality provider THG Sports, was arrested with fake tickets for the Rio Games, police said. He is accused of conspiracy and helping to sell tickets illegally.

The state’s investigative police also arrested a company employee who was working as an interpreter during the games in a raid on Friday.

Agents seized more than 1,000 tickets being sold for ‘very high’ fees. The OCI name was visible on tickets displayed by police, but the Irish said they

had no knowledge of the two men arrested.

“The OCI has launched an immediate investigation with our authorised ticket reseller ATR, Pro10, into how the individuals were allegedly in possession of OCI allocated tickets,” the Olympic Council of Ireland said in a statement.

“The OCI strictly adheres to the IOC regulations around ticket allocation, sale and resale. We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness.”

Police said THG Sports was part of an alleged ticket-touting scheme that was uncovered during the 2014 World Cup. THG Sports, which is not the Olympic Council of Ireland’s official ticketing partner, does not mention Mr Mallon on its website.

Millions without water in war-torn city THE battle for Syria’s contested city of Aleppo has crippled its infrastructure and left two million residents without running water, said the UN children’s agency.

The dire warning came as Syrian activists claimed government warplanes were bombarding opposition-held parts of the city and the United Nations called for a ‘humanitarian pause’ in the fighting so that electricity and water networks can be repaired.

Rival parties, however, were seen bringing in reinforcements to Aleppo ahead of an expected new round of fighting, after opposition groups breached a government-imposed siege and cut a key government route to the city over the weekend.

Wednesday 10th August 2016

The battle for Aleppo, the country’s largest city and former commercial heart, is pivotal for the Syrian civil war.

Yesterday [Tuesday], a UN statement said that the water and electricity infrastructure had been damaged in the fighting and that the total number of civilians living in ‘de facto fear of besiegement’ is now over two million.

With fighting disabling the power to the city’s water pumping facilities, Aleppo residents have had access to running water for less than 24 hours since the end of last month.

The World Health Organisation said more than 15 Aleppo doctors who were outside the city when the government laid siege to the eastern part of it in mid-July were now unable to return.

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16  SPORT NEWS

Stones joins Pogba in money-mad Manchester JOHN STONES became the second most “We want to help John show his quality with us expensive defender in football when he signed and improve on what he has already achieved,” for Manchester City for a fee of £47.5million. said Guardiola, the former Barcelona and Bayern The 22-year-old England centre-back arrived at Munich manager. the Etihad Stadium after agreeing a six-year deal.

“I like the way he plays the game and I’m The news inadvertently broke on the Uefa looking forward to welcoming him into the website on the same night that City’s great rivals squad,” he added.

Stones said of his new boss: “I’m so thankful I’ve Manchester United completed the much-touted got this opportunity to come here, train with the signing of Paul Pogba. best and improve day in, day out. He’s a winner The French midfielder was recruited from and that’s what’s going to rub off on everyone.”

Juventus for £89.6million – making him the most David Luiz is the most expensive defender ever, expensive player in football history. the Brazilian joining Paris Saint-Germain from Stones spent three years at Everton after being Chelsea for £50million in 2014. sold by Barnsley for £3million. The Yorkshire Last year, Raheem Sterling became the most club could receive up to £9million from the deal.

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea tried to sign him last expensive English player when City paid summer but reportedly baulked at meeting Liverpool £49million for him. his £50million price tag.

City have already signed Stones has already been drafted into Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Leroy City’s Champions League squad for Sane, Gabriel Jesus, Marlos next week’s play-off with Steaua Moreno, Aaron Mooy and Bucharest. Uefa revealed the deal Oleksandr Zinchenko during when it published the list of players this transfer window.

Meanwhile it will be sent by the club.

Stones told City TV: “I just Pogba’s his second spell rang my mum and all of at Manchester United, family and said, ‘I can’t having initially been believe that I’m here, sold by Sir Alex playing for such a big Ferguson in 2012 for a club, the best manager mere £800,000. in the world’. It just all Pogba, now 23 and one of the stars of this seems so surreal.”

Stones, who has won summer’s Euros, first 10 caps for his country, is came to Old Trafford aged 16 and went the eighth signing made through the academy system.

PRODIGAL SON

by Pep Guardiola since he But he made only five first-team Paul Pogba returns to took over the club at the appearances and was accused by Ferguson the club he left in 2012 of showing ‘disrespect’ to the club. end of last season.

He becomes the latest major signing for United’s new manager Mourinho following the recruitment of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly.

Pogba told MUTV: “It was like I’d just come back home. I just went for a holiday. I just didn’t finish what I started here.”

He added: “It’s a big challenge too, just to come back to where I came from, where I grew up, where I started.”

ROCK SOLID John Stones will strengthen City’s defence

Pavey’s glad her family is at home JO PAVEY admits it will be ‘tough’ not having her family with her as she competes at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

But she added that she will be ‘happier knowing they’re OK’ away from the health risks in Brazil.

The 42-year-old mother of two admitted that concerns over the Zika virus stopped her from taking her children and husband Gavin to Rio. She said: “When I was first targeting qualification for Rio, we presumed that if I did qualify we’d all go.

“But I don’t feel happy taking a young family

out there, especially with a lot of unknowns regarding the neurological condition.”

Mosquito-borne disease Zika is associated with a birth defect called microcephaly, which results in children being born with abnormally small heads and brain damage.

There has been widespread concern about Zika, which led to athletes pulling out of the Games.

Pavey will be the first ever British track athlete to take part in five consecutive Olympics when she runs in the women’s 10,000m race on the first day of track and field on Friday (August 12).

Don’t expect miracle from mum Ennis-Hill JESSICA ENNIS-HILL’S coach, Toni Minichiello, believes it is unfair to judge the heptathlete by her London 2012 brilliance.

But he has challenged her to hit ‘PP PBs’ – postpregnancy personal bests – at the Rio Olympics.

Ennis-Hill claimed gold on ‘Super Saturday’ four years ago, setting a new British record of 6,995 points.

She gave birth to her first child, Reggie, in July 2014, then returned to competition last year to win world championship gold in Beijing.

But just two women have retained their Olympic titles after giving birth, and it has never been done in a multi-discipline event.

The heptathlon begins on the first day of track and field events on Friday (August 12), with Ennis-Hill facing stiff competition from team mate Katarina Johnson-Thompson along with the rest of the world’s elite.

The competition ends the next day when there could be a repeat of Super Saturday – Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford will also compete in the 10,000m and long jump respectively.

But Minichiello acknowledges that Ennis-Hill is a different competitor now and manages the expectation accordingly.

“This is an athlete who’s older, she’s now 30 and not 26 as she was in London, and she’s now a mum. Both of those factors have to be taken into consideration,” he told the Radio Times.

“You’re going to have to do a bit less training because of your age and because of childcare duties, so you have to make the best use of your time.

“I speak of it as ‘PP PBs’, which is ‘postpregnancy personal bests’. I’m not trying to go back and look at Jess in her prime, training 30 hours a week, most days twice a day.

“We just can’t do that anymore, so to draw a parallel between that person and the person now, I think, is unfair.”

“I made a conscious decision to wipe the slate clean and she starts from zero in every event.”

UPHILL BATTLE Jessica Ennis-Hill faces stiff competition in Rio

OLYMPICS IN BRIEF

Wednesday 10th August 2016

Cavendish blames Japan defeat Kiwis Armitstead for tests in massive upset

Seven heaven after Grillo gets his clubs back in nick of time proposal on pitch

MARK CAVENDISH has said he believes Lizzie Armitstead is innocent of doping but says she was at fault when missing three tests.

The British cyclist was provisionally suspended and was cleared to race in Rio after a successful appeal. She came fifth in the women’s road race.

“Was it an administrative error? Yes. Was it her fault? Yes absolutely,” said her team mate Cavendish.

“You are a bit blasé until you miss your first test, but missing three?”

The Isle of Man rider added: “I think Lizzie herself could have prevented the chaos that she’s in.”

LOVE was in the air at the conclusion of the Olympic rugby sevens tournament on Monday night as Marjorie Enya entered the pitch and asked Brazil player Isadora Cerullo to marry her.

Enya, a 28-year-old manager at the Deodoro Stadium in Rio, grabbed a microphone and delivered an emotional speech before the couple embraced to applause.

“As soon as I knew she was in the squad, I thought I have to make this special,” Enya said.

“I know rugby people are amazing and they would embrace it.”

JAPAN caused arguably the greatest upset in rugby sevens history by claiming a 14-12 win against New Zealand at Deodoro Stadium.

The result mirrors last autumn’s Rugby World Cup, when Eddie Jones’ Japan beat South Africa in Brighton.

Japan took an early lead with a try from Teruya Goto. Scott Curry and Akira Ioane responded for the All Blacks with touchdowns either side of half-time, but Japan secured a famous victory through Kameli Soejima’s touchdown.

New Zealand’s Sonny Bill Williams also limped off with an ankle injury.

EMILIANO GRILLO was reunited with his golf clubs just in time to take part in the Olympic Games after they were lost in transit.

The Argentinian was due to tee off in Rio tomorrow morning (August 11) but American Airlines mislaid his clubs en route to Brazil.

Grillo tweeted: “@AmericanAir delays, rerouting and 20+ calls can’t find my golf bag. I am going to miss my chance to compete in the Olympics. @Rio2016” Reunited with his clubs on Tuesday, he said: “I am never letting you go again... Until next flight...”

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18 � 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 evaporated – there’s no copper-bottomed; gold-plated; lead-lined assurance left: It no longer satisfies the private business’s test for robustness.

But our dear leader is not to be put off, he must have his personal monument; a testament to his term of office; his vanity project: Jukes’ Towers, just as Greg Clark has his out at Pembury [hospital] and look where that’s got us. It’s now become a speculative venture into property development.

Prudence? Caution? Good governance? Do these two ever ponder the state of the roads as they drive into town? It’s all fur coat and no knickers.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells

HIV: Funding reckless lifestyles takes money away from even more vulnerable people There has been a lot said already about the NHS losing its battle not to fund the expensive preventative treatment (PrEP) against HIV. As someone who happens to be gay I welcome any treatment in the fight against this vile virus, which has robbed so many young people of living out their full potential and leading them to premature deaths.

However, to pay £400 per month per person for a preventative drug and thus giving permission for people to act irresponsibly and promiscuously is insane and morally wrong. It is not the sign of an inclusive society to give permission to a section of our community to do what they want without thinking of the consequences.

By funding reckless lifestyles we are taking away much needed funding from even more vulnerable people, and in particular young people with mental health issues. Young adults who are self-harming

Mr Sankey: A change of view on Brexit?

I was delighted to read in your newspaper [July 27] that Matthew Sankey is expanding his restaurant business in Tunbridge Wells and is looking for a large new site in the town centre. When he spoke at the referendum debate at the Assembly Hall in the run-up to the referendum he argued strongly that it would be a disaster if we voted to leave the EU, with dire consequences for business and many jobs lost. I am pleased that he has evidently come round to my point of view, which is that leaving the EU will bring in a new era of optimism for business and improve opportunities across the country. I wish him success with his new venture.

Councillor Claire Stewart Organiser Vote Leave Tunbridge Wells Via email

Gatwick: Hard to know what’s going on

As if there are not enough potentially bitter pills to swallow in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, now we are being told that a second runway at Gatwick is back on the table.

It’s hard to know what’s going on any more. The corporate elite of London and the politicians seem to be playing some kind of elaborate game.

As they do so, they don’t seem to care about the consequences for ordinary people. It’s all about appearances. We absolutely must be able to show that Britain is open for business.

And right now, apparently, we desperately need it because we’ve decided we are better off ‘going it alone’ – even though no-one seems to have any idea what happens next.

They say the referendum result was a protest vote

are being abandoned due to lack of funding. This is a crisis and it is an insult to pour money into a section of society who believe it is their right to act as they want and for the taxpayer to foot the bill.

Please let’s bring common sense back into the arena and start looking after the people who truly deserve better – and for me that is young, vulnerable adults with mental health issues.

Patrick Gillan Tunbridge Wells against the political class and moneyed interests of big business.

It seems to me that there is hardly a better example of the establishment forging ahead with its own hugely expensive plans without giving a stuff about Joe and Jo Bloggs.

Campaign groups in this area have won many notable victories to stop the narrowing of the flight paths over our communities so that the noise can be spread over a wider area.

There can rarely have been a better example of the common man making himself heard (above the din of the planes) than these estimable efforts by the likes of Gatwick Obviously Not. Rodney Perchard Via email

Civic complex: A personal monument

Recently, Cllr Jukes and the council’s Chief Executive, William Benson, proudly announced that they run the borough as if it was a business, leaving us – the shareholders? The customers? – to infer prudence, caution, good governance, safe hands on the tiller, and tight purse strings.

The council, this ‘private business’, has a wizard idea: It needs a new HQ because, it’s said, the existing one’s not fit for purpose and, here’s the clincher, they have a client lined up who will occupy 60 per cent of the space. The income from this client will underwrite the cost of the venture, so it’s put to the board, job done.

This client, the main underpinning of the whole enterprise, the foundation which made the project viable, has now pulled out and you’d think that the basis on which the new HQ was predicated had

School breaks: May they last forever

I just love school holidays! I am not a parent myself but I am a motorist who has to drive into town every day. How much nicer and quicker it is with all the kids away on the beaches. May the school breaks get longer.

Sarak Deakin Via email

Pembury: Needs independent scrutiny

Nigel Edwards of the Nuffield Trust think tank said [July 27] and I quote from your article: “The fact is that it’s almost impossible for trusts not to run up deficits when they’re being paid less in real terms than they were five years ago to perform the same treatments.”

We must consider some of the extra expenses our NHS Trust is subjected to: Observe both hospital emergency entrances. You will see ambulances from the private sector constantly in use. These will not be performing acts of charity, they will be charging our NHS Trust for their professional services.

‘Medical Agency staff’ are being engaged at huge expense. This is because of staff shortages, or the failure to replace staff who leave the service (many because they were totally stressed out) Also, please bear this in mind: Our Trust is being ‘managed’ by executives who receive high pay cheques, one of whom is earning more than the Prime Minister.

Perhaps their methods of ‘management’ require in-depth, independent scrutiny? Or are they fit for purpose?

June Moore Via email

Pembury: Is overspend PFI related?

I’m no accountant (I’m an acupuncturist) but I wonder if the £24million a year overspend at the Pembury hospital is anything to do with the £2million a month in PFI payments? Why blame bankers and lawyers, though, when we’ve got greedy ‘agency staff’?

Dan Keown 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 10th August 2016

Calverley DADS can be such boy racers. Himself has a friend who insisted on tinkering with his son’s hot-hatch and then taking it out for a solo drive.

He pushed the revs, slammed it into the bends and saw the speedo climb way over the limit. All in the name of road testing, you understand.

Back home he told the son what he had done.

Son was mortified. The car had been fitted, at the insistence of the insurers, with a black box that records all bad driving. Son is now waiting for the warning message from the insurer.

SAD times at the BHS store as it enters, literally, the closing stages. Calverley popped in to poke through the going-out-of-business offers and was struck by the fortitude of the staff. All have remained polite, helpful and remarkably cheerful. And yet not one of those he spoke to had so far managed to find another job. Come on Primark, where are you?

SPEAKING of department stores, Calverley just has to share the following. Young lady goes into M&S, checks out the lingerie for which the store is well known and then proceeds to the counter where one pays. She hands items to sales person who touches one of the items and says: “That bra feels very nice.”

CLASS. Tunbridge Wells just oozes it.

Even our street drinkers and drunks are upmarket. Not for them discarded beer cans and bottles. Oh no.

Struggling home in the early hours of Saturday, Calverley passes the Town Hall when he spies by the wall a discarded bottle of his favourite champagne – Moët. Sadly it was empty.

PEOPLE often give us feedback on what they read in this newspaper. Much of it nice, not all of it logical. The other week we ran a front page story on cash problems at the NHS hospital in Pembury. The story appeared in both the Tunbridge Wells edition and the Tonbridge edition. One reader in Tonbridge complained to staff that it was wrong to carry a story about Pembury on the front page of Tonbridge: “It’s not a local story.” When asked which hospital he expected to be taken to if he was ill he replied: “Pembury, of course.”

Chin, chin readers

EDUCATION n

19

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Use this summer to get children off devices and back into reading

PHOTO: DALE CHERRY FOR THE READING AGENCY

Kent’s libraries are calling for school pupils to sign up to their summer 2016 challenge: The Big Friendly Read IF YOU want your children to get off their devices and back into reading books over the holidays then your local library might just be able to do the trick.

Since 2000 libraries all over the country have taken part in the Summer Reading Challenge, which promotes reading for fun and pleasure with a different theme each year for young ones to get involved in.

For 2016, to coincide with centenary celebrations for one of the UK’s best-loved authors, Roald Dahl, it’s The Big Friendly Read. It takes its name from Dahl’s famous tome The Big Friendly Giant, which is currently enjoying celluloid success in cinemas.

In order to complete the challenge, pupils aged four to 11 are being encouraged to borrow and complete up to six books before September 17. Last year over 800,000 children took part by borrowing, reading and talking about their favourite books.

To take part in the challenge, which has been set up with the help of the Roald Dahl Literary Estate, children simply sign up at their nearest library.

They’ll then receive a special collector’s folder and

each time they borrow and read a library book over the summer, they can collect a special card.

There are six of these in total and each one features an original illustration by Sir Quentin Blake, Dahl’s principal illustrator. Each card explores a popular theme of Dahl’s books such as invention, mischief and friendship.

Children can choose all six titles from the much loved storyteller’s timeless canon of work or they can pick and mix them with other favourite books.

In addition there will be a whole programme of ‘gloriumptious’ story-telling sessions and ‘squiffling’ surprises planned at each library including mask-making, a scavengers’ hunt and meet the illustrator events.

Families can also unlock some digital magic if they download the free Summer

TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is all about Roald Dahl Reading Challenge app, which includes rare recordings of Roald Dahl sharing his writing tips and reading aloud, all triggered by augmented reality as children collect the cards.

Sue Wilkinson, CEO of The Reading Agency which runs the annual Summer Reading Challenge in partnership with the Society of Chief Librarians, said: “We believe that everything changes when we read and we know from our research how much fun families and children have when taking part in the challenge.

“This year we hope Roald Dahl’s fantastic characters, and Sir Quentin Blake’s brilliant artwork, will inspire more children than ever to take part and make use of their local library throughout the summer and beyond.”

Wednesday 10th August 2016

20  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

Reshuffle: You never know what’s going to happen when you walk into Number 10 VIEWED from the outside, a Cabinet reshuffle looks like a prime piece of political theatre: One by one the supporting characters troop into Downing Street. Some wave for the cameras, others look straight ahead. Then the door to Number 10 swings open and they disappear inside to meet the unseen star of the show – the Prime Minister. A little while later, the newly appointed (or reappointed) ministers reappear – usually with smiles on their faces.

Is it all staged? Do the ministers already know what job they’re getting before they go in? Having gone through the process a few times myself I can tell you that they definitely don’t. Except that on each occasion I’ve walked into Downing Street on reshuffle day, I’ve known that I’d be coming back with the most important job I’ve ever had – serving as the Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells.

In this country, most ministers are also MPs (the exception being the minority who sit in the House of Lords). That means that as well as attending to a particular area of policy from their ministerial

Wednesday 10th August 2016

desks they also have to deal with the impact that Government policy as a whole has on the places they represent. Keeping ministers rooted in real communities is, I think, an important part of our democratic system.

I should say that there’s nothing narrow about the responsibilities of the new ministry that Theresa May has asked me to lead. As the name suggests, the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is responsible for policy

‘During the years ahead much of our current electricity-generating capacity will have to be replaced’ on business, energy and industry; but it’s also responsible for climate change, science, innovation and consumer affairs – and has joint responsibility for cities and local growth. Obviously it isn’t possible to fit all of these policy headings into the name of the department, but they’re all vital to the future of our country – and, in fact, the world.

There is a particular opportunity to bring energy and climate change into sync with our business and industrial policy. During the years ahead much of our current electricity-generating capacity will have to be replaced. Most countries around STEP UP My new role is vital

the world have the same challenge. That is a big responsibility, but also a huge opportunity. Britain has some of the most capable engineers and scientists on the planet, as well as a respected position in leading environmental improvements.

In meeting our own need for a resilient, clean and competitive supply of energy, we can develop – whether in nuclear, gas or renewables – products and skills that can be sold to meet a rising demand around the world. When it comes to safeguarding the environment and creating new jobs, it’s not a case of either/or but of doing both.

The recent vote to leave the European Union is a reminder that we have to earn our way in the world. However, we should never have to choose between our standard of living and our quality of life. The two belong together.

Though there’s always room for improvement, I think that in Tunbridge Wells we do a pretty good job of achieving both – which is one more reason why I’m proud to represent our towns and villages in Parliament.

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£865,000

Sales Manager, Wood & Pilcher, Tunbridge Wells

As the dust continues to settle post Brexit, the basics of the housing market in Tunbridge Wells this August remain very much the same as ever. In essence, we continue to have a limited supply of saleable stock and an over-supply of buyers – those buyers coming out of south London just keep on coming! You may well have seen a number of price reductions across the board recently but, in truth, they are only asking prices.

What matter most are the agreed sales prices and they are holding up perfectly well. Certainly at Wood & Pilcher we are finding that the surveyors appointed by the mortgage lenders remain generally comfortable with the prices being achieved rather than seeking to down value properties, as certainly happened during the financial crisis of 2008/9 and afterwards. We see no reason why this should change and remain optimistic that owning a property in Tunbridge Wells is a wise move, not only financially, but also in terms of the standard of living it affords us all.

I think it pays to be an optimist when you work in my business. For those fearing we have trouble ahead, perhaps it is time to face the music and dance – if you didn’t know already, Wood & Pilcher are proud to sponsor Soul Train in the Pantiles and we’ll be putting some moves together over the August Bank Holiday on both the 27th and 28th between 7.00pm and 10.00pm. Hope to see you there!

23 High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UT 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

UNDER £200,000 SMITHERS LANE, EAST PECKHAM

£170,000 newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Wednesday 10th August 2016

Located within a smart red brick block of purpose-built flats in a village near Tonbridge, this modern property is extremely well presented and offers a private entrance door, storage cupboards, a reception hall, a living/dining

room, a fitted kitchen, a double bedroom and a bathroom. To the rear of the property is an allocated parking space accessed via a coded security entry gate. Adding to the appeal, this flat is available with a share of the freehold.

CONTACT Flying Fish Properties 01892 514189 www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk

UNDER £350,000 KINGSWOOD ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£349,995

This stylish, modern ground floor apartment is in a block close to Dunorlan Park. It has an entrance hall, open-plan kitchen/sitting/ dining room with fitted kitchen area, shower and two bedrooms

– one boasting an en-suite. It also benefits from underfloor heating, a video entry system and a gated underground parking space, as well as visitors’ parking and communal gardens. The property is for sale leasehold, with a share of freehold.

CONTACT Wood and Pilcher Tunbridge Wells 01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

PROPERTY SECTION 

great properties by price range…

UNDER £450,000 SOUTHVIEW ROAD, CROWBOROUGH

£435,000

A period end-of-terrace house set over four floors. This charming home has plenty of character, with a sitting room, kitchen/dining room and shower on the ground floor, a large family room on the lower ground floor, three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor, and an attic bedroom. Outside it has an integral garage and driveway, garden and patio.

CONTACT Wood and Pilcher Crowborough 01892 665666 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

UNDER £600,000 STYANTS BOTTOM ROAD, SEAL CHART

£595,000

Styants Farm House, in a pretty village near Sevenoaks, is a delightful period cottage believed to date from the 1580’s, with accompanying features.

This is a rare chance to buy it as the house has been in the same occupancy for more than 30 years. On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, a sitting room, a dining room, a kitchen, a garden room and a shower room, with three bedrooms, a bathroom and an en-suite cloakroom upstairs. It lies within established gardens with a parking area to the front.

CONTACT Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 THE GREEN, MATFIELD

£750,000

UNDER £1MILLION GLENMORE ROAD EAST CROWBOROUGH

£865,000 Tucked away in the popular Warren area on the western edge of Crowborough, this well-appointed modern family house sits within a mature plot of about 0.57 of an acre. Accommodation on the ground floor comprises an entrance hall, cloakroom, dining room, sitting room, family room, kitchen and utility room. Upstairs there are five bedrooms, two with en-suite facilities, and a family bathroom. The property boasts a

gated drive with ample parking, a detached double garage and a double car port. There are beautiful gardens, plus a paved terrace and a summerhouse.

CONTACT Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

In an idyllic location to the rear of Matfield village green, this beautifullypresented period home dates back to around 1850, and boasts many features. The accommodation comprises an entrance hall, shower room, ground floor bedroom/study, sitting/dining room, kitchen, two first floor bedrooms and a family bathroom.

There is a garden to the side of the house and a stunning walled courtyard to the rear with large patio area and detached garage.

CONTACT Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

Wednesday 10th August 2016

� PROPERTY SECTION

AT A GLANCE

HARLAND WAY, SOUTHBOROUGH n Detached family house n Desirable location n Corner plot n Well presented throughout n Sitting/dining room n Study n Family room n Cloakroom n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Master bedroom with en-suite n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Integral double garage n Driveway parking n Attractive gardens

£835,000 For sale through Flying Fish Properties 01892 514189 www.flyingfishproperties.co.uk

‘The garden is an oasis of green providing a wildlife area and formal gardens with lawns and a pond’

Wednesday 10th August 2016

On the edge of town with country walks and views L YING in a leafy street, this attractive family home occupies an elevated corner plot enjoying far-reaching farmland views in an enviable village location. With open countryside on its doorstep and generous accommodation, it is an ideal family home.

The wide entrance hall is flooded with light and opens to a superb, triple-aspect sitting/ dining room with parquet flooring and an open fireplace. Beside this is a useful study with French doors opening on to the garden terrace,

enabling you to work in a light and airy space.

To the front of the house is a family room and there is a ground floor cloakroom.

The modern kitchen boasts a range of bespoke wooden cabinetry, fitted Neff appliances and a generous granite-topped breakfast island.

Off the kitchen is a separate and spacious utility area with garden access and a door linking into the family room.

Upstairs, there is a good size master bedroom with en-suite shower room and three further

double bedrooms. A large, walk-in airing cupboard and a well-fitted family bathroom add to the appeal.

To the front of the house is driveway parking leading to an integral double garage.

The rear garden is an oasis of green providing a wildlife area away from the house and more formal gardens with manicured lawns and a pond closer to the home.

A pretty pathway meanders beneath a canopy of trees emerging at the top of the garden.

we open doors for you ...

Q} Primelocatior

Residential

• t hightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings

BarnesKingsnorth

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.l,kestatea1ents.com

Tonbridge

£325,000 - £350,000

Modern 3 Bedroom semi-detached house, at the south end of the town, convenient for the High Street, Station and several schools. EPC D

£700,000 - £750,000 Detached 3 Bedroom ( I en-suite) built for the present owners in 2015, sought after village with primary school, post office and general store.Viewing highly recommended. EPC B

South Tonbridge

£ 1,300 p.c.m

3 Bedroom bay fronted semi-detached house with 2 reception rooms, fitted kitchen, first floor bathroom. Garden. Conveneint for the High Street. EPC E

£375,000 - £400,000 Spacious Victorian Town House, just off the High Street and offering 2 parking spaces. 3 Central Tonbridge

Bedrooms ( I en-suite) 2 reception rooms, garden. EPC D

Tonbridge

£379,995

New spacious 3 bedroomed, 2 bathroom luxury apartment in the centre of the town, few minutes' walk of the High Street, 2 balconies, parking. EPC

Hadlow

£650,000

Superbly presented & extended 5 Bedroom ( I en-suite) Detached family house, in a cul-de-sac, easy reach of village amenities, 3 reception rms. EPC C

Bidborough

£725,000 - £750,000

of Bidborough village. 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom.

Driveway, garage & feature 99' rear garden. EPC: D.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £1,695 An immaculate & beautifully presented 3 bedroom town house located in centre of town.

Large open plan kitchen/dining room, living room, conservatory, 3 bedrooms ( I with en suite), luxury bathroom. Good size rear courtyard garden.Available early Sept. EPC: C.

Tunbridge Wells £499,950 An extended semi-detached family home located in the popular St James' area of town.

Arranged over 3 floors. Hall, living room, kitchen/dining room, conservatory, 4 bedrooms, bathroom. Driveway, car port and extensive rear garden. EPC: D.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £1,075 A newly converted warehouse-style apartment located in the centre of town. Split level entrance hall, high spec fully integrated kitchen, open plan living room, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Luxurious fixtures & fittings. Permit parking.Available now. EPC: D.

A superb opportunity to extend and remodel this detached house located in the heart

II

II

Tunbridge Wells £370,000 A well presented & spacious apartment, occupying the whole of the ground floor, located on popular Mount Ephraim. 2 private entrances, living room, kitchen/dining room, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom. Enclosed courtyard garden. ORP for 3 cars. EPC: D.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £975 A spacious & light top floor 2 bedroom apartment located in the popular St Johns area of town. Modern kitchen & bathroom, living room with Juliet balcony, 2 bedrooms. Gas central heating & allocated parking space. Lift to all floors.Available early Sept. EPC: C.

 PROPERTY SECTION

Former coach house offers great potential in coveted private park ‘With extensive grounds, fenced paddocks and a detached barn, Park View House is within easy walking distance of The Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells mainline station’

I

MPRESSIVELY placed between Hungershall Park and Nevill Park – one of the most prestigious residential areas in Tunbridge Wells – this substantial Victorian property offers enormous potential.

Complete with extensive grounds, fenced paddocks and a detached barn with planning permission, Park View House is within easy walking distance of The Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells mainline station despite its semi-rural location.

The main building is actually a converted coach house, which provides spacious and wellconfigured accommodation across two floors.

The front door opens to a grand entrance hall and a beautifully bright and spacious drawing room with a splendid inglenook fireplace, a dining room, a fitted study, a kitchen/ breakfast room and a utility room witha cloakroom. There is also a door to a secondary staircase off this room.

On the first floor is a large, dual-aspect master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, along with three further bedrooms and a room which could be used as a study, bedroom or family room.

A family bathroom completes the accommodation.

Adjacent to the main house is a charming timber barn separated into three sections.

There is planning consent to convert this space into ancillary accommodation.

Alternatively, it could provide additional garaging, or perhaps a useful footprint for a more substantial extension to the main house, subject to new planning permission.

There is an integral double garage and the property is approached through a five-bar gate over a long, sweeping gravel drive passing through its own land.

In all, the plot extends to just under nine acres and is a mix of traditional gardens, attractive parkland and fenced paddocks – ideal for grazing horses.

AT A GLANCE PARK VIEW HOUSE HUNGERSHALL PARK TUNBRIDGE WELLS � Attractive former coach house � Victorian period features � Stunning semi-rural location � Close to town centre � Potential to extend � Entrance hall � Drawing room � Study � Dining room � Kitchen/breakfast room � Utility room � Cloakroom � Two staircases � Master bedroom with en-suite � Three further bedrooms � Study/family room/bedroom � Family bathroom � Integral double garage � Detached barn with planning permission � Gardens and grounds � Paddocks � In all just under 9 acres

£2,250,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 10th August 2016

Bishops Oak Ride, Tonbridge

£265,000 - £275,000 Five Oak Green Road, Tonbridge

A well presented three bedroom family house with beautiful garden, located in a quiet cul-de-sac in North Tonbridge convenient for local schools and amenities.

Park Farm, Tudeley

A deceptively spacious five bedroom detached family home with generous gardens and parking, situated in the lovely village of Five Oak Green.

£575,000 - £600,000 Lower Street, Hildenborough

Situated off a peaceful country lane is this immaculate grade II listed four bedroom semi detached property, offering charm and character, fantastic walks and views.

£620 ,OOO - £640 ,OOO

£575,000 - £600,000

Set within beautiful grounds, boasting both stables and a paddock is this three bedroom period style semi detached cottage located within a short distance of Hildenborough Station.

r bedroom homes in an oasis of calm from just £336,000*

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HOMES

*Based on a full purchase price of £420,000 and a 20% Help to Buy Equity Loan. Help to Buy is available subject to status, terms and conditions. This scheme is not available in conjunction with any other financial incentives. Written details available on request. YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. Image is computer generated.

Martin & Co Tunbridge Wells 11 Vale Road Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN 1 1BS

MARTIN&CO

01892 543856

Letting• Sales • Investment

e: tun bridgewells@martinco.com www.tunbridge-wells-martinco.co.u k

PROPERTIES FOR LET

PROPERTIES FOR SALE I BED

• I large double bedroom • I st floor

• 4/5 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • Off road parking • Double garage

£2300 pcm TO LET

• Allocated parking

Guide Price £ 180,000- £185,000 LH FOR SALE I

I BED

MAYFIELD I

3 BED

• I double bedroom

• 3 double bedrooms 2 with en-suite

• Parking

• Exclusive development,

• Large lounge

£750 pcm TO LET

David Rogers, Managing Director Despite what you might read in the press, the current market is as near a "normal" market as experienced estate agents have known for years in terms of the balance between properties available for sale and the number of willing and able buyers.

However, unlike most "normal" markets, some sellers are not as committed to selling as they might be, and are prepared to remain on the market until what they regard as an acceptable offer comes along.

• On site gymnasium

Guide Price £800,000 - £850,000 LH FOR SALE

Likewise, some buyers, whilst generally remaining committed to a purchase, do not exhibit a great deal of urgency, and believe that they are entitled to submit a relatively low offer in the hope that the seller might just take it.

There are two issues here and we would advise caution to buyer and seller alike. Firstly, if, as a seller, your house fails to sell for whatever reason and you are on the market with a proven good agent, then it is probably priced too ambitiously for the current conditions. If you allow it to remain on the market at that price, it could become stale on the market, resulting in an inevitable fall in price greater than a minor repositioning effected now.

From a buyer's perspective, we suggest you focus on securing the right home for your needs, within your budget, more than on finding the greatest bargain. A percentage off the asking price is irrelevant if the asking price is too much to begin with, but a well-priced property is

always in demand. Unless you act decisively, you could miss out.

So the rule of thumb is this; if you see a property that you can afford, which offers you the accommodation you need in an area you like, and you could be happy there, then snap it up, as the chances are that most of the other buyers in your price range will also want that property.

Good value is good value in any market.

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� PROPERTY SECTION

DRY HILL PARK ROAD TONBRIDGE

£1,800,000

A majestic period house in a fine town location

B

UILT around 1890, and extended in later years, this substantial detached family home is in one of the most desirable roads in Tonbridge.

Offering generous accommodation, with fine period features that are now combined with high-quality contemporary fittings, the property is both stylish and versatile.

On the ground floor, an entrance porch leads to a grand reception hall with a large working fireplace and door down to a cellar with log and wine store.

Off the hall is a formal dining room with wall panelling, a beamed ceiling and fireplace, along with a living room with a triple aspect and a woodburning stove. An inner hall leads to a playroom, a study, a large games room and a utility room.

The contemporary kitchen boasts an extensive range of units, including a central island, and a large pantry area. Doors lead out to a generous conservatory with access to the garden.

Two cloakrooms complete the ground floor.

A dog-leg staircase leads to a part-galleried

Wednesday 10th August 2016

landing with a skylight. The landing houses an unusual beamed tree trunk feature and, further along, an additional staircase to the ground floor.

The impressive, triple-aspect master suite comprises a large bedroom, a fitted dressing room and a bathroom. There are two further guest bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms, and the four remaining bedrooms are well served by the family bathroom.

To the rear is a secluded landscaped garden which is mainly laid to lawn, with extensive flower and shrub areas, a raised pond, children’s summerhouse, garden shed and wood store.

To the front and side is a gravel driveway providing off-street parking for several cars, and there is a triple-bay timber-framed car port with a garage at the end.

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE n Substantial detached family house n Built circa 1890 n Period features n Highly desirable location n Stylish interior n Entrance porch n Impressive reception hall n Dining room n Living room n Kitchen n Conservatory n Playroom n Games room n Study n Utility room

‘Offering generous accommodation, with fine period features now combined with high-quality contemporary fittings, the property is stylish and versatile’

n Two cloakrooms n Cellar with wine and log store n Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and bathroom n Two bedrooms with en-suite facilities n Four further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Driveway with parking n Triple bay car port and garage n Attractive and secluded gardens

£1,800,000 For sale through Robinson Jackson 01732 757300 www.robinson-jackson.com

Wednesday 10th August 2016

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Pentland " Homes

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� PROPERTY SECTION

A lovely outlook and unusual yet appealing layout

S

ITTING on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, and enjoying fantastic views, this recently constructed Sussex-style house has been completed to an exceptionally high standard and still has the remainder of a ten-year NHBC certificate.

The property is situated in a popular residential road which gives easy access to the town centre with its good shopping facilities.

Features include underfloor heating, CAT6 cabling, contemporary bathrooms and kitchen, and accommodation over three floors.

On the ground floor there is a gabled entrance opening into a reception hall with oak panelling. Unusually, there are three good size bedrooms on this floor, one with an en-suite shower room and double doors to a side pathway and garden. A bathroom and utility/drying room with integrated appliances complete this level and offer great flexibility.

The first floor features a hallway with a

cloakroom, a bedroom/study with a Juliet balcony, and a large sitting room also with Juliet balcony, as well as a marble fireplace and double doors into the dining area.

The kitchen/dining room is fitted with a range of Shaker-style units, high-quality integrated appliances, a breakfast bar and a wall of bifold doors to a terrace.

The master suite is on the top floor and enjoys a double aspect with a Velux balcony window to the front to take in the glorious views.

There is extensive eaves storage, a walk-in wardrobe and a superb en-suite bathroom.

The property is approached via a driveway providing ample parking and leading to the double garage.

Steps rise to an area of front garden laid to low-maintenance synthetic grass and enclosed by oak balustrading. To the rear there is a lowmaintenance secluded garden, terraced and enclosed by attractive walls.

AT A GLANCE

GHYLL ROAD, CROWBOROUGH n Attractive new detached family house n Built 2014 n Well presented n Far-reaching views n Unique design and layout n Entrance hall n Three ground floor bedrooms, one with en-suite n Family bathroom n Utility/drying room n First floor bedroom/study n Cloakroom n Sitting room n Kitchen/dining room n Top floor master suite n Double garage n Low maintenance gardens

£775,000 For sale through Wood and Pilcher Crowborough 01892 665666 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

Wednesday 10th August 2016

‘The property is situated in a popular residential road which gives easy access to the town centre with its good shopping facilities’

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WOOD & PILCHER

Tunbridge Wells

£560,000 - £580,000

A spacious two/three period property arranged over three levels in the preferred 'village' location, offering excellent access to both The Grove Park, the old High Street and main line railway station and excellent local schools. EPC: E.

Hadlow

Offer Over £500,000

A very stylish 2 bed cottage with garage and parking, the perfect country retreat yet commutable from nearby Tonbridge. Finished to an extremely high standard whilst retaining its original character and charm. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells

£399,950

This two bedroom ground floor flat benefits from two bathrooms, its own garden & ORP on driveway requires some updating & re-decoration and should be viewed on the basis of its potential. Situated in the popular St John's area and with no onward chain. EPC: D.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a four bedroom detached home in need of updating and redecoration, situated on a small no through road conveniently located approximately under one miles walking distance of High Brooms main line station. EPC: E

Tunbridge Wells

Tonbridge

£350,000

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a purpose built ground floor two bedroom, two bathroom apartment which has the added benefit of direct access to the apartment from the gardens, as well as the communal hallway. EPC: C Tunbridge Wells Office I 01892 511211 tun brid ge w e 11 s@ w ood and pi I cher. co. u k Southborough Office I 01892 511311 south bo roug h@ w ooda nd pi lch er. co. u k Tonbridge I 01732 351135 ton brid ge@ w ood and pi I cher. co. u k

Deceptively spacious 3 bed semi detached house in sought after location, two outstanding primary schools within a mile, pretty south facing garden, plenty of parking and garage, extensive downstairs reception space. EPC: D

woodandpilcher. co. uk rightmove

£450,000

~ nTheMarkelcom

Other offices in Crowborough , Heathfield & associated London Branch

� PROPERTY SECTION

Striking Edwardian semi is still rich in period features

AT A GLANCE

THE DRIVE, TONBRIDGE n Attractive Edwardian semi-detached house n Convenient location n Period features n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Dining room n Breakfast room n Kitchen n Master bedroom with en-suite n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Separate WC n Useful attic room n Separate driveway and new garage n Attractive mature gardens

£800,000 For sale through Knight Frank Sevenoaks 01732 658856 www.knightfrank.co.uk

‘The accommodation offers a blend of style and character synonymous with a house of its age’

T

HIS elegant Edwardian semi-detached house is sited in a grand tree-lined road in sought-after part of south Tonbridge, and is convenient for both the town centre and mainline station.

The accommodation offers a blend of style and character synonymous with a house of its age.

The front door opens to the entrance hall, which is spacious and packed with character.

The sitting room is at the front of the property and has a central fireplace with brick surround.

It also boasts a bay window with leaded light panes, picture rails and a central ceiling rose.

There is a formal dining room with views across the rear garden, a breakfast room and a kitchen with a selection of wall and base units and space for a range of appliances.

Stairs lead up to the first floor landing,

Wednesday 10th August 2016

which is bathed in stunning natural light thanks to a central atrium.

The master suite comprises a double bedroom with views across Tonbridge and an en-suite shower room.

There are three further bedrooms on this level, along with a well-appointed bathroom and a separate cloakroom.

Stairs then lead up to an attic room which is multipurpose, has even more impressive views and offers the benefit of useful storage under the eaves.

The front garden is tucked behind a dwarf wall, with a garden path that sweeps up to the entrance porch.

The garden is mainly laid to lawn with mature planting borders and hedges.

At the rear of the property there is a private garden with a sunny southeasterly aspect, a patio, an expanse of lawn and many more mature plants, shrubs and trees.

There is also a separate driveway and recently built detached garage.

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

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

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� PROPERTY SECTION

First chance in 25 years to buy Victorian treasure with a balcony on The Pantiles AT A GLANCE

THE PANTILES TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Period apartment over three floors n Stunning views of Tunbridge Wells Common and The Pantiles n Character features n Private entrance on London Road n Entrance hall with understairs storage area

‘Spread over three floors it has many period features, plus a view of the Common on one side and across the Upper Walk on the other’

Wednesday 10th August 2016

T

HIS fabulous triplex apartment lies in an enviable position in the very heart of old Tunbridge Wells, and comes to the market for the first time in just under 25 years.

The appealing, well-configured apartment is Grade II listed and set within a Victorian building on the historic Pantiles.

Spread over three floors, it totals almost 2,400 sq ft and has many period features, plus a view of the Common on one side and a wonderful outlook across the Upper Walk on the other.

The property is approached via a small flight of stone steps leading to a private front door on the London Road side of the building. This opens to

a useful porch area with a large entrance hall beyond, and understairs storage.

There is a door through to the bright kitchen/ dining room, which has painted wooden cabinetry and large shuttered windows from which you can see Tunbridge Wells Common.

The main reception room is a marvellous reminder of its period, with a working fireplace, full-length bay windows, picture rails and a large balcony where you can sit and watch the endlessly interesting life go by on The Pantiles.

Upstairs, the generous master bedroom also has a full-length bay window, and there is a bathroom and a further bedroom/study.

The layout is repeated on the second floor, with two more bedrooms and a bathroom.

n Kitchen/dining room n Drawing room n Large balcony n Two bedrooms on first floor n Family bathroom n Two bedrooms on top floor n Further bathroom

£875,000 For sale through Maddisons Residential 01892 514100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

 PROPERTY SECTION

Thinking of moving to Crowborough?

If you’re looking for a change, this ever-popular Sussex town offers a country lifestyle for a good price. Whether you want a new home for the family or a convenient London commute, this area is well worth some consideration…

Shops and restaurants Crowborough is spoiled when it comes to supermarkets, featuring branches of Morrisons, Lidl, Waitrose and Tesco alongside smaller Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer outlets.

Meanwhile, the high street features many familiar chain stores such as Boots, WH Smith and The Original Factory Shop, alongside independent traders including popular gift shop Zest, fashion boutiques Wardrobe and Mulberry’s, The Shoe Shop and wine merchant Cork and Keg. A farmers’ market in Croft Road on the fourth Saturday of every month completes the town’s retail offering.

The town offers a number of pubs. There’s the popular Blue Anchor in Beacon Road that serves great food and the recently refurbished JD Wetherspoon’s also in Beacon Road while watering holes in outlying areas include The Wheatsheaf in Mount Pleasant. Alternatively, Bar Trend in Croft Road doubles as a coffee shop during the day and a wine bar in the evening.

Crowborough also boasts more than 30 restaurants and takeaways, with Thai eatery Pusanon in Croft Road currently considered one of the best. Jade’s Palace Chinese restaurant in Eridge Road and curry houses the Rose of Bengal in Crowborough Hill and Rajpoot in London Road are also rated highly by locals.

Crowborough Hill (Requires Improvement, October 2015) The town’s only secondary school is Beacon Academy in North Beeches Road. It was rated Good when last inspected by Ofsted in May 2013.

There is also a good provision for pre-school age children, with a large number of nursery schools and registered childminders operating in the town.

‘There’s the popular Blue Anchor in Beacon Road that serves great food’

Local schools There are many well-regarded schools in the town, including eight primaries. These are: � St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Chapel Green (Rated Good when last inspected by Ofsted in December 2012) � Ashdown Primary School, Luxford Road (Good, May 2013) STAY CONNECTED � Grove Park School, Church Crowborough station Road (Good, March 2014) has a direct line to � St John’s Church of England London Bridge Primary School, School Lane (Good, March 2016) � Jarvis Brook Primary School, Hadlow Down Road (Good, November 2015) � Rotherfield Primary School, North Street (Good, May 2012) � Mark Cross Church of England Aided Primary School, Mark Cross (Outstanding, June 2009) � Sir Henry Fermor (aided) Church of England School,

Wednesday 10th August 2016

TOP QUALITY The town has a great range of supermarkets

Leisure facilities The well-equipped Crowborough Leisure Centre features an indoor swimming pool, outdoor running track, gym, studios for group activity classes (energy, mind and body, and spinning) and a sports hall for badmintion, five-a-side football and basketball. It also provides a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Nearby is a skate park, playground, miniature railway and model boating lake, plus a caravan and camping site. The town offers a range of public sporting facilities, as well as private clubs and associations, where residents can participate in rugby, football, tennis, petanque, badminton, table tennis, squash, SWEEPING VISTA Spectacular views of Ashdown Forest

angling, cycling, running and martial arts. In addition, the beautiful Ashdown Forest - the setting for the Winnie the Pooh stories - offers untold acres of space for letting off steam within a stone’s throw of the town.

More sedate activities are available in the form of Crowborough’s community clubs and groups such as the WI, amateur dramatics, singing, flower arranging, Scouts and cadets, bridge, dog training and painting. These pursuits are hosted in a variety of halls dotted throughout the town, among which is the centrally located

PROPERTY SECTION 

FLYING HIGH Ride a rail at the skate park

Crowborough Community Centre which hosts regular events including a monthly cinema night.

Council tax brackets Crowborough lies within the district of Wealden in East Sussex. The annual council tax charged by the authority for a Band D house located in the town during the 2016/17 financial year is £1,816.52. The national average for such a property is £1,530, with the averages for Band D homes in rural districts being £1,601 and £1,306 in London.

Of this payment, 71.21 per cent goes to East Sussex County Council and 10.09 per cent to Wealden District Council for the provision of services and maintenance and development of infrastructure. The remainder is divided between the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (8.47 per cent), East Sussex Fire Authority (4.93 per cent) and town or parish councils (5.3 per cent).

Transport links Southern offers a direct rail service to London via Crowborough station at Jarvis Brook or Eridge station (4.2 miles away, a little further up the same line), with an approximate journey time to London

Bridge of 61 minutes. Alternatively, travelling with Southeastern via Tunbridge Wells station (about 8 miles away), a journey to London Bridge takes around 46 minutes, with services proceeding to Waterloo East, Charing Cross or Cannon Street.

For motorists, Crowborough has a convenient location on the A26, just 20 miles south of London’s orbital motorway, the M25, which provides access to all national routes. To the south, the bright lights of Brighton lie just 26 miles away, via the A26 and A27. Other south coast resorts, including Eastbourne (27 miles) and Hastings (28 miles), are also within easy reach while international ELEMENTARY flights can be accessed The statue via Gatwick Airport, of Sir Arthur which lies 22 miles away Conan Doyle to the north west.

The town is also served by the 29 bus route, which runs between Tunbridge Wells (20 minutes away) and Brighton (80 minutes).

ALL YOU COULD NEED The high street has a range of banks and shops

Wednesday 10th August 2016

Rotherfield, East Sussex ÂŁ1,500,000 A fine 1930's detached country house offering accommodation of 4,807 sq. ft. occupying gardens and grounds of about 2.291 acres, affording breath-taking far reaching rural views across the adjoining fields and rolling countryside. Kingsbury House has been sympathetically modernised and improved by the current owner retaining features inherent with the 1930's to include parquet flooring, brick and tile fireplaces and some oak beams. The grounds and outside space are a particular feature with a flagstone terrace spanning the rear of the house beyond which are areas of rolling lawn interspersed with numerous mature trees and shrubs and bound by thick natural hedging and post and rail fencing enjoying a stunning outlook. EPC Band E. Contact the Crowborough office on 01892 662668

Crowborough, East Sussex ÂŁ975,000 A fine 1920's detached five bedroom (four bath/shower rooms) character home occupying a secluded south easterly facing plot of approximately 1/2 an acre forming part of the highly desirable Warren area on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. This beautifully presented family home was constructed in the 1920's by the highly regarded local builders Connors Brothers and offers all the character and charm associated with a house inherent of this era with accommodation extending to 3,455 sq ft. The gardens and grounds are a particular feature offering total seclusion and enjoying a fine south easterly aspect with a wide stone terrace surrounding the house beyond which are areas of rolling lawn interspersed with several mature shrub beds and providing a fine backdrop. EPC Band D Contact the Crowborough office on 01892 662668

Cross In Hand, East Sussex ÂŁ1,150,000 A handsome and beautifully refurbished detached Victorian country house enjoying spectacular far reaching views towards the South Downs and occupying gardens and grounds of 1.387 acres. St. Aubyns, is believed to be the former vicarage for the nearby St. Bartholomew church, and offers beautifully presented accommodation spanning three floors and extending to 3,500 sq. ft. The gardens and grounds are a particular feature surrounding the property with a large paved terraced adjoining the rear of the house beyond which is an area of formal gardens. There are rolling lawns interspersed with numerous mature shrubs and trees including banks of rhododendron, the whole enjoying a fine southerly aspect. EPC Band E. Contact the Crowborough office on 01892 662668

Crowborough, East Sussex ÂŁ825,000 An attractive 5/6 bedroom (two bath/shower rooms) detached former coach house occupying gardens and grounds of about half an acre located in a peaceful private lane forming the ever desirable Warren area. This attractive character home offers spacious and highly versatile accommodation extending to 2,172 sq. ft. The gardens and grounds are a particular feature with the house positioned in the middle of its own plot which extends to about half an acre with areas of lawn beautifully flanked by well stocked flower and shrub beds, the whole offering peace and seclusion. Within the grounds there are two detached double garages, one with an inspection pit which provides scope for conversion to provide reception room space if required. EPC Band E Contact the Crowborough office on 01892 662668

A PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT BY 0

01892 507005 www.savills.com tunbridgewellsrds@savills.com

SIMON PATIENCE

savills

NEW HOMES 0

~

www.simonpatiencenewhomes.com

www.gillsgreencourtyard.co.uk

II

C

New Homes

01732 363633 www.rpclandandnewhomes.co. uk westkent@rpcnewhomes.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

RYE,

EAST SUSSEX

Substantial family home + 5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + 5 reception rooms + kitchen/ breakfast room + utility room + double garage + garden + Council Tax=G + EPC=D

Detached family home + 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms breakfast room + maintained gardens + triple garage

£3,250 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£3,100 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

MARDEN,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

+ study + 2 receptions + kitchen/ + Council Tax=F + EPC Exempt

KENT

New build in commuter village + 5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + reception room + kitchen/ breakfast room + utility room + rear garden + double garage + Council Tax=TBC + EPC=B

New ly refurbished + high specification + 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + 2 balconies + underground parking + central location + Council Tax=F + EPC=B

£2,500 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£2,250 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.

NEW INSTRUCTION

WHYBOURNE CREST,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2

FOREST ROAD,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2

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

Detached period property with delightful garden + MLS 1.2 miles + 3 reception rooms + 4 double bedrooms + garage + 2,467 sq ft + about 0.51 acres + EPC =E

Guide £1.6 million Freehold

Guide £1.45 million Freehold

ACER AVENUE,

Contact: Liz Devall

CHURCH ROAD,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2

Contact: Liz Devall

TUNBRIDGE WELLS TNl

Spacious family house + well-placed for schools and town + 2 reception rooms + study + 5 bedrooms + double garage + delightful garden with large terrace + 2,119 sq ft + EPC=D

Refurbished third fioor apartment + convenient for town centre and MLS + open plan kitchen/ living room + 3 double bedrooms + 2 balconies + parking space + 1,105 sq ft + EPC=B

Guide £875,000 Freehold

Guide £650,000 Leasehold

Contact: Becky Card

Contact: Becky Card

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•

iJl1iFLY PROPERTIES

BY CAROL PRIER

Stable Cottage is perfectly located within the Parish of Brenchley, sitting in a small enclave of 4 properties, which were converted circa 1987, providing excellent accommodation and also benefitting from an additional extension in recent years.Accommodation comprising 3/4 bedrooms,study/bedroom 4, large drawing room which is 22'5" x18'7". Ground floor bathroom with first floor cloakroom. Farmhouse kitchen (extension)with bespoke fitted units, 2 double bedrooms to the first floor. Garage with utility area which leads off from the kitchen. South facing rear garden. EPC: E

Awell presented extended 3 bedroom sem i-detached family home. Nestled in a quiet soug ht after cul de sac of East Peckham village. Accommodation comprising spacious entrance hall, sitting room, extended dining room to the rear, fitted kitchen. 3 good sized bedrooms to the first floor and modern bathroom. Detached single garage and delightful secluded garden to the rear. To the front of the property off road parking for 3/4 cars. EPC: E

£1,100,000

Awell presented detached family home situated in an elevated position located within wa lking distance to vi llage amenities.

The attraction with this property is certainly the beautiful south west facing rear garden and the ve rsatile accommodation the property has to offer comprising cloakroom, 3 large reception rooms, fitted kitchen, utility, large garage, four bedrooms (3 doubles) with wa rdrobes, family bathroom. EPC: G

Stunning 5 bedroom detached family home which has been renovated to the highest specification offering open plan living space and a 200ft rear garden.

The versatility of this contemporary design floods daylight into every room. In the rear garden is a vast outdoor dining space with plunge pool, wine cellar and a room which is attached to the garage. The spacious accommodation, which includes 5 Bedrooms and 4 En suites, is beautifully presented throughout and this is definitely a property that must be viewed to fully appreciate its finer details. EPC: D

Beautiful 1950s family home offering in excess of 1 acre of grounds plus an additional 2.2 acres of communal land.

4 bedrooms all with en su ite bathrooms, 3 receptions to include conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility and cloakroom. Detached annex building with se rvices and triple bay garage. EPC: E

If you' re looking for a detached Victorian cottage of character with a beautiful garden and plenty of parking then Whitewood House could be for you. The current owner has lovingly refurbished and tastefully decorated the ve rsatile accommodation comprising of 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining area and outside she has created a splendid garden. Within wa lking distance of local shops and less than a mile from Cran brook High Street. Rear photo shown. EPC: E

Located within wa lking distance of Paddock Wood town centre and main line station. Accommodation comprising entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room leading to conservatory, separate study/d ining area, fitted kitchen, integral garage. To the first floor, bedroom 1 offers en suite facilities, 3 further double bedrooms. Large south west facing garden to the rear, with paved patio area, ideal for al fresco dining and water feature. EPC: D

Fabulou s opportunity to acquire an elegant and spaciou s Victorian se mi-detached family hou se in need of a cosmetic update. The accommodation comprises 2 large receptions, 3 bedrooms (2 doubles and a large sing le) a good size kitchen, ground floor bathroom and first floor WC. Charming courtyard garden with useful works hop. EPC: E

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

PRICE REDUCED· 4 Sophurst Lane is an older style semidetached 3 bedroom house that has been tastefully modernised and extended. This property is well presented and the accommodation is deceptively spacious with kitchen/breakfast room, living room, conservatory. The location of this property is quite idyllic with its large south facing garden, its rural views, in an elevated position on a country lane on the outskirts of picturesque Matfield village.

NO ONWARD CHAIN. EPC: D

G JS 12 GUEST ALES

B HOG ROAST

LID LIVE MUSIC ALL WEEKEND

SATURDAY 26th - MONDAY 29th

®

The Abergavenny Arms, Frant Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9DB 01892 750 233 I 750 933 abergavennyarms.co.uk

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58 ■ FOOD AND DRINK

Nothing to beef about at this delightful country pub with plenty of contemporary flourishes…

The Abergavenny Arms in Frant has undergone a major refurbishment and complete overhaul of its menu.

Eileen Leahy paid a visit to see what is making this traditional tavern a culinary force to be reckoned with PACIFIC rock oysters, Cornish mussels, a pint of shell-on prawns – at first glance the tempting menu for the Abergavenny Arms in Frant reads like something you’d find in a gastro seafood restaurant on the coast.

But these delicious delicacies are just a few of the gourmet staples that are being served up courtesy of new chef Katie Burke. Having transferred over from Cau in Tunbridge Wells earlier this year, she is now bringing a range of quality seasonal dishes, including the county’s best seafood and meat, to the recently refurbished country pub’s food menus. And given the happy customers dining at tables adjacent to ours, her culinary approach seems to be working.

For those who are not familiar with the recent history of this delightful 15th-century former coaching inn, located just a few miles outside Tunbridge Wells on the A267 en route to Eastbourne, it was taken over last summer by the former jeweller Richard Burrell, who carried out an extensive overhaul of both the pub’s food and drink offerings as well as its décor.

Thankfully, the Abergavenny’s cosmetic makeover has enhanced rather than eradicated its charming period features, which include a labyrinth of ceiling beams, a deep-set inglenook fireplace, wooden floorboards and wonky walls – all the charming details that make a country pub look and feel like the genuine article.

It’s a beautiful summer’s evening when my husband and I pay it a visit, so we’re very happy that the table we reserved in one of the three dining areas turns out to be by a window which affords calming views of the surrounding countryside and the pub’s pleasant patio.

The only slightly irksome thing is the radio that’s on in the background. Silence or just plain music with no DJ chatting away would suit this relaxing, pastoral setting much better.

After being handed our menus, we’re swiftly asked whether we’d like a drink by our superfriendly waitress Angie, who is part Brazilian, part Portuguese and wholly enthusiastic. Not only is she a mine of information about the restaurant’s

Wednesday 10th August 2016

‘Our super-friendly waitress Angie is a mine of information about the restaurant’s local food suppliers’

Pan-seared scallops

local food suppliers, she also offers tips on how to create the best salad dressing – a sprinkling of powdered English mustard is essential – and is happy to wax lyrical about the new cocktail menu that the pub’s Manager, Digby Harvey, has just launched.

When he comes over to chat he tells us that one of the first things he did when taking over as Manager was to increase the array of Kentish ales and recommends we try a bottle of Curious Brew from Chapeldown in Tenterden (£2.50). This ‘keeping things local’ approach is mirrored in the ingredients used to create both the Abergavenny’s restaurant and bar menus, which boast a mix of classic British fare such as beer-battered cod as well as more European dishes, including Tuscan bean and chorizo salad.

For Steve, choosing a starter is easy, it has to be devilled whitebait (£5), which is one of his favourites. They come delicately dabbed in a light batter and served on a bed of rocket and garlic mayonnaise and are crispy, citrusy and

FOOD AND DRINK ■

wonderfully fresh in flavour.

After eyeing up the mouthwatering homemade smoked haddock scotch Devilled egg (£7.50), and whitebait then being torn between the beetroot-cured salmon (£6.95) and pan-seared scallops (priced at an affordable £8.50), I eventually opt for the latter with a glass of Wairau River, an aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (£6.20).

IT’S POURING Manager Digby Harvey creates one of the innovative cocktails

When the scallops arrive they are beautifully plump and golden in colour and marry very well with the accompanying stack of crushed green peas, swirls of bacon and wild garlic undertones.

While deliberating over our main courses we spot that all of Abergavenny’s steaks are aged for 38 days and hand-cut to order on site. This is one of chef Katie’s ideas.

She learned a lot about how to butcher and the importance of

provenance while she was at Cau. Being a big steak fan, Steve’s mind is immediately made up: It has to be the rib-eye for him. Then we spot its price, a budget-busting £20.75, and if you want a sauce to go with it – either a blue cheese hollandaise or a classic peppercorn one – then you have to pay an extra pound.

It seems a little steep but on tasting the steak it’s clear the butter-soft meat is of superior quality and given the reasonably priced other dishes on the menu – organic rare breed pork belly for £13.50 and Salt Marsh lamb rump for £17.50 – its price tag seems fairly palatable.

Though if I were the Manager I wouldn’t charge extra for the sauces.

Minor gripes aside, we are soon enjoying our principal plates. The rib-eye is chargrilled to perfection but the richness of its sautéed chestnut mushrooms and triple-cooked chunky chips defeats my husband a lot earlier than he would have liked.

My dish of pan-roasted sea bream with a sprinkling of crushed potatoes, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and a piquant salsa verde is delicious-just the right amount of seasoning applied.

Thankfully we’re given a much needed breather to decide whether we want a dessert – and there is certainly plenty to tempt, including banoffee pie and a delicate lemon posset. But feeling comfortably sated we decide not to over-indulge this time.

I do, however, have my arm successfully twisted by

59

Angie into sampling one of their delicious vanilla vodka-based passion fruit cocktails, which comes with a shot of prosecco on the side. It’s refreshing, with a great kick and is a great palate cleanser.

As we drain our glasses, and the candlelight flickers and fades, we decide it’s time to head home. Making our way past a clutch of fellow diners who are having ‘one for the road’ at the bar, I think to myself this is my kind of country pub: It has all the benefits of a laid-back, traditional one but also some fantastic contemporary flourishes.

The people of Frant are very lucky to have this as their local.

ABERGAVENNY ARMS Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9DB 01892 750233 abergavennyarms.co.uk

EXTRA PORTIONS As well as their daily restaurant and bar menus, customers at the Abergavenny Arms can choose from a special fixed weekday lunch (£11.95 for two courses) and Sunday roast menus (prices from £12.50). There are also special themed evenings, including BBQ, burger and moules nights. They have recently launched a new cocktail menu and also have a specialist gin one which features the locally distilled gin, 1606.

Rib-eye steak, aged for 38 days

Wednesday 10th August 2016

60  TRAVEL SEA VIEW i360 is a ‘vertical pier’

TRAVEL FACTS  Kate Whiting was a guest of Visit Brighton (www.visitbrighton.com)  A night at The Holiday Inn Brighton for two adults and one child in a standard room with a sofa bed starts at £202.50 in August. Breakfast is not included. Visit www. hibrighton.com  Tickets for the British Airways i360 cost from £13.50 per adult and from £6.75 per child when booked online at least three days in advance. Walk-up prices are £15 per adult and £7.50 per child. Discounts are available for students and pensioners, and children under 4 years old go free. Visit BritishAirwaysi360.com or call 03337 720360.

Riding high in the Brighton sky

by Kate Whiting

O

N THE seafront at Brighton, there’s a buzz in the air and it’s not the seagulls looking for scraps. Made by the team behind the London Eye, the 162m British Airways i360 is the tallest moving observation tower in the world – and it’s open to the public for the first time this summer.

The pod rises imperceptibly at first as we slowly leave the beach behind and float high above the waves on our 20-minute flight. There’s no motion sickness, but you’re gradually aware it’s turning 360 degrees, offering sweeping views over Brighton’s Palace Pier, the Taj Mahal lookalike Royal Pavilion and out to the South Downs.

On a fine day, from this cable car 138m in the sky, you can see as far as Beachy Head in the east and the Isle of Wight to the west.

Billed as a ‘vertical pier’ by architects Marks Barfield, it’s symbolic that the silver spire with its glass doughnut of a pod, a mere 12 years in the making, is open 150 years after Eugenius Birch’s West Pier first gave visitors to Brighton a unique view of the seafront.

The pier’s charred remains are all that’s left of the Grade 1 listed structure, which was closed in 1975 and burned down in 2003.

The i360 rises almost from its ashes – the pier’s dilapidated 19th-century Italianate tollbooths have been carefully reconstructed and stand proudly at either side of the steel tower, one as a ticket office and the other a tea room, bringing old and new together in vivid contrast.

The giant glass bubble can carry 200 passengers and has a shiny Nyetimber Sky Bar that serves sparkling wine from the Sussex vineyards visible

‘The £46million project is expected to generate 440 new jobs in Brighton and Hove’ from the pod, as well as other locally-produced drinks. Besides soaking up the views, it’s mesmerising to watch the honeycomb-patterned steel cans that form the world’s most slender tower slip through the centre of the pod.

Most importantly for my two-year-old son, Ollie, the pod is buggy-friendly, meaning babies and toddlers can enjoy the whole ride from the comfort of their pushchairs.

The £46million project, expected to generate 440 new jobs in Brighton and Hove, is part of a wider regeneration effort by the city council in what’s being dubbed the ‘Creative Quarter’. The Victorian West Pier Arches on either side of the tower, under the seafront road, were rebuilt from scratch and opened in July 2014 as cosmopolitan-feeling galleries, craft and boutique gift shops.

As we discover over a long weekend, Brighton is a child’s paradise, with endless hours of fun to be had for kids of all ages – even the grown-up variety.

Across the road from the West Pier Arches, we stay at the 131-room Holiday Inn, which has also just undergone a major refurbishment, giving its muted lobby a stylish Scandi feel, and boasts ultra-comfy sea-view rooms.

As part of the makeover, there’s a Starbucks in the hotel bar – perfect for a late-night coffee – and trendy American diner-style restaurant Stock Burger Co, complete with milkshakes in old milk bottles with red and white-striped straws, and

delicious chicken burgers.

The beauty of Brighton – and the hotel’s underground car park – is you can leave your car safely stowed and forget about it for an entire weekend, because all the fun stuff is well within walking distance.

Opposite the hotel is an extremely handy playground with clean sandpits, and a coffee shop and souvenirs in the arches where mum and dad can grab a cappuccino to sip while little ones build sandcastles to rival the i360, which towers above.

The beach is a sweeping pebbly affair, not sandy, with a steep bank of stones that’s great for sliding down towards the sea.

With a son obsessed with shells, we’re slightly surprised to discover just one variety – the common slipper limpet – on our beachcombing expeditions, but they’re in plentiful supply and we soon have a bagful to cart home and display proudly alongside the garden snail collection.

A sea-smoothed stone’s throw away is The New Club, which opened its doors in 2013 after gutting a near-derelict premises, an early sign of gentrification in this part of the city by the sea.

All high ceilings, large windows and a massive mural of a New York apartment block, it oozes Manhattan warehouse chic and serves great food.

The BBQ Halloumi is a riot of colour and texture, with giant couscous, quinoa, coriander and pomegranate all fighting for attention on your palate.

It’s also incredibly child-friendly, with baby changing and a menu for little ones – plus crayons that were delivered to the table as soon as we sit down.

From here, it’s a leisurely 15-minute stroll up to the eastern seafront, and the unexpected highlight of our visit – the aquarium. Resplendent SHOWTIME Brighton pier is full of attractions

Wednesday 10th August 2016

in its original 1872 Victorian stone arches, it’s the world’s oldest operating aquarium – and somewhere you can easily lose three hours.

Incredibly for a Saturday, it has a relaxed atmosphere and there’s not too much of a queue in the ocean tunnel, where black-tipped sharks and sea turtles swim over your head.

New for 2016 and unmissable is the Seahorse Nursery, where the curling tails of these strangely beautiful creatures will mesmerise you.

In the new Secrets of the Reef section, there’s what we have come to call the ‘Nemo tunnel’ – a cleverly built tank of clown fish that allows little ones to walk right through the middle. We take no time finding Dory, too...

Walking round slowly can be oddly tiring, so we stop at the central café to refuel before exploring the nearby Ray Pool and Rock Pool, where Ollie touches a starfish and a crab for the first time.

We wend our way into the famous Lanes, a warren of narrow streets filled with antique shops, the fascinating Armoury and the honeypot window displays of avant garde chocolatier Choccywoccydoodah. A busker plays classical guitar as the day gives way to evening and the pace of bustling street life slows.

Dinner is at the vegetarian jewel in the crown of Brighton’s gourmet scene: Terre à Terre.

Some waxy Wikki Stix are magicked up for Ollie, which he bends into worms and wheels, while we pore over the menu.

Classically-trained chefs Amanda Powley and Philip Taylor opened the restaurant in 1993 to push the boundaries of meat-free cooking, and the tastes they’ve concocted are mind-blowing.

The tapas-sharing platter includes their Bangkok Balls – coconut rice balls loaded with toasted peanuts, pistachio puree and Thai basil. And that’s just for starters.

We leave to find the sun setting over the sea.

There’s just enough light to pose for photos behind ‘Afloat’, Hamish Black’s vertical bronze doughnut of a sculpture, and for a ride on the carousel. From high on my fairground horse, I watch couples walk along the beach hand in hand, as the sun dips down behind the shell of the old pier.

And, just to its right, the more modern horizontal doughnut, the British Airways i360, rises above the city, a beacon of hope for Brighton’s bright future.

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btg_hishow

Summer Activities at Bewl Water* When?

Monday 25th July to Friday 26th August (inclusive)

Who?

For all children aged 5+

Time?

Full Day: 9.00-16.00 I Half Day: 9.00-13.30 Or join us for breakfast club 8.00-9.00am!

Price:

Full day camps £39.99 or £24.99 for a half day camp £5.00 extra for breakfast club

Join us for a fun filled day including: Rounders or Ultimate Frisbee, Cricket/Football or Painting, Bewl Treasure Hunt, Active Fun Games or Cheerleading, Bewl Mountain Bikes Experience, Bewl Water Nature Walk, Kids Academy Ranger Car Experience, Bewl Water Pedalos, Bewl Water Safari and more!

Please note: booking is essential.

Payment must be made in advance to secure your child's place.

bewl water

WITH THE

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

FIRST DRIVE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

FACTS AT A GLANCE

KIA SORENTO

PRICE: From £28,795 MODEL: Kia Sorento ENGINE: 2.2-litre turbodiesel producing 197bhp and 311lb/ft of torque TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual with part-time four-wheel drive PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 9secs, 124mph top speed ECONOMY: 46.3mpg (claimed) EMISSIONS: 161g/km (claimed)

It’s efficient, though, returning 46.3mpg on the combined cycle and 41mpg on test. The 161g/km carbon dioxide emissions aren’t bad either, and they keep tax relatively low for both private and business customers.

VALUE FOR MONEY

BEHIND THE WHEEL

By James Fossdyke WHAT’S NEW? The immediately obvious change is the curvy new body, but that’s not the only alteration Kia has made to its flagship SUV. Under the skin, there’s an all-new platform with a stronger structure, an upgraded engine range, improved steering and revised suspension.

Inside, the cabin has a more premium feel and there’s some pretty impressive equipment hiding in there too.

The trade-off for all these improvements, though, is a slight price increase – around five per cent to be exact. So has the Sorento lost its key selling point, or is it merely an even more capable alternative to the seven-seat SUV establishment?

LOOKS AND IMAGE As well as being longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, the new Sorento looks far beefier than the old car, not to mention more curvaceous. The bluff front end is adorned with a rather turgid version of the tiger-nose grille that comes across so aggressively on the Cee’d, and the rounded lights give a distinctly un-Kia-like doe-eyed look.

Nevertheless, it’s actually quite an attractivelooking beast, albeit in a cuddly kind of way.

It certainly won’t look out of place in the school car park sitting alongside the XC90s, Outlanders and Q5s of this world.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Because the new Sorento is bigger than its forebear, interior space has greatly improved.

‘The Sorento is more family SUV than capable mudplugger, but its 2.5-tonne maximum towing weight and four-wheel drive will give it plenty of appeal to those who tow caravans and horseboxes’ In the ‘standard’ five-seat configuration, the 605-litre boot will be more than enough for a family’s holiday luggage or ferrying kids’ sports kit to and from practice sessions.

Pop the two rear seats up to create a sevenseater, though, and that space is compressed to 142 litres, which sounds like more than it is. You’d struggle to fit a small suitcase in there.

The upside of that is that you get seven seats capable of carrying adults, albeit too cramped to be considered comfortable. Kids, however, will likely find they have plenty of room.

Like most SUVs of this size, the Sorento hardly handles like a sports car, but it’s refined, comfortable and generally a very pleasant steer.

Vigorous cornering results in quite a lot of body roll, but it’s no worse than, say, a Mitsubishi Outlander. The advantage of that roll, however, is a smooth ride – the undulations are soaked up with minimum fuss.

The 2.2-litre engine feels chunky enough to ensure progress is adequate, but it never feels anything like fast. More importantly, though, it’s refined. Cruising along the motorway at a steady 70 won’t necessitate an increase in stereo volume or raised voices, and while there’s a mild grumble when you’re setting off, it isn’t especially intrusive.

Four-wheel drive is standard across the range, so traversing muddy fields won’t be a problem, but Kia is well aware that the Sorento is more likely to be seen on the school run than a green lane, so a lack of ground clearance means the off-road performance is acceptable rather than impressive.

Value has traditionally been one of Kia’s big selling points, and the Sorento’s £28,795 starting price compares favourably with the likes of the less spacious Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Towards the top of the range, though, the Kia seems to lose its price advantage. The uppermid-range ‘3’ model we tested came in at almost £36,000, while top-spec ‘4’ variants get an asking price of almost £41,000. That’s only £5,000 cheaper than the cheapest version of the larger and more prestigious Land Rover Discovery.

That said, the Kia does feel almost as premium as the ageing Discovery. The cabin plastics are exemplary, and the build quality seems to be pretty good too. There’s even plenty of equipment, with our test car getting leather seats, satellite navigation, two-zone air conditioning, 18-inch alloys, heated seats front and rear, a heated steering wheel... The list goes on and on.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The Sorento is more family SUV than capable mud-plugger, but its 2.5-tonne maximum towing weight and standard-fit four-wheel drive will give it plenty of appeal to those who tow caravans and horseboxes.

If you want to mix some of that 4x4 capability with a premium feel, a plethora of equipment and bags of practicality, the big Kia is a goodvalue way of doing it. OK, it’s by no means the last word in what a multi-tasking SUV should be, but it’s a decent all-rounder that’s pitched perfectly at families.

Wednesday 10th August 2016

64 � MOTORING NEWS

Jeep splashes out for 75th-anniversary bash JEEP has pulled the covers off a new, special edition version of its popular Wrangler off-roader to commemorate the company’s 75th anniversary.

Called the Wrangler 75th Anniversary, the limited-edition 4x4 is based on the standard Wrangler Overland, and features a number of unique styling features both inside and outside the car.

The exterior features a bronze-finished front grille, a body-coloured dual top, Mopar slush mats, 18-inch alloy wheels, bronze and orange Jeep badging, as well as 75th Anniversary badging.

On the inside, buyers will be treated to features such as embossed ‘1941’ heated leather seats in black or saddle brown and tangerine, as well as bronze accents on the grab handles and air vents.

Satellite navigation is

also standard, as is an Alpine sound system.

Jeep has also updated its existing 2.8-litre diesel engine, which will be available on the 75th Anniversary edition, to bring it in line with Euro 6 emission standards.

A Jeep spokesperson said: “It is a Jeep tradition to celebrate key anniversaries, or the conquering of inaccessible places, with special editions.”

The Wrangler 75th Anniversary edition is on sale now, with 85 examples coming to the UK. Prices start at £34,765 for the two-door 2.8-litre CRD automatic, rising to £36,435 for the fourdoor 3.6-litre V6 automatic.

SPECIAL EFFECTS The celebratory Jeep has bronze finishes

Wednesday 10th August 2016

Changes will make driving tests more realistic for young drivers THE UK driving test is set to feature satellite navigation and new manoeuvres from early 2017, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced.

At present, the ‘independent driving’ section of the test is just ten minutes long, but the DVSA wants to extend this to 20 minutes and ask candidates to follow directions from a satellite navigation system, rather than following road signs.

A statement from the DVSA said: “These changes are designed to help reduce the number of collisions on higher risk roads – most fatal collisions are on this type of road, and using satnavs will open up routes to include these.

“More than half of car drivers are now using satnavs, and the Government wants new drivers to be trained to use these safely.”

The new test will also see manoeuvres such as reversing around a corner replaced with ‘more real-life scenarios’, such as driving into and reversing out of a parking bay.

DVSA’s Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said:

“Great Britain’s roads are among the safest in the world. But there is scope to do more to keep road users safe – particularly newly qualified drivers.

The changes to the test are subject to the outcome of research and feedback from a six-week consultation which closes on August 25, but the proposals seem to have the backing of the driver training industry.

Mark Peacock, head of BSM, said: “The proposed changes to the practical driving test – particularly the extended independent driving and use of a satnav – should help to produce better, safer motorists. We have already had positive feedback from our instructors and their pupils and therefore fully support these proposed changes.”

Edmund King, president of the AA, also added his support, saying: “We know that new drivers are a higher risk on the roads, therefore we need to better prepare them for real-world driving.

These changes will test drivers in a more realistic manner, which is essential to improving their safety once their L-plates are removed.”

MOTORING n

65

THROW YOUR FAMILY AT IT • 400 litre boott • 22 storage compartments • 5 star EURO NCAP safety rating

£187 per month, plus initial rental"

THAMES MOTOR GROUP TUNBRIDGE WELLS, LONGFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 3EY. TEL: 01892 549766 WWW.THAMESMOTORGROUP.CO.UK Fuel consumption figures for the Fiat 500L range in mpg (11100km): Urban 34.9 (8.1) - 62.8 (4.5); Extra Urban 56.5 (5.0) - 78.5 (3.6); Combined 46.3 (6.1) - 72.4 (3.9).C02 emissions 143 - 104 g/km. Fuel con sumption and CO, figure s ba sed on stand ard EU tests for comparative purpose s and may not reflect real driving results . 'Fiat 500L boot space is ba sed on rear seats pulled forward. ' Above rental based on Fiat 500L Pop Star 1.4 (with optional Electric Sunroof at £950 and optional 17" Alloy Wheels at £300) o n Person al Contract Hire, with an initial rental of £3,740, followed by 47 monthly rentals of £187. Rental shown above includes VAT and excludes maintenance, and is based on 10,000 miles per annum . Excess mileage charges apply. Vehicles must be registered by 30th September 2016. Promotion subject to status . A guarantee may be required . Fiat Contract Hire, PO BOX 4590, Slough , SL1 OWU . We work with a number of creditors including Fiat Contract Hire.

Models shown are Alfa Milo 875cc TB l winAir 105 hp Progression including Alfa Red Special Paint at £475, OTR £14,535 & Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp at £19,225 OTR incl. Stromboli Grey Special Paint at £525. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Milo Progression & Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 29.7 - 64.2 mpg (9.5 - 4.4 1/ lOOkm); Extra Urban 54.3 - 97.4 mpg (5.2 - 2.9 1/lOOkm); Combined 41.5 - 80.7 mpg (6.8 - 3.5 1/ lOOkm). C0 2 emissions 157 - 90 g/ km.

Fuel consumption and C0 2 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 £999. optional Final Payment is £3,813. contractTerm is 48 months. Promotion available on Alfa Mil o 875cc TB TwinAir 105 hp Progression including Alfa Red Special Paint at £475 between 1st August and 30th September 2016. •customer deposit is £1,549. Optional Final Payment is £5,823. ContractTerm is 48 months. Promotion available on Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp at £19,225 OTRregistered between 1st 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 these examples) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. We work with a number of creditors including Alfa Romeo Financial Services. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL! ORW.

Wednesday 10th August 2016

MASERATI GHIBLI DIESEL. FROM £399 A MONTH +VAT.* You kno w you ha ve always wanted to own a Maserati. Now there is absolutely nothing to hold you back.

The Ghibli Diesel is every inch a Maserati, featuring a gorgeous, coupe-like silhouette, luxury leather interior and with its economical yet potent diesel engine, 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, there are also plent y of rational reasons to justify your decision.

MASE RAT I

MOTORLINE MASERATI MAIDSTONE BIR CHOLT ROAD, MAID STONE, ME15 9XY Phone : 0162 2 616 LQL,

I

Web : www. motorline .eo .uk / ma s erati

www. ma s erati .co .uk

Offi cial fuel cons umpti on fi gur es for t he Mase rati Gh ibl i Di esel in mpg llitres/100 km] : Urban 36 .7 17.71, Extr a Urban 57.6 li.j .9], Comb ined l.j7_9 15.91. C0 2 em iss ions on comb ined cycle : 158 g/km . Fuel consumption and CO, figures are based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. *BUSINESS USERS ONLY. Model shown is Maserati Ghibli Diesel MY16 V6d ljdr Auto. Contract Hire payment profile of £/j,788 +VAT in advance, followed by 35 monthly rentals of £399 +VAT. Rentals shown above exclude maintenance and are based on 8,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charge apply. Finance subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required, we work with a number creditors including Maserati Financial Services. Vehicles must be registered with FCA Fleet Services UK Ltd by 30th June 2016. PO Box lj590, Slough, Berkshire SU OWU.

MOTORING n

67

INTRODUCING THE NEW FORD EDGE Sitting at the pinnacle of our SUV range, the New Ford Edge is the epitome of modern refinement.

NEW FORD EDGE AWD SOR 2.0180PS DIESEL

- £299* PER MONTH - £500 DEPOSIT ALLOWANCE - EXTRA £500 SAVING WHEN YOU TAKE A TEST DRIVE*

Lifesty tf'.cio rd Your journey starts here

V

www.lifestyleford.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells 01892 739131

Tonbridge 01732 758 726

KentTN48AG

KentTN91TN

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Edge range: urban 43.5 (6.5) - 44.1 (6.4), extra urban 51.4 (5.5) - 52.3 (5.4), combined 47.9 (5.9) -48.7 (5.8). Official CO, emissions 152-149g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Based on limited stock vehicles only and must be ordered and registered between 01.07.16 and 30.09.16. *Extra £500 saving when taking a test drive - August registration only. *Finance example shown available over a finance period of 25 months with £4,811.57 customer deposit, £500 deposit allowance, £5,311.57 total deposit. Amount of credit £24,183.43. Charge for credit £340.57. Finance Facility fee £10. Purchase Fee £10. Total amount payable £29,855.57. Optional final payment £17,348. 0.8% APR, 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage charged at Bp per mile. When financed with Ford Credit. Finance subject to status. Other charges for metallic paint and extra factory options.

Must be over 18 and a full UK resident. Guarantees/Indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Prices correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. Subject to availability at Lifestyle Ford. Lifestyle Ford reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time and without notice. Lifestyle Ford Head Office 3 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 BAG. Images for illustration purposes only, metallic paint available at an extra cost.

We invite all new and seasoned enthusiasts to visit us today to find out more about our classic and vintage car restoration services.

We will use our experience to advise you on the best way to restore your classic, vintage or collectible car, and help you to revive its past glories.

~

ill) Copyript All pictures and designs are own

by Morgan Hansford Art. For any enquires please contact

morganhansfordart@ outlook.corn

Wednesday 10th August 2016

. ,6th September Fr1.daY

Dirty Dancing #feelgoodfridaY

; I Sunday 18th September

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§ Back To The Future •§ 1

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0

#sundayfunday

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£15 PER TICKET INCLUDES PARKING GATES OPEN 6.30PM WATCH SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE ICONIC FILMS IN A SETTING LIKE NO OTHER! OUR OPEN AIR CINEMA IS SET IN THE STUNNING SURROUNDINGS OF THE RESERVOIR IN OUR 800 ACRE COUNTRY PARK.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT: A PRE-CINEMA TWO OR THREE COURSE MENU WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE BOAT HOUSE BISTRO FROM JUST £15.50.

WE ALSO HAVE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION FROM JUST £149 PER ROOM INCLUDING A TRADITIONAL BREAKFAST AT TUNBRIDGE WELLS' NEWEST HOTEL, ONE WARWICK PARK. FOOD ANO DRINK WILL BE AVAILABLE TD PURCHASE FROM THE WATERFRONT CAFE ANO THERE WILL BE POPCORN - OF COURSE!

TO BOOK PLEASE VISIT WWW.BEWLWATER.CO.UK

LIFE AND STYLE n

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A MESSAGE FROM RTWSO’S MUSICAL DIRECTOR RODERICK DUNK It gives me great pleasure to tell you about another exciting season of Sunday afternoon concerts in our 2016/17 season starting in October with the rising star Callum Smart performing the lyrical Korngold Violin Concerto.

CRANWELL WEALTH SOLUTIONS LTD MOVE TO CENTRAL UCKFIELD OFFICES

Our new season also sees the welcome return of world renowned pianist Peter Donohoe with Rachmaninov’s ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini’. Guest conductors George Vass and Neil Thomson join us again for two concerts of great English and Russian music, and I am looking forward to conducting the first Opera Gala in the orchestra’s 94-year history.

Local wealth management business, Cranwell Wealth Solutions Ltd now has an office presence just off the main high street in Uckfield. Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions is the new resident of the Grade II listed

Other highlights include Prokofiev’s brilliant music from ‘Romeo & Juliet’, Mozart’s superbly crafted ‘Sinfonia Concertante’ with the orchestra’s principal wind players as soloists, and to close the season, Mozart’s vibrant Symphony No. 39 and Mahler’s mighty Symphony No. 5, with its beautiful ‘Death in Venice’ Adagietto.

premises, which offers a fantastic town centre location at 21 Church Street.

Previously occupied by Hazelgrove Opticians, Cranwell Wealth Solutions took over the prime location just last

With our ticket prices still representing the best value for quality orchestral concerts in the south east, we hope you will continue to support the RTWSO. We look forward to seeing you!

month meaning the team are now easily accessible within

For more information check out www.rtwso.org

lived in Uckfield for over 20 years, it’s great to now have

their new offices.

Stephen Palmer of Cranwell Wealth Solutions says “Having office premises in the town as well. I am looking forward to becoming further involved in the community and assisting

PENSHURST VINTAGE & ANTIQUES FAIR Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair, Penshurst Village Hall, TN11 8BP, 27th-29th August, trade entry Saturday 9.30am, public 10.30am-5pm, entrance £1.50. Come and find fashionable vintage, French brocante and decorative antiques for the home and garden in beautiful Penshurst.

This charming fair has been running for over 40 years, helping to raise money for the community. As well as our regular favourites we have some wonderful new dealers joining us over the BANK HOLIDAY weekend including Hoof Brocante from Brooklands near Rye with a wide range of galvanised goodies and French antiques, B&R Decorative Antiques with their stylish decorative items and Vintage Baby with beautiful cushions and lavender bags made from vintage fabrics. Blackstem Plants from Lamberhurst will be filling the forecourt with summer colour to tempt all. Relax and enjoy delicious homemade cakes and teas from "It's Always Tea-Time."

Follow us on Facebook at Penshurst Vintage & Antiques Fair or on Instagram at tara.franklin_antiques. Contact Tara on 07507876637

the people of Uckfield with their financial matters.”

Steve has been in the financial services industry, offering

RUSTHALL What a great Village!

Having been the local Estate Agent in Rusthall for around 7 Years, I can confirm what a delightful and thriving community it is.

We, as a small local business do everything we can to support the community, with volunteering at the village fete, bonfire night etc, tweeting about local events, offering a photocopying, faxing & scanning service etc. Our village is full of great small businesses, clubs and lots of people that care.

his services for over two decades and believes valuable advice is only possible when tailored to the individual. The team at Cranwell Wealth Solutions has recently expanded with new adviser, Peter Morris, now on board.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact the team at Cranwell Wealth Solutions on 01825 767568 or email infocranwellws@sjpp.co.uk or visit www.cranwellws.co.uk.

In recent months we have found lots of property selling to people that have heard Rusthall is a lovely village because of its community spirit, great school and transport links to the town and London. We also find that a lot of people in the village would like to move house and yet stay in the village so will often start by chatting the idea through in our office before putting their home on the market.

The property market as whole can change quickly, and having a good genuine, local agent will always help. Any agent can flatter you with a high unrealistic valuation but a good agent will market your property in the right way to achieve the best price.

Estate agents often try and reinvent customer service, but sometimes plain speaking and listening to what you need is more important.

If you would like more information about Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells or generally anything about selling property please contact us.

01892 515188 | sales@kmjproperty.co.uk | www.kmjproperty.co.uk

Peter Morris

Steve Palmer Wednesday 10th August 2016

70 � PUZZLES

Wednesday 10th August 2016

13. Observing it’s a dumbbell? (6) 15. Be a shade embarrassed?

(6) 17. He takes out capital cover that’s not expensive (5) 18. Lady expected to succeed (7) 20. System of book-keeping as old as the Ark? (6,5) 22. Find in the diocese (3) 23. Compulsory turn-outs (9)

Scribble pad

Down

SOLUTIONS

2. Stray (3) 3. Engine (5)

9. Dejected (11)

4. Characteristics (6)

11. Quotation (7)

5. Trusting (7)

12. Crop up (5)

6. Thoughtful (11)

13. Ill-natured (6)

7. Spoke to (9)

15. Strain (6)

10. Charm (11)

17. Don (3,2)

11. Anomaly (9)

18. External (7)

14. Slavery (7)

20. Quibbling (11)

16. Former Russian (6)

22. Possess (3)

19. Topic (5)

23. Limit (9)

21. Plant (3)

Down: 2 Err; 3 Motor; 4 Traits; 5 Reliant; 6 Considerate; 7 Addressed; 10 Enchantment; 11 Exception; 14 Bondage; 16 Soviet; 19 Theme; 21 Set.

Across 1. Forced to go into service and deeply affected (9) 8. I’d been given a girl’s name (3) 9. They are specially designed for handicapped drivers to do the rounds (4,7) 11. Uniform for a man in the services (7) 12. Cleric who may have a prior appointment (5)

Down 2. Ex-leader shows mother love (3) 3. Be best man? (5) 4. Even the score by bribery? (6) 5. Unusual seaside shingles for instance (7) 6. About one put Denis to bed for being insubordinate (11) 7. Vocalists in boaters, perhaps (9) 10. Descriptive of a giddy blonde? (5-6) 11. Rush over to meet (3,6) 14. The main deity (7) 16. Doesn’t sound it, but it’s hot (6) QUICK CLUES 19. Nitre treated like nitrogen Across (5) 1. Circuit (9) 21. Lost no time putting up for election (3) 8. Aged (3)

SUDOKU:

CRYPTIC CLUES

SUDOKU

DOUBLE CROSSWORD: CRYPTIC: Across: 1 Impressed; 8 Ida; 9 Golf courses; 11 Regular; 12 Abbot; 13 Noting; 15 Redden; 17 Cheap; 18 Heiress; 20 Double entry; 22 See; 23 Evictions.

Down: 2 Mao; 3 Excel; 4 Square; 5 Disease; 6 Disobedient; 7 Baritones; 10 Light-headed; 11 Run across; 14 Neptune; 16 Chilli; 19 Inert; 21 Ran. QUICK: Across: 1 Perimeter; 8 Old; 9 Crestfallen; 11 Excerpt; 12 Arise; 13 Crabby; 15 Stress; 17 Put on; 18 Outward; 20 Evasiveness; 22 Own; 23 Extremity.

DOUBLE CROSSWORD

PUZZLES 

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ 1. What is the title of Channel 4’s factual reality show set in the Scottish Highlands, where participants attempt to rebuild society?

Agent, who plays anarchist Adolf Verloc?

9. The video to which band’s hit Money for Nothing was the first to be shown when MTV launched in Europe in 1987?

10. Which defective CIA agent has been played by Matt Damon in four separate movies?

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

1

14. Journalist Fiona Bruce and art expert Philip Mould investigate mysteries behind paintings in which BBC series?

3. Ellipsis is the second album to top 15. In which year did Jarvis Cocker the charts from which Scottish rock interrupt Michael Jackson’s Brit band?

Award performance?

4. Model and cook Sophie Dahl was the inspiration for a character in which current movie, directed by Steven Spielberg?

5. Which darts-based quiz show was presented by Jim Bowen?

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

R

10

11

12

13

23

24

25

26

6. Katy Perry has released an inspirational song, to be used as a theme tune to the 2016 Rio Olympics - what is it called?

7. Who provided the voice for Simba in Disney’s 1994 musical animation The Lion King?

I

8. In the BBC adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s Victorian tale The Secret

Matt Damon – Q10

10

14

15 11

4

16 13 7

12 6

5

1. Male pig 9. Cab 2. Ladder part 10. Flower 3. Bovid mammal 11. Indian dress 4. Utensil 12. Object of worship 5. Volcanic discharge 13. Vegetable 6. Eagerly expectant 14. Monarch 7. Snatch 15. Deep cut 8. Ship 16. Fifty per cent Keyword clue: A capital city

SOLUTIONS

Broderick; 8 Toby Jones; 9 Dire Straits; 10 Jason Bourne; 11 Snooker; 12 Look at Me; 13 Total Recall; 14 Fake or Fortune?; 15 1996

2. In which sitcom do Tamsin Greig and Paul Ritter play parents Jackie and Martin Goodman?

9

WORD SPIRAL: 1 Boar; 2 Rung; 3 Goat; 4 Tool; 5 Lava; 6 Agog; 7 Grab; 8 Boat; 9 Taxi; 10 Iris; 11 Sari; 12 Idol; 13 Leek; 14 King; 15 Gash; 16 Half.

Keyword: BELFAST

Q4 Sophie Dahl –

13. In which Arnold Schwarzenegger movie does he play a factory worker who travels to Mars?

3

8

11. The Rack Pack is a BBC comedy drama based on which sport?

12. What was the title of Geri Halliwell’s debut solo single after she left the Spice Girls in 1999?

2

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

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

WORD SPIRAL

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ: 1 Eden; 2 Friday Night Dinner; 3 Biffy Clyro; 4 The BFG; 5 Bullseye; 6 Rise; 7 Matthew

CODEWORD

71

Wednesday 10th August 2016

72 n RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Fill your vacancy now in print or online.

For more information contact Jordanne Reville on 01892 576049

Wednesday 10th August 2016

RECRUITMENT n

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

“

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

“

John Haynes, Partner, Belvoir Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday 10th August 2016

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

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

MOTE WITH THE MOST Visit Ightham Mote

>> WEDNESDAY Wildlife Wednesday happens every week at Scotney Castle during the summer holidays, so if your children are into creepy crawlies, fish and bugs they’ll enjoy the twice daily pond dipping sessions at 11.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-2.30pm.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org/scotneycastle Tunbridge Wells Museum is putting on a number of fun children’s events over the holidays and today you can enjoy their Bees are Buzzing sessions, which run from 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm. Come prepared to paint and make lots of pretty pictures and find out all about this species, which is sadly on the decline.

>> THURSDAY Enjoy a day of Victorian Fun with a special house quiz, watercolour painting, dressing up and period games and activities at Ightham Mote. This is a fun opportunity to look back to the time of the house’s Victorian owners, the Colyer-Fergusson family.

Usual admission of £5.50 per child and £11 per adult applies. National Trust members go free. www.nationaltrust.org/ightham-mote From 5.30-7pm the Park Rangers at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park are hosting a Forest School.

Presented in association with Kent High Weald Partnership, anyone is welcome to come along and learn about how to acquire basic survival skills while out in the great outdoors. Meet near the skate park at 5.30pm. Booking is not required for this activity.

The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks is presenting a screening of Beatrice Et Benedict, first performed at Glyndebourne earlier this summer. Based loosely on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, French romantic composer Berlioz took

AN EGYPTIAN ADVENTURE Join in the fun at Chiddingstone Castle

Wednesday 10th August 2016

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

MIRRORED IMAGE Scotney Castle

the most up beat scenes of the play’s eponymous characters and set them to music. The result is a highly entertaining version of the relationship between the witty, lovestruck pair. >> FRIDAY Bowles is a popular outdoor activity centre based just outside Tunbridge Wells and it’s got a wealth of interesting events on over the summer holidays. Today’s one is centred around Low Ropes and the Leap of Faith. Children aged over eight can enjoy participating in these balance challenges, which also promote good teamwork.

All course prices vary so to find out more visit www.bowles.ac Sports fans should head to the Culverden Stadium this evening for Tunbridge Wells FC’s football match against the Corinthians. Kick-off is at 7.45pm. For further information and tickets visit www.tunbridgewellsfc.com The Rusthall Community Cinema is showing The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover at 8pm. This classic celluloid offering from 1989, which was directed by Peter Greenaway and stars Helen Mirren and Michael Gambon, is a black comedy that focuses on the owners of a high-class French restaurant and their extra-marital goings-on. Doors open at 7pm and there will be a discussion after the film around 9.30pm. No booking necessary, £2 for members or £7 for others. www.rusthallcinema.club HORSING >> SATURDAY AROUND The National Youth Enjoy the Training Choir is jousting at putting on its Hever Summerfest concert in Tonbridge School Chapel at 5pm.

Performing a selection of music inspired by ‘the heavens’, this promises to be a wonderful event given the talented choir and the chapel’s glorious acoustics.

Tickets are priced from £5.

For more information visit www.tonbridgearts.com Staying on a musical note, Brittens in Tunbridge Wells is hosting a special woodwind and brass showcase from 9.30am-5pm today.

The music shop’s knowledgeable staff members will be on hand to give instrument demonstrations and answer any questions you may have. John Seabrook from Trevor James Products will also be there with some of the more unusual members of each instrument family, including the bass flute!

For more information call 01892 526659.

Bring your children’s history lessons to life by taking them along to one of the jousting days at King Henry VIII’s former home Hever Castle. The Knights of Royal England will be running these energetic and entertaining events most weekends throughout the summer. Entry is included with a standard admission ticket, £9.30 for children, £16.50 for adults. www.hevercastle.co.uk

>> SUNDAY Today is day two of the World Military Show at the Hop Farm. Promising fun for all the family, there will be an array of large army tanks and trucks on display, as well as re-enactments of famous battles. Tickets cost from £10 per adult and £8 per child while a family ticket costs £25.

To book or for further information visit www.militaryworldshow.com Tonbridge Castle will host another afternoon of live music courtesy of Second Wind jazz band, who will be performing from 3-5pm. The event is free but for more details visit www.tonbridgecastle.org If you’re looking for a great family day out then head to Ashdown Forest. Not only is it a wonderful area for walks, its connection with AA Milne’s Winnie The Pooh makes this corner of East Sussex a must-visit for children of all ages. When you’re there make sure you pop into the Pooh Corner Café in Hartfield.

At 5pm there will be a performance of Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well by the Changeling Theatre company at Eridge Park. One of his lesser performed pieces, it focuses on relationships, social standing and unrequited love. If the weather is fine it will be performed in the open air.

For more details visit www.changeling-theatre.com >> MONDAY If you’re aged ten or over and love being outside and challenged to the max then the Hunger Games Camp is the ideal day out for you. Running from 10am until approximately 3pm, you will learn plenty of survival skills, face thrilling tasks and experience exciting adventures. For ticket information and prices visit www.buzzadventures.co.uk Naomi Bedford and Paul Simmonds will be performing an evening of folk music at the Chequers Inn, Tonbridge from 8-11pm. Musicians and singers are welcome to come along and join in.

Every Monday to Wednesday throughout the school break there will be a Mountain Bike Summer Camp at Bewl Water. Taking place from 9am-12noon for different age groups,

WHAT’S ON 

75

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton

participants will learn a variety of skills including how to navigate bike trails and forest paths. There will also be the opportunity to experience an obstacle course and take part in an Introduction to Maintenance workshop. For details on age groups, timings and tickets visit www.bewlwater.co.uk TUESDAY Chiddingstone Castle is a great day out for all the family. As well as its interesting historical artefacts curated by former owner and antiquarian Denys Bower, this summer there is an interesting Egyptian Experience to enjoy too. For more details visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk If you want to do something a little bit different during the holidays then why not take advantage of the Spa Valley Railway Kids for a Quid incentive?

Every Tuesday throughout the summer, children can travel on one of the vintage trains for just £1 when an accompanying adult pays £11 for their ticket. You can sit back, relax and enjoy your return journey around the Wealden countryside, stop off at Groombridge Place or scale the boulders at High Rocks if you’re feeling more energetic. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

WORTH THE TRIP: Cranbrook Go Ape! Junior

Live music THE excellent Coal Miners headline The Jazz on The Pantiles this Thursday evening, so make sure you bring the sunshine and a small donation if you can, to help the organisers with funding.

Local guitar virtuoso Sean de Burca performs at The Grey Lady this Wednesday night with support from Chasing Shadows and Alice Rose, and next Tuesday night there’s another standout show when Annaca, Lights On The Mountain, Harry Whitty and Ralph Taylor will all be playing.

For blues lovers, I highly recommend the superb Smokestack at The Cross Keys pub this Friday night, and for all hardened rockers and fans of alternative genres, The Forum has a stellar line-up featuring Tom Hunt, Zombie Met Girl, Operation Kino and Stereo Juggernaut.

Popular local acts Sean Fennessey & Friends return to The Bedford pub this Saturday night while Justine performs at The Beau Nash.

Deeply talented local songstress Sally Ironmonger is at The Punch and Judy in Tonbridge this coming Tuesday night. So as you can see, there’s lots of music to keep you going throughout the summer…

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

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

FRIDAY Tom Hunt, Zombie Met Girl, Operation Kino and Stereo Juggernaut SATURDAY Ocean Wisdom, Sam Hatter and Erny Baits SUNDAY Unfest Sunday Sessions THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

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

If you really want to have a go at swinging through the trees and navigating wobbly wooden bridges but are too small for the Go Ape! at Bedgebury, then try out this excellent junior version in Cranbrook. Tickets are priced from £18. www.goape.co.uk

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

WEDNESDAY Alice Rose, Chasing Shadows, Sean de Burca FRIDAY Closed for a private party SATURDAY Project 5 SUNDAY Jack Leon Mackey, Rachael Stalker, Jennifer Lee Ridley, HeyZeus TUESDAY Ralph Taylor, Harry Whitty, Annaca, Lights On The Mountain

Annaca

Sean de Burca WEDNESDAY Nate Austin, Duke Lloyd, Corey Fox-Fardell

THE DUKE OF YORK

MUSIC ON THE PANTILES BANDSTAND

The Pantiles, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards

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

MONDAY Open Mic Night with Nick Wilson

THURSDAY Jazz series – Coal Miners

THE ROYAL OAK

THE CROSS KEYS

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

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

SATURDAY The Harveys MONDAY Open Mic/Jam Session

WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Shane Hill & Val Manix FRIDAY Blues with Bottle: Smokestack MONDAY TWURPS-Ukulele Beginners Session WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Terry Seabrook Organ Trio

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

The Harveys

THE BEAU NASH INN

SATURDAY Justine THE BEDFORD PUB

2 High Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

SATURDAY Sean Fennessey & Friends TONBRIDGE CASTLE

High Street, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 3-5pm

Second Wind jazz band THE PUNCH AND JUDY

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

TUESDAY Sally Ironmonger

Wednesday 10th August 2016

76 � ARTS & CULTURE

Author has something to write home about Novelist Martin Johnson is enjoying critical success with his most recent book Niedermayer & Hart, a ‘supernatural horror thriller’. Here the former actor tells the Times how he became a successful writer, where he gets his inspiration from and why he loves living in Tunbridge Wells the Bard of Avon himself may have trodden the boards a bit!

I have always enjoyed standing on a stage, certain of the audience’s rapt attention and making people laugh. Sometimes performing in a great comedy is like giving therapy. But I don’t miss acting as a life. If you’re an actor you have to be totally committed and I don’t think I really share that conviction any more. I haven’t ruled out the possibility of doing some acting stuff again, but I’m more than happy writing.

‘I’ve always found a good night’s sleep a helpful way of ironing out any plot difficulties – it works like magic’ Martin Johnson “I THINK I’d always planned to write. Even as an 11-year-old schoolboy I was penning novels about a secret agent called James Wheaton.

In my 20s I co-wrote a few scripts with friends who were also in the acting business, but to be honest I don’t think I had the self-discipline before I was in my 40s to do it. Writing solo can be a lonely affair, there’s nobody around to bounce ideas off. It has to be something you simply love doing.

Before becoming a writer I was an actor. I went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) for two years from 1974. It was a wonderful time, and RADA in those days, under the astute but caring eye of its Principal Hugh Cruttwell, was an excellent environment in which to train.

Throughout my 20s and early 30s I did a great deal of rep work and theatrical touring, which was a lot of fun, and I was fortunate to be able to combine this with TV work in shows such as Sorry! and Doctor Who. I’ve never officially stopped acting, but I no longer eat, sleep and dream about the theatre. I think now I can say I love doing both writing and acting. They’re very closely related; we’re told

Wednesday 10th August 2016

I’ve completed two books now, Niedermayer & Hart, a supernatural horror thriller, and a psychological thriller, Roadrage. The stuff I write is always driven by a strong storyline, probably because I’ve always enjoyed a ripping yarn. I don’t think either book is entirely typical of its genre and both have underlying themes that may not at first be apparent. I am told by readers that both books are quite scary.

In terms of my plot inspiration I like to start writing with just a beginning, middle and end.

Beyond this I have no idea where the story is going to take me. It takes many months to write a book, and to my mind the writing can easily become rather dull and formulaic when an author sticks too rigidly to their initial plotting.

I’ve always found a good night’s sleep a helpful way of ironing out any plot difficulties – it works like magic. I go to bed thinking about a storyline problem and invariably wake up with a solution.

I’m lucky enough to have a loyal following, and I’m always very grateful for their support. The wonderful thing about the 21st century is how connected we all are. My books have literally been read right around the globe, and people have written reviews not only in Europe but also

places as far afield as Australia, India, Canada and the US – even Alaska! I find it exciting and very gratifying when people from entirely different cultures enjoy one or other of my books.

I wrote the first draft of Niedermayer & Hart in longhand at my kitchen table, but I subsequently developed being computer savvy and prefer to work in this way now. However, I still have to edit in hard copy as it’s impossible to see repeated words and proofing errors when reading off a screen.

Niedermayer & Hart is 164,000 words long and has a contemporary main story with a medieval tale that is directly linked to it running simultaneously. I’m currently working on the third draft of the followon book, which I hope will be available by the end of the year. My psychological thriller Roadrage is more straightforward in terms of its structure and at only 100,000 words long, I’d expect to have a book like this completed in a year.

When my wife and I moved out of London and our son was small we went to Robertsbridge, East Sussex, then later settled in Tunbridge Wells. We’ve lived here almost 20 years; it’s a great location for getting to London, or the airports. I love the way I can walk out of my front door and literally within five minutes be walking in beautiful countryside.

Tunbridge Wells is a very creative place to be.

There is generally always something worthwhile happening at venues such as Trinity and I’ve enjoyed a number of exhibitions at Tunbridge

Wells Museum and Art Gallery. The Open Studios events bear witness to the large number of artists working in the area, too.

I don’t have a title for my next book yet and I will only let my wife read a manuscript once its second draft has been completed. This means the story and cast of characters are firmly set in place and the writing is fairly polished by the time she sees it. I do this as a way of gauging reaction, because once something has been read it can never have the same surprise or shock factor for that reader ever again. The poor thing has suffered a few nightmares as a result but she’s stoically uncomplaining most of the time!”

Niedermayer & Hart is published by Odd Dog Press, priced £12.99, and is available to buy from all good bookshops. To find out more about Martin Johnson visit www.mj-johnson.com

ARTS & CULTURE 

77

The strictly dance-orientated school celebrating 30 years in show business The Dance Consortium at Tunbridge Wells’ Temple Grove Academy has taught children and young adults performance skills for three decades. Eileen Leahy spoke to Jackie Randall, who has been with the school for 25 years, about the secret of its success and why it teaches self-confidence as well as dance How many students do you currently have and what ages do they range from?

We currently teach a total of 80 pupils ranging from two to 18 years of age.

Each one takes up to fi ve classes in the different disciplines offered, which means we currently have 350-plus individual lessons taking place at the school each week.

SMILES ALL ROUND The school encourages self-confidence You’re celebrating your 30th year in business, why do you think you have been around for so long?

We appreciate every student that has trained at The Dance Consortium – whether they intend to continue dance and performance as a career or if they simply enjoy it as a hobby.

We also endeavour to create a happy and caring environment in order to encourage selfconfidence, a quality which we believe will assist our students in whatever walk of life they choose.

Can you tell us a little bit about the history of the Dance Consortium?

It was established in 1986 by Tina Kemp and Alison Cripps. After only one term they were joined by Elizabeth Witt (‘Miss Bertie’ as she is fondly known). Alison and Miss Bertie are still teaching at The Dance Consortium alongside Lyndsay Krauhaus from The English National Ballet and Jessica Punch from the West End. I help out with the administration side of things.

What types of dancing can students expect to learn with you?

We cover the main ones such as ballet, modern, jazz and tap, but we also specialise in teaching national dances from different countries. We dance everything from Scottish and Irish to Polish, Romanian, Serbian and Russian. Our national teacher, Miss Bertie, has won many choreographic awards, including the All England National Finals in 2013.

Where is the most memorable place The Dance Consortium performed and why?

We are very proud to have performed at the Royal Albert Hall when we were asked to participate in the Dance Proms.

This is an annual event which launched in 2011 and we took part that year with our Mexican national dance. We were picked out of thousands to perform and it was a wonderful experience for all involved. The Royal Albert Hall is an incredible venue.

Have any of your students found fame?

We have had a substantial amount who have furthered their education at professional vocational colleges such as The Royal Ballet School, Arts Educational, Laines and the Guildford School of Acting. Most of them have continued on to successful careers in the West End or in national and European tours.

Many of our former pupils have performed in productions such as Sister Act, We Will Rock You and Mary Poppins.

How did your special 30th anniversary show at the Assembly Hall go last month?

We had an incredible day! We were joined by six guest performers, all past pupils who have had successful careers in dance or musical theatre.

In the evening we had nearly 60 of our former students, ranging from 14 to the early 40s, who performed a medley of favourite dances from their time at The Dance Consortium. It was an amazing experience.

What makes The Dance Consortium different to all the other dance schools in Tunbridge Wells?

We endeavour to provide personal dance training and lots of our pupils are with us from pre-school until they leave at 18. Many lifelong friendships have been made during their time with us and many students can often be heard using the phrase: ‘Once a DC Girl, always a DC girl!’

For further information contact: thedanceconsortium1@gmail.com

FIRST STEPS Many pupils join after pre-school

Wednesday 10th August 2016

78 n BOOKS TIMES REVIEWS

Falling by Jane Green

Underground Airlines

by Ben H. Winters

Time to unwind and relax, and what better way than with a great book. Here are a few suggestions for your summer reading…

Hardback by Century £12.99 (ebook £7.99)

life. It touches on the familiar themes of class wars, love and family: The protagonist Emma Montague swaps her upper-crust English life and dull boyfriend Rufus for a financial career in New York, before switching up from the Big Apple to a beach cottage in Westport, Connecticut. Emma falls in love with her landlord who is also a father to six-year-old landlord, son Jesse. Together, the new couple have to learn to overcome their differences and deal with the curveballs life throws at them. Falling is the perfect summer escapist read – it will make you laugh and cry, showing why Green continues to wear the ‘chick-lit’ crown.

Hardback by Macmillan £14.99 (ebook £7.59) Moving to the suburbs and falling in love with a hunky man is a fantasy for many of us, but author Jane Green is proof of a success story. It’s been 20 years since the former feature writer left journalism – and London – for America to work on her debut novel Bookends. Like many of her earlier works, Green’s 18th book has been inspired by her own

9/10

(Review by Shereen Low)

The Secrets Of Wishtide

by Kate Saunders Hardback by Bloomsbury £14.99 (ebook £3.99) Meet Laetitia Rodd, a widow in ‘reduced circumstances’ who also happens to be an ace undercover private detective. The first novel in a new series by award-winning author and journalist Kate Saunders, this is a breath of fresh air. Set in the Victorian era,

9/10

Wednesday 10th August 2016

Book some time off…

there are charming nods to history such as when she makes rabbit pie or dons black silk for mourning. This case involves travelling to Wishtide in Lincolnshire, disguised as a governess, to investigate the background of a so-called ‘unsuitable’ woman set to marry a rich man’s heir. A deceptively gentle read, it’s packed with pithy observations about human nature and Mrs Rodd makes a genuinely likeable character you can’t help but root for.

(Review by Gill Oliver)

Victor’s latest mission is proving trickier than usual. A former slave turned slave catcher, he inhabits an America that’s the same as the country we know today... only different. In this distorted present, the American Civil War never happened. Slavery – complete with horrifically modernised forms of incarceration and torture – still exists in a handful of Southern states known as the Hard Four.

Macavity’s Not There!

A Lift-the-Flap Book by T.S. Eliot and Arthur Robins Hardback by Faber & Faber £9.99 T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats is the poetry collection that keeps on giving. First published by Faber in 1939, it spawned Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1980’s musical Cats (set for a US revival later this month, with The X Factor’s Leona Lewis making her Broadway debut as Grizabella) and even Axel Scheffler illustrated a

With abolitionists defeated, clandestine groups that free individuals provide the only glimmers of hope. It’s these ‘underground airlines’ that the morally ambiguous Victor is up against. But what is it that his bosses are trying to hide? This is a counterfactual novel in the Fatherland mode and similarly has a terrific premise. But any momentum created by Winters, also author of dystopian trilogy The Last Policeman, is stymied by overcomplicated plotting and overloaded description. Still, the haunting scenes of slavery in the Hard Four will stay with you.

6/10

(Review by Jackie Kingsley) version in 2009. In 2014, the publishers teamed up with illustrator Arthur Robins to bring Eliot’s characters to a new generation, with Macavity: The Mystery Cat, followed last year by Mr Mistoffelees: The Conjuring Cat and Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat. Now Macavity’s had the Where’s Spot? treatment in this clever lift-the-flap version, perfectly using Eliot’s refrain: ‘Macavity’s not there!’ Not convinced Macavity would want to be in a bubble bath, but hey, there’s a lot to admire in this simple, beautifully illustrated addition to the Eliot spin-off canon.

7/10

(Review by Kate Whiting)

Miranda Kerr

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