Times of Tunbridge Wells 24th February 2016

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Wednesday, February 24, 2016

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PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT Favourite place for charity collectors

MARKET WATCH: PENSION FREEDOM ULTIMATELY UNSUSTAINABLE Pages 8-9

THE GREAT EU DEBATE

Both points of view from our MPs THE EU referendum has divided the country and members of Parliament, with Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark and Nus Ghani, MP for neighbouring Wealden, finding themselves on opposite sides of the debate

Bogus charity collector uncovered in the town

Verbal abuse of woman reveals nationwide scam Exclusive: Neill Barston

nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk POLICE this week warned shoppers to be on their guard against bogus charity collectors in the town after the Times uncovered a scam that could have tricked people out of ‘tens of thousands of pounds’.

At least one ‘chugger’ has been operating in the pedestrian precinct of Tunbridge Wells asking for money for The Happiness Foundation, which helps individuals overcome anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse.

The charity, based in Lowestoft, has never used street collections to raise funds and has never authorised anyone else to do so on its behalf.

The issue came to light when a female office worker was last week verbally abused by the man when she walked past as he was trying to collect money.

The young woman, who we have chosen not to name, alerted the police and

this newspaper to what had happened.

Another individual also voiced concerns to this newspaper about the collector, who was said to be around six foot tall and in his 30s.

The Times discovered that it was not an isolated incident and that more than 30 similar incidents have happened across the country.

‘It could run into tens of thousands of pounds’ The founder of The Happiness Foundation, Kathryn Temple, said: “Those 30 cases are probably just the tip of an iceberg. Imagine all those people who have been verbally abused and harassed and not complained. Then imagine all those people who have given money – it could run into tens of thousands of pounds.

“It’s difficult to describe just how we feel at what these collectors are doing in our name, and we do believe it is more

than just one person.”

She said the foundation had received complaints of verbal abuse by collectors from numerous locations, including Ashford, Bromley, Wolverhampton, Lincolnshire and Staffordshire.

“I have spoken to various police forces trying to get some action to end the abuse but have been told that they could do nothing as I was not the actual victim.”

The incident in Tunbridge Wells happened near Marks & Spencer in Calverley Road last Tuesday lunchtime.

The young woman said: “I had just been walking along the street answering a call on my mobile and as I passed this charity worker he suddenly shouted out ‘drama queen’ for no apparent reason. I had not even been looking at him. It really shocked and upset me.

“I later went back to him and asked him what charity he worked for, as I was not happy about being abused in the street.

Continued on page 5

IN “I believe that we have a brighter future as a leading part of Europe than out of it. For me, it comes down to our national interest… Nearly half of all our exports go to countries in the European Union – the biggest freetrade zone in the world… “…Many of our local employers “While the Prime Minister almost certainly got the best deal available, I am not going to pretend I haven’t been disappointed at every stage by what Europe’s leaders were prepared to give. For me, the overriding issue is, and always has been, the question of legitimacy. Or to put it another way, do the decisions made in Brussels command the support of the British people?

I’m Nus Ghani, MP afraid

operate across Europe. The head of Axa – the biggest private sector employer in Tunbridge Wells – said that Britain leaving the EU would ‘deter investment, threaten jobs and put the economy at risk’. And many of my constituents earn their living in London – the most successful city in Europe, whose strength depends on it being the commercial capital of Greg Clark, MP Europe.”

OUT the answer post-renegotiation is an emphatic no… “…The growing constraint on Britain to decide its own approach to issues such as prisons and policing is a dagger at the heart of sovereignty and a huge blow to the legitimacy of our Parliament.”

For the full argument from our MPs turn to page 4

4 � LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday After a clear frosty start there will be more sunshine than Tuesday

VARIOUS points of view will be expressed between now and the vote on June 23 on whether to leave Europe and this newspaper will do its best to reflect a cross section of opinions so that readers can make an informed judgment on arguments from local people. We start with the opposing positions of our two Conservative MPs...

February 24, 2016 Tunbridge Wells

Born in Middlesbrough, Greg Clark (48) attended the local comprehensive before studying economics at Cambridge and earning a PHD at the London School of Economics. He joined the business strategy firm Boston Consulting Group before working on commercial policy at the BBC. Mr Clark held various unelected roles in the Conservative Party before winning his Tunbridge Wells seat in 2005. He is Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

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6C

Visibility: Very Good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 80%

Sunrise: 06.55am

Sunset: 17.30pm

Wind: 4mph

Thursday

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It was a beautiful crisp and frosty morning as I crossed the River Medway last week, passing by Leigh Park Farm as the sun came out. Clifford Gray

email: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

IN IN THE General Election campaign last year I stood on a manifesto that promised that everyone in Britain should have the chance to decide whether we should remain part of the European Union in a clear in/out referendum.

At the time, many people didn’t believe that was a promise that would be kept. So I am proud that, less than a year after winning a majority in Parliament, we are delivering on that promise with the referendum taking place on June 23.

My vote in the referendum counts the same as everyone else’s in Tunbridge Wells – no more, no less. And that’s how it should be. In our area there will be people who want to remain in the EU, people who will campaign to leave, and others who will – perfectly reasonably – prefer to keep their decision to themselves.

I will be casting my vote in favour of Britain remaining part of the European Union. I believe that we have a brighter future as a leading part of Europe than out of it. For me, it comes down to our national interest. We are a trading nation. Nearly half of all our exports go to countries in the European Union – the biggest free-trade zone in the world. Our jobs and our livelihoods depend on businesses large and small selling their wares to other countries.

If we left the EU, we would be left outside the European single market. We would have to try to negotiate a way for our businesses to access their customers across Europe. With no say in setting them, the rules of the market would be used to favour EU members at the expense of British firms and British jobs. I think it’s far better for Britain to help make the rules rather than have to follow the rules set by others – our competitors.

For us here in Tunbridge Wells, I believe we have benefited particularly from this engagement with

Europe. Many of our local employers operate across Europe. The head of Axa – the biggest private sector employer in Tunbridge Wells – said that Britain leaving the EU would ‘deter investment, threaten jobs and put the economy at risk’. And many of my constituents earn their living in London – the most successful city in Europe, whose strength depends on it being the commercial capital of Europe.

Some readers of this column – including many good friends – will take a different view. That is a healthy reflection of our freedom and democracy and I have respect for those who come to a different conclusion. That is why it was right for the Government to give everyone a direct say, not just MPs. I hope the debate over the next few months will be spirited, serious and respectful – recognising the fact that each person’s vote counts equally.

Whatever we decide on June 23, our future ultimately depends on the strength of our democracy, the soundness of our economy and the unity of our nation.

Nusrat Munir Ul-Ghani (43) was born in Birmingham to immigrant parents from Pakistan.

Educated at a comprehensive, Bordesley Green Girls’ School, she defied expectations to attend Birmingham City University, and later Leeds University. After working for the BBC World Service and the charity sector, Ms Ghani unsuccessfully stood at the 2010 General Election in Birmingham Ladywood before winning her Wealden seat in 2015 I DO of course understand those who argue that membership is about selling more goods and services, accessing markets and completing deals.

You will hear much of this argument in the debate to come and my view is that, if we are honest, it’s impossible to prove either way.

Will we be able to negotiate a better trading relationship outside the EU given how badly Europe needs our business? I believe so, but I can’t prove it empirically.

Will we be subject to less bureaucracy and greater freedom to decide how to run our economy? I can’t imagine otherwise.

Will we contribute less to the EU budget if we aren’t members, and will we be able to reallocate money to our priorities rather than ones set in Brussels? I’d like to understand why that wouldn’t be the case.

However, this is not the way in which I personally believe our continued membership of the EU should be decided.

While the Prime Minister almost certainly got the best deal available, I am not going to pretend I haven’t been disappointed at every stage by

OUT

what Europe’s leaders were prepared to give.

For me, the overriding issue is, and always has been, the question of legitimacy.

Or to put it another way, do the decisions made in Brussels command the support of the British people? I’m afraid the answer post-renegotiation is an emphatic no.

Take immigration. Now I am no little Englander, I am the product of immigration and proud of it.

We are a global trading nation, and I passionately believe that we have to be open to immigration to continue to be successful.

But to be able to be open to the world our people need to know that we are in control of our borders.

People need to know that our immigration policy is legitimately decided by their elected representatives, not some faceless unaccountable body in a foreign town.

Or take the right to veto EU laws that are not in our national interest. Brussels has offered up the prospect that we will in future be able to block new EU laws if we persuade another 15 countries’ parliaments to join us.

This is a long way from where we were before the Lisbon Treaty and with it the removal of Britain’s sole right of veto in up to 60 policy areas that have nothing to do with trading in the single market.

The growing constraint on Britain to decide its own approach to issues such as prisons and policing is a dagger at the heart of sovereignty and a huge blow to the legitimacy of our Parliament.

The truth is the EU has faced a massive crisis of legitimacy of its own for many years. And it’s a crisis that could envelope us all.

Forget the fear of leaving. For me the real fear is remaining in a club whose members devise rules to constrain others and toss them away when it suits them, leading to chaos and disorder.

These questions go to the heart of the decision I have made to vote for the UK to leave the European Union.

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.

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QUOTE UNQUOTE “Others have seen what is and asked why.

I have seen what could be and asked why not.”

Pablo Picasso

Wednesday 24th February 2016

EVERYTHING BORIS JOHNSON DOES IS CAREFULLY ORCHESTRATED THEY say a week in politics is a long time. If that be the case it will seem a lifetime between now and June 23 and the EU referendum.

IN or OUT, nothing will be the same again including some friendships: Few things have divided a nation more than this one vote.

Take two local MPs. Both young. Both ambitious. Both Conservatives. Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells) will be trying to convince us that the future is Europe. Opposite him is Nus Ghani (Wealden) who believes the only way is out.

Each believes they are right and both will argue with honesty and integrity. Let’s hope that lasts, although cynics will be counting the days until at a national level, at least, it all

implodes as protagonists grow more desperate to score points.

This is more of a reality now that Mr Johnson has announced he wants to leave Europe, a move seen by some as akin to plunging a political dagger into the back Mr Cameron. And Boris will turn it into a fight to the political death.

If we vote to leave then it is hard to see how David Cameron can survive as PM – step forward Boris.

If we vote to remain in Europe then Boris will be hung out to dry for his disloyalty, his career in tatters.

I have followed the life and career of Boris Johnson since he left school. Indeed, he did some

work for the animal welfare charity of which I was some sort of boss; as did his father Stanley.

Boris is far from the affable buffoon he might have you believe. Everything he does is carefully orchestrated. On leaving the TV make-up room his hair will look perfect. As he walks to the cameras he ruffles his locks for the straggle look.

Two years ago I was asked to address the Muesli Mafia networking group. The main thrust of it went along the lines of why I thought Mr Johnson would be our next PM. There were many raised eyebrows.

Bet they’re not raised now…

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS 

Online shopping forces historic jewellers to close

By Sarah Bond ONE of the oldest luxury stores in Tunbridge Wells High Street is closing its doors for good after becoming a victim of the growth in online shopping.

Jewellers Payne and Son Ltd originally started as Payne & Son (Silversmiths) in Kent in 1790 and then opened an outlet in the town 146 years ago.

The jeweller’s reputation saw the business given the honour of making the Tunbridge Wells’ mayoral chain.

But current owner Mr Francis Starkie decided the business is now unsustainable after a very poor Christmas and concluded he had no choice but to close the historic store.

Continued from page 1

Bogus collectors “He just started screaming at me that he was being sexually harassed by me. I could see he was wearing a badge from The Happiness Foundation.

“It left me feeling shocked. I felt intimidated, so I reported it to the police.”

She described the man as wearing a beanie hat, dark jeans and fake leather coat.

The Times passed on to the police information on the possible extent of the issue.

A police spokesman later told us: “Kent Police was called at 12.55pm on Tuesday 16 February to reports of nuisance behaviour in Calverley Precinct, Tunbridge Wells.

“A woman complained about the conduct of a man approaching people and reportedly asking for subscriptions or donations to an organisation called The Happiness Foundation.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Morrisons confirms date store will shut THE closure of Morrisons in Tunbridge Wells, with the loss of 140 jobs, is now inevitable after a 45-day consultation by the supermarket found the Vale Road site to be unviable. The final date of trading has been confirmed for April 3.

A spokesman said: “We have looked at a whole range of options to make the store viable but none gave us confidence that we could run it successfully. Our aim is to reduce any job losses, where possible, by finding roles elsewhere in our organisation.”

New nightclub in town A MULTI-THEMED nightclub is to open in Newton Road on March 24. Moomoo has taken over the same venue which has hosted numerous clubs in the past, including Que Pasa, Bar Kitsch, Long Bar and Pure. The club will open Thursday to Saturday.

Villagers’ solar battle

Deep regret Sales consultant Jo Wicker said: “Footfall and spend were 25 per cent lower than last year for us.

It has been caused by internet sales, lowering of Christmas spend per person, Royal Victoria Place having shops and car park under one roof, and people spending more on luxury food and drink instead of gifts.”

She sent an email to customers stating: “It is with deep regret that I and my colleagues, Denise M. Haigh and Gill Lambert, have to inform you that, due to ongoing economic difficulties and a poor Christmas trading period, we have been left with no other option than to close the business.

“We anticipate this happening mid-end April 2016, once we have disposed of as much stock as possible.

“As one of our valued customers we want to thank you most sincerely for your continuous and valuable support over the past years, it has been much appreciated.”

Payne and Sons, famous for its maroon frontage and huge clock overlooking the High Street on

5

the outside wall of number 37, has had a high-class clientele in the past, with ‘many lords and ladies’ through its doors. They are known for selling clocks and watches, diamonds, vintage and contemporary jewellery and silverware, and they have a collection of world famous porcelain sculptures.

The shop has also starred in a number of advertisements over the years, the most famous being one for BT’s Talking Pages, when comedian John Cleese pops his head round the door and says: “Got any antique diamond rings?”

The current Mr Payne, Michael Payne, is the seventh generation of the family to still be linked to the business since it first began. He still owns “Officers attended the area and spoke to the man concerned, who presented what appeared to be valid identification.

“Police have subsequently spoken to The Happiness Foundation, which has expressed concern that people may be fraudulently using its name to operate illegally. Officers will be closely monitoring the precinct area and shoppers are advised not to engage with anyone claiming to represent The Happiness Foundation and to call 101 if approached.

The borough council said it had entered into a voluntary agreement with the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association over rules governing charity collectors.

A spokesperson for the association said: “We want to make it clear that this individual is not a member of the association, nor do they belong to any charity that we are aware of. We would advise anyone who sees this individual to report them to the police as we believe they may be engaged in fraudulent activity.”

STAPLEHURST campaigners are celebrating after plans to build a solar panel farm on green belt land near the village were thrown out. The three-year battle against the planning application at Great Pagehurst Farm ended after it was refused by Maidstone Borough Council.

Pepenbury evacuated DEVASTATED L-R: Sales team Gill Lambert, Jo Wicker and Denise Haigh the building, but only has a limited involvement in the shop today.

Breeds the Cutlers, formerly Steadman’s, was the oldest shop in Tunbridge Wells when it closed down in the High Street in 2012.

Residents back demolition of Southborough theatre A MAJORITY of residents have backed plans for creating a new building for the Southborough Hub, which would mean demolishing the historic Royal Victoria Hall.

The eight-week consultation showed 58 per cent of people favoured a completely new facility, while 27 per cent of the 389 respondents supported partretaining the existing theatre.

Overall, a total of 82 per cent agreed with the general principle of developing the Southborough Hub, rising to a figure of 85 per cent among residents of Southborough and High Brooms specifically.

Campaigners had previously presented a 5,000-strong petition to save the 100-year-old Royal Victoria Hall. The hub plans are due to be voted on by Southborough Town Council tomorrow [Thursday], before a final decision is made by the Southborough Hub Project Board on March 1.

VULNERABLE occupants of a residential centre for adults with learning disabilities and two staff were evacuated from their bungalow at the Pepenbury care home in Cornfield Lane, Pembury following a suspected electrical fire last week. They were moved to the Tonbridge Premier Inn. No one was hurt.

Weather girl drama BBC South East thanked viewers for their messages of support after weather presenter Rachel Mackley fainted during Friday’s South East Today at the Tunbridge Wells studios.

The BBC tweeted to say the presenter was ‘back on her feet’ and ‘absolutely fine’.

Register for EU vote TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council is encouraging anyone who has not registered to vote to sign up ahead of the upcoming local elections and EU referendum – or they will be unable to take part. You can register online at www.gov. uk/register-to-vote.

Our pop-up newsroom THE Times pop-up newsroom will be at Ismail Café in the Royal Victoria Place food court today [Wednesday] between 11am and 2pm. Please feel free to come and talk to us there.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

6  LOCAL NEWS

Commuters unhappy at Southeastern as it suffers biggest recorded fall of trains on time

By Neill Barston nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

THE petition to take the rail franchise away from Southeastern has hit nearly 17,000 signatures, in the same week that new figures showed the town’s commuters are among the least satisfied in Britain.

Research by Which? shows only 46 per cent of Southeastern train travellers are happy with the service. While Southern Rail achieved a score of 48 percent in the poll of 6,986 passengers.

Southeastern also saw one of the biggest drops on record for punctuality. It fell from 91 percent last year to 83 percent in January.

Nearly half of unhappy passengers (46 percent) also want to see more carriages at peak times and 37 percent said the toilets need to be cleaner.

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd, said: “Our report shows that commuters are getting a raw deal from their train operator. Whether it’s dirty facilities on the train, overcrowding or delayed trains, it is clear operators need to up their game.

“Rail operators need to do much more to treat their customers fairly, providing better information and access to compensation when passengers are delayed. Passengers want to see action taken to make rail delay refunds easier, and we have asked the regulator to investigate using our supercomplaint powers.”

A Southeastern spokesman said: “While the Which? report questioned fewer passengers than the recent National Rail Passenger Survey - which shows our overall customer satisfaction rate at 75 percent - both clearly indicate we have much more to do.

“We’re part way through a £70 million investment programme, refurbishing our trains and stations, providing more front line employees for passengers,

Wednesday 24th February 2016

COMMUTERS Patience wearing thin improving customer service training, and providing more real time information during journeys.

“The NRPS survey showed passengers have noticed, as satisfaction in these areas has risen, but punctuality is the key driver of satisfaction for most. Along with Network Rail, who look after railway infrastructure such as track and signalling, we’re working hard to improve punctuality and minimise delays.

“In regards to compensation, we actively promote the Delay Repay scheme online, by social media such as Twitter, in media announcements, and on station posters. This pays compensation to anyone whose journey was delayed by 30 minutes or more.

This is set as part of our franchise agreement with the Department for Transport.”

Which? launched a campaign to ‘make rail refunds easier’ in December to tackle the issues with the compensation arrangements for delayed rail passengers. A super-complaint was made to the rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), asking them to investigate and make recommendations for changes to improve the system for passengers.

Which? is also submitting a dossier of passenger case studies to the ORR detailing the poor conditions faced by rail passengers and their support for our campaign. Which? will be joined

by MPs at selected rail stations to promote the campaign to commuters, and give information on how to claim when delayed.

And don’t wait to be compensated: Which? also found that 64 per cent of those delayed for 30 minutes or more weren’t informed about their rights when the delay occurred. Only 34% of those who could be entitled actually made a compensation claim.

Most delayed trains Train company

% of passengers delayeda

Arriva Trains Wales (111)

31%

First Great Western/ Great Western Railway (424)

30%

Tfl Rail (75)

29%

Thameslink and Great Northern (355)

28%

Southern (746)

27%

Southeastern (716)

24%

London Overground (249)

24%

London Midland Trains (274)

23%

Northern Rail (403)

23%

Abellio Greater Anglia (526)

22%

LOCAL NEWS 

7

A late start by Dame Kelly boosts big race ‘It was the best ever for runners’ MORE than 1600 runners took part in the 33rd Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon on Sunday in a race which saw Dame Kelly Holmes make a last minute decision to join in.

The double gold Olympic runner only decided to participate after she had already fired the starting gun, setting off seven minutes into the race.

However, while the famous athlete’s time was not recorded, there was one undisputed winner of the race, New Zealander Paul Martelletti.

Mr Martelletti, who holds the world record for running the fastest London Marathon dressed as a superhero, completed the 13 mile run in 68:30.

The fastest female was Maria Heslop, with a time of 1:23:41.

Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells hospital was the main sponsor of the event

and contributed a range of expert services to support the 1,675 runners.

One of the key organisers was Physiotherapist Pru Clements, a member of the Tunbridge Wells Harriers running club, who was delighted her employer decided to sponsor the event.

ON YOUR MARKS Kelly Holmes at the start line

Success She said: “I knew it would be a fantastic thing for us to support, as we could provide so many different and complementary areas of expertise to help make the race the best ever for the runners.

“I have been overwhelmed at how much support my colleagues have given and how generous they have been with their time and enthusiasm.

“As someone with a foot in both Nuffield Health and TW Harriers, I would say it’s been a huge success all round.”

Photos: Richard Brown

Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

8  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Corbyn election victory Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk NOT everyone has the time, patience or understanding of the markets to fully take charge of investing for their future.

This is especially true with the current market turbulence testing the nerves of even the most hardened investors.

Unsurprisingly, an entire sector has evolved to look after the wealth of individuals, organisations and trusts, with assets under management by UK firms, running into the trillions.

A large part of this is through the financial advice profession, which tailors investment strategies for clients who find themselves with enough capital, and/or income to make financial planning worthwhile.

One such firm is Tunbridge Wells-based AV Trinity. Situated in the same building as fund managers Wellian Investment Solutions, featured in an earlier edition of Market Watch, AV Trinity is the client interface of wealth management.

Headed by Karen Vidler, who bought into the firm in 1996, AV Trinity advises clients on how best to invest, and protect their families financially.

“We are all about advice, we don’t do anything other than advise,” she said, adding the reason

why the company parted from Wellian was to ensure both firms were given full independence to operate.

“I spun it off into a separate company because if you have an asset manager which is owned by a financial advisors, independence could be challenged, but more importantly I wanted Wellian to be more widely accessed. It is a great service, and they continue to manage investments on behalf of me, and my family.

“But there was never any three line whip to channel business into Wellian because fundamentally we look for what is right for the client.

“You don’t try and make something that is square fit into something that’s round.”

Miss Vidler said an example of what not to do would be appointing a discretionary fund manager, who will act on their own initiative, for a client who wants to be involved in the decision making process.

“That is a recipe for disaster, as they will not be consulted whatsoever by that sort of firm.”

She added: “Equally, if you have someone that wants something so low risk, and it actually fits their circumstance, that they do not need active management they should go for something simple and low cost.

“Essentially we have to listen to people and what they want before putting in place a financial route map.

St Johns

Fish Bar

ADVICE Karen Vidler

“We make a plan you can tweak as you go along, so everybody knows where they are starting and where they are going.”

However, Miss Vidler revealed the clients most reliant on advice to manage their financial affairs are not the sort of people one would typically expect.

“It’s company executives, lawyers and accountants. They frankly don’t have the time,

the aptitude or the appetite to do it themselves.

“An increasing number of our clients are coming from the City, investment bankers and the like, who you think would know their way around financial matters.”

Miss Vidler recalls a meeting with a hugely successful businesswoman who simply admitted to ‘not having a clue’ about how to properly manage her money.

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Wednesday 24th February 2016

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

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would leave markets ‘terrified’ The business model of a firm such as AV Trinity is fee based, which Miss Vidler admits means that to realistically add value through the use of a financial advisor, there is a minimum amount worth investing.

“It is a difficult one. To add meaningful value a client will come to us with a minimum of between £100,000 and £200,000, or a realistic prospect they will be close to that in the future.”

However, the firm does display a philanthropic side by doing pro-bono work for good causes within the community.

For those who do not utilise financial advice, there is often a perception that its main purpose is to help people minimise their tax bill.

Miss Vidler said this is not the case, as tax is just one of many considerations which have to be taken into account when drawing up a good investment plan.

“I have some clients who feel they have been very fortunate in life and so want to give something back by ensuring they are not that sheltered from tax.

“But then I have other clients, who want to save as much as possible. The one thing we will not do is touch any of the schemes which could be construed as being evasive or contrived.

“The tax planning needs to fit in with the overall plan, you should never have a strategy which is only conceived to save tax as that makes it contrived.

“If it generates some income and happens to save on a bit of tax, that’s the way to do it.”

Although AV Trinity is taking on the ‘brave’ decision to continue expanding, having recently opened a new office in London and procured more junior advisors, there are industry-wide challenges ahead.

Explaining one of the long-term issues facing the industry, and the country as a whole, Miss Vidler who describes herself as a ‘bit of a lefty’, much to the chagrin of some clients and colleagues said: “The problem we have at the moment is there is a big difference between the haves, who have choices, and the have-nots.

“I would love to give advice to people on low salaries, but I have to pay salaries myself.

“There needs to be a much better financial

education for children because some people are entering their twenties and living far beyond their means but they do not know how.

“Even hugely well educated people, like some barristers I have met, have consulted me for advice and said, ‘I didn’t know that, how does that work then?’

“Imagine the struggle then, if you have come through a failing school. There I do feel passionately, we need to do more to improve the education of financial management.”

Surprisingly, regulation no longer appears to be an issue, claims Miss Vidler.

“Regulation has got better. I never thought I would say that. I think the regulator is listening better to the financial advice community whereas previously they would come up with a new idea every month.

“There was a year when we had to reprint our letter head four times because of regulatory statement changes.

“I had a lot of paper to start my fires with.”

She is far less sympathetic with the deregulation of the pensions industry, touted by the government as ‘pensions freedom’.

Miss Vidler describes the move to allow pensioners to cash in their savings early without any income, as a ‘nightmare’.

“It sends a really strange message: it is saying to people ‘you are living longer, you have long term care issues,’ and in the same breath telling them, ‘but you can cash in your pensions.’

‘The one thing we will not do is touch any of the [tax] schemes which could be construed as being evasive or contrived’

“Where is the synergy in that?”

She said a shrinking taxpayer base, brought about by an aging workforce, means allowing the pension freedom is ultimately unsustainable as there will be fewer people of working age to pick up the bill if it all goes wrong.

Although she has some left-of-centre leanings, Miss Vidler was in no doubt that a ‘hypothetical’ Corbyn victory in a general election would leave the markets ‘terrified.’

“So much of what is financially driven in the markets depends on confidence. Markets thrive on it, but Corbyn doesn’t even have the backing of his own party.”

Much of the current turbulence can be put down to a regular loss of confidence which Miss Vidler believes often occurs when there is a Presidential election in the USA. “It happens every four years, I could set my clock by it. But it is especially bad as there is a President who can’t be re-elected and markets hate that uncertainty.

“And then you have China messing about with its currency and nobody likes a country which does that.”

However, Miss Vidler is confident AV Trinity’s clients will be well positioned to ride out the storm.

“Fundamentally, we are relatively cautious in the approach that we take and have clients who are cautious, so we look for all-weather portfolios.

“We know that in any one climate some things will perform and other things will not. What you need is enough things that will perform to balance out those which do not.

“What we have to ensure is that if the unexpected happens there is a part of the portfolio which will come good.

“If you deal on the known and save on the known then it makes life much easier if the unknown plays against you.”

And Miss Vidler believes the current market turbulence is an overreaction which does not reflect economic reality, describing it as a ‘squirrel Nutkin market.’

“It is a phrase I borrowed off my late father,” she explained, “meaning it is a market that is

actually fine, but people keep looking up waiting for the sky to fall on their heads.

“The oil price should provide an economic boost, but the US should never have put up interest rates when they did and they are going to have to reverse that.

“There are a few issues going round but it is not as bad as people think.

“The fundamentals are good and I can categorically forecast the FTSE 100 will be at 6,500 sometime this year, just don’t ask me name to a day.”

One of the main sources of uncertainty cited by economists has been the looming prospect of a British withdrawal from the European Union, with a recent YouGov poll putting the ‘out’ campaign nine points ahead.

However, Miss Vidler is resolute such a prospect will not come to pass.

“It isn’t going to happen because we derive too much trade from our association with the EU. “We will catch a major cold if we are locked out of Europe. Don’t get me wrong it needs big reform, but to leave would be a calamity.”

Wednesday 24th February 2016

10  LOCAL NEWS

Sweet music as ‘local lad’ wins BRIT award to become the UK’s top record producer

By Sarah Bond MUSIC lovers are celebrating this week after ‘local lad’ Charlie Andrew became the UK’s top record producer after scooping not one, but two prestigious awards.

Charlie, 35, beat off competition from famed producer Mark Ronson to be named British Producer of the Year in the BRIT Awards, which airs live tonight [Wednesday] on ITV at 8pm.

He was awarded the trophy automatically earlier this month, following his triumph in the highly respected Music Producers Guild (MPG) Awards in London.

The MPG gave Charlie their top honour of UK Record Producer of the Year for his work on albums

by Indie band Alt-J, and singers Sivu and Marika Hackman in 2015, and the BRIT Award named him British Producer of the Year.

“To win these is unbelievable,” said Charlie.

“The MPG Award stands for a lot, from people I admire, and it is lovely to have a BRIT as well. It’s very exciting and it’s a bit surreal.”

Charlie grew up near Hawkhurst and still has a home in Benenden with wife Kirsty and threemonth old daughter. His brother Ross is Deputy Head of St Ronan’s School.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

IN PRODUCTION Charlie Andrew at work in the studio

Charlie learned to play piano, saxophone and drums at Bethany School in Goudhurst, and was soon ‘sitting in the shed making tunes’ with his future Laurel Collective bandmate Bob Tollast. The highlight of the band’s career was playing Glastonbury one year.

“Bob went to Cranbrook School but lived down the road, so we could walk to each other’s houses. I was brought up in the middle of fields so I could make as much noise as I liked,” explained Charlie, who went on to play with the Kent County Youth Orchestra.

“I went to a lot of gigs at The Forum as a teenager,” he said. “I remember seeing guitarist Gem Archer there, who went on to play with Oasis, and I went there a few months ago to see a band called Lectures, who we are THE BEST working on at the Collecting his awards moment.”

But his love of the drums came from watching Phil Collins: “When I was 10 my uncle took me to a Genesis concert at Earls Court, and I saw these enormous drum kits – the size of a house.

When Phil Collins and Chester Thompson did a drum duet that went on for about 20 minutes that gripped me and stoked the fire.

“But it dawned on me that I was not going to be a professional performer, so I decided to be creative on the other side of the glass – that

really fascinated me. And Bethany invested in a studio, which encouraged me.”

Mr Francie Healy, headteacher of Bethany School, has arranged for Charlie to come back to the school in the spring to celebrate his rise to the top.

“I’m so proud that Charlie has won the BRIT award,” said Mr Healy. “He arrived as a shy young boy and left as a confident young man ready to follow his dream of a career in music. Charlie’s success is truly inspirational, and we are excited to be welcoming him back to Bethany in April to pass on his wisdom and continue to encourage our pupils to strive for their very best.”

The ticketed event, An Audience with Charlie Andrew, will be held on April 21.

LOCAL NEWS 

11

Royal wedding organist returns to his roots at King Charles Martyr Church

By Neill Barston

nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk HAVING played the organ for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, as well as for Pope Benedict’s UK state visit, James McVinnie is well used to performing at the highest level.

The 33 year-old, who grew up in Tunbridge Wells, has enjoyed a remarkable rise working with leading international composers, and is making a welcome return to his roots this month.

He will be at King Charles the Martyr Church to take part in the celebration of a £30,000 restoration of its 19th century organ, which has just been completed by specialists following a fundraising appeal.

James, who was organ scholar of Clare College, Cambridge, went on to play in the hallowed environment of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, and also became assistant organist at Westminster Abbey.

After years of performing within the classical world, he has ventured into a range of collaborations with pop and rock artists from leading bands including Arcade Fire and The National.

He released a debut album in 2013 called Cycles, and has expanded his musical experience through joining an eclectic Icelandic music collective called The Bedroom Community, which saw him venture

to Reykjavik for a series of recording sessions.

Now firmly back in the UK, he is looking forward to catching up with friends and family for his Kent performance. He said: “It’s going to be nice to be back in Tunbridge Wells to play in what is a beautiful space.

“I have known the church well as the organist Michael Bacon used to let me use the organ there, so it will be good to play it in its fully restored state. My other link to the church is in having sung in a choir there,” explained the musician, who now lives in London.

As he conceded, becoming a professional organ player isn’t something that might have been an obvious career path to most. But from a young age, he was hooked on playing, and his family supported his ambitions. With some determination he has pursued his dream, but of all his experiences, what has he enjoyed most about his chosen instrument?

“That’s almost impossible to answer. Being an organist, you have access to some amazing spaces, and I’ve worked in places like St. Paul’s Cathedral which just have such great history and heritage. It really makes you feel a part of the fabric of it all when you are there. Getting to play places like the Royal Festival Hall is also really special.”

Among his many highlights was a project with Turner arts prize winner Martin Creed last year.

His time at Westminster Abbey also proved

RESTORATION The new church organ

JAMES MCVINNIE Playing at the Royal Festival Hall exceptionally memorable in performing to a global TV audience for the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

He recalled: “That was very special, and a once in a lifetime experience. It was my role to perform before the service began for all the guests arriving. We had two or three days of cameras around us beforehand, so we felt very prepared for it all. The ceremony itself was amazing. I didn’t get to meet William and Kate, but they did spend time with guests.”

While there may not be quite the same level of

pressure attached to his Kent performance, he is very much anticipating playing one of the instruments that helped him on his way to forging a remarkable career.

The concert at King Charles the Martyr Church is at 3pm on Sunday, 28th February, featuring music from the 16th to the 21st centuries.

Admission is free.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

12 � LOCAL NEWS

Group calls for multi-million cycling network to ease town congestion

Backing for Calverley playground as fund raising gets underway

By Neill Barston nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

By Neill Barston nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

A CAMPAIGN group believes £20 million should be spent on a cycling network for Tunbridge Wells, and claims it would offer greater value than the £70 million being paid out on the A21 road upgrades.

Paul Mason, of the Tunbridge Wells Bike Users Group (TWBug), believes the area’s present cycling facilities are inadequate, with only one route into the town having dedicated lanes from Pembury.

He explained that a multi-million project for specific bike routes from the town’s five main roads would help ease major traffic issues, and could be achieved with sufficient government financial support.

Mr Mason said: “Around £20 million would take care of cycling provisions for all the five main roads within the town. I think this can be done, especially given how much the dualling of just two miles of the A21 at Pembury is costing at £70 million.

“This will just funnel more traffic into a town which is already congested. If you build cycling routes, this will help with congestion and also tackle other issues such as people’s inactivity that leads to obesity.”

The campaigner added that TWBug had already had several meetings with MP Greg Clark on improving cycling routes, and plans to speak to him again on the borough’s cycling strategy.

INITIAL DESIGN How it might look

Consultation Mr Mason highlighted the success of public cycling initiatives in countries such as Holland and Denmark, as examples of how infrastructure problems could be tackled with the right level of investment in alternative transport.

His comments come after the borough council in a joint venture with Kent County Council, the Joint Transportation Board, agreed a four year cycling strategy for Tunbridge Wells. This had included a public consultation before Christmas that revealed 34% of respondents cited road congestion as a key reason for not cycling.

This was followed by 29 percent of people highlighting the fact there were not enough dedicated cycle paths within the area. It also found that just 0.8 percent of residents (662) commute to work through cycling, compared to the county’s

Wednesday 24th February 2016

CAMPAIGNER Paul Mason in Tunbridge Wells highest figure of 1.7 percent in Ashford.

Schools in the borough were also shown to have an especially low rate of cycling – of the 16 that responded to the public consultation, only eight had any bike facilities at all on their premises. On average, only seven pupils in each of those schools cycled each day.

As part of the new cycling strategy, the Joint Transportation Board has proposed more than 10 new cycling routes for the borough, though timescales or costing of these have yet to be established. It also identified a need to implement more reduced speed 20mph road zones.

The proposed new cycle paths include routes between Tonbridge to Tunbridge Wells via the A26, Pembury to Tunbridge Wells via the A264, Paddock Wood circular route, routes across The Commons, 21st Century Way including Home Farm Lane link, Woodsgate Corner to Vauxhall Lane via Tonbridge Road and A21, Forest Road to Grove Hill Road via Farmcombe Road, A26 London Road to Dowding Way via Barnetts Wood, and Langton Green to Tunbridge Wells including Rusthall and Speldhurst links.

Conservative borough councillor Alan McDermott, who chairs the Tunbridge Wells Cycling Forum, said the cycling strategy would offer a strong basis to develop specific routes.

However, he conceded it was likely progress would be slow on the issue, given that less than 1 percent of residents presently commuted by bicycle – which he hoped would increase in the coming years to a figure of 10 percent with greater cycling facilities.

He said: “Cycling rates in Tunbridge Wells are very low due to a range of actual and perceived barriers, including a lack of confidence to cycle, insufficient infrastructure and road safety concerns.

“Yet we know that the appetite exists, following the establishment of an active and well-supported Borough Cycling Forum, and growing public interest in cycling with events such as the Tour De France, Ride London and the Great Tunbridge Wells Bike Ride.

“The strategy puts forward ambitious, yet practical proposals for a network of high quality cycle routes within urban areas of the borough.”

BOROUGH councillors have given their unanimous backing for the Calverley Grounds playground project.

Council leader David Jukes praised the £225,000 scheme for a new children’s facility on the former bowling green, which campaigners hope could be delivered next Spring.

Speaking at a borough cabinet meeting, Cllr Jukes said the council was “100 percent behind the scheme,” though he confirmed it was unable to assist with financing the venture.

He said: “This is a wonderful example of what can be done when you get the right people in the right place with the right scheme.”

Jane March, the council’s portfolio holder said: “I have been blown away by the optimism from the community over this, and also of the commitment shown by the Friends of Calverley Grounds, who would like to see the playground implemented.”

Kate Bourne, a Tunbridge Wells parent and member of Friends of Calverley Grounds, presented the case for the playground.

She said: “The playground will be valuable for thousands of families in Tunbridge Wells, as well as surrounding villages. This will be right in the town centre, and it couldn’t be in a more suitable place. It will have an important economic impact on the town.”

The Friends of Calverley Grounds group is seeking to set up a charitable trust in relation to its fundraising plans, and it is seeking public feedback on a formal name for its playground scheme.

NATIONAL NEWS 

Hospital alert after worker tests positive for hepatitis C PATIENTS at a Kent hospital who may have been treated by a former healthcare worker who tested positive for hepatitis C are being urged to arrange a blood test.

They are among more than 8,300 people across the UK who are being contacted after it emerged that two former patients had been infected.

The worker did not return to clinical practice after testing positive in 2008 but NHS Lanarkshire is now working with other health boards across the UK to notify people who may have had a surgical procedure carried out by the individual between 1982 and 2008.

The individual worked in hospitals across Lanarkshire during the period, mainly in Wishaw General Hospital and the former Law Hospital but was also employed at the William Harvey

Hospital in Ashford, Kent for three months between January and April 2006.

When the worker initially tested positive in 2008, the UK Advisory Panel (UKAP) said patients did not need to be warned as the risk was thought to be low, but the two cases have now emerged.

It was found a patient referred for treatment for hepatitis C in Lanarkshire in 2015 had previously had a surgical procedure carried out by the infected healthcare worker.

Further investigations found it was “probable” the patient was infected with the virus during a surgical procedure carried out by the individual and another similar case has now been found.

The health board said: “After detailed investigations, including

13

NEWS IN BRIEF

Fatality reported after power station explosion A ‘MAJOR incident’ was declared yesterday [Tuesday] and a fatality reported after a building collapsed at Didcot Power Station.

Emergency services were called to the site in south Oxfordshire amid reports of an explosion.

Rodney Rose, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, told the Oxford Mail: “I have been told there has been one fatality.”

Six ambulances and two air ambulance were sent to the scene.

TESTING TIMES Alert for former patients

Lottery proposal extensive testing of viruses, NHS Lanarkshire submitted a report to UKAP. UKAP endorsed NHS Lanarkshire’s proposal to carry out a patient notification exercise.

“Patients are receiving a detailed question-and-answer sheet with their letter which includes information about hepatitis C and how to arrange to be tested.”

In total, 8,383 patients across the UK are to receive letters informing them of the situation and urging them to arrange a blood test.

The vast majority - 7,311 - are in Lanarkshire, with more than 700 across the rest of Scotland, 336 in England, a further 11 in Wales and five in Northern Ireland.

Dr Iain Wallace, medical director at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We would like to reassure people that the

likelihood of patients acquiring the virus from a surgical procedure carried out by the healthcare worker is low.

“We are also putting on additional clinics locally to make it as straightforward and convenient as possible for people to get tested.”

The virus infects the liver and can cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage. Around 215,000 people in the UK have hepatitis C, according to the NHS. It is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact and can be passed by sharing unsterilised needles, razors or toothbrushes.

The NHS said it does not have any noticeable symptoms until the liver has been significantly damaged, meaning people can have the infection without realising it.

A £1 MILLION National Lottery scratchcard winner got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend as soon as the windfall was confirmed by Camelot.

Andrew Cunliffe, aged 37, bought the £100 Million Cash Spectacular Orange card in an Asda store while rushing to buy tea bags for his workmates.

Mr Cunliffe, a building site manager, is now planning his wedding with fiancée Natalie Cliff, 30, an event planner at Blackpool Tower.

Waiting time is lost ONE in five smaller companies do not provide enough toilets for staff, threatening the bottom line of their finances, according to a new study by Initial Washroom Hygiene.

It showed that staff regularly had to wait to use an office toilet causing lost productivity, said the report.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

14  NATIONAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Father who shook baby to death jailed A MAN who shook his baby daughter to death has been jailed for life. Tomas Driukas, aged 26, of Perry Barr, Birmingham had denied killing four-month-old Deimante Driukaite who was admitted to hospital in the early hours of 1 April 2015 but died a few hours later.

Driukas, of Perry Barr, Birmingham, was found guilty of murder at Birmingham Crown Court and was told he will serve at least 21 years in prison.

West Midlands Police said an investigation revealed the baby died as a result of a significant brain trauma consistent with being shaken with force. She also had bruising to her face and body and had suffered several fractured ribs.

Docs to strike again THE British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that junior doctors are to go on strike again on three dates.

The industrial action will last for 48 hours from 8am on Wednesday 9 March to Friday 11 March, Wednesday 6 April to Friday 8 April, and from Tuesday 26 April to Thursday 28 April.

The BMA is also launching a judicial review as it believes the Government failed to undertake an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to its decision to impose new contracts on junior doctors in England.

New LSE merger talks THE London Stock Exchange is in talks over a possible £20billion merger with Germany’s Deutsche Boerse to create one of the biggest exchange companies in the world. It marks the latest attempt by the pair to join forces after a proposed deal collapsed in 2000, and then again in 2004-5.

Ebola complication BRITISH nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who was thought to have made a full recovery after being infected by the Ebola virus in December 2014, has being transferred from Glasgow to a hospital in London to be treated for a ‘late complication’. It is the third time the 40 year old has been hospitalised since contracting Ebola while working as a nurse at the Save the Children treatment centre in Sierra Leone.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

New Crossrail line named Elizabeth after The Queen CROSSRAIL, the new railway line currently being constructed under London, has been named the Elizabeth Line after The Queen.

The announcement was made by London Mayor Boris Johnson as The Queen visited building works at Bond Street station which will be on the line through the centre of the capital. It is due to open in December 2018. The line will eventually link parts of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to Essex.

The Queen unveiled the purple Elizabeth Line logo which will feature across the network. During her visit, The Queen was taken in an industrial lift to the site 92ft (28m) below ground, where she viewed part of the railway tunnel and met construction apprentices.

Mr Johnson said: “Crossrail is already proving a huge success for the UK economy and, as we move closer to bringing this transformative new railway into service, I think it’s truly wonderful that such a significant line for our capital will carry such a significant name from our country.

ROYAL VISIT Workers applaud The Queen as she walks with Crossrail Chairman Terry Morgan “As well as radically improving travel right across our city, the Elizabeth Line will provide a lasting tribute to our longest-serving monarch.”

The Queen became the first reigning monarch to travel on the London Underground in 1969 when she opened the Victoria Line.

In 1979 the Jubilee Line was opened by the Prince of Wales, two years after celebrations to mark 25 years since The Queen’s accession to the throne.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who also attended the Crossrail event, described the naming of the Elizabeth line as ‘very fitting’ given The Queen’s long association with UK transport.

The network will stretch from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

A fleet of new 656ft (200m) long trains with nine walk-through, air-conditioned carriages will run on the line.

The network will be opened in several phases, beginning with the Liverpool Street to Shenfield route in May next year.

Some 24 trains an hour will run in each direction in the central London tunnels when they open in December 2018. The full through service to Reading is due to begin in December 2019.

BUSINESS NEWS �

ALL AT SEA Oil industry will recover

Don’t write off North Sea oil IT IS completely wrong to think that the North Sea oil industry is finished and it will return to strong activity within the next five years, claims oil industry veteran Sir Ian Wood.

Sir Ian, former chief executive of the Wood Group who has advised the UK Government on maximising oil recovery, said nearly a third of the North Sea’s oil has still to be extracted.

He acknowledged the current downturn ‘is probably as tough as it gets’, after Oil and Gas UK (OGUK) warned on Tuesday that the industry stands ‘at the edge of a chasm’.

Sir Ian agrees it is a very serious time with oil prices around 30 US dollars a barrel, 43% of fields operating below cost level and no sign of any investment or exploration.

He therefore echoes OGUK’s call for urgent tax reform, insisting Chancellor George Osborne must adjust taxes to reflect the maturity of the North Sea.

Shock annual loss for Standard Chartered STANDARD Chartered has posted its first annual loss in more than a quarter of a century after it was hit by hefty write-downs amid plunging commodity prices and weaker Indian markets.

The Asian-focused bank reported a surprise net loss of 1.5 billion US dollars (£1.1 billion) for 2015 compared to a profit of 4.2 billion US dollars (£3 billion) in 2014 – its first full-year loss since 1989.

It revealed write-downs on its loans totaling 4 billion US dollars (£2.8 billion) – up 87% on 2014 – and admitted its performance in 2015 was ‘poor’.

The City had expected the firm to make a profit of around 1.4 billion US dollars (£1 billion).

Standard Chartered also confirmed it would not pay a final dividend to investors this year.

Shares had initially dropped by 12% in early morning trading, but later stood around 6% lower.

Chief Executive Bill Winters, the former JPMorgan Chase executive who replaced Peter Sands after a string of profit warnings in May, said: “The economic and geo-

15

NEWS IN BRIEF

Bumper Bovis profit BOVIS Homes saw its pre-tax profits rise by 20 per cent to a record £160 million last year on the back of rising house prices and low interest rates.

The positive results were driven by the seven per cent increase in the average sale price per home to £231,600 coupled with its best ever rate of completions after it sold 3,934 homes during the year.

Union time off dispute

POOR PERFORMANCE No dividend for investors

political backdrop for the group clearly deteriorated over 2015.

“Chinese equity markets have been increasingly volatile, impacting sentiment around the world, and commodity markets have plumbed new lows.”

In November, Mr Winters unveiled a turnaround strategy that would

slash 15,000 jobs worldwide and make a 5.1 billion US dollars (£3.3 billion) cash-call to investors.

The bank said its restructuring had so far recouped 1.8 billion US dollars (£1.3 billion), and it was on track to complete the programme within its original 3 US dollars (£2.1 billion) budget.

PLANS to cap paid time off for union reps will strain industrial relations and threaten huge losses for taxpayers, according to the TUC. The Government wants to curb facility time in the public sector as part of its Trade Union Bill, currently being debated in the House of Lords.

The TUC claims that for every £1 spent on paid time off for public sector union officials, taxpayers get at least £2.31 back in savings. Plus, the facility time also improves staff retention and industrial relations and reduces illness.

US food group takeover A KENT catering supplier could be the subject of a £2.2 billion takeover by US food distributor Sysco subject of approval by European completion authorities.

Ashford-based Brakes Group, which supplies food products to over 50,000 establishments across Europe, employs over 15,000 people throughout the continent.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

16  INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Syria agrees to temporary truce THE Syrian government and opposition groups have given qualified acceptance to a proposed truce in the country’s devastating civil war.

The government said it accepts the ceasefire, but added that operations will continue against the Islamic State group and al Qaida’s branch in Syria.

A Foreign Ministry statement also said government forces will have the right to respond to any violation by insurgents.

The official Syrian announcement came a day after the US and Russia agreed a ceasefire that will take effect on Saturday.

The main umbrella group for Syrian opposition and rebel groups said it ‘agrees to a temporary truce’ as long as the main opposition demands are met.

The High Negotiations Committee said in a statement issued after a meeting in Saudi Arabia late on Monday that it ‘has given its acceptance of international efforts for a cessation of hostilities in Syria’.

The HNC said ‘acceptance of the truce is conditional’ to the Syrian government ending its siege of 18 rebel-held areas, releasing detainees and the end of aerial and artillery bombardment.

Indirect peace talks between the Syrian government and HNC collapsed on 3 February because of a large-scale government offensive.

The deal came after the US and Russia, backing opposing sides in the conflict, said they had finalised the details of a ‘cessation of hostilities’ between President Bashar Assad’s government and armed opposition groups after five years of violence that has killed more than 250,000 people.

The truce will not cover the Islamic State group, the al Qaida-linked Nusra Front and any other militias designated as terrorist organisations by the UN Security Council.

Where in Syria the fighting must stop and where counter-terrorism operations can continue must still be addressed, and the five-page plan released by the US State Department leaves open how breaches of the ceasefire will be identified or punished.

The announcement came after presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone on Monday, capping weeks of intense diplomacy to stem the violence so Mr Assad’s government and “moderate” rebel forces might return to peace talks in Geneva.

Turkey’s deputy prime minister said his country supports the ceasefire agreement but suggested that its military could continue firing on Syrian Kurdish groups in Syria if their militia “attack” Turkey.

Turkey has been shelling US-backed Syrian Kurdish militia positions in Syria, maintaining

PEACE TALKS Vladimir Putin spoke with Barack Obama that it is responding to attacks or provocations.

Numan Kurtulmus also said that while Turkey welcomes the provisional truce for Syria, it has “reservations and fears” about possible continued Russian air strikes on civilians.

Facebook aims to connect remote areas using drones FACEBOOK wants to use artificial intelligence to help bring remote parts of the world online.

Company chief Mark Zuckerberg recently made a surprise appearance at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona where he described virtual reality as the future, and Facebook has followed this by stating its desire to map the world and identify areas of human activity lacking in connectivity.

The social network is already involved in a solar-powered drone project which aims to beam internet signals down to remote parts of the world. This new mapping system could be used in conjunction with the drones.

In a blog post discussing the idea, Facebook’s Tobias Tiecke explained that the firm was using satellite imagery to map where human activity is, with a computer able to spot and log where manmade buildings are.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

“Ten percent of the world’s population lives in areas of the world where connectivity is simply not available; connecting these often remote and rural areas will require the development of new wireless communication technologies and platforms,” he said.

Speaking at the Mobile World Congress, Zuckerberg called virtual reality technology “the next platform”, and explained his belief that VR headsets will become the social hubs of the future, with users gathering around them in order to connect to friends around the world.

“Imagine holding a group meeting or event anywhere that you want,” he said. “All these things are going to be possible, and that’s why Facebook is investing so much early on in virtual reality. So we can help to deliver these kind of social experiences.”

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

17

7 Most frequently asked questions about how to divorce If you are experiencing the anxiety and loss of a relationship ending and suffering sleepless nights worrying about the future, you are not alone.

BY STEPHEN WILMOT

1. CAN I GET A DIVORCE? Anyone who has been married for 1 year or longer can start divorce proceedings against their spouse.

2. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO BE SEPARATED BEFORE I CAN START DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS? There is no set period of time of separation required before you can start divorce proceedings. The principle requirement is that you have been married for one year at least. You can even be considered separated if you are both still living in the family home under one roof, as long as you are not still behaving like a married couple.

3. WHAT ARE THE GROUNDS FOR GETTING DIVORCED? One spouse must be able to prove to the Court that their marriage has “irretrievably broken down”. To do this they must state one of five facts in their Divorce Petition which include the following: · Unreasonable behaviour of the other spouse and give examples · Adultery of the other spouse · Two years separation with consent of the other spouse · Five years separation · Desertion 4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A DIVORCE? On average the divorce process takes between 4-6 months.

However, it is always advisable not to apply for Decree Absolute until financial matters are resolved.

Once the application for Decree Absolute is made it will often be processed by the Court within 7 days of receipt.

5. HOW DO I START DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS? The first step is to prepare your Divorce Petition which your solicitor will do for you if you instruct one. The Petition is then sent to the Court with the court fee to be issued and the divorce proceedings are then started. A copy of it is sent formally to your spouse and they are asked to

complete an Acknowledgment of Service form. Once the form is complete and returned to the Court you or your solicitor must then prepare your application for Decree Nisi. If all the requirements have been complied with and your spouse is not defending the proceedings the Court will certify you as entitled to Decree Nisi. Decree Nisi is pronounced around a month after you apply for it and you must then wait 6 weeks and a day before you or your solicitor can apply for Decree Absolute.

6. WILL I HAVE TO GO TO COURT DURING THE DIVORCE? The divorce proceedings will in most cases not require any attendance at Court and if you have a solicitor they will be there to represent you. If your spouse decides to defend the divorce a number of court hearings may be required. However, the vast majority of cases will proceed undefended. You may be required to attend if you have asked the Court to order your spouse to pay your costs relating to the divorce and your spouse opposes. This is fairly uncommon if you have instructed a solicitor as in almost all cases your solicitor will have sought to agree this matter with your spouse or their solicitor in advance.

7. DOES GETTING A DIVORCE DEAL WITH MY FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT? Divorce and finances are separate proceedings. You should deal with financial matters alongside the divorce proceedings if at all possible. Married couples have financial claims they can bring against the other and these do not cease just because they get divorced. If you do not deal with finances at the same time as divorce the financial claims remain open. So even if you do not have anything worth dividing now, you may have in the future and unless your spouse remarries they will be able to make a claim against you.

There is no set period of time of separation required before you can start divorce proceedings. The principle requirement is that you have been married for one year at least.

For further information and to apply for a free consultation just complete the coupon and post it to the address below. Alternatively, call or email us today quoting reference TWT200116 Telephone: 01892 526442 or email – times@keenemarsland.co.uk Appointments are also available in London, Windsor, Reading, Edenbridge and Haywards Heath.

The right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future. Family Law Solicitor Teresa Payne.

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Wednesday 24th February 2016

18 � LETTERS

And another thing…

The Times of Tunbridge Wells always wants to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Unexpected romantic hot spot

How times change. I could not resist taking this picture, in the M&S store in Tunbridge Wells, that manages to capture all the romance of Valentine’s Day with bubbly, bras and bikini briefs all on display together. For one moment I thought I had wandered into Ann Summers.

Anita Samson Via email

What’s On is music to my ears

I have only just picked up the latest issue of Times of TW as I have been away but was so pleasantly surprised to see the improvement in the music and events section which includes Paul Dunton and Dave Barnett that I thought I would drop you a note.

I have enjoyed most of the Times since you started a few months back but have always been irritated by the events section which seemed all over the place.

Although it contained information about live music etc, which is one of my interests, it often lacked detail and you had to go searching elsewhere for the right info on venues, dates and tickets.

This week it could not have been more different as these pages included everything I needed. I can only assume you had someone else putting this together or maybe had similar complaints to my own which has prompted these improvements.

Whatever the reason, I for one welcome the changes. Keep it up.

Robert Jennings Via email

Plea to rethink court closures

The Government’s decision to close 86 courts across the country, including the local court here as mentioned in your newspaper (February 17) is devastating news for families. Parents and children need to be able to access to the justice system – this decision will make that more difficult.

Closing courts may make sense on a Government spreadsheet, but the reality is that on the ground it will have a profound impact on local people who require courts at a deeply emotional and difficult time in their life.

Many who use the courts are vulnerable and of limited means. For these people to be told they now have to travel to a court miles away in another town will cause them further avoidable stress, and additional costs which will be prohibitive for many. The system is already struggling due to a

Wednesday 24th February 2016

combination of funding cuts, fewer judges and an increase in the number of people representing themselves in the family court.

That is why Resolution is calling on the Government to reconsider, and instead come forward with detailed plans for modernising family courts across the country, before any court closes its doors for good.

Miss Jo Edwards Chair, Resolution family law organisation Via email

Potholes put us on a bumpy road

I read with interest the various comments and views expressed around Tunbridge Wells being one of the best places to live in the UK. That may indeed be so but it could be even better if the council and highways agency between them did a better job of maintaining our roads, as they are an absolute disgrace in and around the Tunbridge Wells area.

In my opinion, this is totally down to two main factors: 1. short rather than long term planning 2. lack of quality control with contractors knowing that if they do a bad job, they will just get ‘rewarded’ by getting another to ‘fix’ it.

I hosted some visitors from the Czech Republic a couple of years ago. They remarked how bad the roads were but assumed it was just down to the winter weather and were quite taken aback when told that no, they’re like that all the time! Indeed, the weather should not be used as an ‘excuse’ at all. I’ve driven in the Czech Republic who have far better roads than ours that are maintained to a consistent standard whilst having to cope with 40 degree heat in the summer and sub -20 degrees in the winter.

In more recent times its actually become a health and safety issue, like myself I’m always hearing of people having their cars damaged by

potholes or oncoming cars swerving into their path to avoid them. The dubious practice of ‘ringing’ them with white circles should be stopped too as how are you supposed to see those when it’s either dark or in heavy rain?

Motorists pay enough in road tax and other duties, it’s time more was invested in actually maintaining our roads with a longer term strategy rather than a typically British ‘fix it and bodge it’ one!

What other foreigners think when they visit I dread to wonder.

T. Beach Via email

Favourable feedback on PDFAS

The Pantiles DFAS [Decorative & Fine Arts Society] wish to thank all those involved in the preparation and appearance of the excellent article on the society in this week’s Times of Tunbridge Wells (February 10). We have already had favourable comments from people who have seen the article.

Graham Archer Chairman DFAS Via email

These should be puzzling Times

I enjoy receiving my free copy of the Times but this week I was disappointed not to find the puzzle page.

Included in your readership must be a number of retired residents like myself with time to try the puzzles. Everyone urges we oldies to keep our brains active - so please put back the puzzles.

Margery Gibson Tunbridge Wells (NOTE: Happy to refer you to page 92).

Civic Society makes a point

I wish to state categorically that the Civic Society does not advocate “just exclusive and gated developments “as charged by Dr Alan Bullion (And another thing...17 February). Our approach to planning is to aim for a balance serving the interests of all residents while preserving the unique character of the town. The young flatdwellers Dr Bullion cites should have the option of moving to a family home at some point. In that context we welcome the borough council’s report (“Majority of new homes will be affordable units” 17 February) as a step in that direction.

I’m sorry that Dr Bullion is still feeling resentful over the failure of his proposal to honour the very brief sojourn of Sid Vicious in our town. He was certainly not the only individual deemed not to have contributed sufficiently to Tunbridge Wells life to be included among those awarded a red plaque.

As to “purporting to represent the views of all members of the Civic Society”, I would never dream of being so rash.

Dr Janet Sturgis Chairman Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society

Calverley THEY say a picture is worth a thousand words and this one certainly is. It shows our plucky Mayoress June Crowhurst with a fireman at a West Kent Networking event then other day. But it’s the tale behind the image that counts. The group was due to visit the fire station late year with June as the special guest. However, networking members were ‘encouraged’ by the Mayoress to delay the visit until she’d fully recovered from major heart surgery and was able to meet and greet some of her favourite firemen.

TALKING of firemen, word reaches Calverley about a mature student (female) who popped round to the local station one evening as part of research into a college project on fire escapes.

(She is now into the fourth year of a two year course!) She went to the glass door at reception and was about to press the doorbell when a hunky chap minus his clothes appeared at the other end of a corridor, fresh out of the shower.

Hard to say who was most taken aback.

MOTHER-IN-LAW jokes are not always funny as evidenced by what happened to one of my dear friends. She was given a cigarette lighter for her birthday (not a big birthday) by her son-in-law and proffered much gratitude. He is, after all, very anti-smoking. Out with friends she stepped onto a patio to take some nicotine, clicked the lighter – and suffered a nasty electric shock. It was a joke lighter designed to deter smokers.

Hugely funny.

CALVERLEY is not one to speed around the place but, sad to say, has twice exceeded the limit for vehicles; both times on the approach road to the Dartford Tunnel. It was with some considerable interest then, that himself, read a media release announcing that the road was the number one speeding hotspot in Kent clocking up £138,000 in fines.

MY friends at Hoopers department store have one less chore to undertake now that Valentine’s Day is behind us. Each evening as the shop closed a member of staff was detailed to collect all the heart shaped helium balloons and lock them away so that their swaying during the night did not set off the alarms. Who would have thought.

EDUCATION

WITH THE

EDUCATION n

19

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

Flourishing state schools are not a threat to private schools

CRISIS, WHAT CRISIS? Schools can learn from each other

Media headlines declared the other day that private schools were ‘in crisis’ and that they were ‘under threat’ because of rising standards in the state sector. So, what’s the reality? Samantha Price, Headmistress of Benenden School, puts it into perspective THE basis of the reports were comments by the Good Schools Guide publisher, Lord Lucas, who said twin factors faced private schools: rapidly improving state schools and rising independent school fees.

I find myself somewhat reassured by the headlines. From whatever perspective I look at it – as a parent, a taxpayer or an education leader – I am delighted to see that the state sector is, on the whole, flourishing.

We are proud to be a sponsor of the John Wallis Church of England Academy in Ashford and indeed under the leadership of John McParland, the school – formed in 2010 after the closure of two failing schools – is now rated Good by Ofsted and is consistently going from strength to strength. The energy and the vision of the senior managers and teachers is inspirational and this is reflected in the curriculum it is delivering and the wide opportunities offered beyond

the classroom. The recent introduction of the Benenden and John Wallis Combined Cadet Force is a fine example of this.

Schools such as John Wallis are a credit to the state sector, and to the academies programme, and on this evidence it is really no wonder that the state sector is buoyant.

This improvement among state schools is being achieved through a refreshing amount of freedom being given to successful schools and innovative practices are being applauded and actively encouraged. The increasing sharing of good practice between state and independent partnerships is mutually beneficial and I see this as a ringing endorsement of the strength of the private and state sectors.

We should not be concerned that the improving state sector will threaten independent schools. It means there is a greater pool of quality schools for parents to choose

from, which can only be a good thing. It is important to look at the bigger picture, and in this case the bigger picture is that all schools – state and private – should strive for excellence so that the overall strength of the country’s education is enhanced.

The greatest aspect of this is that it increases the amount of choice available to parents. There will always be a need for a diverse range of schools to suit all preferences – just as, for example, some parents will want a faith school, others will prefer co-educational schools, while others will favour a boarding environment.

All schools can learn from one another, and we all offer something different. When prospective parents come to visit Benenden, we are very honest with them and explain that boarding is not for everyone, and I encourage all parents

to pick a school based on the atmosphere, on the feeling they get, on whether it seems a right fit for their child.

Parents know that a private education comes at a financial cost and here at Benenden, as with all private schools I know, we work extremely hard to keep any increase in fees as low as possible, while ensuring we offer a tremendously busy 24/7 boarding environment with a vast array of extra-curricular activities.

Again, this comes down to parental choice.

Ultimately it is the children themselves who are the winners when the UK has a booming education sector – and they, after all, are the reason we are all in education in the first place.

Kent College pupils jump for joy over school reports PUPILS and staff at Independent school Kent College, at Pembury, are celebrating after both the Senior and Prep Schools won exceptional praise across all areas in their latest Independent Schools Inspectorate report.

With the last report issued six years ago, it is a particular triumph for former headmistress Mrs SallyAnne Huang, who left after eight years last summer.

New head Julie Lodrick, who arrived at the beginning of this term, was particuarly pleased with the following comments from the inspectors, who visited in December, before she took up her post.

Regarding the Senior School they said: “Pupils demonstrate excellent levels of knowledge, skills

and understanding in all subject areas.” And of the Prep School: “Relationships between staff and pupils are exceptionally strong.”

“On behalf of the girls and staff at Kent College, we are exceptionally proud of this result and feel that it demonstrates the high standards, hard work and success that takes place every day,” says Ms Lodrick. “To be ‘excellent in all areas’ demonstrates the dynamic and forward-thinking school we are.

“We are not content to rest on our laurels.

We are inspired to work even harder to be the very best we can be as a school and continue to provide an outstanding education.”

Wednesday 24th February 2016

20 � EDUCATION

Bennett students slope off on school ski trip

P

UPILS from Bennett Memorial Diocesan SKI SCHOOL School didn’t wait for the chance of snow A different arriving in Tunbridge Wells during half kind of lesson term – instead they headed off on a school skiing trip to Obertauern, Austria.

Travelling overnight by coach, around 30 sixth form students hit the slopes at the purpose built resort, which has runs to suit all levels.

Headteacher Ian Bauckham and Head of Physical Education Lee Stoodley kept parents informed with a series of Twitter photos.

The first was of the coachful of happy youngsters setting off on the trip a full 15 minutes early.

The next day Mr Stoodley Tweeted their arrival among the snow-capped Austrian mountains, saying: “Ski trip arrived safely and excitement mounting!”

After several fun-filled days, everyone was intrigued when Mr Bauckham Tweeted a photo of Head Boy dramatic falls or mistakes in their Joshua Hearn, 18, skiing. dressed as a banana.

“There are three groups – Mr Bauckham later beginners, intermediate and revealed: “The banana expert, and Joshua, in only his outfit is a little ski trip joke second week of skiing, was promoted which is awarded in turn to to the expert group because of his fast FUN TIME members of the party who, progress.

Head boy during the day, perform the “But he then promptly fell over on the Joshua Hearn most noteworthy, amusing or second day and managed to ‘take out’ his

Wednesday 24th February 2016

instructor in the process, to the huge amusement of the rest of the group!”

However, when Joshua is not falling over he is a very bright boy.

Mr Bauckham added: “Joshua is also part of the Bennett debating team and has just got through to the regional finals of the English Speaking Union debating tournament, along with schools such as Brighton College, so skiing is not his only strength.”

SUN AND SNOW Obertauern, Austria

EDUCATION �

21

FIELD TRIPS L-r: students exploring with the RGS

Tunbridge Wells girl is the nation’s top geography student A FORMER student from Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School (TWGGS) has won two prestigious awards after achieving the highest georgraphy A level score in the country last year.

The Royal Geographical Society has honoured Lucy Rimmer and two pupils from Sevenoaks School with Excellence Awards, which are given to the 24 students who scored the highest marks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the 2015 exams.

Lucy joined International Baccalaureate students Rory Alexander and Abigail Hands from Sevenoaks School as three out of only eight advanced level students to be honoured nationally. They received their prestigious awards on Monday, after half term.

The RGS-IBG education department (set up with the Institute of British Geographers) is at the heart of the Society’s work as a learning community for geography, promoting and reinforcing the relevance and benefits of the subject.

The Society’s Excellence Awards celebrates the hard work and achievement of the pupils with the top results in GCSE, IGCSE, Level 1/Level 2 Certificate, A level, International Baccalaureate and Pre-U geography exams each year.

Steve Brace, the Society’s Head of Education and Outdoor Learning, said: “The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is delighted to recognise the hard work and success of those pupils who achieved the highest marks nationally in the 2015 geography examinations.

“The pupils receiving these awards have all demonstrated their excellent understanding of geography as a subject and how it can inform us about the world we live in. Their exceptional marks reflect both their ability as geographers and the high quality teaching that takes place in their schools.”

The winning students each receive a cash prize and certificate from the Society.

TWGGS pupil Lucy also recently received a Cup for A level Geography from Millwood Designer

Homes – the third Rimmer sister to do so after siblings Imogen and Isabel. She was given a £50 cheque and £50 book token.

At the time of the award, TWGGS Deputy Headteacher Dr Rossane Brimsted told the housebuilding firm: “Lucy is a very deserving winner of the Millwood Designer Homes Cup this year.

“She is following in the family tradition as she is the third of the sisters to be our best Geographer and win this prestigious trophy.

“We have recently also heard that Lucy has been

HIGH ACHIEVER Lucy Rimmer

given an Award for Excellence in Geography by the Royal Geographical Society for having the highest A level examination score in the whole country for Edexcel A Level Geography. We are very proud of her at TWGGS.” Lucy, who is now studying medicine at Birmingham University, is used to high-level competition.

In 2014 she was part of the TWGGS team who took part in the National Schools’ Biathlon Final at London’s Olympic Park in 2014, where they met Olympic diver Tom Daley.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

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24 � PANTILES FEATURE

‘Beers of the moment’ at The Pantiles Tap Located in the heart of the town’s historic promenade, The Pantiles Tap specialises in sourcing the finest beers from microbreweries all over the UK and beyond. Owner Geoff Wentworth talks about some of his top tipples and explains why a keg and cask focus is proving popular for punters Tell us how the place got started We opened just before Christmas in 2014, and wanted to open our own bar that concentrated on the very best keg and cask beers. We found a premises, got planning permission and put in a bar, and now have 14 lines, eight keg and six cask.

Do you stock many local beers?

We always have one cask beer on; at the moment it’s Larkins Brewery, but we also have at least one beer from Pig and Porter, Dark Star and Rother Brewery. As far as the rest of the cask beers are concerned, they come from all over the UK and are pretty much the best breweries in the country. We bring in beers from Manchester, Scotland, the North, the South West and pretty much anywhere in the UK, as long as it’s really,

really good. We only buy from microbreweries rather than national or regional.

How about international?

Our keg beers come from all over the world. At the moment, we have a beer from New Zealand and two beers on keg from the USA. We have the best keg beers in the UK as well, and try to make a point of buying or sourcing ‘beers of the moment’ that everyone wants. They’re the beers that, shall we say, ‘beer geeks’ are really, really looking for, haven’t tried and really need to get or tick off.

What are the benefits of being part of the Pantiles Traders Association?

The Pantiles Traders is a very, very good organisation. What it basically enables us to do is actually be part of the Pantiles community.

Quite often, there are events focused on The Pantiles, which are very, very beneficial to our business. The one that’s really picking up is the Hug-Many New Year’s celebration, which was fantastically successful; all the Pantiles

traders contributed towards the charity it was raising money for. It works in many ways and is beneficial for us and the community as a whole.

Has there been a positive response since you opened?

Business has been really, really good, but it’s better in the summer than in the winter. The Pantiles is one of those places that everyone wants to go to if the weather’s good, but when

Educating your customers about the beers must be a big part of it…

Absolutely, it’s what we do. We’ve got 14 beers on, so depending on what sort of beer they normally like, we’ll always find at least one that they’ll enjoy if they walk in and don’t know any.

We also have sampling glasses, so if anyone comes in, they can sample the beers too, which works really well.

Is there also a range of ciders and bottled beers on offer?

We normally have 10 ciders on, which are mainly quite local, from Kent and Sussex; we quite often have one from Pembury when we can get hold of it, so that’s really local. We have an amazing range of bottles and normally have 50 bottled beers in our cabinet. Again, they come from all over the world, like Scandinavia, Australia, the USA, Italy and New Zealand, as well as the best in the UK. At the moment, we’re just bringing in keg and bottled beers from the Netherlands, and some Belgian beers on keg as well. It’s pretty much an international line-up.

Why set up in The Pantiles?

The Pantiles has become a destination area for socialising and going out for a meal or a drink.

The jazz season lasts 22 weeks and there are food markets at the weekends, so there’s always something going on. The draw was really the footfall; it’s a pedestrian area and we thought it would be a really good fit for us.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

FANCY A PINT? Owner Geoff Wentworth outside the Pantiles Tap

WITH THE

WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL

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Modern fittings meet old Hall House charm Three bedrooms and games room

bracketts

est. 1828

Village property a stone’s throw away from Frant station Plenty of space in Grade II listed Georgian Villa

New Homes

Wednesday 24th February 2016

� PROPERTY SECTION

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

In my view…

Kim M Stephenson Agency Manager Tunbridge Wells Bracketts

BRACKETTS – Our Year So Far We are enjoying the busiest start to a year for some time with all properties selling rapidly.

This is fuelled in part by investment buyers prior to the proposed change in stamp duty which comes into effect in April, but is by no means the only source of transactions. This is coupled with an excellent market of both locals trading up and down and, of course, our database of families looking to relocate here from London.

As a well established High Street Estate Agency and Chartered Surveyors trading since 1828, we enjoy much repeat business as a ‘trustworthy agent of choice’. It is not unusual to visit homes which we sold in the 1980s, ‘70s and sometimes even earlier, often being the agent who sold the whole development.

We continue to “go the extra mile” for clients; our team (all of whom live locally) enjoy a lot of referrals from family and friends of previous clients. Moreover, this extends to local property professionals who trust us to look after their clients’ best interests. We owe this in part to our team of 10 chartered surveyors who help us provide a more comprehensive range of property services.

We frequently receive thank you cards and emails from buyers and sellers alike and were particularly pleased to receive the following: “Many thanks to you and your team for all of your efforts in selling xx Farmcombe Road. The price achieved was more than I expected and that is a credit to your skills, in particular the outstanding photo shots of the property and the brochure. Also the incredibly fast action in getting around your existing database of potential purchasers puts you at the leading edge of the competition in T. Wells.

With a couple of ups and downs caused by time wasters along the way I found the service to be always pleasant and positive and I would not hesitate in recommending your services to others.”

01892 533733 www.bracketts.co.uk

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Wednesday 24th February 2016

CRANEHURST HIGH STREET, CRANBROOK

£1,295,000

PROPERTY SECTION �

An imposing Georgian villa packed with period features

C

RANEHURST is a handsome, detached Grade II listed Georgian villa situated in the sought-after town of Cranbrook, with its excellent amenities and schools.

Elegant and imposing, it sits in a convenient position set back from the High Street. Period features include high ceilings, decorative cornicing, fireplaces, sash windows and some oak flooring.

The striking porch features ionic pillars and opens into a grand entrance hall.

Accommodation on the ground floor comprises several good-sized reception rooms, offering plenty of flexibility. There is a dual aspect sitting room, drawing room with views over the south-facing garden, dining room, breakfast room and, off the kitchen, a family room which leads through to a cloakroom and utility room.

An excellent two-room cellar can be accessed from the entrance hall.

A staircase with mahogany hand rail leads to the first floor landing. There is a master bedroom

with en-suite bathroom and four further double bedrooms, some with fitted cupboards, served by a family bathroom and a shower room.

Accessed from the family room is a pretty, brickpaved courtyard with loggia and storerooms.

A brick archway leads through to a good-sized garden, mostly laid to lawn with a variety of established trees and shrubs.

Cranehurst is accessed through stone pillars to an In and Out gravel driveway where there is ample parking.

AT A GLANCE

� Grade II listed Georgian villa � Set back from the High Street � Period features � Entrance porch � Entrance hall � Sitting room � Drawing room � Dining room � Breakfast room � Kitchen � Family room � Cloakroom � Utility room � Cellar with two rooms � Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom � Four further double bedrooms � Family bathroom � Family shower room � Attractive walled rear courtyard � Established south-facing garden

‘Elegant and imposing, it sits in a convenient position set back from the High Street’

� Gravelled In and Out drive with parking � Log store, mower store and bike shed

£1,295,000 For sale through Savills 01580 720161 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

•

FRANT,

ETCHINGHAM,

KENT

EAST SUSSEX

5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + 4 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + lovely gardens + superb views + triple garage + Council Tax=H + EPC=E

New build + high specification + 4 bedrooms (2 en suite) + 3 bathrooms + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/ breakfast room + double garage & driveway parking + Council Tax=TBC + EPC=C

£3,950 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

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

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

FORDCOMBE,

KENT

3 bedrooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 1 reception room + 2 bathrooms + single garage + allocated parking space + communal garden + Council Tax=G + EPC=B

Village location + 2 bedrooms + reception room + dining room + bathroom + garden + parking + Council Tax=D + EPC=E

£1,850 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£1,000 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

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

www.savills.eo.uk/fees.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

Period town house with scope for improvement + sought-after Boyne Park + 0.6 miles town centre + 2 reception rooms + study + kitchen/breakfast room + 6 bedrooms + garage + off street parking + south west facing garden + 3,619 sq ft + about 0.19 acres + EPC=E

Guide £1.5 million Freehold

WADHURST,

Contact: Liz Devall

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

EAST SUSSEX

KENT

Well-placed for MLS and schools + 5 bedrooms + 3 receptions + 3 bath/shower rooms + attic room + garage + garden + 2,735 sq ft + about 0.23 acres + EPC = D

Semi-detached family home + well placed for schools and MLS + open plan kitchen/d ining/ family room + sitting room + 4 bedrooms + 3 bath/shower rooms + 2,094 sq ft + EPC=C

Guide £825,000 Freehold

Guide £775,000 Freehold

Contact: Becky Card

Contact: Becky Card

� PROPERTY SECTION

MANOR FARM HOUSE LOWER HAYSDEN LANE, TONBRIDGE

£1,450,000

‘Set close to Haysden Country Park, the house is surrounded by scenery and lies within around five acres of land’

AT A GLANCE � Grade II listed Hall House

� Master bedroom

� Sympathetically extended and modernised

� Two further bedrooms on first floor

� Character features

� Family bathroom

� Rural setting

� Shower room

� Over three floors

� Attic bedroom and bathroom

� Entrance hall � Study

� Detached double garage with games room over

� Cloakroom

� Gravel drive

� Drawing room

� Formal gardens with terrace

� Dining room

� Land with meadow, orchard and paddock

� Modern kitchen/breakfast room � Two staircases

� In all around five acres

£1,450,000 For sale through Alexandre Boyes 01892 525522 www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

PROPERTY SECTION ďż˝

Idyllic country home with contemporary extension

M

ANOR Farm House is a stunning Grade II listed Hall House which has been sympathetically extended to offer versatile accommodation over three floors.

Although modernised with a contemporary kitchen and bathrooms, the property still boasts all the character features one would hope to find, including exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, an exposed King post, oak floorboards and impressive brick fireplaces.

Set close to Haysden Country Park, the house is surrounded by greenery and lies within around five acres of land.

On the ground floor there is a hall, study, cloakroom, dual aspect drawing room with fireplace, dual aspect dining room with inglenook and modern kitchen/breakfast room with bifolding doors to the terrace. There are two staircases to the first floor.

Upstairs there is a master bedroom, accessed from either staircase, two further bedrooms, a family bathroom and a shower room. The

top floor has a further bedroom and bathroom.

The property is approached over a gravel drive leading to a detached double garage with a games room above. The gardens and grounds are a particular feature, with formal lawns complemented by deep borders planted with cherry trees. A flagstone path leads around the house and provides a west-facing terrace. The grounds include an area of meadow, an orchard and a rail-enclosed paddock.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

Earls Road, Tunbridge Wells A large and attractive period townhouse in a prime location Entrance hall, drawing room, family room, dining room, breakfast room, kitchen, cloakroom. Master bedroom with dressing room, 2 further bedrooms, family shower room, family bathroom. On the 2nd Floor - 2 further bedrooms, bedroom 6 I office, further bathroom. Established rear garden. Cellar. EPC rating F.

Wadhurst A spectacular conversion occupying a delightful setting in a quiet yet accessible hamlet Entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, library, kitchen I breakfast room, living room and dining room, utility, cellar, garden room, study area.

Master bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom, 2nd en suite. Garage. Pretty gardens. EPC rating C. In all about 0.38 acre.

Croft Way, Sevenoaks An excellent 1930's detached family house of 2,614 sq ft Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, orangery, study, kitchen I breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, shower room, laundry room. Master bedroom suite, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Carriage driveway. Delightful gardens.

EPC rating D.

Solefields Road, Sevenoaks An exceptionally well-presented and conveniently located family house Reception hall, drawing room, family room, study, kitchen I breakfast room, conservatory, utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom suite, guest bedroom suite, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom, second floor bedroom suite. Double garage. Delightful mature secluded landscaped gardens. Off-street parking for 4 cars.

EPC rating C. In all about 0.25 acre.

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk -"""-

THESUNDAYTIMES

THE . a .T IMES

Oakhill Road, Sevenoaks. Guide Price £1,250,000 A spacious 2732 sq. ft. detached five bedroom house located on one of the premier roads in Sevenoaks, 0. 7 miles from the station. The house has been cleverly extended, remodelled and refurbished to provide generous living accommodation on the first floor- a layout designed to optimise the views and provide access to the garden from the reception areas. EPC: C

0•• ,,We are making the most of our extensive network of 33 London branches by offering to take your property right to the doorsteps of active buyers and tenants in the Capital as part of The Roadshow on Saturday 12th March.

To ensure your property is showcased at this exclusive event, contact us today. The deadline forinclu sion is the 7th March 2016.

Pounsley Road, Dunton Green. Guide Price £320,000 A characterful 2 bedroom Edwardian mid-terrace house with a 90 ft. rear garden located on a charming no-through road. EPC: D

Sevenoaks Office

Sales. 01732 423 102

I

sevenoaks@hamptons-int.com

&S ••

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk ·"""-·

THESUNDAYTIMES

THE illltltlaTIMES

Rotherfield £1,695,000 Off a sought after country lane in rural surroundings and with countryside views, an outstanding character country house which has a pretty detached cottage and set in beautiful park-like gardens of about 4 acres with a swimming pool EPC: D

Crowborough £1,065,000 An extremely well presented, attractive 5 bedroom detached property situated within the popular Warren area which has been designed and finished to an exceptionally high standard throughout. EPC: B

Dormans Park £1,325,000 A delightful 5 bedroom family house situated within this exclusive private park with a self-contained one bedroom annexe and enjoying outlooks to the garden and grounds which extend to about 5.75 acres. EPC:E

Hartfield £885,000 Situated in an elevated position, off a no-through lane at the heart of this idyllic Sussex village, this detached former British Legion hall is now a light and spacious 4 bedroom family home with a stunning interior and high specification throughout. EPC:D

Crowborough £990,000 A well presented spacious detached 4 bedroom house set in a wonderful gardens of about 1.5 acres in the highly regarded Warren area, imaginatively created to blend into its 360 degree garden setting directly abutting Ashdown Forest. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells £695,000 Situated in a convenient and sought after road in the popular St. James' area, this deceptively spacious 4 bedroom Victorian semi detached house offers superb accommodation off street parking and an 85ft rear garden. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Office Sales. 01892 597607 I tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com

Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ1,395,000 An excellent detached family house built by the award winning Millwood Designer Homes and situated at the head of a small cul-de-sac adjoining and with views across fields. The spacious and well presented accommodation includes 6/7 bedrooms, a superb kitchen/breakfast room and a large conservatory. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ1,385,000

Situated in a tucked away position on the edge of the desirable village of Speldhurst, this impressive and substantial 5 bedroom property forms a major part of a fine late Georgian country house with beautiful gardens and many period features. EPC: F

DCJ

••

~~

•

iJl1iFLY PROPERTIES

BY CAROL PRIER

Delightful double fronted 4 bedroom se mi detached famil y home nestled in the idyllic Kent countryside. There are 3 reception rooms to include spacious garden room which takes full advantage of the stunning garden views. Ample off road parking. Oil fired central heating. EPC: E

The Forge is simply stunning and we ll positioned with versatile accommodation comprising entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room and large dining/fa mily room. To the first floor, master bedroom with en su ite, 3 further bedrooms and family bathroom offering a 'Jack and Jill' combination to the guest bedroom. EPC: E

Cherry Tree House is Grade II listed with striking character.

Accommodation comprising entrance/dining hall, sitting room with open fireplace , 3 bedrooms to include master su ite with dressing room and en suite bath & showe r room. Further showe r room, fitted kitchen/breakfast room and small utility, detached garage. NO CHAIN

A beautifully located property in the favoured village of Matfield (Village of the Year) offering rural aspect to front and rear, stands in grounds in excess of two acres - accommodation comprising three receptions, four bedrooms to include master bedroom with en suite, attached triple garage which has potential, subject to planning, to convert to 'annex or workshop'. NO CHAIN EPC: F

Avery smart detached family home, light and airy accommodation comprising entrance hall, cloakroom, spacious sitting/dining room and kitchen. To the first floor, four bedrooms and a bathroom. Off road parking and detached garage. EPC: D

Extended and beautifully presented 3/4 bedroom se midetached family home situated on a corner plot with a charming garden, garage and driveway. The ve rsatile accommodation comprises entrance hall, cloakroom, study/ bedroom 4, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, and bathroom. EPC: C

light and spacious one bedroom ground floor apartment within a converted Victorian chapel offering a small courtyard to the rear.

Excellent room sizes · in need of updating. The main photo is the front of the property and the apartment is situated to the rea r.

NO CHAIN EPC D

Stunning 4 bedroom detached family home with spacious accommodation comprising entrance hall, cloakroom,superb family kitchen/breakfast room, separate dining room, large sitting room, master bedroom to first floor with en su ite and 2 further double bedrooms, family bathroom. To the second floor, guest bedroom suite with dressing room and en su ite shower. EPC: C

Chartfield was built circa 1969 commanding a large plot with far reaching views to the front out across the North Weald. The property has been cared for and maintained over recent years to provide excellent accommodation comprising entrance hall, large sitting room, separate dining room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom with separate WC, kitchen/breakfast room and utility which has been put on as an addition in recent years. EPC: E

Stunning 4 bedroom detached family home with an extensive ground floor extension of contemporary design 1,662 sq ft of accommodation, cloakroom, 3 receptions, 4/5 bedrooms, se parate utility and garage storage. Views to the front and good size garden to the rear. EPC: E

� PROPERTY SECTION

OLD LANE CROWBOROUGH

£990,000

Entry to Ashdown Forest from a private hideaway S

ET in the highly regarded Warren area, just over half a mile away from the centre of Crowborough, this beautifully presented detached house has been created to blend into its stunning setting. Adjacent to Ashdown Forest, and with all the principal rooms looking out over the surrounding light woodland, this property is a private retreat.

The spacious interior provides excellent family accommodation over two floors with a flexible layout. Features include solid oak flooring and joinery throughout the ground floor, an oak staircase, a covered balcony off the guest bedroom and an open fireplace in the drawing room.

On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, drawing room, dining room, study, shower room and a versatile family room which could be used as a fur-

Wednesday 24th February 2016

ther bedroom. There is also the option to create an annexe.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has a fitted dressing area and an en-suite shower room, while the guest suite has a shower room and balcony. Two further bedrooms are served by a family bathroom.

Approached by a wide driveway, with parking for several vehicles, the house also has a double garage and stables.

Beyond this steps and pathways lead through shrubberies and lightly wooded areas. At the rear there is a glorious garden with lawns and three linked ponds – which were originally designed for the book Making a Shrub Garden by HE & J Bowden – and by the house is a fine paved terrace. In all there is around one and a half acres with private access into Ashdown Forest.

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE n Well presented detached family house n Stunning woodland setting n Light and bright accommodation n Versatile layout n Entrance hall n Kitchen/breakfast room n Drawing room n Dining room n Study n Family room n Utility room n Shower room n Master bedroom with dressing area and shower room n Guest bedroom with shower room and balcony n Two further bedrooms

‘Approached by a wide driveway with parking for several vehicles, the house also has a double garage and stables’

n Family bathroom n Detached double garage n Drive and parking n Stables n Terrace and rear garden n Pond features n Light woodland n Access to Ashdown Forest n 1.5 acres in all

£990,000 For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

we open doors for you ...

BarnesKingsnorth

NORTH TONBRIDGE £950,000 SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION overlooking parkland and within walk of town and MLS. An attractive Georgian style detached house with generous living accommodation yet offering scope to adapt into your perfect family home. Delightful, double aspect sitting room, spacious dining room, conservatory, family room/study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility and downstairs bathroom.

First floor with 4 double bedrooms, en-suite and family bathroom. Gravelled driveway, double garage and gardens to front & rear. NO CHAIN EPC: E Apply Tonbridge

LADDINGFORD £795,000 ADAPTABLE & VERSATILE ACCOMMODATION at this delightful country home, ideal for a growing or extended family. Large open plan & stylish kitchen/breakfast/family room, spacious sitting room, separate dining room and utility /cloaks. Upstairs there are 5 spacious bedrooms which all enjoy en-suite showers. Formerly two farm cottages, the property has two staircases so there is scope to create an annexe or offer bed & breakfast facilities. Large frontage with ample parking and feature garden including superb covered verandah. EPC: C Apply Tonbridge

\

SHIPBOURNE £875,000 GLORIOUS COUNTRYSIDE ON THE DOORSTEP Modern, executive style detached home with attractive tile hung elevations. Ample ground floor living space with a large sitting room, separate dining room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, utility and cloakroom. The first floor offers 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and in addition there is a fabulous family room 24' x 18' with scenic farmland views that would easily make a Master Bedroom Suite. Integral garage, parking and private garden. EPC: D Apply Tonbridge

Q} Primelocatior

t i"rightmove.co.uk

Residential Sales & !Lettings

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

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

Lettings: 01732 771616

e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.l,kestatea1ents.com

Tunbridge Wells £499,950 - £515,000 An immaculately presented detached home, constructed in 2004, which is in excellent decorative order, benefiting from a low maintenance garden and parking. Through reception room, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 bedrooms (one with en suite) and bathroom. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells £295,000 Forming part of a prestigious gated development, backing onto Dunorlan Park, is this well appointed first floor purpose-built apartment with living/dining room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom. Designated parking space and communal grounds. EPC: B

Tunbridge Wells £275,000 Enjoying a convenient position within the High Brooms area and close to the mainline station, this refurbished and modernised staggered terrace house has 2 reception rooms, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and bathroom. South-west facing rear garden. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £2,200 An incredibly spacious Grade II Listed first floor maisonette ( 1668 sq.ft.) offering versatile accommodation with large hall, 2/3 reception rooms, 3/4 bedrooms (one en suite) and bathroom. Off road parking for 2/3 cars. Offered unfurnished and available now. EPC: D

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Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental£ 1,395 A striking top floor brand new warehouse-style apartment, located in the centre of Tunbridge Wells and within walking distance of mainline station, offering far reaching roof top views.

Living/dining room, kitchen, 2 double bedrooms (one en suite) and bathroom. EPC: E

Speldhurst Monthly Rental £ 1,350 A spacious 2 bedroom semi-detached Victorian cottage, with accommodation over three floors, completely refurbished to a very high standard. 2 reception rooms plus study/playroom, brand new kitchen and bathroom. Off road parking and good sized rear garden. EPC: D

� PROPERTY SECTION

An exceptional family house near Knole Park

R

EGATTA is a stylish family house of excellent proportions built in 2000. Designed to a high specification, features include oak flooring, a Smallbone kitchen, modern bathroom suites and Fired Earth tiling. Set in a popular residential road on the south side of Sevenoaks, it is close to Knole Park and less than a mile from the centre of town.

The impressive accommodation includes a generous entrance hall, family/music room, study, cloakroom, bespoke kitchen/breakfast room with integrated appliances, utility room and open-plan drawing/dining/garden room. The basement comprises a home gym with a mirrored wall, a sauna and a shower room.

On the first floor, the master suite has a spacious bedroom,

a dressing room and an en-suite bathroom. The guest suite also benefits from a dressing room and shower room. There are three further bedrooms, one of which is currently being used as a study, and a contemporary family shower room completes the accommodation.

The house is approached over a paved drive which provides parking and leads to the integral double garage. The established landscaped gardens provide an attractive backdrop to the house with manicured lawns flanked by shrub borders. To the rear is a paved terrace and a path leads over the lawn to a swimming pool with pool house containing a shower room and changing area. In total the plot is approximately a third of an acre.

‘A path leads over the lawn to a swimming pool with pool house’ Wednesday 24th February 2016

PROPERTY SECTION �

REGATTA GRASSY LANE, SEVENOAKS

£2,390,000

AT A GLANCE n High-spec family house n Built in 2000 n Close to the centre of Sevenoaks n Entrance hall

n Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and bathroom n Guest suite with bedroom, dressing room and shower room n Three further bedrooms, one used as study

n Family/music room n Study

n Family shower room

n Cloakroom n Kitchen/breakfast room

n Swimming pool and pool house with shower room

n Utility room

n Terrace and mature rear garden

n Dining room open plan to drawing room/garden room

n Drive and integral double garage

n Basement with gym, sauna and shower room

n 0.3 of an acre

£2,390,000 For sale through Savills 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

Tunbridge Wells

Andrews >

andrewsonline.co.uk

Nursery Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 Guide £300,000 - £315,000 End of terrace 3 bedroom home with courtyard garden on Southborough/ Tunbridge Wells borders. Living room, kitchen/dining room, 1st floor study area.

Both kitchen and bathroom are particularly noteworthy.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Chenies Close, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 Guide £210,000 Two double bedroom ground floor apartment with open plan living/dining area overlooking greenery. Positioned at the end of the cul-de-sac with many benefits, including residents parking/gardens, double glazing and a bathroom with both shower cube and bath.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Forge Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 £299,500 Brand new semi-detached home in village setting. Hallway, downstairs cloakroom, living room with French doors into an enclosed paved rear garden with shed, fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, landing, 2 double bedrooms, family bathroom, enclosed garden to rear.

Energy Efficiency Rating: B

Kensington Court, TN1 2FD £950pcm This property which is located on the first floor benefits from a lift in the communal areas. There are two storage cupboards just off the hallway with shelving. Carpet is laid throughout the hallway and the two double bedrooms, of which the main bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room. The kitchen is open plan to the living room and benefits from laminate flooring.

Energy Efficiency Rating: B

Park Road, TN4 9JN £2200pcm Four double bedroom property set over three floors which is located 0.4 miles of the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre. On the ground floor you will notice a spacious kitchen/dining room and patio doors leading out onto the garden and a downstairs WC. The second floor you will notice the living room which is located to the front of the property and the main bedroom with en-suite shower.

Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 11+'+ Tunbridge Wells Lettings 01892 525 551

Upper Grosvenor Road, TN1 2EU £895pcm First floor two double bedroom apartment within a 0.7 mile walk of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Mainline Station, the property comprises lounge/dining room, modern kitchen with appliances including washing machine, fridge/freezer, gas cooker and a bathroom with a shower over the bath. The property also benefits from gas central heating, double-glazing and off road parking as well as a large communal garden with a small orchard.

Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC

To view more properties available from all 85 of our offices, visit andrewsonline.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE �

Thinking of moving home soon?

You’ve made the decision to move, found your dream home and your offer has been accepted. Feelings of excitement and apprehension set in and all you want is the whole process to end with you safely ensconced in your new home. So what steps can you take to ensure that the process will run smoothly and costly mistakes are avoided? Well, skimping on surveys and conveyancing can cost you dearly in the long run. So here are some top tips to help your move go as smoothly as possible. will not visit the property themselves, so should there be something you feel uncertain about bring it to their attention and they will provide you with the options available in order to try to resolve the issue.

5

REMEMBER TO ARRANGE BUILDING INSURANCE FROM THE DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS. From exchange of contracts you will be legally responsible for the structure of the property. This is often overlooked and can potentially have serious consequences. Make sure you have buildings insurance cover in place from this date.

With this being said and the potential risks of buying a home with hidden problems amounting to thousands of pounds in potential outgoings, why would you cut corners for the sake of a few pounds when the risks are so large?

For your FREE copy of The Kent Guide to Buying and Selling your Home, or for further advice regarding your buying/selling experience, contact Max Barford Solicitors in Tunbridge Wells today and speak to one of my property team on 01892 539 379 or email times@maxbarford.co.uk

2

DECIDE WHETHER YOU ARE HAPPY TO RELY ON THE MORTGAGE LENDER’S VALUATION OR DO YOU REQUIRE A FULL SURVEY. A lender’s valuation is an assessment carried out by and for the benefit of the lender in order to check that the property presents adequate security for its loan should you default and the property has to be sold. However, it does not report on actual faults in the property. For many, a Home Buyer’s Report, which will expose problems such as damp, dry rot and subsidence, is adequate but if you are buying an older house or unusual home a full structural survey will be a wise investment.

You wouldn’t buy a car without the

4

3

E ID EERS GU FRE MOVE

1

GET YOUR MORTGAGE AGREED FIRST Although borrowing from banks and building societies has improved recently, it is not a given. So to avoid disappointment, check you can get the mortgage you need before starting the process. You can get a mortgage agreement in principle secured first, but remember that this is an indication and not a legal agreement.

CHOOSE YOUR CONVEYANCING SOLICITORS WITH CARE For a free copy of the Kent Guide to Buying and Selling If you take the risk of buying without Your Home or for further advice regarding your home REMEMBER TO FACTOR IN the support and guidance of an buying/selling experience just complete and cut out this THE TRUE COST OF MOVING. expertly trained legal conveyancer, you coupon and post to the address below. Alternatively call Mortgage arrangement fees, run the risk of walking into a financial or email us today quoting reference MBRTO104 survey fees, legal costs and removal booby trap which can seriously hamper costs are all substantial costs of moving. your progression up the property Telephone 01892 539 379 However, the often overlooked but most ladder. You should also make sure or Email times@maxbarford.co.uk expensive cost is Stamp Duty Land Tax you know who you are instructing (SDLT) which varies dependent on the and that the firm is registered with a Name value of the property purchased. If you regulatory body such as the Solicitors purchase a property above £125,000 Regulation Authority. There are bogus Address SDLT becomes payable. Recent changes law firms out there who will take your to SDLT have been introduced to try money and then close up shop which to make the tax fairer. Under the old means you lose the money and your regime the SDLT percentage rates dream home. That is why it is essential increased at various thresholds. Under that you get the advice and guidance the old rules SDLT was payable at a you need every step of the way from single rate on the whole transaction a known reputable law firm. They are value. From 4th December 2014, SDLT there to help you avoid the pitfalls of is payable on a sliding scale depending what can be a murky area. on the portion of the purchase price The cheapest option may not always Tel.No that falls within each rate band. There prove to be the best. Remember, this is no doubt that the SDLT changes will may well be the biggest purchase you’ll Email be of benefit to many home buyers. For make and you want to be sure that you example, under the old regime, Stamp know what you are buying. You should Duty Land Tax payable on a purchase be able to contact your conveyancer Max Barford & Co price of £350,000 would be £10,500 and fully understand what is happening 16 Mount Pleasant Road and under the new regime it would at each step of the move. If you are Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QU be £7,500 - representing a saving not sure, ask! One further point to www.maxbarford.co.uk of £3,000. bear in mind is that your conveyancer Max Barford & Co. is a trading name of Parfitt Cresswell. Parfitt Cresswell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. No. 71480 knowledge of a service history, so why would you run this financial risk when buying a house?

M HO

BY DEBORAH MILLER

Wednesday 24th February 2016

� PROPERTY SECTION

THE OLD POST HOUSE BELLS YEW GREEN

£1,290,000 OR £895,000

Adaptable village home with three-bed annexe S

ET in Bells Yew Green, a short walk from Frant mainline station, The Old Post House was originally the Post Office for the village with a sweet shop and bakery to the rear.

The neighbouring property, Wentways, was acquired by the previous owners and a link constructed between the two to create a substantial character home with the option of annexe accommodation, or the potential to provide a rental income. The Old Post House is now available separately, or as a whole with Wentways included.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

Internally, the main house benefits from period features including fireplaces, sash windows and a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams in the kitchen/breakfast room. There is an impressive drawing room with Juliet balcony to the rear, dining room, snug, cloakroom, studio and superb kitchen/breakfast room.

The lower ground floor features a bed/sitting room with doors into the courtyard, a utility room and a shower room. On the first floor there is a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a family bathroom and three further bedrooms, one arranged as a study.

Wentways is linked via the dining room but also has its own entrance.

There is an open plan reception room with French doors to the terrace, a kitchen and a cloakroom, with three bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs.

The properties benefit from independent access from the road and a shared gravel drive leads to a single garage and car port adjacent to Wentways. A private, south-facing flagstone courtyard provides a delightful outdoor entertaining space, with a level area of lawn beyond interspersed with shrubs and trees. Each property has its own parking and garden.

PROPERTY SECTION �

‘A short walk from Frant mainline station, The Old Post House was originally the village Post Office’

AT A GLANCE � Converted village Post Office

sitting room

� Desirable location close to station

� Shower room

� Flexible accommodation with annexe

� Utility room

� Parking for each property � Rear gardens to each property � 0.28 acres in all

� Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom � Three further bedrooms, one used as office � Family bathroom

Main house:

� Studio

� Reception hall � Drawing room

Annexe:

� Dining room

� Sitting/dining room

� Snug

� Kitchen

� Kitchen/breakfast room

� Cloakroom

� Cloakroom

� Three bedrooms

� Lower ground floor bed/

� Bathroom

£1,290,000 as a whole or £895,000 for the main house alone For sale through Savills 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

Wadhurst This charming Grade II Listed mid-terrace cottage is situated on the outskirts yet within walking distance of the much sought-after village ofWadhurst. Light and bright throughout, the well-presented cottage is split over 3 floors and comprises: An entrance porch, sitting room with inglenook fireplace and wood burner, kitchen/breakfast room, laundry room, 2 double bedrooms, a further bedroom/study and a family bathroom. Externally, there is a pretty garden to the front of the property which is mainly laid to lawn with a stone pathway leading to the cottage. To the rear there is a terrace area perfect for al fresco dining as well as two useful outbuildings. Wadhurst (0.9 miles away) boasts various shopping and banking facilities, restaurants, a good local primary school and also a mainline station with frequent trains into central London. A real must see!

Brenchley

This quaint Grade II Listed mid-terrace cottage is situated on the outskirts yet within walking distance of the much sought-after village ofWadhurst. With period features throughout such as exposed beams and brickwork, this delightful cottage is set over 3 floors and comprises: A sitting room with exposed brick fireplace and wood burner, kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, a further bedroom/study and a family bathroom. Externally, there is a gravelled Mediterranean style garden to the front of the property as well as a rear terrace area in the same style. There are also various outbuildings which provide space for laundry facilities as well as further storage. Wadhurst (0.9 miles) boasts various shopping and banking facilities, restaurants, a good local primary school and also a mainline station with frequent trains into central London.

ÂŁ850,000

Discreetly positioned, well away from the road yet within convenient access to the villages of Matfield and Brenchley, this attractive detached period family home dates back to the late 16th century and offers excellent living accommodation. Retaining many original character features including an inglenook fireplace, exposed beams and traditional oak doors. Situated within 4.2 acres of beautiful ornamental gardens and a wild flower paddock. The property comprises: A kitchen, dining room, sitting room, a double aspect drawing room, cloakroom, an impressive double aspect master bedroom, 3 further bedrooms, and 2 family bathrooms.

Paddock Wood (approx. 2.7 miles) provides a main line train station to London (50 min), banking facilities, and a Waitrose.

This magnificent 21st Century country house provides space, style and luxurious comfort on a grand scale. Aesthetically pleasing on every level and exuding an ambience of traditional design fused with 'State of the Art' technology, most clearly demonstrated in the fantastic kitchen/breakfast room, this superlative property flows beautifully with 4 well-appointed receptions leading off the impressive reception hall. The first floor has 5 stunning bedrooms, 3 with en-suites and a bathroom. The setting is equally impressive and must be seen to be fully appreciated. Statement colonial decking to the ground floor elevation makes this an ideal party house. The truly awesome gardens and grounds of some 4.5 acres including woodland and a paddock. Ample off-road parking and garaging with an office space.

ÂŁ750,000 This beautifully presented 3 bedroom village home is located in a small and attractive development within Headcorn. The only 3 bedroom home in the development, this property has been built to an exceptionally high standard, offering solid oak floors along with light and bright accommodation. Comprising: an entrance hall with a cloakroom, a kitchen with breakfast space, a 21 foot sitting/ dining room, a beautiful garden room overlooking the neighbouring pond and small nature reserve, master bedroom with an en-suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally, the cottage boasts 2 off road parking spaces and benefits from an "astro lawn" and a garden shed. Only a few minutes' walk away from the main line railway station and close to all of the local shopping and banking facilities.

MUST BE SEEN TO BE APPRECIATED.

NOW COMPLETELY RENOVATED TO A HIGH STANDARD. After having gone through a complete facelift, this beautiful, detached and versatile home is situated within a mile of the sought after village of Goudhurst and is within the renowned Cran brook School Catchment Area. Comprising: a light and bright reception hall, a newly fitted kitchen/dining room, an open plan triple aspect sitting/garden room with a beautiful bay window, a cloakroom, a drawing room/guest suite with an en-suite, a principal bedroom with a dressing area and en-suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally, the property sits within some 0.3 acres oflandscaped, walled gardens including a greenhouse, ornamental ponds, numerous mature flower beds and detached garage with further off road parking.

NO CHAIN.

ÂŁ1,450,000 All set within some 2.5 acres of manicured gardens, an apple orchard and paddock, this imposing, characterful twin oast house conversion spans over 3,672 sq. ft. It includes a unique 'bottle' oast, as well as a square oast and a barn -which makes a stylish yet historic family home. This accommodation comprises: A reception hall, roundel dining room, sitting room with a grand inglenook, a partly vaulted and galleriead kitchen/breakfast room with a further 'prep' kitchen, laundry room, an office, a studio, a bathroom, plus a stunning glass garden room. The 1st floor boasts a master bedroom with en-suite, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom and a vaulted playroom/family room. Externally, there are outbuildings, a detached double garage and ample off-road parking. Near-by Wadhurst ( 4.2 miles away) has a main line station into central London.

Located within an area designated as one of outstanding natural beauty, with absolutely amazing elevated far reaching views over the beautiful and undulating countryside with the stunning back drop of Bodiam Castle, makes this a wonderful and idyllic setting for this gorgeous detached Grade II Listed Farmhouse. Spanning some 3,759 sq. ft oflight and bright, period charm with a plethora of mellow exposed timbers, the mandatory Aga, good ceiling heights. Boasting 4 receptions some with open fireplaces, capacious cellarage and the usual offices. The first floor offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Add to this a fabulous listed holiday cottage of867sq.ft. with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a separate shower room, plus superbly presented open plan living space. The lovely grounds of some 9 acres finish off the whole package. NO CHAIN.

Victims of our own success, we are desperately seeking more Country Cottages, Character Houses, Farms and Equestrian Properties for our selection of well placed buyers and fully referenced tenants.

Please call for a FREE MARKETING APPRAISAL

� PROPERTY SECTION

EARLS ROAD

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£1,450,000

EARLS ROAD

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£1,450,000 PER MONTH

Six-bedroom Edwardian detached property updated for modern life

T

HIS is a fine example of a double-fronted Edwardian townhouse, set in a sought-after part of Tunbridge Wells.

This attractive detached property has a number of period features as well as spacious accommodation which has been updated for modern family life.

On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, family room with doors to the rear garden,

Wednesday 24th February 2016

cloakroom and a breakfast room which is open-plan to a modern kitchen. A staircase leads down to a useful cellar with two storerooms.

The first floor boasts a spacious master bedroom with dressing room, two more large bedrooms, a family bathroom, a shower room and a separate WC. There are three further bedrooms, one used as a study, and a family bathroom on the top floor.

The front garden features a lawn with a path leading to the front door, although many other properties in this road have created off-road parking. The rear garden faces south east and has been very well maintained. A paved terrace spans the back of the house and leads to an expanse of level lawn. The mature garden rises towards the rear of the plot and is well screened with established hedging.

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE � Earls Road, Tunbridge Wells

� Dining room

� Shower room

� Period detached home

� Family room

� Separate WC

� Sought-after location

� Kitchen

� Three more bedrooms on

� Spacious family

� Cellar

accommodation

� Over three floors � Entrance hall � Cloakroom � Drawing room

� Master bedroom with dressing room

� Two further first floor bedrooms

� Family bathroom

£1,450,000 For sale through Knight Frank 01892 515035

top floor

� Second family bathroom � Potential to create off-road parking to the front

� Rear terrace and mature gardens

‘There are three further bedrooms, one used as a study, and a family bathroom on the top floor’

www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

� PROPERTY SECTION

Destination style

By Gabrielle Fagan

Decor never stands still. It takes new directions each year, which may be major turns, or simply a variation on a theme, but will have an impact on our homes nonetheless. Here are four trends which could shake things up this year...

DRAMATIC DECOR

Dramatic decor rules the roost in 2016, so bin the beige and make a statement, by painting an entire wall a rich dark colour, or investing in a few bold pieces of furniture.

"This trend is all about not shying away from the bold and gives us an opportunity to inject some life into our homes," says interior stylist Kristen Grove. "There's a huge misconception that dramatic colour makes a small space feel even tinier, but the reality is, it can make a room feel grander. "However, natural light plays a huge part - there isn't a lamp in the world that can light up a room like nature - so painting a room a dark colour with no windows is possible but risky. You don't want to leave a space feeling depressed.

"Get the balance right, and working dramatic style into a room can instantly add glamour and sophistication."

SHAPE UP

Geometric shapes, patterns and textures are perfect for a modern minimalistic makeover - just make sure you get your style sums right and avoid too many clashes.

"The geometric trend is the perfect way to give your interior a contemporary look and can be made up of lines, and shapes such as squares, triangles and hexagons, which are repeated or tessellated in a symmetrical layout. This style can give rooms an illusion of space and add depth and interest," says Robin Auld, head of marketing at Topps Tiles.

"Try combining different colours and scales of one or - at most - two shapes, to keep the look fresh and to create a unique interior."

DECOR TIP: For a colour scheme, think deep Georgian blue, charcoal grey and berry red shades. Create areas of contrast to bring more drama into the room, by teaming bold decor with bright white finishes.

our needs.

"The trends I see coming and staying are more eclectic than ever, with a lot of thought behind them. Wood, ceramic and stone are the most important elements in a home, as they're a great starting point to build on, and to be successfully on-trend, it's essential to get the right balance of each.

"Mix and match a pale wood - grey, taupe blonde and white woods, rather than black, will be fashion leaders - with a darker stone in flowing lines, and pair with ceramic to give an illusion of length and height. The four 'hot' metals this year will be bronze, nickel, rose gold and beaten black metal."

FOLLOW THE TREND: Abigail Ahern is a master of the

moody setting, and her paint range is full of shades which are perfect for atmospheric rooms, including Madison Grey emulsion, £40 for 2.5L, Rockett St George.

Once you have the right backdrop, you need statement pieces. Avoid over-cluttering and opt for fewer, eye-catching items; Barker & Stonehouse has a desirable selection.

Highlights include their generous Boleyn Loveseat, currently reduced to £1,549 from £1,939, and Golden Light Picture - a canvas featuring a tree embellished with gold leaf highlights, currently reduced to £152 from £179. Its Charlie bed frame range, made from recycled and reclaimed wood in an oak finish, from £585 for a double, can't fail to make an impact.

Be adventurous with sofa upholstery, especially if contrasted with dark walls, and furniture will really bring a space alive. Sofa.com has a lovely Isla armchair, from £550 .

DECOR TIPS: Colour used halfway up a wall, leaving the upper space

neutral, will be increasingly popular. Black and white flooring and vintage tiles are going to have a huge comeback, especially when mixed with marble; the combination of textures gives an unexpected edge.

FOLLOW THE TREND: Blush tones are in vogue, and two similar pinks, DECOR TIP: Layout is key when it comes to the geometric

look. Make one piece, perhaps a wall or rug, in a geometric print a focal point. Hexagonals are this year's favourite shape and graphic hexagonal tiles, in an unusual honeycomb pattern, can create an eye-catching floor or splashback, especially if teamed with a bold colour.

FOLLOW THE TREND: Tiles are an ultra-effective way to

embrace this trend and Topps has an inspiring collection, including the striking Hexagon Rustic Travertine Tiles, £3.99 each (£65.22 per square metre).

Get the effect with wallpaper from B&Q - Move Your Wall Grey & Cream Geometric 3D Diamond Effect Wallpaper, £14 a roll. Test your taste with accessories from Amara; a Mariska Myers Bold Cubism Cushion in French blue, £169; Niki Jones Isosceles Throw in black, £220, and, my favourite, a Kartell Stone Stool in chrome, £212.

MATERIAL STYLE

Natural materials and contrast in tone and texture are the order of the day for successful interiors, predicts Kelly Hoppen.

"The days of fad trends are long gone, thank goodness, and today, it's all about how we live in our spaces, which we now take seriously," says the interior designer. "It's increasingly recognised that we should aim for interior design which fits us like a Savile Row suit, perfectly made-to-measure to suit

Wednesday 24th February 2016

like Fired Earth's Manna Ash, £53 for 2.5L, and Hansel And Gretel, £62 for 5L, could work well together for a 'half-and-half' wall. Contemporary furniture specialists Danetti have used this backdrop to great effect for a dining setting featuring their Aver Oak And White Extending Dining Table, from £349, and white High Gloss Dice Side Table, £119.

Kelly Hoppen's home collection includes furniture and accessories which could introduce texture to a room, including her studded Emma Chair, £995, which can be upholstered in luxe velvet.

Graham & Brown has made marble a star in its wallpaper of the year, the decadent Marbled Charcoal/Rose Gold paper, £20 a roll. Follow the fashionable route for flooring with black and white Victorian Chequer Tiles, £5.49 each (£66.19 per square metre), Topps Tiles.

TREND DESTINATIONS AMARA: 0800 587 7645/amara.com B&Q: 0845 850 0175/www.diy.com BARKER & STONEHOUSE: 0844 420 4220/www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk DANETTI: 020 3588 1380/danetti.com DESIGN55INTERIORS: design55online.co.uk GRAHAM & BROWN: 0800 3288 452/www.grahambrown.com/uk KELLY HOPPEN: 020 3701 9333/kellyhoppen.com QUINCE LIVING: 01738 449 098/quinceliving.co.uk ROCKETT ST GEORGE: 01444 253 391/rockettstgeorge.co.uk SOFA.COM: 0345 400 2222/sofa.com TOPPS TILES: 0800 783 6262/toppstiles.co.uk

Groombridge, Kent Tunbridge Wells 4 miles, Tonbridge 9 miles, Eridge Station I mile, Crowborough 4 miles A charming Victorian family house with pretty gardens situated in a delightful location enjoying superb southerly views.

Entrance hall I Reception hall I Cloakroom I Drawing room I Dining Room/Study I Sitting room I Kitchen/breakfast room I Utility room Five bedrooms I Bathroom I Shower room I Large garage and workshop I Two timber garden stores I Greenhouse I Delightful formal garden and paddocks I 0.93 acres

Guide Price ÂŁ1.295m Sevenoaks 01732 807801

sevenoaks@struttandparker. corn

Pootings, Kent Sevenoaks 8.5 miles, Westerham 3.7 miles, Edenbridge 2.9 miles, Oxted 6 miles, Hildenborough 8.6 miles An immaculately presented family home situated in a stunning rural location and benefitting from planning permission to alter outbuildings.

Entrance Hall I Music Room/Study I Sitting Room I Conservatory Cloakroom I Kitchen/b reakfast room I Utility room I Boiler room Master Bedroom with en-suite I bathroom and separate WC Three further bedrooms I Family bathroom I Garage I Workshop and Store room I Landscaped Gardens I About 1 .77 acre

Guide Price ÂŁ1.6m Sevenoaks 01732 807801

sevenoaks@struttandparker. corn

 PROPERTY SECTION

WESTERING

CHURCH STREET, HARTFEILD

£885,000

Wednesday 24th February 2016

PROPERTY SECTION 

Elegant village hall conversion with views across the rooftops

F

ORMERLY a British Legion Hall, this unique detached property in Hartfield has undergone an imaginative transformation to create a light and spacious family home. Finished to a high specification throughout, it also retains many attractive period features.

There is a welcoming entrance hall with heated limestone flooring and doors opening into an impressive double

aspect drawing room with woodblock flooring and a multi-fuel stove. A part-vaulted kitchen/dining room opens directly to the terrace and benefits from an adjacent utility room. A sitting room to the front and a downstairs bathroom complete the ground floor.

A staircase from the kitchen leads to a bedroom with en-suite shower room, ideal as a master or guest suite.

The three remaining bedrooms are accessed via a separate

staircase and two have feature oval windows and fitted cupboards.

Parking is available on the adjacent no-through road in Church Street. The property is approached via steps and a pathway to the front door. The gardens have been beautifully landscaped and there is a seating area which enjoys views across the High Street, rooftops and countryside beyond.

‘Finished to a high specification throughout’ AT A GLANCE � Unique converted British Legion Hall � Elevated position � At the heart of a popular village � Flexible layout � Period features � Entrance hall � Drawing room � Kitchen/dining room � Utility room � Reading room � Open-plan kitchen/dining room � Utility room � Sitting room � Ground floor family bathroom � Two staircases � Master or guest suite with shower room � Three further bedrooms � Landscaped garden

£885,000 For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

Bid borough

£840,000

• Detach ed 4 Bed Family Home • Bidborough Village Locati on • We ll Presented

Tunbridge Wells • Semi Detached House • 3 Bedrooms • We ll Presented

• 100ft Rear Gard en • Integral Garage & Driveway • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

£340,000 • Co rn er Pl ot • Off Road Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

Tunbridge Wells Guide Price: £325,000 - £350,000 • 2 Bed Victorian End Terrace • Large Additional Loft Room • 2 Recepti ons, Further Kitchen

• Courtyard & Furth er Gard en • On Road Parking • Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Speldhurst

Guide Price: £725,000 - £750,000

• 3 Bed Semi Detached Home • Set in Approx V, Acre • Panoramic Rear Views

Tunbridge Wells • 3 Bedroom Detached Home • Cul de Sac Locati on • Exce ll ent Presentation

• Op en Plan Kitchen/ Breakfast/ Family Rm • Integral Garage with furth er ORP • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

£489,000 - £515,000 • Good Sized Rear Gard en • Garage with furth er ORP • En ergy Efficiency Rating: E

Tunbridge Wells • 2 Bed Victori an Town House • Inte rnal Inspection Recomm end ed • Popular Town Ce ntre Locati on

£298,500 • Deli ghtful Rear Gard en • Res idents Permit Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

Tun bridge Wells Office I 01892 511211

tun bridgewel ls @wooda ndpi lcher.co.u k Southborough Office 01892 511311

NAEA

~ / \ The Property ~Ombudsman

(i)nTheMarket,om

South boroug h@woodandpilcher.co.u k

woodandpilcher.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells • 2 Bedrooms • Kitchen/ Breakfast Room • Low Maintenance Gard en

£950 PCM • Ava ilabl e April • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D • Age nt's Fees Apply

Tunbridge Wells • 3 Bedrooms • En-Suite Shower Room • All ocated Parking Space

£1,250 PCM • Ava ilabl e April • En ergy Efficiency Rating: B • Age nt's Fees Apply

Heathfield • 2 Double Bedrooms • Off Road Parking • Close To Town Centre

£775 PCM • Avai lable Apri l • Energy Efficiency Rating: B • Agent's Fees App ly

Other offices in Crowborough, Heathfield, Tonbridge & associated London Branch

WITH THE

NEW HOMES AND LETTINGS OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

TO PROMOTE YOUR PROPERTY CONTACT PATSY KELLY

PKelly@markerstudy.com | 01892 774781

� PROPERTY SECTION

S.lD

PRO.lECTS

LAND & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

Call for Sites Tunbridge Wells seeks Housing Land Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have identified the need to increase the amount of housing planned for its administrative area as commissioned in a recent report.

The requirement for 12,960 houses (648 per year) has been identified by The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) in Tunbridge Wells between 2013-2033.

As a result of this housing need, Tunbridge Wells are now inviting submissions to identify sites within the Borough as part of a Call for Sites exercise. Sites will be assessed for their suitability under a process known as Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA).

If you own land within the Borough and would be interested in having it promoted for potential development, please contact us. The deadline for submissions is 1 August 2016.

CALLING ALL

PROPERTY INVESTORS

Martin & Co Tonbridge 126 High Street • Ton bridge • Kent • TN9 I AS

01732 602 602

www. tonbridge.martinco.com e: tonbridge@martinco.com Wednesday 24th February 2016

MARTIN&CO Letting• Sales • Investment

WITH THE

NEW HOMES AND LETTINGS Oast house to rent ten minutes from Staplehurst

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

Twelve sustainable apartments in St John’s

Unique development in 28 acres of parkland

Flexible lease for conveniently located Victorian townhouse close to Calverley Grounds

Cover image courtesy of Royal Wells Park, Berkeley Homes Wednesday 24th February 2016

MADDISONS R E SID EN TI A L

~

THE SUNDAY TIMES

THE alllll.TIMES

Excellence is not a skill. It's an attitude.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Highcroft, Kippington Road, Sevenoaks An extremely attractive and substantial period property enjoying an enviable aspect on a prestigious road in Sevenoaks, under a mile from the mainline station. The 6 bedrooms and 4 reception rooms are presented in an excellent condition and offer wonderfully proportioned accommodation over three floors. The front of the house is approached via a sweeping driveway with parking for several vehicles and the large rear garden is extremely secluded and well established, with a lovely paved terrace for al fresco entertaining.

The owners, who have lovingly refurbished and extended the original house commented that "we thought Highcroft would be an ideal family house. We could entertain all our extended family at Christmas and other occasions, which we did! Our experience was that it was great for teenagers, and ours was always the house where our children and their friends congregated, being close to the school and town. So before our children's parties and balls we experienced the excitement of dressing up , photos etc. We know the next owners will love and enjoy the house as much as we have."

ÂŁ2,995,000

www.maddisonsresidential.co. uk Royal Victoria House, 51-55 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TE Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

MADDISONS R E SID EN TI A L

~

THE SUNDAY TIMES

Excellence is not a skill. It's an attitude.

THE alllll.TIMES

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Kennett, Bidborough Borders

£1,250,000

An immaculate 5 bedroom property, perfectly located between the ,·ibrant spa town of Tunbridge \Velis and the com·cnient market tmm of 'lbnbridge with its excellent rail links to central London. O,·cr .1,800 sq ft of well-configured lh'ing accommodation, which includes a separate annexe and stunning south-facing ,·icws m·cr the surrounding Kent countryside.

Laddingford House, Laddingford

£2,150,000

A 6 bedroom , 6 reception, beautiful Grade II listed Georgian country house nestling in the charming hamlet of Laddingford in Kent. A stunning family home, presented in first class condition throughout and set in in .1 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

Woodside Road, Rusthall

£255,000

A pretty 2 bedroom terraced house on Woodside Road. situated in the heart of Rusthall. Set high at the end of this no-through road. it offers a ,rnndcrful sense of peace and seclusion. "·ith rooftop ,·iC\\'S of the houses beyond and presented in lmdy condition throughout.

Kestrels, Witherden Hill

£1,695,000

A simply beautiful 6 bedroom country house, idyllica lly located in 10 acres of breath-taking East Sussex countryside. T\vo elegant reception rooms, 6 bedrooms and separate, stylish ancillary accommodation, close to the ,·ibrant town of Burwash.

Little Pembury Court, Pembury

£725,000

A spacious family home, ideally located close to the thrh'ing community,·illagc of Pcm bury. The property is in excellent condition throughout and is extremely well-proportioned , offering four bedrooms, three reception rooms, two bathrooms, a detached double garage, lm·cly gardens and off-street parking.

Kentish Mansions

£445,000

Set "·ithin this architecturally arresting and historical building situated in the heart of Tunbridge \\'ells. this three bedroom. fourth floor apartment is beautifully presented. "·ith many of its early Victorian period features retained and "·ith fabulous ,fo"·s from c,·cry room.

www.maddisonsresidential.co. uk Royal Victoria House, 51-55 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TE Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE ...

INVEST NOW AT ...

REGALPOINT

Ashdown Court, Lewes Rd, Forest Row RH18 5EZ

A GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY - DON'T MISS OUT! With stamp duty set to rise by 3 % in April for second homes and landlords, now is the right time to secure one of the two remaining apartments.

REASONS TO INVEST

Wink.worth

REASONS TO LIVE HERE

GUIDE PRICE £235 ,000 CURRENT RENTAL VALUE £1000 PCM

MANSELL McTAGGART ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1947

t: 01342 822255

e: info@regalpoint.co.uk

I

w: regalpoint.co.uk

Prices correct ar rime of going to prim. "" Estimated rental yields are gross and do nor take accounr of void periods, service charges, lerrings or management fees, applicable taxes or other costs associated \,·ith buy-to-let ownership ... .. Times taken from AA Route Planner.

t: 01342 826682

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

路"""路

THESUNDAYTIMES

T-"!:AMPTONS

11

INTERNATIONAL

THE altlift.TIMES

Tunbridge Wells 拢1695 pcm This neutrally decorated and deceptively spacious, four bedroom Victorian terraced house is situated in the popular St Johns area. EPC: E

Staplehurst 拢1800 pcm This immaculately presented, detached Oast House is situated in a beautiful rural setting within approximately a 10 minute drive to Staplehurst with its local amenities and transport links to London. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Office

Lettings. 01892 597609

tunbridgewellslettings@hamptons-int.com

£50,000 TOWARDS STAMP DUTY PAID* Halsart House

HALSART HOUSE & HARENWOOD HOUSE, DOWNS WAY, TADWORTH KT20 5DJ Two contemporary 5 bedroom detached homes measuring over 3000sq.ft, with a generous 150ft landscaped rear gardens.

Located in a popular residential location, close to an excellent range of schools and great commuter links.

Halsart House - Priced at fl.449m

I

Harenwood House - Priced at fl.395m

•subject to scheme rules

Harenwood House

PROPERTY SECTION �

Wednesday 24th February 2016

Longview LONGVIEW CLOSE, BOUGHTON-UNDER-BLEAN ME13 9AZ Computer generated image

Show Home Opening Satu rday 27 th Feb 10 a m - 4 pm A select collection of 8 semi-detached 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom family homes.

• Fully fitted designer kitchens with integrated appliances • Individually designed bathrooms and en-suites • Flooring throughout • Private rear gardens • Private parking and some homes have a car barn • Great location, just 2 miles from Faversham and 6 miles from Canterbury • Regular train services from a choice of stations with direct routes to London Charing Cross, Victoria and St Pancras

Longview SELLING STATION 2.1 miles.

FAVERSHAM STATION 4.1 MILES.

CANTERBURY TRAIN STATIONS 5.7 miles.

ASHFORD INT STATION 13.5 miles. *Distances and times from google maps

GUIDE PRICES FROM £335,000 For more information please contact our selling agents on 01634 835900.

A DEVELOPMENT BY

www.wedgewoodhomes.co.uk

New Homes rpclandandnewhomes.co.uk

Owning your first home should feel like a dream come true. Make sure it's somewhere you'll always look forward to coming home to by opting for the quality, comfort, and convenience of Knights Wood.

. . Knight ~ Frank

Knights Wood offers a variety of exceptional new homes in a peaceful woodland setting in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Our marketing suite is open daily from 1Oam to 5pm, so come and visit us to see for yourself the great choices on offer. Alternatively, call us on 01892 800580.

Two, three and four bedroom homes available now with prices from ÂŁ350,000.

Knights Wood, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UW

dandara

new homes

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

Superb Victorian rental close to station and top primary school

A

VAILABLE for a flexible length of lease now, this beautifully presented Victorian townhouse is close to Calverley Grounds and is extremely convenient for both the town centre and Tunbridge Wells station.

Within walking distance of the highly regarded Claremont Primary School, this family-friendly home boasts 1,700 sq ft of accommodation over three floors and a tasteful combination of charming period features and bright, modern styling.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

On the ground floor there is an entrance hall with a cloakroom and doors to an open-plan living area, comprising a sitting room with feature fireplace to the front of the house, a dining room with log burner and a fantastic L-shaped kitchen/breakfast room with bifolding doors to the rear courtyard garden.

The first floor includes two double bedrooms, a spacious bathroom and separate wet room, with two further double

bedrooms being located on the second floor.

This property is centrally located but set back from the road.

Permit parking is available, with on-road parking all along Grove Hill Road.

There is an easy to maintain courtyard garden to the rear, which is ideal for al fresco dining in the summer months, and an enclosed front garden with path to the front door. The property is available to let now and is unfurnished.

PROPERTY SECTION �

‘This property is centrally located but set back from road’ AT A GLANCE � Victorian townhouse

� Cloakroom

� Over three floors � Well presented with period features

� Open-plan living area with sitting room, dining room and modern kitchen/breakfast room

� Close to town centre and station

� Two bedrooms on first floor

� Shower room

� Close to Claremont Primary School

� Spacious bathroom and separate wet room

� Available now

� Entrance hall

� Two further double bedrooms on top floor � Courtyard garden � Permit parking

� Flexible lease

£2,500 per month To let through Alexandre Boyes Lettings 01892 525522 www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

placed for Front Station.

Discover our range of incentives with 100% part exchange· available Prices from £515,000 to £1,185,000

DUKES GRANGE, BAYHAM ROAD, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 SHU

CALL 01892 628 676 CALA.CO.UK

TWT24FEB *CALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period, part exchange considered subject to CALA's purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. Up to 100% part exchange and other incentives available on selected plots, subject to terms and conditions and not in conjunction with each other or any other offer. Visit cala.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions and purchasing criteria. Telephone calls within the British Isles will be charged at local rate. Telephone calls may divert to a mobile service in which case call charges may vary.

PANTILES FEATURE �

73

‘Our keg beers come from all over the world.

At the moment, we have a beer from New Zealand and two beers on keg from the USA’

it’s cold and wet in the winter, people are at the top of town because that’s where all the shops are. We concentrate on beer and have sold a lot; we sold 1,000 different beers in our first year.

Are wine drinkers welcome too?

We looked at really concentrating completely and totally on beer, but quite soon found out that, in Tunbridge Wells, you need to do wine as well. We don’t have an extensive range of wines, but quite a respectable one, so we do pretty well.

Where would you like to take The Pantiles Tap going forward?

We’ve pretty much got this one the way we want it. Every pub is a work in progress because generally what happens is, the people come in and dictate its direction, so we find out which beers and what sorts of strengths sell best. We’ve pretty much nailed it on how we want to go with beers; we could possibly look at extending our food, but what we basically

wanted to do with this one was develop a pub that we would want to drink in ourselves, so that’s worked.

And by ‘this one’, you mean…?

We’re looking at opening another pub, but I’m not quite sure where that one will be yet. It has been in our thoughts for a while, but it’s about finding a suitable venue in a suitable town. The thing about craft beer bars is that they’re increasingly replacing traditional pubs, which are closing, especially ones that are tied to national pub companies. They’re closing because they can’t make a profit, whereas, if you’re completely and totally independent, you can work out your own prices and buy from wherever you want.

SIT BACK AND RELAX The venue is filled with character and unique beers

THE PANTILES TAP

39 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TE 01892 530 397 www.facebook.com/PantilesTap @Thepantilestap

Wednesday 24th February 2016

74 ■ FOOD AND DRINK

Lorraine: A Model Cook

Since breaking out with her debut book and TV series in 2011, former model Lorraine Pascale has become something of a poster girl for healthy eating. We chat exclusively to the celebrity cook about her latest project and why creating delicious dishes from scratch at home needn’t be a chore…

‘You just want a recipe that’s going to be quick, reasonably priced and that’s going to actually work’

Fred Latty newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

I

t takes a dash of courage and a dollop of drive to completely reinvent yourself; particularly when you’re posing for Sports Illustrated and brushing shoulders with the likes of Kate Moss. But that’s exactly what Lorraine Pascale did when she decided to ditch the catwalk glamour of Paris, New York and Milan for the art of gastronomy in London.

Indeed, before becoming the household name she is today, the now 42-year-old celebrity cook first cut her culinary teeth at Leiths School of Food and Wine and The University of West London.

“It was mainly going to Leiths and The University of West London that got me really passionate about it. It was amazing and so much fun learning all that stuff. It was great to finally find something that I really enjoyed doing and that I could carry on doing and get better and better at.”

Lorraine was born in Hackney, East London and given up for adoption at birth, when she went into foster care and was raised by adoptive parents Audrey and Roger Woodward in Buckinghamshire.

“My dad is a fantastic cook and makes delicious Italian food. He inspired me to cook and my mum would cook delicious food as well; I’ve always eaten a lot and used to be called ‘hollow legs.’”

Following her foster parents’ divorce and another stint in the social care system, Lorraine won a charity funded scholarship to a boarding school in North Devon, before leaving home for Australia to begin her modelling career. A further six years living in New York saw her marry Polish musician Count Kaz Balinski-Jundzill, with whom she had her daughter Ella in 1996, before their separation and eventual divorce.

It wasn’t long, however, before itchy feet and a desire to be more grounded for her daughter saw Lorraine move back to London with new ambitions and fresh ideas on where to take her career. Today, the face of books and series like Baking Made Easy and How to Be a Better Cook is a bestselling author,

Wednesday 24th February 2016

television personality and all-round champion of healthy eating and living, as demonstrated in her most recent project. Taking favourite recipes and giving them a refreshing, nutritious twist, Eating Well Made Easy provides a snapshot of Lorraine’s own day-to-day eating habits for readers to try at home.

“The inspiration behind it is that it’s the way I actually eat, so the food I eat every day is what you

see in the book. Most of the time you just want a recipe that’s going to be quick, reasonably priced and that’s going to actually work.”

Delectable highlights include peanut butter and banana muffins, no-cook chocolate espresso cheesecake squares and beetroot risotto with feta cheese and mint. illustrating a wealth of sweet and savoury dish. But the book’s real strength lies in its

ability to transform everyday foods into truly show stopping meals.

“I quite often make the fruit berry tarts with vanilla cashew cream; they’re quite easy and look stunning and really impressive, so they’re great ones to make. I love the leek, aubergine and chickpea tagine with cashew nuts and apricots, and have the cinnamon protein pancakes a lot.”

Despite her best efforts, though, it would seem that eating well might not be as easy as she’d once hoped. As food prices continue to soar, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the average Brit to afford the local, seasonal ingredients required to whip up a wholesome family meal.

“There’s a lot of work to do, mainly in price, because to eat healthy can sometimes be very expensive, and it’s much easier to go and get a bag of crisps unfortunately. Local food isn’t sustainable in the UK, as we don’t have enough space to sustain ourselves.”

Elsewhere, her philanthropic activities have seen her draw on her own childhood experiences to become a patron of TACT (The Adolescent and Children’s Trust), which is the UK’s largest charity and voluntary agency providing fostering and adoption services.

“It’s really important, especially if you’re in the public eye, to give something back, and seeing as my history was fostering and adoption, I thought it was a really good charity to be with. It’s a great feeling, as it helps other people and also helps you feel like you’re doing something good.”

But while cooking shows and books will no doubt remain her bread and butter, Lorraine is also keen to adopt a more DIY approach, joining the social media revolution.

“I’m moving a lot into YouTube at the moment; it’s real, it’s current and I think it’s brilliant. I’d like to focus on doing that and bring lots of interesting, current recipes into people’s homes.

“I’m doing a whole series of videos for students, which I film myself, because my daughter’s just gone to university, so some tasty recipes for students that are quick and not just pasta!”

FOOD AND DRINK 

75

Sweet potato, cavolo nero and rosemary meatball hash with poached eggs “There’s no rigid formula to this dish. It’s a good recipe guideline to use up whatever you may have in the fridge. The meat can even be omitted altogether and replaced with tempeh or tofu if you fancy a veggie dish, or the sweet potato swapped for regular potato or squash. Spring onions or leeks can take the place of the red onion, while cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage or even shredded Brussels sprouts can easily replace the cavolo nero.”

INGREDIENTS ■ 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 300g each), cut into bite-sized cubes (skin on or off) ■ 1 large red onion, cut into wedges ■ 3tbsp olive oil ■ 300g sausage meat or turkey or chicken mince ■ 6 sage leaves, finely chopped ■ Leaves from 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, finely chopped (about 1tsp) ■ 75g cavolo nero or kale, woody stems removed, very finely sliced ■ 8 free-range eggs ■ 1tbsp white wine vinegar ■ Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS ■ Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C), 400°F, gas mark 6. Scatter the sweet potato and onion on a large baking tray.

Drizzle over two tablespoons of the

oil and season. Roast for 40 minutes, occasionally tossing them about.

■ Meanwhile, put the meat of your choice in a bowl. Add the herbs, season well and mix everything together until well combined. With clean, damp hands, shape the mixture into eight even-sized balls (about the size of a golf ball). Pop them on a plate as you go, then cover and chill until you need to cook them.

■ Once the sweet potatoes have been cooking for about 25 minutes, put a large frying pan with the remaining oil over a medium heat. Cook the meatballs for six to eight minutes, turning regularly, until golden and almost cooked through.

Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven, scatter over the cavolo nero or kale and nestle the meatballs in. Return to bake for the remaining time, until the potatoes are soft and beginning to char, the greens lightly cooked and meatballs cooked through.

■ Meanwhile, poach the eggs. Divide the hash between four plates. Use a slotted spoon to scoop the eggs from the water and arrange two eggs on top of each serving. Serve at once.

LORRAINE PASCALE AT A GLANCE BORN Hackney, East London, November 17 1972 NATIONALITY British OCCUPATION Television presenter, publisher, cook, model YEARS ACTIVE 1989 to present HEIGHT 5’ 10.5” BOOKS 6 TV SERIES 8 MARRIAGES 1 CHILDREN Ella LIFE GOALS Find inner peace and collect more beautiful memories

Wednesday 24th February 2016

76 � CAMDEN ROAD FEATURE

Beautiful flowers inspired by nature at Darling & Wild With its floristry studio on Camden Road, Darling & Wild offers a wide range of flowers for weddings, sympathy and delivery. Owner Lara Haynes explains why her clients are looking for a more ‘naturalistic approach’, and how quality over quantity is at the heart of everything she does Tell us how Darling & Wild began II started the business in 2004, concentrating mainly on flowers for weddings It is only in the last two years that I’ve opened the studio, which is a place to work, but also a space where people can see what I do. Many moons ago I worked in television, but I’ve always had a love of gardens and the countryside, so much so that I went and volunteered in a florist on a Saturday morning in Sydney, Australia. I loved it so much that I left my job and went off back to college to learn the basics in Sydney and then further training in London when I came back here in 2000. I was freelancing in London, so it was only when I moved down to Tunbridge Wells that I started the business.

What do your wedding services entail for clients?

From an initial consultation, I ascertain what sort of style their wedding is, whether it’s in a barn, a tipi or a beautiful country house or hotel.

The flowers need to suit the venue and follow

Wednesday 24th February 2016

the overall theme for their day, so it’s a chance to talk about their plans for the day, their likes and dislikes. From this meeting I can provide a quotation that would include everything from bridal bouquets, to the rest of the bridal party, including bridesmaids, flower girls, buttonholes and corsages. Then I consider the florals required for the venue and church from large scale installations to the smallest details.

Any particular highlights since you started?

Working on a television programme for ITV was great experience, the flowers needed to be fresh everyday and installed in the venues around Kent.

In 2015 I was the regional finalist for the Wedding Industry Awards – regional covering London and the South East, That was quite nice because only brides who I’d worked with in the last 12 months could vote for me. I’ve also made the shortlist for the 2016 UK Wedding Awards,

which is a national competition, so I’m one of 12 people who made the shortlist.

Are there many trends that are popular at the moment?

For weddings, my brides are choosing a very naturalistic approach. People are always saying

CAMDEN ROAD FEATURE �

77

I just try and make sure everybody gets as much time and attention as they need. It’s also about knowledge of what’s in season and what varieties go with what

they just want flowers that look like they’ve been picked from their garden, so nothing too tight or contrived anymore; I prefer to use lots of foliage, which really makes the flowers stand out and highlights their beauty. There’s definitely a trend for seasonal, quite often English flowers which is a style I love to work on. I use a couple of places locally that have cutting gardens where you can go and gather the flowers yourself. In the summer it is lovely to include locally grown flowers rather than importing everything.

Do you also offer workshops?

Yes! Informal workshops are held in the studio.

They’re generally in spring to show people how to do hand ties and arrange flowers in a vase. I do lots of wreath making classes at Christmas time, but generally don’t put anything on in the summer because I’m so tied up with weddings.

On the studio front, I buy stock in and encourage people to order online or by phone in advance. I buy a small amount in every day, so I basically buy to order. This way my customers know they are getting the freshest of flowers.

NATURALIST APPROACH Lara opts for a ‘just picked’ look

How was Valentine’s Day for you this year, and what can customers expect for Mother’s Day next month?

Valentine’s Day was a lot bigger than I anticipated, which was good. Mother’s Day is usually a very busy time but, because it’s me and a very small team here, I can’t produce 500 bouquets in three days, so I tend to decide what it is I’m going to create and then take orders for this. I had a special bouquet for Valentine’s called a Wild Romantic, which was available in three sizes for people to order. I didn’t do any red roses, which my wholesalers

thought was very brave! I’m personally not a big fan of red roses, and I think most women would prefer to get a pretty, soft, pastel bouquet, so that’s what I did. Mother’s Day will be the same; I’ll make up a couple of signature bouquets, which will be available to order. There will be a limited number, and once they’re gone, they’re gone, because it’s quality over quantity, which is the way I work.

And the most rewarding part of your job?

It’s a bit of everything. Being creative gives me enormous pleasure, choosing the stock at market is like being a child in a sweetshop with so many beautiful flowers to choose from and it’s lovely when you’re given free rein, when people are confident with what you do and feel comfortable enough to give you creative control.

It’s little things like getting a ‘thank you’ card or a text message saying how fabulous it is. People ring especially to say ‘thank you’, which is so nice because it’s a reward for the hard work.

I put almost as much time into the thought and buying process as I do into making it up sometimes, so it’s nice to know it’s appreciated.

Finally, what are your hopes for the future?

To be a little busier! I have a lovely band of really loyal clients many whom I can now call friends, but there is always room for a few more. I would like to work on more private events as they

have different requirements to weddings and variety is the spice of life. There is nothing more exciting than being given a really interesting brief working with clients who share my vision.

When this happens you know you’re going to be able to create something wonderful.!

Darling & Wild 167 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2RF 01892 614 851/07740 721 883 www.darlingandwild.co.uk studio@darlingandwild.co.uk

Wednesday 24th February 2016

ADVERTISING FEATURE

LET’S TALK ABOUT HEALTH When it comes to your well-being, getting the best advice and service is of the utmost importance When treating patients privately for knee replacement surgery what sort of lead in and recovery time are private patients looking at?

Most patients are able to be seen within a couple of weeks of private referral by the surgeon of their choice or sub speciality surgeon and are likely to be able to have their surgery within 2 to 4 weeks of a decision to proceed.

This can obviously be altered to fit in with the patients needs.

Patients will spend 2-3 nights in hospital and be walking reasonably well, on average, 6-8 weeks after the operation with continual improvement over the year.

What are the benefits of choosing to go privately through Horder Healthcare for your treatment?

Can patients self-pay?

The Horder Centre, part of Horder Healthcare, is a hospital that specialises in orthopaedic surgery and the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. By choosing The Horder Centre patients can be reassured they are going to be treated in a centre of excellence that has outstanding patient satisfaction and excellent reported outcomes. There is no need to put life on hold, patients can choose their time of outpatient and inpatient treatment to fit in with other life demands. Our

Wednesday 24th February 2016

patients are able to be seen at The Horder Centre both through private insurance and self pay.

a scaffold, for bone and articular cartilage to be grown on, to create a new knee rather than have to replace it.

You will be treated and looked after by a team of healthcare professionals who specialise in providing care to patients with these conditions both in outpatients, theatres and post operatively on the wards. Patients will be seen and treated by a consultant who is not only an orthopaedic specialist but will have a sub speciality interest related to the particular orthopaedic problem. This ensures the best possible discussion and provision of options for the treatment of any condition and the knowledge that the surgeon performing these procedures does so regularly.

Number of years in the industry: I have been an orthopaedic consultant for the last 13 years, clinical lead in Eastbourne for 6 years and have been the medical advisory committee chairman at The Horder Centre for the last year.

How has the industry and the treatments you offer changed in the last year and how do you think they’ll change over the coming year?

Treatments are always improving and changing and all the consultants at The Horder Centre keep abreast of the latest developments in their specific fields. An example of this is the treatment of young patients with arthritis in a single area of the knee.

Historically they would either have had to cope with the pain or consider a replacement, whereas now there is the option to offload this debarment by performing an osteotomy (realigning the limb) to offload the arthritic area and delay the knees for implant surgery. There are unlikely to be any major step changes regarding the treatment of arthritis in the next year or so, however, the ultimate goal would be able to provide

Specialism: I have always had a sub speciality interest in knee surgery and perform significant numbers of partial, total and revision knee replacements although also deal with sports medicine including arthroscopy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and multiple ligament reconstruction.

Hospitals I consult for: My base NHS hospital is Eastbourne where I work for the East Sussex Hospitals Trust carrying out trauma services.

Best piece of advice: For anyone considering going privately it is important to discuss all options that are available for your condition including the pros and cons and to come a combined agreement on the best form of treatment for the patient and an appropriate time frame to have it in.

Contact us on 01892 529 059 Visit www.thehordercentre.co.uk Horder Healthcare Tunbridge Wells, 2 Mount Ephraim Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1EE

WITH THE

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

FIRST DRIVE:

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

BENTLEY BENTAYGA

By Matt Kimberley WHAT’S NEW? THE Bentley Bentayga – pronounced with a capital A sound in the middle – is the newest, fastest and most luxurious SUV you can buy. It’s packed with exquisite detailing that lifts it above the rest of the SUV crowd, plus technology that helps it drive shockingly well.

It’s more than 5.1 metres long, two metres wide, even excluding the mirrors, and weighs 2.5 tonnes with a driver on board. Under the bonnet is an all-new 6.0-litre W12 engine that shares not a single nut, bolt or screw with its predecessor. Two banks of six cylinders diagonally interlaced provide 600bhp and a creamy 664lb/ft of torque courtesy of two twin-scroll turbochargers.

LOOKS AND IMAGE Here’s the divisive bit. The back is a little bland and could belong to a few other brands if you squint, but small tweaks to the front since the concept stage have improved it no end. It’s colour-sensitive, though, and you’ll want to pitch for one of the beautiful reds, greens or blues. Bentayga Brown is a choice you might come to regret. Either way, the lustrous paint finishes are utterly gorgeous.

There are no image worries here. It’s a Bentley in every way; true to what the modern brand stands for and true to the direction the company’s founder W.O. Bentley would have wanted for it. If you like the idea of a luxury SUV, there’s nothing more appealing in the world.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY A big boot and useful cabin storage combine to make good on the Bentayga’s promise of space. The boot lip is high, but you can customise it with a practical fold-down ledge for sitting on. Beyond that is a capacious boot, three rear seats with loads of legroom and the back half of fourzone climate control. Just be careful with the beautifully soft leather, won’t you?

Carrying indecent speed through corners without body roll is the big Bentley’s party piece, but the rest of the package is sublime.

The multi-way adjustable seats are all-day comfy, the driving position is perfect behind the slightly-too-chunky steering wheel and the obviously Volkswagen Group-sourced satnav interface is a dream to use. There’s even a good sense of feel and feedback at the wheel.

BEHIND THE WHEEL It’s also so quiet that you’ll think you’ve gone deaf. In traffic, The 12 cylinders deliver near-instant, crushing, relentless you’d think it was electric, and even at 70mph and 1,500rpm in the torque that’s seamlessly delivered to the road via four eighth of the buttery-smooth gearbox’s ratios, it’s like two clouds independently electrically-controlled wheels of up to 22 rubbing together. It doesn’t sound as good under power as the inches across. It’s breathtakingly quick. You can’t completely Mulsanne and the brakes should be stronger, but otherwise, it’s escape 2.5 tonnes, but the Bentayga stays implausibly flat exceptional. through corners thanks to a 48-volt electrical system that tweaks the ever-plush suspension while you drive.

VALUE FOR MONEY For a starting price more than double that of the Range Rover, it depends how much you want that exclusivity, that badge and the mind-boggling attention to detail on offer here. But £1,400 to have a craftsman pick up a different colour of thread with which to stitch the dashboard does seem a bit unreasonable - and that’s just one of up to £70,000 worth of options on the press launch cars.

Price issues aside, nothing can touch its combination of qualities and a Range Rover seems a bit budget by comparison.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? SUVs are so popular the world over, that when you think about it, it’s surprising it’s taken car makers like Bentley so long to build a hyper-luxury one. The company has already raised its target of 3,600 units a year to reach adequate profitability - they’ll easily shift all 5,000 they can build every 12 months. People with the means will buy the Bentayga simply because it’s the best.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD: Mighty IF THIS CAR WAS A... hotel it would have five stars, thanks to a peerless interior and tangible heritage in its workmanship.

FACTS AT A GLANCE PRICE: Bentley Bentayga, from £160,200 ENGINE: Turbocharged W12 petrol producing 600bhp and 664lb/ft TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic driving all four wheels PERFORMANCE: Top speed 187mph, 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds FUEL ECONOMY: 21.6mpg EMISSIONS: 296g/km

80 n MOTORS

Models shown are Alfa Milo 875cc TB TwinAir 105 hp Progression incl. Alfa Red Special Paint at £475, OTR £14,335 & Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp Progression incl. Luna Pearl Paint at £510, OTR £18,960. Official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Milo & Giulietta range: Urban 29.7 - 64.2 mpg (9.5 - 4.4 lj100km); Extra Urban 54.3 - 97.4 mpg (5.2 - 2.9 lj100km); Combined 41.5 - 80.7 mpg (6.8 - 3.5 l/ 100km). C0 2 emissions 157 - 90 g/km.

Fuel consumption and co, figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. 'Customer deposit is £999. Optional Final Payment is £3,863. Contract Term is 48 months. Promotion available on Alfa MiTo 875cc TB TwinAir 105 hp Progression incl. Alfa Red Special Paint at £475 registered by end of March 2016. ·customer deposit is £1,949. Optional Final Payment is £5,158. Contract Term is 48 months. Promotion available on Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp Progression incl. Metallic Paint at £510 registered by end of March 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 on these models) 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.

Model shown New Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Night Eagle 4WD 9 Speed Automatic at £37,445 OTR including Metallic Paint. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR THE NEW JEEP®CHEROKEE DIESEL RANGE IN MPG [L/lOOKM): EXTRA URBAN 53 .3 [5 .3) - 61.4 [4.6). URBAN 37.7 [7 .5) - 44.1 [6.4). COMBINED 46.3 [6 .1) - 53.3 [5.3). C01EMISSIONS: 160 TD 139 G/KM. 'Customer deposit is £4,649. Jeep Deposit is £4000. Total Deposit is £8,649. Optional Final Payment is £11,863. ContractTerm is 48 months. Promotion available on new Cherokee 1.1 Night Eagle 4WD 9 Speed Automatic registered by 31st March 1016. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Horizon PCP. With Jeep Horizon 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 11p per mile for exceeding 10,000 miles per annum in this example] and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. Jeep Financial Services, PO Box 4465, Slough, Sll ORW. Jeep® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

MOTORS n

81

Th e offi cial fu el co nsumpti on fi gure s in mpg (l/100 km) fo r the Mazda Range: Urban 30.4 (9.3) - 74.3 (3.8). Extra Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 88.3 (3.2).

Combined 40.9 (6.9) - 83.1 (3.4). C0 2emi ss ion s (g/km) 161 - 89.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results.

Personal contract hire offer on Mazda CX-5165ps 2WD SE-L Nav and all-new Mazda CX-3120ps 2WD SE on vehicles ordered between 01.01.2016 and 31.03.2016 at participating dealers, subject to availability and status. Age 18+ only. Mazda CX-5 figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £1,794, then 36 monthly rentals of £299. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 27,000 over 36 months charged at 15 pence per mile. All-new Mazda CX-3 figures based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £4,117, then 36 monthly rentals of £179. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 27,000 over 36 months charged at 12 pence per mile. Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the car exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Mazda Contract Hire. Package includes road fund licence and Mazda Assistance. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. For full specification and T&Cs contact your local retailer. You will not own the car. ALD Automotive Ltd, trading as Mazda Contract Hire, BS16 3JA. Models shown: Mazda CX-5 165ps 2WD SE-L Nav, OTR from £23,195 and all-new Mazda CX-3120ps 2WD SE, OTR from £17,595. Mazda CX-5 model shown features optional Crystal White Pearlescent paint (£540) and all-new Mazda CX-3 model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). OTR prices include VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months' road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years' European Roadside Assistance. 0 Test drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

82  MOTORING

This is an urban girl FIRST DRIVE

By David Thackeray THERE is no doubt that in the car evolution race, electric vehicles could have put in more effort. After all, they were first off the start line in 1837 compared with 1864 for internal combustion. Plus, they didn’t smell, were clean and above all didn’t frighten the horses.

And at that time they were probably faster.

But we have come a long way regarding our views on sustainability and effects on the planet. So, if you’re after a new experience, the BMW i3 has a lot more in common with the Apple ethos than that of a car manufacturer.

To say the i3 breaks the mould of BMW might be a bit of a stretch – there is no doubting its lineage is German – but no-one

Wednesday 24th February 2016

has invested more than BMW in the luxury EV market.

The styling is of the crossover genre that is much in vogue but with that unmistakable BMW family resemblance that gives you the assurance of high build quality. Attention to detail is obvious from the moment you hear the click of the doors closing.

The use of Kevlar and aluminium makes sense for structural rigidity and, with a low centre of gravity courtesy of the clever positioning of its batteries, makes for an exceptional ride quality and the perfect platform for sound road-holding you would expect in the larger executive class rather than in this small to medium sector.

It’s quite spacious up front, helped by the lack of a central handbrake and a gear selector that’s located on the steering

column instead of between the seats.

There are two displays. The central one shows intuitive sat-nav and infotainment selections, while a smaller rectangular readout takes the place of conventional instruments behind the wheel. It’s all easy to use, helped by a version of BMW’s iDrive controller.

The tall windows and boxy body make the i3’s extremities easy to judge when in a race for that elusive parking space. It has rear ‘suicide’ passenger doors (hinged at the back) with no ‘B’ pillar, which aids access to the two rear seats, but adults will

MOTORING 

83

modern and trendy…

ELECTRIC EVENT 25-28 February Copper Tunbridge Wells

find it easier if vertically challenged. Boot capacity is 260 litres, or 1100 litres if you lower the rear seats.

The over powering impression is of silent progress as the scenery through the side windows moves like a film when the mute button is pressed. The rear wheels are driven by the same electric motor, whether you choose the range-extender version or the fully electric i3. It has 168bhp, enough to take the city-focused i3 to a maximum speed of 93mph.

What is surprising though is that it feels extremely nippy around town. It’s not easy to resist embarrassing larger, sports vehicles away from the traffic lights, using the 0 – 60 mph in 7.2 secs.

A range of 80 to 100 miles, depending on driving style, is respectable for this sector, but the range-extender version with a 32

bhp petrol engine ups the range to 150 miles.

There is a rumble when the two-cylinder petrol engine kicks in – similar to someone starting a lawnmower in a distant garden – but you’ll only really notice it when you slow down for junctions.

There may have been anxiety about its moderate rate of climb, but the electric car has once and for always, taken off. The i3 is definitely an urban girl – modern, trendy, with quirky looks that are like nothing else on the road.

It has a surprisingly spacious and yet genuinely interesting cabin, plus the instantaneous maximum torque makes it a hoot to drive – albeit in an urban environment.

The only thing holding it back is its ultimate range – as with nearly all EVs –

but the consolation to this is the zero road tax and zero congestion charges.

‘The styling is of the crossover genre that is much in vogue but with that unmistakable BMW family resemblance that gives you the assurance of high build quality’

Wednesday 24th February 2016

84 n MOTORS ADVERTISING FEATURE

Revivin Established in 1986 by Anthony Hansford, H-Engineering in Tunbridge Wells has continued to provide a first-class maintenance service for standard production cars, while developing a growing reputation in the field of classic and vintage car restoration. We find out how they continue to put the 'class' back in classic The experienced team at H- Engineering in

business fills a gap in the marketplace that very

Tunbridge Wells specialises in all aspects of

few companies in the Tunbridge Wells area can

H- Engineering is particularly adept at sourcing

classic car restoration. We have the knowledge,

match, because our services extend beyond

obsolete parts, ensuring that our restoration

the facilities and the equipment to restore all

the needs of the traditional collector to include

work always leaves your prized vehicle in as

classic, vintage and collectible models, using

classic racing car restoration.

close to an original condition as possible.

time-honoured working practices befitting of the marketplace that we work in. Where today's

At H- Engineering, we have already worked

for vehicle bodywork, interiors and engines.

Our premises are located at Kingstanding

on many historic racing cars and returned

Way Business Park in Tunbridge Wells, and we

contemporary models are largely impersonal, we

them to working condition. Many of these

invite all new and seasoned enthusiasts to visit

connect with classic cars at a more personal and

vehicles are now performing again in front of

us today to find out more about our classic car

intimate level.

enthusiastic spectators, who are enjoying the

restoration services. We will use our experience

spectacle of once famous models reproducing

to advise you on the best way to restore your

surrounding county of Kent can use our classic

the performances of a bygone age. Our specialists

classic, vintage or collectible car, and help you to

and vintage car restoration services, knowing

have undertaken classic racing car restoration

revive its past glories.

that we are equally as passionate about their

projects on vintage Jaguar, Alfa Romeo and MGB

vehicles as they are themselves.

models, up until current Formula One cars.

This ensures that customers in the

What used to be the exclusive domain of

New and existing customers in Tunbridge

diehard enthusiasts is now the pursuit of a new

Wells and Kent have used our business for

generation that is rediscovering the charm,

classic and vintage car restoration, because we

appeal and desirability of classics cars. Our

provide a complete service experience that caters

ADVERTISING with us works, but don't just take our word for it. ..

H-Engineerig, Unit 12.2, Kingstanding Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UP 01892 549 042 www.h-engineering.com

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Wednesday 24th February 2016

s~'YYltlMA/1fuA, ~W/1,1 The Blue Anchor

Crow borough Where this Mothering Sunday we'll celebrate in true style!

And our new chef has prepared a special menu that will make it an occasion to remember

B~LM/~~Ju-iC~ V I A / ~ ~ ~ ~~h~~t.(IJ The Blue Anchor, Beacon Road, Crowborough, East Sussex 1N6 lBB www.blueanchorcrowborough.co.uk

01892 654519

WHAT’S ON ■

85

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton Live music

PICK OF THE WEEK… This Thursday make sure you support the UK Music Life event at The Cross Keys which is a showcase of great local talent in aid of The Kezi Silverstone Trust.

It will feature Milly McCarron, Ashley Evans, plus a rare appearance from 8 Car Attach over from Russia.

The Forum has a fantastic weekend ahead with the rockin’ Local & Live Electric party on Friday evening featuring The Incredible Bert, All The Above and Young Apollo. Saturday night see’s popular local band The Orange Circus (pictured) headlining with their superb new CD. The group are renowned for their up tempo foot stompin’ Americana and bluegrass sound. Support on the night comes from two other excellent local acts; Lt Leek and Andy Twyman.

Also on Saturday night, The Beau Nash hosts the brilliant Emily Duo who will be performing a vibrant mix of covers from 60’s to present day.

The Royal Oak has a fine weekend of music planned with The Brainflowers on the Saturday evening and Bob Bernards Jazz Lunch on the Sunday.

For acoustic and Singer-songwriter fans, Marie White headlines The Grey Lady on Sunday night with support from Kyla & Nat and Holly Stamford. You can also catch the excellent Varlies (duo set) at The Bedford on Sunday evening.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk FRIDAY - Local & Live Electric: The Incredible Bert + All the Above + Young Apollo SATURDAY - THE ORANGE CIRCUS BAND + Lieutenant Leek + Andy Twyman

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

The Pantiles.

Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7. www.pdag.co.uk /www.thegreylady.co.uk WEDNESDAY - MusicStation Presents, Nate Austin, Niamh McSmith, Quentin Holway FRIDAY - (9.30pm till late) Salsa Camina SATURDAY - (9.30pm till late) Hardlines SUNDAY – Holly Stanford, Kyla & Nat, Marie White (full band) TUESDAY – Jack Burns, Livi Jasmine, The Alley Devils, The Naming of Things WEDNESDAY - Charlotte Tingley, Leo Snook, Lorin Jane Forster, Robert Bearsby THE SPA HOTEL, MOUNT EPHRAIM

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, for dining bookings call 01892 520331 FRIDAY - Spa Hotel Live Jazz: Ray Rich Duo THE BEAU NASH, MOUNT EPHRAIM

Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY – Emily Duo NO9 SMOKEHOUSE, 9 NEVILL STREET FRIDAY - On Edge

THE ORANGE CIRCUS BAND Live at The Forum FRIDAY – Blues with Bottle Club: Blues Spiders MONDAY – TWURPS: Ukulele Practice WEDNESDAY - Sonny’s Jazz: Paul & The Nocasters + Guests TRINITY THEATRE

Show times and ticket information at www.trinitytheatre.net SATURDAY - Local & Live sessions: I Am Aquitaine + McCrei + The Paul Dunton Orchestra

THE BEDFORD PUB

2 High Street Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late SUNDAY – The Varlies THE CROSS KEYS

St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website: www.crosskeystw.co.uk WEDNESDAY – Sonny's Jazz: Charles Alexander and Andy Robinson THURSDAY – UK Music Life Unsigned showcase

PICTURE: PAT POPE

There are some fantastic gigs taking place across the town this week, and here are my top recommendations:

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

CASSIDY’S SPORTS BAR

Castle Street, Tunbridge Wells.

Open all day, free entry, music from 9pm till late FRIDAY – Lipstick & Beatniks KING CHARLES THE MARTYR King Charles The Martyr Church Nr The Pantiles, TN2 5TA Concert times and details at www.kcmtw.org/concerts SUNDAY - Organ Recital by Jamie McVinne

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells Show times & ticket prices vary, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk for more details FRIDAY - Sensational 60's Experience SATURDAY - Hospice in the Weald: Choir of the Year Final SCALLYWAG

45 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells.

Open all day, music from 7.30pm, entry charge for music may apply FRIDAY - Ed Watts (Jazz Piano) WEDNESDAY - Tom Carradine's Cockney Sing-a-long THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Open all day, free entry, live music from midafternoon onwards SATURDAY – The Brainflowers SUNDAY – Jazz Lunch with Bob Bernard MONDAY – Open Mic/Jam Session

SEVEN DAYS OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE

Dave Barnett of TW events Here are my picks for the week. This is just a small selection of events available in and around Tunbridge Wells. For more details visit the website or follow me on Twitter or Facebook. >> WEDNESDAY Murder may have pushed the silver screen off the Trinity schedules for a few days but if you live in Cranbrook you have the chance to watch a classic with the Film Society at the Queens Hall. Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Arthur C Clarke's 2001: A Space Odyssey is rightly considered one of the best sci-fi films of all time. >> THURSDAY It's not often the Queen's Hall gets two mentions in a week, but this evening jazz stars Claire Martin and Ray Galato will be performing from their sharp and sassy American songbook.

Here's one for my older readers. The Odeon Silver Cinema strand now runs on both Thursday and Friday,

A selection of events in Tunbridge Wells.

For more details visit: www.tunbridgewellsevents. co.uk/thisweek

a current film and a cup of tea, all for £3. You won't get better value than that. Today the films are Brooklyn and Suffragette, tomorrow it's Brooklyn and The Martian.

That's two Oscar nominees and a great British story for the price of a bag bucket of popcorn!

Continuing the trend of bringing major cultural events live to local screens there's another offering from the National Theatre this evening with Shakespeare's comedy As You Like It. Today it's showing at the Odeon, the Hawkhurst Kino, the Stag in Sevenoaks, and the Picture House at Uckfield but it will be repeated over the next few weeks if you can't catch it tonight.

The Camden Quarter has it's regular Comedy Club this evening and the Sussex Arms has it's regular Quiz Night. >> FRIDAY It's another musical Friday night with at least seven events tonight. In fact, as I write this, all events specific to tonight on the website are for music ranging from the Sensational 60s at the Assembly Hall to Ed Watt's jazz piano at Scallywag.

>> SATURDAY There's more Wycinanki inspired fun at the Museum today as the new Saturday arts and craft club is themed around Crazy Collage. Two sessions of two hours cutting and sticking and all for free. >> SUNDAY Tonight is Oscar Night and there's two films back at Trinity today. First up it's Bolshoi Babylon a film about intrigue and politics backstage at the world's most famous ballet company. This is followed by what may well be the big winner in Los Angles tonight. Have Trinity booked the Revenant on the perfect day?

The main cinema screens at the Odeon, Hawkhurst Kino and Picture House at Uckfield aren't booked as I write this but I expect a flurry of Oscar nominees to be on show today!

back at Trinity in June with the title A Leap of Faith and the speakers will be announced this evening at Sankey's. It sold out quickly last year so watch out for details. >> TUESDAY The first big show of the year reaches the Assembly Hall today and runs through to Saturday. This popular musical Annie stars Lesley Joseph, of Birds of a Feather fame, as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. It's going to be a good show for fans of musical theatre.

Trinity finish of what has been a big film week with perhaps the weakest of the films mentioned. By The Sea was written and directed by Angelina Jolie and stars Angelina and her husband Brad Pitt.

>> MONDAY In a rare departure for the on-screen cultural films today we have an art exhibition. The Hawkhurst Kino is showing Renoir: Revered and Reviled, a documentary that focuses on his later, post impressionist, work which starts it's journey by looking at the Barnes Collection in Philadelphia. Tomorrow it's showing at the Picture House in Uckfield.

Last year the online phenomenon that is TED came to Tunbridge Wells last year with a series of TEDx talks around the theme of Diversity in Tunbridge Wells. It's

Wednesday 24th February 2016

86 n ARTS & CULTURE FRIENDS Owner: Jonathan Gray Wife: Patricia Gray Co-owner: Simon Webster

The more we came back, the more we knew Tunbridge Wells was the perfect place to be Set in the historic centre of Tunbridge Wells, Gray-Webster Fine Art specialises in exhibiting the work of the very best of established modern British artists. Owners Simon Webster and Jonathan Gray tell Fred Latty why the gallery is continuing to put the quality of the work first TELL US THE BACKGROUND OF GRAY-WEBSTER

Jonathan: I’d been in the city and was coming up to retirement. I was looking for something to do and had got to know Simon over quite a long time.

Simon: I have another gallery that I’ve run for over 30 years. Jonathan was a friend and client of that gallery, and he approached me about going into business in Tunbridge Wells.

WHY SET UP IN THE TOWN?

Jonathan: It was on the list of places we might go to, and when we contacted commercial agents, this was the first property they offered us, so we came and had a look at it at the beginning of

Wednesday 24th February 2016

PRIME LOCATION The gallery on Nevill Street

‘Longevity in one position is important for a business and a good thing.

If we can keep developing, keep the identity and keep our main purpose going and ethos in place, then people will respond’

2013. It was an antique shop, but it had quite a good space and we got a good deal.

WHERE DID IT GO FROM THERE?

Jonathan: The more we came back, the more we realised that Tunbridge Wells was perfect in many ways. We did a major refurbishment on it and opened in November 2013. It worked right from the start and we now have regular clients coming back again and again.

DOES THE GALLERY WORK WITH LOCAL ARTISTS?

Simon: It’s not a local artists’ type of thing. We’re quite niche because we’re not stepping on any galleries’ toes that are already here or have come

ARTS & CULTURE �

in subsequently. What we do is very different from everybody else.

WOULD YOU SAY YOU’RE QUITE PARTICULAR ABOUT THE PAINTINGS YOU SELL?

Simon: The main thrust of any business like this is the quality and the type of painting you’re selling, and if you dip from that quality, you go down a slippery slope. I’m not prepared to do that, because it’s better to stick out with what you’re going to do.

HOW DO YOU COMPETE WITH LONDON GALLERIES?

Simon: We have to be quite careful on pricing. In the marketplace, we’re very competitively placed against all the major London galleries, so people do come from London to here because they know they’re not going to be paying the prices they do for the same artists.

Jonathan: Almost exactly the same pictures in a London gallery will be priced at almost a third or 40% more. They’ve got the rent problems that we don’t have, so we’re offering London quality pictures by very well-established names in Tunbridge Wells.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY TRENDS RIGHT NOW?

Simon: The taste at the moment is very much for pictures that have a statement about them.

People aren’t necessarily looking for the subtlety of a watercolour; they want something that’s much more immediate. It’s a great shame, because watercolour painting is actually much more difficult to produce than an oil colour, but the taste is against them. Having said that, gouache, which is the ‘poster paint’, for want of a better term, is a dense, water-based medium that’s attractive because you can get strong colour and work on a very large scale. The trouble with watercolour is that you can’t work on a terribly large scale, because it dries too quickly.

Jonathan: Like everything in our lives, it’s all fashion-related and we have waves of fashion, so you have to be very sensitive to that. We have a very broad cross-section of pictures and try and cover as many different tastes as we can.

Simon: You can’t pre-judge people’s tastes; you just get led by them, and that’s what a good gallery does.

If you have a client who’s pulling you in a certain direction, you have to respond to that request.

we perceive as the true worth of paintings. People are very price-sensitive and much more aware.

The internet has opened up the whole world, which is a good thing in many ways, because it makes clients much more educated.

87

STATEMENT The gallery showcases the latest artistic trends

HAS THE RECESSION HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT?

Simon: The recession has had quite the reverse effect on the art market. People are floundering to know what to do with their money, so the art market is generally still in full flood and ‘antirecession’.

ARE THERE MANY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES?

Jonathan: I would never want to sell a painting as a pure investment. I’m not an investment manager, and there are three reasons in my mind to buy a picture: you can afford it, you love it and you’ve got somewhere on the wall where you can put it. If you’re fortunate enough, you might be able to buy something that fits those three categories and also goes up in value.

Simon: On the other side of the coin, if you’re buying a quality, established artist with a proven track record, that establishes a benchmark for value. If that moves up, it tends to mean that the picture you buy one year has shown you an investment of sorts in five years’ time.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRICING STRUCTURES?

Simon: We don’t have a set price, but with regard to the type of stock, it can vary from a bottom price of about £250, but most of our pictures go for £1,500 to £3,000 or £4,000, which isn’t extravagant and a comfortable area for people to be in. If you’re buying something at that sort of level, you’re buying something of quality, with a proven track record and by an artist who’s established and who the market likes. That’s the QUALITY Gray-Webster compete with London in standards and price

way this business works, and I think people are very well aware of that. People are quite honed in to pricing structures, and if they’re not, they can soon make themselves so. You’re dealing with quite a sophisticated client base.

the business, because we’ve got the space to do it, and when people are buying paintings – particularly when they’re collecting – they also tend to have interests in other areas as well.

DO YOU TEND TO THEME YOUR EXHIBITIONS?

Jonathan: Our list of people who come and see us has grown considerably over the past two years, so one of the things we really want to do is continue growing the amount of people who come here. That’s really important for us, and the challenge is to get good pictures of a high quality, at a price that’s right for people.

Simon: Galleries take a very long time to establish. We’ve done very well and have a lot of return business and clients, but running a gallery is a long, slow process and not a ‘flash in the pan’ business. From the point of view of trust and client relationships, the longer you’re there, the better people like it, because you become an established factor in the town. Longevity in one position is important for a business and a good thing. If we can keep developing, keep the identity and keep our main purpose going and ethos in place, then people will respond.

FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE FUTURE?

Simon: Because the exhibitions are always mixed, they’re not based on one or two particular artists, so it’s a totally mixed exhibition each time. If you theme an exhibition and have a client who doesn’t like it, then you’re stuck, so it tends not to be so channelled. What people like to see is a great variety.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU ENSURE THE GALLERY REMAINS PROFITABLE?

Simon: You have to look after your clients and make sure they’re happy; most galleries rely on return business, so you have to establish a relationship. It’s very important to have that personal contact, because selling these days can be rather perfunctory. When people come in here, the idea is that it’s a pleasurable activity, because you’re buying something that’s a luxury product and that you’re going to have to live with for many years, so the whole thing needs to be appropriate with that.

IS IT A CASE OF CLIENTS KNOWING WHAT THEY WANT WHEN THEY COME IN?

ANY PLANS COMING UP?

Simon: They like to come in with the certainty that, if they do see something they like, it’s of a sufficient quality to be of interest. Quality is vital and we’re not dictated to by the artists – we’re very much related to the marketplace and what

Simon: We’re kicking around the idea of doing objects of virtue and novelty antique silver.

We’ve had one or two pieces in the gallery, and there has been an uptake for them. It’s an idea we’ve had that we might add that element to

Gray-Webster Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, and at other times by appointment.

4 Nevill Street, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5SA 01892 522 750 www.gray-webstergallery.com

Wednesday 24th February 2016

88  TRAVEL

Going glam in Los Angeles

By Lisa Haynes

I

t’s not even 11.30am and I’ve brushed past Leonardo DiCaprio and queued for a car next to Joan Collins. Every day’s a bit like Oscars night at The Beverly Hills Hotel, minus the black tie. There’s even a plush red carpet walk to reach the lobby.

The hotel, or Pink Palace as it’s affectionately known, is the scene of the famous 1977 Faye Dunaway morning-after Oscars photograph, so it’s intrinsically linked with awards season and the Hollywood golden age, not to mention the cover star of The Eagles’ Hotel California LP. I’m a regular visitor to LA but something about this place makes you feel like you’ve just stepped off a movie set. It’s modern with just the right hint of retro and kitsch.

BRIGHT LIGHTS Star gazing in Hollywood

Wednesday 24th February 2016

Exploring the 12-acre grounds, terracotta pink pathways weave between palm trees towards secluded bungalows. We’re told Elizabeth Taylor spent six of her eight honeymoons here, and Marilyn Monroe loyally stayed in 1A, although number 7 was her favourite.

Armed with big shades, we resume subtle star spotting in the iconic Polo Lounge where a regular (not Leo) tips us off to try the signature McCarthy chopped salad for lunch.

“Except nobody really has it as it should be,” he advises, “order it the Hollywood way and switch one or two ingredients.”

So much of LA is about ‘the knowledge’.

We’re picked up for a private sightseeing afternoon with Mitch from Tour Du Jour, who reels off Hollywood home price tags and famous owners, past and present, like a telephone directory.

He highlights what sets apart a Beverly Hills address from your average LA avenue: trash

cans banned from house fronts, phone lines purposefully tucked away, and each street made more uniform with a designated tree type to set it apart.

Our first stop is a visit to Taylor Swift’s new $25m Beverly Hills pad, paid for in cash. Be warned: lurk outside any A-lister home for 30 seconds more than you should and an agitated security guard soon surfaces (sorry, Taylor). I note some of the stars’ guard houses are bigger than my entire flat.

We zip through LA’s most exclusive palm-lined enclaves in a blacked-out SUV like the A-Team.

As we park up outside various properties, Mitch flicks through an iPad that reveals aerial and interior shots of the mansions behind the gargantuan gates.

Our other property pit stops belong to celebs including Tom Cruise, Jennifer Aniston, Beyonce, Ellen DeGeneres and Ringo Starr, who has embossed stars stamped all over his gates.

TRAVEL FACTS Lisa Haynes was a guest at The Beverly Hills Hotel (from 495 US dollars per night), and Hotel Bel-Air (from 565 US dollars per night).

Visit www.dorchestercollection.com Air New Zealand flies daily from London Heathrow to LA. Return flights start from £425 per person in Economy/£944 in Premium Economy.

For the most up-to-date LA fares, visit www.airnewzealand.co.uk/cheapflights-to-los-angeles

TRAVEL 

Elvis’s former house on N. Hillcrest Road remains a shrine to fans. The original gate and door outside no.1174 are etched with countless messages to the king of rock ‘n’ roll that read like a Seventies version of a Facebook fan wall.

As we drive between the Beverly Hills white signage and distinct Los Angeles blue, Mitch tells us: “We just made one huge price leap in a couple of metres. The owners would say they live in ‘Beverly Hills Adjacent’, just for prestige.”

The so-called Golden Triangle of Beverly Hills is a make-believe shopping mecca - cupcake ATMs (Sprinkles), VIP sun terrace (Louis Vuitton), and a store selling $50,000 customised suits (House of Bijan). The latter has Rolls Royce and Bugatti Veyron supercars on rotation in signature yellow, to match the facade of the store.

It may not have the same gloss as Beverley Hills, but touristy Hollywood has sidewalks paved with stars. We try and spot our favourites amidst the 2,500-plus names on the Walk of

HOLLYWOOD Steeped in History

Fame, and place our palms onto the cemented imprints of the A-list at TCL Chinese Theatre, which still feel warm from the searing LA sun.

Steeped in cinematic history, the imprinted

‘Our first stop is a visit to Taylor Swift’s new $25m Beverly Hills pad’ forecourt is a nostalgic retrospective of iconic movies. Besides the Harry Potter, Twilight and Hunger Games franchises, it’s

the golden-age megastars that hold the most fascination - 1939 Judy Garland, 1965 Frank Sinatra and 1935 Shirley Temple.

I go back to 1978 to re-visit Christopher Reeve’s Superman bodysuit at an auction house preview in LA, specialising in rare film memorabilia.

The blue ‘S’ tunic - minus cape - looks so underwhelming compared to today’s high-tech costumes, but the history and magic attached to it gives it a guide price of $50,000 for the right collector.

Likewise, a sheer panel black evening dress owned by Marilyn Monroe is expected to sell for $30,000.

“What size is it?” I ask the auctioneer, searching desperately for a label.

“We’re confident it was custom-made with this sizing,” she replies, showing me measurements of 36” bust, 24” waist and 35” hips, not to mention a daring 18” leg split.

89

I leave the auction house, smiling to myself that Superman and Marilyn Monroe are side-by-side on a clothing rail.

En route to LAX airport and facing the long-haul flight home, I make like the 2016 stars with a pit stop at Cosmetique Aesthetics in Culver City for a high-tech IV vitamin drip.

Medi-spa founder Dr Sarshad tells me the treatment is especially popular with celebrities as a hangover recovery, jet-lag cure, or preevent pick-me-up. “You see the person immediately perk up and a glow returns to their cheeks before they’ve even left the door,” he says.

The bespoke cocktail of vitamins is injected into my left arm for 10 minutes as I wait for instant rejuvenation.

Something obviously worked...

I’m upgraded on my return Air New Zealand flight and turn left towards the elusive world of big beds, silver service and champagne top-ups. Oh good, I can keep up the movie star pretence for a least another 11 hours...

GOLDEN TRIANGLE Shopping Mecca

Wednesday 24th February 2016

90 � RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

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

Wednesday 24th February 2016

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

RECRUITMENT �

91

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

Fill your vacancy now in print or online For more information contact

Jordanne Reville jreville@markerstudy.com 01892 576049

Experienced Brand Ambassadors/Promotional Models Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, Kent £10 p/h We are looking for stars to join our team One Media and Creative UK Ltd are an exciting, innovative, creative publishing company based in Tunbridge Wells. We are looking for experienced, enthusiastic, hard-working and intelligent promotional people to join our team as Brand Ambassadors and Promoters.

The job will involve engaging with the public in a confident and comfortable manner, you will need to embody our corporate identity in appearance, demeanour, values and ethics.

The requirements for the role are:

• Punctual and reliable

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills

• Smart and well presented

• Enjoy early mornings

Regular weekly hours/projects available along with additional hours at short notice.

• Confident and likeable personality • Willing to travel

• Able to interact and engage with people

If you feel you have the right attributes to become an addition to our team, then please apply now by sending a covering letter, as well as your CV to

• Well spoken

info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

• Enthusiastic and energetic • Comfortable working outside

NOT REALLY FITTING IN?

(branded jackets provided)

SOMETIMES YOUR CURRENT POSITION JUST DOESN’T FEEL RIGHT...

FIND YOUR DREAM JOB WITH THE TIMES

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

Wednesday 24th February 2016

92  PUZZLES DOUBLE CROSSWORD

WORD SPIRAL 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.

strokes (4) 23. Continues to use the money gained (8) Down 2. Isn’t cockerel ever up and about? (7) 3. Caterer constructs row of houses (7) 4. What he picks up is owed (4-9) 6. Curb one chucker-out (7) 7. Judgment permits small holes (7) 8. Fight doctor in overall (6) 13. Fret badly about workers in agitation (7) 14. The residents are fashionable fellow-workers (7) 15. Stunning figure? (6) 16. Make bigger general order (7) 17. Top performer in the mire is hot stuff! (7) Scribble pad French in the compartment (7) 13. Evidence of congenial times at school? (8,5) 18. Don’t forget about the one who’s paid his sub! (8) 19. Wasted lots of spare time initially (4) 20. Implore 1000 missing men to discuss terms (7) 21. Fish right in the light (5) 22. Try out some favourite

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

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16 13 7

QUICK CLUES:

Across 1. Interrogate (8) 5. Blackleg (4) 9. Blemish (4) 10. Filter (8) 11. Cut (5) 12. Presage (7) 13. Great Britain (6,7) 18. Dazzling (8) 19. Thought (4) 20. Actuate (7) 21. Filch (5) 22. Oaf (4) 23. Miscellaneous (8)

1. Which Top Gear host is presenting a new BBC2 series on Cars of the People?

2. Which new BBC1 daytime series is hosted by Matt Allwright and sees housing officers visiting the some of the worst problem properties in the country?

Down 2. Dirty (7) 3. Asp (7) 4. Candour (13) 6. Strive (7) 7. Ennui (7) 8. Infertile (6) 13. Rebuke (7) 14. Beginning (7) 15. Charm (6) 16. Sparkle (7) 17. Intimidate (7)

12 6

5

1. Egg-shaped 9. Osculate 2. Bloomer, say 10. Scorch 3. Vendetta 11. Ladder section 4. Terrible fate 12. Sport 5. Insect 13. Revolting 6. Instrument 14. Rich soil 7. Hairstyle 15. Handle clumsily 8. Stain 16. Inventory Keyword clue: A condiment

SUDOKU

Foolproof Cooking?

9. What was the title of Irish girl group B*Witched’s first UK Number One hit, in May 1998?

10. Which actor is resuming his role as the evil Jacobim Mugatu in the new film sequel Zoolander 2?

SOLUTIONS

11. Which new BBC2 show sees celebrities including Sylvester McCoy and Miriam Margolyes exploring the possibilities offered by retirement to India?

12. By what name was British songstress Alison Clarkson, whose hits of the 1990s included Where Are You Baby? and Doin’ the Do, known?

3. The Sound is the title of the latest single from which Manchester-based alternative 13. Which 1992 film starred Whoopi rock band?

Goldberg as a lounge singer forced into hiding in a convent after witnessing a 4. Which new sports film stars Will Smith Mob hit? as forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu?

14. Which actress plays Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife, which recently returned 5. Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams for a seventh played the titular roommates, who series on worked as brewery bottle-cappers, in More4? which popular TV sitcom of the 1970s and 80s?

15. Janet Jackson 6. Death of a Bachelor is the fifth and and Luther current album from which US rock band?

Vandross had a Number 2 7. Which 1987 film starred Glenn Close as UK hit with a spurned lover who went to extreme which single lengths upon realizing that Michael in August Douglas’s character had no plans to 1992? leave his wife for her?

8. Who is hosting a new BBC series on

Wednesday 24th February 2016

14

11 Rung; 12 Golf; 13 Foul; 14 Loam; 15 Maul; 16 List.

Keyword: MUSTARD CODEWORD: 1=Y, 2=S, 3=B, 4=V, 5=I, 6=W, 7=M, 8=T, 9=J, 10=Q, 11=A, 12=U, 13=F, 14=H, 15=D, 16=P, 17=E, 18=L, 19=K, 20=G, 21=Z, 22=O, 23=R, 24=X, 25=C, 26=N ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ: 1 James May; 2 Housing Enforcers; 3 The 1975; 4 Concussion; 5 Laverne & Shirley; 6 Panic! at the Disco; 7 Fatal Attraction; 8 Mary Berry; 9 C’est la Vie; 10 Will Ferrell; 11 The Real Marigold Hotel; 12 Betty Boo; 13 Sister Act; 14 Julianna Margulies; 15 The Best Things in Life are Free SUDOKU:

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.

2

3 10

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ

CODEWORD

1

2 9

DOUBLE CROSSWORD: Cryptic: Across: 1 Protrude; 5 Able; 9 Four; 10 Absolute; 11 Atlas; 12 Cubicle; 13 Friendly terms; 18 Remember; 19 Lost; 20 Entreat; 21 Bream; 22 Test; 23 Proceeds. Down: 2 Rooster; 3 Terrace; 4 Debt-collector; 6 Bouncer; 7 Eyelets; 8 Combat; 13 Ferment; 14 Inmates; 15 Number; 16 Enlarge; 17 Mustard.

Quick: Across: 1 Question; 5 Scab; 9 Scar; 10 Strainer; 11 Sever; 12 Portend; 13 United Kingdom; 18 Blinding; 19 Idea; 20 Animate; 21 Steal; 22 Dolt; 23 Assorted.

Down: 2 Unclean; 3 Serpent; 4 Outspokenness; 6 Contend; 7 Boredom; 8 Barren; 13 Upbraid; 14 Initial; 15 Endear; 16 Glitter; 17 Overawe.

WORD SPIRAL: 1 Oval; 2 Loaf; 3 Feud; 4 Doom; 5 Moth; 6 Harp; 7 Perm; 8 Mark; 9 Kiss; 10 Sear;

CRYPTIC CLUES: Across 1. Stick out as impolite on spilling port (8) 5. Effective tablet abstainer lost (4) 9. A pair of braces? (4) 10. Use a bolt to make complete (8) 11. Almost finally produce map collection (5) 12. Measuring volume by the

1

WELL BEING �

93

‘Nutrition is about feeling good’

Last year saw Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, go from Instagram sensation to one of the most in-demand wellness and weight-loss gurus going - and so far, his success looks set to continue in 2016.

To give you a taste of what it’s all about, here, 30-year-old Wicks shares 10 top tips for getting - and staying - lean for life.

1

Prep like a boss “You’ve got to prep like a boss, which means preparing your own meals, so when you’re leaving the house, you’ve got your lunch and your dinner sorted.”

2

Drink more water “A lot of people don’t drink enough water, and a hydrated body burns more fat, so try and drink two to four litres a day.”

3 4

Do HIIT cardio “Twenty minutes a day, four to five days a week. It’s high intensity training and you’re going to burn loads of calories.”

LEAN IN 15 The Body Coach, Joe Wickes, with his first book

Eat more fats “A lot of people are frightened of fats they don’t eat butter and egg and saturated fats because they think it’s unhealthy and you’ve got to cut it out, but it’s actually really, really good for you.”

5

8

Don’t fear carbs “Everyone that’s starting a diet is like, ‘Low-carbs-cut the carbs, can’t eat that’, but you can eat carbs. You’ve got to eat them at the right time, so if you like bread, pasta, bagels whatever, you’ve got to eat it after you train, to refuel.”

6

Get your store cupboard essentials “In the book, it talks about products that you need that you can have in your house at any one time, to make really healthy meals on the go. So you’ve got things like curry powder, coconut milk, Thai green curry paste, chillis and eggs (great for making omelettes). So if you get store cupboard essentials like that, you can always make a healthy meal.”

7

Plan like a winner “That basically means plan your meals into the week ahead. So you could get a little seven-day planner and you can write what you’re going to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Little things like that may seem a bit silly, but it’s practical and if you follow it, it’s much easier to sustain.”

9

Throw away the sad step “The ‘sad step’ is what I call the scales, because I have seen people in the gym and they look really happy, they’ve just done a workout, they walk to the ‘sad step’, they stand on it, and they are just like, ‘Hmm’, because the ‘sad step’ doesn’t move and it’s just depressing. So get rid of the ‘sad step’.”

Take before and after pictures “You can keep them for yourself, but it’s a really great way of seeing your progress over time, as opposed to looking in the mirror and thinking, ‘I haven’t changed, I look exactly the same’, but really you probably have, you just don’t know it.”

10

Allow yourself treats “Don’t be afraid to get a bit guilty on the weekends. If you like having a drink and if you like treating yourself to a little tub of ice cream, it’s fine - you know - moderation, balance. Lean In 15 is a lifestyle, it’s not me saying, ‘You’ve got to eat this way’, it’s just me trying to encourage you to take control, prepare your own food, and you’re going to feel great. Nutrition’s about feeling good, you need to have treats.”

Wednesday 24th February 2016

BETTESHANGER BIKES

94 n LIFE AND STYLE

BURN OFF SOME ENERGY AT BETTESHANGER THIS EASTER

ROSE AND CROWN Appearances can be deceptive. At the new ‘Rose & Crown” in Grosvenor Road, we have designed a warm, stylish interior tavern style public house that keeps the very best of the traditional, with a premium contemporary twist!. Family friendly and with two log fires crackling away, silent movies including Charlie Chaplin & Laurel & Hardy on our ambience screens. A great mix of background music that will make people of all ages feel relaxed & welcome. Our fantastic range of cask, craft beers, premium lagers, together with 17 wines by the glass give us a premium feel but at great value. But the greatest change is our exciting “Food Menu” which is available now! Our upstairs restaurant is launching later in the spring with a full exterior refurbishment. Classic British cooking with a stylish twist! Dishes include our legendary chop house style warm ‘Pork Pie & Piccalilli’ & ‘British ‘Raj’ Onion Bhaji Scotch Egg’ to our Confit Duck ‘Hash’, ‘Charred Mackerel with our Gentlemen’s Relish’ as well as ‘Harvey’s beer battered Fish & Chips’, ‘Premium Local Steak’, our classic ‘Sunday Roasts’ & many more tempting treats, including daily specials. Our ‘Brioche ‘Hot’ Dogs have to be tried! We source all our produce locally & even make our own crisps! and cook everything fresh to order. So appearances can be deceptive, so take a look NOW inside, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the changes we have made!

‘A Proper Pub’ 01892 533 066. Follow us on Facebook/Twitter #rosecrowntw. info@baskervilletaverns.co.uk. www. baskervilletaverns.co.uk

Hop down with your little bunnies to Betteshanger Country Park, near Deal, for an energy-fuelled Easter weekend. The revelries kick off at 10am on Good Friday with the highlyanticipated annual Easter Egg Hunt.

On Friday, March 25th, gems will be scattered throughout the 250-acre Park. Families are invited to hunt for the treasures and, on return of their riches to the Visitor Centre, will claim a chocolate egg. Easter attire is encouraged and a super-size egg will be presented to the best dressed participant. There is a small charge: £3.00 per egg hunter. Booking not required.

There’s no reason to sit at home filling up with chocolate when you can get out and get active (whilst still involving a little bit of chocolate!). Saturday, March 26th sees Betteshanger’s inaugural Hot Cross Bunny Bike Ride. Riders will follow the bike trail and discover the Hot Crosses located around the Park. Any riders sporting bunny ears and/or tails will receive an extra prize!

Riders can follow the trail from Saturday, March 26th to Monday, March 28th. The trail takes approximately one hour and is suitable for riders of all abilities, aged 8 years and over. It is not suitable for tag-alongs or buggies. £3.00 per rider. Booking not required.

YEAR OF THE GARDEN Twenty years is a long time in gardening but at Godinton those years have flown by.

In 1996 after the death of Alan Wyndham Green the plans he laid for the restoration of the house and gardens came into action.

The devastating storms of 1987 and the major disruption caused by extensive building work in 1997 and 1998 are now long behind us.

The garden has again achieved greatness amongst the famous gardens of Kent.

Mature shrubs and herbaceous planting, a completely revitalised walled garden home to the famous delphinium collection ably supported by irises, a range of cutting flowers, vegetables and fruit.

The splendid new greenhouse built in 2000, a fortuitous millennium project, is a hive of activity of growth and germination with a back drop of peaches and semi tropical climbers and wafts of exotic perfumes.

Sloping to a naturalised pond the wild flower garden always full of spring daffodils and narcissi but by careful management, late cutting and removal of all the ‘hay’ wild flowers have spread and flourished.

Anemones, crocus, a vast number of snake head fritillaries and even orchids now appear each year.

The great formal yew hedge cut back to bare bones now holds crisp symmetry reflecting the gables of the house and smartly enclosing Reginald Bloomfield first garden commission in 1897. Here lawns, topiary, statues and gravel paths give the formal contrast to borders, rose garden and climbers all watched over by the ancient house and wrapped by the parkland of venerable oaks and chestnuts as the new generation of trees make an impact.

Plants for sale, teas and delicious homemade cakes.

Gardens open daily from 1st March until 1st November, 1pm to 6pm.

The house is open to the public for tours on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 1pm with the last tour at 4pm.

For more information visit www.godintonhouse.co.uk or contact 01233 643854 Good access from M20 junction 9, 40 minutes from London to Ashford on the High Speed Train

Wednesday 24th February 2016

Test your skills daily with the Bunny Hop contest, Egg and Spoon Race and Egg Rolling, all starting from the Race Area at 30-minute intervals over the weekend; or get creative with Easter Craft Activities in the Visitor Centre.

Suitable for all ages.

Easter Egg-stravaganza Pass - Take part in all Easter activities and save! Daily pass includes Spring Trail, Easter Craft, Easter Egg Hunt or Hot Cross Bunny Bike Ride, Bunny Hop Contest, Egg and Spoon race and Egg Rolling for just £7.00 per person.

Lorraine Cheesmur, Betteshanger Country Park’s General Manager, said: “We are very excited to be once again hosting our annual Easter Egg Hunt, as well as introducing some new activities for 2016, including our first Hot Cross Bunny Bike Ride. It’s going to be a great value energy-fuelled weekend for all the family and a perfect start to the school holiday.”

Other events taking place through the Easter school holiday include: SPRING TRAIL 10am – 3pm, Friday, March 25th to Sunday, April 10th £1.50 per trail sheet ACTIVITY DAYS 11am – 3pm, Monday, April 4th – Friday, April 8th £4.00 per activity or an Activity Day Pass provides excellent value for money at £12.00 per participant.

Pre-booking essential on 07824 569181 SCHOOL HOLIDAY CYCLE CLUB 10am – 3pm, Wednesday, April 6th – Thursday, April 7th Sessions costs £30 per day and bike hire, helmets and a hot lunch are included. Sessions will happen whatever the weather. Pre-booking essential on 07824 569181 FOSSIL HUNT 11am – 3pm, Saturday, April 9th There is a small charge of £2 per person.

Booking not required.

Visit www.betteshangercountrypark.co.uk for more information about Easter and school holiday activities or call 07824 569181 to book the Cycle Club or Activity Days

THE GREAT OUTDOORS �

Kent Barker Country matters

95

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

Pettifogging restrictions of the ‘Great War’

I

STUMBLED across a most extraordinary collection the other day.

It started while rifling through some folders of old press cuttings about my village. I have sort of volunteered to produce a monthly page from these archives for our Benenden Magazine.

What, I wondered, was going on a hundred years ago?

For one thing they were in the middle of the ‘Great War’. Well, that’s how it was known at the time and, indeed, up until the late 1930s when the prospect of another ‘great’ war was looming.

But the use of the adjective is instructive because it seems it didn’t just refer to the scale of the conflict, but also to its moral righteousness.

To quote historian Sean Lang: “The Allies believed they were fighting against an evil militarism that had taken hold in Germany. 'Great War' carried echoes of Armageddon, the biblical Great Battle of Good and Evil to be fought at the end of Time.”

Well, whatever. But there’s little doubt that it had a massive effect on the lives of the people round here. Quite apart from those who were killed or wounded, many locals, usually women, were volunteering for the VAD - Voluntary Aid Detachment - a branch of the Red Cross providing nursing services at field hospitals here and abroad.

Anyway, the press cutting was a letter to the editor of the local paper. Well, when I say letter, it was really more of a rant about another letter writer: “His remarks … savour of a mean pettifogging and dog-in-the-manger

spirit … simply exposing deplorable ignorance … must have forgotten and forsaken his patriotism.”

And what were the two correspondents so exercised about – it was DORA. No, not some local lass they were competing over, but the Defence of the Realm Act, passed in 1914, shortly after the outbreak of war, containing some extraordinary provisions.

These included cutting pub-opening hours, watering down beer and prohibiting the buying of rounds. Other precautions might seem more prudent, such as outlawing talk of naval or military matters in public places, the use of invisible ink when writing abroad, or buying binoculars.

But by far the most contentious, it seems, was the restriction preventing any bright light from being seen outside. This was clearly the forerunner of the blackout in WW2.

It would appear that the first letter writer was complaining about light being emitted from the Benenden Sanatorium – a TB hospital to the north of our village which had been commandeered for troops returning from the front with consumption.

Sadly we don’t know exactly what he said, but ‘A Patient’ at the hospital was severely unimpressed: “Anyone who may visit the sanatorium after dark will only see the place plunged in perennial darkness but for a glimmer of light here and there in the cubicles of bed-ridden patients…” he responds.

“If even the modicum of light which the Defence of the Real Act permits be denied to the institution, a patient having a sudden hemorrhage will be unattended with

perhaps fatal result … to attempt to deny those who have gone out, and fought, and contracted a serious disease, the little privilege the lighting regulations permit, he must have forsaken his patriotism.”

So I called the sanatorium, now known as The Benenden Hospital, and asked if they had any photographs from a hundred years ago. Yes, came the reply, albums full of them. Come along to the museum and have a look. A Museum? Here in our midst? How exciting.

Actually I anticipated just a few dog-eared pictures and a couple of bits of redundant equipment - so what a delight when the door was unlocked and I was ushered in. Three large rooms were filled with imaginatively mounted displays charting the progress of not just the sanatorium itself, but the history of medicine throughout the past century. It really was a little gem.

Sadly the curator behind the project had retired and moved away so they are now looking for a new archivist. In the meantime no one quite knows what anything is or where it’s kept. I did manage to find a photograph of the staff at the sanatorium during WW1 - Matrons with starched white uniforms and medical staff in dark suits and Eaton collars.

But behind them stood three rows of young men more informally attired. Could these have been ambulant soldier-patients in civvies? Could one even have been our epistolarian?

I imagined him fulminating at the other privations

caused by DORA. What!!! Beer watered down? Pubs closing early, and the good people of Benenden prohibited from buying a round? Even for returning servicemen. And it’s for this we’ve served King and Country and survived Armageddon. It’s those politico chappies up in London who display the real mean, pettifogging and dog-in-the-manger spirit!

BENENDEN SANATORIUM Outside the TB hospital

Win your company a summer party worth £5,000!

Organising a party for your employees can be stressful, which is why Salomons Estate is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a fabulous summer soirée for you and your colleagues to enjoy!

To allow you and your team to make the most of your time together outside work, Salomons will provide venue hire, including: Access to the terrace from 7pm until 11pm One glass of house wine or bottled beer per person on arrival Chef’s choice barbecue for up to 80 people Use of the bar from 7pm to 11pm to purchase drinks For your chance to win this fantastic prize and bring your staff closer together, simply email your company name and the subject line ‘Salomons Competition’ to: charman@markerstudy.com The competition closes on Wednesday April 20 2016. Entries received after that date will not be considered.

The winner will be announced on Wednesday April 27 2016 .

Terms & Conditions: Dates are subject to availability and at Salomons’ discretion. Maximum of 80 people; if your numbers exceed this, a charge per person will be applicable. All entries must be made directly by the person entering the competition. The prize as stated is not transferable to another company and no cash or alternatives will be offered. Salomons reserves the right to amend or alter the terms of the competition at any time. Competition may be modified or withdrawn at any time. The winner is responsible for expenses and arrangements not specifically included in the prize. Any additional costs will be due in line with our standard event T&Cs.

Wednesday 24th February 2016

76/78 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YB Tel. 01892 534018 | Fax. 01892 510536 Email. info@gcollinsandsons.com | www.gcollinsandsons.com

‘When two halves meet’ Designed by Josh Collins The Zoë ring

The Zoë ring ‘When two halves meet’

by Josh Collins