Times of Tunbridge Wells 28th September 2016

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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

All the news that matters

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SISSINGHURST CELEBRITY IAN HISLOP SERVES UP A REAL TREAT Pages 12-13

County hall insists term-time holiday ban stays in force

By Jonathan Banks PARENTS hoping to avoid a fine if they take their children on holiday during term-time are set to be disappointed after Kent County Council told the Times that it will not be relaxing the regulations.

A county hall spokesman said that any attendance rate below 96 per cent is ‘not good enough’ – meaning it is business as usual for school holidays.

Last week Derbyshire County Council decided not to hand out fines if a child takes 11 days off school – the equivalent of 94 per cent attendance.

Their ‘interim’ relaxation of

‘Schools will take action’ the rules follows the High Court victory of Isle of Wight parent John Platt, who refused to pay the £60 fine for taking his children on holiday for a week during term time.

A KCC spokesman said: “In Kent, through the joint efforts of schools and KCC, the average school attendance rate has been improved to nearly 96 per cent.

“Kent County Council believes that an attendance rate below 96 per cent is not good enough, and schools will take initial actions to help or intervene when a pupil’s attendance rate falls below that figure without a justifiable reason.”

There will be 195 school days in the county this year, meaning attendance is expected on at least 187 of them.

CHARITY AIMS TO HELP YOUNGSTERS PASS THEIR 11 PLUS

THE B4 BITURBO IS NOT ANY OLD BMW CONVERTIBLE Page 81

!

MR POPPER’S PENGUINS BRING A TOUCH OF COOL TO THE TOWN Page 92

Page 23

DIY giant sparks backlash INSIDE as its business rate is cut BUSINESS SURVEY

Most support retaining access to the single market Page 7

By Adam Hignett adam@thetimesoftunbridgewells.co.uk B&Q is at loggerheads with the borough council after claiming back more than £400,000 in business rates on its Tunbridge Wells DIY superstore.

It is now seeking more money from the public purse because of the road improvements that will steer extra customers into its premises. An investigation by this newspaper has revealed that B&Q, under a complex process sometimes conducted behind closed doors, has been appealing against business rates to claw back money.

In a move described by one member of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council as ‘grossly unfair’, the B&Q in Longfield Retail Park has seen the rate it has to pay retroactively revised downwards, entitling it to

the refund and lower rates in the future.

The Times understands that two weeks ago the store was handed £430,000. Of this, 40 per cent had to be provided by the borough council, while the remainder is largely the liability of central government, a small portion is provided by Kent County Council and Kent Fire.

‘The building was wrongly valued by the Valuation Office’ This means that £172,000 has come from the borough council, enough to run the Assembly Hall theatre for almost a year.

A B&Q spokesman told the Times: “The building was wrongly valued by the Valuation Office, meaning the rate adopted per square metre was higher than comparable units.”

However, members of the council have

reacted strongly to what they say is the secretive way in which the DIY chain and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) have gone about agreeing the reduction.

“The residents of Tunbridge Wells have been mugged,” said Cllr Paul BarringtonKing, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance, adding: “The council had no input into the decision whatsoever.”

His view was echoed by the borough council’s Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Lee Colyer, who said that while re-evaluations were not uncommon, he was ‘surprised’ by the scale of the reduction, which he said ‘came out of the blue’.

“Because I like to protect the council taxpayers’ interests, I enquired about the reason for the reduction and was quite surprised to be told it was confidential.”

Full story on pages 4-5

LITERARY FESTIVAL Big name authors line up for Cranbrook event Pages 90-91

FOOD AND DRINK REBATE Superstore wins appeal

New bar brings 1920s America to Tunbridge Wells Page 70-71

CHARITY BIG RUN

wa r “ or eho de u

4 sa ava rs s W vi il HI 4 H ng ab w LE ig s l h W E S Mil , tha e to CO tr es n M eet Be e PL , n ET Tu n net E SA br LE idg PR e W EP AR A

Some 600 people took part in the hospice 10k race Page 3

2 ■ LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday Dry with some bright or warm sunny spells at first, but cloud increasing from the west

September 28, 2016

º

19 C

Visibility: Very Good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 69%

Sunrise: 06.55am

Sunset: 18.43pm

Wind: 13mph

Thursday

Helping young people earns local woman top City honour

Friday

18ºC

16ºC

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

15ºC

15ºC

17ºC

19ºC

The great British take off. There will be cloudy skies this week

HONOUR Murray Craig gives Ema Saunders the Freedom of the City ONE of the longest established honours in the UK has been bestowed upon a Tunbridge Wells woman. Ema Saunders was given ‘Freedom of the City’ of London for her work

on the education committee at the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors.

The former Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar pupil, who lives with her husband in the new Knights Park development, said she was ‘incredibly flattered’ to receive the honour last week.

Mrs Saunders, who has worked at Savills estate agents for the past ten years, received the award at a ceremony attended by several friends and family members held in the City of London Guild Hall.

She was admitted as a ‘Freeman’ by Murray

Craig, the Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court for the City Corporation.

Mrs Saunders said: “I was extremely flattered to be selected for the honour and to have my work recognised. I really am passionate about helping young people in their careers and trying to encourage more of them into the industry.”

The Freedom of the City is believed to have first been presented in 1237, making it one of the oldest traditional ceremonies in existence today. Originally used to bestow the rights of ‘Freeman’ upon a person – meaning they were no longer the property of a feudal lord and were thus allowed to own land and earn money themselves – it has since evolved into a purely ceremonial gesture of recognition.

Recipients have included Luciano Pavarotti, Yehudi Menuhin, Rupert Murdoch, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Annie Lennox, Sir Terry Wogan and Michael Vaughan.

Hub project to proceed despite Sport England setback

Photo by Jo Turfitt

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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

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

A FORMAL objection to the Southborough Community Hub project submitted by Sport England on Monday [September 26] was ‘expected’ and unlikely to prevent it moving forward, those backing the scheme claim.

It comes after the organisation, which has statutory powers to protect sports fields, criticised plans to sell off part of the Ridgewaye playing fields for housing development in order to fund the Hub project.

In documents submitted on the Tunbridge Wells planning website, Sport England said the development would ‘prejudice’ use of the playing fields, while it was ‘not clear’ who would provide for a new pavilion to replace the one which will get demolished.

They also state they have been in consultation with Kent Football Association who ‘strongly object’ to the proposal, and ‘note’ that the borough of Tunbridge Wells has an: ‘under-provision of quality sports pitches and ancillary facilities – many of which are dated, and compromised’.

It adds: “The loss of so many grass pitches will have a significant negative impact, not least to the club in first instance, but also the overall supply in an area where demand is high.”

Planning authorities will be minded to take the objection on board.

While they can still press ahead and give the green light for the Southborough Community Hub to be built, their decision will now be referred to the National Planning Casework Unit.

This unit answers to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, who could end up making the final decision on whether or not the scheme can go ahead.

However, the Hub’s Project Leader at Southborough Town Council, Glenn Lester, said Sport England’s objection was ‘not terminal’ for the project’s prospects.

“Whenever any developer uses land which is classed as sports fields, Sport England are always going to object, so this was always expected. We knew they were never going to support it.”

He believes planners will be ‘mindful’ of the objection, but ultimately will take a ‘common

sense’ approach and give the go-ahead.

In addition, he refuted claims that there was no clarity on the provision of a new pavilion, stating ‘most’ of the funding would come from the proceeds of the sale, while the FA may provide additional funding if they wish to expand on the existing plans.

Mr Lester’s views were echoed by the Hub’s Project Manager at Kent County Council, Jonathan White, who said: “Sport England are statutory consultees and we have been in consultation with them throughout the life of the project. Their objection was not unexpected and will be fully considered.”

CONTENTIOUS Mixed views on Hub plans

BUSINESSES HAVE A RIGHT TO APPEAL VALUATIONS; TAXPAYERS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHY 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

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

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QUOTE UNQUOTE

‘It always seems impossible until it’s done’ Nelson Mandela

Wednesday 28th September 2016

SINCE it was launched in March 2014, this newspaper has supported local businesses and it will continue to do so. Indeed, that was one of the main reasons it came into being – to report positively about local business and the good things happening in our town.

That does not mean, however, that when we come across something that seems not quite right we walk away.

This week, for instance, we feature a major story on business rates and the fact that the DIY giant B&Q has claimed back more than £400,000 on the busIness rates it has paid [front page plus 4 and 5].

Now, the challenge of being in business is to make a profit. That’s a pretty basic tenet, and that means always being on the lookout for ways to increase the bottom line. And that’s show it should be.

But when it comes to the public purse, the processes that help achieve that end must

be as transparent as they are practical.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council represents the people of this town and is charged with looking after the interests of its residents. Members have to provide top rate services at the lowest rate possible for those who live here; at least that’s the theory.

So, the councillors, and more importantly the staff behind the scenes, look at ways of giving value for money, ways to balance the books, ways to appease critics. And it has to be said that, largely, a good job is done.

Imagine, then, the surprise when out of left field the Town Hall is ordered to repay B&Q £172,000 (its share of the refund) because the retailer has won an appeal against its valuation for business rates. The Valuation Office Agency apparently made a mistake.

Well, we all make mistakes. To err is human, etc, etc.

The problem here is that discussions to

resolve the issue were held in private behind closed doors, and without other parties being notified.

The council had no input into the decisionmaking process, and was not even advised it was going on. It was all ‘confidential’.

How convenient. The Valuation Office drops the ball, is held to account by a national ‘client’ and it’s all settled behind closed doors.

When asked by the Times if the fact an appeal is won means the Vauation Office made a mistake in the first place, the emphatic answer comes back : “Not at all.”

Really? Then give us the evidence. Oh, sorry, you can’t do that because it’s ‘confidential.’

Perhaps it’s time the public sector was held as accountable as the rest of business when it gets it wrong.

Don’t hold your breath.

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS �

NEWS IN BRIEF

‘Mixed’ response after Corbyn leadership win

3

Common cause as town sets off on charitable pursuit

VOTING patterns among Tunbridge Wells Labour Party members at the leadership elections roughly reflected the national picture, according to the local chairman.

Andrew Sharp said reaction to Jeremy Corbyn’s victory last Saturday was ‘mixed’.

He believed established members – those who joined before Mr Corbyn’s first election as leader in May 2015 – had been more likely to support rival contender Owen Smith, while an ‘overwhelming’ majority of new members supported his leadership.

He added: “There were some members who supported Mr Corbyn last year, but did not this time. It is those who have joined in overwhelming numbers in the last 16 months who are most enthusiastic about Mr Corbyn.”

Furniture store opens FURNITURE and lifestyle brand Indigo will open their new showroom in 53A Calverley Road this weekend.

Formerly the home of designer shoe store Shoon, the two-storey showroom on the corner of Camden Road has seen an extensive refurbishment which includes reclaimed flooring, chandeliers and an original Georgian telephone box.

MP debates US election THE Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat is due to debate the upcoming US presidential election and its impact on the UK with the Daily Telegraph columnist and former Judd School pupil Tim Stanley in an event supporting Hospice in the Weald next week.

The debate will take place on October 6 at the EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School.

To book, visit www.boxoffice.tonbridgeschool.co.uk.

RUN FOR FUNDS More than 600 runners, both seasoned and amateur, took part in the Hospice in the Weald 10K run on Sunday. Raising money for a variety of causes, the hordes of fundraisers could be seen sprinting, jogging and walking their way round the town. Starting and finishing at the Common, the popular event began and ended with Dame Kelly Holmes blaring the starting klaxon and congratulating finishers with medals.

New parking tariff halved as public consultation begins

Get your skates on

murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

CALVERLEY GROUNDS will host an ice rink from November 18 for the sixth year running.

The attraction, which also features chaletstyle shops offering festive gifts, food and drink, attracted 34,000 visitors last year.

The rink will be open every day except Christmas Day until January 2, with tickets going on sale this Saturday at the Assembly Hall theatre or on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s website.

The Borough Council has had a change of heart about the proposed increases in town centre parking. It has decided to halve the planned hike.

In August, the proposed rate for one hour of parking was set to rise to £1.80, a 40p increase. But now, after further deliberation and public feedback, the Council agreed to a £1.60 rate.

The controversial increases were unanimously approved to go forward to public consultation in a Borough Council Cabinet meeting last week.

Members of the public are now invited to make their opinions heard on the proposed changes, which will see rises in hourly rates, season tickets and resident’s permits.

These proposals represent a compromise from both sides of

Appeal for Build Africa BROADCASTER Jane Garvey will make an appeal on behalf of Tunbridge Wells-based charity Build Africa on BBC Radio 4.

It will take place on October 9 at 7.45am and 9.26pm, and looks at the charity’s work with vulnerable girls in rural communities.

Jane Garvey, host of Woman’s Hour, says she is happy to support the work of the charity in what she thought some people would consider ‘unglamorous work’.

less will see a 40p increase – constituting a rise of 16.7 per cent.

Council Leader David Jukes welcomed the compromise, whilst reminding the Cabinet that it was ‘no secret’ that he had been consistently against any increase in rates.

Nonetheless, he conceded that the final proposals were in

By Murray Jones

‘Not the hardship that everybody thought it was going to be’

the debate, after the issue proved particularly divisive in the council.

Although the average price rise is 10 per cent, short-term users are facing a greater increase. For example, a stay of two hours or

line with inflation and ‘not the hardship that everybody thought it was going to be’.

An extra £698,000 in revenue is expected for the council, which will go towards funding improvements in parking around the town, including free Wi-Fi and contactless card payment machines, although Cllr Jukes admitted he expects residents will find the upgrades to be of little consolation.

“I doubt very much that we will get a favourable review,” he said.

“But at least we are doing the very best to look after not just our council tax payers but also our business rate payers.”

The proposed increases have proved unsettling for certain sections of the town. Cllr Julian Stanyer, of Speldhurst and Bidborough, has argued that the ‘fragile state of the retail industry’ means ‘greater sensitivity should be shown towards parking charges’.

However, the Council’s Parking Manager, Rosemarie Bennett, has looked to quell concerns, arguing that in the past increased tariffs have ‘not affected’ car park usage.

The process is scheduled to last for three weeks, starting on Friday (September 30) when public comment can be made on the Council website, followed by a discussion of potential amendments.

The changes are expected to come into effect in April 2017.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

4  LOCAL NEWS

Council claim B&Q rate refund came ‘out of the blue’ after private meeting ‘We have had no input into the decision whatsoever’ Exclusive investigation by Adam Hignett adam@thetimesoftunbridgewells.co.uk IN A move that has been described as ‘grossly unfair’, the DIY giant B&Q has claimed back more than £400,000 in business rates on its Tunbridge Wells superstore.

Under a complex process sometimes conducted behind closed doors, B&Q has been appealing against business rates to claw back money.

The store, situated in Longfield Retail Park, has seen the rate it has to pay retroactively revised downwards, entitling it to the refund and lower rates in the future.

The Times understands that two weeks ago the store was handed £430,000. Of this, 40 per cent had to be provided by the borough council, while the remainder is largely the liability of central government – a small portion is provided by Kent County Council and Kent Fire.

This means that £172,000 has come from the borough council, almost enough to run the Assembly Hall theatre for a year.

A B&Q spokesman told the Times: “The building was wrongly valued by the Valuation Office, meaning the rate adopted per square metre was higher than comparable units.”

However, some members of the council have reacted strongly to what they describe as the secretive way in which the DIY chain and the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) have gone about agreeing the reduction.

“The residents of Tunbridge Wells have been mugged,” said Cllr Paul Barrington-King, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance, adding: “The council had no input into the decision whatsoever.”

His view was echoed by the council’s Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Lee Colyer, who said that while re-evaluations were not uncommon, he was ‘surprised’ by the scale of the reduction which he said ‘came out of the blue’.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Mr Colyer said: “Because I like to protect the council taxpayers’ interests, I enquired about the reason for the reduction and was quite surprised to be told it was confidential.”

He said standard practice for large units is the process of re-evaluation. This goes through a tribunal stage, which takes place in London and allows third parties to observe the decisionmaking progress between the store’s agents and the VOA. But this stage was never reached, and instead the decision to lower the rate was taken during a ‘private meeting’.

“I am guessing that the meeting would have been attended by B&Q, certainly their agents, and a member of the VOA,” said Mr Colyer. “In that meeting they decided to lower the rateable value back to what it was in 2005.

“So you could say the owners of the property are very happy, the agents are very happy as they earned their commission, and the VOA… well they have cleared up another appeal. But the taxpayers were shut out of that process.”

‘B&Q requested its valuation be brought in line with the correct rate for the property type’ When asked by the council for the reasoning behind the decision, the VOA simply obfuscated and refused to release any information, leaving the council scratching its head as to what lay behind the settlement.

“I am not questioning their professional judgement, but it does matter because for us that Longfield Road area is hugely successful,” said Mr Colyer.

He said there had been reports that the John Lewis store on the business park was one of the most profitable in the country, indicating high levels of footfall in that location.

WHO ARE B&Q? Originally named Block & Quale, B&Q is the fourth largest DIY chain in the world and is run by parent company Kingfisher.

Founded in 1969, fierce competition within the DIY market has taken its toll on B&Q in recent years, leading Kingfisher to announce plans to shut 65 stores as part of its plans to turn around the chain. So far, 52 of the planned closures have gone ahead.

Strong economic activity in the area was part of the basis for the £7.3million dualling programme for Longfield Road, in order to enhance COUNCIL TAX CLAWBACK B&Q said it had been wrongly rated for six years

existing capacity, and this was on top of the huge £70million being spent on improving the A21.

“If the reduction is due to the perceived level of economic activity in the area, then I have concerns,” said Mr Colyer.

“It appears the officers at the VOA have the power to make key decisions on substantial refunds worth six-figure sums autonomously.”

He added he would have no issue if they are making refunds in the thousands or tens of thousands of pounds, but would have expected them to have a far more open and transparent system for dealing with larger cases.

What matters just as much as the one-off payment is – moving forward – the rateable value of the building will be less, meaning taxpayers also

LOCAL NEWS 

lose out in the long run to the tune of thousands of pounds a year. This is at a time when the council’s budget is being squeezed by central government cuts to its grant.

The shortfall resulting from the cuts was supposed to be made up from ‘sharing the proceeds of growth’ and letting the council retain a larger share of the business rates it collects.

Instead, the rateable value has now been lowered from £1,800,000 per year, set in 2010, to £1,510,000, a level that was last seen in 2005.

It is a reduction which led Mr Colyer to openly question how the VOA had got the 2010 rating ‘so wrong’ in the first place.

A VOA spokesperson said: “We don’t comment on individual cases. If a ratepayer believes their rateable value is incorrect, they can contact us.

“If, once we have looked at the facts of the case, we agree a new rateable value with the ratepayer, then the case is considered settled and will not progress to a tribunal hearing.

“Where we can, we provide access to information on our website, but – due to taxpayer confidentiality – we are often limited regarding what we can disclose to third parties, such as local authorities.”

A B&Q spokesperson commented: “The building was wrongly valued by the Valuation Office, meaning the rate adopted per square metre was higher than comparable units. The building was also wrongly assessed as having an air-conditioning system.”

In response, B&Q requested that its valuation be brought in line with the correct rate for the property type. The Valuation Office accepted B&Q had been overpaying for the last six years and the rateable value was revised downwards, and backdated to 2010.”

WHAT ARE BUSINESS RATES? Business rates are charged on most commercial properties and are a statutory tax levied by central government. They are collected locally by the council. Forty per cent of the money collected is retained by the council. This income, together with money from council tax and the Revenue Support Grant from central government, is used to pay for the services provided by the council.

Rateable values of commercial properties are normally revalued every five years.

5

Email sent by mistake reveals other major stores are claiming refunds…

DURING the investigation into business rates by this newspaper, B&Q accidentally revealed that it has joined with other major retailers on the industrial estate to claim a further rebate.

The Times pressed the superstore for comment on the fact it had been awarded a £430,000 refund after claiming a wrong evaluation by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).

‘They are confusing the refund just awarded with a further appeal for a temporary reduction’ However, the DIY store sent the wrong response, and instead of answering the original question told us in a statement: “Alongside other neighbouring retailers, B&Q has been awarded a temporary reduction to its business rates following the ongoing roadworks and associated disruption on the A21 and Longfield Road. This reduction is temporary and will cease once the works are complete.”

The borough council’s Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Lee Colyer, pointed out that the VOA have since confirmed they have received

an appeal for disruption but it has not yet been assessed.

“The response from B&Q is not correct. They are confusing the refund just awarded with a further appeal for a temporary reduction,” he said, adding there was a certain ‘audacity’ behind the appeal, given that they will be beneficiaries of the multimillion-pound road improvements.

“But on the other hand, given their track record of getting reductions from the VOA, you can see why they and their agents do it,” Mr Colyer conceded.

Last year, during the road improvements, retailers and business owners on the industrial estate told the Times the work had impacted their trade.  The major retailers in the vicinity of B&Q, which

also rely on access to Longfield Road, include: Currys PC World, DFS Furniture, Toys R Us, John Lewis at home, TK Maxx, Next, Argos, Furniture Village and Carpetright The Times contacted all of these stores to see if they were seeking reduced rates.

However, none of these retailers offered a confirmation, with most citing their ‘long-standing practice’ not to comment on business issues .

Five key questions

taxpayers’ confidential information from third parties (including local authorities).

The Times put the following questions to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA):

Why are local authorities not allowed to know about evidence submitted and the reasons for approving an appeal?

Any such correspondence would fall under the scope of the Commissioners for Revenue & Customs Act, which protects access to individual taxpayers’ confidential information from third parties (including local authorities).

What rights does a council have in terms of appealing any decision?

A local council has no rights in appealing a decision when they are not the ratepayer.

Why are local authorities not invited to contribute to any appeal process when decisions are taken at an early stage? They can attend full tribunal hearings.

Tribunal hearings are conducted in public and so anything said at them is considered in the public domain. However, if a ratepayer comes to us querying a specific aspect of their rateable value, we would look to discuss this matter with them first, to see if we can resolve the issue more quickly and efficiently than by going down the often lengthy tribunal process. Any such meetings or correspondence would fall under the scope of the Commissioners for Revenue & Customs Act (CRCA), which protects access to individual

Would you accept there can appear to be a total lack of transparency, with the perception of decisions taken behind closed doors undermining public confidence in the process?

No. While we are as transparent as possible about the outcomes of tribunal hearings, we cannot discuss individual cases due to CRCA – to discuss an individual case would be to break the law.

Does the fact an appeal is won mean the VOA made mistakes in the first place?

Not at all. We have a duty to maintain an accurate and up-to-date rating list. If a ratepayer alerts us to some information that may require further investigation, we are duty-bound to act upon it.

INVESTMENT Millions have been spent improving road capacity

Wednesday 28th September 2016

6  LOCAL NEWS

Fostering agencies under attack from county hall

By Murray Jones murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE number of available foster homes in Tunbridge Wells is not keeping pace with demand, leading the County Council to describe carer recruitment as ‘reaching crisis point’.

The local authority has said it ‘urgently’ needs 200 new foster homes as it faces ever increasing numbers of children in care.

In Kent this year, 1593 children entered care compared to 899 in in 2013/14 – a 77 per cent increase in just three years.

The Council has spoken out about the behaviour of private, for-profit, fostering agencies. After spending considerable resources on training carers, private groups then often tempt them away with ‘golden hellos’.

Although, the responsibility for care still lies with the Council who then have to pay for the agency’s services.

A KCC spokesperson expressed their frustration at the situation, stressing that ‘we want people to foster with us’ rather than being drawn to private agencies, who often ‘double the cost’ of care for the child.

As well as struggles with recruitment, a majority of the children under Kent’s care are over the age of ten (68 per cent).

Children of that age are usually harder to home as many people who apply for fostering would rather take in babies.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

HELP NEEDED Nearly 1,600 children have entered into care this year

Although, agencies are looking to new methods to address this problem, with Anchor Foster Care, who work in Tunbridge Wells, recruiting older carers who specialise in looking after teenagers.

This aims to develop a ‘grandparent-grandchild’ relationship, which often avoids ‘the rivalry and friction that can sometimes occur in parent and child relationships’.

However, sometimes it is just an issue of capacity. 57 per cent of the children have siblings who

‘If you have considered fostering, now is the time to take the plunge’ also need a home. The council works to ‘help keep brothers and sisters together’ so is often limited to carers that can take them all in.

These difficulties have come amidst the refugee crisis, in which 1,400 asylum-seeking children have arrived in Kent, as exclusively reported by the Times earlier this month. However, only 81 children require foster care as the majority are over 16, so are not eligible.

And the authority’s problems were compounded last week by an independent report, which concluded that KCC is ‘not currently FOSTER delivering the requirePLEA ments of a good FosterCllr Peter ing Service’. The review Oakford highlighted ‘management

oversight and supervision’ as the key area in need of improvement.

Looking forward, the authority is appealing to the public to help alleviate the crisis. KCC Cabinet Member for Specialist Children’s Services, Peter Oakford, who was a foster carer for eight years,

urged local residents to sign up, adding: “We need your help. If you have ever considered fostering, now is the time to take the plunge. It is not an easy job but KCC offers all the support and training you need and it really is one of the most rewarding roles you can do.”

Graffiti gangs target car parks So called graffiti ‘artists’ are costing the Parking Manager Rosemarie Bennett said the borough council thousands of pounds. council was ‘trying to keep costs down’ by using The damage done recently to walls in car park council resources to clean it up but the ‘latest areas, largely in places such as Crescent Road wave of graffiti means staff time and resources and Great Hall, is expected to cost between are being used’. £5,000 and £7,000 to put right.

She also appealed for anyone who spots Kent police have now issued a plea for anyone suspicious behaviour in the car parks to report it with information regarding the car park graffiti to the police. in Tunbridge Wells to contact them.

Councillor Alan McDermott, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation said the amount of graffiti in Tunbridge Wells’ car parks was ‘on the rise’ and set to continue costing council tax payer’s money.

He added: “This is criminal damage. We aim to keep the car parks up to a reasonable standard and it is very unpleasant for visitors to TYPICAL have to park in a place which Spray can damage at looks unpleasant and is not a Crescent Road car park welcoming.”

LOCAL NEWS 

Cinema site consultation as council receives draft plans

By Adam Hignett adam@thetimesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE company behind the plans to redevelop the old cinema site has announced its second public consultation will take place next week.

Altitude Real Estate will be hosting the drop-in event at the Camden Centre over two days in order to showcase and receive feedback on its potential plans to transform the notorious eyesore.

Stephen Tillman, Director of Altitude Real Estate Limited, said: “We would be delighted to welcome residents, stakeholders and businesses to drop in over the two days to view the display and discuss the options with our team, before leaving any comments and opinions they may have.

“All views will then be fully considered as we continue preparing our proposals for submission of a planning application towards the end of the year.

“We had many visitors at a previous session held earlier this year at the Trinity Centre and the feedback received from local people at that event has already been used to develop the plans that will be exhibited.

“We believe we can positively transform what is such a prominent location in the town and want

residents of Tunbridge Wells to have their say.”

The announcement comes shortly after pre-application papers were submitted to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council with outline plans suggesting a building between four and six storeys high and containing 110 flats could be built.

There will also be provision for 100 parking spaces and 6,000 square metres of ‘non-residential’ floor space, predominantly facing Mount Pleasant Road.

Members of the public can attend the drop-in consultation on Thursday, October 6 between 2.00pm and 8.00pm in the Main Hall at the Camden Centre, and Friday 7th October 2016 between 3.00pm and 8.00pm in the Victoria Suite at the centre.

‘All views will then be considered as we continue preparing our proposals ’ The papers request a ‘screening opinion’ to assess likely environmental impacts in the conservation area and whether or not this will require a further Environmental Impact Assessment.

Altitude bought the site, which has been vacant for 16 years, from the previous owners Carlyle Group in April and has pledged to keep the public up to date with progress on their development plans.

Recently workmen have been seen on the premises clearing rubble and repairing some of the hoardings in order to ‘make the site safe’ before further development takes place.

GRAND DESIGNS Altitude reveal their plans

Government’s dilemma as businesses seek single market access BUSINESSES throughout the South East overwhelmingly support retaining the UK’s access to the single market, saying the government should make it a priority during the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

The findings come in a survey of more than 200 regional businesses carried out by Tunbridge Wells-based law firm Cripps in association with business-to-business specialists Insider Media. The survey was conducted between 8 August and 2 September 2016.

It found a clear majority of firms, 62 per cent, said they wanted the UK to maintain access to the single market, a figure rising to 72 per cent among firms with a turnover of over £5 million.

MARKET VALUE Cripps’ Gavin Tyler

Other headline results include 51 per cent of respondents believing they would be harmed by restrictions on free movement, 37 per cent saying it would make no difference and just 12 per cent feeling they would be better off.

Free movement “Given that migration was portrayed as playing a major role in the Brexit vote, it appears from these responses that the government faces a big challenge to please both the wider public and the business community,” said Cripps Managing Partner Gavin Tyler.

“While curbing migration into

the UK may be a popular issue with the general electorate, we do have to recognise there are numerous businesses, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, food and drink, and construction that depend quite heavily on EU workers. Technology and related industries also rely on being able to attract top talent from outside the UK.” But Mr Tyler said he has been ‘reassured’ when speaking to clients, many of whom plan to press ahead with business plans formulated before the referendum.

The firm’s international clients also appear keen to continue to do transactions in the UK, he added.

7

Trust shortlisted for healthcare patient award

By Daniella Gavin

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MAIDSTONE and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust has been shortlisted alongside seven others for the Health Service Journal 2016 Awards.

The shortlisting is within the Most Effective Adoption and Diffusion of Best Practice category, for their work in improving clinical outcomes and patient experience for mothers and babies having a caesarean birth.

They achieved their place through the creation of a short YouTube video titled ‘Baby friendly caesarean birth’.

It promotes the effects that skin to skin contact between mother and baby has upon breast feeding rates as well as the optimal timing for clamping the baby’s umbilical cord to prevent neonatal anaemia.

‘Improving clinical outcomes and patient experience for mothers and babies having a caesarean birth’ Health Service Journal said the shortlisted entrants demonstrated ‘outstanding practice’ and innovation that helped to improve patient care while enhancing value and sufficiency.

The trust had to overcome ‘fierce competition’ to be shortlisted amongst some of the UK’s leading healthcare providers – such as Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals.

The well-received video is currently available on YouTube, with comments from viewers describing it as ‘easy to follow’ and ‘informative’, while others said they hoped the ‘sensitively produced’ film will help change practice.

Sarah Gregson, Consultant Midwife for the trust said: “This shortlisting is a real team achievement with midwives, anaesthetists, obstetricians and theatre staff working together to improve the patient experience and clinical outcomes. Ensuring we had a panel of user representatives involved in the project was very important and helped ensure its success”.

A winner within the category will be chosen by a panel of judges on October 17.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

8 � LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Water complaints rise four years running THE main water supplier for Tunbridge Wells has seen the number of complaints against it rise to twice the industry average over the past year.

Southern Water had the highest number of customer complaints across the country for the fourth straight year, according to a report by the Consumer Council for Water.

The firm saw a ten per cent increase in written grievances over the last year, rising to more than 77 complaints per 10,000 connections, double the industry average.

Raise a glass to profits SHEPHERD NEAME, the brewer which runs the Royal Wells Hotel, is toasting a ‘record set of results’ after pre-tax profits grew by 10.7 per cent to £10.3million, while turnover increased 1.2 per cent to £139.9million year on year.

The Kent-based firm, which claims to be Britain’s oldest brewer with a heritage stretching back to 1698, also reported in its results, which were published last week, a 4.4 per cent rise in like-for-like sales across its 54 pubs for the year ending June 25.

High tide at Crimson MOBILE technology firm Crimson Tide doubled its pre-tax profits to £122,000 in the first half of the year.

The Tunbridge Wells-based firm behind the logistics software mpro5, recorded a 25 per cent increase in like-for-like sales to £845,000 as it announced it had gained a record 15,000 subscribers to its platform.

The AIM-listed company, which helps staff capture data in the field, increased earnings before interest, taxes and other charges to £281,000 in the first six months of the year, up 41 per cent.

The good news follows a doubling of the firm’s full-year profits in April on the back of contracts with Metro, to distribute its newspapers, and Brennans Bread, to deliver its products across Ireland.

Flying the flag for English wine as Chapel Down heads stateside

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk KENT winemaker Chapel Down is set to make its debut across the Atlantic after signing a partnership with an American distribution company to ship 10,000 bottles to the USA by the end of the year.

The Tenterden-based vineyard, which supplied sparkling wine for the wedding of the Duke and Dutchess of Kent, will sell its vintages through the specialist distribution firm ABCK Corp.

It comes as the Chief Executive of Chapel Down, Frazer Thompson, embarks on a charm offensive in the lucrative market by hosting a launch party next month at the New York British Consulate General, followed by a tour of the key states.

‘The sparkling wines have a British sophistication and wit that resonate well with American wine lovers’

and high quality retailers about the significant opportunity that lies ahead for English sparkling wines. We are looking forward to getting started!”

Chapel Down has experienced years of high growth and has diversified into beer and ciders under its Curious Brew label.

Listed on the junior stock exchange ISDX, the winemaker drew headlines for its successful use of crowdfunding to build a new brewery in Ashford last year.

The rapid growth of the company has been matched by the increasing value of its share price over recent years, with shares currently listed at 55.5p, up from a low of 10p in 2011. Its market ­capitalisation is currently valued at £56million.

Chapel Down’s success is even being championed by the Government, with former Tonbridge Grammar pupil Andrea Leadsom saying it was fantastic to see the firm ‘flying the flag’ for British produce overseas.

Mrs Leadsom, who was appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in July, added: “There is no doubt there is a global thirst for our wine. and this latest milestone from Chapel Down is further proof of the opportunities in the US for our top-class producers.

“Thanks to the innovation and hard work of our winegrowers, the English wine industry is going from strength to strength, with production more than doubling in the last five years.”

NEW HORIZONS (L-R) Frazer Thompson and Mark Harvey

ABCK Corp, which has teams in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, was chosen as the distributor of choice thanks to its experience in the luxury wine sector.

It is headed by Champagne connoisseur Arnaud Brachet, who said their trial of the Chapel Down’s Three Graces vintage in some of the country’s best restaurants, bars and retailers had elicited an ‘overwhelmingly positive’ reaction.

He added: “We have been truly impressed by the quality of Chapel Down’s sparkling wines and by the integrity of their team at every single level.

“Chapel Down brings a new quality standard for sparkling wines in the industry, with a British sophistication and wit that resonate very well with American wine lovers.”

Mark Harvey, Chapel Down Managing Director, said: “There is a genuine sense of excitement amongst sommeliers, great restaurants and bars

Start-up gains influence after entrepreneur’s competition victory

YST KENT JUDGES, FINALISTS AND WINNERS: (L-R) Michael Adamou, Lorraine Nugent, Jackie Sumner, Serena Christie, Richard Reid, Edoardo Abati, Rob Nunn, Ben Jeffries, Ben Towers, Matt Turner, Kelly Culver, Pete Kenyon, Jonathan Wood and Simon Warne

Wednesday 28th September 2016

A TUNBRIDGE WELLS entrepreneur has admitted he was left ‘speechless’ after it was announced he was this year’s winner of the Young Start-up Talent competition in Kent.

Ben Jeffries, whose company was profiled in the Times in July, entered the Dragons’ Den-style event last November in order to secure £50,000-worth of products and services for his fledgling company, Influencer.

The 20 year old had to pitch the idea behind his company to successive panels of judges, while at the same time attending business workshops and seminars alongside his competitors.

Eventually, only five contestants were left, and Ben discovered he had won the competition on September 15 at a ceremony in the Gulbenkian Theatre, at the University of Kent campus in Canterbury.

He said: “I was left speechless as I honestly didn’t think I would win.

Incredibly exciting “The support from all my friends and family at home has been fantastic, let alone all the support from the Young Start-up Talent team and sponsors themselves.

“It has been a fantastic process and I really urge other young entrepreneurs to apply.”

Influencer aims to connect global brands with famous individuals from social media – whether it be from Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or Snapchat – to help promote their business or products through targeted social media marketing campaigns.

Among the biggest names Ben has signed up to become ‘influencers’ are Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho and TV presenter and model Amy Willerton.

Businesses which use his platform include the taxi app Uber and South Beach swimwear.

Ben said he is about to launch a crowdfunding campaign in order to source further investment.

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

9

Creative House to open its doors

By Daniella Gavin

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

TEAM EFFORT Baldwins staff step up with John Scholey (right)

SHOW TIME Holiday makers browse the deals

Travel show proves a hotspot BALDWINS marked its 25th anniversary in the travel business with its first trade show last Sunday, which was held at Salomons.

With the summer coming to a close it was the perfect time to launch their #HolidayInspirations event as it gave sun seekers the chance to see all the amazing adventures the family-run travel company can offer holiday makers.

Over 70 brands were present at the show and ranged from holiday camps to six-star luxury cruise companies.

The event was opened by Tunbridge Wells town crier John Scholey and welcomed over

1,000 visitors through the doors. Baldwin’s Joint Managing Director Nick Marks said: “The show was a great success, I was overwhelmed with all the incredible comments I got.

“I am also particularly proud of all the Baldwins Travel Group team members who helped run, in my opinion, the best travel show in the South East,” he added.

Baldwins Travel Group was named National Travel Agent of the Year in 2016.

Their top prize of a holiday for two to Dubai courtesy of Kuoni and Etihad Airways was won by Yvonne Cheese of Tunbridge Wells (pictured).

STAR PRIZE Yvonne Cheese won a luxury trip to Dubai

A NEW home for Tunbridge Wells’ creative industry will be opening on Monson Road this Friday (September 30).

The newly renovated workspace, named The House, aims to provide premises for small businesses, networking events and training for firms in the fast-growing sector – estimated to now account for 11.5 per cent of jobs in Tunbridge Wells.

The renovations of the former Citizens Advice building, conducted by Workspace Collaborations Ltd, include 70 desk spaces, a communal kitchen and garden area.

A third of the desk space has already been reserved with the rest open to the public this Friday for the launch day, which will run from 2-7pm.

The Workspace Collaborations team, which is made up of local businessmen Simon McArdle and Dominic Johnson along with Ian Elwick and Martin Bouette from Sussex, will be present on the launch day to show interested parties around.

Mr Johnson said he is confident they can “create a real focal point for the sector and hopefully give it a home in the heart of town”.

A spokesperson for Kent County Council, which invested in the scheme alongside Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, said: “The UK’s creative industries are now worth £84.1bn to the UK economy… and we are pleased to have been able to support the growth of this sector in Tunbridge Wells.”

Wednesday 28th September 2016

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12 � COMMUNITY NEWS

Hislop serves up a treat for Demelza

By Sarah Bond newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

SISSINGHURST celebrity Ian Hislop popped on a pinafore at a Goudhurst ‘Devil’s Kitchen’ fundraiser to help a host of local chefs raise an ‘astonishing’ £88,690 for Demelza Hospice Care for Children earlier this month.

Hislop, who edits satirical magazine Private Eye and is a mainstay of the BBC’s hit news quiz Have I Got News for You, joined former West Indies cricket legend Gordon Greenidge and Benenden

HOT PROPERTY: (L-R) Amateur chefs have a laugh with cricket legend Gordon Greenidge; Ian Hislop waits on tables; The Honeymoon’s Alex Tang rules over his crowded kitchen

TV star Raj Bisram, who took part in BBC Two’s latest Antiques Road Trip, at the ambitious Devil’s Kitchen 2016 fundraising dinner and auction at The Goudhurst Inn [below left] on September 7.

All three celebrities donned aprons to help a team of amateur chefs prepare a four-course dinner for the guests and greet and serve them at their tables, while local auctioneer Clive Emson banged the gavel and helped Mr Hislop draw the raffle.

Mr Hislop, who revealed to the Times that Have I Got News for You will be back on screen next month, also gave a comical speech which included jokes about former quiz show panellist Boris Johnson and guest host Jeremy Clarkson. “I’m delighted to help this excellent charity,” he said.

Organiser Dionne Banks, of Claygate Distribution Ltd in Marden, said: “We are very grateful to all our special guests, and our wonderful amateur chefs, who were led by professional Alex Tang from the Honeymoon Chinese Restaurant in Tenterden.

“We are so overwhelmed at the success of the evening. At the moment I am actually feeling quite emotional about what we achieved.

“We thought we might raise £50,000 so the final amount of £88,690 is astonishing. Generally, there was a whole lot of love in the room. It was brilliant.”

Derek covers country for Paralympic cause LOCAL resident Derek Barnett cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising £2,900 for the British Paralympic Association and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Deloitte’s Ride Across Britain event, which covers 969 miles along the length of the UK, began on September 10 and lasted nine days.

Derek, from Tunbridge Wells, said: “As a fully paid-up member of the Lycra-clad brigade and 2016 being my 60th year, I decided to set myself a real cycling challenge and to raise funds for two excellent charities at the same time.

“My two charities are the British Paralympic Association, who challenge perceptions and help create a better world for disabled people, and Macmillan Cancer Support, who make sure that no one has to face cancer alone.”

To make a donation, visit uk.virginmoneygiving. com and search for Derek Barnett.

TIME FOR TEE: (L-R) Larrytech’s MD Larry Hardcastle, Katherine Mobey of ellenor, and David Blundell, Chairman of the Nevill Golf Club

Golf day raises funds for ellenor MORE than 50 golfers braved the elements to raise funds for ellenor, a local charity that offers hospice at home care to children, at the inaugural Larrytech Charity Golf Day. Website design agency Larrytech hosted the event, which included a dinner and auction, at the Nevill Golf Club in Tunbridge

Wells on September 16.

“To be able to raise funds for such a great cause while bringing local business people together in a relaxed environment – despite the heavy rain in the early part of the day – was hugely rewarding,” said its director Larry Hardcastle.

Rachel Holweger, ellenor’s

Director of Fundraising, said: “Larrytech’s support has been fantastic. We have new young patients being referred to us every week, so we are really grateful for their fundraising and exposure.”

Donations can be made to ellenor via Laryytech’s JustGiving page. Visit www.justgiving.com for more information.

John Lewis stores kick off for Connor

LIFE CYCLE Derek Barnett challenges himself as he reaches 60

Wednesday 28th September 2016

JOHN LEWIS at home’s Tunbridge Wells store is taking on their rivals at Ashford in a football match to raise funds for local charity Chasing Connor’s Cure.

Five-year-old Connor, from Hildenborough, was recently diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a fatal disease that attacks the lungs and heart.

There is currently no cure, but

all funds raised will help towards continued research.

Chasing Connor’s Cure has been chosen as John Lewis at home Tunbridge Wells’ charity of the year.

The match will be held at Maidstone United’s Gallagher Stadium on Friday October 7 from 7pm. Entrance is £5 for adults (children free) and includes a free raffle ticket. There will be a

bar and a pie ’n’ mash van.

Jayson Pring, Section Manager at John Lewis at home Tunbridge Wells, said: “Football matches are great social occasions and I am hoping that many families will cheer us on so we can raise much needed funds for Chasing Connor’s Cure.”

Please contact: tina.arnold@johnlewis.co.uk for more information.

COMMUNITY NEWS 

Denny’s fundraiser proves a cut above TUNBRIDGE WELLS barber’s Denny’s Place raised more than £3,000 for cancer research charities last month at an event to continue the legacy of Denny Rowe, the shop’s founder.

Pride of place goes to the marathon tattooing session by 14 Arrows Studio, who work in the basement of the hairdresser’s on Grosvenor Road.

The team managed to tattoo 94 people from 9am to 10pm, working non-stop and raising £2,080.

The feat brought to mind Mr Rowe’s own record, when he entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s fastest barber, shaving the faces of 1,994 men in one hour in 1988.

Storm Walker, Mr Rowe’s daughter and Director of Denny’s Place, said: “I know my dad was looking down wishing he could have been there, but being immensely proud of what we have all done.

“Cancer is a nasty, awful disease, and with my dad I know the effects it has on the family and how hard it is to cope with losing a loved one.

“Today we are making amazing headway in finding cures, and if we can help be a part of that then there is nothing better we could have done.”

13

The changing face of our local landscape

By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS Borough Council is holding a series of workshops where residents will be invited to discuss the local landscape.

To help protect and enhance the borough’s landscape, the council is seeking a detailed and up-todate understanding of its character, what changes are occurring and why, what people value about it, and what the priorities should be for the future.

The existing Landscape Character Area Assessment is based on studies carried out in 2000 and needs updating to reflect the changes since then.

The findings of the study will be used to influence planning policy and guide decision-making on future enhancement projects.

The three workshops will be spread across the borough to focus on particular regions:

EASTERN BOROUGH: Goudhurst Parish Hall, Balcombes Hill, Goudhurst TN17 1AJ. Wednesday September 28: 5-6pm drop-in session, 6-7pm workshop.

CENTRAL BOROUGH: Brenchley Memorial Hall, Brenchley Road, Brenchley TN12 7NX. Wednesday October 5: 4.30-6pm drop-in session, 6-7pm workshop.

WESTERN BOROUGH: Langton Green Village Hall, Speldhurst Road, Langton Green TN3 0JJ. Tuesday October 11: 4.30-6pm drop-in session, 6-7pm workshop.

You can reserve your place by contacting: landscapeworkshop@tunbridgewells.gov.uk stating which event you wish to attend.

You can also contribute by visiting the Your View website at: http://arcg.is/2csihRx – where you can use the Your View app to upload images of your local landscapes and reveal what it is you like about it and why.

Pug rescue is a walk in the park MUFFINPUG RESCUE, which helps abused and neglected pug dogs, is holding a sponsored walk in Dunorlan Park on Sunday [October 2] at midday to raise awareness and funds for the charity.

The organisation rescues pugs which have been used as bait or in puppy farms, as well as those who have been given up by their owners.

More than 300 pugs have been registered so far nationally, with 20 signed up for the Tunbridge Wells walk. It is one of 16 such events being held at different locations around the country.

It costs £10 to walk with one dog, £15 for two dogs and £20 for three or more. For more information, go to www.muffinpugrescue.com

TAKE THE LEAD Pug walks will be held all over the country

Wednesday 28th September 2016

14  NATIONAL NEWS

American shale gas arrives in UK as controversy over fracking rages on THE first shipment of controversial shale gas has arrived in the UK as campaigners step up calls for a ban on fracking.

A tanker carrying 27,500 m3 of ethane from US shale fields sailed down the Forth in central Scotland to the Ineos refinery in Grangemouth.

Jim Ratcliffe, the founder and Chairman of the petrochemicals giant, said unconventional gas extraction could transform communities that have been blighted by a collapse in manufacturing, as has happened in the United States.

‘We urge the Scottish Government to act swiftly to ban fracking and start planning seriously’ Ineos says the shale gas will replace dwindling North Sea supplies and secure essential raw material for Grangemouth, supporting some 10,000 jobs there.

But Friends of the Earth Scotland has spoken out about ‘environmental damage’ caused in the

United States, where fracking is now a wellestablished industry.

Head of Campaigns Mary Church said: “It is completely unacceptable to attempt to prop up Ineos’s petrochemicals plants on the back of human suffering and environmental destruction across the Atlantic.

“The fact that Scottish public money is tied up in this project is disgraceful. Setting aside the devastating local impacts of fracking, the climate consequences of extracting yet more fossil fuels are utterly disastrous.”

The Scottish Government currently has a moratorium on fracking in place while ministers consider the evidence.

Ms Church said: “We urge the Scottish Government to act swiftly to ban fracking and start planning seriously for a fair transition to a low-carbon economy across all sectors.

“Fracking should not happen here in Scotland, or anywhere.”

Mark Ruskell, MSP, the Scottish Greens’ Climate and Energy spokesman, said: “If we want to guarantee a future for Grangemouth we should be

Councils should use new powers to cash in on tourism boom says LGA THE English tourism industry is booming and is predicted to grow faster than the overall economy every year for the next decade, according to new research.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said councils that harness new powers given to them through devolution stand to gain the most from the growing industry.

Domestic tourism is predicted to grow 2.9 per cent every year over the next decade, outpacing the overall economy which is expected to expand 2.5 per cent yearly, according to research commissioned by the LGA. Tourism is thriving in part due to holidaymakers who are reportedly taking advantage of the falling pound following the EU referendum vote to spend more while in the UK. And a growing trend for ‘staycations’ among Britons is also helping to fuel the upsurge.

Latest industry figures showed there were 103 million overnight trips in England in 2015, an 11 per cent increase on 2014, while expenditure jumped 8 per cent to £19.6billion.

The West Midlands saw the biggest increase in overnight trips, up 22 per cent, followed

by Yorkshire at 20 per cent, and London and the South West both at 14 per cent, according to the LGA. Ian Stephens, Chairman of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Board, said: “The tourist economy is one of the UK’s fastest-growing economic sectors and councils have the opportunity to align their devolved responsibilities to improve their tourism offer to best showcase their unique identity and heritage.”

He said decisions about how to boost tourism ‘are best taken at the local level’, adding that the Government should ‘keep up the momentum on agreeing devolution proposals to further boost tourismled growth and transform local economies’.

The LGA said councils that have launched ambitious projects – such as Plymouth which rebranded itself ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ to capitalise on its maritime heritage – have seen ‘huge economic returns on investment’.

Liverpool City Council has used its borrowing powers to fund major refurbishment and renovation projects to the Philharmonic Hall, the Royal Court Theatre and other cultural centres to boost tourism.

Councils will be able to keep all locally-raised business rates by 2020, which will allow them to invest in projects to attract tourists.

New combined authorities, which allow groups of local councils to pool their powers and resources and take decisions collectively, could also help areas tap into the growing tourism industry, the LGA said.

investing in its conversion to synthetic fuels from renewable resources.

Speaking about the shipment, Mr Ratcliffe said: “One of my great concerns about the UK economy is the collapse in manufacturing.

“I think saving Grangemouth is a brick in the wall to arresting that decline, but maybe shale gas also has the ability to reverse that decline.

“Shale gas has absolutely transformed the United States. There’s immense levels of investment there.

“There’s clearly a lot of shale in the UK as there is in the United States, and there’s absolutely no reason why it can’t do the same things to the UK manufacturing industry as it has done in America.”

The company said the shipment, aboard carrier Ineos Insight, was the culmination of a two-billion US dollar (£1.6billion) investment resulting in eight tankers forming a ‘virtual pipeline’ between the US and the UK and Norway.

As a result of shale gas, he said that “for the next 20 years, now Grangemouth’s future is totally assured, those 10,000 jobs will be in very safe hands.”

FOUNDER Jim Ratcliffe

England boss quits after being caught on camera SAM ALLARDYCE has left his job as England manager by mutual consent, the Football Association has announced.

The decision comes in the wake of an undercover investigation by The Daily Telegraph in which he was covertly filmed appearing to advise on how to sidestep FA transfer regulations.

In a statement, the governing body said the behaviour of Allardyce was “inappropriate” and revealed he has “apologised” for and accepts the “significant error of judgment”.

“However, due to the serious nature of his actions, The FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect,” the statement added.

“This is not a decision that was taken lightly but The FA’s priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football.

“The manager of the England men’s senior team is a position which must demonstrate strong leadership and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times.”

Gareth Southgate will take charge of the England team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain while the search for another new manager begins, the FA said.

In two meetings he believed were with representatives from a Far East firm, Allardyce was filmed appearing to tell reporters that it was “not a problem” getting around FA rules which stop third parties “owning” football players’ economic rights.

The controversial practice was MUTUAL banned by the FA in 2008 over CONSENT concerns it compromised the Sam Allardyce integrity of the game, as the third

party could profit whenever a player was sold.

When asked about the rules, Allardyce was captured on a hidden camera saying: “It’s not a problem.”

He said an unnamed group had been “doing it for years” and “you can still get around it”, suggesting they employ the player’s agents to compensate for the fact they are no longer allowed to profit from each transfer directly.

He added: “You get a percentage of the player’s agent’s fee that the agent pays to you, the company, because he’s done that new deal at the club again or they sell him on, and you’re not getting a part of the transfer fee any more, because you can’t do that.

“But, you get - because of the size of the contracts now, the contract will be worth thirty, forty million, at 10% and you’ve done a deal with the agent where you’re getting 5% of the agent’s fee, which is massive for doing about two hours’ work.”

It is alleged by the paper that a deal was struck with the England manager worth £400,000.

A spokesman from the Telegraph said “relevant transcripts” from its probe will be released to the FA. “These run to many hundreds of pages so will take some time to collate,” the spokesman added.

“In line with our investigations protocol, some material has already been passed to the police.”

NATIONAL NEWS 

Chief apologises after Alton Towers is fined £5million for safety failure ALTON TOWERS operator Merlin Attractions has been fined £5million for a ‘catastrophic failure’ of health and safety rules over the Smiler rollercoaster crash.

Two teenagers – Vicky Balch, then 19, and Leah Washington, then 17 – could have bled to death from their injuries, and each ended up losing a leg after the collision in June last year.

A mother of two who was on the ride with her grown-up daughters welcomed the ‘justice’ of the fine, but said the physical and mental impact of the crash continued.

The victims, left suspended in the ride 20ft (six APOLOGY Nick Varney

metres) above ground for up to five hours, are now expected to seek civil compensation.

Lawyers for eight of those hurt said the fine was believed to be the largest of its kind for a leisure industry company.

‘This was a needless and avoidable accident’ Stafford Crown Court had heard that the Smiler ride’s passengers watched in ‘disbelief and horror’ before ploughing into an empty carriage on the track, with the impact likened to a 90mph car crash.

The court was told that engineers overrode the computer system which had correctly stopped the ride because they believed it was an error, allowing the passenger carriage to collide with the empty car.

The company was fined after a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found an engineer ‘felt pressure’ to get Smiler back into service after it developed a fault shortly before the devastating crash.

However, Merlin totally rejected any suggestion that it put money before public safety, adding that the judge made no reference to that part of the HSE’s report in sentencing.

During sentencing, Judge Michael Chambers, QC, said the ‘obvious shambles of what occurred’ could have been easily avoided by a suitable written system to deal with ride faults and a proper risk assessment. Shortfalls in oversight and training were also identified.

The judge added: “This was a needless and

avoidable accident in which those injured were fortunate not to have been killed or bled to death.”

“Those in the front row bore the brunt of the collision and had their legs crushed in the tangled steel.”

Mr Chambers added that all 16 people in the carriage had been injured to various degrees, adding that the company’s safety failure had resulted in ‘putting at risk the safety of thousands of young people and children’.

The judge said: “The defendant now accepts the prosecution case that the underlying fault was an absence of a structured and considered system – not that of individuals’ efforts, doing their best within a flawed system.”

Lawyers for Merlin said the company had seen a £14million drop in revenue as a result of the crash, and had ‘got the message’.

The Smiler reopened earlier this year and lawyers confirmed the company had made 30 changes to safety measures, equipment and training.

No one from the firm has resigned over the incident, and after the hearing company Chief Executive Nick Varney ignored repeated questions from reporters as to whether he would step down.

Speaking outside court, he again apologised for the incident, and said bosses were ‘not emotionless corporate entities’.

“In that respect, the far bigger punishment for all of us is the knowledge that on this occasion we let people down with such devastating consequences,” he said.

“It is something none of us will ever forget, and it is something we are utterly determined will never be repeated.”

Boris attempts to wash away past misdemeanour BORIS JOHNSON heaped praise on his Turkishbuilt washing machine when the country’s Prime Minister warned that the Foreign Secretary needed to make amends after penning a rude poem about its head of state.

Mr Johnson used his first official visit to the nation to enthuse about the ‘beautiful, very well-functioning Turkish washing machine’ he has in London.

The unusual charm offensive came after Mr Johnson sparked controversy in May by using a satirical limerick to describe President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Mr Johnson hit on the novel ‘washing machine diplomacy’ agenda as he talked up the trade links between the UK and Turkey.

“We are lucky in the United Kingdom to be one of the biggest recipients of Turkish goods. I am certainly the proud possessor of a beautiful, very well-functioning Turkish washing machine, like so many other people in my country,” Mr Johnson said at a joint press conference with Turkish EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik.

‘I hope he won’t make any more mistakes and tries to make it up with the Turks’ Mr Johnson, who has Turkish ancestry and met President Erdogan yesterday [Tuesday], was awarded a £1,000 prize by The Spectator in May for winning the magazine’s competition to write

the most offensive poem possible about the key regional power broker.

After Prime Minister Theresa May surprised the diplomatic world by appointing Mr Johnson Foreign Secretary in July, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said he needed to ‘make it up’ with the Turks.

“May God help him and reform him. And I hope he won’t make any more mistakes and tries to make it up with the Turks,” Mr Yildirim told the BBC. Asked at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu whether the offensive poem had been raised during his visit, Mr Johnson said: “That has not come up at all.”

Mr Johnson said he wanted to forge a ‘jumbo’ trade deal with Turkey after Britain exits the EU.

15

NEWS IN BRIEF

NHS report reveals patient number query GENERAL practitioners are being paid for up to three million ‘ghost patients’ who should be removed from their practice lists, suggests a report from NHS Digital.

Data from the report shows that the number of patients registered with GPs in England increased from 57.2 million in September 2015 to 57.3 million in March 2016. But population estimates for 2016 are just 54.3 million, based on data from the 2011 Census.

The difference means GPs are being paid for potentially up to three million patients who have died, moved, left the country or who no longer need GP services.

Horsemeat men bailed THREE men have been bailed and ordered to appear at Inner London Crown Court on October 25 over allegations they passed horsemeat off as beef.

Andronicos Sideras, 54, of Friars Walk, Southgate, Ulrik Nielsen, 57, from Gentofte, in Denmark, and Alex Beech, 44, of Highfield Close, Hull, were accused at City of London Magistrates’ Court of dishonestly arranging for beef and horsemeat to be combined for sale as beef in the UK’s meat industry.

The trio were jointly charged with conspiracy to defraud following an international investigation led by the City of London Police, which worked with the Food Standards Agency.

Families back to work THE number of children living in out-of-work families has fallen by an average of a quarter since the start of the decade, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). London has seen the biggest decrease, where the number of children in a workless household has almost halved (down 46 per cent) since 2010.

However, some areas did see a rise. These included Doncaster in South Yorkshire, Stockton-on-Tees, North Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire in Scotland and Bridgend in South Wales.

In memory of Terry BBC presenter Chris Evans led the tributes to the late Sir Terry Wogan at a packed service at Westminster Abbey.

The Service Of Thanksgiving For The Life And Work Of Sir Terry opened with recordings from Sir Terry’s archive. The veteran broadcaster died in January following a battle with cancer.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

16  BUSINESS NEWS

Clouds begin to form over global economy but UK will avoid recession says WTO

THE UK economy is expected to escape a post-referendum recession, according to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), but the group forecasts that world trade will expand at its slowest pace since the financial crisis.

The WTO said Britain’s vote to leave the European Union will put the brakes on UK economic growth, but will not see it succumb to an ‘outright recession’.

“The UK referendum result did not produce an immediately observable downturn in economic activity as measured by industrial production or employment; the main impact was a 13 per cent drop in the exchange rate of the pound against the US dollar and an 11 per cent decline in its value against the euro.

“Effects over the longer term remain to be seen.

Economic forecasts for the UK in 2017 range from fairly optimistic to quite pessimistic. Our forecast assumes an intermediate case, with a growth slowdown next year but not an outright recession.”

However, the WTO expects the skies to darken over the global economy after gross domestic product (GDP) and trade growth expanded more slowly in China, Brazil and North America.

The trade body slashed its forecasts for world trade from 2.8 per cent to 1.7 per cent for this year, while growth for 2017 is slated to hit between 1.8 per cent and 3.1 per cent compared to a previous estimate of 3.6 per cent.

It said global GDP growth looks set to reach 2.2 per cent for 2016, marking the slowest pace of trade and output growth since 2009.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Time Out cooks up plan for London food market MEDIA group Time Out confirmed it was in advanced talks to bring its popular food market to London as it looks to expand after its junior stock market flotation in the summer.

Time Out Market is set to launch in the capital next, as well as in Porto in Portugal, building on the success of its food markets business in Lisbon, which attracted 1.3 million visitors in the first half of the year.

It is yet to disclose plans for the location of its London food market. The group also has Miami, New York, Berlin and Paris in its sights.

Details of the London food market discussions came as it posted its first set of results since listing on the Aim market in June, with losses narrowed and higher group revenues for the six months to June 30.

Time Out, which has expanded from a listings magazine into a global digital media and e-commerce group in recent years, posted an underlying half-year loss of £4.4million against losses of £5.6million a year earlier.

The operating loss was £7.3million, down marginally on the £7.4million seen a year ago.

It notched up a 12 per cent rise in group revenues to £15.1million, or 10 per cent higher with currency changes stripped out, helped by a 24 per cent surge in digital advertising revenues.

But it said it was up against a more difficult advertising

market in the UK, with the rise in automatic ad placing putting pressure on revenues.

Print advertising fell 2 per cent in the first half, with the UK hit harder than other areas, such as the US. Julio Bruno, chief executive of Time Out Group, said the group had ‘opened an exciting new chapter’ when it floated in June.

But its shares, which listed at 150p, immediately dropped to 130p in the first day of trading and remain below the list price, at around 139.5p at current prices.

The group raised £90million through the initial public offering to fund expansion of its food markets business and pay down debt.

Former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose, who was already a director of Time Out’s market arm, joined the board of the company when it listed. Time Out’s founder Tony Elliott also became a non-executive director.

FOOD MARKET London could be next

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Teenager accused of hacking into TalkTalk A TEENAGER has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Tuesday) accused of hacking internet giant TalkTalk and other companies to obtain customer data before asking for a six-figure blackmail payment in Bitcoins.

Daniel Kelley, aged 19, of Heol Dinbych in Llanelli, South Wales, faces 14 charges - eight of blackmail, four computer hacking offences and two fraud offences.

In total, Kelley is accused of trying to obtain 593 Bitcoins worth about £276,300. He was released on conditional bail to appear at the Old Bailey on October 10.

Factory turns a profit CARD Factory has seen increased revenues and profits despite store sales taking a hit from slowing footfall on Britain’s high streets.

The gifts and greetings cards retailer said like-for-like sales rose 0.2 per cent in the six months to the end of July. Revenues lifted 4.8 per cent to £169.2 million over the period, while pre-tax profits rose 7.3 per cent to £27.6 million.

Electric pedal power HALFORDS is extending its range of electric bikes after reporting an increase in sales.

Former track cyclist Victoria Pendleton is also launching a new electric bike for the company in November. Commercial director Emma Fox said: “We predict that e-bikes will be the next big thing not only for commuters but also for a whole range of cyclists.”

WORLD NEWS 

Symbolic gesture puts Colombia on pathway to peace AFTER half a century of bloodshed, Colombians have embarked on a new path to settle their political differences with the signing of a historic peace accord between the Government and leftist rebels.

President Juan Manuel Santos and Rodrigo Londono, top commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), formally signed the agreement before a crowd of 2,500 foreign dignitaries and special guests, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Many in the audience, all dressed in white, had tears in their eyes as Mr Santos removed from his lapel a pin shaped like a white dove, which he has been wearing for years, and handed it over to his former adversary, who fastened it to his own shirt.

It was one of many symbolic gestures during the 90-minute ceremony overlooking the colonial ramparts of Cartagena that filled Colombians with hope and optimism for the work ahead to implement a 297-page accord that took four years to negotiate.

The deal’s first test will be a weekend referendum in which voters are being asked to ratify or reject the deal.

If it passes, as expected, Colombia will move on to the thornier and still uncertain task of reconciliation.

If the accord is accepted by Colombian voters in Sunday’s referendum, as polls say it will be, the FARC’s estimated 7,000 fighters would have to turn over their weapons to a team of United Nationssponsored observers within six months.

17

SPORT IN BRIEF

Anti-racism task force closed down by FIFA

POLES APART Presidential debate

Massive audience tunes in as Clinton and Trump lock horns HILLARY CLINTON denounced Donald Trump for keeping his personal tax returns and business dealings secret from voters in a combative opening presidential debate.

The tycoon hit back by repeatedly casting Mrs Clinton as a ‘typical politician’ as he sought to capitalise on Americans’ frustration with Washington.

The presidential rivals, who are locked in an exceedingly close White House race, argued for 90 minutes over their vastly different visions for the nation’s future.

The debate, aired in the UK in the early hours of yesterday morning [Tuesday], attracted a television audience of around one hundred million.

Mrs Clinton called for lower taxes for the middle class, while Mr Trump focused more on renegotiating trade deals that he said have caused companies to move jobs out of the US. The Republican backed the controversial ‘stopand-frisk policing’ tactic as a way to bring down crime, while the Democrat said the policy was un-

constitutional and ineffective.

The debate was confrontational from the start, with Mr Trump frequently trying to interrupt Mrs Clinton and speaking over her answers.

Mrs Clinton was more measured and restrained, but also needled the sometimes thin-skinned Mr Trump over his business record and wealth.

“There’s something he’s hiding,” she declared, scoffing at his repeated contentions that he will not release his tax returns because he is being audited. Tax experts have said an audit is no barrier to making his records public.

Mrs Clinton said one reason Mr Trump has refused is he may well have paid nothing in federal taxes. He interrupted to say: “That makes me smart.”

Mr Trump aggressively tried to turn the transparency questions around on Mrs Clinton, saying he would release his tax information when she produces more than 30,000 emails that were deleted from the personal internet server she used as US Secretary of State.

MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Yaya Toure says he is disappointment by FIFA’s decision to disband its anti-racism task force.

The Premiership football star was a consultant of the FIFA Task Force Against Racism. and Discrimination, which was set up in 2013.

It was wound up on Sunday, with the world governing body saying it had achieved its mission.

Captain calls on Rory CAPTAIN DARREN CLARKE says he is looking for some inspiration from compatriot Rory McIlroy as Europe go in search of an unprecedented fourth successive Ryder Cup golf victory.

McIlroy capped an impressive month prior to the start of the tournament this Friday, with his second win in three weeks at the PGA Tour season-ending Tour Championship on Sunday.

Bath time for Fruean CENTRE Robbie Fruean has completed a deal to join Bath, reuniting with his former Canterbury Crusaders coaches Todd Blackadder and Tabai Matson. The 28 year old will move to the Aviva Premiership after his Mitre 10 Cup commitments with Hawke’s Bay.

Frankie needs a ride FRANKIE DETTORI is looking for a ride in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after his intended mount Fascinating Rock was ruled out of the race.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

18  WEEKLY COMMENT

Rachel Sadler

Liberal Democrat Candidate

Rachel Sadler is the recently appointed Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Tunbridge Wells who is currently employed in a pre-authorisation role for an established healthcare company. Her previous political experience includes party fundraising and campaigning, as well as running for positions within Kent County Council and the borough council.

Boost democracy by giving young people the vote at 16 THERE are over 2,000 16 and 17 year-olds in Tunbridge Wells according to the 2011 census.

They pay taxes, can marry with parental consent, and yet cannot vote. Is this reasonable in a modern democracy?

For starters, under-eighteens in work are

liable for Income Tax and National Insurance contributions, so it follows that they should have a say in how their contributions are spent.

By letting them take more control, they will be better prepared for adult life. Only last week this paper highlighted concerns about young people leaving education without the skills they require to flourish in society.

Giving them the vote will be a wonderful opportunity to counteract this.

What’s more, we allow this age group to get married (with parental consent) and start a family. Admittedly, this situation isn’t ideal, and more should be done to educate young people about sex and relationships, but if they do become parents at this tender THE PRECEDENT: Young voters during the Scottish referendum age, they should be allowed

Wednesday 28th September 2016

to vote to help shape their family’s future.

Arguments about the apathy of young people can be dismissed given the fact that 75% of 16-17 year olds voted in the Scottish Referendum.

And as a poll conducted by The Student Room confirmed that 82% of 16-17 year olds would have voted Remain, if they had been given the right to vote in the recent EU referendum, we may well have avoided the uncertainty, economic and social upheaval, and racial tensions of Brexit.

Finally, by giving 16 and 17 year olds the vote, we will be empowering thousands of young people in Tunbridge Wells to get involved in the political scene. If enough choose to become actively involved in politics, we could eventually reduce the average age of our MPs; currently 50, so a full 10 years older than the average Tunbridge Wells resident. Along with policies to encourage more women, disabled people and ethnic minorities into politics, we can ensure that politics better reflects the rich variety of people in the UK.

‘Finally, by giving 16 and 17 year olds the vote, we will be empowering thousands of young people in Tunbridge Wells to get involved in the political scene’ The main counter-argument appears to be that at 16 or 17 you are not mature enough to make an informed decision regarding who to vote for. There is a solution to this: age-appropriate political education will ensure they are well informed about how to vote. After all, politics is of relevance to everyone. By enforcing that message from a young age we’ll secure engagement and interest, which will further strengthen our democracy. Refuse, and we’ll have created more generations who are literally and figuratively disenfranchised.

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LOCAL NEWS 

BACK ON TRACK Walkers and cyclists will benefit from improvements

21

Path around Bewl is ready for winter Action taken to avoid damage from flooding and mud on picturesque route at reservoir WORK has begun to upgrade the track around Bewl Water before the ravages of the winter months set in.

The improvement forms part of the ongoing regeneration of the reservoir since the new owners took over at the start of the year.

‘The upgrade to the track is a considerable investment, and is a long-term project’

‘The track is a popular route, but when we acquired Bewl in January it was clear that parts were almost impassable for much of the winter’

The well-trodden path forms the majority of the 12.5-mile route around the largest stretch of open water in southern England.

It is popular with both walkers and cyclists but some stretches of the path can become difficult to negotiate in winter because of flooding and mud.

Using 500 tons of natural aggregate, the first three miles of improvements are being made clockwise from the Bewl dam, through Chingley Wood and Polecat Wood to Goose Creek.

“The track is a popular route, but

when we acquired Bewl in January it was clear that parts were almost impassable for much of the winter,” said Charlie Guy, Operations Manager at Bewl Water.

“Having worked closely with East Sussex County Council and our colleagues at Southern Water, we have devised a scheme to lay a stable, level, all-weather surface and improve drainage, making more miles of track available to users throughout the year.”

The Bewl Belle passenger boat will continue to operate throughout the autumn and winter, docking at Hatheralls Bay, Ferry Point and Seven Pound Creek so that visitors do not have to take on the entire length of the path.

“The upgrade to the track is a considerable investment, and is a long-term project,” added Mr Guy. “It is difficult to put an exact timetable on future stages of improvements because the work is weather-dependent, but our aim is to improve access to the country park for all users.”

The works are expected to be completed by the end of October.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

22  LETTERS

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU The Southborough Hub: One of the ugliest designs I have seen for years – where is the imagination?

Ptolemy Dean [September 21] is so right. I have a very wide vocabulary, but can find no words that describe my horror at the proposed design for the Southborough Hub. It is one of the ugliest designs I have seen for years, and is of the kind of design and materials that in a few years’ time will age disgustingly and become an embarrassing, depressing eyesore. I have seen that design all over the UK, it is not unique, but despairingly is becoming more popular with ‘architects’.

It reminds me of most of the 1960s designs for buildings, and I bet there isn’t one 1960s-type modern design that has stood the test of time and is regarded as a ‘beautiful old building’ that one points out to visitors.

I love modern and minimalistic interiors, and have one myself, but I have yet to see that beauty in these kind of layered ‘prefab’-type buildings.

BGT: Taking advantage of people

I couldn’t help but laugh at the lack of turnout [September 14] for the Britain’s Got Talent auditions. To be clear, I have no doubt that our vibrant town has multitudes of undiscovered talent just waiting for their moment in the spotlight.

But I really doubt (and it seems that the residents of Tunbridge Wells share my opinion) that this vacuous show, which takes advantage of the desperate and the deluded for cheap laughs, is the positive way to career fulfilment.

If you’ve got a talent you should work hard at it all the time as you make your way up from the bottom.

I believe we should not tolerate people being humiliated on national television as they are deceptively coaxed into thinking they may have a shot at success.

I hope the rest of country follows Tunbridge Wells’ example by not showing up to auditions and we can put this show behind us.

Nigella Thornton Via email

Cyclists: Going round the bend

Cyclists in Tunbridge Wells are driving me round the bend.

It’s bad enough that those of us who live in the country have to put up with gangs of Lycra-clad freaks coming down from London and treating the Garden of England like a theme park – would they ride in a ‘peloton’ on Tonbridge High Street? Or The Strand, for that matter?

No they would not.

But now cyclists seem to think it’s okay to ride on

Where is the imagination, where is the beauty of bricks and other building materials? Where is the roundness and softness and quality. Where is the awe and delight?

It must not be allowed to go ahead. It will be a canker, a spreading sore, on the beautiful skin of Tunbridge Wells and its environs.

Jebby Hall Tunbridge Wells THE HUB An artist’s impression

the pavement in town. It’s just downright dangerous, and it’s not good enough for them to say that they can get out of the way because they are so talented at riding a bike.

How can they anticipate how an old gent or a young kid might react to seeing some brute on two wheels speeding towards them?

I seem to recall that there was a time when you were only allowed on pavements if your wheels were of a certain small size – in other words you were a kid. And there’s nothing wrong with that, we can all live with errant toddlers weaving around if it keeps them off the roads and out of harm’s way.

But we don’t have to put up with overgrown kids trying to save two seconds of their valuable time because there’s a car in their way.

So get back on your cycle paths…

Robert Grant Via email

Grammars: Inflexible dogma and prejudice

Those who claim there is no evidence that grammar schools promote social mobility are unfamiliar with the history of selective education.

When such schools were available throughout the country they provided a means for those who were academically inclined, regardless of their economic background, to receive an appropriate education, leading on to worthwhile careers.

It is only since the ideologues of the educational establishment have succeeded in reducing the number of such schools significantly that they have been regarded as elitist.

The solution is not fewer grammar schools, but a full restitution of the number that existed before inflexible dogma and prejudice were allowed to undermine what was a ladder to success for pupils from even the poorest families.

Colin Bullen Via email

Grammars: Not the meritocracy they promise to be

As a self-professed optimist, I applaud Cllr Hall’s vision [September 14] of a Britain full of grammar schools, where the best rise to the top and catchment area premiums are a thing of the past.

The statistics, however, do her argument no favours. Only 3 per cent of grammar students receive free school lunches compared with a national average of around 20 per cent.

Factor in the private tutoring that many children from privileged backgrounds will receive, and suddenly grammars aren’t the meritocracy they promise to be.

I should remind her that high house prices are a problem for the whole of the south east, not just Kent, and they can be explained in one word: London.

They will not drop here unless May’s Government acts, rather than talks about incentivising growth and investment in other parts of the country.

Cllr Peter Lidstone Lib Dem Cllr for St John’s

Local apples: Imported bananas are cheaper

I note that we shall have a bumper crop of English apples this year (again).

Perhaps someone can explain to me why, despite the plentifulness, English apples grown five miles away cost £2.50-£3 per kilo, whilst bananas grown over 4,000 miles away cost 72 pence per kilo?

And does the glut mean that we shall see entire crops left to rot unpicked, as in previous years?

John Ward Moorhouse Via email

Calverley: His use of the third person

The writer has been away and has only recently caught up with [columnist] Calverley’s response [September 14] to his criticism of Calverley’s use of the third person – in particular, referring to himself as ‘Himself’, a capital no less.

The writer is always flattered to be included in the Letters Page, but in being referred to in Calverley’s esteemed column the writer’s cup over-floweth.

Whilst the writer is, self-confessedly, oldfashioned, the writer does not regard this as a limiting factor – unless it is in the writer’s inability to understand Calverley’s tailpiece to his response.

The writer remains, faithfully yours, Ben Hardy Tunbridge Wells

We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Calverley TO THE cinema and an encounter with a real-life version of the clumsy, drunken Bridget Jones character. During the screening of Bridget Jones’s Baby at the Odeon, the audience became aware of a woman in her 40s who had clearly spent too much time in the bar beforehand. Needing a top-up, she clambered across others in her row of seats only to return ten minutes later carrying two lagers. As she attempted to take her seat she stumbled and drenched a couple sitting happily, until then, in the seats in front. Being British they assured her it was ‘no big deal’.

WALKING the corridors of power at the Town Hall last week Calverley was stopped by a well-wisher keen to sing the praises of the (relatively) new boss of the Assembly Hall theatre. It appears our friend JJ Almond is making his mark and is one to watch. But can he really make the big changes needed to get more people through the doors?

Watch this space.

JJ Almond

OUR man in the Cabinet has won over one of the toughest audiences in the world… national newspaper hacks. Wearing his Business Secretary hat, MP Greg Clark met with the hordes for a briefing at the stuffy old Admiralty House in Whitehall. Post-meeting journos described him as being ‘affable’ i.e. a friendly amiable character, pleasantly easy to approach and talk to. To be expected, of course, from the Member for Royal TW. OOPS. A great example of why it always pays to double-check your restaurant bill (or drink less). Calverley hears of a couple dining at a local gastro pub who were handed the wrong tab – it was for a table of four. They paid and only next day realised the error of their ways.

Happily the pub reimbursed them and threw in a free drink for extra measure.

WHEN two or three men are gathered together then talk almost inevitably turns to women. Calverley is pretty sure the reverse also applies. Anyway, a few eyebrows were raised when one of the chaps, an individual, told of when he stepped out with a 21 year old. At the time he was 51 and older than her father. Manners prevent Calverley from revealing more…

Chin, chin readers

Education in association with:

www.right-tuition.co.uk

EDUCATION SPECIAL �

23

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

The charity whose aim is to make entrance into selective education accessible for all children Private tutoring to prepare children for the Kent Test has long been something only middle-class parents could afford, but thanks to AIM more children have a chance of passing the 11-plus. Co-founder Zoe Brown tells the Times all about this unique scheme…

“AIM was established in 2015 by three local mums with the desire to make grammar school places more accessible to children from low-income families. It stands for Achieve, Inspire, Motivate.

AIM is not attempting to make any political statement about the grammar system, but simply trying to make it a fairer one.

It is supported by The Right Tuition Company, who provide professional tutors to teach the weekly sessions.

The programme familiarises the children with elements of the exam not taught in most schools.

Children also have the opportunity to work in small groups alongside those similarly able and at the appropriate pace.

Town and Country Housing Association, who are committed to supporting social mobility for their tenants and the community, fund AIM. The Round Table has also supported a large

proportion of sessions over the summer, and Bethany School in Cranbrook facilitated a fantastic Go Ape trip at the end of this term.

We are always happy to welcome new volunteers who would like to dedicate some of their time to AIM. If you’d like to lend a hand, please don’t hesitate to contact us – new members are always welcome.

CLASS ACT Students take a cake break

WHAT AIM OFFERS More than 50 hours of free professional tutoring – Monday evening sessions and school holiday workshops  Two mock exam sessions in May and July  A motivational approach  Two group trips  Peer support 

For Year 5 children who are working at 11-plus levels and from low-income families BRIGHT SPARK Pupils enjoy the 11-plus sessions

AIM is holding an assessment session on Saturday November 5 at 2.30pm at Broadmead Church, Tunbridge Wells.

This will involve a one-hour test to help assess suitability for the January programme.

Unfortunately, there are only ten places available, therefore successful selection will be on a combination of test results and family circumstances.”

HOW TO CONTACT AIM AIM has now been granted official charity status by the Charity Commission, and has launched a new website: www.aimkent.org.uk

TESTING TIME More than 50 hours of free tuition is given

Please contact AIM if you meet our criteria and would like to book an assessment session

Wednesday 28th September 2016

24  EDUCATION SPECIAL

Education in association with:

www.right-tuition.co.uk

In a league of their own

Benenden School has taken the decision not to publish its exam results. Here, its headmistress Samantha Price explains why the prestigious establishment has decided not to publicly reveal its pupils’ academic achievements SEAT OF LEARNING Benenden School

“YOU won’t see Benenden in most of the league tables, and other schools, too, are increasingly choosing not to submit their IN CHARGE results for Samantha Price inclusion.

We have

Wednesday 28th September 2016

not taken this decision because we are not proud of our girls’ results, or that we have anything to hide, or that we lack confidence in how well Benenden would perform – we are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements, and of our latest results: 74% A*/A at A Level and 81% A*/A at GCSE. There are three main reasons we have taken this decision.

Firstly, the top schools are increasingly not submitting their results for league

tables in the national media, which means that a number of Benenden’s peers do not appear in them.

Therefore, league tables are increasingly becoming unreliable ways of judging schools against one another.

Secondly, different league tables apply different criteria for assessing schools – some will exclude certain qualifications or choose different measures by which to rank schools – which again can be very confusing for parents who are trying to make an informed choice about a school.

Thirdly, and most importantly, we do not believe that league tables should be the barometer by which schools are judged. Benenden achieves excellent academic results, and we are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements.

However, there is far more to education than just exam grades. The data shows that we add a tremendous amount of value to a girl’s academic potential.

On average, each one achieves around a grade higher at Benenden than she would otherwise have expected. League tables do not take this into account, which is why they are such a poor indicator of a school’s performance.

Further, league tables do not take into account the impressive higher

education destinations of leavers; the wonderful array of leadership opportunities they experience; the exceptional co-curricular experience they receive; how prepared our students are for the workplace and later life; the compassion, confidence and enthusiasm they have for their careers, their friends and their families.

Schools, and especially a boarding environment such as ours, are about so much more than sheer academic results. We will help girls to achieve the very best they are capable of, but we strongly believe that schools should not be judged purely on exam results – nor indeed should young people.

Education in association with:

www.right-tuition.co.uk

EDUCATION SPECIAL �

Talented pupils at Bennett take their music to Austria JUST before they broke up for the summer holidays, a group of music pupils from Bennett Memorial’s Music Academy took part in a special concert tour to Austria.

‘It was fantastic in every way’ “The event was a great success,” the school’s Director of Quality, Julia Mills, told the Times.

“The students gained a huge amount from it, not just in terms of their performance, but also from the

opportunity it gave them to explore a different country and culture, and the music was exceptional as usual.”

One of the lucky musicians to have taken part in the trip, 16-year-old violist Jonathan Hayward, added: “Our concert tour to Austria was one of the most enjoyable and exciting trips ever.

“We enjoyed beautiful scenery and music all week, whilst also experiencing the food and customs of another culture. Travelling to different venues every day gave everyone an insight into the lives of professional musicians.

“This was a trip we will never forget.”

The Bennett Memorial Music Academy travelled to Austria after winning the National Pro Corda Music Competition earlier in the year. Whilst there, they performed a series of open-air concerts in Salzburg and Zell Am See, and enjoyed visits to historical and cultural sites such as Mozart’s Residence, the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Salt Mines at Berchtesgaden.

Paul Showell, the school’s recently departed Director of Music, summed up the success of the trip, saying: “It was fantastic in every way.”

MAKING MUSIC Bennett Memorial musicians take to the stage

25

Tunbridge Wells’ newest school makes the grade OPEN FOR BUSINESS MP Greg Clark opens Skinners’ Kent Primary

PUPILS, parents and staff at Skinners’ Kent Primary celebrated the official opening of their new school building, which took place last Friday, September 23.

The building, in Knights Wood, was officially opened by Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells and Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Gemma Faircloth, the school’s Headteacher said: “I am extremely proud of our pupils and I know in this purposebuilt school they will

thrive and succeed in being lifelong learners.”

The school first opened on September 3, 2015 in temporary accommodation at The Skinners’ Kent Academy.

There are currently three year groups on site, with 30 pupils in reception, 30 in year one and eight in year two.

The school will gradually accommodate 210 pupils, with Oakley offering an inclusive provision for a number of pupils with special educational needs.

Skinners’ Kent Primary School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) alongside the National and Early Years Curriculum, and with The Skinners’ Kent Academy Middle Years Programme and Careerrelated Programme, this creates a continuum of learning.

The building’s facilities include an all-weather pitch, sports hall, habitat area, specialist teaching rooms and playgrounds.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

26  EDUCATION SPECIAL

Education in association with:

www.right-tuition.co.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

School Open Days 2016 Most of our local schools will be hosting Open Days during the month of October.

These events are important because they give both parents and pupils a valuable insight into academic life at each particular educational establishment, which in turn helps parents make the right choice for their children’s academic future

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS BEECHWOOD SACRED HEART Whole school open day: Saturday October 8, 9.30am-1pm www.beechwood.org.uk BENENDEN SCHOOL: Open mornings: Thursday 10 November Saturday 12 November Tours start at 9.45am www.benenden.kent.sch.uk BRICKLEHURST MANOR SCHOOL Open mornings: Saturday October 1 and Tuesday October 4, 9.30am-12pm www.bricklehurst.co.uk w FOSSE BANK SCHOOL Open afternoon: Saturday October 15, 2.30-4pm Open Week: Monday October 17-Friday October 21, 9.30am-3pm www.fossebankschool.co.uk

STATE AND SELECTIVE BENNETT MEMORIAL DIOCESAN SCHOOL Open evenings: Thursday September 29 Wednesday October 5 Tours take place from 6pm www.bennettmemorial.co.uk HAYESBROOK SCHOOL Open days: Tuesday October 4, 9-11am Wednesday October 12, 9-11am Thursday October 20, 9-11am www.hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk HILLVIEW Open Evening: Thursday September 29 5.30-8.30pm Open mornings: Saturday October 1, 10.15-11.00am Tuesday October 4 and Wednesday October 5, 9.15-11.15am www.hillview.kent.sch.uk MASCALLS ACADEMY Open mornings: Tuesday October 4 Thursday October 6 Tours take place from 9-11am www.mascallsacademy.org.uk

Wednesday 28th September 2016

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE SCHOOL Open day: Thursday October 13, from 9.30-11.30am www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk KENT COLLEGE PEMBURY Open morning: Saturday October 1, 9.30am-1pm www.kent-college.co.uk MARLBOROUGH HOUSE SCHOOL Open day: Friday October 7, 10am-12pm www.marlboroughhouseschool. co.uk

SKIPPERS HILL MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL Open morning: Wednesday October 5, 9.30-11am www.skippershill.com TONBRIDGE SCHOOL Open morning: Saturday October 8, from 10am www.tonbridge-school.co.uk VINEHALL SCHOOL Open morning: Saturday October 1, 9.30am-12pm www.vinehallschool.com

THE MEAD SCHOOL Open day: Thursday October 13, from 9.30am www.meadschool.info SACKVILLE SCHOOL Open morning: Saturday October 1, 9am-12pm www.sackvilleschool.co.uk

SKINNERS’ KENT ACADEMY Open evening: Thursday October 6, 4pm-7.30pm www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk ST GREGORY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL Open days: Thursday September 29, 6.30-8pm Wednesday October 19 and Thursday 20 9-10.20am www.sgschool.org.uk THE JUDD SCHOOL Open mornings: Tuesday October 18 Wednesday October 19 Thursday October 20 All tours will take place 9.30-10.30am www.frog.judd.kent.sch.uk THE SKINNERS’ SCHOOL Open Evening: Thursday October 6 from 4.00- 8.00pm Open mornings: Monday October 17 Tuesday October 18 Wednesday October 19 Tours take place between 10.30am-12pm www.skinners-school.co.uk

TONBRIDGE GRAMMAR SCHOOL Open days: Friday October 14, 9.30am-12pm Tuesday October 18, 5.30 - 8.30pm Thursday October 20, 9.30am-12pm www.tgs.kent.sch.uk TUNBRIDGE WELLS GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL Open morning: Wednesday October 12, 11am 12.30pm www.twggs.kent.sch.uk TUNBRIDGE WELLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS Open days: Monday October 3, 4-8pm Wednesday October 19, 10.30am and 1.45pm www.twgsb.org.uk WEALD OF KENT GRAMMAR SCHOOL Open days: Thursday October 6, 5.30-8.30pm Friday October 14, 9.30-11.30am www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk

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TONBRIDGE HALF MARATHON 

29

Your special 4-page pullout programme Sponsored by

And they’re off…

Tonbridge Half Marathon 2016

Wednesday 28th September 2016

30 � TONBRIDGE HALF MARATHON

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

WARNERS-SOLICITORS.CO.UK

Runners line up for Half Marathon MORE than 1,000 runners will take to the streets on Sunday [October 2] for the sixth Tonbridge Half Marathon, which this year incorporates the Kent Half Marathon Championships.

The 13-mile route will start at 10am from outside West Kent College in Brook Street, and wind its way out past Lower Hayesden to Leigh village before returning to the finish line by the college.

Many people will be running to raise money for local charities, but the event – organised by the local Rotary Club and Lions Club – now has a prestigious BARR Gold rating from the British Association of Road Races and is considered as one of the best half marathons in the national running calendar. This means it attracts members from running clubs all over the UK. Prize-giving will be between 12noon and 12.30pm, once the majority of runners have returned from the race.

‘Top athletes, club runners and casual runners young and old will look to beat their personal best times on Sunday’ Brian Piner, President of the Rotary Club of Tonbridge, and Bob Bartlett, President of Tonbridge Lions Club, are proud to welcome all the athletes to the Half Marathon. In a joint statement, they said: “We are expecting more than 1,200 competitors from all over the UK, and even from abroad, to compete in this competition, which is now in its sixth year and a firm fixture on Tonbridge & Malling Council’s calendar.

“The race will take the route of previous years through the countryside and the village of Leigh, where yet again the villagers will cheer through the athletes in conjunction with bands and entertainment on the village green.

“Both the Lions and Rotary Clubs are pleased to be using West Kent College’s facilities and parking arrangements, where there will be a selection of interesting stalls and where supporters can while away the time waiting for their family and friends to complete the course.

“Top athletes, club runners and casual runners young and old will look to beat their personal best times on Sunday.

“But the event is also instrumental in raising in excess of £60,000 in sponsorship money for runners’ personal charities, as well as for Tonbridge good causes and charities.

“Both presidents, and their respective clubs, wish each and every competitor the very best of luck and look forward to a successful and safe event for all.”

Wednesday 28th September 2016

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

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WITH THE

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Wednesday 28th September 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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

Move with the Times Welcome to our supplement highlighting the best properties on the regional market and brought to you by the Times of Tunbridge Wells & Tonbridge. The newspaper is published every Wednesday, is free of charge and has a print run of 25,000 copies. This 36 page supplement of old and new homes, plus places to let, appears each week as part of the paper and in addition a further 4,500 standalone copies of the supplement are handed out at key stations as part of our service to commuters and those looking to relocate to Kent.

To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Patsy Kelly 01892 774 781

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

UNDER £250,000

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

PRIORY ROAD, TONBRIDGE

f facebook.com/timeslocalnews

This ground floor apartment is convenient for both Tonbridge mainline station and the High Street, and benefits from its own private garden as well as enjoying the bonus of off-road parking. The accommodation offers a spacious

k twitter.com/timeslocalnews L timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday 28th September 2016

£220,000

open-plan family room with kitchen and dining area, a bathroom and a bedroom. Adding to its attraction, the property is being offered for sale with a 25 per cent share of the freehold.

CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £350,000 MAIN ROAD, SUNDRIDGE

OIEO £325,000

This charming semi-detached period cottage is offered to the market chain-free and is situated in the popular village of Sundridge, near Sevenoaks. The ground floor features an entrance porch, living room, dining room, kitchen and

bathroom, with three bedrooms to the first floor. The front garden is accessed via a footbridge over a stream, and to the rear is a shingle courtyard garden with two garden sheds.

CONTACT Robinson Jackson 01732 757300 www.robinson-jackson.com

PROPERTY SECTION 

great properties by price range…

HORSMONDEN ROAD BRENCHLEY

£985,000

UNDER £450,000 WADHURST ROAD, FRANT

£420,000

Located between Frant and Wadhurst, this delightful character cottage offers well-presented accommodation arranged over two floors, comprising a sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, bathroom and two bedrooms. There is a pretty rear garden with ornamental pond and a generous gated drive to the front with ample off-road parking.

Two garden sheds and a car port also provide adaptable storage space.

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

UNDER £600,000 LONDON ROAD, SOUTHBOROUGH

£550,000

This spacious semi-detached house offers plenty of potential as it requires refurbishment throughout. There is an entrance hall, a sitting/dining room, a family room (or ground floor bedroom), a kitchen/breakfast room, a cloakroom and a sun room, plus three bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate WC. It also has from double glazing and gas-fired central heating via radiators, but not to all the rooms. Outside, there is an attached tandem garage with a driveway to the front and a very good size rear garden.

CONTACT Wood and Pilcher Southborough 01892 511311 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 UNDER £1MILLION

CHIDLEY CROSS ROAD, EAST PECKHAM

HORSMONDEN ROAD BRENCHLEY

£799,995

£985,000

A beautiful, versatile Grade II listed village cottage. The ground floor has an entrance hall, music area, study, sitting area, dining area, family area, kitchen/breakfast room and cloakroom. On the first floor there are two bedrooms (one with en-suite WC), a family bathroom and a shower room, and there are two bedrooms on the second floor. The stunning gardens include a heated swimming pool, a pool house with bar and separate seating area with pizza oven. There is off-road parking and an open-bay garage.

Sitting centrally in its large south-facing garden with stunning views across surrounding orchards, this impressive family home in sought-after Brenchley village also offers annexe potential. The accommodation comprises an entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, dining room, conservatory, secondary kitchen and study.

Upstairs, there is a master bedroom with en-suite, two

further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The annexe potential continues with a further spacious bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and balcony. Outside, there are outbuildings, including a double garage with basement, as well as superb gardens. There is no onward chain.

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

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

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Cranbrook, £195,000

Goudhurst, £399,000

Frant, £42 0, OOO

Stylish, 2 bedroom, second floor apartment in the centre of the town.

CSCA. No onward chain.

Tucked away, a beautiful, detached, Grade II listed barn. 2 bedrooms and views to buy for. CSCA.

In the heart of the village, boasting period features throughout. 2 double bedrooms and 2 receptions.

Bewl Water, £750,000

Brenchley, £950,000

Linton, £1,100,000

Leafy location and waterside views.

21 st century inspired, suave finish throughout. 3 bedrooms.

Magnificent, Grade II listed, detached Barn with rolling views. 4 bedrooms.

4.2 acres. No onward chain.

Views to buy for. 3,055sq.ft, 4 bed Oast and 1,392sq.ft converted Barn.

Garaging. 1 acre. No onward chain.

Rural Goudhurst, £585,000

Beckley, £650,000

Rural Northiam, £675,000

Pretty as a picture, Grade II listed, detached cottage. 2/3 bedrooms.

Garaging. CSCA. No onward chain.

Light and bright, detached family home. 5 bedrooms. Off road location.

6 acres available by separate neg.

Leafy lane location. Recently renovated, full of features. 4 bedroom detached family home. 0.3 acres.

Sedlescombe, £1,100,000

Pluckley, £1,250,000

Substantial family home in approx 6 acres with fabulous views. Swimming pool. Planning for an annexe.

Gorgeous, twin roundel Oast in an off road location. Peaceful haven. 4 bedrooms. Large log cabin. 1 acre.

Cranbrook, £1,600,000 Grand design, 4 bedrooms with an internal guest suite, detached 1 bed cottage. CSCA. No onward chain.

 PROPERTY SECTION

Stunning sandstone villa is one of the finest in town

B

UILT in the early 1850s by William Willicombe, a renowned architect of the period and protégé of Decimus Burton, Fernclyffe House is undoubtedly one of the largest and finest residences in Tunbridge Wells.

Built from locally quarried Calverley Sandstone, this handsome Grade II listed villa has extensive accommodation arranged over four floors, along with a one-bedroom apartment.

As well as splendid period features that include high ceilings, wood floors, decorative covings and fireplaces and a light well, this elegant property boasts a verandah, swimming pool and extensive gardens.

On the ground floor, the spacious accommodation includes a reception hall, cloakroom, grand drawing room with double doors opening into a morning room, study, dining room and conservatory. The superb kitchen/ breakfast room is on the garden level

‘Built by William Willicombe, it has accommodation over four floors, along with an apartment’ Wednesday 28th September 2016

beneath the ground floor, along with a wine store, boiler room, den, utility room and cloakroom.

Also on this floor is the apartment, which has a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom and dressing room.

The bedrooms are on the first and second floors, offering a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms, a family bathroom and second bathroom, a WC and a dressing room on the first floor, with another five bedrooms and two bathrooms on the top floor.

The property is set well back from the road and approached via a long gravel driveway, passing a triple open-bay carport and terminating in a large turning circle to the side of the house.

The mature gardens are mostly to lawn with mature shrubs, plants, flowers and trees.

To the rear is a heated swimming pool with an electric cover and paved limestone surround.

In all, the gardens and grounds extend to approximately one acre.

PROPERTY SECTION �

FERNCLYFFE HOUSE PEMBURY ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFERS OVER

£3,250,000

AT A GLANCE n Substantial Grade II listed villa n Accommodation over four floors n Reception hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Study n Morning room n Conservatory n Light well n Cloakroom n Garden level kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Den n Further cloakroom n Wine cellar n Boiler room n Master bedroom with en-suite n Seven further bedrooms n Four bathrooms n WC n Dressing room n Driveway and triple carport n Swimming pool n Mature gardens of around one acre

OFFERS OVER

£3,250,000

Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01732 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 28th September 2016

South borough Attractive period house close to Southborough Common 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. Formerly part of the Holden House estate. Private garden and carport. EPC rating C.

Wadhurst A charming Grade II Listed farmhouse occupying a unique position adjacent to Bewl Water 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 reception rooms. Detached garaging and store rooms, detached former dairy, large commercial agricultural barn. Private slipway. In all about 5.8 acres.

. . Knight •41 Frank

Rolvenden An attractive Grade II listed oast house, in need of some refurbishment 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 reception rooms. 3 bay garage. Gardens, grounds and woodland. In all about 5.44 acres.

Langton Green Attractive modern family property built by Berkeley Homes, situated just off the Village Green 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. Double garage, pretty landscaped gardens. EPC rating D.

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

THESUNDAYTIMES

THE . . .T IMES

Langton Green OIEO £895,000 A delightful detached 4 bedroom house which has recently been extended, updated and improved to an exacting standard. There is also full planning consent to extend if required. EPC: D

Tidebrook £1,095,000 Situated along a private lane in this sought after historic hamlet between Wadhurst and Mayfield, this delightful detached house has an interesting and versatile layout with many fine features including a stunning vaulted drawing room along with gardens and grounds of about 3.5 acres. EPC: D

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

Hartfield ÂŁ2,250,000 Within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a charming 4 bedroom former coach house to Bolebrook Castle set within extensive grounds including ancient woodland, paddocks, stabling, barns and a 2 bedroom cottage. In total approx. 86.5 acres (35.04 hectares) EPC: G & D

Mayfield ÂŁ1,585,000 An exceptional detached 5 bedroom country house in beautiful garden setting with glorious views and PP for a double garage with studio and to replace the summerhouse with a single storey garden lodge. EPC:D

Drl

COLLIER STREET,

KENT

CRANBROOK,

KENT

Recently renovated Oast house + 8 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + 3 reception rooms + large kitchen/family room + utility + cloakroom + garden + Council Tax=H + EPC=C

Popular village location + 4 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + large eat in kitchen + study + garden with hot tub + residents parking + Council Tax=F + EPC=E

£5,995 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£3,000 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

NEWICK,

TENTERDEN,

EAST SUSSEX

KENT

Elegant period home + 6 bedrooms (3 en suite) + futher bath and shower room + orangery + garden + swimming pool + garage + Council Tax=G + EPC=E

Detached family home + 4 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + 2 receptions + kitchen/breakfast room + utility room + garden + driveway parking + Council Tax=G + EPC=D

£3,500 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£2,495 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

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

www.savills.eo.uk/fees.

With a UK-wide network, wherever you're moving, we'll be local to you what can we do for you?

GROOMBRIDGE,

UPPER HARTFIELD'

EAST SUSSEX

EAST SUSSEX

Spacious family house + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + study + 5 bedrooms + garage and outbuildings + park-like gardens + 3,309 sq ft + about 1.24 acres + EPC=D

Contemporary family home + open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room + 2 reception rooms + 4 bedrooms + garage + garden & woodland + 3,073 sq ft + about 1.75 acres + EPC=B

Guide £1.295 million Freehold

Guide £1.2 million Freehold

RURAL FRANT,

Contact: Liz Devall

Contact: Liz Devall

SOUTHBOROUGH COMMON,

EAST SUSSEX

KENT

Tunbridge Wells MLS 1.8 miles + 1 reception + kitchen/dining/family room + 6 bedrooms + garden + countryside views + swimming pool + 3,361 sq ft + about 0.61 acres + EPC=D

Attached Grade II listed house + well-placed for schools and transport links + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/breakfast room + 2nd floor study + 4 bedrooms + garage/workshop + 1,957 sq ft

Guide £1.195 million Freehold

Guide £795,000 Freehold

Contact: Liz Devall

Contact: Becky Card

With a UK-wide network, wherever you're moving, we'll be local to you what can we do for you?

� PROPERTY SECTION

Extended, improved and beautifully presented AT A GLANCE CHESTNUT AVENUE SOUTHBOROUGH n Charming detached family house n Extended and improved n Well presented n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Open-plan kitchen/dining room/ family room n Utility room n Cloakroom n Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and shower room n Three further double bedrooms n Single bedroom/study n Family bathroom n Former garage now a storeroom n Driveway parking n Good sized gardens

£800,000-£850,000 For sale through Bracketts Tunbridge Wells 01892 512201 www.bracketts.co.uk

‘A large area of patio runs across the back of the house, part of which is covered with a pergola’

T

HIS detached family house is located in a popular residential road in Southborogh, on the northern Tunbridge Wells border.

Beautifully presented, it features a recent ground floor extension and loft conversion as well as a delightful, south-facing rear garden.

The property first opens to an entrance hall with the benefit of a cloakroom.

Beyond this, a sitting room with bamboo flooring and a bay window overlooks the front garden, while the rear of the house has been extended to provide a superb open-plan kitchen/dining/family room.

The modern kitchen has an extensive range of white units as well as a tiled floor and beech work surfaces. There is a large central island with

Wednesday 28th September 2016

drawers and cupboards, and a Smeg cooker with five gas ring burners and two ovens.

Adding to the appeal are two sets of triple bifold doors leading into the rear garden.

The family room area features a window to the side, a woodburner and fitted bookshelving.

A utility room completes this floor.

Moving to the first floor, there are three double bedrooms along with a single bedroom or study and a family bathroom.

The impressive master suite takes up much of the converted loft space and features a large bedroom with Velux windows, a dressing room and a shower room. There is also a hatch to a generous storage space.

At the front of the property there is a brick driveway providing off-road parking.

A former garage with double doors is now used as a storage room.

The rear garden is a particular feature, measuring approximately 137ft.

A large area of patio runs across the back of the house, part of which is covered with a pergola. Beyond the formal area of garden is a further section with a lawn, fruit trees, a small summerhouse and raised beds for growing fruit and vegetables.

Tunbridge Wells

Andrews >

andrewsonline.co.uk

Southborough Court, TN4 ONT

Guide £240,000

Situated at the rear of Southborough Court, this home has, in our opinion, the best position in the block. A stylish two bedroom ground floor apartment, extensively improved throughout by the current owners and with direct access onto the gardens.

Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 11+1+

LANDLORDS WANTED

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

Andrews

REQUIRED FOR PROPERTIES IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Contact us on: 01892 51511.tlt

lettings@andrewsonline.co.uk

� PROPERTY

DESIGN WITH THE TIMES

John Bullock

Having studied at Edinburgh College of Art and The Royal Academy of The Hague, John Bullock launched John Bullock Design in 2003. With offices in Tunbridge Wells High Street, John has won awards for his work and is committed to delivering the best outcomes for clients. www.johnbullockdesign.com

Architectural services

Whether to extend your home or simply try changing rooms?

With a growing family, and to fit in with today’s busy way of life, many homeowners are keen to increase their space. Here, one such couple have bought a house that already needs refurbishing YOUR QUESTION:

Dear Design with the Times, We downsized to our present home about two years ago, and have been living with it and getting a sense for the spaces, how we use the rooms and how the light works.

The house is originally 17th century and has been added to over the years with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian additions. This adds charm, but the house hasn’t been touched for many years, and the flow of space doesn’t really work for modern-day living and for our growing family.

We have three children, aged 17, 13 and ten, all at different stages and all with different needs, so we are trying to make plans to ensure the house works for us now and also in the future, as we plan to stay here long term and don’t want it to be too big when the children leave home.

The house is detached and around 3,200 sq ft over the ground and first floors, with an attic room and also a basement. This should give us enough space for our needs, but some of the spaces are difficult and are underused.

Although the house needs updating, we are thinking that it might be easier to leave the layout of the house alone and simply add an extension.

The main space we would like to create is a large open-plan kitchen and dining room where we can enjoy family life and entertain friends. We would be really grateful for any advice and what you feel is achievable.

We also need a utility room, sitting room and TV room. On the first floor we need four bedrooms and at least two bathrooms. We’re not necessarily worried about any en-suite bathrooms.

Finally, one important requirement we would like is for the kitchen and dining room to open up into the garden.

OUR ANSWER:

To extend or not to extend is a question we are asked a lot, and in many cases it is much simpler to extend and create one new room, but it can be expensive and also leave internal space and flow problems unresolved.

This is what appears to have happened historically to your house, and while the previous extensions are clearly defined and allow its evolution to be read, there are also some areas which are awkward and appear difficult to use.

Consolidating these first would be a good exercise.

When working with new clients and assessing their requirements, we always try to define the brief first. This is crucial, and simply a case of listing out what spaces are required, the number of rooms, how they are used, and what needs to go within them.

Sometimes we have specific requirements from clients who have a particular piece of furniture or painting they need to accommodate, and this all makes up the brief.

Living in the house for a period of time before commencing works is beneficial as it will help inform the decision making process.

There are often things that are intuitive or instinctive which define the brief – how the light works in a space, or how it feels, are just as important as its physical qualities.

Developing the brief is an important part of the process as it ultimately defines the end result.

Zoe and Phil Rosenburg Tunbridge Wells

If you have a question you’d like John Bullock to answer, then please email it to: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please mark the subject as: Design Team You can also write to us at: Design Team Times of Tunbridge Wells & Tonbridge 16 Lonsdale Gardens Tunbridge Wells TN1 1NU

Wednesday 28th September 2016

OPEN PLAN There are often new possibilities

Taking this holistic approach will ensure the project is assessed properly. This can then be overlaid on to the plans, and it might be that existing and underused spaces can be redefined and brought to life to fulfil the requirements.

Assessing these, and looking at their current function and if they can be reassigned, is good practice, and adopting this approach ultimately allows a review of how large, if at all, an extension needs to be.

Looking at your plans, there is a great deal of space within the footprint of the house, and while the spaces flow there are some areas which can be redefined and significantly improved.

Ground Floor  Kitchen/Dining Room The existing kitchen feels quite small because of the large walk-in larder. This space could be liberated by removing the larder, then a good double-sided kitchen layout with a central island unit installed.

An ergonomic ‘work triangle’ can then be created between the sink, cooker and fridge and the island would be large enough to accommodate bar stools for social cooking and impromptu entertaining.

Vaulting the ceiling in this area will also create a feeling of space, and installing roof lights will bring another level of light to dance around the space.

Opening up the back wall of the kitchen and installing new large French doors to the garden will give you that connection you are looking for.

A matching size opening between the kitchen and current, separate, dining room will create a wonderful open-plan family kitchen/ dining room. But because the two spaces are quite different in form, they will retain the charm and integrity of the building. However, by uniting these with the same flooring and wall colour tones it will create

the feeling of one space.

To the side of the kitchen there’s an awkward internal space with no windows.

This would be ideal as a back kitchen connected by a doorway between the units.

In effect, this space becomes your larder or

‘It might be that existing and underused spaces can be redefined and brought to life to fulfil the requirements. Assessing these, and looking at their current function and if they can be reassigned, is good practice, and ultimately allows a review of how large, if at all, an extension needs to be’ pantry. Because this area is well connected with the kitchen, it could also double up as a small homework area. A central table would easily take two computers, and file storage could be created within built in cupboards.  Utility Room From the ‘Back Kitchen’, stairs lead down into the cellar, and because it has good access it is worth considering using this for your utility room.

Although cellars can sometimes be problematic, an existing cellar can be a gift if an alternative use can be found. The key here is to ensure it is tanked properly in order to avoid any long-term damp issues. There are many firms locally, and when appointing a damp-proofing specialist ensure that they are able to offer all the correct guarantees for the materials and installation. It is also advisable to have the works backed by an insurance warranty, which will give a long-term guarantee for the works if the installer goes out of business.

Installing a utility room with sink and washing machine will require the use of a pumped system into the existing drainage runs.

The cellar is the same size as the existing dining room, so will be a fabulous space which can also house the boiler and hot water cylinder.

It might also be worth looking at installing a laundry chute system to save carrying dirty linen from the first floor to the basement – also a good fun incentive for children to tidy their rooms!  Sitting Room The existing sitting room is a wonderful, large room and is best left untouched. Sometimes it is worth considering relocating rooms, and recently we were invited by clients to review their new home

PROPERTY �

and advised swapping the kitchen and sitting room to make the best of the garden views.So it can be worth looking at more radical solutions.  TV Room The existing small study would make an ideal TV room/snug as it is close to the kitchen, but also out of the way. It has a fireplace, and a woodburning stove could be installed for winter evenings. With a sofabed it could also double up as a guest room as it is close to the WC.  WC/Bathroom The current ground floor bathroom is large enough to accommodate a WC/basin and also a walk-in shower. It is a good idea to try and keep a shower on the ground floor, especially with children who can use it when coming in from the garden or from playing sports. If you have dogs, the shower can also be used for a wash-down after a muddy walk.

are capable of taking the additional loadings, but this should be fine. This room would then include a dressing area and separate en-suite bathroom overlooking the south-facing gardens.

‘While a master suite isn’t on your brief, it’s likely to enhance the commercial value of the property, so is well worth considering’ While a master suite isn’t on your brief, it’s likely to enhance the commercial value of the property, so is well worth considering. With questions on commercial value and enhancement, we always advise clients to speak with their estate agent.

considered unfashionable, but we see many clients now wishing to keep these as they can be useful with a house full of guests. With the ground floor shower room, this would potentially offer three bathrooms, including the en suite.

So by reorganising and redefining the space there appears to be ample floor area to fulfil the brief.

The only area where it might be worth considering an extension is to the side of the dining area, and opening up into a sun room or sitting area, which would create an L-shaped space.

This could also accommodate a comfortable sitting area connecting with the garden.

This is something that can be built separately, and at a later stage, but when defining the brief it is good to have a master plan to work to long term.

 Bathrooms The existing bathroom can be upgraded and the separate WC retained. A separate WC was once

First Floor  Bedrooms There are four bedrooms on this level already, which would fulfil the requirement, but small modifications could be made to improve the spaces.

One area where an extension might be a fairly cost-effective option would be over the flat roof of the sitting room. A basic timber-framed construction built on top of the existing brickwork and tile hung would improve it visually and also add the possibility of creating a master bedroom suite.

The footings of the single-storey sitting room extension would need to be exposed and checked by a structural engineer to ensure they

MODERN LIGHT AND AIRY LIVING One option might be opening up a new kitchen/dining room to a sun room with access to the garden

 Summary Weighing up costs and options, and given that the existing house requires upgrading, it is therefore arguably a more cost-effective option to reconfigure the existing space than to extend.

Extension costs are currently running at around £2,000 per metre, so to add a fairly simple 25 sq m extension will cost around £50,000, and to extend over the existing single-storey extension around £20,000.

In the scheme of the refurbishment, the additional structural alteration costs to the existing internal areas are likely to be somewhere around an additional £10,000.

Unless it is a listed building, none of the internal works will require planning permission.

But if in doubt seek professional advice, or you can check what does and doesn’t require permission on the Government’s planning portal.

Follow this link to review the interactive house: https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200125/ do_you_need_permission/90/interactive_house.

Some extensions also come under permitted development.

However, building regulations will be required for the structural alterations and potentially any redefining of internal spaces.

This is a statutory requirement, and is a submission to the building inspector of the specification for any notifiable building works.

More information about building regulations and approval can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/building-regulationsapproval/when-you-need-approval John Bullock

Wednesday 28th September 2016

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iJl1iFLY PROPERTIES

BY CAROL PRIER

Astyli sh and spacious oast conversion within an we ll prese nted Victorian American Oas! offering an impressive 5 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large sitting room. With 2610 sq ft of characterful living area this property has enormous appeal and it enjoys a tranquil setting at the end of a private drive overlooking a magnificent duck pond.

Outside is a mature so uth facing garden and plenty of private parking. No chain.

Beautifully presented Victorian cottage set in a quiet idyllic lane offYalding Hill. The property offers ve rsatile accommodation comprising 4 bedrooms, first floor bathroom and ground floor shower room, three good size receptions, fabulous detached double garage with staircase to loft storage/hobbies area, beautiful wa lled garden and two car parking spaces. Wa lking distance to village amenities. EPC: D

HORSMONDEN

OPEN HOU SESATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER 10AM-1 PM by appointment only. An ideal older style property for improve ment. The accommodation benefits from gas fired central heating and double glazing with accommodation comprising Entrance Hall, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Diner and Bathroom on the ground floor, upstairs there are three good size bedrooms. The house stands on a generous plot with off road parking atthe front and a good size rear garden. NO CHAIN EPC: D

Beecholme is an imposing Edwardian villa (circa 1910-1920) with a large garden offering the most stunning views across the Kent countryside to Brenchley church. If you are looking for a spacious family home nestled on the edge of a village yet with in walking distance of local amenties, you need look no further. Aecom modation comprising five reception rooms, contemporary kitchen and bathrooms, five double bedrooms and detached garage. Viewing really is a must to capture the space this home has to offer. EPC: E

Surprisingly spaciou s family home situated on a quiet corner within a select development, only a short wa lk to excellent village amenities. The versatile accommodation comprises 3 bedrooms, sitting room with fireplace , dining room, study, fitted kitchen/breakfast room, family bathroom, en-suite showe r room & ground floor cloakroom. Outside is a secluded front & rear gardens and carport. EPC: E

This beautifully presented purpose built ground floor apartment benefits from a fitted kitchen which opens through to the sitting room, refurbished bathroom and two bedrooms.

Outside is a communal garden and an allocated parking.

Accommodation comprises sitting room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms and a bathroom. Viewing highly recommended. EPC: D

Sought-after location within Brenchley village nestled in a quiet cul de sac off Windmill Hill which is within wa lking distance to village amenities and bus route. South-westerly orientation to the rear. This detached, two bedroom home offers en-suites to both double bedrooms bedrooms, three reception rooms to include open fireplace to sitting room, fitted kitchen, detached garage and ample parking , garden and courtyard. EPC: E

Stable Cottage is perfectly located within the Parish of Brenchley for country living, yet only 1.9 miles distant to Paddock Wood mainline station. Accommodation comprising 3/4 bedrooms, study/bedroom 4, large drawing room which is 22'5" x 18'7".

Ground floor bathroom with first floor cloakroom. Farmhouse kitchen (extension) with bespoke fitted units, 2 double bedrooms to the first floor. Garage with utility area which leads off from the kitchen. So uth facing rear garden. EPC: E

Exceptional family home offering 2495 sq ft with accommodation comprising 3 receptions, fabulous kitchen with separate large utility room, ground floor shower room, first floor bathroom and en suite to master bedroom, three further bedrooms. One of the ground floor reception rooms would also work well as a bedroom. Integral garage and large sunny garden to the rear with side access.

An exceptional oast conversion as one part of two beautiful homes each with approximately 2,800sq ft of we ll insulated accommodation.A luxuriou s famil y home comprising of 5 bedrooms with particular attention to creating ve rsatile living space with a high specification throughout. EPC: C

All homes available with the "Help to Buy" Scheme An outstanding development of 2,3&4 bedroom houses, and 1&2 bedroom apartments by Beech Homes.

I nfomation Centre Now Open

First phase price range from ÂŁ165,000 to ÂŁ400,000 East Sussex

Horam Lewes Hastings

City of Brignton & Hove

Eastbourne

Merrydown Village is a select development of private new homes, located in the very heart of this popular village.

Built of traditional construction by Beech Homes, and with all of the luxuries associated with a brand new home, to include a comprehensive building warranty, double glazed windows and doors, high performance insulation, well-appointed kitchens and contemporary bathrooms, shower rooms and cloakrooms with white suites.

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For further information contact Rowland Gorringe on 01435 864233 or email: heathfield@rowlandgorringe.co_uk ""'-lo,--"'"""

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merryd own VILLAGE

www.merrydownvillage.co.uk

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HELEN BREEZE THE LETTINGS & MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS

BLOCK MANAGEMENT Frustrated with your Managing Agent?

Call 01732 740789 to arrange an appointment to discuss your Block and Estate Management

So nice to aeal with a local company who has time to deal with our maintenance efficiently 11

1

ELLIS&CO Sales & Lettings

TONBRIDGE - GUIDE PRICE £525,000-£575,000

CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY - GUIDE PRICE £335,000-£365,000

Situated in the ever-popular Meadow Lawn area within 10 minutes walk to the mainline station and High Street, this spacious and versatile house is set over 3 floors and has 4 double bedrooms and 3 large reception rooms. This well presented and substantial property even has the possibility to extend (subject to planning approval) to provide a large kitchen family room. The property is close to highly rated Primary and Secondary schools including 3 excellent Grammar schools. EPC E

A rural setting forth is 3 bedroom terraced house in the village of Chiddingstone Causeway. The property is within a quiet cul de sac location and within easy reach of the popular Little Brown Jug and Penshursttrain station, which has a direct line to London. Accommodation provides spacious open plan living, 2 of the 3 bedrooms being doubles, a family bathroom, cloakroom and an easy maintenance rear garden, this could be the country retreat you have been looking for. EPC E

HADLOW - GUIDEPRICE£315,000-£335,000

TONBRIDGE - GUIDE PRICE £300,000-£340,000

A well presented 3 bedroom end of terraced house in the picturesque village of Had low.

Accommodation provides a kitchen/breakfast room that is light and spacious, a living/dining room with patios doors out to the secluded rear garden. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms, 2 of which are doubles, and a bathroom. The property has front and rear gardens and a garage en bloc. Early viewing is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. EPC C

A spacious three bedroom ground floor maisonette that has all the advantages of a bungalow. The management company work hard to maintain a high standard of the building and the surrounding communal areas. This light and airy property, although requiring some updating, benefits from being conveniently situated near local shops and within walking distance to the High Street, double glazing, residents parking, a garage en bloc and only a short walk to the bus route. EPC E

TONBRIDGE - GUIDE PRICE £300,000-£330,000

GOLDEN GREEN - ASKING PRICE £210,000

A well presented 2 bedroom terraced house that is within easy walking distance of the mainline station and High Street. This character property has a good size lounge/diner and well fitted kitchen downstairs, whilst upstairs there are 2 bedrooms, a double and good size single, and a beautiful bathroom with a roll top bath and separate shower cubicle. Outside there is a decked, low maintenance rear garden. Book your viewing today to avoid disappointment. EPC D

A well presented 2 bedroom detached bungalow in a quiet residential development for the over 55s, extremely popular due to its tranquil location and community environment. This home is of solid construction with all main services connected. The accommodation comprises of an open plan lounge/diner, kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, shower room and study. Outside there is a large patio, garden and detached garage. Please note there are No Site Fees due on this property. EPC exempt.

Please contact us for Sales, Rentals and Valuations t: 01732 770077 I e: tonbridge@ellisandco.co .uk I 93 High Street, Tonbridge , Kent TN9 1DR

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 PROPERTY SECTION

Freshly refurbished Victorian semi with period features

‘The kitchen has hand-painted bespoke units made in oak and double doors to the rear garden’

A

SUPERB Victorian semi-detached home in a popular Sevenoaks location with good access to the town, local schools and mainline station.

The property has been the subject of complete refurbishment by the current owners, who have retained or reinstated period character features.

These include attractive fireplaces, picture and dado rails, decorative cornices, ceiling roses and column radiators.

The house also benefits from a new bespoke kitchen and a modern bathroom and cloakrooms.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

The ground floor opens to an entrance hall and the principal reception rooms, which provide excellent areas for entertaining.

The drawing room has a bay window to the front and is open to the dining room. Both feature attractive marble fireplaces and oak flooring.

The dining room leads to a study area which has a Juliet balcony to the rear with views over the garden. A stylish cloakroom completes this floor.

The informal entertaining areas on the lower ground floor comprise a family room with a bay window to the front and a fireplace, and a wellappointed kitchen/ breakfast room.

The kitchen is fitted with a comprehensive range of hand-painted bespoke units made in oak with a matching island unit, and a set of double doors open to the rear garden.

There is also a stylish cloakroom, a utility room with space for appliances and a boot room with butler sink and storage cupboards.

The first floor has two well-proportioned bedrooms with fireplaces and fitted wardrobes, and a family bathroom.

AT A GLANCE HOLMESDALE ROAD, SEVENOAKS � Victorian semi-detached house � Refurbished to maintain period features � Beautifully presented � Set over four floors � Entrance hall � Drawing room � Dining room � Study area � Family room Two further bedrooms lie on the second floor, both having wardrobes and useful eaves storage.

Outside, the property is approached over a gravel drive which provides off-road parking for a number of cars.

There is an attractive knot garden to the front of the house with stone steps rising to the front door.

To the rear is an established garden with a paved terrace which offers an excellent area for al fresco entertaining.

There is also a level area of lawn flanked by well stocked borders, clipped box hedging, roses and an apple tree.

Additionally, there is a timber summerhouse at the back of the garden.

� Kitchen/breakfast room � Boot room � Utility room � Two cloakrooms � Four bedrooms � Modern family bathroom � Gravel driveway � Mature gardens

£1,250,000 For sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

1-kMJProperty

Your local independent Estate Agent

...contactable 7 days a week

2 bed terraced cottage in the heart of Rusthall village.

Lounge, kitchen/diner, 2 bedrooms, upstairs bathroom, lean to utility room and a downstairs WC. Double glazing, gas fired heating and rear garden. EPC C.

3 bed semi-detached house; Lounge, dining room, kitchen, upstairs bathroom and 3 bedrooms.

Tastefully decorated throughout, with double glazing, gas fired heating & Rear garden. EPC F.

A quirky, detached 3 bedroom house in private road in popular central location, 2 reception rooms, downstairs bathroom, parking, double glazing, gas fired heating & garden. EPC tbc

3 bed detached house; Living room, dining room, kitchen with underfloor heating , 3 bedrooms, en-suite to main bedroom plus family bathroom. Partially walled pretty rear garden. EPC E.

www.kmjproperty.co.uk ar::I Find us on • 111 Facebook

01892 515188

<i)nTheMarketcom

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

Tonbridge

£165,000 - £ 175,000

Sevenoaks

£490,000 - £520,000

Modern I bedroom Apartment at the south end of the town, convenient for the High Street. Fitted kitchen, allocated parking, communal gdns. EPC D

Excellent 4 bedroom Semi-Detached family home, scope for modernisation, popular location. 2 reception rooms, kitchen-diner, garage & parking. EPC D

Tonbridge

Tonbridge

£395,000 - £425,000

£575,000 - £615,000

Extended and improved 2 Bedroom Semi-Detached Bungalow in a cul-de-sac, flexible accom, with scope to provide a 3rd Bedroom. Interior inspection a must. EPC B

Victorian 5 bedroom Semi-Detached House at the south end of the town, requiring some updating. 2 reception rooms, g.floor shower rm. Parking, garden EPC E

South borough

Yopps Green, Nr Sevenoaks

£395,000 - £425,000

Modern Detached 3 Bedroom House, conveniently situated for the shops. L shaped lounge-diner, fitted kitchen, enclosed rear garden, garage EPC

Offers in excess of£ 1,000,000

Modern Detached Bungalow in a tranquil setting approached by its own long private driveway. Scope to convert the loft space (s.t.p). SET IN 8 ACRES

Tunbridge Wells

£550,000 - £575,000

An extended semi-detached home situated on the southern side of town. 2 reception rooms, kitchen, study/brkfst room, 3 bedrooms ( I en suite), bathroom. Garage and garden. EPC: C

Groombridge

£525,000 - £550,000

An individual detached period cottage situated in a convenient central position. 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/brkfst room, 3 bedrooms, mod bath/WC. Feature cottage-style garden. EPC: E

Tunbridge Wells

£285,000 - £295,000

An immaculately presented top floor retirement apartment located close to town centre. Living area with views, kitchen, 2 bedrooms ( I en suite), bathroom. Residents' parking. Communal gardens. EPC: B

Tunbridge Wells

Monthly Rental £995

A stylish 2 bedroom apartment located in the High Street. Large living room, modern kitchen, double & single bedrooms and modern bathroom. Garage.Avail mid Oct. EPC: C.

Tunbridge Wells

Monthly Rental £950

An executive I bedroom ground floor apartment with private terrace. Large open plan kitchen/ dining/living room, double bedroom with en-suite & guest bathroom.Allocated parking. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells

Monthly Rental £725

A spacious & well-presented studio style apartment close to The Pantiles. Kitchen, living & bedroom areas, separate shower room.Juliet balcony. Permit parking.Avail. 22nd Oct. EPC: E.

� PROPERTY SECTION

Character village home with views and a working kitchen bell station

‘Cleveland dates from the early 17th century and has subsequently been extended with Gothic revival influences’

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LEVELANDS is a classic Grade II listed residence dating from the early 17th century which has subsequently been extended with Gothic revival influences.

Located in the pretty Kentish village of Benenden, there are idyllic views from the first floor over the village green to the Parish Church of St George opposite.

Internally, the property displays a wealth of period features, including beams, timbers and wide floorboards, as well as an original oak staircase, a range of decorative fireplaces and wood panelling. There is also a combination of multi-paned casement and arched Gothic style windows, many of which have the original window shutters. A particularly delightful feature is the working bell station in the kitchen.

Good levels of storage are provided throughout, and the extensive attic above provides potential for conversion, subject to planning consents.

A self-contained annexe provides income potential or a useful additional space for guests.

On the ground floor is an entrance hall, drawing room, study, kitchen/diner, utility room/scullery, cloakroom and conservatory, while the first floor boasts a superb master suite, three further bedrooms, a family bathroom and another WC. The annexe has a sitting room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.

The grounds are a delight, incorporating established trees, beds and borders, all surrounded by mature hedging.

The garden area amounts to about an acre and is mainly laid to lawn, with

paved and brick pathways leading around the house, passing through pergolas and trellising to the rest of the grounds, where there is also a productive orchard.

There are cast iron gates opening to an in-andout gravel driveway at the front. A secondary drive to the north-west boundary leads to further parking and garaging.

There are a number of outbuildings, including a brick-built store attached to the annexe, a detached building which offers garden storage, plus a generous detached single garage.

AT A GLANCE CLEVELAND THE STREET, BENENDEN n Classic Grade II listed village house n Sought-after village location n Very well presented n Period features n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Study n Cloakroom n Kitchen/diner n Utility room n Scullery n Conservatory n Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and shower room n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Second WC n Self-contained one-bedroom annexe n Garage and parking n Outbuildings n Gardens and grounds n Almost one acre in total

£1,250,000 For sale through Jackson-Stops and Staff Cranbrook 01580 720000 www.jackson-stops.co.uk

Wednesday 28th September 2016

A PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT BY 0

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

SIMON PATIENCE

savills

NEW HOMES 0

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www.simonpatiencenewhomes.com

www.gillsgreencourtyard.co.uk

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New Homes

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

Chichester Road, Tonbridge

£375,000 - £400,000 Garden Road, Tonbridge

A charming three bedroom semi detached period built house ideally located for Tonbridge station which is well presented throughout.

£315,000 - £330,000

A charming two bedroom, two reception room period built end of terrace house, conveniently located for access to Tonbridge mainline station and high street.

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/ Vauxhall Gardens, Tonbridge

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£500,000 - £520,000 Bitchet Green, Sevenoaks

A three bedroom detached family house set in a desirable 'rare to the market' residential road, convenient for Tonbridge Station and access to the A21.

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Located off of a private road in the beautiful hamlet of Bitchet Green is this stunning four bedroom property set in approximately three acres of secluded gardens, complete with stables and paddock.

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WOOD & PILCHER

Tunbridge Wells

£1,100,000

Tonbridge

Offers Over £800,000

An excellent opportunity to purchase this especially spacious and attractive attached Edwardian town house with gardens and off road parking on a no through road to the rear of Mount Ephraim. EPC: D

Handsome period style semi-detached house, beautifully presented, many features retained.

Generous living space, stylish kitchen, bathroom & ensuite. Pretty rear garden, plenty of parking, walk to town, station and grammar schools. EPC: D

Matfield

Tunbridge Wells

£580,000

£279,950

5 bed detached house with garage, capacious living accommodation close to the green, pond and some wonderful local pubs in this picturesque village. No Chain! EPC: C

Situated on the top floor of this elegant period building is where you will find this extremely well maintained two bedroom apartment situated on the prestigious south side of Tunbridge Wells. EPC: D

South borough

Tunbridge Wells

£325,000

A two bedroom end of terrace property forming part of a small select development of 3 properties in a 'tucked away' idyllic location on Southborough Common. Benefits from a living room, master bedroom with en-suite and dressing room, two parking spaces and overlooks woodland. EPC: C Tunbridge Wells Office I 01892 511211 tun brid ge w e 11 s@ w ood and pi I cher. co. u k Southborough Office I 01892 511311 south bo roug h@ w ooda nd pi lch er. co. u k Tonbridge I 01732 351135 ton brid ge@ w ood and pi I cher. co. u k

A pleasant three bedroom family home in a cul de sac location in central Tunbridge Wells, just off of Upper Grosvenor Road, offered as top of chain. It also has the real advantage of a garage en bloc and pleasant and private rear gardens. EPC: C

woodandpilcher. co. uk rightmove

Guide Price: £350,000 - £370,000

~ nTheMarkelcom

Other offices in Crowborough , Heathfield & associated London Branch

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

Clarendon Homes will be honoured at the United Kingdom Property Awards on the 28th October at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, for their project Gables Park. They will compete against the best property professionals across the UK to be recognised in the Residential Development category.

As an award winner, Clarendon Homes have been named among the most innovative, exceptional, and ambitious projects of 2016. Representing their country on an international stage in London, they await to collect their award later in the year.

Gareth Hill, head of Sales and Marketing, comments "A lot of thought and effort went into the design of Gables Park, and it has proven to be one of our most popular luxury developments to date, with only 2 remaining. It is very gratifying to have won an award as it recognises the hard work that everyone at Clarendon have put in:' Gables Park is a luxury development in Wrotham composed of five homes which are set over four floors.

The homes feature games and cinema rooms, five bedrooms, electric gates, and landscaped gardens.

The Show Home will be open on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October from 11am - 4pm.

Clarendon Homes create high quality homes in and around Kent, from bungalows and semi-detached homes, to luxury housing. Clarendon properties feature an element of choice in kitchens and bathrooms which is an exciting opportunity for clients to customise their homes, a factor which makes Clarendon unique in the industry. The luxury homes feature integrated technology, including Home Automation for lighting, audio, and TV

PLANNING DECISION NOTICE Description: Good use of underdeveloped land Type:

Any size and number of units

Location:

Anywhere in the South East

If you have been refused planning permission for what on the face of it would seem a reasonable application, SJD Projects may be able to assist.

Through our network of developers and investors, we have been instrumental in achieving planning on sites that otherwise have not achieved their full potential.

For a no obligation assessment please contact our offices on our freephone number 0845 456 8969.

Mobile: 0773 951 4350 Website: sjd-projects.com

Wednesday 28th September 2016

LAND & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

Freephone: 0845 456 8969 Email: steve@sjd-projects.com

 PROPERTY SECTION

THE GRANGE GRANGE HILL, PLAXTOL

£4,750,000

Sprawling 43-acre estate with annexe, pool and tennis court

Wednesday 28th September 2016

PROPERTY SECTION �

T

HE GRANGE is a wonderful Grade II* listed country house enjoying a secluded setting on the edge of the village of Plaxtol. It works extremely well as a family home that is also ideal for entertaining.

It is thought The Grange was built in 1702, with further additions and landscaping to the gardens undertaken by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1926.

The elegant reception rooms and extensive bedroom accommodation are spread over three floors, with the period features including a galleried reception hall.

The expansive ground floor boasts a fabulous drawing room, a sitting room, a dining room, an inner hall, a games room, two cloakrooms, a central courtyard area and a stunning 36ft kitchen/breakfast room.

Beneath the house is a large basement with a wine cellar and several storerooms.

The bedrooms are also extensive, with an excellent master suite, a guest suite, four further bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor.

The second floor has a further three bedrooms and a cinema room.

In addition, there is a self-contained two-storey annexe with a sitting room, kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms – perfect for staff or guests.

Outside, the gardens at The Grange have been well maintained, with a selection of fine specimen shrubs and trees in an interesting blend of the formal and informal.

There is also a swimming pool, a tennis court, a stable yard with three loose boxes, a tack room plus significant outbuildings.

Additionally, there are three large paddocks and a belt of attractive woodland.

To the north of the house, on the other side of the lane where it is located, is an area of pasture extending to around 25 acres, currently divided into two fields.

The vast expanse of gardens and grounds total approximately 43 acres.

AT A GLANCE n Grade II* listed country house n Built 1700s n Period features n Galleried entrance hall n Drawing room n Sitting room n Dining room n Inner hall n Courtyard n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Games room n Two cloakrooms n Master suite with bathroom n Guest bedroom with en-suite n Four further bedrooms on first floor n Two family bath/shower rooms

‘It is thought The Grange was built in 1702, with further additions and landscaping to the gardens undertaken

by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1926’

n Three bedrooms on top floor n Home cinema room n Self-contained two-bed annexe n Swimming pool n Tennis court n Barns, stables and outbuildings n Three paddocks n Woodland and pasture n In all around 43 acres

£4,750,000 For sale through Knight Frank Sevenoaks 01732 658856 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 28th September 2016

we open doors for you ...

BarnesKingsnorth

NORTH TONBRIDGE £925,000 SUPERB HOUSE IN GREAT LOCATION Situated on the favoured Haydens' development, this double fronted, detached house offers immaculately presented and generous family accommodation.

Extended kitchen/breakfast room fitted with oak units & granite worktops, tasteful sitting room with feature fireplace, separate dining room and study. Upstairs there are 4/5 bedrooms, luxury bathroom and en-suite to master bedroom. Delightful landscaped gardens. Double garage and parking. EPC: D

Apply Tonbridge

TONBRIDGE £630,000 CHARMING GRADE II LISTED COTTAGE in quiet, secluded and central location just a stroll to the mainline station. Oozing style & character, this detached property offers that special something extra! On the ground floor there is a bay fronted sitting room, family room, study hall and a kitchen / dining room. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms, an en-suite shower room and the family bathroom.

Pretty cottage gardens, potting shed and a summerhouse retreat completes the picture. OPEN DAY BY APPOINTMENT SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER 11.00AM -1.00PM.

Apply Tonbridge

PEMBURY

£289,000

DECEPTIVELY SPACIOUS A period, 3 bedroom terraced home with west-facing, level !awned garden to the rear. Comprising: Entrance porch, 16'6 sitting room, separate dining room, kitchen, ground-floor bathroom, first-floor cloakroom we. Potential to convert the main attic to a further bedroom suite, subject to the necessary consents and a further attic space for storage. EPC: D

Apply Pembury

'B) Primelocatior

Residential

t f rightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings

Pembury: 01892 822880

Tonbridge: 01732 771616

Lettings: 01732 771616

e.pembury@bkea.co.uk

e.tonbridge@bkea .co.uk

e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestatea1ents.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

The Tonbridge Half Marathon will be raising money for many local charities this year, but the main beneficiaries will be:

For more information, visit: www.tonbridgehalfmarathon.co.uk Photos: Sussex Sport Photography/sussexsportphotography.com

WARNERS-SOLICITORS.CO.UK

TONBRIDGE HALF MARATHON 

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The route and road closures DRIVERS are being advised to avoid the Half Marathon route between 8.30am and 2.30pm as many of the roads will be closed or will have restricted access to traffic.

The scenic route will take runners out of Tonbridge along Brook Street, Molescroft Way, Upper Hayesden Lane and Ensfield Road to Leigh.

There they will turn right and head through the village towards Hildenborough before turning left into Watts Cross Road (Rings Hill) and then left again at every junction until the route arrives back in Leigh village centre via the B2027.

It’s then a right turn into Ensfield Road for the return leg. When they reach Hayesden Lane, runners will turn left and then left again into the narrow Lower Hayesden Lane, which leads back to Brook Street and the 300m sprint to the finish.

The race village at West Kent College will be open for competitors to register and collect numbers, etc, from 8.30am.

For a complete list of road closure

times, and other information about the day, go to the Half Marathon website at: www.tonbridgehalfmarathon.co.uk

Number six for friendly Hana THE Tonbridge Half Marathon will have quite a few local runners who have been in every one since it started six years ago, and one of these is Tonbridge-based mum of four Hana Winter.

Hana is a regular attendee of the Tonbridge Park Runs, held every Saturday morning on the Racecourse Ground.

You may recognise her as she works in Humphrey Bean, the JD Wetherspoons Pub in the High Street, where she has been for 18 years.

Hana and a group of friends have been using the friendly 5km park runs as training for the Half Marathon. These include Viv Briggs, who is entering for the second year, Greta Jermaine

who is running the race for the first time, and Jim and Mary Purcell, who have completed three Half Marathons so far.

It was the challenge of the race that attracted Hana back in 2010 to the first event.

She said: “I had been running for about a year but was looking for something to keep me motivated, and so entered the Half Marathon.

“I loved the community spirit generated by the crowds that came to watch and the other runners, so I persuaded a group of friends to get involved.”

One of them, Emma Gill, is running to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as her six-year-old son has Type 1 diabetes.

COOL RUNNING Hana Winter

Wednesday 28th September 2016

68  TONBRIDGE HALF MARATHON

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

WARNERS-SOLICITORS.CO.UK

Dame Kelly inspires Dave to hit 100 DAVE HEAL, aged 51, will be running his Kelly’. So they both walked arm in arm up the hill organisations, including Cancer Research and 100th Half Marathon this Sunday. But it was a to the canteen for a coffee. What a lovely gesture Children With Terminal Illnesses & Disabilities. chance encounter with the town’s own Olympic from Dame Kelly.

Course Director Mick Barlow said: “We are hero, Dame Kelly Holmes, that inspired him to “During the walk, Wendy told her that I was honoured that Dave has chosen to run his celebrate this milestone at the Tonbridge event. aiming to run 100 half marathons in 15 years, and landmark 100th race at Tonbridge Half Marathon, He said: “Tonbridge is my favourite course and so she suggested that it would be good if I was to and know everyone along the route and all holds very special and inspirational memories run my 100th at Tonbridge. involved in the event will be cheering him on.” for me and my wife Wendy.

“As Tonbridge now has special “When I ran my 72nd Half Marathon here memories for both of us, we have in September 2012, we were all presented looked forward to this weekend for the with medals by our queen of the track, past four years.”

Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, which was Dave has been a member of Garden a fantastic honour.

City Runners in Welwyn Garden City “But earlier, Wendy was sitting in a nearby bus since 2001. He joined to train for the shelter because it was raining and had decided to 2002 London Marathon to raise money wait there until I had finished my race because it for the British Heart Foundation.

Having caught the running bug, was near the finish line.

“Dame Kelly saw her at the bus stop he went on to compete in more and jumped over the barriers to international marathons in Edinburgh, New York, Chicago have a chat with her.

“She asked Wendy why she was and Florence, Disney World sitting in the rain in the shelter Orlando, Las Vegas, Berlin, as the runners would not be Boston and Sydney, as well as walking three 26.2-mile back for hours.

“Wendy explained that she Playtex Moonwalks through had a mild cerebral palsy walking the night in London. disability, and that by the time she But it was in Florence that he walked up the hill to the canteen set his current personal best for a cuppa it would be time to go marathon time of 3 hrs back to the finish line again.

45mins 30secs.

“Dame Kelly said to her: By running in ‘If I help you up the hill events around the world, will you come for a coffee with me?’

Dave has “Wendy was chuffed raised to bits and replied ‘Yes more than MILESTONE INSPIRATION please, that would be £20,000 Dave Heal Dame Kelly very nice of you Dame for various

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Thank you for your support THE organisers of the Tonbridge Half Marathon are very grateful to the many supporters of this year’s event.

They include: West Kent College, DC Access Systems Ltd, Warners Solicitors, The Judd School, Millsons.co.uk, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Clif Bar, West Kent Raynet, The Running Hub, 8th Tonbridge (Hildenborough) Scouts, Avicenna (trading as Gosrani Pharmacy), the 2520 Squadron Air Training Corps, Tonbridge Detachment Kent Army Cadet Force, Nizels Golf and Country Club, Tonbridge Baptist Church, The Old Fire Station, Finch House Cafe & Fine Food Store, Waitrose, The Carpenters Arms, Sainsbury’s and the Times of Tonbridge.

Headphones banned COMPETITORS who like running to the sound of a good beat are being warned about a new rule regarding the use of headphones in road races.

In April this year, the 2016-2018 edition of the UKA Rules of Competition decreed that: “The wearing of headphones, or similar devices, (other than those medically prescribed), is not permitted in races on any single carriageway road that is not wholly closed to traffic.”

The Tonbridge Half Marathon includes two sections of the race, either side of Leigh, where one lane of the B2027 is coned off for the runners but the road is not wholly closed to traffic.

However, a new type of Bone Induction headbands may be worn.

BURGER NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY Choose from our mouthwatering selection of homemade burgers from £10.95.

Including a pint of beer or glass of wine.

-

-

EXTENSIVE GIN MENU Gins from across the globe

@

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

@

70  FEATURE

New bar brings 1920s America to Tunbridge Wells Dark rooms, jazz, electric atmosphere and cocktails could be found easily during the prohibition-era, if you knew where to look. Now, the charm of the American speakeasy can be found in Kent at new bar, The Vault.

Hannah Patterson sits down for a cocktail with Mark Nicholson to discover the new hidden gem in town…

Tell us a bit about the Bedford and your history with it…

I took over as landlord three and a half years ago in March 2013. Before that I was hired as the general manager, which I worked as for about 18 months. When the previous owner left, Greene King offered me the position of Landlord.

Did you implement any changes when you took over?

We worked really hard to turn the reputation around. It was a typical station pub – underage drinking and fights. It was very ‘rough and ready’. I personally never felt comfortable coming in. Greene

King completely stripped it. There was a new décor, new furnishings and all the undesirables were asked to leave. That’s pretty much how we spent the first six months.

And now you’re opening The Vault…

Yes! It’s all very exciting. Greene King paid for the conversion of the basement area, but I covered the cost of the furnishings.

It looks great! It feels like a secret bar during the prohibition era…

Thank you, I’m very happy with it. We wanted to get the feel of an American speakeasy. The furnishings are all very

industrial and I believe the final product has a really fantastic atmosphere.

What’s the plan for opening night?

We had a soft launch last week with a few friends, families and colleagues – a test drive if you will! The official opening is Thursday 29th September. We’re planning on having a reservation only policy. The weekends in October are already packed.

We can seat 30, plus 50 standing so having reservations will be useful for number control. We also have a few Christmas parties booked already and the bar isn’t even open yet. I’ve been pushing for this for two years so I’m hoping for a huge success.

‘We wanted to get the feel of an American speakeasy. The furnishings are all very industrial and I believe the final product has a really fantastic atmosphere’

Why did you decide to open The Vault?

I had a vision for extending the service area from upstairs and the space down here was unused. They are two separate venues in my eyes. Kentish pub upstairs, American speakeasy downstairs. The only thing they will share are the management and bathroom facilities. The Vault has a completely separate entrance which we’ve lit up.

To start with, The Vault will be open from Thursday to Saturday, 5pm to midnight. We will consider opening during the day, if the demand is there.

Will you be serving food at all?

No meals, but there will be cheese boards on offer supplied by Fromage & French.

So, it’s all about the drinks…

Absolutely. Lauren will be the new Bar Manager and she comes from a London bar background, has plenty of cocktail experience and I will be completing a master class very soon. The menu consists of 12 classic cocktails and, in keeping with the American theme, they are being made with quality, American spirits.

The Secret Cellar on London Road have come up with a superb wine list, with quality bottles ranging from £25 to £95. We also have some excellent bottles sourced from Bibendum.

This is a bar that will suit those who have an appreciation for excellent drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

There will also be 12 American beers and four Belgium beers on offer. I prefer the Belgium beers and I wanted a couple of beers that I enjoy.

GOING UNDERGROUND Sit back and relax in this stylish new bar

Wednesday 28th September 2016

VALE VAULT 2 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UX 01892 510133

You have three Cask Marque awards, you must know your ales!

We have been given Cask Marque status for the past three years in a row. The West Kent CAMRA branch also awarded us runner-up ‘Pub of the Year’ in 2012,

FEATURE 

SHAKEN AND STIRRED Mark prepares a classic Martini

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‘We’re planning on having a reservation only policy.

The weekends in October are already packed’

SOCIAL SCENE The Vault is the place to go after dark

COCKTAIL HOUR The choice of drinks on offer is impressive

2013 and 2014. I don’t like the term ‘real ale’ anymore, it’s just ale to me.

Competition in the area is quite tough as ales have really taken off. Maybe five or six years ago there were around 1,200 micro- breweries nationwide, now there’s somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000. It’s exploded! We deal with 50 breweries and rotate what we have on tap every four to six weeks – it all depends on customer feedback and what the favourite is. It’s actually a very exciting industry to be in at the moment with everything that’s going on – artisan brewers, keg ales, craft beers, gin distillers…

Has anything of the old Bedford survived the renovation and rebranding?

It will essentially stay the same, although it has all been decorated with a fresh coat of paint. I don’t want to change our pub upstairs or dilute our current customer base, I want an additional venue that will appeal to a new ones. The music nights will become more structured and move to Saturday nights. But, it’s still the same traditional pub selling quality craft ales and serving some excellent, hearty grub.

Describe The Vault in five words Industrial. Atmospheric. Classic.

American. Speakeasy.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

72 � FOOD AND DRINK

Celebrating the great season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

The autumnal harvest is upon us and that means a bumper crop of produce for food fans to enjoy. Top of the list are apples as not only are they one of the most popular fruits with plenty of health benefits, they’re also one of the most diverse to enjoy and cook with at this time of year

E

VERY year at the beginning of October, National Bramley Apple Week celebrates all that’s great about the humble crunchy fruit.

It officially kicks off next Monday but to get ready for it we talked to David Knight from Pippins Farm about his successful apple business, based just outside Pembury, and give you some delicious sweet and savoury recipe ideas to try which use this classic British fruit as their key ingredient.

“We have been in business since 1981 and although there are three people who work full-time on the farm, we usually employ up to 12 during harvest time.

None of our business is export, we produce 250 tonnes of apples which are then distributed to both local shops and UK retailers. Although we grow lots of different fruit, including cherries, plums, quinces and pears, apples are our main business. The rest are sold for local consumption in and around Tunbridge

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Wells through a variety of farm shops such as Locality, Fullers Farm Shop and Eggs To Apples. We also enjoy going to the local food markets such as The Pantiles and the Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ ones as it’s good to meet customers.

Originally, we only grew Cox, Russet and Bramley apples when we started the business but have since added Gala and Braeburn to the mix – as well as our new varieties such as Fuji and Scrumptious which have proved very popular.

In 1985 we introduced an orchard of rare English apples and have now replanted it a second time. In it we grow a number of specialist varieties that you won’t find easily elsewhere. One of the pleasures of buying local produce is to taste unusual and different fruits.

Harvest time is special for us because it’s the culmination of a year’s work and it’s a great time on the farm – as long as the weather is good and the machinery doesn’t break down!”

AN APPLE A DAY… ...doesn’t just keep the doctor away – it is also: � naturally fat-free � low-fat food � saturated fat-free � a high source of fibre � naturally sodium free � naturally salt free � contain fructose More bitesize facts: � The majority of Bramleys are grown here in the South East � Each year in the UK we eat around 100 million fresh Bramley apples and 250 million that have been processed � They are unique because they contain a higher malic acid content and lower sugar levels which produce a stronger, tangy-tasting apple whose flavour is retained both during and after cooking

CRUNCH TIME David Knight runs Pippins Farm

All recipes and photos courtesy of www.bramleyapples.co.uk

FOOD AND DRINK �

PORK & BRAMLEY BAKE

SPICED CARROT, BRAMLEY APPLE AND LENTIL SOUP METHOD: Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Serves: 6 INGREDIENTS: ½ tsp chilli flakes

once it is hot, stir in the carrots, apple and celery. Fry for about five minutes, and then add the lentils, stock and coconut milk.

Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, covered with a lid, until the carrots and lentils are tender.

2 tsp cumin seeds 2 tbsp olive oil 450g carrots, peeled and cut into small pieces 2 Bramley apples (approx 450g), peeled, cored and roughly chopped 125g split red lentils 750ml hot vegetable stock 250ml coconut cream

Small handful of coriander leaves, warm naan bread, to serve 1. Heat a large saucepan and then add the chilli flakes and cumin seeds. Dry fry for a minute or so until they release their aroma and start popping around in the pan. Then remove half of the seeds and set aside.

2. Add the oil to the pan and

Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS: This one-pot supper is perfect for families. The magical combination of pork and Bramley turns a simple supper into a real treat. Plus, using only one pot reduces the washingup, so everyone should be happy!

450g/1lb baby new potatoes

1 celery stick, finely sliced

TO SERVE: 4 tbsp plain yoghurt

METHOD: Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

3. Blitz the soup until smooth, and season with salt and pepper. To serve, spoon into bowls, add a spoon of yoghurt on top, scatter with the reserved spices, and add a few coriander leaves. Serve with warm naan bread.

Tip: This soup keeps really well so if you don’t eat it all at once, you can store it in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze in individual portions for up to three months.

LITTLE BRAMLEY TARTS

and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 15 minutes.

even the night before – and simply pop in the oven for 15-20 minutes when it’s time for dessert. Serve with ice cream for an impressive treat.

2. Remove from the oven, then stir in the Bramley slices and lay the pork steaks on top. Season and sprinkle over the sage and then return to the oven and bake for a further 20 minutes or until the pork is golden and the Bramleys and vegetables are tender.

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/ Fan 200°C/425°F/gas mark 7. Unroll the sheet of pastry and cut out six circles about 10cm/4in diameter, using a cup as a template.

2. Place the pastry on a baking sheet. Arrange the Bramley apple on top of the pastry circles, overlapping the slices to maximise visual appeal.

3. Serve with green vegetables.

2 small red onions, sliced into wedges

METHOD: Preparation time: 15 minutes

4-8 whole cloves garlic, unpeeled

Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

2 tbsp olive oil 450g/1lb (approx 3) Bramley apples, cored and sliced into wedges 4 lean pork steaks 1 tbsp fresh sage leaves or 1 tsp dried sage 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/400°C/ gas mark 6. Place the potatoes, onion, garlic and oil in a large roasting tray or dish. Toss together

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Serves: 6 INGREDIENTS: 1 (375g/13oz) pack ready rolled puff pastry 450g/1lb (approx 3) Bramley apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced 1 egg white, lightly whisked 2 tbsp caster sugar 4 tbsp fine-cut marmalade These gorgeous little tarts use only five ingredients. Assemble the afternoon of your party – or

3. Use a brush to cover the top of the apple and pastry with the egg white and sprinkle with caster sugar. Use a knife to flute the pastry edges, then bake in the hot oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges of the Bramley slices are tinged with brown and the pastry is golden.

4. Warm the marmalade in a small pan and brush all over the top of the tarts. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

VARIATION: If you like marzipan, roll out a thin circle and place this on top of the pastry before topping with the Bramley slices. Cook as before and then glaze with apricot jam instead of marmalade.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

74  TRAVEL

A European wine journey

WATER AND WINE Vineyards line the banks of the Douro River

Feet first into Portugal’s vineyards where the new mixes with the old

By Sarah Marshall A CALLOUSED, sweaty foot would not be my cooking utensil of choice, but according to numerous Portuguese winemakers, human tootsies are the perfect tool for pummelling grapes.

Far gentler (and with more personality) than a cold, steel machine, treading softens the treasured ingredient without extracting any nasty tannins from seeds.

Getting into the spirit of harvest season, I climb into a legare (wine vat) at Quinta da Pacheca and stomp alongside proudly professional old men as they rotate lower limbs in perfect harmony, accompanied by a cheerful accordion player.

HANGING OUT Relax in a wicker pod at Six Senses

Wednesday 28th September 2016

‘Getting into the spirit of harvest season, I climb into a legare (wine vat) at Quinta da Pacheca and stomp alongside proudly professional old men’

Sloshing through alcoholic gazpacho is one of the activities offered by Six Senses Douro Valley in late September, although all year round there’s good reason to visit one of the world’s oldest wine regions.

Traditionally known for port, the Unesco World Heritage area has earned a reputation for award-winning table wines over the last 25 years – made mostly by a new generation of ambitious and experimental winemakers breathing new life into old practices.

Many are invited to lead tasting sessions and dinners at Six Senses, where Tiago Alves de Sousa, who works with his father at Quinta da Gaivosa, introduces me to Abandonado, a wine he produced from resurrected vines neglected by the family.

“Diversity is what makes this place so wonderful,” he says, referring to the 90 grape varieties that are grown on a cascade of undulating hills which appear to billow like sails in the wind.

It’s a secret that’s slowly seeping out, but the

BARREL OF FUN Treading grapes at Quinta da Pacheca growing popularity of the Douro has done little to disturb a traditional way of life in villages such as Lamego, where I decline the usual option to climb 686 steps to reach the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios shrine on my knees.

A similar peacefulness pervades the forested grounds of Six Senses, where I enjoy a massage in the hotel’s spa overlooking the snaking Douro River, and hang in a wicker pod nestled between branches listening to birdsong.

A renewed burst of

energy allows me to take part in one of the hotel’s other activities – climbing a tree.

Wearing a helmet and support harness, I realise a childhood dream by scrambling to the top, although the journey down seems a far more daunting prospect.

Gazing at my pulsing, perspiring feet – and the diminishing ground below – I’m relieved my toes won’t be treading any grapes today. No one wants to ruin a good vintage, after all.

TRAVEL FACTS � Doubles from €270 (£232) with breakfast. Visit www.sixsenses.com/ resorts/douro-valley/destination � British Airways flies to Porto from £74 return. Visit www.britishairways.com

TRAVEL 

Drinking to a Spanish spa’s recipe for wellbeing fuelled by fine wine

A GLASS APART Château de Bagnols

By Sarah Marshall

Tasting the fairytale high life of Beaujolais and Lyon

By Pete Thompson SHARING the fruits of her labour in the longest cellar in Beaujolais is the Marquise de Roussy de Sales. Her Chateau de la Chaize may be steeped in history, but she’s looking to the future by implementing methods of respectful agriculture.

But now she’s preparing for the busiest period of the year – the annual harvest.

Vineyards across the region are awash with a blend of rush and excitement, but the pace is much slower at my base, the dreamy Château de Bagnols, a retreat in the heart of the Pierres Dorées region, just half an hour’s drive from Lyon. Tasting fine wines on a balcony of the fairytale castle, I admire jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc in the distance – another taste of the high life.

While gaining access to vineyards isn’t always straightforward (appointments are generally required), zipping down to the Beaujolais region is easy on the Eurostar.

Lyon is only five hours from London, and

75

it has a lot to shout about with ancient landmarks such as the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls of Lugdunum, an enticing climate and a reputation as the French capital of gastronomy.

My tour guide in Lyon recalls meeting a councillor in the 1960s who, when asked about attracting more tourists, replied: “Why should I want people coming here to drink our best wine?” As I return home clutching my Beaujolais red, I am grateful they are now happy to share the wealth.

TRAVEL FACTS � Doubles at Château de Bagnols from €249 with breakfast. Visit www.chateaudebagnols.com � Eurostar operates a direct service from London to Lyon, Avignon and Marseilles. Fares start at £44.50 one-way (based on a return journey). Visit www.eurostar.com or call 03432 186186.

‘I’m treated to a morning of massage and steam room sessions at the Santuario Spa, in the former stables of a 12thcentury abbey’

WINE and wellbeing aren’t an obvious marriage, but as I sip and sniff my way through fine tipples, I’m easily convinced this could be the path to rude health.

This innovative approach to choosing a treatment is part of the Spa Sommelier experience at the award-winning winery and hotel Abadia Retuerta Le Domaine.

Based on my wine choice, an appropriate oil fragrance is selected and I’m treated to a morning of massage and steam room sessions at the Santuario Spa, in the former stables of a 12thMONK DISH century abbey.

The Refectorio The Romanesque property restaurant has been meticulously restored as a hotel, with stone corridors, a pretty courtyard and a one Michelin-starred restaurant, Refectorio, in a space once used as a monks’ dining room.

Here, a selection from the winery is served, all produced in this Tempranillo-rich area known as Spain’s Golden Mile.

You can cycle through 500 acres of vineyards, eat picnics beneath shady trees or tour winemaking facilities a short walk down the road.

It’s an hour from Madrid by train, plus a 25-minute transfer which the hotel can arrange.

In my bedroom, gazing out at the vines with a butler attending, I raise a glass in the knowledge the monks would approve.

TRAVEL FACTS � Doubles from €430 with breakfast. Visit www.ledomaine.es � easyJet flies to Madrid from London Gatwick from £55 return.

Flights are also available from Liverpool, Edinburgh and Bristol.

Visit www.easyjet.com/en

Wednesday 28th September 2016

76 n LIFE AND STYLE GABLES PARK Clarendon Homes’ luxury development Gables Park has won an award in the Residential Development category for Kent, in the 2016 – 2017 UK Property Awards, part of the International Property Awards in association with The Telegraph.

Gables Park is a magnificent development of 5 majestic new homes, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the North Downs and close to the legendary Pilgrims Way to Canterbury. Behind the façade of Gables Park are breath-taking interiors designed to the highest specification, spread over four floors. The homes feature landscaped gardens, as well as games and cinema rooms, ensuring plenty of space for both relaxing and entertaining. Each home benefits from spacious, open plan living and is located within highly desirable Kent locations, all with excellent transport links and amenities.

Rich in smart technology and designed to make life easier, each home features an award winning, dynamic home automation system from Vantage allowing the home’s heating, lighting, security, TV and audio to be controlled on intuitively designed small screens fitted in each room or by an app on a smartphone/ tablet when away from home. This ensures both functionality and modern living, as well as peace of mind.

TONBRIDGE GYM SCORES HAT-TRICK The Strength & Conditioning Institute a triple finalist at National Fitness Awards

Two homes still remain and an open weekend will be held at the development on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October, 11am – 4pm. For further details or to arrange a private viewing, call agents RPC on 01732 363633 www.rpcnewhomes.co.uk Regardless of age, ability or fitness level, Pilates is beneficial for everyone.

What sets Pilates apart from many other forms of exercise is its holistic approach. Osteopathy, Physiotherapist and Doctors recommend Pilates as one of the most effective forms of exercise today.

“Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects posture, restores vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit”

JOSEPH PILATES In my studio I have kept classes to a minimum size. Reformer classes are a maximum of 3 and Barre classes a maximum of 9. Smaller classes enable me to give each of you individual attention and instruction.

Not only is Pilates an excellent form of exercise for everyone but also using my knowledge from my Osteopath studies I am able to adapt the sessions to assist many of my clients with rehabilitation of back and sports injuries, hip and knee replacements and general well being. As a beginner you may feel at first nothing is happening and this can be frustrating but if I can give you one top tip it would be to commit yourself to 10 classes and you will never regret it!

My classes are diverse, everything from reformer, tower reformer, barre and stretch classes. When you contact me I will be happy to talk you through my schedule and I am pleased to offer new clients a private 45 minute introductory class were we can discuss your requirements and any concerns you might have.

The future is looking amazing for me and I can hardly wait to share with you my incredible news about my new premises, new clothing line and some very exciting and challenging workshops!

Contact details: Mobile: 07402 666 847 Address: 76 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RJ Email: anissa@borastudio.co.uk Facebook: @borastudiobyanissagermain Twitter: @BoraPilates Instagram: borastudiobyanissa

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Tonbridge gym The Strength & Conditioning Institute (The SCI) are celebrating being shortlisted for three prestigious industry awards. The SCI has been shortlisted in the Regional Gym of the Year (South), the Customer Service Award, and Gym Team of the Year categories in the 2016 National Fitness Awards, which recognise excellence, innovation and achievement in the fitness sector.

TONBRIDGE GYM SCORES HAT-TRICK The Strength & Conditioning Institute a triple finalist at National Fitness Awards Tonbridge gym The Strength & Conditioning Institute (The SCI) are celebrating being shortlisted for three prestigious industry awards. The SCI has been shortlisted in the Regional Gym of the Year (South), the Customer Service Award, and Gym Team of the Year categories in the 2016 National Fitness Awards, which recognise excellence, innovation and achievement in the fitness sector.

The national awards are organised by Workout magazine, with support from ServiceSport. The SCI has been selected alongside up to six other finalists in each category, following a tough judging process which whittled down hundreds of entries. A site visit and interview is the next stage of the process, and overall winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on 2nd December.

Fitness industry pace-setters The SCI were also recognised by the National Fitness Awards in 2015, being named the top functional training gym in the whole of the UK. 2016 has been another standout year for the business, who have seen their membership continue to soar since opening their new world-class facility in October 2015, and have recently launched a groundbreaking online service, The SmartCoach – www. thesmartcoach.co.

Director and Head Coach at The SCI, Alex Shoebridge, said: “Since being named Functional Training Gym of the Year in 2015 we have done anything but sit on our laurels. We constantly strive to improve our facilities, services and our own professional development, and always have new goals and innovations in our sights. We don’t let our business rest, and the feedback from our members and the local community attests to that.”

Fellow Director and Head Coach at The SCI, Martin Shyvers, said: “Being a three-time finalist at the National Fitness Awards is huge! There are very few gyms and clubs who can say that, and we are absolutely delighted to be recognised in three very diverse categories which serve to reflect the breadth of expertise and excellence The SCI offers. Going online with The SmartCoach in 2016 sets us apart yet again, and we can’t wait to welcome the judges to the gym to share the success stories.”

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Sarah Crichton at 07764491241 or email at sarah@thesci.co.uk

The national awards are organised by Workout magazine, with support from ServiceSport. The SCI has been selected alongside up to six other finalists in each category, following a tough judging process which whittled down hundreds of entries. A site visit and interview is the next stage of the process, and overall winners will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony on 2nd December.

Fitness industry pace-setters The SCI were also recognised by the National Fitness Awards in 2015, being named the top functional training gym in the whole of the UK. 2016 has been another standout year for the business, who have seen their membership continue to soar since opening their new world-class facility in October 2015, and have recently launched a groundbreaking online service, The SmartCoach – www. thesmartcoach.co.uk National Fitness Awards’ director Judith Halkerston said: “The quality and quantity of National Fitness Awards’ entries just keep improving year on year and everyone who has been shortlisted this year should be really proud of their achievement so far as competition was so strong and standards so high. The team is really looking forward to visiting all our shortlisted clubs and seeing some of the great work that is going on in the fitness industry on a daily basis.”

Director and Head Coach at The SCI, Alex Shoebridge, said: “Since being named Functional Training Gym of the Year in 2015 we have done anything but sit on our laurels. We constantly strive to improve our facilities, services and our own professional development, and always have new goals and innovations in our sights. We don’t let our business rest, and the feedback from our members and the local community attests to that.”

Fellow Director and Head Coach at The SCI, Martin Shyvers, said: “Being a three-time finalist at the National Fitness Awards is huge! There are very few gyms and clubs who can say that, and we are absolutely delighted to be recognised in three very diverse categories which serve to reflect the breadth of expertise and excellence The SCI offers. Going online with The SmartCoach in 2016 sets us apart yet again, and we can’t wait to welcome the judges to the gym to share the success stories.”

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Sarah Crichton at 07764491241 or email at sarah@thesci.co.uk

77 � PRIVATE HEALTH SPECIAL FEATURE

10

reasons why you should go private

1

WAITING TIMES Citizens Advice says many people choose to go private in order to avoid the waiting lists at the NHS, where delays are highly likely because of the sheer volume of service it has to provide.

It is far quicker to make appointments and see specialist clinicians in the independent sector.

2

HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTION According to Bupa Insurance, 65 per cent of people take out medical insurance in order to ensure access to cleaner hospitals and avoid the risk of contracting infections such as MRSA – the risk of which can be a more daunting prospect than the treatment itself. Patients mostly have private rooms with ensuite bathrooms so the risk of infection from other patients is substantially reduced.

Lower bed occupancy and less pressure on nursing staff are also helpful in this regard.

3

PRIVACY AND DIGNITY Individual rooms with ensuite facilities give the impression of a hotel-style service offering a similar level of privacy.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

West Kent boasts some of the finest private hospitals in the country. They offer you the peace of mind that comes with a bespoke service which will cater for your every need – whatever you wish, whenever you want

And the quality of the food is much better – often with a menu service available. In addition, suites are often available for family members to help with dressing or toilet issues.

4

CLEANLINESS AND FACILITIES Technology is generally more up to date than in NHS hospitals, which do not have access to the same budgets. Private patients can expect state-of-the-art hospitals with modern facilities and leading consultants.

5

7

9

6

8

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PARKING Parking at independent hospitals is often free of charge, which can make a sizeable difference in terms of visitors’ budgets. There are also likely to be more places, cutting down on waiting for a space, and closer access to the hospital buildings.

CONTINUITY OF CARE Citizens Advice says private patients can choose their own consultant. This allows a relationship to develop with greater confidence to share worries or concerns.

ACCESS TO TREATMENT Often treatment is not easily available on the NHS for conditions such as varicose veins and cataracts. Access to treatment is now stricter so that the condition has to reach an advanced stage before public funding will be provided. However, many people want to get the problem resolved before it worsens.

THE CONSULTANT OF YOUR CHOICE If you do not feel comfortable with your consultant, you can choose to change in the private sector. Most private hospital websites have information on the consultants as well as listings of ‘self-pay’ prices.

COSMETIC SURGERY Access to non-essential services are less likely to be permitted under the NHS, especially those which might be deemed cosmetic. Private hospitals provide many such treatments, for example removing moles or skin tags, as well as a range of cosmetic treatments not available on the NHS. HEALTH SCREENING Patients can take advantage of a health MOT, or screening, which is not automatically available on the NHS. You can also opt for a mini-MOT, for example a heart health check.

78  PRIVATE HEALTH SPECIAL FEATURE Horder Healthcare Richard Bentley, Acting Chief Executive and Operations Director WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOING PRIVATELY WITH HORDER HEALTHCARE? Horder Healthcare provides specialist orthopaedic treatment and care from our hospital in Crowborough, The Horder Centre. The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead specialises in cosmetic, plastic and re-constructive surgery as well as ophthalmology. We are very excited to be introducing orthopaedic surgery to our East Grinstead site. At The McIndoe Centre we are proud to offer our patients the largest number of expert plastic surgeons within a single

‘Horder Healthcare is currently carrying out an £8 million refurbishment’ Richard Bentley, Acting Chief Executive and Operations Director

Wednesday 28th September 2016

hospital in the UK, covering all areas and specialisms. By going privately either by using insurance or self-funding for treatment, patients not only receive specialist care but are seen in a timely way with appointments to suit them.

WHAT TREATMENTS AND SERVICES DO YOU OFFER/SPECIALISE IN? We have a number of Horder Healthcare sites including Crowborough, Seaford, Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne. We offer both NHS and private services.

Our Tunbridge Wells clinic and cosmetic services are private only.

Specifically across our Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells site we offer services such as acupuncture for MSK, elective orthopaedic surgery, hand therapy, MRI, neurology, osteopathy, physiotherapy, rheumatology, ultrasound, x-ray, health and fitness, plus many more. The McIndoe Centre, in East Grinstead, has a rich history which has established the hospital as a centre of excellence in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

Just some of the services offered at McIndoe include tattoo removal, face lift, hair transplant, hand surgery and treatment, breast surgery, skin lesions, orthopaedics, lymphoedema surgery and reconstructive surgery.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR HORDER HEALTHCARE (NEW TREATMENTS, SERVICES, TECHNOLOGY ETC.)?

Horder Healthcare is currently carrying out an £8 million refurbishment

programme of The McIndoe Centre.

The recently opened state-of-the-art theatre is one of the first steps in an ambitious project which includes three new theatres, a six bed recovery area, as well as diagnostic and ophthalmology suites. A brand new x-ray suite has already been installed and other plans include upgrading parts of the centre’s infrastructure and treatment rooms, refurbishing all ward bedrooms and providing a new outpatient area.

The new theatre means orthopaedic surgery, such as knee and hip replacements will now be introduced at The McIndoe Centre, in addition to the cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for which it is renowned.

HCA Healthcare UK – Sevenoaks Medical Centre Mikaela Saunders, Centre Manager WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOING PRIVATELY WITH SEVENOAKS MEDICAL CENTRE? Sevenoaks Medical Centre is a unique private medical facility. Developed and supported by HCA Healthcare UK and part of London Bridge Hospital, one of the largest private hospitals in the country. It is dedicated to providing an unparalleled level of convenient, high-quality treatment and care for patients in Sevenoaks and the surrounding community. The medical centre provides access to our

‘Sevenoaks Medical Centre is proud to be expanding our ‘one stop’ services in a number of specialties’ Mikaela Saunders, Centre Manager

world-leading consultants, advanced technology and the same high standard of care synonymous with London Bridge Hospital.

Our expert team, state-of-the-art consulting and treatment rooms and access to on-site diagnostic imaging, ensure the centre can provide a rapid service. Appointments can be offered on a same or next-day basis for a comprehensive range of specialities.

We accept both insured and selfpaying patients, and are recognised by the major UK health insurance companies and policies. Referrals are accepted from GPs, consultants and healthcare professionals.

WHAT TREATMENTS AND SERVICES DO YOU OFFER/ SPECIALISE IN? At Sevenoaks Medical Centre we are proud to provide world-leading expertise across key specialties. With healthcare ranging from treating ear infections to foot conditions, each speciality includes the best facilities, exceptional consultants and advanced diagnosis and treatment procedures to help patients from a wide range of backgrounds. Our specialties include: Orthopaedics, Neurology, Cardiology, Ear, Nose and Throat, Rheumatology, Gastroenterology, Colorectal, Dermatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Endocrinology, Neurosurgery and Women’s Health and Gynaecology.

Technology is a key part of healthcare and top technology is needed to provide top healthcare.

PRIVATE HEALTH SPECIAL FEATURE 

Whether for a patient examination, diagnosis or treatment, Sevenoaks Medical Centre uses the most advanced software and equipment in the medical field.

At Sevenoaks Medical Centre we also offer a Dietetic and Nutrition Service, which evaluates a patient’s dietary and nutritional needs to assist them in recovering, improving their wellbeing and helping them manage their symptoms.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR SEVENOAKS MEDICAL CENTRE? At Sevenoaks Medical Centre we are lucky to be a part of the London Bridge Hospital and the wider HCA Healthcare UK Group. This means we are consistently at the forefront of medical technology, new services and treatments.

Sevenoaks Medical Centre is proud to be expanding our ‘one stop’ services in a number of specialties which means patients have rapid access to consultation and diagnosis all within the Centre.

If you would like more information about our services, or to book an appointment please contact us on 01732 622 183 or www. sevenoaksmedicalcentre.com

Benenden Hospital Paul Apps, Business Development Manager WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOING PRIVATELY WITH BENENDEN HOSPITAL? Coming to Benenden as a private patient you can be confident that you will be cared for in an ultra-clean, modern facility where infection control is rigorously maintained. You will be treated by experienced consultants in a safe, secure, well-equipped environment.

We are set in a beautiful location in the heart of rural Kent, accessible by road or rail. Our location, staff and professional standards combine to make Benenden the hospital with space and time to care - something patients and the local GPs, who refer to Benenden, recognise and value.

A range of clinical services are delivered in a way that is tailored to meet individual needs during your time at Benenden Hospital. Staff are caring, considerate and dedicated to doing all they can to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Everyone at Benenden is fully committed to excellence in healthcare and we have a continuous programme of improvement to maintain our extremely high standards.

Being in hospital can be unsettling and having companions nearby can help reduce anxiety and enhance well-being. We are unique in having an on-site hotel, Peek Lodge, offering comfortable and affordable accommodation for your friends and relatives while you are in hospital.

WHAT TREATMENTS AND SERVICES DO YOU OFFER/ SPECIALISE IN? Benenden offers a wide range of treatments across a range of medical and surgical specialities including general surgery, orthopaedics, including hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery, gastroenterology, gynaecology, urology, ENT surgery, dermatology and cardiology.

A particular area of specialisation is the minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins by endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). EVLT can be done under local anaesthetic with no surgical incisions.

No overnight stay is required.

The post-operative discomfort and bruising is less and patients return to work faster than after traditional surgery. Statistics show that there is less chance of the varicose veins recurring if EVLT is used, rather than conventional ‘high tie and strip’ surgery.

Benenden have recently

introduced a weight loss surgery service (bariatric surgery). The procedure, is designed to reduce health risks such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease in patients who are dangerously obese and have failed to lose weight by other methods.

Benenden Hospital offers both laparoscopic gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy, in its newly built weight loss surgery unit. A comprehensive medical and surgical service is offered for patients who wish to reduce the health risks of being overweight.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR BENENDEN HOSPITAL Benenden is nearing completion of a multi-million pound redevelopment project.

Phase One of this opened in May 2016 and provided three new state-of-the-art operating theatres, two of which are equipped with laminar flow technology and a modern ambulatory care unit.

Phase Two, scheduled for completion next year, will see a whole new outpatient facility, a major upgrade of the existing imaging department, including a brand new 128 slice CT scanner, a 1.5T MRI scanner, a new ophthalmic unit and enhanced restaurant facilities.

79

‘‘Everyone at Benenden is fully committed to excellence in healthcare and the organisation’ Paul Apps, Business Development Manager

The new scanners will allow Benenden to offer a rapid diagnostic service. Most medical specialities are increasingly dependent on high quality cross-sectional imaging and their introduction at Benenden prove easy access for patients in the Tenterden, Headcorn and Cranbrook areas.

Moving forward Benenden

is looking to introduce a limited range of cosmetic surgery services. This will complement our existing bariatric and dermatology services. Consideration is also being given to the introduction of refractive lens exchange surgery (RLE) for those patient who currently wear glasses but would prefer not to.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

Wine, Dine, Relax & Sunshine

L'AMORE

SUMMER DINING IS HERE! Set Lunch or Dinner Menu Available Monday to Sunday

RESTAURANT

2 courses £ 15.50

I 3 courses £20.50

To make a reservation please call O1892 520587 or email reservations@onewarwickpark.co.uk WWW.ONEWARWICKPARK.CO.UK

TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2

5TA

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

BEHIND THE WHEEL

FIRST DRIVE

ALPINA B4 BITURBO

By Jack Evans

FACTS AT A GLANCE

WHAT IS IT?

PRICE: £62,950 base

Alpina has a long-standing reputation for taking all the key cars from BMW’s lineup and tweaking them in special ways.

With the B4 Biturbo, the German tuning company has brought in a BMW 435i convertible, taken away the standard car’s single turbocharger and replaced it with two instead. That results in a car which produces an amount of power within striking distance of a BMW M4 Cabrio but with more torque, too.

Of course, the car also gets Alpina’s styling tweaks. There’s the standard 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and aerodynamic kit. There’s also a rather nice four-pipe Akropovic exhaust system at the back, to let you know that this isn’t any old BMW convertible.

LOOKS AND IMAGE Alpinas have always been able to manage the look of a car that is understated, but shows sporting intent as well. The B4 Biturbo convertible continues this.

There’s the previously mentioned bodykit, which includes a front splitter.

You’ll also find Alpina pinstriping along the flanks of the car. This may not be to everyone’s taste, but in our eyes it looks fantastic.

The large multi-spoke wheels finish the exterior look, and a ducktail spoiler at the rear also looks the part.

Inside, it will be familiar to anyone who has been in a current-generation

MODEL: Alpina B4 Biturbo ENGINE: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed ZF PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, top speed 187mph ECONOMY: 35.3mpg combined EMISSIONS: 186g/km CO2

3 Series. BMW’s excellent infotainment system remains, controlled by the i-drive rotary selector in the centre of the car.

There are, of course, certain elements of the interior that have been tweaked by Alpina. The steering wheel, for instance, is thin and trimmed in alcantara, rather than the much thicker BMW M-Sport one.

There’s a leather-trimmed dash, too, though on our test car this was a hefty £1,075 option. Blue and green stitching is used throughout the cabin, while a numbered metal plaque makes you fully aware – if you weren’t already – that you’re driving something a little bit special.

‘Make no mistake, this is not a cheap car. But for that money you get a subtleness that is hard to describe’

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Despite having seating for four, the B4 Convertible – much like the BMW car on which it is based – can never claim to be a fully-fledged four-seater, rather a 2+2.

The rear seats would be fine for children, but for longer trips, any adults are going to find it a bit of a squeeze.

Up front, though, there’s plenty of space. Legroom is decent enough, while there’s plenty of room for bottles and all manner of other items. Two large cup holders are useful, too, especially on hot days with the roof down.

However, that roof does affect the practicality somewhat. If you’d like to fold it away, you have to first lower the luggage cover in the boot, heavily compromising that area’s space. It’s a small thing, but users who look to have the roof lowered frequently may find it rather annoying.

There’s no question about it, the B4 Biturbo is a quick car. Putting out 410bhp and 600Nm torque, it’s able to reach 62mph in 4.5 seconds and won’t stop until it reaches 187mph.

However, the car’s approach to those figures isn’t as aggressive as you might think. Powered through an eight-speed ZF automatic – as opposed to the M4’s twinclutch unit – the Alpina wafts up to speed in a much more relaxing fashion than the bodykit would allow you to imagine.

That exhaust, despite looking more boy racer than B-road bruiser, isn’t intrusive in the slightest, only giving away a lovely, mechanical note when under heavy acceleration.

Alpina makes sure to thoroughly change the suspension on any car it makes, and the B4 is no different.

The wheels, though wearing 245/30 section tyres, bear no impact on the car’s ride. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a car that deals better with bumps in the road than this one. It manages to be firm without jarring, which is just what you want in a convertible.

This is bettered even further by placing the car in comfort mode. Up and running, the B4 Biturbo is easy to drive quickly – with the vast amount of torque on offer making any change of pace quick and effortless. It also means the car is relaxing to drive on the motorway.

The B4’s steering is excellent as well, helped no doubt by the thin-rimmed wheel.

Alpina still, curiously, chooses to use buttons mounted behind the wheel rather than paddle shifters, which is one thing we’d change. But that ZF gearbox still provides excellent shifts time after time.

One annoyance was the start-stop system, which had a habit of cutting in incredibly early, then starting again with a jolt.

VALUE FOR MONEY The B4 Biturbo starts at £62,950. Our test car, fitted with options such as adaptive headlights and Merino leather, came in at a hefty £72,010.

Make no mistake, this Alpina is not a cheap car. But for that money you get a level of subtleness that is hard to describe. Those who know of Alpinas will appreciate the car, while those who are unaware may see it as a 3 Series with a large bodykit and a set of smart wheels – but that’s what Alpina cars are about.

Given the performance available, the car’s price makes sense. When you also take into account the bespoke nature of the car’s suspension and powertrain, as well as the interior, then it begins to look like good value. Its price is perilously close to its BMW rivals though, which is another consideration.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, the Alpina perhaps isn’t the best choice. If, however, you fancy driving a car that has understated presence hiding a vast amount of performance, the B4 Biturbo may well be for you.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

82 n MOTORING

HADLOW SIAIR GARAGE

t:01732 352 476 A family run independant garage offering MOTs, Service and Repair to all makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles.

MOT ÂŁ39.95 MOT & Oil Service ÂŁ105 (available for cars holiding up to eight litres of standard oil)

MOTs Service Repairs Clutches Exhausts Tyres Air Conditioning

OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday: 8am-6pm Saturday: 8am- lpm Sunday: Closed Car storage & Transportation can be arranged

We invite all new and seasoned enthusiasts to visit us today to find out more about our classic and vintage car restoration services.

We will use our experience to advise you on the best way to restore your classic, vintage or collectible car, and help you to revive its past glories.

~

IC) Copyript All pictures and designs are own

by Morgan Hansford Art. For any e nquires please contact morganhansford.art@ outlook.corn

Wednesday 28th September 2016

MOTORING n

83

DS prefers TOTAL

NEW DS 3 GIVENCHY

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We've joined forces with Givenchy Le Makeup to create a limited edition run of 500 luxurious New DS 3 and New DS 3 Cabrio models. Stunning, inside and out, it has textured Matt White body, Whisper Purple roof, 17-inch black alloy wheels and Basalt Black leather upholstery. Intelligent technology includes a 7-inch touch screen, Mirror Screen, satellite navigation and PureTech engine. As a finishing touch, you'll adore the Givenchy make-up kit that is housed in the central arm rest.

THAMES MOTOR GROUP 01892 575984 NORTH FARM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS , KENT, TN2 3EY www.thamestunbridgewells.citroen.co.uk

~~GIVENCHY DSautomobiles.co.uk

Model Shown Jeep Renegade 2.0 Multijet 140 HP Longitude 4WD at £24.495 Including Special Pastel Paint at £600. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG [L/100KM): EXTRA URBAN 47.9[5.9) - 70.6[4.01. URBAN 32.5 [8.7) - 55 .4 [5.1J. COMBINED 40.9 [6.9) - 64.2 [4.41. C01EMISSIONS: 160 - 11 5 G/KM. Fuel consumption and CO, figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with ECdirectives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. 'Customer depositis £6.299. Optional Final Payment is £12.171. Contract Term is 24 months. Promoti on available on new Renegade longitude versions between 1st August and 30th September 2016. Jeep Oeposit 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 9pper mile for exceeding 10.000 miles per annum in this example) and being ingood condition . Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required . Terms and Conditions apply. Selected stock only. At participating Dealers only. Jeep Financial Services. PO BOX 4465. Slough. Sll ORW. We work with a number of creditors including Jeep Financial Services. Jeep., is aregistered trademark of FCA USUC .

Wednesday 28th September 2016

84  ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tailors to ensure we are suited and booted Southborough is set to see a new name for tailors on its high street. Moving into a place with a proven track record, we catch up with Stuart Hardman, of Hardman & Hemming, on what makes the town the right fit for him and his bespoke business What is the company’s history?

Hardman & Hemming started in 2012, originally as a visiting service. Having worked for other tailors across the South East, we decided to make it on our own, taking the full tailored suit service directly into people’s homes and workplaces. Although we always knew we wanted to have a shop, we were just waiting for the time to be right. It was perfect timing meeting

Colin De’Ath as he was looking for someone to take over the shop and work with him over the next year.

The drive behind Hardman & Hemming is to provide a place outside Savile Row or the West End where you can get top quality tailored garments.

With the company changing hands, what can clients now expect?

Our dedication to the highest of MADE TO MEASURE Stuart Hardman’s tailoring business is enjoying ongoing success

standards won’t change with the new management, we are still Hardman & Hemming. Our shop in Southborough has been a tailors for decades and my colleague Colin, who has been the shop’s owner for the last 26 years, has made it his business to ensure that his suits are second to none.

Our suits will stay traditional in construction and finish, albeit with an occasional twist that our customers are accustomed to.

Tailoring is a centuries old profession with many well-established institutions – what gives you the edge over your competitors?

Most tailors would say the same but our customer experience is really a cut above.

Having a suit tailored isn’t something you do every day so it shouldn’t feel ordinary.

When someone comes to see us, we make sure it feels like an occasion.

It’s almost theatre in its own way: choosing the cloth, linings and style, being measured, the fittings and then having it made exclusively for you. It isn’t just buying a suit off the peg.

Also with our after-care, you are looked after for the whole life of the suit. As my colleague Colin says: “You’re not just buying a suit, you’re buying us!”

What is the process that goes into a tailor-made suit?

Once you have been measured and chosen your cloth, the suit is cut from an individual pattern and a basted fitting is put together – we call this the skeleton fitting. After this has been fitted with the client, the suit jacket is then taken apart and recut, taking into account any alterations. We then do additional fittings in order to ensure the best fit.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

‘The whole drive behind Hardman & Hemming is to provide a place outside Savile Row or the West End where you can get top quality tailored garments’

A CUT ABOVE All suits are handmade

Each suit takes well over 60 solid hours to complete as attention to detail and upholding traditional Savile Row tailoring is important to us.

What makes a truly great suit?

Cloth, cut and fit. Picking the right cloth is important for both style and durability, which is why we use only the finest cloths and trimmings. If you are commuting you really want to have a hard-wearing wool.

Getting the cut is essential – you have to take into account all the body’s figurations. Broad shoulders, slim waist, maybe dropped shoulders or a hollow back, we are yet to meet Mr Average!

The better the fit and the more suited the cloth makes a huge difference, it will last longer and you will feel better in it.

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

ALL SEWN UP Stuart at work in his Southborough studio

85

‘We’d like many more years of tailoring bespoke suits for our customers and continuing to build on the legacy which Colin has built over his time in the shop’ TOOLS OF THE TRADE Hardman & Hemming take a traditional approach

Are there specific types of suit that should be worn to certain occasions?

Aside from the obvious black tie events, I think every person has that time in their life when they want to look the best they possibly can.

Weddings, interviews, business meetings, first dates, the list goes on.

The right suit, tailored to fit only you not only makes you look amazing but it also gives you confidence. It’s feeling as good as you look.

If you could dress any fashion icon, who would it be and why?

While Steve McQueen is definitely my fashion hero I would honestly rather dress the man on the street and make him look and feel like a style icon. It is so much more satisfying to see that look of excitement on their face as they see the stylish man in the mirror that they have always wanted to be.

Suits have been championed by many prominent women, such as Diane Keaton and Emma Watson.

What is it about the suit that has allowed it to cross the gender gap?

Simply put, great tailoring enhances an individual. Through giving shape and form, it allows you to project a desired

silhouette, which is desirable for both men and women.

Plus wearing a tailored jacket feels amazing, so who wouldn’t want that?

I think men can learn a lot from women’s fashion too. They are great at accessorising and it is amazing how much the right tie, pocket square, cufflinks or watch can enhance a gentlemen’s look.

What does the long-term future hold for Hardman & Hemming?

Many more years of tailoring bespoke suits for our customers and continuing to

build on the legacy which Colin has built over his time in the shop.

The future also looks bright for our made to measure suit range, One16, which we are continuing to put together.

We still offer our visiting service too so there are busy times ahead.

Finally, does the man make the suit or the suit make the man?

In truth, it’s both. A great tailored suit does work wonders but if it’s worn with real confidence you can tell the difference.

HARDMAN & HEMMING 116 London Rd, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells TN4 0PN Phone: 07446 092561 www.hardmanandhemming.co.uk

Wednesday 28th September 2016

86 n RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

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

“

After just one day of the

newspaper being out, our

recruitment advert had received a great response from potential candidates; three of which we

“

now have at interview stage.

We will certainly use the Times of Tunbridge Wells for future recruitment adverts.

John Haynes, Partner, Belvoir Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday 28th September 2016

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

RECRUITMENT n

87

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 on 01892 576049

Wednesday 28th September 2016

88 n RECRUITMENT

C J GALLARD'S ALMSHOUSES, SOUTHBOROUGH, TUNBRIDGE WELLS CLERK TO THE TRUSTEES

We have a part-time vacancy for a Clerk to the Trustees to work at an almshouse charity providing independent living for 25 elderly, local people of limited financial means in their own flats . Ideally we are seeking someone who lives locally as occasionally they may have to respond to emergencies at the flats.

We are looking for someone who: • is computer literate • has good people skills • has experience of writing clear minutes • can manage the charity's finances, and • has an understanding of dealing with property maintenance issues .

Someone who also has : • excellent organisational skills • the ability to juggle multiple tasks, and • an understanding of legislative matters relating to the running of a charity.

TrLnLt:

A flexible working pattern is offered, based on an average of 15 hours a week, which includes essential attendance at bi-monthly and occasional other trustees ' meetings, availability to answer queries from time to time and occasional attendance at the almshouses in emergency situations - particularly if the Manager is away or on holiday. You can work from home if you prefer, as long as you are available to attend the almshouses when required, or there is an office on site where you can work.

Pay according to skills and experience.

Will suit someone looking for rewarding part time work.

Training will be available as well as a handover period as required.

Applications via letter plus CV, including details of financial expectations as well as explaining motivation in applying to work for a charity, to The Chairman, C J Gallard's Almshouses, 27 London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 ONB or by e-mail to chairman@gallards.co.uk.

Closing date: 31 October 2016

Receptionist/ Administrator up lo £21,000 pa We are looking Eor lwo Receptionist/Administrators to work on our busy Eront desk. You will primarily be responsible fur answering calls and greeting visitors. There will also be a volume oE admin work including producing labels, some invoicing, filing and assisting tl,e Despatch department.

The successEul applicants will have a smart appearance, excellent organisation skills and tl,e ability to prioritise tl,eir workload. ~xperience within a similar role is essential. We are looking Eor an entl,usiastic team player who is Eriendly and personable and has a can do attitude. It is also essential tl,at applicants are competent in Word, ~eel and Outlook.

FOX Uni! 2C, Wyvem ~ouse,Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Ken!

TN231:::Y sales@fox-ms.co.uk

01892 617 999 www.fox-ms.co.uk

Wednesday 28th September 2016

RECRUITMENT n

DRESSING CHILDREN BEAUTIFULLY SINCE

89

1952

Childrensalon is a forward-thinking, award-winning British retailer, specialising in dressing children beautifully. We are the world's largest online store for luxury childrenswear, offering 280 of the most desirable brands to customers in over 135 countries. Growing rapidly, the organisation is headquartered in Royal Tunbridge Wells, with in-house departments ranging from Buying and Marketing to Digital Design, Development and Customer Service.

FEATURED VACANCIES Arabic-speaking Customer Service Assistant

Merchandising Admin Assistant

Mandarin-speaking Customer Service Assistant

Senior Creative Designer

Buying Admin Assistant Data Admin Assistant

Editorial Copy Editor Part-time Product Copywriter

We are happy to accept speculative applications.

For further information about all open roles please go to www.childrensalon.com/careers. To submit a CV and cover letter please contact careers@childrensalon.com

Wednesday 28th September 2016

90 n ARTS & CULTURE

The cultural event that already has success written all over it Cranbrook will be hosting its inaugural Literature Festival this Friday and Saturday – Eileen Leahy spoke to organiser Christine Newman about the slew of famous authors it’s got lined up, and why strong community spirit made it all happen in the first place WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO HOST A LITERARY FESTIVAL IN CRANBROOK? I’m a huge fan of literary festivals and have always enjoyed going to the established ones in Cheltenham, Oxford and Charleston. I’d thought for a long time that Cranbrook would be the ideal town for a smaller festival as there’s a lot of culture here, and that way I wouldn’t have to travel too far to get my fix of ‘live literature’!

WHAT WERE YOUR INITIAL AIMS? I’m a librarian by trade, so I wanted the festival to be inclusive for all age groups and for it to provide access to authors for as many children as possible. That’s the reason we are holding a big schools programme on the first day, Friday, with lots of authors and poets, including Brian Moses, Tom Palmer, Lou Kuenzler and Ali Sparkes doing workshops with them.

WHAT ELSE CAN VISITORS EXPECT TO ENJOY OVER THE WEEKEND? We’ve tried to cater for all tastes and provide events that will appeal to those who enjoy writing as well as reading. We have an eclectic mix of

Wednesday 28th September 2016

popular authors and poets which includes Gyles Brandreth, Julian Clary, Sarah Raven, Vanessa Nicolson and Lynne Rees.

YOU’RE ALSO INCLUDING SOME POETRY WORKSHOPS – WHO CAN WE LISTEN TO? On the poetry side we have Abegail Morley, Luke Wright and local sixth form student Will Turner, who won a Radio 1 award for his performance poetry and also appeared at the Latitude Festival this summer. There will even be a poetry busker, Kornel Kossuth, who will be writing poetry on demand on the High Street.

HOW EASY DID YOU FIND IT TO GET CELEBRITIES LIKE JULIAN CLARY, GYLES BRANDRETH AND SARAH RAVEN ON BOARD? It can be difficult to get big names to new festivals, but – with a network of contacts and lots of hard work – we have managed to secure some top, well-known writers.

ARE ANY OF YOUR FAMOUS AUTHORS LOCALS? Vanessa Nicolson lives in the area and so does Julian Clary.

IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIFIC THAT MAKES YOUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL DIFFERENT TO ALL THE OTHERS? The focus for ours is definitely one of inclusion.

The aim is to provide as varied a programme as possible – despite very limited funding – and to

encourage people who might not normally think of going to a literary or book event. Reading is the key to writing – you can’t possibly write well unless you are a reader – and the aim is to get as many people as possible in the community engaged with reading, and hopefully get them hooked on it!

YOU SAY IT’S A COMMUNITY EVENT. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THIS? We reached out to the community for funding for this festival and they responded brilliantly! Local businesses and organisations have donated money to pay author and venue fees, funded prizes for our children’s competitions and so much more. We are using around ten different locations in the town for events, and local schools are also hosting authors. Shops will benefit, too, thanks to the extra footfall, and we’re also setting up a ‘pop-up’ book store as unfortunately Cranbrook doesn’t have its own one – but perhaps that could be our next community project.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE YOU EXPECTING? I can’t say specifically but ticket sales are going very well, although some

workshops have restricted numbers such as ‘Words in the Windmill’ due to lack of space.

The big events like the ones in the Queen’s Hall Theatre are drawing huge crowds, which we’re very pleased about.

WHICH OTHER VENUES WILL BE HOSTING EVENTS? We have lots of schools on board and they include Cranbrook, High Weald, Saint Ronan’s, Dulwich Prep School and Cranbrook Primary School. We also have Cranbrook Town Library, Hartley Coffee Shop, Cranbrook RFC, The Windmill, Cocolicious, Ted’s Room and the Vestry Hall. It really is a huge community effort.

IF IT’S A SUCCESS, WILL THIS BE SOMETHING YOU LOOK TO PUT ON ANNUALLY IN CRANBROOK? We would love to make this festival a regular event.

Whether it will be annually or bi-annually we’ll just have to see.

Our organising READ ALL ABOUT IT committee is Gyles Brandreth will very small and be at the festival we all work full-

ARTS & CULTURE �

91

Power of music is a hit for homeless What started as an idea to host a one-off gig to raise money for the homeless charity Crisis has now developed into a huge series of concerts, one of which is happening at The Forum, Tunbridge Wells, on Thursday. Emma Rule, who masterminded the Musicians Against Homelessness project, tells the Times how it snowballed, and how she got the music guru who made Oasis famous, Alan McGee, on board “I volunteer for Crisis at Christmas every year with my husband. The charity has numerous shelters that open in various areas of the UK over the festive period – as well as their all-year-round Skylight centres.

I decided to raise a bit of money for them and put up a post on social media asking if anybody would like to play ‘a’ gig to help.

‘Alan told me he had been homeless briefly before signing Oasis’

COMEDY VALUE: Julian Clary will be talking about his literary ventures, including children’s books time and this ‘hobby’ has certainly taken over our lives, but it’s great that it’s proving to be a success already given the interest it has generated and the many bookings we’ve had.

To find out more information on the Cranbrook Literature Festival, and book tickets, please visit www.cranbrookliteraturefestival.com

I had a lot of response with people sharing it, and within a few days I had around 100 bands volunteering to play.

I realised there was great potential to put on a local gig in many towns, and know from experience as a music PR that it can be difficult for unsigned bands to find somewhere to play and to publicise themselves.

It became clear that if I could help bands get a gig and promote the events then a lot of money could be made for Crisis.

I met Alan McGee, the founder of Creation Records and the man who gave Oasis their first record deal, through a band called Alias Kid, who I was doing the PR for. I went on to help him promote a couple of his other artists’ tours, and when I told him about the incredible response I’d had to my idea for Crisis Alan told me he had been homeless briefly before

signing Oasis, and that he understood the problems faced by homeless people.

Amazingly, he said that if I thought I could make this project a reality he would like to support it 100 per cent – and he has!

I’m now working flat out to promote all of our Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) events, and with something like 115 festivals and gigs featuring over 600 bands it’s quite a big job, but I do have a lot of regional support from volunteer managers.

We have social media to thank for the project succeeding – everything is done through Facebook and Twitter, it’s our office and means of communicating.

Our official launch happened last Thursday at Alan’s Chapel in Talgarth, Wales, with some of the members of the band Cast headlining.

Other artists playing over the five weeks include Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Steve Diggle (Buzzcocks), Rowetta (Happy Mondays) and Goldie Lookin’ Chain.

All of our events are independently hosted and promoted by local people and venues.

At The Forum, Melanie Crouch has organised the MAH gig, which sees David Ford, The Van Susans and Robert Nottingham all performing next Thursday night.

Gigs will be running for the next five weeks or so due to the high demand, and we hope that MAH will be an ongoing project as it has all the elements to make it a huge success for Crisis.”

For more information on MAH visit www.facebook.com/mahgigs. To book tickets to The Forum visit www.twforum.co.uk

Wednesday 28th September 2016

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

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

LOST LOVE See Cymbeline at Trinity and the Odeon >> WEDNESDAY Mr Popper’s Penguins flaps into action today at the Assembly Hall. On until Saturday, it is the story of a poor painter, Mr Popper, who dreams of having an Antarctic adventure. One day his wish comes true courtesy of a mysterious package delivered to him… Based on the charming novel of the same name by Richard and Florence Atwater, this twice-daily stage adaptation is brought to you by the producers of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came to Tea. To book tickets, which cost from £9.50, and find out show times visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Shakespeare fans should go along to Trinity Theatre at 7pm for a live screening of Cymbeline.. This rarely performed tale penned by the Bard is one of deceit, seduction and power, and sees the eponymous character ruling a divided Britain. Matters are made far worse when her daughter, Innogen, thought to be the only living heir to the throne, elopes and marries her lover, Posthumus in secret… Tickets cost £18 and can be booked at www.trinitytheatre.net The Odeon is also showing this at 7pm with tickets priced at £20.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

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

>> THURSDAY The Pantiles Decorative and Fine Arts Society welcomes Anthea Streeter as their guest speaker at 7.30pm in the Jubilee Theatre, Holmewood House.

She will be giving a free talk entitled: Thomas Heatherwick, The Leonardo of Our Times, which focuses on the work of one of Britain’s most groundbreaking and influential designers. His most famous creations include the Olympic Cauldron at the London Games in 2012 and the cool new ruby red Routemaster buses in London. >> FRIDAY The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan’s key annual fundraiser, with events happening all over the country. There’ll be plenty going on in our area, too, at venues ranging from the Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury (9am) to The Forum (10am), where the Great British Bake Off’s local hero Mat Riley will be making an appearance. On Saturday and Sunday from 3.30-5.30pm St John’s Tennis Club will be A COOL ADVENTURE: Children will love Mr Popper’s Penguins

holding another of these charity events, which encourages people to get together for a chat, enjoy cake and make a donation.

For more information on where you can find a coffee morning near you, please visit www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk From 8pm there will be live jazz music at the Spa Hotel. The set will be led by the popular singer Lesley Alexander, who has performed at some of the world’s top jazz venues – including New York’s Cotton Club and Blue Note. To reserve your place, or to book dinner – served until 9.30pm – go to www.spahotel.co.uk Popular comedienne Lucy Porter will be performing her latest show, Consequences, at Trinity Theatre from 8pm. The audience can expect a wealth of witty observations about everything from home brewing to 1990s Britpop. Tickets are £15, see Trinity’s website. >> SATURDAY The Pantiles Food Market is happening this weekend, so pay it a visit to stock up on all your regular seasonal goods, specialist ingredients and delicious oils, condiments and sauces.

Grosvenor and Hilbert Park will be hosting an Apple picking and bulb planting session today from 10.30am-3.30pm. Meet by the Oast House to participate in plucking some ripe apples, which you can then press into a refreshing bottle of juice or two.

Later there will be the opportunity to help plant 4,000 crocus bulbs across the park in support of the Purple4Polio charity campaign. www.fogh.org.uk Also celebrating all things autumnal, Ightham Mote will be putting on an weekend which will apple tasting weekend, offer stalls with products to buy as well as the opportunity to have a

TASTE OF THE COUNTRY Visit Ightham Mote’s apple and orchard weekend stroll through its pretty orchards.

The event is free but usual National Trust admissions apply. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote >> SUNDAY From 10am there will be a special series of Harvest Festivals happening in the Tonbridge Parish. Churches including St Peter and St Paul, St Saviour and St Andrew’s will be taking part and asking parishoners and visitors to donate goods – tea, coffee, tinned fruit and toiletries among them – to raise money and awareness for the charity Shelter.

The Tonbridge Half Marathon kicks off at 10am, so pull on your running gear and get down to the start line at West Kent College to help raise money for lots of local charities, including Tonbridge Cottage Hospital League of Friends, MIND West Kent and the Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.

See www.tonbridgehalfmarathon.co.uk Every weekend until November 6 there will be a chance to see the exhibition Who’s Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue? at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge. Available to view from midday until 4pm, it features a trio of artists – Virginia Bodman, Julian Brown and Gill Ord – and explores the use and interpretation of colour in their work.

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra will be tuning up for its first concert of the season at the Assembly Hall at 3pm.

Conductor Roderick Dunk will commence the concert with Sibelius’s Finlandia, which will be followed by Erich Korngold’s Violin Concerto played by the soloist Callum Smart.

The afternoon’s music will culminate with excerpts from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ballet score. To book tickets, which start at £17, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

WHAT’S ON 

93

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS >> MONDAY The Creatives exhibition is on at the Trinity Gallery until the end of October. They are a group of artists who formed in 2015 to support, inspire and educate one another and share their individual artistic experiences and skills. There’s a wealth of different mediums on display in the show, including illustration, photography and jewellery-making, so there will be something to interest everyone. For more details visit www.creatives-tunbridgewells.com >> TUESDAY Looking for a different way to spend your Tuesday evening? Why not visit the Moonlight Drive-in cinema at the Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, which is showing Mechanic: Resurrection, a crime thriller starring Jason Statham and Jessica Alba tonight and tomorrow. Tickets cost £25 per car. www.moonlightcinema.com Jimmy Carr brings his latest show, entitled The Best Of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits Tour, to the Assembly Hall at 8pm. The comedian’s unique style of acerbic comedy has won him plenty of industry awards and top TV slots, including 8 Out of 10 Cats and Would I Lie To You?

WORTH A VISIT:

French Flea at Otford Village Memorial Hall Saturday October 1, 10:30am-3.30pm

If you love ‘vintiquing’ and sourcing rare vintage items with a little French flair then this is the perfect fair for you. Entry costs just £1 per person, and as well as the many specialist stalls selling Gallic crockery, cushions and glassware, there will be a crêperie and café there, too.

Paul Dunton

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

Live music IT’S another busy music week with plenty of wonderful live acts on offer. Here are my top picks of the week: For jazz piano enthusiasts, the amazing Mike Hatchard is at The Cross Keys Pub this Wednesday evening, and for fans of alternative, folk and rock you can catch popular local four-piece Son of Kirk headlining The Grey Lady with fine support from The Breaks, Peter Taylor and Gronk.

Some great options for Thursday night include the excellent the Blues Brothers’ Little Brother on The Pantiles Bandstand for the final jazz evening of the summer, while The Forum hosts Musicians Against Homelessness with David Ford, The Van Susans and Robert Nottingham.

For other blues lovers, there’s the superb Big Easy Acoustic Quartet at The Cross Keys Pub. And Local & Live Electric returns to The Forum with a trio of very talented up-and-coming alternative and rock groups including Young Apollo, The Crew and White Liars.

If you fancy a boogie and a good singalong, some excellent local acts are in action over the weekend. Jem and Paul perform at The Bedford Pub, Stone Cold Sober are at The Royal Oak and Quentin Holway will be at The Beau Nash. Funkin’ Function play the The Grey Lady and rocking The Forum to its knees will be All The Above, who are Tunbridge Wells’ answer to Rage Against the Machine.

For fans of Folk and Roots music, I highly recommend Phil O’Hare at the Tonbridge Folk Club this Monday evening.

SATURDAY All The Above, Spreading The Disease, Basement Cat and Inception’s Dawn WEDNESDAY Blood Youth, ZOAX and Cove THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

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

WEDNESDAY Gronk, Peter Taylor, The Breaks, Son Of Kirk FRIDAY Salsa Camina SATURDAY Funkin’ Function MUSIC ON THE PANTILES BANDSTAND

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

THURSDAY Last night of the jazz series: Blues Brothers’ Little Brother THE CROSS KEYS

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

WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Mike Hatchard: LEJOG piano extraordinaire FRIDAY Sonny’s Blues: The Big Easy Acoustic Quartet MONDAY TWUNT – Ukulele Jam Session WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Paul & The Nocasters and guests

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

THE SPA HOTEL

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

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

Dining available, booking advised on 01892 520331

WEDNESDAY Trash Boat + The Gospel Youth + These Minds + Raised by Raptors THURSDAY Musicians Against Homelessness: David Ford, The Van Susans, Robert Nottingham FRIDAY MORNING: Macmillan Coffee Morning with The Great British Bake Off’s Mat Riley – the Tunbridge Wells fireman who appeared last year.

EVENING: Local & Live Electric: Young Apollo, The Crew, White Liars

THE BEDFORD PUB

2 High Street open all day, free entry, music from 2pm till close

SATURDAY Jem and Paul THE BEAU NASH INN

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

FRIDAY Soul Night SATURDAY Quentin Holway SUNDAY Open Mic Night SCALLYWAG CAFE

45 Mount Ephraim

WEDNESDAY Cabaret Open Mic Night TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB

Ye Olde Chequers Inn, 122 High Street, Tonbridge, free entry, music 8-11pm, hat collection (£7 recommended) Full details at www.tonbridgefolkclub.org

MONDAY Phil O’Hare THE PUNCH & JUDY

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

TUESDAY Simon Stanley – Ward Band

FRIDAY Live Jazz with Lesley Alexander THE ROYAL OAK

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

SATURDAY Stone Cold Sober

Young Apollo

Wednesday 28th September 2016

94 � PUZZLES SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU 7

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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

Wednesday 28th September 2016

9 3

2 5

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Codeword:

2 4 7

4 9

D O C T O R S

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

X Y

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O N A I R

In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply.

Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions to be published in next week’s paper

U MM Y E N I O J OM P U T E I C R C H E S T R L S U F F I X F R Z W L E A N A L I B F N G I E F E H T L I T C H I E

Sudoku:

6 2 9 5 1 4 3 7 8

4 1 5 8 3 7 9 2 6

8 7 3 9 6 2 4 1 5

R A D I A T I N G

I Q U R I C K E B R

E S L R R A E N V E G

U E N F T R E Y E S U I C T R I O A N

Jigsaw Sudoku:

3 9 1 2 4 6 5 8 7

7 8 2 1 5 3 6 4 9

5 4 6 7 9 8 1 3 2

9 5 8 4 2 1 7 6 3

2 6 4 3 7 5 8 9 1

1 3 7 6 8 9 2 5 4

7 3 4 1 8 5 6 2 9

8 9 5 2 4 1 3 7 6

5 4 2 6 7 9 1 3 8

1 7 6 8 9 3 2 5 4

3 2 9 4 5 6 8 1 7

6 5 1 7 2 8 9 4 3

4 8 7 9 3 2 5 6 1

2 1 8 3 6 4 7 9 5

9 6 3 5 1 7 4 8 2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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★★★★

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DIFFICULTY RATING:

4

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

★★II

2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

1

SOLUTIONS (FROM LAST WEEK)

DIFFICULTY RATING:

CODEWORD

Clive Attrell has a well-established and successful antiques warehouse on the High Street in Hastings Old Town and you may recognise him from Dickinson's Real Deal, on which he was an appraiser for over two years, and numerous other television productions.

For general enquiries call Phil on: 07836 719895

For more info please visit: www.freeantiquesvaluations.com

" I'm so glad I went, I was a little nervous about going as I had never been before.

However it was very relaxed & interesting, Clive was very friendly and explained a lot more about my items than I expected him to " Mrs. Jenson from Ashford

You never actually own a Patek Philippe.

-

You merely look after it for the next generation.

PATEK PHrLIPPE GENEVE Begin your own tradition.

By Appo intment to Her Majesty The Queen Jeweller

G. Collins&SonsLtd Royal Tunbridge Wells

&;. C!Iollins

& ~ons

~~~~-++~~~~-

76/78, High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YB Telephone: (01892) 534018 Fax: (01892) 510536 email: info@gcollinsandsons.com · www.gcollinsandsons.com

Annual Calendar Re£ 5205G