Times of Tunbridge Wells 3rd August 2016

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Wednesday, August 3, 2016

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HOTELIER REFUTES FAMILY’S VERSION OF DISPUTE OVER AUTISTIC BOY Page 5

HONDA NSX IS AT CUTTING EDGE OF SPORTS CAR TECHNOLOGY

CAMDEN QUARTER RESTAURANT COULD REOPEN WITHIN A FEW WEEKS

Page 63

Page 3

POST-BREXIT SURGE IN THOSE SIGNING UP TO POLITICAL PARTIES Page 4

Pokémon bench is wrecked by vandals and then repaired

by Good Samaritans

By William Lloyd A MEMORIAL bench in Calverley Grounds that has been named as the location of a Pokéstop has been vandalised.

The bench was placed there by widow Janet Balmforth ‘in loving memory of Adrian Balmforth 1928-2003’. Her late husband was at one time Director of The Grove Bowling Club in Tunbridge Wells.

The app Pokémon Go was released in early July and has become a summer sensation.

The aim of the game is for players to catch Pokémon creatures in their local area and then head to ‘Gyms’ where they fight other users.

The bench is the location of a Pokéstop, where users can collect eggs or Poké Balls which allow them to capture more Pokémon. It is the only bench in the grounds that is a Pokéstop and it was the only bench damaged on Saturday.

SCREENSHOT Bench as seen on Pokémon

Continued on page 2

Town misses out on chance INSIDE for a ‘grown-up’ night spot WAITROSE EFFECT

Supermarket could add £40,000 to value of your home. Page 6

Decision not to allow extra time for £500,000 project described as ‘mistake’

LOST OPPORTUNITY Private members’ club plans fell through

Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PLANS to create ‘a real game changer’ on The Pantiles with the opening of a private members’ club, complete with restaurant and bar, have fallen through, the Times can reveal.

The news comes in the same week that the empty Heritage Centre site on The Pantiles has been put back on the market. Earlier this year plans to develop it as a Curzon cinema also collapsed.

Both sites are on the Lower Pantiles, which is owned by the Marquess of Abergavenny through the Nevill Estate.

Alexander Proud, founder of one of the most recognised venue operators in the country, has spoken of his regret that his plans to open a new club did not come to fruition.

His company, Proud Group, runs the epony-

mous photography galleries in Chelsea, Camden Town and the Strand – alongside two further galleries outside of the capital plus a nightclub and three cabaret venues.

He had wanted to start the development at 51 The Pantiles, formerly the Masala Indian restaurant, next spring and was planning to invest up to half a million pounds in the project.

‘This would have been a game changer for The Pantiles’ Despite reaching heads of agreement with the Nevill Estate after two years of talks, the deal fell through due to a further delay in starting.

Mr Proud, a former Tonbridge School pupil, explained that this came about due to his company’s purchase of Stanmer House in Brighton from Whiting and Hammond and

the need to divert time and resources towards that project.

However, Mr Proud spoke of his frustration that the process had taken two years in the first place, especially as the initial delay was ultimately caused by the failed attempt to house a Curzon cinema in the neighbouring Corn Exchange.

He said it was ‘a real shame’ to come so close as he believes Tunbridge Wells is crying out for such a venue.

“We almost signed two years ago and then the big cinema deal got in the way, and we had to wait behind it, which was frustrating to say the least.

“And now we have reached heads agreement [with the Nevill Estate], but our timing was off as I just took over Stanmer House.”

Mr Proud made clear he has an extremely good relationship with the Marquess of Abergavenny, adding the estate had a ‘great vision’ for The Pantiles.

But he described the decision not to wait for the Proud Group to be ready as ‘a mistake’.

“This would have been a real game changer for The Pantiles.

“A national brand with credibility, and huge demand in Tunbridge Wells for a grown-up restaurant and bar to have fun in until late without all the kids that frequent some of the other later venues.

“I grew up in Tunbridge Wells and it was a dreadful, dull, violent place. But now Brighton costs so much, all the cool people who once went there are coming

Continued on page 2

ART SHOW HIGH

Society has most successful exhibition in its history. Page 3

THE KENT TEST

Bright children from low income families tutored free. Page 7

AFTERNOON TEA

Best places in town to tempt your taste buds. Pages 56-57

2 � LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday Early rain clearing through the morning, to leave a dry day with sunny spells

August 3, 2016

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21 C

Visibility: Very good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 98%

Sunrise: 05.28am

Sunset: 20.49pm

Wind: 15mph

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

20ºC

20ºC

21ºC

23ºC

22ºC

21ºC

A dramatic twilight over Tunbridge Wells

by Matt Styles

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

SECOND CHANCE TO FIND TENANT Continued from page 1 to towns like Tunbridge Wells, and there is a huge gap in the market to cater for them.”

The 4,736 sq ft property that is Number 51 has a per annum lease available of £50,000 and a business rate value of £38,250.

However, despite the setback the property is back under offer.

Although the identity of the potential leaseholder has not been disclosed, Rupert Farrant, founder of chartered surveyors Durlings, which is listing the company, said the venue ‘would not be another restaurant’.

The Heritage Centre, which used to house A Day At The Wells – the historical tourist attraction which depicted Tunbridge Wells during the Georgian era until its closure in 2004 – has also been listed by estate agent Durlings in the past week.

Options for this site include either an agreed rental arrangement for ‘a term of years’ or the sale of a 105-year lease with a peppercorn rent.

Forming the rear section of the Corn Exchange, and bordering on to Sussex Mews, planning and listed building consent is still available for a three-screen cinema with a capacity of 289 seats and an associated cafe or bar facility on the site.

However, Mr Farrant said there had been ‘a lot of interest’ in the building as it can be used for many purposes.

He added: “Because it has D2 planning consent there are a range of options for what can be done with the place.

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

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

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QUOTE UNQUOTE ‘A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves’ Lao Tzu

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

“It can be used for assembly, health or leisure.”

The majority of those showing an interest were not looking at purchasing the 105-year lease but were after a shorter arrangement, he said.

Examples of what a building classified as D2 can be used for include cinemas, music and concert halls, bingo and dance halls (but not night clubs), swimming baths, skating rinks, gymnasiums or an area for indoor or outdoor sports and recreations.

Nevill Estate has owned the Lower Pantiles and Corn Exchange since 2012, however this section of popular promenade has often been

SADNESS OVER DAMAGED MEMORIAL Continued from page 1

CONTACTS

PAST PLANS The Heritage Centre would have been a cinema

Nicholas Pope from Friends of Calverley Grounds said: “I am saddened that people think it is acceptable to vandalise property, and even more so when it is a memorial to someone, causing even greater upset.”

When news of the vandalism became known there was an outpouring of comment on social media that resulted in two local people stepping in and repairing the bench.

Nicholas Pope said: “I would like to thank Dave Paterson and Rob Quinnell for repairing the memorial bench.”

Both are ‘local tradespeople’

who felt so strongly about the incident that they were prepared to give up their time to make the repairs.

A council spokesperson said: ‘Mrs Balmforth contacted the council on Monday to report some damage to the bench, fortunately it is repairable.

“Sadly, from time to time things in the park do get damaged. Anyone who has any information about this, please contact either the police or the council.’

It currently costs a donor £750 to provide a memorial bench in a council park.

It is not known if the connection with Pokémon led to the damage.

overshadowed by the Upper Pantiles, which is owned by developer Targetfollow.

But the area maintains great potential, said Matthew Sankey, who heads the Association of Pantiles Traders, although he believes substantial investment is needed to make it work.

He said: “It’s a shame the cinema project never materialised. The Heritage Centre is an impressive site but it is enormous and it will take a large chunk of investment from a large firm.

“We would like to see another leisure facility there to draw more people to this part of town.”

No-one from the Nevill Estate was available for comment.

VANDALISED The bench on Sunday

WHY THERE’S BEEN A SURGE OF INTEREST IN MAINSTREAM POLITICAL PARTIES THE face of politics is changing and it’s likely there are still a few people out there who have not yet quite realised.

Post Brexit there’s been a surge of interest in joining political parties and this trend is reflected locally. Our story on page four shows how the Conservatives in west Kent have seen a 25 per cent increase in people signing up, while Labour has witnessed a 52 per cent jump and the Lib Dems 51 per cent.

These are people who want to play a greater part in all aspects of the political process at local and national level. They want to have a voice; they want to be heard. And that’s what’s changing.

No longer will a significant section of the electorate sit back, listen to others tell them where they should stand on a particular issue

and then vote accordingly.

The truth is the rank and file are disillusioned with what they perceive to be the Westminster elite – politicians who live in a bubble and have never had ‘a proper job’. Politicians they perceive to be out of touch with everyday life and its challenges.

For the record, MPs Greg Clark (Tunbridge Wells), Tom Tugendhat (Tonbridge) and Nus Ghani (Wealden) have all had ‘proper jobs’.

The evidence of change is there for those who care to look. You really don’t need a Mori poll or YouGov survey.

Brexit was not so much about staying in Europe or leaving. It was more about taking the chance to send a message. For the first time in decades the electorate knew that every vote counted. They were all added up at the

end and it did not matter if you lived in a Tory stronghold or Labour encampment, each vote counted nationally.

Then Donald came along and bucked the trend. No way in the natural order of things should Mr Trump have ended up being the Republican’s front man for President. But people were disillusioned with the Washington elite.

Add to that the phenomenon that is Mr Corbyn, who is likely to be confirmed as Labour leader by the party’s rank and file against the desire of the majority of his MPs, and the circle of evidence is complete.

Where it will lead is anyone’s guess. Real democracy, perhaps?

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS 

NEWS IN BRIEF

Met Police Flying Squad arrest two in Rusthall TWO men have been charged with robbery following their arrest in Tunbridge Wells.

Both men were detained in Rusthall on Friday by detectives from the Metropolitan Police Flying Squad after an earlier robbery in nearby Fordcombe Road.

The two men were charged on Saturday and have been named by police as David Kirby (40) of West End in Kensing, near Sevenoaks, who was charged with robbery and dangerous driving, and Sam Carlton (30) of Bridge Road, Erith who was charged with robbery and refusing to provide a sample for a Class A drugs test.

Both were kept in custody until they appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday. They were remanded in custody to appear at Croydon Crown Court on August 26.

Greens applaud Clark TUNBRIDGE WELLS Green Party has welcomed Greg Clark’s announcement of a review into the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station project.

Amid fears that the UK will struggle to keep within its carbon budget during the next decade, the Green Party has urged development of a ‘Plan G’ (Plan Green) national energy strategy to replace the Hinkley Point C project.

Chair John Hurst said: “Hinkley Point C is a mega-project with all the warning signs of failure – complex new technology, a financial stretch, and very diverse shareholders – with an uncertain start-up date being the result.

“Accelerating implementation of renewables to address that challenge would also buy time for a better longer-term solution than Hinkley Point C to be worked out,” he added.

PCC calls for helpers VOLUNTEERS are needed to make unannounced visits to the country’s police custody cells to check standards and the welfare of detained persons.

Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, has called for 15 more Independent Custody Visitors to add to the 35 who are already volunteering for the service within the county.

Their role is to visit stations throughout the county, including those in Tonbridge and Maidstone.

Popular restaurant set to reopen after collapse of parent company Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

HOPING TO BUY Manager Gerri Stevens outside Camden Quarter

THE Camden Quarter restaurant that was shut down when Turners Fine Foods collapsed into administration last week could be back in business by the end of the month.

The restaurant’s Manager, Gerri Stevens, is hoping to buy the business from the administrators KPMG. The development comes after the administrator entered the popular Camden Road venue on July 26 and gave staff just hours to pack up and move out before locking the doors.

This was despite the restaurant preparing to host a local business function that day and provide food for 30 extra guests.

‘We have been owned by Turners for the last ten years’ Although the Camden Quarter had suffered a setback earlier in the year when Environmental Health Officers awarded it just one star for hygiene, it was the close links to Turners that led to its closure.

“We have been owned by Turners for the last ten years, and when they went into administration KPMG came to the restaurant and literally shut the doors and changed the locks,” said Mrs Stevens.

The restaurant had been owned by the food company for the best part of a decade and was largely left to its own devices, according to Mrs Stevens, who had managed it for the last two and a half years – joining just before it changed its name from

Relish. The restaurant has established a reputation for serving ‘eclectic modern European’ food.

Business had been tough in the preceding months following its onestar rating in March, but Mrs Stevens said none of the problems which had been identified was to do with hygiene and they had been resolved by the time a revisit by the inspectors was scheduled.

“It was not about food hygiene but things like two cracked tiles and the lack of a painted vegetable area that led to the poor score. We have done everything they wanted us to do but of course it had a massive impact on business,” she admitted.

But the decline of the restaurant’s owners still took the staff at Camden Quarter by surprise, especial-

ly after it had received substantial investment from the ultimate owner’s London-based firm, Agathos Management.

In April Agathos placed Silver Star Foods [the parent company of Turners] under new management headed

by Executive Chairman Sean Cooper, who told everyone on June 27 that he was ‘trying to fix the businesses’.

Weeks later Mr Cooper wrote to customers expressing his ‘deep regret’ that the task of turning the company around had been unsuccessful.

But the collapse of Turners has handed Mrs Stevens an opportunity.

“Not very many people actually realised the place was owned by Turners and because they left us alone most people thought it was independently run.

“We managed to create quite a unique place and we don’t want to lose it so we are in the process of talking to the administrators about buying back the business.

“There is also the issue of whether we have to renegotiate the lease with the landlord,” she added.

“The last thing the town needs is another chain restaurant, and part of the joy of Camden Road is the independents.”

Mrs Stevens is hoping to acquire the restaurant as soon as possible in order to hire back the staff she was forced to let go.

“I hope to have it reopened by the end of August,” she revealed. “And although we will keep the same sort of menu, we may change the name for a fresh start.”

Art society celebrates its most successful show

Missing mural mystery MURALS on the walls of the Tunbridge Wells train station have been removed, bringing disappointment for many passengers.

The pictures depicted the history of Tunbridge Wells – including important historical figures such as Lord North and Beau Nash – as well as a historical view of The Pantiles. No official reason has been given for the removal.

3

ART BEAT (L-R) Ian Kesterton, Louise Giblin, Terry Gibbs and Sue Clark

THE prestigious Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society is celebrating the most successful exhibition in its 80-year history.

Three artists sold a total of 60 paintings priced from £15 to £350 in the show, which ran from July 22 until Monday night at their centre in The Pantiles Lower Walk. The artists were new Chairman Sue Clark, Ian Kesterton and Terry Gibbs.

“We can’t believe it,” said Sue Clark. “Hundreds of people came and we are floating about on cloud nine. It was our most successful exhibition to date.

“And some people, including a former chairman, said it was the best

exhibition by the society they had ever seen.”

Local sculptor Louise Giblin opened the show at the packed Private View on the first night and they also held a late-night opening during the Jazz on The Pantiles entertainment, which brought in even more art lovers.

FUTURE DATES Two more exhibitions follow hot on the heels of their success from this Saturday – artists Ian Milner, Jean Lockwood and Katherine Brodie will show their paintings until August 15, followed by Peter Cernis and John Killens from August 20-29.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

4  LOCAL NEWS

Politics is back in fashion after referendum vote Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MEMBERSHIP of local political parties has surged in the wake of the referendum as people sign up to help shape the future of the country.

After years of decline or stagnation, both of the major parties have reported a rise in new applications from people eager to re-engage with the political process.

The West Kent Conservative Association – which covers Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge – has seen the number of members increase from around 2,000 to 2,500 in the last month alone.

Campaign Director Andrew Kennedy, who has described the 25 per cent surge as the ‘most intense’ he could remember, said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ at this new level of activism.

“It is very encouraging,” he said.

“As an association we have not fared too badly over the last five years because unlike in many parts of the country our membership was steady as opposed to declining.

“We were generally able to sign up enough people to replace those who died or moved away.”

This sudden upswing in card-carrying Conservatives is unprecedented and was so unexpected that at first Mr Kennedy admitted he, and many of his colleagues, were suspicious of the result.

“Was this influx something organised by one of the left-wing

IN

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

pressure groups protesting about the EU vote?

“Or perhaps an exercise by jubilant UKIP supporters riding a post-referendum tidal wave and landing on our shore?”

But once he delved into the data as the applications began to be processed, he realised that neither of these fears had any basis.

What he discovered was 79 per cent of applicants had never even been members of a party and just over half had voted to remain in the EU at the referendum.

Around 20 per cent of members said they would be willing to stand for local office and around one in ten were under 23.

Mr Kennedy believes there were three main motivations behind this surge and enthusiasm in grass-roots politics.

“Firstly, I believe the referendum has re-engaged people who now realise that by being involved in politics they can make a difference,” he said.

“Secondly, members who left our party for whatever reason appear to be drifting back.

“Lastly, although people were either delighted or disappointed by the referendum result, many now want to get stuck in and help shape the future of the country.”

‘I believe the referendum has re-engaged people’ Even the rise in membership across his rival parties was welcomed by Mr Kennedy, who said it was ‘good for democracy’.

The chairman of the Tunbridge Wells Constituency Labour Party, Andrew Sharp, agreed that the recent rise in re-engagement with politics was ‘encouraging’.

The local party has seen its membership climb

IN AND OUT: Referendum activists are partly behind the resurgence of local parties

to 822 from 540 at the time of the borough elections in May, an increase of 52 per cent.

However, Mr Sharp believes the majority of interest in signing up stems from the latest leadership competition within the national Labour Party.

He said: “While the referendum increased engagement with politics overall, I think the significant increase we have seen since is due to the leadership election – although it is fair to say the Brexit vote probably triggered this.”

Mr Sharp said 180 new members signed up since the contest started, with the increased membership fee of £25 proving almost no deterrent.

Although the majority of the new members are unlikely to be activists, which he said was ‘fairly typical’ of political organisations, the younger people signing up are showing more willingness to get stuck into campaigning.

Almost 20 per cent of members are now aged 26 or under.

But Mr Sharp thinks the surge has now started to abate and expects things to tail off in the next few months.

“The window of opportunity for people wanting a say in the leadership contest has now closed and I expect it to be quieter for the rest of the summer.”

Membership of the Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats has risen from 149 to 225 members in the same period, an increase of 51 per cent.

OUT

LOCAL NEWS 

Hotelier refutes family’s version of incident involving an autistic boy When my husband told the owner about Jay’s autism, he replied: ‘I don’t care, everybody’s got problems.’”

She went to reception to ask if the man was indeed the owner of the London Road two-star hotel. “He was standing behind us at reception and said: ‘I am the owner, I have the power to throw you out. I want you all out.’”

Mr Ritchie told him: “If you throw us out, then I’m not paying the bill.”

They had run up £1,300.

“I was worried my kids had nowhere to stay that night,” said Ms Hanglin. Their daughters, AllyAdela, 7, and 19-year-old Krystel, were with them.

For the next three nights they all stayed at One Warwick Park Hotel.

TREATMENT (L-R) Jay Ritchie with dad Jason, sister Ally-Adela and mum Katharine

Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE family of an autistic boy were asked to leave a Tunbridge Wells hotel after they launched a ‘loud verbal assault’ on the owner, during which they accused him of ‘racism and discrimination’.

That’s the claim of The Russell Hotel owner Richard Morley and it is in stark contrast to the allegations made by the child’s parents. Mr Morley’s version of events is, he said, supported by a visiting German tourist.

Katharine Hanglin and her husband Jason Ritchie, who live in Gibraltar, claimed they were told to leave the hotel by the ‘loud, intimidating and rude’ owner following an argument over their six-year-old son Jay listening to his iPad. Jay suffers from severe autism.

They claim they were eating breakfast in the restaurant when the volume rose sharply on the device, which has important therapeutic value to the boy. Ms Hanglin said she turned it down straightaway.

But she was then approached by hotel owner Richard Morley. She recalled: “He bent down and said to me: ‘Switch the iPad off.’

“I told him: ‘I can’t do that, my son is autistic and needs it to relax.’ He said: ‘I want it off. It’s bothering the guests. I am the owner of this hotel and I want it off. Take him out.’

“He was intimidating me, he was in my face.

‘Jay’s family were certainly not asked to leave because of the volume of his iPad’ Mr Morley told the Times: “Jay’s family were certainly not asked to leave because of the volume of his iPad. “After complaints by other guests the family

were asked if they could turn the volume down as it was particularly noisy in the breakfast room,” he added.

“They refused and became very agitated at this request, causing some disruption through a loud verbal assault accusing me personally of racism and discrimination.

“They made immediate threats to refuse payment and to further damage our business through appeals in social and mainstream media.

“In consequence of such unpleasantness they were invited to find other accommodation if they found ours so unacceptable.”

Mr Morley said The Russell was a small, family-run hotel that prided itself on providing personal service wherever possible.

He added: “Guests are welcome to use electronic devices providing ear sets are used for the consideration of others, and in Jay’s particular case further leeway was given because of his condition and apparent lack of headphones.

“Consequently the incident did not occur through his use of the device but rather because of the severe reaction by his family when asked if the volume could be reduced.

“Naturally all of us at The Russell Hotel are very saddened by this event and that such a misunderstanding has occurred.”

Mr Morley added that the incident had been closely witnessed by other guests who could verify his account.

The Times received a copy of an email apparently sent by German tourist Julian Holl: “I saw the owner approach a table where the guests were playing an iPad very loudly.

“He asked them very nicely if the volume could be made less and they became very angry straight away. They walked around the room calling him a racist and saying he was discriminating them.

“They also made many ugly threats and were very rude and aggressive. I have been a waiter in Germany and I never see anything like this from guests in all my life. Their behaviour was very shocking. The impression was given to me that they wanted publicity and didn’t want to pay the hotel bill.

“I write this to you because I think their actions were not right and that what I read [in the media] is not correct.”

5

Jay is currently being treated at the Starjumpz children’s centre in Crowborough, which provides pioneering paediatric services for children with learning, developmental, motor and behavioural challenges.

The centre’s director, Jo Brett, described the family as ‘extremely distraught’.

She said: “Jay’s body needs more sensory feedback than usual because of his condition – a lot of touch and pressure – so he would have been fidgety and moving around, touching things. “iPads and devices like that help to hold the attention of children with autism and keep them calm.”

It is the third time that the family have used the Crowborough facility. They first came over in August last year because of a lack of suitable therapy in Gibraltar.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY JANE HARRIS, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society, said: “Sadly not enough of the public understand how difficult autistic people can find busy restaurants, shops or hotels.

“It isn’t that the public sets out to be judgemental towards autistic people, but we believe they often simply don’t see the autism. They just see a ‘naughty’ child or a ‘difficult’ adult.

“We’re working with a wide range of companies through our Too Much Information campaign to help them provide the right kind of support for their autistic customers.”

SCREEN BREAK Jay Ritchie with his iPad

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

6  LOCAL NEWS

Waitrose in town would add £40,000 to your house price Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk NOW there’s yet another reason for the residents of Tunbridge Wells to complain about not having a Waitrose in the town.

Living near the upmarket supermarket chain can increase the value of your home by almost £40,000, according to a report by Lloyds Bank.

The ‘Waitrose effect’ adds £38,666 to your house price, while the next highestvalue grocers are Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer on £27,000-plus.

Even Iceland can add £20,000 to your property’s market worth, with Lidl, the renowned budget store, chipping in almost £4,000.

Tunbridge Wells residents have long bemoaned the fact that there is no Waitrose in the town. The two elements are viewed by many as a classic ‘match’.

The lack is felt all the more because the neighbouring shopping communities of Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Crowborough, Paddock Wood and Edenbridge all have one of the ‘posh grocers’.

The recent closure of Morrisons by Tunbridge Wells railway station and the demise of BHS in the town’s central pedestrian precinct are topics where the subject of Waitrose crops up.

‘There’s definitely a correlation between the price of your home and major supermarkets’ The chain was supposed to have been interested in developing the old cinema site on Mount Pleasant before pulling out in 2010.

Keith Radley manages the Crowborough branch of estate agents Wood & Pilcher, which has a Waitrose on its doorstep.

He said: “John Lewis will do their research on an area and if they decide it’s up and coming, they may well choose to put in a Waitrose.

“It is a very good sign for the area.

Having a Waitrose is definitely a plus

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Estate agent Keith Radley (below) talks about the local ‘Waitrose effect’

STORE VALUES… What each supermarket might add to the price of your house

point because it’s always considered a high-end supermarket.”

Yet he does not believe the Waitrose effect would work in Tunbridge Wells, where house prices are already high for other reasons. He said: “I can’t see it adding that sort of value in the town.

“People wouldn’t move to Tunbridge Wells because of a Waitrose, more because of the schools and transport.

“But I’ve got to be careful what I say here because my brother works for Waitrose in Tenterden!”

Mr Radley said the traditional factors that boost house prices are proximity to train stations, especially those with access to London, links to road networks and good schools.

In Crowborough, residents are spoilt for choice because there is a Waitrose and a Lidl within a quarter of a mile of each other.

“We have the best of both worlds here,” said Mr Radley. “I think it’s vital

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Waitrose Sainsbury’s Marks & Spencer Tesco Iceland Co-op Morrisons Asda Lidl Aldi

£38,666 £27,939 £27,182 £22,072 £20,034 £17,904 £10,558 £5,026 £3,926 £1,333

to have a good balance, and people like the choice; they like to shop in both Waitrose and Lidl these days.”

Lloyds Bank examined house prices in postal districts close to major supermarket chains, and discovered that there was an average price hike of £22,000.

Mike Songer, the Mortgage Director at Lloyds Bank, said: “There’s definitely a correlation between the price of your home and whether it’s close to a major supermarket or not.

“Our figures show that the amount added to the value of your home can be even greater if located next to a brand which is perceived as upmarket.”

Another park flies the Green Flag as latest awards are announced GROSVENOR AND HILBERT PARK has joined a list of award-winning green spaces in Tunbridge Wells with the announcement of this year’s Green Flag Awards.

The borough now boasts five Green Flag parks – the others being Calverley Grounds, Dunorlan Park, Woodbury Park Cemetery and The Grove, which all retained their flags for another year. It puts the parks among the best in the UK. The Green Flag means they are good quality parks and green spaces, and are managed in an environmentally-sensitive and sustainable way; they are considered to be welcoming, healthy, safe and secure for all members of the community.

Councillor Jane March, Cabinet member with responsibility for the parks, said:

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

“A lot of hard work goes into maintaining Ten years ago, in 2006, Dunorlan Park and the parks to a high standard so that our The Grove received their first Green Flags. residents and visitors can enjoy them Woodbury Park Cemetery got its first flag at their best. I am grateful to the parks in 2008 and Calverley Grounds in 2015. team and our contractors, and of course for the support of the various Friends groups, as none of this would be possible without their fantastic help.’

It’s been a busy year for Grosvenor and Hilbert Park; two months ago events were held to mark the completion of restoration and improvement work carried out thanks to an GOING GREEN award of just under £2.5million Improved Grosvenor from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Hilbert Park and Big Lottery Fund.

LOCAL NEWS 

Increasing body of evidence suggests that 11-plus does not promote social mobility

7

SHAPING THE FUTURE ‘The 11-plus is certainly tutorable’

Chance for bright children from low-income families to be tutored free OUR FRONT page story two weeks ago reporting calls for an end to the ‘unfair’ 11-plus entrance exam has created an interesting debate.

In the article, Kent Education Network (KEN) suggested that a quarter of pupils accepted into grammar schools had actually failed the Kent Test. They were taken into grammars after appeals.

KEN also argued against independent schools coaching pupils for the exam, claiming it was to the detriment of ‘disadvantaged pupils’ – those on free school meals.

Among those offering comment was Zoe Browne, Chair of a local charity called AIM (Achieve Inspire Motivate) Here’s what she told the Times: “We became a registered charity this year and provide free 11-plus preparation. Our aim is to increase the opportunities for bright children from low-income families to be successful in the exam and so make grammar school places more accessible to all.

While the grammar school system is intended to offer an

education to children based on their academic ability, there is an increasing body of evidence that suggests the system does not promote social mobility and that children from poorer backgrounds do not have equal access to grammar school places.

In response to your article touching on the appeal process, I think the suggestion that the process isn’t fair is true but not perhaps for the reasons reported

by KEN. Everyone has the opportunity to appeal. You are appealing against the school allocation not the 11plus result.

Children may fail the Kent Test for a number of different reasons. A bereavement or illness could have contributed to the result

HAPPY PUPILS Hoping for a place at a grammar school

on the day. The opportunity to register an appeal actually does seem fair but the process is not.

Some people employ lawyers to support their case, others are well equipped to write supporting statements, gather evidence and present their case in front of a panel. Many people would struggle to navigate this process, which in my mind makes it unfair.

AIM has not been set up to make any political statement about the grammar school system but we would like to highlight the barriers faced by pupils who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Often these children have different educational aspirations and family perceptions that grammar schools are not suitable for them. Attendance at schools with particular challenges, having English as a second language and work and home life difficulties may also act as barriers.

Parents’ educational abilities can often make them unable to support preparation at home.

But one of the biggest barriers is lack of access to preparation for the 11-plus exam.

Despite what the local authority believes, we do live in a ‘tutor culture’ and the exam is certainly ‘tutorable’. There are elements of the test, NVR and VR [non-verbal and verbal reasoning], which are not taught at school so unless you have had some practice this is a real stumbling block. Those who can pay to help their child prepare for the exam are certainly at an advantage.

AIM has two places available in this summer’s programme and will have 10 places on offer for year 5 (in September) children starting in November 2016. There will be a short maths and English entry test held this year to help assess ability.

AIM is supported by Bright Young Things and www.mathsandsciencetuition.com.”

Contact zoecataniaaim@gmail.com for more information.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

8  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Pool of creative talent helps put the town top of national league Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk TUNBRIDGE WELLS is one of the UK’s top ‘creative hotspots’, according to a new report by Creative England, the not-for-profit organisation that supports the sector.

The in-depth analysis, made in collaboration with the innovation charity Nesta, sheds light on what makes the town one of the most prolific places for running a creative business.

While the report states it is ‘unsurprising’ that London comes out on top, it goes on to say: “What is perhaps more interesting is that some of the locations that follow it – places such as Tunbridge Wells, Slough, Heathrow… Aldershot – are not examples of ‘creative cities’, at least as usually defined.”

The report found a ‘high concentration’ of creative industries with a ‘high growth rate’ in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area.

It attributes this to the town’s ability to draw on a wide and varied pool of talent within its TTWA (Travel To Work Area) in order to sustain and grow the sector.

A score is given to each area’s TTWA, and on this measure Tunbridge Wells scores second behind London and equal to better known locations such as Brighton by fulfilling five out of 12 criteria.

These metrics include the concentration of creative businesses, their subsectors and employment as well as growth in these areas.

The report adds: “This geographical proximity has important advantages: Creative businesses are able to tap into a critical mass of creative workers, access clients and collaborate and share information with one another.”

For those who work in the sector locally, the findings of the survey are welcomed but come as little surprise.

Mike Goode, of Hop House Design – a marketing, branding and advertising firm on Church Road, Tunbridge Wells – said it was a case of ‘birds of a feather stick together’.

“Tunbridge Wells is a strong and positive brand. Many clients like it when you say this is where the company is based and it sends out a positive signal.

“It is a good source of freelance workers, whether that is copywriters, web designers or app designers.”

He explained the importance of the creative sector in the local economy is nothing new and that it has a long legacy of excelling in the field, which adds to the attraction of setting up a company here.

“In the 1980’s Tunbridge Wells had the biggest advertising agency outside of London in the form of Newton & Godin. There was a huge print base, which quite a few companies still specialise in,

and I believe one of the largest concentrations of typesetters.”

He added that although a disproportionate number of creative specialists who lived here worked in the town, many also travelled up to London for work, adding to the general skillset

of the area, although he believes connection to London is less important nowadays.

“It used to be an issue, but not as much now. I used to travel up to London frequently but now only do so about once a month.”

For others, though, the proximity to other

TUNBRIDGE WELLS CREATIVE HUB The collaborative project between private businesses and councils was launched last November

About the report THE report identified a total of 49 ‘creative clusters’ across the UK based on identifying groups of creative subsectors, their concentration and their importance to the local economy.

It found the creative sector was valued at £81billion, formed 5.2 per cent of the UK economy in 2014, and employed just under two million people last year.

The report said: “Creative industries display a

strong tendency to concentrate in a small number of locations. In doing so, they form creative clusters – concentrations of creative businesses and workers that collaborate and compete with each other.”

However, the specialisations of each of these clusters is varied and the dynamic is different in each one. It therefore urges against a ‘one size fits all’ approach to implementing policy for the creative industries and instead recommends a ‘pragmatic and data-driven approach.’

BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

Crime costs rural Dividend hike firms £2million at MP Evans

Rail disruption in August forecast

RURAL crime rose by nine per cent in Kent last year, costing the county £1.9million – despite remaining broadly static at a national level.

The figures form part of NFU Mutual’s annual Rural Crime Report, published last week, which reveal the items most commonly targeted by thieves across Kent over the last 12 months were tools from farms and businesses, quad bikes and 4x4s.

Tim Price, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, said rural thieves were becoming ‘increasingly sophisticated’ in their activities.

He advised those living in the countryside to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the police.

COMMUTERS have been warned of disruption to rail services going into London as upgrades to the multi-billion pound Thameslink programme lead to reduced services.

Works will take place from Saturday August 27 to Thursday September 1, with a new Southeastern timetable in force from Sunday August 28.

On August 27 there will be no Southeastern services at Charing Cross, Waterloo East, Cannon Street or London Bridge stations, with trains diverted to Victoria, Blackfriars or New Cross.

From Monday August 29 to Thursday September 1, there will be no Southeastern services at Cannon Street Station, with trains diverted to Charing Cross, Blackfriars or New Cross.

SHAREHOLDERS in MP Evans received a boost to their dividend following the successful divestiture of its Australian cattle holdings.

The Tunbridge Wells-based AIM listed-company, which primarily focuses on palm oil production in Asia, sold its 34.37 per cent stake in NAPCo for £62million.

Part of the proceeds of the sale will go towards paying a special dividend of five pence per share on August 17.

Commenting on the transaction, MP Evans’ Chairman Peter HadsleyChaplin said: “The sale of NAPCo and consequent exit by MP Evans from Australia represents an important landmark in the group’s history.”

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

creative areas is still an important factor.

Tom Chown, owner of video production company Digitom, which is based in the town, said: “This report highlights what a strong position Tunbridge Wells holds in the UK for creativity.

“We have a growing hub of creative industries in our town and for this report to acknowledge Tunbridge Wells as an area of high concentration and growth proves that we’re the creative jewel in west Kent.

“As a business owner where travel is a big part of the work, we’re so well connected, with London 45 mins on a fast train, the continent a short drive to Dover and a hop across the channel, and Gatwick 50 minutes away for international flights.”

He added that projects such as the creation of the new ‘Tunbridge Wells Media Centre’ [pictured left], which is opening soon in Monson Road, will also help by giving a central focus for talented individuals to grow their businesses.

His views were echoed by Larry Hardcastle, who founded the local web design and search engine specialist firm Larrytech 15 years ago.

Jenny Kitchen MD of Yoyo Design “The he reported figure of 2,138 creative businesses in the Tunbridge Wells area is a huge figure, but it doesn’t surprise me. The sector is thriving locally. One of the fantastic traits of this industry, as identified within the report, is the importance placed on networking with peers, competitors and complementary

TTWA explained A Travel to Work Area (TTWA) is a statistical tool used

by UK Government agencies to indicate an area where the population would generally commute to a larger town, city or conurbation for the purposes of employment.

Travel to Work Areas are defined by the Office for National Statistics using census data for commuting between wards, based on the different locations of

9

He said: “Given the fantastic local business community, it’s not surprising that Tunbridge Wells is a key creative hotspot.

“We have the advantage of being close enough to London that we can have many clients there, whilst still retaining an excellent network locally.

“Many creatives are often drawn to Tunbridge Wells as they have the opportunity to create the same fantastic work for clients but without the headache and expense of a commute or living in London itself.

Brilliant local agencies “There are some brilliant local creative agencies, and I don’t see any reason for that trend not continuing.”

The two main sub-sectors that Tunbridge Wells and its surrounding area specialises in are digital marketing and web development.

There are 2,138 creative businesses within the TTWA, making up 11.5 per cent of the total and employing more than 6,000 people.

On average each firm employs just under three people and as a sector constitutes 9.4 per cent of the local economy’s economic output. businesses. Southpaw, Digitom, Maxim and ourselves at Yoyo are some of the agencies that have created their own events to encourage collaboration and engagement within the local creative sector. I’ve always believed that to continue the fast growth that this industry is experiencing, to continue to innovate and progress our thinking, we need to collaborate with each other.

And so I’m very glad Yoyo has chosen Tunbridge Wells as their home.”

individuals’ home and work addresses.

A Travel to Work Area is a collection of wards where ‘of the resident economically active population, at least 75 per cent actually work in the area, and also, that of everyone working in the area, at least 75 per cent actually live in the area.’

Tunbridge Wells is one of 243 TTWAs and on this measure its geography incorporates towns such as Tonbridge, Paddock Wood Edenbridge and Crowborough as well as large parts of the Weald.

SELEP makes bid to boost more projects in west Kent SEVERAL west Kent projects could soon benefit from a significant funding boost if a bid for £229million worth of government funding is successful.

Orchestrated by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), the bid will help fund 41 projects across Kent, Essex and Sussex, which the organisation believes would unlock a further £756million of private sector investment.

If the funding is secured, four projects in the boroughs of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling could collectively be in line for just over £16million. The projects under consideration are listed below:  Works to increase capacity of the flood storage area near Leigh and East Peckham to provide protection for existing homes and businesses and to unlock new developments (£4.6million)  Investment in infrastructure at the NIAB East Malling Research Biotech Hub to help commercialise new research, develop new crops, create bio-tech solutions and support supply chain resilience (£6.2million)

 The replacement of the traffic signal junction at

Woodsgate Corner in Pembury with a roundabout to help tackle congestion along the A264/A228 and access road to the hospital. (£2.6million)  Improvements being made to two key junctions on the B2017 Badsell Road in Paddock Wood to make way for the development of almost 1,000 homes homes (£3million) Each of the total of 41 south east projects, many of them delivering new or improved transport infrastructure, have been selected as priorities by the local partnerships to help create jobs and the economy.

Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP, said: “Our bid delivers against the Government’s priorities of creating more jobs, homes and improving skills.

Support for it will send a very positive message to existing businesses and inward investors that there is an ambition and appetite to grow the economy of the south east.”

A decision on the bid is expected before the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in December.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

10  COMMUNITY NEWS

Uphill task as lawyers hike all the way across Wales TEN lawyers from Tunbridge Wells firm Thomson raised an impressive sum to support the work of Snell & Passmore took part in the Cross Wales Chal- our two fantastic partner charities.” lenge on June 25-26 in order to raise funds for the The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre is a charity firm’s nominated charities, the Pickering Cancer based in Tunbridge Wells which offers emotional Drop-in Centre and Mind UK. and physical support to people who have cancer The 50-mile walk across the full width of and their families. For more details, visit mid-Wales started at Anchor Bridge on the border www.pickeringcancercentre.org.uk with England and ended up on the coast at Mind UK is a national mental health charity Aberystwyth. It took the hikers two full days of 12 which provides support for those suffering from hours’ walking to cover the distance. mental health problems. Visit www.mind.org.uk Along the way they had to contend with driving rain, dense hill fog, endless bogs and slippery If you would like to sponsor the team, visit river crossings, as well as bulls and herds of uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CrossWales protective cows with calves blocking the route.

The local lawyers raised £6,500 for the two charities, and demonstrated what team- TOP TEAM (L-R) James Cahan, Chris Kirby-Turner, Martin Terrell, work and commitment can Susan Smith, Christina Dartnell, Anna Bond and Stella achieve in the process.

Hartley-Morris take part in the Cross Wales Challenge Chris Kirby-Turner, Senior Associate at Thomson Snell & Passmore, who organised the event with James Cahan, said: “The team put in a fantastic effort, with everybody completing two days of difficult terrain – made all the more of a challenge by a thorough drenching on day two.

“Everyone kept in good spirits throughout, given the satisfaction of walking across a whole county, and more importantly knowing we’d

GREEN GIANTS Hadlow members celebrate their 80th anniversary

Mayor stoops to conquer at Hadlow’s 80th birthday HADLOW BOWLS CLUB welcomed the the Sevenoaks Men’s League, and Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Mark are also members of the Weald Rhodes, to join in the club’s 80th Mixed League. birthday celebrations on July 23.

There are also many ‘friendly’ The Mayor tried his hand matches against neighbouring on the green and enjoyed clubs at the weekends. a strawberry tea with the Anyone wishing to try lawn Mayoress, his wife Julie bowls at a friendly club is Rhodes, other councillors and welcome to visit.

READY TO ROLL current and former members.

The club can provide all the Mayor Mark Rhodes The club is based on School necessary equipment and will has a go at lawn Lane in Hadlow, having moved also offer training for those who are bowls from the original site on Appletons playing for the first time.

Road in 1963.

They have recently won the Division Two title in Please call 01732 852138 for more details

Police boost for baby respiration machine A MOTHER’S fundraising bid to improve the respiratory systems for babies in hospitals has been boosted by a £500 donation from Kent Police’s Property Fund in Tonbridge.

Rachel Burns, from Kings Hill, has set up a fundraising initiative to buy a new respiratory machine for Tunbridge Wells Hospital’s Neonatal Unit.

The Breathe4Pembury organisation is aiming to raising £6,000 in total.

Mrs Burns believes the Vapotherm apparatus saved her elder daughter Ava’s life.

The three year old, who attends Mereworth Pre-School, was born with

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

meconium aspiration syndrome, which means she breathed in her own faeces while in the womb.

Mrs Burns said: “This money will be used to save lives in the future and I am grateful that Kent Police has donated it to us.

“This is a cause that is extremely close to my heart, as I am sure it is for many parents across west Kent.”

The determined mother will undertake a sporting challenge every month to raise money. So far she has completed a 26.2-mile walk around Tunbridge Wells and Pembury and a 7km mud run.

The Kent Police property fund auctions confiscated and unclaimed items, with the proceeds shared among several Kent charities.

FIRST STEPS Rachel Burns with her daughters Ava (right) and Amber

PEOPLE 

Miracle escape of a Titanic ticketholder Andrew Tong

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE GRANDFATHER of a Tonbridge woman was saved from almost certain death on board the Titanic when his ticket failed to arrive in the post.

Sue Reeves was passing by an exhibition in Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells commemorating the tragedy when she told one of the organisers her family’s remarkable story.

Her great aunt, Bertha Moran, who was 32 in 1912, and her brother Daniel, then 27, had returned to their native Ireland to settle the family estate.

Travelling in steerage, they were returning to the United States from Queenstown on the doomed vessel, which was making its maiden voyage as the world’s largest ship, described as ‘unsinkable’.

Bertha, who was christened Bridget, survived but Daniel was one of more than 1,500 who died when the ship sank after hitting an iceberg.

“They were living in New York at the time,” Mrs Reeves related. “He was a mounted police officer while Bertha worked in a large garment factory.

“They had come back to Ireland after the death of my great grandfather in Askeaton, Co Limerick where the family lived, in order to settle the estate.”

She added: “They also came back to collect their brother Patrick, my grandfather, a wildfowler.

“But his ticket had not come in time for the return journey so he was miraculously saved. He lived well into his nineties and still hunted birds.”

Mrs Reeves met her grandfather a couple of times but doesn’t remember him because she was very young. However, her uncle

Roger wrote a book about Patrick called Wildfowler.

Mrs Reeves, 52, was born and raised in Tunbridge Wells after her mother Alice came over from Ireland in 1948 as one of the first nurses in the National Health Service – she was trained at Pembury Hospital.

“I never knew Bertha but I’m told she was quite a formidable person,” she said.

“She was interviewed on television in the 1950’s and at the end of the programme the presenter turned to her and said it was normal for guests to donate their appearance fee to charity.

“She apparently told him, ‘I am my own charity’, and put the cheque down her vest.

That shows you her character.”

Bertha was transported to St Vincent Hospital in New York, where she complained that steerage passengers had not been allowed on deck until almost all the lifeboats had been lowered.

The 20 lifeboats were only able to accommodate 1,178 people, though there were 2,224 passengers on board, so there was an enormous shortfall for the sole means of escape.

There were only four lifeboats left by the time the Morans reached the deck. Bertha was hoisted into lifeboat 15, but Daniel did not make it because of the ‘women and children first’ instructions.

The circumstances of Bertha’s escape featured in James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

In the rush to get away, lifeboat No 15 was lowered just a minute after No 13 had been sent down. The latter became tangled in ropes underneath 15.

As the film portrayed, the tangled ties had to be severed to get the lifeboat out of the way of the one above it above as fast as possible.

Bertha’s was the most heavily laden rescue craft, with around 65 people aboard when it was cast

adrift in the sea at 1.41am.

It was the last lifeboat to be rescued by another liner, RMS Carpathia, some six hours later. Daniel’s body was never recovered.

All three siblings might have been spared. They had been booked on the liner Cymric but because of a British coal strike, it was taken out of service and they were transferred to the Titanic instead.

The money they inherited was lost along with Daniel. Bertha moved to Detroit, was widowed twice and had four children. She died aged 77 – on the 49th anniversary of her brother’s death.

Mrs Reeves, a mother of two daughters, remembers that the family were not traumatised by the remarkable tale.

But she admits her grandfather may have born

11

FLAGSHIP The Titanic sets sail; (left) Bertha Moran

his share of grief and guilt after dodging his fate.

“The way the story has been passed down in the family, it was obviously vigorously talked about because it was always so fresh for me,” she says.

“But people didn’t feel sorry for themselves. Life wasn’t like that back then, you just got on with it.

“There was tragedy all around, there was poverty and hunger – especially in Ireland. You just had to live every day and survive.

“However, my grandfather was emotionally wellrounded and he was a kind man, so he must have been affected by it.”

Mrs Reeves herself has been deeply affected by the family saga. “A friend took me to a Titanic exhibition at the O2 in London a couple of years ago and it was a very emotional experience.

“There were two boards with the names of the dead and the survivors. It was the first time I could show someone the names of Bertha and Daniel.”

Interview with exhibition curator, pages 76-77

‘People didn’t feel sorry for themselves.

Life wasn’t like that back then, you just got on with it. There was tragedy all around, poverty and hunger. You just had to survive’ Sue Reeves

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

12 � NATIONAL NEWS

Oh I do love to be above the seaside A VERTICAL pier in the sky is set to give tourists a new view of Brighton’s historic seafront on the site where one of its most famous attractions was built 150 years ago.

Standing at 531ft (156m) tall, the British Airways i360 viewing tower affords panoramic views of up to 26 miles of the surrounding south coast and will open its doors to visitors this week.

The futuristic-looking structure is the world’s tallest moving observation tower and stands where the Grade One-listed West Pier, built in 1866, joined the seafront promenade before it burnt down in 2003.

Visitors will be sent skyward from the street in a curved-glass pod which can hold up to 200 people, before they come to stop at 450ft (137m).

The project was spearheaded by the minds behind the London Eye and has been 12 years in the making, costing an estimated £46million.

It is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the area and is part of a push to regenerate the coastline area in the west of the city.

Architect David Marks said: “British Airways i360 cannot replace the much-loved and muchmissed West Pier, but it can offer a modern-day alternative - one whose purpose, like the West

Pier, is simply to delight, entertain and inspire.

“Just as the original West Pier invited Victorian society to walk on water, visitors are invited again to gain a new perspective on the city and its setting between the land and the sea, to walk on air.”

The 20-minute ‘flights’, which will be open to the public from tomorrow (Thursday), cost from £13.50 for adults and £6.75 for children over four - and tickets can be bought from booths restored to look identical to the ones that stood alongside the old West Pier.

The i360 divided opinion along the south coast and a petition calling on the council to scrap the project attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

Chief executive of the i360 Eleanor Harris said the criticisms were to be expected whenever new architecture arrives in a city.

She said: “I expect people would have said the exact same thing when the Brighton Pavilion was first built and the piers were first built, when you’re bringing bold new architecture into the city it takes people a little while to get used to it.

“I think people will really fall in love with this spaceship, when they see the lighting on this it will become the icon for the city.”

FLYING HIGH Brighton’s new ‘pier in the sky’

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

The dream of buying your own home is on the decline HOME ownership is falling faster in the UK than any other country in the European Union.

A comparison of the latest available figures from Eurostat shows the percentage of UK residents owning the house in which they live dropped 7.3 per cent in the five years from 2009 to 2014.

Another report by the Resolution Foundation also found home ownership in England has fallen to its lowest level since 1986.

The think-tank said the figures show the London housing crisis has spread, with regions in the north and the Midlands becoming increasingly unaffordable.

In England house ownership rates have fallen 7 per cent from a peak of 70.8 per cent in April 2003 to 63.8 per cent February 2016, while across the UK it has dropped 6.8 per cent from its October 2004 peak of 70.9 per cent.

Stephen Clarke, policy analyst at the Resolution Foundation, said: “London has a well-known and fully blown housing crisis, but the struggle to buy a home is just as big a problem in cities across the north of England.”

Prime Minister Theresa May has spoken of the need to tackle the housing crisis, warning that unless more is done prices will continue to rise and the divide between those who inherit and those who do not will become deeper.

Mr Clarke urged Mrs May to deliver on her promise to tackle the housing deficit.

He added: “She may find that making good on this promise could secure as important a legacy as negotiating a successful exit from the European Union.”

Anne Baxendale, head of policy and public affairs at the housing charity Shelter, said: “With house prices now completely out of step with average wages, sadly it’s no surprise that home ownership across the country is declining so drastically.

“Sky-high rents are leaving many families struggling to make ends meet each month, let alone save up enough for the deposit on a home.

“Far from being the stepping stone it once was, many young people and families are now facing a lifetime stuck in expensive and unstable private renting.”

NATIONAL NEWS �

PROTEST Citizens UK supporters

Judges back Home Office in clash over UK border control THE HOME OFFICE has won its appeal against a landmark ruling allowing four Syrian refugees living in the ‘Jungle’ camp in Calais to come to Britain.

An immigration judge ruled in January that the three teenagers and 26-year-old man with mental health problems should be brought immediately to the UK and reunited with their families.

But while the Home Office is not seeking to deport the four Syrians, it appealed against the ruling because it feared that it could set a legal precedent and undermine Britain’s control over its borders.

All four have been reunited with their families in various parts of the UK; two of them have been granted refugee status in Britain while the other two are still waiting for a decision to be made.

George Gabriel from Citizens UK, the charity that has represented the children, warned that the ruling will lead to further delays and refugee children will be driven into the hands of people smugglers.

Under a law called Dublin III, asylum claims must be made in the first country the person reaches, but a child refugee can have their claim transferred to another country if they have relatives lawfully living there.

But lawyers for the Syrians argued the regulation was not working since not a single child had been brought to the UK from the Calais camp under the rule because of bureaucratic failings in France.

They demanded the British courts intervene to bring the four into the country immediately, arguing that they faced ‘intolerable’ conditions

in the camp and they had an entitlement under Article 8, the right to a family life, to be reunited with family in the UK. The four Syrians were immediately brought to Britain and the decision was hailed by campaigners as a landmark ruling which could pave the way for many other unaccompanied minors to come to the UK from refugee camps across Europe.

‘Government may have won in court today but what an empty and Pyrrhic victory’ But three Court of Appeal judges on Tuesday (August 2) ruled in favour of the Home Office appeal against the ruling.

Criticising the decision, Mr Gabriel said: “When we brought this case, it was an enormous kick up the arse for the Government, and the system is now working better because 50 children have been brought to Britain since the case.

“But it means that charities like ours will have to continue identifying children one by one, taking them through a lengthy bureaucratic process as they have to wait to be reunited with their loved ones.

“Today is a great day for bureaucrats because it means that the letter of the process will have to be followed despite the clearly unacceptable wait this leaves refugee children facing.

“We fear this means many will take the situation into their own hands, choosing between

people traffickers on the one hand and train tracks on the other.”

Handing down their judgment, Court of Appeal judges Lord Justice Moore-Bick, Lord Justice Longmore and Lord Justice Beatson stated that bypassing the Dublin III Regulation can only be justified in an especially compelling case.

The ruling said the Home Office had sought the appeal not in order to deport the four Syrians, but to overturn it because of the legal repercussions it could usher in.

Bella Sankey, policy director for rights organisation Liberty, said: “Government may have won in court today but what an empty and Pyrrhic victory. Home Office intransigence on reuniting vulnerable refugee children with family members already in our country forces them into the hands of traffickers and ruins lives.

A Home Office spokesman said: “We welcome the decision of the Court of Appeal to recognise the principle that those seeking protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.”

He added that more than 30 children have been accepted for transfer to the UK under the new Immigration Act and over 100 were accepted under the Dublin regulations since the start of the year.

13

NEWS IN BRIEF

Mayor takes action to support cabbies LONDON Mayor Sadiq Khan is to quadruple the number of officials responsible for tackling illegal activity affecting the taxi and private hire trades in a bid to support what he calls ‘our world famous cabbies’.

An extra 250 compliance officers will be recruited to patrol the capital’s streets, including the West End and City.

Tracks of the years A RECORD collection that catalogues the history of music from 800AD until 1700 is to go under the hammer in an online auction being held by London-based CooperOwen and is estimated to fetch £300,000.

Compiled by Italian musicologist Andrea Vitali over his lifetime, it comprises 6,242 CDs, 728 LPs, hundreds of singles plus DVDs, VHS videos and audio cassettes.

Show us the money BBC STARS who earn more than the Prime Minister should be forced to publish their salaries, an influential group of MPs said.

The Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee said there is ‘no good reason’ for performers, presenters and executives to ‘hide’ their pay if they earn more than the PM.

On-board security drill THE INTRODUCTION of armed sea marshals on French cross-Channel vessels came a step closer this week following a security exercise on board Brittany Ferries’ Mont St Michel ferry, which was travelling from Portsmouth to Caen.

Donations pour in after cyclist dies during ride A CHARITY appeal started by a cancer survivor, who died during the RideLondon-Surrey 100 cycle event on Sunday, has topped £44,000 – 110 times his original target.

Robin Chard (pictured) from Bicester in Oxfordshire was aiming to raise £400 for Cancer Research UK by cycling the 100-mile route, but died after suffering a cardiac arrest at around the 25-mile mark.

He received immediate treatment from fellow riders and medical personnel at the scene, but died later in Kingston Hospital.

His sister, Andrea Day, urged people to keep donating to his JustGiving page after pledges soared when news of the 48-year-old’s death emerged. She said: “We are very touched by the kind messages and donations from everyone on Robin’s JustGiving page.

“As you can imagine, we are all very shocked and saddened by the news of his passing. He was a beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend to so many and will be sorely missed.

She added: “We kindly ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time and keep donating.”

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

14 � BUSINESS NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Workers’ revolution pledge from Smith LABOUR leadership candidate Owen Smith has promised to outlaw ‘bogus selfemployment’ if he wins power, as part of a ‘revolution in workers’ rights’.

The Pontypridd MP’s 25-point Manifesto for Fairness at Work also vows to repeal David Cameron’s Trade Union Act, end public sector pay freezes, strengthen union recognition rights, and guarantee workers employment rights from their first day in a new job.

He also called for the creation of wage councils to cover more than nine million workers in hospitality, retail and social care.

Strikes at record low THE number of UK workers who took strike action last year reached a record low, according to figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

A total of 81,000 workers involved in industrial disputes went on strike – the lowest figure since records began in 1893.

Early warning over EU BUILDERS merchant Travis Perkins claims it has suffered from weaker demand as a result of the EU referendum, but cautioned that it is too early to say what the full impact will be.

The company still saw sales rise in the first half of the year by 5.8 per cent to £3.1billion, and pre-tax profits rise 10.7 per cent to £176million.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

Deadline for PPI claims Signal failure extended by watchdog causes more NEW DATE The PPI scandal has already costs banks more than £30billion BANKS are facing a further hefty hit from the payment protection insurance scandal after the City watchdog extended its proposed deadline for claims by more than a year.

It had originally proposed a spring 2018 cut-off, but consumers will now have until June 2019 to claim compensation for mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI) under plans outlined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Shares in banking groups slumped into the red as the new deadline is set to escalate the total bill for the PPI scandal, which has already been the costliest yet for the financial services industry at well over £30billion.

One banking expert warned the extended deadline could see each bank put by hundreds of millions of pounds more to cover claims.

Lloyds Banking Group – by far the worst affected by the PPI scandal – said it was ‘disappointed’ the deadline will not come into effect until June 2019.

But it stressed its rate of complaints were falling

rapidly and said it would not increase money set aside for PPI ‘at this stage’, with £2billion of unused provisions.

Shares in Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays dropped 3 per cent, while Lloyds was 2 per cent lower.

The FCA confirmed plans to launch a marketing campaign from next June, which will be funded by Britain’s banks, to raise awareness of the 2019 deadline for claims to be submitted.

It admitted the deadline is later than first expected and later than a number of banks wanted.But the authority said it gives time to prepare the marketing campaign and get plans in place for the deadline.

FCA Chief Executive Andrew Bailey hopes the cut-off will draw a line under the scandal.

He said: “Putting a deadline on PPI complaints will bring the issue to an orderly conclusion in a way that protects both consumers and market integrity.”

He added: “We will ensure that our communications campaign will engage with all those who could be affected, particularly vulnerable consumers.”

The FCA will consider further feedback on its proposals for the deadline until October 11.

Gary Greenwood, Shore Capital’s Banking Analyst, said banks had made their provisions to cover claims until mid-2018, which may see extra provisions of ‘a few hundred million pounds and perhaps as high as £1billion’.

PPI is still the most complained-about financial product, with recent figures from the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) revealing that as many as 4,000 new complaints are received every week.

delays for rail travellers

A MAJOR signal failure has caused fresh travel misery for thousands of rail passengers on some of the busiest routes in the country.

South West Trains (SWT) services to and from London Waterloo were delayed, diverted or cancelled because of a ‘major’ signal failure between Haslemere and Havant on Monday night that had farreaching consequences the following day.

SWT said its equipment was damaged by an external power failure on Monday night.

The chaos came ahead of talks today [Wednesday] aimed at resolving a long-running dispute on Southern Railway over the role of conductors, which has led to strikes.

Southern services have been disrupted for weeks because of industrial action with the company claiming staff shortages were due to high levels of staff sickness.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union is planning to step up strikes next week if the deadlock is not broken.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “The whole London commuter rail network is permanently on the edge and it only takes one fault to tip the entire system into chaos.

“The Government are wedded to privatisation and exploitation and are sitting on their hands while the travelling public is being mugged day in, day out. The only answer is public ownership.”

WORLD NEWS 

NEWS IN BRIEF

Pope set to examine if women can be deacons POPE FRANCIS has set up a panel to study whether women could serve as deacons, a role currently reserved for men.

The Vatican said Francis decided to set up the commission ‘after intense prayer and mature reflection’. The 12 members include priests, nuns and laywomen.

In May, Francis told superiors of nuns’ orders he intended to ‘set up an official commission to study the question…above all regarding the early times of the church’.

Deacons can preach and preside at weddings, baptisms and funerals, but only priests can celebrate Mass.

Murdered priest: ‘Go away, Satan’

Rise in child migrants AROUND 42,300 unaccompanied minors entered Germany from abroad last year.

This constitutes an increase of 30,700, or 263 per cent, on the previous year.

Nine per cent of them, some 3,600 girls, were girls travelling without their parents.

More than one million migrants registered for asylum in Germany last year.

Spook spies for China AN FBI employee with top secret security clearance has pleaded guilty to acting as an ‘agent of the Chinese government’, according to US sources.

Kun Shan Chun, a naturalised US citizen born in China and known as Joey, admitted in court to sending sensitive information to a Chinese official.

15

‘NEVER AGAIN’ The service for Father Jacques Hamel at Rouen Cathedral MOURNERS who gathered at Rouen Cathedral in France for the funeral Mass of a priest killed by two Islamic extremists heard that he shouted ‘Go away, Satan’ at his assailants.

Father Jacques Hamel, 85, was killed on July 26 when his throat was cut as he celebrated morning Mass in front of his congregation. Islamic State have claimed responsibility for the attack.

The murder at a place of worship, which took

place soon after the Bastille Day attack in Nice that left 84 people dead, came as a huge shock in the mainly Catholic country.

The Mass was conducted by archbishop Dominique Lebrun in the presence of

France’s interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve.

Archbishop Lebrun said: “Evil is a mystery. It reaches heights of horror that take us out of the human. Isn’t that what you wanted to say, Jacques, with your last words, when you fell to the ground?

“After you were struck by the knife, you tried to push away your assailants with your feet and said, ‘Go away, Satan’. You repeated it, ‘Go away, Satan’.”

Last Sunday, dozens of Muslims in France and Italy had attended Catholic Masses as a gesture of inter-faith solidarity after the attack on the priest.

Father Hamel’s sister appealed for unity at the service. Roselyne Hamel told around 1,700 people that her brother’s message would have been: “Let us learn to live together. Let us be the workers and artisans of peace, each one in his own way.”

She said Father Hamel turned down the rank of officer during his military service in Algeria because he did not could not give the order for his troops to kill other men.

Hundreds were watching the ceremony on a big screen outside the cathedral in pouring rain.

Archbishop Lebrun thanked “believers of other religious faiths, in particular the Jewish community and the Muslim community, very affected and already decided to unite for: Never again”.

He invited people to return to churches on August 15, for ‘LIVE TOGETHER’ services celebrating the Police look on Assumption of Mary, to express as a Muslim that ‘violence will not take over man attends in their hearts’. the funeral Mass

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

16  SPORT NEWS

Armitstead’s reprieve shocks fellow athletes UP IN ARMS Lizzie Armitstead (left) has said: ‘I will always be a clean athlete’

LIZZIE ARMITSTEAD’S Olympic reprieve has raised the eyebrows of other athletes after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the British cyclist was free to compete at the Rio Olympics, which start on Friday (August 5).

Armitstead faced the prospect of a two-year ban – missing out on the women’s road race on Sunday, for which she is one of the favourites.

The 27-year-old revealed on Monday night

‘Imagine what we would be saying if she was Russian...’ that she had incurred three violations over her ‘whereabouts’ for drugs tests – but one of them was then declared void.

She appealed to CAS successfully, but other athletes have questioned the process.

British Olympic rowing gold medallist Zac Purchase tweeted: “Given huge amount of resources@their disposal, having multiple missed tests/filing failure is a monumental c****p!

“Imagine what we would be saying if she was Russian... #NotWorthIt #KeepSportClean.”

Canadian Olympian cross-country mountain biker Geoff Kabush said: “1st test understandable but I’d be hyper aware about missing 2nd. If I missed 2nd there is no chance I’d miss 3rd???

“So many questions. How is World Champ suspended for 3 weeks and no one knows?”

Armitstead, from Otley in Yorkshire, was Britain’s first medallist of London 2012 with silver in the road race on The Mall.

The CAS ruled in her favour after finding that a UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) official had failed to follow procedure for her August 2015 missed test at a Swedish hotel, which was declared void.

Athletes must make themselves available for testing for one hour each day and inform testers

of their location. Armitstead has two other missed tests on her record and one further absence would lead to a suspension.

UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead raised the question of why Armitstead had not queried the first two violations until a third one threatened her participation at the Olympics.

“Ms Armitstead chose not to challenge the first and second whereabouts failures at the time they were asserted against her,” she said.

She was charged by UKAD with three whereabouts failures on July 11, leading to a suspension pending disciplinary action.

The first came at a World Cup event in Sweden on August 20 last year and the second was an administrative failure on October 5 2015.

The third instance was a missed test on June 9 this year, following ‘an emergency change of plans due to a serious illness within her family’.

Armitstead did not dispute the second and third cases, but appealed to CAS over the first one.

“CAS ruled that the UKAD doping control officer had not followed required procedures nor made reasonable attempts to locate Armitstead,” a statement on behalf of the British cyclist read.

“CAS also ruled that there was no negligence on Armitstead’s part and that she had followed procedures according to the guidelines.”

Armitstead was tested a day after the first missed test, following the race in Sweden.

She expressed relief at the CAS’s finding.

“I have always been and will always be a clean athlete and have been vocal in my anti-doping stance throughout my career,” she said.

“I am pleased that CAS has accepted my position, having provided detailed information demonstrating the situation around my strikes.”

UKAD said: “We recognise that mistakes do happen and plans can change at short notice, which is why an athlete can accrue a combination of three missed tests or filing failures in 12 months under the World Anti-Doping Code.

“But athletes have a responsibility to ensure they support and follow the system, or they risk a possible two-year ban.”

Christine Ohuruogu, the 2008 Olympic 400 metres champion, was banned for a year following three missed tests in 2006.

SPORT IN BRIEF

Clement says no £37m Sane joins Wales intent on to England post Manchester City keeping Coleman BAYERN MUNICH assistant manager Paul Clement will not be joining Sam Allardyce’s England coaching team.

The Football Association tried to negotiate a deal with the Bundesliga champions that would have seen him given a part-time role during international breaks.

Clement was sacked as Derby manager last season but has built a strong reputation as an assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris St Germain, Real Madrid and now Bayern.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

MANCHESTER CITY have completed the signing of Germany winger Leroy Sane from Schalke for a fee believed to be around £37million.

The 20-year-old, who has been capped four times by Germany after making his debut last November, signed a five-year deal at the Emirates.

He joins new manager Pep Guardiola’s other recruits this summer, Nolito, Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Sane’s mother is ex-German Olympic gymnast Regina Weber.

THE Football Association of Wales has rejected an approach from Hull City to speak to national team manager Chris Coleman.

The newly promoted Premier League club hope to fill their managerial vacancy following the departure of Steve Bruce last month.

Coleman, who guided Wales to the semifinals of Euro 2016 last month at their first major tournament since 1958, has been linked with the post.

Button in race against time for Williams seat JENSON BUTTON has been told by Williams that the team will not be ‘waiting around’ for him to make up his mind on his future in Formula One. The British driver’s hopes of continuing his career with a new deal at Williams may depend on his commercial potential as much as his driving ability.

Williams are keen to pursue a romantic move for Button, which would see the 2009 world champion return to the team with whom he started his grand prix career.

Button, 36, finds himself out of contract with McLaren at the end of the season after 17 straight seasons on the F1 circuit.

Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams said: “We will own our driver line-up decision, and I am not sat here waiting for [McLaren chairman] Ron Dennis to make his decision or for Jenson to make his decision.

“It is not about what other people are doing.

I am not going to be waiting around because that is just not the right mentality for a team like ours to have.

“It would be a great story [for Button to return], but he has to make the right choice for him, and we have to make the right choice for the team.”

Felipe Massa’s expected departure from Williams at the end of the season will free

‘As an independent team, the commercial factors play a part’ up some money, but doubts remain as to whether the Grove-based constructor will be able to afford Button.

He currently earns around £12million a year and his commercial appeal will also be seen as a huge attraction to Williams as they pursue sponsorship for 2017.

“He is a great talent in the car, but also outside of the car and we need a driver like him,” said Williams, adding: “That is not to say our focus is purely on Jenson.

“When I talk about the criteria that we are looking at, it is the talent in the cockpit, the intelligence to feed back to the engineers, and for us, as an independent team, the commercial factors are going to play a part in the decision-making process too.”

Button may be up against a stiff rival for the seat in Force India’s Sergio Perez. The Mexican, who has impressed this season, is backed by Carlos Slim, one of the world’s richest men.

“Sergio has done a great job this year, he is an intelligent driver, and of course he is going to be someone that we are looking at,” said Williams.

“I have only met him briefly on the odd occasion.

He is very charming.

He is very eloquent, so commercially he would be strong for any team.”

HEADING HOME? Jenson Button began his F1 career at Williams

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18 � LETTERS

And another thing…

The Times of Tunbridge Wells and the Times of Tonbridge always want to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU The NHS: Pembury crisis result of lowest funding increases in history The answer to your headline question (July 27) ‘What’s gone wrong with flagship hospital?’ is… nothing.

Instead of the blame for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust’s financial trouble being heaped on the hospital, you need to look no further than Government cuts to find the real culprit.

Pembury Hospital is not, in the Government’s words ‘overspent’, but underfunded, plus crippled by a mortgage (PFI) which rips off us taxpayers in a scandalous way. The NHS is in

crisis directly as a result of the lowest funding increases (from 2010) ever in its history. It is underfunded as a political choice, not necessity.

We spend less on our healthcare than any other G7 country which is shameful.

A more accurate and more understandable headline should have been ‘Underfunded hospital struggles to produce safe care while budgets are cut’.

When I met Greg Clarke MP recently he told me he rarely got letters about the NHS. I would urge the public to start filling his postbag with asking for more investment in health if we are to save the NHS. Mr Clarke has said ‘whatever steps are taken, patient care will be safeguarded’. How can that be when cancer waiting times are rising as a result of his Government’s callous underfunding of the NHS? Dr Paul J Hobday Tonbridge Ed: Dr Paul Hobday is Interim Leader of the National Health Action Party that fielded 12 candidates in the 2015 General Election.

Thanks from the old boys

I am writing on behalf of myself and the King Charles School Old Boys, to say thank you for your kind support to us and our association with the super exposure and stories in the newspaper. What a good job Murray [Jones] did with so little aid from us. We have had a lot of well-wishers following the article (July 20). May the Times of Tunbridge Wells go from strength to strength. Thank you again.

Tony Whitehorn Chairman Tunbridge Wells

Parking: Why not use old cinema site?

I was interested to read Christine Walker’s email (July 20) on disappearing parking spaces, and the council’s response. Particularly as I’d just completed three laps of Tunbridge Wells trying to find a space for 10 minutes (to collect something heavy).

The laps I was driving were around the old cinema site, which used to have dozens of parking spaces. Is there any reason this can’t be used as parking until the site is actually built on? It’s got to be the most centrally located waste of space in Tunbridge Wells.

Nathan Robinson Via email

Education: Let’s applaud state schools I enjoy reading your paper and was particularly interested in your front page story (July 20) about

grammar schools. I had no idea that such a large percentage of pupils who had not passed the Kent Test were then let through into the grammar school system on appeal. This makes a mockery of the whole exam and preparation process does it not?

In my book if you don’t pass something then you clearly weren’t meant to. The same principle wouldn’t apply to a driving test for example would it?

It would be most interesting to know just what the reasons for the pupils who were awarded a place on appeal had in their favour – pushy parents or a school that thought they merited their place at a grammar, despite having failed the 11plus test.

In our area we’re lucky enough to have some outstanding secondary schools but the grammar element to education does mean that some look down on the state alternative. In certain circles it is almost commonplace to think that if your child doesn’t get a place at grammar school they have failed in some way – both academically and socially.

Having come from London where it really is hit and miss with the state offering I have been more than impressed with what we have on offer in Tunbridge Wells for our eleven year olds and beyond. Surely it is time we stopped getting so hung up on the 11 plus and started supporting our excellent state schools?

I agree that if you have a particularly bright child then of course it makes sense to give them the

opportunity to succeed and if that’s at a grammar school then so be it. What I do not agree with however is that a child should be hot housed through the 11 plus revision process, fail the exam but then still get through because parents and head teachers have fought hard to get them into the school they feel will benefit their social standing and not necessarily the child’s ability.

Let’s start applauding the excellent variety of state secondary seniors instead of considering them as lowly alternatives.

Frances Holdsworth Via email

Rubbish: Action needed from landlords

I live in Dudley Road in the centre of town and on a few occasions recently I’ve informed other residents of the correct procedure for disposing of large unwanted items that they were about to dump on the pavement or next to one of the few wheelie bins we have on this road. On each occasion it was apparent that ignorance of the rules was the reason for the dumping. In the absence of any recent publicity from the Council on this matter, would it not be possible to make owners, landlords or their agents responsible for ensuring that occupants are aware of the options open to them?

Bob Smith Via email

BML2: Tunbridge Wells would benefit

I was pleased to see (July 27) that the reconstruction of Brighton Mainline 2 is still under consideration. The investment in sound infrastructure projects is needed more than ever in this post-referendum age and I believe that BML2 would qualify as a sound investment.

Not only are we reaching peak capacity on the London to Hastings line – which BML2 could help to relieve – but a connection with Tunbridge Wells will help boost its economy by enhancing its connections with East and West Sussex and further afield.

The creative sector in this town, which has been growing at a rapid pace, would especially benefit as it would cement our reputation as a half-way house between the capital and Brighton.

Villages en route will benefit and most likely get a more reliable service too.

But obviously there will be obstacles, especially whether Tunbridge Wells West station can really be brought back into use and what would happen to Sainsbury’s if the ambitious plan to connect BML2 with our current track through the old tunnel is to be realised.

Of course most obstacles can be overcome and I for one would welcome the business and travel opportunities that BML2 would bring to this town.

Michael Craybourne Via email

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

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

Calverley FUNNY old world this newspaper thing. Lots of PR people asking favours. Can you do this? How about doing that? So when one of Himself’s colleagues is invited to a local ‘cosmetic clinic’ for a chat she bounces along. Horror. PR lady does not turn up. Doctor does walk into room.

He then proceeds to tell journalist how much work she needs on frown lines and eye bags to make her look good for her wedding. Mind you he did offer her a discount ‘being a journalist’.

What a cheek. No deal. Not needed.

BANK charges are always a bone of contention.

Most people forget the poor bankers have to generate a cash flow in order to earn bonuses.

But the experience of one of Calverley’s dearest business friends takes the cheque book. A client owes him £1,000 and goes into a High Street bank to pay hard pound notes into friend’s account. Bank takes money, processes it and then deducts £15 in charges for counting the money. Bank machines can do that in seconds.

Friend has asked Barclays to justify cost as being fair and reasonable. They take your money, give you no interest and charge you to count it. Watch this space.

SPEECHES at weddings are always a highlight of the day for one reason or another; good or bad. Best man stands up. Groom stands up.

Father-of-the-bride stands up. Bride stands up. Oh, sorry, no she doesn’t. Well, seems these days she does. And quite right too.

Himself was at a tying of the nuptials when the new Mrs told the new Mr she wanted to speak. He tells her that at traditional weddings that doesn’t happen. She points out that they have just been married in a barn.

Not exactly a traditional background for a wedding. Words finally fade as he loses the argument... probably the first of many.

NOTHING hurtful is intended when we refer to the ‘diamond geezer’. It’s an affectionate term for one of the town’s more colourful characters who is looking to set out his jewellery stall once again and things are gathering pace. He got out of the business a few years ago but has not lost the taste for all things that sparkle. Calverley wishes him well.

SURELY a sign that summer is here and minds are elsewhere is the fact that a meeting of the council’s cabinet the other day lasted all of two minutes and forty seconds; must be the shortest on record. The cabinet, of course, is the ultimate decision-making body of councillors that is the power house behind the town.

Chin, chin readers

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EDUCATION �

19

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

The importance of belonging

Natasha Devon, the former advisor to the Government on children’s mental health, who reiterated the need for young people to play and to feel safe, nurtured, valued, supported, listened to without judgement, to be given the time and space to think and listen – and to feel a sense of belonging.

Many things will change in our rapidlydeveloping world, but I believe the vital merely confined to coming together in a crisis, and we mustn’t human interaction and guidance offered by underestimate the importance of the teacher and school community the community at school and the will not be replaced (as has essential foundations that this been suggested by some provides. As a Benenden futurists). Think of the parent said to me the other memorable and inspiring week, “It is belonging at school lessons; the rich discussions as a teenager that is important, within class; the time staff give for it is this which informs much to support children through the of how someone will turn out in myriad events, triumphs and the future.” challenges in their lives.

We frequently hear This is belonging. This is about the what builds selfprevalence of esteem. It is this mental health that provides the issues among foundations, the young people, resilience and the and on this self-belief for them to navigate the subject I world our children think we SAMANTHA PRICE would do enter and, with ‘The question of our this, to take well to place in the world is an responsibility for heed the essential human need’ their part in it. advice of

In her regular column, Samantha Price, Headmistress of Benenden, discusses the importance of nurturing a school community and why it will always remain a vital element of education THE past 12 months seem to have been underpinned by a consistent theme of belonging: Whether to be In or Out, to Remain or Leave.

With a second Scottish referendum a possibility and Brexit negotiations about to start under the stewardship of Prime Minister May, this uncertainty over where, if and to

what extent we belong will continue for some time to come.

The question of our place in a continually changing world, and where we belong, is a human need, whether it be within our family unit, local community or school. A mutual understanding of cooperation with those around us is essential if we are

COMMUNITY SPIRIT The importance of working together is instilled at school

to be successful, safe and happy.

I think the past few months have, for many of us, sharpened our own sense of the importance of place, community and responsibility.

At the start of last month we remembered 100 years since the Battle of the Somme but, sadly, violence has not been consigned to history: With recent tragedies in Paris, Brussels, Orlando, the murder of Jo Cox and events in Dallas and Nice, we have been reminded yet again of the level of conflict and uncertainty in the world.

However, these events also demonstrate the importance of belonging – communities have pulled together to offer strength and support to those in need. The support provided amongst the soldiers in the trenches all those years ago to the mourning of Jo Cox by a united Parliament reinforced this value.

Yet the value of belonging is not

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

20  COMMENT

Peter Lidstone

Tunbridge Wells councillor

The youngest member of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, aged 32, Peter Lidstone was the only candidate to successfully dislodge a Conservative opponent at the last local elections.

With a full-time job as part of the charity Build Africa, the former law student of the University of the West of England is also fluent in French. His interest in politics came after attending a conference on the subject at Christian Aid about why Christians should get involved.

Council pledges support to tackle rising hate crime It was the only upset in an otherwise predictable set of results at the borough council elections in June – Peter Lidstone taking St John’s for the Lib Dems. He is today one of only three Lib Dems on the council. There are also two from Labour. The remaining 43 are Conservatives. We invited the ‘new boy on the block’ to write a regular column offering his views and thoughts on politics and the council chamber. Here’s the first of them…

‘A WEEK is a long time in politics’, Harold Wilson apparently once said. Has this ever seemed more appropriate than since June 24?

Back in May, I had spent a 17-hour day (both thrilling and exhausting in equal measure) working to get elected to the Borough Council for St John’s. The next morning it was back on the campaign trail; the referendum was looming.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

I am unashamedly pro-EU, both as a Lib Dem and from a personal perspective, although I accept that it is far from a perfect institution.

It seems to me that ‘taking back control’ won the battle on the day. Control can be a good or a bad thing; on a flight, the knowledge that the pilot is in control is a comforting one. But in a relationship, it is not healthy.

Britain must remain a key player in the global community, and our future should be in co-operation, not isolation and self-interest.

The promised control, flagrantly wielded during the campaign, contrasts with the reality we are seeing today; uncertainty around what Brexit will actually look like, coupled with the reality that regulations are a bigger barrier to our access to the single market than tariffs; if we wish to continue selling to the EU, our exports will need to conform to regulations we will no longer have a say on. I wish Greg Clark luck!

‘I am unashamedly pro-EU, both as a Lib Dem and from a personal perspective’ There are also more unintended consequences of the vote. According to the police, hate crimes across the country were up annually by 42 per cent for the last two weeks of June.

These are official figures, and certainly not all incidents are reported. One of my Lib Dem colleagues was recently served in his local shop by an assistant who apologised for being Polish.

For someone who previously felt welcomed, to feel like you have to say this is appalling.

I should add that the victimisation of those who voted leave does leave an equally sour taste. I have heard accounts of a teacher who admitted to voting leave being reduced to tears by her angry colleagues.

And the vitriol directed towards the elderly – who were statistically more likely to vote leave – by some sections of society is equally shocking.

The metaphorical genie has been let out of the bottle on both sides.

At the last council meeting, councillors from every party gave their backing to a motion that specifically denounced xenophobia and hate crime, and pledged council support and resources towards tackling it. Some felt this was perhaps a tokenistic gesture. But if the shoe were on the other foot, and I were living abroad in a country which had just voted to leave the EU, I know I would appreciate hearing a statement of support from my local representatives.

I am hopeful that we, as a council, can be united in taking action against racism and xenophobia, and be proud of having done everything within our means to make all residents feel welcome in Tunbridge Wells.

ONE

ARWICK

ARK

HOTEL

Nestled in the heart of the charming town of Tunbridge Wells, the venue sits right in the charismatic Pantiles district. One Warwick Park's highly skilled top chefs will deliver onsite catering and our dedicated team will provide you with unparalleled service and attention to detail. Being at the forefront of the latest wedding trends and holding close relationships with Tunbridge Wells' most prestigious bridal suppliers. One Warwick Park features an exceptional duplex suite providing the perfect space for the bridal party to pamper themselves before the ceremony. Our wedding packages are attractively priced and include everything you could want from a day that will last a lifetime.

Please contact a member of our events team with your requirements on 01892 520587 or email info@onewarwickpark.co.uk www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

22 n WEDDING FEATURE

A classic springtime wedding worthy of a Disney princess For Milly and Alex, a trip around the world finished with a fairy-tale visit to Disney World Florida where all their dreams came true. All that was needed was a little bit of planning and a very talented caricaturist…

How did you and your husband meet?

I went on a girly holiday to Egypt with two of my best friends. While we were out there, we met a group of men from England and it turned out one of them lived nearby to me. We agreed to meet for a drink when we both got home. When we met up, he brought his housemate along: Alex. We became immediately very close friends and, a year and a half later, I invited myself along on his solo holiday to Thailand. We lasted nine hours before our first kiss. By day four of the holiday, we both knew that this was something very special and he moved into my flat on his return to the UK. Tell us about the proposal I am a huge Disney fan and, when Alex and I went travelling for a year, we arranged that one of the final stops would be Walt Disney World in Florida. Alex always knew that he would propose there. He had suggested that we get a caricature done of us when we were there.

While Erin, the artist, was drawing us, a parade went past and I hopped up to quickly snap a picture. Apparently I sent everyone into panic!

Eventually, Erin showed us the picture.

There was a speech bubble coming from caricature Alex saying “Will you marry me?” Alex got on one knee next ell, will you?” Of to me and said “Well, course I said yes, and a crowd that atch started had stopped to watch applauding.

Where did you get married and how did you choose the venue?

We got married at Swallows Oast in Ticehurst. The managers and staff were absolutely wonderful! Deborah and Mark were

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

HE’S ALL SMILES Alex with his brother and best man, Richard Stedman

‘We had a slightly different table plan in that we pinned up luggage tags of everyone’s names but, to get their tag, they had to replace it with a Polaroid of themselves’ so helpful and involved and appeared genuinely excited about our plans.

It was the second venue we looked at – we instantly fell in love! The oast itself was perfect for us as it didn’t feel too large and had the space to accommodate 100 guests.

It had a lovely character and feel, but could also be decorated in the exact way we wanted.

Tell us about your big day and some of its key highlights The day was just perfect, we wouldn’t have changed any of it.

I was so nervous while waiting to go in that I apparently ran down the aisle instead of the expected graceful glide.

Until the doors opened and Alex saw me for the first time, he had been a nervous wreck!

The speeches were wonderful. Alex, his brother and my father did such an amazing job. They were all hilarious, but touching. I felt very lucky.

We had a slightly different table plan in that we pinned up luggage tags of everyone’s names but, to get their tag, they had to replace it with a Polaroid of themselves. It means we have a photo of every single person at our wedding and a lovely memento of the day.

We also brought a bit of my family’s heritage into the day by Alex having the MacLeod family tartan on the lining of his suit and the back of his waistcoat.

My dad was decked out in tartan trousers and traditional garb and my brother had a matching tie.

Those little touches meant a lot.

WEDDING FEATURE n

How did you start your married life together? If you went on a honeymoon, where did you go?

Alex worked offshore at the time, so he was whisked away for five weeks by his company just after our wedding. We spent the first month of married life apart from each other, but we spoke on the satellite phone every day. When he got back, we went on a lovely, low-key honeymoon to Paris where we just wandered around the city, ate a lot of food, and, naturally, spent a day in Disneyland Paris! We went on an amazing food tour that we would recommend to anyone: parisbymouth.com/paris-food-tours

A WHOLE NEW WORLD Alex and Milly before embarking on their happily ever after

OWN STAMP The bride and groom enjoyed adding the finishing touches to Swallows Oast

Who were your key suppliers?

My wedding dress was by a designer called Sarah Seven. She is stocked at Frou Frou in Tunbridge Wells and I couldn’t have loved the dress more!

Our band was the Hotrox Agency and they were amazing. You have the option to choose what kind of band you want, how many band members, etc, and tailor it to your venue and the evening you are planning.

During the ceremony itself, my cousin’s acapella group, The J Tones, sang our song, Love Is Easy by McFly, which Sebastian had arranged for us, as well as Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. Our photographer, Peter Prior, was really helpful and kept in close contact in the lead-up to the wedding. He listened to what we wanted and we are really happy with the photos he took.

My hair, and the bridesmaids’ hair, was done

by Stephanie at Stephanique Styling. She really took her time to work out what we wanted during the trial and was great fun during the morning while we were getting ready.

As a surprise for Alex, I hired a vintage single decker bus from Omnibuzz for him and some of our friends to go to the venue from our hotel. My bridesmaids watched through the window and said that he did a little skip when he saw it!

23

5 TIPS FROM THE BRIDE

1 2 3 4 5

Don’t accept bad workmanship or service from suppliers just to make things easy – it’s not worth it!

I’m guilty of being an occasionally stubborn bride. Try not to be as you may regret the decision you were sure you felt strongly about.

Take some time to spend just with you and your new husband after the ceremony.

Get a videographer! The day is a whirlwind and it’s wonderful being able to watch those special moments back.

Take some time out the day before the wedding. Have a massage or something else relaxing, you’ll thank yourself for it.

SPECIAL TIME A few moments alone after the ceremony is important

TREASURED MEMORIES The speeches were one of Milly’s favourite moments of the day

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

he perf~t enue for your special da

Breast Awareness Evening

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

The Times is proud to work with:

WITH THE

Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

Stream cottage

INSIDE

A perfect rural idyll

An updated house that’s ripe for more improvements

Stunning former lodge with 2-bed annexe and field

bracketts est. 1828

Modern home has cinema room and large conservatory

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

HAZEL SHAW TONBRIDGE

Pick up your edition at the following stations

£550,000 - £570,000

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 28 page supplement of old and new homes, plus places to let, appears each week as part of the paper and in addition a further 4,500 standalone copies of the supplement are handed out at key stations as part of our service to commuters and those looking to relocate to Kent.

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 newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

UNDER £200,000 CLAREMONT COURT, HIGH BROOMS

£170,000-£175,000

This well-positioned second floor apartment is in a modern block around five minutes’ walk from High Brooms mainline station, and would be ideal for a first-time buyer. Offering modern living space, the property features a

communal hallway, a private hallway, a living room, a fitted kitchen with appliances, a bedroom and a bathroom. Outside there is a secure allocated parking space and a dustbin storage unit within a gated area. There is also a convenient telephone entry system.

CONTACT Martin & Co 01892 543856 www.martinco.com

UNDER £350,000 HILLTOP, TONBRIDGE

£300,000

Only a short walk from Tonbridge mainline station, this modern two-bedroom home is close to amenities and would be perfect as a first buy or as a buy-to-let.

The ground floor accommodation comprises an entrance hall and a

sitting room that is open-plan to the kitchen, while the first floor has two bedrooms and a bathroom. The property comes with an allocated parking space and also has a pretty, lawned rear garden.

CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

PROPERTY SECTION 

great properties by price range…

UNDER £450,000 FAIRMANS LANE, BRENCHLEY

£425,000

This charming country cottage is a short walk from the village. Character features include exposed beams and an inglenook fireplace with wood burner and bread oven. There is an open-plan sitting/dining room, a kitchen with fitted Neff appliances and a luxury downstairs shower. Upstairs are two bedrooms with eaves storage cupboards.

It all lies in traditional cottage gardens.

CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

UNDER £800,000 CHART LANE, BRASTED CHART

£749,950

A spacious house in a lovely position.

Tucked away at the end of a long track, it is an extended and remodelled 1960s property which requires a few completion works by the owners. The accommodation includes a sitting room, family room, dining room, study/ground floor bedroom, wet room, kitchen, utility room, three bedrooms, dressing room, family shower and large loft. There is driveway parking and a garage, and gardens wrap around the house. The photo has been computer-edited to show how the completed property will look.

CONTACT Jackson-Stops & Staff Sevenoaks 01732 740600 www.jackson-stops.co.uk

UNDER £1MILLION PENSHURST ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£940,000

UNDER £600,000 HAZEL SHAW TONBRIDGE

£550,000-£570,000 This week, our featured home (above) is a conveniently-placed, attractive and extended detached house with a loft conversion located just off Shipbourne Road, close to both Tonbridge High Street and Tonbridge mainline station. This ideal family home features an entrance hall, a cloakroom, a living room, a dining/family room, a kitchen, a large utility room, three bedrooms, a family bathroom and

a useful loft room. Outside, there is off-road, driveway parking as well as an integral garage to the front of the property, and a beautiful mature garden to the rear of the house.

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

Mill Cottage is a pretty, oak-framed Grade II listed village house, probably dating back to the 18th century. It has been sympathetically extended and updated with the alterations designed by architect Stephen Langer. Retaining many period features, it offers light and well-appointed accommodation over three floors, comprising a sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, four double bedrooms, three bathrooms and off-street parking for two cars.The plot is around 0.27 acres.

CONTACT Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.com

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

£525,000

Cran brook

£2,395,000

ď Ž PROPERTY SECTION

Revamped home with annexe

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

PROPERTY SECTION 

O

RIGINALLY the lodge house for Cryals Court, this beautifully presented period home has been stylishly updated using many reclaimed materials, as well as bespoke joinery and contemporary fixtures and fittings. It also has the benefit of an additional self-contained annexe.

The house has had a complete makeover, with the opening up of the reception hall to create an adaptable open-plan space, with a striking galleried landing and skylights above.

The main house opens to an entrance porch/ boot room with storage cupboards and a door opening into an impressive reception hall, with a balustrade staircase rising up to the first floor.

The sitting room has a dual-aspect glazed gas fire and wide bifold doors opening out to a decked terrace. There is also a family room and a dining room open to the kitchen. The generouslyproportioned family/kitchen/breakfast room has

more bifold doors out to the garden and is fitted with stylish units, a central island unit/breakfast bar and fitted Neff appliances. Completing this floor is a cloakroom/utility area.

On the first floor, there is a galleried landing with space for a study area enjoying a view over the garden. The master bedroom boasts a dressing room and well-appointed en-suite shower room. There are four further bedrooms, two sharing a shower room, plus a stylish family bath/wet room.

The annexe provides a delightful and useful addition to the main house, offering self-contained accommodation with its own dedicated access.

It features an open-plan kitchen/sitting room with bifold doors to a decked terrace, a ground floor bedroom and bathroom, and a spiral staircase to a well-proportioned first floor bedroom/studio and a shower room.

CRYALS LODGE CRYALS ROAD, MATFIELD

£1,250,000

The gardens are a lovely feature of the property, including a charming barbecue house located in the far corner. They have a contemporary feel and are bordered by high mixed hedging.

An enclosed field of about 1.2 acres lies to the south, providing additional space close by.

The property also has a substantial gravel parking and turning area, and outbuildings, including a garage and store.

AT A GLANCE � Remodelled family home with annexe � Stylish presentation � Idyllic location � Contemporary feel � Entrance hall � Sitting room � Family room � Dining room � Kitchen/breakfast/family room � Cloakroom/utility room � Galleried landing with study area � Master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite � Four further bedrooms, two sharing a ‘Jack and Jill’ shower room � Large family bathroom � Garage and parking area � Self-contained annexe with kitchen/ reception room, two bedrooms, bathroom and shower room � Landscaped gardens � Adjoining field of around 1.2 acres � Approximately 1.60 acres in all

£1,250,000 For sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.com

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

Central Tonbridge

Guide £575,000 - £600,000

Tonbridge

£295,000

SIMILAR REQUIRED. 4 Bedroom Bay Fronted Period Home in the sought after Slade Area. 2 reception rooms, Parking. EPC: D

2 Bedroom End of terrace house for modernisation. Popular Slade area walking distance of the High Street. Potential for attic 3rd bedroom. EPC: E

South Tonbridge

Castle House, Tonbridge

£875,000 - £900,000

SIMILAR REQUIRED. 5 Bedroomed Edwardian Detached Family House, conveniently situated for the Town Centre, Station and schools. EPC: E

North Tonbridge

£375,000

Only 4 Luxury 2 bedrooms apartments, 3 with 2 bathrooms. Situated just off the High Street and within walking distance of the Station.

£455,000

An attractive Gough Cooper built 'Cottage Style' semi-detached house with extended ground floor accommodation. Long drive provides good parking, garage. EPC: C

Tonbridge

£335,000

SIMILAR REQUIRED. Non estate 3 Bedroom End of terrace house, situated within a Crescent, few minutes' walk of the high street. Parking and an enclosed rear garden. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells £370,000 A well presented and spacious ground floor apartment located on popular Mount Ephraim.

Own entrance, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom. Enclosed courtyard garden, car parking area. EPC: D.

Groombridge £345,000 Occupying a prime central position within the picturesque and popular village of Groombridge, an immaculately presented late Victorian end of terrace house. Sitting room, kitchen/dining room, 2 bedrooms, wet room. Pretty enclosed rear garden. EPC: D.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £1,495 Stunning & very spacious 2 bed ground floor apartment in leafy Broadwater Down. Modern kitchen, 20' living room, 2 large bedrooms, bathroom & large cellar. Gas central heating.

Original features & high ceilings. Garage, off road parking, large lawn garden. EPC: D.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £825 An immaculately presented first floor apartment located within a period building along popular Broadwater Down. Spacious & light living room, kitchen, large double bedroom with en suite, study/bedroom, bathroom. Off road parking.Available: I August. EPC: C.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £795 An elegant first floor apartment centrally located in the popular 'village' area. Completely renovated. Stunning living room, modern fitted kitchen, good sized double bedroom, newly refurbished shower room. Permit parking.Available: IOAugust. EPC: C.

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £750 A light & spacious flat located in the centre of the town. Large & light living room, fitted kitchen/breakfast room, a good sized double bedroom, modern shower room. Gas central heating. Residents' permit parking.Available: I August. EPC: C.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

KENT

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

KENT

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

KENT

5 bed rooms + 2 bathrooms + 2 reception rooms + courtyard garden + views of Grove Park + Council Tax= E + EPC= E Guide £3,000 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

2 bed rooms + 1 reception room + 2 bathrooms + allocated parking space + close to town centre + Coun cil Tax=E + EPC=C Guide £1,300 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

First fl oor + 2 bedrooms + 2 shower rooms + spacious reception room + walking distance to station + Council Tax= B + EPC=C Guide £1, 150 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

KENT

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

KENT

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

KENT

2 bed rooms + 2 bathrooms + study area + spacious kitchen/d inin g room + comm unal gardens + parkin g + Council Tax=D + EPC=F Guide £1,600 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

Penth ouse apartment + 2 double bedrooms + 2 bath rooms room + single garage + Council Tax=F + EPC= B Guide £1,300 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

+ drawing

Close to town centre + 2 bed rooms + bathroom + all ocated parkin g + single garage + comm unal gardens + Coun cil Tax=C + EPC=C Guide £1,150 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

K E NT

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

KENT

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

KENT

2 bed rooms + 2 bathrooms + kitchen/breakfast room + two parking spaces + Council Tax=F + EPC=C Guide £1,450 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

+ reception

Ground fl oor + 2 bedrooms + 2 bath rooms + private patio gardens + allocated parking + Council Tax=F + EPC=C Guide £1,300 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

+ communal

Gated development + 2 bed rooms + living/dining room + bath room + balcony + allocated parking space + Council Tax=C + EPC= B Guide £1,150 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

Thinking of renting? There are some important things that you need to know. *Tenancy paperwork fees to include drawing up the tenancy agreement and reference charge for one tenant - £282 inc VAT. £36 inc VAT for each additional tenant/occupant/guarantor reference where required . Inventory check out fee - charged at the end of or early termination of the tenancy and the amount is dependent on the property size and whether furnished/unfurnished. For more details including example inventory fees, visit savills.co.uk/fees

WADHURST,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

EAST SUSSEX

KENT

Historic and substantial country house + Wadhurst MLS 1 .8 miles + detached 2 bed coach house + 8 bedrooms + garden and grounds + swimming pool, tennis court + 9,741 sq ft + about 5.21 acres

Detached period property on South side of town + well placed for schools and MLS + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/ breakfast room + 4 double bedrooms + garage + 2,467 sq ft + about 0.51 acres + EPC =E

Offers in excess of £2.5 million Freehold

Guide £1.45 million Freehold

ROTHERFIELD,

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

COWDEN,

EAST SUSSEX

Contact: Liz Devall

KENT

Period coach house in an AONB + Crowborough MLS 2.5 miles + self-contained annexe + 7 bedrooms + garage and stables + fields + house: 2,614 sq ft + annexe 962 sq ft + about 7.36 acres + EPC=E

Grade II listed renovation project + planning and listed building consents + 3 reception rooms + 6 bedrooms + detached semi-derelict outbuilding + gardens and grounds + 5,104 sq ft + about 2 acres

Guide £1.175 million Freehold

Guide £1.1 million Freehold

BRENCHLEY,

Contact: Liz Devall

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ,

KENT

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

KENT

3 bedroom chalet bungalow in sought-after village location + 2 reception rooms + conservatory + garden with views + garage + off-street parking + 1,939 sq ft + about 0.21 acres + EPC=D

Raised ground floor period apartment + within 0.5 miles of town centre amenities + MLS 1 mile + sitting/dining room + kitchen + 2 bedrooms + 1 bathroom + 662 sq ft + EPC=D

Guide £750,000 Freehold

Guide £320,000 Share of Freehold

Contact: Natasha Selbie

Contact: Natasha Selbie

� PROPERTY SECTION

Bright, spacious family home in a tucked away Tonbridge location

AT A GLANCE

YARDLEY PARK ROAD, TONBRIDGE n Contemporary detached house n Built 2010 n Bright and spacious accommodation n Tucked away position in popular road n Good entertaining space n Entrance hall n Cloakroom n Cinema room n Study n Drawing room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Conservatory n Utility room n Master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite n Four further bedrooms, two en-suite and two sharing a ‘Jack and Jill’ shower room n Family bathroom n Ample parking n Private gardens with terrace

£1,250,000 For sale through Firefly Properties 01892 838363 www.fireflyproperties.co.uk

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

T

HIS substantial family home, set in a sought-after road in Tonbridge, was built in 2010 and offers stylish and flexible accommodation that can be utilised in a variety of ways depending on your requirements.

Cleverly tucked away so it is not visible from the road, and with a lovely secluded garden, this

property offers great space for all the family.

On the ground floor the house opens to a bright entrance hall with an attractive staircase and a cloakroom off it. To the front is a versatile home cinema room and a study, while the main reception rooms all benefit from direct access to the rear garden and double interlinking doors,

meaning they can be used as you wish and are also perfect for entertaining.

The drawing room has a wall of bifold doors opening to the rear terrace, while the dining room beside it also has double doors to the terrace. The kitchen/breakfast room is an excellent size and well fitted with a range of painted units and integrated appliances. This then leads through to a large conservatory. A utility room completes this level.

The bedroom accommodation is impressive, with a master suite featuring a bedroom, a dressing room and bathroom.

The guest room has fitted wardrobes and an en-suite shower room, and there are three further bedrooms – one with an en-suite shower room and two sharing a ‘Jack and Jill’ shower room. Finally, a well-fitted family bathroom completes the accommodation.

To the rear of the property is the terrace, providing a perfect spot for outdoor dining, and a large garden that is mainly laid to lawn.

And there is ample off-road parking at the front of the house.

‘The kitchen/breakfast room is an excellent size and well fitted with a range of painted units’

in association with:

www.warners-solicitors.co.uk

MUSIC AT THE CASTLE

L IA EC SP G PA

4-

Music at the Castle

L-O

UL EP UT OG PR RA M

A whole month of free summer Sunday concerts

M

invite everyone to just turn up on the day and enjoy the music.”

Why not take a picnic and experience your own alfresco summer spread or take advantage of the refreshments on offer?

The Hildenborough Women’s Institute will be selling cakes alongside Jem Mochafella, who is serving tea, coffee and other refreshments.

Or if you fancy a small tipple, The Sociable Wine Company (www.thesociablewinecompany.com) will also be on hand throughout each afternoon.

Cllr Maria Heslop, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s

Cabinet member for community services, said: “I’m delighted to welcome back these wonderful bands for another season of free summer concerts on the Castle lawn.

“There’s sure to be something to suit all musical tastes from big band to jazz and the great band classics – the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.”

Brian Piner, President of The Rotary Club of Tonbridge said “It is always an honour to support local events and charities and we are very happy to be doing that at some of the bands’ performances again this year.”

E

TONBRIDGE continues to deliver excitingly vibrant and fabulously variety-rich events throughout the summer.

The next spectacular is a wonderful series of free musical concerts on the Bailey Lawn in the beautiful grounds of Tonbridge Castle on Sunday afternoons during August and everyone is very welcome.

The concerts, organised by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, will be performed by a mixture of amateur and professional bands between 3pm and 5pm. Stephen Gregg, one of council organisers, said: “There is no need to book a ticket, we

Free entry every Sunday between 3pm and 5pm: 

7 August – Jon Hamilton Big Band



14 August – Second Wind



21 August – Invicta Jazz Orchestra



28 August – Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band

For more information turn to the next page

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

in association with:

MUSIC AT THE CASTLE

7 August

Jon Hamilton Big Band

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

MUSIC at the Castle kicks off on Sunday 7 August with the Jon Hamilton Big Band.

The line-up includes saxophone, trumpet, trombone and rhythm sections with regular soloists and two talented vocalists, Ruth Fahie and Nigel Garrard.

Formed in 1988 by Jon Hamilton Puxley, the Jon Hamilton Big Band was initially a rehearsal band providing musicians with the opportunity to participate in playing music in the ‘Big Band Style’ including ‘Swing Era’ numbers made famous by Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller, etc.

Some founder members, such as trombonist Keith Neaves and baritone saxophonist Cathy Leaver, are still in the line-up today.

The band has had a number of Musical Directors, including pianist and film music arranger Julian Kershaw, John Peel (trumpet), Lyndsey Bennet (trumpet), Jim Clarke (trombone) and com-

www.warners-solicitors.co.uk

poser/arranger Colin Charman, who generously donated a considerable amount of additional music to the band’s library.

Julian Kershaw arranged the song ‘She’, which was performed

by Elvis Costello and The London Symphony Orchestra in the hit film Notting Hill. He was also named in the credits for the TV series Merlin.

They are currently directed by lead alto saxophonist Richard Melkonian, who hails from Naugatuck, Connecticut. From a very early age Richard played in a variety of dance bands, and impressively received his BA in music from Yale University.

The band began rehearsing on Monday evenings at The Royal Oak, Wrotham Heath, before moving to the Fleur de Lys in Leigh, where they gave their first public performance in December 1992. Their current venue is the ‘comfortable and palatial’ music centre at The Judd School, Tonbridge. www.jhbigband.co.uk

in association with:

www.warners-solicitors.co.uk

MUSIC AT THE CASTLE

DAMAGE LIMITATION Low oil prices have hit BP

14 August

Second Wind concert band SECOND WIND is a traditional concert band whose repertoire includes many favourite concert band pieces as well as novel and exciting arrangements of well and lesser-known music of various styles.

It reflects an array of musical tastes from classical to stage and film, pop, rock, jazz, swing, Latin and marching tunes.

The band’s diverse range of music means they are in demand at a host of indoor and outdoor events where many popular tunes are grouped together.

Second Wind’s musical development is in the capable hands of Conductor and Director of Music Martin Forward.

The band was formed in 1998 by a group of like-minded players from around Sevenoaks.

Many members now come from further afield and most of the original musicians are still playing with the band, which has become a social hub as well as musical group.

The band has a nucleus of accomplished musicians but has always welcomed new players from all levels of ability.

It seeks to encourage members to develop their musicianship and enjoy the excitement and fun of belonging to a band and performing publicly.

Rehearsals are held every Friday evening from 6.45pm until about 8.45pm in the Village Hall at Underriver. www.secondwind.org.uk

21 August

Invicta Jazz Orchestra THE INVICTA JAZZ ORCHESTRA is a friendly group of 30 amateur musicians whose ages range from GCSE students to members who are now retired.

Director of Music Scott Jenkins was a founder member of the band.

Scott spent three years at Middlesex University studying a BA in Music (Jazz). He spent several years with the Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

He also performs with the bands Rac-a-saX, a saxophone quartet, and the Swagger jazz quartet, which mainly focuses on funk and fusion music.

The Invicta Jazz Orchestra has played at several venues during past year, including the Whitstable Oyster Festival, Sevenoaks Summer Festival, Faversham Festival, Cranbrook Music Festival, and the Marlborough Jazz Festival, and is now adding Music at the Castle in Tonbridge to this impressive list.

The band practice every Thursday, and under Scott’s direction the musicians often rework and improve the existing repertoire as well as adding new numbers. www.invictajazz.com

* Turn to the next page for more information on Music at the Castle

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

in association with:

MUSIC AT THE CASTLE

28 August

Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band

MUSIC lovers already had a taste of the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band – when they played at the Tonbridge Carnival in June.

The singers and musicians filled the summer air with an eclectic repertoire of original works, arrangements of orchestral pieces, military band items and light music.

The band can call upon an impressive and ever-growing catalogue of music spanning different musical periods and genres.

Formed in 1980, the Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band has become a well-established member of the area’s musical community. As well as local players it attracts musicians from across Kent, East and West Sussex and South East London.

The band’s spring and autumn concerts usually follow a theme exploring a wide range of music chosen both to please the audi-

ence and to provide a challenge to the players. This also enables them to raise money for selected local charities. From time to time the band will support a noted guest soloist in a major work.

They have a busy programme of appearances at community events across south east England and also occasionally tour in the UK and abroad.

At Christmas members will be staging a traditional festive concert in Sevenoaks.

The concert band generally recruits experienced ensemble players, and members range from school students to well established musicians.

To support and develop less accomplished players, they have a fabulous training band, whose members are encouraged to join the concert band as they progress. www.stband.co.uk

Free entry every Sunday between 3pm and 5pm

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

www.warners-solicitors.co.uk

Main Road, Sevenoaks

£375,000 Stocks Green Road, Hildenborough

An enchanting three bedroom semi detached period cottage offered to the market chain free and situated in the popular village of Sundridge.

Priestley Drive, Tonbridge

Occupying a generous sized plot with !awned garden measuring approximately 280' x 105' is this unique three bedroom semi detached bungalow.

£370,000 - £390,000 Hazel Shaw, Tonbridge

A charming three bedroom semi detached family house, located in this popular residential area convenient for local schools and offered to the market chain free.

£615,000

£550,000 - £570,000

An attractive four bedroom extended detached house with loft conversion located just off Shipbourne Road easily accessible to Tonbridge High Street and Mainline Station.

 GARDENING

Create your own hedgehog haven In the last decade hedgehog numbers have gone down by 30 per cent due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss and changes in farming techniques, according to The Wildlife Trusts, which estimates there may be less than a million left in the UK

By Hannah Stephenson MANY worms, beetles, slugs, caterpillars and millipedes – which form the hedgehog’s natural diet – have been killed off by chemical treatments and intensive farming methods. Badgers also compete for the same food.

A recent wildlife survey by the RSPB found that the number of people who have never seen a hedgehog in their garden rose to 24 per cent last year. And as hedgerows and the countryside which forms their natural habitat dwindles, so the garden becomes ever more important as a hedgehog haven.

So what can we do to save this prickly garden favourite? The Wildlife Trusts advises: Create hedgehog highways: They need plenty of access to search for food, nesting sites and mates. Cut a 13cm-squared hole in your fence or dig a channel under garden boundaries to allow them to wander and get your neighbours to do the same. 

 Provide nesting sites: Log and leaf piles, wilderness areas and purpose-built hedgehog homes are ideal places for hedgehogs to nest and hibernate. Fallen leaves make the perfect nesting material, so don’t clear all of these away in autumn. Pile them in quiet, undisturbed corners of your garden to allow hedgehogs a safe, secure area to breed and hibernate.

Avoid slug pellets: Hedgehogs hoover up more than 100 invertebrates such as snails, slugs and worms every night, so no need to use slug pellets.



Cover drains and gullies: Hedgehogs have poor eyesight, but are quite curious, meaning they fall into holes and get stuck, so cover up any open drains and gullies. If you have a pond, make 

sure you provide an access point so hedgehogs can climb back out – create a slope with stones or other material.  Grow a wide variety of plants: Attract plenty of natural hedgehog food by keeping your garden diverse with a wide variety of habitats. Mulching beds with garden compost will encourage earthworms, woodlice and beetles as it begins to rot down, while wood piles encourage a rich feast of earwigs, centipedes and woodlice. Let your grass grow a little wild and leave some leaf litter – both are important homes for the hedgehog’s prey, including ground beetles and leatherjackets.  Check bonfires: Every year, hedgehogs die under bonfire piles that have not been checked before being lit. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society advises avoiding building your bonfire until the day it is going to be lit to reduce the chances of hedgehogs hibernating in the bonfire pile. Always build your bonfire on clear ground (not on top of leaf litter) and check for hedgehogs before lighting.

Set up a feeding station: Cut a clear hole in a plastic storage box and weigh down the lid with bricks to stop cats and foxes taking the food. If you are worried about attracting rats, don’t put out grain-based foods and take in any excess food when your hedgehog has visited.

THE BRITISH HEDGEHOG PRESERVATION SOCIETY ALSO ADVISES 





Take care when turning compost: The compost heap is another ideal place for a hedgehog to make a nest and rear its young. When turning the heap, one thrust of a fork can easily kill more than one baby hedgehog. The safest time to spread the heap is probably October or November, when most babies have left their mothers and adults have not yet started to hibernate. Partly used bags of compost may also have nesting hedgehogs in them.

Repair fences: Mend wooden fences that blow down in the wind as soon as possible or hedgehogs may be tempted to make their nests underneath them. Leave a hole in fences or newly constructed walls so hedgehogs can come and go. Use

environmentally-safe wood preservatives on sheds and fences as hedgehogs often lick new smells or substances – your garden centre should be able to advise. 

Netting: Keep all pea-netting a foot above the ground so hedgehogs can go under it and will not try to go through it and become stuck. The same applies to tennis nets and football nets.



Feed them: Ensure they have a fresh supply of water available – especially in very hot weather – and leave a dish of dog food in a place where the hedgehog can get it, but not the local cats.

For more information go to www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk and www.wildlifetrusts.org/hedgehogs

TIPS AND TREATS FOR THE REST OF YOUR SUMMER GARDEN  Best of the bunch: Crocosmia. These

stunning South African perennials, with their sword-like leaves and spikes of sizzling flowers in brilliant yellows, oranges and hot reds, look fantastic in the late summer garden alongside other showstoppers including heleniums and asters. They naturalise quickly, however, and some can be invasive, so you may have to lift and divide them regularly to avoid them taking over a border. They prefer full sun and damp soil. Good varieties include C. Severn Sunrise, which produces a compact, upright blaze of orange flowers, C. x crocosmiiflora Solfatare which produces vibrant yellow blooms, and C. Lucifer – an impressive 1.2m type which bears vibrant red flowers,

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

although you may need to support them to stop them flopping.  Good enough to eat: Spring onions. These

little fiery rockets of flavour can add heat to salads, dips, salsas and stir-fries and are really easy to grow. Sow a short row every three to four weeks from spring to mid-summer, thin them to 2.5cm apart, allowing 15cm between rows. Keep them watered in dry spells, weed regularly and make sure the soil is kept evenly moist when growing. You can use the thinnings of spring onions as you would chives, then pull alternate plants as baby spring onions.

Those left to grow can be used as mild onions.

Varieties worth trying include North Holland Blood Red and White Lisbon.

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WOOD & PILCHER

--Matfield

£595,000

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

South borough

£580,000 - £620,000

Tunbridge Wells

£380,000 - £400,000

A spacious first floor apartment with three good sized double bedrooms. a lounge facing the communal gardens and a further contemporary kitchen in the much sought after village area of Tunbridge Wells. EPC: B

Tonbridge

£325,000

A well presented 4/ 3 bedroom family size detached house situated on a corner plot in a popular residential location with a southerly aspect rear garden along with a garage and off road parking to driveway at front. Viewing recommended. EPC: D

A two bed detached bungalow with driveway and garage, within a mile of town and station yet with Hayesden Country Park just down the road. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells

£495,000

This deceptively spacious three storey, four double bedroom town house. is situated on a small no through road conveniently located approximately under one miles walking distance of High Brooms main line station. 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 three bedroom top floor apartment in St Johns. with a share of freehold. The property is presented to a high standard inside with a spacious lounge with large bay fronted window and exposed brick fireplace. three good sized bedrooms and contemporary styled kitchen and bathroom. EPC: C

woodandpilcher. co. uk rightmove

£285,000 - £300,000

~ nTheMarkelcom

Other offices in Crowborough , Heathfield & associated London Branch

� PROPERTY SECTION

Improved home has view of village green and permission for extension

AT A GLANCE

STONE COTTAGE THE GREEN, LANGTON GREEN n Attractive remodelled family house n Overlooking the green n Beautifully presented n Planning permission to extend further, with foundations in place n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Family/dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room with plumbing for cloakroom n Master bedroom with ‘Jack and Jill’ bathroom n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Off-road parking n Delightful rear garden with terrace

£950,000 For sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

O

VERLOOKING the green in the village of Langton Green, this attractive detached house has recently been extended, updated and improved, creating excellent family accommodation.

There is also planning consent to further extend the rear of the ground floor, with building foundations in place.

On the ground floor is an entrance hall leading to a sitting room at the front of the property with views over the green and a fireplace with wood burner.

The excellent kitchen/breakfast room to the rear is fitted with long wood worktops with old oak-fronted cupboards below, a range cooker with extractor hood and slate tiled flooring. This room is open-plan to the large family/dining room, which has polished wood flooring, a feature exposed stone wall and double doors to the rear terrace.

From the kitchen/breakfast room, an archway leads through to the utility room, where there is also plumbing for a cloakroom.

On the first floor are four double bedrooms, with the principal bedroom having a well-fitted en-suite bathroom with roll-top bath and a separate shower, which can also serve the adjoining bedroom. The family bathroom also has a separate shower.

To the front of the house there is space to park two cars and a gate with a path leading to the side and rear of the property. At the rear there is a wide decked terrace and gravel area with steps through a rose arch to a good area of lawn flanked by trees and shrubs. And there is a further area with raised vegetable/herb gardens.

1-kMJProperty

Your local independent Estate Agent

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Modern 2 bedroom " back to back" house just over 1/ 2 mile from a Mainline Station . Open plan Lounge/ dining room with underfloor heating, modern fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms and an upstairs bathroom. The property benefits from double glazing and a parking space. Electric heating . NO CHAIN. EPC D.

Detached 3 bedroom house with 22' Living room, dining room, kitchen with underfloor heating , ensuite to main bedroom and further family bathroom .

Partially walled pretty rear garden . EPC E

This 2 bedroom terrace house requires some refurbishment . The accommodation comprises ; Lounge, kitchen/ diner, 2 double bedrooms and an upstairs bathroom. The property benefits from a courtyard garden, double glazing to front and gas fired heating . EPC D

3 Bedroom refurbished semi-detached; Lounge with box bay window to front, dining room, modern fitted kitchen, main bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms and modern fitted bathroom.

Double glazing, gas fired heating and rear garden.

NO CHAIN. EPC E.

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� PROPERTY SECTION

Unusual period home in popular road overlooking Southborough Common

AT A GLANCE

T

HE OLD GRANARY is an attractive attached property and is part of a small complex of buildings that were once part of the Holden House estate. Set in a desirable road overlooking Soutborough

Common, it offers generous accommodation arranged over two floors.

The house is well-presented with a high-quality specification throughout. Key features include riven slate and oak flooring to the ground floor, a

fabulous dual-aspect drawing room with a wood-burning stove and beautifully finished bathrooms tiled with natural limestone.

The ground floor has an entrance hall, cloakroom, a sitting room with log burner and double doors to the garden, a useful family room and an L-shaped kitchen/dining room with a small conservatory.

Upstairs, the master bedroom overlooks the pretty gardens and has a well-fitted en-suite bathroom. There are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The property shares the front courtyard with the two neighbouring properties and benefits from a covered parking space in the open-bay garage opposite.

There is additional parking for residents a little further down the drive.

The garden lies at the rear of the property, with access to one side, and is predominantly laid to lawn with a sizeable decked area adjacent to the house.

‘The Old Granary is part of a complex of buildings that were once part of the Holden House estate’ Wednesday 3rd August 2016

THE OLD GRANARY HOLDEN ROAD, SOUTHBOROUGH n Attractive attached period house n Character features n Beautifully presented n Secluded location n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Family room n Cloakroom n Kitchen/dining room n Master bedroom with en-suite n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Car port n Parking n Shared courtyard to front n Private garden with deck to rear

£750,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

we open doors for you ...

Q} Primelocatior

Residential

â&#x20AC;˘ t hightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings

BarnesKingsnorth

Pembury: 01892 822880

Tonbridge: 01732 771616

Lettings: 01732 771616

e.pembury@bkea.co.uk

e.tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.l,kestatea1ents.com

� PROPERTY SECTION

Picturesque period cottage has a stream in its gardens

AT A GLANCE THE OLD MINERS ARMS SNAPE LANE, WADHURST n Character property n Quiet yet convenient location n Period features n Very well presented n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Dining room n Snug n Study n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Shower room n Cellar n Four bedrooms n Family bathroom n Garage and off-road parking n Summerhouse n Pretty gardens with stream n In all just over an acre

£775,000-£825,000 For sale through Batcheller Monkhouse 01892 512020 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

T

HE OLD MINERS ARMS is a lovely character property which has been extended and improved to offer well presented accommodation. With a wealth of period features and a convenient yet quiet location, the property is both spacious and charming.

The entrance hall gives access to the reception rooms and a door with steps leading down to a useful cellar storage space.

The sitting room is double aspect with a log-burning stove and double doors to a terrace at the side. The dining room also has a log-burning stove and a window overlooking the front. The snug and the study provide additional reception space and the kitchen/breakfast room has been extended and modernised with a four-oven electric Aga, a central island unit and a range of base and wall cupboards. It features a breakfast area, double doors to the side terrace and a stable door to the rear. The utility room has space for appliances and there is also a separate shower room.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

‘With a wealth of period features and a convenient yet quiet location, the property is both spacious and charming’ Upstairs there is a dual-aspect master bedroom, plus three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Outside a driveway provides ample off-road parking in addition to the detached garage.

The gardens around the property offer level areas of paved terrace as well as lawns, mature shrubs and hedges.

There is an additional area of garden by the driveway and steps lead up to a larger lawn with a summerhouse and planted woodland.

A stream runs along the boundary adding to the charm. The gardens and additional land extend to just over an acre.

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

MARTIN&CO

01892 543856 e: tun bridgewells@martinco.com www.tunbridge-wells-martinco.co.u k

PROPERTIES FOR LET

Letting• Sales • Investment

PROPERTIES FOR SALE I

GOUDHURST I

• 4-bedroom period property • Extensive gardens • 3 receptions • Garage and out buildings

£2750 pcm TO LET

2 BED

• 2 Bedroom house • • Court yard garden • GFCH

• Detached family home • 5 bedrooms • Set 4.2 acres of grounds • Close to village

£1,500,000 FH UNDER OFFER

3 BED

• 3 bedroom detached cottage

reception

£9 50.00 pcm TO LET

• 2 receptions • Garage

£640,000 FH UNDER OFFER

There are obvious yet often overlooked ways of avoiding the anxiety of a summer theft, such as:

The problem is that we often forget to close them again, or we

David Rogers, Managing Director When the weather is good, there's no beating a British summer. It's the time to enjoy barbecues, outdoor entertaining, children splashing in the paddling pool and balmy evenings.

However, because there is never any

deliberately leave them open night and day, providing a perfect opportunity for burglars and opportunists to pounce. Indeed, insurance companies report a 21 % increase in claims following an unforced entry during the summer months.

I. Never leave front doors or windows open or unlocked when you are at the back of your property or in the garden.

2. Never leave valuables on windowsills.

3. Use restrictors on windows so they can only be opened part-way.

4. Regularly review your home

Small easily-snatched items such as handbags, car keys, mobile phones and jewellery are among the most popular thefts; lucra'bve for the thief and really, really, annoying to lose. Bu~ars can be in and out of a property in seconds,

insurance needs.

5. Support your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

often whilst unsuspec'bng occupants are in the garden or watching television in another room.

guarantee of really hot weather, British households tend not to have air conditioning, unlike other countries

To add insult to injury, insurance companies will not usually honour a claim for such theft unless the homeowner has "taken reasonable steps to

where sweltering summers are inevitable. So when things hot up, we tend to revert to our manual air-conditioning system - we open the windows!

hardly demonstrates the reasonable care demanded by insurers.

prevent loss or damage". An open window is an invitation to a burglar and

May we wish you a happy and secure summer!

ď Ž PROPERTY SECTION

Double-fronted Edwardian elegance in a great location

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

PROPERTY SECTION 

AT A GLANCE

OAKDALE ROAD

n Edwardian double-fronted family house n Refurbished and well presented

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n Sought-after area

£1,395,000

n Period features n Further scope to extend n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Games room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Cloakroom n Basement storerooms n Four bedrooms on first floor n Family bathroom n Two top floor bedrooms n Further unconverted attic space n Off-road parking spaces n Lovely rear gardens

£1,395,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

‘There is more potential in the form a large, unconverted loft space on the second floor’

T

HIS delightful Edwardian property lies in Oakdale Road, a quiet residential street within one of the most highly sought-after areas of Tunbridge Wells and in walking distance of the town centre. It is also well situated for some of the best schools in the area.

The attractive, double-fronted red brick townhouse boasts impressive proportions and is packed with period features. It has been meticulously renovated throughout, and great care was taken to ensure the original character of the building was retained while offering modern convenience.

It now provides well-configured family accommodation of exceptional quality.

There is more potential in the form a large, unconverted loft space on the second floor, which could be easily converted, and a basement with several store areas.

To the ground floor there is a central entrance hall with two reception rooms of equal size to either side – one a sitting room and the other currently used as a games room. Both have beautiful big bay windows, filling each room with natural light.

A rear hall leads to a superb kitchen/breakfast room, which is the centrepiece of this fabulous

home, and to a utility room with a door through to a cloakroom. Finally, there is a dining room with double doors to the garden.

On the first floor there are four good sized bedrooms and a beautiful period style family bathroom, with a further two bedrooms on the top floor and access to the unconverted space.

The front of the property has been block paved, providing two off-street parking spaces. The rear gardens have been very well landscaped, with a broad terrace paved in natural stone running the width of the house. Steps lead down to an expanse of level lawn with a raised border to one side, retained by a characterful stone wall.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

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56 n FOOD AND DRINK

Everything stops for afternoon tea It’s that most quintessentially British of traditions, and although it dates back to the 19th century the ritual of feasting on scones, cake and cucumber sandwiches is still as popular as ever. To celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week, which starts on Monday, we’ve selected some classic and contemporary recipes by fervent fan Will Torrent for you to try at home

W

ITH the rise in popularity of tea drinking in the 19th century, it is said that Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, and other ladies of the upper social classes would get a little peckish ahead of dinner. The solution was to have a cup of tea and a light snack mid-afternoon to keep the hunger pangs at bay. This soon became part of a daily routine, and the Duchess began to invite friends to the house to join her for refreshment.

However, it was thanks to Queen Victoria that afternoon tea came to be the more formal affair we enjoy today. During her reign tea service became increasingly grand and enjoying the ritual in the country’s celebrated dining rooms held social status.

Etiquette played a big part, from the dress code

to the way that tea was poured and stirred.

Today there are no strict rules when serving an afternoon tea, but traditionally it will consist of an ornate 3-tiered cake stand displaying a selection of dainty finger sandwiches and other small savouries, warm scones with accompanying pots of clotted cream and preserves, and a variety of visually appealing bite-size cakes and pastries.

This enticing spread will be accompanied by your choice of a pot of freshly brewed loose-leaf tea, usually Earl Grey, Darjeeling and Assam are offered.

Henry James (1843–1916), the great American author who spent most of his writing life in England, said: “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”

CHOCOLATE AND CHERRY TARTS Makes: 12 What you need: Hazelnut pastry: 150g plain flour 50g ground hazelnuts ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon A pinch of salt 100g butter, chilled and diced 25g icing sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten

Hazelnut ganache: 75ml whipping cream 100g chopped dark chocolate 75g milk chocolate 20g honey 50g hazelnut butter To decorate: Cherry compote (see below) 200g chopped dark chocolate Red lustre powder (optional) 12 fresh cherries A 9-10-cm/3.-4-inch round cookie cutter A 12-hole muffin pan, greased Baking beans (optional) A disposable piping bag

THE BEST PLACES TO INDULGE IN AFTERNOON TEA IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

The Spa Hotel: Classic – if you want to really push the boat out then this is the place to come. Starched white linen table cloths are laid out before a luxury assortment of homemade scones, indulgent cakes and delicate finger sandwiches are offered up with a selection of aromatic teas – or, if you prefer, a glass of champagne – in the elegant lounge area. Prices start from £21.50 per person. Served daily from midday to 6pm.



One Warwick Park: Contemporary – Tunbridge Wells’ newest hotel is the place to be seen, and its afternoon tea selection reflects its chic clientele by also offering both a Prosecco (£22) and Champagne (£28) afternoon tea menu which boast a variety of mouthwatering savoury bites and an array of sweet treats created by the hotel’s talented pastry chefs. Prices start from £16 per person. Served daily 2.30-5pm.



Juliet’s: Vintage chic – This cool little café on the High Street focuses on providing its

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

customers with an impressive selection of fantastic homemade cakes and specialist teas, so it will come as no surprise to learn it’s a hot spot for afternoon tea. Sandwiches are served on artisanal bread and scones brim with French butter, Devonshire clotted cream and Bonne Maman jam. You can swap your tea for coffee if you like or upgrade your feast with a glass of raspberry Bellini for £5.50 more. Prices start from £15.50 per person. Served from 2.30-3.30pm. Booking in advance is required. 

Shrager’s Patisserie: Traditional – Guests can choose from a trio of afternoon teas at Rosemary Shrager’s delightful café. If you want something simple go for her Cream Tea, which is priced at £6.50, and comprises freshly baked scones and a tea or coffee. Or you could choose the Royal Afternoon Tea, which includes three finger sandwiches, scones, mini cakes and tea or coffee for £15.

If you’re feeling luxurious then splash out £5 more to enjoy a glass of champagne with it.

Cherry compote: 175ml red wine juice of 1 orange plus 2 strips of peel 1 bay leaf 1 cinnamon stick ½ vanilla pod, split 1 star anise 30g caster sugar 2 teaspoons cornflour 2 teaspoons Kirsch or cherry brandy A 400g can dark cherries in syrup, drained and patted dry Makes: 500g

What you do: Tip the flour and ground hazelnuts into the bowl of a food processor, add the cinnamon, salt and butter. Pulse to rub the butter into the flour until it is pale and sand-like in texture. Add the icing sugar and mix again to combine. Add the beaten egg and pulse until the mixture starts to come together.

Tip the dough out on to the work surface and use your hands to bring it together to a neat ball. Flatten into a disc, cover in clingfilm and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour until firm.

Roll the dough out on a lightly-floured work surface to a thickness of no more than 2mm.

Using the cookie cutter stamp out 12 discs from the dough.

Gently press the discs into the muffin pan, trying not to stretch the dough but making sure that the holes are evenly lined. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes Preheat the oven to 170˚C. Line the tart cases with a square of baking parchment or foil and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until pale golden and starting to crisp. Remove the tarts from the oven and carefully lift out the baking beans or rice and parchment or foil, and return the pans to the oven for 1 minute more to dry out the tart bases.

Remove from the oven and leave until cold before removing from the pan.

Temper the chocolate for decorating by melting in the microwave in bursts of 30 seconds. Once the mixture

is three-quarters melted, stop heating and stir well to remove any lumps. Spread out very thinly on to a sheet of baking parchment using a palette knife and set aside to harden.

Once set, brush with red lustre powder.

Next, prepare the ganache. Tip all of the ganache ingredients into a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir gently to combine into a silky smooth mixture, remove from the heat and leave to cool for 15 minutes. Transfer to the piping bag and set aside.

To build the tarts, divide the cherry compote between the pastry cases and spread level.

Pipe ganache over the cherry compote in an even, smooth layer. Finish each tart with a fresh cherry and crack the tempered chocolate to form shards that can be arranged on top. I find I often have a little dough leftover so I like to bake this with the tart cases and crumble it on top to serve.

Cherry compote: Tip the red wine into a small pan, add the orange juice and orange peel, the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, vanilla pod/bean, star anise and sugar. Set over a medium heat stirring to dissolve the sugar. Bring to the boil and simmer gently until reduced to 3 tablespoons of thick syrup. Pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve/strainer into a clean bowl to remove the spices and peel, then return the syrup to the pan.

In a small bowl, combine the cornflour with the Kirsch or cherry brandy and mix to a smooth paste.

Spoon the paste into the red wine syrup and whisk to combine. Cook over a low-medium heat until thickened and glossy and you can no longer taste the cornflour.

Add the cherries and cook for a further minute to break down the fruit slightly.

Remove the pan from the heat and cool completely before using.

Recipes and images from Afternoon Tea at Home by Will Torrent with photos

by Matt Russell, published by Ryland Peters & Small. The book is available to Times readers for the special price of £14.99 including postage & packaging (rrp£19.99) by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting the reference GJ5

FOOD AND DRINK ďż˝

57

BLOODY MARY SHRIMP SANDWICH Makes: 8 What you need: 400g cooked North Atlantic prawns 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon ketchup 1/2 teaspoon paprika A splash of Tabasco 1 tablespoon vodka (optional) A dash of Worcestershire sauce Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Avocado butter: 75g butter, softened 1 ripe avocado Juice of 1/2 lemon Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste To serve: 8 thin slices brown bread 2 heads little Gem lettuce, shredded Celery salt, to taste

What you do: Pat the prawns dry with paper towels and tip into a bowl.

Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, paprika, Tabasco, vodka (if using) and a shake of Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, and mix well to coat the prawns.

Taste and add a drop more Tabasco if you prefer the Bloody Mary sauce a little spicier.

In another bowl, beat the butter until soft. Peel and mash the avocado flesh and add to the butter with the lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Lay the bread slices out on the work surface and spread with the avocado butter. Cover half of the slices with the prawn mixture and top with a neat handful of shredded lettuce. Cover with the remaining bread slices and press gently together.

Using a serrated bread knife, cut the sandwiches in half or into neat triangles or fingers.

Arrange on serving plates and sprinkle with a little celery salt before serving.

CLASSIC SCONES Makes: 24 What you need: 450g plain flour 3 teaspoons baking powder A pinch of salt 100g butter, chilled and diced 75g caster sugar 2 egg yolks 250ml whole milk, plus extra for glazing 1 teaspoon lemon juice To serve: Good quality or homemade strawberry jam Clotted cream or whipped double cream A 5-cm round cookie cutter A baking sheet lined with baking parchment What you do: Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl with the baking powder and salt.

Add the butter.

Start by using a palette knife to cut the butter into the flour, then switch to using your hands to gently rub the butter in.

Do not overwork the mixture but lift the flour and butter up in your hands and gently press

and roll it across your fingertips.

When there are no visible pieces of butter remaining add the sugar and mix to combine.

Make a well in the middle of the mixture and add one of the egg yolks, the milk and lemon juice. Use the palette knife to cut the wet ingredients into the dry, then gently mix with your hands until almost combined.

Turn the dough out on to a lightly-floured work surface. Very gently knead until almost smooth. Pat or roll the dough to a thickness of 3cm.

Dip the cookie cutter in flour to prevent it sticking, then stamp out discs from the dough.

Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet and set aside. Gather the off-cuts of dough into a ball, re-roll and stamp out more scones to make as many as possible.

Mix the remaining egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of milk and neatly brush the tops of the scones with the glaze.

Bake on the middle shelf of the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until well-risen and golden brown.

Remove from the oven, cool on wire racks and serve on the day of making with jam and clotted cream.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

58  TRAVEL

Portugal’s valley of plenty

A VINE VIEW Vine terraces seen from the Douro River

G

LIDING slowly along the motionless Douro River, we slice through nearperfect reflections of undulating hills, all etched with vine terraces resembling contours on a map. Sandeman, Taylor’s, Graham’s – I pick out port producers whose bottles fill my drinks cabinet at home.

We’re tracing a centuries-old route used to transport the Portuguese fortified wine to the coast; only these days, a flotilla of traditional Rabelo boats carry tourists rather than heavy wooden casks.

The world’s oldest regulated wine region, afforded Unesco World Heritage status in 2001, has been attracting river cruisers for many years, with land stays possible in a collection of simple quintas.

But in the last 12 months, the launch of two boutique hotels has broadened the Douro’s appeal. Last summer, Six Senses announced a property in Lamego as their first European outpost, and in April the Taylor’s Port family (now part of the Fladgate Partnership) reopened Vintage House Hotel – a property

DRINKING IT IN Today Rabelo boats carry tourists instead of port wine

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

they’d owned ten years previously.

Coupled with the recent completion of a new mountain tunnel, which cuts journey time to gateway city Porto by 30 minutes to an hour and a half, this scenic wine lovers’ region is ripe for visiting.

Our wooden boat docks at the small, sleepy village of Pinhao, famous for its azulejo-tiled train station depicting bucolic scenes of the wine harvest. Several times a day, trains toot along the line, making a two-hour journey through the hills to Porto.

From the waterfront, it’s a hop, skip and portaddled stumble to the Vintage House Hotel, where swallows flit through orange trees and trellises are festooned with magenta bougainvillea.

“We’ve worked hard to retain features of the original warehouse building,” explains General Manager Paulo Santos, as we admire the gnarled oak beams of the Library Room, supported by original granite columns.

Seven new suites have been added, bringing the total number of rooms to 47 – all with views to the

river, and colour schemes have been brightened up a notch to bring the feeling of outside in.

I stay in one of the Master Suites, notable for its playful Christian Lacroix bathroom wallpaper, not to mention its sheer size – bigger than most city apartments.

In the next couple of years there are plans to build a spa and gym, but when dealing with a place this peaceful and protected, it’s a respectful case of ‘slowly, slowly’, explains Paulo.

The hotel’s relaxed, rustic restaurant is a fine showcase for produce from the region, including lamb and veal reared in local hill villages and peppery olive oil.

But for a real taste of the Douro’s liquid assets, I visit the Fladgate Partnership’s neighbouring Quinta da Roeda wine estate, where a visitor centre is housed in the former stables.

Filipe Carvalho, Wine Tourism Manager, estimates there are 30,000 wine growers in the Douro Valley, but since the 18th century land has been slowly consolidated and now British companies Taylors and Symington own 50 per cent of it.

In the last 20 years, many young winemakers have TOWERING BEAUTY switched to making There's quite a climb table wine. As well to the top of the 76m as being quicker Torre dos Clérigos and cheaper to

produce, it’s also winning the region top industry accolades.

Filipe is more of a traditionalist.

“We’ve been making port using the same methods for hundreds of years, although we do have a few innovations,” he says, pouring an aperitif I soon identify as synonymous with summertime – a Croft Pink rose port and tonic on ice.

During harvest time, most work in the vineyards is done by hand – or foot. Filipe claims grapes trampled by humans taste far superior to those churned in cold stainless steel vats.

“It works out more expensive,” he admits. “But this is still a family business and social sustainability is more important than profit.”

Adrian Bridge, CEO of the Fladgate Partnership, and a member of the Taylor’s family, envisages the Douro as a centre for wine tourism.

Six years ago he opened Portugal’s first wine hotel, the award-winning Yeatman, in Porto, and he hopes success will trickle along the river.

Set amid the terracottaroofed port warehouses in the city of Vila Nova de Gaia (or just Gaia), South of Porto, the elevated 82-room property gazes out across the mouth of the Douro to a piled-high stack of historic buildings

TRAVEL 

A REAL PICTURE The stunning walls of Sao Bento railway station

‘Harry Potter author JK Rowling lived and taught English in Porto in the 1990s’ that earned Porto its Unesco classification.

Rooms are named after national winemakers, and corridors are decorated with vintage maps and paintings celebrating Portugal’s place in the world of exploration and travel. Guests can cool off in an outdoor decanter-shaped swimming pool, and a staircase winding through an enormous

wine barrel connects treatment rooms in the Caudalie Vinotherapie spa.

Appropriately, it also boasts the city’s only Michelin-star restaurant. Sat eye level with the clouds on a panoramic terrace, I enjoy Chef Ricardo Costa’s sublime ten-course tasting menu while watching a tangerine sun melt into the Atlantic coastline, as elegant peacocks strut around my feet.

Peanut-laced crabmeat served with a dash of beer and braised lime evokes days at the beach, and a tomato tartare sprayed with cool foam is a chillingly pleasant summer treat. The marathon meal is also an education in Portuguese wines,

with my favourite, a Soalheiro Alvarinho 2014, served by the jeroboam.

Tourist attractions in Gaia revolve around the port cellars (all, apart from Taylor’s, require an appointment), while most historic sites are on the opposite side of the river.

The city is built on a series of hills with narrow, cobbled backstreets trailing from the touristpacked riverside. So the following morning I take a scenic cable car (five euros, one way) to the double-decked metal arched Dom Luis bridge and cross the less busy upper level.

Blue and white azulejo tiles glint from the facades of grand, well-weathered buildings, with the most impressive display found in the concourse of the 1900s Sao Bento train station.

My favourite spot, though, is Livraria Lello, a bookshop said to have inspired Harry Potter’s library at Hogwarts (author JK Rowling lived and taught English in Porto in the 1990s).

A fairy-tale crimson staircase spirals like a nautilus shell to reach a mezzanine floor and stained-glass skylight, which depicts a monogram belonging to original owners the Lello brothers.

It costs three euros to enter, redeemable on the purchase of books, which include rare editions from when the shop first opened in 1906.

There are numerous viewing platforms throughout the compact, crumbling city, and in the absence of skyscrapers, 18th-century Torre dos Clérigos still occupies the highest point. There’s a 25-minute queue to reach the top (visit early or late in the day to zip up quickly), where views stretch along the Douro. The sound of seagulls mewing is a reminder the ocean is close by.

A beacon for sailors, the tower also served as a telegraph, with flags hoisted to announce the imminent arrival of the English Royal Mail Lines carrying payment for port wines traded by merchants.

Today, though, the destination itself is the Douro’s greatest commodity.

59

TRAVEL FACTS  Sarah Marshall was a guest of Classic Collection Holidays (0800 294 9323; classic-collection.co.uk) who offer two nights at the Vintage House Hotel (vintagehousehotel.com) and two nights at The Yeatman (the-yeatman-hotel.com) from £999 per person.

Price based on two adults sharing on a bed & breakfast basis. Includes return flights from London Gatwick (other UK departure airports available) to Porto and all private transfers. Departs September 16.  British Airways (www.britishairways.com) flies from Gatwick to Porto from £37 one way.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

60 ■ TRAVEL PROMOTION ANNOUNCED

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OIN the award-winning Baldwins Travel Group team and more than 70 travel, tour and cruise operators at their inaugural #HolidayInspirationsShow on Sunday, September 25 at Salomons.

This is the biggest exhibition of holiday inspirations in the South East and every area is covered from the polar regions to the tropics. You can find holidays to suit all paces of life; if all you want to do is lie on a beach looking out to the glistening waters of the Caribbean, Baldwins Travel Group can send you there. If you want to trek along the Great Wall of China, that can be arranged too. From a traditional package holiday to a bespoke tailormade adventure, there is really no holiday that cannot be put together by the superb team of travel experts in the eight branches across Baldwins Travel’s portfolio.

Baldwins Travel Group was first established in 1895 and is the largest independent retail and business travel agency across Kent and East Sussex. An award-winning company – they were nominated for National High Street Agency of the Year 2016 – there are Baldwins Travel branches in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Cranbrook, Lewes and Uckfield along with Travelux Tenterden and Sevenoaks Travel.

All branches offer the broadest range of travel options to destinations across the world and cater for everyone from solo travellers to families to large groups and even business travellers.

They will cater to your budget and travel preferences whilst offering all the enhancements to make your travel preparations complete, such as travel insurance, airport parking, lounges and foreign exchange.

The #HolidayInspirationsShow will not just bring the world under one roof for a day but will offer many interesting attractions including travel presentations, food and wine tastings, children’s activities, a pop-up travel agency, a low ropes course and much more.

Entry to the venue and on-site parking will be free of charge. Registering your attendance online in advance offers free fast-track admission plus entry into the prize draw with many great prizes to be won, including a holiday for two in Abu Dhabi courtesy of Etihad Airways and Kuoni. Details will be regularly updated on www.holidayinspirationsshow.co.uk and you can follow the event on twitter @btg_hishow with updates from now until the event itself.

The countdown to the big day has started and more attractions and surprises are being confirmed every day. Everyone is welcome and on arrival you will receive PACIFIC OCEAN

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Look to the skies during the day and the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance may make an appearance.

The charity will also be offering the opportunity to win a Mini in their fundraising draw.

Hospice• in the Weald will also be • selling tickets to their grand raffle with cash prizes to be won.

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Wednesday 3rd August 2016

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WITH THE

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

By Jack Evans WHAT’S NEW? An awful lot. Underneath it’s a high-tech car.

Mated to a twin-turbo V6 engine are not one but three electric motors. They provide almost instantaneous acceleration on a par with the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.

Not only that, but there’s all manner of scoops and vents to make the NSX stable at high speeds.

Add in four separate driving modes, and you’ve a package that seems, on the face of it at least, to be at the very cutting edge of sports car technology.

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

FIRST DRIVE

HONDA NSX

LOOKS AND IMAGE The NSX is an out-and-out sports car with looks to match. Ducts and air intakes make it stand out from the crowd while heavy creases on both boot and bonnet break up the panels. It has LED lights at front and rear, and a clamshell boot reveals a decent-sized interior and that all-important engine.

Inside, two deeply padded bucket seats sit down low in the car, making it a comfortable place to be.

The steering wheel has plenty of adjustment which makes finding the correct driving position even easier. There’s a large central screen that displays all of the car’s infotainment, while a TFT screen behind the wheel allows the driver to view fuel levels, battery charge and speed.

Dominating the centre of the car is a large rotary dial for selecting driving modes, located just above the push-button gear selector. Although good looking, it is in the position that most will reach to adjust the stereo’s volume. Given that driving intent is at the core of the NSX, placing this selector elsewhere might have made more sense.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY A two-seater sports car is never going to be a strong choice when it comes to practicality., but the boot is large enough for a set of golf clubs or two medium-sized weekend bags. A glovebox can store around four small water bottles – but there aren’t any cupholders to put them in once opened.

On the plus side, both doors are wide and allow easy entry. The seats are also supremely comfortable. However, in terms of load-lugging, the NSX isn’t great – but then it’s not designed to do that. All the areas important for driving – seating position, steering wheel adjustment and gear shift paddle weights – are spot-on, which is everything you want in a high-performance car.

BEHIND THE WHEEL Here’s where the NSX really shines. There are four driving modes: Quiet, Sports, Sports+ and Track.

Quiet means that when pulling away the car stays in all-electric mode with the petrol engine chirping into play soon after. It remains quiet even then, thanks to some clever shielding of the exhaust note and a system that can cut down to just two of the four exhaust pipes.

Jump to Sport and throttle response is improved and the entire car firms up. Sport+ is an extension of that, while Track puts the NSX into full attack mode and allows the traction control a certain degree of slip, meaning it will happily go into an oversteer situation, should it arise.

In every mode, the NSX rides impressively. On track it manages to be firm and controllable, while on the road it deals well with bumps and potholes without ever losing its agility through the corners.

The NSX is also fast, with the turbochargers and electric motors providing plenty of usable torque.

This makes the NSX relaxing to drive quickly.

Thanks to the car’s powertrain, it produces 500bhp – enough to reach a top speed of 191mph.

The steering has a good weight to it and allows precise adjustments. Thanks to a steering rack that changes with speed, it inspires confidence when travelling quickly, avoiding the sometimes frantic steering that comes with some sports cars.

Pedal weights are spot-on too, with the brake – which was linked to optional carbon ceramic discs in our test car – neither too sharp nor too spongy. The nine-speed dual-clutch automatic also shifts seamlessly in full auto mode, but is impressively

VALUE FOR MONEY At £130,000 without options, the NSX isn’t cheap.

That said, it’s no more or less expensive than rivals such as the Audi R8 V10 and Porsche 911 Turbo.

However, for that money, you do get quite an array of technology. It’s also an accomplished car for both road and track. The NSX is a true daily driver.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE?

‘Add in four separate driving modes, and you’ve a package that seems to be at the very cutting edge of sports car technology’ responsive in its manual setting. The car will hang on to gears right through to the top of the rev range, and the paddle shifters have a good weight to them when you do eventually want to shift.

A launch control system is also fitted to the NSX – one of the simplest we’ve seen. While in Track mode, simply hold the brake with one foot while flooring the accelerator with the other. Lift the brake, and it’ll rocket forward without the merest hint of tyre squeal. Honda engineers haven’t yet given out official figures, but they hint that the sprint from 0-62mph can be reached in under three seconds. It certainly feels that quick.

Someone who wants to get the most from their car every day, so long as you don’t need to carry more than one passenger.

The NSX has a theoretical range of around 400 miles, so you’re looking to be able to travel a long way, then go for a spirited drive at the end of the journey, the NSX is the car for you.

FACTS AT A GLANCE PRICE: from £130,000 MODEL: HONDA NSX ENGINE: Twin-turbocharged V6 with three electric motors, together producing 500bhp and 406lb/ft of torque TRANSMISSION: 9-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 2.9secs, 191mph top speed ECONOMY: 21mpg (claimed) EMISSIONS: 290g/km (claimed)

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

64 n MOTORING SKOOA

SIMPLY CLEVER

REASONS TO BUYA

AVAILABLE FROM

NIL ADVANCE PAYMENT** AVAILABLE WITH

AUTOMATIC (DSG) OR MANUAL GEARBOX Available on

Motability Model shown is SKODA Fabia Hatch SE 1.2 TSI llOPS. Available with Nil Advance Payment.

Model shown is SKODA Octavia Hatch S 1.0 TSI l lSPS. Available with Nil Advance Payment.

Visit skoda.co.uk/motability

Model shown is SKODA Yeti Outdoor SE 1.2 TSI llOPS. Available with Advance Payment of £95 plus the retai l cost of all the options.•

Caffyns SKODA Tunbridge Wells

*Option part-silver roof rails at £165. **To qualify for this offer you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement. Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). Nil advance payment applies to SKODA Fabia Hatch 5, SE and colour edition models (except SE 1.4 TO I Man and DSG at £95). SKODA Yeti Sand SE models (2WD only). and all SKODA Octavia S Hatch models. Available with free metallic/special colour paint choices. Models shown are not UK specification.

Prices and speci fi cations are accu rate at time of publication. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. Participating retaile rs only. Subject to availability. Valid fo r applications to Motability from 1 July 2016 to 30 September 2016.

<:)

Official fue l con sumption for the three SKODA models (pictured above) in mpg (litres/lOOkm): Urban 42.2 (6.7) to 52.3 (5.4); Extra Urban 58.9 (4.8) to 72.4 (3.9); Combined 51.4 (5.5) to 62.8 (4.5). C02 emi ss ions for the SKODA range are 128 to 104 g/ km . Standard EU test figure s for comparative purpo ses and may not reflect real driving re sults.

<6 01892 570784

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Wednesday 3rd August 2016

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MOTORING n

65

INTRODUCING THE FORD ECOSPORT A dynamic SUV featuring many advanced technologies

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Official f uel consumption figures in mpg (11100km) for t he Ford Ecosport range: urban 34.9 (8.1 ) - 58.9 (4.8), extra urban 54.3 (5.2) - 65.7 (4.3), combined 44.8 (6.3) - 64.2 (4.4) . Official CO, emissions 17H22g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Based on limited stock vehicles only and must be ordered and registered between 01.07.15 and 30.09.15. *Extra £500 saving when taking a test drive - August registration only. *Finance example shown available over a finance period of 35 months with £2,158 customer deposit, £400 deposit allowance. Amount of credit £13,438. Charge for credit £893.81. Finance Facility fee £10. Purchase Fee £10.

Total amount payable £15,908.81. Optional final payment £7,157. 2.9% APR, 5,000 miles per annum, excess mileage charged at 5p per mile. When financed with Ford Credit. Finance subject to status. Other charges for metallic paint and extra factory options. Must be over 18 and a full UK resident. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Prices correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. Subject to availability at Lifestyle Ford. Lifestyle Ford reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time and without notice. Lifestyle Ford Head Office 3 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 SAG. Images for illustration purposes only, metallic paint available at an extra cost.

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

66 n MOTORING

THAMES MOTOR GROUP TUNBRIDGE WELLS, LONGFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 3EY. TEL: 01892 549766 WWW.THAMES MOTOR GROUP.CO.UK Fuel consumption figures for the new Fiat 500 range in mpg (11100km): Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 68.9 (4.1); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) - 94.2 (3.0); Combined 60.1 (4.7) - 83.1 (3.4). COi emissions 110 88 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO, figures based on standard EU tests fo r comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Model shown is a New Fiat 500S. Model shown includes optional extras: 16" Matt black alloy wheels with diamond fini sh and Pasodo ble Red special pastel p aint. *Uconnect™ LIVE services, where availabl e, require a d ata enabl ed sm artph o ne to use. " Fi g ure refers to 0 .9 TwinAir 105 hp Turbo eng ine. Eng ine ran ge starts fro m 69 hp .

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extra cost. Elect 4 Personal lease rental shown applies to Citroen C4 Cactus PureTech 110 S&S manual Rip Curl. An advance rental of approx 20-30% of the cash price of the vehicle will be required, followed by 34 monthly rentals at the rates shown & a significant optional final rental. You will not own the vehicle. Excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term !this does not transfer title of the vehicle} & requires an annual rental equivalent to one months' rental. Personal lease finance subject to status. Finance provided by and written quotations available on request from PSA Finance UK Limited !company registration number 01024322} t/a Citroen Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 10A, UK. Cltr~n Financial Services Is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Over 18s only. A guarantee may be required. THAMES MOTOR GROUP !TUNBRIDGE WELLS! LTD IS ACTING AS A CREDIT BROKER AND NOT A LENDER. TO FINANCE YOUR VEHICLE WE MAY INTRODUCE YOU TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF LENDERS. Offers & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availabiLlty.

Official Government fuel consumption figures (Range): Urban cycle, Extra urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & C0 2 emissions (g/ km); Highest: Citroen C4 Ca ctus PureTe ch 82 m anua l Fla ir 5 .6/ 50.4 , 4 / 70.6 , 4 .6/ 61.4 , 107. Lowest: Citroen C4 Cactus Blue HDi 100 S&S ETG6 Feel 3 .9/ 72 .4 , 3 .2/ 88 .3 , 3 .4 / 83.1, 89. MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions.

THAMES MOTOR GROUP 01892 549766 NORTH FARM INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, TN2 3EY www.thamestunbridgewells.citroen .co.uk

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

LIFE AND STYLE n

A MESSAGE FROM RTWSO’S MUSICAL DIRECTOR RODERICK DUNK

NO4 FURNITURE Setting up a new business is tough at the best of times, but Chris Marlowe, the founder of No.4 Furniture has had to tackle his own set of challenges.

It gives me great pleasure to tell you about another exciting season of Sunday afternoon concerts in our 2016/17 season starting in October with the rising star Callum Smart performing the lyrical Korngold Violin Concerto.

His first career was as a builder and plasterer, however, he had a serious fall which resulted in lower body paralysis.

When he was discharged from hospital, Chris, who is from Tunbridge Wells, embarked on a Robotics degree at the University of UWE Bristol, graduating with a 2:1, but he’d realised during the course that he preferred to be more hands-on, and when a friend showed him a piece of furniture he’d made out of reclaimed scaffold boards, Chris was inspired.

Our new season also sees the welcome return of world renowned pianist Peter Donohoe with Rachmaninov’s ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini’. Guest conductors George Vass and Neil Thomson join us again for two concerts of great English and Russian music, and I am looking forward to conducting the first Opera Gala in the orchestra’s 94-year history.

Other highlights include Prokofiev’s brilliant music from ‘Romeo & Juliet’, Mozart’s superbly crafted ‘Sinfonia Concertante’ with the orchestra’s principal wind players as soloists, and to close the season, Mozart’s vibrant Symphony No. 39 and Mahler’s mighty Symphony No. 5, with its beautiful ‘Death in Venice’ Adagietto.

Excited to have found something physical that he could do that combined his love of engineering design with a nod to his building roots, No.4 Furniture was born. Chris built 30 pieces in quick succession. The furniture he makes is all about seeing things differently, and comes from a love of creating something new out of the unexpected, using unusual, reclaimed or repurposed materials sourced from all over the UK.

With our ticket prices still representing the best value for quality orchestral concerts in the south east, we hope you will continue to support the RTWSO. We look forward to seeing you!

For more information check out www.rtwso.org

IS YOUR CHILD THE CUTEST KID OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS? Submit your ‘Cutest Kid of Tunbridge Wells’ pics to hello@tunbridgewellslocallife.co.uk and via twitter to @TWellsLocalLife / @HappyFeetMgt / @wardrobefairy to enter our fabulous competition to win some amazing prizes.

The winner will receive a 12 month contract for their child with Happy Feet Management Talent & Model Agency based in Tunbridge Wells and mum will receive a day of pampering courtesy of Tunbridge Wells Local Life as well as a personal styling session and treats courtesy of Victoria Genevieve Styling. As well as pics from the photoshoot with the 10 child finalists to be held at The Happy Feet Studio in Tunbridge Wells on 02/09/16.

67

COUNTRY GARDEN FLORIST Country Garden are proud to announce that they have been awarded membership of the newly accredited Good Florist Guide.

Sadly, the partner he’d set up the company with decided it was not the business for him, so Chris has had to continue alone. He is looking for venues such as shops, hotels, offices, bars or restaurants who would be interested in showcasing his furniture locally.

You can view the No.4 Furniture collection on the website www.no4furniture.co.uk and can contact Chris on 0800 599 9422 or by emailing info@no4furniture.co.uk

All the businesses in the Good Florist Guide work to the highest standards of floristry, creating designs which are fresh and innovative. Each florist will take the time to listen to what sort of flowers you really want and tailor make something to suit. They go the extra mile, they stock the freshest flowers, they keep ahead of the trends, they know what they’re talking about and, above all, they care. And because they care they’re the shops that have been prepared to step up to the plate and seek third party accreditation to show they are above average.

In short The Good Florist Guide is an easy, reliable way to find a legitimate independent florist anywhere in the UK who really knows what they are talking about and who wants you to have the best flower buying experience possible, irrespective of how much money you spend.

At Country Garden we offer a very personal approach to floristry and, with 30 years experience, give expert advice. We use fresh flowers delivered 6 days a week from Holland and the UK. We cater for all events including weddings, funerals, parties and birthdays.

Country Garden Florist, 191 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent Telephone:01732 364957 Email: workshop@country-garden-florist.co.uk

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

68 � PUZZLES

Across 1. Prepare the road by putting the flags down! (4,3,3) 7. Precise piece of complex activity (5) 8. Submits to the situation and gives up the job (7) 10. This type of window can’t seem different (8) 11. Grey-clad minstrel returns (4) 13. See 1 Down

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

15. See 1 Down 17. Terrible nickname for one near the forefront of battle (4) 18. Jack goes round the mine (8) 21. Well-known reason for being refused a restaurant booking! (7) 22. Where you’ll find the prisoner with nothing but a big fiddle! (5) 23. See 6 Down.

Scribble pad

QUICK CLUES Across

Down

1. Precursor (10)

1. Storey (5)

7. Traverse (5)

2. Thwarted (8)

8. Leaves (7)

3. Purify (6)

10. Insurrection (8)

4. Futile (4)

11. Split (4)

5. Avoidance (7)

13. Blush (6)

6. Happening (10)

15. Bend (6)

9. Undertaking (10)

17. Near (4)

12. Settle (8)

18. Journalist (8)

14. Humiliate (7)

21. Euphoria (7)

16. More acute (6)

22. Notions (5)

19. Handle (5)

23. Amelioration (10)

20. Talent (4)

SOLUTIONS

18 Reporter; 21 Elation; 22 Ideas; 23 Betterment.

Down: 1 Floor; 2 Resisted; 3 Refine; 4 Null; 5 Evasion; 6 Occurrence; 9 Enterprise; 12 Colonise; 14 Degrade; 16 Keener; 19 Treat; 20 Gift.

SUDOKU:

CRYPTIC CLUES

Down 1, 13Ac & 15Ac. Doesn’t operate as the leading bowman (5,6,6) 2. I’m involved in vast mixture of nutritious elements (8) 3. Putting it up over the arena is wearisome (6) 4. You’ll find comfort in the lounge, as expected (4) 5. Reg Dean could become wrathful (7) 6 & 23Ac. With the score in mind, this requires a striker with good timing (10,10) 9. One of the small parts of a U-boat? (10) 12. Top hostelry in unusual place (8) 14. Charles X to mete out punishment (7) 16. Desk required for the office (6) 19. Skilfully direct one in a conspiracy (5) 20. Assist in making some of the state banks suffer a set-back (4)

SUDOKU

DOUBLE CROSSWORD: Cryptic: Across: 1 Pave the way; 7 Exact; 8 Resigns; 10 Casement; 11 Drab; 13 Second; 15 Fiddle; 17 Ivan; 18 Turnspit; 21 Notable; 22 Cello; 23 Instrument.

Down: 1 Plays; 2 Vitamins; 3 Tiring; 4 Ease; 5 Angered; 6 Percussion; 9 Subsection; 12 Pinnacle; 14 Chasten; 16 Bureau; 19 Pilot; 20 Abet.

Quick: Across: 1 Forerunner; 7 Cross; 8 Foliage; 10 Uprising; 11 Rift; 13 Redden; 15 Corner; 17 Nigh;

DOUBLE CROSSWORD

PUZZLES �

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ 9. Red Red Wine and Homely Girl were big hits in the 1980s for which British reggae band?

10. Who was the main character living in the Little House on the Prairie?

11. In Greg Davies’ sitcom Man Down, which highly-acclaimed actor and playwright portrays a crazed caretaker?

12. Which girl group did Louise Redknapp leave to pursue a solo career in 1995?

Q4 Simon Pegg – 2. Which country provides the setting for new BBC continual drama Red Rock?

3. Which Britain’s Got Talent finalist is Dancing On My Own in the UK charts?

4. Featuring the voices of John Leguizamo and Simon Pegg, what is the title of the fifth instalment of the Ice Age movie franchise?

13. Who played irreverent radio DJ Adrian Cronauer in the military comedy-drama Good Morning, Vietnam?

14. The Rich Brothers are assisting Charlie Dimmock in which new lifestyle show?

15. Which pop star played the first landlord of the Dog in the Pond in Hollyoaks?

5. In which year was quiz show University Challenge revived, now with Jeremy Paxman chairing?

1

2

3

4

14

15

16

17

N

I

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

6. Just Like Fire, from the Alice Through the Looking Glass soundtrack, is a Top 20 hit for which recording artist?

7. Octavia Spencer won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in which 2011 movie?

8. Estranged relatives Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell reunite in which series?

1

2

Louise Redknapp – Q12

3

9

10

14

15

8

11

4

16 13 7

12 6

5

1. Settee 10.Exaggerated 2. At the summit publicity 3. Bucket 11. Revise 4. Be short of 12.Threesome 5. Military cap 13.Darts line 6. Skye, say 14.Cupid 7. Heroic 15.Offscourings 8. Beckon 16.Grumble 9. Luxuriant Keyword clue: Part of a church

SOLUTIONS WORD SPIRAL: 1 Sofa; 2 Atop; 3 Pail; 4 Lack; 5 Kepi; 6 Isle; 7 Epic; 8 Call; 9 Lush; 10 Hype; 11 Edit; 12 Trio; 13 Oche; 14 Eros; 15 Scum; 16 Moan.

Keyword: CHANCEL

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

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

Family; 9 UB40; 10 Laura Ingalls Wilder; 11 Steven Berkoff; 12 Eternal; 13 Robin Williams; 14 Garden Rescue; 15 Alvin Stardust

1. Who stars opposite Ray Liotta as a single parent NYPD detective in Shades of Blue?

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

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

WORD SPIRAL

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ: 1 Jennifer Lopez; 2 Ireland; 3 Calum Scott; 4 Ice Age: Collision Course; 5 1994; 6 P!nk; 7 The Help; 8 Long Lost

CODEWORD

69

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

70 n RECRUITMENT

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Wednesday 3rd August 2016

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Taking the next step In order to meet the ambitious growth of the Group, we are currently looking to recruit a selection of exceptional individuals this is where you come in!

We have an excellent employee benefits package and are passionate about rewarding those who go the extra mile through the Talent Recognition Programme and Company Heroes. The spirit of Markerstudy pervades the festive season with free Christmas parties, and the annual Markerstudy Day gives everyone something to celebrate. On top of this, almost all group training needs are looked after by the internal Talent Development Team.

Roles include * Chef de Partie * Commis Chef * Boat and Cycle Hire Assistant

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Bewl Water Bewl Water Bewl Water

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Commis Chef

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Kitchen Porter Park - full time

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Housekeepers

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Food and Beverage Assistants

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- full and part time Reservationist

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Cocktail Bartender

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Night Porter

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Commis Chef

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Food and Beverage Manager

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We are keen to grow our business further and are looking for new people to join our team, so what are you waiting for?

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

“

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

John Haynes, Partner, Belvoir Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

“

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

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy Local events

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

>> WEDNESDAY the Immersion Theatre’s performance of The A new artistic exhibition has just begun at Trinity’s Wizard of Oz today at 2.30pm. Acted out in the art gallery. East and West: An Exhibition of open air theatre it promises to be a fun afternoon Ceramics and Brush Painting is the work of Nick for all the family. Tickets cost from £14 or you can Winter and it showcases his large collection of buy a family one for £52. For more information beautifully hand-painted and glazed pottery which visit www.heverfestival.co.uk Until August 7 there will be face painting and nail draws on both Western and Eastern influences. art events for children to enjoy at Riverhill The show is free to attend and the artist will be giving special talks on his work at 3pm on Saturday Himalayan Gardens. Running from 11am until 4pm, and Sunday (August 6 and 7) and Saturday August a team of talented artists will be on hand to etch all 13, also at 3pm. For more information visit manner of woodland creatures on your little ones’ www.nickwinter.com hands and faces. This event is free once you have Bewl Water’s Summer Camp for children paid the usual entry fee of £5.75 per child. www.riverhillgardens.co.uk continues throughout the month of August. They can do a half day of activities from 9am-1.30pm for >> THURSDAY £24.99 or a full one until There will be a Winnie 4pm for £39.99. As well the Pooh trail on at both as nature walks and Chartwell and Emmetts treasure hunts, other Gardens throughout the pursuits include summer holidays. So if mountain biking, you’re stuck for football, painting and something to do then pedalos. Open to why not visit one of these children aged five and National Trust properties over. Pre-booking and and join in the treasure payment is essential. For hunting fun! more information visit FLORAL TRIBUTE www.nationaltrust.org www.bewlwater.co.uk Nick Winter’s art Sevenoaks Wildlife Hever Castle is the is on display at Trinity Reserve is putting on a wonderful backdrop for

Family Bushcraft event today from 10am until 1pm.

This stunning reserve forms part of the Kent Wildlife Trust so if you want to learn all manner of forest skills, BEAR ESSENTIALS including den building and See the Jungle fire making, out in the great Book this summer outdoors this is the course for you. Registration fee costs £15 per person. To book visit www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk >> FRIDAY If you fancy a day out somewhere then head to Drusillas where two of PAW Patrol’s finest – Chase and Marshall – are making their debut. The policing pups from the Nickelodeon TV series will be patrolling around the grounds, meeting and greeting visitors. Entrance to the zoo, which boasts over 190 different species, costs from £11 per child. www.drusillas.co.uk What better way to spend a summer’s Friday evening than with a pint and a pie on the picturesque Spa Valley railway line? Departing at 6.45pm from Tunbridge Wells West, passengers can enjoy this classic cockney meal – complete with mash, peas and liquor and jam roly poly for pud – as they travel through the High Weald countryside along to Eridge. Prices are £49.90 for a table of two or £99.80 for a table of four. Prices include the meal, one alcoholic beverage and all train travel. For more information visit www.spavalleyrailway.com Tonight at The Old Fire Station in Tonbridge The Bridge Trust will be holding a charity quiz night from 7pm. Tickets and further information from the www.bridgetrust.org.uk or 01732 368363 Today and tomorrow there will be a Tudorthemed demonstration happening at Knole House. There will be four daily sessions hosted by a team of history experts who will show visitors how the well-to-do dressed for formal occasions and the kinds of things they carried to court. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org/knole >> SATURDAY Today and tomorrow there will be a World War I Weekend at Batemans in order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

Various re-enactments will be staged throughout each day and there’ll also be a recreation of an ammunition store and a field ambulance and mess tent. Children will have the opportunity to make a soldier’s identity badge. Separate charges apply for this event so to find out more visit www.nationaltrust. org/batemans From 11am to 1pm there will be a nature walk organised by High Weald around Broadwater Warren. This will be hosted by natural history expert Dr Ian Beavis who will be examining the area’s wildlife,

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

birds and variety of plants. The event is open to children aged eight and over. To reserve a place email museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk As part of The Lamberhurst Music Festival there will be a production of The Barber of Seville taking place in the glorious grounds of Bayham Abbey.

Doors open at 5.30pm and guests are welcome to bring in picnics to enjoy before the performance starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £30. To book visit www.lamberhurstmusicfestival.co.uk >> SUNDAY This summer you can experience the beauty of Groombridge Place and also benefit from a little theatrical entertainment at the same time. Theatre troupe Brymack is putting on two productions each day of The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, a play based on the life of Peter Pan. They will also be holding drama workshops. Tickets cost £10.95 per child and £14.95 per adult.

Showing at 5pm at Trinity Theatre is The Meddler. This American film stars Susan Sarandon as Marnie, a lonely widow who follows her daughter Lori (Rose Byrne) to Los Angeles in order to find happiness again. When she gets there she soon realises Lori and her friends need Marnie just as much as she needs them. Whiplash’s JK Simmons also stars in this comedy drama.

There’s more live music at Tonbridge Castle this afternoon. This time it’s the turn of the Jon Hamilton Big Band who play from 3-5pm and entrance is free. www.tonbrigecastle.org >> MONDAY Over at Knole another one of their Family Mondays is taking place. Each week throughout the school holidays there are a variety of child-friendly activities with different Themes going on and today it’s all about Wild Art and Wood. Next week’s is Wool and Weaving and the final one is Deer and Animal Tracks. If you’re interested in popping along then normal National Trust entrance fees apply.

Treat the children with a trip to the cinema to see this enjoyable version of The Jungle Book. Starring Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Bill Murray and Neel Sethi, who plays Mowgli, it’s a delightful tale about learning valuable life lessons and of self-discovery. Screening is at 5pm. To book tickets visit www.trinitytheatre.net >> TUESDAY If you can’t get away this summer then fear not as Tonbridge’s heated outdoor pool, located THREE’S COMPANY The Wizard of Oz is on at Hever Castle

WHAT’S ON 

Quentin Holway

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS behind the town’s historic castle, will make you feel like you’re on your holidays. There’s also an appealing alfresco dining area where you can enjoy light snacks or lunch. Tickets cost from £3.80 for non-members. For more information visit www.tmactive.co.uk Today there will be a Willow Workshop organised by the Community Engagement Team at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. It gives you the chance to learn this ancient crafting skill in the beautiful outdoors.

If the weather’s wet the workshop will take place in the Hub. For further information email steff. dagorne@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Every day throughout the summer holidays until September 4 children can enjoy the fun Maize Maze that forms part of Penshurst Place’s glorious gardens. Hunt out the clues hidden in the tricky maize and see if you can solve the various riddles strewn about. Gardens and grounds tickets cost £6 per child. www.penshurstplace.com

WORTH THE TRIP: Arundel Wetlands, Sussex A WILD ADVENTURE See the beauty nature has to offer

Paul Dunton

75

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

Live music THERE is a fantastic selection of live gigs and concerts to be enjoyed this week and my top picks are as follows: This Thursday night deeply talented local singer-songwriter Stuart Evans releases his eagerly-awaited debut album entitled Unity at The Grey Lady Music Lounge. Stuart will be performing tracks from the album with a full band in tow. Entry is £5 but for £10 you can have a copy of the album as well, which is a fabulous bargain.

The excellent Red Green & Blue will open proceedings at around 7.45pm.

Other great options for Thursday evening include the uber cool retro swing infused sounds of The Violet Jive who headline Jazz on The Pantiles.

This weekend, if you fancy checking out some great live bands and having a boogie and singalong, I recommend Soul Hounds at Cassidy’s Bar and Electric Blues Revolution at The Cross Keys this Friday night.

Saturday night offers a feast of excellent live acts with Quentin Holway at The Beau Nash, Soul Train on The Pantiles, Cut Above at The Royal Oak Pub and Matt Bridle at The Bedford Pub. For acoustic fans The Grey Lady offers some great showcase line-ups with local artists Alana Hazzard, David Mumford and Chameleon all performing this Sunday. Tuesday night sees Fred Clark, Hannah Richards and Rosie Pennie on the bill and next Wednesday you can catch Alice Rose, Charlotte Tingly and Leo Snook as well as guitar virtuoso Sean de Burca. Enjoy!

FRIDAY Closed for a private party SATURDAY Soul Train after party (free entry) SUNDAY Alana Hazzard, David Mumford, Chameleon TUESDAY Fred Clark, Hannah Richards, Rosie Pennie WEDNESDAY Alice Rose, Charlotte Tingly and Leo Snook, Sean de Burca MUSIC ON THE PANTILES BANDSTAND

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

THURSDAY Jazz series: The Violet Jive SATURDAY Soul Train THE CROSS KEYS

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

WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Paul & The Nocasters and Guests FRIDAY Sonny’s Blues: Electric Blue Revolution MONDAY TWUNTS Ukulele Jam WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: refer to venue website above CASSIDY’S BAR

Castle Street. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards

FRIDAY Soul Hounds

SCALLYWAG

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

FRIDAY Ed Watts (Jazz Piano) THE ROYAL OAK

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

SATURDAY Cut Above MONDAY Open Mic and Jam Session THE BEAU NASH INN

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

SATURDAY Quentin Holway

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM THE BEDFORD PUB

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

Be a nature explorer this summer and pay a visit to the beautiful Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) in Arundel, Sussex. This conservation area gives visitors close-up access to certain protected species and areas of environmental importance. There’s also a great café so you can make a day of it. Tickets cost £5.45 per child and £11.95 per adult. www.wwt.org.uk

2 High Street, open all day, free entry, music from 8pm

SATURDAY Matt Bridle

SATURDAY Moose Blood SUNDAY UNFEST Sunday Sessions

TONBRIDGE CASTLE THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

High Street, Tonbridge, free entry, music from 3-5pm

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

SUNDAY John Hamilton Big Band

WEDNESDAY Eliza Lewis, The Breaks, Lights on The Mountain THURSDAY Stuart Evans Album launch and support from Red, Green & Blue

THE PUNCH & JUDY

The Violet Jive

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

TUESDAY A Band Called Dave

Wednesday 27th July 2016

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

76  ARTS & CULTURE

Experience the luxury and opulence of Titanic – the world’s most famous ship Eileen Leahy speaks to David Scott-Beddard and Tarn Stefanos, curator and historian respectively, about the Titanic in Photographs show which is at RVP in Tunbridge Wells until August 21 and discovers what makes this collection of artefacts and photos from the doomed vessel unique WANDERING around the Titanic in Photographs exhibition with its chief curator David ScottBeddard and Titanic historian Tarn Stefanos, it’s clear that their love for all things related to this luxurious liner runs deep.

As they relay the intriguing personal stories of some of the artefacts on display, and point out the intricate details in some of the fascinating photographs, their passion and enthusiasm for the world’s most infamous ship is positively palpable.

That’s probably because both men, along with the exhibition’s co-curator John White who cannot attend our exclusive interview today, have been intrigued by the ill-fated vessel since they were boys.

This eventually led to David and John setting up their company, White Star Memories, and scouring the world’s Titanic auctions in order to procure pieces which now make up their impressive collection, currently on display in Tunbridge Wells’ Royal Victoria Place.

It includes everything from Delft blue goldrimmed china plates used in the à la carte restaurant to hand-painted tiles from the boat’s Turkish baths. Then there is the sheet music Titanic’s band leader Wallace Hartley used as he and his group played on – despite sinking into the icy waters below.

“We spent two and a half years developing, designing and constructing this exhibition,” explains David.

“It is based on the bestselling book called Titanic in Photographs by the world-renowned author Daniel Klistorner, who lives in Australia.

“We have a selection of 29 double-sided photographs which have been blown up on to two metre-square panels. Doing so has given us access to gaining a lot more detail. Next to each picture there is a glass cabinet with something that you can actually see in the image. So the whole experience is to bring the photographs to life and put the visitor right there back in 1912.”

This is only the second time that Titanic in Photographs, which boasts over 130 pieces of memorabilia, has

NOTE WORTHY Some sheet music from the ship

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

appeared in the UK – the first being in Milton Keynes, where White Star Memories is based.

Having already toured here and in Moscow, their next stop is Brazil and then the United States, but they have also had interest from South Africa, Italy and Germany. “Even the most obscure places have Titanic societies,” chuckles David.

‘We have a selection of 29 double-sided photographs which have been blown up on to two metre-square panels.

Doing so has given us access to gaining a lot more detail’ The show is divided into three different areas dotted around Royal Victoria Place and starts with the design, construction and launch, so there are lots of interesting pictures of men working on the huge task of creating Titanic and others which depict its vast iron rivets and coal burners that used over 600 tonnes of fuel a day.

As we pass by one particular photo of workers leaving the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast after a hard day’s gruelling work, David poignantly comments: “It hit me when we were putting this exhibition up here that none of these people are alive any more. I know it’s well over 100 years ago, but I just find that incredible.”

The second part of the exhibition focuses on Titanic’s grand, sumptuous interiors as well as those of her sister ship the Olympic, which was scrapped in 1936.

In this particular area the visitor can view interesting finds such as the fancy firstfirst-class Spode crockery used on board, elaborate gold candle sconces

and specially commissioned Stuart Crystal decanters.

“All this holds an inexplicable fascination for me,” says Tarn as he removes a piece of precious china from its case. “It’s a passion.”

The final area of the exhibition focuses primarily on Titanic’s fatal journey, but David is quick to point out that this is not a doom and gloom scenario.

“We don’t dwell too much on the disaster because we want you to experience the opulence and splendour of Titanic,” he says. “We want people to appreciate just how fabulous she was.

“People are fascinated and captivated by the detail in the photographs, and because they were originally taken on a glass plate camera they’re better quality than the digital ones we take now.

Blow those up and they’ll pixelate.”

Although there are no photos of the ship sinking there are a few of the lifeboats and the rescue ship RMS Carpathia which picked up the survivors.

One of the most moving pieces I personally find while browsing around is a Titanic lifeboat sign which is displayed next to a corsage of flowers.

I am also touched by a vintage black Steiff bear that’s on display alongside a small sepia photo of a toyshop. I ask David the significance of these pieces.

“Steiff commissioned a number of teddy bears to

SLEEPING BEAUTY A solid mahogany bed from the Titanic

HISTORY BOYS Tarn Stefanos (left) & David Scott-Beddard be sold in order to raise money for the orphans who lost their parents in the Titanic disaster,” he says. “In the picture you can just about make out one of them in a toyshop window.”

Emotional and personal stories aside, the idea of the exhibition is that you can dip in and out of it. “You are not tied to a guide,” adds Tarn.

“You can do it at your own pace and in each area there is a large banner with a few paragraphs explaining what you have just seen and why it’s relevant to the story.”

“The thing that sets it apart from other exhibitions around the world,” continues David, “is that you can just pack it all up and move it.

It’s like a pop-up museum, which means more people can experience it.”

Although most Titanic treasures are under lock and key in glass cabinets there are a few items that are out on display, such as a weathered

ARTS & CULTURE 

‘Although most Titanic treasures are under lock and key in glass cabinets there are a few items that are out on display, such as a weathered valise which would have been used to transport a first-class passenger’s clothing’

77

valise which would have been used to transport a first-class passenger’s clothing. Don’t they worry these rare items will get damaged?

“No, people are very respectful,” replies David.

“They just want to know the stories behind the artefacts.”

When I ask him to put a price on the value of his collection he is reluctant to answer, but finally says “It’s priceless.”

“We just hope that all this inspires young people,” adds Tarn. “We think it can also open the door to learning about other things: Geography, history, social stratification, science,” says the avid Titanic book collector who hopes that the tomes he owns which have ‘passed through many hands’ will also go on to future generations.

His sentiments are echoed by David as we leave the exhibition: “John and I don’t consider ourselves owners of these items but more custodians of them. Our aim is to educate and to preserve the history of the Titanic.”

Entry to the Titanic in Photographs exhibition is free and guides are available to purchase for £5 from the pop-up Titanic shop, which sells lots of memorabilia and gives visitors the opportunity to have their photo taken ‘on board’ the Titanic. It is located on the ground floor of Royal Victoria Place and is open during normal RVP trading hours.

TITANIC TRIVIA

PRECIOUS MEMORIES A passenger’s selection of personal Titanic artefacts

Interest in the Titanic was raised further by the record-breaking 1997 film which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Here are some interesting Titanic facts to bring on board at your next quiz night or dinner party



When filming the rescue scenes in Titanic Kate Winslet was one of only a handful of crew members not to wear a wet suit in the freezing water



When we see Leonardo’s character Jack sketching Kate’s character Rose, his hands are actually those of James Cameron. His famous Rose artwork sold at auction in 2011 for £20,000



The line ‘I’m king of the world!’ said by Leo was actually ad-libbed and not in the script



James Cameron wanted the film’s 150 main extras to behave exactly like people did back in 1912, so he hired an etiquette specialist to coach them all



In 1995, James Cameron hired the Russian vessel Akademik Mstislav Keldysh and its two submersibles to film some of the real Titanic wreckage which was included in the film



Cameron made a total of 12 dives to film the underwater close-ups at a depth of 12,500 feet below the North Atlantic

 Originally, studio bosses wanted Tom Cruise

to play Leonardo’s role of Jack Dawson 

It cost more money to make James Cameron’s Titanic than it did to construct the real ship

Titanic held the record for the movie that made the most money at the box office – £1.843billion – for over 12 years until it was overtaken by the film – Avatar – another of James Cameron’s creations.



 The film was nominated for 14 Academy

Awards, the largest number of Oscar nods for any movie 

After writing the character of Jack Dawson, the film’s director, James Cameron, discovered that there had been a person called J Dawson on board the Titanic

Wednesday 3rd August 2016

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