Times of Tunbridge Wells 3rd February 2016

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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

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Period features in historic house on Tunbridge Wells Common Wednesday 3rd February 2016

Husband sues hospital over death of his wife Wednesday 3rd February

2016

Friends launch appeal in memory of tragic teacher By Lesley Potter

Liability Last week, a landmark court case to prosecute the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust for corporate manslaughter was thrown out by the judge because of insufficient evidence. One of the anaesthetists who treated her was also cleared of wrongdoing. Now Mr Cappuccini, who lives in West Malling, is to proceed with a civil action through London legal firm Kingsley Napley. A spokesman for the firm said: “The Pre-Inquest Review which was held in November 2013 heard that liability was admitted by the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust and that there

IMAGE: WWW.JUSTGIVING.COM/FRANKIE-CAPPUCCINI

THE husband of Frances Cappuccini, the teacher who died after a caesarean operation at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, is to sue the NHS trust for a reported six-figure sum. Tom Cappuccini is seeking compensation to provide for their two sons, Giacomo aged three and Luca, five. Frances, 30, a teacher at Offham Primary School, gave birth to Giacomo via C-section in October 2012, but began to bleed heavily afterwards. She was given a general anaesthetic for a procedure to remove part of the placenta from her uterus, but never woke up.

TOGETHER Tom Cappuccini and wife Frances in happier times Inset: Aneasthetist Errol Cornish

would be a civil claim for damages. The family have no further comment to make at this sensitive time.” The compensation claim is likely to include a dependency claim for

the children, as well as taking into account Mrs Cappuccini’s potential earnings. In a high-profile hearing at Inner London Crown Court last

week, the jury heard that after the birth Mr Cappuccini sent a picture of the mother and new baby to their families. But his wife began to bleed heavily shortly afterwards and prosecutors claimed that two anaesthetists failed to take basic steps to save her. Consultant anaesthetist Errol Cornish, 68, was charged with gross negligence manslaughter in connection with her treatment. A second anaesthetist, Dr Nadeem Azeez, 53, would have faced prosecution as well, but has returned to Pakistan. A warrant for his arrest was issued but there is no formal extradition treaty between Pakistan and Britain. Mr Justice Coulson, addressing the jury, said: “There is no question that Frances Cappuccini should not have died at the trust hospital on October 9 2012. “It is inevitable that her family want to know why it was that she did die, and they want someone to be held accountable. They have shown restraint and dignity. But as I am sure they understand, this trial is not a public inquiry into her death.”

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GOVERNMENT DROPS BUDGET ‘BOMBSHELL’ By Adam Hignett THE borough council is one of just 15 local authorities in the country that the government plans to hit with huge budget cuts because they are ‘deemed best able to cope’, the Times can reveal. The move is viewed locally as a ‘bombshell’ and ‘extremely disappointing’ and is seen as penalising Tunbridge Wells for being successful and appearing affluent. This year the authority will receive £1.63million from central government through the Rate Support Grant. Under the new scheme that amount will be halved next year and by 2020 Tunbridge Wells will be handing money back to the government in the amount of £610,000. This money will then be passed on to other, less well-off councils. Cllr Paul Barrington-King, described the move as ‘just astonishing.’ He added: “External auditors have labelled us an excellent authority and we just think ‘where’s the reward?’. It’s not right, it should be a meritocracy.” The council’s director of finance, Lee Colyer, told the Times: “The real shocking announcement was that once we reach bottom, ie no government grant to provide services, they have actually come up with a system called negative grant. They will be taking money away.”

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2 n LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday

Husband sues hospital Continued from page 1

February 3, 2016 Tunbridge Wells

Bright and breezy with sunshine and isolated rain or perhaps sleet shower...

6C

Visibility: Moderate

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 96%

Sunrise: 07.34am

Sunset: 16.53pm

Wind: 17mph

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This rainbow-like striped sky perfectly captures the extremes of sun and rain we have been having recently! Hilary Campbell

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QUOTE UNQUOTE “Get on your toes, keep your wits about you, say goodnight politely when it’s over, go home and enjoy your dinner” – His golden rule of broadcasting. Sir Terry Wogan

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

Teddy bear evokes holocaust memories Frank Baldwin newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Germany. The move was known as Kindertransport (Children’s Transport) and the rescue effort brought thousands of refugee Jewish children to these shores. Twenty of them arrived in Tunbridge Wells and were housed with local families. The plan was for them to return to Germany once hostilities had ceased but many of them stayed as they had no family to go back to because they had all been killed in concentration camps. Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillor Bob Backhouse, one of the supporters to attend the event, said: “When I first attended in 2010, there was a very impressive lady who came along as she was one of the original Kinder children who came to the town before later being adopted. “She was a symbol of the failure of the Nazis to extinguish human hope and kindness. Her later visits were made in a wheelchair as she was in her 90s and frail, but her voice was strong. “I am so glad Tunbridge Wells ensures we will never forget this grim story of man’s inhumanity against mankind.”

ANYBODY passing the Tunbridge Wells War Memorial in front of the Town Hall on Wednesday (January 27) would have seen an unusual addition to more familiar commemorations – a small teddy bear with a rain spattered note attached. It had been placed there by one of the dedicated group of supporters who gather annually to honour International Holocaust Remembrance Day which marks the date when the Allies liberated Auschwitz during World War 2. More than six million Jewish people were sent to their deaths by the Nazi regime and its collaborators during The Holocaust. In 2005 the United Nations General Assembly made a resolution to hold an annual remembrance day on January 27 to ensure these atrocities will never be forgotten. The teddy bear on the war memorial was recognition of Tunbridge Wells’ own involvement in helping to rescue Jewish children from almost certain death. In 1938 the British Government eased immigration restrictions for certain categories of Jewish refugees which allowed children under emorial Day Holocaust M y 2016 the age of 17 to ar 2 7th Janu ory of enter Great em m g n vi lo In million Britain from and a half the one died children who st au oc ol H e in th

The two doctors are reportedly still under investigation by the General Medical Council and face potentially being struck off. An inquest into Mrs Cappuccini’s death is set to resume, although North West Kent Coroner’s Office said it had not yet received a date for the case. A spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust was unable to comment on the compensation claim, or on whether there would be any further internal investigation. The spokesperson said: “We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Frances Cappuccini, who have approached this very difficult situation of a criminal trial into Frances’ tragic death with the utmost dignity throughout. We understand that no outcome from these proceedings could bring any consolation to the family for the loss of Frances. “The Trust acknowledges the not guilty verdict delivered in the Inner London Crown Court on January 28, 2016, in relation to the charge of Corporate Manslaughter arising out of the death of Frances Cappuccini on October 9, 2012.” “Patient safety remains of paramount importance to the Trust and it has been shown during the trial that a number of compassionate and highly skilled clinical teams were involved in caring for Frances. The Trust has however recognised from the start that there were aspects of Frances’ care that fell short of the standards that the Trust would expect and they have already apologised to the family for this.” Friends of Mrs Cappuccini set up the Frances Cording-Capuccini Prize in her memory. The prize, which will support Master’s students at University College London (UCL) to research childbirth-related mortality, has already attracted donations of £4,403, including £400 raised by a cake sale in Tunbridge Wells. On the justgiving page, friends said that Frances was “a loving wife, mother, daughter, teacher and friend to many.” To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Frankie-Cappuccini TRAGIC DEATH Wife and mother Frances Cappuccini

MEMORIAL Supporters at the town’s Holocaust Remembrance Day (above) included (l-r) John Cohen, Royal British Legion, Gary Faulkner, chairman of the Tunbridge Wells Royal British Legion, and Mayor David Elliott

WHY WE SHOULD BE WORRIED ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT CUTTING OUR COUNCIL’S BUDGET IN A rare turn of events the Conservativecontrolled borough council finds itself at odds with the Conservative Government, although in private councillors would probably put it a wee bit stronger than that. In fact they are more than a little annoyed, as in spitting blood, and an unbiased observer might say they have just cause. Most people stifle a yawn when you mention local authority finance. Particularly when you throw in words such as Rate Support Grants. I mean, who can get excited? Well, the answer is that all of us should get excited because what’s about to happen will impact each and every one of us.

The government has, at the last minute, decided to change the way it returns money to councils to support local services. It means Tunbridge Wells is about to be short-changed to the tune of £781,000. Our grant is being halved and will then disappear altogether and after that we will actually pay money to support less wellrun authorities. The loss of those funds will mean the council looking long and hard at how it can save costs on things such as parks and play areas, leisure centres, summer events and festivals, street cleaning, waste collection and a whole host of other things. And there’s a double irony tucked away here.

We’re being penalised, apparently, because were ‘the most self-sufficient and deemed best able to cope’. In other words we’re one the most successfully managed councils so we deserve to suffer funding reductions. What happened Mr Cameron to rewarding effort and enterprise? Now, in situations like this you might appeal to your very own Conservative MP for help. That’s where the second irony kicks in. The whole sorry saga is being managed and implemented by the Department of Communities and Local Government and the Secretary of State for that department is – our MP Greg Clark. Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS 

Town lights up for 10th Lantern Parade

NEWS IN BRIEF

Forum remembers man killed on railway line

IMPRESSIVE A giant horse takes centre stage

Pictures by: Sarah Bond

BURNING BRIGHT A tiger lantern ON ITS 10th anniversary, hundreds of parents, children and other excited participants turned out for Tunbridge Wells’ annual Winter Lantern Parade on Saturday night, and the weather stayed dry for them. This year’s theme was Go Wild, with local arts group CREATE organising a series of lanternmaking workshops leading up to the event. Having lost its funding, the parade now relies on crowdfunding to continue.

Train boss apologises over commuter satisfaction poll THE Managing Director of Southeastern rail, David Statham, has apologised to commuters over the company’s poor performance after it scored second worst in the country for rail passenger satisfaction. His comments came as passengers across the network faced delays of up to two hours last week when engineering work overran. Many of them have added their names to a 15,000-strong petition calling for the firm to be stripped of its franchise. Commuters made their views clear in the latest National Passenger Survey in which Southeastern scored 75 per cent passenger satisfaction; 5 per cent ahead of the poorest performing, Southern, with a 70 per cent rating. Mr Statham (pictured right) conceded a number of delays ‘were within its gift’ to resolve, with incidents blamed on sunlight obstructing drivers’ views, ice on the lines and a revamp of London Bridge station. He said: “I’m sorry that over the past three or four

weeks we have not given people the service that they expect, as there have been a number of significant issues such as a landslip on the Hastings line. “Southeastern, as a train operator, looks after trains and passengers and we work really hard to address delays caused by factors within our gift and to improve the reliability of our trains. We are also working hard with Network Rail to improve reliability to the infrastructure that our trains use and run on, which they look after.” The company has now said it intends to challenge Network Rail over the maintenance of the region’s track. A spokesperson for Southeastern said: “Around 70 per cent of all delays are down to infrastructure problems and we are challenging Network Rail to ensure that

its asset maintenance programme is fit for purpose.” Network Rail has disputed the causes of disruption over the past few months. According to its figures, only 26 per cent of delays were down to failures in its line infrastructure or problems with stations. However, other Network Rail data reportedly showed that Southeastern caused 33 per cent of hold-ups, with Network Rail being responsible for 62 per cent of issues. Network Rail’s area director, Paul Rutter, said: “We are working hard on the reliability of our equipment and we have plans in place to continue to improve it. The very busy nature of the railway in South London and Kent means the impact of any problems we do have will be significant.”

Latest Gatwick aircraft noise review is a ‘mixed bag’

ANTI-Gatwick campaigners have described the latest review into aircraft noise pollution as a ‘mixed bag’. The Independent Review of Arrivals has recommended a number of policies, including widening the flight path, to ‘thin out’ approaching

planes, which would reduce the noise impact on people living under the flight path. This reverses a decision to narrow the paths in 2013, which acted as a catalyst for the creation of several activist groups. The result is that more people will be subject to

aircraft noise, albeit at a lower level. A statement released by the Tunbridge Wells Anti Aircraft Noise Group (TWAANG) said: “We are concerned that it will increase the number of people experiencing disturbance from noisy aircraft, in conflict with the stated aim of ‘fewer

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disturbed’. It will take aircraft over the whole of Tunbridge Wells, beyond to Pembury, the hospital and villages in the area. It remains to be seen if the extra disturbance experienced by those newly affected can be justified by improvements for those now under the flight paths.”

FRIENDS of a 21-year-old man who was killed on the railway line held an impromptu memorial evening for him on Saturday at The Forum in Tunbridge Wells. Emmet Gullah, who lived in Tunbridge Wells and was a popular figure in the town, died on Saturday, January 23 after being struck by a train near Nuffield station in Surrey. At least 200 people attended the memorial event and £405 was raised for mental health charity, Mind. An inquest is to be held.

Bidborough pub award CHEF Brothers Chris and James Tanner, of the Kentish Hare in Bidborough, gained a Newcomer of the Year title at the Estrella Dam Top 50 Gastropubs 2016 awards. They were presented with the award by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, at a ceremony in Hitchin.

New primary school PADDOCK Wood could soon be home to a new primary school to be run by the Texan Schools Trust, and lead by Bennett Memorial head Ian Baulkham. The plans will see the creation of a Church of England and Methodist primary school, with nursery provision, by 2018. Further information available at www.standrewspaddockwood.org.uk

Panto help for hospice THEATREGOERS donated over £5,500, through bucket collections, to Hospice in the Weald during the three-week run of Cinderella at the Assembly Hall.

Body in pond found POLICE were called to Rusthall on Sunday after reports that the body of a man in his fifties had been discovered in a pond off Gremlin Close. The death is not being treated as suspicious. The man is from the local area and his next of kin have been informed.

Team gets new kit THE McDonald’s franchise which operates two restaurants in town has made a kit donation to the Tunbridge Wells Foresters FC under-12 girls’ team. It will save them £500 for the season.

Drop in burglaries BURGLARIES in west Kent have fallen by 21 per cent Kent Police has reported, thanks to a campaign to promote home security and a clampdown on offenders. Between October 1, 2015 and January 15, 2016 there were 294 recorded burglaries in the region, compared to 375 offences committed during same period the previous year.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

4 � LOCAL NEWS

Council pays hefty price for being ‘deemed able to cope’ Budget cuts mean some services might be axed ASTONISHED L-R: Cllr Paul BarringtonKing and finance director Lee Colyer

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

RESIDENTS are facing cutbacks in council services across the board following plans to slash Tunbridge Wells borough’s budget almost in half. It comes after shock moves by the Department of Communities and Local Government to change the method used to pass on money through the Revenue Support Grant (RSG). The proposal has put the Conservativerun council at loggerheads with the Conservative central government. Services which could be affected include the upkeep of parks, the Assembly Hall Theatre, the Gateway service centre and fly tipping rubbish collections as the council looks set to lose £781,000 of its grant in the next financial year. To compound the situation, the council is just one of 15 local authorities to be singled out for a ‘negative grant’, meaning that by 2020 it will actually have to pay £610,000 back into central government.

The decision, brought about by a last minute change in funding methodologies, has been described as a ‘bombshell’ by the council member responsible for finance. The comment comes after a spokesperson for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), which is headed by MP Greg Clark, admitted Tunbridge Wells was just one of a handful of authorities to be penalised. She said: “It is one of 15 authorities who will be subject to the negative rate because they are the most self-sufficient and deemed best able to cope.” As recently as November, the council had been drawing up its budget plans for the 2016/17 financial year on the assumption that the DCLG would pass the same proportion of cuts the Chancellor has made its own budget on to councils. This has happened in previous years and would have meant a cut of 16.5 per cent to the RSG. But the council was shocked when, just

SERVICES WHICH COULD BE AFFECTED:

Waste collection and recycling

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Community safety and CCTV

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Parks and play areas

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Cleaner streets

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Leisure centres and sports activities

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Planning and building control

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Environmental, health and safety inspectors

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Food hygiene ratings

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Farmers’ market

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Assembly Hall Theatre

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Gateway

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Online services

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Fly-tipping removal Museum and art gallery

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Running election

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Housing Needs Service

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Licencing of taxis and premises

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Ice rink Visitor information centre Community grants

LOCAL NEWS �

Borough Councillor Paul Barrington-King, portfolio holder for finance and governance, described the government’s decision to move towards a negative grant as ‘just astonishing’. He said: “The government talked about localism and retaining the proceeds of growth from business rates and it looked like a good headline at the time. “But this move towards negativity is just astonishing, so the prognosis once again is we are being hit on all fronts as an authority. “We are doing our level best, and some, to try and assist the government to overcome its fiscal challenges. “External auditors have labelled us an excellent authority and we just think where’s the reward? It’s not right, it should be a meritocracy.” Cllr Barrington-King said that in his role as a board member of the South East Improvement and Efficiency Partnership – a body which helps

two months before the budget was due to be finalised, the department changed the way it would calculate the grant, leaving a hole of 49 per cent. In a rare public statement, Lee Colyer, the borough’s Director of Finance and Corporate Services, a non-partisan position, said the council was being ‘penalised’ for being too well run. He said: “We were reasonably comfortable in November when the spending review was published.

Affluence “However, in December the DCLG needed to come up with a way of distributing the headline figure to local councils and they surprised everybody by coming up with two new methodologies.” The first of the changes meant expenditure would be weighted towards local authorities which offer adult social care – London boroughs, unitary authorities and county councils – but not district level authorities, such as Tunbridge Wells. “We get a slither of what is left,” he said. “The second, more surprising, thing they did was weight the cuts so that those areas with higher council tax income will receive greater cuts to their funding.” The biggest determinant of how much income is received from council tax is the value of properties Labour Councillor Alain Lewis said: “We sympathise with the plight of the borough council, which has been let down by central government and their austerity agenda, which isn’t working. “George Osborne has created a complete mess with his sums that don’t add up. This means we will have to see what cuts to front line services the council will make, which will be bad for the people of Tunbridge Wells. “It is going to get worse by 2020 I think, and more staff are going to be laid off.”

support councils and their partners to become more efficient, innovative and engaged with citizens – he had not seen many councils as well run as Tunbridge Wells on such a tight budget. He added: “To put it into context, we end up as the tax collectors, the bad guys, but we only get ten per cent, and on the second lowest rate in Kent. I don’t know of any other council which works as well as a business or on an entrepreneurial basis. Few work with the government as positively as us. “We haven’t gone off and said we won’t play ball. We are just saying ‘give us the tools and we will make it even better’. “But we can’t do it unless they give us that armoury. So, we are caught between a rock and a hard place at the moment. “We need the flexibility to shape and model our own communities and keep the public on board. “That is why we are extremely disappointed in the current state of affairs.”

in the area and Tunbridge Wells has a buoyant property market. However, the costs of running services are also higher due to this relative affluence. He said: “The whole economy is more expensive. Business rates are higher, the cost of doing business is higher and wages are higher. “So it is counter intuitive to penalise us because we have higher council tax income, but that is needed.” Mr Colyer said residents have the highest salaries in Kent, but government legislation means the council is unable to obtain any meaningful increase in their local tax. The borough council only receives 10p in every pound raised in council tax, meaning a two per cent increase in its precept, the rate at which a referendum on a rise is triggered, would only raise £3.06p extra per year on a band D property. The consequence is Tunbridge Wells has the lowest spending power in Kent, with just £245

MP Greg Clark said: “My role as Secretary of State does not involve me deciding individually the budgets of particular councils like Tunbridge Wells. The annual Local Government Financial Settlement is made for England as a whole, with similar councils receiving similar levels of funds. The Provisional Financial Settlement is the subject of an annual consultation and the government is carefully considering the views of all councils who responded to it.”

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UNDER THREAT Parks and play areas

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “This government is providing a long-term funding settlement for the first time, allowing local authorities to plan with certainty. “Councils will have almost £200billion to spend on local services, including a £3.5billion social care package, over the lifetime of this Parliament. “Allocations are decided overall and not council by council, and Tunbridge Wells Council will still have £44.6million to spend between now and 2020.” per household, compared to £300 in neighbouring Tonbridge and Malling. However, it is another change which could prove most damaging to the budget, as the government plans to ‘raid’ the minimal amount of business rates the council can retain, currently set at just 4p in the pound. Mr Colyer explained: “This is the most serious change because when the government was cutting our RSG, instead of it disappearing by 2020 they brought us forward to 2018, unlike many other councils. “The real shocking announcement was that once we reach bottom, ie no government grant to provide services, the DCLG has actually come up with a system called negative grant. “They are taking money away, and the way they are going to do it is raid our minimum amount of business rates.” The money taken away will then be redistributed to other authorities deemed less efficient. Other sources of income under threat include the New Homes Bonus, a scheme in which councils are rewarded for house building, but which is now under review. Although the changes are not finalised until later this month, Mr Colyer believes it will be impossible for the DCLG to make any changes now as other councils will be given just a matter of weeks to review their budgets. In effect, the dramatic cuts are now a foregone conclusion he warned.

ON THIN ICE Tunbridge Wells winter rink

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

6  LOCAL NEWS

Come together right now… TUNBRIDGE Wells is facing strong competition as a retail and leisure destination and needs to develop a powerful brand of its own if it is to succeed. That was the message from the Royal Tunbridge Wells Better Together campaign at its launch on Wednesday, attended by business leaders from across the borough. The new organisation, which has been registered as an official company, has already built up a £250,000 war chest for the next three years in order to deliver its objectives. With substantial financial backing, and encouragement from the borough council, have contributed £40,000, lending further credibility to the scheme. “Our aim is to make Tunbridge Wells a strong unique brand, a strong location to do business and a connected town”, said founding member Nicky Blanchard, centre manager of Royal Victoria Place. “We will achieve this by increasing the geographic penetration of current town marketing, develop a specific Tunbridge Wells brand to communicate the offer and make it easier to find out what is going on in the town.” Other aims, as part of a broad business plan, include the encouragement of start-ups, working with landlords to improve the range of businesses in the town and giving companies ‘a strong and

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

UNITED VOICE FOR BUSINESS (L-R) Stephen Gurney proprietor of Index magazine, Nicky Blanchard centre manager of Royal Victoria Place and Councillor Jane March

co-ordinated voice’ to shape the future. Parking, an issue which was brought up by several attendees as a big burden on businesses, will also be targeted in a drive to increase footfall, said Mrs Blanchard. Stephen Gurney, proprietor of Index magazine and co-founder said: “The idea is to get everybody working together for the good of Tunbridge Wells.” He said the town needed a strong co-ordinated voice to act on behalf of businesses, a feature which has been lacking in the past, adding: “Tunbridge Wells has not had a town centre manager like it should have.”

The role of town centre manager is a permanent position, with the individual acting as the voice of the organisation and reporting to the board of directors to ensure the successful implementation of the business plan. Speaking on behalf of the council, Jane March, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and economic development said: “We are fully behind this initiative. “Right from the word go it has been through cabinet and other committees who have said, ‘this is what we have been waiting for, this is what we want to do’”.

Doctors make case for inclusion in hub scheme A FAMILY doctors’ practice in Southborough has warned that there are now limitations on the services it can provide as it now has to deal with four times the number of patients than originally planned. Doctors and staff at the St Andrew’s Medical Centre have written to town councillors with proposals for the creation of a new medical centre to accompany the Southborough Hub development to alleviate the crisis. Currently situated at Pinewood Gardens, the premises, which was built in 1987, was originally designed to cater for just over 2,000 registered patients. However, this figure has already risen four fold sand the practice predicts numbers will increase to 10,000 registered patients by 2020. The existing centre has six consultancy rooms and two treatments rooms, and the six doctors would like to increase these to 10 and four, respectively. In its letter to the town councillors, the practice said: “Our need for change is the limitations on service we can now provide to our own patients and the surrounding community largely due to lack of space in our current premises.” It adds the current NHS five-year plan stipulates the need for GP practices to develop specialist centres and that the hub is in the right location and the right size to help provide the extra services required. These include re-establishing family services for Tunbridge Wells and the establishment of closer links to local schools. Dr John Riley, senior partner said: “We want to provide the best service possible for our present and future patients and, unfortunately, we are unable to do that at our current centre.

LOCAL NEWS �

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POSING Eddie’s head is cast. Bel0w: Eddie at the olympics

SCULPTOR Louise Giblin

Casting role for Olympic underdog By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

A BRITISH Olympian who captured the nation’s hearts despite being a total failure, is due to be immortalised in both film and art this month. Skier Eddie the Eagle, a plasterer by trade, was beloved by an entire generation who tuned in to watch the underdog’s 1988 Winter Olympic exploits, where he came last in both of his competition events. But now the heroic failure, whose exploits as a persistently under-performing ski jumper turned his name into by-word for someone who will persevere despite the odds, is set to become famous for a whole new generation. And his name is due to live on long after the film, called Eddie the Eagle and starring Hugh Jackman, is forgotten due to the work of renowned Wadhurst sculptor Louise Giblin, which she hopes could feature at its premier. Famous for her body casts of celebrities and sports personalities, including the 2012 Olympi-

ans, the prominent member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors took on the new task following a chance meeting with Eddie Edwards. Working in a tighter time frame than usual, Mrs Giblin has created three life-sculptures of the ski-jumper’s head, of which the nickel plated bronze version would fetch £12,000 at a gallery. Explaining how the job came about, Mrs Giblin said: “I first met him in March last year while visiting the site of the Channel 4 show, The Jump, where I had planned to meet up with Heather Mills, who is another model of mine and was a contestant.”

Hero Describing Eddie as a ‘hero’ from her days studying sculpting at art college in the 1980s, they soon became friends and the idea of creating a bust of his head to coincide with the film was born. She said: “He is such a positive individual and very humble. My generation all warmed to him as he just kept on getting up and trying again,

so I asked him if I could make the sculpture of him.” Although a proportion of any sale of the Eddie the Eagle sculpture would go to a charity of his choice, and despite funding the project herself, Mrs Giblin is not worried if it never sells. “It has bought me a lot of joy to make. He is a British hero and I have loved every moment of it, from conception to completion. “As the film was being released much earlier than originally anticipated, I have worked on it seven days a week for the last four months and had a sleep pattern similar to Margret Thatcher, going to bed at 3am and back up at 7am. “But it is partly that focus and the fact I did not have time to try different models which makes it so special to me. I only had one shot at making it work. “The wonderful thing is these sculptures will last up to 3,000 years so future generations will find it and know who he is.” Mrs Giblin said there is a possibility the head could end up on display in the Tunbridge Wells SEEArt gallery before touring the country.

EDDIE ‘THE EAGLE’ EDWARDS He was the first person to represent Great Britain at the sport of Olympic ski Jumping, coming last in both in the 70m and 90m events at the 1988 games. Born in Cheltenham, he was a competent downhill skier but failed to qualify for the British Olympic squad and so changed to ski jumping as the standard needed to qualify as the county’s sole representative was much lower. His lack of sponsorship meant he was entirely self-funded and had to rely on the ski equipment of his coach, Chuck Berghorn, which meant he needed to wear six layers of socks before the boots could fit. Famous as an example of an underdog or ‘heroic failure’ during the games, the press refered to him as Mr Magoo or ‘the ski dropper’.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

8  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Still bullish about only for the really

Last week we spoke to the prominent Tunbridge Wells brokerage firms, AJ Bell and Jarvis Securities, who combined oversee the transaction of billions of pounds worth of equity trades each year. This week Market Watch follows the money to the fund management firm Wellian Investment Solutions, the middle men, who are tasked with ensuring that their clients get the best return possible on their capital during these turbulent times. We talk to director Richard Philbin… THE proper management of money is never more important than during periods of heightened market volatility. With investors still hoping to eke out a yield, or defend their wealth while markets tumble, it is left to fund managers such as Wellian Investment Solutions to ensure they deliver. Unlike brokers such as Jarvis Securities or AJ Bell, Wellian does not have direct contact with the original investor. Instead it works on behalf of a financial advisor to offer a range of investment portfolios. Each portfolio is then calibrated to suit the requirements and appetite of the advisor’s client, with a scale ranging from ‘conservative’ to ‘growth’ – with a corresponding amount of risk

attributed to each one. It also does not go on to directly invest the money into assets itself, but instead each portfolio option will comprise of a range of different funds carefully selected to best produce the result the portfolio was designed to deliver. Director Richard Philbin explains: “If we take the example of delivering what we have labelled a ‘balanced’ portfolio, it is a bit like saying ‘if the answer is 7 what is the question?’ “By this we mean, we know where we want to be, but there are different ways of getting there. “Say we believe the balanced portfolio should have high exposure to the UK market. “There may be two different funds, created with a focus on the UK equities market, but

one has shares in 15 FTSE 100 companies while another holds hundreds of little stakes in the small cap index. “We have to decide which one will be best for delivering their objective, say a yield of four per cent, within the parameters of the portfolio.”

Diversity Each Wellian portfolio is then comprised of between 15 to 25 funds of various weight, meaning more money will be invested in some than others. But each fund is selected to expose the portfolio holder to as a wide range of indexes, asset classes and geographies as possible, while avoiding duplication. This diversity can help mitigate extreme risk. What is equally important to Wellian is to ensure each portfolio on offer is not like any other they have. Mr Philbin

EU VIEW Brexit would be an ‘unattractive’ prospect

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

explained: “What we have to make sure of is portfolio one is different from portfolio two, which is different again from three. Otherwise we are not providing choice.” It is a fluid process, with constant reviews and changes built up by a consensus of members of the investment team at Wellian, which have to be ready to react quickly to changes in global events. This means that despite the need to keep each portfolio different, what can count as ‘balanced’ or ‘growth’ during the peak of a market cycle has to be able to change during a period of volatility. “Our main competitor is the market and what is happening in the market,” said Mr Philbin. “If we were a football team, no matter how good we were, if we played the same team each week, with the same tactics we would eventually lose. “Therefore you need to increase your risks, or reduce your risks, and change the portfolios so that you can actually be prepared for what is going on. But still be mindful of keeping each portfolio different. “For example, if we decided the world was going to hell in a hand cart, we could say the lowest risk portfolio is now 100 per cent cash. “However, because the highest risk portfolio has to be different from those below, we would only be able to make it five per cent cash, for instance. “Each portfolio has a natural ceiling and a natural floor on what can or cannot be done.” And the current market climate has meant that recently Wellian have been moving their portfolios on to a more defensive setting, opting to increase exposure to more defensive assets at the expense of equities. “We have had a fantastic run from the stock markets over the last six or seven years. We are not saying there is a recession round the corner, but there is increased volatility.” Although much of the causes of the current volatility are being attributed to China, Mr Philbin is very bullish about the country’s long term prospects. He said: “In 20 years’ time China is going to be a

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

China but long term LOCAL FIRM Wellian Investment Solutions

global investing superpower. In the short term there is a lot of risk, but it is tomorrow’s story. “My children are aged eight and ten, if I was putting money away for them not to touch until they retire it would be 100 per cent on China. “The emerging markets of today are the mature markets of tomorrow.” The other cause of the current market instability is oil, which Mr Philbin believes could do serious damage to the UK’s leading stock index. Mr Philbin said: “There is an awful lot of uncertainty surrounding oil. Certain areas, such as India and Japan, which do not have much in the way of their own resources, will benefit hugely from cheap oil.

Brexit “But the implications for the UK are not so good because BP and Shell are two of the FTSE’s biggest companies. “Their revenues are falling, but they make up around 14 per cent of the FTSE 100 combined. They have a big impact on the index and on dividend pay-outs. “For example, a few years ago, BP and Shell were the only two companies to go down on the index one day, while the other 98 rose. “But their joint weight still meant the index closed lower at the end of the day. This, among other things, is making the UK a high risk equity market.” He also believes both companies will be under pressure to cut their dividends, which makes the UK a lot less attractive as a place to invest for yield. The final cloud on the horizon for Mr Philbin is the possibility of a Brexit, which he described as an ‘unattractive’ prospect. “I can see companies such as HSBC relocating. The financial services sector is likely to be impacted in a big way. “I don’t think it will be an easy or painless divorce. Investment-wise we would have to get defensive, look more internationally, because the stance of Britain in the global economy will massively change. “The volatility will massively increase. Markets are likely to take a five or ten per cent step backwards. There will be a lot of upset and a lot of pain for a lot of businesses, because stock markets and capital markets like certainty.” But he is not sure it will come to pass. “I don’t think Germany is prepared to let the UK leave. I think a number of our demands will be met, the renegotiation will be good.”

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BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Kent businesses back new Thames crossing TWO prominent organisations representing businesses in Kent have called upon companies to make their voices heard in the upcoming consultation about the new Thames crossing. Geoff Miles, Kent Chairman of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership said it was ‘vital’ to stimulate business in the county. He added: “A new crossing is vital to keeping traffic flowing between the two counties, supporting the growth of the ports along the Thames and English Channel, but also stimulating the economies of Kent and Essex and the UK as a whole.” Jo James, Chief Executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, representing 1,400 Kent companies backs option C. Mrs James said this option, which will see a new tunnel between Gravesend and Tilbury, was a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to boost Kent business. To make your views known visit www. new-thamescrossing.co.uk

Skills shortfall increase CONSTRUCTION, which accounts for 15 per cent of jobs in Kent and is the second biggest industry by employment in the county, is suffering a serious skills shortage according to a new study. The UK Commission for Employment and Skills report shows employers are struggling to fill one in three construction vacancies, compared to one in four in 2013. This is down to an inability on the part of firms to source people with the right skills.

Bridal store wins award BOUTIQUE bridal wear store Isabella Grace has been crowned the UK’s Best Bridal Retailer in The Wedding Industry Awards 2016. The awards, which were held on January 14 in London, follow in the wake of a string of successes for the Mount Ephraim retailer since it opened just four years ago, including four other national wards and two regional awards.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

10  NATIONAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Minister’s bid to save Lawrence’s dagger THE dagger and robes that form part of Lawrence of Arabia’s ‘enduring image’ could be exported from the UK unless a buyer is found to save them for the nation. Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed separate temporary export bars on the dagger and robes in the hope a buyer will match the asking prices of £125,000 for the dagger and £12,500 for the robes.

British Gas job cuts BRITISH Gas is to axe 500 jobs, hitting its loft and cavity wall insulation business, as part of the company’s efficiencies programme. Unions described the announcement as a ‘sickener’, saying staff affected by the news felt ‘gutted’. The jobs are part of 6,000 cuts announced by owner Centrica last summer, with the group saying it had to be competitive in a ‘fast-changing’ energy market.

UK will be ‘more secure and prosperous’ under EU reform DAVID Cameron has said the package of proposed reforms to Britain’s membership of the EU will allow the UK to be ‘better off, more secure, more prosperous’ as a member of the 28-nation bloc, as he set the scene for an in/out referendum within a matter of months. Mr Cameron said the proposals drafted by European Council president Donald Tusk were were good enough that he ‘sure would’ back Britain joining the EU under these terms, if it was not already a member. He claimed the changes – which offer an ‘emergency brake’

End of line for tickets THE end of the orange paper train ticket could be a step closer as plans are unveiled to allow passengers to travel anywhere in Britain using their smartphones. Barcoded mobile tickets – known as m-Tickets – could be extended within three years to cover journeys involving several train companies.

Tesco staff pay rise TESCO has agreed a pay increase of up to 3.1% for its UK store staff. The deal will affect 230,000 of the supermarket giant’s 320,000 UK employees, taking the hourly rate of its shop workers to £7.62.

Misery of middle age MIDDLE-aged people are the least happy, with many struggling with the ‘double responsibility’ of caring for children and elderly parents, according to a major report. Even pensioners aged over 90 report better life satisfaction and happiness than those aged 40 to 59, the study from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found.

Greenhouse gasses fall GREENHOUSE gas output in the UK fell almost 8% in 2014, although emissions from transport and agriculture rose slightly, official figures show. Emissions of major polluter carbon dioxide were down 8.9% in 2014 on the previous year, while emissions of all the greenhouse gasses were 7.7% below 2013 levels, the data from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) showed.

LONDON is in danger of becoming the ‘money laundering capital of Europe’, a Labour former minister has warned in the Lords. Lord Rooker spoke out after the government confirmed it was looking at options to privatise the Land Registry from 2017.

‘Not spots’ criticised

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

Criticism But advocates of UK withdrawal from the EU were scathing about the deal negotiated by the Prime Minister. Ukip leader Nigel Farage described it as ‘truly pathetic – no treaty change, no repatriation of powers, no ability to control our own laws, our money or our borders’. Critics have pointed out that the ‘emergency brake’ on migrant benefits does not match up to the changes Mr Cameron had promised. He had originally proposed a fouryear ban on in-work benefits for EU migrant workers which would come into force immediately. But under Tusk’s draft proposal this would be graduated, and migrants would receive more money from tax credits the longer they remained in the UK. EU migrants would also be able to send child benefit to their home country. Where sovereignty is concerned, Mr Cameron

IN DISCUSSION David Cameron talking to European Council President Donald Tusk has secured a clause that guarantees the UK is not committed to further political integration, however critics have pointed out that it is not clear when this will be incorporated into EU treaties. Speaking in Chippenham, Wiltshire, within hours of the publication of the Tusk package in Brussels, Mr Cameron said: “I think we will be able to show – if we can secure what’s in this document, finish off the details and improve it still further – that on balance Britain is better off, more secure, more prosperous, has a better chance of success for all of our families and all our people inside this reformed European Union. “I think this is the best of both worlds – out of the single currency, out of the no-borders agreement, out of an ever-closer union, but in the things that work for Britain, that give us jobs, that give us security, that give us the ability to make sure we have a stronger and safer world. I think that’s something worth fighting for.”

The publication of the Tusk proposals kicks off an intensive period of negotiation with the other 27 EU states ahead of the crunch European Council summit on February 18-19, starting with a visit to Poland and Denmark by Mr Cameron on Friday. Failure to win unanimous support from all 28 members would almost certainly prevent a referendum in June and may delay it until after the summer. Mr Cameron said the Tusk document addressed four issues that ‘go to the heart of what we need to fix’. Former cabinet minister Alan Johnson, chairman of the Labour In For Britain campaign, said his party wants to see a referendum in June. “I’m pleased that, in a sense, the starting pistol has been fired. We kind of know now he is going to get the deal and that means a June referendum and I think the quicker the better,” he told Sky News.

Children quiz Major Tim Peake live from space

Laundering warning

POOR mobile signal in some areas has created a ‘new class of haves and have-nots’ and telecoms companies should allow people to break contracts if service is poor, former cabinet minister Alistair Carmichael has said.

on migrant welfare, protections for non-eurozone states and a legallybinding assurance that the UK is not expected to pursue integration through ‘ever-closer union’ – offered Britain ‘the best of both worlds’ by giving it access to the single market and a voice around the table of the European Council while allowing it to remain outside the euro and the Schengen borderfree area.

URBAN SPACEMAN An astronaut talks to schoolchildren

SCHOOLCHILDREN have made contact with outer space during a live questionand-answer link up with British astronaut Tim Peake. Around 300,000 children in the UK saw their usual lessons turned into a ‘cosmic classroom’ as Major Peake played space ping pong whilst travelling at 17,000mph on board the International Space Station (ISS). Major Peake was quizzed by students back on planet Earth during a 20-minute video call home, streamed to three cameras at the World Museum, Liverpool. The event saw 300 students from schools across the country come together to speak directly with Major Peake as their counterparts watched from classrooms across the world. The 43 year old from Chichester, West Sussex – the first British astronaut to carry out a spacewalk – is more than a month into a six-month mission on board the International Space Station,

carrying out experiments and research. In a busy first month aboard the ISS, he became the first Briton to complete an Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) or spacewalk, and also backed a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and UK Space Agency project, Rocket Science. More than 10,000 teachers signed up for their class to participate in the Cosmic Classroom showing the pupils how exciting science could be in learning about gravity and free floating. Before making contact, the visitors were told: “This is space, sometimes things can get a little tricky.” During the call, which was possible thanks to a signal being sent down to America and beamed across to Liverpool, Major Peake demonstrated a number of science experiments for pupils to copy from their classrooms. In a zero gravity game of ‘Follow the Leader’, he was asked to crouch down, spin around, touch his toes and drink water.

NATIONAL NEWS �

11

DISAPPOINTING Donald Trump lost the Iowa caucuses to rival Ted Cruz

Trump trumped by Cruz in first round of voting REPUBLICANS and Democrats scrambling for their party’s 2016 nomination for President have descended on New Hampshire after Ted Cruz swept to victory over billionaire Donald Trump and Florida Senator Marco Rubio in the Iowa caucuses. Among the Democrats, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders rode a wave of voter enthusiasm to a virtual tie with Hillary Clinton, long considered her party’s front-runner.

Record turnout The outcome in the country’s first nominating contest drew a line under voter dissatisfaction, especially among Republicans, with the way the government in Washington operates, with anger over growing income inequality and fears of global turmoil and terrorism. Mr Cruz’s victory in Monday’s caucuses, which drew a record turnout, was a blow to businessman Mr Trump, who has stirred up the Republican field for months with controversial statements about women and minorities. Mr Cruz, a fiery Texas senator loathed by his own party’s leaders, now heads to next Tuesday’s first-in-the nation primary vote in New Hampshire as an undisputed favourite of the

furthest right voters, including evangelical voters and others who prioritise an abrupt break with President Barack Obama’s policies. But Mr Trump still holds a commanding lead in New Hampshire and national polls. “Iowa has sent notice that the Republican nominee and next President of the United States will not be chosen by the media, will not be chosen by the Washington establishment,” Mr Cruz told supporters. Mr Trump came in second, slightly ahead of Mr Rubio, whose stronger-than-expected finish could help cement his status as the favourite of mainstream Republican voters who worry that Mr Cruz and Mr Trump are too radical to win the November general election. Mr Trump said he was ‘honoured’ by the support of Iowans, and he vowed to keep up his fight, telling supporters that ‘we will go on to easily beat Hillary or Bernie or whoever the hell they throw up’. In the Democratic race, Mrs Clinton was hoping to banish the possibility of dual losses in Iowa and in New Hampshire, where she trails Mr Sanders, who is from neighbouring Vermont. Two straight defeats could throw into question her ability to defeat the Republican nominee.

Councils to decide on new Sunday hours POWERS to allow shops to open longer on Sundays will be devolved to councils, Business Secretary Sajid Javid has said. The Cabinet minister told the Commons the changes will end the ‘Whitehall knows best’ approach, with central government unable to enforce the new rules on any area. He added it is part of attempts to ensure the benefits of

economic growth are ‘felt in every corner of our country’. Outside the Commons, the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills confirmed local authorities will be able to restrict longer hours to certain zones – such as high streets or city centres. The proposals will ensure employees in England, Scotland and Wales only have to give one month’s notice to ‘large shops’

that they no longer want to work Sundays rather than three months, plus be able to ‘opt-out’ of working extra hours. Labour accused Mr Javid of a ‘gross abuse of power’ for failing to publish the proposals in the Enterprise Bill put before MPs on Tuesday. Amendments related to Sunday trading will be introduced at a later date.

Whether you are looking for kitchen, dining or living furniture, upholstery or accessories the showroom in Tonbridge has it all Located just off the High Street, opposite Waitrose car park

Supermarket in £1.3bn Argos bid SAINSBURY’S has vowed to create a ‘world-leading’ retailer bigger than rivals John Lewis and Amazon UK as it tabled an improved £1.3 billion offer for Argos owner Home Retail Group. The supermarket giant said its proposed cash-and-shares deal

– valuing Home Retail Group at 161.3 pence per share – would create the UK’s largest non-food store worth £6 billion. Chief Executive Mike Coupe threw down the gauntlet to his retail rivals as he said the tie-up would forge ‘an industry-leading

if not world-leading’ network, offering more than 100,000 products across Argos and Sainsbury’s stores. The two companies have now agreed a three-week extension on the deadline of the deal to 5pm on Tuesday, February 23.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

 ADVERTISING FEATURE

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

1. CAN I GET A DIVORCE? Anyone who has been married for 1 year or longer can start divorce proceedings against their spouse. 2. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO BE SEPARATED BEFORE I CAN START DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS? There is no set period of time of separation required before you can start divorce proceedings. The principle requirement is that you have been married for one year at least. You can even be considered separated if you are both still living in the family home under one roof, as long as you are not still behaving like a married couple. 3. WHAT ARE THE GROUNDS FOR GETTING DIVORCED? One spouse must be able to prove to the Court that their marriage has “irretrievably broken down”. To do this they must state one of five facts in their Divorce Petition which include the following: · Unreasonable behaviour of the other spouse and give examples · Adultery of the other spouse · Two years separation with consent of the other spouse · Five years separation · Desertion 4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A DIVORCE? On average the divorce process takes between 4-6 months. However, it is always advisable not to apply for Decree Absolute until financial matters are resolved. Once the application for Decree Absolute is made it will often be processed by the Court within 7 days of receipt. 5. HOW DO I START DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS? The first step is to prepare your Divorce Petition which your solicitor will do for you if you instruct one. The Petition is then sent to the Court with the court fee to be issued and the divorce proceedings are then started. A copy of it is sent formally to your spouse and they are asked to

complete an Acknowledgment of Service form. Once the form is complete and returned to the Court you or your solicitor must then prepare your application for Decree Nisi. If all the requirements have been complied with and your spouse is not defending the proceedings the Court will certify you as entitled to Decree Nisi. Decree Nisi is pronounced around a month after you apply for it and you must then wait 6 weeks and a day before you or your solicitor can apply for Decree Absolute. 6. WILL I HAVE TO GO TO COURT DURING THE DIVORCE? The divorce proceedings will in most cases not require any attendance at Court and if you have a solicitor they will be there to represent you. If your spouse decides to defend the divorce a number of court hearings may be required. However, the vast majority of cases will proceed undefended. You may be required to attend if you have asked the Court to order your spouse to pay your costs relating to the divorce and your spouse opposes. This is fairly uncommon if you have instructed a solicitor as in almost all cases your solicitor will have sought to agree this matter with your spouse or their solicitor in advance. 7. DOES GETTING A DIVORCE DEAL WITH MY FINANCIAL SETTLEMENT? Divorce and finances are separate proceedings. You should deal with financial matters alongside the divorce proceedings if at all possible. Married couples have financial claims they can bring against the other and these do not cease just because they get divorced. If you do not deal with finances at the same time as divorce the financial claims remain open. So even if you do not have anything worth dividing now, you may have in the future and unless your spouse remarries they will be able to make a claim against you.

There is no set period of time of separation required before you can start divorce proceedings. The principle requirement is that you have been married for one year at least. For further information and to apply for a free consultation just complete the coupon and post it to the address below. Alternatively, call or email us today quoting reference TWT200116 Telephone: 01892 526442 or email – times@keenemarsland.co.uk Appointments are also available in London, Windsor, Reading, Edenbridge and Haywards Heath.

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

FREE CONSULTATION Name ..................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................ Address ............................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................................ Tel No ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................ Email .................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................................ Keene Marsland Solicitors, 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH www.keenemarsland.co.uk

Keene Marsland is a trading name of Parfitt Cresswell. Parfitt Cresswell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . No 71480

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

NATIONAL BUSINESS �

Oil giant BP reports largest annual loss for 20 years BP POSTED its largest annual loss for at least 20 years and revealed another 3,000 job losses as it continued to count the cost of plunging oil prices. The blue chip giant slumped into the red by 5.2 billion US dollars (£3.6 billion) in 2015, surpassing even the mammoth losses seen in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. It said it will axe another 3,000 jobs worldwide in its downstream business – including refining, marketing and distribution – by the end of 2017, on top of the 4,000 cuts announced last year under a swingeing overhaul to slash costs. BP’s shares dived by 8%, sparking losses throughout the sector on London’s FTSE 100 Index as oil prices also came under pressure once more. Rival Royal Dutch Shell, which reports its annual results on Thursday, fell more than 3%. The annual loss at BP compared with profits of 8.1 billion US dollars (£5.6 billion) in 2014, and marks its worst for more than 20 years as the collapse in the cost of crude has reached levels not seen since the 1986 oil price crash.

BP posted losses of 2.2 billion US dollars (£1.5 billion) for the fourth quarter alone. On an underlying basis, replacement cost profits more than halved – down 51% to 5.91 billion US dollars (£4.1 billion) in 2015.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

Construction sector sees slow down GROWTH in the UK’s construction sector slowed in January to its weakest level for nine months. The Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index weakened to 55.0 from 57.8, well below economists’ forecasts of 57.5. A reading above 50 indicates growth.

Drop fossil investments HUNDREDS of leading Oxbridge academics have reportedly called on the universities to clean up their investment programmes by moving away from fossil fuels research. The signatories, said to include some of the country’s most influential figures and finest scientific minds, want Oxford and Cambridge universities to redefine the way their multibillion pound endowment funds are invested.

Dividends In the fourth quarter, BP said underlying profits dropped to 196 million US dollars (£136 million) from 2.2 billion US dollars (£1.5 billion) a year earlier after its upstream business – covering exploration, drilling and well operations - saw losses of 728 million US dollars (£506 million). The group added that hefty restructuring charges of 450 million US dollars (£313 million) also pushed the group into the red at the end of the year. It also took another 12 billion US dollars (£8.3 billion) hit for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, taking its total bill for the tragedy - which claimed 11 lives - to 55.5 billion US dollars (£38.7 billion). But despite the losses, BP – a mainstay of UK pension funds – announced dividend payouts would remain unchanged at 10 cents a

13

Northern Powerhouse share for the fourth quarter. Bob Dudley, BP group chief executive, said: “We are continuing to move rapidly to adapt and rebalance BP for the changing environment.” The group added that oil prices are expected to remain ‘challenging’. BP’s additional job cuts take its total cull to 11,000 since the start of 2015, with the group having axed 4,000 last year and planning another 7,000 over the next two years.

It said the latest cuts are known internally and would impact across the board in the downstream arm. BP has sold off 10 billion US dollars (£7 billion) of assets, slashing annual costs by 3.4 billion US dollars (£2.4 billion), last year. It aims to see annual costs drop by close to 7 billion US dollars (£4.9 billion) by 2017, while it will offload up to another 5 billion US dollars (£3.5 billion) of assets over the year ahead.

ONLY half of small firms in the north of England believe the Government’s drive for a so-called Northern Powerhouse will have a positive impact. A study by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) also found that more than a fifth said they were not clear what the concept meant.

Average salary 0.6% THE average salary for an advertised job has increased for only the second time in 10 months, according to new research. Jobs site Adzuna said the 0.6% increase in December meant the average pay on offer was £33,322.

Royal Mint puts coins to Trial of the Pyx MORE than 95,000 coins from the Royal Mint will go on trial in a quality assurance test that dates back almost 750 years. The coins, which were produced over the last year, will be tested on Tuesday at the ancient Trial of the Pyx at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London to assess their weight and quality. Among them will be the 100mm Kilo which was produced to celebrate The Queen becoming the longest reigning monarch. It features all five definitive coinage portraits of The Queen to create a timeline effect, telling the story of a monarch maturing on the face of the coins of the United Kingdom. At the trial, first recorded in 1282, the monarch will be represented by the Queen’s Remembrancer, who presides over matters to do with the Exchequer. An independent jury of City of London Liverymen from Goldsmiths’ Company also attends the test. At the trial jury members are presented with Pyx boxes, named after the Roman word for chest.

A random selection of coins are then picked and weighed in wooden bowls. The test is then adjourned until May to allow time for trial coins to be tested by Goldsmiths’ Assay Laboratory and the National Measurement Office. In the past the penalty for coins failing the test has been severe. The Master of the Mint

– a role held by the Chancellor today – went to prison for six weeks in 1318 after poor tests. Even Sir Isaac Newton, one of the world’s greatest scientific thinkers, was at loggerheads with the jury during his time as Master of the Mint when the integrity of his coin samples were questioned.

Budget airline boss sells groceries for 25p EASYJET founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has entered the thriving discount grocery market with a low-cost food store selling items for 25p. The entrepreneur has launched the concept easyFoodstore in Park Royal, northwest London, in an attempt to cash in on the

very cheapest end of the grocery market. The store is selling a “limited and basic range” of items for 25p each this month as an introductory offer under the slogan: “No expensive brands. Just food honestly priced.” The store will sell a range of grocery items

including pasta, biscuits and beans, but the list of initial products does not include fresh meat, fruit or vegetables. Sir Stelios, who has run food initiatives through a charitable organisation in Greece and Cyprus, said: “This is another way the easy brand can serve the less well-off.”

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

14 � INTERNATIONAL NEWS WORLD IN BRIEF

French nightspot bomb suspects arrested FIVE people have been arrested outside the French city of Lyon over alleged plans to stage attacks on nightspots before leaving for Syria. A French official said four men and a woman had been held, adding that they had already bought bus tickets to join Muslim extremists in Syria.

Groundhog forecast THE handlers of Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, say the furry rodent has failed to see his shadow, meaning he has predicted an early spring. Members of the top hat-wearing Inner Circle announced the forecast at sunrise, just before 7.30am local time yesterday. According to a German legend, if the furry rodent sees his shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks. If not, spring comes early.

Australian PM election AUSTRALIA’S prime minister has told government colleagues that he may call an early general election within weeks. Malcolm Turnbull alone decides the timing of the next election, and has maintained that he plans for his government to run a full three-year term which would make the poll due around September. But he told his colleagues at their first meeting at Parliament House for the year that the election could be called much sooner, a government minister said.

Nigerians hijack ship NIGERIAN separatists have hijacked a merchant ship and threatened to blow it up with its foreign crew if authorities do not release a detained leader agitating for a breakaway state of Biafra. Nigerian defence spokesman Major General Rabe Abubakar said the hijacking occurred on Friday. Other officers say the Navy is in pursuit.

Cosby lawyers’ plea BILL Cosby’s lawyers will ask a judge to throw out the only criminal case lodged against the TV star from the dozens of accusations that he molested women. The defence will argue that Cosby had a deal with a suburban Philadelphia prosecutor in 2005 that he would not be prosecuted and should give evidence freely.

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Drugs giant in race to develop vaccine against the Zika virus DRUGS manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur is launching an effort to research and develop a vaccine to prevent the Zika virus, after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global emergency over its explosive spread. There is no treatment or vaccine for the mosquitoborne virus, which has been linked to birth defects and is in the same family of viruses as dengue. Sanofi made the first licensed dengue vaccine shot, licensed last year in Brazil after years of scientific struggle to develop one. France-based Sanofi said its experience with the dengue vaccine ‘can be rapidly leveraged to help understand the spread’ of Zika and ‘potentially speed identification of a vaccine candidate for further clinical development’.

Responding Sanofi said it is responding to a global call for help against the virus but did not indicate when researchers might have an experimental vaccine to test. Vaccine development typically takes years. The US government announced last week that it is beginning research into a possible vaccine. Dr Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health said there are vaccines in various stages of development for other viruses in the same family – dengue, West Nile and chikungunya – that offer a pattern for creating something similar against Zika. The Zika virus was long thought to be relatively benign, with generally milder symptoms than dengue. But amid a large recent Zika outbreak in Brazil, researchers began reporting an increase in a rare birth defect named microcephaly, in which babies are born with abnormally small heads. The WHO has called it an ‘extraordinary event’ that poses a public health threat to other parts of the world, declaring a global health emergency despite a lack of definitive evidence proving the virus is causing the birth defects.

BRAZIL Fighting the virus “After a review of the evidence, the committee advised that the clusters of microcephaly and other neurological complications constitute an extraordinary event and public health threat to other parts of the world,” WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said.

Travel The WHO estimates there could be up to four million cases of Zika in the Americas in the next year, but no recommendations were made to restrict travel or trade. “It is important to understand, there are several measures pregnant women can take,” Ms Chan said. “If you can delay travel and it does not affect your other family commitments,

it is something they can consider. “If they need to travel, they can get advice from their physician and take personal protective measures, like wearing long sleeves and shirts and pants and use mosquito repellent.” Meanwhile, President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil has authorised health and sanitary inspectors to use force if necessary to gain access to private buildings as part of the government’s efforts to eradicate breeding grounds for mosquitoes – especially stagnant waters. Inspectors are now able to call in the police if necessary, and more than 200,000 troops have been deployed to make such inspections. The Brazilian health ministry says about 25 per cent of the country’s 49 million homes have so far been inspected.

Nine migrants drown off Turkish coast North Korea plans AT LEAST nine migrants, including two children, have reportedly drowned in another boat sinking accident off the Turkish coast. The private Dogan news agency says the migrants drowned on Tuesday near the Aegean coastal town of Seferihisar, which is close to the Greek island of Samos. Two migrants were rescued while 11 others had apparently managed to reach the shore, the report said. On Saturday, at least 37 migrants, among them several babies and children, drowned after their boat struck rocks and capsized while attempting the short sea journey from the town of Ayvacik, north of Seferihisar, to the island of Lesbos. The Turkish coastguard said two of the nine drowned migrants were babies. The coastguard said it had launched a search-and-rescue mission for more possible victims after a fibreglass boat carrying the migrants partially capsized some 25 metres off the coast near Seferihisar.

satellite rocket launch

NORTH Korea has reportedly declared plans to launch an Earth observation satellite on a rocket later this month. This kind of rocket launch would cause international outrage because such tests are seen by the United Nations and other critics as covers for banned longrange missile tests meant to further North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes. An official at the London-based International Maritime Organisation said North Korea declared that an Earth observation satellite launch would be conducted between February 8 and 25. Japan’s Kyodo News agency reported that North Korea also notified the Geneva-based International Telecommunication Union ‘via diplomatic channels’ that it will launch a satellite later this month. The declaration follows North Korea’s claim last month to have tested a hydrogen bomb, the country’s fourth nuclear test. North Korea’s last long-range rocket launch, in December 2012, was seen as having successfully put the country’s first satellite into orbit after a string of failures. Each new rocket launch improves North Korea’s missile technology, which is crucial for its goal of developing a nuclear-armed missile capable of hitting the US mainland. North Korea is estimated to have a handful of crude nuclear devices but there is debate about whether it can miniaturise a warhead or construct a complicated missile capable of accurately hitting distant targets.

Concerned about your home being sold to fund your future care fees? The Issue

The Reasoning

You probably own your home as joint tenants if you are a couple and solely if you are single. For couples this means you own it wholly, jointly and severally. Ultimately therefore you do not own it 50:50 as you might have assumed. You actually own all of it together and when one partner dies the surviving partner owns it solely and absolutely.

When you own your home as tenants in common you actually own half each. With our Post death Property Protection Package when the first partner dies, they leave their half into their Trust. The surviving partner is the Trustee of that Trust and also the Primary Beneficiary which means that as they own half and are Trustee of the other half they have complete control over the property and what happens to it. The children and/ or whoever else is also nominated as ultimate Trust Beneficiaries will have access to that half of the property when the surviving partner dies. The first half of the property then is 100% securely in Trust for the beneficiaries and will not be at risk. As a result of this simple strategy and because it is not possible to sell just the survivor's half of the property, the integrity of the property is protected. While the "market value" of half a property is negligible, The Care Act 2014 guidelines do allow for this half to have a charge placed on it under a deferred payment arrangement for care fees which is why this package includes a Lasting Power of Attorney grant for Property and Financial affairs which will enable a pre-appointed Attorney to act on behalf of the survivor should they be unable to themselves and negotiate with the Local Authority for the property to be rented out and a percentage of the income given to the Local Authority instead of a charge being placed. The second half of the property would then ultimately go into the Trust for access by the nominated beneficiaries when the surviving partner eventually dies.

It is sole and absolute ownership that enables a whole property to be taken into consideration as an asset by the local authority and puts the property in danger of needing to be sold to fund care.

The Reality Today The care Act 2014 introduced in April 2015 allows local authorities to assess your assets to determine if you need to pay for your own care under the new charges and assessment of resources regulations. Currently if you have assets above £23,250, you are on your own and require care, you will probably have to pay for it all - currently averaging around £1,000 per week. Savings, cash and income would be used first and then your property would need to be taken into consideration. You would be expected to pay for all of your care until such time as your assets were depleted to below the £23,250 threshold. You would then pay for a proportion of your care until your assets were below£ 14,250 - at which point all your future care would be paid for after any relevant income was taken into account.

The Solution For couples, simply by changing the way you own your property well in advance of any care considerations i.e. from joint tenants to tenants in common and by setting up two property Trusts either immediately or within a properly structured Will at the same time will in most cases, protect the integrity of your home should you ever require care in the future, so long as avoiding care fees was not a primary motivating reason behind the implementation fo the strategy - i.e. you should be looking to protect your half of your property should your spouse remarry after your death, or you should be looking to ensure that your children would not lose 50% of their inheritance should they be made bankrupt or divorce or for example you should be looking to prevent a generational inheritance tax burden in the future. These are all sound reasons for implementing this strategy which in themselves are not deliberate deprivation of assets, but the implemantation of which protects the integrity of the property. For sole owners the process is simply to set up a Trust now and convey your property into it which will produce the same result again this must be well in advance of any care considerations and the motivation must not solely be for the purpose of preventing your home being used to fund your care.

With our Whole of Life and Post Death Complete Property and Family Protection Package both halves of the property are conveyed into Trust IMMEDIATELY. This means the whole property is protected straight away and not just after the first party dies. The benefits of this package are that it then protects the property even if both parties go into care before the death of either. It also means that if the survivor goes into care the property does not have to be rented but if it is 100% of the income goes directly into the Trusts for the benefit of the survivor or any of the other Trust Beneficiaries and does not have to be given to the Local Authority. The most important benefit of this package though is the property can be sold at any time and the resulting proceeds be fully protected for the whole family within the Trusts and no negotiation with the Local Authority is required. Sole owners and couples who have immediately conveyed their properties into Trust well in advance of any care consideration and not solely for the purpose of preventing their home being used to fund their care (deliberate deprivation of assets) secures the integrity of the property (so long as entry into care is not within 6 months of setting up the strategy) as the property is not absolutely owned by an individual anymore and it is not legal to force a Trustee to do something that is not in the ultimate best interest of the Trust Beneficiaries. Call us now on 01892 278171 for a friendly chat about which package would be of best benefit to you and your family.

www.thywill.co.uk

W'

16  PEOPLE

What happens when Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes has just a matter of months left in the job unless she decides to stand for relection in May – and wins. Neill Barston talks to her about her time in office which has sometimes attracted controversy…

ANN BARNES CV Age: 70 Born: St Helens, Merseyside Lives: Lyminge, East Kent Status: Married to Tony Barnes, the couple have two daughters Career: Spent more than 25 years teaching in Merseyside and Kent before becoming first a member, then chairman, of the Kent Police Authority in 2005. She was elected as Kent’s Police and Crime Commissioner in November 2012.

HAVING been appointed Kent’s first Police and Crime Commissioner in 2012, Ann Barnes has overseen a turbulent time in the force’s history. There have been major cuts with hundreds of officers losing their jobs, while the demands on its services have increased with ever-evolving terrorist threats. Despite these factors, Mrs Barnes, a former chairman of the Kent Police Authority, has welcomed latest annual figures revealing crime is down three per cent across Kent, though there has been a slight increase in Tunbridge Wells. As she admitted, there remain plenty of challenges to win over the public about the work of her office. She described the original process for national election of commissioners as having been handled “disgracefully,” which resulted in the worst post-war electoral turnout figures for the UK of just 15% across the country. During her time in office to date, Mrs Barnes has come under the media spotlight on several occasions, most notably for a behind the scenes Meet The Commissioner Channel 4 documentary in 2014, which met with public criticism. Other incidents have unfolded, including the resignation of Mrs Barnes’ two Youth Commissioners, which has added further to the pressures of the role. However, as she explained, with crime down in the county, improved recording of incidents and additional

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

victim support services, there were causes for optimism. Speaking to the Times, she answered questions on some of the big issues affecting the area, including how Kent’s force is coping with reduced resources.

technology as we’re in the 21st century, with things like equipping officers with body cameras that can be used as evidence in court. “As a result, there have been more first-time guilty pleas from offenders, which has modified offender behaviour. “We are also equipping officers with computer tablets, which enables them to record incidents while they are at the scene. “We are living in an age were there are fewer resources. We are not going to get more money, so we have to be creative working on local issues, which is the first thing that I looked at with the chief constable in developing our new policing model for Kent.”

‘We are living in an age were there are less resources. We are not going to get more money, so we have to be creative working Though countywide crime levels are on local issues’ Neill Barston: With Kent Police having lost 500 officers and hundreds of support staff in the past five years, how challenging is it to maintain frontline policing? Ann Barnes: “It has been really difficult over the last four years, with losing millions in funding and around a fifth of the workforce, including 500 police officers and 620 staff who have not been replaced. “The demand is still the same, which is a credit to all those who are on the force still trying to give the same level of service, which means we have to keep them on the streets for longer. “We have to make greater use of

down, incidents in Tunbridge Wells have risen slightly in the past year (despite still being the lowest in the county), with domestic abuse cases flagged as being a significant part of this increase. How concerning is this? “Domestic abuse used to be a hidden crime, but we are seeing more first-time reporting of incidents. I am not happy that abuse is happening, but in reporting it people are able to get the help they need. “Domestic violence is something that affects all genders and ethnicities, and there has been a slight recorded increase in Tunbridge Wells. “However, violent crime overall in the town is decreasing, with domestic violence accounting for around one third of all violent crime figures.”

PEOPLE n

17

you lose 500 vital police officers? under recorded, which was not acceptable. “But the force has put that right and that has improved to a figure of 97 per cent over the past two years. I am not sure that is possible to achieve 100 per cent as it is a question of people making decisions about crimes. “We are achieving the best that we have ever done though – especially with the average for UK forces being a figure of 80 per cent of crimes being correctly recorded, with some as low as 60 per cent. Improving this figure came from the greater focus placed on the victims of crime.”

GOOD CALL Kent has high quality incident call handling

Overall in Kent, crime is down by three per cent, so how are you proposing to help ensure this is maintained? “I am really pleased that crime in Kent is down by three per cent as we are one of the few forces where that is the case, with crime up by around six per cent in the country. “We are working very hard to keep the number of those who are victims of crime as low as possible – as well as putting support for victims at the heart of what we are doing. We don’t have crime targets for officers – if you are delivering a quality service, then everything else follows from that.” Before coming to your role, you reportedly expressed concerns about the concept of police commissioners while serving with the Kent Police Authority. Several years into your post, have your views changed? “I wasn’t against Crime Commissioners, but I did want to see if there were other models of governance that could have been used. “The old Kent Police Authority itself wasn’t ideal, as it was quite bureaucratic. Its committee always had its paperwork piled high, and it didn’t really answer to the electorate. The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) system is on

more of an electoral model. “It has been a rewarding role, and I know that all those who are crime commissioners work really hard. They have made the role their own, as there’s no actual job description in how they perform their duties in holding chief constables to account. “In Kent, we also have a People Board, which is not something I am aware any other commissioner has, which examines every single decision that is made.” In 2013, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) carried out an investigation on policing in Kent. It found that despite a high quality of initial incident call handling, 10 per cent of crimes were not being correctly recorded amid a ‘target-driven culture’. How confident are you that this has improved? “I asked for the HMIC review in 2013, and it found that around one in 10 crimes were being

You have called for households to contribute £5 more each towards putting additional armed officers on our streets. Have there been actual terror threats to Kent that have prompted this? “The terror attacks in Paris last autumn changed everything. The terror threat to Britain remains at severe, but the nature of that threat has changed. Kent is in a unique position as the gateway to Europe, so Kent Police must be able to respond if the unthinkable happens in our county. “After Paris, the Home Secretary asked all forces to increase their firearms capabilities by up to 50 per cent. I propose raising an extra £1.2million through the council tax precept to pay for 24 of the 37 additional firearms officers the Chief Constable tells me he needs. “I realise this will add to the burden of each family’s council tax bill, but for years people in Kent have paid less for policing than almost everyone else in the country.” Do you regret the Meet the Crime Commissioner documentary on Channel 4, which provoked a high level of public criticism when it was screened two years ago and showed your role in a poor light? “I did it at the time as I don’t think people had known what they were voting for in their crime commissioners, which was why the turnout was so low – though Kent was among the highest. “I was disappointed with the TV programme, but I can honestly say that whatever has happened to me, I have not let it distract me from my job.”

Was it a mistake to appoint the country’s first youth commissioner, given that your original candidate, Paris Brown, was forced to resign in under a week over complaints to Kent Police over allegedly posting racially abusive posts on Twitter before her appointment? “I would disagree that it was a mistake to take on a youth commissioner. We had to choose someone who was likely to be able to engage with young people – one third of the county is under 25, and they are the hardest age group to reach, so we wanted to be able to give them a voice. “Paris Brown made a mistake, but I have a lot of time for her as she was able to admit that she made a mistake and that she would learn from it. “How many other people in public office, or politicians, would do that? Rather than a youth commissioner, we have now created a youth advisory group.” What are your priorities going forward into 2016? “We have created a four-year plan for policing that is researched annually, based on what is happening local and national needs. “Some of the issues that we will be focusing on include tackling cyber crime and human trafficking – which is something I saw first hand from a visit to France to see the UK Border Agency’s work – I was at Coquelles and saw that British officers had pulled over a lorry and in the back were 20 girls who were destined for the sex trade. One of them even looked a little like my daughter, and that was upsetting to see. There is so much misery surrounding human trafficking.” What have you been most proud of in your time as commissioner so far? “For one, I think the fact that crime is down and knowing that crime recording is the best it has been. “We have also managed to maintain our levels of policing in Kent, as well as crime victims getting a better service since we set up our centre in Ashford at Compass House. It’s a real resource that people can access themselves.” Are you able to speak about whether you will be standing as a candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner again? “It’s not that I am not able talk about it, but I think it’s a distraction to the job, and the election is not until May (5).”

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

18 � LETTERS

And another thing… The Times of Tunbridge Wells always wants to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Write to or email us using the contact details listed on page 2. councillors in Tunbridge Wells borough. It is a lot of hard work with very low financial reward, so to serve for 30-40 years is incredibly impressive, and obviously good for the town and borough in relation to knowledge and consistency. Many people complain about the council, but how many are willing to stand for election themselves and give their time and expertise so willingly to make life here better for all, including sitting on numerous committees? Admittedly, there are good and bad councillors, and I consider myself lucky to be represented by Mr Scholes, who has a really good knowledge of The Pantiles and this area. Both he and Mr Neve are two of the very good ones! Long may they continue to serve. Sandra Bond Via email

On Thursday January 21 at 7.45am to 8.15am I took a picture of the frosty landscape illuminated by the orange glow which I thought may be of interest to your readers. Thilo Kork Rother View, Burwash

I FOUND it somewhat amusing that in your quest (January 27) to uphold and defend the reputation of this town, you succumbed to giving what would otherwise be an irrelevant letter in the Daily Mail far larger publicity than it deserves. Clearly the pseudonym ‘Michael P. Moore’ is a spoof name and his plea for ambulance sirens to be banned was ludicrous, but I fear that in your eagerness to denounce this prankster you have simply fed the narrative of Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells that this letter was intended to perpetuate. William C. Jones Via email ANYONE with investments closely tied to the market, such as myself, has had a torrid start to the year, but I commend your paper for taking such an interest (January 27) and managing to localise what is a global phenomenon. As a former broker myself I like to think I have a rather astute understanding of the market and realise these bouts of turbulence will not last forever. Indeed, if I was more active in managing my affairs, and a bit younger, I would consider now to be a perfect buying opportunity. But as I have been retired for over a decade and a half now I do rely on my investments for income, and unlike in the good old days can no longer take the risk of aiming for capital growth. So my advice to the next generation is to hold your nerve and look long term. It is the octogenarians like myself who have reason to be glum. Morgan Petersmith Via email TUNBRIDGE Wells is far from the middle class nirvana often portrayed by the media and reflected in people’s attitudes towards this town, but the government report which seems to back this up should not be taken at face value. There are plenty of less salubrious areas in the borough and my

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

fear is reports like this will only make it harder for them to get the focus they need. After all, the report measures Tunbridge Wells as the ‘least deprived’ part of Kent, but that does not necessarily mean everyone is actually affluent. Heather Wilkins Via email IT WAS great to read (January 20) about the return of the Rose and Crown pub a couple of weeks back. I used to frequent the place fairly often and was saddened by its closure. Not only am I glad because I like that particular pub, but also because it feels like a small victory after years of reading depressing headlines about the number of pub closures in this country. Pubs are a vital part of the community and each pub which closes is just another sign of this country’s decline. Stephen Farnborough Via email I WAS very interested to read your recent education interview with the Deputy Mayor, Cllr David Neve [January 13], and I note he was described as Tunbridge Wells’ longest-serving councillor. And indeed he is actually the councillor with the longest consecutive service – ie without a break. But I live in Pantiles & St Mark’s Ward, and I know one of my councillors, Mr James Scholes, has served even longer than Mr Neve, albeit with a break, and that included spells as leader of the council and as Mayor. He is also a Kent County Councillor and chess expert, being a member of the English Senior International Chess team. Probably quite useful for council politics! Cllr Scholes was first elected to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in 1976 and took a two-year break from 1986 to 1988, but has served ever since, including as a cabinet member. I think we are lucky to have such long-serving

THERE are many reasons to think of TW as a great place to live, or visit, but there are just as many which highlight this towns decline, within the past decade. It is not hard to notice littered streets, not only displaying the usual discarded take away boxes and beer receptacles, but larger objects such as mattresses, sofas and TVs. Could this be coincident with the growth of flats of multiple occupancy ? Have Victorian standards of behaviour given way to a selfish attitude, where what’s convenient for one supplants any convenience for others? Has there been a failure to ensure that such dwellings, whether new build or conversion, have provided adequate parking for occupants’ vehicles, which has lead to further pressure on our Victorian roads and the practise of parking two wheels on our pavements, often making the journey for pedestrians more hazardous ? Is there a road surface in TW.that does not feature a dropped drain, a pothole or a gaping crack, to provide additional interest to the motorist as he/ she moves in tedious procession in an endeavour to get into, or out of, town? As more aircraft pepper the skies over TW, might it just be possible to arrest these issues of blight on our community, or have we already succumbed to the slippery slope? Martin Dawes Via email AS A long-term supporter of the Assembly Hall, I read with some sadness that plans are progressing towards it being replaced. While I can well understand the merits of creating a shiny new £25 million facility in the next few years, which will be great for the town, I will definitely miss the venue if it does indeed go. The major investment that it has recently had has certainly made a difference to the place. So here’s hoping that any replacement venue that is developed is well thought out, and one which will continue to meet the needs of a growing town such as Tunbridge Wells. Mrs Jennifer Agnew, Tunbridge Wells Via email

Calverley EVER the gent, Calverley will spare the blushes of the BBC Radio Kent presenter who raised eyebrows last week. They were chatting on air about the discovery of an unpublished Beatrix Potter tale when talk turned to the origins of the story of Puss in Boots. Said presenter declared: “Puss in Boots came from the film Shrek”. Shrek indeed! The story of Puss in Boots can be traced back to around 1550. HOW proud this mum was when her teenage daughter sent a polite letter to PM Dave Cameron attacking his policies. She was more impressed when a reply came back from Number 10. So, off to her favourite local newspaper (is there another one?) to tell the world. Sadly mum had forgotten to photocopy the handwritten missive before posting so has no record of her daughter’s pearls of wisdom. SURPRISING item appeared Friday on the Twitter page of our esteemed borough council which one feels obliged to draw to your attention. It appears to question the validity of a newspaper headline. And before you ask the paper in question is not this one.

CALVERLEY, anxious to get out of the train ventured into Wetherspoons in Crowborough. A most interesting experience that did not get off to a good start when the young barman referred to me as his ‘mate’. When I asked if he was indeed my friend he seemed somewhat non-plussed and admitted he did not in fact know me. MATTERS got worse when later Calverley requested a ‘decaf coffee’ only to be informed that the establishment did not serve them. Now Wetherspoons purports to be about the biggest purveyor of coffee in the land; surely there must be some mistake? The duty manager informed yours truly they had not served decaffeinated coffee since the day they opened a year ago. Why not: “We had a problem with the beans.” You mean the machine is broken and has been for a year? “Yes.” Himself ordered a large brandy. Chin, chin or should we say Pip, pip…

COMMENT �

Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

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Greg Clark was elected to parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The Conservative MP has since held a number of positions in government and currently sits as a member of the cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government: www.gregclark.org

Rail companies should face financial sanctions for the ‘dismal’ service they are giving commuters THIS the first in a series of monthly columns written exclusively for this newspaper by Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, in which he offers his own unedited thoughts and opinions. When I was first approached to contribute a monthly column to the Times of Tunbridge Wells, I thought that it would be good to start the New Year off on a positive note. Unfortunately this optimism has been seriously marred by the endless delays and cancellations we have been suffering on our trains over the last few weeks – the word that I think best sums this up is dismal. It’s bad enough getting back into work after the festive break when mornings are cold and dark, but to make matters even worse our rail service has been chaotic – with daily delays and cancellations. Although I persuaded Southeastern to introduce delay-repay compensation for delays to individual journeys five years ago (previously it was on the average performance across the

network), it was on the expectation that this would be the exception rather than the rule. Thirty minute delays should be a rarity, not an everyday occurrence. I believe that the threshold for compensation payments should be reduced to 15 minutes. But the real point is that we should get back to a reliable and punctual service. For years, we suffered from double-digit fare increases as commuters across the whole of Kent were required to contribute extra for the costs of constructing the High Speed 1 rail link. I have always argued that the cost of this should have been absorbed nationally as it doesn’t actually benefit our local area directly. As a result of this, an annual season ticket from Eridge, just over the border in East Sussex, is £1,500 cheaper than one from Tunbridge Wells. We are paying premium fares and should expect a premium, not an inferior, service. Given that we have had an especially mild winter, with no major snowfalls or icy

mornings, it is difficult to understand why things have been as bad as they are. I have asked both Southeastern and Network Rail to come to Tunbridge Wells to explain to us why there have been so many problems, and how they are going to sort them out. If you are interested in coming along to this meeting, just email me at: greg. clark.mp@parliament. uk and I will send you further details. At £4,400 a year for a season ticket we have the right to expect a reliable and frequent train service. Southeastern and Network Rail have failed to provide this most basic requirement.

They must restore a good service without further delay and they should be sanctioned financially for their failures and, if they can’t provide an acceptable service, they should lose their franchise.

WAITING GAME Commuters at Tunbridge Wells hoping trains are on time

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

20 n ADVERTISING FEATURE

Visit The Royal Wells Hotel this Sunday for Wedding Day inspiration The joy of planning your wedding will begin the moment you arrive at The Wedding Experience at The Royal Wells Hotel this Sunday 7th February. Browse at leisure to discover the latest trends… taste the cake, touch the invitations, smell the flowers and listen to the music. This is your chance to meet with local specialists who really care about making your wedding day special and helping you to style it your way and to your budget. These suppliers provide an unrivalled service, all of their experience, and attention to the detail that will make your wedding so special. For those of you just beginning to plan your wedding day it’s a chance to meet with The Royal Wells wedding coordinators to view their fabulous wedding and reception facilities. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony with close family and friends, or a lavish celebration, the Royal Wells can provide the tailor-made wedding day of your dreams. As a licensed wedding venue, the hotel can offer couples a complete package and a variety of accommodation including the luxurious Honeymoon Suite. And do make a date in your diary to visit Kent’s largest show at The Kent Showground, Detling on Sunday 17th April. Arranged over two vast arenas, this event is host to more than 200 exhibitors and you’ll be able to enjoy amazing fashion shows and listen to live entertainment on stage throughout the day.

Admission free. Pre-register at www.weddingexperience.co.uk

NEW BEGINNINGS Rachel and Harry Craddock on their wedding day

Our wedding story… How did the two of you meet? We met at a friend's birthday party in Tunbridge Wells. I had travelled down with a group of girls from Esher, where I was living at the time, and we went out for a meal and drinks afterwards. I got chatting to Harry during the evening, we hit it off immediately and, as they say, the rest is history! What was the proposal like? Five months prior to the proposal we had bought our very first house together. We loved it but it needed a lot of work done so unfortunately we couldn’t move in right away. After a few months, we decided we really wanted to spend more time there, but unfortunately it wasn’t quite ready. Not to be perturbed, we set up a little tent in the garden for us to sleep in. On one of those very first nights, in the garden of our future home, our future life together, Harry asked me to marry him. Why did you choose Fern and Field as a venue? We chose Fern and Field as a venue as we were looking for a more informal outdoor venue with stunning views of the High Weald. The idea was to have a ‘garden party’ feel to the wedding – a relaxed vibe where guests were

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

free to roam around the beautiful rural setting. Polly at Fern and Field went above and beyond for us. She had a marvellous eye for detail and such an artistic flair. Polly was able to help with many aspects of the wedding including the invitations and the flowers! Tell us about the big day We were married at St Mildred's Church in Tenterden, which was just delightful! We had only recently moved to the town and so it meant a lot to us to be married in the church we can see from our bedroom window! The venue was ideal as it was only a seven minute drive from the church. For me, the location was the highlight; set amongst the vines, with views towards the south coast, Sandhurst windmill, surrounded by our dearest friends and family. I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful day! Where did you go on your honeymoon to start your married life together? We didn't get round to booking our honeymoon until the week after our wedding! We booked on the Friday and went the following Monday to a lovely 5* hotel on the south coast of Turkey. The hotel was situated on its own headland with views over the Mediterranean Sea. It was very private and we only really left

WITH THE

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

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bracketts

est. 1828

Gothic home named after Russian royals Four bedrooms and conservatory

Period features in historic house on Tunbridge Wells Common

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

In my view… Rupert Connell Partner, Office Head

The property market in the new year has started in very much the same positive vein as the end of 2015. We are seeing more buyer activity already and there is a steady stream of new property coming to the market to feed this demand. The main difference between this year and 2015 is that we are not faced with the uncertainty of a General Election which caused many buyers to stall their property plans in anticipation of what might happen. So this year we have a clear run. The Bank of England has decided to keep interest rates at 0.5% in January and in the light of falling oil prices, Mark Carneys recent speech indicated that this will be the case for the remainder of the year at least. We have seen a return of the higher valued market which has been so quiet over the last 18 months with recent sales of an estate near Heathfield for nearly £5,000,000 and the heavily publicised sale of a large house near Crowborough to an ‘A’ list actress for over £3,000,000. This is very encouraging and has come as a result of an increased number of buyers returning to the market at this level from the local area, London, the regions and several from abroad. In fact, both the buyers for the Heathfield and Crowborough properties were from overseas highlighting the reach that Knight Frank has when marketing our properties. Both buyers were contacted in their home countries and made the journey to the UK to view these properties. So, the outlook for 2016 is positive, however, the market is still very price sensitive and it would be advisable to remain realistic when setting the guide price. Don’t be seduced by over optimistic suggestions of value. The fact remains that properties which achieve 100% or more of their guide price spend on average 6 weeks on the market. Those that achieve 85% or less of their guide price tend to spend 6 – 12 months on the market.

Knight Frank 01892 310997 www.knightfrank.co.uk

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Wednesday 3rd February 2016

HOLLYBUSH CLOSE SEVENOAKS

£1,795,000

Smartly extended modern home with a leisure suite

T

HIS fabulous family home, built by Berkeley Homes 19 years ago, has been substantially extended and adapted with the addition of a superb orangery and leisure suite below. The accommodation has been cleverly designed to optimise the plot, which is set a short walk from Sevenoaks High Street. Spacious accommodation on the ground floor comprises a reception hall, cloakroom, family room and drawing room. Both the drawing room and

family room have double doors to the orangery, which boasts three sets of French doors and a wall of bi-folding doors leading to the terrace. The excellent kitchen has been completely refitted by the current owner and has a range of integrated appliances. Finally, there is a useful utility room. Below the orangery, and accessed from outside, is a superb games room with en-suite shower room that could be used as a gym, games room or au pair’s suite. On the first floor there is a master suite

comprising a vaulted bedroom, dressing room and shower room – which could revert to two separate bedrooms if required. There is a guest suite with bathroom, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property is approached from Hollybush Close via a gravel driveway providing off road parking and leading to the integral garage. The rear garden has been cleverly landscaped incorporating a sun terrace at the top and lawn terraces bordered by mature shrubs and trees.

PROPERTY SECTION 

AT A GLANCE

� Versatile modern family house built 19 years ago � Extended and improved � Private location not far from Sevenoaks High Street � Well presented throughout � Entrance hall � Cloakroom � Drawing room � Family room � Impressive orangery � Kitchen � Utility room � Games room and shower room beneath the orangery � Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and shower room � Guest suite with bathroom � Three further bedrooms � Family bathroom � Internal garage � Driveway parking � Landscaped rear garden and sun terrace

£1,795,000 For sale through Knight Frank 01732 744477 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

ROMANOFF LODGE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£1,900,000

AT A GLANCE CASTLE ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS � Impressive and historical period house � Set within Tunbridge Wells Common � Unlisted but with many important features � Entrance porch and hall � Library � Dining room � Study (or ground floor bedroom) � Kitchen/breakfast room � Shower room � Beautiful conservatory � First floor drawing room � Two bedrooms, one en-suite, on first floor � Two further bedrooms and two bathrooms on top floor � Lower ground floor with storerooms � Underground double-length garage � Parking and drive � Terraced rear garden

£1,900,000 For sale through Batcheller Monkhouse 01892 512051 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

Historical house nestled within the heart of Tunbridge Wells Common

O

NE OF Tunbridge Wells’ best known unlisted town houses, Romanoff Lodge, is a truly unique property believed to date from 1852. Situated in a tucked away location on Tunbridge Wells Common, this stunning period home was built by Thomas Allfree, who owned a school on London Road and named the house after the Russian royal family for whom he was once a tutor. Internally, the beautifully presented house has a whimsical Gothic influence, with fabulous trompe l’oeil ceilings, decorative wallpapers and lovely fireplaces throughout. The lodge was restored to a high standard in the 1960s and ‘70s and more recent improvements include a new kitchen in 2004 and the rebuilding of the conservatory in 2007.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

On the ground floor, accommodation comprises an entrance hall, dining room, library, study or fifth bedroom, kitchen/breakfast room, shower room and conservatory. The first floor holds an impressive double drawing room with doors opening to a sheltered terrace with steps down to the rear garden. Two bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom, complete this floor. On the top level of the house are two further bedrooms and bathrooms. The lower ground floor includes storerooms, a workshop, utility room and a double-length underground garage. With a little work this could be transformed into an excellent leisure space. Outside there is a parking area and drive with a lawn to the front and to the rear is a small and secluded terraced garden with a water feature.

Sales

•

Lettings

•

Land & New Homes

Q

rITl

lL[J WOOD & PILCHER

Southborough Guide Price £950,000 - £1,100,000

Tunbridge Wells

• Detached 5 Bed Family Home • Open Plan Kitchen/Dining Area • Very Well Presented

• Detached Chalet Bungalow • Superb Semi Rural Location • 3 Bedrooms/3 Receptions

Rusthall • 3 Bed Victorian Property • Rust ha 11 Location • 2 Receptions, 1st Floor Bathroom

East Peckham • Charming 2 Roundel Oasthouse • Rural Location • Five Bedrooms

• Driveway to Front for Parking • 0.7 Mile of MLS • Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Guide Price £325,000 Southborough • Enclosed Rear Garden • On Street Parking • Energy Efficiency Rating: D

£1,250,000 • Sitting Room with Woodburner • Swimming Pool & Tennis Court • Triple Garage & Ample Parking

• Period Property over 3 Levels • Three Double Bedrooms • Large, Feature Bathroom

South borough • Detached 4 Bed Family Home • Popular Quiet Location • Re-fitted/Breakfast Room

£750,000 • Generous Gardens • Driveway & Double Garage • Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Tunbridge Wells • 1 Bedroom • Allocated Parking • Central Location

£379,950 Tunbridge Wells • Two Reception Rooms • On Road Parking • Energy Efficiency Rating: D

£625,000 • Master with En Suite Shower Room • Double Garage & Driveway • Energy Efficiency Rating: B

• 2 Double Bedrooms • Sought After Location • Garage En-Bloc

Tunbridge Wells • 3 Bedrooms • Off Road Parking • En-Suite Bathroom

£700 PCM • Available March • Energy Efficiency Rating: C • Agent's Fees Apply

£1,200 PCM • Available Now • Energy Efficiency Rating: E • Agent's Fees Apply

£1,325 PCM • Available March • Energy Efficiency Rating: E • Agent's Fees Apply

Tunbridge Wells Property Management Services Jade Carter Head of Lettings

01892 507056

'I have a few properties that I let, and I don't want the responsibility for every call-out,' says Peter, now retired but formerly a Partner with PWC. 'In time, my wife and I will downsize into the penthouse, so I need to know it is being impeccably looked after in the meantime.'

j carter@savills. corn

Linda Wallace- Radcliffe Customer Relationship Manager

01892 507050 lwradcliffe@savills. corn

Valuable assets need looking after, and these days few assets are as valuable as property. But whether you own a flat or a mansion, making sure your biggest investment is well cared for can be stressful and time-consuming, especially if you don't actually live in it yourself. Ask a landlord - someone like Peter Flamank, who lets his three-bedroom penthouse in Tunbridge Wells.

That's where professional property management services come in . Savills leads the field in managing rental properties on behalf of its clients. From taking care of all the legal and financial necessities to fixing problems and ensuring the property is immaculately maintained, the company's team of experts takes the fretting out of letting. And because this property management service is delivered via a combination of a local manager and a central property management team, it perfectly balances personal service with 24-hour efficiency. It's a system that has impressed Peter, who has let his penthouse through Savills Tunbridge Wells for the past 18 months. 'We chose Savills because of its reputation more than anything else,' he says. 'Our penthouse is a premium property, and I associate Savills with that tier of the market. From our first meeting, all the Savills personnel were very impressive. The hallmark of my Savills experience is the relationship with the Head of

Lettings, Jade Carter; I greatly value her accessibility and responsiveness.' Jade and Linda Wallace-Radcliffe, Customer Relationship Manager at Savills Tunbridge Wells, are supported by the central Property Management team, which provides a dedicated manager for every Savills Lettings office in the country. If there is a problem, Linda will visit the property and liaise with both Jade and her dedicated Property Manager, who co-ordinates the relevant workmen or services. The central team also provides access to Savills other specialist departments, ensuring that issues are dealt with by genuine experts. 'The real test of a professional relationship is how difficulties are handled,' Peter says. 'In an example of how one issue can lead to another, a pump that is essential to the property's water supply failed, and Linda organised its repair, which was not straightforward. Then the new tenants asked - entirely reasonably for a refund on their rent for the period they had been inconvenienced, and Jade handled the negotiation and refund with great tact and efficiency. It's important to me that my tenants are happy, and I know I can rely on Savills to keep them so.'

ik•IIHI DELVES AVENUE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS Guide £3,250 pcm +

£282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

THE BROADWAY, LAMBERHURST Guide £3,250 pcm +

£282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

I

GROVE HILL ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS Guide £2,600 pcm +

£282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee and other charges may apply*

*£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 fee , visit www.savills.eo.uk/ fees.

V /

FRANT ROAD,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT

KENT

Victorian former vicarage + potential for improvement + within 0.3 miles MLS and town centre + 3 reception rooms + 8 bedrooms + garden + garage + 4,266 sq ft + 0.37 acres + EPC=E

Stylish town house + well placed for grammar schools + MLS about 1 mile + 3 reception rooms + kitchen/dining room + 5 bedrooms + views to the rear + garden + 2,490 sq ft + EPC=D

Guide £1.5 million Freehold

Guide £1.15 million Freehold

GROOMBRIDGE,

Contact: Liz Devall

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

EAST SUSSEX

Contact: Liz Devall

KENT

Close to village centre + sitting/family room + study + kitchen/dining room + 5 bedrooms + Eridge MLS 2.5 miles + Tunbridge Wells 4.5 miles + 3,104 sq ft + 0.29 acres + EPC=C

Well placed for schools + High Brooms MLS 0.9 miles + open-plan reception room + conservatory + 3 bedrooms + garden + garage + parking + 1 ,104 sq ft + EPC=D

Guide £995,000 Freehold

Guide £525,000 Freehold

Contact: Becky Card

Contact: Becky Card

Savills only concentrates on one type of house. Yours. If it's time to sell, talk to Savills.

� PROPERTY SECTION

DALE FARM HOUSE

CHURCH ROAD, WEALD

£1,995,000

AT A GLANCE n Pretty farmhouse with outbuildings n Character features n Rural location yet close to Sevenoaks n Very well presented n Entrance porch n Drawing room n Dining room n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room

Charming home boasting timber beams and stables

D

ALE Farm House is a charming Grade II listed property which has been the subject of renovation and refurbishment. The property occupies a delightful rural location in the village of Weald, only three miles from Sevenoaks, and provides spacious family accommodation. Character features include exposed wall and ceiling timbers and a wood burning stove set within an attractive inglenook fireplace. Also of note is a one-bedroom annexe which provides additional accommodation.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

The first floor comprises an attractive pitch porch, drawing room with open studwork to a dining room, a family room with study area, cloakroom, utility room and an impressive vaulted kitchen/breakfast room. Arranged on the first floor is the master suite with a bedroom and dressing room divided by open studwork, and a stylish en-suite shower room. There are three further bedrooms on this floor and a well appointed family bathroom. The second floor has a further bedroom and a storeroom.

The detached annexe comprises a living room with kitchen area, a bedroom and stylish bathroom. There are two stable blocks providing five loose boxes and a tack/feed room. The house is approached over a gravel drive with electrically operated gates and a turning circle which provides parking. The gardens are predominantly laid to lawn, interspersed with trees and shrubs. The remainder of the land is arranged as a paddock and in total the area amounts to around 5.2 acres.

n Cloakroom n Master suite with bedroom, dressing area and shower room n Three further bedrooms on first floor n Family bathroom n Second floor bedroom and storeroom n Detached single storey annexe n Two stable blocks n Paddock n Gardens and grounds amounting to 5.2 acres

£1,995,000 For sale through Savills 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Langton Green - Price Range: £695,000 - £725,000

Southborough - Price Range: £440,000 - £465,000

A detached single storey dwelling set down a private drive secluded from the road. 2 receptions rooms, 3 bedrooms, bathroom. Generous landscaped gardens with large drive and detached garage. EPC: D

A significantly improved and immaculately presented 3 storey Victorian home. 2 reception rooms, cellar, 3 bedrooms, bathroom. Driveway parking and a level rear garden. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells - Price Range: £650,000 - £675,000

Tunbridge Wells - Monthly Rental £2,500

A significantly extended detached home and priced to allow for some cosmetic updating. 2 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Integral garage, parking on drive for 4 cars, gardens. EPC: D

A well presented single storey property in Dunorlan Park with 2 reception rooms, study, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Single garage, driveway parking for 3 cars and an expansive garden. EPC: D

Southborough - Price Range: £550,000 - £580,000

Tunbridge Wells - Monthly Rental £950

An exceptionally well presented 3 bedroom semi-detached home, being the subject of much attention by current owners and must be viewed to be appreciated. Driveway parking, rear garden with large studio. EPC: D

A spacious and beautifully presented I bedroom annexe located in a prestigious private road. Underfloor heating, neutral decor and secondary glazing throughout. Courtyard garden.

ď Ž PROPERTY SECTION

NETHERFIELD

LONDON ROAD, CROWBOROUGH

ÂŁ1,295,000 1920s family house with tennis court N ETHERFIELD is an impressive detached house situated less than a mile from Crowborough town centre. The incredibly spacious accommodation is well laid out, offering adaptable living arrangements, and is set over three floors. Built in the 1920s and with plenty of period features, including bay windows, fireplaces and a panelled dining room, this property is attractive and imposing.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

The ground floor boasts a porch with cloakroom, entrance hall, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, large kitchen/breakfast room, family room and utility room. A useful cellar room lies beneath the house. The first floor has a master suite with bedroom, dressing room and bathroom, as well as two further bedrooms and a family bathroom, and there is also a home office or bedroom on the top floor. Netherfield is set in mature

gardens and grounds extending to approximately two acres, mostly laid to lawn interspersed with mature specimen trees and planted borders. There are paved terraces to the side and rear of the house with a further brick terrace overlooking the orchard and tennis court. There is a vegetable plot with a greenhouse and summerhouse. To the front of the house is a gravelled driveway providing ample parking and access to garaging.

PROPERTY SECTION �

‘Netherfield is set in mature grounds extending to two acres’

AT A GLANCE n Spacious and adaptable 1920s house

n Family room

n Well laid out

n Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and bathroom

n Beautifully presented

n Three further bedrooms, one on top floor currently used as office

n Porch n Cloakroom n Entrance hall

n Family bathroom

n Drawing room

n Double garage and parking

n Sitting room

n Tennis court

n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room

n Cellar

n Summer house n Mature gardens of 2 acres

£1,295,000 For sale through Batcheller Monkhouse 01892 512051 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

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

THESUNDAYTIMES

THE . . .T IMES

~'112

Crowborough £1,100,000 An extremely well presented and attractive 5 bedroom detached Millwood Designer Home which has been designed and finished to an exceptionally high standard throughout. EPC:B

Penshurst £720,000 An outstanding 3 bedroom apartment arranged with the main accommodation over two floors and forming part of this stunning, former Victorian mansion maintained to a high standard. EPC:C

Rural Brenchley £775,000 This property provides a charming 3 bedroom home with well-proportioned and flexible accommodation, situated in an idyllic countryside setting within about 1 mile from the village ofBrenchley. EPC:E

Mayfield £750,000 A fine 4 bedroom detached l 930's property which has been modernised and extended located on the edge of this highly regarded village adjoining and overlooking Mayfield Cricket Club. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells £675,000 A very well presented 4 bedroom townhouse with accommodation arranged over four floors and set in a quiet development on the highly regarded south side of town. EPC:C

Tunbridge Wells £549,950 Occupying the southern side of this fine building, with spacious and light accommodation, this 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom (2 en suite) garden apartment with large private terrace. EPC: C

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

Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ1,495,000 A substantial and beautifully presented detached Edwardian house approaching 4,000 sq ft situated on the popular southern side of Tunbridge Wells with spacious and versatile accommodation and many fine period features. No onward chain. EPC:E

Markbeech ÂŁ1,500,000 A fine 6 bedroom detached period country house with outstanding views set in gardens and grounds with stabling of about 10. 5 acres in a sought after location in a triangle formed by the highly regarded Kent villages of Hever, Chiddingstone and Cowden. EPC:F

DCJ

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

French Street, nr. Westerham £2,550,000 A refurbished six bedroom period house with exceptional views set within a most sought after location a short drive from the historic market town of Westerham and close to Chartwell. EPC: E

~.••

We are making the most of our extensive network of 33 London branches by offering to take your property right to the doorsteps of active buyers and tenants in the Capital as part of The Roadshow on Saturday 12th March. To ensure your property is showcased at this exclusive event, contact us today. The deadline forinclu sion is the 7th March 2016.

Bullfinch Lane, Sevenoaks £695,000 A characterful 1920s three bedroom detached chalet bungalow with a wonderful garden, conveniently located for excellent local schooling and the station. EPC: E

Sevenoaks Office

Sales. 01732 423 102

I

sevenoaks@hamptons-int.com

Beyond your expectations .......

www.hamptons.co.uk

THESUNDAYTIMES

THE . a .T IMES

Limpsfield, Surrey

£2,999,995

With very pleasant views over adjoining farmland, a handsome 8 bedroom detached country house of quality with exceptional accommodation and set within fine landscaped gardens of approximately two and a half acres (0.97 H). No onward chain. EPC:E

• Views over adjoining countryside • Annexe/Staff suite • Outdoor entertaining area with pool • In total 2.4 acres

Caterham & Oxted Office

Sales. 01883 759487 I Caterham@hamptons-int.com

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

路"""路

THESUNDAYTIMES

T-"!:AMPTONS

11

INTERNATIONAL

THE . . . .TIMES

Crowborough 拢2500pcm This superb, detached 5 bedroom family home has been extended to create a well designed living space. The house is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in popular Crowborough close to local amenities. EPC:C

Hartifield 拢6495pcm This is a fantastic 8 bedroom detached country house of superb quality with beautiful rural views. The accommodation throughout is spacious and provides a mixture of modern and traditional materials. EPC:D

Tunbridge Wells Office

Lettings. 01892 597609

tunbridgewellslettings@hamptons-int.com

1-kMJProperty

Your local independent Estate Agent

...contactable 7 days a week

RUST HALL

ÂŁ337,500

Modern two bedroom terraced house comprising ; Lounge, kitchen/ diner, conservatory, two bedrooms, upstairs bathroom with separate W.C and a versatile Loft room. The property also benefits from double glazing, gas fired heating and rear garden . EPCD.

5 bed terrace house in a cul-de-sac, comprising ; open plan Living area with defined areas for kitchen, dining room and Living room, garden room, downstairs cloakroom, 5 bedrooms and family bathroom . Double glazing, gas fired heating, front and rear garden and a garage . EPC D

3 bed semi-detached cottage, in an elevated position in Toad Rock area. Comprising ; Lounge, kitchen/ diner with rayburn , downstairs bathroom and 3bedrooms. Double glazing , gas fired heating , front and rear gardens. EPC E.

3 bedroom semi with driveway comprising ; Lounge with box bay window to front, open plan kitchen/ dining room with double doors Leading to garden, 3 bedrooms and a modern upstairs bathroom benefitting from a side fill bath and separate shower cubicle. The property benefits from double glazing, gas fired heating and rear garden. EPC E.

www.kmjproperty.co.uk S:3 Find us on • 111 Facebook

01892 515188

<i)nTheMarketcom

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

Herstmonceux, Hailsham

£1,495,000

Dallington, Heathfield

OIEO £1,250,000

A superb seven bedroom Sussex Barn conversion with far reaching rural views and equestrian facilities. The property is approached over a private driveway which gives access to a parking area and four bay detached garage beyond. The gardens are a particular feature of the property being landscaped with a paved sun terrace, former swimming pond and pathways leading to the paddocks beyond and equestrian facilities.

An attractive Grade II listed period farmhouse situated in a private rural loca tion with circa 10 acres. The property sits on the former Haselden Manor site and was once owned by the Speaker of The House of Commons back in the lSOO's. The spacious accommodation comprises Seven Double Bedrooms, four Bathrooms, Triple Garage, Detached Stable Block, Gardens, Woodland and Fields of approximately 10 acres.

Maresfield Park

Fairwarp, Uckfield

£1,250,000

£950,000 - £1,000,000

A substantial detached family home, improved by the current vendor to a very high standard with generously proportioned rooms arranged over two floors. The accommodation comprises four bedrooms, four reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, three bathrooms, detached games room and large gardens totalling circa one acre.

An attractive and detached character property set in the h eart of the Ashdown Forest with spacious accommodation comprising three reception rooms four bedrooms (one ground floor bedroom with en suite), two further en suites, Outside home office, workshop and garage. Set within approximately 4 acres with stable block and yard.

Iden, Rye

Tunbridge Wells

£895,000

A stunning period village house with a wealth of exposed wall and ceiling timbers situated in a sought after and central loca tion in this picturesque village, available for the first time in many years. There are stables, spacious studio/home office, four car garaging, delightful formal gardens, paddock with spring fed pond and views over neighbouring farmland. In all around 4.16 acres.

£895,000

An immaculately presented Victorian family h ome which has been refurbi shed by the current owners to a high standard, situated in central Tunbridge Wells within a sh ort walk of the town centre. The property offers three Reception Rooms, Kitchen Breakfast Room, two En Suite Double Bedrooms, two Further Double Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Private Garden, Off Road Parking & Outbuilding.

Reaching the London buyer in order to achieve the best possible price Call 01892 615757 · www.freemanforman.co.uk · 22-24 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl lUX

Rural Crowborough

£875,000

A charming d etached cottage situated in a fabulous rural position with circa 7 acres and equestrian fa cilities. The accommodation has been recently extended and provides well proportioned accommodation to include Living Room with Inglenook, Kitchen/Breakfast Room w ith Aga, Family Room, Conservatory, WC, Master Bed room w ith En Suite, Three Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, and potential to be extended STPP.

Wadhurst

£825,000 - £850,000

Bexhill-On-Sea

£850,000 - £950,000

A substantial (4,296 sq ft excluding outbuilding) d etach ed Oast offering the flexibility to be arranged with independent ancillary/holiday cottage or as a large fa mily h ome. The accommodation comprises five reception rooms, master bedroom with en suite, five further bedroom s, two bath/shower rooms. Gardens and grounds totalling circa 3 acres w ith countryside views. Quiet and tucked away rural loca tion.

Chiddingly

OIEO £750,000

A charming detached, period fa mily h ome (unlisted) with spacious accommod ation over two floors comprising sitting room with wood burning stove and d ouble d oors to the garden, dining room w ith open fireplace, TV room/snug, study, four bedrooms and fa mily bathroom . Pretty Gardens, off road parking and garage.

A Grad e II Listed Sussex cottage located in the heart of Muddles Green. Built approximately 250 years ago and then extended m ore recently in 2003, the property now fea tures three reception room s and four bedrooms. The property is approach ed over its own private driveway that leads to the d etached brick garage and parking for several vehicles. All set within gardens which extend to approximately a third of an acre.

Heathfield

Blackboys, Uckfield

£725,000

A substantial detach ed h ouse built in the 1920's and situated in a convenient yet quiet loca tion. The accommodation is well presented and offers excellent scope for ex tension and m odernisa tion. The ground floor comprises three good size reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room w ith AGA, large utility room and cloakroom. The first floor provides five d ouble bedrooms, study, shower room and a fa mily bathroom.

£700,000 - £725,000

An attractive character cottage in a quiet loca tion with stunning countryside views. The accommodation has been sympathetically extended, comprising a large living room with Inglenook, dining room, farmhouse kitchen with separate utility, m aster bedroom w ith vaulted ceiling, dressing area and en-suite, three further bedroom s including an annexe with kitch en and living area. Large rear garden bordered by farmland.

Reaching the London buyer in order to achieve the best possible price Call 01892 615757 · www.freemanforman.co.uk · 22-24 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl lUX

Tunbridge Wells

£625,000 - £650,000

A superb four bedroom semi detached home in the sought after Stephens Road which is in an ideal loca tion for the St. John's school ca tchment. Accommod ation comprises an open-plan living/dining room, kitchen, master bedroom with en suite, three further bedrooms, family bathroom and private rear garden.

Tunbridge Wells

£425,000 - £450,000

An extended three bedroom property within an exclusive ga ted mews development. The accommodation includes 2 reception rooms, cloakroom, kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite 2 further bedrooms and family bathroom. Outside, the property enjoys a rear !awned garden and patio area.

rm.

!. fi, II II II

Tunbridge Wells

£375,000

Tunbridge Wells

£325,000 - £350,000

A superb 3 double bedroom apartment in a sought after loca tion within Royal Tunbridge Wells. Spectacular views, brilliant loca tion for the historic Pantiles and close to the m ain line station to London. The property itself is exceptionally quirky and has mixture of country style and penthouse living. All the bedroom s are d oubles and the living room is a generous size and has far reaching views of the town.

We are d elighted to present this very attractive three bedroom end of terrace period town house. Situated in a sought after road in Southborough the accommodation offers two good size reception rooms, kitch en, cellar and a block paved garden. Upstairs you will find spacious master bedroom, family bathroom and stairs rise to the top floor where you will find two further bedrooms. Viewing highly recommended.

Tunbridge Wells

Crowborough

£315,000

Beautiful mid terrace cottage with impressive views over the River Medway. The accommodation is spread over three floors, the ground floor offering a very warm living room which leads in to the modern kitchen/diner. Externally you will find a large rear garden offering stunning far reaching views.

£310,000 - £325,000

Very attractive three bedroom town h ouse. The accommod ation comprises of mod ern kitchen with space for table and chairs, d ownstairs WC and spacious living room including gas fire place courtyard garden and alloca ted parking space.

Reaching the London buyer in order to achieve the best possible price Call 01892 515300 · www.freemanforman.co.uk · 22-24 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl lUX

Tunbridge Wells

£310,000

Crowborough

£300,000 - £325,000

A character three bedroom semi detach ed house boasting some delightful period fea tures and rear garden w ith brick outbuilding. The accommodation includes two reception rooms, kitchen, three bedrooms, fa mily bathroom and priva te rear garden .

Three bedroom semi d etached h ouse which boasts som e d elightful period features and rear garden with brick outbuilding which is currently used for storage. The accommodation includes entrance hall, sitting room, dining room with doors to the garden and kitchen.

Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells

£275,000 - £300,000

£275,000 - £285,000

Two bedroom maisonette w ith its own private garden situated w ithin easy reach of High Brooms m ainline station. The flat comprises of spacious living room, master bedroom, second double bedroom, m odem fitted kitchen, white suite family bathroom and an allocated parking space. The property also has a share of freehold.

Very spacious two bedroom apartment, front facing in the very desirable Edison Court. The apartment is in excellent condition and offers m odem integra ted kitchen, large living room with high ceilings front fa cing with a balcony which runs the width of the flat and can be opened on to from all front fa cin g room s.

Tunbridge Wells

Crowborough

£250,000 - £275,000

A well presented mid terrace h ouse comprising a sitting room, kitchen/diner, two double bedrooms, family bathroom and a separate WC. Outside, the rear garden is of a generous size, whilst to the front of the property there is a large area of shingle which could provide a driveway for off road parking STPP.

£195,000 - £205,000

A purpose built first floor apartment occupying a pleasant position in a small cul-de-sac. The apartment benefits from secure entry system, fitted kitchen, sitting room, two generous bedrooms and bathroom. Communal garden and allocated parking for two/three cars.

Reaching the London buyer in order to achieve the best possible price Call 01892 515300 · www.freemanforman.co.uk · 22-24 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl lUX

Clarendon Gardens, Tunbridge Wells Detached family home in a desirable town location Entrance hall, drawing room, family room, kitchen I breakfast room, conservatory, utility I hobby room, cloakroom. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, guest bedroom with en suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Established rear garden. Off-street parking. EPC rating C.

Brenchley A detached family house in the heart of the village, with outstanding views Entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen I breakfast room, study, sitting room, dining room. Master bedroom, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom, WC. Detached garage. Gardens and grounds. Paddock. EPC rating F. In all about 2.51 acres.

Otford, Nr Sevenoaks An excellent family house with annexe, office and swimming pool in a prestigious private road 3 reception rooms, master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite shower room, 2 further suites, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom, double garage with a flat above, studio I office, swimming pool and pool house. Delightful established gardens. EPC rating E. In all about 0.9 acre.

Sevenoaks A beautifully designed house of over 4,500 sq ft Located in a quiet position off an exclusive private road on the south side of Sevenoaks. Reception hall, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, playroom, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room. 5 further bedrooms, 3 further bathrooms. Integral double garage. South facing gardens. EPC rating C. In all about 0.45 acre.

PROPERTY SECTION ďż˝

AT A GLANCE STONE COTTAGE BLACKHAM n Period-style country house n Built in 1996 n Rural setting with views over countryside n Covered porch n Entrance hall/dining hall n Drawing room n Snug n Sitting room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room n Guest bedroom with en-suite shower room n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Off-road parking and attached double garage n Mower store/workshop n Sweeping drive with automatic gates n Attractive gardens n Pastureland and woodland in all 11 acres

ÂŁ1,395,000 For sale through Knight Frank 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Attractive house set within its very own pastureland

S

TONE Cottage is an attractive detached family house built by the current owners in 1996 in a period style and set in a peaceful rural location close to the village of Blackham. It benefits from flexible and wellbalanced family accommodation over two floors and lies deep within its own fabulous grounds of 11 acres. The ground floor boasts a covered porch, spacious entrance hall/dining hall, drawing room with double doors to the garden and snug off it, cloakroom, sitting room, kitchen/ breakfast room and utility room. Upstairs, there is a dual aspect master bedroom with

en-suite shower room, as well as a guest bedroom with en-suite shower room, three further bedrooms and a family bathroom. The house is approached through automatic gates and down a sweeping drive to a turning circle at the front of the house. To one side of the house is an attached double garage with a mower store/workshop to the rear. Beautiful, well stocked gardens surround the house and there are 11 acres of pastureland and woodland. Stone Cottage is 4.5 miles from both Langton Green and Groombridge, with Tunbridge Wells seven miles away.

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Contact your local independent Estate Agent for expert help Tonbridge 01732 771616 Pembury 01892 822880

BarnesKingsnorth

Andrews >

Tunbridge Wells andrewsonline.co.uk

WANTED! A good sized garden flat in central Tunbridge Wells for a lady downsizing.

Call Andrews on 01892 515144 or email on tunbridgewells@andrewsonline.co.uk

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Culverden Square, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 Guide £205,000-£215,000 One bedroom garden apartment set in a private cul-de-sac within 0.4 mile of Tunbridge Wells town centre. Own entrance, double bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, gardens to front and rear, parking. The property has been modernised and is being sold without the seller buying on. Energ\:j Efficienc\:j rating: D

Friezland Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 £385,000 Semi detached home on the town outskirts 1.5 miles from Tunbridge Wells station, backing onto the Eridge Estate woodland. 3 bedrooms, upstairs bathroom, split level living room and dining area. Fitted kitchen, study area, downstairs shower room, utility room, garage. Planning permission for a further extension and loft conversion. Energ\:j Efficienc\:j Rating: E

Lansdowne Road, TN1 2NL £485pcm Well maintained, good size studio flat set to the rear of this Victorian conversion close to the town centre offering open-plan studio room and kitchen with fridge and cooker, separate bathroom with mixer spray attachment, substantial storage and pretty communal gardens. It is available for single occupancy only. Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Richardson Road, TN4 9PB £975pcm Victorian mid terrace cottage tucked away in the heart of St Johns and only a short distance to town centre and local amenities, comprising living room with wood effect stove, kitchen/diner with appliances, two double bedrooms and modern bathroom plus rear garden and the added benefit of gas central heating and double glazing. Energy Efficiency Rating: C

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

Upper Grosvenor Road, TN1 2DU £695pcm One double bedroom ground floor flat is within 5 minutes walk of the Royal Victoria shopping centre with its range of shops and restaurants. The property comprises open plan lounge and modern fitted kitchen with appliances, bedroom and newly installed shower room. There is also off road parking on a first come, first serve basis. Energy Efficiency Rating: F

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

McAuCey Estate Agents

Bell Court

Frant Road

£279,950

£285,000

NO CHAIN! Beautifully presented, spacious apartment located within walking distance to the town centre, consisting of a spacious reception room, well equipped kitchenette, two double bedrooms (one with en-suite facilities) and newly fitted bathroom. Outside, the property benefits from communal gardens and an Undercroft parking. 115 years remaining on the lease. Service charge: £167pcm. Council tax band 'D'. The property is located within walking distance to Tunbridge Wells town centre with its wealth of shopping, recreational and entertainment facilities. Tunbridge Wells mainline station is close by offering a service to London and the South coast in under and hour. Potential rental income of £900 - £1 OOOpcm.

NO CHAIN! Substantial converted apartment located in the sought after area of the Frant Road. This beautiful apartment is situated on the first floor and shares communal accesses with only one other apartment. Still maintaining many original features such as: sash windows, decorative coving and high ceilings this property offers ample living accommodation. Opening into a hallway which in turn leads to the sitting/dining room, separate kitchen, bedroom and newly fitted bathroom. Outside there are communal gardens and an allocated parking space. Located on the Frant road this charming apartment is within walking distance to local amenities. Council tax band 'C'. 996 years remaining on the lease. No ground rent. Service charge £44pcm. Potential rental income of £850 - £925pcm

Grosvenor Park

Mount Ephraim

£299,950

£230,000

NO CHAIN! Well presented, with two double bedrooms, spacious maisonette with attic room (which could be converted subject to all usual planning consent). Set over two floors the property opens into a split level hallway leading to the spacious reception room and well appointed kitchen with separate utility room. On the first floor this charming property benefits from two double bedrooms (one giving access to the attic room) and large, modern bathroom. There is also a separate guest cloakroom. Set in the heart of Tunbridge Wells town centre this delightful property is within walking distance to the wide range of shopping, recreational and entertainment facilities. Council tax band 'C. Rental potential in the region of £950 - £1050pcm.

NO CHAIN! Located within this stunning Victorian building on the top floor, this handsome property has an 'open plan' reception room with stunning views across Tunbridge Wells. The kitchen area is well appointed with an excellent range of fitted units incorporating appliances. There is wooden effect flooring and period windows throughout the apartment. To the rear there is a double bedroom with built in wardrobe. There is also a second room which could be a study or could accommodate a guest for overnight. Outside, to the rear of the building there is an allocated parking bay. This charming property is located within walking distance to Tunbridge Wells town centre. Leasehold 999 years. Service charge £1 OOpm. Rental potential in the region of £840 - £900 pcm

Te(: 01892 (ettin3s@mcau(eymiffer.com

614777

www.mcaureymiffer.com

sa(es@mcaureymi((er.com

PROPERTY SECTION 

A bright modern home in idyllic rural paradise

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HIS outstanding country house near Wadhurst has a spacious and light interior providing excellent family accommodation. The house, which is attached, forms part of an attractive rural hamlet built on the site of a former Victorian mansion in 2004. The well-arranged ground floor accommodation features an entrance hall, elegant drawing room, dining room, family room, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room and cloakroom.

There is also a utility room with access through to a large office – previously a utility room and originally the garage. On the first floor there is an outstanding principal bedroom suite, a guest bedroom with en-suite shower room and two further bedrooms served by a family bathroom. Throughout the house there is cabling for a sound system, BT and broadband and television points in all rooms with Sky connections, spot lighting and LPG central heating via radiators.

The property is approached through wrought iron gates to a private drive and parking area from a quiet country lane. The main garden is partly walled and there is a paved terrace running the length of the house. The rest of the garden comprises a wide lawn with a pathway leading to a lightly wooded area and further lawn beyond. In all there is just over half an acre and the property benefits from access to a communal open meadow of about 2.5 acres.

AT A GLANCE BUCKHURST PLACE WADHURST

� Large office

� Spacious modern home in established grounds

� Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom

� Entrance hall

� Guest bedroom with en-suite shower room

� Cloakroom

� Two further bedrooms

� Dining room

� Family bathroom

� Drawing room

� Private drive and parking area

� Family room

� Stunning gardens of more than half an acre

� Conservatory � Kitchen/breakfast room

� Access to communal meadow

� Utility room

£975,000 For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

‘The garden comprises a wide lawn with a pathway leading to a lightly wooded area and lawn beyond’ Wednesday 3rd February 2016

AWAKEN YOUR SENSES Imagine waking up next to 200 acres of woodland, then stepping out into a new day, feeling the gentle breeze, big skies above. Welcome to Knights Wood.

Knights Wood offers a variety of exceptional new homes in a peaceful woodland setting in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Our marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm, so come and visit us to experience what life could be like. Alternatively, call us on 01892 800580.

Three and four bedroom homes available now with prices from ÂŁ350,000. Knights Wood, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UW

KNIGHTS WOOD ROYAL

TUNBRIDGE

WELLS

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

Roomy property with a wood-burning stove

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HIS is a spacious detached 1930s house providing excellent and versatile family accommodation. Set close to Rotherfield, the house has period features, an attractive garden and a timber framed car port. The reception hall has solid wood flooring and two large cupboards and WC. The double aspect drawing room has a wood-burning stove and double doors opening to a garden room with

French doors to a terrace. The dining room has a feature fireplace and the well-fitted kitchen/breakfast room has a range of units and an Aga. In the adjacent utility room is a further oven, a two-ring hob and plumbing space for further appliances. On the first floor, the principal bedroom has an en-suite shower room and separate WC. The two further bedrooms are doubles and are served by a family bathroom. Two more bedrooms,

one currently used as a study, and a shower room lie on the top floor. The property is approached via a driveway with parking. There is side access which leads to the rear terrace, enjoying a lovely outlook over the rear garden and towards the countryside. There are steps down to the large rear garden which is principally lawn and around 240ft in length, with mature trees, shrubs, two sheds, a greenhouse and a Wendy house.

AT A GLANCE JESSOPS ARGOS HILL, ROTHERFIELD

n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room and separate en-suite WC

n Attractive 1930s detached house

n Two further bedrooms on first floor

n Spacious and versatile accommodation

n Family bathroom

n Arranged over three floors

n Two more bedrooms on top floor

n Reception hall

n Shower room

n Drawing room

n Eaves storage

n Garden room

n Car port

n Dining room

n Drive and parking

n Cloakroom

n Rear terrace

n Kitchen/breakfast room

n Attractive gardens

n Utility room

n Views over countryside

ÂŁ750,000 For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

AT A GLANCE SUNNYVIEW COTTAGE OAK LANE, SEVENOAKS n Pretty detached Victorian cottage n Updated and improved n Period features n Modern fittings n Entrance porch n Cloakroom n Sitting room n Family room n Study n Kitchen/breakfast room n Conservatory n Utility room n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room n Three further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Off-road parking and garage n Attractive rear garden

ÂŁ1,125,000 For sale through Savills 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Pretty Victorian house in a desirable location SUNNYVIEW Cottage is a charming detached Victorian house, ideally situated within half a mile of Sevenoaks High Street and 1.2 miles of the station. The property boasts many period features and has been refurbished by the current owner to provide beautifully presented accommodation. On the ground floor, accommodation comprises an entrance hall, dual aspect

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

sitting room with wood burning stove, family room with bay window to the front, stylish kitchen/breakfast room with adjoining conservatory, a utility room and a study. The first floor landing, which benefits from a roof lantern to add natural light, leads to a master bedroom with a modern en-suite shower room with double-width shower, as well as three other bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Sunnyview Cottage has a right of way over a shared driveway which leads to an area of parking to the side of the property. There is a further private driveway providing off-road parking which leads to a garage which has a useful boarded loft space. A door opens from the garage to the garden. The attractive rear garden features artificial lawn, terraces ideal for al fresco dining and well stocked borders.

ADVERTISING FEATURE �

Building an individual dream home is closer than you think BELOW ARE SOME OF THE EXCITING EXHIBITS THIS YEAR:THE NAKED HOUSE: See a section of a new build as it

comes together after first fix– a fascinating insight into how things are installed, from ICF blockwork and underfloor heating to the roof trusses and floor joists. FIND A BUILDER: New this year – talk to the Federation of Master Builders, who can guide you through the process of finding the right builder for your project. Access their database of trusted builders in your area.

REAL-LIFE PROJECTS: Gain inspiration and confidence

from Build It readers who have realised their self-build dreams. Hear their stories in the live theatre on the show floor. ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING TECHNIQUES: Take part

in taster sessions and see demos covering a range of sustainability issues – including renewable energy and environmentally-friendly building techniques.

F

IND out all you need to know about adding space, light and value to your existing home, taking on a renovation project or building your own dream home, with a visit to Build it Live! Now in its fourth year,

Build it Live! will take place at Bluewater in Kent at the ‘Glow’ event centre on 6 and 7 February 2016. The exhib ition aims to provide a stress-free route to creating a truly individual home with the opportunity to meet experts who can provide

invaluable advice and top tips on your own project. Meet with architects and other independent experts for one-to-one free advice on how to turn a project into reality, including how to find land, what is possible with and without planning permission,

and how to ensure you have the right design. At this year’s show: n See and touch thousands of cutting-edge and traditional products n Meet over 100 of the UK’s most innovative suppliers n Attend inspiring free seminars and workshops developed to address specific problems and inspire confidence when taking on a renovation or building project n Get one-to-one impartial advice from our team of experts on planning and design n Watch some fascinating demonstrations Companies exhibiting at Bluewater include ‘Potton’, who offer stylish self build homes, ‘Oakwrights’, with their bespoke oak framed houses, and ‘Northcot Brick’ who are award-winning master brick makers. ‘Kitchens by George Rose’ will be tempting visitors with their incredibly stylish kitchen solutions, ‘Kloeber’, who have the latest glazing solutions including bi-fold doors, and ‘Byng Joinery’, with their quality timber sash and casement windows and custom made bespoke staircases in pine and oak.

PLOTSEARCH ZONE: Receive tips on searching for plots, access to PlotSearch, the UK’s premier live online database plus a gallery of current available plots of land across the UK. SELF-BUILD ACADEMY: Attend FREE taster sessions

from the Self Build Academy delivered by Potton – providing essential knowledge for all self builders.

TOOL ZONE: Identify the right tools to buy for your

project. Featuring all major tool brands and some great demos!

For further information and to book tickets visit www.builditlive.co.uk Standard ticket price is £12 per person. Children under 16 are admitted free with an accompanying adult and do not require a ticket. All paying visitors will receive a copy of the latest issue of Build It Magazine, worth £4.35 when they visit the show.

Other show dates in addition to Build It Live! at Bluewater on 6 and 7 February | Build It Live North West at EventCity, Manchester 20 and 21 February 2016 | Build It Live at Bicester on 11 and 12 June 2016.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

East Peckham

ÂŁ389,000

This charming mid-terrace country cottage is situated on the border of East Peckham and Golden Green surrounded by stunning countryside which provides lovely views to the front and rear. The well-presented cottage comprises: A sitting room with open fireplace, dining room, kitchen, cloakroom, 3 double bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally, the front south-facing garden is bordered by mature hedging and trees and the rear garden provides a paved terrace area perfect for al fresco dining and summer barbecues. There is also a detached workshop which could be converted to a garage (subject to pp) and off-road parking for up to 3 cars. Nearby Tonbridge ( 4.9 miles away) provides a comprehensive range of shopping and banking facilities as well as a mainline station with trains in central London. Viewing highly recommended.

Backing onto an area of outstanding natural beauty, this former chapel has so much to offer already and now it has the benefit of planning permission having been granted for the new owners to add accommodation. This unique, handsome, white weather boarded Grade II listed Regency chapel, built circa 1824, comprises: A magnificent open plan ground floor with capacious space given over to cooking, eating, sleeping and relaxing, a galleried landing with the original pulpit and a very large loft space. Nearby Wadhurst provides a mainline station with routes into central London as well as a wealth of shopping facilities including a fabulous butcher and good restaurants. Some 2.3 miles away (10 min walk across country), Bew] Water boasts a range of fun outdoor activities from sailing or fishing to windsurfing.

ÂŁ750,000 NOW COMPLETELY RENOVATED TO A HIGH STANDARD. After having gone through a complete facelift, this beautiful, detached and versatile home is situated within a mile of the sought after village of Goudhurst and is within the renowned Cran brook School Catchment Area. Comprising: a light and bright reception hall, a newly fitted kitchen/dining room, an open plan triple aspect sitting/garden room with a beautiful bay window, a cloakroom, a drawing room/guest suite with an en-suite, a principal bedroom with a dressing area and en-suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Externally, the property sits within some 0.3 acres oflandscaped, walled gardens including a greenhouse, ornamental ponds, numerous mature flower beds and detached garage with further off road parking. NO CHAIN.

This wonderful country house could tick all the bullet points for the most discerning purchaser. It is capacious, as in 4,390 square feet. Elegantly proportioned and well-presented: exuding character and charm throughout. No footpaths, no flightpaths and no neighbours, making this a haven for those who desire privacy. Situated along a leafy lane, where the silence is peppered with birdsong, yet only 3.1 miles from the enchanting village of Appledore, with a station to Ashford International 9. 7 miles with fast trains into London in 38 minutes. Comprising: 4 reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room with an Aga, laundry room, cloakroom, principal suite with dressing room and en-suite bathroom, guest suite with an en-suite, 2 double bedrooms, and family bathroom. 1.4 acres of mature garden. Up to 30 acres by separate negotiation

Charing LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Wonderfully surrounded by 50 acres of adjoining farmland. This beautiful, Grade II Listed, circa 16th century farmhouse, is within its own grounds of 1.35 acres. The property has scope and is ripe for renovation/modernisation (subject to pp). There is a detached garage with a room above, 2 stables, a hay barn and various outbuildings. This perfect family home/small holding also boasts excellent off-road equestrian outriding. The property has next to no neighbours, with its nearest being 300M away. Lovely period features throughout, a plethora of exposed timbers to the walls and ceilings, fine inglenooks and spanning some 2,487 square ft. Comprising: Porch, sitting room, cloakroom, a country kitchen with a Rayburn, pantry, laundry room, store, dining room and family room. 5 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and shower room. Ashford Station is approximately 10 min away and has trains running to central London in a journey time of 38 minutes. Charing station is only a mile away and is within walking distance, and has frequent trains into central London.

Arguably one of the prettiest 'chocolate box' Oasthouse's in Kent, with the benefit of a complete no expense spared refurbishment to further enhance the truly magical ambiance of this very special country home. The detached double garage complex with a gym on the ground floor and a self-contained first floor apartment above. Plus the swimming pool and mature well-tended gardens make this a 'must see'. The moment one enters this enchanting property the quality and character abound. There is a beautiful kitchen, breakfast room, laundry room, cloakroom, dining room, a stunning drawing room with beams galore and a wood burning fire. On the first floor there are three delightful bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is NO CHAIN so one can move in quickly if desired. WITHIN THE CRANBROOK SCHOOL CATCHMENT.

ÂŁ1,350,000 All set within some 2.5 acres of manicured gardens, an apple orchard and paddock, this imposing, characterful twin oast house conversion spans over 3,672 sq. ft. It includes a unique 'bottle' oast, as well as a square oast and a barn -which makes a stylish yet historic family home. This accommodation comprises: A reception hall, roundel dining room, sitting room with a grand inglenook, a partly vaulted and galleriead kitchen/breakfast room with a further 'prep' kitchen, laundry room, an office, a studio, a bathroom, plus a stunning glass garden room. The 1st floor boasts a master bedroom with en-suite, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom and a vaulted playroom/family room. Externally, there are outbuildings, a detached double garage and ample off-road parking. Near-by Wadhurst ( 4.2 miles away) has a main line station into central London.

Have you ever dreamed of owning your very own competition yard or maybe even a stud? This equestrian home really offers the best of the best in a convenient location off the A21. Situated in fabulous grounds of 4.2 acres, the unrivalled facilities include a lorry park, various paddocks, a barn (approx 25 x 11) with 8 integral loose boxes, solarium, wash down bay, tack room and a laundry /tea room. A further block of stables also offers stabling along with hay and feed storage. An area of hard standing houses a substantial horse walker along with a stunning Manege (approx 60 x 30). A beautiful detached, double kiln oast house boasts a kitchen/breakfast room, reception hall, 3 receptions, 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. There is a swimming pool which needs some renovation and there is ample off-road parking. A detached barn has PP for further ancillary accommodation.

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

Please call for a FREE MARKETING APPRAISAL

TONBRIDGE

R

• Angel Centre gym and sports centre is opposite the building • Numerous supermarkets within a level walk - Sainsbury, Waitrose, Lidl • Excellent Cafes and Restaurants on the High Street including - Finch House, Caffe Nero, Starbucks, Pizza Express, Graze Gastro pub

Comprising 24 one bed -

• The historic castle and riverside walks only a moment away from the apartments.

R B A N

K Images used are artists impression of the completed development

• Secure undercroft parking with most apartments

CALLING ALL INVESTORS

• Attractive riverside garden

• Very central Town Centre location, 1 minute walk from Tonbridge High Street

• Attractive investment returns with estimated rental level of £800-£850 per month and excellent future capital growth prospects of over 21 % from 2016-2020 (Source Knight Frank Report).

• Tonbridge Railway Station is 3 minutes walk with journey times to London of around 40 minutes

• Tonbridge voted as one of 'the best 10 spots to buy on a budget' (Telegraph, May 2015)

• 125 year leases and a 10 year building warranty

• Every possible amenity is right on your door step

www.riverbanktonbridge.co.uk

s E

• Tonbridge described as one of 'the top 20 homes hotspots within a 60-minute commute of London' (The Times, May 15) • Buy now & beat the stamp duty hike before April 2016

� ADVERTISING FEATURE

Thinking of moving home soon?

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

5

REMEMBER TO ARRANGE BUILDING INSURANCE FROM THE DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OF CONTRACTS. From exchange of contracts you will be legally responsible for the structure of the property. This is often overlooked and can potentially have serious consequences. Make sure you have buildings insurance cover in place from this date. With this being said and the potential risks of buying a home with hidden problems amounting to thousands of pounds in potential outgoings, why would you cut corners for the sake of a few pounds when the risks are so large?

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

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DECIDE WHETHER YOU ARE HAPPY TO RELY ON THE MORTGAGE LENDER’S VALUATION OR DO YOU REQUIRE A FULL SURVEY. A lender’s valuation is an assessment carried out by and for the benefit of the lender in order to check that the property presents adequate security for its loan should you default and the property has to be sold. However, it does not report on actual faults in the property. For many, a Home Buyer’s Report, which will expose problems such as damp, dry rot and subsidence, is adequate but if you are buying an older house or unusual home a full structural survey will be a wise investment. You wouldn’t buy a car without the

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

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E ID EERS GU FRE MOVE

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

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

M HO

BY DEBORAH MILLER

WITH THE

NEW HOMES AND LETTINGS OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

Two new-build homes offering spectacular spacious living

Five-bed homes in a superb location Convenient for town and country

Audio-visual device controls

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

SEQUOIA PLACE KNOLE REACH

FOREST ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS WEALD ROAD, SEVENOAKS

£1,395,000 £1,325,000

Two new family homes in an impressive gated development near park

S

EQUOIA Place comprises just two new five-bedroom properties in an exclusive gated development. Built by local company Clarendon Homes and set on the popular Forest Road, the properties are close to Dunorlan Park and nearby countryside, but also conveniently situated for Tunbridge Wells town centre and the station. The properties provide spacious family accommodation arranged over two floors. The ground floor offers an

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impressive open plan kitchen/family room, drawing room, separate dining room, study and cloakroom. On the first floor there are five bedrooms, three with en-suite bath or shower rooms, and generous storage. Offered with a 10-year warranty, other noteworthy features in these homes include traditional carved oak staircases and internal doors, elegant cornicing, skirting and architrave and smooth chrome door furniture throughout. Each of these stylish properties boasts

underfloor heating on the ground floor and individually designed high quality kitchens and contemporary bathrooms. An audio-visual system enables the home owner to control lighting, heating, stereo, TV and more from a mobile phone or tablet. Outside, each property benefits from a detached double garage and plenty of parking within the gated development, as well as a good-sized, level garden to the rear which has been landscaped to complement the house and its setting.

PROPERTY SECTION 

AT A GLANCE

‘Each property benefits from a detached double garage and plenty of parking’

� Two new family homes � Gated development � Built by Clarendon Homes � Convenient location � High spec interiors � Entrance hall � Oak staircase � Living room � Dining room � Study � Kitchen/family room/breakfast room � Cloakroom � Utility room � Master bedroom with dressing area and shower room � Four further bedrooms, two with ensuite shower rooms � Family bathroom � Detached double garage and parking � Landscaped rear gardens

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

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

• Sensitively refurbished by C&G • Highly specified • 10 year Premier warranty

. . Knight . . Frank

• Grade II Listed building Ready to move in - Prices from £699,995 For more information or to book your personal appointment please call our selling agents

01732 789740

EPC- C. Prices co rr ect at th e t ime o f printing

savills.co.uk

01732 744477 knightfrank.co.uk

CLASSICALLY DESIGNED, EXCLUSIVELY YOURS BELL ORCHARD LONG MILL LANE, ST MARYS PLATT, KENT TN15 8NA Now Selling - A charming collection of three 5 bedroom detached family homes Completion Summer 2016 Prices from fl.425m

HANDS ON HEART Hand on Heart is Loch Training's Valentine's Day event at the Pantiles Bandstand in Tunbridge Wells on 14 February, 2016. Sponsored by Rent Locally, there will be activities running from 12-3pm, including expert training of local merchants and members of the public on how to perform basic life support. After the event Rent Locally and Loch Training, part of the Loch Associates Group will be donating a defibrillator to be used in The Pantiles in support of the Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) programme. All in an effort to make the Pantiles an area for everyone to enjoy safe in the knowledge that local people will be better equipped to deal with medical emergencies and that a defibrillator is available should the worst happen. So please come down to the Pantiles on Valentine's Day and join Loch Training and Rent Locally - hand on heart, it's the best way to protect your loved ones. For any further information please contact Bruce by phone 01892 574960 or by email bruce.jenner@lochtraining.co.uk BRUCE JENNER

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

SPEAK TO US DIRECT BY PHONE OR EMAIL:

www.rentlocally.co. uk

ka nds@rentlocally.co.u k

01892 841040

Locally The Better Letting People

PROPERTY SECTION ďż˝

Cosy two-bedroom cottage in the heart of Wadhurst, available for weekends, holidays and short breaks. Perfectly situated for easy access to the coast, countryside and London, it's the perfect location for a relaxing time. Beautiful walking countryside on your doorstep, with great cycling, fishing and sailing opportunities close by. All the amenities of Wadhurst within walking distance, including pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and shops.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

----well placed for Front Station. 5 bedroom detached home available with £36,750 Stamp Duty paid*, £1,000 towards legal fees and carpets, or Part Exchanget

NOW £930,000

Prices from £695,000 to £1,185,000

DUKES GRANGE, BAYHAM ROAD, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 SHU

CALL 01892 628 676 CALA.CO.UK

TWT03FEB *Plot specific incentive, for reservations taken before the 29th February 2016. Based on full asking price. tCALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period, part exchange considered subject to CALA's purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. Up to 100% part exchange and other incentives available on selected plots, subject to terms and conditions and not in conjunction with each other or any other offer. Visit cala.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions and purchasing criteria. Images shown are taken from Dukes Grange showhome and feature, fittings, decor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not included as standard in a CALA home. Images are used to suggest possible finishes which can be achieved in your home at an additional cost. Please consult a Sales Advisor for further details. Some images have been enhanced.

ADVERTISING FEATURE n

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Getting married at Salomons Hotel With the wedding season fast approaching we caught up with Melissa Brooker, Event Operations Manager at Salomons estate, Tunbridge Wells’ beautiful Victorian Mansion… So, Melissa what makes a wedding at Salomons estate special? There can be few better venues for a couple to celebrate their big day. Salomons offers many settings to choose from as it is set in 36 rolling acres of gardens, parkland and woods. A particular favourite setting of mine is on the bridge over the lily pond. Salomons retains all the magic and romance of a bygone era which is guaranteed to wow the happy couple & their guests. We pride ourselves on its exceptional levels of service and each couple will have their own dedicated events host to assist with both planning and over seeing their day from start to finish. Couples can take advantage of our Exclusive Use Wedding Package which entitles them to the whole venue from their arrival, through to breakfast the following morning. Although we have a selection of packages we recognise couples may want something a little different so we can offer a bespoke package tailored to their requirements. What sets Salomons apart from other venues? I know that a huge part of a wedding day is the photos and with full access to the grounds Salomons offers the perfect setting for those key wedding shots. For the main wedding ceremony and reception, the stunning grade 2 listed mansion boasts elegantly hand-painted ceilings and lovingly restored period features creating a spectacular blank canvas for any wedding. Salomons offers 47 bedrooms to accommodate wedding guests and

there is plenty of free parking which is always an advantage. Can couples have their ceremony as well as their reception at Salomons? Yes, Salomons offers three fabulous function rooms licensed to host wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Gold Room can seat up to 65 people with doors that open onto the terrace, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the estate. Our Drawing Room provides a beautiful

backdrop for the couple’s wedding breakfast & as it Seats up to 100 people, it provides a spacious setting for their evening party. Finally, our grand Victorian Theatre is ideal for large wedding parties and can host all aspects of the couple’s big day, from the ceremony to the evening reception. Are you taking bookings for 2017 & Do you still have availability for 2016? Bookings are being taken now for next year. We are getting enquiries from couples who want to guarantee their date during our peak times. We still have availability for 2016 and offer a special winter wedding package which couples can benefit from. I would recommend couples to come and see the stunning estate as this will give a real flavour of what they can expect & they can really start to build the picture for their special day. And if they join us for a show round during February they can enjoy a delicious champagne cream tea in our Bistro on us! More information can be found on our website www. salomons-estate.com or please feel free to call us on 01892 515152.

Our real life bride tells us all about her very special day the hotel to eat out in the main town, although the dinner we had at the hotel was probably the most enjoyable. It really was the perfectly romantic beginning to our new married life. Who else contributed to making sure the wedding was exactly how you hoped it would be? We were keen to make use of all local suppliers and I think we achieved this. My dress, a Pronovias, was purchased from Brides Revisited in Otford and was the second dress I tried on! Our main catering was covered by Rankins of Sissinghurst, who sourced local ingredients including Romney Marsh lamb and were extremely helpful in working within our budget and to our menu requirements. The cheese came from Perfect Partners in Cranbrook who were excellent in advising on portion sizes. We bought our three tiered wedding cake from Marks and Spencer which was then beautifully decorated with flowers and hessian by Polly at Fern and Field, who also did our flowers including button holes for the men, table decorations, my hair piece and both bride and bridesmaid bouquet's, completing the whole look. The table wine was bought from Marks and Spencer, with the bubbles for our toast coming from Chapel Down, just a mile down the road.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

70 � FOOD AND DRINK WHAT’S COOKING Legendary chef Raymond Blanc tells all

A man for all

Photographs by Paul Wilkinson/David Griffen

Over the course of a 40-year career, Raymond Blanc has become one of the world’s most acclaimed chefs and a mentor for 27 Michelin star winners. Fred Latty sat down for an exclusive chat about France, fish fingers and why Britain is finally finding its foodie feet…

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

AS THE two Michelin-starred chef who brought seasonality to our shores, Raymond Blanc can now boast a reputation as an international icon who has launched the careers of a number of high-profile, Michelinstarred peers and protégés. The 66-year-old self-taught chef was raised in Besançon in eastern France, between Burgundy and the Jura mountains. It was here he became inspired by the local terroir, learning from his mother about the benefits of using fresh, local produce and ingredients. After moving to England in the 70s, Raymond opened his first restaurant, the two Michelin-starred Les Quat’Saisons in Summertown, Oxford. In 1984 he realised his personal vision of creating a hotel and restaurant in the form of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Great Milton, Oxfordshire. Since then, Raymond has established a culinary empire and

built a reputation for his love of all things seasonal. In addition to being honoured with an OBE, he has opened his own cookery school, become a bestselling author and household name on television and created the nationwide group of 20 Brasserie Blanc restaurants, while also supporting a number of charities and initiatives for organic food and sustainability. His chosen path hasn’t been without its challenges. Renowned for a workaholic lifestyle, he suffered two stress-induced mini-strokes at the age of 42 and has been through two divorces, notably from business partner and Le Manoir co-founder, Jenny Blanc, in 1985, with whom he has two sons, Olivier and Sebastien. And yet, it would seem that his mission to educate and inspire is far from over. Here, we take a look back at an illustrious career and find out why this particular Frenchman is still hungry after all these years.

You grew up in eastern France’s Franche-Comté region. How did this first inspire a love of food? At an early age I was an experienced hunter-gatherer, inspired by my mother and father. It has long been my vision to have plenty of outdoor space to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs for my very own seasonal menus. Maman Blanc’s seamless ability to make a fantastic family meal from the produce we collected locally inspired me. I will always remember a casserole she used to make with the freshest vegetables from the garden. Your mother must have had a strong influence on your passion for cooking. Is this something that’s always been in the family? Where do I begin? Maman Blanc cooks with intuition – I would call her a great cook, but not a chef. I think it would be wrong of me to talk of Maman Blanc without talking about her maman also – my grandmother

FOOD AND DRINK �

seasons…

– Germaine. She also had amazing culinary talents that were respected throughout the region. She passed on this cooking DNA to Maman Blanc, who passed it on to me, the first male chef in the family. We launched a course last June in The Raymond Blanc Cookery School dedicated to spreading Maman Blanc’s philosophy on simple, rustic food.

What advice would you offer to today’s young chefs? The restaurant business is one of the toughest around. The pressure can definitely take its toll. You must be brave and maybe a little mad. You have to be a craftsman, a manager of money, people, and any situation life may throw at you.

You are entirely self-taught. Is this something you would recommend or do you see more value in professional training? You can learn from your own mistakes, but you can also learn how to avoid mistakes from having training. To get far in this industry, you need to be able to rely on others, but also learn new skills and experiment yourself.

Has the approach to your restaurants changed and developed over time? I don’t follow fashions. I’ve always taken young people, trained them, empowered them and given them a programme to support them. Every great restaurant needs a great team. I surround myself with wonderful people who I trust and that hasn’t changed.

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FRESH PRODUCE is important to Raymond

to being out of the kitchen. The whole setup of the restaurant, hotel, the gardens, everything – I think about it almost 24/7, but I’ll always find time for cooking.

Which chefs have had the biggest influence on you? There are many chefs who I admire, both from the past and present. There are too many to name them all but Michel Roux, who I fought with and played football with, is now one of my greatest friends, Keith Floyd – the bon viveur who made such great dishes and television – Heston, Marco Pierre, Michael Caines... The list is endless.

Has cooking in Britain for so long changed your perception of British food? The first British food I had was a fish finger. I was astonished because it was a square and looked nothing like a fish. Now Britain makes just as much cheese as France and the food culture is growing. The British are also discovering that it makes more sense to use local producers. The food is fresher and cheaper as it hasn’t travelled thousands of miles to be served on the plate.

With so many media commitments, how much time do you spend in the kitchen? What do you mean? I’m always in the kitchen! Whether it’s on the TV or at home. But yes, it’s true; I’m a perfectionist, even when it comes

What is it about fresh, seasonal produce that’s so important to you? At Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, we are totally seasonal in our menus and we grow as much of our own vegetables, salad leaves and

fruit as we can. My mother always cooked with the produce from our own garden and food that my father had hunted, fished or foraged. Using fresh, seasonal produce is what I’m accustomed to. I have always been, and will always be, an ambassador for healthy, fresh food. What does the future hold for your career? I have a heritage garden at Belmond Le Manoir and reintroduced fruits and varieties that were forgotten. The gardens are as much a part of Le Manoir as the food and exceptional service and gardening is a huge passion of mine. Our garden has been designed to showcase heritage vegetables and demonstrate the principles of organic gardening and sustainability. For reservations and further information about Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and The Raymond Blanc Cookery School, visit www.belmond.com/lemanoir

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

Renault plugs le gap

Renault’s Kadjar crossover is the big brother to the Captur. The French company might have been late to this game but it’s catching up fast. Andy Enright checks it out. TEN SECOND REVIEW The Renault Kadjar dives into the crossover market, firing a broadside at the likes of the Mazda CX5, the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Hyundai ix35. It’s a good-looking thing based on the same running gear as its alliance sibling, the Nissan Qashqai. Offered in either front or all-wheel drive, first impressions seem extremely promising. DRIVING EXPERIENCE The Kadjar runs on what they call the CMFC/D platform, terminology which might make as little sense to you as the name ‘Kadjar’. In fact, it references Renault and Nissan’s largest shared modular chassis. This model uses much the same 1.5 and 1.6-litre turbodiesel engines seen in the Qashqai, the 1.5-litre unit developing 110bhp and offering the option of EDC twin clutch automatic transmission. And the 1.6-litre unit offering 130bhp and alone offering the option of 4WD. There’s also a 1.2-litre 130bhp TCe petrol option for those wanting it. The basic suspension setup is also carried over from the Qashqai, albeit with some Renault-specific tuning. It’s manoeuvrable in town, with a tight 10.72m turning circle and the driving position has been designed to mirror that of a typical saloon, rather than a high-set 4x4. It’s not designed for anything too serious off-road but is still offered in both front and all-wheel drive guises. The front-wheel drive versions are fitted with an ‘Extended Grip’ system, which is claimed to enhance grip on

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

low-traction surfaces. The all-wheel-drive system offers three specific modes: Auto, Lock and FWD. If you do choose to take the Kadjar off the beaten track, a 19cm high ground clearance lends it some ability, while front and rear skid plates will help if the 18 degree approach and 25 degree departure angles prove insufficient. COST OF OWNERSHIP As we’ve said, the 1.5 and 1.6-litre diesel engines that feature in the Kadjar are the same as those used by the similar Qashqai - and of course get much the same excellent efficiency figures. The 1.5-litre dCi diesel unit is the engine to choose if you feel that fuel station pasties and chocolate bars are sabotaging your fitness regime. This gets 74.3

miles per gallon and 99g/km of CO2 - and the 1.6-litre diesel isn’t that much worse. Here, you get 113g/km and 65.7mpg if you go for a manual front-wheel drive version, with an equivalent four-wheel drive car registering 126g/km and 58.8mpg. Go for the petrol 1.2-litre Tce 130 variant and you’ll manage 126g/km of CO2 and 50.4mpg on the combined cycle. All versions provide the peace of mind of Renault’s 4+ warranty and assistance package. The car is protected against defects recognised by Renault for four years or 100,000 miles (first two years have no mileage limit). In the event of a breakdown, Renault provides emergency roadside repairs or towing to the nearest dealer 24/7 every day of the year, plus three years’ European cover.

There is also a three-year paint warranty and 12 years’ cover against corrosion. Servicing is required once a year or every 18,000 miles. SUMMARY The success of the Nissan Qashqai has been a phenomenon and it seems bizarre that partner Renault has been left out in the cold for so long with no spin-off crossover vehicle. The Kadjar is a case of ‘better late than never’ and while there is the chance that it will scavenge a few Nissan sales, Renault firmly believes that it’ll be sufficiently strong to purloin more than afew orders from Volkswagen and other makers of mediumsized crossovers. We wouldn’t bet against it. Cars in this class are largely bought on styling and image and, wacky name aside, the Kadjar looks to have both of those things well accounted for. It’s certainly a more confident, adventurouslooking thing than the Qashqai on which it’s based. With Renault’s usual palette of strident paint finishes and slick personalisation options, if the marketing is right, the orders will come.

MOTORS �

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Lifestyle Kia invites you to a “Taste of Korea” LOCAL residents are invited to a street party like you have never seen before, in the latest launch party from Lifestyle KIA. To celebrate the launch of the All-New KIA Sportage, Lifestyle KIA are hosting a ‘Taste of Korea’ on the 6th and 7th February; offering the chance to test drive one of the new models whilst also experiencing the taste, sounds and LAUNCH Come and see the All-New Kia Sportage

sites that it’s homeland has to offer. Philip Jackson, Lifestyle KIA Sales Manager explains that “the KIA brand has become synonymous with quality and forward thinking design, and by holding the “Taste of Korea” event we wanted to invite people to come in, look around and enjoy all of the wonderful elements of Korean culture that the brand represents.”

With Korean food to sample, and a martial arts display, the car showroom will be full to burst as the launch of the All-New KIA Sportage kicks off in the first week of February. Peter Isted, Managing Director of Lifestyle Europe Ltd explains that “The “Taste of Korea” will not only explore the culture that helped

shape this model, but will also help customers understand more about the All-New Sportage without the added pressure of putting pen to paper.” For more information, please visit www.lifestyleeurope.co.uk/tasteof-korea/ or call 01892 739171

FOR MORE INFORMATION , Visit our showroom on Langton Road s Tunbridge Well

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

74 n MOTORS

Model shown Jeep Renegade 2.0 MULTIJET 140hp Longitude 4WD at £23,895 including Special Pastel Paint at £500. OFFICIAL FUEL CONSUMPTION FIGURES FOR JEEP RENEGADE RANGE MPG [L/lOOKM]: EXTRA URBAN 47.9 [5.9] 70.6 [4.0]. URBAN 32.5 [8.7]-55.4 [5.1]. COMBINED 40.9[6.9]-64.2 [4.4]. C01 EMISSIONS: 160-115 G/KM. FuelconsumptionandCO, figuresareobtainedforcomparativepurposesinaccordancewithECdirectives/regulationsandmaynotberepresentativeofreal-lifedrivingconditions. 'Customer deposit is £5,845. Jeep Deposit is £1,500. Total Deposit £7,345. Optional Final Payment is £11,973. ContractTerm is 14 months. Promotion available on Jeep Renegade 1.0 MultiJet 140hp Longitude 4WO at£13,895 including Special Pastel Paint registered by 31st March 1016. Jeep Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Jeep Horizon PCP. With Jeep Horizon you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment. subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage [a charge of 9p per mile for exceeding 10,000 miles per annum in this example] and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. Jeep Financial Services. PO Box 4465, Slough, Sll ORW. Jeep ® is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

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Model shown is the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider at OTR £63,600 which includes Alfa Red pastel paint at £600, Carbon fibre halo at £1,800, 18-19" Multi-spoke alloy wheels with dark finish at £1,350, Red brake callipers at £350. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider: Urban 28.0 (10.11/100km); Extra Urban 55.4 (5.11/100km); Combined 40.9 (6.91/lOOkm). C0 2 emissions 161 g/km. Fuel consumption and co, figu res are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

76 n MOTORS

Was £9,995 Now £8,995

Open 9am-6pm Monday • Saturday 1 Oam-3pm Sunday or by appointment FULL 6 MONTHS RAC WARRANTY WITH ALL CARS ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

22-26 Wlnchelsea Road, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7EL

01797 458007 07824 096482

2007 BMW 1 Series Dies,1 77,500 mlles,AlloyWheels, Remote CentralLocklng,Ant1-TheftSystem, Elertr1cMlrrors, CllmateControl, lmmonblllser, Power Steer1ng, 2 owners,Alarm, Cruise Control,ABS, PUshButtonStartServlce Hlstory

2009 (09) MINI Hatchback 1.6 COO!Mr D Diesel, Service History,

ABS, Air Cond!tlonlng, Alann, Dr1vers Alrbag, Height Adjustable DrlversSeatlmmoblllser,TractlonControl,PowerSteerlng,

PassengerAlrbag,RemoteCentralLocklng

£7,000

£6,595

£6,495

£3,495

INVICTA HONDA

INVICTA HONDA

Tunbridge Wells Bu siness Park, Dowding Way, Tunbrid ge Wells, Kent TN2 3DS Call 01 892 598874 or visit www.tunbridgewell s-honda.co.uk

Sutton Road, Parkwood, Maidstone , Kent ME1 5 9NW Call 01622 616077 or visit www.invictamotors-honda.co .uk

£2,395

Fuel consumption figures for the Civic Limited Edition 1.4 i-VTEC Manual in mpg (11100km): Urban 42.2 (6.7), Extra Urban 60.1 (4.7), Combined 52.3 (5.4). C02 emissions: 129g/km. Fuel consumption figures sourced from official EU-regulated laboratory test results, are provided for comparison purposes and may not reflect real-life driving experience. Model Shown: Civic Limited Edition 1.4 i-VTEC Manual in Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic at £14,995 On The Road (OTR) including £2,000 customer saving applied to the original OTR price of £16,995. Terms and Conditions: New retail Civic Limited Edition 1.4 i-VTEC petrol ordered from 04 January 2016 to 31 March 2016 and registered by 31 March 2016. Subject to model and colour availability. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter's absolute discretion. Not to be used along with any other offers current~ available. *Customer Saving: £2,000 customer saving off the On The Road price. Customer saving of £2,000 inc VAT will be applied to the retail invoice. Applicable to Civic Limited Edition 1.4 i-VTEC models. Honda Aspirations (PCP): Minimum customer deposit 0%, maximum customer deposit 30%. You do not have to pay the Final Payment if you return the car at the end of the agreement and you have paid all other amounts due, the vehicle is in good condition and has been serviced in accordance with the Honda service book and the maximum annual mileage has not been exceeded. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Rnance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. lnvicta Motors (Maidstone) Limited are credit brokers , not lenders. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Pie. Cain Road , Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Honda Finance Europe pie is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register number 312541. 5 Years' Servicing includes: All scheduled servicing, as detailed in the vehicle's service book, will be covered for 5 ears or 62,500 miles, whichever comes first. 5 Years' Servicin is o tional. It is bein offered for £555 includin VAT usual value £1,200 includin VAT, resultin in a £645 savin for the customer and is available to finance or non-finance customers. Please note, should ou sell the vehicle durin the eriod of cover, the acka e remains with the vehicle.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

ADVERTISING FEATURE n

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Sew fresh and sew clean at Sew Grove Hill For the fastest and cheapest dry cleaning in town, Sew Grove Hill offers an unparalleled service in tailoring, alteration and laundry. Owner Abdull Morndi tells us why his competitive prices and firstclass service mean the business is already reaping what it sews a month after opening its doors…

Sew Grove Hill 6 Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RZ 01892 517 582

Tell us how Sew Grove Hill got started I was working with my friend in a shop in Maidstone and decided to open another business in Tunbridge Wells. I have a few friends here who own shops and gave me advice. They suggested that I call the shop Sew Grove Hill because of where we’re based in the town. How long have you been in business? We’ve been here for about a month. I was at the Maidstone shop for a long time, and have been in the trade for 25 years.

What kinds of services do you provide? We offer our customers alterations and dry cleaning in one hour, or 24 hours, so if you drop off your dry cleaning, you have the choice of picking it up that same day or the next day – it’s up to you.

What sets you apart from other businesses? Other dry cleaners have a two-week turnaround for customers, but here we leave the choice of one hour or the next day to the customer, so we can do it a lot faster. We want to be the top dry cleaner in the town.

Are alterations a big part of what you do? Alterations is the main part of our business, and we’ve got a laundry machine and a dry cleaner as well. But we don’t do the drycleaning here – we’ve got another shop in Maidstone and work together.

In what ways do you ensure your prices remain competitive within the local marketplace? Before we opened, we did a lot of research to find out what kinds of prices our competitors were offering. We’re the cheapest in the town, as well as the fastest.

Where would you like to take the business going forward? We’ve been very happy since we opened. We’re already doing work for Simmonds on Monson Road, which we started a few weeks ago. We’ve produced 50,000 leaflets and continue to advertise, so we’re doing our best and are looking forward to generating more business in the future.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

78  TRAVEL

Discover a famous group of islands… LYING just off the western coast of South America, the Galápagos archipelago is inaccessible to most, yet this isolation has allowed nature to develop in ways exclusive to the islands. Many travellers visit museums, yet very few will set foot on this unique living museum of natural history. Situated in stunning Ecuador, The Galapágos Islands are home to an abundance of wildlife that includes sun-basking land iguanas, giant tortoises, blue and red-footed boobies, colourful marine iguanas, sea lions, penguins and Darwin’s famous finches. Explorers are truly spoilt by the plethora of rare, exotic and fascinating species that call these islands home. Luxurious small ship cruise line Silversea offers weekly seven-day voyages through the Galápagos Islands aboard Silver Galápagos following either a western or north central route. The North Central Route visits one of the most unusual islands in the Galápagos: Genovesa with its collapsed caldera. The island is a birder’s paradise, one of the few places where you can see two species of boobies nesting. Española is the most southerly island and one of the richest in terms of wildlife; it’s the only nesting place in the world for the waved albatross. While the only place to see the Galápagos tortoise in the wild is on Santa Cruz. The Western Islands are home to the only active volcanoes in the archipelago and are known both for their spectacular volcanic landscapes and penguin spotting: over 95 per cent of the Galápagos penguins live in these islands. It’s also the only area to see the endemic flightless cormorant. Other key sites include Post Office Bay with its human history and Punta Vicente Roca with some of the best snorkelling in the archipelago. FOLLOW IN DARWIN’S FOOTSTEPS English naturalist Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835 to study and uncover the remarkable wonders of this remote archipelago. The wildlife on the islands were similar to those on mainland South America but had some differences. After decades of research he proposed his Theory of Evolution which explains that the species from the mainland had reached the Galápagos Islands, and then changed, adapting to their new environment. In an exclusive partnership, Silversea Expeditions and The Royal Geographical Society have

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

his day-to-day work in the islands, Silversea can also highlight some of the lesser-known figures associated with the archipelago, focusing on the work of Captain Fitzroy, the Captain of the Beagle and earlier characters, including William Ambrosia Cowley, the British buccaneer, who described the Galápagos as the ‘Enchanted Islands’.

‘The Galápagos Islands are home to an abundance of wildlife that includes giant tortoises, sun-basking land iguanas, blue and red footed boobies’ joined forces to share knowledge, collated from centuries of scientific exploration, with guests onboard Silver Galápagos. The Society, whose patron is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is custodian to a collection of over two million items, including maps, photographs, books, journals, manuscripts and iconic artefacts dating back to 1472. Using the society’s Galápagos-related items, Silversea are able to present Darwin’s day-to-day work in this fascinating archipelago. Charles Darwin became a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, London in 1838 at the age of 29, two years after his return from the

voyage of HMS Beagle. Darwin attended Society lectures and contributed to the Society’s Geographical Journal, also reviewing the content of articles submitted to the Society for publication. A frequent user of the Society’s Library following his circumnavigation, Darwin examined samples of Mastodon or Elephant tusk from Peru with the Society’s Librarian, and requested copies of charts from the Society’s collection relating to the western Pacific Ocean which he had visited during the voyage of HMS Beagle. Darwin was invited to join the governing Council of the Society in May 1840. He continued to make use of the Society’s library, requesting maps, books and charts to aid his scientific research work and often asking for particular items to be delivered for collection at his club, The Athenaeum in Pall Mall, or his home in Kent. As well as being able to present some of the early influences on Darwin and

ONBOARD SILVER GALÁPAGOS Recently renovated, 100-guest ship Silver Galápagos is naturally suited to in-depth explorations of this spectacular region and is the only luxury expedition ship offering socially and environmentally responsible ecotourism to the Galápagos archipelago. Guests of Silver Galápagos will enjoy full-scale exploring from an enclave of luxury at sea including spacious, ocean-view suites, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, butler service and a selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary wines and spirits served throughout the ship and all gratuities. This expedition vessel facilitates an award-winning shore excursion programme enhanced by small-group interaction with expert guides. EXPEDITION TEAM Silversea Expeditions have the highest expedition team to guest ratio in the expedition cruise industry. Silversea’s knowledgeable local experts are all born in Ecuador and fully certified by the Directorate of the Galápagos National Park, each with their own area of expertise. Moreover, our team of Gála pagos Naturalists have spent their lives studying the sights and sounds of this wonderful destination, and they are passionate about sharing their experience. Guests are treated to an excellent team on board Silver Galápagos which range from natural-

TRAVEL 

79

GETTING THERE

ists to Ecologists, marine biologists and historians. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL These expedition cruises offer adventurous travellers the life-enriching chance to discover a wild, pristine paradise. On complimentary shore excursions guided by an experienced expedition team, guests can swim

and snorkel in tranquil clear waters, witness unique highland ecosystems, hike through lush mangrove forests and across volcanic fields, explore natural lava tunnels, watch for wild flamingos (in season), read cave inscriptions from the 1800s, and learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Silversea offers inclusive air and land package fares. The package includes round-trip economy class air between Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands; a two-night precruise hotel stay in Quito; an evening tour of Quito’s historic city highlights; transfers; Galápagos National Park and Ingala Transit Card fees; and porterage fees. Round-trip airfare from mainland UK starts from just £699pp.

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

80 � RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

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To deliver the BT Phone Book in and around: Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead, Crowborough, One Media UK Ltd, part of the award-winning Markerstudy Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Westerham. Group, is currently looking to attract experienced and proven commercial talent to work with new and existing clients across its publishing portfolio.

Good rates of pay and flexible working hours As part of a small, very successful and ambitious team, If but interested in delivering, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a successful sales strategy, achieving the agreed call 01424 884177 orrevenue targets both weekly and monthly in allocated categories. You will ensure targets are exceeded TEXT and TUNwilltomaintain 07480successful 635477relationships with key accounts through clients directly and via agencies. Or visit www.bookyourroute.com Selling across both newspaper and magazine publications, you will make yourself and your brand famous within the local lifestyle brand world, establishing and maintaining strong commercial relationships and maximising revenues.

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Commercial Account Manager – Publishing (Tunbridge Wells)For the right individuals, we offer a highly attractive salary One Media UK Ltd, part of the award-winning Markerstudy Group, is currently looking to attract experienced and proven commercial talent to work with new and existing clients across its publishing portfolio.

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This role requires a highly structured and proactive approach to ensure revenues opportunities. are generated every day within the agreed guidelines from the relevant markets. It is 100% results focused.

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Lara Milan: lmilan@markerstudy.com For thecontact right individuals, we offer a highly attractive salary and benefits package, One UK part ofand the award-winning As partMedia of a small, but Ltd, very successful ambitious team, you will beMarkerstudy responsible along with strong career progression opportunities. for developing and implementing a successful sales strategy, achieving the agreed Group, is currently looking to attract experienced and proven One Media UK Ltd is part of the Markerstudy Group of companies. revenue targets both weekly and monthly in allocated categories. You will ensure commercial talent worksuccessful with new and existing clients For more details and to apply for this exciting role, please contact Lara Milan: targets are exceeded and willto maintain relationships with key accounts lmilan@markerstudy.com through clients directly and via portfolio. agencies. across its publishing Selling across both newspaper and magazine publications, you will make yourself

One Media UK Ltd is part of the Markerstudy Group of companies.

As of afamous small, butthe very team, and part your brand within localsuccessful lifestyle brandand world,ambitious establishing and maintaining strong commercial relationships and maximising you will be responsible for developing and revenues. implementing a successful sales strategy, achieving the agreed revenue targets both weekly and monthly in allocated categories. You will ensure targets are exceeded and will maintain successful relationships with key accounts through clients directly and via agencies.

Term Time Teachers Selling across both newspaper and magazine publications, you will make yourself and your brand famous within the local • Teachers, TAs & support staff required for day to day, • Term Time Teachers has been established for 12 years lifestyle brand world, establishing and maintaining strong short/long term and permanent positions. with a dedicated and experienced team. commercial relationships and maximising revenues. • We are the local supply service with an open door policy to call in any • Recognised for our professionalism by our schools, our teachers, This role time requires a highly structured and proactive approach to discuss personally your requirements. TAs, supporting staff and the local authorities.

to ensure revenues are generated every day within the agreed guidelines from the relevant markets. It is 100% results focused.

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For the right individuals, we offer a highly attractive salary and 3rd benefits package, along with strong career progression Wednesday February 2016

RECRUITMENT n

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ADVERTISING FEATURE �

83

You can challenge the status quo through personal fitness training If you’re struggling to keep up with your New Year’s resolution of eating right and staying healthy, having your very own personal trainer could be the answer. We speak to Grace Spencer, who offers some expert advice and tells us how she can help you stay fit over the coming months

What areas of fitness do you specialise in? My time as a competing ballerina and gymnast, as well as coming back from injury several times, means I have extensive personal knowledge in rehabilitation. The hardest part is the mental aspect, which is something I can really help my clients with. A lot of the time it’s mind over matter. Is nutritional guidance as important as exercise? Yes! It’s the most important part. Remember, abs are made in the kitchen, and understanding this fundamental rule is your key to success.

‘Remember, abs are made in the kitchen, and understanding this fundamental rule is your key to success’

There’s no point training five times a week if you’re not going to change the way you eat. I’m with my clients every step of the way, and provide individual nutritional guidance to help them reach their desired goals.

This, I suppose, is a sort of mantra that I live my life by, so I ask my clients to think the same. Rather than thinking of this as a diet, it’s a lifestyle change. A diet will always fail – this is a new way of thinking. Challenge the status quo.

Photo: Jamie Bellhouse

Tell us how you got started as a personal trainer I started out as a ballerina at a young age. From there, I moved into gymnastics and acrodisciplines. At 18 I took a break from all sports, and started to gain lots of weight and became very unfit. I knew I needed to make a change. Over the years, I’ve tried a few different things, but nothing has ever filled the gap for my love of fitness. This is why I chose personal training.

If you had to give one piece of advice to someone looking to start and keep up their training in 2016, what would it be? If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.

How do you ensure each client’s individual needs are met using personalised techniques? I start with a consultation; half an hour to an hour, listening to the client and finding out what they want to achieve. What sets me apart is that I review all my programmes weekly. I set aside a whole day to look over each client’s progress and course, making sure we’re never standing still and always moving towards your goal.

Grace offers bespoke packages, online training, nutritional plans and personal training from Pure Gym, Salomons Estate and NDGA in Tunbridge Wells. To arrange a consultation, call 07872 508 087, or email gracesgains@yahoo.com

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

84 � WHAT’S ON A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS

Paul Dunton Live music THERE are some wonderful live music events to be enjoyed this week at all your favourite local venues. Here are my top gigs. PICK OF THE WEEK… This Wednesday night at The Grey Lady in Tunbridge Wells don’t miss spellbinding songstress Elly O’Keeffe, with support from Joe Ackerley and Abi Hudson. Sunday night at The Grey Lady sees the return of folk/country artist Kathryn Anderson with support from Drifting Embers and Caleb Howard Almond. There are two great covers bands in action this Friday night with Total Recall at No9 Smokehouse and Soul Hounds at Cassidy’s Bar. This Saturday the brilliant Paul Carrack returns to The Assembly Hall and the fabulous Lost Indecision are at The Royal Oak Pub. The incredible Derek Nash & Dave Colton return to the Cross Keys in Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday 10th February. THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk THURSDAY - The Rifles (Acoustic) + The Gallerys FRIDAY - Ultra 90s - 90s Dance Tribute Band – LIVE MONDAY - Ben Ottewell THE GREY LADY

The Pantiles. Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7. www.pdag.co.uk /www. thegreylady.co.uk

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

WEDNESDAY - Abi Hudson; The Breretons; Joe Ackerley; Elly O’Keeffe FRIDAY - (9.30pm till late) Spanish Flamenco evening SATURDAY - (9.30pm till late) Into The Blue SUNDAY - Caleb Howard Almond; Drifting Embers; Kathryn Anderson TUESDAY - Ant & Fie; Ash Evans; Ted Clark WEDNESDAY - Annie Chew; Katy Virgoe; Leanie Kaleido KING CHARLES THE MARTYR CHURCH

Near The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells. Concert times and details at www.kcmtw.org/ concerts SATURDAY - Masters of the Baroque: Temenos Chamber Choir THE BEAU NASH

Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY - Beth Wilson NO9 SMOKEHOUSE

9 Nevill Street, Tunbridge Wells. www.no9smokehouse.co.uk FRIDAY - Total Recall CROSS KEYS

St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website: www.crosskeystw.co.uk WEDNESDAY - Sonny’s Jazz: Paul Malsom & Sarah Jane FRIDAY - Sonny’s Blues: Paul Malsom Blues Band MONDAY - TWUNT Ukulele Jam WEDNESDAY - Sonny’s Jazz: Derek Nash & Dave Colton

The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com

MASONIC CENTRE

St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells. Ticket information and show times available at www.twjazzclub.co.uk FRIDAY - TW Jazz Club: Graham Hughes Sunshine King THE ASSEMBLY HALL

Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells. Show times & ticket prices vary, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk WEDNESDAY - The Alan Barnes FRIDAY Quartet At the Forum Cyrano THURSDAY - Joe Brown in Concert SATURDAY - Paul Carrack SUNDAY - RTWSO: Sangiorgio (3pm start) CASSIDY’S SPORTS BAR

Castle Street, Tunbridge Wells. Open all day, free entry, music from 9pm till late www.cassidysbar.co.uk FRIDAY - Soul Hounds SCALLYWAG

Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells. Open all day, music from 7.30pm, entry charge for music may apply. WEDNESDAY - Tom Carradine’s Cockney Singalong FRIDAY - Ed Watts THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road, Tunbridge Wells. Open all day, free entry, live music from mid-afternoon onwards SATURDAY - Lost Indecision MONDAY - Open Mic/Jam Session

SEVEN DAYS OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE

Dave Barnett of TW events >> WEDNESDAY What better way to start the ‘weekend’ than rolling out the barrel? The Cockney sing-a-long is a regular feature at Scallywag Cafe in Tunbridge Wells and is led by Tom Carradine, a professional music director and prominent player on the vintage scene. Most of the 100 or so songs you’ll sing are so embedded in the nation’s culture you’ll know most of the words and you’ll be singing snatches of them for days to come. There are two interesting and highly rated films on this evening. Trinity Theatre has the Iranian Taxi Tehran, and the Uckfield Picture House has Bolshoi Babylon. >> THURSDAY La Traviata is considered to be one of the greatest operas by Verdi. A live production at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is being screened at several popular local venues, including the Odeon and Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells, the Hawkhurst Kino and the Uckfield Picture House. There will be encore screenings, but as these tend to be scheduled at fairly short notice you’ll need to keep your eyes open. Talking of encores, there’s a screening of last week’s National Theatre production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses at the EMF Theatre in Tonbridge School this evening. Outside the Box Comedy Club gets some good people to perform at the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. Tonight the line-up includes rising star Angela Brown with Adam Kay, Addy van der Borgh and host Maff Brown. >> FRIDAY Trinity Theatre does its bit for comedy in Tunbridge Wells with a monthly comedy cafe. This is good for up and coming comedians as they learn their trade, but Trinity also get some stalwarts. Last week Ross Noble graced the stage and today it’s Mark Thomas who’s been performing thought-provoking comedy on TV and radio since the 80s. Tonight he explores the urban landscape with his current show Trespass. Stewart Lee (pictured right) is at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells with his show A Room with a Stew. This is all new material in preparation for his next TV show. >> SATURDAY If you like choral music you’re spoilt for choice today. The Church of King Charles the Martyr in Tunbridge Wells is hosting the Temenos Chamber Choir from

A selection of events in Tunbridge Wells. For more details visit: www.tunbridgewellsevents. co.uk/thisweek

Sevenoaks as they perform Master of Baroque with pieces by Bach, Gabrieli, Monteverdi, Blow and Purcell. Penshurst Choral Society is performing Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and others at Holmewood House School in Langton Green. The highly-rated dystopian film The Lobster is on at Trinity Theatre. The EMF Theatre in Tonbridge has The Gruffalo’s Child today and tomorrow. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged nine and above There’s a Papercuts Workshop at the Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery linked to the current Wycinanki exhibition. >> SUNDAY Trinity Theatre is a good place for catching up with films you may have missed. Today it has two. First up is Under Milk Wood, starring Rhys Ifans as Captain Cat. This is followed by Victor Frankenstein, with Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy. An interesting twist on a familiar story, but critically it falls a bit short. There’s live classical music this afternoon as the RTW Symphony Orchestra returns to the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells for a monthly performance. Today’s soloist is Victor Sangiorgio playing Mozart’s 23rd piano concerto. >> MONDAY The first of the encore performances of La Traviata (see Thursday) takes place at the Uckfield Picture House. >> TUESDAY Trinity Theatre is screening The Bridge of Spies, starring Tom Hanks, three times today.

LAUGHS Stewart Lee presents A Room with a Stew

WHAT’S ON �

85

LET’S DANCE Performer’s display some fancy footwork to Sam Farrow’s original score

PERFORMERS UNITED Youaremine and Trinity Productions decision to coproduce the show enabled them to secure funding from Kent County Council and The Arts Council

‘Princess’ heads for the bright lights of London BARREL OF FUN Tom Crowley put a new spin on the children’s fairy tale

AN adaption of The Princess and the Pea staged by local actors and musicians at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells is now heading for the bright lights of London. Youaremine Theatre Company and Trinity Productions united for the first time to coproduce the show which put a brand new twist on the children’s tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It was adapted by Tom Crowley, given an original score by Sam Farrow and directed by John Martin. The successful staging of the production last October came to the attention of the organisers of The Vault Festival and Youaremine and Trinity have been invited to put on performances of their original show.

It will be one of several films, shows and events held at The Vaults in London’s Waterloo between January and March. The Princess and the Pea will be part of the Locker season and will be performed as part of the weekend matinees of offer during the festival. Director John Martin said: “It feels really good to be able to bring a great new piece of children's theatre to audiences in London. “Our adaption of The Princess and the Pea is a great retelling of the classic tale with a contemporary spin.” For more information on The Vault festival go to: www.vaultfestival.com

HEART BREAKFAST WITH JAMES & BECKY

Tune into Heart Breakfast and stay up on all our exciting stuff!

www.heart.co.uk/ kent/on-air/breakfast

OUR new competition ‘Who’s on Heart?’ could win you a cool £100,000. Guess the identities of three celebrities who are saying ‘Who’s on Heart?’ for your chance to win. Speaking of celebrities, Adele’s Carpool Karaoke with James Corden reached more than 45 million views in a week! I thought it was brilliant and really showed what a lovely and down-to-earth person she is. She’s up for a laugh, super chatty and absolutely hilarious! You can still check it out at the website www.heart. co.uk if you haven’t seen it yet. February is already looking like a jam-packed

month. Awards Season is already in full flow and, even if it’s not your thing, it’s always nice to have a look at all the dresses the ladies are wearing to get some inspirations. The Brits and Oscars are about to take place, but James and I are working on writing our own ‘award-winning’ anthem for our great county. You never know, one day it could ringing out at the Priestly Stadium. Make sure you join us for all the fun and games on weekdays from 6am. Becky.ives@heart.co.uk @bexives22

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

86  GARDENING GARDENING TIPS FOR FEBRUARY

Victoria Truman

A monthly series of tips and tricks for your part of the outdoors, with Kent-based garden and landscape designer Victoria Truman www.victoriatruman.com

Garden designer

Garden design: it’s not just about plants it’s much more than that… I F YOU were to meet a garden designer at a social function, I'd lay odds you would launch into a discussion of your gardening woes. I know we are supposedly a nation of gardeners, but would you ask an architect for bricklaying advice or an interior designer about vacuuming? There is a public misconception about garden design that it is about gardening – it isn't. It's about design; the manipulation and organisation of three-dimensional space. Plants play a part in this of course, but so too do paving, lighting and drainage systems. So while pretty flowers may contribute in the creation of something beautiful, design involves spatial awareness, a bit of human psychology and, as Steve Jobs once said, “design is how it works”. But garden design is more complex again; it doesn't just exist in its own space but needs to make sense of the context of the space; how it relates to buildings and the wider landscape, whether that's the

neighbour's dominating Leylandii hedge or a far-distant rural view. This is where I come in to help clients manage and realise their dreams. This designer/ client relationship is often undervalued, but is critical in making the difference between a good garden and a truly great one. Take the time in January to walk around your garden,sit in the space and ask yourself what you would like to achieve in your garden. If it’s a large garden I like to start with the driveway (this is the first impression as people visit you) following on to the rear terrace or area nearest the house and then outwards from there. Ask yourself if it is achievable for you to do or do you need the help of a professional? You might only want a design which you can do by yourself with a five-year view, or you might want the full design,landscape and planting plan. Remember there are varying degrees in all design packages. I modify and create bespoke packages according to wants, needs and budgets! Personally I love winter in the garden and it truly is the best time to start the design process as you can see the bones of the garden, with the perspective that comes from distance. And with the bones of the garden exposed, you can easily see what’s out of balance and where you might want to add in structure or visual texture, whether in the form of plants or hardscaping. When I’m seeing a client’s garden in winter, even though it’s the bleakest time of year, I can really understand the flow and the way the spaces are laid out and connected.

Even for homeowners starting from scratch, hiring a designer in winter means you’re not competing with such highseason demands.Any client who has me designing in the winter has my undivided attention. Some forward thinking and planning could mean a useable outdoor space by the spring/summer.

GARDENING JOBS FOR FEBRUARY

START ORDERING up seeds for the summer – you can do this in the warmth of your lounge while looking out at the garden. DEAL WITH THE DEBRIS Waste material from the beds is gathered up and put on the compost heap rather than burned, as many of the stems are still home to insects that will crawl from the heap when they hatch. The beds are raked clean in readiness for spring mulching and to make way for the bulbs. PLANT ROSES Don't prune roses until next month, as it

Wednesday 3rd February 2016

FINAL RESULT Winter planning, (inset) and the finished project (main image)

will encourage growth and frost can burn new cuts. However, now is an ideal time for planting. If you are planting roses where they have been growing before and want to avoid replant disease, the addition of mycorrhizal fungi is said to avoid the problem by increasing the uptake of nutrients – see www.rootgrow.co.uk, who stock the product. The granules contain fungi that coat the roots, helping them absorb minerals and water. SPRING CLEAN If you have glass, a frame, cloches or a glasshouse, now is a good time to clean them in readiness for the growing season. Warm, soapy water is as good as Jeyes Fluid and doesn’t smell half as clinical. GET MULCHING I like to leave mulching until the ground is a little warmer, but where bulbs

are coming through it is timely to work in a 5cm layer of weed-free organic matter before they grow any more. Never mulch on weedinfested ground, as you will simply be creating a better environment for the weeds. HEDGE FUND If you have old yew or holly hedges in need of renovation, the end of the month is the time. Prune into old wood on one side of the hedge and leave the other to feed the regrowth. It will look terrible for a couple of years before it comes back, but the clean start will be worth the shock. GET WINTER TREE WORK DONE TAKE TIME now to plan any new borders wanted, which plants to plant,where they’ll be situated and how they would work within your existing garden.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS �

Kent Barker Country matters

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After taking a leap from London, the plan was to start a new life in the countryside and a career as a famous author. Instead I acquired a dog and part-time work managing a community orchard. You can read these experiences on my blog: www.kentcountrymatters.blogspot.co.uk

Quality of mercy strained in my village

‘It’s an almost magical process that saves burning fossil fuels; reduces greenhouse gasses, and helps combat climate change’

OH, THE joy of being on the parish council! I’d take a small wager that’s not a phrase you’re likely to hear too often. But it does have its moments. Such as when the result of the complaint against me came through recently. Now, when I look in the mirror, I see a man of Zen-like calm; patience that would impress a saint, and the reasonableness of a philosopher. Extraordinarily, though, in my more than three score years, I’ve come to realise that’s not how everyone else sees me. ‘Impetuous’ is a description I’ve heard used, along with ‘rash’, ‘imprudent’ and even ‘precipitous’. Some might say it’s a problem of opening the mouth before engaging the brain. I say it’s not hesitating to speak as I find. Anyway, the results have, on occasion, been that others are offended by my straight talking. An example occurred a few months back at a planning committee meeting which I chair. The proposal before us –for an anaerobic digester – was from a farmer and fellow councillor. While maintaining an open mind about the individual proposal, in general my view was that AD plants are good things. They take farmyard waste and some specially grown crops and store them in an airless chamber while bacteria get to work. Within days, the process produces heat and biogas (methane and CO2) which is used to make electricity or, in bigger plants, refined to become biomethane—a renewable natural gas. The by-product is digestate—an excellent, inert and odourless fertiliser. It’s an almost magical process that saves burning fossil fuels; reduces greenhouse gasses, and helps combat climate change. But a surprising number of people around my village oppose it. Vigorously. So vigorously in fact that they set up a protest group and sent out an anonymous leaflet.

Now I greatly dislike anonymity. I believe that if you want to publish a view you should be prepared to put your name to it. But I dislike anonymous leaflets even more if they contain gross inaccuracies, or criticise (or even libel) named individuals. And I particularly dislike them if they are put through the doors of fellow planning committee members on the eve of a decision. So I said so. In no uncertain terms. From the chair at the start of the planning meeting. In fact I described ‘hiding behind a cloak of anonymity’ as the ‘last refuge of a scoundrel’, and said the leaflet in question was ‘a reprehensible attempt to exert improper influence on the democratic process’. Well, come on! That’s not SO unreasonable is it? A trifle intemperate, yes, but not utterly outrageous surely? But the author of the leaflet seemed to think it was. He identified himself and made a formal complaint to the relevant authority accusing me of attempting to “discredit, intimidate and bully” those opposed to the planning application. Well, I won’t weary you with the details of drafting my defence or the long wait for adjudication but, when it came, it found pretty comprehensively in my favour. First, there had to be some identifiable person to bully or intimidate and, since the leaflet was anonymous, that couldn’t be the case. (Oh wise judge!) Secondly, the delivery of literature to the committee did not follow the correct procedure and WAS an attempt to influence them. (Noble judge!). However, Portia-like, the finding did criticise me for use of the word ‘scoundrel’ and a threat to report matters to the police as being ‘inadvisable and likely to inflame the situation’. With hindsight, I entirely accept that and, at the next

meeting, I apologised to the full parish council. But should I also apologise to the complainant? Had the finding gone against me, I would certainly have done so – and probably would have had to consider my position as chair of the committee. But perhaps he might apologise to me for bringing the unfounded complaint in the first place? The thing is that ours is a small village and we were likely to bump into each other sooner or later. Which is exactly what happened a few Saturdays later at our club tennis session. He arrived after me and studiously avoided my gaze. But then we were paired against each other in a doubles match and so had, at least, to acknowledge each other’s existence – even if only to shout the score. Actually, I think it passed off reasonably amicably. I doubt if either is likely to invite the other to a birthday party, but I feel honour is squared. Or I did until another anonymous leaflet was circulated with yet more falsehoods about the digester. I can have no idea whether it’s from the same source. But I think I’d better be a bit more temperate in any public statements I make about it!

Wednesday 3rd February 2016