Times of Tunbridge Wells 6th April 2016

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

All the news that matters

Local, National and International

YOUR

FREE

ct 80 ta 28 on 82 .com C 92 nts 18 ge : 0 tea ry sta bu bke m w.

Pe ww

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

PAPER

business awards

THE ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS AWARDS 2016 ARE YOU A WINNER? Enter now before the deadline: Friday April 15

Eleven categories recognising excellence in local businesses – which of these new awards do you deserve?

Full details on page 70

INSIDE LAND TAX ROW

Residents angry at planned Targetfollow fee to cross verge

PAGE 2

AIRCRAFT NOISE

Local MPs united in warning Gatwick to keep its promises

Jazz nights to continue New hotel puts up money to save the popular event Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MUSIC lovers, pub-goers and socialisers can breathe a sigh of relief. Tunbridge Wells businesses have stepped in to rescue the summer jazz festival from a funding shortfall.

Last week the Times broke the news that Jazz on the Pantiles was in danger of being abandoned after the main sponsor pulled out just weeks before the sessions were due to begin.

They left behind a £10,000 gap in funding which has now been plugged by One Warwick Park, the new hotel that is due to open in June.

Praising the ‘overwhelming’ support he received from the business community at such short notice, Julian Leefe-Griffiths, owner of the Tunbridge Wells Hotel and event organiser said: “This is fantastic news and we are incredibly pleased One Warwick Park has stepped in to allow the jazz to continue as it has done for many years.

“It is such a relief to find a sponsor and I thank the Times for highlighting our plight, which led to a lot of businesses stepping up.”

Both Dandara, which is soon to embark on the redevelopment of Union House on The Pantiles, and Thomson Snell & Passmore, the UK’s oldest law firm and based in Tunbridge Wells, have been named as secondary sponsors.

‘It is such a relief to find a sponsor’ Without the necessary sponsors, there could have been serious financial implications for traders operating on The Pantiles, as the event draws up to 70,000 people each year, many of whom eat or drink at nearby establishments.

The financial boost is such that Pantiles traders pay half of the £70,000 bill to host the event, which runs from May 5 until September 29, themselves.

Aside from the £10,000 contributed by the main spon-

sor, other sponsors often pay smaller amounts with the rest being made up of donations from the public on the night. Most donate £2. Some, though, put nothing in the collection buckets.

Andrew Daniells, Chief Operating Officer of One Warwick Park said: “When we first read that the summer jazz festival was in danger of not happening, like most local businesses we were very concerned.

“Having previously operated a hotel adjacent to The Pantiles we appreciate how important it is to stage events which regularly attract hundreds of people to the area, all the more so this year with many large music festivals drawing people away from the town centre.

“One Warwick Park Hotel opens in June and we see our business as much a part of The Pantiles and High Street as any other business.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring the jazz this year, helping to ensure the success continues, and our team are now working alongside the organisers to make this year better than ever.”

PAGE 3

LIFE EXPECTANCY

Our guide showing where you live can be a vital factor

PAGES 8-9

BUSINESS AWARDS A mother and her daughter develop a beauty cream

PAGES 12-13

2 � LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday Bright with light winds and isolated showers.

April 6, 2016

10 C

Visibility: Very Good

Pollution: Low

Humidity: 70%

Sunrise: 06.22am

Sunset: 19.40pm

Wind: 19mph

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

9ºC

10ºC

9ºC

10ºC

12ºC

Residents up in arms at charge to cross grass verge

Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

º

Thursday

Dispute over ‘tax’ for access

12ºC

Sunny Toad Rock sent in

by Max Myers Send your weather pictures into... newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

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

THE battle between the Manor of Rusthall and homeowners with property that borders the Common, has resumed after Targetfollow sent another round of letters demanding payment for access.

It is the latest twist in a long-running dispute first highlighted by the Times in October.

Previously, Targetfollow said it would charge residents of Rusthall to walk over its land to reach their homes – or to access gas, electricity and water running underneath it. Some have labelled it a ‘land tax’ with costs put at £350 per annum with a £300 sign-up fee.

This time recipients of the letter live along Mount Ephraim, near the Spa Hotel. The road borders the north side of Tunbridge Wells common. One resident has described the area as a ‘ransom strip’.

Targetfollow, has owned the title of Manor of Rusthall since 2008, giving it control over the 256 acres that make up Rusthall and Tunbridge Wells Commons.

Rusthall resident Caroline Stevens said: “We have just received a letter from Targetfollow regarding access to our house (built in the 1800s). There is a small strip of grass we cross from the pavement to our house. We have no intention of co-operating with these threatening letters. It’s very unsettling for more elderly vulnerable residents. What are they up to?”

Carol Gearing, a resident of Mount Ephraim, said: “I have read about the letters from Targetfollow re charging an annual fee to people in Rusthall to gain rights of Common land.

“I have now received a similar letter as I imagine all properties along

Mount Ephraim, where I live, have. We are being given one month to prove we have formal rights.”

She later added on social media: “Pantiles owner Targetfollow has now contacted us re ‘services’, such as gas and electric which ‘may’ run underneath their land.

“They are saying if we cannot provide proof we have an agreement to do so then we have to pay for annual licence fee.”

Working out what constitutes ‘formal rights’ has been one of the most contentious issues of this dispute.

Anyone who can prove they have had access to a property over common land for at least 20 years does not have to take out a licence.

They are entitled to ‘prescriptive rights’ which become ‘legally established or accepted by long usage or the passage of time’.

Targetfollow has been criticised for omitting any mention of prescriptive rights from previous letters.

A Tunbridge Wells solicitor previously warned: “The majority of people will have prescriptive rights. It’s whether they realise that or not.

“Prescriptive rights are very important.

People need to make sure they don’t give them up by sending money and entering into a licence agreement.”

PATHWAY Caroline Stevens on the strip of grass she has to cross to reach her Rusthall home

HEADING HEAD HEADING Corin Thoday, Chief Executive Officer of Targetfollow, said yesterday [Tuesday]: “The Manor of Rusthall owns significant land holdings in Tunbridge Wells.

Part of this ownership includes Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall Commons.

“The boundaries of the Manor of Rusthall are large and complex in nature and can extend beyond the area that is designated common land.

“Since purchasing the asset it has received various enquiries from neighbouring landowners asking for licences/easements for access rights and service media.

“These have especially come up when people are selling their properties and issues have been raised on the title documents.

“Previously enquiries of this nature have been dealt with on an ad hoc basis. As part of good estate management we are looking to formalise rights across the commons to clarify the position for the Manor of Rusthall and the individuals concerned.

“A letter has been sent out to various residences where we believe there may be an issue that requires clarifying.

“The same letter has been sent to everyone, however each issue will be looked at on a case by case basis.

“The letter seeks to regularise and formalise access rights in a fair and consistent way for all who benefit from access rights and service media across the Commons.

“We believe that it is in the best interests of our adjoining owners that any legal rights that they enjoy are clear and transparent and not subject to dispute.”

HOPEFULLY FROM OUT OF THE JAZZ NIGHT SCARE SOME GOOD WILL COME 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

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

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

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

PRINTED BY NEWBURY NEWS LTD Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 2DW

QUOTE UNQUOTE ‘One chord is fine. Two chords are pushing it.

Three chords and you’re into jazz’

Lou Reed

Wednesday 6th April 2016

WE certainly caused a stir last week with our front page exclusive about jazz nights on The Pantiles hitting a ‘sour note’ as the major sponsor pulled out at the last minute and put the whole thing in jeopardy.

Within hours of the paper hitting the streets the organisers were hearing about offers of help, something that clearly demonstrates how the summer event has become part of the fabric of the town and an event that the overwhelming majority desperately want to continue.

And it will continue, at least for this year, now that a major sponsor has come forward in the shape of One Warwick Park, the soon to open hotel next to The Pantiles. It’s ready to be the major sponsor and will hand over £10,000.

One Warwick Park was not alone in picking up the phone. The law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has also offered to help along

with the developer Dandara that is looking at building apartments on the site of Union House.

It was also heartening to hear from others who had read the story along with our editorial comment on the idea of starting a Friends of Jazz Nights to raise money. Among those who made contact were Jo and David Carter who run the business consultancy Arborate. Here’s what they wrote: “We like your idea of Friends of Jazz Nights and would be happy to contribute. An alternative would be for smaller businesses like ours (although we’re not located in The Pantiles) to contribute as corporate sponsors for lesser sums.”

Hopefully, out of the scare some good will come and long-term financing will be put in place. For now, it seems, the episode will end on a happy note.

Gatwick rears its head again and is likely

to be doing so for at least the next decade.

This time though it’s a slightly more upbeat tale with four of our local MPs (Clark, Tugendhat, Ghani and Fallon) jointly praising the airport for accepting recommendations from an independent report on how to reduce noise from low-flying aircraft.

These people though are politicians and much used to trawling through lengthy documents looking for weak spots and escape clauses. Hence they drew to our attention Gatwick’s use of qualifiers such as being ‘minded’ to do something and doing something ‘subject to further discussions’.

Nice try Gatwick but our MPs did not get where they are today by happenchance.

Hence their read-between-the lineswarning: ‘We’ll be watching you’.

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS 

Gatwick warned not to backtrack on promises Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FOUR local MPs have joined together to hail Gatwick’s decision to accept the recommendations made in the recently published arrivals review as a ‘significant step in the right direction’ in combatting noise from low-flying aircraft.

But they have also warned Gatwick not to backtrack on its decision to accept all 23 recommendations in the independent review which, if fully implemented, could see a significant reduction in the disturbance experienced by residents across West Kent and East Sussex.

In a joint statement Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, Wealden MP Nus Ghani, Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon and the MP for Tonbridge & Malling, Tom Tugendhat, said: “There is no doubt this is another significant step in the right direction.

“However, the fight is far from over and none of us will rest until these changes are made.

“In particular, terms such as ‘minded to’ and ‘subject to further discussions’ must not be getouts from the clear recommendations.

“The four of us are united in our determination to see these proposals implemented without delay and we have asked to meet Gatwick Airport Limited, the CAA [Civil Aviation Authority] and NATS [air traffic control] as soon as possible to press this case.”

The statement comes after years of negative publicity for the airport, which had found itself facing a range of increasingly hostile campaign groups opposing both a second runway and its 2013 decision to narrow flight paths.

Many of these organisations, and some MPs, had complained that the narrowing had led to intolerable levels of noise pollution for those under the busier flight paths.

Most had sought a ‘fair and equitable dispersal’ of incoming craft, which would spread the aircraft over a greater area, affecting more people but to a much lesser extent.

GATWICK Taking on board report recommendations This position was backed by the Independent Review of Arrivals, which was published in January.

In response to the Independent Review of Arrivals Gatwick said: “Arrival routing scenarios have been developed for the short and medium term, which offer dispersal of flights, or respite measures, as a means of ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of aircraft noise.”

It also said it would reduce noise by:  Keeping the aircraft high for as long as possible  Keeping the aircraft at low engine power for as long as possible, to reduce engine noise  Keeping the aircraft in a clean aerodynamic configuration for as long as possible, to reduce airframe noise  Minimising of flights over highly populated or sensitive areas Brendon Sewill, Chairman of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, said the group welcomed the airport’s response to the review ‘in general’, adding:

“Gatwick were forced into undertaking this review because for the past two years complaints about aircraft noise have been running six times as high as previously.

“The most important change is to widen the swathe in which aircraft approach from the south. That will achieve what many protest groups want – a more ‘fair and equitable’ distribution of flights.”

However, he cautioned changes were still subject to agreement by air traffic control and a period of ‘community engagement’ and there were as yet ‘no details’ on the new distribution of aircraft.

Sir Roy McNulty, Gatwick Airport Chairman, said: “The review has proved to be a very constructive process and I am very pleased both by the positive nature of its recommendations and by the positive reception it has received.

“We have published an implementation plan for each recommendation and I believe that in aggregate these actions will make a significant difference to the noise impacts experienced by residents around the airport.”

A further opportunity for members of the public to influence the proposals has been provided, with residents encouraged to email: ArrivalsReview@gatwickairport.com before 16 May. WE ARE WATCHING [L to R] Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon, Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, Wealden MP Nus Ghani, and the MP for Tonbridge & Malling Tom Tugendhat

3

NEWS IN BRIEF

Fans urged to turn out for rugby showdown TUNBRIDGE WELLS Rugby Football Club first 15 will be playing one of the most important games in the club’s history following a season of ‘unprecedented’ success.

The squad has won all 26 of their matches and on Saturday took the London and SE Champions position in the RFU National Intermediate Cup. They play the also undefeated Matson RFC from Gloucestershire on Saturday, at their St Mark’s ground in Tunbridge Wells. The winner will contest the final at Twickenham on May 7.

A crowd of more than 1,000 is expected.

PCSOs ring-fenced NO CUTS are to be made to the number of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) operating in Kent.

Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: ‘PCSOs truly are the eyes and ears of our local communities and they’re a vital part of making sure visible community policing is at the heart of policing here in Kent.

“So I am really pleased we’re able to protect them and keep delivering a quality service.”

There are 304 PCSOs across the county.

Some forces have already cut their numbers.

Southborough update THE Lorry driver involved in the 13-car Southborough crash last year may have suffered a ‘medical episode’ his legal team told the court on Monday.

Driver Mariusz Sudol, 34, was appearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday after being charged with two counts of dangerous driving and one of failing to stop following an accident after his arrest last June.

Alexander Stein, defending, said Sudol, from Northfleet, had had a medical episode ‘of some sort’ at the time of the accident.

The driver was released on unconditional bail until June 17.

Colour Run cancelled THE children’s charity ellenor, which helps families dealing with terminal illness, has been forced to cancel a major fundraising event.

Supporters were due to take part in a Colour Run, where people are covered in powdered dye, at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood on May 1. However, ellenor said the event ‘didn’t appear to be raising the necessary funds’. Cost for entry was £27 an adult.

New homes objection A PLANNING committee at Paddock Wood Town Council voted unanimously to object to the proposed development of 300 homes on the site of Church Road on Monday.

Those attending raised concerns about a lack of infrastructure at the site and the high risk of flooding in the area after the motion was put forward by Cllr Carol Ann Williams.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

4 � LOCAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Breaking up the county would be major ‘disaster’ THE leader of Kent County Council has warned against moves to split the county into different administrative authorities, claiming it would be a ‘massive disaster’ for the people of Kent.

Cllr Paul Carter made the remarks to fellow members after several borough and district authorities in the east of the county suggested merging and setting up a unitary authority – effectively taking control of KCC functions alongside their own.

This possible option to combine has been given a boost through devolution plans for town halls.

Any such move would have serious implications for West Kent authorities.

Overseas workers account for one in five of all hospital staff FAIR PAY FOR ALL? Tunbridge Wells Hospital is one of those run by the Trust

Endangered cubs A LACK of volunteers means the Hildenborough Cub and Beaver packs could be disbanded by the summer, with dozens of children losing out on fun and adventure.

With the current leaders due to step down, an appeal has been made for others to come forward and ensure the organisation’s 40-year association with the town doesn’t end. It comes as the movement itself celebrates its centenary year.

Interested volunteers should contact Emma Keenan at emma.keenan150@btinternet.com

Please unemploy me ARCH-Eurosceptic MEP Daniel Hannan asked the people of Cranbrook to put him out of his job by voting to leave the European Union.

The Conservative MEP was addressing an audience at the Vestry Hall, where he linked greenfield development to population growth from immigration. He suggested it could only be controlled if there was a Brexit.

Jail for bank robber THE man who made off with hundreds of pounds after holding up the TSB Bank on Mount Pleasant Road on January 15 has been jailed.

Brett Mullan, 44, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on April 1 after pleading guilty to robbery and was sentenced to six years and four months in prison.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

Neil Barston nbarston@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FIGURES released by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust show that out of 6,000 employees a total of 21 per cent are non-British, which follows an increasing national trend of people from outside the UK being recruited to the health service.

The data was released after a request for information from the Times.

The British Medical Association has previously admitted that many NHS services would be particularly stretched without pursuing a policy of recruitment from overseas.

According to national figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre, of 112,911 medical staff (excluding GPs for which data is not available) working in English NHS hospitals, around two thirds were British (78,921), with 17,039 from countries outside of Europe and a further 9,557 from inside the EU. However, a report from the Home Office’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has raised concerns over the NHS being among public services, including schools, which are presently able to use employment law that permits recruitment of staff from outside the EU on lower wages than their UK equivalents.

One of MAC’s findings was that non-EU nurses

and medical practitioners had reportedly been paid up to £6,000 less than average UK salaries for corresponding posts. As a result, one of its key recommendations was that overseas workers in skilled roles should be appointed in positions at a minimum of £30,000, up from its current rate of £20,000, which it claimed would help combat any potential wage undercutting.

The Government has said it intends to clamp

down on employment practices of employing staff on differing national pay scales, which has been claimed has effectively created an incentive for businesses to hire overseas workers on cheaper contracts.

With net migration to the UK now standing at a record high of 336,000, Home Secretary Theresa May is said to be preparing a £1,000-a-year immigration skills levy for firms employing overseas workers from outside Europe, which could reportedly affect the recruitment of nurses employed through agencies.

A spokesperson for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, which oversees the hospital at Pembury, told the Times that it valued the contribution of its staff equally, whether UK-born or recruited from overseas.

He said: “Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust currently employs 5,995 staff, of which 79 per cent are British and 21 per cent are non-British.

“We recruit employees from within the UK and internationally to fill our vacancies. No preferential treatment is given to overseas candidates because all staff are employed using National Terms and Conditions of Employment, which has clear salary on appointment guidelines.”

No easy ride for motor group volunteers helping sick children THE team from the Lifestyle Europe Motor Group, some of whom are pictured, will be putting their best feet forward in a 40-mile (64km) endurance walk to raise money to help sick children. The midnight trek, or ‘plod’, will take place over the South Downs Way on July 16 in aid of Action Medical Research.

Staff from dealerships in the vehicle group across West Kent and East Sussex are now in training for the gruelling challenge that will take approximately 82,000 steps. The event comes at a time when the charity is looking for new volunteers in Tunbridge Wells to help save and change the lives of sick and disabled babies and children. It wants to establish 16 new groups across the country this year.

CHARITY WALK The Lifestyle Europe Motor Group team

LOCAL NEWS 

Music venue makes legal move to leave a long-lasting legacy THE FORUM celebrated its status as a venue for the benefit of the community – Community Interest Company (CIC) on was to ensure it had a lasting legacy.

Thursday with the three owners – Richard He added: “This will hopefully ensure Simm, Jason Dormon and Mark Davyd – there is some sort of succession as it inviting loyal fans to join them in marking provides a better mechanism for new people to come in and the occasion at the music get involved.” centre in Tunbridge Wells.

Although it was officially While Mr Dorm0n, Mr Simm and Mr Davyd will made a CIC in December, still be involved in the daythe trio didn’t want to let to-day running of the venue the significance of the for the foreseeable future, change slip by without the company will now be some sort of formal assessed once every three gathering. months by an independent Mr Dormon said: “It board made up of people was quite a last minute from the local community. decision to hold a party, Their role is to ensure it is although the CIC is a still delivering a programme significant milestone in which helps fulfil its role as the Forum’s development DOCUMENTED a CIC, although Mr Dormon as it legitimises the place The Community Interest as a community asset. is confident the directors “We have never been paid Project will keep standards high. for doing this work and it is actually kept “They could one day say we are out going by volunteers. Now everyone will of touch, but I don’t think that will know the money gets reinvested back into happen,” he said.

The Forum as a community asset.”

Since being launched in 1993 The He explained that one of the main Forum has played host to some of the reasons for wanting to turn The Forum biggest names on the music scene, such into a CIC – which means the directors as Adele, Coldplay, Green Day, Muse limit their rights to dividends and run the and Oasis.

5

NEWS IN BRIEF

Local Labour Party sees youth increase THE number of young Labour Party members in Tunbridge Wells has reached its highest on record following the general election, with nearly 100 youth members now signed up.

The claim by the local constituency association comes as Bex Bailey, the elected youth member of the party’s ruling National Executive Committee for the last three years, plans a visit to the town.

He will be speaking at a meeting of young members on Thursday (April 7) as the local party also celebrates a doubling of its membership in the past year.

Falling crime in Kent THE number of burglaries in Tunbridge Wells has continued to fall, with 204 incidents recorded between March 2015 and February 2016 down from 243 the previous year.

It comes as the Kent figures also revealed a 17 per cent drop in burglaries, with 4,525 recorded incidents in the year ending February, compared to 5,566 the previous year.

Vape Café closes SUCCESSION PLANS Forum owners Richard Simm [left] and Jason Dormon

THE first shop specialising in e-cigarettes in Tunbridge Wells has closed after its owner decided to sell up and move to Crete.

Paul Clift-Lands opened the Vaping Café on Camden Road in 2013 when the e-cigarette trend was still in its infancy. His main clients were taxi drivers.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

6  LOCAL NEWS

The real cost of winning silver medals in China

By Eileen Leahy TWO young gymnasts from Tunbridge Wells have won silver at the World Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships in China.

The boys, Sam Large, 14, and Hector Kinghorn, 12, who both attend the Next Dimension Gymnastic Academy (NDGA) in Tunbridge Wells, claimed second place at the prestigious event in Putian last week.

The World Championships are considered the ‘Olympics’ of the acrobatic gymnastics world and the boys’ achievement is all the more impressive given they’ve only been competing for just over three years.

Sam, who attends Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, and Hector, who is a pupil at Skinners’ Kent Academy, narrowly missed out on gold medals in the 11-16 category. Their coach Chris Rogers, who travelled with Team GB to China, said they should feel very happy, despite not getting gold. The winning Russian duo scored 28,350 points with Sam and Hector scoring 28,200.

“They maintained a high standard throughout the championships and should be proud of their combined achievement” he said.

The boys travelled to China with 15 other Team GB gymnasts after discovering they had been picked to compete in the event just one month ago.

“We felt very excited when we found out,” said Sam who trains 15 hours a week with Hector.

“We did two trials at Loughborough University and Lilleshaw National Sports Centre in Shropshire,” continued Hector, “then we received a letter two weeks later saying we had been picked.”

The boys’ parents had to organise visas, plane tickets and accommodation, none of which is funded by the British Gymnastics Association.

Their Team GB tracksuits, performance leotards, and competition fees all have to be covered by the families, too, but the expense was worth every penny, said Hector’s mother Nyree, who works as a gym instructor at Crowborough Leisure.

“I don’t like to do the maths but I would say over the past three years we have each spent in the region of £20,000 on the boys. After all the hotel, food and flight costs, you’ve got the costumes. The

Wednesday 6th April 2016

BALANCING ACT Sam, [seated] & Hector with their mums Nyree (L) and Rebecca (R)

official Team GB kit is about £300 and the bejewelled leotards cost £500. But it’s worth every penny given what they have achieved.”

“At first I thought ‘that’s unbelievably PERFORMING expensive’,” said Sam’s mum Rebecca, who In China is a part-time teacher at Valance school in Westerham. “But then you see how much work goes into it all and it is justified.”

Nyree admitted that touring to competitions held in Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands and France has also been costly and racked up plenty of mileage, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“To be honest we have never travelled so much but it’s opened up many doors for us too as parents to see other countries. There is a lot of money involved but it is priceless. I would do it all again, without a doubt.”

Both mothers try to accompany their boys on most trips as they usually occur at weekend, but as Rebecca is a teacher it meant that she couldn’t go to China last week.

“My husband went instead,” she said. “Usually we get live streams of the competitions but as this was in China it wasn’t possible to watch online. I had to set my alarm for 2am in order to receive texts about how the boys were doing.”

She also revealed that the boys were warmly welcomed by the Chinese: “They were treated like royalty.”

“Everyone was taking our picture. It was as if they had never seen an English person before.

Even the police wanted a photo of us,” said Hector.

Nyree and Rebecca are immensely proud of their sons’ achievement.

“When you look at the podium and see Russia and the USA up there you think they are huge countries. We are just a small island and our boys are up there with the best in the world.

They are massively overachieving,” said Nyree.

Sam said he is ‘very happy’ with his silver medal but when they compete at the next event, which will most likely be the European Championships in two years’ time, they want to go one better: “We want to win gold, he said.”

ADVERTISING FEATURE n

7

to Ii ke Find us on Twitter @onewarwickpark

ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL ONE WARWICK PARK ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

KENT TN2 STA

www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

lime tree DENTAL

gen t{e den ta{ care

Wednesday 6th April 2016

8  LOCAL NEWS

Health figures reveal life expectancy lottery throughout our borough wards Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk WHERE you live in the borough can signpost how long you live, according to figures from Kent Public Health Observatory.

In Tunbridge Wells, for example, a woman at an address in Paddock Wood West is likely to live ten years longer than her counterpart in the St James’ Ward.

In Tonbridge & Malling the difference between people, (the average of both men and women), living in Kings Hill and those in the Ward of Burham, Eccles and Wouldham is just over nine years.

One expert told the Times that the figures reflect ‘people’s lifestyle, income and housing quality’.

She also talked of ‘pockets of deprivation’.

The figures have been published by Kent Public Health Observatory, which provides intelligence through data collection, analysis and interpretation. Its work underpins health improvement across the county.

They give a detailed breakdown of each ward in the boroughs and highlight the stark differences in life expectancy for people residing just a few miles apart.

Those living in MEN Paddock Wood Males live West have an longer in average life Culverden expectancy of 86.73, while residents of St James’ can

Wednesday 6th April 2016

only expect to reach 79.13.

WOMEN The difference is even more pronounced Females live longer in when the figures only include women, with Paddock Wood West a gap of just over a decade between the two wards. In Paddock Wood West it’s 90.56 years while in St James’ Ward it’s 80.44.

At the moment, the women of Paddock Wood West are the only people in Tunbridge Wells borough who can expect to become nonagenarians.

The ward with the highest longevity for men is Culverden at 86.60 years.

However, the borough as a whole has the highest life expectancy in Kent, where the average life expectancy is 81.73 years.

People in Tunbridge Wells can expect to live up to 83.31 years.

The difference in life expectancy is even greater in the borough of Tonbridge & Malling, with a gap of just over nine years between Kings Hill (86.95) and the ward of Burham, Eccles and Wouldham (77.91).

Those living in the comparatively new town of Kings Hill can expect to live for an average of 86.95 years, while their counterparts in Burham, Eccles and Wouldham have an average life expectancy of 77.91 years.

However, unlike Tunbridge Wells, the ward with the highest average does not also have the highest female life expectancy.

This is held by the ward of Hadlow, Mereworth and West Peckham, where women can on average expect to live up to 88.92 years.

This is almost 12 years longer than females in Burham, Eccles and Wouldham, which is the throughout the UK and is also reflected in broader only ward to have an average life expectancy for patterns such as the north-south divide.

“The important thing for people to understand is women under 80 years, at 78.07.

But the men of this ward fare better than those not just the general area you live in, but also peoin Trench, which has the lowest life expectancy ple’s lifestyle, income and housing quality.

“What you see in different areas are pockets of for men at 75.60 years, compared to the highest deprivation which can often be associated with male average of 86.12 years at Kings Hill.

Adele Phillips, senior lecturer in public poorer educational standards.

“Health is embedded in our neighbourhoods health at Canterbury Christ Church University, said there were several factors and it is more than just genetics which determine which can explain the differences life expectancy.”

She added that in order to tackle the divide, socibetween areas on such a micro-scale.

She said: “This is quite typical ety needs a ‘joined up’ approach to health provi-

sion which includes ensuring each child is given a decent education during their early years.

KCC Public Health Consultant Faiza Khan said: “Life expectancy from birth is calculated as a prediction based on current mortality rates within geographical wards.

“There is a well-established association between socio-economic deprivation and health outcomes.

The reasons behind this are numerous and our health can be affected by many factors.

“For example, the environments in which we live, learn, work and play, alongside cultural norms, behaviours and lifestyles.”

LOCAL NEWS � 90

Life expectancy at birth in Tunbridge Wells (based on 2010-14 data)

Number of years

80

70

60

50

90

el

es ’ to ra lw ar d

am

El ec

St J

Ca p

Br oo m s

gh

k Ru So st ha ut hb ll or Pe ou m gh bu & ry Hi

Pa r

is si ng hu rs t

oh n’ s Sh er de wo n & od S itt en

St J

ro ug h

id bo

Life expectancy at birth in Tonbridge & Malling (based on 2010-14 data)

80

70

60

50

ec kh am

La

rk

fie

Ig ht ha ld m No Bl ue rth Be Di W ll Hi ate tto n ll Ea & ring st W b u al Pe de ry ck rs ha m Ca lad g e & Go e Gr ee ld en n Gr ee n M ed wa W es Hi y tM g al Eas ha lin tM m g a & Bo Le llin ro g y b ug ou h rn Gr ee Va e ux n h & Lo all ng M ill Ju d A La yle d rk sf o fie ld rd So ut Sn Wro h od th la am nd Bu W rh es am t S T ,E no re n cc dl ch le a s & nd E W a ou st ld El ha ec m to ra lw ar d

Ha dl

ow ,M er ew or

Hi ld e

Ca nb stle or ou gh th & Do W w es t P ns

ill

40

Ki ng sH

Number of years

Fr

Pa dd o

ck W oo

d

W e

Pa St dd M ar o Be ck k’ s ne W o nd o d en Ea Br & st en Cr ch an le br y& oo Ho k So r s ut m hb on de or Sp ou n el dh gh ur N st or & th B

st Ha Cu wk lv hu er rs de t& n Sa nd hu Go rs Br ud t o hu ad rs w t& at er La Pa m nt be ile rh ur s& st

40

9

ELECTORAL WARD

PERSONS

MEN

WOMEN

Paddock Wood West

86.73

83.29

90.56

Culverden

86.60

86.24

88.04

Hawkhurst and Sandhurst

85.69

82.83

88.58

Broadwater

85.24

83.8

86.83

Goudhurst and Lamberhurst

85.14

84.23

85.98

Pantiles and St Mark’s

84.77

83.21

86.13

Paddock Wood East

84.70

82.28

86.85

Benenden and Cranbrook

84.47

83.59

85.48

Brenchley and Horsmonden

84.20

80.77

88.43

Southborough North

84.11

82.55

85.48

Speldhurst and Bidborough

83.83

82.12

85.56

St John’s

82.97

81.17

84.54

Sherwood

82.94

82.53

83.53

Frittenden and Sissinghurst

82.71

81.14

84.45

Park

82.51

80.18

84.61

Rusthall

82.05

79.91

84.04

Pembury

81.95

79.72

84.21

Southborough and High Brooms

81.87

78.62

85.21

Capel

80.46

79.88

80.76

St James’

79.13

77.8

80.47

ELECTORAL WARD

PERSONS

MEN

WOMEN

Kings Hill

86.95

86.12

88.08

Castle

85.82

83.69

87.81

Hildenborough

85.41

83.6

87.23

Downs

85.39

83.7

86.78

Hadlow, Mereworth and West Peckham

85.22

81.61

88.92

Ightham

85.12

81.96

89.91

Larkfield North

85.05

85.19

85.45

Ditton

84.79

82.91

86.57

Wateringbury

84.64

82.59

86.62

Blue Bell Hill and Walderslade

84.63

84.67

84.84

Cage Green

84.34

81.41

87.67

East Peckham and Golden Green

84.22

82.7

85.95

Medway

83.75

80.99

86.28

Higham

83.73

81.36

86.3

East Malling

83.47

82.41

84.33

West Malling and Leybourne

83.22

81.02

85.06

Vauxhall

82.98

80.88

85.77

Borough Green and Long Mill

82.91

81.05

84.44

Judd

82.72

81.63

83.41

Aylesford

81.68

79

84.5

Larkfield South

80.75

81.02

80.29

Wrotham

80.70

77.39

83.64

Snodland West

80.55

78.47

82.64

Trench

79.26

75.6

83.43

Snodland East

78.12

75.86

80.59

Burham, Eccles and Wouldham

77.91

77.54

78.07

Wednesday 6th April 2016

10 � LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Five year ‘Stalinist’ plans point the new way ahead Nine months after he left one of the largest discretionary fund management firms in Tunbridge Wells, we catch up with Eric Clapton and find out that he has linked up with another industry veteran from Tunbridge Wells to start a new venture in London Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ERIC Clapton spent three years at Wellian Investment Solutions, where he took on the role of Managing Director following the company’s spin-off from AV Trinity.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the financial sector, the trained chartered accountant oversaw the growth of the discretionary investment firm, which partners with financial advisers, from having a handful of customers to around 50.

The success grabbed the attention of Harwood Capital, a group with over £3billion of assets under management. They put in an offer to buy-out the firm in May last year, for an ‘undisclosed sum.’

“I felt that we had taken the business as far as it could go without it being purchased,” explained Mr Clapton, who said the sale left him with the opportunity to try new things.

“I had to make a decision on what to do next and felt like I should explore other options.

“My view was that the next stage in Wellian’s development should be left up to its new owners.”

While the sale of Wellian was progressing, Mr Clapton was laying down the foundations of his next project, Clapton Consultants, a London-based chartered accountancy practice that specialises in the financial services sector.

Although he insists the process of setting up such a company is ‘fairly easy’, his many years of creating new enterprises means he is fully aware

Wednesday 6th April 2016

A NEW VENTURE (L to R) Michael Hill, Catherine Greeves and Eric Clapton

of the difference between setting one up and making it successful.

He said: “It’s all in the planning, and while the sale was going on I was researching all the regulatory hurdles I may face: What I could and couldn’t do.

“The most important thing to realise is it doesn’t

matter how much knowledge you have about the operation itself, you still need good advisors behind you.”

It was this mentality which led to Mr Clapton taking on his second new project less than six months after leaving Wellian.

He was approached by Catherine Greeves who

lives in Tunbridge Wells and is herself a former employee of AV Trinity. She had set up Greenstone Financial Planning in October with her business partner Michael Hill, but felt the company needed someone well versed in running a business.

Mr Clapton was given the role of Chairman and obtained a stake in the firm, which offers financial

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS �

advice to clients on how best to invest or protect their savings and wealth.

“I was brought in to make sure the fundamentals of the business are solid because you can have a great idea but if it is not financially viable you are not going to get anywhere.

“I do not, though, meddle in the affairs of Catherine and Michael, or try and duplicate their efforts.”

Describing himself as ‘a bit of a Stalinist’ due his ‘love’ of five year plans, Mr Clapton said every business needed to ensure it had long-term strategies.

“If a business is going well, people can sometimes just wake up the next day and say, ‘great I’ll do more of the same,’ but this often won’t work if the company hits a bump in the road.”

For Greenstone, Mr Clapton has used his favourite method of mapping out a one, three and five year set of plans.

He explained: “The first year needs to focus on very detailed budget forecasts, while the threeyear plan is a little less detailed but concentrates on the fundamentals.

“The five year plan is your main aim and it should give you direction of travel so that if the firm hits trouble there is a process which will support you, alongside metrics with which to review where your company is at.”

Greenstone currently has 40 clients, many of whom also use Clapton Consultants, which together provide complementary services.

The fact there is such synergy between the two companies means Mr Clapton has not discounted the possibility of a formal merger one day.

“I would never say never, but merging is different to working together. There are regulatory obstacles to overcome and we would have to look long and hard at how they would fit together.

“Going forward, who knows? But it would be foolish not to look at it.”

11

THE GREENSTONE CONNECTION Catherine Greeves set up Greenstone Financial Planning alongside Michael Hill last October, after working for three years in Tunbridge Wells at AV Trinity.

The mother of three, who still lives in the town and is a member of her local Women’s Institute, has over 17 years’ experience in the industry, making her well qualified to set up a new company in the field.

However, she realised that in order to drive the business forward, and allow herself and Mr Hill to concentrate on clients, they would need outside help.

“We registered with the Financial Conduct Authority in October after spending the previous three months planning and putting the foundations in place,” she said.

“But we realised we simply did not have the business expertise, which meant we were delighted when Eric came on board.

“We have been very fortunate to be able to build up the company so quickly.”

Although the firm is headquartered in Pall Mall to cater to their London based clients, Mrs Greeves is keen to expand into Tunbridge Wells, where she often works from home.

She said: “At the moment we have around 40 clients, but our aim is for between 75 and 100 each. We are very lucky to have the clients we do, as they have taken a bit of a risk coming to a new firm.

“We are looking to expand outside of London and want to be a locally orientated company so we will eventually look for an office in either Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells.”

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

Wednesday 6th April 2016

12  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

This week we feature two more local companies that have put their names forward for the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2016. If you would like to enter for the awards the closing date is April 15 and full details can be found on page 70

Mother and daughter develop revolutionary new skin cream

FAMILY BUSINESS (L-R) Laura & Jane Healy

Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk IT HAS been nearly 5o years since Jane Healy, then aged nine, was left permanently scarred after a camping stove filled with methylated spirit blew up, setting her nylon pyjamas ablaze. She suffered third-degree burns covering 75 per cent of her body.

But as Jane grew up she became determined to turn her ordeal into something positive. Today, working alongside her 26-year-old daughter Laura, she has created a range of mineral based cosmetics called Seacreme which helps rehydrate the skin.

The fledgling company has its products stocked in the Tunbridge Wells department store Fenwick and also sells online. Sales are going from strength to strength, since its launch.

It was Jane’s experience of visiting the sea as a child, which was the only thing that could truly relieve her agony following hours of surgery that has formed the basis of what Seacreme is all about.

She said: “After I was burned I discovered the sea was always a great healer, so throughout my life, every time I grew, or needed an operation, I went to the coast to heal and get better.

“I was convinced it was the saltiness of the water that was making my skin softer and being in the sea was the only time I ever felt good.

“As I got older I realised there wasn’t really anything on the market other than Dead Sea products, but it wasn’t what I needed. I just needed regular sea water in a pot.”

Jane’s resolve to create the product was bolstered after she told a plastic surgeon post operation that she was going to the coast to heal, only to be met with a disparaging remark.

“She just looked at me as if I was mad and asked why I didn’t just use E45 cream. I was so angry with her and that was when I knew I had to do something myself.”

Jane and Laura set about creating the perfect product, a process that lasted over a year, with Jane focusing on the ingredients while Laura developed the branding and packaging.

The process cost just over £50,000 in total, most of which was funded by money left aside for Jane by her own father after he had passed away.

“My father died suddenly at the young age of 52 and all through his life he was worried about what

would happen to me, although he never saw me grow up past the age of 18.

“So, in his will he left me the money which was meant for anything that could help me with my life.

“He thought perhaps I could go to America for treatment, but I never needed the money medically.

“Then I got married and my money just sat there, until I needed it to create Seacreme, although we have probably gone a bit over budget.”

The company is run as a partnership between mother and daughter, with each owning a 50 per cent stake, while bringing their own experiences and expertise to the process.

It took around three years from conception to finished product, with the first batches of Seacreme going on sale at Fenwick’s in January.

HELPS REHYDRATE THE SKIN WHAT IS SEACREME? Seacreme costs £21 a pot and is made from a mixture of Himalayan sea salt, carrot seed oil, algae and beeswax. There is no animal testing on the products, which come in the form of a day cream, night cream, soap and soy candle and are made in Sussex and Cambridgeshire.

The product is not medicinal in nature, but helps rehydrate the skin and is described as a ‘beauty product.’

WHERE IS IT SOLD? Fenwick, online at www.seacreme.com and at The Pantiles market.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

Key to keep winning the web game is research…

Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE creative sector continues to make up an ever larger part of the Tunbridge Wells economy, with the strategically-placed town being the home of choice for new businesses and start-ups.

One such firm, PixelPatch, already counts a company with nearly a billion pounds in turnover as one of its clients.

Founded two years ago by Adam Phillips, the web design company has quickly transformed from servicing small high street shops to working with multinational businesses.

Educated at Tunbridge Wells High School, now Skinners’ Kent Academy, 27-year-old Mr Phillips did not decide to get involved with web design straight away.

Instead of going to university, at the age of 19 he made the impulsive choice to move to Gibraltar in search of a ‘different way of life’ and ended up investigating insurance fraud.

However, after being made redundant Mr Phillips took the decision to retrain in web design and went on to work for various companies before setting up on his own.

Initially he did much of the work for free in order to gain experience. Today he employs four people and charges anywhere from £250 to

KEEPING AHEAD Adam Phillips

£5,500 for his services. He regularly has up to ten jobs on the go at any one time.

But despite the rapid growth, it has not been an easy journey.

He said: “It was very difficult to get off the ground and I didn’t rely on any outside finance.

‘There are many types of companies which do not offer web design services’ “It is also a very saturated market at the moment, but I just thought to myself that there is never a perfect time to start your own company.

“At the end of the day people buy from people, so we are very service driven and provide a good product.”

The company also ensures it can compete on costs by keeping its overheads low, and like many firms in the sector nowadays, the need to be based in an office is being increasingly seen as redundant.

“I now employ three other people and we all work remotely on Skype. If we were to move into an office we would have to charge the clients more.”

Mr Phillips said one of the biggest challenges in his industry is keeping ahead of trends and making sure they are always up to date with technology.

“We are researching all the time and always reading up on the latest developments in the trade magazines,” he added.

Ultimately, Mr Phillips hopes the firm will become a ‘white label’ provider of services.

This means PixelPatch will effectively be the in-house web design team for other companies, and provide their web design services under the client’s name.

He explained: “There are many types of companies, such as publishing houses, which do not offer web design services to their customers when they should be doing so.

“Designing on their behalf gives us steady work, as well as meaning we do not need a big advertising budget, and our client can charge a good mark-up to their customers.

“This is the business model we are aiming for.”

13

Michael Sugden

Memorial service for senior legal partner A MEMORIAL service for Michael Sugden, the former Senior Partner of Thomson Snell & Passmore, will be taking place at King Charles the Martyr Church next week.

Mr Sugden, who was also a one-time President of the local Law Society, died in February, aged 65, after a short illness.

A specialist in conveyancing, he joined Thomson Snell & Passmore as a trainee in 1972 and practised, at different times, in the firm’s Cranbrook, Ashford and Tunbridge Wells offices.

Outside of work, Mr Sugden, who lived in Biddenden and Hawkhurst before retiring to the South of France, was a lifelong supporter of Liverpool FC and was a keen member of the Biddenden squash and tennis club.

He leaves behind his widow Jill and three children – two sons and one daughter.

The service is being held at King Charles the Martyr Church, Tunbridge Wells at 1.30pm on April 11, 2016. All are welcome.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

14 � NATIONAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Prime minister first to offer resignation ICELAND’S Prime Minister, Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, has resigned as leader of the country’s coalition government amid controversy over his offshore holdings.

Thousands of Icelanders protested outside the parliament building in Reykjavik on Monday, demanding that Gunnlaugsson resign over financial dealings by him and his wife.

Mr Gunnlaugsson is the first major figure to be brought down by a leak of more than 11 million financial documents from a Panamanian law firm showing tax-avoidance arrangements of the rich and famous.

Support transgenders SINGLE-sex schools ‘have a duty to promote equality’ by adapting their premises and policies to welcome transgender pupils, the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) conference in Liverpool has been told.

Staff at girls’ and boys’ schools across the country reported how practical steps were being taken to modify changing facilities and uniforms to cater for transgender pupils.

Stop horse experiments ANIMAL welfare campaigners have called for an end to scientific experiments by UK laboratories on horses and ponies obtained from unrestricted sources.

In 2014, a total of 8,079 licensed procedures were completed and 187 animals used for the first time, according to Cruelty Free International.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

Could former Kent schoolboy save the British steel industry?

SANJEEV Gupta, a possible saviour of the Port planned Swansea Bay tidal lagoon, and helped Talbot steel works, attended the Kent boarding save hundreds of jobs in the takeover of steel firm school St Edmunds College in Canterbury and Caparo in November last year. later set up his company Liberty House in his Mr Gupta is currently in talks with the college bedroom in Cambridge in 1992, running government about the possibility of the Liberty the firm alongside doing his degree.

Group taking over the loss-making assets of Thrown out of halls for registering the business Indian giant Tata raising hopes that jobs could be at the college, which breached the university’s saved, especially at the huge plant in Port Talbot, charitable status, Mr Gupta switched to a South Wales. management degree in his final year, He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme graduating with a 2:1. that the business could be turned around.

The 44-year-old was born in Punjab, India, Asked if redundancies could be avoided, and moved to the UK in his early teens. he said: “That would definitely be my Liberty House has since evolved into a objective,” before adding that pension £4.2 billion business which employs 2,000 liabilities were an issue but the most people in five sectors - steel, power, energy, pressing need was to ensure the financial services and property. viability of plants.

The company has offices in 30 Business Secretary Sajid Javid countries with bases in London, confirmed that the UK Singapore, Hong Kong and government and the Welsh Dubai, where Mr Gupta lived government are working with his wife Nicola and young together on the issue. He family until last year. said: “I think that it gives He now lives in a mansion in confidence to any Chepstow, close to his recentlypotential buyers out acquired Newport steel plant. there. It’s great that In 2013, Liberty House Liberty and others that acquired Mir Steel (formerly have shown interest.

Alphasteel) in Newport, “We’ve been speaking to re-starting production last Tata for weeks and months on autumn as other steel plants this and about some of their around the country were other investments in the UK shut down or sold. and it’s important to have It also owns a stake in these meetings and discuss MAN OF STEEL Tidal Lagoon Power, the what else we can do to take Sanjeev Gupta company behind the these forward.”

Capital’s new tall buildings will have a ‘negative effect’ HUNDREDS of new towers planned for the capital will have a negative impact on the city’s skyline, a poll of Londoners has suggested.

Heritage experts are calling for a Londonwide approach to buildings that affect views of the city after a new assessment showed 436 towers of 20 or more storeys are in the pipeline for the capital.

Polling for Historic England, the Government’s heritage body, found that 48% felt the impact of the tall buildings would be negative overall for the city’s skyline, compared to 34% who thought they would have a positive effect.

Historic England has said limits on who is consulted on tall building proposals - with usually only those in the immediate area currently consulted - need to be reviewed, and a pan-London approach to the skyline is needed.

Their suggestions appear to be backed by the poll of 1,011 adults by YouGov, which found 60% of those quizzed believed people across the city should have a say if a tall building is proposed in a historically important place.

The number of towers going up or planned for the capital is revealed in the London Tall Buildings Survey, published last month by the independent New London Architecture forum.

It found 436 towers were under construction, approved or in the planning process, around one in seven of which were skyscrapers of 40 storeys or more, including eight which are 60 storeys or higher.

ADVERTISING FEATURE ■

15

Why separation and divorce can be a civilised affair 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 Almost 50% of all marriages end in divorce and for many it can be the most traumatic time in their lives. Months and sometimes years are spent deciding whether to separate and then, when the decision has been made, it can take an age to pluck up the courage to take action. Emotions run high and delays are usually down to fear of the unknown and what life will be like after the separation. Not to mention how you’ll cope financially and what you’ll tell the kids.

The truth is there is no easy way out.

However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life.

Your future is in your hands. You can choose to be reactive to your situation or you can be proactive and take the lead and put a stop to the fighting, anger and hurt.

Divorce and separation is a life changing event and mistakes can be costly both emotionally and financially and you must be prepared to invest in order to secure your future. To take control you need information and advice from an experienced and trusted advisor which will allow you to make informed decisions about your future.

My dedicated team are handpicked for their experience working with people who are going through a relationship breakdown.

They are all members of Resolution which means that they have the legal experience required to give you the best advice and are committed to solving your problems in a conciliatory way if possible –saving you the emotional drain of the legal court battle and the legal fees that go with it. They understand the emotional pressure and stress you are going through and they can help ease the pain and will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible for you to move on with your life.

Our service is confidential, discreet and bespoke to each client and we will never disclose your information to others. Out of hours appointments are available if required.

For a limited period I am offering a selected number of potential clients an opportunity to meet with one of the family solicitors in my

team for a free initial consultation to discuss the options available. Due to high demand I am only able to offer 20 appointments this month and I know that the appointments will book up very quickly.

Choosing the right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future so contact us today to see how we can help you achieve the outcome you want. www.keenemarsland.co.uk 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 truth is, there is no easy way out. However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life.

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 6th April 2016

16 � NATIONAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Mircochip your dog or face a £500 fine HUNDREDS of thousands of dog owners could be fined for failing to microchip their pets when a new law makes comes in today (Wednesday) that makes it compulsory.

More than one million dogs have not yet been microchipped, - around one in eight animals out of the UK’s estimated canine population, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

From today, dog owners must make sure their pet is fitted with a microchip by the time it is eight weeks old, or face a fine of up to £500.

Twitter to the rescue A TEENAGE girl who needs a life-saving blood stem cell donation has found a match by using twitter.

Zara Al Shaikh, aged 13, from Winchester, Hampshire, who has leukaemia, has mixed English and Arabic heritage which made finding a match difficult. But after opening a Match4Zara Twitter account, her appeal was shared thousands of times on social media and a donor was eventually found.

Stamp of approval WILLIAM Shakespeare’s writing is to be honoured with a special set of stamps marking the 400th anniversary of the author’s death.

The Royal Mail is publishing 10 first class stamps featuring phrases from his plays and sonnets.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

Radio listeners gripped by domestic violence story FANS of The Archers have raised more than £100,000 for a domestic violence charity after another dramatic plot twist.

The BBC Radio 4 soap shocked listeners when Helen Titchener stabbed her abusive husband Rob in front of her young son Henry.

In another dramatic episode on Monday it was revealed he is still alive, while Helen has been arrested on suspicion of wounding.

More than £100,700 has been donated to The Helen Titchener (née Archer) Rescue Fund - a JustGiving page set up to raise money for the domestic violence charity Refuge.

Paul Trueman, who started the campaign, originally planned to raise £1,000 but increased the target to £100,000 after a deluge of donations.

The charity responded on Twitter: “We cannot thank those who’ve donated enough - £100,000 is an incredible amount.”

The daily soap, set in the genteel village of Ambridge, usually focuses on the comings and

goings of the farms and village shops.

Fans have been listening with growing horror as Helen was psychologically and physically abused by her controlling husband.

Rob’s behaviour has included dictating what she could wear, keeping tabs on where she was at all times, and marital rape.

She had told Rob she was planning to leave him because of his controlling behaviour.

But erupting into a fury, Rob handed Helen a kitchen knife, saying it was her “only way out” and she stabbed him in the tussle that ensued.

The hard-hitting storyline has won widespread praise from charities, who have credited the “Archers effect” with helping to raise awareness that domestic abuse affects all sorts of people, including middle-class independent women in sleepy villages.

RADIO DRAMA The ‘Archers effect’

New pensions could result in nasty surprises THE state pension will undergo a radical overhaul from today (Wednesday), as a new ‘simplified’ system aims to give people more certainty about the retirement income they are likely to end up with.

While in the long run it aims to be easier to understand by sweeping away complex rules, concerns have been raised that some people could be in for a ‘nasty surprise’ as the scheme beds in.

The state pension will change for people who reach pension age on or after today. To get the new state pension, men must have been born on or after April 6 1951 and women must have been born on or after April 6 1953.

The previous system has been made up of two parts - the basic state pension as well as the additional state pension, which is extra money on top of the basic state pension.

The full new state pension has a single-tier

rate, of £155.65 a week. Usually people will need at least 10 years of qualifying National Insurance (NI) contributions to get any state pension - and 35 years of contributions to get the full amount.

But analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that less than one in five people reaching state pension age over the next four years will get this exact amount of £155.65. It said nearly one in four retirees will get more - but most will get less.

BUSINESS NEWS �

Banks deny helping clients to avoid tax MAJOR international banks have rejected claims they are giving customers advice on how to avoid tax by using complex offshore structures.

HSBC, Credit Suisse and the Royal Bank of Scotland-owned bank Coutts Trustees have been named in a list of lenders who have helped to set up structures which can make it hard for tax officials to pinpoint the flow of money, according to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).

Its findings are based on more than 11 million documents from the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, which have exposed a series of schemes used by wealthy individuals.

The Panama Papers leak has revealed that more than 500 banks, including their subsidiaries

and branches, registered nearly 15,600 shell companies with Mossack Fonseca, according to the ICIJ. Banking giant HSBC said it was working closely with authorities to combat financial crime and has put sanctions in place.

A spokesman added: “Our policy is clear that offshore accounts can only remain open where clients have been thoroughly vetted.”

Credit Suisse chief executive Tidjane Thiam said: “Whenever there is a structure with a third party beneficiary we insist to know the identity of that beneficiary. We as a company, as a bank only encourage the use of structures when there is a legitimate economic purpose.”

A spokesman for Coutts Trustees said the bank

was committed to the highest standards when complying with regulation.

David Cameron has come under intense pressure to crack down on offshore tax havens after the massive data leak exposed the scale of efforts by the rich and powerful to hide assets.

The Prime Minister’s late father was reported to be among figures - including six peers, three ex-Tory MPs and political party donors - named in relation to investments set up by Mossack Fonseca.

Downing Street said it was a “private matter” whether the Cameron family still had funds in offshore investments and insisted the PM was in the vanguard of efforts to increase the transparency of tax arrangements.

Motorists face higher prices at pump MOTORISTS have been warned that the period of lower fuel prices is over after the cost of petrol rose last month for the first time since July 2015.

Experts said the 3.4p per litre (ppl) rise in average pump prices to 105p was a result of oil reaching 40 US dollars a barrel for the first time since early December.

The report by the RAC found that around £1.84 was added to the cost of filling up an average 55-litre car with unleaded.

Diesel forecourt prices increased by 3.7ppl to 105p despite the wholesale price only rising by 1.5p, according to the motoring organisation’s analysis.

The RAC claimed this indicates that retailers are either using the lower diesel wholesale cost to subsidise the price of petrol or using it as a means of increasing their profit margin.

Simon Williams, the firm’s fuel spokesman, said: “The good times for motorists enjoying lower fuel prices had to come to an end at some point, but unfortunately it’s happened with a bit more of a bump than motorists were probably expecting.”

He warned that there could be further bad news for motorists when oil producers meet later this

month to discuss limiting their output, although he does not believe prices will reach 60 US dollars a barrel in the short-term.

“It looks as though we are heading towards a new norm of the oil price fluctuating between lower and upper limits of 35 US dollars and 55 US dollars FILLING UP Cost of fuel is rising again

a barrel,” he said.

“This means that motorists should hopefully not see the eye-watering prices they were paying at the pumps in April 2012 when the average price of petrol was 142p and diesel was close to 150p per litre.”

17

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

New allowance gives £1,000 boost to savers SAVERS will be able to earn up to £1,000 in interest tax-free when a new allowance comes into force today (Wednesday).

Coinciding with the new tax year, the new personal savings allowance means that banks and building societies will stop deducting tax from account interest.

Basic rate taxpayers can earn up to £1,000 in savings interest tax-free, while higher rate taxpayers will be able to earn up to £500.

Betting giant cuts jobs THERE will be a cut of around 650 jobs in offices across the UK and Ireland at the newly formed bookmaking giant Paddy Power Betfair.

Bookmaking shops will not be affected but jobs are expected go in the legal, human resources, finance, technology and trading divisions.

Oil spill settlement A FEDERAL judge in New Orleans has granted final approval to an estimated 20 billion US dollar (£14 billion) settlement over the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The settlement, first announced in July, resolves years of litigation.

Tecso makes recovery SUPERMARKET giant Tesco is showing signs of recovery after improving its falling sales for the fourth month in a row, a report said.

Britain’s biggest supermarket saw sales slide by just 0.2% in the 12 weeks to March 27, according to the study, which predicts the grocer to return to growth within months.

Human rights warning MINISTERS are giving a clear impression that the UK is putting trade and security above human rights, MPs have warned.

There was ‘plainly a perception’ that the issue had been downgraded in the Government’s dealings with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, the Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee said.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

18  WORLD NEWS

ASYLUM SEEKERS Three month process

Deportation to Turkey process grinds to a halt AUTHORITIES in Greece have suspended deportations to Turkey and acknowledged that most migrants and refugees detained on Greek islands have applied for asylum.

The European Union began sending back migrants on Monday under an agreement with Turkey, but no transfers were planned on Tuesday.

Maria Stavropoulou, director of Greece’s Asylum Service, told state TV that some 3,000 people held in deportation camps on the islands are seeking asylum, with the application process to formally start by the end of the week.

She said asylum applications typically take about three months to process, but would be ‘considerably faster’ for those held in detention.

“There will be a difficult few months ahead,” Ms Stavropoulou said. “We are dealing with people who speak 70 different languages and many have travelled to Greece without papers because they are escaping war.”

Under the EU-Turkey agreement migrants must be screened by asylum services before they are deported.

Returns are starting with migrants who have not applied for asylum or whose claims are considered inadmissable.

Only 30 of 400 migration officers from other EU countries have arrived in Greece so far, Ms Stavropoulou said, while additional locally hired staff would take “several months” to train and integrate into the Asylum Service.

On Monday, some 202 migrants from 11 countries were sent back to Turkey,

on boats from the Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios.

It was unclear when the send-backs would resume. Local officials on the island of Chios said more migrants could be sent back from there on today.

A Turkish coastguard official said 55 migrants hoping to reach Europe were apprehended on Monday.

The official, who said the migrants of “various nationalities” were intercepted off Turkey’s western coast, spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Meanwhile, a German-flagged NATO ship patrolled the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece as part of the alliance’s mission to help end the deadly smuggling of asylum-seekers.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Wednesday 6th April 2016

Journalist’s website blocked by Koreans

Hawaii disaster centre maps mosquito trail

Economy suffers a global slowdown

A BRITISH journalist who has documented the development of North Korea’s technology issues has said he will appeal a decision by the Korea Communications Standards Commission that led to South Korea blocking his website for violating national security law.

Martyn Williams, who runs the northkoreatech.org website, believes it does not violate the law, which bans praising or promoting the North Korean regime. Mr Williams said the website “doesn’t seek to glorify or support North Korea”.

The website was launched by Mr Williams in 2010 and now receives about 20,000 monthly visits.

AS ZIKA takes hold in Latin America, researchers thousands of miles away at the Pacific Disaster Center in Hawaii are mapping the spread of the mosquitospread virus.

These maps help officials to decide where and how to respond to the outbreak and assist health organisations and governments target eradication efforts or increase access to health services.

The World Health Organization recently declared the Zika virus a “public health emergency of international concern,” which is linked to birth defects and has infected thousands of people in Latin America.

THE head of the International Monetary Fund is warning that the global economy is losing momentum and urging governments to take action to preserve the recovery.

Christine Lagarde said in a speech on Tuesday in Frankfurt, Germany, that the global economy isn’t in crisis but that the global outlook has weakened over the next six months, suggesting the IMF may be revising its growth outlook. The speech sets the stage for the IMF and World Bank meetings in Washington later this month. Ms Lagarde is urging governments to take pro growth reforms and to increase spending on public infrastructure.

20 � LETTERS

And another thing…

The Times of Tunbridge Wells and the Times of Tonbridge always wants to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Junior doctors: NHS spending a disgrace Jeffrey Johnson [March 23] criticises the junior doctors who, like all of us, he will one day be thanking for their dedication, expertise and professionalism. Firstly he needs to get his facts right. They have never ‘walked out on a 24-hour strike’ objected to a seven-day NHS, and the vast majority will not ‘make considerable amounts of money in the private sector’.

He is also out of date stating the Health Secretary will be left with no choice but to impose the new contract when this happened a month ago.

Jeremy Hunt has misled the public and Parliament with his abuse of statistics and scientific papers, and it seems he has successfully duped Mr Johnson.

This dispute is about patient safety. There is already a seven-day NHS for emergencies but if more junior doctors work at weekends then there are less for weekdays. It is totally impossible to deliver a seven-day non-emergency NHS whilst

The Pantiles: Three-sided theatre

In light of the recent news that Curzon will no longer be building a cinema in the old Corn Exchange building I have been racking my brains to think of a suitable alternative to help rejuvenate that part of The Pantiles.

Why not turn it into a theatre along the lines of the Cottesloe in the National Theatre up in London? It seems suitable for this sort of format, which will see seating along three sides of auditorium, and would be well suited to the space available.

This will give a different sort of theatre experience currently unavailable in Tunbridge Wells and allow for the town to host a greater range of performances, including dance, which often benefit from that type of layout.

Of course, I am no architect and have no experience developing large-scale projects so I could not put a price tag on it and so maybe it is prohibitively expensive. But I am sure there are funds or schemes the council could possibly apply for to help with cultural development in order to help the current owners on their way.

Juliet Walsgrove Via email

Police Commissioner: Criticism boring I am getting bored with the continual stream of criticism against Ann Barnes (E Baker being the latest). The turnout of the last election for this position was very low.

I recall that most candidates had no relevant experience and merely represented various political parties. AB did at least have some prior experience that seemed to fit what was required to fill this position. How naive to think that someone not representing one of the national parties was

Wednesday 6th April 2016

It is vital for the public to understand that when junior doctors withdraw from emergency care it will not put patient safety at risk.

This is because emergencies will be fully covered by consultants, the most senior doctors in the hospital.

Fifty-eight thousand of our brightest young people are fighting for the longterm future of the NHS. Ask yourself are they all wrong and only Mr Hunt right?

Dr Paul J Hobday Via email ON STRIKE Medical staff protesting

simultaneously demanding £22b in budget cuts.

We are heading to a new low of spending only 6.6 per cent of our GDP on healthcare which is a disgrace, half of many European counties and a third spent in the USA. going to get their support in order to help her do the job. She of course has not helped herself with gaffes along the way.

It’s election time again and all those critics out there should either put up or shut up (i.e. vote).

Ian Burbury Via email

EU debate: Unelected bureaucrats

I must take issue with Barbara Arndt’s letter [March 9]. The British are no more European than the Australians, European laws are different to ours. My biggest reason for wishing to vote out in the referendum are that the EU is ruled by unelected bureaucrats, the EU is extravagant, their budget has not been audited for years, they waste money having to move between Luxemburg and Brussels. I believe that we would be better off financially by being out. I want Britain to rule ourselves and trade with Europe. By the way, it is NATO not the EU which has kept the peace.

Douglas Edwards Ticehurst

Morrisons: Just a hideous building

I was interested to read of the council’s redevelopment plans for the area around Morrisons but I suspect they will forever be a pipe dream. While it would be nice to tear the hideous building down, along with its brutalist counterpart, the soon-to-be-defunct courthouse, I very much doubt there is either the political will or, more importantly, the financial means with which to achieve any meaningful redevelopment of the area.

For a start, most of the buildings are privately owned, and while much of the area is zoned for offices, government legislation means it is now

much easier for landlords to turn office space into housing. This is likely to lead to most of the proposed area eventually consisting of private homes, as it is more lucrative, and whose residents will hardly be inclined to vacate.

There is also the problem of who could deliver a project of that scale even if all the units could be bought up. Certainly the council couldn’t afford it, and any big developer could expect to be bogged down in years of planning disputes.

As for replacing the actual Morrisons building with a ten-storey tower, that is just fantasy.

The furore over Union House shows Tunbridge Wells residents get upset even if the building being replaced is hideous and already moaned about, so any company or individuall who really did have the means to achieve it would be doing so at their own peril.

Peter Rayburn Via email

Free range: Eggs legislation needed

Thank you for drawing my attention to the matter of whether free-range eggs really are just that. I had absolutely no idea that you could get away with labelling a box of eggs laid by up to 16,000 chickens – kept in commercial sheds – as ‘free range’.

I truly believe that the current legislation should be reviewed as surely free-range chickens should be just that! Roaming around instead of being cooped up.

I for one will no longer be buying eggs from my local supermarket as I feel we shoppers have been duped. I will be supporting my local egg farmers from now on and urging others to do the same.

Tom Delaware Via email

Calverley BIT of a shock to the system when members of that august body the West Kent Chamber of Commerce (yes, we do have one) gathered last week for one of their regular networking sessions. As members made their way eagerly to the free bar, stacked with bottles of red and white wine plus lager, thirst turned to puzzlement when they realised it was all – alcohol free. And the hosts for the evening? Those lovely, sensible people at Porsche in Tonbridge.

MORRISONS is not the most popular retailer in town after announcing it was closing its doors. But credit where any credit is due; staff tell Calverley (in the guise of an ordinary shopper) that the company has gone the extra mile to find alternative jobs for the 140 people who work there.

Businesses that shut often boast they will do just that; few actually do.

CALVERLEY finds a dear friend sobbing in a corner. He has had dealings with HMRC over his VAT return. He completed the return and duly returned it only to receive a letter fining him for not returning the return.

He appealed, proved he had made the return and subsequently received another letter by return informing him that on this occasion HMRC would withdraw the fine but if he did it again they would impose a fine.

He was weeping because he had tried to explain he had in fact done nothing wrong and had returned the return.

Best of luck, my friend.

HIMSELF stands back in awe as he listens to a chap recant the story of how he launched singles nights on his boat; the idea being to gently cruise up river while guests mingled.

On the big day (night) he cast off with 15 guests aboard – all women. Turned out he was the only male. What are the chances of that happening, unaided?

WORD arrived last week about a new literary festival to be held at Chiddingstone Castle and caused Himself to reflect on how the village got its name. One theory is that it comes from the use of a large sandstone rock on the outskirts of the village where errant wives were taken to be chided. That’s so not politically correct it cannot possibly be true, or be repeated…

Chin Chin

EDUCATION �

21

Enthusiasm of students makes book reading awards a real page turner Thirteen secondary schools from across the region came together at Kent College, Pembury, to celebrate ten years of an innovative reading initiative

GUESTS Authors Sally Gardner and Tim Bowler ORIGINALLY set up by a small collective of schools as the West Kent Schools Themed Book Awards, the scheme has been renamed the South East Schools Themed Book Awards to reflect the widening geographical area of the schools involved.

Created to challenge and stimulate young readers, it mirrors famous literary book awards in that book groups within each school read the same shortlist of titles and then cast votes for their favourites during a gala night at Kent College’s theatre.

Books are selected to reflect different genres and introduce students to writers they may not be familiar with or normally choose.

Pupils from a broad range of schools – state and independent, grammar and non-selective – shared their enjoyment of reading while award-winning authors Tim

POE-FACED A student poses as Sir Edgar Allan Poe, complete with raven

Bowler and Sally Gardner BOOKWORMS were the special guests, Uplands CC students with speaking individually and Librarian Gill Simmonds then sharing a Q & A session.

Students making film trailers of their favourite books are a unique feature of the event and have become a popular element of the evening. They were shown on a big screen demonstrating the creative talents of the film-makers.

The fancy dress competition equally showcased the flair and imagination of the participants.

THE WINNING BOOKS WERE: Judging fell to AXA representative Cath Brunger, Young Adult category (Years 9-13) Boys Don’t Cry by Malorie Blackman.

Teen category (Years 7-9) Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli who said: “We are proud to sponsor this inspirational event and to help promote literacy THOSE PARTICIPATING WERE: and the joy of reading in our community. The evening was wonderful and it was brilliant to see Cranbrook School; Mascalls School; Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School; Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys; Sackville School; so many young people engaged.”

Kent College, Pembury; Weald of Kent Grammar School; Hillview School The event has also been sponsored since its for Girls; Skinners’ Kent Academy; Beechwood Sacred Heart School; inception by independent bookseller Caroline Knole Academy; Uplands Community College and The Skinners’ School.

Elcombe of Creative Active Reading.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

22 ■ COFFEE WEEK FEATURE

Full of beans for UK It seems like everywhere you look, there’s a new coffee shop opening for business.

But while the industry continues to boom globally, there’s always plenty more to learn about one of the world’s most popular beverages. We filter through some interesting facts, figures and findings about coffee which Brits enjoy 70 million cups of every day

T

HIS week, coffee operators, trade professionals and their customers are joining together in celebration of UK Coffee Week. The nationwide fundraising initiative highlights the vibrancy of British coffee culture, while raising valuable funds for communities that produce the nation’s favourite beverage.

According to the British Coffee Association, coffee is the second most popular drink worldwide after water; indeed, around 2billion cups are consumed every day, 70million of which are enjoyed here in Britain. And with the rise of initiatives like the Fairtrade Foundation, people’s exposure to exactly what they’re drinking and where it comes from has never been such a hot topic.

To help you get to grips with the ins and outs, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to understanding a bit more about the caffeinated craze. From different regions and growing conditions to popular types and fun facts, you’re sure to find some knowledgeable nuggets to impress your friends over that next cuppa and catch-up…

COFFEE GROWING The fruit from coffee trees are green when young, turning yellow and then red when the beans (the two seeds inside) are ready for harvesting. The coffee plant prefers cool, moist, frost-free climates found at higher altitudes in the tropics and subtropics, with optimum growing conditions including a temperature of around 24°C, a well-distributed annual rainfall of about 50 inches and fertile, deep, well-drained soil. The coffee tree will start to bear fruit three to four years after planting and will yield its maximum sometime

between its fifth and 10th year, bearing fruit for up to 30 years.

COFFEE REGIONS While coffee production is big business all over the world, beans are primarily cultivated within 1,000 miles of the Equator, from the Tropic of Cancer in the north, to the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. Central and South America are responsible for two thirds of the world’s supply.

Brazil, Columbia and Vietnam are the most prolific suppliers on the planet, with Brazil accounting for around 30% of the world’s total.

Elsewhere, coffee is grown in more than 50 countries worldwide and is the second largest export on Earth, in dollar value, after oil.

COFFEE BEANS The two main types of coffee bean produced for commercial purposes are Robusta and Arabica. The former has low acidity and high bitterness and is largely produced in Vietnam at lower altitudes, while the latter is better suited to higher altitudes, originating from Ethiopia. Arabica is believed to be the first species of coffee to be cultivated and of a higher quality than Robusta, despite containing half the amount of caffeine. Arabica represents 59% of the world’s coffee production, with Robusta accounting for approximately 30%, which has a greater crop yield, more antioxidants and is less susceptible to disease.

SHAKE IT UP Treat yourself to one or two of the delicious cocktails

Wednesday 6th April 2016

WITH THE

I i al T ar t nd a Impion a tod

s 73 Pen 559 26 0189

Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

C a ll

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

n a x ve s t Pl m ent y an , for nin g Fr e

eA ppo intm ent

Georgian on my mind

The Times is proud to work with:

Restored to rural radiance

bracketts est.

e at

abl vail

n o d ons i t Loran a il st

a Now

Hold your horses for Grade II listed equestrian home

Beautiful Arts and Crafts house has amazing entrance

Wednesday 6th April 2016

 PROPERTY SECTION

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

In my view…

Your at-a-glance guide to

Daniel Aldred Head of Town Department, Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells

With the spring market now in full swing, buyer confidence is high and transactional volumes are approaching their peak. But what might the impending EU referendum have in store for the local property market?

Rising economic uncertainty due to the unknown implications of the upcoming EU vote is the key issue. This lack of clarity could lead to fewer residential transactions and could even have an impact on development volumes.

However, the market failed to react in any discernible way following David Cameron’s 2013 referendum pledge, and again following the Conservative Party victory on May last year. Despite this resilience of the market to date, experience of the 2014 Scottish referendum shows that we ought to expect some kind of a slowdown in housing market activity as we get closer to poll date.

The extent of this slowdown, in reality, is guesswork at the current time, but it does highlight the strong window of opportunity for sellers over the next 8 weeks. Therefore, if you are considering selling your property, it would be wise to consider bringing it to the market sooner, rather than later, so as to take full advantage of the busy spring season and hopefully have everything in solicitor’s hands before the referendum effect comes in to play.

If you would like more detailed advice on selling your property please contact Knight Frank on 01892 310997 Knight Frank’s research department have put together a detailed analysis of the upcoming vote that can be viewed, along with all of our other research documents, at knightfrank.co.uk/research Daniel Aldred Head of Town Department daniel.aldred@knightfrank.com

UNDER £250,000

There is an entrance hall, sitting/ dining room with balcony/terrace, kitchen, two double bedrooms and a bathroom. The flat has gas central heating and doubleglazed windows.

Ideal first buy or rental investment.

This purpose-built ground floor flat is in the popular St James’s area of town and benefits from communal parking to the front and communal gardens surrounding the building.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Pembury 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com

FERNDALE CLOSE TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£229,950 newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Wednesday 6th April 2016

UNDER £350,000

two further bedrooms and a bathroom. Larger than expected gardens with a generous gated parking area to the side and a detached garage.

Attractive Edwardian semidetached house in popular Pembury. Beautifully presented throughout, comprising a hall, sitting room with wood burner, dining room, kitchen, utility area, ground floor bedroom, cloakroom,

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Pembury 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com

ROMFORD ROAD, PEMBURY

£340,000

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION 

great properties by price range…

BLACKBERRY WAY PADDOCK WOOD

£415,000

YEW TREE ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£575,000

UNDER £600,000 Deceptively spacious, well presented detached home in a popular location close to High Brooms Station. Features an entrance hall, dining room, sitting room opening to conservatory, kitchen through to utility and cloakroom, three bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is off-road parking for several cars to the front and a good sized garden with terrace to the rear.

CONTACT Wood and Pilcher Southborough 01892 511311 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk VALLEY FORGE CLOSE, TONBRIDGE

£795,000

UNDER £800,000 Detached family house in a desirable non-estate location on the northern outskirts of Tonbridge. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, master bedroom with dressing room and bathroom, four further bedrooms (one with en-suite shower), family bathroom and separate WC. There is ample driveway parking, an integral double garage and a large rear garden.

Offered to the market chain-free.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Tonbridge 01732 771616 www.bkestateagents.com BLACKBERRY WAY PADDOCK WOOD OFFERS IN EXCESS OF

WHITE HART WOOD, SEVENOAKS

£975,000

£415,000

UNDER £1,000,000

UNDER £450,000 Attractive and spacious detached family home, well designed and tastefully decorated. Situated in a popular residential area on the edge of Paddock Wood. Comprising an entrance hall, utility/cloakroom, double aspect sitting room, double aspect kitchen/dining room, master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two

further bedrooms and a family bathroom. Pretty rear garden, drive and garage.

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

Charming family home set on the favoured south side of Sevenoaks, surrounded by mature gardens. Dating from the 1940s with later additions. With an entrance hall open to a study area, cloakroom, sitting room through to family room and dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, four bedrooms and a family bathroom. There is an integral tandem garage plus a driveway and pretty, established gardens.

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

Wednesday 6th April 2016

Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells A well-configured detached family home in a convenient position Entrance hall, cloakroom, family room, dining room, impressive 28' drawing room, utility room, kitchen. Master bedroom with en suite and dressing area, 5 further bedrooms (1 with WC), family bathroom. Balcony overlooking the rear garden. Established south west facing rear garden. Integral double garage. EPC rating D. In all about 0.29 acres.

Wadhurst A beautifully positioned former Mill house Drawing room, dining room, sitting room, kitchen, study, utility room, larder, cloakroom. Master bedroom suite with 2 walk in wardrobes, 4 further bedrooms, 3 further bathrooms (1 en suite), study. Double garage, 2 bedroom flat, 1 bedroom annex, 2 pig pens, machinery store. Heated swimming pool. Beautiful gardens and grounds. Stream, orchard, paddocks, bluebell woodland. In all about 19 acres. Further outbuildings and land available by separate negotiation.

Clifton Place, Tunbridge Wells Victorian townhouse in the sought after 'Village' area Kitchen I dining room, ground floor shower room, sitting room. Master bedroom, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom.

EPC rating D.

Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells Stylish contemporary home offering spacious and versatile accommodation Utility room, boiler room, entrance hall, cloakroom, lV room, sitting room, drawing room, dining room, kitchen I breakfast room, family room, ground floor bedroom, bathroom. Master bedroom suite with 2 shower rooms and dressing room, guest bedroom with en suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Detached 1 bedroom annexe. Carport. Established rear garden. EPC rating C.

London Road, Tunbridge Wells A fine Grade II Listed Georgian town house overlooking the common Entrance hall, dining room, sitting room, sun room, kitchen, cloakroom. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom and balcony, 4 further bedrooms, family bath I shower room. Cellar. Well-maintained garden. Off-street parking.

Matfield A substantial detached family house on the edge of this popular village Entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen, breakfast room, utility, drawing room, sitting room, conservatory. Master bedroom with en suite, 3 further bedrooms (all en suite). Triple garage. Detached studio. EPC rating E. In all about 0.83 of an acre. Shared use of about 2 acres.

Goudhurst An attractive Victorian cottage within the Cranbrook School Catchment Entrance hall, kitchen I dining room, utility room, family room, sitting room, ground floor bedroom. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Front and rear gardens. Off-street parking. Detached timberclad outbuilding. Detached studio. EPC rating F.

Brenchley A wing of an attractive Edwardian family house Entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen I breakfast room, sitting room, dining room, drawing room. Office, utility room, 2 storage rooms, play room. 5 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bedroom 6 I study. Gardens and grounds. Paved terrace. Vegetable garden. Detached double garage with studio above. EPC rating G. In all about 0.84 acres.

 PROPERTY SECTION

OCKLEY LANE HAWKHURST

£1,650,000

Rural 16th-century house with annexe is an equestrian dream T HIS Grade II listed country house boasts an idyllic rural setting in Hawkhurst with wonderful views. As well as offering excellent family accommodation, it also benefits from a two-bedroom annexe and equestrian facilities.

The property is believed to date back to the 16th century, with later additions, and has many

Wednesday 6th April 2016

period features. The ground floor comprises an entrance hall, sitting room with door to garden, music room with French doors to rear, drawing room with inglenook fireplace, conservatory, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room with Aga, utility room, cloakroom and useful boot room.

Upstairs, there is a master suite with a generous bedroom, which leads through to a

dressing room and bathroom, as well as four further bedrooms, a family bathroom and a second floor attic room.

The attached annexe has a sitting room with French doors to rear, a kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

The attractive gardens are mainly laid to lawn and include a heated swimming pool, summer

house and fenced pond. There are excellent equestrian facilities with fenced paddocks, a manège and stable yard providing four stables, a tack room and feed room. Further outbuildings include a three-bay open garage with storage space above, a detached barn/tractor store and further storerooms. In all the property extends to almost ten and a half acres.

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION 

AT A GLANCE

‘The attractive gardens are mainly laid to lawn and include a heated swimming pool, summer house and fenced pond’ � Grade II listed family house � Rural setting � Character features � Entrance hall � Sitting room � Dining room � Drawing room � Conservatory � Music room � Kitchen/breakfast room � Cloakroom � Utility room � Boot room � Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and bathroom � Four further bedrooms � Family bathroom � Attic room � Two-bed annexe � Extensive equestrian facilities � Swimming pool � Outbuildings � Parking and garaging � Gardens and grounds of just under 10.5 acres

£1,650,000 For sale through Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk

Wednesday 6th April 2016

Solefields Road, Sevenoaks An attractive and deceptively spacious family house Located in a sought-after road on the popular south side of Sevenoaks. Large reception hall, sitting room, family room, playroom, study, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom suite, guest bedroom suite, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Detached double garage. Attractive gardens. EPC rating C.

Otford, Nr Sevenoaks A spacious and superbly appointed family house in in excess of 3,600 sq ft.

Located at the head of a long driveway in the sought-after village of Otford. Reception hall, drawing room, kitchen/dining/family room, utility room, study, 2 ground floor bedroom suites, cloakroom. Master bedroom suite, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Detached double garage, landscaped south facing gardens.

EPC rating B. In all about 0.4 acre.

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE POWDER MILL LANE LEIGH n Spacious period home n Entrance hall n Cloakroom n Study n Drawing room n Sitting room n Kitchen/dining room n Utility room n Master bedroom with en-suite n Guest bedroom with en-suite n Two further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Double garage and off-road parking n Terrace and rear garden n In all half an acre

£1,100,000 For sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Leigh village property enjoys a pretty garden N ETHERFIELD is an attractive detached family house dating from the 1930s with a later extension. The property is well presented and period features include parquet and oak flooring, picture rails and an open fireplace in the drawing room.

A covered porch leads to the entrance hall which has parquet flooring and a cloakroom. The reception rooms comprise a triple aspect drawing room with a feature Jetmaster open fire and doors

to the rear terrace, a sitting room and a good sized study with extensive fitted bookshelves.

The kitchen/dining room provides excellent family living with the dining area having doors to the terrace. There is a walk-in storage cupboard, useful larder cupboard and a utility room.

Arranged over the first floor is the master bedroom which is served by a modern en-suite shower room with limestone tiling and underfloor heating. The guest bedroom has an

en-suite bathroom and there are two further double bedrooms as well as a modern family bathroom.

The house is approached via a five-bar gate over a gravel drive which provides parking and leads to the detached double garage.

The delightful established gardens are mainly laid to lawn and there is a south-facing paved terrace with a timber arbour. In total, the plot amounts to about half an acre.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

Arts and Crafts gem has stunning period detail and sweeping lawns

L

ADYWOOD is a charming property with some very interesting characteristics in the Arts and Crafts style. The house dates from 1929 and has been extended since, now providing ample and well-proportioned accommodation.

Features include decorative plasterwork in the drawing room and dining room, elegant fireplaces, oak flooring, tiled floors with underfloor heating and brass door furniture.

The house opens to an unusual circular entrance hall with an elegant curved staircase with decorative wrought iron baluster. There is a dual aspect drawing room with doors to the rear terrace, an interesting oval shaped dining room, a study, snug and cloakroom. The kitchen/ breakfast room is fitted with a comprehensive range of units by Rencraft, with granite work surfaces, integrated appliances including an Aga, and a breakfast bar. The breakfast area

opens to a conservatory and there is a useful utility room adjoining the kitchen.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has double doors opening on to a balcony and a stylish en-suite shower room. The guest bedroom also has an en-suite shower and there is an adjoining dressing room which could be used as a bedroom or nursery. There are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Outside, a detached converted outbuilding

LADYWOOD COACH ROAD, IVY HATCH

ÂŁ2,000,000 Wednesday 6th April 2016

houses a games room with vaulted ceiling, a kitchenette and a gym. A sweeping driveway leads to the parking area to the front of the house where the garaging is located.

Formal gardens surround the house with a terrace and shingle area to the west being ideal for al fresco entertaining.

Established mixed woodland surrounds the gardens and in total the property sits in approximately 12.7 acres.

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE

‘Formal gardens surround the house with a terrace and shingle area being ideal for al fresco entertaining’

n Unusual Arts and Crafts home

n Cloakroom

n Dating from 1929

n Master bedroom with en-suite

n Stunning period features

n Guest bedroom with en-suite

n Set within secluded grounds

n Three further bedrooms

n Entrance hall

n Family bathroom

n Drawing room n Dining room

n Outbuilding with games room, kitchenette and gym

n Snug

n Garaging and parking

n Study

n Sweeping lawns and formal gardens

n Conservatory n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room

n Tennis court n In all around 12.7 acres

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

Wednesday 6th April 2016

.,,,; ~

~ ~

SPANNING AN IMPRESSIVE 4,399 SQ.FT IN 8.2 ACRES .

THIS BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED, DETACHED OAST HOUSE TICKS ALL THE BOXES. BOASTING AN INDOOR SWIMMING POOL AND OFFERING THE FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY OF DEVELOPING THE DETACHED BARN, WHICH CURRENTLY COMPRISES STABLING. SET BACK OFF OF THE ROAD AND PROVIDING ANNEXE POTENTIAL. RECEPTION HALL, ENTRANCE HALL, KITCHEN/ BREAKFAST ROOM WITH AN AGA, DINING ROOM, DRAWING ROOM WITH STONE FIREPLACE, SITTING ROOM, LAUNDRY, CLOAK, STUDY, PRINCIPAL BEDROOM WITH DRESSING AREA AND EN-SUITE, 3 FURTHER DOUBLE BEDROOMS AND 2 BATHROOMS. THE NORTH WING PROVIDES A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, BILLARDS ROOM AND SHOWER ROOM.

HARTFIELD , EAST SUSSEX

7 bedrooms + 7 bathrooms + 3 receptions + kitchen/breafast room + lovely gardens + Council Tax=H + EPC=D £6,495 pcm + fees apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

BRENCHLEY, KENT

5 bed rooms + 2 bathrooms + garden + Council Tax=G + EPC Exempt Guide £2,950 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

FRANT, KENT

Detached cottage + 3 bedrooms + Council Tax=F + EPC=C Guide £1,800 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

+ swimmin g pool + tennis court

+ 2 bathrooms + secluded garden

EAST GRINSTEAD' WEST SUSSEX

Victorian family home + 6 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + beautiful gardens + Council Tax=H + EPC=E £5,250 pcm + fees apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

+ 4 reception rooms

CRANBROOK, KENT

4 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + kitchen/breakfast room + dining room + gardens + parking + Council Tax=G + EPC Exempt £2,500 pcm + fees apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

TUNBRIDGE WELLS , KENT

2/3 bedrooms + reception room + kitchen/breakfast room + communal garden + Council Tax=C + EPC=D Guide £1,600 pcm Contact: Louise Minifie

+ bath room

BRENCHLEY, KENT

5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + kitchen/d ining room + pati o and garden + Council Tax=G + EPC=C £3,750 pcm+ fees apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

MAYFIELD , EAST SUSSEX

4 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + reception room + garden + Council Tax=E + EPC=D £1,950 pcm + fees apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

+ tri ple bay open garage

+ kitchen/ breakfast room

SMARDEN, KENT

2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms + barn conversion + private garden + driveway parkin g + Council Tax=TBC + EPC=C £1,400 pcm + fees apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

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

ROTHERFIELD'

STONEGATE,

EAST SUSSEX

EAST SUSSEX

Eridge MLS 3.2 miles + 2 principal reception rooms + 6 bedrooms + 2 attic rooms + stable block + mature gardens + fields + garage + 4,682 sq ft + about 17.85 acres + EPC=C

Stonegate MLS 2.4 miles + Grade II listed + 4 receptions + 4 bedrooms + attic room + landscaped gardens + tennis court + paddocks + garage + 3,911 sq ft + about 5.49 acres

Guide £1. 75 million Freehold

Guide £1.35 million Freehold

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

SPELDHURST,

KENT

Contact: Liz Devall

KENT

Well-placed for schools, town and station + 4 bedrooms + 2 receptions + kitchen/breakfast room + 2,218 sq ft + garden + driveway parking + integral double garage + EPC=C

Stylish contemporary home + popular village location + sitting room + kitchen/dining room + 4 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + integral garage + 1,764 sq ft + about 0.25 acres + EPC=D

Guide £950,000 Freehold

Guide £775,000 Freehold

Contact: Becky Card

Contact: Becky Card

 PROPERTY SECTION

Family home includes useful ground floor suite for guests

L

OCATED in Crowborough, this well presented and laid out property offers flexible accommodation throughout and some distinctive features.

On the ground floor there is an entrance hallway, a large sitting room with corner bay window, a study and a dining room. Plus an

impressive drawing room that has bifold doors opening on to the rear terrace.

Off the drawing room is a kitchen/breakfast room, utility room and wet room/cloakroom. The ground floor also benefits from a versatile guest suite with bedroom and en-suite shower room.

Stairs from the main hallway lead to a first floor

galleried landing with an open vaulted ceiling over the drawing room.

The main bedroom has an en-suite shower room, walk-in wardrobe and access to a large eaves space for storage. There are two further double bedrooms and a large family bathroom.

The house is approached over a shared

driveway which culminates in a private parking area and double garage.

The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn, interspersed with specimen trees and mature shrubs. There is a paved terrace and a pathway leads into the heart of the garden, which totals just over half an acre.

‘An impressive drawing room has bifold doors opening on to the rear terrace’

AT A GLANCE BEACON ROAD CROWBOROUGH ■ Detached family house ■ Versatile accommodation ■ Contemporary styling

■ Utility room ■ Wet room ■ Ground floor guest suite ■ Galleried first floor area overlooking drawing room

■ Entrance hall

■ Master bedroom with en-suite and eaves storage

■ Study

■ Two further first floor bedrooms

■ Sitting room

■ Large family bathroom

■ Dining room ■ Drawing room

■ Detached double garage and parking

■ Kitchen/breakfast room

■ 0.52 acres in total

£835,000-£875,000 For sale through Batcheller Monkhouse Tunbridge Wells 01892 512051 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

Wednesday 6th April 2016

I

Bitchet Green,

Guide Price £1,600,000 - £1,800,000

seal

Set within the grounds of a private road in the beautiful hamlet of Bitchet Green is this stunning four-bedroom property The house is nestled in approximately three acres of private and secluded gardens A private driveway leads to the front of this charming home.

• • • •

21' Grand Entrance Hall 43' Fitted Kitchen/Dining Room 19' Living Room Cloakroom, Two En Suites and a Family Bathroom

• • • •

Additional Utility Building Stables, Pig Sty and Two Garages Equestrian Paddock Approximately Three Acre Plot with views of the Wealden Countryside

Tunbridge Wells £819,000 A very spacious 4 bedroom detached house, plus I bedroom self-contained apartment, finished to a luxurious standard throughout. 3 receptions, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Double garage with garden room/gym, landscaped tiered gardens. EPC: C

Rusthall £265,000 A newly renovated and impressively spacious upper maisonette forming part of a characterful building overlooking Rusthall Common. Own front door to first floor landing, living room, new Howden's kitchen, 2 bedrooms, new Bathstore bathroom. New floor coverings. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells £575,000 A significantly extended family home presented in excellent decorative order with stylish contemporary interior. Magnificent vaulted 24' IO kitchen/dining/family room, further reception room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Off road parking, garden. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells £200,000 - £215,000 A spacious ground floor maisonette, benefiting from its own front door and enclosed gardens, reception room, kitchen, 2 double bedrooms, bathroom. The apartment is well presented and has gas central heating, double glazing and a useful garden store. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £1,200 A very well presented ground floor apartment located within a gated development on the south side of town. Spacious entrance hall, full fitted kitchen/breakfast room, large living room, 2 double bedrooms (one en suite), shower room. Off road parking. Available now. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £I, 150 A newly converted warehouse-style apartment located in the centre of town. Split level entrance hall, high spec fully integrated kitchen, open plan living room, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Luxurious fixtures & fittings. Permit parking. Available now. EPC: D

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE LADDINGFORD HOUSE LADDINGFORD n Grade II listed Georgian property n Desirable hamlet location n Fully refurbished n Period features n Reception hall n Drawing room

A beautifully renovated Georgian country home with covered pool

S

ET in the lovely hamlet of Laddingford, close to Yalding, this beautiful Grade II listed Georgian country house is presented in first-class condition throughout and is set in three acres of landscaped gardens.

Offering nearly 7,500 sq ft of accommodation, Laddingford House has been carefully renovated over the last 12 years by the current owners, who have returned the period property to its former glory.

On the ground floor there is a substantial entrance hall with galleried staircase, as well as a dual aspect drawing room, elegant dining room, sitting room, study, a cosy family room and a

sunny, tasteful orangery. An inner hallway leads to the kitchen/breakfast room with a double Aga, Miele appliances and granite worktops. There are also two cloakrooms, plus a utility room and plenty of storage areas, including a cellar.

The first floor can be reached either via the main staircase or a secondary staircase near the kitchen. The master suite boasts an open fire, a substantial dressing room and a superb en-suite bathroom. There are four further double bedrooms on the first floor, one with an en-suite, and a further two bathrooms. Stairs from the inner landing lead up to a lovely loft space conversion which houses a family room, a

bedroom, an en-suite and generous eaves storage.

Laddingford House is approached through automatic iron gates and the driveway has parking space for a number of vehicles.

The immaculate formal gardens extend to three acres and contain many unusual specimen plants. There is a swimming pool with retractable roof and changing room, a tennis court, a leisure barn and a garage with an annexe above. There is also a large outbuilding which can be accessed via a separate drive.

There is also the option to purchase (for an additional cost) a further six and a half acres of woodland which adjoin the property.

n Study n Sitting room n Dining room n Family room n Orangery n Inner hallway n Two staircases n Kitchen/breakfast room n Two cloakrooms n Boiler room n Storerooms n Cellar n Master suite with bedroom, dressing room and bathroom n Guest suite n Three further bedrooms on first floor n Two bathrooms n Family room, bedroom and en-suite on top floor n Garage with annexe over n Leisure barn n Swimming pool n Tennis court n Outbuildings n Landscaped gardens n 3 acres in all n Option to purchase further land

£2,150,000 For sale through Maddisons Residential 01892 514100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Wednesday 6th April 2016

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

Enjoy Victorian character and charm very near The Pantiles

T

HIS substantial late Victorian property is set in a desirable road close to The Pantiles and has been the subject of improvement and extension by its current owners.

The property retains a wealth of original features, with impressive high ceilings, numerous fireplaces, parquet flooring and exposed floorboards, together with attractive sash windows.

A covered porch and front door open into the reception hall, which has an attractive staircase. A wide arch opens through to the dining room and to the rear of the house is a drawing room and a sitting room. The kitchen/ breakfast room is an excellent family space fitted with a Mark Wilkinson kitchen, gas-fired Aga and double doors

Wednesday 6th April 2016

to the rear terrace. There is an adjacent utility room and steps lead down from the kitchen area to the cellar with further utility area/workshop, wine cellar and store.

To the first floor is a master bedroom with bay window to the rear, a fireplace and en-suite shower room. Across the hall is a dressing room with fitted wardrobes. The guest bedroom has French doors to a balcony area and en-suite shower room. There are two further bedrooms on this floor and a large family bathroom. On the second floor there are two more double bedrooms and a playroom/bedroom.

The property is approached over a shingle driveway and the house is well screened from the road. The rear garden has an extensive terrace across the rear of the house and a large area of lawn.

The grounds in all extend to a third of an acre.

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE LINDEN PARK ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Late Victorian detached property n Sought-after setting near The Pantiles n Period features n Generous proportions n Reception hall n Cloakroom n Dining room n Drawing room n Sitting room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Cellar n Master bedroom with en-suite n Guest bedroom with en-suite n Two further bedrooms on first floor n Family bathroom n Three bedrooms on top floor n Off-road parking n Attractive gardens of around a third of an acre

£1,750,000 For sale through Batcheller Monkhouse Tunbridge Wells 01892 512020 www.batchellermonkhouse.com

Wednesday 6th April 2016

Tunbridge Wells

Andrews >

andrewsonline.co.uk

North Road, TN171AR Guide 395,000 Enjoy the country life with 163m 2 of living space in the heart of Goudhurst village. Beams, 3 bedrooms, log burner and countryside views.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Hill View Road, TN4 SUH £375,000 Victorian three bedroom semi-detached home with additional attic space, conservatory and log cabin, character fireplaces, sash double glazed windows and downstairs cloakroom.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

Darking Road, TN1 2LP Guide £595,000 Period semi-detached 5/6 bedroom home over three floors. Entrance hall, living room, dining room/tv room, cloakroom, kitchen/dining room, two bathrooms, gardens front and rear.

Energy Efficiency Rating: F

Park Road, TN4 9JN £475pcm First floor studio apartment for single occupancy close to the town centre with separate kitchen with fridge and cooker, built-in wardrobe storage and separate bathroom plus communal laundry room.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

-Woodbury Park Road, TN4 9NQ £895pcm This ground floor apartment is located within 0.8 miles of High Brooms Train Station, when not busy working you can relax in your own private courtyard or take a stroll in Grosvenor Park. Price also includes water rates and council tax.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

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

WI

Addison, TN2 3GG £795pcm A purpose-built, third floor one bedroom property on the Connaught Park development located less than half a mile from High Brooms station and offering access to the A21.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

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

ADVERTISING FEATURE �

Thinking of moving home soon?

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

5

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

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

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

2

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

You wouldn’t buy a car without the

4

3

E ID EERS GU FRE MOVE

1

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

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

M HO

BY DEBORAH MILLER

Wednesday 6th April 2016

ACHIEVING THE BEST PRICE AND CHARGING ...

0

/o

COMMISSION

Wow!

% of sales ABOVE

Call to find out more

GUIDE PRICE* *Property sold using 'Best Offers' strategy, Oct - Dec 2015.

Terms and Conditions apply.

To find out more call your local O ward&Partners branch today: Paddock Wood Res: 01892 836 877 Let: 01892 458 019

Tonbridge Res: 01732 770 755 Let: 01732 770 833

Tunbridge Wells Res: 01892 542 767 Let: 01892 531141

Amberley Close, Tonbridge, 4 Bedroom Detached House- Offers in Excess of £550,000 Freehold

Taylor Close, Tonbridge, 2 Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment - £289,750 Leasehold

An immaculately presented 3/4 bedroom detached

NO ONWARD CHAINI A well presented and spacious

house that is within walking distance of the

ground floor, 2 bedroom apartment, that is within

station and High Street, situated in a quiet cul de

walking distance of the station and High Street and

sac location in the Sussex Road school area. The

has an allocated off road parking space. This 1 year

versatile accommodation gives the flexibility of

old apartment is light and airy and comprises an

having extra living space or a 4th bedroom. A lounge

open plan kitchen/living area, 2 double bedrooms,

opens up to a large conservatory style extension

one with an en suite bathroom, the other with an

and the kitchen benefits from a central island and

en suite shower. The apartment has good quality,

dining area. EPC applied for.

low maintenance flooring throughout and plenty of storage. Early viewing recommended. EPC C

...

Exchange Court, Tonbridge, 2 Bedroom Apartment -Offers in Excess of £280,000 Leasehold

Herbert Close, Tonbridge 3 Bedroom End of Terraced House - £1,495pcm + Fees Apply

NO ONWARD CHAINI A well presented 2double

AVAILABLE NOW Be the first occupants in this

bedroom top floor apartment located in the popular

brand new 3 bedroom end of terrace house. The

Slade area ofTonbridge, within easy walking

accommodation comprises well equipped kitchen to

distance to the mainline station and High Street. The

the front of the property and open plan lounge/dining

accommodation comprises open plan kitchen/living

area with French doors opening out onto the garden, and

area with Juliet balcony, master bedroom with en suite

there is also a cloakroom downstairs. Upstairs there are

shower room and a further bedroom and bathroom.

2 double bedrooms, the master with an en-suite shower

This apartment benefits from a well equipped kitchen

room, a further bedroom and a family bathroom. The

with an integrated oven, hob and extractor fan, a fridge/ freezer and washing machine as well as an entry phone

property has front and rear gardens and comes with 2 parking spaces to the front of the property. EPC B

security and 1 allocated parking space. EPC C

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

~ The Property

&ii ombudsman

OO

~ ~

WW

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

ACORN HOUSE WINDMILL HILL, BRENCHLEY

ÂŁ1,200,000

Improved family living in always popular Brenchley

E

XTENDED and improved by the current owners, this impressive family house in the heart of the pretty village of Brenchley is presented beautifully throughout.

With well-planned, generous accommodation, as well as an orangery, a good sized garden and double garage, Acorn House has been finished to a very high standard. The ground floor comprises an entrance hall with cloakroom, a dining room,

Wednesday 6th April 2016

a fitted study, an elegant, double aspect drawing room with a wood-burning stove and a lovely family room with bay window and French doors to the garden.

The modern kitchen/breakfast room has an extensive range of cream shaker-style units, a bespoke Rencraft larder unit, granite worktops and integrated appliances. The kitchen opens to a new double aspect orangery with a large

atrium roof light and French doors. A utility room with side access and a storage cupboard complete the downstairs accommodation.

The first floor features the master bedroom with a beautifully fitted en-suite, a guest bedroom with en-suite and three further bedrooms sharing a family bathroom. One of the bedrooms is currently used as a dressing room and is fitted with a selection of bespoke wardrobes.

Acorn House enjoys a generous rear garden of approximately 150 ft, which is fully enclosed.

The garden is mainly laid to lawn and includes lime, sycamore and birch trees. There is a paved terrace perfect for al fresco entertaining and two garden sheds offer ample storage.

To the front is a shared drive leading to a private driveway with ample parking and the double garage with workshop.

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE n Attractive family house n Popular location n Extended and improved n Entrance hall n Cloakroom n Study n Dining room n Drawing room n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Utility room n Orangery n Master bedroom with en-suite n Guest bedroom with en-suite n Three further bedrooms, one used as dressing room n Family bathroom n Double garage and workshop n Driveway parking n Large rear garden and terrace

£1,200,000 For sale through Maddisons Residential 01892 514100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Wednesday 6th April 2016

Pootings

Guide Price ÂŁ1,600,000

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

Entrance Hall I Music Room/Study I Sitting Room I Conservatory I Cloakroom I Kitchen/breakfast room I Utility room I Boiler room Master Bedroom with en-suite bathroom and separate WC I Three further bedrooms I Family bathroom I Garage I Workshop and Store room I Landscaped Gardens I About 1.77 acre

Sevenoaks 01732 807801

sevenoaks@struttandparker. corn

Granville Road, Sevenoaks Sevenoaks town centre 0.75 miles, Sevenoaks station 0.25 miles

A stunning and exceptionally spacious detached Victorian house (4928 sq ft) in a central Sevenoaks location with one of the largest gardens in the area Reception hall I Drawing room I Dining room I Sitting room I Kitchen/ breakfast room I Cloakroom/shower room I Edwardian I conservatory Lower ground floor comprising Bar/ Reception room, Utility room, WC and three other rooms I Four first floor Bedrooms I Study I Family bathroom I Three second floor bedrooms I Bedroom 8 I sitting room Box room I Family bathroom I Plentiful off street parking I Glorious mature and secluded gardens I Garden outbuildings I About 0.84 acre

Guide Price ÂŁ1,950,000 Sevenoaks 01732 807801

sevenoaks@struttandparker. corn

Granville Road, Sevenoaks Sevenoaks station 0.3 mile, Sevenoaks town 0.3 mile, Junction 5 M25/A21 Interchange 2.5 miles

Contemporary style penthouse apartment with far reaching views and within easy reach of Sevenoaks town and station Communal entrance hall I Reception hall I Open plan kitchen/dining room/d rawing room I Master bedroom with en suite shower room and dressing area I Guest bedroom I Bathroom I Utility room I Balcony I 2 allocated secure underground parking spaces

Guide Price ÂŁ650,000 Sevenoaks 01732 807801

sevenoaks@struttandparker. corn

Tunbridge Wells • Open House 9/ 4, 10.00 - 11 .30am • 3 Bed Extend ed Semi Detached • Popul ar St Johns Locati on

Tunbridge Wells • 4 Bedroom Detached House • South Side of Tunbridge We lls • Master With En Suite Bathro om

Tunbridge Wells • 3 Bedroo m Detached House • Qui et Res idential Locati on • Proximate to Pantiles & MLS

£525,000 • Downstairs Cloa kro om • Garage and Driveway • Energy Efficiency Rating: C

£825,000 • 114' Rear Gard en • Driveway & Turning Area • En ergy Efficiency Rating: E

Bidborough • Detached 4 Bed Family Home • Bidb orough Village Locati on • We ll Presented

£800,000 - £840,000 • 1O()ft Rear Gard en • Integral Garage & Driveway • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

Tunbridge Wells • Detached Family House • 3 Bedrooms • Within 1/ 5 Mil e of MLS

0.1.E.O £550,000 • 87' Rear Gard en • Off Road Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: E

£525,000 Southborough • Good Entertaining Space • Driveway & Long Garage • En ergy Efficiency Rating: C

• First Fl oor Purpose Built Fl at • 2 Bedrooms • Popular Locati on

Tun bridge Wells Office 01892 511211 tun bridgewel ls @wooda ndpi lcher.co.u k Southborough Office 01892 511311 South boroug h @woodandpilcher.co.u k

NAEA

£225,000 • No Onwa rd Chain • Off Road Parking • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D

~ / \ The Property ~Ombudsman

(i)nTheMarket,om

woodandpilcher.co.uk

Tonbridge • 3 Bedrooms • Good Sized Rear Gard en • Garage & Off Road Parking

£1,400 PCM • Ava ilabl e May • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D • Age nt's Fees Apply

Heathfield • 2 Doubl e Bedrooms • Modern Kitchen & Bathroo m • All ocated Parking Space

£850 PCM • Ava ilabl e June • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D • Age nt's Fees Apply

Tunbridge Wells • 2 Double Bedrooms • All ocated Parking Space • Ce ntral Locati on

£1,250 PCM • Ava ilabl e Now • En ergy Efficiency Rating: D • Agent's Fees Apply

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

GARDENING 

Make spring gardening child’s play

A

The Easter holidays are upon us and there’s no better time than spring to engage the kids with gardening projects, or take them to outdoor places which will both inspire and delight them.

It’s surely time to redress the balance of children’s lack of connection with nature. Some 12% of children in England have not visited a park, forest, garden or any other natural environment for at least 12 months, according to a new Government study.

So, have a look at Easter events with the National Trust (www.nationaltrust.org.uk), whether it’s an Easter egg hunt, crafts, cookery or bushcraft skills.

The four RHS gardens (www.rhs.org.uk) will also be holding a range of events, from Lindt Gold Bunny hunts and spring ‘I-Spy’ - a journey around the garden looking for spring plants, animals and equipment - to themed storytelling and birds of prey displays.

But you can also sort out simple projects in your own garden, says Matthew Appleby, deputy editor at Horticulture Week, author, garden blogger and father-of-two, who is concerned that children are losing touch with nature.

“I see a ‘disconnect’ between children and nature - largely due to the rise of the internet,” he says.

‘I see a ‘disconnect’ between children and nature - largely due to the rise of the internet’ “A poll by Persil found that more than half of parents encourage their children to avoid messy activities such as gardening and baking. One in three children say that they did not like getting dirty, their preferred activities being televisionwatching and playing on video games.”

Some companies have made inroads into tempting youngsters into the garden with their child-friendly products. Seed Pantry, for instance, has launched a new Children’s Me Seeds Starter Kit, containing seeds to grow cress, sunflowers, pumpkins and sweetcorn, as well as all the compost discs, pots and labels you need to get started (£12.50, www.seedpantry.co.uk).

Attractive children’s tools and clothing have also made their mark, with companies such as Briers (www.briersltd.co.uk) providing everything children might need for their garden adventures.

THERE’S ALSO PLENTY OF IDEAS FOR CHILDREN’S PROJECTS IN APPLEBY’S LATEST BOOK, THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN. THESE INCLUDE: 

The all-you-can eat hanging basket: The beauty of this idea is you get so many miniprojects in one basket. Fill a lined basket with potting compost, plant a strawberry plant in the centre and add basil and dill plants round the edge. Marigolds provide edible petals and colour. Tumbling tomatoes can cascade down the sides. Hang at children’s eye level so they can feed and water.



Plant up an old handbag or high-heeled shoe.

Adults need to make a hole in the bottom, add some compost and let the child put in a plant, such as a pelargonium or chilli plant.



Seed bombs: Seed bomb some waste ground by mixing

seed, compost and dry clay powder to stick your bomb together. 

Create a miniature garden: These projects take gardening down to children’s eye level and make plants seem less intimidating. Use an old washing-up bowl or clean litter tray with some drainage holes in the base. Including children’s own toys - dolls, dinosaurs or fairies - gives them a sense of ownership. For a dinosaur garden, use prehistoric-looking plants such as small ferns and moss, plus creeping mint and thyme for the dinosaur models to creep along. An indoor mini garden follows the same principle. Use cacti and pebbles to create a desert cowboy scene.



If it rains, take growing inside. The old favourite of a cress head grown in an old pair of tights is great, but update it by using popcorn seeds - children prefer popcorn to cress. Use seeds sown on cotton wool stuffed in a pair of old tights and tied at the top. Place on a pot and water for a quick introduction to the magic of growing your own.  Plants for free. If you’re on a budget, cut-off tops of carrots, turnips, parsnips or beetroot will grow again on a saucer of water or in a pot. Or try pineapple tops using the same method, or avocado stones, balanced half over a glass of water.

THE CHILDREN’S GARDEN: LOADS OF THINGS TO MAKE & GROW by Matthew Appleby, is published by Frances Lincoln, priced £14.99.

AVAILABLE NOW

Wednesday 6th April 2016

LAND & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

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

Sites exercise. Sites will be assessed for their suitability under a process known as Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA).

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

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

As a result of this housing need, Tunbridge Wells are now inviting submissions to identify sites within the Borough as part of a Call for

Call Carol @ Firefiy Properties 01892 838363 for details carol@fireflyproperties.co.uk

we open doors for you ...

BarnesKingsnorth

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£280,000

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 9TH APRIL - PLEASE CALL TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT. A well-presented, end of terrace house that has been updated by the current owners and offers good room proportions and parking to the rear. Entrance porch with storage, double aspect sitting room with doors to the garden, double aspect modern kitchen/ dining room, 2 double bedrooms and modern bathroom with shower over the bath. Good size !awned garden to the rear, with large patio and driveway parking within the gates. Potential for enlargement subject to the necessary consents.

Apply Pembury

NORTH TONBRIDGE

£875,000

SITUATED IN HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF TOWN CENTRE AND MAIN LINE STATION OVERLOOKING PARKLAND TO THE FRONT this detached family home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, through living room, dining room, study, cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast/family room, double garage and gardens and is being sold with the benefit of NO CHAIN. Early inspection is highly recommended. EPC: TBC Apply Tonbridge

PEMBURY

£635,000

SPACIOUS AND FLEXIBLE ACCOMMODATION. This super 5 double bedroom detached home is a real tardis of a property and enjoys a large, sunny rear garden which is mainly lawn with a newly laid patio, timber workshop and brick outbuilding. In total, the plot extends to approximately 0.24 acre, with parking for several cars to the front. Updated by the current owners and offering scope for further enlargement, subject to the usual consents, if required, the accommodation is beautifully presented inside. Entrance hall, sitting room with woodburner, conservatory, kitchen/ dining room, ground floor shower room, 2 ground floor bedrooms/ receptions, 3 further bedrooms, bathroom and en-suite shower room. EPC: C Apply Pembury

Q} Primelocatior

Residential

t i'rightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings

Pembury: 01892 822880

Tonbridge: 01732 771616

Lettings: 01732 771616

e.pembury@bkea.co.uk

e.tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.l,kestatea1ents.com

WITH THE

NEW HOMES AND LETTINGS Exceptional new homes near marvellous school

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

Two remaining conversions in Grade-II listed building

Exquisite blend of rural life and city convenience

Stunning country house to let with pool, stables and tennis court Wednesday 6th April 2016

I~

LAS'F OPPORTUNITY ~ y 2 HOMES REMAINING!

111 "

-

-· KJ--

~

~

•

..

~4F~~~~~~,-=-==-=~

;J

..

J

.• I

If only the very best will do

Skinners' Kent Primary School moves from its temporary premises to its

for your little ones, look no further than Knights Wood's state-of-the-art new primary school. It definitely makes the grade

brand new purpose-built facilities at Knights Wood in September 2016.

Knights Wood offers a variety of exceptional new homes in a peaceful woodland setting in Royal Tunbridge Wells, with prices from ÂŁ350,000.

Our marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm, or please call us on 01892 800580 to find out more.

Knights Wood, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UW

. . Knight ~ Frank

dandara

new homes

 PROPERTY SECTION

WESTERHILL WESTERHILL ROAD, LINTON £4,950 PER MONTH

Gorgeous Grade II listed idyll with panoramic Weald views

S

ET close to the village of Coxheath, this superb country house is Grade II listed and now available to let. With an elevated position, the property benefits from far-reaching views over the Weald of Kent.

Believed to date from the 15th or early 16th century, with a later 18th-century façade added, this delightful oak-framed family home has been

Wednesday 6th April 2016

sympathetically remodelled and refurbished by the current owners.

They have retained many of the charming period features, while incorporating modern-day comforts, resulting in beautifully presented accommodation of over 5,700 sq ft.

The ground floor comprises an entrance hall with central hall and staircase, a drawing room,

sitting room, dining room and study, and a modern kitchen opening to a breakfast room, plus a cloakroom and an excellent utility room.

Additionally, a trap door leads down to a cellar with wine store.

On the first floor is a generous master bedroom with a dressing room and impressive en-suite bathroom, as well as a guest room with en-suite

shower room, three further bedrooms, a family bathroom and a shower room.

A sixth bedroom suite can be found on the second floor.

Outside there is parking, a garage, mature gardens, a swimming pool with pool house, a tennis court, a former coach house and stables.

The property is available to let unfurnished.

In association with EJ FINANCIAL LTD

Impartial Investment, Pension and Tax Planning

• Call 01892 655973 today for a FREE appointment

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE

n Impressive country house

n Guest suite with shower room

n Far-reaching views

n Three further first floor bedrooms

n Beautifully presented

n Family bathroom

n Entrance hall

n Shower room

n Central hall

n Sixth bedroom suite on top floor

n Drawing room

n Garage

n Sitting room

n Swimming pool and pool house

n Dining room

n Tennis court

n Study

n Former coach house

n Kitchen

n Stables

n Breakfast room

n Gardens and grounds

n Cloakroom

n Available to let unfurnished

n Utility room n Cellar wine store n Master suite with bedroom, bathroom and dressing room

£4,950 per month To let through Savills Lettings 01732 789765 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 6th April 2016

T-"!:AMPTONS

Beyond your expectations

11

www.hamptons.co.uk ·"""-· THESUNDAYTIMES

INTERNATIONAL

THE . . .TIMES

Tunbridge Wells £1795pcm This well-presented, two bedroom, upper floor apartment in the prestigious Post Office Square development, ideally located to take advantage of the lifestyle offered by the extensive amenities in Tunbridge Wells. EPC B

Frant £2200pcm An attractive three bedroom Wisteria-clad bay fronted period property situated in a wonderful position in the village of Frant which is beautifully presented throughout.

Tunbridge Wells £2995pcm This excellent four bedroom detached family house, built by Millwood Designer Homes in 2004, as a well arranged interior layout that is light and spacious and well presented throughout. EPC C

Hartfield £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 Sales. 01892 597607 I tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com

EPCD

Drl

WISMER HOUSE BELL ORCHARD, LONG MILL LANE, ST MARY'S PLATT, KENT TN15 8NA A charming 5 bedroom home with 4 reception rooms and over 2900sqft of living accommodation. Wismer sits in a large private plot with formal and informal gardens.

Completion Summer 2016 I Guide Price fl.45m

T: 01732 770991

sales@mdh.uk.com

Follow us for updates: ~ @MillwoodDHomes

www.millwooddesignerhomes.co.uk

b

millwooddhomes

f

MillwoodDHomes

COFFEE WEEK FEATURE ■

COFFEE TYPES AMERICANO – hot water added to espresso.

Strength is determined by how many espresso shots are added (usually single or double combined with between one and 16 fluid ounces of water) CAPPUCCINO – espresso, hot milk and steamed milk foam. Similar to a latte, it is typically smaller in volume with a thicker layer of foam and is often topped with cinnamon ESPRESSO – coffee brewed by forcing a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground and compacted coffee beans.

Thicker and more concentrated in flavour than other coffees FILTERED COFFEE – hot water passed slowly over roasted, ground coffee beans contained in a filter.

Also known as ‘drip brew’, it requires a finer grind of coffee than a cafetière FLAT WHITE – steamed milk and espresso. Similar to a cappuccino or a latte, but smaller in volume with a higher proportion of coffee to milk and a more velvety consistency FRAPPÉ – foam-covered iced coffee, usually made from instant or spray dried coffee. Initially

popular in Greece and Cyprus during the summer months, its availability has since spread across the globe IRISH – coffee combined with whiskey, cream and sugar. The coffee is consumed through the cream, which in turn traditionally isn’t whipped, although modern brews are often sold with whipped cream LATTE – espresso and steamed milk with a smaller amount of foam than a cappuccino on top. The ratio of espresso and milk generally tends to range from 1:3 to 1:5 MACCHIATO – espresso and foamed milk, with the former added to the latter, giving it a stronger, more aromatic flavour. Smaller than a latte or cappuccino and often a ‘layered’ drink MOCHA – a variant of a latte, with one third espresso and two thirds steamed milk. A portion of chocolate is added, often in the form of a syrup or powder

UK COFFEE WEEK

Runs from April 11 to 17.

To find out more, visit www.ukcoffeeweek.com

COFFEE AT A GLANCE

5OO BILLION cups of coffee served worldwide

42

number of coffee beans needed to make an espresso

941 MILLION retail amount in GBP spent on coffee by consumers

48%

of UK adults who drink fresh coffee

13,200

LITRES

coffee treat

67

O5.8

74%

percentage of UK adults who drink instant coffee

used to produce the world’s largest cup of coffee, winning the Guinness World Record in London

NUMBER OF CALORIES IN A BLACK COFFEE WITH NO ADDITIVES

250

MILES

TRAVELLED BY A COFFEEFUELLED CAR, FROM LONDON TO MANCHESTER. KNOWN AS THE ‘CAR-PUCCINO’, IT WAS POWERED BY THE EQUIVALENT OF 11,000 ESPRESSOS

BILLION estimated annual turnover in GBP for UK coffee shops

70MILLION cups of coffee consumed per day in the UK (approximately)

Wednesday 6th April 2016

68 ■ FOOD AND DRINK

Living pigs in clover Down onlike the farm Two weeks ago, in the first part of our chat with Jeremy Davis of Lynne’s Organic Farm in Eridge, he talked about his free-range hens. Now Jeremy tells us why he is so passionate about pigs – and reveals that he is one of only a few farmers producing organic pork meat in the UK

Eileen Leahy

D

OTTIE, Mrs T, Brucie and Lottie. These jolly names may sound like they’re characters from a children’s TV show, but they are in fact the affectionate monikers given to organic farmer Jeremy Davis’s beloved Saddleback pigs.

Brucie is a two-and-a-half-year-old boar and daddy to the 20 or so little piglets born to Mrs T et al who are running around the 16th-century woodland that surrounds Jeremy’s picturesque Eridge smallholding, named after his wife Lynne.

Jeremy has been raising the pedigree breed on his 40-acre organic farm for the past decade.

“There was a little bit of pig farming in my family but not an awful lot,” he explains while gently coaxing a grunting Brucie and very shy Dottie to come and say ‘hello’.

The former City worker decided to quit the rat race ten years ago in order to pursue his dream of running an organic

Wednesday 6th April 2016

farm, turning his ‘little bit’ of knowledge into a small yet successful operation which also boasts free-range chickens and all manner of seasonal fruit and vegetables.

“If you ask me: ‘Why should I buy organic?’ it’s because the difference between organic and non-organic is huge – particularly with pork,” states Jeremy.

“Pork has no regulation on what you call free range. The cheapest way to produce a pig is to keep it in an enclosed space and don’t let it move,” he continues. “It’ll eat less feed and put on more weight.”

Jeremy’s Saddlebacks couldn’t be in more different surroundings. They’re left to freely forage for food and as a result help to churn up the land which then cultivates it.

This rustic approach chimes in with Jeremy’s organic farming ethos of not using heavy duty machinery or chemicals to deliver quick results. It’s all about respecting the good earth and the livestock, which is why his farm was awarded Soil Association status in 2007.

“There are more organic fruit and veg growers than anything else,” Jeremy

THREE LITTLE PIGS Some of Jeremy’s Saddlebacks

says when commenting on organic farming as a whole. “But there are less organic egg producers and there are virtually no organic pork producers.”

This is what makes Jeremy’s distinctly

non-commercial operation so unique: “Not a lot of people can produce pork in their back garden,” he says wryly.

Then there’s the small fact that Jeremy has to make most of the equipment

needed to move the pigs every few months as it simply doesn’t exist.

“For example, non-organic pigs are kept in barns so there’s no call for arcs that you can move around. And you

FOOD AND DRINK ■

PLENTY TO SNOUT ABOUT Jeremy chats to his beloved pigs

can’t buy an outside feeder or drinker that you can move either. They’re all designed to be screwed into the ground.”

Does he enjoy having to come up with his own solutions in order to keep to his pigs happy,

‘The purpose of the shop is that we only sell what we produce’

healthy and living in the great outdoors?

“Sometimes it is frustrating – especially when it gets warm in the summer and the pigs rip up their drinker because they want to make a wallow in the ground – but there’s just nothing suitable on the market.”

Yet despite all this timeconsuming, hands-on effort it does result in great tasting meat which is sold in Jeremy and Lynne’s farm shop.

“The purpose of the shop is that we only sell what we produce,” affirms Jeremy.

“So if people come to us and they want to see the pigs, we say ‘by all means, go out and have a

look’. Then they actually know where their food comes from.”

Jeremy insists there’s no comparison between his pork products and the non-organic ones. He’d even go so far as saying you could be blindfolded and still taste the difference.

“Our most popular product is our bacon, it tastes sublime.

Saddlebacks are a renowned, brilliant bacon and gammon pig because they have a naturally higher level of fat. That’s because of the breed and because they live outside.”

The couple also sell sausages which Jeremy admits aren’t cheap but are proper pork.

“It’s a very competitive £3 for a

pack of bacon rashers and £4.50 for a pack of six sausages. The only thing we add to the latter is seasoning, which is organic wheat flour, salt and pepper.

We also do gluten-free sausages. I’ve tasted both and I can’t tell the difference.

“Some people love our roasting joints – shoulder is a particularly good all-rounder as the texture is better – and others go for chops or cured meats.

“We’re not a factory so we don’t have fresh pork every single weekend but we do sell some frozen cuts which are butchered just a couple of days beforehand meaning they are fresher than anything you’ll buy in the shops.”

Jeremy and Lynne provide The Blue Anchor in Crowborough with their meat but have no plans to expand any further.

“I don’t want to get to the stage where I’m looking at a field of pigs and I don’t know who their mother was or how old they are. That would completely lose it for me,” Jeremy confesses.

“To know the lineage, to know where they came from – that’s important. I look at them every day so I know whether they’re fat, thin, when they’re ready to go. You would lose all that familiarity when they got too many.”

Somehow that seems very unlikely to happen anytime soon…

69

WHEELS IN MOTION Jeremy’s little red tractor

GROWING HIS OWN Jeremy sells plenty of fruit and vegetables

LYNNE’S FARM SHOP

is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 to 5 For more information see: www.lynnesorganicfarm.org or visit Lynne’s Organic Farm, Limekiln Forest Road, Eridge TN3 9LQ

Wednesday 6th April 2016

il

th

Ap r

LA S En try T T C cl O os E H es N A Fr T N id ay ER CE 15

Are you a winner?

Businesses in and around Tunbridge Wells have embraced the new RTW Business Awards and we’ve received an influx of entries across all eleven categories. If you want to raise the profile of your company, generate new business and inspire your staff don’t miss this unique networking opportunity.

There’s still time to enter yourself or your business for an award. Or if you know a local company or individual that deserves recognition you can also make a personal nomination. Just send us their details and we will personally contact them to invite them to take part.

In the next two issues of the paper before the closing date on Friday 15th April, we will be running a special RTWBA feature showcasing entries just as we’ve done on pages 10 and 11 of today’s paper. Plus all shortlisted entries will be featured in an awards round-up in early May. Tickets are selling fast for the glittering awards ceremony which will take place at Salomons Estate on Thursday 19th May. We’re delighted that Edwina Currie, former government minister, author and broadcaster, will be hosting the evening. Tickets for the black tie event are available for £95 per person or £850 for a table of 10. Ticket price includes 3 course dinner and an allocation of wine per person.

To enter a category please visit: www.rtwba.co.uk New Business of the Year Sponsored By: Ansacom Green Company of the Year Sponsored By: Global Office Creative Business of the Year Sponsored By: Fox Marketing Services Corporate Social Responsibility Sponsored By: McMillan Williams Solicitors Business Hero of the Year Sponsored By: Easistore Family Business of the Year Sponsored By: Thomson Snell & Passmore Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored By: Infinity Group Young Business Person of the Year Sponsored By: Russell Fewin Commercial Facilities Solutions Service Excellence Award Sponsored By: Rent Locally Outstanding Business of the Year Sponsored By: Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors Times of Tunbridge Wells Readers’ Choice Award Sponsored By: MJ Exhibitions

To nominate a company for an award or buy tickets for the gala awards dinner please call: 01892 739 764 or email: info@RTWBA.co.uk Main Sponsors O F TUNBR IDGE WEL LS

WITH THE

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

FIRST DRIVE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

ROLLS-ROYCE DAWN

FACTS AT A GLANCE PRICE: £250,000 ENGINE: 6.6-litre petrol unit producing 563bhp and 575lb/t of torque TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic gearbox, rear-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds FUEL ECONOMY: 19.9 mpg combined EMISSIONS: 330g/km of CO2

By Matt Joy WHAT’S NEW? Before the arrival of the Dawn, the Phantom Drophead Coupe was the only convertible model in the Rolls-Royce line up, and tremendous though that car is, there was clearly a need for a slightly more manageable version with a lower price tag and broader appeal. With the smaller Ghost II saloon and Wraith proving there’s a market for cars beneath the Phantom range, the Dawn is designed to meet those desires.

Speak to Rolls-Royce about the Dawn and they explain how it’s designed to bring more sex appeal to the brand and attract younger customers – in fact, they go as far as describing it as ‘the sexiest RollsRoyce ever built’. That’s for you to judge, but the Dawn gets a unique exterior, folding fabric roof and four-seater cabin, as well as the brand’s superlative standards of refinement and build quality.

LOOKS AND IMAGE Choice is something of a misnomer when it comes to specifying your Dawn because you can have any colour you like, but it’s more crucial than ever to pick right when it comes to this particular car. More sober hues lend an air of discretion, but go for a lighter paint shade and a contrast roof and you can really see the modern influences. The Dawn has an almost California look to it, thanks to the wheelarches stretched tightly over the wheels and the slimmed down glass area.

It’s not so extreme as to frighten off older buyers, but at the same time, if you start seeing Dawns cropping up in LA-set music videos, don’t be surprised. This really is a Royce for the YouTube generation.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Rolls-Royce isn’t big on compromise either, so although the Dawn is billed as a 2+2, it’s a bit more generous than that. Up front, of course, there’s plenty of space, roof up or down, and although the wide centre console keeps you enclosed, it is in a comfortable manner.

The rear space however makes the Dawn a genuine four-seater. The seats themselves are supremely comfortable, and even sat behind a six-footer there’s good legroom available. The boot is more than sufficient to handle big luggage too, with up to 295 litres with the roof up and 244 with it down.

BEHIND THE WHEEL The roof is the key element to the Dawn driving experience. With it raised, the cabin is cocooned and remarkably quiet, due in part to the effort Rolls-Royce put in with the six layers of fabric and ‘French seam’ stitching. It lowers in 22 seconds and in beautifully-engineered silence, and you can lower it driving at up to 31mph.

However you have the roof, the Dawn delivers a sumptuous driving experience you simply can’t find elsewhere. While the physical differences between it and the Phantom are relatively small, the Dawn is more engaging to drive and happy to be hurried briskly along country roads, but still it always demands very little of you; the steering is accurate and the retuned suspension keeps it level and controlled without harming the magical ride quality.

The 6.6-litre V12 barely emits a murmur, but is always ready to provide rapid and effort-free acceleration. You can reach 62mph in just 4.9 seconds if required, however, it is the way the Dawn flows along with the road, gaining speed as easily as it sheds it and remaining unperturbed by the outside world, that makes it so special.

VALUE FOR MONEY There’s not much in the way of competition for the Dawn at its basic price of £250,000, with the more crucial factor being that it feels sufficiently special and luxurious. It’s spectacular to look at from the outside with a flawless finish, while inside there is a delightful mix of wood, leather and metal trim.

Only the occasional sliver of plastic puts some distance between it and the peerless Phantom.

More than anything, though, the Dawn provides an experience that makes even an ordinary journey feel extraordinary.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? More so than the rest of the Rolls-Royce range, the

Dawn does have a little more to offer the younger – and admittedly affluent – buyer. It’s still relatively ostentatious, but has grace and style even beyond its price tag. Regardless of their demographic, buyers are attracted to quality of design and thoughtfulness of execution, which the Dawn is a perfect example of. Rolls-Royce remains the world’s finest builder of motor cars for good reason.

THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD: Magnificent.

IF THIS CAR WAS A...

Royal it would probably be the Duke of Cambridge.

Dignified, but still young at heart.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

72 n MOTORING

\

~

j

THAMES MOTOR GROUP TUNBRIDGE WELLS, LONGFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 3EY. TEL: 01892 549766 WWW.THAMESMOTORGROUP.CO.UK Fuel consumption figures for new Fiat 500 range in mpg (11100km): Urban 51.4 (5.5) - 68.9 (4.1); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) - 94.2 (3.0); Combined 60.1 (4.7) - 83.1 (3.4). C0 2 emissions 110 - 88 g/km. Fuel consumption and C0 2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. *Uconnect™ LIVE systems, where available, require a data enabled smartphone to use. Promotion available on new Fiat 500 Lounge 1.2 Series 4 models registered by 30th June 2016. Fiat Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Fiat i-Deal PCP. With Fiat i-Deal you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating dealers only.

Fiat Financial Services, PO BOX 4465 , Slough, SL1 ORW. We work with a number of creditors including Fiat Financial Services.

Model shown is New Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp at £18,975 OTR incl. Stromboli Grey Special Paint at £525. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 29.7 - 60.1 mpg (9.5 - 4.7 lj100km) ; Extra Urban 54.3-88.3 mpg (5.2 - 3.2 l/100km); Combined 41.5 - 74.3 mpg (6.8 - 3.31/100km). C0 2 emissions 157- 99 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO, figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. 'Customer deposit is £1,559. Optional Final Payment is £5,593. Contract Term is 48 months. Promotion available on New Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 hp at £18,975 OTR registered between 1st April and 30th June 2016. Alfa Deposit Contribution only available in conjunction with Alfa Romeo Preferenza PCP. With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good condition. Finance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL! ORW. We work with a number of creditors including Alfa Romeo Financial Services.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

MOTORING NEWS 

Double the danger in the digital age…

NEW data suggests the risk of an accident almost doubles when using a mobile phone at the wheel.

Wunelli, a provider of vehicle telematics for insurance companies, and insurance broker Drivology, gathered data on more than 4,000 drivers over a period of 18 months,

HANG UP Research suggests using phones while driving increases accidents

including data on journeys made with hands-free and illegal handheld mobile phone use, with the results suggesting that driver performance is affected in both scenarios.

Hard braking events – G-force sufficient to propel a handbag on to

the floor – occur approximately once every 50 miles with an average driver, but Wunelli established that for drivers using a hand-held mobile, these events increase by 75per cent, and 20per cent for those using hands-free.

The data also revealed that men are almost twice as likely to use their phone illegally at the wheel, while drivers of either sex between the ages of 25 and 35 most frequently commit this offence.

A majority of illegal phone calls are made on roads with a speed limit of 40mph or less, where accidents are 11 times more likely to occur compared to motorways.

The data also showed that drivers using a phone illegally tend to drop their speed by a third on average, suggesting a high level of distraction.

Paul Stacy, founding director of Wunelli, said: “Driving a car is the most dangerous activity most people will ever do.

“The fact we all started to use phones in our cars ten years before the Government in the UK banned use while driving means we need to rethink our attitude to mobile phone use, and mute the mobile when we make a journey.”

73

Barclay battling bands BEST known for its high performance tyres, Firestone is looking to promote unsigned musical acts in partnership with the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham.

Launched at an Ellie Goulding performance at the Barclaycard Arena, the Firestone Stage will give unsigned acts the chance to perform in the pre-show entertainment arena at selected events over the coming months in front of tens of thousands of people.

The stage will also play host to Firestone’s annual Battle of the Bands competition, where acts compete to win personalised

Marshall amplifiers and the chance to perform on stage in front of big audiences.

Firestone will also have a large presence at this year’s Download Festival, the largest UK rock festival, which takes place in June at Donington Park.

Artists wishing to submit material for consideration can do so by posting a video of their performance on the Barclaycard Arena Facebook page or Tweet a link to @BCardArena with the hashtag #FirestoneBham.

Submissions will be reviewed and a representative from the Barclaycard Arena will be in touch with selected applicants.

FIRESTONE STAGE A chance for new talent to shine

Wednesday 6th April 2016

74 n MOTORING Our premises are lacated at Kingstanding Way Business Park in Tunbridge Wells.

We invite all new and seasoned enthusiasts to visit us today to find out more about our classic car restoration services.

We will use our experience to advise you on the best way to restore your classic, vintage or collectible car, and help you to revive its past glories.

• Fram full graund up restaratian ta summer check aver • Specialist mig and tig welding Full engine and gearbax rebuilds • We can lacate hard ta find parts, • In hause machining facilities • Vapaur blasting • Everything yau need ta care far yaur classic car ...

• Baak yaur mDT anline with us Contact details: H-Engineering Unit 12, 2, Kingstanding Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UP 01892 549 042

I

www.h-engineering.com

q

I" \{,ctoriaRrt .~. El

Repairs MOT Testing Annual & Routine Servicing Air Conditioning Courtesy Cars Quality Parts

Wednesday 6th April 2016

MOTORING n

75

CAFFYNS PRICE • 15" 'Marsala' alloy wheels • Air Conditioning • DAB Digital Radio • Bluetooth

LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE, DON'T MISS OUT! CALL 01892 515700 TODAY!

£3,245 SAVING

TECHNOLOGY TO ENJOY CAFFYNS SEAT TUNBRIDGE WELLS Lambert Rd, North Farm Ind Est, Tunbridge Wells TN3 3EL

Tel: 01892 515700 www.caffyns.eo.uk/seat

~'~ 1,t Motability Theleodingcorschemefordiscbledpeople

Official fuel consumption for the SEAT range in mpg (litres per 100km); urban 30.1 (9.4) • 67.3 (4.2); extra-urban 42.8 (6.6) • 91 .1 (3.1); combined 37.2 (7.6) • 80.7 (3.5). (02 emissions 178 • 92 g/km. Standard EU testfiguresforcomparative purposes and may notreflect real driving results. Vehicles are shown for illustration purposes only. These offers supersede all previously advertised offers. Prices correct at time of going to press. Offers are subject to availability. Lice need credit brokers, written details available on request, finance is subject to status. E&OE. 15148

Wednesday 6th April 2016

76  TRAVEL

Nevis’s unique beachfront paradise

Ben Wright

A

HUMMINGBIRD buzzes past me as I relax in my private pool, mulling over whether I should spend the rest of the day here or at the beach. I watch intently as the small bird pauses to hover above a pink hibiscus flower, but before I even have time to pick up my camera it darts off at an

Wednesday 6th April 2016

impossible speed. It’s no coincidence that these tireless birds are a common sight around the gardens of Paradise Beach on the West Indies island of Nevis, as the gardeners have specifically selected oleander, firecracker and hibiscus plants to attract them to the grounds stretching down to the peaceful beach.

Located at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles archipelago and neighbouring St Kitts, picturesque Nevis was originally named Oualie

(land of the beautiful waters) by early Caribs.

Much quieter than other Caribbean islands, it’s an unspoilt idyll overflowing with flora and fauna. Last year saw the opening of the luxurious seven-villa Paradise Beach resort, which offers the only beachfront villas on the island – with concierge and butler service – and meticulous care has been taken in the design of the villas to ensure the resort lives up to its name.

Each bungalow has its own pool with cabana

for eating al fresco, as well as loungers where you can lie back and enjoy your own corner of paradise.

The indulgence continues inside with a giant four-poster bed dominating the master bedroom, along with a powerful outdoor rain shower in the en suite, which is so welcoming and decadent I find any excuse to have yet another shower.

The air-conditioned villas, with Balinese glass walls and sliding doors overlooking the gardens

TRAVEL 

BEACHFRONT VILLAS The only ones on the island

MASTER BEDROOM Four-poster with a view

ISLAND VIEWS Nevis and St Kitts are close to each other

and ocean, are decorated with tastefully chosen artefacts from around the world, and are fitted with bespoke furniture complete with sofas and cushioned daybeds.

And for those who cannot fully shed the real world, there is Wi-Fi throughout, plus flat-screen televisions in each room and even an office space. At the centre of the living space is a fully- equipped

EASY EXPLORATION Nevis is only six miles wide

kitchen allowing you to enjoy the gourmet delights of the island without having to leave your bungalow. The resort can provide a chef to prepare meals for you, or those keen to show off their culinary skills can conjure up dishes at their own convenience. A butler will happily stock the fridge with all the locally-sourced ingredients you could wish for.

One evening our cook, Paulette, prepares a traditional meal of mahi-mahi fish and fried plantains, and each morning she awakes our senses with a range of zesty juices.

She also introduces us to the Nevitian breakfast speciality of saltfish with Caribbean Johnny cakes – a delightful break from my usual muesli routine.

Another highlight of the resort is its tranquil beach, which has its own bar and loungers. There’s a wonderful view across to the neighbouring island of St Kitts and guests can rent kayaks and paddleboards for an afternoon of soft adventure on the calm sea.

While swimming in the bath-warm Caribbean waters, I’m amazed to see a frigate bird as large as a pterodactyl circling above, before flying off to play-fight with its friends. Below the surface there are also many unusual creatures to admire. Keen scuba divers can explore the surrounding reefs, wrecks and volcanic vents, and those lucky enough may even encounter giant leatherback and hawksbill turtles.

Guests can reach higher states of relaxation by taking part in jet lag-busting yoga sessions on the beachside decking, or by enjoying massages in their rooms or accompanied by the sounds of the waves on the beach.

The feeling of escape and privacy goes beyond the borders of the resort. Nevis, which has a population of just 12,000, was the hideaway of choice for Princess Diana and also delighted Horatio Nelson, who was stationed here and ended up marrying Fanny Nisbet, the daughter of a plantation owner.

At only six miles across, the island, serviced by a small airport, is easily accessible by bicycle or car and only a short ride from the resort is the capital Charlestown, a quaint high street of souvenir shops, banks and local stores, all painted in the bright colours of the Caribbean.

Nearby are equally colourful, relaxed bars and restaurants serving high-quality spicy seafood accompanied by potent rum cocktails.

77

No trip is complete without a Killer Bee concoction at Sunshine’s or grilled red snapper at Bananas Restaurant.

At the centre of the green island is the ‘potentially active’ volcano Nevis Peak. One morning we set off to explore its densely forested slopes with the help of our local guide, Baba, who leads us on a trek to some spectacular waterfalls. Along the way we stop to study the vegetation and he explains the many creative uses islanders have for the different bark and plants. Sarsaparilla is apparently used to ‘boost sexual energy’.

But whether hiking the forests, taking catamaran trips to snorkel with luminescent fish or enjoying sunset horseback rides, my lasting memory of Nevis is of a blissful retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

TRAVEL FACTS Ben Mitchell was a guest of ITC Luxury Travel (01244 355527; www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk) who offer trips from £1,369 per person based on six adults sharing a threebedroom villa on a room-only basis, including return economy flights. This offer represents a saving of up to £370 per person and is valid for travel completed by April 30, 2016. Bookings must be made before April 22, 2016.

For more information on the resort, visit www.paradisebeachnevis.com

Wednesday 6th April 2016

78 � WHAT’S ON SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy

Local events >> WEDNESDAY APRIL 6 The Angel Centre in Tonbridge’s A Team holiday club finishes this week. The afternoon drop-in sessions offer children a wide array of activities including trampolining, gymnastics, golf, rollerblading and so much more. The afternoon club runs until this Friday April 8.

Giselle will be broadcast live from the Royal Opera House this evening at 7.15pm to three different venues in the area – The Kino in Hawkhurst, the Uckfield Picture House and the Odeon cinema in Tunbridge Wells. So if you’re a fan of romantic ballet make sure you have your seat booked! Over at the Trinity Theatre at 7.30pm there will be a performance by the Tap Factory. Audiences can expect plenty of energetic dance routines and inspiring visual theatricals.

Zee Bar in Tunbridge Wells will also be hosting its weekly Learn to Salsa classes from 8.30-9.30pm. [Right] >> THURSDAY APRIL 7 If you’re stuck for something to do with your little ones over the Easter holidays then take them along to see Rapunzel Rocks at

If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages please email info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Trinity. This fun production of the classic fairytale has a rock and roll soundtrack and plenty of visual delights for children and adults alike. It kicked off yesterday and runs until Saturday April 9. Performance times vary so please check Trinity’s website for further details.

Mayfield school starts its run of the classic Anton Chekhov play The Seagull tonight. In this particular interpretation, written by Tom Stoppard, the drama focuses on the four central characters, writer Boris Trigorin, the ingenue Nina, the fading actress Irina Arkadina, and her son, the symbolist playwright Konstantin Tréplev.

Performances start at 7.30pm in the school’s concert hall. >> FRIDAY APRIL 8 This is the last day to participate in the Holiday Happenings at the Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery. Running from 10.30-12.30 and 2-4pm these free sessions provide lots of Easter egg-themed crafting tasks for children of all ages.

This evening at 7.30pm there will be

BIG EASTER BREAK Penshurst Place a production of Puccini’s Tosca performed by Ellen Kent productions at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells. Boasting a stunning set and impressive cast, which includes international soloists and a boys’ choir, this infamous tale of love and betrayal is a must for any opera fans.

On a different musical note, jazz pianist Ed Watts will be tinkling the ivories at the Scallywag Café from 8pm. >> SATURDAY APRIL 9 The special Easter-themed events around the area come to an end this week. At Penshurst Place you can enjoy the final two days of its Big Easter Break where there are fun trails to follow and children can learn about the lives of animals who live underground. Over at Groombridge Place, kids will love the Alice In Wonderland adventures on offer which include favourite scenes from the much loved Lewis Carroll classic being performed as well as crafting and face-painting sessions. If you’re a fan of classical music don’t miss Handel’s Messiah being interpreted by The Merry Opera Company at King Charles the Martyr Church in Tunbridge Wells, tonight at 7.30pm. >> SUNDAY APRIL 10 The Odeon cinema hosts another of its live streaming cultural events today at 4pm. This time it’s Bolshoi’s Don Quixote. This timeless ballet is based on Miguel de Cervantes’ famous novel of the same name which is widely considered to be one of the greatest works of fiction. If you’re not already familiar, this is a tale of a Spanish nobleman who reads so many chivalric novels that he goes insane and decides to become a knight. >> MONDAY APRIL 11 This is the last week to catch Rich Clark’s exhibition: Landscape and Coastal Photography on display at Javabean café on Tunbridge Wells High Street. The local photographer is showcasing his wealth of scenic and seascape photographs which will also be available to buy until April 14.

Tonight at 7pm the Uckfield Picture House will be broadcasting a live screening of another famous opera.

This time it’s the Met’s interpretation of Puccinni’s Madama Butterfly. Kristine Opolais and Roberto Alagna star in this epic tale of unrequited love.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

MADAMA BUTTERFLY At the Picture House Uckfield

>> TUESDAY APRIL 12 As the weather improves it’s time to start getting out and about with your little ones. Bedgebury Pinetum is hosting its popular Stick Man interactive trail inspired

by Julia McDonald’s book of the same name. The activity encourages children to hunt for sticks and pine cones in order to make their very own Stick Man. The trail is free but you can buy a special supporting activity pack which costs £3. Today the Odeon cinema in Tunbridge Wells will be screening an exhibition entitled Painting The Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse. This innovative idea enables audiences to appreciate the works of the great impressionists from the comfort of their cinema seat, without having to travel to London or queue up in a gallery.

ADVERTISING FEATURE n

s-pec~vt L~s~V\,g ~V\, VI ~g VI q uvt L~ttj Lvt V1volscv1-pe coV1vstiruct~oV1v

Contacts us on 01892 890080 I 07775 567397 follow us on I) ~

www.wwlandscapes.co.uk

79

~ BALI REGISTERED

Where you will find one of the largest selections of quality carpets, quick step laminates, Alternative Flooring and structured wood from Woodpecker. We promise to help you make the right choice to suit your home and your budget, with professional fittings and advice. Please telephone for a free measure and estimate. Appointments for home selection available.

RUGS UP TO HALF PRICE

Wednesday 6th April 2016

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

Paul Dunton

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

Live music Make sure you venture out this week and catch some amazing live music.

There is plenty to choose from! My top picks of the week are as follows: For Blues lovers I highly recommend the Blues with Bottle Club at The Cross Keys pub this Friday evening which features Dave Ferra’s Blues Allstars.

The Violet Jive will be at The Grey Lady this Saturday night offering a full band set of their renowned retro swing sound with feverish Latino curves and fresh alternative grooves.

Further options for Saturday night include popular local singer-songwriter Tom Haacke who will be performing a fresh mix of contemporary originals and standards at The Bedford Pub. Psychedelic Saturday at The Forum features three superb bands: Pre-Med, Sarah Tonin, and We are Bandicoot. Sunday night also features Echoic, The Reckostacks and Silent Crowd.

For acoustic fans I recommend local band The Floodgates who are headlining The Grey Lady this Sunday evening supported by Cacao, Zoe Eve and James & Grace Carroll.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk Thursday – Black Peaks + Palm Reader + Toska + MassMatiks FRIDAY – Hang The Bastard SATURDAY – Psych Night: Pre-Med, Sarah Tonin, We are Bandicoot SUNDAY – Echoic, The Reckostacks, Silent Crowd

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www.pdag. co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk WEDNESDAY – Jack Leon Mackey, Natalia Gonzalez – Morales, The Breaks, Megan Jordan FRIDAY – Betts & The Boys SATURDAY – The Violet Jive SUNDAY – Cacao, Zoe Eve, James & Grace Carroll, The Floodgates TUESDAY – Ed Jones, Milly Rusling, Lui Dodds, Emily Watts WEDNESDAY – Angel Octavia Blue, The Rosie Pennie Band, Storm Engine The Floodgates

THE BEDFORD PUB

2 High Street Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late SATURDAY – Tom Haacke NO.9 SMOKEHOUSE

9 Nevill Street Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late FRIDAY – Jinn House

THE CROSS KEYS St John’s Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk WEDNESDAY – Sonny’s Jazz: Paul & The Nocasters + Guests FRIDAY – Blues with Bottle Club: Dave Ferra’s Blues Allstars SUNDAY – TARC Open Mic Night MONDAY – TWURPS – Ukulele Beginners Session WEDNESDAY – Sonny’s Jazz: refer to venue website above

THE VELO HOUSE 5 St John’s Road Open all day, tickets and details of all live music events at www.thevelohouse.com or phone 01892 554500 WEDNESDAY (13th) – Velo House Music Club: Marcus Bonfanti CASSIDY’S SPORTS BAR

Castle Street Open all day, free entry, music from 9pm till late FRIDAY – Broken

SCALLYWAG

45 Mount Ephraim Open all day, music from 7.30pm, entry charge for music may apply WEDNESDAY – Carradine’s Cockney Singalong FRIDAY – Ed Watts Jazz Piano

THE ROYAL OAK

Prospect Road Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards SATURDAY – Duvet Dogs MONDAY – Open Mic/Jam Session

THE DUKE OF YORK

The Pantiles Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm till late MONDAY – Nick Wilson’s Open Mic Night

THE PUNCH & JUDY

11 St Stephens Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm TUESDAY – Titus

Wednesday 6th April 2016

Life through a lens

We chat to local artist Rich Clark who is currently exhibiting his work at the Javabean café in Tunbridge Wells about his love of photography and why the countryside and coastline inspire him

By Eileen Leahy How did you get started in photography?

It had always been a hobby but the costs of working with film were prohibitive. When digital came along, I had just taken voluntary redundancy from my business development job in London which allowed me more time to get out and shoot. I sold a few images online and a friend asked me to cover their wedding. One job led to another and I was suddenly considering it as a career.

Had you always wanted to be one from a very young age?

In my teens I idolised some of the larger than life music scene photographers and I can certainly remember thinking I could be the next big thing in surf photography. My parents however had other ideas. . .

What is it about photography that you enjoy most?

I believe it is the ability to control time, to freeze a moment that will never be repeated. Photography satisfies my need to create and it allows me a means to easily share my enjoyment of the outdoors.

What would you say is your principal source of inspiration?

I grew up living close to the sea so I loved to surf and go to the beach. The outdoors have always been my ‘go to’ place to unwind. My images very much reflect my emotions within the landscape. I love to capture the colour, energy and textures of the landscape. When I work within it I tend to forget time, which in an increasingly hectic world is no bad thing. The landscape also changes with time, with light and throughout the seasons providing a constant source of inspiration.

What do you find most alluring about the local countryside?

We are blessed with some truly beautiful landscapes.

With Ashdown Forest on our doorstep, the Downs just a short drive away and the coast within easy reach we enjoy great variety here in the South East.

I often travelled further afield for the spectacular vistas, looking for rugged coastlines but I have come to appreciate what we have closer to home. I continue to see new locations, new areas of interest all the time.

Do you have any favourite places to photograph?

I’ve recently spent a lot of time creating images at Eridge Rocks, Harrison’s Rocks and around the fringes of Ashdown Forest. I’ve travelled widely within the UK and Cornwall is somewhere that’s always close to my heart. Over recent years I’ve loved exploring the Isles of Harris, Lewis and the Uists in the Outer Hebrides. My wife Ailsa hails from Pitlochry in the Scottish Highlands and this has given me greater opportunity

to explore Scotland. I try hard to find something in every landscape, be it natural, made, the wider vistas or the details at my feet. On the South Coast I love Birling Gap, Cuckmere Haven, Dungeness and the Pett Levels.

Who would you cite as your favourite photographers?

I first loved the monochrome work of American landscape photographer Ansel Adams and the gritty rock and roll portraits of Dutch photographer Anton Corbijn. I admire the bold simplicity of Rothko’s work and Turner’s images of the sea always excite me.

Modern British landscape photographers such as Charlie Waite, Joe Cornish and David Ward provide continual inspiration.

What advice would you give to any budding photographers out there?

With the rapid onset of digital technology the industry has become very competitive over recent years. Those interested in making a career out of photography really need to find a niche that they can excel in. You have to work hard, create high-class images and know how to market them effectively.

Have you got any other exhibitions or exciting projects coming up?

I’ve been asked to exhibit in Crowborough later this year at the Community Centre. I’m currently seeking funding to complete a project based in Newlyn, Cornwall and I want to get back to the Hebrides to document the coastal communities in the islands.

I’m always looking for local venues to exhibit in.

Rich Clark’s Landscape and Coastal exhibition is on at Javabean until April 14. For more information on his work visit www.richclarkphotography.co.uk MAKING WAVES Rich Clark’s Church Cove I

Entertainment that spans generations

FAMILY FUN DAY SATURDAY 9 APRIL

Advance tickets ÂŁ17

82 n ARTS & CULTURE

To stream or not to stream, Live screening productions from some of the world’s most prestigious venues, such as the National Theatre, into local cinemas has now become a major trend that generates millions every year. Eileen Leahy discovers why promoters are so keen to make the arts accessible to everyone and why audiences enjoy this unique cinematic experience so much…

HAMLET Millions were eager to see Benedict Cumberbatch take on the role

Wednesday 6th April 2016

THERE was a time when going to the opera or ballet meant you were in the upper echelons of society – not to mention culturally highbrow.

Then, of course, there was the matter of what you could and couldn’t wear to these elitist and often very expensive occasions. Black tie and ballgowns were pretty much the only attire permitted if you were off to see La Bohème or Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Opera House.

How things have changed over the past few years. Now you can enjoy a wide variety of the world’s finest ballets, theatre performances and operas live, locally, and for a mere fraction of the original ticket price – in clothes as casual as you like.

When the curtain goes up at the Royal Opera House or the National Theatre, audiences around the country can also enjoy the thrill at the very same time as their theatre counterparts.

The reason for this is because live streaming of theatrical productions, which is the process of broadcasting real-time, live video footage to an audience via the internet, has now become incredibly popular and also very lucrative. It’s worth an impressive £12.5million in the UK. One of the first theatre companies to live stream was the New York Metropolitan Opera, who helped to pioneer the concept in 2006.

Since then many British production houses, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Glyndebourne and the English National Opera, have also followed suit.

There are a number of places you can catch live streaming in the local area such as the Picture House in Uckfield, Hawkhurst’s Kino cinema and Trinity Theatre and Odeon cinema in Tunbridge Wells.

This month alone, Odeon audiences will be treated to live screenings of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 400th birthday celebrations for William Shakespeare, as well as the Bolshoi Ballet’s Don Quixote and also an art exhibition entitled ‘Painting The Modern Garden: Monet To Matisse’.

ARTS & CULTURE 

83

that is the question ‘We try to present a mixture of original productions and the much loved classics.

It enables us to engage with new audiences and overcome the barriers of geography and cost’

CAPTURING IT LIVE Cameras home in on Hamlet

LA TRAVIATA From the Royal Opera House

“Live events are perfectly suited to the big screen,” an Odeon spokesperson told me. “The amazing cinema sound and multiple camera views give guests a unique vantage that they wouldn’t get at home or even at the theatre. We feel that this is a great way to give people more access to arts and culture. At Tunbridge Wells the feedback from guests has been incredible.”

Trinity will be showing the National Theatre’s Hangmen on April 21 as well as a number of Glyndebourne’s productions starting with the Barber of Seville on June 21.

“Not only do these broadcasts make performances accessible, they also open up the world to us,” says Trinity’s John Martin.

“We have had performances from Russia, Broadway and Australia as well as London. The other bonus is audiences have access to shows that are sold out and extremely difficult to get tickets for.

“Also all the evidence is indicating that these broadcasts are raising interest in live theatre rather than moving people away from it.”

When we spoke to the Royal Opera House’s Sophie Wilkinson about the trend she told us: “We hope by introducing these art forms there will be an increased interest in ballet, opera and

theatre across the board from regional theatres and touring companies.

“We try to present a mixture of original productions and the much loved classics. It enables us to engage with new audiences and overcome the barriers of geography and cost.”

The Royal Opera House’s live transmissions of prestigious productions such as La Traviata and Giselle have been screened all over the world reaching audiences in as many as 35 countries.

For the National Theatre the number is even greater. Since their first screening of Racine’s Phèdre starring Helen Mirren in 2009 they have reached 4.5 million people in 50 countries.

Their biggest single production to date is Hamlet which starred Benedict Cumberbatch and was seen by 450,000 people in 2015.

Martin Shippen, a spokesperson for the National Theatre explains: “We began National Theatre Live as a way to increase access to our work for those audiences who might not otherwise have the opportunity to see it.

“We have been thrilled by the enthusiastic response we have received. The history of filmed theatre doesn’t have a great track record, so we went into the series as something of an experiment, but feel we have very successfully captured the productions, honouring the integrity of the work created for our stages.”

The National Theatre has also collaborated with other performance companies, including the Donmar Warehouse, and also streamed live from the Manchester International Festival.

“Whilst we could never replicate the experience of actually sitting in the theatre,” continues Martin, “the broadcasts retain something of the feeling of live performance and there is a real sense of event, with so many people around the world connected and sharing in the experience.”

One venue that isn’t considering a move to live cinema streaming is the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells.

Adam Chalmers, Head of Partnerships and Engagement for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, admits that live screenings offer a great opportunity to bring theatre, ballet and opera performances from stage to screen but they are happy to let others do it.

“We are fortunate that the town is so well served

by Trinity as it enhances our existing cultural offer,” he says.

“The Assembly Hall Theatre brings West End tours and visiting opera and ballet companies live to our stage and both theatres continue to complement each other.”

Yet although seeing something performed live on stage is always preferable, it’s fair to say that seeing a classic opera or groundbreaking piece of contemporary theatre in a local venue that doesn’t require a fussy dress code plus a theatre ticket that’s affordable is certainly a pretty good substitute.

ROMEO AND JULIET

By The Royal Ballet

Wednesday 6th April 2016

84 � RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND SEVENOAKS

Term Time Teachers • Teachers, TAs & support staff required for day to day, short/long term and permanent positions.

• We are the local supply service with an open door policy to call in any time to discuss personally your requirements.

• Term Time Teachers has been established for 15 years with a dedicated and experienced team.

• Recognised for our professionalism by our schools, our teachers, TAs, supporting staff and the local authorities.

Tel: 01892 676076 office@termtimeteachers.co.uk www.termtimeteachers.co.uk

Wednesday 6th April 2016

RECRUITMENT n

85

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PLACE AN ADVERT CONTACT OUR SALES DEPARTMENT ON 01892 779624

WORK WITH US Commercial Account Manager – Publishing (Tunbridge Wells)

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.

Commercial Sales Manager - Publishing (Tunbridge Wells)

As part of a small, but very successful and ambitious team,

£25k basic per annum + £18k OTEyou + Benefits Package for developing and implementing a will be responsible

successful sales strategy, achieving the agreed revenue targets both weekly and monthly in allocated categories. You will ensure One Media UK Ltd, part of the award-winning Markerstudy This role requires a highly structured and proactive approach targets are exceeded and will maintain successful relationships with key accountsand through clients directly and via agencies.are generated every day within the agreed Group, is currently looking to attract experienced proven to ensure revenues

commercial talent to work with new and across existing across guidelines from the relevant markets.

Selling bothclients newspaper and magazine publications, you will make yourself and your brand within the local its publishing portfolio.

It famous is 100% results focused.

lifestyle brand world, establishing and maintaining strong For the right individuals, we offer a highly attractive salary commercial relationships and maximising revenues.

As part of a small, but very successful and ambitious team,

and benefits package, along with strong career progression This role requires a highly structured and proactive approach you will be responsible for developing and implementing opportunities. to ensure revenuesrevenue are generated every day within the agreed a successful sales strategy, achieving the agreed guidelines from the relevant markets. It is 100% results focused. targets both weekly and monthly in allocated categories. You For more details and to apply for this exciting role, please For the right individuals, we offer a highly attractive salary will ensure targets are exceeded and will maintain successful and benefits package, along with strong careerLara progression contact Milan: lmilan@markerstudy.com relationships with key accounts through clients directly and opportunities. via agencies.

One Media UK Ltd is part of the Markerstudy Group of For more details and to apply for this exciting role, please companies.

Lara publications, Milan: lmilan@markerstudy.com Selling across both newspaper andcontact magazine

you will make yourself and your brand famous within the local One Media UK Ltd is part of the Markerstudy Group of companies. lifestyle brand world, establishing and maintaining strong commercial relationships and maximising revenues.

Wednesday 6th April 2016

86 ■ THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Kent Barker Country matters

Hardly learning the lesson of localism

W

E’VE got an excellent primary school in my village. It’s currently housed in an ancient and inadequate building, but Kent County Council, the education authority, is about to build brand new premises nearby. It’s a tribute to the school’s governors and parents that pressure has been kept on KCC to find the considerable sums of money needed.

The governors – and in particular the parent governors – provide a real link from the community to the school and back again. One is on the Parish Council and she reports on scholastic activities and achievements at each meeting.

You might not be too surprised to learn that I live in a staunchly Conservative area. We have a Tory MP. Our one county councillor and three borough councillors are all Conservative. At election time there is a sea of blue posters, a very thin smattering of Lib Dem yellow ones, and just one house that overtly supports Labour (I’ll leave you to guess whose that is).

So you might have thought that the government’s recent ‘academisation’ (what an ugly word) programme for all schools, including

Wednesday 6th April 2016

primaries, would be welcomed round here. But not so. The Conservative-run Kent County Council opposes wholesale transformation and condemns ‘upheaval on this scale’ as unjustified.

“The view that the local authority is an obstacle to schools is just not true,” says Roger Gough, KCC Cabinet Member for Education.

Mind you, that’s quite mild compared to the views of other Shire Tories. “What on earth are we doing so wrong that we need to be abolished?

I am a lifelong Conservative, but this statement of policy could lead to the country’s education system imploding,” says Councillor Peter Edgar, Executive Member for Education on Hampshire County Council. And his counterpart at Oxford County Council, which encompasses the Prime Minister’s Witney constituency, believes it’s the ‘wrong time, in the wrong place’ for little primary schools to be forced into becoming academies.

The National Union of Teachers is also staunchly opposed to the policy, and not just because they would lose national negotiating rights for their members. Christine Blower, NUT General Secretary, said: “Voices of parents,

VILLAGE TRIUMPH A new primary school is on the way courtesy of Kent County Council governors and the local community are being silenced by a government that does not believe in proper democratic accountability in our schools.”

And it’s the removal of that local link that’s of most concern to people round here, whatever their political persuasion. The views were trenchantly summarised in the foreword to the 2011 Localism Act. “For too long, central government has hoarded and concentrated power. Trying to improve people’s lives by imposing decisions, setting targets and demanding inspections from Whitehall simply doesn’t work. It creates bureaucracy. It leaves no room for adaptation to reflect local circumstances or innovation to deliver services more effectively and at lower cost. And it leaves people feeling ‘done to’ and imposed upon – the very opposite of the sense of participation and involvement on which a healthy democracy thrives.”

And who do you think penned those words?

Why, Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. In other words a cabinet minister in the very same government that is now ‘hoarding

and centralising’ power away from county councils and other local education authorities and putting it in the hands of the Whitehall bureaucrats.

But even if the government can find some fig leaf to justify removing accountability to elected councillors from the schools system, surely abolishing parent governors is a step too far? Of all the areas in which local voices can be heard and local influence felt, the parent governor must surely be the most significant. You might even have expected this government to want MORE parental influence on schools not less.

I served for a while as a school governor. It wasn’t a particularly enthralling experience. We were burdened with vast amounts of paperwork and had extremely limited powers. The most important thing we were supposed to do was appoint the head and deputy head teacher. But you’d go a long way to find any group of people less qualified so to do. Most of us were there because we were members of trade unions or political parties. So I’m not seeking to justify the whole system. But I did find that the people who spoke most sense in meetings and had a real handle on what was going on in the school were the parent governors. Remove them and you lose any local oversight. For our village primary school ‘academisation’ would seem wholly unnecessary and irrelevant. But if it were to go hand in hand with the removal of parent governors as the white paper suggests, I think it would be a disaster. A view shared by a surprising number of local Tories.

A Summertime offer

you Will not want to miss out on Call Thy Will Be Done during May, June, July or August and you will be able to arrange: A SINGLE OR PAIR OF WILLS to protect your partner and your children for just £99 + VAT (£ 118.80) usual price (£222 inc) A TRUST to help prevent your home being sold to pay for your care for just £99+VAT (£118.80) usual price (£479 inc) A LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY for Health & Welfare or Property & Finance for just £99 + VAT (£ 118.80) usual price (£359 inc) And all severance of tenancy work during Summer will be provided FREE OF CHARGE

Call us now on:

01892 278171 "It's not what you did arrange during your life that your loved ones will regret - it's whatyou did not'

www.thywill.co.uk

By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Jeweller G.Colllna&Sonsltd Royal Tunbridge Wells

<i.

Qtollins & ~ons --------••--------

76/78, High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YB Telephone: (01892) 534018 Fax: (01892) 510536 email: info@gcollinsandsons.com · www.gcollinsandsons.com

Patek Philippe Diamond Ribbon Re£ 4968R