Times of Tunbridge Wells 8th June 2016

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SPORTS DIRECT IS TOO BIG FOR MIKE ASHLEY TO HANDLE ALONE Page 18

STREET PARTIES GALORE TO CELEBRATE HER MAJESTY’S BIG BIRTHDAY Pages 8-9

FAMILY SEATING BUSINESS WITH MILITARY TIES OPENS NEW FACTORY

INSIDE LIFESTYLE SOLD

The local motor group has been acquired by Hendy Automotive

By Andrew Tong

‘Planes will fly higher for longer’ Independent Arrivals Review’ concluded in January.

The latest report has identified the modification of A320 aircraft to reduce their highpitched whine as a priority. This involves fitting older aircraft with vortex generators.

Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark has secured an assurance from easyJet that two thirds of their aircraft will have been refitted by the end of this month.

Another of the campaigners’ demands has been met by broadening the approach paths, which should create a fairer dispersal of planes.

The report also guarantees an increase in the initial altitude of aircraft as they begin their approach to 7,000ft, which means they will fly higher for longer.

Page 15

Pages 12-13

GATWICK SIGNALS A MOVE TO REDUCE AIRCRAFT NOISE OVER TUNBRIDGE WELLS CAMPAIGNERS for quieter skies over Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages are giving a cautious welcome to the publication this week of Gatwick’s Final Action Plan.

Community groups have been calling for changes to the way aircraft approach the Sussex airport for two years.

Experimentation with flight paths led to a concentration of incoming planes over a narrow strip through the Kent countryside.

Gatwick now states that it ‘has accepted all of the recommendations of the

KARATE KIDS PICKED TO REPRESENT ENGLAND

PAGE 5

POLICE TAKE ACTION Travellers on Lower Common served with eviction notices

JOIN THE QUEUE Passengers await replacement buses at Tunbridge Wells station

Commuters left stranded after engineering accident closes line

PAGE 5

ZERO RATED HOTEL Clerical errors lead to low food agency listing for Spa

Network Rail admits passengers endured a ‘dreadful journey’ to work Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by Network Rail after the cancellation of trains between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge during the height of yesterday morning’s rush hour.

Travel chaos gripped both towns and their surrounding areas as gridlock on the roads compounded the situation, leaving thousands stranded for hours on their way to work.

Commuters quickly took to social media to vent their frustration, as 24 trains between 5.20am and 12.21 were classed as either cancelled or ‘disrupted’.

Sarah Owen on Twitter described the con-

tingency plans for disruption on the rail network as ‘shambolic’, while Julian Childs described the situation as ‘a joke’, adding: “Constant apologies wear thin.”

Lucy Hayball, also on Twitter, said: “Going to be over an hour late on my second day thanks to trains… not exactly how I wanted to start my day.”

Network Rail said the six hours of delays were caused after a ‘crucial’

‘Everyone has been calling into work, I have seen several people give up and go home’ Commuter Harry Molyneux

piece of railway equipment had been damaged by an engineering train during the early hours of the morning.

This led to hundreds of commuters queuing at Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and High Brooms stations, in the hope of continuing their journeys by replacement bus.

However, the buses proved ineffective as gridlock and tailbacks mired the road network, leaving even Kent Police and the borough council at a loss as to why the situation was so dire as ‘no accidents’ had been reported.

Motorists, for example, were taking up to an hour longer than normal getting into town

Continued on page 4

PAGE 5

CLOSURE COUNTDOWN

Question mark hangs over BHS store after administration move

PAGE 6

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4 � LOCAL NEWS

Weather Wednesday Sunny spells, with isolated showers likely to develop later, these could be heavy at times.

June 8, 2016

An epic bike ride in memory of young colleagues SOME OF THE TEAM (L to R) Daniel Appleton, Garry Martin, George Campbell, Toby Dicker, James Thornton, Simon Raynor, Bert Dicker

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23 C

Visibility: Very Good Pollution: Moderate

Humidity: 69%

Sunrise: 04.45am

Wind: 5mph

Sunset: 21.12pm

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IT WAS an epic bike ride for charity that lasted eight days across six countries and 1,000 miles.

And by the time the team from The Chapel hairdressing salon in Tunbridge Wells crossed the finishing line last week it had raised £59,000. At least £20,000 is going to Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, with the rest to Cancer Research UK.

DRAMATIC SKIES

Over Tunbridge Wells, Thanks to Marcin Mirek 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

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

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QUOTE UNQUOTE ‘Summer is a promissory note signed in June, its long days spent and gone before you know it, and due to be repaid next January’ Hal Borland

Wednesday 8th June 2016

Five staff from the salon were diagnosed with cancer in the last couple of years.

Three of them, aged between 26 and 34, passed away.

The team was headed by salon co-founders Toby and Amanda Dicker, with son Bert taking part in the final leg.

Thanking supporters, Toby Dicker said: “One

COMMUTER TRANSPORT CHAOS Continued from page 1 with queues stretching down Pembury Road and on to the A21.

The atmosphere at Tunbridge Wells Station was described as one of ‘resignation’ rather than anger by commuters, many of whom were there for some hours.

Commuter Harry Molyneux, who was heading for London, had been in line for a bus for almost two hours when he spoke to the Times.

He said: “Everyone has been calling into work and I have seen several people give up and go home.

“The queue doubles back on itself three times before splitting, with one section going over the footbridge and the other heading towards the iron road bridge.

“It’s a bit like being in a queue for Thorpe Park, but instead of going on rides we are try-

GRIDLOCK on Pembury Road

ing to get to work, which is a lot less fun. It’s a nightmare.”

Julia Woodbridge, a civil servant from Hastings who had been in line for an hour, said she had already missed two important meetings due to the chaos, adding: “They said there are six replacement buses but I have only seen one since I got here.

“What is really annoying is they are now giving people advice to go down to Hastings and take a service to London Victoria. Hastings is where I started out.”

of the most interesting aspects of the venture was how this cause brought a team of people together and how it inspired amazing feats in so many individuals.

“Two of our team were actually ladies who had recently been having treatment for cancer, one of them two days before the start.”

To donate, visit: www.c4c4cc.co.uk A spokesman for Network Rail said: “Network Rail would like to apologise to all passengers who endured a dreadful journey to work.

“An engineering train damaged a crucial piece of railway equipment at Somerhill Tunnel, where the two tracks temporarily merge into one, just outside Tonbridge in the early hours.

“This meant that no trains were able to run between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells in either direction.”

HOW TO CLAIM COMPENSATION: Southeastern urged customers to seek compensation via its Delay Repay programme. This entitles passengers to refunds for delays over 30 minutes against the published train schedule.

Those making a claim must do so within 28 days of the delayed journey and provide proof of travel. Delays of two hours or more warrant a 100 per cent refund. See: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/contact-us/delay-repay

HE REALLY WAS ‘THE GREATEST’ AND THE MOST GRACIOUS OF PEOPLE BEING a journalist means you get to meet a whole cross-section of society, men and women. The rich, the poor, the polite, the rude, the famous and those who think they are famous.

Sometimes, just sometimes, you meet an individual who has all three of those better qualities. They’re rich, they’re polite and they’re famous. Such a person was Muhammad Ali. Even those of you who do not follow sport, or boxing in particular, will know that the man who billed himself as ‘The Greatest’ died last week. The media has quite rightly been in overdrive about the triple World Heavyweight Champion who was 74 and had been battling Parkinson’s for 34 years.

Normally this part of the newspaper is where we comment on local issues and individuals.

But the passing of the boxer, previously known

under his ‘slave name’ as Cassius Clay, is a chance for this writer to pass on a personal recollection of the man behind the loud words and apparently arrogant stance.

In another life as a tabloid journalist (before self-styled so-called celebrities ruled the roost) I found myself in Hollywood on a particular story. The news desk in London tracked me down and switched assignments telling me I needed to find Muhammad Ali and put certain sensitive questions to him about his personal life.

It was not an interview that I relished.

Eventually, having used the journalist’s underground network, a private number was in my possession.

Sitting in the hotel room with tape recorder running, I dialled the home of probably the

best known face on earth to ask him some very delicate questions about his relationships.

And you know what? He didn’t slam down the phone, he didn’t demand to know how I had got the phone number… he patiently and politely answered the questions. He was the same with other journalists.

Later I told London there was no story, at least not a story that I would choose to write, which is why I am not telling here what those allegations were.

Wouldn’t it be nice if today’s so-called celebrities took a leaf out of his book and treated others in a gracious, polite fashion.

What are the odds?

Richard Moore, Editorial Director

LOCAL NEWS 

NEWS IN BRIEF

Award-winning motor group sold to Hendy LIFESTYLE Motor Group announced yesterday (Tuesday) it has been acquired by Hendy Automotive in a move which will see the merged companies achieve sales of £600m.

Known for being the parent company of Tunbridge Wells-based Lifestyle Ford, the Lifestyle Motor Group was formed in 2001 and had an annual turnover of £187m last year. As well as Ford, the group – owned and run by Managing Director Peter Isted and Chairman Marc Matthew – operates Mazda, Kia, Renault, Dacia, Seat, Suzuki and Isuzu franchises through the south east.

The acquisition means Hendy Automotive now employs 1,000 staff, including 500 Lifestyle employees whose jobs are safe.

They are set to sell more than 40,000 cars, vans and trucks each year across 25 locations.

Mr Matthew said: “We have built up a strong, profitable and successful business in Kent, Sussex and Surrey and believe this growth will continue with Hendy’s.

“Having won more than 50 industry awards we have been proud of the entire team and the relationships we have had with our franchise partnerships.”

Hendy Automotive Managing Director Paul Hendy said: “We are delighted to have bought Lifestyle, which has a similar philosophy as Hendy. This acquisition extends our territory into the south east and adds a number of new franchises.”

Hospital pays damages THE family of a young boy who was left brain damaged after his birth at the former Pembury Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, have been awarded a £2.7million lump sum in compensation to cover the cost of his care.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust agreed the money after a High Court ruling yesterday. The boy, now aged nine, is dependent on carers, is developmentally impaired and has to be fed through a tube.

Record-keeping error leads to food agency zero rating

By Andrew Tong

THE SPA HOTEL Food for thought

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ONE of Tunbridge Wells’ most famous hotels, The Spa, has received a zero rating from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for its Chandelier restaurant thanks to administrative errors.

The Food Safety Officer at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council carried out an inspection of the entire kitchen area of the four-star hotel on Langton Road on April 28 before handing out the lowest possible score.

Previously the hotel had achieved top marks with a rating of five out of five. The restaurant has been awarded two rosettes by the AA. It is understood that the low ranking was due to a problem with the records kept by the hotel.

The Spa’s owner, Anthony Scragg, told the Times: “The inspection was carried out shortly after our new head chef had arrived, and the failings largely relate to a lack of historic record-keeping.”

He stressed: “We are deeply concerned about the rating and understand the implications. However, the poor scores do not relate to poor hygiene.

“We have not experienced any similar problems in the past. This has been a sharp learning curve and we would like to reassure regular and prospective guests that this will never happen again.”

The last time the hotel’s kitchens were inspected, in October 2014, it received a maximum five-star rating. Technically it would have to wait until October 2016 before the next routine inspection

took place, but because of the zero rating the FSO will pay a visit before then.

The Spa Hotel also had an independent review undertaken by an inspector working for Hygiene Solutions, who used to work for the council. He arrived at a rating of 74 per cent.

“There was a fairly significant difference in scores between the independent inspector and the FSO, which has caused some confusion,” said Mr Scragg. “However, we have not left anything to chance and we have taken all the measures

recommended by the Food Safety Officer.”

The council inspection team explained: “There are very clear criteria for rating a business using nationally accepted standards. The rating isn’t a guide to food quality.”

Among the 15 outlets in Kent to have received a zero rating there were three other local ones: Pizza and burger bar Sapranos on London Road, Southborough, Kent and Surrey Golf and Country Club in Edenbridge and Forge House, an Italian restaurant in Otford.

Police act to remove travellers from common

Festival noise anger TUNBRIDGE WELLS Borough Council has launched an investigation into Alfresco Festival following complaints over noise.

The three-day festival, which was held on the May Bank Holiday in fields near the industrial estate road Kingstanding Way, was the subject of 11 noise complaints from residents claiming they could hear it as late as 4am on Monday.

Brakes not vandalised POLICE said there is no evidence of foul play after several residents in the St James’ area of Tunbridge Wells had reported cut brake lines on their cars.

Wildlife experts have instead confirmed the damage is the work of fox cubs which seek shelter under cars and chew through the pipes at this time of year as it is thought they like the sweet taste of brake fluid.

5

FINALLY EVICTED The police give the travellers notice to leave the Common

TRAVELLERS camped on the Lower Common in Tunbridge Wells were evicted by Kent Police yesterday, and had left the site by mid-afternoon.

It comes after they were handed a Section 61 giving them two hours to move off or face forcible eviction.

Six officers visited the camp to serve the notice around 1pm after previous attempts by the borough council to remove the travellers had failed.

It is believed they were the same group of travellers who had previously pitched their caravans on the playing fields of Tonbridge School, before moving onto the Ridgewaye grounds in Southborough last week.

They moved onto the lower common on Friday evening and were served with a Section 77 under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 by the

borough council two days later – giving them 24 hours in which to voluntarily leave.

However, after this period lapsed the council approached the police to serve an eviction notice under the under section 61 of the same act.

This was done on the basis that more than six vehicles were on the land and damage had been caused to the common.

It also gave the police the option to seize and remove vehicles if there was a failure to comply. The deadline was set for 3pm.

Use of this procedure was described as ‘very rare’ by a police spokesman, however, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has considerable experience in dealing with traveller encampments, particularly in the rural areas of the authority.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

6  LOCAL NEWS RETAILER INTEREST Talks underway to find new tenant

Acceptance declined

Brexit campaigner claims free speech is stifled after being ‘banned’ from referendum debate

Countdown to closing A QUESTION mark hangs over one of the biggest stores in Tunbridge Wells following the collapse of BHS last week.

At stake are around 50 jobs and another hole in the high street, as the freehold owner admits the situation is ‘challenging’.

The Times understands staff have eight weeks left at the store.

Unlike many of the units with access to the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, the one occupied

by BHS is not owned by the complex.

It is one of 12 BHS outlets where the freehold is owned by M&G Real Estate – the real estate fund management arm of Prudential – and its construction predates that of the shopping centre.

M&G stressed discussions with administrators were ongoing, but it was too early to give a clear indication of what could replace the iconic department store.

However, they did hint that other retailers were already considering taking over some of the vacant

Wednesday 8th June 2016

sites. Social media reaction to the news reveals the most popular options to replace BHS are Primark and Waitrose.

A spokesman said: “This is a sad day for one of the oldest and biggest names on the high street and our thoughts are with the BHS employees and pensioners affected. We will continue to work with the company’s administrators while they manage a very challenging situation.

“As and when there is greater clarity we will be able to comment on some of the property specifics, however we are working with other retailers interested in stores within the portfolio in order to protect performance for our investors.”

Speaking on behalf of Royal Victoria Place, Centre Manager Nicky Blanchard said: “This is of course very disappointing and we are always keen to see every shop full. We will assist BHS staff with opportunities which may arise at any of our other stores here at Royal Victoria Place.”

THE closing stages of the EU referendum debate found the Remain campaigners and Brexiteers at loggerheads last week over a public forum debate.

Both sides claimed the moral high ground.

Jacques Arnold, a Brexit supporter, had intended to share a platform with six pro-remain supporters at a Britain Stronger In Europe event on Thursday evening hosted at the Camden Centre after receiving an invite from the local Liberal Democrats.

The invite, which was sent to members of the Tunbridge Wells Town Forum – a body representing local community groups – stated it was ‘strictly a cross-party event’, with a follow-up email stating ‘both Remain and Leave supporters’ were welcome.

Mr Arnold, a former Conservative MP for Gravesham in the 1980’s, said he would attend: “Provided that the Leave and Remain camps get equal speaking time.”

But with just hours before the discussion was due to take place, Mr Arnold’s invite to speak as a member of the panel was rescinded.

In an email, seen by the Times, the Secretary of the local Liberal Democrats said: “I am sorry but the meeting is strictly for Remain campaigners and so I will have to decline your acceptance.

“The other members of SNUBBED the panel did not agree to Jacques Arnold your participation as they

feel that it will disrupt their Remain message.”

Speaking to the Times after Mr Arnold had given them a deadline by which to rectify the situation, he said: “They invited me to speak and then banned me.

“All they want is a Remain love-in and not free speech even though the audience is supposed to be made up of both Remain and Leave supporters.

“It just shows their frame of mind. They like debate provided its pro-Remain.”

However, a spokesman for the event said: “I’m afraid that Mr Arnold has only told you half the story.

Yes, he was invited to speak but he did ask for an assurance that he would not be outnumbered by the Remain speakers.

“He asked for that assurance again today (June 2) and I could not give him any assurance. There are going to be six speakers on the podium who speak for Remain and I told Mr Arnold that this was a Britain Stronger In Europe event, so it would have to be pro-Remain arguments as that is the purpose of the group.

“We are in no way trying to stifle opposition as he suggests. If it were a Vote Leave public meeting, would they have invited someone from the Remain group to speak at the meeting? I doubt it.

“This is a totally wrong assertion made on Mr Arnold’s part. He has drawn the wrong conclusions.

That is the real truth.”

LOCAL NEWS 

Motorists face major delays

BRIDGE CLOSURE Grosvenor Bridge will be impassable for 24 weeks THE one-way system at the heart of Tunbridge Wells is about to become significantly busier over the next six months as major repairs are carried out to Grosvenor Bridge, a major traffic artery into the town.

The access route over the railway line links Upper Grosvenor Road with Quarry Road. It will be closed for 24 weeks from Sunday (June 12) until the end of November, and possibly into the Christmas period if there’s a backlog of work.

The works are set to cause lengthy hold-ups at the traffic lights on a bridge that carries a heavy flow of traffic at peak times, bringing delays of up to 20 minutes.

The repairs are being carried out on the bridge itself, with the large concrete piers which support it having to be replaced because they are failing.

The project was supposed to have begun in January this year but was held up while Kent County Council (KCC) tried to source the right contractor.

The diversions in place will redirect drivers into the centre of town. KCC advises the following route: Upper Grosvenor Road, Grosvenor Road, Victoria Road, Camden Road and on to Quarry Road.

7

End of an era at Trinity Theatre Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk A REQUIEM mass will be held in Tunbridge Wells on Friday (June 10) in memory of Caroline Elliott, one of the founders of Trinity Theatre.

The service will be held at St Augustine’s Catholic Church in Crescent Road at 1.30pm.

Mrs Elliott, who died at the age of 86 on May 28 after a short illness, was one of the leading lights of the town’s amateur dramatics – both as actor and director.

She was also the box office manager for more than three decades, from the arts centre’s opening night until her death.

In 2011 she was awarded the MBE [pictured right] for services to theatre in the town. Her husband Michael is one of the best known actors in the area.

Even though she was very ill, Mrs Elliott managed to attend the dress rehearsal and opening night of her final production at Trinity, God of Carnage, in April.

Her friend and colleague Sheila Button, who had worked with her at the box office for the past 16 years, acclaimed it as ‘one of the best things I’ve seen at the theatre’.

“It was a stunning production,” recalls Mrs

Button. “The cast, acting, lighting and set – that was Caroline, simply one of the best.

“I remember seeing her playing in A Passionate Woman, and thinking that was an apt name for it. She was passionate about all things.

“Caroline was such an enormous personality, she had so much drive and energy and enthusiasm for family, friends and colleagues.”

Caroline Elliott was born in Norbury, South London on March 5, 1932. She worked on the Today programme in its early years then later joined the BBC’s drama department on the original Maigret series. She moved to Tunbridge Wells in 1968 with Michael and their three children, Gregory, Dominic and Sophie. She also leaves six grandchildren.

As a member of the Tunbridge Wells Drama Club, she was involved in the planning to convert Trinity Church into an arts centre, along with Mr Elliott.

The church, designed by Decimus Burton, was saved from demolition by the drama club and Civic Society.

When the theatre opened in 1982, Caroline put her name forward to become its box HONOURED office manager, a role With MBE 2011 she held for 34 years.

QUALITY DRAMA Caroline in Sam Shepard’s A Lie of the Mind 1998

John Martin, Trinity’s Artistic Director, paid tribute to her, saying: “She possessed a bright, insightful mind accompanied by a wonderful sense of humour.

“Caroline also served on our board for many years, with a devotion and commitment that amazed and astonished us all. She had an enviable energy and joie de vivre.

“To say that she will be missed by all of us is an incredible understatement – she will forever be part of Trinity and, quite simply, we would not be where we are today without her.” � Donations are requested to Hospice in the Weald or Cancer Research UK. Please send them to E R Hickmott, 41 Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1SD.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

8  LOCAL NEWS

Parties galore for The THOUSANDS of residents in and around Royal Tunbridge Wells are getting ready to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday this weekend.

Community groups, voluntary organisations and parish councils throughout the borough are hosting street parties to mark Her Majesty’s official birthday celebration.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council offered grants of £400 for local groups to run events on Sunday to coincide with The Queen attending the Patron’s Lunch in The Mall, central London, and at least a dozen in the town have taken this up.

Communal gatherings will also take place in ten or more locations outside the town, where funding has also been received from the council, with many more unofficial events planned.

KCC said it has received road closure requests from groups who will celebrate on pedestrian-only streets during the weekend of June 11 and 12.

The events follow The Queen’s personal birthday on April 21, when thousands of beacons were lit throughout the country.

Among those partying will be the residents of Ravenswood Avenue in Tunbridge Wells.

More than 250 people are expected to attend on HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sunday (June 12) from The Queen 12-6pm after organisers

Wednesday 8th June 2016

received an overwhelmingly positive response to the idea.

Helen Wyles, the driving force behind the festivities, said the party had been set up not only to celebrate the auspicious day but also as ‘a way to get everybody together’.

“We are all so busy these days that you rarely get to see each other.

Everyone will be there, from the children to ladies in their 90’s.”

There will be a big barbecue, an ice cream van and afternoon tea with cakes – everyone has been requested to bring something along.

Among various activities for children, there will be a ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS  Boyne Park Residents Association: Street party. Lunch and

tea with a bouncy castle, face painting and Royal-themed activities for children.  Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park: ‘Bring a picnic’ party in the park with live music from Bacchus Wind Orchestra and a celebratory birthday cake.  Friends of The Grove: Bring a picnic to share with others in The Grove, games for children, bird-box building and a big birthday cake.  Grosvenor Park Residents Association: Community lunch held in the street.  Inner London Road Residents Association: A sit-down lunch will be hosted at a private residence on Inner London Road, fancy dress, games and prizes for children.  Mereworth Road Residents Association: This will be the association’s third street party. The last ‘party for The Queen’ took place for the Golden Jubilee in 2002.

competition to paint the best portrait of The Queen.

Local band The Dad Pack will perform hits from the 1950’s, the theme being music from the Coronation year.

In line with its general policy for this year’s celebrations, the borough council gave them a grant towards the costs.

The idea arose when Mrs Wyles took over the Neighbourhood Watch and established it more as a residents association.

The Tunbridge Wells events listed, many of the street parties, are all on Sunday (unless stated):

 Ravenswood Avenue: An event expected to attract 250 residents will take place between midday and 6pm. A partial road closure has been approved.  Sherborne Close Housing Society: Afternoon tea and traditional entertainment provided. Many residents are of the same generation as The Queen.  Silverdale Road: Street party with stalls and games.  St Luke’s: A ‘bring and share’ community lunch, inviting all residents of St Luke’s Road to celebrate.  The Avenues Residents Association: Bunting, food, children’s games and a special birthday cake.  TN2 Community Trust: Food, music, games and entertainment. Free event – all welcome.  Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets: TS Brilliant will hold a tea party at its unit in Albion Road, for cadets, supporters, members of the local community and ex-service personnel. The event will have a naval theme and the cadets will perform the ceremony of ‘Man and Cheer Ship’.

LOCAL NEWS 

Queen TOWN AND PARISH COUNCIL AREAS  Brenchley: Celebrations include a street party luncheon in Brenchley, an afternoon tea on Matfield Village Green and a street party in Petteridge.  Cranbrook & Sissinghurst: Community picnic on the Jubilee Field between noon and 4pm to which all village organisations, including the Trinity Church, and residents will be invited.  Frittenden: Vintage-style afternoon tea party on the parish field. Side stalls, games and competitions.  Hawkhurst: A ‘Royal Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ with games and activities, small rides, and a brass band.  Pembury: A traditional afternoon tea outside St Peter’s Church for the whole community, with live music and traditional lawn games.  Horsmonden: Tea party on Village Green for the whole community with music through the decades.  Lamberhurst: A royal street party for the whole community with traditional entertainment and medals for the children.  Southborough: Tea party for the whole community. Flags, bunting, stalls, music and activities for children.  Speldhurst: A community lunch in the church grounds and an afternoon tea for Speldhurst Guides, Brownies, Rainbows and senior sections.  King Charles the Martyr Church, Tunbridge Wells: Throughout the weekend the plasterwork ceiling will be filled with colour.

‘Flowers for The Queen’ will feature several floral arrangements in colours of ten worn by The Queen, with accompanying posters highlighting national and international events during her reign.

Tonbridge to celebrate the birthday with a community picnic in the park TONBRIDGE will be holding a good old-fashioned street party and a Royal Bake Off at the Racecourse Sportsground as part of The Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations on Sunday from midday to 3pm (June 12).

The Tonbridge Town Team is inviting the entire community to a free to enter Picnic In The Park and organiser Faydra Mitchell said: “We want all members of the local community to bring a picnic and have an afternoon of fun with family and friends. Our aim is to recreate an old-fashioned ‘Street Party’ atmosphere.”

There’s also a chance to enter a cake or cupcakes in the Royal Bake Off competition. The Theme is Royal or British and there are three categories: Cake competition 13yrs and over; Cupcake competition 13yrs and over; Junior competition – 12yrs and under for both cakes and cupcakes.

The Junior Bake Off winner will get three free weeks at Razzamataz Theatre School, Tonbridge.

Faydra said: “The emphasis for the entire afternoon is based on families and friends having fun enjoying the street party atmosphere together.”

“Tonbridge Town Team are planning more fun community events in the future and we are aiming to build upon the fantastic community spirit in our lovely town.”

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‘The emphasis is based on families and friends having fun enjoying the street party atmosphere together’

* ST PETER and St Paul Church in Tonbridge is inviting residents for an afternoon tea to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday on June 12 at 5.30pm. The refreshments will be followed by songs of praise as part of the festivities. All are welcome to attend the event at the parish church in Church Lane, Tonbridge.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

12  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

Family business makes its mark with military seating

By Adam Hignett

adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk TUNBRIDGE WELLS is home to many innovative companies, but only a handfull export around the world and even fewer have ties to the military.

TEK Group, however, does both and still remains a family-run businesses – 33 years after its Chief Executive, Paul Fleming, and his father bought out a small two-man firm based in Kingston upon Thames.

And with the opening of a new state-of-the-art factory in Rearsby, Leicestershire, two weeks ago, Mr Fleming (51) said he is looking forward to watching his companies grow ‘significantly’ over the coming years.

Key to this growth is the expansion of TEK Military Seating, one of three main businesses which operate under the banner of TEK Group, alongside the original company TEK Seating Ltd and its subsidiary SitSmart.

Mr Fleming said: “This is where our significant growth will come from, as there is really only so far the other parts of the business can expand because their reach is limited to the UK. “Although I am very proud of what my traditional businesses have achieved, with TEK Military Seating we are, for the first time, a global brand.”

The military focus, and the fact the firm is not limited by any distribution rights, means the firm has ample scope to tap into foreign markets.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

Most recently the company designed 2,000 seats for a military contractor in Abu Dhabi, with other projects in the United Arab Emirates either in the pipeline or underway.

‘The contracts can last up to 25 years’ Part of the reason for the Middle Eastern focus is the relative speed of securing contracts compared to the rest of the world.

“We have interest from companies in Europe and North America but the gestation period for contracts in this line of work is painfully slow and can take many years.

“For example, we have made seating for a vehicle used by the Dutch Special Forces which is currently

SITSMART

going into production, three years after we secured the contract.

“There is a lot of design and testing involved, such as blast testing and using a drop tower to simulate SitSmart is the office chair, furniture and the velocities incurred during blasts, and standards ergonomic accessories-focused subsidiary of naturally have to be very high.

TEK Seating, offering quality ergonomic “But securing contracts are slightly chairs for the workplace and home office with quicker in the Middle East which is the accent on personal service. As well as its why it is currently our largest market.” single consumer sales and large business Despite the vast size of the conclient portfolio, it also supplies such places tracts and their length – which can as 24/7 control rooms, signal boxes, span up to 25 years – there are only surveillance areas, schools, colleges, the four people directly employed in TEK NHS and the MOD. Military seating, including Mr Fleming.

The employees at the company, which procurements is the fact their prodwas founded seven years ago, are specialucts are relatively interchangeable. ists in their field.

“We have a very modular prodThey include former Grenadier Guardsman David Parkman as uct which can fit in many difSales Director; Mr Fleming’s ferent vehicle types with only brother Mike, the Senior Product minor adjustments, and this esigner, who held a similar job Designer, feature has been well received by our clients. at an international vehicle seating manufacturer for 16 years, “Many of our competitors and Operations Manmake seats which are only suitager Sean Magee, a able for a specific vehicle.” former Metropolitan The firm also outsources Police Officer. much of its work to TEK SeatPart of the reason ing, which operates under the TEK GRAND VISION why such a small workforce Group brand but works completely sepChief Executive Paul Fleming arately and employs around 30 people. is able to deliver such large

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS 

“TEK Military Seating has become the largest customer of my original business, which is part of the reason behind the need to expand our factory in Rearsby, added Mr Fleming.”

It was seven years ago that Mr Fleming first ventured into the world of military hardware after the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) tasked the company with making a product for the British military.

“They wanted us to make an anti-blast, anti-vibration seat for one of their vehicles and the MOD were very enthusiastic about our product.”

From that moment on, the company has continued to expand, but it has not always been easy.

“With hindsight, perhaps my timing of going into this field was not so good. It was 2009 and just as the wheels had started to come off the global economy.

“Plus Afghanistan was winding down and so we missed the MOD’s emergency funding.

“Growth has been slow but that has meant I have been able to fund it myself rather than go cap in hand to a bank, so we are now operating with a positive balance sheet and are in a good place.

“If you had asked me three years ago whether starting TEK Military Seating was a smart move, I would have probably said no, due to the unexpectedly long time it takes to secure contracts while still investing heavily in the business. But now it is 100 per cent yes.”

TEK SEATING

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THE REARSBY CONNECTION

SCALING UP The new factory adds extra capacity TEK Seating was formed some 45 years ago and acquired by Mr Fleming 12 years later. It functions mainly as an independent distributor for major vehicle seating companies. Now the UK’s largest distributor, it continues to support the work vehicle sector including the Truck, Bus & Coach, Agricultural, Construction, Marine and Industrial sectors, whilst its core product remains suspension driver seating. It currently provides seating for the Ultima GTR Supercar (pictured above).

With the military side growing at a fast pace and more manufacturing capacity required, it was decided that the existing premises in Melton Mowbray had to give way to a bigger purpose-built facility in the more rural location of Rearsby Industrial Estate, some five miles away.

The fully-operational facility occupies 15,000sq and was opened on May 25 by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Jennifer, Lady Gretton JP. The secure site has led to staff numbers being

boosted to further support the increased production demands for the manufacture of both seating and complementary products and there are plans to ramp up production over the next 12 months.

Mr Fleming said: “This move represents a major investment in our company, allowing us to grow our global business and open new markets while bringing in house, some out-sourced production, which will enable us to become even more competitive.”

TEK GROUP TIMELINE Paul Fleming, aged just 18, and his father Jonathan 83 bought a small seating distribution business that 19 was up for sale called Transportation Equipment Kingston Ltd and later renamed it TEK Seating.

92 19

Jonathan Fleming stepped back from his role in the firm while his son ‘cracked on’ with growing the company by diversifying its suppliers.

The company established its presence in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, with a ‘man in a van’ before 19 9 a permanent unit was opened one year later.

0

01

20

The company acquired SitSmart, an office chair, furniture and ergonomic accessories business.

TEK Seating relocated to the Spa Business Park on Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, and started to 19 95 develop its own products as opposed to purely distributing on behalf of others.

09

20

TEK Military Seating was established.

It moved again to a bigger purpose built freehold property in Decimus Park on 20 Kingstanding Way, where it remains.

05

A new factory was built in Rearsby, Leicestershire, 20 with the 16 to cope booming demand.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

14  LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

From fashion designer to the UN via ‘The Jungle’ Jonathan Banks

newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk AN AID worker who was invited to give a presentation at the United Nations in May was this year’s keynote speaker at the Tunbridge Wells Tedx on Saturday.

Jaz O’Hara took to the stage in Trinity Theatre to share her story of how a visit to the Calais migrant camp, known as ‘The Jungle’, and the subsequent social media reaction changed her life.

Speaking in front of 250 guests, the 26-year-old from Tunbridge Wells explained how her personal journey led her from a comfortable life as a fashion designer to running an aid charity in under a year.

She said ‘dehumanising’ headlines shouting about ‘swarms of marauding migrants’ were what made her take action to find out for herself what life was really like for those in The Jungle.

“I decided to go to the camp. Even though everyone told me I was crazy, that I wouldn’t be able to just turn up there, I got in my car and I did.”

“I was met with kind-

Wednesday 8th June 2016

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES Jaz O’Hara

ness and positivity from the most inspirational, heroic, open, dignified, welcoming people that I have ever met in my life, despite living in the mud with nothing.”

On returning home, she documented her emotional journey on Facebook before going to sleep – only to wake up for work to discover her post had gone viral and had been seen by ‘millions’.

Her story was soon picked up by the media which led to hundreds of people visiting or mailing her items for the camp.

“We were bombarded with deliveries of

warm clothing, shoes, amazon delivery after amazon delivery of brand new tents and sleeping bags, the postman didn’t know what had hit him.”

The reaction led her to leave her job and set up her own aid agency, called The World Wide Tribe, which has operations in France, Hungary, Jordan and the Mediterranean.

“That one innocent post turned into a movement. A movement of inspired, international citizens desperate to take action”, she said, explaining how her utilisation of social media was behind her INSPIRATION invitation to address the UN on (L to R) Edward the issue of digital identity Foreman, Graham and how it can help humaniHadfield and tarian efforts.

Simon Harmer Ms O’Hara added: “Within the last year, I have gone from working in fashion in London, to sleeping in tents in refugee camps in France, to speaking at the UN headquarters in New York.

“This experience has opened my eyes and my mind to the world of opportunities social media has created for us all.”

MOVING STORIES JAZ O’HARA’S story was described by one organiser as ‘a fitting end to an inspirational day’ which saw 16 other speakers share inspiring stories.

Among them was a moving story by Edward Foreman, aged 10, who spoke about life growing up with a ‘compound nevus’ birthmark on his face before having it removed; Graham Hadfield, who spoke of how he goes through the creative process of making music for films; and Danny Kruger, who spoke of his work helping ex-convicts secure employment and a better future.

Another speaker was Simon Harmer, who lost both legs in Afghanistan while serving with the Army. He received great applause and cheers for his memorable talk about his experiences.

NEWS ROUNDUP 

Karate youngsters gear up for national team

Family friendly restaurant with a true taste of fine Italian food LA FOLLIA wants to bring a more familyorientated approach to dining in Tunbridge Wells as the new Italian restaurant arrives on Monson Road.

It is run by Sara Velutti and Antonio Padalino, a couple from Macherio in northern Italy, near the Monza racetrack and Milan.

The village is known as one of the haunts of Silvio Berlusconi, the infamous former Italian prime minister who owns the Villa Belvedere there.

Sara first came to Tunbridge Wells in 1992 – “We used to go to the old cinema and then have pizza,” she recalls – and went on to run Caffe Nero in Royal Victoria Place.

This is a new venture for the couple, who have never run their own establishment.

“This is my first ‘mine’,” says Sara. “If you work in a restaurant or hotel chain, everything is already there and it’s easy. I like to do things my way.

“We want it to be as if we were cooking for friends at home,” she adds.

And she hopes to share some of the infectious Italian love of food and dining which brings a smile to the face.

“If you do it as a job, you will get stressed.

If you do it when you are happy, then you get some of that back.”

In a town which already has several

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NEW VENTURE Sara Velutti and Antonio Padalino Italian outlets, Sara’s plan is to run a family-friendly trattoria, which is more informal and easy-going than a restaurant.

She takes over the premises from Max Farraone, who ran the deli L’Italia a Tavola on the site for 14 years before deciding to focus on food tours of his homeland at the end of last year.

In true Italian style, Sara’s mother Franca was on hand to offer advice and assistance. Though she will not be working at La Follia, her influence can be felt through some of the recipes, such as her puree of borlotti beans.

Most of their offerings will be classical Italian dishes, but with a few surprises

thrown in – such as Pizzoccheri, a buckwheat pasta dish from Valtellina in the Alps, which nourishes walkers in the mountain refuges with local cheeses like winter speciality calera.

Sara hails from the land of risotto, but she won’t be attempting to adapt the local palette too much with the likes of marrowbone risotto, or with massive ‘elephant’s ear’ veal steaks.

On Thursday [June 9], they will he holding a pasta night which includes four different main course dishes, ranging from the much-loved staple carrettiera – spaghetti with chilli and garlic – to a more exotic pasta made out of courgettes.

NINE members of a Tunbridge showy about it at all, but karate does Wells-based karate club are getting instill in people a sense that you do ready to represent England against not have to show off.”

Europe’s best.

Laura takes Rafferty training most The group – eight of whom are 15 nights and was rooting for her son or younger – have been selected in Alton, Hampshire, where he for the national team in the Wado undertook three four-hour selection International Karate-Do Federation sessions on separate weekends to (WIKF) European Championships qualify for the national team. held in Rotterdam, Holland in late He currently has a brown and white September. stripe belt, which is two qualifications They all learn their skills at CMA away from a coveted black belt.

Karate, based in St Peter’s School, Laura added: “I have other with classes also held in St Mark’s children so it is hard to balance it School and Wadhurst. but when you have a child coming The youngest representative is out of school every night asking to eight-year-old Dominic Savage from go to karate training then you have Tunbridge Wells, who was the British to support him.” champion in the Tata category two CMA was formed in 2009 by years ago. This year he picked up a senior instructors Barry Lovett and Sarah Padget, who have more silver medal.

READY than 40 years’ teaching Ticehurst’s Rafferty Rafferty Knight, nine, who and experience.

Sarah said: “We teach five attends Sacred Heart Dominic School in Wadhurst, nights a week at different won a silver medal venues and most of the in this year’s national children attend three times a week.” championships.

The club is urging potential His mother Laura said: “I can’t believe sponsors to come forward. he is only nine years Contact 01323 848677 / old yet he is going to info@cmakarate.co.uk.

Holland. He takes it The WIKF European so much in his stride.

Championships takes His school teachers place between September say he is not cocky or 30 and October 2.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

16  NATIONAL NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF

Potter star pays tribute to ‘one of the greatest’ ACTOR Daniel Radcliffe has described Sir Peter Shaffer as ‘one of the UK’s greatest playwrights’ as he paid tribute to the Equus author who has died aged 90.

The Harry Potter star remembered the renowned writer as incredibly kind, generous and funny, adding that he would be forever grateful for receiving his blessing to portray Alan Strang in the West End and Broadway productions of his award-winning play.

Sir Peter’s agent said the playwright died at the Marymount Hospice in Ireland on Monday morning after suffering a short illness.

New Dawn for women A NEW £124,000 artwork will go on display at the Palace of Westminster to celebrate the 150th anniversary of John Stuart Mill MP presenting the first mass petition calling for women’s votes in the House of Commons, marking the start of a campaign which lasted decades.

New Dawn, by artist Mary Branson, is described as a ‘contemporary light sculpture’. It will be unveiled in Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the historic building, and is the first piece of abstract art commissioned for permanent display in the Houses of Parliament.

Hospital systems crash ST GEORGE’S Hospital in Tooting, London, was plunged into chaos when computer operating systems went down on Monday.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

Euro fans targeted by terrorist threats BRITISH football fans travelling to Euro 2016 have been warned to remain ‘vigilant at all times’ in the face of the terrorism threat.

Updated advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office highlights stadiums, fan zones, other venues broadcasting the tournament and transport hubs and links as potential targets for atrocities.

British counter-terrorism officers are playing ‘a key part’ in planning against attacks that may target the tournament which starts on Friday. A team from the UK has travelled to France and is working with police and intelligence services there to assess possible threats.

On Monday, officials in Ukraine revealed they had arrested a French national during an undercover sting. It was reported that he had been inspired by extremist right-wing beliefs to plot a series of bloody strikes in his homeland after buying an arsenal of weapons.

Commander Dean Haydon, the head of Scotland Yard’s anti-terror squad, said: “We are working with the French and other local police and security

FLASHBACK England fans during the Euros on home turf in 1996

and intelligence agencies across the world to properly understand is there a threat to the Euros.

“Certainly we have seen propaganda, Islamic State (IS) and potential talk of plots against the Euros, but we’re working with all those various different agencies to police and make the Euros a safe event. We’re a key part of the planning. Although the ultimate policing of the event and the planning is for the French, we are all involved in properly trying to understand the threat, if there is one.”

The advice from the FCO was updated on Monday, although

officials said this was not linked to the Ukrainian arrest.

It says: “During Euro 2016, stadiums, fan zones, venues broadcasting the tournament and transport hubs and links represent potential targets for terrorist attacks. You should be vigilant at all times, especially in areas hosting Euro 2016 events, and follow the advice of local French authorities.”

A police operation began on Monday, with trained spotters trying to detect football hooligans attempting to sneak out of the country through UK ports.

Trapped children use mobiles to guide helicopter rescue team DOZENS of schoolchildren trapped on a Kentish beach by the rising tide were rescued by helicopter and lifeboats after using their mobile phones as distress beacons.

The 34 teenagers were plucked from a hazardous stretch of the coast with falling rocks after getting lost during a walk on Monday night.

The hiking party, which included two adults, raised the alarm with Kent Police at around 9pm after becoming disorientated as they followed a coastal path between St Margaret’s Bay and Dover Harbour.

The Coastguard launched a search by air and sea involving a helicopter based at Lydd, Dover’s RNLI lifeboat, two Walmer RNLI lifeboats and Langdon Coastguard Rescue Team. Around 40 volunteers joined the large-scale operation.

UK Coastguard’s Senior Maritime Operations Officer, Richard Cockerill, said: “The group was advised to switch on their mobile phone lights to help us locate them.

“The group was located by one of the Walmer lifeboats in an area of active cliff falls and also spotted by the helicopter using the forwardlooking infra-red camera.”

He confirmed: “All 36 people were recovered to safety by lifeboat and helicopter.”

UK Coastguard said the group were thought to have descended from cliffs on to the beach before becoming trapped by rising water.

When RNLI teams arrived at the scene they found that the group had become separated and four students were unaccounted for. A small craft was launched to pick up the pupils in groups.

NATIONAL NEWS �

Obesity costs UK economy over £15billion a year

NEWS IN BRIEF

Instagram users fire off warning after changes CHANGES to Instagram’s news feed have been met with criticism, with some users threatening to quit the app and website.

The photo-blogging giant announced in March that it would change the feed from chronological order to the posts users are ‘most likely to be interested in’.

In a statement on its blog, Instagram reassured users that ‘all the posts will still be there, just in a different order’.

ROYAL WAVE Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh depart from Cardiff Central Station

Cannabis conference CANNABIS users seeking treatment often have more knowledge about the drug than those trying to help them, a conference has been told.

A group of experts was told about the ‘inverted expertise’ seen in users at a meeting at York University to exchange ideas on effective treatment.

The conference was told there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking treatment, with research showing there has been a 64 per cent increase between 2005 and 2015 in England.

Sea Lord makes waves THE UK Government is not being straight with the public about cashflow problems at the Ministry of Defence and its delay in replacing the Navy’s ageing frigates, according to a former First Sea Lord.

Delaying the Type 26 frigate programme will leave the UK fleet ‘grossly inadequate’ for the tasks ahead, Lord West of Spithead told the Commons Defence Committee. The Labour peer said the frigates were not held up by design changes, adding: “The reality is there is not enough money in the MoD.”

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21-gun salute for Queen in Cardiff THE QUEEN officially opened the Fifth Session of the National Assembly for Wales at the Senedd in Cardiff yesterday (Tuesday).

She was accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

A 21-gun salute was fired at Cardiff Pierhead when the royal train arrived at Cardiff Central Station.

The Welsh and National anthems were played and a royal salute given as the Queen reached the Senedd, where hundreds of well-wishers lined the streets and schoolchildren waved both Union and Welsh flags.

In a speech given to the Siambr, the Queen said the opening of the Fifth Session marked a further significant development in the history of devolution in Wales.

The Queen said: “I have continued to follow the Assembly’s progress with close interest, and to note the remarkable record of achievement over the first four terms.

“Though a relatively young parliamentary institution, you have established a reputation as a strong, accessible and forward-looking legislature, serving all the diverse communities of Wales.

“The Assembly can be proud of the way it has engaged with a broad audience across Wales and beyond, to create a better understanding of the important work that is undertaken here; and I am

sure that you will continue to show innovation and leadership in the way that you communicate with all those you serve, and to involve them in your work.” Following the speech, the Queen signed a commemorative parchment.

First Minister Carwyn Jones responded to the Queen’s speech, highlighting the need for Assembly Members to work together in order to serve the country.

“The beginning of the new parliamentary term is a special moment,” he said. “But more than this the beginning of the new term marks a pivotal moment in the life of Welsh devolution itself.

“In the coming months and years, further powers will be granted to this Assembly marking its maturity into a more powerful parliament.”

Following the opening, the Queen went on to open Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre with Prince Philip.

Charles and Camilla attended a reception with members of the National Assembly for Wales and afterwards viewed an artistic installation of a field of poppies commemorating Welsh soldiers killed in the First World War. The installation marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and has been created to coincide with the performance of a new Welsh National Opera Production.

MORE is spent on treating obesity-related conditions than on the police or fire service, according to an NHS chief.

Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, told MPs that preventing problems caused by people being overweight could save the health service billions of pounds.

Around 40 per cent of the NHS’s workload is related to ‘modifiable health risk factors’, such as smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise, he added.

He said the Government’s new tax on sugar-rich fizzy drinks will help tackle the issue, particularly with childhood obesity.

‘Action on sugar intake will show up as reduced rates of type two diabetes, blindness and amputations’ “We are now spending more on obesityrelated conditions in this country than we are on the police or fire service,” he told a House of Commons Health Select Committee.

“And a good place to start would be childhood obesity, and obviously the sugar tax in the budget is a key building block in that.”

He said reducing the amount of salt in people’s diets has saved the NHS around £1.5billion since 2001, and clamping down on sugar intake will have a similar effect.

He added: “Action to take added sugar out of food and drinks, as we have successfully done with salt over the last 15 years, will show up as reduced rates of type two diabetes, reduced rates of diabetic blindness and amputations.”

The cost to the UK economy of excess weight and obesity was estimated at £15.8billion per year in 2007, including £4.2billion in costs to the NHS, according to Public Health England.

Research published yesterday (Tuesday) estimated that a quarter of a million people across the UK could die over the next nine years from preventable conditions caused by smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet and inactivity.

The report, commissioned by The Richmond Group of charities, suggested a series of policies that could help reduce illnesses, including coronary heart disease, type two diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, arthritis and dementia.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

18  BUSINESS NEWS

Domino’s orders up large slice of the job’s market

NEWS IN BUSINESS

New Look considers move into Germany FASHION retailer New Look has outlined a £100million investment plan that will see it expand into Germany and grow its presence in China following a surge in profits.

In its first full year of ownership under South African firm Brait the clothing company saw revenues rise 5.4 per cent to £1.4billion, driven by a 3.4 per cent increase in like-for-like sales at its UK stores.

Website sales were up 27.9 per cent and in China, where it has 92 stores, like-for-like sales grew 8.8 per cent. Pre-tax profits grew 16.8 per cent to £59.1million.

Shell cuts investment SHELL is scaling down investment and looking for more cost savings in an attempt to adapt to a lower oil price environment.

Chief executive Ben van Beurden, who has already announced more than 10,000 job cuts, confirmed spending by the oil giant will be cut by 35 per cent over the next four years and expects to make $4.5billion (£3.1billion) in efficiency savings from its £35billion merger with BG.

Alcohol price challenge A LEGAL challenge to the Scottish Government’s plan for a minimum alcohol unit price of 50p is due to return to Scotland’s highest civil court, the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

MSPs backed the move at Holyrood in 2012 but implementation stalled after the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and other European wine and spirits producers took legal action, arguing minimum pricing would breach European law.

Property values up again THE average UK property price increased by 0.6 per cent month-on-month in May, taking the typical value of a home to £213,472. This has helped average property values rise by 9.2 per cent annually, the Halifax has reported.

On a quarterly basis, house prices in the three months to May were 1.4 per cent higher than in the preceding three months.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

BIG BOSS Mike Ashley leaves Portcullis House

Sports Direct too big for me to handle alone says Ashley SPORTS Direct boss Mike Ashley has admitted that he paid workers below the minimum wage, and also told MPs that he has discovered ‘issues’ with working practices at the retailer as part of an internal review.

Mr Ashley was appearing at Portcullis House in London after being summoned to give evidence to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee on working conditions at Sports Direct’s Shirebrook warehouse, including controversial zero-hours contracts and paying less than the minimum wage.

Mr Ashley, sitting alongside public relations adviser Keith Bishop, was asked if employees were effectively paid less than the minimum wage, and answered: “On that specific point, for that specific bit of time, yes,” adding that he agreed some staff should be transferred to full-time contracts.

Mr Ashley also said it was unfair that employees are docked pay for being one minute late.

The tycoon pledged to implement a number of changes to working practices within 90 days, promising to write to MPs if the time frame needs to be extended.

When it was put to him that some female employees had endured sexual harassment, he said: “It 100 per cent should not be going on.”

Mr Ashley agreed that Sports Direct had become too big for him alone to manage and vowed to review the firm’s corporate governance structure.

When asked whether it would be better if an independent organisation carried out a review of working conditions at Shirebrook, he said: “I can agree that in some ways I am not the right person because I am not an expert on every area of employment, obviously.”

Mr Ashley said Sports Direct can do a better job than the Unite union when it came to looking after workers and that he only spoke to the trade unions when they had the option to ask questions at the company’s AGM, which is held once a year.

Earlier, MPs heard from the Unite union that Sports Direct is holding talks with HMRC over back pay for staff who had been paid less than the minimum wage.

Luke Primarolo, Regional Officer of Unite, also told MPs that a ‘culture of fear’ pervaded at the warehouse, claiming that one Sports Direct employee was forced to give birth in a toilet.

Steve Turner, Assistant General Secretary of Unite, said conditions at the retail giant’s warehouse in Derbyshire were more like a ‘workhouse or gulag’.

DOMINO’S Pizza is creating 10,000 new jobs as part of a major recruitment drive ahead of the European Championship and the Olympic Games.

The bulk of the jobs – 1,900 positions – will be created in south-east England.

The move is part of plans to open more than 65 stores in the UK and Ireland this year as it gets set for an upsurge in demand, with three pizzas expected to be ordered every second during Euro 2016.

Chief executive David Wild said: “2016 is a bumper year for Domino’s. We have plans to open around 65 new stores and we’ll serve up over seven million pizzas during the Euros alone.”

Mr Wild said the firm had also brought on board ex-England football manager Kevin Keegan to raise awareness about the jobs push.

Domino’s announced in March that rock bottom cheese prices had helped the fast food chain rack up double-digit profits last year.

The group, which has more than 869 stores in Britain, said pre-tax profits jumped 20 per cent to £59.3million in the year to December 27 compared with a year ago, helped by lower costs for fuel, wheat and ‘a record-low cheese price’.

It said it was able to save £11million on food costs alone last year, primarily on cheese and dough.

The firm said in March that like-for-like sales hit 11.7 per cent over the period, while its online operation now accounted for 77.7 per cent of all sales from deliveries, up from 70.8 per cent a year ago. Its app service now accounts for 48.6 per cent of all online sales.

The group, which opened 61 stores in the UK last year, has now produced nine successive quarters of double-digit like-for-like growth in Britain.

TOPPING THE BILL England hero Kevin Keegan with new Domino’s employees

WORLD NEWS 

Rail operator’s Clinton makes history as concessions first woman candidate in a bid to end national strike WITH France’s rail network chalking up a week of nationwide strike action, the national operator SNCF has offered unions a deal to try to persuade the drivers to go back to work.

Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris and most of the country’s oil refineries were also hit by blockades this week as protests against a bill abolishing labour protections intensified.

The French Government fears the campaign will affect football’s European Championship in the country, which starts on Friday (June 10).

Around 2.5 million spectators are expected to attend the tournament at venues around France.

A third of high-speed trains and about half of regional trains were cancelled on Tuesday because of the strike, along with many trains from Spain, Italy and Switzerland.

SNCF Director Guillaume Pepy said management of the state-run company went ‘to the farthest point possible’ to meet union demands for less onerous working hours.

Conservative politicians have criticised their offer as surrendering too much ground to unions.

The socialist government argues the labour bill will encourage hiring by giving employers more freedom to extend workdays and lay off workers during slumps.

Leftist opponents see it as a betrayal of hardwon workers’ rights, while conservatives say the bill is too weak to make a difference.

HILLARY CLINTON will run head-to-head with Donald Trump after becoming the first woman to top the presidential ticket of a major US political party.

The former Secretary of State, New York senator and First Lady garnered the 2,383 delegates needed to become the presumptive Democratic nominee yesterday (Tuesday).

She reached the mark after a decisive weekend

‘I will come out of the primary even stronger to take on Donald Trump’ victory in Puerto Rico and a burst of last-minute support from ‘superdelegates’ – party officials and office holders who are eager to wrap up the contest amid polls showing Trump, the Republican nominee, gaining ground on her.

“We really need to bring a close to this primary process and get on to defeating Donald Trump,” said Nancy Worley, a superdelegate from Alabama.

The victory comes eight years after Mrs Clinton conceded defeat to Barack Obama in her first campaign – when she noted her inability to ‘shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling’.

But she had to hold off a surprisingly strong challenge from Vermont

senator Bernie Sanders.

His fervently liberal message and his insurgent candidacy revealed a deep level of national frustration with politics-as-usual, even among Democrats who have controlled the White House since 2009.

Mr Sanders has vowed to keep on fighting for the nomination until the Democratic convention in July.

“Our job from now until the convention is to convince those superdelegates that Bernie is by far the strongest candidate against Donald Trump,” said Sanders spokesman Michael Briggs.

Mrs Clinton celebrated her success at a fundraising concert at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and promised to ‘come out of the primary even stronger to take on Donald Trump’.

The sell-out show included Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Christina Aguilera.

19

SPORT IN BRIEF

No way Jose? Swift deal for Carneiro and Chelsea CHELSEA and Jose Mourinho have reached a settlement with the club’s former team doctor, Eva Carneiro, over her claims that she was constructively dismissed by the club and victimised by the former manager.

She was due to begin giving evidence today but after last-minute talks between the parties, a settlement was agreed.

Chelsea said in a statement: “The club regrets the circumstances which led to Dr Carneiro leaving the club and apologises unreservedly to her and her family for the distress caused.”

Mourinho, now in charge of Manchester United, made a surprise appearance at the hearing at the London South Employment Tribunal centre in Croydon.

Rutherford’s baby fear GREG RUTHERFORD, the Olympic long jump champion, has frozen a sample of his sperm before taking part in this summer’s games in Rio because of the Zika virus.

His girlfriend Susie Verrill said they wanted to have more children and were worried about the risk of birth defects.

Moore eyes Wimbledon IN THE RUNNING Hillary Clinton celebrates her victory

BRITAIN’S Tara Moore won only her second ever WTA match after beating Donna Vekic at the Aegon Open in Nottingham, but she is still waiting to see if she can secure a place at Wimbledon. The 23 year old, who is ranked 280th in the world, won 6-2 7-5.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

www.lifestyleford.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells 01892739131

Tonbridge 01732 758 726

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Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/lOOkm) for the Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max range: urban 44.8 (6.3) - 39.8 (7.1), extra urban 62.8 (4.5) - 57.6 (4.9), combined 55.4 (5.1) - 49.6 (5.7). Official C02 emissions 149-ll7g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Based on limited stock vehicles only and must be ordered and registered between 01.04.16 and 30.06.16. *Finance example shown available over a finance period of 48 months with £4,095.74 customer deposit.

Amount of credit £22,899.26. Charge for credit £1,932.74. Finance Facility fee £10. Purchase Fee £10. Total amount payable £28,947.74. Optional final payment £10,480.00. 2.9% APR, 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage charged at Bp per mile. When financed with Ford Credit. Finance subject to status. Other charges for metallic paint and extra factory options. Must be over 18 and a full UK resident. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Prices correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. Subject to availability at Lifestyle Ford. Lifestyle Ford reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time and without notice. Lifestyle Ford Head Office 3 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 BAG. Images for illustration purposes only, metallic paint available at an extra cost.

COMMENT 

Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

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

Buildings shape our lives…

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT, Royal Leamington Spa and Royal Tunbridge Wells. No prizes for guessing what those three towns have in common. In fact, they’re the only three towns in Britain to be honoured with the royal prefix.

Though our town has enjoyed the patronage of kings and queens since its foundation, it wasn’t until 1909 that it was granted its full title by Edward VII. 107 years later, we celebrate his great granddaughter’s 90th birthday.

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II was born on the 21 April 1926, but this weekend we mark her official birthday. The June date was chosen (by Edward VII as it happens) to maximise the chance of good weather for outdoor events – the most famous of which is the Trooping of the Colour. Not quite so famous, but splendid nonetheless, is the celebratory picnic that our town will hold on Sunday (June 12) in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park starting at 2 o’clock. Other celebrations are taking place this weekend throughout the town and borough.

I’m sure the picnic will be a fantastic event, not least because of the wonderful work that has been done by the Friends group, the Council and other community groups and residents to

revive the park and restore it to its heyday. If you were to be transported back to 1926, this park and much of our town would be instantly recognisable. There have been many changes and some painful losses (like the Decimus Burton terrace that once stood on the site of the town hall); but we’re fortunate to have so many common reference points – buildings and landmarks that have survived world wars, not to mention

‘Without a peaceful and stable society fewer buildings would survive’

21

as Churchill reminds us it also works the other way round – ancient churches, historic monuments and familiar streetscapes remind us of where we’ve come from and who we are, thereby strengthening society.

This doesn’t mean that we have to preserve everything like an exhibit in a museum. Rather, it’s about keeping a core of stability around which other things can grow and flourish.

Looking at old photographs of Tunbridge Wells, you realise just how much does change despite the enduring architecture. People are made of less enduring stuff than buildings. Even those who provide common reference points for the nation as a whole – such as entertainers, sports people and, yes, politicians – will be yesterday’s news before long and all but forgotten in a decade or two.

That’s why the few – the very few – who stay part of our lives across the generations are so precious. How amazing, that in 2016, our Queen, who waved to the crowds on VE Day, is still with us – serving her country and the Commonwealth into her tenth decade. As a living example of continuity, of identity and of public duty, it is truly remarkable.

ICONIC TOWN HALL Churchill believed in the importance of architecture

the 20th century enthusiasm for the bulldozer and the wrecking ball.

Winston Churchill once said that “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us”. I believe that to be true of our town – and, in fact, our country. Of course, without a peaceful and stable society fewer buildings would survive through the decades and centuries. But

Wednesday 8th June 2016

22  LETTERS

And another thing…

The Times of Tunbridge Wells and the Times of Tonbridge always want to hear your feedback, whether on reports we have printed or any other issues you think we should know about. Email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Pembury Road: Traffic chaos – a work of fiction It was the day of the annual outing of an entirely fictitious Highways Department and they decided

EU debate: Short memory

Your correspondent John Ward Moorhouse (May 25) seems to have a very short memory for someone who is so keen to talk history. He claims that the EU can only have been trying to prevent wars since it received its latest title in 1993, while Nato has been doing so since 1949.

In fact the Treaty of Paris, signed in 1951, saw the creation of the EU’s first incarnation, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), which was tasked with reviving economies after the Second World War and preventing further conflict in Europe in order to bring about a ‘lasting peace’.

Before then, Winston Churchill described ‘the tragedy of Europe’ at the University of Zurich in 1946 and called for a ‘kind of United States of Europe’, something he had already touted during the war. Two years later he was Chairman at the Congress of Europe in the Hague, when the first federal body was formed on the continent.

And in London in 1949 the Treaty of London established the Council of Europe ‘to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage and facilitating their economic and social progress’. Human rights, democracy and freedom were a crucial component of its mission.

And by the way, I’m not sure that it really matters if the Balkans, Georgia and Ukraine were not EU members when conflict came to haunt them. The fact is that they are on the doorsteps of EU members.

Employing Mr Moorhouse’s thinking, if we leave the EU and then get attacked, our former brothers in arms can just stand by and watch us get beaten up. So I think that the F-minus for history is yours, not David Cameron’s.

Pater Bayliss Via email

to go to Tunbridge Wells. None of the staff lived in Tunbridge Wells and certainly none of them knew anything about traffic flow there. The Director sat in the minibus next to the driver.

When they got to the beginning of Pembury Road, they were surprised to find a huge queue of traffic into the town, although it was ten o’clock and well after the rush hour. The Director turned to his staff and said in a stentorian tone: ‘Who was responsible for planning traffic flow?’ There was a pause and then a timid voice was heard.

“Excuse me, sir,” said Norman, “it was me.” The Director paused and Norman trembled with fear.

Suddenly, a broad grin appeared on the Director’s face. “Well done, my boy,” he exclaimed. “This must be one of the best traffic jams we have achieved in the whole of Kent!

Junior doctors: Motivated by politics

I’ve been away for a bit so have only just caught up with Dan Keown’s letter (May 18) and it’s a poor attempt at cutting and splicing my original comments to sentiments I did not express – I’m glad he’s not a surgeon. He then falls back on some very tired, emotion-laden cliches about long hours and poor pay.

Time moves on and recent revelations show beyond doubt that the strike was wholly motivated by politics, planning to drag out the strike for 18 months: Their only ‘red line’ was pay – I refer to the leaked Whatsapp correspondence.

As for my aneurysm, I shan’t fret about Dr Keown’s intervention, nor it’s outcome – he practises acupuncture.

Hugh Masters Pembury

Elections: Candidate actually listened

In response to Peter Lidstone’s letter (May 25), I would like to congratulate him wholeheartedly.

Peter worked tirelessly at his election campaign, using his push bike as a mode of transport. He went from house to house and actually listened to residents’ concerns; that’s what we liked about him. It wasn’t the political element he was delivering but his caring approach towards making a difference to this slowly sinking town.

I have every admiration for someone of that calibre. So all the best Peter – you certainly have our backing!

Judith Pryke Via email

The Mayor: A wonderful year

The retiring Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr David Elliott and Mrs June Crowhurst, would like to thank the community of the Borough of Royal Tunbridge Wells for a wonderful year in office and the support shown

“Look how the queues you have created with the traffic lights slow the traffic down in both directions. Why, it is queuing right back round the two A21 roundabouts.

“You could have used mini-roundabouts as we did to speed up the traffic on the North Farm estate, but that would have spoiled the whole effect.” Norman smiled shyly with quiet delight.

When they finally got to the centre of Tunbridge Wells, it was nearly time to go home again and they decided to eat their sandwiches in the minibus in the 30-minute queue getting out of Tunbridge Wells.

They got back to Maidstone tired but happy and all agreed that they had had an excellent day out.

Peter Russell Tunbridge Wells to us. We have been made to feel so welcome everywhere we’ve been. We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and met so many lovely people and raised a record amount, £26,000, for our charity, ellenor. Thank you again.

Cllr David Elliott Southborough

The Council: Not a business

It is good to hear Tunbridge Wells Council is run like a business, with clear objectives and financial discipline. The need for this is greater than ever.

But local government is not a business.

Councils have a range of responsibilities which would terrify most businesses, and we elect councillors to take decisions about these on our behalf. They are responsible for stating their aims through plans and strategies, on which we are consulted, and once adopted they are legally obliged to follow these.

As you say, they employ specialists in the form of their staff to advise them, and they need to employ enough of the right staff for this. Cutting the staff beyond a certain point only means that expensive consultants have to be brought in. But whether advised by staff or consultants, the elected councillors are responsible for everything the Council does.

Like a business, a local government provides services, but it doesn’t only provide services. What it does is, or should be, based on choices taken in public on our behalf. There are opportunities for all of us to contribute to this by responding to the Council’s plans and holding our representatives to account, either through the Civic Society or the Town Forum or as individuals.

From my point of view, I am sometimes a service user, but I am a citizen, a taxpayer and a voter every day.

Alastair Tod Via email

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

Wednesday 8th June 2016

Calverley CARLA LANE, who wrote popular sitcoms The Liver Birds, Butterflies and Bread, had a real passion for animals and ran a sanctuary in Horsted Keynes. Her death last week caused Calverley to recall the tale she told him about a trip to America to meet TV producers who were interested in one of her sitcoms. In an effort to win her over, the idiots took her to a restaurant, pointed to a tank of live lobsters and asked which one she wanted to eat. The feisty Liverpudlian, a vegetarian and animal rights activist, was aghast. She demanded that before any negotiations the producers buy the whole tank of lobsters, take them to the sea and release them. Only then would she talk turkey. They duly bought the lobsters.

SPARE a thought for the local hostelry that spent weeks planning a mammoth food event only to be forced to send out the following email: “The extravaganza announced earlier has been postponed as the head chef has suffered a burst appendix.” Could have been a lot worse…

WORK is the biggest culprit when it comes to stress. Who says so? Well the people at PW Consulting Ltd, ‘specialists in performance, productivity, stress-resilience and wellness’, who put out a media release on the very subject.

CALVERLEY counts many chefs among his friends. All are wizards in the kitchen. They are not, however, so great when it comes to the English language. One of them tells Himself of their battle with diets, particularly with no meat.

The chef in question finds that very difficult: “Because I am a natural carnival.” They are a lot of fun, but I’m sure that’s not what he meant.

CATE BLANCHETT has a very refined sweet tooth, Himself can reveal. He happened to be behind the Aussie superstar when she popped into shop Fromage & French and wisely picked out some organic chocolate called Lingaud; Himself knows for a fact it’s made by a delightful woman in Rusthall who uses the proper ingredients to make it so mouthwatering. Ms Blanchett is apparently settling in nicely at her £3million mansion near Crowborough.

Chin, chin readers

Education in association with:

www.brightyoungthings.co.uk

EDUCATION �

23

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

The Jam Jar Challenge THE Calverley Adventure Grounds (CAG) project has launched its first fundraising campaign and hopes that children in the local area will get involved.

Following the recent announcement that its parent organisation, The Friends of Calverley Grounds, has been awarded charitable status, CAG has kick started its goal of raising £225,000 in order to build a new play area by launching a Jam Jar Challenge which schools, nurseries and clubs can participate in throughout the month of June.

Rhiannon Harfoot, CAG’s Project Co-ordinator, said: “We hope this is a way that children can feel a sense of involvement in what we are doing, in creating an exciting legacy that they and future generations of children will enjoy.”

To be a part of the challenge, children simply need to find a jar or container and think of various ways they can raise money to fill it. Spare jam jars and information sheets can be collected from Perk Pearl who have dedicated their window space to promoting the campaign.

Filled jam jars can then be taken to Metro Bank on July 2 to be counted in their ‘Magic Money Machine’. They can also be taken to any participating school from Monday July 4.

Anyone raising over £15 will receive a Top Fund-

HELPING HAND Fundraising for adventure grounds

EDUCATION IN BRIEF

Nursery bug week CHILDREN at Tunbridge Wells Nursery and Montessori Pre-School donned their finest insect outfits last week as they learned all about the microscopic world of creepy crawlies.

As well as dressing up, made bug houses, went on bug hunts and created huge colourful pictures their favourite insects.

Sporting success

raiser wristband and there will be awards for the class and school who raise the most.

A local teacher who is supporting the project said, “My class have been so excited by the Calverley Adventure Grounds since the idea was shared earlier in the year. Through the Jam Jar Challenge, not only are they participating in a community project and understanding the power of collaboration, but by counting coins and doing some of the number challenges the team have designed, it’s fantastic for their numeracy. We find that children are using coins less and less and are noticing the effect this has on their understanding of money.”

The CAG team are continuing to attract support from many businesses across the town, including Wildwood Media, whose MD, Chris Newberry, filmed and produced a video which captures the essence of the project and the Jam Jar campaign.

Explaining why he got involved, Chris said, “I heard about the project and thought it was truly inspiring that the community were coming together to create an area which would offer so much joy for years to come.”

Schools interested in helping to fundraise should visit the CAG website: www.calverleyadventuregrounds.co.uk

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE hosted the British Schools Gymnastics Association’s South East Region Individual Floor and Vault Championships at the end of May. The competition saw 160 gymnasts descend on the school and each competitor had to perform a set floor routine and a vault.

Sixteen of the total number of awards went to Holmewood House pupils, seven of which were for regional champions medals.

Playing it cyber safe LAST week Sue Kemsley, the E-Safety Police Community Support Officer for primary schools in West Kent, visited year 5 and 6 pupils at St Peter’s to show how children can report cyber bullying and be aware of E-safety.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

24  ADVERTISING FEATURE

NATIONAL BEER DAY

Love Beer, Love Fuggles Alex Grieg from Fuggles Beer Café tells us about one of his favourite subjects…

Fuggles in five words: Beer, Meat, Gin, Cheese, Whisky

A day in the life of…

Glenn Whatman, 29, is a brewer at the Old Dairy Brewery in Tenterden EARLY START My day starts by waking up to BBC Radio 6 Music nice and early. Living in Tenterden allows me to take a leisurely stroll to work, picking up a coffee on the way to enjoy when I get there. I get to work for 8.30am, sometimes earlier if I’m brewing.

MORNING RITUALS The days when I’m not brewing my morning involves a lot of emails and paperwork, ordering stock, developing and updating brew sheets and recipes, and researching the latest beers and trends.

BREWING BEGINS On a brew day the first thing I do when I get in is heat up the mash tun, ready for brewing. Then all my focus for the rest of the day is dedicated to this.

Here at Old Dairy we brew a whole range of ales using a single infusion mash (mixing water and malted barley) to produce wort (hot sugary malty water).

We then boil the sugary wort – this includes three to five hop additions in this 60-minute process.

This sugary, hoppy wort is chilled to 20°C and the yeast is added.

The beer is then left for a few days to ferment and once this is done it is chilled further to 6°C and allowed to condition.

After a few days of conditioning in the tank it is then ready to rack into cask or bottle.

QUALITY CONTROL There are so many factors that come into play when making beer. To help consistency there are certain times when you take readings and measurements – this enables you to keep on track and know that you’re getting it spot on.

But when the readings are wrong and it doesn’t go your way, you have to

Wednesday 8th June 2016

improvise, which is never a bad thing. Also using quality ingredients helps.

BEER IDEAS With so many different styles out there it’s easy to get inspiration, but not quite as easy staying sober while doing it! Also ingredients play a major part in developing different beers. New, exciting hops are popping up all the time so I like to play around on the 50L test kit and see what people think.

TRIED AND TASTED I do get to do a lot of tasting as part of my job, but sometimes it’s not as nice as you’d think, especially when you’re hung over and having to sample the beer before it goes out in the morning!

TOP TESTING My favourite part of the job is making and brewing my own recipes on the little test kit.

Although not all of the test brews come out as I planned, it’s trial and error, and great fun. All the little sample brews I do get put in the shop for people to buy and tell us what they think.

LAST ORDERS I try to finish around 5.30pm but my days vary in so many ways every day is unique. My evenings are spent socialising with friends and researching (drinking beer)! www.olddairybrewery.com

What are your top three beers and why are they so popular?

We sell a huge variety, to be honest, and we tend to find the hoppier, paler beers sell really well as well as some of the rarer types we get in from Belgium, particularly the Trappist beers.

What’s your personal favourite beer you serve and why?

Such a difficult question as we’ve over 100 in and

we constantly change the range so I’m always trying new beers. The easiest way to answer would be to pick the first beer I loved from Belgium – Moinette Blond. More recently the Brew By Numbers Double IPA was stunning.

What beers on tap do you serve?

We’ve 20 beers on tap, six of them being cask ales – with Tonbridge Coppernob always being on alongside five rotating lines. Our 14 keg lines feature some great beers from Belgium, such as Brugse Zot, and a rotating range from the UK, Belgium and Holland encompassing styles from pale ales to stouts to sours!

What bottled beers are available at Fuggles?

A lot! We try to keep a balanced range in so there’s something for everyone whether you want the latest hoppy pale from Beavertown or something more traditional from Westerham.

With over 100 in stock there’s plenty to choose from including some real rarities and one-offs alongside some brews we’ve been aging in our cellar.

28 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AP, 01892 457739, www.fugglesbeercafe.co.uk

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

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Grand home takes the limelight with cinema and pool

Wednesday 8th June 2016

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Pick up your edition at the following stations Tunbridge Wells

BAYHAM ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£795,000

Tonbridge Sevenoaks Orpington London Cannon Street

Move with the Times Welcome to our supplement highlighting the best properties on the regional market and brought to you by the Times of Tunbridge Wells & Tonbridge. The newspaper is published every Wednesday, is free of charge and has a print run of 25,000 copies. This 40 page supplement of old and new homes, plus places to let, appears each week as part of the paper and in addition a further 4,500 standalone copies of the supplement are handed out at key stations as part of our service to commuters and those looking to relocate to Kent.

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

Alternatively you can contact the Times of Tunbridge Wells in the following ways 01892 779 624 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

f facebook.com/timestunbridgewells k twitter.com/ timesoftw L timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Wednesday 8th June 2016

THE OLD METHODIST CHURCH EAST STREET, TONBRIDGE

£235,000

UNDER £250,000 THIS apartment, arranged over three floors, is part of a Grade II listed converted Methodist Church in the heart of Tonbridge. The property has been restored with light and spacious accommodation.

SOUTHWOOD ROAD, RUSTHALL On the ground floor is an entrance hall with a cloakroom/utility room, while the first floor comprises an open-plan kitchen/living space and the second floor has a large bedroom and en-suite.

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

OFFERS IN THE REGION OF

£348,000

UNDER £350,000 A SEMI-DETACHED house in the village of Rusthall that has been refurbished to a high standard, now providing modern living accommodation yet retaining some original features. It has an entrance

hall, living room with box bay window, dining room, modern fitted kitchen, main bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms and a modern fitted bathroom.

There is a low maintenance rear garden and the property is being offered with no forward chain.

CONTACT KMJ Property 01892 515188 www.kmjproperty.co.uk

PROPERTY SECTION 

great properties by price range…

RUSTHALL ROAD, RUSTHALL

£350,000-£375,000 SHARE OF FREEHOLD UNDER £450,000 A GROUND floor apartment within an imposing Victorian residence and the benefit of its own entrances to front and rear. The accommodation is well presented throughout with generously proportioned rooms and many period features including an inglenook fireplace fitted with a wood burner. The accommodation comprises a sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, bathroom and two bedrooms. To the rear is a secluded communal courtyard.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth Pembury 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com LANSDOWNE ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£475,000

UNDER £500,000 A VERY well-presented period lower ground floor apartment, conveniently located for Tunbridge Wells town centre.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall, sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms (one with en-suite wet room), plus a third bedroom or study/dining room and a family bathroom. The property comes with the use of lovely communal gardens and a parking space for one car.

CONTACT Jackson-Stops & Staff Tunbridge Wells 01892 521700 www.jackson-stops.co.uk HALE OAK ROAD, WEALD, SEVENOAKS

£999,000

BAYHAM ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

UNDER £1MILLION

£795,000 UNDER £800,000 COMING to the market for the first time in nearly 30 years, this former gamekeeper’s lodge is located on a popular residential road on the south side of Tunbridge Wells. On the ground floor is an entrance hall, living room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, conservatory, utility room and cloakroom/ shower room, with three

bedrooms (one with dressing/ storage area off it) and a family bathroom upstairs. There is a lovely rear garden with garden studio, driveway parking and a garage.

CONTACT Maddisons Residential 01892 514100 www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

A MOST attractive Grade II listed English cottage with a wealth of character and a fabulous detached annexe, set within delightful grounds. Accommodation in the main house includes a sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom/ utility room, three double bedrooms (one with en-suite) and a family bathroom. The single storey annexe has an open-plan kitchen/reception room, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a study. There is off-road parking and it has landscaped gardens.

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

Wednesday 8th June 2016

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AT A GLANCE BLATCHINGTON ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS � Detached Edwardian family house � Arranged over three floors � Period features � Highly desirable area � Entrance hall � Dining room � Drawing room � Cloakroom � Kitchen/breakfast room � Cellar � Master bedroom with dressing room � Five further bedrooms � Three bathrooms � Off-road parking � Attractive rear garden � Available to let unfurnished

£3,250 per month To let through Alexandre Boyes 01892 525522 www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk

Ample Edwardian house to let near Warwick Park

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SUBSTANTIAL and very well-presented Edwardian detached house which is offered with a flexible lease in a highly favoured no-through road just off Warwick Park, near the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

A short walk from the mainline station and The Pantiles, it is set over three floors and retains many original character features, including high ceilings, attractive fireplaces and cornicing.

The accommodation on the ground floor includes an entrance hall, dining room with fireplace and a bay window to the front, cloakroom and drawing room with beautiful period fireplace and doors opening to the rear.

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The spacious kitchen/breakfast room is bright and well fitted. Additionally, there is access to a useful cellar with boiler room and storerooms.

Upstairs, the master bedroom has an adjoining dressing room/study, as well as a pretty fireplace and a bay window to the front.

There are two further bedrooms on this floor, with another three and another dressing room on the top floor, all served by three bathrooms.

The property benefits from a driveway with off-road parking and a large secluded rear garden with a heated summerhouse.

It is available to let unfurnished from July 18 with the flexible lease.

Hadlow Grade II listed duplex apartment set in a prestigious development 2 reception rooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Delightful grounds with pond views. Allocated parking space. In all about 1.13 acres of communal gardens and paddock.

Guide price: ÂŁ895,000

Ide Hill

Springwood Park, Tonbridge

A superbly appointed duplex apartment within a Grade II listed manor house

A substantial duplex apartment with impressive views

1 reception room, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Roof terrace. Garage and allocated parking space.

Delightful south-facing private garden. Established communal gardens and grounds.

2 reception rooms, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Gated entrance. Parking space. 2 single garages en-bloc. Communal gardens of about 2.75 acres and tennis court. EPC rating C.

South borough Charming Grade II Listed property overlooking the Common Comprising the major portion of a beautiful Georgian house. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen, breakfast room, cloakroom. Master bedroom with shower room, 3 further bedrooms, family room / bedroom 4, family bathroom, second floor study area. Integral garage with utility area.

Brenchley A substantial Edwardian family house on the edge of a popular village Entrance lobby, dining hall, cloakroom, inner hall, cellar, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, drawing room, sitting room, oak-framed garden room. Master bedroom with en suite shower room, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, study, office. Gardens and grounds. Paved terrace. Woodland.

Tandem garage. Store room. Planning permission for ancillary accommodation. EPC rating E. In all about 6.37 acres.

Cowden A beautifully presented property with stunning rural views Entrance hall, drawing/ dining room, kitchen. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms, family bathroom, balcony. Covered parking and storage in an outbuilding. Garden and grounds extending to approximately 0.4 acres.

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

Tunbridge Wells Charming semi-detached house situated in the very heart of the desirable 'village' area Sitting room, kitchen/ dining room, bedroom, bathroom. EPC rating D.

Kilndown A most impressive Grade II Listed country house in a wonderful setting Reception hall, study, morning room, drawing room, dining room, playroom / sitting room, kitchen / breakfast room, pantry, rear hall, boot room, laundry room, 2 cloakrooms, cellarage. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, guest bedroom with en suite bathroom,4 further bedrooms, bathroom, separate WC. Separate 2 bedroom coach house with integral garage, courtyard and private garden. Rose garden. Orchard. Heated swimming pool. Detached garden store / workshop.

Triple garage. In all about 4 acres.

Sandhurst An impressive family residence with equestrian facilities Entrance hall, cloakroom, utility room, kitchen/ breakfast room, orangery dining room, study, sitting room, family room, drawing room, garden room. Master bedroom suite with dressing room, 6 further bedrooms (2 en suite), 2 family bathrooms. Gardens and grounds. Summer house. Swimming pool. Tennis court. Triple garage with annexe above. 2 stable blocks. Sand school. Paddocks. Open bay store. Substantial outbuildings. 2 Atcost barns. EPC rating C. In all about 25. 72 acres.

Hawkhurst An impressive Grade II Listed family residence within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, music room, drawing room, conservatory, kitchen / breakfast room, boot room, utility room, cloakroom.

Master bedroom suite with 'his and hers' dressing rooms and en suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom. Attached 2-bedroom annexe. Triple open bay garage with storage space above. Stables and yard comprising 4 stables, tack room and feed room. Further outbuildings.

Mature gardens and grounds. Heated swimming pool. Fenced paddocks and manege. In all about 10.47 acres.

� PROPERTY SECTION

Charming village home in popular Speldhurst retains period features

AT A GLANCE RODBOROUGH HOUSE PENSHURST ROAD, SPELDHURST � Detached Edwardian house

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HIS fine Edwardian family house has a light and spacious interior and boasts some excellent period features, including attractive fireplaces, leaded light windows, parquet flooring and cast iron radiators. Located in the highly regarded village of Speldhurst, it is set back from the road and approached over an in-and-out drive.

To the ground floor there is an entrance porch opening to a reception hall. The elegant, wellproportioned drawing room has a triple-aspect outlook with a door out to the terrace, an open fireplace and double doors to the dining room.

The family room also has an open fireplace and a door to the terrace, and there is a study fitted with shelving and cupboards. The kitchen/ breakfast room is a good size and fitted with a range of wooden units and a fireplace recess with wood-burning stove. There is also a walkin larder and a useful boot room.

On the first floor, the landing has a sitting area with storage cupboards. There are six bedrooms, five of which have either wardrobes or built-in cupboards. The bedrooms are served by two bathrooms and a separate WC. At the front of the house, the drive is flanked by a good area of semi-circular lawn with a detached triple garage block to the side.

The house is screened from the road by evergreen hedging and at the rear the southwest facing terrace leads to a long lawn, with mature trees and shrubs to either side.

At the lower end of the garden is a tennis court which requires some remedial maintenance. In all, the land totals just under three quarters of an acre.

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� Sought-after village location � Period features � Entrance porch � Reception hall � Drawing room � Dining room � Study � Family room � Cloakroom � Pantry � Boot room � Six bedrooms � Two bathrooms � Separate WC � Triple garage block � In-and-out drive � Mature gardens � Tennis court � In all 0.75 of an acre

£1,495,000 For sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk

L."!:AMPTONS

11

INTERNATIONAL

Robertsbridge ÂŁ2,250,000 A charming small country estate set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with expansive accommodation set amidst marvellous landscaped gardens and grounds together with an Oast House and a large detached Studio. In total approximately 16.5 acres. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ750,000 A beautiful contemporary 4 bedroom conversion of a former stable offering both light & spacious accommodation with many character features & stunning individual design situated in a convenient location for the town and station and about 150 yard walk to Dunorlan Park. EPC: C

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

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

THESUNDAYTIMES

THE .altlaT IMES

Edenbridge £1,100,000 This exceptional detached 4 bedroom character house is believed to date from about 1908 and has been extensively renovated, extended and beautifully refurbished to extremely high standard. EPC: E

Crowborough £1,065,000 Situated in a prime position within the sought after Warren area, a recently built spacious (3,776 sq ft) and extremely well presented detached 5 bedroom house. EPC: B

Brenchley £995,000 Situated in a semi rural location with far reaching rural views and adjoining 4 acre field, this Grade II Listed 4 bedroom detached barn conversion offers spacious and versatile accommodation.

Langton Green £950,000 A superbly presented 4 bedroom detached character house facing the Green in this highly regarded village with planning permission to extend. EPC: D

Bells Yew Green £795,000 This delightful attached 4 bedroom cottage occupies a superb semi-rural yet accessible location surrounded by fields on the edge of the small village of Bells Yew Green with many period features throughout and just over 7 acres of gardens and grounds.

Forest Row £750,000 A delightful 4 bedroom former coach house situated in this sought after and tranquil setting within Forest Row and on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. EPC: F

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

Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ1,325,000

* 'Backwater' location in private "no-through" lane only a short walk to the Pantiles

A stunning, truly unique detached 5 bedroom family house in the sought after "village area" of the town with views to the south. EPC: C

* Versatile layout which provides spacious accommodation over three floors '' Superb open plan kitchen with dining and living areas ,\¡ Large verandah with steps down to the garden * Excellent "Ocean View" summerhouse/home office

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Beyond your expectations -.

www.hamptons.co.uk

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T-"!:AMPTONS

11

INTERNATIONAL

Tl-1Eal61.,TIMES

Claremont Road, Tunbridge Wells ÂŁ2,950

* Five Bedrooms

This superb family home is set over three floors and situated opposite Claremont Primary school, just a few minutes walk to the main line station and the town centre. The house is presented to the highest standard and provides a contemporary finish with period features. The property comprises entrance hallway, a spacious sitting room/dining room with feature fireplace and superb fitted kitchen/breakfast room with integrated appliances. French doors lead from the kitchen out to a pretty, enclosed rear garden. The first and second floor consists of five bedrooms, the master bedroom being en-suite. The further bedrooms are well served by two superb family bathrooms. EPC: E

* Three Bathrooms

Tunbridge Wells Office Lettings 01892 597609

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tunbridgewellslettings@hamptons-int.com

* The Village Area * Kitchen/BreakfastRoom * Sitting Room/Dining Room * Permit Parking

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PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE

Centuries-old Lamberhurst farmhouse has lovely views

RIDGE FARMHOUSE LAMBERHURST DOWN, LAMBERHURST � Attractive 16th-century family house � Period features � Beautifully presented � Stunning views � Reception hall/music room � Drawing room � Study � Dining room � Kitchen/breakfast room � Walk-in larder � Utility area � Boot room � Cloakroom � Master bedroom and en-suite bathroom

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IDGE FARMHOUSE is a character timber-framed property originating from the 16th century. Extended and updated over the decades, and benefitting from a wealth of period features, the house is surrounded by enchanting gardens and has a delightful rural outlook.

Features include aged beams, timber internal doors with drop-latches, exposed floorboards and inglenook fireplaces, and it is set in a prominent position on the Down in the convenient village of Lamberhurst.

The accommodation is arranged over three

floors with a reception hall/music room, a drawing room, a study, a dining room and a kitchen/breakfast room on the ground floor. The kitchen features a terracotta tiled floor, bespoke oak units, a two-oven Aga with electric companion and two sets of French doors opening to the garden terrace. A separate boot room with walk-in larder and utility area complete this level.

Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts a view over the front garden to the Down beyond, as well as period oak floorboards, fitted cupboards and an en-suite bathroom. There are four further

bedrooms (two en-suite) and a family bathroom on this floor, with a large attic bedroom above.

Along with driveway parking and a detached double garage, there is a garden office divided into four rooms, with a storeroom, main office and a cloakroom leading off the entrance hall, as well as a further small office to the side of the main room.

The superb mature gardens are a particular feature, comprising several distinct areas separated by brick walls and hedging, creating a series of outdoor ‘rooms’ as well as lawns, a vegetable garden and a paddock.

� Four further first floor bedrooms, two en-suite � Family bathroom � Large attic bedroom � Detached double garage and office � Delightful gardens � In all about 2.28 acres

£1,950,000 For sale through Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507000 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 8th June 2016

Horsmonden £ 1.25m OPEN DAY SAT 11 JUNE- 11AM - I PM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. A Handsome Grade II Listed Farmhouse occupying an unrivalled rural position 1.5 miles from Horsmonden. 4 recepts, 6 beds, 3 baths. Beautiful gardens & grounds of approx. 3 acres.

Burwash Weald £320,000 An appealing double fronted semi-detached 3 bedroom bungalow, comprehensively refurbished and extended to provide a bright, open plan reception space, located within 2 miles of Burwash village. Front and rear gardens, twin off road parking spaces.

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Southborough £850,000 - £895,000 A spacious detached family home, with a ground floor extension and loft conversion, located in a popular residential road. Superb kitchen/dining/family room, further sitting room, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Feature rear garden of approx. 137' in depth. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells £650,000 - £675,000 A truly stunning semi-detached home offering contemporary living accommodation located on the popular south side of town. Reception room, kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms, bathroom. Magnificent garden, off road parking and integral garage. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £1,595 A stunning & very spacious 2 bed apartment within a converted mansion house located along the desirable Broadwater Down. Modern kitchen, large living room, 2 double bedrooms, family bathroom & large cellar. Garage, large garden & parking.Available early July. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Monthly Rental £795 An incredibly spacious and newly refurbished I bedroom first floor apartment. Kitchen/ breakfast room, 18' living room, large double bedroom, brand new shower room. Gas central heating, laminate wooden flooring & security shutters.Available now. EPC F

nearby Front Station.

Available with a range of incentives* to help make your dream move happen Priced at £1,150,000

DUKES GRANGE, BAYHAM ROAD, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 SHU

CALL 01892 628 676 CALA.CO.UK

TWTOBJUN •Availability of other incentives/offers subject to lender's criteria and CALA's discretion. Our range of incentives are not all available in one purchase, they represent a choice of incentives and cannot be used in conjunction with each other and are available on selected plots only. Visit cala.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions and purchasing criteria. Telephone calls within the British Isles will be charged at local rate. Telephone calls may divert to a mobile service in which case call charges may vary. Prices are accurate at time of going to print. Images shown are taken from previous developments and feature, fittings, d8cor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not included as standard in a CALA home. Images are used to suggest possible finishes which can be achieved in your home at an additional cost. Please consult a Sales Advisor for further details. Some images have been enhanced. •Availability of other incentives/ offers subject to lender's criteria and CALA's discretion. Our range of incentives are not all available in one purchase, they represent a choice of incentives and cannot be used in conjunction with each other and are available on selected plots only.

TRUSTED TO AC RESULTS FOR 0

Robinson Jackson has over 50 years experience as a leading High Street estate ager and London. Our reputation has been built on our ability to achieve the best results to suit their plans. Whether it's an apartment or family home, contact us today for a advice about the Tonbridge property market.

01732 757300 Available until late, even on Sundays

HIEVE THE BEST UR CLIENTS

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1t - with 24 branches in Kent for our clients in a timescale free valuation or for general

ROBINSON·JACKilN Our service will move you

24 Branches in Kent & London 119 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1DL

� PROPERTY SECTION

Stylish converted barn in a rural yet convenient location

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N IMPRESSIVE family home which forms part of a stunning barn conversion at Horn Lodge Farm in Tonbridge. The property is also in an appealing location – it lies at the end of a private road with views across the surrounding fields, yet the town centre is only five minutes away.

The house lends itself to entertaining, with a spacious open-plan design to easily accommodate guests. With its high ceilings and generous sized rooms, Derby Barn combines character and charm with a contemporary design.

The accommodation is arranged over two floors and comprises on the ground floor an entrance hall, sitting room, study/playroom, cloakroom, exceptional kitchen/dining room/family room with feature full-height windows and doors to the terrace, plus a utility room.

Upstairs there is a master bedroom

Wednesday 8th June 2016

with fitted wardrobes and an excellent en-suite bathroom, along with four further bedrooms (two with en-suite facilities) and a family bathroom.

Remote-controlled gates open to a private gravel driveway offering ample parking, while the secluded garden features a terrace that is ideal for alfresco entertaining, and a large lawn with flowerbeds designed and maintained by a local professional gardener.

The outside space also offers a children’s play area, a courtyard and a raised vegetable garden.

The property boasts a detached double garage and hedgerows circle the grounds to provide privacy. In total it sits in around three quarters of an acre.

PROPERTY SECTION �

DERBY BARN HORNS LODGE LANE, TONBRIDGE

£1,425,000

AT A GLANCE � Converted barn � Stylish contemporary interior � Character features � Lovely private location with rural views � Convenient for town centre � Entrance hall � Cloakroom � Sitting room � Study/playroom � Open-plan kitchen/dining room/family room � Utility room � Master bedroom with en-suite � Four further bedrooms, two en-suite � Family bathroom � Detached double garage � Landscaped gardens � 0.75 of an acre

£1,425,000 For sale through Robinson Jackson 01732 757300 www.robinson-jackson.com

‘With its high ceilings and generous sized rooms, Derby Barn combines character and charm with a contemporary design’

Wednesday 8th June 2016

Nr CROWBOROUGH, EAST SUSSEX

ÂŁ825,000 Freehold

The Dells is a charming period house in a beautiful location with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. The property has been refurbished to a very high standard by its current owners whilst retaining many period features including, exposed beams, latch doors and a superb inglenook fireplace with a fine oak Bressummer beam. A particular feature is the large garden with a stream ideal for a growing family or keen gardeners. The house also boasts a priest hole hidden away off one of the bedrooms. No Chain. EPC - 055

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Primelocation.corn

11 High Street, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 SAB

PROPERTY SECTION ďż˝

A modern, tucked away family home offering plenty of space

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SUPERB modern detached house in the highly regarded village of Groombridge which lies in a tucked away location and is presented beautifully throughout.

Both spacious and versatile, the accommodation is arranged over three floors.

A reception hall with tiled floor and double oak doors leads into the drawing room, which boasts a fireplace with wood burner and bifold doors to the garden. The double-aspect kitchen/breakfast

room has a good range of units with granite work surfaces and fitted appliances, and doors out to the garden. A fine dining room with French doors to the front of the house, a utility room and a good size study complete the ground floor.

Upstairs there are four excellent first floor bedrooms, two with en-suite shower rooms, and a family bathroom. An ample principal bedroom lies on the second floor, with a walk-in wardrobe and a lovely en-suite shower room.

To the rear, the garden is mainly laid to lawn with a selection of mature plants, shrubs and trees. A terrace adjoins the house and extends to the side where, subject to planning, there is space and potential to extend.

The property is set well back from the road behind electrically-operated gates, along with a neighbouring property, and approached via a gravel drive with parking for several vehicles.

There is also a double garage.

AT A GLANCE

THE GROVE OFF WITHYHAM ROAD, GROOMBRIDGE n Modern detached house n Tucked away position n Popular village location n Well presented throughout n Entrance hall n Drawing room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Dining room n Study n Cloakroom n Utility room n Four first floor bedrooms, two en-suite n Family bathroom n Master suite on top floor n Double garage n Attractive rear garden

ÂŁ995,000 For sale through Hamptons Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

Wednesday 8th June 2016

� PROPERTY SECTION

The Willows is an exclusive development with a selection of 3 and 4 bedroom detached

For viewings or more information please contact one of our selling agents:

houses set in the village of Rusthall, under two miles west of the historic Spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells . Each property benefits from excellent design and specification,

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gardens, garaging and further off-street parking.

Prices from £520,000

'ikMJProperty

WOOD & PILCHER

viewings by appointment.

01892 511211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

SAT NAV: TN4 SSU

01892 515188 www. kmj prope rty.co.u k Prices correct at time of going to press

WWW.CUBED HOMES .CO.UK

Retirement living unwrapped ...

NEW showhome now open.

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*To stay or for more information on properties for sa le ca ll: 01342 870871 or visit: www.chartersvillage.co.uk

The wraps are off the latest phase of new homes at Charters, the age-exclusive retirement village in East Grinstead.

There are 46 one and two bedroom apartments and one-bedroom bungalows - but you had better be quick.

They are selling fast. A third have been reserved already.

If you are looking for an independent retirement lifestyle in a magnificent setting with exclusive communal clubhouse facilities including restaurant, bar, lounge, library, conservatory, convenience shop and manicured grounds, call us on 01 342 870871 or visit: www.chartersvi llage.co. u k

Our marketing suite is open seven days a week 10.30am until 5pm.

Retirement VILLAGES®

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Setting Standa rds for Retirement Communities

Prices start from £350,000 leasehold ...Otherchargesmayapply,pleaseaskfordetails.

·Village stays can be extended. The firstnight isfree;asecond nightisavailableat asmall charge.

Charters Village, Felcourt Road, East Grin stead, West Sussex RH 19 2JR. Call 01342 870871 or visit www.chartersvillage.co.uk Wednesday 8th June 2016

1-kMJProperty

Your local independent Estate Agent

...contactable 7 days a week

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

Double glazing, gas fired heating and rear garden .

NO CHAIN. EPC E.

2 bedroom terrace cottage in an elevated position in Denny Bottom. Living room , open through to dining room, fitted kitchen, rear porch/ utility space, 2 double bedrooms and a family bathroom with separate shower.

Double glazing, gas fired heating and a stunning terrace garden with a garden room and sun deck above. EPC D

Modern 2 bedroom " back to back" house, open plan Lounge/ dining room with under floor heating, modern fitted kitchen, upstairs bathroom, allocated parking space. EPC tbc .

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

Partially walled pretty rear garden. EPC E

www.kmjproperty.co.uk ar::I Find us on â&#x20AC;˘ 111 Facebook

01892 515188

<i)nTheMarketcom

sales@kmjproperty.co.uk

Be with Belvoir! ' '

Personally, we would never use any other lettings agent to manage our property portfolio and I cannot recommend them highly enough ' ' - Mr F- Tunbridge Wells Landlord

' ' Belvoir have an acute understanding of their clients' needs and requirements and, in my opinion, deliver l 00% ' ' - Mrs L- Tunbridge Wells Landlord

01892 615333

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www.belvoir.eo.uk/tunbridgewells

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72 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TNl 2QP

we open doors for you ...

BarnesKingsnorth

RUSTHALL

GUIDE PRICE: £350,000 - £375,000

STUNNING GROUND-FLOOR APARTMENT conveniently situated on the Tunbridge Wells side of the village. Well presented with generously proportioned rooms and period features including high ceilings. Own entrance opening to superb sitting room with exposed brick chimney-breast with inglenook fireplace and wood-burner, fitted kitchen/ dining room with door to the secluded shared courtyard, 2 double bedrooms (one 16'11 x 14'7) both with fitted wardrobes, modern bathroom with marble wash hand basin and marble tiling. Share of Freehold. EPC: D

Apply Pembury

HILDENBOROUGH

£475,000

HUGELY POPULAR COTTAGE STYLE GOUGH COOPER SEMI-DETACHED HOME offered for sale in excellent order throughout with good sized family accommodation including living room, spacious kitchen/breakfast room, family room together with three bedrooms and luxury bathroom. Outside the fully enclosed rear garden provides ideal family space and there is ample off road parking.

EPC:D

Apply Tonbridge

TONBRIDGE

£650,000

DETACHED SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME on the Tonbridge/Hildenborough borders with well planned accommodation including four bedrooms, two with en-suites, a family bathroom, two receptions rooms plus conservatory and stylish kitchen/breakfast room. Part walled garden and ample parking. EPC: D

Apply Tonbridge

'B)Primelocatior

Residential

t f rightmove.co.uk Sales & !Lettings

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

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

Lettings: 01732 771616 e. Lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestatea1ents.com

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iJl1iFLY PROPERTIES

BY CAROL PRIER

Awell presented 3 bedroom se mi-detached family bungalow offering versatile accommodation with L-shaped sitting room, kitchen, famil y bathroom, large mature garden to the rear and attached garage with additional parking. EPC: E

Accommodation set out over three floors. Entrance hall , cloakroom, Paula Rosa fitted kitchen, spacious sitting room, two bedrooms and bathroom to first floor and fabulous Master su ite to top floor to include se parate showe r room and dress ing area. Courtyard garden with side access and 2 car parking spaces. EPC: C

Spacious end of terrace family home situated on a quiet corner plot, only a short walk to excellent village amenities. The extended and versatile accommodation comprises 4 bedrooms, sitting room with fireplace, dining room/conservatory, fitted kitchen, bathroom and ground floor cloakroom. Outside is a seclu ded rear garden and carport. EPC: E

Stunning 5 bedroom detached Oast (4,063 sq ft) set in beautiful grounds with natural small lake on the outskirts of Paddock Wood. Extensive accommodation comprising 4 receptions, a beautifully presented bespoke oak fitted kitchen/ breakfast with dual sided wood burning stove which also features in the drawing room. Master bedroom with en-suite, 4 further bedrooms and bedroom 3 with mezzanine floor via a spiral staircase. Summerhouse, workshop and extensive double garage with ample off road parking. EPC: E

Extended sem i-detached famil y home on a delightful corner plot. Love ly bright and airy sitting room with triple aspect, spacious dining room, ground floor cloakroom. 3 bedrooms and shower room. Detached garage. Wa lking distance mainline station and shopping facilitie s. NO CHAIN. EPC: D

Arural aspect to front and rear, standing in grounds just in excess of two acres which could lend itse lf to equine facilities.

Accommodation comprising three receptions, four bedrooms to include master bedroom with en suite, attached triple garage which has potential, subject to planning, to convert to 'annex or wo rkshop'. EPC: F

Fabulous opportunity to acquire an elegant and spacious Victorian sem i-detached famil y hou se in need of a cosmetic update. The accommodation comprises 2 large receptions, 3 bedrooms (2 doubles and a large sing le) a good size kitchen, ground floor bathroom and first floor WC. Charming courtyard garden with useful wo rkshop. EPC: E

The location of this property is quite idyllic with its large south facing garden and rural views. Accommodation comprises of 3 bedrooms plus loft room, kitchen/breakfast room, conservatory, 100ft garden, viewing highly recommended. EPC: D

If you are looking for an idyllic country retreat then this home could be for you.

Grade II listed cottage is located within walking distance of Brenchley village centre yet only 2.5 miles to Paddock Wood mainline station. Offering a wealth of beams and character. The property boasts a beautiful inglenook fireplace with wood stove, bespoke fitted kitchen and bedroom furniture, contemporary shower room. Secluded low maintenance garden.

WILTON, FIVE OAK GREEN

£485,000

This detached bungalow has been the subject of considerable expenditure to extend and refurbish with quality fitments and tasteful decor with 3/4 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen/breakfast room. EPC: E

Andrews >

Tunbridge Wells andrewsonline.co.uk

£624,950

Maidstone Road, Matfield, TN12 7JR

This property is a modern 5 bedroom detached house with entrance hall, kitchen/breakfast room with integrated appliances, dining room, living room, study and cloakroom.

The first floor has a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and dressing room, bedroom two with an en-suite shower room, bedroom three and a family bathroom. The top floor has two double bedrooms and a we. Gardens to front and rear and detached garage with electric up and over doors. No chain!

Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 11+1+

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

LANDLORDS WANTED URGENTLY

Andrews

Required for properties in

• ROTHERFIELD •FRANT • CHIDDINGSTONE • GOUDHURST • LAMBERHURST • MAYFIELD

Contact us on: 01892 51511.tlt

lettings@andrewsonline.co.uk

� PROPERTY SECTION

Three-story apartment in five acres of park-like grounds

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NUSUALLY, The Stables is an elegant townhouse-style apartment set in an exclusive gated estate designed on the theme of a Victorian country mansion.

Benefitting from a double garage and lying in around five acres of meticulously-maintained communal grounds, the property offers excellent, well-proportioned accommodation over three floors, plus a private entrance hall on the ground floor. It also boasts a telephone gate entry system and a central vacuum system throughout.

‘An exclusive gated estate designed on the theme of a Victorian country mansion’

On the first floor there is a cloakroom and a utility room, along with a drawing room with part wood-panelled walls, a feature fireplace and doors leading out to a stone balcony. The kitchen/dining room also has doors to a balcony, and a range of units with integrated appliances.

Off this room is a useful study.

The second floor has an impressive master suite with a spacious bedroom enjoying views over the grounds, fitted wardrobes and an fine en-suite bathroom. There are two more bedrooms and a

family bathroom, and one of the bedrooms has internal stairs to a galleried landing and the third floor.

The top floor offers a bathroom, a dressing room and a study/bedroom.

Outside, a double garage also has two rooms, both with rooflights. Around five acres of park-like communal grounds surround the property and are tended by a full-time estate manager. There are allocated resident and visitor parking spaces, as well as a tennis court.

AT A GLANCE

THE STABLES SPRINGWOOD PARK, TONBRIDGE � Townhouse-style apartment � Set over three floors plus ground floor entrance hall � Cloakroom � Utility room � Drawing room � Kitchen/dining room � Study � Two stone balconies � Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom � Bedroom 2 with access to the third floor � Further second floor bedroom � Family bathroom � Top floor bathroom, dressing room and study/bedroom � Double garage with rooms over � Allocated resident and visitor parking � Telephone gate entry system � Five acres of communal grounds � Tennis court

£875,000 For sale through Wood and Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

Wednesday 8th June 2016

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WOOD & PILCHER

Tunbridge Wells

£825,000

Wadhurst

Offers in the Region of: £695,000

An impressive five bedroom detached town house arranged over three floors with fitted kitchen breakfast room. two en suites. double glazing and gas fired central heating. The property is situated on the sought after southern side of Royal Tunbridge Wells. EPC: B.

An attractive four bedroom. three storey detached home constructed less than one year ago with en suite dressing room and bathroom. stunning forward views and gas fired central heating. The property is situated close to the sought after village of Wadhurst. close to the border between East Sussex and Kent. EPC: B

Tonbridge

Tunbridge Wells

£875,000

£825,000

Elegant four bedroom town house style apartment set in an exclusive gated estate of around 5 acres designed on the theme of a Victorian country mansion with double garage and meticulously maintained grounds. complete with tennis court. EPC: C

A particularly attractive conversion of an 1860's built former coach house and stables. now providing a character four bedroom detached home. set within a prestigious tree lined road on the desirable south side of Royal Tunbridge Wells. EPC: E

Tunbridge Wells

Hadlow

£525,000

As the vendors' sole agent we are delighted to be able to offer you the opportunity to acquire this well presented five bedroom detached chalet style family residence within a quarter mile of a mainline railway station. EPC: C

A stylish 2 bedroom period cottage, the perfect country retreat in a rural location yet commutable from nearby Tonbridge. A wonderful home with a sense of tradition. finished to a high standard of luxury and comfort without losing the character and charm of a bygone age. EPC: C

Tunbridge Wells Office I 01892 511211 tunbridgew ells@w oodandpilcher.co.uk Southborough Office I 01892 511311 southborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk Tonbridge I 01732 351135 tonbri dge@w ooda ndpil cher. co. u k

(i)nTheMarketoom

Offers Over £500,000

woodandpilcher.co. uk

r•M

Other offices in Crowborough, Heathfield & associated London Branch

ďż˝ PROPERTY SECTION

The height of luxury living in an exclusive private location

THE LIMES SPRINGWOOD PARK, SHIPBOURNE

ÂŁ3,500,000

T

HE LIMES is a substantial house sitting within established grounds in Shipbourne. The property is generously proportioned and offers versatile accommodation over three floors.

Features include a central octagonal reception hall with a roof lantern over the second floor landing. The gardens and grounds provide an attractive backdrop to the house, with a tennis court and swimming pool, together with an area of woodland.

To the ground floor is the entrance hall, cloakroom, triple-aspect drawing room, octagonal dining room, a study and a large sitting room, with a further cloakroom off it.

The well-proportioned kitchen has a comprehensive range of Smallbone units and access to the terrace. Next to the kitchen is a breakfast room with an outlook to the front, leading through to a utility room.

Upstairs, the master suite is an impressive room with southerly views. The bedroom is double aspect with an adjoining dressing area, balcony and large en-suite bathroom.

There is a further dressing room beside the master suite which has a door to the main

Wednesday 8th June 2016

landing and could be used as an additional bedroom.

There are two guest bedrooms on the first floor, both with en-suite bathrooms, while the second floor has a large bedroom suite along with two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Approached via a secondary staircase is a generous games/ cinema room and a gym that has a connecting door to the master en-suite.

The house is approached through electric wrought iron gates and over a gravel drive which provides good parking.

There is also a triple garage which has a wine cellar lying beneath a hatch door.

Within the gardens is a pool area with a summerhouse and a hard tennis court.

The mature gardens and grounds provide a high degree of privacy and in total amount to around three and a half acres.

PROPERTY SECTION �

AT A GLANCE � Substantial property � Private location � Entrance vestibule � Octagonal reception hall � Drawing room � Dining room � Sitting room � Study � Hobbies room � Kitchen � Breakfast room � Utility room � Two cloakrooms � Cinema room � Gym � Superb master suite with balcony, dressing rooms and bathroom � Two guest suites � Three further double bedrooms, one en-suite � Family bathroom � Triple garage � Wine cellar � Tennis court � Heated swimming pool � Established gardens � Grounds of 3.5 acres

£3,500,000 For sale through Savills Sevenoaks 01732 789700 www.savills.co.uk

Wednesday 8th June 2016

RYE,

EAST GRINSTEAD,

EAST SUSSEX

WEST SUSSEX

Luxury country living + 5 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + 6 reception rooms + balcony + tennis court + woodland and landscaped gardens + Council Tax=H + EPC=F

Victorian family home + 6 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + 4 reception rooms + beautiful gardens + driveway parking and garage + Council Tax=H + EPC=E

£7,500 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£5,250 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

BELLS YEW GREEN,

KENT

MAYFIELD'

EAST SUSSEX

Unique and historical property + 5 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + 2 reception rooms + off street parking + patio + garden + 350 yards from mainline station + Council Tax=F + EPC=F

Sought after village location + 3 bedrooms + bathroom and shower room + 2 reception rooms + south facing garden + Council Tax=E + EPC=G

£2,950 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

£1,600 pcm + £282 inc VAT tenancy paperwork fee. Other charges may apply* Contact: Louise Minifie

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

www.savills.eo.uk/fees.

STONEGATE,

LAMBERHURST,

EAST SUSSEX

KENT

Exceptional Queen Anne-style country house + Stonegate MLS 1.6 miles + 5 reception rooms + 6 bedrooms + leisure complex + tennis court + 8,731 sq ft + about 6 acres + EPC=D

Grade II listed 16th Century house with rural views + Frant MLS 4.3 miles + 6 bedrooms + garage and office + mature gardens + paddock + 3,839 sq ft + about 2.28 acres

Price on application Freehold

Guide £1.95 million Freehold

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

TUNBRIDGE WELLS,

KENT

Contact: Amanda Wyatt

KENT

Grade II listed semi-detached cottage + prime position on the Common + MLS 0.46 miles + 2 reception rooms + 3 double bedrooms + mature garden + driveway parking + 1,692 sq ft

Character period property + MLS 0.8 miles + 3 reception rooms + study + kitchen + 3 bedrooms + garage + private forecourt parking + delightful garden + 2,525 sq ft + EPC=E

Guide £1.2 million Freehold

Guide £925,000 Freehold

Contact: Liz Devall

Contact: Becky Card

• A new Ii f e near the sea awaits TERLINGHAM

RETIREMENT

VILLAGE

NEAR

FOLKESTONE

2 bedroom bungalows with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and cottages to follow

2 bedroom 2 bedroom

PHASE ONE JUST RELEASED bungalows starting from £325,995 chalet bungalows from £375,995

Terlingham Retirement Village Defiant Close, Hawkinge CT18 7SU For more information or to book a viewing call 01303 893080

You buy ours We'll sell yours A Pentland Homes initiative

Incentive available on selected plots only.

Subject to agreement. Terms and conditions apply.

Also building at: Folkestone Scholars Village Sissinghurst Church Mews

Coming soon to:

Marketing Suite open Thursday to Monday, 1 Oam - 5pm

KENT'S

CANTERBURY NEW ROMNEY

PREMIER

Discover the difference at. ..

NEW HOME BUILDER

www.pentlandhomes.co.uk

Follow us for updates:

'f#' @MillwoodDHomes

millwooddhomes ~ MillwoodDHomes

Extravaganza Evenings!

TUESDAY NIGHT BEER & BURGER FOR ONLY £12.00 A Choice Of 5 Different Toppings, All Served With Chips from 5.00pm. Includes A Free Pint Of Beer Or A Free Glass Of Wine.

Come and celebrate the

Queen's Birthday on Saturday 11 th June with live music fiom Sweetheart Swing

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ALL YOU CAN EAT MOULES NIGHT FOR ONLY £14.95 Choose Between A La Creme, Cider & Bacon, Thai Or Provern;al, All Served With Crusty Bread & Fries From 5.00pm

THURSDAY NIGHT ALL YOU CAN EAT SEAFOOD PAELLA FOR ONLY £14.95 Seafood Paella Served With Fresh Bread & Aioli From 5.00pm

Full menu also available on these nights.

AWARD WINNING CASK ALES

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Introducing Curious Brew from Chapel Down Brewery, along with a large selection of premium Lagers

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66 n FOOD AND DRINK

Asparagus gets the green light from After a chilly, wet and late start the British asparagus season is finally underway, much to the delight of producers, chefs and keen cooks. Eileen Leahy chats to local farmer Michael Bourne about what makes these temperamental tender spears a labour of love and why they are such a big hit with foodies ON ST GEORGE’S DAY this year there was no traditional asparagus to put on the table to celebrate England’s national day.

Usually on April 23 there’s an abundance of it as it marks the official start of the asparagus season, but there wasn’t even one bunch on offer in our supermarkets or farm shops.

The reason was due to the unseasonably cold and damp start to spring which resulted in not a single spear growing naturally until the middle of May. Supermarkets got around the problem by importing, or relying on commercial growers to force their asparagus courtesy of warming up the soil using underground pipes fuelled by a boiler, or using polytunnels to speed things up.

But smaller producers of the home grown variety who don't have– or want – this type of specialist equipment had to simply sit and wait for the sun to shine in order for their stocks to hit the shops.

Michael Bourne from New Park Farm in Groombridge was one such farmer who had to bide his time.

“We couldn’t start until around mid-May but we’ve been in production for almost a

Wednesday 8th June 2016

month now cutting for ourselves and local markets, shops and restaurants.”

All the asparagus is hand cut and therefore takes a lot longer to harvest than your usual crops of vegetables which are gathered by machinery. But Michael believes this is what makes his asparagus taste so good and worth the wait: “We supply a lot of shops in the surrounding villages and restaurants such as Woods and The George in Tunbridge Wells and they have been happy to hang on. We’re currently selling up to 250 bunches a day now in our own shop at New Park Farm. Customers are patient, they know that if it’s not ready to eat they will have to wait.”

Michael grows his asparagus on approximately 14 acres of rich, verdant land and has been doing so for the past 20 years.

He also supplies lots of farmers’ markets in London and was at The Pantiles Food Festival last month where he sold out thanks to the impressive number of visitors who attended the foodie event.

The rest of Michael’s Groombridge farm is given over to a selection of soft fruits

including strawberries, raspberries and cherries. He also grows a small variety of seasonal vegetables, but asparagus is his main livelihood.

“It is our signature crop and we cut it by hand because it’s always in different stages of growth,” Michael explains. “We have harvested it like this for years and although it takes time, it tastes so much better than any imported asparagus and that’s why people are prepared to wait.”

Yet despite the slow start it doesn’t mean that the native asparagus season will stretch out any longer.

“Although we were late cutting we will still finish around midsummer’s day on June 20,” says Michael. “If you keep going after the end of June you will diminish your crop for the following year.”

In season for approximately eight weeks, asparagus heralds the start of the English summer vegetable season and it certainly enjoys its fair share of the culinary spotlight thanks to its great taste and versatility.

Due to its slower, cooler growing climate native British asparagus has a more intense, earthy taste to that of its foreign rivals.

‘It is our signature crop and we cut it by hand because it’s always in different stages of growth’ Then of course there’s the amount you can do with it. Whether you simply steam and drizzle it with a little salted butter, dip it into a soft boiled egg, griddle and scatter it with shavings of mature parmesan or snip its sheers into salads, it always tastes absolutely delicious.

Here are some recipes to try at home so you can enjoy a taste of this local and seasonal delicacy yourself.

TOP TIPS Remember to look for firm stalks with a bright green colour and closed tips Trim the woody ends off before cooking

FOOD AND DRINK 

67

farmers’ forks to foodies’ plates…

Raw British Asparagus, Carrot & Chia Salad What you need: 1 carrot 4 asparagus spears 4 radishes 2 tsp cold-pressed rapeseed oil Juice of ½ lemon 2 tsp raw honey 1 tsp chia seed

What you do:

Use a vegetable peeler to ribbon the carrots and asparagus spears then cut the radishes into thin slices.

Combine the rapeseed oil, lemon juice and honey, season and beat well to combine.

Toss the veg in the dressing and sprinkle with chia seeds.

British Asparagus and Sweet Potato Hash with Avocado and Egg Get creative with your brunch options and rustle up this dish packed with goodness. If you like it hot, just add jalapeno peppers!

What you need: 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into small chunks 1 bunch British asparagus, spears halved 3tbsp olive oil 1 shallot, finely sliced 2 handfuls of sweetcorn, frozen is fine 1 tsp garlic granules 1 tbsp sliced jalapeno peppers from a jar (optional) 1 avocado, sliced 1 lime 2 eggs

What you do: Boil a kettle and fill a saucepan with the hot water. Add the potato chunks and bring back to the boil. Simmer for 5 minutes then add the asparagus for 2 minutes until softened then drain and leave to steam while you heat half the oil in a large frying pan.

Tip the potatoes and asparagus into the hot pan with the shallots, sweetcorn, garlic granules and jalapenos. Toss to coat in the oil and season.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veg is browned and toasty.

While the veg is cooking heat another non-stick pan with the remaining oil and fry the eggs. Tip the vegetables into 2 bowls, top with slices of avocado, squeeze some lime over and top each with a fried egg.

WWW.BRITISHASPARAGUS.COM

WWW.BRITISHASPARAGUS.COM

This light, fresh salad couldn’t be easier to make – and it’s so full of flavour that you’ll want to make it again and again. Try it as a starter, or a light lunch.

ASPARAGUS FACTS � � � �

The season runs officially from April 23 until June 20 It won’t grow a single spear until the soil temperature is above 12˚C Asparagus likes sandy loam with a southern aspect The Romans thought asparagus had magical medicinal properties and so dispatched special ‘asparagus fleets’ to gather and distribute it

�

� � �

There are male and female asparagus plants but the former is far more productive and makes up the majority of commercial crops Asparagus has been known to grow up to 10cm a day It contains lots of healthy bacteria and is a natural detoxifier It is rich in Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, and Vitamin K, which is essential for healthy blood clotting

Wednesday 8th June 2016

68 n LIFE AND STYLE ST GEORGE’S COMMUNITY CHILDREN PROJECT Following their recent Ofsted inspection, St George's Community Children’s Project in Tunbridge Wells has been recognised as an 'OUTSTANDING' nursery, pre-school, after school and holiday Club. Inspectors, who visited the nursery, gave the project the highest possible rating, placing St George’s in the top 17% of childcare providers in the UK. Over the past year, St George’s has undergone considerable structural improvements to create a bright, spacious and safe environment for children to grow and flourish. Inspectors praised the recent developments in the report alongside organisational changes that have taken place to improve the efficiency and management of the setting.

KENT GAME AND COUNTRY FAIR Saturday & Sunday June 25th & 26th Following a very successful inaugural event last year, the Kent Game & Country Fair returns to Hole Park on June 25th & 26th

The report also noted that children at St George’s “develop extraordinary maturity and confidence as they play and are exceptionally well-prepared for their future learning”. These qualities are a great reflection of the love and care the children receive at the centre and the dedication of the hard-working team.

At the heart of the show are the three main show arenas where the countryside definitely comes alive:The Andy Singleton Arena is the largest of our arenas providing fast paced action of the Scurry Driving, a horse and carriage event against the clock. Watch the Horse Boarding if you dare, it truly isn’t for the faint hearted with a team event of man, horse and skate board, being towed around the arena at high speed, a competition not to be missed.

Also, operating as a Charity, the project is able to extend its services to provide subsidised places to vulnerable children and families in great need. These places are funded through fundraising events, donations and grant applications.

The Special Events Arena provides countryside demonstrations of Falconry, Working Ferrets, Gundog Displays and Fishing. Harvey Shires will also give demonstrations of working shire horses.

St George’s offers high quality childcare, 51 weeks of the year, from 7.30am to 6.30pm. Children enjoy nutritious home cooked meals prepared on the premises and a large adventure playground with its own allotment where children help cultivate fruit and vegetables.

The World of Dogs Arena is an ever increasing attraction, introduced last year it provides a focal point for the dog section of the show.

Places are available.

Containing dog displays throughout the day from Tom Longton, gundog displays by Paul Makepeace & Aubrey Ladyman including the Walk up Shoot, terrier racing and Chase the Bunny, it’s the place to be for any dog lover.

Please contact Pauline, Teresa or Kym on 01892 543982 St George’s Community children project 7 Chilston road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9LP www.stgeorgesproject.co.uk

SOFIA’S COLOMBIAN KITCHEN Sofia’s Colombian Kitchen provides home-made authentic Colombian food on the first Saturday of the month. You can book a place or the whole party if you want a special celebration. We seat up to 22 people and the price is £30 per head for a 3 course meal and a welcome drink with a sample of Colombian rum or coffee at the end of the night.

I’ve always loved my Colombian food and a party so since we can’t afford to go to Colombia as often as we would like, I decided, with the help of my family, to bring a bit of Colombia to Tunbridge Wells!

I’ve been doing this for 3 years now and I enjoy every party as much as the first one. It gives me great pleasure and pride to see customers enjoying my food , music and just having a good time.

Colombian food reflects a wide variety of influences drawn from all the regions of the country. Each region has its own cultural identity and blend of Indigenous, African and European roots. Colombian food is hearty, humble and satisfying. Sauces enhance the natural flavour of foods, so can be spicy but NOT hot. We also cater for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

We have just been awarded a ‘2016 Certificate of Excellence’ by Trip Advisor, here are a couple of testimonials from customers: Fab night out at Sofia's! We came here for a very belated birthday celebration with friends. Fantastic food, great music, fabulous hosts - and even a delicious birthday cake in Colombian colours! If you want somewhere a bit different to have a great night out with friends I would definitely recommend Sofia's.

What a super night! Food was fantastic and Sofia and Kitt are such great hosts. Go on your own, in a couple or with a group of friends either way you'll be chatting to everyone as the atmosphere is brilliant. Would totally recommend it and I'll definitely be going back.

Tel. 01892524767 | Mob.07789861364 www.sofiascolombiankitchen.co.uk Email: sofia@sofiascolombiankitchen.co.uk

Wednesday 8th June 2016

These are accompanied by minor breed’s marquee, The Gundog Clinic for training and advice, The Gundog Multi Scurry and the Fun Dog Show a competition open for every pet.

So don’t leave the Dog at home…

Always popular is The Chainsaw Speed Carving Arena where two 30 minute speed carves take place each day. It’s an entertaining race against the clock to produce a chainsaw carving sculpture, then experience the thrills of the auction at the end of each session, an ideal chance to purchase a carving. This year there are three local carvers taking part, Tracy Johnson, Ian Andrews and Simon Groves.

Why not try your skills at target field sports. Airguns and Archery with expert one on one tuition from The ATEO Airgun and pistol shooting, Field Archery with Adrian Caddy and Clay Shooting with High Lodge Shooting School.

Not to be missed is the fine food hall where local and national producers of selected cheese, bakery, cakes, sausages and fine wine are sold, accompanied by the Piazza where speciality catering will tantalise your taste buds.

Whilst in the Food Halls don’t miss the Chefs demonstrations in the Country Kitchen. The Crabstock Boys, Adi and Andy will be demonstrating shell food preparation and presenting seasonal fish dishes. They are joined on stage by Phil Miles from Godmersham Game with traditional game cooking There really is so much to see and do at the Kent Game and Country Fair, don’t miss it….

Saturday & Sunday June 25th & 26th Open 10am – 6pm daily Hole Park Estate, Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4JA Admission £13, Over 65’s £12 and Children £4 Check out the attractions on www.livingheritagecountryshows.com tel 01283 820548

WITH THE

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

LONG-TERM TEST END OF TERM

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

HONDA CIVIC TYPE-R

‘It tolerated me driving it as economically as possible, in violation of the hot hatch code’

By Matt Joy Signing up for a long-termer is the definition of a mixed blessing. Sure, within the parameters of realism you can run any car you like. The only trouble is, choose too well and the final handover can be worse than any other kind of long-term break-up.

The Civic Type-R was undoubtedly the most interesting hot hatch to turn up in 2015. Not only did it represent a quantum leap from the outgoing FN2 version – 50 per cent more power, remember – it also proved that Honda wanted to take on the super hatches.

It was one of the least discreet cars I’ve ever had the pleasure of driving, and this is something you’ll see either as a major plus point or a severe hindrance. The arches are pumped out to accommodate the wider track and the rear wing is large enough to provide significant downforce as well as make a fantastic picnic bench should you so wish.

Those looks, particularly finished in white, attracted more attention than some cars costing three times as much. Opinion was also evenly split; some people thought it too brash and too showy, while others were vocal – to the point of swearing – in their praise. Me? I sat firmly in the latter camp. I never tired of how it looked

depending on the light, how clean or dirty it was, and that it promised excitement every time you

walked up to it with key in hand. This, surely, is the whole point of a hot hatch.

‘Those looks attracted more attention than cars three times the price’ This is partly fantasy, of course. The reality of owning any car designed for pleasure is that the opportunities to drive it in the manner for which it was created are heavily dependent on the circumstances. But the thing about a hot hatch is that you can use it every single day and treat it like a normal car, then when you get the chance you’re already in a car capable of providing big thrills.

And so it proved. There were some spectacular drives during my time with the Type-R; dawn dashes to the airport, late-night cruises and not least the incredible cross-border run between France and Switzerland to the Geneva motor show.

A couple of gear changes, or if you were feeling really lazy, a squeeze of throttle was all that was required to access the monstrous performance of that 2.0-litre turbo engine. It fizzed and buzzed with enthusiasm, never seemed to be short of grunt and defined the character of the car. On a closed runway, it also reached 139mph with such ease that the supposed 167mph top speed seemed almost a modest claim.

And yet it was the fact that the Type-R remained so liveable despite all the performance available that was equally impressive. The street on which I live is in a shockingly poor state and given that the Civic runs on rubber-band tyres and stiff

suspension, it still coped admirably. Driven normally, it barely created any more noise than a regular Civic; wind and tyre noise faded away at sensible motorway speeds and the fiery engine was happy to lope along at a little over 2,000rpm.

It also tolerated me driving it as economically as possible far too often, almost in violation of the unwritten hot hatch code. No car with this level of performance should be driven in Miss Daisy fashion so often, but on several journeys of 40 miles or more, I exceeded an indicated 40mpg, above the official combined figure and enough to make a mockery of the notion that a hot hatch has to be expensive to fuel.

And it’s still a Civic, so it could still perform magic tricks with the rear seat – I managed to squeeze a set of bunk beds in there on one occasion, and it was still comfortable. The lack of a third rear seat belt was a baffling irritation, and with hindsight, I’d have gone for the GT version that brings satnav and automatic headlights and wipers with it. But the list of gripes was tiny.

Previous generations of the Type-R, in particular the EP3 model, were praised as icons of the hot hatch segment in their day and are rightly prized and sought-after even now. But today, it is the current model that quite properly defines what a modern hot hatch should be; desirable, spectacular, useable and, most of all, damned good fun. It’s a modern classic, but it won’t be around forever.

FACTS AT A GLANCE HONDA CIVIC TYPE-R, £29,995 ENGINE: 2.0-litre unit producing 306bhp and 295lb/ft of torque TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 167mph, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds ECONOMY: 38.7mpg combined EMISSIONS: 170g/km of CO2

Wednesday 8th June 2016

70 n MOTORING

NEW FORD C-MAX / GRAND C-MAX Hectic family life? Challenging journeys? The new Ford C-MAX is designed to make that a thing of the past.

FORD C-MAX ZETEC 5DR 1.0 125PS

- £149* PER MONTH - £2,650 SAVING ON RRP

- 0.9°/o APR LIMITED STOCK UNITS ONLY

www.lifestyleford.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells 01892 739131

Tonbridge 01732 758 726

KentTN48AG

Kent TN9 lTN

Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (11100km) for the Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max range: urban 44.8 (6.3) - 39.8 (7.1 ), extra urban 62.8 (4.5 ) - 57.6 (4.9), combined 55.4 (5.1 ) - 49.6 (5 .7) . Official CO, emissions 149-ll7g/km.

The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Based on limited stock vehicles only and must be ordered and registered between 01.04.16 and 30.06.16. *Finance

example shown available over a finance period of 25 months with £5,114.88 customer deposit. Amount of credit £11,880.12. Charge for credit £166.88. Finance Facility fee £10. Purchase Fee £10. Optional final payment £8,471.00. Total amount payable £18,191.65. 0.9% APR, 6,000 miles per annum, excess mileage charged at Bp per mile. When financed with Ford Credit. Finance subject to status. Other charges for metallic paint and extra factory options. Must be over 18 and a full UK resident. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. Freepost Ford Credit. Prices correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. Subject to availability at Lifestyle Ford. Lifestyle Ford reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time and without notice. Lifestyle Ford Head Office 3 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 BAG. Images for illustration purposes only, metallic paint available at an extra cost.

New SsangYong range from £12,950

Turners Hill SsangYong Turners Hill

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Est. Korea 1954

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5 YEAR WARRANTY

Fuel consumption fi gures in mpg, Urban 27.7-43.5, Extra Urban 41.5- 72.4, Combined 35.3-65.7. C02 em1ss1ons in g/ km: 212-139. Models featured are a Korando 2.2 EL X4at £21,495, a Rex ton 2.2 EX at £25,995, a Turismo EX at £21,495, Korando Sports EX at £17,495 and a T1voil EL X at £16,500, all including optional metallic paint priced at £500. *Korando 2 2 SE, Rexton 2 2 SE, Turismo 2 2 SE and T1 vol1 SE all 1nclud1ng VAT, delivery charge, Road Fund Licence & fir st reg1strat1 on charge Pri ces are co rrect at th e time of going t o print, but may be mod 1f1ed o r changed at any tim e

Wednesday 8th June 2016

MOTORING NEWS �

71

Classic electric More boost as Vitara cars for sale TWO electric cars a bit more special than most are up for sale – they are more than 100 years old.

The 1906 Pope Waverley Victoria Phaeton and the 1907 Victor High Wheel Electric Runabout are to be sold by Historics at Brooklands on June 11.

While electric cars might be held as the future of private transport, they also have an important place in its past.

There were over 100 manufacturers making cars powered by batteries in the early 20th century.

The Victoria Phaeton, offered by Historics at an estimate of £30,000-£40,000, sold at the time of its build in Nebraska for 1,600 dollars, and is notable for its supreme presentation.

Fully restored and elegant in the extreme, the convertible features a leather-lined hood and complementary leg covers. It has been upgraded to modern batteries.

The compact 1907 Victor High Wheel Runabout, built one year later in Indianapolis, spent many years on display in an American Museum before being imported to the UK, where it was the subject of a complete sympathetic overhaul, which also included contemporary batteries.

For more information, visit: www.historics.co.uk

wins Car of the Year HONEST JOHN readers have voted the Suzuki Vitara as the overall Car of the Year, over and above a class win for Most Popular Crossover.

More than 4,400 owner reviews have been posted on HonestJohn.co.uk, with 2.27 million visitors to the model’s reviews pages between April 2015 and April 2016.

Suzuki says the introduction of the powerful 1.4-litre turbo-charged Boosterjet engine in January this year has further increased the Vitara’s popularity among readers. What’s more, a lighthearted Honest John video based on the car is the site’s most popular to date, with over 250,000 views.

Commenting on the awards, Daniel Harrison, Editor of honestjohn.co.uk, said: “Our readers tell us that they want cars that are practical, well built and honest when it comes to fuel consumption.

“Vitara offers all of that with a dash of style and sense of occasion. It’s no surprise that it’s been such a hit on

the site. The addition of the state-of-the-art Boosterjet petrol engine earlier this year was the icing on the cake and another reason for us to recommend what is a great all-rounder.

“This has been the most popular car of the past 12 months with our users and, from the feedback we’ve had so far, it has every reason to be our Car of the Year.”

Dale Wyatt, Sales and Marketing Director, Suzuki GB PLC, added: “This really is a fantastic achievement for us at Suzuki; our compact and lightweight SUV is proving to be really popular on the roads now with 10,000 sold since launch last year. It’s great news for us that so many of our customers have voted for it on honestjohn.co.uk “Our research shows that over 65 per cent of prospective customers who test drive a Vitara will purchase one. This is certainly reflected in the great comments by Honest John users that they made the right decision.”

An extra office on wheels

RENAULT unveiled a series of eye-popping concepts at Clerkenwell Design Week, including completely automated a single-person vehicle described as ‘wearable’ transport.

The French car maker, the event’s headline sponsor, collaborated with Central Saint Martins University of the Arts in London to inspire the creation of wildly imaginative concepts picturing a world where humans no longer drive.

The SYEO (Share Your Extra Office) is the first, offering a fully flexible inflatable interior layout that can be temporarily customised for work, leisure or even a date.

The company explains: “Renault SYEO delivers a flexible workspace to your door whenever and wherever you need it.

“Its novel interior is instantly reconfigurable according to multiple workspace needs – from intimate private space to meeting, for brainstorming, video conferencing and more,” reads a statement.

Completely automated, the vehicle gives its passengers the time to do whatever they need to, inflating only the furniture they need for their time in the vehicle.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

72  ADVERTISING

This is an urban girl FIRST DRIVE

By David Thackeray THERE is no doubt that in the car evolution race, electric vehicles could have put in more effort. After all, they were first off the start line in 1837 compared with 1864 for internal combustion. Plus, they didn’t smell, were clean and above all didn’t frighten the horses.

And at that time they were probably faster.

But we have come a long way regarding our views on sustainability and effects on the planet. So, if you’re after a new experience, the BMW i3 has a lot more in common with the Apple ethos than that of a car manufacturer.

To say the i3 breaks the mould of BMW might be a bit of a stretch – there is no doubting its lineage is German – but no-one

Wednesday 8th June 2016

has invested more than BMW in the luxury EV market.

The styling is of the crossover genre that is much in vogue but with that unmistakable BMW family resemblance that gives you the assurance of high build quality. Attention to detail is obvious from the moment you hear the click of the doors closing.

The use of Kevlar and aluminium makes sense for structural rigidity and, with a low centre of gravity courtesy of the clever positioning of its batteries, makes for an exceptional ride quality and the perfect platform for sound road-holding you would expect in the larger executive class rather than in this small to medium sector.

It’s quite spacious up front, helped by the lack of a central handbrake and a gear selector that’s located on the steering

column instead of between the seats.

There are two displays. The central one shows intuitive sat-nav and infotainment selections, while a smaller rectangular readout takes the place of conventional instruments behind the wheel. It’s all easy to use, helped by a version of BMW’s iDrive controller.

The tall windows and boxy body make the i3’s extremities easy to judge when in a race for that elusive parking space. It has rear ‘suicide’ passenger doors (hinged at the back) with no ‘B’ pillar, which aids access to the two rear seats, but adults will

ADVERTISING 

73

modern and trendy…

ELECTRIC EVENT 3-12 June Cooper Tunbridge Wells

find it easier if vertically challenged. Boot capacity is 260 litres, or 1100 litres if you lower the rear seats.

The over powering impression is of silent progress as the scenery through the side windows moves like a film when the mute button is pressed. The rear wheels are driven by the same electric motor, whether you choose the range-extender version or the fully electric i3. It has 168bhp, enough to take the city-focused i3 to a maximum speed of 93mph.

What is surprising though is that it feels extremely nippy around town. It’s not easy to resist embarrassing larger, sports vehicles away from the traffic lights, using the 0 – 60 mph in 7.2 secs.

A range of 80 to 100 miles, depending on driving style, is respectable for this sector, but the range-extender version with a 32

bhp petrol engine ups the range to 150 miles.

There is a rumble when the two-cylinder petrol engine kicks in – similar to someone starting a lawnmower in a distant garden – but you’ll only really notice it when you slow down for junctions.

There may have been anxiety about its moderate rate of climb, but the electric car has once and for always, taken off. The i3 is definitely an urban girl – modern, trendy, with quirky looks that are like nothing else on the road.

It has a surprisingly spacious and yet genuinely interesting cabin, plus the instantaneous maximum torque makes it a hoot to drive – albeit in an urban environment.

The only thing holding it back is its ultimate range – as with nearly all EVs –

but the consolation to this is the zero road tax and zero congestion charges.

‘The styling is of the crossover genre that is much in vogue but with that unmistakable BMW family resemblance that gives you the assurance of high build quality’

Wednesday 8th June 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 fflDT anline with us Contact details: H-Engineering Unit 12, 2, Kingstanding Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UP 01892 549 042

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

Wednesday 8th June 2016

I

www.h-engineering.com

. . . . . .,

MOTORING n

75

21 MAY-30 JUNE

ZERO PAY

DRIVE AWAY

Ill" •-:-·-· :·""';:"2:'"~..:

£0 DEPOSIT* £0 FOR3 MTHS

FIAT SOOX POP 1.6 E-TORQ 11 OHP On the Road Price Fiat Deposit Contribution Customer Deposit

£14,295 £1,000 £0

Optional Final Payment lincl. £10 feel Total Amount Payable by Customer Duration of Contract

£5,187 £15,263 48 months

Amount of Credit

£13,295

Initial Payment Holiday

3 months

Monthly Payment

£229

Rate of Interest IFi xed]

5.18% Representative 5.2% APR

THE FIAT SALES EVENT. ANY CAR IN THE RANGE. ANY NEW CAR IN THE DEALERSHIP. ANY QUESTIONS? THAMES MOTOR GROUP LONGFIELD ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN2 3EY. TEL: 01892 549766 WWW.THAMESMOTORGROUP.CO.UK Fuel consumption figures for Fiat 500X Range in mpg (1/100km): Urban 32.5 (8.7) - 61.4 (4.6); Extra Urban 49.6 (5.7) - 74.3 (3.8); Combined 42.2 (6.7) - 68.9 (4.1).

C02emissions 157 - 107 g/km. Fuel consumpti on and co, figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Promotion available on new Fiat models registered from 21st May to 30th June 2016. *Up to £1000 deposit contributi on on Fiat 500X MY16 models. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Retail customers only. With Fiat i-Deal you have the opti on 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 10,000 miles per annum) and being in good condition . Deposit Contributi on is only available in conjunction with ' Fiat i-Deal No Pay Drive Away'. Finance subjec t to status. Guarantees may be required . Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers only. Fiat Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SU ORW. All vehicle images are for illustration purposes on ly and may include options or body paint colours, which incur an addi ti onal cost . We work with a number of creditors including Fiat Financial Services.

Model shown is the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe at OTR £52,505. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Romeo 4C range: Urban 28.0 - 28.8 mpg (10.1- 9.81/lOOkm); Extra Urban 55.4 - 56.5 mpg (5.1-5.01/lOOkm); Combined 40.9 - 41.5 mpg (6.9 - 6.81/lOOkm). C0 2 emissions 161 - 157 g/km. Fuel consumption and co, fi gures are obta ined forcomparative purposes in accordance with ECdirectives/regulationsand may not be representative of real -life driving cond itions. Promotion ava ilableon new Alfa Romeo 4C models registered between 4th May and 30th June 2016. With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the ve hi cle and not pay the final payment, subject to the veh icle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceed ing 6,000 miles per annum in this example) and being in good cond ition. Fin ance subject to status. Guarantees may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. At participating Dealers on ly.

Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO BOX4465, Slough, SL! ORW. We work with a number of cred itors including Alfa Romeo Fin ancial Services.

Wednesday 8th June 2016

76 � PUZZLES DOUBLE CROSSWORD Down 1. Go in for modified coverage (7) 2. Grape-producer holds a label to mark its year (7) 3. Daren’t become passionate! (6) 5. A product of good stock (8) 6. Put in charge at the lemonade factory? (6) 7. Naturally, it raises awkward points (6) 13. Put into liquidation? (8) 14. Get into bad shape (7) 15. A complaint soon spotted? (7) 16. Country writer (6) 17. Somehow led to nothing in a Spanish city (6) 19. Easter is one, Christmas is another (6) Scribble pad

CRYPTIC CLUES: Across 4. Go-ahead pawnbrokers may give you one (7) 8. Rose is involved in basketwork (6) 9. It makes a man keen on money, and a woman on food (7) 10. A skilled mechanic is more suitable (6) 11. Routed in a roundabout way

Wednesday 8th June 2016

12.

18.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

as a diversion (6) Not a positive denial (8) It may be taken to promote good feeling (8) Possibly go over a rut (6) Possibly they’re staple items made in potteries (6) Concentrated on treating tennis elbow initially (7) One eats it, as a matter of course (6) Registers the disks (7)

WORD SPIRAL Starting from 1, fill in the grid clockwise with four-letter words. The last letter of each word becomes the first letter of the next to reveal the key word in the shaded boxes.

1. Punt 1 2 3 2. Door handle 9 10 3. Floating marker 4. Spun thread 14 15 5. Golf’s Faldo 8 11 4 6. Be aware of 7. Insect 16 8. Leaf of book 13 12 9. Gaelic 10. Verge 7 6 5 11. Jug 12. Encircle Keyword clue: A herb 13. Chew steadily 14. Conflicts 15. Slender 16. Planet

SUDOKU QUICK CLUES:

Across

Down

4. Bunch (7)

1. Attain (7)

8. Refrain (6)

2. Compliance (7)

9. Tasteless (7)

3. Office (6)

10. Emanated (6)

5. Elongate (8)

11. Threefold (6)

6. Grasped (6)

12. Defeat (8)

7. Eatable (6)

18. Unchanging (8)

13. Event (8)

20. Sausage (6)

14. Listless (7)

21. Loiter (6)

15. Began (7)

22. Coagulated (7)

16. Ripe (6)

23. Whole (6)

17. Pantry (6)

24. Hide (7)

19. Thin (6)

PUZZLES 

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

I

S

4.

What is the subtitle to the latest film in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, whose stars include Megan Fox?

5.

Bob Denver played the titular crewman, whose tour boat was shipwrecked on an unknown Pacific island, in which 1960s US TV sitcom?

6.

The Hope Six Demolition Project is the title of the ninth and current studio album from which British songstress?

7.

Which 1997 action film stared Harrison Ford as US President James Marshall and Gary Oldman as the leader of a Russian terrorist gang?

8.

Who hosted the recent three-part ITV1 series What Would Be Your Miracle? which looked at the way modern medicine can transform people’s lives?

12. What was US soul and disco singer George McCrae’s only UK Number One hit, in June 1974?

13. Which actress played the titular glamorous fashion photographer in the 1978 film thriller Eyes of Laura Mars?

14. Which new ITV1 drama starred James Nesbitt as real-life convicted double murderer Colin Howell?

15. Which Australian rock band’s hits of the 1980s and 90s included Need You Tonight and Suicide Blonde?

5 Nick; 6 Know; 7 Wasp; 8 Page; 9 Erse; 10 Edge; 11 Ewer; 12 Ring; 13 Gnaw; 14 Wars; 15 Slim; 16 Mars.

Keyword: PARSLEY

3

Hair is the title of the latest single from which girl group?

11. Sean Bean has returned as undercover FBI agent Martin Odum in which Sky1 drama?

CODEWORD: 1=D, 2=E, 3=K, 4=N, 5=H, 6=X, 7=C, 8=Q, 9=U, 10=T, 11=W, 12=Z, 13=R, 14=A, 15=M, 16=V, 17=I, 18=L, 19=F, 20=G, 21=S, 22=O, 23=P, 24=Y, 25=J, 26=B

2

3.

10. Which Game of Thrones actress is playing Louisa, who finds herself attracted to the recently-paralysed man she is caring for in the new film Me Before You?

ENTERTAINMENT QUIZ: 1 Michael McIntyre; 2 Flowers; 3 Little Mix; 4 Out of the Shadows; 5 Gilligan’s Island; 6 PJ Harvey; 7 Air Force One; 8 Emma Willis; 9 Dancing in the Street; 10 Emilia Clarke; 11 Legends; 12 Rock Your Baby; 13 Faye Dunaway; 14 The Secret; 15 INXS

1

2. Which new Channel 4 comedy drama starred Olivia Colman as the trombone teaching matriarch of an eccentric family?

Mick Jagger and David Bowie had a Number One hit with which cover version of a song by Martha and the Vandellas in September 1985?

DOUBLE CROSSWORD: Cryptic: Across: 4 Advance; 8 Osiers; 9 Avarice; 10 Fitter; 11 Detour; 12 Negative; 18 Medicine; 20 Groove; 21 Plates; 22 Intense; 23 Entree; 24 Records.

Down: 1 Roofing; 2 Vintage; 3 Ardent; 5 Dividend; 6 Aerate; 7 Cactus; 13 Immersed; 14 Distort; 15 Measles; 16 France; 17 Toledo; 19 Island.

Quick: Across: 4 Cluster; 8 Chorus; 9 Insipid; 10 Issued; 11 Treble; 12 Vanquish; 18 Constant; 20 Salami; 21 Linger; 22 Curdled; 23 Entire; 24 Secrete.

Down: 1 Achieve; 2 Consent; 3 Bureau; 5 Lengthen; 6 Seized; 7 Edible; 13 Incident; 14 Languid; 15 Started; 16 Mature; 17 Larder; 19 Skinny.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

9.

SUDOKU:

1. Which comedian is hosting a Big Show at London’s Theatre Royal on Saturday nights on BBC1?

Codeword is the crossword puzzle with no clues. The number in each square corresponds to a letter. Work out the words in the grid using the letters provided. Fill in these known letters first, then use skill and judgement to work out the others.

SOLUTIONS

WORD SPIRAL: 1 Kick; 2 Knob; 3 Buoy; 4 Yarn;

CODEWORD

77

Wednesday 8th June 2016

78  TRAVEL

Doing the Lisbon time warp

By Sarah Marshall

W

HEN I lived in Lisbon 14 years ago, I stayed, rent-free, in a dilapidated 12-bedroom palacio owned by a bon vivant called Jorge who wafted through its crumbling corridors with an air of faded grandeur.

He typified an aristocratic capital since forgotten by the rest of Europe, where colourful characters eked out a fantasy existence by surviving on cheap rents.

For decades, Lisbon has been trapped in a wonderful time warp: Specialist shops still sell products from behind wooden counters and weathered doorways reveal historic interiors untouched for years.

But now change is happening at an accelerating pace, and there’s a palpable energy in a city that’s drifted aimlessly for so long. According to figures collected by Lisbon’s tourist board, the number of visitors to the city increased by 18 per cent from 2013-2015. To cope with the demand, there has been 150 per cent growth in hotel openings during the same period.

Flight access is also improving; earlier this month Monarch launched flights from Manchester, Birmingham and London to the Portuguese capital.

So what’s the reason behind this drastic change? It’s partly down to changes in government. Four years ago, a century-old law

freezing rent charges was scrapped, sparking investment in rundown properties and a plethora of new restaurants and bars.

The results could have been disastrous.

Fortunately, though, proud Lisboans prefer to preserve their past rather than raze buildings and start again.

Once dominated by government offices and embassies, Rua Dom Pedro V and the Principe Real district is now filled with wine bars, fashion boutiques and design stores. Climb the wooden staircase of the revamped 1800’s neo-Moorish mansion Embaixada (Praca do Principe Real, 26) to find ornate interiors just as beguiling as the pop-up shops now housed inside.

The concept of upcycling was key to the design of new hotel AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado, which occupies a former arsenal on Praca do Municipio – another area of the city enjoying a new lease of life.

Director of operations Sofia Brandao shows me the original flooring – one of the few parts not to be flattened in the city’s devastating 1755 earthquake – and highlights fragments from the property’s more recent past: Silverstained mirrors from a barber’s shop hang in the restaurant, and Moroccan tiles once sold in a showroom decorate bathrooms.

“We’re offering people ‘smart luxury’,” says Sofia, referring to boutique bedrooms that look much more expensive than their 145 euro price tag.

In fact, every aspect of the city offers great value for money. In April, Post Office Travel Money

STAY ON TRACK Take the tram

rated Lisbon the cheapest city in Western Europe in their City Costs Barometer.

It’s possible to dine in a neighbourhood restaurant for ten euros per head and even the 45-minute Metro journey from the airport into town costs less than a couple of euros.

This is also one of the few European cities where independent businesses have the upper hand on generic big brands. From dusty, traditional stores to trendy new openings, local shops champion artisan Portuguese products such as paper-wrapped soaps, household linens and even canned fish.

At Miss Can (www.miss-can.com), close to Sao Jorge Castle, the owner sells canned mackerels smoked using methods employed by her fisherman grandfather in 1911; and in the dockside Time Out Ribeira Market, journalists from the city guide series have curated their favourite street food stalls and craft vendors from around the city.

Of course, Lisbon still bathes in the glory of its historical sites – including the Unesco World Heritage sites of Belem, linked to the Age of Discoveries.

Standing beneath the Monument to the Discoveries, where statues of 33 navigators reach out to the River Tagus, I imagine a time when Vasca do Gama set sail to extend the Portuguese Empire.

Right now, though, there’s so much on Lisbon’s own doorstep to explore.

STATUESQUE Navigating the Monument to the Discoveries

Wednesday 8th June 2016

WHERE TO STAY ■ AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado, www.almalusahotels. com/baixachiado Located opposite the City Hall, this smart, stylish hotel is part of a downtown regeneration.

Minibars have been replaced with kitchenettes and ostentatious additions stripped back, although the look is far from utilitarian. Request room 26 for a romantic suite, and book dinner in the excellent Delfina restaurant serving dishes inspired by former Portuguese colonies.

Doubles from 145 euros per night with breakfast.

WHERE TO EAT ■ The Insolito, www.theinsolito.pt Still in operation, Lisbon’s first private lift rattles guests to the rooftop restaurant of this 19th-century family house in Bairro Alto, which is now a boutique hotel. Weave through the cool, quirky interior to a terrace with views of the Sao Jorge Castle. Eat oysters at the bar, or order creative modern cuisine, while a DJ spins soul music.

■ Cervejaria Trindade, www.cervejariatrindade.pt Traditional seafood dishes are near heavenly at this former monastery in Bairro Alto, where waiters are dressed as friars. Order fresh shellfish and swig draught Sagres beer while seated at tables in the vast canteen-like space. An outdoor terrace can be found in the cloisters.

WHERE TO PARTY ■ Bar Procopio, www.barprocopio.com/en Emulated by many but matched by few, Procopio is the archetypal clandestine cocktail bar of years gone by. Ring a doorbell to enter a dimly lit room crammed with Art Nouveau antiques, where dapper gentlemen wait tables in a space that’s changed little since opening in 1972.

Closes at 3am.

■ Pensao Amor, www.pensaoamor.pt Once a brothel in the seedy Cais do Sodre district, Pensao Amor is now one of Lisbon’s hottest nightspots. Flit between rooms adorned with images of naked women, or sneak into secret kissing booths.

Open until 4am on weekends, but expect long queues if you arrive after midnight.

The entrance is at 38 on Zona Rosa, the pink street.

WHERE TO SHOP ■ Lojas Das Conservas, www.facebook.com/ lojadasconservas/ Canned fish is one of Portugal’s most important industries, and more than 300 brands of tuna, mackerel and sardines can be found in this store set up by the National Association of Manufacturers of Canned Fish.

TRAVEL 

VIEW FROM THE ROOFTOPS It's worth the climb to the National Pantheon

Caza das Vellas Loreto, cazavellasloreto.com.pt There’s only one item for sale in this woodpanelled shop – candles.

More than 3,600 different shades and shapes have been manufactured on the premises since 1789, with prices starting from 1.50 euros.

■

WHAT TO DO Take the tram A convenient way to traverse Lisbon’s anklebusting seven hills, the 19th-century tram network is also great for sightseeing. Route E28 is the most famous, but equally scenic – and less crowded – are routes 12 and 25.

Alternatively, visit the 28 Tram Cafe (Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 45), a replica of the oldfashioned wooden carriage built to scale.

79

Soak up views Spread across seven hills, the city has plenty of high points. To watch the sunset, visit the ramparts of Sao Jorge Castle, or save money on an entry ticket by climbing to Nossa Sra do Monte in Graca, where there’s the added bonus of including the 11th-century fortification in your view.

■

■

Eat pastel de nata Pasteis de Belem (pasteisdebelem.pt/es) has been making award-winning custard tarts using a secret recipe since 1837, but expect large queues at the blue-tiled bakery and cafe.

Instead, try Zarzuela (www.zarzuela.pt) on Rua do Arsenal, where tarts were named amongst the best 12 in Lisbon.

■

TRAVEL FACTS Monarch (www.monarch.co.uk) operates year-round flights to Lisbon from Birmingham, London Gatwick and Manchester with fares, including taxes, from £69 one-way (£119 return).

For more information on the city, visit www.visitlisboa.com

PARIS MATCH The city’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower

Wednesday 8th June 2016

80 � RECRUITMENT

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

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Fill your vacancy now in print or online.

For more information contact Jordanne Reville 01892 576049

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RECRUITMENT n

81

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Wednesday 8th June 2016

82  WHAT’S ON SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy

Local events >> WEDNESDAY At 7.30pm you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Magic of Motown at the Assembly Hall as the much acclaimed Dancing in the Streets show comes to town. The entertaining production is brimming with the much loved musical genre’s bestknown hits by artists such as The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes, which are brought to life by a talented all-singing, all-dancing cast. For ticket information visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Over at Trinity Theatre, as part of the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, there will be a live screening of the Royal ALAS, POOR YORICK The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet

Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet at 7pm. Paapa Essiedu, who has been hailed as a hot new name to watch, stars as the tragic hero of this Shakespearean classic with Simon Godwin directing. For tickets and further information visit www.trinity.net. The production will also be shown simultaneously by the Odeon, Hawkhurst’s Kino cinema and the Uckfield Picture House.

Scallywag café hosts Literary in the Lounge this evening. Doors open at 7.30pm and guests will be treated to an array of storytelling, poetry and music. Tickets cost £10 with 100 per cent of the sales going to Dame Kelly Holmes’ five chosen charities: Mind, Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, Myeloma UK, Hospice in the Weald and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust. For more information visit www.scallywagcafe.co.uk >> THURSDAY The Wealden Times Summer Fair kicks off today and runs until Saturday June 11. Once again it takes place in the majestic surroundings of Hole Park in Rolvenden, which complements the fair’s enviable mix of vintage homeware, unique fashion accessories and delicious artistan food and drink just perfectly. For more information visit www. wealdentimes.co.uk This evening there will be an audience with snooker legend Steve Davis at The Marquee in the Longmead Stadium in Tonbridge. Hosted by Tonbridge Angels, it promises to be a fun event with Steve talking about his love of snooker, DJing and music. Tickets cost £25. For more information visit www.tonbridgeangelsonline.co.uk As part of its new comedy offering, the EM Forster theatre in Tonbridge is hosting stand-up Pete Firman. The star of BBC One’s The Magicians and the UK’s leading comedian and magician is previewing his new show before it goes up to Edinburgh later this summer. For ticket details visit www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk Jazz on The Pantiles continues its summer run and tonight features the group Picante who, as their name suggests, serve up a medley of hot and spicy Latino-style numbers. >> FRIDAY From 10-11am there will be a Bump to Business Special Mamas Meet Up at the Royal Wells Hotel.

SIGHT FOR SAW EYES Stand-up comedian and magician Peter Firman

Wednesday 8th June 2016

NORSE FACES By illustrator Matt Syms

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

Hosted by events company Mum’s The Word, this inaugural session aims to bring together likeminded local mothers who are also building their own businesses. Guest speakers today are Steph Douglas from Don’t Buy Her Flowers and Becky and Dominique from luxury changing bag designers Jem + Bea. There will also be discussions on career, style, health and wellbeing. Babies and toddlers are very much welcome, too. Tickets cost £10. For more information visit www.mumstheword.online Juliet’s café in Tunbridge Wells will be hosting a pop-up shop with local fashion brand Lily and Carter London. Special discounts and previews of their latest collection will be on offer.

From 2-3.30pm there will be a personal guided tour of the gardens at Penshurst Place by its owner Lady De L’Isle. She will talk visitors through the various planting schemes and species and the tour will culminate with a delicious cream tea in the Garden Restaurant. Tickets cost £25 and must be booked in advance. For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com The Horsmonden Summer Festival weekend starts today. As well as lots of stalls selling delicious food and drink and plenty of children’s activities on offer, there will also be a display of interesting, quirky and classic cars on the Village Green from noon onwards. The event is open to all. >> SATURDAY This afternoon from 2-5pm, the Churches Together team are hosting a Right Royal Fun Day in Pembury village. Entrance is free and there will be over 60 stalls and food and drink tents as well as lots of fun activities for children, including a coconut shy and bouncy castle. There will also be live music and a dog show.

Withyham Parish Council are organising a Now We Are 90 picnic for all its residents at the Recreation Ground in Groombridge from 1-4pm.

There will be a brass band from Mayfield as well as strolling storytellers, courtesy of CREATE from Tunbridge Wells, who will regale picnickers with royal tales. The event is a joint celebration of The Queen’s 90th birthday and AA Milne’s 90th anniversary of penning the first Pooh Bear story.

Visit www.withyhamparishcouncil.org.uk Tonight there will an eight-mile sponsored Moonlight Walk in aid of the Hospice in the Weald.

Starting from the Fusion Sports Centre on

St John’s Road, walkers will weave through the heart of Tunbridge Wells and back again. It costs £20 for adults, while children under 16 go free.

To sign up, visit www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk >> SUNDAY Today there will be a charity run in aid of Demelza Hospice Care for Children. The annual event has a new location this year at Groombridge Place.

Runners can either opt for a 2.5, 5 or 10k run and there will be access for wheelchairs. The run will be started by Millie De Vere, who has attended Demelza for respite care over the past three years.

Entry costs £15 for adults and £7.50 for children.

At 2pm Happy’s Circus comes to Speldhurst CEP Primary School. This fun-packed show promises an afternoon that will thrill audiences of all ages as talented performers execute skilful balancing and juggling acts and clowns raise a chuckle or two with their antics. Tickets cost £7.50 in advance or £10 on the day. Children under two go free. To book, email circusatspeldhurst@gmail.com There will be a special picnic for The Queen’s 90th birthday in Grosvenor and Hilbert Park today from 2-4pm. Just bring your own food and drink and join in the celebrations. >> MONDAY HELLO PETAL Rose Week at Pashley Manor

South East Open Studios (SEOS) continues its run of showcasing local artists’ work in the area all this week. The annual event, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, runs until June 19 and happens all over the south east. In Tunbridge Wells you can catch a group of 50 artists exhibiting their paintings, photos and ceramics in Ely Court at Royal Victoria Place.

Tonight at the Kino cinema in Hawkhurst you can see more Shakespeare drama on the silver screen as part of the celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of his death. This time it’s The Globe’s interpretation of The Merchant of Venice, which starts at 7.45pm. For ticket information visit www. kinodigital.co.uk

WHAT’S ON 

Yevgeny Sudbin at Frant Music Festival

A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS >> TUESDAY Just started at Trinity and running until June 26 is an exhibition entitled Ragnarök. It’s the second solo exhibition by the Tunbridge Wells-based illustrator and Trinity theatre’s Associate Artist, Matt Syms, who has put a contemporary digital illustrative spin on mythical Norse characters such as Odin and Thor.

From today until next Sunday, Pashley Manor will be holding a special Rose Week. Their glorious gardens in Ticehurst are currently awash with different varieties and colours of the flower. There will be tours around the grounds by the property’s head gardener and visitors will be able to buy roses grown by Peter Beale, who has won over 20 Chelsea gold medals, to take home.

PICK OF THE WEEK Danny, The Champion of The World

Paul Dunton

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

Live music There is a wonderful array of gigs and concerts to be enjoyed this week and my top picks of the week are as follows: This Wednesday, Slaves will rocking The Forum to its knees! The local band are fast becoming a global phenomenon so make sure you grab your tickets from The Forum website as soon as possible.

The excellent Picante will be live at The Jazz on the Pantiles this Thursday night, early arrival advised and please bring the sunshine!

Some great options for this Friday night include blues musician Dave Peabody at The Cross Keys Pub, The Douzy & Slyde band at No.9 Smokehouse, The Illegal Eagles at the Assembly Hall and Lipsticks and Beatnicks at Cassidy’s Bar. For acoustic and singer-songwriter fans, the superb James Kirby is at The Beau Nash this Saturday night, and Sunday evening offers a stellar line-up at The Grey Lady with Lui Dodds, Lucy Baxter, Ellie Wade and Jack Leon Mackey. The excellent Sophie Mullan will be live at The Bedford on Sunday evening.

For classical music lovers, I highly recommend the brilliant pianist Yevgeny Sudbin at St Alban’s Church in Frant this Saturday night.

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk

WEDNESDAY Slaves THURSDAY Dilly Dally SUNDAY Unfest Sunday Sessions THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

On Saturday June 11 at 6.30pm the Illyria theatre will be staging a performance of Danny, The Champion of the World. The classic Roald Dahl tale about a boy and the hunt for his missing poacher father will be brought to life in the magical surroundings of the open air theatre Arthur’s Garden at Coolings, near Sevenoaks. Tickets cost £14.99 for adults and £5 for children under 15.

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

WEDNESDAY Stuart Evans, Michael Wood, Andy Twyman, Mystery Clarke Band FRIDAY Breeze In SATURDAY Soul Avenue SUNDAY Jack Leon Mackey, Ellie Wade, Lucy Baxter, Lui Dodds TUESDAY visit www.pdag.co.uk/events for line-up WEDNESDAY John McLane, Fred Clark, Frances Yonge, Son Of Kirk

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES

8-10pm. Live music on The Bandstand, free to attend, donations welcome

THURSDAY Picante NO.9 SMOKEHOUSE

9 Nevill Street. Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late

FRIDAY The Douzy & Slyde band SATURDAY Total Recall

CASSIDY’S SPORTS BAR

Castle Street. Open all day, free entry, music from 9pm till late

FRIDAY Lipsticks and Beatnicks

THE CROSS KEYS

THE BEDFORD PUB

St John’s Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, visit www.crosskeystw.co.uk

2 High Street. Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm till late

WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Steve Gable & Jane Tuft FRIDAY Sonny’s Blues: Dave Peabody SUNDAY TARC Open Mic Night MONDAY TWUNT Jam Session WEDNESDAY Sonny’s Jazz: Mike Hatchard & Scott Jenkins

SCALLYWAG

45 Mount Ephraim. Open all day, music from 7.30pm, entry charge for music may apply, for more information visit www.scallywagcafe.co.uk

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

FRIDAY Ed Watts (Jazz Piano) WEDNESDAY Cabaret Open Mic Night

THURSDAY Acoustic Reverb Collective Open Mic Night SUNDAY Sunday Night Sessions: Sophie Mullan

Crescent Road. Show times & ticket prices vary, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk for more details

THE ROYAL OAK

WEDNESDAY Dancing in the Streets FRIDAY The Illegal Eagles SATURDAY Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Prospect Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm onwards

Lui Dodds, Sunday at The Grey Lady

SATURDAY Jimmy and the Jams MONDAY Open Mic/Jam Session THE BEAU NASH INN

Mount Ephraim. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late

SATURDAY James Kirby THE PUNCH & JUDY

11 St Stephens Street, Tonbridge

TUESDAY Fran McGillivray & Mike Burke ST ALBAN’S CHURCH, FRANT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Tickets are £18 available from Frant Stores, Brittens Music in Tunbridge Wells and Frant Music Festival. Visit www.frantmusic.org.uk or 07768115184

SATURDAY 8pm: Yevgeny Sudbin (tickets £18)

Wednesday 8th June 2016

84 � ARTS & CULTURE

‘We perform a shopping trolley dash through musical culture’ The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain are heading to Tunbridge Wells’ Assembly Hall this Saturday with a concert showcasing 30 years of their inimitable feelgood toe-tappers. We catch up with them on the road...

What has the orchestra been up to recently?

We’ve been reflecting on our 30-year anniversary, which has seen us play Sydney Opera House, The Royal Albert Hall, and in front of 170,000 people at Hyde Park in London.

What’s the secret of your three decades of success?

We have a great band and we all get along – more or less. We have a lot of fun and so do our audience.

We also take care of business; we manage ourselves and our own record company and we look out for each other.

What do you think is different about your concerts?

Music is all about play. If you’re working hard, it ain’t playful, and music should be. Beethoven, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and The Rolling Stones, they’re all playful.

We try to keep things lighthearted, amusing, thought provoking and entertaining. If it isn’t moving you, getting you fired up, making you laugh, cry, or feel something, then it’s not worth much. We perform a shopping trolley dash through musical culture playing everything from Nirvana and The Clash to Lady Gaga and Pharrell Williams.

Have you made playing the ukulele more popular?

Some people say we’ve made it look easy and so they want to buy

Wednesday 8th June 2016

a ukulele after seeing our show.

Others say we have showed that the ukulele can play real music. There’s that old adage of you learn three chords and start a band, but we say ‘Three chords – why so many?’

What can the ukulele do that other instruments cannot?

It’s an instrument that is like a little dog; friendly and makes a highpitched noise. It’s fun but too much of it can get irritating. We often get repeated standing ovations, so let’s hope it continues. The audience usually has a good time when they come to see the orchestra.

What is the most difficult thing about performing with a ukulele?

A gig with a solo ukulele gives certain problems as there are no bass notes, but as we’re an orchestra we have bass, baritone, tenor, concert, soprano and all the other registers.

How do your personalities and sense of humour influence the group’s playing?

We always try to get on with the audience and to make the show as entertaining as possible. Humour comes about because we interrupt each other and we all have different perspectives. We’re like the Dirty Dozen, the Wild Bunch, a legendary league of superheroes who acknowledge that they’re not so super, but have flaws, foibles and

characteristics which set them apart from each other.

What makes your live performances so special?

We bring a great variety of music, genre and style. And the songs come thick and fast.

What can audience members expect from your performances?

We turn up on stage with a ukulele each. There’s no flamboyant production, fireworks or hoopla, but we tear the house down, raise the roof and get the audience pepped up. Once we start, it’s like a magic carpet ride and we and the audience just have to hang on for dear life.

THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN performs at the Assembly Hall on Saturday June 11 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £24 or £21 each for groups of 15 or more. A telephone booking fee of £1.75 applies or £1.50 online. For more information visit: www.assemblyhall theatre.co.uk The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain’s new album is available to buy now from their website: www.

UkuleleOrchestra.com

ARTS & CULTURE 

Local author gets on his bike to land a unique book deal Cycling and comedy are two of John Dowie’s passions. The former stand-up who worked with the likes of Barry Cryer, Victor Spinetti and Max Wall during his career, tells Eileen Leahy why he decided to write a book about his two greatest loves – and why he hopes his fans will help him publish it through a crowdfunding scheme BIRMINGHAM-born writer and performer John Dowie, 66, moved to Tunbridge Wells two years ago in order to be closer to his sons, who live in London.

His move came after a steady career which included stints in stand-up, music and playwriting and led to him working with the likes of Barry Cryer, Neil Innes, Victor Spinetti and Factory Records’ Tony Wilson.

He has performed numerous times at the Edinburgh Festival and his most famous works include the children’s musical Dogman and play Jesus My Boy, which was performed by Tom Conti in the West End to great acclaim in 2009.

Twelve years ago John retired from performing and turned to cycling – mostly around the UK and occasionally in Europe – to keep himself busy.

Instead of writing his memoirs, he’s penned a witty book called The

Freewheeling John Dowie which combines his two primary loves of comedy and cycling…

time I’ve sat down and written a proper book.

What inspired you to write this book?

I knew as a relative showbiz nonentity that a straightforward biography wouldn’t interest many people. Also, there are loads of books about cycling already so I hope that combining the two will make for a more interesting read.

What do you enjoy most – cycling or comedy – and why?

Cycling definitely. I’ve never died while cycling but performing comedy on stage meant I died rather a lot.

Have you written any other books?

I did one about my stand-up routines entitled Hard to Swallow, which was published in the 1980’s in comic book form. My epic poem for children, Dogman, was published

by BBC Worldwide in the 1990’s and then turned into a musical in 2005.

The Worcester Repertory Company recently published my play, Jesus My Boy, after they did their own production of it, but this is the first

Where is the most memorable place you have cycled around?

I’ve only cycled around Europe so far. One of my reasons for writing the book is I hope it generates enough income to help me cycle around Australia and the USA. One of the most remarkable places I visited was the Airborne Cemetery near Arnhem, in Holland. There’s over 2,000 airmen buried there and hardly any of them were older than 18.

85

FREEWHEELER John Dowie takes to the road When did you retire from performing and why?

Twelve years ago after I wrote and appeared in Dogman. We did it for a month in Edinburgh, then took it on tour.

Once you’ve made children laugh, or made them frightened (in a good way) or heard them singing along to a song you’ve written, or applaud you, you don’t want to do anything else.

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you on a bike?

Well let’s just say I ended up in Hythe, Essex and not Hythe, Kent after a map muddle and ended up having to sleep in a graveyard – with my underwear on my head. You can read more about it in the book!

Whereabouts in Europe have you cycled and how long did each stint take?

On my first trip last April I rented out my flat, packed a tent and a sleeping bag, and took a ferry to Holland. I ended up in Spain and came home last October. I also

usually spend three or four months in the summer cycling in France and Ireland. I’ve also done Land’s End to nearly John O’Groats and been around Wales on my wheels.

I like to just get up and go, without having a definite plan in mind, and see where the road takes me.

What are you up to at the moment workwise?

Desperately trying to convince as many people as possible to help crowdfund my book! You can pay as much as you like, starting with a £10 pledge, then choose from a range of options, including one in which I’ll cycle to your house, give you your copy of the book, then later write a story just for you alone. The quicker you pledge, the quicker the book gets made! I’m also touring a little and reading extracts from The Freewheeling John Dowie.

Why did you decide to move to Tunbridge Wells?

The last place I lived was on a houseboat in Norfolk. I was missing my two sons, who are both now in London, so I needed to find somewhere closer to them. I moved here over two years ago and haven’t seen hide nor hair of them since!

To find out more about John Downie, his comedy, cycling and crowdfunding go to www.unbound.co.uk

Wednesday 8th June 2016

86 ■ THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Kent Barker Country matters

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

The curmudgeon’s own birthday party dilemma E VERY month or so our local, The Bull, hosts a midweek open-mic and curry night. And very popular it’s become. So popular, in fact, that it may be in danger of self-imploding. The whole dining room is given over to the event and you book a table with a number of your mates in the hope and expectation of hearing good acoustic music. To be honest, the curry itself is nothing to write home about – the portions are rather small – and it’s a bit bland. However, generous dollops of extra-hot lime pickle spice it up to an acceptable level. Plus I’m

TAKING THE MIC Open-mic nights at The Bull

Wednesday 8th June 2016

lucky. One of our group is a performer – he’s a fine guitarist and has a wonderfully gravelly Tom Waits voice. But he’s a bit like a cat on a hot tin roof before going on stage, forever pacing backwards and forwards and popping out for a roll-up (in order, he claims, to maintain the timbre of his voice). Anyway his nerves mean he’s generally unable to eat much so I end up with much of his meal as well as my own.

But one is not really there for the food. It’s the music. There’s one stalwart who is a terrific singer and musician. He sounds a little like Ed Sheeran and you can’t quite understand why he’s not been ‘discovered’ and given a record deal – but that would probably be his ruin. Others who play at The Bull are maybe less in line for a recording contract, but are still well worth hearing. A couple of months ago a great saxophonist turned up, ready to play with anyone, and by the end of the evening there were a dozen people jamming. It was absolute magic.

Anyway, this is all leading up to a discussion of ‘The Birthday Party’. The last open-mic session was rather swamped by a very large and somewhat raucous gathering. Now if you are celebrating someone’s birthday, you are, understandably, more likely to want to talk to your friends than sit quietly and listen to the music. And that is what happened. In spades. I kept asking for the sound to be turned up, but as the landlord pointed out, that simply meant that they talked louder and louder in order to be heard above the PA!

‘Friends steered their Swan pedalos while trying not to spill the bubbly’ Obviously it might have been better not to have had a party on the open-mic evening… but then what pub is going to turn down a booking for 30 or 40? And while I am delighted that they all seemed to be enjoying themselves, they did rather spoil the evening for the other half of the audience that

was there to listen to the music. It made me wonder about birthday parties in general – partly because I’m in the throes of worrying about what to do for mine this year. A while back another Bull regular hired the dining room and booked his favourite band – the Hastings-based Buick 6 – to play. It was stunning, and since then I’ve been one of Buick’s biggest fans, even hiring them to play at one of my ‘significant’ anniversaries.

Generally I don’t much like the idea of surprise parties. There you are contemplating a quiet night in with a good bottle and a nice meal and you open the door only to find that the entire room is packed with people you may or may not want to see, all desperately being jolly.

I’m reliably informed, though, that this curmudgeonly attitude is typical of me and, it’s true, when my ex-wife did organise a surprise party for me it was excellent. But then she sensibly invited all my friends along to the pub without telling me, before suggesting we go out for a drink.

So it was more like a regular Friday night, except that they had to give me presents or buy me drinks, or both.

Without being immodest, I think last year’s effort was something of a success. I hired the Hastings boating lake for an hour and friends steered their Swan pedalos around while trying not to spill the bubbly in the plastic flutes I’d provided. Afterwards was a ‘treasure’ hunt through the old town with what I hoped were fiendish clues that would, eventually, lead everyone back to the venue where lunch was served.

So how do you top that? I’m rather wondering if I might be able to do something at the crazy golf course. The trouble is that (and I am slightly ashamed to admit it) a number of my friends actually play golf quite seriously. Won’t that give them an inbuilt advantage? Should I organise a system of handicaps? And if so, based on what?

Membership of an exclusive club like Rye, or simply owning a set of clubs. It’s a dilemma.

Come along and find out how you can prevent your home having to be sold if you go into care.

FREE seminar with FREE lunch for 75 people being conducted at: ST BARNABUS CHURCH HALL, QUARRY ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TNI 2EY on: THURSDAY 16TH JUNE 2016 .

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Arrive 12.45pm for coffee and registration Seminar 1pm - 1.45pm Lunch served from 1.45pm Draw at 2.30pm Book your place in advance and receive your Golden Ticket.

During lunch we will draw one lucky winner who will get their unregistered Lasting power of Attorney grants for Health and Welfare and Property and Financial Affairs (as a single person or a couple) arranged for them completely free of charge~ *Only those individuals that have not previously had an appointment or consultation with us at their home or at one of our shops are eligible to enter our raffle and attendees may only enter our raffle once at one of our seminars.

Call us now on 01892 278171 to reserve your place www.thywill.co. uk

Numbers strictly limited to 75

By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen Jeweller G.Colllna&Sonsltd Royal Tunbridge We lls

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