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Man died in police custody after bag of cocaine ‘burst in his stomach’ By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A MAN who died in custody at Tonbridge police station had swallowed a bag of cocaine, according to an inquest into his death. Carl Maynard died of acute toxicity while having his fingerprints taken on October 13 2017. The fatal incident was investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission [IPCC]. He was arrested for allegedly punching his partner Chrissie Colgate at their home in Maidstone. Police had already visited the house on October 1. On their return they forced entry when no one answered. Counsel Stephen Simblet, representing Mr Maynard’s family, asked why the arresting officer, who suspected he had ingested a substance, did not take him to hospital. A post-mortem revealed that the 29-year-old father of one had a large plastic bag in his stomach. It also detected levels of cocaine in his blood consistent with drug smugglers who swallow packages that burst. He was exposed to 23mg of the Class A drug per litre of blood – while a recreational dose would show a reading of a fraction of a milligram. Pathologist Dr Olaf Biedrzycki saw CCTV footage of Mr Maynard’s collapse and said: “He does seem to be relatively calm, then the clinical evidence suggests that there was a sudden release of drugs in his system.” He was arrested at 3pm and col-
lapsed at 4.23pm. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him but he was pronounced dead at 4.45pm. Miss Colgate told the inquest at Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone that she had not been assaulted. She described the arrest, saying: “He was choking. I was hysterically screaming [at the officers] to get off of him. “The officers sounded concerned. They asked ‘have you swallowed any gear, Carl? It sounds like your airway is obstructed’. “If they have that much suspicion, why did they not take him to hospital?”
‘I need an honest answer. Have you swallowed anything? If you have I will take you to hospital’ She said Mr Maynard ‘looked like he was gagging’ as police held him against a wall with his arm behind his back. The arresting officer, PC Richard McIver-Hall, confirmed that he had asked the victim about what he had swallowed several times. He claimed the painter-decorator denied he had ingested anything but was trying to relieve pain from some swelling in his throat caused by a cold. PC McIver-Hall said he told Mr Maynard: “I need an honest answer. Have you swallowed anything? If you have, I won’t take you to custody, I will take you to hospital.”
Continued on page 2
BEST PRACTICE: (L-R) Dr Gee Grewal, Dr Marisa Degenaar, Dr Pauline Joshi, Dr Laura Mawson, practice manager Tonja Delafons and Dr Tim Palmer stick the first spade in the ground at the new Tonbridge Medical Centre on River Lawn Road
Healthy future for new GP surgery DOCTORS visited the site of the new medical centre on River Lawn Road to break ground ahead of the building’s construction, which is expected to be completed by next spring. The GPs from Tonbridge Medical Group joined forces with developers Assura, contractor Jenner and architect Kevin Waters of Building Ideas to mark the start of the second phase of the project. Built on the site of the former Teen and Twenty club, the new surgery will be large enough to accommodate all the doctors and patients at the Pembury Road and Higham Lane
clinics, which have been deemed no longer fit for purpose. The centre will also incorporate minor surgery and a pharmacy, and have enough space to deliver clinical services like a wellbeing clinic. It will also be more accessible for people with disabilities.
Flexibility Dr Tim Palmer, a senior partner at the Tonbridge Medical Group, said: “It’s so exciting to be at this point in the project. “For years we have been making do
without the space or layout we need in order to provide the very best care for our patients. “By having the flexibility and space to bring new services into a new building, our team will be able to give our patients a much wider range of services all under one roof.” Assura’s senior development manager, Jonathan Webb, added: “New buildings like this are about building for the future of NHS services near home – creating more pleasant places for patients to receive their care and modern workplaces for primary care teams.”
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POLICE DEATH: Continued from page 1 Mr Simblet claimed: “It must be right that at some point Carl Maynard swallowed a package containing cocaine and it must be right from what was said both in Miss Colgate’s evidence and your evidence that you must have thought he swallowed something.” PC McIver-Hall, who said he had found no evidence of drug use in the house, responded: “No, because he put his fingers in his mouth and at that point I had no explanation. “I know what I saw and I needed to ask these questions to establish it and when I did with Mr Maynard and Miss Colgate and my colleagues I totally believed that he had swallowed nothing.”
Intentions Mr Simblet added: “You made a serious error, didn’t you? And as a result somebody died.” PC McIver-Hall replied: “No I didn’t, sir. It’s incredibly tragic.” When the IPCC announced its investigation in December 2017, it asked Kent Police to update the procedure where an officer knows or suspects a person urgently needs medical attention. At the end of the court proceedings yesterday [Tuesday] the jury foreperson said: “The officers entered his home with good intentions for the wellbeing of the occupants. “However, they did not enter with the intention of saving life and limb. “The possibility of successful medical treatment was highly unlikely. However, the chances of Carl’s survival would have been higher in a hospital than in police custody. “Failing to take Carl directly to hospital from his home represents a missed opportunity to increase Carl’s chances of survival.”
BODY CAMERAS NOT TURNED ON The family’s counsel criticised the officers for not turning on their body-worn video cameras to record the arrest ‘despite the policy making clear that there was a strong presumption that they should do so. This failure has denied our family the opportunity to really know what happened in that room’. Mr Maynard’s relatives said they were ‘thoroughly let down’ by the police’s internal investigation which ‘concluded that there was insufficient evidence to find that any of the officers had a case to answer for misconduct’. They added: “We hope in light of the jury conclusion that they review their decision.”
CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 REPORTER ANDY TONG andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews
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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.
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Flower power and dads in stocks for 30th carnival THE town will come together to celebrate its 30th annual carnival and fête this Sunday [June 16], which this year has the theme of ‘flower power’. And because the event coincides with Father’s Day, there will be an opportunity to ‘soak your Dad in the stocks’. The festivities will begin with Tonbridge’s Bacchus Wind Orchestra playing at the Watergate by the Big Bridge from 11.30am to 12.30pm. The carnival procession will assemble outside the Angel Centre and will include bands, walking groups, floats and majorettes. This year it will also feature a number of iconic Minis made by the British Motor Corporation to
celebrate their 60th anniversary. The parade will leave Sainsbury’s front car park at 12.15pm and move up the High Street as far as Bank Street. After the procession there will be a display on Cannon Lawn by the Nepalese Dancers. The fête begins at 1pm on Castle Lawn and along Castle Walk, providing an array of activities throughout the afternoon. There will a variety of entertainment in the arena including songs from The Palms Trio and dance displays by the Stage Coach Theatre School, the Cannon School of Irish Dancing and the Showtime Theatre School.
The 17th Scout and Guide Band will perform a marching display and Bloco Fogo will close the proceedings with their percussion. There will also be a children’s magician, Punch and Judy show and a Kiddies Corner. The carnival is organised annually by Tonbridge Lions Club, whose wives will be providing cream teas as usual, with the support of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. This year’s main sponsors are the Hadlow College Group and Cooper Mini Tunbridge Wells. Proceeds from the day will go towards local charities and those in need or disadvantaged in the local community.
Grounds for optimism despite café closure CAKE WALK Jennie Kenny says ‘We are ending as a success’
By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk SOMETHING’S brewing in the town, as one of its best-loved cafés is closing down – then opening up again with another favourite coffee expert. Beyond the Grounds [BTG] on River Walk is set to close its doors on July 14 after its manager Jennie Kenny decided to concentrate on her studies. But Jade Derrick and David Leeper, who run 65mm, will be taking over as their tenure at the Old Fire Station ends on the same day. Mrs Kenny opened Beyond the Grounds in December 2015 and its attractive riverside location and delicious coffee and cakes have made it a popular destination. It has displayed a strong community spirit too. The business has been supportive of Tonbridge’s Dementia Friendly Community, and has contributed some of its profits to a variety of charities. The building, Gilbert House, is owned by Tonbridge Baptist Church – it was gifted to them by a private donor in 2012. The upstairs is used by the Tonbridge Counselling Service, providing confidential appointments. And River Walk was regenerated into an attractive pedestrian area alongside the Medway during the café’s first year of operation. Mother of three and former midwife Mrs Kenny told the Times: “Having lived in Tonbridge for over 20 years and worked on this project for the past six, I felt it was time for change and will be leaving to study full-time. “Several other long-term members of staff are leaving over the summer. It was felt that the personality of BTG would change considerably and it would be difficult for someone else to come in and run it – particularly as the vision and the outworking of it has been uniquely personal to me. “Then we became aware that David and Jade at 65mm coffee were looking for new premises.” She added: “BTG wouldn’t be the success it is without the people who call it ‘home’. “Not just our regular customers but also a great
staff team who work hard to ‘go beyond’. “As with any ending, we are sad that our journey is coming to a close, but we are already seeing new opportunities ahead. We are ending as a success, with much to celebrate. “65mm share our passion for building commu-
SULSTON FIRES THE IMAGINATION As 65mm vacate the Old Fire Station [TOFS], local chef Ben Sulston will be moving in as part of the catering merry-go-round. The owner of Sulston’s Kitchen on Quarry Hill Road will become the venue’s first resident chef – previously it has hosted pop-ups with leading chefs from across the country. TOFS co-founder Sam Goode said: “He’s a great chef, full stop, and he’s worked in some amazing places. You can’t get his style of food anywhere else in the town during the day. We’ll still be doing coffee and pop-ups too.” Sulston’s Kitchen will now become a development space for up-and-coming chefs doing pop-ups on a smaller scale.
nity and serving great coffee and we’re excited for David, Jade and their team as they come into such a great space in a beautiful location.” Mrs Kenny and the 65mm team have become close friends and frequently help each other out. “I am as sad as anyone,” said Mr Leeper, “I love them to bits. We will try to continue the work they’ve done, build a lovely community space. “We will bring our own vibe too, we plan to make it more accessible to parents with buggies and be more cycle-friendly.” Mr Leeper, who like Ms Derrick grew up in Tonbridge, became ‘head of coffee’ at the FCB café inside Tonbridge railway station. He came fifth in the country with his filter coffee at the Brewers Cup last year. Mr Leeper was initially given a three-month slot at the Old Fire Station – which turned into two and a half years. “I’ve got a four-month-old daugher so when we had to find a new place it seemed silly to move elsewhere,” he said. “It’s a fantastic location.” He added: “We will definitely have a cup on the mantelpiece with the BTG logo on it.”
South East Water keep tabs on unusual nesting box STAFF at South East Water’s Morley Road depot made an unusual discovery while they were having a cigarette break. They were using the shelter when they saw a bird flying out of the cigarette bin. When they looked inside they discovered a nest full of eggs that had been laid by a blue tit. The company’s Environment Team are monitoring the activity inside the box with regular checks, waiting for the chicks to fledge. South East Water’s environmental performance delivery lead, Peter Gambrill, said: “It’s not unusual to find birds nesting in bizarre places, in fact we’ve found birds’ nests in nooks and crannies all across our sites over the years. “Birds and bird nests are protected by law and destroying an active nest site can be wildlife crime; so the team at our Tonbridge depot have taken proactive measures to protect the birds from harm. This includes the temporary use of a different bin.”
SHELL SHOCK The cluster of eggs in the makeshift nest
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Tonbridge woman in cruise liner ordeal A WOMAN from Tonbridge has told how she helped search for a passenger who had fallen overboard of Mediterranean cruise liner. Claire Murphy was among scores of passengers who helped look for the missing 63-year-old Korean woman who fell from Norwegian Epic while the ship was sailing from Cannes, France to Palma de Mallorca, Spain on Saturday. Despite a full scale search and rescue operation and helicopters being scrambled, the search was finally called off on Monday. Mrs Murphy, told newspapers: “They asked everyone on board to help look for that person, so a lot of people were looking out of the windows or were on the edge of the ship but no one could see anything.”
TV Nick faces ban FORMER Tunbridge Wells schoolboy and I’m A Celebrity star Nick Knowles says he will accept a driving ban if it is handed to him when he appears in court today [Wednesday]. Knowles, who currently presents DIY SOS, was caught speeding and using his phone at the wheel. The 56-year-old TV presenter is to appear at Cheltenham Magistrates Court, but says he has ‘owned up to his mistake’ and will ‘accept a driving ban’.
Bus pass petition NEARLY 7,000 parents have signed a petition calling on MPs Greg Glark and Tom Tugendhat as well as Kent County Council [KCC] leader Paul Carter to scrap plans for a proposed bus pass hike. KCC want to put up the subsidised bus pass from £290 a year for secondary school children aged 11 to 16 to £350, in a move the petitioners say is ‘punishing parents’.
M25 storm chaos SINKHOLES caused by storms closed the M25 yesterday [Tuesday] as the MET office issued weather warnings until at least Thursday. More than a month’s rain fell in just 24 hours in parts of Kent and East Sussex earlier this week causing travel chaos for motorists. Heavy rain has been predicted over the next few days adding more potential misery for commuters.
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Safety fears raised over music festival following the organiser’s prosecution By Robert Forrester
NO LOVE LOST Partygoers at the 2018 One Love Festival
THE man behind a music festival planned for the Hop Farm has been fined £4,000 after pleading guilty to placing ‘public safety at risk’ at an earlier event. The One Love festival in Paddock Wood is expected to attract thousands of people. Dan Wiltshire appeared before Yeovil magistrates on May 29 over offences under the Licensing Act for the One Love Festival held at Gilcombe Farm in Bruton, Somerset in 2018. The court heard that Mr Wiltshire was granted a premises licence by South Somerset District Council to hold the music festival at the farm.
Breached But during the 2018 festival, several licencing conditions were breached, including a failure to adequately manage traffic safely, failure to implement an effective stewarding plan, failure to provide running water in the medical centre and failing to engage effectively with the Safety Advisory Group. Magistrates imposed a fine of £2,000 with £2,000 costs and a £75 victim surcharge on Wiltshire, citing that he was highly culpable for the breaches and that he had ‘placed public safety at risk’. The 2019 One Love Festival is due to be held at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood from August 30 to September 1, but following the prosecution, it has raised fears over safety at the event. Nick Love, an event manager at Colebrook Lakes, which hosted the One Love Festival in
2017, said: “The Festival has been at ten different sites in 12 years and has employed nine different Event Managers. Fortunately, the Hop Farm has a good management team in place to ensure rules are followed.” A spokesman for the Hop Farm confirmed they were aware of the issues surrounding the Somerset event and were ‘keeping an eye on’ the organisation of the event. Mr Wiltshire denied that festival goers were ever put at risk at any of his events. He told the Times: “Yes, technically we were guilty, but we have been running the festival for the last 12 years and have never had any trouble, and never
had an incident with drink, drugs or an arrest.” Anthony Garnett, Head of Service for Licensing at Tonbridge & Malling Council [TMBC] who have issued a licence for the event, said: “At the Safety and Advisory Group, which is attended by the responsible authorities, including Kent Police, Kent Fire & Rescue and Environmental Health, we will discuss with the organisers, their plans, together with the Hop Farm Management, and make recommendations to amend any plans as necessary. “Each of the responsible authorities will monitor and enforce this event using their own respective legislative powers.”
Greg Clark: I back Hunt for PM By Richard Williams LOCAL MP Greg Clark wants Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to be the next Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party. The member for Tunbridge Wells confirmed to the Times on Monday that he would be voting in the leadership race for Hunt, who served as Health Secretary from 2012 until 2018, and who has also won support from Penny Mordaunt, the Eurosceptic Defence Secretary. Hunt, who supported Britain remaining in the EU, had initially suggested he would prefer a second referendum on the terms of any exit
deal and backed the UK staying in the Single Market. He later changed his mind and said he supported Brexit.
No Deal The leadership hopeful has recently said if he became Prime Minister he would be prepared for a no-deal Brexit, but ‘wouldn’t do it if there was a prospect of a better deal’. Business Secretary
Greg Clark has made no secret of his opposition to Britain leaving the EU without a deal. In 2018, he declined to rule out the prospect of resigning in the event of a No Deal Brexit, and in March this year, Mr Clark defied the Conservative whip and backed an amendment ruling out a no-deal under any circumstances. Another Tory leader hopeful, Esther McVey, has said she would sack any ‘Remainer’ ministers on her cabinet if she were given the top job. Jeremy
Hunt is currently second favourite to win the leadership contest. Oddschecker.com has Boris Johnson as the firm favourite at 4/6, Hunt at 4/1 and Andrea Leadsom as third favourite at 10/1. Michael Gove, who admitted taking cocaine to a national newspaper at the weekend, has fallen to fourth place at 20/1. Meanwhile, the latest prediction based on YouGov polling of Westminster voting intentions puts Greg Clark third in his own constituency at 22 per cent of the vote and the Liberal Democrats and Brexit Party tied for first place with 26 per cent. Mr Clark won his seat at the 2017 general election with a 56 per cent share and a majority of 16,500.
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Crazy kart race yet again proves A POPULAR soapbox kart race returned for another year at Dunorlan Park over the weekend and raised £28,000 for charity, despite the wet and dreary weather. The second Crazy Jean’s event saw hundreds of people brave the wind and rain to cheer on the local businesses and organisations that took on the downhill course. The race, organised by PR firm Chatty Hatter with Times Local Newspapers as media partner, saw more than 40 karts compete, all built by students at West Kent College and personalised by the individual teams. Team Muckas, formed from several businesses, had the fastest downhill time of 29.31 seconds. Ashley Pitman, who competed in the Back to the Future themed team, lost his wife Rebekah Gibbs to cancer in 2014. The television and musical theatre actress, who portrayed Nina Farr in the BBC medical drama Casualty was cared for by the Hospice in the Weald, one of the charities to benefit from the event alongside Taylor Made Dreams. Mr Pitman said: “The event is a good vehicle to raise money for for good causes. “Personally it is super important to take part and raise as much money each year.
“I was so pleased that Gigi (Ashley’s daughter) was there to raise the cup at the end.” Matt Walsh, another team member, added: “There was a really great turn out despite the rain, which caused its problems that’s for sure. “We are quite a competitive team but we had a great driver, Richard and there were three of us pushing to give us a good start.”
Challenge The weekend did not go without a hitch, however. After testing the course on Friday, event co-founder Nicole Piesse Turner and a director of Chatty Hatter, came off one of the karts, broke her foot and ended up in casualty. “Safety is the most important thing for an event like this, and I wanted to make sure the track wasn’t too quick—it turns out that it was,” she said. She added after some minor safety changes, the downhill run still proved a challenge to the competitors, and despite the weather, the event was a runaway success. “Everybody really enjoyed themselves, and we certainly raised as much if not more money than we did last year,” she said.
SOAP STARS Organisers Garry Jeffery and Nicole Piesse Turner with TV Chef and supporter of the event, Rosemary Shrager [centre] PHOTO: Tina Chatfield
By Holly Stafford
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
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a real winner for local charities PHOTO: Tina Chatfield
MUCKING IN The Muckas ‘Back to the Future’ team featuring Matt Walsh [pink dress], Ashley Pitman [white lab coat], and team mascot, Gigi Pitman [holding the trophy]
PHOTO: Tina Chatfield
DYNAMIC DUO Magician Adam Smith with Rosemary Shrager
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Stroke victim warns of missed symptoms as services moved from Tunbridge Wells By Jonathan Banks A WOMAN has spoken of how her GP missed her stroke symptom, which resulted in her being left severely disabled. The 64-year-old’s story comes just as Kent County Council has approved plans to close Tunbridge Wells’ 10-bed stroke unit, in favour of a new hyper acute stroke unit [HASU] at Maidstone Hospital. Councillors voted through the plans at the end of last month, following a vote by the NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups in February, . Medics say the HASU ‘will enable many more patients to receive the same high levels of
care consistently throughout Kent and Medway’. However, critics argue it will mean travel times for stroke victims could lengthen. Christine Morgan (pictured), from Tonbridge, says her stroke symptoms were mistakenly diagnosed by her GP and is urging healthcare professionals to improve their understanding of the condition. The salon owner was admitted to hospital for emergency surgery after tests revealed that the severe head and neck ache, she had been suffering were the symptoms of a bleed on the brain, which led to a stroke. But four days earlier, her GP had visited the
mother of two at her home in Tonbridge and dismissed her symptoms as tonsillitis.
Had her GP caught her symptoms earlier on, things may have been different Christine, who is now severely disabled and reliant on a wheelchair, said: “When I was told my headaches were simply tonsillitis I could not believe it. I even remember looking in a mirror and seeing that my tonsils looked normal. To find out afterwards that I had in fact suffered a really serious brain haemorrhage was devastating.” Christine’s symptoms continued so her husband, Dave, called NHS 111 helpline and arrangements were made for her to be seen at an out-ofhours service.
Following assessment she was advised to attend hospital where it was confirmed that she had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage. After undergoing surgery, Christine spent two months in hospital, including several weeks at a rehabilitation unit. Three years on and she is still reliant on a wheelchair and unable to return to work. She continued: “The past few years have been completely devastating and I am now reliant on Dave to do even the most basic tasks at home. I cannot wash, dress or go anywhere without Dave’s help.” She added that had her GP caught her symptoms earlier on, things may have been different. She said: “I’ll never know for certain what difference this might have made but I want to ensure that other people are aware of the early signs of a subarachnoid haemorrhage.”
RECOGNISE THE SYMPTOMS OF STROKE – FAST When you have a stroke, your brain isn’t getting the blood it needs. The faster a stroke patient receives treatment, the lower the chances of brain damage, disability, or even death. The NHS recommends people use the FAST test to check for the most common symptoms of a stroke in yourself or someone else. These are: Face: Smile and see if one side of the face droops. Arms: Raise both arms. Does one arm drop down? Speech: Say a short phrase and check for slurred or strange speech. Time: If the answer to any of these is yes, call 999 right away and write down the time when symptoms started.
Paddock Wood expansion could pave the way for wine bars and restaurants By Richard Williams THE planned doubling in size of Paddock Wood offers the opportunity to rejuvenate the town centre and improve the local infrastructure says the leader of the Town Council. Last month, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council unveiled its Local Plan, which included the building of around 2,500 new homes around Tudeley in the parish of Capel, along with 4,000 new homes in Paddock Wood, which will effectively double the size of the existing town. “I think the borough knows they will have a big battle on its hands,” said Cllr
Meryl Flashman, chairman of Paddock Wood Town Council. She continued: “We all like Paddock Wood as it is and I’m absolutely positive it will be fought, and I know there’s absolute uproar in Tudeley about the building of a garden village and the doubling of Paddock Wood, half of which falls in the parish of Capel, but we have to accept the development is coming because it is Government policy.” While Ms Flashman expects the people of the parish to fight the development, she says the borough’s Draft Local Plan does offer local people a silver lining. She said: “The parish Neighbourhood
Plan has a vision for the development of Paddock Wood town centre. All the derelict land that’s there, we would like to develop it. We would like a proper shopping centre precinct, but it is a matter of funding.” She says up until now, developers that have looked at the site have not found building a shopping centre viable, but the expansion of the town changes all that. “If the town doubles in size it will be more tempting for developers. We do not currently have the wine bars and restaurants in the town centre, but this could pave the way.” In addition, Ms Flashman says the town’s
‘There’s some positives to come out of this. A lot of money will come Paddock Wood’s way’ Cllr Meryl Flashman
perennial problems of flooding and foul water might at last get sorted out. “Tunbridge Wells Borough Council say they will deal with the sewerage system, but there is a lot of cynicism. The control for the sewerage system lies with Southern Water and dealing with them is very difficult. “I know Kent County Council are a bit nervous about a lot of the land put forward is on flood plains. But with so much developing going on, Southern Water will have to act.” She continued: “There’s some positives to come out of this. A lot of money will come Paddock Wood’s way.”
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Amazon’s move to the high street is a ‘huge opportunity’ for all retailers By Richard Williams AMAZON’S move to the high street should not be seen as a threat says a professor at Kent Business School, but is a ‘huge opportunity’ for retailers. Amazon has recently partnered with a number of chain stores, such as Next in Royal Victoria Place [RVP]. Amazon Counter allows visitors to the online e-commerce platform to choose the RVP Next store as a pick-up point where they can stop and collect items ordered from Amazon. Amazon Lockers already exist outside some supermarkets and other locations across the UK as an alternative self-service delivery option, such as the one inside Tunbridge Wells’ Homebase. The online giant has also announced it is launching a number of ‘pop-up’ shops for firms using its marketplace. The pilot programme will see ten ‘clicks and mortar’ stores open up and down the country that will allow online retailers to secure physical selling space for the first time. Paul Phillips, Professor of Strategic Management at the Kent Business School, which is part
Gold award for vineyard as top awards sparkle WINE producer Biddenden Vineyards has won a prestigious gold medal at the internationally recognised Sommelier Wine Awards 2019. The renowned industry accolade was awarded to the vineyard for its Gribble Bridge White 2017, which was described as ‘a savoury wine with a stone fruit character and long-lasting finish’. Judges said they enjoyed its ‘nose of stone fruits, yellow apple and pear’ – a palate that was ‘salted, crispy and with a touch of white spice’. Overall, English wine producers won a record-breaking five gold medals, with sparkling wines also the undisputed winners in this year’s awards. English sparkling wine – also the star of last year’s competition – demonstrated a quality performance, yet again dominating regional entries with 47 entries scooping awards and commendations. The annual battle between Italy and France for the top spot saw Italy victorious this year, with 94 places in the gold list, compared to 87 for France. Australia was the most successful new world country, achieving 31 golds.
of the University of Kent, agrees and says Amazon’s move to the high street could help revitalise bricks and mortar retailers. He said: “Notwithstanding the death of countless independent and chain stores on the high street, instead of seeing Amazon’s latest actions solely as a threat, retailers should see it as a huge opportunity.
“Struggling retailers should observe what industry pioneers such as Amazon do to liberate their own strategic thinking and innovative strategies.” He continued: “With the rapid development of technology and changing customer values, there are huge opportunities for retailers to become leading lights in a troubled sector.”
CLICK AND COLLECT Online customers can now pick up items at Next that were ordered on Amazon
Help to Buy is not any help for Tunbridge Wells homebuyers
FEWER homebuyers in Tunbridge Wells rely on the government’s Help to Buy scheme than in most other areas of the country. The government-backed equity scheme has recently been criticised over fears that housing markets have become too reliant upon on it, with up to 97 per cent of new build properties sold through Help to Buy. The scheme, which will end in 2023, faces new restrictions in 2021 when it will become available only to first-time buyers, and regional price caps will be imposed. Research conducted in 105 areas by modular home developer Project Etopia found that 20,179
(54.6 per cent) of 36,950 new build sales were funded by the scheme. Northampton’s property market is so dependent on Help to Buy that 97.1 per cent of new builds were sold through it last year. However, Tunbridge Wells has one of the lowest take-up rates for Help to Buy in the country, with just 33.6 per cent of new builds sold with the government-backed help. Cambridge had the fewest number of homebuyers using it. In total, just 17 per cent of new builds there sold under the scheme. Joseph Daniels, CEO of Project Etopia, said markets such as Tunbridge Wells will be ‘the most resilient when the scheme comes to an end’. He said: “There is a danger that, once the scheme ends, the rug could be pulled out from beneath those areas that have come to rely on Help to Buy to too great a degree. “Building more homes is the long-term solution to the housing crisis, not a free leg-up. “This startling research shows just how far Help to Buy is underpinning and driving the new build market across the whole of England.”
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Tonbridge firm’s award A TONBRIDGE waterproofing company has been crowned Innovator of the Year for its revolutionary recycling system. Newton Waterproofing Systems, based in Sovereign Way, picked up the award at Wembley Stadium at the end of May during the National Building Awards 2019 ceremony. The accolade recognised Newton’s sustainability innovations through its ground-breaking recycling service. The Newton Membrane Recycling Service collects waste leftover building products from sites across the UK, processes it, then recycles it into new construction materials, so achieving a completely closed-loop recycling process that creates zero additional emissions. Speaking immediately after collecting the award, Newton Technical Director Richard Crossley said: “We are a small family business and it is the time and effort that the team has put in that has led to us to getting this amazing award. “As a business, we have a great appetite to work hard for our customers, and with that comes a commitment to being innovators, which means this recognition of our work is hugely welcome.”
Top marks and a medal for local client manager A CLIENT manager at Tunbridge Wells accountancy practice Creaseys has scooped a series of awards linked to his Chartered Tax Adviser exams. Matt Boggis won the Chartered Institute of Taxation medal for the best overall performance in three exam papers at the same sitting. Matt, 27, who is from Crowborough, also took home the Spofforth Medal for the highest mark in inheritance tax, trust and estates. He said: “I was delighted to receive the awards for my recent CTA exams, especially having sat all three exams in one sitting. I joined Creaseys as a trainee in 2012 and they have supported me through my AAT, ACA and CTA and given me the opportunity to progress through the business to become a Client Manager in our Private Client Matt Boggis tax team.”
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Community News
Moonlight Walk for hospice to celebrate lives of loved ones HOSPICE IN THE WEALD is hoping to set a new record for people taking part in its Moonlight Walk in Sevenoaks on Saturday [June 15]. The route will cover an eight-mile trail, starting at Vine Gardens and heading through Knole Park before returning to the town. Last year a record number of 656 walkers, ranging from young children to a 91 year old, completed the course, helping to raise £63,000 for vital hospice funds. “Our Moonlight Walk is an incredible event to be a part of. It is such a joyful event, with families and friends of all ages and abilities taking part,” said Michelle Winstone, the hospice’s Relationship Fundraising Coordinator.
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Invite a child victim of Chernobyl to stay for a month in the summer By Andy Tong
THE West Kent co-ordinator of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline charity has appealed for help in the fight against child cancer and blood disorders. The plight of the young people of Belarus and Ukraine has been highlighted by the highly lauded TV series about the nuclear disaster currently showing on Sky Atlantic. Belarus received more than 70 per cent of the radioactive fallout from the explosion at the nuclear reactor in what was then the Soviet Union in 1986.
Over 50,000 children are affected and suffer an increased incidence of thyroid cancer, bone cancer and leukaemia. At a special event held at Woods restaurant on The Pantiles, Anastasiya Day gave a talk about the effects of radiation on children living within the vicinity of the Ukrainian site. She encouraged local people to act as hosts for the victims over four-week periods during the summer months. The children benefit from these stays because their immune system has a chance to recover and alleviate their symptoms. The breaks also give valuable respite for parDISASTER AREA: The Chernobyl reactor was wrapped a new sarcophagus in November
Dedication “Walkers arrive in their masses, all kitted out in a mixture of fun outfits and head-boppers, brandishing an array of glow sticks.” Those who are walking in celebration of their loved ones can write dedication messages on special stars that can be pinned to their Moonlight Walk T-shirt. “Our walkers wear their loved one’s star with pride while reminiscing about wonderful memories and sharing stories along the way,” added Michelle. “Upon return to the Vine Gardens, you can add your star to the Memory Wall and light a candle as we celebrate life.” Cheerleaders will be stationed along the route and there will be strawberries and hot dogs available at refreshment stops. Entry costs £25 for adults and £15 for children, with all walkers receiving an exclusive Moonlight Walk T-shirt. To sign up for the event, visit hospiceintheweald. org.uk/fundraise/event/moonlight-walk19
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RAISE AWARENESS: Anastasiya Day (right) appeals for help with volunteer Gabriella Jana
ents or the children’s carers, who are often their siblings. The charity, which was set up in 1992, also seeks to improve conditions for children in the cancer hospital by providing equipment and daily essentials, as well as medicine and clothing in the wider community. Anastasiya asked for volunteers to help raise donations by putting on events and spending a few hours every month co-ordinating a fundraising event in aid of the charity. To find out more about Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline, call Anastasiya on 07890 098180 or email: anastasiya.day@gmail.com
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Wednesday June 12 | 2019
ON THE MARCH: Lions President Tom Simmons with Army Cadets from Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells
Lions’ rural ramblings raise £4,500 for over 20 charities MORE than 100 people recently embarked on two walks of different distances in the countryside around Shipbourne to assist with Tonbridge Lions Club’s important fundraising. The 115 rambles took on either a fivemile or a ten-mile trek, starting and ending at Shipbourne Village Hall, to raise money for more than 20 charity or community groups. Tonbridge Lions planned and marshalled the event. The shorter walking route went through Dunk’s Green, Fairlawn Estate, Ightham Mote and Budd’s Green, while the longer route extended
More bluebells needed to make carpet of blue at Haysden Park FINANCIAL support is being sought by the Haysden Country Park Volunteer Group for a project to enhance an area of woodland at the Tonbridge attraction. The project is the regeneration of Heusenstamm/Friendship Wood beside the River Medway. It was planted after the 1987 hurricane, and was funded by a generous donation from Heusenstamm, Tonbridge’s twin town in Germany. The wood is strongly established but became overgrown in places and needed much work to improve it.
Pathway A tree-felling programme has brought more light and space to the area to encourage growth, and a pathway has been made to protect the plants. Last autumn, thanks to a donation from the Heusenstamm Friendship Group in Tonbridge, 2,000 bluebell bulbs were planted by the volunteers. But donations are needed to buy many thousands more bulbs. Volunteer group leader Sue Hennessy said: “The priority planting will be bluebells but if the donations received make it possible, then primroses, wood anemones and other beautiful woodland flowers can be planted as well.” For more information, email Sue at: hcpvol@gmail.com or call John Dicker on 01732 357911. Visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/haysdenbluebells
to Carter’s Hill and Underriver. Walkers obtained sponsorship for their chosen causes, and it is estimated that more than £4,500 was raised.
Pleasant At the finish, they had their sponsor forms stamped to show that they had completed the walk, and Tom Simmons, President of Tonbridge Lions, presented the participants with a certificate. He said: “The Lions were extremely pleased with the turnout on the day. “The event gives groups that need
funds the opportunity to raise them in a pleasant environment, and the comments at the finish indicated it was much appreciated.” Among the charities and groups that benefitted were The Bridge Trust, Angel Ladies Indoor Bowls, Compaid Trust, Hi Kent, various Scouts and Guides groups, Tonbridge Army Cadets, and the newly formed Tunbridge Wells branch, Restore, the Gambian Project Overseas and the British Heart Foundation. A group of Lions members raised more than £180 for the town’s Dementia Friendly Community of Tonbridge.
REACHING OUT The Vitality Home Health team
New care service offers independence at home A NEW provider of GP-led home care services named Vitality Home Health has come to the Tonbridge area. Based in Otford, a team of lifestyle GPs provide advice and support to care assistants to ensure their clients are provided with a bespoke service. Dr Manpinder Sahota, the lead Lifestyle GP, said: “Working as a GP over the last 24 years, I have seen the devastating effects conditions such as dementia, stroke and loneliness can have on people and their families. “I have seen people receive very basic care at home, but there is so much more to be done to help improve their physical and emotional recovery.” Vitality Home Health focuses on nutrition and exercise in order to be
beneficial both physically and in terms of mental health. In addition to receiving the best care possible, this helps customers to live their lives in the way that they choose. This is facilitated by social prescribing to sources of community support to increase their independence. Care Manager Leah Tickle said: “I am really looking forward to heading up this service, watching care staff develop new skills and delivering outstanding quality of care. “It is time for home care to offer much more, and Vitality Home Health are doing exactly that.” For more details, call 01732 755582, email: hello@vitalityhomehealth.co.uk or visit vitalityhomehealth.co.uk
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Wednesday June 12 | 2019
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Take a bow all those recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours list By Richard Williams THE chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Jo James, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Mrs James, a prominent business campaigner, received the award for her services to the Kent economy. She chaired the panel of judges at last month’s Times Business Awards and co-hosted the event at Salomons in Tunbridge Wells for the fourth year in a row. “To receive an award for doing a job I love and representing such a dynamic and diverse business community is a massive honour,” she said. “What the team at the Chamber continues to achieve for our members and Patrons is amazing and I’d like to share this award with every one of them.” During 29 years at the Chamber of Commerce, Mrs James and her team of 26 have supported businesses with large events programme, representation, international trade advice, and the South East Business Boost programme. She said: “Keeping it a secret for five weeks was hard in one way, as I wanted to tell everyone but easy in another, as until I saw it officially in print, I didn’t quite believe it. “What I have found the best is not just receiving the award, which is just unbelievable, but the hundreds of wonderful messages I have received from businesses around the region.” She continued: “Like so many other people I go about doing my job and you do it the best AWARDED DAVSS’ chief executive Henu Cummins
CONGRATULATIONS Jo James with Anton du Beke at last month’s Times Business Awards you can and it’s so gratifying that your efforts are rewarded, and in such a remarkable way, is beyond all expectations. “I’ve been able to do a job I really enjoy and it’s good I’ve been able to have a positive impact.”
Accolade Tunbridge Wells’ charity, DAVSS [Domestic Abuse Victim Support Service] were honoured with a Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Henu Cummins, chief executive for the charity, which provides support to both male and female victims of domestic abuse across
West Kent, said: “We have around 60 volunteers and it is a recognition of all their hard work. “It is the highest accolade given to volunteer organisations so we are incredibly proud to have received it.” Despite receiving the award, DAVSS, which has been providing emotional support, practical advice and legal services to victims of domestic abuse since 2011, does face challenges. “We have grown so rapidly,” said Ms Cummins. “We’ve gone from helping a handful of people, to last year, seeing more than 700 clients and around 1,000 children in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. “That is not to say domestic violence is a particular issue in this area, it is in line with national figures, but more light is being shone on the problem.” However, she says the charity is desperately seeking a new home as their current location, which is confidential due to the nature of their work, can no longer house them. “We need a new premises with office space for around 20 people and ideally a meeting room and support space for our clients.” She said anybody that thinks they might be able to help or who wishes to donate to DAVSS, should contact the charity by email: office@davss.org.uk or call 01892 502074. Anybody requiring help to deal with issues of domestic abuse can call the charity’s confidential helpline on: 01892 570538
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Penshurst viscount joins royal order VISCOUNT de L’Isle, the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, has been made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order [CVO] in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Membership in the order is conferred by the reigning monarch personally on those who have served the sovereign, the royal family - or Governors-General during the heyday of the British empire. There are five different grades of the order – CVO is ranked third after Knight or Dame Grand Cross and Knight or Dame Commander. It is common practice for Lord Lieutenants to receive the award. All members receive a badge showing a Maltese cross depicting the Royal Cypher of Queen Victoria surrounded by a blue ring bearing the motto of the order, Victoria, surmounted by a Tudor crown. The peer, Philip Sidney, who lives at Penshurst Place, has already been the recipient of an MBE and is a member of the Order of St John. Tonbridge resident Sonja Meryl Drew, deputy head of senior staff human resources in the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy was awarded an MBE for public and charitable services.
BADGE OF OFFICE Viscount de L’Isle and the insignia of the Royal Victorian Order
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We must leave with deal for frictionless trade, insists Clark THE car industry is ‘crystal clear’ that the UK needs to leave the EU with a deal, according to Greg Clark. The MP for Tunbridge Wells, who is Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, told Parliament that all his efforts were focused on getting a deal through the House of Commons. He was responding to his opposite number Rebecca Long-Bailey, who said Ford had warned the Government it could close car plants if a Withdrawal Agreement did not pass. The Labour frontbencher and member for Salford and Eccles added: “Ford is saying another 6,000 jobs could be at risk in the event of no deal, which is particularly concerning now it looks likely the next PM will actively pursue it.
Opportunities Challenged about what support he had offered Ford, Mr Clark said: “Companies in the sector have been crystal clear that we need to leave the European Union with a deal that allows us to continue to trade without frictions to be able to grasp these opportunities that we have in the future and all my efforts are directed to securing that deal. “That is available to Ford as it is for any other company that is working in the sector.” He added that he strongly believed it was in the UK’s interest to have a deal which allows it to continue to trade with the EU. “There are countless industries in which the voices could not be clearer that they depend for their prosperity on that, and I will do everything I can to represent that view in government in the interests of the livelihoods of millions of people right across the country.”
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Bolt taxis arrive as alternative to Uber UNCOMFORTABLE Oxfam’s reporting was flawed
‘Shameful’ Oxfam says sorry for abuse as report released OXFAM has apologised for its ‘shameful’ actions after a report found allegations that staff working in disaster zones sexually abused children were not fully disclosed. The Charity Commission for England and Wales also cited a ‘culture of poor behaviour’ among Oxfam GB staff sent to help victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. It said some of the organisation’s failings and shortcomings amounted to mismanagement, prompting the regulator to issue the charity with an official warning. Allegations included that child prostitutes were used by staff, including at Oxfam premises on the Caribbean island, and that safeguarding measures to protect the vulnerable were inadequate. The findings, after an 18-month investigation, said Oxfam failed to adequately investigate allegations that children as young as 12 or 13 were victims of sexual misconduct by a ‘boss’, that it did not report allegations of child abuse by charity staff in Haiti, and that senior staff implicated in sexual misconduct claims were dealt with more leniently than junior figures. The inquiry found that the focus of an Oxfam GB investigation, after allegations from a whistleblower in 2011, was on getting enough evidence to ensure the individuals of concern were
removed from Haiti and the charity. It said the risk to, and impact on, the victims appeared to take second place and was not taken seriously enough. Details were also withheld from donors about the nature of the allegations, due to concerns it might have an impact on its revenue stream, the report found. Charity Commission chief executive Helen Stephenson said: “What went wrong in Haiti did not happen in isolation. “Our inquiry demonstrates that, over a period of years, Oxfam’s internal culture tolerated poor behaviour, and at times lost sight of the values it stands for.” She said ‘significant further cultural and systemic change’ was required at the charity. Caroline Thomson, Oxfam GB’s chair of trustees, said: “What happened in Haiti was shameful and we are deeply sorry. “It was a terrible abuse of power, and an affront to the values that Oxfam holds dear.” “The Commission’s findings are very uncomfortable for Oxfam GB but we accept them. “We now know that the 2011 investigation and reporting of what happened in Haiti was flawed more should have been done to establish whether minors were involved.”
ESTONIAN taxi service Bolt has launched in London two years after a short-lived attempt to expand in the capital. The company is aiming to challenge rivals such as Uber with cheaper prices for passengers and a bigger cut of earnings for drivers than its competitors. Its previous London launch in 2017 came to an abrupt end after the city’s transport authority discovered it was not licensed to accept private vehicle hire bookings.
Seagulls facing court BRIGHTON & Hove Albion Football Club is facing legal action over the sacking of three members of its groundstaff amid alleged leaks of team selection information. The GMB union is seeking reinstatement for its members, who were told the club had lost ‘trust and confidence’ in them. It claims they were not told why they had been sacked. The union said there was no evidence linking any of the three into any leaking of team selections last season.
Stop King Tut’s sale THE Egyptian government is trying to halt an auction of a 3,000-year-old stone sculpture of boy pharaoh Tutankhamun at Christie’s in London. The country’s foreign ministry said Egypt has demanded documents from the auction house to prove ownership. The statue - a brown quartzite head depicting Tutankhamun - is scheduled to be auctioned off in July and could generate as much as £4 million.
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
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Licence fee decision must ‘be reversed’
A STEAM locomotive caused rush hour delays at Britain’s busiest railway station after arriving too early. Human error by a signaller led to Mayflower being allowed to arrive at London Waterloo ahead of schedule yesterday [Tuesday] morning. This caused several hours of disruption for passengers travelling to the station on South Western Railway services. Mayflower was built in 1948 and is one of two surviving B1 Class locomotives. It was at the station to collect leisure passengers embarking on a trip to Windsor. Responding to a tweet explaining that the problem was caused by a train arriving earlier than scheduled, a commuter posted: “First time for everything I suppose.”
SENIOR Conservatives have condemned the BBC’s decision not to continue with free TV licences for all over-75s, with Andrea Leadsom calling for a reversal of the plan. The leadership hopeful said the decision was ‘unacceptable’, while her rival in the race, Esther McVey, said she is ‘ashamed’ of the BBC. The corporation has come under fire after announcing that, from June 2020, the concession will be available only to households where someone receives Pension Credit. The broadcaster was set to take on the financial burden of providing free licences for over-75s from the Government in 2020. Ex-Commons leader Mrs Leadsom said: “I think that’s unacceptable. It’s a commitment in the Conservatives’ manifesto and we need to find a way to reverse that.”
Grenfell survivors to sue three US firms SURVIVORS and bereaved relatives of many of those killed in the Grenfell Tower fire are suing three companies they claim must be held to account over the deadly blaze. A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in the United States, lawyers representing more than 200 people said on Tuesday. The companies named on the 143-count wrongful death and products liability complaint are Arconic, Celotex and Whirlpool, all of which have headquarters in the US. Arconic supplied cladding on the outside of the tower block, Celotex provided insulation used in the cladding system and Whirlpool produced the fridge freezer where the fire is believed to have started in June 2017.
Downpours cause delays on rail network COMMUTERS faced travel misery yesterday [Tuesday] after torrential rain lashed the SouthEast overnight. The downpours led to flooding and problems with Network Rail’s power supply and signalling equipment. Heavy floods in Kent closed all lines through Orpington railway station for several hours. Network Rail South East said: “Across the region, we suffered over a month’s rainfall in just one day and in some areas, the downpours equated to two month’s rain.
“We’ve been constantly monitoring the weather and despite handling the brunt yesterday, the deluge overnight overwhelmed some drainage systems.” On Wednesday and Thursday, some parts of the UK could be struck by 2.4in to 3.2in (60mm to 80mm) of rain, and possibly even up to 4in (100mm), the Met Office said. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill described the figures as the ‘worst-case scenarios’ but added that people need ‘to be aware that we’re in for some treacherous weather’.
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Juncker: New Prime Minister cannot start new talks on EU deal THE European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has issued a fresh warning to the Tory leadership contenders that they will not be able to renegotiate Theresa May’s Brexit deal. Mr Juncker said that whoever takes over at No 10 will have to respect the agreement between the UK Government and the EU. His comments will be seen as a setback to those contenders – including Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove and Matt Hancock – who have put a strong emphasis on securing a fresh deal with the EU.
Respect Mr Juncker said some ‘clarifications’ may be possible in the Political Declaration, which sets out the basis for negotiations on the UK’s future relationship with the EU. However he was adamant the Withdrawal Agreement, which includes the controversial Northern Ireland backstop as well as Britain’s £39billion ‘divorce’ settlement, could not be reopened. “This is not a treaty between Theresa May and Juncker. This a treaty between the United Kingdom and the European Union,” he said in an interview with the Politico website. “It has to be respected. It has to be respected by whomsoever will be the next British prime minister. “There will be no renegotiations as far as the content of the Withdrawal Agreement is concerned.” He added: “We can have some clarifications – precisions, additions – to the Political Declaration concerning the future of our organisations. The Withdrawal Agreement will not be renegotiated.”
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Sports Direct launches Debenhams challenge
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ted Baker and Quiz left feeling exposed FASHION BRAND Ted Baker has issued a warning over profits amid what it calls ‘extremely difficult’ trading. It warned that underlying annual pre-tax profits were expected to be £50-60million for the year to January 25 2020. The company reported a 2.6 per cent drop in like-for-like retail sales, on a constant currency basis, for the 19 weeks to June 8. Similarly Quiz has seen full-year profits almost entirely evaporate. The fast fashion business saw pre-tax profits dive by 97 per cent to £0.2million for the year to March 2019, down from £8.5million a year earlier.
Leaseholder concerns THE Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into potential mis-selling in the leasehold market. The watchdog’s probe follows concerns about the fairness, clarity and presentation of some leasehold contract terms, which could lead to costly fees over a long period. It is writing to companies across the sector – including developers, lenders and freeholders – as well as home owners.
Saga in savings drive SAGA is teaming up with Goldman Sachs’ UK consumer bank to launch new savings products and services in the autumn. The over-50s travel and insurance firm will work as a new ‘long-term savings partner’ with Marcus, Goldman’s savings arm, which has picked up 250,000 UK savers since launching in August last year. Saga saw shares jump in early trading after it announced the deal.
FALLING DOWN Home owners fear a 6.5 per cent drop
Concern that house prices in South-East will not rise HOME owners in the SouthEast are concerned that their properties will not increase in value over the next six months, according to a report by online estate agent Zoopla. According to a survey of more than 2,000 people, there is a north-south divide in house price confidence, with people living in northern England and Scotland the most bullish. Across the UK, more than eight out of 10 [81.2 per cent] of homeowners expect house prices in their area to rise in the half-year. Among those expecting growth, the average predicted rise is 4.8 per cent, while those
fearing a fall predict an average decrease of 6.5 per cent. Around two-thirds [67.2 per cent] of Londoners expect to see rising prices - making this the least confident area of Britain.
Demand And only 73.9 per cent people in the South-East expect to see prices increase. While the South-East has experienced a cooldown in the market, some areas further north have continued to see house prices push up where demand is strong and housing affordability is less stretched.
Laura Howard, spokeswoman for Zoopla, said: “Whether or not these forecasts prevail, consumer sentiment plays a crucial role in the health of the housing market. “A feeling of stability means buyers are more likely to start actively looking for their next home, confident that now is the right time to make a purchase. “And, in turn, an active pool of buyers will encourage sellers to list their homes for sale. “Measured confidence in the housing market is also more likely to see homes marketed at the right price which, by its nature, generates demand.”
MIKE ASHLEY’S Sports Direct has launched a last-minute legal challenge to restructuring plans at Debenhams which are set to see 50 stores close. Debenhams confirmed that it had received applications from parties including Sports Direct to challenge the company voluntary arrangement [CVA] which was approved last month. The opposition comes at the 11th hour, just before the standard 28-day challenge period closed on Monday night. The plans were voted through by creditors on May 9, giving the green light to 50 store closures and lower rents on more than 100 outlets. Terry Duddy, executive chairman at Debenhams, said: “We believe the challenges to the CVAs to be without merit and will vigorously defend them.” Mr Ashley failed in his attempts to take control of the department store prior to its collapse and subsequent sale in April.
Housebuilders hit by costs and flat pricing HOUSEBUILDER Crest Nicholson saw half-year profits drop because of pressure from rising build costs and as property price growth stalled. It reported an 11 per cent fall in pre-tax profits to £64.4million for the six months to April 30. Crest said revenues rose 7 per cent to £501.9million as it was boosted by a shift away from London’s private sales market towards partnerships and joint ventures. But profits were hit by build cost inflation at 3 to 4 per cent and ‘generally’ flat pricing in the market. Fellow housebuilders Bellway reported a rise in sales in the past four months, but shared the same concerns as Crest. It said sales prior to June 2 were buoyed by high levels of employment and low interest rates.
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Letters
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Wednesday June 12 | 2019
And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG I am also disappointed that your reporter took such a subjective and selective approach to this very important issue. KCC’s approach is evidence based. Unlike some timelines, the target of 2050 for carbon neutrality is based on the Committee for Climate Change’s recommendation as recently as May of this year. Hence by recognising an ‘emergency’, KCC joins with Medway and other councils across the country in putting a marker down for best practice. I am only sorry that the KCC Green and Liberal Democrat members chose not to recognise any form of Climate Emergency. I would also like to clarify, for the benefit of your readers, that I am a Kent County Council member for Tonbridge and not a member of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council. Michael Payne Via email
IN THE BALANCE Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party victory was extraordinary
Waste more money to stop fly-tipping
I read with dismay the front page article [May 29]. It is a discredit to you that such a partisan and imbalanced piece of journalism was posted on the main page of your paper. Before you flag me as a strident Brexiteer, let me assure you I am not. However, I know biased reporting when I see it and I feel this reflects poorly on the integrity of the Times. Do you really feel people are easily fooled by the lead statement that Remain came out on top? People do not manipulate democracy quite so easily as you seem to do. The simple fact is that the majority vote was won by the Brexit Party. The shameless attempt to de-emphasise this and the overt denial of this by adding together different votes is quite shocking and a poor reflection on your journalistic integrity and impartiality.
Parliament would be almost empty If one was to apply the same strange logic used in your front page article [May 29] – combining the Lib Dem vote with that of the Green Party to negate the victory of the Brexit Party in the recent Euro elections – to the seats occupied by these parties at Westminster, then only Vince Cable would be sitting there. All the other ten seats would fail, and Caroline Lucas [the Green Party MP] – with a majority less than that of the 2017 referendum – would be obliged to put the seat to the test again, since a two per cent margin does not meet her notion of a clear majority. Ben Hardy Tunbridge Wells
Let’s not fall for the trickery of Boris Oh dear, Calverley appears to have joined Boris Johnson’s campaign to be Tory leader! May I remind your ace reporter of just a few of Mr Johnson’s many faults? He is a habitual liar: He was fired from his very first job for making up quotes; his articles as the Telegraph’s Brussels correspondent were notorious for their dishonesty; he is being prosecuted over the infamous ‘£350 million for the NHS’ bus banner; and he was sacked by Michael Howard for lying about his adultery. Although twice Mayor of London, in that role he achieved little beyond a string of silly PR stunts and wasting £53million on the Garden Bridge and £300,000 on water cannon.
Using your logic, we could easily bend and twist any democratic result, including general elections. It really is laughable. The article was hopelessly skewed, as demonstrated by the fact there was no quote from the winning (Brexit) party, a pro-EU photo was placed prominently on page two, and there was no acknowledgement of the extraordinary accomplishment of the Brexit Party in winning a vote in such a short space of time since their inception. Why did you not mention that? Are you a journalistic paper representing the facts in a balanced way or not? Frankly, it is very disappointing and undermines the honesty and trust in your reporting integrity. Terry Learmouth Tunbridge Wells His appalling record as Foreign Secretary included causing the Iranians to add five years to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s prison sentence, offending various overseas allies, and generally making the UK a laughing stock throughout the world. He crudely insulted British business, despite being a member of the self-styled ‘party of business’; in 1990, he was recorded planning an assault on a journalist with his school friend, convicted fraudster Darius Guppy; and when it serves his purpose, he is not averse to making racist and Islamaphobic comments. His carefully cultivated image as a bumbling, dishevelled twerp hides an ambitious but incompetent narcissist, and Calverley should realise that Mr Johnson would be a disaster as Prime Minister. Paul Stepto Tonbridge
Best practice for ‘climate emergency’ Regarding your article [June 5], I would like to thank the Labour members of Kent County Council [KCC] who voted to support the Conservative approach to recognise a UK Environment and Climate Change Emergency. Furthermore, by including the UK Environment in our recognition we went further than just recognising the Climate Emergency on its own. I was disappointed that the Green and Liberal Democrat members of KCC all voted against recognising any emergency at all!
Does anyone on the council have a grain of common sense? You are putting charges on the residents of Tunbridge Wells for garden waste disposal (£52 a year) while Kent County Council will now charge for certain types of waste at the tip. What about a pensioner who only wants to get rid of half a dozen bricks? It makes one think you have contacts in the fly-tipping fraternity. How much does it cost the council each year to clear up fly-tipping? I hope you are prepared for the obvious increase in that. And what do we pay rates for? I am sure if you trouble to get the opinion of your residents, you will find these sentiments are pretty widespread. See what happened to former councillor David Jukes over the Calverley Project. We seem to do nothing but pay up, grin and bear it. D B Hickey Via email
Getting to the root of the problem If the council proceeds with Calverley Square, a significant number of trees and plants in our beautiful town centre park will be destroyed. Earlier this week, I walked around Calverley Grounds with a copy of the plan called ‘Trees to be removed’, which is one of the planning application documents. This shows the locations of the 66 trees that would be lost, together with large areas of shrubbery. I was very aware, as I did so, that this may be the last summer we will be able to enjoy these trees and the glorious views, as construction work is due to start this autumn. The council’s former tree officer, Daniel Docker, stated last year in another planning application document that ‘the proposal will result in a change of the character of the park in general and in particular to the lower part of the park, from which it will not be possible to fully recover’. And, in his evidence to the public inquiry, local heritage expert Dr Philip Whitbourn said: “The character of the western end of Calverley Grounds would be transformed from that of a sylvan enclosure of a historic landscape, into that of some sort of municipal version of a modern urban business park.” One way to show councillors that you are concerned about the plans is to attend the extraordinary Full Council meeting at the Town Hall next Monday [June 17] at 6.30pm. This meeting has been called by the opposition parties specifically to debate Calverley Square. Sally Antram Tunbridge Wells
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
THERE’S just no pleasing some folk. On an easyJet flight back from Cyprus, Calverley found himself standing in line to get off at Gatwick. In front there was a heated discussion going on between an older woman passenger and one of the cabin crew about the fact the aircraft had landed half an hour ahead of schedule because of the wind blowing in the right direction, or something. “What on earth do you expect me to do hanging around the terminal for 30 minutes? My taxi has been ordered for a certain time,” argued the passenger. Calverley could not but help suggest to the crew that they might ‘lose’ her luggage. The lady failed to see the funny side… WOMEN’S FOOTBALL will be all over our TVs for the next few weeks with the World Cup. Which prompts Calverley to draw attention to a couple of things missing from the game when played by ladies. Firstly, there’s no dissent – they don’t barrack the referee and argue every decision. Secondly, they don’t ‘dive’ – falling to the floor in supposed agony at the slightest breath of wind in the penalty box. Long may these elements be missing from women’s soccer, and soon may the players be rewarded with equal pay! TO BRIGHTON for an evening out that ended with a delightful meal at an Indian restaurant. The night became really interesting when a party of gentlemen entered. They were tired and emotional. This is how the conversation went. Manager: “Welcome, here are the menus.” Them: “No menus just bring loads of dishes.” Manager: “What would you like to drink?” Them: “There’s ten of us, so ten bottles of red.” After a refill, the singing started. When the Manager threatened to eject them, the rest of the diners booed. So they stayed and sang their hearts out. They all belonged to a choir. Magic.
SUPPER table talk one night turned to what’s posh and what’s not when one of the guests used the word ‘pardon’ on not quite hearing a comment. Apparently, the word ‘pardon’ is a classic example of a person trying to sound upper class when they are far from it. The right thing to do, suggested one guest, was to keep it simple and just say ‘what’. Well, pardon Calverley, but what a load of posh tosh. Chin Chin, dear reader
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EDUCATION Times
Acting on impulse Trinity Theatre’s Learning Officer Jess Horsley explains why its Speech Bubbles programme is proving to be such a success with schoolchildren
EMPOWERING A dramatic bid to improve confidence and communication in youngsters SPEECH BUBBLES is a drama-based intervention that we are in our second year of running at Trinity Theatre. It has incredible outcomes for children’s communication skills that not only develop throughout the school year, but also get brought back into the classroom. Every week, our practitioners (including myself) go into eight local schools to work with ten children at a time, using drama to promote communication, confidence and wellbeing in a safe, playful and fun way, and using the children’s own stories as a focus. We work with teaching assistants from the school (having trained them up at the beginning of the year at a CPD-accredited session) and map their progress each week in listening, understanding and expression. I’ve witnessed the power of drama first-hand in the four schools I visit, and I’m not alone. Sam Branch, the teaching assistant I work with at Rusthall St Paul’s Primary School, says: “Each child has a chance to be the author, director or actor, therefore each child has a voice.” So why is Speech Bubbles different? Well, a
established by London Bubble in 2009 shows it is a proven and cost-effective way to ensure that children develop the communications skills needed for the classroom. In 2016-17, 88% of referred children showed improvement in their learning, speaking and listening, while 90% showed improvement in their emotional and conduct behaviour. Jason Lower, our Youth and Learning Manager at Trinity, has seen remarkable progress in the groups he runs: “Some of these children started Speech Bubbles not feeling confident enough to say their own name, and now they cannot leave the room without telling me what they did over the weekend. It is important to us that this gets taken back to the classroom and home, and feedback from teachers and parents demonstrates clearly that it does.” Speech Bubbles now runs in 65 schools across the country. We are proud to have run the programme in eight local schools this academic year, and are expanding it further across West Kent and Crowborough in 2019/20 thanks to the kind support of Kent County Council, the Lawson Endowment and the Kent Community Foundation, The Arts Society, The Gatwick Foundation and Tunbridge Wells Round Table. This is an incredible programme that I am very proud to deliver. You can see the positive impact it has week on week for children who thrive with the boost of confidence Speech Bubbles can provide. To find out more about the programme, contact Jess, Jason and Juliette at Trinity Theatre via email at: education@trinitytheatre.net
recent survey from The National Association of Headteachers revealed that 97% of headteachers found the area that concerned them the most was children’s speech, language and communication skills. Schools report that as well as teaching reading and writing, they increasingly have to teach KS1 children to speak and play. Those in greatest clinical need can be referred to Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), but there are large numbers of children who are still working below the SLT threshold.
BUBBLING WITH ENTHUSIASM Jess Horsley with pupils
Remarkable Adam Annand, Associate Director at the London Bubble Theatre Company, writes: “Sometimes it’s hard to see the children who have learnt how to disappear, the ones who smile sweetly most of the time, the ones who half raise their hand hoping no one will notice…” Not only does Speech Bubbles have a wealth of qualitative evidence behind it, but research that has gone into the programme since it was
Scholarship success for Hilden Grange PUPILS from Hilden Grange Preparatory School have achieved one of their establishment’s best scholarship hauls. Of the 21 scholarships awarded by Tonbridge School, one third of these have been won by Hilden Grange students. The highly prestigious Ainslie scholarship, awarded to the pupil with the highest overall mark, was won by a Hilden Grange pupil and, remarkably, three of his classmates followed him in second, third and fourth places in the scholarship list, with all coming in the top 14. In addition to the academic scholarships, a further four pupils at the school were awarded Tonbridge Music Scholarships and the Cowdrey Sports Scholarship. There have also been seven other scholarships awarded to fellow
pupils applying to other independent schools, including a Drama Scholarship to Haileybury, a Sports Scholarship to Benenden, and Music Scholarships to King’s Rochester and Hurstpierpoint. This brings the total number of scholarships gained to 19.
Amazing
HIGH ACHIEVERS Hilden Grange pupils
Hilden Grange Headmaster John Withers said: “Competition for Tonbridge Scholarships is fierce with many outstanding candidates, and this is an absolutely amazing set of results. I am very, very pleased and proud of all the pupils and staff who have worked so hard to achieve these results, and the parents who have provided valuable support.”
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Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones
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The Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones is the seventh Bishop of Tonbridge. He has oversight and leadership of the education, youth and children, and community engagement work of churches across the Diocese of Rochester, which includes Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.
Bishop of Tonbridge
Are superhero movies to blame for it all? CREATIVE sentencing in the US is becoming even more imaginative. Recently, a Missouri judge sentenced a poacher to prison and a monthly screening of Bambi to make him think twice about killing deer. Quirky as this is, it testifies to the moral persuasion of movies. This point is reinforced by Peter Biskind’s book The Sky Is Falling: How Vampires, Zombies, Androids and Superheroes Made America Great for Extremism (Penguin 2018). My personal exposure to superhero movies has been more DC than Marvel. The darkness and moral complexity of Batman preferred to Superman who, despite regular makeovers, feels strangely boring in a too good to be true kind of way. I realise I will have lost several readers with that last statement. The avalanche of both Marvel and DC movie franchises and spin-offs must be popular and profitable for them to have endured so long, and barely a month goes by without one screening at the multiplex. It requires special devotion to keep up with the genre, and most don’t bother. However, we are all influenced by their underlying philosophy. Bi-partisan governments working with multi-
lateral international bodies to build consensus to tackle global problems are a boring waste of time. Evil simply laughs in its face. Far better to rely on rich, empowered, maverick individuals to smack it in the mouth, as Iron Man and Batman would. If that last sentence carries echoes of several world leaders, then we might want to reflect a little more on the modern blockbuster.
Humour But it’s a no-win scenario, really. Who would watch Die Hard knowing the response to the seizing of partygoers in a skyscraper by apparent terrorists would be patient, enduring hostage negotiations to talk Hans Gruber down from the top? Far more satisfying to watch him fall from there instead. Our desire for entertainment and its strange assumptions of violence calls for lone individualists – vigilantes, in effect – who will save us. If law enforcement agencies are present in such movies, it’s usually to parody their impotence (John McLane was off duty, remember). Biskind, with great humour, reveals the ideology behind these kinds of movies. We assume it doesn’t exist because the
MOVIE MARVEL Superhero films carry meaning, so should be critiqued and debated story is usually so superficial, but writers and directors are as smart and opinionated as other professionals and, despite Hollywood’s reputation for liberalism, big movies frequently read like an Ayn Rand fantasy. The individual must be liberated from the shackles of incompetent bureaucracy to fulfil their heroic destiny. All stories carry meaning. And films are the
Hugo Pound Labour Councillor for Sherwood
dominant narrative form of our era. This is all the more reason for us to debate and critique them, which I encourage in the churches. And if we can do this with a sense of fun and irony, all the better. We spend countless hours in front of movies and miniseries as an escape from the world, without realising the world may be more at work in our minds than ever at those moments.
Hugo Pound is a newly elected Labour Councillor for Sherwood Ward on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. He is a chartered psychologist specialising in corporate leadership and strategy. He has worked in the NHS, as a qualified social worker in a London borough, in industry, and latterly in consulting.
A new councillor, finding his way… FOR ME, a priority is a blend of the importance and the urgency with which an issue needs to be addressed. In my first month as a Councillor, the Calverley Square development has dominated conversation. It is a priority to stop any further spending on it, but it is not a priority to quickly generate alternative solutions. There is time to rethink. In my view some of the most important and most urgent issues the Council needs to focus on are social housing, child poverty and the environment. I have discovered in my first month that the Council, back in 2015, set up a wholly owned company – Tunbridge Wells Property Holdings Ltd – that leases properties from the Council and then rents them out at market rates on short-term tenancy arrangements. The Council is, therefore, acting as a private landlord with our money. In the same period, since 2015, there have been over 900 individuals and families on the housing waiting list – people needing a place to live or living in substandard and/or overcrowded accommodation. The Council’s priority seems to be to use our money to prop up the private rental sector, whereas a real priority should be to work with developers to provide high standard social and genuinely affordable housing.
Last month, a new report confirmed the number of children living in poverty across the Borough has gone up. In some Wards, including Broadwater, Hawkhurst and Sherwood, the latter of which I represent, child poverty now ranges from 27-34 per cent. There are children within a mile or so of everyone in the Borough whose social and educational development and longterm mental health will be impacted by poverty. And, to dispel the myth, most of them are living in families where one or both parents work.
Changes This Council’s priority seems to be to cut support to community centres and support agencies and charge more money to micro-businesses wanting to use their facilities. A real priority is to invest in community centres, community projects and support agencies because, in the long-term, that is good for everyone. Tunbridge Wells Borough is a mix of urban and rural spaces, all of which need protecting in different ways. What you don’t do is encourage fly-tipping by charging for the collection of bulky and garden waste, reducing support for public transport, and doing little to reduce the use of air-polluting vehicles.
GOING HUNGRY Child poverty rates range between 27-34 per cent in some areas of the borough The priority seems to be about saving money and getting cash in, whereas a real priority is to work with Kent County Council to develop a clear strategy that re-emphasises the importance of recycling, discourages the use of polluting vehicles, encourages public transport – particularly to rural areas – and supports walking and cycling.
I’ve only been a Councillor for a month – but I’m learning fast just how out of touch the Council has been in recent years. Together with my Labour colleagues, I will be pushing hard for the really important and urgent changes that will improve the lives of people living across our borough.
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Best property buys for...
Darwell Hill
We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden, or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on specific aspects that make these properties well worth a look…
£1,700,000
The THATCHED ROOF…
Netherfield
GUIDE PRICE
CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk The perfect horse and hound hideaway – a thatched Arts & Crafts-style equestrian dream by Darwell Wood and reservoir. The grounds include an American-style barn with individual turnout areas, and there is direct access to unlimited riding trails in the woods and beyond. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Remodelled country home originally designed in 1926 by Leslie MacDonald ‘Max’ Gill for Harold Heal of Heals of London n Charming reception hall with fireplace n Drawing room with attractive open fireplace n Sitting room with attractive open fireplace n Dining room with fireplace and period range n Impressive kitchen/breakfast room with central island, electric five-oven Aga and walk-in pantry n Irregular-shaped study with door to garden n Music room n Master bedroom with dressing room, shower room and far-reaching views towards the sea n 3 further bedrooms and a family bathroom, plus 2 attic bedrooms n Electronic gated entrance with driveway n Superb gardens, including a walled garden, old rose garden, sunken garden and interconnecting ponds with waterfalls flowing down to a dew pond n Excellent equestrian facilities with separate entrance, including a large barn with four Cheval Liberte stables (3 with turnout areas), a tack room and wash-down area, plus further outbuildings n Planning Permission for a triple garage with room over n In all about 11.83 acres, with a further 9 acres available by separate negotiation
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The DINING ROOM…
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Siskin Gardens Paddock Wood
£525,000 CONTACT • Belvoir, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 615333 • belvoir.co.uk
A spacious, modern family home not far from Paddock Wood town centre. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Sitting room with with doors to superb conservatory with underfloor heating n Dining room n Kitchen with breakfast bar n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom n 3 further bedrooms and a shower room n Pretty and practical corner garden n Driveway and attached double garage
Culverden Park Road Tunbridge Wells
GUIDE PRICE
£925,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk An elegant, classically designed Victorian double-fronted house in a desirable part of Tunbridge Wells, and convenient for all the excellent schools. This stunning family home has been improved to blend character features and modern touches throughout. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Formal sitting room with high ceilings, exposed wooden floor boards and feature fireplace n Everyday sitting room boasting a bay window and open fireplace with cast iron surround and marble hearth n Double-aspect kitchen/breakfast room with modern Shaker-style units and walk-in larder n Dining room with rear outook n Impressive master bedroom with large bay window, ornate ceilings and feature fireplace n 5 further bedrooms spread over two floors n 2 family bath/shower rooms n Garden
Clarendon Way Tunbridge Wells
Offers in the region of
£900,000
CONTACT • Fine & Country, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 701900 • fineandcountry.com
A refurbished Georgian-style family home in a superb location not far from The Pantiles. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Lounge with contemporary gas fire n Dining room with twin openings to conservatory n Kitchen/breakfast room with French doors to garden n Impressive hardwood conservatory n 5 bedrooms (2 en suite) and bathroom n Garden with deck, terrace, ornamental fish pond, workshop and shed n 2 garages (one integral and one detached)
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Laurel Bank
Bask in single storey luxury amid stunning gardens
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AT A GLANCE LAUREL BANK ETHERINGTON HILL SPELDHURST n 5-bedroom home on the outskirts of Speldhurst village n Reception hall with 2 porthole windows either side of front door n 25ft sitting room with feature gas fire and two sets of sliding doors to terrace, plus double doors to dining room and breakfast room n Dining room with sliding doors to terrace and doors to reception hall n Double-aspect kitchen/breakfast room with door to garden n Cloakroom n Principal bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, double-aspect outlook, delightful views over garden and sliding doors to terrace, plus en-suite bathroom with separate shower n 4 further bedrooms, all with en-suite bath or shower rooms n Landscaped, park-like gardens n Detached triple garage and area for parking n Potential to extend, subject to the necessary consents n In total, about 2.3 acres
ASKING PRICE
£1,500,000 CONTACT • Hamptons, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk
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New Homes
Property Focus NEW HO MES
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Herschel Place
Highgate Hill, Hawkhurst
PRICES START FROM
£325,000
for a two-bedroom cottage CONTACT • Marketing Suite (open daily 10am-5pm) • 01580 236013 • countrysideproperties.com/herschelplace Now 85 per cent sold, Herschel Place is a stylish Countryside Properties development in the pretty village of Hawkhurst offering traditional Kentish architectural designs. The properties are convenient for the A21 as well as both Tunbridge Wells and Cranbrook, which means you can enjoy country living while still having good travel options to either the capital or coast. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
■ Open-plan living spaces ■ French or bi-fold doors to garden ■ Spacious turfed rear gardens ■ Ample parking ■ Constructed to high standards ■ Designed for lower environmental impact, running costs and low maintenance ■ Decorated in neutral tones, wood-effect Amtico flooring and luxurious carpets ■ Media and USB charger sockets
Move fast for a character country house
Hanover Place
Holborough Lakes Manley Boulevard Holborough, Nr Sevenoaks
PRICES START FROM
£350,000
Splash out on a new home this weekend
CONTACT • Marketing Suite (open daily 10am-6pm) • 01634 775643 • holboroughlakes.co.uk This weekend will see a handy Help to Buy event at the newly launched and final waterside phase of Berkeley Homes’ New England-style Holborough Lakes development near Sevenoaks. To find out how you can step on or up the property ladder for just a 5 per cent deposit, contact the marketing suite (above) to book an appointment on Saturday [June 15] between 10am and 6pm. Hanover Place lies on the banks of a beautiful, woodland-lined eight-acre freshwater lake and offers a collection of three, four and five-bedroom luxury homes. This eco-friendly development includes an M&S Food Store, a village green, village hall, residents’ gym, primary school, nursery and trim trails, and is within walking distance of a train station.
HELP TO T BUY EV EN Saturday June 15 10am-6pm
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If buying a home with shared ownership here’s all you need to know WOODLANDS GREEN Ideally placed in Staplehurst
SHARED ownership was once a little-known Help to Buy scheme, but now its popularity is on the rise amongst those looking to get their foot on the property ladder. The scheme is a government backed initiative that helps people to buy a home who can’t afford to do so on the open market. Often referred to as part-buy, part-rent, shared ownership is one of the most affordable home ownership options. It offers home hunters the chance to purchase a share of a property, between 25% and 75%, while paying a subsidised rent on the remainder. The monthly mortgage payment, rent and service
charge can work out to be much cheaper than privately renting. A 5%-10% mortgage lender deposit is required for the share value being purchased. For example, if you’re looking to buy a home with a full market value of £300,000, and if you’re able to buy a 25% share for £75,000, your 5% deposit is based on the 25% value, so you only need £3,750 for the deposit. Moat, a leading housing association in the South East of England, has two new exciting locations featuring homes for shared ownership in Kent that you can choose from…
Stunning homes in Sissinghurst Two and three-bedroom homes in the village setting of Bloomsbury Gardens start from just £75,000 for a 30% share. These spacious homes are an ideal spot for a family to grow, with plenty of schools in the catchment area. Buyers would need a 5% deposit of £3,750 for a mortgage. Monthly costs for these homes, including service charges, rent and mortgage payments, start from just £827. The properties feature a fantastic interior specification, including fully fitted Symphony gloss kitchens with integrated Zanussi appliances and quality flooring throughout. The show home is now ready to view. Prospective buyers can book their private appointment at the next open evening by visiting moathomes.co.uk/bloomsbury-gardens Well-connected homes in Staplehurst Just a short drive away, two and three-bedroom houses are now also available at Woodlands Green in the village of Staplehurst. These homes are perfect for commuters, with trains from nearby Staplehurst mainline station into central London taking just over an hour. Spacious rear gardens with turf, a downstairs cloakroom and allocated parking spaces come complete as part of the property package at Woodlands Green. And 30% shares here start at £93,000. A 5% deposit of £4,650 would be needed and monthly costs, including service charges, rent and mortgage payments, start from just £991. Viewings are now being arranged for these properties. Bookings can be made online for the next open evening at moathomes.co.uk/ woodlands-green Moat provide quality homes for shared ownership across Kent, Sussex, Essex and South-East London, with all the homes available
or coming soon listed on their dedicated sales website: moathomes.co.uk Eligibility does apply for shared ownership. Your annual household income cannot be more than £80,000, and you cannot be a current home owner (or be named on the deeds of another property). For further information, visit moathomes.co.uk/shared-ownership
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
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See legendary musician Peter Hook perform live at Bedgebury Pinetum
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Putting a different spin on live music One of the highlights of this weekend’s Forest Live music festival at Bedgebury Pinetum is the Haçienda Classical concert taking place on Saturday night. Eileen Leahy finds out all about it from its curators – DJ Graeme Park and Manchester music legend Peter Hook
F
OREST LIVE is a series of music concerts held every summer by Forestry Commission England in seven of the country’s most famous woodland areas. These include Thetford Forest in Suffolk, Westonbirt National Arboretum
in Gloucestershire, Delamere Forest in Cheshire, and of course, our very own Bedgebury Pinetum in Goudhurst. With the events running for the past 18 years, each forest has welcomed artists as varied as Elbow, Jools Holland, George Ezra and Paloma Faith to its venues. And this weekend [June 14-16],
Bedgebury’s line-up includes the legendary Paul Weller playing on Sunday, as well as indie favourites Foals and Yak, who kick off proceedings on Friday night. On Saturday evening, the musical entertainment brought to you is from Haçienda Classical. The critically-acclaimed clubbing
meets classical show is the brainchild of one of the Haçienda’s most famous DJs, Graeme Park, and one of Manchester’s, indeed the UK’s, most famous musicians – former Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook. The shows see some of the 1980s’ and 1990s’ biggest clubland hits played by a classicallytrained orchestra of 70-plus, and each set comprises 20 songs.
FEELING THE BEAT AND THE HEAT A concert at Bedgebury
PHOTO: Ian Martin
Excited “This is the fourth year of Haçienda Classical,” explains Graeme Park. “It’s been an amazing journey and lasted far longer than anyone ever expected! “Some people will know and love a few of the tunes, and there might be some they have forgotten about. But when they hear them they’ll be like ‘oh yes! I remember this!’ It’s all about getting the balance right between the ones everyone loves and the ones that have been forgotten about slightly but are still great.” And Graeme adds that the group, who’ve played the Royal Albert Hall and the Glastonbury and Isle of Wight festivals, are more than happy to be playing outside at Bedgebury Pinetum: “When we found out that Forest Live was an option we were so excited. I mean how could you say no to playing in such a beautiful setting in the countryside?” Since it first launched in 2016, Haçienda Classical has played more than 40 shows across the UK and internationally, with audiences in
YOU’LL BE HOOKED Haçienda Classical in action with Peter Hook
PHOTO: Craig Barker
“This is our fifth set and it really is a greatest hits session. Figuring what to leave out was the tough thing this time.” Past inclusions have been A Guy Called Gerald’s Voodoo Ray, Rhythm Is Rhythm’s Strings Of Life and Happy Mondays’ Hallelujah, as well as the soulful anthem U Got The Love and the iconic Ride On Time from Black Box – with some of these likely to feature in this year’s Bedgebury set. And, of course, Peter’s own major contribution to the scene, Blue Monday, will be there: “Every year as we plan the set list I ask Graeme to leave it out, but he doesn’t let me. “It’s great fun creating the show, though. I love hearing some real full-on acid house with some really squelchy beats, and then coming back to hear how an orchestra meets that challenge. I thought the Haçienda Classical shows would be middle-aged old duffers like me remembering the good old days, but it’s had huge crossover appeal. There’s a lot of nostalgia for the Haçienda.” So why else should people head to
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MIXING IT UP Famous Haçienda DJ Graeme Park
the live performances? For Peter, it’s simple: “We do a great show and it’s spectacular to watch the musicians perform these tracks. And then there’s the guests, people like Bez, who appear, they keep it fresh, too. He is a cultural icon, which is what we all want to be, isn’t it? He’s a survivor, a clubber, a legend, and a lovely bloke – one of nature’s true gentlemen. He is the ringmaster to the Haçienda’s circus. It wouldn’t be the same without him.” Haçienda Classical and special guests K-Klass perform this Saturday [June 15] at Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst. Tickets cost £38.50 (plus £4.35 booking fee) and are available from the Forestry Commission box office: Tel 03000 680400 or book online at forestryengland.uk/music
THE OTHER ACTS PLAYING AT BEDGEBURY PINETUM’S FOREST LIVE FROM JUNE 14-16 PHOTO: Anthony Mooney
excess of 300,000 stepping back to a special period in time to dance to the music. But picking out a set from the era of acid house and the Haçienda’s heyday is not an easy task, and the event’s co-founder, Peter Hook says that initially he was a little sceptical at the thought of reinterpreting a load of Haçienda club tunes in a classical vein: “The idea of putting an orchestra with Graeme Park’s mix, I just couldn’t see it working at all.” However, four years down the line he says that actually he’s ‘delighted’ to have been proved wrong. “These songs are timeless now and run all through our lives,” Peter explains. “Everybody loves them and has used them at important times in their lives. A lot of them are one-hit wonders, so people haven’t seen them performed, but audiences love to see what we create with them and that makes the night electric. The show changes every time.
Arts & Culture
PHOTO: Jack Kirwan
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FOALS AND YAK Friday 14 June – 6pm to 10:30pm BEZ FRIEND The Happy Mondays percussionist waves his maracas
PAUL WELLER Sunday 16 June – 6pm to 10:30pm (Sold out)
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goingout 7 days of activities
WEDNESDAY Rose Week at Pashley Manor Gardens in Ticehurst is the perfect time to see a huge number of varieties, including pink, red shrub and red climbing roses, silver Rosa Burgundys and even yellow Rosa Gloire de Dijons. The blend of modern and old-fashioned roses in the gardens are complemented by some rose-themed talks and even a rose-themed menu in the café. Tickets to enter cost £11 (and bees can enter for free!) The event runs until Saturday [June 15]. For more information, go to pashleymanorgardens.com To continue marking the 75th anniversary of
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME See the stunt bikers at Groombridge Place
By Jerome Bowman
D-Day, the Picture House in Uckfield is screening Saving Private Ryan. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film has stood the test of time due to its incredible special effects, visceral cinematography and heroic narrative. The film is being screened in 4k. Tickets cost £9.50 and can be booked by going to picturehouseuckfield.com THURSDAY Ian Gledhill will be presenting a talk titled An Introduction to Art Nouveau Architecture for the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society. He will consider this brief but prolific movement IN BLOOM See the roses at Pashley Manor Gardens
in architecture that was especially popular in France and Belgium in 1900. The talk is being held in the Town Hall Council Chamber. Nonmembers welcome. For more information, visit thecivicsociety.org Comedian, panel show contestant, actor and author Sara Pascoe is headlining the Outside the Box Comedy Club at The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. Sara will be delivering her unique brand of awkward body language and neuroticism, with Mike Cox and Garret Millerick supporting. Tickets, which cost £18.50, can be booked online at stagsevenoaks.co.uk FRIDAY Ready your tankards, because the CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival will be on at the Kent
& East Sussex Railway at Tenterden Town Station. Expect an evening without music or trains so you can truly enjoy trying the range of real ales, ciders and perry on offer. Tomorrow [Saturday] there will be live music and trains running all day. Entry to the festival costs £2 on Friday and £3 on Saturday. For more information, go to kesr.org.uk If you’ve always wanted to get into star-gazing, Edenbridge and District Astronomers are having an Astronomy Evening at Bore Place in Chiddingstone. This is a chance to use a specialist telescope to look directly at the sun without damaging your eyes. The team will take you through using their powerful telescopes, giving hints and tips about spotting astronomical objects (and possibly even The Clangers!) If the weather is poor, demos and other activities will be available. No previous experience necessary and all ages welcome. Sara Tickets can be booked Pascoe at boreplace.org
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Wednesday June 12 | 2019
D-DAY See Saving Private Ryan in 4k at Uckfield’s Picture House
SATURDAY Groombridge Place are holding a Father’s Day Special today and tomorrow [Sunday]. The event will include a barbecue, beer tent, a classic car show and the Squibb Stunt Motorbike Team. This group of nomadic Evel Knievels promise a show filled with choreographed mid-air stunts and tricks. Admission fees include access to the gardens as well as the beer, burgers and bikes. For more information, or to book tickets, go online to groombridgeplace.com SUNDAY Take your father to Bewl Water for the Father’s Day to see the Austin Seven Rally range of classic cars, all of which are pre-1972. There will also be an auto-jumble sale for enthusiasts to browse and a barbecue. Entry is included in the price of the standard Bewl parking fee, which is £4. For more information, go to bewlwater.co.uk Hole Park at Rolvenden will be hosting 2019’s Jagfest from 10am – a great chance to see the best Jaguars in the South East (the vehicular type, that is). Displays, live entertainment and competitions will be happening over the day, and there is still a chance to enter your own Jaguar for display. Prices vary, so for more information and to book tickets, go to jagfest.co.uk MONDAY The Fairfax Gallery’s Summer Exhibition is now open. Featuring new work from gallery favourites as well as new artists, this is a relaxed
PICK OF THE WEEK: An Evening with Sir Ranulph Fiennes
Friday June 14, 7.30pm Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells
THEY’RE HERE FOR THE BEER The CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival at Kent & East Sussex Railway environment in which to view and even purchase a wide range of contemporary art. The gallery is open from 10am to 6pm seven days a week and is free to enter. For more information, visit fairfaxgallery.com TUESDAY Let slip the dogs of war on some clay pigeons with your father at the West Kent Shooting School in Brenchley. The Father’s Day Offer Week runs from today until June 21. If you are new to shooting, you can book an hour lesson for you and your father for £99 that includes 50 clays, cartridges, gun hire and insurance. For the more experienced disc destroyer, practice prices are halved. The school has over 100 different combination targets for beginners and experts alike. To book tickets, or for more information, visit westkentshooting.co.uk
The only man to have visited both poles of the Earth, the celebrated author and explorer will be detailing his personal journey, from his school life to his army career and his achievements in endurance. Tickets cost £30.25. To book, go to assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Going Out
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Going Out
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Jennifer Lee Ridley, The Tringham Sisters, Ani Graves Sunday The Breretons, Jessica Johansson, Chris Parris
live music With Paul Dunton
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OR a great midweek outing, local singer-songwriters Jennifer Lee Ridley, The Tringham Sisters and Ani Graves are performing at The Grey Lady tonight [Wednesday]. Thursday night sees the excellent Tim Thornton & Chris Draper Quartet top the bill at Jazz on The Pantiles. Friday has some fantastic shows, including Foals at Bedgebury Pinetum, Karobela at The Bedford and Manoeuvres (tribute to OMD) at The Forum. If you fancy some blues, then The Halfway House at Brenchley hosts two super acts with Rob Picazo and one-man blues band Andy Twyman both performing. Saturday is busy with Grosvenor Road at The Beau Nash, Anna Howie, Isabella Coulstock and Peter Taylor at The Royal Oak and The 38’s at
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
The Bedford. Frauds headline The Sussex Arms Basement with support from Who Cares?, Slobheads, Lee Patterson and Frass. The Nexus Duo make their debut at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge and Gaz Coombes is at The Forum, while Bedgebury Pinetum hosts Haçienda Classiçal. On Sunday evening, Grapevine Soul are at Hever Festival Theatre and Pete & Jade are at Verdigris in Tonbridge. It’s also the final day at Bedgebury, with pop legend Paul Weller taking to the stage. And classical music fans can enjoy An English Summer concert by the Penhurst Choral Society at St John The Baptist Church in Penshurst. On Monday, Milton Hide is at the Tonbridge Folk Club, and on Tuesday, Lone Ed are at The Punch & Judy.
THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry, music from 8pm Wednesday The Vox Pop Choir Friday Karobela (previously Flawless Carbon) Saturday The 38’s JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Bandstand Music from 7.30pm (donations welcome) Thursday Tim Thornton & Chris Draper Quartet FOLKING IN THE STRAWBERRIES Stonepitts Farm, Seal Music from 6pm-9.30pm Thursday The Paul Dunton Orchestra, Dan Clews, Delaney, Chris Parris
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
Friday Foals Saturday Haçienda Classiçal, Sunday Paul Weller THE HALFWAY HOUSE Brenchley Free entry, music from 5pm-9pm Friday Rob Picazo (5pm-7pm) Andy Twyman (7pm-9pm) THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8.30pm Saturday Grosvenor Road Sunday Open Mic Night
IGHTHAM MOAT Ivy Hatch, Nr Sevenoaks Event information and tickets available at nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote/ features/music-at-the-mote-2019 Saturday Live music from Masterclass ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH Penshurst Event information and tickets available at penshurstchoralsociety.co.uk/concerts Sunday Penhurst Choral Society present: An English Summer, featuring the work of Vaughan Williams, Holst and Sullivan, conducted by John Hargreaves
THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry Saturday Anna Howie, Isabella Coulstock, Peter Taylor THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Event information at twforum.co.uk Saturday Frauds, Who Cares?, Slobheads, Lee Patterson, Frass
VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Music from 6pm. Event details available at verdigris-tonbridge.com Sunday Jade & Peter HEVER FESTIVAL THEATRE Hever Castle Event details and tickets at heverfestival.co.uk Sunday Grapevine Soul
MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge To book, telephone 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Play it Again. Adult band workshop, all levels welcome. Booking essential.
THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8pm Monday TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session
THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Event information at twforum.co.uk Friday Manoeuvres – a tribute to OMD Saturday Gaz Coombes Monday Declan Welsh & the Decadent West BEDGEBURY PINETUM Goudhurst Event information and tickets at forestryengland.uk/music
THE PUNCH & JUDY PUB St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Saturday Nexus Duo Tuesday Lone Ed
Foals
TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Music from 8pm. More information at tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Milton Hide
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food
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Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
Make your father’s day by treating him to a taste of Spain
On Sunday, treat your dad on his celebratory day to some of these delicious dishes – created by talented Spanish chef José Pizarro
Clams and Chorizo “I love clams, whether served with jamon or just on their own with a splash of sherry or white wine,” says Spanish restaurateur and chef José Pizarro. “I always thought that chorizo would overpower the delicate sweetness of the clams, but to my delight I was wrong. It adds a lovely texture and the smoky flavour from the pimenton de la Vera is a perfect match for fino sherry.”
Recipes taken from Andalusia: Recipes From Seville And Beyond by José Pizarro, photography by Emma Lee. Book published by Hardie Grant, priced £26, and available now
Serves: 4 Ingredients: n 1kg clams n 75g chorizo picante, chopped into 1cm cubes n 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil n 1 small onion, finely chopped n 1 garlic clove, finely chopped n Large sprig of thyme n 100ml fino sherry n To serve: Crusty bread
Method: 1. Place the clams in a bowl under cold running water for five minutes. Discard any that won’t close. 2. In a lidded saucepan over a high heat, cook the chorizo in a little olive oil for six minutes until caramelised. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chorizo from the pan and place in a bowl. 3. Add the onion, garlic and thyme sprig to the chorizo fat in the pan and fry for ten minutes, or until softened. Increase the heat, add the clams and chorizo back to the pan, pour in the sherry, then cover with a lid. Cook for three minutes, or until all the clams have steamed open, discarding any clams that haven’t. 4. Tip into a large bowl and serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices.
José
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
Strawberry Gazpacho “It is undeniable that gazpacho is one of the star dishes of Andalusia,” says chef José Pizarro. “When I travelled to Malaga, I discovered that they add fruits such as grapes and melon to make it more nutritious and complex in flavour. Strawberry gazpacho sounds like an unusual incarnation of the traditional recipe, but the berries are very popular in Huelva, and the result is just terrific.” Serves: 6 Ingredients: 300g vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped 700g ripe strawberries, with a few reserved for garnish 1 roasted red pepper, sliced 1 small shallot, finely chopped 1 small garlic clove, crushed 1tbsp sherry vinegar 75ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Olive oil, for frying
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk 2 slices sourdough, diced Basil leaves and edible flowers, to garnish To serve: Cold sherry, preferably amontillado
or palo cortado Method: 1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the olive oil, sourdough and garnishes and leave to infuse overnight. 2. The next day, add the olive oil and whizz together with a hand blender or in a food processor until smooth, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. Season to taste. 3. Pour a little olive oil into a frying pan over a medium heat and fry the sourdough croutons for four to five minutes, until golden. Drain on kitchen paper and sprinkle with sea salt. 4. Divide the gazpacho between individual soup bowls and garnish with basil leaves, edible flowers and croutons. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some sea salt. 5. Serve with a cold glass of sherry.
Fig Tart “This is my kind of dessert – packed with interesting flavours, and a stunning centrepiece for the table,” says chef José. “It’s hard to beat roasted figs bursting with sweetness straight from the oven, with just a touch of soft goat’s cheese and honey for balance.” Serves: 10-12 Ingredients: 125g caster sugar 50ml honey 1/2tsp orange blossom water 225ml water 150g mixed nuts such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, finely chopped 1/2tsp ground cinnamon 100g unsalted butter, melted 6-8 sheets of filo pastry For the figs: 8 ripe figs, halved Good drizzle of honey 4tbsp Pedro Ximenez sherry Handful of flaked almonds, toasted
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4). 2. In a small saucepan, melt the sugar, honey and orange blossom water with the water, then simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, until slightly reduced and syrupy. 3. Mix the chopped nuts with the cinnamon.
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Cheers to dad! Put a smile on your father’s face with one of these delicious liquid gifts, as selected by Times wine and spirits expert James Viner… 1) PAPA PINOT: CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ 2017 Berry Bros & Rudd [BBR], Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, Au Bon Climat, USA (£25.95, Berry Bros & Rudd, Alc 13.5%) If you want to spoil your dad rotten with a prime red look no further than this own label from BBR. Its ethereal aromatics, supple and lacy tannins, silky palate, bright acidity and tenacious length stopped me in my tracks at a recent tasting on hallowed ground in St James’s. It has gold-plated varietal character with terrific drive to its finish and aftertaste, spice, dark cherry, bramble, forest berry and juicy red fruits all in sync. This beautifully detailed A-lister red sells for a B-list price and will make your dad’s toes wiggle with glee. Screams for roast beef and seared tuna/salmon. 2) SPLASH-OUT FATHER’S DAY ‘PRESTIGE CUVÉE’ CHAMPAGNE 2006 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grande
Lightly grease an 18-20cm square shallow tin with a little of the melted butter. Lay a sheet of filo in the bottom (trim if necessary) and brush with the butter, scatter with the nuts then add another layer of filo and melted butter. 4. Repeat four times, ending with a final layer of filo. Butter the top generously and use a sharp knife to cut into diamond shapes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and crisp. 5. Spoon half of the cooled syrup over the pastries as they come out of the oven. Let stand for five minutes, then spoon over the rest of the syrup. Allow to cool completely in the tin. 6. As the pastries are cooling, place the figs in a small baking dish and drizzle with honey and sherry. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender. Serve the pastries with the baked figs and a dollop of crème fraîche, if you like.
Food & Drink
Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine Dame’ Brut Champagne, France (£140, Waitrose, Alc 12.5%) This sumptuously splendid and complex Champagne is an expert 53% pinot noir/47% chardonnay blend of eight élite Grands Crus. From stone fruit and floral fragrance to a boost of honey, brioche, toasted hazelnut, nougat and ginger, the scope of this Champagne is epic. One for oysters, scallops, caviar, shellfish or seafood. Drink this vintage now while the 2004s and 2008s rest in the cellar.
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3) MUST-TRY TASTEBUDTINGLING PREMIUM HIGH STREET COGNAC Co-op Irresistible VSOP Réserve Cognac, France (£20, 50cl, Co-op, Alc 40%) With its vibrant nutty, warm spice, vanilla, dried fruit, nutmeg, oak, peach and baked apple characters, the Co-op’s brand new, rich, smooth and first premium own-brand Cognac belongs in your dad’s glass this Sunday. If it doesn’t get him boogying, it’ll undoubtedly get his tastebuds tingling. Lovely served neat, on the rocks or in a range of cocktails like the Sidecar. 4) TASTY AMERICAN WHISKEY DEAL Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey, USA (£20 offer £35, Tesco, Alc 40%) Corn is the principal grain for making Tennessee whiskey. Surprise your dad with a premium repackaged version of the classic. This one is incredibly smooth (uniquely twice maple charcoal mellowed) with demerara sugar, caramel and sweet vanilla aromatics, plus flavours of citrus, maple syrup, banana and a soupçon of smoke and spice. Try it served over ice with a slice of orange or mixed with premium cola or ginger ale.
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travel
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Travel
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
cool European cities where you can
take the heat this summer Don’t let rising temperatures put you off an overseas urban getaway. There are plenty of places to chill out in these fascinating cities, says Sarah Marshall
Try the Risotto di Go, made with goby, a fish found in the lagoon. The details: Doubles in July/August start from E370/£326, including breakfast. Visit hotelexcelsiorvenezia.com
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MADRID – A sunset swim with views In the height of summer, when Madrid’s temperatures average 32°C, the VP Plaza Espana Design’s 12th floor terrace is a welcome relief. Swim in the outdoor pool with 360-degree views of the city after a day sightseeing. The fivestar luxury property is in the heart of the Spanish capital – making it a convenient pit stop – and the rooftop is open to both guests and visitors. The terrace is also home to Botania, a restaurant from the prestigious Larrumba Group, which features a garden patio and serves contemporary Spanish cuisine, such as octopus carpaccio, fried artichokes and Jamon Iberico.
VENICE The Hotel Excelsior’s beach includes a restaurant
I
F you’re thinking of taking a city break this summer, you might need to take time out from the streets and sightseeing to seek shade as the mercury rises. We’ve selected five of the hottest seasonal cities in Europe, and recommended the coolest hideaways to escape to while there…
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VENICE – an unlikely beach break Sticky, smelly, crowded – these are all words you might associate with Venice in the summer (aside from the current controversy over cruise liners!) But that doesn’t need to be the case. Do your sightseeing around St Mark’s early in the morning, when everyone else is still
‘Relax with a cocktail and enjoy jazz sessions and DJ sets from 10pm’ sipping cappuccinos at the hotel buffet, then nip across the lagoon to the Lido and spend a few hours relaxing on the 11km sandbar. The Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort has just opened its exclusive cabana-filled beach and launched pop-up terrace restaurant The Bistrot del Mare by Lionello Cera, serving local cuisine.
After sunset, relax with a cocktail and enjoy jazz sessions and DJ sets from 10pm at the Ginkgo Sky Bar. On Sundays, live bands perform. The details: Doubles from E220/£194 room only. Breakfast is an additional E29/£26 per person. Visit plazaespana-hotel.com/en
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
Travel
Doubles from E157/£138 room-only. Visit palaciocasagalesa.com
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FLORENCE – rise above the crowds Famous for its wonderful Renaissance art galleries and medieval architecture, Florence attracts big crowds in the height of summer. Slip away from the tourist trail by visiting Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the highest points of the city. Enjoy the panoramic views and discover beautiful rose gardens on the walk up.
‘To stay in shape, you can always try an early morning sun salutation or downward dog’
COURTING FAVOUR The courtyard of the Royal Palace of Almudaina in Palma
After a day spent exploring the famous Duomo, art galleries, museums and pizzerias, you can head back to the four-star Hotel Brunelleschi, hidden away in the Piazza Santa Elisabetta, close to the Uffizi Gallery.
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DIVINE DAVID FLORENCE DUOMO Xxxxx xx Michelangelo’s xxxx masterpiece is xxxx xxxxx xxxxxx in Florence
PALMA DE MALLORCA – a breath of fresh air Historic Balearic city Palma is home to the Ca Sa Galesa Terrace, situated in the heart of the historical old town. The rooftop bar, which can be found at the top of the fivestar Hotel Palacio Ca Sa Galesa, offers a space to escape crowds, just metres away from the La Seu cathedral. Dip into the pool or relax on a Balinesestyle sunbed. Beyond the hotel, Palma has numerous breezy courtyards and plenty of museums and galleries where you can cool off. The details:
KEEP FIT Yoga on the rooftop of Ibiza’s hotel Mikasa
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The details: Sardatur Holidays offer three nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis with return flights and local transfers from £609pp, based on two adults sharing. Visit sardatur-holidays.co.uk
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IBIZA – one big cool down High temperatures aren’t conducive to workouts on holiday, but if you want to stay in shape, you can always try an early morning sun salutation or downward dog. Located next to Marina Botafoc, a short walk from Ibiza Town and the UNESCO site of Dalt Vila, 16-room boutique hotel Mikasa runs 90-minute yoga classes on its rooftop. After watching the sunrise, refuel with a healthy all-day breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant – served until 7pm. The classes and breakfast take place from 9am-10.45am and are free for hotel guests, while outside participants can join for E25/£22 per person, including breakfast. The details: Doubles from E474.30/£418 with breakfast. Visit mikasaibiza.com
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Books
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
The bookcase… This week’s book reviews include City Of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert and Evie And The Animals by Matt Haig
BOOK OF THE WEEK
City Of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Published in hardback by Bloomsbury Publishing, priced £16.99 (ebook £14.26) The Eat, Pray, Love author’s latest novel is what you want from a proper summer holiday read: It’s pacy, life affirming, sexy and fun – but it’s tender and thoughtful, too. Vivienne, 19 and rich, has just been kicked out of college. With her bolstered only by her sewing machine, her parents ship her off to New York to live with her aunt Peg, a theatre owner and portal of all fun. Thriftily stitching costumes for the showgirls who high-kick the nights away on stage, Viv immerses herself in this new world of gin fizzes, men, sex, hangovers and scandal, as the beginnings of World War II slowly filter into being around her. Told in Viv’s voice, it pulsates with wit, care and honesty, but what it does best is conjure up the relationships women can have with each other… and she will make you think. You cannot help but feel buoyed up by City Of Girls – woman or not. (Review by Ella Walker)
9/10
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Home Remedies by Xuan Juliana Wang
Published in hardback by Atlantic Books, priced £12.99 (ebook £8.99) This debut collection of short stories offers a series of poignant, smart and wry tales about the Chinese-American experience. The ease and ennui of second-generation immigrants is often undercut by the memories of sacrifice and uncertainty undergone by the previous generation – those who worked so hard to create the opportunities that their children can take for granted and squander. Even the wealthiest and most successful struggle with feelings of alienation and disconnection. In ‘The Strawberry Years’, a photographer called Yang lends a young actress from China a berth in his Brooklyn communal loft space – only for her to take over his whole life and live-stream it a she does so. In the beautiful ‘Vaulting The Sea’, the relationship of two Chinese synchronised divers bred all their lives for Olympic success falls apart at the Beijing Games. The stories draw characters in quick vivid flashes, and range across generations and countries. A memorable collection. (Review by Dan Brotzel)
8/10
My Name Is Monster by Katie Hale
7/10
Published in hardback by Canongate, priced £12.99 (ebook £10.39) This is English poet Katie Hale’s first novel, and you can see the poetic elements in her prose. Due to global war and sickness, the world’s population has been wiped out – except for Monster. She leaves the Arctic, washes up in Scotland and walks down the coast to settle on a farm outside a nameless city. Through flashbacks we learn about her past life, and she thinks she is entirely alone – until she discovers a wild young girl. At first it’s a gripping study of loneliness and what it can do to your psyche. But it soon shifts gears into an intense relationship between two women who have completely different approaches to life. Apparently it’s inspired by Robinson Crusoe and Frankenstein, but it seems closer to The Road by Cormac McCarthy. A strong start ends somewhat unsatisfactorily, but Hale’s style means we’ll definitely be interested in what she writes next. (Review by Prudence Wade)
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
7/10
NON-FICTION
50 Things To See In The Sky by Sarah Barker
Published in hardback by Pavilion, priced £9.99 Sarah Barker is an astrophysicist and a science communicator who currently lives in New York. 50 Things To See In The Sky is her first book. This pocket-sized guide starts with simply looking up to study the night sky and explore the Milky Way, with tips on useful equipment and ideal conditions for star-spotting. The chapters progress onwards CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW
Evie And The Animals by Matt Haig
Published in hardback by Canongate, priced £12.99 (ebook £10.39) Matt Haig, winner of the Blue Peter Book Of The Year and the Nestlé Children’s book prize, asks some big philosophical questions in this eco-adventure. Evie has a special talent – she can understand what is going on in the minds of animals. Her dad tells her she should bury her gift and not talk about it or use it, but Evie has been having dreams, worrying dreams. Then one day at school she hears the pet rabbit and frees him. The knock-on effects put the lives of Evie, her dad and grandma at risk. The book touches lightly on a range of
Books
and outwards into space, covering red supergiants, sunspots, lunar craters and Martian icecaps that require more specialist equipment to see, and they end with an exploration of the amazing Hubble Deep Field images. This small but perfectly-formed book is ideal for study on the move, and the writing style is clear and informal. The simple but striking sky-blue illustrations make sure you know exactly what you are looking for and how to find it, too. (Review by Sue Barraclough) issues. But most of all, you want to know what happens to Evie and how she copes with the challenges she faces, from missing pets to finally overcoming the person her dad calls ‘the worst man who ever lived’. (Review by Bridie Pritchard)
8/10
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BOOK CHARTS HARDBACKS 1. Pinch Of Nom by Kate Allinson and Kay Featherstone 2. Those Who Are Loved by Victoria Hislop 3. Bedlam: Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy 4. Fing by David Walliams 5. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney 6. Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered by Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff 7. Tom Gates: Mega Make and Do (and Stories Too!) by Liz Pichon 8. Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing by Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse 9. Frankissstein: A Love Story by Jeanette Winterson 10. All That’s Dead by Stuart MacBride PAPERBACKS 1. Normal People by Sally Rooney 2. In A House of Lies by Ian Rankin 3. The Way Of All Flesh by Ambrose Parry 4. How To Be Right… in a world gone wrong by James O’Brien 5. No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg 6. Malamander: The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea by Thomas Taylor 7. The Silence Of The Girls by Pat Barker 8. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett 9. Erebus: The Story of a Ship by Michael Palin 10. The Boy At the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf (Compiled by Waterstones)
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Motoring
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Motoring News
This week… A hot new hybrid Specs for new estate On guard with vans
Peugeot’s new estate is priced and ready to buy
RARING TO GO The new Ferrari is due out next year
Ferrari unveils its fastest road car –the SF90 Stradale hybrid FERRARI’S most powerful road car to date has broken cover. The SF90 Stradale – named to celebrate 90 years since the iconic Italian racing team was formed – is the firm’s second electrified car, following 2013’s LaFerrari hypercar. More significantly, though, it’s both Ferrari’s first plug-in machine and first series production hybrid vehicle. The SF90’s powertrain consists of a redesigned 3.9-litre V8 which produces 769bhp, mated to an electric motor that packs a further 217bhp. Power from the V8 is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox – another first for the brand – while the electric motor delivers its grunt to the front axle.
The all-wheel-drive system incorporates Ferrari’s new ‘RAC-E’ technology on the electrified axle, too. Ferrari likens it to ‘a hand guiding the car into corners’. The result of all this is a 0-60mph time of 2.3 seconds – making it Ferrari’s quickest car to date – with a top speed of 211mph. It’s also capable of running solely on electric power – it’s said to cover just over 15 miles between charges when in EV mode. The car is keyless, and an overhauled steering wheel brings most functions to the driver’s fingertips. As the firm’s new range-topper, expect the SF90 to surpass the 812 Superfast’s £260,000 starting price. First deliveries are scheduled for 2020.
ORDER books are open for Peugeot’s 508 SW estate, as the firm confirms UK pricing and specifications. Kicking off the range is the Active trim, available from £26,845. Standard equipment on this grade includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights and an eightinch touchscreen display with DAB radio, plus support for both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Building on this is the Allure grade, adding active suspension, blind spot assistance, automatic high beam, keyless entry, a 180-degree reversing camera and a ten-inch infotainment display. Pricing for this trim starts from £28,145. Next in the range is GT Line. This brings self-levelling LED headlights and ‘Claw Effect’ rear lights, plus ‘i-Cockpit Amplify’, a system which allows for
customisation of the interior lighting and a synthesised engine note. This is available from £29,895. Topping the range is the GT trim. Starting at £38,020, it brings Peugeot’s Drive Assist Pack Plus, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane positioning assist, with other features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, a Nappa Mistral leather seat trim and a Focal premium sound system. Those who get to dealers early will also have the option of a First Edition model. With just 75 UK examples, this limited edition adds night vision tech and a 360-degree reversing camera, plus fully-automated parking assistance. It starts at £40,819. When it comes to powering the 508 SW, there’s a choice of two petrol and four diesel engines, with a plug-in hybrid variant due in October. Deliveries of the French estate car are due to begin next month.
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
Average trade vans are ‘riddled’ with bacteria
VANS used by tradespeople in the UK are ‘riddled’ with bacteria that could pose ‘a serious threat to the health of their drivers’. Six vans from various trades were tested for pathogens – a type of microorganism that can cause disease. All vehicles tested contained more bacteria than a toilet door handle, with a bricklayer’s van measuring more than double. The other trades represented were plumber, electrician, dog groomer and carpenter. The research, conducted by the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Essex in partnership with car insurance comparison site confused.com, found the handbrake was the dirtiest ‘touch point’ of all. The most common bacteria found in this location was staphylococcus aureus, which is known to cause skin and respiratory infections. Other bacteria that can cause pneumonia and endocarditis were also found. According to a survey of 500 van drivers by confused.com, eight per cent only clean their van once it starts to smell, with 55 per cent admitting to eating in their van and leaving the leftovers for days at a time. Confused.com Motoring Editor Amanda Stretton said: “We spend so much time in our vehicles it’s only expected that some germs would be lurking around. But leaving cleaning our vehicles to a yearly occurrence could have some pretty concerning consequences. Vans are like second homes to tradespeople.”
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CODEWORD 4
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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.
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7 3 1 4 9 6
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★✩✩✩
CLASSIFIEDS
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Puzzles
In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.
Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue
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1 8 6 9 2 4 7 5 3
5 1 4 7 9 3 2 6 8
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M E X S T O L L
Sudoku:
1 9 2 5 8 6 7 4 3
5 4 7 3 2 9 6 1 8
8 3 6 7 4 1 9 2 5
7 5 4 9 1 8 2 3 6
Jigsaw Sudoku:
6 4 8 2 5 9 3 1 7
2 7 1 4 6 8 9 3 5
4 6 9 3 7 5 1 8 2
8 3 5 6 1 2 4 7 9
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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Jonny drops by on his way to the World Cup CRICKET: ENGLAND star Jonny Bairstow paid a visit to Vinehall school in Robertsbridge before the start of the World Cup. The opening batsman was taking part in a product launch for local cricket equipment manufacturer Gray Nicholls. Matt McKinnon, Director of Sport at the prep school, said: “Johnny stopped by for a surprise practice session in our sports hall. Word spread through the school like wildfire and exams were finished in record time. “The children raced to the terrace, where Jonny made his way out to say hello. “He happily chatted and autographed bats,
BIG HIT Jonny Bairstow with (l-r) I Troyas, I Freedman and I de la Lastra
pads and even the occasional trainer. He added: “We were very impressed by how generous he was with his time and wish him all the very best at the World Cup.” The prolific 29-year-old Yorkshireman suffered a first-ball duck in the opening game of the global showpiece against South Africa but then found his form and hit a half-century against Bangladesh last weekend. Vinehall regularly links up with Gray Nicolls, which has its headquarters in the village, alongside sister companies Grays and Gilbert, the rugby supplier, for their conferences and product launches.
Denly and the ‘new Kallis’ are ready to take on Notts CRICKET: KENT arrive at The Nevill for the Tunbridge Wells Cricket Festival hoping to get their campaign back on track after a difficult return to the top flight of the County Championship. Matt Walker’s side achieved promotion to Division One last season for the first time in nine years, as runners-up to Warwickshire. They completed an impressive victory over Warwickshire early in the season thanks to a century from the emerging former Tonbridge School batsman Zak Crawley.
TWO TO WATCH Zak Crawley (left) and Wiaan Mulder
PHOTO: Max Flego
By Andy Tong
all-rounder from South Africa. Mulder, who made his Test debut in Port Elizabeth in February, has been described as ‘the next Jacques Kallis by the South Africa captain Faf du Plessis. But despite the comparison with one of the game’s greatest all-rounders the young man from Gauteng is keeping his feet admirably on the ground. “It’s not something that bothers me to be honest,” said Mulder. “Sure, it’s nice for Faf to say such things, but it’s early in my career and none of us know where we’ll ultimately end up. “All I intend on doing is going out there and playing my best every game. Being an all-
Five-star Beacon win County Shield FOOTBALL: BEACON ACADEMY Under-14 Boys won the final of the County Shield Cup in powerful fashion at the Sussex FA in Lancing. The 5-1 triumph came against Hazelwick from Crawley, where the England manager Gareth Southgate went to school. Beacon opened the scoring with Ronnie Austin strong on the left, then firing in from close range. He also won a penalty with dazzling footwork in the box, and the Beacon captain Josh Turner made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-0. Jake Rutherford showed good agility and control to beat his marker and unleash a shot that was converted by Will Bentley with a well timed run. Beacon looked comfortable but a mistimed pass in defence gave Hazelwick a chance to get back into the game, making the score 3-1 at half-time. In the second half the game ebbed and flowed
loving it, the Kent lads have been amazing and look after me like I’m one of their own, which is rare in world cricket these days.” Mulder, who made 68 not out in over two hours at Beckenham, said: “I was really proud of the lads against Surrey. Going into the last day already one wicket down, we basically had to defend all day and do what we could to not get bowled out. To get a draw in those circumstances can only be good for morale.” Following his country’s struggles in the World Cup, Wiaan must be wondering if he could make a telling contribution for them in white-ball cricket, having played 10 one-day internationals. Another who was not required for the global showpiece is Joe Denly, who was left out of England’s World Cup squad after playing three one-dayers against Pakistan last month.
‘There is a lot of cricket between now and the Ashes so my focus is trying to perform for Kent’
Prospect There was also a stunning hundred from Ollie Robinson, the brightest prospect in the Kent firmament, as the 21-year-old wicketkeeper weighed in with 143 at No 6. But since then the harsh reality of the better standard of cricket has come to haunt them as they were unable to hold out for draws against Yorkshire – when Robinson scored another century – and Essex. They did, however, manage to force the draw against champions Surrey in between those two matches, clinging on with 352 for 8 in the fourth innings at Beckenham. Now they face Division One’s bottom side (at the time of writing) Nottinghamshire, who along with Surrey are the only two sides not to have registered a victory this season. The man who was influential in that resistance against Surrey was the club’s new overseas recruit, Wiaan Mulder, a 21-year-old
Wednesday June 12 | 2019
but neither team was able to take their chances until Austin picked the ball up in the centre of midfield and unleashed a pile driver from 30 yards into the roof of the net. Will Bentley calmly rounded the keeper to slot in Beacon’s fifth goal. Paul Cottrell, Assistant Head of PE at the Crowborough school, said: “The whole squad gave a superb performance to cap off a strong season. It was a five-star performance from the team and a fantastic way to end the season.” CUP OF CHEER: (Back row, l-r) Luke Thorns, Ronnie Austin, Sean Munro, Will Bentley, Finley Chapman, Charlie Holmwood, Dan Longhurst, Max Bowley, Paul Cottrell (coach); (front) Josh Turner, Alfie Rawlins, Alfie Lambden, Jake Rutherford, Ollie Jones, Will Young
rounder, I can make contributions with bat and ball, as Jacques did so well for South Africa, Mulder, who has signed up to play seven Championship matches, replaced the Australian batsman Matt Renshaw, who had a poor early season with Kent, averaging 23.6 in his six innings. He added: “Coming to Kent was quite a sudden thing, but it’s fair to say I’ve always wanted to come and play county cricket. “I was back home when I got a call that I might be able to come here if I could get an NOC [No-objection Certificate] from the South African Cricket Board. “That all unfolded within two weeks and I’m happy to say I was delighted to arrive. I’m really
The leg-spinning all-rounder, 33, returned against Essex as interim captain while Sam Billings completes his stint with the Indian Premier League. “There is no point moping around,” said Denly, who believes he can add to his two Test caps against West Indies over the winter with a comeback for the Ashes later this summer. “I have to get on with it now and put on some performances for Kent. “There is a lot of cricket between now and the Ashes so my focus is trying to perform for Kent and the Ashes selection will take care of itself.” And he’s certainly cheering on his former team-mates despite the disappointment of missing out on selection at the 11th hour. “That England white-ball team is a special side and the country should be excited about their chances at the World Cup.” Kent v Nottinghamshire at The Nevill, Monday to Thursday (June 17-20).
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Welton ride the waves at Bewl Finch blossoms at Olympic distance in White Oak race
SAILING: DRAMATIC weather conditions dominated the second Heron Open regatta at Bewl Water. A single home boat was joined by seven visitors: four from Chipstead Sailing Club in Sevenoaks, one from West Kirby on Merseyside and two Yorkshire boats, from Yeadon near Leeds and Welton near Hull. The boats were rigged in bright sunshine and sailed out in a gentle breeze. Race Officer Colin Nutt set a trapezoid course, making full use of the large expanse of water. Clouds bubbled up from the north just before the first start and soon heavy rain poured down. Squally winds made the blue rippled water look like an angry sea.
Visibility The sharp rise in wind meant visibility was almost zero for the first windward leg. The fleet sailed on, and by the second lap the storm had passed and the sun returned. Welton’s Dave Butler and Emily Clixby quickly established a lead and went on to win the race. They were followed by Mike and Anne De St Paer of West Kirby, then Jon and Verna Hunt from Chipstead. The second race was started rapidly and, after a good start, the crew from West Kirby again took the lead. In slightly calmer conditions the racing was closer and, on the run toward the leeward mark, five boats were abreast for much of the leg, three with spinnakers and two using
By Adam Dennis
NOT PLAIN SAILING Changeable weather affected two of the races whisker poles for their genoas. Dave and Emily held on to win again, while the De St Paers eventually pulled ahead of the field
TRIPLE CROWN Vice Commodore Chris Hough (right) with Emily Clixby and Dave Butler
into second place, with Tony Dufton of Yeadon in third. The third race started much as the first with a sudden storm but this time it was short-lived and the whole fleet became totally becalmed on the windward leg of the second lap. The Race Officer finished the race using the times recorded at the end of the first lap, and Dave and Emily secured a hat-trick of wins in their new boat. James Russ and Maggie Bolton benefited from their switch to a smaller jib to take second place for Chipstead, followed by Tony in third. Chris Hough, Vice Commodore of Bewl Sailing Association, presented the trophy to Dave and Emily, while Mike and Anne were second and Tony coming third, sailing single-handed.
TRIATHLON: LAURA FINCH had a highly successful debut at the Olympic distance when she took part in the White Oak, one of the oldest triathlons in the country. This race consists of an 800m pool swim, 44km cycle through undulating North Kent countryside and 10km mixed terrain run in Swanley Park. Finch finished sixth female overall and topped her age group (F40-54) with a time of 2hr 55min 51sec, showing good form for her first half-distance triathlon next month. Matt Bridgeman (M45-49) was competing in the Cotswold 113 middle-distance triathlon (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21km run) at Ashton Keynes in Wiltshire, in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds. Bridgeman had a good swim, exiting the water in 44min, but with only 10km of the cycle section remaining his left crank and pedal came off and he was unable to continue. Determined not to waste the opportunity for some decent training
THIRSTY WORK Laura Finch in Swanley he completed the half marathon and finished strongly. After a fine start to his debut year in triathlon, James Sarre was competing in the Mid Sussex Triathlon, a sprint race consisting of a 400m swim, 25km bike and 5km run. After completing his fastest swim so far, and with his two strongest disciplines to come, he came off his bike with 7km of the leg to go and suffered a broken collar bone.
Harriers impress at Staplehurst ATHLETICS: Tunbridge Wells Harriers were out in force for the Staplehurst 10k race, achieving impressive results across the age categories. Mike King was first Harrier home in 39min 08sec, finishing ninth overall out of 285 runners.
Martin Hobbs (40.31) was 17th and first M50, followed by Matt Newman (44.10), Mike Russell (45.30), AnaMaria Green (47.14, second F50), Colin Ricketts (47.43), Michael Youlton (48.10, third M60) and Amanda Smith (49.24, third F45).