Times of Tonbridge 17th October 2018

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

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Call for action after school bus is cancelled due to ‘low usage’ TIMETABLE changes made by Arriva have led to confusion among parents over the cancellation of a school bus from Hildenborough to Weald of Kent Grammar School on Tudeley Lane.

The No 572 from Watts Cross was ‘removed due to low usage’, according to the company. No replacement service has been offered.

The move, which was only announced on August 16, came into effect on the day that pupils went back to school on September 3 and was described as one of several ‘slight changes’.

Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge & Malling and a committed campaigner on local bus services, has written to Arriva to seek an explanation.

Frustration He said: “Understandably, this has caused a lot of frustration for parents who have now had to change their own plans in order to get their children to and from school on time.

“They are not sure how their children will get to school in the future, when many of the buses are overcrowded, or fail to stop. This is simply not acceptable.”

He added: “That situation needs to be urgently addressed, and that is why I have written to Arriva to ask what communication they had with schools, parents, and pupils about this cancellation, and how they will ensure that there is sufficient capacity through Hildenborough going forward.”

Continued on page 4

PEACE...NOT QUIET

Song and dance to celebrate Armistice centenary Page 2

RALLYING ROUND

Convoy crosses Europe for Alexandra Sales Trust Page 17

FEEL THE FORCE: Chief Constable Alan Pughsley talks to new officers at the Passing-out Parade at Kent Police College in Maidstone

New recruits join police force as concerns grow over Brexit future

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk SIX new police officers have been deployed in the borough as part of Kent Police’s ‘biggest ever recruitment drive’ ahead of Brexit.

The Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott has said that the likelihood of no-deal has to be factored into future plans for the county’s force.

And he has warned that the loss of arrangements like the European arrest warrant, Shengen information system and membership of Interpol will mean the domestic force will resort to ‘clunky old powers’.

The first 34 new officers took part in a ceremonial Passing-out Parade in front of the Chief Constable of Kent, Alan Pughsley and Mr Scott.

There will be 200 new officers in total,

on top of a further 240 recruits to make sure current numbers are maintained as existing staff move on.

An additional 80 backroom staff will be brought in across the county to help with emergency calls.

‘I’ve used council tax to invest in up to 200 more police officers this year’ Mr Scott told the Sunday Times: “We are trying to work out what no-deal will mean in terms of resources and then I will be taking the extra resources request up to the government.

“We have got the most amount of strategic road networks and substantial ports. We are going to have potentially dangerous criminals wandering around the Continent.

“We’re going to have to rely on old powers that we still have that are a bit clunky and a bit slow in order to deal with things like the European arrest warrant, which is much quicker.”

Mr Scott’s comments come after a leaked report by the National Police Coordination Centre said officers might need help from the Army after Brexit.

The Conservative, whose father and brother both served in the police force, has been dismayed by the lack of progress over negotiations with the EU on key areas like security.

“I voted Leave, I still back Leave but this is an issue where I can’t see why we aren’t making enough progress,” he said.

“The frustrating thing is Britain has got something to lose – but the EU’s got something to lose too if we fail to address these issues more quickly.”

Continued on page 4

VISIT OLD HAUNTS

Halloween capers for your children at half-term Page 58

LOOKING AFTER NO 1 Angels lose after goalkeeper taken off on stretcher Page 71

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SCHOOL BUS: Continued from page 1 The loss of the service is understood to be caused by improvements on other routes going through the village, but they do not cater to the more rural parts of it.

A public meeting was held in Hildenborough on October 9 to discuss the issue and a spokesperson for Mr Tugendhat’s office said: “It was a well-attended meeting and feelings are certainly running high.

“Kent County Council and the operator have gone away to have a look at the issue to see whether they might be able to come up with a solution which will help the parents.”

Lauren Edmonds, Marketing Manager for Arriva Southern Counties, said: “Our customers’ experience is very important to us, so we seek to make continuous improvement to our services in the area.

“We strive to provide the best possible service to our customers and we hope these new developments will make our passengers’ journeys as efficient as possible.”

Weald of Kent pupils have benefited from an additional 148A bus coming from Hadlow at 07.25am.

‘It was a well-attended meeting and feelings were certainly running high’ In May, Southeastern cut a train service from Tonbridge to Hildenborough after the introduction of their new timetable.

This meant there was a gap in the service between 5pm and 6.01pm, at a crucial time of day for schoolchildren – as well as people returning from work.

However, action was taken to rectify the situation within weeks after pressure from a local commuter watchdog.

Previously there were two trains an hour on this service. Obviously it is a peak time for workers but also for schoolchildren trying to get home.

The explanation was that trains could not stop at Hildenborough on the half-hour as before because they would have arrived too late at London Bridge.

Southeastern said they would address the problem in December with a later train arriving at 5.46pm.

But following pressure from Tonbridge Line Commuters, the remedy was expedited and the extra stop was incorporated by the start of July.

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

Runcie Court, David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF

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 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, 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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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Remembering Barbara Mitchener who taught there are no barriers Having been an English teacher, she was appointed Headteacher at TGS from 1974 to 1990.

The school issued a statement saying she ‘gave students the confidence and skills to achieve what they wanted to in life’.

The current Head, Rosemary Joyce, said: “It was with great sadness that the TGS community heard of the passing of Miss Mitchener.

“I was privileged to know Barbara through her continued engagement with the school long after her retirement.

COURAGE AND HONOUR Barbara Mitchener

Aspiration

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A MEMORIAL service will be held for the former Headteacher of Tonbridge Grammar School [TGS], Barbara Mitchener, who has died at the age of 92.

A service will be held next month in the school hall which was named after her, when current and former pupils are welcome to come and share their reflections.

Miss Mitchener died on August 26 and her funeral was held in Skipton, North Yorkshire on September 11.

“Her leadership at TGS was marked by a genuine commitment to promote the highest aspiration for the students in her care to be successful and make their mark on the world.

“I am proud that these principles remain very much part of everyday life at Tonbridge Grammar School.”

Mrs Joyce added: “Barbara gave students the confidence and skills to do whatever they wanted to in life, and she taught them that there were no barriers.

“Her aspirations for the students went beyond the academic and wider interests were actively encouraged. Staff and student well-being was a priority.

“I know that Barbara was thrilled that today’s students file into the Mitchener Hall for inspirational assemblies, vibrant musical or

Nostalgic ‘After The War’ concert to celebrate centenary 0f Armistice AN EVENING of musical entertainment, After The War, is being held in the Angel Centre in Tonbridge on Friday October 26 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The concert features music from the Great War, the 1920s and ’30s, with all proceeds going to the towns’ Poppy Appeal.

The programme begins at 7.15pm and features a singalong with Tom Carradine with a bar provided by the Tonbridge Old Fire Station, followed by performances by Champagne Charlie and Bubbly Boys and Lili La Scala in the Medway Hall.

There will also be a photographic display, wartime artefacts and a vintage stall, and prizes for those who come in vintage dress.

Tickets cost £15 and are available from Mr Books bookshop at No 142 High Street, Tonbridge or by calling 07450 577610.

The town’s Poppy Appeal will be launched the day before [October 25] from 11am to 12pm at the Big Bridge.

TRIBUTES FROM FORMER PUPILS “A wonderful headteacher, who inspired a generation of young women to believe in themselves, raise standards and lead others in the same. Thank you.”

“I remember Miss Mitchener as a strict but fair headteacher. She had high standards and expectations of her students, which we didn’t appreciate at the time!”

“I was always struck by the care and attention she gave to the students and staff.”

The bridge has been decorated with knitted poppies that were created by members of the community.

They were stitched together by a group who regularly meet up with local historian and Royal British Legion deputy organiser Pam Mills.

The poppies spell out the words ‘Thank you’, which forms part of a national campaign expressing gratitude for the sacrifice of Armed Forces veterans, and ‘1918-2018 3000’ in recognition of the number of men from the town who went off to fight in WWI. The launch will be attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Jacques Arnold.

Special

KEEPING TIME: Local entertainer Tom Carradine is supporting the Poppy Appeal and will be performing popular songs from a century ago

Snow White… and dwarfs who will be ‘growing and shrinking’ THIS year’s Tonbridge Community Pantomime presented by the Lions Club, an adaptation of Snow White, will be held at the Angel Centre in early December.

Ana Maria Teubler said: “We have some old favourites returning to tread the boards as well as some new members joining our ever growing cast.

In fact the dwarves will be growing and shrinking.”

She added: “The hilarious Martin Collis returns after his spectacular role as Hook last year to play one of the larger

dance performances, motivational speeches and celebrations of achievement – all things that she approved of very much.”

Past students have shared their memories of Miss Mitchener. One said: “Thank you for creating a wonderful, safe, aspirational school, for giving me some of the happiest years of my life and for instilling in all of us the importance of our school motto ‘courage and honour’ as we went out into the world.”

The service of thanksgiving will be held in Mitchener Hall at Tonbridge Grammar School on November 6 from 3-5pm.

Alumni are invited to bring along photographs and memorabilia to share.

If you would like to attend, contact tgs.kent. sch.uk/remembering-miss-barbara-mitchener or call 01732 365125.

dwarves, Showy, who just can’t resist showing off with a pirouette or two.

“One of our beautiful dancers from last year, Keeley Colbran, has taken up the character of Rose Red – Snow White’s feisty cousin, and the geeky but

beautiful Snow White will be played by Molly Dobson in her first appearance with Tonbridge Community Pantomime.”

The five performances will be held at 7.30pm on Friday December 7, and at 2pm and 6pm over the weekend of December 8-9.

Tickets cost £12, £10 for children and £35 for families, and are available on 01732 359 966.

For more information, visit Facebook and Twitter @ tonbridgepanto

Mrs Mills said: “We wanted to do something specific to mark this year’s campaign by the Royal British Legion, so a nice big ‘thank you’, among other things, were made to show our appreciation for all our Armed Forces personnel.

“Everyone is welcome to come to the unveiling – especially veterans and their families.

“We as a town have always supported the remembrance, and the Armistice service this year will also prove a bit special.”

POLICE RECRUITS: Continued from page 1 The increases have been funded by a rise in council tax. In February, Mr Scott increased the 2018-19 police precept so that a Band D household is paying an extra £1 a month.

Mr Scott added: “Residents across Kent consistently tell me they want to see more police officers, being more visible, in their communities.

“I’ve used council tax to invest in up to 200 more police officers this year. We all look forward to seeing them on our streets.”

Chief Constable Pughsley said: “It was a privilege to attend the parade for our newest officers and welcome them into a police force that has been graded as ‘outstanding’ for the way it treats the public and the people who work for it.

“It was fantastic to see the officers showing a great deal of pride in their achievements during the parade and they will now begin protecting our communities and putting victims at the heart of everything we do as a police force.”

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Bella Penfold through to X Factor live shows X FACTOR singer Bella Penfold is preparing to face the music, as the ITV series reaches its live show stage.

The former St Gregory’s Catholic School pupil performed at Simon Cowell’s LA mansion, as she rapped and sang to 50 special guests.

Bella was given her first opportunity to perform on stage at One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. She will join Scarlett Lee, Molly Scott and Shan in the live shows, beginning on Saturday [October 20].

Fewer paying licence fee MORE people are watching television without a licence in Kent than in any other county, according to latest research.

In total 694 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 in Kent were caught watching live TV or BBC iPlayer without a TV Licence in the past year.

Those caught watching live TV, or BBC programmes on iPlayer, or any device, without a TV Licence, could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Library refurbishment CROWBOROUGH will be served by a ‘more modern’ library after a makeover is completed.

The Town Library will close from Monday, October 29, to be updated and refurbished as part of a county council improvement project.

From Friday, November 2, customers will be able to access stock and library services and the refurbished library is expected to reopen in the New Year.

Customers’ loans will be extended during the closure. Services will still be available through the e-library.

May sent anthrax letter A MAN from Mayfield has admitted sending a letter to Theresa May which he wrote on the envelope contained lethal powder anthrax.

The letter never actually reached the Prime Minister, after it was intercepted by postal workers. Vincent Potter, 60, will be sentenced on November 2.

He was arrested in a counter-terror investigation but not charged with a terrorist offence. Anthrax is potentially lethal, killing within days.

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Gatwick could use emergency runway to allow more flights

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PLANS to create a second runway at Gatwick Airport ‘by the backdoor’ have angered campaigners who are concerned about noise and the possibility of an extra 84,000 flights a year.

The West Sussex airport’s management is set to announce their latest growth masterplan tomorrow [Thursday, October 18] which includes a proposal to use their emergency runway for departing smaller aircraft.

This follows the decision of the Department for Transport to back a proposal to build a third runway at Heathrow, rather than a second at Gatwick.

Pressures Areas in and around Tunbridge Wells are in the airport’s flightpath. It is thought the move could lead to an increase in flights of up to 30 per cent.

A spokesman for pressure group Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions [CAGNE] said: “This is a second runway by the backdoor, how can communities ever trust Gatwick management again?

“This is simply betrayal of communities of Sussex, Surrey and Kent who have already endured the increases in long-haul movements this year by 24.1 per cent.

“We could see planes touching wings and

TAKE OFF: Gatwick Airport is the UK’s second busiest with 45 million annual passengers planes having to cross runways to reach the piers, which are all safety concerns.”

CAGNE’s chairman Sally Pavey previously said Gatwick has been held back because its station and connecting M23 have limited options for expansion.

The growth plan will go to a public consultation.

A spokesman for Gatwick Airport said: “Airports are required to publish new master plans every five years, setting out their future growth plans and Gatwick has consistently confirmed it will do so before the end of this year.

“The draft plan will set out for our local communities, partners, airlines and stakeholders three possible growth scenarios, which we will

Toy story helps Mayor find home for his Christmas present appeal

By Duncan Audsley ORGANISERS of the Mayor’s Toy Appeal have found a premises from which to operate this Christmas after their plight was highlighted in the Times.

The newspaper previously reported how the scheme, which last year provided around 1,500 gifts for disadvantaged children in the Tunbridge Wells borough, needed a larger location – having outgrown its hub inside The Big Yellow Self Storage Company.

And within a few days, appeal co-ordinator Karen Collins was contacted by Royal Victoria Place Manager Nicky Blanchard who offered space in the shopping centre as a place to house and sort the donated toys before they are delivered.

Mrs Collins said she is ‘delighted’ with the space, which allows easy access for deliveries and a ‘huge’ amount of space.

“A few offers came in after the article was published and we have also had more volunteers come forward,” she said.

Practicalities “We are now working away on some of the Toy Appeal practicalities and we are all set to launch on November 8, when our website and Amazon Wishlist goes live.”

Mayor Len Horwood is fronting

then open up for views and feedback.

“In line with recent government policy, Gatwick has previously set out it is exploring how to make best use of its existing runways, including the possibility of bringing its existing standby runway into routine use.

“This would deliver an incremental increase in capacity that complements the expansion schemes of other airports across the South East.

“Safety and security are always our key priorities and any new development would be fully compliant with all international safety requirements.”

To see the consultation, visit the official site gatwickairport.com this year’s appeal, which has been operating in Tunbridge Wells since 1989. Youngsters aged 0-17 from disadvantaged backgrounds are selected to receive gifts, which are donated at drop-off points around town.

Last year was the busiest on record with 500 children supported. A list of this year’s drop-off points will be published when the scheme is officially launched next month. Toys for babies are said to be in particular demand this year.

To find out how you can volunteer or donate to the appeal, call Mrs Collins on 077480 74811 or email: karen. collins@mayorstoyappeal. christmas TOYS ARE US: Karen Collins from The Mayor’s Toy Appeal

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Final chance to enter a creative design contest

British Land shelve £70m plan and say they can do it better…

By Amy Fretwell

By William Mata

TIME is running out for children at Tunbridge Wells schools to enter an exciting competition to design Jewellery Fit for a Prince or Princess.

The Times and G. Collins & Sons, a family run jewellers on Tunbridge Wells High Street, have joined forces to present the creative contest.

Youngsters aged four to 18 are invited, through their school, to submit drawings and artworks of pieces that would suit a king or queen to be.

All entries must be received by Friday [October 19].

The 300 best will be shortlisted and put on display at One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday, October 25. All are welcome to view the artworks from 3.30pm until 7.30pm. They will also be displayed on our website timeslocalnews.co.uk from midnight on Tuesday, October 23.

Auctioneers and fine art dealers, Simon Webster and Jonathan Gray of Gray-Webster Gallery will judge and announce the seven runners up and one overall winner from each of the three age categories. These are: Ages four to eight, nine to 13 and 14 to 18.

On November 7, the finalists will be published in the Times.

And on November 14, three winners will be announced in both newspapers, alongside a picture of their artwork and a photograph of the pupil receiving the certificate and an afternoon tea voucher.

In addition, £500 will be donated from G. Collins & Sons to the school’s art department or chosen charity.

Tunbridge Wells schools should send entries to: One Media – Creative art competition, Runcie Court, David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TF

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE owners of Royal Victoria Place will not be following-through a £70million upgrade to add more shops and a cinema to the shopping centre.

Many outlets in Ely Court and the Camden Road/Calverley Road corner have moved out in anticipation of the construction – which had been agreed by the mall’s previous owners Hermes.

British Land bought the centre in March for £96million. And as the Times predicted, the developer weighed up the proposal and has now decided it can do better. A statement from British Land read: “We are excited about the potential of Royal Victoria Place and as a long term investor we are committed to its success.

“Following our investment this summer, we have reviewed the existing proposals for the scheme and feel that we can deliver something much better for Tunbridge Wells.

Alternative “We are therefore working hard on alternative plans and look forward to sharing these in due course. We know we need to work on some parts of the centre, particularly Ely Court, more quickly than this, and are looking at some great options for the space.

“We are also proposing to invest significant capital in the refurbishment of the overall centre to really improve the experience for our occupiers and their customers in the meantime.”

The announcement has been met with

WINDOW SHOPPING Designs projected will now not go ahead

scepticism from some about the state of shopping in Tunbridge Wells town centre, with: n 22 units vacant in Royal Victoria Place, with 60 operating. n All 13 shops in Ely Court sub-arcade closed. n 20 out of 103 units on Camden Road closed.

Liberal Democrat Cllr David Neve said: “The biggest period for retail is approaching and we are going to have the 12 shops of Christmas at this rate. There is little left.”

British Land is yet to reveal their plans for Ely Court.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Cabinet Member Cllr Tracy Moore said she has now met with British Land and is ‘confident’ about the

future of the site.

She told the Times yesterday [Tuesday]: “It is clear they are a committed, long term investor to our town. They emphasised what a great catchment we have, but are very aware they need to give reasons to come to the Royal Victoria Place.

“It was reassuring that they are seeking new retailers and not just waiting for development. I am confident they will improve upon the previous development plans and will deliver a better scheme, reflecting how unique Tunbridge Wells is.

“I am particularly excited for their soon-to-berevealed plans for Ely Court.”

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Society warns that Tunbridge Wells could end up ‘looking like Croydon’

By William Mata GRAND designs that enhance the town’s landscape were recognised at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society Awards where concerns were also expressed about town centre projects.

During the evening Mayor Len Horwood presented certificates to architects, visionaries, builders and committee members behind some of the most eye-catching projects completed this year.

Restorations Awards celebrated the work behind new builds, refurbishments to homes, restorations to objects and the preservation of historic scenery.

PRESENTER The ceremony at the Town Awards Hall on Thursday [October Chairman 11] also saw The Spa David Wright Valley Railway presented with the Community Contribution Award.

But judges decided there were no suitable candidates for

their Shop Front Award with the overall standard ‘not very high’.

Brian Lippard, Civic Society Chairman, said: “We are keen to ensure the economic wellbeing of the town.

“We hope that architects will play a good part in shaping the town, so it’s not just developers making a buck or two. Our town needs to see really good architecture.”

Around 200 people, mostly from community groups around town, attended the ceremony inside the council chamber.

The Civic Society was founded in 1959 and is the official amenity society for the town. It is an independent association, representing the interests of all those living or working in the town.

Working alongside Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, the society comments on planning applications. It also organises Heritage Open Days and helps publicise historical insights into the town.

For a full list of award winners visit timeslocalnews. co.uk

TALKING POINT: Ceremony guests inside the Town Hall

BLOCKED OFF Design of The Belvedere has drawn criticism

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY: Mayor Len Horwood [right] presents the Community Contribution Award

202 FOREST WAY: The refrubished house in Tunbridge House impressed society judges

CONCERN ABOUT TOWN CENTRE PROJECTS

PANTILES CREST: The Pantiles owners Targetfollow and Crest restorers Joseph McCarthy are honoured

57 HIGH STREET: The refurbished rear elevation and courtyard of the property was celebrated

A FUNCTION of the Civic Society is to work with the council as a ‘critical friend’ and scrutinise all planning applications.

Members are well-placed to have an opinion about major developments in the town, and have cast concerns about some of the multi-million pound projects.

David Wright, Chairman of the Civic Society Awards committee, used part of his presentation to share his views on the town’s future landscape.

He said: “We are concerned about the Calverley Square civic complex and theatre.

“We are also concerned about the future of the present Town Hall and worried about the impact on Calverley Grounds – a Grade 2 listed park. We have no opposition to having a new theatre in principal.

“We consider the cinema site to be too large and bulky. If we are not careful Tunbridge Wells will end up looking like Croydon.”

RECOGNITION FOR LATE FESTIVAL ORGANISER

THE STUDIO, CAMBRIDGE STREET: Owners, architects and builders of the refurbished house

DUNORLAN PARK CHALYBEATE SPRING: Efforts taken to restore the natural spring were noted

THE success of the CAMRA Real Ale and Cider Festival was noted as The Spa Valley Railway was given the Community Contribution Award.

Now in its eighth year, the festival will return next weekend [October 19-21] and is expected to attract thousands to events – held at points along the train line from Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge.

The festival is the single largest fundraising event to keep the heritage railway on track and was originally the idea of Iain Dalgleish, who sadly passed away last year.

His widow Carole Dalgleish is still actively involved and was present at the awards ceremony alongside West Kent CAMRA Chairman Craig Beeson.

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Winners of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society Awards

PROJECT

ABOUT

REASONS FOR AWARD WIN

202 Forest Road, Tunbridge Wells

Transformation of family home into striking design

‘Remarkable example of drastic remodelling of a house not much more than a generation old.’

The Pantiles “Phoenix” Crest Restoration

Restored historic plaque in The Pantiles

‘Highly skilled reconstruction.

‘Very high finish of paintwork and gilding.’

57 High Street, Tunbridge Wells

Renovation of one building

Sympathetic restoration of the oldest property in the high street.’

Dunorlan Park Chalybeate Spring

Restoration of historic water feature

‘Careful conservation of a piece of Tunbridge Wells History.’

Samara, Camden Park

Stylish new-build home

‘Bold design with modern lines but still an unassuming house.’

Castle House, London Road

Conversion of an old hotel into homes

‘Attention to detail, both inside and out.’

11 Calverley Park

For the Reinstatement of the Exterior of a Grade II* Listed House

High standard of design with matching stonework and windows.’

The Studio, Cambridge Street

Refurbished house

‘No conflict with neighbouring properties.’

Waterdown House, 51 Frant Road

Recital Room Extension

‘Imaginative, yet sympathetic extension.’

11 CALVERLEY PARK: For reinstatement of the exterior of a Grade II listed house in Tunbridge Wells

SAMARA, CAMDEN PARK: The newly built house was judged worthy of a Civic Society Award

CASTLE HOUSE, LONDON ROAD: The team behind the conversion of the hotel into homes

51 FRANT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS: The recital room extension was a prize-winner

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County council consider raising tax 3 per cent

By Amy Fretwell HOUSEHOLDS will pay around 3 per cent more tax next year if Kent County Council’s proposed Budget is adopted.

A six-week consultation has started to examine their proposals to save £37million, which include adding around £35 onto the annual council tax bill for a Band D property.

The county council could pass the 2019/20 budget in February. This would come into force for when the April tax year begins.

Council tax pays for services such as adult social care.

Council Leader Paul Carter said: “In recent years we have delivered extraordinary savings to protect and enhance the complex array of services that this authority provides.

“We are listening to the voice of Kent residents and there seems to be a real understanding that the public services we all value do need to be protected and that means they must be paid for.

“The consultation is the chance to tell us if we have got that judgement right.”

Cllr Peter Oakford, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “Councils have been given a flat settlement until at least 2020 which potentially includes extra money from modest council tax increases.

“That means the cash we have available to spend on services has not kept pace with costs.”

In the consultation, residents will be asked if they consider a rise in council tax to be acceptable if it helps maintain services.

Details of the consultation, which started last week, can be found by visiting kent.gov.uk/ budget

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Dragon Boat Festival stays afloat as Bewl Water owners rescue the event

By Duncan Audsley THE popular Bewl Water Dragon Boat Festival will return next year after the reservoir owners agreed to take over the organising of the event.

More than £2.7million has been raised for charities through the annual race since it began in 1998. Around 50 teams of 17 compete in the time-trials and races, which this year took place on September 8.

When organisers Funraisers announced that this year’s races would be their last, the future of the event looked uncertain.

However, last week Markerstudy Leisure, who bought Bewl in 2016, announced they would be taking it on.

The company also own One Warwick Park Hotel, Salomons Estate and are the publishers of this newspaper.

Andrew Daniells, Chief Operating Officer at Markerstudy Leisure, said: “Funraisers have developed the Bewl Dragon Boat Festival over many years.

“So, not to host this special charity fundraising day, marked on so many peoples’ calendar, would be a great shame.

“We will again be working alongside the team at [equipment suppliers] Dragon Boat Events adding other attractions to this great annual family occasion.”

WITH A PADDLE The Bewl Water Dragon Boat Festival

Sponsorship In the 2018 event 3,000 people were involved in the races ultimately won by the Wadhurst Warriors team.

The contest sees squads of 17 [16 paddlers and one drummer playing the cox role] take part in each Chinese-style dragon boat over a 250-metre course.

The event rewards teamwork as well as fitness and entries are now being taken for 2019. All competitors are required to wear fancy dress.

Kevin Millington, Funraisers committee member previously told the Times, that organisers felt it was time to take a step back with sponsorship becoming harder to find.

The Dragon Boast Festival was their only project but the group has not ruled out taking on other events in the future.

To find out how you can get involved in the 2019 race, email: info@bewlwater.co.uk

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Light at the end of the crossing as ‘road to nowhere’ is finished

GETTING CROSS: Residents have voiced frustration that the crossing has not been completed, but Cllr Tracy Moore’s picture [right] on Twitter showed that work is underway and could soon be finished

By William Mata THEIR new school has been downscaled, they possibly have Tunbridge Wells’ most potholed road and locals are unhappy about a planned phone mast.

But Hawkenbury residents do now at least have one less problem to worry about.

A zebra crossing, that for months has stood unfinished and been mocked as a ‘road to nowhere’, might soon have a destination.

Berkeley Group, the developer behind the 245-home Hawkenbury Farm plan, is

responsible for building the crossing on Hawkenbury Road.

For months it has led directly into a verge next to the Astroturf sports pitches.

Berkeley has previously said the crossing aims to provide a passage from the new St Peter’s School, which is set to open in 2020.

Professionalism But work has now started on fixing the problem and the new path is taking shape with the developer said to have paid out to create the path.

Cllr Tracy Moore said: “Thank

you to Berkeley Group for working to ensure the path to nowhere problem is sorted.

“I am very impressed with your professionalism and disregard for whose fault it was in getting it fixed.”

Dean Kenward, chairman of Hawkenbury Village Association, said: “Berkeley have been very approachable and reached into their pockets to fix the issue.”

He added: “The crossing to nowhere is going to pale into insignificance against the lack of planning coordination for the school, which will be too small when it opens.”

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Royal Victoria Place lowers its volume for autistic shoppers QUIET shopping mornings will be implemented at Royal Victoria Place to help autistic shoppers.

The Tunbridge Wells mall’s management started the weekly initiative recently, which will run every Tuesday from 9am to 11am.

Royal Victoria Place [RVP] will switch off all music and announcements, use dim lighting, clear entrances of clutter and minimise stocking.

Valuable It ties in with the National Autistic Society’s Autism Hour Week, which started earlier this month.

Centre Manager Nicky Blanchard said: “RVP is delighted to implement Quiet Shopping Mornings and help support the valuable work of the National Autistic Society.

“Most of us take being able to go shopping in either a supermarket or shopping centre very much for granted and do not realise how difficult it is for those with autism.

“We hope that by making some simple changes every Tuesday morning we’ll help make shopping more comfortable for everyone.”

People with autism can be made uncomfortable or distressed by noises, with 64% of people with the condition avoiding shopping.

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hard work pays off in insurance award wins

FAST PROGRESS An impression of the Kent side of the proposed crossing

Consultation for £6bn Lower Thames Crossing alternative

By William Mata BRITAIN’S longest road tunnel is being proposed to decongest the Dartford Crossing and provide an alternative Kent to Essex link.

Consultations started last week for designs for the £6billion Lower Thames Crossing, a 2.4-mile toll route that connects Gravesend with Tilbury.

If it goes ahead, construction would begin in 2021 and be completed by 2027 in the biggest road undertaking since the M25 opened 30 years ago.

A new road section would be built as part of the project, which ultimately creates a link between the M2 at Cobham and

the M25 at North Ockendon.

Dartford is one of the country’s worst pinch-points.

A journey from Tonbridge to Thurrock can take up to two hours at peak time because of crossing traffic.

At quiet times the same journey can take just 40 minutes.

Proponents of the Lower Thames Crossing claim it can reduce Dartford Crossing congestion by 22% by providing an alternative route.

How it could help local motorists remains to be seen.

For traffic heading to Lakeside in West Essex, or further north, Dartford would remain the most direct route.

However, it could provide an

option for motorists heading to East Essex towns.

It currently takes around 90 minutes to drive from West Kent to Colchester, for example.

One opponent, Keith Taylor, the Green MEP for the South East, said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is doomed to fail, inducing traffic rather than reducing congestion.

“The government’s own figures reveal the proposal will put at least an extra 55,000 vehicles a day on the county’s roads.”

To take part in the Highways England consultation, visit the website at: highwaysengland. citizenspace.com

TWO brands owned by the Markerstudy Group won three accolades between them at the recent Insurance Choice Awards.

Geoffrey Insurance won Best Insurance Provider and a prize for Treating Customers Fairly, while Insurance Choice was named Best Travel Insurance Provider.

This was the third ceremony organised by Smart Money People, attracting the industry’s great and good to London’s Café de Paris.

Russell Wilson, Markerstudy’s Head of Direct Insurance, which includes Geoffrey Insurance, said: “We are thrilled to win Best Insurance Provider in this competitive category, but particularly delighted to win Treating Customers Fairly as this is an area we pride ourselves on.”

Ava Heron, Travel Manager at Insurance Choice, said: “Our award is a testament to the hard work of the team.”

Law firm hire partner CRIPPS, one of the largest law firms in Tunbridge Wells, has appointed Brian Miller as a new Partner.

The specialist in law matters surrounding IT, trademarks and e-commerce has 30 years’ experience. He becomes the ninth member of the firm’s commercial team.

New toy shop in centre RETAIL chain Kids Stuff Toys will open in Royal Victoria Place this month, to boost its Kent and Sussex portfolio.

The shopping centre outlet will become the brand’s ninth branch and fills a void left in Tunbridge Wells by the departure of Toys R Us. It will open on Saturday [October 20].

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

A new financial face in town takes up lead role at Brooks Macdonald INVESTMENT management business Brooks Macdonald has appointed a new Head of its Tunbridge Wells office.

Last week it was announced that Howard Crossen had taken the post of Pam Beith – who will now lead the firm’s new East Anglia office.

Brooks Macdonald, locally based on Mount Ephraim, provide investment management to private Howard individuals, institutions, Crossen charities and trusts.

As of June 30, the company had £12.4billion in discretionary funds under management.

Mr Crossen has 15 years’ experience within the financial services industry, and started at Brooks Macdonald in 2009.

He has relocated from the Hampshire office, where he has headed up the team since 2015.

His replacement has yet to be named.

“Pam and the team have done a fantastic job expanding Brooks Macdonald’s network in the region,” he said. “I look forward to building upon their strong foundations.”

Time to vote on Business Improvement District THE ballot for the Business Improvement District [BID] has opened, with Tunbridge Wells firms invited to participate.

Companies within a set town centre zone are invited to vote FOOD FOR THOUGHT The launch event for the BID

on whether to enter a scheme that would see them pay a levy to create business-boosting initiatives.

The scheme could see £2million spent on events,

business support and parking.

Businesses can post their ballot papers at the Town Hall or vote by post before November 8. For details, see tunbridgewellstogether.co.uk

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Sporting Heroes are pure gold for Tree of Hope TREE OF HOPE has hosted its second Sporting Heroes Lunch for 120 guests at One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells, raising £12,000 for the children’s charity.

The Tonbridge charity’s patron, Paralympian table tennis player Ross Wilson, brought along the gold medal he won at this year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Ross, who also won a bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012, said: “To be a patron for Tree of Hope makes me immensely proud.

“It was an amazing day and we managed to raise a fantastic amount of money which will help more families get the support they so

desperately need. Thank you to everyone who made this event a huge success.”

The guest speaker was the British & Irish Lions rugby legend Willie John McBride, who passionately recalled his role as captain on the Lions’ victorious tour of South Africa in 1974 and received a standing ovation from the guests.

Former Kent and England cricket captain Chris Cowdrey presided over the fundraising, which included a raffle, silent auction and live auction.

Among the prizes was an array of sporting memorabilia, including a Lions jersey signed

by Willie John McBride and a trip to watch the Monaco Grand Prix.

‘It was an amazing day and we managed to raise a fantastic amount of money which will help more families get the support they so desperately need’ Chris said: “As someone living locally and the father of twin boys, I have been aware of the tremendous work Tree of Hope does to raise funds for children suffering from a disability or illness for some time.

“All children are incredibly special, and I wanted to pledge my support in whatever way I could to help this amazing charity to continue their great work.”

Tree of Hope is a crowdfunding organisation that supports families of seriously ill and disabled children who need specialist medical treatment, therapy and equipment which is not available on the NHS. Gill Gibb, its Chief Executive, described how families had benefitted from the £2million it has

SUCH GOOD SPORTS: (L-R) Former England cricketer Chris Cowdrey, guest speaker Willie John McBride, Paralympian Ross Wilson, Tree of Hope Chief Executive Gill Gibb and Fundraising Manager Kate Bourne spent since last year’s Sporting Heroes lunch.

Over £500,000 was spent on physiotherapy, £300,000 has bought over 230 pieces of specialist equipment and £200,000 has been spent on surgery and treatment in the UK and abroad.

This event was organised by Tree of Hope Trustee Pip Lightbody, who said: “The Sporting

Heroes Lunch really highlighted how people come together to create a great atmosphere and have fun, whilst at the same time contributing so generously to help others.

“In this case brave little heroes and their parents with massive challenges to overcome.”

Visit treeofhope.org.uk

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Rally clocks up miles of smiles in aid of Alexandra Sales Trust

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A CONVOY of cars drove 2,000 miles across Europe in ‘clapped out old bangers’ to raise money for the Alexandra Sales Trust.

The charity, based in Borough Green, was set up in memory of 17-year-old Alexandra, who died in 2014 of Metastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer.

The trust aims to raise ‘smile money’ in order to donate gifts and experiences to young people being treated for cancer.

Al’s Miles for Smiles European Rally saw 27 drivers in 11 cars travel through six countries over seven days.

They covered hundreds of miles each day without using any motorways – in cars that cost £500 or less.

The itinerary went from Borough Green to Metz in France, Zurich, Turin, Nice via Monaco, Clermont-Ferrand, Rouen and back to England.

Georgina Sales, Alexandra’s oldest sister, said: “We do crazy events every year – and one large fundraising event. It was very well organised.

“But that was the challenge, to get from one city to another.

There were a few overheated

PEAK PERFORMANCE Most of the ‘bangers’ had problems negotiating the Alps

engines and brakes, but we’ve raised lots of money.”

One of the drivers was James Hughes, who last year performed a ‘JOGLE’ on behalf of the charity, running 812.82 miles – or the distance from John O’Groats to Land’s End – without leaving Tonbridge.

Of his latest venture he said: “I’ve never done any other challenge like it before, it was exhilarating but exhausting.

“We drove on some of the best roads that I’ve ever driven on and through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. But we weren’t using motorways so it normally took about ten hours a day to cover

the distance. When you do that for seven days in a row, it gets pretty tiring.”

His 1998 Honda Civic was one of the few cars that did not develop any faults. He said: “There were minor mechanical problems for most teams along the way, especially with engines and brakes overheating when going through the Swiss Alps.

“But good old Rhonda the Honda was an absolute dream.

For a car worth well under £500, she didn’t have a single issue. That’s more down to luck than judgement, I think.”

For more information, visit thealexandrasalestrust.co.uk

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Kent MP and agent on trial over Farage election spending

SHIPSHAPE Blue Peter presenters celebrate the 60th birthday of the BBC children’s show; (l-r) Radzi Chinyanganya, Helen Skelton, Konnie Huq, Peter Duncan, Leila Williams, Valerie Singleton, Peter Purves, Janet Ellis, Lindsey Russell and Anthea Turner

Huge rise in religious hate crime HATE crime in England and Wales rose by nearly a fifth last year, according to police figures.

There were 94,098 offences recorded by police in total in 2017-18, an increase of 17 per cent on the previous year.

Of these, 71,251 were classed as race hate crimes. But the sharpest rise was seen in religious hate crime, which rose by 40 per cent.

The number of offences recorded as transgender hate crimes went up by 32 per cent, disability by 30 per cent and sexual orientation by 27 per cent.

The overall number has more than doubled since 2012-13. This includes all allegations recorded by police as hate crime, including those which may not

have resulted in charges or convictions.

This is partly because of improvements in the way crimes are recorded but there have been spikes after events such as the Brexit referendum and the terrorist attacks last year.

Improvements The Home Office said: “These large percentage increases across all three strands may suggest that increases are due to the improvements made by the police into their identification and recording of hate crime offences and more people coming forward to report these crimes rather than a genuine increase.”

In contrast the Crime Survey for Eng-

land and Wales, which tracks the public’s experience of crime, suggest a drop of 40 per cent over the past decade.

The police figures showed that more than half [56 per cent] of the hate crimes recorded were for public order offences and a further third were for crimes involving violence against the person.

In the year ending March 2018 there were 1,065 online hate crimes.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: “It is likely that the majority of the increase in police recorded hate crimeis down to more victims reporting and better recording.

“However, the rise in religious hate crime is likely to be genuine and linked to terror attacks in 2017.”

A TORY MP overspent on his 2015 general election campaign to beat then Ukip leader Nigel Farage in a bid to end his Parliamentary ambitions forever, Southwark Crown Court has heard.

South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay is alleged to have been complicit in submitting false expenditure declarations, along with his election agent Nathan Gray, a former Tunbridge Wells councillor, and party activist Marion Little.

“Nigel Farage indicated he would step down as Ukip leader if he failed to win South Thanet so it was clear this was not going to be any ordinary election campaign,” prosecutor Aftab Jafferjee QC told jurors.

He explained that expenditure is ‘tightly regulated’ over two stages – a short and a long campaign – and it is the job of a Parliamentary candidate and their election agent to ensure limits are ‘scrupulously observed’.

Forged In South Thanet the limit for the expenditure was just over £37,000, while for the short campaign it was just over £15,000.

Declarations made by Mackinlay and Gray came in below the limit, at £32,661 and £14,833 respectively. But Mr Jafferjee said neither was ‘true, and by some considerable margin’.

He told jurors a signature purporting to be Mr Gray’s in relation to the long return was ‘forged’.

The court heard that Little was sent from Conservative Campaign Headquarters to ‘effectively manage’ the campaign.

The defence of Gray, a former councillor for Hawkhurst and Sandhurst, will highlight his inexperience, stating he was ‘marginalised’ by the arrival of Little, and that he has ‘no idea’ how his forged signature came about, the court heard.

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

EU calls for ‘concrete proposals’ from May before Brexit summit

Pepper says robots ‘will always need’ humans’ soft skills A ROBOT has appeared before the Education Select Committee to tell MPs about the role of technology in classrooms.

‘Pepper’ is part of a research project developing the world’s first culturally aware robots aimed at assisting with care for older people.

Introducing itself to the committee, Pepper bowed before saying: “Good morning, chair.

Thank you for inviting me to give evidence today.”

Committee member James Frith asked the robot what role humans will have in the fourth industrial revolution.

Pepper replied: “Robots will have an important role to play, but we will always need the soft skills that are unique to humans to sense, make and drive value from technology.

“As technologies fuse and are used in ways that were not envisaged before, a new way of thinking is needed by tomorrow’s workers.

“We will need people who can spot ideas and think across traditional sector divides to drive value from technological innovation.”

It also told MPs that students at Middlesex have programmed its interfaces to work with primary school children and those with special needs to develop their skills.

THE EU is demanding ‘concrete proposals’ from Theresa May about how to end the deadlock in Brexit talks.

The call came from European Council president Donald Tusk after negotiations stalled ahead of a summit of the 27 EU leaders today [Wednesday].

Mrs May will address the other leaders before the meeting in Brussels, which had been billed as ‘the moment of truth’ for Brexit.

Speaking after being briefed by the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier, Mr Tusk said he saw ‘no grounds for optimism’.

“As I see it, the only source of hope for a deal for now is the goodwill and determination on both sides,” he said.

KEY TO THE CABINET International Trade Minister Liam Fox arrives at No 10

“However, for a breakthrough to take place, besides goodwill we need new facts.

“Tomorrow I am going to ask Prime Minister May whether she has concrete proposals on how to break the impasse.

“Only such proposals can determine if a breakthrough is possible.”

The Prime Minister called on her Cabinet to ‘stand together and stand firm’ on Brexit after three-hour meeting in Downing Street.

Ministers offered strong support for her insistence any Brexit deal must preserve the integrity of the Union.

Strong Mrs May told her Cabinet that progress had been made on a number of issues in negotiations, but two ‘sticking points’ remained.

The first is that it would not be possible for her or any other UK Prime Minister to sign up to an agreement that which created a customs border down the Irish Sea. Secondly, any agreement must also ensure that the UK is not kept indefinitely in a backstop against its will.

Mrs May’s official spokesperson said the Prime Minister had received ‘strong’ support from Cabinet on these two points.

She told ministers: “I’m convinced that if we as a Government stand together and stand firm, we can achieve this.”

Meanwhile Germany’s Europe minister, Michael Roth, arrived at the EU meeting saying his message to Mrs May was: “Take responsibility and be constructive.”

He added: “The British side needs support.

Without a clear vote in the European Parliament and without a clear vote in the British Parliament, it won’t succeed in the end.”

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Man covers himself in petrol in Bromley bank A 50-year-old man has been arrested after going into a bank in Bromley and dousing himself in petrol.

Police in south-east London said that the man entered Metro Bank in the High Street and covered himself and the bank in the flammable liquid.

Cordons were put in place while officers and firefighters made the area safe.

According to the local police Twitter feed, the incident was not being treated as terror-related.

John Lewis in private JOHN LEWIS is launching a private shopping experience to allow customers the exclusive use of one of its stores after hours - for a minimum spend of £10,000.

The department store said the experience would allow customers - either individuals or groups - to book the whole of its Cheltenham store after doors have closed to the public for the day.

The service includes a team of staff on hand to create the ‘ultimate bespoke shopping experience’.

Fake Lottery ticket A LOTTERY winner accused of forging his £2.5million ticket has denied fraud.

Edward Putman allegedly produced a fraudulent ticket in Watford, where the National Lottery operator Camelot is based, in 2009.

The 53-year-old from Kings Langley in Hertfordshire pleaded not guilty to one count of fraud by false representation when he appeared at St Albans Magistrates Court.

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Unilever comes clean about not consulting shareholders on move

Budget chains to be included in Sainsbury’s-Asda merger report

SOAP giant Unilever has admitted failing to talk to shareholders in the run-up to its ill-fated decision to move its corporate HQ to Holland.

In a cross-party committee hearing with MPs, Unilever said it had learned ‘lessons’ from recent actions, less than two weeks after a U-turn saw it ditch plans to move from London to Rotterdam following investor pressure.

Peter Newham, director and executive vice president at Unilever, told the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee that the group had also failed to seek shareholder views earlier enough on pay plans for top bosses.

It comes after 35 per cent of Unilever investors voted against its executive pay plans in May after Paul Polman’s pay swelled to £10.2million amid a raft of remuneration policy changes.

THE competition watchdog will take into account the rapid growth of Aldi and Lidl when deciding whether to approve the £12billion mega-merger between Sainsbury’s and Asda.

It was feared last month that the budget chains would not be considered in the Competition and Market Authority’s [CMA] investigation into the deal, after an initial analysis excluded them as well as convenience stores.

But now the CMA said it has broadened its scope to include the German discounters as well as non-grocery competitors such as B&M, Amazon and John Lewis.

It will assess which other businesses can be considered competitors to Sainsbury’s and Asda.

Airbus brought in for moon orbit plan AIRBUS is to draw up plans for Europe’s contribution to a base orbiting the moon.

The Gateway is an international project that envisages a lunar staging post for manned space missions to the moon or Mars.

The European Space Agency has commissioned the aerospace company, which has a major space facility in Stevenage, to develop key concepts for the station over the next 15 months.

The first study will look at designs for a habitation and research module measuring 6.5 metres [21ft] and weighing nine tonnes.

Airbus will also consider plans for refuelling, docking and telecommunications infrastructure.

Nasa plans to launch a central power propulsion element into lunar orbit in the early 2020s.

Thorough Provisional findings will be presented early next year, while a final decision must be made

by March 5 2019.

Stuart McIntosh, chairman of the CMA’s inquiry group, said: “Millions of people shop at Asda and Sainsbury’s every week, so it is essential we carry out a thorough investigation into their proposed merger.”

He added: “Our job is to find out whether the merger will result in people paying more or being faced with less choice or a poorer quality shopping experience.”

In their own submission to the CMA, Sainsbury’s and Asda said that Aldi and Lidl ‘have had the most profound impact’ on the

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Paddy Power Betfair are fined £2.2million THE group Paddy Power Betfair has been fined £2.2million after the Gambling Commission found it failed to protect customers and stop stolen money from being gambled.

The Commission said its investigation revealed ‘significant’ amounts of stolen money was being gambled with the group.

It said the group failed to adequately interact with customers who showed signs of problem gambling and did not carry out adequate anti-money laundering checks.

Employment falling grocery market over the past decade.

They also pointed to the launch of Jack’s, Tesco’s new convenience store outlet.

“Their rapid expansion both in store numbers and product range and quality, have changed customer perceptions of ‘value’ and ‘convenience’ and they are now mainstream grocery competitors, with over 20 per cent volume share of fresh food.

“All UK grocers have had to adapt their strategies in response; Tesco launching Jack’s is the latest example of this.”

The UK’s biggest supermarkets lost market share to rivals Aldi and Lidl over the three months to October as cooler weather marked the end of a bumper summer for grocers, according to analysts Kantar Worldpanel.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda all lost market share over the 12 weeks to October 7, with Tesco dropping 0.6 percentage points to 27.4 per cent despite sales rising by 0.9% and widespread interest in its new discount arm Jack’s, according to analysts Kantar Worldpanel.

THE number of people in work has fallen by 5,000 in the three months to August, the Office for National Statistics [ONS] says.

It was the first fall since last autumn, although employment is still 289,000 higher than a year ago.

Unemployment fell by 47,000 to 1.36million, giving a jobless rate of 4 per cent.

Average earnings increased by 2.7 per cent in the year to August, from 2.6 per cent the previous month.

Including bonuses, earnings grew by 3.1 per cent compared with 2.9 per cent.

First-time buyers rise FIRST-time buyers are driving the housing market – with the number of mortgages at its highest level in over a year in August.

There were 35,500 new first-time buyer mortgages completed in August, 2 per cent more than in a year earlier.

But there were fewer buy-to-let home purchase mortgages completed in August, 13 per cent down on 12 months ago.

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Letters

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

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 at Runcie Court, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG River defences won’t stop floods – it’s not the source of the problem

WRONGLY BLAMED? Many thought the 2013 floods were caused by the River Medway overflowing I read with interest your article in the Times of Tonbridge [September 26] stating that the new flood measures would mean that there would be no repeat of the Barden Road Christmas Day floods of 2013.

I feel, however, that this is misleading, and in fact the measures taken in the Avebury Avenue, Barden Road and Danvers Road areas could make any flood worse. This is because the flooding in 2013 did not result from the river coming over its banks but from underneath.

The water rose over the outlets for the street drains and backed up more and more

Bread vans are leaving us behind It is a matter of regret that Arriva Kent & Surrey appears, either by accident or design, to be resorting to subterfuge to disguise the fact that wholly impractical, limited-capacity MercedesBenz ‘bread vans’ are being deployed on peak and immediate weekday off-peak services such as the 218/219, leaving potential custom behind at the bus stops.

On two occasions of early off-peak weekday travel, the tickets suggested that I was travelling on vehicles with a much higher capacity, namely a Guildford-based Optare Solo and an Enviro 200!

Stagecoach East Kent introduced similar vehicles on routes with a much higher frequency – six to 12 minutes – in Ashford, and they soon appreciated the loss of custom through overcrowding.

Can the Arriva Southern Counties marketing guru assure us that these unpopular vehicles, like those from Ashford now dispersed to the north of Scotland and South Wales, will be deployed in remote areas where the capacity call is much lower?

Tony Russell Tonbridge

Labour plan offers no food for thought Martin Betts is wrong to state in his column [October 3] that food will be more expensive when we leave the EU. It’s a well-known fact that food is more expensive in the EU. Grains meats

until it pooled throughout the area above.

The measures taken after 2013, building a low wall along the riverbank to stop the overflow, would actually make this pool faster and deeper than on that occasion.

I have brought this to the attention of my local councillor as well as MP Mr Tugendhat with limited response, or more accurately none – 2013 may not happen again, but this was the second time we had floods in this area from the same cause.

NA Lucas Via email and much else are much cheaper on the world market. So are clothes and shoes.

What Mr Betts should examine is the part his party has played in bringing the negotiations to leave to the sorry state where we find ourselves.

Most Labour voters voted to leave, but rather than throw the party’s collective weight behind this result to present a united front to Europe, it has betrayed its voters, preferring party before country and leader before party.

What we are witnessing is a full-blown personality cult which we see only in socialist, Marxist, communist societies.

Of course, if there are any of these which have brought wealth, happiness and freedom to their benighted people, I’d be glad to have his list, but all I see is the former and failed USSR and its satellites, North Korea, Venezuela, and any number of Middle Eastern regimes.

Peter Casson Tunbridge Wells

We have been sold a Brexit ‘pup’ I can imagine your pro-Brexit correspondent Sam Goodenough [October 3] ordering a car, and when it arrives at the dealer and he finds it costs £40,000 and has no steering wheel, he would still buy it ‘because it was my will’.

The UK was sold the undefined Brexit pup in 2016, when a mere 600,000 swing voters registered a protest against David Cameron’s socalled austerity, or were misled by the shameless lie that Turkey was about to join the EU.

We are now helplessly watching the Tories squabble over Brexit lemons ranging from Theresa May’s ‘pay £40billion, lose all control’, to a no-deal favoured by Jacob Rees-Mogg, who has shifted part of his hedge fund company into Dublin so that he’ll be all right Jack whatever happens.

The only way to save ourselves from this scrape is a People’s Vote on the final deal, and I hope there will be as many people on the train from Tunbridge Wells to the London demonstration on Saturday [October 20] as there were before Tony Blair’s invasion of Iraq in 2003.

John Hurst Tunbridge Wells

See how the dog biscuit crumbles Sam Goodenough claims that his dog is in favour Brexit. Hopefully Fido realises that a hard Brexit and no-deal could mean that dog biscuits and medicines would get held up at the port of Rover, I mean Dover, from next April.

That’s why dogs and their owners also went on a march in London to protect passports for pets, while the People’s Vote rally will be held on Saturday.

The Tory government is barking mad and so the rest of us humans must stop them now before it’s too late and we come crashing out of the EU. Alan Bullion Via email

Can canines see through dogma?

Sam Goodenough writes that even his dog Understands about Brexit and more; But has he explained to his pet how Vote Leave Have broken electoral law?

And has he informed his four-legged friend Of the lie on the side of the bus, And the promises made by the leavers’ campaign That they strangely no longer discuss?

And does the hound know about data abuse, Hackers from Russia, dark money, Dodgy donations, manipulation?

I don’t think he’d find that was funny.

Sam’s right that we voted but perhaps he forgot That the poll was corrupted and so If there’s a deal, ‘the people’ should will Whether we stay or we go.

Paul Stepto Tonbridge

Thank you for handing in my bag I would like to thank the lady who found my shoulder bag in Pembury on September 25 and very kindly took the trouble to take it to Tunbridge Wells Police Station, from where I was able to retrieve it.

Unfortunately, she didn’t leave her name, so I haven’t been able to thank her personally, but she has saved me a lot of worry and inconvenience.

Mrs Valerie Easterbrook Ditton

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

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS really has gone mad. What else can Calverley think when hearing about happenings in the New Forest village of Brockenhurst?

The local council banned Remembrance Day silhouettes of soldiers. Why? In case the sight of the rifles being carried by the squaddies ‘caused offence’. The whole idea of the silhouette soldiers is to mark next month’s centenary of the end of the First World War. It originated in Penshurst for use in the parish church to remember the village’s Fallen, and has taken off across the nation. Happily, after a public uproar, the council reversed its decision. But how could they even take such a bizarre decision in the first place? Most worrying.

TAKEAWAY has taken on a new meaning.

No longer is it just about meals; today it’s about anything that’s not chained down. Off to the garden centre at Mark Cross, where there were none of those small, pull-along trollies available. Apparently, people keep loading them into the back of their cars and driving off. Next stop the fishery at Horam for a day out with the youngsters. Normally, you can borrow a landing net from the owner to help bring the fish to the bank.

Not now. They have all gone ‘walkabout’.

And no doubt Brexit is to blame!

TO The Ivy in Tunbridge Wells for breakfast (where else would you go?) with colleagues from the office. When it comes to the ordering, we study the menu and then the chap next to Himself tells the waiter: “Full English but no tomatoes, please. I hate them. Absolutely hate them.” Point made.

However, the food arrives and said colleague asks: “Can someone please pass the ketchup?” It’s a sauce made primarily from tomatoes, for goodness sake. Honestly.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Now that the Labour Party is pressing for all of us to work just four days a weeks while still being paid for five, does it mean we will have to become train drivers? What a pay rise for most of us! [Emails please to ASLEF, not this newspaper.]

Chin Chin, readers

Education

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

NEWS

23

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

‘I was very determined that this school would be very successful’ The Skinners’ Kent Academy’s Executive Principal Sian Carr (below) has decided to step down from her position ten years after creating Tunbridge Wells’ first all-ability, non-faith, mixed secondary school. Eileen Leahy discovers why she’s leaving and what her plans for the future are The Skinners’ Kent Academy is celebrating its tenth birthday this year and a decade on it certainly has just cause to do so.

The school, which is located just off the Pembury Road in Tunbridge Wells, not only boasts a hugely impressive state of the art building in which it houses its 700 plus students, it now has the ‘Outstanding’ grading from Ofsted in all four categories and is the first non-selective school in England to become an authorised International Baccalaureate World School.

Quite the success story then for a school that was once the town’s most underperforming and undersubscribed. And one of the people who has helped transform Tunbridge Wells High School, also previously known as Sandown Court, is Sian Carr, Skinners’ Kent Academy’s (SKA) founding head, or Principal, as the school prefer to say.

SUNNY SIDE: The Skinners’ Kent Academy

Experience In 2009 when the Skinners’ Company stepped in to take on the huge task of turning things around they appointed Ms Carr as founding Principal to oversee the project which saw the original High School razed to the ground and a brand new building put in its place. Her brief not only included helping to create the design for a brand new school, but to also dramatically improve admission numbers, general teaching practice and of course exam results.

One of the first things her bosses at the Skinners’ Company, which also has Skinners’ and The Judd grammars, Tonbridge public school and the Skinners’ Kent Primary at Knights Wood under its umbrella, wanted was a change of name and status. So Tunbridge Wells High School became The Skinners’ Kent Academy.

Ms Carr was an ideal candidate for the job not only because she had experience as a Headteacher but also due to her wealth of educational experience outside the classroom too. She has previously worked for the National College of School Leadership and also sits on various academic boards including the University Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

“I wanted to go back into headship and the challenge of this is what has attracted me,” she says.

And Ms Carr admits not being from the area gave her a particular advantage: “Commuting from London and not living in Tunbridge Wells or indeed Kent meant I came to the project with fresh eyes and I think that’s been helpful.”

What were her key aims? “It was about being determined to achieve and seeing that though.

Our last Ofsted story (when it was awarded Outstanding in every category in 2016) tells it better than anything really. It’s that relentless pursuit of excellence and not giving up. Being determined that every young person should succeed whatever their context, and having at the heart of it all a high quality teaching and learning environment.”

Ms Carr believes introducing the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme – a globally accepted qualification for entry into higher level education which also teaches wraparound life skills – was another factor in SKA’s success.

Especially as it is the first non-selective school in England to become an authorised IB World BOOKED The Academy’s Library

School. According to Ms Carr students following it ‘achieve very high standards academically’.

“When you take over a school that’s poorly performing and not very well regarded then you have to think about doing things differently. The curriculum was something I thought about when I was offered the post and I was looking for something that would lift heads above parapets and give our pupils a sense of place in the world and the IB is a very prestigious international programme. It’s now in its 50th year and is beyond political and educational systems. It

‘I wanted to go back into headship and the challenge of this is what it attracted me’ stands on its own and has high prestige.”

She continues: “It is aspirational, ambitious, challenging and demanding. I didn’t want to accept a low level curriculum but something that would really stretch pupils - and the teachers as you teach and learn in different ways. The IB has given students a sense of their place and responsibility in the world. We want to make sure they can contribute as citizens of the future and the IB offers a philosophical approach where pupils learn things like risk taking, and caring and understating others.”

Ms Carr goes on to say that the educational vision is exactly the same at Skinners Kent Primary which opened five years ago originally in the grounds of the new SKA site before it transferred over to Knights Park. “It’s having that vision, that determination and relentless focus on excellence, on high standards and high expectations and getting the very best people to come and work for you.”

So why after putting all that in place and seeing the results improve year on year for both schools is it time for Ms Carr to leave?

“Well I think a lot of people thought I was helicoptered in and would helicopter myself out.

I heard that a lot in the early years. But I think me being here ten years is testament to dedication.

“We’ve been on the most wonderful journey and it’s a legacy of a decade that we now have laid firm foundations for a fantastic next decade.

“We’ve done what we set out to achieve and probably a lot more and the next ten years are going to be more exciting as this place just grows and thrives. Ten years seems like a good time to hand over the baton.

“There are great schools in Tunbridge Wells – I would never say otherwise –but the purpose of this place is that we provide an alternative to the non-faith, non-selective, single sex options. The point is that now in Tunbridge Wells you have the full range of high quality education. That’s what I came here to do.”

Ms Carr who will be staying on as Executive Principal until the end of this academic year was promoted to the role four years ago when Matthew Tompkins succeeded her as the school’s Principal.

She is however adamant that she is ‘definitely not’ retiring, but wants to spend some more time with her husband who is currently living and working in Bejing. Ms Carr has been a regular commuter to China over the past couple of years, even bringing a group of SKA students out with her on a school trip. “That really was a highlight,” she says.

She admits there are still some things she’d like to do and use her expertise and experience in a number of ways. “I have been given a variety of amazing opportunities doing this job such as the chance to sit on the board of the IB, to be on the board of UCAS and to be President of ASCAL (Association of School and College Leavers).

“I can’t leave education alone and if I’m honest I will hugely miss the young people. They are the driving force and why we do the job, they’re really very special. Now my biggest and most important job is to ensure a seamless transition when I leave.

Yes it’s the end of an era but also the beginning of a new one. I’ve chosen my time carefully and thoughtfully as this place is very special.”

24

NEWS

Weekly Comment

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Greg Clark

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Greg Clark was first elected to Parliament as a representative of Tunbridge Wells in 2005. The Conservative MP has since held a number of positions in Government and currently sits as a member of the Cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Time to make High Brooms station step-free IN the early spring of 2015, I had the privilege of opening the new passenger lifts at Paddock Wood station, after campaigning for their installation.

Delivered under the Government’s Access for All scheme, the lifts have made travelling by train much easier for people with disabilities, passengers with buggies and people carrying heavy luggage.

Now the Government has made another £300million available under Access for All and the Department for Transport will decide which stations should receive this new funding.

In my view it is time for High Brooms station to benefit from a step-free upgrade. It has narrow, steep staircases and a dark tunnel, and it can be difficult to negotiate at the best of times – let alone for anyone with mobility issues.

The case for making High Brooms step-free is strong: it has now overtaken Paddock Wood to become the second busiest station in my constituency in terms of passenger numbers – with a 50 per cent increase over the last decade.

To put that in perspective, other busy stations in Kent which have achieved similar growth – such as Ashford (46 per cent) and Ramsgate (35 per cent) – grew passenger numbers because of the new HS1 service, and Tunbridge Wells station saw only 11 per cent growth over the same period.

The area serviced by High Brooms station has seen substantial development in recent years, particularly around Sherwood and at Knights Wood, with more still underway. And it is also the nearest station for access to Tunbridge Wells Hospital – making it an important link for people coming to appointments from further afield.

Difficulties But in my view the strongest argument is this: High Brooms is the only station in Kent where over 1 million journeys a year are made which is not yet step-free. Many less-used stations are either already step-free, or have benefitted from upgrades in recent years; such as Staplehurst, which now has only two-thirds the passenger numbers of High Brooms.

The views of train operating companies are important in the process, and so I have already urged Southeastern’s Managing Director, David Statham, to make High Brooms a priority in their submission to the Department for Transport. And later this month I will be meeting with Network Rail (who will deliver any improvements) at High Brooms station to make the case in person, and show them how inadequate the current facility is.

Anyone who travels from High Brooms –

ON TRACK Greg Clark [left] presents the High Brooms station cycle rack. Now he wants step free access. whether regularly or just occasionally – knows its limitations, and so as part of putting together my own submission I would be very interested to hear readers’ experiences of any difficulties while making use of the station. Whether you’re

Mark Hood Vice-Chairman of the Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

in good health, have mobility issues, or young children, or just had problems lugging a heavy bag up and down the stairs – your story could be the one that makes the difference, and gives High Brooms the station it needs and deserves.

Mark Hood has established the Barden Residents’ Association, is a founder member of Keep River Lawn Green, and campaigned to save the Barden Boatyard and River Lawn from development. He is also one of the organisers of the Tonbridge Calling festival

Local need before developer greed TONBRIDGE & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] has rushed through preparations for the Local Plan to avoid a 23 per cent hike in the number of new homes it must build.

The council has to balance access to affordable housing, reducing the risk of flooding, improving the efficiency of land use, enhancing the natural environment and maintaining a vibrant economy. In relation to Tonbridge, the new Local Plan fails in every instance.

Brownfield locations need to be reclassified for residential use, specifically the old Colas site in Vale Road. The viability of the High Street is under threat from further retail development on the edge of town and the topography here is suitable for higher density housing.

Existing brownfield sites have been completely ignored in favour of land in Brook Street and Lower Haysden Lane, identified as ‘safeguarded’ (i..e set aside for future development) in 2007.

Why have councillors waited until now to complain rather than suggest alternative sites?

We are told that the loss of this land will be compensated by additional Green Belt in the north of the borough – that’s beside the point, it should be a permanent protection against urban sprawl.

TMBC has ignored its own data relating to

housing affordability with no homes for social rent included in its plans.

There is a crisis for young families unable to access rented accommodation – rents are out of their reach and many landlords will not accept tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit.

Building new homes to rent can be a source of revenue and save expenses.

Sevenoaks District Council has set up Quercus, a standalone property company, to address need and generate income. TMBC should follow their lead. As it stands, the Local Plan will draw more people into the borough while doing nothing to cater for the needs of 1,450 homeless households already here.

Buying temporary accommodation in the High Street is welcome but it is treating a symptom of a failing housing policy rather than addressing the cause. The largely empty Enterprise House development in Avebury Avenue illustrates that Shared Ownership properties are not the solution and the projected ‘affordable housing’ will still be beyond the reach of most residents. Excessive property prices require action to provide rented accommodation that is genuinely affordable.

The latest Government White Paper identifies diversifying the housing market as a priority.

The largest 11 housebuilders have land-banked

233 sites with planning permission in the borough already. We hope that smaller independent builders, who are more likely to deliver the housing we need, will be given priority. They do not have the funds to simply purchase land and allow it to remain undeveloped for decades.

Passing over precious brownfield land simply because Green Belt is cheaper to build on has to cease being an option for the big housing players.

The Kent County Council Surface Water Data being used for the Local Plan does not record any incidences of flooding in 2013 as the data was published in October 2013, prior to the record flood water event – as such it is worthless.

The updated Flood Risk maps clearly show that the Brook Street site is within the floodplain. The proposed Local Plan will satisfy developer greed while ignoring local need.

TOWERING AMBITION A newly finished Tonbridge apartment block

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

WITH THE

Move Times

AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN

INSPIRATION FOR MOVING AND IMPROVING timeslocalnews.co.uk

TERIORS AND TOP TRENDS

Pop to the Post Office

for a Square deal Page 26

27

HOWZAT FOR YOUR OWN PITCH?

27

ALL FIRED UP AND READY TO SELL

Cosy in the cottage An old country house with a converted oast

Page 33

44

WONDERFUL WINTER WARMERS

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Best property buys for...

We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor, which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden or something else. Here we home in on specific aspects that make these particular properties for sale stand out A spacious 4-bedroom duplex apartment in a landmark building close to the High Street, The Pantiles, the Common and mainline station.

The RECEPTION ROOM…

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Gated development n Striking reception room with three sets of French windows to the roof terrace and two Juliet balconies n Split-level sitting room

Post Office Square

London Road Tunbridge Wells TO LET

£3,500 pcm CONTACT

• Savills Lettings Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507050 • savills.co.uk

Dukes Drive

Tunbridge Wells

£950,000-£995,000 CONTACT

• Wood & Pilcher, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 511211 • woodandpilcher.co.uk An executive home spread over 3 floors with 4 en-suite bedrooms and a large open-plan family area.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Prominent position overlooking green area n Principal lounge with door to garden n Kitchen/family area with feature skylight and French doors to side n Drive and integral garage n Front and rear gardens n Underfloor heating in several rooms

The KITCHEN…

n Kitchen/breakfast room with walk-in larder and French windows opening on to roof terrace. Partly open-plan to reception room n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom and French windows opening to a balcony. Further French windows open to a Juliet balcony n 2 further bathrooms n Private balcony and roof terrace n Communal gardens with water feature and seating area n Secure, covered parking for 2 cars

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Best For...

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The CRICKET PITCH…

Cotchford House Cumberland Yard Tunbridge Wells

£695,000 CONTACT

• Savills, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507000 • savills.co.uk A newly converted, detached 3-bedroom cottage finished to a crisp modern standard with unrestricted parking in a private road in the desirable ‘Village’ area.

Langton House The Green Langton Green

GUIDE PRICE

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

Tunbridge Wells

£1,000,000£1,100,000

n Sitting room featuring brick inglenook fireplace

CONTACT

n Refitted kitchen/breakfast room

• Wood & Pilcher, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 511211 • woodandpilcher.co.uk

n Private lane location

n First floor minstrel gallery n Gardens with terrace, babbling brook water feature and pond

n Sitting/dining room with double sliding ‘pocket’ doors to kitchen n Kitchen, which opens to the garden

£3,950,000

n 9 bedrooms

n 2 bathrooms (one being en suite to master bedroom)

CONTACT

n Colonial-style veranda

n Charming and secluded courtyard garden

A magnificent Grade II-listed Regency house originally built around 1813 for the Powell family. Scout movement founder Sir Robert Baden Powell spent much of his childhood here. The property includes its own A 4/5 bedroom Potton heritage timber-framed house built in 1992 in country cottage style.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

• Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 888621 • knightfrank.co.uk

Forest Dene

private cricket pitch and a nuclear bunker, and looks out to the village green, part of which also belongs to the property.

The FIREPLACE…

n Self-contained annexe; Regency coach house/garage; stabling and other outbuildings n Gardens with Victorian ha-ha and woodland n Cricket pitch and pavilion n Tennis court n Underground nuclear shelter n In all about 12 acres

The BATHROOM…

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

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Home Farm

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AT A GLANCE

HOME FARM HOUSE & BARN COTTAGE, MARDEN The House n Grade II listed n Sitting room with a beautiful 16th-century inglenook fireplace n 2 further receptions have exquisite décor in traditional Georgian design n The kitchen also has an inglenook, and shaker-style units n The master bedroom has a half staircase leading to a seating area n An elegant bathroom with a roll-top bath tub and separate dressing area The Cottage

A house full of charm with old-world beams plus a stone-built oast cottage

n Farmhouse kitchen with vaulted ceiling n Dining hall with minstrel gallery and wood stove n Sitting room situated in the kiln, with doors to garden n Master bedroom with a turned staircase leading to a sumptuous en suite n In total, approximately 1.4 acres

£1,200,000 Contact • Firefly Properties, Paddock Wood • 01892 838363 •fireflyproperties.co.uk

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InteriorsFOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

£45 coxandcox.co.uk

£78 black-by-design.co.uk

£34.95 annabeljames.co.uk Plaid chunky wool knit throw, £445 limelace.co.uk

Baby, it’s warm inside

In need of some comforting décor? Snuggle up over the chilly months with the help of sumptuous textures, warming golds, Nordic greys and rich, inky blues. Here’s our pick of the season’s most covetable pieces…

£40 melodymaison.co.uk

£35 raggedrose.com

£12 lights4fun.co.uk £115 amara.com

£40 coxandcox.co.uk

£70 amara.com

£32 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

£21 cultfurniture.com £120 amara.com

£275 coxandcox.co.uk

£899 made.com

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

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Life&Times

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Life&Times

ARTS & CULTURE LIFE & STYLE FOOD & DRINK MOTORING SPORT and MORE...

IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK timeslocalnews.co.uk

Musical tribute Bootleg Beatles perform Page 51

52 A BREATH OF FRESH EIRE

56 SHRAGER’S SWEET SENSATIONS

58

Age old wisdom

See the special exhibition celebrating the elderly

GHOSTLY GOINGS ON

62

Page 50

THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE

Life&Times

arts

50

SNAP HAPPY David Bartholomew

Arts & CultureFOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

Life through a lens The Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells is hosting a one-day photographic show by photographer David Bartholomew on Saturday (October 20), which aims to challenge our perceptions of the elderly…

Y

OU are invited to drop into the foyer at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on Saturday to view On the Shoulders of Giants, a one day only pop-up exhibition by locally-based professional photographer David Bartholomew.

He has captured a series of photographs of residents from a Tunbridge Wells care home in order to challenge people to view the elderly of our community in a different light.

These striking black and white shots were taken by David at Rusthall Lodge Care Home, where his mother is a resident.

He was commissioned by the home to take the portraits, which were inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, as part of the their 50th anniversary celebrations.

‘Someone mentioned Lauren Bacall’s quote “Your life shows in the lines of your face…” and that was the show’s inspiration’ “Shooting in the studio style of the golden Hollywood era really shows the different characters of the residents,” explains David.

“Some are playful, some stern, some thoughtful, but they are all arresting. I hope the display will make people stop and look and wonder about the people behind the images and make them see older members of the Tunbridge Wells community in a new light.”

The exhibition is part of a series of events being held throughout the year to create fun and memories for the residents of this independent home, which is run on a charitable ethos.

“The idea for the exhibition came after one of our reminiscence sessions,” says Bill Blackford, the Facilities & Marketing Manager at Rusthall Lodge.

“Residents were talking about their film heroes and various names were mentioned,

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including James Dean and David Niven. Someone mentioned Lauren Bacall and her famous quote ‘Your life shows in the line of your face and you should be proud of it’, and that was pretty much the show’s inspiration.

“Putting a spotlight on our residents in this way highlights their characters and their lives,” continues Bill. “It challenges viewers to think about the older members of our community in a new, more

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

rounded way, which is what we really want to achieve.”

The exhibition, which will then move to Rusthall Lodge itself, takes place on the same day as the The Bootleg Beatles will be performing in concert at the theatre.

“We’re delighted with the timing,” comments Bill. “The Bootleg Beatles are an ideal fit for our photo exhibition – 1968 was the year that Rusthall Lodge was converted from a private residence into a care home; the same year that The Beatles stayed at number one in the album charts until February with Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and released The White Album later in the year.”

Antony Pickthall, Sales and Marketing Director at the Assembly Hall, says he is delighted to host a unique exhibition such as this.

“As a key cultural venue in

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Arts & Culture

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51

Twist and shout for this fab four!

Beatlemania lives on courtesy of one of the most successful tribute bands around. Martin Hutchinson meets The Bootleg Beatles, who play this Saturday ORIGINALLY an American production, ‘Beatlemania!’ came to London’s West End and toured the country to great acclaim. When the tour ended, the four members of the band didn’t know what to do, so they decided to carry on as The Bootleg Beatles and began touring again in 1980.

The show grew in size and stature, and this fab four are just about the best at what they do.

Mannerisms Tunbridge Wells, the Assembly Hall Theatre is always looking for opportunities to enhance the experience of our audiences.

“Many of those attending The Bootleg Beatles concert will have parents of a similar age to the residents of Rusthall Lodge, so this exhibition will resonate with them.”

Bethan Minter, Creative Learning Manager at the Assembly Hall, is in agreement: “This exhibit is a great example of artists using their skills to brighten the lives of those around them. At the Assembly Hall we’re enthusiastic about engaging with the community around us; bringing our community into the heart of our building and celebrating local creativity.”

On The Shoulders of Giants is open all day at the Assembly Hall on Saturday [October 20], and entrance is free.

They are so good, in fact, that last year they played with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at shows celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

The quartet of musicians has changed since 1980, and the current line-up features Tyson Kelly as John, Steve White as Paul, Stephen Hill as George and Gordon Elsmore as Ringo.

The show is in four sections and is performed in chronological order, says Steve.

“The first half starts with us doing the Mop Tops era, and then Sgt Pepper as we introduce more musicians (a small orchestra in fact) so we can do songs like All You Need Is Love.

“After the interval, it’s generally the Magical Mystery era, and then Abbey Road.”

Is it a full-time job keeping on top of the shows?

“Yes, the research never ends,” says Steve.

“There’s always new and better footage coming to light, which we all watch to get all the subtle nuances of their mannerisms. We never feel we’ve got it completely nailed and that keeps it fresh.”

It’s hard work taking the show around the world, but surely it must be very rewarding?

“Yes, the hours are very gruelling and the schedules are quite punishing, and we travel the world but never see it, but the connection you have with the audience more than makes up

for it,” says Steve. “We involve the audience as much as we can, and when you see the room reacting with people singing and clapping, it’s very rewarding and fulfilling.”

After celebrating the 50th anniversary of Sgt Pepper, the band is celebrating again. This time it’s the White Album’s 50th, and Steve says that ‘quite a chunk’ of this tour will be dedicated to that album.

It contained tracks such as Back in The USSR, Dear Prudence, Ob-La-Di-

Ob’La-Da, Blackbird and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

“There’s going to be a lot of songs we’ve never done before, and that part of the show has been revamped,” reveals Steve. “But I don’t want to spoil the surprise by naming the songs.”

I guess you’ll just have to go and find out for yourselves…

The Bootleg Beatles play The Assembley Hall on Saturday. Tickets from assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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Going Out

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goingout 7 days of activities

By Eileen Leahy

DANCING TO THE TUNE OF THE EMERALD ISLE With Emerald Storm at the Assembly Hall

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House bring their classic version of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece Swan Lake to the Assembly Hall this evening.

Make sure you have your ticket booked for this magical and mesmerising production, which stays true to the composer’s original vision.

Tickets cost from £24 and curtain up is at 7.30pm.

For more details, see assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Trinity Theatre Club performs Chekhov’s Three Sisters all this week until Saturday. Go along to see either the matinee today or on Saturday, or catch an evening showing of this timeless play set in 20th-century Russia, which follows the lives and loves of three siblings. For tickets and timings, see trinitytheatre.net

This evening at the Assembly Hall you can catch a powerful performance of traditional Irish dance given a contemporary spin courtesy of the Emerald Storm troupe. Taking their choreography cue from centuries-old dances, they put on a powerful and sensational show that is not to be missed. Tickets cost £23.50 from the Assembly Hall box office.

The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge continues its run of Bothered and Bewildered all week until Saturday, with tickets starting at £7.50. For more details about this contemporary black comedy

by Gail Young, which addresses the issue of losing your grip on life with plenty of humorous observations, visit oasttheatre.com

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

FRIDAY

Every Friday the Angel Flea Market takes place from 8am until 1pm at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge. Visitors can expect to see offerings from around 25 stallholders selling a huge variety of bargains. Entrance is free.

The 8th West Kent CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival kicks off today and runs until Sunday.

It’s one of the biggest beer festivals in Kent and Sussex and will take place at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells. So if you’re a connoisseur of craft ales, beers and ciders, make sure you pay it a visit and sample a tipple or two.

For more information, see camrawestkent.org.uk

SATURDAY

This weekend sees the start of lots of Halloween half-term fun happening in our area over the next couple of weeks. (See our feature on pages 58-61) At Hever Castle this half term you can be well and truly spooked by the ghostly tales being told in the Ghost Catcher’s Lair, or why not follow the pumpkin trail around the castle’s glorious grounds and get spooked learning about the ghosts of Hever? For activity details, see hevercastle.co.uk More spine tingling fun can be had over at Groombridge Place, which has lots of spooky spectacular events, including a new Meet the Addams Family feature, terrifying HAPPY HALLOWEEN! trails, scary story With pumpkins popping sessions and lots up everywhere more. While you’re there, why not have a go at climbing its tree-top walkway – the longest and highest in the UK. For more information, see groombridgeplace.com There’s Halloween fun to be enjoyed at Penshurst Place, too.

Join the Friends of Grosvenor and

RUSSIAN ROMANCE in stunning Swan Lake Hilbert Park over at Hilbert Oast for their Apple Day. Visitors to this free event, which runs from 10.30am until 3pm, can enjoy a range of crafting sessions as well as having a go at some apple pressing! Suitable for all ages, just turn up.

The Alex Metcalfe Trio play King Charles the Martyr Church from 7.30pm. Pianist Alex, along with his fellow musicians Katy Johns (violin) and Miriam Cox (cello), will play Schubert Piano Trio No 1 and Shostakovich Piano Trio No 2. Tickets

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

cost £12.50 in advance or £15 on the door. Under18s go free. See ticketsource.co.uk/mkctw

SUNDAY

Mayerling is a classic of the Royal Ballet repertory and it’s being streamed into Trinity this afternoon at 2pm. With its emotional depth, haunting imagery and one of the most demanding roles ever created for a male dancer, this really is a must-see for all ballet fans.

Oliver Tourle presents his new show Inspire at The Angel Centre, Tonbridge, at 7pm. This is the fourth one-man show by the singer/songwriter and he will share more of his personal stories and own songs as well as musical tributes to Elvis, Adele, Ed Sheehan and Queen. To find out more about Oliver and this event, visit olivertourle.com

MONDAY The C&G Gallery in Camden Road is hosting a new exhibition entitled Still Life. On until November 9, it has a wealth of wonderful artwork

to be admired. Some of it has never been shown outside the capital until now, so this really is a great art opportunity. For more details, visit gcgallery.co.uk

TUESDAY

Over at Bore Place today there will be a Pumpkin Half-Term Fun Day. Running from 10am until 1.30pm, it will give visitors the opportunity to harvest their own organic pumpkin from the estate’s vegetable garden, then carve it into a spooky Jack O’ Lantern. You’ll then bake delicious cheese scones to enjoy with pumpkin soup for lunch, before meeting the cows and visiting the Bore Place organic dairy farm. Child tickets cost £20, but an accompanying adult goes free. The event is best suited to children aged 5-11 years.

To find out more, see boreplace.org There’s also plenty of pumpkin patch fun to be enjoyed a little further afield over at Pumpkin Moon near Sandling, Maidstone. For further information, visit pumpkinmoon.uk

PICK OF THE WEEK: Chineke! Chamber Ensembles Concert, featuring Chi-chi Nwanoku, OBE 7.30pm, Saturday October 20, Tonbridge Parish Church

Tonbridge Music Club presents the Chineke! Orchestra, a musical group which has earned a national reputation for its ‘vibrancy, innovation and

sheer excitement’. The word ‘Chineke!’ means ‘a wonderful guardian spirit which creates good things’. And this Chamber Ensemble will do just that by

playing the Beethoven Septet, as well as works by Boccherini and Strauss.

Under-25s go free. For adult tickets, see tmc.org.uk

Going Out

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Going Out

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THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Andy Twyman, Alex Beharrell, Jack Knight Friday Soul Kitchen Saturday Private Party Sunday Alana Hazzard, Zoe Eve, Gary Lucas

CASSIDY’S BAR Castle Street Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Thursday Open Jam Session

live music With Paul Dunton

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ONIGHT [Wednesday], talented one-man blues band Andy Twyman returns to The Grey Lady with great support from Alex Beharrell and Jack Knight.

On Friday, The Patinas are at The Bedford, and the free to attend Oxjam Music Festival runs across multiple venues, including The Cake Shed, Grub & Liquor and The Sussex Arms on both Friday and Saturday.

All proceeds go to the Oxfam charity.

On Saturday, I also recommend The Alex Metcalfe Piano Trio at King Charles The Martyr Church.

Miscellaneous music lovers are spoilt for choice, too, with the Nigel

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

Bagge Band at The Beau Nash Tavern, Disco Odyssey at The Royal Oak pub, Timeless at The Trading Post and Opposite Origins at The Bedford pub.

Plus The Bootleg Beatles return to The Assembly Hall Theatre (see page 51), and on Sunday evening you can catch up-and-coming local acts Alana Hazzard, Zoe Eve and Gary Lucas at The Grey Lady.

On Tuesday, blues fans can catch the excellent Kent Duchaine & Leadbessie at The Toad Rock Retreat in Rusthall, while popular local rockers Blackadder will be at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge.

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road All show details and tickets available at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Thursday Emerald Storm Saturday The Bootleg Beatles Sunday Johnny Cash Roadshow

OXJAM MUSIC FESTIVAL Tunbridge Wells venues The Sussex Arms, The Cake Shed, Grub & Liquor Free entry. Full details at twforum.co.uk Friday & Saturday The Gallerys, James Wood, Raised by Raptors, Frass, Black Gabanza, Operation Kino, Hava, Argumentum, Haemaria and more to be announced

THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Friday The Patinas Saturday Opposite Origins

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry

Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday The Nigel Bagge Band Sunday Open Mic Night

THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Disco Odyssey

THE TRADING POST 5 Culverden Down Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late Saturday Timeless

KING CHARLES THE MARTYR CHURCH Nevill Street See kcmtw.org Saturday The Alex Metcalfe Piano Trio Sunday Jessica Kelly (in the King Charles Church Hall, Warwick Park)

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Event information at twforum.co.uk Sunday Hanterhir

THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm till late Monday TWUNTS Ukulele Jam Session

THE TOAD ROCK RETREAT Upper Street, Rusthall Open all day, free entry Music from 7pm Tuesday Kent Duchaine & Leadbessie

THE PUNCH & JUDY PUB 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm Tuesday Blackadder

Andy Twyman

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Cooking up a perfect

recipe repertoire

Our favourite local chef published her latest book, Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery Course, at the beginning of this month.

Here she reveals why she decided to pen a tome that’s totally foodie yet also fuss-free whole generation of people out there who don’t know how to cook – and why should they? They haven’t been in a position to be taught how to cook.

It’s all very well watching TV shows, but they can be very aspirational and, actually, when it comes to the food, more

difficult. My book is all about gaining confidence as you go through it.

The recipes, all 150 of them, are quick. In fact, it was trickier to make the book simplistic than it was to make it complicated!

Going back to basics is what I have tried to do without making it patronising in any way. I want Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery Course to be a jolly and fun book, with something for everyone to enjoy. I am genuinely proud of the book.

Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery Course is published by BBC Books priced £20 and is available from all good bookshops

IMAGES: Andrew Hayes-W atkins

I

wanted to create a book that was really simple, easy to follow and goes back to basics. I am not trying to be clever. I want to show people how to make everything from a boiled egg right through to a soufflé.

And I hope that with my new book, Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery Course, that I have achieved this.

There are a lot of salads in the book, and there’s even a recipe about the

perfect potato, but the biggest chapter is on vegetables. I did that on purpose because we need to eat more vegetables and not as much protein as we used to.

I think people can get nervous about cooking, so I want people to feel inspired when they read my book.

It’s important to me that I also give lots of alternatives. We don’t have to be what I call ‘food snobs’. If you need to buy a jar of mayonnaise, get one!

This is about how to cook something properly and getting the best out of your flavours. People will be able to do everything in the book – even down to mastering trickier things such as how to cook a bird within a bird.

This is a great treat for Christmas and so much easier to carve.

I also wanted to address the fact that I believe family cooking has changed a lot over the last few years. Now it’s all about cooking together, as a group.

Having said that, though, there is a

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Wine to curry favour…

Now in its 20th year, National Curry Week begins on Monday [October 22]. Times Drinks Editor James Viner picks some hot tipples which will complement spicy food and are second-to‘naan’ savoured with the nation’s favourite eastern food…

3. CANNY CHILEAN CARMENÈRE

2017 Viña Errázuriz Estate Series Carmenère, Chile (13.5%, £9.30-£9.99, The DrinkShop/ Majestic/Noble Grape) Full-bodied and delicately spicy with supple tannins, smoky black cherry fruit and overtones of capsicum and coffee beans, this piquant wine shows just how good late-ripening, warm-hearted carmenère can be. Spot on with lamb madras, bhuna and rogan josh.

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

1. BEST CURRY PARTY ALL-ROUNDER FROM CENTRAL-EASTERN SPAIN

NV Toro Loco Spanish Rosé, Utiel-Requena, Spain (12%, £3.99, Aldi) A great-value Valencian bobal rosado, all taffeta and silk, with a chorus of red fruits and a long, fresh finish. This cooling, fruity, cheap and cheerful quaffer will flutter along happily with chicken tikka masala or jalfrezi, and does not carry any alcohol heat to ramp up the heat in spicy food.

2. MUST-TRY SUPERMARKET AUSTRALIAN WHITE 2017 Co-op Irresistible Chardonnay, Australia (12.5%, £7, Co-op) This skilful vinous beauty is made by widely respected Aussie winemaker Larry Cherubino and offers pretty ripe peach, nectarine and apple flavours bouncing off a platform of crisp acidity, oak a very minor player. Easy with a tandoori chicken or a creamy chicken korma.

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Half-term Survival Guide

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

From educational science shows, to spooky Halloween haunts, we’ve put together some ideas on a variety of great days out that will keep the children entertained this half-term…

The Observatory Science Centre Herstmonceux, East Sussex | 01323 832731 | www.the-observatory.org Our Spectacular October half-term programme starts with a family-friendly Extended Opening on Friday 19th October until 8pm, followed by regular Open Evenings on Saturday 20th and 27th October.

From Saturday 20th October until Monday 29th October, in addition to the interactive hands-on exhibits there will be daily telescope tours and spectacular science shows. These are included in your admission price.

Free Exhibition! Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th October – The Measure of All Things For two days only, at no extra cost, we welcome

this amazing touring exhibition from The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, presented by the National Physical Laboratory.

We are also running the following fantastic Children’s Workshops: ‘Car of the Future’, ‘Eyes on the Universe’ and ‘Full Moon Twilight’ See website for details of, times, costs, and age requirements.

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR ALL WORKSHOPS

Manic Monsters Manic Monsters, Edenbridge | 01732 866115 | www.manicmonsters.co.uk Manic Monsters is a soft-play play centre 25 minutes from Tunbridge Wells. It has a play frame for babies and toddlers up to the age of 5, and a larger frame for children up to 12, although supervising adults always seem to have a good time too! As well as the climbing frame and slides are two cart tracks, a football pitch and a separate ‘laser tag’ frame. Come on the

day for a session or arrange a party booking in advance.

Manic Monsters serves delicious homemade food, staple favourites and indulgent cakes, really great coffee, and provides a great format for a family day out. Adjacent to Manics is Monty’s Day Care, Edenbridge’s best all day nursery.

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Drusillas Alfriston, East Sussex | 01323 874100 | www.drusillas.co.uk Allow your wicked side to show this Halloween at Drusillas Park; the award winning zoo has all sorts of seasonal surprises and eerie entertainment planned to keep your little horrors half term happy between Saturday 20th and Sunday 28th October.

They’ve conjured up some fang-tastically spooky surprises plus the Gruffalo will be

making an appearance on Wednesday 24th October!

Go and see the mystical monster who lives in the deep dark wood. He will be meeting brave visitors at intervals throughout the day.

Located just off the A27 in Alfriston, Drusillas Park is open daily from 10am.

Penshurst Place & Gardens Penshurst, Kent | 01892 870307 | www.penshurstplace.com Prepare to be spooked this half-term at Penshurst Place & Gardens. Brace yourself for a host of Halloween happenings and ghoulish goings-on as the ‘Wicked Witch of the Wild Wood’ drops in at Penshurst Place & Gardens.

Gather around the witch’s fire in a sheltered tent to hear spine-tingling tales and afterwards roast marshmallow while sipping hot chocolate.

More spooky activities include a ‘Halloween Trail’ complete with abandoned hanging broomsticks, ‘Guess the weight of the pumpkin’ challenge and ‘Creepy crafting’ of snakes, spiders and monster masks.

For those with an interest in the macabre, ‘Surgery Through The Centuries’ is an eyeopening (and often squelchy) look at past surgical techniques with mock demonstrations of limb amputation and trepanning, opening the skull for surgery. Only recommended for those with a strong stomach!

Families are encouraged to come dressed in their favourite Halloween costumes for ‘Not-So-Spooky Storytelling’ a fun and interactive show specially created for younger children to enjoy.

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Hever Castle Hever Road, Edenbridge | 01732 865224 | www.hevercastle.co.uk Halloween at Hever Castle & Gardens is decidedly ghoulish this year. Listen to ghostly tales in the Ghost Catcher’s Lair, follow the pumpkin trail in the grounds and get spooked learning about the ghosts of Hever in the Castle.

Create a ghost puppet in a free creepy craft workshop or decorate a ghoulish biscuit* (*small additional charge). With prizes for the

Bewl Water Bewlbridge Lane, Tunbridge Wells | 01892 890000 | www.bewlwater.co.uk Make sure to keep the little ones entertained during the school holidays with our exciting October Kids’ Camps at Bewl Water!

Kids’ Camps at Bewl Water provide an affordable alternative to traditional childcare for busy or working parents and are a great opportunity for children to make new friends and remain active during the holidays.

From half a day to multiple weeks, our Kids’ Camps are very flexible. Activities differ on a

daily basis, ensuring that those attending for multiple weeks enjoy new experiences each day, stay engaged and, most importantly, love coming to Bewl Water’s Kids’ Camps!

Dates available are 22, 25th and 26th of October and both half day and full day’s slots are available. Book all three days and receive a 15% discount. Available to all children, aged 5 years and over.

scariest costumes, a visit to Hever Castle is sure to be spine-tingling fun for all the family.

Admission Prices – Castle & Gardens: Adults £17.25; Seniors £15; Students £14.50; Children (5-15) £9.75 (under 5’s free); Family ticket £45.50 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children).

Gardens open at 10:30am; Castle opens at 12 noon. Last admission 4:30pm; final exit 6pm.

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The Hop Farm Paddock Wood, Tonbridge | 01622 872068 | www.hopfarm.co.uk There’s lots of half-term Halloween fun and a firework half-term and firework spectacular on at The Hop Farm! Treat the kids to a spook-tastic feast of fun for the half-term holidays! Dress up in your best Halloween fancy dress and join in!

There’s indoor Halloween entertainment that includes pumpkin carving, best-dressed competition, magic shows at the magic castle, an animal farm and ghoulish face painting.

PLUS on Wednesday 24th October, the most famous fireman, FIREMAN SAM, will be visiting The Hop Farm! Cameras at the ready! In addition this this, on the 26th AND 27th October, The Hop Yard will be having the annual gigantic Hop

Farm Firework Spectacular! Advance discounted tickets are now on sale. Only £7 each (£10 normally on the gate). OAP Concession advance tickets are only £5 and Under 1’s are FREE. Get ready for a magnificent fireworks display with a SPOOKTACULAR theme! Funfair and more at The Hop Farm on the 26th and 27th October. The hugely popular annual Fireworks Spectacular is back with a bang where again we literally light up the sky! Kids themed display available (with less loud bangs) on the 26th and the main event on the 27th. There will be a funfair and a variety of food and drinks outlets as well, including a fully licensed bar.

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WINTER PARADISE A very different place to spend Christmas

Travel

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Christmas is coming, which could be the perfect time to escape to an island in the sun The festive season is celebrated in many different ways around the world, and island life has its own special appeal for those looking for a winter getaway…

M

ORE and more of us are choosing to leave the grey skies and the rain of the UK to spend Christmas in the sun. Whether it’s to top up your tan or explore further afield, there is an abundance of destinations to choose from. And if you can’t decide on one, then why not choose a cruise where you can visit several hot spots, and still enjoy downtime between destinations to relax and enjoy the sunshine?

THE CANARY ISLANDS Due to their proximity, the Canary Islands are always popular for catching some winter sun. Indeed, more than nine million people take their holidays on these Spanish isles every year.

Christmas is different in Spain – their national holiday, known as Dia de los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings) is on January 6, when the children receive their gifts. Although Christmas Day is still a public holiday, the bars and restaurants, as well as many of the shops, remain open.

And Christmas is an important festival on La Palma – if you head to Franceses, a small village in the north-west of the island, you can see a nativity scene complete with life-size models of Mary, Joseph and Jesus and the Three Wise Men. There is plenty more to see and do, including watching the spectacular parades and processions in the islands’ various capitals, such as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

It’s not just the year-round sunshine that makes the Canary Islands so appealing – thousands of years of volcanic activity have left their legacy here.

Stunning volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches and a rich culture make them a destination to suit everyone’s tastes. Mount Teide, the world’s third largest volcano, is a focal point of Tenerife. Lanzarote, meanwhile, showcases its volcanic heritage in Timanfaya National Park, where there are more than 100 volcanoes.

DON’T FORGET YOUR SUITCASE… You can take Christmas with you!

Away from the busier islands like Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote, the Canaries have a quieter side.

La Gomera and La Palma have a more sleepy feel, characterised by untouched beaches, pine forests and fishing villages.

THE CARIBBEAN Further afield, the Caribbean islands are a staple for sun worshippers wanting to escape the British winter.

They offer some of the best beaches in the world, where you can enjoy fantastic diving, snorkelling and sailing.

Barbados is stunningly decorated throughout for Christmas, including hotels, shops and homes. There are festivals, craft fairs and massive feasts with baked hams and cake made of a combination of dried fruits, spices and a fair amount of liquor.

In St Kitts and Nevis you can enjoy all types of celebrations, including Christmas parties and Sugar

‘The Caribbean islands offer some of the best beaches in the world, where you can enjoy fantastic diving, snorkelling and sailing’

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Mas, which combines elements of carnival with Boxing Day activities, parades and street parties.

The National Carnival, which features local folklore and traditions through song, dance, drama and poetry, begins on Boxing Day and ends with a Grand Parade on New Year’s Day. On Grenada, Christmas masquerades are a holiday tradition, with bands playing a special festive repertoire of interactive music and dance.

Dressed in traditional masks and brilliant costumes, the atmosphere is vibrant, with local people performing colourful dances and hosting celebratory street parties.

Away from the festivities and the beaches, the varied islands of the Caribbean feature tropical landscapes, including UNESCO-listed sights and mountains cloaked in rainforests through which you can trek or zip-line, as well as fascinating sights associated with their colonial heritage.

GONE FISHING in the Indian Ocean

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SUNSET Amid the romance of The Seychelles

THE INDIAN OCEAN Christmas in the islands of the Indian Ocean coincides with their peak summer. So if you fancy swapping Christmas jumpers and mince pies for a bikini and cocktails on the beach, then this is the place for you.

SUNRISE in Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife

The Seychelles is known not only for its wonderful beaches but also its beach parties, especially at this time of year. By night it lights up with a spectacular array of Christmas lights and illuminated trees scattered around the centre.

It is a winter wonderland, minus the snow, freezing cold and Christmas trees!

And if you might miss the British tradition of poinsettias at this time of year, then just head to Madagascar where the plants grow as large outdoor shrubs and don’t just flower at Christmas. They are also the national emblem of Madagascar.

There is an abundance of festive food, but make sure you taste the Bûche de Noël (Yule log), a special Christmas treat adopted from the French.

Despite a very diverse population, Christmas is celebrated by almost everyone in Mauritius, with Christians and non-Christians alike getting together with families exchanging gifts.

Here they associate the flowering of the

Flamboyant (or Flame) tree with Christmas, and sure enough, the island is lit up like a Christmas tree by its brilliant fiery red flowers.

And all the resorts and shops are decked out as colourfully as any high street found at home.

Or where better to spend Christmas than on Christmas Island?

Located around 220 miles south of Java and Sumatra, it gets its name from the annual red crab migration, which happens around Christmas and sees some 50 million crabs scurry towards the sea to spawn.

Christmas abroad can be an enriching and fulfilling experience – an opportunity to see how the festive season is celebrated elsewhere in the world, and by different cultures.

So, if the idea of getting away from the common stresses and strains of the season at home appeals, then pop into your local travel agent and check out some of the great late deals which are still available.

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Motoring News Winter Driving

Wednesday October October 10 17 || 2018 2018 Wednesday

Ford pays for repairs of EcoBoost fault

FORD is to cover the costs of a fix to prevent an issue with overheating in its 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines. The fault lies in coolant hoses that can potentially fail at high speed, and is said to affect 44,682 cars in the UK built between October 2011 and October 2013.

Winter is the toughest season for your vehicle. Icy roads, freezing A recall issued in 2015 has seen 96 per cent behind the wheel, supplemented by THE seventh generation of BMW’s conditions and commuting in the dark all pose a risk tosaloon drivers, of the vehicles reportedly fixed – although a the 10.3-in central screen, which uses popular 3 Series has beenwhich BBC investigation found that many customers latest infotainment system. completely revised, and is due to go is why at Hendy we’ve put together a list of the top five checks we BMW’s had still paid huge repair bills for the work, The popular 320d model remains, on sale from next March. despite a contribution from the manufacturer. powered by an upgraded 2.0-litre With prices starting at £33,610, recommend you carry out before getting behind the wheel.

The firm has now committed to covering the four-cylinder diesel, and is available the revamped series offers more costs of any outstanding repairs and will ‘rewith both rear and all-wheel drive. space and improved handling. examine previous cases to ensure that this The rear-driven 320d can hit 60mph The new car is now 85mm longer, policy of a 100 per cent contribution to the Lights - make sure all the lights on your vehicle are in proper working 16mm order. In dark, foggy in 6.9 seconds, with the xDrive wider and has or a wheelbase repair cost is applied consistently’. wet conditions it is vital you can be seen on the road to avoid the risk of an accident. version shaving that to 6.7 seconds. extended by 41mm after being A Ford statement said: “Our website has A powerful four-cylinder petrol will based on similar underpinnings as carried details to encourage outstanding mileage used in vehicles, normally at a the STRONG new car sales figures postbe used in the 330i and is capable of Anti-freeze – anti-freeze will stop the water the engine from turning to ice.

It’s5vital youAnd havethe large larger Series. owners who have experienced an issue to get large discount. this case, ed in August are likely crash in and the correct mix to of anti-freeze water in yourIn engine aheaditofalso your journey, and only applyatitthe front are hitting 60mph in 5.6 seconds while kidney grilles remain in touch. Ford has already made substantial September, after artificially high allowed them to circumvent WLTP now framed by ‘notched’ headlights. delivering a claimed combined fuel when the engine is cold. contributions towards the cost of 1.0-litre levels were caused by dealers pre- regulations, which would have seen consumption of 48.7mpg.

Inside, it remains driver-focused. repairs, but ongoing discussions with great number ofdamage cars leftwindscreen unable to wipers registeringWipers vehicles.

Overall body rigidity is now up by – heavy rain and snowacan permanently are already A largethat central screen dominates customers show that Ford needs to go further without being put are It’s suspected that highs of wipers 94,094will be 25 per cent, while the suspension struggling.

Broken limitregistered your visibility when the elements you, putting theagainst cabin, aided by traditional to ensure reasonable repair costs are covered. registrations are and a response to new drivers passengers at risk.through a costly testing process. button controls for functions such as spring rate has also been increased “With any future cases, subject to being New car registration data showed a heating and ventilation.

Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehito help deliver a more sporting drive. assessed and linked to potential 1.0-litre per cent jump cle Testing Procedure The M Sport specification remains, Battery – help[WLTP] preventregustarting23.1 issues in the coldin byAugust gettingover yourthe batteryAtested.

Poor weather 12.3-inch digital instrument engine overheating, we will contribute 100 previous year.with Usedthe carheating buyingon) weblations, with manufacturers too, offering a more dynamic look. increases the strainkeen on a to battery (especially and going on a dark is clusterflat replaces theroad traditional dials per cent of the cost of repair at a Ford dealer.” offload vehicles before they became site Auto Trader saw a 22 per cent rise a real danger.

Ford also highlighted an overheating issue in the number of cars with fewer than non-compliant on September 1. for larger 1.6-litre EcoBoost engines, as found on–the clock, further indi- impact your steering and All new vehicles registered after 100 miles Tyres tread depth can greatly in the Fiesta ST, Focus, Kuga, C-Max and Transit. large numbers pre-reg cars. this date are required to conform to cating braking in trickyofconditions.

The legal requirement is a It says a lack of coolant circulation in affected Auto depth TraderofDirector Ianyou’ll Plummer the system’s strict new testing pro1.6mm but benefit from more in the winter. vehicles can cause overheating, leading to a seenamore regcedure for fuel consumption, CO2 said: “We’ve Also make pointtactically of testing tyre pressure, which can cracked cylinder head and pressurised oil leak. isteredfluctuate new cars each and pollutant emissions. withadvertised a drop in temperature.

This means oil could come into contact with However, rather than risk having month, and can only assume there the hot engine and increase the risk of a fire. hundreds of non-WLTP compliant are more out in the market.”

Ford is currently working with the Driver and Dealers now expecting a sales your safety – and protect your vehicle cars, manufacturers have inundated Thisare checklist will help ensure Vehicle Standards Agency to issue a recall, plungefrom in damage.

September against the dealers with pre-registered models. while also contacting customers for a new Pre-registering refers to car deal- market’s usual upward trend, with BIGGER AND BETTER Winter driving tips courtesy of Hendy coolant sensor to be Group, fitted. Tunbridge Wells ers registering cars themselves be- it being one of two months when The new 3 Series fore selling them on as ultra-low number plates change.

Car sales expected to dive after vehicles are pre-registered to dodge new emissions rules 1

2 3 4 5

BMW lifts the lid on changes in its new 3 Series, due out next spring

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Motoring News

Motoring

Bake Off winner whips up the icing and the cake for Fabia ad

New sound for all-electric vehicle to warn the blind JAGUAR’S all-electric I-Pace SUV’s complete lack of engine noise means it poses a problem to blind or visually impaired people.

To combat this, they have created a unique Audible Vehicle Alert System [AVAS] to produce a sound.

The system exceeds new European legislation due to be introduced for all new electric vehicles from July 2019.

The technology, which took four years to develop, was tested by people involved with the Guide Dogs for the Blind organisation.

The sound created is clearly audi-

ble outside the vehicle yet unnoticeable to those within.

A speaker housed behind the front grille plays the sound, which can be heard from all angles, and increases or decreases in pitch and volume according to the car’s speed.

It disengages at higher speed.

Jaguar technical specialist Iain Suffield said: “The absence of a traditional engine noise from electric vehicles creates a problem for vulnerable pedestrians.

“Our potentially life-saving technology cannot be switched off”

SKODA has teamed up with 2016 Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown to recreate one of its most memorable TV commercials.

She used lemon sponge, buttercream and fondant icing to craft a miniature Fabia, harking back to Skoda’s ‘Full of lovely stuff’ ad, which saw a team of bakers creating a Mk2 Fabia from all manner of tasty foodstuffs. They included jelly for the supermini’s headlights, liquorice taking the form of the fan belt and golden syrup ‘oil’ in the cake engine.

The original cake from the 2007 advert was nearly four metres long, but Brown’s version is rather more achievable for the home baker.

CANDICE CAMERA Candice Brown inspects cake she made for TV ad

The recipe is available on Skoda’s website, with the confection formed of six layers of sponge cake and a whopping 2.5kg of fondant icing.

To create your own ‘Fabia-lous’ foodstuff, just sandwich the layers together, carve out the shape of the car with a bread knife, give it a fondant coating and decorate it.

Brown said: “Everyone remembers and loves the original ad, so when I got the challenge to recreate the new Fabia out of cake, I jumped at it.

We’re encouraging everyone and anyone to have a go.”

The new Fabia costs from £12,840.

The cake is somewhat cheaper, with the ingredients costing around £25.

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Paris to continue a car-free day a month PARIS’S city centre will be a car-free zone on the first Sunday of every month after a successful trial scheme.

The move is intended to improve air quality and result in more footfall in the capital’s public spaces.

The first car-free day took place on October 7, and saw most motorised transport banned from the centre between 10am and 6pm.

Local residents, delivery vehicles, public transport and taxis are allowed to enter and leave via designated access points, while pedestrians, bikes, scooters and rollerblades have unimpeded access.

Vehicles also face a maximum speed restriction of 20km/h (12mph).

Meanwhile, major roads, such as Boulevard Sebastopol, will remain open to usual traffic.

The scheme is already in place in several areas of the city, but will now be rolled out to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements (districts) – those which comprise the city’s centre north of the Seine river.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said: “This measure, eagerly awaited by the inhabitants, is the fruit of an important partnership between the prefecture of police, mayors of the districts and neighbourhood associations.”

66 Recruitment

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

WITH THE

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Wednesday October 17 | 2018

CODEWORD 4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

C

F

A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 23

24

15

23 24

25

F

4

15

17

C C

10 14

9 22

17

9

9

25

10

10

21

23

14

21

17

20

3

23

7

1 7

15

24

20

17

9

6

20

17

C C

20

15

17 24

C

4

15

25

1

26

15

3

25

13

23

9

18

15

12

25

7

14

19

5

24 14

7

11

17

25

C

21

19

10

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9

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14

9

7

25

16

20

6

9 16

17

C

9

20

23

6 3

8 7 5 7

6

9 20

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.

8 3

5 2

Codeword:

4 2 9 4 1 8

5 7

4 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.

23

3 14

5 3

2 9

1

18

10

9

20

25

24 24

7

20

2

13

6

20

8 13

15 14

3 10

C

3

2

1 9

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★✩✩

2

6

7 1

9

6 5 2 8 6

3

1 6 3

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

1

69

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★✩

CLASSIFIEDS

Life&Times

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

P F T R I L B E A C A L M C I N T H I N G Q U O T U V OO D O R I MU E S L M C

P Y L O N E

J B L A I RWA K I Z A L E X I R L T E L L Y C A I H L O T A N G E L R O R I C E T I P N I MO U L D C E T Y

Y S

S D Y

Sudoku:

2 1 3 8 7 5 4 6 9

7 6 8 4 9 1 3 2 5

9 4 5 3 2 6 1 7 8

1 3 6 9 4 2 5 8 7

8 5 9 6 3 7 2 1 4

4 7 2 5 1 8 6 9 3

6 9 4 1 8 3 7 5 2

9 5 1 2 6 8 7 4 3

3 6 2 7 9 5 8 1 4

7 1 8 4 5 2 9 3 6

3 2 1 7 5 9 8 4 6

5 8 7 2 6 4 9 3 1

Jigsaw Sudoku:

6 7 5 9 3 4 2 8 1

1 4 7 8 2 6 3 5 9

2 9 6 3 4 1 5 7 8

8 3 4 5 7 9 1 6 2

5 8 9 6 1 3 4 2 7

4 2 3 1 8 7 6 9 5

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Please send sports stories to: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

World para sailing gold after Bewl trial Will had raced at Bewl Water as a young sailor and the Mariners of Bewl charity offered their help and support. Richard Hay said: “Although the Mariners of Bewl does not own a Venture Connect, one of our long standing members, Tim Scott, who is quadriplegic, does own such a boat, and so I put Tim and Will’s dad Andrew in touch with each other.

“A few days later, thanks to Tim’s generosity, Will and Jonny were out on Bewl Water familarising themselves with the boat and making minor tweeks to it so that it was as close as possible to the specification of the boats that were being provided for the World Championships.

“They continued to practice on Bewl Water until a few days before flying out to Sheboygan for the big event and their opportunity to beat top and Olympic sailors from around the world.”

WINNING COMBINATION Will Street and Jonny Currell

SAILING: BRITAIN’S Will Street and Jonny Currell cruised to victory at the Para Sailing World Championships at Sheboygan in the United States after learning how to use their boat at Bewl Water.

After five days of stiff competition the British pair won gold in the RS Venture Connect final – their first major trophy.

At the age of 12, Will was diagnosed with Freidriechs Ataxia,

an incurable degenerative genetic disorder which affects his nerves and muscle control.

Jonny was diagnosed with cancer when he was 11 and had his femur and knee replaced. Both were already keen sailors and vowed to stay on the water.

With the championships featuring a new two-person RS Venture, Will, 26, and Jonny, 22, needed to find a boat to train in ahead of the event.

In the final they were up against British Paralympians Hannah Stodel and Alexandra Rickham in the winner-takes-all race, as well as crews from Spain and Canada.

Soon Street and Currell hit the first mark and were forced to do a 360-degree penalty turn, dropping to the back of the pack.

Despite inconsistent winds they found some breeze and managing to claw their way back into contention before going on to win.

Currell said: “We had an issue, we did hit mark one and we had to spin. We were last after that. We had a lot of catching up to do but we kept cool and sailed fast.

Street added: “It wasn’t easy. We only sailed the boat a few weeks before this event so there was so much learning.

“In that last race we implemented everything we learnt to win.”

To find out more Mariners of Bewl visit mariners-of-bewl.org.uk

Battling TJs denied by last kick of the game

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

RUGBY: BARNES showed great determination to achieve a narrow victory in National Two South as Tonbridge Juddians were thwarted by a last-minute penalty.

The London side had come up as champions of the London and South East Premier last season and a victory in their first match had been followed by a series of tight losses so they were desperate for a win.

Will Robinson slotted an early penalty for TJs and then added a second after Barnes had responded with a kick of their own.

Then the visitors took the lead though with a quick tap, chip and run by their elusive scrum-half for an unconverted try, so Barnes went in 8-6 ahead at the break.

The second half started a little shakily for TJs with a dropped pass and loss of territory. But somewhat against the run of play, they stole the ball at the ruck and a long Robinson pass reached Murray

Galbraith-Lowe on the right wing.

From the halfway line his strength took him through several tackles and he touched down under the posts. Robinson converted and TJs were back in the lead.

Barnes hit back and levelled the scores though with a try from a lineout drive but again they could not convert, so it was 13-13 and very much nip and tuck.

TJs then produced their best spell of play in the game. The home side were holding on to their passes and they found greater determination.

The reward for this improvement was a move from one side of the field to the other until, popping up this time on the left wing, GalbraithLowe crossed for his second try.

Even better was the fact that Robinson’s kick from the touchline hit the mark and the home side stretched their lead to seven points.

There were still 25 minutes to go and TJs would have to maintain that level of spirit and energy if they were to keep their noses in front.

Billings hails Kent’s ‘special cameraderie’ in season of success

By Andy Tong CRICKET: KENT captain Sam Billings hailed his side’s achievement in securing promotion in the County Championship as a ‘monumental effort’.

Billings, who was born in Tunbridge Wells and played for Hartley in the Kent League, took over the reins following the departure of Sam Northeast to Hampshire.

In his first season in charge he led the squad to their first promotion to the top flight in 11 years, a Lord’s final in the Royal London Cup and a Twenty20 Blast quarter-final.

Kent missed out on the Despite missing out on the Division Two title after succumbing to an innings defeat by Warwickshire in a winner-takesall last game of the season.

But they notched up 10 wins – the most by any team in the division and equal only with Surrey, the overall county champions.

“Winning promotion has been a monumental effort from everyone within the club,” said Billings. “It’s been a squad effort, a lot of guys playing for each other and everyone within the club, on the field and off it, all moving in the same direction.”

Inspirational

Tonbridge Juddians 20 Barnes 21

By Adam Hookway

Wednesday October 17 | 2018

DOUBLE TROUBLE Murray GalbraithLowe scored twice for TJs They thwarted Barnes at every turn but could not break out of their own half. Eventually the dam burst, Truman Sullivan was yellow-carded and Barnes scored an unconverted try to make it 20-18 with seven minutes left.

The siege continued and TJs were penalised once again at the scrum.

With the last kick of the match the

Barnes No 9 converted a penalty to give the visitors a deserved win.

Fifth-placed TJs head to league leaders The Rams in Reading on Saturday [October 20, kick-off 3pm].

TJs’ Pink Ladies nearly upset the apple cart with a 38-31 loss at Canterbury. They led 17-12 at one point, slipped back to 17-31 and then rallied before just missing out.

The successful season came after major upheavals at the club – and not just the departure of the highly rated Northeast.

Legendary South African paceman Allan Donald finally arrived as Assistant Head Coach after overcoming work permit issues.

Ben Green took over as chief executive following the departure of Jamie Clifford and former Kent wicketkeeper and England managing director Paul Downton was appointed director of cricket.

The recruitment of Heino Kuhn, the South Africa batsman, as their Kolpak signing and Matt Henry, the New Zealand fast bowler, as overseas player were to prove inspirational.

Henry was leading wicket-taker in the country in the four-day game with 75 scalps at an average of just 15.48. Kuhn was similarly dominant in the 50-over format with 696 runs, averaging 87.

“The team camaraderie has been nothing like I’ve experienced at Kent before,” added Billings.

“It’s been very special and shows how far we’ve come as a club in general.

It’s not just been one bloke performing, it’s been a case of everyone chipping in. A fantastic squad effort.”

It was a season to remember too for Joe Denly, who as acting captain led the side to crucial early championship wins while Billings was playing in the Indian Premier League.

The top-order batsman and leg-spinner was the Professional Cricketers’ Association’s Players’ Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.

He was called up for England’s tour to Sri Lanka and hopes to make his Test debut next month.

Team Grand Max blow rivals away in high winds

By Phil Daley and Howard McKenzie FISHING: BEWL WATER’S 40th fishing season has been enjoyed by many anglers despite some very challenging conditions due to the hot, still summer.

Despite this the water level stayed at over 70 per cent, which is well above average for this time of year.

The water temperature has cooled in recent weeks, which has seen the sport pick up for any method and fly anglers, with fish being caught in all areas, particularly Rosemary Lane and Chingley woods.

Bewl hosted the annual Bewl Bridge Fly Fishers’ Grand Max

event last month with 65 anglers taking part in high winds.

This led to a mix of results, with Team Grand Max winning with a total weight of 28lb 14oz. The largest fish was 3lb, caught by Harry Fox from Walthamstow Fly Fishers.

The competitors enjoyed three meals throughout the day in The Boat House Bistro, offering them respite from the wind.

Bewl Water has extended the predator fishing season this year with permits available for pike and perch from 1st November 1 to January 31.

For more information, prices and rules visit bewlwater.co.uk/fishing

PACE ACE: Matt Henry was the leading wickettaker in the country

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Wells Men up and running after knocking Winchester off stride Tunbridge Wells Men 3 Winchester 1

By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: WINCHESTER arrived at Tonbridge School with a 100 per cent record in the South Premier League Division One, but Tunbridge Wells produced an impressive performance to inflict their first defeat.

After a strong start and increasing pressure, Wells forced the first penalty corner of the game which Harry Roberts converted expertly.

The visitors rallied and increased the pressure on the Wells defence, which held strong until a bouncing pass managed to sneak through and

PITCH PERFECT Wells turn on the style at Tonbridge School

was tapped in at the back post.

After several close calls at either end, the sides went into half-time on level terms.

In the second half, Wells increased their intensity and after 20 minutes Ben Allberry calmly finished a flowing move with a reverse stick rocket, following an excellent ball into the circle from Russell Self.

Wells diligently held their ground and finished the game strongly, extending their lead with a thunderbolt from Self with only a few seconds left on the clock.

After a tough start following their promotion, the result and performance will help to kickstart Wells’ season.

They now face a trip to last year’s bogey team Banbury on Saturday [October 20, 12.30pm start].

Angels denied by late winner after injury to keeper Henly

Ladies show quality in battle with Ashford

Tonbridge Angels 1 Bognor Regis Town 2

Ashford 3 Tunbridge Wells Ladies 2

FOOTBALL: IT WAS first hosting third on Non-League Day at Longmead in front of a large crowd of more than 800, and the attacking football on display showed both sides are likely to be involved in the end-of-season shake-up.

But there was concern at the end as the Angels goalkeeper Jonny Henly had to receive lengthy treatment and was taken off on a stretcher after he was the victim of a crude foul.

Almost straight from the kick-off the hosts took the initiative with decent chances falling to Adem Ramadan and Jared Small.

But the visitors were quick to react, Mason Walsh going close with a header in the seventh minute, followed by a Bradley Lethbridge effort a minute later.

Tommy Whitnell should have done better for the home side when he was presented with the ball following a short Bognor back pass.

After 20 minutes the best chance of the early exchanges fell to Rocks skipper Harvey Whyte but he was blocked by Whitnell.

Despite some good Bognor possession, suddenly the Angels gave their supporters something to cheer on the half-hour when Joe Turner’s excellent cross from the right saw the onrushing Alex Read

just screw his shot wide.

Then Bognor’s goalkeeper Daniel Lincoln went walkabout, allowing Jared Small to fire in a shot on the angle but his effort went inches wide of an empty net.

The high quality continued after the break with chances falling for Lethbridge for the visitors and James Folkes for the Angels inside the opening minutes of the half.

HOCKEY: DESPITE the hot weather and slipping to defeat at Ashford, the Tunbridge Wells team worked hard for each other in a match that proved a fine spectacle in East Region Division One South.

Early misjudgements by the visitors allowed the home side to open up a two-goal lead.

But Wells used their set-play moves well to create opportunities too.

This culminated in Harriet Alexander making an excellent run along the baseline to allow Becky Bradbury to score.

Then the visitors levelled the scores from a deflected short corner.

Gift Eventually something had to give, although it was something of a gift for Bognor when Tonbridge defender Sonny Miles seemed to slow down and presented Lethbridge with a straightforward chance to put Bognor ahead after 51 minutes.

The Angels were certainly in no mood to give up the fight and started to come much more into the game, putting the Bognor defence under some pressure.

The equaliser was coming and in the 67th minute Ramadan combined with Turner to set up Read, who fired his shot accurately past Lincoln.

There followed a long stoppage following an ugly foul on the Angels keeper Jonny Henly, after which Walsh fired a 25-yard daisy cutter past substitute keeper Stewart Copeland in the 90th

Fighting

PHOTO: David Couldridge

By James Rowe

Ashford, however, came out fighting at the start of the second period and managed to restore their lead from a short corner.

For all Wells’ efforts they could not find the all-important third goal, and they were indebted to their goalkeeper Ali Playle, who saved a penalty stroke.

Wells now host Upminster at Kent College on Saturday [October 20, 1pm start].

SHARP SHOOTER Alex Read (right) was on target again for the Angels minute to secure the three points for Bognor.

Angels manager Steve McKimm said afterwards: “I thought we were a bit tentative in the first half with one of two players hiding but in the second half we played much more to our potential.”

Tonbridge remain on top of the Bostik League Premier by a point from Worthing with Bognor another point further back.

So it’s tight at the top of the Bostik League Premier as the Angels travel to Hornchurch on Saturday [October 20, kick-off 3pm].

Robinson’s coastal rescue as Rusthall put up a fight Newhaven 2 Rusthall 1

By Joe Croker FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL bowed out of the FA Vase down on the coast but proved a match for the in-form Southern Combination side, who had won their previous match 10-0.

Neither team had a shot on goal during the first 45 minutes, although there were goalmouth scrambles at either end.

Steve Camacho impressed with his

skill and work-rate for Rusthall, and he set up the best chance of first half.

He robbed a defender of the ball and under pressure reached the byline and crossed past the goalkeeper and across an empty goal but there was no one in the box to convert.

Soon after the interval John Phillips headed narrowly wide for the visitors from a corner, which seemed to make Newhaven increase their efforts.

Joe Cullip in the Rusthall goal had

to make an outstanding save from Lee Robinson and then the subsequent corner was cleared off of the line.

Options In the 65th minute the home side finally broke the deadlock.

Tristan Jarvis got behind the Rusthall defence and his cross was finished by Robinson.

The Rustics kept battling but Newhaven’s lead was doubled in the

72nd minute when Ebou Jallow played Robinson in. He faked a return pass but went alone and scored with his left foot.

This prompted Rusthall to bring attacking options off the bench.

Sam Murray went on a solo run into the Newhaven box and was awarded a penalty when he was pulled back.

Ed Sharman scored from the spot to claw a goal back for the visitors.

Rusthall are now travelling to Croydon in the Kent Senior Trophy on Saturday [October 20, kick-off 3pm].