Times of Tonbridge 19th December 2018

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

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FAKE BEARD NEWS Santas take on Penguins in the Ho Ho Hospice Rumble 5K race at The Schools at Somerhill on Sunday, to raise money for Hospice in the Weald.

See page 14

Christmas comes early this year as inspector’s report saves conker tree

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE conker tree on River Lawn which was the focus of a remarkable protest will not be cut down after inspectors said it could be rescued.

The news brought jubilation to campaigners who staged a week-long vigil around – and in the branches of – the horse chestnut to save it from the axe.

The mature tree had been scheduled for removal as part of plans to build a new medical centre on the site of the old Teen and Twenty Club.

The tree had been diagnosed as suffering from bleeding canker when the planning application was approved by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council.

It is growing on the designated boundary of the new building and the council decided it should be felled to avoid interfering with the foundations and threatening health and safety.

‘We have won a victory for common sense and we look forward to the challenges ahead’ But the resulting outcry brought nationwide publicity for the campaign and a petition with more than 2,000 signatures called on the developers Assura to keep the tree.

The company met the Keep River Lawn Green [KRLG]

campaigners and agreed to call in a highly respected arboriculturalist to carry out an in-depth survey of the root system and general vitality of the tree.

The Essex-based inspectors Sharon Hosegood Associates published its findings on Monday [December 17], saying: “It is highly likely that the tree can be retained with care.

“It will need to be sensitively pruned and managed with its new profile,” added Ms Hosegood, who used a ground-penetrating radar to examine under the soil.

“Improving the rooting environment will assist the tree in establishing new roots, boosting the tree’s health and condition, and its resistance to disease. It will also reduce the compaction.”

Continued on page 4

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

THE TRAGEDY OF HMS HYTHE

RIVER LAWN TREE: Continued from page 1 The firm will use a high-pressure soil injector to deliver beneficial nutrients to the root system – if the council, as landowners, grant permission.

KRLG’s chair Mark Hood, who was among those who were strapped to the tree with a harness during the 24/7 vigil, was thrilled by the news.

“Assura have listened to our voices and understood our deep concerns that a much loved tree was going to be lost unnecessarily by our community and we thank them for their change of direction,” he said.

“We are delighted they have taken on board the feelings of residents and thank them for their consideration of the evidence provided by our team of arboricultural and architectural experts.”

KRLG are committed to saving the public green space adjacent to the new medical centre, which the council’s Cabinet voted to sell to developers last year for the provision of apartments.

The half-acre plot adjacent to the High Street has a further eight horse chestnut trees on it.

Important Mr Hood added: “This is a massively important moment for the Keep River Lawn Green campaign.

“We’re still awaiting the result of our application to designate River Lawn as a village green to save all nine mature trees and prevent the loss of the open space there.

“We have also applied for all the footpaths to be registered as Rights of Way. “We’ve won a victory for common sense at this stage and look forward to the challenges ahead.”

Mr Hood paid tribute to those who helped him stage the protest, which saw wellwishers bring them food, warm clothing and sleeping bags.

“Everyone who has signed a petition or collected signatures, stood under a tree or sat in it has played their part and we are very grateful,” he said. “Many thanks for your support, we couldn’t have done this without you.”

COUNCIL SAYS ‘START BUILDING’ Martin Coffin, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Innovation and Property said: “The council hopes that construction of the much needed Medical Centre can progress as soon as possible to deliver these high-quality facilities for the benefit of our community. We look forward to receiving further information in relation to the proposed works to the tree, which we hope to be able to accommodate.”

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

The letter from an eyewitness on HMS Hythe to Sir David Lionel Salomons came to light in 2012, revealing how his only son refused to leave a sinking ship off the coast of Turkey.

“At the beginning, the two vessels clung to each other for a few minutes and about 50 men and several officers scrambled across on to the other vessel,” wrote Major Alfred Ruston.

“But though Captain HEROIC LEADER Salomons was warned Captain Reggie to get over also Salomons himself, he would not do so and I am sure that it was because he would see his beloved men off first.”

UNIFORMLY EXCELLENT Almost every cast member has been a West End lead

War hero musical takes over Abbey Road’s famous studio

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk TWO former Tonbridge pupils have become the first artists to take over the renowned Abbey Road Studio One in London for a musical.

James Beeny and Gina Georgio staged four performances of The Dreamers at the iconic venue this month, with a cast of West End stars.

The show tells the story of a young, inexperienced officer called Reggie in the First World War. On a voyage to the battlefield Reggie, the son of a rich and powerful public figure, faces rebellion from his unit after a bitter conscript called Jack stirs up trouble.

But the two soldiers are thrown together in bravery and comradeship after their ship collides with another craft and sinks.

The narrative is based on the true story of Reggie Salomons, son of Sir David Salomons, who lived at the eponymous estate in Southborough.

The Army captain died when HMS Hythe sunk off the coast of Gallipoli in 1915 after it collided with another troop ship.

A total of 128 men from Southborough and High Brooms, in the 1st/3rd Kent Field Company, lost their lives; 24 of them are named on the Southborough War Memorial.

Ms Georgio, 28, who attended The Judd School, and Mr Beeny, 32, who went to Tonbridge School, both live in Tunbridge Wells. They came across the tale of heroism and tragedy by chance.

Mr Beeny said: “We both wanted to write about a war hero, so we looked up local stories. That’s how we found out about Reggie Salomons.

“It was quite odd, there was very little information, just one web page really.

“But it was fascinating to read about such a tragic tale and such an incredible man.”

They were playing in a band called the Virgin

DOUBLE ACT James Beeny and Gina Georgio Soldiers in 2014 and were gigging regularly at The Forum in Tunbridge Wells.

But they had always wanted to write a musical together and decided to dedicate themselves to that. “It was a coincidence because we had just played a gig at Salomons Estate,” he said.

The subject matter may seem unusual for a musical but the writers had a different perspective.

‘They told us it was a hard place to break ground and do something new, and we did it’ “Most musicals are lighthearted but I wouldn’t have chosen to be a writer of musicals with dancing and that sort of thing,” said Mr Beeny.

“We’re more interested in serious topics – great music with a story displayed on stage, like Les Miserables or the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The duo had recorded an album at Abbey Road with the Stars Foundation for Cerebral Palsy. All proceeds from The Dreamers go to the charity.

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A barrel of laughs for Lions

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 Runcie Court, David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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Mr Beeny said: “We were looking for a venue so we thought, ‘why not the world’s most famous studio?’ We were stunned when they said we could do so.

“It was the first time in history that they used Studio One as a theatre. They told us it’s a hard place to break ground and do something new, and we did it.”

The creative process was four years in the making. “We put together a group of local singers who we’d met over the years and played concept gigs at the Assembly Hall for four days in 2014.

“It was a chance for us to see what we wanted to do with it. Then we were asked to take it up to the St James theatre in London.”

To take it to the next level, they recruited established stars in the capital. “Almost every cast member was a West End lead,” said Mr Beeny.

“We just approached them and they agreed to do it. I think a big factor in that was there aren’t that many opportunities to play a new role, a first, and many of the cast want to go on with it.”

The Dreamers was directed by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy, who had been involved in Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and Phantom of the Opera.

The show was watched by packed audiences of 250, and Mr Beeny described the feeling of seeing their work come to life with such an entourage in such a world famous setting as ‘overwhelming – that’s really the only word for it’.

“We were massively consumed by the stress, but there were numerous occasions when we looked at each other, at the cast and where we were. You let the music wash over you, but I did get tingles more than once.”

So what’s next for the dynamic duo? Ms Georgio said: “We always love to release music with the band but we want to keep in musical theatre.

“We have other potential story lines, and the next one will probably be something fictional.”

First they want to take The Dreamers into the West End. But they have not lost sight of where it all started.

Ms Georgio said: “The story enabled us to really make a personal connection. It makes you wonder, if it had been you and your friends, what would have happened then?”

ORGANISED: (L-R) Lions President Tom Simmons and his wife Vanessa, Cllr Pam Bates and Lion Gordon Hill

THE Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Pam Bates, joined Tonbridge Lions for their traditional barrel organ fundraising in the High Street on Saturday [December 15].

The proceeds, expected to be around £3,000, will provide gifts and Christmas hampers to elderly people in the community.

The Christmas collection started in 1952, when the Lions club had only existed for two years and was just starting to establish its reputation as a charitable service organisation.

Lions members had to drive a van

to Brighton to collect a barrel organ at a cost of ten guineas a week.

After collecting on the street and in pubs, gifts of two hundredweight of coal and two bushels of logs were provided to the elderly.

This year the proceeds will buy 78 food ‘hampers’ for those in need, along with a donation to the Bridge Trust homelessness charity for their Christmas Party.

Lions President Tom Simmons said: “We are delighted with the response this year and send our thanks to the generous people of the town.”

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

New FM radio station could go on air in 2019 NEXT year could see a new local radio station broadcasting across the airwaves of Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Southborough.

Ofcom, the radio regulator, has advertised for applications to run a new FM local community radio station to cover the three towns.

West Kent Radio, including those at Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells, has been formed to make an application.

Christmas rail travel NORMAL train services for Tunbridge Wells will continue throughout the Christmas period until Monday December 24, which will be run on a Saturday timetable, with extra trains put on during peak times.

The last train from London to Tunbridge Wells on Christmas Eve leaves Charing Cross at 9pm. No trains will run on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Next Thursday and Friday, Southeastern is putting on a Saturday service, and trains will run normally throughout the weekend.

Carer steals £21,000 A CARE worker stole £21,646 from an 89-year-old Penshurst woman she was looking after to fund a gambling habit.

Anna Bavenhielm, 62, of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after using the pensioner’s bank cards to make 66 withdrawals at cash machines.

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Mayor’s Toy Appeal breaks 500 barrier for the first time

By Richard Williams THOUSANDS of toys have been donated to this year’s Mayor’s Toy Appeal, meaning hundreds of disadvantaged children will receive a gift from Santa this Christmas.

For the first year in its 29 year history, the number of children to receive gifts from the Mayor’s Toy Appeal has risen to over 500, with each child in the appeal receiving three major presents, as well as some smaller stocking fillers.

Generosity The Mayor’s Toy Appeal encourages residents to buy toys for children and teenagers, which can be donated at various drop-off points around the borough. From there, Toy Appeal volunteers take them to their base at the Big Yellow Self Storage centre in Longfield Road for sorting before delivery.

The campaign, fronted by Mayor Len Horwood, started in early November and has seen thousands of toys donated.

“I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people in response to the Mayor’s Toy Appeal. In particular, I have been delighted to receive donations from so many children who have wanted to make Christmas better for children less fortunate than themselves,” Cllr Len Horwood told the Times earlier this week.

He went on to thank Royal Victoria Place and Big Yellow Storage for their help, as well as toy appeal organiser, Karen Collins.

“There have been thousands of toys donated this year – far too many to count,” said Mrs Collins.

“We now have 520 children, so year on year it continues to get bigger and bigger.”

The appeal has now closed for the year.

Street is turned into giant advent calendar RESIDENTS in Tunbridge Wells have taken the idea of an Advent calendar and turned their street into one.

From the beginning of December, residents of Silverdale Road, have been decorating their front windows with festive displays featuring successive numbers, counting the days until Christmas.

The idea was the brainchild of resident Hannah Partridge, 29, who came up with the idea following a visit to Bristol, where she had seen a

VICTIMS of crime can now report offences to Kent Police via a ‘live chat’ facility installed on the Force’s website.

The service, which gives users the opportunity to speak to a call handler online is affording the public another way of communicating with the police.

Spokesman for Kent Police said somebody that has already used the facility was a domestic violence victim whose abusive partner had taken her phone.

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN FAMILY BOWLING PASSES WORTH £700 OVERWHELMED: Mayor Len Horwood with Father Christmas and volunteers of the Mayor’s Toy Appeal

similar thing done by local residents there.

She said: “I sent flyers around the street asking if anybody would like to get involved, and within two days we had 24.”

She said while the street is friendly and community-minded, she was ‘overwhelmed’ with the response.

“Everybody has really got into the festive spirit. It looks great at night,” added the trainee orthodontist.

Busiest year for foodbank

By William Mata

Police install live chat

See page 17 for details

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THE spirit of giving has not been forgotten by the people of Tunbridge Wells, says the town’s foodbank, which has reported its busiest year to date.

Nourish Community Foodbank has doubled its storage area as the number of people needing their support increased during 2018. It is expected up to 150 families will be needing their help this Christmas.

“The support this year has been wonderful,” said Dawn Stanford, Operations Manager of Nourish Community Foodbank. “The community contributions through this last year and the many events we have been invited to along with their own fundraising campaigns that have donated to us have been amazing.”

She said they are now working with over 115 front line agencies to deliver support to Tunbridge Wells’ families who are struggling

financially.

“From the feedback we get from clients, I know that what Nourish gives is so much more than a food bag, it’s a lifeline, a hug, an act of kindness from a stranger when you feel like there is no way up.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the generous support we receive and our wonderful team of volunteers.”

She said the charity hopes to increase its youth involvement in 2019 following a number of sessions for under 18s who are passionate about helping their local community.

“Tunbridge Wells was recently voted the ninth happiest place to live in the UK and one of the main reasons cited was community spirit,” she said.

“We, at Nourish are not surprised by this as Tunbridge Wells so often steps up to look after its most vulnerable neighbours and has a thriving volunteering community.”

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Kent revealed as one of worst counties in the UK for burglaries MORE burglaries were committed in Kent in one month than almost any other county, research has shown.

Housing agents Sellhousefast analysed police data to show only five police forces dealt with more cases than Kent Police in September.

In one month, 1,018 burglaries were recorded, which compares to the 131 incidents recorded for Dyfed-Powys Police which finished 41 and lowest for all UK forces studied.

Kent Police said this was a rise which they put down to their own improvements.

Superintendent Mike Worrall said: “Improved crime recording techniques and greater confidence among victims has led to an increase.

Awareness “It is important to remember there are more than 750,000 homes in Kent and compared to the number of offences reported, the risk of becoming a victim is extremely low.

“According to the official Home Office statistics for the year ending June 2018, the rate of burglaries reported to Kent Police per 1,000 of the population was below the national average and comparable with other forces of a similar size.”

Greater Manchester had 2,450 incidents, which translates to more than 80 burglaries every day.

As to how the police are looking to tackle burglary Mr Worrall continued: “Raising awareness of crime prevention techniques is key to tackling burglary.

“We are always keen to remind people of the steps they can take to protect their homes from opportunistic thieves, especially during the winter months when the nights are longer.”

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

Council to backtrack on Camden Centre ‘eye-watering’ hire charge

By Richard Williams FOLLOWING their climbdown over youth football pitch booking fees, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has made another U-Turn this time over the cost of hiring space at the Camden Centre.

The council had planned to move a number of people who hire the community centre – including fitness instructors and adult learning teachers – onto a new commercial rate.

‘Following feedback from users, we will maintain all current users on the published community rate for 2019-20’ The move could have seen increases ranging from 56 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on the room and time of hire.

“The increase in fees from the community rate to the commercial rate are eyewatering,” said Councillor Ben Chapelard, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The new charges were set to be implemented on April 1 2019, but the council has since back-tracked and insisted that existing users of the centre will now pay a revised community rate.

A council spokesman said: “Following

feedback from users, we will maintain all current users on the published community rate for 2019-20. This means the majority of users will be paying an extra £1.50 an hour.”

The Liberal Democrats accused the council of a “short-sighted dash for cash” to put money aside for its £94m new town hall complex, a charge denied by the council.

The council spokesman said: “Contrary to popular belief it [The Camden Centre] runs at a loss as the council has to pay for business rates, utilities, staff and maintenance.”

Indeed, council figures show that the cost of running the centre exceeds its current income of £94,500 by £24,900.

The spokesman added that new revised community rates were agreed in November and that the council were trying to move commercial users away from the community rate, to strike a better balance between the centre’s users and taxpayers who subsidise it.

“We have listened to users and will be allowing all users to remain on a reduced community rate,” said Conservative Councillor Jane March.

The U-Turn is the second in two weeks. The council recently backed down on plans to charge £25 extra per hour for the hire of youth football pitches following protests.

CAMDEN CENTRE Council to think again on rates

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

FATHER CHRISTMAS: Takes time out after a busy week at Calverley Grounds where he has been listening to local children’s Christmas wishes.

There’s nothing quite like a school nativity to get pupils, parents and staff into the seasonal spirit. Here are a few of our festive favourites which took place in our primaries…

ROSE HILL PREP SCHOOL Two performances of ‘A King is Born’ (Later Years) and ‘A Little Bird Told Me’ (Early Years) were put on at Rose Hill Prep School. “All of the children worked so hard on learning their lines and the words to all the songs. We are very proud of them, well done,” said a school spokesperson.

HILDEN GRANGE PRE-PREP SCHOOL The children from Hilden Grange’s Pre-Prep delighted parents and grandparents with two sparkling performances of ‘Are We nearly There Yet?’ They started rehearsing their lines, dance moves and songs just after half-term in October. A school spokesperson told the Times: “It is so important for children to practise speaking to an audience and building their confidence with presenting at an early age and performing a fun nativity is one of many good opportunities to do this.”

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

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ST AUGUSTINE’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL Pupils at St Augustine’s put on a performance of Prickly Hay by Mary Cliff and Kelly Fort which was full of great songs and dancing. Mrs Fiona Oubridge, KS1 and RE Leader, who co-ordinated the nativity said: “It is always a lovely time of year where the children remember the story of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas and share what they have learnt in class with their families.”

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ST JAMES INFANT AND JUNIOR SCHOOLS “Our nativity was based around the term’s topic of Superheroes,” Miss Debbie Johnson, St James’ Head of School told the Times. “It is so important for children to take part in performances like this as it builds their confidence and gives them a combined sense of pride.”

ST JOHN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL Reception and Year 1 children at St John’s Church of England Primary School treated parents, children and staff to two fantastic performances of their nativity play ‘It’s a Baby’.

“Taking part in performances like this provides a wonderful opportunity for children to develop confidence, resilience and teamwork, as well as being an awful lot of fun,” commented Deputy Head Jenny Stiff.

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Skills gap fears for south east

NEWS IN BRIEF

Kent entrepreneur wins an everywoman award

BUSINESSES in the south east expect to see an increase in the number of higher-skilled jobs in the coming years, but business leaders fear a skills gap to fill these roles.

In its regional analysis of the 2018 CBI/Pearson Education & Skills Survey ‘Educating for the Modern World’, Pearson Business School found that 85.2 per cent of businesses in the region expect to increase the number of higher-skilled roles over the coming years.

However, 60 per cent of businesses fear that there will be a lack of sufficiently skilled people to fill these vacancies, despite a third of employers in the south east reporting a rise in graduate recruiting.

A SEVENOAKS businesswoman has won the 2018 NatWest everywoman award for the most inspirational woman running a business for over ten years.

Keely Deininger, owner of childrenswear company Angel’s Face, scooped The Hera Award for building a multi-million pound company despite leaving school with just two O levels and battling dyslexia.

Female chair for GACC CAMPAIGN group GACC (Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign) has appointed its first female Chair in its 60-year history.

Lisa Morris will take over from Brendon Sewill, who has been appointed the new President of the campaign group, which hopes to prevent Gatwick from expanding its current environmental footprint.

Microbusinesses rule THE creative industry is dominated by microbusinesses – those that employ fewer than ten people – a new report by the Creative Industries Federation has found.

Tom Chown, whose Tunbridge Wells video content agency, Digitom, features in the report, said more than 95 per cent of the industry is dominated by microbusinesses because they ‘reflect the dynamic, lean nature of much of the creative industry’.

New tax team partner SIMON MITCHELL, who has over 20 years’ experience in wills, tax and estate planning, has joined south-east law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore to boost its Tax Planning Team.

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

HELP FOR THE HOMELESS: Hotel du Vin staff with donations to their appeal

Hotel wakes up to a Big Sleep Award A BOUTIQUE hotel in Tunbridge Wells has won its fifth award in just two years.

The Hotel du Vin, in Crescent Road, scooped Kent Tourism’s Big Sleep Award – a prize for large accommodation providers.

This latest accolade comes only a couple of weeks after the hotel, which has been through an extensive refurbishment programme over the past few years, was named Best Luxury Hotel, Western Kent, by LUX magazine.

It was also named the Best Country Wedding Venue in the Global Wedding Awards, and the Luxury Travel Guide Hotel Restaurant of the Year, Tunbridge Wells, in 2017.

“This brings our award tally to five over the last two years, which is an amazing achievement, especially given the size of the competition,” said the hotel’s General Manager, James McComas.

“It’s testimony to the hard work put in by all our staff, both front of house and behind the scenes, to create such memorable experiences for our guests and diners in the beautiful surroundings of our Grade II listed mansion.” n Hotel du Vin supports homeless charity The Bridge Trust and Children in Need, and has donated more than 200 items of warm weather clothing to homeless people, including jumpers, coats and sleeping bags, following an appeal on social media.

Investment The report also showed a drop in the number of businesses hiring apprentices in the region following the government’s introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy.

John Cope, Head of Education and Skills Policy at the CBI, said: “This year’s survey shows the scale of the challenge to address skills gaps in the south east and the UK, with businesses deeply worried that there aren’t enough sufficiently skilled people to fill vacancies, especially at the higher end.

“Yet there’s room for optimism. The vast majority of firms expect to maintain or even increase their investment in staff training, as well as increase the number of higher-skilled roles over the coming years.

“This is the first time since 2014 that these numbers have been so positive.

“Government, employers, the education sector and the CBI need to work together in the south east to harness the positive role companies play in supporting schools and colleges.”

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

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BUSINESS

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EU debate blamed for lingering Businesses are unprepared for uncertainty over council funds digital VAT

By William Mata

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ONGOING Brexit negotiations mean a decision on whether Tunbridge Wells borough taxpayers will need to pay £606,000 to meet a funding gap has been postponed.

William Benson, the council’s Chief Executive, wrote on Twitter: “I’m honestly kicking myself for believing we would get details of next year’s funding when promised.

“I know Brexit’s important, but so is knowing what resources we have to deliver our services next year enabling us to plan how to deliver them.”

After eight years of steadily reducing the borough council’s revenue support grant [RSG] to zero in 2018/19, the Department for Local Government was not proposing to stop there.

Councillor David Reilly, Portfolio Holder for Finance, said: “We were told we could be in a position where we could actually be paying the government to the tune of £606,000 [for 2019/20].

“That was resulting in council tax payer’s money from this borough being paid to central government. It is complete and utter nonsense.”

Lee Colyer, the council’s Director of Finance, said he had been lobbying for the government to change its mind.

And things looked up when the department issued a consultation document, which said their preferred method is to ‘do away’ with this negative revenue support grant.

Mr Colyer was hoping the government’s Provisional Local Government Settlement 2019/20 would confirm this on Friday, December 6.

However, in a Cabinet meeting the same day, he told members: “The government has announced

A POLL of south-based finance directors has revealed that four in ten believe their businesses are unprepared for new digital VAT rules that come into force next April.

The survey of 640 finance directors, carried out by audit, tax and consulting firm RSM, found that 43 per cent of respondents in the region said they were either somewhat or very unprepared for the new Making Tax Digital for VAT rules, with only 7 per cent describing themselves as very prepared.

Ambitious THE CABINET Where council decisions are made RED ALERT How the council’s finances could look if the negative grant is not overturned

£1,000,000 £800,000 £600,000 £400,000 £200,000 £0 -£200,000

2019/20 2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

-£400,000 -£600,000

that settlement will be delayed indefinitely while Parliament deals with Brexit.”

James Brokenshire, Secretary of State for Local Government, confirmed as much in a statement.

Council members reacted to the news in frustration, and that was when the Chief Executive took

to Twitter to make his comments.

Mr Brokenshire’s statement did not say when the announcement could now be expected.

Securing the reversal of policy is key to the council’s 2019/20 budget.

Mr Colyer added: “Provided the £606,000 of negative revenue support grant is removed, as now proposed, the draft budget still has a funding gap of £76,000.”

And council documents state: “This funding gap of £76,000 is an improvement [being £21,000 less severe] than the previously reported projection.

“However, if left unmanaged this would produce a combined deficit of £1.2million by 2023/24, which would need to be funded from new income or further efficiencies.”

The draft budget is set to go out to consultation and, if approved, could be enforced from April.

Making Tax Digital is the government’s ambitious plan to bring the UK’s tax system into the 21st century by transforming the way taxpayers interact with HMRC [Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs].

With only a few exemptions, VAT-registered businesses trading over the VAT threshold of £85,000 will be required to keep records in a digital format and be able to transfer that information to HMRC using compatible software.

While HMRC has indicated that there will be a ‘soft landing’ period between April 2019 and April 2020 for ‘non-complex’ organisations, Philip Munn, VAT partner at RSM, said it was ‘concerning’ that so many businesses are not ready yet.

“There are still some people who believe that Making Tax Digital has been shelved amid uncertainty surrounding the Brexit outcome, but this isn’t the case,” he said. “The only delay has been for more complex organisations, who will have an additional six months to get ready.

“For everyone else, 1 April 2019 still applies.”

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

Peace, goodwill – and a good old rumble Wheelers launch cyclo-cross at bespoke course

THE third Ho Ho Hospice Rumble fancy dress fun run took place at The Schools at Somerhill in Tonbridge on Sunday [December 16] in aid of Hospice in the Weald.

More than 400 Santas and Penguins raced against each other on the 5K course, with one flappy fish-eater winning in a time of 17 minutes.

Event Organiser Michelle Winstone said: “The event was once again an huge success. It was fantastic to see so many people supporting the Hospice and having fun at the same time.

“A huge Ho Ho thank you goes to our sponsors Fidelity for their ongoing support in making the day possible, plus The Schools at Somerhill for being our fantastic hosts and COOK for donating the delicious mince pies that everyone enjoyed.”

THE Southborough & District Wheelers will be holding their first cyclo-cross event in the grounds of The Schools at Somerhill in Tonbridge on Saturday [December 22].

The event will form part of the London League Cyclo-Cross race series. More than 300 riders, from novices to experts across all age categories from age six to over 60 will be taking part, with a large crowd expected to be cheering them on.

Climb

Leeann, a Santa from Sevenoaks, said: “I am so pleased to have taken part in the Ho Ho Hospice Rumble this year. I am not a natural runner but found the day very enjoyable and rewarding.

“It was lovely to take part in such a well organised family event and to know that I was raising money for the Hospice and the important work they do.”

The money raised goes towards the £7million needed to fund hospice services for terminally ill patients, their families and carers, and help the team to spread a little festive joy.

PHOTOS: Rose Bainbridge

Rewarding

SACK RACE Santas and penguins battle it out at Somerhill

The course was designed with help from local British elite cyclo-cross champions Ben and Dan Tullett. It features several tricky off-camber sections, a fast-flowing descent and a tough climb culminating in ‘Tullett’s Turret’, the Schools at Somerhill’s steepest ramp.

Bruce Sandell, the Wheelers’ race director, said: “We’re looking forward to showing riders around this beautiful venue, and we have some great surprises planned too.

“We have a course that we are all really proud of and we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone for what will be a really great Christmas themed cyclo-cross race.”

Sacred Hearts beating faster after first race PUPILS, parents and members of staff from the Beechwood Sacred Heart community combined to take on the rigours of the Crowborough 5K and 10K runs in aid of the Tunbridge Wells school’s chosen charities.

A total of 19 runners raised more than £300 for Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex, Childline and CAFOD [the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development].

Lucinda Coakley, the school’s registrar, said: “For many it was the first time attempting these distances – and a massive effort on one of the toughest road races in the area. Palesgate Lane was certainly a challenge for all!

“Thinking about how we could raise money for the school charities, our teacher Rebecca Smith managed to convince the team to run.

“We are incredibly proud of the whole Beechwood team and it was a fantastically well organised event.”

ON YOUR MARKS: The Beechwood Sacred Heart School running group gather at the starting line

PAT and her dog Winnie entered into the festive spirit as Rosewell House Extra Care Housing Scheme hosted an ugly Christmas jumper party for residents on Tudeley Lane in Tonbridge.

Jackie Little, Housing Officer at Rosewell House, said: “Since opening our doors in June, we have developed a wonderful community here.

“It’s great the social atmosphere is so successful here. That is what extra care housing is all about, building a community and reducing loneliness.”

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

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Community News

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15

From Willy Wonka to Banksy, Wonder Lights is illuminating SIXTY households took part in this year’s Wonder Lights community art event, in which houses across the St John’s area of Tunbridge Wells decorated their front windows in festive fashion.

The event, which was being held for the second time, saw local residents touring the streets to look at all the creative displays.

Entries included animals, monsters, Willy Wonka, Banksy and a striking 1914-18 tableau commemorating the centenary of the end of the First World War. The organiser, Mat Waugh, paid tribute to the creativity on show, saying: “The effort was outstanding. Hopwood Gardens was a particular highlight for me with a Wishing Tree festooned

with some quite moving hopes.

“A two-storey giraffe on Stephens Road caught my eye, too.

“It was brilliant to see so many neighbours, new and old, out enjoying the event.”

Magical Kate Sharpe, a Scout Leader from East Cliff Road, said: “It was great fun. Picking our Scouts theme was the easy bit. The whole family got involved in setting up the lights.

“We loved finding houses on the map and discovering the different displays. We’ll definitely be taking part next year.”

Children’s illustrator Hannah Shewan-Friend,

who lives in Liptraps Lane, added: “I came across Wonder Lights online and thought it was an excellent idea to bring art into the local community.

“This was my first Wonder Lights event and I went with the dark and spooky theme of the magical workings of the world of Inky Babble.”

Mat, who is also a children’s author, hopes the idea could become a regular annual show.

“We had more people taking part from a wider area this year, with more visitors, too,” he said.

“I think people like it because it’s easy, noncommercial and full of surprises, and that is something that I hope will appeal every year.”

You can watch a video of this year’s event by searching for Wonder Lights 2018 at youtube.com

WINDOW ON THE WORLD A two-storey giraffe (above) and a First World War tableau (right)

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT Doris Waugh, Holly Dye, Freya Fletcher and Sassy and Sylvie Phelines at the help yourself bracelet tree in Newcomen Road

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Michelle Obama beats Walliams to books No 1 MICHELLE OBAMA’S memoir Becoming has topped the Christmas book chart for 2018.

The former US first lady fended off competition from David Walliams, whose latest children’s book The Ice Monster was in the running for the festive accolade, as well as fitness coach Joe Wicks’ new vegan guide Lean in 15.

According to Nielsen BookScan – the industry-leading measurement of print book sales – Mrs Obama’s book sold 91,882 copies between December 9-15, the week of sales used by the organisation to compile its bestseller list.

Bags are full of holes YORKSHIRE TEA has apologised after receiving complaints about ‘misbehaving’ biodegradable tea bags.

The plant-based tea bags, which were introduced earlier this year, have been splitting, leading to spoilt cuppas.

The company said: “Some of our tea bags have been misbehaving. If it’s happened to you, we’re really, really sorry.”

16 years of festive gifts A FAMILY were stunned to receive a sack of presents their late neighbour had left for their daughter – for the next 14 years.

The Christmas gifts were brought round to the home of Owen and Caroline Williams in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, by the daughter of their neighbour, Ken Watson.

Mr Williams said the presents would have taken Mr Watson ‘up to our little girl’s 16th Christmas’, since their daughter Cadi is now aged two.

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3,500 troops on call as Cabinet ‘ramps up’ strategy for no-deal THERESA MAY’S Cabinet has agreed to ‘ramp up’ preparations for a no-deal Brexit, 101 days before the UK is due to leave the EU. Ministers agreed to activate all of the Government’s no-deal plans in the hope of preparing the country for if the UK crashes out without agreement on March 29.

They urged businesses to consider implementing their own contingency plans and said households should also make preparations.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson told the House of Commons some 3,500 troops will be ‘held at readiness’ to help with a no-deal Brexit.

And HM Revenue and Customs will provide an updated 100-plus page online advice pack for businesses on possible changes at borders, with emails due to go out later this week to 80,000 of those most likely to be affected.

NEWS

17

Groombridge farmer crushed by bull was aware of safety risk A FARMER in Groombridge was trampled and crushed to death by a bull when he went to feed his cows, an inquest heard.

Steven Sandys was found lying in a field on his farm on August 10.

He was cut, bruised and most of his ribs were broken, East Sussex Coroner’s Court heard yesterday [Tuesday].

Mr Sandys had taken over the running of Pinstraw Farm in the village from his parents and had reared the nine-year-old Aberdeen Angus.

The court heard that the experienced farmer ‘understood’ cattle and was safety-conscious.

The 64-year-old went the enclosure to feed the livestock, which also included eight cattle and their eight calves.

Immediate

Risk Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay warned that unless MPs back Mrs May’s deal when it returns to the Commons in January the default option is for the UK to leave without any arrangement.

“Parliament needs to back the deal because the consequence of not doing so is we risk the default of no-deal, and a responsible Government must prepare for that eventuality,” said Mr Barclay.

“That is what we agreed at Cabinet. That is what we are going to do.”

In a direct plea to the UK’s corporate sector, he said that preparing for no-deal needed to be ‘much more of a priority for businesses up and down the country’.

It is understood that ministers at the weekly session of Cabinet at 10 Downing Street were presented with three options - to continue with the current policy of enacting no-deal plans

National News

GRIN AND BEAR IT: Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay arrives for the Cabinet meeting at No 10 when it became necessary on a case-by-case basis; to move to full implementation of the plans; or to scale back no-deal preparations.

At least 25 ministers spoke before it was agreed to move to full implementation, with no dissenting voices.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, Mrs May’s official spokesman said: “Cabinet agreed that with just over three months until we exit from the European Union we have now reached the point where we need to ramp up preparations.

“This means we will now set in motion the remaining elements of our no-deal plans.”

When he failed to turn up to collect his partner Christine Bartley from the train station she sensed something was wrong.

In a statement read at the hearing, Ms Bartley told how she took a taxi back to the farmhouse and found Mr Sandys lying on the ground with his T-shirt pulled over his head and most of his other clothes missing.

She said: “The bull was in the hedgerow and snorting. I instinctively knew it wasn’t good and I had to leave. It was clear to me it wasn’t safe.”

The animal was shot dead by an police officer.

A post-mortem found Mr Sandys died as a result of massive crush trauma on his chest.

His clothes were later found and had been most likely thrown from him during the incident.

Addressing Ms Bartley, who attended the hearing, coroner Alan Craze said: “If it is any comfort, all of this would have been immediate.”

He ruled the death as an accident.

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NEWS

National/World News

Trump Foundation to close amid claims of ‘wilful self-dealing’ DONALD TRUMP’s charitable foundation has reached a deal to close down amid a legal battle with New York’s attorney general.

Barbara Underwood and the state of New York filed a lawsuit last spring against the President and his children Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric.

Ms Underwood said there had been ‘a shocking pattern of illegality involving the Trump Foundation – including unlawful co-ordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and wilful self-dealing, and much more’.

She continued: “This amounted to the Trump Foundation functioning as little more than a chequebook to serve Mr Trump’s business and political interests.”

Lawyers for the foundation say any infractions were minor and they have been trying to shut down the foundation voluntarily for months.

LORRIES overturned on a ferry sailing in high winds from Larne in Northern Ireland to Cairnryan in Scotland yesterday [Tuesday].

No one is reported to have been injured in the incident at 7.30am, but six vehicles tipped onto their sides, cars were crushed by the impact and some passengers were confined to their vehicles.

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Pochettino’s in the running to replace sacked Mourinho

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ban for banana skin fan over ‘racial element’ A TOTTENHAM fan has been fined and banned from football grounds for four years after throwing a banana skin.

He hurled the peel at the Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a ‘targeted gesture’ with a ‘racial element’.

Averof Panteli from Norwich admitted the deed as a ‘spur of the moment’ action but strongly denied there was any racist intent at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrate Mervyn Mandell said: “We have in the circumstances found the racial element was there.”

THE manager of Tottenham Hotspur, Mauricio Pochettino, has played down rumours linking him with the vacant Manchester United job following the sacking of Jose Mourinho yesterday [Tuesday].

The 55-year-old Portuguese was fired after United made their worst ever start to a Premier League season.

It is reported that former United player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be appointed caretaker manager until a full-time successor is chosen.

Under Mourinho, United won the Europa League and EFL Cup, and also finished runners-up in the Premier League and FA Cup last season.

Bairstow picked for IPL

Relief But Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Anfield left them 19 points behind their bitter rivals Liverpool, who are on top of the table.

A club statement on Tuesday morning read: “Manchester United announces that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect.

“The club would like to thank Jose for his work during his time at Manchester United and wish him success in the future.

“A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager.”

Pochettino is believed to be the main target – but in a deal that would see him take over at Old Trafford next summer.

The club also intends to bring in a head of football, reporting to executive vice-chairman Woodward, to oversee football operations.

Under Mourinho the club spent more than £400million on 11 new players – including

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

DRIVEN OUT? Jose Mourinho leaves Old Trafford yesterday £89million on midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman has been seemingly frozen out

by Mourinho, and there is believed to be relief in the dressing-room at his departure.

A post showing Pogba raising an eyebrow on the player’s Twitter account, which simply said ‘caption this’, was quickly deleted.

Former United captain Gary Neville replied, ‘You do one as well!’. United later said it was a ‘scheduled marketing post’ by the player’s sponsors Adidas.

Mourinho succeeded Louis van Gaal in May 2016 and signed a contract extension in January.

It is reported that he will receive around £18million as a payout on his dismissal.

JONNY BAIRSTOW has secured his first Indian Premier League contract after being purchased for £245,000 by the Sunrisers Hyderabad at yesterday’s auction.

All-rounder Sam Curran signed his first IPL contract after being picked up by the Kings XI Punjab for around £800,000.

Other domestic IPL picks include Nottinghamshire left-arm fast bowler Harry Gurney, Lancashire leg-spinner Liam Livingstone and Kent all-rounder Joe Denly.

No fifth-round replays FIFTH-round matches in this season’s FA Cup will be settled on the day with no replays to alleviate fixture congestion.

The decision to scrap replays from next season was made earlier this year to create space in the calendar for a midwinter break from February 2020 onward.

After six Premier League teams qualified for the knockout stages in Europe, the move has been brought forward a year.

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Posh Spice’s fashion brand is on red alert FORMER Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has seen her fashion business sink further into the red.

Despite a 17 per cent rise in sales, her VBL firm has reported an operating loss of £10.2million in the year to December 2017 – up from £8.2million.

The news follows Mrs Beckham’s announcement she will not join her former bandmates on a Spice Girls reunion tour next year to focus on her business.

BA back to Pakistan PAKISTAN will again be a destination for British Airways customers from next year.

The airline announced yesterday [Tuesday] flights will be restarted, ten years after halting services when a major hotel was bombed. British Airways will be the first Western airline to resume services.

Christmas present rush AROUND 20 per cent of adults will buy a family member a present on Christmas Day itself, according to research.

Virgin Experience published findings yesterday to show millions of Brits leave it beyond the last minute to go on a corner shop, online or petrol station spending spree.

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BUSINESS

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Gatwick Airport expects a crowd

DOME PANIC: Fans of Crystal Maze are being given the chance to take part in a live experience of the TV show. The game sees participants completing riddles, physical challenges and grabbing prizes in the famous Crystal Dome. It is open from today [December 19] until January 27.

Big four accountancy firms face shake-up A COMPETITION watchdog is looking to change the auditing process for the UK’s big four accountancy firms, to prevent a Carillion style disaster.

The Competition and Markets Authority [CMA] has expressed serious concerns about the level of scrutiny facing Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC. This is because companies chose their own auditors and do not choose those likely to be more pressing of their accounts.

Instead the CMA wants a split between audit and advisory businesses, with separate management and accounts.

Chairman Andrew Tyrie offered: “Addressing the deep-seated problems in the audit market is now long overdue.

“Most people will never read an auditor’s

National News

opinion on a company’s accounts. But tens of millions of people depend on robust and high-quality audits. If a company’s books aren’t properly examined, people’s jobs, pensions or savings can be at risk.

“The CMA will now consult on a number of proposals for robust reform. These intractable problems may take some years to sort out. If it turns out that the proposals are not far-reaching enough, the CMA will persist until the problems are addressed.”

Another recommendation is to provide more accountability for those appointing auditors, with the aim of strengthening their independence.

Construction firm Carillion, which was audited

by KPMG, entered liquidation in January 2018.

NEARLY three million are expected to use Gatwick Airport over Christmas week, the terminal’s highest ever number.

Sunday [December 23] alone will see 73,000 jet off, with Phu Quoc said to be the long-haul destination growing fastest in popularity.

In all 2.9million will use Gatwick, a 7.7 per cent increase from 2017 – based on data from prebooked tickets.

Stephen King, Head of Airline Relations at Gatwick Airport, said he noticed growth in the number of customers looking to make a winter getaway or spend Christmas abroad.

US city Tampa, Turkish retreat Dalaman and the ever-Christmassy Lapland were also shown to be popular choices of destination.

Clothing gains for John Lewis CUSTOMERS are being attracted by cut-price fashion to spend more at John Lewis and Partners, latest reports have shown.

The department store has reported a 9.3 per cent rise in the week to December 15, compared with the same period last year.

The news comes after several weeks of reported declining sales for the brand, which has a presence in Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Meanwhile, rivals Superdry, Asos and Bonmarché have all seen profit warnings while Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley said high streets were being ‘smashed to pieces’.

Black Friday sales were down on predictions for many firms. Warmer than expected weather is said to have caused a fall in homewear sales.

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22

NEWS

Letters

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Wednesday December 19 | 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 Is this man worth 1,000 MPs when housing crisis is getting worse?

PROFIT CEILING Companies won’t build more than they have to

Mr Goodenough [December 5] responded to my letter suggesting that my concern about the £75million bonus to the former CEO of Persimmon was ‘nothing more than the politics of envy’. No, it is the politics of outrage.

There is no envy to be found in my pointing out that for that amount of money the local council could build a new theatre, etc. If that does not strike anyone as outrageous, I would point out that backbench MPs earn £75,000 per annum, so that the £75million bonus is worth 1,000 years of an MP such as Kenneth Clarke, Caroline Lucas or Dennis Skinner. Who can be worth so much to society?

Mr Goodenough defends the payout because it was in the employment contract, and I don’t deny that. To return to what I wrote previously,

This deal is betrayal of both sides Greg Clark [MP] thinks the deal offered by the EU is the best we are likely to get. He is clearly right.

The EU have been stubborn and intransigent, seeking to punish us for having the temerity to seek our own sovereignty.

Mr Clark, as Business Secretary, has been central to the acceptance of this national humiliation, no doubt lobbied vigorously by mammon, aka the CBI [Confederation of British Industry].

The one thing that Remainers and Leavers can agree on is that it is a betrayal of both sides. This is not ‘compromise’, it is submission without any of the rights we would have had if we had remained and no prospect of the core freedoms we would have if we left.

The conclusion is simple: Mr Clark must be advised that if this deal passes the Commons over the heads of the people (all of us) thanks to a supine Tory backbench, then he should look to his seat, as should all Tories who support this measure. They would have connived in something unconscionable.

Tim Pendry Tunbridge Wells

Is this how democracy works?

We find ourselves in a most curious situation: There was a majority vote in Parliament to hold a referendum, with MPs voting an overwhelming ten to one in favour: 544 to 53.

The referendum was without strings or

there is ‘too much money in the wrong hands’.

As I understand it, the CEO was paid on the basis of the profits earned and not on the basis of how many homes were built. The one is not the same as the other. The largest building companies dominate the housing market and it is not in their interests to build more than a certain number each year beyond which their profit margins do not increase.

That is simple economics. They have no interest in solving the housing crisis.

Meanwhile, there are homeless people in every town and city.

Mine is not the politics of envy but for the removal of such gross inequality.

Graham Munn Tunbridge Wells qualification, as Lord King, past governor of the Bank of England, reminded us, so a 51 per cent was all that was needed to carry it.

Most MPs voted to remain, and this makes one wonder whether they thought they had it in the bag when they voted to hold a referendum.

Most voters voted to leave, but the Cabinet is overwhelmingly made up of Remainers.

The Labour Party saw an opportunity to cause mischief and undermine the government rather than respond to their constituencies’ wishes.

Most Conservative MPs have chosen to ignore their constituencies’ wishes, too.

The ‘best deal on offer’ – the only deal – is opposed by the majority of MPs. So where does this leave democracy?

Robert Moore Tunbridge Wells

MPs on the margins of society I would like to congratulate Edward Baker on his brilliant five-point response to Ben Chapelard’s article [December 5].

Unfortunately, our MPs are quite happy to win a seat with less than one per cent majority and would never countenance a rerun as they only won by a tiny margin. Democracy is only democracy when it suits them.

How many MPs will still have seats after the next election remains to be seen.

Amanda Wood Via email

Buyers would turn them down flat It seems Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Civic Complex proposals are dead and buried.

No public authority would invest over £1million buying three flats behind Hoopers, soon to be on the edge of a building site, rendering them unsellable and unrentable at market rate for several years. So it can’t be going ahead!

If, however, our money has been used to buy assets with such a poor return, there should be an investigation into the financial probity of the council’s investment strategy.

I have asked three estate agent friends if they would recommend that I invest £1million (in theory only!) in three flats behind Hoopers. In summary, their responses were ‘Don’t be stupid’.

Too late, this council has already done it.

Unless the plans are dead and buried, in which case they have probably ripped off the sellers.

Hugo Pound Tunbridge Wells

Pigeons don’t carry responsibility After reading Michael Alloway’s letter on pigeon feeding [December 12], I concluded he must spend his time following unsuspecting people and recording their ornithological activities.

Pigeons are birds, not flying rodents, and have as much right to exist as he does. The health hazards he alludes to are minimal compared to the damage caused by the human race.

The world is going to hell in a handcart with far more important issues to get upset about.

He could more productively use his spare time and ample indignation helping the lonely who find solace in feeding the wild creatures.

Sue O’Reilly Via email

Rotten news about apple imports Ralph Steerpike’s letter about the price of fruit [December 5] could benefit from a little more focus, so let’s compare apples with apples.

The price of English apples is £2 to £2.30 per kilo; the price of New Zealand, Australian and American apples is about £2 to £2.30 per kilo.

As Mr Steerpike says, English apples come from less than ten miles away, but the foreigners have to be shipped halfway round the world, and have to bear EU protectionist import duty.

Calverley is going to need a bigger cudgel.

Peter Casson Tunbridge Wells

Diners turn the tables on The Ivy Mrs Steerpike is a serious gourmet (some might say trencherman) and is not frivolous about her lunches. Wanting to test the newly opened Ivy with friends [Calverley, December 5] she turned up to book a table for lunch.

“I’d like to sit there,” she said, indicating the table of her choice.

“You cannot,” came the reply, “we allocate the table to you when you arrive.”

Unusually, Mrs Steerpike was nonplussed but, unsurprisingly, she did not lunch at The Ivy – and is not likely to any time soon.

Ralph Steerpike Tunbridge Wells

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

This festive season

Calverley

raises a glass and wishes a heartfelt…

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…

TO all those readers (admirers) who have supported this column over the past 12 months and indeed over the last three years…

TO all those kind folk who have contributed comment and tales, at some considerable personal risk, to bring a smile to the face of others…

AND especially to all those who have been the unwitting subjects of those tales, which are always designed to be humorous and never hurtful.

CALVERLEY will return in the New Year rested and fortified – as He hopes you will be – ready for more mischief-making, but until then…

Chin, chin dear reader THIS COLUMN HAS BEEN SPONSORED AND PAID FOR BY THE FRIENDS OF CALVERLEY – FOR THE SAKE OF CLARITY AND TO AVOID A TWITTER STORM, THAT’S CALVERLEY THE PERSON NOT CALVERLEY GROUNDS

Education

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23

EDUCATION Times

Paperchain links to the power of compassion To mark the recent World Kindness Day, pupils at The Mead prep school in Tunbridge Wells held a caring event in aid of the local charity Fegans A LOCAL children’s charity was invited along to The Mead preparatory school in Frant Road in order to educate pupils about the ripple effect one small compassionate, helpful or considerate act can have.

Fegans is a charity that helps children and families, and it believes that growing kindness within school communities can help to shape a better future for all.

Mrs Lisa Biggs, teacher and Head of PHSEE [Personal, Health, Social, Economic & Education], led the initiative and asked children to make a pledge to carry out an act of kindness, such as helping a parent at home or looking out for another pupil who may be feeling lonely at playtime.

The children were encouraged to ask for sponsorship from family members for their acts of kindness, in order to raise funds for Fegans.

On World Kindness Day, students from the school council helped every child fill out a paperchain link describing their kind act. Each link was then joined together to make a giant paperchain, creating a wonderful visual representation of the multilayered impact kindness can have on society, and children received friendship bracelets.

CAREER ADVICE From guest Michael Portillo

Former minister Michael Portillo gives pupils a lesson in politics

The kindness paperchain is now displayed in The Mead reception for all visitors to see.

Mrs Biggs said, “I have been so encouraged by the positive responses from the children.

“Seemingly, simple acts of kindness can mean so much.”

TV presenter Michael Portillo, who as a Conservative Cabinet minister was once tipped for the top, visited Benenden School to talk all things politics and Brexit in front of an audience made up of parents, pupils and staff.

Referring to the infamous night in 1997 when he was defeated in his Enfield Southgate seat by Labour, Mr Portillo said: “Losing my seat did relieve me of having to run for the leadership of the Conservative Party – not a prospect I relished.”

Mr Portillo later returned to Parliament and stood for party leadership in a race won by Iain Duncan Smith.

The public speaker also said that while he had long been concerned about the loss of British sovereignty

in being involved in the European Union, he never wanted there to be a referendum, and called former prime minister David Cameron’s decision to call one as a ‘catastrophe’.

He also urged pupils considering a career in politics to have another one to fall back on, saying most political careers ended in ‘failure and tears’.

He said you never knew in life what was around the corner, and cited how he was approached for his railway journeys TV series ten years after making a documentary in which he visited his father’s Spanish home town.

He said: “All through life we are dropping little acorns as we go.

“You have no idea which of these is going to flourish.”

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Weekly Comment

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Mark Ellis

Liberal Democrat Councillor

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

Mark Ellis was elected as Liberal Democrat Councillor for St Johns in May 2018. He is father to two boys, a governor at a local school, and has many years’ experience working with local businesses in Kent and Sussex.

Putting buildings before people is wrong IN December, two actions taken by our Conservative run council have confirmed my opinion that they regard buildings as more important than the communities they are meant to serve.

The first announcement was closing of the Farmers market after 19 years of its successful operation. The reason given for the closure was public safety whilst the Amelia Scott building is being constructed and improvements are made around the war memorial. Even though the building work has been planned for months, the store holders were only given 8 weeks notice.

The traders are currently looking to form an independent group with the purpose of saving our farmers market. Store holders are now looking for alternative sites in the town centre. I applaud them for their efforts, however, the council should have provided the traders with fair warning of closure and assisted them in the search for an alternative site.

Although, late in the day and after pressure from the traders and locals, I am pleased to see that Cllr Moore and Reilly have realised that the closure of our Farmers market is detrimental to the commercial centre of our town, and are making efforts to assist. This is one area where we should rise above party politics, and I and my fellow Liberal Democrats are happy to

cooperate to achieve a solution to this problem.

The second blow to residents was a motion in council proposed by Cllr Elliott (Southborough North) and seconded by Cllr Oakford (St Johns). I am quoting the motion in full and unedited as I strongly believe that a wider audience should be made aware of how our community leaders view the residents in the community they serve.

Community “This Council regrets moves by some groups to undermine the Southborough Hub project which is being led by Southborough Town Council with support from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Kent County Council to provide much needed facilities for the community and which has been an ambition for over 20 years and which has never been closer to being delivered.”.

I am not aware of a single person who is looking to stop the Hub. However, I live in Southborough and therefore know that on the 4th December over 200 local residents wanted to find out why the building promised prior to knocking down the Victoria Theatre is not the one that is being delivered to the community, having been scaled back significantly.

The Conservative Town councillors were invited to the meeting. However, not one of them

STALLED Market faces a bleak future turned up to explain the reason for the scaling back from the original plans; only one Conservative Borough councillor attended, and did not speak.

Cllr Elliott and Oakford’s motion to full council was naturally carried by the Conservative group after a display of vitriol that left me ashamed that our town has a leadership so out of touch

with the people it represents.

The first event, gives me some hope for the future, the second only shows me that some councillors are so out of touch with residents concerns that they would rather blame locals for asking legitimate questions than to come clean on why they are not delivering what was promised to Southborough in the first place.

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Grand dining in your own hall

27

With inglenook Page 27

The agency that’s bucking the trend

OPEN FROM KITCHEN TO GARDEN

29

In new hubs Page 39

GOING FOR A BURTON COTTAGE

36

Festive finery To adorn your Christmas table

RELAX AND TAKE IN THE VIEW

37

Page 30

INTO THE WOODS FOR A NEW HOME

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Wednesday December 19 | 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. Sarah Bond homes in on specific aspects that make these properties well worth a look…

Lye Green Lodge

Lye Green, Crowborough

The PORCH…

Guide price

£895,000 CONTACT • Hamptons International, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk Nestled within an enviable woodland setting directly adjoining the Buckhurst Estate, close to Ashdown Forest, this charming 4-bedroom lodge house is believed to date back to 1810.

It has been sympathetically extended and refurbished to a high standard.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Attractive character porch with wide solid wood front door n Double-aspect sitting room with beams and a wood-burning stove n Impressive vaulted family room n Dining area with French doors to garden n Exceptional Neptune kitchen with a central island and pantry n Triple-aspect principal bedroom with

en-suite bathroom and separate shower n Gated driveway providing parking for a number of vehicles n Detached oak-framed garage and store n Established gardens with a wide terrace n Kitchen/breakfast room with underfloor heating, shaker-style cupboards, oak work surfaces, and walk-in larder

The VEGETABLE GARDEN…

n Master bedroom luxury en-suite bathroom n The grounds include a vegetable garden, soft fruit plot, terrace, walk-through rose garden, a paddock, a disused well and a woodland parcel surrounding a hidden lawn which was formerly a grass tennis court n Detached studio (ideal as a home office) n Delightful timber Wendy House with thatched roof n Driveway providing ample parking n Garage n Full planning permission for a triple oak garage with ancillary accommodation n Outbuildings offering scope for further development, subject to the usual consents

Bucklands

Buckland Hill Cousley Wood, Nr Wadhurst

Guide price

£1,395,000 CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 521700 • jackson-stops.co.uk An attractive, renovated former coach house and stables converted into a

5-bedroom family home. The property is set in 4 acres of outstanding park-like gardens and grounds comprised of useful elements, each of which flow from one into the other, including a fantastic raised planter vegetable garden.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Sitting room with brick fireplace and wood-burning stove, plus doors to terrace n Dining room (formerly the stables) with quarry tiled floor, original iron tie rings and fireplace housing a wood-burning stove

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

Sawyers

Horns Hill, Hawkhurst

Guide price

£1,595,000 CONTACT • Hamptons International, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk

Best For

Featuring a stunning dining hall, and with origins dating back to the 17th century, this beautiful Wealden hall house has been imaginatively extended and updated to create a marvellous family home.

Adding to the appeal, it also has a detached barn with planning and a studio apartment.

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The PRICE…

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Reception hall with vaulted ceiling n Drawing room with large bay window n Elegant dining hall n Superb kitchen/breakfast/ family room with gas Aga n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, dressing room and balcony n 5 further bedrooms (2 with en-suite facilities) n Gardens including terrace with views and pergola n Detached double garage n Solar panels and ground source heat pump n Annexe with kitchen, shower room and studio n Detached period barn with planning to convert to 3-bedroom accommodation

The DINING HALL…

n In total, approximately 2.35 acres

Clarendon Way Tunbridge Wells

Guide price

£465,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A 3-bedroom link detached house priced to reflect the age of the kitchen and bathroom fittings. However, it has been newly carpeted throughout.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Living room with bowed window n Dining room with glazed door to garden n Kitchen with side door giving access to garden n Garden with patio n Driveway providing off-road parking n Attached single garage with power and light n No onward chain

Dolphin House Camden Park Tunbridge Wells

The KITCHEN…

Guide price

£1,350,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk A substantial and stylish 5-bedroom family house in the prestigious and private Camden Park

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Entrance hall n Sitting room with open fireplace n Open-plan kitchen/dining/ living room with a centre island and breakfast bar, plus glazed roof and bifold doors to terrace n Triple-aspect conservatory

Bayham Road Sevenoaks

Guide price

£650,000 CONTACT • Savills, Sevenoaks • 01732 789700 • savills.co.uk A 3-bedroom, mid-terrace Edwardian home just over a mile from Sevenoaks Station.

Having had the same occupancy for over 40 years, it provides scope for refurbishment.

The property enjoys high ceilings and large windows and is arranged over three floors.

n 2 of the 5 bedrooms are en suite

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Garden with paved terrace

n Spacious reception room with bay window

n Driveway with parking for several cars

n Kitchen overlooking garden

n Integral garage

n Lower ground floor with entrance, further reception room and a bedroom

n Wrap-around gardens with sun terrace and pergola n 0.6 miles from Tunbridge Wells mainline station

n Downstairs bathroom

n 2 further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms n South-facing garden with terrace

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Park Cottage

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AT A GLANCE

CALVERLEY PARK COTTAGE PROSPECT ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n An immaculately presented, Grade IIlisted 4/5-bedroom cottage at the end of Calverley Park, fully enclosed by a sandstone wall n Private access from Prospect Road n Combines original period character with up-to-date décor n Sitting room with working fireplace n Dining room/study n Bespoke Harvey Jones kitchen/ breakfast room n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room

Historic cottage linked to the prestige Calverley Park villas The cottage is thought to have been ancillary to one of the last Decimus Burton-designed Calverley Park villas – one of the premier addresses in Tunbridge Wells.

The 19th-century residential park is still privately owned

n 3 further bedrooms, one with en-suite bathroom and a separate dressing room, which could be a small bedroom 5 n Victorian-style family bathroom with wood panelled bath and shower over n Lower ground floor with private entrance n Garden with terrace n Garage and off-road parking n Exclusive use of the private Calverley Park, which is closed to the public every Sunday n 500m from mainline station and the High Street

GUIDE PRICE £975,000 CONTACT • Kings Estates, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533367 • kings-estates.co.uk

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InteriorsFOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

SOFT TOUCH Sheepskin Rug, £78 amara.com

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

LIGHT ON Ledbury Pendant, £250 fritzfryer.co.uk

STAR ATTRACTION Wire Light Up Wreath, £12.50, Sainsbury’s Home, available in selected stores

SAY CHEERS Set of four glasses, £30, Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.co.uk

GOLD RUSH Tom Dixon Scent Candle Orientalist Large, £100 nest.co.uk METALLIC MARVEL Gold charger plate, £2.50 Wilko stores nationwide

TURN THE TABLES THIS CHRISTMAS It’s not just about the food you put on your table over the festive period – the way your dining area looks is just as important. Here’s how to get this tradition with a twist table so your guests are impressed on December 25…

ROUNDED OPINION Rose Gold and White Plate, £3.99 each Home Sense stores nationwide

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Interiors

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

SEAT OF APPROVAL Connubia by Calligaris New York Velvet Chair in Green, £329 johnlewis.com

GRAND DESIGN Hexagon taper candle sticks, £8 next.co.uk

FLORAL AFFAIR Faux floral votive holder, £15 Sainsbury’s Home, available in selected stores

SERVING SUGGESTION . . .

And don’t forget that all important drinks area, too. We love this incredibly stylish version from John Lewis. Simply stock it with lots of exotic offerings and a bucket of ice, select some groovy stemware and you’re good to go.

Riya Bar Cart, £299, and selection of Peacock Glasses and Skultuns Natt Light Brass Candlesticks, all available from John Lewis.

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AT A GLANCE CHILTERN CROWBOROUGH ROAD, NUTLEY n Extended and renovated 4/5 bedroom 1920s home with glazed internal ground floor doors to allow light flow n Outstanding views n Triple-aspect sitting room with impressive stone fireplace and space for a multi-fuel stove n Snug with bifold doors to terrace n Open-plan kitchen/dining room featuring a 2-oven oil-fired Aga, a central island with a 2-ring induction hob and combi oven, and bifold doors to terrace n Study n Pantry/utility room n Cloakroom n Master suite comprising bedroom, bathroom and dressing room/ bedroom 5 n 3 further bedrooms n Family bathroom

Updated rural home offering superb views across Ashdown Forest towards South Downs

n Landscaped garden with 2-tier deck, kitchen garden beds, log store, shed and covered well n Space and plumbing for hot tub n Driveway n Attached garage

GUIDE PRICE £850,000 CONTACT • Savills, Haywards Heath • 01444 446000 • savills.co.uk

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

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Property Focus

New Homes

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KNIGHTS WOOD A leafy development on the edge of the town

NEW HOMES

A chance to see the Wood for the trees and step on to the housing ladder…

FOR first-time buyers seeking a property in Tunbridge Wells, the two-bedroom apartments just released at Knights Wood, on the eastern edge of the town, could provide the perfect opportunity.

The development has Help to Buy and stamp duty offers available at Park House for renters and others who have not bought a property before to achieve their dream of becoming

homeowners, for around £710 per month.

The stylish apartments offer an open-plan living area, a private balcony and a master bedroom with a fitted wardrobe and en-suite bathroom, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure a light and spacious feel. Additionally, each unit has two bathrooms and a utility cupboard providing valuable storage space.

The location is attractive, too, as the Dandara

development is set amid 150 acres of mature, protected woodland near Longfield Road and the A21, with the apartments overlooking the open space of the carefully-designed Central Green.

For residents needing to travel to London for work, Centaur’s commuter coach service provides an almost door-to-door journey. Picking up from Knights Wood, the service continues to Tonbridge before running fast to Canary Wharf and into Central London.

To make the daily commute easier still, a shuttle bus service for residents operates daily between the Knights Wood Marketing Suite and High Brooms railway station.

Speaking of the suitability for first time buyers, Dandara Sales Manager Kyle Fennell said: “It can be very difficult getting on to the first step of the property ladder. For first-time buyers looking to move out of rented accommodation and into their first home in Tunbridge Wells, the apartments are a fantastic option, with a monthly mortgage costing from around £710 per month.

“Knights Wood is a great alternative to the crowded centre of town, and we have a number of stamp duty deals available at the moment, plus Help to Buy on all properties, too.”

Apartments at Knights Wood are priced from

£295,000 and come with a 999-year lease as well as a ten-year warranty.

Anyone keen to register their interest can call 01892 800580 or visit knightswood.co.uk Or you can visit the Marketing Suite, open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the show apartment currently open for viewing seven days a week.

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Property News

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NOT LETTING THE GRASS GROW… Property Consultant Emma Tighe (front and below) with Humberts colleagues

Humberts goes hi-tech as it takes on Tenterden HUMBERTS,, who specialise in sales, lettings, commercial and, most recently, a lifestyle concierge service, have now extended their services to Tenterden via a new high-tech ‘Hub’ approach.

And the company says this move away from its competitors’ traditional trading methods is proving to be a winning formula.

CEO Matt Spence said: “We are moving into a new era. For the most part, the UK market dreads interaction with their estate agent due to historic inefficiency, and we are proud that Humberts is changing that.”

The estate agent’s high street offices are in the process of being replaced by six high-tech, high-touch regional hubs, out of which property consultants are servicing more extensive areas

than ever before. Kent and Sussex is covered by the Sevenoaks hub.

The company, which has a 175-year heritage, is under new ownership, and the hubs are already reporting a

‘It has been my home for nearly 20 years and yet still takes my breath away’ profitable first few months of trading, exceeding management’s expectations and demonstrating their place in the market as trailblazers of a new estate agency culture.

Humberts say that expanding their focus further than areas previously

serviced by high street offices is a key priority in order to provide wider regional expertise.

Emma Tighe, who lives in High Halden and works locally with back-up from the hub, has been appointed as the Property Consultant for Tenterden. Having passed both ARLA and NAEA qualifications with a diploma in the sale of residential property, she has the knowledge and experience to help in all areas of the market, and has a number of renovation projects under her belt.

Emma said: “Having worked for the company for four years previously, I was delighted when they asked me to come back and help lead this

new direction for Humberts, taking a completely fresh and innovative approach.

“I adore this part of Kent, A short trip on the high-speed train one way and you are in London, and a short trip the other way and you’re in France. Yet here, in the middle, we have our own little oasis of rolling hills falling away to open countryside, seaside towns with the best local fish, and beautiful Kentish villages which look like they belong in a fairy tale.

“It has been my home for nearly 20 years and yet still takes my breath away. It’s not hard to see why so many people want to make it their home.”

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

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

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

Italian lessons

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Escape to Lake Garda

Page 56 IGHTHAM MOTE AT CHRISTMAS

50

RICHARD DURRANT PERFORMS

52

Your panto needs you!

A FABULOUS FESTIVE FEAST

58

Claire Sweeney on playing the evil fairy in Sleeping Beauty

Page 42-43 WHAT A GOOD VINTAGE

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Why the panto world of make This year the Assembly Hall’s pantomime is Sleeping Beauty, in which Claire Sweeney plays the evil fairy Carabosse. Eileen Leahy caught up with the actress to find out why she loves the magic of panto so much SHE’S BEHIND YOU Claire Sweeney plays Carabosse

C

HATTING to Claire Sweeney as she does her make-up ahead of a morning performance of the Sleeping Beauty pantomime she’s currently starring in at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, it’s hard to imagine that the actress, singer and sometime TV presenter has been treading the boards in Pantoland for the best part of 30 years.

The reason? Because she just sounds so fresh and enthusiastic about the whole thing. As we talk about her role as Carabosse, the evil fairy who casts a spell on the young and gorgeous Sleeping Beauty, aka Princess Rose (played by Caitlin McNerney), there’s genuinely no sign of any jaded rhetoric or ‘seen and done it all before’ attitude. In fact, Liverpudlian Claire is positively chipper and brimming with excitement, despite the early start.

“I’m really loving this panto,” she trills in between licks of heavy eyeliner and bright lipstick applications to make her quite literally high-flying character look as dramatic as possible.

The actress, who first found fame as Lindsey Corkhill in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside back in the 1980s, has since gone on to star in a number of top TV shows over the years, including Benidorm and Candy Cabs, as well as appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and as a Loose Women panellist.

And even after three decades of doing panto every Christmas, Claire says she still loves to do it as it brings so much ‘magic’ to the audiences.

“That’s what it’s all about,” she says. “It’s about creating magic for those watching, and sticking to the plot, too, so it becomes very believable.”

Joining Claire in the main roles of the traditional fairy tale, which is a joint venture between the Assembly Hall and Martin Dodd of UK Productions, are Channel 5 children’s TV presenter Derek Moran (Silly Billy) and Quinn Patrick, who returns once again to the Assembly Hall as its ‘grande dame’, this time as the rather hilarious Nanny. Claire’s nemesis, the good Snowflake fairy, is played by Laura Mullowney.

“The standard of this show is very high, it’s very slick,” beams Claire. “Everyone is really good at their job, there’s no weak link.

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believe needs you…

It really is one of the most enjoyable pantos I’ve done.

“Our Director, JJ Almond, has great management skills and brings calm to the cast. And I’ve loved working with Regan, our choreographer. He brings a real sense of fun to things.”

During the course of our conversation I discover there’s a number of other reasons why Claire is so happy to be flying around on strings, snarling and jabbing her evil spell stick into the audience as Carabosse.

‘It’s about creating magic for those watching, and sticking to the plot, too, so it becomes very believable’ Firstly, it’s because she gets to spend more time with her four-year-old son Jackson – unlike previous pantomimes she’s been in. “I get to go home to Jackson every night and that’s just brilliant, I’m very lucky.”

There’s also a ‘wonderful schedule’ here, she says. “You’ll do a performance in the morning and then your evening show, and that gives me time to have a little sleep in between.”

On that note, Claire says having those precious few hours to herself is what helps to keep her in tip-top condition. If she’s not having a little nap between shows she hits the gym.

“I’ve recently got a personal trainer, which is great, and I’ve been going to the Halo gym. But it’s also about being sensible and looking after yourself. Having said that, I was naughty last night as I went out to see the pantomime at the London Palladium, which was just great!”

Claire is no stranger to the London stage herself, having appeared in many musicals, including Chicago, Guys & Dolls, Fosse and

Legally Blonde. And funnily enough, one of her co-stars from the latter show, Michael Vinsen, is also cast in Sleeping Beauty as Prince Philip.

Claire also says that when she was in Tell Me On A Sunday she came to Tunbridge Wells: “It was only for a night, so I’m really pleased to be back here doing panto as it’s just so beautiful, isn’t it? I’ve been blown away by Tunbridge Wells.

Everything from the architecture to the people, who are so nice, it’s just a great town. Oh and the shops are fantastic, too!”

What would Claire say is key to her successful role in this pantomime? “I’ve really enjoyed the way my character has been written (by Andrew Ryan). It’s actually very humorous and you can have a lot of fun with it.”

Now aged 47, how does she feel being cast as the panto villain these days instead of the princess?

“Well, I call it the three ages of panto,” she laughs. “First you’re cast as the principal boy, then the princess, and eventually the evil baddie. You know you’re getting old when they do that!”

And as Christmas Day is the only break Claire and the rest of the cast will get over the festive holiday, what plans does she have?

“On Christmas Eve I’ll sing in my local church at midnight mass, then on Christmas Day I intend to make it all about Jackson. He’s already posted a letter to Santa to say he wants a remote control dinosaur and a train set.”

As the final buzzer to show time goes off in her dressing room, I take my cue to wrap up the interview, asking what she’ll be up to when she’s finished performing in panto? “I’m off to join a cruise ship in Barbados where I’ll be singing,” she says.

And with that the multi-talented performer says she has to get her harness on. Well, how else is an evil flying fairy supposed to get around the stage?

For Sleeping Beauty tickets and timings, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

What we thought of the show Right from the start of this pantomime the audience were laughing their heads off.

Whether it was thanks to Derek Moran’s impish and giddy Silly Billy or Quinn Patrick – aka Nanny – arriving in yet another outlandish pink confection of an OTT outfit, there were laughs aplenty.

I could go into more detail, but to be honest I wouldn’t want to spoil all the gags and surprises this talented cast have up their sleeves! All I’ll say is it’s very funny – oh and beware if you’re sitting in the first few rows at the front…

The costumes were amazing, as were the special effects and razor-sharp jokes, but special mention has to go to the young ballerinas, flossers and break dancers as well as the Strictly-

style dancers who performed.

There was no certainly no chance whatsoever of the audience nodding off during Sleeping Beauty.

Right from the get-go it was engaging, high-octane fun.

My ten-year-old son belly laughed throughout most of the show, while my 13-year-old daughter, who to be honest hadn’t really been that interested in going along (“I’m too old for panto, mummy” she lamented in the back of the car en route to the show), had a big grin on her face a few minutes after curtain up.

Add to the mix musical numbers by Queen, James Arthur and Anne Marie – all backed by a live band – and you truly have a West End-worthy pantomime on your doorstep.

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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Announcement

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL, in accordance with the provisions of s.53 & 70 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1976 HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that the fees chargeable under the above for the grant of hackney carriage and private hire vehicle, driver licences and private hire operator licences, together with additional costs appertaining to such licences, are proposed to be varied from 1 April 2019 as below:EXISTING FEES

PROPOSED FEES

DUAL DRIVER LICENCE (HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE) £46 (to be paid on booking

£48 (to be paid on booking

test which must be passed

test which must be passed

before application can be

before application can be

submitted )

submitted )

On initial application

£199 for three years

£209 for three years

Disclosure Barring Service search fee

£44 every three years or

£44 every three years or

£13 per year if they sign up

£13 per year if they sign up

to the DBS online service

to the DBS online service

Total (including DBS fee)

£299 for three years

£315 for three years

On renewal

£206 for three years

£216 for three years

Disclosure Barring Service search fee

£44 every three years or

£44 every three years or

£13 per year if they sign up

£13 per year if they sign up

to the DBS online service

to the DBS online service

£250 for three years

£260 for three years

£375 for one year (which

£394 for one year (which

includes £30 towards the

includes £30 towards the

Unmet Demand Survey)

Unmet Demand Survey)

£357 for one year (which

£375 for one year (which

includes £30 towards the

includes £30 towards the

Unmet Demand Survey)

Unmet Demand Survey)

On initial application – 5 year licence

£516 for five years

£542 for five years

On renewal – 5 year licence

£509 for five years

£534 for five years

On initial application – 3 year licence

£340 for three years

£357 for three years

On renewal – 3 year licence

£324 for three years

£340 for three years

On initial application – 1 year licence

£189 for one year

£198 for one year

Computerised Knowledge test

Total (including DBS fee) HACKNEY CARRIAGE VEHICLE LICENCE On initial application

On renewal

PRIVATE HIRE OPERATOR LICENCE

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Announcement

EXISTING FEES

PROPOSED FEES

£174 for one year

£183 for one year

On initial application

£341 for one year

£358 for one year

On renewal

£323 for one year

£339 for one year

£71

£74

On renewal – 1 year licence PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LICENCE

OTHER COSTS Change of ownership of licensed vehicle

From £47 (** subject to

Transfer of vehicle

variation depending on additional elements, if required, e.g. door stickers, plate holder etc. see charges below) External vehicle plate

£23 (no change)

£23.50

Driver badge

£10 (no change)

£10 (no change)

Vehicle plate holder (Bracket)

£18 (no change)

£18 (no change)

Replace internal plate holder

£1.75 (no change)

£1.75 (no change)

Door stickers PHV only (per sticker)

£8

£8

Paper licence

£12 (no change)

£12 (no change)

Change of address details for a

£12 (no change)

£12 (no change)

£12 (no change)

£12

Replacement driver badge

£22

£22.50

Vehicle exemption certificate or general

£46

£47

(no change)

replacement licence Change of name for a vehicle or operator

(no change)

licence

administration fee Cheques referred to drawer

£10

• Hackney carriage vehicles are subject to additional fee of £30 for demand survey. However a change of vehicle where the expiry date remains the same as the original licence will not be charged this fee.

• Insurance plates issued to an Accident Management Company (Cab Aid etc..) will be treated as a ‘transfer’ (for example, originally H1234 becomes INS1234 A copy of this Notice shall, for a period of twenty-eight days from the date of first publication 19 December 2018 be available on the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council website www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk and Licensing Department, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS. Any objections to the proposal to vary the fees must be made by midnight 15th January 2019 via email licensing@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk or Licensing Department, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 s.65 Hackney Fares (proposed maximum fares for time & distance from 1 April 2019) TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL GIVES NOTICE of variation of the table of fares and charges in respect of Hackney Carriages to come into effect from 1 April 2019 unless objection is made and not withdrawn The revised table of maximum fares and charges as set out below: TARIFF 1 - May be charged at any time Initial Charge For the first 8/10 mile (1,408 yards) whilst in motion, the first 10 minutes whilst stationary or a combination of both.

£4.40

Subsequent Charges For each 135.38 yards whilst in motion, each 40 seconds whilst stationary or a combination of both. Whilst in motion, this equates to approximately £2.60 per mile.

£0.20

TARIFF 2 - May be charged for any hiring commencing:

Any time between 23:30 and 06:00

Any time on a public holiday including Easter Sunday

Any time after 18:00 on either Christmas Eve or New Years Eve

Initial Charge For the first 8/10 mile (1,408 yards) whilst in motion, the first 10 minutes whilst stationary or a combination of both.

£6.60

Subsequent Charges For each 135.38 yards whilst in motion, each 40 seconds whilst stationary or a combination of both.

Whilst in motion, this equates to approximately £3.90 per mile.

£0.30

TARIFF 3 - May be charged for any hiring commencing: Tariff 1 + 100%

Any time on Christmas Day

Any time on New Years Day

Initial Charge For the first 8/10 mile (1,408 yards) whilst in motion, the first 10 minutes whilst stationary or a combination of both.

£8.80

Subsequent Charges For each 135.38 yards whilst in motion, each 40 seconds whilst stationary or a combination of both.

Whilst in motion, this equates to approximately £5.20 per mile.

£0.40

Extra Charges Applicable to any of the above tariffs Weekend Hiring For any hiring commencing at any time Saturday and any time Sunday or Monday before 06:00

£0.80

Additional passengers Per person in excess of 2 passengers, excluding children under 1 year of age

£0.20

Congestion charges, tolls and car parking incurred during hiring Any charges(s) detailed above, incurred as a result of a passengers instruction may be added to the fare.

Recommended Maximum Spoilage Charge Any claim for damage and/or spoilage must be a matter between the proprietor and the passenger.

The amount charged must be relative to any repairs and/or losses.

£85.00

Objections to the table of fares should be made in writing within 14 days from the date of publication of this tariff (19 December 2018) to the Licensing Department, Town Hall, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1RS or email licensing@tunbridgewells.gov.uk The revised fares will come into effect on 01 April 2019 if either i) no objections are received; or ii) any objections received have been withdrawn before the specified date.

A copy of this Notice shall for a period of 14 days from the date of first publication thereof 19 December 2018 be deposited at the offices of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and shall at all reasonable hours be open to public inspection without payment.

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

goingout 7 days of activities

By Eileen Leahy

SANTA AWAITS IN HIS GROTTO at Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells

WEDNESDAY

Today is the last day you can visit Tonbridge Creates, a pop-up arts event which showcases the creative talents of local artists and encourages the local community to get involved.

It’s also a great source of present ideas! See tonbridgecreates.com For art fans in Tunbridge Wells, there’s The Pantiles Pop Up Gallery, which is run by a group of established creatives who’ve taken over No 36 The Pantiles to showcase their work until Saturday. It’s open from 10am-5pm.

Richard Durrant performs his festive favourite,

A Candlelit Christmas Guitar Concert, at Trinity Theatre tonight. His special guests will be Amy Kakoura on vocals and Nick Pynn on the violin, and the trio will perform a selection of folk, pagan and Christian-tradition songs. For further details see richarddurrant.com The Oast Theatre’s big Christmas Show this year is The Jungle Book, and it runs all week until Saturday. The cast features an array of amateur actors, including those from the Youth Theatre and Hoppers groups. Tickets cost £11 and £7.50 for members. For further information, see oastheatre.com

THURSDAY

There will be a ‘Christmas Cheers’ clear-up of the woodlands today from 10am until 3pm at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park. Dress suitably for the weather.

When you’re in town, pay a visit to Santa’s Grotto in Royal Victoria Place, opposite M&S. And while you’re there, make sure you get a selfie with the Mr Magic bear and make a donation to the ellenor charity, which looks after people with a terminal illness. Find out more at ellenor.org In Tonbridge at 12.30pm there will be a lunchtime Carol Concert at St Peter & St Paul Church, with a brief reflection from Mark Brown and a complimentary lunch. Just the perfect event to get you into the Christmas spirit.

For seasonal entertainment for little ones, head over to Bewl Water for its Christmas Experience.

Spend time with the cheeky Elves before visiting Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, or take a skate on the ‘Magic Ice’ rink.

That Christmas staple The Nutcracker will be streamed live from the Royal Ballet in London into Trinity Theatre this evening at 7.15pm. So if you love ballet and classical music and want to feel fabulously festive, then what are you waiting for?

Tickets cost £20 per person from trinitytheatre.net For a very special seasonal spectacle make sure you catch Twilight Christmas at Hever, which is on from 6pm today and tomorrow, and allows you to see the castle illuminated with special lights.

Just wrap up warm! For more information on tickets and timings, visit hevercastle.co.uk

CHRISTMAS MAGIC: Penshurst Place

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER! Enjoy two versions of The Nutcracker ballet on the big screen

FRIDAY

The festive Big Top circus is on from Thursday to Sunday at Groombridge Place. With four thrilling Christmas themed family performances each day, this is one not to be missed. Admission is free when you purchase a normal grounds ticket. For more details, see groombridgeplace.com

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Santa at Hever

Bedgebury Pinetum’s Christmas spectacular is always a popular attraction at this time of year. But make sure you wrap up warm to walk through the stunning illuminated forest and colourfully lit trees and shrubs. Afterwards you can treat your tastebuds to some toasted marshmallows or enjoy a quick kiss under the special Mistletoe Moment. Tickets cost £10.50 for children aged 5-16 and £17 for adults. Visit christmasatbedgebury.seetickets.com Penshurst Place’s enchanting Christmas Grotto is proving to be very popular. Children can see Santa in his sleigh, surrounded by his elves, and visit his old-fashioned toy workshop to receive a gift. Tickets cost £14.50 per child, and up to two adults can accompany each child free of charge.

For tickets and timings, visit penshurstplace.com

Going Out

PICK OF THE WEEK:

Christmas at Ightham Mote Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks TN15 0NT Daily until January 1, 2019

As Christmas approaches, why not take time out from your busy schedule to visit Ightham Mote, where you take a tour of the historic house and see it dressed for a grand Victorian

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Christmas? Savour the sight of the impressive decorated tree which dominates the Great Hall.

Visitors can also step inside the library, where there is the chance to experience a taste of Christmas in 1950s America – as homage to Ightham Mote’s last owner, Charles Henry Robinson.

For further information and daily opening times, please call 01732 810378 or visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

SUNDAY

Christmas at the Spa Valley Railway is on from Thursday to Monday. The starting point is at Eridge station, where visitors will be greeted by chestnuts roasting on an open fire and will have the chance to see Santa as they travel through the beautiful countryside on a heritage train.

Tickets cost £16 from spavalleyrailway.co.uk The Assembly Hall’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, which stars Claire Sweeney, Derek Moran and Quinn Patrick, is now in full swing. You can find out about all the show’s timings and ticket prices by visiting assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk – oh yes you can! See our exclusive interview with Claire Sweeney on pages 42-43.

SATURDAY Talking of pantos, you can also enjoy Wicked Productions’ version of Jack and the Beanstalk at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge, starring Tom Swift and Michael Fenton Stevens. For tickets, visit emtheatre.com

The Fairfax Gallery on The Pantiles is currently holding a Christmas art exhibition which features over 100 new paintings and sculptures from both established and emerging artists. It’s on until January 12.

Fancy seeing a festive flick? That celluloid classic Miracle on 34th Street is on at 6pm at the Drive-In Cinema at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood. Tickets cost £25 per vehicle. moonlightcinema.com There will be another version of The Nutcracker streamed into the Odeon cinema today at 3pm.

This time around it’s Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet who will be performing this timeless Christmas tale.

Tickets cost £23.25

MONDAY – CHRISTMAS EVE This morning between 9.30am and 11am, families can enjoy a delicious breakfast with Santa in Salomons Pub & Dining Rooms before he heads out on his sleigh later tonight. Tickets are priced at just £9.50 per adult and child and include a full English breakfast along with a delightful festive gift. This is a great opportunity for little ones to tell Father Christmas what’s on their festive wish-lists, and whether they’ve been naughty or nice! Book at salomons-estate.com/whats-on/ breakfast-with-santa

The Tonbridge Parish Church St Peter & St Paul’s is hosting its annual Family Carol Service from 4pm, and then a Midnight Holy Communion mass from 11.30pm.

Meanwhile, younger children are invited to St Saviour’s Church in Dry Hill Park Crescent, Tonbridge, from 4pm for a special carol service.

And if you’re on your way to ice skate at Calverley Grounds in Tunbridge Wells, why not make some extra time to visit Santa’s

Grotto? Tickets cost £14.50 per child and include a mounted photo and gift. Other ticket options are available. To find out more, visit tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com

TUESDAY – CHRISTMAS DAY

There will be numerous church services happening at all our local churches on this special day. Please check each individual church’s website for timings.

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Jack Clarke, The Frampton Sisters and Niamh McSmith Thursday Christmas Party with DJ Stepper Friday The Tar Babies Saturday Closed for Private Party Sunday The Breretons, Barney Jameson, Kyla & Stroud and Rob Picazo

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

Bombay Monkey

TRINITY THEATRE

live music With Paul Dunton

T

HERE is plenty of live music as we approach Christmas Day, and tonight [Wednesday] you can see popular local acts Jack Clarke, The Frampton Sisters and Niamh McSmith all performing at The Grey Lady.

There’s also the chance to catch internationally renowned guitar virtuoso Richard Durrant over at Trinity Theatre.

This Thursday, Mike Wilton (of Standard Lamps fame) headlines The Forum with a full band show and support from Opia Bloom.

And for a bit of festive fun, I highly recommend the Christmas Jumper Sing-along with the Lyrae Duo at The Trading Post.

There is yet more on offer this Saturday night, including Gez Gold

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

at The Trading Post, Turnpike at The Chequers Inn at Lamberhurst, Red Rooster at The Beau Nash Tavern and The Local & Live Christmas bash at The Royal Oak pub with Steffan James, the Paul Dunton Orchestra and Sean de Burca. And if you are out and about Christmas shopping, look out for The Cool Jazz Quartet on Saturday afternoon in Chapel Place.

Sunday night sees The Breretons headline The Grey Lady with support from Barney Jameson, Kyla Stroud and Rob Picazo. Ukelear Fallout headline at The Royal Oak and The Forum host Ladybird and Joeythin.

Looking ahead to Christmas Eve, Sean Fennessey & Stuart Evans will be at The Bull Inn and Steffan James returns to The Trading Post.

Happy Christmas!

Church Road All event information and tickets at trinitytheatre.net Wednesday Richard Durrant’s Christmas Concert

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common Event information at twforum.co.uk Thursday Mike Wilton (Standard Lamps) and Opia Bloom Friday Forum 25th Anniversary Ice Cream Indie Disco and Bombay Monkey Saturday Anti-Nowhere League and Criminal Mind Sunday Lady Bird and Joeythin

THE ROYAL OAK Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Thursday RTW Orpheus Male Voice Choir Friday The Oak Acoustic Stage Christmas Party Saturday Local & Live Christmas Party: Sean de Burca, Steffan James, The Paul Dunton Orchestra Sunday Ukelear Fallout

THE TRADING POST 5 Culverden Down Open all day, free entry

Music from 8pm Thursday Christmas Jumper Sing-along with the Lyrae Duo Saturday Gez Gold Monday Steffan James

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

Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Red Rooster

THE CHEQUERS INN The Broadway, Lamberhurst Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Turnpike

Richard Durrant

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Event information at twforum.co.uk Saturday Loose Joints

CHAPEL PLACE Tunbridge Wells Music 1pm-4pm Saturday Cool Jazz Quartet

THE BULL INN Frant Road Open all day, free entry Music from 8pm Monday Sean Fennessey & Stuart Evans

Life&Times

food

52

GETTING DOWN TO THE BONES OF THE BEST MEAT Southborough Butchers

Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Talking turkey

and other festive feasts With Christmas less than a week away, Eileen Leahy talked to some local producers to find out their top tips for serving up a meal to remember on December 25

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

T

HERE are three words that conjure up abject fear in a lot of people: ‘Hosting Christmas lunch’. It’s fair to say that sourcing, prepping and preparing for a family feast is more like a marathon compared to the short sprints of any weekday meal, given the amount of work involved. But if you give yourself plenty of time, delegate jobs to various family members and source ingredients – and top tips – from the experts on your doorstep, then you’ll find that pleasing multiple palates is relatively easy.

So sit back, pour yourself a cup of festive cheer, and read on to find out what our local producers and purveyors of fine taste have to say about how to prepare for the big day so you do less peeling and chopping and more feasting and chatting.

And whether you decide to stick with tradition or to go for a seasonal alternative we have plenty of ideas to inspire you…

‘Stilton is often at its best around Christmastime, hence why it’s a popular choice. Always look for a creamy hue as ripe stilton shouldn’t be white’ THE MAIN EVENT Southborough Butchers is one of the area’s longest established foodie businesses and serves a wide swathe of both commercial and individual clients.

Here its director, Stuart Knight, tells us a few intriguing facts about their busy seasonal period: “Over Christmas we sell over 300 whole turkeys and more than 500 turkey crowns. We source our turkeys from Tenterden, so they don’t have far to travel, and all of them are free range. In our opinion they are the best turkeys in Kent.

“We’re known for our local, free-range produce – we go to farms, inspect them and make sure the animals aren’t travelling too far to the

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

abattoir. For us, the animal husbandry on the farm they come from is just as important as the meat selection.

“I go out every week and select meat from local farmers. We’re backed by an EC-approved abattoir in Southborough, but we’re lucky, not every butcher has that facility.

“You can have a nice breed and a great farm, but if the animals have to travel 50 miles to the abattoir, they’ll become stressed.

“Our customers enjoy a stress-free cooking experience as each member of our staff is fully trained in advising every client on cooking times and temperatures for all the meats sold.

“Each turkey for example comes with a temperature thermometer and recipe leaflet – as well as the all-important giblets packaged separately to make a delicious gravy.

“If you’re not into eating turkey at Christmas, then we have many other meats we can recommend. These include Creedy Carver freerange ducks, free-range geese, 36-day-matured Scotch Fore Ribs of beef, or carvery legs of local lamb dressed with a sprig of rosemary.”

THE MEAT-FREE ALTERNATIVE If you’re vegetarian or vegan, then you’ll be looking for a meat-free masterpiece to be the culinary crown of your festive table.

And thankfully there’s so much more than just nut roast as an option, as local food blogger Jo Banks suggests: “I am not vegetarian but I love vegetarian recipes, and have recently been experimenting with vegan dishes, too.

“For Christmas I would definitely start with a warming bowl of chestnut and miso soup topped

‘If you’re vegetarian or vegan, then you’ll be looking for a meat-free masterpiece to be the culinary crown of your festive table. And thankfully there’s so much more than just nut roast as an option’

THE CHEESE COURSE If there’s anyone suitably placed to wax lyrical about cheese it’s Gaëlle Coyle, owner of the delectable Fromage & French food emporium in Tunbridge Wells High Street.

Here she tells us her insider secrets: “The best cheeseboards usually have three to four cheese varieties on them. Any more than that and it can be too much for the palate to enjoy.

“Larger pieces of cheese

Cheers to this festive fizz…

The Times’ wine expert, James Viner, reveals three must-try Champagnes for sybarites this Christmas Veuve Monsigny Brut NV Champagne, Philizot & Fils £11.49, Aldi This is one of the most inexpensive Champagnes available and I expected to be disenchanted, but it impresses me tremendously each time, thumping many wines twice the price.

Sophisticated Champers balancing fresh apples and red fruit with richer, creamy depths, finishing up dry, crisp and gently toasty. A total steal! Parties have never been so easy to organise.

Alcohol 12%

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53

MEAT-FREE CAN BE FUN Food blogger Jo Banks

with chickpea croutons – try them glazed in maple syrup as they are just delicious.

“Then, as the Christmas centrepiece, it needs to be something that’ll look gorgeous on the table that I can slice up to serve.

“I would choose my Portobello mushroom, caramelised onion and cheese Wellington. Even meat lovers can enjoy this recipe, it’s so good.

“If it was vegetarian I would use Brie, and if I was vegan I’d use an aged almond cheese. It can be served with a simple roasted vegetable dish with plenty of Brussels sprouts in there, too!

“Otherwise a sweet potato strudel with spinach and pine nuts will look and taste delicious.”

PLENTY ON BOARD Cheese shop owner Gaëlle Coyle

1) KEENLY PRICED FIZZ-TIVE BUBBLES TO ADD TO YOUR TROLLEY

Food & Drink

2) STAR SUB £20 OWNBRAND TOP OF THE POPS SUPERMARKET CHAMPAGNE FROM THE CO-OP

Les Pionniers Brut NV Champagne, Piper-Heidsieck £17.99 (£1 off), The Co-op, until January 3, 2019 Raising a top-class glass needn’t break the bank.

Time and again, this brilliant Champagne – made for the Co-op by Piper-Heidsieck – puts others in the shade. The perfect aperitif, offering poised roundness and gorgeous depth of flavour, you’ll only need a small, chilled glass for immediate impact, and it goes with every single canapé ever invented. Very easy to see why it topped the Which?

Christmas 2018 Champagne taste test. A total winner on or off the deal. Alcohol 12%

also tend to keep better, so go big and bold.

“You should try to offer different styles, textures and flavours, hence why the classic ‘soft, blue and hard’ is always a winning combination.

Stilton is often at its best around Christmastime, hence why it’s a popular choice. Always look for a creamy hue as ripe stilton shouldn’t be white.

“If you prefer a bit more punch, then choose a sharp, salty Roquefort and pair it with honey, zesty apples and a chilled glass of Sauternes.

“If stilton is a festive treat, then Cheddar is the workhorse of the British cheeseboard, and it’s worth pushing the boat out for the good stuff at Christmas. Avoid that mass-produced rubbery cheese and look out for farmhouse mature versions from Montgomery, Keen’s or Westcombe.

“For a continental alternative, choose a Comté, aged at least two years to give a butterscotch, sweet-savoury flavour.

“The ideal soft cheese to complement the above has to be a creamy Brie de Meaux.

“My festive cheeseboard will probably include cheeses from my native region, the Auvergne.

“I absolutely love Saint Nectaire, it has a unique earthy aroma (the cows graze in the rich volcanic pastures) and has a fresh, lactic aroma with a hazelnut aftertaste.

“My favourite blue is undoubtably the Bleu

d’Auvergne, although it looks similar to Roquefort it is made from cows’ milk and has a more subtle, rustic taste.

“I will probably also include a goat’s cheese as I absolutely love them! I’d probably opt for a Ste Maure de Touraine, a small log-shaped cheese with a straw running through the middle.

“If I had to choose a fourth cheese, I’d go for a slice of 24-months-aged Comté or a smooth Ossau Iraty.”

GAELLE’S TOP TIPS FOR CHEESE  Keep blue cheese in foil, other cheeses in

greaseproof paper  Bring the cheese out of the fridge (or the

garage) an hour before you want to serve, but keep it wrapped or it will dry out  When cutting cheese, it’s best to have two or three knives. A clean blade will cut cheese neatly  Always buy the best you can source.

Supermarket cheese is too often mass-produced, under-matured and over-chilled  Hard cheeses, if they are properly wrapped, last a couple of weeks or more. Soft, cut cheeses need eating in 5-6 days. A Tupperware box lined with slightly dampened paper towels will keep your cheese in good condition  Crackers and chutneys are a traditional part of the British cheeseboard, but this year why not include some membrillo, a quince paste which is delicious with Manchego or Ossau Iraty, or some honey drizzled on a tangy Cheddar or an alpine cheese, such as Gruyère?

3) A SHOW-STOPPING STRUCTURED ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE

Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé NV (Gift Box) £33-£35 Asda & Tesco and very widely available I rarely swallow when tasting, but did here. A wonderful introduction to this style, with torrents of purity and complexity, this elegant Champagne’s chalky acidity and enticing characters of wild raspberry, blackcurrant, cherry and freshly baked pâtisserie make for a fabulous festive glass. Drink it with canapés, posh Chinese, smoked salmon, sushi, dim sum, red fruit crumbles or fruit salads and revel in its class. Perfect for a glass of pink bubbly bliss.

Alcohol 12.5% Happy Christmas – and happy drinking!

Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

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travel

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Travel

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

Loving Lake Garda Known as the Italian lake district due to its breathtaking mountains and amazing shorelines, Lake Garda entices scores of holidaymakers year after year…

TOP O’ THE WORLD, MA! The view from the top of Monte Baldo mountain, famed for extreme sports

L

AKE GARDA is the largest of the Italian lakes, covering an area of 370km (nearly 230 miles) and stretching to 54km (33.5 miles) long.

The sophisticated resorts that line its crystalclear waters offer exclusive dining, high-end shopping, water sports and many historical points of interest.

It’s the perfect destination for travellers who love to be active but also enjoy sitting back and soaking up the spectacular views. In fact, there is so much on offer that one trip might not be enough.

Below is Baldwins Travel Group’s ultimate guide of

things to do in Lake Garda, giving you the perfect reason to get excited about visiting one of Italy’s most iconic and beautiful destinations…

‘Built in 1921, the monolithic palace Il Vittoriale was once home to top writer, poet, military hero and political leader Gabriele D’Annunzio’

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAKE GARDA Admire Scaligera Castle (Rocca Scaligera) A visit to the fortifications of Scaligera castle in Sirmione is an activity not to be missed.

Known as one of Italy’s most preserved castles, the ancient drawbridge and architectural battlements will provide a perfect photo opportunity.

Entrance to this 13th-century masterpiece usually costs from €5 per person, depending on ticket type.

Visit Il Vittoriale Loosely translating as ‘the shrine of Italian Victories’, this stunning hillside estate in Gardone Riviera certainly is an Italian victory. Built in 1921, the monolithic palace was once home to top writer, poet, military hero and political leader Gabriele D’Annunzio.

A day here can be spent exploring its many buildings, including the richly decorated Prioria, the amphitheatre and its ornate manicured gardens.

Entrance costs from €16 per adult.

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

Get a taste of the Bardolino Vineyards For any grape enthusiast or humble wine lover, a visit to Lake Garda isn’t complete without a trip to the rolling vineyards of Bardolino, located on its southern shores.

The flat fertile plains produce high grape yields and tempting varieties such as Valpolicella, Superiore and many more.

Several tours, tastings and adventures can be arranged from the local towns.

Go Hiking and biking Monte Baldo It’s not every day you can hop on a cable car and reach the top of a mountain with spectacular views in just minutes. If you go to Malcesine you can head to Monte Baldo and explore the wonderful landscape it has to offer.

There is a plethora of wildlife, including golden eagles, and marmots grazing the land, as well as blossoming flowers such as orchids and red lilies between March and August.

Travel

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For the active traveller, there are plenty of hiking and mountain biking opportunities, and even extreme sports such as paragliding.

Monte Baldo is known the world over as a hotspot for extreme sports.

Bask in the brilliant beaches Stunning beaches are dotted all along the shores of Lake Garda and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the towns.

Many of them also offer great facilities such as loungers and parasols and restaurants close by.

The calm waters suit all types of swimmers.

VISIT THE LAKESIDE TOWNS Sirmione, Desenzano and Bardolino Lake Garda’s shores are peppered with quaint, charming towns.

Some of the most popular places to stay are in the south of the lake, however these often become crowded during high season.

TRANQUIL Nago-Torbole, on the north shore of Lake Garda

‘If you want a slightly quieter location, then try the west or north of the lake, which have more relaxed atmospheres’

Picturesque Sirmione, Desenzano and Bardolino are often the places chosen by tourists due to their proximity to beaches, shops and restaurants, as well as great links to other areas of the lake thanks to an efficient ferry service.

Riva del Garda and Gardone Rivera If you want a slightly quieter location, then try the west or north of the lake, which have more relaxed atmospheres.

Places such as the medieval town of Riva del Garda and elegant Gardone Riviera (once the home of royalty) still offer elegant lakeside properties but with fewer crowds..

HOW TO GET THERE: A seven-night holiday departing June 9, 2019, staying at the 4* Aqualux Hotel Spa & Suite in Bardolino on a bed and breakfast basis, including return flights and private transfers, costs from £1,359 per person

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Motoring

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Motoring News

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

This week…

Aston’s heritage n More electric cars n

n

Firms face fines

Skoda’s big e-move to catch up with other manufacturers

Aston Martin’s electric add on to protect its classic cars ASTON MARTIN has launched a heritage electrification programme to future-proof its classic models.

The radical idea involves the use of a ‘cassette’-style powertrain that is fully reversible, preserving the cars’ heritage and allowing them to be returned to their original engine configuration if the owner wishes.

The powertrain will, the firm says, ‘mitigate any future legislation to restrict the use of classic cars’.

Alterations are kept as minimal as possible to preserve the car’s authenticity. The new powertrain is a self-contained unit that sits on top of the original engine and gearbox mountings, and additional instru-

mentation is provided via a single discreet screen in the cabin.

No details of range, power output or battery capacity have been released, but the firm expects to deliver the first customer EV conversions as soon as next year.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Andy Palmer said: “We are very aware of the environmental and social pressures that threaten to restrict the use of classic cars in the years to come.

“Our plan not only encompasses our new and future models, but also protects our treasured heritage.”

Deliveries of Aston Martin’s first series production electric vehicle, the RapidE, will also start in 2019.

SKODA is the latest manufacturer to announce its ambitious aims for the electrification of its models, with nine expected to go on sale in the next two years.

The Czech firm has no electrified models on the market at present.

Speaking at the unveiling of the firm’s new Scala hatchback in Tel Aviv, Chairman Bernhard Maier said “We want to become a global player in mobility, and as part of this we will be unveiling nine new electrified offerings in the next two years.”

The first electrified Skoda to go on sale will be a plug-in variant of its flagship, Superb, which is due a

facelift in the middle of next year.

SUVs – namely the Kodiaq and Karoq – will likely receive plug-in hybrid offerings, too.

The Citigo-e city car will be Skoda’s first completely electric model and is expected to go on sale at the end of 2019 with a range of 125 miles.

Other electric models will be made up of pure-electric variants, plug-in hybrids and potentially mildhybrid offerings.

Sister brand Volkswagen is to begin rolling out its range of EVs – set to be called ‘I.D.’ – with an aim of having 25 per cent of all its new cars pure-electric by 2025.

SPARKING AN ELECTRIC VISION A Škoda concept car

Future CO2 fines loom but UK e-sales drop NEARLY two-thirds of top car manufacturers are facing ‘massive’ CO2 fines, according to new research.

A PA Consulting study has found that eight out of 13 of the major brands selling in Europe are on course to fail new emissions standards to be imposed from 2021, amid warnings they have been too slow to develop cleaner, alternatively-fuelled vehicles.

The Europe-wide goal is an average of 95g/ km of CO2. The research says Fiat-Chrysler, Groupe PSA, Hyundai, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Mazda and Daimler are all at risk of failing to hit the target. The consultancy also claims that VW would be hit with the biggest fine of up to 1.4 billion Euros (circa £1.2billion), while Groupe PSA is at risk of a 600 million Euro penalty (circa £535.2million).

Meanwhile, new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders [SMMT] show a decline in the number of electrified vehicles sold in the UK this year, with year-todate figures down by 6.9 per cent at the end of November compared to the same period in 2017.

An SMMT spokeswoman said: “We need policies that encourage rather than confuse, which means a consistent approach to incentives and tax, and greater investment in charging infrastructure.”

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

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Recruitment

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

9 9 3

7

2 5

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

2 3

5 8

7 8

2

4

7

6 5 8

5

3 12

12

1

5

17

16 8

5

16 9

8

3

13

12 7

1

18

9

5

2

9

18

11 19

26

6 8

Codeword:

3

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★✩

2

6

3

2 9

5

6 © 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

1

61

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

D O C T O R S O N A I R

UMM Y E N I O J OM P U T E I C R C H E S T R L S U F F I X F R Z W L E A N A L I B F N G I E F E H T L I T C H I E

R A D I A T I N G

I Q U R I C K E B R

E S L R R A E N V E G

U E N F T R E Y E S U I C T R I O A N

Sudoku:

7 9 8 3 4 6 1 2 5

2 4 6 1 5 8 9 7 3

1 5 3 9 7 2 4 6 8

6 7 1 2 3 4 5 8 9

3 8 9 5 6 1 2 4 7

5 2 4 7 8 9 3 1 6

4 3 5 6 1 7 8 9 2

3 1 2 6 9 8 4 5 7

8 7 4 3 5 2 9 6 1

9 2 7 1 8 5 6 4 3

9 1 7 8 2 3 6 5 4

8 6 2 4 9 5 7 3 1

Jigsaw Sudoku:

1 9 8 2 6 4 7 3 5

7 5 3 4 2 6 1 8 9

6 4 5 7 3 1 2 9 8

5 6 9 8 1 7 3 2 4

2 8 1 9 4 3 5 7 6

4 3 6 5 7 9 8 1 2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

62

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Sport

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Wednesday December 19 | 2018

Head master Spackman keeps unbeaten run going Tunbridge Wells 1 Cray Valley 1 FOOTBALL: TUNBRIDGE WELLS held their own against promotion hopefuls Cray Valley PM to keep up their excellent run of form.

The visitors lie in fourth place in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division while Wells are in 16th having won their last six matches, including four in the league.

New signing Harrison Carnegie, a fast winger, made his debut for the Wells while Cray fielded ex-Charlton Athletic player Kevin Lisbie.

Both sides played a fast, open game from the start but failed to capitalise on the few chances that came their way, with Callum Hampson equal to the task in the Wells goal.

The deadlock was broken on the stroke of halftime when Wells captain Perry Spackman rose to plant a powerful header past keeper Andy Walker.

PHOTO: Victor Bethell

By Victor Bethell

KEEP IT UP Tunbridge Wells are unbeaten in five league games The lead did not last long; two minutes into the second period Anthony Edgar slid the ball past Hampson after a well-worked move.

Despite the deteriorating conditions, the second half was played at a fast pace. Both teams looked for the winner but it failed to materialise.

Wells will look to maintain their unbeaten run at eighth-placed Lordswood on Saturday [December 22, kick-off 3pm].

Sharp-shooter Janes brings up fifty as Ladies crown fine year

McKimm seeks striking options in goal drought

Tonbridge Angels Ladies 6 Sittingbourne 0

Tonbridge Angels 0 Dartford 2

FLYING HIGH Kelly Moran’s free kick sails into the net

By Jim Rowe

FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS Ladies

FOOTBALL: WITH a gap in competitive fixtures, Tonbridge Angels manager Steve McKimm took the opportunity to arrange a friendly with National South side Dartford, who were also without a game because of FA Trophy ties.

With the Angels having lost seven of their last eight fixtures after topping the Bostik League Premier Table at the start of November, McKimm tweaked his formation while largely keeping faith with the same personnel.

But with only three goals to show for those eight games, the Angels management are looking for a way to bolster their striking options going into the second half of the campaign.

McKimm’s plans were not helped when the squad’s only recognised striker, Alex Read, had to pull out just before kick-off with hamstring issues sustained during the warm-up.

wrapped up a highly successful year with a comfortable victory over Sittingbourne in the KCFA Women’s Plate.

The result means they go into the new year with three cup quarter-finals to contest as well as sitting in the top three of Division One East, having recently beaten both sides above them.

Following a number of postponements, it has been difficult for the Angels side to gather any sort of momentum.

But they brushed aside their concerns with a sparkling first-half display which saw the hosts chalk up six goals without reply.

It was fitting that the show would be stolen by the top scorer in 2018, Becky Janes, who scored her eighth hat-trick for the club and took her all-time tally over the 50-mark.

She opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a simple tap-in after Becky Mackley had broken clear and played a pass across the goal.

PHOTO: David Couldridge

By Dan Couldridge

Kelly Moran doubled the lead on 23 minutes, curling in a free kick from 25 yards out. Eight minutes later Mackley set up Janes again, and in the 39th minute Mackley took her turn to score.

There was now an air of ruthlessness about Tonbridge as Janes scored her third on 41

Former youth coach Anderson steps into Rusthall’s hot seat Rusthall 0 Lordswood 4 FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL have appointed Jimmy Anderson as their first-team boss after the departure of both joint-managers Andrew McKechnie and Mike Cramp within a month.

Anderson arrives at the club from Corinthian, where he was manager of their Suburban League Premier Division team.

Joe Croker, the Rusthall chairman, said: “Jimmy has a track record of being successful wherever he has managed and is a youthful, up-and-coming manager who relishes the step up the leagues.

“In addition to his ability to lead teams to victories, he is also adept at bringing young players through to play at a higher level.”

Croker added: “The club has been following Anderson’s managerial career since he led the Rusthall Under-18s to league success, and once the manager’s position became available the club moved quickly to secure his services.

“We are aware that we are in a very precarious position in the league but we are looking for

TRACK RECORD: Jimmy Anderson led Rusthall’s Under-18s to league success

minutes and Mackley made it 6-0 a minute before half-time.

Sittingbourne regrouped but were thwarted by Helena Fothergill’s excellent last-ditch saves.

The Ladies are back in league action when Glebe visit Hadlow College on January 6. long-term success, and Anderson will be given all the time and support he needs to achieve it.”

After conceding four goals in the second half at home to Lordwood, the Rustics are just two points off the bottom of the Southern Counties East League Premier Division.

The first half was a lacklustre affair with few chances for either side but those that did come were created by Lordswood.

Twice they put dangerous balls right across the Rusthall box but no one was able to get on the end of them, and Rusthall’s endeavour kept the match scoreless until half-time.

In the second half the wind and rain were blowing towards the Rusthall goal and Lordswood took full advantage of it.

In the 51st minute Jason Hollick headed in from a corner and once the deadlock had been broken there was a flurry of goals for the visitors.

Home goalkeeper Joe Cullip failed to hold on to a slippery ball and Euan Sahadow was able to tap it into the net.

Lordswood made it three goals in 10 minutes when Rusthall failed to clear a bouncing ball from among a melee of players and Freeman Rogers was on hand to score.

They completed the second-half rout just before the end, scoring again from a corner.

Rusthall now travel to Glebe on Saturday [December 22, kick-off 3pm].

Waste As has so often been the case in recent matches there was plenty of hard work being done in defence and through the midfield areas but any half-chances that were created went to waste.

A penalty was awarded to the visitors in the 27th minute which was saved by Jonny Henly, who also managed to push Dan Darbyshire’s effort round the post.

On the stroke of half-time Tommy Whitnell’s fierce shot was only held at the second attempt

by Darts keeper Bradley Vose.

Tonbridge’s best moment came on the hourmark when Jared Small’s goalbound shot from the edge of the area was blocked inadvertently

by Tom Parkinson.

On 68 minutes Angels substitute Tom Beere saw his shot scrape the wrong side of the post.

With a quarter of an hour remaining McKimm brought on some younger players and Dartford finally made the breakthrough following defensive errors.

The experienced Lee Noble broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, and then Dartford made the game safe in the 90th minute with a late strike to make it 2-0.

The contest proved a useful learning exercise and afterwards McKimm said: “I thought the young players did well but they will also have learnt from their mistakes.”

The Angels return to Bostik League Premier action at home to Folkestone Invicta on Boxing Day [kick-off 3pm].

Wednesday December 19 | 2018

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63

Clifton 14 Tonbridge Juddians 37

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS extended their winning run to seven weeks at the halfway stage of their National Two South campaign with a comprehensive defeat of Clifton in Bristol.

TJs played into the teeth of the gale in the first half and were soon seven points down as Clifton went for the aerial route to put on the pressure.

The visitors had to be mindful any loose ball could be returned with ease on the wind, so they kept it close and went through the phases.

Charlie Edwards stole territory with a number of tapped penalties until Will Robinson was close enough to kick and give TJs three points.

The game plan continued and Mike O’Sullivan was able to finish off a series of TJ drives with Robinson converting.

Then Finlay Coxon-Smith made ground down the right before being tap-tackled as the line beckoned. The ball was recycled and Robinson darted through to score and convert.

Clifton lost their discipline and two yellow cards in quick succession gave TJs even more space as the half ran out.

Ryan Jackson turned the ball over and TJs found room on the right again for Coxon-Smith to crash over, allowing the visitors to go in at half-time 20-7 ahead.

In the second half a Robinson cross-kick found replacement winger Tom Chapman and he made good ground towards Clifton’s goalline.

In the melee that followed Robinson went over for a fourth bonus-point try which he converted.

Clifton looked to replicate TJs’ first-half game plan but the Tonbridge defence was too strong and eventually they were turned over.

Murray Galbraith-Lowe made the break, Jon

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

TJs blow Clifton away with six of their best BROTHERS IN ARMS TJs prepare to brave the Bristol gale McMahon supported him and then sent Duncan Tout over in the corner for another try.

Clifton did manage a converted try but by now TJs were on top both territorially and in terms of possession. The restart went long, Clifton failed to deal with it and Jimmy Stanford snaffled the visitors’ sixth try.

Considering the terrible conditions the handling by both sides was surprisingly good producing a total of eight tries.

Tonbridge, who remain in fifth place in the table, play host to Kent rivals Canterbury for their final game of the year on Saturday [December 22, kick-off 2.30pm].

Wells let close encounter slip through their fingers Wimbledon 10 Tunbridge Wells 5

By John Crees RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS visited the London & South-East Premier League leaders determined to avoid a repeat of the 52-8 beating earlier in the season, and they put up an impressive display before slipping to a narrow defeat.

On a very cold, wet afternoon Wells kicked off with the strong wind at their backs and put

pressure on Wimbledon with immediate effect.

Only solid defence stopped the visitors from scoring, with debutant James Catt making an impression with his strong running.

Against the run of play Wimbledon made their way downfield and on 12 minutes they scored after a series of pick-and-drives by the bulky pack.

Wells fought back with good phase play, direct running and fine handling given the conditions.

They were soon rewarded when George Montgomery dived over the line after a five-metre scrum to level the scores.

HOOKED ON FISHING AT BEWL WATER WITH THE TIMES

ALL ABOARD There’s good sport from the boats

Increased capacity helps fly fishing from flooded banks

By Phil Daley and Howard McKenzie FISHING: WATER levels are rising quickly thanks to continual pumping from the Rivers Teise and Medway and Bewl is now over 80 per cent full.

The average daily recharge rate has been over 250 megalitres – that is a massive 250,000 tonnes of water pumped in every day.

The temperature remains good for fishing at 8C and the water is largely clear.

Trout are favouring the top levels of the lake and the flooding of fresh ground has improved bank fishing for fly fishermen.

They are also enjoying great sport from the

boats and the best areas are between Chingley and Ferry Point.

Top flies included bright Blobs, Boobies and Minkies while small nymphs such as Cormorant and Diawl Bach also took fish.

Any method anglers had good catches from the boats in the same areas, too, with small spinners and bait proving most effective.

Anglers fishing on Fridays can enjoy a Festive Friday Lunch at the Boathouse Bistro with turkey and all the trimmings for just £9.95 per person from 12-4pm.

Book a table in the lodge when you purchase your permits or call on 01892 890000.

Just before half-time Wells were on the attack again but with an overlap looming, Ryan TaylorDennehy’s pass was intercepted by the winger.

He sprinted off but was caught on the Wells 22

by Taylor-Dennehy, who was adjudged to have seatbelt-tackled the player and was sent to the sinbin for 10 minutes.

Wimbledon kicked to the corner and from the ensuing lineout the home side drove over the Wells line to go in at the interval 10-5 ahead.

As conditions got worse after the break Wells went straight on the attack and pressurised

Wimbledon throughout the second period.

Strong running by Richard Webster drove Wells forward and the visitors camped on the Wimbledon line three times but were unable to convert the points after either knocking on or sealing off the ball.

Given the conditions the standard of rugby from both sides was excellent and Wells were left feeling that once more they had let a match slip through their fingers.

Wells have a two-week break before returning to action at home to Shelford on January 5.