Times of Tonbridge 7th June 2017

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Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Choir prepare to sing their heart out for Britain INSIDE CURRYING FAVOUR

Chef Atul Kochhar offers quick curry recipes Page 54

BRIGHT FUTURES

Work is set to begin on school’s £20m science centre Page 3

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: A choir from Tonbridge Grammar School is heading to Riga in Latvia this summer to compete against another 100 other choral groups from other countries in the third European Choir Games. Full story see page 2

Final push for General Election votes Parties reveal stark differences as the nation goes to the polls

By Murray Jones

murray@timesoftonbridge.co.uk WITH voters heading to the ballot box tomorrow [June 8], Tonbridge’s five Parliamentary candidates threw their efforts into the last leg of the General Election campaign.

On Sunday [June 4], around 200 constituents got to quiz Conservative Tom Tugendhat, the Green Party’s April Clark, Dylan Jones of Labour, Liberal Democrat Keith Miller and UKIP’s Colin Bullen at Tonbridge Baptist Church in Darenth Avenue.

From the housing crisis and elderly care to Brexit payments and waste in the NHS, the disparate answers from the panel meant no one could make the common complaint that ‘they are all the same’.

Incumbent Tom Tugendhat was forced to defend the less popular aspects of the Conservative manifesto as

his party was attacked by all the other candidates on plans to scrap free school lunches as well as previous cuts to child tax credit. Mr Tugendhat also argued that the proposed reform to funding adult social care was just. “[The current system] effectively uses the poorest to subsidise the inheritance of others…The reality is that it is fair to pay for your own care.”

The Green Party’s April Clark drew the most positive

‘No one could make the common complaint that ‘they are all the same’ reaction from the audience, receiving applause on three separate occasions, although she was jeered after calling for a second EU referendum on the final Brexit deal.

There was broad agreement that elderly care needed reform, with Labour’s Dylan Jones talking of the ‘obscene’

costs of private care homes and pledging to retain the winter fuel allowance and triple lock on pensions.

A question on the impact of austerity on the poor quickly turned into a debate on taxation, with Liberal Democrat Keith Miller criticising Labour’s tax and spend policies.

“There is a problem with taxing the rich to such an extent that they will pay accountants to do tax dodging,” he said, adding that if corporation tax was raised many large companies would jump ship and the UK would lose tax revenue.

But on Brexit UKIP’s Colin Bullen, called the vote ‘a liberation from an anti-democratic institution’ and affirmed his party’s role was to make sure the result was ‘honoured’.

Prior to the debate a minute’s silence was held for the victims of the London Bridge terrorist attack.

For candidate details see page 2

THE GOLDEN CHILD

Ebbage takes four golds at regional competition Page 70

TEMPTING FÊTE

Penshurst Place is a top pick this week See What’s On

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Local News

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Schoolgirls to sing General Election 2017: Meet the candidates a song for Europe Grammar pupils head for Latvia A TONBRIDGE school choir is putting the final preparations to their programme before they take part in the largest international choral competition in Europe this summer – The European Choir Games.

The TGS Motet Choir from Tonbridge Grammar School will be heading to Riga, in Latvia, in July to compete against 100 of the very best choirs from around the world, from Canada to New Zealand and China to Bulgaria.

In March, the all-girl singing group were finalists in the National Choir Competition at the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre. Next month they will be just one of the five British choirs at the global competition.

Prestigious Aged between 14 and 18, the 33-strong female choir were founded in 1992 by Assistant Head Teacher Adrian Pitts.

For the youngest singer, Alto Erin Connell, 14, this is her first experience of competing with the choir.

While for the longest serving members, Alto Charlotte Bailey and Soprano Lauren Hogan, both 18, it is their swansong after four years with the choir.

“It’s such an honour to be asked to take part in such a prestigious event and compete against the best youth choirs from across the world,” said Mr Pitts.

“In 2015, the choir won a silver diploma in Germany – we are desperate to give our young singers at this school, the opportunity to try to go for gold this time.”

In preparation, the young choir will be performing at the school on Thursday July 13 before they fly to Riga on Sunday.

HOW TO VOTE All 56 polling stations across the borough will be open from 7am to 10pm. To find the location of your polling station, check your polling card or visit: wheredoivote.co.uk To vote you simply go to the polling station and give them your name and address. You don’t need any other form of ID.

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HUSTINGS: (l-r) Colin Bullen (UKIP), April Clark (Green), Rev Simon Braid (moderator), Dylan Jones (Labour), Keith Miller (Liberal Democrat), Tom Tugendhat (Conservative) and Neil Durling (Tonbridge Baptist Church)

TOM TUGENDHAT – CONSERVATIVE Bio: Tom Tugendhat was elected MP for Tonbridge & Malling in 2015, following a career serving as a soldier including on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Before joining the Army he was a journalist in the Middle East and a management consultant.

Tom lives locally with his wife and children and is an active supporter of a number of local charities. He is also a Dementia Friend.

If elected, what would be your priorities?

“I’m pleased with what we have achieved together so far. Since 2015, we have received millions for much needed flood defences, additional primary and secondary schools, helped save local bus routes, retained and enhanced local healthcare and fought for local amenities.

“I want to continue this work for all our communities. We still have so much more to do to improve our infrastructure, including better broadband and mobile phone reception, while our rail service must become more reliable. If elected, I’ll continue my fight to make sure that Tonbridge and our surrounding villages get what we need to live and work in our changing world.”

KEITH MILLER – LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Bio: Keith Miller was a founder member of the SDP and became an activist in South London.

His father was an RAF pilot and he is an advocate for a strong defence policy.

He worked as a Medical Representative promoting drugs to ameliorate mental illness.

He has a psychology degree and family experience of depression. Therefore he urges more funding for mental health. He has travelled extensively in Europe and enthusiastically supported the accession of Eastern European countries into the EU. His wife is a retired teacher.

Priorities: “I believe that we must ensure we negotiate as good a Brexit deal as possible, ideally staying within the Single Market: otherwise it will be economically extremely damaging. It is essential that, at the earliest opportunity, EU nationals living in Britain are reassured they can stay in the country.

“We have a major underfunding problem in the National Health Service. It is important that the Liberal Democrat policy of a 1p rise in income tax for the NHS is implemented to address this. Also a bigger proportion of funding must be put into treating mental illness.

“School pupils are suffering because of an under-investment in Education. Nationally schools are facing on average another 8 per cent reduction of their budget this year. This shortfall needs to be made up in the next parliament.

Also the Tory decision cutting free lunches to primary pupils needs to be reversed urgently.”

APRIL CLARK – GREEN Bio: April Clark has lived in Tonbridge since 2008. She is an HR Director, and the former Vice Chair of a national disability charity. In 2015 she co-founded the South Tonbridge WI, and currently conducts the local WI choir. She also volunteers to support refugees as well as others in her local community. April and her husband Stuart are expecting their first child in October this year.

Priorities: “I would focus straight away on reversing the worst injustices of the government’s austerity programme – ensuring nurses and junior doctors are paid fairly, and injecting emergency funding into the NHS. “I would cancel plans for cuts that will affect every school in Tonbridge & Malling.

I would scrap the unfair system of work assessments for disabled people and reinstate the independent living allowance.

“I would work to introduce a new Environment Act, to keep and strengthen the protections offered by EU regulation.

“We must continue to work in the community to reduce divisions whilst ensuring the police have the resources to protect us.

“I would fight to make sure that any deal reached on Brexit is the best possible deal for Britain, and that we hold another referendum once the terms are clear so the people of Britain can have a final say.

“Finally, in the short term, I would push for reform of our voting system, so that in future every vote counts.”

DYLAN JONES – LABOUR Bio: Dylan Jones was born and bred in Kent, then gained a Bsc and Msc in International Politics at the University of Wales. He has worked at Royal Mail for over four years, starting as a postman and now as an operations manager. He combined this with a fundraising role for Kentish charity Find a Voice, helping people with learning and communication disabilities. Also a runner, he ran the London Marathon in 2014.

If elected, what would be your priorities?

“Locally, I support the ‘Keep River Lawn Green’ campaign. It is unacceptable there was not proper public consultation regarding the future of this land. The developments we need in Tonbridge are affordable homes on brownfield sites, not luxury apartments on greenfield sites.

“I also support the Tonbridge Bicycle Users Group campaign for more cycle lanes. I’m glad the government is encouraging people to cycle, but we must also invest in making cycling safer.

“Nationally, Labour’s policies would benefit Tonbridge. Most commuters in the constituency are frustrated with Southeastern rail’s high prices and poor service. Labour would nationalise Kent’s rail network once Southeastern’s contract expires in 2018.

France and Germany prove nationalised railways work in the 21st century.

“So many young people in Tonbridge feel their aspiration to become homeowners is unachievable. Labour would build one million new homes across Britain by 2022, making that dream a reality.”

COLIN BULLEN – UKIP Bio: Colin Bullen was born in Kent and spent most of his career working in Westminster for the IT department of the Church of England. He and his wife have lived in Tonbridge for 25 years. They are both regular churchgoers, and he is a reader at St Dunstan’s. He volunteered as a driver with the Tonbridge Volunteer bureau for a number of years and is a regular volunteer with a Tonbridge animal welfare group.

Priorities: “Although I have a concern for many issues, including the NHS, education and care for the elderly, my top priority is that the result of the 2016 referendum be honoured. Unless we regain control of our democracy, our ability to act on anything else will be effectively undermined.

“Although the other issues are important, it seems to me that, in the absence of full national independence, we would be discussing what colour we should paint the bedroom while the house is burning down. Opponents claim that Brexit is settled but, given the opposition to it by the political establishment, that is far from true. As we know, the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and our local Conservative MP supported the Remain campaign.

“Failure to make a clean break with the EU will leave this country still vulnerable to interference in our affairs by unelected EU bureaucrats, and by the European Court of Justice, which is tasked with enforcing EU laws.

“It would not be true independence.”

Local News

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

NEWS IN BRIEF

School deny pupil was sent home for no bra HILLVIEW School for Girls has refuted claims that it sent a pupil home for not wearing a bra.

The claims by an anonymous parent made national headlines last week, with the Daily Mail, The Sun and the Daily Mirror all reporting on the May 25 incident amid rumours the parent was told her daughter’s outfit would distract male teachers.

But the school have said the girl was asked to leave for her ‘inappropriate attire’ since she was wearing a nearly transparent top.

Headteacher Hilary Burkett said: “Hillview Sixth Form has a professional dress code that applies to all students.

“This is to ensure that students present themselves smartly and as positive role models to the younger years.”

The next day a number of students went into school braless to protest the school’s policy.

Cultural connection A NEW arts and social centre was officially opened in Chiddingstone Causeway by Dame Kelly Holmes on Saturday [June 3].

In 2002, the much-loved old hall was deteriorating to such an extent that it was no longer fit to use and had to be demolished.

But after six years of hard work from fundraisers, the target of £750,000 was reached and construction could commence.

The new centre has a large hall, demountable stage, large kitchen and three separate rooms to hold meetings, clubs and exhibitions.

Tonbridge in bloom RESIDENTS are being encouraged to colour up the borough as this year’s Tonbridge In Bloom competition begins.

The project aims to engage people with the joy of gardening and focus on the value that plants bring to the community.

There are various categories that can be won, from individual pots to entire gardens.

As an incentive to get people planting the sponsor, Coolings Garden Centre in Knockholt, will send a £5 voucher to every household that enters. The closing date for entries is June 30. Forms can be collected from various shops in the town, Coolings or visiting www.coolings.co.uk.

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Work to begin on £20million ‘world-class’ science centre

By Murray Jones murray@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE 464-year-old Tonbridge School is about to get a very modern upgrade with construction soon to start on a multi-million-pound science centre.

A three-storey glass structure is to be built towards the east of the school’s estate and will be visible from the High Street. The open plan building will feature state-of-the art laboratory facilities with increased space for practical work.

As well as a lecture theatre, the centre will feature a rooftop garden, enabling pupils to experiment in botany.

In total, the project is set to cost £20million; £17million of which has been funded by the school, with the help of its backer the Judd Foundation.

The other £3million has come from philanthropy.

Work will begin in mid-July, after construction firm Baxall announced they had secured a £9.8million contract in May. It will add to the company’s 20-plus strong portfolio of projects for the school.

In parallel with the new centre, refurbishment

and alteration works NEW FRONTIERS will be carried out The striking design to the existing for the centre scientific facilities.

“The current science building at Tonbridge was revolutionary for its time when it was built in 1887, and heralded a new approach to science teaching,” according to a school brochure.

“The next science building will be equally innovative and long-lasting. It will create a bold statement to stimulate aspiration and ambition.”

Approval for the design has been offered by the town’s Civic Society, whose Chair, Diane Huntingford, said: “We are pleased with the final details which, although modern, replicate the

Father hits the road in bid to help find a cure for son

READY TO DASH: Martin Tracey, Matt Crawford, Ian Holloborn, David Rae, Duncan Brown and Tim Marston, with Connor Crawford in front

A NEW cycling group has been formed with one specific mission – to help find a cure for a local boy’s rare disease.

Five-year old Connor Crawford was diagnosed in February last year with the fatal and incurable condition Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy [DMD].

Soon afterwards, his parents, Matthew and Emma, established the charity Chasing Connor’s Cure.

This weekend, Mr Crawford and a team of nine family members and friends, will take on a gruelling 24-hour, 300km bike ride from London to Paris to raise awareness and funds for research.

The challenge, known as the Duchenne Dash, has

design lines of the original buildings.”

Tonbridge School was founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde. There are currently 800 boys at the £36,288-a-year institution, which is recognised as one of the leading schools in the country. been running for five years, with the number of riders and funds raised increasing each time.

This year there will be 160 riders hoping to raise £1million; the local contingent who are supporting Connor are aiming to contribute £20,000.

Duchenne affects around 2,500 patients in the UK. Those diagnosed are almost always boys.

It attacks the muscles and in most cases mobility is lost by the age of ten. In general, it will eventually lead to prematurely taking life from the late 20s.

Mr Crawford said: “Suffering from Duchenne has meant Connor struggles with the small things that most boys take for granted – kicking a ball, climbing a tree or simply riding a bike.

“So, as Connor’s muscles weaken, mine and my team of ten strengthen; all of us are as determined as one another to raise as much money as possible.

“Whether it buys time, therapy or, more crucially, a cure, we all know that boys like Connor will stand a better chance with research.”

Visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/connorscure

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Local News

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Tunbridge Wells candidates make their final pitch to voters VOTING INFORMATION

Polling booths open tomorrow [Thursday] at 7am and will close a 10pm. All those aged 18 and over and on the electoral register are eligible to vote.

The count will start shortly after the polls close, with an announcement on the results expected during the early hours of Friday. � For information on where to find your local polling station, visit www.yourvotematters.co.uk

concerned themselves with what they saw as damage limitation, now has a real chance of being the next Prime Minister.

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk WITH just 24 hours to go before the polling booths open, the Times invited the six candidates hoping to represent the Tunbridge Wells constituency to set out their top five priorities if elected.

Since Theresa May announced on April 18 that she would hold the snap poll tomorrow [June 8], it has proven to be a tumultuous campaign for an election we were originally told was never on the cards.

In the weeks since, we have seen a Conservative lead of around 20 points evaporate into single digits, according to the pollsters. Victory, once assured, is no longer guaranteed for the governing party.

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn, written off at the beginning by many on his own side, who then

‘It’s not unprecedented for a party to win the popular vote but get fewer seats’ Tunbridge Wells, a true blue borough ever since it was formed, returned only Conservative Party representatives at the Kent County Council elections on May 4, but with politics no longer conforming to old rules, this can no longer be relied on as a guide to what will happen in the General Election.

Despite the fact Brexit has taken a back seat in the national dialogue after the infamous ‘demen-

tia tax’ debacle sparked by the Conservative Party manifesto, the reality of last June’s referendum vote will hit after the election. The outcome of the process will be significantly dictated by the party, or parties, in power. And the national picture will always have an impact on the local scene.

It is entirely possible with the first past the postsystem, and not unprecedented, for a party to win the popular vote but get fewer seats, as in 1951.

And if there is a hung Parliament, this will mean the question of legitimacy is all the more important in deciding the next government.

Lastly, despite recent attempts to undermine our society through terrorism, the fact the candidates on these pages are allowed to openly air their political views, and we are free to vote for them, is something to be proud of – whichever side of the political spectrum you adhere to.

CELINE THOMAS: WOMEN’S EQUALITY PARTY CELINE THOMAS has worked as a lawyer in central government for nine years, initially training in a city firm as an EU and regulatory lawyer.

She qualified as a teacher of law and politics in her early career and taught briefly in further education before returning to legal practice.

She lives in Tunbridge Wells with her family of three children and volunteers as a support worker for a local charity supporting women affected by domestic violence.

At the county council elections, Ms Thomas won 9.3 per cent of the votes in the Tunbridge Wells South division – more votes than the Green Party and UKIP combined.

Expressing her sadness over recent terror incidents, Ms Thomas said her party’s aim of building a ‘strong, equal and inclusive society’ is the ‘only way’ to meet the challenges we face in the days ahead.

If elected, Ms Thomas stated her top five priorities will be:

CHARLES WOODGATE: LABOUR PARTY CHARLES WOODGATE was born and lives in Kent with his wife Liza and two young boys. His career spans 30 years working in international trade, banking and the financial services industries.

Mr Woodgate says living standards are being squeezed and working people are being hit hard – claiming working families are set to be worse off by more than £1,400 over the next few years.

Among his concerns are £5million of budget cuts to schools in Tunbridge Wells by 2020, not enough funding for care of the elderly and a ‘massive

housing shortage’, making hard for young people to afford to get on the housing ladder while rents are rising faster than wages.

Mr Woodgate accuses Theresa May of being happy to bargain our future away on a ‘hard Brexit’ that he says will harm business and jobs.

He said he also opposes fox hunting.

If elected, Mr Woodgate stated his top five priorities will be: 1. Back the introduction of a £10 an hour real living wage and guarantee the triple lock on pensions until 2025.

2. Work to improve our local health

care services, and back better funded social care and mental health services.

3. Vote to reverse Conservative education cuts, extend 30 free hours’ childcare to two-year-olds, and abolish university tuition fees.

4. Support an increase in housebuilding and the introduction of rent controls to give more security to private tenants.

5. Increase the number of police by 10,000 to help redress Conservative cuts, to combat terrorism and improve our nation’s security.

1. Ensure a transparent and accountable Brexit to protect women’s rights from being diminished or lost via the ‘back door’.

2. Universal free childcare from nine months, and equal maternity and paternity leave, pay and rights 3. Investment in social care and carers 4. Equal pay for equal jobs 5. Commitment to ending violence against women

Local News TREVOR BISDEE grew up in Westonsuper-Mare, the youngest of four children. His father was a milkman for most of his childhood and his family lived in a council house with a couple of pigeon lofts in the garden.

He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1981 and was posted to Lambeth during the summer riots, which he describes as a ‘baptism of fire’, before spending five years in Royalty Protection.

Whilst serving in the police, he took an Open University course and gained

CHRIS HOARE said UKIP will be holding the government’s ‘feet to the fire’ to ensure there is a ‘full Brexit’.

He states immigration has gone up while there is a reduced Border Force and believes the government is underspending on defence.

Mr Hoare is critical of cuts to the police service and still fighting against the massive over-development locally brought about by the government’s changes to the planning rules.

He says the Conservatives can only

a BSc (Hons) in Social Science. Now retired from the force, he lives Paddock Wood with his wife and son.

Mr Bisdee said he has always been passionate about wildlife and the environment, also social justice, so the Green Party is a ‘natural fit’ for him and he is currently Chair of the local party.

If elected, Mr Bisdee stated his top five priorities will be: 1. To re-examine the planning application for houses in Paddock Wood.

2. Ensure the police are ‘properly

offer overcrowding, failing infrastructure and failing services while they ‘protect powerful business interests against those of the community’.

Mr Hoare states West Kent copes with huge housebuilding programmes but no new infrastructure, and has an unwillingness to make developers pay their share of the costs.

If elected, Mr Hoare stated his top five priorities will be: 1. Lowering the average income needed to buy ‘affordable housing’

RACHEL SADLER joined Liberal Democrats in 2012 and stood as their candidate for Bexhill and Battle in 2015, in a Conservative safe seat. She has built on that experience and is hoping to become the next MP for Tunbridge Wells.

Ms Sadler lives and works in Tunbridge Wells, so understands the key issues affecting people here.

Passionate about local and national issues, she has been involved in a variety of campaigns, such as the EU Referendum that saw Tunbridge

funded’ in line with their requirements and give commanders more discretion on arming officers.

3. Cancel Hinckley Point and reinstall subsidies to companies producing sustainable energy products.

4. Invest in the NHS. Nationalise the companies that handle the PFI contract, saving ten per cent of the NHS budget instantly.

5. Give people the opportunity to vote on the outcome of Brexit negotiations.

from around £70,000 to £24,000.

2. Closing tax loopholes that allow for foreign workers to be paid under the minimum wage only to have them topped up with benefits.

3. Not allowing developers to buy their way out of social housing obligations.

4. Launching an investigation into how many developers break their section 106 (developer contribution) obligations.

5. Ensuring all developer contributions owed are collected.

Wells vote to stay in the EU. Ms Sadler said her beliefs have been reinforced by many conversations she has had on the doorstep with voters ‘frustrated’ with the direction the country is taking.

She believes in a society that cares for its most vulnerable people, and where people have the right to be themselves, unless it impinges on the well-being of others.

If elected, Ms Sadler stated her top five priorities will be: 1. To give the British people a say on the final Brexit deal.

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CHRIS HOARE: UKIP

GREG CLARK has been the Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells since 2005. Born in Middlesbrough, as the son of a milkman and a supermarket worker, he attended his local comprehensive school before studying Economics at Cambridge University and the London School of Economics. Before entering politics, Mr Clark worked in business strategy in Britain and overseas. He is currently the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in Theresa May’s Cabinet and sits on the Cabinet Committee which oversees preparations for Brexit.

As MP for Tunbridge Wells, Mr Clark campaigned to get the new hospital at Pembury built, to get the A21 dualled between Tonbridge and Pembury, and for improvements to mental health services for children and adolescents. He is also a patron of several local mental health and care charities.

If elected, Mr Clark stated his top five priorities will be: 1. Being a hardworking constituency MP who will always be visible and tireless in assisting anyone who needs help – regardless of politics.

2. Negotiating positively and constructively a good mutual relationship with our European neighbours to keep jobs and prosperity here.

3. Continuing to fight for improved local NHS services, including for mental health, strokes and support for people with dementia and their carers.

4. Better connections, including road upgrades, a better value train service, cuts to aircraft noise plus much better digital connections.

5. Opportunities for the young through building homes that are affordable and improving technical education.

RACHEL SADLER: LIB-DEMS

GREG CLARK: CONSERVATIVE PARTY

TREVOR BISDEE: GREEN PARTY

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

2. An extra £7bn (£13.5million locally) for education and £6bn (£30million locally) and £52million for social care in Kent.

3. An additional £300million for police and community engagement to tackle violent extremism.

4. Environmental protections such as banning fracking and ensuring that we move towards clean, renewable energy.

5. To reach a housebuilding target of 300,000 homes per year by 2022, including direct building by government.

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Local News NEWS IN BRIEF

Namesake partner leaves law firm after 37 years THE world’s oldest law firm is bidding farewell to the grandson of one of its named partners after almost four decades of service.

Jeremy Passmore, joined Thomson Snell & Passmore 37 years ago where he grew a reputation as a ‘leader in his field’ in charity law according to both Chambers UK and Citywealth.

In addition to Mr Passmore’s retirement, partners Simon Brown and Patricia Fearnley are also stepping down from the firm, after 28 and 25 years in the practice, respectively.

Planned A21 closure A FULL closure of the A21 will be in place overnight between 8pm and 6am on Saturday June 10 on the A21 southbound between Quarry Hill and Pembury Interchange and on the A21 northbound between Pembury Interchange and Vauxhall Interchange.

A clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A26, A2014, A26 and the A228.

End of Saturday school HOLMEWOOD HOUSE Prep School in Langton Green has decided to scrap Saturday School 72 years after it was founded, no doubt to the delight of its pupils.

Deputy Headmaster Jeremy Wyld said the reasons behind the review included a desire to ‘move with the times’, reducing the pressure on pupils and improving family life.

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Concern over Dunorlan’s future as volunteer force loses leader

By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk SUPPORTERS of Dunorlan Park are waiting to hear who will run the volunteer workforce that makes a vital contribution to its maintainance.

Concerns have been aired following the retirement of the park’s Head Gardener, Tony Ewins, after 13 years.

Mr Ewins stood down from the role last month. During his tenure the grounds were significantly upgraded and won numerous awards.

But perhaps his greatest achievement was to grow and nurture a team of volunteers to help him – and enrich their own lives in the process.

The anxiety stems from the potential decline of the much-loved attraction – and also what happens to the volunteers, most of whom have come from vulnerable backgrounds.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has confirmed that its contractor Sodexo will be providing a replacement for Mr Ewins.

However, the services provider has said that it will not be able to help with the voluntary arrangements, leaving the future of these long-term helpers in doubt.

The Dunorlan Park assistants include neighbouring Oakley School on Pembury Road, which supports children with severe special educational needs.

Supervised Help also came from members of Crossways Community, a charity in the town that provides residential care for adults with acute mental health issues.

Mr Ewins arrived at Dunorlan in 2004 after working at Sheffield Park in East Sussex.

During his tenure Dunorlan won a Green Flag award, a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and a Britain in Bloom accolade.

Upon his retirement he was presented with a portrait of the park painted by the local artist Elaine Gill.

The new Chairman of the PICTURE PERFECT: Tony Ewins and the painting of Dunorlan he received, created by Elaine Gill

Friends of Dunorlan Park (FODP), Peter Russell, said of the volunteer group: “It’s something Tony has supervised and been very good at.

“There were two levels; he gently supervises the guys who are happy to go into work. But he also looks after the boys from Oakley School who need close supervision – for example, they are not allowed to go near the lake.”

Mr Russell added: “In the short term, a member of the council will be present in the park one morning per week to manage the volunteers, who are so valuable in helping to maintain it.”

But he warned: “Sodexo has told us that the volunteering was something Tony took on in his own right. They said it was not part of their contract and it would need renegotiating.”

Cllr Jane March said: “The volunteers who work in the park are very important but it is correct to say they are not the contractor’s responsibility.

“The council is now looking at how we can continue to work with them for the ongoing benefit of the park.”

She added: “The position of Head Gardener was a requirement of the Heritage Lottery Fund project, which TWBC stopped receiving funding for some years ago.

“But we do have contractual expectations [with Sodexo] and we will make sure these are met.”

Outgoing FODP Chair Diana Lamb commented: “Sodexo have advised it is not in their contract to ‘fund’ the organisation and supervision of volunteers. Therefore the replacement will not responsible for this vital element of our park’s management. The Friends are not optimistic about the outcome.”

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Self-employment surge is driving Kent’s fastgrowing business tally

NEWS IN BRIEF

Immigration could hit Kent rural economy THE Conservative manifesto pledge to retain an immigration target of ‘tens of thousands’ has been attacked by members of Kent’s agricultural community.

Peter Reeves, who owns one of the county’s largest soft fruit firms, FJ Reeves and Partners on the Kent/Sussex borders, which supplies both Ribena and Chapel Down wines, said: “Is Theresa May purely electioneering to get more Ukippers on board or is it serious?

“Without migrant labour we wouldn’t have a business or an industry.”

However, Richard Balfour-Lynn of the Hush Heath winery, near Marden, said his company relies on European pickers during harvest season but is more optimistic.

“I think the government will undoubtedly allow people to come over for three-month stays like they do now. I can’t see that changing,” he said.

Top award for care ASHURST PARK and Birkin Lodge care homes in Tunbridge Wells, run by Brighterkind, are celebrating their part in winning an award for ‘best for clinical facilities’ in the National Care Home Awards Scheme.

Fiona Millington, Director of Nursing at Brighterkind, said: “It was quite an accolade because we didn’t enter ourselves into the award scheme… we were initially nominated by a third party and then the judges got in touch with us.”

The awards are run in association with Care Home Management magazine.

THE number of businesses in Kent has grown by a quarter in the past five years to over 100,000, driven largely by a surge in self-employment, new figures have revealed.

Tunbridge Wells has the fourth highest number of businesses registered out of the 13 local authorities in the county, including Medway.

In total, 9,363 firms are based in the borough, with neighbouringTonbridge & Malling taking sixth place with 8,133 companies.

IN SAFE HANDS: (l-r) Henry Clarke, Tom Tugendhat and Scott Williams

New insurance broking firm enters Tonbridge High Street

By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk TWO young entrepreneurs marked the launch of their new firm last month with a celebration at Tonbridge’s Old Fire Station, and a visit to their offices by Conservative candidate Tom Tugendhat.

Based in the High Street, Clarke Williams Ltd are specialist insurance brokers who will provide risk management and tailored insurance solutions to businesses and private individuals in the area.

The founders, former Belmont colleagues Henry Clarke, 29, and Scott Williams, 30, are supported by three other consultant directors, leading to a combined experience in insurance of over 100 years.

Explaining why the pair decided to go it alone

and take the risk of setting up their own business, Mr Clarke said: “The firm was founded on the basis that we believed clients were not being given the level of service they deserved, and that the personal touch has been lost for most brokers.”

Relationship-based Mr Williams added: “People buy from people.

Insurance is a relationship-based business, and unfortunately there are too many business out there that don’t even know the name of their insurance advisor. We want to change that so our clients know who to contact when they need us most.”

They cater for ‘all types of insurance’, but specialise in the fields of property and high value homes, motor, construction, recruitment and surveyors.

‘The next government must do all it can to support Kent small businesses’ Alison Palmer, who heads the Federation of Small Businesses [FSB] in Kent, said an ‘army of self-employed’, in particular those aged below 25, was behind the rise in new firms.

She added: “The benefits of setting up shop in Kent are various – proximity to London, vibrant high streets and tourist footfall, to name just three.

“The next government must do all it can to support Kent small businesses that are driving local growth, and avoid any tax grab on these strivers if we want to see this entrepreneurial spirit continue to grow.”

Overall, Medway accounted for the highest number of registered companies, with 12,351 based in the area, followed by West Kent’s Sevenoaks and Maidstone.

In total, 100,317 businesses are based in the county.

Local News

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

How giving a speech at TEDx in Tunbridge Wells changed a life…

EXCITEMENT is mounting ahead of this weekend’s TEDx Royal Tunbridge Wells as final preparations get underway for the inspirational speaking event.

Presenting to the 1,000-seat capacity Assembly Hall on Saturday afternoon [2-10pm, June 10], the array of 18 speakers all come from vastly different backgrounds, but will all be discussing transformative discoveries they have made in the past.

One of those guests is returning to Tunbridge Wells after the public reaction to her speech two years ago proved to be the catalyst for her to make a fundamental change in her life.

After her speech gained over 23,000 views online, Maddy Warren decided to quit her high-paying job as an investment banker and concentrate much more time on campaigning about an issue close to her heart.

Thriving After the loss of both her kidneys 20 years ago, due to an autoimmune condition that attacked the vital organs when she was just 13, she began receiving dialysis at home for six hours every night.

Her father donated a kidney for a transplant in 2003, but the disease recurred in her new kidney almost immediately, and it had to be removed.

Typical dialysis INSPIRED patients have to go to Home dialysis hospital three to four champion times a week for the Maddy Warren treatment, but Ms Warren

has always championed the liberating effect of self-managed home dialysis care, which she will have managed for 19 years in October.

She has never let her illness get in the way, with a thriving career in investment banking and more than 300 skydives.

As a last-minute stand-in, she shared her story and her passion for championing home-based dialysis with 100 people at Skinners’ Kent Academy, as part of the inaugural TEDx Tunbridge Wells event.

“My ‘accidental’ TEDx talk, since I stood in at the last moment, proved to be utterly serendipitous because the positive response to my message about patient empowerment has really driven me to act on some of my ideas, hence all the changes I’ve since made,” she told the Times.

This has given her the opportunity to give many more talks to the global clinical community, taking her to Japan, the US and all around Europe. “[The talk] enabled me to connect with so many kidney patients all over the world who have seen the talk and contacted me to ask for advice or to share their stories, which is very humbling,” she said. “Giving the talk itself was a confidence boosting experience.”  Maddy Warren will be speaking

on Saturday June 10 at the TEDx event at the Assembly Hall. For tickets and speakers, go to: www.tedxroyaltunbridgewells. com or the Assembly Hall box office www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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Community News

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Foundation offers funding boost for good causes

THE Kent Community Foundation [KCF] has announced the grants it has made to local charities for the first quarter of 2017.

In the borough of Tunbridge Wells, funds totalling £72,468 were made available.

The beneficiaries were:  Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells £1,500  Memory Lane Cafe £2,400  Fegans £30,500 (IT upgrade)  Home-Start £5,000  Nourish Community Foodbank £5,000  Samaritans £500  Imago £20,000  West Kent YMCA £2,000  Young Kent £4,860 (disability access)  Tunbridge Wells & District Volunteer Bureau £708 In Tonbridge & Malling, £40,985 was distributed:  Sevenoaks Powerchair Football Club £7,830  Ridge View Special School £4,947  Slide Away £4,208  Kent Friendz £16,000 (disability access)  The Bridge Trust £3,500  Music@Malling £4,500 KCF helps individuals and organisations to establish and administer charitable funds, which can be a complex and costly undertaking that eats significantly into resources.

KCF Chief Executive Josephine McCartney said: “We particularly look to support projects which meet our priority themes, and especially try to help smaller organisations that struggle to access funding.”

KCF’s current priorities are helping children, young people and families; elderly and vulnerable adults; employment, skills and enterprise.

New service gives free advice to help choose care home

RAISE A TOAST Guests donated £32,000 at the gala dinner

Hospice charity celebrates 25 years of bringing hope to Eastern Europe CHARITY Hospices of Hope celebrated a quarter of a century of providing hospice care in Romania with a gala dinner in the rooftop conservatory at London’s Millennium Gloucester Hotel.

The Otford-based organisation invited 150 guests who raised more £32,000 on the night.

This will be divided between two of the charity’s projects in south-eastern Europe: The first ever in-patient hospice in Serbia, and a unique respite and therapy centre for children in Romania.

The highlight of the evening was Catia Radu talking about the way the charity has transformed her life. Catia suffers from muscular atrophy and has been cared for by the charity’s Brasov hospice in Romania since she was very young.

Supported by hospice staff, she learnt English from UK volunteers and won a scholarship to the University of Manchester to study Psychology.

She told the audience: “Hospices of Hope gave me courage to accept disability and to overcome it. Everyone at the hospice is so encouraging. They helped me realise my dream.”

Hospices of Hope was founded by Tunbridge Wells resident Graham Perolls, who visited a cancer hospital in Romania in the late 1980s and was shocked by the conditions he witnessed.

Hospices of Hope has treated 40,000 patients and trained over 20,000 healthcare professionals in hospice techniques.

‘MY DREAM’ Catia Radu from Brasov is studying in the UK

A COMPANY in Tunbridge Wells has set up the country’s first free independent advice line to help the elderly and their relatives find suitable care.

Chosen with Care’s national advice line offers a free 20-minute phone consultation with experts.

The advisors carry out a health and needs check to identify key issues, and provide advice on the most suitable types of care and likely fees.

The founder, Debbie Harris, says: “With 654 care homes in Kent alone – and more than 13,000 around the country – choosing the right care home can be a minefield. Most people simply don’t know where to begin or what questions to ask.

“We want to take away some of the confusion and give people the information they need to make better, more informed decisions about care solutions for mum or dad, or even themselves.

After the initial phone call, follow-up support includes a five-point action plan, a checklist of questions to ask potential care homes and guidance on other areas, such as legal issues and financial solutions.

The line is open from 8.30am-7pm Monday to Saturday on 01892 300530, or you can request a call back by emailing info@ chosenwithcare.co.uk CONFUSION Debbie Harris says care choices can be a ‘minefield’

Countywide

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Air marshal honoured with memorial bust…

ONE of Britain’s most acclaimed Royal Air Force commanders was commemorated last week at a special ceremony attended by Prince Michael of Kent.

A bust of Lord Hugh Dowding, who spent his remaining years in Tunbridge Wells, was unveiled by the Queen’s cousin in Capel-leFerne on May 31.

As Air Chief Marshal of the RAF in the Second World War, Lord Dowding’s leadership was pivotal during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

REMEMBERED Lord Hugh Dowding

Heroism The bust was commissioned by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust and carved by sculptor Will Davies, who also created a bust of Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park.

Capel-le-Ferne is the home of the National Memorial to the legendary ‘Few’, where both sculptures have been placed.

After becoming head of Fighter Command following its formation in 1936, Lord Dowding was a strong advocate of developing Britain’s defensive capabilities through the use of radar, observer corps and control rooms.

Combined with the heroism of the pilots themselves, these innovative defence systems helped the country during some of the darkest days of the war and most notably to win the Battle of Britain.

After the war, Lord Dowding became a vocal advocate for animal welfare and lived in both Southborough, between 1951 and 1967, and Tunbridge Wells, where he died in 1970.

Plaques in his honour have been erected at No 1 Calverley Park, and at his former home in Darnley Drive, Southborough.

A memorial stone can also be found at the main entrance to Calverley Grounds.

Battle of Medway boycott threat LABOUR party members at Medway Council have stated their intention to boycott the Battle of Medway commemorations, which begin tomorrow [Thursday], in protest over cuts to Sure Start centres in the area.

In an open letter to Tory leader Alan Jarrett, opposition members said they would not accept any civic invitations to the events, which run until June 17 and mark 350 years since the Dutch destroyed the Royal fleet at Chatham.

In the letter, Labour members Vince Maple, Adam Price, Andy Stamp and Teresa Murray criticise the decision to spend £60,000 to mark what was ‘a

catastrophic defeat’ and said the money came from savings in the children’s budget.

The Conservative-run unitary authority has blamed financial pressures for its decision to close 19 Sure Start centres and create four ‘super hubs’ in their place.

Although opposition members forced a review on the issue, a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee – attended by around 80 members of the public – decided to stand by the plans and put them out to public consultation.

In the letter, the Labour members ask for the status quo to be included as an option in the consultation.

They add that although it is ‘important’

to commemorate history and heritage, it is also important to ‘look to the future’.

The letter also says: “We are well aware that the sums of money it is proposed to save from closing all 19 centres and replacing them with four ‘super hubs’ are far greater than any council contributions to Battle of Medway commemorations.

“But in light of public anger at the Tory group’s decision to spend £60,000 of savings from the children’s budget on fireworks to mark a catastrophic defeat by the Dutch Navy, it would be inappropriate for any Medway Labour councillor to accept any civic invitations to Battle of Medway events. Enjoy your fireworks.”

Abuse investigation Labour lukewarm on new Thames crossing KENT’S Police & Crime Commissioner, Matthew Scott, has asked for an independent review into an incident which saw a Jewish family racially abused last week.

Police failed to attend the incident at Minster beach on the Isle of Sheppey on May 28, which saw the family of seven abused by a group of youths who are said to have thrown stones at the holidaymakers.

The parents cut short their holiday and returned to their home in Stamford Hill, north London.

Mr Scott confirmed that Kent Police had begun looking into the incident, but has gone further by asking for an independent review.

He said he is ‘sorry and saddened’ by the incident and the concerns surrounding the police’s handling of it, adding: “Kent Police has already reviewed the case, met with the victim, and made two arrests. The investigation remains ongoing. I have asked for the reasons behind the decision not to attend to be investigated – under the police’s threat, harm and risk criteria – and for consideration Matthew to be given for the call handling Scott to be independently reviewed.”

PLANS for a second Thames crossing could be shelved if a Labour government is elected, the party’s Shadow Secretary of State for Transport has confirmed.

Andy McDonald said ‘all options’ were on the table when it comes to the £6.5billion scheme, which will see a pair of tunnels connect Tilbury and Shone near Gravesend.

Disaster He added: “Before we agree to spending £6.5billion, we have to be sure that we will actually resolve the problem of congestion around the existing crossing, and that it is then done in a way that does as little damage as possible.”

The government approved of the plan in April on the grounds it would relieve congestion at the Dartford crossing.

Conservative candidate Gareth Johnson, who was MP for Dartford at the time of the announcement and hopes to retain his seat tomorrow [Thursday], said Mr McDonald’s lack of a commitment to the project would ‘be a disaster’ for the town.

He added that any policy for creating a second crossing nearer Dartford would be ‘catastrophic’ and lead to extra traffic on a road network that ‘cannot cope’.

However, local Conservatives in the Shorne area have spoken out in opposition to the scheme.

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National News

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Latest polls suggest Britain will vote for a hung parliament

ELECTION IN BRIEF

Naughty girl May ‘ran through wheat fields’ THERESA MAY has revealed that ‘the naughtiest thing’ she has ever done was to run through fields of wheat as a child.

The Prime Minister, who described herself as a ‘bookish’ only child, was pressed on the issue by ITV’s Julie Etchingham.

The vicar’s daughter struggled to answer, saying: “Oh goodness me. Well I suppose, gosh, do you know I’m not quite sure.

Nobody is ever perfectly behaved, are they?

“I have to confess when me and my friends used to run through the fields of wheat, the farmers weren’t too pleased about that.”

Banksy out of the picture STREET artist Banksy has cancelled an offer of a free print to people who vote against the Conservatives in the General Election.

Banksy said he had been ‘warned’ by the Electoral Commission that his offer could ‘invalidate’ the election.

The mysterious artist had offered prints of a new limited edition artwork to people in seats around Bristol formerly held by Conservative MPs.

Abbott misses debate SHADOW home secretary Diane Abbott had to pull out of a BBC radio show due to illness.

Ms Abbott was due to take part in a debate on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.

Her decision to withdraw came after a difficult interview on Monday evening in which she appeared to struggle to answer questions about her home affairs brief.

MARK OF RESPECT: Sadiq Khan joins London Ambulance workers in observing a minute’s silence in Waterloo

Khan warns of deeper cuts in police numbers under Tories THE Metropolitan Police faces the loss of thousands of frontline officers under Conservative spending plans, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned.

Mr Khan, a member of the Labour party, said the force stood to lose between 3,400 and 12,800 constables – a reduction in its strength of 10 to 40 per

‘Police officers in our communities act as the eyes and ears of the security services’ cent – making it harder to foil future terror attacks such as the weekend attack on London Bridge.

He told the BBC that the Met, which has had to make savings of £600million since 2010, was not only facing new cuts of £400million but could face the further loss of between £184million and £700million a year under Tory plans to change the police funding formula.

“Our city has suffered two awful terrorist attacks since I was elected as Mayor, and we must do

everything possible to stop there being any more,” Mr Khan said. “Police officers in our communities act as the eyes and ears of the security services, providing the intelligence and information that allows us to disrupt attempted terrorist attacks.

“Cuts on this scale would make it harder to foil future terrorist attacks on our city, and as the Mayor of London I’m simply not willing to stand by and let that happen.”

Meanwhile Home Secretary Amber Rudd rejected suggestions that a decline in police numbers had made the UK more vulnerable to terrorism.

Ms Rudd said it was ‘simply wrong’ to blame the loss of 20,000 police officers for the terrorist rampage at London Bridge and Borough Market.

On BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour Ms Rudd insisted that the reforms put in place had protected frontline policing despite the cuts in numbers.

She said: “This angle that the Labour Party are very much going on...that the reducing of the numbers of policemen on the beat is somehow accountable for this attack is simply wrong.”

BRITAIN could be heading for another hung parliament after the General Election.

A Survation poll for ITV’s Good Morning Britain found the Conservative lead over Labour slashed from 17 points to just one per cent since May 5-6.

The Tories are now on 41.5 per cent compared to Labour on 40.4 per cent. The Liberal Democrats were on 6 per cent and UKIP on 3 per cent.

Meanwhile, a daily constituency-by-constituency estimate by pollster YouGov suggested the Tories could emerge from the election tomorrow (June 8) with 304 Commons seats, down 26 from the end of the previous Parliament.

That figure compares with Labour’s 266 (up 37), the Scottish National Party on 46 (down eight) and the Lib Dems on 12 (up three). This result would deny any party a majority, which requires 323 MPs.

Credibility A ‘poll of polls’ taking in 11 results from the past week put the Conservatives on 44 per cent, seven points clear of Labour on 37 per cent, with the Liberal Democrats on 8 per cent, UKIP on 4 per cent and the Greens on 2 per cent.

In this scenario the Tories could have 347 MPs (up 17), Labour 223 (down six), the SNP 48 (down six) and Lib Dems 10 (up one).

Labour’s rise on Survation reflected a campaign which more than half of those polled thought had been better than the Tories’ efforts.

Half of those surveyed thought Theresa May would make a better Prime Minister than Jeremy Corbyn. But his personal credibility has increased 15 points to 36 per cent over the last month, while Mrs May’s rating has dropped 10 points.

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National News

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Police officer is attacked with hammer outside Notre-Dame

Third terrorist in London Bridge attack was not known to MI5 THE third London Bridge terrorist has been named as Youssef Zaghba, an Italian national of Moroccan descent.

Scotland Yard confirmed the identity of the 22-year-old, from east London, and said he was not a police or MI5 ‘subject of interest’, despite Italian media reports suggesting he was.

The news came as detectives arrested another suspect at an address in Barking, east London.

The 27-year-old was held under the Terrorism Act shortly after 8am yesterday (June 6).

According to the Corriere della Sera newspaper

‘How on earth could we have let this guy or possibly more through the net? What happened?’

Zaghba’s Italian mother lives in Bologna, that he was born in Fez in Morocco and had seasonal work in a London restaurant.

It reported that he was stopped by Italian police in March 2016 at Bologna’s airport trying to fly to Turkey and then on to Syria.

Italian intelligence officials reportedly communicated this to their UK counterparts.

The name was confirmed as MI5 and police faced questions after it emerged another of the three perpetrators, Khuram Shazad Butt, 27, had been investigated two years before the atrocity.

Pakistani-born British citizen Butt and Rachid Redouane, who claimed to be Moroccan-Libyan,

HELP AT HAND: Prince Charles meets staff at the Royal London Hospital who looked after victims were named on June 5 as two of the terrorists at London Bridge and Borough Market on Saturday night who killed seven victims and injured dozens.

All three attackers were shot by police. The total number of arrests made now stands at 13, though 12 have been released without charge.

Butt was investigated in 2015 but police found no evidence he was planning an attack and he was ‘prioritised in the lower echelons of our investigative work’, a top counter-terrorism officer said.

The disclosure means that perpetrators in all three of the terrorist outrages to hit Britain this year had at some point appeared on the radar of security agencies – although none was considered to be a high risk at the time of the attacks.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson acknowledged the police and MI5 will face questions, telling Sky News: “People are going to look at the front pages today and they are going to say ‘How on earth could we have let this guy or possibly more through the net? What happened? How can he possibly be on a Channel 4 programme and then committing atrocities like this?’, and that is a question that will need to be answered by MI5, by the police, as the investigation goes on.”

A MAN has been shot and injured by police in Paris after attempting to attack an officer with a hammer near Notre-Dame cathedral.

It is understood that the policeman was on patrol on the esplanade in front of the tourist attraction. The officer used his gun to shoot the attacker, who was taken to hospital.

The incident happened at around 4.30pm yesterday (June 6), and large numbers of police cars flooded the site by the river Seine as passers-by were urged to avoid the scene.

Lawrence Langner, a 73-year-old American, said he suddenly heard a commotion and two detonations like gunshots.

Journalist David Metreau, who said his office overlooks the square that fronts Notre-Dame,

CORDON Police stop access to the cathedral

tweeted there were two blasts that sounded like shots.

Police said the operation was over about an hour after it started. Paris remains under

high security after a series of Islamic extremist attacks, including several targeting police officers and security personnel.

May: Trump was wrong but state visit will still go ahead THERESA MAY has condemned US President Donald Trump’s Twitter attacks on London Mayor Sadiq Khan as ‘wrong’.

President Trump fired off a series of critical tweets over Mr Khan’s handling of the London Bridge terror attack, mocking the mayor’s comments that there was ‘no reason to be alarmed’ over armed police on the streets.

Mr Khan has called for the US President’s planned state visit to the UK to be cancelled, but Mrs May said it would go ahead.

The row between Mr Trump and Mr Khan saw the former dismiss criticism of his original post by accusing Mr Khan of making a ‘pathetic excuse’.

The Prime Minister told The Sun: “The relationship with America is our deepest and most important defence and security relationship.

‘Playground’ “Having said that, I think Donald Trump is wrong in what he said about Sadiq Khan, in relation to the attack on London Bridge,” she added.

“We’ve been working with Sadiq Khan. When you’re working in the aftermath of an attack like that, party politics is put to one side.”

The Mayor has been attending the Government’s emergency Cobra committee.

When he was asked about the President, Mr Khan told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “We’re not kids in a playground, he’s the President of the US. I’m too busy to respond to his tweets, isn’t he busy?”

Donald Trump Jr has ­defended his father’s tweets, saying the Mayor needed to ‘do something to fix the problem rather than sit there and pretend there isn’t one’.

He added: “Every time he [Mr Trump] puts something out there he gets criticised by the media all day, every day by everyone else, and then guess what? Two weeks later he’s proven to be right – it h ­ appened again.”

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

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FEATURES

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BUSINESS

National Business News

WORLD IN BRIEF

Syrian forces advance on ISIS ‘capital city’ A US-backed Syrian force has begun an offensive to capture the northern city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of Islamic State, after months of clearing operations.

An American commander said the battle will be long and difficult, but success would deliver a ‘decisive blow’ to the extremists.

By early afternoon on Tuesday, opposition activists said the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were trying to break into the city from the east, triggering intense clashes.

Qatar gently weeps KUWAIT is trying to mediate a crisis in the Gulf after several Arab nations cut ties with Qatar, moving to isolate the energy-rich travel hub from the outside world.

Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Maldives announced on Monday they would cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, Saudi Arabia said the move was due to Qatar’s ‘embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilising the region’.

Japan pandas to China Three giant pandas born and raised in Japan have returned to China under an agreement to improve the breeding success of the animals.

The six-year-old twins and their four-yearold sister are three of the 420 pandas living in captivity, the majority within China, while an estimated 1,864 live in the wild.

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Multimillion-pound RBS settlement SHAREHOLDERS who brought a High Court action against Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) have settled their claim against the lender, sources have said.

The RBS Shareholder Action Group, which brought the £700million lawsuit and represents 9,000 retail investors and 18 institutions, is understood to have informed the judge that they have accepted an 82p-per-share deal.

£49 billion on Dutch lender ABN Amro.

Investors claim they were left nursing hefty losses following the cash call after RBS shares plunged 90 per cent and the Government was forced to step in when the deal turned toxic.

However, directors of the action group moved to settle the claim after taking advice from its lawyers.

It is understood the decision was taken because there was risk that if the trial went ahead the action group might Plunged not achieve the amount being offered ACCEPTED: The deal with shareholders spared the bank a trial It means the disgraced former RBS chief by the bank. executive Fred Goodwin - who was stripped The civil case was due to begin on of his knighthood following the bank’s near-colThe legal action centres on a rights issue Monday May 22 and last for 14 weeks, but the lapse - is likely to escape having to answer overseen by Mr Goodwin in April 2008 when RBS judge overseeing the action had granted a series questions over the events leading up to the asked existing shareholders to pump £12billion of adjournments to allow settlement discussions Government’s £45.5billion bailout nine years ago. into the bank after leading a consortium that spent to continue between investors and the bank.

Companies ‘watching carefully’ around election ‘uncertainty’ THE global chairman of PwC has warned that uncertainty around Thursday’s [June 8] election is weighing on the minds of businesses which are preparing for the unexpected after Brexit and the US presidential vote.

Bob Moritz said businesses would be viewing the General Election very differently had it taken place at the same time last year, before the UK referendum or Donald Trump’s victory.

“Everybody’s watching. They’re probably assuming a certain outcome, but they’re watching carefully because everybody’s been surprised over the last year or so,” Mr Moritz said.

“There is so much uncertainty and there are so many different compounding effects of that uncertainty that these institutions are scenario planning quite a bit,” he added.

“So everybody’s going to watch carefully and adjust accordingly.”

Vodafone rules to block hate speech VODAFONE has announced new rules to prevent its advertising from appearing within outlets focused on creating and sharing hate speech and fake news.

Harmful The global rules, which are now in effect, include Vodafone’s definition of hate speech and fake news for the purposes of determining whether or not a particular outlet should carry its advertising.

The communications giant said it would implement the new rules via a

whitelist-based approach using content control to ensure that Vodafone ads are only placed within selected outlets identified as highly unlikely to be focused on harmful content.

The company said: “Vodafone has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion; we also greatly value the integrity of the democratic processes and institutions that are often the targets of purveyors of fake news.

“We will not tolerate our brand being associated with this kind of abusive and damaging content.”

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Letters

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

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 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

Biased against our green spaces?

Council is not interested in sport After reading about the possible loss of county cricket matches in Tunbridge Wells [at the Nevill ground, May 31], it is no surprise to me that Sodexo are failing in their duties.

The borough council offloaded maintenance of its parks many years ago, and since then standards have fallen dramatically.

Bowling greens are a classic example, and the one in the Grosvenor Recreation Ground has deteriorated badly over the years.

At one time there were four council greens in the town and now there are only two, being the ones at Culverden and Grosvenor.

The trouble is that Sodexo have not got the expertise to manage bowling greens and

It’s Moore or less local history Having just read your piece on the passing of Sir Roger Moore [May 24], I find it difficult to believe that it was placed in the national news section when he lived for several years in Harland Way, Southborough.

Isn’t this just the kind of connection that your journalists should have made? The item was not accredited, implying that it was a syndicated piece. This may be an economical way to obtain copy, but is shows a distinct lack of local knowledge among the ranks of so-called local newspaper journalists.

It’s called ‘local history’. You may have heard of it.

Bryan Darby Via email

Will of the people – or won’t A little while ago there was a referendum with a narrow 52 per cent outcome that the national leader interpreted as ‘the will of the people’. He is now implementing an authoritarian system that is likely to remain in place for decades.

That was Turkey, and it could never happen in Britain. Or could it? Theresa May has interpreted the EU referendum’s 52 per cent vote for Leave as ‘the people have spoken’, and leveraged it to justify a General Election in which she is looking for a massive majority which would give her power over much more of our lives than just Brexit.

Last week, the Conservative candidate Greg Clark floated the idea of reviewing constituency boundaries, a classic means for a sitting

cricket pitches. All they do is mow them, and if they look nice and green that is all they care about. On the Grosvenor green there is no winter preparation for the summer season, and the surface is rough grass.

The borough council just pay Sodexo their contract and do not supervise, and seem not to be interested in these sports facilities.

So come on council, wake up and look after these facilities properly for your residents.

Forget about your multi-million-pound Town Hall and theatre and spend more time and money on everyday things. Spend money on the facilities you already have.

Lionel Hanmore, Tunbridge Wells

New local leisure pursuit – potholing Regarding your front page piece about the poor state of the Tunbridge Wells [Nevill] cricket ground that could result in the town losing county matches, it seems that the council’s indifference to the cricket pitch’s condition is matched by their indifference to the state of Tunbridge Wells’ roads.

Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells government to gerrymander itself more seats.

The issue in this election is not who is going to be Prime Minister, but how do we stop the Tories having such a majority that they make Britain a one-party state for the next ten to 15 years?

So how can a voter take back control?

In the voting booth, think of traffic lights – no blue, but a choice between green, amber and red.

John Hurst Tunbridge Wells

Look after your own children When you bring children into the world, you should do so knowing that you can properly feed and water them.

So the current arguments about universally providing breakfasts and/or lunches to children – any children – once again shifts the responsibility of taking care of one’s own affairs on to the state.

In elections politicians engage in an endless dive to the bottom of a pit of seemingly endless money. People must take charge of their own affairs, they need to be weaned off the public teat.

Peter Casson Tunbridge Wells

Spelling out the correct usage I have never read the Times before, but happened to leaf through a copy when taking a train from Tonbridge to Redhill.

Whilst I found much of the conent riveting, and I must say of better quality than typically found

in my own local paper, The Surrey Mirror, I was both astonished and appalled at the apparent disregard for acceptable grammar.

One amongst many such examples may be found in your article on page 2, ‘Major employer commits to staying in town’ [May 24], where the author evidently does not know the correct usage of ‘effect’ and ‘affect’.

This, I would say, warrants a story all of its own, and I look forward to reading it when I next have occasion to peruse your publication.

G Rouse Via email

Kids can learn parrot fashion A young puppy has joined a class in Langton Green [May 31] – to say I’m envious would be an understatement.

I think it is such a brilliant idea to bring an animal into the classroom. It introduces the notions of care and responsibility and, of course, an essential sense of companionship to pupils who may struggle to make friends.

But I don’t see why we should stop at dogs; perhaps we could start having multi-lingual parrots in language lessons and energetic monkeys in PE – I’m sure health and safety would approve.

Paula Tacchini Via email

Dramatic drain on resources I would like to add my voice to the growing clamour of those concerned about developments impacting Calverley Grounds.

The grounds are a wonderful place for a family picnic and any development that encroaches on this has to be questioned.

The trees on the grounds took many years to reach their present majesty and any move to cut them back must be carefully considered.

I would also question the financial viability of the new theatre. Regional theatres do not make money, they are a drain on council finances.

In the 1980s I was a councillor and committee chairman in the London Borough of Bexley.

There was a proposal to build a theatre on the green at Sidcup. Theatre companies would be queuing up to put on their latest production. Far from it being a cost, this was going to be a real money-spinner for the borough.

In the end common sense prevailed and this drain on council finances did not go ahead.

I would suggest this is the worst possible time to be considering vanity projects.

Has Tunbridge Wells council really got so much money that it can afford to spend it on its own vanity project, which will be a drain on council finances for years to come?

David Grant 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

Calverley

Observations on life and more important things

NEARLY over. The election that is. Mind you, Calverley found a great way to deter canvassers who kept knocking on the door of his mansion.

He simply posted a notice saying: “Please note: Members of this household charge £10 per minute for talking with canvassers. By knocking on this door you agree to these terms.” And it works a treat – no callers.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS won’t be quite the same with the departure from office of Mayor David Neve. He kept everyone amused with the most awful puns; think of the new station mural being ‘just the ticket’. When Calverley bumped into him at the Assembly Hall, the punny-man confided: “If they offered me another term as Mayor I would bite their hand off. I have loved every minute and I am so sad it has all come to an end.” We share that sadness. Mind you, the new Mayor, Julia Soyke, is a big fan of The Archers radio programme. Surely that must count for something.

WHILE at the Assembly Hall earlier last month, Himself noticed a bit of a kerfuffle at the door to the upper bar (where else would he be?)

Transpires it was actress Sophie Ward [pictured], daughter of the late Simon Ward. Eventually she was allowed entry and made straight for the drinks and explained: “I couldn’t get in, the staff blocked me, telling me the bar was closed.” Never get between thespians and their booze.

CHATTING to a dear lady friend the other day when the spinster of the parish told the following tale. She has to go to Canada on a family matter but absolutely hates flying and has decided to go by boat. But not just any boat. This one is a Russian cargo ship that takes passengers and is also reputed to ‘very much welcome single women’. Oh well, any port in a storm, as they say.

ONE of Calverley’s favourite chefs is in a bit of a stew. He’s been ordered by the powers that be to make full use of menu leftovers to create ‘specials’ for the next day and he is not happy.

For safety reasons (personal safety that is) the restaurant will not be named.

Chin, chin readers

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

EDUCATION Times

Education

NEWS

19

WITH THE

How communication is key in the world of happy learning One of the world’s most popular speakers on change, Sir John Jones, is to address the first Kaizen Teaching School Alliance Conference in Kent – to be held at a Tonbridge grammar THE Kaizen Teaching School Alliance is to hold its first conference in the county at the Weald of Kent Grammar School next term.

Describing the event as ‘An evening of inspiration for teaching professionals across Kent’, organisers are inviting the county’s schools to attend in order to promote the importance of effective school development, learning and teaching.

The alliance was established in September 2014 in response to the national agenda of developing a self-improving school system.

Workshops This year’s conference programme, which will run from 4-7pm on September 19 in The Weald of Kent’s new sports hall in Tonbridge, will begin with a series of workshops focusing on best practice from across the Kaizen Alliance. These will be relevant for both primary and secondary phases.

This will be followed by an address by the event’s keynote speaker, Sir John Jones.

A headteacher of three secondary schools over a period of 17 years, Sir John asked to join the government’s Policy Action Team for Neighbourhood Renewal at the Social Exclusion Unit. He was also a member of the National Focus Group on Truancy and Exclusion and the Excellence in Cities Project at the former Department for Education and Skills.

Working part-time at the Centre for Educational Leadership at Manchester University, he presented on a range of programmes as well as designing and delivering a Master’s PLENTY TO SAY course at Liverpool Sir John Jones University on

the leadership of change.

Sir John has written two books; ‘Truancy and exclusion: a teacher’s guide’ and the bestselling ‘The Magic-Weaving Business’, and has co-authored ‘Winning the H Factor: the secrets of happy schools’.

The alliance was formed to meet the priorities of schools to create a more valuable learning experience for all students. It comprises a significant number of schools in the county and will work closely with The Weald of Kent.

The event is open to all interested in education. Tickets for Kaizen members cost £15 and are £25 for non-members. Visit www.kaizentsa.org

NEWS IN EDUCATION

New prep school award illustrates a love of art LAST week saw the launch of the Dulwich Prep Community Art Award in conjunction with the Cranbrook Art Show.

Open to sixth formers in the local area, the award will provide sponsorship for a promising student to exhibit alongside professional artists at the art show later this year.

The deadline for entries is in July and the show will be held in November.

Further information can be found on the Cranbrook Art Show website: www.cranbrookartshow.org.uk

Calling all star teachers PARENTMAIL, the digital news delivery service for schools in the UK, has recently launched a new campaign to promote the unsung heroes in teaching.

The service is urging Parentmail users to use the hashtag #ShoutOutForTeachers on social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, if pupils have great memories of a teacher, or simply want to celebrate their school. For further information, visit www.pmx.parentmail.co.uk

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NEWS

Local News

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

MAIN PHOTO: Courtesy of Heart FM

ON YOUR MARKS Competitors await the start of Race for Life

Race for Life wins again: ‘I’m healthier than ever’ MORE than 850 runners took part in Tunbridge Wells’ Race for Life in Dunorlan Park on Sunday (June 4) to raise money for Cancer Research UK and help fight the disease.

The non-competitive 5km ‘run, jog or walk’ was twinned with a more fiercely contested Pretty Muddy 5K, an obstacle course race at the same venue the day before.

The weekend was aiming to raise £70,000 for research into all 200 types of cancer.

It was one of 300 events held across the country, staged with the motto: ‘Show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink’.

Sofia Baguley was taking part in Race for Life

for the eighth time. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, survived and decided to run the following year.

For the last four years, Mrs Baguley has run the Race for Life with her children James, 12, and Gabriela, 10 (pictured right).

“Before I had cancer, I thought it was something that only happened to other people,” she said.

“I’d never ran before in my life. I was asthmatic as a child and I used to avoid it. But now I do the Park Run [in Dunorlan] every weekend.”

She paid tribute to the work of Cancer Research UK, saying: “More and more people,

including myself, are surviving because of their research. I feel very fortunate. I’m fitter and healthier than ever before.

“We love the Race for Life, the kids really enjoy it and we like to get into the atmosphere.

“We always make lots of friends and hear inspiring stories from people. It is all about the community coming together, because everyone knows someone affected by cancer.”

Since Race for Life began in 1994, around six million participants across the UK have raised over £493million for the charity.

If you would like to make a donation, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

‘We always make lots of friends and hear inspiring stories from people’

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

The Times is proud to work with:

WITH THE

Available in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks

bracketts

est. 1828

Far from the madding crowd A character farmhouse with fine rural views hidden away down a private lane

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PROPERTY

To suit your budget

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Your at-a-glance guide to

TRISTAN GARDENS RUSTHALL

£550,000

UNDER £300,000 BATCHELORS, PEMBURY

£275,000

A two-bedroom terraced house in need of some modernisation, but with a handy entrance porch, kitchen/dining room with laminate flooring, and a sitting room with a large understairs cupboard for storage as well as a door to the conservatory and rear garden.

Upstairs is a bathroom and two double bedrooms, one of which has fitted wardrobes. The front garden is laid to lawn with space at the front of for bins and the rear garden is mostly laid to lawn with shrubs borders and timber fencing. There is also a garage en-bloc.

CONTACT Barnes Kingsnorth 01892 822880 www.bkestateagents.com

UNDER £350,000

master bedroom with en suite and two car parking spaces – one of which is covered. Two of the three bedrooms have views over a field and GUIDE PRICE £310,000 the sitting room has double-glazed Sold with no chain, this threecasement doors with windows either bedroom semi-detached home is side, which lead to the decked offset from the road with an attractive outdoor area and pea shingle garden. gabled frontage, and is in walking distance of the station. There is a CONTACT well-fitted and neatly presented Firefly Properties 01892 838363 kitchen as well as a sitting room, www.fireflyproperties.co.uk NETTLESTEAD OAST PADDOCK WOOD

To suit your budget

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

PROPERTY

23

great properties by price range…

UNDER £450,000 MEDWAY AVENUE, YALDING

£345,000 An old-style semi-detached house on a good sized plot. The three-bedroom house has been recently extended to the rear on the ground floor and the present owner has added Georgianstyle plaster ceiling cornices, new internal doors, light and bright décor, a cast iron log burner in the sitting room and a modern kitchen as well as a new bathroom with fittings. The entire property is double glazed and has gas-fired central heating. Outside there is off-road parking to the front and at the rear is a large and mature garden.

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

UNDER £800,000 GREENVIEW CRESCENT HILDENBOROUGH GUIDE PRICE

£700,000-£750,000 An outstanding redeveloped detached house comprising on the ground floor a porch, hall, living area, dining area, study/bedroom five, kitchen, snug, utility room and shower room. Upstairs are four bedrooms (one with en-suite shower room) and a family bathroom.

The front and rear gardens are mainly laid to lawn, and there is a black Limestone patio lit by spotlights. A driveway provides off-street parking.

CONTACT Robinson-Jackson 01732 757300 www.robinson-jackson.com

UNDER £600,000

UNDER £1Million

TRISTAN GARDENS, RUSTHALL

£550,000

YEW TREE BYRE, YEW TREE LANE ROTHERFIELD, CROWBOROUGH

Located in a cul-de-sac, this property has been reconfigured, updated and redecorated to maximise the light and space.

There is a modern fitted kitchen/ diner, lounge, conservatory, downstairs cloakroom as well as four bedrooms and an upstairs family bathroom. The house also benefits from double glazing and has a recently installed gas-fired boiler and radiators. Outside

OFFERS OVER

£850,000 there are front and rear gardens, along with a driveway and a garage with utility to the rear.

CONTACT KMJ 01892 515188 www.kmjproperty.co.uk

A beautiful farm conversion with views.

The ground floor has a large hall with galleried landing, open-plan kitchen/ breakfast room with doors to the garden, a utility room, dining room, sitting room and office. Upstairs there are four double bedrooms (one en suite) and a family bathroom. There is a field as well as gardens, and parking in an oak-framed barn for four cars.

CONTACT McAuley Miller 01892 614777 www.mcauleymiller.com

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Newbridge Mill House

PROPERTY

27

AT A GLANCE NEWBRIDGE MILL HOUSE COLEMANS HATCH, EAST SUSSEX n Grade II listed n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Dining room n Kitchen/breakfast/living room n Garden room n Studio annexe n Principal bedroom with en suite n 4 further bedrooms (one en suite) n Family bathroom n Oil-fired central heating n Mill pond n Swimming pool n Outbuilding n Parking area with planning for garage

Price ÂŁ1,400,000 Available for sale through Hamptons International Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

A superbly renovated one-time mill house in an idyllic position with pools and pond

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PROPERTY

Harbourne Farm House

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

AT A GLANCE

HARBOURNE FARM HOUSE HIGH HALDEN, KENT ■ Porch ■ Reception hall ■ Sitting room ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Dining room ■ Conservatory ■ Cloakroom ■ Master bedroom with en suite ■ 4 further bedrooms (2 attic) ■ Family bathroom ■ Separate WC ■ Study (attic) ■ Double garage with room over ■ Fenced paddock ■ Natural pond

Impressive Victorian farmhouse surrounded by open countryside There is a variety of original fireplaces, exposed beams and pretty vaulted ceilings

■ Gardens and grounds ■ Over 2 acres in all

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF

£800,000 Available for sale through Jackson-Stops & Staff Cranbrook 01580 720000 www.jackson-stops.co.uk

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PROPERTY

Advertising

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Advertising

PROPERTY

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PROPERTY

In the Garden

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Embrace the great outdoors in style Summer’s on its way, it’s Barbecue season, and the patio is a hotspot for entertaining. Gabrielle Fagan reveals how to power up this space to turn your patio into a chic area for lounging and al fresco meals. It’s never been easier to create an ‘outdoor room’ with the great range of affordable, furniture available. Choosing a jungle, Caribbean or serene sanctuary theme will ensure you have a really stylish retreat

On safari Go wild outdoors with the jungle-icious trend. “With so many stunning pots and unusual plants to choose from, you could make a beautiful statement with foliage such as ferns and palms that would totally suit this look,” says Caroline Harvey, furniture

buyer at Wyevale Garden Centres. “Revamp plain, traditional terracotta pots by painting them in rich, tropical green shades. And why not make a statement with a canopy? A piece of fabric, dyed in a colour that suits your space will create an intimate atmosphere.”

Colour crush Throw away caution and let rip with colour to add va-va-voom to an outdoor space that’s perfect for entertaining after the sun’s gone down. “Brighten your outdoor space with 50s silhouettes in hothouse hues,” advises Nicola Gidlow, buyer for outdoor living at John Lewis. “Practical pieces for al fresco entertaining sit happily with a selection of quirky accessories in this lighthearted look. A tropical palette and a mix of bold prints will complete the picture.”

Outdoor light, a Seletti Black Monkey Lamp, £250, from The Glow Company (www.glow. co.uk)

BEST BUY:

Marks & Spencer has jungle fever, and their Safari Melamine Dinner Plates, set of four, £17.50, are super stylish (www.marksandspencer.com)

‘Revamp plain, traditional terracotta pots by painting them in rich, tropical green shades’

PATIO PERFECT: Evoke a sultry colonial look in a conservatory or covered terrace with a Jungle Wall Chart, £79, a cream Crochet Double Hammock, £115, and a Jungle Cushion, £30, all Graham & Green (www.grahamandgreen. co.uk). Ramp up that steamy atmosphere with a green Jalli Parasol, £195, from Raj Tent Club (www.rajtentclub.com).

Linger over dinner at an Andreas Eucalyptus Wood Dining Table, £390 (currently reduced online to £273), on a pair of dining chairs with laser cut-back detail, £300, Debenhams (www.debenhams.com)

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Rosedale

PROPERTY

51

AT A GLANCE

ROSEDALE BIRLING ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Reception hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Principal bedroom with en suite n Guest bedroom with en suite n 4 further bedrooms n 2 further bathrooms n Swimming pool with sauna & shower n Driveway and established gardens

£1,550,000 Available for sale through Hamptons International 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

A stunningly updated Edwardian home less than a mile from Tunbridge Wells’ Pantiles A substantial house with fine period features and the benefit of an indoor pool and sauna

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FEATURES

Food & Drink

INDIAN FOOD CAN BE EASY Atul Kochhar

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

This celebrity chef knows how to curry favour – from the famous to his family TV regular Atul Kochhar is turning his attention from Michelin-starred meals to making curries in minutes. Kate Whiting hears how his son inspires his recipes

A

TUL KOCHHAR is reminiscing about the day he became the first Indian chef to be awarded the gold standard for culinary expertise – a Michelin star – as Head Chef at Mayfair’s Tamarind restaurant in 2001.

“I remember as if it were yesterday… A journalist from the Evening Standard called and said: ‘You have a Michelin star’, and I said: ‘No, no, I don’t,’ and hung up. Then he called back and said: ‘No, I was trying to tell you that you’ve been awarded one’, and I started shaking, I couldn’t believe it.”

To cap it all, that evening, Gordon Ramsay came to eat at the restaurant to celebrate achieving his third Michelin star: “He was eating my food to celebrate his third star with his wife and family.

He came to the kitchen to congratulate everyone and he was so chatty… He genuinely was very happy that we got the star as well.”

Six years later, Kochhar, 47, was awarded a second Michelin star for his own restaurant, Benares.

Despite all the acclaim, however, he’s now turning his attention to slightly more simple fare in his latest book, 30 Minute Curries.

“Everybody expects me to write complicated books and I won’t deny it, I have done that. I wrote the Benares cookbook and each recipe has got six recipes in it. But I’m also a father, and when I cook at home I’m not cooking Michelinstarred food, I’m cooking everyday food.

“I’ve learnt shortcuts to put food on the table really quickly – there’s only so much time kids can hold out – so this book is to celebrate that.

And also, [people say] Indian food takes forever, but it doesn’t. Anybody can do it, so I’m sharing my techniques of how you can do it very quickly.

Every recipe actually comes under 25 minutes.”

His book is movingly dedicated to his son – who he calls ‘my best friend’ – 11-year-old Arjun, who inspires Kochhar to be inventive with food.

“Arjun has strong likes and dislikes. One of his pet

‘I’ve learnt shortcuts to put food on the table really quickly – there’s only so much time kids can hold out’

TASTY AND HEALTHY Goan spinach and lentils (Goa Daal Palak)

hates is broccoli, so I keep making it in different ways. Last weekend I made chickpea burgers, so I put broccoli in there and told him if he can find it then he can get some Lego. He couldn’t trace it.

“He believes certain flavours work and certain ones don’t, so for example, I think carrot and ginger works and he says: ‘Little people don’t like ginger, it’s too stringy, too strong, there have to be better ways to use it’. So he said: ‘Why don’t you make a paste of ginger?’ You get the flavour, but you don’t get the texture. It was interesting to hear this little person talk about food.”

His daughter, Amisha, 13, is very different: “She has an incredible palate and she’s quite a good critic as well. When they both eat at Benares, my maitre d’ never asks them how the meal was because he knows he’ll get detailed feedback.”

Kochhar himself learned to cook as a child: “We were a slightly unusual Indian family – boys are normally made to look like gods and become couch potatoes but not in my house. My mum said everybody lives in the house so everybody has to help. I paired up with my oldest sister, we always cooked together.”

30 Minute Curries

by Atul Kochhar is published in hardback

by Absolute Press, priced £26

Food & Drink

On The Menu…

One Warwick Park Hotel • 1 Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TA. Tel: 01892 520587 • Web: www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Seared black bream fillet marinated in salmoriglio with chargrilled vegetables and saffron potatoes

Caprese salad served with Heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado and balsamic caramel and basil oil

Key Lime Pie Martini with vanilla vodka, double cream and fresh lime juice

FEATURES

Market fish of the day with salsa vergine marinated tomato rocket salad and new potatoes

Clover Club Cocktail with gin, fresh lemon juice and raspberries

Blackcurrant semifreddo toasted Italian meringue, white chocolate snow 12 hour slow belly of pork cooked in almond milk

Rib eye steak accompanied with garlic butter and seasonal Italian salad

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FEATURES

Travel

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

We are sailing…

STROLLING IN GERMANY At the port of Travemünde

The world is getting smaller because there have never been so many opportunities to see it. Whilst jetting off often seems the obvious mode of travel, maybe it’s time to start soaking up the journey as well as the destination IF YOU are contemplating your next escape, you may be wondering whether to opt for a cruise or a land-based package. Cruising is the fastest-growing holiday sector, and as soon as you step on board you can see why.

With a daily range of on-board activities, such as spas, fitness classes, card schools, arts and crafts, dance lessons, poolside pursuits, enrichment lectures and cultural talks – plus nightly entertainment – there is no time to feel bored on sea days.

And then, of course, there is a choice of tours and excursions at each port of call.

As for the food, a wide array of worldclass, internationally-inspired dining options awaits, and you’ll be surrounded by friendly staff who go that extra mile.

With so many cruise providers in the market, there is a cruise line for you, regardless of age or whether you are travelling with a young family, or are looking for a solely adult environment.

The biggest ships have extensive facilities, such as climbing walls, surf riders and dodgem cars, which are ideal for those with children. On the other hand, the smaller ships offer a more traditional cruise experience, with diverse and interesting itineraries that include ports of calls the larger ships cannot reach.

Once you have chosen your destination and the cruise line, there are several

types of voyage to choose from. So, which is the best match for you?

THE FLY-CRUISE A fly-cruise has the advantage of flying you straight to the heart of your cruise region, which means you can visit several far-flung destinations in a relatively short space of time. But a flight is also something many cruisers like to avoid, and you will be limited to the baggage allowance set by the airline.

While many cruise lines offer package fly-cruise deals, you can also choose a ‘cruise only’ holiday and book your own flights, giving you the flexibility to extend your stay once the cruise is over.

Fly-cruises tend to last seven or more nights. So if you have a limited amount of time and want to escape to the sunshine quickly, then this option is probably for you – especially if your main aim is to explore lots of different places.

THE NO-FLY CRUISE If you don’t like the idea of getting on a plane, or perhaps you have a medical condition which prevents you from flying, then you may want to consider the hasslefree nature of cruising from the UK. The advantage of this is that it means no lengthy security checks, no luggage restrictions, and the convenience of

reaching your departure port in less time.

Although the main port for UK cruise ships is Southampton, there are plenty of others you can select, including Dover, Harwich, Portsmouth, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle.

No-fly cruises are also popular with those travelling with young children, and are generally altogether less stressful. Of course, another bonus is that your holiday starts as soon as you step on board ship.

Whilst the no-fly option may not be for everyone, it is a great alternative, especially if you can holiday for longer than a week.

RIVER CRUISING River cruising is probably the fastestgrowing element of the cruising sector, with many passengers swapping the open seas for calm inland waters.

Offering the opportunity to step ashore at fairy-tale towns and villages as well as fabled riverside cities, they mean you can immerse yourself in contemporary culture and learn something about their history.

River cruises travel along some of the world’s most famous waterways.

In Europe, the river Danube (second only in length to the Volga River in Russia) is one of the most popular, with many river cruises including it as part of their itinerary.

‘River cruising is probably the fastest-growing element of the sector, offering the opportunity to step ashore at fairy-tale towns and villages as well as fabled riverside cities’

‘The smaller ships include ports of calls the larger ships cannot reach’

However, the Main, Rhine, Moselle, Elbe, Rhone, Saone and the Seine are also popular for cruising.

Elsewhere in the world, the Amazon running through Peru and Brazil, the Nile in Egypt, the Yangtze in China and the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia are favourites.

In Europe, the season tends to run from March through to the end of December, beginning with Tulip Time Cruises in Benelux countries and ending with Christmas Market Cruises in Hungary, Austria, and Germany.

The majority of itineraries are seven nights, although shorter and longer cruises are available.

River cruising is perfect if you want a relaxed holiday and would like to explore Europe beyond the coastline. European ships can generally accommodate between 100 and 200 guests.

If the idea of cruising along the river with a small number of passengers feels limiting, then some of the ocean-going cruise lines offer combined sea and river cruising, and with more passengers.

These can include the river Seine, the Gironde, the Garonne and the Guadalquivir rivers, the Kiel Canal, the Elbe… the list goes on.

This way you can enjoy the best of both worlds – sailing out of a UK port with no luggage limit, and enjoying more extensive facilities.

THE MINI, OR TASTER, CRUISE If you are looking for the luxury and relaxation of a traditional cruise, but only have a few days to spare, then a mini cruise (anything from one to seven nights) could be the perfect solution.

They are the ideal choice if you’re not sure whether you would enjoy cruising and just want to try it out.

Mini cruises are an excellent way to get away for a short break whilst relishing the luxury of a cruise liner. This type of cruise usually has a duration of two to four days but can, by definition, last up to seven days. Typical destinations include Bruges, the Channel Islands, Amsterdam and Rouen.

One word of warning is that two to three night mini cruises have become popular for hen and stag parties and, in fact, many celebrations are well suited to this format.

But if you are looking for a short, rejuvenating break then a five-night cruise is perfect. It allows you enough time to enjoy a proper two or threenight city break but with enough sea time to relax and unwind, in order to return home refreshed.

Norway

THE WORLD CRUISE At the other end of the spectrum, a world cruise can be as long as 180 days! And the appetite for these longer cruises, and more destination-

Travel

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

focused ‘grand voyages’ has grown.

There is probably no better way to cross off so many destinations on your bucket list, such as Tahiti, Hawaii, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Eastern Malaysia and New Zealand, or navigating through the Suez or Panama canals.

And with a wide range of shore excursions available, a world cruise means you can see the very best of a place in the shortest amount of time.

Of course, if you prefer, you can explore a destination under your own steam. You will have plenty of time for research while you are at sea (the ships usually have extensive libraries) and you can dive deep into the culture when you get there.

A note of caution though: If an independent tour operator fails to get you back to port in time for departure, the ship won’t wait for you. However, if you book a ship’s tour and you get held up, it will wait.

Traditionally, a world cruise was exactly that – a full circumnavigation of the globe lasting 100+ nights, usually departing in January and heading westbound in search of warmer climes. But increasingly, some world cruises now focus on specific parts of the world, and often offer more port calls with fewer days at sea. In 2017, this typically means Australasia and especially South America, where three companies (Crystal, Silversea and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines) offer 70+ nights.

For those who either do not want to, or do not have time to complete a full round-the-world cruise, then the majority of lines also allow you to complete a ‘segment’, (e.g. Asia, South America or Australasia).

Whichever you choose, one thing is for sure – cruise holidays will leave you with a lifetime of memories.  For more information, visit Baldwins Travel: www.baldwinstravel.co.uk

AT YOUR SERVICE Fine dining at your fingertips

POOLS WITH A VIEW In Norway’s fjords

A TASTE OF ADVENURE Kayaking

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ISLAND BEAUTY Greece’s Santorini

‘Cruise holidays will leave you with a lifetime of memories’

Venice

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Books

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

TIMES REVIEWS

Book some time off…

Time to unwind and relax, and what better way than with a great book? Here are a few suggestions for your reading…

BOOK OF THE WEEK

The End We Start From by Megan Hunter Hardback by Picador, priced £9.99 (ebook £6.64)

As a woman with no children, the prospect of becoming a mother for the first time is traumatic enough. But to put myself in the shoes of a woman whose waters have broken during an environmental disaster is, quite frankly, terrifying. Hunter’s debut novel makes an explosive start by the woman narrator giving birth to her first child, Z. With an enormous flood wiping out London, the family are forced to leave their home in search of safety. This is a story of sheer catastrophe, peppered with endearing experiences and milestones of new motherhood. The element which defines this short piece of dystopian fiction is the unique, elegant writing style. A poet, Hunter ‘tells’ the story in sparse prose, which can be difficult to get on board with. I was leaving each page somewhat frustrated, wanting more flesh on the bones of the story. This wasn’t helped by characters being referred to by only their initials. That said, it appeared to make me feel more emotionally involved, and the powerful ending made it apparent why it was done this way. The End We Start From is beautiful, thought-provoking, and – most of all – hauntingly believable. It is a tale of hope at a time when the country truly needs it. A stunning debut.

Spoils by Brian Van Reet

Hardback by Jonathan Cape, priced £12.99 (ebook £7.99) Brian Van Reet enlisted in the US Army shortly after 9/11, and this experience is obvious from the very first page of his debut novel, Spoils. Van Reet’s insight into the reality of war furnishes his straightforward prose with vivid detail and gives the novel its hard-hitting punch. Once it gets going, Spoils is fast-paced, chopping and changing between narrators and dates, echoing the chaos and confusion of combat. And it’s refreshing to read a war story that offers more than the traditional ‘American male hero’ perspective. The three-pronged narrative follows eight weeks in the lives of Cassandra, a 19-year-old American soldier who is held as a prized captive by the mujahideen; Abu Al-Hool, a lifelong jihadi struggling to adjust to the new direction of his brotherhood; and Sleed, a tank crewman caught up in the rescue attempt of Cassandra and her crew.

Each offers a unique perspective on the unfolding events.

Spoils doesn’t shy away from brutality, but offers an honest glimpse into the action, emotion and futility of war.

(Review by Rebecca Wilcock)

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

8/10

(Review by Rachel Taylor)

Knighthood For Beginners by Elys Dolan Paperback by Oxford University Press, priced £6.99

The Hopkins Conundrum by Simon Edge Paperback by Lightning Books, priced £8.99 (ebook £4.07)

8/10

8/10

Simon Edge’s debut novel has in its sights the Vatican conspiracy thriller – a genre of religious orders, secret missions and coded messages that has proved so successful for the likes of Dan Brown.

Here, Tim Cleverley has inherited a struggling pub in North Wales, near the Jesuit seminary where Victorian poet Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote the poem The Wreck of the Deutschland. Inspired by a terrible holiday with his ex on the trail of blockbuster Holy Grail novel The Poussin Conundrum, Tim hits on a plan to drum up more trade. He invents a mystery around Hopkins’ obscure religious poem and the local area, and entices the Conundrum’s author to come and write about it. What follows is a witty satire in which Edge cleverly weaves together the struggles of writing the poem, a group of nuns on the doomed Deutschland and Tim’s bid to turn his corner of the world into the next Grail-hunting hotspot. By turns gripping and laugh-out-loud funny, this is a great read for anyone who has ever reached the end of a Vatican thriller with an eyebrow raised.

(Review by Emily Beament)

(Review by Kate Whiting)

8/10

Author and illustrator Elys Dolan (Steven Seagull Action Hero) has penned her first young fiction book – an epic David vs Goliath tale that’s sure to treat the imagination and tickle the funny bones of all young readers. Dave is a dragon who’s really pretty rubbish at being a dragon. In fact, he’s the first dragon ever to fail his Dragon Certificate, which involves hoarding gold, digesting villages and… knitting. Cast away from his disappointed parents, he stumbles on a book called Knighthood For Beginners and decides he’d rather be a knight than a dragon. As the book instructs, he finds a trusty steed in the form of adventurous goat Albrecht, who manages to win a suit of armour from a small knight to make Dave look the part. The odd-looking pair are soon imprisoned by towering knight Sir Gnasty, who is plotting to overthrow the King, and manage to escape up a drain into the King’s loo.

The kindly King promises to make Dave a knight if he can beat all his knights in a tournament, which Dave does through cunning and with Albrecht’s help. But this is just the start of their adventures. Dolan has packed 200 pages full of comic-strip illustrations that fit seamlessly in with the words of her short chapters, making it a fun and speedy read. At it’s heart, it’s a story of friendship, finding your strengths and the love of books.

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

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Motoring

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

FIRST DRIVE

Volvo’s best-selling SUV has been refreshed for 2017, bringing good looks and plenty of comfort. Darren Cassey flew to Barcelona to see if it fills the big shoes of its predecessor

Volvo XC60 D5 Inscription WHAT’S NEW? The Volvo XC60 sits in the lucrative mid-sized SUV market, and has thus far proved to be hugely successful for the Swedish manufacturer with nearly a million units sold since it was introduced nine years ago.

And with the new XC60 that trend should continue upwards. It now sits on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture, which allows component sharing across the range to bring down costs.

It also gets Volvo’s ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights and chunky grille, giving it a classy, modern look.

LOOKS AND IMAGE Gone are the days when Volvo was all about pure practicality. It’s still big on safety, but there’s a real focus on being premium that’s immediately evident.

The revamped front end gives the XC60 a real elegance that’s lacking in this segment – save for the Jaguar F-Pace – and this ethos continues inside.

Slide into the driver’s seat and poke around and you’ll find nothing but soft materials. The clean design is helped by the tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system that declutters the dashboard of unnecessary buttons.

Along with most of the interior fittings,

it is angled towards the driver to make the SUV feel smaller and more car-like – and it works.

SPACE AND PRACTICALITY Hold the boot button on the key for a couple of seconds and the tailgate lifts to reveal a large and useful boot – at 505 litres, it is below the class average but will easily swallow food from a large shopping trip and some suitcases.

Safety is high on the agenda for Volvo, and as such the XC60 comes with loads of safety kit straight out of the box. There are plenty of sensors on the car that can help the driver brake if it senses a collision is imminent, while new for the XC60 is steering control that aids wheel inputs and uses the brakes to improve the car’s ability to swerve around danger.

BEHIND THE WHEEL It’s immediately apparent that Volvo has put comfort at the top of the XC60 agenda. Our car was riding on optional air suspension and it rode beautifully with surprisingly little body roll.

The SUV is at home on the motorway, munching through miles in quiet comfort with ease. It is a diesel vehicle, and the D5 engine is a highlight, pulling

‘It’s immediately apparent that Volvo has put comfort at the top of the agenda’

hard when required but delivering easy economy in everyday driving.

If relaxation is key, there are few in the class that can touch the XC60.

However, it does pay for it a little in the corners. The steering is direct but lacks feel, and although the air suspension deals with most of the body roll it can’t quite hide its bulk on a twisty back road.

VALUE FOR MONEY The standard specification is highly impressive, with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and leather upholstery all standard, not to mention the impressive City Safety driver aid package.

The Sensus infotainment system is responsive, and the high-definition

FACTS AT A GLANCE: MODEL: Volvo XC60 D5 Inscription ENGINE: 2.0-litre diesel POWER: 232bhp TORQUE: 480Nm MAX SPEED: 137mph 0-60MPH: 7.0 seconds ECONOMY: 51.4mpg EMISSIONS: 144g/km BASE PRICE: £37,205

screens are easy to read, though the layout isn’t particularly intuitive.

After some usage, this may end up being less of a problem for owners, as Volvo says the system learns what menus you use regularly and puts them on the main screen to make navigation quicker and easier.

WHO WOULD BUY ONE? The target market for the XC60 is families looking for something more interesting than rivals from more mainstream brands, such as Audi and BMW. With its SUV, Volvo has proved hugely successful in doing this, and with the updated styling and impressive safety kit you’d have to be brave to bet against sales continuing to rise.

SHINING A LIGHT ON STYLE The updated SUV includes Volvo’s ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

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Life & Style

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

SEAN PURCELL PHOTOGRAPHY

00 AND HIS 7 ARE COMING In keeping with the company ethos since it’s foundation, The London Ballet Company bring another of their topical and “out of the box” productions to Tunbridge Wells.

SEVENOAKS SUMMER FESTIVAL 2017 Saturday 24 June - Sunday 9 July The brochure for Festival 2017 has hit the streets, and can be collected from the Stag Theatre and other locations in and around Sevenoaks, as well as online at www.sevenoaksfestival.org.uk.

The Festival Box Office at Stag is open for business at 01732 450175 and online at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk.

Thursday, 15th June at 8pm, will see the return of The London Ballet Company to The Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells – live!

Director/Dancer Sophie Wright and her classically trained dancers have produced an original, modern ballet in keeping with the ethos of the company, to develop story lines which mirror topical events to pique public interest in their mission to bring new audiences to the world of ballet.

This young enthusiastic company, now celebrating their seventh successful year, develop, collaborate and choreograph their own material, and marry it to some wonderful music. Featuring choreography from Francesco Mangiacasale, Christian Carnio, and Rafal Minkiewicz, the company is unique in its choreographic aim to nurture its dancers and draw from each of them their individual worldwide dance experience, education and style to produce exciting and innovative productions.

CLASSIC CARS IN A CLASSIC SETTING AS AUSTIN 7S RALLY AT BEWL FOR FATHER’S DAY

00 and His 7, is a light-hearted and humorous spoof. Their first performance was live-streamed in The Broadway Theatre, in 2012 and has been performed in other London theatres over the last 5 years. The dancers re-visit the suave, sophisticated world of International spies, glamorous girls, danger and intrigue. The world inhabited by all the memorable actors who have done so much to bring the exciting adventures created by Ian Fleming to life. The late, great, inimitable Roger Moore, being particularly memorable in this role.

Licensed and copied by manufacturers all over the world, the first production BMW was a licensed Austin 7, and a rebuilt special 7 was the basis for the Mark I Lotus.

This performance seeks to immerse audiences in the exciting world that is James Bond and audiences will already be familiar with some of the more memorable music made famous in the films.

Trinity theatre 15th June 8pm - Live!

The London Ballet Company Tickets still available - book @ www.trinitytheatre.net/ CLICKSKA PHOTOGRAPHY

A great Father’s Day treat for car loving dads, the Austin 7 Rally returns to Bewl Water on June 18.

Produced between 1922 and 1939, the Baby Austin was the UK’s equivalent of the Model T Ford, becoming a huge seller and replacing most other economy brands on the country’s roads.

Also open to other pre-1972 cars, commercial vehicles and motorcycles, the Bewl Water rally is a great chance to see some of the finest examples of this motoring classic from across the south, as well as hunt for spare parts at the auto jumble.

Visitors can make a day of it by treating dad to lunch in the Boathouse Bistro or at the Waterfront Café, and a trip out on the water on the Bewl Belle.

For the more energetic, the cycle hire shop will be open so bikers and walkers can tackle the round Bewl track, although with three water taxi jetties at strategic points, there is no need to commit to the whole circuit.

Car parking at Bewl Water is just £2, with entry to the Austin A7 rally free.

For details of what’s on at Bewl throughout the year visit www.bewlwater.co.uk

The brochure carries striking images of the professional acts coming to Sevenoaks this Summer – the Finale Concert sees a return of the ever-popular Paul Jones and Mike D’Abo with The Manfreds, while legendary French pianist and composer Michel Legrand finally makes it to Sevenoaks!! Big Band fans are in for a treat as Back To Basie recreates The Atomic Mr Basie album while Daniel Taylor recreates our favourite and much-loved comic and magician in The Tommy Cooper Show.

Festival Fair opens Festival 2017 on Saturday 24 June, centred in Bligh’s Meadow with plenty also going on in The Shambles and Vine Gardens throughout the day – much for young children and most of it completely free, including Punch & Judy, Colourscape, Puppet Shows, Music, Close-up Magic, Stilt-walkers, Jugglers, the Youth Music Stage and the Ice Princesses with a ‘Frozen’ singalong. On the middle Saturday 1 July, Invicta Morris lead a Day of Dance, in the town centre and later proceeding to the Vine.

The Brochure, also available online on the Festival website, contains full addresses of all venues, a map of where to find them and detailed descriptions and directions to the school venues – Walthamstow Hall’s SHIP Theatre, Knole Academy’s Oaks Theatre and Sevenoaks School’s Pamoja Hall.

So, hurry on down to the Stag, grab a brochure and book your tickets while you’re there!!

Alternatively, call 01732 450175 or book online at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk.

The Festival’s own website for more information is www.sevenoaksfestival.org.uk

Puzzles

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

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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 4 8 7 1

6 1 2 8

7 6 8 9

Codeword:

3 7 6

4 8

4

3 9 5

A J A R R E A D O U T

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 9 7 9 3

7 8 6 8 3 2 4 9 5 8 1 6 9 1 2 8 3 9

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 next week’s paper

B O T H E R F E E A F F A WA I T A OC H A R D E E D E S I N S T S R I S T O T L N A E D I P U S E E I E X A N S O

7 6 4 1 3 5 8 2 9

9 3 2 7 8 6 5 4 1

E N D U S E E S T E R Z U E R A P B I K I C I N G E N S L V E D

Jigsaw Sudoku:

Sudoku:

1 8 5 9 2 4 7 3 6

P I Q U R U YWA R L T I M E

2 9 8 4 5 1 6 7 3

4 5 1 6 7 3 9 8 2

6 7 3 2 9 8 1 5 4

5 1 9 8 4 2 3 6 7

3 4 6 5 1 7 2 9 8

8 2 7 3 6 9 4 1 5

2 6 8 3 7 5 1 4 9

4 1 5 6 9 2 7 8 3

7 3 9 5 4 8 6 2 1

3 7 2 8 6 1 5 9 4

5 9 3 1 8 7 4 6 2

1 2 7 4 5 6 9 3 8

8 4 6 9 1 3 2 7 5

9 8 1 7 2 4 3 5 6

6 5 4 2 3 9 8 1 7

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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SOLUTIONS (FROM LAST WEEK)

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★II

CODEWORD

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FEATURES

Recruitment

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

NEWS

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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FEATURES

Arts & Culture

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Drawing attention to the true power of portraiture

AT WORK Gilly Lovegrove

The latest exhibition at Trinity Gallery is Behind the Face – the work of four portrait painters who examine the relationship between the artist and their muse – running until June 18. Eileen Leahy spoke to one of the exhibitors, Gilly Lovegrove, about the show’s content and concept

E Gilly Lovegrove’s ‘Lucy’

VERY few weeks, Trinity Theatre gives local artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in their small yet influential arts space.

Free to attend, and open from 10am until 10pm at night, it’s a gem of a gallery which you can drop into on your lunch break or before seeing a show in order to appreciate the artistic endeavours of a plethora of painters, photographers and sculptors.

The fascinating Behind The Face opened yesterday [June 6] and is a show featuring the work of four artists: Felicity Gill, Andrew James, Michele Illing and Gilly Lovegrove.

“The exhibition shows examples of commissioned portrait painting and personal artwork, and is a rare opportunity to see award-winning artists who live and work in the local area,” explains Gilly.

“The personal paintings demonstrate the artist’s exploration outside the perimeters of a commission or brief. It is great to bring work out of the studio and into the public domain and to experience the effect the paintings have on the viewer and their response. There is also a sense of

Felicity Gill’s ‘Mermaid’

Arts & Culture

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

‘Luyiso’ by Andrew James

completion after months of working towards the exhibition, and it will hopefully illustrate the fact that there is a thriving portrait painting scene in the Tunbridge Wells area.”

This is the first time that the group of artists have collaborated together, and Gilly says they have now become ‘firm friends’.

“Apart from the camaraderie, this exhibition has enabled us as portrait painters to showcase four very different approaches to painting the uniqueness and beauty of human forms,” continues Gilly.

‘Apart from the camaraderie, this exhibition has enabled us as portrait painters to showcase four very different approaches to painting the uniqueness and beauty of human forms’

“Felicity, who has painted many notable portraits, including academics, actors and MPs and has appeared on the BBC’s Star Portraits, admires the work of Paula Rego, so her storytelling and dark, fairy-tale-like quality draws you in and stimulates the imagination. She has forced political change in her home country of Portugal with her arresting work.

“For Michele, who is a watercolour portrait artist and won the Faber Castell Award in 2014 for her pastel painting of Big Baby, artists like Guan

Weixing, Liu Yun Sheng, David Parfitt, Miguel Linares Rios, Emerson Mayes, Marc Folly and Andrew Wyeth are all big influences because they are all so brilliant and have very unique styles.

“Watercolour is a particularly hard medium to master and they make it look so easy.”

Gilly goes on to say that ‘countless artists’ have influenced Andrew’s work, but there is one that stands out above all the others: Pablo Picasso.

“Andrew told me that he ‘never fails to generate a profound effect’. He also said that he embodies ‘human invention at its greatest’.

“Andrew has worked on many prestigious commissions of public figures, and also starred in the BBC’s Star Portraits, and was Vice-President

Michele Illing’s ‘Cutie Pie’

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of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in 2008.”

As for Gilly, who in 2011 was invited to take part in Katerina Seda’s From Morning Til Night exhibition commissioned by Tate Modern, her artistic inspirations are two well-known figures: “Personally, I look to Degas and Caravaggio for their love of light and shadow and for painting life as it is in true, gritty reality.

“I also admire Euan Uglow for his beautiful observations of colour.”

Behind The Face runs until June 18 at Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Entrance is free and the gallery is open from 10am until 10pm.

For more information see www.trinitytheatre.net

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What’s On

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE

WHATS ON WITH THE

Eileen Leahy

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

public work of four award-winning Kent artists – Felicity Gill, Michele Illing, Andrew James and Gilly Lovegrove – which as well as displaying a variety of works is an examination of the relationship between a portrait painter and their client and a journey of self-exploration and enquiry. Open daily from 10am until 10pm, the exhibition is free to attend.

For more information visit www.trinitytheatre.net See our exclusive interview with the artists on pages 66-67

wine or cocktail of choice in the hotel’s lounge bar, which is offering 2 for 1 on all drinks every Thursday between 5 and 7pm. For more details, see www.onewarwickpark.co.uk Acerbic stand-up Stewart Lee brings his latest show Content Provider to the Assembly Hall this evening. This is the comic’s first new full-length show since his award-winning Carpet Remnant World, and it promises to be every bit as incisive and funny. If you’ve not seen him live or on his BBC Two show, then make sure tonight’s the night to catch Lee, who The Guardian describes as ‘Characteristically twisty and frequently brilliant.’ Tickets cost £23.50 from www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Local events >> WEDNESDAY To celebrate the end of The Royal Ballet’s 70th birthday celebrations, there will be a live broadcast from the Royal Opera House in London at Trinity Theatre. It will be a mixed programme of works by founder Choreographer Frederick Ashton. Pieces performed include The Dream: A ‘delightful interpretation’ of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Symphonic Variations: Ashton’s seminal masterpiece which ‘celebrates the pure beauty of movement’, and finally Marguerite and Armand: A passionate ballet created by Ashton marking the celebrated partnership of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, which will be danced to Liszt’s tempestuous Piano Sonata. The action starts at 7.15pm and tickets cost from £18. The Odeon cinema is also screening this live event.

Behind The Face is the latest Trinity exhibition to be staged in the gallery. It’s the personal and ON YER BIKE: Visit the Big 7 Scooter Rally

>> THURSDAY Jazz on The Pantiles is in full swing every Thursday evening throughout the summer. To make it a really special event, why not avail of the exclusive menu offered

by One Warwick Park Hotel before the music gets underway?

Between 12noon and 7pm you can enjoy one course for £10, two courses for £15 and three courses for £20, including a DREAM large glass of house wine.

PERFORMANCE Alternatively, you can sip a By the Royal glass of your favourite Opera House

>> FRIDAY South East Open Studios [SEOS] takes place from June 9 to 25. Over 260 artists will open their doors to the public. Printed guides will be available at venues and from the website www. seos-art.org The Big 7 Scooter Rally is on at the Hop Farm all weekend, so if you’re into

mopeds, music and the mod scene this is an event not to be missed. If you arrive on your scooter with a tent, then you can camp all weekend for just £20 per person. For further information see www thebig7scooterrally. com Staying with the Hop Farm, the much anticipated Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is being screened there all weekend and next Thursday courtesy of the Moonlight Drive-in Cinema at 9.45pm. Starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Javier Bardem and Orlando Bloom, it’s got all the sensational and spooky swashbuckling you’d expect. Tickets cost £25 per vehicle and can be bought from www.moonlightcinema.com For culture of a different kind pop along to Trinity this evening for a live screening of the final concert from the Berliner Philharmoniker Cinema Season under the baton of charismatic conductor Gustavo Dudamel. He will perform Dvorák’s symphony From the New World – a work in which the composer adds a jolt of electricity with the help of stylised musical folklore ‘to portray characteristics such as are distinctly American’. Tickets cost £18 and the performance is at 6.30pm. www.trinitytheatre.net >> SATURDAY Royal Victoria Place is currently hosting a pop-up exhibition entitled World Vision: Journey of Hope.

Its aim is to educate shoppers about life in rural

What’s On

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

PHOTO: Alastair Muir

GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL Ariadne auf Naxos

Sierra Leone, West Africa. Not only will you have the chance to step inside a typical family’s ‘hut’, you’ll also be able to partake in drumming workshops from 12noon until 1pm and 3 to 4pm.

Love live music, opera and venturing further afield at the weekends? Then make sure you plan a visit to the annual Glyndebourne Festival, which runs until August 26. This year’s line-up is exceptional, with works that include Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito, Brett Dean’s new and highly

PICK OF THE WEEK Wealden Times Midsummer Fair Hole Park, near Rolvenden June 8-10 2017 All the fun of the fair

acclaimed version of Hamlet and Giuseppe Verdi’s classic opera La traviata. For tickets and timings visit www.glyndebourne.com History fans and school pupils currently studying the Egyptians will be interested to see the Secrets of a 3000-year-old coffin at Chiddingstone Castle. The castle recently completed its quest to find out the identity of the mummy, who has been interred for thousands of centuries there. Go along to find out what experts working on the project found out about the mummy. The castle is open to visitors from Sunday to Wednesday and admission costs £9.50 for adults and £4.50 for children. For more details, see TUNE IN: See www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk Gustavo Dudamel Showfields & Ramslye Foodfest takes in action at Trinity place today. As well as lots of stalls If you love interiors, quirky vintage finds and gorgeous gardens, then you have to visit this year’s Wealden Times Midsummer Fair at Hole Park near Rolvenden. With around 250 stalls selling goods for the home, garden, well-being, fashion and food, there’s lots to enjoy over the threeday event, which runs from Thursday to Saturday. With the added bonus of live music and workshops, and a chance to sample some delicious delights in the Coach House tea room, it has all the ingredients for the perfect day out. Let’s just hope the sun shines… Adult tickets £9.50, Children £3.50, Under 5s free. To book, visit www.wealdentimes.co.uk

selling delicious food and drink to sample there will be cooking demonstrations, experts on hand to answer any culinary queries and also lots of entertainment for little ones. It’s free to attend and will run all day. >> SUNDAY Open Farm Sunday is on today courtesy of LEAF [Linking Environment And Farming]. This is the 12th year the event has taken place, with farms across the country opening up their gates to the general public to see what farmers do, as well as how their work impacts all our lives. The majority of events are free and activities may include tractor and trailer rides, farm walks, bug hunts and meet the animal sessions. To find a farm near you, simply visit www.farmsunday.org

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EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES At Pashley Manor

The Penshurst Village Fete takes place today from midday until 4pm at Penshurst Place. This year’s theme is ‘In Celebration of Our Armed Forces’. There will be a variety of food and drink stalls as well as activities for children to enjoy.

Kidenza hosts fun classical concerts for children and today they will be at Sevenoaks School at 2pm and 4pm for their Around The World concert.

Suitable for all pre-school and primary children they will be ‘stopping off’ in various places around the globe including Spain for the Toreador song From Carmen and America for some Mambo from West Side Story. For more information visit www.kidenza.co.uk >> MONDAY Don’t forget that Pashley Manor in Ticehurst is hosting its annual Special Rose Week until Saturday June 17, so if you’re keen horticulturalist and literally want to make time to smell the roses then make sure you pop along. More details at www.pashleymanorgardens.com >> TUESDAY Ightham Mote hosts another of its Wind in the Weald events today, with performances from 12.30 to 1pm and 2 to 3pm. Experience the house as it comes alive to the sound of the Kent Music Ensemble. Usual entry to Ightham Mote applies. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote

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NEWS

Sporting Times

CONTACT US:

Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Rusthall’s fiesta of youth welcomes over 100 teams

CHILD’S PLAY: Langton Green Under-7s with the Mayor, Julia Soyke

FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL Football Club’s annual Youth Football Fiesta saw more than 100 teams playing at the Jockey Farm Stadium.

The clubs came from all over Kent and Sussex for the two-day tournament, which was watched by the newly appointed Tunbridge Wells Mayor, Julia Soyke (pictured left).

Age groups ranged from Under-7s, which is non-competitive, through to the fiercely contested Under-15s.

HOME WIN Rusthall Under-12s

The winners and runners-up were: Under-8s, EMC White beat EMC; Under-9s, EMC Green beat Rusthall; Under-10s, Medway North United beat Langton Green Jets; Under-11s, Chipstead Falcons beat Langton Green United; Under-12s, Rusthall beat Snodland Yellow; Under-13s, Kings Hill Blues beat Kennington Blue; Under-14s, Dover Athletic beat Dover Athletic United; Under-15s, Coney Hall beat Rusthall FC’s Red.

Ebbage dominates regional competition with four golds SWIMMING: TONBRIDGE Swimming Club’s Caitlin Ebbage won four gold medals and three silvers after the South-East Regional 14 & Under Swimming Championships at K2 Crawley.

It had been the club’s best ever results at the event even before the second weekend. Elevenyear-old Caitlin also grabbed three competition records in the backstroke.

All three swimmers excelled, setting 21 new club records between them out of 24 events.

Caitlin started off with the tough 800m freestyle.

Battling stroke for stroke the entire way, it came to a sprint in the last length with Caitlin just being out-touched to earn the silver medal in a new personal best (PB) time of 11min 09.00sec.

But her next event was the 50m backstroke and a close-fought final saw her finish in the gold medal position in a time of 32.36sec.

That puts her second in the all-time Great Britain swims for 11 year olds in this event and

STROKE OF GENIUS: Caitlin Ebbage, the British No 1 for her age at the 200m backstroke, is handed a certificate by Tonbridge SC Chairman Keith Roshier

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

consolidates her in third place in the 12 year old age group nationally.

Her final event was a gruelling 400m Individual Medley (IM), the 100m of all four strokes. In her heat she set a 14-second PB of 5min 35.14sec.

After an anxious wait for another three heats, she saw her rival just pip her to the gold in the last length and Caitlin had to settle for another silver.

Dan Brice, 13, was swimming in five events. In the 100m backstroke he set a club record time of 1:12.97, followed swiftly by a new club record in the 200m IM just outside his previous best.

An awesome display in 50m freestyle saw him set yet another club record of 29.17, and in the 200m backstroke he achieved a new PB by over two seconds for the time of 2:37.57 – and another club record. His final race of the campaign was in the 100m fly and he again sliced a two-second margin off his PB for yet another club record.

Tonbridge’s third swimmer was 11-year-old Erin Nisbet. She competed in the 11/12 Years 200m breaststroke, in which she had won the Kent Championships earlier this year. In the regionals she came seventh with a time of 3:05.90.

In the 100m breaststroke she managed a two-second PB in the heats and took another second off that in the final to finish in fifth position in a time of 1:24.68. In the 50m butterfly she again swam a new PB time of 34.04.

At the first of the two meetings, the trio were bolstered by the addition of 13-year-old Ollie Isaacs, a new Tonbridge club member who was still competing under the name of his old club.

Caitlin stormed to the lead in the 200m IM and held off the opposition to take the gold. She finished in a time of 2:34.49, a four-second PB which puts her fourth in the national rankings.

For the girls 12 years 400m freestyle Caitlin managed a four-second PB but narrowly missed the gold medal in a heat-seeded contest.

In the 100m backstroke Caitlin was ranked No 1 in the region and took the gold in the final. She consolidated her No 2 GB ranking and earned a new South East Regional record for 11-year-olds.

In her favourite 200m backstroke event, Caitlin consolidated her No 1 ranking nationally as she swam to a new PB of 2:26.27 – she finished six seconds ahead of her nearest rival.

Sale’s half-century is not enough to save skittled Wells CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS suffered a sound defeat by eight wickets in the Kent Premier League at Tenterden’s Morghew Park.

The visitors won the toss and chose to bat, only to find themselves reduced to 5 for 3 by the newball attack of Sam Weller and Tom Richards, the wickets falling in the space of six balls.

The captain, Alex Williams, dug in deep while Nick Sale provided a more enterprising innings as they forged a much-needed stand of 50.

But the home attack was in no mood to let their opponents off the hook. Skipper Williams feathered a touch through to the wicketkeeper, and Weller had picked up 3 for 17 from seven hostile, probing overs.

Young Julian O’Riordan (25) put on 42 with Sale until the latter, who had reached a second consecutive half-century, also edged to the keeper Ben Price off the bowling of Alistair Neale. He departed for 57 from 52 balls with 10 boundaries.

The rest of the innings subsided with little resistance as Wells posted an inadequate 167 all out with 32 deliveries unused.

Anchor An undefeated 96 from opener Chris Vernon, with 15 fours, anchored the reply and saw Tenterden home on 169 for 2 in partnership with Linden Lockhart (34 not out) with 12 overs to spare.

Spinner Marcus O’Riordan was the pick of the bowlers as he took 1 for 24 from his 10 overs.

Sitting in eighth position in the table, just above the drop zone, Wells now entertain the talented all-round skills of Blackheath at the Nevill.

Linden Park succumbed to defeat at Bromley in Division One after electing to bat first. Extras was top-scorer as the away team were restricted to 182 for 9, Ashley Forde taking 3 for 30.

Miguel Barbosa contributed 57 and Yasir Arafat chipped in with 50, adding 92 for the third wicket, and the hosts reached their target at 186 for 6 off 38.1 overs, Freddie Hulbert taking 2 for 53.

In Division Four, Tonbridge were bowled out for 154 at Poplar Meadow by visiting Old Colfeians.

Dale Moorhouse scored 63 but the hosts were undone by Alex Lorimer (4 for 45) and Amar Alapati (5 for 36) as they were dismissed in 36.3 overs.

Lorimer then opened up with 86 as the Eltham side cruised to 155 for 4 with five overs remaining.

Sporting Times

Wednesday June 7 | 2017

Cycling ‘pump track’ to provide ups and downs at Hawkenbury

By Andrew Tong HAWKENBURY recreation ground could soon be the site of an innovative new cycling ‘pump track’.

Hawkenbury Village Association (HVA) is seeking backing for the project as part of the legal framework associated with the Berkeley Homes housing development on Hawkenbury Farm.

Current legislation requires the developer to make financial contributions to improve the local community areas.

The old lawn bowls green at the Hawkenbury recreation ground has been left unused for many years.

The HVA has contacted local residents asking for ideas on how to develop the site using the Berkeley Homes funding.

Keen cyclist Ben Hallett presented a proposal for the construction of the pump track which the HVA has put forward to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s parks team.

A pump track is a continuous circuit of banked turns interspaced by rollers and other features that can be ridden on a bike without using the pedals.

They are commonly constructed from soil but for longer term applications such as parks a combination of asphalt and soil would open up the potential usage to scooters and skateboards.

Riders create momentum via up-and-down body movements called pumping. Mr Hallett explains: “It gives the user a great work-out, similar to doing lots of squats.”

He adds: “Courses are beginnerfriendly, with riders of all ages and skill levels able to safely navigate the undulations.

“As riders advance and acquire control, they flow through the track at higher speeds and learn techniques such as manualing [bringing the front end of the bike up while the rear wheel stays grounded] and jumping.”

Cycling’s popularity has grown exponentially over the last decade, but traffic safety concerns – especially for children – means there is a demand for off-road sites for cyclists.

“This is especially true if you consider that local by-laws within Tunbridge Wells parks actually prohibit these activities unless they are in dedicated areas,” says Mr Hallett.

“Pump tracks are proving to be an increasing popular solution as a safe

OF COURSE An example of a pump track by Velosolutions

place for these sports to be practiced in urban areas.

“Investment in a pump track could provide the local community with a facility that covers a very wide-ranging user group from mountain bikes, balance bikes and BMX to scooters, skateboards and roller blades.”

The construction would also provide a unique addition to the Tunbridge Wells sporting landscape.

Bristow breaks Lamberhurst course record for second time in three years

There is only one other pump track in Kent, which is located in Hawkinge near Folkestone.

The HVA will be promoting events in the recreation ground to gather local support for this proposal and persuade Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to proceed with the scheme.

You can support it by going to the Facebook page at www.facebook. com/pumptrack4hawkenbury

GOLF: JOSH BRISTOW must really love playing in the Teise Trophy at Lamberhurst Golf Club.

In 2015 the scratch handicapper from Canterbury shot a course record of 67 - and this year he went one better with his morning round of 66.

His afternoon round of 68 gave him a total of 134 – another record for the event, eclipsing the previous best mark of 140.

His nearest challengers on a calm, warm day, were a full six shots behind. Josh was clearly delighted with his performance, which carries Kent Order of Merit status.

Tricky

GREEN KING Josh Bristow revels in the Teise Trophy

Every year this event attracts the best amateur low handicappers in the South-East to do battle over 36 holes on the tricky sloping greens of the Lamberhurst course.

The players and spectators were fulsome in their praise for the pristine conditions of the course and club captain Richard Bruce thanked all the volunteers for their efforts, particularly the greens staff.

Results: 1st Gross Josh Bristow (Canterbury) 134; 2nd Nick Panting (Deansgate) 140; 3rd Jake Bacon (Kingshill) 140. All Day 1st Nett: Charles Hickling (Wildernesse) 142; 2nd Danny Curtis (Knole Park) 143. Best morning Gross: Michael Bush (Rochester & Cobham) 72. Best morning Nett: Paul Smith (Bearsted) 69. Best afternoon Gross: Rob Osmond (Rochester & Cobham) 71. Best afternoon Nett: James Somerside (Ealing) 66.

NEWS

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Stephenson in lead as trio beat 35-year record for time trial CYCLING: LONG-STANDING records tumbled when Southborough and District Wheelers (SDW) held their 10-mile time trial championship near Liss/ Liphook in Hampshire.

Out of 126 riders, Rob Stephenson covered the course in 20min 32sec to win the race.

He and two other SDW cyclists, Neil Couchman 20.52 and David Rumm 20.58, all beat the club men’s team record that had stood for 35 years.

Rory Barrett 20.59; Oliver Stevens 21.03 and Matt Kuwertz 21.10 were also well-placed.

SDW also competed in the Bigfoot Cycle Club 25-mile time trial Q25/8 course near Chilham.

Neil Couchman finished in a creditable 14th place in 57.18; Andy Quye recorded a personal best 1:00.54sec with Andrew Thomas 1:03.29.

In the Bec Cycle Club 10-mile TT on the G10/57 near Crawley, David Rumm completed the course in 22.08 and Mike Daniels in 28.21.

David Rowe completed the Hounslow & District Wheelers 25-mile TT on the A31 near Farnham, Surrey in a time of 1:02.07.

In the category 2 and 3 South East Road Race League, held on the Ladies’ Mile course near Groombridge, Keith Henderson (29th) and Matt Kuwertz (36th) rode strong races.

In the Crits at the Park cycle event at Gravesend’s Cyclopark, Philippa Jenkins finished fourth in the ladies’ event, while in the men’s category 4 race Tom Jones finished fifth.

Other SDW riders who were well placed in a competitive field of 46 riders were Daniel Veness (13th); Julian Fussell (19th); Przemek Jersz (22nd) and Dave Pettitt (30th).

In the Men’s Category 2/3/4 race Rory Barrett (9th); Matt Kuwertz (16th) also finished well.

One of the club’s junior riders, Jasper Simpson, enjoyed a successful the Spring in the Park event, achieving an excellent third place.

Emily Bowyer, Marc and Jack Johnson and Theo Sandell also finishing well in their respective age groups at the Cyclopark.

In the Medway Velo 10-mile Time Trial event on the Isle of Grain, Martin Yardley (26.58) and Natasha Jarman (30.46) were well placed.

In the Southern Counties CU 10-mile on the G10/57 course in Surrey, David Rumm finished in 21.44 to come 10th and Mike Daniels (28.39) finished second veteran rider.

In the Bexley CC 10-mile TT on the Isle of Grain, Andy Quye 25.07, Mike Saadat 26.21, Martin Yardley 26.47, Mike Daniels 31.15 and Doug Finch 34.18 recorded commendable times.

Philippa Jenkins raced in the Charlotteville CC 50 mile TT near Bentley in Hampshire and finished the race as fifth lady with a personal best time of 2hr 1min 35sec.

Taking part in the Norwood Paragon CC 25-mile TT near Horsham in Sussex, Chris Wolton 58.19; Andrew Thomas 1.06.02 and Ian Turner 1.06.09 placed well.

Natasha Jarman took part in the Thanet RC 25-mile TT in East Kent, completing the course in a time of 1.15.087.

Southborough & District Wheelers are currently promoting supervised novice female rides.

For information visit www.southboroughwheelers.co.uk