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Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Food bank is prepared for the worst By Robert Forrester THE foodbank that serves Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge is in good shape to cope with an increase in referrals and disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Nourish Community Foodbank say not only do they have plenty of stocks for the coming weeks and months, but also have the capacity to take more referrals should the current situation push people into food poverty. Dawn Stanford, Operations Manager at the foodbank, told the Times: “So far we are doing okay and have enough stocks of
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Towns reel from new rules aimed at stemming coronavirus spread By Richard Williams THE extreme measures outlined on Monday that urge people to avoid pubs, restaurants, and large gatherings are already biting hard. Boris Johnson’s radical measures to try to stop the exponential spread of the Covid-19 virus has already seen a number of businesses in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge close their doors, and many more are expected to follow suit. Shops, pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas have already announced closures, and a number of businesses have fallen into administration follow-
ing the unprecedented effects of the viral outbreak, which has so far claimed 71 lives across the UK. The elections scheduled to take place
‘In light of the situation we’ve taken the difficult decision to close’ on May 7 in Tunbridge Wells have been cancelled, as has the election of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Numerous buildings and offices have been closed to visitors, while some
firms are insisting staff work remotely. Local pubs are already feeling the brunt of the crisis with a number shutting their doors – despite the government not ordering them to do so. The Common Rooms on Mount Ephraim announced yesterday [Tuesday], that: “In light of the current situation we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close The Common Rooms for the safety of our customers “We hope you understand and we look forward to opening again as soon as it is practical to do so.” But not all landlords and publicans intend to close immediately.
Despite measures in last week’s budget to protect pubs from the virus outbreak, including scrapping of Business Rates and an increase in the pub relief scheme from £1,000 to £5,000, publicans say this will not be enough to protect their businesses. Julian Leefe-Griffiths who runs the Tunbridge Wells Hotel in The Pantiles says he intends to stay open until Mother’s Day but will take ‘every sensible precaution’. Last night, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced a
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Towns reel from rules Continued from page 1 raft of measures to help businesses that are forced to close. These include an expansion of the Business Rates holiday announced in last week’s budget to all firms in the hospitality sector. He also promised government loans for businesses worth £330billion.
Casualties Hotels as well as pubs are also feeling the effects of Monday’s announcement with some reporting occupancy as low as just one or two guests. Other casualties include Index Magazine, which has fallen into liquidation after 26 years. The popular local lifestyle published by SG Media, collapsed last Friday [March 13]. National chains are also succumbing to the current health emergency, with Carphone Warehouse, Carluccio’s and Laura Ashley all making announcements yesterday [see page 16-17 for the latest national coronovirus news].
Nourish is prepared Continued from page 1 most things to last six months, but there’s a few items such as toilet rolls that will disappear much sooner.” She added that the food bank, which provides around 63,000 meals each year to people in financial difficulties, has received an increase in donations, as people become aware of the difficulties that current situation could bring. “I think people have been making an extra effort as they realise things could change in the future. “Obviously, if our volunteers are having to self-isolate that could affect us but we are lucky in that we have 67 of them. “One thing that I’m conscious of is that we may get an upturn in referrals. If people are forced to self-isolate and live of statuary sick pay, that could be enough to push people over the edge.” But she continued: “We do have enough capacity to take perhaps another 50 referrals. So at the moment we are in good shape, but obviously, the situation is very fluid at the moment.”
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Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Cinemas and theatres close and events to be cancelled THE Knights Park Odeon in Tunbridge Wells has cancelled all screenings following the government’s advice for people to avoid going out due to coronavirus. The Odeon is among a number of major chains to close with Cineworld and Picturehouse also announcing they will temporarily shut. An Odeon spokesperson said: “In line with the latest government guidance on Covid-19, we are temporarily closing our cinemas. “We will continue to monitor the situation and look forward to welcoming back guests as soon possible.” The Assembly Hall Theatre has also closed with immediate effect. In a statement, the Council-run theatre said yesterday: “The Assembly Hall Theatre regretfully inform our audiences and communities, following the official government advice issued on Monday, of the immediate closure of our venue. “Our venue will remain closed until further notice and will re-open as soon as possible following government recommendations.
“Audience members for an event that has been cancelled will be contacted by their respective ticket providers/venue and full refunds for tickets and any fees paid will be issued.” The theatre admitted that the closure would not only effect its audience ‘but also our staff, casual workers, producers, performers, artists and suppliers each of whom we thank for their dedication and commitment during recent weeks and for many of whom this will negatively impact’.
Understanding The Trinity Theatre has also announced it will close, with a spokesperson saying: “Following the latest scientific advice given by the government yesterday we regret to inform you that we will close from today, March 17, for a minimum of three weeks.” She added that while refunds would be given by the charity ‘where possible and if you can, do please consider converting your tickets to either,
donations or spendable credit on your Trinity account. The EM Forster theatre in Tonbridge has also announced it is to close – but for eight weeks. A spokesperson said: “We will be contacting all affected companies, artists and ticket holders as soon as we can, we ask for your patience and understanding as we do this.” Tom Kerridge has also announced he is rescheduling his Pub in the Park Summer tour. The celebrity chef has moved the Dunorlan Park event to August 21-23. It was due to take place on the weekend of July 10-12. Mr Kerridge said the vast majority of the music, including headline acts, chefs and restaurants line-up will remain the same. He added: “We would like to thank the chefs, restaurants, venues, local authorities, artists and many of our other contributors who have shown their unwavering support of Pub in the Park to enable us to rearrange our plans. In the meantime, we want you all to keep healthy and look after each other.” Tunbridge Wells’ most iconic music venue has also closed temporarily. The Forum will be closed until April 5. In a statement they said: “We have decided the best thing is to, for the first time in over 27 years, close the doors of The Forum temporarily while we all try to get through this pandemic together.”
Support groups set up in both towns point to co-ordinate help for anyone in the town that needs support’. Mrs Gibson, who masterminded the Thetncard – a customer loyalty scheme that covers businesses in the two towns said within 24 hours it had gained more than 1,000 members. She told the Times: “I created the group yesterday as a way of connecting those in our community who are more vulnerable and/or self-isolating, and the many kind people that wish to help.
By Andy Tong The mother of a disabled boy in Tunbridge Wells has started a community group in the town to provide support for people who are having to self-isolate. Lucy Frost says she was inspired to create the Tunbridge Wells Self Isolation Support Group, as she is currently staying at home keeping her son away from possible infection. She said: “My son George has Spinal Muscular Atrophy so I am currently self-isolating at home with him and my daughter Evie. “I got to thinking what would happen if I could not get out, who would help us with shopping and other things, so I thought what about starting a support group? “If people are happy to collect people shopping and support the community then we can look after the people that are self-isolating.” She said that the group, which has been set up to ensure nobody in the area goes without during self-isolation periods due to the current Covid-a9 outbreak, was not just formed to support the elderly and vulnerable. “There’s going to be a lot of people who are self-isolating and are in need support and that number is only going to rise. Even young and healthy people may need help if they do not have a network of people around them who can help,” she added. Since setting up the group, Lucy has received hundreds of comments, messages of support
Tracker
ISOLATING Lucy Frost, son George and daughter Evie
and people offering their help, ranging from collecting people’s shopping, picking up parcels and medication, to dog walking and preparing hot meals for people who cannot get out. She added that those able and willing to help those self-isolating, or for those in need of support during the coronavirus outbreak, can contact the group at TWselfisolationgroup@ gmail.com or call 01892 280 214. In Tonbridge, a group has also been set up on Facebook to help ‘the most vulnerable in our community’. Jessica Gibson started up the Tonbridge Covid-19 Support Group on Monday as a ‘central
“Like the countless groups that are springing up around the UK, ours is a place to bring everyone together, so we can co-ordinate efforts to help those that need it - the elderly in particular. Plans for how we do this will take shape over the days ahead.” She said one of the first activities undertaken by the group was to collate information about shops, food suppliers and restaurants that are providing free delivery. The mother of four from Leigh added: “It helps that I know many of the business owners through Thetncard. “I am speaking to all the local businesses that are delivering and putting it on one tracker so we have everything in one place.” She added that within hours of setting up the Facebook page a stream of offers came in from businesses and individuals willing to help.
Cancer charity closes doors but keeps its ‘ears open’ HELPLINE Gaynor Ratcliffe [left] and Polly Taylor
THE Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre has been forced to close ‘for an indefinite period’ because of the virus outbreak. Volunteers at the centre in Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, help and support around 3,000 people a year whose lives have been touched by cancer.
Decision “It was the hardest decision we have had to take since we opened the doors to the centre fifteen years ago and it breaks our hearts,” said Co-founder Polly Taylor, “but we were left with little choice, we could not put our clients or our volunteers
at risk from catching the virus.” However, Polly and her right hand person Gaynor Ratcliffe will still be on hand to offer advice and support. “The centre might be closed but not our ears,” said Polly. “Gaynor and I will be available to people on the phone to help them to get through these challenging times.” The Pickering team will re-open the centre ‘as soon as is practical”. The numbers to ring are: 01892 511880. 079316 70265 Lines will be open to everyone between 10am and 3pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. You can also find more information at pickeringcancercentre.org.uk
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
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Council elections are postponed for a year giving Tories a reprieve If the Tories had lost just four seats in the 16 wards where elections were to take place, it would have seen its majority disappear and would have had to govern as a minority council, relying on support from either independent councillors or members of other parties.
By Richard Williams THE Conservatives will keep control of the borough council for at least another year following the cancellation of the May elections. The scrapping of the ballot on May 7 came after the Electoral Commission, which overseas UK ballots, say there are ‘real risks for a successful delivery’ of the elections because of the current Covid-19 outbreak. It has been rescheduled for May 2021 when the County Council elections are due to take place. The election of Police and Crime Commissioner has also been postponed until then. The news that elections have been put on hold for a year will be quietly welcomed by the Tory group on the council following its handling of the theatre complex fiasco which saw some £11million of taxpayers’ money wasted when the scheme was scrapped.
Conduit
The party currently has 28 councillors in the chamber, giving it an overall majority of eight in any vote. Of the 16 seats that were to be contested in the planned May elections, 11 are currently held by a Conservative – including two members of the Cabinet, Cllrs Jane March and Carol Mackonochie.
A Cross Party Group, set up to find an alternative to the council’s £108million Calverley Square development, has ironically provided the Conservatives with a conduit in which to work with opposition parties in case it eventually loses its majority. Alternatively, the Liberal Democrats if they get close enough, could form a coalition with the Labour Party and run the Council under a confidence and supply agreement. But the party, which has nine councillors would need to the lion
share of the 16 council seats up for election to become the largest party. While the election was not yet in its official pre-election period before it was cancelled, political parties have been organising themselves and producing campaign literature in anticipation of the ballot. Martin Betts, Labour campaign co-ordinator in Tunbridge Wells, says all the parties understand the need for the postponement. He said: “Public health is the overriding priority and if health experts believe this is one more necessary action to prevent the spread of corona virus, so be it. “We are in exceptional times and postponing elections for a year shouldn’t be a problem for any of the political parties. “It will be just one more inconvenience we have to accept, collectively, as part of the cost of defeating the virus.”
Businesses cautiously welcome tax holiday as rates are dropped for hundreds of local firms By Andy Tong INDEPENDENT shops, restaurants, bars and hotels welcomed the 12-month ‘Business Rates holiday’ announced by the chancellor last week. The chancellor has scrapped the unpopular tax for hundreds of firms in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge next year– which could save some businesses £25,000.
new policy to abolish business rates for small companies would not be sufficient to save them. The tax break applies to those firms in the leisure, retail and hospitality industry whose premises has a rateable value below £51,000, CLLR NICHOLAS HESLOP
CLLR TOM DAWLINGS
Dismay But the budget came before the Prime Minister advised the public that they should no longer go to pubs, restaurants and theatres, which has left many small businesses fearing for their future. Last night [Tuesday] as the Times went to press, Rishi Sunak also announced that Business Rates will be scrapped for all firms in the hospitality and retail sector, and that ‘cash grants’ worth up to £25,000 will be available for those businesses, as part of his financial support measures to protect the economy during the escalating Covid-19 crisis. Boris Johnson’s radical measure to try to stop the exponential spread of the coronavirus meant that many pubs closed their doors yesterday. The move leaves such venues’ finances in a precarious position and also leaves large numbers of casual staff with no income as they had to be sent home indefinitely. Across the leisure sector there was already dismay that the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s
Tonbridge, Tony Brown, blamed the ‘lunacy’ of the system for the demise of his company, which saw all 23 of his stores close. “The news will be very welcome by many of my clients,” said Darren Austin, accountant at
‘The independent leisure and hospitality sector is critical to the health of our local economy, so I welcome this initiative’ Cllr Nicholas Heslop
which is the amount the Council believe the building would generate in rent. The new measures announced last night mean hundreds more companies in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge will benefit from the rate holiday. Both authorities have recently issued rates bills for the coming year but will be writing to eligible businesses to inform them that charges for the year are now to be waived. Business Rates have long been a bone of contention for business, with many saying the current system is ‘unfair’. The boss of Beales department store in
Synergee, who said many firms he represents have been struggling to pay the tax in recent years. We currently have a number of clients who are getting absolutely clobbered by business rates, but some of them still fall outside the £51,000, in which case they get no help. “What would have been better is a more tapered relief because at the moment smaller firms get 100 per cent off and slightly larger businesses get nothing.” He continued: “The review announced by the Chancellor for later in the year to look at the complete business rates system is certainly
needed.” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said they were ‘working hard’ to get the business rate relief package announced in the Budget to local business as quickly as possible. Cllr Tom Dawlings, Cabinet member for Finance and Governance in Tunbridge Wells, said: “It is encouraging that our request to widen the scope of the types of businesses that are eligible has been successful and now includes the leisure and hospitality sectors.” Also cautiously welcoming the news, Nicolas Heslop, Council Leader in Tonbridge, said: “The independent leisure and hospitality sector is critical to the health of our local economy. So I welcome this initiative to help them through this difficult period.” But Jenny Lewis, chair of the Tonbridge Town Team which links businesses with local government and the community, sounded a note of caution. “I’m glad to see the government considers the risk of financial implications on small businesses,” she said. She added: “But it remains to be seen whether the rates relief is sufficient to keep companies afloat as it’s a developing situation. “I would urge shoppers to continue to support our local stores as much as possible while following the containment recommendations, and to remain sensible in their response to the situation.” For more on the budget see page 10-11
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Man charged with attempted murder after woman stabbed while in High Street nail bar By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A MAN has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was stabbed in a shop on Tonbridge High Street on Wednesday [March 11]. Thuan Dinh, 51, of Rowan Mews in Tonbridge was arrested on Friday. He and the victim are known to each other.
Boutique Mr Dinh was also charged with possession of a knife in a public place and breaching a restraining order. Officers were called to the VCC Boutique nail bar at 9.18am and the victim, who is in her 40s, was taken to Tunbridge Wells hospital for treatment.
Kent Police said she had sustained critical injuries consistent with stab wounds, but her condition was described as stable. Detective Inspector Garry Cook of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “We are currently making a number of enquiries and crime scene investigators are working at the scene. “We have established that both parties are known to each other, and if anyone has information about the incident please contact us.” Anybody with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604 100 quoting crime reference 11-279 The public can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or completing the online form at crimestoppers-uk.org
CRIME SCENE An ambulance outside VCC Boutique
BOUNCING BACK? The team at Jump In hope to stay open if a site can be found
Beales store could fit the bill for new Jump In site By Jonathan Banks newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk BEALES could become the new home of the Jump In trampoline park as it continues its quest to find alternative premises. The department store in the Angel Centre in Tonbridge is closing down after the retail chain went into administration in January. And Jump In has been told to move out of its Morley Road site in the town because the neighbouring drinks company Atom is taking over the lease.
Sites The popular and profitable leisure facility, which acts as a venue for a number of smaller community groups and businesses, will shut its doors on May 3. It has been appealing for help in finding a new, large base and Regional Manager Joseph Upstone said: “It is extremely early days at the moment but we are in talks with landlords at three possible venues in the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells areas. “We have had a lot of suggestions on potential sites but we need to consider things like space, car parking, accessibility and facilities that qualify for the right permissions.” Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, based next door to Beales, holds a 100-year lease on the
Nursery teacher and Rusthall stalwart passes away aged 99 A FORMER nursery school teacher from Rusthall has died, aged 99. Nancy Bryant was a long-time resident of Rusthall and ran the Nursery School at Little Bracken, the house on the green, with her sister Shirley Bryant. While Shirley died many years ago, Nancy continued living in Little Bracken, until she moved to sheltered accommodation in St Paul’s Court. As well as running the nursery, she was an acclaimed and much-published poet, with her crowning achievement winning first prize in a Radio 2 poetry competition and having her
poem To Saints Hill Penshurst read on Pick of the Week. Nancy, who passed away on Tuesday, March 10, at the age of 99, had never married and was described as a ‘a very private person’, but had provided early education to hundreds of people in Rusthall from the nursery throughout the late 60s and 70s. Miss Bryant’s funeral is being held on Friday, April 3 at 3.15 at the Kent & Sussex Crematorium. The family has said all are welcome to attend but they have requested no flowers and any donations should go to The Dogs Trust.
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
site. A spokesperson said: “We’re currently discussing the future of the site with Beales’ administrators.” The large store is also adjacent to the tmactive leisure centre run by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council - which is currently undergoing an assessment for renovation. Beales is scheduled to close in the coming days, after the department store group fell into administration earlier this year. The Chief Executive of Beales. Tony Brown, has blamed the ‘lunacy’ of the current Business Rates system for his company’s demise.
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Time is up for much loved toy shop down on the farm By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A MUCH-LOVED toy shop is set to close in Hildenborough after almost four decades of bringing smiles to young faces – and now a few tears are falling among the adults. Toy Time, housed in a barn at Meopham Bank Farm in Leigh Road, has offered new and pre-loved gifts to children for 37 years. It was the brainchild of Dennis and Brenda Hill, who own the former dairy farm, but both are entering their 90s now and have decided it’s time to stop. The large 2,500 square feet store has been run by their farm manager Brian Ingleson and his wife Eve, both 68, along with their daughter Karen Greenwood. “We’ve seen so many generations, parents who have come here as children, even grandparents,” said Mrs Ingleson, who has lived at the farm for 52 years. “We’ve had customers who have been loyal to us all that time. They have been coming in with tears in their eyes, it’s been overwhelming, very emotional.” She added: “They come from miles, there are schools from London who come down to buy things for their pupils. “If grandparents come to the area then they visit us. Some make a day trip out of it and have
a picnic on the farm. “It’s been unbelievable the amount of comments we’ve received, people are genuinely upset that we’re closing.” The couple met locally after Mr Ingleson came down to the farm from Leybourne in the Yorkshire Dales. He would spend more than 100 hours a week looking after the herd of 90 Fresian cows while the Hills started up the business.
Service “Dennis started it as a hobby, the idea came from boot fairs which were a big thing on Sundays, it was huge,” said Mrs Ingleson. “The first few years we survived through the fairs, then opened a small shop in what was once the Granary and it’s grown from there.” Their success – and loyal following – has been boosted by the fact that Mr Ingleson has also taught more than 200 boys and girls to ride their bicycles. “He doesn’t charge them, it’s all part of the service. He has them up and running in 10 minutes. And he’s adapted bikes for children with disabilities.” Mrs Ingleson, who has two daughters and three granddaughters, has always enjoyed the job. “I pick up my grandchildren from school, and I love children. “It’s a joy to see them in the shop. You do get a
EMOTIONAL FAREWELL: (L-R) Brian and Eve Ingleson and long-time shop assistant Pat Jenner lot of screaming but we’ve had some wonderful customers down the years. Since the herd of Fresians left, the land has been used for arable farming and keeping horses – as well as the alpacas that keep the clientele doubly happy. Mr Ingleson’s brother Paul, who is ten years younger, will now take over the farm.
Town Forum backs ban on pavement parking By Richard Williams THE chairman of Tunbridge Wells Town Forum has backed a proposed ban on parking on pavements, which could soon outlaw the practice across the whole UK. The Department of Transport has opened a consultation into stopping cars from parking with their wheels on pavements, following calls by MPs last year to prohibit the ‘blight’ of the practice. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said that vehicles parked pavements can cause ‘real difficulties for many pedestrians, adding: “That’s why I am taking action to make pavements safer and I will be launching a consultation to find a
long-term solution for this complex issue. “This will look at a variety of options – including giving local authorities extended powers to crack down on this behaviour.” If the proposals are given the green light, it would hand councils the power to fine motorists up to £100 for parking on pavements.
Damage In many roads in Tunbridge Wells, cars are often parked with two wheels on pavements to ensure traffic is not blocked by parked cars and that emergency vehicles have enough room to get by. Adrian Berendt, Chairman of the Town Forum and a keen road safety advocate, says he would
ROAD RAGE Pavement parking is a dangerous issue be supportive of a ban. “It is a very serious problem and causes all sorts of issues in Tunbridge Wells. It is dangerous because you are forcing pedestrians into the road, people with buggies can’t get down pavements and it damages the pavement, which is a huge cost to the borough Council.” Currently, parking in pavements is not illegal – other than in London where a ban is already in
Meanwhile they can expect to be recognised for their service to the community for many years to come – wherever they go. “When they go shopping, everybody recognises them,” says Mrs Greenwood. “We were flying to Portugal last year and all the passengers were coming up and saying ‘what are you doing here?’” force. Only lorries are prevented from parking on pavements. Motoring organisations have warned any such ban could have ‘unintended consequences’. Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “We absolutely agree that people who park in an anti-social way should be penalised.” But he warned: “Many drivers in narrow streets are tempted to partially park on the pavement so emergency services and refuse trucks can pass. “An outright ban could lead to unintended consequences with parking chaos becoming more widespread. “A better solution would be for councils to make a street-by-street assessment and where pavement parking could be allowed it be clearly marked and signed.” But Mr Berendt added: “There may be places where there is no alternative but most streets in Tunbridge Wells are wide enough for people to park on the road, so I think the default position should be it is prohibited. “There are too many cars in the town and it is just not sustainable.”
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BUSINESS
Local News
Taste of success for Tonbridge bakery A LOCAL artisan bakery has won a coveted countywide food award. The Bakehouse at 124, which is based in Tonbridge High Street, picked up the accolade at this year’s Taste of Kent Awards. The bakery, which uses traditional methods, was named the Bakery and Confectionery class winner for their Kentish Apple Sourdough at an awards dinner in Detling on March 5.
Inspire Clare Barton, owner of the bakery and a ‘Real Bread Campaign Ambassador’ said: “Having lived in Kent all my life, winning this award is very close to my heart. The Kent food and drink industry is growing from strength to strength and we love being a part of it. “As a Real Bread Campaign Ambassador, part of my role is to be a vocal champion for real bread and to inspire people to bake bread at home. Hopefully, winning this award will do exactly that.” For more on the Taste of Kent Awards 2020, see our Food & Drink section further on in the paper
BAKED IN SUCCESS Bakehouse owner Clare Barton (right) with Manager Liz Reid
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Can we can fix it? Yes we can! By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE WELLS’ first Repair Café was hailed a success after more than 100 people turned up to the inaugural event last week. Anybody with a cherished broken belonging can take it to the café to be fixed by the volunteer repairers. Repair Cafés were the brainchild of Martine Postma, who started the first café in Amsterdam in 2009.
‘The most touching item was a music box, brought in by a lady. It belonged to her late mother and hadn’t worked in decades’ Since then, hundreds of the community fix-it events have been started in towns and cities around the world, but this is the first time the initiative has been tried in Tunbridge Wells. The town’s first Repair Café was held at Trinity Theatre on Saturday, March 7, and scores of people turned up to have items fixed in one of the 16 repair stations by the many volunteer repairers. “In total, about 100 people came on Saturday, and we repaired around 64 items,” said organiser Chris Murphy. “People brought in a whole gamut of things, including an old chair,
curtain rails, a food mixer, heaters, a lamp, a Lego trailer, a home theatre system, a bike, a slow cooker, gloves and even an Amazon Kindle.” He added that the volunteers, who were either professionals or ‘keen hobbyists’, were able to repair two thirds of the items that came through the door. “The most touching item was a music box brought in by a lady it belonged to her late mother, and hadn’t worked in decades. The lady was brought to tears after we fixed it and got it working for the first time in years,” continued Mr Murphy. “There was also a 94-year-old teddy bear that was in a very sorry state but was clearly loved. “We changed its eyes and fixed its paw, but will have to wait until next time to repair one of its legs as the repairer needed some material.” He said that anybody in the community is welcome to bring in broken items, and one of the repair experts will do their best to fix it. “We are self-funded so do accept donations if people can afford it, but we will still repair items if somebody hasn’t any money as this is all about the community helping the community,” added Mr Murphy. The next Repair Café takes place at Trinity Theatre on Saturday April 4 from 10am until 1pm. Anybody interested in volunteering to help, or with any questions about the Repair Café, can email: twellsrepaircafe@gmail.com
PATCHED UP Janet Vivyan and her repaired 94-year-old teddy bear
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BUSINESS
Budget Review
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‘We are doing everything we can to keep this country and our people healthy’ WHILE much of the budget was concentrated on shoring up the economy to cope with the current coronavirus pandemic - including the scrapping of business rates for smaller firms in the leisure and hospitality sector - experts on the finance industry say there were a number of key aspects that business owners and investors should be aware of. Among the changes announced in the budget was more flexibility in Statutory Sick Pay [SSP] for employees. Darren Austin of Tunbridge Wells accountants, Synergee explained: “Historically, business pay SSP themselves and cannot reclaim it back. Now businesses will be able to claim SSP for up two weeks per employee, so that could be good news for employers with staff off sick or selfisolating.”
Anticipated Thomas Newlyn, associate at Thomson Snell & Passmore says the Chancellor’s announcement on Entrepreneurs’ Relief was one of the most ‘eagerly anticipated announcements’ in the Budget. He said: “Rishi Sunak described Entrepreneurs’ Relief as ‘expensive, ineffective and unfair’ with three quarters of the relief going to merely five thousand people. “As a consequence, Entrepreneurs’ Relief is to be scaled back from a £10 million lifetime allowance to a £1 million lifetime allowance although Mr Sunak stopped short of clarifying when this would take effect.” He explained that the relief currently allows
Budget boost for first time home buyers but entrepreneurs take a hit Measures announced by Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer
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CLAIRE JOSEF
business owners of two years or more to pay less capital gains tax when the business is sold. “Mr Sunak’s announcement heavily impacts business owners who sell or dispose of part of their business during their lifetime and who will now pay 10 per cent tax on all gains up until £1million instead of £10 million, after which the standard capital gains tax rates apply,” added Mr Newlyn. He continued: “Despite the reduction, Mr Sunak stressed that he is keen to encourage risk-taking and creativity in the UK and the Government’s challenge will be to discover new methods to incentivise entrepreneurship. However, slashing the lifetime allowance from £10millin to £1million is likely to dampen M&A [mergers and acquisition] activity in the market once the changes take effect.”
DARREN AUSTIN
Housing Claire Josef, partner and property lawyer at Thomson Snell & Passmore added that the budget also included ‘an ambitious package of investment’ for house building. She said: “Great news for first time buyers and buyers looking to purchase affordable houses. Once built, this will mean a greater availability of much needed housing in the UK. “The government has also announced plans to invest an additional £1billion to remove unsafe cladding from residential buildings above 18 metres to ensure people feel safe in their homes. “Since the Grenfell disaster this has been a much needed area of reform. This will provide comfort to residents in blocks; to enable them to feel safer in their homes. “ She continued: “The introduction of a 2 per cent SDLT surcharge on non-UK residents purchasing residential property in England and Northern Ireland from 1 April 2021 is welcome as it will help to control house price inflation and to support UK residents to get onto and move up the housing ladder. The money raised from the surcharge will be used to help address rough THOMAS NEWLYN
‘The government has also announceed plans to invest an additional £1billion to remove unsafe cladding’ Thomas Newlyn sleeping, which is a really positive step.” The budget announcement came just a week after the Bank of England slashed interest rates from 0.75 per cent to 0.25 per cent. The Bank said the move would also free up billions of pounds of extra lending power to help banks support firms during the viral outbreak. However, the move means borrowing costs are back down to the lowest level in British history – not good news for savers.
Budget Review
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Maslins learn CPR while backing BHF MASLINS ACCOUNTANTS in Tunbridge Wells have been learning CPR as part of their support for the British Heart Foundation [BHF]. The charity provides free life-saving training to its volunteers and to companies who offer financial backing. Chris Maslin, the founder of the Camden Road firm, said: “We ask each staff member to choose a charity important to them, for the firm to make a monthly donation to on their behalf. “The training was a good excuse to get everyone together, and as part of our support we were delighted to accept the offer of CPR training for our team.”
MAKE SAVINGS Maslins staff with their ‘I know CPR’ certificates
Research Kim Brophy, BHF’s Fundraising Manager, said: “Without the generosity and support of companies such as Maslins, we wouldn’t be able to fund life-saving research that will end the devastation caused by heart and circulatory disease once and for all.” Heart and circulatory diseases affect around 190,000 people living in Kent alone, with around 4,200 people losing their lives to these conditions in the county each year. BHF invests £100million into research each year to tackle heart diseases, strokes and vascular dementia along with risk factors, including diabetes. For more information, visit bhf.org.uk/fundraising
Digital and Social Media course to help mums get back to work By Andy Tong SUCCESSFUL MUMS, a training company to help mothers go back to work or start a business, is launching a free Digital and Social Media course for business mums in Tonbridge. The programme will be held for one day a week at the Angel Centre, running from 9.30am to 4pm. It starts on Monday [March 23] and lasts for six weeks. Successful Mums founder Jane Knight has designed it to help create a digital and social media strategy across all platforms, building digital confidence and growing businesses. It consists of practical workshops such as managing wellbeing while working online, and features guest speakers like Silke Thistlewood and Emma Jefferys.
Confidence Topics include writing a business plan, legal options when starting a business, confidence techniques, branding, blogs and keeping your business safe online. Jane set up Successful Mums in 2014 and has helped more than 5,000 women go back to work. She told the Times: “I’m a teacher, career advisor and coach. I started off teaching entrepreneurial skills, and since starting Successful Mums I’ve focused on women returners and digital training.” She added: “This course is a great fit for women that are already working for themselves and
looking to increase their online engagement. “It’s really important to have a digital and social media presence when you are your own boss. “It’s a simple way to engage with a wide range of customers and build trusted partnerships, too.” Students are required to allow for an additional day a week for working remotely on homework such as creating promotional content and completing workbooks online. The course will lead to an NCFE Level Two qualification in Digital Promotion for Business and a Level One in Stress Awareness. To qualify for the free package, attendees must be over 19 years old, live in Kent, and have proof of residency in the UK or the EU for at least three years. The majority of Successful Mums’ training courses are funded by local companies so they can be provided free of charge. The Digital and Social Media course is supported by the London Skills and Development Network, which has also backed its Back to Work course at the Old Fire Station in Tonbridge. There will also be a Business Start-up course at the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks next Wednesday [March 25]. The Digital and Social Media for Business Mums course will be running again at the Beer Seller pub in Tonbridge High Street from next month, with further programmes at Tonbridge Baptist Church in May and June.
Hi-Res Requested
For more information, go to successfulmums.co.uk TRAINING GURU Jane Knight
STANDARD BEARERS Mayor James Scholes and Mayoress Jane Scholes with the children
Children raise the flag for Commonwealth Day PUPILS and teachers from ten local primary schools marked Commonwealth Day in Tunbridge Wells with a flag-raising ceremony. The event at the Town Hall was also attended by the borough’s Mayor, Cllr James Scholes, the Mayoress Jane Scholes and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent Georgie Warner.
Affirmation The guests heard the Mayor read a letter from the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Affirmation. The annual event was held on March 9, centering on the theme ‘Delivering a Common Future’.
The event takes place in countries across the Commonwealth, and once the affirmation has been performed, the Commonwealth Flag is raised. As the flag was raised on the roof of the Town Hall, the children unfurled another flag on the steps at the front of the municipal building. After the ceremony the children joined the Mayor and Mayoress in the council chamber for refreshments and to learn more about the role of the Mayor. Children from the following schools attended the ceremony: Beechwood, Bidborough, Bishops Down, Broadwater, Claremont, Holmewood House, Kent College Pembury, St Augustine’s, St John’s and Temple Grove Academy.
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Government to provide £330bn in loans to help business cope
ANNOUNCEMENT Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson last night GOVERNMENT-backed loans worth £330 billion will be made available to support businesses through the coronavirus crisis, the Chancellor has announced. Rishi Sunak said the “unprecedented package” - equivalent to 15% of GDP - could go further if demand is greater, and vowed to do “whatever it takes” to help the economy. The Chancellor, speaking at a press conference inside 10 Downing Street, also said he was extending the business rates holiday to all businesses in the hospitality sector and funding grants of up to £25,000 for smaller businesses. And Mr Sunak said that for those in financial difficulty due to coronavirus, mortgage lenders will offer a three-month mortgage holiday. He unveiled the measures after the Government’s chief scientific adviser said around 55,000 people in the UK now have Covid-19, as the NHS moved to cancel all non-emergency surgery and 71 people are now known to have died. Sir Patrick Vallance told MPs it is hoped the death toll can be kept to under 20,000 as he told of the huge amount of strain the health service will be under from Covid-19. Mr Sunak said: “This is not a time for ideology and orthodoxy, this is a time to be bold, a time for courage. “I want to reassure every British citizen this
Accusations ‘political’ Alex Salmond claims SCOTALND’s former First Minister who is standing trial accused of rape and sexcual assault has claimed the allegations against him are ‘deliberate fabrications for a ACCUSED political purpose’ Mr Salmond or arriving at court ‘exaggerations’. Alex Salmond told his trial that he had a ‘consensual sexual liaison’ with a woman who alleges he tried to rape her, as he began giving evidence at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday [Tuesday]. A former Scottish Government official, known as Woman H, previously told the court she felt ‘hunted’ by Salmond moments before an alleged attempted rape in the first minister’s official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, in June 2014. Salmond there had been a ‘sexual encounter’ but told his lawyer Gordon Jackson QC, under questions it was ‘a consensual sexual liaison’. He denies 13 allegations of offences against nine women. The trial, before judge Lady Dorrian, continues.
Government will give you all the tools you need to get through this.” He said the Government would ‘stand behind businesses small and large’, before he announced an ‘unprecedented package of Government backed and guaranteed loans to support business to get through this’. “Today I am making available an initial £330 billion of guarantees, equivalent to 15% of our GDP,” he said.
Emergency “That means any business who needs access to cash to pay their rent, their salaries, suppliers or purchase stock will be able to access a Government backed loan or credit on attractive terms,” added the Chancellor. He continued: “And if demand is greater than the initial £330 billion I’m making available today, I will go further and provide as much capacity as required. I said whatever it takes, and I meant it.” Describing the outbreak as an ‘emergency’, he told the packed press conference the country had ‘never in peacetime have we faced an economic fight like this one’. Boris Johnson said the Government ‘must and will act with a profound sense of urgency” and would be like a “wartime government’. Nazanin ZaghariRatcliffe
Zaghari-Ratcliffe released from jail BRITISH-Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is among thousands of prisoners temporarily released from jail by the government in Tehran because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Iranian authorities have temporarily released around 85,000 prisoners in response to the coronavirus epidemic. Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been released until April 4, and is under house arrest wearing a tag. Following her temporary release, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was ‘relieved’ but added: “While this is a welcome step, we urge the government now to release all UK dual nationals arbitrarily detained in Iran, and enable them to return to their families in the UK.”
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Carphone Warehouse to close all phone stores NEARLY 3,000 jobs are being axed at Dixons Carphone after the retailer announced plans to shut all 531 of its standalone Carphone Warehouse mobile phone stores in the UK. The group said the shops - which make up around 8% of the entire group’s selling space - will shut on April 3 as it plans to sell mobile phones solely in its 305 combined Currys PC World stores and online across the UK. It expects to make 2,900 redundancies, but said almost 1,800 affected staff are set to take new roles elsewhere in the business. The group’s 70 Carphone Warehouse stores in Ireland will remain open and its international operations are unaffected. Dixons Carphone said the move is ‘essential’ to help turn around its UK mobile arm, which is set to make a £90 million loss this year. Carphone Warehouse group chief
executive Alex Baldock said: “There’s never an easy time for an announcement like this, but the turbulent times ahead only underline the importance of acting now.” He added: “We’re working hard to look after those colleagues we can’t find new roles for, financially and otherwise. “We’ll pay enhanced redundancy, any bonuses, honour their share awards, and help them find new jobs through an outplacement programme.”
Outbreak Dixons Carphone said it had not seen a large hit from the coronavirus crisis across its core chain apart from supply issues, but is ‘preparing for one’. However, its 29 travel stores have been badly affected by the outbreak as passenger numbers plummet, and it is expecting profits from the division to be knocked by around £5 million.
And it warned of an impact from the Greek government’s decision to close shops for two weeks from March 18. However, it said both the travel and Greek businesses are small parts of the overall group and stuck by its full-year profits guidance. The firm said it had also seen a “notable” rise in demand for fridges and freezers, small domestic appliances and laptops as people prepare for home working and potential self-isolation. Dixons Carphone said: “We are aware that our stores could experience a significant reduction in sales in the months ahead and we are modelling a range of downside scenarios and planning accordingly. “We are ready to switch more fulfilment to our online and direct channels and we will manage our costs and cash closely, including a tight control of capital expenditure if necessary.”
Carluccio’s is ‘days away from closure’ THE Italian restaurant chain created by the late Antonio Carluccio is ‘days away’ from closing the bulk of its branches, its chief executive has warned. Mark Jones said that the company, which owns the popular eatery on Mount Pleasant Road, needed state aid to avoid large-scale closures following the government’s advice to stay away from pubs and restaurants. Speaking to the Today programme, Mr Jones called for ‘immediate’ help for the industry from the chancellor. With consumers increasingly working from home amid the coronavirus pandemic, the restaurants have already seen footfall declining ‘on a daily basis’, according to Mr Jones. He said: “We understand the role we have to play in public health, so I won’t question the government’s advice on that. But to do that to an industry without any fiscal support whatsoever condemns us to death, effectively.” He added that the government restrictions announced last night meant “we’ll be in a situation where sales start to decline even more rapidly from today onwards”. The Italian chain, made up of 73 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, saw the largest declines in London, according to its chief executive. Many industry figures have expressed anger that the prime minister advised people to stay away from social venues while not forcing premises to close. This could have given them financial protection for interruption to their business.
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Neill Thomas is a partner in Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited. He specialises in employment law and works between his offices in the City and Tunbridge Wells. Each month he will answer readers’ questions. In this article he looks at coronavirus advice for employers. During a pandemic, employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. However, they will likely face a conflict between keeping sick employees away from the workplace and the need to prevent unauthorised absence, all while minimising the impact on their business. Staying at home if you are actually symptomatic is clearly common sense, but what happens when: a) an employee isn’t sick, but has potentially come into contact with the COVID-19 virus; or b) has been advised by a medical professional to self-isolate or been placed in quarantine.
But Mr Jones said: “Insurance is a very lengthy and complex issue, and we need immediate state help in coming days, rather than months.” He urged new Chancellor Rishi Sunak to stage an “enormous state intervention”, citing measures for business announced by President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Mr Macron reaffirmed unlimited state financial support for business and employees affected by the pandemic. Other UK firms that have been affected by new coronavirus containment measures include catering giant Compass Group. The group warned that its half-yearly operating profit would be lower than expected due to steps taken by governments in Europe and the United States.
Bosses resign Laura Ashley has to file for from Centrica administration as talks fail TWO of the top bosses at Britain’s largest energy supplier, Centrica, have stepped down, leaving their successors to deal with the volatility caused by coronavirus. Chief executive Iain Conn and chairman Charles Berry have both resigned from the British Gas owner with immediate effect, the company announced yesterday [Tuesday]. Neither departure is likely to come as a surprise to investors. Mr Berry has been on medical leave since the beginning of February, while Mr Conn had already said he would step down this year. Finance director Chris O’Shea is set to step into Mr Conn’s shoes until a permanent successor can be found, Centrica said. Meanwhile, Mr Berry, will hand over to long-time board member Scott Wheway. “I’m acutely aware that I’m taking this role at a time when we need to navigate our way through the current volatility caused by the impact of coronavirus,” Mr Wheway said.
National News
to secure these funds in sufficient time. It said it hired advisers from PwC to oversee the administration yesterday [Tuesday]. Laura Ashley said it had seen an upturn in sales in recent weeks, with trading up 24% year-on-year for the seven weeks to March 13.
a). It is important for employers to consider that withholding pay may discourage employees from identifying and reporting risks and could leave the employer in the worse position of facing a mass infection. If an employee is off sick, provided they meet the qualifying criteria, they will receive statutory sick pay (“SSP”). Some employees will also receive contractual sick pay in addition to SSP. The UK Government has confirmed that SSP will be to all employees who are sick, quarantined or are selfisolating. They have also confirmed that SSP will be paid from the first day of sickness absence rather than from day four. The government will meet SSP costs for businesses with fewer than 250 employees for those off work because of the coronavirus. b). Some employers may wonder whether they may choose not to pay their quarantined employees.The implied right to wages only exists where the employee is “willing and able to perform work”. It could therefore be argued that where an individual has been quarantined, they are unable to perform their duties and therefore they do not have an implied right to be paid. This will ultimately come down to the meaning of “able” to perform work and is highly likely to depend on the individual circumstances. However, current case law suggests that if an employee is ready and willing to work, but they are unable to work as a result of an external constraint, any deduction of pay may be unlawful. We have a lot of information on our website www.thomasmansfield.com Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited, First Floor, 12-123 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QG. Telephone 01892 337540
Impact FASHION chain Laura Ashley has filed for administration, putting up to 2,700 jobs at risk, after rescue talks were halted by the coronavirus outbreak. The troubled retailer had been in talks with stakeholders over refinancing, but it said its ‘revised cash flow forecasts and increased uncertainty’ mean it will not be able
However, it said the virus outbreak has “had an immediate and significant impact on trading, and ongoing developments indicate that this will be a sustained national situation”. The retailer operates 150 stores in the UK and employs around 2,700 staff.
Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited First Floor, 121-123 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QG Telephone 01892 337540 London - Sevenoaks - Tunbridge Wells – Tonbridge – Maidstone
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Letters
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And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG Richard Perry is an established sculptor, and his work here in Tunbridge Wells marks a turning point in his personal and work life. As Tunbridge Wells becomes nationally recognised as a creative and cultural centre, it would be interesting to know if there is any further Section 106 money waiting to be used on public art, and how we can fully engage the public in its selection to benefit us all. Carolyn Gray Tunbridge Wells
CARTOON: Peppy Scott
Flooding shows we need live stream
Where on earth are we going with these new restrictions? Once again, this council makes an absolute dog’s breakfast of a relatively simple plan. Mount Pleasant ‘shared space’, or ‘pedestrian friendly’ as they would have it, is never going to work, it’s neither fish nor fowl, not one thing nor t’other, it’s a confused mess. I can turn left out of Monson Road, but not
Old dog’s new trick: Immortality I fear you may have missed out on splashing the above headline on your front page: “World’s oldest dog spotted in Tunbridge Wells.” I read the story about Digby the Dulux dog [March 11] with increasing interest, especially when you reported that ‘the shaggy pooch has been the famous face of Dulux for more than 50 years’. An online search tells me that the previous record for the world’s oldest dog had been held by an Australian dog called Bluey, who died when he was 30 years old. Surely your headline and reporting should have accurately reflected Digby’s recordbreaking longevity? Always enjoy the paper. Angus Walker Tunbridge Wells
The rock sculpture that moves you Congratulations on five years as a local paper. Thank you for all your support for community events over that time. What a pity that, out of 260 front page covers you could have used in your DPS [March 4], the ‘Council’s £17,500 “rock” sparks controversy’ was one of the 11 featured. As you and I discussed in April 2018, the ‘borough council spending’ was not council money, but Section 106 developers’ money, set aside for artwork along the new cycle route. This artwork was selected by a public vote. Public art is an important part of our cultural
out of Church Road, and who has the priority, or is this waiting to be tested? When will the first pedestrian casualty occur? Talk about putting people in jeopardy, this really does take the Bath Oliver, and somebody in the Town Hall is taking the Garibaldis, too. Hugh Masters, Pembury lifestyle, whatever form that art takes. You and I decided to agree to disagree two years ago about the visual value of these pieces to the town – everyone views art differently. These sculptures are a striking addition to Grosvenor & Hilbert Park, meeting the artist as various drop-in sessions was a great experience for all involved, and it has been interesting to see his art on social media over the past two years. STILL LIFE Sculptor Richard Perry with his rock
Your readers may have been misled by Cllr Rhodes [March 4] regarding the Green Party proposal to live-stream council meetings and consider remote participation in meetings when councillors are working away or have unavoidable childcare issues. As an expectant mother and parent, Cllr April Clark understands that recording meetings will allow councillors and residents to follow debates and understand the decision-making process. Recent events, such as flooding, illustrate that sometimes it is simply impossible to physically attend, although both Green councillors do have an excellent attendance record. Minutes in their current form give residents little idea of what actually happens in the chamber and the contribution their councillors make. Live-streaming will mean the end of councillors being misrepresented, as has been the case here. We hope his colleagues will support the Transparency and Accountability Motion when it comes to Council in April. Mark Hood Councillor for Judd Ward, Tonbridge
Looking ahead – but not very far Politicians of all shades are obsessed with leaving monuments to their own vanity and monstrous egos. Local politicians wanted, and failed, to
build a new theatre and a glass tower for their well-padded backsides; [Prime Minister] Boris Johnson vacillates between a bridge – or is it a tunnel, to Northern Ireland, having been seen off for his planned airport in the Thames estuary. HS2 will go ahead at over £100billion, but most of us just want someone to fix the bloody roads. How many of us now spend more time looking at the road to avoid the potholes, rather than looking ahead? How soon before this is advanced as a defence against the charge of ‘driving without due care and attention’? The roads resemble something from rural India. Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells
Sunny uplands look a long way off Can I be alone in not being able to raise a smile these days? What with Brexit, coronavirus and facing a £10million deficit, delivered by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for an unwanted vanity project, where are those promised ‘sunny uplands’? But hold on, it seems that this not insignificant sum, when shared equally amongst the tax-paying members of our community, will look like pocket money after all! Moreover, we can console ourselves greatly because, as displayed by the many posters around our town, ‘Tunbridge Wells is Flourishing’! Maybe, just maybe, those ‘sunny uplands’ will reveal themselves at the conclusion of the local elections this May! PS: Who on earth consented to those towering ‘barracks’ at the end of The Pantiles? Martin Dawes Tunbridge Wells Editor’s Note: Since Mr Dawes’ letter was written, the government has postponed the local elections until 2021 due to concerns about COVID-19.
Civil servants not fit for service I am sure that this government is not in the throes of throwing off one set of unaccountable ‘fonctionnaires’ only to remain in thrall to another. The Home Office has been unfit for service for decades; senior civil servants fail at their jobs and are promoted to where they can do no further harm – or even more if we’re unlucky. It exemplifies beautifully the business dictum: ‘People are promoted to the level of their incompetence’. Have they all reached it? Sam Goodenough Tunbridge Wells
Cartoons provide welcome light relief Congratulations on your five years on the streets, beating the odds as a vital local paper! And hats off for following the wonderful print tradition of giving cartoonists a platform. I have loved seeing the work of the town’s Chris Burke in the Times the past, and am now really enjoying Peppy Scott’s very funny creations. They provide a welcome break from all the current gloom and doom. Keep up the good work, Peppy! Sarah Nevill 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 is away – looking for loo rolls
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EDUCATION Times Students learn all about mastering the art of science “The girls also planned and constructed bridges and huge room-sized shelters combining art, design and maths in an ‘Introduction to Architecture’.” The school invited Year 6 and 7 pupils from Blackboys Primary, St Mary’s RC Primary and Ashdown House to join in the celebrations, with a series of fun lectures and workshops presented by eminent Mayfield alumnae. The keynote speaker was Dr Helen O’Connor, a Senior Climate Change Advisor to the UK Government, who is currently training for a trip to Antarctica where she will work with a global network of female scientists to find solutions to climate change. She spoke to the children about her work and encouraged them to follow their scientific passions. The children also took part in workshops on veterinary science, emergency medicine, physics and engineering. Their particular favourites were workshops run by vet and former Mayfield
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Priority Headmistress Miss Antonia Beary said: “International Women’s Day is a celebration of the talents and endeavours of women and girls around the world, and at Mayfield encouraging girls to pursue subjects traditionally seen as ‘male’ is a key priority for us. “The discipline, resilience, analytical ability and creativity required to become a groundbreaking scientist, are the same skills required to be a successful artist, and transferrable skills are key to success in a world in which many of the roles our students will go on to play have yet to be invented.”
It was full ‘STEAM’ ahead for the girls at Mayfield School on this month’s International Women’s Day MAYFIELD SCHOOL celebrated International Women’s Day and National Career’s Week 2020 with a range of inspiring STEAM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] workshops, during which budding Year 8 pupils had the chance to try their hand at keyhole surgery, see inside their bodies with an ultrasound machine, and listen to their pulses with a Doppler. A spokesperson for the all girls senior school said: “They found it fascinating to wear pathology goggles and experience how people with different eye conditions see the world.
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pupil Claire Burfield, who brought her two dogs to the session and showed the children X-rays of different animals. While Naomi Lee, a Jaguar Landrover engineer, spoke about her engineering career in HM Forces, and involved the children in making and racing elastic-band-powered cars. Year 8 Mayfield pupil Olivia said: “We had such a fun day, and I learnt a huge amount about medicine and what actually goes on inside my body. Our shelter was a bit wobbly but we really enjoyed using wooden poles to see how various different designs worked.”
IN POLE POSITION for another experiment
TESTING was fun
Education
Reading is Power: Beacon Academy celebrates World Book Day 2020 STUDENTS and staff at Beacon Academy in Crowborough have celebrated their love of reading with a series of exciting events and activities in recognition of World Book Day 2020. In the lead up to the day, they shared ‘shelfies’ featuring their favourite bookshelf, complete with their recommended reads [right]. The ‘shelfies’ were shared with students during inspiring assemblies focusing on the World Book Day theme, ‘Reading is Power’.
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Weekly Comment
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Alan McDermott
Conservative Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Cllr Alan McDermott has been the Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council since May 15, 2019. He is a former foreign exchange trader and has represented Brenchley and Horsmonden since 2001.
We are doing our part to move the town forward TUNBRIDGE WELLS is on the up. Some first-class businesses have been attracted to the town, and they’re making important investments that will transform our town centre. After drifting under previous owners, Royal Victoria Place is now in the hands of one of the leading property companies in the UK. They have turned Ely Court into an excellent Central Market food and drink area, and have just started an £11million upgrade to the main shopping centre.
Asset The old cinema site – for so long an eyesore – is about to be turned into an exciting residential, retail and leisure complex. A new Premier Inn hotel, created from the old court building in Vale Avenue, is almost finished and taking customer bookings from April 10. Work on the award-winning 1887 The Pantiles development, providing 127 luxury apartments along with retail, office and community space, is well underway. It will breathe new life into an historic area that is already such an asset for our town. So there is plenty of private sector investment. And I’m pleased to say that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is doing its part to move our town forward.
We have upgraded the roads and pavements along Mount Pleasant Road between Church Road and the Post Office, turning the area into a prime spot for cafés and restaurants. Occupancy rates are already high, and some exciting new businesses are about to open in the few empty units available. The Council has also started work on the Amelia Scott building next to the Town Hall. This project, named after a local social reformer and one of our first female councillors, will provide a stunning setting for the town’s library, museum, art gallery and adult education centre. We have also added new steps on either side of the War Memorial to give it the prominence it deserves. This should be completed next month. These public and private investments are interlinked. The Council has offered a coherent longterm plan for the town, and has secured external funding from
sources including Kent County Council, the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England. The Council’s action plan has in turn given private businesses confidence in the future of our town and encouraged them to put their own money on the line. Their new investments – involving hundreds of millions of pounds of private sector money THE AMELIA SCOTT A new cultural hub in the town
– will in turn boost Council coffers once the new buildings come on stream, generating higher business rates, council tax and parking revenues. So this mix of public and private sector investment leaves our town with plenty to feel optimistic about. And I’m sure there will be more good news in the coming months.
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
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Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Best property buys for... We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden, or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on some of the aspects that make these properties well worth a look… Pembury Road Tonbridge GUIDE PRICE
£899,950 CONTACT • Savills, Sevenoaks • 01732 789700 •savills.co.uk A handsome, well-maintained, semi-detached Victorian home combining character features with modern embellishments in a convenient central location. Especially convenient for Tonbridge mainline station. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Accommodation arranged over four floors n Appealing period features include high ceilings, wooden floors, attractive fireplaces, sash windows and decorative tiling n Entrance hall with access to terrace n Sitting room with bay window n Drawing room with view over garden
The DINING ROOM…
n Stylish and spacious lower ground floor kitchen/dining room with an island unit and access to outside n Utility room and cloakroom n 4 first and second floor bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room n Family bathroom with slipper bath and separate shower n 135ft garden, including two terraces, a lovely walled garden, a small pond with a fountain, and a shed n Driveway providing parking
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
The KITCHEN…
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The PRICE…
Wolseley Road Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE
£310,000-£330,000 CONTACT • Wood & Pilcher, Southborough • 01892 511311 • woodandpilcher.co.uk
Earls Road
A beautiful Victorian property ideal for first-time buyers, and just a short walk to a mainline station.
GUIDE PRICE
n Charming living room with plantation shutters and feature gas flame-effect fireplace with cast iron surround
Tunbridge Wells
£1,750,000
n Pretty kitchen/diner plus utility room
CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk
n Modern bathroom
A substantial double-fronted Victorian villa with access to the private Molyneux Park Gardens.
n Solar panels for outdoor lighting and power
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Grand entrance hall n Beautiful formal sitting room featuring open fireplace with marble surround, corniced ceilings and sash bay window n Striking kitchen/breakfast room with bespoke units and bi-fold doors to terrace n Formal dining room with period features n Family room n Utility room, cloakroom and large cellar n Master bedroom with views across garden to Molyneux Park Gardens n 4 further bedrooms n Family bathroom and separate shower room n Secluded, landscaped garden with large sun terrace and magnificent magnolia tree n Brick block driveway offering parking for several cars
n 3 bedrooms, all with feature fireplaces n Good-sized garden mainly laid to lawn with two patio areas
PROPERTY NEWS
New Sevenoaks leader Savills has appointed David Johnston (right) as Head of Residential at its Sevenoaks office. Since joining Savills in 2005, David has worked in the firm’s Tunbridge Wells and Haywards Heath offices and has been part of the Sevenoaks residential sales team since 2007. As he takes the lead, they have had a highly active start to the year. “We have had an incredibly busy, positive start to the year with a much more positive mood in the local housing market,” commented David. “We have seen appetite return amongst buyers, and as a result we have seen a huge increase in new buyer enquiries and viewing numbers, as well as requests for valuations from prospective sellers.” There has been particular interest in family homes in the town centre priced from £750,000-£1,500,000, from both local and London buyers. Looking ahead, Savills forecasts mainstream house price growth of 11% in the South East over the next five years, while prime market prices are forecast to rise by 13.6% in the Sevenoaks area. To contact David Johnston and his team, call 01732 789722, or visit savills.co.uk
HOMES FOR SALE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS
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MOUNTFIELD GARDENS
ST JAMES ROAD
An elegant town house located approximately 0.2 of a mile from the station on this no-through road backing onto Calverley Park.
An elegant Victorian detached house located in this sought-after position within the St James area of Tunbridge Wells.
5-6 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2-3 RECEPTION ROOMS | GARDEN | EPC C
6 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 3 RECEPTION ROOMS | GARDEN | DRIVEWAY | EPC D
Guide price £950,000
Guide price £1,250,000
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
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MOUNTFIELD ROAD
FOREST ROAD
A striking and beautifully presented terraced house located between the parks on this sought-after road.
A well-presented family home in a secluded setting within an exclusive development of just three properties.
3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2 RECEPTION ROOM | REAR GARDEN | EPC D
5 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 3 RECEPTION ROOMS | REAR GARDEN | GARAGE | EPC C
Guide price £675,000
Guide price £975,000
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
This is a range of properties that we currently have available for sale. If you would like a free market appraisal please call our sales team on 01892 310997.
knightfrank.co.uk
HOMES FOR SALE IN KENT AND EAST SUSSEX
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HAFFENDEN QUARTER, KENT
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mpressive detached family house within an idyllic hamlet on the fringe of Smarden village and only four miles from Headcorn station.
4 - 5 B E D R O O M S | 4 B AT H R O O M S | 5 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S | T R I P L E G A R A G E | O U T B U I L D I N G S | I N A L L A P P R O X I M AT E LY 3 A C R E S | E P C D
Guide price £1,100,000 holly.sibley@knightfrank.com 01892 310997
1 2 WADHURST, EAST SUSSEX
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ubstantial detached house with wonderful views and grounds including tennis court, paddocks, orchard and equestrian facilities. 4 - 5 B E D R O O M S | 3 B AT H R O O M S | 4 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S | I N A L L A B O U T 2 5 A C R E S ( T B V ) | E P C E
Guide price £1,495,000 simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 01892 310997
knightfrank.co.uk
NORTH TONBRIDGE £645,000 WELL APPOINTED FAMILY HOUSE IN FAVOURED LOCATION. Perfect for the growing family with four double bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms, two specious reception rooms and a large kitchen/breakfast room. Mature garden, integral garage and driveway parking. Well placed for Woodlands School and lovely countryside walks. EPC: D Apply Tonbridge
EAST PECKHAM £360,000 CHARMING PERIOD COTTAGE with wealth of character features tucked away yet close to village centre. Delightful accommodation includes sitting room, fully fitted farmhouse kitchen/dining room, pretty downstairs bathroom with corner bath and two double bedrooms to first floor. Detached garage and delightful cottage gardens. Apply Tonbridge
PEMBURY £575,000 CORNER PLOT WITH WEST FACING GARDEN This super family home is set in the heart of the village and has a lovely wide, sunny garden. Well-presented throughout with great kitchen/dining room, sitting room with doors to the garden, family room, utility room, WC, 4 bedrooms, family bathroom, en-suite and useful attic room. Driveway parking. EPC: D Apply Pembury
Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk
Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk
www.bkestateagents.com
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
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Court Lodge
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AT A GLANCE
COURT LODGE GROOMBRIDGE
Magnificent medieval country house boasts a moving history GRADE II*-LISTED Court Lodge has a rich and rather astonishing history, which involved the whole building being moved from an East Sussex village to Groombridge. It was once part of a medieval manor house in Udimore, near Rye, that was owned for hundreds of years by the Etchingham family following the Norman Conquest. The house is thought to have been built by Sir John Elrington, second husband of Margaret
de Etchingham, who also owned the manor at Dixter near Northiam and was granted a licence to fortify both estates by King Edward IV in 1479. It was a rare surviving example of its kind in the South East of England. Centuries later, artist Lawson Wood saw the house in 1912 and set his heart on it, but the owner was only willing to sell the building, not the land it was on, which was being farmed. So, with the help of an Eastbourne architect,
Wood carefully dismantled it and reassembled it 30 miles away in Groombridge. An extension was added in 1919, when the Arts & Craft gardens were also laid out, and Wood used the drawing room as his studio. Later, in the 1950s, the house was owned by Dorothy Kerin, who founded a spiritual sanctuary on the adjoining Burrswood estate and built a chapel in the grounds of Court Lodge.
n Reception hall n Drawing room n Dining room n Sitting room n Kitchen/breakfast room n Study n Laundry room and wine cellar n Master bedroom suite with dressing room and bathroom n 5 further bedrooms and 4 further bath/shower rooms n Timber-framed garage/workshop n Chapel/studio n Beautiful grounds with south-facing terraces, parterre, Japanese knot garden, pond, wild meadow garden and pastureland n Heated swimming pool with pool house n Tennis court n In all about 16.77 acres
GUIDE PRICE £3,950,000 CONTACT • Savills, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507000 • savills.co.uk or • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 772942 • knightfrank.co.uk
bracketts est. 1828
When experience counts...
South Tonbridge Guide Price £350,000 2 Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment with its own garden, within walking distance of the Town Centre and Station. 12ft fitted kitchen, 25ft lounge-diner. The property is binging offered ‘Chain Free’. garage. EPC C
Tunbridge Wells £289,950 A stylish third floor purpose-built apartment enjoying panoramic views to the north situated in prestigious development in favoured St John’s area. Reception room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bath/shower rooms. Communal gardens & undercroft parking. EPC: C
Tonbridge Guide Price £900,000 - £925,000 Detached Character Family Home about 1 mile from the High Street, offering flexible accom. 4 Bedrooms (2 en-suites), 25ft lounge, dining room, kitchen with breakfast room off, cloakroom, good parking, secluded garden. EPC D
Tunbridge Wells Prices from £185,000 Tonbridge £800,000 - £850,000 2 delightful,Detached light and spacious onefamily / two house, bedroom apartments, both and withfeatures their own Substantial 5 bedroom retaining the charm of an entrances and one3with allocated parking, situated in select development of just 4store Edwardian home. reception rooms, kitchen-breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, converted properties in EPC the popular St James’ area. Finished to a high specification. rooms, garage, corner set plot. E EPC: B & C
Golden Green Guide Price £375,000 Very well presented 3 Bedroom Terrace House in this small hamlet, about 4 miles from Tonbridge. An interior inspection is strongly recommended to appreciate accommodation offered. Fitted kitchen, parking. EPC D
Crowborough £1,200 pcm 2 double bedrooms, especially spacious and modern! Large storage area, sumptuous bathroom with separate shower cubicle, vanity unit and remote controlled towel rail. Each apartment has allocated parking,WIFI controlled heating & plugs with USB ports! Available unfurnished in April. EPC C
bracketts.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 | tunbridgewells@bracketts.co.uk
Tonbridge 01732 350503 | tonbridge@bracketts.co.uk
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TUNBRIDGE WELLS/SOUTHBOROUGH
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
An attractive 4 bed Victorian farmhouse tucked away in a rural but not isolated position well away from main roads and benefiting from stunning views over surrounding farm land. Attractive gardens of about 0.8 acre. EPC F
A beautifully presented and much improved 4 bed detached family house set towards the end of this no through private road benefiting from an attractive outlook over playing fields. EPC D
An attractive 3/4 bed chalet style house with delightful, mature gardens in a highly sought after tree lined avenue on the south side of the town close to the Pantiles, High Street and Mainline Station **NO CHAIN**. EPC E
GUIDE PRICE £1,250,000
GUIDE PRICE £995,000
GUIDE PRICE £675,000
Further Properties Required
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TUNBRIDGE WELLS
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
A deceptively spacious 4 bed townhouse situated in the heart of this highly regarded village. Off Street parking. Garage. EPC C
An attractive Edwardian 3 bed semi detached house set in a quiet cul de sac and situated in a popular and convenient location within just a short walk of schools and St Johns Recreation Ground. EPC D
A well presented lower ground floor apartment in this landmark building benefiting from its own private terrace and two parking spaces. EPC C
GUIDE PRICE £595,000
GUIDE PRICE £450,000
GUIDE PRICE £340,000
TUNBRIDGE WELLS 01892 521700
tunwells@jackson-stops.co.uk www.jackson-stops.co.uk
Local and national reach through a network of London & Regional offices PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910
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Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Want a fresh approach to selling your home this Spring?
RUSTHALL
£310,000
Right on the edge of the Common this lovely 2 bedroom cottage is in the popular village of Rusthall. Open plan, lounge, kitchen & dining room, upstairs bathroom and 2 double bedrooms. Double glazing, gas fired heating, rear garden with garden office. EPC tbc.
TUNBRIDGE WELL S
£275,000
This lovely flat is situated within easy reach of the town centre and just over 1/2 mile walk from the MLS, has off road parking and it’s own garage. Lounge/Dining Room with feature fireplace, bedroom, study/ bedroom 2, kitchen, bathroom and separate W.C. Small courtyard with outbuildings, communal garden. EPC D.
RUSTHALL
£575,000
Detached family home with garage and driveway; Lounge, dining room, newly fitted kitchen with crushed glass worktop, conservatory, downstairs shower room, 4 bedrooms and upstairs family bathroom. Well maintained garden with raised paved patio area and lawn with mature shrubs and plants. Double glazing and gas fired heating. EPC
Your local independent Estate Agent SOUTHBOROUGH
RUSTHALL ...contactable 7 days a£275,000 weekCROWBOROUGH
£585,000
Detached family home with ample parking, on a corner plot in a popular, no-through road. Lounge with log-burner, modern and bright kitchen/ dining room with integrated appliances, downstairs cloakroom, 3 double bedrooms and a modern upstairs bathroom, gas fired heating and new double glazing. Rear garden and garden room. EPC D
Well presented good value, renovated, end of terrace family home with parking; lounge/diner, modern fitted kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a modern fitted bathroom. The property also benefits from double glazing, gas fired heating, front and rear gardens. EPC D
1 High Street, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8RL 01892 515188 | www.kmjproperty.co.uk | sales@kmjproperty.co.uk
www.kmjproperty.co.uk
01892 515188
£370,000
2 bedroom detached bungalow in Crowborough, with driveway, garage and outbuildings, requiring some updating. The accommodation comprises; open plan living/dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room and bathroom. The property benefits from gas fired heating and some double glazing. EPC D.
sales@kmjproperty.co.uk
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
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Times 31 STUNNING The new Old Bank apartments
LET TI NGS
Playing it safe in The Old Bank’s biggest challenge FOR years after it closed, property developers scratched their heads over how to convert the old NatWest Bank in Southborough, having faced a challenge that has thrown up a big local mystery. Once the builders started digging, they discovered a safe so huge it was more like a giant vault or strongroom – one that their diggers just could not shift. Bizarre for such a small branch – so whatever was it used for? With The Queen’s jeweller, Harry Collins, not far away in neighbouring Tunbridge Wells, some like to think that it may have housed a few Crown Jewels at one point. But sadly Mr Collins said he knows nothing about the safe. So maybe it had a vital function in wartime, with all the secret goings on in Broadwater Down and elsewhere? Whatever the answer, Jason Tema of THE GIANT VAULT What was it needed for at this small branch of NatWest?
Clearview Developments, who finally rose to the challenge, would love to know. He explained how he was astonished at the discovery of the vault, and how he finally managed to dislodge it by hiring a 20-ton monster digger – not one you would normally see on building sites. “The building was redundant for ten years,” said Jason. “Other bigger developers didn’t want to take on the challenge with that vault, so I bought the building two years ago and took the time and trouble to find out how to remove it. “We had to break through 1.5-metres of thick, reinforced concerete, and I was amazed at the sheer size and strength of it. We kept trying bigger and bigger diggers without any joy, and eventually had to get a 20-tonner by special delivery, with a road escort and everything. It was quite something
to see! So my reaction was The Queen must have kept some of her jewels there!,” he laughed. “To give you an idea how thick and strong it was, the vault footings and walls we left intact are now supporting three storeys on top of them. “The engineer who tested it said that will carry plenty of load!”
Revival Jason has now converted the building into The Old Bank – a luxury collection of seven delightful contemporary apartments to let from £1,200 a month. “This is all part of the revival of Southborough,” he said. “There is a lot happening there.” To celebrate the heritage of the building, each of the two and three bedroom units has been christened with a unique name, such as ‘The Treasury’, appropriately located in the former vault. The one thing you are guaranteed there is brilliant soundproofing! The interiors of the apartments are designed for modern convenience, with bright, spacious hallways and openplan living areas. Plus several boast lovingly designed outside spaces in the form of balconies or private courtyard gardens. Perfect for entertaining in summer, while underfloor heating and luxury designer radiators create a cosy atmosphere in winter. The German kitchens are equipped with Bosch appliances with small but clever details such as ISE taps providing instant boiling hot water. Stylish quartz stone worktops add to the elegant feel. Clearview’s attention to detail can be found yet again in the bathrooms, which wow with a curvaceous design. And the spacious bedrooms feature
Front view
Rear view
The secrets behind the unit names ■ The Treasury: The name of the place that once housed the king’s treasure dates back to the Domesday Book ■ The Goldsmith: Dating back to the 17th century, Goldsmiths were known as ‘keepers of running cash’. They were therefore the first elementary examples of English ‘bankers’. ■ The Elizabeth: The first Bank of England note to feature The Queen was the £1 note issued in 1960 ■ The Walbrook: The first location of the Bank of England, which was created by Royal Charter on July 27, 1694 ■ The Montagu: Charles Montagu, 1st Earl of Halifax, is credited for devising the Bank of England in 1694 ■ The Bristol: The Bristol Old Bank, formed in 1826, was the first joint stock bank in the country ■ The Shakespeare: Following in the revered footsteps of The Queen, William Shakespeare featured on the £20 note from 1970 to 1993
fitted floor-to-ceiling wardrobes with mirrored doors. Shared amenities include landscaped gardens and shed storage, and the properties come with a five-year developer warranty and ten-year structural warranty. The Old Bank lies conveniently between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, with High Brooms station just over a mile away. It is also well placed for good schools. Rental prices range from £1,200 per month for a two-bedroom unit to £1,475 per month for three bedrooms.
Now Jason has moved on to convert a ‘gorgeous building’ in Broadwater Down with possibly another ‘crazy story’ behind it: “The rumour is that a former king of England used to house his mistress there,” he smiled. The Old Bank is located at 85 London Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells TN4 0NH. For further information, please contact Clearview Developments on 03334 442220 or visit clearview.properties
FOUR BEDROOM SHOWHOME NOW LAUNCHED Our brand new four bedroom showhome dressed by Phoenix Interiors is available to view by appointment only PHASE ONE – NOW 90% SOLD
Hollyfields comprises of a beautiful range of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in the heart of rural Kent, just minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre and station*
Prices from £560,000** To book an appointment to view the showhome please call 01892 886321 or visit Hollyfields-hawkenbury.co.uk SALES & MARKETING SUITE Hollyfields, Hawkenbury Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5BW Open daily 10am – 6pm 3 newly created ponds, enchanted wetlands and hedgerows
Excellent local schools and St Peter’s Primary School relocating on site†
Exclusive commuter shuttle service delivering residents to and from their new home to Tunbridge Wells station††
Train station within walking distance with London Bridge just 42 minutes by train*
Berkeley can help in the purchase of your brand new home at Hollyfields with Help to Buy‡
www.hollyfields-hawkenbury.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies
Photography depicts Hollyfields and is indicative only. *Travel times are approximate only. Sources: trainline.com and Google maps. **Prices correct at time of printing. † St Peter’s School to be built by Kent County Council. Places subject to availability and entry criteria.††Monday to Friday at commuter hours. Service available for residents’ only. ‡Available on selected 3 bedroom houses only, subject to qualifying and terms and conditions.
10713_051_Hollyfields_Times of Tunbridge Wells_W264xH340mm_v2 AW.indd 1
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flexible workspaces to let enquire now FlimwellPark.com info@flimwellpark.com @FlimwellPark
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Life&Times
ARTS & CULTURE LIFE & STYLE FOOD & DRINK MOTORING SPORT and MORE...
IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK timeslocalnews.co.uk
To the lighthouse
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Why Scotland’s xxx coastline rocks
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MEET NOVELIST TONY BASSETT
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TASTE OF KENT AWARD WINNERS
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SET THESE WHEELS IN MOTION
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TUNBRIDGE WELLS TRIES HARD
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WATCHING THE LITERARY DETECTIVE Author Tony Bassett with his new book
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Dark materials...
Kent-based freelance journalist Tony Bassett has just penned his second novel, The Lazarus Charter. Here, the former Skinners’ pupil tells the Times how Russian intelligence and fatal novichok poisonings closer to home inspired his latest work
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’VE BEEN a journalist for nearly four decades. I first became interested in writing at the age of nine, when I edited a magazine at my Sevenoaks junior school – St Thomas’s – and then went on to edit the magazine at The Skinners’ School. After working for many years in Fleet Street, I decided to turn my hand to writing novels. I published my first one, Smile of the Stowaway, a couple of years ago, and have just had my second book, The Lazarus Charter, published. It was inspired by a visit to London and my personal shock at the wave of poisoning deaths in Britain. Regarding the first of these factors, I was waiting on an Underground platform early last year when a train drew in. One passenger resembled a friend. I immediately wondered what would happen if someone went to a man’s funeral and then, a few weeks later, saw that same man on a train. This became the starting point for my novel. In my mind, teacher Bob Shaw – who featured in Smile of the Stowaway – became the man on the platform, and his close friend, Professor Gus Morley, became the man on the train. I went home and the next day, as soon as I started writing, the rest of the plot began to fall into place. I was strongly influenced at this time by memories of the murder of Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko and
‘I wondered what would happen if someone went to a man’s funeral and then, a few weeks later, saw that same man on a train’
the Wiltshire novichok poisonings. So I decided Russian intelligence agents would feature at some point. Gradually, the novel took shape, and three months later – in May of last year – the first draft was finished. Along with Bob, the book features his wife Anne, who has a flair for detective work.
Romance The pair decide the professor must have faked his own death. But, as they probe more deeply, they stir up a hornet’s nest which leads to their lives becoming imperilled. However, I hope the novel is more than just a spy thriller and contains other important elements of contemporary fiction. There is the emotional conflict between Bob, who is convinced his friend is still alive, and Anne, who initially dismisses this as being absurd. There is romance. Anne’s friend, the journalist Prunella Ball, pursues a new love interest in the book, creating short-term relief amid the mounting tension. And Detective Sergeant Kirwan – the policeman with a fund of treasured Irish sayings – reappears, along with the black cat Fiesta, a favourite of animal lovers. Much of the action takes place in the beautiful countryside of a Kentish summer, although the storyline also encompasses
many other Home Counties locations. I hope readers enjoy the mystery, Anne’s detective work, the thrill and danger as well as the elements of humour. The book is dedicated to Alexander Litvinenko, who died in London in 2006, and Dawn Sturgess, the innocent mother-ofthree who died from novichok poisoning in Salisbury in 2018. I’m delighted that both Marina Litvinenko, the widow of Alexander, and Dawn’s parents, Stan and Caroline, have been very supportive following the book’s publication.
NOD OF APPROVAL: Marina Litvinenko, widow of murdered Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko
The Lazarus Charter is published by The Conrad Press, price £9.99
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Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Arts & Culture
IN FINE VOICE The Paddock Wood Choral Society
Choir still fabulous at 40 The Paddock Wood Choral Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Eileen Leahy discovers the history of this musical group which despite current events still hopes to be here in another four decades WHEN Graham Dibbens became Head of Music at Mascalls School in Paddock Wood towards the end of 1979 he was given a special remit: to get the local community involved in music making. One thing that came out of that was him forming the Paddock Wood Choral Group out of the members of an adult education evening class. Just a few months later in March 1980 the group put on a show at Mascalls School entitled A Musical Evening where they performed three motets. Shortly after this the Paddock Wood Choral Society (PWCS) was then formed, and held its first concert on June 14 at St. Andrew’s Church in Paddock Wood. “The concert began with a performance of the three motets which had been sung in March,” explains a PWCS spokesperson. “Graham Dibbens was also Conductor of the Pembury Chamber Orchestra and the concert continued with a performance of Haydn’s Symphony No 9 in C Major and the concert finale was a performance of Faure’s Requiem. Later in December that year the Society performed PLAYING TO THE PEWS The summer concert at St Andrew’s Church
Handel’s Messiah.” Since its establishment the PWCS has seen a number of different musical directors. “Once Graham Dibbens had stepped down Tony Starr took over,” continues the society’s spokesperson. “His tenure was followed by Gareth Stubberfield, and then by Adrian Pitts, who was with the Choral Society for ten years.
Join
Kevin Ashman
“Kevin Ashman has been the Music Director since 2016 and is a very well respected Kent based musician, and known as a superb Trumpeter.” Every year sees PWCS growing in reputation and membership. “It really has gone from strength to strength. This year we were due to be celebrating our 40th Anniversary with a special concert entitled ‘An evening with Handel’ but the special concert which was due to take place this coming Saturday (March 21) at 7.30pm at St. Andrew’s Church in Paddock Wood has since been cancelled due to the Coronavirus. The choir had been due to perform three works by Handel: Dixit Dominus, Dettingen Te Deum, and the Coronation anthem The King Shall Rejoice but given the Government’s newly introduced ‘social distancing’ measures which includes a ban on mass gatherings the concert has been cancelled. A note on the society’s website reads: “Our concert on 21 March ‘An evening with Handel’ has been cancelled due to the coronavirus.” If you bought tickets via ticket source, please seek your refund from that site. If you bought tickets via one of our members, please return the ticket to them for a refund.” Usually PWCS performs three concerts a year, in December, March and June, where all areas of musical genres from Renaissance to pop are covered. Its Christmas concert usually features one or two main works plus carols for choir and audience to sing along with. “For the spring concert the choir performs more serious choral works, engages professional soloists and is usually accompanied by The Henham Chamber Orchestra. The summer concert is in lighter vein: our June 2019 concert was entitled Music from Stage and Screen, with special guests the Kent Police Band.” FOR now PWCS events will be on hold but should you wish to access more information on the musical group please contact Secretary, Adrienne Bishop on 0189 833232, email secretary@paddockwood-choral.org. uk or visit www.paddockwood-choral.org.uk
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Going Out
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goingout 7 days of activities
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
By Jerome Bowman
• Please note that due to recent circumstances some events may be cancelled at short notice, please check the website of, or call up, any venue you may wish to attend for any news TEA TIME Spend Mother’s Day at The Hop Farm
CLASSY COMMUTING See Kelly Convey at Trinity Theatre Barrels. Whether you’ve seen it before, or it’s your first time, this gritty farce is hilarious and delivers plenty of gunfights, crazy criminals and rhyming slang. You’ll also be offered chocolate cocktails, shots in your coffee, and cake. The event starts at 8pm and tickets cost £5.70-£7.62. Book by visiting facebook.com/goupiegroupies WEDNESDAY You can still catch a production of Steve Unwin’s play All Our Children at The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge tonight at 8pm. It tells the story of Dr Victor Franz, the director of a clinic for mentally and physically handicapped children in Winkleheim, Germany, during the Second World War. Torn between his desire to survive and the need to defend his patients from mass executions by the SS, Dr Franz has his complicity challenged
when a Roman Catholic Bishop asks him to consider what it means to a be a human being. Tickets for the play cost £11 and can be booked online at oastheatre.com THURSDAY Chocolatiers Goupie are hosting another Movie Night at The Goupie Chocolate House in Ely Court, and by popular vote it’s Guy Ritchie’s cockney comedy crime caper Lock Stock and Two Smoking
FRIDAY Trinity Theatre’s Trinity Comedy Club returns tonight with another trio of chortle-chasers. Ex-wrestler Danny Garnell and super-showman Charlie Baker will be supporting Kelly Convey. Kelly may have only been in the industry for three years, but she is already making waves with her no-holds-barred opinions on everything from sex to society, with hilarious consequences. You can
also enjoy a two-course meal and a drink as part of the evening’s entertainment, or share some antipasti. Tickets prices vary depending on what you would like to eat, so for more information and to book, go online to trinitytheare.net SATURDAY With visiting trains, local ales and ciders, and fish and chips, why not visit the Spa Valley Railway at the start of the Spring Diesel & Beer Weekend? As well as trains running, you can also take a ride in a brake van and even have a go at driving a train yourself. Drinks will be available in bar car ‘Kate’, and you can combine your ticket with a fish and chip supper. Ticket prices vary but all tickets will let you travel the line all day, so for more details and to book, go to spavalleyrailway.co.uk
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Going Out
to the point that even the Israeli Embassy has tweeted GIFS from it. Tickets cost £9.50 with concessions available. To book, go online to picturehouseuckfield.com
CUP OF CHAI See Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels at The Goupie Chocolate House
TUESDAY Hever Castle’s Dazzling Daffodils are still standing in their silent vigil. Some more unusual varieties will be on display this year, including the red Decoy variety and the colourful Flower
PICK OF THE WEEK
An Evening of Magic with Adam Smith The Townhouse, Tunbridge Wells Thursday March 19, 7pm SUNDAY If you haven’t already, delve into the dark corners of the mind with Robert Eggers in his new film The Lighthouse at Trinity Theatre. Starring Willem Defoe and Robert Pattinson, it tells the story of two men trapped in total isolation in 19th-century New England. With cabin fever setting in, the two men’s resentments, fears and hatred boil over into total madness as they drink away the pangs of hunger from lack of food. This cheery pickme-up starts at 6.30pm. To book tickets, go to trinitytheatre.net PRETTY IN PINK Those Mean Girls
Treat your materfamilias to a Mother’s Day Special Afternoon Tea at The Hop Farm. The exquisite tea will include finger rolls, sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, fresh strawberries and macaroons, mini cakes and tea and coffee. You will be dining in the Shires function suite and tickets include entrance to the family park and animal farm. If your matriarch starts on the embarrassing childhood anecdotes, you can also enjoy a glass of wine or Prosecco. Tickets cost £16 with concessions available. For more information and to book, go online to thehopfarm.co.uk MONDAY For another favourite film that stands the test of time, visit The Picture House Uckfield to see the cult classic Mean Girls this evening at 6pm. When teen Cady joins a new school after living in South Africa with her parents, she quickly becomes embedded in the most popular clique in the school, the Plastics, but then falls in love with the ex-boyfriend of supreme Plastic Regina George. Starring Lindsey Lohan, Rachel Adams and Amanda Seyfried, the film has only grown in popularity since it came out in 2004,
Prepare to be amazed, or at the very least well fed. The magical maestro Adam Smith will be
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Parade type. You can join Head Gardener Johnny Walker for a tour of the gardens and a talk in the Pavilion Restaurant, enjoy a solo venture around the grounds, or bring the children for craft activities, including cupcake decorating. The event is being held in association with the Marie Curie Foundation, who are raising awareness of the Great Daffodil Appeal. Standard admission fees apply, so for prices and more information, go online to hevercastle.co.uk
performing close-up magic (or localised hocus pocus to some of us), as well as a parlour performance, and he may even show you how to do some of the tricks up his sleeves. Tickets cost £19.95 if you would like to watch a meal disappear before your very eyes, or £9.95 if you just want to see the show. For more information and to book, visit townhousetwells.com
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Going Out
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Wednesday March 18 | 2020
THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Dull Knife, The Steffan James Band Friday Soul Kitchen Saturday Closed for a private Party Sunday Jack Burns, Xavier Ralph
live music With Paul Dunton
T
ONIGHT [Wednesday], Dull Knife are headlining at The Grey Lady with support from The Steffan James Band. For fans of Delta blues, the excellent Big Joe Bone is performing at The Anchor Inn, Sevenoaks. For a rockin’ Friday night, Violet Vendetta are at The Forum with support from Klae, and Frost are in The Sussex Arms Basement with support from Bjika and Summit of the Big Low. Other fine options include The Waymores, a renowned Americana duo from the USA who will make a special guest appearance at The Royal Oak. Acclaimed pianist Grant Sav returns to The Hotel du Vin and The Take That Experience come to The Assembly Hall. Folk fans can catch the superb Jon Boden at the St Edith Folk Club in Kemsing. Saturday night offers an array of superb gigs, including Dave La at
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
The Bedford, The Cockroaches at The Beau Nash Tavern, Higgs & The Bosons at The Royal Oak and the popular Boogie Nights at The Forum. If you enjoy the music of Elvis, then I highly recommend the Elvis tribute at Crowborough Community Centre. For a Mother’s Day treat on Sunday evening, The Grey Lady hosts local soloists Jack Burns, Xavier Ralph and Jason How. Looking ahead to next week, on Monday night The TWUNT Ukulele Jam Session continues its bi-weekly residency at The George. On Tuesday evening, The Toad Rock Retreat hosts Standard Five, Sonny & The Harp will be at The Punch & Judy in Tonbridge, and The Estevans are in The Sussex Arms Basement with support from 147. • COVID-19: All events subject to change. See gov.uk, nhs.uk and venue websites
THE ANCHOR London Road, Sevenoaks Music from 8.30pm-10.30pm Wednesday The Blues with Bottle Club Presents: Big Joe Bone THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common, London Road Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Friday Violet Vendetta, Klae Saturday Boogie Nights Monday Common Buzzards, Red Light Switch, The Rambling Club, Sad Clown Tuesday The Estevans, 147
Friday Frost, Bjika, Summit of the Big Low
ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road All event information and tickets at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Friday The Take That Experience
ST EDITH FOLK CLUB Kemsing All event information and tickets at stedithfolk.co.uk Friday Jon Boden
HOTEL DU VIN Crescent Road Music from 7pm-9pm Booking advised 01892 320749 Friday Grant Sav (piano)
THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Dave La
THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry, music from 8pm till late Friday The Waymores Saturday Higgs & The Bosons THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk
Dull Knife
THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8pm till late Saturday The Cockroaches CROWBOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTRE Pine Grove, Crowborough All event information at facebook.com/ CrowboroughCommunityCentre Saturday The Hart of Elvis (Elvis) tribute
TRINITY THEATRE Church Road All event information and tickets at trinitytheatre.net Sunday 2.30pm Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival: GEMS Concert & Prizegiving THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Free entry Music from 8pm till late Monday TWUNT Ukulele Jam Session. All levels welcome THE TOAD ROCK RETREAT Upper Street Free entry Music from 7pm Tuesday Standard Five THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Sonny & The Harp
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food
44
Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Enjoy a true taste of our culinary county The recent Taste of Kent Awards saw many of our favourite local food suppliers and producers honoured. Eileen Leahy discovers who were the big winners on the night
ON THE RISE: Bakery & Confectionery winners The Bakehouse BIGGER NOW: Kent Restaurant of the Year The Small Holding DELI-IGHTED: Kent Local Food Retailer of the Year Flint & Oak
E
VERY year the great and the good gather together for the Taste of Kent Awards night, held at Maidstone’s Kent Event Centre. The evening is a celebration of the rich diversity of our county’s local produce – and the innovative way producers, growers and chefs are using it. The black tie dinner saw many of the inspiring food and drink champions being awarded for their stellar work when it comes to keeping Kent firmly in place on the culinary map of the UK.
Buzzing Winners on the night included several from our area, such as The Bakehouse in Tonbridge, Hammond’s Butchers in Matfield, Kingcott Dairy in Staplehurst, Flint & Oak deli in Westerham, The Small Holding in Kilndown and Biddenden Vineyards. The Bakehouse celebrated by Tweeting: “What a night! Still buzzing after winning the Bakery and Confectionery category with our Kentish Apple Sourdough”, while Kingcott Dairy said: “Thanks to all the judges at Taste of Kent Awards. We’re so happy that Kingcott Blue cheese was voted the overall food product for 2020”. FULL OF CHEER(S) The happy winners brandish their awards on the big night
Biddenden’s Red Love Apple Juice was awarded ‘Kent Tastiest Juice of the Year’ for the second year in a row. “We are extremely proud,” Biddenden’s General Manager, Tom Barnes, told the Times. “A lot of hard work has gone into developing Red Love Apple Juice, and so to pick up this award two years in a row makes it all the more worthwhile. “We would like to thank everyone who voted for us in the initial round to get us through to the judging round, and to all our customers for their continued support.” Local law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore, who boast a number of specialist food and drink lawyers and are big champions of the foodie scene around Tunbridge Wells, hosted a special table of producers and restaurateurs, including representatives from the Cellar Head Brewing Company, Chapel Down wines and Sankey’s. The new Chief Executive at Produced in Kent, Floortje Hoette, commented: “These awards celebrate the very best in their sector each year, and tonight we celebrated all those businesses from Kent chosen by the public and judged by a team of experts to find the winner for each category. “All the finalists are winners.”
THE TASTE OF KENT AWARDS RESULTS Kent Hop Grower of the Year Sponsored by BTF Partnership and Shepherd Neame Winner: GM Day and Sons, East Peckham Kent Wine of the Year Sponsored by NFU Mutual Winner: Sparkling Rosé by Woodchurch Vineyard, Ashford Kent Beer of the Year Sponsored by Eurostar International Winner: Pale Ale Mary by Northdown Brewery, Margate Kent Cider or Perry of the Year Sponsored by Wilkins Kennedy Winner: Curious Apple by Curious Brewing, Ashford Kent Farm Diversification of the Year Sponsored by South East Farmer Winner: Lower Ladysden Farm, Goudhurst Kent Local Food Retailer of the Year Sponsored by Opies Winner: Flint & Oak Delicatessen and Farm Shop, Westerham Kent Restaurant of the Year Sponsored by Thomson Snell & Passmore Winner: The Small Holding, Kilndown
Kent Butcher Shop of the Year Sponsored by Furley Page Winner: Hammond’s Butchers, Matfield Kent Food Business of the Year Sponsored by Gullands Solicitors Winner: Karimix, Selling Kent Tastiest Juice of the Year Sponsored by AC Goatham & Son Winner: Red Love Apple Juice, Biddenden Vineyards Kent Dining Pub or Bistro of the Year Sponsored by University of Kent Winner: The Butcher’s Block, Burham Kent Coffee Shop or Tea Room of the Year Sponsored by Barretts of Canterbury Winner: Café Nucleus, Rochester Kent Countryside Award Sponsored by Kent Downs AONB and High Weald AONB Winner: Watts Farm, Farningham Highly Commended: Provenance Potatoes, Deal Excellence Award for Customer Service Sponsored by insight6 Winner: The Food Shed at Spadework, Offham
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Kent Food Product of the Year Sponsored by HSBC Winner: Kingcott Blue, Kingcott Dairy, Staplehurst Garden of England Champion: Top Fruit Winners Sponsored by BTF Partnership • Kent’s Tastiest Apple: Jazz variety, grown by Simon Bray, Monks Farm, Nr Sittingbourne • Kent’s Tastiest Pear: Concorde variety, grown by Clive and Richard Edmed, Hayle Farm, Horsmonden Garden of England Champion: Soft Fruit and Cherries Winners Sponsored by Kent County Agricultural Society • Kent’s Tastiest Cherry: Van variety, grown by AC Hulme & Sons, Hoaden, Nr Canterbury • Kent’s Tastiest Strawberry: Katrina variety, grown by BR Brooks & Son, Goodnestone and Faversham • Kent’s Tastiest Raspberry: Tulameen variety, grown by J Myatt & Co, Rochester • Kent’s Tastiest Blackberry: Victoria variety, grown by Clock House Farm Ltd, Coxheath Kent Food Product Class Winners Sponsored by Shepherd Neame • Ambient Class: Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil by Morghew Park Estate, Tenterden • Bakery and Confectionery Class: Kentish Apple Sourdough by The Bakehouse at 124, Tonbridge • Dairy Class: Kingcott Blue Cheese by Kingcott Dairy, Staplehurst • Prepared Food Class: Celeriac and Apple Soup by The Speedy Snail, East Peckham • Specialist Alcoholic Drink Class: Rosé Spritz by Maroude, Mereworth • Specialist Non-Alcoholic Drink Class: Pineapple & Kiwi Edible Tea by Nims Fruit Products, Sittingbourne • Ambient Class Highly Commended: Beef Dripping by North Downs Real Food, Lenham • Bakery and Confectionery Class Highly Commended: Huffkin by Speciality Breads, Margate
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Food & Drink
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Raise a special glass this Mother’s Day Taking place on the fourth Sunday of Lent, this year’s Mother’s Day falls on this Sunday. Times Drinks Editor James Viner says you could celebrate it with flowers or chocolates, but why not also send your mother a special bottle to enjoy? Here are his top three tipples and also a quality port to sample… HERE are three delicious wines, all of which can be ordered online, with which to spoil your mum on Mother’s Day.
brioche, apple and citrus flavours, culminating in savoury complexity. Ideal for raising a toast to your mum this Mother’s Day.
1) CRACKIN’ ROSÉ FROM THE FRENCH RIVIERA Studio by Miraval 2018, Méditerranée IGP, France (£12, Co-op/Tesco) This tangy, medium-bodied Provence-style rosé from the château jointly owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in partnership with Famille Perrin (of renowned organic Châteauneufdu-Pape estate, Ch. de Beaucastel) is stylish both inside and out. It’s made from an equal blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle and the lesser-known Tibouren from plots on the French Riviera near the Mediterranean Sea. Think rosehips, redcurrants, tangerines, raspberries and herbs. Happy drinking, Mum – and I hope the sun comes out; if it does not, with a glass of this rosé in your hand, just maybe you might still feel as if it has!
3) RAVISHING ENGLISH PINK BUBBLES Hambledon, Classic Cuvée Rosé NV, Hampshire (£32.50-£36.50, Fareham Wine Cellar/ Laithwaite’s/Berry Bros & Rudd) Looking for the ultimate pink homegrown fizz to pop for mum this year? Try this tip-top, creamy,
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2) BARGAIN MUST-TRY SUPERMARKET CHAMPAGNE Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut NV, France (£12.49, Aldi) A cracking blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this best-selling Aldi bargain triumph is my favourite sub-£15 champagne and has big bunches of well-developed warm
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A DELICIOUS GIFT FOR MUMS WITH A SWEET TOOTH… Graham’s ten-Year-Old Tawny Port, Portugal (on offer from today for £16.39, down from £20.49, until April 14, Waitrose) Sugar can be a real killer with wine, but this extraordinary, complex, fig, honey, prune, cinnamon and walnutstyled smasher is just the ticket for crème brûlée and chunks of dark/milk chocolate. Serve slightly chilled. Cheers to Mum! Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine
.U O L .C AI RK EM PA R O ICK ON 92 W TI 25 R VA 55 A R 2 EW SE 89 N RE 01 O A LL S@ KE CA ION MA AT TO RV
TREAT YOUR MUM TO A TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA WITH A TWIST THIS MOTHER’S DAY AT ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL.
The mother of ports
SE RE
Mother’s Day
crisp, accomplished and radiant Hampshire vinous beauty from the country’s oldest commercial vineyard. Detailed, seamless and fulsome fizz with rich echoes of hedgerow fruit, hibiscus, wild strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, pastry, nuts and dancing delicate bubbles. Singing with zing, this is a gorgeous aperitif and one for both seafood canapés and fruit tarts. Made from 90% Chardonnay, topped up with Pinot Noir.
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© JOHN KNIGHT
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Books
The bookcase… This week’s bookcase includes reviews of The Lost Future Of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley, and Our House Is On Fire by by Malena and Beata Ernman, Svante and Greta Thunberg BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Lost Future Of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley
8/10
Published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £12.99 (ebook £10.90) Natasha Pulley has created a world in fierce juxtaposition to the one around us. The Lost Future Of Pepperharrow ties the mystical East to the industrial West, and wraps a Gothic ghost story inside a confusing enigma. She takes her time to unravel the story, with each part of the book coaxing a little bit more from the characters as it bobs back and forth in time. The novel picks up five years after Pulley’s earlier book, The Watchmaker Of Filigree Street. It’s not imperative that you have read it first, but it will make the introduction to this Steampunk world much easier. Strange things are afoot. Thaniel, a quiet translator, and Mori, a watchmaker who can remember the future, are needed in Japan. Not too long after the pair arrive, Mori goes missing. Thaniel has been tasked with finding out why legislation staff are reporting that they are seeing ghosts, and in the north the air bristles with electricity and there are more questions than answers, leading Mori’s old friend Takiko Pepperharrow to try and get to the bottom of things. (Review by Rachel Howdle)
Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones
Published in hardback by Oneworld, priced £14.99 (ebook 99p) Silver Sparrow by was originally published in 2011, but you’ll be forgiven for having missed it, and forgiven again for wanting to play catch-up with this reissue in the light of Jones’ blazing, smash-hit of a 2018 novel, American Marriage. In Silver Sparrow, bigamist James Witherspoon has two families and two daughters, but only one knows about the other. As the two young
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
women – Dana and Bunny – collide and become kindof-friends, their father’s secret split life becomes increasingly fraught, threatening the fragile worlds the girls’ mothers have built around them. This is a bruising, uneasy read at times, but Jones’ characters have depth and soul as she scathingly shatters the illusion that your parents can always be relied upon. It hasn’t the dazzling storytelling of American Marriage, but it has a dignity and assurance to it that’s quite intense. (Review by Ella Walker)
7/10
7/10
Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi
Published in paperback by Picador, priced £8.99 (ebook £4.99) Helen Oyeyemi continues her genre-defying style with her sixth novel, Gingerbread. Blending fairy tales and fables with political commentary on class and immigration, it’s a perplexingly whimsical story of three generations of women and their inherited gingerbread recipe. However, nothing is ever as it seems. The gingerbread recipe passed down to Margot, then Harriet, to Perdita, isn’t a sweet treat but a missive. Harriet and Margot’s homeland, Druhastrana, doesn’t exist on any map. Harriet’s childhood friend Gretel is a self-proclaimed ‘changeling’ with more than a hand in influencing Harriet’s life events. And Perdita’s dolls each have flora in place of hands or hair, as well as the ability to think and talk. It’s easy to forget that the novel is set in the modern day. Oyeyemi’s prose weaves a spell that pulls you into a different world; one that’s fantastical and old-fashioned, where references to ‘The Jerry Springer Show’ and ‘Google’ are suddenly bewildering. Oyeyemi strays freely across continents, generations, families and classes, merrily mixing the mythical and the real. Follow the gingerbread trail and you’ll unravel a family story, where – like the gingerbread recipe – things have been embellished and adapted according to the current storyteller. (Review by Rebecca Wilcock)
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk NON-FICTION
Our House Is On Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis by Malena and Beata Ernman, Svante and Greta Thunberg
9/10
Published in hardback by Allen Lane, priced £16.99 (ebook £10.99) Greta Thunberg’s extraordinary transformation – from a teen diagnosed with Asperger’s, selective mutism and obsessive compulsive disorder to a globally-recognised climate activist – has been revealed in this new book written by her mother, Malena. It chronicles how the teenager was CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK
Planet Omar: Unexpected Super Spy by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik
Published in paperback by Hodder Children’s Books, priced £6.99 (ebook £3.99) Omar plans to spend his £42.53 savings on a Laser Nerf Blaster, but the plan changes when he discovers his local mosque faces closure because it needs costly roof repairs. Soon he is coming up with moneymaking schemes that make his parents proud, but rather annoy his teenage sister and brings out her competitive spirit. Mian’s second Omar book continues to challenge negative stereotypes by showing an ordinary Muslim family who have the same highs and lows as any other family. It’s a fun story, and Nasaya Mafaridik’s illustrations liven it up for
Books
‘slowly disappearing into some kind of darkness’, to the point where, aged 11, she stopped speaking and wouldn’t eat beyond small amounts of rice, avocado and gnocchi. Bullied at school, it is after she is shown a documentary about pollution that Greta’s life begins to change. Told in small scenes, this details the road the Thunberg-Ernman family took that would eventually lead to climate strikes across the world. It is a powerful read about one family and one planet in crisis. (Review by Megan Baynes) young readers who shy away from text heavy pages. It was such a hit with my seven-yearold son that he woke up early the next morning and read several chapters ahead to see what happened next. (Review by Beverley Rouse)
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BOOK CHARTS HARDBACKS 1. The Mirror And The Light by Hilary Mantel 2. House of Earth and Blood: Crescent City by Sarah J Maas 3. Last Hours: The Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare 4. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy 5. Pinch of Nom Everyday Light by Kay Featherstone and Kate Allinson 6. Table Manners: The Cookbook by Jessie and Lennie Ware 7. The Mirror And The Light: Clothbound edition by Hilary Mantel 8. The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams 9. False Value by Ben Aaronovitch 10. Grown Ups by Marian Keyes PAPERBACKS 1. Supertato: Books Are Rubbish! by Paul Linnet and Sue Hendra 2. Dog Man by Dav Pilkey 3. Alex Rider Undercover: Four Secret Files by Anthony Horowitz 4. Bing’s Splashy Story 5. Amelia Fang and the Bookworm Gang by Laura Ellen Anderson 6. Kid Normal and the Loudest Library 7. My Awesome Guide to Getting Good at Stuff by Matthew Syed 8. The Case of the Drowned Pearl by Robin Stevens 9. The Day We Met The Queen by Onjali Q Rauf 10. Evie in the Jungle by Matt Haig AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NON-FICTION) 1. The Mirror And The Light by Hilary Mantel 2. Fallen Angel by Chris Brookmyre 3. Thunderball by Ian Fleming 4. The Storm Keeper’s Island by Catherine Doyle 5. Grown Ups by Marian Keyes 6. Mythos by Stephen Fry 7. Vox by Christina Dalcher 8. Behind The Mask by Tyson Fury 9. Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle 10. Becoming by Michelle Obama
8/10
© David Bartholomew
BEWL WATERS TEAM-BUILDING PACKAGE
(Compiled by Waterstones and Audible)
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travel
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A RED SKY AT NIGHT IS EVERYONE’S DELIGHT The sun setting over Dunnottar Castle
Travel
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Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Eight ways to discover the culture of the UK’s ‘Silver City’ – Aberdeen The Scottish port and coastal hub is embracing its art, fine food and glorious history. Here’s how to enjoy them, says Scarlet Sangster…
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N THE east coast of Scotland, where the North Sea breeze threatens to snatch your breath away, you’ll discover a city in monochrome. ‘Silver City’ Aberdeen is built from oil, with its stately granite buildings and international business hub funded by a lavish and now somewhat dwindling supply of the black stuff from the North Sea. Now, as the gift of the deep threatens to ebb, Aberdeen is in search of a new identity, drawing on its rich history to establish itself as a thriving centre of art and culture. Already, the Silver City feels a little less grey.
‘Possibly the best way to see Aberdeen is to take on the self-guided Nuart walking tour’ Home to 17 museums and art galleries, His Majesty’s Theatre, the recently revamped Music Hall, and quirky Belmont Filmhouse, Aberdeen is also a street art canvas – with 2020 marking its fourth year hosting Scotland’s only street art festival, Nuart. The city’s coastal location is another unique draw. From watching the ships dock in the centre to exploring the many surrounding beaches and coastal walks, Aberdeen has plenty to offer in the way of views, wildlife and local seafood – not to mention a few impressive historical sites…
1. ABSORB SOME CULTURE AT ABERDEEN ART GALLERY Free to explore, the recently reopened Aberdeen Art Gallery paints the history of Aberdeen over three floors of timeless exhibitions. Many of them are dedicated to Scottish artists – from Victorian painter William Dyce to Will Maclean’s stunning landscapes and the abstract works of Bridget Riley. Each gallery focuses on specific moments from Aberdeenshire’s rich history, including exhibitions depicting the city through war, the rise of female art, and celebrations of the Scottish coast. In the top floor galleries you’ll find the visiting exhibitions, while the upstairs viewing platform boasts striking views of the Aberdeen skyline. aagm.co.uk 2. SPLASH OUT AT THE ESSLEMONT A stylish glass-fronted restaurant with moody-grey interior and elegant feel, The Esslemont delivers a highly sophisticated dining experience. Ideally positioned on the buzzing Union Street, its menu offers an experimental take on a range of classic dishes from scallops to steak and fresh haddock to haggis. On the whole, it is very reasonably priced, with main meals starting at just £12 per head and a large glass of house wine at around £7. theesslemont.co.uk 3. EXPLORE THE NUART STREET ART TRAIL Possibly the best way to see Aberdeen is to take on the self-guided Nuart walking tour, exploring the city through all its nooks and crannies.
FAMOUS PORT Aberdeen harbour
Discover the stencilled Aberdeen leopard hidden in a car park just off Crooked Lane, and Herakut’s mesmerising mural of a red-headed girl looking out over The Green from the side of Aberdeen Market. The next edition of the Nuart festival will take place between Thursday April 23 and Sunday April 26, but you can view the art for free all year round. Pick up a map from the visitor’s iCentre (23 Union Street), pull on a comfy pair of shoes and start searching the granite for signs of brushstrokes. visitabdn.com
has plenty to boast about. Tucked behind Union Street in the cobbled ‘Green’, Cafe 52 is a rustic affair with bare-brick walls and low-hung lighting. The menu is decided daily, using locallysourced ingredients to create fresh dishes. I highly recommend the afternoon tapas, with small plates starting at £4.80 a portion – £14.90 for shareable platters. Tapas is served Monday to Friday between 3pm and 6pm, starting at 4pm on Saturdays, with a dinner menu to follow. cafe52onthegreen.co.uk
4. ENJOY TASTY TAPAS AT CAFE 52 Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior; this little day-to-night restaurant isn’t one to boast – though it certainly
5. STEP BACK IN TIME WITH A WALK THROUGH OLD ABERDEEN This really is the most charming area of the city. Dating back to the 14th century,
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
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PERFECT PANORAMA An Aberdeenshire lighthouse the area is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with stone cottages and hidden gardens. Visit Elphinstone Hall and the restored 18th-century townhouse that is home to King’s College Museum, plus the majestic St Machar’s Cathedral with its stained-glass windows and grey stone clock tower – the oldest building still in use in Aberdeen. All sites are free to enter. Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere, duck around the back of the cathedral to take a stroll through Seaton Park’s wide grassy areas, beautiful flowers and walled garden – a tranquil end to a day’s exploring. 6. COMBINE BRUNCH AND BEER AT BREWDOG Whether you’re brunching, lunching or simply out boozing, BrewDog promises a trendy, upbeat vibe complete with neon lights and Instagrammable signs. Created in Aberdeenshire, this popular American-style drinking franchise is a must-stop for craft beer lovers, offering a rotating selection of world-class bevvies, from sour ales and pale ales to stouts and lagers.
If you can’t decide what to go for – and I wouldn’t blame you – the bar staff are more than happy to give their personal recommendations, or to help you match your drink with one of BrewDog’s cleverly named burgers, such as Cluck Norris or Temple of Seitan. Burger prices start at £10, with your chosen pint averaging under £5. brewdog.com 7. ADMIRE THE VIEWS FROM THE STONEHAVEN COASTAL WALK Just 20 minutes from Aberdeen by train will take you to the seaside town of Stonehaven – home to the medieval ruins of Dunnottar Castle (adults £7 and children £3). Embark upon the hour-long walk along the coastal path enjoying the bracing fresh sea air and marvelling at the expanse of sea and sky. Pause to pay your respects at the great stone memorial, commemorating the dead in both world wars, before climbing further up the cliffs to find the castle casting a striking silhouette against its ocean backdrop. dunnottarcastle.co.uk
8. TASTE THE SEA AT BAY FISH & CHIPS The queues for this fish bar are out the door even on the greyest of days – but don’t let that put you off. The Bay Fish & Chips in Stonehaven are award-winning for a reason. Take your pick of freshly-caught haddock or cod, then choose between having your fish
WHERE TO STAY
Sandman Signature Hotel The marble-tiled entranceway of this hotel sets the tone for what is guaranteed to be a relaxing retreat from the cold Aberdeen air. Each of its elegantly styled rooms features a luxurious Glencraft mattress, flat-screen TV, spa-style bathroom and rain-effect shower, offering a miniature haven for the duration of your stay. Doubles are priced from £79 with breakfast. Sandman is conveniently located just a ten-minute walk from Union Street’s vibrant
breaded or deep-fried in batter. For a lighter option, you can even ask for your fish baked. Add some home-made tartare sauce, take a seat on the sand and enjoy your fish with views across the Aberdeen coast. thebayfishandchips.co.uk • COVID-19: All information subject to change. See gov.uk, nhs.uk and venue websites array of bars and restaurants. However, if you haven’t the energy to venture from the hotel, the Chop Grill & Bar offers a lively alternative to the Aberdeen night scene, serving an extensive menu of international dishes cooked with locally-sourced produce – not to mention delicious hand-crafted cocktails you’ll be dying to recreate. sandmansignature.co.uk
HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP
For more information about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, go online to visitabdn.com
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Motors
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Motoring News
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
This week… n A variety of vans n e-charging ahead n A new retro bike
New Merc eVito van has 260-mile electric range MERCEDES-BENZ has revealed an updated version of its Vito van, with a new diesel engine and an improved all-electric option. The newly facelifted model is available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine offering a variety of power outputs, from 136bhp to 190bhp, each available with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The firm says this engine is more efficient and less polluting than its predecessor, as well as being smoother and quieter in the cabin. An entry-level 1.6-litre unit is also available, which trades off performance for better fuel economy. A new eVito has also been introduced, only available in the
people-carrying Tourer specification, with a massively improved range over the previous model. Its 100kW battery promises up to 260 miles of all-electric range, and can be charged to 80% in under 45 minutes at a 110kW fast charger.
Payload The Vito is the only van in its class to be offered in a choice of three lengths, two wheelbases, and both front and rear-wheel drive. It has a payload of 1,369kg and has a variety of options, such as a rail system for load anchoring, improved reversing camera, digital rear-view camera and new infotainment options.
Indian offers new Scout Bobber Sixty motorbike INDIAN MOTORCYCLE has given its Scout Sixty the Bobber treatment to create a new bike with an old-school look. The Bobber Sixty is a smaller capacity version of the firm’s larger Scout Bobber, bringing in the more powerful bike’s blacked-out styling and retro detailing. Coming as the second ‘Sixty’ model – owing to its use of a 60-cubic-inch engine – it arrives with 78bhp, which helps to make it A2-licence-friendly.
Cheaper
First of over 100 electric vehicle forecourts to open this summer BUILDING has begun at the first of over 100 electric vehicle charging hubs that its maker hopes will play a key role in taking EVs into the mainstream. Coming from sustainable energy providers Gridserve, these ‘electric forecourts’ will be designed to act like traditional petrol stations by offering on-site facilities such as coffee shops, small supermarkets and an ‘airportstyle lounge’ with high-speed internet.
Future-proof The first facility is being built in Braintree, Essex, and is planned to be completed by the summer. It will have space for 24 vehicles to charge at once at speeds of up to 350kW. These fast chargers have been fitted to future-
proof the sites because the Porsche Taycan is the only car on sale today that can charge at such speeds. To meet carbon emission targets, Gridserve says the forecourts will be powered by solar energy and battery storage projects, which will also help to keep charging costs low. The location will have separate areas for private owners as well as commercial vehicles such as buses and taxis. Last year Gridserve CEO Toddington Harper said: “We’re about to see a steep growth curve in EV adoption.” He added that the state-of-the-art electric forecourt would help tackle air pollution, encourage low-carbon transport, meet climate targets, and offer a future-proofed solution to support the mass uptake of electric vehicles.
In terms of styling, the Bobber Sixty gets the trademark ‘bobbed’ rear mudguard, twin exhausts and the blacked-out engine. The headlight has been slimmed down, and it has a newly designed set of 16-inch alloy wheels. Two black colours are available. Indian’s Vice President, Reid Wilson, said: “We’re proud to provide such a dynamic offering at a price point that makes owning an Indian Motorcycle extremely attainable to an even wider range of riders.” The Bobber Sixty comes in at £9,995, £1,890 cheaper than the larger-capacity bike. Order books are open now with first deliveries expected this spring.
AWARD WINNI NG
RESTA
URANT
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR MOTHER’S DAY OPEN FROM 12PM
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Recruitment
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Wednesday March 18 | 2020
WITH THE
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
CODEWORD 4
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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.
5
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To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
9 5
15 24
Codeword:
4 1 6 5 8
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★✩
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8 6 7 9 6 3 2 7 2 6 1
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★✩✩✩
CLASSIFIEDS
Life&Times
Puzzles
In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.
Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue
S C A F F O L D R A J A
A S H I N I B O N GO L A N M A R A N Z L E E E A DWA V N C OMM I T C E P A R T M D A I P O P L E X
I Q U I T Y U N A A B H O R C A N I K E L Y E I R F D I D I E G H A N A A D L A R T I N I O E S Y P U T T
Sudoku:
6 5 8 9 2 3 1 4 7
2 7 4 5 1 8 6 9 3
3 9 1 7 6 4 5 2 8
8 6 9 2 4 7 3 1 5
5 2 3 1 8 9 4 7 6
1 4 7 6 3 5 2 8 9
4 3 5 8 7 2 9 6 1
8 4 9 6 3 1 5 7 2
6 1 7 9 4 5 3 2 8
1 5 2 3 8 6 4 9 7
9 8 6 4 5 1 7 3 2
7 1 2 3 9 6 8 5 4
Jigsaw Sudoku:
5 7 1 4 2 8 6 3 9
2 8 5 7 6 4 9 1 3
4 9 3 2 5 7 1 8 6
3 6 8 1 9 2 7 5 4
9 2 4 5 7 3 8 6 1
7 3 6 8 1 9 2 4 5
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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Sport
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Bray powers header home to grab share of the spoils
LATE SHOW: Rian Bray scored in the 95th minute
Concord Rangers 3 Tonbridge Angels 3 FOOTBALL: CENTRAL defender Rian Bray scored
with a towering header after five minutes of stoppage time to earn Tonbridge Angels an important point on the road. This group of players never know when they are beaten in National League South, and they kept plugging away to eventually get their reward on Canvey Island. There was uncertainty among spectators about the future of the season after the postponement of the professional leagues because of the coronavirus, though the National Leagues kept on playing. The Angels took the lead slightly against the run of play in the 14th minute. From Khale Da Costa’s run down the right the ball was only cleared as far as Ben Greenhalgh, whose angled from just outside the area beat Chris Haigh on his left-hand post.
They were not in front for long as the home side equalised just three minutes later through one of their strongest players, Temi Babalola. Then Rangers, ahead of their FA Trophy semifinal, took the lead on 21 minutes when an unforced error handed possession to Decarrey Sheriff. He rounded keeper Jonny Henly to place the ball in an empty net, although the angle was tight.
Cross Da Costa was again involved in the build-up as the Angels equalised a minute before half-time, Tommy Wood sneaking in to place his cross neatly past Haigh. But there was a lack of concentration in the Tonbridge defence a minute later as the Beachboys raided down the left flank and James Blanchfield cheekily back-heeled past Henly to
make it 3-2 at the break. In the first 15 minutes of the second half saw the Angels step up their performance with chances for Greenhalgh, Wood and Da Costa all going begging. With Angels pushing further forward, gaps started to appear in the away defence but Concord weren’t able to capitalise - and were to pay a heavy price.
Header Deep in stoppage time a free kick was awarded to Tonbridge, the ball was worked out to substitute Jarrod Small on the right. He hung up a cross to the far post, Sonny Miles headed it back across goal and Bray rose highest to send an unstoppable header into the net. Angels manager Steve McKimm said: “Second half we told them to keep getting those crosses in, which we did and eventually it came good for us. “It’s another point which puts us third from bottom. If this proves to be the last game of the season then we’ve done what we set out to do minimum. If we eventually carry on then there is still work to do but we have games in hand.” All fixtures in the National League South have been postponed due to the coronavirus until at least April 3
PHOTO: David Couldridge
By Jim Rowe
Wednesday March 18 | 2020
Angels want to raise £35,000 to protect pitch andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS Football Club has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £35,000 so that it can purchase covers and carry out urgent work on the pitch and drainage system at Longmead. The plea comes with the club’s finances suffering severely after a succession of home games at the stadium have been postponed due to waterlogging. Incessant rain has meant the ground has been too wet to satisfy the National League’s requirement for player safety, and the club has only played at home once since January 4. On Monday (March 16) the league announced that all fixtures would be postponed until April 3 in response to the coronavirus outbreak. When the season resumes, they may have to
Late leveller removes Rusthall from top spot Rusthall 2 Forest Hill Park 2 By Rich Smith FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL were dislodged from the top of the Southern Counties East League Division One by a Forest Hill Park equaliser with two minutes left. With no professional football being played due to the coronavirus, Rusthall attracted their highest crowd of the season, 296, for this entertaining draw. The home side went behind in disastrous fashion in just the fourth minute when visiting goalkeeper Matthew Bailey launched a right-footed free-kick from around 15 yards from the halfway line. It sailed towards Rusthall’s keeper Billy Johnson, who dropped the ball and watched it bounce off Steve Camacho’s right shin and trickle across him before nestling in the net. Rusthall’s attacking play was rewarded when they deservedly equalising on 26 minutes, following an attractive sweeping move. Luke Adams swept a pass over to Charlie Clover on the right and he flashed the ball across the face of goal for Reuel Powell-Downey to place a shot into
The club is owned by its supporters, who pay an annual fee in return for having a say in the way it is run. But Mr Nethercott said they needed to raise a minimum of £7,600 per week for the last eight weeks of the season, or more than £60,000. An emergency meeting was called on March 5 to discuss the options for ground renovation in order to avoid a repeat of this winter’s flooding. Peter Elves, the head groundsman, said the drainage has ‘now outlived its working life’ and that three games have been allowed to be played that have compromised the playing surface. One suggestion was to install an artificial surface which, with new floodlighting, would cost between £500,000 and £600,000. However, such a move would take two to three years to complete, and a more immediate solution needs to be found. So the club has decided to buy covers to protect the playing surface while also carrying
complete the campaign by playing at other club’s grounds, which means they will have to pay a fee to the hosts and also miss out on crucial bar and catering revenue. The National League has given them permission to do so. The club was promoted after winning two play-offs last year to reach its highest ever league position but now faces a battle to avoid relegation with a congested fixture list until the end of the current campaign. They had to call off the much-awaited local derby against Maidstone on March 10 - which was supposed to be played on Boxing Day. The club is expecting its biggest crowd of the season for the visit of their rivals - the last league fixture in 2014 attracted 1,168 fans, double the usual gate - but the fixture has now been cancelled three times. . The Angels chairman Dave Nethercott wrote an open letter to fans admitted that it was ‘running out of money’ and asking for financial help.
the bottom right-hand corner. Rusthall continued on the front foot and forced Bailey to make a flying save in the 33rd minute after Powell-Downey played in Adams, who drilled a shot towards the top corner. The Rustics took a deserved lead a minute before half-time when Powell-Downey cut inside Garrick and put it on the plate for Clover, who hit a firsttime, left-footed shot which was deflected into the net.
Kindly Rusthall’s long-ball tactic gave them an opportunity just 22 seconds into the second half but Powell-Downey lost his composure when he was one-on-one with the keeper. Forest Hill Park grabbed their equaliser with two minutes left when the impressive Jefferson Aibangbee slipped Joji Phillips through on goal. The striker skipped past the advancing goalkeeper and the ball fell kindly for Aibangbee, who smashed it into an empty goal. All fixtures in the Southern Counties East League have been postponed due to the coronavirus until at least March 31.
PHOTO: Brendan Kemp
By Andy Tong
out renovations of the existing drainage. A spokesperson said: “Our pitch at the Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium has served Tonbridge Angels FC well over the past 40 years and has been witness to scores of exciting matches. “It’s fair to say that it’s starting to feel its age somewhat - in particular the underground drainage system - and this has not been helped by the record rainfall of this winter. “Urgent major renovations are required which include the procurement of state-of-the-art covers if we are to maintain a high standard of semi-professional football in the town.” He added: “Please donate whatever you can spare to this community based club largely run by volunteers to ensure we are able to provide football in Tonbridge for spectators to enjoy and for future generations of young people to compete in the UK’s national game.” To make a donation visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/tonbridge-angels
ALL SQUARE: Reuel PowellDowney (No 11) equalises
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Kendall and Thomson shine for Team GB in European Duathlon By Adam Dennis
CLOSE CONTROL Mike Doherty takes an offload from brother Nick
Tunbridge Wells 10 Wimbledon 40 By Roger Clarke RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS could not live with the
defence and set-piece mastery of Wimbledon, one of the three runaway teams at the top of the London and South-East Premier Division. This was a rearranged game that had been postponed earlier in the season - and it had to be switched to Bennett Memorial School’s artificial surface after a pitch inspection at St Marks. Wells’ cause was not helped when in-form wing Max Hobbs was injured after just three minutes. The Dons scored first on 13 minutes when an electric break from scrum-half Ben Newman saw centre Jack Reville go in under the posts and James Moffat converted. The away team went a man down two minutes later as No 8 Chris York was yellow-carded for an offence on the floor. Wells enjoyed plentiful possession and on 24 minutes the improbable figure of hooker Stuart
PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
Dons dominate in scrum to push Wells to defeat Nicholls popped up on the right wing to score an unconverted try. Wells continued to attack and Matt Spicer was adjudged to have been held up in the tackle over the Dons’ line on 43 minutes. They managed to send the ball wide again on the right to Eddie Croft, who went over for an unconverted try - and Wells led 10-7 by half-time. Wimbledon regained the lead on 44 minutes as Reville scored his second try after a switch in midfield, with Moffatt adding the extras. Wells could retain little possession as they conceded a number of scrum penalties. On 50 minutes flanker Kane Albani broke up the middle and fed Jack Cooke for an unconverted try. The Dons then squeezed the life out of the home side. Full-back Blane Wilson went through the middle and under the posts for the full seven points on 62 minutes. Dons’ effective hooker Ugo Ogodulunwa scored two minutes from the end and Kane Alboni added another in injury time, Moffatt slotting his fifth conversion.
YOUNG GUNS Wells’ Sam Dupuy goes on the attack
RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Academy reached the Kent Cup final with another clean sheet against Aylesford at The Skinners’ School. Wells started strongly, the backs making significant ground to set up a ruck on Aylesford’s five-metre line. Spotting a gap, scrum-half Innes Woodhouse reached out and crossed the line to score, with Sam Dupuy converting.
Pressure From the restart Wells bundled the catcher over the touchline to win a lineout inside Aylesford’s 22, which set the backs up for a well-rehearsed move. Harry Child made a cutting run, setting up a ruck with a switch move to the opposite side of the pitch. Wells then forced over at the maul for Toby Ponsford to score on nine minutes.
PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
Academy win semi with another shut-out Wells started to concede penalties, heavily influencing the next phase of the game, and Ben Clements is sent to the sin bin for the home side’s repeated offsides. Despite being a man down, Wells’ defence held firm and put pressure back on Aylesford, who conceded a penalty which Dupuy slotted to make it 15-0 at half-time. In the second half, two further yellow cards for Wells and one for Aylesford meant that the former played nearly half the game with 14 men. As the clock ticked down Dupuy charged down the fly-half as he tried to clear his lines and caught the clearance kick, allowing him to break through the fractured defence to score Wells’ final try, which he converted himself. The final is against Canterbury and is scheduled to be played at Ashford RFC on March 22 (kick-off 11:30am).
TRIATHLON: TWO Tunbridge Wells Triathlon Club members, John Kendall (M55-59) and Michael Thomson (M50-54), were representing Team GB against Europe’s best multi-sport athletes at the European Duathlon Championships in Punta Umbria, Spain. After a frustrating 2019 trying to qualify for the team whilst battling various injuries, Kendall was determined to his first international appearance as he took part in the sprint distance (5km run, 20km bike, 2.5km run). Despite not having run for three weeks, Kendall pushed hard from the gun and settled into the chasing group at a good pace, even slowing slightly to make sure he held enough in reserve.
Cramp He said: “Support around the course was great and I even managed some banter with some of the crowd. Before I knew it, I was approaching transition.” Kendall clocked 18min 41sec for the first run, and with 2km to go on the bike he and a fellow competitor broke away from the group and made a dash for the final transition, Kendall completed the segment in 34.34. Despite suffering with cramp he put his foot down with 500 metres to go on the second run and managed an all-out sprint at the end for a time of 11.06. He finished 18th out of 32 in a time of 1hr 06.52 and said: “When I started Tri four years ago I was somewhat in awe of those in their GB suits. “So to everyone who fancies representing their country I would definitely say ‘go for it’. Tunbridge Wells is a great club, with so much
FUN IN THE SUN John Kendall enjoys his first GB outing friendly advice and support. Draw on that, and it’s within reach of everyone.” Thomson was competing in the standard distance (10km run, 40km bike, 5km run). With strong support from the locals, Thomson completing his four laps of the town in 38.13. On the pan flat bike course with pristine roads, Thomson cycled strongly with the wind to make up time and completed it in 1:03.54. He put up a strong finish in the final two laps of the run, clocking 22.13 and finished 26th out of 39 in a total time of 2:06.50.