Times of Tonbridge 6th March 2019

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

New garden waste charge could be scrapped in fresh government plans

RAISE THE ROOF Sheena Wickenden leads the first meeting of the town’s Tuneless Choir at the Methodist Church. See page 4

Ivy House will open again soon – but how long until last orders?

By Andy Tong andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk THE town’s most iconic public house will soon open again – but amid concerns that its listed status may make it unprofitable so that it has to close permanently.

The Ivy House at the top of the High Street has been lying vacant for almost a year, having shut its doors last April.

The building, which is believed to be 600 years old, was valued at £475,000.

It has been bought by Jamie Brady, the landlord of the popular Carpenter’s Arms on Three Elm Lane.

He was unable to give a date for the relaunch because the well-known venue will require extensive refurbishment.

He is dependent on Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] to give the necessary permissions.

Mr Brady is concerned that because it is a Grade Two listed property – one of only

five in the town – he might not be allowed to carry out the necessary upgrade.

The previous publican, Dan Ward, had moved in to save the site in 2009 after it shut previously, and was very successful.

He wanted to extend the small pub in order to meet rising costs but was eventually forced to move on after nine years.

‘Hopefully the council will help us out. Surely they must want to see it open’ Mr Brady told the Times: “I want to get it up and running, I think Tonbridge is really thriving and a lot of people will be moving here in the next five years.”

“I want the Ivy House to be a credit to the town. It’s the old toll house, the entrance to Tonbridge, isn’t it?

“I feel so sorry for it. I love pubs and I’ve always looked at it and it looks so sad.

THE future of the council’s controversial new charge to collect garden waste hangs in the balance after central government announced it was considering ending the levy nationwide.

A new Waste Services Contract started across Tonbridge & Malling last Friday [March 1], which includes an opt-in charge of £40 a year for residents who want to have their garden waste collected.

The offer, which will initially be discounted to £35, is set to begin on September 30 alongside other new features, such as kerbside plastic collection, after the new contracted refuse company Urbaser have completed the necessary logistical changes.

Overhaul

“It’s very run down and I want to refurbish it, but there are certain things I can’t do without talking to the planners, it’s a listed building.”

The Ivy House is one of the oldest buildings in Tonbridge, situated by the northern gate of the ‘fosse’, or banked ditch that protected the castle.

Its rescue coincides with the demise of another historic town pub, The Primrose.

The 200-year-old premises on Pembury Road will be demolished to make way for housing after it proved unprofitable.

“Tonbridge is thriving in the centre,” said Mr Brady. “It’s changing, everywhere is being upgraded – look at the station.

There are new ventures, new restaurants.”

He says the interior needs to undergo major changes. “Parts of it are shocking.

You go out these days, you expect pubs to be of a certain standard. They aren’t all spit and sawdust, people want a lot more.

Such a charge has not been imposed before, and the council anticipates that it will save them more than £750, 000 a year based on an uptake of 30 to 40 per cent.

But on February 18 the government announced plans for a series of consultations ‘to overhaul the waste system’.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove mooted that garden waste could be collected free of charge, with councils reimbursed for the revenue shortfall.

Robert Styles, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s Director for Street Scene, Leisure & Technical Services, said: “The government launched a series of 12-week consultations relating to its Resources and Waste Strategy published last December.

Continued on page 4

Continued on page 4

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CCTV in taxis to protect vulnerable passengers CCTV cameras may be installed in taxis in an effort to provide greater protection for women and other vulnerable passengers.

The move is part of a package of initiatives being put forward by Wealden MP Nus Ghani, the Government’s Taxi Minister.

The announcement comes three months after an investigation by the Times uncovered a trend in women being ‘abused’ by taxi drivers.

Ms Ghani told the Times: “While the vast majority of drivers are safe and act responsibly, we have seen too many cases where taxi and minicab drivers have used their job to prey on vulnerable people, women and children.”

She explained the new rules would see councils ensure every driver undergoes enhanced criminal record and background checks.

Her department will also consider whether vehicles should be fitted with CCTV. These encrypted systems mean footage can only be accessed if there is a crime reported.

‘I’m not convinced they would catch the driver’s face but they would record what was said’ Terry Hill, the owner of Tonbridge company Castle Cars, said the majority of his vehicles had been fitted with cameras which act as ‘reverse dashcam’ for several years.

This meant they looked out of the back window and could monitor passenger behaviour.

He said: “I’m not convinced that they would catch the drivers’ face, but they would record what was said in the car.”

He added: “We do have to be a bit careful that we are not in contravention of privacy laws with recording private conversations. But our cameras do overwrite themselves every 24 hours.”

The Government has also pledged to legislate on national minimum standards for drivers, establish a national licensing database and look at restricting drivers operating hundreds of miles away from where they are licensed.

“Again, we would have to be careful,” said Mr Hill about drivers who have fares that are far from the town. “If someone wants us to pick them up from the airport, or from Birmingham for example, then that’s difficult.

“But you should always be taking passengers to or from your general area of operation.”

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 REPORTER ANDY TONG andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections.

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

IVY HOUSE: Continued from page 1

RAISE THE BAR Jamie Brady wants The Ivy House to be the ‘hub of the community

“I’m passionate about pubs and hopefully the council will help us out. Surely they must want to see it open, and I’ve got some money to invest.”

Eleanor Hoyle, TMBC’s Director for Planning, Housing & Environment, said: “The council hasn’t had any direct contact from the owner regarding potential works to the building, but would welcome the opportunity to discuss the future of Ivy House and advise him on his plans.”

She added: “The council doesn’t have any heritage grants available but bodies such as Historic England do have funding programmes that might be applicable.”

Mr Ward, who also vacated The Clock House on Barden Road last year, says the partnership he had with pub giant Enterprise Inns turned sour as they increased costs across the board.

Tenancy His mother Sherry and stepfather Richard Martin ran a company called Kent Inns of Distinction in the east of the county.

They went into partnership with Enterprise to open the Ivy House up again, and spent £150,000 before they relinquished the tenancy to Dan. He had previously been in the trade across the south-east, and arrived in Tonbridge after working in Tunbridge Wells at Tootsies, now the Bar & Grill, and TN4, which has reverted to The George.

“We were coming towards the end of our second five-year tenancy with Enterprise,” said Mr Ward, who now manages the Abergavenny Arms in Frant.

“There was also a rent review, which meant that was going up quite significantly, while our tie release fee with the brewery for our wines also went up considerably.

“We had the Ivy House for nine years. The turnover was good and there was a very good customer base. We had a lot of friends there – I get a lot of them coming up here now to see me.

“There was no way of extending. It’s not the biggest pub in the world and we tried to do that but it’s Grade Two listed. We had to get professional architects in to get the smoking shelter built.”

He added: “We were fully booked from Friday to Sunday and there was just no way that we could make any more money to cover the extra costs.

“I really didn’t want to let go of her but I had to let my head rule my heart. It was a difficult decision, but in hindsight it was the right one.

“It will be weird to see the Ivy House without my name above the door, but I’m really pleased it’s

opening again. We wish Jamie the best of luck.”

Mr Brady’s father Ray, brother of Arsenal footballing legend Liam Brady and an Irish international himself, ran the Railway and Bicycle pub next to Sevenoaks station, where Jamie grew up.

He himself has been running the Carpenters’ Arms for 27 years and has built up a formidable reputation as a publican.

“It was great growing up in the Railway and Bicycle, pubs used to be fantastic places in the 1970s and ‘80s, they were all packed.

“I think the Ivy House should be a hub of the community, and hopefully I can do a better job.

“I love the pub trade but it’s got to change, it can’t carry on like it was. People like Dan want to make it work but these breweries kill them.”

WHY TIME RAN OUT ON THE CLOCK HOUSE’S TAPAS ADVENTURE there but we had very little help from the police.

“A forensics guy turned up but we never heard from them after that.

“We had a young child and another one on the way – that’s why Polly set up the Baby Café there – but she didn’t feel safe there anymore.”

He added: “The rent and business rates were very high, and we had no emotional attachment to the place like we did with the Ivy [House].

“We had built up a lovely business at the top of town but this was a different thing.

“There was trouble coming from people rolling off the trains. Without being disrespectful, it was not for us, we like a tranquil existence.

“But I’ll be back in Tonbridge, without a doubt.”

A combination of factors led to The Clock House on Barden Road closing down last year.

Dan Ward and his wife Polly opened it up as a tapas bar in April 2017 after Mojo’s closed down.

Mr Ward (pictured) said: “We didn’t want to offer the same food as the Ivy House so we decided to try tapas. but after five months we realised it wasn’t going to work.

“It was at the wrong end of town and it was taking half the money of the Ivy House even though it was twice as big.”

The Wards have a young family – their two children are one and four years old – and they opened up a ‘Baby Café’ on the premises.

But Mr Ward revealed: “We also had a burglary

Wail of a time: Tuneless Choir strikes chord PIN back your ears – the town has formed a Tuneless Choir for those who want to sing but ‘can’t necessarily hold a tune’.

The initiative was launched last Thursday [February 28] at the Methodist Church on Higham Lane from 7.30-9pm – and more than 100 people turned up.

The idea of ‘singing like no one is listening’ originated in Nottingham in 2016 and there are now more than 30 choirs around the country.

Organiser Sheena Wickenden said: “The experience is unique. We sing purely for the pleasure of it – with no pressure or expectation to improve – and simply aim for everyone to leave us feeling energised and uplifted.

“Research tells us that singing in groups brings physical, emotional and social benefits, and so we believe everyone has a right to sing.”

The mother of two, who lived in Tonbridge for 12 years and works as a PA in East Peckham, had previously launched a choir in Maidstone.

She said: “We had one of the largest launches we’ve had for a very long time, there were 114 people not really knowing what to expect!

“After some silly warm-ups to get people relaxed we went straight into ABBA’s Mamma Mia!

“It went down so well, the atmosphere was electric, seeing people singing like no one is listening and even having a bit of wiggle.”

Other songs included The Beatles’ Help!, Tom Jones’ Delilah, Doris Day’s Que Sera Sera and The Monkees’ I’m a Believer – the session ending with Sandie Shaw’s Puppet on a String.

“All inhibitions lost, big smiles on everyone’s faces and lots of laughter when it went a little wrong in places,” said Mrs Wickenden.

“It was great to see people walking out of the church on a high. The feedback has been incredible, with some saying they had been waiting years for something like this.

“One member even said: ‘I haven’t had a night out and had so much fun without drinking any alcohol in years.’”

Registration costs £10, which includes a Tuneless songbook. The group will meet every two weeks on Thursday evenings at the church – though they may have to find a larger venue to copy with the unexpected numbers.

For more information, email tonbridge@ tunelesschoir.com, visit the Facebook page or go to tunelesschoir.com/tonbridge

GARDEN WASTE: Continued from page 1

planned introduction of our new recycling and waste contract.

The Leader of the council, Nicolas Heslop, welcomed the new proposals, but warned that with more than 53 per cent of local authorities now charging for green waste, ‘any such consideration would be subject to significant financial implications’.

The council has justified the decision to start charging for green waste because the revenue will allow it to expand its kerbside collections to

include plastics, cartons, cans and glass, and offer a separate weekly food waste collection.

It is one of only three councils in the UK not to offer plastic recycling, along with the Isles of Scilly and Rotherham.

Residents can sign up to receive the ‘early bird’ offer from May 7 at tmbc.gov.uk/recycleforall.

A series of roadshows will be held across the borough to publicise the changes, starting on Saturday March 23 at the Big Bridge in Tonbridge from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

“Government is asking for views on several recycling and waste-related matters, including the provision of weekly food waste, glass and free garden waste collections.

“We will be responding to the consultations and keep under review any changes in guidance or legislation that may be forthcoming as the strategy is finalised.

“In the meantime we will continue with the

Electric

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Council justifies its latest publications TUNBRIDGE Wells Borough Council has justified the cost of sending a pamphlet to 28,000 homes outlining the details of a range of developments in the town.

Tracy Moore, the council’s cabinet member for economic development, headed off criticism of the ‘Your Town, Your Future’ flyer at last week’s full council meeting by saying her ‘primary objective was to communicate with the people’ who may be affected by the proposed building projects in the town.

She said: “It is council money, but at 13 pence per copy, it represents good value for money. It is half the price of a first class stamp.”

Thousands took to ice THE ice rink in Calverley Grounds continues to be popular with nearly 40,000 people visiting the attraction during the last Christmas period.

Councillor Jane Marsh, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Cabinet member in charge of tourism, told councillors at last week’s full council meeting that 38,000 people took to the ice this winter.

“It continues to be extremely popular,” she said.

Councillors have said that the ice rink, which nets around £56,000 for the borough annually, will be back next year, despite construction on the council’s £90million Calverley Square development in Calverley Grounds expecting to begin in October.

Uber Eats has arrived TAKEAWAY delivery service Uber Eats began operating in Royal Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge this week.

The popular app will offer delivery from favourite local restaurants using the same type of software as Uber’s private hire app, which allows users to order, pay for, and track their food before it is delivered.

Underground rescue FIREFIGHTERS were called out earlier this week after Patchy, a Jack Russell, got stuck in an underground drainage pipe in Tunbridge Wells after chasing a badger.

Officers say crews had to dig through six feet of earth before using a concrete breaker to get to the animals.

Both were rescued safely.

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Forum founder faces the music as he’s honoured for services to town Newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE man who turned a public convenience on Tunbridge Wells Common into the internationally recognised music venue The Forum has received one of the town’s highest awards for services to the community.

Jason Dormon, who was accompanied by his wife Isobel and their children, was visibly moved when he became the 34th recipient of the Civic Medallion awarded by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. The scheme started in 1981.

As he was handed the award Mr Dormon admitted: “I do feel more comfortable singing on stage to be honest.

“But I want to thank you on behalf of all the brave and beautiful people at The Forum over the years.

“The young people coming through think I’m nuts and bonkers and you have probably just legitimised that, but I’m overwhelmed. Thank you.”

The 47-year-old was nominated for the Civic Medallion, (which is normally only given out once a year to a person who has made an outstanding contribution and been highly active in community life), by cabinet member responsible for tourism and leisure, Councillor Jane March.

She said: “I nominated Jason Dormon for the Tunbridge Wells Civic Medallion because he has worked tirelessly behind the scenes now for over 25 years at The Forum.

“He had a dream and brought it into fruition and I believe this is a truly well-deserved award.

“He has brought international music artists to

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Fate of theatre complex hangs in the balance as decision is fast tracked

RECOGNITION Mayor Len Horwood hands a certificate to Jason Dormon

By Richard Williams

Local News

Tunbridge Wells including Oasis, Adele and Ellie Goulding—all at the beginning of their careers.

“He has put Tunbridge Wells on the map.”

She added that Mr Dormon, who is also a trustee of Music Venue Trust, a charity which acts to protect, secure and improve Grassroots Music Venues—does a lot of charity work.

The award was welcomed by all members of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council on all sides of the chamber.

Labour’s council member for Southborough and High Brooms, Dianne Hill said: “I have known Jason for many years—he is a real inspiration to the young people of our town and we are very lucky to have Jason in our town.”

FRIEND TO THE STARS… Jason Dormon, the former schoolboy from Tunbridge Wells Boys’ Grammar, helped establish The Forum in 1993 when he was in his early 20s.

From an unused public convenience on a grassy knoll on the edge of Tunbridge Wells Common, the 250-capacity venue has since become one of the UK’s best known independent live music venues—even named Britain’s Best Small Music Venue by NME in 2012.

Over 26 years, more than 35,000 acts are estimated to have performed on the stage, which has also become a home for art, comedy and theatre. Artists that have played at The Forum include Adele, Oasis, Muse, Coldplay, Biffy Clyro, Keane, Joeyfat, Slaves, Ellie Goulding, and the Vaccines, and the venue continues to promote and support both local artists and musicians from all over the world.

THE inquiry into Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s use of compulsory purchase orders [CPOs] for their planned £90million theatre and civic complex, is set to end this week.

The final outcome will be ‘fast tracked’ with the inquiry inspector making the decisions as opposed to a Government Minister. An announcement is expected within four to eight weeks.

The hearing, which began at the Mercure Hotel in Pembury on February 12, was initially listed for ten days. In the end it has taken almost four weeks.

Earlier this week, the Inspector Graham Dudley visited the site of the planned Calverley Square development on the edge of Calverley Grounds, having spent the last three weeks hearing from both the council and objectors.

Granting the council access rights to its car park would have a ‘catastrophic effect on the viability of continuing to trade’ A range of voices spoke out against the council’s use of CPOs, which include Mount Pleasant and Great Hall car parks, part of Calverley Grounds, including the dental surgery known as The Lodge.

Last week, residents of Grove Hill House presented their opposition arguments, led by Tunbridge Wells Alliance founder Dr Robert Chris.

The inquiry also heard from Dr Simon Azimi, the dentist at The Lodge in Calverley Grounds, who says the CPO would see his practice close.

Debra Angus, Managing Director of Hoopers department store told Mr Dudley that granting the council access rights to its car park would have a ‘catastrophic effect on the viability of continuing to trade’ on Mount Pleasant Road.

Mr Dudley had previously heard how Hoopers turned down £50,000 for access rights to its car park, claiming it was a ‘red line’ they would not cross.

The BBC were also listed to give evidence against the CPO’s, which they insist would affect broadcasting from their location in the Great Hall Arcade, due to vibration, noise and dust.

However, the broadcaster did not attend the inquiry to present evidence, and were said to be in ‘discussions’ with the council.

If the CPOs are confirmed then building work on the development will commence in October. If the CPOs are overturned it could mean an end to Calverley Square in its present format and location – particularly if there is no access through Hoopers’ car park.

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Election law quirk could see councillor keep her seat even if she comes second

By Richard Williams newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

However, as the Times reported two weeks ago, long distance councillor, Peter Bulman, who has been representing Park ward from his home in Holt, Norfolk, some 160 miles away, has informed the council he will be stepping down just before the elections.

If Cllr Bulman does step down, two seats in Park ward would then be up for grabs.

The Borough Council has confirmed that under current

CONSERVATIVE councillor Tracy Moore, the public face of the controversial plan to spend £90million on a new theatre complex, could keep her ‘seat’ even if she is not first past the post at the May elections.

She is one of three councillors that represent Park ward and is due for re-election having served her full term. However, Tory colleagues have long TRACY MOORE feared she could lose her seat due to her high profile as the council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Communication.

She has come in for criticism due to her role, and even received trolling and online abuse.

The Tunbridge Wells Alliance, which already has one councillor on Park ward, Nicholas Pope, has indicated it will stand against Cllr Moore.

Both the Liberal Democrats and Labour have told the Times that they intend to ‘contest every seat’.

local election rules, the winner of the Park ward ballot would automatically get the seat currently up for election and held

by Tracy Moore. But whoever comes second would get the seat up for by-election—that of Mr Bulman.

Active This means, even if Cllr Moore failed to retain her seat, she could keep her role on the Council and in Cabinet if she comes second in the ballot, although she would only be able to serve the remaining term left on Mr Bulman’s seat, which is one year.

Cllr Moore has told the Times she does intend to stand for re-election in Park ward in May, a decision that will be welcomed by many Conservative colleagues.

As one of the most active councillors Tracy Moore regularly engages with people on social media and is a popular face in both the civic offices and at various events in and around Tunbridge Wells.

She most recently helped broker a cross-party deal that found a new location for the Farmers’ Market, which had been made homeless due to the current developments on Civic Way.

CLEVER ELECTIONEERING BY THE TORIES OR SIMPLY A PIECE OF LUCK? Councillor Bulman stepping down from Park ward looks to be a timely manoeuvre by the Tunbridge Wells Conservatives.

The party has long feared for Cllr Moore’s seat, up for election in May, due to some targeted opposition to the council’s £90million development on the edge of Calverley Grounds, which sits in Park ward.

Traditionally a safe Conservative ward, Tracy Moore won the 2015 election with 54 per cent of the vote, securing 2,126 out of 3,902 votes in the 5,537-strong electorate.

However, following a campaign of opposition to the Calverley Square development in Park ward, Tunbridge Wells Alliance candidate, Nicholas Pope, took a shock win for one of the three ward seats in 2018, securing 773 votes—34 per cent of the 2,271 votes cast, narrowly beating the then Conservative candidate, Catherine Rankin.

The Tories fear the same thing could happen on May 2, but thanks to the timely resignation of Peter Bulman, Cllr Moore only needs to secure second place.

Indeed, residents of Park ward have long pondered why Cllr Bulman did not step down from his TORY LEADER seat when he Cllr David Jukes

moved 160 miles away to Holt.

The answer may well be down to the fact that if he resigned earlier, it would not only have cost the council an additional £5,000 for an out of period by-election, but would also have meant Cllr Moore, as a sitting councillor, would not have been able to contest that seat, only her own during the May elections.

By stepping down in May, Mr Bulman may, by design or fault, have secured Cllr Moore’s position on the Borough Council and the Cabinet.

Even if the Alliance, Liberal Democrats and Labour all field candidates in Park ward, Cllr Moore would only need to secure a quarter share of the vote—less than half the number she managed to land in 2015.

The Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats even told the Times they were contemplating putting up two candidates for Park ward due to there being two seats up for grabs, and other parties may be thinking along the same lines, but they all run the risk of splitting their own vote, leaving the door open even wider for Councillor Moore.

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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Cripps boosts the business awards with decision to be headline sponsor

T

he law firm Cripps has yet again agreed to be the headline sponsor for the Times Business Awards.

The Mount Ephraim-based company, who provide corporate and personal legal services, have been involved with the event since it began in 2016.

Their commitment highlights the value and significance of the awards to the local business community.

Thanks to the support of Cripps, and other sponsors, the gala evening has become one of the major social and networking gatherings of the year.

Managing Partner, Gavin Tyler, explains why the law firm has chosen to get involved in the awards again.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring the Times Business Awards for a third consecutive year,” said Mr Tyler.

“We have some brilliant businesses in the local area, from large to small, that are dynamic and creative with a keenness to invest so they can grow and expand.

“Awards such as these are important in ensuring these enterprises are not only recognised, but that their efforts and contributions continue to be rewarded.

“I am extremely passionate about our local business community, having been involved in it all my working life, and want to continue to help build its profile and reputation within the county and beyond.”

Other sponsors who have also signed up include the Tunbridge Wells branch of Swedish banking group, Handelsbanken, high-end children’s fashion retailer, Childrensalon, and John Bullock Design, the architectural designer based on the High Street.

‘I am extremely passionate about our local business community’

Cripps’ Gavin Tyler

WHY IT PAYS TO BE A SPONSOR…

There’s an opportunity for everyone to be a winner with these categories to choose from:

More than 200 finalists and guests enjoyed a night of celebration at the 2018 awards ceremony, which made it an ideal platform for networking and building new business partnerships. Being involved by sponsoring one of the categories raises the profile of your company and demonstrates a commitment to the business community • Sponsors are guaranteed editorial coverage in both editions of Times Local Newspapers • Exposure to over 220 guests from the local business community at the black tie gala awards ceremony • Inclusion within the extensive editorial coverage in SO Magazine • Significant coverage on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

1. Start-Up Business of the Year Award – This award recognises new start-ups under two years old at the closing date for entries of April 24 2019 that have translated an idea into a successful business venture. They must be able to detail growth so far and show plans for the continued development and success of the venture.

2. Creative Business of the Year – Is your business success based on innovation and creative thinking in your strategy and every day operation?

This category is for any company over two years old in any sector that can demonstrate creativity as well as adding value to the success of their business.

3. Entrepreneur of the Year – This award is open to dynamic individuals who are running their own business and are able to demonstrate significant success and drive in growing their company.

4. Young Business Person of the Year – Entrants for this award must be aged 30 or under by the closing date on April 24 2019 and need to show they have a clear vision / strategy for their business and are committed to growing it. Areas such as increasing headcount, developing and inspiring staff, and involvement in the local business community are all good examples of this.

5. Service Excellence Award – The winner of this category will be giving outstanding assistance and advice to those who buy or use their business or organisation’s products or services. They will be able to provide customer testimonials to support their entry.

Pace hots up with the entries mounting daily ENTRIES for the Times Business Awards 2019 are coming in thick and fast, ranging from those who have entered before, to companies that are putting themselves forward for the first time.

The awards provide the ideal platform for local companies who want to raise their profile and shout about the innovation and hard work that has gone into their business.

The glittering black tie gala, where the winners will be announced, will take place on

Thursday May 30 at Salomons Estate and is one of the key networking events of the year, with a range of businesses and business leaders already confirming attendance.

If you have entered the awards before, you can still re-enter this year and it’s free.

Every year sees more and more organisations put themselves forward for the first time, but past winners and entrants are just as welcome. Of course, previous success is no guarantee you will be successful again and competition can be fierce, but as the old saying goes: you have to be in it to win it.

HOW TO ENTER THE AWARDS With ten categories to choose from, there’s an award for every business, whether a small family run concern, or a large international company—if you are based in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge or the Sevenoaks district, you are automatically eligible to enter.

Entry to any of the ten Business Award Categories is completely free and takes just minutes to complete.

1) Go to timesbusiness awards.co.uk, let us have a few background details and we will send you an application form that takes just minutes to complete.

2) Send an email to info@times businessawards.co.uk with your contact details and we will send you an application form.

3) Or you can call simply call award’s organiser, Eileen Sweeney, on 01892 779 583.

The timeframe The closing date for entries to the Times Business Awards is Wednesday April 24. Each category will be shortlisted to three entries.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email on Monday April 29, 2019, and featured in the Times Local Newspapers on Wednesday May 1.

Winners will be announced at the gala dinner. Tickets are available priced £95 per person or £850 for a table of 10. Numbers are limited and based on the previous two years, the award dinner will be a sell-out.

Strictly legend returns to BBC The guest presenter at the Times Business Awards this year will be one of the best known faces on television - Anton du Beke.

The legendary Strictly Come Dancing star has just been confirmed by the BBC as one of those returning to the programme later this year.

It will be Anton’s

16th season of dancing with the stars on the BBC show.

For those attending the gala dinner for the 2019 Business Awards, it will be a chance to meet the 52-year-old Strictly star, who has also just become a father for the first time – to twins.

In presenting the awards, he follows in the footsteps of former politicians Michael Portillo and Edwina Curry, as well as BBC 2 DJ Ken Bruce.

6. Best in Food and Drink Award – The winner of this category will be a local business that provides truly remarkable food and/or drink in the area. Whether it is a fine dining restaurant, gastropub, café, bakery, cake shop or drinks company, the winner of this award will have demonstrated how they have put their town on the map.

7. Best Family Business of the Year Award – This category recognises those businesses that not only have the passion and commitment that comes with a company run by a family concern, but also be continually innovating to support future growth and has an equally invested and engaged workforce that understands customer expectations.

8. Best Business 25+ employees – This category recognises larger businesses employing more than 25 people and looks for consistent growth and strong financial performance alongside an engaged workforce and a business plan supporting innovation and future growth.

9. Best Business 1-25 employees – Here we recognise owner-managers and small businesses employing up to 25 people that have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance. They must understand customer expectations, have an engaged workforce and be continually innovating to support future growth.

10. Outstanding Business of the Year – The ultimate award of all the categories will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in the enterprise, as well as sound management practices. The winner must also be able to demonstrate they have a clear strategy to invest in the skills and development of their staff. They will be expected to prove sustainable growth combined with a degree of commercial success that is exceptional for the size of the business.

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Local News

New garden waste charge could be scrapped under government plans THE future of the council’s controversial new charge to collect garden waste hangs in the balance after central government announced it was considering ending the levy.

A new Waste Services Contract is due to start in Tunbridge Wells at the end of this month, which includes an opt-in charge of £52 a year for residents who want to have their garden waste collected.

The charge, which will initially be discounted for individuals who sign up before August 2 is set to begin in September along with other new features, such as kerbside plastic collection, after the new refuse company, Urbaser, completes logistical changes.

The money generated form the new waste contract, £700,000, has been included as part of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s £2.3million budget changes to fund the £90million Calverley Square development.

But on February 18 the government announced plans for a series of consultations ‘to overhaul the waste system’.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove mooted that garden waste could be collected free of charge, with councils reimbursed for the revenue shortfall.

However, whatever money is handed over to TWBC from central government, it may not cover the full cost tendered out to Urbaser, whose contract is set to last for eight years, and could leave the council with a budget shortfall.

TWBC say they are aware of the consultations.

Councillor Dr Ronen Basu, the cabinet member in charge of sustainability, said: “We will be responding to the consultations and keep under review any changes in guidance or legislation that may be forthcoming as the strategy is finalised.

“In the meantime we will continue with the planned introduction of our new recycling and waste contract.”

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Road casualty figures soar with more killed and seriously injured

by Richard Williams newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads of Tunbridge Wells has increased by more than 60 per cent in just 12 months, according to the latest figures released by Kent County Council.

The Road Casualties in Kent Annual Review shows a significant increase in the number of people hurt or killed on our roads over the previous year’s statistics.

A string of road accidents and deaths in recent months suggest these figures could be set to get even worse next year.

The new figures, which cover the year of 2017, show that 286 crashes were recorded on the streets of Tunbridge Wells, up from 265 in 2016, but it is the severity of the incidents that is alarming.

Shocking In 2016, 36 people were seriously hurt or lost their lives following either a collision between two cars or by a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle.

In 2017, though, those figures shot up to 58 deaths or serious injuries, a leap of 62 per cent.

Of these incidents, seven deaths were recorded in 2017, compared to just the one in 2016 - a rise of 600 per cent.

Things are no better for the county as a whole.

There were 811 deaths or serious injuries across Kent throughout 2017, and while this is less than the previous year’s 887, it is up 179 on 2015 which saw only 632.

“These figures are truly shocking,” said Lib Dem councillor, Peter Lidstone.

He said he has been pushing Kent County Council and the Joint Transportation Board to do something about the number of accidents on the borough’s roads.

FATALITIES Amanda Guile [top] died in Lamberhurst while Lydia Smith [right] was killed a day earlier in Tonbridge following road traffic collisions that have claimed a number of lives in the last few months “The council seems to have this vison to just keep Kent moving, and as long as the traffic is flowing, everything is all right, but there is so much more they can do.”

Cllr Lidstone wants the council to increase the use of 20mph limits on residential streets, improve public transport links and make areas more pedestrian-friendly by introducing more

traffic calming measures. He also believes individuals have a responsibility.

“Collectively, many of us are always rushing so perhaps we need to slow down, and the fact the streets are full of parked cars is also causing conflict.

“Unless something gives soon, we are going to see more and more deaths and injuries,” he warned.

In fact, the last few months have seen a string of fatal road traffic collisions. Only last month, the Times reported on the tragic death of 23-year-old Lydia Smith, who died in her Ford Fiesta when it was involved in a collision on January 26.

The day after Lydia’s death, 50-year-old Amanda Guile died in Lamberhurst following a crash involving her Vauxhall Corsa and a Range Rover Evoque.

Earlier this year, Tonbridge pensioner Steve Hilder also died when he was hit by a car in High Brooms, and only last week, police appealed for witnesses after a teenager was left seriously hurt after being hit by a taxi on the A26 St John’s Road.

Inspector Chris Mayers from Kent Police said: “From a local policing perspective, we work very closely with agencies such as Kent County Council to enforce the law and also run seasonal road safety campaigns.

“Whilst clearly there continues to be an important role for police in educating people and also prosecuting drivers for criminal behaviour, it is equally important that motorists take responsibility for their own actions and fully understand the consequences are not just about being caught.

“It is all too easy to become a complacent driver; however, the reality is that we all have the potential to take life or cause serious injury every time we get behind the wheel. Motorists are not only responsible for their own safety, but that of their passengers, fellow road users and also pedestrians.”

Farmers fight off closure and set our their stalls at new site

By Robert Forrester Newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE Farmers’ Market is holding a launch party on Saturday at its new home. It was feared the market would have to end after losing its current pitch outside the Town Hall as redevelopment of Civic Way gets underway.

As reported in the Times in December, the market was set to close after 19 years due to the council’s development work but was saved following a lot of work by stallholders, a crossparty selection of councillors, as well as British Land, owners of Royal Victoria Place where the market has a new home outside the shopping centre in Market Square.

Jo Jeffery from Naked & Ready Foods, one of the organisers of the now ‘independent’ Farmers’ Market, said preparations were going well.

“We have a full market of 25 stalls. All our stall holders have been carefully selected to give the

shopper a wide range of quality local produce including meat, fish and veg, local wines and charcuterie plus lots of homemade goodies.”

She continued: “Some are regulars from the old Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market and some are new to Tunbridge Wells but all have a good following.

Sheltered “We are very happy with our new location in the market square at RVP, we believe it is much better suited to a market than Civic Way because it is sheltered, has seating areas and pretty arches that provide a perfect backdrop to our market.”

She added that the launch party will feature live music from local artists and hot food so people can sit and soak up the atmosphere or talk to the traders about their products.

The launch party takes place this Saturday [March 9] and the Farmers’ Market will return on the second and fourth Saturday of every month.

TRADING PLACES Stallholders last week promoting the new Independent Farmers’ Market

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Driveways bring in cash for the sharing economy HOMEOWNERS and businesses are making thousands of pounds a year by renting out their parking spaces through websites and apps.

People of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge are charging between £50 and £250 a month for use of their drive on websites such as yourparkingspace. co.uk and apps like ‘Kerb’.

With car parking spaces at mainline railway stations now costing between £1,124 and £1,276 a year for both of the towns, commuters are increasingly looking towards the service as a cheaper alternative.

These online platforms are the latest products to break through into what has become known as the ‘sharing economy’, a trend that has seen people rent spare rooms to holidaymakers with Airbnb, invite neighbours to dinner parties with Nextdoor, and exchange goods on Freecycle.

The parking apps provide both residents and businesses with a handy second income for unused garages, driveways and parking spaces.

Kerb includes a car park management solution that allows churches, schools and other locations to better manage their parking and put their spaces to work by generating extra cash.

“We’re really excited about the benefits that Kerb is going to have for users in Kent,” co-founder Rob Brown told the Times.

Logical “The app allows you to list an entire car park in minutes, and each individual bay can be customised by availability, price and vehicle type.”

The yourparkingspace website has attracted 30,000 registered ‘landlords’, as the space owners are referred to, across 50 locations and 250,000 monthly users, and there are more than 160 parking locations in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge available in the towns.

As well as charging per month, users can charge per hour or per day.

Regina Segers-Post joined last year to rent the parking space from an apart-

ment she owns in Frog Lane, Tunbridge Wells.

“The tenant in my apartment did not need a parking space, so I thought I could rent the space and receive an extra income,” said the 50-year-old mother of two, who lives in Sevenoaks.

“Public car parking is so expensive, it can be around £10 a day, so if you can rent a space more cheaply, that is a logical thing to do.”

She added that she charges £150 a month for the unused space.

Charles Cridland, who co-founded the yourparkingspace site, said the West Kent market was a key part of the company’s growth.

“It is a big growth area for a variety of reasons,” he commented.

“The area is affluent, many houses have driveways, parking is in high demand – particularly close to train stations with connections to London – and the population of West Kent is internet-savvy.”

He added that competitively priced spaces close to town centres were quickly snapped up.

ROAD TO NOWHERE Limited parking in the boroughs mean driveways are valuable real estate

SE tech start-ups thrive THE South East is still the home for tech companies to start-up, according to new analysis by audit, tax and consulting experts RSM. The number of new tech companies in the South East continued to rise in 2018, with 1,398 new software development and programming businesses being set up, from 1,365 in the year before – the highest number of any region outside London.

Nationally, there were 11,864 new tech firms established in the UK during the year, according to data held

by Companies House, which is a 14 per cent

increase on the 10,394 companies set up in 2017.

Simon MacDonald, a partner in RSM’s Technology team, said: “Given the current economic uncertainty, it’s fantastic to see that tech start-ups across the South East have continued their upward trajectory.

“These numbers show that entrepreneurs are continuing to innovate and that venture capital, private equity and traditional funders are still lining up to commit funds to the right projects.”

He added that tax incentives such as the Enterprise TECH TECH GURU Investment Simon MacDonald Scheme,

R&D tax credits, and the Video Games Tax Relief regime are all playing their part in helping to fuel the growth.

But he warned: “The challenge for start-ups, particularly in the tech space, is to develop at speed and to scale-up fast.

Accelerator “There can be a high rate of failures as projects can often get overtaken by new technological innovations or better resourced competitors. But get the formula right, find the right backers. and success can be very lucrative.”

In order to support the growth ambitions of successful UK tech-based scale-ups, he said RSM has recently announced a six-month accelerator programme in partnership with Upscale 4.0, and delivered by Tech Nation, to offer its latest cohort of 30 companies access to its expertise and experience.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Local firms make The Sunday Times Top 100 TWO local businesses have featured in this year’s Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For lists.

Childrensalon, a retailer of designer childrenswear based in Tunbridge Wells, came 34th in the Best 100 Mid Companies to Work For list – the second year running that the company has been featured – while accountancy firm Creaseys, also based in Tunbridge Wells, came 80th in the Best Small Companies classification.

“A happy team leads to happy clients, which adds up to great business,” said Creaseys’ Chief Executive, Emma Roberts.

“We have worked hard to ensure that team members can take charge of their own destinies, own the outcomes and understand the choices that they make.

“This important recognition is the culmination of everyone’s efforts.”

Denise Hamilton, People Team Director at Childrensalon, added: “This is our second year in the prestigious Sunday Times Best Companies list, and we are so honoured and are committed to continuing to work hard to make Childrensalon the best workplace it can be.”

LISTED AS A GOOD FIRM To work for

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90% of British truckers could lose out on ‘international lottery’ for post Brexit trade THE Tunbridge Wells-based Freight Transport Association [FTA] has said that fewer than one in ten British haulage firms would be able to send trucks to Europe in the event of a No Deal Brexit.

With the UK scheduled to leave the EU single market on March 29, the Department for Transport has begun allocating a limited number of permits to road transport operators to replace the ‘Community Licence’ that currently gives unlimited access to all EU countries for UK operators.

trucks abroad after March 29 unless other arrangements – such as the draft EU contingency measures for road haulage – are agreed before then.

The Department for Transport has recently announced its intention to allow foreign registered vehicles into the UK without a permit in the event of a No Deal Brexit, intended to ensure trucks carrying essential imports can continue to reach their British destinations.

The FTA say this will come as little comfort to the British international road transport opera-

Warning The European Conference of Ministers of Transport [ECMT] permit will be required for any British haulier who wants to send a truck to the continent or Ireland if Britain crashes out of the EU without a deal.

Official figures suggest that more than 11,000 UK HGV operators have applied for an ECMT permit, but less than 1,000 were successful in their applications.

Pauline Bastidon, Head of Global & European Policy at the FTA, said: “In the event of a No Deal Brexit, the only tool currently available to UK hauliers to access the European market is ECMT permits.

“The fact that permits would be available to less than nine per cent of UK operators means that more than 90 per cent of UK operators will be left in the cold.”

She continued: “As we have been warning for some time, the number of permits available under international rules would be totally insufficient to keep Britain trading effectively, and shows just how vital it is that a deal is reached with our European counterparts.”

Ms Bastidon warned that only those operators who receive permits will be able to send their

TRUCK STOPS The Freignt Transport Association warns Brexit could lead to an international lottery

tors facing financial ruin as a result of a failure to secure the permits they need to enter the EU. “We are beginning to see the full practical and financial impact of what a No Deal Brexit would mean for the logistics industry,” added Ms Bastidon.

“Politicians must be accountable for the damage their failure to provide for an orderly Brexit will do to hundreds of British businesses.

“This is the evidence, if any more is needed, that a No Deal Brexit is no option for logistics.”

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Community News

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Churches street team seeks volunteers for Crescent Road VOLUNTEERS are being sought by the Tunbridge Wells Churches street teams for the Crescent Road car park, to help the homeless and others who may be in need .

The teams go out every night of the week at 8.30pm for an hour throughout the year. Peter Querstret, the Saturday Team Leader, said: “We provide hot food, drink, sleeping bags, clothing and, above all, love, care and respect to the homeless, sofa surfers, those short of money, the distressed, the lonely and those who, for whatever reason, need a hot meal or just to have a chat.”

Recruits are being sought for the Thursday, Saturday and Sunday street teams, particularly men – all volunteers must be over the age of 18.

The Tunbridge Wells Churches Winter Shelter came to an end last week after providing overnight accommodation, food and support to 20 homeless people.

Volunteers have completed a total of 776 shifts over the 56 nights, providing breakfast and an evening meal for the guests.

Cook have provided food two evenings a week and several suppers were prepared by Anna’s Family Kitchen, while Marinos and No 1 have supplied fish and chips. Blankets were donated by Age UK and Chamberlain Court Nursing Home washed clothes twice a week and also donated toiletries and new hats and underwear, while the Tunbridge Wells Labour Party also gave food, clothing and money.

Organiser Maureen Chaseley said: “The winter shelter this year has been a wonderfully warm, loving and supportive place for the 20 guests who have used the shelter.

“With good food, warm beds and a listening ear by the volunteers and chaplains our guests have been helped and encouraged.

“Many of our guests have gone on to their own accommodation and two have found work.”

She added: “Support for the homeless continues via the crisis centre and soup bowls at various churches and the street teams.

“We would like to thank every one of our volunteers and the businesses who have helped to make things better for all our guests, without whom we simply could not exist.”

WARM FEELING: Several companies donated food to the shelters

BUILD THE FUTURE Staplehurst primary school pupils with JBH Refurbishments’ Directors Babs and Jason Hubbard

Best Classroom Ever competition helps local schools with budgets A LOCAL company is calling on primary school pupils to design ‘the best classroom ever’ and win a £250 prize to spend on essential supplies for their own school in the face of budget cuts to education provision.

JBH Refurbishments, which fits out schools and commercial premises across the South East, launched the competition at Staplehurst primary school as part of its 15th anniversary celebrations.

The funding is available in two categories, for key stages one and two.

Babs Hubbard, Director of JBH Refurbishments, hopes the venture will

encourage young people to explore construction careers later in life.

“We chose to offer this prize because we are very aware that budget cuts in schools have meant teachers are having to sacrifice essential classroom equipment,” she said. “This is fun, creative and educational. The idea behind the competition is to create a buzz among young people for designing and building, starting with their classroom.

“They will need to put both their methodical and creative skills to the test to create a space that suits their interests and addresses the practical needs of a class.

“We hope the thought process could inspire the next generation of architects, engineers, builders, interior designers, carpenters and other skilled trades.”

The company says there is a lack of skilled labour in the UK and believes more needs to be done to promote construction jobs to young people – and in particular to encourage more women.

• Schools can download the information pack, which include templates, from jbhrefurbishments.co.uk/design-the-bestclassroom-ever-competition Email: camilla@jbhrefurbishments.co.uk The deadline for entries is March 29.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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Tonbridge Dog Show’s tail of success backs Dementia Friendly Community LAST year’s Tonbridge Dog Show raised £650 for the town’s Dementia Friendly Community [DFC].

A total of 95 dogs took part in the event in September in a wide variety of classes, including Beautiful Rescue, Fabulous Family, Cutest Puppy and Best Oldie.

The Dog Warden for Tonbridge & Malling, Lorraine Baseden, and Sam Goode, from Tonbridge OId Fire Station, presented a cheque to DFC Chair Chris Parker on Cannon Lawn.

“I’m delighted to accept this cheque on behalf of our charity,” said Chris Parker. “Thank you to those involved in organising the dog show and to everyone who donated, including the many four-legged friends that came along on the day.”

Lorraine Baseden said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to the dog show last year and gave so generously to the Tonbridge Dementia Friendly Community.

“I think everyone enjoyed the day, and it’s

rewarding to know that as well as putting on a fun community event we are now able to present this cheque to this very worthy charity.”

The annual show, which has been running for ten years, promotes responsible dog ownership and raises funds for a different charity each year.

The event is organised by the Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council with support from Tonbridge Old Fire Station and Ward Security, providers of the borough’s dog warden service.

Tonbridge DFC is a community group made up of local residents, business representatives and volunteers to improve the lives locally for residents living with dementia.

Last year it received the coveted accolade of Most Inspirational Dementia Friendly Community at the annual awards ceremony held by the Kent Dementia Action Alliance.

For more information about Tonbridge Dementia Friendly Community, visit tonbridgedfc.org.uk

HOUNDS OF LOVE: (L-R) Tamsin Ritchie, Environmental Projects Co-ordinator for Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Sam Goode of the Old Fire Station, Dog Warden Lorraine Baseden with Dexter, Tonbridge DFC’s Chris Parker and Sandra Edmonds, and Neill Wates with Wainwright

GRAPE EXPECTATIONS: The Community Storehouse trustees (back row, l-r) Gill Lloyd, Harriet Wright, Marion Clements and Nicola Manchester; (front) Erica Jones, Jim Cable and Susannah Strawson

Call My Bluff wine-tasting quiz funds Paddock Wood foodbank A FOODBANK raised more than £1,500 by holding a wine-tasting event with a difference. The ­Community Storehouse staged a quiz called ‘Call My Wine Bluff’ at in Paddock Wood’s Masonic Hall.

Eighty guests were invited to taste six wines.

Two volunteers, one of whom was an expert on wine, gave a critique of each offering and guests had to guess who was telling the truth.

Trustee Gill Lloyd said: “The residents of Paddock Wood and surrounding villages came out and supported us on our annual fundraising event, which all helps The Community Storehouse to support those locally who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.

“The wine was accompanied by an array of delectable food. Many of our volunteers were

involved in helping and running the evening and a thoroughly good time was had by all.

“We raised a magnificent sum of £1,522, which has been used to help with our substantial rental costs at The Wesley Centre, where we are based.”

The Community Storehouse began in 2013 when one of the founders, who worked in education, noticed children were coming into school hungry.

Members of the town’s Baptist Church initially began taking food parcels to families who were known to be in need at Christmas and Easter.

The number of clients has kept growing, and last year the foodbank helped 118 families.

You can donate at The Wesley Centre from 1-3pm on Tuesdays and 9.30-11.30am on Thursdays or email: enquiry@communitystorehouse.org.uk

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Mind the gap for gender pay deadline ALMOST five out of six employers in Britain have yet to publish their latest gender pay gap figures with less than a month to go until the deadline.

Only 1,600 of an expected 10,000 organisations have reported their figures so far.

Those yet to publish include most supermarket chains, local authorities and NHS trusts, plus almost all universities and police forces.

Government Those who have already reported include the majority of high street banks and all the main government departments.

Public sector employers must declare their gender pay gap by March 30. The deadline for private and voluntary sector employers is April 4.

Penalties for missing the deadline include a

court order and a possible unlimited fine.

The gender pay gap is the difference between the median average hourly wage of men and women working in the same organisation.

It is not the same as equal pay, where firms are required by law to pay men and women doing the same job the same salary.

This is the second year that all organisations with at least 250 employees are required by law to report their gender pay gap.

The median gender pay gap for all workers in the UK is 17.9 per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Of the 991 organisations who have published a comparable gender pay gap for both this year and last year, 398 [40 per cent] have reported an increase, 56 [6 per cent] no change and 537 [54 per cent] a decrease.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

NEW PROJECT Chuka Umunna and colleagues outside the Electoral Commission

Independent Group hold talks to turn into real political party BREAKAWAY MPs from The Independent Group [TIG] have begun discussions with the elections watchdog about becoming a fully fledged party.

Group spokesman Chuka Umunna led a delegation of the group’s MPs for talks with the Electoral Commission, saying that in order to present an alternative to the ‘broken political system’ they would have to become a party.

He said: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of people who have signed up to our website, who have shown support for what we are doing and want to see an alternative, to build an alternative.

“So we are here at the Electoral Commission to explore with them how we do that.

He added: “We aren’t a political party but quite

clearly there is an appetite for a new one, so we are here to discuss with them what that involves.”

Mr Umunna was joined by former Labour MPs Gavin Shuker, Ann Coffey and Chris Leslie along with former Tory Heidi Allen at the Electoral Commission headquarters in London.

He explained: “We think people want an alternative. If you want to present an alternative you have to become a party, so we want to find out what that involves.

“We want to ensure that we properly involve everyone in the country who wants to see that alternative come into being.

“We will be launching a ‘change politics project’ which we will be taking all over the country to include people in the process.”

All-clear for second HIV sufferer shows Berlin case was no one-off A PATIENT in London has become the second person in the world to be cleared of HIV after undergoing stem cell treatment.

The man has achieved ‘sustained remission’ after being treated at Hammersmith Hospital.

In 2003, the male patient was diagnosed with HIV infection and developed an Aids defining cancer, advanced Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, in 2012.

Three years ago, he received a transplant of haematopoietic stem cells from a donor carrying a genetic mutation in the HIV receptor CCR5, which hinders the HIV virus from entering cells.

He has now been in remission for 18 months after his antiretroviral drugs were discontinued.

Professor Eduardo Olavarria, from Imperial College London, said: “While it is too premature to say with certainty that our patient is now cured

of HIV, he is clearly in a long-term remission.

“The apparent success of this treatment injects new hope in the search for a long-awaited cure for HIV/Aids.”

Similar therapy was successful once before with ‘Berlin Patient’ Timothy Brown, a US man treated in Germany 12 years ago who is still free of HIV. The study’s lead author, Professor Ravindra Gupta, said: “Finding a way to eliminate the virus entirely is an urgent global priority, but is particularly difficult because the virus integrates into the white blood cells of its host.”

He added: “By achieving remission in a second patient using a similar approach, we have shown that the Berlin patient was not an anomaly, and that it really was the treatment approaches that eliminated HIV in these two people.”

A DRIVER has had to pay £201 for parking his van in front of a mobile speed camera.

Jason Sayers, 47, was arrested by officers after stopping in front of the Northumbria Police vehicle in Keir Hardie Way, Sunderland, in January.

He was summonsed to court for obstructing a police officer but failed to attend and a warrant was issued.

Sayers was arrested later by police and admitted the offence at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, the force said.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Killing Eve nominated, Bodyguard misses out POPULAR TV shows Bodyguard and Strictly Come Dancing have been snubbed at this year’s Royal Television Society awards.

The BBC has half of the nominations including Blue Planet II, Peaky Blinders and A Very English Scandal recognised.

But Bodyguard has been left out of the drama category, despite becoming BBC iPlayer’s most-watched programme ever.

Killing Eve has also been nominated for best drama series, with Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh going head-to-head for best actress for their roles in it.

11th nod for McKellen SIR Ian McKellen, Gillian Anderson and David Suchet are in the running for Olivier Awards.

Sir Ian landed his 11th Olivier nomination for his performance in King Lear at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Former Poirot actor Suchet is among the best actor nominees for his role in Arthur Miller’s The Price at Wyndham’s Theatre.

Anderson is in the running for best actress for All About Eve at the Noel Coward Theatre, based on the Hollywood film.

UK wine flowing freely BRITISH winemakers produced a recordbreaking 15.6million bottles last year, a 130 per cent increase on the year before.

Last summer’s high temperatures boosted the bumper harvest but Wines of Great Britain said it predicted further substantial growth as a result of the proliferation of vineyards.

Wine GB’s survey found that acreage under vine had tripled since 2000.

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Three explosive packages sent to main London transport hubs A COUNTER-TERROR investigation has been launched after three small explosive devices were found in buildings at major transport locations in London.

Police responded to reports of suspicious packages at Waterloo train station and office buildings at Heathrow and London City airports yesterday [Tuesday].

All the packages were A4-sized white postal bags containing yellow Jiffy bags and appeared capable of igniting a small fire when opened.

Scotland Yard said officers are treating the incidents as linked and are keeping an open mind regarding motives.

It was reported that all the parcels had been sent with Irish stamps, and police in Ireland are helping the investigation.

Burning

A Heathrow spokesman earlier said that flights and passengers were not affected by the incident.

British Transport Police were called to reports of a suspicious package in the post room at Waterloo station at 11.40am.

The package was not opened and specialist officers again rendered the device inactive.

The station was not evacuated but cordons were in place outside, while trains ran as normal.

Police were also called to a report of a suspicious package at Aviation House at London City Airport shortly after midday.

The package was not opened, the building was evacuated and specialist officers dealt with the parcel. The building has since reopened.

Docklands Light Railway services to the airport were also suspended temporarily.

A spokesman for London City Airport said that Aviation House was a staff-only building about three minutes from the terminal and no flights or passengers were affected.

No one has been injured in the three incidents and no arrests have been made, police said. Advice has been issued to transport hubs across London to be vigilant and report suspicious devices to police.

Officers received a report of a suspicious package at The Compass Centre, a building near Heathrow Airport boundary, shortly before 10am.

Scotland Yard said: “The package was opened by staff at the building, causing the device to initiate. This resulted in part of the package burning.”

The building was evacuated as SUSPECT DEVICE a precaution and specialist Police investigate officers attended the scene to Waterloo Station make the device safe.

ON PATROL: Police officers set up a ‘knife arch’ between Piccadilly and Oxford Circus Tube stations

PM calls for meetings after knife crime link THERESA MAY ordered an urgent set of ministerial meetings to address action against knife crime, amid controversy over her claim that there is no direct link with a reduction in police numbers.

Britain’s most senior police officer, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, clashed with the Prime Minister on the issue, insisting there is ‘obviously’ a connection between reductions in officer numbers and the rise in street violence.

She said: “I agree that there is some link between violent crime on the streets obviously and police numbers, of course there is and everybody would see that.”

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BUSINESS

National News

AstraZeneca boss was paid £11.4m in 2018 THE chief executive of drugs giant AstraZeneca saw his pay package soar to £11.4million last year despite suffering a shareholder backlash over his remuneration.

The firm’s annual report revealed Pascal Soriot’s total pay included a £1.9million annual bonus and £7.7million of shares under a longterm incentive scheme.

His payout was 9 per cent higher than the £10.4million awarded to him in 2017.

And he stands to pick up a potential maximum £10 million for 2019, including a 3 per cent salary rise to £1.3 million.

In its first breakdown of Mr Soriot’s pay ratio, AstraZeneca revealed he earns 160 times the average employee’s salary.

There have been significant shareholder revolts over the issue of executive pay for two years.

Cap on rent-to-own will protect customers A PRICE cap on rent-to-own goods will be introduced from April 1, bringing savings on the cost of everyday products such as fridges, cookers and televisions.

The new measure will save consumers in the UK up to £22.7million a year, according to the Financial Conduct Authority.

The regulatory body is setting the cap so that credit charges cannot be more than the cost of the product.

Currently, rent-to-own consumers can end up paying more than four times the retail price of some goods.

Firms will also be required to benchmark prices, including delivery and installation, against the prices charged by three mainstream retailers.

This will prevent firms from bumping up their charges in other ways to recoup any lost revenue.

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Mystery of missing crypto-cash as chief’s wallet is found empty

BIT OF BOTHER There is a £76,000 reward for information CONFUSION surrounds the legacy of crypto-cash entrepreneur after his digital wallet was found to be empty following his death.

QuadrigaCX founder Gerald Cotten died in India last month without leaving details of the passwords to access the wallets.

A company appointed to oversee QuadrigaCX after his death expected to find £105million deposited in the cash exchange by customers.

Cold storage Mr Cotten had sole responsibility for handling the funds and the master key to unlock the wallets was stored on his personal computer.

Most of the digital deposits were supposed to be kept in ‘cold storage’ to prevent them being hacked or stolen.

The cash represented the virtual currency holdings of 115,000 QuadrigaCX customers.

Mr Cotten’s death forced the closure of QuadrigaCX and auditor Ernst & Young [E&Y] was appointed to wind it up.

Their investigators gained access to Mr Cotten’s

laptop but found the digital wallets had been emptied several months before he died.

E&Y said they did not know what had happened to the bitcoins but found that Mr Cotten had 14 other user accounts ‘created outside the normal process’ that may have been used to trade on the QuadrigaCX exchange.

E&Y is now trying to collate information about the trading done using these other accounts to see if it can trace how much crypto-cash passed through them.

A reward of $100,000 [£76,000] has been offered by one former QuadrigaCX customer for information about the whereabouts of the cash.

“The unregulated nature of cryptocurrency exchanges, plus the fact that so many use them to hold their coins rather than just exchange them, invites fraud,” said security expert Dr Alan Woodward of the University of Surrey.

“We really need exchanges to be regulated. The big question, is who would do that?

“If anyone is using an exchange to hold their coins, I would encourage them to do the most in-depth due diligence they possibly can.”

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Another profit warning at troubled Debenhams SHARES in Debenhams have tumbled after the troubled retailer warned over profits as sales continue to come under pressure.

The department store chain said in an unscheduled update that its January statement claiming it was on track to deliver profits in line with market expectations is ‘no longer valid’.

It warned that trading headwinds, efforts to put the group on a secure financial footing and macroeconomic uncertainties were hitting the company hard.

The profit alert is the fourth in just over a year, and last month the retailer secured a £40million lifeline from its lenders to act as a bridge while the company continues talks for a longer-term refinancing.

Car sales accelerate DEMAND for new cars rose by 1.4 per cent in February after five months of decline.

Sales of petrol models increased by 8.3 per cent year-on-year last month, while diesels fell by 14.3 per cent.

Demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles such as hybrids and pure electrics increased by 34 per cent to take a market share of 5.5 per cent.

Jobs to go at Superdry SUPERDRY will shed up to 200 jobs as part of a cost-cutting plan at the fashion retailer.

Staff were told on Monday that there would be some job losses, primarily affecting the company’s headquarters in Cheltenham, as part of a cost-cutting drive.

The company has previously said it was trying to save £50million by 2022.

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NEWS

Letters

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

And another thing…

This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at Runcie Court, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG The Times ‘We Believe’ campaign: We must avoid that empty feeling As a business in the borough of Tunbridge Wells and with property interests in the town’s retail premises, I support your initiative.

The top end of town has gone seriously downhill in recent years so I do hope it will soon turn the corner. We must not allow it to get even worse. It needs foresight and effort, which presently seem lacking.

SITUATION VACANT RVP’s Ely Court looks derelict

Not perfect, but we’re working on it I just wanted to say how great the ‘We Believe in Tunbridge Wells’ campaign is, and thank you for doing it.

We all know things are not perfect, but we have a lot to feel very proud of here in Tunbridge Wells, and also some exciting developments which will help put the town on the map even more.

There are some great people, too!

So many locals are doom and gloom, especially on social media, and always putting the town down – such a shame!

I love your campaign and we are behind it all the way! I hope the whole community embraces it and it will help encourage a more positive mood as we move through 2019.

As you know, at Royal Victoria Place [RVP] we have offered a temporary home [in Market Square] to help save the Farmers’ Market and to keep it going for the future.

Marc Burchett Marketing Manager, Royal Victoria Place

New projects are made of Lego Having read about your ‘We Believe’ campaign and seen the proposed development projects mentioned in the issue dated February 6, I am appalled at the lack of consideration for surrounding attractive Victorian architecture by the architects of these ‘square blocks’.

Do they have no more imagination than presenting what, in my eyes, appears to be tarted-up, boring, straight pieces of concrete?

They may as well be made of Lego.

Reduce the rents and rates and get the place ticking. The number one objective should be to avoid empty premises.

With a shop near Royal Victoria Place, I am amazed that the new owners, British Land, have allowed one of the two main entrances, Ely Court, to go empty and effectively derelict.

Not good business, to put it mildly – it has turned many people away when retailing is difficult enough.

Short-term lets and pop-ups are an obvious solution without prejudicing the future.

If they are redeveloped, they could be vacated quickly. No excuses.

It is just depressing at the moment. I hope they can do better moving forward.

David Knight Via email Where are the graceful columns and black and white frontages?

In my opinion, the reason that The Pantiles, for example, attracts people to the area is its quaint Victorian buildings.

Could not the new facades at least reflect or imitate the town’s heritage?

Please do not let Tunbridge Wells be a carbon copy of practically every other major town in the country.

One of the reasons I moved near the town last year was because it had character, but now it seems to be eroding away at a fast rate. I cannot see tourists with any interest in culture coming to the town if these type of developments go ahead.

I am not against redevelopment, but it should be done with a nod to the past, reflecting the historical roots of the town.

Denise Goddard Via email

Even friends are being negative Your ‘We Believe’ campaign really cheered me up. Having run a business since 1980, taking over a farm at Ashurst at a moment’s notice when my mother suddenly died, I firmly believe we must invest or we will stagnate.

It is really discouraging when people I thought of as friends launch a tirade at me sometimes that is so negative and pessimistic, and they are so unwilling to listen to any other point of view! We are lucky to have you.

Julia Soyke Via email

House prices aren’t everything…

Let’s support younger councillors

Dogberry in Shakespeare ironically states that ‘comparisons are odorous’. So are Tom Payne’s absurd claims about the housing market [February 13]. Land Registry House Price Indices show property prices in Tunbridge Wells have risen by 11 per cent more than in Canterbury since 2009, despite Tunbridge Wells not having a theatre like the Marlowe, that, incidentally, has been redeveloped on its existing site.

Ashford is a mere 16 minutes away from Canterbury by high-speed train and well within the Marlowe’s catchment area, but apparently property prices have lagged. Could this partly be due to the fact that a garden city with 5,750 houses is being built adjacent to the town?

I hope the outcome of the Calverley Square Inquiry will not be unduly influenced by the views of estate agents and ill thought-out arguments by supporters of a new theatre and office block.

Above all, I strongly question the crass implication that life’s main ambition for Tunbridge Wells residents is a rapid increase in house prices.

Terry Cload Pembury

I can only assume you receive just six letters a week, so need to publish them all, as there can be no other excuse for the endless letters from Conservative councillors moaning about Cllr Nick Pope of Tunbridge Wells Alliance.

Is Matthew Bailey [February 6] the same Matt Bailey who stood as a Conservative candidate in St James’ May 2018 elections and lost?

I have known Cllr Pope for about seven years, and I met him through Twitter. When I looked at the councillors’ attendance records on its website, Cllr Pope seems much in line with the average councillor. We must encourage younger people to be involved in local affairs, but how can they be expected to juggle work demands with midday meetings?

It is a well-known fact that Cllr Pope lives in the Park Ward. With the prospect of this amazing new theatre on the doorstep, just look at how property prices are set to rise.

This will also be an ideal place for councillors to live, near the Town Hall, unlike those who live in Crowborough or Cranbrook who leave Full Council meetings early.

I admire Cllr Pope for having his home address on the council’s website, unlike the other two Park Ward councillors.

We love the town for different reasons; some like its quaint old buildings – including tourists who come for heritage, not shops. We don’t all want to live in a glass high-rise paradise.

Carolyn Gray Via email

Another plan that’s full of holes Tunbridge Wells Borough Council appears to be so blinkered that when they started digging up the road outside the Town Hall they seem to have totally missed the enormous pot holes only yards away.

Once again the council seemed intent on fiddling with something that works already, whilst totally missing the real needs of the town.

Colin Walton Via email

Roots of decline go down deep While we applaud the efforts of Trees of Love and their project [Times of Tonbridge, February 13], we are mystified by the attitude of Conservative councillors attending their tree planting.

All of the councillors involved voted for the draft Local Plan, which will allow hundreds of homes on the green belt in Trench Wood and at Lower Haysden Lane, and another 3,000 at Borough Green, while plots for 11,400 homes elsewhere were disregarded.

The borough council is proposing to build 55 houses on the car park, a stone’s throw from the tree planting site at Longmead. As well as being green belt, it is of community benefit for Tonbridge Angels Football Club – and this will lead to the destruction of 133 trees there.

Following the decision to sell River Lawn to developers and to demolish The Primrose pub, can I ask exactly what the local Conservative Party is trying to conserve?

It certainly isn’t our historic buildings or natural environment. Our town deserves better than this; judge our councillors by their actions over the last four years, not photo opportunities in the months running up to an election.

Mark Hood Co-Chair Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

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

Uncertain even at this late stage Every day we hear, from those who know about these things, that leaving the EU without an agreement would be a disaster. I contacted my MP, Tom Tugendhat, to seek his assurance that he would work to avoid a no-deal outcome.

I told him that we have very different political philosophies, but the issue we are facing transcends political ideology, and he is in a position to make a difference.

Mr Tugendhat campaigned for and voted Remain in the referendum, and we both think that the interests of the UK are best served by continuing our membership of the European Union. However, he does not appear to want to rule out no deal as a negotiating ploy.

For pretty much all my adult life, the UK has been part of the EU and its precursors.

Unfortunately, we seem to have been in a semidetached relationship with Europe for most of that time – not helped by persistent anti-EU propaganda from large sections of the media.

Over the past 45 years we have built up a web of commercial, educational, scientific, cultural and social connections with the other members of the EU. In my previous role, as corporate affairs director for a professional body, I saw at first hand how valuable these connections are.

I believe it would be an abject failure of leadership and a gross dereliction of duty for the UK to leave the EU at the end of March without an agreement. I’m still not sure my MP agrees.

Richard Byatt West Malling

Calverley is away again, ‘resting’…

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Local News

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A really out of this world educational opportunity To celebrate the official opening of its new state-of-the-art Barton Science Centre, Tonbridge School is inviting a number of local school pupils to participate in a range of educational activities – and to meet two NASA astronauts – later on this month as well as a number of other invited Tonbridge School will be hosting a students from nearby schools such as special educational week entitled The Judd, Skinners’ Kent Academy Mission Discovery, from Monday and Tunbridge Wells Girls Grammar.

March 18 to Friday March 22, ahead The main focus for them will be to of the official launch of its new gather together in groups to devise purpose built science wing. It is the an innovative experiment. first school in the UK to host such an The winning entry will then be built event and is the creation of ISSET,

by King’s College London and NASA, the International Space School and flown to the International Space Educational Trust, a UK charity which delivers learning opportunities Station, where the experiment will be carried out by astronauts. for people of all ages.

The two astronauts who The Barton Science will be taking part in Centre is named after the The three- Mission Discovery Week distinguished British are Dr Michael Foale CBE, organic chemist Sir Derek storey the first British born NASA Barton, a Nobel Prize building astronaut who has been winner and former pupil of now ‘places into space on six missions, the school. According to a Tonbridge spokesperson, science and and former International Space Station commander the state-of-the-art technology Dr Steve Swanson. three-storey building now In addition to the ‘places science and at the very astronauts, a team of technology at the very heart of scientists and postgraduate heart of school life’. school life’ students will also be helping The new wing, which is to manage activities. an extension of the original building conSpeakers during the week structed in 1887, artfully blends old include Dr Julie Keeble, ISSET’s Chief architectural features with the new Scientist and a Lecturer in Pharmacoland comprises flexible classrooms, ogy at King’s College London. laboratories, independent study A Tonbridge spokesperson areas, a library as well as all the described the Mission Discovery latest technology. event as ‘a truly exciting prospect’ Designed to ‘stimulate interest and due to the fact that pupils are being curiosity’ about all the sciences – given the amazing opportunity to Physics, Chemistry and Biology – the create a piece of scientific engineercentre also includes an interactive ing that has the potential to be orbited into space. periodic table, its own bee hive and roof garden, and a specially commisThe week’s course will culminate sioned sculptural piece entitled in a presentation evening on Friday Barton’s Chair by Oxford Biochemistry March 22, in which the winning graduate turned sculptor Briony experiment will be selected by an Marshall which hangs in the stairwell adjudicating panel. The of the main atrium. The centre’s stairs following day there will be a and walls are also adorned with science and space afternoon of family activities. useful scientific symbols and names as part of the learning experience.

It is hoped that the Barton The Mission Discovery week will Science Centre will also comprise of a series of specialist talks become a regional hub for the whole and collaborative workshops for community. pupils at the all-boys public school

Rose Hill preparatory school held its inaugural Orchestral Week at the end of last month courtesy of its new Director of Music, Elisa Harrod. A spokesperson commented: “This week has demonstrated what it is that is truly unique and wonderful about Rose Hill. It is the sense of family and community.

But also in the way that pupils and staff throw themselves into everything with energy and affection.” During Orchestral Week pupils enjoyed a range of musical demos including one from a French Horn player and

also how learning an instrument can enhance your intelligence.

The week finished with a visit from the Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra who ran some workshops before the Rose Hill School Orchestra played a special finale concert.

Sweet charity Pupils from the Catherine Bellinger School of Dance recently performed Alice in Wonderland at Trinity Theatre.

Over 350 children from local primary and secondary schools took part in the dance school’s annual showcase which compromised five different performances.

“We were delighted with our Alice in Wonderland event,” said Catherine Bellinger. “And the good news is we also raised nearly £600 for the Tunbridge Wells Shelter and also the Kidasha charity which helps to protect and provide education and healthcare for disadvantaged children in Nepal.”

PHOTO: Carmel Jane Photography

In fine tune

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Weekly Comment

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Greg Clark

MP for Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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

We should encourage more people to think about apprenticeships WHAT is it that connects Jamie Oliver, Sir Ian McKellen and Stella McCartney?

It’s not just that they have all made a big success of their chosen careers, and have inspired others to come into their line of work.

They all share another thing in common: they started out as apprentices.

Too many young people today think if they’re bright and ambitious, university is the only route to success. We are lucky to have some fantastic universities in this country. But that’s not the only option by any means. More and more young people are finding that applying for an apprenticeship is a great way to launch themselves into a career.

THE ADVANTAGES?  You earn while you learn. Many will see the upside of earning money while gaining a degree level qualification.  Hands on experience. Many individuals can benefit by ‘hitting the ground running’ in their chosen fields by putting their skills to the test and gaining confidence in a working environment.  Career progression. Many employers look fondly upon those who they have trained up themselves, meaning there is a lot of scope for advancement.

This is National Apprenticeship Week – a great opportunity to see some of the chances available

for young people and, importantly, those changing careers. One in five apprenticeship starts are by people over the age of 35.

On Friday, I’m gathering a group of apprentices together from the Tunbridge Wells area to lean about their experiences. I hope to find out more about why they chose to become apprentices and use the opportunity to highlight the many benefits of opting for this route into world of work.

EARNING AND LEARNING Apprentices at Arriva Bus Depot, Tunbridge Wells

Productivity Since 2015, over 1,600 of these opportunities have been taken up by residents in the borough of Tunbridge Wells across a range of sectors including health, leisure, business, transport, construction and engineering.

The growth in apprenticeships is not just good news for the individuals but is also good for businesses themselves. A study undertaken by the government revealed that the costs borne by employers for each apprentice they train is recouped within two years of completion through the increased productivity of the former apprentice.

And productivity is key for the overall prosperity of the country, as improvements in productivity lead to higher wages and improved living standards. This is why one major aspect of our Industrial Strategy has been to push for new technical education qualifications, retraining

April Clark Local Campaigner, Tonbridge & Malling Green Party

programmes and enhancing the quality of apprenticeships.

To see what is available right now, go to www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship and type in your postcode. Your will find apprentice opportunities locally from becoming a chef to a legal executive; from IT to precision engineering.

Of course, it is up to the individual to decide what form of education will serve them best in the future, and university will remain the right choice for many.

But with a wealth of choices of high quality apprenticeships, this is a great time to consider their advantages.

April was born in Australia and moved to the UK 12 years ago (she has dual Australian and British citizenship). She has lived in central Tonbridge since May 2008 and works full-time in London in the Financial Services industry as an HR Director. In 2015, April helped establish a new branch of the WI in South Tonbridge.

We all deserve affordable, safe and secure homes DID you know that right now, there are over 1,200 people on Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council’s waiting list for housing, while the council tax records show that we have over 1,300 unoccupied homes? Everyone has a right to an affordable, safe and secure home - but these figures show there is something wrong with how we think about housing today.

Social housing demand in our community far outstrips supply, and there have been zero social homes for rent built in the borough for the last five years. So, many people are forced to rely on private landlords while rents are fast becoming unaffordable in Tonbridge, and evictions by private landlords are increasing.

For tenants receiving housing benefit, this taxpayer money ends up going straight into the pockets of private landlords. And that is if you are able to secure a tenancy at all - often private landlords simply refuse tenants on housing benefit.

Ironically, another issue making the housing crisis worse is the government’s Help to Buy scheme which provides interest free loans to buy new-build houses. The scheme has enabled big business to make massive profits funded by taxpayer cash - just last week Persimmon

reported a £1.09bn profit for 2018, the biggest ever made by a UK housebuilder. Almost half the houses it built last year were bought through Help to Buy, and the company has nearly tripled profits per house since 2013 while house prices have continued to rise.

Strategy In Tonbridge we desperately need truly affordable housing - but beware the definition of this term! The government says ‘affordable’ housing is that priced at 20% less than market value. Locally, units recently available through Clarion Housing have been priced at £330,000 for a two bedroom apartment, which is simply out of reach for many people.

Local authorities have some power to demand that developers include a certain amount of ‘affordable’ housing in their plans, but even then developers can avoid this obligation if they can show it would reduce their profits.

Central government funding for local authorities is reducing every year, and smart councils are putting in place financial strategies that secure investment for the

future. For Tonbridge and Malling, an obvious place to start would be to build social housing, meeting demand for truly affordable homes while securing a steady rental income stream.

AFFORDABLE Everybody has the right to a safe, secure and affordable home

It’s clear we need a long term housing strategy based on evidence, not ideology. We need to get creative to help make sure that no one in our community is left behind.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, TOP TRENDS AN D GARDENING

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MAKING A GRAND ENTRANCE…

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PIPPA GREENWOOD SLUGS IT OUT

Pooling his resources

John Bullock on architecture Page 41

Fully decked for town and country living Page 31

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Best For

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Best property buys for...

We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on specific aspects that make these properties well worth a look…

The ENTRANCE…

Gatehouse Farm

Couchman Green Lane Staplehurst

Guide price

£1,195,000 CONTACT • Jackson-Stops, Cranbrook • 01580 720000 • jackson-stops.co.uk A fabulous period farmhouse in the Cranbrook School catchment area with a host of historic architectural features, as well as a ground floor annexe and outbuildings.

It also has planning permission for a selfcontained studio annexe, and is just a 12-minute walk from the station via a footpath over fields.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Sitting room n Dining room n Kitchen with walk-in pantry n Breakfast room n Studio n Office n 6 bedrooms n 3 bath/shower rooms n Extensive outbuildings, including a barn n Garden split into ‘garden rooms’, including pergolas, natural ponds, an orchard and a Victorian-style glasshouse n Approximately 3/4 of an acre in total

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

The FIREPLACE…

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The PRICE…

Jasmine Cottage

Withyham Road, Groombridge

Guide price

£399,950 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk This late Victorian end-of-terrace house has been extended by the current owners and has the benefit of an off-road parking space.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Sitting room with wood burner n Dining area with double doors to garden n Kitchen area fitted in Shaker style n 3 bedrooms and a bathroom n L-shaped courtyard-style garden n Driveway providing off-road parking

Lizard Cottage Bedgebury Road Goudhurst

Guide price

£475,000

Franks Hollow Cottage Glebelands, Bidborough

Guide price CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.co.uk A pretty semi-detached, Grade IIlisted timber-framed cottage full of charm and character, also within the Cranbrook School catchment area.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

£595,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A refurbished detached house with superb views, parking and a garage. Considered equally suitable for retirement or family use.

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Sitting/dining room with an impressive inglenook fireplace housing a wood-burning stove

n Kitchen/family room with painted units

n Conservatory

n Principal bedroom with en-suite shower

n Kitchen, plus utility and boot rooms

n 2 further bedrooms, both with far-reaching countryside views

n Cloakroom

n Family bathroom

n 3 bedrooms

n Garden with seating and timber decking areas

n Family bathroom n Garden with 2 sheds

n Reception room with feature electric fire n Conservatory

n Set back from the road

n Double gate leading to off-road parking/hardstanding

n Drive with space for off-road parking

n Single garage en bloc with light and power

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Cowden TN8 An outstanding Grade II* listed house with sporting facilities in a lovely setting.

• • • •

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Converted barn for guests Tennis court Farm buildings Indoor arena and menage

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5

5

63 acres

Your local expert, Will Matthews, looks forward to helping you. will.matthews@knightfrank.com 020 7861 1440

Guide price £3,495,000

Forest Road TN2 A substantial 1920s family house in a sought-after location with potential to enhance.

• • • •

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Many original features Panelled reception hall Views across Tunbridge Wells Approximately 1 mile to main line station

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3

3

Your local expert, Ross Davies, looks forward to helping you. ross.davies@knightfrank.com

Guide price £1,250,000

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

Connecting people & property, perfectly.

Rushlake Green TN21 A Grade II listed medieval family home in a rural setting with an annexe.

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A peaceful setting Period features Exposed beams

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3

2

Your local expert, Mark Yelverton, looks forward to helping you. mark.yelverton@knightfrank.com 01892 310977

Guide price £950,000

Staplehurst TN12 A detached Grade II listed farmhouse with separate barn conversion annexe.

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Rural position Period features Outbuilding

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4

3

2.6 acres

Your local expert, Mark Yelverton, looks forward to helping you. mark.yelverton@knightfrank.com

Guide price £995,000

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly.

All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. There will also be a £48 charge to register your deposit with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if applicable. (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees. Knight Frank is a member of the ARLA Client Money Protection Scheme and our redress scheme for consumers is Property Redress Scheme.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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Tangier Lane

Located in a private road on the edge of Tunbridge Wells, enjoying rural views

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AT A GLANCE TANGIER LANE TUNBRIDGE WELLS ■ Semi-detached cottage dating back to the 1800s with views over farmland ■ Sitting room featurng a fireplace with a cast iron wood burner and double doors to garden room ■ Kitchen/breakfast room and utility room ■ Playroom/occasional bedroom ■ Garden room ■ Ground floor shower room ■ 3 bedrooms ■ Bathroom ■ Driveway providing off-road parking ■ Garden with decked patio area and original fresh water well ■ Planning permission for a two-storey extension Self-contained detached annexe ■ Open-plan living room/kitchen with wood burner and doors to patio ■ Bedroom and shower room

A cottage and annexe brimming with potential, plus planning for extension

GUIDE PRICE £600,000 CONTACT • Kings Estates, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533367 • kings-estates.co.uk

UNDER OFFER

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New Homes

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Property Focus

NEW HOMES

Mayfield Place

Love Lane, Mayfield

PRICED FROM

£450,000 to £460,000 CONTACT

• Jones Homes, South East • 01322 619759 • jones-homes.co.uk • Viewings via: • Lambert & Foster, Mayfield • 01435 873999 Just four townhouses remain for sale at this stunning small development, nestled in one of Mayfield’s country lanes, just over the border in Sussex.

Designed with flexible, high specification layouts to suit modern living, the three-storey homes offer plenty of space for growing families.

And with spring in the air, everyone’s thoughts are turning to gardens again.

“A recent survey revealed that the top reasons for home buyers ‘falling in love’ with a property were the location,

the price and the garden”, say Jones Homes.

Their local sales team say they would definitely agree with the survey, given the popularity of a landscaped garden at Mayfield Place (pictured in the circle) – one requiring minimal maintenance.

It attracted so much positive feedback that they decided to landscape a couple more to show off the potential of a perfect ‘gin and tonic’ garden – the ideal spot for rural relaxation after a hard day at work!

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WindowSanctuaryS53FAVOUR.indd 1

27/02/2019 11:57

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Ten effective tips for keeping slugs at bay With metaldehyde pellets set to be banned, we will all be looking for more gentle ways to make our gardens slug-free. Pippa Greenwood shows us some alternative options It’s a well-established fact that slugs can be a bit of a pest. However, from spring 2020, metaldehyde slug pellets will be banned – so what are the alternatives for dealing with them, asks Hannah Stephenson.

Plant pathologist and organic gardener Pippa Greenwood, a regular on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, says: “There are plenty of other really effective things you can do to deter slugs. The best option is to take a multi-pronged attack.”

Here she makes some suggestions...

1

Introduce nematodes Nematodes are natural microscopic living organisms found in UK soils, which control many common plant pests including slugs, but don’t endanger humans or wildlife.

You apply by diluting the organisms in water, and then water them into the soil.

Slugs under the soil will be killed.

2

Create barriers Use copper tape, widely available at garden centres, around the rims of containers and the walls of raised beds, which act as a deterrent. Occasionally, a slug will get in, but in the main copper tape helps hugely.

Other barriers, such as cloches, can also be placed over young vulnerable plants.

3

Block their path with mulches Crushed shells are a good mulch.

Poultry suppliers generally have an

amount of crushed oyster shells and will be cheaper than buying a small box of crushed shells from a garden centre.

Use the shells as a surface mulch around vegetables including purple sprouting broccoli and calabrese.

4

Encourage natural predators Tempt natural predators who feed on slugs and snails into your garden, such as ground beetles, frogs, toads, hedgehogs and birds. Provide a variety of wildlife habitats and nesting boxes.

5

Choose resistant vegetable varieties Some varieties of potato tuber, are particularly resistant to soil dwelling slugs, these include Ambo, Cara, Desiree, Romano, Sante and Valor.

6

Choose trouble-free plants Garden Organic recommends gardeners choose plants that slugs and snails don’t like, including Acanthus mollis, agapanthus, hardy geranium, Digitalis purpurea, Nepeta x faassenii, Papaver orientale, Rudbeckia fulgida and Sedum spectabile.

7

Keep your soil structure and drainage sound Slugs thrive in rough, lumpy ground which is poorly drained, so improving drainage and soil structure is important where these conditions occur. Adding grit can help drain heavy and compacted soil.

SAY SO LONG TO SLUGS Pippa Greenwood

‘There are plenty of other really effective things you can do to deter slugs. The best option is to take a multipronged attack’

8

Be vigilant Inspect vulnerable plants regularly and remove any pests. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and go out in the garden after rainfall and at night, when slugs and snails feed.

9

Keep the garden reasonably tidy Don’t give slugs hiding spaces by leaving piles of rubble or stones or stacks of flower pots close to

cultivated areas. If you find large populations of slugs or snails in a corner of a veg bed or up an adjacent wall, pick them off and dispose of them.

10

And as a last resort...

Some slug pellets which don’t contain metaldehyde will still be on sale. Pellets containing ferric phosphate (iron), which kills slugs and snails, are considered safer.

However, Garden Organic advises that if you must use them, do so sparingly because of other potentially harmful ingredients in the pellets, known as chelators, which it says can affect earthworms and, if consumed in large enough quantities, poison pets. pippagreenwood.com

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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Property Focus

ARCHITECTURE

Architecture

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John Bullock

Architectural services Having studied at Edinburgh College of Art and The Royal Academy of The Hague, John Bullock launched John Bullock Design in 2003. With offices in Tunbridge Wells High Street, John has won awards for his work and is committed to delivering the best outcomes for clients.

Spring into summer and your own pool  There are approximately 240,000 pools in the UK, with 60% being located in the south of England  There are an estimated 1,500 new in-ground pools installed in the UK annually  About 15% of in-ground pool purchasers have previously owned a pool  There is an estimated 85:15 split between the number of outdoor and indoor pools  High-end, luxury pool installations remain steady, despite economic uncertainty  The estimated daily energy and chemical cost of running an indoor domestic pool is about £7.50, compared with about £5 per day for an outdoor pool  The above-ground pool market relies on warm weather to prompt impulse sales

OPENING UP TO THE LANDSCAPE Adding sliding or bi-fold doors can enhance the swimming experience

A

FTER Britons enjoyed the warmest February weather since records began, our thoughts were unsurprisingly drawn to the summer, with family picnics, holidays, sunbathing, or perhaps something more ambitious – what could be better than having your own swimming pool at home?

Despite being expensive to build, maintain and run, the fortunate few who invest in pools can create the perfect place to exercise and stay in shape within the privacy of their own homes.

There can be no doubt that a swimming pool is a luxury addition to any home, and viewed as an asset to the property. But while our climate seems to be warming up, should potential pool owners invest in an open-air pool or a grander indoor pool?

The cheapest option is an above-ground outdoor pool. While not adding value to a home, it is easier to install and remove – you can take it with you if you move!

An outdoor pool in the ground is more expensive. And when planning an open-air pool, location needs some careful thought. There is nothing better than swimming outdoors under a blue sky and in the fresh air, but despite our occasional ‘Mediterranean’ weather, open-air pools do have limited seasonal use.

The ultimate solution is the indoor pool, which creates a fabulous place for family and friends to enjoy time together all year round, whatever the weather.

Designing an indoor pool also needs careful consideration, and in our experience it’s always best to work alongside a specialist pool supplier who will have the technical knowledge of the pool systems and any necessary climate control for the space.

house that can open up into the garden and landscape with sliding or bi-folding doors will offer a more enhanced swimming experience.

It is also key to consider what the pool looks like at night, and while lighting can be incorporated into the pool itself, the room could be very subtly illuminated with a soft wash of warm light.

A vaulted ceiling over the pool will also offer a feeling of space, and this can be illuminated either with a star effect lighting system or up-light expressing the form of the ceiling.

Ventilation is absolutely crucial as an indoor pool will create moisture and humidity. There are many air-conditioning systems on the market, and a pool specialist can advise on the pros and cons of each.

However, from a design perspective, the most inconspicuous system is one that is below the floor, this keeps the space free of ducting.

The swimming pool itself can be designed in many ways, and should always have a retractable cover which will help maintain the water temperature when not in use.

Kidney-shaped pools are a thing of the past, and depending upon the users, a new pool today can either be a singular depth over the

entire floor of the pool or be constructed with a shallow and deep end. Steps at one end or at the side are important to create safe access for all.

If space allows, think about what happens around the pool. Is it an area required for relaxation? Or BBQs and entertaining? Or does the pool simply open up on to a large external terrace which in warmer months becomes an extension of the pool area?

There are also ancillary areas to consider.

If the pool is to be used socially, then it is important to incorporate changing and showering facilities for guests.

It will also be necessary to construct a pool plant room to house all the necessary equipment required for running the pool and its ventilation system. Don’t underestimate the size of plant space required as this can be quite sizeable.

It’s also good to include a storeroom for all those colourful wiggles and inflatables that inevitably add to the fun.

John Bullock Design is a multi-award winning architectural design consultants, and the proud winner of the Times of Tunbridge Wells 2018 ‘Best Business 1-25 Employees’ Award. Call 01892 525732 or visit johnbullockdesign.com

‘Kidney-shaped pools are a thing of the past’ The first consideration is the location of the pool. In town centres, as in London, it is common to construct a pool within a basement by digging down under a house, but this is the costliest solution.

In the countryside, where space is more available, a pool extension or pool house is entirely possible.

When considering the location for an indoor pool, it is important to position it to maximise light and the feeling of space. Both are hugely important in any scheme, and creating a pool

Pool facts from The Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association

UK HOME POOL OWNERSHIP FACTS

AN INDOOR POOL Can be beneficial for longer use through the year

LET THE LIGHT FLOOD IN Illumination and ventilation are important

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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

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Stirring it up...

Rosemary Shrager’s seasonal tips

BRENDAN COLE STEPS TO IT

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BOUNCERS PERFORM AT TRINITY

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ACOUSTIC ATLAS IN CONCERT

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PHOTO: Andrew Hayes-Watkins

A PASSAGE TO INDIA

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

The greatest Show Man Strictly Come Dancing and West End star Brendan Cole sashays on to the stage at the Assembly Hall on Sunday on his Show Man tour. Here, the talented dancer and entertainer tells us what the audience can expect…

To be a dancer you have to be confident and really bare your sole – have you always been self-assured?

No I haven’t! I am very confident within what I do as I have worked extremely hard to get to this level. To do anything well you have to believe in yourself and in your ability. I didn’t find my confidence properly until my mid-20s.

One day I realised that most people were actually so worried about themselves and what others thought of them that they didn’t have time to worry about all of the things that I felt insecure about. I changed from that day forward and have remained fairly self-assured ever since.

How does performing on stage differ to TV? Do you get nervous when appear live?

When on television (in particular on Strictly Come Dancing), you are one of many and people aren’t necessarily tuning in to see you. When you’re on a stage and your name is on the door, there is a real sense of pride while you’re on stage, and it fills you with an energy that is magic.

I will admit to being nervous on every opening night of my theatre productions. Such a huge amount of thought and time goes into putting a

‘I love a live audience and my tour gives me a buzz like nothing else. The reaction is incredible’

big show like this together and you want it to be perfect both for the audience and the cast. I love a live audience, and my tour gives me a buzz like nothing else. The reaction is incredible.

If someone has never seen a Brendan Cole live show, what can they expect?

Everything! We have championship dancers, a live band and singers, all of the Strictly dance styles that people love, plus a few surprises.

When producing any show, my aim is to wow the audience and give them everything they’d expect and much, much more. Whether that’s great production values, exciting choreography, spectacular lighting, and of course amazing talent from my sensational dancers and musicians, it’s so important to me to create a complete show. I want every single person that comes along to have the most exceptional night of entertainment. I like to think that we create a show that has something for everyone.

There is a lot of laughter and chat throughout so essentially, we just have a ball!

Brendan Cole

In preparation for Show Man, do you plan all the choreography or do you work with a

PERMANENT PARTNERS… Brendan with his wife Zoe team? And how difficult is it to come up with new ideas for song choices and routines?

It is very much a team effort between myself and my cast. I will have certain ideas as to how I want the show to form but it’s important for me to have the cast involved. I love the creativity that comes from that and it makes a better show.

Song choices are difficult, especially now as this will be my fifth production. I need to make sure there is something for everyone, old, new and in between. There has to be excitement, beauty, emotion, character… so much goes into these decisions.

My wife Zoe, my Musical Director, and I spend many days throwing around ideas and eventually we have ourselves a show list.

How will Show Man differ from your previous productions?

This show will be quite different from before. It’s slightly more theatrical and we’re changing the line-up of talent. We will have five male dancers and three female, which will allow us to do more tricks and stage choreography differently from how we have before.

With a new set and new look, it should feel quite different and, of course, with every new production comes new costuming and lighting.

I’m very excited about putting this one together.

At the same time, over the last ten years we’ve created certain numbers throughout the different productions that have really stood out, and we’ve loved performing. Subsequently, we have had many requests from audiences asking that we perform them again.

With this in mind, I’ve decided to recreate a handful of them for the new show. One in particular has been a personal favourite for me: ‘Cinderella’ by Stephen Curtis Chapman. It’s a magical number, telling the story of a father and daughter, which I created with my baby girl Aurélia in mind shortly after her birth. I can’t wait to perform it again.

SWINGING ON TO THE STAGE IN STYLE With an extra touch of sparkle

Since the announcement that you wouldn’t be returning to Strictly Come Dancing for the 2018 series, how has your life changed?

It’s just been extremely busy. I’ve not stopped, which is great. If I had stopped after the announcement then it would’ve been a horrible feeling, and I suppose that was the biggest fear at the time when I found out I wouldn’t be back.

It’s actually allowed me opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. Strictly takes up such a large amount of time in which you can’t do anything else.

It’s a very exciting new chapter for me which I’m embracing.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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Artists group together to celebrate historic site’s aesthetic appeal…

Four artists from 4ArtKent are currently exhibiting their oeuvres at the R Allen garage in Tonbridge, before it is demolished. Jill Goldsworthy, one of the exhibiting artists, explains how this collaboration came about THE R Allen Garage in Lyons Crescent, Tonbridge, is well known as the motor engineers owned by Duncan Welch, whose family have run the business for 71 years. The garage was Duncan’s playground when he was little and then his workshop as an adult, so he has been there all his working life.

Inspired

Lastly, what’s your favourite dance, and why?

Believe it or not it’s the waltz, but it has to be the right kind of waltz. When you get a great song that is really emotional, you can tell a really magical, emotive story to it throughout the dance. It’s a lovely feeling. I love seeing the audience reaction as they get swept away within it.

Brendan Cole Live: Show Man is at the Assembly Hall on Sunday (March 10) at 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £32.75 from assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

The premises were built by a Mr Powell as a repairers for horse-drawn carriages in 1896. Previously, the site was the garden of Lyon House, which GARAGE RESEARCH was demolished, then a pathway was Jill Goldsworthy (left) with fellow artists knocked through from the High Street and garage owner Duncan Welch to create Lyons Crescent.

Subsequently, Roy Allen started and also provided a veritable the motor engineers, but then handed it over Aladdin’s Cave of shapes, smells to Duncan’s father in 1947. As well as the main and excitement for us as artists. building, there are workshops and outbuildings From the sketches and used for storage where little has been thrown drawings we have made of this away over the years. This fact inspired the art historic space, a wide range group I’m in, 4ArtKent, which also includes Sue of contemporary artworks has Vass, Marilyn Garwood and Margaret Barrett, to emerged, which is currently put on our latest show there. on display before R Allen’s is We have spent the past two years exploring this historic site, examining the machinery, tools, spare demolished. We have named the exhibition Duncan’s Place parts and paraphernalia on display. They reflect and our paintings, drawings, the progress of the car through the decades

prints and sculptures reflect the atmosphere and history of this remarkable business and the buildings which have stood the test of time.

We are most grateful to Duncan Welch for allowing us the freedom to visit his workshop and stage our exhibition in one of the outbuildings.

He is now heading for retirement and R Allen Ltd will cease trading at the end of March, when the riverside site will be developed.

We do hope you will come down and visit us.

The exhibition is located at R Allen Ltd, 18 Lyons Crescent, Tonbridge, and is open every day until March 15 from 11am-4pm.

For more, see 4artkent.wordpress.com

Life&Times

Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

goingout 7 days of activities

WEDNESDAY

Join your fellow hedge-barbers for some Winter Maintenance at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park.

This is a volunteer effort run by Northern Wood, which will involve coppicing at Hilbert Woods and adding to dead hedges to create wildlife habitats.

Kent High Weald Partnership will be leading the

By Jerome Bowman

activities. Please contact Emma Peters for more information, by emailing: emma.peters@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Dinner hosted by wine specialist Jane Soter, where a luxurious choice of European wines will take centre stage. Jane’s extensive knowledge will impress you as you explore the depths and flavours of each one. The cost is just £40pp (with a £10pp deposit upon booking). For both events, see onewarwickpark.co.uk Ivo Graham: Motion Sickness is the new show from the self-deprecating comedian, who will be grappling with growing up, starting a family, and eating Subway sandwiches in petrol stations.

The show starts at 8pm, tickets cost £16 per adult and can be bought at trinitytheatre.net

THURSDAY

TO MARKET, TO MARKET to buy your fresh food in Tonbridge

FRIDAY

Head along to the exclusive fashion event Victoria Genevieve Styling at One Warwick Park Hotel today from 11am-1pm, or 7.30pm-9.30pm. The cost is £40, including a goody bag and talks.

Also at One Warwick Park Hotel this evening is a Chateau Musar

The Forum will be among those marking

today’s International Women’s Day. Love Cycle will host three talks during the evening alongside the music, and there will be stalls as well.

John Godber’s modern classic play Bouncers will be starting at 7.30pm at Trinity Theatre. This tale of one evening in a Yorkshire nightclub will have you laughing as you are dragged into the world of sticky floors, too many shots, and late-night kebabs. A truly unique play from a celebrated playwright.

Full price tickets are £19, and £18 for concessions. To book, go to trinitytheatre.net

SATURDAY

BOUNCE ALONG to Trinity to catch Bouncers

BOLSHOI: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY at The Odeon

Photo: © Damir Yusupov

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The Spa Valley Railway will be open all weekend for the Spring Diesel Weekend. The railway’s heritage diesel trains will be running from 10.20am each day until the evening. Locomotives include ‘Sister Dora’ and ‘R.J. Mitchell’. For the grown-ups, there will be an Ale on Rails evening from 7pm, and you can even get a ticket to drive a diesel train for a little of the journey. Standard admission fees apply for a day ticket. To find out more, go to spavalleyrailway.co.uk The Assembly Hall Theatre will be screening two collections of films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival, one at 2pm and one at 7pm. The

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

PRETTY LOOKIN’ PEOPLE Bonnie & Clyde

It’s the second Sunday of the month, which means The Tonbridge Farmers’ Market is open from 9.30am till 1.30pm. You can find seasonal fruit, artisan crafts, street food and more at Sovereign Way. tonbridgefarmersmarket.co.uk

MONDAY

Renaissance classic Bonnie and Clyde (1969) will be screening at Trinity Theatre at 10.30am.

The film stars Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as they fall in love, rob banks and run away from the law. This is part of the Senior Cinema series, meaning that the house lights will not be fully turned down and there will be a 15-minute interval with refreshments. Non-members welcome. To find out about becoming a member, email: jocelyn@trinitytheatre.net To book tickets, visit trinitytheatre.net collections are completely different from each other, and include adventure films from explorers and action film-makers as they journey in some of the world’s most awesome landscapes. This will be a whole day of stunning cinematography and decent doses of adrenaline. Tickets cost £16.75 for adults and £14.75 for children. To book for either screening, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

SUNDAY The Odeon will be screening a live performance of Bolshoi: The Sleeping Beauty at 2pm. The Princess Aurora falls under the curse of the Evil Fairy Carabosse on her 16th birthday. Only the kiss of a prince can break her spell. Featuring a cast of magical characters and the performance of Olga Smirnova as the princess, this is will be a treat for any ballet fan. Tickets cost £23.25 per adult and can be booked at odeon.co.uk David Baddiel’s oddball children’s book comes to the stage at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge. ANiMALCOLM The Musical tells the story of Malcolm as he learns to understand and possibly even like animals, despite his house being crammed with them. This is an energetic musical comedy that children will love. Tickets cost £13 per adult and £11 per child and can be booked online at emftheatre.com

TUESDAY

Secret Art Parties is hosting another evening of painting with drinks and nibbles, this time at The Black Pig from 7pm. Learn how to recreate Monet’s Water Lilies with a drink in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. Tickets cost £40 per head. To book, call 01892 871684 or visit secretartparties.co.uk

BE IN THE MONET at The Secret Art Party

Going Out

PICK OF THE WEEK: Comedy Tapas

The Sussex Arms, Tunbridge Wells Sunday March 10, 7.45pm

Another brilliant night of award-winning stand-up comedy, here with Yuriko Kotani as

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the headline act – a rising female star whose dry delivery and sharp sideways jokes will quickly have you laughing. Sam Russell, Sam Middleton, Jon Long and Wes Dalton also take to the stage, with Konstantin Kisin as MC. At just £6 for an early bird ticket, or £8 on the door, this is a fun night out not to be missed.

Find out more and book at comedytapas.co.uk

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Going Out

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7. Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Chasing Skies, James Mcmaster, Rob Smythe Friday Over The Edge Saturday Closed for a private party Sunday David Migden & The Twisted Roots, Black Gabanza

live music With Paul Dunton

T

onight [Wednesday], local acts F4cade, India FraserAttewell, Kitty Montague and Thoma are all performing in The Forum’s Stable showcase, and at The Grey Lady, Chasing Skies headline with support from James McMaster and Rob Smythe.

Thursday night sees Abba tribute Arrival at The Assembly Hall Theatre, and on Friday evening Over The Edge return to The Grey Lady.

Meanwhile, Second Helpin’ will be live at The Bedford pub, and to mark International Woman’s day, Wyldest, Love Cycle and Biddle are at The Forum.

Saturday night has some great local acts in action, with Acoustic Atlas at The Beau Nash Tavern and Nocturne Blonde and Higgs & The Bosons rockin’ The Royal Oak pub.

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

Fans of David Bowie can enjoy Spirit of Ziggy Stardust, featuring Phil Murray & The Dogz, at The Bedford.

More T Vicar headline at The New Telegraph Club in Tonbridge, and the brilliant Dub Pistols return to The Forum with support from Makola.

David Migden & The Twisted Roots headline at The Grey Lady this Sunday night, with support from Black Gabanza. The Breretons are at Vedigris in Tonbridge and The Tudeley Singers will be hosting a charity concert at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge, raising funds for Child Action Lanka.

Looking ahead to next week, on Tuesday evening, Costellos, Alibi and Dirty Laces will be live at The Sussex Arms Basement, and The Steve Eggs band will be at The Punch & Judy pub In Tonbridge.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Acoustic Atlas

THE FORUM Tunbridge Wells Common Event information at twforum.co.uk Wednesday F4CADE, India FraserAttewell, Kitty Montague, Thoma Friday Wyldest, Love-Cycle, Biddle Saturday Dub Pistols, Makola THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road Event details & tickets available at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Thursday Arrival (Abba Tribute) Friday Sun Records: The Concert THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm More information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday Second Helpin’ Saturday Spirit of Ziggy Stardust Show featuring Phil Murray & The Dogz THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Acoustic Atlas

David Migden

THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Open all day, free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Nocturne Blonde, Higgs & The Bosons THE NEW TELEGRAPH CLUB 26 Priory Road, Tonbridge Members free, guests £5.

Doors open 6.30pm Saturday More T Vicar THE EM FORSTER THEATRE Tonbridge School Event details & tickets available at emftheatre.com Sunday The Tudeley Singers Charity Concert

VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Open all day Music from 6pm Event details available at verdigris-tonbridge.com Sunday The Breretons THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Monday TWUNTS: Ukulele Jam Session THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT Sussex Mews Music from 8.30pm Event details & tickets available at twforum.co.uk Tuesday Costellos, Alibi, Dirty Laces THE PUNCH & JUDY PUB St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday The Steve Eggs Band

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

It’s time for a seasonal change

PHOTO: Andrew Hayes-Watkins

50

This month our resident chef Rosemary Shrager urges us to spring into action in the vegetable garden – then join her at the Ideal Home Show…

M

ARCH is a strange month, it slowly brings the spring and sees winter being left behind. It’s also the time you can start thinking about planting a few vegetables in the garden, or on your allotment if you have one.

A while back I was one of those people who used to leave it too late, and then ended up with very tardy veg – or no veg at all – but now I’m being organised, and hopefully you will be, too!

ER’S DAY

OPEN MOTH

‘This year I’m planting loads of different chillies as they’re so versatile and can help make all sorts of dishes zing, such as a great chimichurri sauce’ So this month you can start your seedlings and begin planting a few things. Start with some spinach, lettuce and radishes, as these vegetables do not mind the milder weather. They tend to grow quite quickly compared to other vegetables. Radishes can grow in four weeks as long as the weather holds up.

I’ve never had much luck with carrots, but they are actually quite hardy, so I would plant these out at the end of March, as well as early tomatoes.

This is such a great time to be developing your

vegetable garden, or indeed your patio. And the great thing is you can grow anything on them, or a balcony, courtesy of some container pots.

Herbs are great if you only have a balcony, and you’d be surprised how much you get off the plants. This year I’m planting loads of different chillies as they’re so versatile and can help make all sorts of dishes zing, such as a great Chimichurri Sauce.

On another note, I wanted to mention that I will be at the Ideal Home exhibition this year from the March 22 to April 7.

Did you know that this year it’s the exhibition’s 111th year? I have to admit that I hadn’t realised it had been going since 1908.

It was Lord Northcliffe, owner of the Daily

Mail, who founded the Ideal Home Exhibition centre in the spirit of social reform. He wanted to show people all the developing decorating trends and labour-saving appliances in the

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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Food & Drink

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How to make Chimichurri Sauce INGREDIENTS:

n 2 long red chillies n 3 garlic cloves (peeled) n 2 large handfuls curly parsley

(leaves only) n 3-heaped tsp dried oregano n 2 tsp sea salt flakes n 4 tbsp red wine vinegar

homes – how very forward thinking of him!

Nowadays, you’ll find plenty of food and drink inspiration at the show, which is why I’m going along. I’ll be making lots of delicious food, including the best Yorkshire puddings!

But it’s not just me who’ll be present, there’ll also be a host of famous foodies doing demos on the main stage, and expert mixologists who will teach you everything you

need to know about how to create top tipples.

There’s also a great street food section which I absolutely love, with at least 25 different specialist vendors. You must try and come and visit, and if you do, come and say hello to me.

In the meantime, here is my Chimichurri Sauce, which I will be demonstrating with the Yorkshire puddings I mentioned earlier.

Yes, I’m going modern!

n 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil n 4 tbsp cold water

METHOD 1. For the Chimichurri Sauce, start by removing the seeds and finely chopping the chillies, Place these in a bowl then finely chop the garlic and add to chillies.

2. Add the remaining Chimichurri Sauce ingredients and stir well until combined.

3. This is quite a big quantity, it keeps for ages in the fridge. It’s great in salads, with chicken, steak, pasta. And it tastes even better after two days.

Lambing Weekend *

16th & 17th March 11am - 4pm *

A family day out to meet the NEWBORN LAMBS! Enjoy local produce and food stalls, rides for children, see a birds of prey display and meet a variety of other animals.

Book your tickets online at hadlow.ac.uk to receive a discount!

Online booking will close at 12 noon, Wednesday 13th March.

Online in advance: On the gate:

Adult:

£7

£8

Child:

£4

£4

Family:

£18

£20

(age 2 - 16 years/concessions) (2 adults and up to 3 children/concessions)

0717

Hadlow College Animal Management Unit, Hadlow, Kent, TN11 0AN 08085 551 434

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Books

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

6/10

Published in hardback by Orion, priced £14.99 (ebook £7.99).

Winter reads…

Guilt, secrets and misunderstandings prompt a family rift in Hannah Beckerman’s second novel, a story she admits to ‘struggling’ with during the five years since the publication of The Dead Wife’s Handbook. This flits between the viewpoints of estranged sisters Jess and Lily and their mum, Audrey, who longs to see her girls reunited. Beckerman, who recently wrote in the Financial Times about her own difficult decision to cut her alcoholic father out of her life, explores themes of sibling rivalry and death as she mixes scenes from the family’s present and past. Some sections are very moving, but the attempts to build suspense can feel a little too heavy handed, leaving the reader longing to get the big reveal over with.

There are some surprising twists along the way and there is a really good book in here which could have emerged with better editing.

This version is merely satisfactory, with the frustrating hint of something much better.

(Review by Beverley Rouse)

This week’s bookcase includes reviews of Black Leopard, Red Wolf

by Marlon James and The Familiars

by Stacey Halls BOOK OF THE WEEK

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

Published in hardback by Hamish Hamilton, priced £20 (ebook £9.99).

6/10 BOOK CHARTS HARDBACKS 1. Fing by David Walliams 2. The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney 3. The Binding by Bridget Collins 4. Becoming by Michelle Obama 5. Dangerous Hero: Corbyn’s Ruthless Plot For Power by Tom Bower 6. The Boy Who Followed His Father Into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield 7. The Wych Elm by Tana French 8. Normal People by Sally Rooney 9. Brawl Of The Wild by Dav Pilkey 10. The Familiars by Stacey Halls (Compiled by Waterstones) PAPERBACKS 1. Tangerine by Christine Mangan 2. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn 3. A Pinch Of Magic by Michelle Harrison 4. Still Me by Jojo Moyes 5. The Tattoist Of Auschwitz by Heather Morris 6. This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay 7. The Cut Out Girl by Bart Van Es 8. Wild Fire: Shetland by Ann Cleeves 9. Everything I Know About Love

by Dolly Alderton 10. Two Can Keep A Secret by Karen McManus (Compiled by Waterstones) E-BOOKS 1. The Rumour by Lesley Kara 2. Don’t You Forget About Me

by Mhairi McFarlane 3. The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry 4. My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella 5. Dead Memories by Angela Marsons 6. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer 7. If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin 8. The Corner Shop In Cockleberry Bay

by Nicola May 9. The Girl In The Corner by Amanda Prowse 10. Day Of The Accident by Nuala Ellwood (Compiled by Amazon)

After his Booker Prize-winning novel A Brief History Of Seven Killings, hailed as a triumph of storytelling, expectations are high for James. This deals with similar themes of identity, violence and religion, but it doesn’t have the same magnetic power. We follow Tracker, a character with a superb sense of smell who has been employed by the king to find a lost boy. He’s joined by an eclectic bunch of people to help in his quest, but the story jumps about, telling tales within the tale, but instead of being exciting at times it becomes tiresome to read.

The sheer level of rape and violence feels increasingly unnecessary, and adds little. James’s imagination is admirable – it just seems a shame that all the interesting kingdoms and people he creates are lost in the noise and violence. This has been touted as the African Game Of Thrones, but it remains to be seen whether people will return for the sequels, considering how impenetrable the opening act is.

(Review by Prudence Wade)

NON-FICTION

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias In A World Designed For Men by Caroline Criado Perez

Published in hardback by Chatto & Windus, priced £16.99. Available tomorrow (March 7).

The are living in the Information Age, with data driving decisions all around us. Yet Perez argues in her latest book that we’re using data that only tells half the story. To be precise, the men’s half. It’s not the first time she has focused on female absence: Perez is best known for her campaign to put a woman on CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

Stars And Poppy Seeds by Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv

Published in hardback by Tate Publishing, priced £11.99.

This book is beautiful. Think a patchwork of astrological maps, mathematical equations, moons, stars and historical doodles, all overlaid and collaged together in blues and muted greens, with pops of lipstick-red. Author Romana Romanyshyn’s words, however, don’t quite match the mesmeric qualities of illustrator Andriy Lesiv’s flights of fancy. The message, though, is good: Little girls can and should be entranced by maths, like our heroine Flora, who counts everything her eyes can capture.

While fiction, the last couple of

If Only I Could Tell You

by Hannah Beckerman

The Familiars

by Stacey Halls

Published in hardback by Zaffre, priced £12.99 (ebook £4.74).

Stacey Halls’ debut novel puts a human face on the witch trials of Pendle in 1612, some of the most famous in Britain. Fleetwood Shuttleworth is pregnant for a fourth time, and discovers a hidden doctor’s note stating that her three previous miscarriages mean she’s likely to die if she gives birth. Determined to produce an heir, Fleetwood enlists the help of mysterious young midwife

Bank of England banknotes (she succeeded with Jane Austen). Now she presents a cautionary tale about what happens when we fail to take account of our own gender bias.

Whether it’s car design or medical research, Perez argues this failure can have grave consequences. The book is packed with jaw-dropping statistics, such as that women are 47% more likely to die than their male partners in a car crash.

And, ironically, the book’s central thesis is almost undermined by the smorgasbord of stats Perez has at her disposal. But her calls for a reevaluation of the work that women do are convincingly argued, and do ultimately ring true.

(Review by Rachel Farrow) pages bring numerical heft, with facts and figures (‘You could fit 1 million earths into the sun!’), and the biographies of famous mathematicians, including Ada Lovelace and Pythagoras. This is intriguing and lovely to look at, but the plot is not wholly engaging.

(Review by Ella Walker)

6 /10

Alice Grey, whose herbal knowledge could be the solution to her ailment.

However, as the Pendle witch trials claim more victims, Fleetwood and Alice get caught up in the witch hunt. The book’s intriguing inspiration is somewhat obscured

by Fleetwood’s trite personality, but the swift pace of the story and the emotional revelations of the characters keep readers relatively engaged. At times, the writing can feel too modern for the novel’s historical leanings, but it’s an interesting read, if only for the shocking nature of the real-life cases.

(Review by Rosemin Anderson)

6/10

7/10

Life&Times

travel

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Travel

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

A passage through India

past and present, from Mumbai to Chennai Old meets new in these bustling cities, resulting in a vibrant blend – as Harriet Line discovers

I

T’S 5.30am and I’m bleary-eyed – but as soon as I reach the south Bombay fish market, the smell hits me and shocks my weary senses awake. This is peak time and the floor is wet with pungent water, yet the trawls are supremely fresh.

As I step over huge pomfret and tuna, ladies hurry by with wide bowls of the

latest catch balanced on their heads.

They are Koli women – descended from the original inhabitants of Mumbai – and have long run the show around here, bartering, auctioneering and heaving the fish into Sassoon Docks.

Fully awake, with the sun creeping over the horizon, I step out of the market and head north through the metropolis.

INTRICATE AND MAGNIFICENT The Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram

Mumbai, I’m told, is a city, but Bombay (as most people still call it) is a feeling.

Negotiating its busy roads, that couldn’t be more true – the honk of horns from scooters whizzing by is almost continuous, while the sights and smells change with each second that passes as we switch lanes on the manic streets.

There are street barbers, fruit sellers, and an array of wandering animals. Cows – revered as sacred, of course – incite a faster reaction from drivers than humans if they haphazardly wander into the road.

Bicycles scoot through the smallest gaps, while women in saris ride side-saddle on the back of motorbikes, clinging on tight as they weave through the heavy traffic.

We see all this, and more, as part of the No Footprints: Mumbai by Dawn tour, which brings sightseers to the most vibrant spots before the city wakes. (nfpexplore.com) Of course, some of the sounds, sights and smells in this city of 20 million people are less desirable than others – most starkly in its slums. The image is unforgettable.

They are a far cry, the locals say, from the impression given in the hit 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire, but nonetheless, they are still a prominent feature in a city of two tales. Juxtaposed next to sky-high luxury apartments, the slums are home to around half the city’s population.

Amid the poverty are stunning buildings

built during India’s colonial era. From the Victoria Terminus station – where, unlike in the UK, the trains unwaveringly run on time – to Elphinstone College, there is an architectural charm left behind from that period in time.

Dreams Outside the station, now officially called Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in honour of an Indian warrior king, newspaper distributors are piling papers high on the backs of their bikes. Dozens of different titles written in different languages are meticulously ordered and then loaded on to rear pannier racks, forming 8ft-tall newspaper mountains.

It’s hard to miss the ‘three religions of India’ – cricket, cinema and chai.

Bollywood billboards line the streets, chai tea sellers stand on every corner, and cricket is a sight to behold at the Oval Maidan. It’s a dusty field of dreams for the hundreds of hopeful men and boys who gather here daily, honing their skills and wishing they could one day join the national team.

Bombay’s charming chaos is energising and exhausting in equal measure, and I can’t say I’m not a little bit relieved when our guide, Adi, tells me we’re heading back to the sanctuary of the Taj Mahal

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk A BOUQUET OF BASKETS A flower seller at Mumbai’s Dadar Flower Market

Palace Hotel, where we’re staying. It’s not merely an icon of the city, but part of its history. It was the first hotel in India to have electricity, an allday restaurant, and the city’s first licensed bar.

In 2008, the Taj fell victim to the horrific terrorist attacks that besieged parts of Mumbai – and images of its burning exterior were beamed around the world. It took the hotel several months to fully recover, but it has since hosted royalty and foreign dignitaries – as it had done for more than a century before.

The striking domes and elegant rooms make the hotel itself a destination to explore, while its nine restaurants offer the best of Asia on a plate.

Souk, at the top of the tower wing, indulges diners with spectacular panoramic views of the iconic Gateway of India monument and beyond, while local specialties are on offer at Masala Kraft.

The hotel also boasts the serene, new-look Jiva Spa. Guests are treated like royalty throughout

the hotel, where nothing it seems is too much bother. Little touches, like bookmarks slotted into my bedside book – the page corners of which I had naughtily folded over – make the Taj stand tall among the world’s best hotels.

Despite the temptation to stay firmly put in these sumptuous surroundings, there is a lot more of India to see.

Chennai, formerly Madras and still known as such, lies on India’s south-eastern coast. Like Mumbai, its rich colonial history is interwoven in the colourful culture.

The city is huge – with a population of eight million – but it feels smaller and less boisterous.

After a two-hour flight, we’re swiftly driven to the Taj Connemara, southern India’s oldest hotel, which has just reopened after a twoyear renovation.

It’s a tasteful blend of classic colonial and art deco – and named after Irish baron Lord

Travel

Connemara, the then Governor of Madras.

While the history books have not been kind to his colourful life – as the hotel’s heritage tour explains – the grand building has become a symbol of the city.

Diwali – the Hindu festival of light – is in full swing as we arrive. Firecracker bangs echo through the streets and beautiful flower garlands decorate shops and houses.

In the evening, we’re treated to a traditional dance on a stage surrounded by candles.

Chennai, too, it seems, is a welcome assault on the senses. The city is called ‘the film music capital’ of southern India, and is famed for its artistic and culinary heritage. From midDecember, the Madras Music Season takes over for six weeks, with more than 2,000 performances.

But a street food tour is perhaps the best way to get a flavour of the place, and our wonderful guide, Lakshmi from Storytrails, does not disappoint. She not only brings us delicious local delicacies as we walk through the southern district of Mylapore, but takes us to the technicolour Kapaleeshwarar Temple. It’s a feast for the eyes, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, and a sight hard to beat. (storytrails.in) Its magnificence isn’t unique, though, as I discover the next day when we drive an hour south of Madras to the Mahabalipuram Temples – a collection of UNESCO-recognised 7th and 8th century monuments.

After a beachside bite of red snapper at the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort, we arrive at the Ratha temples. They’re an engineering marvel, having been chiseled out of single granite blocks, and adorned with intricate depictions of Hindu gods.

We only have an afternoon here, but you could easily spend a whole day exploring the hundreds of carvings and monuments, including one of the world’s largest open-air rock reliefs, the Descent of the Ganges.

Later on, back at the hotel, our last night is marked with one of the best dinners of the trip, at the Connemara’s Raintree Restaurant.

A flavourful end to an electrifying week that has truly been a feast for all the senses.

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THE BALLROOM at the Taj Mahal Palace

HOW TO GET THERE Rooms at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, start from £213. Rooms at the Taj Connemara, Chennai, start from £202. Visit tajhotels.com KLM flies to Mumbai from London City and Heathrow, via Amsterdam. Return economy fares start from £610. 020 7660 0293/klm.com Jet Airways offers flights between Mumbai and Chennai from £55 one way in economy class. jetairways.com

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Motoring

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Motoring News

This week… n Diesel emissions A sporty new SUV n Dog Mode warning n

Great news for the future of diesel cars following German test results

THE latest diesel models from BMW, Vauxhall and Mercedes emit well below the legal limit of nitrogen oxide pollutants – and in some situations, emit virtually none at all.

That’s according to independent testing by the German equivalent of the AA –ADAC [the Allgemeiner Deutscher AutomobilClub], which conducted real driving emissions [RDE] testing on 26 new cars – 13 petrol and 13 diesel – to measure their emissions of nitrogen oxides [NOx]. It found that many models, even diesels, emitted far less than the 168mg/km allowed under current European emissions regulations – Euro 6d (Temp).

And while none of the 13 petrol cars tested emitted above the 60mg/km limit currently allowed under European regulations, most emitted more than the cleanest diesel cars, shattering public perception that diesel vehicles emit more NOx

by default. The findings will be welcomed by carmakers, which are suffering with a global pushback against diesel-engines.

Diesel vehicles tested under RDE conditions are allowed to emit up to 80mg/km of NOx, but the European Commission has set a temporary conformity factor to allow manufacturers time to modify their cars to comply, which is 2.1 times the 80mg figure, meaning cars can emit up to 168mg/ km in RDE testing, but from January 2020 the 80g/km limit will be strictly enforced.

The commission is currently appealing against the European Court of Justice ruling to allow 2020’s limit to be set to a lower conformity factor of 1.5, or 120mg/km.

However, all but one of the cars ADAC tested came in far below even the 80mg/ km limit. Impressive performances included the Mercedes C220d, which actually emitted no NOx at all during testing, while the BMW 520d and Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi emitted just 1mg/km each.

The highest emissions were recorded by a Honda Civic 1.6 i-CDTi, but even its 101mg/km figure is still below the conformity factor of 1.5. Next highest was the Volvo XC60’s 56mg/km.

ADAC said: “Our test results show that diesel technology can have a future.”

UK details of Honda’s HR-V Sport unveiled, making for a racy SUV HONDA has announced pricing and full specifications for the latest addition to its range of ‘Sport’ models – the HR-V Sport.

Intended as a step-down from the brand’s fire-breathing Type R models, the HR-V Sport makes 180bhp from its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

It’s available with either a sixspeed manual or a continuously variable automatic. The former is priced from £27,595, while the auto costs an extra £1,250 bringing the price to £28,845.

The car also gains a bespoke suspension setup, a sportier tune to its dampers, plus a variableratio power steering rack.

Thanks to that extra power boost – 50bhp more than the

existing 1.5-litre petrol and 60bhp more than the diesel – the HR-V Sport offers a top speed of 134mph and 0-60mph is despatched in 7.6 seconds.

Not bad for a compact SUV. To mark it out from more pedestrian HR-Vs, Honda has fitted a high-gloss black chrome trim and a honeycombed front grille. And the LED tail lights have been smoked. There are new sports seats in black and dark red part-leather.

In addition to a generous equipment list, Honda has also fitted its SENSING equipment suite and its 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The HR-V Sport will land in UK dealerships from next month.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Audi’s plug-in hybrid range to be boosted AUDI has announced a new range of plug-in hybrid powertrains for its larger models as part of an expanded electrified range.

The brand said it would now reserve the e-tron name, previously used on plug-in hybrid models, for fully electric cars, and the latest range of PHEVs will instead go under the new ‘TFSI e’ banner.

The A6, A7 and Q5 will offer a choice of two hybrid powertrains and will be badged as either a 50 TFSI e or 55 TFSI e – for comfort and performance respectively.

They all mate a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine to an electric motor mounted to the dual-clutch gearbox.

The 50 TFSI e models will produce 295bhp and 450Nm of torque, while the 55 TFSI e models will up this to 362bhp and 500Nm of torque. All use a seven-speed gearbox.

The cars’ 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery will provide at least 25 miles of pure-electric range, according to the WLTP test data. Audi says the battery can be fully charged in around two hours from a high-output 7.2 kW charger.

The A8 limousine, being a rather higherclass machine, uses a 3.0-litre V6 mated to an eight-speed gearbox and is badged as a 60 TFSI e. Total system output is an impressive 443bhp and 700Nm of torque.

All four models use the brand’s famed quattro four-wheel-drive system.

Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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Recruitment

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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.

Codeword:

8 6

6 7 1 2 3

9 7 6 3 1 8

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

24 12

6 8 1

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★✩✩

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6 1 3

5 9 8 5 4

1 2

6 1

7 8

4 2

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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:

4 3 6 2 9 1 5 7 8

9 8 5 7 6 4 2 3 1

2 1 7 8 3 5 4 9 6

1 4 9 3 5 6 7 8 2

3 6 8 1 2 7 9 5 4

5 7 2 4 8 9 1 6 3

8 5 1 9 4 3 6 2 7

3 1 2 6 9 5 8 4 7

4 9 3 8 2 7 5 6 1

7 2 6 5 8 3 1 9 4

6 2 4 5 7 8 3 1 9

7 9 3 6 1 2 8 4 5

Jigsaw Sudoku:

8 7 5 1 6 4 9 2 3

2 3 9 4 1 8 7 5 6

9 4 1 3 7 2 6 8 5

6 5 8 7 4 1 2 3 9

5 8 7 9 3 6 4 1 2

1 6 4 2 5 9 3 7 8

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

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Sport

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Resurgent Rusthall denied by last-minute equaliser Rusthall 2 Deal Town 2

and shot which went over the crossbar.

It looked like Rusthall would go in at the interval ahead but Connor Coyne managed a smart turn and shot to equalise on the stroke of half-time.

Rusthall welcomed back their erstwhile prolific scorer Steph Harper and he came on in the second half to make the home side look far more potent in attack with his skill and experience.

By Joe Croker FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL missed out on a chance to gain on their relegation rivals after three matches unbeaten - while lowly Hollands & Blair produced a surprise win at Sheppey to move clear of the bottom two.

Rusthall had a slow start and allowed Deal to dominate the first half-hour with their speed and power but they created few chances as the home defence stood firm.

Then the game swung Rusthall’s way as Charlie Clover’s long-range shot went just over the bar and he also chipped over the diving goalkeeper but saw the ball go just wide.

Nodirbek received the ball on the right and rounded the full-back, running across the defence in front of goal before planting a superb strike into the net to give Rusthall the lead.

Proving highly effective for the home side, Bobomuradov followed his goal with another run

PHOTO: Dean Jacquin

Retreat In the 73rd minute Rusthall produced a good exchange of passes and the ball fell to Callum Gallie in the area. He was brought down for a penalty and Harper coolly stepped up to score.

At that point the home side seemed to retreat in order to defend their lead. Aaron McGuigan in made a magnificent save to thwart Deal but on the stroke of full-time the visitors found the equaliser with a shot by Sam Wilson.

Next Rusthall travel to bottom-of-the-table Croydon in what is surely a must-win game on Saturday [March 9, kick-off 3pm].

RISING HOPES New keeper Aaron McGuigan makes a save

Ladies miss out on final after Stones strike with early goals Tonbridge Angels Ladies 2 Maidstone United 3

FIGHTING CHANCE Becky Janes heads into the net from a corner

FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS Ladies were always going to be up against it in their bid to reach the Kent Plate final after going two goals down in the first 15 minutes at Longmead.

They worked hard to get back into the game at 2-1 but then conceded early again in the second half and were unable to claw back the deficit.

An excellent attendance of 155 braved a wet and windy afternoon and Tonbridge struggled to adapt to the conditions.

After 10 minutes a loose pass was intercepted by Maidstone’s Amanda Beeput and the tall striker strode clear to bury a shot into the bottom corner.

Five minutes later a lofted clearance saw Natalie Stacey go clear for the Stones. Her first attempt was bravely saved by Samantha Wright but the ball rebounded and Stacey shot into an open goal.

The Angels began to settle into the game with Kelly Moran and Becky Mackley combining well before the latter’s shot was blocked.

They gave themselves a fighting chance when a well-delivered corner from Florentia Anastasiou was met with a firm header from Becky Janes to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Angels’ leading scorers Mackley and Janes saw efforts go wide and high as the Angels ended the first half on the front foot.

PHOTO: David Couldridge

By Wink Tomkinson

All the hard work of the first half was quickly undone within three minutes of the restart when Beeput found herself in plenty of space.

Although her first attempt on goal was blocked

by Sharon Lyons, the rebound fell kindly once again for the Maidstone striker to finish clinically.

Wright’s brave dive at the feet of Beeput denied her a hat-trick and she was called upon again to save low to her left on 78 minutes.

The Angels fought hard to the finish and got a consolation goal in time added when Sara Walker was scythed down in the box and Sam Burton converted from the spot.

The Ladies have a chance to make amends as they go straight into another semi-final in the Chairman’s Cup this weekend.

Manager Dan Couldridge said: “We’re gutted to go out of the Plate as we know we are capable of so much more than we showed on the day.

“We have no time to dwell on it, it’s now all about how quickly we can react. Full credit to Maidstone, who produced an excellent performance. We wish them well in the final.”

The Ladies now take on Lewes Foundation in their next semi-final at Hadlow College on Sunday [March 10, kick-off 2pm].

Angels show fighting spirit to make point Enfield Town 0 Tonbridge Angels 0

By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS were held to a second goalless draw inside four days but manager Steve McKimm was pleased with a point against one of their potential play-off rivals.

They had drawn 0-0 in midweek in a rearranged Bostik League Premier visit to Lewis Wanderers, when Angels keeper Jonny Henly saved a penalty.

Both teams had chances to win the game on Saturday and Henly was on top form, pulling off some important saves.

A fast attack down the right after seven minutes gave Towners’ Billy Bricknell a free header but his effort drifted just wide of the right-hand post.

Four minutes later Sam Young’s 25-yard pile-driver crashed against the Angels’ crossbar.

The half-hour mark saw an Enfield corner cause mayhem in the Angels’ six-yard box with the woodwork again coming to the rescue.

There had been little for the Angels supporters to get excited about but on 35 minutes a good run

by Tom Derry saw him get round the back of the defence, though the cross was overhit.

Difficult On the stroke of half-time Derry was fouled on the edge of the area, and Joe Turner’s free kick exploited a gap in the defensive wall but was straight at Enfield custodian Matt Nolan.

The second period saw an improved showing by the Angels with three good chances created inside eight minutes, two for Derry and one for Alex Read.

The 74th minute saw Turner make a fine run into the heart of the Enfield defence and lay the ball off to Read, whose deflected effort was expertly saved by Nolan.

Henly was called into action in the 80th and 89th minutes as Enfield tried to claim all the points but the keeper was equal to the task.

McKimm said: “This is a difficult place to come to and for the second game running we have kept the distance between ourselves and other playoff contenders.

“Am I worried that we haven’t scored in three [games]? No, I have three strikers at my disposal and they will do the business.

“What we must do, however, is get points on the board from our next two games, both at home, so that we don’t waste the good work done here.”

The Angels are at home to AFC Hornchurch on Saturday [March 9, kick-off 3pm].

Heroic display by keeper Harris but Spencer cut loose Tunbridge Wells Men 0 Spencer 3

By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS were beaten at Kent College by a team who are riding high in second place in the South Premier League Division One. They had narrowly lost the reverse fixture to a single late goal, and the hosts made a poor start, regularly giving the ball away in dangerous areas.

Spencer scored twice in the first period and could have been out of sight by half-time, but for the outstanding goalkeeping of James Harris.

The second half saw a much improved display from the home side, with Russell Self going close to scoring with an excellent effort.

But Spencer converted another chance to ensure they took all the points, showing once again how fine the margins are at this level.

Having been promoted last season, Wells are getting to know the areas where they will need to improve in the next campaign.

Wells are sitting in tenth as they prepare for another tough game in West London at Indian Gymkhana on Saturday [March 9, 2.30pm start].

Barker makes sure Ladies have reward Tunbridge Wells Ladies 1 Crostyx 1

By Harriet Alexander HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Ladies’ player of the match Gigi Barker found the equaliser to ensure her side came away with a deserved point in East Region Division One South at Kent College.

Wells got off to a strong start, transferring the ball quickly around the back .

But Croystx matched the intensity of the hosts, penetrating the Wells circle repeatedly.

The home defence stood strong, however, to keep a clean sheet as the evenly matched sides went in at half-time 0-0.

The second period saw the visitors becoming more dominant on the ball, and they broke the deadlock with quick attacking play.

Pushing for an equaliser, Wells worked hard to regain possession of the ball and after a flurry of shots on target, they won a penalty stroke.

Barker added to a fine individual performance with a well-placed stroke rifling into the top corner to ensure the game finished level.

Wells Ladies now travel to Blueharts in Hitchen, Hertfordshire on Saturday [March 9, 12pm start].

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Wednesday March 6 | 2019

Sport

Life&Times

63

Half-backs Edwards and Robinson run TJs’ show Old Redcliffians 24 Tonbridge Juddians 0 RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS returned to action in Bristol with an impressive victory against a side who have held something of a hoodoo over them in National Two South.

After a weekend off the visitors were looking to keep up their challenge at the top of the table, but Old Reds had not lost at home so far this year despite being in the lower reaches.

A controlled first-half performance by TJs up the slope and into a strong wind gave them the platform to out-gun a spirited Reds side and earn another bonus point win.

At first they could not escape their own 22 and Reds got on the scoresheet first but then Will Robinson stepped and fended to make it to the tryline, where he offloaded to Duncan Tout to dot down. Robinson converted to level the scores.

This set the blueprint for TJs as Charlie Edwards tapped and sniped from scrum-half and the forwards took it on in phases before Edwards finished the offensive by going over and Robinson converted.

Robinson proved elusive for the Reds’ defence.

Edwards again took it on and this time Ryan Jackson was on hand to crash over. Robinson converted again for a half-time lead of 21-7.

Reds came out well after the interval and put the pressure on the TJ line to close the gap to seven points and grab a toe-hold in the game.

Approach But TJs were exploiting the spaces better and some good approach work through the pack ended with a long pass to Rob White on the right, who outflanked the defence to score. Robinson slotted the extras and TJs had a try bonus point.

The forwards were soon rushing towards the Reds’s line again. A few phases later Edwards went left but could not score until the pack arrived to drive him over, and skipper Mike O’Sullivan finished the job.

Reds kept up their intensity well to fashion a third try but TJs took the game away from them as another outflanking move saw Finlay Coxon-Smith stroll in unopposed to make it 19-40.

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

By Adam Hookway

LEAD FROM THE FRONT Captain Mike O’Sullivan scores from a forwards’ drive The home side managed to secure a try bonus point for themselves before the end, putting pace on the ball up the slope and cutting an excellent line to score a fourth try.

A fiercely contested encounter had produced some excellent quality from both sides but it was

TJs’ half-backs who controlled the game better.

Henley had taken over from them in third spot the previous Sunday by beating fifth-placed Taunton Titans, so TJs have to settle for fourth.

Tonbridge are back at The Slade to take on Dings Crusaders on Saturday [March 9, kick-off 3pm].

Fightback in injury time leaves Wells frustrated Tunbridge Wells 31 Bedford Athletic 31

By Roger Clarke RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS had to settle for a draw after an enthralling game as their focus and energy levels slipped and they gave away 17 points in five minutes of injury time.

It was Bedford Athletic’s first visit to Tunbridge Wells in the London and South-East Premier League and they soon took the lead as Wells fluffed a clearance kick after nine minutes.

Dominance But it took just four minutes for Wells to be back on terms as a handling move including returning skipper Ryan Taylor-Dennehy saw the ball reach Matt Spicer, who took his chance well to score in the corner.

Fly-half Frank Reynolds slotted a fine conversion against the wind from the touchline.

Wells soon established their dominance in the scrum which they were to maintain for the rest of the game with Aston Croall, Josh Pankhurst and Brendan Crosilla turning the screw.

Despite being against the wind Wells handled

battering of the visitors’ line before the ball was moved wide to Earle, who took his second score.

That gave Wells their try bonus point and with Reynolds again added the extras to lead 31-14.

In injury time Bedford began running the ball and stretching the tiring hosts, going wide to score unconverted tries on 80 and 83 minutes

well and occupied a high field position. They increased their score on 16 minutes as Christian Earle finished a rolling maul and Reynolds again added the extras.

The game see-sawed from end to end with both sides defences to the fore. Bedford drew level on 31 minutes with a fine midfield passing movement which culminated in centre Harry Sawford-Smith scoring under the posts and James Mortimer converting 14-14.

Soon afterwards the visitors’ skipper Rob Watkins received a yellow card and Wells came straight back as the visitors made a handling error in midfield.

Back row Josh Hawkins retrieved the ball and it went through several hands to Nick Doherty, who scored Wells’ third try. Reynolds converted for a half-time lead of 21-14.

At the restart Wells kicked the ball in the right-hand corner and kept the opposition trapped there until Reynolds increased the lead on 52 minutes with a simple penalty.

For the next 20 minutes Bedford were unable to get into the Wells half. With five minutes of normal time left, a 14-phase pick-and-drive

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

DOUBLE TROUBLE Christian Earle scored twice for Wells

before scoring another right on full-time.

Mortimer, who until then had not had the best afternoon with the boot, found form at the right time to slot the extras and tie the game.

Wells will look to make progress up the table when they travel to CS Stags in west London on Saturday [March 9, kick-off 3pm].