Times of Tunbridge Wells June 21 2023

Water outages hit South East

By Lilly Croucher

RESIDENTS in Tunbridge Wells, along with millions of others in the South East, found themselves without water last week. South East Water blamed the outages on an increased demand for water during the hot weather, however there were reports of burst pipes and water mains, and other leaking infrastructure across the region.

The outages began on Sunday June 11, and affected more than 2 million people across Kent and

Sussex. It resulted in the closure of a number of schools, including Claremont Primary and St James’

roadworks in order to repair and upgrade its water supply network.

This included a burst water main in Hall’s Hole Road, which was closed until Monday June 19.

Primary School in Tunbridge Wells. As a consequence, South East Water announced a string of

The outages resulted in an “exceptional increase” in water demand and prompted South East Water to announce a hosepipe ban in Kent and Sussex from June 26. The water company said it had “been left with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes”.

Continued on page 3

INSIDE: Further witnesses sought in Fuller case – page 2

FUN AND GAMES: Three young revellers enjoy the Black Deer Festival from the air last weekend.

people descended on Eridge Park last weekend for this year’s celebration of Americana.

‘The outages

Sunday June 11, and affected more than two million people across Kent and Sussex’

Picture: Lindsay Melbourne

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By Michelle Wood

THE leader of the inquiry into double murderer David Fuller’s abuse of corpses in Tunbridge Wells mortuaries has called for people who worked with Fuller in the 1990s to come forward.

Sir Jonathan Michael, the Chair of the independent inquiry, has called for staff who worked at two hospitals during that period to help the inquiry following “new allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the mortuary of the Kent and Sussex Hospital in the late 1990s”.

Morgues

In addition to murdering two women, David Fuller abused the corpses of at least 100 women and girls in two Kent morgues over a 12-year period. He was jailed in 2021.

Sir Jonathan Michael issued the call to identify any staff who worked at the Kent and Sussex Hospital or the old Pembury Hospital from the mid-1990s onwards.

“These allegations only came to light earlier this year. We were only able to start

By Victoria Roberts

MORE than 100 local schoolchildren have been moved within their school and into other local schools after structural concerns were raised by the Department for Education (DfE) last week (June 15).

DfE last week informed schools that they had adopted new guidelines from the Institute of Structural Engineers regarding structural detailing of roofs and RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete), Kent County Council (KCC) said.

“This has necessitated the immediate closure of a small number of schools in Kent, as well as in other counties, while work takes place to make them compliant with the new standards,” said a KCC spokesperson.

Affected

St James’ C of E Primary School in Sandrock Road is one of four Kent schools affected.

“The affected structure relates to part of the roof at the junior block,” the Diocesan Board of Education and St James’ Primary School confirmed.

Displaced pupils, from Year 3 and Year 6, are being accommodated in non-affected classrooms elsewhere on the school site, as well as at Rusthall St Paul’s, and Temple Grove Academy.

The spokesperson added: “KCC have confirmed that they expect all works to be completed by September 1, 2023.”

A school parent told the Times: “I feel sorry for the headteacher. It’s quite hard. It’s a big school. They need to find places for 90 children in Year 3 and 90 children

looking into them once the investigation by Kent Police had concluded,” he said. We would particularly like to speak to people whose job brought them into contact with the mortuary and body stores at the hospitals, to better understand workplace conditions and practices at the hospitals during the mid- to late-1990s.” Fuller worked in electrical maintenance at hospitals from 1989, and was at the Kent and Sussex Hospital until it closed in

September 2011. He was transferred to the Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury, until his arrest in 2020.

When questioned by the Times about the possibility of David Fuller’s crimes beginning earlier than originally thought and the number of additional potential victims, Sir Michael said: “We have not seen any evidence of inappropriate behaviour prior to 2005, but that is why these new allegations are significant and it is important that we investigate them thoroughly…

“It would be wrong to speculate whether there were any [other] episodes of inappropriate behaviour in the mortuaries at this time. At present we have no evidence that there were any additional victims.” The Kent Police are not aware of any prior investigations [by the hospital] into allegations against Fuller.

The inquiry is independent of the Government and NHS, although it was set up by and reports to the Government.

Witnesses sought after new allegations in Fuller case Schoolchildren forced to relocate

If you have any information for the inquiry, email contact@fuller.independentinquiry.uk or call 0207 972 1444.

in Year 6.”

In a message to parents last week, Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark said he had spoken with KCC’s Cabinet Member for Schools and the Government’s Minister of State for Schools.

“Both confirmed that when this type of defective concrete is discovered, there is no safe alternative but to take it immediately out of use,” he said.

However, the situation has sparked a proxy battle between Mr Clark and the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Tunbridge Wells constituency, Mike Martin, who has slammed the Government for delaying the publishing of detailed information on the condition of every school building in the country.

A vote in Parliament on May 23 had called for detailed school-level data from the latest Condition of School Building Survey, to be presented to the House by June 5.

Mr Martin said: “The Government revealed parts of the survey data, including that 7,158 schools in England contain at least one building component, such as a roof, door or light fittings,

deemed to be “life-expired” or at serious risk of imminent failure [and] almost nine in 10 schools have at least one building component that has a “major defect” or is “not operating as intended”.

“It is appalling that Greg Clark voted to cover up the dangerous state of St James’ school. Even worse, for him to come out yesterday (May 31) “committing support” to the school after trying to hide the facts is monstrous hypocrisy.”

However, Mr Clark hit back, telling the Times: “It is wrong to try to politicise the local MP supporting a local school.

“On May 23, the Minister for Schools, Nick Gibb, said that (i) every school affected by defective concrete would be informed immediately that it was confirmed, and (ii) a spreadsheet of detailed information on all schools across the country would be published when all 1.2 billion entries had been checked, which would be no later than July 20.

“That is perfectly reasonable, it is exactly what is being done here. St James’ Primary School is doing a difficult job extremely well and they should be supported, not drawn into political nonsense.”

DISPLACED: Some St James’ pupils have been moved

DAVID FULLER

NEWS IN BRIEF Pride returns to Tunbridge Wells

AFTER a year’s hiatus, Tunbridge Wells Pride is back. The non-profit event will be held on August 20 at a venue yet to be announced. Everyone is welcome and it is set to be a fun day out for families and members of the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters. Local businesses, performers or those wanting to get involved can contact pridetunbridgewells@gmail.com

Speeding heroin dealer nabbed

A speeding motorist stopped by officers in Tunbridge Wells has been jailed for dealing heroin.

Sebastian Haggart, 41, a heroin dealer who was caught after being stopped in London Road for speeding in May, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday (June 9) caught speeding and stopped on London Road. Officers searching the vehicle found a bag of heroin on the passenger seat.

His home in Fenshurst Crescent, Tunbridge Wells, was later searched and a 14g block of heroin with a street value of £1,880 was seized, along with a a second mobile phone. Haggart, a “repeat offender”, was charged with possession of heroin with intent to supply, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to two years and three months, with a 20-month driving ban in place on his release.

‘Demand’ leads to water outage

Continued from front page

The ban will be in place until further notice and a £1,000 fine will be imposed on those breaking the rules.

South East Water said demand had peaked at 678 million litres last week, while “little rain” contributed to limited capacity. However, it has been pointed out that reservoirs in Kent and Sussex were at high capacity, with Bewl Water at 98 per cent. There has also been significant rainfall since the weekend.

In his Times column this week (see page 14) Greg Clark MP says: “South East Water has now introduced a hosepipe ban not because it doesn’t have enough water… but because the infrastructure is not adequate to get the water from the reservoir to customers.

Demand

“That is not good enough. Although last week was warm, it was no more than we experience most summers. In my view it shows up the lack of resilience of the water system on which we rely.

South East Water’s CEO David Hinton said: “This situation has developed much more rapidly than last year.

“Understandably, we’ve seen customer demand increase in line with the hotter weather, but this has impacted our ability to keep all customers in supply at all times.

“Despite asking for customers’ help to use water for essential uses only, regrettably we’ve now been left with no choice but to introduce this temporary use ban restriction to protect customers’ supplies across Kent and Sussex.

“The long-term forecast for the rest of the summer is for a dry period with little rainfall, although temperatures may reduce slightly.

“Restricting the use of hosepipes and sprinklers to make sure we have enough water for our customers’ essential use will ensure we can serve our vulnerable customers and to protect the local environment.”

In their performance statement on leakage, South East Water said they lost 92 million litres a day on a three-year rolling average in 2021/22.

This is a 3.3 per cent leak reduction on their baseline of 95.1 million litres a day.

For exceeding its target, South East Water was awarded £1.023million for its “outperformance”.

Almost 2,000 residents in the neighbouring villages of Crowborough, Rotherfield, Mayfield and Wadhurst may disagree with this performance assessment.

Wadhurst which was voted the ‘Best place to live 2023’ by the Sunday Times experienced severe outages, with no water to the rural village for more than a week.

Wadhurst resident Debbie Peaford told the Times: “Wadhurst is a town of 7,000 people, with the majority of them elderly and vulnerable.

“This water problem has become a regular occurrence over the last six years, with two

major incidents in the last six months. It is not good enough.

“The water pressure went off on Sunday [June 11] and the temperature got up to 32 degrees, and then people started to panic. Ms Peaford explained that the nearest bottled water stations were a 20-minute drive away in either Mayfield or Rotherfield.

“How can they ask elderly people who can’t drive to walk miles in the heat to then drag back a case of water?”

“People can’t flush the toilets so [South East Water have suggested using poop bags like dogs and then throwing it away.”

A petition which has gained almost 1,000 signatures is demanding that ownership of South East Water should change after “failing to deliver essential water”.

The petition was started by Wadhurst resident Jutta Wrobel. She told the Times: “It is not the outrage at the lack of water but how [South East Water] are not doing anything and are incompetent.

“I started the petition because I didn’t know what else to do. I just wanted to make some noise and hoped it would be picked up...”

South East Water has been approached for comment.

Junior doctors continue to strike

By Lilly Croucher

WALK OUTS took place at Tunbridge Wells Hospital again last week as junior doctors went on strike for the third time this year in a continuing dispute over pay and conditions.

Cranbrook Museum celebrates 50 years

IT HAS been 50 years since Cranbrook Museum opened in Rectory Cottages, Cranbrook.

To mark the occasion, the museum held a reception on June 17 in the museum gardens, attended by local dignitaries and museum volunteers.

The volunteer-run museum has exhibits covering local history, farming, traditions, and the Cranbrook Colony artists. The museum is free to the public and open Tuesday-Saturday, and over the summer bank holidays.

Junior doctors from Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) joined the picket lines for another 72-hour walk out, which saw thousands of patients’ appointments re-scheduled or postponed.

Shifts

From 7am on Wednesday 14 June until 7am on Saturday 17 June, members of the British Medical Association (BMA) did not attend their scheduled shifts in an attempt to force the government into further negotiations.

The union is demanding a 35 per cent pay rise for its members, which they hope will achieve full pay restoration to 2008/09 levels.

Last week, junior doctors in Scotland rejected a pay offer of a 14.5 per cent uplift

over two years by the Scottish Government, with 71.1 per cent voting to oppose the offer.

Many doctors have expressed their frustration at the Government’s response, describing the pay offers as ‘insulting’.

Dr Ishani Rao, a junior doctor at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) told the Times: “I am so disappointed that this is happening again, for my patients and for my patience!

“We are still caring for people’s lives in underfunded and undervalued positions, and we demand full pay restoration and improved working conditions.

“If the Government truly values the NHS, then they will recognise that junior doctors are navigating an overwhelmed and insecure social system that needs full support.

“After years of cuts to our healthcare services by the Government, I am not surprised that we have not reached a deal, but I am optimistic that our value will be recognised, and I fully support the strikes until then.”

The doctors’ union BMA says it “beggars

belief” as they claim the Government continues to ignore junior doctors.

The BMA said: “Junior doctors are in despair at this Government’s refusal to listen. It should never have taken two whole rounds of strike action to even put a number on the table, and for that number to be a five per cent pay offer... beggars belief.

“We have made clear that junior doctors are looking for the full restoration of our pay, which has seen a 26 per cent cut.”

But the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay calls the BMA’s demands “out of step with what they themselves are receiving”.

He said the Government needs “to balance the demands of the NHS with also getting inflation down and growing the economy”.

Mr Barclay said they must move from their demand of 35 per cent and that these strikes are “extremely disappointing”.

Last week, MTW had to tell patients to only come to the hospital if they were ‘seriously ill and need urgent medical care”and to call 111 for medical treatment.

WATER BUT NO INFRASTRUCTURE: Bewl Water Reservoir is currently 98% full

St John’s schools get radios and police officers to fight antisocial behaviour

By Lilly Croucher

SCHOOLS in Tunbridge Wells are to be equipped with radios and assigned police officers in an effort to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Police have been dealing with an increased number of incidents across the town, specifically in St John’s, where reports of criminal damage, vandalism, theft, verbal abuse, and racial harassment have escalated.

Many of these groups are known to the police and attend local schools, with some arrests having already been made.

To tackle the rise of antisocial behaviour in schools, Kent Police and Tunbridge Wells Safer Town Partnership are implementing measures to support secondary school headmasters in the St John’s area.

This includes Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, The Skinners’ School, St Gregory’s Catholic School and Bennett Memorial Diocesan School.

Police presence in St John’s will be increased with dedicated neighbourhood police officers being assigned to the area and a named officer appointed to each school.

Edward Wesson, Headmaster at Skinners’ told the Times: “We will be one of the schools benefiting from the establishment

of a Child Centred Policing Team in Tunbridge Wells, bringing three police officers or PCSOs to support our work with students in and out of school. We welcome this. Anything that helps stop young people falling (often inadvertently) into criminal behaviour is good news. The police are fundamental to that process of education and we look forward to working with allocated officers.”

Equipping

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Community Safety Unit will also be equipping each of the schools with radios which will connect directly to nearby police officers and CCTV operators.

Roz Heaton, Business Crime Manager for the Safer Town Partnership told the Times: “Hopefully these measures will give schools a bit more armour to deal with incidents like this.

“If schools do have a problem, the police will know about it immediately rather than waiting for a report to come through later.

“Our Street pastors and youth teams will also have radios so they are able to help as well,” Ms Heaton explained.

“The initiative will be reviewed again after the schools go back in September, but the measures are there to help headmasters so they don’t feel alone

and that there is someone to help.”

Greg Clark MP, who recently met with local headteachers and the police, said: “The Chief Inspector has taken steps to increase the police presence in the area and has agreed measures to support headteachers, who themselves with their staff have been increasing their support for pupils leaving the schools at the end of the day.

“I am grateful to the Chief Inspector and his colleagues for meeting with me and the

headteachers and responding in the way that they have.

“Our area is generally a safe and respectful place, and it is important to intervene to keep it that way,” he added.

“There are some signs that the increased police presence is having an effect, but it is still early days and the extent of the behaviour is very substantial.

“I will continue to support residents in doing everything I can to end this unacceptable situation.”

THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT 2022

Ayla Clissold, Associate Solicitor, Residential Property, CooperBurnett LLP, explains the ins and outs of the new Act

What is the Act for?

St Paul’s Primary drops from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’

By Sharon Bruce

RUSTHALL St Paul’s Primary School has dipped from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’ in a recent Ofsted report (June 15).

Despite the overall grading, in four of the six categories, the school was rated ‘good’. These included behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management.

Quality

However, in the wake of the two-day inspection, which took place in April, the quality of education and the early years provision were rated as ‘requires improvement’.

In 2021, the Times reported that the entire governing body of the school resigned after claiming that Kent County Council had repeatedly “moved the goalposts” when it came to the funding and running of the school. Extending beyond administration, the latest Ofsted report stated that sometimes staff “move on too quickly” with younger children before they have “fully embedded their phonic knowledge”. However, it was acknowledged that those children were now receiving

the necessary support to help them catch up. Children were now getting the support they needed to help them catch up.

The report also noted that while “rapid and significant improvements” had been made in improving the curriculum at the school, inspectors said it was still a “work in progress”, especially in foundation subjects. The report observed: “In subjects such as science, mathematics and early reading, leaders have ensured that a well-sequenced curriculum is in place. The knowledge that pupils must learn is clearly identified so that they build securely on their learning.”

“Although new leaders are making rapid improvements in subjects such as history and art, pupils do not yet follow a well-sequenced curriculum. Leaders have not yet precisely identified the important information that pupils must know.”

However, in subjects where the curriculum is better developed and embedded well, pupils learn well and apply previous learning to new tasks, the report said: “Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities achieve ‘mostly in line with their peers’. They are swiftly identified and supported well to access the full curriculum.”

St Paul’s was last inspected by Ofsted in January 2020.

West Kent Radio aims for better reception

By Victoria Roberts

COMMUNITY radio station West Kent Radio (WKR) has joined a consortium that will enable it to transmit on digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radio alongside

its FM and online transmissions.

Communications regulator Ofcom is currently accepting bids across the country for small-scale DAB (SS-DAB) licences.

The move will increase the access of regional and community stations to the airwaves, as each SS-DAB ‘multiplex’ licence contains a number of ‘channels’. Digital transmission also allows for better monitoring of listener figures than FM broadcast.

Coverage

WKR trustee Dominic Cole said: “SS-DAB will provide both an increase in listening choices, as well as an increase in our signal coverage. This will enable more local people to benefit from the news, information and entertainment that affects their neighbourhood.”

He added: “West Kent Radio is excited to be part of the consortium with Kent Capacity Co and MuxCom to bring small-scale DAB services into Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and the surrounding areas.”

Meanwhile, WKR is also continuing to upgrade its FM transmission and has received planning permission for a new transmitter based in Tonbridge.

WKR is available on FM at 95.5 and 106.7, online at westkentradio.co.uk/player and on smart speakers.

Following the tragedy of Grenfell Tower, the Government established a Building Safety Programme and rightly launched an immediate independent review of building regulations and fire safety, which resulted in ‘The Building Safety Act 2022’ (the ‘Act’). The Act is technical and covers a wide range of issues.

What type of buildings does it affect?

Crucially, the Act requires landlords of ‘relevant buildings’ to undertake any works necessary to ensure the building meets the requisite safety legislation, as determined in the Act. A ‘relevant building’ is defined as a building which (a) is at least 11 metres in height or has at least five storeys (whichever is reached first); and (b) contains at least two dwellings; and (c) is not a leaseholder-owned building.

How could it affect me?

The Act sets out who will pay for the costs of remedial works, although determining who bears responsibility for this can be complex. In a nutshell, if the leaseholder who occupied the property on 14 February 2022 used the property as their main residence, or the leaseholder owned no more than two other properties in the UK at the time, the lease will be a ‘qualifying lease’.

In this scenario, the landlord will not be able to charge the leaseholder for the cost of remedial works for unsafe cladding systems through the service charge. However, if the lease has been extended since 14 February 2022, then because of an unintended drafting anomaly in the Act, the leaseholder protections for that lease are likely to be lost.

If the leaseholder does not meet the above criteria, the lease is a ‘non-qualifying lease’ and the landlord can charge the cost of the remedial works to the leaseholders.

Ascertaining whether a lease is qualifying is therefore essential, as this allows any future purchaser to understand if they will be expected to pay towards expensive Building Safety remedial costs in the future. As the full effect of the Act and guidance remains to be seen in practice, buyers are advised to treat such purchases with caution, as they could end up being very costly investments.

Please do not hesitate to contact Ayla Clissold on email: AKC@COOPERBURNETT.COM or tel: 01892 515022

accept any responsibility for the accuracy of its contents.

RUSTHALL ST PAUL’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Fundraiser to celebrate 10 years of Tunbridge Wells food bank

By Lilly Croucher

LOCAL businesses in Tunbridge Wells are coming together to host a special evening of celebration for a food bank that has been working locally for the past decade. Childrensalon and Cripps are holding an evening of ‘Dancing through the Decades’ to acknowledge the incredible work done by the Nourish Community Foodbank.

The charity has been operating for a whole decade, delivering food parcels to those in crisis across the Borough of Tunbridge Wells.

Supporter

Denise Hamilton, Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer at Childrensalon said: “Childrensalon is a proud supporter of Nourish Community Foodbank and the life-changing work they do in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells. “With the cost-of-living crisis, Nourish is even more hard-pressed in its emergency support of the many people it helps and we hope this event helps raise muchneeded funds for this incredible charity.”

The event will be held on Friday June 30 from 7pm-11pm at the secret rooftop Sky Lounge at Cripps’ headquarters on Mount

Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells.

A spokesperson for Cripps said: “We are very happy to have the opportunity to make our Cripps’ offices available as the venue for the celebration of 10 years of Nourish.

“During those years Nourish has quickly become an essential part of the fabric of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas in supporting local people in crisis.

“At Cripps we believe that we have a key role to play in supporting our local community and we are excited about exploring new ways the corporate sector can come together to make a meaningful difference.

Guests at the evening will be able to bid on auction lots, shop at the charity pop-up and try the famous Wheel of Fortune, all to a backdrop of performances by the Swift Bros and a DJ.

Dawn Stanford, Operations Director of Nourish said: “The charity has been operating for a whole decade delivering food parcels to those in emergency crisis in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells, so it

seemed fitting to acknowledge the incredible work the charity and the community has achieved in those ten years to support those in need.

“Not to mention, it’s ten years since I joined Nourish so that’s a big celebration, too!”

Tickets are £25, which includes canapés made by the chefs at TN1 Bar & Kitchen and a welcome drink, with all funds raised going directly to Nourish to help people in food poverty.

Tickets for the event are available from: Eventbrite.co.uk

By Sharon Bruce

A NEW survey launched by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is aimed at providing a vehicle for residents to let the Council know what they think of the services provided and what the Council’s priorities should be in the future.

Information gathered from the survey will help inform the future priorities and strategy of the Council as it develops the next Borough-wide plan. A feedback event will be held at a later date.

Of the survey, Council Leader Ben Chapelard said: “Your views count. As well as wanting to know what you think about our services and future priorities, we want to share results with you. ”

The survey is available online at tunbridgewells.gov.uk, while paper copies are also available from The Amelia Scott. The Council is holding survey drop-in sessions for people without digital access.

The consultation runs until July 23.

Drop-in sessions this week

Wednesday June 21

2-4pm Wesley Centre (Paddock Wood)

Thursday June 22

1.45–3.45pm, Lamberhurst Village Hall

Monday June 26 1–3pm Goudhurst Village Hall

Tuesday June 27 11.30am–1.30pm St Philip's Church (Sherwood)

Council survey calls for residents’ input

History of ‘Save Trinity’ campaign published

By Lilly Croucher

A BOOK that charts the history of how Trinity Theatre was saved from demolition has been published by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society.

‘Saving Trinity’ tells the story of how the Tunbridge Wells cultural landmark was saved from being razed to the ground in 1976 and transformed from a town centre church to the theatre and arts centre we know today.

History

Brian Lippard, author of the book, told the Times: “I was originally writing a book on Tunbridge Wells post-war history on how the town might’ve looked.

“One chapter was going to be on the campaign to save Trinity Theatre, and I thought it would be nice to turn it into a separate booklet.

“It took me six months to write using the archive from the Civic Society and Trinity’s own archive.

“It will be available [to buy] when Trinity plans to open the tower to the public.

“It was a labour of love and I really enjoyed writing it,” the author explained.

Mr Lippard’s booklet describes the campaign launched by the RTW civic society and the Tunbridge Wells Drama Society to preserve Trinity’s future, and how they were able to persuade the Church commissioners to save the much-loved building.

The book costs £4.95 and is expected to be on sale shortly in Tunbridge Wells bookshops and at Trinity itself.

Local garden design firm donates planter to London homeless charity

RESIDENTS of Centrepoint’s newest ‘stepping stone’ accommodation for young people have been given a Langton Greenmade planter to help grow their aspirations.

The award-winning cast stone craftsmen at Chilstone have been working with the youth homelessness charity for some years, and have just seen their latest project unveiled at Centrepoint’s Reuben House in Peckham, southeast London.

Affordable

The new development of 33 independent living units aims to provide affordable rental flats for young people, to help young homeless people transition into work, with the ultimate aim of living independently.

Reuben House was opened last week by Prince William, who has been patron of the charity since 2005.

Chilstone General Manager Steve Clark donated the commemorative planter as a token of the company’s continuing support for the charity.

The engraving was hand-carved by onsite engraver Nigel Hartfield.

Chilstone’s connection to Centrepoint dates from 2019, when the cast stone

craftsmen offered a number of young people from Centrepoint work experience on the company stand during the Chelsea Flower Show that year.

Impressed by the young people’s work, Mr Clark planned to offer work experience again the next year – until the show was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Deciding to do better in 2021, Mr Clark introduced Centrepoint to designer Cleve West and Project Giving Back, who put together a prize-winning garden for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

CIVIC DUTY: Campaigners at the Town Hall at the time

BLOOMING GREAT: The Prince of Wales with the new Chilstone planter

Fourth Black Deer Festival rocks Eridge Park

Bedecked in everything from Stetsons and cowboy boots to cool Boho-chic, more than 10,000 fans flocked to the Black Deer Festival at Eridge Park last weekend to immerse themselves in the music, food and storytelling of Americana…

FRIDAY’S headliner, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats delivered a blistering performance on the Black Deer Stage, and both Hollywood star Damian Lewis, and Far From Saints delighted the crowds with performances of tracks from their new albums. They were joined on Friday by the likes of Kurt Vile and the Violators, Midlake, Jamie Wyatt, Grace Petrie and Bonnie Light Horseman.

A highlight of the Saturday line-up was the iconic Bonnie Raitt, who peppered her set with her classic tunes and some surprise covers, including INXS’ ‘Need You Tonight’.

‘We can’t thank our wonderful audience enough for making the fourth edition of Black Deer Festival the best yet’

Closing the main stage was legendary rock band The Pretenders, who packed their set with hits from the past five decades, including ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’ and ‘I’ll Stand By You’.

The final day of Black Deer kicked off with the breathtaking Gospel Brunch. Elsewhere, Lukas Nelson & POTR stunned the crowd as he paid homage to his dad, Willie Nelson, by performing his 1980 track ‘Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground’. Richard Hawley closed an incredible weekend of music with an eclectic, genrespanning performance.

Black Deer co-founders Deb Shilling and

Gill Tee said: “We can’t thank our wonderful audience enough for making the fourth edition of Black Deer Festival the best yet. Our dedicated team of staff, crew, suppliers and volunteers give this festival the unique aura we are proud to possess, and we can’t thank them all enough for the commitment and courage they bring to the festival.”

Picture: Louise Roberts

Picture: Lindsay Melbourne

CHRISSIE HYNDE OF THE PRETENDERS

Picture: Lindsay Melbourne

BLACK DEER BLUES: Rocking out in Haley’s Bar

Picture: Lindsay Melbourne

CHEERS ALL: The Supajam stage

DAMIAN LEWIS

Picture: George Harrison

Picture: Black Deer

ALISON RUSSELL

Picture: Louise Roberts

Picture: Lindsay Melbourne

Picture: George Harrison

HAPPY PATTIES: The Beefy Boys on the Live Fire Stage

Local reward card scheme becomes ‘Business for Good’

By Lilly Croucher

A REWARD card for independent business customers that operates in Tunbridge Wells and across West Kent was awarded certified social enterprise status last week.

The TN card, which operates its membership card scheme for those who shop locally in Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, has officially become a ‘Business for Good’ and a member of Social Enterprise UK (SEUK).

Commitment

It was awarded the accreditation after the business demonstrated its commitment to social and environmental issues to the SEUK’s membership body.

Jess Gibson, founder of The TN card told the Times: “I founded The TN card for the purpose of supporting our High Street independents and giving us all another great reason to use them, as well as raising funds and awareness for West Kent Mind.

“This social purpose is the tenet of the business and gaining membership to Social Enterprise UK evidences the TN card’s credentials in operating ethically and commercially, and upholding sectoragreed standards.

“It is a brand to be trusted and with community at its heart.”

The body oversees a large number of businesses as members across the UK, from multimillion-pound public service providers to retail businesses all with a social purpose who help to create a fairer economy and a sustainable future.

The accreditation had tough requirements that asked The TN card to prove it has a clear social and environmental mission and be controlled in the interests of their social mission.

They must also be an independent company, where half their income comes through trading and be transparent about their operations and social impact.

Social enterprises are also required to reinvest or donate at least half of their profits towards social purposes, as The TN card does with its charity partner, West Kent Mind, where 10 per cent of each membership fee goes towards the charity.

Sharpening up for

the summer

Sharp Minds Communications recently held its summer party to celebrate the opening of its new offices located in London Road, Southborough. The party channelled Ibiza vibes in the evening sunshine, as the team served up summer drinks to clients and colleagues, while DJ Marcel Mendez provided the music.

Holiday lets approved after changes to planning regime

Digitom achieves B Corp status

By Sharon Bruce

AFTER 18 months of hard work, local video production company Digitom has been recognised for its high standards of social and environmental performance with the achievement of B Corporation status.

B Corp is a designation assigned by the global non-profit B Lab movement that indicates a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency on factors ranging from employee benefits and charitable giving, to supply chain practices and input material.

Digitom underwent an extensive assessment by B Lab and achieved a score of 96.5 – significantly higher than the required 80 points.

Founded by Tom Chown in 2010, the company has built a solid reputation for creating content with purpose for a wide

range of public and private sector clients, and their work has included award-winning campaigns for British Transport Police, Nextdoor and Stagecoach Bus.

Sustainability

“From our approach to sustainability, to building a new studio using renewable materials and creating pro-bono campaigns for charities, I felt our ethos aligned with B Corporation. We also use electric vehicles on location and a green energy supplier,” Mr Chown said.

He added: “There’s a growing movement of businesses in Tunbridge Wells and the South East that are happy to poke their heads above the parapet and put themselves on the line to be examined.

“This is only the beginning, as we will need to work hard to maintain our membership of the B Corp community.”

By Victoria Roberts

A PLAN to convert a Langton Green stable building into two holiday lets with a side extension has been approved, eight-and-ahalf years after it was first submitted, and an appeal rejected.

Convert

The original plan to convert a redundant stable building was refused by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) in 2014, but the owners reapplied last year citing changes to the planning regime.

Reapplying to TWBC in July 2022, architect Steve Baker wrote: “The current national and local planning framework … has

evolved and a further planning application should be more favourably received.”

There were now financial payment mitigation strategies in place, the application stated.

“The applicants are fully aware of and prepared to make the respective financial contributions,” according to the form.

A supporting letter from a letting agent confirmed such holiday lets could each fetch from £550 a week in the low season to £890 in peak season, giving the owners around £15,550 per unit in the first year, assuming 55 per cent occupancy and commission paid to the letting agency.

TWBC granted the application last week, subject to conditions, including a scheme for the enhancement of biodiversity on the site.

IN BUSINESS: Times publisher Robin Singer with Siobhan Stirling

PARTY PEOPLE: The Sharp Minds team, with Managing Director Siobhan Stirling (third from left) TOM CHOWN

THE SITE PLAN

Race to find missing sub intensifies in bid to save the five people aboard

RESCUE teams are in a race against time to find a submersible tourist vessel, with a British billionaire among five people aboard.

The vessel, named Titan, began its two-hour descent to the Titanic shipwreck off the coast of Canada on Sunday morning, losing contact 1 hour and 45 minutes into its dive.

There may be as little as 57 hours of emergency oxygen on board. A major search and rescue operation, which is being led by the US Coast Guard and involving military aircraft, is intensifying with each passing hour.

Exploring

The US Coast Guard tweeted on Tuesday (June 19) a “Canadian Aircraft P3 Aurora has arrived on the scene to conduct sonar searches” – this aircraft joins the search vessels already exploring the surface, a ship specialising in laying pipes at depths of up to 3,000 metres, along with a French deep-sea robot that should arrive in the search zone by today (Wednesday June 20).

For Hamish Harding, a billionaire private jet dealer, the trip to the Titanic’s wreckage was the latest of his adventures. He holds three Guinness World Records, including the longest duration at full ocean depth at the lowest depth of the Mariana Trench, flying into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket and visiting the

South Pole multiple times.

On social media at the weekend, he said he was “proud to finally announce” he would be aboard the mission to the wreck of the Titanic, the luxury ocean liner which hit an iceberg and sank in 1912, killing more than 1,500 people.

The Explorers’ Club, of which Mr Harding is a founding member, shared the news of his disappearance on Instagram, with club

George Osborne rejects claims austerity depleted NHS ahead of coronavirus pandemic

GEORGE Osborne has rejected claims his austerity programme while chancellor depleted the NHS as he suggested his cuts better prepared Britain to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

The former Tory Chancellor “completely” disputed the allegations at the official UK Covid-19 Inquiry from medics and unions that his cuts left health and social care in a “parlous state”.

Mr Osborne argued on Tuesday that the UK may not have had the financial scope to spend vast amounts to support the public through the crisis without austerity.

The Chancellor between 2010 and 2016 conceded that his Treasury should have planned economic measures such as the furlough scheme needed in the pandemic.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) told the inquiry that the “political choice” of austerity under Prime Minister David Cameron left the UK “hugely exposed to the pandemic”.

The British Medical Association has argued the cuts put the nation “severely on the back foot” as the first phase of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry examines whether proper preparations were made.

Mr Osborne argued that it was key to ensure that the economy after the “massive economic shock” of the 2008 financial crisis was able to “flex in a crisis”.

Inquiry barrister Kate Blackwell KC asked

Mr Osborne if he agreed that by the time coronavirus hit the UK “the consequences of austerity were a depleted health and social care capacity and rising inequality in the UK?”

Mr Osborne rejected this claim, echoing former Prime Minister David Cameron, who argued on Monday at the inquiry that the cuts were “absolutely essential to get the British economy and British public finances back to health so you can cope with a future crisis”.

“There was no assumption that you would mandate that the population to stay at home for months and months on end so there was no planning for a lockdown,” he said.

But he accepted that “with hindsight” the Treasury should have developed a blueprint for such a health emergency.

president Richard Garriot saying: “When I saw Hamish last week… his excitement about this expedition was palpable.” “I know he was looking forward to conducting research at the site. We all join in the fervent hope that the submersible is located as quickly as possible and the crew is safe.”

British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman Dawood

are also among those on board.

In a statement, Shahzada Dawood’s parents said: “We are very grateful for the concern being shown by our colleagues and friends and would like to request everyone to pray for their safety.”

Assistance

Paul-Henry Nargeolet, a former French Navy diver who has explored the Titanic before, is also on the vessel.

Downing Street said the Government was ready to provide support and assistance, but was not aware of a request from the family of Harding for help.

The Titan weighs 20,000lb and has proven to “withstand the enormous pressures of the deep ocean”, OceanGate reportedly said. The missing vessel is designed to only hold five people, with no chairs or seats so passengers must sit cross-legged on the floor. The trip reportedly costs 250,000 dollars (£195,600) per person.

OceanGate Expeditions said its focus was on those aboard the vessel and their families.

“We are deeply thankful for the extensive assistance we have received from several government agencies and deep sea companies in our efforts to re-establish contact with the submersible,” the company said in a statement.

“We are working toward the safe return of the crew members.”

Consumers feel the pinch despite falling food inflation

GROCERY price inflation has fallen to its lowest monthly rate this year at 16.5%, but figures show that it remains at its sixthhighest level since 2008.

Prices are forcing people to change how they eat and cook as household budgets are strained, according to the data firm Kantar.

Consumers are switching to cheaper own label lines, with sales up 41% compared to last year. There also appears to be a change in how people cook, Kantar said, with more people preparing simpler dishes and increasingly using microwaves over ovens.

The biggest price rises were for eggs, cooking sauces and frozen potato products. Kantar found that of consumers’ top five financial worries, rising grocery prices is the only one that they are more concerned about now than at the start of this year.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, said: “This is the lowest rate of grocery price inflation we’ve seen in 2023, which will be a relief to shoppers and retailers.

“But prices rising at 16.5% isn’t something to celebrate and it’s still the sixth-highest monthly figure in the past 15 years.

“Price rises are now being compared to the increasing rate of grocery inflation seen last summer, which means that it should continue to fall in the coming months, a welcome result for everyone.”

Despite the fall in inflation, almost 70% of households are either “extremely” or “very worried” about food and drink inflation. It narrowly remains the second most significant concern behind rising energy bills.

SEARCH OPERATION:

The missing vessel, Titan Picture: American Photo Archive/Alamy/PA Wire

GEORGE OSBORNE

Picture: UK Covid-19 Inquiry/PA Wire

Picture: Julien Behal/PA Wire

Greg Clark

I will not give up until our concerns about water are a thing of the past

LAST week hundreds of households in Tunbridge Wells and the villages were without water again. Six months ago it was during a cold snap that people lost supplies, this time it was during a few days of high temperatures.

South East Water’s one job is to supply running water to its customers and to fail those customers twice in six months is completely unacceptable.

This time the reason for the outage was a two-metre rupture in one of the principal water mains supplying the town, at Hall’s Hole Road.

Supply

But that wasn’t the only problem. Some households lost water pressure because, it was said, demand was outstripping supply during the sunny days of last week.

South East Water has now introduced a hosepipe ban, not because it doesn’t have enough water – Bewl is nearly full after a wet winter and spring – but because the infrastructure is not adequate to get the water from the reservoir to customers.

That is not good enough. Although last week was warm, it was no more than we experience most summers. In my view, it shows up the lack of resilience of the water system on which we rely. We should not have to worry – winter or summer – about turning the taps on to find no water comes out. Readers will recall that following the water cuts before Christmas I held a debate in the House of Commons in January of this year into the performance of South East Water. In that debate, in front of the Minister for Water, I demanded compensation for my constituents affected; a donation to the community for the disruption caused; and investment in the network to make it resilient.

As is well known, I obtained £1.8 million in compensation (way above the statutory amount) and an additional donation of £100,000 to one hundred local charities. But the most important demand was for investment in the infrastructure. I met with the Directors of South East Water at Bewl Water Treatment Works this month, where I was presented with their plans to upgrade the network.

Some actions have rightly been undertaken since my debate in January, including upgrading pumping capacity at the Blackhurst Lane reservoir – the one that caused many of the problems last time – and two Water Treatment Works.

Capacity

But other works are being put forward for approval to the water regulator Ofwat, and the company has sought my support for the upgrade plans. These increase the capacity of two Water Treatment Works in my constituency at Bewl and Pembury. These would increase the flow of water from 9 million litres a day to 12 million a day at Pembury and from 18 million litres a day to 30 million a day at Bewl.

I will be frank and say that I approach these plans with a sceptical eye. The performance of the company has not justified confidence in the proposals. So I will have these plans examined by independent experts reporting directly to me, before I decide whether to support them to Ofwat. I want to know whether

HOUSE CALLS THIS JUNE IN YOUR AREA

they will do the job. I will share with my constituents the assessment I make.

While it is right that upgrades in infrastructure are now being undertaken, they should have been in advance of, not because of, the problems that gave rise to my House of Commons debate.

Whether it is the increasing number of homes or climate change – these things have been predictable for some time. On the former, it reinforces my view that what I call “I before E” should be the rule for our development – Infrastructure before Expansion. Whether it is water capacity, road capacity or schools and GP surgeries, these should be required before new development is approved.

During the last week I have, once again, had daily calls with South East Water to press it to raise its game on responding to the incidents we have endured – in terms of repairs, supplies of bottled water and compensation.

I will be relentless in fighting for my constituents and I will not give up until concerns about our supply of drinking water are a thing of the past.

Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells

Greg Clark was first elected MP for Tunbridge Wells in 2005. He has held a number of positions in Government, including Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. He is currently Chairman of the Commons’ Science and Technology Committee

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 you can write to the Editor, Times of Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

Weather spells trouble

There was an inevitability about receiving a communication today from South East Water about the need to urgently conserve water over the next few days as a result of the current dry spell.

They appear to have conveniently forgotten that the months of March and April witnessed almost continuous rainfall, so it raises doubts once again about the company’s ability to conserve water given the state of its infrastructure. The company made a commitment pre-Christmas following the water outages suffered by many over several days, that they would advise their customers about their plans to improve the situation in the short- to mid-term. It would be helpful if these could now be

Has Mount Pleasant been improved?

Interesting that Martin Skinner says that the Bus Gate has improved Mount Pleasant (Times, June 14).

When planning this ‘Public Realm 2’ development, the Council said: “The potential of this space – i.e. the Mount Pleasant Bus Gate – to act as a functional public space is currently constrained in a number of important respects.

“Chief amongst these is the heavy use as the town centre’s principal bus interchange and the associated bus stop infrastructure which is visually prominent and acts to clutter the space and to restrict pedestrian movement.”

So what’s changed there?

The Council constantly claims that: “This initiative supports sustainable transport and reduces air and noise pollution in the town. It also makes the town safer for pedestrians and more attractive to shoppers and other visitors.”

I have asked both the Council and KCC for evidence supporting these claims. None has been provided.

In the meantime, the Bus Gate, now apparently a ‘functional public space’ is costing town centre residents and town centre deliveries time and money. And the traffic signing is a shambles.

KCC has had to cover all the ‘Except for access’ plates because the Government has said these are ‘not authorised’!

The whole thing is a nonsense, and its demise would make sense – for residents and for the whole town centre.

Don McIntyre

Tunbridge Wells

Dear Editor...

Mr Bell, and the rest of your readers, would be most welcome to join the next ride on July 14.

Cllr Peter Lidstone Lib Dem Councillor for St John’s Walking & Cycling Champion for Tunbridge Wells

Disasters are not ‘natural’

The term ‘natural disaster’ has long been used to describe tropical storms, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, but there needs to be an urgent shift in the language we use.

Observations on life and more important things

FRIENDS IN NEED: Never before have Calverley’s friends from Wadhurst popped by quite so often. Mainly to use the loos. Their quaint little market town was without water for several days, forcing people to use plastic bags. Horror! And it was hardly the first time it has happened. Not so cocky these days are they about having a home somewhere so recently named the Best Place to Live in England. Wonder what’s happened to house prices?

shared with us so that we have some degree of confidence in SE Water’s ability to provide an ongoing service, given that we have no choice but to use this supplier.

David Hudson Crowborough

Join in next time

I thank Richard Bell for writing in last week (Times, June 14) regarding the critical mass ride on the A26, and thank the Editor for confirming that while supportive, I was not the organiser of the ride.

I think it is important to state that a large group of cyclists riding together (albeit more slowly than a car can drive) is not breaking the law.

If his logic is that slowing down vehicles, like lorries, is illegal, I would invite him to consider how that logic plays out. What usually slows down the free flow of traffic on the A26 on a Monday morning at 8am? If we can get even 10 per cent of people to switch short journeys from car to bike, drivers will notice the difference.

PEPPY SAYS...

While the term may seem harmless, we’ve learnt through our ongoing work with disaster-affected communities how it perpetuates a dangerous myth that nothing could have been done to prevent people or the environment being so badly affected. This can lead to a lack of action to help people who need it.

A disaster is not a natural occurrence but a result of systemic inequalities in access to resources and power. By framing disasters as ‘natural’, it masks the underlying social, economic, and political instability that disproportionately affects marginalised communities. And it undermines the need for measures to protect the vulnerable. At ShelterBox we respond to disasters, providing emergency shelter and other essentials to people with little. We see how issues like poverty and deforestation make communities vulnerable. The language we use matters. Let’s simply say ‘disaster’.

Sanj Srikanthan CEO, ShelterBox

DRESSING DOWN: The BBC no longer has a dress code. Anything goes. Even on news programmes. Last Thursday South East News carried a story on David Fuller, the morgue monster jailed for abusing bodies at TW Hospital. Surely the most awful story for decades. Presenting the news was Ellie Crisell (pictured). She was wearing a dress featuring pink flamingos more associated with summer fun by the pool than serious events. Was it inappropriate attire? Calverley thinks so. Management (Mrs C) disagrees. Who’s right? (Surely Calverley!)

RUBBISH DRIVER: It’s no secret within the family that Calverley is not the best driver. But even he excelled at the Council tip. After dumping the rubbish he pulled away heard a crash and realised he’d not shut his back door. It swung open and hit a parked car that belonged to a young man. Not wanting an insurance bad mark Calverley offered to pay cash for repairs. Whatever the cost. The driver said not to worry he could repair the rear light and would let him know what he owed. Weeks later he said the total was £50. He had managed to get spare parts from a scrapyard. Calverley handed over £100 cash. See. There are some nice people in this world.

DONT DO IT: Britons have an amazing 99 million DIY jobs that need completing, according to the latest survey. Calverley is proud to be playing his part. The bathroom tiles do not really need regrouting and the gutters look fine. What’s wrong with a bit of grass growing in them?

Chin, chin dear reader

Number 1 for fun!

BEWL WATER AQUA PARK

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REVIEWS

“Really good fun. An hour flew by and my kids aged 12 and 15 loved it. Proper work out as well! Thought staff and organisation was excellent. Will definitely go back.”

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“Really brilliant day out, loads of facilities and everything we needed was provided.”

“A place for fun and joy. Had a blast in the summer with the kids and would definitely recommend.”

bewlwater.co.uk

BEWL WATER, BEWLBRIDGE LANE, LAMBERHURST, KENT TN3

Teamwork pays off for local students looking to enter the world of finance

Female students at St Gregory’s recently participated in the GAIN Investment Insight Programme, which aims to encourage more young women into the financial industry.

A GROUP of students from St Gregory’s Catholic School, a co-educational, allability secondary school on Reynolds Lane in Tunbridge Wells, recently participated in The GAIN Investment Insight Programme. GAIN, which stands for Girls Are Investors, was established in 2019 and set up by UK investment professionals to improve gender diversity in investment management by creating a ‘talent pipeline’ of entry-level female and non-binary candidates.

Management

“Fewer women apply to entry-level roles in investment management and there is a significant drop-off rate as women progress through their careers. At GAIN, we want to change this,” explained a spokesperson for the organisation.

The principal aim of the GAIN Investment Insight Programme is to encourage more young females in Years 10 to 13 to get into the finance industry through inspirational talks, career support and other

opportunities set up with various UK companies within the sector.

The students from St Gregory’s who participated in GAIN’s 2023 virtual programme were led by Hayley in Year 12, and included Ellie-Mai, Kitty, Maggie, Katie and Isabelle, who were provided with all the necessary resources, training and information for the programme for 2023 courtesy of the school.

As well as developing practical skills in analysis, research, teamwork and presenting, students are assigned a company to research and then assess whether to buy, hold or sell the stock as an investment opportunity. The students worked with soft drinks manufacturer Britvic PLC.

“Our girls stepped up to the challenge and used all the knowledge provided to give an

exceptional presentation,” a St Gregory’s spokesperson told the Times last week.

“The final investment pitch was a threeminute long video presentation by the participating students showcasing their findings.”

Certificate

Students’ submissions for 2023 were judged by a panel of professionals within the investment industry and each student received a certificate for their contribution to the challenge.

St Gregory’s Business and Finance Teacher, Terry King, who led the GAIN project for the school added: “The girls did a fantastic job in pulling together a very well-prepared and researched pitch for this challenge.

“They also gained valuable insight into the finance industry, as well as core business and problem-solving skills and the ability to work in teams, which are all essential attributes to a successful career in the city.”

Eileen Leahy finds out more about this inspiring national scheme…

ISABELLE, HAYLEY AND ELLIE-MAI

A taste of the country life

Sponsored by Handelsbanken Tunbridge Wells

Your 16-page property guide

All you need to know about the current housing and commercial market in Tunbridge Wells and the wider area

RUSTHALL £1,100,000

This substantial 6/7 bedroom double fronted detached family home sits in an enviable position on the edge of the Common, just a 1.5 mile walk from Tunbridge Wells mainline station and with countryside walks on the doorstep. This delightful period property has been finished to a high standard where the modern and contemporary décor works in harmony with the period features to create a beautiful family home. 3510 sq ft of accommodation including 4/5 reception rooms, large kitchen and 3 bathrooms. Courtyard style wrap round garden, EPC D, Council Tax G.

SOUTHBOROUGH OFFERS OVER

£325,000

A stunningly presented 2 bedroom apartment, with its own private entrance which boasts a versatile configuration, and open plan living, offering space for living, dining, and working from home. With thanks to the industrial architecture of this property, the uniquely high ceilings create a feeling of spaciousness and light. With the additional benefit of an off road parking space and its close proximity to woodland walks, this apartment is in a great location. With access to mainline stations in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and High Brooms. Share of Freehold, EPC D, Council Tax C.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFERS OVER

£435,000

An impeccably presented period 2 bedroom, semi-detached house offering accommodation across four storeys, separate garden office and garage within a 10 minute walk of High Brooms Station, and also walking distance of Tunbridge Wells town centre. The property offers a storage room and utility room in the cellar. A lounge, dining room and kitchen on the ground floor, bedrooms and bathroom on the first floor, and the loft space has fitted wardrobes and drawers creating a dressing room. EPC D, Council Tax C.

Five fabulous features at Flimwell

Grow with your family in the ‘UK’s Best Place to Live’

AT GREYMOOR we were delighted to learn that Wadhurst was named the UK’s Best Place to Live 2023.

This unique market town was praised for its good schools, convenient transport links and variety of high street shops, while also being surrounded by stunning scenery. The Sunday Times described Wadhurst as having “everything needed for modern life in miniature”.

Vibrant

Found nestled within Wadhurst, The Grove is an exceptional hub of 21 quality new homes, providing rural living on the edge of this vibrant, East Sussex town. This evolving environment of cosy two-bedroom homes and substantial

three- and four-bedroom houses with generous gardens is designed to grow with you and your family.

The stunning new development offers all the benefits of buying a new property, providing you with structural warranties that will give you peace of mind for 10 years.

The Grove seamlessly combines contemporary style with traditional joinery, long-lasting ceramic tiling and quality fittings from top brands.

If you would like more details about this fantastic development, please call 07708 290681 or 01892 512020, or email: thegrove@connells.co.uk or twells@ batchellermonkhouse.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to view our fantastic new homes.

JACK CHARLES recently launched this amazing Victorian farmhouse for sale in Flimwell and we’re pleased to now share five of its best features:

1. It has the most amazing panoramic countryside views from the rear elevation that can be uniquely enjoyed from both the ground and first floor, taking in views over Bewl Water reservoir.

2. The house is beautifully symmetrical (just like a child would draw a house) and given its age it has the advantage of high ceilings and tall windows so it enjoys both elegance and excellent natural light.

3. The ½-acre gardens wrap around the house and they horseshoe the property so you gain generous outside space at the back and side of the property as well as lots of parking.

4. It has been subject to extensive

Design I Build I Planting

renovation so you have the best of both worlds – lots of period charm with character, blended with a contemporary high standard of refinement.

5. The house is within easy reach of the leisure facilities of Bedgebury Pinetum and Bewl Water, plus of course Tunbridge Wells and all that it offers is just up the A21. What more could you want!

A marketing video that shows these features and more can be watched by scanning the QR code or found at: jackcharles.co.uk/property/flimwellwadhurst/

FARMHOUSE, FLIMWELL

FAMILY ROOM AT THE GROVE

WINNER FOR CROWBOROUGH

IN TRO DUCIN G WINNER FOR CROWBOROUGH

KMJ Property have just won The British Property Award for Crowborough.

KMJ Property have just won The British Property Award for Crowborough.

Their team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels.

KMJ Property have just won The British Property Award for Crowborough.

Their team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels.

Their team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service levels.

Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with our accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

KMJ Property (Crowborough) have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced later in the year.

KMJ Property have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced later in the year.

The British Property Awards are one of the most inclusive estate agency awards providers as they do not charge to enter.

KMJ Property (Crowborough) have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced later in the year.

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition.

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition.

The British Property Awards provide agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition.

The team personally mystery shops every estate agent against a set of 25 criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels. The judging criteria is both comprehensive and detailed ensuring agents have been fairly judged.

Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with our accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with our accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes to their local marketplace.

KMJ Property (Crowborough)

ESTATE AGENT IN CROWBOROUGH

KMJ Property (Crowborough)

KMJ Property (Crowborough)

2 Old Bank Chambers, London Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2TT 01892 515188

https://kmjproperty.co.uk/crowborough

2 Old Bank Chambers, London Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2TT 01892 515188

https://kmjproperty.co.uk/crowborough

2 Old Bank Chambers, London Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2TT 01892 515188

https://kmjproperty.co.uk/crowborough

AWARDS are one of the most inclusive estate agency awards providers as they do not charge to enter. This has enabled their award to be structured in a manner that ensures maximum participation, on average judging over 90% of agents that meet their minimum criteria on a local level.

THE B RITI SH PR OP ERTY AWARDS are one of the most inclusive estate agency awards providers as they do not charge to enter. This has enabled their award to be structured in a manner that ensures maximum participation, on average judging over 90% of agents that meet their minimum criteria on a local level.

THE B RITI SH PR OP ERTY AWARDS are one of the most inclusive estate agency awards providers as they do not charge to enter. This has enabled their award to be structured in a manner that ensures maximum participation, on average judging over 90% of agents that meet their minimum criteria on a local level.

The team personally mystery shops every estate agent against a set of 25 criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels. The judging criteria is periods to ensure that agents have been rigorously and fairly judged.

The team personally mystery shops every estate agent against a set of 25 criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels. The judging criteria is periods to ensure that agents have been rigorously and fairly judged.

The team personally mystery shops every estate agent against a set of 25 criteria to obtain a balanced overview of their customer service levels. The judging criteria is periods to ensure that agents have been rigorously and fairly judged.

Robert McLean from The British Property Awards said “Our awards have been specifically designed to be attainable to all agents, removing common barriers to entry, such as cost, to ensure that we have the most inclusive awards. Our awards have also been designed to remove any opportunity for bias or manipulation. If an agent has been attributed with one of our awards, it is simply down to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated across a prolonged period of time. Winning agents should be proud that their customer service levels provide a benchmark for their local, regional and national competition”.

Robert McLean from The British Property Awards said “Our awards have been specifically designed to be attainable to all agents, removing common barriers to entry, such as cost, to ensure that we have the most inclusive awards. Our awards have also been designed to remove any opportunity for bias or manipulation. If an agent has been attributed with one of our awards, it is simply down to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated across a prolonged period of time. Winning agents should be proud that their customer service levels provide a benchmark for their local, regional and national competition”.

Robert McLean from The British Property Awards said “Our awards have been specifically designed to be attainable to all agents, removing common barriers to entry, such as cost, to ensure that we have the most inclusive awards. Our awards have also been designed to remove any opportunity for bias or manipulation. If an agent has been attributed with one of our awards, it is simply down to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated across a prolonged period of time. Winning agents should be proud that their customer service levels provide a benchmark for their local, regional and national competition”.

Garden design tips from Chelsea 2023

Tim Sykes looks at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show trends

MEADOWS ARE IN

Many of the show gardens at Chelsea this year featured meadows that grouped together perennials and annuals to create displays that give multiple bursts of colour throughout the year and only require limited maintenance to control unwanted weeds and achieve an annual cutback.

The Centrepoint Garden, designed by Cleve West, used wildflowers as a core element within the overall concept. This garden explored the notion of home and celebrates the charity’s work in supporting young people facing homelessness.

GET THE MEDITERRANEAN LOOK

Hamptons Mediterranean Garden typified the move towards more drought-tolerant planting and soil technology, along with water collection methods that use water more efficiently.

Plants including euphorbia, cistus, lavender and salvia, sat alongside more tropical succulents including agaves and aloe in gravel-enhanced soil beds.

The strong architectural design was supported by yew trees, a fig tree and Italian Cypresses.

Sarah Price’s Nurture Landscapes Garden also displayed beautifully the atmosphere of a continental garden. It was inspired by the ongoing revival of Benton End in Suffolk, a garden originally conceived through the eyes of the artist Sir Cedric Morris.

ARCHITECTURE ADDS INNOVATION

Much like our very own riad building in our Moroccan Show Garden, The Woodland Retreat in the Best in Show Garden at Chelsea – Horatio’s Garden – was a stunning building, set within a beautiful garden designed by the Harris Bugg Studio.

The whole space was conceived with spinal injury visitors in mind, so the focus is very much on access for all. This was highly praised by my son – a wheelchair user himself. It made his day when he was invited into the garden to meet the designers. For more information about key design elements to include in your garden contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820

Embrace the space of farm living

OVERBRIDGE Farm in Staplehurst is a unique fourbedroom, detached farmhouse with extensive grounds and paddocks spanning more than 20 acres. Situated in a picturesque rural setting, accessed via a singletrack road over a railway bridge, it offers plenty of tranquility, while still being within reach of various local attractions and amenities.

The farmhouse itself is a Grade II listed home, boasting over 2,000 square feet of living space. It exudes charm and character with its symmetrical front facade, traditional timber cladding, inglenook fireplace, and exposed beams throughout.

Potential

The property also features several outbuildings with conversion potential. The workshop, formerly a dairy, has received pre-application approval for conversion into a residential ancillary dwelling. There is a concrete barn with permitted development consent for residential use, providing approximately 2,088 square feet of additional space. Architectural drawings are available for the conversion of a large, steel hay barn into a residential dwelling.

The expansive garden and grounds encompass 20.79 acres, comprising gardens, pasture, woodlands, paddocks, and ponds. The well-maintained grounds offer privacy and seclusion, with mature hedges and small wooded areas. Additionally, there is ample off-road parking available for multiple vehicles.

Families will appreciate the proximity to renowned schools, including Cranbrook Grammar School, Maidstone Boys Grammar School, Maidstone Girls Grammar School, and Mascalls Academy. Staplehurst and Marden Train Stations provide convenient access to London Bridge within approximately 50 and 48 minutes, respectively.

If you’re selling your property and worried about losing your buyer, one way to strengthen your position is actively to ‘break the chain’. This way you become free of the time constraints of people higher up the chain who are potentially risking your sale. James Richards, Partner of award-winning Sales and Lettings Agent, Maddisons Residential, discusses how useful this tactic is to keep hold of your buyer and ensure a smooth sale of your property.

If you’ve ever experienced a property sale collapsing due to other links in the chain no longer proceeding, then you will know how devastating this is. So, for some, the cost of moving into rented accommodation is easily outweighed by the pressure this alleviates from a very stressful process. Breaking the chain means you can “push pause” your own house hunting, and the chain stops with the sale of your property. We sometimes advise some clients to do this, if we feel it could benefit them, and knowing it could save their sale. About 20% agree with our advice. Some clients will actively want to break the chain, knowing it gives them:

• Ultimate buying power: the fact that they have no related sale makes them a very dominant buyer

• More time to search for their next property, without any pressure from their buyer

• Flexibility to the sellers of their new home, as they can probably fall in with their preferred timelines

• More time to explore and discover their ideal location, especially when moving to a new area

Unfortunately, this option is not right for all: renting a property is expensive, and you may need to port your mortgage. Additionally, in a rising market, people are nervous about temporarily stepping off the property ladder.

However, our experience at Maddisons is that the discount you will see on price negotiations from your strong position can easily offset any loss in property value uplift, and rental payments. So do not discount this option too quickly!

£1,500,000, freehold Contact

HAMPTONS MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN

HORATIO’S GARDEN

Crittenden House

This impressive Grade II listed family house offers wellproportioned and impressive family accommodation with good ceiling heights and many period features such as exposed timbers, inglenook fireplaces, leaded light windows and wooden floors.

On the ground floor, the good sized entrance hall has a cloakroom and provides access to the principal reception rooms. The double aspect drawing room has a brick fireplace and windows to the front and rear. The dining room has a fabulous inglenook fireplace with bressummer beam above, exposed timbers and floorboards. The cosy sitting room has an inglenook fireplace, exposed timbers and a window to the front.

Off the hallway there is a study area leading through to the beautiful garden room which enjoys fabulous garden views and has doors leading out to the formal gardens.

The fantastic kitchen/breakfast room is to the rear of the house and has a part-vaulted ceiling, a range of bespoke wall and base units with granite worktops over, a central island with breakfast bar, integrated appliances, walk-in larder and utility room.

On the first floor there are three bedrooms. The principal bedroom is double aspect and has an en suite shower room. There is also a useful store room on this level. Stairs lead

up to the second floor where there are two further bedrooms (one with en suite bathroom) as well as a sitting room with window to the rear.

Outside, the house is approached via a gated entrance over a driveway with detached triple garage with electrically operated doors. There is also a single garage (currently used as a workshop) attached to the annexe with sitting room, double bedroom and shower room. There is an impressive converted barn which has a characterful sitting room with vaulted ceiling, gym area and a mezzanine studio above.

The beautiful gardens and grounds are a particular feature of the property and include formal gardens with a rose garden and paved walkways leading to a central seating area. The gardens also incorporate a swimming pool with paved surround, a vegetable garden, two large ponds and a multitude of mature trees, shrubs and plants. Adjacent to the formal gardens there is a separate paddock with its own entrance and in all the property extends to approximately 14.48 acres (to be verified).

Planning permission exists for a three storey extension on the east side of the house and a single storey extension to the north. Further details available at: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/planning

Quote reference: 02/00302/FUL

Guide price – £2,245,000

A wonderful Grade II listed family house offering impressive accommodation, fantastic views, a one bedroom annexe, converted barn, swimming pool, garaging and about 14.48 acres (to be verified).

LIVE THE DREAM

At Sited we are specialists in sourcing desirable plots so you can realise your dream home.

The Sited bespoke journey – source the plot/secure planning/project manage the build

At Sited we source exceptional sites for clients requiring a bespoke service – facilitating the dream of developing their own home.

We make dreams a reality – contact Sited to provide the optimum site finding service for your dream home.

See

This captivating, six bedroom detached farm house, with beautiful symmetrical traditional timber cladding facade, comes with grounds and paddocks extending beyond 20 acres. Internally are many period features including exposed beams, inglenook fireplace and a kitchen/breakfast room with AGA cooker. There is ample

Repurposing existing buildings

THERE is a saying that goes: “Why shut the barn door after the horse has bolted?” In essence, it refers to doing too little, too late. This is a very apt expression relating to outbuildings of all types, from barns to stables, which are falling into disrepair and could be deemed obsolete over time. The buildings are often still in use but often no longer fit for purpose – in their day, they provided a necessary service Repurposing is a way to bring these buildings back to life for either commercial or residential use, and in so doing, provide a financial value that would otherwise be lost.

Converted

Researching the planning potential of these buildings is the first step to understanding whether these buildings can be saved and converted for development. Doing too little too late is also often the

case when properties, such as farms and smallholdings are sold and the true value is not realised of the outbuildings, which are often then converted by the new owners, having understood the potential of what they are buying.

Planning can add value and yet does not have to be implemented immediately if the timing is not right. The owner has three years in which to commence the conversion or to make a material start to keep the planning live in perpetuity.

The team at Sited, in conjunction with Atelier de Linde architects, are working on a number of projects across the South East. In the images above, a photograph and CGI show the before and after of a rural barn that is in the process of being developed.

For more information or advice please contact Sited on 077 39514350/01892

579937

Changes to EPC standards for landlords

By Becky Moran, TN Lettings

THE government is currently proposing a bill that could bring financial distress and worry to landlords. They want to significantly raise EPC standards in rental properties. The proposal suggests that rental properties must be rated ‘C’ or above from December 2025 for new tenancies. For properties with existing tenants, this will be December 2028, unless the tenancy changes. They currently need to be rated ‘E’ or above. What does this mean for landlords? Well, it’s not law yet but is looking highly likely. Some landlords may decide to sell up now rather than face the hassle of upgrading their EPC rating. This will simply cause yet another shortage in the rental market. Instead, we want to work with landlords to see how they can achieve the ‘C’ rating,

implementing works over time as they could be costly in one go.

Potential improvements include things like double glazing, wall and floor insulation, roof insulation and new boilers. We don’t yet know what the proposal will be for period properties, as these could be much more difficult to bring into band ‘C’.

We also want to increase landlords’ awareness of these proposed changes as many will not know and may be taken by surprise, facing a last-minute double whammy of large bills plus vacant property while any work is carried out.

Our advice is to give TN Lettings a call on 01892 249070 to see how we can help.

BECKY MORAN

VISIT US IN ROBERTSBRIDGE FOR ALL YOUR ESTATE AND GARDEN MACHINERY NEEDS

Former Laura Ashley shop to become commercial space and apartments

The Property Hub Event at The

at The

By Lilly Croucher

A RETAIL shop in Tunbridge Wells is finally getting a new makeover after being left empty for more than three years.

The former Laura Ashley shop on Calverley Road was acquired by local property developer, Beau Property back in April which has since begun work to carefully restore the building into a multi-use scheme.

Transformed

On the ground floor, a new commercial space will be created, while the upper floors will be transformed into three, two-bedroom apartments.

Beau Property began working on the site recently and have six months to restore the Regency-era building to its former glory. The team promises to retain all the original features of the building, including

Do not miss the next Property Event at The Finance Hub where you can find the most renowned local property and business professionals under one roof.

Whether you’re a Property Developer, Property Investor, or Portfolio Landlord, discover:

• An overview and financial benefits of ‘self-build’ vs ‘custom-build’

• Planning benefits of repurposing/converting heritage and listed buildings

• An overview and financial benefits of conversion projects

• Case study; Sited and Atelier de Linde conversion of a derelict barn – & how to fund a -rebuild on a green-belt site.

Secure your place by registering online

the beautiful facade and large front windows.

Chris Hammond, owner of Beau Property said: “We are proud to be continuing the restoration of the building externally and, although there are no heritage elements left inside the building it is part of our plan to work to add some features back in line with the original residential use of the building. We are so pleased to receive planning and get to work immediately on the development.

“The top quarter of Tunbridge Wells has seen a hive of new activity and buzz, with the cinema site seemingly getting going, the success of the Amelia and the muchanticipated Decimus Burton Museum. It’s a good time to be supporting the refreshed story in this part of Royal Tunbridge Wells, which together will benefit the whole town centre in terms of look, culture and experience both for residents and visitors alike.”

Looking for a job opportunity in the local thriving Property Market?

Administrative assistant required

SJD group of companies are looking to employ a committed team member to manage the administrative side of the business. The role would suit someone who is looking to work in the property sector, with good communication skills and with a complete understanding of I.T. and social media. The ideal candidate will be self motivated and highly organised. Working alongside the director, managing appointments, the job will offer the flexibility to work from the office and home, and will include weekly site visits and meetings with clients so good interpersonal skills would be essential.

The company is a family run land and property company providing a suite of services to the development industry.

Please forward your CV by email to office@sjd-estates.com

www.sjd-projects.com

‘We aim to send everyone home toe-tapping and feeling lighter’

This Sunday evening, June 25, renowned jazz singer Claire Martin performs with the BBC Big Band at Benenden School’s stunning new events venue, Hemsted Park. Eileen Leahy caught up with the award-winning artist to discover how she got into the wonderful world of jazz and what the audience will love most about this very special concert…

So Claire, let’s start at the beginning. Why and when did you get into performing jazz?

I started singing jazz standards at my first professional job as the lead singer in a band at a holiday hotel in Bournemouth back in the 1980s. I sang for ballroom dancers and most of the songs were from the Great American Songbook. I was very familiar with this musical repertoire as I was raised by jazz-loving parents, so I guess you could say that I sort of fell into it really…

Who were your key musical and artistic influences growing up?

My mum loves Ella Fitzgerald and she definitely passed that passion on to me. Then in my early twenties I got into other jazz singers, listening to artists such as Sarah Vaughan, Anita O’Day and Betty Carter primarily. Later I discovered artists like Carmen McRae and Shirley Horn who became, and remain, my two favourite jazz vocalists. I constantly go back to these great artists for inspiration.

You were only 19 when you started your career. Was it a challenge to launch yourself on the circuit at such a young age?

Not really as I was just amazed I was singing in a band and getting paid for it whilst living away from home and really having a great time! I could hardly believe it was ‘work’. To be honest, it was harder to restart my career when I came back from being away on the QE2 for 18 months where I sang in the piano bar. Afterwards, I moved back to my parents’ house in London and had to waitress and try to form my own band from scratch. Keeping yourself going and motivated as a freelance musician is a

lifelong challenge but at such a young age I didn’t really notice it too much. I certainly do now though!

From a young age you say you wanted to perform at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s. You achieved that at just 21. What is it about that club you love so much?

It was a dream come true to sing on that stage and have my first real landmark career achievement. All the jazz greats have graced that stage and to walk out – after a nudge from Ronnie Scott himself as I was very nervous – and stand where all your heroes have played is totally humbling and thrilling. It’s the best jazz club in the world for my money.

What other jazz clubs or music venues have you enjoyed performing in?

I loved working at Dizzy’s Club in New York which is part of the Lincoln Center complex. It has glass windows all around so you can see the sprawling lights of Manhattan at night as you sing – it really is quite the backdrop. I loved singing at the

‘This show will be a celebration of the great big band singers and will include songs made famous by the likes of Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan and the ‘First Lady of Jazz’, Ella Fitzgerald’

Algonquin Hotel, which is also in New York, with my then-partner Sir Richard Rodney Bennett. It was very glamorous and they put us up in the hotel when we played there. Sadly that room no longer exists,

which is a crying shame. I also love singing outdoors during the summer festival season, too!

Is there anywhere on your wish list you would still like to perform?

I have ticked off quite a few destinations but would still absolutely love to sing at festivals in the Caribbean and also some European destinations like Croatia, which I’ve yet to visit. As you can imagine, there are many jazz artists vying for the same gigs so I’m just happy to see what comes along.

And who would you most like to perform with?

I would love to sing with guitarist Pat Metheny who is one of my absolute favourite jazz musicians. I’d also love to sing with bassist Christian McBride who is another jazz hero and is playing such an important role in keeping jazz relevant and refreshed.

What is your favourite era of music?

I love jazz from the 1950s the most. I think it’s because this is when jazz really came into its own as popular music – and all the singers I absolutely idolise were, in my opinion, in their best vocal form. The swinging Sinatra albums from that decade are timeless masterpieces.

You have won numerous awards for your singing, and been declared as one of the best jazz singers in the world today. How does that make you feel?

It’s a very flattering statement and one I always slightly blush at because that was one critic’s statement and whilst I am very pleased he felt that way, there are a lot of brilliant jazz singers out there. I guess I always strive to become a better musician and artist. Awards are lovely to receive, and I was very proud to take my husband and parents to Buckingham Palace in 2011 to receive my OBE for Services to Jazz from the now King Charles.

CLAIRE MARTIN

THE BBC BIG BAND

Picture: Kenny McCracken

Can you tell us a little bit about your forthcoming concert at Hemsted Park with the BBC Big Band?

The show will be a celebration of the great big band singers and will include songs made famous by the likes of Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan and the ‘First Lady of Jazz’, Ella Fitzgerald. We doff our cap to the great arrangers of that particular musical era referencing people like Nelson Riddle and Oliver Nelson. We will however also include more current arrangements from the conductor Barry Forgie, who for me is a true national treasure.

What do you enjoy about performing with this legendary orchestra?

The BBC Big Band are the best of the best. To sing with this juggernaut of sound is always a complete joy and we have great fun getting together and playing our part in keeping this genre of music alive. To hear a big band live is an incredible experience and totally lifts the spirits! To sing with

these players on a fairly regular basis is a huge honour that I never take for granted. The musicians are brilliant soloists, readers, section players and all-round good people. I’ve had the good fortune of singing with big bands all around the world and will vouch that the BBC Big band are absolutely world class.

What do you think audiences will enjoy most about the show?

I think the excitement of hearing a big band never wanes and anyone new to this will feel the impact I’m sure. The songs we have chosen are classics and so I think many of the audience members will be familiar with the material, which is always a good connection. We aim to send everyone home toe-tapping and feeling lighter!

To book tickets for the Claire Martin and BBC Big Band show in Centenary Hall, Hemsted Park on June 25 at 7pm (priced from £22-£33) visit: hemstedpark.com

Anoteworthy event

HARD though it is to believe, the final concert of Tonbridge Music Club’s 60th anniversary season is taking place this Saturday evening, June 24. And who better to close what has been a fabulous season than the Nash Ensemble.

The Sunday Times has described them as both “chamber music royalty” and “a unique ensemble at the heart of British music-making”, while The Independent deemed the ensemble a “chamber music group beyond compare”.

Pleasure

Having also played for Tonbridge Music Club (TMC) in its 50th anniversary year, it is a great pleasure to be able to welcome the Nash Ensemble back a decade later. In fact, this will be the fifth time that the Nash has played at a TMC concert. The group is respected internationally for its outstanding playing and musicianship. And their special programme for their concert this coming Saturday evening will include works by Beethoven, Debussy, Françaix, Mozart and Ravel. We hope you will join us for this special event. But if you can’t, please do

head to our website where you will see more details about TMC’s activities. One of these is its second year of financial awards for promising, young local musicians. So any budding performs out there please do take a look! Applications close on July 7 and winners will be notified before the end of August.

The final TMC concert of its 60th anniversary season takes place at 7.30pm on June 24 at the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul in Tonbridge. Tickets can be bought (£25 for adults and £5 for students and under-eighteens) on the Club’s website: tmc.org.uk

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Tonbridge Music Club is welcoming the renowned Nash Ensemble in concert this Saturday, June 24. Club spokesperson Rachel Davies tells the Times more about this esteemed chamber music orchestra…

HEMSTED PARK

NASH ENSEMBLE

The best beaches for sun-soaking and swimming in the UK and Ireland

Swap pricey European breaks for a seaside escape closer to home, says Sarah Marshall

It may not measure up to the Amalfi Coast or the French Riviera when it comes to water temperature and hours of sunshine, but the coastlines around the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands can be just as captivating. With good weather hopefully here to stay, there’s never been a better time to discover and appreciate the beaches on our doorstep. Here are some of the top sandy spots for lazing, bathing and strolling.

Saye Beach, Alderney

Who: Nature lovers.

Why: One of the lesser-known Channel Islands, Alderney is still far enough from the beaten track to have crowd-free stretches of sand. A gleaming white horseshoe bay, Saye – on the northeast coast of the island – is one of the most attractive spots. Walk through a campsite and over sand dunes to access the area, where oyster catchers and the occasional grey seal can be found frolicking in the surf.

What to do: Measuring just 2.4 by 5km in size, the island is easy to explore. Hike through nature reserves, take a boat trip to see puffin colonies on neighbouring Burhou, or ride the Channel Islands’ only railway to the Mannez Lighthouse. Visit between August 7-12 to see circus performers and parades at the annual Alderney Week carnival.

Where to stay: The Blonde Hedgehog (blondehedgehog.com) is a collection of 18th-century buildings transformed into a

boutique Georgian retreat. From £160 per night with breakfast. Book through F&P Travel (fandptravel.com; 01306 264 006).

Llandudno Bay, Wales

Who: Children and fantasy fans.

Why: Masters of great architecture, the Victorians were also a dab hand at constructing promenades. One of the UK’s most impressive coastal walkways can be found in North Wales at Llandudno Bay. Originally 74-metres long when it opened in 1858, it was later extended and now stands at 700 metres. Funfair rides, a Ferris wheel and cafés can be found along the front.

Or step down to the water for a walk along the pebbly beach.

What to do: Alice Liddell, Lewis Carroll’s real-life inspiration for Alice In Wonderland, spent many summer holidays on Llandudno’s West Shore. Pick up a map

from the tourist information office to discover statues and sites connected to the classic tale. Along the Grade II listed promenade, Professor Codman’s Punch and Judy also still takes place. Performed for more than 160 years, it’s one of the longest running shows in the country.

Where to stay: Lewis Carroll supposedly penned part of his famous story at the seafront St George’s Hotel. Napoleon and Sir Winston Churchill are two of the famous faces who have stayed in the 81-room property. From £128 per night (two sharing), including breakfast through Booking.com.

Bream Cove, Cornwall

Who: Families.

Why: The West Country has stacks of sensational swimming and sunbathing spots – but finding an empty space to throw your towel down becomes a challenge during busy summer months. Accessed via a short woodland walk near Mawnan Smith village, this southeastfacing, secluded sand and shingle cove is one of the few remaining secret hideaways – a refreshing relief from the busy Falmouth town beaches. The calm waters are great for snorkelling and paddleboarding, while it’s also one of the few places in the area where dogs are allowed in the summer.

What to do: Hire a paddleboard from Little Wolf Adventures (2.5-hour private tours from £60 per adult and £30 per child under 14, including a picnic stop;

BALLYGALLY CASTLE

BREAM COVE, CORNWALL

‘With good weather on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to discover and appreciate the beaches on our doorstep’

Picture: PA Photo/Hastings Hotels

littlewolfadventures.com). Afterwards, head for a coffee at the Bream Box (horse box cafe at the end of Hotel Meudon) or walk along the South West Coast Path towards Rosemullion Head and the Helford River, an important area of marine conservation.

Where to stay: Set within sprawling sub-tropical gardens, Hotel Meudon has a superb terrace for enjoying afternoon tea or sunset cocktails. Rooms from £129 per night (two sharing), including breakfast. Visit meudon.co.uk.

Ballygally Beach, Northern Ireland

Who: History buffs and Wim Hof wannabes.

Why: Stretching for 300km, this beach has won awards for its cleanliness, choice of facilities and the quality of its water for bathing. In the distance, Scotland and the Mull of Kintyre are visible on a clear day.

What to do: Aside from swimming and strolling along the seaweed and boulderstrewn sands, there are many attractions in the area. An hour’s drive north, the Giant’s Causeway’s 40,000 interlocking basalt columns have inspired legends of giants straddling the sea. Head inland to The Glens, or walk around Carnfunnock Country Park located between Drains Bay and Ballygally.

Where to stay: Built in 1625, Ballygally Castle overlooks the beach and is one of the largest hotels on the Causeway Coastal Route. A new Sea Dips & Hot Sips overnight package provides guests with everything they need for a bracing swim in the North Channel.

From €260/£224 for two people, including breakfast, hire of dry robe, slippers, hot water bottle and thermos flask. Visit ballygallycastlehotel.com.

Hotel excels with impressive 83% rating in AA Report

ONE WARWICK PARK Hotel on Chapel Place has reason to celebrate after receiving an impressive 83% rating in a comprehensive AA report, surpassing the UK average and maintaining its top-end 4-star rating. The report, which assesses hotels across the country and in Northern Ireland, highlights the exceptional quality and service provided by One Warwick Park. During the overnight stay, inspector Mike Pedley praised the team for an ‘enjoyable and positive visit’, after thoroughly assessing all aspects against AA Quality Standards.

Performance

One Warwick Park’s overall performance in terms of hospitality and service was deemed generally smooth, with a friendly and willing team who were pleasant, attentive, and happy to engage in social chat.

The report commends the housekeeping team for their thoroughness in maintaining cleanliness throughout all areas of the hotel and the high-quality room stock and public areas were noted to be in excellent condition, with an ongoing maintenance programme ensuring that everything is presented immaculately.

Operations Director, Nick Moore said: “We are thrilled to maintain our 4-star status and achieve a score above the UK average.

“We have worked tirelessly in focusing our attention on the guest journey and

overall experience, and we are delighted with the results,” he continued.

One Warwick Park, part of the Elite Leisure Collection, has undergone significant changes in the past year to enhance its offerings, including the addition of a new self-catering option called The Apartment.

Following a luxurious refurbishment in December, The Apartment is conveniently located on Cumberland Walk and marks One Warwick Park’s second venture into the

aparthotel industry in response to the increased popularity of self-catering travel after COVID-19.

Designed to provide business and leisure guests with an ideal home-away-fromhome experience, rates for The Apartment start at £225 per night.

The accommodation includes a stylish double bedroom for two guests and a pull-out sofa bed for small families. The open floor plan features a spacious living

area with comfortable furnishings, a flat-screen TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The fully equipped marble kitchen and dining space cater to guests staying for a night, a long weekend, or even a month.

Charming

The space also boasts a luxurious bathroom and a charming private courtyard with hanging baskets, garden mirrors, and a picnic bench, offering a perfect setting for summer getaways.

And while The Apartment provides everything necessary for a relaxing selfcatering stay, guests can still enjoy the amenities and benefits of the main hotel, according to Nick Moore.

In addition to enjoying One Warwick Park’s food and drink options, guests staying in The Apartment have access to the front desk 24/7 and can opt for housekeeping services if desired.

This flexibility is particularly appealing to those seeking long-term accommodation – a trend One Warwick Park says has evolved quickly.

“People are staying in one place longer – perhaps to work first and then relax on holiday.

“Guests are therefore choosing accommodation they can live in, not just stay,” Nick explained.

Bookings for The Apartment can be made through onewarwickpark.co.uk or by calling the team on 01892 520 587.

LLANDUDNO BAY

SAYE BAY

LLANDUDNO BAY

Picture: PA Photo/Visit Wales

Picture: PA Photo/Alamy

Picture: PA Photo/Alamy

An unlikely source of longing

You can keep your Tashkent and Samarkand, your Ninga-Ninga, your Bora-Bora, your Timbuktoo – there’s a far more thrilling and exotic name with which to conjure.

In Patagonia last year, on a stony, heathery plateau in Santa Cruz, studded here and there with dirty white blobs of Corriedale sheep, about an hour from the broken ice molars of Mount Fitzroy, squinting against a wind that comes down off the glaciers like a wolverine, I met a cowboy on a brown-and-white horse.

Crumpled

His boots were black leather worn in the creases to a pale grey. He had a faded periwinkle shirt and a wretched hat of soft brown leather that appeared to do double duty as a dinner bowl. His face had been manufactured from the same material as his hat, only more crumpled and stained. He might have been a hundred years old, or four hundred.

I was on my way to Tierra del Fuego, where I hoped to catch an icebreaker to Antarctica. I was in the final stages of a book about Ernest Shackleton and his ship, Endurance, which was found beneath the Weddell Sea in March

Did you know air pollution can affect your brain health?

Dementia – including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia – affects over a million people in the UK. New evidence of the link between brain health and air pollution has highlighted the importance of the quality of the air we breathe.

Dr Susan Mitchell, Head of Policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, says there are health and lifestyle factors you can change to help limit the factors that cause dementia – like alcohol consumption and exercise – but one thing people can’t avoid is the air they breathe, and the

impact poor air quality has.

In a report published by medical journal The Lancet in 2020, scientists listed air pollution as a risk factor for dementia for the first time. Last year, a review by the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants found it was likely that air pollution contributes to a decline in mental ability and dementia in older people.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is backing the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London in August this year.

“It is so important to see action taken on a wider scale, championed by those who can lead societal change.

“It’s really encouraging to see energy and ambition at a city level to reduce air pollution and therefore help reduce one of the risks of developing dementia.”

What is the ULEZ?

recognise that air pollution is not something that individuals can change by themselves

A world large enough to hold such a place as Tunbridge Wells, is large enough for a few surprises more, writes Darrel Bristow-Bovey…

DARREL

BRISTOW-BOVEY

Picture: Sarah Mott

last year, 107 years after she sank.

Shackleton led his men across the frozen Antarctic Ocean, then in open boats, then across savage islands and brought them back to the world intact, and I saw in that story an antidote to the angst and despair of modern times: an argument that optimism and faith in human agency is a more effective survival strategy than grousing and giving up. I wanted to walk on Shackleton’s southern ice for myself and see the terrible beauty of the light in the crystals, and so there I was, making my long journey, when I met the cowboy.

the hill, Tunbridge Wells.

Mount Ephraim home re-opens

Now, I’m interested in Tunbridge Wells myself. Two years ago my 81-year-old mother, who has lived all her life in Cape Town, packed up her life and moved to Tunbridge Wells, an act of boldness and adventurousness that still leaves me stunned with admiration.

She has thrived there since, making friends, walking around, developing a taste for a quality pint. Something about Tunbridge Wells seems to have revived her, rebooted her, but that hardly explains how Tunbridge Wells became El Dorado to an ancient cowboy in Patagonia.

Love

FINDING ENDURANCE: AN AUTHOR’S QUEST

Diabetes support group appeals for new Chair

A family-friendly venture

A family-friendly venture

DARREL Bristow-Bovey is a prizewinning screenwriter and travel writer and a newspaper and magazine columnist. He’s the author of six books which have been translated into seven languages, including Spanish, Estonian and Portuguese. He was born in South Africa and currently divides his time

THERE are few things in this world that bring me more joy than being at a country pub in the sunshine.

THERE are few things in this world that bring me more joy than being at a country pub in the sunshine.

between Cape Town, a hillside on the Greek Peloponnese and the UK –especially Tunbridge Wells.

IN this, Diabetes Week (June 12-18), the Tunbridge Wells Area Parents Support Group for Diabetes UK is appealing for a volunteer to chair the group.

Set up several years ago to support families of children with type 1 diabetes, the group plays a vital role in helping young people in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas living with diabetes.

When my colleague and I arrive at The Brecknock Arms one lunchtime, the summer sun has finally arrived and is blazing down upon Digby Furneaux and Katie Bagley’s new venture.

When my colleague and I arrive at The Brecknock Arms one lunchtime, the summer sun has finally arrived and is blazing down upon Digby Furneaux and Katie Bagley’s new venture.

By Victoria Roberts

A MOTHER and daughter have moved back to Tunbridge Wells after five years away, as the Mount Ephraim House care home re-opened last week.

I suppose, technically he wasn’t a cowboy, he was a sheepman, but that makes him sound misleadingly fluffy. We met beside a dead tree trunk, and when Ciro heard me speak he had only one question to ask. He leaned forward, eyes glittering like eager raisins, and asked: “Have you ever seen Tunbridge Wells?”

The home, which is part of the not-forprofit Greensleeves Care group, was built in the 1840s. It has just undergone a major, five-year renovation programme, which saw 27 residents transferred to another Greensleeves Care home in Sevenoaks.

I wish you could hear how he said “Tunbridge Wells”: the longing, the awe. Ciro has never left his part of Patagonia, but if he did, he would have no truck with Buenos Aires or London or anywhere else in the wide world. For him, all the riches of Arabia, all the wonders of Mesopotamia and the splendours of the Pharaohs were as nothing compared to that wonderland, that shining city on

Residents

One of those residents was Cynthia –the mother of Mount Ephraim House’s Manager, Karen Cooper – and both of them finally made their way back

It turns out that Ciro has never married. He is wedded to the hills, the sheep, the circling condors, and the wide horizon, but once (once!) he met a young woman. He was much younger then. She was travelling with friends, but stayed on for a while and she and Ciro – well.

to the home last week.

“Mount Ephraim House has always been a home away from home to me, and indeed a home to my mother,” said Karen, who has headed up the care home, which is on Mount Ephraim, since 2007.

A NEW CHAPTER Katie Bagley, Digby Furneaux and son Barnaby

preserve the character of the building, a move that pleased both the Civic Society –which gave the project an award last year – and residents, who will find familiar features in their home, said Ms Cooper.

“To be returning to the home along with my mother is really special, and we can’t wait to settle in and start welcoming more residents to our beloved home.”

Ciro was in love with this young woman, and she was in love with him. Ciro wanted her to stay forever, but all that is pure and good in this fallen world has an expiry date. She didn’t want to go, but she had to go. Home was waiting, home was calling and finally home pulled harder than he could hold her.

Following construction delays and the impact of Covid-19, Cynthia and one other original resident made the move back to the newly-renovated home last week.

“It’s so much nicer, and so nice to be back here with our residents,” she told the

They were joined by six other residents from the sister home in Sevenoaks, who will now be closer to their families in Tunbridge Wells.

Several months later, a postcard arrived, and he has it still, that letterbox-glimpse at the fabled land that holds his only love. Ciro thinks it’s too late for him to ever visit, but perhaps a world large enough to hold such a place as Tunbridge is large enough for a few surprises more.

The renovation had been designed to

Cynthia, who originally came to Mount Ephraim House aged 82, is now 88, and loves her new room overlooking the rear garden, said Karen.

The home now features 57 en-suite rooms, a conservatory, a new secure rear garden and a balcony offering views of Tunbridge Wells Common.

If you’re a regular on West Kent’s culinary circuit, you may have already come across the pair of them.

Activities

If you’re a regular on West Kent’s culinary circuit, you may have already come across the pair of them.

Katie has worked in bars and restaurants throughout her career, but her main experience stems from the restaurant Cau in Tunbridge Wells, where she was general manager for four

Katie has worked in bars and restaurants throughout her career, but her main experience stems from the restaurant Cau in Tunbridge Wells, where she was general manager for four

In his book, ’Finding Endurance: Shackleton, My Father and a World Without End’, he revisits the dramatic discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance on the bed of the Antarctic Ocean. Mr Bristow-Bovey asks: how were so many ordinary people, who don’t know a nunatak from a barquentine, so moved at the finding of a small, wooden ship once sailed by a halfforgotten Irishman? In reexamining the story and its players, he presents new details and a new understanding of the courage and hardship of the Endurance voyage, and reminds us of how extraordinary humans can be. Not all is lost, and what has been lost can be regained: the ocean has given us something back.

Now, the group needs a new Chair to head up meetings, lead activities and represent Diabetes UK in the local community. The children of many of the original group members have grown up, so some parents are moving on, but they still want the group to continue to thrive.

Charlotte Burford, Engaging Communities and Volunteering Manager at Diabetes UK said: “When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, it can be a confusing and difficult time, and being able to talk to others who have been through the same experience can be very helpful.

Darrel’s fascination with the Endurance expedition began as a small boy, when his father first told him he had been south with Shackleton. He still believes him. This is a tale that is fascinating and touching in equal measures and should not be missed.

“The group supports families as they deal with type 1 diabetes, with regular face-toface get-togethers for parents, as well as organising events for the children. For some of the children, attending one of these events is the first time they meet other children with type 1 diabetes and it can make a big difference.”

‘Finding Endurance: Shackleton, My Father and a World Without End’ (£18.99) is available from Waterstones or Amazon.co.uk

If anyone is interested in finding out more about the volunteer role, or joining the group, please email info@twapsg.org.uk

years. been and Other Digby’s down worked

years. been and Other Digby’s down worked

CYNTHIA AND KAREN

The renovated lounge at Mount Ephraim House

‘He leaned forward, eyes glittering like eager raisins, and asked: “Have you ever seen Tunbridge Wells?”’

With a clear goal for what they hope to achieve, Digby and Katie Bagley, along with their young son and reinvigorated The Brecknock Arms in Bells Yew Green.

Hannah Patterson discovers what they have in store…

With a clear goal for what they hope to achieve, Digby and Katie Bagley, along with their young son and reinvigorated The Brecknock Arms in Bells Yew Green.

Hannah Patterson discovers what they have in store…

Times Chief Reporter Victoria Roberts picks three books for this week

On the bookshelf this week, Tony Santorella’s darkly funny and provocatively-titled debut ‘Bored Gay Werewolf’, issues of consent and abuse explored by Katie Bishop in ‘The Girls of Summer’ and it’s another case for Canon Clement from the Reverend Richard Coles…

Bored Gay Werewolf by Tony Santorella

Published in hardback by Atlantic Books, priced £14.99

Tony Santorella’s debut has hints of darkness, but is still easy to read and funny. Our lead is Brian – the ‘Bored Gay Werewolf’ in question.

A mid-20s college dropout, who works in a cafe bar by day, and meets men on Grindr and finds the odd victim by night. When he meets fellow lycanthrope and life coach Tyler, Brian starts to make some silly mistakes in his wolf form, and Tyler sets up a support group for others like them. Equipped with a set of mantras and instructions for self-care as the next full moon approaches, Brian begins to learn more about his ‘anger-management’ issues. As he withdraws from his café friends and wraps himself in the cult-like embrace of Tyler and his pack, he becomes aware of something much darker. A fun read, perfect for Pride month and those who love non-serious coming-ofage tales.

Review by Rachel Howdle

The Girls Of Summer by Katie Bishop

Published in hardback by Bantam, priced £14.99

‘The Girls Of Summer’ is very much a book of the #MeToo era, exploring grey areas of consent and looking at abuses of power. Set between the past – where 17-year-old Rachel visits a Greek island and starts a relationship with a much older man – and the present, where an unhappily married Rachel struggles through life, looking back at the past with rose-tinted glasses, but increasingly realising it might not be what she thought. Rachel ‘loved’ Alistair, so she blocks out all the awful things that happened – including being drugged and raped by his boss and other wealthy men. Despite the summery setting, the content is understandably grim –but it’s written like a thriller, so you’ll keep wanting to the turn the page. Pacy and readable, it’s set to be a big summer hit.

Review by Prudence Wade

A Death In The Parish by Reverend Richard Coles

Published in hardback by W&N, priced £18.99

After the runaway success of his debut cosy crime caper ‘Murder Before Evensong’, the celebrity vicar, broadcaster and writer is back with the second in the Canon Clement series, set in a sleepy English village in the late 1980s. In the latest instalment, the parish of Champton is joined by two neighbouring parishes and their associate vicar, an evangelical keen to put his stamp on the place. When a wayward teenager is found with his throat slashed in an abandoned chapel in what initially seems like a ritualistic killing, Canon Daniel Clement, rector of Champton, sets out to solve the mystery, surrounded by a clutch of familiar characters. The plot features some unexpected twists and points of reflection in an era before there were women priests, and explores the huge differences in attitudes among clergy. A good holiday read, with much gentle humour peppered among the village characters, despite the nature of the crime.

Review

by Hannah Stephenson

Raise a glass and celebrate English Wine Week

Times Drinks Editor James Viner seeks out five palate-pleasing English wines that are worth cracking open

The English wine industry is thriving, with increasing sales, production, and recognition through awards and accolades.

English Wine Week, which started June 17 and runs until June 25, is a chance to discover wines made on our doorstep, visit a picturesque vineyard and purchase some local wine. It’s an opportunity to let our produce shine. Cheers!

1) Stopham Estate Pinot Blanc 2022, W. Sussex (£15.95, Stopham, stophamvineyard.co.uk)

What a little charmer! Nab this lovely, please-all (ideal for summer weddings), textural wine from Pulborough, W. Sussex, with notes of lemon blossom, orchard fruits, honeydew melon and pink grapefruit, plus a tickle of fennel. Masses of class and interest per penny. Bring on buttered scallops, crab linguine, dim sum, gyoza, pan-fried cod, prawn cocktails, Manchego cheese and smoked fish! Available at a very fair price and easy to love. My sort of wine. The winery and six-hectare estate, planted on sandy soils in the South Downs National Park, is the creation of Simon Woodhead, who launched his career as an engineer designing parts for Formula 1 cars. Alc 12%

2) Silverhand Estate, Silver Reign Brut NV, Luddesdown, Kent (£17, The Wine Caverns, thewinecaverns.co.uk)

The best Charmat/tank-method

(Prosecco/Asti/major German Sekt method)

UK wine I’ve tasted to date – a bright fizz from Kent with an open, honest, fruitforward appeal that bursts with ripe citrus, stone fruit, pears and hedgerow flowers. Immensely cheerful. Made from organically cultivated Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes. Surprisingly good length of flavour through the pleasingly dry finish. Tasted at last week’s ‘Taste of London’ event in Regent’s Park. Alc 12.5%

3) Westwell Double Pinot Noir 2022, Kent (£25, Westwell Wines, westwellwines.com)

Very respectable, juicy, light-bodied Pinot Meunier (70%) co-fermented using wild

yeasts with Pinot Noir (30%) at Westwell Wines, just beneath the Pilgrims Way on the North Downs in Kent. Expressive violet, cranberry and summer berry scents mix with spice and bright, elegant red fruits. Great balance and rather fun to drink. Begging to be lightly chilled and consumed this summer. Bottled without fining or filtration. Joyful, compelling stuff, though by no means underpriced. However, buy for a real treat and support this exciting, expanding, local business.

4) Hambledon Classic Cuvée Rosé NV, Hampshire (£37, Hambledon, hambledonvineyard.co.uk)

This is an exquisite Hants bubbly – and a fab picnic wine – with a kiss of ripe red

berry fruits, subtle brioche and convincing mineral persistence. It’s a blend of 86% Chardonnay and 14% Pinot Noir from the southeast-facing chalky slopes of Windmill Down, in the historic village of Hambledon – reputedly the cradle of cricket – with a full four years (give or take a couple of months) ageing in the bottle on yeast lees, too. Established in 1952, Hambledon is the country’s oldest commercial vineyard. Comes in a handsome gift box. Alc 12%

5) Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs 2018, Kent (£65, Gusbourne, gusbourne.com)

First-rate local English sparkling wine (100% Chardonnay) from Appledore with a minerality and finesse to its mouthfeel that immediately sets it apart from other UK sparkling wines I’ve tried. This is very pure and refined and it’ll become even more complex with more time on the cork. Utterly enticing and bang on for camembert and seafood, especially oysters and lobsters. A grapefruit-pith sensation adds freshness, tension and bite to the protracted finish. Love it. A deserved winner of a ‘Best in Show’ (in the top 50) award at this year’s coveted Decanter World Wine Awards. Alc 12%

Check out winegb.co.uk/events/englishwine-week-events for more details. Share your experiences using #EnglishWineWeek and tagging @WineGb across social media Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine

Getting on the road to some fantastic discoveries

Nick Hall of Bentley’s Fine Art Auctioneers previews some of the treasures coming up for sale next month

IT’S been another busy but interesting month of discoveries on the road hunting consignments for our forthcoming auction on July 1. The most exciting find so far is another fabulous classic car – a 1947 MG TC 1250. This elegant bright red beauty with its cream drop-down hood is the perfect vehicle for those summer days out, and I am expecting private buyers and serious collectors alike to be bidding eagerly to win this delightful and practical classic car and drive off into the sun. Another highlight this month is something very different indeed –a treasure in which you can lock your treasure!

A 17th- or 18th-century iron Armada chest, this iron-bound strongbox is a forerunner to the modern-day safe. Heavily constructed to store valuables, the most intriguing aspect is the lock – an intricate mechanism that occupies the whole of the inside of the lid. A rare, useful and beautiful object that offers a glimpse into life 300-400 years ago. Some treasures discovered this month that would sit well in the Armada chest include a vintage Gentleman’s wristwatch – an Omega 14ct-gold ‘Constellation’ model.

Vintage watches are hot property right now and prices are rising – a strong market if you’re thinking of selling and a good investment if you’re a collector.

Another treasure and rare collectors’ item that has spent centuries travelling the world to end up in our Cranbrook saleroom is a 17th-century Indian Mughal bronze sword hilt, known as a tulwar. Beautifully and elaborately decorated with gold damascened designs, with a faint inscription on the inside purporting to reference one of the sons of the Shah Jahan.

It is an intriguing object with a potentially royal history and it is sure to attract international interest come sale day. Vintage whisky is another area that is currently very strong. Included in this sale is a single bottle of Talisker 1958 bottled by Gordon & Macphail, and a single bottle of Clynelish 12-year-old single malt distilled by Ainslie & Heilbron and bottled by Gordon & Macphail. Each bottle is expected to attract bids of several hundred pounds. Another offering with mouthwatering potential is the contents of a now-deceased London art restorer’s studio. Dozens of wonderful works of art chosen by a master of his art who clearly had a good eye. Some are in need of fairly extensive restoration; others just a light tidy-up.

There’s everything from decorative old masters from centuries gone by to modern pieces from the 20th century. I expect viewing days will bring along a lot of curious collectors and specialist dealers looking for that elusive hidden gem among this intriguing collection.

Handmade

And as if that isn’t enough of an eclectic taste of our auctions, then how about a beautifully handmade bespoke rocking horse by the Kentish masters, the Stevenson Brothers in Bethersden. Their list of clients includes the late Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Paul McCartney, Dame Mary Berry, Dame Joanna Lumley, Dame Judy Dench, and numerous other stars of stage and screen. This unique example is Ferrari-themed. Built in 2011, and numbered 7793 (each horse has been given its own number from day one), this luxury rocking horse is something truly special. As I write this, we are preparing to head out to a lovely old Kentish Rectory, so no doubt there will be even more treasures discovered, researched and catalogued for our July 1 auction.

Our fully-illustrated online catalogues go live on the evening of Friday June 23, so have a browse, or better still come along to the viewing days and sale day held in our atmospheric 18th-century former granary saleroom in Cranbrook. See you there!

Auctioneers Since 1929

Lots to Love

NICK HALL

From left to right: Qi Baishi (1864-1957), Bee and chrysanthemums paper scroll painting – £65,000 + fees. Late 19th century Chinese Export silver mug – £2,600 + fees. Lady’s steel and gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual wrist watch – £1,400 + fees. Baccarat millefiori glass paperweight, dated 1847 – £1,000 + fees. 1920’s pierced white gold and diamond cluster set brooch – £850 + fees.

Motoring News

Drivers of the Renault 5 could save on running costs

THE new Renault 5, which is set to launch in the UK in 2025, will feature a new vehicleto-grid charging system, making it one of the first vehicles on sale to incorporate the technology.

Energy

Also referred to as ‘bidirectional charging’, the system allows drivers to feed energy from their vehicle back into the grid. It also means that EV owners can charge up at off-peak times and make every day driving less expensive. Plus, vehicle-toload (V2L) technology means that the car’s on-board battery can be used to power domestic appliances, such as a vacuum cleaner or light.

The system is being launched under Renault’s ‘Mobilize’ mobility arm. The company will also be supplying the

‘Powerbox’ bidirectional charging station, which will be installed at an owner’s home and will allow them to feed power back and forth from vehicle to property.

Corinne Frasson, Director of Energy Services at Mobilize, said: “Thanks to Mobilize V2G, cars become an energy reserve. All drivers have to do is regularly connect their vehicle to the Powerbox to optimize their electricity bill and cut carbon from their mobility. On average, the cost of charging is cut by half. That is how Mobilize’s mobility solutions are more sustainable and affordable.”

A smartphone app will allow users to preprogramme the bidirectional charging. Users set a time when the vehicle is going to be used next – alongside the required battery level – and the system will automatically charge up when the energy is at its lowest price.

EV brings batteries

A BRITISH-based technology firm has created a lightweight battery-powered model kitted out with rapid charging systems that enable it to charge up in less than six minutes.

The new model has been designed by Julian Thomson – who originally penned the lightweight Elise S1 – under the banner of Warwick-based design agency Callum. The company was founded by ex-JLR design boss Ian Callum, with this new concept representing what the agency is capable of.

The new EV bears a striking resemblance to the original Elise, with a similar frontend design and twin headlight layout. It also features the same bonnet intake as the lightweight Lotus. It is, however, 100mm wider and 150mm wider than the original. The contrasting composite roof panel can also be removed to create a full open-air experience.

But far from being a static display, this car is a fully-functioning model which

Plant-based sustainable petrol is available in the UK for the first time

FUEL specialist Coryton has developed a fuel which promises “at least” a 65 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases compared to traditional petrol.

It uses second-generation biofuel material, such as straw or waste from crops that wouldn’t be used anywhere else. Because of this, the fuel is using carbon that already exists in the atmosphere which these plants absorb as they grow. It means that cars don’t release additional CO2 that is ‘locked’ in usual fossil fuels.

Classic

The fuel – called Sustain Classic – has been designed for classic cars, though Coryton says that it can be used on any vehicle which runs on standard petrol. It’s also made with a premium additive package included, which helps to keep an engine clean while it runs. It’ll cost from

£3.80 per litre, too, and will be available initially from distributor Motor Spirit at Bicester Heritage from June 13.

Coryton states that further retailers will be added soon, too.

Andrew Willson, CEO at Coryton, said:

“We believe that Sustain Classic is the world’s first ever sustainable fuel catering for classic vehicles, providing a credible and convenient way to run vintage vehicles without the need for fossil fuels. It’s fully certified, tested, and developed right here in the UK at our world-class blending facility.

“It’s estimated that there are almost half a

million classic cars in the UK, each one with its own unique purpose, build and history. By creating a collection of secondgeneration biofuels that are compatible with their needs, as well as those of other vintage vehicles, we hope to provide these much-loved motors with a more sustainable future and preserve them for years to come.”

incorporates battery technology from Cambridge-based Nyobolt. Thanks to the firm’s systems, the electric model can deliver up to 155 miles of range, yet a full charge can be returned in under six minutes using ‘existing charging infrastructure’. The battery has also been tested for over 2,000 fast charging cycles with no signs of degradation.

Desirable

Aleck Jones, Creative Lead at Callum, said: “The aim was to evolve the design and bring it up to date while keeping that iconic sports car character that was so well received in the Elise.

“Nyobolt’s technology allows this car to tick all the boxes that made the original Elise such a desirable drivers’ car with a cult following, but it’s electric. These two things don’t usually come hand-in-hand due to weight and battery packaging constraints.”

Your Local Funeral Services

Your Local Funeral Services

Our Funeral Directors are here to support and guide you. We offer a friendly and professional service to families.

Our Funeral Directors are here to support and guide you. We offer a

T W Boorman Funeral Services www.tw-boorman.co.uk

Tunbridge

Tunbridge Wells 01892 884 224

Call us for immediate support, advice or to arrange a home visit. We are here to help 24 hours a day.

Nyobolt

that can be fully charged in ‘less than six minutes’