Times of Tunbridge Wells 31st May 2023

Town visitors receive twothirds of traffic ban fines

By Lilly Croucher

OUT-OF-TOWN visitors travelling through the Mount Pleasant Road bus gate have received two-thirds of the fines issued by the Borough Council, according to new figures uncovered by the Times

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that since full enforcement commenced on April 1 2023, only 34 per cent of the penalties issued by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) were to vehicles registered in the Borough. This means a majority of those fined for using the bus gate in front of the War Memorial are motorists who likely live outside the Borough, possibly in

WEEKENDAGLAMPING –P18

neighbouring districts or counties. Being unfamiliar with the recent changes, they are potentially less aware of the new road layouts and penalties attached.

Surprised

One of those visitors was Nigel Skinner, from Four Elms in Sevenoaks, who was surprised to receive a warning notice from Tunbridge Wells Council. As a result, he started his own investigations. Mr Skinner told the Times that while travelling to Fordcombe from North Farm Road, “I decided the simplest route would be up Camden Road, straight

across on to Monson Road, hang a left to the main traffic lights next to the Town Hall and turn right up to the Common. But a couple of weeks later, I received a warning letter.

“I had no idea it was a bus lane. It was quiet and there were no buses. Initially I was confused, so checked the signs on Google Street View to see where I had gone wrong.

“I was probably concentrating more on other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. I was vaguely aware of a sign halfway down Monson Road, but thought it referred to a side road.

Continued on page 3

INSIDE: Borough welcomes new Mayor – page 2

Photograph: Sally-Anne Low

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Borough welcomes new Mayor as Cabinet revealed

By Lilly Croucher

THE BOROUGH’S new Mayor and Deputy Mayor were sworn into their posts last week as the Council’s new Cabinet saw some interesting changes.

At the annual Full Council meeting last week, May 24, Leader of the Council, Cllr Ben Chapelard (Lib Dem) announced the continuation of the Borough Partnership and revealed who would be joining him in his new Cabinet.

Remaining in post is Cllr Nancy Warne (Alliance) as Deputy Leader and Member of Communities, Cllr Hugo Pound (Labour) for Housing and Planning, and Cllr Christopher Hall (Lib Dem) as Member for Finance and Performance.

Roles

Rejoining Cabinet but in new roles are Cllr Justine Rutland (Lib Dem) as Member for Economic Development and Cllr Wendy Fitzsimmonds (Lib Dem) as the Member for Sport, Leisure and Health.

New members joining this year are Cllr Ellen Neville (Alliance) as Member for Environmental Services and newly-elected Cllr Jayne Sharratt (Labour) as the Member for Sustainability.

The Council Leader also appointed seven champions to assist his Cabinet: Cllr Peter Lidstone (Lib Dem); Cllr Alex Bricher-Allan (Labour); Cllr Mark Ellis (Lib Dem), and Cllr Matthew Sankey (Alliance) remain in post as Walking and Cycling, Charities and Voluntary sector, Town Market, and Local Business Champions, respectively.

Taking up three brand-new positions are Alliance councillors Steve McMillan and David Knight as Planning Champion and Rural Communities Champion, and Conservative councillor, Paul Roberts as the Armed Forces Covenant Champion.

The meeting also celebrated the appointment of the town’s newest mayor, Cllr Hugh Patterson (Lib Dem), who was officially inaugurated into his new duty at the Town Hall.

Cllr Patterson, the councillor for Capel ward and a part-time History and Politics teacher, will be taking over the mayorship from Cllr Godfrey Bland (Conservative).

Mayor Patterson served as a councillor between 2012 and 2016 and stood again in 2021. His wife, Sandra, will accompany him as Mayoress during his year in office.

Addressing the Council chamber for the first time, adorned in his robes and mayoral chain,

Mayor Patterson announced: “I would like to thank my fellow councillors for entrusting me with this position this year, and I will do my very best to represent the Borough, and look forward to visiting as many communities within it as is possible.

“I pay tribute to Godfrey in his absence for his excellent example of service, which he has set us for this year. I can only hope to emulate his example in 2023/24.”

Re-election

Seconding the motion, Cllr Ben Chapelard said: “Hugh won his re-election after successive wins and losses, like a yo-yo of a football team in and out of the Premiership, with a score even Mr Putin would be happy with, but in a full democratic, open election. I think that represents the calibre that Hugh is as a representative of Capel.

“Clearly people really care and value the public service that Hugh makes … and I just want to wish him all the best in his year and thank you, personally from me, for all your wisdom and guidance you’ve given me this year in my current role.”

Mayor Patterson also announced the two new charities he will support for this coming year: the Paddock Wood Community Advice Centre and the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Charitable Fund.

Explaining why he chose those charities, Mayor Patterson said: “The Paddock Wood Community Advice Centre is a charity largely run by volunteers who provide legal, housing and other advice free to local residents. It is

obviously close to the ward I represent, so it is of particular importance to me.

“Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Charitable Fund raises funds for hospitals and the patients in it. I thought this was particularly appropriate on the 75th anniversary of the NHS. “It is also a way of expressing my gratitude for the quality of care and speedy and successful treatment I received following my prostate cancer diagnosis last year.”

The Deputy Mayor was proclaimed as Cllr Nicholas Pope (Alliance) and he was dressed in his official robes before the Chamber.

On his appointment, Cllr Pope said: “I would like to thank my fellow Borough councillors for considering me for this role. It’s a great honour and I look forward to working on behalf of the Borough as Deputy Mayor.”

Nominating Cllr Pope for the position as Mayor was Cllr Matthew Sankey, who said: “Nick opened the door to this chamber for those who do not have a political home in the traditional sense. In fact, looking around me here, it is well and truly wedged open.

“I am genuinely proud to call Nick a friend and cannot think of a more fitting person to become Deputy Mayor … Nick is the perfect person to lead by example in what is sure to be a very exciting time as we move from 48 to 39 councillors.”

Train strikes remain ongoing

A STRIKE by train drivers in the Aslef union has left Southeastern services at a standstill today (May 31), with a further complete stoppage this Saturday (June 3), as industrial action continues.

Ban

Aslef has also scheduled an overtime ban tomorrow (Thursday, June 1), but the train operator has said it still plans to run a full service, though passengers are advised to check before travel.

Separately, strike action by the RMT union this Friday (June 2) is expected to result in a limited service, but not a complete shutdown, said Southeastern.

No rail replacement buses are available on strike action days.

CHAIN OF COMMAND: (From left) Nick Pope,Hugh Patterson and William Benson

MAYOR HUGH PATTERSON

Photograph: The Alliance

Shop thief stole from unattended tills

A prolific shop thief who stole more than £13,000 after targeting unattended cash tills at stores throughout Kent, has been jailed.

Essex criminal Bradley Pogmore was responsible for an eight-month crime spree.

Between September 2021 and April 2022, Pogmore used tools to crack open empty check-outs at unstaffed areas of retailers, including Next, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. He would hide from employees by crouching next to the tills before stealing hundreds of pounds at a time.

Pogmore entered the shops either alone or with an accomplice, in areas including Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Gillingham, Maidstone and Broadstairs. Businesses beyond Kent were also targeted.

Distraction techniques were sometimes employed to divert staff’s attention.

Pogmore, of Dagenham, was arrested on April 13 2022. The 40-year-old pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to conspiracy to commit burglary, as well as a raft of separate burglary offences. He also admitted breaching a criminal behaviour order.

On Tuesday, May 23 2023, Pogmore was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment.

Witnesses sought to attempted robbery

Investigators are appealing for witnesses to an attempted robbery in Paddock Wood. Around 5.50pm on Saturday, May 20, two men were on the junction of Maidstone and Commercial Roads when they were asked for a lighter by a group of people standing near a bench.

One of the men was then allegedly assaulted by members of the group, who tried to steal a saw the man was carrying. The second man was reportedly also assaulted.

Later the same day, officers arrested two men in connection with the incident. The suspects, aged 19 and 21, were subsequently bailed to return to the police station pending further investigation.

Police are appealing for more information. Motorists with dashcams, and residents with private CCTV, are also asked to check for relevant footage between 5.50pm and 9.30pm. Anyone with information should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/89875/23. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Stolen vehicles found

A horsebox and two quad bikes were recovered as part of ongoing work to tackle cross-border rural crime.

On Tuesday, May 18, Kent Police’s Rural Task Force recovered a quad bike near Stone in Oxney, south of Tenterden, which had previously been reported stolen along with two others in nearby Peasmarsh, East Sussex.

The following Saturday, May 20, they were able to track a second bike to woodland near Biddenden, Ashford, where officers from the Roads Policing Unit.

On Sunday 21 May the Rural Task Force attended to the alleged theft of horseboxes from a property in Pembury.

One was recovered a short time later in Peters Village, Snodland, and at around 7pm officers stopped a car believed to be linked to the thefts near the Dartford River Crossing. Three men were arrested.

Visitors bear the brunt of fines

Continued from front page

“In retrospect, I could have either done a U-turn or turned back at the Town Hall end, but neither of these options are ideal, especially in the interests of pedestrian safety.

“Is this intended to make residents’ lives quieter and improve air quality, or just to raise funds for the local Council?”

Changes

The road layout changes and traffic signs have been a recent subject of controversy among residents and motorists in Tunbridge Wells, and an online petition carrying more than 600 signatures is calling for the scheme to be scrapped.

Last month, the Times revealed that the road signage was not compliant with Government regulations. Since then, Kent County Council (KCC) has covered up the incorrect legends for the bus gate, but it is not just the signs on which the motorists rely for directions.

Sat navs and mapping apps, like Google and Apple, still direct unsuspecting drivers through the bus gate, costing them the hefty fine.

To go from Newton Road to Tunbridge Wells Railway Station, Google Maps, Apple Maps and Bing Maps continue to send drivers through the bus gate.

Motorists should be sent back up Monson Road, following the roads, going right until meeting Mount Pleasant Road from Crescent Road, reaching the station.

However, Mr Skinner is not alone. Thousands of visitors have been sent warning letters for driving through the bus gate for the first time. Others, however, are not as lucky.

Margaret Jones, 75, from Frant in East Sussex, was shocked to receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) after turning right on to the bus lane from York Road. It was her first offence. She told the Times: “I had recently been to Sheffield, where I used my phone to navigate. When the fine arrived in the post ... I was shocked to see it was from Tunbridge Wells.”

Ms Jones explained how that was the first time she has driven through the bus lane but received a fine six days later.

“I don’t usually go to Tunbridge Wells,” she continued, “I had no idea this road had become a bus lane only, so if there were signs to indicate this, they were not clearly marked.

Alex Green, Director of RTW Together Business Improvement District (BID) told the Times: “This is not a unique problem to Tunbridge Wells, but anything that leaves a negative perspective, like parking charges or fines, are not desirable, so it’s about making sure that the benefits of the scheme outweigh the negatives of it.

“We do need to make sure the signage is appropriate and clear to ensure it is the best possible pedestrian environment to assist local shops and restaurants and services.

When asked about the disproportionate number of visitors being issued with PCNs, a spokesperson for TWBC said: “We are aware that more than half of the Penalty Charge Notices issued during April have been to vehicles registered outside the Tunbridge Wells Borough.

“This number includes vehicles registered to businesses based outside the Borough and people who may consider Tunbridge Wells their hometown but live in another district.

“There are signs in place to notify motorists of the restriction.

“We talk regularly to Kent County Council about the signs and let them know if there are areas of confusion.

“The Council has an appeals system in place, and we are happy to consider any appeal from inside or outside the Borough.”

Tropical fish found in Sherwood stream baffling local residents

By Lilly Croucher

A FISH thought to be native to South America confused residents after it was spotted in a stream in Tunbridge Wells.

The fish, now confirmed to be a Redtail Catfish, was discovered by local residents walking past Greggswood Stream, near Ashenden Walk, last Monday, May 22.

Paul Kent, who was walking his friend’s dog, Chester ,came across the fish which had died in the shallow stream.

He told the Times: “I was taking the dog for a walk on Monday afternoon when I came across the poor fish in the cut through in the wooded area.

Double-take

“I’ve come across footballs, even rubber ducks in that tiny stream before but I wasn’t sure what I was seeing when I came across it.

“Even the dog, Chester, did a double-take. I’ve never seen a fish of any size in that stream before in the 30 years I’ve lived there.

“Due to the size, I thought maybe be it was a toy fish, as how a fish of that size became stranded there was a real surprise.”

Sarah Burgess, who also saw the fish and posted photos online, told the Times: “I was walking along the public footpath after work, and I glanced down and saw this huge fish.

“It had to be over two-foot long and it was just lying there. I think it was trying to swim up stream to warmer water, but didn’t make it.”

Within minutes, local anglers were quick to identify the tropical fish as a Redtail Catfish, which is native to South America but is legal to own in the UK.

This is a species of fish which is often sold

small in aquatic shops but can grow on average between three to four foot and it often surprises people when it outgrows its tank.

Mr Kent said: “I had a feeling it was a Catfish, but absolutely no idea it was a tropical variety that can grow to six feet!”

“It’s very sad that someone clearly dumped the fish either in the stream or Sherwood Lake with no hope of survival.

“Someone on Facebook thought there might be more in the lake.”

Mr Kent contacted the Environment Agency, who removed the fish on Wednesday May 24, afternoon.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We have received several reports of a dead Catfish. We have identified the fish as a Redtailed Catfish, which is native to South America.

“Releasing any fish into the wild has the potential to cause massive ecological impacts, especially non-native species which could cause huge damage to the environment.

“We ask that people report any sightings or instances of this happening on our 24/7 incident line: 0800 807060, as it’s a serious offence due to the impact it could have on the river systems.”

NO-GO: Apps direct drivers through the bus gate

A FISH OUT OF WATER: The Redtail Catfish

Photograph: Paul Kent

Sharing agreement hammered out for Langton Green Pavilion

MAKING AN IMPRESSION: A sketch of proposed flats

Council approves garage to block of flats conversion

By Sarah Carter

A PLAN to convert a former car showroom into a block of 24 flats has been passed by the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Planning Committee, with £641,978.32 worth of developer contributions.

Vacant

The corner plot, between Quarry Road and St James Road has been vacant since the garage ceased trading in September 2022.

The 24 units will comprise five one-bed flats, seven two-bed flats, nine three-bed flats and three four-bed flats.

There are to be three shared-ownership ‘affordable’ dwellings on site, with a

£520,975.20 contribution made to provide five social rent units off-site.

Questioned by committee members, Council officers explained the development was on a brownfield site, so only required 30 per cent affordable units – three on site and five off site – rather than 40 per cent.

Onsite parking will provide 29 spaces, and a secure enclosure offering storage for 24 bicycles.

Council officers had recommended approval subject to the Section 106 agreement, securing the contributions, and subject to recommendations concerning the demolition of the existing building, thus promoting sustainable transport and reducing the impact on the neighbours. Committee members approved the recommendations by eight to one, with no abstentions.

A Royal podcast appointment

By Victoria Roberts

A SHARING agreement has been agreed upon by groups using the Langton Pavilion, following conflict over the space which came to a head this spring.

Located in the Recreation Ground near the Speldhurst Parish Council (SPC) office, Langton Pavilion has been used by both the Langton Pavilion Café and Langton Green Community Sports Association (LGCSA).

Brink

Lack of agreement over timetabling and the use of space had led matters to the brink of the café’s licence being allowed to expire on March 31.

However, following an extension and mediation process led by a parishioner reporting to SPC, the two parties were able to hammer out issues of storage, timetabling, stock and cleaning, with the aim of creating clear expectations between the users.

To take the heat out of the interaction, one of the recommendations was for SPC to manage an online booking system to which both the café and sports club would have access.

‘Heads of agreement’ between the parties have now been drawn up, and are being translated into a legally binding arrangement, the mediator said.

Announcing the news that the café would remain open, owner-manager Emma Howden thanked supporters, including the mediator, parish council, Village Society, her staff and a supporter who set up the Change.org petition.

She said: “Through all the many negatives in this process, we have established a huge positive, and that is how important the Pavilion is as a hub, not only for the café but for sport and events in the village.”

She added that she hoped her business and LGCSA could ‘support each other in providing something very important for the community’.

LGCSA’s Football Fiesta takes place this weekend (June 3-4). For more information, visit langtongreencsa.org.uk.

Inquest confirms man was gassed

AN inquest has confirmed a man died from inhaling a poisonous gas in Tunbridge Wells earlier this year.

Danut Fotache, a warehouse operator born in Romania, was found ‘unresponsive’ in the car park next to St John’s Church in Amherst Road by police officers on January 22.

Poisoning

The 37-year-old was taken to Tunbridge Wells Hospital where he later died. He had no fixed address.

In the inquest, which opened on May 11 found

that Mr Fotache’s cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning which he is suspected to have inhaled from the church’s heating vents.

At the time of his death, the police spokesperson said: “Officers were called at around 9.15am after a man was found unresponsive in a car park on Amherst Road, Tunbridge Wells.

“His death is not currently being treated as suspicious and a report has been prepared for the coroner.”

A full inquest is scheduled to continue at County Hall in Maidstone on June 21.

COUNTER VIEW with

AS K

In place of the usual Q&A, the following are some of the support packages that have been made available to help businesses deal with the Coronavirus:

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: HMRC will reimburse 80% of wages paid to workers who have be laid off due to the coronavirus crisis. This is capped at £2.5k per employee per month.

From 1 April, the main rate of corporation tax increased to 25% for companies with profits over £250,000. For most companies with profits under £50,000, the rate will remain at 19%. For those with profits between £50,000 and £250,000, the rate is 25% on the total profits, but with ‘marginal relief’ available which provides a reduction in the overall liability. This has the effect of taxing the first £50,000 at 19% with the next £200,000 at 26.5%, which equates to £250,000 at 25%.

VAT Deferral: The deferral will apply from 20 March to 30 June 2020. There is a lack of clarity on the Gov. uk website and we are interpreting this as payments due by 30 June rather than quarters ended 30 June. This means that May quarter VAT Returns, where payment is due by 7 July, will still be payable as normal. Any payments deferred will become payable by the end of the tax year (31/3/21 Company or 5/4/21

Unincorporated)

Income Tax Deferral: The self-assessment second payment on account, due by 31 July 2020, will be deferred to 31 January 2021. No penalties or interest will be charged.

If the accounting period is for less than one year, the limits (£50k and £250k) are proportionally reduced. A reduction in limits also occurs when the company has any ‘associated’ companies. Two companies are associated if one controls the other, or both are under the control of the same person or persons. For example, if 2 persons each hold 50% of the shares in two different trading

Cash Grants: A grant of £10k will automatically be provided to all businesses currently entitled to Small Business Rates Relief. A grant of £25k can be claimed for businesses in the retail, hospitality or leisure industry if their rateable value is between £15k and £51K.

Business Rates Holiday: There is a 12-month business rates holiday (April 20 to March 21) for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England.

companies, they are associated for corporation tax purposes even if they are in separate industries and have no commercial ties. This means each company would only have £25,000 at 19% and the next £100,000 at 26.5%. Dormant companies are excluded, as are certain non-trading holding companies. If two or more companies have significant commercial interdependence, the control test is extended to include any rights held by associates of the individual shareholders.

From a planning perspective, the rise from 19% to 25% is a 31.6% increase in the tax payable. Please ensure that this has been factored into your financial forecasts as early as possible to avoid nasty surprises.

Time to Pay Arrangements: In addition to the deferral schemes noted above, if you have outstanding tax liabilities (Corporation Tax, VAT or Income Tax) due to coronavirus, you may be able to agree a time to pay arrangement. Arrangements will be agreed on a case by case basis. To discuss your options, contact HMRC on 0800 0159 559.

Further info and updates can be found here: https:// www.synergee.org.uk/press-releases/coronavirus-update

LANGTON GREEN PAVILION

HAPPY TALK: "I am so happy that I was able to talk with the Lord-Lieutenant on Friday," said Malachi Tyler, 15, after interviewing the Lady Colgrain, who is the official representative in Kent of His Majesty the King,. Find Malachi's Malavision podcast on your podcast app.

Local nursery addresses issues around ‘Inadequate’ Ofsted rating

By Lilly Croucher

A NURSERY in Tunbridge Wells is currently addressing issues raised in an Ofsted report which found ‘children’s safety was compromised’ at the early years centre. Proof of these improvements were confirmed by an inspection on May 5.

Care home operator seeks amended planning permission to increase beds

By Victoria Roberts

A NEW operator, which has acquired a site with planning permission for a care home near the Tunbridge Wells Hospital is now seeking to increase the number of beds on the plans.

The Owlsnest Wood site was acquired from Quantum Group, also known as Octopus Healthcare, with permission to build a 76-bed health and wellbeing facility, which would also supply private nursing care and ‘step-down care’ to Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury.

Need

In planning documents filed with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), new owners Priory CC41 Limited, a subsidiary of care home operators the Care Concern Group, said they were responding to the need for housing for those over 65 – a population which ‘is expected to grow substantially’.

Citing the Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) and Draft Local Plan, Priory stressed the ‘critical’ need for housing in this age group.

“Drawing on Office for National Statistics data,

the SHMA noted that the population of the Borough of Tunbridge Wells aged 65+ years is expected to increase by 40.7 per cent, from 22,600 in 2017 to 31,800 in 2033.”

“In summary, planning to meet the housing needs of older people is a major, strategic challenge for the Local Plan. The number of older person households will increase far more than households overall. This will inevitably include providing more specialist housing.”

Proposed alterations to the first floor and entrance layout would ‘minimise the distance for residents to travel to reach dining and lounge spaces, and ensure residents have a choice of different space to use,’ said the planning documents.

There would be four extra beds as a result of the changes, they added.

Plans to install machinery on the roof included heat recovery units, photovoltaic panels and air conditioning condenser units.

They also proposed changes to the car park layout due to differences in level over the parking area, and insufficient space to provide for safe pedestrian access.

Under the proposed revised plans, the public would still have access to the lake on site.

Kinderversity in Pembury was rated ‘Inadequate’ by the education regulator after an inspection on March 21, 2023.

In its report in March, Ofsted found that ‘children’s safety is compromised due to a lack of appropriate risk assessments’.

The inspection also said that ‘not enough action’ was ‘taken to put matters right’ by staff when ‘potential hazards were identified’, including hygiene risks in the kitchen.

Staffing

It also found that due to staffing changes, there were not enough qualified members of staff, with ‘the only member of staff working with the babies an unqualified apprentice’.

Kinderversity Pembury is part of a chain of local nurseries under Kinderversity Limited, which has branches across West Kent, including Speldhurst, which was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in September 2022.

The nursery employs six members of staff with three holding Early Years qualifications at Level 2 or above and has 45 children registered with them from ages nought to four.

It is not the first time the regulator has given a poor rating to the St Anselm’s Hall nursey, with an Ofsted inspection in July 2022 finding the overall effectiveness of the nursery ‘requires improvement’.

After the inspection in March 2023, the nursery was required to ‘implement appropriate risk

assessments’; make sure food preparation areas are safe; review and improve staffing arrangements; implement a suitable curriculum for children.

By their latest review on May 5, the centre was found to be making the recommended improvements, with Ofsted confirming they were ‘satisfied the provider has met the safeguarding and welfare actions raised’.

Ofsted’s report said: “We found that the provider had improved their knowledge of risk assessments and they have new processes in place to identify hazards and address them appropriately.

“They have improved the staffing arrangements to consistently meet the needs of children.

“We are satisfied the provider has met the safeguarding and welfare actions raised. The provider is still registered with Ofsted.”

The report did pick up on some of the nursery’s positives such as the children’s satisfaction and staff support.

Ofsted said: “Staff support children to ride bikes through puddles and encourage them to explore the marks they have made.

“Staff plan activities through the day ... However, staff do not always extend children's learning well enough.”

THE PROPOSED OWLSNEST WOOD FACILITY

KINDERVERSITY, PEMBURY

Agency spreads message of support through village

Michelle Wood

STRATEGIC creative agency Catch a Fire recently partnered with Mental Health Resource, a health service operating in Southeast England, to put a smile on the face of an entire community of Lamberhurst.

The campaign, which ran during Mental Health Awareness Week, was designed to reach people outside of urban areas who might suffer from mental health problems.

Interconnected

The NHS states that one in four people in the UK will experience some form of mental health problem each year. With a large proportion of the UK’s population living in rural areas, where daily lives are interconnected, they find it hard to talk about their own mental health or know where to access help.

The disparity between rural and urban areas can

be large. A recent Samaritans study showed that two-thirds of men living in rural areas (66 per cent) said there were various factors that would stop them from reaching out for support, even if they were struggling.

The village of Lamberhurst, where Catch A Fire is based, has roughly 1,704 residents, which means hundreds could potentially find their mental health affected this year.

The creative agency staff hand-delivered written messages around the village to put a smile on people's faces as they went about their day. The messages also directed people to Mental Health Resource and its services in the local area, reminding people: ‘If you ever need help, ask.’ Jen Williams, Fundraising & Marketing Manager at Mental Health Resource, said: “We were so excited to partner with (Catch a Fire) to deliver this important message… Driving awareness of mental health problems and normalising conversations about it, especially at a community level is so vital.”

Kicking it for Hospice in the Weald

EIGHT football teams recently came together to battle it out for two trophies in this year’s World Cup-themed tournament to raise funds for Pembury-based charity Hospice in the Weald. A number of teams were specially assembled for the competition, which took place on May 20, and comprised heavy representation from TW Seniors players, who play at St Greg’s School every Sunday.

Friendly

Despite friendly competition, the emphasis of the day was good sportsmanship, and every seven-a-side team was guaranteed 75 minutes of football.

The eventual plate winners were Tunbridge Wells based recruitment firm TN Recruits, captained by Alfie Lucas, and his team of players who ranged in age from 15 to 64 years old. Alfie said: “Considering we put together a team of employees, family and friends of TN Recruits

who had never played together, we are delighted to walk away with a trophy … It’s also great to be involved in a competition raising money for a great cause”.

The winners of the cup were Boca Seniors, a team comprising Tunbridge Wells-based footballers who play together in local leagues.

Goalkeeper Tom Moore, also owner of Wells Transport Services, said: “We are thrilled to have won the cup, but the real purpose of today was all about Hospice in the Weald. It’s great to see a good turn-out of local footballers for such a worthy charity”.

Tournament organiser Ian Knapp said: “The event was a real success. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. All teams played with the right spirit, creating a friendly yet competitive vibe, which is the way football should be played.”

The tournament, which Ian hopes to make an annual event, raised £1,100 for Hospice in the Weald.

FOR CHARITY: Teams took to the field to support Hospice in the Weald

London Gatwick grant recipients announced

Michelle Wood

LONDON Gatwick has announced the recipients of £33,000 from the first round of the Gatwick Foundation Fund across Tonbridge and Malling, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. Among the seven causes that benefited from a financial boost were Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, which will use the £5,000 funding to cover its core costs for the year. In addition, the money will help to fund projects to help Syrian refugees secure housing, while offering them mentoring to help them adjust to life in the town.

Support

Two further Tunbridge Wells groups to receive funding included Baby Umbrella, which will put the £2,000 towards providing vital support for families, to reduce isolation and improve family wellbeing, and West Kent Mind, which received £6,000 to help it expand its professional counsellor resource.

Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees (TWWR)

Trustee and Treasurer Viv Hughes, said: “TWWR

supports any refugees who want our help and who live in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells.

“The funding will enable the volunteers with TWWR to continue helping the refugees … through helping them feel welcome and safe, providing English lessons, helping them become more independent and supporting their educational and employment ambitions.

“The trustees at TWWR ... will ensure it is used in the best ways possible to support the refugees.”

The Gatwick Foundation Fund was set up in 2016 to award funding to local groups that work to fight social isolation and tackle disadvantage, raise aspirations and develop skills, improve health and wellbeing, and support children and young people.

Each year there are three rounds of grants, amounting to a total of £100,000, which are made available to beneficiaries in Kent, across the area of benefit,. The fund is managed on behalf of London Gatwick in Kent by the Kent Community Foundation.

Applications open on June 1 and the deadline to apply for the second round of funding is August 31. To apply, visit kentcf.org.uk/

Antiques and Vintage Fair returns to the Pantiles

THE PANTILES Antiques and Vintage Fair is returning to The Pantiles on Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11, for the first of three weekends this year.

Following on from two extremely popular events in 2022, more than 50 antique and vintage dealers will return to the Upper and Lower Pantiles, bringing with them some of their finest items.

“We just had to return to hold another Antiques Festival following the feedback from the events

last year,” said the organisers, Love Fairs, who also organise the Antiques and Vintage Fairs at Lingfield and Brighton Racecourses.

In addition to all of the outside stalls, you’ll also be able to visit the shops inside The Pantiles Arcade, including that of TV antiques celebrity Eric Knowles, Scottish Antiques.

Further fairs are scheduled for August and September. For more information you can visit the organiser’s website: www.lovefairs.com or call them on 01293 690777

TREASURE HUNT: The Antiques and Vintage Fair on the Pantiles

Green Duck the latest to land at RVP’s Ely Court

Victoria Roberts

THE Green Duck Tap Room is the latest business to open in Ely Court, the arcade linking Royal Victoria Place (RVP) with Camden Road. More food and drink businesses are expected to open in the coming weeks.

The Tunbridge Wells-based family business already runs the Green Duck Emporium inside RVP, near the Grosvenor Road entrance, with the Green Duck Event Space & Bar and the headquarters-cum-creative space situated further up Grosvenor Road.

Family-owned

It joins the similarly family-owned coffee shop and record store, Even Flow, at Ely Court, which also has another location in town, on St John’s Road.

After opening last Saturday (May 27) with a party featuring acts from the Tunbridge Wells

ELY COURT’S HISTORY

DESPITE its accessible location between RVP and Camden Road, Ely Court has had a troubled history as a retail area.

As reported by the Times, the arcade was empty when a food court called ‘Central Market’ opened in 2019 – before the pandemic. It thrived, before collapsing in January 2022.

As the Times reported in January 2022, Central Market had a number of stalls that were owned directly by London-based businessman Joan Ferras Quinterom, as well as several independent shops that paid rent through their tills to him.

However, Companies House ordered Central Market be dissolved as the businessman had not filed any accounts since 2020 and the food hall had debts in excess of £125,000.

Fringe, which takes place later this summer, the Green Duck Tap Room will continue to draw on its local connections, said company CEO Matt Elesmore.

“We always try to incorporate events and

Garden business helps homeless charity to gold

The Centrepoint Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show featured a part-demolished, ruinous house, a metaphor for being young and homeless

AN RHS Chelsea Flower Show ‘Garden for Good Causes’ has won a gold medal and many smiles at a Langton Green-based company, which put youth homelessness charity Centrepoint in touch with the designer and sponsor who made the project possible.

anything community-based,” he told the Times last week ahead of the opening.

Both businesses (the Green Duck and Even Flow) were a good anchor for the location and created further buzz, said TW Fringe organiser Grace Simpson, who told the Times: “We’re using the Green Duck’s opening as a little warm-up, and to help them out with some of our amazing acts.”

Both Even Flow and another Green Duck venue are already scheduled to host events during the two-week festival in July.

Other new businesses are also expected to be cut from the same independent material, added Mr Elesmore.

Contacted for more information, a representative of the shopping centre’s management told the Times: “We have got some exciting things in the pipeline” but was not able to comment further at that time.

Chilstone’s connection with Centrepoint dates back from 2019, when the cast stone craftsmen offered a number of young people from Centrepoint work experience on the company stand during the Flower Show that year.

Experience

Impressed by the young people’s work, General Manager Steve Clark planned to offer work experience again the next year – until the Flower 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 this year’s prize-winning project.

Project Giving Back gives UK charitable organisations the chance to exhibit a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, promoting a cause while also supporting the horticultural industry.

ELY COURT

THE GREEN DUCK TAP ROOM

Female business leaders to network with local peers

Disability group pushing at halfopen door in accessibility ‘action’

Victoria Roberts

ACCESS activists on Southborough’s high street last week gained new converts while spreading their message that offering disability access is easier – and cheaper – than businesses imagine.

Following a recent trial ‘action’, Tunbridge Wells & Area Access Group hit London Road again last Thursday, carrying a camera and foldable ramp.

Pushing

However, in many ways, the group is pushing at an already half-open door, according to Group Chair Anne Musker.

“We were greeted warmly, but with a variety of concerns,” she told the Times. “An awful lot of people want to do the right thing.”

Anne and her colleague, Graeme Munn, found estate agent Mother Goose willing to buy a ramp. They were also pleased to get advice on the length needed so that both self-propelled and powered wheelchairs could enter.

The Knot Works Studio impressed the pair not only with its entrance ramps, but with differentheight work stations, which would accommodate different wheelchairs.

Meanwhile, Anne and Graeme discussed helping Pets Fayre set up a JustGiving page to make the shop accessible, despite having steps up to the entrance.

Offering access is not only a matter of law, but it can result in extra sales, as Anne demonstrated on another recent high street visit.

“I could go in and see what they’ve got, and now I know Southborough Butchers have haggis scotch eggs!” she explained.

“‘Reasonable adjustment’ is the quote from the law. The gold standard would be nice, level access with an automatic opening door, but if you’re a small independent, we know that the test (for what is reasonable) is going to be different.

“If you don’t have the space, we can’t pretend that it is a reasonable adjustment for a small business to move to a different location.”

Even two businesses which were open at the same time might be able to share a folding ramp, to offer a ‘reasonable’ adjustment, she said.

“The only thing you can’t do (as a business) is nothing.”

Tunbridge Wells and Area Access Group welcomes new members, with no membership fees. Find their page on Facebook or contact anne.musker@gmail.com.

Licensing Act 2003Application for the grant of a Premises Licence

An application for a Premises Licence at Unit A 1887 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 8HE has been made by Clubs Quantum Ltd

A summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening:

Live music (Indoors) - Mon to Wed – 08:00 to 19:00,

Thurs to Fri – 08:00 to 23:00; Sat – 10:00 to 23:30

Supply of alcohol – Mon to Wed – 12:00 to 19:00,

Thurs to Fri – 12:00 to 23:00, Sat 12:00 to 23:30

December – Mon to Wed – 12:00 to 23:00

Open to the public – Mon to Wed – 08:00 to 19:00

Thurs to Fri – 08:00 to 23:00, Sat 10:00 to 23:30

December – Mon to Wed – 08:00 to 23:00

Any person wishing to view details of an application can contact the licensing team on 01732 227004

Any person wishing to make representation about the proposals should make them in writing by 13 June 2023 to:

Licensing Partnership, Council Offices, PO Box 182, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent. TN13 1GP licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary of conviction for the offence is Unlimited.

THE next seminar event for female entrepreneurs and business leaders to share their experience with local peers is to be held next week on The Pantiles.

The not-for-profit Make It Your Business (MIYB) format allows area ‘champions’ to offer aspiring local businesswomen information and opportunities to network with established female entrepreneurs, as well as with other local peers.

Speaker

The keynote speaker at the event on June 9 is Kim Simmonds, CEO and Founder of Law 365.

Although based in Tunbridge Wells, Law 365 is the only law firm in the world exclusively serving Microsoft Partners – companies which provide services using Microsoft products – ranging from

company intranets and cloud storage to cyber security.

Ms Simmonds said: “I am a big advocate for change in the workplace for parents, and especially for women.

“We have three legal pods and each of them is female-led. This is mainly because I’ve created an environment that attracts incredible senior, experienced female lawyers.

“Law 365 gives them the right balance in their lives, so it works for them.”

Also speaking on the panel will be Angela Saffery, founder of Angel’s Business Solutions, Becci Godfrey, who founded HorseSense UK, and Ruth Ferreira, founder of the Success Club.

MIYB Tunbridge Wells will be held on June 9 at 10:30am-12:30pm, hosted by sponsors The Finance Hub. Tickets from Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/MIYBtwells

KIM SIMMONDS RUTH FERREIRA BECCI GODFREY ANGELA SAFFERY

ANNE MUSKER VISITING KNOT WORKS

Covid enquiry deadline extended until tomorrow

THE deadline for the government to hand over former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s messages has been delayed after officials conducting the Covid enquiry claimed they did not have all the documents demanded.

The Cabinet Office had been given until 4pm on Tuesday to comply with Lady Hallett’s public enquiry but the deadline has now been extended until tomorrow, Thursday June 1 at 4pm.

Officials told her the Cabinet Office does not have the WhatsApp messages or notebooks called for by the inquiry.

A notice from the inquiry read: “First, an extension was requested for compliance with the ruling until Monday June 5, 2023.

“Second, the inquiry was informed that the Cabinet Office does not have in its possession either Mr Johnson’s WhatsApp messages or Mr Johnson’s notebooks, as sought in the original section 21 Notice.

Request

“The chair rejected the request for an extension of time to June 5, 2023, but granted a short extension to 4pm on Thursday June 1, 2023.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the Government was acting “in a spirit of transparency and candour”.

“The Government has co-operated with the inquiry; tens of thousands of documents have been handed over.

“With regard to the specific question at the moment, the Government is carefully considering its position but it is confident in the approach that it’s taking.”

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said he “has no objection to disclosing material to the inquiry”.

“He has done so and will continue to do so,” the former prime minister’s spokesman said. “The decision to challenge the inquiry’s position on redactions is for the Cabinet Office.”

Mr Johnson’s team says the notebooks and WhatsApps have been handed to the Cabinet Office legal team, but he has since parted ways with his governmentappointed lawyers.

The former prime minister says he has not had a request from the Cabinet Office since telling officials in a letter on Friday any request for material must be in writing to him.

According to his team, his message to the department said: “If the Cabinet Office requires any action to be taken regarding this or any other material, you must tell me in writing.

“To date, our office is not aware of having received any instructions or requests from the Cabinet Office regarding this material.”

Whitehall officials are understood to be concerned about setting a precedent by handing over all the requested documents in unredacted form, rather than deciding what material is relevant and should be submitted to the inquiry.

The row was sparked by a legal request sent by the inquiry on April 28 for a number of materials, including unredacted WhatsApp messages and diaries belonging to Mr Johnson, from January 2020 to February 2022.

In May, the Cabinet Office resisted the request, which was made under Section 21 of the Inquiries Act 2005 and which also applies to messages from Mr Johnson’s former adviser, Henry Cook.

Disgraced Theranos CEO starts 11-year jail sentence

THE founder of a blood-testing scam arrived at federal prison yesterday to start her more than a decade jail term after her appeal was denied last week.

Theranos CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, surrendered herself to US authorities yesterday, May 30 to begin her jail term for defrauding investors in her billion-dollar company.

Last week, a Federal Appeals court rejected Holme’s bid to remain out of prison while she attempts to overturn her January 2022 conviction on four felony counts of fraud and conspiracy.

US District Judge Edward Davila set Holme’s revised prison-reporting date after her lawyers proposed it in a Wednesday filing.

Punishment

The punishment also includes a $452million (£362million) restitution bill that Mr Davila ordered Holmes to pay in a separate ruling issued late Tuesday.

In a ruling last week, Lady Hallett rejected that the inquiry’s request was unlawful and said the Cabinet Office had “misunderstood the breadth of the investigation”.

Refusing to comply with the request would lead to a legal clash with the official inquiry.

The demand covers text conversations between Mr Johnson and a host of government figures, civil servants and officials.

The list includes England’s chief medical officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty, as well as then-chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance. Messages with then-Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and then-Health Secretary Matt Hancock are also requested, as well as with former top aide Dominic Cummings and then-chancellor Mr Sunak.

Holmes’ lawyers asked Mr Davila to approve the May 30 prison reporting time to her two weeks to sort out several issues, including childcare for her one-year-old son, William, and three-monthold daughter, Invicta.

Holmes had originally been ordered to begin her prison sentence on April 27, but won a reprieve with a last-minute legal manoeuvre that gave her more time with her children.

Holmes, 39, became pregnant with William shortly before the start of her high-profile trial in September 2021 and became pregnant with Invicta shortly after she was convicted of crimes that could have resulted in a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

The father of both children is William “Billy” Evans, whom she met after breaking up with her former romantic and business partner, Ramesh ‘Sunny’ Balwani, who began serving a nearly 13-year prison sentence last month.

Photograph: PA Media

BORIS JOHNSON

More child benefits not ruled out by Scottish First Minister

HUMZA Yousaf said he does not rule out further increases to the Scottish Child Payment benefit, after new figures released yesterday showed more than 300,000 children receive it.

Social Security Scotland’s latest figures showed almost £250million has been paid out since the benefit’s launch in February 2021.

Spike

There was a large spike in applications in November last year, when eligibility for the payment was extended to all under-16s and was increased to £25 a week.

A total of 121,750 applications were received after this point, the vast majority of applications in the financial year.

Social Security Scotland’s statistics showed that the total value of payments issued was £248.6million up to the end of March this year. The agency estimated that 303,000 children under 16 were in receipt of the payment.

In terms of Social Security, Scotland had issued more than 2.5million payments to 183,565 individual people by the end of March 2023.

On Tuesday, the First Minister visited Castlebrae Community Campus in Edinburgh to hear how the payment is making a difference to families.

He was asked if he would rule out further increases to the payments or eligibility in light of the Scottish Government’s budget pressure.

He told the PA news agency: “I wouldn’t rule that out. The public finances are under considerable strain, there’s no getting away from that.

“That’s why I’ve said previously, we’ve got to look at really difficult decisions.

“We’ve got to look at targeting our measures, much like the Scottish Child Payment does.

“We’ve got to look at continuing our journey on progressive taxation.

“The Scottish Child Payment is here to stay and is a game-changing initiative.”

The First Minister also encouraged those eligible to apply, saying: “I am pleased at the take-up of the payment, but we still want to get that money to all of those eligible.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to find out more and apply.”

EU condemns Russia’s attack on Ukraine amid Moscow drone attacks

THE European Commission Foreign Affairs spokesman Peter Stano condemned the Russia’s latest attacks on the Ukraine as Putin claimed drone attacks on Moscow were aimed at civilians.

At a briefing in Brussels, Peter Stano said: “These attacks show yet again that Russia continues to indiscriminately terrorise Ukraine's civilian population in a heinous and barbaric way.

“These attacks are a clear response by Putin to all those who strive for a peace process.

“It shows that Putin is not serious about stopping his war and he wants to continue his escalation against the Ukrainian people.”

Killed

Four people were reportedly killed and 34 injured by Russian drone strikes earlier this week according to Ukrainian authorities.

Meanwhile Russian officials blamed Ukraine for drone attacks on Moscow on Tuesday which hit several buildings causing ‘insignificant damage’ according to Moscow Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin.

Russian air defences stopped eight drones converging on Moscow, officials said yesterday (May 30) as five drones were shot down and the systems of three others were jammed, causing

them to veer off course.

Two people were reportedly treated for unspecified injuries but did not go to hospital.

President Vladimir Putin called it a ‘terrorist’ act by Kyiv calling it a ‘response’ to an air strike on Ukraine’s intelligence agency.

Mr Putin said Moscow’s air defence “worked in a satisfactory way,” but added it is “clear that our task is to plug the gaps” in the system.

“The Kyiv regime … attempts to intimidate Russian citizens and strikes at civilian buildings,” he said at a public event, responding to a question from the head of a Kremlin-allied think tank.

“It is, of course, a clear indication of terrorist activity.”

Kyiv denies being behind the attack on Tuesday morning.

Monday

Cranbrook Cranbrook Rugby Cricket Club

Angley Road Cranbrook, TN17 2PN

Monday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Debbie 07789776887

Tuesday

Tunbridge Wells St Peters Church Hall Bayhall Road, TN2 4UX

Tuesday 9.30am Call Susie 07717177892

Cranbrook Cranbrook Rugby Cricket Club Anglet Road Cranbrook, TN17 2PN

Tuesday 9.15am & 11am Call Debbie 07789776887

Rusthall St Pauls Primary School Entrace Via Gladstone Road, TN4 8RZ

Tuesday 5.30pm & 7pm Call Jesse 07710549334

We are currently recruiting a new consultant for this Group. Contact Jesse to find out more about this exciting Opporutinity 07710 549334

Crowborough Crowborough Community Centre Pine Grove, TN6 1FE

Tuesday 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Beckie 07948352691

Wednesday

High Brooms St Lukes Church Hall

Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9JH

Wednesday 5.30pm & 7pm Call Jesse 07710549334

Ramslye St Marks C of E Primary School

Ramslye Road, TN4 8LN

Wednesday 7pm Call Susie 07717177892

Thursday

Crowborough All Saints Church Hall Church Road, TN6 1ED

Thursday 9.30am, 11am, 5.30pm & 7pm Call Mary 07738014528

Friday

Crowborough All Saints Church Hall Church Road, TN6 1ED

Friday 9.30am & 11am Call Mary 07738014528

Saturday

Tunbridge Wells St Barnabas Primary School Quarry Road, TN1 2EY

Saturday 8am & 9.30am Call Jesse 07710549334

Photograph: PA Media

Photograph: Kremlin.ru

HUMZA YOUSAF

VLADIMIR PUTIN

Ben Chapelard Liberal Democrats

We have exciting plans

FOUR weeks ago, the people of Tunbridge Wells went to the polls, and we are pleased with the results.

The Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats saw Marguerita Morton re-elected in St John’s, plus new Councillors David Osborne (Culverden), Pamela Wilkinson (Pantiles & St Mark’s), Joseph Opara (Southborough North) and Mark Munday (Paddock Wood West). Dave Funnell remains a Parish Councillor and will continue to serve the residents of Rusthall.

The Lib Dems remain the largest party on the council with 17 Councillors, the Council Leader, and now a Lib Dem Mayor, Hugh Patterson. This is quite remarkable for a borough where in 2015 the Conservatives won all 16 seats up for election and boasted 43 out of 48 Councillors. They are now down to 11 – a sign that the people of Tunbridge Wells want a change of direction. We hope that in the Borough Partnership (Lib Dem, Alliance and Labour plus Independent Rodney Atkins), you will like what you see.

We believe that the borough has been underserved by decades of Conservative complacency and mismanagement, including £11m wasted on Calverley Square, and we are starting to take things in a new direction. Central to this is communicating well with residents, listening to your views and being open and transparent.

One area that continues to generate confusion is the state of the council’s finances. The Conservatives claim that when they left office in 2022, the finances were in rude health. Yet Council auditors said of our finances: “Going forward, there is a budget gap of £900k projected for 2022/23 which if unmanaged will need to be funded by reserves… key decisions will need to be taken in the short term if reserves are not going to be depleted to an unacceptable level.”

Decisions

This is important because we believe that difficult decisions, like small fee increases ,were necessary to balance the books, not to line our coffers.

More than parking fees, what puts people off coming to Royal Tunbridge Wells is empty shops, particularly at the top end of town. We have exciting plans to breathe some new life into the town, including reinstating the popular farmers’ market, improving the street scene and using excess Town Hall space for co-working space, bringing in both footfall and income to the council.

There have been some small changes to the Cabinet to reflect the Borough Partnership’s ‘Focus on Five’ priorities.

JOOLS HOLLAND and

his Rhythm & Blues

ORCHESTRA

Jayne Sharratt of Labour will be in charge of Carbon Reduction & Sustainability, Ellen Neville will head up Environmental Services and Wendy Fitzsimmons’ portfolio is tweaked to Sport, Leisure and Health.

We also have three new ‘Champions’ for Planning (Steve McMillan: Alliance), Rural Communities (David Knight: Alliance) and Armed Forces Covenant (Paul Roberts : Conservative).

The principle of the Borough Partnership is to do the best for residents and our borough by putting aside tribal party politics and working together constructively.

Of course each party brings its own unique views and policies to the table. Looking ahead to next May, every seat will be up for election

simultaneously across the borough due to boundary changes and a drop from 48 to 39 Councillors. This could lead to a big swing in the balance of power.

Ultimately, we have one eye on the next General Election.

The Lib Dems came a strong second in Tunbridge Wells in 2019, and we achieved 27 per cent of votes across the constituency in these local elections, just 1 percentage point behind the Conservatives. Given the current popularity of the Tories nationally, we think Greg Clark might be looking over his shoulder.

Please reach out to us at twlibdems.org.uk if you want to be part of what could be a historic set of results in 2024.

Ben Chapelard has been Liberal Democrat Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council since last May. He represents St James’, where he lives with his family.

The Liberal Democrat group

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

Kindness for the King

currently, I noted the following amendment, proposed by Stephen Kinnock (Shadow Minister for Immigration) that ‘would add to the current law on provision of accommodation to asylum seekers a requirement to consult with the relevant local authorities when making the necessary arrangements’.

In other words, don’t just take over hotels, ships, ex-Army barracks etc. without first consulting with the Borough Council (in our case). Pretty sensible and democratically correct! Consultation does already take place in most areas at a local level, but by not enshrining it in law, it means the Government doesn’t have to do so.

So why did Greg Clark and every other Conservative MP vote against the amendment? Perhaps because they are processing so few asylum applications that, in their panic, they believe they should be able to put migrants anywhere they want without even consulting us!

SAYS...

I WRITE in response to a letter from Martin Dawes (Times, May 10).

Our newly-crowned monarch, King Charles III, does not deserve such harsh words.

During the long wait to succeed his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, he has taken a keen and active interest in public life in addition to his official duties at home and abroad. He has established over 20 charities, showing his concern for climate change, the environment, rural communities, the arts, education and young people. The Princes Trust has helped over a million young people.

To quote the words of the Prince of Wales at the Coronation concert: “My father has always

What has changed?

Councillor Tom Dawlings, Leader of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Conservative Group, writes of the recent local elections that ‘little has changed from last year’ (Times, May 24). This is a bit of a political half-truth, since while only losing two seats this year, the Conservative Group lost 10 seats in the 2022 election, making a loss of 12 seats out of the 48 available over two successive elections. He may well want to set out some issues for the Liberal Democrat-Alliance-Labour coalition to address. If the Conservative Group could stop losing councillors, he would be able to address them himself.

At the last parliamentary election, the Conservative majority was 14,665, one of the safer Conservative seats in the UK. In the last two local elections, the Conservative Group has lost 25% of the available seats, and overall control of our Council. The electorate appears not to agree with the leader of the Conservative Group that under their leadership, the Council’s finances were ‘well-run’.

Martin Skinner Tunbridge Wells

No single solution

The problems at St John’s Park (Times, May 17) have been going on for some time, with seemingly no resolution.

understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds and communities deserve to be celebrated and supported.”

Our new King and Queen need all our support, respect and love in their demanding role of service to us all and not condemnation.

Jesus Christ showed love and forgiveness throughout his earthly life.

As He said to accusers of a woman who had sinned: “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her”

(John 8:1 -11)

Long live the King!

Mary Hunt

Tunbridge Wells

There’s no shortage of activities for younger people in the parks; the problem lying with older teenagers later in the evening.

I’ve heard distressing stories, and women seem particularly disadvantaged, no longer feeling happy about jogging or even walking their dogs alone. Surprisingly, when asked if they knew about the ‘community trigger’ (three complaints to the Council and an action plan must be drawn up automatically), or community wardens, residents all said: “No!”

A better police response would help, but as the story indicates, their hands are effectively tied. I have discussed this with the Community Safety Manager who, with the police, does what is within their powers.

A two-pronged approach is needed. Policing, CCTV etc. need to be combined with youth work and engagement. Discretionary services where KCC, hemmed in by this government’s starvation funding, can barely be provided, charities struggle to fill the gaps, and residents seem ill-informed about the range of remedies available.

Mrs Dariel Francis Southborough Town Councillor Labour

Put consultation into law

Working through some of the detail of the Illegal Migration Bill which is going through Parliament

Does Mr Clark really represent our interests; whoever thought that our MP would vote against consultation?

Hugo Pound Labour Group Leader, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Aggressive approach

The Times of Tunbridge Wells published an aggressively worded letter from Amnesty International Kent about Israel (May 17). Amnesty International is an organisation that has refused to adopt the widely accepted IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of anti-semitism, and this is of concern to many. We all have our own views about the complex situation in the Middle East and hope for a peaceful resolution, but this adds nothing positive to the debate.

H. Ross Tunbridge Wells

PEPPY

Photograph: PA Media

Keeping abreast of the sporting times

BEACON Academy has partnered with the UK’s largest schoolwear supplier, Banner Ltd, to launch a new project that aims to boost female students’ participation in sports and to raise awareness of the importance of breast health.

Representatives of the schoolwear and sportswear supplier visited the school to deliver two days of workshops for female students. These focused on breast health education and introduced the APTUS Sports Bra: a new eco product developed specifically for the education market.

Information

Beacon Academy is the first school to take part in the workshops and will be rolling the information out to the entire school through PE lessons. Students are now able to purchase the sports bra through their schoolwear provider as an optional addition to the school’s PE kit list. The project reflects Beacon Academy’s ongoing commitment to promoting participation in sports for all, and supporting students to develop a love of physical activity for life.

PE teacher Miss Dannii Hilder was inspired to initiate the partnership when she recognised the need to address some of the taboos around talking about breast health, and the barriers girls can face when taking part in sports.

Miss Hilder said: “It is a known fact that at secondary school age, girls’ participation in physical activity is not as high as it is for boys.

“Research conducted by Sport England for ‘This Girl Can’ has identified that barriers include feeling self-conscious about becoming sweaty, or worrying about wearing tight clothing

and the movement of their body, to name a few. In their findings, they discovered that only 36 per cent of 11-18-year-olds wear a sports bra for PE, and many were unaware of the consequences of not wearing one.

“Creating a safe space to talk about breast health, sports bras and sports participation is vital to ensuring that girls feel comfortable and confident when participating in physical activity.

“This project with Banner has been 10 months in the making and I could not be more thrilled that our students have the opportunity to attend the workshops and purchase the APTUS Sports Bra at a special discounted rate through the

school’s uniform supplier. Women and girls should be proud, confident and happy to participate in physical activity, and if we can help to break down some of those barriers, then I am confident we are setting them up for future success.”

To develop the APTUS Sports Bra, the design team at Banner worked closely with biomechanics field leader and Head of the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth, Professor Joanna Wakefield Scurr. In addition to offering the right support, the APTUS Sports Bra is the first eco reversible bra of its kind and is also made from

Air pollution can affect all aspects of our health

As one of the leading paediatricians in the country studying the effects of air pollution, Jonathan Grigg, Professor of Paediatric Respiratory and Environmental Medicine at Queen Mary University, London is at the forefront of research into how air pollution affects us all.

Jonathan has welcomed the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from August this year across all London boroughs to help clear the air and improve health

He says air pollution can impact our eyes, nose and

throat, our lungs and our heart - increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Those recovering from heart attacks or pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as are people with existing lung conditions like COPD or asthma: “Someone who has mild asthma can be tipped over into having life-threatening episodes.”

The ULEZ expansion will help to take the most highly polluting vehicles off the road.

Professor Grigg said: “This is about every child achieving their full potential, and air pollution is interfering with that.”

What is the ULEZ?

He adds that we are only beginning to understand the extent of the impact of air pollution: “There are children in our clinics who wouldn’t have asthma if they hadn’t had that exposure.

He added: “We need action at a scale that covers where most of the population live.

“The central zone has shown the ULEZ is feasible and has been a success, but we need to do something to help protect the health of all Londoners, so it makes logical sense to me to extend that as far as is feasible.”

at: tfl.gov.uk/ check-your-vehicle

recycled materials. Each bra saves 1.5 plastic bottles from landfill.

Banner commented: “The core inspiration behind the APTUS Sports Bra is to encourage and support girls in school sport. From indepth research into breast health, it’s evident that sports bras should be an essential part of a girl’s PE kit. In response, we have created the first sustainable, fully reversible sports bra designed exclusively for female students.

Confidence

And it’s all in the name of giving girls the support and confidence to enjoy sport at school. We’ve chosen to work with Beacon Academy because they share our passion, and we know that includes encouraging confidence in all areas of education.

“We’re excited to come and share our knowledge behind the importance of wearing a sports bra and what the right support can do for building confidence in girls.”

Head of PE at Beacon Academy, Mrs Karen Carney, said: “While we are proud to have already seen a boost in engagement through the opportunities we offer female students to participate, compete and excel in a wide range of sports and physical activities at Beacon Academy, the impact this will have on the girls will be amazing. It is extremely important to break down the barriers which hold girls back from taking part in sport.

“This initiative couldn’t have been possible without the vision and planning from Miss Hilder, who has worked with Banner to make her vision a reality.”

In nearly every organ in the body we see the effects of long-term and short-term exposure

Jonathan Grigg, Professor of Paediatric Respiratory and Environmental Medicine at Queen Mary University, London

A new project being trialled at Beacon Academy is set to boost female students’ participation in sport by raising awareness of breast health issues, says Michelle Wood

THE RIGHT SUPPORT: The new project at Beacon Acaemy, along with the introduction of the APTUS sports bra, aims to change female participation in sport

Treat yourself to the best of The West End

Feast on performances by some of the UK’s best vocalists at Trinity Theatre’s first fundraising gala event of the year on Sunday, June 4, says Michelle Wood

An integral part of the Tunbridge Wells arts community, the Trinity Theatre is still standing strong after several difficult years of funding challenges in the wake of Covid. The theatre wholly relies on ticket sales, café takings, sponsorships and donations.

In support of this aim, ‘West End Unplugged’ will be the first fundraising gala event of the year. In typically dramatic fashion, it is set to impress as six accomplished performers from London’s West End will put on an exceptional evening comprising anecdotes and songs from various shows. In addition, there will be a West End-themed raffle up for grabs.

Compering the evening will be Hywel Dowsell, who has starred in West End productions of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Joseph and his Technicoloured Dream Coat’, and a range of other BBC and theatre-based productions.

Professional

Also performing on the evening will be Adam Robert Lewis. He made his professional debut in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, and has starred in ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Passion’, and film and television hits like ‘Dream Hackers’, ‘The Crown’, ‘The Magical World of Miracles’ and ‘White Island’.

Acclaimed performer Jenna Boyd was in the original West End cast of ‘Come from Away’, and starred in ‘Love on the Links’, ‘Wind in the Willows’, ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Les Misérables’. She has also acted in hit television

shows ‘Coronation Street’, ‘Doctors’, ‘Casualty’, ‘Heartbeat’, ‘The Tracey Ullman Show’, and the film of ‘Les Misérables’.

Manon Taris has worked across Europe, appearing in shows such as ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Sister Act’ and Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Sam Lupton has numerous West End credits

to his name, such as ‘Wicked’, ‘The Ladykillers’ and ‘A Streetcar named Desire’. He has also appeared on both radio and on television and is a magician and escape room creator. Malcom Forbes-Peckham enjoys a varied career as a musical director and pianist in both the theatre and concert performance worlds. He is currently Musical Director for ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ on the West End, but has worked on a host of notable productions, including ‘The King and I’, ‘An American in Paris’, ‘The Wind in the Willows’, and the film ‘London Road’.

He is also the Assistant Conductor of the Amadeus Orchestra and Mozart Symphony Orchestra.

When these six talented performers get together, expect a special evening of magic. To make your booking and support the Trinity Theatre, visit trinitytheatre.net

WIN a weekend glamping trip worth £650

JUNE is National Camping Month and Great Outdoors Month, and Bewl Water in Lamberhurst is pulling out all the stops to celebrate.

Hosting their biggest giveaway yet, one lucky winner and three friends will enjoy a two-night glamping trip plus a host of other goodies, including hampers from international sports brand Trespass.

Outdoor

Home to Southeast England’s largest reservoir, Bewl Water straddles the Kent/Sussex border and is popular for its wealth of healthy outdoor activities, like cycling and water sports. This month, it reopened the campsite.

Surrounded by 800 acres of lush meadows, ancient woodlands and open water, there are 80 spacious pitches plus glamping options, and to celebrate the start of a new season,

Bewl Water is hosting a special giveaway on Instagram.

The lucky winner plus three friends will have the chance to stay in one of the site’s beautifully furnished Mongolian yurts for two nights. The spacious accommodation features a huge double bed, two super comfortable singles, rustic furniture, and a wood-burning stove. There are even tea- and coffee-making facilities, outdoor seating, and a viewing point for stargazing.

The prize package also includes free tickets to one of the many outdoor adventures on offer, such as paddleboarding, windsurfing, laser tag and the Aqua Park and a 20% discount on all other attractions.

Additionally, winners will enjoy complimentary bike hire to help take in the sights, a welcome hamper filled with treats and fresh pastries each morning, as well as an afternoon tea picnic. To make sure glampers are fully prepared for their trip, Bewl Water has teamed up with a leader in the camping industry.

Trespass, one of the UK’s most successful outdoor clothing retailers is gifting a selection of camping essentials including an adult’s and child’s camping chair, a baseball cap and sun hat, a bat and ball set, a gas camping stove, an aluminium camping kettle, a travel mask and earplugs and a mega-size microfibre towel.

“This is our biggest giveaway yet and we are thrilled to have Trespass onboard,” said Operations Manager Kevin Parker. Entering the giveaway is as easy as following @bewlwater on Instagram and following the pinned post’s instructions. Participants will also need to follow @trespass and and have until 12pm on Friday, 30 June to do so. The winner will be announced at 7pm. T&Cs apply and can be found at bewlwater.co.uk.

‘The prize package also includes free tickets to one of the many outdoor adventures on offer such as paddleboarding, windsurfing, laser tag and the Aqua Park’

HYWEL DOWSELL

ADAM ROBERT LEWIS JENNA BOYD

SAM LUPTON MANON TARIS

MALCOLM FORBES-PECKHAM

‘What makes this evening so unique is the incomparable cast that is coming together to serve up the gala experience’

CAMP IN COMFORT:

PADDLEBOARDING

The vitamins to prioritise as the seasons change

IF your social life has ramped up now that it’s getting warmer and sunny days are here, it can be easy to let the little things you do for your health slip a bit. But it’s just as important to ensure you get all the right vitamins and minerals as the seasons change.

So what should we be prioritising right now?

Vitamin D

You may be getting more sunlight now but it is still important to maintain good levels of vitamin D.

“Levels of vitamin D will be low at the end of the winter and even in spring”, Public Health Nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire from the Health & Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS) says.

“Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium and healthy bones and teeth as well as for immune function.

“The UK government recommends that we all take a 10 microgram daily supplement throughout the year, but especially in winter through to spring. If you haven’t taken vitamin D throughout the winter, your levels will likely be low, so top up now with a supplement.”

Vitamin C

“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant,” says Derbyshire. “With warmer weather you will be spending more time outside with more exposure to the outside air.

“Vitamin C protects cells from the

oxidative damage caused by pollutants. [It] also helps with the absorption of iron. Many women are short of iron particularly during their reproductive years, so boosting vitamin C intake helps to reduce the risk of iron deficiency and the tiredness and fatigues that can cause.”

You can find it in citrus fruits, tomatoes and peppers. “For those finding it hard to eat their five fruit and vegetables a day, then I would recommend taking a multivitamin and multimineral supplement to ensure your body is fuelled with an a-z of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and iron,” Derbyshire adds.

B vitamins

B vitamins include thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin B6, niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) and biotin (vitamin B7).

“Vitamins B one, two and

niacin help release energy from food and are essential for the health of the nervous system,” says Derbyshire. “[This season] we want to feel energetic and for our nerves to be healthy so that we can best enjoy all the activities we have missed over the winter. These B vitamins help to reduce tiredness and fatigue.”

Look for thiamin in peas and nuts, riboflavin in eggs and mushrooms, niacin in meat and wheat flour, and pantothenic acid in avocado and liver.

Vitamin B6 can be found in pork, peanuts and bananas, but we only need very small amounts of biotin and the NHS say it’s not clear if we need additional biotin from our diets or supplements.

Vitamin B12

Though it is a B vitamin, it is important to look at vitamin B12 independently, says Derbyshire, as it impacts so many different aspects of our health.

“Vitamin B12 is essential for several issues we need help with in the spring – from immune function to tiredness and fatigue.

“Spring is also a time when you might decide to cut back on the stodgier foods of winter. You might opt for a plantrich diet which is healthy, but if you cut out meat and other animal-source foods you are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.

“If you decide to make a change to your diet this spring take a multivitamin supplement to make sure you are topped up with the nutrients that could be missing from your diet,” adds Derbyshire.

Folate

“Folate is vital for immune function which may have taken a battering by springtime. It’s also important for reducing tiredness and fatigue,” says Derbyshire.

“Top up your levels by eating kale, broccoli, spinach, chickpeas and a supplement containing folic acid.”

Workplace immigration is on the rise as UK businesses struggle with a shortage of suitable candidates. Loch Associates Group, the South East’s leading MultiService Law and HR business, has seen Kent-based clients double this year for visa support. However, despite the 100% increase compared to the same period last year, the employment specialist has warned that many businesses are still losing out.

A growing number of companies are being forced to look overseas to recruit skilled workers as higher salary and benefit offers from London attract local talent, says Joe Milner, Partner and Solicitor Advocate of Loch Law, part of Loch Associates Group.

In 2022, 267,670 grants were given for work visa applications nationally — 95% higher than prior to the pandemic. Sponsored full-time worker visas increased by 161% within the same period and made up 62% of all visa applicants last year.

However, due to post-Brexit restrictions and visa limitations, recruiting overseas may be more challenging than some businesses are currently prepared for.

“A lot of employers are not aware of the preparation time required before they can hire potential talent abroad. This has meant that overseas workers are being snapped up by businesses who already have their sponsorship licence – whilst those only just discovering the need for it are missing out. Once you have been awarded a sponsorship license, it remains in place for four years, enabling employers to manage their recruitment process abroad as and when required,” says Joe.

Kent businesses applying for workplace immigration will find the process to be a front-loaded exercise, Joe comments. It can take anywhere between six to twelve weeks for a sponsorship licence to be approved, due to current government backlogs for immigration applications. This makes it vital for business owners to have a long-term strategy for whether migrant workers will be needed in the future and – if so – apply for their licence sooner rather than later.

“Typically, when a business approaches us to help with their workplace immigration strategy, it is during the final round of their interview stage, when they are ready to make an offer – but this can often be a more difficult process than they might have envisioned. They will need to complete a sponsorship license application and separately obtain a skilled worker visa for the individual. Another factor is helping the individuals and potentially their families enter the UK as well which all needs to be planned carefully,” Joe adds.

Despite a dramatic rise in Kent businesses looking overseas for workers, many are still losing out

JOE MILNER

Lighter evenings and warmer climes don’t mean that you should be neglecting your overall health, says Imy Brighty-Potts

Celebrate sunshine in the Florida Keys

Katie Wright heads to the island idyll as it celebrates its bicentennial year

Rumour has it, there are two things that will get you kicked off Key West, one of the hundreds of islands that make up the Florida Keys.

“Being pretentious and being normal,” explains Carol Shaughnessy from the Key West Tourist Board, as we tuck into freshly-caught fish served with tostones (caramelised, refried plantains) and spicy ‘mojo’ sauce at bustling Cuban eatery and island institution El Meson de Pepe.

Affectionately known as the Conch Republic, Key West has long been a haven for alternative types.

The name dates back to 1982, when the US government erected a stop-and-search checkpoint on one of only two roads connecting

the Keys with mainland Florida. A 15-mile queue of cars ensued, deterring travellers heading south to the archipelago.

Angry about the impact on tourism (a vital source of income), and with complaints to the government going unanswered, the mayor declared (tongue firmly in cheek) that Key West would secede from the rest of the United States, and the Conch Republic was born.

Warm

The conch, a marine snail that you find served up as fritters all over the Keys, is “a very hardy sea creature,” Carol says.

Sure enough, the roadblock was removed soon after the secession stunt, but the name stuck, and Key West has remained a big draw ever since. The Florida Keys celebrates its 200th birthday on July 3, commemorating the establishment of Monroe County, in 1823, which encapsulates the island chain.

Technically a city, Key West has a relaxed, small-town vibe, and is incredibly picturesque; the leafy streets lined with colourful, colonial-style wooden houses erected in the late 1800s. Clucking and crowing on almost every corner, you’ll find roosters, hens and their fluffy little

offspring – a product of the long-since outlawed cock-fighting circuit.

While it’s forbidden to feed the feathered creatures, you’re not allowed to get rid of them either – you can be fined up to $500 (£400) for interfering with the protected animals.

In the vibrant Bahama Village neighbourhood, you’ll find the house of Key West’s most famous resident from 1931-1939: Ernest Hemingway. At the Hemingway Home and Museum (£15 general admission), you’ll find 54 docile cats sprawled out in the garden, lapping iced water from an oversized cocktail glass on the verandah.

One hundred years before Hemingway arrived, the Keys prospered, thanks to many ships that ran aground on the vast Florida Reef. ‘Wreckers’ would sail out to the vessels and lay claim to the cargo, then auction it off and give a

commission to residents, making Key West the richest town in the world per capita for a time.

I get a sense of life in the 1800s when I jet over to historic Dry Tortugas National Park, an islet just off the coast of Key West, with Key West Seaplane Adventures.

Clambering aboard the tiny, 10-person plane, I peer out of the window and spy three shipwrecks. I also spot loggerhead turtles lapping leisurely, pods of dolphins congregating, schools of black nurse sharks and a solitary hammerhead before we make our sea landing.

The island is dominated by Fort Jefferson, a hexagonal red-brick behemoth built to provide offshore protection but abandoned shortly after construction was completed in 1874. When we disembark, I wander around the eerie old building, relax on the narrow beach and snorkel out to the reef in peace.

I’m also able to get a closer look at marine wildlife during a boat trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Donning my snorkelling gear and plunging into the pleasantly cool water, I swim out to find purple coral wafting in the current, teeming with life.

PATHWAYS ART TRAIL

2-18 June, Fridays - Sundays

Hook Green Wood

Lamberhurst

The inaugural Pathways Art Trail takes place in Hook Green Wood, Neills Road, Lamberhurst, opening June 2nd - 18th 2023, FridaysSundays, 10am - 5pm. The trail features figurative and abstract contemporary artworks responding to the rich ecology and evocative history of the Wealden woodland environment by selected sculptors Linda Bloomfield, Jack Durling, Miranda Ellis, Saskia Gall, Jane Sarre, Jemma Gowland, Rachael Nicholson plus found poetry by Clare Whistler. Entrance is free with on-site parking and a daily artist-led events. More details can be found at: www.hookgreenwood.com and on the instagram page @pathways_art_trail

www.hookgreenwood.com

DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

‘Key West has a relaxed, small-town vibe, and is incredibly picturesque’

LOGGERHEAD TURTLE

Step into summer with Salomons Estate’s sweet and fruity menu

WEDDINGS and events venue Salomons Estate is celebrating a quintessentially British summer with a new afternoon tea menu. Featuring all-time favourites with an enticing selection of sweet and seasonal flavours, Head Chef Daniel Yardley said he was determined to bring a unique twist to the English tradition, which can be enjoyed overlooking the estate’s 36-acre grounds.

Countryside

Nestled in the undulating countryside of Tunbridge Wells, the Victorian manor house is a renowned destination for afternoon tea and celebrates the British affair with seasonally changing menus.

Available from Wednesday 31 May, the

mouth-watering selection of new, scrumptious treats pays homage to British summertime flavours. Indulge in popular savouries, like cucumber and mint cream cheese finger-cut sandwiches, coronation chicken bridge rolls and smoked Applewood cheddar and chive tart, before feasting on a delicious selection of homemade desserts.

Alongside traditional fruit and vanilla scones served with fresh clotted cream and preserve, matcha tea and pistachio opera cake, raspberry, rosewater and white chocolate flowerpots, and blueberry and limoncello posset with toasted meringue will also join the spread.

Diners can also look forward to a new tea menu featuring fruit and herbal infusions, like pink grapefruit, red berry, and lemongrass and ginger, plus favourites like breakfast tea, Earl Grey blue flower and locally sourced coffees.

Daniel Yardley said: “We’re thrilled to unveil our tasty new menu. It’s our most refreshing yet, with brand-new flavours to make all your favourite summer moments just that little bit sweeter”.

Afternoon tea can be enjoyed Monday to Sunday in the Conservatory or on the outdoor terrace, which overlooks panoramic views of the estate’s stunning gardens. Bookings can be made on OpenTable or by calling the team on 01892 515 152.

SUMMER TEA

Comfort food with flair

TN1 Bar and Kitchen offers the best of British food with a contemporary twist and attention to detail that makes

As we enter through the doors of TN1 Bar and Kitchen on Monson Street on a chilly spring evening, we are warmly greeted by owners Murat and Tess Askin. They are gracious and hospitable, and Murat shows us to our table tucked in a corner. The restaurant, contemporary and comfortable, is buzzing with patrons. TN1 is apparently a popular place to be on a Thursday night in late spring. Even the outer courtyard is busy.

A man strums on his guitar, and it takes me a good few minutes to realise that the music is live. I’m delighted: Dinner and a show! He is playing all my 80s and 90s favourites, and my partner and I immediately feel at home.

G&T (Bath Tub Gin, light tonic, orange peel and juniper berries), which offered a well-balanced yet palate-cleansing jumpstart, while my partner opted for the Pantiles Spritz (Strawberry gin, schnapps, lemon juice, white grape and apricot soda), which was sweet, playful and definitely moreish.

When it came to starters, with so many options to choose from, like the specials: Fresh Pacific Oysters served with shallots, vinaigrette and tabasco, or Soft Shell Crab with avocado salsa, chilli and spring onion dress, we finally opted for the King Prawns (shell off, grilled, served with garlic, chilli, soy and spring onion dressing), and Moules Mariniere. The mussels are an apparent speciality at the restaurant, and I came to understand why. Served in a steaming, aromatic terrine with slices of home-made bread, the mussels are not only sea-fresh, but

But the restaurant is humming with people of all ages: young groups of friends celebrating birthdays; families with children still in high-chairs, with buggies parked beside them; friends getting together for a bite after work, their pooches in tow, and couples, like us, connecting on date nights. TN1, it seems, means different things to different people.

Still, we are struck by the size of the restaurant, and although there is a steady stream of waitrons making their way to and from tables, not once did we feel overcrowded.

Setting the mood for the evening, we ordered cocktails (2 for £12 from 5pm-7pm, Monday to Thursday) from their extensive menu: a Royal

cooked to perfection in the perfect blend of garlic, cream and wine. The sauce was particularly enjoyable – not too thick, so it was not overly rich, yet with all of the decadence of flavour. I mopped up the last drips with my bread. The prawns, too, were perfectly cooked: juicy yet firm – a harmony of flavours that left my partner beyond delighted.

The starter portions were incredibly generous, so it felt appropriate to take a little break between our courses – and TN1 is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Offering regular music nights, the restaurant puts up an array of musical talent throughout the week that sets the atmosphere for a great evening out.

To pair with our meal, we chose from the wine list a Rosapasso Rosé from Biscardo, Italy: a Pinot Nero that is smooth on the palate with

notes of fresh strawberry and cherry. It was to be the perfect accompaniment to our meals.

For our mains, my partner chose the treaclecured pork belly with crackling and pickled savoy cabbage, while I couldn’t resist the 12oz sirloin steak, grilled tomato, field mushroom, peppercorn sauce and chips. And we weren’t

disappointed. Again, the proteins were cooked to perfection, my peppercorn sauce was smooth, glassy and lush, yet once more, not too rich, and we enjoyed a meal of good, solid comfort food that still offered a culinary flair and attention to detail that really sets TN1 apart. It is no wonder that TN1 Bar and Kitchen won Best in Food and Drink at the Times Business Awards.

Still, the highlight of the evening was yet to come: The insanely decadent Homemade Apple Crumble, which we shared, along with a Brandy Coffee Courvoisier. A homemade crumble exquisitely paired with firm, spiced apples made the perfect end to the evening.

As the musician picked his way through ‘Raspberry Beret’, we reluctantly thanked Murat and Tess and headed out into the evening, our hearts and bellies full but knowing that we would return.

TN1 Bar and Kitchen is the literally and physically at the heart of Tunbridge Wells. It is a must-visit for any local and visitor alike.

TN1 Bar and Kitchen, 33 Monson Rd, is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 12am, Sunday 9am to 9pm. Phone 01892 513900 or visit tn1barkitchen.co.uk

this special restaurant a must-visit, says Michelle Wood

‘Served in an aromatic steaming terrine with slices of home-made bread, the mussels are not only sea-fresh, but cooked to perfection’

‘TN1 is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Offering regular music nights’

MUSSELS MARINIEREE

KING PRAWNS

TASTE SENSATIONS: Every meal is a delight at TN1

5 cocktails to welcome summer

If you’re in the mood for a little cocktail theatre, thirsty for some inspiration, or want to switch out old favourites for new spirits, these rums, gins and tequilas hit the sweet spot…

1. Mermaid Spiced Rum & Ginger

To fully appreciate the bold flavour of Mermaid Spiced Rum (£39.90, 70cl, The Isle of Wight Distillery,(iselofwightdistillery.com), it’s best enjoyed as a slow sipper before sharpening your mixology skills.

Here, the sunny Caribbean collides beautifully with fruits and spices foraged from the sandy shores of the Isle of Wight. Instantly enticing, apricot, honey, black salt and vanilla notes make themselves known with a long, lingering, honeyed finish.

cherry. Method: Fill a glass with ice. Add the rum and top with ginger beer or ginger ale, stir slowly and garnish with a fresh mint sprig and maraschino cherry.

2. Duppy White Rum Pink Ting

This versatile and vibrant white rum is a fast-track to a beach hut, swaying palm trees and reggae music filtering through the air.

A Jamaican jewel, on the nose, The Duppy Share Duppy White Rum (£21, 70cl, The Duppy Share, theduppyshare.com) exhibits bold

banana aromas with mango, tropical fruits alongside a smooth caramel sweetness with punchy pimento spice on finish.

Ingredients: 50ml Duppy Share White Rum, Pink Ting Sparkling Grapefruit Soda. Garnish: Lemon wheel.

Method: Fill a glass with ice. Add the rum and top with grapefruit soda, stir slowly and garnish with lemon.

3. Hendrick’s Wild Garden Cup

A label to love, and stylistically beautiful. If you’re not captivated by the butterfly eyes on Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin (currently £26, was £31, 70cl, amazon.com), the bouquet will win you over. Florals abound with subtle herbal notes, hints of violets and garden flowers, finishing smooth as a silk stocking. Here’s how to stir things up with a fragrant gin that’s as good as it gets in long drinks and cocktails…

Ingredients: 50ml Flora Adora, 25ml lemon juice, 25ml simple syrup, soda water. Garnish: 4 raspberries, 6 mint leaves, 3 cucumber wheels.

Method: Fill a glass with ice. Add the gin, juice and syrup, top with soda, stir slowly and garnish with raspberries, mint and cucumber.

4. Kraken Cherry Tiki

PICANTE PALOMA

Ingredients: 40ml Kraken Cherry Rum, 20ml Cointreau, 30ml pineapple juice, 40ml mango & passion fruit coulis, 15ml lime juice, 10ml grenadine. Garnish: Pineapple leaves and half a passion fruit.

Method: Half-fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all ingredients, shake vigorously and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with pineapple leaves and half a passion fruit.

5. Picante Paloma

Here’s how to fire-up the spice with a ginger mixer…

Ingredients: 50ml Mermaid Spiced Rum, ginger beer or ginger ale.

Garnish: Fresh mint sprig and a maraschino

The Kracken’s latest release, Kraken Black Spiced Rum Black Cherry & Vanilla (£23.50, 70cl, Tesco), is a little cracker – and if you’re partial to a Black Forest cherry dessert, this is the rum for you. Utterly delicious, think dark spiced rum infused with rich cherries and Madagascan vanilla with a lip-smacking finish. Rich and flavoursome, it’s the ideal partner for tiki cocktails…

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BOROUGH COUNCIL ROYAL

An A-list agave, if you really want to call the shots, Patrón Reposado Tequila (£44.09, 70cl, amazon.com), brings everything to the cocktail arena. Straight up it offers true drinking pleasure with a wonderful balance of fresh agave and oak wood, with citrusy florals, honey and touch of pepper on the lingering finish. Here’s a classic cooler to put you in a sunny mood with thoughts of heading down Mexico way.

Ingredients: 60ml Patrón Reposado, 60ml grapefruit juice, 20ml lime juice, 15ml ginger juice, fresh basil leaves, Fever Tree Ginger Beer. Garnish: Twist of grapefruit zest.

Method: Fill a glass with ice. Add the tequila, grapefruit, lime, ginger juice and basil, top with ginger beer, stir slowly and garnish with twist.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS TOWN CENTRE PLAN ‘CALL FOR SITES’

From 6 JUNE until 21 JULY 2023

THE Council is currently working on the preparation of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan. As part of the early preparation of an evidence base of information to inform this new Plan we are carrying out a ‘Call for Sites’ to identify available and suitable sites to be considered to deliver the strategy and vision for Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre until 2040.

Landowners, developers and other parties are invited to submit potential development sites to the Council for consideration.

All sites submitted must be located within the defined Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre boundary. However,

the submission of sites which are partly located within and partly outside the boundary will also be considered. Sites submitted as part of this ‘Call for Sites’ will be assessed for their suitability for development together with the likelihood of them being available and achievable for development under a process known as the ‘Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Sites Assessment’. However, it must be noted that even if land is identified by this ‘Sites Assessment’ as having potential for development - this does not in any way indicate or confirm that it will be allocated for development in the Royal Tunbridge

Wells Town Centre Plan.

The ‘Call for Sites’ will run for six weeks from Tuesday 6 June to midnight on Friday 21 July.

A site submission form should be completed to enable the Council to consider the site and its suitability for allocation within the Royal Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Plan.

For a site submission form and further details please visit: tunbridgewells.gov.uk/planning/ planning-policy

Sites can be submitted on-line, via email or by post.

Delicious and easy to rustle up, these refreshing concoctions are perfect on long warm evenings, says Sam Wylie-Harris

KRAKEN CHERRY TIKI

MERMAID SPICED RUM & GINGER

characterisation and script and coasts on genre cliches. Lopez stars as a military sniper-turnedunderground-arms-dealer-turned-FBIinformant, who comes out of hiding to protect her 12-year-old daughter whom she has never met. As she attempts to protect her daughter from ruthless criminals gunning for revenge, there is not an action stunt that Lopez doesn’t do. If you’re into this genre, perhaps you’ll find that it tickles your fancy.

Available on Netflix.

Alone Together

Directed by Katie Holmes, starring Katie Holmes, Jim Sturgess, Derek Luke, Zosia Mamet, Melissa Leo and Luke Kirby

Travelling upstate on a short, romantic getaway to escape the pandemic, food critic June (Holmes) finds all her plans going wrong.

When she arrives at her Airbnb before her boyfriend, John (Derek Luke), she is horrified to discover it has been double-booked by recently single Charlie (Sturgess).

When John decides to stay in the city to take

care of his parents, June has to settle in when she realises that the pandemic might carry on longer than expected. As time unfolds, so, too, does the relationship between June and Charlie. Available on Sky Cinema & NOW.

The Mother

Directed by Nicki Caro, Starring Jennifer Lopez, Gabriel Garcia Bernal and Joseph Fiennes

‘The Mother’ chalked up a cumulative 83.71million hours viewed in the first three days of its release, ranking as Number 1 in 82 countries. The figure constituted the biggest opening weekend for any Netflix original film so far this year.

However, Jennifer Lopez is many things, but an accomplished actress she is not. When she decided to reinhabit the action genre, the results were B-grade at best. A bare-bones script, 2-D characters and formulaic momentum result in, in my opinion, Lopez at her worst. Do we have Ben Affleck to blame? Lest we forget ‘Gigli’. This action movie is sketchy in both

Directed by Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchak

This documentary about Judy Blume reveals the profound impact that the beloved children’s author had on an entire generation of young girls. For many who grew up in the seventies and eighties, books like ‘Are you there, God? Its Me Margaret’, marked the first time they were able to read about often then-taboo topics, like sexuality.

This documentary focuses on Blume’s exceptionally close relationship to her fans and showcases a mix of Blume, past and present, tributes from other authors, and admirers. Particularly impressive are the legions of fans who became Blume’s longtime penpals. Available on Prime Video.

Times Chief Reporter Victoria Roberts picks three more reads to enjoy

author Emma Cline’s an unsettling contemporary drama, and for younger readers, J.B. Gill’s fun-filled animal adventure…

Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Published in hardback by Viking, £14.99 (ebook £9.99)

Having won the Costa First Novel Award and Debut of the Year at the British Book Awards for ‘Open Water’, Caleb Azumah Nelson follows up with another sensitive, delicate gem. A coming-of-age story, Stephen is falling in love with his best friend, Del, and falling out with his father over his path in life. Set over three summers, in South London and Ghana, Stephen begins to understand the dynamics of family, how community is built and how to find his way back to his father. There’s an irony to how someone so articulate in his head can be so unable to say what he feels to the people who matter in his life. Music weaves its way through the book – dancing, playing and listening. There’s also a musical essence to the writing, as refrains are studded through the text and themes emerge and circle back. The publishers should create a Spotify playlist so you could immerse yourself in the sounds and music that Stephen loves.

Review by Bridie Pritchard

The Guest by Emma Cline

Published in hardback by Chatto & Windus, £18.99 (ebook £8.99)

Aloof and mysterious, Alex is a young 20-something, masquerading as a wealthy woman on Long Island. After she’s been kicked out of the house she was staying in, she decides to stay on the island –and what follows feels like a tale of the ultimate grifter. Doused in ambiguity and foreboding, we get to see much of the world alongside Alex, but the elusive third-person voice of this book is unsettling, with nothing ever feeling quite as you may want it to be.

It’s an engaging yarn, and Alex is a purposefully dislikeable protagonist. Yet her total lack of redeeming features feels misleading – even when we should empathise with her, we’re left bitter and confused by her actions. Beautiful language and imagery can only get you so far in a novel where no character feels quite whole.

Review by Imy Brighty-Potts

Ace And The Animal Heroes: The Big Farm Rescue by J.B. Gill, illustrated by Becka Moor

Published in paperback by Puffin, £7.99 (ebook £4.99)

Ace, is a young boy who lives with his eccentric and extremely loving grandparents. Their colourful characters play a big part in the story, helping keep it very entertaining and a pleasure to read for any young child.

Ace inherits a run-down farm and, despite not even having a pet of his own, with the help of his grandparents and a new best friend, he takes to the whole t hing like a duck to water. With a few tricks up his sleeve – including a special pair of yellow Wellington boots –Ace and his gang must get the farm into a good state, otherwise they might lose it to the evil councillor.

This is a fun read and comes highly recommended.

R eview by Joanne Brennan

On this week’s bookshelf, Caleb Azumah Nelson returns with a follow-up to the award-winning ‘Open Water’; ‘The Girls’

Judy Blume Forever

What’s streaming now?

Michelle Wood looks at what to watch across the streaming platforms this week…

JENNIFER LOPEZ IN THE MOTHER

ALONE TOGETHER

Give Dad the day off…

We’ll

time whilst overlooking glorious views of our 36-acre Estate.

Savour flavours from around the world with your platter of chargrilled rump steak, locally sourced sausages and Thai coconut chicken served with sharing bowls of our flavour-filled sides.

A royally successful haul sold at auction

Mouseman antiques and a classic MG were top lots, says Nick Hall of Bentleys Fine Art Auctioneers

attention was a pair of near life-size bronze lions (5’ long x 3’6” high), realistically cast, snarling and imposing, they were greatly admired and after a fierce bidding scrap were finally sold for an over estimate £6200, a roaring success...

Glorious

And then there was everyone’s favourite lot in the sale: a classic 1955 MG TF 1500, with the magical number plate ‘1955 MG’. Customers and staff alike dreamed of glorious sunny days pootling around countryside with the roof down, pand one lucky buyer, a local chap, was the winner of this fabulous beast with a bid of £23,500. If you do see it gently touring around the backwaters of Kent give him a wave!

We’re all still buzzing here at Bentley’s Fine Art Auctioneers after one of our most successful auctions in some years, held at our Cranbrook saleroom on Saturday May 6 – yes, Coronation Day!

We hold our auctions on the first Saturday every month, and when our latest one clashed with the Royal festivities, it was assumed that we’d move our auction date. After all, we couldn’t really ask our new king to move his date!

We know that there are usually around 40 to 50 other auctions taking place on a Saturday while ours is on, and we’d noticed that there were only about 10 scheduled for the 6th. Others had been cancelled or postponed. So, we took a calculated risk that our auction, packed full of fabulous collectors’ items, would likely have a captive audience of online bidders

eager to carry on bidding for treasures throughout the special day,. And so they did, lot after lot after lot...

Some highlights of the sale were four pieces of superb-quality oak furniture by the great and much sought-after Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson (1876-1955). The three wardrobes and a dressing table fetched a staggering combined price of £35,000.

Another unusual and rare lot that created a great deal of

We’re now putting together another mouthwatering and interesting array of antiques, art, collector’s items and decorative objects for Saturday June 3. See you there...

HOUSE CALLS THIS JUNE IN YOUR AREA

MG TF FROM 1955

MOUSEMAN FURNITURE

THE BENTLEYS TEAM

Motoring News

Volkswagen commemorates anniversary of Polo GTI

Mini celebrates manual gearbox with new 1to6 Edition

MINI is championing the manual transmission with a limited-edition version of its John Cooper Works Hatch.

and darkened rear glass.

VOLKSWAGEN has created a new special-edition version of its Polo GTI to celebrate 25 years of the compact hot hatch.

The Edition 25 is limited to just 2,500 examples, with all versions powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that brings 204bhp and 320Nm of torque, enabling a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds.

Plus, all versions get sports suspension as standard, which lowers the body by 15mm and helps to improve cornering and ride qualities while working in conjunction with an electronic locking differential.

Edition 25 models also benefit from a number of trademark GTI styling touches, including a honeycomb design on the front grille and red brake callipers. All versions also get 18-inch alloy wheels in gloss black, a contrast black roof and black mirrors. Inside, there are standard-fit sport seats finished in perforated black-red

Munro’s MK_1 Pick-up is a go-anywhere electric vehicle

SCOTTISH firm Munro has added to its list of electric go-anywhere vehicles with a new batterypowered pick-up.

The Munro MK_1 Pick-up follows on from the firm’s regular MK_1 Truck, which was introduced late last year. It’s been designed for a number of ‘challenging’ sectors, according to Munro, such as mining, construction, utilities and agriculture.

Model

The practical model can carry a 1,050kg Euro Pallet payload, while performance variants are accompanied by a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. Thanks to 375bhp and 700Nm of torque, Performance versions can deliver 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. Lower-powered Utility and Range models are also available.

Munro states that the MK_1’s 82.4kWh battery can return ‘more than 190 miles’ of range, while rapid charging means that a 15 to 80 per cent charge could be conducted in 36 minutes when connected to a 100kW rapid charger.

Russell Peterson, Munro CEO and co-founder, said: “We launched Munro to fill the significant gap in the market for an electric-powered, four-wheel-drive, utilitarian workhorse.

“Our vehicles are designed and engineered without compromise from clean sheet principles, unimpeded by any existing architecture. The result is a rugged construction created for decades of service, delivering go-anywhere, off-road ability.”

Engineered and built in Britain, the Munro MK_1 Pick Up is priced from £49,995 excluding VAT. Deliveries are set to commence later this year.

leather, while a number of GTI logos are applied throughout the cabin too. Exterior colours include white, red and blue, too.

Each car will also get a ‘one of 2500’ badge on the sill panel trim to remind drivers of the car’s limited nature.

Technology

The Edition 25 also comes with plenty of Volkswagen’s latest technology, such as Matrix LED headlights, which work alongside the LED daytime running lights to both bring plenty of illumination at night while also giving the car a more futuristic front-end design.

Volkswagen has said that the Polo GTI Edition 25 will be available to order in Germany from June 1, with prices starting from €35,205. Full pricing and specifications for UK models has, however, yet to be confirmed.

The ‘1to6 Edition’ is a special-edition vehicle that offers drivers an ‘authentic, unfiltered driving experience’ according to Mini. Just 150 examples will be coming to the UK – out of a total of 999 produced globally – with each one priced at £39,600.

It’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 228bhp, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds. Naturally, it’s available with a six-speed manual transmission – from which the special-edition version takes its name – and stainless steel pedals as standard. It will be the last John Cooper Works model available without an automatic gearbox.

It’ll come in one fixed specification, too, with all versions finished in Midnight Black metallic paint with Piano Black exterior trim pieces. The look is completed by black 18-inch alloy wheels

A special bonnet stripe, which incorporates a repeated manual transmission graphic, runs the whole length of the vehicle, while 1to6 Edition badging features on the c-pillar, side scuttles and at the back of the car.

Inside, there’s a similar reference to the car’s special-edition status, with the 1to6 logos applied to the door sills, floor mats and the Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel. All cars get ‘one of 999’ lettering embossed to the left of the wheel, too. A number of red accents give the car a sportier feel.

There’s also plenty of equipment included as standard, such as heated front seats, a reversing camera and ambient lighting as well as front and rear parking sensors. An 8.8-inch infotainment display is fitted as standard too.

The Mini John Cooper Works 1to6 Edition is available to order now. It made its public debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours race on May 20.