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OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS
PHOTO: Sarah Bond
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
THE TOWN’S IN A JAM: This queue, on the A26 London Road, was one of many plaguing Tunbridge Wells town centre this week
Businesses hit as the half-term roadworks cause traffic chaos By Jonathan Banks
RESIDENTS, business owners and motorists have been left fuming this week after a series of ongoing roadworks repeatedly brought traffic in the town centre to lengthy standstills. On one day alone, there were ten sets of roadworks with temporary traffic lights and closures causing long delays for those trying to get into or through Tunbridge Wells. The mile-long journey from Frant has been taking up to an hour, with many potential shoppers giving up, turning round and going home. The journey would normally take five to ten minutes. Businessman Toby Dicker, of The Chapel hairdressers in Chapel Place, said: “It’s almost as if the town is closed for business. It’s insanity. There seems no forethought or planning.”
Another business owner, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s been the worst October we can remember and it’s all down to the roadworks – who coordinates all this work?”
‘It’s almost as if the town is closed for business. It’s insanity’ Businessman Toby Dicker Responsibility for roadworks and closures rests with the Highways Department of Kent County Council, not Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Astrid Kucoussey, store manager at Pure Collection in the High Street, said: “Even though last week was half term it affected footfall. We get a lot of occasional shoppers who will stop outside
Alliance leader accused of ‘childish behaviour’ by his own party at the theatre protest By Richard Williams THE Chair of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, Robert Chris, has been criticised by his own political party for ‘childish behaviour’ during protests that were later investigated by police. The Times understands some party members are calling on him to resign his position as head of the party. Robert Chris has lead the campaign to block plans for the new £108million theatre and civic office complex on the edge of Calverley Grounds, which is close to where he lives. Dozens of Alliance supporters gathered outside the Town Hall earlier this month [October 8] to protest against the development. A handful of people who supported the theatre plan were also outside. A number of supporters of the Calverley Square theatre said they had banners ‘ripped out of their hands’ by anti-theatre protestors – including Robert Chris.
and pop in, but that is not the case at the moment.” The delays are expected to have cost local businesses thousands as shoppers, workers and business people battled to get around town in the face of roadworks on Mount Ephraim, St John’s Road and London Road causing lengthy queues. Frustrated motorists took to social media to complain about the traffic jams. Darrell Edmondson told his Twitter followers that it took 40 minutes to travel 2.5 miles from North Farm to Major Yorks Road. Others described the road delays as ‘hideous’. Roadworks cost the national economy £4billion a year due to delayed deliveries and people being unable to get to work on time, and it is estimated that last week’s raft of repairs could have cost the
The party has confirmed the incident happened, with Alliance councillor Nicholas Pope admitting on social media: “There is clear footage that the TWA chairman snatched a banner and snapped it. It was childish behaviour that damaged someone else’s property. I do not condone this behaviour and spoke to the chairman immediately after I found out this had happened.” Several Conservative councillors reported that on the night they were jeered and sworn at by Alliance supporters and protestors as they
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NEWS
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this week…
SECRETS OF FINANCIAL SUCCESS Darren Austin from accounting firm Synergee reveals what drives him and his team p8 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Appeal launched to recruit former merchant navy serviceman for Remembrance Sunday p11 NEW GATWICK PROTEST GROUP TAKES OFF Eight separate campaign groups unify to discuss airport’s expansion plans this Friday p12
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Town centre grinds to a halt due to traffic jams Continued from page 1 local economy tens of thousands in lost revenue. It is expected most of the roadworks will be finished by the end of this week. Kent County Council [KCC] said the delay to the Mount Pleasant works outside the Town Hall, along with the approaching run-up to Christmas, meant a mixture of planned and emergency works had to be conducted in a short space of time. A spokesman said: “We appreciate that roadworks are frustrating, and we do our best to coordinate timing to avoid as much disruption to the roads as possible. “With planned works there is the time to review and coordinate works to avoid conflicts and ensure that conditions are in place to minimise disruption as much as possible. “When emergency works are required, KCC must react to these
West Kent makes the grade following a positive education watchdog report andy@timesoftonbridge.co.uk WEST KENT College has received a boost after a monitoring visit by Ofsted found that it was making progress – a year after it was told it had to improve. The college on Brook Street is part of the embattled Hadlow Group, though it is in the process of being taken over by North Kent College. West Kent and Ashford College [WKAC] asked to be placed in educational administration in August, and its application was accepted by a High Court judge. The move came after its sister site, Hadlow College, became the first college in the country to go down that route in May. WKAC underwent a full inspection last year, when two aspects of its service were said to
‘require improvement’ – outcomes for learners and apprenticeships – although it was rated ‘good’ in six other areas. The watchdog returned last month and found that the college had made ‘reasonable progress’ in all areas under scrutiny. The Hadlow Group has been investigated by the Further Education [FE] Commissioner and the Education and Skills Funding Agency about financial irregularities. The FE Commissioner Richard Atkins visited Hadlow College earlier this year and was ‘genuinely shocked’ to find it had ‘completely run out of money’. The Hadlow Group’s then principal, Paul Hannan, and his deputy Mark Lumsdon-Taylor were both suspended in February. The chair of the board of governors for West Kent, Paul Dubrow, resigned along with the vice-chair, other external board members and the clerk.
CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615
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ROAD TO NOWHERE? Vehicles at a standstill on London Road on the way into town
circumstances, imposing conditions on the permit and reviewing options to delay nearby planned works where this would be of benefit in reducing congestion.” He continued: “Unfortunately, work on Mount Pleasant Road was due to be finished on September 2, but the closure had to be extended. “This is because many underground services need to be reinstated properly, including a collapsed Southern Gas Network trench. “There are also constraints from Network Rail on how to excavate the existing concrete road because of how close it is to the rail tunnel. “This has had a knock-on effect to other planned works, resulting in more having to take place so that they can be completed before the Christmas moratorium on November 25.” This means a ban on all roadworks leading up to Christmas. See also pages 4 and 5
By Andy Tong
HELLO TO HALLOWEEN See our Going Out pages on where to find pumpkins for the spookiest night of the year p56
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Theatre protest Continued from page 1 attempted to enter the Town Hall to debate the future of the theatre project. Police became involved after two men made formal complaints following incidents outside the Town Hall. There is no suggestion those
complaints relate to Robert Chris (pictured). In a statement Kent Police said: “During the evening of Tuesday, October 8, 2019 a protest took place outside the Town Hall which was attended by a number of people. It is alleged two of the attendees were subjected to harassment, abusive
In July Ofsted also inspected Hadlow College and praised the way it had maintained teaching standards amid the difficulties engulfing it. A statement by the Hadlow Group said: “The focus of the visit to West Kent was to evaluate the progress made in addressing the main areas for improvement identified in the last inspection. “Inspectors concluded that the leaders and managers at the college have worked closely with departmental managers and teaching staff to improve the provision, which is having a beneficial impact on the learners.” The monitor Andy Fitt found that more students now stay at the college, complete their courses and achieve their qualifications since last October’s report.
Praise Teachers were praised for giving feedback on work more quickly and effectively, helping students to understand how they can improve. This was reflected in mathematics, where ‘a far greater proportion’ now achieve grades 9 to 4 at GCSE level than a year ago after their weaknesses were ‘targeted’. There was also praise for media courses, where easy access to digitally recorded feedback from staff had helped to improve students’ work and led to more distinction grades. The interim principal, Graham Morley, and senior leaders have restructured the management of apprenticeships, which has led to improvements. The report noted: “Apprentices value the closer contact they have with their assessors, which helps them understand their progress.” Employers of business administration and engineering apprentices also value the frequent communication with college staff about the progress of their apprentices. There are 2,200 students aged 16 to 18 and 650 mature students at WKAC, with around 230 apprentices on a mixture of framework and standards apprenticeships.
language and threatening behaviour, by other protestors.” They issued an image of a man they wanted to speak to in the belief he might have had have information that could ‘assist the investigation’. The image was withdrawn earlier this week after a man
handed himself into police. A spokesman for Kent Police said: “A man attended Tonbridge Police Station on Monday at around 1pm. A 69-yearold man from Tunbridge Wells was dealt with by means of a community resolution order.”
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Will’s future on Strictly hangs in the balance
THE owner of a Tunbridge Wells brothel that netted more than £500,000 is to pay back just £1. Dongning Zhang, 35, was part of a gang who posed as workers for Chinese telecoms company, Huawei, to trick estate agents into letting them properties in the town centre. Police found £1,000 in cash when they raided one flat in Lime Hill Road, which they estimated was earning the gang £10,000 a week from illegal sex work. Despite this, a court has heard that Zhang, who was jailed for four years and three months in June after admitting money laundering and running brothels, has no assets. His partner, Shuangyan Hu, 37, who netted more than £150,000 in the scam is to repay £6,160.
RHS blooming success TUNBRIDGE WELLS has been awarded Gold in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition. The town is one of three in the South East to be awarded Gold by the Royal Horticultural Society in a ceremony on Monday night. The others were New Milton and Farnham. Royal Tunbridge Wells was awarded Gold in the Large Town category. Cranbrook was awarded Silver Gilt in the Small Town category. Darren Share, Chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s UK finalists. It’s incredibly humbling to hear about the huge efforts they’ve invested in making our villages, towns and cities greener places to live, work and visit.”
NEWS
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Diggers start work on the controversial motor village before getting green light
LOCAL Paralympian Will Bayley’s Strictly Come Dancing future is looking uncertain after a knee injury caused him to miss Saturday’s show. The table tennis champion was left ‘not fit to dance’ after falling during rehearsal. The Tunbridge Wells sportsman and his dancing partner Janette Manrara were automatically put through to this weekend’s show, but the 31-year-old couldn’t confirm he would be fit enough to take part. He told his Instagram followers: “Hope I’m back next week! Never give up!”
Brothel boss pays £1
Local News
CONTESTED The proposed motor village site
By Debbie Saunders Pembury residents say they are ‘horrified’ to see diggers working at the site of a proposed new motor trade development next to the Tesco superstore. Despite no formal planning permission having yet been granted to Hendy Group, work on the proposed ‘motor village’ has got underway to remove vegetation and relocate wildlife. The plans for the regional dealership hub, include showrooms, service centres and workshops. Pembury Parish Council has objected to the development on the grounds that it would cause serious traffic congestion on Pembury Road and have a detrimental effect on the village. Pembury resident, Sue Nuttall, said villagers were ‘horrified’ to see the diggers start work.
She told the Times: “They [Hendy] are acting as if it’s a done deal. “The Council asks our opinions but the work goes ahead and they do it anyway; it’s like our opinions count for nothing.
Overconfident “It’s rubbing salt in the wound, it’s just awful and shows a very cavalier attitude from Hendy. I don’t think they care about the people who live in Pembury.” She added that residents fear there will not be enough parking spaces in the proposed complex leaving staff to clog up Pembury with their cars. They also feared an increase in pollution. A spokesperson for Hendy Group confirmed work was being done to ‘remove vegetation and trees’ on the site and was being undertaken with the full knowledge and approval of both
Grammar school set for expansion into Sevenoaks 2017 – ten miles from the original school in Tonbridge. As the site is already approved for educational KENT COUNTY COUNCIL [KCC] wants to expand Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys on to a use it will not require planning permission and site in Sevenoaks - 12 miles away from its current KCC say it also has buildings with spare capacity. But critics argue these satellite schools are main location. According to a consultation document, KCC say fundamentally operating as new grammars, the extension is necessary to address ‘significant which is illegal. Comprehensive Future, a campaign group short and medium-term’ pressure on places and against selective admission to schools said KCC wants to open the site in 2021. was attempting a ‘back door route to getting The ‘satellite school’ will see three forms of 30 around the law’. pupils in Year 7. It would eventually grow to a Nuala Burgess, Chairwoman of the group, said: school of 630 pupils, increasing the existing “It seems extraordinary that Kent County Council school’s population by around 50 percent – it is still wedded to an outdated and socially unjust currently has around 1,200 pupils. The site is already occupied by a satellite of the education system from which only a tiny minority stand to benefit.” Weald of Kent girls’ grammar, which opened in
By Richard Williams
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Tesco. He added that following a survey of the site, common reptiles had also been identified and successfully relocated. But Pembury Parish Councillor Katy Brookes said Hendy were being ‘overconfident’ in spending money on diggers to clear the site of trees and vegetation before they had planning permission. She added: “I’m also not sure if they realise the scale of the objection to the site in the village.” Tunbridge Wells Borough Council confirmed it was aware work had started but said Hendy was not breaching any regulations. A spokesperson said: “Planning officers have visited the site and no planning regulations are being broken. The planning application for this site is still under consideration and will be decided by the Planning Committee at a future date.” Under current rules, existing grammars can only expand onto satellite sites if they are ‘genuinely part of the existing school’ but the Weald of Kent Grammar School was allowed to stop sharing pupils across both sites earlier this year. KCC’s consultation says the Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys expansion would ‘allow the school to share its ethos and educational values with a wider cohort of pupils, whilst ensuring all systems and structures from governance and leadership to curriculum planning will remain consistent’. TUNBRIDGE WELLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Ten sets of roadworks on same day bring the town to a standstill
SHUT No access to Mount Pleasant Road
By Debbie Saunders
Now taking Christmas bookings
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86 Camden Rd,Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2QP
ROADWORKS across Tunbridge Wells have been disrupting businesses and people’s lives with long traffic delays and parts of the town at a standstill. A series of gas maintenance and other utility works added to the closures and disruptions already caused by the regeneration works in Mount Pleasant Road. At one point there were more than 10 sets of roadworks taking place on the same day, with road closures, diversions and temporary traffic lights causing long tail backs. The owner of the Chapel hairdressers in Chapel Place, Toby Dicker, said: “It’s almost as if the town is closed for business. “It’s insanity, there were four lots of roadworks all at the same time. One hold up clears and then I am sat in another one. People are late for appointments or are just put off coming in. “I don’t know who makes these decisions but it’s been going on for weeks. There seems to be no forethought or planning and no coordination.” Polly Taylor who runs the Pickering Cancer
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CLOSED Take a detour in London Road Drop-In centre in Monson Road said therapists had trouble getting in and patients had not been able to attend for treatment. The traffic had added almost half an hour to her journey in from Rusthall. She said: “It makes me irate. I think we must be in the Guinness Book of Records for the town with the most roadworks. “Tunbridge Wells has lost its identity, it’s so sad. No matter which end of the town you try to get in from there are hold ups, it’s ridiculous.”
Question: II have limited company wemy areown about to move am ana IT consultant and and I have limited to some new premises. are taking a leaseand over company. I usually workWe through an agency take on 10 years although there is a break clause atA5 contract years. contracts for between 6 months and a year. The rent is £24,500 perwill year butme wepast do not have I have recently started take April nexttoyear pay therecently first 6 months. is great news, I and for I have receivedThis an email from my but agency am concerned that means my profits will appear stating that there areitchanges to IR35 coming in from 6 higher thanwhich normal and will pay more tax.that Is there April 2020 may affIect me. I am happy I am outside ofIIR35 andorwas not aware of any changes anything can do should I not look a gift horseto the rules. is happening from April? in the What mouth?
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When you prepare your statutory accounts (the whether a worker supplying services would ones that will used, amongst other things, be deemed an be employee if they provided their for
services direct rather than via an intermediary, such as a company. Being a deemed employee can significantly increase the tax and national insurance payable on any income received. Determining
STALLED Queues at railway station roundabout Reports of large numbers of people left waiting at temporary bus stops while buses were stuck in traffic, included elderly people expected to stand in the rain for half an hour or longer. Mrs Taylor said: “An elderly lady with a walking stick was waiting at a temporary bus stop in the pouring rain. There was no shelter and the lady was drenched. “It is really upsetting, there are long queues with people just left standing in the rain while buses are delayed.”
a worker’s status is not straightforward and there calculating your corporation tax), you are required are many specialist firms who can advise. HMRC to comply with applicable accounting standards provide a free online status test, but feedback (likely FRS102 or FRS105). Both of these have suggests it is flawed. If agreement can’t be reached, specific guidelines relating to rent free periods. The the Courts are the ultimate arbiters. Historically, the benefit of the rent free period needs to be spread initial decision about IR35 status was made by the over the whole life of the lease.
worker. From April 2017 this changed, and the status
This means that, the rather than having for(the 6 decision became responsibility ofno therent client months and then the full annual rent for 9.5 years, person using the worker) if they were in the public the rentFrom is averaged reflected evenly in your sector. 6 April and 2020, this is being extended accounts. £24,500 per annum for 9.5 years to all medium and large clients and it will betotals their £232,750 which equivalent £23,275status. per year. responsibility to is decide on theto worker’s If they This is what shouldisbe reflected your decide the worker within IR35,intax andaccounts national which willwill mean rent isfrom shown overtothe insurance be the deducted theevenly payments the period of the lease and your tax liability will not be worker’s company. If the worker is not in agreement distorted. with the status determination, they can write to the client with their reasons why. The client must have a process in place to consider the challenge and must respond within 45 days.
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
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YORK ROAD Cul de sac wanted
TIME WASTED Long tailbacks in Major York’s Road and London Road
But not everyone is upset about the roadworks… NO ENTRY Take the long way round in the High Street A spokesman for the Arriva bus company said the roadworks had caused a number of issues for their services over the last few months. They said: “We strive to operate a reliable and efficient service across the borough, however the high volume of work has resulted in operational issues as we deal with diversions and increased conversions. “We hope that the impact to our passengers has been minimal and we are proactively working with the council to find solutions to minimise any further disruption.” Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillor for St James’ ward, David Neve, said he understood utility companies had a right to carry out work but there must be a better way of doing it. He said: “They are digging up in so many places that we are left with no alternative routes. It’s completely chaotic. Why do the roadworks have to all take place at the same time? It’s just gridlock. Tunbridge Wells is coming to a standstill, I feel so angry about it.”
Some of the problem spots As Mount Pleasant Road remained shut, the High Street was blocked off at the junction with Vale Road to allow for gas works. Traffic was diverted causing long tail backs on London Road. At the same time there were temporary traffic lights at various locations in the town including Eridge Road, Forest Road, London Road, St John’s Road and Mount Ephraim. Added to this was the closure of half of Church Road preventing traffic going down it towards London Road. Concrete blocks and a no entry sign blocked off access. This caused long queues on Mount Ephraim, Major York’s Road and London Road. A Kent County Council spokesman explained buses had to change their routes because of the public realm works on Mount Pleasant Road. He admitted this had caused further congestion in Major York’s Road and beyond. The regeneration works on Mount Pleasant Road are due to finish on October 31.
SOME residents in the town centre are rather happy about their road being turned into a dead end while the council’s regeneration work is carried out. Barriers were erected at the beginning of the phase two development to block off York Road from its junction with Mount Pleasant Road and the residents have found the new arrangement ‘very congenial’. Now they fear that when completed the new pedestrian arrangements in town will leave York Road as a major cut through for drivers, with satellite navigation systems directing traffic along the narrow street. To prevent this happening, Pippa Collard and other York Road residents have now appealed to Kent County Council for the road to be a made into a cul de sac permanently. Mrs Collard said if the road was a dead end there would be less pollution for people who live there, it would be more of a residential road and it would be safer. She said: “It is a very narrow road with a narrow pavement. It would be much safer for pushchairs and for children and would be much more congenial if it was a cul de sac.” Resident Katharina Mahler-Bech said York Road was unique, with many historic and listed buildings. The former Congregational church, now a retail outlet, the meeting house, the old Trinity school and several houses were all either listed or of
historic importance. “The historic setting of the road is very important, it has to be preserved. It is very valuable. You wouldn’t destroy a village green. It is not the right thing to do. Even the slab stones on the pavements are listed.” Another resident, James McGrath, said the road was further narrowed by on-street parking for residents and there was only just enough space to meet standards for emergency vehicles and rubbish carts. He said: “The council is happy to divert all traffic, newly banned from entering Mount Pleasant Road, down this little road. “No one had thought to consult these council taxpayers and voter households about such a major upheaval.” “If the road was a cul de sac it would prevent small animals and children being the first victims of a new rat run to hell.” The residents feel making their road a permanent cul de sac would support Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s aim of reducing traffic to improve pedestrian experience. A spokesman for Kent County Council said: “We are working closely with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to complete the Mount Pleasant Road public realm improvements. “Permanent alterations to York or Dudley Road are being discussed, however, at present there are no proposals to implement any further changes.”
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Retirement development opens its doors with hog roast for neighbourhood A RETIREMENT community in Southborough is opening its doors to invite locals to a free hog roast this weekend. Southborough Gate in Pinewood Gardens is also offering homemade pickles and winter themed foods on offer. Specialist chocolates will be available as will the chance to chat to the chocolatier. Julie Ward, of McCarthy and Stone who built the complex, said: “The hog roast afternoon is just one example of the many exciting and interesting activities we regularly host at the development to enrich the quality of life of our homeowners and their families, and to bring the local community together.”
Experiences Residents who already live at Southborough Gate will be on hand to chat to visitors about their experiences of living in the development, which features a security entrance system and 24 hour emergency call points. There will also be opportunities to tour apartments and talk to representatives from McCarthy and Stone. The event takes place between 12 and 4pm on Saturday [November 2]. FREE FEAST Hog roast for visitors to Southborough Gate
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Annual fireworks display is set to be the biggest and best yet... By Holly Stafford
BACK WITH A BANG Last year’s display over Dunorlan Park
TICKETS are selling out fast for one of the town’s largest and most spectacular annual events. The 62nd Tunbridge Wells’ Fireworks Display is back this Saturday [November 2] and people looking to celebrate bonfire night with a bang are being urged to get their tickets now. Thousands of people are expected to descend on Dunorlan Park to see more than 4,500 fireworks light up the sky over the lake at the weekend. The annual display, which has been running since 1957, is not only one of the oldest events in the town but also the most popular, with around 12,000 people expected to flock through the gates on Saturday. The fireworks begin at 7pm and gates open in Pembury Road and Bayhall Road from 5:30pm.
Generosity Organisers the Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table has said tickets are selling out fast so are urging anybody wanting to attend this year to book in advance. All the money raised from the event goes to local charities and more than £30,000 raised last year alone, with organisations such as Oakley School, Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, Sherwood Men’s Shed and TWMHR (mental health hub) all benefiting. Fireworks committee member Andrew Mockford said: “We’re committed to giving the people of Tunbridge Wells and beyond a great evening of entertainment, whilst enabling them to give something back to the local community. The longevity of our event is testimony to the public’s generosity. “Over the past year, we’ve been in the
PHOTO: Sarah Mott
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privileged position of being able to fulfil requests from several more worthy causes. Without the public’s continuing support, this wouldn’t have been possible. As we approach our 62nd fireworks display, we continue work to ensure we provide another fantastic occasion and successful year.” The event is being sponsored for the fifth successive year by Buss Murton Law, and Times
newspapers are again involved as media sponsors. Advance tickets are available until 1pm Saturday at £6 and £4 for adults and children respectively. Tickets will be available at the gates and on sale in Fiveways in the town centre on Saturday, but they will cost £8 for adults and £6 for children aged 5-15. To find out more, visit rtwrt.org
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BUSINESS
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Economy is buoyant but recruiting the right staff remains a challenge “We were just really lucky, we were eventually in the right place at the right time and found the right person. “Now we have Richard on board he will be able to help with the continuing growth of the business. ” Synergee works for around 750 companies, from small to medium and larger sized firms. “We make sure companies are complying legally with producing annual accounts and tax returns and we provide advice and assistance. But we also do personal accounts.” The firm has a range of clients from traders such as hairdressers, driving instructors and window cleaners to property developers. Its largest client has an annual turnover of £70million. One of Synergee’s more unusual clients imports paper pulp from Russia and sells it all over the world.
TEAMWORK Darren Austin (second from left) with his colleagues
Robust By Debbie Saunders newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk FINDING the right staff continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing businesses in Tunbridge Wells, according to the director of a local firm of chartered accountants. Darren Austin, head of Eridge-based Synergee Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, said: “I think Tunbridge Wells and the south east in general is quite affluent with a buoyant economy, and it’s a vibrant area. “Though one of our clients, a recruitment consultant, says vacancies can be difficult to fill, which is good for people unless you are a company trying to recruit staff.
“It can be difficult to find the right people, especially as there are other companies looking for them, too.” Darren, however, has just taken on board his tenth and newest member of staff. Richard Turnbull, a chartered accountant and tax adviser who previously worked for Alan Pink Tax in Tunbridge Wells, has joined the company as a manager and will be responsible for a portfolio of clients. It took a good seven months for Synergee to find Richard, with five specialist accounting recruitment companies helping with the headhunting. “Accountants tend to stay with the firm they are with, and if a good person is available they are snapped up,” explained Darren.
“Most of our clients come to us through word of mouth,” explained Darren, “which is good because someone they know has recommended us and they know what to expect.” Accountancy has changed over the years, said Darren, and instead of just seeing your clients once a year for the annual tax return, cloud software means that nowadays there is positive realtime feedback. Businesses can update their accounts electronically once a month so that their accountants can look at live reports and give ongoing advice and assistance. “By the end of the year we already know accurately how robust a company is,” he continued. “We work closely with businesses throughout the year to help them make the decisions they need to make.”
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
THE MAN BEHIND THE COMPANY… DARREN AUSTIN, 54, left school at 16, went to train as an accountant with a firm in London and has never looked back. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I left school, and I thought I would stick with accounting until something better came along,” he explained. “It never did, and today I’m really glad it didn’t. I have a real passion and love for what we do.” Originally from Ilford, Essex, Darren moved to Tunbridge Wells in 1997 to open a new branch office of accountants Ashdown Hurry. He later went to work for a firm in Uckfield, where he met his future business partner, Matt Allen. Synergee was born in 2007 when the two decided to branch out and start their own business. Their first employee was a personal assistant. Now there are ten members of staff. Darren is a trustee of the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, a charity run by volunteers in Monson Road, where he gives accounting advice and keeps an eye on the day-to-day accounting. He lives in Crowborough with his wife Sarah and two daughters, and in his free time enjoys reading and walking his two dogs. Darren goes to the gym three or four times a week and said: “It helps me relax and also helps to keep me focused on things.” Darren Austin
Your Family Wednesday October 30 | 2019
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Decision to switch careers and start their own business pays dividends
BUSINESS
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Inspired by a passion for interiors and a huge desire to work for themselves, local couple Abigail and Chris Willis decided to launch their Willis Bloom fabric and wallpaper business earlier this year – just two years after meeting, getting married and having a baby. We aksed Abigail to tell us all about Your their whirlwind, Life life-changing journey…
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Abigail and Chris Willis
What is Constructive Dismissal and do you have a case? Karron Foot, an experienced Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution Team at Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, explains. What is constructive dismissal? Put simply, this is when an employee is forced to leave their job because of their employer’s behaviour. Where the employer has committed a serious breach of contract that allows the Your Business employee to resign in response to the employer’s conduct. The employee is entitled to treat him/herself as having been dismissed and the employer’s conduct is often referred to as a ‘repudiatory breach’ of the employment contract.
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Who can claim constructive dismissal? Constructive dismissal is not a claim in itself. Employees who have been employed by their employer for two years or more can make a claim for unfair dismissal. This two-year timeline includes your statutory notice period. In order to make a claim for unfair dismissal you have to Your Job demonstrate: Your Business • That you have been dismissed; and • There was no fair reason for the dismissal; or • A fair procedure was not followed in selecting you for dismissal
e right by you
Family The reason for leavingYour needs to be serious If you have been forced to leave your job due to any of the following reasons, you may be able to demonstrate that you have been constructively dismissed: Your Job • Your employer refuses to pay for the work you’ve completed Yourexplanation Property • Your employer took away the benefits your contract entitles you to, without • You’ve brought a grievance to your employer’s attention, and they’ve refused to investigate • Your employer forced you to undertake an excessive workload Your Family • You were demoted without explanation • You weren’t provided with a safe working environment Your Life • Accepting extreme changes to your work was made compulsory. Typical examples of this include undertaking night shifts contrary to a standard 9am-5pm contract or making you work excessive hours, etc. • Your employer condones and/or encourages bullying
team with our clients on a full range of business l legal matters. Our specialist knowledge is an n (you should accept nothing less) and we pride working alongside clients to help them achieve first tiptoed around idea of creatingprofessional our ey WE seek in thetheir and personal lives. fabric and wallpaper design in 2016. WHERE IS THE BUSINESS AT NOW? Chris’s background was in engineering and mine in was in marketing, but I’d always been a creative person. Then I had a milestone birthday and realised that I wanted to give up my job in marketing. Designing fabric and wallpaper patterns seemed like an obvious route to go down, given my ability to draw and natural love for interiors. A supplier we once had a meeting with said to me: “You’re a bit long in the tooth to be getting into interiors.” I sat there in front of him, eight months pregnant, having just quit my old job and gave him a steely glare. “You’re wrong,” I thought to myself. His rather rude comment actually turned out to be the catalyst which spurred Chris and me on to pursue our dream.
01892 526344
Today we have nine fabric designs and four wallpaper collections in a number of colourways. We print to order so everything can be carefully managed and checked. We can also colour-match a design to a customer’s existing colour scheme (think sofa, walls, etc). We aim to bring out six more collections every year and to gradually introduce cushions, lampshades and homewares and ceramics – and affordable artwork, too. In the pipeline, we will be announcing the launch of our own ceramics ranges and homewares, including ready-made cushions, lampshades and gifts featuring our designs. Willis Bloom is blooming!
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Brainpower During 2017 and 2018 we completed our first collection and built a website in preparation for our launch of Willis Bloom. Having the photography done and our website going live made it all become very real. We went live with our website at the end of December 2018 and quickly discovered it was a terrible time to launch an interiors business! We were aiming for September, but a delay with the initial printing meant that everything, including the photography, got set back. The reality was this gave us time over Christmas to test the website live, get initial feedback, and be really ready for relaunching in early 2019. So much of this is new to us and takes far more brainpower and energy than our previous jobs ever did! Financially, too, it’s a massive shock losing decent salaries; and so holding your nerve until sales come in is incredibly difficult. People often talk about launching a new business being a ‘roller-coaster’ experience and there
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WHAT’S IN A NAME? We wanted to create a brand that would be able to grow beyond just fabric and wallpaper. We also wanted a tie into our family, and so Willis was a good start, with Bloom being a link to the blossoming future ahead of us.
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really is no better way to describe it. Sometimes it feels amazing and at other times you’re dusting off your old CV just in case. Like so many people, we’re now on our second careers, and the more we talk to people the more we find others just like us – people who have worked crazily hard all through their twenties and thirties on a frantic career that takes everything and then they think ‘whoa! That’s enough’. We wanted to claim our lives back and put us and our family as the top priority. So we ditched the life-sapping careers (and proper salaries) and did just that. And you know what? It’s worth it. You need less ‘stuff’ than you think if you have a great family around you.
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What constitutes a fair change in work? Your Life Your employer is entitled to make reasonable changes to your work. For example, implementing something your contract explicitly talks about i.e. change of location; consulting you before making any changes that directly impact you or making changes as a last resort, as an alternative to something much worse, i.e. laying off staff.
We’re right by you
If you think you have a claim, what should you do? Before moving forward, try to resolve any issues by courteously speaking to your employer. A simple discussion with your line manager might be all that is needed to put things straight. If there’s no improvement, and you firmly believe your employer has breached a fundamental work as a of team with ouryou clients onleave a full range of business term We of your contract employment, need to your job without further notice and state that you consider that you have been constructively dismissed. This might sound drastic, but and individual legal matters. Our specialist knowledge is an it’s necessary. However, we would strongly recommend that you take legal advice before leaving given (you should accept nothing less) and we pride your absolute job. a team with our clients on a full range of b ourselves in working alongside clientsWe to work help as them achieve Unfortunately, if you stay and put up with your ill-treatment, your employer can argue and individual legal matters. Ouryou specialist knowledg the their results they conduct. seek in their professional personal lives. accepted offensive Similarly, if you resignand but work out your notice your employer absolute given (you should accept nothing Your Business can argue that you have affirmed your employment contract and it would be difficult to bring a less) and ourselves in working alongside clients to help them a claim.
We’re right by you
Head office: 01892 526344 the results they seek in their professional and person Don’t forget discrimination enquiries@berryandlamberts.co.uk Discrimination can occasionally play a role in this Your kind of claim. This also constitutes an Your Property Family irreparable break in your employment contract. TheHead two-year limit01892 doesn’t apply to employees www.berryandlamberts.co.uk office: 526344 who are victims of discrimination. enquiries@berryandlamberts.co.uk www.berryandlamberts.co.uk If you wish to discuss any legal issues regarding constructive dismissal or any other dispute Your Job resolution issues please contact Karron Foot, Solicitor, on 01892 526344 or kfoot@berryandlamberts.co.uk. PMS 3155
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This article first appeared in our sister publication, SO MagazineYour Business
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SEVENOAKS Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, PADDOCK WOOD 01892 833456 11 Church Road, PADDOCK WOOD Tunbridge KINGS Wells, HILL TN1 1JA. 01732 897925 enquiries@berryandlamberts.co.uk KINGS HILL C 88 M 35 Y 38 K5
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Overcoming tragedy to become poster girl for fitness campaign A MOTHER from Tunbridge Wells has a starring role in a new fitness campaign by Fusion Lifestyle this autumn. Claire Stevens is a member of Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre, which is managed by the charity Fusion Lifestyle on behalf of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. The ‘Return to Fitness’ campaign tells inspirational stories from all over the country in a bid to inspire and encourage others to tackle their own fitness goals. Claire has appeared on posters in and around the centre, on its website and social media platforms and on flyers which are being distributed in the community.
Carl Bentley, Regional Business Manager of Fusion Lifestyle, said: ‘‘At Fusion, we are on a mission to help our members reach their goals. “We are all about overcoming the big and little hurdles life throws at us, rediscovering abilities we thought we had lost, and empowering people to recover from injuries so they can become fitness stars once again. “These are the stories that we want to tell this autumn through our new campaign, and what better way to do this than to put our members front and centre of our new campaign?” To register for a free pass, visit returntofusionfitness.com
All aboard for MS Society with sailing day at Bewl
Ambition She joined Fusion in 2016 after a family bereavement and a miscarriage affected her mental health, weight and general fitness. Despite always being active and running around after her two year old, she was about to turn 40 and wanted to be ‘baby ready’ to have a second child. Claire also wanted to achieve a lifelong ambition to learn to swim – which she missed out on as a child and had always regretted. She celebrated her 40th birthday by swimming 40 lengths – and now regularly enjoys going to the gym and attending Zumba classes. Claire said: “Within a few weeks of joining Fusion, I was swimming front crawl and learning to swim breaststroke. “I also watched the scales steadily come down and felt healthier and fitter every week. “When I ‘returned to fitness’ after having our son, I set myself five stone to lose, and with a healthy diet and Fusion’s help I’m only half a stone away from my target.”
FLOAT YOUR BOAT MS Society members enjoyed fine conditions
OVER THE HURDLES Claire Stevens has overhauled her lifestyle
THE MS Society’s Tunbridge Wells and District Branch enjoyed a fine day of sailing with Mariners of Bewl at Bewl Water. Many of the charity’s members have multiple sclerosis, and were able to take advantage of the reservoir’s new hoist in order to get in and out of the boats. Mariners of Bewl is a sailing club where people with physical disabilities and the able-bodied sail together on an equal basis. Last month they opened the hoist and a pontoon section specifically designed to make watersports more accessible. Everyone was able to have a go at sailing in calm, sunny conditions – and for many visitors it was their first time out on the water. Carolyn Howden, the club’s Secretary, said:
“The financial contribution the Tunbridge Wells & District MS Society Group made to enable Mariners of Bewl to purchase the equipment made such a difference to our day out on the water. “As well as a splendid time sailing, we enjoyed a barbecue that gave everyone the chance make some new friends, before heading back out on to the water for one final sail in the afternoon.” Heather Russell-Kay, a Tunbridge Wells MS Society Group committee member, said: “The day was one which everyone will remember for a long time, and we would like to thank Mariners of Bewl for putting on such a brilliant day. “They made us all feel so welcome, and showed how having a disability doesn’t have to stop you from getting out on the water with your sailing hat on.”
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
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Calling all Merchant Navy officers for Remembrance Sunday parade
Necessities At the outbreak of World War Two in 1939, the British merchant fleet was the largest in the world. A third of the world’s merchant ships were British, and there were some 200,000 sailors. During that war, the Merchant Navy again kept the country supplied with raw materials, arms, ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities, literally enabling the country to defend itself. In doing this, they sustained a considerably greater casualty rate than almost every other branch of the armed services, and suffered great hardship.
Now, former officer Brian Bissell is trying to recruit officers to join the ceremony on Sunday November 10. He said: “To honour these brave men and women, we have been parading for many, many years. “This year we will again remember the great number of officers and crew from the Merchant Navy who gave their lives in both wars so that we may enjoy the freedom we have today.” Mr Bissell entered the Merchant Navy as a navigating apprentice with the Royal Mail Lines. He became a Cunard Line deck officer and a Midshipman with the Royal Naval Reserve. He added: “Through the years our contingents’ ranks have swelled and depleted and, again this year, we are looking for former officers to join us. “We consider it a privilege and an honour to be able to march on parade on Remembrance Sunday.” If you would like to join the Merchant Navy officers on Remembrance Sunday, please contact Mr Bissell on 07710 612173
BEARING FRUIT: Spadework trainees in West Malling harvest their pumpkin patch ahead of Halloween celebrations tomorrow [Thursday, October 31]. The horticultural organisation works with more than 100 adults with learning difficulties to develop their independence and personal skills through social interaction, and has received a grant of £6,300 from the Kent Community Foundation.
F 2n am d ily N ov Ho em g R be oa r 1 st D 24p ay m
AN APPEAL has been launched seeking formers officers of the Merchant Navy to take part in the Remembrance Sunday parade and service at the War Memorial in Tunbridge Wells. The title Merchant Navy was granted by King George V after the First World War to recognise the contribution made by civilian merchant sailors who manned cargo ships to keep vital supply lines open.
“I have the perfect balance of a private life and a social life, and I’ve made lots of fantastic new friends here”
MAKING WAVES: Local former Merchant Navy officers stand proudly with their Red Ensign. (L-R) Nicholas Funston, John Dell, David Wyatt, Nigel Matthews and Brian Bissell
Your retirement. Just how you imagined it...
Horse Rescue Centre receives £8,000 grant to help pay bills
At McCarthy & Stone we help our homeowners to realise their retirement dreams and live life on their terms. Southborough Gate is a development with one and two-bedroom apartments for sale or for rent, offering the best of all worlds; whether that be socialising with friends, spending time with family or relaxing in your own space.
A TONBRIDGE charity that rehabilitates and finds new homes for mistreated horses has been given £8,000 by the UK’s largest grant-giving animal charity. Kent Horse Rescue recently received the award from Support Adoption For Pets to help pay vet bills and finance new field shelters and equipment.
Why our homeowners choose us...
Rehoming The organisation, which was set up in 2015, took in 35 horses last year. It makes sure they have recovered both mentally and physically before rehoming them. It encourages the public to contact them if a horse is found untended or on ground that is unsuitable for living, then works with private landowners, vets and the RSPCA. The animals are then moved to equine therapy centres and riding schools, including those for the disabled as well as private homes.
Exterior Maintenance taken care of
Door Camera entry & 24hr call system
House Manager who’s there for you
Luxury Guest suite for family & friends^
Shared lounge to socialise
Regular social events
Join us for our family hog roast day! FRESH START Saroo, who was rescued on New Year’s Eve, enjoys a roll in the sunshine Jane Brown, founder and Chief Field Officer of Kent Horse Rescue, has more than 20 years’ experience as an equine welfare officer. She said: “The grant will benefit our branch by covering some of our vet bills and other essential costs as we are a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. “The cost of offering the best care for the pets we take in can often add up – last year, for example, our vets’ bills would
have eaten all of the grant up. “So that’s where the money will be a huge help to us, and we are exceptionally thankful.” Laura Messenger, Grant Funding Coordinator at Support Adoption For Pets, said: “It is a real privilege to be able to help such an important organisation that works tirelessly to care for and rehome pets in need. To find out more, visit kenthorserescue.org and supportadoptionforpets.co.uk
Enjoy live music a delicious hog roast and sample a selection of local delicacies. We’d love to meet you and show you around bring your family and friends along! Date: Saturday 2nd November Time: 12 - 4pm (Hog roast served 1-3pm) Venue: Southborough Gate, Pinewood Gardens, Southborough, Kent, TN4 0FN
Book your place today call 0800 153 3098
To find out more, visit mccarthyandstone.co.uk/southborough-gate
Pinewood Gardens, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 0FN Sales Office opening hours Tuesday - Saturday, 10.30am - 5pm ^Extra charges apply
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Protesters join forces in a bid to make airport come clean on expansion plans By Andy Tong EIGHT separate campaign groups are due to meet to voice their concerns about Gatwick Airport’s proposals to expand by 40 per cent. They have ‘unified’ under the banner Gatwick’s Big Enough [GBE] and are meeting in Penshurst Church on Friday [November 1] at 8pm. The meeting, which is open to the public, is to provide information about the aviation hub’s plans, what GBE will be doing about them and how people can help. Tom Tugendhat, the MP for Tonbridge & Malling, is the guest speaker. GBE says that the expansion will have serious noise, climate change and congestion impacts, which the airport is trying to hide, and that its effects will not be adequately scrutinised.
Emergency Gatwick released its final Master Plan in July, having put out a draft for consultation a year ago. It proposed to make use of its emergency runway for regular departures – and a potential third runway. A legal agreement which prevents the airport from using both existing runways simultaneously has now expired. The plans envisage a 40 per cent
increase in flights, putting thousands of extra planes in the sky, and a 53 per cent increase in passenger numbers, set to rise from 45.7 million in 2017-18 to 70 million by 2032. Protests have centred on the issue of overflight and the aircraft noise blighting a swathe of communities across the South East, including Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge. The group says the airport has not disclosed the emissions generated by the new flights and is using the wrong measure for noise pollution. GBE organiser Charles Lloyd told the Times: “We want to make people aware of the impacts Gatwick is trying to hide. The airport’s Master Plan uses very selective data. “For example, it completely ignores the extra one millon tons of carbon dioxide emissions that expansion would generate each year.” The campaign group said growth without proper scrutiny and analysis of the facts is not acceptable. Martin Barraud, Chair of Gatwick Obviously Not, said: “There’s a great danger we are sleepwalking into an environmental disaster for this area. It’s critical that we wake everyone up to the potential onslaught from the air. A Gatwick spokesperson said: “Earlier this year Gatwick consulted local residents on our Masterplan which set out scenarios for making the best use of our existing runways,
TAKE OFF: 40 per cent more aircraft in line with Government policy. “All future growth will comply in full with planning requirements and will take into account the likely significant impacts and benefits to the local community. “We are currently undertaking detailed impact assessments and will publicly consult again in 2020.”
Gatwick groups come together… Gatwick’s Big Enough is a combination of eight campaign groups: Tunbridge Wells Anti Aviation Noise Group, Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (affected areas), Gatwick Obviously Not (West Kent), Plane Wrong (north of
Gatwick), Association of Parish Councils Aviation Group, People Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions (both west of Gatwick), East Sussex Communities for the Control of Air Noise (Crowborough), High Weald Councils Aviation Action Group (West Kent and beyond).
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
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Armed officer run over A METROPOLITAN POLICE firearms officer is in hospital after being mown down during a vehicle stop. A suspect car was stopped at White Hart Lane, Tottenham, north London just after 11.30am yesterday [Tuesday] and initially pulled over for police. But the driver then sped off, hitting and injuring the officer. Teams from London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance were called to the scene and the officer was taken to hospital. The Met said he does not have lifethreatening injuries, and no arrests have been made.
Web founder’s warning INVENTOR of the World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, has warned that the internet’s power for good is being ‘subverted’ by those spreading hatred and threatening democracy, as the technology marked its 50th birthday. The computer scientist spoke out on the 50th anniversary of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) professor Len Kleinrock sending the first message on the Arpanet network of computers, which would eventually become the internet. “It’s astonishing to think the internet is already half a century old. But its birthday is not altogether a happy one,” Sir Tim said. “The internet - and the World Wide Web it enabled - have changed our lives for the better and have the power to transform millions more in the future. But increasingly we’re seeing that power for good being subverted, whether by scammers, people spreading hatred or vested interests threatening democracy.”
Bristol ban on diesels BRISTOL could become the UK’s first city to introduce a ban on diesel vehicles to boost air quality. The vehicles will be prohibited from entering a central area of the city between 7am and 3pm every day under proposals by Bristol City Council. A wider charging zone for commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis, vans and lorries which do not meet certain emissions standards is part of the measures which could be implemented by March 2021. There is also a plan to launch a car scrappage scheme to help diesel car owners buy an alternative vehicle.
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PM accuses MPs of delaying Brexit Police hunt brothers as they debate General Election Bill over lorry deaths BORIS Johnson accused MPs of trying to delay Brexit ‘forever’ yesterday [Tuesday] as they debated whether or not to hold a general election in December. The Prime Minister said a ‘new and revitalised’ Parliament was needed to take Britain out of the European Union as he introduced legislation for a poll on December 12. The Bill was introduced after Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his party would back a General Election. But in a combative speech, Mr Johnson took aim at Mr Corbyn’s previous opposition to an election, and claimed Labour was not interested in delivering Brexit. “All they want to do is procrastinate,” he told the Commons. “They don’t want to deliver Brexit on October 31, on November 31, even on January 31.”
Amendments He added: “They just want to spin it out forever, until the 12th of never. And when the 12th of never eventually comes around, they’ll devise one of their complicated parliamentary procedures and move a motion for a further delay and a further extension then.” Mr Johnson had put forward a short Bill which sets aside the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act and enables a general election without needing a two-thirds majority. During the debate, however, MPs voted in favour of a proposal - tabled by Labour’s Stella Creasy - which made it easier for them to put for-
Boris Johnson in the House of Commons yesterday ward amendments on the Government’s Bill. Mr Corbyn confirmed he would back votes for 16 and 17-year-olds and EU citizens with settled status if amendments seeking to make such changes are selected. However, Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle opted not to select either amendment last night, making the liklihood of an election likely, but he did approve Labour’s amendment to bring the date of an election forward to December 9. The Government has argued such a timescale could prevent it from passing legislation to approve a budget in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, the European Council yesterday formally granted the UK a Brexit extension until January 31, 2020, but president Donald Tusk warned MPs to use their time wisely, claiming that the granted extension ‘may be the last one’.
Fire service criticised in Grenfell Tower report A REPORT published today [Wednesday] will outline ‘serious shortcomings’ and ‘systemic’ failures by the London Fire Brigade’s response to the Grenfell Tower fire. The public inquiry’s first report into the blaze, in which 72 people died, says fewer people would have been killed if residents had been evacuated while it was still possible.
TRAGEDY: Grenfell Tower after the blaze
The report accused the brigade’s commissioner Dany Cotton of ‘remarkable insensitivity’ after she said she would not have done anything differently on the night.
Cladding Inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick made a number of recommendations following the two-year investigation into how the disaster at the west London tower block unfolded. In his report, which was leaked to the media ahead of today’s publication date, Sir Martin said the reason flames shot up the building at such speed was the combustible aluminium composite material [ACM] cladding that acted as a ‘source of fuel’. Sir Martin also criticised the London Fire Brigade [LFB] for its ‘stay-put’ strategy when residents were told to remain in their flats by firefighters and 999 operators for nearly two hours after the blaze broke out just before 1am. The strategy was rescinded at 2.47am.
POLICE investigating the deaths of 39 people found dead in a lorry have named two suspects they want to speak to on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking. Essex Police released pictures of Ronan Hughes, 40, and his brother Christopher, 34, both from Armagh in Northern Ireland, on Tuesday. The pair are both wanted on suspicion of manslaughter and human trafficking. The 39 bodies were found in the lorry trailer on an industrial estate in Grays, Essex, on Wednesday. Earlier this week, the driver of the lorry appeared in court accused of manslaughter of the 39 people. Maurice Robinson, from Craigavon, was remanded in custody at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.
WANTED: Ronan and Christopher Hughes
Duke meets UK’s next Invictus Games team THE Duke of Sussex has launched the UK’s next Invictus Games team telling the competitors – ‘It’s going to be awesome’. Harry has been the driving force behind the Paralympics-style event and in central London he met the 65-strong squad of service personnel and military veterans who will compete in Holland next May. During an informal chat with the competitors the royal - who spent 10 years as an Army officer - said: “This is an opportunity for you guys to be serving your country again.” The Duke founded the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how injured American military personnel thrived on the challenge of taking part in competitive sports that aided their recovery.
GAMES: The Duke meeting Invictus competitors
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Schwarzenegger flees home as wildfire sweeps across LA ACTION star and former Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was among thousands of residents forced to flee their homes as a wildfire swept across Los Angeles. The fire swept through the star-studded hills of Los Angeles on Monday, destroying several homes and forcing Mr Schwarzenegger along with basketball star LeBron James to abandon their homes. “Man these LA [fires] are no joke,” James tweeted, the LA Lakers star using an emoji for the word ‘fires’, and adding: “Crazy night.” The Hollywood premiere of actor and former state governor Schwarzenegger’s Terminator: Dark Fate was cancelled on Monday night. Others who own homes in the evacuation zone include Senator Kamala Harris, a Democrat running for president, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger, and rapper and producer Dr Dre. The evacuation area extended west into Pacific Palisades, encompassing some of the most exclu-
BURNT OUT: An LA firefighter sits exhausted after battling the Los Angeles blaze overnight sive real estate in California, where celebrities and wealthy professionals live in estates nestled in canyons or on ridge-top retreats that cost tens of millions of dollars but are surrounded by tinder-dry vegetation. At least eight homes were destroyed and six damaged in the LA-area blaze, fire officials said. No deaths were reported.
British tourists attacked by shark A BRITISH tourist has had his foot bitten off in a shark attack while snorkelling off the northeastern coast of Australia, authorities said. The 28-year-old man, named locally as Alistair Raddon, from Southampton, lost his right foot in the attack. Another Briton, 22, named as Danny Maggs, from Plymouth, also suffered serious lacerations to his lower leg. Both men were airlifted to hospital following the incident. The men were attacked in the water near Hook
BUSINESS
Passage, a body of water between Whitsunday Island and Hook Island which is popular for water activities. Queensland Ambulance Service were called at around 10.17am on Tuesday to reports of a shark attack, which happened while the two men were on a day cruise. They were taken on a tour boat to Airlie Beach, about 680 miles north of Brisbane, before being airlifted by helicopter around 70 miles to a hospital in the city of Mackay, according to authorities.
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Pay rise for ASDA staff as union dispute rumbles on ASDA has announced it is to increase employees’ basic hourly pay as it remains in dispute with unions over the conditions of a new workforce contract. The supermarket said it will increase its basic rate for its hourly-paid retail employees to £9.18 from April 1 next year, following an increase to £9 from November 3 as all workers move on to a ‘single, industry-standard contract’. In London,
ASDA PRICE: Staff at the UK supermarket chain are to get a pay rise of nearly £1 per hour
to reflect the higher cost of living, basic pay will increase to £10.31 per hour. The retailer said the basic hourly rate on the majority of contracts in April this year was £8.21. Hayley Tatum, senior vice president of people at Asda, said: “I’m pleased that we’re able to confirm a further increase in the basic rate of pay for our retail colleagues, which will be introduced next year, and give certainty to our colleagues despite an unpredictable economic landscape and challenging market.” The announcement comes as the Big 4 grocer pushes ahead with new contract terms for shopfloor staff, known as Contract Six, amid employee and union fears it will see them lose paid breaks and forced to work bank holidays. Asda has said the contract is about increasing the take-home pay of more than 100,000 employees and ensuring that everyone doing the same job is on the same terms and conditions.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Saudi state-owned oil giant to be floated on stock market
House price slowdown continues as Brexit uncertainty intensifies
THE state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco is to be floated on the stock market. The initial public offering [IPO] is planned for December 4, according to Saudi news reports. The Dubai-based Saudi-owned news channel Al-Arabiya did not elaborate on its Tuesday report based on unnamed sources but it comes as Saudi Arabia is hosting the Future Investment Forum in Riyadh, the brainchild of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Prince Mohammed hopes offering Aramco will bring $100billion needed for redevelopment plans in the kingdom.
ANNUAL house price growth continued to barely move in October, growing at less than 1 per cent for the 11th month in a row, according to new data. The Nationwide house price index found that the average price of a home is now £215,368 with growth of just 0.2 per cent compared with September. On a year-on-year basis the growth was just 0.4 per cent. The building society said high employment and low borrowing costs are offsetting a bigger slowdown, with more than 95 per cent of borrowers opting for fixed rate mortgage.
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
e l r o f m i l be s with
Slimming World
save
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ask in group for more details
MONDAYS United Reformed Church
Tonbridge High Street, TN9 1SG (Acess is to rearr of the venue by the Petrol station) Mondays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Sally 01732 780163 TUESDAYS St. Peters Church Hall
Bayhall Road Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4UX Tuesdays 9.30am Call Susie 07717177892 St Pauls C Of E Primary School
Entrance Via Gladstone Road Rusthall, TN4 8RZ Tuesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Sandra 07942888722 WEDNESDAY Rusthall Club
St Pauls Street Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8RJ Wednesdays 9.30am & 11.30am Call Sandra 07942888722 St Lukes Church Hall
St Lukes Road Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9JH Wednesdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Kay 07752496986 St Marks Primary School
Ramslye Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8LN Wednesdays 7.30pm Call Susie 07717177892 THURSDAYS Tonbridge Angels Football Club
Longmead Park, Darenth Avenue Tonbridge, TN10 3JF Thursdays 9am, 11am, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Jennie 07985750933
slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000
St Dunstans Catholic Church
London Road, Southborough Tunbridge Wells, TN4 0QA Thursdays 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Kay 07752496986 FRIDAYS Tonbridge Angels Football Club
Longmead Park, Darenth Avenue Tonbridge, TN10 3JF Fridays 9am Call Jennie 07985750933 All Saints Church Hall
Church Road, Crowborough TN6 1ED Fridays 9.30am & 11.30am Call Mary 07738014528 St. Phillips Church
Birken Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3TE Fridays 5.30pm Call Jesse 07710549334 SATURDAYS St.Barnabas C Of E Primary School
Quarry Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2EY Saturdays 8.30am & 10.30am Call Jesse 07710549334 The Judd School
Brook Street, Tonbridge TN9 2PN Saturdays 8am & 10am Call Lorraine 01622 729890
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Letters
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG What will local businesses think about community competition? I was saddened that all councillors from Labour, the Lib Dems and the Alliance voted against the principle of having a theatre in Tunbridge Wells. This vote not only brings the future of the Assembly Hall theatre into doubt, it could also affect Trinity Theatre, a community facility supported by a grant from the council. To make matters worse, opposition parties want to spend millions of pounds turning the Assembly Hall building into a ‘community space’ that will compete with local businesses. The Lib Dems want to make it a conference
We could change this town tomorrow What a relief to see the madness of the Calverley Square theatre has at last been scrapped. I see the council are now fumbling around for an alternative project. But why does there need to be a project at all? Surely the council needs to look at why people don’t come to Tunbridge Wells any more. Here is a list of suggestions: 1) Scrap parking fees altogether 2) Halve the rates of all shops 3) Ask Primark to move into the old BHS store 4) Stop putting signs up saying ‘Tunbridge Wells is prospering’ when clearly it isn’t. No doubt the council will say this will be too expensive, but it would be a lot cheaper than Calverley Square and could be done tomorrow! Colin Walton Via email RETAIL OF WOE A sign on the closed down BHS site
facility, pitting it against hotels – such as The Spa – already offering such services. Labour want to turn it into a music venue, setting it on a collision course with The Forum and others. And, not surprisingly, we’re still waiting to hear any plans at all from the Alliance. I would love to hear the views of the local businesses who could find themselves competing against this new subsidised service, and to know whether they’ve been consulted on the opposition’s plans. Lawrence Heasman Via email councillors at the Full Council meeting who gave cogent reasons for rejecting the project and for listening to the view of the majority of residents 5) The nine Conservative councillors who voted against the motion heeded the view of the majority of the residents in their wards. Three of them were elected or re-elected this May, and the other six represent wards in which opposition candidates were elected this year. Robert A Banks Tunbridge Wells
Can this council get any jobs done? Remember the Fiveways fiasco, late and over budget? Look at the fiasco outside the Town Hall, also late and over budget; the development at the library, way over budget and the builder citing Brexit (soft target) for the increases; the introduction of a new bin system, a dreadful mess; and the Calverley Square debacle wasted millions. Do you think the council should be in charge of anything requiring negotiations and completing a job? You missed out in your report on the Full Council meeting rejecting the Calverley project [October 16] that the costs had shot up due to the fact that the ‘already agreed’ cheap loan from the Government had gone up, so costing even more as some councils were borrowing cheaply and speculating with the cash. Richard Bell Tunbridge Wells
Give the new collections time to work
Protestors’ behaviour is not to blame I share Mr Poynter’s concerns about the behaviour of some of the protestors [October 16]. However, it should not be concluded that this behaviour was the main reason that the majority of councillors voted against the motion to proceed with the Calverley Square development. They did this because: 1) The cost of the project has increased by £18million 2) The results of the council elections this May showed the majority of residents voted for candidates who opposed the project. These residents did not want a development that would incur an annual debt for the borough of at least £2.3million for 50 years, and for which they had not voted 3) The majority of those councillors who voted against the motion had previously opposed the development or were recently elected with a mandate to do so 4) The contribution of two senior Conservative
I read your paper’s coverage of problems with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s new waste collection service [October 16]. As a former borough councillor and Mayor myself, and a 30-year veteran of the Environment Agency, I very much support the council’s new recycling scheme. The borough already works with Kent County Council to recycle nearly half of our household waste, with the remainder burnt to create energy. Only a very small percentage goes to landfill. The new waste service should lead to even more recycling. Glass is now collected at the kerbside, and food waste is collected weekly. Batteries and textiles have also been added for the first time. So I would urge local residents to support the new service and fully use the recycling services. Our borough already ranks third in Kent for the percentage of waste recycled, and I believe the new service can and will push us into the top spot. Despite the teething problems, I’m sure all residents – and local political parties – will share this goal. David Elliott Conservative candidate for Culverden ward
I’ll do my own recycling from now on I received the following reply from Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council regarding the lack of recycling collection in the Priory Road/Pembury Road area on October 18. It was unacceptable: “If we identify a reason we aim to contact you within a few days, otherwise assume it is human error. If your bin is missed due to human error by the collection crew, please leave it out and we will aim to return to collect over the next few days.” Litter is now scattered over pavements and roads in the area due to the contractors just not turning up. This ‘human error’ that they ‘aim’ to have remedied over the ‘next few days’ is caused by fundamental problems in planning, management and communication, and I believe they form part of a litany of problems following the recent changes in waste collection in the area. The ultimate responsibility lies with the council, who have instigated changes to Tonbridge area collections without the kind of project management, and scrutiny of the contractor’s working practices, that is clearly fit for purpose. The arrogance and lack of engagement demonstrated by the reply is disappointing. I will, from now on, be dealing with my own recycling, and transporting it to the local recycling depot, rather than trust the clowns they have contracted to do the job. Steven Lawrence Tonbridge
Pavement’s so bad I walk in the road I would like to respond to Anita Pratt’s letter [October 16]. I thoroughly agree with her comment on the brick pavements in and around the town being treacherous. I live on a street with a slight downward slope, and during wintry weather I very rarely go out due to the pavements being brick and extremely slippery. The bricks are lethal, but we still get vehicles coming round, so it’s a choice of either walking on the path, falling and doing yourself a damage, or walking in the road and risking being hit by a car coming up the street at speed, which they do, despite being very close to a school and with numerous requests from the school and residents to slow down. I cannot deny that the bricks can look pretty in the right environment, but what is more important – looking pretty or being safe for all pedestrians? The council obviously think pretty is right but they would, wouldn’t they, being ferried to and from in their cars, often chauffeured, and rarely setting foot on a normal, everyday footpath. Joan Hamilton-Smith Tunbridge Wells In response to Ms Pratt’s email suggesting all our historic town’s Victorian pavements be ripped up and replaced with Tarmac, may I suggest she move to Croydon? Barry Taleghany Via email
No sign of deserts in Tunbridge Wells! Wasn’t the recent Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival amazing? And three cheers to all those performers, and the crowds who came out see them, despite the rain. The show that really left its mark on my memory was the superb tale of a migrant’s journey to find safety. The puppet horse pulling her wagon in The Pantiles seemed so real by the end that I even went up to stroke its nose! That, and Trinity Youth Theatre’s original stage version of Peter Pan, were an absolute triumph. Who dares say that Tunbridge Wells is a ‘cultural desert’? Sarah Nevill, via email
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
FLICKING through magazines at the dentist, Calverley’s attention was drawn to an October edition of Radio Times. The cover headline read: ‘Meet Britain’s Busiest Broadcasters’. Alongside were five smiling faces above a caption that declared: ‘Have We Got News For You’. The five were Julie Etchingham, Mishal Husain, Cathy Newman, Emma Barnett and Fiona Bruce; all extremely talented, hardworking individuals. All rightly deserving to feature on the cover. But one has to wonder about the public outrage from the PC brigade had the cover featured five men. Just a thought.
PICTURE THIS: Sunday afternoon and the village vicar is just about to tuck into a late roast lunch at his local (where he is often seen atop a bar stool). As he is about to put fork to mouth, one of the regulars, who has been observing him, pops up and says: “Aren’t you supposed to say grace before you tuck in?” Vicar: “I just did.” Regular: “No you didn’t, I’ve been watching you.” Vicar, starting to bristle, replies: “I said it in my own mind – now push off.” Only he wasn’t quite so polite, but this is a family newspaper…
STILL with food, how many chips should you get in a portion when eating out? Calverley asks because of a conversation overheard at Pizza Express. Two chaps sit down and ask for pizzas along with a side order of chips. “How many in a portion?” one of them asks. Waiter: “Fourteen sir.” And yes, you guessed it, when the chips turned up there were just ten of them. Manager gets involved and after much discussion the chips were taken off the bill. Maybe chip cuts are part of a move by Pizza Express to stay afloat as it battles for survival?
WATCHING kids today punch out messages on their mobile phones is something to behold. The speed at which they hit the buttons is truly amazing. Indeed a new study shows that using a two-thumb technique enables some of them to achieve a blistering 38 words per minute. Calverley can barely reach one word per minute, mind you that does involve capital letters, commas, speech marks and full words. None of this text speak that leaves one ROFL but hey ho, NVM.
FINAL THOUGHT: Is Calverley the only person to think that the title of Elton John’s newly published autobiography says it all? It’s called ‘Me’. Chin Chin, dear reader
We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
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EDUCATION
Times
Let classic horror fiction sink its fangs into you this Halloween As October 31 looms, Andrew P Schagen, the Head of English at Benenden School, suggests some seriously spooky yet educational reads to enjoy… ONE of the things I enjoy most about the spookiest season of the year is the excuse that it gives all of us, students and parents alike, to reconnect with one of the finest genres in English Literature: Classic horror fiction. Sometimes young people can be reluctant to engage with ‘the classics’ but, as Halloween is almost upon us, being told ‘this probably isn’t for you; it’s too scary’ is a sure-fire way to gain the attention of most teenagers. Here are some prime examples of the most terrifying moments in literature… MASTER STORYTELLER The Crowborough statue The Castle of of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Otranto by Horace – the man who created The Walpole Hound of the Baskervilles This is where it all
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Probably the most widely read and highly regarded piece of Gothic fiction ever, but it isn’t until you read the novel that you appreciate how different Mary Shelley’s creation is from the lumbering green monster (with the obligatory bolt through the neck) of popular myth. Like all the best classic horror fiction, Frankenstein leaves plenty of unsettling questions for the reader alongside the familiar thrills and chills.
Collected Short Stories by Edgar Allen Poe If you’re looking for something a bit more bite-size in your terrifying tales, then you could do no better than the master of the macabre short story. Poe’s short fiction will give even the hardiest reader something terrifying to enjoy while hiding from the trick-or-treaters. The theme of being buried alive is something he returns to many times in stories such as The Cask of Amontillado, and animal lovers might want to beware of reading The Black Cat. You’ll never look at your feline companion in quite the same way afterwards. Arguably his finest short story, The Fall of the House of Usher, contains enough passion, dread and death to make even the most hardened Stephen King fan need to have a bit of a lie down after reading.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson Maybe ghosts and monsters and things that go bump in the night aren’t your style? Not all horror fiction, however, has to rely on the supernatural for its chilling power: Shirley Jackson creates a perfectly horrifying tale without it, about a dysfunctional family that is isolated and growing ever stranger in the aftermath of a tragedy.
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle A supernatural hell-hound, an ancient family curse, a final confrontation on a desolate fog-shrouded moor: All of the ingredients of a Gothic classic are present and correct.
started. The Castle of Otranto is ground zero for the Gothic genre and has left its influence down the centuries in every Gothic horror tale written or filmed since: A gloomy castle, a terrified damsel in distress and mysterious supernatural powers are all present and correct.
Education
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The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories by H P Lovecraft Lovecraft is the only writer to challenge Poe’s supremacy in classic horror short stories. Any horror fan knows that the things that are hinted at and live forever in the shadows are more terrifying than the monsters we see in plain sight. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë There is probably no book in existence with such a gap between what people think it’s about and what is actually contained in the pages. Wuthering Heights is, at heart, a dark and brooding tale of Gothic horror in which ghosts assail the unwary and deeds of brooding violence are wrought by savage anti-heroes. If you’ve never read it because you think it’s a soppy love story, then give it a go. Dracula by Bram Stoker Just like Frankenstein and Wuthering Heights, there’s a big difference between what you think you know about Dracula and what the book actually contains. Told entirely as a series of letters and journal entries, this introduced the vampire subgenre to horror fiction singlehandedly, and the book, like the Count, remains powerful and compelling to this day. The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell The most modern book in this list was published in 2018. It tells the story of Elsie, a recently widowed Victorian woman sent to live in her husband’s crumbling manor after his death whilst she is expecting his child. Although written in the modern day, it perfectly captures the Gothic mood of a Victorian chiller. The silent companions (lifelike wood figures whose eyes seem to move) are a uniquely haunting. creation. DRACULA Gave birth to vampire horror
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Weekly Comment
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Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge & Malling
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff. As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association, and also worked for the Foreign Office. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015, and was elected Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in July 2017.
I am ready to fight for what our community needs SOMETIMES it feels like we do nothing but talk about politics these days. With national elections, referendums, local votes and more in the past few years becoming so frequent, it is worth remembering what politics is for – delivering the best for our community. That’s why I’m going to be asking for your support again when we next go to the polls. We have become a static Parliament, paralysed for too long. We need a new mandate from you – the people I work for – to deliver the policies we all need. That’s why I have voted for a General Election and am ready to fight for what our community needs in the new Parliament. Together, we’ve done so much in the last four years and I’ve been proud to play my part as your voice in Parliament. From securing funding for the Leigh Flood Storage Area upgrade and Hildenborough embankments to protect thousands of homes from flooding, to reducing business rates for the smallest businesses on our High Street, I’m pleased to have helped increase the investment in our local economy. We have helped make Tonbridge High Street thrive at a difficult time nationwide. That’s something we can all be proud of. Of course, one of the biggest issues we face is getting around when our infrastructure
is already under strain, and many people in Tonbridge are objecting to the proposed development at Tudeley because of the extra pressure that would put on our area. We have had successes, though. The A21 dual carriageway to Pembury, and the campaigns we have led together campaigning for better bus routes so that our children can get to school safely, mean that everyone can get around more easily. That’s important for all of us, but there is more to do.
Projects Having a reliable train service is vital. Tonbridge is now the busiest station in the South East of England outside London. That’s why we need more carriages on trains, which I’ve secured, and Delay Repay for delays of 15 minutes or more. I’m glad the Government listened to me and introduced this just a few weeks ago. But we can’t enjoy living in Tonbridge if we’re not well looked after. Our NHS is the envy of many, and our GP services will further improve when Tonbridge Medical Group move into their brand new medical centre. This will enhance the range of services available in the town, and with Tonbridge Cottage Hospital and Pembury, too,
Everything but a Partridge
in a Pear tree at
Penshurst Place!
1st November until Christmas eve. Opening times vary per event.
Settle into the festive spirit this Christmas at Penshurst Place and Gardens, and enjoy the array of workshops and experiences on offer, including carvery lunches and door wreath and Christmas cracker workshops! Our Gift Shop will be transformed into a Christmas shopping delight, stocking an
RUSH HOUR Tonbridge is now the busiest station in the South East outside London
array of gifts, decorations, food and drink. For those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the high street, why not shop with us on one of our Late Night Wednesdays between 13th November and 11th December where you can browse all our fabulous Christmas goodies until 7pm.
For more information visit www.penshurstplace.com or call 01892 870307
we have all the care we need on our doorstep. These are just a few of the issues which matter to us, and the work I’ve done on them. There are many more, and I’m honoured to have had the chance to help deliver so many projects.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be out and about talking to people, whatever the weather, to give me a chance to listen to what matters to you. I want to keep serving our community as your MP. We have so much more to do together.
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
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ROYAL WELLS PARK NEARLY COMPLETE
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Best property buys for...
The Lodge
We all love to see homes with the ‘wow’ factor – which could apply to the kitchen, reception room, garden, or something else. Sarah Bond homes in on specific aspects that make these properties well worth a look…
£1,350,000
The DRAWING ROOM...
Badgers Mead Farm Five Ashes, Nr Mayfield ASKING PRICE
CONTACT • Hamptons International, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk A hugely impressive, energy-efficient new property built this year with up-to-the-minute interiors and beautiful rural outlooks. Most of the rooms, which are laid out in a U shape, are on the ground floor, allowing for soaring double-height ceilings, giving a marvellous feeling of light and space. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Large, vaulted drawing room with far-reaching views across the garden
n Sitting room n Open-plan kitchen/dining room n Utility room and cloakroom n Principal bedroom with dressing room and en-suite shower room
n 4 further double bedrooms n 4 further bath/shower rooms (three en suite)
n Extensive gardens, including a central stone-paved courtyard patio, lawn and an area of woodland
n Spacious driveway, triple carport plus store n Energy-saving devices include solar panels, a biological water treatment system, an air source heat pump and underfloor heating
n In all, about 1.09 acres
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Birchfield
Sundridge, Nr Sevenoaks GUIDE PRICE
£995,000 CONTACT • Savills, Sevenoaks • 01732 789700 • savills.co.uk A Grade II-listed house within an elegant gated development converted by Berkeley Homes in 2004. The property is spread over three floors, enjoys period features, and lies amid approximately ten acres of park-like grounds, with the benefit of a large communal tennis court. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Drawing room with double doors to paved terrace
n Dining room with access to kitchen n Kitchen/breakfast/family room with direct access to decked terrace
n First floor study n Master bedroom with en suite n 3 further bedrooms (one en suite) n Family bathroom n Attractive garden n 2 undercroft parking spaces and further parking
n Communal grounds with tennis court
The TENNIS COURT…
bracketts est. 1828
When experience counts...
Tonbridge Guide Price: £425,000 - £450,000 An Extended Semi-Detached House in an established residential area, about 1.5 miles from the High Street. Local facilities include shops and bus services. 3 Bedrooms, 17ft kitchen, 23ft lounge-diner, study, garage, parking, good size rear garden. EPC D
Bidborough £875,000 A delightful detached family home with generous accommodation situated in the highly sought-after Southborough/Bidborough borders. 3 receptions, kit/brkfst room, 4 beds, bathroom. Driveway, attached garage, mature front garden, feature rear garden. EPC: E
Tonbridge Offers Invited in Excess of £475,000 Recently refurbished and Extended Semi-Detached Bungalow, being offered ‘Chain Free’. Local shopping parade within walking distance and convenient for bus services to the High Street. 4 Bedrooms, (master suite), fitted kitchen-breakfast room, parking, garden. EPC C
Pembury £420,000 Tonbridge £800,000 - £850,000 A semi-detached family home located in a cul-de-sac in the popular village of Pembury. Substantial Detached 5 bedroom family house, retaining the charm and features of an Hall, living room, conservatory/dining room, shower bedrooms, store Edwardian home.kitchen, 3 reception rooms, kitchen-breakfast room,room, utility,3cloakroom, bathroom. Off road parking area, rear garden with spacious garden room. EPC: D rooms, garage, corner plot. EPC E
Tonbridge Guide Price: £750,000 - £800,000 Well-presented Detached Family House built about 13 years ago in a cul-de-sac, about 1 mile from the High Street. 5 Bedrooms (2 en-suites), 19ft fitted kitchen-family room, 2 reception, study, utility, cloakroom, large integral garage, parking, enclosed garden. EPC C
Tunbridge Wells £3000pcm A spacious 5 bedroom detached family house with attractive rear garden, double garage and driveway in sought-after location in Bidborough within walking distance of the primary school and close to Tonbridge MLS. Available unfurnished. EPC: D
bracketts.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 | tunbridgewells@bracketts.co.uk
Tonbridge 01732 350503 | tonbridge@bracketts.co.uk
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Property Focus NEW H OMES
ROYAL WELLS PARK Some of the architecture and the children’s play area. Below right, circled, the site’s former Great Culverden House and Kent & Sussex Hospital
Last luxury homes to be sold on old hospital site By Sarah Bond sarah.bond@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk EIGHT years after the Kent & Sussex Hospital closed its doors for good, the final block of luxury apartments at Royal Wells Park – the £116million, 11-acre development on its old site – are being launched in just over a week’s time, on Saturday November 9, with prices starting from £330,000. But the hospital, which had nobly served its area since the 1934, has not been forgotten, with some of the old ward names being used in the development, such as Jacoby Court and Henrietta Place. And some of the former doctors, surgeons and nurses have even moved there having come to see how the site had been transformed and fallen for the new homes.
Historic The Kent & Sussex Hospital closed in 2011. Planning for Royal Wells Park was granted just over a year later, and work began in 2013 with Berkeley Homes embarking on an ambitious plan to provide 234 homes, offices and a new primary school. They also included an entrance colonnade echoing The Pantiles, and a striking central water feature as part of the Water in the Wells project. It carries the wording ‘Something in the Water’, which is used across a number of water features in Tunbridge Wells. The development’s award-winning Regency and traditional Kentish-style architecture captures the flavour of historic Tunbridge Wells, and despite the number of properties and central location off Mount Ephraim, there is a reassuring sense of peace and calm in the pretty, tree-lined residential streets. In addition to the six new apartments about to be released for sale, which are in the
new Culverden Court, there are five further apartments still available in the development (four two-bedroom and a one-bedroom), along with three four-bedroom houses, priced from £325,000 to £895,000. And Help to buy is available on some apartments. The properties have been designed with openplan living spaces, Siemens kitchen appliances and Villeroy & Bosch bathroom finishes, and most also come with gardens and/or balconies, Juliet balconies or terraces. All properties have off-street parking, and cycle storage and electric charging points are also available for residents. Last summer, research by online estate agent Yopa highlighted Tunbridge Wells as the second best family zone in London and the home counties, only being beaten by Waltonon-Thames, which offers riverside homes. Yopa reported that Tunbridge Wells had the highestrated GP practices in the home counties, and also boasted the lowest crime rates in their top ten, among its other appealing aspects. With the new and much praised 140-pupil Wells Free School on site – the first developerled free school in the UK – as well as a children’s play area that’s open to the public during the day and backs on to Culverden Park, Royal Wells Park has proved appealing to young families as well as first-time buyers and older buyers downsizing. Some have have even bought additional investment units. The development is handy for the top secondary schools, the town centre and the Common. It’s also great for commuters with a Centaur stop right outside for coaches to the capital and just a ten-minute walk to the station. The Kent & Sussex Hospital was itself built on the site of a mansion called Great Culverden House, designed by Decimus Burton. Some may still miss it, but in moving forwards, Royal Wells Park has also taken a happy step backwards and restored the site’s air of elegance.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO CULVERDEN HOUSE The new Culverden Court on the site
For further information, or to view, call 01892 886996 or visit royalwellspark.co.uk The Berkeley Homes Marketing Suite is open daily from 10am to 6pm at 3 King Charles Square, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8FA B/W Pics: House tunbridgewellsmuseum.org; Hospital © mtw.nhs.uk
Connecting people & property, perfectly. SOLD on Queens Road TN4
SOLD on Grove Hill Road TN1
1
1
A spacious ground floor Victorian apartment. • • •
Open-plan entertaining spaces Private front and rear gardens Driveway
An elegant attached Victorian house with off-road parking. 2
1
• • •
Many period features Courtyard garden Mainline station approximately 0.2 mile
2
Guide price £995,000 Freehold
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
01892 310997
SOLD in Cumberland Mews TN1
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
01892 310997
SOLD on Sandrock Road TN2
1
1
A modern mews house in the heart of the desirable 'village' area. Integral garage Patio garden Just 0.4 of a mile from the mainline station
A beautifully presented converted former coach house. 3
2
• • •
Stylishly renovated Garden with summerhouse Parking for several cars
1
5
3
3
Guide price £495,000 Freehold ross.davies@knightfrank.com
2
2
Guide price £550,000 Freehold
• • •
5
Guide price £1,250,000 Freehold 01892 310997
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
01892 310997
knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly. All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.
Connecting people & property, perfectly. SOLD in Mayfield TN20
SOLD on Culverden Park Road TN4
1
1
A delightful bungalow in an exceptional setting, approximately 0.5 miles to Mayfield village. • • •
With tremendous scope for improvement Secluded garden with sun terrace Wadhurst station approximately 6.5 miles
An elegant double-fronted detached Victorian house in a sought-after position. 3
2
• • •
Elegantly modernised and upgraded With original features Mainline station approximately 0.9 miles
2
Guide price £925,000 Freehold
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
01892 310997
SOLD on Warwick Park TN2
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
01892 310997
SOLD on Linden Park Road TN2
1
1
A detached 1950s property requiring complete renovation. Private parking Secluded rear garden 0.9 of a mile from the mainline station
A substantial Victorian detached family house in this sought-after location. 3
1
• • •
Many period features Mature and established garden Approximately 0.2 of a mile to Pantiles
2
7
3
4
Guide price £825,000 Freehold ross.davies@knightfrank.com
3
3
Guide price £695,000 Freehold
• • •
6
Guide price £1,750,000 Freehold 01892 310997
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
01892 310997
knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly. All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.
Connecting people & property, perfectly. UNDER OFFER in Sandhurst TN18 A beautiful 16th century Grade II listed farmhouse in a semi-rural position with wonderful views.
• • •
1
South-facing views Various outbuildings Within Cranbrook School catchment area
5
3
4
2.59
Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 01892 310997
Guide price £1,175,000 Freehold
UNDER OFFER in Tenterden TN30 An elegant Georgian style country house with the benefit of a self-contained annexe.
• • • •
1
Well proportioned and light reception rooms With approximately 3.5 acres of grounds Excellent transport links Approximately 1.5 miles to Tenterden
5-6
2-3
4-5
3.5 acres
Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com
Guide price £1,350,000 Freehold
01892 310997
knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly. All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.
Connecting people & property, perfectly. Hawkhurst TN18 An attractive Grade II Listed family house with views over The Moor.
• • •
1
In need of refurbishment Offering a wealth of period features Gardens and grounds with a small pond
6
3
4-5
Our local expert, Holly Sibley, looks forward to helping you. holly.sibley@knightfrank.com 01892 310997
Guide price £850,000 Freehold
UNDER OFFER - Brenchley TN12 A most attractive black timber clad Grade II listed barn with spectacular views.
• • •
1
Open plan, vaulted living space Village approximately 0.6 miles away In approximately 1.57 acres
4
2
2
1.57
Our local expert, Holly Sibley, looks forward to helping you. holly.sibley@knightfrank.com
Guide price £925,000 Freehold
01892 310997
knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly. All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.
RURAL HORSMONDEN £450,000 - £475,000 STUNNING RURAL VIEWS over orchards and set within an exclusive gated development within walking distance of the village shops and school. Recently converted and offering spacious, contemporary-styled accommodation with 3 double bedrooms, en-suite, family bathroom, large sitting room, WC and stylish kitchen/dining room. Gardens to front and rear. Parking for 2 cars and visitors parking. EPC: D Apply Pembury
PEMBURY £285,000 IDEAL FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS. This mid-terraced house is well presented and decorated in soft, neutral tones throughout. The light and bright accommodation comprises: entrance hall, sitting room with wide bay window, kitchen with space for dining table, ground-floor cloakroom wc, 2 double bedrooms and first-floor bathroom with bath and separate shower. The pretty rear garden is a great size and has a patio, level lawn and useful timber shed. EPC: D Apply Pembury
PEMBURY £440,000 FLEXIBLE ACCOMMODATION! This detached, 3 bedroom chalet-style property is within walking distance of village amenities, countryside walks and nearby allotments. Accommodation comprises: ground floor - sitting room, kitchen, dining room/bedroom 3, shower room. First floor - 2 double bedrooms and large bathroom (formerly a bedroom). Attached garage, driveway parking, gardens to front and rear, large timber garden store. Potential to enlarge STPP. For sale with NO ONWARD CHAIN. EPC: C Apply Pembury
Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk
Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk
www.bkestateagents.com
NORTH TONBRIDGE £435,000 PERFECTLY PLACED for busy family life this 3 bedroom Gough Cooper Semi is just a stroll from Woodlands Primary School and local shops. Extended accommodation with spacious sitting/dining room, additional reception room, stylish kitchen, cloaks and bathroom. Detached garage, parking and garden. NO CHAIN. Apply Tonbridge
NORTH TONBRIDGE £475,000 SPACIOUS & VERSATILE ACCOMMODATION at the well-presented Chalet Bungalow in quiet location within walk of local amenities. Super open-plan living/dining/kitchen, 1/2 bedrooms and stylish bathroom on ground floor and a further two bedrooms and shower room to the first floor. Driveway parking and easily maintained garden. Apply Tonbridge
NORTH TONBRIDGE £329,950 POTENTIAL TO UPDATE and style into your ideal home at this well built 1950’s semi. Enjoying a spacious outlook, this well maintained property currently offers 2 receptions & kitchen to the ground floor along with 3 bedrooms and shower room upstairs. Enclosed & well screed front & rear gardens. NO ONWARD CHAIN. Apply Tonbridge
Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk
Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk
www.bkestateagents.com
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Mulberry Place consists of new 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes, in a stunning location just minutes away from the coast. Prices from ÂŁ270,000*
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01797 470 034 mulberryplace@pentlandhomes.co.uk
PENTLANDHOMES.CO.UK *Prices correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image and photography depict Radstone Gate, Mulberry Place and Berberis Place and are indicative only.
Berberis Place is an attractive collection of homes located in the picturesque village of Shadoxhurst, just 11 minutes from Ashford International. Prices from ÂŁ480,000* To find out more
01233 690063 berberisplace@pentlandhomes.co.uk
The best properties on your doorstep
New Instruction
Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 000
Price Reduction
Near Hartfield, East Sussex, TN7
Hungershall Park, Tunbridge Wells, TN4
A wonderful country retreat, access to Ashdown Forest, opportunity to renovate, 6 beds, annexe, long drive, 2,961 sq ft, about 7.1 acres, EPC = E
Charming 4 bed renovation project, secluded semi-rural setting, town and station under 1 mile, off-street parking, 1,662 sq ft, EPC = F
Guide £1.5 million | Freehold
Guide £800,000 | Freehold
Open House Sat 2 November Between Bidborough & Southborough, TN4
Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells, TN2
NO CHAIN, attractive family house, potential to update/extend STP, popular residential road, 3 beds, garden, garage, 1,420 sq ft, EPC = D
Immaculate ground floor apartment, 1 bed, external access, town/station within a mile, allocated parking, communal garden, 632 sq ft, EPC = D
Guide £725,000 | Freehold
Guide £325,000 | Share of Freehold
Talk to us today Robert Jacobs Head of Office 01892 507000 rjacobs@savills.com
Natasha Selbie Associate Director 01892 507000 nselbie@savills.com
Becky Card Negotiator 01892 507000 bcard@savills.com
savills.co.uk | savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you?
ROTHERFIELD
EXCHANGE MEWS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS
A deceptively spacious conversion of a former dairy providing adaptable accommodation set in a delightful gardens in tranquil rural position well away from main roads 4 Bedroom, 2 Reception Rooms, 3 Bathroom, Parking, Garage, Landscape Gardens, Substantial Outbuildings, EPC: D GUIDE PRICE £850,000
Spacious Regency style townhouse in this sought after residential area within walking distance of amenities Hall, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, 3 double Bedrooms, Bathroom, Garage & parking, Attractive Rear Garden EPC: C GUIDE PRICE £550,000 - £575,000
Further Properties Required
MATFIELD
EAST GRINSTEAD
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
A delightful and tranquil sylvan setting providing privacy and seclusion with planning permission to extend Hallway, Sitting/Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, 3 Double Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Detached Studio, Garage, Mature trees and woodland walks, 1.4 acres, EPC: F GUIDE PRICE £875,000
A elegant and spacious 2 bedroom duplex apartment in this Jacobean Style country house Hall, Magnificent Sitting/Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Master Suite, 2 Bathrooms, Garage and Parking Space, Communal Grounds, EPC: E
An attractive second floor apartment in a secure gated development within easy reach of the town centre and mainline station 2 Bedrooms, Reception Room, 2 Bathrooms, Upper Floor with Lift, Resident Parking, ECP:C
GUIDE PRICE £545,000
GUIDE PRICE £340,000
TUNBRIDGE WELLS 01892 521700
tunwells@jackson-stops.co.uk www.jackson-stops.co.uk
Local and national reach through a network of London & Regional offices PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910
Navigating through choppy waters Chris Doe, Regional Manager for Fine & Country Kent & Sussex, gives his take on the current housing market.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
The time it takes to find a buyer in the prime market averages just 62 days
This superbly positioned five bedroom exclusive home is found within one of the town's most prestigious locations, close to the Nevill Cricket Ground & the Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club - all within a short walk of the High Street, the Pantiles & the main line rail station. EPC D(61)
“As I write this article we are absorbing the extraordinary £1,750,000 OIRO antics of our politicians in what has been yet another historic month in Parliament. Political waters remain unsettled and it is only speculation as to what will happen next. Much of the UK has been treading water leading up to the October 31st deadline and the housing market is no exception. However, despite this uncertainty, property prices and sales volumes in the main remain steady, with record low interest rates supporting the continued demand from homeowners using a mortgage. Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
Nationally property values in the prime market – which is the top 5% of property values – are almost unchanged year on year, but these averages are made up from quite polarised data, with the London market slipping by around 5.8% and the South East recovering to show an annual rise of 1.4%. The time it takes to find a buyer in the prime market averages just 62 days; this has remained constant throughout the summer and as we enter autumn we are confident this will hold fast. WADHURST
Regionally, there 4are variations thattwin canoastbehouse measured by 0.75 town, theeasy access to Beautiful detached, bedroom grade II listed set in a plottown of around of anwith acre with mainline station. The house is located on a rural private road with a lovely courtyard setting to the front with the traditional safe havens for prime buyers still performing particularly well. Towns such potential to convert the former stable and cart lodge. Vaulted ceilings and views. EPC Exempt as Tunbridge Wells, West Malling and Sevenoaks are still attracting excellent levels of buyers – who appear Cranbrook 01580 715000to be more than willing to spend confidently if the property £925,000is OIEO sensibly priced. Many of the smaller towns and well-known villages again are proving popular. It appears that a pretty high street, well regarded schools and a reasonable commute to the city is all it takes to persuade buyers to consider homes in our region. Moving forward, I can only encourage buyers to be more demanding of their estate agents. Many sales are arranged before properties appear on-line, and buyers are at a disadvantage if they rely solely on the internet for their property needs. Good agents – and there are plenty of them - really do work hard to update buyers with details of properties that are scheduled to come to the market in the near future. But to do that we do need to know who you are and what your property requirements comprise of. The housing market is still such an exciting environment to work within. Every day of my working week is different and every transaction that we assist in has its own joys and challenges. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. If you would like to hear our perspective on any housing market related topic, please LANGTON do email me. GREEN I will do my best to respond to you directly or by publishing your The quiteand stunning bedroom contemporary home is setarticle.” within a large plot of around 7.5 acres on the edge of this question mysixresponse in next month’s popular village and within very easy reach of nearby Tunbridge Wells. This property is considered amongst the finest of its type in the region with uncompromised styling and quality that is rarely surpassed. EPC C (74) Tunbridge 01892 701900 Chris can Wells be contacted at the Tunbridge Wells office of Fine & Country on 01892 701900 or via email on tunbridgewells@fineandcountry.com 119-1221 Park Lane, London W1 +44 (0)20 7079 1515 admin@fineandcountry.com
Head Office
Nationally
Internationally
225 offices across Great Britain
Plus 75 offices globally
Head Office
Nationally
Internationally
225 offices across Great Britain
Plus 75 offices globally
119-121 Park Lane, London W1 +44 (0)20 7079 1515 admin@fineandcountry.com
£2,500,000 - £2,750,000
Regional Offices Brighton Canterbury Cranbrook
Regional Offices
FRANT
DUDDLESWELL
A four bedroom attached rural family cottage with 2.5 acre plot of gardens and paddocks. EPC D(63)
A detached four bedroom home within the Ashdown Forest with an acre, outbuildings and stunning views. EPC E(48)
£725,000
Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
£900,000
Uckfield 01825 767575
MOUNTFIELD
TONBRIDGE
A pretty grade II listed 5/6 bedroom detached farmhouse set in around 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens. EPC exempt
A four bedroom semi-detached period home close to both station and town centre EPC E (45)
£920,000 OIEO
Cranbrook 01580 715000
£750,000 OIEO
Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
TIME TO SELL
BELLS YEW GREEN
This quite beautiful six bedrooms and three reception rooms period cottage is superbly positioned to the east of Tunbridge Wells, between the sought after villages of Frant & Bells Yew Green. The property retains exceptional features AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS such as exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces. The cottage benefits conservatory that overlooking beautiful gardens. EPC TOD (65) SELL Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
£1,250,000 OIRO
Average number of days from when a property is first marketed on Rightmove to when the estate agent marks it as “sold subject to contract”. NATIONAL
100
80
77
72 65
60
61
59
56
56
57
60
61
61
65
70
71
67
64
63
62
62
62
HEATHFIELD
40 Stunning Edwardian family home, recently extended with nearly 4500sq ft of high standard accommodation, 1.5 acres of gardens/grounds, with large country kitchen, 6 bedrooms, home office & guest suite, double oak framed car port , large double garage, useful garden house, with complete privacy and seclusion. EPC E(54) 20 Uckfield 01825 767575
£1,400,000
0 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 Hartley Tenterden Uckfield West Malling
Hartley Brighton Tenterden Canterbury Uckfield Cranbrook West Malling Tunbridge Wells Sevenoaks
Source Rightmove
FRANT
DUDDLESWELL
A four bedroom attached rural family cottage with 2.5 acre plot of gardens and paddocks. EPC D(63)
A detached four bedroom home within the Ashdown Forest with an acre, outbuildings and stunning views. EPC E(48)
Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
£725,000
Uckfield 01825 767575
£900,000
TUNBRIDGE WELLS This superbly positioned five bedroom exclusive home is found within one of the town's most prestigious locations, close to the Nevill Cricket Ground & the Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club - all within a short walk of the High Street, HARDWICK £2,150,000 the PantilesHOUSE, & the mainTUNBRIDGE line rail station. WELLS EPC D(61)
An elegant Edwardian six bedroomed detached property in a generous plot in a private no-through road in a conservation area in central Tunbridge Wells. Classic contemporary interiors, high quality fittings and period Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900 £1,750,000 OIRO features and a stunning kitchen/breakfast room with hand built cabinets. Private parking. Rear garden. Very convenient for excellent schools. Around 0.1 miles to Tunbridge Wells station; London Bridge from 42 mins. EPC: C(72) Contact: Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
WADHURST
MOUNTFIELD BROADWATER LODGE, FRANT A pretty grade II listed 5/6 bedroom detached farmhouse
TONBRIDGE OFFERS INVITED period £1,100,000 - £1,250,000 A four bedroom semi-detached home close to both
set in around 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens. EPC exempt
station and town centre EPC E (45)
A rural, five bedroom, detached Grade II listed property on a 5 acre plot on a country lane. Generous accommodation and inglenook fireplace. Beautiful surrounded its own woodland. Two detached Cranbrook 01580 715000 £920,000 OIEO gardens Tunbridge Wells 01892by 701900 £750,000 OIEO garages, each with a room above, with driveways allowing parking of numerous vehicles. Just 2.3 miles to Tunbridge Wells station with its mainline rail station and extensive schooling. EPC(Exempt) Contact: Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
BELLS YEW GREEN
Beautiful detached, 4 bedroom grade II listed twin oast house set in a plot of around 0.75 of an acre with easy access to mainline station. The house is located on a rural private road with a lovely courtyard setting to the front with the potential to convert the former stable and cart lodge. Vaulted ceilings and views. EPC Exempt
£1,450,000 GROVE CLOSE, HADLOW
Cranbrook 01580 715000
£925,000 OIEO
A Grade II Listed medieval hall five-bedroomed home, with superb equestrian facilities on c 9 Acres. Paddocks, sand school and Professional-Standard stable yard with ten ‘National’ stables. Generous formal gardens and woodland. In beautiful countryside near Tonbridge and Sevenoaks with excellent regional schools. Just 1.7 miles to mainline station; London Bridge from 34 minutes. EPC : Exempt Contact: Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
£1,250,000
Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
£1,250,000 OIRO
A well presented five double bedroom home with double garage. Set within a prestigious gated cul-desac. Outstanding countryside views to the rear. An adjoining 2.2.acre fenced paddock can be purchased in conjunction with the property. High quality schools abound in the area. Sitting just north of picturesque Hadlow village, rail services from nearby Tonbridge are from 34 minutes to London Bridge. EPC: D(62) Contact: Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
‘We were delighted with the service we received from F&C. We felt the passion of the team from day one and throughout the process. The valuation of our property was spot on and the strategy to achieve it was well thought through and perfectly executed. We would not hesitate in recommending F&C to anyone and everyone.’ Mr B
HEATHFIELD
The quite stunning six bedroom contemporary home is set within a large plot of around 7.5 acres on the edge of this popular village and within very easy reach of nearby Tunbridge Wells. This property is considered amongst the finest of its type in the region with uncompromised styling and quality that is rarely surpassed. EPC C (74) Tunbridge Wells 01892 701900
Head Office
MARESFIELD 119-1221 Park Lane, London W1 +44 (0)20 7079 1515 admin@fineandcountry.com
Head Office
119-121 Park Lane, London W1 +44 (0)20 7079 1515 admin@fineandcountry.com
£2,500,000 - £2,750,000
Nationally
Internationally
OIEO225£1,500,000 SANDHURST offices Plus across Great Britain
75 offices globally
Nationally
Internationally
225 offices across Great Britain
Plus 75 offices globally
Regional Offices Brighton Canterbury Cranbrook
Regional Offices
Hartley Tenterden £575,000 Uckfield West Malling
Hartley Brighton Tenterden Canterbury Uckfield Cranbrook West Malling Tunbridge Wells Sevenoaks
£950,000
U O ND FF ER ER
LANGTON GREEN
U O ND FF ER ER
MARESFIELD PARK U O ND FF ER ER
OIEO £1,250,000
U O ND FF ER ER
FRAMFIELD
U O ND FF ER ER
NIZELS HOATH, HILDENBOROUGH
U O ND FF ER ER
This quite beautiful six bedrooms and three reception rooms period cottage is superbly positioned to the east of Tunbridge Wells, between the sought after villages of Frant & Bells Yew Green. The property retains exceptional features such as exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces. The cottage benefits conservatory that overlooking beautiful gardens. EPC D (65)
Stunning Edwardian family home, recently extended with nearly 4500sq ft of high standard accommodation, 1.5 acres of gardens/grounds, with large country kitchen, 6 bedrooms, home office & guest suite, double oak framed car port , large double garage, useful garden house, with complete privacy and seclusion. EPC E(54) Uckfield 01825 767575
COWDEN
£1,400,000
£1,250,000
WADHURST
OIEO £1,500,000
Corn Exchange, Lower Pantiles
Unit 3-4 Corn Exchange, Lower Pantiles
To Let – Various Offices 131-695 sq ft – POA
To Let – Office – 336 sq ft - £8,400 pa
Royal Victoria House, Lower Pantiles To Let – Fitness Studio – 1198 Sq ft - £16,800 pa. Suitable for offices, subject to planning applied for
Computer generated image
Sussex Mews, Lower Pantiles
Former Auction House, Linden Park Road
To Let – Studio / Workshop – 717 sq ft - £9,500 pa
For Sale – 2856 sq ft – POA. To Let – subject to refurbishment to provide 4,410 sq ft of office accommodation – POA
Visit www.eridgepark.co.uk
Further details and viewings arranged via: Durlings – Julie.chalmers@durlings.co.uk 01892 552500 The Estate Office – admin@nevillestate.co.uk 01892 750766
The Corn Exchange, Lower Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells An extensive refurbishment of the original theatre building has created an exciting new workspace with a range of offices available to let on short and flexible terms. Retaining the original characteristics of the Galleria the workspace offers a fresh, light, and modern setting for small and start-up businesses at a premium address. In due course a dedicated area for individuals to co-work on a membership basis will complete the workspace options available. The addition of The Corn Exchange completes the portfolio of commercial properties managed by Lower Pantiles LLP in this unique location. Behind The Pantiles, the studios in Sussex Mews, which offer a workshop and crafting environment, compliment the office community. The wider Estate comprises historic Eridge Park which offers a rural location for businesses within former farm and estate buildings of various sizes, all with plentiful parking facilities. The stunning views over Sussex serve as a spectacular location for public and corporate events, weddings, film and photo shoots, and other sporting pursuits. Further details and viewings arranged via: Durlings – Julie.chalmers@durlings.co.uk 01892 552500 or The Estate Office – admin@nevillestate.co.uk 01892 750766 Visit www.eridgepark.co.uk Durlings Commercial Property Agents | 01892 552 500 | info@durlings.co.uk | www.durlings.co.uk
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Cosy up this winter in a home from KMJ Property
N PR EW IC E
HAWKENBURY
£325,000
This lovely 2 bedroom end of terrace house is situated in a tucked away position just off the Hawkenbury Road. The accommodation comprises; Lounge with open fire, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room with W.C. , 2 bedrooms, upstairs shower room and 2 bedrooms. The property benefits from double glazing, gas fired heating and gardens to the front and side. EPC D
RUSTHALL
£290,000
This delightful mid terrace cottage is situated within the popular village of Rusthall. The accommodation comprises; Lounge with logburner, dining room, modern kitchen and modern downstairs bathroom. Upstairs the cottage has 2 bedrooms. The property also benefits from double glazing, gas fired heating and a pretty and well maintained rear garden; EPC D
www.kmjproperty.co.uk
RUSTHALL
£265,000
This extremely well presented 2 bedroom end of terrace cottage is situated in the popular Toad Rock area of Rusthall. The accommodation comprises, lounge, kitchen/diner, downstairs bathroom and 2 bedrooms. The property benefits from gas fired heating, double glazing and pretty rear garden. There is a paved area to the front of the property which is used for parking. EPC E
01892 515188
RUSTHALL
£155,000
This delightful 1 bedroom apartment is situated on the edge of Rusthall village, within easy reach of the shops and public transport. The accommodation comprises; lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and would suit a first time buyer or buy to let investor alike. EPC E.
sales@kmjproperty.co.uk
It’s time to see things differently...
Winkworth Tunbridge Wells is changing... ...we’re under new management! A brand you can trust, delivering a fresh approach to real estate in Tunbridge Wells. “Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or let, we’d love to hear from you for all your property needs.” Natasha Firman MRICS, Director, Winkworth Tunbridge Wells
ROSEHILL HOUSE, CLARENCE ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS £525,000
SHRUB LANE, BURWASH £645,000
MONTACUTE GARDENS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS £320,000
MOUNT EPHRAIM, TUNBRIDGE WELLS – TO LET £1,100 PCM
An elegant and generously proportioned, 1st floor, 2 double bedroom apartment with private parking in a secluded lane in the centre of Tunbridge Wells.
A stylish, 2 bedroom, 1st floor flat with residents parking and walking distance to the Pantiles and town centre.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS | 01892 519600 twells@winkworth.co.uk @WinkworthTwells
winkworth.co.uk/tunbridge-wells
A modern, 3 bed, family house of considerable charm and character, occupying a secluded, semirural location on the edge of a thriving village.
A generously proportioned, 2 bedroom apartment and private courtyard located opposite The Common.
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SPOILT FOR CHOICE Shared ownership homes are available in many of Kent’s most desirable areas. Here are some of our top picks, boasting great affordability and prime locations:
ROSEWOOD PLACE IN SITTINGBOURNE Three bedroom houses start from £85,500 for a 30% share
BLOOMSBURY GARDENS IN SISSINGHURST Two bedroom houses start from £100,500 for a 30% share
ORCHARD VIEW IN YALDING
Brand new homes available at Peters Village!
Two and three bedroom houses start from £96,750 for a 30% share
Housing provider Moat has released one and two bedroom apartments and three bedroom houses in the new riverside community of Peters Village...
Two and three bedroom houses available soon
T
he spacious, new homes are now available through shared ownership with Moat. Prices start from £60,000 for a 30% share, with 5% deposits from as low as £3,000 for a home with a £200,000 value. A fully furnished show home is available to view every Wednesday and highlights the potential of the homes once all furnishings and personal touches have been put in place. The brand new homes in Peters Village are ideal for those looking for a rural but well-located step onto the property ladder. They provide all the features needed for modern living, including fully fitted gloss kitchens, integrated Zanussi appliances, allocated parking and a 12-year NHBC build warranty.
Ben Davis, New Homes Officer at Moat Homes, said: “Our first buyers have been thrilled by how spacious these homes are. The apartments are finished to a high standard throughout, providing excellent value for new home owners.”
Modern Living The new riverside community of Peters Village combines the tranquillity of rural living with modern amenities and excellent rail and road connections. When completed, it will offer shops, a medical centre and village hall with changing rooms to serve the area’s playing fields. The recently opened local primary school has been rated Ofsted ‘Outstanding’.
With Snodland and Halling train stations located nearby, a high-speed commuter link into London St Pancras, and easy access to the M2 and M20, the area also boasts great links to Kent and London. Shared ownership offers the perfect path to home ownership in this desirable area. It provides a chance to purchase a share of a property, while paying subsidised rent on the remainder. A 5% - 10% mortgage lender deposit is required for the share value being purchased which, in the current market, makes home ownership more accessible. The homes are well located within Tonbridge and Malling Borough. Eligible residents living or working in the borough will receive priority, offering them a welcome boost into home ownership.
BEAULIEU PARK IN RAINHAM
RUSSET GROVE IN MARDEN Two and three bedroom houses coming in spring 2020
For full details, visit www.moathomes.co.uk
If these new homes tick all your boxes, register your interest or book a viewing. Visit www.moat-petersvillage.co.uk or contact Ben Davis on 0845 359 6473.
Deposit match
Save a 5% deposit for your new home? Reserve by 31st October and Bovis Homes will match it!
NORFOLK Costessey Wymondham
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If you have a 5% deposit, on selected plots* we could boost it by funding up to 5% of the sale price giving you a larger deposit. This means you need to borrow less from a lender and could even secure you a more competitive mortgage rate!
How does it work?
90%
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£315,000
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Whether you are a first time buyer, have limited equity in your current home, or are having trouble getting a big enough deposit together, we would love to help!
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Example house value
£350,000
£17,500 £17,500
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Incentive is only valid on homes marketed up to £600,000 and is available on selected plots only, subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, deal or incentive except Help to Buy. Purchaser(s) of the home must have a minimum of 5% of the purchase price required as a deposit. Deposit must be in the bank account of the purchaser before the reservation is taken and proof of deposit submitted to Bovis Homes. Bovis Homes will give a deposit contribution up to 5% deposit of the purchase price. The value of the Deposit Match payment will be deducted from the total sale price on legal completion. Reservation is subject to the usual £500 reservation fee. Incentive available on specific plots, please see development sales advisor for further details. Help to buy available on homes up to the value of £600,000. The Help to Buy Equity Scheme has specific terms and conditions and is subject to affordability criteria as prescribed by Homes England. Its use is also subject to specific mortgage lender conditions and qualifications. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, promotion or purchase assistance scheme. Please ask our sales advisor for details. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. GDD52772
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Shaping up for a fun night out This Friday [November 1] comic Russell Kane comes to the Assembly Hall with his latest show The Fast and the Curious. James Kettle finds out what the audience is in for…
USSELL KANE is more than just a stand-up. He’s like a comedy David Attenborough who, instead of the animal kingdom, focuses his attention on the way men from the South East behave. Raised in Essex, he was a bookish wallflower in a world of ‘geezers’: “I was a weedy boy at school and my dad was a rugby player,” he says. Now the star of TV shows like Stupid Man, Smart Phone and Live At The Electric dissects blokeish behaviour on stage, with hilarious results. “I find it easy to pick apart a certain kind of masculinity,” he says. “The way they talk, the way they behave in public, the ways they compete with each other and the ways they try to interact with women.” Despite being a bit of an oddity growing up, there is a part of Kane’s psyche that is classic Essex: “Books are my thing,” he says, “but the second I saw Ibiza Rocks are having a comedian in residence this summer, I was like, ‘I’d love to
get out there and have it in Ibiza’. And my wife’s like, ‘What’s wrong with you?’” It’s all part of the Russell Kane contradiction. “I love curries, I love pints with the lads, I like BMWs – I’m a weird mess.”
Class That feeds into his fascination with class – not in a ranty political way, but on a more anthropological level. He’s a brilliant chronicler of how British people from different backgrounds look at each other. And he’s amazed by how little class is talked about as a subject, particularly by comedians. “People just don’t want to analyse the prejudice that’s out there,” he says. “And the weird thing is it’s the number one predictor. It doesn’t matter what gender you are or how ablebodied you are, the socio economic background of your parents is the number one predictor of where you’ll end up in life.”
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Class explains the way some snootier people react to Kane – if he talked like Stephen Fry or Miles Jupp, he’d probably be taken a lot more seriously. But the juxtaposition of big ideas and polysyllabic language with an estuary accent means he can sometimes get wrongly labelled as a show-off or a faker.
‘As far as I can tell, there’s broadly two tribes that get things done in our western culture. Half of us have this sort of restless brain, always working’ “If a comedian with my type of accent dares to use a long word, it’s seen as display rather than intrinsic knowledge coming to the surface.” So Kane works hard to make sure he’s not being erudite for the sake of erudition: “Thoughts deep, syntax clear, that’s the way I like to go. There are other comedians who tend to go syntax complex, thoughts shallow. And if you don’t speak posh or middle class, people will just go for you.” Essex is as much a part of Kane’s comedy as Glasgow is for Kevin Bridges or Wales is for Rhod Gilbert. So it’s funny to hear that he’s now a fish out of water, living up north in leafy Cheshire. But rather than isolating him from his old
FULLY CHARGED Russell lives life at a fast pace
stamping ground, it’s made him think about it all the more: “It’s really brought into focus how weird, fast-paced, angry and culturally unique the South East of England is,” he explains. “Now that I’m up in Cheshire, I realise how fast-paced and chaotic and anonymous we can be down south. I’ve been performing a bit about the difference between ordering a coffee in London or Essex and ordering a coffee up north. In the north there’s someone asking about ‘Barbara’ and ‘How are the grandkids?’, and down south you’re saying: ‘Just throw an espresso in my face, now when’s my train? Move! Move! Move!’ That’s part of the story behind Kane’s new show – though he’s keen to point out that the main focus of the evening will not be
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expounding some grand philosophical theory. “I know I can do shows with a clever theme and all that,” he says, “but I just want to do a beltingly funny night in the theatre so at 10.30pm you can’t move for the pain of laughing. That’s my only objective.” However, he’s aware that he might frustrate his own aims: “Because of the way my brain works, my writer brain, it ends up being about fatherhood or this that or the other.” One of the things Kane does want to talk about this time is the way humanity seems to be divided into two distinct groups – not rich and poor or men and women, but a distinction that is possibly even more fundamental. “As far as I can tell, there’s broadly two tribes that get things done in our western culture. Half of us have this sort of restless brain, always working.” These are the people who pace up and down, who can’t bear being delayed, who are always either stressing out or chasing the next excitement. “The second group is the ‘Life’s too short, man, chill out. It’s a red bill, who cares, they’re not going to seize your house.’” The type of people who, in Kane’s words, think ‘a traffic jam is an opportunity for a word game’. According to him, these two groups aren’t adversaries. “They’re the two tribes and they need each other. You tend to marry one of the opposite group. If you’re not sure which one you are, ask yourselves this – when you’re going on holiday, which of you goes on Trip Advisor, looks up all the hotels and restaurants and sucks the fun out of the trip before you go?” There’s no doubting which camp Kane belongs to. He’s one of life’s natural Duracell bunnies, talking at incredible speed in a desperate (but perhaps always unsuccessful) attempt to keep up with the flow of his own ideas. “I called the show ‘The Fast and the Curious’ because that is how I have to live every single
MAN OF THE PEOPLE Russell is a comic observer of humankind
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk day of my life,” he says. It sounds like a compulsion. “Nothing slows down, I bounce out of bed at a 100 miles an hour, before I even have a coffee.” And that energy is channelled into constant mental activity: “I analyse everything – it is exhausting being me some days. And it’s like that on stage – the tiniest crease in the curtain sends me off on some kind of journey.” Russell is aware of his own peculiarities enough to be able to joke about them. “It’s the opposite of ADHD,” he laughs. “I’ve got ‘Overly Focused Attention Disorder’.” It’s easy for experienced comedians to get blasé about going on stage, but Kane reckons he’s still got all his original love of stand-up. When I spoke to him, he was preparing for a low-key tryout gig, but he was buzzing in anticipation as if it was Live At The Apollo. “I absolutely live for stand-up,” he says. “I love TV, but I’m so excited about going on stage in front of 40 people in Edinburgh, let alone when it gets to 3,000 or whatever on tour.” He doesn’t feel he’s changed his mental outlook since he first started gigging – in part because he came to stand-up late: “If you’re past that 25th birthday when you try stand-up, you know yourself.” And who were you? “I was just a fizzing volcano of ideas that wanted to talk about life, love and family. And that could still be the blurb for this year’s show.” The intimacy of stand-up, and the way it’s so easy to share your personal experiences, is clearly something that continues to appeal to him. “I’ll go out with my mum and my wife, and say there’ll be some incident and we’re forced to leave a bar – that to me is the funniest thing to talk about on stage. And that would have been the same ten years ago. I’d have run on stage and said: ‘You’re not going to believe what happened last night.’”
Breakthrough Success is one of those things that can have a warping effect on a comedian’s sensibilities – when everyone wants to be your friend or sleep with you, it can make you lose track of who you really are. When Kane won the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2011 for his show Smokescreens and Castles, it marked a major breakthrough after years of intensive gigging, but it brought with its own pressures. “I went through this phase in the middle when there was a bit too much attention – and all the hair on my body went up almost like some bizarre wildlife crest. That was in relation to female attention.” These days, he’s settled with a wife and family, and he reckons that he’s taking a more serious attitude to his work. “I changed management. I grew up my look, and I stopped doing slightly immature things.” How do you mean? “My attitude used to be – if there was a TV show called Celebrity Surfboard Topless Challenge and they wanted to book me, I’d be like: ‘That sounds hilarious, I’m doing that.’” But he’s now much more discerning about how he presents himself on screen, and to the public in general: “I’ve been really strict about making sure my hair’s combed and I’m in a grown-up suit. It’s as basic as that.” Perhaps, as a result, his audience is broader than it’s ever been – from young to old. “I love going out on stage in front of 15, 16 year olds and thinking: ‘Well, I’ll still have people coming to see me in ten years.’” But he also appreciates the more considered reactions of more seasoned audience members. “There are people in the crowd who respond to it by feeling ‘Oi oi, my dad was like that’, and people who are like [affects posh voice] ‘It’s so wonderful how you deconstruct masculinity’”. Russell Kane appears in The Fast and the Curious at The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, on Friday November 1 at 8pm. To book, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Arts & Culture
Life&Times
Ask the Lawyer Andrea Houston
Andrea qualified as a Solicitor in 2002. She has always been based at law firms in Kent and joined Keene Marsland earlier this year. Andrea deals with a large range of Private Client matters including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection, estate administration, Trusts and estate planning. She is also a member of The Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP). She has a wealth of experience in dealing with complex matters in a sensitive and timely manner.
Why should I make a will? My personal story I have written so many articles over the years on why people should make Wills. I thought this time I would share my personal experience on it. Before I moved to the Middle East with my husband and our son for a few years, I thought we should make our Wills. By this point we had been married for a number of years, we were in our mid 30’s and I had been a Solicitor for around 10 years constantly telling other people to make their Wills and helping them do that. My husband would sometimes say to me, “have you made our Wills yet”?! This comment would always slightly worry me in that he thought I could have prepared his Will, without him signing it! However, looking back we should have really made them sooner. We had got married, bought a house together and had our son, all of which individually are very important reasons to make a will, and collectively are vital. I was discussing this with a colleague a few weeks ago. He is a Solicitor, married to a Solicitor and he said they hadn’t made their Wills until they were in their early 40’s. This made me feel slightly better! I am pleased to say that before we embarked on our overseas adventures, we got our Wills done. I know we now have peace of mind that we have looked after each other and our son in the event of anything happening to us. We have also appointed guardians for our son should that unthinkable situation arise. Sadly, I have seen too many times that dying doesn’t just happen to the elderly, but to those that are young also. Life is certainly not guaranteed for any length of time. Having a Will in place makes things that bit easier for those left behind and they can know that in carrying out the terms of the Will, they know that the individual’s wishes are being adhered to. Don’t think you don’t need a Will yet, think about the peace of mind it can bring for you and your loved ones. Please feel free to contact me and the team at Keene Marsland to help you on this or any other legal matter.
Telephone: 01892 526442 | Email: enquiries@keenemarsland.co.uk www.keenemarsland.co.uk Address: Keene Marsland, 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH Parfitt Cresswell SRA No. 71480 is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
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Going Out
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goingout 7 days of activities
By Jerome Bowman
DIRTY DITTIES With Australia’s Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson at The Assembly Hall Theatre
WEDNESDAY See the classic American slasher film A Nightmare on Elm Street at the Odeon cinema. Relive the horror of Freddy Krueger and his overly long fingernails haunting the dreams of a group of promiscuous teenagers. The film is still praised for its unnerving ability to blend dreams with reality in a tense and relentless horror that
actors singing songs from The Addams Family, Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus. All other attractions, including the Birds of Prey display will also be open. Tickets cost £14.95 for adults and £12.95 for children, with family tickets also available. For more information from beyond our world, go to groombridgeplace.com
SPOOKY SUPPERS Get the children cooking up some Halloween food at Chiddingstone Castle
remains highly influential. The screening starts at 8.15pm and tickets cost £11.75. To book, visit odeon.co.uk You can still visit Groombridge Place for the Spooky Halloween Musical until November 3. Prepare for a ghostly, spooktacular and mildly frightening day of fun, with a cast of West End THE ROYAL BALLET Features in the Royal Opera House live at Trinity Theatre
THURSDAY This is the last day you can visit Pumpkin Moon in Sandling near Maidstone (not forever, just until next year). With a huge maize maze, face and pumpkin painting and some delicious pumpkin treats cooked by Anna’s Family Kitchen, this
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
makes for a great Halloween day out. You can hand-pick everything from traditional orange varieties to the decorative Polar Bear Pumpkin, or the petite Munchkin Pumpkin. Entrance to the site is free with additional charges for face painting. Pumpkin prices start from £1. For more information, go to pumpkinmoon.uk For some creepy cooking, why not book the children on to Chiddingstone Castle’s Halloween Cookery course? The children will prepare the ingredients in the Victorian kitchen, learn about healthy eating, and have plenty of fun with spooky games and a spooky story to listen to while their food cooks. All ingredients and equipment are provided, but one of the spatulas is haunted, so be warned… The class starts at 4pm and ends at 7pm. For more information and to book tickets, which cost £28 per child, you can email Jo Banks at: jobanks@alivewithflavour.com The Royal Wells Hotel brings us another Out of Bounds Comedy Night, this time featuring three top acts with compere Danny Ward. Grade Six pianist Ant Dewson and author of the awkward Peter Brush will be supporting headliner Mandy Muden. Best known for her appearance on TV’s Britain’s Got Talent, Mandy’s mixture of magic and razor sharp musings is unique and sure to entertain. Tickets cost £20 per head if you would like steak and chips before the show, or £10 if you want to skip the meaty meal. The doors open at 5.30pm and the show starts at 8.30pm. For more information and to book, visit outofboundscomedy.co.uk The Halloween Half-term Fun continues at Hever Castle, which means a whole unholy host of activities for the family to enjoy will be on up till today. Listen to spooky stories, enter the fancy dress competition, decorate ghoulish biscuits, and try to find all the bats in the castle. There will also be gruesome Victorian tales for the adults which promise to both fascinate and horrify. Ticket prices vary, so for more information and to book, go to hevercastle.co.uk
ARTHUR’S DREAM BOAT At the EM Forster Theatre
FRIDAY Get into the festive spirit at the Penshurst Vintage Christmas Fair. Starting at 1pm and finishing at 4pm today and tomorrow, it gives you the chance to trawl all things old enough to be charming, including homewares, clothes, jewellery, furniture and gifts. Miss Vintage will be providing music from past decades, and Dotty About Cake will be providing a
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
pop-up tea room. Entry costs just £2 per person, with money donated to Demelza Hospice Care for Children. For more information, please call 07885 610912 or email Cherish Vintage Fairs at Cherishvintagefairs@gmail.com Promising intimate opera in interesting settings, Matchbox Opera’s new production of The Marriage of Figaro comes to Salomons Estate tonight at 7.30pm. Continuing the plot of The Barber of Seville, Mozart’s comic opera recounts a single day of madness in the palace of Count Almaviva. This is an English version written by Jeremy Sams. Other performances will be held in different local venues, so for more information and to book tickets, which cost £20, go to matchboxopera.net The Close-Up Show is back at The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. It’s an intimate magic show held in the bar where you will get to see incredible sleights of hand. Watch coins, cards and your own belongings disappear before your eyes (don’t worry, the magicians have promised to return them!) Featuring magicians Danny Grew, Mike Vincent and Chris Wood, the show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £19.50 and can be booked online at stagsevenoaks.co.uk
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PICK OF THE WEEK: RTWSO: Amy Harman Assembly Hall Theatre 3pm, Sunday November 3 The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra’s November concert includes pieces from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite, Schumann’s Symphony No 3 and Weber’s
Going Out
Bassoon Concerto. Rarely considered a solo instrument, the bassoon will be pushed to its limits by Amy Harman, whose virtuoso playing will bring to life Weber’s dramatic music. Harman is a much sought-after musician and teacher, and has played with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Tickets cost £27 for adults and just £1 for students and under 18s. For more information and to book, go online to assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Amy Harman
SATURDAY Pound the pavement and get your blood pumping this morning at the Tunbridge Wells Park Run. The 5k run, held in Dunorlan Park, is a great way to meet new people and get some exercise in light of the numerous Christmas dinners looming on the horizon. There are no pace requirements and you can join fellow fast-walkers for a coffee in the park café afterwards. Attendance is free but you will need to register, so get your trainers on and visit parkrun.org.uk/royaltunbridgewells SUNDAY Take the young ones to the EM Forster Theatre in MANDY’S GOT TALENT! See comic Mandy Muden at The Royal Wells Hotel
WAR AND PEACE Testament of Youth is on at Groombridge Village Hall
Tonbridge to see charming puppet show Arthur’s Dream Boat. Based on the book by Polly Dunbar, Arthur has a dream about a pink and green boat with a stripy mast, but no one he tells about it is interested, not even the dog. No one even notices when the same boat starts growing on his head, and takes him bouncing along the waves in a medical case still considered unsolved by the World Health Organisation! The show is suitable for ages three to eight. You can book to see the show at either 11.30am or 2pm, and tickets, which cost £10, can be booked online at emftheatre.com Join the Groombridge Film Society for a screening of the well-received period drama Testament of Youth. Based on the best-selling memoir by Vera Brittain, the film tells the story of Vera’s journey from an Oxford education to nursing on the front lines during the First World War, and her eventual conversion to pacifism in light of the horror and loss she experiences. The doors at Groombridge Village Hall open at 7.30pm and there will be a licensed bar serving drinks and nibbles. Tickets cost £2 for members and £6 for guests. For more information, email horshar@horshar.net
MONDAY Bawdy bard Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson will be at The Assembly Hall Theatre tonight at 8pm. Kevin started his career a long way from anywhere in the town of Kalgoorlie, making up lyrics to popular songs and writing a few of his own. Little has changed since, except that now his heavy Australian accent and politically incorrect humour is recognised around the world. With his esky in one hand and guitar in the other, Kevin is determined to show he is still the king of the dirty ditty. Tickets cost £32.25. To book, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk TUESDAY Visit Trinity Theatre tonight at 7.15pm for a live screening of The Royal Opera House’s new production Concerto/ Enigma/ Variations/ Raymonda Act III. The concert is a tour-de-force reflecting the versatility and heritage of The Royal Ballet, from the Russian classical ballet of Raymonda Act III to the more contemporary style of Concerto by MacMillan. The show is roughly three hours in length and has two intervals. For more information and to book tickets, go to trinitytheatre.net
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FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Jon Grayson, Libby-T, New York’s Finest Taxi Service Saturday Into The Blue Sunday Bill Rutherford, Dan Clews, Alex Beharrell
live music With Paul Dunton
F
or a cracking midweek show tonight [Wednesday], Jon Grayson, Libby-T and New York’s Finest Taxi will all be at The Grey Lady Music Lounge. On Thursday night, Violet Vendetta headline at The Forum with support from Salvation Jayne. Friday evening sees many excellent local bands in action, including Little Fish Big Pond at The Royal Oak and Teaser at The Bedford, and fans of jazz can catch the Pedegree Jazz Band’s ‘Salute to Trad’ at The Masonic Hall. Meanwhile, the St Edith Folk Club, Kemsing, host the superb John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett. A special mention for any opera enthusiasts this weekend: Matchbox
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
Opera has a fantastic production of The Marriage of Figaro on Friday at Salomons Estate and on Saturday at St Thomas The Apostle Church in Groombridge. Saturday night offers an array of great bands, including Super Duper & The Ya Yaa’s at The Beau Nash, Into The Blue at The Grey Lady, Tony Patience at The Royal Oak and Tankus The Henge at The Forum plus Andy Twyman and DJ Bhang Wallah. Close out the weekend on Sunday with G.E.M at Verdigris in Tonbridge, and classical music fans are in for a treat with The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra at The Assembly Hall featuring renowned bassoon soloist Amy Harman.
THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common All event information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Thursday Violet Vendetta, Salvation Jayne Friday Legend: The Music of Bob Marley Saturday Tankus the Henge, Andy Twyman, DJ Bhang Wallah Monday Heavy Lungs THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry More information at thebedfordtw.co.uk Thursday Halloween Karaoke Friday Teaser MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential For information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult band workshop, all levels welcome MATCHBOX OPERA Various venues All event information and tickets at matchboxopera.net Friday 7.30pm Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road: The Marriage of Figaro Saturday 7.30pm St Thomas the Apostle Church, Groombridge: The Marriage of Figaro
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THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry Music from 8.30pm Friday Big Fish Little Pond Saturday Tony Patience ST EDITH FOLK St Edith Hall, Kemsing All event information and tickets at stedithfolk.co.uk Friday John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett THE MASONIC HALL St John’s Road Music from 8pm Details and tickets at twjazzclub.co.uk Friday The Pedegree Jazz Band’s ‘Salute to Trad’ THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry Music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Super Duper & The Ya Yaa’s Sunday Open Mic Night THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road More information and tickets available at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Sunday 3pm Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra, featuring soloist Amy Harman (bassoon) Monday Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson THE PAMOJA HALL Sevenoaks School
Violet Vendetta All event information and tickets at thespacesevenoaks.co.uk Sunday ABF The Soldiers’ Charity presents ‘Hollywood Nights’ performed by The Band of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment VERDIGRIS High street, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 6pm More details at verdigris-tonbridge.com Sunday G.E.M. THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim free entry, music from 8.30pm Monday TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Hat collection Music from 8pm, all welcome, more information at tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Daria Kulesh THE PUNCH & JUDY PUB St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Gez Gold
Recruiting Now
Events Coordinator Proactively plan, develop, lead and manage wedding and events at Salomons Estate. Ensure that a consistently high quality of service is provided to clients in order to develop this area of our business further. To assist the Events Manager in the organisation & delivery of any conferences, events and weddings. Housekeeper Under the direction of the Housekeeping Manager, provide a high quality and efficient cleaning service in line with agreed standards of the hotel operation. To be responsible for cleaning and tidying the hotel bedrooms and areas of the main house. Reservationist Playing a vital role in the everyday operation of the hotel’s front of house department. You will be responsible for creating the first impression for all incoming calls, dealing with reservations and assisting guests and customers with queries. The role is office based rather than customer facing.
Café Assistant This role is varied and exciting and involves everything from serving coffee to helping at weddings and events. We need people that are happy to work weekends, serve with a smile and are receptive to change and a busy working environment. If you are successful you will join a lovely team of likeminded people in our bustling café and restaurant. Café Manager To manage the Waterfront Café and satellite outlets to maximise income and profitability and offer the best possible customer service by ensuring health and hygiene standards are complied with. This role requires someone with experience of managing a café who copes will with pressure and has impeccable attention to detail
F&B Assistant Under the direction of the Restaurant Manager and Bar Supervisor, to deliver a quality food and beverage service to guests and customers along with fellow staff over a seven day week operation. Front of House Manager As Front of House Manager your role will be to lead and co-ordinate the efficient day to day running of the reception and spa at One Warwick Park Hotel, to ensure that guests receive excellent service in a safe environment in accordance with company and hotel procedures Policies and legal requirements. This is very much a hands on front of house role which encompasses interaction with all departments in the venue, and requires someone with experience in a similar role. Receptionist Playing a vital role in the everyday operation of the hotels front of house department. You will be responsible for creating the first impression for all hotel guests, for greeting them and making them feel welcome. This high profile role requires excellent customer facing approach with exceptional levels of customer service skills.
To find out more, please visit our careers page at http://www.markerstudygroup.com/careers or contact us on: Email address: TalentAcquisition@markerstudy.com Telephone: 01892 553384
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Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Viva veganism Friday [November 1] is National Vegan day. To celebrate we showcase some delicious recipes and discover how turning vegan can enhance your health and also help the planet…
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HE amount of people who have chosen to become vegan has seen a huge surge over the past few years. This year alone over 14,000 Brits have decided to follow a meat and dairy-free plant-based diet, according to research carried out by The Guardian. A key reason many more people are adopting this type of diet is thanks to veganism’s wealth of health benefits, but an increasing number are also going vegan due to scientists’ stern warnings about the environmental cost of meat.
Impact
All recipes courtesy of Aimee Ryan for Wallflower Kitchen © The Vegan Society
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
In May last year, Jospeh Poore, a scientist at Oxford University, revealed the most comprehensive analysis to date regarding the damage farming does to the planet. He went on to outline how giving up eating meat and dairy was the single biggest thing an individual could do to help protect the environment: “A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet Earth. Not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use. It is far bigger than cutting down on your flights or buying an electric car.” According to the supermarket chain Waitrose, one in eight Britons is now vegetarian or vegan, and a further 21 per cent say they are ‘flexitarian’ – which basically means they will now and again include a small amount of meat or fish in a
predominantly vegetable-based diet. And over the past few years, the vegan movement in general has seen a colossal rise of 260 per cent, according to The Vegan Society. Geff Stone, who runs The Plant Base in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, agrees that adopting a vegan diet is definitely on the rise. “Veganism is huge news now, and if you’re not one you probably know one. A massive part of why I went vegan was down to the environment, and so everything we use at The Plant Base is recycled and our packaging is compostable. There’s no plastic anywhere, and all of the juices we make here are bottled in glass and if you bring them back then you get money back on them.” He adds that even the café’s takeaway coffee cups are biodegradable as they are made from corn starch. “I’ve always been into eating healthy food,” continues Geff. “So I knew a certain amount about supplementing things, like Omega 3, which is usually found in fish but also in flax seeds, and that you can obtain good amounts of protein from chickpeas, nuts, broccoli and soya. “And then, of course, there are loads of dairy alternatives filling up the aisles these days, so it’s no longer that hard. “I want The Plant Base to appeal to people who are interested in healthy eating and to stay as true to my original ethos of using what the good Earth provides, and in turn helping to protect it.” So if you’re considering a vegan diet, give these delicious and super healthy recipes a try…
Pic: Aimee Ryan for Wallflower Kitchen © The Vegan Society
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Creamy pea soup A simple but flavourful soup that can be ready in minutes! Perfect for a light starter. Serves 4 Ingredients n 1 tbsp olive oil n 2 cloves of garlic n 1 medium white onion, diced n 1 stick of celery, roughly chopped n 1 leek, roughly chopped n 450g frozen peas n 700ml vegetable stock n 50g raw cashews n 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional) n Salt and pepper to taste
n Dairy-free cream or soy yoghurt, to serve Method 1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan and sauté the onions and garlic, until softened. Add the chopped leek and celery and cook for a further couple of minutes. 2. Stir in the peas and cashews, then add the stock and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 5 minutes. 3. Transfer to a blender and mix until smooth. 4. Ladle the soup into 4 serving bowls and top with a swirl of dairyfree cream or soy yoghurt.
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
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Mushroom and leek pie
n A pinch of salt and pepper n 1 roll vegan puff pastry (or
Creamy mushrooms and leeks encased in a crispy, golden pie crust. Delicious, filling and a great choice for everyone! Serves 4 Ingredients n 1 tbsp olive oil n 2 medium leeks, trimmed and sliced into discs n 3 cloves garlic, minced n 500g button mushrooms n 1 tsp dried mixed herbs n A pinch of salt and pepper For the sauce: n 1 tbsp vegan margarine n 2 tbsp plain flour n 350ml dairy-free milk n 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
gluten-free, if needed) n 4 tbsp dairy-free milk, for glazing
Lemon possets with shortbread
Pic: Aimee Ryan for Wallflower Kitchen © The Vegan Society
Food & Drink
Ultra creamy lemon puddings with sweet, crumbly cookies – perfect for dipping! Serves 4 Ingredients For the lemon possets: n 600g silken tofu n Zest and juice of 2 lemons n 120ml agave nectar n 4 tbsp coconut oil, melted n 1 tsp vanilla extract n A few fresh raspberries, to serve n 1 tbsp icing sugar, to serve For the shortbread biscuits: n 200g vegan margarine n 125g icing sugar n 310g plain flour n 1 tbsp corn flour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water n 2 tsp extract n 1 tbsp dairy-free milk, if needed Method For the lemon possets:
Method 1. Add the olive oil to a large saucepan on a medium heat. Fry the leeks and garlic for 2 minutes, to soften. 2. Add the mushrooms, herbs, salt and pepper and stir for a minute. Place the lid on top and cook for 8 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the vegan margarine on medium heat. Add the flour and stir until combined. Slowly add in the milk, a tablespoon at a time and whisk, until you have a smooth thick mixture. Stir in nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.
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4. Combine the cooked leeks and mushrooms with the sauce and leave to cool completely. 5. Make sure your puff pastry is at room temperature (if using frozen, leave at room temperature overnight) and preheat the oven to 200°C. 6. Add the leek and mushroom mixture to a pie dish and top with the puff pastry, cutting off any excess pastry around the edges. 7. Crimp the edges using a fork and score a criss-cross pattern on the top with a sharp knife. Finally, dip a pastry brush into a little dairy-free milk and brush the top of the pie, to help it brown. 8. Cook for 25 minutes until golden brown. Serve straight away. 1. Blend all the ingredients, except the raspberries and icing sugar, together in a food processor until smooth. 2. Divide the mixture equally between 4 glasses and chill for at least an hour or overnight. 3. To serve, top with fresh raspberries, a sprinkling of icing sugar and 2 shortbread biscuits (see recipe below). For the shortbread biscuits: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line two baking trays with baking paper. 2. Mix the vegan margarine and icing sugar together in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the dairy-free milk. 3. If the mixture is too stiff, add the dairy-free milk to help thin it out until you have a soft but firm mixture. 4. Transfer to a piping bag with a large star nozzle. Pipe the mixture into small circular spirals. Starting from the outside, working your way in. Try and keep them all the same size. 5. Bake for approx 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Leave to cool completely.
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Books
The bookcase… This week’s bookcase includes reviews Purgatory by Alasdair Gray and We Are The Weather: Saving The Planet Begins At Breakfast by Jonathan Safran Foer
BOOK OF THE WEEK
Purgatory by Alasdair Gray Published in hardback by Canongate, priced £14.99 (ebook £11.99)
9/10
Alasdair Gray describes himself as ‘a fat, spectacled, balding old Glaswegian pedestrian who has mainly lived by writing and designing books, most of them fiction’. Novelist Ali Smith calls him ‘a necessary genius’. This slim but handsome volume sees Gray complete part two of his translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy ‘Englished in prosaic verse’. An ancient masterpiece glistens again as his lyricism takes flight while keeping one foot balanced on solid ground. After their ascent from Hell, the poet Virgil guides Dante through Purgatory and the seven deadly sins in their quest for what lies above. Gray turns Dante’s language into clear English, sometimes with a playful comic turn. Dante departs as ‘a clear soul entering the starry sky’ and now Heaven awaits. Remarkable. (Review by Julian Cole)
Bedtime Stories For Worried Liberals by Stuart Heritage Published in hardback by Profile Books, priced £9.99 (ebook £4.98)
Do you know someone who’s all bothered about Brexit? Is a colleague concerned about climate change? Are your friends all millennials moaning about mortgages? Then the perfect Christmas stocking gift has been published. Guardian journalist Stuart Heritage puts a short, ‘snowflakey’ twist on classics, including Trumplestiltskin, narrated by a very familiar voice; Camerella, who just wants to go to the
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Wilderness Festival ball; and the constantly bamboozled Centrist Dad in Wonderland. There are a few original tales, too (Kanako the Instagram Hedgehog puts in a memorable appearance). It’s 130 pages of silly, sweary, snort-out-loud funniness, aimed squarely at the Twitterati; in fact, if the reader isn’t much of a social media user, many references may pass them by. All the same, they should enjoy Heritage poking fun at liberal hand-wringing and agonising over why people can’t just be nice to each other. There’s even an avocado on the dust jacket. (Review by Natalie Bowen)
8/10
Prayer For The Living by Ben Okri Published in hardback by Head Of Zeus, priced £14.99 (ebook £5.03)
7/10
What is reality? This question has always been central to Ben Okri’s work, from his volumes of poetry and short stories to his Booker Prize-winning The Famished Road, about a spirit child living in a modern city. The diverse voices in this volume of short stories are the perfect vehicles for Okri to explore dreamworlds, magical events and competing views of reality. We encounter enchanted mirrors, uncanny doll’s houses and spirit doors, alongside police detectives working on multidimensional crimes and a metafictional Don Quixote. Okri is also interested in the multiple realities of modernity (especially African), sketching a rich family in a poor neighbourhood, or the actions of Boko Haram recruits. Sometimes these contrasting styles set each other off to good effect, though sometimes the result seems more haphazard. However, the reader is in no doubt they are in the hands of a master storyteller throughout. (Review by Josh Pugh Ginn)
d
£ pe 1 rc 0 hi l
SANTA’S GROTTO Make Christmas extra special with a visit to Santa’s Grotto at Salomons Estate
l be open The Grotto wil : 10am - 4pm on th December Thursday 19th ember Friday 20 stDec ember ec Saturday 21nd D ember Sunday 22 rd Dec ecember Monday 23 D
Santa will be bringing some seasonal cheer to Salomons Estate as he opens up his cosy Christmas Grotto! Come and meet him and his hard-working elves as they take up residence in the beautiful grounds of the estate. To book call 01892 515152 or visit www.salomons-estate.com/events/whats-on/ ESTABLISHED
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk NON-FICTION
in creating and tackling it. And yes, Safran Foer brings in facts, figures and science to state his case. But this is mere detail in a book exploring the issue on a much deeper level. It challenges the reader with simple-sounding yet incredibly complex questions: These are the facts about climate change – but do you really believe them? You think you care about climate change – but do you really? Because if you did, why aren’t you doing more about it? He’s not having a go at us, just getting us to stop and think. (Review by Abi Jackson)
We Are The Weather: Saving The Planet Begins At Breakfast by Jonathan Safran Foer
Published in hardback by Hamish Hamilton, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99) With a title like this, it’s easy to assume you pretty much know what you’re in for – but it wasn’t what I expected at all. Sure, it’s about the climate crisis and our role
8/10
CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW
Published in paperback by Puffin Books, priced £7.99 (ebook £3.99) Set in the future, with our own world (the ‘World Before’) lying ruined beneath a frozen landscape, Ash lives in the Fira stronghold under the watchful eye of his grumpy guardian, the yeti Tobu. Hungry monsters (Leviathans) surf the snow just beyond their border. Ash has the gift of Song Weave – the ability to sing to the monsters and to hear their songs. But the Fira regard the gift as a curse, and Ash is soon exiled. Grabbing the opportunity to join the crew of a Pathfinder boat, Ash embarks on a series of adventures filled with engaging characters, lessons of
£3 £1 2 c £ 7 hi 65 ch ld p ild ren er re 1 ad n 2a u 5 an nd lt d un un d de er r
7/10
AMUSE BOUCHE SPRING ONION, SMOKED CHEDDAR BEIGNETS Beetroot aioli (GF available) (V) STARTERS MAPLE SMOKED DUCK BREAST Pickled walnuts, clementine, watercress and pistachio salsa verde (GF) (N) SMOKED CHERRY TOMATO AND CREAMY BURRATA TART Crispy basil, pine nut pangrattato (V) (GF available) (N) CHILDREN’S FRUIT STICKS With a strawberry coulis (V) (GF) (DF) 01892 890000 www.bewlwater.co.uk – info.bewlwater.co.uk Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Kent, TN3 8JH
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PAPERBACKS 1. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite 2. Frostheart by Jamie Littler 3. The Order Of The Day by Eric Vuillard 4. No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg 5. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood 6. Written In History: Letters That Changed The World by Simon Sebag Montefiore 7. This Is Going To Hurt by Adam Kay 8. La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman 9. The Cockroach by Ian McEwan 10. Dead At First Sight by Peter James EBOOKS 1. Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield 2. Chernobyl Prayer by Svetlana Alexievich 3. The People vs Alex Cross by James Patterson 4. The Man Who Didn’t Call by Rosie Walsh 5. Billionaire by Peter James 6. The Holiday by TM Logan 7. The Friend by Teresa Driscoll 8. Found by Erin Kinsley 9. Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay 10. What You Did by Claire McGowan
Please call 01892 89000 0 or visit www.bewlwa ter.co.uk for more info rmation or to book
at Bewl Water
MAINS ROASTED FREE RANGE TURKEY Chestnut stuffing, pancetta wrapped chipolata, seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, turkey jus (GF available) (N) SPINACH, WILD MUSHROOM AND PUMPKIN WELLINGTON Herb and pink peppercorn sauce, seasonal roast vegetables, roast potatoes (GF available) (V) DESSERTS WARM CHRISTMAS PUDDING Brandy butter and crème Anglais (GF available) DARK CHOCOLATE TART Toasted Italian meringue, espresso Anglais (GF available) Tea/coffee with mini mince pies
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BOOK CHARTS HARDBACKS 1. Tall Tales and Wee Stories:The Best of Billy Connolly by Billy Connolly 2. The Body: A Guide For Occupants by Bill Bryson 3. Me by Elton John 4. Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay 5. Agent Running in the Field by John Le Carre 6. The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman 7. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy 8. Veg: Easy and Delicious Meals for Everyone by Jamie Oliver 9. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood 10. No Mercy by Martina Cole
friendship, and even a treasure hunt of sorts. Littler has crafted a compelling and magical world for young readers (8-12) and, as the first instalment of a trilogy, it is sure to captivate. (Review by Nicole Whitton)
Frostheart by Jamie Littler
Sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas Day in the stunning surroundings of Bewl Water.
Books
(Compiled by Waterstones & Amazon)
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
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travel
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Travel
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Seven Worlds, One Planet – and amazing animals caught on film Here, Sarah Marshall finds out about extraordinary encounters in this week’s new BBC One wildlife series, voiced by Sir David Attenborough, and how you can travel to the locations… cloud forest outside Quito gave the team an opportunity to film some unusual behaviour. “We’d heard of this one part of cloud forest, where a type of miniature avocado fruits were attracting the bears,” says Chadden Hunter, producer of the South America edition. “We got this tip-off just before Christmas that it was happening, so we flew on Boxing Day. “Cameraman Bertie Gregory skilfully took the drone up, and by orbiting above the trees we were able to watch these bears delicately breaking branches and bending the thin twigs back, performing this acrobatic ninja move to get this tiny little fruit.” How to get there: The Maquipucuna Ecolodge in Ecuador offers a three-day all-inclusive Cloud Forest Discovery tour, where there’s a chance to see Andean bears. From US$184 (£143) pp (two sharing). Visit maquipucuna.org
Hanging out with manatees in Florida “I never knew the southern swamps would be frozen over with ice in places,” says Hunter, who also produced the North America programme. In winter, cold Arctic air blasts Caddo Lake, a body of water straddling Texas and Louisiana, causing areas to freeze and forcing animals to find shelter. THE DEADLIEST BIRD IN THE WORLD? A cassowary in Australia
BACK TO NATURE Sir David Attenborough filming at Stokksnes beach in Iceland
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T’S sure to become a highlight of the autumn TV calendar, bringing us closer to the world’s wildlife than was ever imaginable. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the new wildlife series Seven Worlds, One Planet started on Sunday [October 27] on BBC One, with each programme focusing on a different continent, looking at its geology and the animals that call it home. Below, the producers share some of their filming highlights – ranging from elephants feeding on tiptoes in southern Africa to elephant seals doing battle on the wilds of South Georgia’s beaches. All demonstrate how unique each continent is, and how the pieces of this giant jigsaw puzzle fit together to make one world.
Dodging elephant seals in South Georgia Weighing up to four tonnes, southern elephant seals are a formidable force – especially when they fight, as seen in Sunday’s opening film on
Antarctica (repeated this Saturday, 3pm, BBC One). Using a handheld stabilised camera rig, the team managed to capture footage of a bloody battle in St Andrew’s Bay, South Georgia – although they had to be nimble on their toes to avoid getting caught in the crush. “The males didn’t seem bothered by us,” says
‘I wanted to tell a story about Asia’s forests and how dense they are. It’s hard for male and female rhinos to find each other, so they have this incredible song, which sounds a bit like a humpback whale’
producer Fredi Devas. “They had only one thing on their minds! The only risk is when a male loses and retreats – they head to the sea in a beeline, and if you’re in the way, you might get squashed.” Sir David Attenborough, who has previously filmed in the same location, can sympathise. “When the elephant seal comes for you, you want to get out of the way quick,” he says. “He would go over you like a steamroller, and if you lose some footing you would be in trouble.” How to get there: Join Chris Packham and photographer Paul Goldstein on a 15-day South Georgia & Falklands Photographic Charter, from £6,990 excluding flights. Departs November 14, 2020. Visit exodus.co.uk
Seeing spectacled bears in Ecuador The inspiration behind Paddington, Andean (or spectacled) bears are famously difficult to see. But rumours of a gathering in an Ecuadorian A HOWLING SUCCESS Apennine wolves in Abruzzo, Italy
“A baby manatee would die if it was in water cooler than 20°C, so they do this incredible thing where they navigate hundreds of miles of water systems to find hot springs, which are their only sanctuary. Otherwise they won’t survive the cold snaps. Here is a remarkable pioneering spirit.” How to get there: Viator offers a Crystal River full-day tour with a boat ride through the Everglades and a chance to see manatees in one of Florida’s natural manatee habitats. From £109.14 pp. Visit viator.com
Listening to Sumatran rhinos sing in Indonesia Gaining access to a secret location in the Sumatran rainforest, the team was able to capture footage of one of the world’s rarest species: The Sumatran rhino. “I wanted to tell a story about Asia’s forests and how dense they are,” explains the producer of this coming Sunday’s film on Asia, Emma Napper. “It’s hard for male and female rhinos to find each other, so they have this incredible song, which sounds a bit like a humpback whale.” Although Napper describes the experience as
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
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Travel
Badger who also produced the Europe film. “But it’s one thing hearing the wolves and another thing seeing them. We went into the wilderness around these villages, and through the process of the five-week shoot we learned we were actually better off hanging around the edges of the villages, because the deer were coming down to the lush pastures and the wolves were hunting there.” How to get there: Naturetrek offers an eight-day The Apennines: Italy’s Abruzzo National Park escorted tour from £1,445, excluding flights. Departures on May 21 and 28, 2020. Visit naturetrek.co.uk
Stepping back in time with cassowary birds in Australia One of the world’s oldest rainforests is home to a curious collection of creatures who could have been plucked from a prehistoric era. Producer
THE SUMATRAN RAINFOREST Home to the rare Sumatran rhino magical, she was also saddened by what she found. “I realised how threatened they are, and how much habitat is being lost,” she says. “I’ve been doing this job long enough to see changes even in the last ten years. The loss of rainforest is shocking.” How to get there: Reef & Rainforest offers an 18-day Indonesia and Papua New Guinea Country Combo tour, which includes a visit to Way Kambas National Park, home to a Sumatran rhino sanctuary. From £6,196 pp (two sharing), including flights. Visit reefandrainforest.co.uk
Witnessing acrobatic elephants in Zimbabwe Deep in the fairy-tale forests of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, elephants have found a novel way to feed. “People expect to see elephants and cats in a programme about Africa, so the challenge was finding new behaviour,” says producer Giles Badger. “In the peak of the dry season – and during droughts if they are strong enough – the
elephant bulls of Mana Pools stand on two legs and reach up to six metres into the trees to pull down apple-ring acacia pods. They are highly nutritious and full of protein. “For an animal that needs to eat 90kg of food per day, it’s an amazing feat. It shows their intelligence and how they’ve adapted over millennia in a dry and hostile climate.” How to get there: Steppes Travel offers a 13-day Zimbabwe Highlights Holiday from £3,895 pp, excluding flights. Visit steppestravel.com
Hearing wolves howl in Italy Often painted as villains, wolves are celebrated as heroes in the Europe film. A sub-species of the grey wolf, the Apennine wolf was almost shot to extinction until it was declared a protected species in 1971. Now numbers are bouncing back, but the animal is still tricky to track down. “You can lie in bed in a tiny little Italian village and at night, you hear the wolves howling around you – it’s a real privilege,” explains
THINKING ON HIS FEET A clever elephant finding food in Zimbabwe
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Napper was fortunate enough to encounter one of them during filming for the Australasia edition in Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest. Describing the cassowary, she says: “They are incredible birds with a bright head, and much taller than me. In theory, it’s the deadliest bird in the world – but it’s also a caring father.” Although the elusive species is notoriously hard to film, the team succeeded in spending several weeks trailing one father and his chicks. “The set-up took months,” says Napper. “But we managed to get some really intimate moments.” How to get there: Wildlife Worldwide offers a 17-day Tablelands, Reef & Rainforest Self-drive holiday, including a visit to Daintree, from £3,195 pp, excluding flights. Visit wildlifeworldwide.com See Seven Worlds, One Planet on Sundays on BBC One, with repeats the following Saturday, or on BBC iPlayer at bbc.co.uk
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Motors
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Motoring News Revamped Yaris hybrid en route TOYOTA has revealed its nextgeneration Yaris ahead of its arrival in the UK during the middle part of next year. Coming as the firm’s bestselling European model, the Yaris has been given a ground-up redesign to incorporate more technology and a new threecylinder hybrid powertrain.
Shorter Due to be built in France, this Yaris sits on an all-new platform that aims to improve interior space without sacrificing the compact proportions which attract buyers to the car. Despite being 50mm wider, it’s shorter by 5mm than the car it replaces. This means that the Yaris will be the only supermini less than four metres long.
The car will be available with one of three petrol engines – all three-cylinder units. An entrylevel 1.0-litre unit will kick things off with a five-speed manual gearbox, and a larger 1.5-litre engine will be available with a six-speed manual or CVT automatic option. Finally, there’s a 1.5-litre hybrid, which combines the engine with a 79bhp electric motor. Toyota claims that the powertrain is 15% more powerful than the one it replaces, yet produces around 20% less CO2. Full economy figures have not been announced, though Toyota has revealed that the Yaris Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 80mph in all-electric mode. Toyota has yet to reveal full pricing, though expect this to be announced closer to the car’s official arrival next year.
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
This week… n Shorter supermini n A human touch n Full charge ahead
A new Ford electric charging scheme
COPYCAT CARS? New technology could add an even more personal touch
Hyundai’s AI tech learns from your driving habits YOUR next car could learn from your own driving habits if a piece of new Hyundai technology makes it into widespread production. Claimed as the world’s first machine learning-based cruise control system, the Smart Cruise Control System [SCC-ML] aims to replicate a real driver’s behaviour and apply it in self-driving conditions. It works similarly to current-day adaptive cruise control systems, but builds on that by mimicking its drivers’ typical behaviours, such as rate of acceleration and distances kept from a car ahead. Hyundai says this will help drivers who have been reluctant to use adaptive cruise technology as a result of unfamiliarity with the behaviour of such systems –
aiming to bring a more human feel to its self-driving capabilities. Hyundai Motor Group Vice President Woongjun Jang said: “The new SCC-ML improves upon the intelligence of the previous [Hyundai adaptive cruise] technology to dramatically improve the practicality of semi-autonomous features. “Hyundai Motor Group will continue the development efforts on innovative AI technologies to lead the industry in the field of autonomous driving.” The South Korean firm hasn’t given a date on when the technology will come into production, though has confirmed it plans to implement it into vehicles produced by firms in the wider Hyundai Motor Group.
FORD is introducing a new service which will give owners of plug-in cars access to chargers both at home and on the road. Called FordPass, the service will be focused around an app which will allow vehicle users to locate, navigate to, pay for and monitor their charging status at one of more than 125,000 charging network locations across 21 countries. It will come into play when Ford begins delivery of new all-electric vehicles next year, giving drivers multiple charging options wherever they are. Ford’s Director of Global Electrification, Ted Cannis, said: “One of the biggest hold-ups for customers considering an electric vehicle has been the fear of running out of power… “By offering industry-leading charging access, including the largest network of public charging stations among any automaker, we are dismantling those barriers, allowing more customers to confidently enjoy the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.” FordPass will also give owners the ability to monitor their charging status at home, and Ford’s upcoming electric vehicles will all come with a home charge cable.
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Recruitment
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WITH THE
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
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R
12
10
9
2 15
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16 25
M
14
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14
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R
15
14
15
24 23
2
14
19
9
7
14
9
20
2
7
2
4
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25
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M
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15
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7
10
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19
7
2 4 7
4 9
2
5 9 1 7 8 4 9 2 1 6 8 4 1 2
8
3 14
2 5
Codeword:
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
16
20 25
9 3
8 5
Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.
O 6:0 PEN 0 - 9 FR :00 OM pm
8
5 4
9 3
6 3 5 1 3 2 5
2 7
2 14
8
26
14
26
3
18
2
1 26
9
2
14
20 7
12 17
15
3 8
5
3
6
3 1
8
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
3
DIFFICULTY RATING:★★★★
2
6
5
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
1
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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★✩✩✩
CLASSIFIEDS
Life&Times
Puzzles
In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.
Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue
B U F F A L L E V A L AMO Z T I E C U A D O R F R E N C H A L I S S U E R T A WH A T N O A L E Y O K E D
O J U X E F U R L O I R C L H D D O U P E S Q U N U T O U U T P R E C
D G E R A O N G V E E A R L B L Y R I R E T R T D O L D E D E
Sudoku:
6 2 9 5 1 4 3 7 8
4 1 5 8 3 7 9 2 6
8 7 3 9 6 2 4 1 5
3 9 1 2 4 6 5 8 7
7 8 2 1 5 3 6 4 9
5 4 6 7 9 8 1 3 2
9 5 8 4 2 1 7 6 3
2 6 4 3 7 5 8 9 1
1 3 7 6 8 9 2 5 4
5 8 7 9 4 2 6 3 1
2 4 6 8 1 3 5 9 7
1 7 8 5 3 4 9 6 2
7 5 9 3 6 1 8 2 4
6 2 3 4 7 9 1 8 5
Jigsaw Sudoku:
8 3 1 2 9 7 4 5 6
4 9 5 1 2 6 3 7 8
9 6 4 7 5 8 2 1 3
3 1 2 6 8 5 7 4 9
ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL
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Register your attendance, to receive a complimentary goody bag, to leisuremarketing@markerstudy.com. 01892 520587 www.onewarwickpark.co.uk | info@onewarwickpark.co.uk
Photo © Danny Jack Photography
Join us on the 7th November 2019 to view our magnificent luxury wedding venue as well as meet some of our recommended suppliers to try and taste what they have on offer!
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
70
Life&Times
Sport
FOR EVENstories MOREto: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.ukor newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send sports newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Wednesday October 30 | 2019
Reynolds finds range to kick Wells out of reach By Graham Withers RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS are rising up the London and South East Premier Division rapidly after putting an indifferent spell behind them with back-to-back victories. After three consecutive wins to start the new campaign, they then suffered three straight defeats. But they are now back among the chasing pack in fifth place. New Kiwi signings Tui Tauaika and Agy Eukaliti started at prop and lock respectively in Chiswick after robust debuts from the bench last week. There was also a First XV debut for Skinners’ School and Heathfield product James Pancaldi at flanker after strong displays for the Seconds. After an early penalty kick Wells found their scrum faltering, as it had in previous weeks, and when it collapsed the Stags crossed for a converted try from their own attacking scrum. Another penalty was missed but the Wells forwards took control of the ball on 23 minutes and Ben Whale forced his way over after a fine series of pick-and-drives, Frank Reynolds converting. Showing great vision, George Montgomery
spotted Richard Webster out wide and - in an echo of their under-15 season together - he struck a sweet diagonal kick that the in-form winger gathered before diving in for an unconverted try on 28 minutes. Stags narrowed the lead with a penalty but then Wells struck back with a kick of their own. However, the visitors conceded another scrum penalty and could not stop a fine rolling maul which went 20 metres to score out wide, accompanied by an excellent touchline conversion to make the score 18-17 to Wells at half-time. On the hour-mark Reynolds slotted a third penalty but then Whale was shown a yellow card. Stags’ scrum allowed them to cross with ease for a converted try that took them into the lead. Wells showed their tenacity and it was Stags’ turn to lose a player to the sin bin. After opting for a scrum penalty Mike Doherty crashed through under the posts, Reynolds adding the extras. With five minutes left the visitors had taken a 28-24 lead and Reynolds stretched it with a mighty penalty kick from the halfway line, followed by an easier one to secure the win and a personal haul of 19 points. Wells now have a weekend off before returning to action with the eagerly anticipated A21 derby with Sevenoaks at St Marks on November 9 (kick-off 2.30pm).
HOLD ON TIGHT Agy Eukaliti tries to break through
PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
CS Stags 1863 24 Tunbridge Wells 34
TJs back on track after hard battle Tonbridge Juddians 13 Redruth 7
Slippery
PHOTO: Adam Hookway
RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS returned to winning ways after their first defeat of the season against Henley with a fierce battle against Redruth at The Slade. The hosts kept losing the ball in the tackle and the Cornish side were better able to retain possession, but it was TJs who took the lead. From an attack that started inside Tonbridge’s own half, winger Hugo Watson outpaced his opposite number to score an unconverted try in the corner.
That gave the hosts a 10-7 lead at half-time and the hitherto wayward Will Robinson slotted a penalty kick after the restart to extend the lead. There were many alarms for TJs during a hard-fought second half as Redruth’s close pick-and-drive game put their defence under great pressure. A wet, slippery ball and some determined
tackling prevented them from scoring and taking the lead as penalties and errors beset both sides. Tonbridge rise to second place in National Two South and Taunton went top after beating Clifton, one point ahead. TJs now travel to St Albans to take on Old Albanians on Saturday (November 2, kick-off 3pm).
OFF THE HOOK: Ryan Jackson scores TJs’ only try
Redruth benefitted from their clearing kick being touched in flight by a TJ and flanker Ben Fox was on hand to touch down for a try under the posts, fly-half Fraser Honey converting. The visitors’ lead did not last long as a penalty kick to touch gave TJs a line-out close to Redruth’s line, and hooker Ryan Jackson touched down for another unconverted try.
Hobbs breaks own record in Abbey Dash By Andrew Deighton ATHLETICS: BILLY HOBBS claimed another Tunbridge Wells Harriers club record with a fantastic run of 31min 4sec at the Abbey Dash 10k in Leeds, taking 51 seconds off his own mark. Billy’s brother Dillon had a strong run in the Kent Cross Country League Under-17 race, clocking 18.27 on the hilly and muddy 5k course at Somerhill School. Harriers also took on the Beachy Head Marathon, running the scenic and challenging route through the South Downs National Park. Tara Taylor was the first club runner to finish (4hr 39min), followed by Ana Maria Green (4:50), Hugh Stephenson (4:54), Guy Gracey (5:08), Derek Harrison (5:15), Danny Winson (5:33), Peter Lyus
(5:48), Amanda Bruneau (5:53), Deborah Stamp (6:29), Joan Woodward (6:29) and Jane Roome (6:29). There were some impressive performances in Germany at the Frankfurt Marathon, which saw personal best times for Tom Woolley (2:47), Patrick Bareham (2:51) and Mike King, with Nicola Morris producing a season’s best 3:30. The previous weekend saw Sarah Ferns taking a podium place in the Tonbridge 10k race, run around the quiet country lanes of Leigh. She came third in the women’s race with a time of 44.10, followed by Gemma Stilliard (45.53), who won the F35 category, Clare Andrew (49.37) and Lesley Page (49.42). Alex Holmes led the Harrier men
home, running 39.38 to finish in seventh place overall, ahead of Marc Ollington (42.37), Andy Page (49.07), Jonathan Hanes (55.41), Richard Bassett (63.22) and Dom Taylor-Langley (68.14) At the Hove Prom 10k race, Michele Bradshaw broke the club F60 record for the distance with a time of 47.42,
HOME STRAIT Dillon Hobbs finishes strongly at Somerhill
with personal bests for Tom Woolley (35.34) in 11th place, Mike King (36.03) in 14th and Chris Potter (38.55) who was fifth in the M50 category. Rob Hill ducked under four hours for the first time when he took on the Yorkshire Marathon in York, running a time of 3:55.57.
Hampstead make Wells men pay for poor away form West Hampstead 5 Tunbridge Wells Men 1 By David House HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Men’s away form continued to lag behind their home record as they slipped to a disappointing defeat in London. The game was scrappy and frustrating in the rain, with both sides plagued by errors. Wells’ solitary goal came from a broken-down short corner, with James Lester scrambling the ball in at the left upright past a sprawling keeper. Despite several other chances during the course of the game, Wells managed only to send the ball wide, high or even into their own players. Wells now drop to ninth place in a closely fought South Premier League Division One, though with only one point separating them from fifth spot. They take on one of the sides near them, Wycombe, at Tonbridge School on Saturday (November 2, 1.30pm start).
Shaw has scoring touch after rising through the ranks Tunbridge Wells Ladies 2 Ashford 1 By Lily Loveland HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Ladies rose to third place in East Region Division Two South East after their excellent result at Hawkenbury. Amelia Honarvar gave the home side the best possible start, scoring a fine goal in the opening minutes. Issy Shaw, who looked accomplished making the step up into the 1st XI, had a goal disallowed before the break. Both sides put up a good fight in the second half. A fast ball from the defence and excellent passing up the pitch led to Shaw finally scoring. Ashford managed to break through into the circle, and a cross over in front of the line led to a penalty flick and a goal for Ashford. Wells face a stern test as they travel to secondplaced King’s & Alleyn’s, one place and three points above them, in Brockley on Saturday (November 2, 3pm start).
Angels show fighting spirit in defeat to league leaders Wealdstone 3 Tonbridge Angels 1
but headed straight at the keeper. Angels continued to press but in stoppage time Wealdstone took advantage of a gap in the Tonbridge defence and Dejon Noel-Williams made sure of the victory. “I was very proud of my players today,” said McKimm. “This was a good performance against a strong Wealdstone side. “It was a defeat but we restricted the top-ofthe-league side to only a few chances especially in the second half. “Our fans were brilliant and meant a lot to me and the players, especially the words of encouragement afterwards.” Tonbridge, who are second from bottom and equal on points with Hungerford, now take on Oxford City - who are two points and places ahead of them - at Longmead on Saturday (November 2, kick-off 3pm).
FOOTBALL: MANAGER Steve McKimm took a lot of positives from Tonbridge Angels’ trip to National League South leaders Wealdstone, with the result in doubt until the very end. The visitors managed to force four corners in the opening exchanges but the Wealdstone defence was able to deal with the threats. Soon the hosts were in their stride and after 16 minutes a cross from the left proved was diverted into his own net by Christ Tiehi. On 21 minutes Sonny Miles made a timely interception to prevent a further goal but Wealdstone were running the show with Dennon Lewis particularly influential. As the half ran down Tonbridge started to assert themselves with a succession of corners culminating in a Jack Rudoni effort being blocked on the line and a Joe Turner header going just wide. The Angels started the second half confidently too, but Wealdstone were awarded a penalty in the 50th minute and the rebound was converted by Billy Clifford. It seemed like game over for the visitors but as the hour-mark approached they were awarded a spot-kick of their own when Tom Derry was brought down. D’Sean Theobalds converted despite Aston Oxborough getting a hand to the ball and the Angels knew they were back in the game. Into the last 10 minutes Tonbridge saw a big chance go begging as a Jared Small cross found the unmarked Derry who met the ball perfectly
BALANCE OF POWER Joe Turner fires in a shot
Bagge takes plunge in Shropshire and ends up third fastest on the day By Adam Dennis TRIATHLON: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Triathlon Club’s David Bagge added swimming to his talents with the run and bike elements in Shropshire. Bagge is used to representing Team GB in short distance duathlon but decided to take the plunge competing in the M50-54 age group at the middle distance triathlon (2km swim, 78km bike, 20km run). He completed the swim section in the Mere in 47 minutes and after struggling with his wetsuit he started the bike leg around 20 minutes down on the leaders. The course was on fast, rolling roads and Bagge completed it in 2hr 8min, the third fastest time of the day.
Nervous
HOME AND DRY David Bagge finishes in Ellesmere
He struggled with an Achilles strain on the run and crossed the finish line in 4:30.02, second in his age group and ninth overall. Clubmate Nicola Griffiths (F-Senior) competed in her first open water event at the Saundersfoot sprint triathlon (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) in south-west Wales. She was nervous as she lined up on the beach with 750 other racers, but had a strong swim and exited the water in 16.35. The bike course was undulating but Griffiths started to make up places, excelling on the climbs to record a split of 48.22. The run along the sea front was very flat and saw strong support from the cheering crowds as she finished in 1:00.35, 33rd female and 19th in category.
Life&Times
COOL HEAD Callum Gallie makes it 3-2
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Rustics punished by bottom side Rusthall 3 Bridon Ropes 4 By Rich Smith
PHOTO: David Couldridge
By Jim Rowe
Sport
PHOTO: Brendan Kemp
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Wednesday October 30 | 2019
FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL deservedly suffered their first home league defeat of the season at the hands of Bridon Ropes, who are bottom of Southern Counties East League Division One. In the 19th minute some poor defending allowed Liam Donaldson space and time to fire the visitors into the lead. Worse was to follow five minutes later when a long-range shot was spilled by Rusthall keeper Callum Hampson and Jack Kirby was on hand to roll the ball into the net. The shell-shocked Rustics were clearly rattled but they gained a lifeline on 25 minutes when leading scorer Luke Adams fired home from close range. Rusthall worked hard to get back on level terms and a minute before the interval Reuel PowellDowney scored a superb goal to make it 2-2
against the run of play. In the second half the hosts looked more like the side that has started the season so well. After three minutes fine build-up play down the right led to cross to the far post and Callum Gallie put the Rustics ahead for the first time with a good header.
Advantage But they kept giving the ball away. Bridon Ropes took advantage of the errors and made it 3-3 on 65 minutes through Patrick Giavagnoli. This gave the visitors another lift as they sensed a rare victory and it was no surprise when they took the lead again on 80 minutes, Giavagnoli pouncing on another error to finish well. Rusthall have been boosted by the return of former player James Miles after a spell at Faversham Town. They slip down to fifth in the table ahead of the visit of Snodland Town to Jockey Farm on Saturday (November 2, kick-off 3pm).