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Wednesday December 2 | 2020

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MPs fight ‘injustice’ of towns in toughest tier

Town Hall and theatre could be latest Covid victims

By Richard Williams

UNDER THREAT The Council may be forced to sell the Town Hall

LOCAL MP Greg Clark yesterday [Tuesdsay] urged the Prime Minister to move towns like Tunbridge Wells down from the top Tier Three Covid restrictions if they meet the required criteria. During yesterday’s House of Commons debate on the Tier system, Mr Clark told Boris Johnson that there were ‘vast differences in the rate of Covid’ within Kent. He then added: “Will the PM commit that at the first possible review on December 16, if a particular borough [such as Tunbridge Wells] meets the five criteria that he’s set, he will move it down to a lower tier for that particular borough?” But Mr Johnson would not give any firm commitment, saying: “We will look in granular detail at local incidents, look at the human geography of the pandemic and take account of exactly what is happening every two weeks, as I say.”

Forefront Labour leader Keir Starmer said that his party ‘would not block’ the new measures, a move that paved the way for the rules to be passed by Parliament last night despite scores of Tory MPs threatening to rebel. Mr Clark, along with Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat have been at the forefront of the fight to ease the tough Tier 3 restrictions that come into force today across the whole of Kent. They were among a group of backbenchers that on Sunday had a virtual showdown with Health Minister Matt

‘These restrictions, as well as dealing a big blow to the local businesses in our communities, risk undermining public support’ Greg Clark and Tom Tugendhat

Hancock. During the ‘face to face’ they forcefully put the case for restrictions to be based on local areas not countywide. The Minister was urged to ‘follow the evidence’ when deciding tiers of restrictions. “Kent MPs want to see Covid restrictions at a borough or district level,” said Mr Tugendhat. Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge have

some of the lowest infections rates in Kent. Even so, while non-essential shops are allowed to reopen today after the national lockdown ends, pubs and restaurants have to remain closed, except for providing takeaways. Theatres and cinemas will also have to stay shut as will the ice rink in Calverley Grounds.

There was further bad news for theatre goers this week when it emerged that the Assembly Hall Theatre might have to be sold off along with the Town Hall as the Council battles to balance its books. Covid has led to significant falls in revenue particularly through parking charges as fewer people visit the town centre. (Full story Page 3). The new Tier 3 measures will be in place until at least December 16 when the Government will conduct a fortnightly review.

Continued on page 4

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Wednesday December 2 | 2020

this week… Businesses call for special support measures to stave off Tier 3 ‘cliff edge’ By Richard Williams

ROOT OF ALL EVIL: Primary school’s two hundred trees are uprooted by vandals p6 SEASONAL SPLENDOUR: Local luxury jeweller lights up the town with its festive decorations p10

BUSINESSES in Tunbridge Wells have backed calls for the Chancellor to provide specific help for firms impacted by the Tier 3 announcement. According to the town’s BID [Business Improvement District] company, more than 400 local firms will be directly affected by Tier 3 restrictions. Royal Tunbridge Wells Together has joined forces with other BIDs across England and released Bounce Back Better manifesto. In it they ask the government to provide a one-off ‘Bounce Back’ grant of up to £15,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in Tier 2 and Tier 3 across England. They also request the Chancellor pauses

MPs fighting ‘injustice’ of unfair Tier system Continued from front page

GAME ON: Tunbridge Wells doctor launches a clever board game to aid medical students p13

TIME TO SPARKLE: James Viner’s raises a glass to the best sparkling wines for Christmas p41 CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626

As the Times went to press last night MPs were voting on the new system of tiers. It was expected that the measures would be voted through after the Labour Party indicatedthey would abstain, although scores of Tory MPs have threatened to rebel (see page 16). In a joint letter with five other MPs, Mr Tugendhat and Mr Clark told Matt Hancock last week that Kent was a ‘vast and varied’ county’. They said: “We must allow our businesses to prosper and not be held back by restrictions not suitable for their area. “We trust the government will introduce restrictions on a Borough and District area to ensure that the right approach is used across each community. “With some districts beginning to show some of the highest infection rates in the country we strongly believe any local lockdown should be conducted on a district or borough level.” Downing Street said: “Some of the highest case rates in the country are currently seen in Kent. Rising case rates in people aged over 60 are a particular concern.” But in a further open letter the MPs responded by saying: “We are extremely disappointed at the decision to place the whole of Kent into the highest tier of restrictions that you announced. “These restrictions, as well as dealing a big blow to the local businesses in our communities, risk undermining public support for measures if they are seen not to be justified by the incidence of Covid. We think that a much better approach would be a more local one – such as at a Borough of District level.”

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PROTEST: Greg Clark [Top] and Tom Tugendhat

employer’s National Insurance contributions for furloughed workers, extend the business rates holiday until 2022, and also extend the VAT reduction scheme. Ross Feeney, Chief Executive of Tunbridge Wells Together Business Improvement District said: “The government has provided assurances it will do whatever it takes to support British businesses and help them to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

Closures “Businesses are approaching a cliff edge and need the government to provide sector specific support to stave off mass closures and job losses. “Placing Tunbridge Wells in Tier 3 is going to

be devastating for our hospitality businesses, and we urge the government to act. “Now, more than ever, we need the Chancellor to stand by his promise to do whatever it takes.” Businesses in the town have also backed these calls. Fleur Sainsbury, from the Geography Wine Bar said: “The inability to open in the month of December, of all months, is crippling to any hospitality business. “In what should be our busiest and most profitable month of the year it is devastating to have to remain closed. “Our survival depends on being able to trade. In this part of Kent, with such low rates of infections, it feels particularly unjust.”

Top tier is the ‘road to ruin’ TRADERS in Tunbridge Wells have said the new Tier 3 measures expected to be intrdouced today will penalise them during the year’s most critical trading period:

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Alex Greig, Fuggles Beer Café:

“I am really angry with the current Tier 3 announcement for Tunbridge Wells. “Our infection rate is the lowest in Kent. We need localised tiering to support local businesses. This is the most critical trading period for us, more so after a terrible year, and we are being penalised further.”

“Without proper financial support for the hospitality industry, Tier 2 and 3 are a road to ruin. “The current grants cover around a third of our ‘closed up’ running costs - which is similar across all businesses. “We also lose the busiest and most profitable month of the year which many rely on to see them through a bleak January and February. December accounts for 20 to 30 per cent of the industry’s bottom line. “Tier 3 is obviously terrible as we are closed – Tier 2 is not much better quite simply because with single households only and other restrictions visitor numbers will be vastly reduced to the point where many will not be able to cover their costs.”

Ron Zanre, the Barn Pub & Restaurant: “The government appears to be out of touch with the costs associated with running a business. “Our costs far outweigh the £3k grant offered under the current scheme and more is needed to support businesses like The Barn. “While we and our staff appreciate the furlough scheme, the grant funding does not even costs such as Employers National Insurance, pension contributions let alone rent, insurance, utilities, supplier costs and repayment of new bank loans which we have been forced (and encouraged by the Government) to secure in order to survive. “The government needs to do far more to support businesses in hospitality with grants that go some way to ease the pressure we are under. Without it, far more businesses will go to the wall and with them, the employees the Government is working so hard to protect.”

TIER 3 WHAT IT MEANS From tomorrow, residents in Tier 3 areas are prohibited from meeting socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody they do not live with, or who is not in your ‘support bubble’. You can socialise in groups up to six in a few public spaces, including parks, beaches, or countryside accessible to the public. Hospitality settings, such as bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants are to be closed – they are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services. All hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must also close, except those providing accommodation to essential service workers. All theatres, cinemas, skating rinks and other entertainment and tourist venues must also close.

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Borough is in the bottom 15 per cent DESPITE being put into Tier 3 with the rest of Kent, Tunbridge Wells is in the bottom 50 of local authority areas for the amount of Covid cases reported last week. In figures released on Friday for the seven days ending November 23 – just two days before the government made its Tier announcement – just 103 reported cases of positive coronavirus tests were reported in Tunbridge Wells.

Highest While Swale and Thanet topped the list that week for the highest number of positive Covid tests, with the rates per 100,000 at 560 and 468 respectively, the rate in Tunbridge Wells was just 86.8 – the 48th lowest of all the 315 local authority areas in England. The figures show the borough had a lower rate of infection than many areas put into Tier 2, and it was close to the previous weeks’ figures for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (85 per 100,000) – which has been put into Tier 1.

Tier 3 threatens theatre’s panto UNLESS the government relaxes the Tier rules for Tunbridge Wells, the town’s pantomime is unlikely to go ahead. The Assembly Hall Theatre, which only recently reopened, was forced to close when the second national lockdown was announced. It had hoped to put on a replacement pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk in December, after its original performance was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. However, the Tier 3 news means the curtain will stay down at the Tunbridge Wells Theatre until at least December 16. Performances of Jack and the Beanstalk were due to begin on Saturday, December 19. In a statement, the Assembly Hall Theatre said: “Whilst we are in Tier 3, SKATE TW and the Assembly Hall Theatre will remain closed and all skate sessions and performances will be cancelled up to and including 16 December 2020. “However, we still hold out hope that at the first review date, our tier will reduce and we will be able to open our festive season at both Skate TW and the theatre.”

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Town Hall and theatre could be sold to balance Council’s books By Richard Williams THE Covid pandemic could leave Tunbridge Wells without a major theatre and no Town Hall as the Council battles with a £3million-a-year revenue shortfall. From Monday [December 7], Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] is to ask residents in a month-long survey what their priorities are as it attempts balance the authority’s books. While central government has given Tunbridge Wells around £1.5million to help the Council deal with the cost of the Covid pandemic, this is only a fraction of the amount of revenue that the authority has lost this year.

Maintain The government funding is also £1.5million lower than the amount given to other Kent districts, such as Swale and Thanet. At the height of the pandemic, TWBC was losing up to a £1million a month in revenue, and its takings from car parks, Council Tax and other income streams is still around £500,000 a month below pre-Covid levels. The Council currently spends around £66million a year on providing services in the borough from various income streams such as government grants and Section 106 payments, but its Net Budget – the money the Council has to find itself – has shrunk by a quarter from £12million a year to just £9million. While TWBC is expected to increase Council Tax by the maximum £5 a year, the Council is to take around £5million from its reserves in 2021, which currently stand at £21million. Around £2.2million is to be spent on shoring up its budget for services, and a further £2.7million will be spent on its capital works programme – money used to maintain its assets, such as the theatre and the Town Hall. But the Council says it is ‘unsustainable’ to keep plundering its reserves, so as it prepares its

2022 budget, it is now asking residents what it should prioritise. Unless its income recovers quickly, the Council could be forced to make some difficult decisions by April 2022, including selling off a number of its assets, most notably the Town Hall and even Assembly Hall Theatre, both of which cost around £1million a year to maintain. The Town Hall, which is currently due to have its windows replaced at a cost to taxpayers of £500,000, was four times too large for the Council’s needs prior to the pandemic. With council officers now working from home more often, the Town Hall is likely to be seen as surplus to requirements, with the authority able to rent office space to suit its needs from a number of locations around the borough, including the new proposed business park in Kingstanding.

office could also be cut to make savings. The results from the survey will be presented to Cabinet in January, and then a decision on what services should be cut and what assets should be sold will be presented to Full Council. The Council says selling off assets such as the Town Hall and Assembly Hall would be a ‘political decision’ but it is currently spending ‘vast sums’ on maintaining these buildings, which they ‘cannot do forever’. Cllr Tom Dawlings, the Cabinet’s head of finance, told the Times that they are still hoping for additional Government funding, but added: “A significant expense for TWBC is in looking after property assets so, if we moved from the expensive buildings that we have at the moment, then funds presently earmarked for property maintenance and capital investment could be saved.

‘If we cannot save money and balance the books, we will have to cut services’

Opinions

This could free up the Town Hall, along with the Assembly Hall Theatre, and if Police Commissioner Matthew Scott agrees, the police station, to be sold as a job lot to developers, saving the Council the cost of maintenance and subsidies, as well as bringing in much needed cash. Other savings could be made in scrapping the Council’s Climate Emergency pledge to make the authority carbon neutral by 2030. Some of the town’s lesser used car parks could also be sold to developers to raise money, such as the Great Hall car park, which had been earmarked for the Calverley Square theatre, the nearby AXA car park, which is owned by the Council, and even the Meadowhall car park that has only just reopened. Even the mayor is not safe, as the mayoralty

“The Council is fundamentally a provider of services to residents but, if we cannot save money and balance the books, we will have to cut services.” He continued: “For the current and the next financial year, the Council’s strategy is to draw down on reserves to meet the revenue expenditure shortfall. “After that, unless there are changes to the way the Government determines how Local Authorities should be funded, the Council will need to achieve savings of around £3million a year. “Part of the budget consultation process that begins on December 7 is intended to seek residents’ opinions on the Council’s spending priorities. “Administratively, the Council will of course seek to continue to manage the services it provides and the properties it owns as cost effectively as possible.”

It’s not all doom and gloom thanks to jeweller

Groombridge cut in two by the tiers THE landlords of two pubs in a village that sits on the county border between Kent and East Sussex say it ‘makes no sense’ that only one of them can open under coronavirus measures coming into force tomorrow. Groombridge has two pubs, but the Crown Inn falls under Kent, which is Tier 3, while the Junction is in East Sussex so is Tier 2. Steve Harmes, at the Crown, said: “We were not in such a bad position before, but now, being put in this position, it’s really hard for us to move forward.”

Fortunate He said even if the tiers were reviewed in December, the pub would not be able to prepare and take advantage of the busy Christmas period. Tiffany Pearson-Gills took over the Junction in September and spent several weeks renovating it but had to put off an opening on November 5. She said the pub had so far been fortunate, before adding: “It’s great for us, but it doesn’t make sense that the Crown up the road cannot [open]. It’s just so close, it’s a really, really difficult one. “It’s quite perplexing for everyone, for such a small village. it just doesn’t make any sense.”

Santa and his elves came to Tunbridge Wells last week as jeweller G Collins & Sons lit up the town again despite being closed. Full story page 10.

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Local News

Binman killed outside top school

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Hundreds of trees planted by children ripped up by vandals By Richard Williams

DUSTCART One of Urbaser’s bin lorries A CONTRACTOR for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council died last week after being run over by his own bin lorry outside the former school of Princess Anne. The unnamed refuse collector, who worked for waste management company Urbaser, died near to the front gates of Benenden School in Cranbrook. It is understood he was hit by the lorry as he was attempting to empty the bins at the all-girls school at around 8.20am last Wednesday [November 25] morning.

Investigation The incident is thought not to have been seen by any of Benenden’s pupils, but teachers from the prestigious school rushed out to help. A Benenden School spokesman said: “Several members of school staff were immediately on the scene and did everything they could to help the man before the emergency services arrived. “The thoughts of all of us here at Benenden are with the family of this man after this terrible incident.” Police say the man died at the scene which was near to Mounts Hill, Benenden, and an investigation into the circumstances of the death has been launched by the Health and Safety Executive.

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

YOUNG trees planted by children from Long Mead Primary School in Tonbridge earlier this year have been uprooted. Last week, volunteers and local councillors discovered that the saplings at Longmead Sports Ground had been pulled up by vandals.

MESS Bamboo canes lay strewn where the trees had been planted

Notices Cllr Vivian Branson who represents the area, said she was alerted by her neighbour to the vandalism on Wednesday [November 25]. “They have pulled out the trees, the bamboo canes, and the notices that were put up.

“What a sad state of affairs if people think this is somehow a fun thing to do.” The trees were planted by Year 5 students – those aged between nine and ten – at the school, Governor Georgina Thomas told the Times: “I’ve not told them yet, they will be heartbroken. “The children planted around 200 trees about a year ago and they were doing really well, and then this happens. “I’m just trying to discover how many have been left by the vandals and how many we will have to replant in March.” She continued that she had not yet reported the matter to the police, but was planning to. She added: “We have no idea who has done this or who would want to do this.”

Town named as among the happiest places to live in UK TONBRIDGE has been named as among the 20 happiest places to live in the UK, and the happiest place to live in the South East, according to a new survey. But Tunbridge Wells does not feature in the Happy at Home Index from online estate agent, Rightmove. The survey, which is based on a range of factors, such as how friendly the neighbours are, how good the local services are, to the sense of belonging and the quality of nature and green spaces in the area, shows that Tonbridge is the 15th happiest place to live in Great Britain.

Other than Guildford, which makes the list at number 20, Tonbridge is the only South East town to make the list.

HAPPY HIGH STREET Tonbridge residents are the happiest in the South East

Hotspot The coastal town of St Ives, a world-renowned surfing hotspot, has been crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain. Residents there cite the local area’s nature and green spaces and the ‘friendliest neighbours in Great Britain’ for the reason they are so happy. The average asking price of a home in the picturesque seaside town is £413,414, which is 5 per cent up on this time in 2019, and 19 per

cent higher than five years ago. Rightmove’s 2020 study, which is now in its ninth year, asked over 21,000 respondents and found that

coastal areas in general are where people feel happiest where they live, with five of the top 20 happiest places on the coast.

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Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Local News

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Complaints committee itself comes in for some criticism

SATISFACTION Mick Jagger has backed hospice chairty ellenor

By Robert Forrester More details have emerged about ‘petty’ complaints that are costing Tunbridge Wells Borough Council thousands of pounds and valuable staff time to investigate. As revealed in the Times last week the Council has spent more than £23,000 dealing with minor complaints about councillors in recent months. The Council, which is facing a £3million black hole in its finances due to Covid, has received more than 13 complaints against its elected members over the last year.

Jagger rocks charity with support for Xmas appeal By Lottie Bulmer A CHARITY that raises money for hospice support in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, has received backing from Rolling Stone, Mick Jagger. ellenor Hospice, which offers end of life care for those suffering with terminal illnesses including children, received a message from the Stones’ lead singer. The rocker wrote: “We all know what it’s like to need some special care when we are unwell. “ellenor hospice is one of those who are there when you really, need someone. Please help them to help others. With all good wishes.”

A spokesperson for the charity, which has now shared the message on all their social media channels, said: “It was a real shock, we were very humbled and we’ve sent a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved.” The connection to the Rolling Stone frontman came after one the charity’s ex–patrons contacted Mick Jagger’s agent and asked if he was able to support the hospice. Mick Jagger was born in Dartford and in a recent interview cited Kent as an inspiration for his music: “I think growing up in Kent was good for us. We were away from London but close enough to get a lot of the musical influences.” To donate visit https://ellenor.org/donate

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“We have no part in that process and indeed do not know who is being considered.” Most of these complaints have been rejected by the Council’s legal officers, following lengthy investigations. The complaints system is overseen by the Council’s Audit and Governance committee, which is currently chaired by Cllr Paul BarringtonKing and his deputy, David Reilly [both Conservative].

Criticised Since Cllr Barrington-King took over the role, the number of complaints has increased more than three-fold. Some members are privately criticising the complaints committee itself which they claim has allowed the ‘situation to get out of hand’. They say one Committee member has been the subject of complaints himself but is also permitted to oversee complaints against other

councillors. Many complaints put before the committee involve ‘petty’ ‘tit for tat’ arguments and result in no formal action by the Council. They include: n A senior member of the committee lodged a complaint about another councillor who joked whether he’d written his own speech. The Council had to investigate the complaint, at taxpayer expense, but no further action was taken. n A councillor was accused of making an ‘untrue statement’ at a council meeting – no breach was found. n Around five complaints centred on councillors use of social media, including inappropriate behaviour, bullying and disclosing information on social media, breach of general obligations, bringing office into disrepute, and disclosing council information. None resulted in any formal actions. n A councillor was accused of sending inappropriate content by email. Again, no action was taken. n A councillor was also the target of a complaint for writing a letter to the Times of Tunbridge Wells – it too was thrown out by legal officers as not being against the rules. Committee chairman, Cllr Paul BarringtonKing, says he ‘absolutely refutes’ any allegation the complaints system was being abused. He said: “Our Committee receives the outcomes of complaints that have been considered by the legal team. “We have no part in that process and indeed do not know who is being considered.” He continued: “My vice chair, David Reilly, and myself have spoken at length at full council about the need to abide by the Code of Conduct. “If elected members abide by that code, then these serial complaints would not surface.”

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Apartment block ‘monstrosity’ raises concerns from residents By Richard Williams

SKYSCRAPER How the new development may look

A SIXTEEN storey residential apartment block planned for a car park in Tonbridge has received nearly 200 objections from concerned residents. Developers London Square have submitted plans to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council [TMBC] for a tower block on the site of the former River Centre car park in the Medway Wharf area of Tonbridge. The plans outline an 8-16 storey building accommodating up to 183 apartments, 49 parking spaces and it could be as high as 73 metres.

Development This would mean, if approved, the development, which was submitted to TMBC on November 6, will be the tallest building in Tonbridge, higher even than the nearby 54-metre Hadlow Tower. The plan being drawn up by architectural firm PRP is actually a revision of a previous 252 apartment proposal that was rejected by planners in June 2018. But the site has been the subject of successful planning applications in the past, including a 11-storey residential development approved in 2011. The developers says the design team have worked alongside the Council, local community and stakeholders to ensure to ensure the building will be to the ‘highest possible quality, responding directly to the local policies, context and best practice design ideals’. They also say the tower block would ‘celebrate this unique site in Tonbridge’. In a statement to planners they argue: “The site

comprises a redundant car park and adjoins low-density commercial and industrial uses which could be transformed in the future. “The proposal will facilitate this through a landmark building and by improving the pedestrian and cycle connections between the Gas Works stream and the River Medway.’ But residents have called it a ‘monstrosity’ and the project has received nearly 200 formal objections since it was submitted. In one objection, one resident said: “This eyesore would ruin Tonbridge. An area that is already overpopulated would be made even busier with regards to parking and general population. Additionally, this monstrosity would bring a severe lack of natural light.” Others have argued that the 16-storey tower block would ‘be totally out of place in Tonbridge’ and that the proposal was ‘outrageous’.

Local Medway ward councillor, Matt Boughton, said the application would ‘fundamentally change the skyline of Tonbridge’. He added: “It is a one that I know will interest many especially those, like me, who live along Medway Wharf Road. An application on this site was rejected back in 2018. “It is essential that anyone with any views at all has their say to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, so they can be taken into account before a decision is made.” The tower block is the latest in a number of large-scale planning applications submitted to TMBC in recent months. A plan for 36 apartments on Council-owned land at River Walk on the former site of the Citizens Advice Bureau office was rejected in March, but a 70-bedroom hotel on the High Street was approved by councillors in September.

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

NEWS IN BRIEF

Live fish bait thrown at woman in Tonbridge A WOMAN had a bag of maggots thrown at her, police have said. West Kent police say a bag of live fish bait was thrown from a van on Cannon Lane at around 4:40pm on November 23. The woman in her 20s was standing on a traffic island next to the Cannon Lane Retail Park when the item hit her. Police say it was thrown from the dark blue or green van which was travelling towards Hadlow Road and contained live maggots. Officers are asking motorists to come forward who may have dashcam footage filmed in Cannon Lane between 4:35 and 4:45 on the date. Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting 46/209536/20.

Woman dies in A21 Mini Cooper crash POLICE are appealing for information after a woman in her 40s died near Tonbridge. At around 6.50pm on Thursday November 26, a white Mini Cooper was travelling along the A21, from North Farm towards Tonbridge, when it left the carriageway and collided with a fence. Emergency services attended and the driver, a woman in her 40s from East Sussex, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is investigating the circumstances and officers are appealing for any witnesses to get in contact.

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Jeweller puts the sparkle into Christmas IN THE SPIRIT G Collins & Sons on the High Street

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Council’s Covid car wash crackdown By Robert Forrester TRADING Standards issued more than 13 prohibition notices – ordering businesses to close immediately – to car washes in the county during a clampdown on firms breaking lockdown rules. From November 5, many non-essential businesses have been told to stay shut during lockdown, which ends today [Wednesday December 2].

Independently

A JEWELLERS in Tunbridge Wells has been inundated with thanks after deciding to dress their shop front for Christmas, despite the business being closed. Like most shops, G Collins and Sons in the High Street has been closed to customers since the second lockdown was announced in November. But the store, which reopens on Thursday, decided to still put its Christmas decorations up and ensure there was something in their displays, despite not trading. Director, Josh Collins, told the Times: “We love Christmas. It’s such a buzz and of course it’s a very important time for all retailers, so it’s

important to do as much as we can to get that sense of magic in the high street. It has definitely become tradition for us. “Every year we have people write to us, visit us, and call us all to say how much they love our decorations.

Festivities “We are always so pleased with how much joy it brings to people and this year we have just been blown away by the feedback. So many people have written in to say thank you and how during such a difficult year it has brought a smile to their face. We are extremely proud to have such a great

part to play in this town’s festivities.” He continued: “Like everyone else, this year has been extremely challenging for us. Between the two lockdowns we lost 16 weeks of trade that we can’t possibly make up for. This second lockdown has been especially hard as this period of the year is very important for us retailers. “When we re-open we will have 22 days of trade up to Christmas, so we’ll be open every Sunday and will stay late for those customers who cannot get to us in the daytime. We have a great local and very loyal client base, most of whom have been coming to us for years and we have to try to do all we can to make their experience this year better than ever before.”

But the rules around car washes are complicated, with those connected to petrol stations allowed to stay open, but those operating independently should be closed. However, Kent County Council Trading Standards departments, visited 48 premises in a countywide operation last month during lockdown, and forced a number of car washes to close. Operations Manager Clive Phillips said the visits were the result of information received by the public, rather than the random targeting of businesses. He added that 13 car washes were ordered to cease trading after they were found to be operating illegally during lockdown. He said: “We were pleased to find that the majority of businesses visited were complying with the law. “Unfortunately, we had to issue formal prohibition notices on 13 premises, requiring them to cease operating immediately. “While we sympathise with businesses at these difficult times, we all must play our part and that includes complying with the law.” Any businesses unsure of the regulations can contact the Trading Standards business advice team directly by email on: TSbusinessadvice@ kent.gov.uk

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What the Spending Review could mean for your money

Last week, the chancellor outlined his Spending Review aimed at dealing with the economic impact of Covid-19. To find out what Rishi Sunak’s statement means for people with investments, Richard Williams asked two local financial experts CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak outlined his Spending Review last week

RISHI SUNAK’S Spending Review painted a bleak picture with the Government having already spent £300million on the Covid pandemic while the economy has taken its biggest nosedive for 300 years. But according to Jason Varney, partner at law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore, there was some good news in last Wednesday’s [November 25] statement. He said: “The Chancellor went on to detail this bleak outlook by explaining that the total spending so far on Covid-19 has amounted to £280billion, with expected borrowing this year to be in the region of £394billion. Jason Varney

“However, despite the gloomy tone of the statement, Mr Sunak did provide some limited good news – namely the announcement of a new UK infrastructure bank which will finance infrastructure projects from next spring and a UK ‘levelling up’ fund worth £4 billion, which local councils will be able to access to fund local projects.” He added, however, that the big question remains on whether the chancellor will change the rate of tax people pay on capital gains. He said: “As expected given the nature of the Spending Review statement, the Chancellor did not comment on the Office of Tax Simplification’s [OTS] recent review of UK capital gains tax and therefore the market will most likely have to wait until the March budget to see whether the Chancellor does in fact take on board the OTS’s recommendations, including aligning capital gains tax rates with income tax rates. “Given these recommendations, many company shareholders and investors should consider whether now would be a good time to consider their tax position – especially if they are considering an exit in the near future.” Lee Clark, financial planner and head of office at

Brewin Dolphin in Tunbridge Wells, says a delay in the decision on capital gains tax [CGT] offers temporary ‘certainty’ for people’s pension contributions. He said: “So now we have to wait for the Spring Budget 2021 to see who will pay and how we will pay for the unprecedented levels of government borrowing that have been necessary to support jobs, business, and public services.” “Clients currently have certainty for pension contributions or managing capital gains until the Budget 2021. After that we may see a change to Capital Gains Tax rates and allowances and the long-heralded introduction of a flat rate pensions tax relief.”

Pensions But he added: “If you increase CGT, investors will potentially just sit tight, ironically denying the Government of not simply the extra revenue it hopes to gain from the higher tax rate, but also the revenue it currently collects. “For those sitting on large potential capital gains, they may choose to realise them now while they know what the tax rates are. CGT is a complex area it’s worth taking advice.” He said that a bolder move being considered by the chancellor may be the amount of tax people pay in their pensions. “Introducing a 25 per cent flat rate pension tax relief basis for all workers would incentivise lower-paid workers to save more in pensions, while cutting the overall cost of tax relief for the government. “This may be too controversial a move but if considered would mean anyone other than basic rate tax payers would need to consider their financial plan and pension previsions carefully to ensure that they remain on track, and potentially have to save more, or save for longer. “Currently a higher rate taxpayer paying £2,400 gross each year into a private pension, would receive tax relief of £480 at source and a further £480 via their tax Lee Clark return,” he said.

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Schoolboys aid the Covid fight with social enterprise project By Lottie Bulmer

YOUNG BUSINESSMEN Team leader Abraham Chan with teammate Ryan Ng

A TEAM of local schoolboys have been awarded a place on a University of Cambridge programme for their reusable facemask design. The team from Tonbridge School originally pitched their design in ‘Boar’s Den’ – the school’s annual entrepreneurial contest and then successfully presented their plan to Cambridge’s Camstart Accelerator Programme. The Camstart scheme provides expert support, mentoring and training for school students who can demonstrate the real-world potential of their social impact projects. Team leader – Abraham Chan, explained the design process.

Enterprise He said: “In true Tonbridge spirit, we pooled our resources and applied our creativity as we did our bit to help tackle the global pandemic. “For our business start-up, we are designing and producing comfortable, environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing reusable masks. “Being part of the Camstart Accelerator Programme is really exciting, as this opens a door to new opportunities and invaluable support from project consultants, mentors and experts. “We will be acquiring some key social enterprise skills and will have access to a network of like-minded individuals across the globe.” The mask design includes water-resistant fabric; high breathability; a rubber stopper to

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Tunbridge Wells welcomes refugees A CHARITY helping refugees in Kent is coordinating a virtual magic show. Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees along with its sister branches in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells is running an online fundraiser to raise money for Magic for Smiles. The show will be held in English and Arabic and free for refugee families in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. It will raise money for Magic for Smiles – a charity which uses magic shows and workshops to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable and traumatised children – including refugees – in the Middle East. The charity is run and founded by Jamie Balfour-Paul, a humanitarian and performing magician. Co-Chair of Sevenoaks Welcomes refugees, Jude Thompson said: “Jamie who runs it is a thoroughly good egg, and it will be a really good show.” “We would like to see 200 tickets sold and It is not just for refugees – it is to support children affected by the events in the middle east.”

Magic

provide a snug fit for faces of different shapes and sizes; and anti-fog and anti-rust nose bridge wire, ergonomically designed. It even has a pocket to add an extra filter layer for additional protection. The School’s Lower Master, Josie McNeil - who organises the Boars’ Den contest, said: “The boys are learning that being an entrepreneur means a lot of hard work, but they are meeting

the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.” With the £200 prize money from Boar’s Dean, the team will be promoting the products to sell to teachers and students across the school. The masks will cost £5 each with all proceeds will be going to the School’s partner charity, Child Action Lanka, and to a second charity, yet to be decided on by the boys, that supports the elderly.

Shows have positive emotional, cognitive and social benefits and have been hailed by Rt Hon Jacqui Smith, former UK Home Secretary and Member of Parliament. She said: “What a brilliant idea – Jamie uses magic to both entertain and support children who’ve lived through the most difficult times. I thoroughly enjoyed his show when I saw it recently.” The fundraiser will be held on December 18 from 6:30 – 7:30 and tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children. To buy tickets and for more information search for ‘Magic for Smiles – Online Family Magic Show’ on Eventbrite.co.uk

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December 2 Wednesday November 4 | 2020

Virtual relay for funeral homes Tunbridge Wells doctor’s

A GROUP of funeral care homes across Kent have banded together to raise money and awareness for mental health charity, Mind. Branches of Co-op funeral homes - including Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge - have organised By Millie Sanderson a virtual relay where each home completes a sporting challenge before passing the virtual A DOCTOR from Tunbridge Wells Hospital has baton over atoboard the next home. developed game to help trainee medics to sharpen their diagnostic thinking. Dr Chris Baker developed the game ‘Essential Active Diagnosis’ in his final year at Cardiff University’s School of second Medicine. It is the year that Co-op have been The gamewith aims to help and partnered Mind andjunior staff atdoctors the Gravesend Advanced Nurse with dealing Centre were keenPractitioners to not let Covid stop them with from three key symptoms: breathlessness, chest pain fundraising. and loss of consciousness. Staff members’ challenges have included dog He explained the process the game: “I walks, Zumba, and cycling behind on an exercise bike. came up with the idea Funeral for Essential Diagnosis Georgina Grantham, Service Manager after attending an informative communication of Gravesend Care Centre, praised the staff’s skills workshop at Cardiff University.

innovative way of fundraising for the charity. She said: “Since partnering with Mind last year, Co-op staff have loved raising money for the charity in exciting ways. “This time round, Covid restrictions meant that our staff had to think outside the box for ways of fundraising. “The virtual relay was a fantastic idea, and it was a great way to connect the funeral homes across to region to spread the message of Mind and looking after our mental health. “Being physically active is just one of the ways you can look after your mental well-being, so to support our charity partnership we decided to get moving to raise money and awareness for the charity.” To learn more about Co-op’s charity partnership with Mind, visit https://www.coop. co.uk/communities/charitypartnership Essential Diagnostics Priced at £41.50 available from www. shop.focusgames.com

Essential Diagnosis game

Prototype

“It inspired me to create an interactive learning opportunity for myself and other medics to practice for our final exams and future careers. “After developing a prototype, I tested the game on fellow students who responded positively. They felt it gave them a different perspective on the diagnostic process, generated important discussions and helped them understand the value of the questions needed to reach a diagnosis. “ The game has been hailed for its timeliness by professionals as Professor Ian PLAYING WITH LIFE Weeks OBE, Pro AND DEATH Vice-Chancellor, Chris Baker and College of Biomedical inset his game

and Life Sciences and Dean of Clinical Innovation at Cardiff explained. He said: “It’s very timely that the game is being brought to market during the Covid-19 pandemic as it can play an important role in student learning. Essential Diagnosis was initially supported by the Clinical Innovation Multidisciplinary Team. “Several members who are medically trained appreciate that developing diagnostic and history taking skills FURRY FUNDRAISER can Buddy be a struggle. the dog took “Conversations with part in the virtual patients and relay organised by simulation workshops Co-op Funeral care usually help, but some of these are not available to students during the pandemic.”

MP pays colleges a visit Residents urged to ‘Give a Little Love’

TONBRIDGE MP, Tom Tugendhat, has visited local colleges as part of the Association of College’s annual Colleges KINGSTANDING’S branch ofweek. John Lewis has Hadlow and Kent College hosted the local announced its West new charity campaign introduced MP onpartnership. October 23, as part of the week that by its celebrates the work that colleges to build The campiagn – Give a Little Lovedoaims to communities, boost and support fundraise for the Kentbusinesses branches of charities, individuals. Home-Start and FareShare. Principal ofWest Hadlow Lindsayto visit Home-Start KentCollege, recruits Dr volunteers Pamphilon said: “It was fantastic to welcome homes of parents with young children who are Tom into the College seeFareShare our excellent finding things difficult,toand is partnered facilities and-the of our students with Nourish theenthusiasm community foodbank. and teaching staff.

freedom of speech, the US Presidential race, post-Brexit trade deals and China’s sphere of Tina Arnold, andNavy Shop Supportin Partner influence and Partner the Royal presence the explained theSea. store’s goal for the campaign. South China She said: Dr. “Through the Give Littlewere Lovevery we are Principal Jim Mawby saida“We hoping customers will donate to two great causes pleased to welcome Tom to West Kent College, and theusPartnership will match donations up of to 2 giving an opportunity to showcase some million pounds.” our wide curriculum offer and allowing him to Thosedirectly wishingwith to donate can do so store with engage our students. Heinhas taken myWaitrose Lewis card,and or head atheir keen interest in or theJohn development futureover of to https://www.johnlewis.com/content/give-athe College, and remains very supportive of the little-love work we do. “Tom’s visit coincides with the AoC’s College’s week, and it was a good opportunity to discuss the key role that colleges will play in the government’s economic recovery plan, in the future aspirations of young added:careers “While and the pandemic endures, wepeople, must and in thetofurther education of adult students; continue remember the most vulnerable in from ourwhether Entry level to our Higher society, theycourses are in our local area or in Education offer. tough circumstances around the world. “We would like to thank Tom for taking “It was our pleasure to help a charity whothe want time to visit with us and our students, for to bring joy to children across the globeand through his support.” the ongoing small offering of a Christmas Shoebox. We can all do our little bit in this difficult time.” Director of Operation Christmas Child, Nick Cole explained the importance of the campaign, especially this year. He said: “The pandemic has once again highlighted the importance of children’s mental and physical health. “The concern for children across the world, and the importance that they need to feel seen and loved this year is more apparent than ever. We rely on the generosity of organisations like Star Platforms and Gilbert and Stamper playing a part in ensuring children are given the necessary support in the face of all they have experienced this year.” Shoeboxes are sent to vulnerable children around the world and for many are the first Christmas presents they have ever received. The campaign is running from December 5–14 and for more information, visit http://www. shoeboxonline.org.uk/

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As businesses begin to reopen their premises, workplace hygiene has become a core element in the planning process as the need to mitigate contamination risks and maintain safety is the key to building trust with employees and customers. As a leading cleaning provider in Tunbridge Wells since 1989, we are helping local businesses to meet the needs of today’s changing workplace by delivering services that are built around employee safety. Our solutions have continually evolved to meet new client challenges and our decontamination service has been created to overcome the issues that businesses now face from COVID-19 and the changing attitudes toward increased hygiene in the workplace. We take a proactive and evidence-based approach by understanding our clients’ environment and agreeing solutions that will meet the specific needs of their employees and customers, ranging from weekly fogging through to hand sanitiser stations. This integrated approach of pairing standard cleaning services with decontamination solutions is the best way to maintain safety and ensure businesses can get back to work.

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Kent Aspirations companies save Christmas

A “He GROUP local have loaned hasof been a companies staunch supporter of Hadlow equipment support Operation College andtothe important role itChristmas plays in Child’s Christmas shoebox training and up skilling theappeal. current and future Star Platforms, Green branch, and employees of theBorough rural sectors”. Gilbert and Stamper LtdheElectrical Contractors At West Kent College answered a series of donated a from scissor and installed heating to the questions anlift A Level Politics class charity’s Tonbridge to school enable meals, including the recentwarehouse vote on free volunteers to continue working throughout the winter. Managing Director of Gilbert and Stamper Ltd, Adrian Cross explained the reason for the company’s support.

Pleasure He said: “Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes is something that families in Kent love doing, and this Christmas especially I feel it’s even more important to show generosity. “Having worked with the project for the last BACKof TOyears SCHOOL: couple we thought it appropriate to plan Tugendhat forMP theTom future, therefore it was our pleasure to visited Hadlow source and install heating and electrics which can and West beCollege taken down and reused next year to heat the Kent college as part warehouse, where so many boxes generously of the Association donated from Kent residents will be packed and of College’s checked readyweek to send to kids across the world.” Bryan Freeman, Sales Director at Star Platforms

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Local hospital honoured in NHS Parliamentary Awards

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

PAYING A VISIT Great Western Railway 64XX Pannier Tank No. 6435 Credit: K Felstead

The department will now go head-to-head with other winners from across the country to be judged by a panel for the chance to win the national award presented at a ceremony in the House of Commons in July next year.

Standard By Lottie Bulmer TUNBRIDGE Wells Hospital has been honoured in the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2020. The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust’s Emergency Departments in both the Pembury based hospital and their ER centre in Maidstone have been crowned the South East Regional Winner in The Excellence in Urgent and Emergency Care Award category. MTW NHS Trust was nominated for the by Maidstone MP Helen Grant for the considerable improvements made by the department to support patient and staff care during the Covid pandemic. Chief of Service for the Medicine and Emergency Care Division, Dr Laurence Maiden, Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist, explained the Trust’s pride in the award. She said: “This award category seeks to celebrate the amazing work of our emergency care services across the country, so we are incredibly proud of making the official shortlist. “It has been a difficult year and the pandemic has seen the staff working

in the emergency departments at MTW step up to the challenge adapting workspaces and work practices to ensure patients are provided with the very best possible care and that they are treated safely at all times, as well as keeping staff safe. “Winning the South East award demonstrates that all their hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed and it has certainly helped to give them a real morale boost.”

Vaughan Lewis -South East NHS England and NHS Improvement Medical Director said: “I was impressed by the high standard of all entries from the South East this year and choosing between the dozens of teams and individuals who all go above and beyond, to go forward and represent our region, has been incredibly difficult. I wish our champions the best of luck in the national heats and will be rooting for them on the day.”

Special guest for Spa valley

LOCAL HEROES: [Top] Emergency department staff outside Maidstone Hospital’s emergency department and [above] Tunbridge Wells Hospital based in Pembury

THE Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells is set to host a visiting locomotive this Christmas. The Great Western Railway 64XX Pannier Tank No. 6435 will stay at Spa Valley from December until the end of March 2021. The tank has been loaned courtesy of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway and

was built in 1937 at Swindon Works. It will haul some of the railway’s standard train rides alternating between steam locomotive Bulleid Pacific No. 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ and RSH No. 62 ‘Ugly’. The venue remains Covid secure. For more information visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

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National News

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

PM’s Tier system set to pass after Labour refuses to vote against it A CONTROVERSIAL Tier system that will towns such as Tunbridge Wells face tough Covid restrictions was set to be voted through the Commons last night [Tuesday] despite scores of Conservative MPs threatening to rebel. In yesterday’s debate, Labour leader Keir Starmer told the Commons his party would not block the Government’s tier plan, but said it was ‘full of holes’. “I do recognise that the tiers have been toughened as it was obvious to everyone that the previous tiers were a one-way street to Tier 3. But I’m far from convinced by what the PM has said today,” he said.

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ABSTAINING Keir Starmer in the Commons yesterday [Tuesday]

Affected “In particular the economic package is nowhere near sufficient to support the communities most affected. They have been suffering for many months. “l fear that without the right health measures in place, in particular a working test-and-isolate system, there are real risks that this plan is incapable of controlling the virus this winter.” Mr Johnson earlier claimed Labour had ‘no credible plan’ to tackle Covid-19, telling MPs: “We’re trying to look after pubs, restaurants, businesses across this entire country and no-one feels the anguish of those businesses more than this Government. “I do think however it is extraordinary that in spite of the barrage of criticism that we have, we have no credible plan from the party opposite, indeed we have no view on the way ahead.

“It’s a quite extraordinary thing that tonight, to the best of my knowledge, (Sir Keir) who said he’s always going to act in the national interest, has told his party to sit on its hands and to abstain in the vote tonight.” Mr Johnson insisted the Government will look at how the restrictions can reflect “as closely as possible the reality of what is happening on the ground”, in a nod towards localising the restrictions further. The Labour abstention means that the Government is almost certain to win the vote, despite a hefty Tory rebellion over the economic threat they believe the tiers pose.

Conservative opposition to Mr Johnson’s plans was evident from the start of the six-hour debate, with Sir Graham Brady announcing he had been left with ‘no choice’ but to oppose the Covid-19 regulations. The influential chairman of the Tory backbench 1922 Committee said: “If Government is to take away fundamental liberties of the people whom we represent, they must demonstrate beyond question that they’re acting in a way that is both proportionate and absolutely necessary. “Today, I believe the Government has failed to make that compelling case.”

Ruling says children can only take transgender puberty blockers if they understand effects A WOMAN who began taking puberty blockers when she was 16 before ‘detransitioning’ has said she is ‘delighted to see that common sense has prevailed’ after a landmark High Court ruling. Keira Bell, 23, took legal action against the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, which runs the UK’s only gender identity development service for children, arguing that children cannot properly consent to taking puberty blockers.

Treatment The legal challenge was also brought by Mrs A, the mother of a 15-year-old autistic girl who is currently on the waiting list for treatment. In a judgment on Tuesday, Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Lord Justice Lewis and Mrs Justice Lieven, said that children under 16 need to understand ‘the immediate and long-term

DETRANSITIONED Keira Bell outside court yesterday [Tuesday] consequences of the treatment’ to be able to consent to the use of puberty blockers. The ruling means teenagers under 16 will not be allowed to take hormone blockers – a medical intervention to prevent puberty to help people transition their gender – unless it can be shown they fully understand the long

term consequences. Transgender campaigners have called the ruling a ‘devastating blow’ to trans young people. The court ruled that ‘in order for a child to be competent to give valid consent, the child would have to understand, retain and weigh’ a number of factors, including ‘the immediate consequences of the treatment in physical and psychological terms’ and the fact that ‘the vast majority of patients taking puberty blocking drugs proceed to taking cross-sex hormones and are, therefore, a pathway to much greater medical interventions’. The judges said in their ruling: “It is highly unlikely that a child aged 13 or under would be competent to give consent to the administration of puberty blockers. “It is doubtful that a child aged 14 or 15 could understand and weigh the long-term risks and consequences of the administration of puberty blockers.”

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Two dead after driver ‘ran amok’ in German city TWO people were killed and several injured in the southwestern German city of Trier when a car drove into a pedestrian zone. Trier police tweeted that the driver had been arrested and the vehicle impounded. Police and rescue crews were on the scene and authorities told people to avoid the city centre. Police have not yet said if it is being

treated as a terrorist incident or not. Mayor Wolfram Leibe told the SWR broadcaster that, in addition to the two dead, 15 people had suffered serious injuries.

Ground Speaking at a news conference, he said: “We [had] a driver who ran amok in the city... I just walked through the city

centre and it was just horrible. There is a trainer lying on the ground, and the girl it belongs to is dead.” Trier is about 120 miles west of Frankfurt, near the border with Luxembourg. The city of about 110,000 people is known for its Roman gate, the Porta Nigra, which is near the scene of the crash, and as the birthplace of Karl Marx.

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Helping businesses across Tunbridge Wells Grant schemes for businesses • Apply now

Local Restrictions Support Grant Don’t leave it too long - apply for your support grant today. If your business was required to close because of the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December you may be eligible for a Local Restrictions Support Grant, that’s a grant of up to £3,000 for each 28 day period. Businesses required to close will be eligible for: ● £1,334 per 28 days, for properties with a rateable value of £15k or under ● £2,000 per 28 days for properties with a rateable value of between £15k - £51k ● £3,000 per 28 days, for properties with a rateable value of £51k or over

How to apply Full information about eligibility and how to apply is on the TWBC website twbc.online/lsrg. To apply you’ll need your nine-digit business rates account number and a monthly statement from your business bank account. TWBC understands how difficult things are for businesses and is working hard to process grant applications as quickly as possible, but there are checks that have to be undertaken before a payment can be made. Please be patient, your grant payment will be made as soon as the application checks are completed.

Additional Restrictions Grant If your business does not qualify for a Local Restrictions Support Grant, there is another grant available that you may be eligible for, the Additional Restrictions Grant. This grant will be primarily used to deliver discretionary grants. The following criteria will be applied under the Tunbridge Wells ARG scheme: ● Businesses that have been legally required to close because of the national restrictions that came into force on 5 November 2020, but are unable to claim through the Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed) as they are not the business ratepayer (e.g. the business is within shared premises, home based, a B&B or a market trader). ● Businesses that have not been legally required to close, but have fixed costs and have experienced a significant reduction

in income because they supply goods or services to businesses the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, arts, entertainment, events or personal care sectors.

How to apply To ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible you’ll need to provide certain documents, including bank statements. Deadline 31 December 2020. There’s helpful advice about this and how to apply for your Additional Restrictions Grant at twbc.online/arg.

New Tier 3 Restrictions New tier 3 restrictions will come into effect from the beginning of Wednesday 2 December. All businesses and venues that are open are expected to follow Covid-19 secure guidelines to protect customers, visitors and workers. Help and advice for businesses during the pandemic is available on the GOV.UK coronavirus pages, from Council’s Economic Development team by emailing businesscovid19@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk or speak to a business adviser

tunbridgewells.gov.uk @TWBC_Business

at the Kent & Medway Growth Hub 03333 602300.

Extended Support The Government has extended support for businesses through the Local Restrictions Support Grant to cover the new period of restrictions from 2 December. Payments will cover a 14 day period.

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Thomas Mansfield Wills & Inheritance Planning Writing a Will does not have to be costly or complicated

Arcadia’s collapse triggers high street bloodbath with 25,000 jobs on the line THE jobs of around 25,000 staff at Arcadia and Debenhams hung in the balance yesterday [Tuesday]. Some 13,000 staff at Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia Group face an anxious wait following the business falling into administration. And Debenhams, which is already in administration, said it would start a liquidation process after JD Sports confirmed it had pulled out of a possible rescue. The department store has around 12,000 staff. The 242-year-old department store chain said its administrators have ‘regretfully’ decided to start winding down operations while continuing to seek offers ‘for all or parts of the business’. It is understood that the collapse of rescue talks were partly linked to the administration of Arcadia Group, which is the biggest operator of concessions in Debenhams stores.

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Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Debenhams said it will continue to trade through its 124 UK stores and online to clear its current and contracted stocks. “On conclusion of this process, if no alternative offers have been received, the UK operations will close,” the company said in statement. Meanwhile, Arcadia’s brands, which includes Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Burton, has hired Deloitte to handle the next steps after the pandemic ‘severely impacted’ upon sales across its brands. Arcadia, which runs 444 stores in the UK and 22 overseas, said 9,294 employees are currently on furlough. No redundancies have been announced as a result of the appointment and stores will continue to trade, the administrators said, with many due to reopen on Wednesday when England’s lockdown is lifted. Ian Grabiner, chief executive of Arcadia, said: “This is an incredibly sad day for all of our

colleagues as well as our suppliers and our many other stakeholders. “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, including the forced closure of our stores for prolonged periods, has severely impacted on trading across all of our brands. “Throughout this immensely challenging time our priority has been to protect jobs and preserve the financial stability of the group in the hope that we could ride out the pandemic and come out fighting on the other side. “Ultimately, however, in the face of the most difficult trading conditions we have ever experienced, the obstacles we encountered were far too severe.” Retail trade union Usdaw has said it is seeking urgent meetings with Arcadia’s administrators in a bid to preserve jobs. Arcadia will continue to honour all online orders made over the Black Friday weekend and will continue to operate all of its current sales channels. Matt Smith, joint administrator at Deloitte, said: “It is our intention to continue to trade all of the brands, and we look forward to welcoming customers back into stores when many of them are allowed to reopen. It is the latest retailer to have been hammered by store closures during the pandemic.

Manufacturing boosted Over-budget Crossrail by Brexit stockpiling receives £825million THE manufacturing sector grew at its fastest rate in 35 months in November as suppliers stockpiled ahead of the Brexit transition period ending, according to new data. The closely-followed IHS Markit / CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) hit 55.6 last month – anything above 50 is seen as a sector in growth – remaining in positive territory for the sixth month in a row. October recorded a PMI score of 53.7. Managers reported an uptick in production volumes and said this was linked to companies re-opening following Covid-19 closures earlier in the year.

Upturn Machinery and equipment orders for warehouses were particularly strong, but the sector was held back by a fall in consumer goods orders with decreases in both production and new business, the survey found. Rob Dobson, director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey, said the falls in consumer products was due to “depressed household sentiment caused by mounting job losses and the UK re-entering lockdown.” He added: “Whether the upturn of manufacturing production can be sustained into the new year is therefore highly uncertain, especially once the temporary boosts from Brexit purchasing and stockbuilding wane.” Manufacturers are confident for the future, however, with the survey finding optimism in the sector is at levels not seen since late 2014. Around 61% of those surveyed said they expect output to rise over the coming year. However, job losses continue and employment in the sector fell for the tenth consecutive month.

LONDON’S delayed and over-budget Crossrail project has been given £825million more Government funding, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced. The Cabinet minister said he is ‘committed to getting Crossrail delivered’. Writing on Twitter, he described the loan as “a fair deal for taxpayers across the UK”. The money will “get the project up and running, and ensuring we continue to #BuildBackBetter across the whole country”, Mr Shapps added. The railway – which will run between Berkshire and Essex via central London – was due to open in December 2018, and its budget was set at £15.9 billion in 2007. But it has been hit by a series of delays and cost increases. An update from Crossrail Ltd at the end of August said the opening of the railway, which will be called the Elizabeth line, was now not expected until the first half of 2022. Transport for London (TfL) and the Government had previously agreed a funding package totalling £17.8 billion.

Minimise Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Securing this financing package enables us to press full steam ahead with getting the central section of the Elizabeth line open as soon as possible. “I do not want this project to be stalled so it is vital that we dig deep to get the railway up and running. I will continue to monitor progress closely and do everything I can to minimise costs – helping ensure London and beyond can enjoy its many benefits sooner rather than later.” The project has suffered from problems including construction work and signalling systems.

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Education

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EDUCATION Times

A testing time for grammar school selective entrance exam

After being postponed for approximately six weeks due to the coronavirus crisis, Kent County Council has now published the results of this year’s 11–plus exam FAMILIES whose children sat the Kent Test, also known as the 11–plus exam, in order to gain a place at a local grammar secondary school, were notified last Thursday (November 26) whether they had passed the selective entrance test or not. The exam, which is usually sat in early September, by pupils in Year 6 at primary school, had been delayed by over a month due to the current Covid crisis which saw schools closed to most pupils for the majority of the 2019/20 academic year.

Demand According to Kent County Council (KCC) 15,634 children took the Kent Test last October. Out of those students approximately 4,867 passed. Those who registered online were sent an email from KCC with their child’s assessment outcome while other parents and pupils received their results via the Royal Mail if they had not registered. Due to central government’s guidance advising local authorities to delay the selective assessment process, families had to make their applications for secondary school placements

without knowing the results of the 11–plus. Usually parents know if their child has passed the test at the time of applying to the schools of their choice. “As a result of this unique situation parents were given two extra preferences (an increase from four to six) and additional guidance to ensure they could apply fairly and safely for schools even though they were not sure if their child was eligible for grammar school,”

explained a KCC spokesperson. However, due to high demand, passing the Kent Test does not guarantee a child a place at a grammar school. Richard Long, KCC Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “This has been a year unlike anything we have ever seen, however, Kent has done everything in its power to ensure that families were given a fair and safe way to apply for Kent Secondary schools this year. “We are fortunate that Kent already has arguably one of the fairest selection processes available, which provided us with a strong foundation to build on when responding to Covid. “We recognise that while the process of transferring your child to secondary school will be exciting, it has the potential to cause worry during even a normal year. Our thoughts therefore go out to all families that have had to navigate this process on top of a national pandemic.” He continued: “We would like to thank both the schools and staff who have worked diligently to ensure that these families have been supported to make the best decisions for their child in spite of these unique challenges.”

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Mayfield is named in the top 20 for school cricket MAYFIELD School has been named as one of the UK’s best cricket schools. It features in the Top 20 all- girls schools in The Cricketer Schools Guide 2021, announced last week. The award follows an exhaustive process which saw a record number of schools submit entries to be included in the guide, despite the ongoing pandemic. All entries were judged against an extensive set of criteria, which included a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching. Emily Starr, Mayfield’s Head of Cricket, who has represented England (Indoor) at U19 level and Northamptonshire County Cricket, told the Times: “Cricket was introduced as a major sport just three years ago and in that time we have established a comprehensive programme, supported by a significant investment in our facilities and infrastructure, and we have exciting plans to develop these even further.” Ms Starr continued: “The girls have responded positively, with dedication and determination, and in the three years we have reached regional finals at U13 and U15 age groups and have had girls in the Sussex set up. This year we had planned our first international tour to Barbados, but due to the pandemic we had to postpone the trip – we’re now hoping to go in 2021/22 once guidelines allow this.”

HOWZAT! Cricket was introduced as a major sport to the curriculum three years ago

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

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Letters

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And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor, Times Local News, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG

Thank you for your recent articles in the Times of Tunbridge Wells. I live near Heathfield and visited Tunbridge Wells, to celebrate my birthday with my Mum and sister, and without realising it infringed the new rules. It was rather a shock to receive a penalty notice through the post. Looking at the photo evidence I still couldn’t work out what I had done wrong….which lane should I have been in? It wasn’t until my Mum sent me cuttings from your paper that I realised I shouldn’t even have been in the road! None of the three of us saw the signage. When you are coming up the hill towards the crossing you are focussing on the lights and

traffic, not at a small sign on the corner of the road. That is not where your eyes are looking. The signage should be put near the traffic lights. Anyway, I paid up because at the end of the day what else can you do? The trouble is it does rather put me off coming into Tunbridge Wells. When I used to live in Tonbridge I used to come into Tunbridge Wells for the shops, but now that we have moved we go to Eastbourne….much less hassle. Thank you again for the articles highlighting this issue. Jane Thomas Heathfield NO ENTRY Around 80 drivers a day have been hit by fines for entering the restricted area in Tunbridge Wells

descriptions of the offenders. We have warned the police that one of the witnesses, a young mother, is now afraid to walk her baby. Others, and it’s hard to blame them, simply prefer to keep quiet and hope the problem will go away. This is what has been happening. A particular property adjoining us is visited night and day by cars, motorcycles and pedestrians. They have persuaded some local teenagers to cooperate with them, which sounds suspiciously like county lines where minors – who are not subject to the full weight of the law – act as couriers on their behalf. Adults and teenagers congregate in our private car park, which is clearly marked as such. They have smashed both the padlock on the barrier and the signpost warning them that the barrier could be locked at any time; this criminal damage was witnessed by a neighbour and we have passed on the make and registration number of the offending individuals’ vehicle, along with a description of them, to the police. I’m sure that we are not the only community in Tunbridge Wells that is suffering in this way and that feels it is not being supported by the police. On behalf us all, I thank you for your help. Name withheld Tunbridge Wells Editor’s note: We have passed the above letter and information onto Kent Police.

Council decision was petulant Thank you for your support I just wanted to thank you for printing the article on my mother’s situation and thousands of others across the UK living in care homes. You relayed our story compassionately and clearly. I have no doubt this helped others who are in a similar situation to my mother and I see they are not alone. Providing the details of how to find out more about the action that is needed to stop the loneliness pandemic in care homes was so appreciated. As a member of the Rights for Residents group who are campaigning to get swifter, fairer action from the government we were thrilled that not only did you ask Greg Clark MP to provide a comment for the article supporting our cause, but he also laid out his plan of action to help us get action. Your support has helped this happen. Not only in print but I also shared the article on my own personal Facebook page as well as the Rights for Residents page. It has reached hundreds and hundreds of people who may or may not be directly affected by this but all of whom support us in saying action is needed now. We are still waiting, our loved ones are still giving up hope; the isolation is killing them. The more we can keep this story highlighted in the media, the more likely it is to reach Matt Hancock and the roll out of testing to family carers and indemnity protection for care homes will finally happen. It is too late for thousands, I cross my fingers it is not for my mum. Tamasin Absolon Tunbridge Wells

Cabinet member is incorrect In the Times of Tunbridge Wells on November 18 Cllr Matthew Bailey had a letter published, in which he states: ‘They [the Liberal Democrats] tried to remove Council support for the Assembly Hall and Trinity Theatres’. This is untrue.

At no stage have the local Liberal Democrats attempted to remove Council support from either theatre. The reality is quite the contrary. On July 10, 2019 in the Times of Tunbridge Wells Cllr Bailey is quoted as saying: ‘the rising costs of subsidy could result in the council having to “close the doors” permanently on the ageing theatre’. In the same article Cllr Ben Chapelard (the leader of the Liberal Democrat councillors’ group) is quoted thus: “We believe a theatre is part of a thriving community. We need to nurture what we have got and invest. In our view building a £90millionplus new theatre in a park is not the answer.” In June 2020 Lib Dem borough councillor Mark Ellis, a member of the grants panel, voted to support the grant given to Trinity Theatre ‘to remain solvent during the Covid19 pandemic closedown period’. He was also in favour of the council providing whatever assistance it could. Cllr Bailey’s letter has damaged the reputations of the Council and its Cabinet. Why should members of the public believe Cllr Bailey if he misrepresents political proceedings in this way? And what are the Conservatives going to do to rectify this? Joint letter – Tunbridge Wells Lib Dem Group

Had TWBC invested in the Park & Ride scheme at Pembury it would have some real green credentials to burnish: cutting emissions, reducing traffic flow, improving air quality – even encouraging much-needed footfall in the town’s impoverished shops, instead we have empty virtue signalling and meaningless statements about commitments to saving the planet. How, we may well ask, they ducked out. All it has to add to its battered reputation is a petulant refusal to allow development of the Motor Village because it ‘may’ have used it for a P&R scheme. It sounds like sour grapes, there was no ‘may’ about it – they knew already they weren’t going ahead when they declined planning permission. What is concentrating councillors’ minds are the cancelled May 2020 elections which are still pending. Sam Goodenough Tunbridge Wells

Not another committee It’s just been announced that the government has formed a Committee For National Emergencies. Don’t we have these already, scattered up and down the corridors of Whitehall? Do we actually need another? Are they going to disband the previous lot? Or is this new lot’s brief to create national emergencies, don’t we have enough of those? This new committee will have - and you need to be sitting down if you don’t know already: forty members. Forty! One of whom is the Bishop of London, there to hold morning prayers I suppose. As any fool knows, six or seven is the ideal number of any committee, but it’s jftb (jobs for the boys). Speaking of which, we already have The Civil Contingencies Secretariat, COBRA, the NHS’ own Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response - yes, that worked well, The Civil Contingencies Committee, plus all the devolved local committees. All this underlines the old adage: when you don’t know what to do, form a committee. Ben Hardy Tunbridge Wells

Your edition was too Green Well, the Green Party certainly filled its boots in the last edition of the Times of Tunbridge Wells [November 25] – a half-a-page from Tonbridge and the lead letter from Tunbridge Wells. First for John Hurst of TW Greens a simple question: the government debt – how is it going to be paid off if he and his party are opposed to jobs and growth? Next James Cooke who takes a global view with international politics in his sights. I’m no apologist for President Trump, but he was not elected to impoverish more Americans who have felt the harsh realities of trade with China. Cooke rails against Trump’s environment policies but has no word about China’s near double figure for CO2 emissions: 30% of the total and the largest on the planet. Britain scrapes in at 17th place with just 1.00% of total global emissions, so pace, Mr Hurst. He mentions Australia in passing but ignores the fact they are the biggest exporters of coal. Finally, Mr Cooke takes a pop at the first-pastthe-post system of UK elections; would he prefer PR with all that backroom deal-making and a new parliament every one to two years? John Ward Moorhouse Tunbridge Wells

Police refuse to help Could you or one of your readers, please, advise us on how best to get the police to act on our reports of the criminal activities plaguing our once quiet cul-de-sac. We have already made several complaints to the police about the blatant drug-dealing taking place daily but have yet to receive even an acknowledgement. We appreciate that the police have been starved of resources during austerity, but nonetheless we plead with them for help. Our complaints have included details of car registration numbers, makes of cars, timings, the address of the main drug-dealer, and

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

CARTOON BY PEPPY: (Follow her on Twitter @Peppyscott)

Road changes have put me off coming to town

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Weekly Comment

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Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones Bishop of Tonbridge

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

The Rt Revd Simon Burton-Jones is the seventh Bishop of Tonbridge. He has oversight and leadership of the education, youth and children, and community engagement work of churches across the Diocese of Rochester, which includes Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

I’m sorry, Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that FROM 2001’s Hal computer to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator and TV and film’s Westworld, it’s fair to say we’re uneasy about what robots might do to us when our backs are turned. The title to this piece represents the moment in 2001 when the computer turns against the astronaut to devastating effect. Our anxieties stem from the deepest nightmares about the creation of things that suddenly oppose, and overpower, us. In his analysis of future risk, Australian philosopher Toby Ord in his book The Precipice identifies unaligned artificial intelligence as one of the greatest threats to the future of the human race. With the clear and present danger from pandemics and climate change, the Terminator risk still seems far-fetched to many, but we would do well to focus our attention on today’s algorithms, and especially adaptive algorithms that learn on the job to make their own assessments. Dystopian futures may still be mocked, but the fumbling of UK A level results in 2020 showed what a badly designed algorithm is capable of and how it can mess up a generation at a stroke. It was a late wake-up call; an outlier of what is happening under our noses. Machine learning, or adaptive, algorithms can develop their own knowledge and can act in ways their inventors never intended and are

increasingly gatekeepers for social goods. Job applications are frequently sifted by algorithm and it is estimated that 72% of CVs are ‘never seen by human eyes’. Machines are also used to judge a person’s character and ability by deep trawls of the personal data made available online – browsing history, views and connections made on social media. Latent weaknesses, like addictions, are illuminated. The more we engage in our social media feeds, the more we are giving away to sources we didn’t even know exist. We are relaxed about the

exchange of personal privacy online for a chance to make connections with others, the assumption being that our data is only being used to sell us stuff we might actually like.

Insurance The reality is different. Algorithms use every granule of our personal data to decide credit scores and access to tenancies. They may already be used to determine how much we pay in life insurance premiums or motor insurance. And this is only the beginning.

SINISTER The HAL 9000 computer from 2001 A Space Odyssey

Josh Boyle

Labour Party’s joint LGBTQ+ officer for Tunbridge Wells

Most coders are well-intentioned, but subject to unconscious – as well as conscious – biases that feed into their work. Our awe at the speed and efficiency of computers is matched by our naivety in thinking they will give us the impartiality we long for in making public policy decisions. There are no grounds for Luddism, for these developments are here to stay. We cannot un-invent the algorithm and it will, in any case, do much good. Instead, our ethical debate should catch up with technological developments. Right now, the car is speeding away and we are running breathlessly behind it. Human justice is flawed, but flexible and capable of empathy – grasping circumstances intuitively and in a way an algorithm could not hope to achieve. It is a function of being made in the image of God and endowed with a conscience that informs richly. Computers remain a poor facsimile of humanity: good servants, but bad masters. Mostly we have no idea where this is heading because it is a mysterious area of expertise belonging to a strange, unknown caste. Amid some tired political debates, we would do well to give attention to this one because, amid the opportunities, it presents a genuine risk to the cause of justice, equality and what it means to be human in a world where God has granted us great freedom.

Josh is the joint LGBTQ+ Officer for Tunbridge Wells Labour. He grew up and lived in Paddock Wood but is currently studying for a BA (Hons) in Humanities: War & Conflict at the University of Brighton.

Local Labour Parties have set up a joint LGBTQ+ branch BEING Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ+) in Britain has never been easy. Although there has been a lot of progress in achieving justice and equality for LGBTQ+ people, there is still a long way to go. It has been made worse this year - which has been tough for all of us - but especially those in the LGBTQ+ community who are isolated and alone, and there is still evidence of discrimination in education and the workplace. Alarmingly in the UK homophobic and transphobic hate crime has been rising, and across Europe there is a growing intolerance of LGBTQ+ activities. A third of Poland has declared itself to be an official ‘LGBT-free’ zone as local municipalities sign a pledge adopting resolutions against ‘LGBT propaganda’. According to official statistics at least 2% of the adult population in the UK identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. In the Boroughs of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling this is equivalent to roughly 5,000 people, but even in 2020 many of these are afraid to be open with their sexuality. LGBTQ+ people in Kent are still suffering from the effects of ‘Section 28’ of the 1988 Local Government Act, which was the hugely damaging legislation brought in by Margaret Thatcher banning the promotion of

“homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality”. Despite Section 28 being repealed by a Labour government in 2003, Kent County Council continued to operate their own version of it until outlawed by Labour’s Equality Act in 2010. As a result, young people were denied the education, awareness raising, and safe space to talk about their sexuality.

Harassment The impact on our local area has meant opportunities for public expressions outside of Pride Parades were slim to none, and not having a public face of a familiar community had a damaging effect on my own mental health and of my own peers who were also LGBTQ+. Many of us often faced harassment or homophobic abuse, much of which went unreported to the police. Given this background both Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling Labour Parties have recently set up a joint LGBTQ+ branch to help educate and equip our members and others in the local area with the tools and skills needed to combat homophobia, transphobia and the wider issues facing the LGBTQ+ community.

Encouraged by Lloyd Russell-Moyle, a prominent LGBTQ+ MP, and Jac Bastien of Diversity Role Models, a charity working with schools to help educate teachers and students in LGBTQ + issues, our main aim is to create a safe space for people to come together to discuss LGBTQ+ topics both inside and outside the Labour Party. We are keen to open up a dialogue with our

members and others in the area to increase understanding of one of the historically neglected demographics within our community. We hope to work with Tunbridge Wells Pride as well as other LGBTQ+ charities and organisations to do this. We will be meeting again on the 16 December and invite anyone who is interested in working with us to email tmtwlgbt1@gmail.com

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Interiors

Brexit Boom Are Brexit worries behind the surge in property sales? Page 26

Festive revamp

How to make your home feel loved this Christmas Page 28

Homes & Interiors

Property Focus NEW S

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Battening down the hatches this winter MAKING A HOME STORM PROOF

By Lottie Bulmer TUNBRIDGE Wells homeowners are among the least prepared for storm damage in the UK new research has shown. The town has the third highest number of storm damage claims in the country according to LV=General Insurance, with the average cost of a claim totalling £2,600. Martin Milliner, Claims Director at LV, said: “Storms can cause devastating damage to anyone’s home, and their unpredictable nature mean they can appear anywhere, at any time.

Risk “This year has been particularly bad, but I’m pleased we’ve been able to help thousands of our customers who have suffered damage to their property. “It’s really important, especially as we move into winter and the heightened risk of storms that homeowners check their property to make sure it’s storm ready, ensure they have the right level of cover and are aware of what is and isn’t included in their policy, if in the unfortunate event they need to make a claim.” The risk of storm damage to homes

DELUGED The town has been battered by storms this autumn. this winter is the highest since 2010/11 due to the La Niña declared by the World Meteorologist Organisation this year.

LV GENERAL Insurance revealed its top tips on making the most out of the time in lockdown by making your home storm secure: 1. Clear gutters and drains of leaves; if heavy rainfall is expected, make sure water can drain away properly by clearing gutters 2. Check your roof tiling is secure; get a professional roofer to inspect your roof. Damaged, missing or loose tiles can cause serious damage in high winds 3. Check your property for water damage; this may be considered ‘wear and tear’ 4. Check fence panels and fix or replace them if necessary. Fence panels can fly off in extreme win and cause damage to your home and potentially your neighbour’s property 5. Secure loose objects in your garden or move elsewhere (e.g. shed); wind can play havoc with your garden furniture and ornaments – move them indoors or secure them 6. Move cars into your garage; this will minimise the damage caused in the event of extreme winds or flooding 7. Cut back branches; branches or trees in your garden can cause damage in storms. Cut them back to reduce the chance of this happening

Has Brexit boosted the property boom? FEARS surrounding Brexit may have led the rush in the property market according to new research. As reported by Which? – the consumer advice service – Britain’s departure from the EU added more uncertainty to the market, encouraging buyers to exchange quicker. Paired with the offer of low mortgage rates and stamp duty holiday the average number of days to agree a sale has dropped drastically to under 50 days throughout November 2020, compared to over 65 at the same time last year. Kate Faulkner, housing expert and founder of propertychecklists.co.uk explained the referendum’s impact on buyers’ behaviour: “The current demand which is pushing up prices by 2-3% is partly driven by sales previously being put off – partly due to the fear of Brexit – while others are being brought forward due to people being unhappy during lockdown or the stamp duty savings. “Sales are likely to then pick up to the end of March and although some pre-Christmas bargains may be available, prices will probably remain relatively stable during this time.” Despite the referendum in 2016 having little effect on transaction volumes, the re-opening of the market since Covid broke 100,000

transactions in the UK market by October. The uncertainty in the sector is also reflected in the rental market for those unsure of tenant’s plans post Brexit, as Chris Norris, director of policy and practice at the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), explained. He said “There is still not a great deal of information about what status EU citizens will have in respect of their right to rent in the UK once the transition period expires.

Demand “This means landlords with existing EU citizen tenants and those who tend to cater to seasonal migrant workers are unsure about what they need to do to comply with their obligations. “Likewise, if EU nationals have their freedom of movement into the UK restricted, some landlords may face a difficult time finding tenants. “The end of the transition period may have an impact on housing demand. If fewer EU nations see the UK as an attractive place to live this may reduce demand at the margins of some markets. “Additionally, if it increases market uncertainty some investors may turn to “safer” bricks and mortar for their investment.”

Housing market cooling in November THE UK’s confidence in the housing market has cooled in the past month. According to research by Halifax, 14 per cent of people surveyed believed that their home has become more valuable compared to September and October’s figures of 17 per cent. Russell Galley, Halifax Managing Director, said: “UK households remain broadly confident in the strength of the property market. “The perceived rate of house price growth weakened slightly during November but is nonetheless above average and a noticeable reversal from the period of negative sentiment we saw between April through to August. “People also remain cautiously optimistic that property prices across the country will be higher

in 12 months’ time. However, expectations softened from October, and remain subdued by historical standards.

Uncertain “This is unlikely to change significantly while the macroeconomic landscape remains uncertain, with most housing market experts predicting greater downward pressure on house prices as we move into 2021.” The sentiment tracker – which analyses demographics’ view on issues – decreased from 52.4 to 51.6 in November. Anything above 50.0 is considered positive and anything below is considered negative.

Importance of an Inventory Landlords often think they donâ€™ t need an inventory or they think they can do the inventory themselves. With our extensive lettings experience, we know it pays to have a detailed professional inventory. The term can be misleading because it sounds like a list of the furniture within a property but its actually a schedule of condition. This involves completing a detailed report of every room, recording photographs and notes on the state of walls, floors, appliances, and outside space. There will be around 20-30 pictures PER ROOM! The report clearly documents pre-existing issues e.g. damage to a door, marks on a radiator, stains on a carpet. The tenant signs the report and then has 7 days after move-in to provide any amendments. At the end of the tenancy a further (check-out) report is prepared so the condition can be compared to that at the outset, allowing for fair wear and tear. THE BENEFITS OF A PROFESSIONAL INVENTORY n Clarity If claims for damage to property arise, it will be

absolutely clear as to whether it has occurred during a tenancy or was an existing issue. Even with genuine good intentions, people fail to remember quite what state the property was in when they moved in. Their tenancy may have been lengthy and after a year, who could remember the original state of a wall or an oven? A professional inventory report has this all clearly documented beyond any doubt.

n Irrefutable Evidence

When claims are made for damage and the items involved are expensive, it really pays to have a detailed set of photographs and words that allow a direct comparison of the property from check-in to check-out. With a sketchy inventory, a landlord may have to bear the costs of damage.

n Objectivity

Tenants are reassured when the inventory is prepared by a third party that it protects them as well as the landlord. Similarly, the various deposit bodies such as the Deposit Protection service will put more weight on an inventory created by a third party. Never think that the cost of an inventory report by a professional third party is an unnecessary extra cost, it may well save cost, time and the headache of disputes which benefits all parties. Belvoir are happy to provide advice on any property issues and are currently offering landlords a free compliance check to help reassure them that they are meeting all legal requirements for their property management. Contact us by email tunbridgewells@belvoir. co.uk or call 01892 615333.

n Fewer disputes

A good quality inventory reminds the tenant of the condition of the property when they moved in and is a deterrent to false claims regarding damage during a tenancy. If there are damages beyond fair wear and tear it is easier to agree appropriate deposit deductions with clear photographic evidence from the inventory. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY ÂŁ125,000: First floor studio apartment in the residential St James` area of Tunbridge Wells, yield currently 4.8% with potential to increase. n Long-standing tenants n Town centre location n Allocated parking n Communal garden The studio is comprised of a living area, with laminate wood flooring, a lovely modern kitchen area with ample worktop/cupboard space and an integrated fridge and cooker, plus a smart shower room.

The property is light and airy with several large windows and is neutrally decorated. Situated on Dukes Road it is easy walking distance from Tunbridge Wells station and the town centre. There is double glazing throughout, a communal garden providing that all important outdoor space and an allocated parking space so tenants have the convenience of parking right outside. The property will be sold with the benefit of a new 999 year lease and share of freehold. To view call 01892 615333.

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Home is where the heart is – so this Christmas make sure that you show your place some festive love FESTIVE FRILLS December marks the start of the Christmas season

Sam Wylie-Harris seeks out stylish homewares and decadent decos to pop under the tree for your favourite natty nester this Christmas

Darling! Heart Espresso Cups Lavender/ Rose Set of 2, £24, Bombay Duck Love

going troppo over this quirky Tiki inspired ice bucket to glam up a drinks trolley or tray.

orgeous gifts to put some razzledazzle into daily life will delight decor divas and house-proud types. We’ve scoured the shops for the best buys at a range of price points to bring a little wonder and festive flair. Whether you’re treating yourself to a divine deco or gifting something swish to a loved one, all the gifts on this luxe list are bound to bring tidings of comfort and joy…

Etched Palm Cheese Knives Set of Three, £27.50, Oliver Bonas Think island time, long

eye-catching, anyone who’s into tablescaping will be inspired.

lazy lunches and a holiday cheese board… these decorative palm stainless steel cheese knives make the cut.

Cuisinart Wine Opener, £45, Cuisinart The

Anton Studio Designs Set of 2 Soho Wine Glasses and Champagne Flutes, £19.96 each

Leopard Vases – Wall Mounted, £34, and Standing Tall, £55, Audenza We’re wild about

(were £24.95), and Set of 2 Soho DOF Tumblers, £15.96 (were £19.95), available in Gold, Silver and Bronze, Not Just Jugs We all love to drink with our eyes and this elegant, long-stemmed glitzy glassware with co-ordinating tumblers is tailor-made for champagne cocktails and party drinks.

these luxuriant leopard vases. Made from hand-painted stoneware and versatile enough to hold your best bouquet or faux foliage, think of the roars of delight when one of these is let loose.

coffee? Give it your best shot with these cute espresso cups trimmed with gold.

Pineapple Ice Bucket, £37, Graham & Green Counting down to Happy Hour, we’re

Argos Home 12 Piece Dinner Set – Floral, £38, Argos These blousy blooms are so

WELL SPOTTED Leopard Wall Vase and Standing Vase, Audenza

supercar of bottle openers, this Cuisinart removes any cork at the touch of a button and comes with a foil cutter and vacuum sealer, so you have the option to save a top drop for the next day. Fully charged, it can open around 80 bottles within six to eight hours. Va-va-vino!

Orla Kiely Dachshund Shaped Vase, £50 (other various shapes from a selection), Amara Anyone who’s into growing their own herbs or planting cuttings will appreciate this

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

IF YOU LIKE PINA COLADAS... Pineapple Ice Bucket, Graham and Green

CUDDLE UP Icon Sabrina Spikey Faux Fur Throw, Wine, Beanbag Bazaar

Icon Sabrina Spikey Faux Fur Throw – Wine, £79.99, Beanbag Bazaar Majestic in magenta, not only will this fabulous faux fur throw not slip off the bed or sofa arm, it’s soft enough to snuggle into with a glass of mulled wine, sweetened by thoughts of the next mince pie.

The White Company Set of 2 Diffuser Oils & Electronic Diffuser, £80, The White Company Why faff about scenting LUXE LIFE 24 Carat Gold Black Luxury Candle Gift, The Luxe Candle Company

reeds when you can flick a switch and softly scent and surround in minutes? The diva of diffusers, simply add a couple of drops of relaxing oil and ta-da! Includes The White Company’s bestselling Sleep and Spa Restore.

Hare Lamp with Black Shade, £139.95, and Faux Fur Gold Stool, £129.95 (chair from a selection), Audenza Top of our wish list, Santa Baby, slip a faux fur gold stool and lavish lamp under the tree, for me. A real statement hero piece, we’re just as smitten with the sumptuous stool as we are the handsome hare.

HEAVENLY SCENTS The White Company Set of 2 Diffuser Oils & Electronic Diffuser, The White Company

SMEG Lavazza A Modo Mio – Black, £199, Daniel Stores Budding baristas will feel right at home with the latest model from Lavazza. The coffee giant has teamed up with SMEG to bring us this A-list domestic appliance, which channels iconic retro styling with Italian flair for true, authentic coffee. Bellissima!

WELL READ Alabaster Marble Bookends, The French Bedroom Company

Alabaster Marble Bookends, £80, The French Bedroom Company fun vase. Slim enough to sit on a window sill or desk, we love the happy-go-lucky colour too.

John Whaite Nested Bowls, £60, Fenella Smith As any baker worth their pastry chef hat knows one bowl is never enough. This chic ceramic trio in sugar-pink is designed by presenter and former Bake Off winner John Whaite. Edged in foil, they should inspire the poshest pâtisserie.

24 Carat Gold Black Luxury Candle Gift, £75, The Luxe Candle Company Give the gift of gold, frankincense and myrrh… this exotic, spicy, woody scent promises a sense of luxurious wellbeing with base notes of musk and amber in the mix. Made from soy wax and topped with 24K gold leaf, it comes gorgeously gift-boxed with a velvet dust bag.

You don’t need to be a bookworm to appreciate these solid-marble book-shaped bookends. Made from alabaster marble and polished by hand for a silky smooth finish, they’re worthy of a stylish shelfie and will frame everything beautifully.

BLOOMING LOVELY Argos Home 12 Piece Dinner Set – Floral, Argos ROSE TINTED John Whaite Nested Bowls, Fenella Smith.

SHARP EDGES Etched Palm Cheese Knives, Set of Three, Oliver Bonas

SWEETHEARTS Darling! Heart Espresso Cups Lavender/Rose, Bombay Duck

PLANT FRIENDS Orla Kiely Dachshund Shaped Vase, other various shapes from a selection, Amara POPPING BOTTLES Cuisinart Wine Opener, Cuisinart

MORNING FUEL SMEG Lavazza A Modo Mio – Black, Daniel Stores

MIXING METALS Anton Studio Designs Set of Soho Wine Glasses, Champagne Flutes and Soho DOF Tumblers, available in Gold, Silver and Bronze, Not Just Jugsu

ALL EARS Hare Lamp with Black Shade, Faux Fur Gold Stool, chair from a selection, Audenza

Time is ticking! Don’t delay, complete by 31st March Save up to £15,000 when you buy your new home before 31st March 2021 with the ‘Stamp Duty Holiday’.

Luxury Kitchens since 1892

Clear structures, sensible space. +SEGMENTO Y

Poggenpohl Tunbridge Wells 39-41 The Pantiles | Tunbridge Wells | TN2 5TE phone 01892 240745 | tunbridgewells@poggenpohl.com www.tunbridgewells.poggenpohl.com

EASTERLING MARSH PARTNERSHIP Offering a comprehensive range of professional surveying services RESIDENTIAL SURVEYS Our professional, comprehensive residential surveys give home buyers peace of mind. Comprehensive home surveys We are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and undertake the full range of RICS Home Surveys, as follows: n Condition Report - survey level one n HomeBuyer (Survey) Report - survey level two n HomeBuyer (Survey & Valuation) Report - survey level two n Building Survey (formerly called a Structural Survey) - survey level three n Market Valuation The RICS HomeBuyer (Survey & Valuation) Report includes a market valuation and a reinstatement calculation for buildings insurance purposes as standard. However, we can offer both these services under a separate contract if required.

PERIOD AND LISTED HOMES Period and listed homes need extra TLC - which means specialist expertise. Fortunately, we have this! If you’re thinking about buying a period or listed property, we can help you identify whether repairs and maintenance have been carried out appropriately, recommending suitable remedial action where necessary. If you’re already the proud owner of a period or listed home, we can help you plan and carry out works to make sure you maintain its integrity while securing its future. SURVEY FEES Our fees for undertaking surveys are tailored to the age, size and complexity of the property. They will also depend on the type of survey required. Please

Which report is right for you? To help you choose the most appropriate survey, please contact our team who would be happy to discuss the most appropriate level of survey for your proposed purchase. Understanding your report We pride ourselves on writing reports that are easy to understand, but we also know that buying a property is a major investment that most people don’t do very often. We want you to have complete confidence about your decisions, so we are happy to discuss in person any concerns or queries you may have following receipt of our survey report.

For more information please contact: Andrew Marsh BSc (Hons) MRICS - Managing Partner Easterling Marsh Partnership 7 Linden Close, Eridge Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8HH Tel: 01892 577578 • Website: www.empsurveyors.com

do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your individual requirements. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Where appropriate, we use drone technology in our surveys, enabling us to inspect closely all areas of chimney stacks, roof coverings, rainwater pipes and gutters and main walls, which traditionally would be limited to a visual inspection using binoculars from ground level. (Please note that the use of aerial photography is subject to the property’s location, weather conditions and obtaining the owner’s permission.) Alternatively, lightweight pole cameras are used for roof inspections. These provide equally meticulous photographs and are very sturdy even in windy conditions.

Discretion is the Better Part of Valour The property market has changed astronomically

At SJD we work to source the right developers for

in the past few decades, bringing in a new era

your site - all of our sales are made confidentially

of off-market and private sales.

thus protecting both your identity and your

Unlike conventional methods, we offer discreet

individual interests.

marketing where details of your site are not openly marketed. Private sales generate a sense of exclusivity, boosting the likelihood of a quick and hassle-free transaction.

If you have a development opportunity that you would like to sell off-market, please contact us for a free appraisal.

Contact Stephen Donnelly on

07739 514350 or 01892 579937 Web: sjd-projects.com email: steve@sjd-projects.com

Homes & Interiors

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

A D VE R TISIN G FEATU R E

LET’S ASK Natalie Boardman, Owner & Director of Belvoir Tunbridge Wells why she would advise landlords not to go it alone in managing their properties? Around half of all landlords manage their own properties and have been doing so for many years. Why would I then recommend that even the most capable landlord consider using a letting agent? As a private landlord myself I have a portfolio of properties and despite owning Belvoir, I employ local letting agents to manage them. If a maintenance issue arises, I do not have that little black book of trusted, qualified, and insured contractors for that local area, as I would have if my properties were in Tunbridge Wells. I also think using an agent ensures an arms-length relationship with tenants which helps when dealing with financial matters. IN ADDITION: Inconvenience n You do not want to take an emergency call from a tenant just as you are about to go on holiday, or go into hospital, but it happens! Let an agent take that call for you.

Risk management n There is so much regulation to contend with and the fines are now hefty! An oversight, a failure to read an update on legislation or forgetting to book in the gas safety engineer… All of these things could put you at risk of a fine of up to £30,000 Tenant management n Your tenants may come to you with a request they want to redecorate the bedroom or they have damaged the bath but cannot afford to pay for it. Wouldn’t you prefer to have a third party handling that conversation? Changes to the agreement n What if your tenant wants a pet/ to move -in a partner/to move out early? Do you know what steps to take? Let someone else take the strain! How much does it cost to add the full management service? Depending on the size of the property, it will cost from £3.50 per day to have a property fully managed with all the peace of mind that this provides.

NATALIE BOARDMAN BELVOIR DIRECTOR

How can landlords be sure they are getting value for money? Belvoir are a small and professionally qualified

team who work tirelessly to get the best outcomes for our landlords. To quote from one recent review “The staff at Belvoir Tunbridge Wells exceeded all expectations with care and support when helping me with my portfolio” How do landlords still feel in charge of their properties? n We work on the instruction of our landlords at all times n We provide detailed inspection reports n We keep landlords appraised of changes in legislation that will impact them n We are always on hand to discuss property matters And finally, we’ve heard your team called a ‘safe pair of hands’, where has that name come from? We were shortlisted for Best Letting Agent for Landlords in the ESTAS Property Professionals Awards 2020 and in several of our reviews from landlords the term was mentioned. We think it suits us well!

Move

WITH THE

Times

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Advertisers

Wednesday November 25 | 2020

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We can still help design your new bathroom, even from a distance. Just download the Home Measure Guide from our website to get started. 01732 350911 townsbathrooms.co.uk

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Food & Culture

Food from Fiction

Cook up a fairytale Christmas

Page 42

Behind the headlines

One manâ€™s journey to the White House

Page 44

The show must go on

We learn how one local music club has adapted its performances Page 38

Wednesday September 30 | 2020

Food & Culture

arts

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslo Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Let the music play on... As we enter into Tier 3, the highest of all the Covid-19 rankings, our theatres remain closed and there’s no possibility of any live performances. That’s why Tonbridge Music Club has come up with a clever plan to ensure its future as member Rachel Davies explains

lthough the pandemic has meant the suspension of our usual concert season where we bring fine music to the town – as we have done for almost 60 years – we have been working hard to deliver wonderful music to our supporters in other ways. A key aspect of this has been the development of an exciting new initiative for our benefactor members of a new, virtual programme of music.

TONBRIDGE MAESTRO Tristan Gurney

LONDON PERFORMER Juliette Bausor

Support Entitled Totally Tonbridge it draws significantly on the talent of local, professional musicians. Their goodwill and ability have given Tonbridge Music Club (TMC) a unique opportunity to embark on a creative project to provide members with monthly musical treats online while live concerts are delayed until next year. These treats include not only Totally Tonbridge short videos, but written articles too which are accessible via our exciting new blog. In addition to our current planned events, we also hope to share exclusive information about future concerts and performing artists. Access to these special performances is only available to benefactor members via dedicated links and a new presentation is available every month. The full list can be found on our website www.tmc.org.uk RECRUIT M ENT ADVERT ISIN G

ADMINISTRATOR (PART-TIME) Tunbridge Wells Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited is looking for an experienced administrator based at their office in Tunbridge Wells. The successful candidate will undertake a range of administrative and support duties including scanning and distributing post and DX, archiving, preparing post for dispatch and office housekeeping. The role requires attendance at the Tunbridge Wells office during weekdays. The right person for this position will be responsible, diligent, a willingness to be flexible and a team player. Hours of work are 10am – 2pm Monday to Friday. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. In the first instance, please send a covering letter together with your CV for the attention of Susi Gillespie at susi.gillespie@ thomasmansfield.com or telephone 01892 337540.

Call us today on

01892 337540 www.tmfamily.co.uk

WE’RE RECRUITING FOR A CORPORATE & PARTNERSHIP SALES MANAGER One Warwick Park Hotel, based in Tunbridge Wells, are looking to strengthen its successful commercial team with an experienced and tenacious sales professional. This is a client focused and new business sales role that incorporates business development, account management and creative pitching. You will be responsible for achieving corporate bedroom, event and meetings targets by prospecting and securing new regular clients from local and national corporate and leisure sectors. The role requires a highly self-motivated, driven and competitive individual with the ability to quickly become renowned within the various market sectors for delivering exceptional hospitality solutions at One Warwick Park Hotel. Highly competitive remuneration package available including basic salary, monthly sales bonus, pension and healthcare. To apply please send a covering letter and copy of your CV to Lisa McVickers lmcvickers@ markerstudy.com. Closing date for applications: 24/12/20

Food & Culture

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

ORGAN SCHOLAR OF ST GEORGE’S CHAPEL Alex Trigg

CHAIR AND PIANIST Pat Gane

Our first Totally Tonbridge performance was back in September with Juliette Bausor, principal flautist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, playing Claude Debussy’s wonderfully evocative Syrinx. On the TMC blog, Juliette has answered questions about her life as a professional musician and how it has been impacted by the pandemic. In October, our Chair and pianist, Pat Gane, performed and shared her insights into Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Op 14, no. 2, a delightful early work over three short videos. This was in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. Just last month professional chamber musician

“The new Totally Tonbridge series of concerts draws significantly on the talent of local, professional musicians”

and solo violinist Tristan Gurney, who lives in Tonbridge, performed Prokofiev’s wonderfully spirited unaccompanied violin sonata, in the fabulous setting of Tudely Parish church, for TMC benefactors.

Tradition And this month if you are subscribed you can hear talented local young musician Alex Trigg, Organ Scholar of St George’s chapel, Windsor Castle, perform his favourite seasonal organ music. This will include pieces by Messiaen and Bach as well as Anderson’s Sleigh Ride.

If you are not already a benefactor member you can still join us and enjoy all the Totally Tonbridge concerts and exclusive interviews so far for the great value price of only £20. There are other benefits too involving live concerts we hope will still go ahead next year. You can find more information here http:// www.tmc.org.uk/membership/ By joining you will be supporting the tradition of top-class music-making being available on your doorstep and helping to ensure the survival of the club in the current crisis. You will also be supporting professional musicians so deeply impacted by the pandemic.

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PLANNING YOUR FINANCIAL JOURNEY WITH PANORAMIC WEALTH

he most important part of our lives, as 2020 has shown, is to live it to the fullest. The most important factor of this is not money, instead, it is you and your life. Our philosophy at Panoramic Wealth is that money is only the vehicle you use to achieve what it is you wish to accomplish; see places you want to see and make endless memories. Pensions, Investments, Protection and Mortgages themselves are not what makes us as humans tick but what proper planning can do is allow us to do the things we love. We have had clients travel the world, retire early and even buy boats which is infinitely more impactful on their lives than any financial product could ever be. Financial planning is a journey, and we see it as such. We work with you throughout your lifetime to ensure you are in the best position you can both financially and as for your mind through peace of mind. As a family owned firm, we value retaining complete control over our own destiny when much of the wider financial planning market is being consolidated leaving fewer bespoke firms such as ourselves remaining. Part of this has been the consistency and loyalty of our team as together as a team of 6, have worked with each other cumulatively for over 100 years. We have actually been involved in the family business environment since the 1930’s. The family ownership element means we empathise with Owner Manager Business and understand work very rarely ends promptly at 5 o’clock Friday just to start again at 9 on Monday morning when you are your business. Looking after those who own their own business is a particular strength of ours. Starting and building

Ross Jefferies & Gary Jefferies

a business can be a challenging time but also quite often a lonely experience so having someone there to guide you through this period of time can be crucial. It may be that you are at the other end of the process and are looking to exit the business or pass onto a succession plan and now more than ever will it be important to have a plan of action going forwards. Regardless of where you may

be through this journey of owning your own business, one thing is the same; making the right decisions at the right time is what will determine how well it works for you and your family. We have guided many existing clients through this whole process and understand what is required for you to flourish as a business owner. Not only do we guide clients through their own financial journey, but we work closely with Solicitors and Accountants and their clients. Through these partnerships we can ensure that everyone who comes to us are able to have all aspects of their lives looked after properly giving true peace of mind. One further area where we differ to many other financial planning firms is that we are able to cater for those at the beginning of their financial journey. As a financial planning firm with multigenerational advisers, we are perfectly positioned to empathise with clients of differing ages. This is especially prevalent when it comes to helping First Time Buyers get onto the property ladder and

first-time investors who are often seen as not profitable enough for many other businesses turning younger clients away. Even though we have clients across the country, we centre ourselves around Tunbridge Wells and have continued to support Bells Yew Green Cricket Club and Trinity Theatre. With the town being so central to us and our beliefs, we even have had Chris Burke, a long standing friend illustrate our headshots for our website. A Tunbridge Wells native himself, next time you are at Tunbridge Wells train station make sure to have a look at the 35 metre long mural depicting the town’s history. Those we work with are and always will be the most important part of Panoramic Wealth and part of this is we have been recording interview styled podcasts in conjunction with Weald Productions. Topics we have covered included the how we can help Owner Manager Businesses, the full implications of using the Bank of Mum and Dad (BomaD) and examining when you can retire and how it is best to do so.

If you would like to know more about how we can help you through your financial lifestyle to suit you, please call Panoramic Wealth today on 01892 595555 or email journey@panoramicwealth.co.uk.

Food & Culture

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Let’s get fizzical… With December now upon us it’s time to start planning ahead for the big day in a few weeks’ time so James Viner picks his favourite sensational sparkling wines to ensure Christmas goes with a bang… SO THIS is Christmas – and while it’s certainly not annulled, things will feel a little different this year. But after lockdowns, tier systems and generally a very tumultuous year, it’s finally high time to pop the cork on some cracking bottles of fizz. Stuck for present ideas? Wine is often a fail-safe option and I’ve found five sensational sub-£20 sparkling wines and also a few gift ideas that any wine lover would be more than happy to unwrap on Christmas morning. Cheers! 1) A SUPERMARKET EXCLUSIVE FROM LIMOUX IN FRANCE’S SOUTHERN LANGUEDOC Cuvée Royale Brut Crémant de Limoux NV France (12.5%, Waitrose, £8.99, down from £11.99 until Jan 3 2021) Though no one will need party wines this year, this is a good pick for a cheaper fizz. France’s crémants are all created using the traditional method whereby the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, as with both (often overpriced) Champagne and (depreciated) Cava. Under a tenner here for a bargain bubbly with style and verve. They began sparkling wine production in Limoux, a small town and now wine appellation in the eastern Pyrenean foothills in southern France, around 1531, centuries before the Champenois, so they are really adept at it. Made from 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc and 10% Pinot Noir, this is a sprightly iteration of Crémant de Limoux – refreshing, with an uplifting lemony lightness and a delicate biscuity note. Top value. Stunning fizz to rival big name bubbly – without the great heavy price

– and hoard this season. The festive season’s best fizzy offer. 2) TIME TO TRY CRÉMANT DE BORDEAUX! Calvet Crémant de Bordeaux Brut 2018 France (12%, Tesco, £10) Although this Crémant appellation is one of the newest in Bordeaux (1990), the production of sparkling wines in the region is a century-old

tradition and the quality is better and better latterly. There’s lots going on in this lively blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Cabernet Franc, which has generous green apple, citrus and white peach fruit, plus a surge of flavour on the finish. One for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. A lovely aperitif, it also makes a really decent sparkling cocktail, think Kir Royale or Airmail – rum and sparkling wine really make great partners! 3) FULL-FLAVOURED ÉLITE SUPERMARKET OWNLABEL CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA FROM THE CO-OP Co-op Les Pionniers Brut NV Champagne, PiperHeidsieck. France (12%, Co-op, £19, down to £18 from 9 Dec- 1 Jan for non-members & £15 for members) I am usually demure when spending less than £20 on champagne (they’re usually a false

economy) but this multi-award-winning Champagne has incredible finesse and charm and has always knocked the socks off all other low-priced supermarket own-label champagnes. It’s a real find, still on great from, and down to just £15 a bottle exclusively for Co-op members (or £18 if not a member) from December 9-January 1. Sumptuous Champagne with a tight, percussive bubble, filigree texture, impressive richness and depth. Really appetising but firm enough to be drunk with food, this is a very sophisticated, savoury, silky and engaging wine. Pour with oysters, fishy canapés and cheese straws. Great to see it on a really special offer soon (still brilliant at £19). Skilled winemaking with 5-star achievement. Mark your diary! 4) BUY & CLICK LOCAL! STIMULATING SPLENDOUR FROM SUSSEX Stopham Estate Sparkling Brut 2016 W. Sussex (11.8%, Stopham Estate, £25) Stopham planted their vineyard 13 years ago in the sandy south-facing six-hectare (15 acre) slope at Stopham, a picturesque village on the river Arun in the heart of the South Downs National Park, W. Sussex. Specialising in fantastic award-winning still wines, Stopham has also been polishing and improving the quality of their sparkling wines. This is a classic chardonnay-led (80%, along with 20% Pinot Noir) sparkler that offers a lot of elegance, a delicate texture, a scintillating energy and quality for the money, all apple crumble, crisp citrus, orchard fruits and gentle biscuit crumb, with that typically English quality of nervy, tongue-prickling brightness. It has a floral tone and a lovely, creamy, Chardonnay character that gives the impression it’s helping digestion. Controlled acidity, quality fruit and the long finish are also definite pluses. A super-delicious, superb apéritif. Hello smoked salmon, eggs Benedict and fish and chips. Mighty fine drinking in its youth this Christmas. Selling fast due to limited supply. You have the local scoop.

Celebrate Christmas at Salomons Estate Tunbridge Wells FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEAS

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Saturday 19th December Thursday 24th December

Saturday 19th December Midday – 5pm Afternoon Tea is a special treat, and what better time to treat yourself and your family and friends than during the Christmas season. Traditional

£21.50 per adult

Christmas Day Lunch prepared by our Executive Chef, delivered fresh to your door, from just £16.66 per person

£26.50

per adult with Prosecco Children

£11.50 (smaller portion, available for

children aged 12 and under only) 24hr advance booking required, bookings cancelled on the day will be asked to pay 50%.

COUNTRY HOUSE

SALOMONS CHRISTMAS DINNER AT HOME

The stress free and tasty option for a Christmas feast at home! A delicious 2 or 3 course traditional family Christmas lunch, for 6 people, supplied ready dressed and prepared for you to easily cook and serve at home. Each course is supplied ready to cook with easy to follow instructions, leaving you to simply, serve and enjoy. For a full menu and more details please see our website.

Enjoy a festive breakfast experience the whole family will enjoy, as Santa and his Elves host a breakfast feast at Salomons Estate.

£14.50 per person (adult or child)

Tables available between 8am-11am. Price includes full English and continental breakfast with gift from Santa for every child. Full payment due upon booking.

SANTA AT SALOMONS 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd December Christmas means one thing, Santa is visiting Salomons Estate! With presents for all the children why not come and visit Santa Claus and his Elves in our cosy grotto. Fun for all the family featuring our Christmas treasure trail with a free child’s hot chocolate. Grotto slots available from 10am-4pm.

£14.50 per child

Adults free of charge Booking can only be made online via our website, full payment will be due upon booking.

To book please email reservations@salomons-estate.com call 01892 515152 or visit www.salomons-estate.com

Food & Culture

food

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Food writer Kate Young: There’s no right way for Christmas to look Christmas may be complicated, but the food needn’t be. Kate Young tells Ella Walker about her new festive recipe collection

LOW–KEY CHRISTMAS Kate Young has released her new collection of Yuletide recipes

ATE YOUNG undoubtedly loves Christmas. Loves, loves, loves it. So much so that the Australian-born food writer has put together a collection of Yuletide recipes – 30 new, 20 swiped from her previous Little Library cookbooks – all cloth-bound in festive red, like a Dickensian classic, and interwoven with Christmas themed essays. Drawing on food from fiction – like the Turkish delight Edmund gorges on in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe; roasted nuts inspired by The Mill On The Floss, and Moomin-style eggnog – as well as her own Christmases, including many a Swedish Christmas Eve feast, The Little Library Christmas is full of festive cheer. It’s also very sensitive to the fact not all Christmases are equal, let alone easy. “I really love Christmas, but I totally appreciate that for a lot of people, it’s incredibly stressful,” says Young, noting the annual flux in complicated family dynamics and at the other extreme, loneliness during a season where togetherness is seemingly mandatory. “It’s never as simple as ‘Christmas is always great’.” And whether it’s great or not, it’s certainly going to be different this year. “I’m trying not to assume what Christmas Day is going to look like but the reality of the situation, I think we’re all painfully aware, is that we might all

FAIRYTALE FOOD Kate’s new collection is inspired by treats in novels

goodness; all the December 25 trimmings; and edible ways to see in the new year. “I wanted to write a book that gives you ideas for that day, but also covers all the time around it,” she explains, noting that yes, you may want to roast a whole goose, eschew turkey for chicken this year (“Cook a chicken, chickens are great!”), or go Swedish and make Jansson’s temptation (a potato and sprat bake). But it is also “completely fine, as we did a couple of years ago, to get a bunch of last-minute canapes for the freezer and just put them in the oven at various points throughout the day and eat that”, she says.

Extraordinary be restricted,” says Young on the pandemic, which is set to outstrip even Scrooge in its disdain for Christmas wishes. “I think it’s going to be a weird one. I’ve talked to friends who are making a decision like, ‘We’re just gonna pretend it’s not happening’. But I love it, and I can’t pretend it’s not happening. So I’m going to find ways to make it good.” Food is one such way – an excellent one at that. Young’s split the recipes in her book into five sections, covering food as gifts; festive party fare; Christmas Eve

“There is joy to be had in making an incredible Christmas dinner, but if that is not something you’re going to find joyful, it does feel quite intense to have that pushed upon you. There’s always a chance to do it another way; there’s no right way for Christmas to look.” Same goes for New Year’s Eve. It’s easy to feel pressurised into thinking you have to drink all the champagne and dance until your tights wear through, but Young says there’s magic in a low-key New Year. Especially when it involves making her cheesy orzo using the nubbly odds and ends of your Christmas cheeseboard.

Food & Culture

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Now based in the UK, Young is rather used to Christmas shifting shape and form. Growing up in the Nineties in Australia, Christmas Day was “monstrously hot” and sunny, and spent largely in the pool. “Generally, we ate cold meat and potato salads, so we’d have a ham, but we’d have it cold,” Young recalls. “December is a beautiful time of year for food in Australia – all the tropical fruit is out, so you’d have mangoes; it would be extraordinary. But we would still have plum pudding because my great-grandma made Christmas puddings every year. I still use her recipe, which is in the book, and we would still have that to finish, but not until the sun had set and it was slightly cooler.”

Memory Sprouts were not really on the menu… “I didn’t eat them a lot until I came here and by then I was in my 20s,” says Young. “I loved them instantly because they are slightly bitter and savoury and good, and if you know how to cook them, they’re delicious. I didn’t have any of that school dinners association, where they’ve been boiled to oblivion.” She even pickles them. “They’ve become a thing that’s cool again,” she says. “At Christmas, they sometimes receive a worse rap than they should.” Christmas may be wrought (and sometimes fraught) with tradition, ritual and routine, but Young hopes The Little Library Christmas offers space and ideas, not festive mandates. “I don’t want it to feel like I’m presenting a utopian version of Christmas,” she says. “I want the book to very much feel like a usable practical friend in the kitchen, but also a memory of the really good parts of Christmas, and an acknowledgement of the parts where it’s tricky as well. “I want it to be a Christmas book for people who don’t necessarily have to have completely uncomplicated feelings about Christmas,” she adds. And in a complicated year, there’s comfort to be found in that.

Turkish delight recipe TURKISH DELIGHT LIKE THEY DO IT IN NARNIA. “During Edmund’s first visit to Narnia, he finds himself wrapped in furs on the White Witch’s sleigh. At this point in the story, of course, it is still always winter, but never Christmas. “Yet, in spite of this, that image of the snow and the sleigh means that the squidgy pink squares of Turkish delight that she plies him with

make most sense to me as a festive treat,” says food writer Kate Young. “To abandon your siblings in hopes of a kingship takes something pretty memorable; happily, Turkish delight delivers.” Turkish delight from The Little Library Christmas by Kate Young Ingredients: (Makes around 30 squares) n 450g cups granulated

sugar n 1tbsp lemon juice n 475ml water n 90g cornflour/cornstarch n ½tsp cream of tartar n 1tbsp rosewater n Pink food colouring (ideally paste) To Decorate: n 40g cornflour/cornstarch n 40g icing/confectioners’ sugar n Edible glitter (optional)

Method: 1. Place the sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan with 175ml of the water. Put the pan over a medium-low heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Once the liquid is clear, stop stirring and heat until the sugar syrup reaches 118C/245F (around 15 minutes). 2. Line the baking pan with plastic wrap, smoothing the base and sides as much as possible. Sift the cornflour and cream of tartar into a saucepan, along with the remaining 300ml of water. Place over a low heat and stir continuously. The mixture will start to thicken. Keep cooking it until it resembles hair gel – thick and gloopy. 3. Stirring constantly, slowly pour in the hot sugar syrup. Continue to stir over a low heat for around an hour. The mixture will look strange (and separated) at first, but it will come together. When it’s done, it will have taken on a golden tinge and be very thick and difficult to stir. I know this is a long time to keep stirring, but I find it soothing – it’s something you can do with a Christmas film playing. 4. Remove from the heat and beat in the rosewater and food colouring. Scoop the Turkish delight into the lined baking pan – this will be messy. Smooth the top with a wet spatula and push down. Cover with a tea towel and allow it to set overnight in a cool room.

The Little Library Christmas by Kate Young is published by Head of Zeus, priced £15. Photography by Lean Timms. Available now.

5. The next day, turn the Turkish delight out of the pan and peel off the plastic wrap. Wet a knife with hot water and slice into squares. To decorate, sift the cornflour and icing sugar into a shallow bowl (along with the edible glitter if you’re using it). Drop the squares into the bowl and toss to coat each piece. Gift it as soon as you can after this (or add a little extra cornflour to the box before you do), as the damp squares of Turkish delight will eventually soak up the powder. Store in a cool, dry place, with greaseproof/wax paper between the layers.

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Food & Culture

Books

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

The bookcase… Life in lockdown has given many the chance to fall in love with reading again. Here’s our pick of this week’s top tomes to enjoy…

You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat

Published in hardback by Dialogue Books, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99). Available now Real, non-fetishised bisexual characters can be few and far between in literature, but You Exist Too Much isn’t just worth reading for its efforts in representation. It’s a stunning debut from Zaina Arafat, following the life of its nameless narrator: a 20-something PalestinianAmerican writer struggling with her identity. The story jumps between her memories of visiting Palestine as a child and growing up in America, and her present day dealings with failed affairs and love addiction. At its core is a troubled relationship with her mother, who refuses to accept her for who she is. It’s a devastating portrayal of what it’s like to feel as though you never fit in – both in terms of the narrator’s sexuality and racial identity. Arafat handles these weighty topics with real compassion. (Review by Prudence Wade)

There’s No Such Thing As An Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura, translated by Polly Barton Published in paperback by Bloomsbury,

priced £12.99 (ebook £7.49). Available November 26 wondered whether a job is Is there a job out there that right for them, or if the way requires no reading, no society views work makes any writing, and, if possible, sense. With hints of magical no thinking at all? This is realism and a quirky what the protagonist in approach to chronicling Kikuko Tsumura’s latest burnout, the novel’s work is searching for. She’s thoroughly burnt out and feels slow approach and focus on the minutiae might unable to face the working lose its readers’ interest. world’s requirements. After However, There’s No Such trying five seemingly banal job roles, she finds each time Thing As An Easy Job could be a soothing balm for those there are hidden mysteries pondering some of life’s that spark her interest and deeper questions on the help her realise her own capability. Tsumura’s heroine nature of how we occupy our time. (Review by Rosemin offers some kinship for Anderson) all those who have often

7/10

God 99 by Hassan Blasim, translated by Jonathan Wright Published in paperback by Comma Press, priced £9.99 (ebook £5.99). Available November 26

9/10

NON-FICTION

A Promised Land by Barack Obama

Published in hardback by Viking Books, priced £35 (ebook £15.99). Available now This isn’t Barack Obama’s first memoir, but he still takes us through a whistle-stop tour of his life before his presidency; fast forwarding through his childhood in Hawaii and Indonesia, his time at Harvard, entering politics via community organising, before diving into the gruelling years criss-crossing America on the campaign trail, first in a bid to secure the Democratic Party presidential nomination, then battling John McCain in the race for the White House – a race he would, of course, go on to

9/10

What makes a refugee different from anyone else? Are they transformed by shared experiences, or can they remain individuals with their own inner lives? In Blasim’s novel, Hassan Owl, an Iraqi living in Finland, sets out to collect refugees’ stories for his blog, God 99. The resulting patchwork sketches the dizzying extremes well, from harrowing loss and danger to everyday drudgery. Throughout, letters from an unidentified literary translator arrive, and the revelation of their author’s identity at the novel’s climax is one of its most effective moments. While Owl complains that Arab publishers find his prose too vulgar, for English readers the sexual frankness and profanity may no longer shock. They show him dealing with the same frustrations and urges as everyone else. (Review by Joshua Pugh Ginn)

6/10

win. In the first of a two-volume series, the 44th President of the United States chronicles his first two and a half years in office with a knack for simplifying even the most complex political processes, and decades-long conflicts. Where the brilliantly written book really comes to life is when Obama lets down his guard and gives us a glimpse of the swearing, cigarette-smoking, martini-drinking man behind the myth, offering deliciously acerbic assessments of world leaders. Exasperation is a recurring theme as the idealistic Obama butts heads with adversaries – it’s reassuring to learn that even the most powerful man on the planet felt helpless at times, and a delight to discover what was really going on behind that seemingly unflappable exterior. (Review by Katie Wright)

AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NON-FICTION) 1. A Promised Land by Barack Obama

6. The Body In The Marsh by Nick Louth

2. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

7. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

3. Rhythm Of War by Brandon Sanderson

8. Troy by Stephen Fry

4. Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart 5. Beginner’s Spanish by The Superpolyglotbros

9. The Jane Austen Collection by Jane Austen 10. Little Me by Matt Lucas (Compiled by Audible)

CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK

Where Snow Angels Go by Maggie O’Farrell, illustrated by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini

Published in hardback by Walker Books, priced £14.99. Available now Where do snow angels go? According to this beautifully illustrated book, the impressions left in the ground eventually melt and fade to become our guardians looking on from above. This is a good job, as Sylvie has a habit of finding herself in some scary situations, brought to life with inventive descriptions. Kids will love the daring protagonist – Sylvie is a young girl not afraid to break the rules, inquisitive enough to push her protector’s limits and defined by her caring nature. Women’s Prize-winning O’Farrell’s debut children’s story is an imaginative tale and a genuine heart-warmer for winter. (Review by Sean Coyte)

8/10

Motoring News

Wednesday December 2 | 2020

Motoring News

This week… n

Updates to Camry

Audi’s carbon plan

BMW unveils the new and sharper S1000R

n Enhanced S1000R

POWER The new bike from the Munich company

Toyota Camry updated with new styling, equipment and safety kit

BMW has introduced a new version of its powerful S1000R motorcycle. Replacing its predecessor – launched in 2014 – the new S1000R is now lighter and even sharper than before. Based on the S1000RR, the new bike brings 165bhp at 11,000rpm and 114Nm of torque, combined with an ultra-low weight of just 199kg. The engine is based within a chassis which takes cues from the RR too, helping to bring the weight down by 6.5kg over its predecessor. The new frame is narrower than before, while the handlebars can be adjusted too.

Adaptive

POWERTRAIN The eighth generation Toyota Camry is part of Toyota’s electrification focus THE Toyota Camry is getting a range of new equipment and styling updates, which will be introduced from spring next year. The latest model was reintroduced to the UK last year as the model’s eighth-generation. It has an all-hybrid powertrain as part of Toyota’s electrification focus. On the styling front, the 2021 Camry will have a new front grille and bumper, while the lower grille and side accessories have been given a new finish. There are also new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheel designs too, which use slim and

twisted spokes that have contrasting bright and dark finishes.

Intelligent Inside, the main update is the new 9.0-inch infotainment display, which is mounted on the centre console with a ‘floating effect’ and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota says it has faster software, faster response to touch, and can be operated through a combination of the touchscreen and button

controls. Depending on the trim level, it also gets beige or black leather upholstery, as well as new instrument panel finishes. The Camry will get an updated version of Toyota’s Safety Sense package, bringing lane assist, intelligent adaptive cruise control, road sign assist and more. The full pricing and specification will be revealed nearer the on-sale date in 2021, but it will likely see a small increase on the current £31,020 starting price.

Audi to make all car plants carbon neutral by 2025

A new lightweight exhaust has been fitted, both to reduce weight and ensure that the bike meets EU5 emissions standards. Gear ratios for the S1000R have been lengthened, too, in order to reduce noise and fuel consumption when travelling at higher speeds. Three riding modes come as standard – Rain, Road and Dynamic – while a Dynamic Pro setting is also available as part of the optional Riding Modes Pro package. The S1000R also features a 6.5-inch TFT screen which gives the rider access to all of the bike’s key functions. For instance, they can view an app-based arrow navigation system for directions to their destination. However, a stripped-back ‘Pure Screen’ setup removes any extra information and leaves just key readouts such as speed. New LED headlights are fitted as standard, while newly designed indicators utilise LEDs instead. An optional Headlight Pro package brings adaptive turning lights which helps increase illumination levels when going around bends at night.

CLASSIFIEDS

MISSION ZERO Audi’s new plan to go green AUDI has announced its intentions to make all of its vehicle production plants carbon neutral by 2025. Billed ‘Mission:Zero’, the manufacturer is implementing a range of policies that will enable its facilities to be greener. Audi produced 1.8m cars across its global sites in 2019, and with a large proportion of a vehicle’s lifetime emissions produced during the manufacturing stage, the firm is looking to do its part to meet Paris climate goals. Audi’s Brussels plant, where the electric e-tron SUV is produced, became carbon neutral in 2018, while its facility in Hungary – where some of the brand’s sportier models are manufactured – also

became CO2-neutral recently. The Gyor plant in Hungary was helped to become CO2-neutral by its 160,000 square meter rooftop solar panels – the largest of their kind in Europe – along with its use of geothermal energy.

Aspiration Plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, both in Germany, and San José Chiapa, Mexico, are currently about 75% of the way to achieving carbon neutrality. Peter Kössler, member of the board of management of Audi AG for production and logistics, said: “A major proportion of the

emissions in an automobile’s lifecycle are generated during its utilisation phase. However, along with the growing proportion of electrified vehicles, these emissions increasingly shift to the manufacturing phase. “This is where we have a decisive lever as manufacturers. By achieving carbon neutrality for our production sites and consistently carrying this aspiration into our supply chain, we ensure that our automobiles reach the customer with a smaller carbon footprint.” Audi is also working on recycling aluminium to be used in new vehicles, while is also working with its partners and suppliers to ensure they also commit to carbon neutrality.

40 YEARS OF BRITISH D E S I G N & M A N U FA C T U R I N G Newly Refurbished Tunbridge Wells Design Studio

By appointment only

can y o u help tedd y may or? Royal Tunbridge Wells Together is offering you an amazing chance to

win a £500 shopping voucher if you buy a gift worth £10 or more in the town centre and bring it to the collection point in the Town Hall, from the 4th-21st December you will be entered into our prize draw. Choose a gift from Teddy’s online list, buy your gift and drop it off at the Town Hall. See www.twmta.co.uk for opening hours and full details. Fi nd th e ultim ate giFt at www.tw ch r istm as.shopping browse online, shop in store

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