Times of Tunbridge Wells 11th September 2019 by One Media

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

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Dragon Boat race gets off to a flying start

HEAD TO HEAD: Thirty one teams took to the water at Bewl during a weekend hosted by Markerstudy and gave it their all. Full story and pictures see page 6

Boost for theatre plans as Royal Philharmonic pledges support By Richard Williams LEADING lights from the world of music and showbusiness have taken centre stage and thrown their weight behind plans for the new theatre - pointing out the ‘significant’ benefits it would bring to the town. The head of the country’s leading orchestra has said Tunbridge Wells could become a regular touring destination if it goes ahead with its theatre and civic centre development. James Williams, Managing Director at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra [RPO], visited Tunbridge Wells last week to James Williams encourage

the Council to press ahead with Calverley Square. He said the £108million theatre and town hall office development was ‘a great opportunity’ to put Tunbridge

‘This opportunity to have a new theatre will bring in the big names’ Wells on the cultural map. “We play regular regional venues and we have a community education programme to meet local needs,” says Mr Williams, who has managed the world-famous 75-piece orchestra since 2016. He says these regional venues are in places such as Reading, Hull, Scunthorpe

Councillor and former mayor dies suddenly

and Lowestoft, but the RPO is prevented from coming to Tunbridge Wells. He said: “We are currently looking at our next funding rounds at the RPO and would love to come to Tunbridge Wells. “But the theatre is just not fit for purpose. The opportunity is there for Tunbridge Wells to have a fully owned theatre that will bring in the names. “As it stands the current venue is not fit for us or the likes of War Horse or the other income generators that allow you to run a full cultural programme.” He added: “Calverley Square is a great opportunity, as it is in the perfect location. Out of town will not work – you want the restaurants and bars and other businesses to benefit from a theatre. Culture is a great economic driver.” The RPO boss is among dozens of leading lights from the theatrical world who

A FORMER Mayor of Tunbridge Wells and long-time borough councillor has died. Dr Ronen Basu, who represented Culverden ward for more than a decade, passed away on Saturday after being taken to hospital last week suffering from pneumonia. The former consultant pathologist arrived in Britain in 1975 from Varanasi, India, and settled in Tunbridge Wells where he married his wife, Sue, in 1978. Dr Basu was a pioneer in the medical field of Cytopatholgy [cellular pathology] and had worked for the World Health Organisation as well as at a number of hospitals in the South East, including Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury where he became the

Continued on page 4

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AMERICAN EXPRESS How a Tunbridge Wells online search company is expanding into the US p8 BUNDLES OF JOY Parents and babies’ donor service Baby Bundles is saved from closure p10

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Councillor dies: Continued from page 1 Clinical Director of Pathology. He retired from practice in 2003 and was elected to the borough council in 2008. In 2013-2014, he became the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, and before he died he served as the Council’s Cabinet member for sustainability. A keen gardener, Dr Basu had also been Chairman of Tunbridge Wells in Bloom, helping to revitalise the town’s fortunes in the competition, as well as working as a voluntary therapist at Hospice in the Weald, Pembury. Council Leader Alan McDermott said of his Conservative colleague’s, passing: “Ronen was a very nice

man, a good friend and always a pleasure to spend time with. “He was very popular with his fellow councillors and staff at the Council and he will be missed by us all. “His sudden death is a great loss and our thoughts and sympathy are with his wife Sue and his family. “Working for the local community was very important to Ronen and he was one of the driving forces behind re-establishing the Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom campaign in the town which has gone on to win so many awards.” Dr Basu, who was in his 70s when he died, is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sue.

TRYING HARD Tunbridge Wells rugby team celebrate after an impressive win p70

TUNBRIDGE WELLS MP Greg Clark hopes he will eventually be accepted back into the Parliamentary Conservative Party after being ousted. The former Business Secretary was kicked out after defying Boris Johnson and voting to block a no-deal Brexit last week. Mr Clark, who has represented Tunbridge Wells in Parliament since 2005, defied the party whip— that tells MPs which way to vote – along with 20 other EU rebels who all had the whip removed. Boris Johnson’s chief advisor, Dominic Cummings, had clashed with Mr Clark just before the big vote, with Mr Cummings telling the former Business Secretary he would be ‘purged’ if he voted against the Government. However, Mr Clark, told the Times he felt had no choice. He said: “My view is that if you are in public life, you have to be honest in your judgement. “I want to see a deal and I think there is a great danger of leaving without a deal and it would not be honourable to lie about that and say actually it will be fine.” While the MP remains a local

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 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.

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REMEMBERED Ronen Basu and wife Sue when he was Mayor in 2013

MP hopes to be taken back into the parliamentary party after losing whip By Richard Williams

CLASS ACT See our education guide for all you need to know about finding the right school p19

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Theatre: Continued from page 1 have encouraged the Council to continue with its 1,200 seat theatre project, which is currently frozen until September 25 while councillors examine possible alternatives. Theatre director at the Royal Opera, Sir Richard Eyre CH CBE, has said Calverley Square would enable ‘The best of theatre, ballet and opera to be available to those who live outside London’. And Lee Dean, theatre producer for West End and Broadway shows says The Assembly Hall Theatre is not suitable for his shows. But said of the new theatre: “With circa 1,200 seats and state-of-the-art facilities you will have no trouble in attracting the very best of what British Theatre has to offer.” Paul Elliott, the producer of the stage version of Dirty Dancing said: “I have just become aware of the situation regarding the proposed new theatre project for Tunbridge Wells and the potential problem that has arisen which may prohibit the construction of this venue. “If there was a theatre with modern facilities that could host them it could become a magnet for the best of other producer’s products for many years to come and make Tunbridge Wells an enlightened centre of cultural activities.” While Rufus Norris, Artistic Director of the National Theatre said it would be a ‘travesty’ if the project did not go ahead and urged councillors to ‘please reconsider’.

Conservative Association member, he said losing the whip last week was ‘painful’ but he had no regrets. “Obviously it was very painful that it required the loss of the party whip in the House of Commons, but it would be wrong to say something that is against my judgement just to save my position in the Parliamentary party.” He added that he hoped the Conservative Party would eventually reinstate the whip, allowing him to run as a future Parliamentary candidate in Tunbridge Wells. “It is too soon to know what is going to happen. We don’t know if there will be a General Election and when it will happen, and if there is it will be very difficult to predict. “But any election will come down to whether you want to see Jeremy Corbyn in Downing Street or not. “I would like the whip to be reinstated, and in time, I hope it will be reinstated as has happened on previous occasions such as with the Maastricht Rebels [under John Major]. “But this is a matter for ‘REBEL’ the Prime Minister and I Greg Clark have no complaints

COSTS SPIRAL AT ‘VENUE FOR TRIBUTE ACTS’ Theatre director at the Assembly Hall Theatre, JJ Almond, says the ageing building is fast is becoming a ‘venue for tribute acts and comedians’. Mr Almond, who has been director at the theatre since 2006, said the current audience comes from ‘all over the south east, including London’, but said it is becoming impossible to satisfy them. “The big shows cannot come here because they won’t fit,” he said. “The next level of show will come but they have such onerous terms because the venue is seen as unattractive and risky that we cannot make money.” He says last year they bought in the hit West End musical, Fame, but the terms meant the sell-out show failed to make money. “We lost money, but it was either that or not have a musical on for the year,” he said. As reported in the Times in July, the theatre subsidy had almost doubled to £479,276 by April last year, and is expected to rise by ‘at least £100,000’ next year according to the Council. Any overhaul to the Assembly Hall is expected to cost around £30million.

about that.” Mr Clark insisted he was on ‘cordial’ terms with Brexiteers in the Conservative Party and ruled out joining the Liberal Democrats as Conservative colleague, Phillip Lee had done during Mr Johnson’s speech to MPs last Tuesday. He also ruled out becoming part of any ‘Independent Conservative Group’.

Force for good “There are a lot of decisions taking place over the last few days, but I have no appetite to be part of a new party. “The Conservative Party has been a force for good in this country for decades, and I am a Conservative through and through with a capital C. “I respect a range of views of people including the Brexiters in Tunbridge Wells with whom I have a great relationship and share cordial respect. “I have a very good relationship with the party and I hope I will be considered to be a future candidate for them,” said Mr Clark. After the ‘tumultuous’ events of last week, Mr Clark said he felt ‘touched’ by the reaction from local people. “I was out running with the dog at the weekend and the number of people who beeped their horn and people on bikes shouting positive things was quite touching.” He added that by New Year, he believed Brexit would be finally solved. “I think on New Year’s Eve, we will have finally solved Brexit after all these years, and I hope I will be celebrating New Year on The Pantiles as your Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells.”

Father is charged with baby’s death A CROWBOROUGH man has been charged with the murder of his eightweek old baby girl. Holly Roe [pictured] was pronounced dead in hospital on September 10, 2018 after paramedics found her suffering from breathing difficulties at the family home in Alderbrook Close. A post-mortem examination showed she had died from a traumatic head injury. Michael Roe was arrested at the family home last Tuesday [September 3]. The unemployed 32-year-old appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Friday charged with Holly’s murder, wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, and causing or allowing the death of a child. He was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing at the same court on September 26. Holly’s 21-year-old mother Tiffany Tate was also charged of causing or allowing the death of a child.

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Thieves jailed for failed attempt to blow up ATM TWO men who used a gas canister to try to extract money from a cash machine in Paddock Wood have been jailed for a combined total of 12 years. William Samuel, 36, and Tommy Beaney, 22, from Sittingbourne, attacked the cashpoint at the Nationwide Building Society on Commercial Road on May 17. After their attempts to explode the ATM failed, the two men fled the scene but were later discovered by a police dog hiding underneath a nearby caravan. The pair were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, September 9, after pleading guilty to attempted theft and conspiracy to cause explosions. Beaney was sentenced to five years and six months and Williams six years and four months.

Drivers’ lowest points DRIVERS in Tunbridge Wells are the second most well-behaved in the country, according to new figures. The town had the lowest number of drivers with points on their licence in the UK, according to research by Vantage Leasing. Only 4.16 per cent of drivers in Tunbridge Wells have points on their license. The most well-behaved drivers are in Canterbury where only 3.72 per cent of drivers have points. The worst drivers are in Halifax where nearly one in ten has some form of endorsement on their licence.

Will’s Strictly debut A TUNBRIDGE WELLS Paralympian was paired with Pete Andre’s ex-dancing partner as he made his Strictly Come Dancing debut last weekend. Gold medalist table tennis ace Will Bayley was paired with pro-dance partner, Janette Manrara at the launch of the hit BBC One Saturday-night show. Ms Manrara has danced with celebrities such as EastEnders’ star Jake Wood, fashion designer Julien MacDonald, and pop star Peter Andre. Speaking about his new dance partner, the 31-year-old Paralympian said: “When we danced with each other the first day I was really struggling but when you have a pro with you it just makes it so much easier.”

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

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Rosemary’s cookery school is latest casualty of Hadlow Group collapse By Jonathan Banks A COOKERY school that operated under the name of celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager has closed down. The Tunbridge Wells school has become the latest casualty in the collapse of the Hadlow Group which ran the business on The Pantiles. The group has seen two colleges, including West Kent, become the first in the country to fall into educational administration. A group statement said ‘that owing to external financial pressures’ related to wider external issues at the Hadlow Group’, the Rosemary Shrager Cookery School could ‘not continue to operate in its present form, or in its existing location.’

Fulfilling Speaking to the Times, Rosemary Shrager said she was ‘truly saddened’ by the closure of the school which was ‘a way of engaging with the community and youngsters who are looking to develop a career within catering’. “My heart goes out to those affected,” she added. “I continue to support the work of countless individuals working to help the next generation to learn new skills and prepare them for a future in the industry I love.” The school, which was opened in 2013 on the back of the chef’s television success as a contestant on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, had been under the ownership and directorship of Hadlow Group for almost four years.

HAPPIER TIMES Rosemary Shrager at her cookery school

“During that time I have been involved on a voluntary and entirely unpaid basis in creating the teaching programmes and courses,” said Ms Shrager. “The Rosemary Shrager brand is still with me, and I am determined that I will continue being involved in encouraging and introducing young people into the exciting and fulfilling world of catering which has been, and continues to be, such a major part of my life.” Graham Morley, Interim Principal of Hadlow Group said: “This has obviously been a difficult decision to take. However, the financial difficulties facing the Cookery School has meant that it could not continue to operate in its current form or in its existing location. “We hope to continue to work with Rosemary and are currently in discussion with her, and

Man told his wife to ‘close her eyes’ and then tried to kill her By Richard Williams A TUNBRIDGE WELLS man has been convicted of attempting to murder his wife after he told her to close her eyes and wait for ‘a present’ before stabbing her in the throat. Maidstone Crown Court heard last week how Shaun May attacked his wife because he had lost his job the previous day over ‘financial irregularities’ and was worried how they would pay their mortgage. The 34-year-old office manager attacked wife of 14 months, Laura,

at their home in Station Road. He had denied attempted murder and admitted the less serious charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, but a jury last week [September 4] found him guilty of trying to kill his wife. The court had heard how in October last year, May got up in the early hours, saying he had heard noises downstairs. Prosecutor, Robin Griffiths, told jurors May then returned to the bedroom and told his wife to close her eyes before placing a tea towel

other partners, to explore future initiatives.” Mr Morley, who became the cookery school’s sole director when he took over at Hadlow Group, has appointed Crowe LLP to assist with placing the business into liquidation. The cookery school, which officially closed its doors on August 8, says it can no longer honour any gift vouchers and claims for refunds must be made to the liquidators. In 2016, the school was saved from closure when deputy principal of Hadlow Group, Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, stepped in and bailed out the school a week before it was due to close. Since then, both Mr Lumsdon-Taylor and principal of Hadlow Group, Paul Hannan, have resigned from their posts, just days before they were officially suspended following an investigation from the Financial Commissioner.

THE COUPLE Shaun May and wife Laura on Facebook

over her face. He then began counting down from ten, promising her a ‘present’. “She then felt something in her left shoulder, a clamping feeling,” said Mr Griffiths. “She thought at first it was a puppy clinging to her

skin but then realised it felt cold and she felt something trickling down her back.” Mr Griffiths added that it was sheer good fortune that Laura May was not killed, adding: “As far as Mrs May was concerned, it was a good relationship and she could not remember them ever having an argument. What happened that morning was totally unexpected.” He told the jury that after stabbing his wife, May pointed the knife at his stomach, saying he was going to kill himself because he did not know how they would pay the mortgage. May, who did not give evidence at his trial, was remanded in custody by Judge Philip St.John-Stevens until sentencing on October 16.

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M-Factor battle of the bands brings the ‘sunshine and charm’ to Bewl CENTRE STAGE Rick Parfitt Jnr [left] with Markerstudy’s Gary Humphreys and members of Suncharmer

MUSIC, dancing, dragon boat racing and traditional fairground rides all helped make it a memorable weekend at Bewl Water. The annual Markerstudy Group festival on Sunday was a fun celebration for staff, family and friends and this year included a new ‘battle of the bands’ live music competition. Four local acts were shortlisted to perform on stage all hoping to win the £1,000 prize money. Best Intentions, Kirsty Davis, White Heat and Suncharmer had made it through the first stage of the competition which launched earlier this summer.

Polished Announcing the winner, Markerstudy Director Gary Humphreys and Rick Parfitt Junior (lead singer of the RPJ Band) told how impressed they were with all the musicians although the unique indie rock sound and polished performance of Sunchamer’s Paul Crisp, Josh Brice, Sam Dann and Jasper Morris had given them the edge. Rick commented: “The M-Factor acts were all brilliant but there could only be one winner and Suncharmer put both the sun and charm into a fabulous day”. Vocalist Paul Crisp added: “Big thanks to Markerstudy for choosing us. Their hospitality and the professional stage set up was perfect and we were made to feel really welcome.” Markerstudy’s Gary Humphreys said: “We hope to make M-Factor a regular feature at our future festivals and hopefully this platform will help spread the name of these young and ambitious artists.”

LISTEN TO THE BANDS To see and hear more from the four acts, go to:  Suncharmer - www.suncharmer.co.uk  White Heat - https://m.facebook.com/ officialwhiteheat  Best Intentions - https://www.facebook. com/ukbestintentions  Kirsty Davis - https://soundcloud.com/ user-185321865

Dragon Boat race receives roar of approval…

SATURDAY at Bewl saw more than 500 people battle it out in the 22nd annual Dragon Boat Race raising thousands of pounds for local schools and charities. In an event now run by Markerstudy Leisure, who took over from Funraisers, 31 teams of 17 did their best to rule the reservoir taking to the water in fancy dress to generate more than £2,000 for their chosen charities and the money is still being counted. Family and friends gathered on the banks to cheer on the crews. Eventual winners were the colourful, Marlborough House Neon

All Stars, raising money for the Hawkhurst prep school. Taking second place were The Floaters and third, The Bidborough Imperial Dragon. Bewl’s Operations Director Phil Daley said : “The atmosphere was perfect, helped by the weather and it was fantastic to see so many families having fun while raising money for charities. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Bewl Water next year.” Markerstudy Leisure have confirmed next year’s Dragon Boat Festival will take place on Saturday September 5.

PHOTO: Sophie Blackburn

MAKING A SPLASH Competitors brave it out on the reservoir

WINNERS Marlborough House Neon All Stars celebrate their victory

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

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Leader steps down at County Hall after 14 years in charge By Richard Williams THE Leader of Kent County Council [KCC] has decided to call it a day and will give up the £48,000 a year part time role next month. Conservative Leader, Paul Carter, CBE, has said ‘it is time to pass on the challenge’ after leading KCC since 2005. He was first elected to the county council in 1997 and before being elected Leader served as the Cabinet member for education. In a statement he wrote: “After 14 years as Leader of Kent County Council, it is time to pass on the challenge to a new individual. “This will enable the new administration to build on the successful track record of the County Council and prepare for success in the County Elections in May 2021.” He added that he will continue to serve as a Kent County Councillor for Maidstone Rural North and wants to continue working ‘in the education world’. Throughout his tenure, Mr Carter has been a vocal critic of government cuts to local authorities, calling them ‘unpalatable’. In 2017, he had to deal with a £18million overspend of the Council’s budget, and earlier this year discovered that Paul Carter CBE £263million of KCC pen-

sion money had been locked up in the Woodford Equity Income Fund, which suspended trading in June. Mr Carter said: “Kent County Council staff and elected members should be proud of what has been achieved, particularly in the last 10 years of austerity. “We have delivered extraordinary financial efficiencies and stretched public money to go further, improving and modernising the complex array of services that we provide day in, day out. “We have protected many highly valued nonstatutory services, such as preventative services that help and support the vulnerable, elderly and frail and continue with generous travel subsidises. Unlike so many local authorities that have reverted to the minimum ‘core service model’.” He went on to say: “It has been a great privilege to serve as Leader of the Council and I have enjoyed every moment of the last 14 years. I shall miss the challenge and the adrenalin that the job provides, but perhaps not miss the long hours that the role entails.” A new Leader will be elected by the Conservative Group of councillors at KCC at the group AGM on October 4 where the

Money launderer jailed after being found with bullion haul By Robert Forrester A TUNBRIDGE WELLS man caught with around £1million of gold bars, Krugerrand coins and thousands of pounds in cash, has been jailed for four years for money laundering. Police found Stephen Burton in a hotel room in London in possession of the bullion, coins and cash, along with fake passports, designer watches and hundreds of lottery tickets. Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate say they visited the hotel as part of an investigation into the whereabouts of Burton. They said the 55-year-old had purchased the gold bars, Krugerrands and designer watches in order to conceal the money he had made through criminal activity. He was arrested at the hotel and charged with money laundering and the possession of false identity documents. He was sentenced to three years and 360 days in prison at Isleworth Crown Court, London, on

TREASURE TROVE Bullion bars and coins found by police

Friday, September 6 after pleading guilty to both offences. The items seized by police during the raid, include gold bars and Krugerrand coins worth a total of £742,544, silver coins worth £8,460, around £53,403 in sterling, more than £14,000 in euros, five designer watches worth £110,000, and 500 lottery tickets. Detective Inspector James Derham of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “The items found in Stephen Burton’s hotel room are worth a tremendous amount of money but he could offer no explanation as to where that money came from. “We strongly suspect the reason for that is because it was earned via unlawful means, and we are continuing to investigate how Burton came to be in possession of such valuable materials. “Money laundering is a serious offence and we go to great lengths to ensure people who attempt to conceal the proceeds of crime are brought to justice.”

new Leader will be appointed and take over at the County Council on October 17. Mr Carter was awarded a CBE for services to local government in 2014.

KCC LOSES £36MILLION IN WOODFORD FUND AROUND £36million has already been wiped off the value of KCC’s investment in Neil Woodford’s Equity Income Fund since its suspension, new figures show. The flagship fund suspended withdrawals on June 3 after KCC attempted to get its pension money out, triggering other investors to demand their investments back. An official disclosure report out last weekend, showed that the Council’s holding had shrunk to £224m by the end of June, down from £263m three months earlier. KCC intends to fully redeem its stake in the fund once it reopens, according to its annual report. Discussion of the holding was on the agenda of the council’s Superannuation Fund Committee on Friday, but no details of the private meeting have emerged.

Funeral costs lower than the UK average TUNBRIDGE WELLS may be an expensive place in which to live, but it is not an expensive place in which to die, new figures reveal. The cost of a funeral in the town is more than £200 below the national average, according to the latest research from Royal London’s National Funeral Cost Index. Nationally, the price of funerals has risen by 0.7 per cent since 2018, adding £28 to the average cost of being laid to rest, which is now £3,785. In their report, Royal London said the rise was due to an increase in burial and cremation costs as funeral directors’ fees have actually decreased by 1.1 per cent between 2018 and 2019. But in Tunbridge Wells, the cost of a funeral remains relatively low compared to national prices at £3,518. The average cost of a burial in the town is £3,816 and the cost of a cremation, £3,220. Unsurprisingly, London has the highest funeral costs in the country with the average price of being laid to rest in the capital is over a £1,000 more than it is in Tunbridge Wells, at £4,939. Funerals in the South East cost on average £3,669. On releasing their report, Royal London warned of the amount of money people are borrowing to pay for the burials and cremations of loved ones, with around 74,000 people in the UK struggling with ‘funeral debt’. The Government’s Funeral Expenses Payment is meant to help individuals on a low income to pay for funerals but bereaved families who struggle with funeral costs are taking on around £1,990-worth of debt, the report found. Funeral expert at Royal London, Louise EatonTerry, said: “As bereaved families continue to take on thousands of pounds of debt to pay for their loved ones’ funerals, support from the state remains woefully inadequate. “The Government have tinkered around the edges and made some improvements to the Funeral Expenses Payment benefit, but the fact remains that the fund does not cover the full cost of a simple funeral.”

The champagne was flowing last week at David Carpenter where a number of events were held across the week. On Thursday, the team hosted an evening with Moritz Grossmann, a luxury watch company based in Glashutte, Germany. Guests were able to talk with CEO, Christine Hutter, meet with their specialist hand-maker from Germany and had to opportunity try on these exceptional watches. As a business that has built its foundations on quality watchmaking, we can attest to the quality and superlative craftmanship that has created this extraordinary watch brand. Moritz Grossman himself helped to found what is now the main watchmaking region in Germany and was the apprentice to Ferdinand Adolph Lange (A. Lange & Söhne). He was responsible for creating many beautiful pocket watches throughout the mid 1800’s. The watches we see today stay true to his legacy in their design and ingenuity. David Carpenter invites you to view this beautiful range in store and find out more about this fascinating brand. On Friday the store held an open day and evening drinks reception. Clients, friends and local businesses enjoyed meeting the team and trying on a range of both new and pre-owned available in-store. There was also the opportunity to tour our fully accredited workshop and see the watchmakers at work, providing a rare insight as to the craftmanship that goes into a luxury watch repair and service. As of last week, David Carpenter are now official authorised stockists for: Hamilton – A brand that brings American aeronautical styling and Swiss mechanics together to create a durable, fashionable and well-engineered range of watches. Certina – Originating in 1888, Certina have been making watches through many eras but have always been a firm favourite of the military. Visit the store to find out more.

David Carpenter, 16 high Street, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 481 060 info@david-carpenter.co.uk davidcarpenterwatches.com

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Town’s passion for e-bikes bucks trend of falling UK bicycle sales By Richard Williams BIKE friendly Tunbridge Wells is turning to the latest must-have cycling gadget while bicycle sales fall nationally. Across the UK, sales of pedal-powered bikes have fallen over the last 12 months, with data showing UK imports at the lowest level for more than a decade. In the first two quarters of 2019, bicycle imports showed a 46 per cent decline on the previous year, while last week major bicycle retailer Halfords – feeling the pressure of Britain’s falling demand for two wheels – posted weaker than expected summer sales.

Sales at the chain fell 1.1 per cent, with Halfords blaming worse weather conditions than in the summer of 2018 for the decrease. But in Tunbridge Wells a passion for the latest fad in cycling, the electric bicycle, has meant the local market is booming. “We are selling hundreds of them,” said Ray Wookey, Director of e-bike specialists Cycling Made Easy in St John’s. He went on to say that e-bikes are powered by lithium ion batteries, enabling a range of around 100 miles. “And you can pedal them like a normal bike if the battery gets flat,” he explained. He said in Tunbridge Wells, the latest additions

to the cycling world – which range in price from around £800 to more than £6,000 – are proving a big hit. Manager Neil Ridulfa added: “Tunbridge Wells reflects the enthusiasm for the products that we see all over Europe. “For the Tunbridge Wells resident who is within striking distance of some wonderful green spaces, they can use their e-bike to get out into the great outdoors, meanwhile during the week, use it to get ahead of the traffic.” Around 75,000 e-bikes are sold nationally each year, and have reached a new record of 17 per cent of the total imported bike market, up seven per cent year-on-year.

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

NEWS IN BRIEF

Experience a university degree in just one hour THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT has launched an online simulation to help new students make the transition to university life. Known as the ‘One Hour Degree’, it takes the form of an online game that replicates the key elements of going to university. Produced by Kent’s Student Success Project, the game is divided into separate ‘quests’, ranging from Welcome Week to the final year of study. The game was written and developed by Alison Webb, Systems Development Manager in the Student Success Project. She said: ‘Many students have a range of concerns about going to university. These include those around study and living, and how to make the most of personal development and social opportunities.” The One Hour Degree game can be played by anyone with access to the internet, by going online to kent.ac.uk/student/one-hour-degree

FTSE fall for Metro Bank and the Woodford fund BELEAGURED Metro Bank and Neil Woodford’s investment fund have both been dropped from the FTSE 250 list of largest listed companies in Britain. Woodford Patient Capital Trust made headlines this year when Neil Woodford was forced to suspend trading after Kent County Council attempted to withdraw £238million of its pension money, causing a run on the fund. Shares in his trust have fallen over 40 per cent over the last year as investors have sold their stakes. Metro Bank also made headlines earlier this year after it revealed an accounting error at the beginning of 2019 that had classed some of its assets as less risky than they were. Its shares have fallen over 90 per cent over the last 12 months, and the bank has become one of the most shorted businesses in the UK stock market.

GET ON YOUR BIKE At an e-bike specialist in St John’s

Lawyers walk for Citizens Advice AROUND a hundred lawyers, paralegals and other representatives from the numerous law firms based in Tunbridge Wells took part in the annual Legal Walk last week. Representatives from a number of the town’s solicitors took part in the 10km sponsored walk to raise money for the local Citizens Advice service. These included lawyers from Cripps Pemberton Greenish, Thomson Snell & Passmore, Cooper Burnett, Buss Murton Law and Brachers, as well as the local branch of The Law Society and staff from Citizens Advice Tunbridge Wells & District. The 2019 Tunbridge Wells Legal Walk forms part of the 80th anniversary celebrations for Citizens Advice, which provides a free service to people in need of legal information and assistance. The walk was headed by Lord Justice Males, Lord Justice of Appeals, who led the walk from the Mount Edgecumbe Pub on Mount Ephraim at 5.30pm on September 4. This year the event raised around £5,000. John Spence, property litigation partner at CooperBurnett, who took part in the walk, told the Times: “As a firm we always make a point of sending a team along to take part in the Tunbridge Wells Legal Walk. “We know that Citizens Advice provides a vital service here in Tunbridge Wells, and it’s great that the legal community in our town comes together in this way to support them each year.”

BEST FOOT FORWARD Lawyers on the Legal Walk last week

Expansion for training website expanding into the US. It’s something we’ve always wanted to do but it had to be at the right time for the company. “Although 2018 was a great year for Easybook Training in terms of growth, it’s not the sole reason we’re venturing into new territory. “Earlier this year a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulation was introduced in the US, making it the employer’s duty to Growth ensure crane operators can safely operate their equipment. The firm, owned by Terry Walsby and Lucy Tier, “With that in mind, it seemed like the right was established nine years ago and has seen time to target an American market by offering sustained growth, with profits rising by 30 per companies an easy way to search for and book cent in 2018 due to the increase safety courses, including in the number of courses certified crane on offer. COURSEWORK training.” The expansion of Terry She added: “The Easybook Training, whose Walsby new American current clients include and Lucy website will Keller, Galliford Try, BAM Tier offer the same Nuttall, Engie and Keltbray, course categories comes after the launch as the UK, from of its new UK website construction and in April. first aid training Lucy Tier, right through Operations to working at Director at height, but Easybook the course Training, offerings will said: “We’re be in line with absolutely US laws and thrilled to regulations.” finally be A TUNBRIDGE WELLS-based company that allows businesses to search, compare and book safety training courses online is expanding into the American market. Easybook Training in Lonsdale Gardens is to open a new office in the city of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and launch a new website for the US.

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Community News

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Ask the Lawyer Stephen Wilmot

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Baby bank saved by another charity after National Childbirth Trust closes its doors OVERWHELMING SUPPORT Juliette Hatchman, Baby Bundles founder, with her children

Stephen is a Matrimonial Solicitor with over 35 years of experience in his field. He deals with Divorce, Judicial Separation, Child Arrangements, Financial Provision and Domestic Violence aspects of marriage breakdown but also deals with unmarried couples in terms of property ownership disputes. Stephen is able to prepare Pre -Nuptial and Post -Nuptial Agreements, Co-Habitation Agreements and Separation Agreements and handles Special Guardianship and Adoption cases.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH UNREASONABLE BEHAVIOUR DURING A DIVORCE? Some people tend to behave unreasonably at the best of times and when a relationship, a civil partnership or a marriage breaks down, they just get worse! This can make things incredibly difficult for the other person, particularly if they still live part or full-time under the same roof. Unreasonable Behaviour can in many cases amount to Domestic Abuse, be it violence, threats, shouting, swearing, or coercive and controlling behaviour whether physical, emotional/psychological or financial. There are various agencies who can assist the victim of this sort of behaviour, including Refuge and Women’s Aid, who together run the National Domestic Violence Helpline. http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/ In West Kent there is also the Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services. http://www.davss.org.uk/ The Police are there to provide support and assistance in cases of Domestic Abuse, making arrests and referring the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute if there is sufficient evidence and sufficient prospect of success. Last but by no means least, there is the possibility of seeking Injunctions against the offender. One such Injunction is an Occupation Order requiring someone to leave an address for a period of time and not to re-enter, attempt to re-enter or approach the address. The terms upon which he or she can continue to reside there can also be spelt out. Another Injunction is a Non-Molestation Order confirming that the offender must not undertake certain acts or encourage / instruct another person to do them. Obviously the types of Domestic Abuse that I mentioned at the outset could be included in the prohibited forms of “Molestation”. We undertake such Injunction cases for couples whether married, in a civil partnership or simply co-habiting. My colleagues and I always provide a discreet, understanding and proactive service in these difficult situations so please do not hesitate to get in touch if we can be of any assistance either on this subject or in regard to any Family or Matrimonial legal issues.

Telephone: 01892 526442 | Email: enquiries@keenemarsland.co.uk www.keenemarsland.co.uk Address: Keene Marsland, 6 Clanricarde Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PH Parfitt Cresswell SRA No. 71480 is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

By Andy Tong A VITAL donor service in Tunbridge Wells that helps parents with financial difficulties was facing closure after a charity shut down – but has found a new home near Crowborough. The Tunbridge Wells branch of the National Childbirth Trust [NCT] closed its doors in July because of a lack of volunteers. The parenting charity, which had been running for more than 30 years, is currently described as ‘dormant’. It had supported the Baby Bundles initiative since it launched four years ago in the town. Run by a team of volunteer parents, Baby Bundles helps impoverished families with newborns, or mothers who are expecting, by giving them parcels of new or nearly new supplies, such as clothes and toys. Since 2015 they have supported more than 200 families in and around the town. The ‘baby bank’ has now been taken on by the East Sussex charity Baby2Baby and beyond. Baby Bundles reaches out to families in crisis through homelessness, violence, disability, mental illness or financial hardship. All recipients are referred by agencies, social workers, key workers or healthcare professionals. ‘Bundles’ are tailored to an individuals needs and are pulled together from donations of unopened toiletries and new or high-quality second-hand essentials, as well as in part from

purchases made from fundraising. Juliette Hatchman, Baby Bundles founder and co-ordinator, said: “Having previously operated under the umbrella of the NCT through the Tunbridge Wells branch, which sadly has now gone into dormancy, we decided that the best way forward was to merge with the hugely successful Baby2Baby operating out of High Hurstwood in East Sussex.” She added: “We are extremely proud of the community support surrounding this initiative. “In the last 12 months, we have been able to support on average one family a week – pretty much every family referred to us.” Juliette went on to thank donors, corporate sponsors and volunteers who have given up their time to collect, wash and sort items and deliver bundles. “Without the overwhelming support and generosity of our local community, we would not have been able to provide assistance to so many pregnant women and families in their time of need,” she said. Hannah Powell, founder of Baby2Baby and beyond, said: “We are delighted that families in Tunbridge Wells and surrounding areas can continue to use this service, and welcome all the wonderful Baby Bundles volunteers who will continue supporting us.” For more information, please email: hello@baby2baby.co.uk

Lions’ three-day art fair proves ‘great success’ By Grace Lewis THE SOUTHBOROUGH & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB held their most successful three-day Art & Craft Fair over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The event, which was established over 70 years ago, was held outside Meadows School on Southborough Common. It saw a record number of artists and craft stalls exhibiting their work, with sales totalling more than £4,000. PITCHING IN There were a record number of exhibitors this year

The Lions, now in their 38th year, aim to help the local community by fundraising and promoting public involvement. The Mayor of Southborough, Cllr Alain Lewis, opened the fair with Lions Vice-President Tim Sparshott and thanked all the artists and stallholders for their support. The Lions’ fundraising chairman, Peter Mersh, said: “The show was a great success. The arts and crafts exhibitors sold more than £4,000 of their work.”

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Community News

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk READY TO SADDLE UP (L-R) Mark Weaver, Toby Dicker, Seamus Kelly, Bert Dicker, Jim Scott and Gary Moore

NEWS

Wells Interiors £1,000,000 Stock Disposal Sale

Clearing The Entire Store!

PRICES CUT AGAIN - 3 MORE SPECIAL DAYS picture

Hairdresser and friends set off on thousand-mile ride to Spain A TEAM of nine cyclists from Tunbridge Wells are undertaking a 1,000-mile ride to Spain to raise £30,000 for three different charities. The trip begins at Wildside Cycles in Camden Road this Friday [September 13], and will end in the city of Girona in the Catalonia region. The participants expect to spend 80 hours in the saddle – and climb nearly twice the height of Mount Everest in total on their bikes. The chosen charities are the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, male suicide prevention charity CALM [Campaign Against Living Miserably] and The Hairdressers’ Charity.

Reasons The challenge has been organised by Toby Dicker of The Chapel salon, who said: “These charities are mostly lesser-known and get a fraction of what they need and deserve. “There are several reasons why I am doing this. I lost my uncle to pancreatic cancer at the age of 60 just over a year ago. We talked many times of doing epic bike rides together, and one of the destinations we discussed was Barcelona. “In his Will he donated me his bike and I thought it fitting that I should take the bike he lovingly put together on one of these epic rides.” He added: “A good friend of mine tragically lost a young friend to suicide recently and he wants to do something truly amazing in his name. “Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK, and CALM are incredible in their efforts and results in reaching out to men

who are struggling mentally. “We’re thankfully in an era of greater awareness than we’ve ever had, but we need proper services in place to actually support those suffering, and CALM needs our support, too.” The Hairdressers’ Charity helps those in the trade who have fallen on hard times, and its annual fundraising event is being held in Girona on September 22. Toby said: “I am also attending this event as I’ve believed for years that their cause is essential to our industry. They’ve looked after several team members of ours and we want to return the love.” Three years ago, Toby raised £63,000 for the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre and Cancer Research UK by pedalling from Verbier to London, and was joined by dozens of other cyclists. His young son Bert will be taking part at the start and end of the latest journey, and his father said: “I want to set a good example to my 11 year old. “Firstly, by doing good for others who are less fortunate than us, and secondly, so that he sees his personal wellbeing and fitness as a way not only to be physically in good condition but to also look after his mental health. “Bert and I have been training together and he recently did his longest ride of 55km in preparation for the event. He will be doing the first 55km and the last 80km of the ride with us and I am hugely proud of him.” You can follow their progress on Instagram @ C4C1000mile. To make a donation, visit Wildside Cycles, The Chapel hair salon or Art Bianca, or go online to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/c4c-2019

Rotary Club installs Southborough’s first 24-hour defibrillator A ROTARY CLUB is celebrating the arrival of Southborough’s first defibrillator, which will be available to the public 24/7. The lifesaving equipment has been installed in Springfield Road on the side wall of Le Grys Estate Agents. Training in the use of the defibrillator took place on Wednesday [September 4]. Rotarian Peter Cornish said: “Members of the Satellite Rotary Club of Tunbridge Wells have been raising money from the local public over the last few years, and have now reached our target amount. Le Grys have kindly supported us and allowed us to locate the defibrillator on their wall.” He added: “This is the first defibrillator in Southborough to be available all the time. “Our thanks go to all the folk who generously donated at our Rotary collection events.”

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Our Stock Disposal Sale has been a staggering success so far but with so much stock to clear we will briefly continue this special sale. The store was closed on Wednesday to cut prices even lower on a wide range of clearance items throughout the store.

WE WILL BE SELLING OFF ALL STOCK: suites, sofas, sofa beds, recliners, dining tables & chairs, wall units, sideboards, beds, bedframes, mattresses, wardrobes, chests, coffee tables, pictures, mirrors, bedlinen, duvets, pillows, etc.. THIS WILL BE OUR BIGGEST EVER SALE. EVERY SINGLE PRICE IS DRASTICALLY REDUCED!

Further Reductions UP TO

75%

OFF!

Just A Small Sample Of The Offers In Store.... HUNTINGDON SIDEBOARD Small sideboard 2 door, 2 drawer. Painted / Oak RRP £2499 YOU PAY £399

RELYON ARISTOCRAT 180cm Superking handmade divan set with zip and link mattress AEP £11795

VISPRING SUBLIME 150cm King size Handmade divan set and mattress. End storage drawer. RRP £11795 YOU PAY £5895

YOU PAY £4350

DUNLOPILLO GO EXCEL 150cm Ottoman lift up base set with mattress & headboard. RRP £3517 YOU PAY £1295

NEPTUNE SOFABED 120cm 2 seat sofa bed in fabric. Lift out action with mattress. RRP £1645 YOU PAY £599

HULSTA MULTI-FORM Superb 4 door bi-fold Wardrobe external and internal lights. RRP £6125 YOU PAY £2749

TEMPUR ORIGINAL 25 150cm King size mattress Memory foam softness with support. RRP £2984 YOU PAY £1789

HUNTINGDON DISPLAY Glazed display unit, painted with oak detail. Internal light. RRP £3059 YOU PAY £1225

TOM SCHNEIDER SERPICO Sideboard with curved front 2 door 3 drawer. Oak. RRP £3890 YOU PAY £1995

SAVE £££’S ALL THIS WEEK SPECIAL EVENT HOURS Thurs, Fri & Sat 10am - 6pm

Ample Local Parking LIFELINE Thirty local people attended the training session

4 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XF All offers correct at time of going to press & subject to availability.E & O E

Tel: 01892 535555 © GR 2019

NEWS

National News

Labour promise workers’ rights LABOUR leader Jeremy Corbyn has promised to put power ‘in the hands of workers’ under plans for a big expansion of employment rights. He announced that a Labour government would establish a Ministry for Employment Rights, saying it would herald the biggest extension of rights for workers ever seen in the UK. The aim is to deliver better wages, greater security and give workers more of a say over how their workplaces are run, he told the TUC Congress in Brighton yesterday [Tuesday]. Mr Corbyn told delgates a Labour government would transform people’s lives, starting in the workplace. He said: “The next Labour government will bring about the biggest extension of rights for workers that our country has ever seen. We will put power in the hands of workers. “For 40 years, the share of the cake going to workers has been getting smaller and smaller. It’s no coincidence that the same period has seen a sustained attack on the organisations that represent workers - trade unions.” He continued: “It’s Labour’s historic mission to transform people’s lives, and that transformation begins in the workplace. “Rights only mean anything if they’re enforced. Too many employers are getting away with flouting laws. “Nearly half a million people are still being paid less than the minimum wage. We’ll put a stop to that. “We’ll create a Workers Protection Agency with the power to enter workplaces and bring prosecutions on workers’ behalf. “If you’re a worker with a boss who makes you work extra hours for no pay or forces you into dangerous situations, you deserve a government that’s on your side and ready to step in to support you.”

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Kate and Mary Berry join forces at garden opening THE Duchess of Cambridge joined celebrity chef Mary Berry at the opening of the Back to Nature play garden, at the Royal Horticultural Society [RHS] Garden in Surrey. The pair even travelled on a tractor trailer to the fete-style festival that marked the launch of Kate’s garden venture, which is designed to encourage children to play, explore and engage with nature. In a speech, the duchess told invited families from charities she supports it was an ‘amazing experience’ being given the opportunity by the RHS to help create open spaces at the Chelsea Flower Show and the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.

Influence She confessed: “I am not as green fingered as many of you here, but I was passionate about creating a garden that inspired children and adults alike to get back to nature and reap the positive mental and physical health benefits that it can bring.” Kate added: “The experiences we gain during our earliest years’ influence who we become as people. “They influence how we interact in school, in work and in society and, ultimately how we bring up our own children.” She continued: “Whether it is planting, exploring, digging, creating, or playing – quality time spent outside provides children with the perfect environment to form those positive relationships with the people in their lives and the world around them.” Speaking about her own experiences of being a mother to three small children, she told reporters: “As a parent, I have learnt just how

OUTDOOR FUN The Duchess of Cambridge with RHS ambassador and celebrity chef, Mary Berry important it is to foster our children’s development, in all areas, not just physical, as soon as they are born. “We build the blocks, the foundations, for future success and happiness later in their lives.”

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Police chief says social care is causing surge in demand for officers THE police chief leading the recruitment of 20,000 more officers has warned it will not plug the widening gap between resources and the surge in demand on UK forces. Chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Martin Hewitt said officers are increasingly having to cover gaps in social and health care, as well as facing rising demand from digital crimes such as fraud and sexual exploitation. He made his comments after it has been announced the Government is funding an extra 20,000 new officers. He said: “The 20,000 is a great opportunity and that will help, but it’s not the answer on its own. “One of the demand issues that has transformed over the last few years is the amount of time that we are stepping in to spaces that would have been done by other organisations, particularly social care and health. “We now have to deal with these really challenging online threats where our role is very different and we’re in a very different space, but we still have to deal with the crime we’ve always had to deal with. “We’ve had this ever increasing rise in demand, and not only is it volume demand but it’s also increased in compMARTIN lexity.” HEWITT

NEWS

National News

Boycott brushes aside criticism of his knighthood GEOFFREY Boycott has said he does not ‘give a toss’ about criticism of his knighthood. Domestic abuse charities have attacked ex-prime minister Theresa May over the decision to give the former England cricket star a knighthood in her resignation honours list. Sir Geoffrey Boycott, was convicted in France in 1998 of beating his then girlfriend Margaret Moore in a French Riviera hotel. He was fined £5,000 and given a suspended prison sentence over the 1996 incident. The co-acting chief executive of Women’s Aid, Adina Claire, said: “Celebrating a man who was convicted for assaulting his partner sends a dangerous message – that domestic abuse is not taken seriously as a crime. “With increasing awareness of domestic abuse, and a Domestic Abuse Bill ready to be taken forward by Government, it is extremely disappointing that a knighthood has been recommended for Geoffrey Boycott, who is a convicted perpetrator of domestic abuse.” Sir Geoffrey, 78, told the BBC Today Programme: “I don’t give a toss about her, love. “Twenty-five years ago. “You can take your political nature and do whatever you want with it. Geoffrey “I don’t give a Boycott toss.”

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Land Rover unveils the latest Defender NEXT IN LINE The latest Land Rover Defender

THE successor to one of the most popular road vehicles of all time has been unveiled. Land Rover said the new Defender is ‘an icon reimagined for the 21st century’ as they unveiled the vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show yesterday [Tuesday]. The new Defender will be built in Slovakia after Jaguar Land Rover ended production at its Solihull factory in the West Midlands in January 2016 amid difficulties in meeting modern safety and emissions standards. Land Rover chief design officer Gerry McGovern said: “The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it.

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Marie Claire to go digital only LEADING Women’s magazine Marie Claire is ceasing to print its UK publication. The monthly magazine focusing on female lifestyle, fashion and beauty will come to an end in its physical form after the November issue, in an act of ‘future-proofing’. The TI Media magazine will turn to a digital strategy to match the market made by online publications and mobile phones. Marcus Rich, TI Media chief executive, said: “For more than three decades, Marie Claire UK has led the conversation on the issues that really matter to women - from campaigning for women’s empowerment to climate change - while providing a premium fashion and beauty positioning that reflects their everyday lives. “With full focus on our digital platforms, we will be future-proofing our ability to report on these vital and engaging subjects, alongside our top ranking fashion and beauty offering and mediafirst brand extensions, The Edit and Fabled by Marie Claire.” Publishers have said the role of the women’s magazine is even more important in the post-Me Too world, and they believe the move online will ensure the publication’s future.

“This is a new Defender for a new age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable - a visually compelling 4x4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromised commitment.” The Defender name can be traced back to the early 1990s but it represents the continuation of the very first Land Rover, which came on to the scene in April 1948 and was modelled on wartime Jeeps. The Queen has used Land Rovers ever since coming to the throne in 1952.

WE ARE THE HIP & KNEE REPL ACEMENT SPECIALISTS The Horder Centre is a specialist centre of excellence for orthopaedic surgery. As a private patient, you can get faster access to a range of procedures including hip and knee replacement surgery.

Why choose us? Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission Over 20 of the UK’s leading orthopaedic consultants No need to wait for treatment*

Over 2000 hip and knee procedures per year and excellent patient outcomes Recognised by most major UK insurers

You can find us at St John’s Rd, Crowborough, TN6 1XP nestled in the stunning Ashdown Forest. To avoid waiting lists and for faster access to treatment as a private patient:

Call 01892 620935 Visit horderhealthcare.co.uk *2 weeks from initial appointment providing the procedure is appropriate.

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

National News

BUSINESS

JD Sports outmatches rivals but wants lower rents

PICTUREHOUSE How the new cinema will look

Selfridges to install an in-store cinema DEPARTMENT store, Selfridges, is to open a permanent cinema in its flagship London branch later this year. The high-end chain believes it is the first in the world to include a permanent film complex, which will have three ‘world class’ screens - the largest seating 80 customers - and sound technology. The Selfridges Cinema will be open year round and screen a mix of blockbusters and independent films, with separate entrances inside the store and from the street. The development is a partnership with independent cinema Olympic Studios, which

currently has locations in Barnes and Battersea. The cinema will offer a priority membership scheme and follows the growth of smaller venues offering premium seating and food and drink menus. Selfridges managing director Simon Forster said: “For us this is a very exciting yet natural extension to what Selfridges does, which is to provide customers with an extraordinary experience all year round.” Stephen Burdge, from Olympic Studios, said: “We are thrilled to be teaming up with Selfridges to create an amazing new cinema destination.” The cinema is expected to open in November.

Bovis tries merger again with Galliford BUILDER Bovis Homes has rekindled talks over a merger with rival Galliford Try’s housing arm in a deal valuing the division at £1.08 billion. Bovis said the talks to combine Bovis Homes and Galliford’s Linden Homes and Partnerships & Regeneration unit are still at an early stage, and stressed there remains “significant work to be completed” before a deal can be agreed. They stressed the deal was not a full merger of the two companies, with Galliford remaining a separately listed construction-focused firm. It marks the second attempt of a deal between the pair this year after Galliford Try rejected a £950 million approach in May, and comes two years after full merger talks between the two housebuilders collapsed. Galliford attempted to acquire Bovis but talks broke down after the pair failed to agree on a valuation. Bovis boss Greg Fitzgerald - a former chief

executive of Galliford Try for nearly a decade said he believed it was a “massive opportunity”. He said: “While discussions are still at early stages, this potential combination represents an exciting and transformational opportunity to create a leading UK housebuilder with enhanced scale.” He added: “Galliford Try’s Partnerships business is a fantastic brand, with a very strong position in the UK. “Combining it with Bovis Homes’ newly launched Partnerships Housing Division would enable us to become the partner of choice for delivering more affordable homes at a time when these are needed the most.” The potential deal would see Bovis pay Galliford £300 million in cash, award shares worth £675 million to Galliford investors and take on £100 million worth of debt. Bovis would also take on Galliford’s pension.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Employment hits record high as wages increase THE rate of employment in the UK has hit a record high as workers’ wages continue to surge higher, according to new figures. The number of people in work rose by 31,000 to 32.78million in the three months to July, the Office for National Statistics said. Average earnings also rose, recording the fastest growth since May 2008, increasing 4 per cent. Meanwhile, the rate of unemployment is at its lowest in 45 years, driven by a record low in the percentage of women who are unemployed. The number of people out of work dropped 11,000 to 1.29million for the quarter, as the rate of unemployment stayed flat at 3.8 per cent, lower than predicted by analysts.

Ashtead sees profits boost EQUIPMENT rental firm Ashtead has notched up higher first quarter profits as another bumper performance in the US offset tougher UK trading. The FTSE 100 listed group reported a 9 per cent rise in underlying pre-tax profits to £319million

for the three months to July 31, with group revenues jumping 22 per cent to £1.3billion. Statutory pre-tax profits were 8 per cent higher at £304.7million. Its Sunbelt business in the US and Canada drove the performance, with US earnings leaping to 22 per cent to £352.7million, while operating profits were 12 per cent higher for Sunbelt in Canada.

Alibaba founder steps down JACK Ma, who helped launch China’s online retailing boom, has stepped down as chairman of the world’s biggest e-commerce company. Mr Ma, one of China’s wealthiest and bestknown entrepreneurs, gave up his post at Alibaba on his 55th birthday as part of a succession announced a year ago. He will stay on as a member of the Alibaba Partnership, a 36-member group with the right to nominate a majority of the company’s board of directors. Mr Ma, a former English teacher, founded the company in 1999 to connect Chinese exporters to American retailers. The company has shifted focus to serving China’s growing consumer market and expanded into online banking. entertainment and cloud computing.

JD SPORTS has defied the high street gloom by posting a searing set of results, as bosses attempted to contrast their success with the tumultuous time faced by rivals Sports Direct. Sales in the UK jumped 10 per cent on a like-for-like basis, with bosses saying customers have been reacting positively to the retailer’s push towards more premium products and a strong online business. Peter Cowgill did have a warning for landlords, hinting that he would expect rent reviews following several high street rivals using the CVA insolvency process which has allowed them to cut rents to avoid going bust. He said: “We are very aware of the financial benefit that other retailers appear to get when they downsize their estates and, whilst we have no plans to fundamentally alter the size of the JD store network in the UK at this time, we continue

to seek fairness and flexibility in the terms of our leases.” The executive chairman’s calls follow similar warnings from Next boss Simon Wolfson, who has inserted CVA clauses into some leases meaning if neighbouring retailers have cut rents due to a CVA, Next should too. But overall, it was a positive six months for JD Sports, with pre-tax profits hitting £129.9 million on revenues of £2.52 billion in the half year to August 3. Elsewhere in the UK, its gyms business grew to 120,000 members across 25 gyms, and bosses plan to open four new sites this year. But there was disappointment at its Go Outdoors business, which the firm’s bosses admitted had poor availability during May and June due to a change in the way products reached the stores.

NEWS

Letters

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

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

Farewell, Mr Clark: At last a chance for Leave voters to be heard THIS week our local MP, Greg Clark, ceased to be a Conservative Party MP. He may choose to stand again as an independent, and that is his right. He has been a good MP from a constituency point of view but he has been consistently wrong-headed on the issue of Brexit and austerity. If and when we have a General Election, Tunbridge Wells voters will, it would seem, have a choice between a variety of establishment ‘de facto’ Remain candidates (four to my count), while the representation of Leave voters has always been uncertain. Although widely classed as a Remain constituency, Tunbridge Wells has a substantial Leave vote on its own account which the hitherto Conservative MP could never be said to represent. This is an opportunity, finally, for Leave voters to be heard, whether through a new Conservative candidate fully aligned with the current Government or a Brexit Party candidate to whom Leavers on the left might attach themselves. The best solution would be for one to stand down in favour of the other, but at least, for the first time, we Leavers get a chance to have our voice heard outside the ranks of extremist candidates whose baggage is too great for us to bear. We should look forward to this election as a fair and democratic struggle between two visions of the future of the United Kingdom – submission or independence. Tim Pendry Tunbridge Wells

Competition will mean more expense Although I welcome ideas, I see problems with the Labour Party’s idea of running a competition to redesign the existing Civic Centre (September 4]. The first is that it will lead to yet more delays. Construction – and the associated design, consultancy, legal and regulatory work – is a complex process involving highly skilled workers, and costs inevitably rise over time. Cllr Pound’s proposal would cause delays of a further five to ten years. This could easily add a further £30million to the final cost. He also accepts there is no space in the existing building for a 1,200-seat theatre, but says that – following a £40million revamp – we could benefit in other ways, such as from the creation of a new dance studio. Not only is his cost estimate far too low, but we would be left with a small theatre reliant on subsidies. This doesn’t sound like a wise use of taxpayer funds. We should all accept that going back to the drawing board is not a cost-free option. Local taxpayers will have to swallow the £10million already spent on Calverley Square, and the additional delays will lead to a further sharp escalation in costs. Cllr Matthew Bailey Conservative representative for Paddock Wood (West)

Nearer to Canterbury than you think Roy Bullock wrote about the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury [August 28] and how it should not be compared to our proposed theatre. Roy is a former Conservative leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. He, himself,

TAKE YOUR LEAVE Greg Clark

sell off its new council office almost as soon as it was built. 3: TWBC’s risk register has assigned a red risk rating to this project. 4: The proposed new theatre fails to meet the TWBC 2015 go-ahead requirement, of building a flexible theatre suitable for a wide range of uses, including, for instance, music and flat floor programmes. 5: The Marlowe was built with a very small amount of borrowing – around £20million, I believe, and after eight years, and this very small amount of borrowing, it is only just beginning to make its first contribution to the interest on borrowing. These Marlowe figures make the TWBC figures look very optimistic. 6: TWBC still hasn’t published its forecast subsidy requirement for, say, the first five or ten years of the new theatre’s existence. David Scott is leading TWBC down a dangerous path by withholding a proper and full business analysis. The council must terminate this project without further delay. John Pickering Tunbridge Wells

Paying twice is waste of our money

tried – but failed – to solve the problem of our ageing civic buildings. He points out several differences between the two towns, including how Canterbury has more tourists and students than Tunbridge Wells. But tourists visit Canterbury to see the cathedral and other historic sites, not to visit a regional theatre. Students are not big theatregoers, and in any case have their own (the Gulbenkian) run by the University of Kent. Residents in Canterbury can get to London by train in under an hour, so very similar to our own journey times. Finally, Roy wheels out the theory that the Marlowe Theatre still needs a taxpayer subsidy. Canterbury City Council are on public record saying that the Marlowe was financially selfsufficient (i.e. subsidy-free) at the time it was transferred to a charitable trust. There’s no reason to believe this has changed. So the Marlowe is financially self-sufficient and enjoyed by local residents, not by tourists. And there are many parallels between Canterbury and our town. Lawrence Heasman Via email

Leading us down a dangerous path David Scott’s reported assessment of the Calverley Square project [August 28] fails to mention that: 1: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC], like Cllr Scott himself, has a borrowing limit. At £100million TWBC would almost certainly be close to its limit, leaving no room for further borrowing needs. 2: Northamptonshire County Council went over its limit, became insolvent, and was forced to

In responding to Cllr Nicolas Heslop’s reply [August 28] to my recent concerns about the new garden waste scheme, at the time of writing I had not received a reply to it [the letter]; the two-week delay before it [the subsequent letter to the Times] was published was clearly due to pressure of space because of the popularity of the And another thing… feature! (Well done Times for creating this platform for readers’ views.) Indeed, the 2012 regulations do allow for a charge to be made, and I have no objection to that. But the current system is not a free service and has been funded via an element of the council tax. The termination of this and a simultaneous new additional charge (where applicable) taking over causes ‘double recovery’, a legal term that cannot be dismissed. There is no evidence to show a corresponding rebate on the council tax to compensate, so it therefore follows that a double charge for the very same service, coupled with a breach of the original contract, creates serious concern within the legal field. It is important to stress that I only contacted the Leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council after being totally ignored by their legal department, to whom the initial letter of concern was addressed, and who remain silent to this day. Councils complain about lack of funding, but to create a scam across the country to redress it is beyond belief. Especially now we are all expected to become unpaid refuse sorters to achieve the local council’s aim. Colin Packman Tonbridge

which seemed to cover just about everything but lacked the drama, so we now have climate emergency; leaving me to wonder when this will evolve into climate armageddon – surely only a matter of time? Mark Hood of the Green Party [August 28] manages to cover just about everything from melting glaciers to Brazilian rainforests and, with dramatic newsreel footage to back up both, impressionable minds will find it hard to refute his scaremongering. It is interesting that he aligns his argument with Nicola Sturgeon’s pronouncements on sustainable growth and GDP, whilst failing to note that the Scottish economy is flat anyway and heavily subsidised by Westminster under the Barnett formula. Of course she will state that the health of a nation is more important than its wealth, given the parlous state of both in Scotland. If the health of the Scots is a barometer of the nation’s wellbeing, Scotland has an unenviable way to go. Politics make for strange bedfellows, but I’d never have imagined the Greens and the Scottish Nationalists sharing sleeping arrangements. Ralph Steerpike Tunbridge Wells

Asteroids are a threat to the Earth, too Just as I have nearly come to terms with the continuing escalation of the weathermongers’ rhetoric – global warming, climate change, climate emergency, Extinction Rebellion – I now have something else to keep me awake at night: asteroid impact! Apparently, the European and US space agencies are launching plans – and space vehicles – to intercept and knock these things off course, and I didn’t know we had a problem. They are going to test target the Didymos asteroids that lie between Earth and Mars, but has anybody asked: “What if this causes them to crash into the Earth?” James Sommerville Tunbridge Wells

Put this pub toilet on your bucket list Perhaps Calverley would prefer a good old bucket, as at the George & Dragon in Speldhurst? Steven Cheney Via email BEYOND THE PALE Lavatory arrangements in Speldhurst

Thank you to kind helpers in Rusthall I would like to thank the two kind people who rescued me from Rusthall High Street on Sunday August 18 at about 11.15am. It was raining so hard, they helped me into their car (trolley as well) and kindly brought me home. They then waited to make sure I got indoors safely. I forgot to ask their names so I would like to say a big thank you to them both. Pam Stevens Rusthall

How long until climate Armageddon? First we had global warming, but it got a bit cold, so this metamorphosed into climate change,

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 | Calverley is away investigating more strange facilities

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Nicolas Heslop

Leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council

Weekly Comment

NEWS

Nicolas Heslop has been Leader of Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council since May 2012, and has represented the Cage Green ward since 1998. He works in education in London and is a regular at the Tonbridge Parkrun, completing over 200 runs.

Good work and a lot going on in Tonbridge ON MONDAY, I chaired the Tonbridge Forum. It’s a borough council meeting but is open to all members of the public. If you haven’t been before, this is a great way to find out what is happening in our town. As your Council Leader, I get the opportunity to update you on what we are doing for you. From supporting High Street independent retailers, facilitating a summer of events, and working to improve the swimming pool bridge, there is so much that the borough council does well in Tonbridge. And there is a lot going on. Research shows that high streets are having to change due to the growing influence of internet shopping, with the more successful ones moving away from being ‘retail centres’ towards becoming places where we can enjoy something a bit different and get an ‘experience’. Whether it be going to a park, visiting the gym or enjoying a meal out, we can do it in Tonbridge. So as the borough council, we need to do our bit to ensure the town remains an attractive place to visit. Supporting our independent retailers is crucial. While the borough council doesn’t set the business rates or level of rents, we can support local retailers through other means.

Thanks to a successful bid we made to the Government to keep back some of the business rates that would otherwise go to the Treasury, we are supporting our local independent retailers to help renovate and improve their shop fronts with grants of up to £5,000 each. This initiative is making a real difference to independent retailers such as Gorgeous George, Flowersmith, the Bakehouse and Glow Dry Cleaner. All have made use of the fund. Another way we support the High Street is with the events held each year and, again, this summer has brought many for us to enjoy. Back in June, we had the annual Summer Carnival organised by the Lions. In July, we had the Music Festival, the Open Air Cinema, Summer Band Concerts, the Open Air Theatres and the Food Festival.

Activity We’ve also seen the La Marzocco Coffee Festival and monthly Brocante market. This last weekend, thousands enjoyed the Medieval Fair and brilliant Dragon Boat Race. Adding to this hive of activity, we have the weekly Saturday morning Parkrun, where last Saturday 727 runners completed the 5k run

Luke Everitt

Labour councillor for Southborough & High Brooms

SITTING PRETTY Cllr Heslop and Gorgeous George owner Teresa Seamer

before a well-deserved coffee and breakfast. At the Forum, we heard from the Rotarians about their plans for the annual Tonbridge Half Marathon and Christmas Festival. The few months up to Christmas are so important to the independent retailers. That’s why the timing of the planned works by SGN – and the unacceptably short notice – ran the serious risk of disrupting this crucial

Christmas shopping period for retailers, and the plans for the Christmas Festival. Following an intervention I made with Tom Tugendhat, MP, and our county councillors, Richard Long and Michael Payne, the roadworks did not begin this week, because Kent County Council revoked their permit. There is so much good work taking place in our town that it is my commitment to enhance it.

Luke Everitt is a newly elected Labour councillor for Southborough & High Brooms. He is a graduate of Sussex University in history and politics, has previously worked for the council, and now works for UNISON. Locally, he is Labour’s environmental spokesperson.

Labour is taking its own steps to combat the climate and biodiversity emergencies FIRES raging in the Amazon rainforest, record-breaking temperatures, warming seas and micro plastics found in the formerly pristine snow of Antarctica. The growing awareness of our environmental impact is rightly fuelling a demand for action from all tiers of government. During the local elections, Labour candidates made it clear that we want a greener borough. Talking to residents on the doorstep, discussions often turned to reducing the use of plastic, recycling and fracking. People want politicians to work towards a greener future. Since May Labour has worked to respond to these concerns. On July 17 2019, all parties agreed to a joint Conservative/Labour motion for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] to take its own actions to deal with the global climate and biodiversity emergencies. These actions include making the work of the council carbon neutral by 2030, and taking steps to encourage individuals, organisations and businesses to contribute to making the whole borough carbon neutral by the same year. This is a positive step, since – compared to many other councils – TWBC has not had a strong environmental track record.

Its Five-Year Plan 2017-22 does not include a section on the environment and fails to mention any measures to address climate change. Regrettably, the new charging policy for the collection of garden waste is a backward environmental step. Many people can’t afford to pay £52 a year for a bin collection and may resort to taking their waste to a refuse centre by a polluting car, or even choose to fly tip.

Initiatives There might be some merit if the income from the charge was being used to develop recycling or green initiatives, but it isn’t. It is a ‘stealth tax’ there to help fund a hole in the budget caused by the money-guzzling Calverley Square project. I am sure that those who have paid the charge would rather the money raised was specifically for green initiatives, planting trees or promoting green industries, and not for the pouring of more concrete, which itself is a major contributor of greenhouse gases. In recognising climate and biodiversity emergencies, TWBC clearly needs to urgently change its stance and take a stronger lead.

It needs to look again at its own policies, at reducing its own environmental impact, and encourage others to do the same. The council has agreed to set up a Citizens’ Assembly to bring together people across the borough to help shape ways of achieving its ambitious new goals. Importantly, it will get the input of young people, who will be the generation hit most by climate change. Labour is taking its own steps to raise awareness of this issue by working in REBELLING Extinction Rebellion climate change protestors at County Hall this year

partnership with Friends of the Earth, the Climate Extinction group and others to bring together local people at an event to develop practical local action on climate change. The event is a day of music, inspiring speakers, a green market, delicious food and more. Tunbridge Wells Climate Change Day of Action: Sunday October 6 2019 at the Tunbridge Wells Forum, 3-9 pm. Details available at twforum.co.uk Tickets are available via eventbrite.co.uk

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

Focus on... EDUCATION Our guide to choosing the right school, getting settled in, and the lessons learnt outside the classroom

Find out why extra-curricular activities matter

Advice on finding the right school for your children

Taking those next big steps in education

How schools are helping their communities

20 EDUCATION FEATURE

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk

FINDING A FOOTHOLD Open days don’t have to be dull

KENT COLLEGE SCHOOL Web: www.kent-college.co.uk

The ultimate guide to Open Day success Open Days can be dull affairs. They often follow the same format and, after several Saturdays in a row trailing around schools, it can be difficult for families to remember what sets one school apart

from another. Kent College give their tips on what makes for a really engaging open day… “With this in mind, we aim to give families a unique experience when they visit us by creating a theme, along with a set of activities to complete, which gives a sense of continuity and focus to the day. This year we are running a Spy Adventure where families will be tasked

with decoding puzzles on their tour, with all the activities in the classrooms being part of the task. This approach means that there is an immediate and natural point of conversation with teachers, which helps to put everyone at ease. “The whole point of an Open Day is for families to get a real sense of the school community and experience the positive interactions between pupils and teachers. After all, it is individual teachers we remember long after we leave school, and very often subjects are chosen because pupils are inspired by a particular teacher. A fun day also enables our pupils, who are touring the school with their families, to be relaxed, so prospective pupils are able to get a real sense of what it might be like to be at Kent College. Ultimately, a good school Open Day should communicate a sense of what it really feels like to be immersed in that particular school community, and that learning is engaging, supportive and fun.

Sense of community – local, national and global Every year, Kent College supports a number of charities, and the year ahead will be no different. Our nominated charities include Blind Veterans UK, The Christian Blandford Fund (a charity to improve the comfort of children and their families, particularly those affected by cancer), as well as our link with the Shree Deurali School

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

DOCTOR WHO? Get creative at Kent College

in Nepal, which we visit biennially. Developing a sense of the local, national and global communities around us is essential for helping pupils to understand the world in which they live, the challenges we face as a society, and what they can do to make a difference. It is not just about raising money – the opportunity to visit Shree Deurali School is, as the girls tell us, a life-changing experience, and one which has a significant impact on the way students think about life when they come back to school. It is also important that pupils are given the opportunity to volunteer their time, and, as well as giving time as part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, we run a number of initiatives such as our weekly ‘Silver Surfers Club’, where Sixth Form students help retired people to develop their IT skills. Girls also visit a local retirement home each week and volunteer at the Hospice in the Weald. “It is our aspiration that pupils leave school with a strong sense of social responsibility and knowing that as individuals their contribution, no matter how small, will make the world around them a better place.”

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

were awarded a top three position. Just 12 teams from across the country won the right to take part in the highly prestigious finals. In order to qualify, entrants had to write a report about potential threats posed by UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones] to UK airspace, asking them to find practical and economically sound solutions. As well as each team winning cash prizes for the school, the boys will now have the opportunity to present their ideas to Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier in an event taking place at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in November. At that time, the teams will also be awarded their final positions in the competition. Team ‘Dye Hard’ consisted of Ollie Poole, Chris Leigh, Cristian Smith and Ben Burgess; while Team ‘Soteria’ featured Max Lawrence, Alex Lawrence and Cole Webber.

STRING THEORY Tonbridge School has a reputation for musical excellence

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL

Web: www.tonbridge-school.co.uk Tonbridge has been shortlisted in the Independent Schools of the Year 2019 awards The awards highlight the quality of the student experience and attracted entries from hundreds of independent schools from across the country. Tonbridge has been selected for the shortlist in the ‘Best Boys’ School’ category. The judges will be meeting again in the autumn to reach a decision on the winners and select highly commended schools from each category. The final results will be announced at an awards ceremony in October. James Priory, the school’s Headmaster, said: “It has been a very exciting year in the life of Tonbridge. The boys have taken part in an impressive range of activities and events, all of

EDUCATION FEATURE 21

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Musical success Tonbridge’s reputation for musical excellence was further enhanced with the recent success of its boys in their examinations. In the past year, no fewer than 100 per cent of candidates sitting for Grade 8 in the Associated Board Exams have achieved either a merit or a distinction; likewise, 100 per cent of candidates achieved a distinction for the new ARSM [Associate of the Royal Schools of Music] diploma. In addition, nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of all candidates achieved either a merit or a distinction for Grade 7 in the Associated Board Exams. Mark Forkgen, Director of Music, said: “This is an exciting time for music at the school. Proud as I am of the boys’ achievements, what pleases me most is seeing our musicians collaborating in performance, learning from each other and realising their potential.”

which contribute to their academic and personal development. It is excellent to see the school being recognised for the quality and roundedness of all that the boys achieve.” Dr Helen Wright, Chair of the Independent Schools of the Year 2019 awards, added: “On the evidence of all the submissions, there is no doubt whatsoever that the independent schools sector in Britain is thriving.” High-flyers reach Aerospace Challenge finals Two teams of Tonbridge Sixth Form boys achieved ‘podium finishes’ in the national finals of the Schools Aerospace Challenge 2019. The school teams participated in the final round of the competition, held at Cranfield University in Bedfordshire, after which both

Boys 13 - 18 • Boarding and Day

OPEN MORNINGS

Saturday 5 October • Saturday 7 March 2019 2020 Come and see our new Barton Science Centre

Scholarships & Bursaries available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ Admissions: 01732 304297 • Email: admissions@tonbridge-school.org /TonbridgeUK

www.tonbridge-school.co.uk

@TonbridgeUK

19TOT3

22 EDUCATION FEATURE

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk and academic studies. All potential scholars are invited to the school to take an entrance exam and, depending on the scholarship they are applying for, submit a portfolio or perform a prepared piece of music or drama. Our dedicated Heads of Department will guide prospective students through the process, and there are many opportunities for art, music and drama scholars to perform throughout the academic year, including in an annual exhibition and showcase, and both junior and senior productions. For further information on all scholarship opportunities, please contact the Registrar, Lucinda Coakley, by emailing: registrar@beechwood.org.uk

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Are you supporting charities for the next academic year? If so, which ones, and why do you think it is important to promote a pastoral element to education? We are proud to support a variety of charities at Beechwood, and our students are very much involved in assisting those choices and providing opportunities to fundraise and raise awareness throughout the academic year. From sponsored walks and runs to non-uniform days and carol singing at Christmas, our pupils relish the opportunity to help others and provide support to their community. In 2019 we raised over £5,000 for the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex, a charity voted for by our pupils.

ASPIRING ARTIST Beechwood offer a number fo scholarships, including for art, music and drama

BEECHWOOD SACRED HEART Web: www.beechwood.org.uk

What are your top tips for new pupils starting primary or secondary school and settling in well? Joining a new school can be a daunting and sometimes overwhelming experience for new students. At Beechwood we aim to make that hugely important transition run as smoothly as we can. Prospective pupils are invited to attend a ‘taster day’ where they will have the opportunity to meet their teachers, make new friends, and familiarise themselves with the school and grounds.

For those wishing to join us in Year 7, we offer a team-building experience with a special Beechwood Bake Off and many more activities. If pupils struggle to settle in, our Junior, Middle and Sixth Form Divisions all have dedicated leaders who are on hand to advise and guide them through any issues that might arise. Can you tell us about the scholarship programmes you run in your school? What criteria are needed to apply, and how successful are your pupils? At Beechwood we offer a number of prestigious scholarship programmes in art, music, drama

TOP FORM Making the transition to secondary school

Be Yourself at Claremont ...and occa sionally someone e lse

OPE N DAYS Nursery & Prep School

Senior School & Sixth Form

St Leonards, East Sussex TN37 7PW 01424 751555

Bodiam, East Sussex TN32 5UJ 01580 830396

Sat 12 October, 9.30am - 1pm

enquiries@claremontschool.co.uk . claremontschool.co.uk

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2019

Fri 11 & Sat 12 October, 9.30am -1pm

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24 EDUCATION FEATURE

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

IN THEIR SHOES Holmewood House take part in the Big Cardboard Sleep Out

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE

Web: www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk Charitable activity plays a large role in the life of pupils, staff, parents and, indeed, the whole school community at Holmewood House. We wholeheartedly believe this is a fundamental aspect of the educational journey our pupils enjoy. In the forthcoming academic year, 20192020, a vast array of charities will be supported at a local, national and international level. The majority of our charitable work is driven by our House system, and our pupils play a key role

in deciding which charities they wish to support. There are six Houses which support at a local level, in aid of Porchlight – a local Kent-based homelessness charity, and Headway – a Kentbased head injury charity supporting families who have had a family member suffer from a life-changing head injury. At a national level, we support Cancer McMillan Care, Save The Children and Marie Curie Cancer Care, and at international level, Lobitos, an impoverished coastal community in north-west Peru which was initiated by a former pupil who first visited as part of her year abroad during her modern languages degree

course. Last year the Houses raised a total of £3805.01. This programme is also always backed up by further pupil-led initiatives to raise additional funds through their own ideas, such as haircuts to raise money to support children with cancer, and bake sales for The British Heart Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital or the RSPCA. Recent examples of such pupil involvement include many year 8 pupils sleeping out in cardboard boxes in the school grounds to raise awareness of the serious issues surrounding homelessness and in support of Porchlight.

Pupils have also visited the Children’s Respite Trust and undertaken work to support them, such as preparing raffle prizes, decorating and creating resources, and various gardening tasks, amongst other activities, at Dandelion Time. Together with all of this, the parental body is also actively involved in charity work in two main ways: One is through the incredible efforts of a hard-working group who run the second-hand uniform shop, and the other is the Friends of Holmewood. Both raise an immense amount of money, which is then distributed. Charities supported by the second-hand uniform shop include The Children’s Respite Trust in Uckfield, the Shine programme in Zambia, and Heatherbank township community school. For those pupils who go on the Year 7 South Africa exchange, they get to spend a day at Heatherbank – a fabulous opportunity. We also support Dandelion Time in Central Kent, the Nova Children’s project, Buttle UK and Shelter. This year, the second-hand uniform shop was able to distribute £25,347.44 to the above named charities. The Friends of Holmewood, the school’s PTA, also support charities, and much of their fundraising goes towards their chosen charity, which they support for two years before selecting another one. At present, it is the charity Holding On, Letting Go. Through their excellent organisation, and well-run events such as Fireworks Night, the Christmas Fair and May Ball, they raised £6,726, which was handed over to representatives from the charity at a whole school assembly. So in total, in the academic year 2018-19, the school community was able to distribute a magnificent total of £35,878.45 to a wide variety of charitable causes. In summary, inspectors commented in our latest ISI inspection report that: “Pupils are keen to support charities and help others less fortunate than themselves. They participate in a number of local, national and international charities…” [ISI Report 2017].” Mr Paul Morgan-Jones Senior Master

Open Morning Thursday 10th October 2019 10:00 - 12:30

Self Belief Aspiration Kindness

You are warmly invited to Holmewood House School to meet our Headmaster, staff, parents and pupils and to take a tour of the School. To book a place, please contact Mrs Connie Cherrett on 01892 860006 or on email at ccherrett@holmewoodhouse.co.uk

www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk

Mayﬁeld A N IN D E P E N D E N T DAY A N D B OA R D I NG SCHO O L FO R G I R L S AG ED 1 1 TO 1 8

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TO ARRANGE A VISIT PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGISTRAR, MRS SHIRLEY COPPARD, REGISTRAR@MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG WWW.MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG

10/09/2019 13:07

26 EDUCATION FEATURE

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ROSE HILL SCHOOL

Web: www.rosehillschool.co.uk Tell us some of your top tips for starting at a new school (primary or secondary) and ensuring pupils settle in well and quickly… The move from one school to another can be an exciting yet daunting time for children and their parents – and moving up a year group represents a time of great change, developing the skills of resilience and grit and perhaps getting ever closer to the next step of young adult life. At Rose Hill we recognise the need to ensure we

take all these issues into account, from the first step into the school, and even from that initial visit. Your son or daughter may have already dipped their toes into this new, exhilarating world before they’ve even started, making new friends, sampling lessons and getting a flavour of life at Rose Hill School. But for all children, there will be many new expectations and experiences awaiting them. Some common concerns might be finding their way around the new buildings; making friends; coping with different subjects; getting to know new teachers; and knowing who to turn to if

20+ “The most important thing is finding the right school for your child”

Co-ed Prep School Royal Tunbridge Wells

With 10 visiting music teachers

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concerns with us often helps to make them feel better. Then problems can be nipped in the bud, and your child’s form teacher is usually the best and first point of contact. Moving from one school to another is a momentous occasion – not just for your child, but for all the family. And by being well prepared, you can encourage your son or daughter to fly successfully towards the next stage of their school career. PARENTAL PARTNERSHIPS are key, says Headmistress Emma Neville

300+ Children swimming weekly in our new indoor pool

An inspiring place to learn Open Morning

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there’s a problem. Even the journey to school could be new if they have chosen to use our school bus. So, how can we ensure that their transition is smooth and successful? We ask parents to work in partnership with us, making the transition feel exciting and important, sharing our positive experience, and avoiding any horror stories. We encourage pupils to take responsibility and provide opportunities in which they must show more responsibility, such as packing their own bag (even if this means you checking it once they are asleep!), writing down reminders for key events, and getting everything ready. Completing and managing smaller tasks will boost their self-confidence and self-esteem and nurture independence. A move to a new school tends to mark the first moment parents feel they can ‘let go’, so, start by encouraging them to walk more or catch buses independently or with friends. In the unlikely case that there are concerns or worries, with a strong pastoral care team we listen to their worries and reassure them it is normal to be a little nervous, and sharing their

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

CLUBS Cubs, roller disco, gardening, hockey, mandarin, football, dance, gymnastics, woodland, swimming, ball skills, golf

F R I D AY 4 O C T O B E R

Words and pictures can only tell you so much. So please, do come and experience the unique atmosphere at Rose Hill School for yourself. Please contact our Admissions Secretary to register for the Open Morning.

Paws.b our children practice

Racing all over including Goodwood and the Top Gear track

MINDFULNESS

SPORTS TA U G H T

60+ competing teams

DRAMA PRODUCTIONS each year in our 220 seat theatre.

C R E AT I V E A R T ST U D I O S Drawing, painting, ceramics, textiles, animation, sculpture, print making, DT, engineering.

INDIVIDUAL MUSIC LESSONS taught each week. 15 different instruments. 10 music clubs.

Coniston Avenue, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 9SY | 01892 52 55 91 admissions@rosehillschool.co.uk | www.rosehillschool.co.uk

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AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS & TOP TRENDS

Oast that comes as an extra in a superb property Page 33

MAGNIFICENT MODERN MEWS HOME

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319 St John’s Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9XE

SUMMER OFFER FREE Quooker Flex Boiling hot tap water with every new kitchen (Ts&Cs apply*)

Innovative Kitchen design with limitless potential Call us now to book your free design appointment 01892 289070 | www.kutchenhause.co.uk

*Quooker Summer Offer Ts&Cs: 1. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. 2. Must be with a complete kitchen including appliances, worktops and units. 3. Only valid until 31/09/19. 4. Can only be used in the Tunbridge Wells store.

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

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

£698,500 CONTACT • Hamptons International, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk A highly desirable townhouse built by Millwood Designer Homes in a prestigious cul-de-sac within walking distance of The Pantiles, the Common and the superstores by the old Tunbridge Wells West Station. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Built in 2006, with accommodation spread over three floors

n Entrance hall n L-shaped sitting room with polished parquet flooring, open to:

n Stunning dining area with vaulted ceiling and window, plus double doors to garden

n Kitchen/breakfast room with bay window n Cloakroom n Superb top floor principal bedroom with balcony, en-suite bathroom and walk-in storage areas

n 2 further bedrooms

The BALCONY…

n Family bathroom n Terraced garden n Designated residents’ parking, plus visitor parking

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The PRICE…

The GARDEN…

Marlingate Granary Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst GUIDE PRICE

£425,000 CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.co.uk A delightful Grade II-listed period granary overlooking orchards which has been converted into a one-bedroom home. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Sitting/dining room n Kitchen with integral appliances n Double bedroom, plus dressing room/study n Stylish bathroom n Lawned garden with decked terrace

Oak Cottage

n Drive with parking for two cars

Romford Road Pembury

£774,999 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Pembury • 01892 822880 • bkestateagents.com A lush property brimming with potential in a sought-after road on the rural periphery of the village, which is close to Tunbridge Wells. The house enjoys a beautiful rambling garden of about half an acre boasting fruit trees, cob nuts, raspberry canes and a greenhouse – all ready for the real good life! MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n Well designed with generous room proportions and well cared for, but would now benefit from being updated throughout, and possibly extended, subject to the necessary consents

Upper Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE

£595,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk A late Victorian bay-fronted semi-detached house which affords scope for modernisation and is handy for commuters, being about quarter of a mile from High Brooms Station.

n Glazed porch leading into a spacious hallway n 2 good-sized reception rooms

MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST

n L-shaped kitchen with built-in larder

n Entrance hall

n Conservatory n Ground floor shower room

n Bay-fronted sitting room featuring a fireplace with fitted gas fire

n 4 bedrooms

n Kitchen

n Family bathroom

n Dining room with doors to the rear

n Long garden, including patio, timber

n 5 bedrooms

workshop/store, greenhouse, fruit trees, cob nuts and raspberry canes

n Driveway parking n Attached double garage

n Family bathroom/WC n Off-road parking n Garden requiring cultivation

Connecting people & property, perfectly. St Johns Road TN4

Wybourne Rise TN2

Detached residence in this popular area conveniently located for a number of highly regarded schools. • • •

Delightful garden Parking for several cars Approximately 1 mile to town centre

Striking contemporary detached property on the southern edge of Tunbridge Wells. 4

• • •

4-5

Bespoke designed kitchen High quality fittings Over 3,000 sq ft

4-5

Guide price £895,000 Freehold

Guide price £1,350,000 Freehold

ross.davies@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

London Road TN1

ross.davies@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Hungershall Park TN4

An detached period cottage, set behind gates, in the heart of the town. • • •

Secluded ornate garden Parking Mainline station approximately 0.38 miles

A substantial portion of an impressive Victorian villa situated in one of the prestigious parks. 5

• • •

Classical period features Views over private parkland Approximately 1 mile to mainline station

Guide price £975,000 Freehold ross.davies@knightfrank.com

Guide price £2,300,000 Freehold 01892 310997

ross.davies@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly. All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.

Connecting people & property, perfectly. Colemans Hatch TN7

Cranbrook TN17

A substantial portion of an attractive Edwardian country house with beautiful views, in approximately 6.43 acres. • • •

With a detached annexe and workshop Includes a heated swimming pool Grounds with stables/paddocks

A substantial and well-presented Grade II* listed family house in the heart of Cranbrook. 5

• • •

With many period features Beautiful mature gardens In the Cranbrook School catchment area

Guide price £1,495,000 Freehold 01892 310997

Forest Row RH18

5/6

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

Groombridge TN3

A wonderful executive family home which has been vastly extended and fully renovated to a high standard. At the end of a private tree-lined drive Situated in approximately 1 acre Approximately 0.5 miles to Forest Row

An extremely spacious self-build property in the heart of this popular village. 5

• • •

Triple aspect sitting room 31 ft open plan kitchen/dining room Integral garage

Guide price £1,400,000 Freehold holly.sibley@knightfrank.com

Guide price £1,550,000 Freehold

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com

• • •

Guide price £900,000 Freehold 01892 310997

holly.sibley@knightfrank.com

01892 310997

bracketts est. 1828

When experience counts...

South Tonbridge Guide Price £325,000 - £350,000 Pretty 3 Bedroom Terrace Cottage, within walking distance of the Town Centre and Station. This end of the Town is well served by schools, several are within walking distance. 120ft garden. EPC D

Tunbridge Wells £725,000 An individual, partially attached, single storey property situated opposite Dunorlan Park on the east side of town. 30ft vaulted living room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms (1 with en suite), bathroom. Double garage, south-east facing rear garden. EPC: E

Tonbridge Guide Price £425,000 - £450,000 Detached 4 Bedroom House, in a cul-de-sac at the south end of the town, convenient for the High Street and a number of schools. Cloakroom, kitchen-diner, lounge, garage, enclosed garden. EPC

Tunbridge Wells £445,000 A converted ground floor apartment, with own private entrance and many original features, occupying a central town position. Hallway, open plan living room/kitchen, 2 bedrooms, bathroom. Enclosed, private south-facing courtyard. EPC: C

Tonbridge Guide Price £800,000 £400,000 -- £850,000 £425,000 Extended 2 Bedroom Detached Chalet Bungalow, in an established residential area, Substantial Detached 5 bedroom family house, retaining the charm and features of an convenient local shops, bus services etc., Porch, dining room, 22ft sitting room, good Edwardian home. 3 reception rooms, kitchen-breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, store size garden, garage & parking. EPCE E rooms, garage, corner plot. EPC

Tunbridge Wells Fixed Price £290,000 Occupying a convenient position within the highly regarded St Johns area of town an extended, semi-detached late Victorian home. 3 receptions, new kitchen, 2 bedrooms,‘wow factor’ bathroom. Off road parking for 2-3 cars. Enclosed rear garden. EPC: C

bracketts.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 | tunbridgewells@bracketts.co.uk

Tonbridge 01732 350503 | tonbridge@bracketts.co.uk

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Shadwell

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AT A GLANCE

Handsome listed home in the village centre, with an oast house and barn

SHADWELL LANGTON ROAD SPELDHURST Main house n Grade II-listed home dating back, in part, to the 17th century n Located opposite primary school n Entrance hall n Dining room n Drawing room n Sitting room with door to terrace n Kitchen/breakfast room with walk-in pantry n Study n Utility room, laundry room and cellar n Cloakroom n 8 bedrooms, plus a dressing room n 4 bathrooms Oast house n Studio n Roundel kitchen and bathroom n Games room n Attached greenhouse Barn n Double garage with mechanic’s pit n Single garage, plus storerooms Gardens and grounds n The lawned gardens surrounding the house to all sides are a major feature and include a circular terrace and arbour-covered seating area n In all about 0.85 acres

GUIDE PRICE £2,000,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk

PROSPECT ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS An elegant and immaculately presented detached Victorian villa in a popular location with easy access to the station, High Street and The Pantiles. Entrance Hall, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Study, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Cloakroom, 5 Bedrooms, 2 luxury shower rooms, Off street parking for several vehicles, Attractive landscaped gardens GUIDE PRICE £1,395,000

Further Properties Required

OFF PEMBURY ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

EXCHANGE MEWS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

A spacious ground floor apartment convenient for the Town Centre in this Grade II listed Victorian ‘Decimus Burton’ house set well back from the road, benefiting from a private garden and parking Entrance Hallway, Drawing Room, Kitchen/Dining Room, Study Area, Conservatory Boot Room, Master Bedroom Suite, Guest Bedroom Suite, Bedroom 3, Bathroom, Garage, Parking and Garden

An excellent Regency style townhouse with well planned and versatile accommodation in this sought after residential area within walking distance of the town centre, mainline station and schools. Entrance Hall, Sitting Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, 3 double Bedrooms (1 en-suite), Family Bathroom, Integral Garage, parking for 2 vehicles, Attractive Rear Garden

GUIDE PRICE £725,000

GUIDE PRICE £575,000

TUNBRIDGE WELLS 01892 521700

tunwells@jackson-stops.co.uk www.jackson-stops.co.uk

Local and national reach through a network of London & Regional offices PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

NORTH TONBRIDGE £545,000 RARELY AVAILABLE, CUL-DE-SAC LOCATION in sought after north Tonbridge. Detached family home offering spacious and well maintained accommodation with three bedrooms and family bathroom to first floor, two reception rooms plus conservatory, well fitted kitchen to ground floor and outside there is ample driveway parking plus a detached garage and secluded, well stocked, large rear gardens including summerhouse, garden sheds, greenhouse and workshop. EPC: D (Apply Tonbridge)

RURAL PEMBURY £749,995 POTENTIAL FOR IMPROVEMENT/ENLARGEMENT STPP. Fantastic opportunity to create a wonderful family home in sought after Romford Road, within gardens of approximately half an acre. Generously proportioned accommodation comprising: Entrance hall, 22’1 sitting room, 22’1 dining room, conservatory, L-shaped kitchen/breakfast room, ground floor shower room, 20’ principal bedroom, 3 further bedrooms and family bathroom. Attached garage and driveway parking. Large, secluded garden with patio, seating areas, fruit trees and outbuildings. NO CHAIN. EPC: E (Apply Pembury)

PEMBURY £360,000 SUNNY SOUTH FACING GARDEN Super semi-detached bungalow, set in a cul-de-sac in the village centre with driveway parking and garage. Presented in immaculate order with plenty of storage in the hall, a sitting/dining room, modern kitchen, modern shower room and two double bedrooms. Space to enlarge STPP if desired. Sun trap patio and wide steps up to a level lawned garden. NO CHAIN. EPC. D (Apply Pembury)

Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk

www.bkestateagents.com

The best properties on your doorstep

Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 000

New Instruction Between High Hurstwood and Crowborough, TN6 Impressive family house with cottage and annexe, excellent equestrian facilities, set in beautifiul park-like grounds, mainline station about 4 miles, adaptable outbuildings, 6,891 sq ft, EPC = F

Guide £3.5 million | Freehold

18.3 acres

New Instruction Cousley Wood, Wadhurst, TN5 Delightful country house in an idyllic setting, unlisted with great potential for updating, wellmaintained grounds, outbuildings, mainline station (Wadhurst) about 3.2 miles, 3,997 sq ft, EPC = F

Guide £2.4 million | Freehold

5.5 acres

Talk to us today Robert Jacobs Head of Office 01892 507000 rjacobs@savills.com

savills.co.uk | savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you?

The best properties on your doorstep

New Instruction

Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 000

New Price

High Woods Lane, Tunbridge Wells, TN3

Kings Avenue, Tunbridge Wells, TN4

Beautifully positioned Kentish oast house, outskirts of Tunbridge Wells, 3 beds plus outbuildings with PP, chain free, 1,860 sq ft, EPC = E

High specification townhouse, convenient for rail, town and schools, 5 bedrooms, 2 receptions, private garden, garage, 2,288 sq ft, EPC = B

1.8 acres

Guide £1.295 million | Freehold

Guide £1.1 million | Freehold

New Instruction Havering Close, Tunbridge Wells TN2

Steellands Rise, Ticehurst, East Sussex, TN5

Well-presented 5 bed family home, convenient location, well-placed for schools and commuting, gardens to side and rear, 2,050 sq ft, EPC = D

Stylishly presented family home in attractive close, convenient for village, 4 beds, delightful 'garden room' extension, 1,766 sq ft, EPC = D

Guide £845,000 | Freehold

Guide £585,000 | Freehold

Talk to us today Robert Jacobs Head of Office 01892 507000 rjacobs@savills.com

Natasha Selbie Associate Director 01892 507000 nselbie@savills.com

Becky Card Negotiator 01892 507000 bcard@savills.com

savills.co.uk | savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you?

The best properties on your doorstep

Open House Sat 21 September

Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 000

Open House Sat 14 September

Town Row Green, Rotherfield, East Sussex, TN6

Broadwater Down. Tunbridge Wells, TN2

Character property, unlisted, with great potential, 4 beds, 3 receptions, Rotherfield about 1.2 miles, landscaped gardens, 3,726 sq ft, EPC = E

Exciting renovation opportunity, south side of town, convenient for High Street, Pantiles and MLS, 4 beds, garden, 2,208 sq ft inc. garage, EPC = E

1.7 acres

Guide £1.15 million | Freehold

Open House Sat 21 September

Guide £750,000 | Freehold

Open House Sat 14 September

Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3

Palmers Green Lane, Brenchley, Kent, TN12

4 bed home in centre of village, opportunity to renovate, convenient for Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and nearby schools, 1,983 sq ft, EPC = E

Project for renovation and remodelling, 4 bed home in idyllic setting, elevated position with views, delightful garden, 1,551 sq ft, EPC = E

Guide £725,000 | Freehold

Guide £550,000 | Freehold

0.6 acres

Talk to us today Robert Jacobs Head of Office 01892 507000 rjacobs@savills.com

Natasha Selbie Associate Director 01892 507000 nselbie@savills.com

Becky Card Negotiator 01892 507000 bcard@savills.com

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A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF STUNNING NEW APARTMENTS

From Â£270,000

CONTACT

01732 773101

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Four Winds

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AT A GLANCE FOUR WINDS NEWLANDS ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Detached home perched on the edge of an escarpment in a side lane with far-reaching views n Remodelled and extended in 2018 n Bright entrance hall n Good-sized sitting room with French doors to terrace n Good-sized family room n Spacious kitchen/dining room with access to garden via utility room n Ground floor bedroom with en-suite bathroom n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room and dressing area n 3 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Wonderful terrace enjoying the views n Detached office/studio n Secluded, secure plot with a good degree of privacy

GUIDE PRICE

Remodelled home with a view and the benefit of a separate office-cum-studio

£895,000

CONTACT • Savills, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507000 • savills.co.uk

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EDUCATION FEATURE 47 based on the data they have to hand. Last but not least, don’t forget to check out your nearest grammar schools. Are you in the priority (catchment) area? Would your child like it and fit in well there? Scholarship programmes at our school Cranbrook has scholarship exams in all the mainstream curricular subjects, and also in sport and music, for entry into Year 9 only. They are open to our own Year 8 pupils as well as external applicants, and are organised on the day of the 13+ Entrance Examination in November of each year. Questions are challenging – touching on GCSE standards in places – and lead to a cash award and membership of the school’s general scholarship programme. The expectation of scholars is that they engage in independent learning within their subject, promote their specialist subject at open events, and act as mentors for younger students at timely moments. Candidates can sit scholarship papers in one subject only. There are likely to be further changes to this scheme in the near future, so it is well worth prospective parents checking our website: www.cranbrookschool.co.uk/ admissions/scholarships

CRANBROOK SCHOOL

Web: www.cranbrookschool.co.uk Making the transition Cranbrook School gives some advice on how to make the transition from primary to secondary education, as well as explaining the school’s approach and how to apply for a place. Tips for starting at a new school and ensuring pupils settle in well and quickly First and foremost, pupils need to have visited the school for an induction well before starting. We use fun ice-breaking activities and cover the basics of showing where everything is, introducing the key teachers and, most importantly, some senior students. This is great leadership development for Sixth

Formers and it instils in the new intake the sense that they are on a journey towards leadership in the school themselves. We host three induction events before pupils have started with us in September, after which they know each other well and have a good understanding of who their tutor and Head of House are and what they do. Lastly, the new pupils will know their way around the school pretty well, too! Key factors to be considered if you want to enter your child into the Kent Test (11+) The key things to think about are partly quite general, but also specific to current learning and test feedback. If a child enjoys reading – for example, if they want to take a book on holiday – always read before going to bed (or even while

they are in bed!), and love that Saturday morning visit to Waterstones – that speaks volumes. Other than that, it is a good idea to get hold of the free 11+ familiarisation material online (www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/ schools/school-places/kent-test and www. gl-assessment.co.uk/products/11plus-series11-plus-practice-papers) and simply try a few questions and go over the format. We run our own Saturday morning workshops to prepare Year 5-age pupils. Find out from your primary school headteacher when next year’s dates are announced. Even more important is to have good conversations with your primary or prep school headteacher about your child’s current level of performance. Is it sensible to think about the 11+? They will usually give some sort of indication

48 EDUCATION FEATURE

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk individual. Our pupils are regularly assessed and their results are analysed and tracked and communicated to parents, enabling them to make an informed decision. We work very hard to ensure that standards are high at the school, and view all of our leavers as successful students, whatever their destination.

KEY SKILLS Every pupil must find the best school for them to thrive in

THE MEAD SCHOOL

Web: www.meadschool.info What key factors should be considered if you want to enter your child into the Kent Test (11+)? The only question you need to ask yourself before entering your child for the 11+ is why do they need to sit the exam? The 11+ is a stressful and demanding experience for a ten year old which demands that this key question is considered carefully. That is not to say that putting ten year olds in a stressful and demanding situation is an inherently bad thing. Indeed, the process can prove to be incredibly empowering and resilience-enhancing for many children. Nevertheless, I am always surprised by the number of parents who put their child through the process without a clear idea as to why they are doing it. Firstly, are you sure you want them to go to grammar school? Why are you sure? Have you

visited all possibilities and are consequently convinced that the only right fit for your child is the grammar school environment? Indeed, which grammar is right, and is this a viable option? Each grammar school has different admissions criteria, and so it’s often not so much about passing an exam but about the exact score they get and how far you live from the school gates. Most importantly, do they sit comfortably within the said school’s academic profile, or do they need their best day with a headwind to get in? We wouldn’t put our child into a 50-metre swimming race when their previous best without lifeguard intervention was 49 metres, and particularly not if, when they do manage to complete the distance, they are then to be immediately entered for the 100m event. At The Mead we work closely with parents to support them in this decision, with the aim of ensuring that each child transfers to the best school for them in which to thrive as an

The ultimate guide to Open Day success – can you provide us with your tips for making the best first impressions on pupils and parents As an initial experience, an Open Day should give you a broad and unvarnished brushstroke of a school. It is a chance to visit without any sense of commitment and speak openly with your pupil tour guides about all of the wonderful features and foibles of their daily life, with a freedom to create your own first impression. If you leave with that warm feeling in your gut that you’ve just visited a place full of authentic and happy people, then a personal tour is the next step. Indeed, in my view, a personal tour is a must. Questions you might consider are: What is the Head’s vision for the school? How do they interact with the children on your way around? Does the second impression only enhance

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

ASK QUESTIONS Advises Headmaster Andrew Webster

the first? An inspiring personal tour with an educational philosophy that rings true with your own personal sentiments is imperative. The unvarnished Open Day experience should allow you see the words of the Head in action through the warmth and work ethic you witness in the children. The marriage of the personal tour and the open day should give you confidence in one of the most important decisions you have to make. You wouldn’t buy a house after only visiting it once, so please do be bold when it comes to your rights as a prospective parent. Andrew Webster, Headmaster The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk for the animals. Farm Club rears its own pigs, turkeys, lambs and chickens, which are then used in the school kitchens, and the eggs are either sold to raise money to sustain Farm Club or used in the kitchens. A team of Mayfield students recently enjoyed success in the final of the Young Enterprise Competition, having set up their own company, New Oceans, selling sustainable aluminium water bottles at events in the local area. The girls scooped a number of accolades, encouraging others to be more environmentally aware, and in the process learnt a great deal about how to succeed in business, seeing off stiff competition to make it to the final round. Promoting recycling is at the heart of MESSy’s activities. Water fountains have been installed around the school to reduce the use of singleuse plastic bottles and cups; the Food and Nutrition Department donates all waste products from lessons to Farm Club, who compost it for growing vegetables; the school’s general waste is separated out into food waste, which

MAYFIELD GIRLS SCHOOL Web: www.mayfieldgirls.org

Mayfield girls get MESSy – taking action on climate change Our motto – ‘actions not words’ – could not be more appropriate when it comes to caring for the environment. From Farm Club to Earth Hour, from recycling to the new hive of Buckfast bees, the school encourages a number of important environmental initiatives to ensure the girls are educated about climate change and encouraged to develop and support initiatives to address this important issue. A number of Mayfield’s Sixth Form students were inspired by former Irish President and climate justice campaigner Mary Robinson – this year’s recipient of the prestigious John Maynard Keynes Prize at the Charleston Literary Festival.

We sponsored the prizewinner’s lecture this year, in which she reminded the audience of Ban Ki-moon’s message that there is no plan B because we do not have a planet B, and encouraged everyone to make a positive change to help reverse global warming. Run by the girls, the Mayfield Environmental & Sustainability Society, or MESSy for short, works hard to educate the girls’ peers, staff and parents alike. Their most recent success was raising enough money (with a matched contribution by the school), to buy a beehive, equipment and a nucleus of Buckfast bees. As well as providing honey, which will be sold to raise funds for MESSy and to maintain the bees, the girls can learn about the bees’ lifecycle and gain a greater understanding of these amazing insects. Similarly, at Farm Club, which is run by girls in Years 7 and 8, students learn about sustainable farming methods and how to care

YOUNG GUNS At the Young Enterprise Awards

EDUCATION FEATURE 49 is collected in compostable bags, recyclable and non-recyclable waste; and the groundsmen grow herbs for the school kitchen and flowers for bedding from seeds – which all helps to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. MESSy Prefect, Year 13 Clara, said: “We are working hard to achieve the Eco-Schools Silver Award, having received the Bronze Award last year. We are constantly carrying out environmental audits and improvements, including recycling and clean-ups, as well as educating the other students and the wider school community about the environment.” Mayfield School is a leading Catholic independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 located in East Sussex. Described by the Independent Schools Inspectorate as ‘excellent’ and by Country Life as ‘one of the finest schools in the land’, a Mayfield education combines academic excellence, breadth of opportunity and exceptional pastoral care in a nurturing environment which welcomes all. For more information, visit the School website.

50 EDUCATION FEATURE

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

SKINNERS’ KENT ACADEMY Summer welcome meetings help settle new pupils into school

SKINNERS’ KENT PRIMARY SCHOOL AND THE SKINNERS’ KENT ACADEMY Web: www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk

Please can you give us any useful tips for a child starting a new school (primary or secondary), and ensuring pupils settle in well and quickly? At the Skinners’ Kent Academy Trust we place considerable importance on the way in which our pupils and students join, and become part of, our school community. Moving from a home, nursery environment or a primary school into a place with many more children, new adults, and a huge and unfamiliar building may feel daunting for some children. We always advise parents to try to do the following:

• Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the school. Try to attend parents’ welcome meetings and events in the summer to meet as many staff as possible and ask questions. There is nothing better than making direct contact rather than hearing things second-hand from existing parents, as things change to support each new intake of students year on year, and every child is an individual. • Talk about starting the new school so that your children can express their feelings, and parents/ carers in turn can pre-empt any anxiety or misconceptions. • Make sure your children get to see the school before they start and meet some of the staff, either via the secondary induction days or other school activities. • Make sure that children have the correct equipment for school, and that they feel

comfortable in the uniform they will be wearing when they start – that is also important. Wearing uniform around the house a few times during the summer, to get used to wearing it, can be really helpful. This also gives you time to show your children new skills, such as how to tie a tie, fold a collar or tuck a shirt in neatly. • Trying out the route to and from school is also important, so both parents and children know when the busy times are and can be prepared. This will help to ensure nobody is late for school. • Start the bedtime routine at least a week before school starts so that everyone’s body clocks are prepared for what will be a tiring but exciting first few weeks in a new school. This includes packing the school bag before bedtime, allowing plenty of time to have breakfast, and leaving for school in good time. • Make sure your children know how they are

getting food at school and that they have the means to pay for it, or that they take a packed lunch. Children get very hungry in the first few weeks at their new school and need to refuel to maintain attention and energy levels. • As parents/carers, don’t assume your child will remember everything that they have done, or that they need to tell you about their day. They have a lot to take in and their priority upon getting home will be to eat and sleep. Check their bags, the weekly newsletter, and any letters emailed home so that you are kept fully informed. • If you have any concerns or questions at all, please contact the school as soon as possible, where you will be directed to the appropriate member of staff to help. A successful partnership between the school and parents/carers with timely communication always ensures the best experience for everyone.

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

HILDEN OAKS PREP SCHOOL Web: www.hildenoaks.co.uk

Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development Hilden Oaks, a high-achieving, successful prep school in Tonbridge, has recently been awarded a prestigious ‘Gold SMSC Quality Mark’ by the Citizen Foundation, one of only a handful of schools to receive this nationwide. Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural [SMSC] development is at the heart of this excellent

EDUCATION FEATURE 51

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk school, and is evident across the whole curriculum. In the assessment report, the verifier remarked that all the children she met at Hilden Oaks ‘spoke with such maturity, confidence and honesty’. When asked to describe their school in one word, the pupils replied: ‘wonderful, kind, mindful, outstanding, amazing, fantastic, loyal, excellent, phenomenal and thoughtful’. They also spoke about the ‘family feeling’, their ‘enjoyment of learning’, and their ‘willingness to

try new things because the school gives them the confidence.’ The report commented further: “It is clear that SMSC is valued in every aspect of school life and it sits so organically within the Hilden Oaks’ aims and values. The fact that the children are not only well versed on the school’s values and understand their importance, but also ‘value’ them, is a real credit to the school.” In addition, it said: “There is positive and strong parental support. Parents could not

COMMUNITY CARE Students at Hilden Oaks are encrouaged to volunteer

have spoken more highly of the school. They shared a range of stories, highlighting how the school demonstrates so many aspects of SMSC provision every day and how the pupils take their experiences home to share.” Headmistress Mrs Katy Joiner said: “We are delighted to have received this award, which recognises the care Hilden Oaks has for the whole school community. It links very closely with our values-based education, and helps the children work towards making a positive difference to society. As a result, their academic achievements are also excellent.” SMSC development is also a key area assessed by the Independent Schools Inspectorate [ISI] and Ofsted, who require schools ‘to think about the kind of people we aspire to be, the kind of world we aspire to create, and the kind of education we aspire to provide’. To find out more, Hilden Oaks Prep would like to welcome you to one of their forthcoming Open Mornings, on Thursday October 3 and Friday November 8. Please call to book a tour of the school: 01732 353941 | or visit www.hildenoaks.co.uk

MATHS ENGLISH

Thursday 3rd October Friday 8th November 9:00am–11:00am Please call to book a tour...

Hilden Oaks Preparatory School & Nursey 38 Dry Hill Park Road Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3BU 01732 353941 www.hildenoaks.co.uk

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52 EDUCATION FEATURE SEVENOAKS PREP SCHOOL Web: www.theprep.org.uk

Nursery at Sevenoaks Prep School The school journey at Sevenoaks Prep starts in Nursery at the age of two and a half. It is an ideal opportunity for children to develop independence and self-esteem in a happy, safe and stimulating environment. Run by Mrs Rowland, a KS1 and Early Years qualified teacher, emotional and social development is established through play. Opportunities for exploring are planned for and the children’s individual interests and ideas are used to enhance their learning. Mrs Rowland says: “The Nursery is an important part of a child’s life. It’s the first stepping stone to education and should never be undervalued. We encourage each child to challenge themselves, motivated by adults and each other.” Their voyages of discovery are enhanced through the on-site forest school, run by trained

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

PLAYBALL A variety of activities keep children exploring

VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY Pupils at Sevenoaks Prep School learn through play

staff; regular classes, including specialist music teaching, playball, cycle me tots, ballet, football and soft play activities; creative (and often messy!) play; and building friendships. Daily circle time is where new language and social skills are prioritised and regular themes provide a framework to the activities. Sevenoaks Prep is a nurturing environment which values strong relationships with parents. The achievements and progress of all children are celebrated and shared, and Nursery is no exception.

For busy parents, the school now offers wraparound care for Nursery pupils from 8am until 4pm, and an online journal that shows each individual child’s learning journey. A standard session runs from 8.30am until 12.30pm, with the children enjoying a hot and nutritious lunch with their peers in the dining room before home time, when they often enjoy a nap in the car on the way home! For further information, please visit www.theprep.org.uk, or contact the Registrar Clare Harrison on 01732 762336.

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

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IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK timeslocalnews.co.uk

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

SQUID TO PLAY THE FORUM

TAKE A COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS

DELICIOUS AUTUMNAL FOOD

Face to face

Photographer Sarah Clark reveals her new exhibition Page 57

ENJOY A TASTE OF RUSSIA

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arts

A CHANCE TO STRING ALONG The Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival is coming to town

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Fall for the line-up at The Forum this autumn As well as its usual offering of varied, excellent live music, The Forum, on The Common, has a versatile bill of spoken word, comedy, theatre and many other special events. Carolyn Gray reveals more of this autumn’s must-see shows…

UMMERTIME has pretty much become ‘festival time’ in the music world, with both fans and bands hitting the road in search of sunshine and good times. But now, just as for schoolchildren, September sees the start of something new, with everyone retreating back inside to find their fun. At The Forum we have a full programme of exciting events to inspire all ages and genres. In terms of our live music offering, we have lots on, including the likes of China Crisis, Dirty Dike, Lady Bird, Worry Dolls and Hayseed Dixie all returning to perform here. But you can also discover lots of new names by checking out bands such as Ferris & Sylvester, Squid and Childcare over the coming months. There are still more acts to be confirmed, so keep your eyes on our social media for all the announcements. This autumn we are also running another of our popular ‘Tribute’ seasons, where you can catch such shows as The Smyths and Legend: The Music of Bob Marley playing the well-loved tunes of the original acts. We’re also hosting a number of club nights, including Boogie Nights and Back

Team Forum

to the 80s. These themed evenings attract a number of very loyal fans and usually sell out well in advance, so if you wish to join in make sure you buy a ticket soon! Our ‘This Is Stable’ night also returns to the autumn/winter 2019 line-up. If you haven’t already checked this event out then it’s a chance for you to catch four acts playing throughout the evening. Purchase your advance tickets by going to The Forum website and clicking on the band you want to support. The reason? Because the act with the most advance sales gets to headline the night! This Is Stable is also a chance for The Forum staff to watch acts performing live, and it’s also given previous Stable headliners the chance to support touring bands when they come and play at the venue, so if your band is interested in taking part check out the news section on our website. We also continue with our Under 18 Open

Mic Nights, Word Up spoken word evenings, and both our Comedy Tapas and improv comedy A Pair of Four nights, which take place in The Forum Basement at The Sussex Arms, behind The Pantiles in Sussex Mews. Due to The Forum’s status as a Community Interest Company, we’re also hosting a range of special charitable events.

‘We’re particularly looking forward to The Forum being transformed into a corner of Italy’ These include the forthcoming Heritage Open Days and Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival (September 15 and October 11-13 respectively). The Puppetry Festival is really exciting this year, and we’re particularly looking

forward to Di Filippo Marionette: Appeso ad Un Filo (Hanging by a Thread) on the Sunday evening, when The Forum will be transformed into a corner of Italy. For a third year running, Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees has organised The Festival of Hope. This takes place on Sunday September 29 and is an afternoon of music, food and activities which brings together people from across the town in a celebration of cultures. Local acts include The River Flows and the headliners are The Sussex Syrian Trio. There are also an assortment of stalls, activities for children, and food; the afternoon is free to attend. Tunbridge Wells Climate Action Day will be held on Sunday October 6, and it’s an opportunity for you to join local people and groups in order to develop practical local action on climate change. Their motto is: “We can only make a difference by acting together.” The day will include great live

Art Hub GALLERY

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Murder Mystery Dinner Fri 25th October from 7.00pm Drinks reception, three course dinner and an immersive murder mystery experience. Now taking Christmas Bookings! Our Christmas & New Year Events are filling fast! Call now to book. TEL: 01892 520331

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Wedding Open Days

Sun 6th August 10.00am to 2.00pm Wed 16th October 5.30-7.00pm WWW.SPAHOTEL.CO.UK

Opening this October A unique & elegant gallery space for hire. Suitable for Pop-ups or anything uplifting & fun!

To showcase your work at Art Hub Gallery Tunbridge Wells Contact Iaysha or Olivia info@arthubgallery.co.uk

www.arthubgallery.co.uk

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Childcare

music, inspiring speakers, a green market and delicious food, and all proceeds from the event will fund local green initiatives. We also have two theatre shows lined up: Labyrinth (October 20) and Kathleen Ferrier: Whattalife (October 30). For these performances we’ll be putting seats into The Forum. Doing so creates an intimate theatre space, and both actresses at the heart of these less mainstream shows have performed here before, and we are so glad they wanted to return! For more information on The Forum’s autumn schedule, visit twforum.co.uk Squid

Face it!

Arts & Culture

Acclaimed photographer Sarah Clark is exhibiting her Face show in the Trinity Theatre Gallery until September 22. Here she tells Eileen Leahy why she decided to turn a sharper focus on her work after 20 years in the business

EXT summer will be my 20th anniversary as a professional photographer but, of course, I have been taking photos for a lot longer than that! I love the memories that photographs hold. As a child I would spend hours looking at old photos – my mum had a box of loose prints and I loved sifting through them. She also allowed me to try out her Box Brownie camera – never with a film in, though, as it was too expensive. So photography has always been a passion, but it never occurred to me I could actually turn it into a career until much later. After doing quite a bit of unpaid work, and always being the one to have my camera with me, I finally took the plunge in the summer of 2000 in setting up my own business.

Essence The key highlights of being a photographer for me are meeting new people and creating memories. Capturing fleeting moments in time and instant expressions is also very important. My particular passion is portrait photography, especially headshots. I love getting to know people and capturing the essence of them. I like to work primarily with natural light and my sessions tend to be relaxed and informal.

Life&Times

SMILE! Sarah is passionate about taking headshots and capturing great moments My work is mainly commission based, and as a result I don’t have a lot of time to work on my own personal projects. My commercial photography covers headshots, school and

family portraits, events and promotional photography. I don’t have a studio as I prefer the flexibility of being a location photographer. It makes every job different and interesting. For families, photos can be taken in their own home or a location of their choice. For headshots, I can do these in the sitter’s chosen space or, on occasion, at my own home office in Leigh. It really depends on the kind of images they would like and whether I am photographing an individual or a team of work colleagues. My Trinity exhibition is entitled Face, and it’s a personal project to launch the lead-up to my 20year work anniversary next year. I wanted to show everybody why I feel passionate about portrait photography, and following this I will be releasing ‘then and now’ photos of my previous sitters. There is a link to ‘then and now’ in the exhibition and it’s my way of showing everybody the importance of taking photos and creating memories. In January 2017, I held my first solo exhibition at Trinity Gallery, called ‘366 Portraits’. The support and positive feedback was overwhelming, so I do hope that everybody will enjoy this one as much. During the exhibition I am going to run a prize draw to give people the opportunity of winning a headshot session. I will be at the gallery to chat to visitors on certain days during the two week period it’s on, so do drop by and say ‘Hi’. I love being a portrait photographer because I enjoy meeting all kinds of people, getting to know them and capturing their individuality. Faces and expressions are just fascinating – I love them all and I love my job. Face: Photographic Exhibition is on at Trinity Theatre Gallery until September 22. The gallery is open from 10am most days and entry is free

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Celebrating the best food and drink in Tunbridge Wells... September welcomes the town’s third annual food month that promises a smorgasbord of pop-up restaurants, tastings, masterclasses and festivals…

URING the month of September, Royal Tunbridge Wells comes alive with a diverse range of events showcasing the very best of food and drink directly from The Garden of England. Throughout the month, you can learn how to shuck an oyster, forage safely from the hedgerows, or even fillet fish – there are wine tastings, kitchen takeovers, pop-up restaurants and food markets to experience and over 50 superb restaurants to choose from. Simply put, Food Month is the ultimate celebration of outstanding food and drink. The town is experiencing a renaissance in artisan food and drink producers, from awardwinning wines to fresh game and small-batch gin – Royal Tunbridge Wells has become a magnet for food lovers who want to experience a taste of the very best regional food and drink. Food Month started two years ago and has grown year on year since then, with our very own beer festival, Tunbridge Wells Beer Weekend launching last year. The programme now includes guided walks, unmissable promotions and offers, masterclasses, workshops, takeovers and events at some of the town’s best independent eateries. Karen Pengelly, BID Manager at Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, said: “We are lucky to have an abundance of outstanding independent food and drink producers, restaurants, cafes and bars in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Food Month is all about promoting what they do, increasing trade and

footfall in the town centre and creating a buzz around the fantastic local food and drink scene. We want to show visitors just how special and unique our culinary offering is.” Take a walk through the beautiful Common on an autumnal wild foraging journey, enjoy a delectable afternoon tea aboard a steam or heritage diesel train through the High Weald or discover The Small Holding’s exciting farm-totable menu at their kitchen takeover with Fuggles Beer Cafe, there’s so much to see and taste in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The pride, skill

‘Tunbridge Wells is part of a food revolution that champions local, fresh and sustainable food’ and love that goes into the local food and drink offering is evident in every mouthful. Wines produced in local Kent vineyards, homegrown gin brands, regional game and seafood, Royal Tunbridge Wells is part of a food revolution that champions local, fresh, sustainable food and drink that tastes as good as it looks. Whatever your tastes, Food Month has something utterly delicious to tempt even the most discerning food lover. The full programme can be found at www.tunbridgewellsfoodmonth.co.uk.

Life&Times

Going Out

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goingout 7 days of activities

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

BRADSHAW OF ARABIA See Sex and the City 2’s Carrie and friends at The Cow Shed

By Grace Lewis

SEND IN THE CLOWNS for Rigoletto On The Lake at The Odeon (not one for coulrophobics!) Oast, Penshurst. Tickets vary in price and can be purchased online at lsfestival.com SUNDAY One of England’s tallest Windmills, Union Windmill in Cranbrook, is now open for guided tours and you won’t be disappointed. Heritage Open Days is giving the public access to seven floors of machinery, equipment and displays where you can learn about the science, design, technology and history of the windmill, and more, all in one afternoon. You will see panoramic views of the medieval town of Cranbrook and you can try your hand at making flour the old-fashioned way. No booking is required, but for details on tour times head to heritageopendays.org.uk WEDNESDAY If you feel like going a bit further afield, you can enjoy a free film and over-indulge in pizza and popcorn at The Cow Shed Pub Movie Night in West Malling. With their pizza shack open from 12noon, and the popcorn machine ready to go, guests can eat and drink during the day and then enjoy a night watching Sex and the City 2. The movie starts at 8pm. Guests are asked to note that the film is rated 15 and contains strong language, sex and sex references. And the event is free. For more information, head to the pub website at elitepubs.com/cow-shed THURSDAY The Civic Society is marking the start of the annual Tunbridge Wells Heritage Open Days programme with a talk entitled What did the Wilsons ever do for us? which considers one family’s contribution to the town. Chris Jones presents the local history group’s most recent work, and the meeting starts at 7.30pm in the Royal Wells Hotel. More information can be found at thecivicsociety.org Go explore! Running from today until September 22, Heritage Open Days is a major national event where you can visit houses, gardens, museums and more for free. We list some more venues here and you can find all the local opportunities to enjoy local history, architecture and culture at heritageopendays.org Pashley Manor Gardens, in Ticehurst, is still alive with the vivid colours of late bloomers today. Dahlia Days are the chance to see over 40

varieties of dazzling, autumn-defying dahlias. There are pinks, sunny yellows, whites, purples and even hot reds, oranges and burgundy kinds to be seen. The gardeners of the manor will also be giving advice on the pretty perennials, and Bloms Bulbs will be displaying cut and potted varieties. Entrance to the gardens costs £11 for a standard ticket but other offers are available. For more details, go to pashleymanorgardens.com FRIDAY Experience a night of big laughs with family and friends at Tonbridge Comedy Night, taking place at the EM Forster Theatre. Guests will hear jokes from Darren Walsh, compere Russell Hicks and headline act Stuart Mitchell. Ticket prices are £13 and the show starts at 7.30pm. To buy tickets, and for more information, go to emftheatre.com Grill ’n’ Chill returns to The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood for a fun-filled weekend featuring classic Volkswagen cars. The event runs across the whole weekend, supplying guests with music, plenty of great food, a chilled-out vibe, and a traditional car show. You can expect to see VW campers, Beetles, T2s and many more vintage vehicles. The day runs from 10am till late evening. For more details, head to grill-n-chill.co.uk

SATURDAY Enjoy a mouthwatering array of locally-produced food this weekend at The Pantiles’ Harvest Food Festival. With over 50 stalls offering hot and cold food and drink, and cooking demonstrations on The Bandstand, it’s a true celebration of all things local. Running today and Sunday, the event is free. For more details, head to thepantiles.com Orquestra de Abacaxi – a new community orchestra – is running a series of workshops for musicians who are looking to get involved with group ensemble. There is no fixed instrumentation so anyone can join as long as they’re able to play at a grade 3 /4 standard. The event takes place at The Camden Centre in Market Square from 11.30am to 4.30pm. Tickets cost £23 plus a £2.11 fee and can be purchased online at eventbrite. For more information, go to facebook.com/orquestradeabacaxi Livestock Festival is back for 2019. Spend your Saturday at a one-day, family-friendly, music festival which raises money for local charities. Gates open at midday with games and music running LAUGHING throughout the afternoon and STOCK into the evening. There will be See Russell free parking, camping on site and Hicks at the EM plenty of food vendors. The event Forster Theatre takes place in Coldharbour Farm

This masterpiece is being performed for the first time on the unique Lake Constance stage in Bregenz, Austria. Directed and designed by Philip Stölzl, the timeless piece is bound to both delight and shock the audience. For more information and to book, go to odeon.co.uk BLOWING IN THE WIND Tour the Union Windmill

MONDAY Explore parts of Tunbridge Wells’ Opera House which are normally not open to the public. This Grade II-listed theatre-turned-pub is opening its doors to visitors – allowing you to go behind the scenes and up into the circles. The tour of the historic interior takes guests in the footsteps of Dame Nellie Melba and Louis Armstrong, among others. Pre-booking is required and the tour takes over an hour. For more information and to book your place, visit heritageopendays.org.uk TUESDAY Watch the film Rigoletto On The Lake at the Odeon Cinema, Tunbridge Wells. One of Giuseppe Verdi’s most popular works, Rigoletto tells the story of a tormented jester trying to avenge himself – a tale of both sacrifice and revenge.

PICK OF THE WEEK: Cocktail Masterclass Thursday, September 12 The Poacher & Partridge, Tudeley Do you fancy becoming a cocktail pro, or at the very least whipping up a few Bloody Marys? With the help of this pub’s own mixologists, you can learn how to shake without stirring,

where to place the tiny drinks umbrella, and the art of mixology. Tickets cost £30 per person and include three cocktails each throughout the class, so you can try the pub’s classic Mojito, Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri or the Pink Grapefruit Bramble. The class runs from 7pm till 9pm, and you can eat prior to the alcoholic alchemy at a discount. Tickets must be purchased and pre-payment is required on booking. To secure your spot, call 01732 358934 or head to elitepubs.com/the-poacherand-partridge-home

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Tunbridge Wells Common Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Wednesday Will Joseph Cook, Matilda Mann Thursday Childcare, Naipia, Tres Kings Saturday Boogie Nights Sunday 2pm Heritage Open Days Monday The Stable: All Their Kings Fall, Malpractice, Overbear, Sheena THE PANTILES BANDSTAND The Pantiles Thursday Soul Train

live music

MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential. For information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult band workshop, all levels welcome

With Paul Dunton

FINCHCOCKS Waterdown House, Frant Road Information and tickets at finchcocks.co.uk Friday 2.30pm & 7pm: Piano recital by Ryan Druckner, winner of the piano section of the Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition

HIS Wednesday evening, popular local singersongwriter Will Joseph Cook headlines at The Forum with support from Matilda Mann. And it’s time to don the dancing shoes on Thursday with The Soul Train on The Pantiles Bandstand. Friday night has some great shows on offer, including 80’s On Show at The Bedford Pub and Letz Zep at The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks (also at Trinity Theatre on Saturday). And renowned pianist Ryan Druckner will be performing an afternoon and evening recital at The Finchcocks Charity in Waterdown House. Saturday night is brimming with live gigs, including Red Rooster at The Beau Nash Tavern, Duch

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

Jo at The Royal Oak Pub and The Violet Jive at The Grey Lady. Plus Boogie Nights returns to The Forum, and a special mention must go to the brilliant Livestock Festival in Penshurst – family friendly, fabulous music, wonderful atmosphere and a beautiful setting in the heart of the Kent countryside! Close out the weekend in style on Sunday afternoon with The Macmillan Concert Band, who will be performing on the lawns of Tonbridge Castle, followed by some evening acoustic vibes as local soloist Matt Bridle makes his debut at Verdigris in Tonbridge. Looking ahead to next week, folk fans can enjoy Wildwood Jack at The Tonbridge Folk Club on Monday night.

Going Out

LIVESTOCK FESTIVAL Coldharbour Farm Oast, Penshurst Details and tickets at lsfestival.com Saturday from 12noon: Patawawa, The Modern Strangers, Kate Lomas, Ekkah, WAX, Suncharmer, Tape Deck Discotheque, Alldis, Steffan James, The Good Ship Band, Joshua Prager, Botanic, DJVWM, Mystery Artist THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Saturday The Violet Jive Sunday Sophie Harmsworth, Jez Harley THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Red Rooster Sunday Open Mic Night TRINITY THEATRE Church Road Details and tickets at trinitytheatre.net Saturday Letz Zep

Life&Times

THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry, music from 8.30pm till close Saturday Duch Jo TONBRIDGE CASTLE Tonbridge High Street Sunday 3pm-5pm Macmillan Concert Band THE EM FORSTER THEATRE Tonbridge School Tickets free but booking required Sunday 8.15pm Allan Bunney Concert VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Free entry, music from 6pm Sunday Matt Bridle TONBRIDGE FOLK CLUB Flying Dutchman, Hildenborough Music from 8pm. tonbridgefolkclub.org Monday Wildwood Jack THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday We Ghosts

Will Joseph Cook

THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry. See thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday 80’s On Show THE STAG THEATRE Sevenoaks High Street Details and tickets at stagsevenoaks.co.uk Friday Letz Zep Sunday Country Superstars hosted by Sarah Jayne COLEBROOK PARK ESTATE Kingstanding Way Event details and tickets at goacream.com Friday-Sunday Goa Cream 2019

TONBRIDGE TALKS

A FESTIVAL OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Join us for a festival weekend of events to inspire, challenge and entertain on the theme of climate change, living sustainably and the effects on the natural world. We have brought together speakers, campaigners and performers so join us to listen, debate, explore and more.

Friday 4th – Sunday 6th October www.tonbridgetalks.com 01732 304241

PUBLIC NOTICE

LICENSING ACT 2003 –Section 17 An application has been made by 65mm Coffee Ltd for the premises: Gilbert House, River Walk, Tonbridge, TN9 1DT On the date of: 5th September 2019 Summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening: Sale of Alcohol Monday to Sunday 10:00am - 23:00pm Premises Opening Hours Monday - Friday 07:30am - 23:00pm Saturday 08:30am - 23:00pm Sunday 09:30am - 23:00pm Any person wishing to view details of an application can contact the licensing team on 01732 876368 Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before the 2nd October 2019 to: Licensing Services, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Kill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4LZ licensing.services@tmbc.gov.uk It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary of conviction for the offence is £5000.

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Make room for the mushrooms

food

The fungi foraging season is officially underway, so to celebrate, Eileen Leahy discovers the humble mushroom’s delicious versatility as a cooking ingredient

Pictures courtesy of Carluccio’s

USHROOMS, they’re pretty underrated aren’t they? A few sprinkled into an omelette or grilled and piled on to some toast is about as exciting as they get for most, but they are in actual fact hugely versatile with a little culinary know-how – not to mention highly nutritious. Not only can they add a deliciously nutty bite to a risotto, but they also act as a tasty supplement to meat in a veggie lasagne, and add a rich kick to a velouté, or sauce. In short, there are myriad ways you can use them in cooking.

‘They are part of our DNA thanks to Antonio Carluccio, who cooked, foraged and wrote about fabulous fungi for over 60 years’ And right now is the time to go foraging for the wild varieties – of which there are over 14,000 different species – just make sure you have a little guidance by checking out the non-edible ones at expert sites such as mushroomdiary.co.uk So no longer should mushrooms be

FRUITS OF AUTUMN Fillet steak with truffle butter and rich mushroom and porcini sauce

GruB & LIquOr Christmas 2 Courses £22.99 3 Courses £25.99 Includes a glass of fizz

Christmas Lunch from £17.99 Buffet party menu £12.99 Includes a glass of fizz

dj & disco party every weekend in December

Book christmas dinner by the end of october and receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco for every 6 guests

function room Available for large parties

new years Eve Cocktail party 31st december

01892 457899 hello@grubandliquor.co.uk 9 nevill street, tunbridge wells, tn2 5ru

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Food & Drink

California Dreamin’

This week, Times Drinks Editor James Viner discovers characterful vinous gems from the Golden State… THIS September is the 15th annual California Wine Month. As the world’s fourth-largest wine producer, and the nation’s most-visited state for wine and food experiences, California is home to 3,900 wineries and 5,900 grape growers. In a market used to paying three-digit prices per bottle, Californian wine sales in the US last year surpassed the $40 billion retail mark. Be prepared to be amazed – cheers! BOSCO INCANTATO A delicious dessert made to look like a toadstool thought of as a humble ingredient as they can enhance a number of dishes with lashings of depth, taste and texture. And it’s certainly worth noting that there’s so much more to them than just the usual Portobello, chestnut or porcini offerings. Nowhere recognises the diversity of mushrooms more than popular Italian restaurant chain Carluccio’s. “They are part of our DNA,” says a spokesperson. “This is thanks to our founder, the late Antonio Carluccio, who cooked, foraged and wrote about fabulous fungi for over 60 years.” Italians like Antonio have used mushrooms as a staple seasonal ingredient in their cooking for centuries. Inspired by his passion for porcini and other mushroom varieties, this year the Italian eaterie is launching a number of pop-up Mushroom Markets.

The idea is for customers to try all manner of fungi delights and street food dishes and learn from Carluccio’s mushroom experts. It is also selling a special selection of artisan deli products featuring mushrooms from now until November. They include tasty treats like Crema di porcini e tartufi and Risotto con tartufi e porcini. The menu will also feature mouthwatering dishes such as filet steak with truffle butter served with a rich mushroom and porcini sauce and Bosco Incantato (both pictured). The latter is a ‘toadstool’ dessert inspired by Antonio’s vast collection of mushroom memorabilia, and made with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, chocolate and hazelnut sauce, pistachios, hazelnuts, fresh raspberries and panettone. Molte bene!

LAUNCH OF OUR NEW MENU SATURDAY 14 TH SEPTEMBER

Call 01892 520587 to book! www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

1) FRUITY SUPERMARKET ROSÉ STEAL Plow & Press Californian Shiraz Rosé 2018, Monterey County (£7.99, Aldi, Alc 13%) This is lively, classy and dry with appetisingly juicy raspberry, red cherry, Meyer lemon and latent spice flavours set within a crown of zippy but balanced acidity. Perfect for easy-sipping on a lazy autumnal afternoon and just the job for charcuterie, pork chops, roast leg of lamb or baked ham. 2) STANDOUT BARGAIN NORTHERN CALIFORNIAN ALTERNATIVE TO CHAMPAGNE Roederer Estate Quartet NV, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County (£20-£25.50, The Champagne Company/The Wine Society/Majestic/ Waitrose, Alc 12%) This sophisticated traditional method fizz from Champagne house Louis Roederer’s US outpost has emerged as

Find out more by following James @QuixoticWine on Twitter one of California’s most unswervingly outstanding non-vintage sparkling wines (the top vintage bottling, L’Ermitage – available from WineBuyers – is spectacular). Its tantalising aromas of red apple, pineapple, pear, baking spice and brioche lead to a racy and beautifully poised palate. One for brunch, sushi, spicy Asian cuisine and meat/fish dishes with creamy sauces. It’s an accomplished and multi-layered American beauty that I can’t recommend enough. Champion value.

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3) ORGANIC, SYRAH-DRIVEN SOUTHERN RHÔNE-STYLE RED BLEND Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas 2015, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County (£24.95, Berry Bros & Rudd, Alc 14.2%) Tablas Creek was established in 1989 when the Perrin brothers of Château de Beaucastel, the renowned organic Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate, and famed US importer Robert Haas purchased 50 hectares in rustic Paso Robles – about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles – after a four-year search for the prime Californian site to grow Rhône grape varieties. They rapidly imported and propagated vine cuttings from France, including many clones of Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre and Counoise, that would eventually craft this sleek, joyful, red-fruit, floral and earth-scented organic red, proving a sum is far greater than its individual parts. Drink with grilled meats, beef stews and pasta with meat sauces. A very classy wine.

TOP CALIFORNIAN WINE TREATS LET’S NOT FORGET ABOUT THE WHITES…  Frog’s Leap Chardonnay 2015, Napa Valley (certified organic) £29.95, Berry Bros & Rudd

 Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2016, Sta. Rita Hills, S. Central Coast £34, Roberson (the UK’s preeminent Californian wine merchant) TWO OF MY FAVOURITE CALI REDS:  Robert Sinskey Vineyards Pinot Noir 2014, Napa Valley, Los Carneros (certified organic and meant for food pairing) £50, Davy’s  Domaine de la Côte Pinot Noir 2016, Sta. Rita Hills, S. Central Coast £71.20, Roberson (save 20%) See more at discovercaliforniawines.com

Recruiting Now

Set in beautiful countryside, just a ten minute drive from the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate represents the true beauty of Kent itself. It combines a picturesque setting with comprehensive conferencing facilities, fabulous function rooms and one of the best and most affordable wedding venues in Tunbridge Wells. Salomons Estate offers quality accommodation and luxury bedrooms in addition to Salomons Pub & Dining Rooms; an eclectic pub/restaurant offering the best in locally-sourced produce where possible. We are looking for passionate individuals to provide our guests and clients with an unforgettable experience. Available positions in Salomons Estate: Restaurant and Conferencing Supervisor Housekeeper Reservations Coordinator

One Warwick Park Hotel Composed of thirty nine rooms and suites and a range of entertainment spaces, One Warwick Park Hotel brings a luxury guest experience to the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wellsâ€™ in Kent. Right next to the famous Pantiles area and only a few minutes from Tunbridge Wells train station, the hotel is perfectly located for enjoying all the activities that this beautiful Kentish town and its surrounding countryside has to offer. Guests can expect a personalised welcome, knowledgeable and well-presented staff, a perfect setting for dining and unwinding in our restaurant and bar, multi-purpose event spaces for weddings and conferences, a unique underground art gallery, and bedrooms where relaxation and style are the priorities. We are looking for enthusiastic personalities to provide an exceptional customer experience for our guests. Available positions in One Warwick Park Hotel: Receptionist Concierge Housekeeper Housekeeping Supervisor Reservations Coordinator

SEVENTEEN Restaurant at One Warwick Park We are looking for talented individuals to join the team at SEVENTEEN Restaurant at One Warwick Park. We take British dishes and ingredients and revitalise them using flavours and influences from around the world, modern cooking techniques and seasonality and presentation. With the restaurant sourcing local produce, our menu is driven by the freshest and most seasonal ingredients, which can be enjoyed in our elegant restaurant featuring a stunning double height glass atrium - eating at SEVENTEEN will always be a pleasure. Available positions within SEVENTEEN Restaurant Sous Chef Junior Sous Chef Chef de Partie Commis Chef F&B Assistant Kitchen Porter

To find out more, please visit our careers page at http://www.markerstudygroup.com/careers or contact us on: Email address: TalentAcquisition@markerstudy.com Telephone: 01892 553384

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

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Motoring News

Motors This week… n A new 3008 hybrid n Bugatti goes faster n A trio of Merc prices

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Be ready to snap up a speedy Mercedes

Peugeot’s electric mission unveils a new four-wheel drive SUV hybrid PEUGEOT has revealed the 3008 GT Hybrid4 – the latest model to receive the French PSA Group’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. The SUV combines a 197bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors to provide a combined 296bhp. Its low CO2 emission rating of just 29g/ km means it’s eligible for the lowest benefit-in-kind tax band. The 13.2kWh battery gives the Hybrid4 a 36-mile electric-only range and should take less than two hours to top up from a 7kW charge point. Despite its eco credentials, the hybrid drivetrain gives the 3008 impressive performance figures – it will go from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds. This is the first time the 3008

PLUGGING INTO THE TREND A new hybrid

has been offered with a fourwheel-drive system, and it will be joined by a front-wheel drive plug-in hybrid in the near future. That model will make 222bhp from its petrol-electric drivetrain. David Peel, Managing Director of Peugeot UK, said: “The 3008 SUV GT Hybrid4 is the next step in Peugeot’s electrification journey. It will join the all-new e-208 and e-2008 SUV, and follows our philosophy of ‘choose your Peugeot, choose your powertrain’, as 3008 SUV buyers have the choice between efficient petrol, diesel and the plug-in hybrid electric technology for their car.” The Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid4 will be available to order in the UK later this year.

THE NEED FOR SPEED Could a new Bugatti Super Sports car be on the way?

Bugatti breaks through 300mph barrier with a prototype Chiron BUGATTI has reached a speed of more than 300mph with a modified version of its Chiron hypercar, which it says is a ‘near-production prototype’. With British test driver Andy Wallace behind the wheel, the upgraded Chiron hit 304.773mph at the EhraLessien test track in Germany last month. The top speed has been verified by the TUV, which is Germany’s Technical Inspection Association. That means it’s officially faster than other top speed legends, such as SSC’s Ultimate Aero (256mph), Hennessey’s Venom GT (270mph) and Koenigsegg’s Agera RS (285mph). However, those were verified production car records, and this is still a prototype. Although Bugatti has not yet confirmed it will build a go-faster Super Sports model as it did with the Veyron (the Chiron’s prede-

cessor), the fact that this new record-setting car is considered a ‘near-production prototype’ hints that a limited run Chiron SS could be on the way. The car is the result of a six-month collaboration between Bugatti, tyre manufacturer Michelin and chassis experts Dallara, reports Top Gear. It’s 25cm longer than the standard car and has laser-controlled ride height that hugs it tight to the Tarmac. The rear end has a smaller cross-section to improve aero and reduce drag, while quad-exit exhausts punch through the rear diffuser to emit gases further from the bodywork to further minimise drag. Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann said: “What a record! We’re overjoyed to be the first manufacturer ever to have achieved a speed of more than 300mph.”

ORDERS books have opened for the high-performance Mercedes-AMG A 45 S and CLA 45 S plus the latter’s Shooting Brake estate variant. They all feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 415bhp and 500Nm of torque, with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. As a result, the trio are capable of covering the 0-60mph sprint in under four seconds, and going on to 168mph. In terms of efficiency, the A 45 S is said to be capable of 33.6mpg while emitting 189g/km of CO2. The CLA 45 S offers 34mpg and 189g/km, with the Shooting Brake returning 33.6mpg and 192g/km. As standard, visual items on the A 45 S and CLA 45 S include 19-in alloy wheels, red brake callipers, a Panamericana grille, flared wheel arches and side skirts, plus a quad-exit exhaust system. The interior has Dinamica microfibre heated seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel, a 10.25-in infotainment display and illuminated door sills. Plus several safety items are fitted as standard. Upgrading to a Plus spec includes an AMG Aerodynamic package, a panoramic sunroof, electrically-adjustable seats and a Burmester surround sound system. The entry-level A 45 S is priced at £50,570, with the CLA 45 S four-door and Shooting Brake available from £52,145 and £53,370 respectively.

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travel

Travel

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

Borscht ’n’ cheers – Why a tour of Russia is a gourmet delight Despite being the world’s biggest country, sprawling Russia is largely uncharted territory for food tourism, so Ed Elliot joins a new culinary tour to discover more SPECTACULAR The interior of the Church of Spilled Blood features around 7,000 mosaics

of imperial Russia for more than 200 years before the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 led to communist rule and the formation of the Soviet Union. In front of me, the opulent green, white and gold of the vast Winter Palace is an enduring symbol of the Romanov dynasty, which ended with the abdication and subsequent execution of Nicholas II. The former royal residence now forms part of the State Hermitage Museum, home to an enviable art collection started by Empress Catherine the Great.

‘Around a mile north-west of Red Square, I politely decline a photograph with impersonators of Lenin and Stalin’

AZING at a grand salmon-pink palace in Saint Petersburg, my petite guide recounts a possible origin of the classic Russian dish, beef stroganov. “When the recipe was born, the head of the family was quite old and he didn’t have any teeth,” says Oksana Gaevskaya with a smile. “So he asked his chef to make a meal very soft, for him to be able to chew it.” I am at the western end of Nevsky Prospect, the city’s vibrant main street, having joined Intrepid Travel’s new food adventure tour to sample the culture and cuisine of the world’s largest country. The 18th-century Baroque mansion ahead of us is the former residence of the wealthy Stroganov family, where the eponymous dish, comprising small chunks of sautéed, beef, sour cream and mushrooms, was reputedly concocted. Appetite whetted, I board the metro to the Petrogradsky suburb after being invited to taste an authentic Russian meal at the home of the Prokopenko family. Cheerful matriarch Olga, surrounded by her five young children, ladles a starter of borscht (a beetroot-based soup) into glass bowls in the living room of her third-floor apartment, leaving me to add a dollop of sour cream and garnish with dill. Smetana, the type of sour cream

used, remains on the table for each course and, after devouring a plate of pork and plum stew, I smear the condiment on blini (pancakes) and enjoy it sprinkled with orange beads of salty salmon caviar for dessert. Earlier in the day, I found time to forage for ingredients among the stalls of Sennoy market. Traders from the ST BASIL’S troubled republic of CATHEDRAL Dagestan in north in Red Square Caucasus supplied is seen as a seemingly endless symbol of the samples of pickled country vegetables, while there was also an opportunity

to try honey, horse meat, and chechil – a chewy string cheese which originated in Armenia. Back in the city centre, 26-year-old Oksana, who grew up in warmer climes near the shores of the Black Sea, wraps a floral scarf around her dark brown hair to keep out a biting wind blowing in from the Baltic. She laughs about looking like a ‘babushka’ – an elderly lady or grandmother – as we continue through the historic heart of her adopted home town. Rows of rainbow-coloured Matryoshka dolls fill stalls which line the Griboyedov Canal in front of the Church Of The Savior On Spilled Blood. The elaborate, polychromatic cathedral was commissioned by Russia’s penultimate Romanov Tsar, Alexander III, to mark the site where his father, Alexander II, was fatally wounded during an assassination attempt in 1881. “What I love about this city is that so much of our history happened here,” adds Oksana, as we meander through a series of secluded back streets and courtyards before emerging in Palace Square. “You just feel all this – like Dostoevsky used to stay here, or Tolstoy, or Pushkin; a rebellion happened here, and so on and so on.” A one-time home to each of those eminent writers, Saint Petersburg has plenty of tales to tell. Briefly known as Petrograd and, later, Leningrad, the city was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. It was the capital

Given ample history to digest, I am eager to discover how the nation’s food is being revolutionised. Contemporary restaurant Taste To Eat, situated on the southern bank of the Fontanka River, defines itself as honouring Russian gastronomy, albeit with a modern twist. The dishes live up to the billing. Standout combinations include pumpkin fritter with trout and caviar, stewed lamb with porridge and curry, and venison cutlet with sauerkraut and beetroot cottage cheese, served against a backdrop of exposed brickwork and low-hanging light fittings. There is a temptation to linger in Russia’s stylish second city, but, eager to see how the current capital compares, I travel around 450 miles south-east to Moscow. Despite notorious traffic congestion, this urban PKHALI A Georgian dish served at the Khachapuri restaurant

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk mushrooms, are particularly memorable. The restaurant takes its name from so-called ‘Georgian pizza’ – a cheese-filled bread, which we order with egg, and share by tearing from the edges and dipping in the middle. My final evening in Moscow culminates across the street from the imposing former headquarters of the KGB. Kalashnikov door handles lead underground to the bunker-esque spy bar, which is packed with military memorabilia and is the last

MATRYOSHKA DOLLS on sale in Saint Petersburg

sprawl of around 12.5million people feels far more welcoming than I had expected. Joggers and cyclists overtake me along the embankment of Moskva River as I stroll from the fountains of Gorky Park past the glistening golden domes of the Cathedral Of Christ The Saviour to the terracotta-coloured bricks of the Kremlin.

Dumplings Around a mile north-west of Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral, where I politely decline a photograph with impersonators of Lenin and Stalin, is Georgian restaurant Khachapuri. “In the last five years, I don’t have a single friend who hasn’t been to Georgia,” says Ksenia Martynova as we sit down to eat. Ksenia, an insightful tour leader, partly attributes the increasing popularity of food from the former USSR member state to the depreciation of the rouble in the aftermath

of Russia’s 2014 financial crisis. “It almost became like a pilgrim trip,” she continues. “Because it is much cheaper than Russia and we still want to travel and experience something new.” As plates are served, it is easy to understand the appeal. Balls of minced beetroot and spinach (pkhali) and a meat platter of boiled tongue, baked veal and chicken with apricot tingle the taste buds, while walnut and garlic wrapped in aubergine, and khinkali dumplings packed with

PRIME INGREDIENTS Pickled vegetables at Sennoy Market in the Republic of Dagestan

Travel

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stop on a vodka-tasting tour. An arsenal of lethal weaponry is mounted on the walls, yet I find pungent shots of garlic-infused alcohol do more damage. Eating a breakfast of creamy buckwheat porridge early the next morning, with a slightly sore head and a plane to catch, it dawns on me that my trip has ended without sampling a plate of stroganov. The missed opportunity, however, is not too difficult to swallow. Russia provides plenty to get your teeth into.

HOW TO GET THERE Intrepid Travel’s new ten-day Russia Real Food Adventure starts from £1,530 per person including accommodation, ground transport, and most meals and activities. It excludes international flights. 0808 274 5111 intrepidtravel.com

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Recruitment

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

WITH THE

FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

CLAYGATE HEATING & RENEWABLES LTD IS RECRUITING! 2 Vacancies for Qualified and Experienced Heating & Plumbing Engineers, Kent & Sussex area Must be: • GasSafe registered • OFTEC registered • Commercially qualified (preferred but not essential) You will be able to: • Carry out installation and servicing work in all types of properties • Work on your own initiative and manage your own day to day workload • Be accountable, and a good communicator • Be enthusiastic, and a team player • Competently complete all necessary paperwork • Successfully complete a 3-month trial period Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Sept/Oct 2019 start date preferable.

Architectural Assistant / Technician Vacancy Coleman Anderson Architects are recruiting for an Architectural Technician / Assistant to join their dynamic team in the Tunbridge Wells office. Full-time or Part-time Employment options available. Knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit is essential. 5 years minimum working experience. The right applicant will be well organised, enthusiastic and fit in well with our existing team. In return you will receive a competitive salary, job satisfaction and other job perks. If you meet the above criteria please contact us at info@colemananderson.co.uk / 01892 537124

For an application form, please call Claygate on 01892 730 620 or email: office@claygate.net

COME AND JOIN OUR TEAM in HOOPERS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS We have GREAT opportunities for the following: *Experienced hair stylists *Front of house / receptionists *Qualified beauty therapists WE CAN OFFER *Competitive guaranteed salary *On going training to enhance your skills *NO LATE NIGHTS or SUNDAY working Please call Kimberley 07786 150267 or email kimberley@greathairdressing.com

CODEWORD 4

A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 5

16 14

22 22

X C

22 23

13 13

23 22

25 23

23 6

24 23 24

1 16

C C

22 16

17 6

26 10

8 1 3 5 4 8 9

23 20

Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

Codeword:

9 2 7 4 6 1 1 5

1 7

9 6

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

1 6

7 6

DIFFICULTY RATING:★✩✩✩

5 7

6 2 7

5 1 9

4 9

2 3 4 1

2 3

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★✩✩

CLASSIFIEDS

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Puzzles

In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.

Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue

I N S I D E N N O F R E E Z E R L E A T L A N T R P D E C K H A O A N N UM L G P S A L L L N A E X E R O X

V OWE L E H E S H E R A P H I R R A C L E A N T L O E R E E F R A M R E Q U E S T I U L O A B I L I T Y N O E E J E C T E D

Sudoku:

8 9 2 7 4 6 1 3 5

1 7 6 2 5 3 9 8 4

3 5 4 8 1 9 6 2 7

5 1 7 4 2 8 3 6 9

4 3 8 9 6 5 7 1 2

6 2 9 3 7 1 4 5 8

9 8 5 6 3 4 2 7 1

2 4 3 1 8 7 5 9 6

7 6 1 5 9 2 8 4 3

4 8 7 1 6 9 5 3 2

7 9 8 5 3 2 4 1 6

1 6 5 4 2 3 9 7 8

8 3 6 2 7 5 1 9 4

2 4 9 7 8 1 3 6 5

Jigsaw Sudoku:

3 7 1 6 5 4 2 8 9

9 5 4 3 1 6 8 2 7

5 1 2 8 9 7 6 4 3

6 2 3 9 4 8 7 5 1

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Wednesday September 11 | 2019

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Sport

FORsports EVENstories MORE to: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Wednesday September 11 | 2019 Please send newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Tonbridge Juddians 41 Leicester Lions 12 RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS made a powerful statement in their opening fixture of the season in National Two South against a side they had never played before. Because of a rebalance of clubs in Level Four, Leicester Lions found themselves transferred from National Two North to its southern equivalent. TJs pressed hard at the start of the match and in the sixth minute they were awarded a penalty under the posts which Will Robinson slotted. Then full-back Murray Galbraith-Lowe forced his way over the line at speed to record TJs’ first try, which Robinson converted. Lions missed a penalty from the

ten-metre line then lost their hooker Oliver Taylor to a yellow-card offence. Robinson’s dummy at fly-half opened the way for centre Duncan Tout to come through on the burst and to touch down for a second converted try. Confident TJs were now in full flight, and good handling and off-loading out of the tackle saw Hugo Watson score under the posts. Five minutes later the wing scored again after more close-quarter driving to give the hosts their bonus point, though this time the try went unconverted. Lions’ restored hooker Taylor managed to get his side on the scoresheet before half-time to make it 29-7, Ben Young converting with a fine kick. In the second half, aggressive covering and tackling obliged Lions to kick out of defence. The ball was run back at them

and wing-forward Truman Sullivan scored a try which Robinson converted. Lions responded well, and once more it was Taylor who picked up a loose ball and brushed off two or three tacklers to score again, though the kick went wide. TJs’ drive over the line was ruled held-up but from the five-metre scrum a pick-up by No 8 Will Colderick gave TJs an overlap in the centre and centre Tout had the room to dash through and score a try which went unconverted. For the final quarter neither side really threatened the other’s line again but it had already proved to be an exciting running game. TJs now travel to Sutton & Epsom, who were promoted from London & South East Premier Division, on Saturday (September 14, kick-off 3pm).

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

Watson and Tout show TJs’ strength against Midlanders

OPEN SEASON Murray Galbraith-Lowe scores the first try

Wells come from behind after slow start to season PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

PASS MASTER Mike Hathaway offloads to Nick Doherty

Guildford 18 Tunbridge Wells 25

The competition has been enlivened on a local level by the promotion of Sevenoaks into Level Five, with the first A21 derby scheduled for November 9 at St Marks. Joining them are Brighton and a formidablelooking Rochford Hundred, who have won 46 league games in a row in two 100 per cent

By Graham Withers RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS started their London & South East Premier Division campaign with a hard-earned victory at Guildford, who won both games last season.

seasons to reach this level. Home flanker Oli Millward broke through before a 60 metre run early on, and a penalty award put them ahead. The home team were awarded the first of four straight scrum penalties after the Wells pack was ominously shunted backwards. Guildford turned down an easy penalty shot for an attacking line-out, and a glaring gap on the blind side saw scrum-half Bradley Smith score a converted try on 14 minutes. On 23 minutes Wells got on the scoreboard with Frank Reynolds kicking a penalty from 25 yards after good work from skipper Ryan TaylorDennehy, and 10 minutes later he added another to make it 10-6 to Guildford at half-time. But Wells went further behind two minutes into the second half as flanker Ollie Millward made a delightful offload to centre Jonny Burden for an unconverted try. A breakdown penalty saw Ieuen Jones stretch the lead to 18-6.

Finally, Wells woke from their half-time slumber as Reynolds side-stepped the first defender and held off the next two to cross between the posts for a try which he converted. Home centre Jack Potter received a yellow card for killing the ball and after a series of pickand-go thrusts Wells were awarded a penalty try for persistent offside. That put Wells 20-18 ahead with seven minutes left. In time added on, replacement George Montgomery sent a 40-metre kick crossfield to Nick Doherty who gathered and touched down for an unconverted try. However, with the lead just 7 points the game was not won and a series of penalties saw Guildford spark back into life. One final attacking line-out veered off the straight though and with a resolute last scrum the win was confirmed. Wells now entertain Dorking at St Marks on Saturday (September 14, kick-off 3pm).

‘Simply not good enough’: Angels pay for poor display

Brave fightback falls just short Rochester United 3 Rusthall 2

Chippenham Town 2 Tonbridge Angels 1 By Jim Rowe

FOOTBALL: DESPITE a late flourish the Rustics suffered their first league defeat of the season against Rochester United, who went top of the table in Southern Counties East League Division One. Rusthall putting the home side under pressure with their slick passing game and for 15 minutes they were camped in the Rochester half but failed to create any clear-cut chances. Rochester then started to press the visitors as they tried to build from the back and the visiting defenders were hurried into giving the ball away. On 27 minutes Rochester were rewarded for their efforts. The Rustics gave away a soft corner on the right and as they failed to clear, central defender Lewis Cook rifled home from inside the box. Rusthall seemed rattled and were happy to go in at half-time 1-0 down, but in the first minute of the second half Rochester doubled their advantage with a goal from Harrison Hume. The home side were now full of confidence and were taking advantage of Rusthall’s failure to keep the ball. They made it 3-0 on 55 minutes thanks to Harry Hornsby’s neat finish. Rusthall rang the changes and their unlikely comeback started in the 67th minute.Good build-up play down the right led to a cross to the far post where wing back Callum Gallie scored with a fine header.

FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS failed to match the thrilling exploits of their midweek defeat of Dartford as they came up short against Chippenham Town, who had lost their last three games. Manager Steve McKimm was not pleased with the performance and sadi: “Four or five players were not at it this afternoon and that will cost you. “We started too slowly and lacked the intensity of our performance last Tuesday and indeed against Weymouth a week ago.” He added: “Whether they thought they just had to turn up I don’t know, but it simply wasn’t good enough. Players have to step up to the plate and operate at the levels I know they can. “Once again we have conceded just before half-time but even so I would not have been impressed with that first-half performance.” The best chance of the first half fell to Ade Yusuff on 38 minutes but having found himself clear on goal he never really had control of the ball. Chippenham stepped it up and took the lead on the stroke of half-time. From an attack down the left, a good pull-back found Tariq Ossai who tucked the ball into the net. McKimm brought on Chinedu McKenzie and Tom Derry to create a double strike force. The latter shot against the base of the post, but just

PHOTO: Dean Jacquin

By Rich Smith

HOT SHOT Luke Adams scored his sixth goal of the season The Rustics were now looking a different side as they pinned Rochester back, and Luke Adams drilled the ball home on 85 minutes to set up a tense finish. But the physical hosts held them at bay. Rusthall now entertain Combined Counties League side Godalming Town in the FA Vase on Saturday (September 14, kick-off 3pm).

as the Angels were getting back in the game Chippenham doubled their lead. On 69 minutes Chris Zebroski played a one-two with the dangerous Karnell Chambers and placed an unstoppable shot past Jonny Henly. Then on 85 minutes the Angels were handed a penalty when Chippenham keeper Will Puddy head-butted Sonny Miles and received a straight red card. Derry converted the spot-kick and Angels spied their chance with an outfield player taking over between the posts but the Bluebirds’ emergency keeper was hardly tested. In midweek the Angels made Dartford look ordinary as they passed the ball around with flair and ran tirelessly to work goalscoring opportunities. Joe Turner converted a 27th-minute penalty after Yusuff was felled in the area, but the Darts got back in the match by scoring from a corner two minutes before half-time. However, Turner was on hand to restore the lead just before the interval, tapping in a cross from the right by Jared Small. They had chances to increase the lead but nerves set in as the visitors scored from a free kick on 75 minutes after Miles was booked. With five minutes left the outstanding D’Sean Theobalds wriggled his way past several defenders and sent in a short cross for substitute Derry to net the winner. Tonbridge now take on Hemel Hempstead at home on Saturday (September 14, kick-off 3pm).

Wednesday September 11 | 2019

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Bepey shows promise as Wells jump over Vine into third place Tunbridge Wells 208 beat Canterbury 96 by 112 runs By Alan Cutts CRICKET: TUNBRIDGE WELLS were left to reflect on some inconsistent batting as they finished third in the Kent League Premier Division for the second season running. Two defeats to relegated HSBC cost them a real shot at the title, but they can take comfort from the emergence of two young pace bowlers in Isaac Bepey and Matt Barker. Canterbury needed a win to give themselves any chance of avoiding relegation - while hoping that Blackheath lost against Lordswood, which they narrowly did by two wickets. Home captain Chris Williams won the toss and chose to bat, and he himself raced to 48 before holing out

on the boundary. He and Julian O’Riordan had put on 88 for the first wicket and a big total seemed likely. Julian’s older brother Marcus was dismissed cheaply, but Chris’s sibling Alex chipped in with 26. However, five wickets then tumbled for 31 runs in a little more than ten overs, O’Riordan making a highquality 59 off 106 balls with five fours. Michael Waller contributed 25 but the innings was concluded at 208. Justin MacVicar was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 23. The reply started steadily but then left-armer Bepey struck with three wickets in the space of seven balls. Barker produced a sensational slip catch off Dave Smith and the score nosedived from 30 without loss to 31 for 4.

Canterbury skipper Stuart Drakeley was beaten by sheer pace, and had his middle stump catapulted out of the ground by Bepey rose. Marcus O’Riordan’s off-spin ended some resistance from the visitors as he snapped up 3 for 6 in three unplayable overs. Bepey then came back to end the innings on 96, 112 runs from victory, and record figures of 4 for 22 - and 27 wickets for the season. Chris Williams had led by example, topping the Premier Divisin’s batting aggregates with 635 runs at an average of 48. Meanwhile HSBC executed a remarkable run-chase against Sevenoaks Vine, reaching 294 for 4 to win with three balls to spare, and allowing Wells to leapfrog their neighbours into third place.

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Yeats-Brown and Juneja combine to defeat the champions Nonington Cowdrey 251-7 beat Nonington 168 by 83 runs By Stuart Clarke CRICKET: COWDREY rounded off an impressive campaign with an emphatic victory over the champions of Kent League Division Three - though not before Nonington could claim the four points they needed for the title. The Tonbridge skipper Ryan Addison chose to bat first at Fredville Park but the visitors soon found themselves

Victory left Cowdrey in fourth place at the end of the campaign, and neighbours Tonbridge were relegated reduced to 18 for 2. Ralph Yeats-Brown was holding firm, however, and he anchored the innings whilst Jack Mutch (21) and Ryan Addison, with a cameo 33, went on the attack. The opener’s long vigil came to an end in the penultimate over, YeatsBrown scoring an excellent 92 with ten fours and a six, as Cowdrey posted an imposing 251 for 7. Nonington knew that 125 was the magic number for them to be

confirmed as champions but after three overs their plans were in disarray as they lost four wickets for one run. Opening bowlers Thom Brown and Ben Mutch (2 for 29) reduced the hosts to 16 for 4, along with a run-out from a direct hit by Minhaj Jalill. Paul Betts (41) and George Finch (37) added 70 for the fifth wicket but they both fell to the off-spin of 17-year-old Gautam Juneja, who finished with fine figures of 3 for 39. Celebrations began in the Nonington pavilion as they edged passed 125 with seven wickets down with Matt Sadler making 41, but the end came not long after that. Leg-spinner Jason Carver (2 for 6) claimed the last two wickets in his first over, deceiving the batsman with his variation to leave Nonington all out for 168, 83 runs short. The victory left Cowdrey in fourth place at the end of the campaign, and neighbours Tonbridge were relegated to Division Four with Kings Hill coming up. Cowdrey’s Second XI secured the runners-up spot in Kent League Division Four (2nd XI) and they are promoted, with young seamer Liam McGroarty winning the bowling award with 26 wickets.