Liq
ui
d
Ap
pl
i ed
e an br
em M
ite
im sL
d.
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS
r EEape FRwsp
Local, National and International
S s ur L A S I N G tail Yo E G O F r de B R R O fo F I AT e 6 F L pag
Times
All the news that matters
Nseee
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Councillor stung by allegation of sexism after making comment about ‘pin up’ bees… A TUNBRIDGE WELLS county councillor has been accused of sexism after remarks he made about bees. County and borough councillor Sean Holden [Cranbrook], was discussing his ‘Plan Bee’, a project he has spearheaded for more than six years, which aims to improve the number of bees and pollinating insects in Kent.
Stereotype COOKING UP A STORM: Food and music fans turned up at Dunorlan Park in their thousands at the weekend as Tom Kerridge returned to Tunbridge Wells along with Rick Astley and Will Young for the second Pub in the Park festival. See also Page 4
Borough’s smokers are costing millions in social care support By Richard Williams and Holly Stafford
NEW figures have revealed the social care costs caused by smoking, with Kent County Council [KCC] having to spend more than £2.7million to look after the one in seven people in Tunbridge Wells who haven’t kicked the habit. According to figures by the Office of National Statistics, 14.8 per cent of over 18s in Tunbridge Wells smoke, and although the figure is around the national average, it means about 7,000 people over the age of 18 in the borough remain hooked on tobacco. Anti-campaign group ASH [Action on Smoking and Health] say the cost burden of smokers is now being picked up by local authorities, as a lifetime of the habit starts catching up with users. According to ASH, using figures from NHS Digital, Tunbridge Wells smokers
cost £2,785,353 in social care each year. Caring for people with smoking related illnesses across the county costs Kent £38.7 million in total, and while ASH estimate around £17million of this will be privately funded, taxpayers have to pick up the remaining £22million.
Disability The campaign group say that Kent has the sixth highest social care cost caused by smoking in the country. While the number of smokers across the UK has more than halved in the last decade, with people turning to alternatives such as vaping, or quitting altogether, the habit is still costing local authorities around £1.4billion a year in social care costs alone. Nationally, Greater Manchester, has the highest number of smokers, which
adds £79million to the northern city’s social care bill. In Kent, the highest number can be found in Folkestone and Hythe, where more than 22 per cent of people still smoke cigarettes. Around 14 per cent of people in Tonbridge & Malling still light up too, but the lowest in is Sevenoaks, where just over one in ten people smoke. Andrew Scott-Clark, Director of Public Health at KCC, which has to pick up most of Kent’s social care bill, said: “We’re pleased that the number of people smoking in Kent has reduced but it is still a major health issue in parts of the county. “In addition, smoking causes serious illness and disability which can lead to social care costs, so quitting really is the best thing a smoker can do for their health and for the health of their families too.”
During last week’s Full Council at county hall in which the plan was discussed, Cllr Holden referred to bees as the ‘pin up girls’ of pollinating insects. Labour councillor Karen Constantine took exception to his words, and told the chamber: “I would like to challenge Cllr Holden on his point of everyday sexism which, I’m afraid, I’m disgusted to hear in this chamber.” She added that ‘pin up girls’ was a sexist stereotype and was ‘disappointed’ to see Cllr Holden resort to such ‘sexist comparisons’. The Thanet councillor also called on KCC to implement ‘mandatory equalities training’ for elected officials. After the hearing, Cllr Holden called her complaint ‘manufactured left wing indignation’. He said: “Calling bees the pin-up girls for the pollinator plan, the pollinator bees being all female, was a light metaphor of marketing practices. “Ms Constantine’s pompous intervention was entirely against the spirit of the debate about this crucial environmental policy, which I began on my own six years ago and have seen through the adoption as official county policy.”
2
NEWS
Local News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
this week… Parents petition MP after school
loses key family liaison officer By Robert Forrester
PAYING TRIBUTE: Trinity’s CEO Alex Green on the passing of the theatre’s co-founder Michael Elliot p5 FLYING HIGH: Cripps Pemberton Greenish raise more than £28,000 for charity with a series of fundraisers, including a skydive P6 TOP MARKS: St James Primary afterschool assistant Sarah Dawson wins the Colm Tóbín literary prize for her short story p10
A SCHOOL’S Executive Principal has been criticised for a staffing cull that has seen ‘an essential’ Family Liaison Officer as well as several lunchtime supervisors lose their jobs. St Augustine’s RC Primary School in Wilman Road, Tunbridge Wells is run by Executive Principal Annemarie Whittle, who is also in charge of the running of St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School in Tonbridge. She says that after a ‘review’ it was decided that the school could no longer afford the roles due to ‘financial pressures’ but those let go by the £120,000 a year Executive Principal, argue that this is not the case. Former police officer, Richard Wilson, 59, who has worked as a FLO [Family Liaison Officer] at St Augustine’s since 2015 says the cost saving is ‘short-sighted’. He told the Times: “This is not about me. I have been offered other work, it is about the children.” The former detective constable who will be made redundant at the end of August, added: “I was told by Mrs Whittle that as they do not have a Family Liaison Officer at her other school, she doesn’t see why we need one here. But this is a totally different school.
“I was brought into this school by the head four she has set up a petition to get Mr Wilson reinyears ago because it is such a diverse school, with stated, which garnered more than 200 signalots of languages, and it is also a catchment area tures on its first day. It is being presented to Tunfor a lot of special needs children. bridge Wells MP Greg Clark on Saturday. “My job has been to make them welcome and The 39-year-old carer, told the Times: “Parents happy. I’ve dealt with domestic violence cases, are worried about their children’s safety. Other bullying, and mental health issues. My office is staff members are now going to have to do this essentially the playground.” work, and they are over-stretched as it is.” Mr Wilson who works 20 hours a week at the In a statement, the Executive Principal school for minimum wage, says he has been defended the move, by saying: “In common with schools and academies across the country, St asked to leave along with Augustine’s faces financial pressures as national around seven lunchtime funding fails to keep place with inflation. supervisors “As a result, it is necessary to proactively – who also review the staffing compliments to ensure earn less ongoing high quality and sustainable provithan £9 an sion.” hour and Local councillor and former governor at the some of school, Mark Ellis [Lib Dem], said it was a whom have ‘great shame’ that Mr Wilson was been at the going. school for He added: “I know what great work Richard Wilson has done to more than 20 years. support the children at school Parents at the school are with help and assistance. unhappy that Mr Wilson along “It is a great shame that down to with the lunchtime supervisors are being let go. school budget cuts he is having to Mother-of-three, Emma Porter, says RICHARD WILSON leave.”
Cross-party support for climate change target By Richard Williams
natural habitats and ecosystems, biodiversity and our lives in general’. She goes on to say that the council should consider a raft of actions to reduce climate change ‘with an ambition to make the Council carbon neutral by 2030’.
“We both seemed to file motions independently, but when I found out what Cllr March had proposed we were overjoyed.” He said that while many local authorities have proposed a carbon neutral deadline of 2030, Conservative councillors at Kent County Council amended a similar motion to put back the target until 2050, a move that was widely condemned across Kent, and caused protests outside county hall. “Finally, this is a sign the Conservatives are taking this seriously,” Cllr Everitt said. He added that the borough council had a duty to take the lead and ‘get its own house in order’ when it came to climate change. He continued: “If we take the lead then businesses and residents in the borough will follow and the
impact will get bigger and bigger. This issue needs leadership in the borough.” Cllr Jane March agreed. She said: “I feel very strongly that as a Council we should be following the national example and legislating for zero carbon emissions. “Saying we’ll be carbon neutral by 2030 is ambitious but achievable. “I’m pleased that the Labour group in the Council want to work with us and now my original motion and Cllr Everitt’s motion have been combined.” The Tunbridge Wells Alliance has also proposed a motion tonight to cancel the council’s £90million Calverley Square development, despite the chamber having agreed a pause on spending on the project until alternative solutions have been proposed.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615
COUNCILLORS will meet tonight [Wednesday] to discuss climate change as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC] joins a number of other local authorities and attempts to commit to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. By coincidence, two motions have been filed for tonight’s full council meeting with both the controlling Conservative group and opposition Labour councillors filing separate motions to tackle the ‘climate change emergency’. Jane Marsh, cabinet member and Conservative councillor for Brenchley & Horsmonden has proposed that TWBC ‘recognises the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence pointing to man-made climate change and the harmful impacts this is having on
DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037
Bin men continue with rubbish service amid claims of lunchtime beer breaks
CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626
NEW bin contractors have received yet more criticism after leaving a trail of detritus from garden waste down a Tunbridge Wells street. The bin men from Urbaser, which took over the reins from previous waste collectors Biffa earlier this year, are also accused by residents in the St James’ area of drinking on the job. As reported in the Times in May, Urbaser has already come under fire after leaving recycling receptacles strewn along Silverdale Road following their fortnightly collections. Now, householders in Dorking Road and several streets in the St James area say they are having to spend time sweeping up after collections from the new bin contractor.
SUMMER STARTS HERE: All you need to know when it comes to entertaining the children this summer p17 CONTACTS
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
Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TF
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.
PRINTED BY MORTONS PRINT LTD Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR
Leadership Opposition councillors say they are ‘overjoyed’ at the motion proposed by the Conservative cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development. Luke Everitt, Labour Councillor for Southborough & High Brooms, says without knowing what the Conservatives were proposing he forwarded Labour’s own climate change motion, also committing the council to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Investigate Painter and Decorator Roy Patey, who lives in Hilbert Road, said the mess left after last week’s garden waste collection was ‘unacceptable’. He said: “It is a regular occurrence around here. My big worry is that they are due to collect glass in September. We are going to end up with punctured tyres if they leave this sort of mess. “It is always worse in the afternoons too. They go into the local shop and buy beer and then
continue their round and leave a mess.” A local shop manager who didn’t want to be named confirmed that bin men were often in there buying alcohol but insisted ‘It is only one or two cans each’. The news has not been welcomed by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. A spokesperson said: “We want to provide the best possible recycling and waste service to our residents and therefore it is disappointing to hear that someone thinks the crews in their area are not reaching the standard we would like.” The council signed the £3million contract with Urbaser in a joint deal with Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council last year. The deal, worth around £3million a year, is meant to generate around £700,000 in savings. The contract has already proved controversial with both councils now charging for garden waste collection. Urbaser’s Operations Manager, Chris Minnis, said: “Urbaser has a strict zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy and will therefore investigate this as a matter of urgency. “Anyone found to be contravening the above policy will be dealt with accordingly through our disciplinary process.”
FLY-TIPPING AFTER TIP CHARGES A councillor for St James says for the first time he is now seeing fly tipping in the ward and blames charges for using the household recycling centre introduced by the county council. Former Mayor Cllr David Neve [Lib Dem], who has represented the Tunbridge Wells ward for around 30 years says he has never witnessed the problem before. He said: “You get a few idiots throwing fast food wrappers out of their car, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen fly tipping like this.” He said building materials, primarily waste chipboard has been dumped on King George V Hill in the ward, and he blames Kent County Council’s new recycling charges. The county council started charging £4 for each black plastic bag of soil, rubble or hardcore, to a maximum of five a day, and £6 a sheet of plasterboard at its 18 Kent tips. “I think people are put off going to the tip because of these charges so have decided to just dump it all here,” added Cllr Neve.
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
Securitas thief shot at comedian’s home A MAN who was involved in the Securitas heist in Tonbridge was shot at a property owned by comedian Russell Kane in north-west London last week. Former cage fighter Paul Allen, 41, remains in a critical condition after eyewitnesses said he was shot in the throat at the property, which is rented from the entertainer, on July 11. In 2009, Allen was jailed for 18 years for conspiracy after the gang stole £53million from the depot in Vale Road in 2006. He was released after serving six years. Scotland Yard have made two arrests in connection with the shooting.
Warning after bag theft POLICE have warned shoppers in Tunbridge Wells to keep an eye on their belongings after a woman in her 70s had her purse stolen while in a town centre shop. The theft in an unnamed store in Calverley Road occurred last month after the thieves distracted the bag’s owner. Borough commander for Tunbridge Wells, Chief Inspector Peter Steenhuis said: “Never leave handbags unattended always keep them zipped up and where you can see them. “Don’t carry large amounts of cash and, if you have one, a purse chain can be an effective measure against thieves.”
Peter Pan at Christmas THE Assembly Hall Theatre has announced that this Christmas’s pantomime will be children’s favourite Peter Pan. Performances run from December 10 until January 5, and features a number of notable names including Holby City’s Paul Bradley as Captain Hook, Disney’s Art Attack’s Lloyd Warbey as Peter Pan, and Holly Atterton from Nick Junior’s Go Go.
Art at the Oast THE Oast Theatre in Tonbridge will be hosting its annual art show on Saturday [July 20] to coincide with its next dramatic production, Charley’s Aunt. The exhibition by the Art Section will be open to the public from 7-9.30pm on weekdays and Saturdays from 2-5pm for Sunday matinees. The Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling, Cllr Jill Anderson, will formally open the show at a special preview evening on Friday [July 19].
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Kent one of the worst in country for charging people with burglary By Richard Williams
crime, which residents consistently tell me rates among their top concerns. “It is a priority for Kent Police and I have invested money raised from council tax into a specialist unit of 32 officers called the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad which was introduced in February to target burglary and similar crimes.”
NEW figures show that Kent Police is among the worst performing forces in the country when it comes to people being charged with burglary. According to Home Office figures, less than four per cent of burglaries in the county result in charges being laid, with thousands of burglaries either going unsolved or being dealt with by CHARGING PEOPLE IS JUST ONE police in another way. OUT OF 21 POSSIBLE OUTCOMES Across the county, there were around 11,842 burglaries last year, more than 8,000 of these Kent Police said the burglary figures, while against somebody’s home. accurate, failed to take into account all But fewer than one in 25 of these cases ever end ‘possible outcomes’ for crimes. up before the courts, with police only bringing Kent Police Assistant Chief Constable for charges in 3.8 per cent of all burglary cases, Local Policing Nicola Faulconbridge said Kent which means fewer than 500 burglars are charged Police was ‘committed to tackling’ burglary. in the county each year. She said: “For the year ending March 2019, While Tunbridge Wells suffers fewer burglaries Kent Police’s charge rate for all burglary – than many Kent towns, with less than 400 domestic, business and community – was 3.8 recorded in the borough last year, the news will per cent but it is important to remember that a be little comfort to victims of crime. charge is just one of 21 possible outcomes. A charity that supports burglary victims said it “Other outcomes can include out-of-court was more than just a crime against property. resolutions and cases being taken into David Naylor, Contract Manager for Victim Supconsideration with other prosecutions for port in Kent, said: “Burglary not only robs vica suspect.” tims of their physical possessions – it can also She explained that the force has a number rob people of their sense of security at home, a of tactics it is deploying to catch burglars. place where everyone should feel most safe. “Throughout the year, overt and covert “Everyone will respond differently but this tactics are also used to target burglars and crime can go far beyond financial loss leaving DNA opportunities, where available, are people feeling vulnerable, frightened and disexplored. All reports are investigated, along tressed and potentially angry. with advice and support always offered to victims of burglary,” she said. “Burglary is often an opportunistic crime and although victims can feel “Seasonal campaigns consisting of enforcement, deterrence and targeted it is important to stress that this is not the case.” prevention, such as Operation Castle, are used to catch burglars and bring Nationally, Kent is the seventh them to justice as well as raise worst for charge rates when it awareness of the steps households comes to burglary, with only a and business can take to protect handful of forces faring worse, with themselves, deter intruders and North Yorkshire Police the worst permake their properties less attractive former with just 1.8 per cent of burto burglars. glaries resulting in any charges being brought. She added: “When evidential difficulties prevent a positive Kent PCC Mathew Scott, who recently outcome for a crime, if later on increased the police precept – the new evidence comes to amount of council tax that light, it will be assessed goes to the police to tackle appropriately and action crime – with the aim of boltaken to progress the stering police officer numASST CHIEF CONSTABLE investigation wherever bers in Kent. NICOLA FAULCONBRIDGE possible.” He told the Times:: “Burglary is a very serious
Local News
NEWS
3
Sporting body objects to school’s plans to build on playing fields By Holly Stafford A SCHOOL in Tunbridge Wells could have its plans for new teaching facilities blocked by a national government body because the development involves building on playing fields. Bennett Memorial Diocesan School wants to expand to the south west where its playing fields are located. The plans include a new two-story teaching block, an extension to the kitchen area and an extension to the car park, all of which is intended to cope with burgeoning pupil numbers, which are expected to rise by 300 children by 2023 when the school’s total capacity will reach nearly 2,000. The Culverden Down school, a co-educational academy that has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, submitted their plans to county hall last year, but last week, at a meeting at County Hall, councillors sent the application to James Brokenshire, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to make a decision, after Sport England objected to the school’s plans. The national governing body that promotes sport across England said the plans would affect an area of the playing field used to host cricket, football and rounders.
Participation They told KCC in a statement: “Sport England’s Policy is to oppose the granting of planning permission for any development which would lead to a loss of, or prejudice the use of, all/part of a playing field.” But Headteacher at the school, Jon Sparke, denied it would deprive the pupils at the school of any participation in outdoor sport. He told the Times: “The site we occupy, thanks to the generosity of our founder Lady Elena Bennett, fortunately, has ample space both for additional buildings and for outdoor fields for sports and games.” The head added that in 2017, the school invested in a ‘3G pitch’ so that rugby and football could be played in any weather conditions. He continued: “The opportunities for competitive sport will not be compromised as a result of this building project, not least because the school benefits from a full-size 3G floodlit pitch, as well as extensive grass pitches and hard tennis courts. “In this case, Sport England are simply discharging their responsibility to scrutinise building plans which could potentially impinge on playing areas. There will be no impact from the planned buildings on student’s participation in outdoor sport.”
4
NEWS
Local News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Festival knocks it out of the park
PHOTOS: Nigel Martin & Pub in the Park
By Richard Williams DUNORLAN PARK played host to the second Pub in the Park at the weekend, which saw thousands descend on Tunbridge Wells. Organised by TV chef Tom Kerridge, more than 15,000 food fans and music lovers gathered at the popular Tunbridge Wells park over for the three-day festival. The weather favoured the crowds too, with the sunshine providing the perfect summer backdrop while musical acts such as 80s favourite Rick Astley, Scottish singersongwriter KT Tunstall, Basement Jaxx and Will Young entertained the crowds. But the star of the weekend was the food.
More than 28,000 dishes were served to the hungry crowd from a range of pop-up pubs, which included local favourites The Kentish Hare and Sankey’s who joined Mr Kerridge’s own The Hand and Flowers pub as well as a range of Michelin starred and award-winning chefs to feed the festival crowd.
Fantastic There was no shortage of drinks on offer too with a wide range of Champagne, cocktails and beer on offer from the numerous drinks vendors at the festival. Foodies didn’t miss out on any of the sporting fixtures at the weekend either, with many enjoying the cricket on Sunday afternoon, which was beamed on to screens around the park. Speaking to the Times after the event, organiser
and Michelin star chef, Tom Kerridge, said: “It was fantastic being back in Tunbridge Wells this weekend and meeting festival-goers on Friday night. “Rick Astley was definitely a highlight and it was great to see so many of you enjoying the incredible food with a drink or two.” Also at the festival was Tunbridge Wells’ charity, Nourish Community Foodbank. Operations Manager for the charity, Dawn Stanford, said: “Thank you so much for everyone that came to support us at Pub in the Park. “We have had a fantastic time with lots of lovely conversations and we have really enjoyed telling people about everything we do. And we’ll see you at the next event.” She also said a special thanks to the Tanner brothers from the Kentish Hare, who she described as ‘the best chefs at the festival’ and who she hinted would soon be announcing a support package for the charity.
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Local News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Driver sought after hit and run
‘Michael Elliott has been a key figure within Trinity’s history both on and off the stage. As a director and actor’
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a driver left a young woman needing hospital treatment following a hit and run at the weekend. Kent Police say they were called at 6.15pm on Saturday July 13 to a collision in St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells involving a car and a pedestrian. The vehicle failed to stop following the incident, which occurred at the junction with Culverden Park Road. A spokesman for the force said: “Officers and the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended and a woman, aged in her 20s, was taken to a local hospital with injuries. Enquiries are ongoing to locate the driver.” He added that the woman’s injuries were not thought to be life threatening.
Alex Green CEO of Trinity Theatre
5
They also ran the popular Old Time Music Hall in Southborough, along with various other theatrical events hosted in and around Tunbridge Wells. After working as a general administrator for the National Theatre in the late 70s and 80s, Mr Elliot became a professional actor late in life. It wasn’t until 1994, at the age of 51, that he turned professional and quickly found success, first in Bill Kenwright’s production of The Miracle Worker, and then in many West End productions including Sam Mendes’ Oliver! at the London Palladium. He also had numerous TV credits including appearances in The Bill, EastEnders, Casualty, My Hero, and Little Britain. All the while regularly appearing on the Hever, Stag and Trinity stages, culminating in a tour de force performance as King Lear in 2011.
Acclaim
‘The driver needs to take responsibility for his or her dangerous actions and come forward to the police’ It is the second serious incident in St John’s Road in just over a week. Last Monday [July 8], a man was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries following a crash involving the car in which he was travelling and an HGV along the same stretch of road. St John’s councillor, Peter Lidstone [Lib Dem] said that incidents such as these would continue to occur until there is ‘proper investment in making our roads and pavements safe for pedestrians and cyclists’. He added: “The fact that an incident like this can happen in broad daylight is quite shocking. “The driver needs to take responsibility for his or her dangerous actions and come forward to the police.”
NEWS
Tributes paid to theatre veteran who leaves a lasting local legacy By Richard Williams A SERVICE is being held today [Wednesday] for one of the driving forces behind Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells and a much loved family man, who passed away earlier this month. The funeral mass for Michael Elliott, 82, a key figure in the local theatre scene, will take place at St Augustine’s Church in Crescent Road. Mr Elliot and his wife, Caroline, had been key supporters of the Trinity Theatre in Church Road.
The pair had worked tirelessly promoting the venue, since it opened in 1982. Mr Elliott was both a board member and manager of the arts venue. Caroline Elliott, who passed away in 2016, had also been a founding member. The couple had been integral in saving Holy Trinity Church from demolition in 1976 and were heavily involved in turning the former Decimus Burton church into its current form of a theatre and arts venue.
Alex Green CEO of Trinity Theatre said Michael would be greatly missed by everybody connected to the theatre. Paying tribute to the theatre veteran, he said: “Michael Elliott has been a key figure within Trinity’s history both on and off the stage. As a director and actor he delivered performances which were received with acclaim by audiences and critics alike. “As a board director and manager, he helped save the organisation and in part enabled it to continue its growth into the much loved status it holds today. “He will be greatly missed by the many people he helped shape and mentor in the theatre world.” Mr Elliott’s funeral service takes place today at 12.30pm at St Augustine’s Church, after which a wake will be held at The George Inn in Frant. The family have requested no flowers, but donations can be made to St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Mr Elliott is survived by three children and six grandchildren.
6
BUSINESS
Local News
Chocolate supplier turns to TSP for complex sale advice
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Jack Wills is seeking new owner as brand struggles
SHAREHOLDERS of the UK’s largest independent chocolate distributor has sought the advice from a Tunbridge Wells law firm on the sale of the company. Thomson Snell & Passmore [TSP] advised the shareholders of Henley Bridge Ingredients Limited [HBI] on the successful sale of its entire issued share capital to food distributor HMS. Founded in 1998 by Tony Mycock, HBI is a supplier of high-end ingredients to chocolatiers, ice cream manufacturers, bakers and the food service industry. It has become the largest independent chocolate couverture distributor in Europe.
Rewards HMS was founded in 1992 and is the independently-owned parent company of ingredient distributors Kent Foods, BFP and Garrett Ingredients. It is one of Europe’s largest food ingredient distributors. HBI will continue to operate as a stand-alone business and the existing management team will remain in charge. Nick Gabay, Partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore’s corporate department, said: “We were delighted to advise and work with the shareholders of HBI on this sale. It was a real pleasure to help them through the process and we are very pleased that they have received just rewards for all of their hard work.” Tony Mycock from HBI added: “We were delighted by the professionalism of Nick and his team in leading us through what was a complicated and convoluted transaction – an absolute rock guiding and advising us through the process.”
FASHION VICTIM Jack Wills is another high street retailer in trouble
By Richard Williams FASHION brand Jack Wills is on the lookout for a new owner after running into financial difficulty. Bluegem, the private equity owners of the clothing retailer, which has an outlet in The Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells – one of ten standalone UK stores – has appointed KPMG, the advisory firm and experts on insolvency, to help find a solution to the heritage-inspired retailer’s woes.
Loss In its most recent financial results, the company slid to a pre-tax loss of more than £14million, before one-off costs, from a £2.2million profit the year before, which resulted in the company seeking additional credit facilities. Bluegem also injected around £20million into the firm.
As with other struggling fashion brands, such as Topshop, which has closed stores and asked for rent cuts, and LK Bennett, who went out of business earlier this year, Jack Wills have blamed a downturn in trade for its current financial problems. It is not clear what will happen to the brand if KPMG fail to find a buyer. A statement from the company said: “[KPMG has been appointed] to carry out a review of the business and explore future opportunities. “In the meantime, management remains focused on its strategy of new product development, imp-roving margins and driving cost efficiencies, which is already reaping benefits.” Recent press reports suggest that the clothing brand has already received interest from a potential unnamed buyer. Established in 1999, the Jack Wills brand describes itself as ‘unapologetically British’.
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Student sets her sights on career in ophthalmic health A FORMER Hillview schoolgirl is embarking on a career as an optician thanks to an apprenticeship scheme set up by a leading high street opticians. Vision Express were one of the first UK companies to sign up to ‘The 5% Club’, a pledge to have five per cent of its UK workforce comprising of young people on structured training schemes within five years. Freyja Arthur, from Tunbridge Wells, has just graduated from the 13-month apprenticeship scheme and has been offered a full-time post at the Calverley Road store. The 18 year old achieved a Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship in Health/Optical Retail, which is the equivalent of five GCSEs. She said: “I’ve always been interested in optics. When I spotted the Vision Express apprenticeship scheme on the government website, I just knew it was for me. “I’ve loved learning new skills and I would tell anyone considering an apprenticeship to go for it 100 per cent. “I’m looking forward to extending my knowledge over the next couple of years, and to working with the wonderfully supportive team at Vision Express.” LOOKING AHEAD Apprentice Freyja Arthur
8
BUSINESS
Local News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
App delivery giant has unveiled Tunbridge Wells’ eating habits ON DEMAND food delivery network Deliveroo has released an insight into local eating habits by revealing the top five takeaways enjoyed by the people of Tunbridge Wells. The app-based company, which is celebrating three years of operating in the town, picks up takeaways from a number of local restaurants and eateries and delivers them to people’s doors.
Deliveroo, said: “Our whole team here at Deliveroo are delighted that our rapid growth in Royal Tunbridge Wells over the past three years means that customers have more choice, restaurants are able to increase their revenue, and riders have opportunity to choose wellpaid, flexible work.”
Deliveroo was recently valued at £4billion by Amazon after the online retailer bought a stake in the delivery company in a bid to attempt a buyout. The move was blocked by the UK’s competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority, earlier this month.
Favourites The company says since its launch in the town, nearly 60 local restaurants have signed up to the service, which has also created work for more than 40 delivery riders. Top of the town’s favourites, according to the delivery company, are cheeseburgers from Marlowe’s, followed by Massaman curry from the Giggling Squid, lamb shish from Hattusa, a Boneless Banquet from KFC, and good old-fashioned cod and chips from Marino’s Fish and Chips. Harrison Forster, Regional Director of
FAST FOOD: Deliveroo reveals top takeaway choices after three years of town deliveries
MP speaks candidly to local businesses
LUNCH GUEST: Business Secretary and Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark addressing the business lunch at The Beacon on July 5
By Richard Williams TUNBRIDGE WELLS MP Greg Clark, was at The Beacon earlier this month answering questions from businesses in the area on everything from Brexit to the future of Kent Trade. The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy had been invited by Tunbridge Wells-based accountancy practice Creaseys. During his talk, Mr Clark spoke candidly about Theresa May’s exit from Number 10.
The PM is due to step down after her replacement is elected on July 22. He told the audience of local business leaders: “Theresa May tried her best and worked incredibly hard to achieve a breakthrough and negotiate a deal.”
Change But the MP, who has come out in support of Jeremy Hunt as the next leader of the Conservative Party and British Prime Minister, added: “A change of personnel is the right thing. It will
bring about change and I hope it will be the catalyst we need to progress with our negotiating partners.” He went on to tell the packed luncheon: “The national consensus is that we cannot go on [like this] much longer and we need to come to some sort of conclusion.” Mr Clark also discussed the changes to the British car industry, following the recent announcement by Jaguar Land Rover that it will be making electric powertrains at its Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham.
Lawyers take to the skies and raise thousands for mental health charity
TUNBRIDGE WELLS lawyers, Cripps Pemberton Greenish has raised more than £28,000 for its charity of the year, with a series of fundraisers, including a skydive. The law firm says all the donations will go to this year’s chosen charity, Rethink Mental Illness. Cripps managed to raise more than twice the intended amount thanks to staff participating in a series of different activities such as the three peaks
challenge, a quiz night and a sky dive. Clare Hyland, Senior Partner at the law firm, said: “We are really proud to have worked alongside Rethink over the past year and to have raised such a large amount to support the fantastic work they do.
Affected “Mental health issues can impact so many of our lives, but for a lot of people
there is still a stigma attached. The work Rethink do to address this is so inspiring, and it’s great to see mental health illness starting to be discussed more openly”. With over 200 mental health services and support groups throughout the country, Rethink helps tens of thousands of people every year providing expert advice and information to individuals severely affected by mental illness.
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
10
NEWS
Community News
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Leading literary award for short story about feeling like a dinosaur at work By Aimee Hobley A LOCAL after-school club playworker has won the prestigious Colm Tóibín International Short Story Award. Sarah Dawson works at St James’ Primary School after-school club in Sandrock Road, Tunbridge Wells, and won with her story Dinosaurs Rule. The writing group where she has honed her skills are now launching a short story competition of their own. The prize-giving took place at the Wexford Literary Festival in Enniscorthy, Ireland, on Friday July 5. The award is named after the Irish novelist, who is currently a Professor of Humanities at Columbia University in New York and is Chancellor of the University of Liverpool.
Tricky Sarah’s story about a middle-aged woman who is so full of self-doubt she nearly doesn’t make it to a job interview was said to fulfil every criteria. Good short stories, the judges said, are notoriously tricky to write. They must land the reader in an utterly convincing and believable new world quickly; the best ones elicit emotion and linger in the head long afterwards. “I have a degree in English so it has always been a passion of mine,” said Sarah, who describes the protagonist of her story as someone who ‘feels like a dinosaur in the modern world of work’. The tale reveals how some people feel they ‘sometimes don’t have much to offer’ when, in
fact, as Sarah put it, ‘the office contained more dinosaurs than she thought’. This inspiring message set Dinosaurs Rule apart from the other nine shortlisted stories. A spokesperson for the group said: “One of our nine voices is frustratingly modest, but the other eight are bursting with pride. Our much-loved and madly talented Sarah won with her warmhearted and poignant story. “The Wexford Literary Festival judges clearly saw what we see – the lucidity, insightfulness and generosity of her writing. We are so proud and so happy for her! It will be extra crisps and chocolate cake at our next get-together.” Sarah is a member of a local writing group, Ninevoices, who have just launched a short story competition of their own. Anyone who earned less than £300 from their writing last year is eligible to enter. The theme is summer – ‘a word that can arouse complex emotions’ – and the winner will receive £250 and the runner-up £50. All proceeds from entry fees will go towards the charity PMRGCAuk to fund research and help sufferers of Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis, which are linked rheumatic conditions. For more information on Ninevoices and how to enter, visit ninevoices. wordpress.com SUCCESS STORY Sarah Dawson writes with local group Ninevoices
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
HEART STRINGS Albanian violinist Alda Dizdari with the DEA string quartet
Carnival evening to support work of Hospices of Hope in Eastern Europe HOSPICES OF HOPE is staging another gala event in Tunbridge Wells following on from its most successful fundraiser in London. The charity raised more than £32,000 when it held an event in the Millennium Gloucester Hotel’s rooftop conservatory in Kensington. The organisation, which was founded by Tunbridge Wells resident Graham Perolls, supports hospice services in Eastern Europe, and the Ambassadors from Albania, Moldova and Serbia attended the event. Around 90 per cent of people in the region have to deal with life-limiting or terminal illness on their own without suitable care. The money raised will pay a nurse’s salary in each of the three countries, and in Romania, another country the charity serves. At the event, Albanian violinist Alda Dizdari played some pieces of music and then officially opened a new project to create a hospice network in her country. Guests heard about seven-year-old patient Larisa, who has cerebral palsy, and her brother Leonard, who appeared on X Factor Romania and
performed a rap explaining some of the challenges faced by children with disabilities in his country. Hospices of Hope’s Chief Executive, Alex Padureanu, said: “The theme of the evening was a journey across both distance and time. “Hospices of Hope started when Graham Perolls visited a state hospital in Romania after the fall of communism. He saw a young man dying in agony without any pain relief. “That young man inspired Graham to introduce hospice care into South-East Europe. “We have come a long way since that chance encounter, and our journey will continue until hospices services are available to everyone.” Next, the charity is holding a Carnival Event on October 5 at the High Rocks Hotel, including a three-course dinner, music, dancing and carnival sideshows. Tickets cost £40 per person and can be booked by telephoning 01959 525110, emailing: events@hospicesofhope.co.uk or by visiting hospicesofhope.co.uk The hotel provides transport into Tunbridge Wells at the end of the evening.
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Local hero dons his cape again to abseil down skyscraper for Lord Mayor’s Appeal By Andy Tong ENTERTAINER Brian Bissell has added another tall building to his daredevil abseiling portfolio as a charity fundraiser. He has been clambering down buildings for more than 25 years to promote his shows and support a range of worthy causes. Brian was President at the Insurance Institute of Royal Tunbridge Wells last year – but in another incarnation he dons superhero
OVER THE TOP: Brian Bissell with his abseil instructor Danny Craig in Canary Wharf
outfits and performs his daring deeds. This month he has descended the exterior of the 156-metre high Barclays building at One Churchill Place in Canary Wharf, London. He came down the 32 floors on behalf of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, A Better City For All, which support three charities – Place2Be, OnSide Youth Zones and Samaritans.
Deprivation “The two youth charities are delivering groundbreaking programmes and finding solutions to some of London’s most pressing societal issues,” said Brian. “Together we can not only change people’s lives but save them.” Place2Be provides children at 180 schools in London with access to mental health and emotional support. OnSide Youth Zones is looking to transform communities in areas of deprivation, with five state-of-theart centres tackling mental health, crime and employability prospects. Meanwhile, Samaritans are rolling out ‘Wellbeing in the workplace’, a groundbreaking online programme bringing the charity’s expertise into working environments. Brian said: “The abseil went really well, but as always it was a bit scary DELIGHTED coming over the Lord Mayor top off the ledge Peter Estlin from the roof.
“There was the most amazing panoramic view of Canary Wharf and the Thames area. It’s an experience I will never forget, and by far the tallest building, at 512 feet, I’ve abseiled. “Abseiling down the glass walls I could see my own reflection and the stunning views of the Thames area behind me – a unique experience all round.” Brian’s first charity abseil was at Tunbridge Wells Town Hall in 1992 to promote the Mayor’s Command Performance. “In recent years I’ve worn Superman, Batman or Spiderman outfits to add a fun element to the endeavour and hopefully attract more attention to the abseil and its fundraising purpose,” added Brian, who first took part in the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Abseil Challenge three years ago, taking on the St Lawrence Jewry in Guildhall. The Lord Mayor, Alderman Peter Estlin, lives in Tunbridge Wells. He also tackled the Barclays skyscraper and told the Times: “‘I was absolutely thrilled to take part in The Lord Mayor’s Appeal Abseil Challenge at Barclays Canary Wharf together with over 90 other participants. “It was a truly unforgettable experience and the event overall was a great success with over £100,000 raised so far for the appeal. “I am also delighted that we had a fellow Tunbridge Wells resident taking part, and would like to thank Brian for all his fundraising efforts.” To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ brian-bissell
Community News
NEWS
11
12
NEWS
National News
NEWS IN BRIEF
Call for policy changes after drug deaths rise ‘FAILURES’ in drugs policy have been blamed for the rising death toll in Scotland. Official statistics indicated 1,187 people died of drug-related causes in Scotland in 2018, an increase of 27 per cent on the previous year. The figures were the worst on record and the highest reported rate in the EU. Scottish Affairs Committee chairman Pete Wishart said: “Today’s disturbing figures show just how severely the UK Government’s current drugs policy is failing the people of Scotland.
Lottery age limit talks THE age limit for playing National Lottery scratchcards and online instant win games could be increased to 18, the Government has said. Culture minister Mims Davies said she was launching a consultation on whether the existing age limit of 16 for all National Lottery games should be raised for some or all games and products. She told the House of Commons that a ‘split could be the best approach’.
East meets West in art THE British Museum will look at five centuries of ‘artistic interaction’ between East and West in a new exhibition. Entitled ‘Inspired By The East: How The Islamic World Influenced Western Art’, it will open in London in October. It will examine the ‘highly charged and contested’ art movement Orientalism, covering the depiction of the East in Western culture.
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Praise for police after inquest finds terrorists lawfully killed BRITAIN’S most senior officer has hailed the ‘tremendous bravery and compassion’ of the police and public alike as a jury found the London Bridge terrorists were lawfully killed. Khuram Butt, Rachid Redouane and Youssef Zaghba drove into pedestrians on the bridge before randomly stabbing people around Borough Market, killing eight and seriously injuring 48 more in June 2017. In less than 10 minutes, all three attackers had been shot dead after confronting armed officers in Stoney Street. The Old Bailey heard that the City of London Police officers shouted warnings and opened fire as Butt, Redouane and Zaghba came at them. Fearing Butt and Redouane could still detonate explosive devices as they lay injured, the police officers shot at them again, jurors were told.
Humanity A bomb disposal expert told the court he only realised the suicide belts were fake after he cut them off the dead bodies and held them up. Jurors deliberated for three and a half hours before concluding that all three attackers were lawfully killed by police after they ‘ignored clear warning shouts’. Speaking outside the Old Bailey, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick paid tribute to the armed officers. Faced with an ‘appalling’ scene, they acted ‘calmly, quickly and in accordance with the training’, she said. Ms Dick added: “Both armed and unarmed officers should take great pride that in the face of the most extreme danger they quickly stopped the three criminals from continuing their murderous attack. “These dreadful events showed us the very
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Big fall in pound after Tory candidates get tough over backstop THE pound fell to its lowest levels against the US dollar for two years yesterday [Tuesday] as traders feared that a no-deal Brexit was drawing closer. Both contenders to become the next Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt, toughened their positions on Monday night at the final face-to-face debate ahead of the result. Fiona Cincotta, senior market analyst at City Index, said: “The main source of the pound’s pain this morning is from Brexit and the returning fear of a no deal.
‘Negotiations will undoubtedly grow more hostile under the next Prime Minister’ EXTRAORDINARY RESPONSE: Commander Karen Baxter of City of London Police (left) and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick worst of humanity but it also showed us the very best as well. “What stood out during these inquests head and shoulders above all else were the acts of tremendous bravery and compassion by the public and emergency services. “The response that night under the most extreme and chaotic circumstances was quite simply extraordinary.” The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Today’s inquest verdicts are an opportunity to pay tribute to the police officers, those off duty and the many members of the public who bravely confronted the attackers and showed unstinting courage in the face of such danger and terror.”
“The pound slumped in reaction to both remaining candidates in the Conservative leadership race, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt opposing the Irish backstop. “This dramatically reduces the chances of a no-deal Brexit. Both have recently hardened their rhetoric on Brexit. “Negotiations will undoubtedly grow more hostile under the next Prime Minister.” By yesterday afternoon, a pound was worth just $1.2399 – a 0.94 per cent fall on the day. The fall in the pound comes despite robust jobs data and wages rising. But recent data on the services, manufacturing and construction sectors suggests the UK economy is in decline. Retail sales statistics have also shown that consumers are holding off big ticket spends on items such as fridges and washing machines, due to the potential risks a no-deal Brexit would have on the economy.
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Ryanair warning over delays to Boeing Max LOW-cost airline Ryanair has warned of plans for cuts and closures at some of its bases from this winter due to delays to aircraft deliveries amid the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft crisis. The carrier said it is taking action to reduce its services after slashing its expected growth rate for the summer 2020 from 7 per cent to 3 per cent. It is in talks with airports over which lossmaking bases will be affected and is set to consult with staff and unions over the planned ‘shortterm’ cuts and closures for winter 2019 through to summer 2020. It comes after all Boeing 737 MAX planes were grounded worldwide earlier this year following two crashes in Ethiopia and off the coast of Indonesia. Ryanair is waiting for delivery of Boeing’s MAX 200s – a version of the MAX aircraft – which will need to be certified separately by aviation authorities.
Home improvements instead of moving on MORTGAGE lending to home movers was down annually in May amid signs that households are improving by borrowing extra cash, rather than moving. Some 29,430 home mover mortgages were completed in May – 1.2 per cent fewer than in the same month a year earlier, UK Finance said. Meanwhile, the number of re-mortgages where households borrowed extra cash jumped by a fifth year-on-year. There were 21,370 new re-mortgages with additional borrowing in May, 19.8 per cent more than in the same month in 2018. For these re-mortgages, the average additional amount borrowed in May was £52,000.
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Mayor rejects skyscraper plan PLANS for a new London skyscraper have been turned down by London Mayor Sadiq Khan. The proposed development, known as the Tulip, on land at 20 Bury Street would have become the second tallest building in Western Europe after the Shard at 305.3 metres high. The City of London Corporation had already rubber-stamped an application from Brazil’s J Safra Group and Foster + Partners for the development in April. But Mr Khan said the Tulip would not ‘constitute the high standard of design required for a tall building in this location’. “The proposal would compromise the ability to appreciate the outstanding universal value of the Tower of London... and would cause harm to the historic environment, the wider skyline and image of London, strategic views as well as the public space surrounding the site.”
BUSINESS
13
NEWS IN BRIEF
Weak pound benefits new Burberry designs LUXURY fashion label Burberry benefited from the weak pound as tourists flocked to its UK stores to snap up new designs by its creative director Riccardo Tisci, the company said. It helped total sales hit £498million in the 13 weeks to June 29 – up from £479million for the same period a year ago. The Asia Pacific market grew by ‘high single-digits’ driven by China, and sales in the US were up but Canada fell.
LONG WAY DOWN The Tulip was to be over 300m tall
Arcadia faces battle from US over rent cuts to save shops SIR Philip Green’s Arcadia group is facing a court battle over its plans to reduce rents through a restructuring process. Landlords and creditors had previously voted to approve a raft of rent cuts to secure the future of the Topshop owner’s retail empire. However, US property giant Vornado is now challenging two of the seven Company Voluntary Agreements [CVAs]. The legal challenge by the New York-based property group concerns the two CVAs relating to Topshop and Topman stores. Acadia chief executive Ian Grabiner has dismissed the challenges, describing them as ‘without merit’ and said Arcadia would ‘vigorously defend’ itself.
National News
The group, which also owns Burton, Miss Selfridge and other high street brands, received backing from landlords for its restructuring plans last month. It meant that landlords would receive smaller amounts of rent on certain properties, with some reduced to half the original price. The approval of the CVAs confirmed plans to close 23 stores, putting around 1,000 jobs at risk. Another 11 Topshop and Topman stores in the US were also earmarked for closure. Mr Grabiner said: “The CVAs are a vital part of our restructuring, putting the business on a firm financial footing and enabling significant investment as part of our growth plans, which will ultimately benefit all our stakeholders.”
Inmarsat deal scrutiny THE planned $3.4billion [£2.7billion] takeover of British satellite giant Inmarsat is being probed by Britain’s competition watchdog. The Competition and Markets Authority said it was considering whether the acquisition by a consortium including UK private equity firm Apax and US-based Warburg Pincus would lead to a ‘substantial lessening of competition’. The consortium secured the deal to take Inmarsat private in March.
Bitter pill for Irn-Bru THE maker of Irn-Bru, AG Barr, has warned that profits will collapse this year. It has blamed the reverse on poor weather – particularly in its native Scotland – and customers turning away from its reducedsugar drinks ranges. The company warned that sales will drop 10 per cent and profits will be reduced by up to 20 per cent as they struggle against a strong year in 2018. The news sent shares in the firm plummeting by 26 per cent.
14
NEWS
Letters
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 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 Calverley Square project did have a ‘positive impact’ not so long ago… I was interested to read how refreshingly positive Cllr Pope had been about Calverley Square when presenting his views to the Town Forum in 2016. In the original letter, posted on Cllr Pope’s Twitter feed, he praised the ‘improved access to Calverley Grounds’ offered by the new development versus the ‘current “hidden” main entrance set well back from Mount Pleasant’. He also said the proposed office building ‘could have a positive impact on the park’ if the building was less bulky and included more terracing and glass. Modifications were made to the design
specifically to incorporate his suggestions. He went on to say ‘the proposed new theatre on the site of the Great Hall car park initially sounds like a good location’ as it was ‘near to the civic offices, close to the railway station and… the centre of town’. He finished by saying ‘Friends of Calverley Grounds are largely positive about the civic office development’. In this era of negativity, social media campaigns and personal attacks, it’s good to reminisce about happier times. Peter Oakford Via email
HIGH HOPES: Friends of Calverley Grounds were ‘largely positive’ about the scheme in 2016
The sweet smell of sour grapes Being an avid reader of And another thing… each week, I can’t help but comment on the July 3 issue that had no less than two ex-Leaders of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council waxing lyrical and decrying progress in the borough. Quite ironic that both characters delivered next to nothing during their tenures and were unceremoniously dumped by the electorate. Can’t help getting the feeling of sour grapes! David Clarke Tunbridge Wells
Town Hall should be at heart of town Let Tunbridge Wells Borough Council sit back and see the positive side of keeping their Town Hall. It’s in the heart of town, set in a prominent position with good steps approach. They have the whole of that block incorporating the Library, Assembly Hall, police station and property adjacent to it. Here are some options going forward: Town Hall: This is listed inside and out, so keep the right wing with meeting rooms, etc, but update the top left wing, basement, ground and top floor as offices. Library and Museum: A lot of space and could be adapted to open-plan offices. Assembly Hall: Needs modernising but perfect spot for a theatre – it just needs regenerating. Police Station: This could be turned into the library and reference offices and maybe a stopping point for local police. There is also another building that could be turned into a museum, making feature areas such as a Georgian kitchen and living area, war years in Kent, etc. It is the perfect area for council offices, that’s why it was built there in the first place, giving up a row of beautiful historic houses. The bottom road area, when finished, will look very smart and with the attractive garden and War Memorial. Think how lucky you are to have
all that space to modernise and stop looking at greener fields. When (and if) the old cinema site opposite does get developed, it will bring that area back to life. It will also keep the council offices in the centre of town where they should always be. Carole Dalgleish Tunbridge Wells
Bin contractor is a load of rubbish Well, once again at The Gill and Herons Way in Pembury we’ve missed our recycling bins for a fourth time since the new contractor took over. To quote a pun, what a load of rubbish they are. If they cannot cope now, no hope for the future. For goodness sake do your job, council, get a grip before it’s too late. Surely there must be a councillor with fire in his belly? AW Russell Pembury
Serve taxpayers and the environment More than 12,000 people gathered in Westminster for The Time Is Now mass lobby of Parliament, to tell MPs to act now to end the UK’s contribution to climate change and restore our natural environment. The news that Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council is finally improving its recycling service from September 30, to include collection of plastics and glass from the doorstep, is therefore welcome. It’s astonishing that it’s taken the council until now to provide this service when other local authorities have been offering it for years. Even more shocking is that the council considered charging council taxpayers additionally for recycling services. (Our council tax bill this year is almost £3,000!) As it is, it will be charging for garden waste collection – thereby encouraging local environmental pollution from garden bonfires.
The recycling centre at Tonbridge Farm in Darenth Avenue is frequently overflowing, which demonstrates how the council actively discourages recycling. Having taken the time and trouble to collect plastics and glass and take them to the recycling centre, council taxpayers are threatened with enforcement action if they leave their items for recycling there because the council has failed to maintain the site adequately. Isn’t it about time our local authority took its responsibilities to council taxpayers and to the environment a little more seriously? Paul Grime Tonbridge
Fracking can be part of saving planet As Business Secretary, Greg Clark’s first priority is to ensure the future wellbeing of British industry – building turbine blades won’t do it; other countries, if they want them, will make their own – and if they do, we’ll buy them as they’ll be cheaper. As Energy Secretary, he should be ensuring a safe, cheap and plentiful source of readily available fuel – that’s gas from fracking. We do not have the Navy to protect the sea lanes importing foreign fuel, nor even off-shore windfarms, pipelines or cables. These are uncertain times. From this cheap source of fuel and wealth we can then springboard forward into saving the planet with tomorrow’s technology, not yesterday’s. We’ve put the cart before the horse, beguiled by a naive Swedish girl who should be doing her homework. Saddling future governments with crippling legislation on zero CO2 emissions he may think worthy, but it’s not very clever. Sam Goodenough Tunbridge Wells
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
SORRY for the absence the last couple of weeks. Calverley has been helping out on the political front with Prime Minister campaigns. Regulars will remember that Stanley (dad of Boris) used to work for Calverley, which is why He is rooting for the lad. Anyway, to make sure of backing a winner, Himself has placed a bet on the other runner (Hunt) getting the keys to No 10 – and at odds of 6-1, the jolly old mortgage might end up being paid off. Boris wins – happy! Hunt wins – happy! Win. Win.
YOU can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time. Never more true than in local newspapers. Calverley has watched aghast as office colleagues have banged heads against walls with accusations on social media of late accusing them of being alternatively mouthpieces for the Tory borough council (which is in favour of the new theatre) or outright supporters of the Alliance party (which is against the theatre). Seems the paper must be getting the balance right.
Let’s not try to hide the homeless In reply to two letters on July 3: 1. Homeless on the street: We have people sleeping in doorways in Tonbridge, too. But these people need help, not just to be ‘tidied away’. Councils should look into using empty premises for (suitable!) temporary places for rough sleepers in empty buildings. 2. Public toilets: I am also concerned about the closure of public toilets in Tonbridge. Those in shops or the Angel Centre are not available 24 hours, and not only homeless people but late-night taxi drivers have the same needs as everyone else. The toilets by the castle need to stay available for day and evening events on the Castle Lawn. A much better solution than rows of portaloos (probably cheaper, too!) Jane Heydecker Tonbridge
Parking charges will put shoppers off Homer Simpson, anyone? Who’d have thunk it? The shopping motorist continues to get hammered with increasing parking charges by local councils, and the high street is dying. D’oh! Edward Baker Tunbridge Wells
Thank you to people who helped me I would like to say thank you for the help I received on June 13. A gentlemen and lady helped by phoning 999, and the two nurses in the hospital were very nice and helped put me back together. Mrs B Bonds Tonbridge
ON TO the 9.09 train out of Tunbridge Wells to Charing Cross. It’s the first available cheap day return so it’s crowded. Sitting opposite Calverley is an exceedingly well dressed lady – with huge curlers in her hair. Not those little ones you can hardly see, these are stand-out size and there are several of them. Calverley accepts she wanted to look good when she reached wherever she was going but… and before the emails arrive, Calverley would have the same raised eyebrow if it had been a chap in curlers sitting opposite. WAITROSE has been a Calverley topic more than once. And it has not always been positive. So He is happy to recount the following: In the checkout queue a customer said how pleasant it was shopping at the upmarket outlet. It was the first time she had visited the store where ‘everyone is so nice’ and everything is a little bit more expensive (sorry). As she left with her shopping, one of the assistants came rushing up with a bunch of flowers which she handed to the woman and said they hoped she would return soon. How touching. Note to Himself: Must try that one sometime. Chin Chin, dear reader
We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
EDUCATION
Education
Times
NEWS
15
Free school celebrates a momentous win at its first primary arts festival Earlier this month 11 local schools took part in Hillview’s annual arts festival. One of them was The Wells Free School, who entered for the first time and came away with four wins. Teacher Anna Ellis explains why this was such a proud moment for the school… IN APRIL this year, The Wells Free School received an invitation to attend the annual Primary Festival of Arts, which is organised by Hillview School for Girls in Tonbridge. We were extremely excited to take part, and for the next few months embarked on deciding which categories we would enter, carefully selecting material and practising our performances. We ended up doing five: Musicals, contemporary dance, art, poetry and choir. The whole Year 3 class was involved in every aspect of the preparation. One of the categories was poetry, and as a class we love the work of former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, so that was an easy choice. We decided to perform No Breathing: ‘It makes us laugh’ said one of my pupils, Maddie, who played the cruel teacher and thoroughly enjoyed bossing her friends on the stage!
FOUR SCORE The Wells Free School show off their winning diplomas
Nervous Of course, there were days when it all went wrong and everyone was tired, but despite the numerous rehearsal challenges we kept on practising our pieces over a number of weeks in preparation for the big day. The school’s dance coach Sadie, and all of the school staff were very patient and supportive of us. When competition day arrived on July 5, everyone was a little nervous, but also very excited to be competing against pupils from ten other local schools, including Pembury, Goudhurst and Brenchley and Matfield. Five hundred children descended on the grounds of Tonbridge Castle in order to carry out their special artistic performances, and my Year 3 children worked relentlessly, mastering all their performances for the five categories we entered. For the musicals slot we performed It’s a Hard
Knock Life from Annie, and for the choir one the children sang Bruno Mars’s You Can Count On Me. Our art piece was entitled My World, and was inspired by the work of William Morris. It was a long hot day, and even though the competition from the bigger schools was immense, we came back to Tunbridge Wells with four first places. Our winning categories were in musical, dance, poetry and art, and my class of 24 eight year olds were over the moon and couldn’t hide their excitement when collecting their diplomas from the Mayor. The whole school was really proud of our achievement. All the hours of practise really paid off, and it really helped to boost the confidence of our pupils. Leo told me how he was ‘overjoyed’, while another, Sylvie, said she ‘couldn’t stop smiling’ when the winning announcements were made.
We are passionate about the arts at our school and loved every minute of being part of ‘Hillfest’. We are very thankful to Hillview School for
organising such an amazing and well managed event, and would recommend it to every local school in the area!
HOORAY FOR ‘HILLFEST’: A great day was had by all the competitors at the Hillview arts festival
16
NEWS
Weekly Comment
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge & Malling
Conservatives are passionate about green energy and the environment and here’s why What did you do at the weekend? Did you chew your way through your nails at Lords? Or hide behind the sofa, too nervous to watch the last deliveries of the Super Over? Did you celebrate the fantastic victory of an amazing England team (and heroic New Zealand runners up) with some of our fantastic beers? A century ago you may have known someone whose work put them at the heart of the action when Tonbridge was at the heart of the cricket ball business. That’s right, our town made the balls that saw us bat to glory, and sometimes defeat, on fields across the country. That put us on the map but put us in a mess too. The tanneries stank! Across our town the smell of leather being treated must have driven many to distraction. But we’ve come a long way since then. The Medway is a beautiful river that brings many of us together as we enjoy the banks on a hot day. And the chemicals that once poured into it have given way to wildlife and fish who enjoy its clean waters once more. It’s not just at home that we’ve seen our
environment change. We have come a long, long way in just a few years. Our air is cleaner, our energy greener, and for the first time since Victoria sat as Queen and Empress, coal has not been used to power the UK for two weeks on the go. That’s a fantastic reduction in our carbon footprint. And all this under a Conservative Government. Why are Conservatives so passionate about green energy and the environment, some will ask? Aren’t we all about business and jobs? Well, yes, helping people have a stake in our economic success is essential but the clue is in the name. Conservatives don’t just want to protect the economy, we want to protect our society, starting with our environment. Living in our part of Kent, we know we’re the garden of England and the lungs of London. We know that the countryside isn’t an extra; it’s part of who we are. It’s also about our world. Looking around we see threats to our energy security all over. Rising demand in China and trouble with Iran make deliveries of
‘Conservatives don’t just want to protect the economy, we want to protect our society, starting with our environment’
Chairman, Tunbridge Wells Alliance
Tonight, Full Council will again debate a motion for the unconditional and immediate termination of the Calverley Square project, something supported by more than 70 per cent of voters in the May elections. At last month’s Council meeting, the project was kept alive by an amendment that frustrated a similar motion. All Times readers are invited to the Town Hall this evening [Wednesday] at 6:30pm to witness whether the Council is now listening to the public. Tunbridge Wells Alliance councillors now sit on every Council committee (except the Cabinet, where there is no opposition involvement). These committee memberships ensure they are active in every aspect of Council policy. In addition, although we have so far contested only five of the 18 wards, we already represent 26 per cent of the Borough’s voters, in both urban and rural wards. Tunbridge Wells Alliance is a growing force in local affairs. David Hayward (Pembury) chairs a sub-committee to review how the Council engages with the public. He also holds
ward surgeries and is closely involved with those concerned about the proposed car retail development by the A21 junction.
Committed Becki Bruneau (Park) is supporting the traders of Monson Road as the Council presses on with its works without properly attending to their impact on these traders, who have already suffered considerable losses from lengthy road closures. She is also closely involved with new developments and road safety issues in Hawkenbury, other road safety problems in Calverley Park Gardens, and she’s active with the Tunbridge Wells Youth Hub. Christian Atwood (Park) is active on planning with an emphasis on making the process more open, and is addressing residents’ concerns about parking and traffic, as well as expanding charitable involvement in last weekend’s Pub in the Park event. Nancy Warne (Benenden and Cranbrook) continues her previous work
Tom Tugendhat MBE left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff. As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association, and also worked for the Foreign Office. He was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015, and was elected Chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in July 2017.
HOWZAT Tonbridge was at the heart of the cricket industry but not without environmental cost
fuel hard to guarantee. We need to find ways of generating our own without costing the earth. That’s not easy, but with hydrogen trains to electric cars – and much more – we’ll get there. Since 2010 Conservatives have invested £92billion in clean energy putting the UK at the cutting edge of a green industrial revolution so that renewables now generate more than a third of the UK’s electricity. Your local Conservatives are doing their bit too. Following a motion from eight
Robert Chris We can no longer be dismissed as being a single-issue party
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Dr Robert Chris is a chartered accountant of more than 50 years’ standing and long term resident of Tunbridge Wells, having moved here in 1975. Dr Chris is one of the founding members of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, which was formed in 2017 and registered with the Electoral Commission as a political party in 2018.
as a parish councillor leading the Neighbourhood Plan for Cranbrook & Sissinghurst. She’s improving communications between the parish council and residents, is a trustee of the local Age Concern, and is engaged in many other community activities. Nick Pope (Park) is helping residents with concerns about mobile masts, health hazards from commercial waste, BIG VOTE The Alliance has again proposed a motion to terminate Calverley Square
Conservatives, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has declared a climate emergency and giving more powers to strengthen local protection of species, habitats and ecosystems. Your Conservative representatives also defeated a motion from other parties that would have increased housebuilding by over 20 per cent in Tonbridge & Malling between now and 2031, protecting the environment and biodiversity we all love. That’s all because as Conservatives, a strong innings is built on green fields, just like the one we saw at Lords.
‘Although we have so far contested only five of the 18 wards, we already represent 26 per cent of the Borough’s voters’
planning, and the new developments in Hawkenbury. Lucy Willis (Speldhurst and Bidborough) is dealing with residents’ planning, licensing and traffic issues. She and Nick have both handled correspondence from many residents in and around Capel, concerned about plans for a garden village in this historic area. Lucy supports Friends of the Earth in their quest to get the Council to recognise the Climate Change Emergency. Tunbridge Wells Alliance can no longer be dismissed as a single-issue party. Finally let me stress, that for all our opposition to the Calverley Square project, we are totally committed to investment in the Borough. A bright future depends on a successful local economy and a vibrant cultural offering. Tunbridge Wells Alliance was born out of a long-term failure of the Council to arrest the decline evident not only in the town centre but right across the Borough. The time has come to allow fresher and more creative minds to determine the future of this amazing Borough. Our task now is to focus our cross-party collaborative energy on delivering the right investments to restore vitality to this place we all call home.
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Summer
Survival Guide
Life&Times
17
TRINITY THEATRE Trinity Theatre’s inaugural ArtsBox Festival (Saturday August 10-Saturday August 17) features a range of activities to inspire and entertain children this summer. Join Dr Ian Beavis for a free Churchyard Safari on Tuesday August 13 at 2pm, exploring Trinity’s garden to discover the wildflowers and smaller wildlife that live there. Then take an instrument, or something that can be recycled into one (anything that will make a noise) to the Space Junk Orchestra on Thursday August 15 (10am-4pm), and help create a modern version of The Planet Suite. Plus, get crafty and creative with Trinity’s Design a Mask workshop on Tuesday August 13 (10am-3pm). And there’s still time to enter Fresh Paint, a visual arts competition for 5-18 year olds, sponsored by Giggling Squid. The theme for the exhibition is ‘adventure’, to be judged by local artists. The closing date for entries is Wednesday July 27. 01892 678678 Church Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP trintytheatre.net
Summer Survival Guide
With summer here and the children at home, we’ve made a list of some of the best places to go for the whole family…
DRUSILLAS PARK Summer is well under way, so get ready to spend those sunshine days relaxing at Drusillas Park in Alfriston, near Eastbourne. Drusillas is bursting with children’s characters this summer! Head along and meet all your TV heroes, including Kung Fu Panda, Hey Duggee, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, Paddington Bear, Ben & Holly, and more! See the Drusillas website below for details. Why not make the most of the sunshine and take your swimming costumes down to Drusillas, too? Sit back and relax as your little monkeys play on the Get Wet! splash pad. And don’t miss the brand new Rainforest Carousel. There are more than 30 amazing animals to choose between, including jaguars, river dolphins and toucans. Plus, there’s all the usual animal magic, oodles of adventure play, Go Safari! rides and a Hello Kitty Secret Garden. 01323 874100 Alfriston Road, Berwick, BN26 5QS drusillas.co.uk
18
Life&Times
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Summer Survival Guide
GABRIEL’S FISHERY Summer holidays are all about enjoying the countryside air. Camping at this site, whether you’re in a tent, caravan or motorhome, is a great way to enjoy the weather. River fishing is now open along a mile and a quarter of the River Eden, along with Gabriel’s five-lake fishing complex. Each lake has different kinds of fish and with varying levels of challenge. Bait and equpiment is sold on site and their fishery record is 44lbs. There’s also plenty of wildlife to see, everything from Roe Deer to pheasants and even bats at dusk! The fishery offers more than just great angling. They have a children’s play area in Spooky’s Wood, and are near to plenty of National Trust sites and other attractions, including Penshurst Place, Hever Castle, Emmetts Gardens and Chartwell. Whether you love fishing, or are just looking for the ideal place to camp, go and visit them. 01732 865355 Gabriel’s Farm, Marsh Green Road, Marsh Green, Nr Edenbridge TN8 5PP gabriels-fishery.co.uk
PIED PIPER If you are looking for somewhere to entertain your child, or treat them, during the long summer holidays, at a place where children can have safe fun and parents peace of mind, then go to Pied Piper. The Mead School are very excited about hosting holiday fun for 2019. Located in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, this school has an amazing play space for lots of the Pied Piper favourites, such as Sardines, Ninja, clue-based treasure hunts, Unihoc and Cone Ball, just to mention a few. Another Kent-based camp runs at Dulwich Preparatory School, set in the wonderful countryside just outside Cranbrook and easily accessible. The school is on a beautiful 50-acre campus with excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, including a swimming pool, sports hall, activity hall, playing fields, a nature reserve, adventure play areas and modern classrooms. 01892 890000 For school addresses, see website: piedpiperactivities.co.uk
BEWL WATER Kid’s Camps at Bewl Water are a great opportunity for children to make new friends and remain active during the holidays. From half a day to multiple weeks, our Kid’s Camps are very flexible. Activities differ on a daily basis, ensuring that those attending for multiple weeks enjoy new experiences each day, stay engaged and, most importantly, love coming! Sessions are running from July 29 to August 30 on Mondays, Thursday and Fridays. Both half day and full day slots are available. Book all three days and receive a 15% discount. Available to all children aged 5 years and over. 01892 890000 Bewl Water, Bewlbridge Ln, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JH www.bewlwater.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Peppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George, visit the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells for Peppa Pig: My First Concert – a fun, interactive introduction to a live orchestra for ages 18 months and older. Peppa and George learn all about the different sounds that instruments make together and enjoy some of their favourite music from the show played by an orchestra, as well as discovering some other exciting orchestral pieces perfect for children. Little piggies can join in with Peppa and her family and make music of their own! 01892 530613 Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
WITH THE
Move Times
AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ
ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS & TOP TRENDS
INSPIRATION FOR MOVING AND IMPROVING timeslocalnews.co.uk
Home offering superb project with planning
for a pair of cottages Page 21
25
Savour the suite life
in a colonial-style country home Page 20
PERIOD VILLA NEAR CALVERLEY PARK
35
STUDIOS CAN OFFER STYLING LIVING
20
Move
WITH THE
Times
Best For FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
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…
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Hadlow Grange Burgh Hill Etchingham ASKING PRICE
£1,950,000 CONTACT • Hamptons International, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 516611 • hamptons.co.uk An outstanding, colonial-style family home recently completed to a high standard. Boasting stunning, spacious interiors and good views, it also lies just under a mile from Etchingham mainline station. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Beautifully presented family accommodation of over 5,000 sq ft
n 2 entrance halls to either wing, both with staircases
n Sitting room/study n Cinema/family room n Striking 36ft open-plan kitchen/dining/ living area with large island unit, range cooker and French double doors to both the front and rear gardens
n Ground floor bedroom with en-suite shower n Principal bedroom suite with bathroom, sitting areas and two dressing rooms
n 2 further bedroom suites with sitting areas and a fifth bedroom with shower room
n Landscaped gardens, including brick-paved parterre with sitting areas, wide terrace, circular lawn and lightly wooded area
n Sweeping drive with parking/turning area n Detached garage block with workshop and storage above
n In all, about 1.2 acres
The KITCHEN…
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Best For
Move
WITH THE
Times 21
The PRICE…
Forest Way Tunbridge Wells PRICE RANGE
£650,000£675,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk An extended house enjoying a corner location.
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST n Porch opening to double-height hall n Reception room 1 with log burner n Day room with patio doors to garden n Kitchen/dining room with doors to garden n Ground floor bedroom n 3 upstairs bedrooms and family bathroom n Garden with patio, rose arch and lawn n Detached brick-built garage and parking
Tonbridge Mill
Mill Lane, Tonbridge
The MILL…
GUIDE PRICE
£850,000 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Tonbridge • 01732 771616 • bkestateagents.com A Grade II-listed mill house literally awash with history. The original water mill was bombed in WWII. In 2006, a multi-award-winning redesign incorporated the mill race, wheel , walkway and pond into a contemporary home. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Lots of character, including beautiful French Oak joinery and solid wood doors
n Superb kitchen/dining/family room with
Grove Cottage Smallhythe Road, Tenterden GUIDE PRICE
£695,000 CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.co.uk A great opportunity – a period cottage with planning for two more cottages in its garden.
breakfast bar and doors to deck overlooking pond
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Vaulted stairway
n Part updated home dating from circa 1867
n Double-aspect first-floor sitting room n Master bedroom with vaulted ceiling and en-
n 24ft open-plan living/dining/family room with doors to garden
suite shower room
n Further reception room
n Study/bedroom 4 and family bathroom
n Kitchen
n 2 further double bedrooms with views
n Master bedroom suite
n Landscaped garden with shed and mill pond,
n 3 further bedrooms and family bathroom
which is home to pike, rudd and roach and attracts moorhens, heron, kingfisher and ducks
n Right to use pond for boating and fishing (with appropriate licence)
n Garden and garage n Planning permission for two semi-detached dwellings in part of existing garden
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Prospect Road
Move
WITH THE
Times 25
AT A GLANCE
One of a row of detached properties set comfortably back from the road behind attractive stone balustrades and gently sloping front gardens
PROSPECT ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS Main House n Entrance hall n 2 good-sized reception rooms, one with bay window overlooking front garden and the other with French doors to courtyard n Bbright open-plan kitchen/breakfast room with access to courtyard n Study n Cloakroom n Master bedroom with en-suite shower room and bay window views towards Calverley Park n 3 further bedrooms n Family bathroom
A handsome Victorian Villa with renovated Coach House
n Upstairs cloakroom n Front garden and Gaudi-inspired courtyard garden to side and rear The Coach House n A renovation project which won a commendation from the Tunbridge Wells Civic Society n Garage space for several cars and forecourt parking n First floor studio and shower room
GUIDE PRICE
£1,550,000 CONTACT • Savills, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 507000 • savills.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Property Focus
ARCHITECTURE
Architecture
Move
WITH THE
Times 35
John Bullock
Architectural services Having studied at Edinburgh College of Art and The Royal Academy of The Hague, John Bullock launched John Bullock Design in 2003. With offices in Tunbridge Wells High Street, John has won awards for his work, and is committed to delivering the best outcomes for clients
PROS AND CONS OF STUDIO LIVING
HITTING THE HEIGHTS Making the most of a double-height studio with a mezzanine bedroom
YES! • Less space means studios are frontrunners in affordability • Running costs are typically half the price of a one-bedroom flat • Studios cost less to furnish and fit out • Easy to maintain and keep tidy – less space means less mess • Scientifically, the fact studios generate less clutter has been shown to increase mood and productivity NO! • If you’re downsizing, saying goodbye to sentimental possessions can be difficult • Not ideal for those who like to move around a lot – limited room choices • No escape from visiting guests, especially during parties • An obvious size consideration for pets
Small can indeed be beautiful!
T
HE cost of owning and renting a home has gone through the roof over the past decade. But a studio flat gives you the chance to live in your own bit of space without breaking the bank. They may be small, but studio flats come with huge advantages. Often these popular boltholes are created in disused industrial factory buildings which were generally well-built and centrallylocated. So, what a typical studio flat lacks in size could be more than compensated for in style and location. And with an enviable central position comes doorstep attractions and a shorter commute.
Warehouse Kent is thought of as the ‘Garden of England’ and has been described as a county of ‘hops, apples and cherries’. This may be true of a large part of the county, particularly after the Weald lost its important broadcloth and iron industries, but north Kent, bordering the Thames and Medway, became in the 19th century the most highly industrialised area of South-East England outside of London. One such building has been stylishly remodelled to create sought-after apartments, and our case study this month looks at a compact studio created within a former Kent warehouse. Keen to keep the industrial aesthetics of the building, our design retains the bare brick walls and wooden floorboards. The double-height space is divided in half on one side, creating a two-storey room with a raised platform bed and a cosy living space underneath. We incorporate bare steelwork to support the platform with a metal scaffold pole balustrade and a space-saving alternating tread staircase to provide access. Continuing the industrial feel, we’ve incorporated concrete block walls to create privacy for the bathroom on the mezzanine and
to divide the large ground floor space living space from the entrance. Small homes require clever storage, so we’ve included well-placed shelves and multi-functional furniture. Even a wall-mounted bike rack makes a stylish wall feature.
The saying ‘good things come in small packages’ is very true for the humble studio apartment. Cheaper to buy, easy to furnish, quick to clean, more energy-efficient – who would have thought studio living would come with so many benefits? DOWN BELOW Room for living
LIGHT AND AIRY The kitchen area
FUN FACTS ABOUT STUDIOS • In 2016, a studio apartment in Knightsbridge sold for more than £1million. Located in Egerton Crescent, one of London’s most prestigious addresses, the 510 sq ft home consisted of a small living room, kitchen and bathroom with a double bed on a mezzanine. • New York City is home to one of the world’s smallest studio apartments at only 90 sq ft in size. It was created from a loft above an office but only offers sleeping and dressing space… So where does one wash, etc? • Fashion designer John Paul Gaultier created his own studio apartment opposite the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It boasts amazing views, a monochrome design theme with his signature nautical stripes, and a dedicated space for dolls. • When Chilean artist Don Lucho designed ‘Casa de Karton’, he took a natural approach and built an entire studio apartment (including a toilet, a bed and even kitchen utensils) out of paper and cardboard. John Bullock Design is a multi-award-winning architectural design consultants, and the proud winner of the Times of Tunbridge Wells ‘Best Business 1-25 Employees’ Award 2018. For further information, call 01892 525732 or visit johnbullockdesign.com
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
HEVER CASTLE Visit Hever Castle this summer to enjoy an entertaining programme of events set amid award-winning gardens. The annual Jousting Tournaments take place this year on July 20-21 and 27-28, and August 10-11, 17-18 and 23-26. Children can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times during Knights & Princesses School (from July 24). New for 2019 is Once Upon a Castle. Help locate a new shield for Flame the Dragon and the Princess’s missing cat on July 27-28. And enjoy pooch-themed activities with Castle Canines on August 3-4. Jousting finishes over the August Bank Holiday weekend, when visitors can also discover different eras with Journey Through History, featuring encampments, re-enactments and stalls and demonstrations. 01732 865224 Hever Road, Hever, Nr Edenbridge TN8 7NG hevercastle.co.uk
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Summer
Survival Guide
THE HOP FARM Join Hopper the Rabbit for summer holiday fun, activities and more for all the family. The Hop Farm Family Park is open every day from 10am, and they have some special treats in store during August. There are fantastic indoor entertainment shows, and the kids can enjoy bouncing on the Giant Jumping Pillows, driving Bumper Carz and having their face-painted by talented artists. Plus, youngsters can meet some of their favourite TV characters. The Hop Farm have had some popular children’s TV characters visit during the holidays in the past, and this summer they have more lined up who will be visiting the farm for meet and greets at intervals throughout the day. Meet PJ Masks Catboy & Owlette on August 6, Paw Patrol’s Chase & Marshall on August 13, and Dora & Diego on August 22. Entry is only £3, too, which includes the animal farm and indoor soft play centre. 01622 872068 Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood TN12 6PY hopfarm.co.uk
MANIC MONSTERS Manic Monsters is a soft play centre 25 minutes from Tunbridge Wells. It has a play frame for babies and toddlers up to the age of five, and a larger frame for children up to 12, although supervising adults always seem to have a good time, too! As well as the climbing and slides there are two cart tracks, a football pitch and a separate ‘Lazer Tag’ frame. Arrive on the day for a session, or arrange a party booking in advance. Manic Monsters serves delicious home-made food, staple favourites and indulgent cakes, really great coffee, and provides a great format for a family day out. Adjacent to Manic is Monty’s Day Care, Edenbridge’s best all-day nursery. 01732 866115 The Gardiner Business Park, Little Browns Lane, Edenbridge TN8 6LH manicmonsters.co.uk
Life&Times
39
RAZZAMATAZ This summer Razzamataz theatre school are offering fun and affordable summer workshops where youngsters get to experience everything from street dance through to pop singing, drama and musical theatre. “Performing arts are a chance for children to improve their confidence, make new friends and have lots of fun. “I am always amazed at how much our summercourse children can achieve in a short space of time,” says Eve Aston, Principal of Razzamataz Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. Sevenoaks: August 1, 10.30am-4.30pm. Join a magical musical theatre experience. Ages 5 to 16. Tonbridge: August 7 and 8, 10am-4pm. Celebrate summer film releases Aladdin and The Lion King. Ages 5 to 16. Only £30 per day. Book now as places are limited. To secure your place, contact Principal Eve Aston by calling 07401 801318 or emailing: tonbridge@razzamataz.co.uk Your chance to win a free term at Razzamataz: Kindly sponsored by Jump In Trampoline Park, Tonbridge. For entry details, see the on-site banner during your next visit to Jump In. 07401 801318 For school addresses, see the website: razzamataz.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Life&Times
IN PRINT AND ONLINE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK timeslocalnews.co.uk
ARTS & CULTURE LIFE & STYLE FOOD & DRINK MOTORING SPORT and MORE...
44
SEE THESE PRETTY PEONIES ON DISPLAY
46
FUSION FOODIES COOK UP A STORM
48
Lee Mead
EXPERIENCE AN EXOTIC WATER WORLD
54
The TV actor and West End star brings his one-man show to Hever Castle Page 42
JUDD PUPIL IS A TENNIS ACE
Life&Times
Arts & CultureFOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
arts
42
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Doing it Lee’s way… Ahead of his one-man show at Hever Castle’s Festival Theatre on Saturday July 27, Lee Mead, who found fame on BBC One’s Any Dream Will Do and has gone on to to star in numerous musicals and TV shows, talks to Eileen Leahy about seeing his acting dreams become a reality
‘I thought it would be a nice halfway point in my life to do a show that talks about my life story and career to date’
Tell us a little bit about your show My Story: A Dream That Became A Reality which you’re bringing to Hever Castle’s Festival Theatre this month I got asked to do an autobiography about 12 years ago but felt it was too soon as I was only 25 or 26 years old. But now – at this point of my career and being close to 40 and having worked professionally for 18 years – I thought it would be a nice halfway point in my life to do a show that talks about my life story and career to date. What has the audience’s reception been like to the tour of your one-man show so far? Brilliant! They have had a real insight into more of who I am as a person and been given a chance to hear some interesting stories that they have not heard before and a real insight into the highs and lows of my life. Do you enjoy living out of a suitcase and being on tour? I do love it, although the older I’ve got I find that I don’t like to be away for weeks on end. But doing these one-nighters, like the forthcoming show at Hever Castle, is great fun and gives me the opportunity to visit different parts of the UK. You’ve had an incredible career so far, what have been your key highlights? They include getting a record deal with Universal, playing the role of Joseph in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and being invited to
sing by Prince William and Prince Harry at A Concert for Diana. Another high point was getting to play the character of Lofty Chiltern in BBC One hospital dramas Casualty and Holby City, and then having roles in prime-time TV series like Bedlam and Three and Out.
‘I have never put my career first; it’s always been my personal life first’ How do you deal with the low points that inevitably come as part of the fame and fortune package? I personally have always found them OK as I have a very solid family and home life and I have never put my career first; it’s always been my personal life first. I have never put my career on a pedestal. You’ve appeared in numerous West End
musicals – are there any favourites which particularly stand out? Playing Caracatus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was fantastic and getting to fly the Chitty car was a really special moment. I also enjoyed playing Fiyero in the Wicked musical where I had an amazing ten months and it was great being part of such a big production. Do you ever get stage fright? If so, how do you deal with it? No, I’m lucky as I have never suffered with stage fright!
A TV TONIC Lee as Lofty Chiltern in Casualty
You’ve been in a number of TV shows, too. What do you enjoy about your TV work? It’s nice because it’s so different to working on stage. Everything is far more intimate because it’s shot on camera so you almost have to scale your performance down but still maintain the focus. I also enjoy being a part of an ensemble cast and have made some great friends over the years in television.
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Arts & Culture
What acting or singing ambitions do you still have left to fulfil? I would love to be a part of a four or five-part TV drama or even a film. I would also love to return to the West End in a brand new musical.
AMAZING! Lee won the chance to star in Joseph through the TV competition Any Dream Will Do
What will people get from seeing you perform your one-man show at Hever Castle’s Festival Theatre? Some great music, laughter, and an insight into someone who has been fortunate enough to have an amazing career to date. For more information on Lee’s show My Story: A Dream That Became A Reality at The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, visit heverfestival.co.uk This article first appeared in the July edition of SO Magazine, out now
‘We are very proud of the variety that we offer to both our audiences and society members’ The Rotherfield Players are staging The Lady Vanishes next week, from July 25-27. Here, the amateur dramatic troupe’s Marketing Director, Kate Organ, talks to the Times about the society and why it’s vital to provide as varied a bill as possible… MYSTERY Someone is pointing the finger…
arose in the early to mid-20th century from the theories and practice of a number of theatre practitioners responding to the political climate of the time, through the creation of a new political theatre. Following this informative and interactive workshop, our junior membership presented a production of the fairy tale Childe Rowland in October last year. This was the society’s first joint venture with the local Rotherfield-based drama school, Stage Door Drama.
Hitchcock
T
HE Rotherfield Players society, established in 1976, has the reputation of being one of the most versatile amateur dramatic societies in the South East of England, and it works hard to live up to this reputation whilst continuing to raise the bar in terms of the quality of its productions. We aim to put on three to four productions each year, giving a mix of panto, serious drama, comedy and musicals. We are very proud of the variety that we offer to both our audiences and society members, and last year in particular we had a very busy season of cultural activity. The Rotherfield Players started its 2018/2019 season with an outdoor production of The
‘Set in 1938, it tells the story of a lady who has a chance encounter with a homely governess’ Country Wife, a bawdy restoration comedy set in 17th-century London by William Wycherley, which was performed last July in the gardens of both The Kings Arms pub in Rotherfield and The Noah’s Ark pub in Lurgashall, West Sussex. This was closely followed by a workshop for Players’ members and friends of the society with an introduction to the concept of ‘epic theatre’ last August. In brief, this is a theatrical movement which
A BIT OF A TEA-SER For the ladies
In January, the Players presented its annual pantomime – a hugely successful production of Sleeping Beauty, which we performed to full houses over five nights. The reason we put on a panto in January instead of December is because there is always an anti-climax after all the festive activities, and so people like something to look forward to in the dark days of January. It’s always been a very successful time for us. The final show of the 2018/2019 season was the hilarious play A Bunch of Amateurs, written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, which the Players put on this spring. Rehearsals are now in full swing for the first production of the 2019/2020 season – the classic mystery The Lady Vanishes, the film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Set just before World War II in 1938, this comic thriller tells the story of a lady named Iris Carr who is on a journey back to England and has a chance encounter with a homely governess, Miss Froy. Want to know what happens next – and discover more about the Rotherfield Players? Then why don’t you come along and see for yourself? You’d be very welcome! Performances of The Lady Vanishes are on from July 2527 at The Kings Arms Garden in Rotherfield. Tickets are available for all performances online from the Rotherfield Players website: rotherfieldplayers.co.uk
Life&Times
43
44
Life&Times
Going Out
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
goingout 7 days of activities
THURSDAY The Forum will be hosting their Under-18s Open Mic from 5pm to 7pm. This is a great chance for young budding musicians to play in the famous local venue. The back-line is provided, so all you need to bring is your instrument and any breakables. Tickets to play cost £3 per musician and £5 if you want to watch. Parents and teachers are also welcome, but no alcohol will be available. For more information, visit twforum.co.uk Enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the many pubs, restaurants and cafés along The Pantiles while listening to the Vince Dunn Orchestra at Jazz On The Pantiles. Dunn is a prolific drummer, having
GI JAMBOREE See the military and vintage festival at The Hop Farm
MUSIC WITH SOUL See the Liane Carroll Trio at Kingdom
By Jerome Bowman
CAMPHILL CLUMP By artist Mary H Harris is part of the RTWAS Art In The Pantiles Summer Exhibition WEDNESDAY The famed Penshurst Place Maize Maze is now open. The design of the labyrinth was kept secret up to the launch and now you can discover it for yourself, collecting clues and stamps if you wish as you go – but, bearing in mind it is a labyrinth, visitors are advised not to feed any Minotaurs! Entrance to the maze is included in the price of admission. For details, go to penshurstplace.com
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
worked with everyone from Kylie Minogue to Pharrell Williams, as well as jazz artists including Liane Carroll. His band play an eclectic mix of funk, jazz, Latin and big band swing. Seeing the band comes at no extra cost (though donations are welcomed), so pop down and enjoy the town’s ever-popular summer jazz season. FRIDAY Club Scallywag are back in town, in the new venue of Kingdom in Penshurst. For their first show, the Cabaret Club presents the Liane Carroll Trio tonight from 7pm. Liane Carroll is perhaps best known for her collaborations with drum and bass group London Elektricity and Tony Colman’s label Hospital Records. She is widely regarded as a soulful and entrancing jazz singer and pianist, and has worked with other big names, including Sir Paul McCartney. Tickets cost £25, or £48 if you would like to eat before the show. For more information and to book, go online to scallywagcafe.co.uk The T-Birds and Pink Ladies will be at The Spa Hotel for the Open Air Cinema screening of Grease. The feelgood favourite, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, will be shown at sunset, but you can turn up as early as 7pm to grab a seat, with hot food, snacks and drinks available. You will need to bring your own blankets or camping chairs, or you can book a bean bag, deck chair or even a sofa. Ticket prices vary but start at £15. For more details SULTAN OF and to book, SWING visit spahotel. Vince Dunn co.uk
SATURDAY This is the last night you can see Trinity Theatre Club’s production of Taking Steps, directed by Kirrie Wratten. Alan Ayckbourn’s beloved farce combines six eccentric characters with a decaying Victorian mansion and a tangle of confusions and misunderstandings. The high-energy high jinks start at 7.30pm. Tickets, which cost £15, can be booked at trinitytheatre.net Artists Rosemarie Pilcher, Mary H Harris and Tricia Muller are enjoying an exhibition of their work entitled Art In The Pantiles from today until July 28. Between them, the three artists have produced a gallery of hand-printed woodblock works and oil and acrylic paintings in a range of styles. The exhibition, hosted by the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society, is free to enter and is open every day from 11am till 5pm. For more information, please visit rtwas.org Now that summer has arrived, there is no better time to get fit by giving the Tunbridge Wells Park Run a go. The 5k run takes place every Saturday at 9am in Dunorlan Park. After the run you can join the group for a coffee in the park café. This is a volunteer-run event and there are no pace requirements or entry fees, but you will need to register at parkrun.org.uk/royaltunbridgewells SUNDAY Join Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn to watch the valiant knights battle for points in Hever Castle’s
PICK OF THE WEEK: A Day out with Thomas
Saturday-Monday July 20-22 Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station 10am-4.30pm
Summer Jousting Tournaments. The Knights of Royal England promise stunts, action, falls and flights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box. Standard admission prices apply and peasants are welcome! For more information, visit hevercastle.co.uk MONDAY The Fairfax Gallery’s Summer Exhibition is still open. Featuring new work from gallery favourites as well as new artists, this is a relaxed environment in which to view and even purchase a wide range of contemporary art. The gallery is open seven days a week and is free to enter. For more information, visit fairfaxgallery.com TUESDAY The War and Peace Revival show fires the starting gun today at The Hop Farm. The military and vintage festival (think Glastonbury with tanks) starts today and runs until July 27. Featuring displays of classic cars, tanks, artillery, armoured cars and lots more, the event also offers live music, a vintage market place and even a vintage hairdresser’s. Live vehicle demonstrations, re-enactments and living history displays will also be included. Ticket prices vary and you can book multiple days at a time, plus you can book camping tickets. So for more information and to book, just go to the website at warandpeacerevival.com
Everyone’s favourite anthropomorphised public transport, Thomas the Tank Engine, is at the Kent & East Sussex Railway on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. You can take unlimited rides behind the cheeky engine himself, as well as seeing re-enactments of classic Thomas stories with The Fat Controller, a miniature railway, and a children’s soft play area. Tickets cost £18 for adults and £13.50 for children. To book, go to kesr.org.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE The Pantiles Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites pdag.co.uk & thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Emanuel FanthomeHodgson, Aid Lewis, Charlie Rivers Friday Soul Kitchen Saturday Over The Edge Sunday Top Cat Collective, David Migden & The Twisted Roots
live music With Paul Dunton
D
ON’T miss renowned local acts Emanuel FanthomeHodgson, Aid Lewis and Charlie Rivers at The Grey Lady tonight [Wednesday]. On Thursday, Vince Dunn plays Jazz On The Pantiles, or you can go Folking In The Strawberries with Shep, The Breretons, Ty & Ayesha Watling and Will Varley. While The Forum hosts Infrared and Plato. Friday night brings Ryan Weeks at The Bedford and Soul Kitchen at The Grey Lady. Folk fans can catch the excellent Richard Digance at St Edith Folk Club, and jazz singer Liane Carroll is performing at The beautiful Kingdom venue in Penshurst. On Saturday night, Alex Gold is at The Beau Nash Tavern, there’s a Local & Live special at The Royal
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
Oak, Over The Edge are at The Grey Lady, and if you fancy donning your dancing shoes, then Boogie Nights at The Forum is the place to be! Shackfest runs at The Poacher & Partridge, Tudeley, from July 19-21, featuring music from Mercury, Brit Pop Collective and Reyes. Proceeds go to The Big Cat Sanctuary. On Sunday, The Spa Hotel hosts a free concert in their stunning gardens featuring music from Local & Live acts The Varlies, Mike Wilton, The Frampton Sisters and Sorrel Nation. Gez Gold is at Verdigris in Tonbridge, and popular local bands Top Cat Collective and David Migden & The Twisted Roots are at The Grey Lady. Alternatively, classical music fans can enjoy a fantastic piano recital at Finchcocks in Goudhurst.
Going Out
Life&Times
Charlie Rivers
THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Saturday Alex Gold Sunday Open Mic Night THE SPA HOTEL Mount Ephraim Free entry for live afternoon music in The Spa Hotel Gardens All welcome, family friendly Sunday A taste of Local & Live: 1pm Mike Wilton 1.45pm Sorrel Nation 2.30pm The Frampton Sisters 3.15pm The Varlies
JAZZ ON THE PANTILES The Pantiles Bandstand Music from 7.30pm (donations welcome) Thursday The Vince Dunn Orchestra FOLKING IN THE STRAWBERRIES Stonepitts Farm, Seal, Nr Sevenoaks Music from 6pm-9.30pm. Price is per car Thursday Shep, The Breretons, Ty & Ayesha Watling, Will Varley THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM The Common Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Thursday Infrared, Plato Saturday Boogie Nights MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential. Call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult Band Workshop, all levels welcome SHACKFEST AT THE POACHER & PARTRIDGE Tudeley Running from Friday to Sunday Free entry, afternoon till late, fundraising for The Big Cat Sanctuary, Smarden Friday Mercury Saturday Brit Pop Collective Sunday Reyes
45
KINGDOM Grove Road, Penshurst All event information and tickets at scallywagcafe.co.uk Friday Liane Carroll ST EDITH FOLK CLUB St Edith Hall, High Street, Kemsing All event details and tickets at stedithfolk.co.uk Friday Richard Digance THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry Music from 8pm Friday Ryan Weeks Sunday TWSRC, The Bedford and Oyster Music present: A Punky Reggae Party featuring Smiley & The Underclass THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry, music from 8pm Saturday Local & Live at The Oak
FINCHCOCKS Waterdown House, Frant Road Tickets £20, to include wine & nibbles To book, call 01892 523203 or email: katrina@finchcocks.co.uk Sunday 2.30pm and 6pm Celebrity Recital with Melvyn Tan: Schubert & Beethoven on Viennese fortepianos VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Free entry, music from 8pm Sunday Gez Gold THE PUNCH & JUDY St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday Dave & Sophie Liane Carroll
Life&Times
food
46
F
Food & Drink FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Meet the foodies who’ve found the perfect
recipe for celebrating fusion food…
Culinary duo Arancha Bueno and Aly Fraser are behind the venture Ibérico & Angus, which promotes their indigenous foodie roots and love of fantastic flavours. Ahead of their next pop-up at the Toch-H Hall this Saturday, Arancha tells the Times why they want to celebrate their love of Spanish and Scottish recipes here in Tunbridge Wells
irstly, can you tell us a little bit about your joint venture Ibérico & Angus? It’s a project that offers an authentic culinary experience, mixing Spanish and Scottish food. We have done two pop-up events so far this summer and have another on Saturday [July 20]. Our aim is to provide food that has evolved out of many conversations about taste, cooking and our different foodie cultures.
quality of each other’s food. So just getting going was enough for us, but ultimately it was about celebrating our culture and heritage.
How did the project come about? We are friends and neighbours and decided we needed to do more than just cook for friends and relatives. So one night, after a little too much wine, I think one of us made an off-thecuff remark about joining forces and celebrating our cultures, and here we are!
Are you both in the food trade, or are you just passionate foodies? Aly has been in and out of the service industry since the age of 16, but would not consider the food industry as his trade. He’s also run previous events in and around Tunbridge Wells as Chalybeate Food. I describe myself as more of an expert eater rather than a foodie. Although I love cooking and eating food, it’s what comes out of it that I really enjoy; the conversations, spending time with friends, and what we call in Spain ‘la sobremesa’, which is the time after a meal where you dip in and out of plates.
What were your key aims when you came up with the idea? Initially, it was just to get something off the ground. We both have enormous faith in the
Can you tell us a little bit more about your personal backgrounds? I run The Spanish Language Club in Tunbridge Wells, teaching Spanish to adults and children
after school as well as teaching at a local grammar school. I’ve always loved cooking and come from a long line of professional cooks in the Canary Islands – my great grandmother was the Mayor’s cook! I sometimes mix the two
‘Just getting going was enough for us, but ultimately it was about celebrating our culture and heritage’ and run workshops for my students on Spanish classics like Spanish tortilla or paella. Aly was born and brought up in Aberdeen and studied sculpture at art college. He returned to university after a spell in the ambulance service, to study architecture. After several
years of living in London, he migrated south with his wife and son to Tunbridge Wells, where they have been living for the last five years. His passion for cooking really took off when he lived in London. And if he’s not in the kitchen then he’s probably out on his road bike! You have already hosted two pop-ups in Tunbridge Wells. Did you get a good response from diners? Yes – we knew we were doing something right when we saw all the plates coming back to the kitchen nice and clean! We’ve also had some really positive comments from our guests which have boosted our morale. Tell us why you selected the Toch-H Hall in Tunbridge Wells as your venue? It’s a local institution, it’s familiar and it’s close to the town centre, which means many people can walk to it easily. It’s also extremely versatile, and thanks to Lisa, Aly’s wife, it transforms into a great dining space.
PHOTOS: Rose Bainbridge Photography
SPAIN MEETS SCOTLAND pop-up caterers Arancha and Aly at work in the kitchen
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
What did you learn from putting on the first event? Never underestimate just how much work there is to do and how many things can go wrong. But if you prepare well, any minor mishaps can often go unnoticed.
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk and a little taste of whisky here and there. Describe the essence of an Ibérico & Angus evening in three words… Flavour, fun and friendship.
What can people enjoy about attending one of these pop-ups? A great mix of Scottish and Spanish classics. We have tried really hard to bring a bit of finesse to the dining experience with undertones of the warmth and care of homemade dishes that we are both so passionate about.
Have you any plans to do any more, or anything else with food? After our next event on Saturday, we’ll take a break for the summer. What happens next is a mystery to us! But we are always on the lookout for new opportunities. Catering and private dining is an area that we would like to explore further…
Can you give us a flavour of what you’ll be serving? Smoked haddock croqueta, tortilla,
For more information on Ibérico & Angus, follow them on Twitter @chalybeatefood
Food & Drink
Life&Times
47
Time to play it cool and chill Times Drinks Editor James Viner recommends red wines that take kindly to being served lightly chilled – around 12-13 °C – to lift the aromatics and enhance the fruity flavours The best reds to serve cooler have minimal oak influence, lots of primary fruit, lower tannins/alcohol and are light-to-medium bodied. Tannic reds from thick-skinned grapes should be served slightly warmer. Try not to serve these too cool as you’ll supress the fruit and aromas and heighten the astringency of tannin. Twenty minutes in the fridge should do it. The quickest, if messiest method, is to opt for an ice bucket, immersing the bottle in ice and cold water for ten minutes (the same time will do the trick in the freezer, too). Alternatively, an ice sleeve will chill the bottle about 1°C every three minutes. Here are three paler fruity reds made from thin-skinned grapes to chill down and enjoy with cold and BBQ food… 1) VEGETARIAN & VEGAN-APPROVED, FRUIT-FORWARD SPANISH SUPERMARKET STAR Old Vine Garnacha 2018, Bodegas Aragonesas, Campo de Borja, Spain (£5.35, Co-op, Alc 14%) Succulent and versatile summer red, redolent of red berries (think strawberry coulis) with hints of blood orange, grilled plum and dried herbs. Made from gnarled 40-year-old sun-loving garnacha bush vines in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountains of North-East Spain, this perfumed vino is especially a
Follow James on Twitter @QuixoticWine whizz with cold roast beef and roast gammon/pork (summer wedding table red, anyone?) Try it lightly chilled, to heighten the acidity, on a hot summer’s day. Delicious value. 2) SILKY, JUICY, GULPABLE, STRAWBERRYISH PICNIC BEAUJOLAIS Berry Bros & Rudd Beaujolais-Villages 2018, Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes, France (£12.95, BBR, Alc 13%) Berry Bros & Rudd’s delectable,
unoaked inaugural own selection Beaujolais-Villages, made from 60-yearold gamay vines at around 400 metres on a south-facing granite slope, packs floral and undergrowth aspects into a pure stream of spirit-lifting, sweet raspberry and strawberry fruit. One to serve cool from a carafe with a huge variety of food, including banitsa, beef burgers, just-seared or poached tuna/ salmon/swordfish, patés, cold meats, sushi, coq au vin or brie. Twenty minutes in the refrigerator will work; you’ll then see its flavours burst with exuberant fruit. Irresistible is the word. 3) SUPPLE, FRESH, PALE & LIGHTBODIED SERBIAN RED [Oszkár] Maurer Kadarka 2017, Serbia (£14.50, The Wine Society, Alc 11%) This is a real discovery! If you have yet to taste a Serbian wine, now’s your chance. This elegant kadarka – a widely planted, late-ripening grape across the border in Hungary’s Eger region, where it is used in the red blend for ‘Bull’s Blood’ – is definitely worth paying extra for. It’s resonant, fine, energetic and light; and I love its compelling floral/lightly spicy scent, tongue-tingling summer pudding oomph, pinot noir-like gentle tannins and cherry acidity. The lowish alcohol is a bonus. Another offbeat buying triumph, take a bow Freddy ‘Bull’s-eye’ Bulmer! Lightly chill and drink in gulps. Especially good with sarma.
Life&Times
travel
48
Travel
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Can a trip to a far-flung paradise really make you forget your woes and relax? Living in the lap of sheer luxury on an archipelago in the middle of nowhere is a great way to reduce your stress levels, as Claire Spreadbury finds out…
ISLAND HEAVEN The Indonesian archipelago
A
FEW days ago, I could barely think straight for stress. But having landed (by seaplane – that’s how they do it in paradise) in Bawah Reserve, part of Indonesia’s remote Anambas archipelago, I’m already so relaxed I can barely make a decision and am feeling the tension wash away with the waves. I’ve only been here three hours. It all starts with that super-smooth landing, and since then I’ve been wined, dined and welcomed, and am now sprawled on one of the two egg-shaped loungers on my over-water bungalow deck. Everything you touch here feels deluxe, but in a wonderfully sustainable and rustic way. Once at risk of destruction by illegal dynamite fishing, the archipelago, which is north-east of Singapore, was rescued and is now protected and preserved as an ecological utopia and designated marine conservation area. Each of the 36 rooms is wonderfully private, and sandy pathways meander through the resort marked out by stone walls and shaded by mangrove fan and fishtail palms. Giant, heart-shaped colocasia bataviensis leaves make me smile everywhere I walk, but if you’re feeling lazy, you can always phone for a buggy to ferry you around, and listen as the wheels crunch gently making a sound like rain sticks. Getting here means a 13-hour flight to Singapore, a short ferry to Batam, followed by an 80-minute seaplane journey, but it’s worth it. The accommodation options include garden and beach suites, too, but there’s something about being suspended over the ocean that fills the senses with excitement. The honeymoon suite of dreams, each bungalow over the sea is personalised with a wooden sign with your name on (which can also be wrapped up and taken home). Head up the pathway to your deck, where you can lounge about, bathe and – most importantly – tiptoe down the staircase and swim straight into the sea. From beside your room, you can spot vivid teal parrotfish, cobalt blue starfish, and even
big floaty stingrays if you’re really lucky. Inside, a gorgeous white bed awaits, all tented in muslin to keep the mosquitoes out. Recycled copper features heavily in the bathroom – from the matching illuminated mirrors above the sinks to the giant bathtub and rain shower. A piece of driftwood is set in the corner with a straw hat and cotton poncho slung casually over its branches, a soft pair of leather flip-flops at its base, just waiting for you to slip your toes into.
Twinkling I plod playfully towards the spa for my first massage. Guests are entitled to a treatment every day, and for a special treat you can book a spa safari, where you get taken to one of Bawah’s other five islands by boat, all easily reachable within five to 15 minutes. They’re currently just used for resort experiences, although one is under construction, soon to be rented out as an entire private island. On Muerba (snail) island, a tiny expanse of sand, Balinese masseur Nyoman is waiting for me in a bamboo hut, the muslin curtains waving in the wind. After asking me to take off my clothes, he covers me up with a sarong and begins to pummel, press and preen my skin as I drift further into a state of calm. Relaxation is key, but this isn’t a fly and flop destination. Allowing jet lag to awaken you feels joyous if you grab yourself a kayak and head out for a sunrise paddle. Giving your shoulders a workout while sunshine starts to emerge from the horizon might just be the most zen way to wake up ever. We row over to Muerba and spot hermit crabs leaving cog-like ON THE LOOKOUT For more wonders
SHADEBATHING BEDS Amid the calm
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk INTER-ISLAND FERRIES From Bawah Reserve
when it comes to the sea. I’m petrified of being out of my depth. Lisa helps me build up confidence, and before long I’m balancing and rocking the SUP to feel how sturdy it is. We spend the afternoon mastering my technique, and when I smugly head to the bar for a well-deserved pint of Bintang beer, other guests tell me how effortless I was making it look (it really isn’t, but it’s great fun). The sunset hikes are an absolute must, but for anyone wanting a less energetic jaunt, you can take a boat trip, drink Champagne and scoff nibbles as you watch the smoky red sun settle and turtles peek their heads up out of the sea while the salty breeze wafts up your nose. Turtles When you stay somewhere as luxurious as this, you expect top-notch food –and that’s You can take a boat further out to explore or simply hang around the jetty, where you can spot something Bawah delivers on across their four some of the reserve’s 240 species of recorded fish. food and drink outlets. At Treetops, I taste my favourite foods of the Bumphead parrotfish (which can grow to over a metre) are everywhere, as are wrasse, but search trip – the ‘Magnum’ of goats’ cheese dipped in harder and you’ll find delicate damselfish, Nemo- chocolate is a highlight, a dish Italian Head Chef Roberto is particularly proud of. And I sit under esque clownfish and shy, hiding grouper. a chandelier of cascading, handcrafted jellyfish One afternoon, I take myself down to meet – which has 3,000 different light combinations Lisa with a stand-up paddle board [SUP]. It’s – at the enormous, rustic tree trunk of a table it something I’ve always fancied trying, but my took 45 people to carry up the stairs. almost 40-year-old brain is still pretty childlike trails, as we search for sand dollars (small, flat stones naturally imprinted with flowers) on the shore, like twinkling treasures waiting to be discovered. Lisa is the head of wellbeing at Bawah and takes ‘movement’ classes here. We gather by the tennis court and croquet lawn for a morning stretch, incorporating both yoga and Pilates. It might be 30 degrees, but the downward dogs are made easier by the distraction of butterflies fluttering in and around the class. Back in the water, you can dive here, but snorkelling is a big draw because there’s so much to see around the coral reefs.
Travel
This is also where you take in amazing views of the ocean over breakfast. The poached egg on brown toast with avocado puree is the perfect portion size, and the home-made granola is to die for. There are more laid-back options at the Boat House, a Chef’s Table experience and even a traditional cookery course, where I learn how to make (and eat) a deliciously fiery kalio curry beneath a ginormous mesh octopus which sits in the roof of the Jules Verne Bar, his tentacles entwined around the bamboo rafters. And, of course, because this is paradise, you can also have your meal shipped to another isle, just in case you need a change of scenery. After stopping en route to ogle at flying fox bats hanging upside down in trees, we cruise over to Coconut island where breakfast is served on the sand next to a shaded four-poster day bed, and we’re left in a new paradise for an
CRYSTAL CLEAR In a glass-bottomed boat
Life&Times
49
hour or two with a walkie-talkie for company. Ceramic bowls of noodles, pearl barley, fish balls, sandwiches, pastries and papaya are served up with tea, coffee and watermelon juice. Kayaks and SUPs can also be brought over, in case you need to burn off the mountain of calories consumed. So, is paradise worth it? I really wish it wasn’t, but when total relaxation is served up with such an array of activity, in a destination most of us can only dream of, the answer is always going to be ‘yes’. HOW TO GET THERE Rates at Bawah Reserve start from $1,980USD (around £1,115) a night for two full-board, including round-trip transfers from Singapore, daily spa treatments, laundry, in-room minibar and a host of land and water-based activities. For more information visit bawahreserve.com British Airways flies from London to Singapore twice daily from £440 return, including taxes. Call 0844 493 0787 or visit ba.com/singapore
50
Life&Times
Motoring
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Motoring News
This week… n Good safety news n Electric taxi boost n 500’s ‘sweet life’
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
New Fiat special edition celebrates 500’s 62 years
Government brings in tax breaks for electric taxis to encourage uptake
Tesla Model 3 sets new safety tech benchmark in latest crash tests THE Tesla Model 3 has topped the bill in Euro NCAP’s latest safety examinations, impressing in a variety of different and demanding tests. It achieved a full five stars in the examinations, receiving a score of 96% for adult occupant protection, 86% for child occupant protection and 74% for vulnerable road users protection. Its host of safety systems helped it return a score of 94% in the safety assistance category, too. Tesla’s range of safety assistance systems include lane departure avoidance, blind spot collision warning and speed assistance. The Tesla’s much-talked about AutoPilot system wasn’t assessed by Euro NCAP, though the testers have stated that it will start to rate
systems in a separate programme due for launch in 2020. Matthew Avery, Director of Research at Thatcham Research, said: “The Tesla Model 3 achieved one of the highest Safety Assist scores we have seen to date. Its Collision Avoidance Assist system is first class, with its Autonomous Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning systems showing high levels of performance. “Tesla has done a great job of playing the structural benefits of an electric vehicle to its advantage. Impact performance is enhanced by the absence of a mechanical engine and the car’s low centre of gravity.” Skoda’s Scala was also praised, and both the new Mercedes-Benz B Class and GLE also scored a full five stars.
TAXI drivers and businesses are being encouraged to buy new electric taxis after the government made them exempt from the highest tax rates. The move is part of the country’s ambition to have net zero emissions by 2050, and the government says it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local air quality. The new legislation is in addition to government grants that allow buyers of zero-emission-capable taxis to get up to £7,500 off the purchase price. In 2017, LEVC introduced a new London taxi with a battery-electric motor and petrol range extender engine. The company’s Chief Executive, Joerg Hofmann, said: “Our taxi has been designed to meet current and future low emissions targets. It is equipped with the latest technology to enable a total driving range of 380
miles, providing the perfect solution to the clean air challenge.” Brendan O’Toole, Managing Director of Dynamo Motor Company, which is introducing its own EV taxi, said: “This move will make it easier and more beneficial for drivers and fleet owners to go green and drive electric vehicles. To support this, we will be launching the world’s first fully electric, wheelchair accessible taxi in the autumn, which will not only be a greener choice for drivers but a more cost-effective one.” The government also announced the first two HGVs to be made eligible for the plug-in van grant. Buyers of the Paneltex Z75 7.5-tonne truck and the BD Auto e-Ducato 4.25tonne van can receive a grant of up to £8,000, with the first 200 registrations of the pair to receive a higher grant of up to £20,000.
FIAT is commemorating 62 years since the introduction of the iconic 500 with a special edition variant of the latest generation. It is the 500 Dolcevita – which translates from Italian to ‘sweet life’, and it’s instantly recognisable thanks to a red and white ‘beauty line’ surrounding the silhouette of the car – itself white – with chrome ‘Dolcevita’ badging tacked on, too. Complementing the exterior design is a set of white 16-inch alloy wheels, with hatchback variants of the car treated to a fixed glass roof. Convertibles get a white and blue striped top, plus an embroidered ‘500’ logo. Changes continue inside the car with a wooden dashboard, ivory-coloured leather seats complete with red piping, and ‘500’ logos. Matching floor mats are also included. Only one engine is offered on the Fiat 500 Dolcevita – a 1.2-litre, 69bhp unit coupled as standard to a five-speed manual gearbox, with an automatic optional. Order books for the Dolcevita special edition model are set to open at the end of this month, with prices for the hatchback starting at £17,995, while the convertible is available from £20,995.
CODEWORD 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
G
A B C D E F GH I J K L MNO P QR S T U VWX Y Z 2
16
16 6
8
8 25
19 2
18
26 6
16
22
1
7
4
23 20
P
19
7 8
19
12
7
20
25
10 20 7
P
6
21
4
10 25
1
10
9 19
10
16
P
16
23
17
17
19
1
4 19
10
4
2
16 8
19
3
25
25
16
24
4
16
19
17
15
16
14
G
10
23
23
19
5 13
16
1 23
10 26
24
G
17
6 19
10
4
26
23
3 4 7 2
9
7
1 6 8 7 5 2 9 1
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
19
11 1
26
19 19
10 26
P
8
16
25
25
20
5 6 3 9 8
Codeword:
6
19
18
25
25 16
10
6
26 10
23
9 26
19 26
25
16
8 19
19
17
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.
2 9 7 9 3
7 8 6 8 3 2 4 9 5 8 1 6 9 1 2 8 3 9
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
P
3 9 6 5 7
2
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
2
DIFFICULTY RATING:★✩✩✩
1
51
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★✩✩
CLASSIFIEDS
Life&Times
Puzzles
In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.
Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue
E A V E L I F L A I E R A I N E N J I G S E E C A N T T I I R O N O U N O S E
S E X C L B L O Y R E B AW E Y O O A Z U S I S L S
S E L U OM S B E M E L R E A E S H
A L A Z B O Q U R P I N A G
O N A E K E I D N R E S O S L C I D S R P Y E N A
Sudoku:
4 8 2 7 1 6 5 9 3
9 3 1 5 2 8 7 4 6
7 6 5 9 3 4 8 2 1
5 9 4 3 6 1 2 8 7
8 2 3 4 5 7 1 6 9
1 7 6 8 9 2 4 3 5
3 1 9 2 8 5 6 7 4
2 5 7 6 4 9 3 1 8
6 4 8 1 7 3 9 5 2
5 9 3 1 8 7 4 6 2
1 2 7 4 5 6 9 3 8
8 4 6 9 1 3 2 7 5
9 8 1 7 2 4 3 5 6
6 5 4 2 3 9 8 1 7
Jigsaw Sudoku:
2 6 8 3 7 5 1 4 9
4 1 5 6 9 2 7 8 3
7 3 9 5 4 8 6 2 1
3 7 2 8 6 1 5 9 4
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
52
Life&Times
Recruitment
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
WITH THE
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
Fill your vacancy now in print or online
From just £99 For more information contact our commercial team on 01892 779650
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
54
Life&Times
Sport
FORsports EVENstories MORE to: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Please send newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
Hobbs and Gill line Harriers up for two Grand Prix titles By Andrew Deighton ATHLETICS: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Harriers were out in strength at the weekend, with 50 runners taking on the hills and trails of Knole Park at the Sevenoaks 7 (mile) race. The latest instalment in the ten-event Kent Grand Prix series saw two excellent team performances, which put the Harriers in contention for both the men’s and women’s titles with three events to go. Billy Hobbs ran a fantastic time of 38min 14sec to finish first in a field of
just under 400, with Will Levett (39.27) and Dan Watt (42.41) also finishing in the top 10. They were closely followed by Andy Howey (44.16), Kieran Fitzpatrick (44.35), Keith Mitchell (45.19) and Ed Steele (45.38), all in the top 30. Cathy Gill led home another fine team display in the women’s competition with a time of 51.22 for sixth place. Jillian Holford (52.54), Nicola Morris (53.54), Hayley Larkin (54.34), Gemma Stilliard (54.47) and Sarah Ferns (54.48) all finished in the top 20.
SEVEN HEAVEN: The Harriers teams at Knole Park
Matusevich shows his promise as he reaches Wimbledon’s last eight again By Andy Tong TENNIS:
ANTON MATUSEVICH put in an impressive performance on and off the court during an excellent run in the Boys’ Singles at Wimbledon. The 18-year-old Judd schoolboy was the last remaining Briton in both junior competitions after he knocked out top seed Holger Rune with an impressive 6-4, 7-5 win. However, he then bowed out in the quarter-finals - the same stage he reached last year - losing 6-3, 6-3 to the eighth seed Shintaro Mochizuki of Japan - who went on to win the title. In the press conference after beating Rune, Matusevich regaled journalists with a detailed description of each point and how he felt at the time. The teenager, who is of Russian descent, also spoke about his interests - which are rather different from those of the average young sportsman. An accomplished piano player, he delivered a passionate analysis of Johann Sebastian Bach’s use of the D-minor scale. He also discussed his revision schedule for his A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Economics, in which he is expected to achieve A* or A grades. “It’s a great win, to win against the No 1 seed,” he said. “Last week he destroyed me 6-2, 6-2 so I knew what level he was coming in with, he just fought for every point.
Matusevich, whose paternal grandfather was a world recordholder in speed skating, is a different character on court. He had close friends supporting him, which led to consternation on the court when he went to high-five them before shaking his Danish opponent’s hand at the end of the match. “They are my mates, I am quite an out-there guy, there are loads of
examples in tennis players who are within themselves,” Matusevich said. “I like to show emotions, positive and maybe at times negative. I was getting pumped up and it might have affected the player as well. “Maybe now there will be a rivalry. I don’t know if I got in his head, he definitely started talking a bit more than last time. I didn’t really focus on that.” Matusevich, from Sevenoaks, picked
up his first Grand Slam victory last year when he won the US Open Boys’ Doubles title with Bulgarian Adrian Andrrev. He gained a professional ranking at the age of 16 and is represented by Octagon, the agency who helped develop the careers of the Murray brothers and more than 50 Grand Slam champions including Steffi Graf, Michael Chang and Martina Hingis.
PUMPED UP Anton Matusevich lost to the eventual boys’ champion
Cowdrey 235-9 beat Harvel 115 by 120 runs CRICKET: COWDREY registered a comprehensive and much-needed win against the leaders of Kent League Division Three at Swanmead. The Tonbridge side were starting to look down the table at the relegation zone on the back of three narrow defeats. Ryan Addison won the toss and chose to bat first but the hosts soon encountered problems against Robert McSweeney (4 for 53) and were reduced to 35 for 3 after six overs. However, Xavier Yeats-Brown stepped up to play an excellent innings in
Lordswood 231 beat Tunbridge Wells 206 by 25 runs By Alan Cutts CRICKET: THE form book was torn up when Lordswood arrived at the Nevill on the back of three defeats to take on a Tunbridge Wells side who had won their last two matches. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first in spite of the overcast conditions and they were rewarded with a fine, cultured century from Linden Lockhart. The opening batsman was clearly going to bat long as he steadily grew his contribution, while the Wells bowlers were unusually lacking in penetration. The tally reached 159 for 3 after 37 overs before the teenager Isaac Bepey (5 for 50) cut a swathe through the middle order and the last seven wickets went down for 72 runs.
Care
Yeats-Brown stages recovery to leave leaders humbled By Stuart Clarke
Bepey picks up five wickets but Wells batsmen come up short
difficult circumstances, sharing a partnership of 94 with Minhaj Jalill (38) to stage a decent recovery. The opener eventually fell for 84 off 123 balls with 13 fours and a six but the cudgels were taken up by his brother Ralph, who raced to 35 off 26 balls.
Imposing Oscar Holmes chipped with an unbeaten 27 at better than a run a ball and the home side managed to post an imposing total of 235 for 9. The tall and fiery fast bowler Nick Farr produced his best to thwart the early run-chase, generating pace and good
OPENING STATEMENT Xavier Yeats-Brown made a patient 84
bounce and ably supported by swing bowler Thom Brown. The introduction of Jalill’s off-spin turned the screws and he picked up 2 for 14 off eight overs, including the obdurate opener Ben Paterson caught and bowled for 36. Both opening bowlers were brought back and blew away the tail, Farr returning impressive figures of 4 for 24 while Brown took 2 for 30, and Harvel were all out 115 in 34.3 overs. Cowdrey are sitting in seventh place in the table, their third win of the season lifting them 14 points above the relegation zone. Now they travel to Gravesend, who are one place and six points above them, on Saturday (July 20).
It was the left-arm paceman’s maiden five-wicket haul in the Kent League, and it was he who finally dismissed Lockhart for 108 off 141 balls with 11 boundaries. Matt Barker, returning from a long-term shoulder injury, chipped in with 2 for 23 as Lordswood posted a total of 231. Wells lost two early wickets in their reply with the heroic centurion of last week, the captain Chris Williams, again standing firm. The highly competitive Lordswood attack demanded care, so it came as a disappointment when a fraternal mix-up with Alex Williams allowed Chris Piesley to effect a brilliant run-out. The skipper thus fell for a vibrant 50 from 65 balls with seven fours, and when his sibling Alex also departed for 44 the run-chase was beset by nerves. The varied bowling line-up methodically worked their way through the lower order, bringing victory with two overs unused as the home side were all out for 206. Wells remain fourth in the Premier Division table, and they now travel to Sandwich Town on Saturday (July 20).
Wednesday July 17 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Sport
Life&Times
55
Florence prepares to make the jump up to international level
RIDING HIGH Florence Marriott competing with Gelvin Castle Grey
By Andy Tong EQUESTRIANISM: A YOUNG rider from Tunbridge Wells is representing England on the international stage this weekend having just turned 11. Florence Marriott, who attends Beechwood Sacred Heart School, is taking part in the Scottish Home Pony International at the National Equestrian Centre in West Lothian. Her mother Lucy van den Broek said: “We have a few showjumping ponies and she competes all over the country on the premier circuit with the best of the best.”
Last year she won the 11-and-under national championship in Cheshire at the age of nine, and she also qualified for the Mini Major at Olympia and the Horse of the Year Show.
Dream At the latter showpiece at the NEC Centre in Birmingham she jumped in the 128 Championship – the number indicates the height of the fences. “It was an amazing experience and every little girl’s dream,” said Lucy. Florence comes from an equestrian heritage, and Lucy said: “I used to showjump and my
Arsenal pay visit to Jockey Farm FOOTBALL: AN ARSENAL Charity XI will face a squad of Rusthall Legends at Jockey Farm Stadium on Sunday (July 21) to raise money for Hospice in the Weald and Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex. The Arsenal team will be made up of former Gunners, including Ian Selley, Jimmy Carter, Chris Whyte, and celebrity supporters. Singer-songwriter Sam Calver will be performing with a live band after the final whistle. There will also be children’s entertainment, barbecue, ice cream and a licensed bar. The match begins at 1pm and tickets cost £7 for adults, £4 for concessions and 13 to 17 year olds, £2 for six to 12 year olds – under-fives can enter for free. Rusthall played two tough matches against
RAW POWER Raul PowellDowney takes on Eastbourne
higher league teams as they continued their programme of pre-season friendlies. They narrowly lost 1-0 to Chatham Town, one of the favourites to win the Southern Counties East League Premier Division next season. Chatham scored the only goal of the match from long range in the first half, the ball deflecting off a Rusthall defender onto a post, across the goal and into the net. Against Eastbourne, Rusthall took the lead through the returning Steve Camacho before the visitors replied with two goals. Raul Powell-Downey equalised for the Rustics but then Eastbourne scored a third before half-time, then scored four more goals in the second half.
mum rode too, so horses were in her blood.” She has three ponies, called Gelvin Castle Grey, Spotify and Havana van Dyversputten, and she competes every weekend and also rides several times during the week. “Quite often she does her schoolwork on the way in the [horse] box,” admits Lucy. “Her school is also very understanding.” After her England debut she will try to qualify for the Horse of the Year Show and Olympia again, as well as the Liverpool International. Looking further forward, she is setting the bar high. Lucy said: “She wants to compete successfully abroad and hopefully be on the young riders England squad eventually.” “As a single mum, I am very proud of what she has achieved,” she added. “Every penny goes on the ponies, hence I juggle working full-time with the shows and horses, which is equally a full-time occupation!” Lucy is keen to hear from local sponsors who want to help fund Florence’s ambitions. For more information contact lucyvdb1975@yahoo.co.uk