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Alliance dirty tricks stifle freedom of speech and taint local politics
Tories must hold their nerve on theatre vote that could boost economy
Times LOCAL NEWSPAPERS
EDITORIAL COMMENT
TODAY this newspaper publishes background details on the campaigning tactics of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance, the political party launched with one aim stopping the £108million theatre and civic complex project. Such a move would mean more than £10million of taxpayers’ money has been wasted; some of it spent on unsubstantiated Alliance objections. Pressing ahead with the development would leave the council with around £250million in saleable assets and provide an estimated £35million in additional economic benefit to the area. The three people leading the theatre protests, and driving a campaign of intimidation against anyone who dares not share their views, are all so called ‘NIMBYS’ living on the doorstep of the planned site of Calverley Square.
Alliance Cllr Nick Pope was in favour of the scheme until his wife bought a nearby apartment. He has named the Tory councillors he will attack at the May elections if they do not back him. Alliance social media activist Francis Harris has been banned from a community website for his comments. He claims to have worked at the Courier newspaper although no one remembers him. And then there’s Alliance Chairman Robert Chris whose arguments have been repeatedly dismissed by inde-
pendent experts. He even wrote to auditors Grant Thornton attacking them for not finding fault with the council plans for the new theatre and branded their actions ‘utterly disgraceful’ and likely to cause ‘severe embarrassment.’ Those who publicly support the theatre immediately incur the wrath of the Alliance and its supporters. Last week the Times carried a story quoting the Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra James Williams on the benefits of a new theatre. Within days he received a letter taking him to task and warning his stance would
do ‘very little for his reputation.’ Former banker Richard Powell was also attacked for his pro-theatre views and had an Alliance supporter contact his employer suggesting he was setting a poor example to young people. Another target for the protestors was touring theatre manager Matt Elesmore who was bombarded with 200 hate mes-
‘Resident bombarded with 200 hate messages after coming out in support of new theatre’ sages including one that said he should ‘just go and die’. Alliance Chairman Robert Chris suggested Mr Elesmore ‘might want to reconsider’ his opinions. The Times is aware of other local business people who have been targeted by the Alliance. Most do not want to be named. At least one subsequently withdrew his pub-
DECISION Calverley Square is the Council’s biggest investment in a generation
Continued on pages 2/4/5/6 and 22
Parents of Skinners’ pupil call for change in law By Richard Williams THE parents of a Crowborough teenager are calling for a change in the law following the death of their son who died while celebrating his 18th birthday after eating a chicken burger. Owen Carey collapsed and died on April 22, 2017 after suffering a fatal reaction to buttermilk that had been coated on to the meat at upmarket burger chain, Byron.
The Skinners’ prefect had been celebrating with his girlfriend when he ordered the item from the restaurant at the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London. He had told staff about his allergy but was not informed the burger contained milk products, and was ‘reassured’ by no mention of the allergic ingredient on the menu. The A-level student, who had been offered a place at Swansea University, collapsed next to the London Eye less
ALLERGY Owen Carey
than an hour after eating the burger and was rushed to St Thomas’ Hospital where he was pronounced dead after suffering a cardiac arrest. Following an inquest last week [Friday September 13] in which a coroner ruled the restaurant had met industry standards in terms of the wording on the menu, the teenager’s parents called for a change of food legislation under
Continued on page 2
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
this week… Tunbridge Wells schools to receive a windfall in education funding pledge By Grace Lewis
A WINNING START FI star Max Chiltern will compere Crazy Jeans Soapbox Race 2020 p8 TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE Evacuee tells of his return to his wartime home in Southborough p13
MARKET’S GOOD VALUE Experience a taste of the third Tunbridge Wells Food & Drink fair p50
SCHOOLS in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge are among the winners in the Government’s promise to provide an extra £14billion in funding for primary and secondary schools. The three-year funding was confirmed in a Government spending review which said every secondary school will be allocated a minimum of £5,000 for each pupil next year. In addition, every primary school will be allocated at least £3,750 per pupil, rising to £4,000 per pupil next year. But a study of how regions will gain from the new minimum funding threshold reveals that more than 90 per cent of schools receiving a boost of more than £100 a year per pupil are in Conservative areas such as Kent, Essex and the Southwest. Out of the 153 constituencies set to receive funding, the majority (93 per cent) are Tory held, which critics argue makes the pledge an ‘election bribe’ as schools in the North of England are set to lose out, despite being some
Allergy death: Continued from page 1 ‘Owen’s Law’, which would see companies such as Byron display clear allergen information on each individual dish on their menus. Owen’s mother, Moira Carey, said: “The coroner’s conclusions were a huge weight off our shoulders. “To know Owen had made Byron aware of his allergies means we did everything we could.
HISTORY LESSONS Don’t miss the last weekend of town’s Heritage Open Days p45
CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER RICHARD WILLIAMS richardwilliams@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES GHak@onemediauk.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews
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CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TF, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Markerstudy Leisure is a trading name of One Media and Creative UK Limited registered in England and Wales under company number 5398960 with registered office at 45 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2QB.
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Regulations “We needed to hear it had been a communication error and not a failure by us. But one moment of human error is what killed him. “We will never truly know what happened that day because delays to gathering evidence means memories have faded and records have been deleted. “My world imploded the day he died.” Owen’s father Paul added: “There are many emotions you go through, and anger is one of them, especially now. Byron has behaved dishonourably in my view.” In a statement read outside court, the parents said Owen was a ‘shining light in our family’. “We are calling on the Government to change the law on allergen labelling in restaurants.” The family’s lawyer Thomas Jervis added that there was a ‘failure to act’ despite Mr Carey telling staff about his allergy, and that current regulations were ‘not fit for purpose’. “It cannot be right that there is such room for human error on an issue that could be fatal,” he said. “There are millions of people in the UK who suffer from food allergies, and it is only right that they are able to make fully formed decisions about the food that they eat.” Southwark Coroner’s Court had heard how Mr Carey did not realise the chicken had been marinated with buttermilk as it had not been
Editorial comment: Continued from page 1 lic support for the new theatre. When the Alliance party was launched this newspaper was supportive with a front page story, believing that a cross section of views and opinions on a local council is a good thing. Sadly the Alliance has not lived up to its promises. It has used intimidatory tactics to threaten, bully and silence those who do not share its views on the theatre development. Public debate is healthy for democracy: the actions of the Alliance are not. The Labour Party is opposed to Calverley
Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat education spokeswomen, said: “I think this is absolutely Boris Johnson preparing for a potential election.” She added: “Lots of grammar schools are going to get this money and the Northeast, which has few outstanding schools, also does not benefit.” The move towards more school funding
followed a campaign by parents, teachers and unions who are fighting to fix the cash crisis engulfing England’s classrooms. Forming part of the £14billion in education spending, is the increase in teacher pay and pension contributions. Starting salaries could rise by up to £6,000 under new government plans to reform teacher pay. The Department for Education (DfE) said salaries for new teachers were set to rise to £30,000 by 2022-23, making them among the most competitive in the graduate labour market. The government said the investment announced by the prime minister last week would ensure that pay could be increased for all teachers. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “This £14bn funding increase – the largest cash boost in a generation - means our schools can continue to raise standards and build an education system that boosts productivity, improves social mobility and equips children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the bright future that lies ahead.”
listed on the menu. Assistant coroner Briony Ballard said: “The deceased made serving staff aware of his allergies. “The menu was reassuring in that it made no reference to any marinade or potential allergenic ingredient in the food selected. “The deceased was not informed that there were allergens in the order. “The food served to and consumed by the deceased contained dairy which caused the deceased to suffer a severe anaphylactic reaction from which he died.” She concluded that the verbal training Byron gave in terms of handling allergen orders may not ‘catch the less diligent staff’.
Byron chief executive Simon Wilkinson said in a statement the chain takes allergies ‘extremely seriously’ and had ‘robust procedures in place’ but admitted the ‘industry needs to do more’. He said: “It is a matter of great regret and sadness that our high standards of communicating with our customers were not met during Owen’s visit. “We believe we always did our best to meet our responsibilities but we know that this will be of no comfort to Owen’s family.” But he admitted: “We have heard what the coroner said about the need to communicate about allergies and it is clear that the current rules and requirements are not enough and the industry needs to do more.”
of the worst performers in the country. Grammar schools are also set to benefit the most from the cash boost, and as Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge are home to six grammars between them it will see more of the money compared to areas with fewer selective secondary schools. The analysis by the Sunday Times found that Tunbridge Wells is one of biggest winners of the pledged funding, benefiting from an average bump of £400 or more per pupil, based on 2018-19 funding figures.
Cash crisis
STUDENT Owen Carey was studying A-levels at Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells
Square believing the money could be better spent as do the Lib Dems. Both have reasoned arguments that deserve to be heard. The Alliance on the other hand pumps out propaganda that does not stand up to scrutiny and all the time uses social media to threaten and intimidate. Former councillor Tracy Moore believes the Alliance has ‘poisoned the minds’ of the general public. She lost her seat after being the target of much online abuse. Had she come out against the theatre she would probably still be a councillor but would have abandoned her principles.
A panel set up by the Town Forum to look at the overall project is suggesting that a non-party commission be established to ‘review each component.’ Such a move would mean an end to the theatre initiative with, amongst other things, contractors walking away. Details of those on the Forum’s panel are not being made public. Next week there is an important vote on the future of Calverley Square at the Full Council. Those members in favour of the development must ignore the threats and external pressures and hold their nerve for the sake of the town’s future prosperity.
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Police use four HGVs to move illicit goods haul POLICE had to use four articulated lorries to recover nearly £2million of illegally obtained goods from a warehouse in Tunbridge Wells. In July 2017 police raided storage sites in Horsmonden and Brenchley in connection with a large-scale fraud and found 281 pallets of items illegally obtained from businesses across Europe. Timothy Richford, 29, of Orchard Crescent and Christopher Malaley, 50, of Bourne Vale, Plaxtol were jailed for five years on Monday [September 16] after being found guilty of conspiring to acquire, use, or possess criminal property at Maidstone Crown Court.
Mayoresses fire walk
Stabbing arrest A MAN has been arrested following a town centre stabbing last month. Officers were called to an altercation in Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells at around 7.45pm on August 21 following reports a man in his 50s had been stabbed. Police say that on September 4, a 20-year-old man from Woolwich, London, was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He has been bailed to return to a police station on October 1.
Bewl Dragon Boat Race WE HAVE been asked to point out that race winners Marlborough House Neon All stars raised money for Hands of Hope charity and not their own school as previously reported in last week’s newspaper.
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Summer ends with ‘amazing’ festival
NEWS IN BRIEF
THE wives of two former Mayors are taking a walk across hot coals for charity. Jill Neve, wife of Lib Dem Cllr, David Neve, who was Mayor in 2014-2015, and Judy Horwood, who is married to Conservative Cllr Len Horwood, Mayor until earlier this year, are doing the charity fire walk for Mental Health Resources. The pair will hot foot it for charity on Sunday, September 26, at the Mercure Hotel in Maidstone. Mrs Neve, whose son has suffered from an eating disorder, said mental health issues ‘affect most people’s lives’. Those that wish to donate should visit virginmoneygiving.com/jillneve
Local News
BUMPER HARVEST: The food festival ended the summer season on a high
Around 6,000 people went along the The Pantiles over the weekend for the annual Harvest Food Festival and according to the organisers the event was ‘off the scale’. On the Bandstand stage local suppliers and producers showcased their talents; Steve Fuller proved why he’s a top butcher, Alex Greig from Fuggles talked beer and cheese and Hollies Little Cakery owner, Hollie O’Callaghan, proved to be a great success on her stage debut. “The food festivals are always fun but this one was really off the scale,” said organiser Julian Leefe-Griffiths. “We had an amazing weekend, with huge crowds and a fantastic atmosphere helped this year with support from RTWTogether and Dandara as lead sponsors.” The festival was the last major event of the summer season on The Pantiles although there are two more Thursday nights of Soultrain. Julian added: “I would like to thank all our sponsors, staff, traders, bands, support staff and most importantly the good people of Tunbridge Wells for making these events such fun.”
Cinema site scheme gets final approval By Robert Forrester WORK on the much-maligned former ABC Cinema site in Tunbridge Wells town centre is expected to get underway shortly after developers were given the green light last week. Elysian Residences took ownership of the 1.3 acre patch of land at the top of Mount Pleasant last year, after previous developers Altitude pulled out of building a mixed use retail and residential complex.
Boutique
“Our bespoke homes will attract those considering a move away from family houses where many may have flown the nest, creating space for the next generation, right in the heart of our town – which will also have a positive impact on local retailers and restaurants. Local employment opportunities will also be created
throughout the development and again once our vibrant scheme is launched and open. “We look forward to welcoming new residents and their friends and family, as well as the local community to live, visit, shop and engage in cultural activities in and around The Belvedere and the wider town.”
REJUVENATED The derelict site will be totally transformed
The site has been left derelict since 2001. Last week [Wednesday September 11], Elysian Residences had their plans to turn the site into a mix of 108 retirement apartments, retail units, a restaurant and boutique cinema, approved by the Council’s planning committee. Work is expected to begin on the £80million ‘Belvedere’ at the end of the year. Mark Curry Head of Development and Planning at Elysian Residences said: “We are delighted to have achieved full planning consent for The Belvedere and look forward to continue working closely with our local communities and new residents, both now and into the future, to bring our development forward and make this new destination a real success for the town. “We have a lot to do now but we cannot wait to get started.
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
The dirty tricks and intimidation that threaten to derail town’s new theatre Deliberate campaign of false informaton and bullying
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Touring theatre manager Matt Elesmore with actress Sheridan Smith
NEXT week see the borough council vote on one of the most important decisions to be taken in decades. Members will decide on Wednesday [September 25] whether to press ahead with the ÂŁ108million theatre, civic centre and office development on the edge of Calverley Grounds. If they do not give the green light it will result in ÂŁ10.5million of taxpayers’ money being wasted, and the Council will still have to find in excess of ÂŁ50million to renovate the existing Town Hall and Assembly Hall Theatre – which will have to close for a number of years, threatening communitiy musical and dramatic groups. Cabinet members say next week’s vote is a ‘one shot’ deal. Failing to proceed with Calverley Square will result in contractors walking away and will put an end to the development for good. The scheme is being backed by businesses in the town who can see the
wider economic benefits of the project. It is expected to bring £35million of additional cash into the area each year. But some of the 27-strong controlling Conservative Group who are meeting to discuss the project later today, are in fear for their seats at next year’s local
This is just the latest in a long line of dirty tricks and intimidation from a small group intent on derailing the development elections thanks to a prolonged campaign of intimidation, bullying and the spreading of false information that has turned voters off the project. That campaign is being led by the Alliance party that has six seats on the council and was launched solely to stop the project.
Last week the Times reported on how James Williams, Managing Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra backed the development, arguing it was a ‘great opportunity’ to put Tunbridge Wells on the cultural map. Mr Williams said he could see his orchestra taking a regional residency programme at the new theatre. Following publication, he was immediately taken to task by an activist from the Alliance, Francis Harris, who wrote to him to say his views did very ‘little for his reputation’ and that he should have ‘done his research’ before coming out in support of the project. Mr Williams has worked in the theatre world for 20 years. It was another attempt at smothering free speech. The Times can now reveal this is just the latest in a long line of dirty tricks and intimidation from a small group of theatre opponents that are threatening to derail the development.
Theatre manager told ‘go and die’ after receiving 200 hate messages By Richard Williams A LEADING touring theatre manager who came out in support of Calverley Square was ‘bombarded’ with online messages and sent a menacing letter to suggest he should ‘reconsider his position’. Matt Elesmore, who has toured with numerous productions including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Funny Girl starring Sheridan Smith, and is currently working on the musical version of Bridges Over Madison County at the Menier Chocolate Factory, wrote an article backing the theatre proposals for Tunbridge Wells in 2017. “It appeared in a local paper and I posted it on Facebook because I wanted
to hear what people thought – I have worked in the theatre all my life and I really believed Tunbridge Wells deserved a decent venue,� he told the Times. After posting the article, the 28-yearold says he was immediately ‘bombarded’ with messages. “People were saying I didn’t know what I was talking about – despite what I did for a living. One person even said ‘why don’t you just go and die’.�
Backlash After receiving more than 200 messages, his wife insisted he leave the computer alone, but the backlash did not stop there. On seeing the article, the current
Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Alliance, Robert Chris, wrote to Mr Elesmore, warning him: “I wonder whether you might want to reconsider your opinion to ensure your name is not cast in an unfavourable light in what I fully expect to be a fiercely fought public battle.� Mr Chris, who mistakenly believed Mr Elesmore did not live in the area, added: “It would be unfortunate if your good name became an unwitting casualty of a local issue far from your home town.� Mr Elesmore, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, said: “Yes, it was menacing, but I don’t regret what I wrote. “I strongly support this theatre and wanted to voice my opinion and if that means I have to be cannon fodder then so be it.�
Are you a freelance designer? Would you like to join the team behind this newspaper? One Media has exciting opportunities for experienced designers to help our busy, creative team in the fast-moving world of lifestyle publications. Based at Salomon’s Estate near Tunbridge Wells, we need additional design help to produce Times Newspapers and SO Magazine - amongst the most popular and successful publications in the region. You will be a team player working closely with others on the design, production and editorial team, who create the titles on a weekly and monthly basis. We are part of the Markerstudy Group and are looking for people who have: Strong design, typography and layout skills. Experience with InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator on a Mac. An excellent eye for detail and high production values. The ability to work in a fast paced environment.
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The ability to choose graphics, photographs and images to enhance the text and add impact to articles. A background in editorial design would be an advantage. Please contact Editorial Director Richard Moore Email: richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk Tel: 01892 779615
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
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Councillor endured prolonged ‘witch hunt’ by online trolls twitter accounts. A FORMER councillor tasked with “Social media feels like the Wild West. overseeing the progress of Calverley Those opposed to the Calverley Square Square was targeted in a misogynistic project, especially those with vested campaign of bullying that lasted several years. Tracy Moore, who represented Park ward until the local elections last May, acted as the Cabinet’s head of Economic Development & Communications. For several years the councillor was personally targeted by opponents to the theatre who: ■ Stuck menacing posters up of her on trees in Calverley Grounds, a park in VILE: Troll comparing the female councillor to a pig which her children regularly played. ■ Created pictures of her in the guise of a pig. ■ Falsely accused her of financially benefitting from the development or ‘hiring friends’ to Council positions. Tracy Moore admitted her time as a councillor seriously affected her health. She said: “Truthfully, the constant trolling took a real toll on my well-being. “I lost sleep and friendships – we had family stress as well as health consequences for me from my time in the cabinet.” She said the attacks often PARK: Wanted posters were placed in the park, came from anonymous which is used by Tracy Moore’s children
SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER 9.30-1PM BOOK ONLINE WWW.KENT-COLLEGE.CO.UK
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‘Alliance contacted work about my views on the new theatre’
interests, spread lies, disinformation or insinuated incompetence or corruption - all without consequences. “It felt like there were no rules for them.” She continued: “In the run up to the local elections friends commented that it seemed like a ‘witch hunt’. It did feel like relentless attacks and the personal abuse was corrosive over time. “All because I believed in change and progress and dared to accept the advice and evidence of professionals in their fields.” She concluded: “The public have been lied to by the TWA and their motives have been hidden for too long. The result was they poisoned the minds of many in the public, who now refuse to believe the weight of evidence that supports Calverley Square. “I genuinely believe that this kind of personal attack will put good people off public service. “It certainly has done so for me.” WITCH HUNT: Tracy Moore endured years of abuse
NEWS
A LOCAL resident has told how an Alliance supporting social media user contacted his employer when he spoke in favour of Calverley Square online. Education business consultant, Richard Powell, decided to join an online discussion of the theatre on social media platform, Twitter. “As a local resident who happens to support the project, I responded to a Tunbridge Wells Alliance tweet to put forward an alternative point of view,” he recalled. “I was immediately targeted by somebody calling themselves ‘Captain Ochre’ who escalated a most aggressive and threatening exchange of tweets,” he told the Times last week.
Horrible He said the anonymous account, who self-described as a member of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance [TWA] and claims to be a pilot, began insulting Mr Powell, before resorting to contacting his employer. He explained: “He initially called me a comedian then responded with increasingly threatening posts, which amongst other things said that as a former banker I should realise the basics of business propositions - he then copied in my employer and said they should know what a poor example I was setting to young people. “I asked him to reveal who he was and his connection to TWA, as he
had obviously researched my background pretty thoroughly, but he would only say he was an ‘unelected, non-political representative of the people’, whatever that means.” Mr Powell said he emailed the Tunbridge Wells Alliance although they denied knowing who the anonymous member of their political party was. “But they were joining in with the posts,” insisted Mr Powell, saying members of the Alliance, including serving councillors ‘retweeted’, ‘liked’ and interacted with the messages by Captain Ochre. He went on: “It was really horrible as this user clearly found out who I was and that I had been a former banker.” Mr Powell says after he confronted the Alliance, ‘Captain Ochre’ locked his account so no one else could view the offending messages, which Mr Powell views as ‘extremely cowardly’. He added: “There are a few power crazy individuals ganging together in a bullying and intimidating manner to ultimately defeat what I believe would be a good intiative for our town.”
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Council insist process has been transparent
Alliance chair threatens auditors for not finding faults in Council’s books Alliance chairman Robert Chris requested that independent local authority auditors were called in to examine the Council’s books, which he claimed would show ‘unlawful conduct’ with regards to Calverley Square. At great cost to the Council, Darren Wells from auditors Grant Thornton spent nine months examining their finances and found nothing untoward, detailing in his report that he had ‘not identified any significant weaknesses in the Council’s decision making arrangements in respect of the new theatre’.
CLEARED: Grant Thornton’s audit found nothing On receiving these findings, Mr Chris wrote to the senior partner of Grant Thornton, Jon Roberts, and warned they risked their professional reputation for not finding fault with the Council’s finances or accounts. He wrote: “The Council’s conduct, notwithstanding Mr Wells’ contrary opinion, has in many people’s view been utterly disgraceful and this is likely to cause them severe embarrassment in the CPO. “There is a strong body of evidence, beyond the limited issues I have raised in relation to VFM [value for money], that Mr Wells chose not to look at, that will be brought to bear against the Council in the CPO. “GT [Grant Thornton] might want to consider its engagement and reputational risk if under the scrutiny of the independent inspector, it is seen to have conducted a half-baked VFM audit.” The CPO hearing dismissed all of Mr Chris’ claims, exonerating both Mr Wells and the Council’s financial planning.
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
ON THE EDGE Calverley Square will not impinge more than a few yards into the park
Misinformation that has clouded reasons behind new development THE Council say Calverley Square was proposed to address two problems – the fact the ageing Assembly Hall Theatre is no longer fit for purpose, and the Town Hall is also in need of refurbishment and is far too large for the authority’s needs. The move is also addressing a fundamental issue affecting towns up and down the country – with retail in decline, councils need to find other ways of bringing in visitors.
Completion The rent from the office development alone is expected to boost council coffers by around £600,000 a year and will also help address the dire shortage of office space in the town centre. The project will also mean the town will not have to go without a large-scale theatre while the Assembly Hall is being refurbished, which could see an end to local dramatic and musical groups. It will also free up the current civic complex site, allowing its sale, which could boost the
Council’s balance sheet by another £10million. The cost of redeveloping the Town Hall and Assembly Hall Theatre would be at least £50million – money the Council will have to borrow – and the town will be left with a development worth only around £15million. On completion, Calverley Square would leave the Council with around £250million in assets. The project will also save taxpayers around half a million a year in the Assembly Hall Theatre’s subsidy, which last year hit £480,000 and is expected to rise by at least another £100,000 next year. Despite often been claimed it will be in Calverley Grounds, the theatre’s footprint will only impinge a few yards into the listed park. The new theatre is expected to be subsidy free after the first few years, and will attract income generating touring productions, as well as bringing an estimated £35million of additional economic benefits a year to the area. The complex will also help to revitalise the town centre, replace an old car park, and give Calverley Grounds a more atractive entrance.
ONE of the main arguments used against the Council against its plans to build the theatre and civic centre on the edge of Calverley Grounds is a lack of transparency. Following cross-party support on December 6, in which 30 of the 48 councillors in the chamber voted to go ahead with the project, it was unanimously granted planning permission at the Planning Committee in May 2018. Since it was first mooted, Calverley Square has been the subject of 25 formal Council meetings and 35 briefings. In addition, the Council has held more than 100 meetings with businesses, residents and other various stakeholders.
Build it in Dunorlan DESPITE being opposed to Calverley Square because of claims it will damage ‘a grade II listed park’, the only alternative solution for a new theatre and Town Hall proposed by the Alliance is to build the same complex in Dunorlan Park. While the Alliance has argued against every aspect of the Council development proposed for Calverley Grounds, from its economic impact to its environmental footprint, it has admitted the development would be ‘a boon to the town’. Chairman of the Alliance Robert Chris, who lives in a property in Grove Hill house overlooking Calverley Grounds, initially backed the development by saying: “There are good arguments that a new theatre will be a boon to the town.” But he insisted: “Dunorlan Park might be considered … the park alongside Bayhall Road would seem to offer many advantages for a new theatre complex, offering ample space to build the theatre.”
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HULSTA NEO Tall glazed display unit with Illuminated shelves. RRP £4145 YOU PAY £1795
TRADITIONAL BOOKCASE Tall 6 shelf bookcase handmade, painted with distressed finish. AEP £2090 YOU PAY £995
TETBURY TV UNIT Elegant corner TV unit with glazed doors. Painted oak top RRP £599 YOU PAY £279
ITALIAN COLLECTION Dining table etched glass / chrome with 4 x upholstered chairs. RRP £2995 YOU PAY £1499
YOU PAY £6495
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STRESSLESS ARION Large 5 seat recliner corner unit. Adjustable headsets. Paloma leather. RRP £7244
RELYON SCOTNEY 180cm Luxury handmade divan set, zip & link mattress with feature headboard. AEP £19429
LLOYD LOOM EDWARD Pair (2) classic woven dining chairs. RRP £1042 YOU PAY £329
CULINARY CONCEPTS All stock ceiling and wall lights now ½ original price. Eg: Bowler Hat pendant RRP £69.95 YOU PAY £34.95
HUNTINGDON WARDROBE 2 door wardrobe painted finish oak details. RRP £2699 YOU PAY £675
PLUS……. ALL LINENS, LAMPS MIRRORS AND ACCESSORIES PRICED TO GO
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NEWS
Local News
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
F1 ace to head up next year’s soap box charity extravaganza
POLE POSITION Max’s Carlin Motorsport IndyCar A STAR of Formula One is to swap his race car for a less powerful vehicle when he enters next year’s soap box race in Dunorlan Park. Max Chiltern, former F1 driver at Marussia and current US IndyCar racer, will take on the downhill challenge at Crazy Jean’s Soap Box Race. The 28-year-old driver will open the third annual Soap Box race when it returns to Tunbridge Wells on June 27, 2020. The driver, who is from Reigate. told the Times: “Not only am I looking forward to the day itself and helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity but I’m also looking forward to having a go on the track myself. “I had already heard about the Crazy Jean’s Kart Race in Tunbridge Wells so I am really excited to be involved at this
brilliant community event.” The Soap Box challenge sees 50 wacky karts race through Dunorlan Park to raise money for local charity Hospice in the Weald. Entrants to the race receive a basic soapbox, which they can personalise and modify as they like, with previous eye-catching karts inspired by Back to the Future, Despicable Me and Only Fools and Horses. This year’s event raised more than £30,000. Max Chiltern will be joined by local celebrity chef, Rosemary Shrager, who is supporting the event for another year.
Thrilled Event co-founder Nicole Piesse Turner, whose marketing and media company Chatty Hatter hosts the hair-raising event, said they were ‘absolutely thrilled’ to have Max on board as one of their celebrity ambassador for next year’s race at Dunorlan Park. She added: “As an ex Formula One racer and now IndyCar star, he’s a true inspiration on the race track and we hope his support for Crazy Jean’s in turn inspires our local community to get involved in next year’s event, whether it be getting a team together to race a kart or coming along on the day to enjoy the fun.” RACE ACE Max Chiltern
PARKING PILOT Drivers can now park all day on Sunday for £2
Town gets Sunday parking discount as part of bid to boost local economy By Richard Williams PARKING all day in Tunbridge Wells on a Sunday will now only cost motorists £2. Royal Tunbridge Wells Together [RTW Together], the group charged with delivering the Business Improvement District [BID] scheme, has negotiated a three-month discounted parking trial with the Borough Council [TWBC]. RTW Together say from October 6, visitors to the town centre on a Sunday will be charged a flat rate of just £2. This provides a saving of more than £4.00 on a six-hour stay, which currently costs £6.30. One-hour parking will still be available at the current rate of £1.60 (or £1.30 using the app). The scheme is deisgned to encourage visitors to the town and to give businesses and Sunday traders a boost The offer will be available in the six largest Council-run car parks in the town centre: Meadow Road, Linden Park, Major York’s Road, Great Hall Arcade, Crescent Road and Royal Victoria Place. Karen Pengelly, Town Centre Manager at RTW Together, said the initiative will be promoted widely around Kent, Surrey and Sussex with an advertising campaign in magazines, social media and online in an attempt to draw people in.
The campaign will highlight some of the many reasons to visit Royal Tunbridge Wells such as shopping and restaurants and theatre. Mrs Pengelly said: “Royal Tunbridge Wells is a fabulous town to visit and explore. Whether it’s a special occasion Sunday lunch, a browse around some fantastic shops or a matinee at one of our theatres, there are tons of reasons to visit. “This is just the first of many steps that we will be taking to ensure that we promote and support the town centre and all the businesses who have come together to create the Business Improvement District.”
Discussions She continued: “It has taken a lot of discussions and hard work to get to this point so we need to work just as hard to ensure it’s a success and that we drive up our Sunday footfall figures.” Council Leader Alan McDermott added: “The £2 Sunday parking offer in the town’s central car parks is great news and I’m very pleased that we have been able to support Royal Tunbridge Wells Together with this promotion. “Taking advantage of the offer to ‘Linger for Longer’ is an excellent idea and will give people a chance to enjoy the shops and restaurants at a more leisurely pace.”
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Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 – Regulation 18 Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan: Draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) Notice of public participation on the Consultation Draft Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is currently preparing the following documents: • Tunbridge Wells Borough Local Plan – this sets out the Borough Council’s proposed strategy for the future development of the borough, the proposed site allocations that relate to this and the relevant policies against which future development proposals and planning applications will be judged. • Sustainability Appraisal – to qualitatively assess the development proposals in the Local Plan against 19 sustainability objectives. Public consultation begins on Friday 20 September 2019 and runs for six weeks until 5pm on Friday 1 November 2019. The Borough Council will host a series of exhibitions at various locations around the borough during September and October. The dates and venues for these are as follows: DATE
VENUE
Saturday 21 September
Capel Community Centre, Falmouth Place, Five Oak Green TN12
TIME 10am-2pm
6RD Tuesday 24 September
Main Hall, Mascalls School, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood
4.30pm-8pm
TN12 6LT Thursday 26 September
Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Tunbridge Wells (exhibition
12pm-7pm
space on Level 1) Friday 27 September
Vestry Hall, The Old Fire Station, Stone Street, Cranbrook TN17
4pm-7pm
3HF Saturday 28 September
Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Tunbridge Wells (exhibition
10am-3pm
space on Level 1) Monday 30 September
Royal British Legion Unity Hall, High Street, Hawkhurst TN18 4AG
4pm-7pm
Tuesday 1 October
Horsmonden Village Hall, 7 Back Lane, Horsmonden TN12 8LQ
4pm-7pm
Wednesday 2 October
Pembury Village Hall, 49 High Street, Pembury TN2 4PH
4pm-7pm
Thursday 3 October
Main Hall, Mascalls School, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood
4.30pm-8pm
TN12 6LT Friday 4 October
Lamberhurst Village Hall, The Broadway, Lamberhurst TN3 8DA
4pm-7pm
The consultation documents consist of the Draft Local Plan, draft Sustainability Appraisal and response forms, which can be viewed and downloaded, along with the supporting documentation, at www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/localplan, or you can respond directly online at https:// tunbridgewells-consult.objective.co.uk. The documents can also be viewed at the following locations: • Tunbridge Wells Gateway, 8 Grosvenor Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AB. The Gateway is open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday • All libraries in Tunbridge Wells borough. Please check with the particular library for opening times Representations can be returned as follows: 1) By using the online consultation portal at https://tunbridgewells-consult.objective.co.uk 2) By e-mail to localplan@tunbridgewells.gov.uk (using the editable response form) 3) By post to Local Plan, Planning Policy, Planning Services, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Town Hall, Civic Way, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1RS (using a printed response form) Representations must be made in writing (including electronically) and be received no later than 5pm on Friday 1 November 2019 at the addresses specified in (1) to (3) above. All representations made in the above ways will be considered in the preparation of the final, pre-submission Draft Local Plan. For more information, please view the Local Plan web pages at www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/localplan.
10
BUSINESS
Local News
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Careers fair at Childrensalon By Richard Williams ONE of Tunbridge Wells’s largest employers is holding a jobs fair next month as it continues to expand. Childrensalon, the manufacturer and retailer of high-end clothing for children, is hosting the event at its Decimus Park headquarters in October. The designer clothing outlet currently hires around 100 new employees every year to meet the demand of its rapid online expansion. The company sells designer children’s clothing online, with a large proportion of its sales generated outside the UK. “We are growing very rapidly, and with
that growth we continually find that we need to recruit,” explained Denise Hamilton, People Team Director at Childrensalon.
Positions “We have found over the last few years that meeting in person is a great way to get to know candidates. “We normally end up hiring at every career fair we have run so far,” she said. It will be the fifth jobs fair run by the privately-owned company, which has been based in Tunbridge Wells since 1952. It was founded by Sybil Harriman, whose family has the run the business ever since.
Childrensalon now employs 430 people, and the designer-wear business is looking to fill a range of positions. ranging from office cleaners, packers and pickers to buyers, web analysts, Arabicspeaking customer services advisors and phone app developers. “We are a living wage foundation employer and offer excellent benefits,” added Ms Hamilton. The business was recently voted 34th in The Sunday Times Best Companies To Work For list. The jobs fair takes place on Saturday October 12 at 21 Decimus Park, Kingstanding Way, between 11am and 2pm.
Neill Thomas is a partner in Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited. He specialises in employment law and works between his offices in the City and Tunbridge Wells. Each month he will answer readers’ questions. In this article he looks at dyslexia. According to the British Dyslexia Association 10% of the population have dyslexia. That’s equivalent to 6.3 million people, yet it’s surprising to see many employers taking the wrong approach and paying a hefty price in compensation for disability discrimination and adverse publicity. People with dyslexia can be affected mildly or seriously depending on their particular symptoms. As dyslexia is a long-term condition, if it affects a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities it might mean the person may be classed as being disabled within the meaning of the Equality Act. Employers have an obligation to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace to ensure the disabled employee is not disadvantaged because of or due to anything arising from their disability. There are no set reasonable adjustments because every disabled employee’s circumstances are likely to be different. This means that the employer will need to consider a wide variety of factors to ameliorate the disadvantage, including the practicability of making the adjustment. However, just because an adjustment might be expensive or time consuming it does not mean that they will not have to make the adjustment. There are plenty of examples in case law that can be of assistance to employers but involving the employee in the discussion is usually a good starting point as is obtaining advice from an occupational health adviser.
JOBSEEKER A candidate at last year’s career fair
NEWS IN BRIEF
New spinal surgery service TUNBRIDGE WELLS healthcare provider Nuffield Health has introduced a new spinal team. The private hospital’s spinal surgery service is aimed at treating all types of back pain-related problems and conditions. The multidisciplinary team at the Kingswood Road surgery includes two leading neurosurgeons, Gordon Grahovac and Christos Tolias.
Four new trainees at Creaseys AN ACCOUNTANCY practice in Tunbridge Wells has taken on a further four trainees. Graduates Scott Cornes and Angus Wilson, who is from Pembury, and school-leavers Charlie Horsman and Nicky Wilford, a former A level student at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys – have been hired by Creaseys on Mount Ephraim. The company says the trainees will all undergo a solid grounding in accounting, taxation and bookkeeping, leading to qualifications with leading professional bodies.
TRAINEES [L-R] Charlie Horsman, Scott Cornes, Angus Wilson and Nicky Wilford
West Kent Chamber of Commerce and Industry appoints President A TUNBRIDGE WELLS director has been appointed President of the West Kent Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Lynne Gadsden, a Director of Grovewood Wealth Management Ltd, succeeds Gillian Forsyth, who recently stepped down as she has retired from her position as General Manager of Halliwell Care Home in Tunbridge Wells. Mrs Gadsden has been a member of the West Kent Chamber for 15 years, after she and her husband Michael moved their business to the Tunbridge Wells area. “I was very surprised and honoured to have been asked to become President,” she said. “Within my own profession I have succeeded and now hold the highest qualifications in my industry and have 26 years’ experience in my career, but to be asked to take on this role from an organisation outside of our industry was an even bigger accolade.” Jackie Matthias, Chief Executive of West Kent Chamber, added: “We are delighted that Lynne has agreed to be our next President and grateful that she has given up her time to do that. “She is very well known in the business Lynne community locally Gadsden and we know she will work hard.”
In 2016, my firm acted for Meseret Kumlachew in a case against Starbucks. Ms Kumlachew was a part-time barista with dyslexia. She was responsible for recording daily fridge temperatures. The managers were aware she had dyslexia but accused her of making mistakes and falsifying documents. As a result, she was demoted and had her salary cut. The employment tribunal judgment did not make for happy reading for Starbucks’ executives as they were heavily criticised and Ms Kumlachew had an extremely successful outcome. The case was widely reported in the UK press including the BBC news. We regularly advise employees about capability proceedings that have been brought against them only to discover that the employee has dyslexia. Recently, we had a client who had gone through university and obtained a good degree only to find himself in trouble with his first employer. His dyslexia was mild and he did not realise he was affected by it until he had trouble in carrying out instructions from his line manager using notes. When his line manager was not in the office he was not able to ask his manager questions to fully understand the instruction. If you are an employer and the signs are there that an employee is dyslexic, even if they have not been diagnosed, you are deemed to have implied knowledge. The best course would be to ask the employee to undergo a free of charge test available on the internet. This will provide an indication so that a more extensive, determinative test can be undertaken. We have a lot of information on our website www.thomasmansfield.com
Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited First Floor, 121-123 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QG Telephone 01892 337540 London - Sevenoaks - Tunbridge Wells – Tonbridge – Maidstone
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
CooperBurnett advises on Kent care home deal A KENT nursing home group has been sold after the vendor sought advice from a Tunbridge Wells law firm. CooperBurnett acted for Hythe Care Homes in a deal that saw their three care homes, providing 143 bedrooms, sold to Integrum Care Home Group. The the entire issued shareholding of the company changed hands to Integrum for an undisclosed sum on August 23. Victoria Sampson, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial Services at CooperBurnett, said: “Having worked with [Hythe Care Homes owners] Tony and Phil for a number of years now, we know how much they care about their residents.” She continued: “It was important that this deal, while paving the way for their retirement, would also offer residents the ongoing support and caring home they were used to. “With Integrum Group as the buyer, our clients believe this has been achieved.”
Charity Bank seminar A BANK that only lends money to charitable institutions is holding an open day in Tunbridge Wells. The Charity Bank, based in the High Street, Tonbridge, is hosting The Road to Growth event at The Spa Hotel on Mount Ephraim on September 26. Trustees, directors, CEOs and managers of charities, social enterprises and community organisations are invited to the half-day seminar, which includes a series of panel discussions. Further details are available at: go.charitybank.org
Local News
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BUSINESS
11
Local unemployment creeps up despite record in-work figures By Richard Williams THE number of people claiming out of work benefits has crept up in West Kent, despite the UK enjoying record high employment levels. Last week, figures by the Office for National Statistics [ONS] showed the number of people across the UK in work rose by 31,000 to 32.7million in the three months to July. Nationally, unemployment is at its lowest levels in 45 years. The number of people out of work has dropped by 11,000 to 1.29 million over 12 months, with unemployment staying flat at 3.8 per cent.
The South East has seen the biggest rise in employment levels, with 148,000 more people in work across the region than a year ago. Unemployment claims across the South East is down 40,000 from last year to 135,000. Despite this, the ONS said there were concerns that job vacancies were decreasing, especially from small local businesses. Tunbridge Wells may be feeling the pinch from this as official unemployment figures show there are 50 more people out of work compared to 12 months ago. In total, 1,189 people are claiming unemployBUSIER More claims are being made at the local Jobcentre than last year
ment benefit in the borough, which is up 4 per cent on last year. Of these, 143 are in the 18-24 age group, which is an 8 per cent increase in younger claimants. Youth unemployment has risen slightly in Tonbridge & Malling too with nearly 200 under 24s now looking for work. But the total number of people on unemployment benefit is holding steady, with a rise of just 18, or one per cent, on last year’s figure of 1,823. In Sevenoaks, employment figures are even better with numbers falling by 21 for the year, with 985 people now unemployed in the district – 119 below the age of 24.
Opportunities Andrew Holmes, Partnership Manager for the Tonbridge Jobcentre, which serves all of West Kent, said the figures were ‘very good news’ as they continued to show a fall across the area compared to five years ago. He added: “Although there have been small increases compared to this time last year, the labour market locally remains fairly buoyant, with many employers still struggling to fill their job vacancies. “This in turn provides great opportunities for many of the customers that we are supporting.” He went on to say that to address youth unemployment, Tonbridge Jobcentre was working with a recruitment and training company to put together a course for a number of landscaping positions aimed at the younger age bracket. In addition, he said the Jobcentre is also working with ‘a well know fast food chain’ to deliver extra support for 18 to 24 year old claimants.
12
NEWS
Community News
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
NCS teenagers collect 100-plus care packages for homeless By Andy Tong TEENAGERS from the National Citizen Service [NCS] have been raising awareness about homelessness in Tonbridge – and distributing essential supplies to local people. NCS is a government project that gives young people an opportunity to spend four weeks on a programme of activities encouraging social cohesion, social engagement and social mobility. This summer they have also campaigned about mental health, leaving messages of optimism around the town and painting a colourful mural near the railway station. The group, who are affiliated with the Charlton Athletic Community Trust, held a sponsored ‘sit-out’ in Botany, off the High Street. They discussed homelessness with passers-by and collected donations of money to buy MAKE AN IMPACT NCS Team Seven in Tonbridge
items such as non-perishable food, socks and underwear for ‘care packages’. Team leader Emily Phillips said: “We set up a cardboard area space where we made signs with key statistics about homelessness around Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. This is what drew the public to us.
Overwhelming “We advertised that we needed donations including toiletries, shoes and sanitary items. By 12 o’clock we had four full boxes worth of donations and a whole trolley full, too.” She added: “The kids of Team Seven couldn’t believe how the public were responding to us, and the amount of donations we received was overwhelming. The kids also collected sponsorship for sitting out all day. Between them they raised £400, and with the other donations we managed to make 105 care packages. “We managed to distribute a few of them in the town, including a week’s worth of dog food for a homeless man who had a dog.” The rest of the packages went shelters across West Kent, where they will be distributed to the homeless in their care. Emily added: “We are incredibly proud of the team for what they achieved, for their drive, dedication and commitment to making an impact – and they succeeded in doing so.”
GLASS ACT Living Spit perform at The Rose & Crown in Pluckley
Arts Council backs plan to bring culture to more rural audiences A PROJECT to bring plays, poetry and storytelling performances to rural pubs has received over £525,000 from the Arts Council. Inn Crowd was started in 2016 by Applause Rural Touring, based in Southborough, in conjunction with the National Centre for Writing. It offers spoken word performances that have been created specifically for pub audiences and the unique atmosphere and setting. The scheme aims to bring culture to isolated communities, ‘engaging with non-traditional arts audiences’. At the same time, it supports up-and-coming spoken word artists to create, develop and show their work in new areas. The four-year grant of £525,000 for Inn Crowd Pubs+ will allow Applause to form partnerships with six new rural touring schemes all over the country. In addition to pubs, performances will now be staged in new spaces, such as restaurants, social clubs and cafés. Dawn Badland, Director of Applause, said: “Arts Council England’s support to enable us to further develop Inn Crowd as a national model will be very welcome across the rural touring sector as a
whole, and shows their recognition of this ambitious and unique partnership programme.” Andrew James Brown performs with the project, offering a humorous look at the joys of pubs and the people who frequent them. He commented: “Inn Crowd is very important for increasing the audiences for live literature and spoken word. People don’t always live within easy access to a theatre or arts centre, so it’s nice to bring shows to people where they are. Inn Crowd has helped me work with a director to get the arc of the story and to develop it to the next level.” Hedley Swain, South-East Area Director of the Arts Council, said: “Art takes place in a huge range of places, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience something new and different. “Inn Crowd is a great example of this, offering a wonderful opportunity for more people to experience brilliant performances from the comfort of their local pub. I’m excited that we’re able to support this project to work with more pubs across the country and inspire a whole new audience for spoken word performance.” For more information, visit inncrowd.org.uk
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Community News
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NEWS
13
‘I was so fortunate’: Evacuee returns to wartime home people and in a wonderful place,” he said. “When you think of some of the other London kids that were evacuated, they were used as skivvies, where we were treated like young lords, basically. “The Paulings couldn’t have been kinder – truly the loveliest people, who sort of adopted us at a distance. They kept in touch with the boys, and Tony received Christmas cards from both the Paulings and Mrs Pook for 40 years. After moving back to London, Tony worked as an apprentice electrician for the Post Office, did his National Service in Egypt, and then joined the police force. Tragically, his cousin Alan was killed by a flying bomb at the age of 16, after moving back to the capital.
MOVING MOMENT Tony Brady with his daughter Joanne
By Grace Lewis IT WAS a trip down memory lane for Tony Brady when he returned to the house where he lived after he was evacuated from London 80 years ago. Now living in Essex, the 87 year old came back to Pennington Road in Southborough with his daughter Joanne on September 3. He left his family home in Charlton on the day that Germany invaded Poland, September 1 1939, heralding the start of World War Two. “We all went to our local school. From there we were put on a train and taken to the countryside,” he told the Times. “All us evacuees were waiting in a hall when my cousin Alan, who’s three or four years older than me, realised I was there. He had been allocated a place to stay, so he came and grabbed me and took me with him – that’s when I first went to Valley House in Pennington Road.
‘The Paulings couldn’t have been kinder – truly the loveliest people, who sort of adopted us at a distance’ Tony was seven years old at the time, the youngest of seven boys from London who were sent to live with Mr and Mrs Pauling. “I was very well looked after,” he said. “Their house was beautiful – and they had a maid, a cook, two gardeners and an awful lot of money. “A lady from London called Mrs Pook came down to look after us boys in the Oast House, which was originally used for corn, but they made it into living accommodation for us. “We weren’t allowed in the main house as that’s where Mr and Mrs Pauling lived. We were only taken in there occasionally, on holidays.” It was to be a radical change of scenery for the boy from south-east London – and he witnessed first hand the bravery of the Royal Air Force in the skies above Kent. “My house back in London was very urban and city-like with factories all down the road.
Coming to the country was such a shock. “Living in the country was completely different for me. We looked over the Kent valleys and we had a clear view of sky, where we could see the Battle of Britain. “We could see the planes fighting and being shot down, and for young boys I remember it being very exciting to see something like that.” Tony was to spend four years in Southborough, and he was initially homesick, but his parents came down on the train at weekends to visit him. “I was sad to leave home but I was so fortunate with where I ended up, the time passed unbelievably quickly.” “At Christmas time Mr and Mrs Pauling arranged for all our parents to come and sit in their beautiful house and have a Christmas lunch. We were so lucky – Mr and Mrs Pauling had no children of their own and they took great care of us.” He retains fond memories of the experience, but has heard of other evacuees who endured a much more difficult time. “It was just by chance that myself, my cousin and the other boys ended up with such good
LONDON LADS (Back row, L-R) Alan Webster and Peter Cocklin; (seated) Tony Brady and Eric Cocklin
Tom added: “I can’t describe it, but coming back has enabled me to remember so many things I had forgotten. “The estate has altered a bit over the years. A lot of the land must have been sold off – I remember it being an enormous place.” Valley House in Pennington Road is now owned by Alan and Sue Anderson, who invited him to have a look around the residence. “It was so nice going back and meeting people that genuinely loved Valley House – it was such a happy place for me. It had a really positive effect on me.” “I was so fortunate. I am grateful to Southborough for putting up with me. “It must have been overpowering for the local people to have had all these London kids living on top of them.”
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HAPPY PLACE Valley House and its oast house
NEWS
National News
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Lineker volunteers for a BBC pay cut TV PUNDIT and former England captain, Gary Lineker, is volunteering to cut his BBC pay after years of controversy over his salary. The Match of the Day host earns £1.75million a year, making him the broadcaster’s highest earner, according to figures published in July. But Mr Lineker, 58, who is also the face of Walkers crisps, told newspapers he was in talks with BBC bosses about a reduction.
Reductions “I love my job at the BBC and I enjoy doing it,” he said. “I’m currently negotiating a new contract with them and I’m volunteering to take less.” John Humphrys, Huw Edwards, Nicky Campbell and Jeremy Vine are among the big-name BBC stars to have recently taken reductions.
GARY LINEKER
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson’s motive for an ‘exceptionally long’ prorogation was to ‘silence’ Parliament, Supreme Court justices have heard. Lawyers for Gina Miller, who is bringing a challenge over Mr Johnson’s advice to the Queen to suspend Parliament for five weeks, told the UK’s highest court that the Prime Minister’s decision was an ‘unlawful abuse of power’. They also said he has failed to provide a witness statement or any other evidence to explain his decision to the court. During a historic hearing in London yesterday [Tuesday], Mrs Miller’s barrister Lord Pannick QC said: “The exceptional length of the prorogation in this case is strong evidence that the Prime Minister’s motive was to silence Parliament for that period because he sees Parliament as an obstacle to the furtherance of his political aims.” Eleven justices are hearing appeals over three days after two separate challenges brought in England and Scotland over the legality of the prorogation - which resulted in different outcomes. The High Court in London dismissed Mrs Miller’s case, finding that the length of the prorogation was ‘purely political’ and not a matter for the courts.
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5 mins from town centre
A SECOND man has been arrested on suspicion of stealing an 18-carat solid gold toilet from Blenheim Palace valued at around £4.8million. The fully functioning loo, named America and installed for an art exhibition at Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace, was taken during a burglary in the early hours of Saturday, Thames Valley Police said. The force said yesterday [Tuesday] that a 36-year-old man from Cheltenham had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and released under investigation. It follows a 66-year-old man being arrested on suspicion of burglary and released on bail until October 9, it added.
Python star’s anguish SIR Michael Palin believes his good friend Terry Jones no longer recognises him. The Monty Python stars continue to see each other following the writer, director and actor’s dementia diagnosis in 2015. Sir Michael is now concerned that his long-time friend and co-star does not know who he is. Speaking to the Daily Express, he said: “The last time I saw him I don’t think he recognised me. “We knew each other well. It feels like a part of yourself isn’t there anymore.”
Car park mogul dies TRIBUTES have been paid to car park millionaire Sir Donald Gosling, who has died aged 90. The honorary vice-admiral made his fortune as chairman of National Car Parks [NCP].
300+ Children swimming weekly in our new indoor pool
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In Edinburgh, the Court of Session concluded Mr Johnson’s decision was unlawful because it was ‘motivated by the improper purpose’ of frustrating Parliament. Lord Pannick accepted the Prime Minister does have the power to advise the Queen to prorogue Parliament, but argued the length amounts to an abuse of power in the circumstances. Lord Pannick added: “Parliament will be silenced for a substantial part of the period leading up to the deadline of October 31 when issues of grave national importance are being addressed [or not addressed] by the Government.” Mr Johnson advised the Queen on August 28 to prorogue Parliament for five weeks and it was suspended on September 9. The Prime Minster says the five-week suspension is to allow the Government to set out a new legislative agenda in a Queen’s Speech when MPs return to Parliament on October 14. But those challenging his decision argue that it is designed to prevent any parliamentary scrutiny of the UK’s impending exit from the EU on October 31. The court will hear submissions until Thursday, but it is not clear when they will give a ruling.
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
A fifth of Met officers Sooty found in a box is to go under the hammer do not want Tasers THE Metropolitan Police Commissioner has said more officers in Britain’s largest police force will carry a Taser, but 20 per cent do not want to use the stun guns. Dame Cressida Dick said the force has around 6,500 Tasers, up from 4,400 when she became head of the force in 2017, and a further increase will be announced next month.
Powerful
While Met bosses are making more of the devices available, there are no plans to give all officers a Taser, as other forces including Kent, Durham and Northamptonshire have done. Dame Cressida said: “About 20 per cent of my people have said in a survey they don’t really want to carry Taser, thank you very much. “It is a very powerful bit of kit, it is also potentially a very dangerous bit of kit. You’ve got to be a really good decision-maker, you’ve got to be really fit.” Metropolitan Police officers are being given new, longer batons and spit guards as part of moves to improve safety.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Netanyahu seeks fifth term despite indictment
AN ORGINAL Sooty TV puppet is set to fetch thousands at auction, after being in a box for around 40 years. The original TV prop was given to Tina Stewart by her father who had been passed it by the show’s originator, Harry Corbett, in the 1970s. Ms Stewart says she decided to sell the item after it had ‘been sitting in a box for 40 years’. It is to be sold by Derbyshire-based Hansons Auctioneers, which has previously sold two other original Sooty puppets - with one fetching £14,500.
CLEAN SWEEP Sooty could fetch thousands
Stokes condemns Sun’s ‘disgusting’ front page ENGLAND cricket star Ben Stokes has condemned as ‘utterly disgusting’ yesterday’s [Tuesday] front page of The Sun newspaper that reported on a family tragedy from more than 30 years ago. The player said the publication of ‘extremely painful, sensitive and personal details’ about his family would have ‘grave and lifelong consequences’ for his loved ones. In a statement on Twitter, Stokes lambasted the newspaper, accusing it of being focused on ‘chasing sales’ regardless of the impact on his family. In his Twitter post, which has amassed thousands of retweets, likes and supportive comments, Stokes wrote: “Today the Sun has seen fit to publish extremely painful, sensitive and personal details concerning events in the private lives of my family, going back more than 31 years. “It is hard to find words that adequately describe such low and despicable behaviour, disguised as
journalism. I cannot conceive of anything more immoral, heartless or contemptuous to the feelings and circumstances of my family. “For more than three decades, my family has worked hard to deal with the private trauma inevitably associated with these events and has taken great care to keep private what were deeply personal and traumatic events.” A spokeswoman for The Sun said they had ‘huge admiration’ for the cricketer. She added: ‘The Sun has utmost sympathy for Ben Stokes and his mother but it is only right to point out the story was told with the co-operation of a family member who supplied details, provided photographs and posed for pictures. “He [Stokes] was contacted prior to publication and at no stage did he or his representatives ask us not to publish the story.” BEN STOKES
ISRAELIS have begun voting in an unprecedented repeat election which will decide whether long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stays in power despite a looming indictment on corruption charges. Mr Netanyahu, the longest serving leader in Israeli history, is seeking a fourth consecutive term in office, and his fifth overall.
Taliban bombs rally A STICKY bomb attached to a police vehicle has exploded near a campaign rally by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in the country’s northern Parwan province, officials said. At least 24 people were killed in the blast and 31 wounded but the president was safe and unharmed, his campaign said. Hours later, an explosion struck near the US embassy in the capital Kabul, killing another 22. The Taliban claimed responsibility for both attacks.
Algorithm to spot trolls SCIENTISTS have invented a new computer algorithm that can identify Twitter accounts carrying out bullying and troll-like behaviour with 90 per cent accuracy. The machine learning software uses natural language processing and sentiment analysis on tweets to classify them as ‘cyberbullying’ or ‘cyberaggression’. The algorithm has been developed by researchers at Binghamton University in the United States who say their software had 90 per cent accuracy.
THE MEAD SCHOOL R OYA L T U N B R I D G E W E L L S
“We have been impressed by the warm feel and the ethos of encouraging individuality. Staff are genuinely interested in each child.” Mead School parent
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
NEWS IN BRIEF
FAST LANE McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt with the new McLaren GT
Over-priced properties linger longer on market OVER-PRICED properties can languish on the market for around two months longer than homes which have been given a more realistic price tag from the outset, research suggests. Zoopla used its own listing data and final sale prices across England and Wales from the Land Registry to make the findings. Homes were considered over-priced where their original asking price had been reduced at least once - and the average time to sell was compared with homes where sellers had not needed to chop down their asking price. Across England and Wales, over-priced homes took 77 days to sell on average - 58 days longer than the average of 19 days for accurately priced homes.
Ocado’s M&S boost OCADO’S retail business saw sales accelerate in the third quarter as weekly customer orders continued to rise. The results were the first for Ocado Retail, the online grocer’s retail arm created as part of its £750million joint venture with Marks & Spencer. M&S products will be available through Ocado from September 2020. Weekly orders through Ocado rose 12.1 per cent as it was buoyed by increased delivery slots during the period to September 1. Melanie Smith, M&S’s former strategy director who took the reins at the joint venture last month, said the results highlighted Ocado’s ‘resilience’ following the fire at its Andover facility.
McLaren boss warns of ‘very, very serious’ impact of no-deal Brexit THE boss of British supercar manufacturer, McLaren, has warned that Brexit uncertainty just weeks before the Halloween deadline is ‘quite shocking’ and a no-deal exit could have ‘very, very serious’ short-term ramifications. Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive, said the Woking-based business will be able to ‘shake out’ and manage to the new set of rules once known, explaining he has no worries about six to 12 months down the line. But he added the effect of leaving without a deal in the early days could impact upon imports of components, exports of cars, result in concern among EU nationals working for the company, and ultimately ‘could cause disruption for some weeks’. Mr Flewitt highlighted the risks of disturbing the cash flow and employee base of an independent British manufacturer such as McLaren, and appealed for politicians to ‘lead us’ over Brexit.
He said a team of more than 60 people across the company has been working on Brexit planning for some 18 months, with the EU representing about 18 per cent of McLaren’s market once the UK is excluded. Speaking in Saint-Tropez at a test event for the new McLaren GT, Mr Flewitt said: “Are we going to leave at the end of October? I’m not sure I’d take bets on it right now - I really have no idea.” He said it ‘isn’t going to fundamentally undermine’ McLaren if there are tariffs on cars into Europe as he outlined his lack of concern about what happens six to 12 months after a no-deal Brexit. He added: “But on day two and day three if we’re struggling importing parts, if we’re struggling exporting cars, if our employees are really concerned because they don’t know what’s going on, that kind of uncertainty could cause disruption for some weeks - and that’s really not good.”
BUSINESS
Wasteful ‘gas flaring’ could heat all UK homes THE amount of natural gas wasted by being ‘flared’ by 80 different nations around the world has increased 20 per cent in a single year to the highest levels on record, according to new data. Gas flaring is used at oil refineries and processing plants to manage pressure levels, but campaigners are calling for companies to be more responsible in reducing harmful gases into the atmosphere. The value of gas lost to flaring has also increased, by 29 per cent, or by 3.67billion US dollars to 16.4billion dollars [£13.19billion], thanks to the dual effects of the rising price of natural gas and the increased volume of gas flared, research by data analytics business Brainnwave has found. The volume of gas flared rose from 120.6billion cubic metres in 2017 to 145billion cubic metres in 2018 - the highest since records became available in 2012. According to the World Bank, 300 million tonnes of CO2 a year is emitted into the atmosphere. Brainnwave pinpointed gas flaring events throughout the world using night-time satellite imagery from visible infrared radiometer data. That data was then used to measure the volume of gas flared. According to the data, Russia, Iraq, Iran and the US were the four most wasteful nations in 2018, flaring over 70billion cubic metres of natural gas - enough to heat 38 million homes for a year more than all the homes in the UK and Ireland combined. The four countries also flared more gas than the next 30 most wasteful nations combined. Steve Coates, CEO of Brainnwave, said: “Gas flaring is a major environmental issue but it is also a commercial one.” He explained: “There are commercially viable solutions to gas flaring - but they rely on the technology being available and the financial incentives to make sense.”
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Show Homes at Knights Wood a must-see for Tunbridge Wells buyers For buyers searching for their dream home in Tunbridge Wells, a visit to the stunning Show Homes at Dandara’s Knights Wood development is highly recommended. As one of the UK’s largest independent property development companies, Dandara has received over 100 industry awards for design and quality over the past three decades – and visiting Knights Wood, it is easy to see why. Since its launch five years ago, this flagship Dandara development has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations in Tunbridge Wells and continues to attract buyers drawn by its characteristic surroundings. Surrounded by ancient woodland, Knights Wood offers a unique alternative to the hustle and bustle of the town centre, yet is conveniently close enough for residents to still enjoy the best that Tunbridge Wells has to offer. Currently available for viewing seven days a week at Knights Wood are two Show Homes, the threebedroom Admiral and the two-bedroom Regent House apartment. Dandara’s inimitable style is perfectly encapsulated in the design of The Admiral, a spacious, detached property with a car-port and off-road parking, which has clearly been designed with family life very much in mind. Featuring a large bay window to maximise natural light, the Admiral’s living room is a fantastic space to relax and unwind at the end of a busy day. This is complemented by an open-plan kitchen-dining area with French Doors allowing direct access
to the rear garden, plus a downstairs WC, handy utility space and car-port. Upstairs, The Admiral boasts three double bedrooms, two of which have fitted wardrobes. The master bedroom is equipped with an en-suite shower room and its own balcony, and superbly appointed family bathroom which is truly suited to contemporary living. Price available on application. Also at Knights Wood, the two-bedroom show apartment at Regent House enjoys a free-flowing layout, beautiful rooms and a prime location close to Knights Wood’s recently opened village-style Green. With a spacious living/kitchen/dining area, this contemporary apartment is a fusion of clean lines and quality materials. An individually designed kitchen is fitted with integrated appliances from Neff and Bosch, and a private balcony/terrace provides the perfect viewpoint to appreciate Knights Wood’s beautiful setting.
Park House Show Apartment
All the apartments in Regent House and nearby Park House have two bedrooms, with a fitted wardrobe and en-suite to the master, plus a second bathroom off the hallway. An allocated parking space ensures the future owners need not worry about where to leave the car. Apartments start from £275,000 and Penthouses from £555,000. For more details, please call 01892 800580, visit www.dandara.com or drop into the Knights Wood Marketing Suite, which is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.
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Letters
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday September 18 | 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 Stop the pedestrianisation of town and help the drivers out instead
Britain must be player on world stage
The way car drivers are treated in Tunbridge Wells is simply appalling. It is about time our council took its responsibilities seriously and started treating car drivers – often significant ‘tax’ payers – with some respect. The town’s roads are often gridlocked, and the council does absolutely nothing to try and relieve the situation. In fact, in some cases, like the ridiculous lights at the junction of Hall’s Hole Road, Pembury Road and Blackhurst Lane, the council – ably supported by Kent County Council Highways – manage to make a bad situation even worse. Those lights were installed to help school traffic – why then do they operate at night, at weekends and throughout the summer school holidays? Serious efforts need to be made to reduce congestion in and around the town. Bottlenecks need to be identified and plans put in place to tackle them. Until that is done
I voted to join the EU when it was the Common Market. I wasn’t given any opportunity to vote on the enabling measures that saw us join a large political structure in which UK sovereignty became largely abrogated. I understand why the rest of Europe created this: Too many wars that ravaged most of Europe – repeatedly. France wanted to cleave a historically aggressive Germany to its embrace; Germany, wracked by guilt over two terrible wars, was grateful to do so, an attempt to assuage its conscience. The other nations, smaller in every way, were more than happy – indeed grateful – and as net receivers of these two countries’ largesse, why would they not? The two dominant nations shackled to each other in a warm embrace and the rest of Europe stays out of trouble. But that’s Europe, not Britain; Britain’s role has, historically, been to play in the bigger field, the world stage, a singular voice, not one subsumed in an expanding group of 28. I am no Little Englander, I believe in open borders and free trade; the EU is inward-looking. Joseph Hahn Tunbridge Wells
there should be a moratorium on any further pedestrianisations, which are minor, annoying and disruptive, and any further residential developments. Adding more residential capacity to Tunbridge Wells should only ever be considered when linked to significant improvements in infrastructure. We also need much more robust and effective monitoring systems for utility roadworks reinstatements. Most of these end up sinking significantly or failing completely. All reinstatements should be inspected and tested and the utilities held responsible for inadequate works, which is currently not happening. If they can’t get these things right, how are we then expected to trust them [the council] with huge multimillion pound civic investments? Paul Marsden Tunbridge Wells
Civil disobedience is the only way
FOOT THE BILL Creating new pedestrian areas is disruptive
Space for more parking at hospital The hospital at Pembury is a great asset to the local community. Its one weakness is the inadequacy of parking. I recently drove through all the car parks on the surface level and then through the underground one but could not find a space. Emerging from the latter, cars were queuing up the hill. There was no choice but to join the queue. At the back of the site, adjacent to the church, I did find a space. As a disabled person aged 93, I was left with a long walk up. Clearly there is a need for additional parking and a reallocation of more disabled bays closer to the entrance to the hospital. I believe there is a viable solution to the problem. There are several areas, some contiguous to the existing roadways, which could be regraded and paved to provide more parking bays. When making a cost-benefit analysis, allowance should be made for the coincident savings that would accrue to patients and visitors, as well as to the [hospital] Trust. G Plastow Tunbridge Wells Ed Note: There are plans for more parking spaces.
Glad to jump on green bandwagon I apologise to Sam Goodenough if I misunderstood his earlier comments. I’ve discovered research supporting his argument that although the UK has a strong
turbine manufacturing capability employing thousands, we might be better placed to develop the intellectual and project management aspects of the wind power sector. Also, the seismic issues in the Netherlands relate to gas drilling and not fracking (on which the Dutch – like many other countries – have had a moratorium for some years). I stand by my view that fracking is neither costeffective nor safe. Recent reports by Heriot-Watt and Nottingham Universities show that UK shale gas reserves are much less accessible and substantially smaller than previously thought. Also, last week Cuadrilla had to halt drilling following the largest earthquake ever recorded in the Blackpool area. Lastly, Sam might not have made his comment about Greta Thunberg’s homework had he done his homework and found out that she’s actually taking a year out of school. Greta is spending this time speaking to the world’s leaders and media (in a language that is not her mother tongue) at some of the most august institutions on the planet, writing extensively, publishing a book, and inspiring millions of people to do something about the climate crisis. I am happy to climb on to her bandwagon if it means that I am securing a future for my children and grandchildren. Paul Stepto Tonbridge
It may surprise Alexander Magnus [September 4] that even a Leaver such as myself has read Voltaire, and it is not I who is the Dr Pangloss, but rather himself, who clearly uses very thick rose-tinted glasses to view the undemocratic, economically declining EU, run by arrogant and incompetent bureaucrats. Events in Parliament make clear that this country is no longer a democracy, as the majority of MPs now represent only themselves, not their constituents. Accordingly, no laws passed by them possess democratic legitimacy, while any emanating from a Brussels regime rejected by the British people are equally invalid. We therefore have no moral obligation to obey such laws, and any democrat on a jury faced with charges relating to them should vote for acquittal. Civil disobedience, as espoused by Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr, has a proud history, and now remains the only way in which the people can hope to prevail over the establishment. Colin Bullen Via email
Calverley
Observations on life and more important things
TALK about a bad start to your day. Calverley was filling up the Bentley (George had yet another day off) when a builder’s truck pulled up behind and started beeping the horn for Him to hurry up. In frustration, the chap reversed and drove to the next nearest pump without noticing that it was out of order. By now he was clearly not in a good frame of mind and he slammed the truck into reverse again – driving straight into a car pulling in behind him. The last sight of the truck driver was him banging his head on the steering wheel. JOEY ESSEX. Here’s a young man who has made the most of opportunity. He first appeared in the reality show The Only Way is Essex (of course) and has gone on to carve out a name for himself as something of Joey Essex a ‘celebrity’, as is everyone these days who has appeared on the box. This time round, he’s been on the ever popular Celebrity MasterChef series on BBC TV. He commented earlier that he’d like to own his own restaurant, and in his words hopes it has ‘Michigan Stars – is it Michigan?’ Not to worry, Joey, just keep laughing all the way to your bank. SUMMER renters can be a real pain in the asking price. Take the case of Calverley’s friend. He has a lovely gîte in France, and in the kitchen he has an impressive oak table that he built himself. Imagine his horror when a family of Brits arrived and decided to have a barbecue and placed a portable BBQ on top of the table. Matters got even worse when they went to bed and left it alight. “It burned a hole right through the table and ended up on the kitchen floor,” the landlord sobbed. That’ll teach him to rent to Brits.
Who will be representing us next? Am I alone in wondering who our next MP will be? Tom Forrester Tunbridge Wells Thanks for keeping lifeboats afloat The RNLI Royal Tunbridge Wells Branch thanks everyone very much for their generosity at the collection outside Sainsbury’s in Linden Park Road on September 7. A superb total of £955.53 was raised. Thank you, also, to all our dedicated collectors, without whom our collections could not take place, and also to Sainsbury’s for allowing our collections at their store. The RNLI receives no government help and relies entirely on voluntary donations and legacies to raise the approximate £180million needed annually to keep the lifeboats afloat nationwide. Joan Hamilton-Smith RNLI Royal Tunbridge Wells Branch
TALKING of summer (long gone), here’s a chat overheard in Costa. First woman: “You look great, so tanned where have you been?” Second woman: “We went to Florida for two weeks, but I’ll let you into a little secret about the tan.” First: “Go on then.” Second: “Before we went I had some sessions on a sunbed and then did the same thing when we came back.” Really!! FINAL THOUGHT. If they keep putting up the retirement age, who’s going to staff all those charity shops? Bet the clever clogs have not thought that one through. 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 September 18 | 2019
Education
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EDUCATION Times Young lessons in promoting positive mental wellbeing
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Back to School
Dulwich Prep Cranbrook is strengthening its commitment to building emotional resilience for all pupils with the introduction of two new pastoral programmes
I FROM this month, Dulwich Prep Cranbrook is introducing iSpace Wellbeing for children throughout the independent school. A spokesperson said: “This is an exciting, child-friendly approach to starting the conversation about mental health and wellbeing, and has been designed to enable children, parents and teachers to integrate wellbeing into their everyday lives.” The programme will offer strategies and tools to help children and others overcome challenges and to thrive despite setbacks.
Trial “The aim of pastoral care at Dulwich is simple, everything is focused on helping the children believe in themselves in order to flourish in the classroom and thrive as individuals and active members of the school community,” continued the school’s spokesperson. Pupils in Years 7 and Year 8 will be introduced to #iWonder, which will dovetail with the Personal Social Community Health Economic Education
PROMOTING HAPPINESS Headmaster Paul David
curriculum [PSCHEE]. Dulwich Prep is fortunate in being one of the first schools in the country to trial this programme, and an iSpace Wellbeing Co-ordinator has been appointed to enable continuity across the school. The school’s existing partnership with leading children’s mental health charity Place2Be means that conversations around wellbeing, from troubles in the playground to more deepseated issues, take place as a matter of course throughout the school. Therapeutic support is accessible and easily available to the children, and mental health is discussed as readily as physical health. Dulwich Prep’s Headmaster, Mr Paul David, commented: “We pride ourselves on the network of systems in place to ensure that the wellbeing and happiness of our pupils is at the centre of our school. “The introduction of the iSpace Wellbeing and #iWonder programmes is a further commitment to ensuring all our children are equipped with the relevant life skills to develop positive attitudes and embrace and overcome challenges.”
Ms Julie Lodrick Headmistress Kent College Pembury
will confess that I still enjoy the prospect of buying my new stationery for the start of the academic year as much as I did when I was at school. The newness of diaries, pens and pencils gives everyone in a school community the opportunity to make a completely fresh start. The blank pages provide space for us to create an entirely new narrative for the three terms ahead. In my assembly on the first day of term, I shared the stories I had read, and seen at the theatre and cinema over the summer. During the course of the year pupils of all ages will write their own stories across a range of subjects, some fact and some fiction. We learn so much from stories and when we are inspired by a story, it is because it speaks to us, it touches a nerve in us. The storyteller has enveloped us in an experience and we have connected with that experience in some way. Experiences at school are central to the development of each child’s individual story. I asked my pupils in assembly to imagine that it is now the last day of the summer term and what would they want their story to say about the year just passed? What will they have done, learnt and tried for the first time? Furthermore, stories very seldom have just one character in them, so what positive impact do they hope to make on other people’s stories? As teachers and parents we need to encourage children to take as many opportunities as they can, so that at the end of a school year each child has much to tell. As American author Terry Tempest Williams said, stories have the power to create social change and inspire community and, more than ever before, that’s what we need this generation of young people to do.
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Weekly Comment
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Cllr Tom Dawlings Borough Councillor for Benenden & Cranbrook
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Tom Dawlings has served as Borough Councillor for Benenden & Cranbrook since 2014, and joined the Cabinet in May 2019. He is the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance. Tom’s career was spent with the Bank of England working with the Treasury and Foreign Office to freeze assets of rogue states and suspected terrorists.
Can we afford Calverley Square project? Yes! CRUNCH time is approaching for the council’s Calverley Square proposal. The plan adds a new theatre, office block and replacement Town Hall to the edge of Calverley Grounds. It also increases the size of, and number of trees in, the much-loved park. But can we afford it? As the council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance, I have been working through the final numbers as we approach deadline day. Brexit and changes in the economy have certainly affected our plans. Construction costs have risen, but the interest rate at which we can finance the project has fallen sharply. The two have largely balanced each other out, leaving the annual cost unchanged. Construction costs have risen by £18million, although we now expect £8million of external funding to help cover this increase. This leaves us needing to borrow an additional £10million. But the loan can now be borrowed at a rate of 2.15 per cent, substantially below the 2.75 per cent originally budgeted. The total annual loan repayment on the larger loan is £2.8million per year, unchanged from earlier projections. So how will we pay this annual cost? First, the development is going to create new income streams and cost savings for the council
to help to finance itself. Rent from the office development is expected to boost council coffers by £600,000, and a car park under the new office building will bring in a similar amount each year. We will also benefit from having a smaller, low-cost Town Hall that will save money both in utility costs and repair bills.
Financing The new theatre will also save money compared to our existing Assembly Hall. It will attract some of the best touring productions in the world and is expected to run subsidy-free after six years. There is already a long list of major producers keen to visit the new facility. This will lift a financial albatross from around the necks of local taxpayers. Currently we pay a small fortune to keep the ageing Assembly Hall Theatre functioning, with the taxpayer subsidy last year of £480,000. This large and growing liability will disappear once the new theatre is fully operational. The new theatre may even make a profit. Second, the council has implemented some internal cost savings to help pay the financing cost. It is also due to make the final payment on an existing loan in the middle of next year,
AFFORDABLE Calverley Square won’t require tax increases saving £2million per year going forward and freeing up further space in the budget. There are also many indirect financial benefits from the new development. It will bring new employment to the town and will make Tunbridge Wells an even more desirable place to live and work. This, in turn, will boost council revenues as new businesses and people move to the area. So, can we afford Calverley Square? The answer is a firm yes.
The council is confident it can be paid for without any need to cut frontline services or increase Council Tax bills. And the offices and car park will also increase in value, making them valuable assets for the borough. The development will also help to revitalise the town centre and give the local economy a multi-million pound boost every year. This will secure the long-term financial stability of the council and – who knows – may even boost local house prices.
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
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HOME WITH A HOT TUB IN TONBRIDGE
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Living with Greatness on the site of a former mill
A BEAUTIFUL EDWARDIAN PROPERTY
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319 St John’s Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN4 9XE
SUMMER OFFER FREE Quooker Flex Boiling hot tap water with every new kitchen (Ts&Cs apply*)
Innovative Kitchen design with limitless potential Call us now to book your free design appointment 01892 289070 | www.kutchenhause.co.uk
*Quooker Summer Offer Ts&Cs: 1. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. 2. Must be with a complete kitchen including appliances, worktops and units. 3. Only valid until 31/09/19. 4. Can only be used in the Tunbridge Wells store.
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Best property buys for...
The Silkhouse
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…
£425,000
Greatness Mill Court Sevenoaks GUIDE PRICE
CONTACT • Savills, Sevenoaks • 01732 789700 • savills.co.uk A bright and stylish top floor contemporary apartment with a fabulous open-plan living area, attractive communal grounds and the benefit of allocated parking for two cars. The property is also handy for commuters, being located just 0.6 miles from Bat & Ball railway station. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Built in 2017 as part of the popular Greatness Mill development
n Lift and video entry system n Entrance hall with utility cupboard offering space for a tumble dryer, plus an airing cupboard
n Superb triple-aspect, open-plan living/dining room with views from a full-height window which floods the room with light, plus a kitchen area off and a bank of built-in eaves storage
n Master bedroom with built-in wardrobe n Further double bedroom with Velux window and built-in wardrobe
n Villeroy & Boch bathroom with underfloor heating
n Communal grounds n 2 allocated parking spaces n Secure storage facilities on ground floor
The OPEN-PLAN LIVING …
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The PRICE…
The IDYLLIC SETTING…
Siskin Gardens Paddock Wood GUIDE PRICE
£475,000£500,000 CONTACT • Belvoir, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 615333 • belvoir.co.uk This spacious, modern home is a very good buy, and is offered with vacant possession. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Sitting room with with doors to conservatory n Dining room and kitchen n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom n 3 further bedrooms and a shower room n Pretty and practical corner garden
Park Farmhouse
n Driveway and attached double garage
Water Lane, Hawkhurst OFFERS IN EXCESS OF
£995,000
CONTACT • Savills, Cranbrook • 01580 720161 • savills.co.uk (Joint agent with BTF, Ashford)
A stunning Grade II-listed, timber-framed farmhouse dating from the 17th century or earlier, now offering the opportunity for some modest updating. Boasting a wealth of period features, it is set amid lovely gardens in an idyllic location with countryside views all around. MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Entrance hall and central reception hall with
The Laurels Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge
£615,000 CONTACT • Barnes Kingsnorth, Tonbridge • 01732 771616 • bkestateagents.com A spacious, detached cottage-style family home in a convenient location for schools.
wood-burning stove and trap door to cellar
n Drawing/dining room with inglenook fireplace and direct access to terrace
n Kitchen/breakfast/family room with oil-fired Aga and terracotta floor tiles
n Study/home office with wood-burning stove
MAIN POINTS OF INTEREST
n Generous sitting room with double doors to both the dining room and conservatory n Dining room
n 5 double bedrooms
n Light and airy kitchen/family room with Rangemaster cooker and doors to garden
n 2 bathrooms, one en-suite with corner bath
n Conservatory
n Delightful secluded gardens with wide terrace,
n Study
lawns and separate kitchen garden with greenhouse and fruit bushes
n Detached single garage, plus parking area n Workshop/storeroom and log store n In all about 1.12 acres n Cranbrook School catchment area (2019)
n 3 bedrooms (one en suite) and a bathroom n Immaculately landscaped garden with hot tub, greenhouse and shed n Driveway and garage, with door from garage to garden
Connecting people & property, perfectly. Tunbridge Wells TN4 A Regency style semi-detached house built by Berkeley and set within a prestigious gated development.
• • • •
Beautifully appointed accommodation Built in 2016 Landscaped garden and garage Approximately 0.6 mile from mainline station
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Your local expert, Ross Davies, looks forward to helping you. ross.davies@knightfrank.com 01892 310997
Guide price £1,195,000 Freehold
Argos Hill TN6
Tunbridge Wells TN4
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An attractive major portion of a fine Victorian country house with accommodation arranged over three floors. • • •
Communal gardens and grounds Private garage Approximately 1,832 sq ft
An attractive detached Edwardian house in a sought-after location within the town. 3
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Off-road parking South-facing rear garden Access to private Molyneux Park Gardens
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Guide price £450,000 Share of freehold holly.sibley@knightfrank.com
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Guide price £1,695,000 Freehold 01892 310997
ross.davies@knightfrank.com
01892 310997
knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly. All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.
Connecting people & property, perfectly. Frant TN3 Three impressive newly built homes just a mile from Frant village, in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Fully fitted 'Kutchenhaus' kitchens Control4 audio system and gate entry Garages and private parking Further land available by separate negotiation
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Your local expert, Simon Biddulph, looks forward to helping you. simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com
Guide price £1,650,000
01892 310997
- £1,875,000 Freehold
Dormansland RH7
Cranbrook TN17
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A stunning and extremely well-presented detached property on the edge of the villages of Lingfield and Dormansland. • • •
Detached office and garage Close proximity to mainline railway stations Mature south-facing garden
A semi-detached Edwardian family home within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area. 4
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Arranged over three floors Mature garden with paved terrace Tandem garage and off-road parking
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Guide price £900,000 Freehold holly.sibley@knightfrank.com
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Guide price £900,000 Freehold 01892 310997
holly.sibley@knightfrank.com
01892 310997
knightfrank.co.uk Connecting people & property, perfectly. All potential tenants should be advised that, as well as rent and the deposit, an administration fee of £288 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property (if not an AST). (All fees shown are inclusive of VAT.) If the landlord agrees to you having a pet, you may be required to pay a higher deposit (if not an AST) or higher weekly rent (if an AST). Please ask us for more information about other fees that will apply or visit www. knightfrank.co.uk/tenantfees.
bracketts est. 1828
When experience counts...
Tonbridge Asking Price £425,000 Charming 2 Bedroom, 2 bathroom Mews Cottage in the sought after ‘Haydens Mews’ 2 reception, parking and garage. The High Street is within walking distance, local general store nearby. Enclosed Garden. EPC D
Tonbridge Guide Price £745,000 - £765,000 Deceptively Spacious Detached House with annexe potential, excellent location, 1 mile High Street to 1.5 miles High Street, local bus services, shops etc., 4 Bedrooms. 3 bathrooms (2 en-suites), 3 reception, utility, parking, garden. EPC C
Tonbridge Guide Price £800,000 £580,000 -- £850,000 £625,000 Well-presented and extended Detached House, 1.5 miles of the High Street, Substantial Detached 5 bedroom family house, retaining the charm and features of an convenient for schools. 3 Bedrooms, bathrooms, 18ft room, kitchen-family room, 2 store Edwardian home. 3 reception rooms, 2kitchen-breakfast utility, cloakroom, reception, study, utility room, large garden, parking. EPC D rooms, garage, corner plot. EPC E
Groombridge £925,000 A spacious single storey detached residence, with outstanding views to front, set in exclusive development. 2 receptions, sun loggia, conservatory, kit/din room, 2 bath/shower rooms. Garage, delightful rear garden + paddock – total plot 0.75 acre. EPC: C
Pembury £650,000 - £675,000 A light & spacious newly constructed detached bungalow, with luxuriously appointed accommodation, located in private road serving 3 properties. Open plan reception/kit/din room, study/bed 4, 3 beds, 2 full baths. Det garage, level rear garden. EPC:A
Groombridge £1,450 pcm A character Grade II Listed 3 double bedroom house situated in an elevated position overlooking the village green.Attractive terrace to the rear of property + separate designated area of garden with lawn, large shed & additional storage outhouse. EPC: N/A
bracketts.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01892 533733 | tunbridgewells@bracketts.co.uk
Tonbridge 01732 350503 | tonbridge@bracketts.co.uk
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
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Park Road
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AT A GLANCE MOLYNEUX PARK ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Spacious entrance hall with feature fireplace and stained glass window n Kitchen overlooking garden n Utility and drying room with walk-in larder pantry n Sitting room with herringbone wood block floor, open fireplace and bow window n Music room with space for a grand piano, plus French doors to patio n Formal dining room n Snug n Downstairs cloakroom, plus cellar n Master bedroom with luxury en-suite bathroom, plus dressing room n 4 further first floor bedrooms, plus bathroom and shower n Second floor family room leading to bedroom with French doors to balcony offering far-reaching views n Further second floor bedroom, plus bathroom n Secluded landscaped garden with tree house, play house and wild area
Seven-bed Edwardian house with access to Molyneux Park Gardens
n Driveway offering parking for two cars, plus a garage
GUIDE PRICE £1,695,000 CONTACT • Knight Frank, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 515035 • knightfrank.co.uk
The best properties on your doorstep
New Price
Open House This Weekend
New Instruction
Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 000
Capel, Nr Tonbridge TN12
Forest Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2
Immaculate 5 bed family home, semirural, well-placed for schools and commuting, Tonbridge 4 miles, Matfield 2.8 miles, oak-framed garaging/studio, about 4.8 acres inc. paddock, 2,790 sq ft, EPC = D
5 bed family home, chain-free and ready to occupy, extended and updated in 2014, corner plot in popular residential location, mainline station about 1.1 miles, double garage, gardens, 2,449 sq ft, EPC = D
Freehold
Freehold
Guide £1.65 million
New Instruction
Guide £1.2 million
Town Row Green, Rotherfield East Sussex, TN6
Groombridge, East Sussex TN3
OPEN HOUSE 21 SEP Viewings strictly by appointment, character property, unlisted with great potential, 4 beds, 3 receps, landscaped gardens, 3,726 sq ft inc. garage and games room, EPC = E
Attractive modern family home, soughtafter village location, four bedrooms, two receptions, no chain, opportunity to update and extend subject to planning permission, delightful garden, 2,281 sq ft, EPC = D
Freehold
Freehold
Guide £1.15 million
New Price
Guide £825,000
Romford Road, Pembury TN2
Argos Hill, Nr Rotherfield TN6
Substantial 6 bed house on half acre plot with lovely outlook, between Pembury and Matfield, opportunity to remodel and update STPP, mainline station about 4.2 miles, garages and parking, 1,870 sq ft, EPC = E
An impressive 3 bed apartment in an imposing and handsome gated estate, secure 'lock up and leave' opportunity, beautiful communal gardens, garage plus parking, 1,945 sq ft, EPC = D
Freehold
Share of Freehold
Guide £725,000
New Instruction
Guide £700,000
Talk to us today Robert Jacobs Head of Office 01892 507000 rjacobs@savills.com
Natasha Selbie Associate Director 01892 507000 nselbie@savills.com
Becky Card Negotiator 01892 507000 bcard@savills.com
savills.co.uk | savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you?
The best properties on your doorstep
Open House This Weekend
New Instruction
Savills Tunbridge Wells 01892 507 000
Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells Kent, TN3
Balaclava Lane, Wadhurst TN5
OPEN HOUSE 21 SEP Viewings strictly by appointment, 4 bed home in centre of village, opportunity to renovate, convenient for Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and nearby schools, 1,983 sq ft, EPC = E
Immacultately presented 3 bed property with delightful garden, fringes of Wadhurst village, integral garage offering potential subject STPP, MLS about 1.3 miles, 1,314 sq ft, EPC = E
Freehold
Freehold
Guide £725,000
New Instruction
Guide £685,000
Nevill Park, Tunbridge Wells TN4
Delves Avenue, Tunbridge Wells TN2
Characterful 3 bed apartment, desirable location in one of Tunbridge Wells' private 'parks', town and station about 1 mile, communal garden, 2 parking spaces, 1,285 sq ft, EPC = D
Newly renovated 3 bed bungalow, popular residential road, Clarelmont School 0.4 miles, footpath routes to town and station (0.8 miles), south-facing garden, parking, 906 sq ft, EPC = C
Leasehold
Freehold
Guide £625,000
New Instruction
Guide £550,000
Groombridge, East Sussex TN3
Benhall Mill Road Tunbridge Wells TN2
Centre of popular village, beautifully presented 4 bedroom character home, St Thomas's primary school about 0.3 miles by foot, south-facing garden, separate office/studio, 1,327 sq ft, EPC = D
Attractive 3 bedroom cottage, convenient location to the south of town, Tunbridge Wells station about 1.6 miles, driveway parking, pretty courtyard garden, 1,011 sq ft, EPC = D
Freehold
Freehold
Guide £550,000
Guide £525,000
Talk to us today Robert Jacobs Head of Office 01892 507000 rjacobs@savills.com
Natasha Selbie Associate Director 01892 507000 nselbie@savills.com
Becky Card Negotiator 01892 507000 bcard@savills.com
savills.co.uk | savills.co.uk Follow us on what can we do for you?
0333 444 2220
Colebrook House 55 -57 Colebrook Road, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9DP
High Brooms £800,000 A beautifully presented 5 bedroom detached family home with planning permission for a 3 bed detached property.
High Brooms
Guide Price £300,000 - £325,000
Situated within a short walk of High Brooms train station is this 3 bedroom terraced family home offered with no onward chain and perfect also as an investment.
Tunbridge Wells £185,000 Situated in the heart of town within easy reach of local shops, restaurants and the local train station to London. No onward chain.
Chelwood Gate
£900,000
A beautifully presented executive style 5 bedroom, 3 reception room detached family home within a stones throw of Ashdown Forest.
Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £475,000 - £500,000
Chelwood Gate
A beautiful contemporary modern 3 bedroom detached family home within a short walk of the local schools. Offered with no onward chain.
A stunning modernised and extended 5 bedroom detached family home on the doorstep of Ashdown Forest. Viewing Highly Recommended.
£850,000
High Brooms Guide Price £350,000 - £375,000 A well proportioned 3-4 bedroom semi detached family home with ample off road parking and offered with no onward chain.
Tunbridge Wells Guide Price £550,000 - £575,000 A beautifully presented 3 bedroom semi detached family home within walking distance of the local train station.
Southborough
£230,000 - £250,000
A well proportioned 2 double bedroom 1st floor apartment overlooking the common. Offered with no onward chain.
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NORTH TONBRIDGE £329,950 NO ONWARD CHAIN and enjoying a spacious outlook to the front, this well built 1950s home offers family accommodation with potential to update and style into your ideal home. With three bedrooms, two reception rooms, fitted kitchen, family bathroom and secluded gardens to front and rear. EPC: D (Apply Tonbridge)
NORTH TONBRIDGE £575,000 THIS HANDSOME SEMI-DETACHED, PERIOD HOUSE is ideally situated within an easy walk of the High Street & MLS. Along with a wealth of original features it offers excellently presented & spacious accommodation including two reception rooms, stylish kitchen, utility room & cloaks, three bedrooms and contemporary bathroom. Off road parking plus delightful, secluded and generous rear garden. EPC: D (Apply Tonbridge)
PEMBURY £330,000 WOODLAND VIEWS This super mid-terraced home is situated in a popular road in the heart of the village, close by to the primary school. There is driveway parking at the front of the property along with a garage-en-bloc. The accommodation is well-proportioned, comprising: entrance porch and hall with storage cupboards, double aspect sitting/dining room, recently refitted modern kitchen, 3 bedrooms and family bathroom. West-facing rear garden backing on to woodland. EPC: D (Apply Pembury)
Residential Pembury: 01892 822880 Tonbridge: 01732 771616 Sales & Lettings e: pembury@bkea.co.uk e: tonbridge@bkea.co.uk
Lettings: 01732 771616 e: lettings@bkea.co.uk
www.bkestateagents.com
TUNBRIDGE WELLS TN2 5JH
THE WELLINGTON 3 bedroom home from £600,000 available with Help to Buy *
INTERESTED IN SEEING INSIDE? Walk around The Roseate Show Home at our Orchard View development! With a very similar layout to the Wellington, you will be able to get a great feel for this perfect family home at Regency Grange.
Book your appointment this weekend to see inside!
Marketing Suite & Show Home open daily 10am–5pm Regency Grange, Benhall Mill Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5JH
01892 884 513 | countrysideproperties.com/regencygrange
Countryside terms and conditions apply. Computer generated images are indicative only and can be subject to change.Variations to the external design and landscaping may occur. Please check with a Sales Consultant before reservation. Images are indicative only. Prices correct at time of going to print. *Help to Buy: Equity Loan for first time buyers and existing homeowners looking to move – Terms and conditions apply. Contact us for further details. More information can be found on the Help to Buy: Equity Loan at www.helptobuy.gov.uk. September 2019.
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Shaftesbury
Road
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AT A GLANCE
SHAFTESBURY ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Extended, refurbished Victorian home in a popular area of town
n Thoroughly refurbished late Victorian semi-detached property in the St John’s area, including a new Worcester Bosch gas-fired boiler and extended ground floor n Sitting room with low-voltage spotlights, plus a fireplace flanked by alcoves which has a painted surround and mantel, tiled hearth and newlyfitted modern wood-burner n Dining room featuring understairs study recess with fitted desktop and internet and cat 6 connections n Triple-aspect family room, including twin Velux windows and glazed double doors to garden n Kitchen with extensive u-shaped sweep of woodgrain-style work surfaces and coloured resin sink, plus a range of integrated appliances n 2 bedrooms, one with painted fire surround and mantel remaining from former fireplace n Spacious bathroom with curved double-ended bath, shower cubicle with mirror feature, and twin wash basins on a vanity surround n Hatch to loft space n Enclosed south-west facing garden with full-width paved seating area, level lawn with stepping stones, plus further paved/decked area n Timber garden/office/hobby room with glazed double doors, light, power and telephone connections. Also linked to house via cat 6 cabling. n L-shaped driveway providing off-road parking for two to three vehicles
GUIDE PRICE £445,000 CONTACT • Bracketts, Tunbridge Wells • 01892 533733 • bracketts.co.uk
Call 24/7 flyingfishproperties.co.uk | 01892 514 189 challenging pe rc e pt io n
3 Bedroom Barn Conversion, Postern Lane, Tonbridge
5 Bedroom End Terrace, Mill Court, Bidborough
4 Bedroom Detached, Hardinge Avenue, Southborough
Guide Price £1,100,000 206m /2,214ft
Guide Price £895,000 205m / 2,211ft
Guide Price £795,000 179m2/ 1,923ft2
Beautiful 3-bedroom barn conversion with detached studio annex in open countryside setting. This wonderful detached barn conversion is sat proudly within its landscaped gardens occupying an idyllic rural position surrounded by rolling Kent farmland and open countryside.
Substantial stylish 5-bedroom family home in private cul-desac. Set on a quiet private cul-de-sac, this home`s elegant, light filled interior delivers a family friendly contemporary style of living in an idyllic semi-rural setting.
Unique contemporary 4-bedroom family home. Set on a quiet cul-de-sac, with woodland as its backdrop, the smart appearance of this home as you approach is quite modest. Once inside, however, its size and quality are immediately apparent, and its rear leafy views are fabulous.
4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Culverden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells
4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Woodland Way, Bidborough
5 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Wilman Road, Tunbridge Wells
Guide Price £765,000 158m2/ 1,702ft2
Spacious bright 4-bedroom family home. This fantastic family home is set back from its quiet street by a grass verge and a low brick wall that borders its pretty front garden.
Guide Price £700,000 158m2/ 1,697ft2
4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, London Road, Southborough
4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, London Road, Southborough
Guide Price £625,000 139m2/ 1,498ft2
Guide Price £625,000 139m2/ 1,498ft2
2
2
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Guide Price £725,000 142m / 1,529ft 2
Flawlessly designed 3/4-bedroom house. Commanding a prime position on a peaceful cul-de-sac, this smart mews town house is also a stone`s throw from excellent schools, superb transport links and the town centre`s shops and restaurants.
Bedroom Detached, Chafford Lane, Fordcombe Guide Price £660,000 130m / 1,404ft 2
2
Stunning spacious 2/3-bedroom house in idyllic village setting. With glorious panoramic views across the open countryside opposite, this handsome property stands proud in its soughtafter village setting.
Let’s be social: facebook.com/flyingfishproperties
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Stylish contemporary 4-bedroom family home. Set in a popular village location with local shops, restaurants and pubs on your doorstep you also benefit from the tranquil village offerings of the cricket green, woodland walks and open countryside.
FLYING FISH Tunbridge Wells twitter.com/flyingfishuk
Stylish extended 5-bedroom family home. This substantial semidetached house is on a residential road hugely popular with families and professionals alike as it is in walking distance of excellent schools, local amenities and superb transport links.
Stylish contemporary 4-bedroom family home. Set in a popular village location with local shops, restaurants and pubs on your doorstep you also benefit from the tranquil village offerings of the cricket green, woodland walks and open countryside.
Happiness is,
Independent Family Estate Agent 01892 514 189 | flyingfishproperties.co.uk 55 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0PB
Selling or Letting, let us put a smile on your face
Call 24/7 flyingfishproperties.co.uk | 01892 514 189 challenging pe rc e pt io n
4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Elmshurst Gardens, Tonbridge
4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Queens Road, Tunbridge Wells
2 Bedroom Apartment, Penshurst Road, Bidborough
Guide Price £572,500 105m / 1,128ft
Guide Price £540,000 132m2/ 1,421ft2
Guide Price £600,000 145m / 1,562ft
Perfectly positioned 4-bedroom semi-detached Victorian home. This 4-bedroom house sits on the popular Queens Road in the sought after St Johns quarter of Tunbridge Wells. It is a short walk from first class grammar schools and mainline stations making it perfect for families with professional needs.
Simply stunning period 2-bedroom apartment with spectacular views. This elegant two double bedroom luxury apartment forms part of a magnificent Grade II listed Victorian country home which dates back to the 1860s.
4 Bedroom Semi-Detached, Sheffield Road, Southborough
4 Bedroom Terrace, Lower Green Road, Tunbridge Wells
2 Bedroom Apartment, London Road, Tunbridge Wells
Guide Price £450,000 146m / 1,575ft
Guide Price £450,000 96m2/ 1,030ft2
OIEO £500,000 114m2/ 1,227ft2
Charming stylish 4-bedroom home. This charming period home has great views over the green spaces of Rusthall Common and is only a short walk from the local village shops.
Stylish contemporary 2-bedroom apartment in historic building. This elegant apartment, sits on the first floor of an impressive period conversion, which forms part of a Victorian property that dates back to the 1840s.
2 Bedroom Terrace, Castle Street, Southborough
2 Bedroom Terrace, Norton Road, Southborough
1 Bedroom Apartment, Edward Street, Southborough
Castle Street, Southborough - Guide Price £339,950 65m2/ 697ft2
Guide Price £290,000 82m2/ 879ft2
Guide Price £195,000 48m2/ 518ft2
Smart period 2-bedroom house. With period charm and a contemporary feel, this immaculate home is a short walk from local shops, sought after schools and excellent transport links.
Bright newly renovated 1-bedroom apartment. This bright and spacious apartment is ideally located with the mainline station just a short walk away giving fast access into central London in less than an hour. Southborough`s local shops and popular schools are also on its doorstep.
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Spacious bright 4-bedroom family home. This fabulous semidetached house, has been extended and renovated to deliver a luxury family lifestyle, that you could move straight in and enjoy.
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Unique Contemporary 4-bedroom house. A striking mixed exterior of painted render, red brick and zinc with grey aluminium windows makes this home stand out from the crowd, its design delivering space and light in abundance.
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ROUND WOOD IS SPONSORING BENTLEYWOODFAIR 2019 20th – 22nd of September 2019
Round Wood of Mayfield are delighted to announce that they are the headline sponsor of this year’s Bentley Woodfair. The supplier of oak framed buildings, hardwood decking, oak flooring and garden features have been a major exhibitor at the event for well over a decade. The decision to increase their involvement and acquire naming rights came after meeting the new organisers, BEDE Events. Round Wood can already be seen on roadside marketing banners and will have a major presence over the show weekend (20th -22nd September). This will include a large stand featuring oak structures, including a 2-bay oak framed garage that will be offered at a significant discount. The Bentley Woodfair is proud to have gone from strength to strength over the last 23 years. Bentley Woodfair features many timber and craft-focused exhibitors, as well as hosting family-friendly attractions including; falconry, dog and duck (yes duck) obstacle courses, basket-making demonstrations and a new and improved miniature railway. Everyone can enjoy the day out, grab a bite to eat from local vendor’s stalls and shop for bespoke and unique additions to the garden and home. Specialists/Staff members from Round Wood’s Timber, Construction and Garden Features teams will be present at Bentley Woodfair allowing for any queries to be answered then and there whilst you browse amongst their products.
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OPEN HOUSE EVENT
SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER JOIN US BETWEEN 10AM AND 6PM AT OUR OPEN HOUSE EVENT AND BE THE FIRST TO VIEW THE OXLIP; A STUNNING FIVE BEDROOM DETACHED HOME FINISHED WITH A STYLISH SPECIFICATION INCLUDING WINDOW TREATMENTS AND LIGHT FITTINGS. PRICED AT £1,177,000 * Hollyfields is a brand new development by Berkeley, comprising a beautiful collection of three, four and five bedroom homes in Hawkenbury, just minutes from Royal Tunbridge Wells.
TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT PLEASE CALL 01892 886321 OR VISIT HOLLYFIELDS-HAWKENBURY.CO.UK
ALSO AVAILABLE TO VIEW, THREE AND FOUR BEDROOM HOMES FROM £580,000 * www.hollyfields-hawkenbury.co.uk Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies
Photography of Hollyfields is indicative only. *Prices correct at time of printing.
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
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Literary lovers
Read all about an exciting new culture event Page 44
WELLS IN ACTION AGAIN
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PHOTO: Craig Matthews
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Meet the new culture club
The first weekend of October brings the first Penshurst Arts Festival, which will see the likes of writers Daisy Goodwin and Loyd Grossman descending on the village to talk about their love of literature. There’s also live music and stand-up comedy. Here, Eileen Leahy finds out more from the organising committee Please can you give us a brief overview of what the Penshurst Festival is all about? It is about bringing talent across the arts to Penshurst as the evenings draw in, to entertain in an informal and intimate setting. We want to draw visitors to Penshurst, to give them fun, to persuade them to return next year and tell their friends about it. Who came up with the idea? The Friends of Penshurst Church group is the main organiser. It’s a charity that helps look after the wonderful Grade I-listed church in the middle of the village and boost its usage. But there are several other organisations involved, too, particularly Penshurst Place & Gardens – the historic estate at the village’s heart. In the future, though, we hope the festival will be run by a community company reflecting all these contributors. Can you tell us why you decided upon the festival’s theme of Crossing Boundaries? David Lough is the festival’s artistic director – he is an author who lives in Penshurst and was a banker before writing about history, so he’s interested in others who have switched art forms or careers or physical boundaries, such as Loyd Grossman who, as well as writing, has been a TV presenter, most famously on MasterChef. He’s also performed at Glastonbury, is a food entrepreneur and also Chairman of various arts and heritage organisations. Why do you think the festival is something that will benefit the people of Penshurst and the local area? We want to reinforce Penshurst’s
reputation as a home of the creative arts and literature – something which it has been known as for centuries, with Sir Philip Sidney penning his famous poetry here almost 500 years ago. We believe this recognition will turn into more people visiting Penshurst, with a view to putting on more interesting events for residents and visitors spending more time in the village, thus helping to safeguard the historic buildings at its core.
What have been the challenges in setting it up? First time round there have been many, including attracting performers, building a website, establishing ticketing systems and attracting funding. But the biggest challenge for any new event is getting an audience through the doors. You have to do this firstly by building awareness in the local area, then by persuading people to give it a try – i.e. by buying tickets!
How have you found the process of securing big names such as Daisy Goodwin and Loyd Grossman for the bill? David Lough speaks at literary festivals, so he knows authors like Daisy, Loyd, Sonia Purnell and Nicholas Shakespeare, who are all coming along, as well as travel writers Sara Wheeler and Hugh Thomson. Our Festival Director, Helen Winning, has run arts festivals before so she has contacts, for
PICK OF THE PENSHURST FESTIVAL
Daisy
Loyd
Sonia
DAISY GOODWIN – author and TV and film producer (Victoria); Friday evening, 4 October, Penshurst Place Baron’s Hall. Daisy says: “Penshurst is famous in the film world for its Tudor settings. I’m looking forward to bringing a perspective from Victoria’s world to its opening night on October 4th.”
heritage expert; Saturday, October 5, 11.45 am (plus optional lunch), Penshurst Church and The Leicester Arms Hotel Loyd says: “Penshurst has long played a proud part in the country’s literary and artistic history. It’s great that a new festival will celebrate that and I’m looking forward to joining in.”
Sonia says: “Penshurst’s new festival programme sounds different and fun. Leadership is in the news and I’m really looking forward to talking about two contrasting leaders whom I have written about: The notorious Boris Johnson and the lesser known Virginia Hall. Who would you rather have?”
LOYD GROSSMAN – television presenter, gastronomer, musician, writer, arts and
SONIA PURNELL – author and biographer; Saturday, October 5, 2.45 pm Penshurst Church
Tickets for all Penshurst Festival’s events can be bought online at penshurstfestival.co.uk
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
example in the jazz and comedy worlds. And we are working with Tunbridge Wells International Music Festival, who have helped to attract the wonderful Ensemble Frisson, led by the world-class flautist Karen Jones, for our classical concert on the evening of Saturday October 5. The festival also boasts some local writers. Why do you think Penshurst is such a crucible of creative talent? It must be the water as Penshurst is where the Eden and Medway rivers meet! But seriously, who knows? We have five authors living in Penshurst now, plus many musicians, artists and poets. Maybe it’s Penshurst’s unspoiled buildings and beautiful landscape, which boasts the stunning Penshurst Place at its heart, and then of course it is within close reach of London. So, perhaps that’s the creative brew. Tell us a little bit about how the festival will be run, and about
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk the number of different venues you have chosen to host events The festival starts on Friday evening, October 4, and runs until lunchtime on Sunday October 6. We have 12 events, spanning literature, jazz, classical music, stand-up comedy and poetry. We’re using the wonderful Baron’s Hall at Penshurst Place for our opening party and an author event. The Grade I-listed church (which now boasts new facilities after its renovation) hosts more authors and a classical concert. Penshurst Village Hall will host some stand-up comedy, and the Leicester Arms Hotel will be putting on a special jazz supper plus Loyd Grossman’s literary lunch. All the venues are very close together and parking will be easy thanks to space provided by Penshurst Place. And there will be plenty of village eateries, coffee kiosks and pubs open all day. The box office will be open throughout the festival weekend, too.
What else do you hope to achieve with your first festival? We’re aiming to put the event on the cultural map and lay foundations for an event that grows each year in stature, programming and audience. There’s a small village in Cornwall called St Endellion which started a festival 70 years ago. Today it packs out three weeks of events across the year by attracting top musicians and writers and putting them on in relaxed and intimate surroundings. That’s what we would like to reach. How will visitors benefit from going along to the festival? They will enjoy meeting and listening to top and rising talent in intimate settings. For example, we have just signed up Kelly Convey for our late Comedy Nightcap on Saturday evening. She’s fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, and the British Comedy Guide calls her ‘one of the most rapidly rising new comics on the circuit’. You can take in the concert and then see her with Marlon Davis for
Arts & Culture
just £5 – a steal because it includes cheese and cake! And there’s a bar, of course. Visitors this year can also help shape next year’s festival by telling us who or what they’d like to see. The festival is supporting the charity Prison Reading Groups. Why did you choose it? Prison Reading Groups supports nearly 50 voluntary book groups in 30 prisons across the country. These groups meet monthly, choose their books, and a Prison Reading Group volunteer leads the discussion of them. Reading connects prisoners with other prisoners, with their families and with themselves. It’s a wonderfully simple, civilised scheme yet little known, and we thought it deserved to become better known through a partnership with the Penshurst Festival. The Penshurst Festival runs from October 4-6. For more details, visit penshurstfestival.co.uk
Still time for a magical history tour There are just a few days left to explore the hidden historical gems in and around Tunbridge Wells as part of the national Heritage Open Days events, which run until September 22. Local organiser Caroline Auckland (pictured far left) reveals more about what people can enjoy about this fascinating insight into our area… to welcome the Tunbridge Wells Friends (Quaker) Meeting House – a Victorian purpose-built building which was opened in 1894. Also, Rose Hill School is joining Heritage Open Days for the first time, and visitors are able to see exhibits from the school’s archives, including a history of former sites of the school, its magazines, which date back to 1929 and old photos, as well as biographies of famous past students. King Charles the Martyr Church
PIC: David Bartholomew
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together a mixture of heritage and community by promoting free events, talks, walks and tours. Locally, it is run by volunteers who research and promote all the events, sharing the fabulous resources and venues we have in our community. Nationally, this year is the festival’s 25th Anniversary, so we are offering in total 52 events, one for each week of the year. Special places to see include Tudeley Church, which has wonderful memorial windows designed by the great Russian artist Marc Chagall. Hawkenbury Allotments are offering guided walks around the site to provide inspiration in this time of climate change, showing how local people can use the land to grow their own produce. Tunbridge Wells Masonic Hall also opens its doors, giving access to the Temple, which is normally closed to non-members. Freemasons will be on hand to explain and answer any questions on Freemasonry and its 300-year-old history. New for 2019, we are delighted
HOW TO FIND OUT MORE The best way to find out what’s happening where and when is to pick up a Heritage Open Days booklet at Gateway or the area’s libraries and Trinity Theatre. All events are being listed on the Heritage Open Days Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as on the local website: tunbridgewells heritageopendays.org
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Going Out
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
goingout 7 days of activities
By Jerome Bowman
ASTRO-HAUNT See Ridley Scott’s Alien at The Hop Farm
WEDNESDAY Head to The Queen’s Hall Theatre in Cranbrook to see experimental thriller The Guilty, hosted by the Cranbrook Film Society. The Danish film stars Jakob Cedegren as police officer Asger Holm, who has been demoted to answering emergency calls while he awaits trial for the shooting and killing of another man. Asger, confined to the police station, is forced to use others as his eyes and
ears as the severity of a kidnapping crime slowly becomes clearer. Shot in one location in real time and with a limited cast, the film has been critically lauded for its tight performances and intense narrative. To book, you can either purchase tickets as a guest or join the society for the year, so prices vary. For more information, go to cranbrookfilmsociety.org
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
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 awardwinning venue. A 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 also welcome, but no alcohol will be available. For more information, visit twforum.co.uk In space, no one can hear you scream, and the same can be said of your car, so visit The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, this evening to see the seminal 1979 sci-fi flick Alien at their drive-in cinema. In the far reaches of space, the crew of a mining ship are asked to investigate a distress beacon on a mysterious planet. Just in case you have never seen it, the tense and terrifying atmosphere of the film is still unbeatable, as are the performances and iconic set design. Tickets to the drive-in vary in price, depending on whether you would like a seat or a bay for your car, so for more information, go to nightflix.co.uk For something with bass appeal, look no further than The Legend of Barry White at the Assembly Hall Theatre tonight at 7.30pm. Soul singer William Hicks, along with the Supreme Dream Girls and a live string section, will croon his way through The Walrus of Love’s greatest hits, including You’re The First, The Last, My Everything; Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love Babe; and You See The Trouble With Me. Tickets cost £26.25. To book, go online to assembly halltheatre.co.uk ARE YOU JOKING? Neil Delamere at Trinity Theatre
IN GARDENS AT NIGHT II – JUSTIN WEEKS See this work and others at The Fairfax Gallery FRIDAY The Trinity Comedy Club returns to the eponymous theatre tonight at 8pm with a two-act line-up – Steve Gribbin, a Liverpudlian known for his amusing musical satire that promises to pull no punches in a rock ’n’ roll style, and Irish comedian Neil Delamere, whose recent show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has been rated with 5 stars by The Scotsman. Tickets cost £13, or £20 if you would like to eat before the show. For more information, offers and to book, go to trinitytheatre.net SATURDAY If you haven’t already, now is your chance to see a live screening of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag at the Uckfield Picture House. The onewoman show that inspired the hit TV sitcom of the same name tells the story of Fleabag, a neurotic and oversexed owner of a struggling guinea pig café, as she tries to navigate relationships and the rest of her sort-of life. The show has been critically acclaimed for its jagged, ruthless and
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Going Out
PICK OF THE WEEK:
COLD CALLING See The Guilty at The Queen’s Hall Theatre in Cranbrook
The Sevenoaks Young Readers Festival At venues around Sevenoaks Saturday September 21 Returning for its second year, this festival will be a delight for young readers aged seven upwards, with many of their favourite authors appearing in a variety of talks, workshops and activities over the day. incredibly frank style. Tickets cost £18 from picturehouseuckfield.com SUNDAY Half-man, half-machine Thomas the Tank Engine is at The Kent & East Sussex Railway today. On the Day Out with Thomas, you can take unlimited rides on the cheeky steam-powered cyborg himself, as well as seeing re-enactments of FLEA TREATMENT Phoebe Waller-Bridge tells her sort-of life story in Uckfield
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They include former children’s laureate Chris Riddell, known both for his distinctive illustrations as well as his writing, who will be talking about his new fantasy series The Cloud Horse Chronicles. Other highlights include illustrator Chris Mould painting an Iron Giant live on the shop window of the Sevenoaks Bookshop, and presenter Cerrie Burnell and others digging through the stories they wrote as children. Most of the activities are free to attend, but a small number, including the talk with Chris Riddell, cost £6.50. For more information, go to sevenoaksbookshop.co.uk
classic Thomas stories with The Fat Controller. There is also a miniature railway to see and a children’s soft play area. Tickets cost £18 for adults and £13.50 for children at kesr.org.uk MONDAY You can still catch Justin Weeks’ exhibition at The Fairfax Gallery until September 26. Time Is The Name Of The Breeze features 14 new abstract oil paintings by Weeks, exploring themes of emergence, the sub-conscious and ambiguity. Entrance to the gallery is free and paintings are available for purchase. For more information on opening times and other artists at the gallery, you can go online to fairfaxgallery.com TUESDAY Trinity Theatre’s new art exhibition Mixing It Up by Christa Corner and Kate Hasted opens today in its gallery. Christa Corner works primarily in textured hand-made paper and textiles, drawing inspiration from perceptions and emotional reactions to daily life, nature, travel, literature and the human form. Kate Hasted is a textile print designer whose current focus is on water surface printing and repeated patterns. The gallery is open from 10am most days until the theatre closes, and is free to attend. The exhibition will run until October 6. For more information, visit trinitytheatre.net
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Chris Riddell
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Going Out
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 Anna Howie Band, Charlie Rivers, New York’s Finest Taxi Service Friday Soul Kitchen Saturday Hard Lines Sunday Steve Hewitt, Zoe Nicol, Ian Knapp Tuesday The Nate Austin Residency
live music With Paul Dunton
T
his Wednesday night, popular local singer-songwriter Anna Howie headlines at The Grey Lady Music Lounge alongside her band, with support coming from Charlie Rivers and New York’s Finest Taxi Service. Thursday evening sees The Legend of Barry White at The Assembly Hall Theatre, The Soul Train returning to The Pantiles Bandstand and The Forum hosting their popular U18s’ Open Mic night. Some great live music on Friday night includes TW3 at The Bedford Pub, Kris Dollimore at The Nelson arms in Tonbridge, The Johnny Cash Road Show at The Stage Theatre in Sevenoaks. and The Orange Circus Band at St Edith Hall in Kemsing. Saturday night brings yet more
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… paulduntonandguests.com
good outings, including The Sound of Springsteen at Trinity Theatre, Nigel Bagge at The Beau Nash Tavern, Will Whisson at The Royal Oak Pub, Metallica Reloaded at The Forum and Hard Lines at The Grey Lady Music Lounge, Close out the weekend in style with some evening acoustic vibes as local soloist Matt Brooks makes his debut at Verdigris in Tonbridge, and Steve Hewitt, Zoe Nicol and Ian Knapp all perform at The Grey Lady Music Lounge. Looking ahead to next week, The George Pub hosts its TWUNT ukulele jam session on Monday night, and blues fans can enjoy The Robin Bibi Band at The Toad Rock Retreat on the Tunbridge Wells and Rusthall borders on Tuesday evening.
THE ANCHOR INN London Road, Sevenoaks Free entry, music from 8.30pm Wednesday Blues with Bottle presents: Kris Dollimore THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM Tunbridge Wells Common Information and tickets at twforum.co.uk Thursday U18s’ Open Mic Night Saturday Metallica Reloaded (tribute) Sunday Crimson//Chaos, GGP, Pezzhead, Two Sides 8 THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road Thursday The legend of Barry White THE PANTILES BANDSTAND The Pantiles Thursday Soul Train MUSICSTATION Bank Street, Tonbridge Booking essential. For information, call 01732 350629 Thursday & Friday 8pm-9.30pm Adult band workshop, all levels welcome THE STAG THEATRE Sevenoaks High Street Full details and tickets available at stagsevenoaks.co.uk Friday The Johnny Cash Road Show
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Orange Circus Band
THE BEDFORD PUB 2 High Street Free entry. See thebedfordtw.co.uk Friday TW3 ST EDITH HALL High Street, Kemsing Tickets at stedithfolk.co.uk Friday St Edith Folk with The Orange Circus Band TRINITY THEATRE Church Road Details and tickets at trinitytheatre.net Saturday The Sound of Springsteen
THE GEORGE PUB Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8pm Monday TWUNT: Ukulele Jam Session THE TOAD ROCK RETREAT Upper Street Free entry, music from 7pm till 9pm Tuesday Blues with Bottle Presents: The Robin Bibi Band THE PUNCH & JUDY PUB St Stephens Road, Tonbridge Free entry, music from 8pm Tuesday The Steve Eggs Band
THE BEAU NASH TAVERN Mount Ephraim Free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Nigel Bagge THE ROYAL OAK PUB Prospect Road Free entry, music from 8.30pm till close Saturday Will Whisson VERDIGRIS Tonbridge High Street Free entry, music from 6pm Sunday Matt Brooks
Will Whisson
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Come and join us for a day of fun for all ages, from free Classes and prosecco for adults, to soft play créche and face painting for children. Chat with experts from Life Fitness who can answer all your equipment questions and show you around our top of the range equipment. Personal Trainers will be on hand to offer any advice on equipment and training. Sweaty Betty will be here offering 20% off any item in their store.
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Zorba Meze Grill Our capacity has just doubled! This Means You Can Now Book A Table Easily. Private Parties & Functions Available For Hire.
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food
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
All in the best possible taste This weekend Calverley Grounds will be turned into an epicurean emporium thanks to the myriad gourmet goodies on offer at the third Royal Tunbridge Wells Food and Drink Festival. Organiser Steve Wood tells Eileen Leahy why it’s going to be bigger and better than ever
S
INCE 2017, residents and visitors to Tunbridge Wells have had the chance to cherry pick the finest condiments, chutneys, specialist ingredients and tasty treats from both the local area and further afield all in one park – namely Calverley Grounds – thanks to the Royal Tunbridge Wells Food and Drink Festival, which is part of the town’s official month-long celebration of all things gourmet.
‘It really is great for Tunbridge Wells as it now means that many local businesses are on board with it’ Last weekend saw the Harvest Festival market take place on The Pantiles as part of the town’s foodie festivities. It drew huge crowds thanks to the clement weather. So, Steve Wood, who is organising this coming weekend’s market, is hoping that the sun continues to shine. “Last year we had absolutely terrible weather over the two days,
THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS CAKE OFF COMPETITION: With Jo Banks, far right. And this year’s festival is serving up an additional contest – the Pie Off
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Food & Drink
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“From Tunbridge Wells we have great food from the Hotel du Vin, Naked & Ready Foods and drinks supplied by The George and Fuggles. “Jo Banks from Alive With Flavour will also be doing a series of cooking demos and workshops for children.
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HERE TO SERVE! Organiser Steve Wood
Competition
but people still came out in force,” he says. Steve, who has been running Farmers’ Markets in Tonbridge and Aylesford for many years, explains that the idea to do a big epicurean event in Tunbridge Wells came a few years ago. “The Tunbridge Wells Food month idea came about by talking to Royal Tunbridge Wells Together and also Tunbridge Wells Borough Council about me organising a one-off weekend food festival. “They thought it would be a good idea to expand it to include a number of events across the whole town over a month-long period. It really is great for Tunbridge Wells as it now means that many local businesses are on board with it.” Obviously setting up something as big as this meant that there were a few challenges involved. “For the first year, for example, it was a question of getting all the vendors to put their faith in the people of Tunbridge Wells,” continues Steve. “They did, however, come out and support the event, and they continue to do so – whatever the weather!” In terms of this year’s Tunbridge Wells food and drink event, Steve says there is an even
wider range of street food from many more different countries than in previous years, so there really is something for everyone’s taste. “We have a mixture of both local and national stallholders who support the weekend,” he says.
“From further afield in Kent, we have lots of producers bringing their specialities, such as cider, gin, curry, ice cream, beer, biltong and cookies and cakes. “And just across the border from Sussex there will be stallholders showcasing everything from pizza and mead to brownies and wine. “Some of the street food stalls normally trade in the London markets, but very kindly have decided to come to Tunbridge Wells for the weekend.” Another different element to the event this year is the introduction of a new competition visitors to the foodie extravaganza can get involved in. “Every year we have run the Tunbridge Wells Cake Off competition, but this year we are doing something just a little bit different by running
the Cake Off on Saturday and then a new Pie Off on the Sunday,” explains Steve. So if you want to be in with a chance of winning get practising your bakes now! And finally, what does Steve think visitors to the fair will enjoy most about it? “Well, I’d say that apart from all the delicious food, it’s good to know we cap the hot food stalls at a charge of no more than £4 a portion, making the whole event fairly priced and giving people the chance to sample a global tasting menu.” It’s also very rare to get an event that is free to enter with so much going on and plenty to savour, so if you’ve never been then why not head down to Calverley Grounds this weekend and see – and taste – for yourself?
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Books
The bookcase… This week’s bookcase includes reviews of The Testaments by Margaret Atwood and Nothing Ventured by Jeffrey Archer
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
9/10
Published in hardback by Chatto & Windus, priced £20 (ebook £9.99) Few books are so hyped, so awaited and so timely. More than 30 years have passed since The Handmaid’s Tale was published – Margaret Atwood’s seminal work that introduced us to Gilead in the US at a time when religious reforms saw the controlling of the rights and bodies of women. The Testaments is set around 15 years after The Handmaid’s Tale left off, and is structured as a series of reports from three women: Two young and still discovering what being a woman in this age means, and one old, who knows exactly what it entails, and will do anything to make sure the system doesn’t crush her. Atwood draws sinister parallels with politics today, particularly Trump’s America. She reminds you balances can shift and leave truths you once relied on shattered and broken. And worst of all, that it’s our nature to always realise too late what has for some time been signposted. Terrifying, rage-inducing and utterly gripping (Review by Ella Walker)
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
The Second Sleep by Robert Harris
Published in hardback by Hutchinson, priced £20 (ebook £9.99) What’s better than a thriller that gets your blood pumping? If your answer to this is a tale that will keep your brain engaged hours after the adrenaline has worn off, then Robert Harris’s latest novel is for you. Set in 1468, this dystopian story follows an investigation into a remote village by a young priest whose discoveries leave him questioning humanity, civilisation, and even the date itself. Harris’s latest work intelligently warps historical fiction – a genre he’s stamped his name on – and tackles issues of religion, science and the apocalypse in the process. As he flexes the ample muscle of his imagination, you will be left pondering as often as you are page-turning. (Review by Edd Dracott)
8/10
Nothing Ventured by Jeffrey Archer
7/10
Published in hardback by Macmillan, priced £20 (ebook £9.99) As Jeffrey Archer books go, Nothing Ventured is a classic of the genre: A rollicking read filled with aspirational underdogs, suave sophisticates, and fractious family intrigue. In this spiritual if not direct successor to the bestselling Clifton Chronicles, our new hero is William Warwick, a fresh-faced graduate intent on joining the Met and taking down the same crooks his barrister father sets free. In the first of a series of criminal capers set to feature the fledgling detective as he rises through the ranks of Scotland Yard, Warwick and his pals must unpack the mystery of a missing Rembrandt (pilfered from the rather gratuitously named ‘Fitzmolean Museum’) amid a cast of classic Archer characters rendered with almost Wodehousian charm. The prolific peer-turned-convict-turned-author has always been a far better storyteller than writer, and his boundless imagination is only occasionally let down by clunky dialogue. The plot moves at breakneck speed, and 320-odd pages pass in a trice. (Review by Luke Rix-Standing)
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk NON-FICTION
My Last Supper: One Meal, A Lifetime In The Making by Jay Rayner
8/10
Published in hardback by Faber & Faber, priced £16.99 (ebook £12.99) Food critic, radio presenter and MasterChef judge Jay Rayner makes a very valid point with this memoir-menu hybrid – why should our perfect imaginary last supper be a) imaginary, and b) devoured on the eve of us leaving this life? How morbid, how unappetising. And so this CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW
My Hair by Hannah Lee, illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan
Published in paperback by Faber & Faber, priced £6.99 (ebook £4.68) My Hair is the story book debut for writer Hannah Lee and illustrator Allen Fatimaharan and tells the tale of a little girl’s search for the perfect party hairstyle. The story captures the excitement of preparing for a birthday down to the last detail, and the hairstyles of friends and family are explored and celebrated from dreadlocks to bantu
7/10
Books
tracks his endeavours to define, and then serve, his ultimate final feast. He treks to Paris for snails and the wilds of south London for the most accomplished of chips, and is very open about his heinous sparkling water habit. It is gluttonous, frank, full of feeling, memories and bound with music (Rayner is also a jazz musician). Undoubtedly, it will have you considering your own tastes then feverishly scribbling down your own last triumphant meal. Raynor is a Marmite kinda guy, but you can’t but appreciate his commitment to being well fed. (Review by Ella Walker) knots. The author’s love of her own black hair shines through. The book is visually splendid, but it is a shame more time wasn’t spent making the words flow as well. (Review by Sue Barraclough)
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BOOK CHARTS HARDBACKS 1. Veg: Easy and Delicious Meals for Everyone by Jamie Oliver 2. The Fear Bubble by Ant Middleton 3. The Second Sleep by Robert Harris 4. The World’s Worst Teachers by David Walliams 5. Nothing Ventured by Jeffrey Archer 6. Darkdawn: The Nevernight Chronicle by Jay Kristoff 7. The Smeds And The Smoos by Julia Donaldson 8. Tidelands by Philippa Gregory 9. An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley 10. Dog Man 7: For Whom the Ball Rolls by Dav Pilkey PAPERBACKS 1. Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield 2. The Wych Elm by Tana French 3. The Uninhabitable Earth: A Story Of The Future by David Wallace-Wells 4. I, Cosmo by Carli Sorosiak 5. No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg 6. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood 7. Mythos by Stephen Fry 8. Normal People by Sally Rooney 9. This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay 10. Heroes by Stephen Fry (Compiled by Waterstones) EBOOKS 1. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood 2. Quantum by Patricia Cornwell 3. The Man Who Didn’t Call by Rosie Walsh 4. Maybe This Time by Jill Mansell 5. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood 6. Bring Them Home by D.S. Butler 7. The Holiday by T.M. Logan 8. You Then, Me Now by Nick Alexander 9. Start With Why by Simon Sine 10. Ottolenghi SIMPLE by Yotam Ottolenghi (Compiled by Amazon)
Life&Times
travel
54
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk Travel Advertorial
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Lap up the allure of the Med aboard the ultimate ship… Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas has had an amazing makeover, and is ready to take you on a voyage of discovery...
MARVELLOUS MARSEILLE Full of artistic wonders
A TOUCH OF PARADISE in Palma
W
ITH Royal Caribbean, in partnership with Baldwins Travel, you can now experience a wonderful seven-night cruise of the Western Mediterranean on board the outstanding Allure of the Seas – plus enjoy exclusive added extras as part of this fabulous Cruise & Stay package. First, soak up the buzzing atmosphere of Las Ramblas, explore Gaudi’s eye-popping architecture, and tempt your taste buds on a tapas tour during a three-night stay in Barcelona. You’ll be treated like royalty, choosing from one of Baldwins Travel’s three partnered hotels, including W Hotel, located on the Nova Bocana of the Port of Barcelona, which connects the city’s historical centre to the Mediterranean. The hotel has direct beach access at the entrance to the boardwalk La Barceloneta. Designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill, it will provide a contemporary lifestyle experience with a complete range of services, such as an SPA centre, a restaurant with unparalleled views of the Barcelona shoreline, and a sleek rooftop bar from London-based nightlife gurus. You’ll then set sail on board the recently revitalised Allure of the Seas for the fabulous seven-night cruise. Enjoy spectacular entertainment, mouthwatering cuisine and the convenience of high-speed VOOM Surf Internet at sea. Discover Palma, with its beautiful beaches, and the heavenly lavender fields of Provence. Be blown away by Renaissance treasures in Florence, as well as Rome’s mighty Colosseum and the awe-inspiring ruins of Pompeii. DEPARTURE PORT: BARCELONA, SPAIN See and be seen in bustling Las Ramblas, where the shops and street performers will catch your eye. See the colourful
Julius Caesar
creations of celebrated architect Antoni Gaudi, including La Sagrada Familia, Casa Vicens and Parc Guell. Take a trip to Camp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona, or jog, cycle or stroll on the city’s fine beaches. For pleasure seekers, there’s thriving nightlife and brilliant dining in Barcelona, too. PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN Flirt with Flamenco in this beautiful town, the capital of Mallorca. Try tapas or wine-tasting or explore the city by bike with an expert guide. Be inspired by the magnificent Santa María Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic landmark overlooking the Bay of Palma, or visit the Almudaina, a Moorishstyle Arab fortress, or medieval Bellver Castle. You can also go swimming, sailing, diving or snorkelling. MARSEILLE, FRANCE Feel the vibe in dynamic Marseille, a cosmopolitan port steeped in 1,500 years of history and trade. A European Capital of Culture in 2013, it has many historic buildings and smart new museums and galleries, such as Mucem and Villa Méditerranée. Discover the delights of the old fishing port, with its fishing boats, pleasure craft and bustling shops, bars and cafés, or for adventure go snorkelling or diving. FLORENCE/PISA (LA SPEZIA), ITALY Bask on the beach at Viareggio, explore Lucca’s charming streets, or indulge in delicious Tuscan cuisine. Marvel at Pisa’s famous toppling tower or wonder at the breathtaking artistic treasures of Renaissance Florence. Visit the Cinque Terre to see picturesque villages clinging to the cliffs on the Ligurian coast, or for exhilarating fun, traverse the treetops at the Val di Vara Aerial Forest Adventure Park. ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), ITALY Follow in the steps of gladiators in the Colosseum, make a splash in the
FOR EVEN MORE NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Travel Advertorial
SAIL THE MEDITERRANEAN On the Allure of the Seas Trevi Fountain, or explore the stunning architecture of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. In Rome you can lose yourself in fascinating history, shop for gorgeous fashions in exquisite boutiques, or savour the delights of pizza, cappuccino or gelato. With numerous galleries, gardens and piazzas (ideal for people watching), you’ll find plenty to do. NAPLES, ITALY Smile – you’re in the unmissable capital of Campania. Whizz on a zip-line over a 16th-century reservoir, or hike around the rim of scary Mount Vesuvius. Sample limoncello liqueur, salami or fresh mozzarella, and explore dramatic Pompeii and stunning Sorrento. In Naples itself, discover the Royal Palace, the San Carlo Opera House and the Duomo cathedral. AT SEA ON BOARD ALLURE OF THE SEAS Allure of the Seas® is back in Barcelona after an irresistible makeover and ready to whisk you away on the ultimate European family holiday. Brave the tallest slide at sea, the
Ultimate AbyssSM, or slip down the wildest waterslide trio, the Perfect StormSM. Enjoy some well-deserved ‘us-time’ as your children revel in unlimited fun and games at Adventure Ocean®. Not only that, with the Allure of the Seas’ new makeover you can now enjoy six new activities, five new entertainment venues and four new dining experiences. Unwind in the Music Hall with live music acts, have a cocktail in The Lime and Coconut, or leap forward in time and be served by Royal Caribbean’s Bionic Bar. Don’t miss out on tantalising your taste buds in the new dining venues – Portside BBQ, El Loco Fresh, and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar. RETURN TO BARCELONA FOR YOUR FLIGHT HOME With everything organised for you in one simple booking, including flights, transfers, tours and hotel, it couldn’t be easier. Just speak to your Baldwins Travel Advisor today to find out more.
THE NEWLY AMPLIFIED BARCELONA • SUMMER 2020
TOTAL TEMPTATION To discover more please contact your local Baldwins Travel branch
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01892 511999 01273 472466 01732 458255 01732 351223
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baldwinstravel.co.uk
01580 714411 01622 762141 01580 764344 01825 760488
THE BEAUTY OF BARCELONA The starting point for your cruise…
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Motors
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Motoring News Iconic Defender returns
AFTER years of concepts, rumours, teaser images and countless leaks, Land Rover has at last revealed the new Defender. The original Defender went out of production in 2016, with a dedicated off-roader-sized gap in the British firm’s line-up since then. The new version is instantly recognisable thanks to its boxy silhouette. But its design takes on a modern look, with enclosed LED headlights, softer details and a distinctive rear light design. Underpinning the off-roader is a new ‘D7x’ platform, which Land Rover says is three times stiffer than traditional body-onframe chassis set-ups. A spartan approach is taken inside the car, with structural elements exposed to showcase its rugged roots and rubberised flooring.
Available in short-wheelbase 90 or long-wheelbase 110 guises, the British off-roader is capable of seating seven in its largest form (six in the 90). Those looking for an open-air experience can opt for a fabric roof, too. Powertrain choices at launch consist of two petrol options – a six-cylinder and four-cylinder – along with two four-cylinder diesels. Petrol offerings also utilise mild-hybrid technology, with a plug-in hybrid unit set to join the range next year. Five trims will be offered – S, SE, HSE, First Edition and Defender X. Pricing starts at £45,240 for 110 models. Order books are set to open imminently, with the first deliveries expected in December.
Wednesday September 18 | 2019
This week… n New Land Rover n Classic Bentley n A trio of Merc
BLAST FROM THE PAST Recreating the Bentley Blower racing car
Bentley to revive classic Blower in a new continuation project BENTLEY is the latest firm to recreate one of its past icons, announcing plans to build 12 new examples of its famous 4.5-litre ‘Blower’. Originally produced in the late 1920s for racing driver Sir Tim Birkin, just four examples of the 4.5-litre were built. One example, produced in 1929, saw action at Le Mans that same year. It’s this particular car that will serve as the inspiration for the 12 new recreations of the Blower – pegged at this figure to commemorate the total number of races a ‘Blower’ entered. As part of the design process, the original car will be disassembled by Bentley, with each individual part then catalogued and scanned in 3D in order to create a digital model. The firm will also be using
original moulds and tools alongside modern production methods to produce 12 identical sets of parts before assembly. Bentley says the reproduced examples will be almost identical to the original car, with minor changes made to address safety concerns. The firm’s custom projects arm, Mulliner, will be handling the project with a twoyear production run planned. Pricing is said to be ‘on application’. Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive Adrian Hallmark said: “As we continue to commemorate 100 years of Bentley, we are combining a look to our past with the very latest digital technologies and techniques to create something truly extraordinary. “The four Team Blowers are the most valuable Bentleys in the world.”
Drivers avoid smart hard shoulders…
MORE than half of UK motorists admit to avoiding the hard shoulders of smart motorways when they are open to traffic. In a survey of more than 2,000 UK drivers, 56% admitted to avoiding these hard shoulders at some point, even if signs said they were open for use. Almost a third of those surveyed said they did so because they weren’t sure when to use it, while a quarter said that they were concerned that a stationary vehicle could be ahead. Around 14% also said they wanted to drive in other lanes so that they had an ‘escape lane’. Roger Griggs, Communications Director of Kwik Fit, the firm behind the survey, said: “These findings reflect the concerns and uncertainty that many drivers have when driving on smart motorways. “It’s clear that if many drivers are avoiding using the hard shoulder when it’s open, then the extra capacity which smart motorways are designed to provide is not being utilised properly and we will end up being in a worse position than with the original road layout. “It is vital that there is a nationwide information campaign to ensure that drivers fully understand when they can and cannot use the hard shoulder if smart motorways are to be accepted by drivers and provide a way to ease congestion – something we need desperately.” The survey also highlighted a general confusion about using smart motorways.
“We use both focused and radial shockwave machines to give the best results”
“Focused shockwaves offer a smaller focal point than radial shockwave products and can precisely target specific areas of the body”
58
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Recruitment
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
WITH THE
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST-READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
CLAYGATE HEATING & RENEWABLES LTD IS RECRUITING! 2 Vacancies for Qualified and Experienced Heating & Plumbing Engineers, Kent & Sussex area Must be: • GasSafe registered • OFTEC registered • Commercially qualified (preferred but not essential) You will be able to: • Carry out installation and servicing work in all types of properties • Work on your own initiative and manage your own day to day workload • Be accountable, and a good communicator • Be enthusiastic, and a team player • Competently complete all necessary paperwork • Successfully complete a 3-month trial period Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Sept/Oct 2019 start date preferable.
Architectural Assistant / Technician Vacancy Coleman Anderson Architects are recruiting for an Architectural Technician / Assistant to join their dynamic team in the Tunbridge Wells office. Full-time or Part-time Employment options available. Knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit is essential. 5 years minimum working experience. The right applicant will be well organised, enthusiastic and fit in well with our existing team. In return you will receive a competitive salary, job satisfaction and other job perks. If you meet the above criteria please contact us at info@colemananderson.co.uk / 01892 537124
For an application form, please call Claygate on 01892 730 620 or email: office@claygate.net
COME AND JOIN OUR TEAM in HOOPERS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS We have GREAT opportunities for the following: *Experienced hair stylists *Front of house / receptionists *Qualified beauty therapists WE CAN OFFER *Competitive guaranteed salary *On going training to enhance your skills *NO LATE NIGHTS or SUNDAY working Please call Kimberley 07786 150267 or email kimberley@greathairdressing.com
Site Team Manager Starting salary KR11 £39,665 Reporting to School Business Manager
Site Team Member Starting salary KR6 £20,744 Reporting to Site Team Manager
We are looking to appoint a skilled and experienced individual to join our successful, expanding school. The Site Team Manager will be responsible for all aspects of site management, including line management of our site team. They will work alongside the team overseeing their work, improving their efficiency, manage projects, including our current new build. They will plan, implement and oversee a rolling programme of improvements to the school, within an agreed budget, in conjunction with the Headteacher and School Business Manager. This role is full time, 37 hours per week, 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year, expected to be 7:30-4:00 daily (one day to 3:30) to include one hour for lunch unpaid. 27 days holiday per annum. To be mutually agreed with Headteacher and School Business Manager. Some flexibility needed to meet demands of the site. For application form and further details, please visit our website: www.bennettmemorial.co.uk Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the post before applying, please do not hesitate to contact our HR Department on 01892 774615. Applications should be submitted on the correct Application Form, CVs will not be accepted. Completed Application Forms should be sent via email recruitment@bennett.kent.sch.uk or posted to HR Department, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells,
We are looking to appoint a Site Team Member to join Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, a large secondary school in Tunbridge Wells. The successful candidate is likely to have previous experience of building maintenance. The role includes, as part of a team, responsibility for site security and safety, cleanliness and general maintenance of the site as well as record keeping, and statutory testing and recording. We are seeking applicants that can act on their own initiative, deal with any unexpected problems that may arise, and willing to learn on the job. This role is full time, 37 hours a week, 5 days per week, expected to be 10am until 6pm (one day until 5.30pm) to include one hour for lunch unpaid. 25 days holiday Some flexibility needed to meet demands of the site. For application form and further details, please visit our website: www.bennettmemorial.co.uk Should you wish to discuss any aspect of the post before applying, please do not hesitate to contact our HR Department on 01892 774615. Applications should be submitted on the correct Application Form, CVs will not be accepted. Completed Application Forms should be sent via email recruitment@bennett.kent.sch.uk or posted to HR Department, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells,
Kent TN4 9SH.
Kent TN4 9SH.
CLOSING DATE : 12PM ON FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2019
CLOSING DATE : 12PM ON FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2019
The Tenax Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to vetting checks and a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS GIRLS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL
School Business Manager required January 2020 Located in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Mead is co-educational, ages 3 to 11. The Mead School is part of the Wishford Schools Group. We are seeking to appoint a Business Manager who will help lead the strategic, financial, estates and operational management of the School and play an integral role in developing the School’s vision within the Wishford Group as it builds on recent investment and continues to flourish. We are looking for someone with energy, authority and empathy. A person with a ‘can do’ flexible attitude, who can connect with and inspire colleagues, with excellent managerial, IT, interpersonal and communication skills, good attention to detail and the ability to lead by example with honesty and integrity when dealing with the school community. Furthermore, this candidate will have a clear sense of ethics and vision in line with the School’s values and the Head.
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School would like to warmly welcome prospective parents and their daughters to join us at one of our Open Events. There is no better way to appreciate the special community feel of TWGGS than by visiting the school, and the best way to do so is at an open event, where both staff and current pupils have the time and opportunity to speak with you directly. There is no need to book.
Open Events 2019
Year 5 and 6 Open Evening Thursday 26th September 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Headteacher speaks at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Year 5 and 6 Open Mornings
Wednesday 16th October & Monday 28th October 11:00 am to 12:30 pm Headteacher speaks at 12 noon Please note: there is no parking on the school site. We very much look forward to meeting you.
A candidate pack and application form are available from the school. Please contact the Business Manager, The Mead School, 16 Frant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5SN (01892 525837) or manager@themeadschool.co.uk. The closing date for all applications is Monday 7th October 2019. The successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. The Mead School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Telephone: 01892 520902 | Email: admin@twggs.kent.sch.uk Website: www.twggs.kent.sch.uk
Recruiting Now
Set in beautiful countryside, just a ten minute drive from the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Salomons Estate represents the true beauty of Kent itself. It combines a picturesque setting with comprehensive conferencing facilities, fabulous function rooms and one of the best and most affordable wedding venues in Tunbridge Wells. Salomons Estate offers quality accommodation and luxury bedrooms in addition to Salomons Pub & Dining Rooms; an eclectic pub/restaurant offering the best in locally-sourced produce where possible. We are looking for passionate individuals to provide our guests and clients with an unforgettable experience. Available positions in Salomons Estate: Restaurant and Conferencing Supervisor Housekeeper Reservations Coordinator
One Warwick Park Hotel Composed of thirty nine rooms and suites and a range of entertainment spaces, One Warwick Park Hotel brings a luxury guest experience to the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells’ in Kent. Right next to the famous Pantiles area and only a few minutes from Tunbridge Wells train station, the hotel is perfectly located for enjoying all the activities that this beautiful Kentish town and its surrounding countryside has to offer. Guests can expect a personalised welcome, knowledgeable and well-presented staff, a perfect setting for dining and unwinding in our restaurant and bar, multi-purpose event spaces for weddings and conferences, a unique underground art gallery, and bedrooms where relaxation and style are the priorities. We are looking for enthusiastic personalities to provide an exceptional customer experience for our guests. Available positions in One Warwick Park Hotel: Receptionist Concierge Housekeeper Housekeeping Supervisor Reservations Coordinator
SEVENTEEN Restaurant at One Warwick Park We are looking for talented individuals to join the team at SEVENTEEN Restaurant at One Warwick Park. We take British dishes and ingredients and revitalise them using flavours and influences from around the world, modern cooking techniques and seasonality and presentation. With the restaurant sourcing local produce, our menu is driven by the freshest and most seasonal ingredients, which can be enjoyed in our elegant restaurant featuring a stunning double height glass atrium - eating at SEVENTEEN will always be a pleasure. Available positions within SEVENTEEN Restaurant Sous Chef Junior Sous Chef Chef de Partie Commis Chef F&B Assistant Kitchen Porter
To find out more, please visit our careers page at http://www.markerstudygroup.com/careers or contact us on: Email address: TalentAcquisition@markerstudy.com Telephone: 01892 553384
CODEWORD 4
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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.
9
2 8
5 3
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To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
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Codeword:
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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DIFFICULTY RATING:★★✩✩
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★✩
CLASSIFIEDS
Life&Times
Puzzles
In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely.
Puzzle solutions will be published in a forthcoming issue
J O B L E S S J E S S E
A CO B B A I A R A V A R I A I Z X C R E T I O Q L P R O U T M E I E EW T E M P I A A H R U B I N E L L N D L E S S
B I L I N G U A L
Y S U OC C U M M B
A T E F U S U C R OO
I T Y U S O R N A I N E S I E D E K S
Sudoku:
8 9 2 4 3 1 7 5 6
4 3 7 6 2 5 1 9 8
6 1 5 7 9 8 3 4 2
7 6 4 2 1 3 5 8 9
1 5 8 9 4 7 6 2 3
9 2 3 8 5 6 4 1 7
2 7 6 1 8 4 9 3 5
5 8 1 3 6 9 2 7 4
3 4 9 5 7 2 8 6 1
6 2 7 9 8 5 3 4 1
3 1 5 6 4 8 9 7 2
8 9 2 5 3 4 7 1 6
5 3 1 7 6 2 4 8 9
4 6 9 8 1 7 2 5 3
Jigsaw Sudoku:
1 8 6 4 9 3 5 2 7
2 7 3 1 5 9 8 6 4
9 5 4 2 7 6 1 3 8
7 4 8 3 2 1 6 9 5
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WORKING IN EDUCATION? Or considered a career in teaching? The Skinners’ Kent Academy Trust prides itself in being a popular choice for parents and students from Reception to Year 11 and the Sixth Form in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. The Academy Trust aims to raise and reflect aspirations within the local community and our innovative and distinctly internationally focussed curriculum sets the Trust apart from many other schools, along with our outstanding state-of-the-art facilities. Our successful and stimulating Academy Trust offers a variety of training opportunities and avenues to support getting into teaching. Due to continued growth, we have a variety of new and exciting career opportunities for both The Skinners’ Kent Academy and Skinners’ Kent Primary School. We are committed to recruiting the highest calibre of staff to all areas; teaching, administration and support and we are currently looking to recruit to: The Skinners’ Kent Primary School
Receptionist, Administrator
The Skinners’ Kent Academy
Teacher of Science Senior Science Technician Science Technician Teaching Assistant Examinations Officer
To find out more about working with us and for further information on all our vacancies, job packs and application process, please visit our websites www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk or www.skinnerskentprimaryschool.org.uk Email: info@skinnerskentacademy.org.uk | t: 01892 534377
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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Sport
FORsports EVENstories MORE to: NEWS VISIT: timeslocalnews.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk Wednesday September 18 | 2019 Please send newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Ruthless TJs run riot with 11 tries to rise to second Sutton & Epsom 14 Tonbridge Juddians 74
another converted try after a sustained period of pressure in which TJs’ second row Dave Irvine was yellow-carded. Scrum-half Matt Walsh quickly tapped a penalty from close range to score and halt the hosts’ revival, Robinson converting. Two minutes later, prop Reece Conlon broke through for TJ’s bonus point try, which went unconverted, the ball hitting the goal post and bouncing out. The score was 29-14 at the break and TJs were soon on the scoreboard again in the second half, Watson feeding Robinson for a try that he converted. Within five minutes of the restart GalbraithLowe came through onto a short pass and steamed his way through to score another converted try. Now TJs, full of running and purpose, piled on the agony for the home side. Coxon-Smith and
RUGBY: TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS were to prove far too strong for newly promoted Sutton & Epsom as they ran in 11 tries to climb to second place in National Two South. Will Robinson kicked an early penalty in front of the posts to get TJs up and running, then he converted after wing Finlay Coxon-Smith forced his way over the line. TJ robbed the ball and broke down the left flank through Robinson and wing Hugo Watson. Murray Galbraith-Lowe took the final telling pass and scored in the corner, Robinson converting from the touchline. S&E hit back when centre Jacob Bushnell found a gap in the centre of TJs’ defence and crossed for a converted try. Ten minutes later the hosts had closed the gap to 14-17 when wing Kyren Ghumra went in for
BONUS POINT: Reece Conlon scores TJs’ fourth try Galbraith-Lowe both scored again, replacement scrum-half Charlie Edwards had two tries and centre Duncan Tout got in on the act.
Hat-trick for flying Hobbs stuns mighty Dorking pack Tunbridge Wells 30 Dorking 15 RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS made it two wins out of two in the London & South East Premier with their exciting new back line entertaining a crowd of 200 at St Marks. Max Hobbs returned on the wing and produced a man-of-the-match performance with three tries, but it was a hard battle for the hosts. Dorking took control of the game for the first quarter of an hour with the bigger visitors going through phase after phase. The Wells set-piece would struggle for consistency all game, and after a lineout was lost Dorking spun the ball wide for right wing Tom Hunt to cross in the corner for an unconverted try on nine minutes. But Wells responded with a fine team try after 15 minutes. The ball was switched wide to the left and an overlap was created, allowing Mike Doherty to feed hooker Josh Hawkins who drew the final man before popping the scoring pass to Max Hobbs. This was to prove the shape of things to come with the back-line looking threatening throughout. Reynolds converted to make it 7-5. Shortly before the interval the home team stole the ball at a Dorking lineout and launched a daring counter-attack from their own 22. Ryan Taylor-Dennehy charged upfield and linked with Hobbs, releasing the elusive winger for a length-of-the-field try under the posts, which was duly converted for a 14-5 lead at half-time. Dorking started the second half with a slotted
PHOTO: Bruce Elliott
By Graham Withers
WING AND PRAYER Dorking try to get to grips with Max Hobbs penalty for a high tackle and once more the visitors went on the front foot, but the Wells defence held firm. Then Nick Doherty fed Hobbs on the left and he superbly beat his opposite man on the outside before sprinting in for his hat-trick try from 35 metres. It was not converted but within three minutes the Wells lead had been stretched further and the bonus point secured. Richard Webster burst clear through the middle from 45 metres for an unconverted try to
make 24-8 on 50 minutes. Dorking’s mighty pack proceeded to camp in the Wells’ half and the home side committed a series of offences which resulted in a penalty try. On the hour-mark the momentum shifted after Hobbs was tackled high by a Dorking forward, who received a yellow card. Soon Reynolds knocked over a penalty kick following a tackle offence to extend the lead to 27–15, and he slotted another with three minutes left. Wells now travel to face promoted Brighton on Saturday (September 21, kick-off 3pm).
TJs now entertain Old Redcliffians from Bristol at The Slade on Saturday (September 21, kick-off 3pm).
Angels lose focus as Nash strikes twice Tonbridge Angels 0 Hemel Hempstead Town 2 By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS will feel that another match slipped through their fingers after conceding twice at the start of the second half and Joe Turner missing a penalty. The Angels enjoyed much the better of the first period with lone striker Ade Yusuff continually causing the visitors’ defence problems. But the Tudors’ keeper Danny Biness was in excellent form and produced four fine saves in the first half to keep the home side at bay. The closest Hemel Hempstead came was in the 15th minute when skipper Connor Essam hit the crossbar from a corner, and the score was goalless at half-time. Within six minutes of the restart, however, the visitors were two goals ahead, both of them scored by Liam Nash. The first arrived courtesy of a flick-on from Tosan Popo which left the midfielder clear at the back post; the second was a fine free kick into the top right-hand corner. Angels went three up front and for a while they took the initiative. They were awarded a penalty in the 64th minute but Turner blazed the spot kick high over the bar. After that Hemel Hempstead looked comfortable and were able to see out the remainder of the game to rise to second place in National League South. Angels manager Steve McKimm said: “I can’t be too critical of our overall standard of play. But we have to cut out these poor periods of play and maintain our standards throughout the game, as we did at Bath City a few weeks back.” Tonbridge now take on Eastbourne Borough in the second preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday (September 21, kick-off 3pm).
Hampson keeps Rustics’ Vase dream alive Rusthall 2 Godalming Town 1 By Rich Smith FOOTBALL: RUSTHALL kept up their FA Vase hopes with a narrow win over Godalming thanks to two fine saves from debutant keeper Callum Hampson in front of a passionate crowd. Godalming are bottom of the Combined Counties League Division One but they took the game to the Rustics from the start as the home side failed to get a grip in midfield. The visitors staged regular attacks but were
TAKE UP THE POST Callum Hampson makes his debut
thwarted by Hampson on 24 and 35 minutes as half-time arrived with the game goalless Rusthall made a dream start to the second half when on 47 minutes debutant Ben Boodle met a corner from the right with a powerful header into the top left corner.
Dictating This was the boost the Rustics needed and they took the game to the visitors with Tommy Lawrence dictating play in midfield. They doubled their lead on 72 minutes when
another fine passing move down the right led to a drilled cross and Reuel Powell-Downey headed home from 10 yards. The stadium was now rocking with an atmosphere never before experienced at the ground but Rusthall were not able to find a third goal to make the game safe. A nervous finish ensued after the visitors were awarded a penalty on 83 minutes for handball, Ethan Keiser making no mistake from the spot. In the Southern Counties East League Division One Rusthall face Lewisham Borough at Jockey Farm on Saturday (September 21, kick-off 3pm).
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Wednesday September 18 | 2019
Lewis starts on top form for Foresters Tunbridge Wells Foresters Ladies 1 Gillingham Ladies Development 2
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SWIMMING: RTW Monson’s Jemimah Berkeley won a silver medal for TeamGB in her first international appearance in Baku, Azerbaijan. The 15-year-old was one of 16 swimmers selected to represent Britain at the European Youth Olympic Festival, which she described as an ‘absolute honour’. She was competing against 47 other nations in the mult-sport event, which takes place every two years under the Olympic flag. Jemimah is No 1 in the British rankings for her age group for 100m breaststroke, and was competing in three events, 100m and 200m breaststroke and the female 4x100m medley relay. In the 100m breaststroke she swam a personal best time in the semi-finals and did so again in a very tight
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MAKING WAVES: Jemimah Berkeley (above) and Anna Leman (Left)
Harriers stay in running for title ATHLETICS: THERE was another strong turnout from Tunbridge Wells Harriers in the penultimate 2019 Kent Grand Prix event at the Larkfield 10k race. Forty-three Harriers took part in the two-lap race at the fruit growing research centre in East Malling in unseasonal heat. Billy Hobbs was just pipped to the title, finishing in third place in 33min 5sec, with Alex Jeffreys following in tenth place (35.18). Bunched together in 21st, 23rd, 24th and 29th came Tom Woolley (36.18), Keith Mitchell (36.34), Dillon Hobbs (36.43) and Ed Steele (37.10) to complete the scorers in the Grand Prix competition. First home for the club in the women’s race was Cathy Gill, who was tenth in 42.14, with Jillian Holford (44.06), Hayley Larkin (46.12), Gemma Stilliard (46.14) and Ana-Maria Green (47.14) all stalking for points. With the final race in the series to come in Maidstone next month, Tunbridge Wells continue to battle with Orpington Road Runners for top spot in both the men’s and women’s events.
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ON THE PODIUM Billy Hobbs was first home for the club
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final to extend her No1 ranking. In the last event of the swimming competition she was part of the relay team that came second and brought home the silver. Jemimah said: “To be selected by TeamGB for such a prestigious multi sport event has been an absolute honour. “It has been an amazing opportunity to meet athletes from all over Europe and to live with and share experiences with them in the athletes’ village and to make new friends.” She added: “Baku made the athletes so very welcome and treated us just as they would senior squad Olympians. “The athletes have formed real bonds of friendship and there was a real party atmosphere at the closing ceremony, together with tears of sadness that such a wonderful event was coming to an end.” RTW Monson also took five individual swimmers and three relay teams to the British Summer Nationals in Glasgow. Anna Leman was the pick of the Tunbridge Wells team, making the finals of all three breaststroke events and winning silver in the 100 metres and bronze in the 50m. Teilo Williams was taking part in his first national competition and came fourth in the 50m freestyle final, also competing in the 100m free and the 50m butterfly. The other individual swimmers were: Kody Bradbury (200m butterfly), Ellis Stanhope (800m freestyle) and Reuben Edwards (50m freestyle).
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Berkeley and Leman put Monson on map
By Reece Catt FOOTBALL: FORESTERS Ladies narrowly lost out to last year’s runners-up Gillingham Ladies Development in the first round of the Kent Cup after conceding a late goal. Gillingham started quickly and Foresters keeper Sam Wright was soon forced to parry a shot low down to her left. But Foresters started to have more possession and their first chance fell to Nia Lewis who shot was straight at the keeper after a ball over the top. Chances were few and far in between as Foresters kept a good defensive shape and the score was goalless at half-time. Once again Gillingham were on the front foot after the restart but it was Foresters who opened the scoring. The in-form Lewis latched onto a loose ball and dispatched a first-time shot into the top righthand corner. Foresters almost increased their lead from a free kick by Kelly Moran 25 yards out that beat the keeper but came back out of the underside of the crossbar. The hosts started to tire and Gillingham found themselves back in the game. A through ball was played down the Foresters’ left and their winger fired a shot into the bottom right-hand corner. The Tunbridge Wells club, who were formed at the end of last season, played their first match in the Southern Counties East League at Lancing on September 8, drawing 2-2. Foresters now face Phoenix Sports at home in the FA Cup first qualifying round tie on Sunday [September 22].
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