Times of Tunbridge Wells 21st March 2018

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

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BLOGGER IAIN DALE ON POLITICAL LIFE AND BREXIT Pages 8-9

Local, National and International

MEET THE MERCEDES CLS WITH COUPÉ STYLING Page 74

MICHELE HARRIMANSMITH ON BEING UNCONVENTIONAL Page 10

AUTHOR LIAM DREW REVEALS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MAMMAL Page 58

Significant boost for town as INSIDE shopping centre is finally sold LEADING THE WAY

Former council leader heads new political party Pages 4-5

POTHOLE MISERY

Recent bad weather plays havoc with our roads Page 3

BARKING MAD AD

Creative agency helps launch nationwide TV campaign Page 6

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

MONTHS of speculation and uncertainty over the future of Royal Victoria Place (RVP) have ended with the news that the shopping centre has been sold.

The move has been hailed by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce as a ‘massive vote of confidence’ in Tunbridge Wells.

The business community has been quick to welcome the announcement that one of Europe’s biggest developers, British Land, has exchanged contracts to buy the mall from Hermes for £96million.

Two years after Tunbridge Wells Borough Council approved £70million plans to expand the centre with more shops and restaurants, one in four units now stand empty with BHS and H&M among those to have disappeared.

Traders have previously expressed their concerns about the uncertainty with all shops in the sub-arcade Ely Court now standing empty.

It is not yet known if British Land will adopt the existing plans for the redevelopment, including a multi-screen cinema, or submit new proposals.

They have, however, pledged to revitalise RVP and give shoppers a new experience.

Charles Maudsley, Head of Retail, Leisure & Residential at British Land, is reported to have told business media: “We’re focused on ensuring our portfolio and the space within it reflects the

‘Shoppers increasingly wish to combine retail outings with other leisure activities’ British Land way retail is changing, both in terms of how people are choosing to shop and how retailers do business.

“Key to this is providing high-quality space which enables retailers to effec-

tively showcase their range, facilitate transactions and support fulfilment, while also recognising that shoppers increasingly wish to combine retail outings with other leisure activities.

“Our acquisition at Tunbridge Wells is in line with that approach. This is a well-located, high quality mixed use asset which presents a real opportunity to drive further value and returns, as we apply the extensive asset management, operational retail and placemaking expertise we have within British Land.”

Continued on page 2

BREED BUTTERFLIES How to do your bit to boost butterfly population Page 53

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TRADERS REACT TO ANNOUNCEMENT INDEPENDENT traders in Camden Road, whose units back onto the shopping centre, told the Times that dealing with the uncertainty about RVP has been a struggle.

Jerry Rouy, owner of shoe repair shop Comfoot and Keys, said: “How the new development is going to affect us is hard to tell. People still walk through Ely Court to Camden Road.

“It might increase or decrease footfall.

But they don’t really care about us, it is more about keeping people in the centre.”

Another Camden Road shop manager, who did not wish to be named, said: “Online shopping is crippling retail but RVP is a mess.

“Hopefully British Land will sort it out. I hope they bring in new shops and put in new flooring.

“This town is going to die unless we do something. There is no town centre. We used to like to walk through and go to the cinema, but now we have to drive to the industrial estate, which is killing the retail in the town.

“We have to attract people to the town centre, people are queuing out of the town to go to Bluewater at the weekend.”

WHO ARE BRITISH LAND? As one of the largest property development firms in Europe, British Land has had a long association with shopping centres.

Since its foundation in 1856 the company has acquired a portfolio currently valued at £13.4billion, which includes Meadowhall mall in Sheffield.

In addition British Land is listed on the FTSE 100, an index of the 100 largest companies on the London Stock Exchange.

Royal Victoria Place would complement a list of other shopping centres in their portfolio which includes Surrey Quays in Rotherhithe.

Another major asset is 122 Leadenhall Street, nicknamed The Cheese Grater, which became the third tallest building in the UK when it was completed in 2014.

A large amount of their property has been purchased from and then leased back to major retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda.

CONTACTS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR RICHARD MOORE richard@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 779615 DEPUTY EDITOR EILEEN LEAHY eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 576037 CHIEF REPORTER WILLIAM MATA will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk | 01892 240626 DESIGN/PRODUCTION LEE SMITH lsmith8@markerstudy.com SALES ENQUIRIES sales@onemedia.co.uk | 01892 779650 FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/timeslocalnews timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk twitter.com/timeslocalnews

16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS HERE at the Times local newspapers 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 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.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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Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Sale should add ‘fresh impetus’ to plans for major facelift at the centre Continued from page 1 The full sale of RVP shopping centre is likely to be completed in May with the buyers British Land making further announcements about their intended plans over the coming months.

Town leaders are encouraged by the fact British Land have a 98 per cent occupancy rate in shopping centres across their portfolio. The firm recently completed a £60million refurbishment of Meadowhall centre in Sheffield.

Andrew Metcalf, Director of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and local businessman, said: “News that British Land, which has £6.6bn of retail assets in the UK, has purchased Royal Victoria Place is a massive vote of confidence in Tunbridge Wells.

“The last few years have not been great for Royal Victoria Place with high vacancy rates. Under the new owners we can now expect to see fresh impetus in the redevelopment of the centre, improving the town’s attractiveness as a shopping destination and providing a much welcome boost for the local economy.”

Council Leader David Jukes is ‘delighted’ with the sale and said: “British Land are one of the biggest operators of shopping malls in Europe and their involvement with RVP will revitalise the centre which has, over the past couple of years, been run down due to the pending redevelopment.

“They will attract high calibre clients to Tunbridge Wells and provide the shops and stores that people have been crying out for over the years.”

Cllr Jukes said that one of the reasons British Land wanted to acquire RVP was the fact they were “very impressed” with the council’s own development plans for the future of the town.

This was a clear reference to proposals for the new Civic Centre and theatre plus development of the old cinema site.

THINGS TO COME? British Land manages Meadowhall Shopping in Sheffield, the eighth largest in the UK FULL HOUSE How RVP would look under present plans

Karen Pengelly, Manager of business group Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, said: “Uncertainty is never helpful so confirmation that British Land will be buying the centre and are preparing to inject a sizeable sum of money into its redevelopment is welcomed.

“Retail businesses across the UK are operating in a very tough trading environment at present so it’s reassuring to know that British Land, a company with immense expertise in retail, will be moving the redevelopment forwards is wonderful news.

“Royal Tunbridge Wells serves a large area of West Kent, East Sussex and Surrey, it’s a

thriving regional centre for business and ensuring that our retail offering meets consumer expectations is important, this sale should ensure that.”

Brian Lippard, Chairman of RTW Civic Society said: “We welcome the removal of the uncertainty about the ownership of RVP and hope that British Land will make a significant investment so that it will become a thoroughly modern shopping and leisure attraction.

“We would be delighted to work with them in the hope of improving on the previous proposal and trust that development will occur as soon as is practicable.”

RUNNING ON EMPTY Royal Victoria Place today

SALE OF SHOPPING CENTRE BODES WELL FOR OUR TOWN AT LAST the silence has been broken. In May the shopping centre that is Royal Victoria Place [RVP] will officially change hands along with £96million. That’s the price British Land will pay the current owners Hermes for what should be the town’s flagship retail outlet.

The news comes two years after planning permission was originally granted for a massive £70million redevelopment of the site that included a 30,300 sq ft cinema.

Since then, however, shops have closed and all those close to RVP have remained tight lipped about what was happening.

Thankfully we can today see some light at the end of the shopping mall.

Now it’s a question of timing. If the new owners stick with the original plans fine. If they

go for a new and improved version then it could be another couple of years before work even starts.

Whatever happens the sale is great news and means we should end up with a shopping centre worthy of Tunbridge Wells; a reason to come into the town centre.

A hint of things to come can be found in this comment by British Land: “… shoppers increasingly wish to combine retail outings with other leisure activities…” So the signs are good for a new multi-screen cinema, but what else?

The RVP sale marks another exciting step towards the transformation of our town centre that will hopefully act as a magnet for residents and visitors alike. Aside from RVP, there’s the re-development of the old cinema site and the

plans to create a new Civic Complex with theatre. And don’t forget the council’s proposed Heritage Cultural and Learning Hub. In all more than £250million is to be spent changing the face of our community.

There will, of course, be problems: it will not all be straight forward. There will be disruptions to daily life and there will, inevitably, be detractors.

But at least there IS a way forward and for that we can count ourselves lucky.

Without such developments, without the investment of vast sums of money, towns like ours would wither and die. And then we really would have something to moan about.

Editorial Director, Richard Moore

Local News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Refurbishment work begins on car park SECTIONS of the 150-space Crescent Road Car Park in Tunbridge Wells will be closed at times over the coming months due to refurbishment work.

The Borough Council began work on Monday [March 19] to repair, resurface and improve lighting.

The disruption is expected to take place over 30 weeks between 8am to 5pm on weekdays, with some disruption at weekends.

A dedicated traffic manager will direct traffic throughout the period.

JUDGES from the Royal Horticultural Society are to inspect Tunbridge Wells this summer as part of Britain in Bloom 2018.

The town has been named a finalist in the Large Town category for the South and South East region for the competition.

Leak closes Food Court A MAJOR water leak from McDonald’s in Royal Victoria Place [RVP] closed the shopping mall’s Food Court yesterday [Tuesday].

Access to the downstairs part and toilets of the centre was blocked off to shoppers from around 1.30pm and the court was still closed at the time of writing.

RVP is subject to a £96million sale from Hermes to British Land [see pages 1 and 2].

NEAR MISS Pothole in Hall’s Hole Road

Emergency funding for road repairs as snow and ice create more potholes

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

STARBUCKS is looking to return to Tunbridge Wells with plans lodged to move into Knight Frank offices in Mount Pleasant.

With the estate agent tipped to move to the High Street, the door has been left open for the coffee shop giant to return to the town centre after leaving Calverley Road in October.

THE bad weather has had a ‘huge impact’ on roads creating more potholes and forcing County Hall to allocate a further £2million for repairs.

New Department for Transport data also shows three per cent of roads covered by Kent County Council [KCC] are in need of repair. This compares to ten per cent nationally.

KCC Leader Paul Carter said: “The Beast from the East storm had a huge impact on the state of the 5,000 miles of roads we are responsible for.

“We are putting an extra £2million into the maintenance of the roads and this will take the total pothole and drainage budget to £8.1million.

Den-building in Haysden

Costly

A WOODCRAFT workshop is being held in Haysden Park in Tonbridge for children aged eight to 16 on April 6 from 9am to midday.

Organised by the council, the event costs £15 and will feature den-building with a park ranger, finding out about wildlife and making dream catchers.

To book a place, phone Leisure Services on [01732] 876166 or visit www.tmbc.gov. uk/holidayactivities

The situation will be reviewed in June and if more work is needed, we will find the additional budget required to fix the potholes.”

Priority will be given to A and B roads.

Tunbridge Wells problem spots have been identified as: The A26 by the Masonic Hall, the bottom of Queen’s Road, Forest Road by the rugby club, Harland Way in Southborough and Upper Grosvenor Road.

Liz Orr, of Tunbridge Wells Women’s Equality

Coffee shop’s return

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Care home goes ahead despite protest from villagers at decision

NEWS IN BRIEF

In Bloom bid reaction

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Party, said: “The roads are clearly in a dreadful and dangerous state, causing costly damage to motorists and a possible threat to life for cyclists.”

Gillian Douglass, Chairperson of Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrat Party, said: “The state of roads in Tunbridge Wells is dangerous to motorists and cyclists. Patching up roads is a false economy as the potholes reappear.”

Bjorn Simpole, Vice Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Labour Party, said: “This money is a drop in the ocean. There is a substantial road repair backlog and the county council will never catch up.

“I know of towns in Kent with better roads and nowhere seems to have the scale of problems as Tunbridge Wells. Our roads needs substantial resurfacing.”

HOW TO CLAIM FOR POTHOLES… MOTORISTS are able to claim from the county council if a vehicle has been damaged by potholes or gritting lorries.

All claims are investigated although the authority does not always pay out.

Residents can call 03000 418181 to receive a claim form. The council will investigate and will send a letter within 90 days explaining their decision.

If the cost of repairs exceed £500, the council may wish to inspect the damage.

CONTENTIOUS proposals to build a 68-bed care home in Pembury were passed in a knife-edge vote, to the anger of villagers.

Earlier this month, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s 11 member planning committee reached a stalemate of five votes in favour and five against plans to build on Cornford Court, in Cornford Lane, after Cllr Bob Backhouse abstained.

Acting committee chairman Cllr Lawrence Heasman used his casting vote to grant planning permission, a decision recommended by the planning inspector.

The supportive living group named Graham Care, lodged the application to build the three-storey centre next to the existing Cornford House Nursing Home, on the site of an existing one-storey building.

The committee were swayed in their decision, feeling the ‘general need’ for care home places outweighed the objectionable parts to the building.

These include the size of the development, the access to it and the likelihood of how it could weigh down the local GP surgery.

Debate Pembury resident Gary Purdy said: “There was very little debate about the concerns that had been expressed by the objectors before a vote was called.

“Cllr Heasman was granted a second vote.

Whilst that, in itself, is extraordinary, he should have recognised that a majority of six councillors [including Cllr Backhouse] had not voted in favour and used his casting vote to reject it.

“Thus, a building of such magnitude that will affect so many people was approved by a minority of councillors on the Committee.”

Mr Purdy added that the decision set a ‘dangerous precedent’ and had contacted village councillors about the concerns.

Cllr Heasman was leading the meeting in the absence of usual chairman Cllr Barry Noakes.

Committee member Cllr Don Sloan, who voted in favour, said: “Concern was expressed by registered speakers at the meeting that Cornford Lane is very narrow and could be difficult for emergency vehicles to access.

“It was noted that it is not safe for pedestrians with a narrow footpath on one side only. One of the main objections was the sheer size and bulk of the proposed building.

“It was a difficult decision for the committee to make taking account of the very special circumstances of the great need in our area for the provision of specialist dwellings and care for elderly people.”

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Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Alliance names ex-council leader as head of new party

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE Tunbridge Wells Alliance has launched as a political party by announcing that the former Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Leader Bob Atwood is their new Chairman.

Having started as a pressure group, founded primarily to oppose the controversial plans for a £90million Civic Complex and theatre, the new party has committed to standing candidates in the borough elections on May 3.

On Friday [March 16], Mr Atwood resigned from the Conservative Party – which he led in Tunbridge Wells from January 2011 until May 2012, when he lost his Rusthall seat to UKIP’s Piers Wauchope.

THE 48 members of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council are elected in staggered terms, with roughly a third being voted in at each point.

On May 3, 15 members will be selected from various wards across the district. The winner of each seat will serve a four-year term, with a borough council election being staged three years out of four.

The Conservative Party has 43 seats and will not lose overall control, even in the unlikely event that they lose all of the 13 seats they are defending this time around.

Labour has two seats on the council and the Liberal Democrats have three, to be considered the official opposition.

Tunbridge Wells Alliance has not said which seats they will target, other than stating they will only challenge a councillor who voted in favour of the Civic Complex.

The complete list of candidates has yet to be announced. mission to build on land next to Calverley Grounds.

Since becoming established, the Tunbridge Wells Alliance has attracted 1,000 people backing the movement online, but has also seen members, including Liberal Democrat Councillor Ben

Shadows He replaces Dr Robert Chris as Chairman, who has stood down because of health reasons.

The Tunbridge Wells Alliance officially launched on Friday, days after the Times reported the party had registered with the Electoral Commission.

Tory council members David Jukes, who replaced Mr Atwood in the authority’s top job, and Tracy Moore welcomed the announcement by saying this would bring the Alliance ‘out of the shadows’.

HOW THE ELECTION WORKS

THE CIVIC CENTRE AND THEATRE Which the Alliance are hoping to stop

BACK ON THE SCENE Former council leader Bob Atwood

Mr Atwood said: “I am not sure what shadow world they inhabit, but the Alliance has been open and clear about its ambitions from the outset.

“We are an entirely local group, determined to see our local council become more

accountable for their actions, more open and ready to consult. We want the council to be prepared to concentrate on their core responsibility of planning and refuse collection, and to leave vanity projects to others.”

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council voted 30 to 13 to pass advanced plans for the Civic Complex in December, and are now seeking planning per-

‘Being a pressure group, we have found that being able to have a say was very difficult’ Chapelard, leave the group, although in his case it was due to claims of a conflict of interest.

Business consultant Peter Wooster and Nicholas Pope are the party’s Additional Officers, who must be named upon foundation.

Friends of Calverley Grounds Chairman Mr Pope, a founding Alliance member, said: “Bob

Exhibition celebrates local and global contributions of remarkable characters including Mayor Julia Soyke and Pickering Cancer Drop-In Co-Founder Polly Taylor, are also included in the exhibition and book, which is available for £18 from Waterstones, Halls Independent Book Shop and Tunbridge Wells Museum.

All proceeds from book sales and donations made at Woods will be given to charity Fegans, which provides children’s counselling and parent support in Tunbridge Wells and the South East.

Many of the 40 subjects attended a launch party on Thursday [March 15] to see the portraits unveiled.

Photographer Mark Wilkinson told the Times: “It was not hard to find the people, we had lots of suggestions put forward.

LEGACY Paralympian Will Bayley

Moving

DOUBLE VISION: Anne Wagstaff provided the words and Mark Wilkinson, the pictures

By Duncan Audsley newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk AN EXHIBITION and book to celebrate the Remarkable Characters of Tunbridge Wells has been launched.

The 40 personalities are of all ages and walks of life, but their images and biographies will share

space on the walls of Woods’ Restaurant in The Pantiles until September 9.

Slaves musician Isaac Holman, Paralympic gold medallist Will Bayley and EastEnders actress Louise Jameson are just three celebrities with links to the town photographed by Mark Wilkinson and interviewed by Anne Wagstaff for the project.

Characters who have made a difference locally,

“We tried to have a range of people of different ages and genders, as well as finding people who had made a difference locally as well as nationally.”

He added that the photos were all in square format, which provided an extra challenge, and were shot at locations around Tunbridge Wells.

The process took around two years.

Writer Anne Wagstaff said: “There are so many incredibly stories and some that are really unexpected and moving.”

Fegans, based in St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, is also running a Remarkable Raffle in-line with the project, with details available on their website, www.fegans.org.uk Ian Soars, charity Chief Executive, said he hoped to raise awareness through the campaign, and also donations to help cover the £250,000 the charity spends on supporting individuals.

ACT TO FOLLOW Actress Louise Jameson

Local News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Atwood wanted to come on board and help us because he believes in what we are saying and what we want to do.”

Mr Pope said the Alliance’s focus had shifted from looking to take legal action against the council, something he now considers ‘unlikely’.

The group’s online money-raising initiative, initially established to fund legal bills, will now be used to fund their election campaign.

Tunbridge Wells Alliance candi-

dates are likely to contest seats that councillors who voted for the Civic Complex are looking to defend.

Mr Pope could not confirm how many candidates would be entered and where they would be, but he said the focus would be on the whole borough.

“If there is one candidate people would expect to stand, it would be me,” he added.

“We have had a lot of positive reaction online [for the possibility of us putting up candidates].

BOB ATWOOD’S COMEBACK HE was only a member for one term, but Bob Atwood left an impression on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council [TWBC].

Representing Rusthall from 2008 to 2012, Mr Atwood became Council Leader in 2011 before losing his seat the next year.

The married father of two was born in Sevenoaks, but has lived in Langton Green since 1979, and

retired from his job as a chartered accountant in 2003.

Since leaving TWBC, Mr Atwood has played an active part in the community as Chairman of the Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery and Founder-Governor of The Wells Free School.

Until last week, he was still a member of the Conservative Party, and formerly a trustee of the Tunbridge Wells branch.

THE establishment of the Tunbridge Wells Alliance as a political party has been welcomed by Conservative members of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Since 1998, the Tories have retained a stronghold on the authority, and are preparing to defend 13 of the 15 seats up for grabs on May 3.

Council Leader David Jukes told the Times last week: “They are a single issue party, but there are many more issues we have to deal with, including housing and infrastructure.

“We have 48 seats, so if they get two per cent of the seats they will only have one seat and their

ALLIANCE BACKS NORFOLK-BASED COUNCILLOR THE new party has come out in support of Councillor Peter Bulman, who has refused calls to stand down from the borough council despite the fact he now lives in Norfolk.

The Conservative member, who represents Park ward, voted against the Civic Complex in December.

Tunbridge Wells Alliance co-founder Nicholas Pope said: “Peter Bulman has continued to attend council meetings and been available to discuss matters with residents of his ward by telephone and email.

“He is one of the few Conservative councillors who is willing to challenge the Conservative leadership – he is not a yes man. He has not caught the group-think bug that has been going around the council chamber for the last 12 months.”

Cllr Bulman is not up for re-election until 2020.

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COUNCIL MEMBERS WELCOME ALLIANCE EMERGING ‘OUT OF THE SHADOWS’

“Being a pressure group, we have found that being able to have a say was very difficult to have any impact. At council meetings you get three minutes to put a point across.

“You can be ignored and essentially the discussion course continues on regardless. This has left us with few options.

“We want residents to have more of a say, so they don’t just get three minutes. They should be allowed to re-enter discussion at some point.”

Mr Pope said the party would campaign on issues such as congestion and waste collection, refuting Cllr Jukes’ claim they were a ‘one issue party’. But he acknowledged that the Civic Complex was the ‘hot potato’, and opposing it was the Alliance’s initial focus.

He continued: “I think taking a large number of votes would be fantastic and if we win a number of seats that would be even better. That would send a clear message to the council.”

PHOTO: Mark Wilkinson

DIVIDING OPINION How the theatre could look

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impact is not going to be tremendous.

“It is far easier for people to look in rather than look out from the inside.”

His comments were echoed by Tory councillor Tracy Moore, the authority’s Cabinet member for Civic Development.

The Park ward representative said: “They will now have to come out of the shadows and abide by the same rules as the other parties, especially in terms of openness and transparency.

“As candidates or councillors, their members will have to declare any personal or pecuniary interests, just as elected members always do.”

PROTEST Alliance co-founder Nicholas Pope

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Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Quirky ‘dog’ advert for insurance app is barking up the right tree…

By William Mata

DOG DAYS: Actor Scott Hunter dresses up for the part alongside Louise Fitzgerald, who plays an alpha female in the lead role

A TUNBRIDGE WELLS creative agency is behind an unusual insurance app advert that is surprising TV audiences this week.

Gingermonkeys Creative, based in Church Road, produced the television campaign for Hayley Avron TRiCE, which allows smartphone users to get a quote for car, pet and gadget insurance in less than 60 seconds.

More than one million ITV Good Morning Britain viewers caught the first glimpse of the advert on Monday [March 19], which shows an alpha female describing the app during what appears to be a dog walk in a park.

‘We wanted to change people’s perceptions’ The twist comes, during the 30-second film, when the dog actually appears to be the woman’s male partner, who is then walked on a lead and chases a Frisbee.

Insurance company Markerstudy is behind the TRiCE app which, much like the advertisement,

PHOTO: Lloyd Sturdy

will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

is designed to stand out from the crowd.

Drawing inspiration from the sub-culture puppy play was a quirky move and Hayley Avron, Gingermonkeys’ Operations Manager, said the aim was to create a ‘funny’ and ‘controversial’ piece.

She told the Times: “The point was that it changes the way of thinking about things and we wanted to change people’s perceptions. These are overturned by the end of the advert. We are treading the line between controversy and humour.”

The advertisement is being broadcast on Sky, ITV, BT, Comedy Central and Dave as well as online platforms over the next few weeks.

With insurance often having a less-than-thrilling image, creative agencies have pushed the boundaries with advertising.

While she described her role as ‘the boring person behind the scenes’, Ms Avron took a lead role in the direction of the advertisement, which was filmed in Epping Forest.

She added: “We had a really quick turnaround for this. It was a real fight to get it ready in the time we had.

“Our work is wide-ranging and we are involved in all sorts of projects. The brief came to us in November, but it was January when we had a more detailed brief. It has been a great process and one of the most enjoyable projects I have worked on.

“I am a little bit nervous, but really excited to see it. I can get tunnel vision when working on a project, but we are really happy with the ad.

“Even though we knew the script, we still burst out laughing when we saw it, which was the intended response.”

TRiCE is available to download from the Google and iTunes app store.

To see the advertisement, search for TRiCE ‘Pup’ advert at www.youtube.com

Different This follows price comparison service Money Supermarket releasing their all-singing, all-dancing Action Man on screens earlier this month.

Ms Avron continued: “One of the great things I would say about Markerstudy is that they are keen to be different and keen to be interesting.

We get to be creative.”

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION On set with the TRiCE advertisement

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Wednesday March 21 | 2018

‘People who voted on immigration are very likely to be disappointed’ LBC broadcaster Iain Dale is one of Britain’s leading political commentators, appearing regularly on TV and radio. He is also known for his political blog, Iain Dale’s Diary, and football blog, West Ham Till I Die. He is a contributing editor and columnist for GQ Magazine and writes for the Daily Telegraph. Iain Dale lives in Tunbridge Wells, where he talked to Adam Hignett POLITICS has rarely felt so tumultuous. The past two years have seen previous assumptions about how politics works turned upside down, starting with the referendum to leave the EU, through to the loss of Theresa May’s Tory majority at the hands of a resurgent Labour led by Jeremy Corbyn.

Although the population at large are, perhaps, a little nonplussed by the daily intrigue and machinations of our elected representatives, it has provided ample fodder for the likes of Iain Dale.

Born in Cambridge in 1962 and raised in Essex, the broadcaster enrolled at the University of East Anglia [UEA] in 1981. In his second year, Iain and a few friends formed the university’s first Conservative Association. Within 12 months it had more members than its Labour rival.

His activities did not go unnoticed, and by the time he left university he was able to secure a place as a research assistant to the MP for Norwich North, Patrick Thompson.

A TORY PARTY! Iain Dale with Prime Minister Theresa May

‘Most broadcast commentators are remainers – it comes across in their questioning’ There followed a brief stint as a financial journalist before he opened the Politico’s Bookstore and Coffee House in Westminster in 1997.

Success led to an expansion into the publishing of political books. Iain is now the author or editor of nearly 30 tomes.

Eventually, he moved his bookstore online and closed its original premises to run it from Kent, where he has lived with his partner John since 1996. They had met the previous year.

“It was not long after I had met John that I moved in with him,” explained Iain.

“He has always lived in Tunbridge Wells, and I confess that back then I had never even thought of moving to the town.”

Their relationship was recognised a decade ago with a civil partnership ceremony at Wadhurst Castle, which they converted into a full marriage in 2015.

Iain is best known for his role as a regular host on LBC, the London based national talk and phone-in radio station.

“I get a real buzz about being on radio. It is a fascinating experience,” he said.

“I come in at 2pm for my show at 4pm, and I will have no idea what is going to be talked about.”

LBC, unlike most of the broadcast media, encourages its political hosts to air their own views. It is something Iain is not shy about doing, although his pro-Brexit opinions have left him feeling a bit isolated in an industry he feels is run by a pro-remain hierarchy.

“The print media is a little more balanced, but in broadcast… most of the commentators are remainers. Even if they are not allowed to overtly express their views, it comes across in their line of questioning.”

Iain is quick to disparage the notion that everyone who voted to leave is simply antiimmigration with reactionary social views.

“One of the things I was never worried about was immigration,” he said.

“The economy needs immigration, but what I do not agree with is people from the EU getting

preferential access over those from, say, India, or believes there’s a disunity that the EU anywhere else.

Commission is cynically exploiting.

“People who voted purely on immigration “They smell blood. Some of the demands are very likely to be disappointed,” he added. they have been making would not have “I doubt it will ever fall into the ‘tens come about if she was in a stronger of thousands’.” position,” he said.

He said immigration may drop a bit, but there is no sign of a ‘Brexodus’, ‘I would straight up pointing out that since the referendum ask Donald Tusk if in 2016, the number of EU nationals living in the UK has risen from their plan was to 3.6million to 3.8million. topple the government’ “I voted because I did not like what Europe was becoming.

It was a sovereignty issue.

“She is completely hamstrung “I thought the EU by her minority in was unreformable Parliament.” and trying to “If I was her, I become the United would straight up States of Europe.” ask European The chances of a [Council] Presisuccessful Brexit dent Donald deal have increased Tusk if their with the news of plan was to this week’s topple the transition government. agreement, but The EU as Theresa May claim they still struggles are not TSK TSK to hold her trying to Are European Council President government punish us, Donald Tusk and his colleagues together, Iain but it is preying on PM’s weakness?

clearly untrue. They want to make an example of us to prevent other countries leaving.”

Despite this, he doesn’t think Brexit can be reversed.

“Percentage-wise, yes, the vote was close, but still over one million more people voted to leave in what was one of the highest levels of voter turnout in generations.

“If the result was overturned, not only would these people feel completely disenfranchised, but I really believe there would be unrest on the streets.”

Iain is actually quite sympathetic to the Prime Minister’s plight, and – contrary to many people – he believes that calling the general election which lost her the majority was the ‘right choice’ at the time.

“It’s just a shame it was such a terrible campaign. Her only strength now lies in the fact there is no obvious successor, but she will not be around to contest the next election.

“I have no idea who will replace her, but it will probably be someone we have never heard of.”

Aside from his radio show, Iain ensures his musings on politics, and other pursuits – such as running in Dunorlan Park – are easily accessible with his prolific blogging.

Having started in 2002, he can class himself as being among the avant-garde for the medium when it comes to political commentary.

“When I started [blogging], it really was just me, followed by Paul Staines under the name

Local News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

BROADCAST VIEWS Iain Dale waxing lyrical on LBC

‘Social media played a key role in the last election… the left understand this far better than the right’ Guido Fawkes, and then Conservative Home, run by Tim Montgomerie.

“At the time the left didn’t really have a foothold, but they are much better at it than the right now.

“It didn’t fully take off as a medium until 2005, and hit its height for independent bloggers about five years later.

“Now Twitter has somewhat taken over, and the established media have taken over much of the blogging action, ensuring their journalists have blogs.”

Finally, he sounded a word of warning for those on the right.

“I think social media played a key role in the last election and this is

only going to increase over time.

“The left understand this far better than the right, who, frankly, have taken their eye off the ball.

“With young people becoming more engaged with issues rather than party politics, this is the best way to reach them.

“To be fair, Jeremy Corbyn has done a good job at harnessing this.

“I don’t know how the Tories will challenge this – but if they want to win they will have to.”

NEWS

HOW IT ALL STARTED… Iain Dale became interested in politics at an early age.

“I remember being about 12 and on the eve of an election going into my parents’ room and waking them up to tell them they must vote Labour,” he explained. “I was promptly told to go back to bed.

“By the time I got to university I had already briefly been a member of the Liberal Party before I saw a 1978 speech by Margaret Thatcher, and I thought: ‘I believe in almost everything she says’.

“The UEA [University of East Anglia] was a pretty left-wing institution by the time I got there, and I remember going along to watch a debate which was effectively the hard left vs the soft left and getting more and more annoyed.

Eventually I just stood up and gave my views on things, and realised I really enjoyed it.”

In his second year, Iain and friends formed the university’s first Conservative Association. It soon had more members than its Labour rival.

“The Labour group enjoyed having us there. It gave them someone to actually debate. Until then they had just been bashed by the Trots.

“It’s amazing how cyclical things are,” he added, referencing what some see as the resurgence of the hard right within the Labour Party today.

When he left university, he worked as a research assistant for the recently elected MP for Norwich North, Patrick Thompson, who held his seat until 1997.

However, entering the Westminster bubble was a daunting experience, and it would take years for Iain to truly feel like he belonged.

“I remember on my first day in Westminster seeing former President Gerald Ford walking along with the previous Prime Minister, James Callaghan.

“I just thought to myself: ‘What is a boy from Essex doing in a place like this?’ I did not attend a private school or go to Oxbridge like most people there.

“There really was an elite feel about these people, and although I became friends with many, there was always this slight sense of being inferior.

“It wasn’t exactly a chip on my shoulder, but their whole manner meant I was a little in awe of them, I suppose. It really has only been in the last few years that I have actually managed to shake this off.”

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Beautifully unconventional way to build a successful online company

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE Chief Executive of Childrensalon, one of the largest companies in Tunbridge Wells, feels that standing by their ‘unconventional approach’ has driven their recent success.

Michele Harriman-Smith, alongside husband George, has overseen the transition of a small family firm selling children’s clothing from a shop to a multi-million pound online empire.

‘APPY’ DAYS Michele Harriman-Smith’s Childrensalon is now available via an app, too

Last year, Childrensalon, based on Kingstanding Way estate but still with an outlet in Tunbridge Wells High Street, made a record £80million turnover and now employs 319 staff.

Speaking at a media open day on Thursday [March 15], Ms Harriman-Smith told the Times how the brand has come a long way but has stayed true to its values.

“I think it does have an unconventional approach, and I like it to be me,” said the Chief Executive, who was named Private Business Woman of the Year 2017 in the UK Private Business Awards.

“When I was young, I was someone who would pick up or try to help a lost dog, and that is the kind of mindset I have brought to the company.

We treat every customer as one of our family and believe every mistake is an opportunity to learn.”

Pioneers Childrensalon was established in 1952 by Rene and Sybil Harriman, and was well known in Tunbridge Wells High Street for years before their daughter Michele and George Smith took over.

In 1999, the pair made a key decision to start a website, and became early pioneers in what was then largely unexplored territory for a fashion firm.

While online trading was initially only a supportive venture, it quickly became the central focus of an expanding operation, with their beautiful clothes for babies, boys and girls [ranging from ages 0 to 16] attracting a prestigious and worldwide clientele.

The company sells designer brands, including Gucci and Stella McCartney Kids, and also garments designed in-house.

By 2010, Childrensalon were ready to move into their current home, a large warehouse on North Farm industrial estate, and continued to win awards, including recently being ranked No 45 in the Sunday Times Top 100 companies to work for.

The firm’s latest new venture was creating an iOS app, launched last year, to allow customers easy access to buying clothes.

Ms Harriman-Smith continued: “We are getting better at what we do. In the beginning, we didn’t know what we were doing, but we have improved.

“The app has been going really well, a lot of customers have been using it.” www.childrensalon.com

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

New partner announced for town law firm ONE of Tunbridge Wells’ leading law firms has appointed a new Specialist Trust and Estates partner.

Cripps, based on Mount Ephraim, last week announced Paul Fairbairn [below] had joined their Private Client Team from another respected firm, Withers.

Myles McIntosh, of Cripps, said: “Paul’s expertise with both domestic and international clients will further strengthen the service we can offer.”

Fresh awards date set THE West Kent Business Show, which was disrupted by Storm Emma on February 28, will now be held on Thursday, April 26.

The location for the conference is still at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel in Pembury, running from 8.30am to 2.50pm.

For the latest schedule updates, follow the show on Twitter @TWBC_Business

Celebrating promotions ESTATE agency Savills has announced promotions for five West Kent staff, including one in Tunbridge Wells.

Sarah Kidd, who specialises in residential property at the High Street-based office, has been made Associate Director.

The other four staff, promoted at the Sevenoaks office, are Tristram Stericker, Guy Dixon, Nikki Dyson and Samantha Gibbs.

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BUSINESS

Local Business News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Spring Statement walked on the cautious side, say finance firms

By William Mata will@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

SHARP MINDS Lynne Gadse, Siobhan Stirling and Emily Brown

Business women take honours at ceremony

BUSINESS experts cautiously welcomed the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, but noted the lack of new investment in last week’s announcement.

Philip Hammond promised ‘light at the end of

PUBLIC relations director Siobhan Stirling was the only double winner at this year’s Kent Women in Business Awards.

The Tunbridge Wells-based professional was honoured for her work within her own business, Sharp Minds Communications, and for establishing the 50 Challenges movement, which supports those aged 50-plus in finding new goals.

Calculation

Recognised Ms Stirling won the PR and Marketing title and also Women’s Champion. “It was a real honour to win two awards,”she said.

She was one of five women finalists from town networking group BNI Royal Spa. The others were Sharon Wood of Colonnade Florist, runner-up in Business Woman of the Year (Over Five Years); Emily Brown of Emily Brown Photography, runner-up for Young Business Woman of the Year; Lynne Gadsden of Grovewood Wealth Management Ltd, runner-up in the Leadership and Management Award; and Debbie Harris, of Chosen with Care UK Ltd, who was a finalist in Entrepreneur of the Year.

The results were annnounced at the Mercure Great Danes Hotel in Maidstone on March 9.

the tunnel’ in his speech on March 13 – in forecasting an improved 1.5 per cent growth rate and hinting that austerity could be on the way out.

Opposition Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties, however, criticised the speech and called for the Conservative to prioritise tackling poverty and funding the NHS. Around Tunbridge Wells, Mr Hammond received mixed reviews for his ‘cautious’ approach to balancing the books.

Paul Hodge, Partner at audit, tax and consulting firm RSM on Mount Ephraim Road, said: “The economy is in better shape than might be expected.

“After a long, cold winter for public finances, the Spring Statement provided some indication that the fierce freeze in spending may be coming to an end – but not just yet.

LET THERE BE LIGHT Chancellor Philip Hammond

“However, there are continuing worries about the funding of public services, such as the NHS, and the shape of the post-Brexit economy.

“The Chancellor is remaining cautious for now, not least because he may need some room for manoeuvre should there be a downturn.”

He added: “There is also a political calculation at play.

“We are early in the electoral cycle, so we probably won’t start

seeing any giveaways until a later date.

“As expected, there were no significant new spending or tax commitments, but there were some important consultations announced, notably on the VAT threshold.

“Local traders and businesses will want to watch this closely, as any reduction in the threshold could mean extra administrative burdens and higher taxes for those that previously have not had to account for VAT.” Alexander Bishop said his law firm, Thomson, Snell & Passmore in Lonsdale Gardens, had kept a keen eye on the announcements.

“The government is bringing forward the next business rates revaluation from 2022 to 2021, which it hopes will make bills more accurately reflect the current rental value of the properties.

“We note there are still calls from some organisations for the government to do more to overhaul the business rates regime.

“Certainly, with the potential volatility of the economic climate, owners may still have concerns as to whether the business rates they pay will be proportionate to the financial performance of their business.”

However, he added: “We welcome the Chancellor’s announcement of measures to boost skills and productivity.”

Craig Harman, Tax Specialist at Perry’s Chartered Accountants, said: “As expected, this was very much a statement rather than a secondary budget, as we have been used to in previous years.”

MIXED VIEWS Paul Hodge of RSM

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NEWS

Community News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

TWODS’ My Fair Lady collects thousands for hospital radio THE Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society [TWODS] has given £3,300 to Hospital Radio Tunbridge Wells [HRTW] from donations taken at its shows.

After accumulating this record-breaking amount for bucket collections, the two artistic causes have come together to form an on-air partnership to promote TWODS’ endeavours.

TWODS nominated HRTW as the benefitting charity for seven highly successful performances of My Fair Lady at the Assembly Hall in November.

The society decided to help the charity after HRTW member David Boyle made a speech at a Christian Men’s Fellowship meeting last year to help raise funds.

TWODS board member Jane Morgan was then invited into the studio to talk about their production of My Fair Lady,

along with leading lady Allya Khammari.

The radio station, which took to the airwaves in 1961, broadcasts to bedsides at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury and Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, and is run entirely by volunteers.

Kevin Denman, Chairman of TWODS, said: “Charitable contributions from the proceeds of the society’s productions have always been an important consideration of ours.

Gobsmacked “We have run after-show collections for many years, but we were astounded by the amount collected.”

He added: “There is a great synergy between ourselves and the charity radio service. We are both dedicated to the

PRODUCTION VALUES TWODS board member Jane Morgan and My Fair Lady lead Alya Khammari chat to David Boyle in the studio

arts, and the radio service is also dedicated to its audience – most importantly, to the patients.

“My Fair Lady is always very popular, but we are so pleased at the recordbreaking response.

“We can’t thank our audiences enough to help keep this worthwhile volunteer radio service running.”

Hospital Radio Station Manager Chris Manser said: “We are gobsmacked. This is a massive boost for us, and the donation will be used to help us refresh our IT systems, which have not been upgraded for 15 years.

“There is an element of borrowed time with our IT systems, putting us at some risk of being taken off the air.

“In recognition of this fantastic contribution to our cause, we are assigning one of our weekday shows, Sound Spectrum Show from 4-6pm, to TWODS for the next year.

“We will provide on-air information about their productions and create a set of jingles to acknowledge them.”

TWODS, a non-profit organisation and registered charity, is one of the oldest amateur societies in the country, having been formed in 1889.

The next TWODS show is Grease, running from May 15-19 at the Assembly Hall.

For further information, telephone 01892 530613, visit www.twods.org.uk or find them on Facebook @twodslimited To contact HRTW, visit www.hrtw.org.uk or find them on Facebook @HRTunWells or email: info@hrtw.org.uk

NEW BEST FRIEND A girl looks after her doll at the Bright Horizons party

Pyjama party is eye-opener for making sure babies sleep safely A PYJAMA DAY fundraising event was held at Bright Horizons nursery in Tunbridge Wells on March 13 to spread awareness about Safer Sleep Week.

Baby Annabell, the UK’s best-selling large doll brand, and The Lullaby Trust charity joined forces with Bright Horizons to hold the party at the nursery in Newcomen Road.

Children attended in their pyjamas to play with My First Baby Annabell dolls, listen to stories, do some colouring and eat cupcakes, while parents were given advice on how to make safer sleep decisions.

Launched in 2015, Safer Sleep Week is The Lullaby Trust’s campaign to raise awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome [SIDS] and equip parents with proven steps on how to reduce the

chance of SIDS occurring.

Marian Davis, Marketing Manager for Zapf Creation’s Baby Annabell products, said of the doll and campaign: “Baby Annabell aims to encourage learning and development through imaginative play.

“We are engaging with families throughout the UK to spread awareness for such a worthwhile and important campaign as The Lullaby Trust’s Safer Sleep Week.”

With a soft body and small size, My First Baby Annabell is an approved sleep companion for very young children.

The Lullaby Trust also offers emotional support for bereaved families.

For more information about the charity’s activities, visit www.lullabytrust.org.uk

Community News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

NEWS

MP opens bus depot as new timetables arrive THE replacement Arriva bus depot was opened in Kingstanding Way on the North Farm industrial estate on March 9, ahead of the new raft of services which began operating two days later.

Local MP Greg Clark attended the unveiling of the facility, on the site of a former technical college, which can cater for 80 buses and offers seven maintenance bays. The depot replaces the former one in St John’s Road, which closed last October after 80 years.

Arriva has made significant alterations to several of its services operating in West Kent, based on customer feedback received, in order to ‘better the passenger experience and improve efficiency’.

Restored Mr Clark, who is also Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: “Many people rely on local buses to get to work, to visit friends and family and to go shopping, so it’s really important that we have reliable, regular bus services.

“Arriva has been listening closely to what customers want and has worked really hard to create a new network with improved routes.

“I’m delighted, for example, that the direct service between Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood and Maidstone has been restored.

“The number of buses to Tunbridge Wells Hospital,

Knights Park, Showfields and Ramslye have also been increased, which is great news.

“Arriva is to be commended for its commitment to the local community.”

Oliver Monahan, Area Managing Director for Arriva Kent and Surrey, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to have Greg visit our new depot and give us his thoughts on the network changes.

“The feedback of local councillors and our customers is not only important to the team here at Arriva, but is also the start of some brilliant service updates that we hope will really improve the passenger experience in the Tunbridge Wells area.

“We would like to thank Greg for attending today. It’s great to have him on board in celebrating and promoting the improvements to local bus services.”

Arriva chose to name two of its buses after Sarah Hamilton, Councillor for Paddock Wood, and Carol Mackonochie, Councillor for Five Oak Green and parts of Pembury.

An Arriva spokesperson said: “The gesture was to recognise the fact that the two women have gone above and beyond to help deliver a better service for Arriva’s customers and communicate the launch of service No 6.”

The No 6 was one of a number of service routes in rural areas, linking East Peckham with Maidstone, and connecting Five Oak Green with Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood and East Peckham.

Paddock Wood Social Club sponsors snooker prodigy YOUNG snooker star Dylan Smith has received £400 in sponsorship from Paddock Wood Social Club to further his burgeoning career.

The ten year old, who attends Brenchley & Matfield Primary School, has been tearing up the baize with his talent – including recently taking on Jimmy ‘Whirlwind’ White.

Club Chairman Gareth Edwards said: “We are proud to be sponsoring young Dylan as he embarks on a journey to snooker stardom.

“Hopefully, one day we can have some pictures on the wall of Dylan holding aloft the world championship trophy. No pressure, Dylan!”

Dylan is currently being coached by World Tour player Leo Fernandez, and has been practising with Ben Sizer, five-times Kent Under-21 champion.

Now he is trying to raise £2,000 in sponsorship

GIVING DYLAN A BREAK (L-R): Paddock Wood Social Club Vice-Chairman Ian Cuckow, Dylan Smith and Chairman Gareth Edwards

to allow him to play on the amateur circuit and cover the cost of travel, accommodation, entry fees and expenses.

Paddock Wood Social Club was established almost 65 years ago to provide a focus for the community and offer entertainment and social activities.

The club, in Lucknow Road, boasts snooker and pool tables as well as a fully licensed bar and function hall.

Mr Edwards said: “We looking to become an integral part of the Paddock Wood community again. So why not come and challenge Dylan to a game of snooker?”

For more information about the club, email: paddockwoodsocialclub@gmail.com or find them on Facebook. To support Dylan, search for Dylan Smith Snooker at www.crowdfunder.co.uk

SERVICE WITH A SMILE: Greg Clark (sixth from right) joins Arriva staff and guests at their new depot

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NEWS

County News

NEWS IN BRIEF

Fears over women not being offered rail jobs

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Apprenticeship scheme on to a winner EARN AND LEARN Young people promote Kent County Council’s initiative

SOUTHEASTERN has warned that women could miss out on 100,000 railway jobs set to be created in Britain by 2027.

The firm, which serves Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge stations, publicised Rail Delivery Group-compiled data, which showed 81 per cent of women had not considered for a career in the industry.

The results of the poll showed 70 per cent of female workers would retrain for a job that offered the benefits and security that a career in rail can provide.

This comes at a time when National Rail has seen record investment and aims to increase the number of female employees to 20 per cent by 2020.

Diverse Jacqueline Starr, Managing Director, Customer Experience at Rail Delivery Group, said: “We need to build on our existing workforce and attract diverse talent.

“I would urge women keen to make a difference in a dynamic environment not to miss out on great jobs and opportunities in a sector that offers quality on-the-job training, great benefits and familyfriendly policies.”

As part of a campaign to encourage more women to apply for roles, Southeastern has asked female employees to share their experiences of working for the firm.

Change to infant aid THE next Kent County Council [KCC] contract for providing breastfeeding services has been awarded to NHS Health Visitors.

County Hall announced last week the change of provider from PS Breastfeeding CIC, in a move thought to save £400,000 from April.

PS provides support groups and resources for mothers and the change of contract sparked fears that services could be lost.

In revealing the change, County Hall clarified that a requirement for specialist support has not been lost in the re-awarding of the contract.

A spokesman said: “KCC is committed to increasing the number of women initiating and continuing to breastfeed.

“We have committed additional investment in developing local campaigns to promote and increase information on breastfeeding.”

Cllr Peter Oakford, Cabinet Member for Public Health, added: “The change provides the opportunity for us to extend the reach of our service with more flexibility.”

Boost for youth café A POPULAR club for the young people has received a major cash boost, one year after funding was stopped by Kent County Council [KCC].

House in the Basement Youth Café, which operates below the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks, will receive £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund. This follows a successful application by Sevenoaks Town Council.

The youth café is free to attend and provides computers, games, a pool table and music for 11 to 18 year olds to enjoy.

There is also an opportunity to receive support on homework, writing CVs and applying for college or jobs.

After KCC ceased funding, Sevenoaks Town Council said that it had become harder to keep the facility sustainable.

Cllr Nicolas Busvine said: “This grant will ensure the youth café continues to be a fun venue and source of support for any young person who wants a place to hang out with friends.”

YOUNG people are being helped into work by a Kent County Council [KCC] scheme which promotes the benefits of apprenticeships.

Made in Kent has seen County Hall staff enter schools and colleges to raise awareness of the government’s apprenticeship levy.

The scheme also aims to allow

students access to mock interviews and the opportunity to discuss career options.

This month, KCC celebrated the one-year anniversary of the project launch, with Made in Kent winning an education award.

Kent County Council was named regional winner for the South in

Promoting Apprenticeships campaign of the year in the FE Week and AELP Apprenticeship Awards.

Matt Dunkley, the county council’s Corporate Director for Education, said: “We are delighted Made in Kent has been recognised for the fantastic work it does in promoting apprenticeships.

“This highly successful campaign has achieved its objective of informing both residents and business owners of the new government levy, and bringing together prospective apprentices with their future employers.”

For more about apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticekent.com

High price for living in county and commuting to the capital KENT towns are largely absent from a new list showing London’s top 100 best commuter locations.

Price comparison website www.totallymoney. com released a table last week which compared journey times from different towns, with average house prices and the cost of a season ticket.

The analysis also factored in a satisfaction score, provided by the Office for National Statistics, and compared towns all over the country within a 70-minute train journey of the capital.

Tonbridge ranked at No 77, but was the only local town to even make the list.

It takes only 46 minutes on average to reach

the city centre from the town, and the average house price of £431,755 was lower than some.

However, the season ticket price of £4,276 did not count in its favour.

Decisions Purfleet in Essex ranked top with a 33-minute journey time, £210,820 average house price and a £2,376 season ticket fare.

In fact, Essex towns were a staple of the top 20, with Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire locations also doing well.

Gravesend was the highest placed Kent town at

No 5, and, thanks to its high-speed Javelin trains, Ebbsfleet had the fastest journey time at 18 minutes.

Sevenoaks ranked at No 51. However, Tunbridge Wells did not feature in the top 100.

Joe Gardiner, of Totally Money said: “Like so many life decisions, finding your perfect home is about balancing what’s important to you.

“While house prices have a massive impact on where people buy, it’s not the only influencing factor.

“We hope our research will open people’s eyes to locations they might not have thought of previously.”

OFF THE RAILS Tonbridge ranked at No 77

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NEWS

National News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Facebook chief is called to face grilling in Parliament THE founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, has been summoned to give evidence before the parliamentary inquiry into fake news after revelations about users’ personal data held by British firm Cambridge Analytica (CA).

Damian Collins, Chair of the inquiry, accused the social media giant of giving answers ‘misleading to the committee’ at a previous hearing which asked whether information had been taken without users’ consent.

“It is now time to hear from a senior Facebook executive with the sufficient authority to give an accurate account of this catastrophic failure of process,” Mr Collins wrote in a letter to Mr Z ­ uckerberg.

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg

Commitment “Given your commitment at the start of the New Year to ‘fixing’ Facebook, I hope that this representative will be you,” he added.

CA was suspended from Facebook last week after it emerged that data on millions of users had not been destroyed as agreed.

Whistleblower Chris Wylie, a former Research director at the UK-based company, told Channel 4 News a so-called data grab had been carried out on more than 50 million profiles in 2014.

Asked about the reports, Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesman said: “It is absolutely right that the Information Commissioner [IC] is investigating this matter.

“We expect Facebook, Cambridge Analytica and all the organisations involved to co-operate fully.”

The IC Elizabeth Denham criticised CA for being ‘unco-opeative’ as she investigates the use of personal data for political campaigns.

An investigation by Facebook at CA’s London office was halted in order to allow the IC to pursue its inquiry.

Last night the CA board announced that the company had suspended its Chief Executive, Alexander Nix, with immediate effect.

An ICO spokesman said: “On March 7, the Information Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham issued

BBC ‘saved millions’ by not paying out National Insurance

Don’t pass me by: Beatle Ringo is finally knighted

THE BBC saved around £10million a year on National Insurance payments alone by paying presenters through personal companies, MPs have been told.

Radio and TV presenters told a parliamentary committee they were instructed by the BBC that they must set up personal service companies (PSCs) or lose work.

But they were then targeted by an HM Revenue and Customs crackdown on the arrangement.

The House of Commons Culture Committee published a dossier of evidence detailing how stars were pursued for unpaid taxes running into five or six figures. Some said they had suffered mental health problems and considered suicide.

Around 100 presenters are thought to be facing investigation and some are reported to be considering legal action.

THE BEATLES’ Ringo Starr has told of his ‘shock’ at receiving a knighthood at Buckingham Palace.

Starr, 77, received the honour from the Duke of Cambridge under his real name, Sir Richard Starkey, for services to music.

But he insisted it had come as a complete surprise.

“It means a lot,” the former drummer said. “I’m sort of shocked in a way. I was sitting in LA and the letter came and I was so surprised.

Disposable Financial journalist Paul Lewis, the presenter of Radio 4’s Money Box, told the committee that the PSC arrangement could have saved the BBC 30 per cent of the cost of employing presenters, some of whom lost rights to sick pay, maternity leave and pensions.

He said around £10million was saved annually on National Insurance contributions alone.

The BBC could face claims for compensation running into tens of millions over loss of pension rights, the committee heard.

Mr Lewis – who himself refused to set up a PSC – told MPs that relatively low-paid presenters on local radio and Radios 3 and 4 were treated as ‘disposable’ by the BBC. “This isn’t a story of well-paid presenters trading through companies to avoid tax,” he said.

“This is the story of the BBC forcing hundreds of presenters to form companies and treat them as freelancers because that gave the BBC flexibility and protected licence fee payers.”

Thrill “I just never thought of it.

I just got on with my life and here we are.”

His knighthood came more than 50 years after he and band mates John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, visited the

a Demand for Access to records and data in the hands of Cambridge Analytica.

“Cambridge Analytica has not responded to the Commissioner by the deadline provided.

“Therefore, the Information Commissioner is seeking a warrant to obtain information and access to systems and evidence related to her investigation.

“On March 19, Facebook announced that it will stand down its search of Cambridge Analytica premises at the Information Commissioner’s request. Such a search would potentially compromise a regulatory investigation.”

palace to receive MBEs. “The four of us came here and it was a thrill then,” he said. “It was crazy because we were just four lads who played music and then suddenly we’re at the palace.”

Starr joins the only other living Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney, who was knighted in 1997, in receiving the honour.

He said: “I had dinner with him last week and we were both actually laughing about where we came from, and we’ve ended up in the palace and it’s now Sir Paul and Sir Richard.

AND ON THE GONG… “We never even thought of that.

Ringo Starr It’s not like we were like, ‘well with his award one day’.”

Private backers sought for Heathrow to Waterloo line PRIVATE firms are being urged to submit plans for a new railway between Heathrow Airport and London Waterloo station without spending taxpayers’ money.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling wants firms outside of public sector body Network Rail to fund eight miles of railway to link the UK’s busiest airport and Waterloo.

The project is estimated to cost up to £1.6billion

and the firms involved would earn revenue through fees paid by train operators.

Heathrow, which is planning to build a third runway, currently has no direct rail connections from the south, with existing lines running from east to west.

A private firm called Heathrow Southern Railway (HSR) has been established to promote the project, and several companies are

Russian citizens spotted leaving as police warn of lengthy probe THE investigation into the Salisbury nerve agent attack could take months, a senior police officer has admitted.

Neil Basu, Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism at the Metropolitan Police, told the BBC: “This is going to be frustrating for people. It is going to take weeks, possibly months to do this.

“We are up to around 400 statements. We have got more statements to take. We are nearly at 800 exhibits and 4,000 hours of closed circuit television footage.”

Mr Basu added: “Our focus is on the movements of the Skripals, so we are open-minded and will follow that evidence wherever it takes us. It’s frustrating, I know, but it’s painstaking work.”

Prime Minister Theresa May has held back from an immediate escalation of the round of tit-for-tat reprisals with Russia in the wake of the attack.

But she told a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) that further measures were under active consideration and she was ready to deploy them ‘at any time’.

She has ordered 23 Russian diplomats to leave the UK and yesterday (March 20) a procession of vehicles left the gated Kensington Palace Gardens complex in London close to the Russian Embassy.

Hugging each other, holding children, pet carriers, suitcases and bags, at just after 10am a number of individuals departed in three cars, five people carriers and two small-sized coaches.

LOOKING UP Sir Richard Starkey with Prince William

assessing the possible options for the route.

HSR says the line could be open by 2025 and would be used by around 33,000 passengers per day due to significantly reduced journey times from many locations.

Expertise In a statement to the Commons, Mr Grayling wrote: “Governments do not have a monopoly on good ideas for the railways.

“I have been clear that I want the knowledge and expertise of investors and local partners to contribute to delivering new connections, more services and better journeys for passengers.”

National News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

NEWS IN BRIEF

Patients can apply for shortest waiting lists

PRINCE HARRY and Meghan Markle have chosen an organic lemon elderflower wedding cake instead of a traditional rich fruit cake.

The couple commissioned pastry chef and food writer Claire Ptak, owner of the Violet Bakery in east London, to make the cake, which will be covered with buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers to invoke the ‘bright flavours of spring’.

Westfield dwarfs rivals WESTFIELD in London is now the largest shopping centre in Europe with the opening of a £600million extension.

The 740,000 sq ft expansion of White City, west London, will increase the overall size of the centre to 2.6 million sq ft to overtake Aviapark in Moscow and the Westgate shopping city in Zagreb, Croatia.

The key feature is a new state-of-the-art John Lewis department store over four levels and 230,000 sq ft.

Engineer dies after Red Arrow jet crashes in training mission AN RAF engineer died when a Red Arrows jet crashed in an incident at RAF Valley in north Wales yesterday (March 20).

It is understood there were two people on board the aerobatic display team’s Hawk aircraft. The jet was destroyed in the incident.

North Wales Police were called to the scene at around 1.30pm. A spokesman said: “We are investigating the incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Eject Onlookers reported seeing someone eject from the aircraft before it hit the ground.

Caterer Anne Wilson, who works at the Anglesey Golf Club, situated at the end of the runway at RAF Valley, witnessed the aftermath of the crash.

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Heavy defeat for Government on nuclear future after Brexit date

WRECKAGE Fire crews with the Red Arrows jet at RAF Valley

ALL patients in England will soon be able to be referred to hospitals with the shortest waiting lists under plans unveiled alongside a new contract for GPs. The e-Referral Service allows GPs and patients to identify the hospitals with the shortest waits if a patient needs to be sent for hospital care.

More than a third of GP practices do not currently use this service and NHS England announced that £10million will be invested to make it available at every GP practice by October this year.

Spring wedding cake

NEWS

She said: “I did not see the crash but I heard a very loud noise. We are used to the planes going over but this was unusual, it was different to what we normally hear around here.

“I did go and have a look and there was a big fireball and lots of dark smoke ... quite a few of the members actually saw it.

“They said the plane came in quite steeply and saw a pilot eject, but that it was very low to the ground when they ejected.”

She said the air ambulance was at the scene ‘for a very long time’.

It is understood the Red Arrows aircrew had been at RAF Valley for routine Hawk simulator training – which is held once a month.

They had just taken off from the base and were on their way back to RAF Scampton, where the aerobatic team are based.

THE Government has suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of peers demanding the UK stay part of Europe’s nuclear regulator until alternative arrangements are in place.

The House of Lords backed by 265 votes to 194 – a majority of 71 – a move to delay Britain leaving Euratom if no agreements are in place in the run-up to Brexit day.

The setback for Theresa May came at the report stage of the Nuclear Safeguards Bill, which has already cleared the Commons. Peers raised concerns about leaving the watchdog without having a safeguarding regime in place.

Collaboration Energy minister Lord Henley said the triggering of the formal proceedings for quitting the EU also started the process for leaving Euratom and insisted it was a ‘done deal’.

He insisted the Government was ‘on track’ to secure agreements with nuclear partners.

Independent crossbencher Lord Broers, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge and president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, was proposing the amendment.

He argued that the agreement was needed ‘to give us the confidence that these agreements are complete and appropriate and will maintain the highest standards in safeguarding our nuclear power’.

He added: “Of all the world’s complex technologies, nuclear power is surely one where we must maintain collaboration with our partners, especially those in Europe.”

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BUSINESS

National Business News

Bellway sales rise in ‘robust’ market HOUSEBUILDER Bellway has seen a double-digit rise in profits as Britain’s ‘robust’ housing market helped it sell more homes at a higher price.

Pre-tax profits jumped 17 per cent to £288.7million for the half-year, as the number of homes sold ticked 6 per cent higher to 4,741.

Revenues were also bright, climbing 15 per cent to £1.3billion for the six months ending in January thanks to 7 per cent growth in the average selling price at £275,945.

The news comes as it was announced that house prices dipped by 0.3 per cent month-onmonth in January, according to the figures released jointly by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Land Registry and other bodies.

Across the UK, the average house price was £226,000, marking a 4.9 per cent increase on a year earlier.

GKN slam Melrose over pension claim ENGINEERING giant GKN has criticised hostile suitor Melrose for making ‘misleading’ statements over its pension scheme.

GKN hit out at Melrose after the turnaround specialist stepped up its battle, offering to inject up to £1billion into GKN’s pension scheme.

Melrose said this represented almost twice the amount of GKN’s plans to reduce the deficit in the scheme, and claimed that GKN’s deal to tie up its Driveline car parts division with US firm Dana would ‘orphan’ GKN’s aerospace arm with £3billion of pension liabilities.

But GKN said: “These comments are misleading as to the true status of GKN’s pension obligations post the combination of our Driveline business with Dana.”

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Pressure eases on households as impact of weak pound fades INFLATION has fallen to its lowest level since July last year, handing some relief to cashsqueezed households as the impact of the Brexit-hit pound starts to disappear.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) cooled down to 2.7 per cent last month, down from 3 per cent in January.

The outcome was lower than the 2.8 per cent predicted by economists and marked the first fall in inflation since December 2017.

Sterling’s slide since the Brexit vote has ratcheted up the pressure on household spending power, climbing from 0.6 per cent shortly after the EU referendum result to a near sixyear high of 3.1 per cent in November 2017.

Slower growth from CPI eases the pressure on the Bank of England, which is widely expected to hike interest rates beyond 0.5 per cent in May. The pound was marginally lower versus the US dollar at $1.402 following the announcement. Against the euro, sterling was up 0.2 per cent to 1.13 euro.

Phil Gooding, ONS head of CPI, said: “A small fall in petrol prices alongside food prices rising more slowly than last year helped pull down inflation, as

FOOT THE BILL Women’s shoes became more expensive

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ryanair set to buy out low-cost Lauda airline RYANAIR has agreed to buy a majority stake in LaudaMotion, the Austrian-based airline set up by the former Formula One driver Niki Lauda.

The budget airline is buying an initial 24.9 per cent stake and said it plans to raise its holding to 75 per cent ‘as soon as possible’, subject to approval from the European Union.

Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary said: “We look forward to working in partnership with Niki Lauda to successfully develop his vision for a successful Austrian low-fares airline to service the schedule and charter markets.”

Bloomsbury blossoms many of the early 2017 price increases due to the previous depreciation of the pound have started to work through the s­ ystem.”

Transport Transport prices dragged on the cost of living in February, securing a smaller month-onmonth rise of 0.5 per cent in contrast to a 1.2 per cent jump last year.

Petrol prices dropped by 0.2p per litre to 120.8p on the month, while diesel slipped by 0.1p per litre to 124.4p.

Food prices were also applying downward pressure, lifting

0.1 per cent between January and February in contrast to a 0.8 per cent rise the year before.

The fall in food price growth was partly down to a shortage of salad and vegetables last year when bad weather hit crops in southern Mediterranean countries, the ONS said.

The main upward pressure on the cost of living came from clothing and footwear prices, which rose by 1.7 per cent on the month – compared to 1.2 per cent in 2017 – as women’s shoes became more expensive.

The Retail Prices Index (RPI), a separate measure of inflation, was 3.6 per cent in February, down from 4 per cent in January.

PUBLISHING house Bloomsbury upgraded its profit forecasts following the success of chef Tom Kerridge’s new cook book.

The company, best known for publishing the Harry Potter series of books, said that titles such as Kerridge’s Lose Weight For Good drove sales in January and February.

The weight loss book sold over 70,000 copies in a week, more than any book has ever sold in the UK in a week in January.

De La Rue is struggling SHARES in banknote maker De La Rue tanked after it warned over profits and said its finance chief was leaving.

The Basingstoke-based group, which also specialises in passport printing, announced that it is expecting full-year results to come in at the ‘lower end of the current consensus range’ but did not give a reason for the lower guidance.

World News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

SPORT IN BRIEF

THE world’s last male northern white rhino has died after ‘age-related complications’. Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy said 45-year-old Sudan was put to sleep after he was no longer able to stand. His muscles and bones had degenerated and he had a deep leg infection. Sudan was part of an effort to save the subspecies from extinction, with the help of two surviving females, his daughter Najin and her daughter Fatu

Stokes up to full pace as Test return beckons BEN STOKES proved he is fit to bowl in England’s first Test against New Zealand starting tomorrow (March 22) as he worked up to full pace in the Auckland nets.

The all-rounder was unable to bowl in last week’s warm-up match in Hamilton because of a stiff back.

He is due to play his first Test in more than six months after missing this winter’s Ashes series while he was waiting to hear if he would be charged over an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September.

Rebel FI ‘could happen’ A BREAKAWAY championship to rival Formula One has gathered further momentum after Mercedes boss Toto Wolff became the first team principal to warn of the possibility.

“The perspective of doing something else is a realistic one, and it could happen if we don’t achieve to align our vision,” he said.

Bernie Ecclestone, the former F1 supremo, claimed last month that disgruntled Ferrari Chairman Sergio Marchionne had already staged talks over a rival championship.

Best and Kearney stay IRELAND captain Rory Best and full-back Rob Kearney have signed new contracts with the Irish Rugby Football Union until the 2019 World Cup. The pair, with 111 and 83 caps respectively, are the only members of Joe Schmidt’s squad to participate in the recent Grand Slam, secured at Twickenham on Saturday (March 17) and the previous one in 2009.

Latest blast may show range of ‘serial bomber’ is widening THE FBI believes that a package bomb that exploded inside a FedEx distribution centre near San Antonio, Texas is linked to a spate of bombings in the state capital Austin.

The blast occurred yesterday (March 20) at the courier branch in Schertz, 60 miles south-west of Austin. A worker was treated for minor injuries.

Related Special agent Michelle Lee said ‘it would be silly for us not to admit that we suspect it’s related’.

Four bombings in Austin have killed two people and injured four others since March 2.

The most recent had taken place on Sunday night, injuring two men. It was triggered on a street by a nearly invisible tripwire.

That suggested a ‘higher level of sophistication’ than three early package bombs left on doorsteps, according to Fred Milanowski, agent in charge of

the Houston division of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“We are clearly dealing with what we believe to be a serial bomber at this point,” Austin police chief Brian Manley said.

William Grote has said his grandson was one of the victims on Sunday, and that he had what appeared to be nails embedded in his knees.

He revealed that on the night of the bombing, one of the victims was riding a bike in the street and the other was on a pavement when they crossed a tripwire that he said knocked ‘them both off their feet’.

“It was so dark they couldn’t tell and they tripped,” he said. “They didn’t see it. It was a wire. And it blew up.”

Mr Grote told how his son, who lives about 100 yards from the blast, heard the explosion and raced outside.“Both of them were kind of bleeding profusely,” he said.

NEWS

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Ex-president Sarkozy held in funding probe FORMER French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been placed in custody as part of a probe into allegations he received millions of euros in illegal financing from the regime of late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

An investigation into funding for his winning 2007 presidential campaign has been under way since 2013. Mr Sarkozy and his former chief of staff have denied wrongdoing in the case.

French-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine has claimed he delivered suitcases from Libya containing ¤5million in cash to Mr Sarkozy and his former chief of staff Claude Gueant.

The legal funding limit was ¤21 million euros, and the alleged payments would violate rules against foreign financing and declaring the source of campaign funds.

App must hand over data to Russia’s FSB RUSSIAN’S highest court has ruled that the Telegram messaging app can be forced to provide user data to security services.

The Supreme Court threw out an appeal by Telegram protesting against demands from the Federal Security Service intelligence agency (FSB) to provide access to user data.

Telegram, based in Britain, argued that the FSB violated consumer rights when it demanded that social networks provide authorities with encryption keys and chat histories.

The FSB claim the app was used by a suicide bomber who killed 15 people in St Petersburg last year. French authorities said it was also used by Islamic State extremists who killed a priest in Normandy, and Spanish police have linked it to an IS-inspired attack in Colombia.

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NEWS

Letters

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

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 at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU

DISSERVICE Passengers can wait an hour and 20 minutes for a bus to the hospital

Long wait to reach the hospital – and no room for child buggies The new timetable for Arriva’s No 277 bus service reduces its frequency from four per hour to three, and offers Sainsbury’s as the end destination for all services, with alternate buses rotating at Knights Park and Tunbridge Wells Hospital at Pembury.

The reduction in frequency negates the route extension, and the failure of a service to the hospital is very serious. Like the old service, every 15 minutes, it appears that a scheduled

service has been dropped without notice. This can result in a gap of one hour 20 minutes between buses to the hospital.

Based on my initial experience of using the new service, the lower frequency results in overcrowding at peak times, causing mothers with children and buggies to be denied entry.

One last point: Why are driver-operated buses not fitted with an engine stop-start to reduce pollution while the bus is loading?

Ian Hunter Via email

Mr Clark, just say no to fracking

Not much has changed in 100 years

We are writing to express our deep concern over plans to allow hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ for shale gas.

Exploiting more fossil fuels directly contributes to climate change. UK law commits us to reduce carbon emissions; therefore, fracking makes no sense at all.

A few weeks ago, we met Greg Clark, our local MP for Tunbridge Wells, to share our worries.

We know he cares about the environment, and as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, he is in a unique position of giving or withholding consent to fracking applications.

Flooding in Tunbridge Wells last year caused large disruption, and floods are only set to get worse as climate change makes extreme weather more common and more dangerous.

We, as residents of Tunbridge Wells, are urging for a halt to fracking. People do not want it – support for the industry is very low at just 16 per cent – there is no proof of economic benefit to households, and gas supplies will last to 2035.

Clearly, we do not need fracking to secure our energy supplies.

We have seen some positive development, with Mr Clark asking for stringent financial reviews of companies that want to frack, which seems, of course, only right. Third Energy has moved some equipment out of Ryedale in Yorkshire, for now.

We ask Mr Clark to unequivocally refuse support for all fracking applications.

It simply poses too many risks – to climate, people and the environment.

Marieke de Jonge, Diana Allchorne, Myriam Ruelle, Tom Houston and Phil Wey Tunbridge Wells Friends of the Earth

I was shocked to see that Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council did not help to promote any special occasions to mark International Women’s Day on this most significant of anniversaries – 100 years since [some] women were given the vote in the Representation of the People Act. In Tunbridge Wells there was a march through the town involving a couple of hundred people, many of them dressed in period costume.

The council there arranged for the War Memorial to be decked out in bunting sporting the colours of the Women’s Suffrage movement.

In Tonbridge, nothing. Hardly surprising that the only place in Kent where speakers on the Great Pilgrimage march of 1913 were heckled was in the town. But maybe even that’s better than a resounding silence.

Debbie Crouch Tonbridge

Eye-watering rise – and tear gas I just received my council tax bill for 2018-19, and I can’t be the only one who thinks this tax is becoming a bit much.

This is the only bill that we have no control over. We could cut down on gas, electricity, water, food, etc, but there is no answer to rising council tax. I think I am correct that the council tax and the BBC’s licence fee are the only two taxes where non-payment is a criminal offence carrying a prison sentence.

Local authorities are self-serving bureaucracies run for the benefit of staff and the ambitions and egos of well-paid councillors. There is very little that they do that could not be done in a more efficient and effective way.

All I see is inefficiency and poor service, the

roads are like driving on the surface of the moon – and look at the mess the planners have caused in our towns and villages.

At the same time as announcing this eye-watering tax hike, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is proposing to spend £70million on a theatre. Could you believe it? As sure as God made little green apples, this folly will make a loss for decades to come.

We seem to be fatalistic with our lot, accepting we were put on this earth to pay through the nose for everything, and we are most unlikely to riot in the street, like they did with the poll tax before it was turned into the council tax.

Martin Armstrong Tunbridge Wells

Dream turns into a nightmare?

May I applaud your newspaper and its ­opportunity for local people to communicate their views on matters affecting their ­communities?

It is to be hoped that those who are elected to represent us read these comments and flavour their decision-making accordingly.

Particularly of note was the picture of David Jukes [March 7], who appeared to be smiling down on us with absolute satisfaction. Pity you didn’t superimpose a speech bubble stating ‘looks like I have my dream of a new Civic Centre and you suckers are going to pay for it’.

However, I understand why you decided not to.

Martin Dawes Via email

Invitation to join another party If [Cllr] Peter Bulman really wants to stay on ­Tunbridge Wells Borough Council while his views are diametrically opposed to the ruling Tory regime, surely he should consider defecting to another political party he feels more ­comfortable with? I am sure his many years of experience would be welcomed.

Dr Alan Bullion Tunbridge Wells

A whole world of words awaits I was a ‘Blitz baby’, so having lived through over seven decades of astonishing changes, my final challenge has been tackled, and I want to share this moment of triumph with other seniors who may have shied away from computers.

The turning point was last year when I joined the over-60s computer club in Southborough.

After years of writing stories, poetry, and scripts for two musicals performed by a local am-dram group, all in longhand, and having several books published, including a historical novel based on 18th-century secret tunnels and smugglers in The Pantiles, I realised all this could have been achieved more easily with a computer.

Now, with the guidance offered by Richard and Liz at the club, I have just published Brian’s Writing World on the Wattpad website, which is designed to help would-be authors.

I hope this is encouraging to all seniors c­ ontemplating computers.

Brian C Gamage Southborough

We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words

Calverley

Observations on

life and more important things

ROUND of applause for the dynamic duo that is Council Leader David Jukes and Cllr Tracy Moore. The pair are in the middle of a roadshow to promote their controversial plans to splash out £90million on a Civic Complex. First stop was Pembury, where one of Calverley’s agents was tucked away in the hall. It turned out to be a most interesting evening. The agent reported: “The audience transformed into a pack of sharks and let rip… some mad people… one person screamed he was never voting Tory again and stormed out… all great theatre.” Which is ironic in view of the fact they want to build a theatre. Hats off to the pair, who could have stayed behind the Town Hall barricades.

WORD reaches Calverley of an extraordinary scene at a local building site. Chaps erecting the scaffolding were in full flow when storm clouds appeared and it started pouring hard.

Quick as a flash, the five of them raced back to their van, attracting jeers from other workers, mainly brickies. Minutes later, the van doors opened and they appeared wearing nothing but big smiles, underpants and boots. They finished putting up the scaffolding before zooming off. It seems they get paid a set amount for each job regardless of how long it takes. The rates they charge make it well worth their while to take a soaking.

TALKING about builders, this was spotted on the back of one of their vans: “Blood, sweat and beers” – what, no cups of tea?

TATTOOS appear to be very much in vogue.

Nothing wrong with that, though some people go perhaps a tad too far. Like the middle-aged member of the chattering classes who has had artwork tattooed on the side of her body from armpit to waist. And the image shows her stark naked and kneeling down. Astonishing.

How Calverley knows this is another story…

CHANGING times. It used to be that kids were called Tom, Dick or Harry. Or Beryl, June and Dorothy. Not any more. Nothing quite so boring. Calverley was introduced to three siblings last week at one of those trampoline places and they were called Storm, Summer and Sky. Lovely. (You should have seen the dads trying to look cool as they bounced around and fell over. Calverley refrained).

Chin Chin, readers

Education News

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

EDUCATION Times WITH THE

Don’t let exams be a testing time With GCSEs and A levels just a couple of months away, students should really be getting to grips with revision now. Get started with these simple to adopt techniques that will guarantee a stress-free run-up to the big days…

THE Easter holidays may conjure up thoughts of chocolate eggs and lots of outdoor fun as the weather turns that little bit warmer, but if you’re in Year 10 or 11 at school then they also represent a potentially less appealing thing: Exam revision.

As there’s just a few weeks to go until most GCSE and A level students sit these all important tests, now is a crucial time to start preparing for the summer exams.

If you’ve already started, then you’re on the right track to success – but if you haven’t, then read on for a few key pointers to help you absorb all that subject information and actually remember it.

Whether it’s the memorisation of a complex chemistry formula or irregular French verbs, the key thing is to not feel overwhelmed. Simple listmaking of which subject areas need covering and by when will immediately help you feel less daunted, as will short regular bursts of testing yourself on various subjects.

‘Like anything in life, if you break things down into small, sizeable chunks they will appear far more achievable’ You can do this by breaking up your studying of a particular subject. For example, read and revise for ten minutes, then test yourself an hour later.

Repeat this again on day two, then a few days later, and a little later on. By adopting this dripfeed effect of ‘spaced learning’, you are more likely to retain information as opposed to ‘mass learning’ – or cramming, as it’s more commonly known. Like anything in life, if you break things down into small, sizeable chunks they will appear far more achievable.

Julie Lodrick, Headmistress of Kent College at Pembury, also has some key advice: “When revising, there is a temptation for students to focus initially on the things they find easy. Instead, encourage your child to start with the most challenging ideas. They may struggle at first, but even

if they cannot master the material straight away, when they return to it, their brains will have been processing things behind the scenes.”

Your memory is naturally programmed to make connections, so for example, if you are memorising a list of names, then invent an acronym or rhyme which will help you remember them better. Dates can be memorised by translating them into the 24-hour clock – the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 can be remembered by linking Magna Carta with a quarter past twelve.

The online platform Memrise – which can help you learn topics as diverse as Japanese, engineering and HTML programming – agrees it works.

Its co-creator, neuroscientist Greg Dentre, cites the example of learning the Italian verb ‘to go’ (andare) by remembering the question: “And are you going to go?”

Of course, each individual will come up with a system that helps them personally, but these simple examples are a good place to start.

Once you have these facts in place, write about them on a side of A4 paper as this will help build up a bigger picture of the subject matter in your mind.

Using these starting points and exercising good diligence is vital to making the revision process a success. So try and approach the next few weeks with a positive and confident mindset.

By doing things in the morning you are not only at your freshest, you’ll also have time to squeeze in a little bit of social time, therefore eliminating ’missing out’ syndrome.

Julie Lodrick also advises not to get too worried about revising trickier subjects. It’s really just a question of giving yourself a bit of time to work things out.

“We can all relate to how a problem can seem easier once we have left it alone for a bit,” she says. “Engaging with challenge in this manner also teaches resilience and the mental toughness that examinations demand.”

NEWS

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NEWS

Weekly Comment

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Bjorn Simpole Vice-Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Constituency Labour Party

Bjorn Simpole is Vice-Chairman of Tunbridge Wells Constituency Labour Party and prospective candidate for St John’s ward in the borough council elections in May. He has nearly 20 years’ experience working in various roles for a number of Kent and London councils.

Cuts in services are harming our communities THE 2010 coalition government promised to get rid of the budget deficit and reduce the country’s debt. What followed were some of the toughest austerity measures since the war aimed at cutting funding to most of our public services, many of these at local level.

Over eight years government grants to local authorities have been reduced by nearly 50 per

‘Kent’s £500million backlog our roads are unrepaired and potholed, and since police numbers have been cut crime is rising’ cent. We were told to bear the pain in order to build a strong economy, but the deficit has still not been eliminated. Under the Conservative government, debt has risen to an eye watering £1.8trillion, and vital public services continue to be starved of funding. Just before we leave the European Union our economy is far from strong.

Austerity and cuts to local services have consequences. Families are hit by the rising cost of living, frozen benefits and stagnant wages. As a result, almost one in six children in Tunbridge Wells are affected by child poverty.

In Sherwood ward it is almost one in three.

Growing up in poverty makes children less

likely to do well in their education, get a good job or own their own home.

At a time when we should be investing in the future of our children, provision in our Children’s Centres and local community services has been scaled back. Last week Kent County Council decided to slash support for breast feeding services by £400,000.

Specialist services - which my partner and I accessed for my new baby in the last few weeks - will no longer be available and it is those least able to pay for private help or able to travel long distances for services who will suffer the most in future.

We have a crisis in adult social care with older people finding it increasingly difficult to find affordable care or nursing homes. Record numbers of children are being referred to social services at a time when councils barely have sufficient funding to run statutory services.

As a result of Kent’s £500million backlog our roads are unrepaired and potholed, and since police numbers have been cut crime is rising.

Austerity isn’t working but it is ruining our public services and weakening the togetherness of our communities. Those who can’t afford to pay to access the support they need are having to go without, resulting in some of the poorest families and areas being hit the hardest.

High housing costs and low local wages are a

CHALLENGE Kent County Hall leaders have been criticised

lethal cocktail for residents who are just about or not really managing, and the failure of the Conservatives nationally and locally to invest in new genuinely affordable and social housing is a disgrace. They blame each other for who is responsible for this but they are ‘all in it together’.

Instead of challenging austerity and focusing

on the big issues facing people in the borough, Cllr Jukes and his council colleagues are hell-bent on spending £90million on deeply unpopular new council offices, an underground car park and theatre. Labour is fighting to end austerity, for an end to cuts in local services, and to put the real needs of our residents first.

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

yourh me INSPIRATION FOR MOVING

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AND IMPROVING HOME WITH FAR-REACHING VIEWS

Property with potential Planning in place Page 26

House with annexe Page 27

AVAILABLE EVER Y WEDNESDAY – A MUST-READ

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ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PROPERTY, IN TERIORS, TOP TRENDS AN D GARDENING

HOUSE WITH STANDOUT KITCHEN

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SIX-BEDROOM GUEST HOUSE

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ENJOY A SITTING ROOM BALCONY

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Big up your bathrooms Page 50

GIVE BUTTERFLIES A SPRING BOOST

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yourh me

To suit your budget

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Your at-a-glance guide to WITH THE

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Pick up your edition at the following stations Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge Wadhurst Hildenborough Paddock Wood High Brooms

PENNINGTON PLACE SOUTHBOROUGH

£750,000

To feature a property or to place an advert please call: Patsy Kelly 01892 774781

Alternatively, you can contact the Times of Tunbridge Wells in the following ways: Call 01892 779 624 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1NU newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

f facebook.com/timeslocalnews k twitter.com/timeslocalnews L timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk

UNDER £300,000

n Popular ‘Village’ area of town

UNDER £450,000

n 3 bedrooms

GROVE HILL ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS

n Large living room with feature fireplace

SILVERHURST DRIVE TONBRIDGE

n Bathroom with separate WC

GUIDE PRICE

£220,000-£230,000 LEASEHOLD

n 1 double bedroom n Shower room n Kitchen

£400,000-£425,000

n No onward chain

n Extended semi-detached house

n Top floor apartment n Period conversion n Desirable location close to Tunbridge Wells mainline station, ideal for commuters

GUIDE PRICE

CONTACT Andrews Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 www.andrewsonline.co.uk

n Kitchen/breakfast room with side door to driveway n Living room with wood-burning stove – open plan to dining room, with doors to garden

n South-facing garden with lowlevel panelled fencing and patio n Planning for double-storey extension n Planning for loft conversion CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

To suit your budget

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great properties by price range…

UNDER £650,000 CRANFORD ROAD, TONBRIDGE

GUIDE PRICE

£550,000-£600,000 n Detached family home n Popular residential location n Kitchen n Utility room n Dining room n Living room n 3 bedrooms n Bedroom 4/family room n Garage n Parking n Gardens CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

UNDER £700,000 STEPHENS ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£595,000 n Front entrance porch n Sitting room n Kitchen n Dining room n 3 bedrooms n Bathroom n Attic room n Small front garden n Enclosed rear garden n Garden shed CONTACT McAuley Miller Estate Agents Tunbridge Wells 01892 614777 www.mcauleymiller.com

UNDER £1MILLION UNDER £800,000 PENNINGTON PLACE SOUTHBOROUGH

£750,000

PEMBURY ROAD, TONBRIDGE n Conservatory n Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom

GUIDE PRICE

£900,000-£950,000

n 3 further bedrooms

n Entrance lobby and hall

n Corner plot with views

n Family bathroom

n Cloakroom/shower room

n Entrance hall

n Front and rear gardens

n Kitchen/breakfast room

n Family room

n Double garage and driveway

n Sitting room

n Lounge n Downstairs cloakroom n Kitchen n Utility room

CONTACT Wood & Pilcher Southborough 01892 511311 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

n Master bedroom with dressing area and en suite n 3 further bedrooms n Top floor balcony with stunning views n Self-contained 2-bedroom ground floor annexe CONTACT Bracketts Tonbridge 01732 350503 www.bracketts.co.uk

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Frant Road

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

AT A GLANCE

The superb kitchen/breakfast room covers the whole of the lower ground floor and is exceptionally well equipped

FRANT ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Recessed porch n Entrance hall n Sitting room n Family room n Kitchen/breakfast/living room n Cloakroom n Principal bedroom with en-suite shower room n 3 further bedrooms n Family bathroom n Further top floor shower room n Gas-fired central heating n Garden n Parking for several cars

ÂŁ895,000 Available for sale through Hamptons International Tunbridge Wells 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk

An outstanding late Victorian semidetached house set over four floors

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Goldsmid Road

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

AT A GLANCE

GOLDSMID ROAD TONBRIDGE n Cloakroom n 3 reception rooms, one with wood burner, another with balcony n Kitchen/breakfast room & pantry n Master bedroom with en suite n Cloakroom n Family bathroom n 3 further bedrooms n Loft room n Outbuilding with power and light n Parking for 2 cars

£650,000 Available for sale through Wood & Pilcher Tonbridge 01732 351135 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

A family home that’s handy for station and grammars with useful loft and outbuilding

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Rosnaree

Stunning Victorian guest house would make ample family home

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

AT A GLANCE ROSNAREE UPPER GROSVENOR ROAD TUNBRIDGE WELLS n Semi-detached n 3 storeys n Full of period features n Reception room n Kitchen/dining room with NEFF appliances n Utility room n Downstairs cloakroom n Living room n Conservatory n 5 double bedrooms n 1 further bedroom n Family bathroom n Working stairlifts n L-shaped rear garden n 2 patio areas n Mature shrubs and borders n Garage and 0ff-road parking n Property currently in use as a guest house

GUIDE PRICE

£930,000

Available for sale through Le Grys Southborough 01892 529448 www.legrys.com

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Interiors

Bathing beauty Now’s the time to shower your bathroom with love, says Eileen Leahy

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ATHROOMS used to often get overlooked as just another practical space in the house. They were a place where you’d simply stash your dirty laundry, carry out your daily ablutions, check yourself in the mirror and go.

But how things have changed over the past few years…

After the minimalist wet room trend, bathrooms have now gone positively pampering palace – if the increasingly popular looks on social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest are anything to go by.

And whether you go for marble his and hers sinks with a statement tile or two, or opt for a more laid-back natural look

GET THE LOOK

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

courtesy of limestone flooring and herringbone-style tiling, one thing is for sure, they will not only increase your enjoyment, but probably your bank balance, too, as bathrooms will certainly add value to a property.

And let’s face it, when they are done, bathrooms are also places where you can seek sanctuary from the chaos of the rest of the world by languishing in a beautifully scented bubble bath, or preparing yourself for a night out.

But whether you’re dashing in and out of the shower or treating yourself to a spa-like pampering session, your bathroom needs to look as good as it makes you feel. So before you start work on your makeover project, have a good clear out and tackle any DIY dilemmas.

For an instant spruce up, paint your walls a different colour in a special moisture and steam-resistant bathroom paint. Dulux, Wickes and Crown all sell these.

Aquatic colours are still a classic choice, but how about turning tradition on its head and opting for a shell pink and dark blue combo? Or monochrome with a splash of canary yellow courtesy of a roll-top bath? Or perhaps you quite fancy embracing the Scandi look by going for a variety of slate and worn wood mixed into the grand scheme of things?

These ideas may sound ambitious on paper, but actually using a bold statement colour pop is currently one of the most popular looks for bathrooms. And it works surprisingly well, although I would limit the hero shades to accent tones – on a sink unit or set of statement shelves – and keep everything else fairly neutral so it doesn’t feel too overpowering.

Alternatively, you could always play it fairly safe by using a mushroom or ecru key tone complemented by fresh white accents. Add in a few faux or real plants for a punch of natural colour, and perhaps a copper tap or shower head instead of regular chrome ones and this will instantly – and effortlessly – up the style ante.

If you’re lacking decent storage then this needs to be addressed. The only things you want on display are pretty perfume bottles and the odd decorative flourish, such as a towel ladder or sweetie jar filled with soaps. Look to The White Company, Next and Dassie Artisan for these types of accessories, and you can find towel ladders at Cox and Cox, OKA and Dunelm.

If you’re looking for some attractive shelving on which to show off your beauty booty, then websites such as Not On The High Street and Made both offer a great selection. You could also have a browse around Graham and Green.

‘After the minimalist wet room trend, bathrooms have now gone positively pampering palace’

ON REFLECTION Marble Effect Mirror, £22, Sainsbury’s Home, www.sainsburys.co.uk

STYLISH STORAGE Set of 2 storage baskets £30, www.debenhams.com

STONE LOVE Metallic and stone dispenser, £9.99 www.tkmaxx.com

MONOCHROME MAGIC Laguna rug in Black & White, £49.95, www.cuckooland.com

If you’re giving your bathroom a complete renovation, then do your homework by checking out all your options.

At the high end, you have companies such as the local West One Bathrooms, who offer not only a really impressive selection of different styles and fixtures and fittings, but also a bespoke advice service.

Then, of course, there are plenty of mid-market and budget options available both on the high street and also online.

An instant focal point for your new bathroom is easily created by installing a freestanding bath. You could opt for a traditional roll-top style like Victoria Plumb’s Liberty bath (www.

Victoriaplumb.com) or go for a funkier version, such as Wickes’ cool Cocoon style.

New flooring is also essential and patterned tiles are currently very much en vogue. At the top end you have Fired Earth, trickling down to the likes of Topps Tiles, Tile Mountain and B&Q, and you’re sure to find something to your taste and budget.

For an inexpensive transformation, decorative displays and a fresh lick of paint will go a long way, but never underestimate the power of a new fluffy bale of towels, fresh flowers and a scented candle or two.

These and an oversized mirror will ensure your bathroom is always pretty as well as practical.

IMAGE: COURTESY OF SAINSBURY’S HOME

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Advertising

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Gardening

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

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How to create a colourful butterfly breeding ground To mark the 50th anniversary of the Butterfly Conservation charity GARDENERS nationwide are being encouraged to do their bit to boost the butterfly population to mark the 50th anniversary of the charity Butterfly Conservation. If you would like to join in, here are some tips on how to help these gorgeous insects thrive…

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Grow nectar-rich plants

Planting the right material to help butterflies on their way is vital. The insects love nectar-rich plants like buddleia and lavender – but they must also have the right types of breeding grounds.

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Leaves for hatching

Most butterflies lay their eggs on plants which will be eaten by the caterpillars when they hatch.

Create an area of long grass and wild flowers

Let an area of grass grow long and meadow brown butterflies should breed in it. But wild grasses are generally used, not lawn or ornamental grasses. Among the best are some of the bents (agrostis), cocksfoot, false brome,

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Grasses are also useful

“But creating a haven for butterflies isn’t all about nectar,” says Butterly Conservation’s Natalie Ngo. “A lot use grasses, including skippers, marbled whites, meadow brown and gatekeeper.”

The eggs are generally laid on the underside of leaves and each caterpillar type likes only certain kinds of leaves. fescues and meadow grasses.

If you have room, sow wild flower seeds, too. The flowers and grasses provide nectar for butterflies and moths, along with food and shelter for their caterpillars.

Even a tiny meadow area in a rural garden or a tub of colourful wild flowers in the city could

provide a wonderful refuge for pollinators.

“I had wild flower seeds in a pot which lasted for years. I’ve also got grasses in a pot and I found a caterpillar on the grass.

“They will find it,” says Natalie.

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Use colourful additions

Silver-studded blue will lay their eggs in heather, while honeysuckle provides an ideal spot for white admiral, and violets attract fritillaries to their leaves. Some caterpillars will feast on nasturtiums, which can act as a deterrent to them eating your cabbages.

If you want your planting to remain relatively neat, plant buckthorn within your hedging to attract brimstones, and holly as a hedge, which attracts holly blue butterflies.

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Keep clumps of nettles

Many common garden butterflies, such as the red admiral, comma and small tortoiseshell, lay eggs on stinging nettles. And colourful nymphalid butterflies will lay their eggs on the nettle leaves, which will provide food for the caterpillars. Look out for eggs laid singly by the red admiral and comma, or in batches by the small tortoiseshell and peacock.

The eggs of all four butterflies will hatch in one to three weeks, depending on temperature.

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Make all of your garden a magnet

Choose sunny, sheltered spots when planting nectar-rich plants, as butterflies like warmth. Put in a variety of plants to attract different types of butterflies and plant the same varieties in blocks. Make sure you plant to cover all seasons, taking into account the importance of spring flowers, when butterflies are coming out of hibernation, to autumn blooms, which will help them build up their reserves for winter.

Keep flowers going by deadheading regularly, watering well and mulching with organic matter to boost nectar supplies.

For more, visit the Butterfly Conservation website www.butterfly-conservation.org

‘Creating a haven for butterflies isn’t all about nectar’

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

thekn w ARTS AND CULTURE | LIFE & STYLE | MOTORING TECHNOLOGY | DREAM DESTINATIONS | SPORT

Spring Clean

We round up the best facial scrubs Pages

FOOD & DRINK

Animal instinct

70 – 71

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Author Liam Drew on his new book Page 58

DIVINE DAFFODILS

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CHEERS TO BEER

68

NOTES FROM A SMALL ISLAND

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Dynamic dancers

Ballet Central perform at EM Forster Page 59 CRUISING CLASS

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Arts & Culture

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Natural I selection Local author Liam Drew tells the Times what his recent hit book – I, Mammal: The Story of What Makes us Mammals – is all about…

, MAMMAL was born largely of serendipity.

As an academic scientist I was always very interested in communicating research findings to a wider audience, and in a bid to get better at this I’d started taking evening classes in non-fiction writing.

In 2011, needing something to write about for my homework, I was playing football, when a ball struck me rather painfully in a certain part of my anatomy.

Some weeks later, I handed my classmates an essay about the possible reasons for most male mammals carrying their essential reproductive organs outside of their bodies. (And, no, it isn’t just about keeping them cool.)

They liked the story – a mixture of amused befuddlement and serious science – and eventually it was published by the American magazine Slate, where it caught the attention of an editor at Bloomsbury.

Evolutionary

DEVELOPING INTO AN AUTHOR Liam Drew with his book

When they wrote to me to ask if I’d ever considered writing a book, I had a very young daughter whose arrival had completely blown me away. I’d been amazed by how instinctively parenting had come, mesmerised by the ultrasound images of my daughter growing in a womb, then astonished by what an obsession milk and its provision had become…

Thinking of a theme for a book, it was immediately clear that these were all very much aspects of being not human but a mammal.

I quickly decided that I wanted to explore what it meant to be a mammal. So, whereas most evolutionary accounts of how humans evolved focus on what is unique to us – our large brains, talent for language and upright postures, that sort of thing – I wanted to grapple with much older biological history to ask how this type of animal had evolved. And to look at what we owed to that history.

My initial plan, the one I pitched to Bloomsbury, was to simply list the things that make mammals different from other animals – milk, hair, big brains with a unique type of cerebral cortex, molar teeth, and so on – then write a chapter on how and why each of these traits had evolved.

While this remains the basic structure of the book, the chapters all became very interlinked: A mammal isn’t simply a hairy creature that grows up drinking milk, the essence of a mammal lies in the connections between these traits.

From the beginning, I wanted the book to be accessible, and so it’s written in a very conversational tone, with plenty of personal anecdotes and lots of looking across the mammalian family and exploring the many, wonderfully diverse types of animals that operate on basic mammalian principles.

And, unlike in my academic career where I always had to be very serious in public, here, when I encountered things that surprised me, I allowed myself to say ‘Wow! That’s incredible’.

My book has just been published in America, something I am very excited about.

One of the nicest side effects of writing it is that it made me a much more careful observer of nature. Though our local mammals are fairly prosaic, I found myself walking around Dunorlan Park, say, watching the rabbits in a much more interested and appreciative manner.

The book, which took about two and a half years to write, ends with me and a squirrel staring at each other in the grounds of Charles Darwin’s old house in Downe near Orpington. Standing there in a space where one of the greatest intellects of all time had lived and observing the animals in his garden, I watched the squirrel skip on, his tail echoing the arching movements of his body, and I simply felt lucky to be here.

I, Mammal: The Story of What Makes us Mammals, by Liam Drew, is published by Bloomsbury and priced £16.99

Arts & Culture

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

The shape of things to come The EM Forster Theatre hosts Ballet Central on Friday and Saturday this week, which will showcase the country’s latest crop of talented ballet dancers. Here, Eileen Leahy catches up with the troupe’s artistic Director, Christopher Marney, to hear more…

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Costumes There are 36 dancers on the Ballet Central tour, made up of 12 nationalities.

The group was formed in 1984, and Christopher has been in his post as Artistic Director for two years.

“It is wonderful to see how the audiences respond on tour and how the dancers find new things in the pieces at every performance. Not only do they dance, they are involved in all aspects of getting the show up and running, such as maintaining the costumes and rigging lights. It gives them an appreciation and also the tools they need for a complete training in theatre,” Christopher reveals.

He is very excited about returning to the EM Forster Theatre as it’s a ‘firm favourite’ on Ballet Central’s touring circuit. “EM Forster is a great venue for

STUNNING RANGE OF STYLES The troupe has a varied repertoire

allet Central is a touring troupe made up of undergraduates from London’s esteemed Central School of Ballet.

Their annual tour, which runs from March until July, offers students the opportunity to gain invaluable touring experience before graduation, but also gives audiences around the country the chance to see not only the company’s young and dynamic dancers perform, but also some of the best dance theatre from current industry professionals.

This season’s Ballet Central repertoire includes excerpts from Matthew Bourne’s Gothicreworking of Sleeping Beauty, Christopher Gable’s Cinderella and also a piece from FAR by the multi-award-winning choreographer and director Wayne McGregor. And if you go along to the EM Forster Theatre this Friday and Saturday,

director Wayne McGregor.

“Jenna Lee returns with her brand new creation, Black Swan, a dark twist on the iconic classic, and to celebrate the life and work of Kenneth MacMillan, we introduce an excerpt from his rarely-seen Valley of Shadows.

To close this year’s performance, you will see scenes from Christopher Gable’s Cinderella on the 25th anniversary of its creation.

Set to an acclaimed score by Ballet Central’s resident composer Philip Feeney this is a timeless version of a muchloved fairy tale.”

you will be lucky enough to see these as well as choreographer Jenna Lee’s new creation, Black Swan, a dark twist on the iconic classic.

Artistic Director Christopher Marney promises that audiences will enjoy a show that will be full of ‘storytelling, technique and drama’, and a chance to see some ‘exceptional dance talent on the cusp of their professional careers’.

“Some of the most distinguished and influential choreographers in the dance industry support this young dance company, meaning that we are able to perform some exceptional repertoire,” explains Christopher.

“This year Matthew Bourne of New Adventures honours us with the Fairies Prologue from his reworking of Sleeping Beauty and, for the first time, Ballet Central will present an excerpt from FAR by multi-award-winning choreographer and

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dance, and we are proud of the loyal audience that have supported us over the years. The theatre staff are fantastic and there is always a positive buzz and good atmosphere.”

This year, they have also added a show so those with younger children can catch a Saturday matinee.

“The chosen repertoire is presented in short, varied excerpts, perfect for children and adults, too,” says Christopher.

“Ballet Central appeals to both dance enthusiasts and those who may be attending a performance of dance for the first time.”

What does he think audiences will take away with them after seeing the performance?

“I feel that entertainment can be a wonderful form of escapism – two hours to lose yourself in a story and appreciate a beautiful art form.

“It is also constantly reinventing itself, which is exciting for audience and performers.

“No one performance is the same, and showcasing young emerging talent in a mixed bill of dance from different styles is a good recipe for a popular show.”

DANCING IN THE DARK Lita Flores Garcia in Jenna Lee’s Black Swan

Ballet Central perform at the EM Forster Theatre on Friday March 23, 7.30pm and Saturday March 24, 2.30pm. Tickets: £15, £13 (16 and under) £10 Group rate 10+ . To book, call 01732 304241 or visit www.emftheatre.com CINDERELLA Christopher Gable’s alluring version

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Going Out

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

going ut Seven days of activities at a glance

By Eileen Leahy

GOLDEN DAZE Don’t miss Hever’s glorious daffodils

WEDNESDAY

Bewl Water’s 2018 trout fishing season opens today. An impressive 43,000 rainbow trout weighing 2lbs and over have been ordered, with the first 7,600 or so already swimming around the picturesque reservoir located just off the A21. For more information, see www.bewlwater.co.uk Tonbridge Creates is currently running a pop-up arts hub in the town. The aim is to help local artists showcase and sell their work as well as regenerate some of the empty shop units.

According to its organiser, Louise Knight, the idea is to bring back ‘the local community to the heart of the town’. For more information on the event, visit www.tonbridgecreates.com BoostFit classes are now being held on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at St Gregory’s Catholic School, and cost £5 for a one-hour session. For more details, see www.boostfit.com

THURSDAY The Oast Theatre in Tonbridge is performing Abi Morgan’s Lovesong until Saturday. The story is about a couple’s journey through life and love at different points of their relationship. Directed by Ian Tucker-Bell, it’s sure to be emotive and enjoyable for audiences. Tickets cost £10 and £7.50 non-members. See www.oastheatre.com Vittle & Swig runs another of its Comedy Nights from 8.30pm. On the bill this evening are Stephen Grant and Michael Fabbr with compere Russell Hicks. See www.vittleandswig.co.uk There will be numerous screenings of the National Theatre’s production of Julius Ceasar, which will be broadcast live from London’s Bridge Theatre. Trinity Theatre and the Odeon are amongst the venues streaming the intense action of this Shakespearean classic tonight from 7pm.

Starring Ben Whishaw as Brutus, David Morrissey as Mark Anthony and David Calder as Caesa this is one powerful production not to be missed.

Tickets at Trinity cost £19. www.trinitytheatre.net

FRIDAY Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery hosts another of its pre-schooler and toddler events this morning. Entitled Fun Spring Flowers, it invites parents and carers with little ones to come along and have a go at making some colourful floral creations. For more information see www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org The Tonbridge Art Group Spring Exhibition is being held at the Tonbridge Castle chamber from today until Thursday March 29 from 10am-4pm.

Free Admission, everyone welcome.

Today and tomorrow, the RNLI will be collecting for charity at Tesco on Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge

Wells. If you’d like to donate, volunteers will be there from 9am to 6pm.

Salomons will be hosting Stand Up For Stanley, a very special fundraising event for a two-year-old boy suffering from cystic fibrosis. He desperately needs a special vibrating vest to help keep his lungs clear and improve his quality of life. These vests cost approximately £7,000, so they are aiming to start raising money this evening by putting on a 70s/80s disco. Tickets cost £10 per person, and include a fish and chip dinner with the first drink free! Starting at 7.30pm, tickets cost £10 and can be booked by emailing: events@markerstudy.com The Beacon Academy Quiz Night is on from 7pm at the Beeches Main Hall. In addition to the quiz there will also be a licensed bar, and lots of prizes to be won. The quiz has been written by Beacon Academy staff and will feature fun, interactive rounds and brainteasers. Teams of up to eight people are allowed and tickets cost £5 per person. Please buy them in advance by emailing: events@beacon-academy.org

SATURDAY Want to get fit for spring? Then why not join the popular weekly park runs at Dunorlan park and the Castle Street recreation ground in Tonbridge?

They’re free to enter, all you have to do is register your details beforehand so you can participate in the 5k circuits, which start at 9am. For more information, see www.parkrun.org.uk In the Grosvenor and Hilbert Park hub this morning, a World Water Day event will be taking place. On until 1.30pm, the idea is to help people to conserve water at home through a series of craft activities. You can, for example, make a seed bomb that helps reduce erosion, or paint your own reminder stone to check consumption. The event is free to attend and suitable for all ages.

No booking is required.

King Charles the Martyr Church Hall once again welcomes the popular Vintage Fair, which will be full of amazing fashion traders (with clothes from the 1920s to 1980s for women and men), as well as salvaged homeware, furniture, original records and antique/costume jewellery. There will also be a DJ playing Northern Soul and Motown tunes all day, and a classic car serving proper coffee and homemade cakes in the courtyard. It’s on from 10.30am until 4pm and entry is £1 (under 16s free). For more information, visit the Facebook page by searching for @squirrelvintage If you haven’t been along to see Hever Castle’s Dazzling Daffodils display, curated by legendary bulb grower Johnny Walkers, then this weekend is the final one to see it. With over 14,000 different varieties boasting such names as Sir Winston Churchill and Malvern City, there’ll be plenty of natural floral beauty to admire. Adult tickets cost £14.50; Seniors £12.95; Student £12.35, Children (5-15) £9.20; Family ticket £39.90. See www.hevercastle.co.uk

SUNDAY Go Ape at Bedgebury has reopened for spring and it’s a perfect activity for the children to get stuck into this school holiday as it’s both exciting and adventurous. Children must be at least ten GO VINTAGE At the fair

GO APE Among the trees at Bedgebury Pinetum

years old and 1.4m tall in order to participate in the tree top adventure, where you can swing through the trees like Tarzan and fly through the sky on a zip wire. For tickets and timings, visit www.goape.co.uk West Kent ivc is a social group that meets on a regular basis and enjoys visits to historical places and the seaside as well as going out to eat, going ten pin bowling and going to the cinema. For more information, please call 0844588482, email: contact@westkentivc.org.uk or visit www.westkentivc.org.uk.

Michael Morpurgo’s much-loved children’s book I Believe in Unicorns is brought to life at Trinity Theatre today courtesy of a magical production.

The intimate show is set in a library full of books that hold more than stories within their pages.

The tale focuses on a young boy called Tomas who hates reading and going to school, but his world is turned upside down the day he meets the Unicorn Lady in his local library… The show is at 2.30pm and tickets cost £12 per person.

MONDAY

Staying with Trinity, its new exhibition features photography by Phil Andrews. The gallery, which is open to the general public every day from 10am until 10pm, is free to visit and showcases work by this local photographer ‘inspired by architecture, nature and events which surround us rather than a contrived setting’. For more details, see www.trinitytheatre.net Another exhibition that mustn’t be missed is Shelved, currently on at the Tunbridge Wells TROUT’S OUT! Expect a fish frenzy at Bewl Water

Going Out

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

WHO DOESN’T BELIEVE IN UNICORNS? Michael Morpurgo’s book springs to life at Trinity

Museum and Art Gallery. It’s a collaborative project between bookbinder Tracey Rowledge and silversmith David Clarke, and has been funded by Arts Council England as part of the second development stage of Tunbridge Wells’ Cultural & Learning Hub. The artists have spent time going through the museum’s collections and library archives as well as various items sourced from charity shops and items reworked by townsfolk to give them new aesthetic value. For more details, see www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

TUESDAY Every Tuesday at Christ Church in Tonbridge High Street, Les Puces French speaking classes take place. Aimed at pre-schoolers and primary pupils, the lessons are an hour long and are held at

9.30am and 4pm.

Fees for half a term cost £60 per child. For more information, visit www.lespuces.co.uk If you want a taste of local history, then make sure you visit Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery to see Seasons of Change: The Fegans Story.

Running from Tuesday to Saturday until June 9, the exhibition focuses on the work of Fegans, a local charity which has been championing childhood and transforming mental health since 1870. Admission is free.

Every third Tuesday of the month (apart from in August), the Kent & Sussex Poetry Society hold meetings at the Camden Centre in Tunbridge Wells. At each event there is a reading by a published poet and a discussion afterwards. All are welcome and admission is £3.

The society’s members hold workshops every first Tuesday each month (except in August) to discuss their poetry.

They also hold an annual open poetry competition and publish an annual folio of members’ work. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit www.kentandsussexpoetry.com

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PICK OF THE WEEK:

Remarkable Characters of Tunbridge Wells Woods, The Pantiles, Daily until September 9 A new free photographic exhibition entitled Remarkable Characters of Tunbridge Wells has just started its run at Woods restaurant on The Pantiles. On until September, it is the brainchild of photographer Mark Wilkinson and writer Anne Wagstaff, who have a ‘curiosity about people and what makes them tick’.

The exhibition comprises 40 portraits as well as a wealth of inspiring stories from local artists, musicians, volunteers, founders of community projects and entrepreneurs aged from six to 92 years old.

Subjects include Paralympian Will Bayley, a table tennis gold medal winner, Ringpull Man, the mysterious caped crusader on a mission to recycle for good causes, and Kate Griffiths, a special effects make-up artist

who works on horror films and provides training models for the emergency services.

You can purchase a book of the same name (priced £18) from selected local bookshops and www.remarkablecharacterstw.com Proceeds from the book will be donated to Fegans, a local charity which provides children’s counselling and parent support services across the South East.

WHO’S WHO? The exhibition opening at Woods

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Going Out

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE

THE SUSSEX ARMS BASEMENT

THE BEAU NASH TAVERN

The Pantiles. Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7 Websites www.pdag.co.uk and www.thegreylady.co.uk Wednesday Gronk, Chasing Shadows, The Secret Crowd, Ryan Weeks Friday Beat by Beat Saturday Hard Lines Sunday Iona, Fred Clark, Lucy Jarrett, The Breretons Monday Singers’ Night Tuesday Jack Mackey, Jessica Johansson, Andy Evans, Matt Falloon

Sussex Mews. Open all day, entry charge may apply, music from 8.30pm more information at www.twforum.co.uk Thursday Hey Colossus, Grey Hairs, Cosmic Thoughts Saturday Five Kites, Oceans, Cascades

Mount Ephraim. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday Matt Bridle

THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM

live music With Paul Dunton

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onight [Wednesday], Scallywag café hosts its popular Cabaret Open Mic night and Ryan Weeks headlines The Grey Lady showcase with great support from The Secret Crowd, Chasing Shadows and Gronk.

On Thursday, I recommend Milestones, Better Days, Half Time Talk and Paperfriend at The Forum, and at The Sussex Arms you can catch Hey Colossus, Grey Hairs and Cosmic Thoughts.

On Friday, classical/pop vocal group G4 return to The Assembly Hall.

Saturday evening is jam packed, and for fans of classical music, esteemed clarinettist Emma Johnson will be at St Mary’s Church in

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

Lamberhurst, and the ‘Lyrae Duo’ will be at Eridge Village Hall.

Revered blues pianist Iain Rae & Hard Lines will be at The Grey Lady, and don’t miss the Pickering Charity fundraiser at The Forum featuring ten local bands, including The Pillows, Tarot Rats, The Incredible Bert Alert, Alcatraz Blues, Infrared, Mitch Emery Stuff, Dance Commando, The Alley Devils, Code: Marla and Super Duper & the Ya Ya’s. Matt Bridle will be at The Beau Nash, with All The Lost are Saved at The Bedford.

The Local & Live Sessions return to Trinity Theatre with the foot-stomping Americana sounds of The Orange Circus Band, supported by Dan Clews and The Paul Dunton Orchestra.

Event information at www.twforum.co.uk Thursday Milestones, Better Days, Half Time Talk, Paperfriend Friday Pickering Jam Fundraiser: Including The Pillows, Tarot Rats, The Incredible Bert Alert, Alcatraz Blues, Infrared, Mitch Emery Stuff, Dance Commando, The Alley Devils, Code: Marla, Super Duper & the Ya Ya’s Saturday Back To The 80s Sunday BBC Introducing: Indoor Pets (Formerly Get Inuit), Sports Team, Lady Bird, Elle Watson, Art School Girlfriend

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Crescent Road. Details of all events and tickets available at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Friday G4 Live in concert Saturday Magic of Motown Sunday Go West

TRINITY THEATRE

ST MARY’S CHURCH Lamberhurst. Concert details available at www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk Friday 7.30pm Emma Johnson

SCALLYWAG CAFÉ 45 Mount Ephraim. Open all day, entry charge may apply, music from 8.30pm.

Website www.scallywagcafe.co.uk Wednesday Cabaret Open Mic Night Friday Jazz Piano with Ed Watts Saturday Spring Forward Discotheque

Church Road. Details of all events at www.trinitytheatre.net Saturday Local & Live Sessions: The Orange Circus, Dan Clews, The Paul Dunton Orchestra

THE BEDFORD

ERIDGE VILLAGE HALL

THE ROYAL OAK

Eridge Green. Tickets £15, includes supper. To book, please call Jane on 01892 852739 Saturday Lyrae Duo (evening show)

Prospect Road. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday TW3

2 High Street. Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late Saturday All The Lost Are Saved Sunday Amber Anderton

THE DUKE OF YORK The Pantiles. Open all day, free entry music from 8.30pm Monday Open Mic Night

THE PUNCH & JUDY 11 St Stephen’s Street, Tonbridge Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm Tuesday The Steve Eggs Band

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL CHAPEL

The Orange Circus Band

All details of tickets and events at www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk Saturday 7.30pm Tonbridge Philharmonic: Copland – In the Beginning Featuring Copland, Bernstein and Verdi.

Going Out

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Musical maestro

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he Paul Dunton Orchestra return to their home town venue, Trinity Theatre, on March 24 as part of the Local & Live Sessions, and will perform tracks from their new album, entitled Clearly Invisible.

The night has even more special significance as, during their performance, there will be an exclusive preview of the video for their lead single, Give Me A Reason.

The video was recently shot at various locations in Kent and Sussex, including Tunbridge Wells, Groombridge and Ashdown Forest, by up and coming filmmakers Edward Burgos and Nick Faulkner.

Local actress Elise Verney plays The Muse, which is the main

LOVE FOR LYDIA The video features popular Grey Lady Manager Lydia Ramirez Padilla

character. The storyline sees The Muse embark on a mysterious journey where she encounters different characters along the way, played by Paul and various members of his orchestra as well as Lydia Ramirez Padilla, Manager of The Grey Lady Music Lounge on The Pantiles, who plays the part of a Flamenco dancer.

Popular local acts Dan Clews and The Orange Circus Band will also be performing at the orchestral event on Saturday night.

“The orchestra and I are so excited about the preview of the new video.

We hope people enjoy it,” says Paul.

“Edward and Nick have done such an incredible job. And it was a huge team effort.

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You read his musical round-ups every week in the Times, now you have the chance to go and see Paul Dunton and his orchestra perform, both live at Trinity and in his new video. He tells us who stars and how it was filmed locally

RECORD LAUNCH Paul Dunton and his orchestra will also unveil their new video and single

“The crew comprised Jason Cherot, Amrish Shah and Frank Hur, and they were all amazing, as were the cast. which also included Becky Andrew, Caroline Stead and Maia Walsh.

“Everyone gave it their all which was

just fantastic – especially as some of the shooting days were freezing cold, along with persistent wind and rain.”

The music will start at 8pm, with The Paul Dunton Orchestra opening the night, followed by Dan Clews and The

Orange Circus Band. Tickets will cost £10 on the door, or can be booked in advance at www.trinitytheatre.net Find out more about Paul and his orchestra at www.facebook.com/ paulduntonorchestra

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Food & Drink

Once upon a

brew

ONLY HERE FOR THE BEER Firkin casks at Tonbridge Brewery

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

The Director of Tonbridge Brewery in East Peckham, Paul Bournazian, talks the Times through how he and his team go about creating the perfect batch of real ale Words: Fred Latty Photography: Craig Matthews

How much beer do you produce at Tonbridge Brewery?

In brewing terms, this is a 12-barrel brewery, which means that we produce around 48 firkins [casks] every single brew, two or three times a week. The brewery consists of a cold liquor tank, where we chill water down at the end of a brewing day, a hot liquor tank, where we heat liquor up for brewing, a mash tun, a boil kettle and four fermenters. Our tanks hold 2,500 litres, so we’re nudging up to an annual consumption of around half a million pints.

What’s the first step of the brewing process?

The mash tun is really where the whole process starts. The core ingredients in beer are water, malted barley, hops and yeast, so this is where the water and the malted barley come together.

They’re mixed and start to work together on converting starches into sugar; later on, that sugar gets turned into alcohol when it’s fermenting.

What comes out from the reaction between the water and the malted barley is something called wort [extracted liquid containing sugars to be fermented], which can be any sort of colour. The colour and the taste is always the result of the different kinds of combinations of malt that we might use.

Then what happens?

At the beginning of the boil in the kettle, we add a small amount of hops, which give the beer its bitterness. Towards the end of the boil, which takes around 80 minutes, we add hops at different stages, depending on the different recipe. Around ten or 15 minutes before the end, that will tend to give more of a hoppy flavour to the beer, and then, right at the very end, it will contribute to the aroma.

Does it take a big team to pull off?

Three of us are full-time, and then we’ve got two part-time guys who do three or four days a week,

Food & Drink

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

ROLL OUT THE BARREL Making beer is hard work

mostly driving, cask cleaning, brewing, and a little bit of selling when they’re out on the road as well.

There’s also one other part-timer who is semi-retired and comes in largely to do cask washing for us. The biggest time-consumer in brewing is cleaning; after we’ve run a brew, every one of the vessels has to be cleaned out.

Do you always use fresh hops for your beers?

For ten to 11 months of the year we have to rely on dried hops because there’s only one hop harvest. During one harvest a year, we have a chance to get some fresh hops straight off the vines and bring them into the brew process on the day, which gives a much more intense flavour.

PERFECT PINT The brewery makes around 8,500 litres of beer a year

Where does it go after the kettle?

Once the heat has been switched off, we transfer the beer into a fermenter after it’s been through a heat exchanger, where we rapidly cool it from 90°C+ to below 20°C. We’ve got four fermenters, so at any one time we could be brewing somewhere in the region of 8,500 litres of beer.

The unfermented beer will come into one of the fermenters, where we’ll add the yeast, and it will sit in there for an average of four days. That will then ferment out, at which point in time we’ll start to chill it down; the chilling down process will help to drop excess yeast and proteins out.

It then goes into the cask and sits in our storeroom for a couple of weeks, where the secondary fermentation and

conditioning will take place. The bitterness will become more rounded, the flavours will develop, and the natural carbon dioxide will develop from a little bit of the remaining sugars and yeast that go into the cask.

And the key to storing it correctly?

Our storeroom is temperature controlled at around 17°C all year round. You don’t want it too cold, because you need a certain temperature for the beer to condition up, but you don’t want it anywhere above 20°C. It’s out of here between two and five weeks after we’ve made it, and then hopefully consumed pretty quickly!

For more about the Tonbridge Brewery, visit www.tonbridgebrewery.co.uk

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Advertorial

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

The path to

success

Following on from the success of The George & Dragon pub in Speldhurst, Chris Cozens – co-owner of Silverlake Leisure Ltd with his father-in-law – has set the company’s sights on a popular Penshurst hostelry.

Hannah Patterson meets with him to find out more…

Chris Cozens is a fast mover.

If you don’t know the name Silverlake Leisure Ltd, the company Chris owns with his father-in-law, it is worth taking note. The Tunbridge Wellsborn owner of The George & Dragon in Speldhurst, which the company took over in May 2017, is making a mark on the area after also acquiring the long-term lease of The Leicester Arms Hotel in Penshurst in October 2017.

There was no song and dance about it from him, though. He worked under the radar.

“There were a lot of changes that I wanted to implement when we took PUB KING over, but I was keen not to Chris Cozens close the pub as it’s a popu-

lar one with locals and tourists in Penshurst, so it’s been a slow and steady process.”

The building itself is a beautiful one; period architecture with high ceilings and exposed beams and large fireplaces, and filled with the kind of warmth that you expect from a traditional Kentish pub.

The new decorative features are immediately noticeable, and the appearance of some of the rooms has improved hugely in comparison to the last time I met Chris late last year.

A room of note is the private event

OPEN FOR BUSINESS The Leicester Arms room, something Chris is exceptionally proud of.

It’s narrow, tall and elegant and wouldn’t look too out of place in Penshurst Place itself.

It’s decked with luscious long curtains of a rich fabric with chandeliers hanging over a long dining table that can comfortably accommodate parties of up to 24.

There is a fresh paint on the wall and the scent of fresh flowers fills the room; Chris has every reason to be proud of the transformation.

“It’s available for any private function now that it’s done – private parties, corporate events, or a group of friends who just want to have a meal together, and weddings,” Chris tells me.

The wedding indus-

try in the UK is reportedly worth in excess of £10billion and it’s a particularly competitive business in Kent.

When I ask where Chris intends to fit into it, he has an answer almost immediately.

“It will be our fluidity,” he says. “You won’t go to our website and find three wedding packages that you can choose between – it isn’t ‘our way or the highway’. We will accom- modate the couple’s wishes as best we can, as every couple is different.”

The venue is also at a logistical advantage. It’s opposite a particularly pretty church – St John the Baptist – that isn’t quite as rigid in comparison to others in the area when it comes to the requirements a couple

Advertorial

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

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‘I was keen not to close the pub as it’s a popular one with locals and tourists’ have to fulfil in order to marry there. For example, they are not required to attend mass at that church for the six months prior to the ceremony.

It doesn’t hurt that there are also 13 double bedrooms in the hotel above the restaurant for the ease of the guests.

Chris predicts he can cater for up to 100 wedding guests, especially with the help of the large garden to the rear of the pub, nestled amidst the idyllic countryside that surrounds Penshurst.

As well as a pretty garden, the area at the back of the pub also boasts a large car park. That’s all the boxes ticked, I’d say.

But what about the times between weddings

FINE DINING In a private room

AL FRESCO Enjoy food and drink with a view

and private functions? Chris has brought the same attitude to food he had at The George & Dragon to The Leicester Arms – local, fresh and quality – which is probably the right idea as the Speldhurst pub has consistently grown in popularity since he took over the lease.

The suppliers are the same, including Sankey’s

for their excellent seafood.

“We have every intention of catering to all needs,” Chris tells me. “We get a lot of visitors from Penshurst Place who are looking to have tea and cake, then those who fancy a sandwich, and some who are after a three-course meal.

“You’ll see it in the drinks list, too. Take the wine for example; there’s wine at the high end of the price bracket on the menu, but you can also grab a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon for £6.”

The pub was comfortably busy when I arrived, and it appeared just as popular when I left after dinner, so Chris is clearly doing something right.

Wanting The Leicester Arms to have its own identity is important to him, and he doesn’t want to simply repeat his work at The George & Dragon.

Although it is still early days yet, visitors can expect a charming hotel, restaurant and pub in the centre of a pretty village that is sure to gain momentum under Chris Cozens’ watchful eye and expertise.

After the dinner I had on Friday, I know that I’ll certainly be back.

The Leicester Arms Hotel High Street, Penshurst, Nr Tonbridge TN11 8BT 01892 871617 www.theleicesterarmshotel.com

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Travel

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Volcanoes, vanilla and vertical drops

FEELING ZIPPY In the jungle

– these Indian Ocean islands are packed with adventure MOUNTAIN MISTS Near Mafate on Réunion Island

being attacked by the white crabs that live in the tunnels? No, it turns out to be our guide playing a joke.

A TASTE OF THE TROPICS We decide to calm our nerves with food, and as we arrive at the local market in Saint-Paul, we’re reminded that this is a slice of France in the middle of the Indian Ocean, with pain de campagne, macarons and brioche sitting

Fish and tropical fruit also feature prominently. The green papaya salad, grilled parrot fish and pineapple carpaccio we’re served on our last evening at our hotel, the colonial-style five-star LUX* Saint Gilles, is the kind of food you’re likely to find all over the island.

A ZIP THROUGH THE JUNGLE The next day we say goodbye to Réunion and, after a mere

‘We are surrounded by darkness. A nice moment for some quiet reflection – until we hear scuttling noises. Are we being attacked by the white crabs that live in the tunnels?

No, it turns out to be our guide playing a joke’

Who said beach breaks have to be lazy? Verena Vogt gets active on a twin-centre holiday in Réunion and Mauritius

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E’RE 15 minutes into our helicopter flight when we suddenly lose speed and the deafening sound of the rotor blades fades. It’s a rather worrying development, but it seems our pilot has simply slowed down so we can get a good look at the waterfalls cascading below us. Soon we’re back at full speed, zipping over mountain ridges and into lush green valleys.

I’m on Réunion, a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, and our half-hour flight is the perfect introduction to this mountainous isle.

Often overshadowed by its beachringed neighbour, Mauritius, Réunion is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and combining both in one holiday means I get to explore two very different worlds.

AN ISLAND MADE OF MOUNTAINS With its jungle interior and volcanic peaks rising to more than 3,000 metres, Réunion is particularly popular with hikers, as many of its natural wonders can only be discovered on foot, or by air.

Among them are the three cirques or calderas; tree-covered valley basins hidden deep inland that were created by collapsing volcanoes.

From the air, we spot the most remote

of these, Mafate, which is dotted with tiny villages and only accessible via a two-day hike.

Our guide Alexis, a wiry Frenchman with bags of charm, tells us that rafting and canyoning are other popular pastimes here, as is cycling – either along the 200km coastal road or, if you have the stamina, up the steep and winding roads to the island’s interior.

But I decide to skip the high-intensity exploits and head south east to Grand Anse, where a well-worn forest path leads us to clifftops and ocean views.

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH A VOLCANO After an hour’s drive further east, we stop at the Grand Brûlé, a 60-metrewide hardened lava flow created by repeated outbursts of the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The grey landscape has an otherworldly feel, and we detect few signs of life as we walk across the rough elephant skin-like surface.

The eruptions that caused these flows also created lava tunnels; kilometrelong underground networks that can be explored on guided tours.

We follow along a slippery path, descend into a hole no more than two metres wide, and find ourselves in a

basalt tunnel that stretches for 700 metres up into the mountain and all the way down to the sea.

Equipped with headlamps, we take a few steps before we switch off the lights to be surrounded by complete darkness.

A nice moment for some quiet reflection – until we hear scuttling noises. Are we

alongside tropical fruit such as goyaviers (small and red with a slightly tangy taste) and combava (a wrinkled type of lime).

And everywhere we look there is vanilla. It was on Réunion in 1841 that a young slave discovered vanilla orchids could be pollinated by hand, revolutionising the plant’s cultivation, and there are still more than 100 vanilla producers on the island today.

It’s a bargain, too: A bundle of vanilla pods, vanilla powder and a brightly coloured bamboo vanilla pod container set me back a grand total of E12 (£10).

Not surprisingly, the black spice is a key ingredient in Réunion’s cuisine – my culinary highlight is a duck lentil curry with vanilla (around E10/£8), which we enjoy in a small restaurant in the village of Hell-Bourg.

30-minute flight, land in Mauritius for the second part of our journey.

Best known for its long, pristine beaches, the former British colony immediately lures us into its warm and crystal-clear sea, but there are still plenty of non-water-based activities on offer.

We head to the Domaine de l’Etoile nature park, which offers one of the world’s longest zip-line courses (£45 per person), with seven lines ranging from 350-750 metres.

For two hours we zip past fruit bats and through treetops, and once we’re back on the ground, we watch our step to avoid crushing frogs hopping across the wet grass.

We stay at the LUX* Belle Mare, which has recently had a makeover

by UK designer Kelly Hoppen and has a distinctly British touch.

A 1933 Rolls-Royce operates as a food stall, fish and chips are served BATHED IN CALM The main pool at the Lux* Belle Mare hotel on Mauritius

Travel

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

How to get there Hayes & Jarvis (www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk; 01293 762 456) offer a ten-night twin-centre holiday to Réunion Island and Mauritius from £1,749pp – a saving of up to £279pp. Offer includes five nights at the five-star LUX* Saint Gilles in Réunion Island, followed by five nights at the five-star LUX* Belle Mare in Mauritius, both on B&B basis. Includes return international flights from London Heathrow with Air Mauritius. Departs June 3, 2018.

CHOPPY RIDE In a helicopter over the waterfalls

LOCAL CHARACTER AND CAKE! A patisserie in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains

at the beachside bar, and a red phone box allows you to make free calls to anywhere in the world.

The hotel also organises cycling trips, so early one morning we mount bright red bikes to ride past tobacco fields, along a deserted beach and into the little fishing village of Trou d’Eau Douce, where we’ve just missed the fishermen bringing in the catch of the day.

It’s only 7.30am, but the sun is already out in such force we’re glad to get soaked by roadside sprinklers as we make our way back to the hotel.

We’re drawn back to the sea one last time and end our holiday with a snorkelling trip just off the hotel beach. I watch a parade of fish swim past my face, and after the adrenaline rushes of the past week, an unexpected feeling spreads through my body – a deep sense of serenity.

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TWO MORE DREAM DESTINATIONS… Viva Italia Citalia, the leading Italian specialist, is offering a seven-night break to Sorrento from £679 per person – saving up to £158 (10%) in total.

Staying at the ideally located four-star Imperial Hotel Tramontano, which boasts some of the most impressive views over the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, this is an ideal spot to base yourself in to discover Amalfi.

For more information, call 01293 831 970 or visit www.citalia.com

Magnificent Mauritius Sovereign Luxury Travel has a seven-night holiday to Mauritius, staying at the five-star Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa from £1,999 per person – saving up to £1,679 (29%) in total.

Boasting 65 colonial style villas, each with their own plunge pool, you’ll have a garden

suite pool villa, on a half board basis.

The offer includes a 40% room discount, UK airport security fast passes and access to N°1 Lounges, private resort transfers and return flights from London Gatwick with Emirates.

Based on departures 2 May 2018. For more information or to book, call 01293 832 459 or visit www.sovereign.com

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Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

What’s the best exfoliator for your skin type?

Confused about acid exfoliators?

So was Katie Wright, so she asked an expert for help.

Confusing jargon abounds in the beauty world, and nowhere is that more the case than when it comes to exfoliation, an area rife with acronyms (apparently AHA is not just an exclamation of surprise) and words with way too many syllables – try saying gluconolactone three times fast, if you don’t believe us.

But ‘glowy’ skin is what everyone wants right now, and in order to get that you’ve got to slough away dead skin cells. So, what’s the best way to do it?

Acid exfoliants are getting a lot of airtime at the moment, but are they always better than traditional scrubs?

We asked a skincare expert for the lowdown on exfoliants, and discovered it’s all about the As, Bs and Ps… What are acid exfoliants?

“Acid exfoliants work by breaking down the glue that holds dead skin cells to the surface of the skin,” explains Daniel Isaacs, Chief Product Officer at Medik8.

“This allows them to be naturally shed, speeding up cellular turnover and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion.”

They are a type of chemical exfoliant, usually applied with a cotton pad, as opposed to mechanical exfoliators, such

as scrubs or brushes, which physically remove the dead skin.

What are the different types of acids?

Acid exfoliants can be broken down into three types: Alpha-hydroxy acids (for example, glycolic and lactic acid); beta-hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid); and polyhydroxy acids (which include the aforementioned gluconolactone).

“AHAs deeply exfoliate to plump and refine the skin, while BHAs penetrate deep into pores to clarify the skin and keep blemishes at bay,” says Isaacs. “And PHAs polish the uppermost layer of skin to brighten and renew the complexion at surface level.”

What’s the best type of exfoliant for each skin type?

People with normal, healthy skin can benefit from using all three acids at once, because – according to Isaacs, ‘each acid exhibits slightly different properties, so they can be used in tandem to enhance overall skin health and radiance’.

“For sensitive skin types who are worried that acids may be too irritating, it might be useful to find a formula that uses only PHAs,” he recommends. “The molecules that make up PHAs are much larger in size.

This means they cannot penetrate skin as deeply as traditional AHAs and BHAs.

Look Good, Feel Good

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN: DCL Multi Action Penta Peel, £58

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: Medik8 White Balance Click Oxy-R, £59

FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN: CultBeauty Glossier Solution, £19

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: La Mer The Replenishing Oil Exfoliator, £85 (available from May 1)

“Instead, they work exclusively on the skin’s surface without disturbing the delicate layers that lie beneath. This ensures optimum skin renewal with minimal irritation.”

Are there any dos and don’ts to be aware of when using acid exfoliants?

“Generally speaking, most over-the-counter acids are safe and easy-to-use, even when combined with other skincare products. Just don’t apply them to broken or damaged skin,” Isaacs warns.

“And if you’re using a high-strength solution, make sure you follow the instructions exactly to avoid unwanted irritation.”

Some people think that hydroxy acids shouldn’t be used with retinol products, but that’s not the case. In fact, they complement each other.

“Retinoids essentially cause old cells to retire

faster. At Medik8, we actually recommend a combination of hydroxy acids with retinol,” Isaacs says.

“The retinoids speed up cellular renewal and the acids ensure that the retired cells can be efficiently shed from the surface so you can enjoy flawless, radiant skin even faster.”

As for combining chemical and mechanical exfoliators, many beauty buffs like to mix them, using an acid in the evening and a scrub in the morning to carry away the dead skin cells that were loosened the night before.

Also, it’s important to follow a chemical exfoliant with sunscreen the next day, as they can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

Where can you find each type of exfoliant?

So now you know which type of exfoliator is best for your skin, here’s where you can find those all-important ingredients…

FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN: This Works Evening Detox Spray On Exfoliant, £28

FOR NORMAL/ COMBINATION SKIN: Paula’s Choice Resist Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA, £34

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Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Advertising

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Motoring

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

FIRST DRIVE:

Mercedes

CLS WHAT IS IT?

The new Mercedes CLS – the swooping, elegant saloon with coupé styling. The original broke the mould in terms of how a saloon could look and, while the second generation failed to set hearts alight, this latest model appears to have taken a little inspiration from the car that started it all.

Fitted with Mercedes’ latest range of engines, as well as a much-praised interior already seen in the E-Class, it’s for drivers who want to stand out from the crowd.

WHAT’S NEW?

Quite a lot, actually. The exterior uses Mercedes’ latest design language, and it’s easy to see the similarities in looks between this and the upcoming A-Class hatchback.

However, the biggest changes are underneath the skin – the new engines selected for the CLS, give buyers better performance and, importantly, more efficiency than ever before. All three powertrains available from launch have six cylinders, and all have a 0-60mph time of under six seconds, yet can deliver economy figures of up to 47.9mpg. There’s also an all-new 3.0-litre engine in the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53, designed to bridge the gap between the uber-power ‘63’ models and the regular Mercedes line-up.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Our test car was the 350d model, which will undoubtedly be one of the most popular. It produces 282bhp and 600Nm, which allows it to hit 60mph in just 5.5 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

Despite this decent performance, Mercedes claims the CLS will return 48.7mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 156g/km CO2.

This car also uses 4MATIC technology, meaning drive is sent through a nine-speed gearbox to all four wheels – this provides better traction in

slippery conditions. If you’re after a little more punch, there’s a more powerful 400d version which produces over 330bhp and an impressive 700Nm of torque, despite returning similar economy figures to our less potent 350d.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Our Barcelona test route was unseasonably covered with thick snow, so Mercedes opted to put all cars on winter tyres and smaller, 18-inch alloy wheels. This does change how the car rides given all vehicles use 19-inch wheels as standard, so the ride was just a touch softer than you’d expect. However, it was still clear that the CLS has solid steering – if lacking in feedback – and the engine is punchy enough from low speeds, and refined at higher ones. The suspension is supple and composed, and the cabin is impressively quiet at speed, too.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

If you look at images of the next A-Class, it’s easy to see where the CLS gets a lot of its looks from.

The headlights are flatter, giving it a more aggressive front end, while the long, rakish roofline famed from the original remains. It’s instantly recognisable as a Mercedes, but perhaps lacks the design drama we’ve seen on models such as the E-Class Coupé. But the rear – in our eyes – is one of the car’s weaker points; it just seems a little less punchy to look at than the front.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The steering wheel is straight from the flagship S-Class model – buttons for cruise control are now found here, rather than on a stalk.

THE KNOWLEDGE MODEL:

Mercedes CLS350d ENGINE:

Six-cylinder diesel POWER: 282bhp TORQUE: 600Nm

The latest incarnation of Mercedes’ CLS four-door coupé promises better quality and equipment levels. Jack Evans heads to Barcelona to see what it’s like…

Also, it now has space for five rather than four.

This makes the rear feel a little less luxurious than before, but with two dedicated rear seats it’s far more practical.

Everything feels exceptionally well made, and the wood trim used on the dashboard help lift the cabin. As in other models, the central plastic cubby remains a little less high-quality.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

UK buyers will only be able to choose AMG-Line spec vehicles with a more dynamic exterior look.

For a base price of £57,510, the CLS plenty of kit. A full leather interior comes as standard, as do 19-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera and a 12.3 infotainment screen. This final feature makes the biggest difference – it transforms the look of the cabin.

A full DAB digital radio system is fitted, too, though our car featured an uprated Burmester stereo – part of the £3,895 Premium Plus package.

VERDICT

The CLS is one of the most attractive cars in the Mercedes line-up. It looks different, feels special inside, and has an impressive amount of standard equipment. And the fine range of engines means there’s something for everyone.

Motoring News

Jolyon Nash

No SUVs for fiercely ‘independent’ McLaren MCLAREN has categorically ruled out ever making an SUV, despite luxury rivals all charging ahead with 4x4s for the road.

Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce and even Ferrari are all in the process of putting the finishing touches to 4x4 models as buyers’ tastes change.

However, Jolyon Nash, McLaren Automotive’s Global Sales & Marketing Executive Director, said that with the brand’s current shareholders in place, an SUV will definitely not happen.

“I would go so far as to say that with the management there is in McLaren today, no we would not make an SUV,” he confirmed.

“We just don’t see it. Our DNA is lightweight, high-performance and high technology – using technology for great driving experience and great driver engagement. An SUV is the antithesis of that.

“It has a high centre of gravity, lots of unnecessary weight just to sit a little higher in the car, and that’s not a McLaren. I think for us, our independence is what’s so important.

It means we can set our own course.”

New electricity readings MAZDA has hit out at regulations allowing electric vehicle emissions to be put at zero, saying they don’t tell the full story as most electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels.

Instead of the traditional ‘tank-to-wheel’ evaluations, which only read emissions while driving, they have started using ‘well-to-wheel’ figures that take into account fuel extraction, manufacturing and shipping.

Mazda says its new ‘compression ignition’ petrol engine offers fewer emissions over the life of the vehicle than an electric one. But it still has all-electric and hybrid powertrains due in 2019, and a plug-in hybrid by 2025.

Mazda Europe Chief Executive Jeffrey Guyton said: “It’s not the right time for electric to save the world… There’s a lot of CO2 that gets liberated when you create a battery.”

MAX SPEED: 155mph 0-60MPH: 5.5 seconds MPG: 48.7 EMISSIONS: 156g/km PRICE: £57,510

Diesel road tax confusion A dramatic decline in new diesel registrations could be down to drivers’ confusion over incoming changes to vehicle tax rules, according to research by confused.com New laws relating to vehicle tax apply from April 1, but a study of 2,000 motorists found 87% were confused about what that will entail.

As a result, 60% of respondents said they would not consider buying a diesel car.

Diesel vehicles will be bumped up a tax band for their first year of registration, which will mean up to £500 extra for some.

In the first two months of 2018, sales of diesel vehicles were reportedly down 23.5% compared with the same period in 2017, while sales of alternatively fuelled vehicles showed big increases. Almost half of those surveyed said they would consider an electric vehicle as their next car.

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Motoring

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Recruitment

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

WITH THE

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

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE

Puzzle

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

5

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A B C D E F G H I J K L MNO P Q R S T U VWX Y Z

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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.

2 4

7 6 2 4

22

11 11

9 4 5

1

4 7 5

2 8

CLASSIFIEDS

Codeword:

4 2 8 6

8 3 1

9 7 6

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

23 16

B

5

4

19 6

6

23 23

1 3

25

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2

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17 26

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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

4

DIFFICULTY RATING:★★II

3

6

6

1

2 9 7

3 2

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

2

DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★

1

5

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU

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

A C C L A I Z O D T OW E L E A I C A R I B O D J O S H U A O M U S U R P R N I N U M E R A E E E Y A T E S

M L I A O S E GM Q I U C H A E F L O E V E R M E E L L A Y A NO X I

T U P H O E N T D E A I N C P P Y R ON T V A I R S S K O U S

8 5 1 4 2 3 9 7 6

3 9 6 7 5 1 4 8 2

7 4 3 9 1 6 5 2 8

5 2 8 3 4 7 6 9 1

1 9 5 3 8 4 6 7 2

7 8 3 6 1 2 9 5 4

3 1 9 8 4 5 7 2 6

Sudoku:

4 6 2 1 3 9 8 5 7

1 8 5 2 7 4 3 6 9

9 3 7 8 6 5 2 1 4

2 7 4 6 9 8 1 3 5

6 1 9 5 8 2 7 4 3

Jigsaw Sudoku:

2 7 4 1 9 3 8 6 5

5 4 8 7 3 6 2 9 1

6 3 1 9 2 8 5 4 7

4 2 6 5 7 9 1 8 3

8 5 7 2 6 1 4 3 9

9 6 2 4 5 7 3 1 8

© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles

CODEWORD

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Sporting Times

Please send sports stories to: newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

Debutant Kendrick seals victory as TJs keep cool in icy conditions Tonbridge Juddians 22 Broadstreet 14

CONSTRUCTIVE THINKING Ben Ashmore, Will Colderick, Tom Kendrick, Alex Reid and Bobby Bratton build a TJ wall

PHOTO: Adam Hookway

By Adam Hookway RUGBY: THERE was a test of character for two Tonbridge Juddians Academy players as they were picked to take on Broadstreet in sub-zero conditions at The Slade.

Tom Kendrick and Paddy Ankjaer made their senior debuts against the Coventry side, who are languishing in last place in National Two South.

But Broadstreet had defied the form book to beat Worthing last time out, scoring five tries through their driving play, and the Bs began by controlling territory and possession.

The home side hardly ventured out of their half in the first period. But the TJs defence was

back to its determined best after the reverse at Old Redcliffians and they kept the visitors out with a series of turnovers.

Escape Twice they escaped, however, and both times they came away with points. After finally forcing Broadstreet back into their 22, Will Colderick caught the ball at the rear of an opposition lineout 15 metres out and raced over to score.

Liam Prescott judged the angle superbly in the icy wind to add the conversion, and five minutes later Liam slotted a penalty to make it 10-0 at half-time.

In the second half a clearance

Wells bid farewell to captain Spence with convincing win Tunbridge Wells 32 Dorking 11 hacked through from the 22 to touch down and make the score 15-3.

The former Maidstone captain is becoming a hugely popular figure among the home support at St Marks.

Dorking responded with a penalty on 50 minutes but Reynolds came back with a kick of his own on the hour-mark.

By Owain Withers RUGBY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS pulled off a competitive win in testing conditions against Dorking, who were a place below them in seventh in London & South-East Premier Division.

They gained revenge for the disappointing defeat on Bonfire night and, in the process, moved to just two points shy of Westcliff in fifth place.

Wells wanted to put on a show as they bid farewell to skipper Chas Spence, who is going to Australia to further his rugby education. Fullback Ryan Taylor-Dennehy assumed the captaincy.

An icy wind was to prove troublesome for both teams, and soon Wells failed to deal with a box-kick which led to a penalty in front of their sticks.

conversion to extend the lead to 25-11 with five minutes remaining.

Now Wells were chasing a bonus point try and on 80 minutes a big hit

by Shaydn Osgood created turnover ball for Nick Doherty to break through for the fourth try, converted

by Reynolds.

Wells now host Kent rivals Sidcup, one of four teams who are trying to avoid the final relegation spot, on Saturday (March 24, kick-off 3pm).

Potholes cause pain but Barrett and Henderson show resilience CYCLING: THE Southborough & District Wheelers (SDW) were well represented in the South East Road Race League category 2/3 men’s race at the Crowhurst circuit.

The team were competing against 60 other riders, covering 85km over eight laps of the challenging course.

It was the first team outing for the club’s participants in the Tour of Sussex stage race, which takes place in July.

Protected

PHOTO: Bruce Elliott

Defence But Taylor-Dennehy and fly-half Frank Reynolds kicked well given the conditions, while Wells’ defence was in excellent working order.

On 18 minutes a series of phases on the Dorking 22 saw centre Mike Doherty exploit a mismatch against a visiting prop to cross over on the left side, Reynolds converting. He added a penalty on the half-hour for a tackle offence.

In the second period prop Ben Williams charged down a box-kick and

But then came the visitors’ best passage of play with some big carries upfield. An impressive catch and drive from a five-metre lineout saw them score a try on 63 minutes.

Home nerves were just starting to jangle but the pack made good yardage before Taylor-Dennehy grubbered the ball behind the Dorking defence and in-form winger Matt Spicer was first to the ball for the try.

Reynolds made a fine touchline

by Broadstreet found Finlay Coxon-Smith on the right wing around halfway. He bounced a couple of tacklers before rounding former TJ full-back Ben Cooper to score, and Prescott converted.

Broadstreet hit back with two converted tries to narrow the arrears to 17-14 but TJs brought on some fresh legs and the pace went up a gear.

Kendrick restored the home advantage when he scampered down the short side to score in the corner and made it 22-14 with five minutes left.

The result sees TJs climb to seventh place with five games left. Now they face Barnstaple, who defeated them back in September, at home on Saturday (March 24, kick-off 2.45pm).

BIG HITTER Shaydn Osgood puts in another crunching tackle

Potholes caused numerous issues for all riders following the freezing weather, though over the first 40 miles the SDW riders remained well protected within the peloton.

However, Torin Henderson, one of the club’s promising junior riders, succumbed to a pot hole causing him to abandon his first race at this level.

Rory Barrett, Keith Henderson and another junior rider, Cameron Preece, sat tight whilst others attacked and were brought back into the bunch.

With two laps to go Henderson and Barrett launched an ambitious attack but Team Project 51 were quick to nullify their break.

Eventually it was Hoops Velo rider James Boyman who rode away on the final lap to take the overall win.

Barrett came sixth, with Henderson staying tight on his wheel for seventh place in the final bunch sprint to the chequered flag.

Preece finished in a very respectable 33rd place in the two-hour race that recorded average speeds of 26mph.

More information about club rides and road racing can be found at www.southboroughwheelers.co.uk

Sporting Times

Wednesday March 21 | 2018

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PHOTO: David Couldridge

McKimm signs up for another season while Akrofi and Turner turn on style

THE WAY FORWARD Steve McKimm will be in charge for a fifth season

Tonbridge Angels 3 Kingstonian 1

By James Rowe FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS manager Steve McKimm has signed a contract that will keep him at Longmead for a fifth season.

The news came immediately after his side secured victory over Kingstonian in an entertaining encounter at Longmead.

The visitors opened the scoring after just four minutes when Connor Hunte cleverly made space for himself on the edge of the area, his low shot beating the unsighted keeper Jonny Henly.

Parity was quickly restored in the 10th minute when Alex Akrofi made good progress down the inside right channel and produced a volley into the left-hand corner of the net.

On 35 minutes George Beavan forced a decent save from the Kingstonian keeper Rob Tolfrey but it was the visitors who finished the stronger with Greg Cundle twice denied by Henly.

The home side were to stamp their authority on the second half, however, with Beavan hitting the crossbar with a volley in the 51st minute.

And just a minute later the Angels took the lead when Sean Francis put through his own goal from close in following heavy pressure.

Ferocious An excellent chance went begging in the 69th minute when it appeared that Akrofi and substitute Andrew Sesay got in each other’s way.

But three minutes later the Angels increased their lead with a superb goal. Akrofi found Joe Turner with a fine pass and the midfielder produced a ferocious shot into the right-hand corner.

In the latter stages Liam Smith forced a good save out of Rob Tolfrey, and Kingstonian were handed a glimmer of hope when defender Beavan was sent off two minutes from time for a sec-

ond bookable offence, but the home defence stood firm.

Manager McKimm said. “We had players out there just come back from long layoffs because of injury together with others from the reserves who have little first-team experience.

“But everything came together and the more experienced players helped the younger ones through. It was a genuine team performance.”

The former Sutton United coach, who arrived at Longmead in May 2014, said: “I am delighted that the Board have chosen to keep faith with me for next season. I enjoy working at this club, the players, and the people who run it, the volunteers and supporters.

“Of course I am already thinking about next season but would like if possible to keep the core team we already have. But to a degree that will be

up to the individual players and I will be having discussions with them.”

He added: “One thing we shall be looking at is how we can lessen the amount of injuries to players that have cost us so dear this season.”

Vice-chairman Chris Drew said: “Steve is very attached to this club both professionally and emotionally, and supporters probably don’t realise the amount of hours he spends in trying to put the strongest team out there each matchday to fly the flag for the Angels against a modest budget.

“Things don’t always go according to plan but the board know that with Steve he will be trying his utmost for success for our club.”

The Angels remain in 11th place in the Bostik League Premer. They face Billericay Town at home on Thursday (March 22, kick-off 7.45pm), then go go to Wingate & Finchley on Saturday (3pm start).

Here’s your chance to be Angels manager for a day STEVE MCKIMM may have signed a new contract with Tonbridge Angels but the club have decided he could do with a hand for the last league game of the season.

Here’s your chance to manage the first team when they take on Leatherhead on Saturday April 28, experiencing all the drama of the Bostik League Premier action.

You will be in the dressing room before and after the match and at half-time, and

watch the action alongside Steve in the dug-out.

Don’t miss out on the chance to win this unique experience – and at the same time support the club by helping to strengthen the playing budget.

All you have to do is enter the club’s prize draw. Second prize is a replica shirt in next season’s new design, and third prize is a signed match ball.

You can enter the draw at the home games against Harlow

on Friday March 30 and Enfield on Saturday April 14 (both 3pm kick-offs).

Tickets cost £5 and are available behind the bar and around the ground.

The draw to decide the winner will be made at 5.45pm after the Enfield game in the Longmead Lounge.

Entrants must be present in person at the prize draw.

Under-18s must stand next to the dugout behind the perimeter fence.

Wells forced to wait for title decider Ladies edged out again by top side after allowing three-goal lead to slip Tunbridge Wells Ladies 0 Broxbourne 1 Tunbridge Wells Men 3 Banbury 5

By Francis Bridgeman HOCKEY: THE juggernaut that secured promotion from South Premier League Division Two last weekend was brought to a shuddering halt by Banbury at Kent College.

Tunbridge Wells needed just a point to secure the league title but despite going three goals ahead the second-placed side clawed their way back.

The Oxfordshire club had inflicted Wells’ only previous defeat of the season but Wells went on the attack and playercoach Ben Allberry delivered a neat deflection to score from a Harry Roberts delivery.

Then Sam George found space

to burst into the D and after James Beck’s initial shot was saved, Ben Brandt was in the right place to slot the ball into an open goal.

Crucial The hosts continued to put pressure on the Banbury defence and Simon Hare, who had been bossing the midfield, stole the ball and neatly converted a reverse-stick shot.

Despite going three goals down Banbury were playing a high press and the hosts were indebted to James Harris in goal for a handful of crucial saves.

But a well-placed aerial ball from deep enabled a visiting

forward to deflect the ball round Harris and slot home to reduce the deficit.

And then a simple error in the Wells back line reduced the deficit further as the home side went in at half-time leading 3-2.

As the pitch grew frostier in the second half, Banbury played the smarter hockey and Wells continued to make simple mistakes in dangerous areas.

That allowed Banbury to score three times and they were deserved winners, moving to within one win of securing promotion themselves.

Wells will be looking to bounce back on Saturday (March 24, 3pm start) when they travel to Guildford seeking that final championship point from their penultimate match.

HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS Ladies slipped to their second narrow defeat in a row against Broxbourne at Hawkenbury.

Their unusual warm-up consisted of sweeping the snow off the astroturf to allow the game to go ahead.

The opposition were looking to secure top spot in East Region Division One South and they started strongly, coming at Wells from the off.

But the home side were not fazed as they distributed the ball well and showed great composure.

They reached half-time without conceding but in the second half Broxbourne made the breakthrough.

Wells now play the final game of the season against Holcombe at Hawkenbury on Saturday (March 24, 1pm start).

FAB NEWS FOR TEENAGE KEEPER Tunbridge Wells Ladies 2nd XI goalkeeper Fab Gnehm has been selected for the Austrian Under-21 squad after attending a training camp in Vienna. The 16-yearold is in her first season at the club and has been a star player in a campaign that has

seen the Seconds achieve their highest ever East League position. Captain Janet Whitaker said: “Fab has been awesome for us this season and I am delighted with the news. She is a fantastic goalkeeper and her selection is well-deserved.”

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK Fab Gnehm in action